Buddhism And Education

This paper, Buddhism and Education, reviews the history, development, and problems in education of today’s world and aims to establish the importance of Buddhism in the context of education. Books, periodicals, and online publications were the main references used for the development of this paper. This dissertation is divided into eight sections: 1) Survey of History and Definition of Education Concept- this section recaps the milestones in the course of human development throughout history and incorporates the education background in each significant point in history.2) The Problem of Education in the World- this section identifies the general problems in the education systems all over the world 3) Differences in the Policies and Systems of Education- this section reviews different education systems by country and by religion 4) Western Understanding on Buddhist Education- this section cites the different views from the West on Buddhist teachings 5) Buddhist Perspective on D ifferent Areas- this section cites the Buddhist principles on different areas such as business, government, science, and others6) Buddhist Education- this section contains the core of Buddha’s teachings that serve as the foundation of education in Buddhism 7) Future Direction of Buddhism and Education in the World- this section involves discussion on the future perspectives on the course of Buddhist Education 8) Conclusion- this section reviews the paper and asserts the importance and superiority of Buddhist education INTRODUCTION Buddhism is a world religion originating from India and was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, later called Buddha.It is said that through careful meditation, he had achieved Nirvana, the perfect state of enlightenment and freedom from the endless cycle of death and rebirth. He spread his teachings on the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path so that others may also on a personal basis attain Nirvana and freedom from the sufferings of this worl d. The new religion spread across Asia from India to China, Japan and Southeast Asia. Today, it is widespread in Thailand, China, Japan, Taiwan and other places across the globe. Unknown to many in the West, Buddhism is both a religion and an educational system.Buddhism is organized in such a way that followers are encouraged to realize their own potential and receive knowledge in accordance with the Noble Eightfold Path in the pursuit of the wisdom of Nirvana. The potential of the Buddhist educational system as an alternative or supplement to traditional educational methods remains virtually untapped and unexplored. This paper aims to explore this potential and explain Buddhism as an educational system. CHAPTER ONE: SURVEY OF HISTORY AND DEFINITION OF EDUCATION CONCEPT I. 1 History of Developmental Progress of Man The history of man spans millennia in the making.Mankind has gone a long way from first walking ancestors to the men today capable of things our ancestors could only drea m of. This overview covers the four traditional eras of the history of human life on Earth and will delve into its development from its humble beginnings to what it is today. Education is a social construct, artificially made and developed by society for its own purposes. Therefore, the history of education is inevitably interwoven with the history of man and society. Society determines education. Thus, the history of society influenced the history of education.Prehistory Prehistory covers the period of human life before the start of the formal history with the beginning of writing. Because of the lack of historical written records, primary sources for this period is heavily reliant on archaeological findings such as tools, crafts, skeletons and other objects. It covers the years from the first walking humans to the start of writing around 3000 BC. The beginning of bipedal movement was before the Stone Age. There were two types of hominids that evolved into separate two separate gen uses: the Homo and the Australopithecus.We can trace our ancestry from Homo habilis, through Homo rudolfensis, Homo erectus, Homo neanderthalensis to who we are now, Homo sapiens. 1 1. Perry, M, 1988, A history of the world, Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 25. Stone Age This period of human development is distinguished by the utilization of stone as the primary raw material for tools and other implements. Although the term may still be used for certain tribes existing today that have no capability for metalwork technology, it is broadly accepted that it began some 2.5 million years ago and ended in some areas of the world around 5,000 years ago. (from Encarta) It is in this period that humanity spread from the savannas of East Africa to the rest of the world. Covered in this age is the most recent ice age that lasted from 1. 8 million to 11,500 years ago with glacial and warm interglacial stages known as the Pleistocene Epoch. It was during this time that human evolution progress undergoing continuous biological and chemical changes both externally and internally.It ends with the development of agriculture, domestication and smelting of copper ore. 2 Paleolithic period Also known as the Old Stone Age, it was in this period that humans first learned to use stones to make primitive tools for different uses. Their main source of food was hunting and foraging and they used these tools to allow for more efficient food collection. They were predominantly nomadic and had no permanent residences. They lived as clans of 25 to 40 members. Men hunted in packs while the women were left to care for the children. Mesolithic periodThis period, also known as Epipaleolithic, is characterized by more refined tool-making techniques applied by the early humans. Instead of crude and roughly cut stone tools, the instruments the humans in this period used were more refined and had shapes such as crescents, 2.  ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¬ Perry, M. 25. triangles, rectangles, trapez oids and rhomboids that are later attached to pieces of wood or antler for spears. Pottery also began to develop at this time. This period covers the gradual change in the way of life of humans from nomadic hunting-foraging to settled farming-husbandry.3 Neolithic period This final period of the Stone Age saw the most refined tools made from stone and other indigenous materials such as bones, ivory from tusks and others. Permanent settlements began to develop along river banks because agriculture had began to develop. Crafts and pottery became more prevalent as well as cloth-making from hides of animals. Husbandry also became more common. The domestication of both plants and animals led to social changes during this period. The concept of wealth began to develop because of surpluses of food that could be stored.This caused social differentiation that was before unheard of in a society with everyone contributing to the clan’s hunting and foraging operations. The settling of th ese early humans necessitated the construction of houses and other buildings necessary for farming and husbandry. Catal Hayuk, a late Neolithic village in Asia minor, was a farming community whose people grew wheat and barley and domesticated sheep and cattle. A part of the village also engaged in hunting. Their people had skilled artisans that could work with wool and linen in weaving clothes.Traders brought alabaster and marble in exchange for obsidian, a glass like volcanic rock. It was used for making jewelry, mirrors and knives. 3. Perry, M. 25. Before the invention of writing, people inhabited environments that required them to struggle with natural forces, animals and men for survival. It was important to develop the necessary survival skills for humans to flourish. These skills became the cultural and educational patterns of the early humans. For the perpetuation of culture, it must be passed on from adult to child.The earliest education processes included information sharin g on food gathering and shelter, tool and weapon making, language learning and acquiring values, ethics and religious rites. The lessons gained through informal education given by parents, elders and priests eventually were used to establish a moral code that influenced social behavior. Oral tradition became the vehicle by which culture was transmitted from generation to generation before the invention of writing. 4 The two other ages of the three-age system of prehistory are the Bronze and Iron ages.The Bronze Age is characterized by the use of bronze as the dominant material for tools and other implements. Similarly, the Iron Age is distinguished by the utilization of iron in the tools, weapons and equipment of a given society. These developments in tool making allowed for developments in other aspects of their way of life such as agriculture, crafts, religion and education. However for the purposes of this historical overview, it is more beneficial to not delve into Bronze Age an d Iron Age societies since they emerged in different times in different situations.Furthermore, most of these societies developed their own writing systems thus ushering the start of history. 4. Perry, M. 25. Ancient history This period of history covers the beginning of writing around 3300 BC to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD. Because of the immense span of this period and the simultaneous emergence of some civilizations, it is more proper to divide the discussion based on the region where a civilization started. South West Asia South West Asia or Near East in the Europe-centric system is theorized as one of the earliest birthplaces of civilization.It is the breeding ground of several empires that dominated the ancient world for centuries at a time. Mesopotamia Mesopotamia, sometimes referred to as the fertile crescent, is bounded by the two great rivers Euphrates and Tigris. It is the birthplace of many diverse peoples and civilizations. Sumerians (3000 BC – 1800 BC) In the area now part of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, one group of people of a language different from any other known at the time, started to settle in huge cities that were ruled by monarch and began to write.They were known as the Sumerians and around 3000 BC, they had constructed several city-states in southern Mesopotamia such as Ur, Lagash and Eridu. These cities grew to considerable size and Sumerian culture flourished. However, scarcity of water and constant war among rival factions in the region limited this growth. This growth also changed from internal expansion to the conquest and annexation of smaller city-states. The Sumerians, at one point, fought with another people, the Akkadians that came from the Arabian Peninsula. They were Semitic, with a language related to that of the Hebrews and the Arabs.The Akkadian Kingdom based in Akkad (later Babylon) conquered most of the Sumerian city-states. However, eventually the Akkadians adopted Sumerian culture, including re ligion, writing, government structure, literature and law. Because of this, Sumerians once again regained control of the region and in 2125, Ur rose up against the Akkadians finally bringing the Akkadian domination of southern Mesopotamia to an end. However, by 1800 BC, the Sumerians were finally swallowed and overwhelmed by more migrations of the Semitic people.The government structure adopted by the Sumerian city-states is a kind of divine monarchy. Priest-kings acted as absolute rulers of the whole city and authority was justified not simply by kinship or responsibility but by divine selection and that the king himself was divine and worthy of praise. However, bureaucracy was also present in Sumerian city-states. They had considerable influence on surveying and distributing lands and crops. This government structure was supported by writing of records on stone tablets. Early Sumerian writing is pictographic.However, as their culture flourished, the picture words were replaced by short-hand symbols known as the cuneiform. The complex agricultural system adopted by the Sumerians consisted of careful planning and record-keeping. As Sumerian culture continued to flourish, scientific and mathematical development allowed for several innovations to support their agricultural production and distribution system. Calendars were developed to aid in determining the harvest and planting seasons and astronomy was a field so vastly studied by the Sumerians.They invented the zodiac to measure yearly time. Abstract mathematics began to develop for the calculations necessary in the agricultural system. With regards to religion, the gods of the Sumerians were known to be powerful and anthropomorphic. They controlled natural forces and also had human emotions and spiritual weaknesses. Perhaps the most important legacy of the Sumerian civilization is their invention of the law. These specific tenets written and recorded are used to resolve conflicts objectively between parities .It is administered by the centralized figure of authority (the priest-king) and allows for retribution that is sponsored by the state against a perpetrator. The laws set by the Sumerian people were also adopted by several civilizations also in the Mesopotamian region such as the Babylonians (as written in the Code of Hammurabi). Akkadians (2340 – 2125 BC) This Semitic people that lived on the Arabian peninsula during the flourishing of the Sumerian city-states later migrated northward and became increasingly hostile to the city-states.In 2340 BC, Sargon led the Akkadians to victory in Sumer and built an empire dominating the city-states and stretching to Lebanon. His capital was named Akkad. However, in 2125, Ur rose up against Akkad and brought the short-lived Akkadian empire to its abrupt end. 5 Amorites (1800-1530 BC) Also known as the Old Babylonians, this Semitic people came to Mesopotamia in 1900 BC after the fall of the Sumerian empire and stabilized the region that h ad been in conflict and 5. Perry, M. 25. chaos for close to a century.The Amorites also centralized the government of the city-states in their capital city, Babylon, built on the foundations of Akkad. The monarchy that ruled the Amorites enjoyed more influence compared to their Sumerian predecessors. So the monarchs were viewed as gods and of divine origin. The state and its resources were managed through new tools like taxation and involuntary military serviced. The immense centralization was unprecedented. The Code of Hammurabi written around 1792-1750 BC is the most well known code of law adopted by the Old Babylonians.This is generally regarded as having been based on Sumerian laws. Hittites (1600-717 BC) This Indo-European people invaded the dominant Amorite empire in Mesopotamia and adopted their laws, religion, and literature allowing the continuation of the Sumerian culture. The height of their power was from 1600-1200 BC. Their reign ended in 717 BC when the Assyrians conqu ered all Hittite cities. Though they are regarded by their contemporary Egyptian empire as barbarians, they are one of the most significant peoples to have settled in Mesopotamia.The breadth of the empire allowed for thriving of internal commerce and trading among the civilizations of the Mediterranean allowing Mesopotamian culture to spread across the ancient world. Although they adopted the code used by the Amorites, their penalties were more practical and merciful. Another difference with the preceding civilizations is that their religion system accepted the legitimacy of all gods, including those worshipped by those they conquered. Assyrians (1170-612 BC) This Semitic people once lived in the northern parts of Mesopotamia. They had long harbored dreams of an empire.Their first attempt under Shamshi-Adad was crushed by the Amorites. They were even brought to near-extinction during the invasion of the Hurrians. Fortunately, the Hittites who conquered these invaders did not annex A ssyrian cities thus allowing this people to prepare for the conquest of Mesopotamia. Tuklti-Ninurta in began this push for conquest by trying to force Babylon to yield to his wishes. This was followed by Tiglat-Pileser who extended the empire to cover Syria and Armenia. Ashurnazirpal II and Shalmeneser III in 883 and 824 conquered the entire region of Syria, Palestine, Armenia, Babylon and Mesopotamia.The Assyrians also destroyed Babylon and built a new capital in Nineveh. However, in fear of the Babylonian god, Marduk, they rebuilt the city. In order to prevent nationalist revolutions against their rule, they adopted the policy of forcing the conquered to emigrate from their homeland. This not only secured the empire but also homogenized the diverse cultures of Mesopotamia. The last strong monarch of Assyria, Ashurbanipal began the effort to collect tablets of all Mesopotamian literature in a great library in Nineveh. However, after his death, the empire began to decline with press ure from the Babylonians and the Medes.The Assyrian state was basically created with war, invasion and conquest as tools. The upper classes were the military commanders who benefited most from the spoils of war. The Assyrian army’s size was unprecedented. With their number and the technology of their weapons made of iron, they were almost unrivaled in battle. Despite the thirst for battle and conquest, science and mathematics also flourished in the reign of the Assyrians. They were the first to divide the circle into 360 degrees and to use longitude and latitude in geographical navigation.They also had very developed medical science that influenced even the Greeks of Classical Antiquity. Chaldeans (612-539 BC) The inhabitants of Babylon (the Chaldean or the Neo-Babylonians) finally rebelled against Nineveh and destroyed it under the leadership of Nabopolassar thus ushering the end of the Assyrian empire. His son, Nebuchadnezzar II extended his father’s empire to Phoeni cia and Judah and prevented the major powers of the ancient world, Egypt and Syria, from entering Mesopotamia. The Babylonians continued to adopt the policy of emigration started by the Assyrians.It was in this period that the Jews were exiled to Babylon. Babylon was rebuilt to its greatest splendor and was one of the most magnificent cities of the ancient world. However, this new empire was also short-lived as after five monarchs, city-states once loyal to Assyria rebelled under the leadership of Nabonidus and conquered Babylon. After the Neo-Babylonians, the door was finally opened for civilizations of the north and the west to extend their empire into Mesopotamia. 6 Persia The great Persian empires that dominated the ancient world for centuries began at the area of what is now Iran.The history of this civilization spans centuries and shaped the history of the 6. Perry, M. 27. ancient world. Achaemenids Empire (550-330 BC) The earliest record of the Persians was that of the Assyri ans. They were once under the Medes that were in turn vassals to the Assyrians. When the Medes created their own empire, the Persians were still their subjects. The first Persian empire known as the Achaemenids was founded by Achaemenes in 700 BC. His son, Teispes, organized the nomadic Persians of southern Iran into an organized and centralized state that had a new language, Persian (Indo-Iranian in origin).Cyrus II the Great rallied the entire Persian kingdom against the Median Empire, freeing itself from its former conquerors. The new Shah continued the struggle until he had conquered the entire Median empire. He later conquered Lydia in Asia Minor and continued his conquest in Central Asia. In 539 BC, Cyrus victoriously dominated Babylon. Being a benevolent conqueror, he issued the first known charter of human rights in history. His descendants continued the expansion of his empire to Egypt, the Indus River valley and Thrace. They also pushed to Greece but were defeated in 479 B C.

Ecofeminism in the 21st Century Essay

Ecofeminism in the Twenty-First Century. by Susan Buckingham Introduction Since ‘ecofeminism’ was developed as a concept in the 1970s (1), there have been, arguably, major policy shifts in the fields of gender (in)equality and environmental sustainability. Thus a consideration of the achievements of, and work outstanding for, ecological feminism is warranted. In this paper, I will assess the changing policy landscape to explore the extent to which this has structurally altered gender inequalities and societies’ treatment of the environment, and the imbrication of these wo processes. In order to do so, I will look at the rising profile of gender mainstreaming at the international, European Union (2) and European national level; the application of the ‘feminism’ debate to environmental concerns; and the shifting of the ‘radical edge’ of ecofeminism, to explore future possible trajectories (see, for example, Plumwood 2003; Seager 2003). To some extent, I will suggest that the transformation of policy and development rhetoric to include gender, as distinct from women’s issues (itself, arguably, a ‘post-feminist’ dilution of women’s equality), masks fundamental attachment to ‘business-as-usual’, where social roles, pay differentials, political representation and environmental degradation remain little changed. However, there is, I argue, sufficient evidence to identify the influence of ecofeminist thinking on major policy initiatives concerning the relationship between women, men and environment at a variety of scales. The central question of this paper, then, is whether ecofeminism (as a distinct discourse, or as an amalgam of feminism and environmentalism constructed in different times and places in different ways) has hanged the way in which Western society articulates the relationship between men, women and the environment. This, of course, is a problematic and speculative exercise and will follow from an analysis of how discourse and practice themselves have changed. This paper will consider key changes to gender equality as it is linked to environmental sustainability, and explore how women’s/feminists’ interests have helped to shape the environmental debate in the past decade. I will try to unpick dominant discourses which, on the one hand, are beginning to ‘naturalize’ (some ould say neutralize) environmental concerns (where the terms sustainable development and environmental sustainability are common currency but poorly understood to the point of being anodyne), but on the other hand are marginalizing feminism, to examine the impact of this on ‘ecofeminism’. Finally, I will explore the territory of ecofeminism’s leading/radical edge to speculate on where this may take both conceptual understanding and policy in the future. First, however, to put this discussion into context, I will briefly review ecofeminist arguments to illustrate their ange, before focusing on the constructivist approach, which has had the most traction in gender/environment debates in the last two decades. Ecofeminist approaches It is tempting to use a retrospective to try to impose some sort of order on past intellectual activity, and what I am attempting to do first in this article is to explore whether there is an intellectual trajectory, through a not necessarily coherent body of thinking and writing on gender and environment in the late twentieth century. In teasing out the possible relationship between women’s position, gender anage the environment, ecofeminist writers in the 1970s and 1980s explored the relative importance of essentialism and social construction in these relationships. The social constructivist analyses (which tended to dominate French and British writing; see, for example, Mellor 1992) drew from the Marxist and social feminist literature to show how women’s position in society (as, for example, carers of children and other vulnerable family members, domestic workers, and low paid/status workers) derived from prevailing social and economic structures, which exposed them to a particular set of environmental incivilities. The specifically ecofeminist argument here proposed that, since the same social and economic structures also produced wide-scale environmental damage, then women could, in some sense, ‘share’ this experience and were therefore better placed to argue on nature’s behalf. The essentialist argument that underpinned some of the North American and Australian analyses proposed that women had a particular relationship with nature by virtue of their biology (predominantly as actual or potential child bearers) and that this proximity to nature qualified them to speak more eloquently on nature’s behalf see, for example, Spretnak 1989; Daly 1978). Different authors drew on each position to different degrees, and much of the critique of ecofeminism (well articulated in Biehl 1991) over the past 20 years has focused on the problems perceived with essentialism, and on the validity of a shared experience between the human and non-human. Dennis Smith (2001), in discussing the role of gender in peace and conflict, has argued that essentialism is often used as a tool to mobilize a group around a perceived characteristic which sets it apart, and, certainly, cultural ecofeminism (prioritizing essentialist arguments) did so. Its strength was to demonstrate the possibility of a way of thinking and being which reversed the normal hierarchy in which men stood at the peak; however, little academic feminist environmental thinking is currently framed in this way.

All We Need is Love

All We Need is Love Essay What is love? Is love the feeling of physical and emotional attraction? Or is it the outcome of appreciating others virtue? But can there be love without giving? Giving that requires indicating concern for others life and growth. Giving the idea of showing ones compassion of expressed and unexpressed feelings. The most important giving strategy is the ability to view a person as they are and being aware of their distinctive individuality. However, when a person keeps giving love to one another and does not seek love in his or her rightful place, they search for similar feelings somewhere else. Love is significance in humans life. Simple appreciation may ease the pain, but is it enough? When love is not enough it may cause severe damage to a person. It may lead to suicide, to depression, to family problems, and even to eating disorders. Every human being values love than any personal effect in their lives. Love is assisting one another in time of need. When an individual does not experience love he or she develop a mask to their personality. To their fears. To their past life. The masks that create difficulty to knowing someone. Many act in certain ways around certain people. However, when people go through denial of the physical existence just to protect their ego, we call them defense mechanism. Each and every one of us has a different strategy of coping to reality for it to be less stressful. Meaning, these masks protect us. They protect us from bad feelings. However, there is a specific amount of how much defense mechanism may isolate us from the real world. For example, denial. Denial is the most horrifying strategy that anyone may respond to in a situation; therefore, it may lead to completely refusing any horrible experience. People are eager to tell others about their lives but they fear rejection and rejection leads to conflicts within. Everyone fears that exposing themselves would make them seem weak to others. However, does it not sometimes surprise you how one day you think you know someone for such a long time and when a deeply most horrifying secret of the person is out, you feel like your mind betrayed you? You think you know every single detail when in fact you werent looking inside of them. Ill be telling you a story about a 20-year-old girl, Nicole. She lives in the Netherlands, originally from France. Nicole and I have been friends for a long time. We were Skyping, I telling her about my Voice of Youth research paper. I was explaining to Nicole how I couldnt find someone for the interview because of how hard it will be ask someone I personally know about conflicts in their life. As I said before, I knew Nicole for a long time, and in that moment, I discovered that she herself had a major conflict in her life. It does surprise you how long youve known someone, but then when they reveal something shocking about himself or herself, the perspective changes; not of the person, but of the fact that no one really gets to know someone with their problems. No one wants to feel responsible. Nicole.. My friend.. My sister had developed an eating disorder; thus, resulting to Bulimia and anorexia. Nicole and I decided to Skype so I could interview her with questions. I later realized that Im not only a student wanting to gather information for a research paper, but Im her friend; therefore, I decided to take a train to Utrecht. I had to listen carefully as she expresses her thoughts, opinion, and feelings to me. One of the things I Learned from my Guide to critical thinking was, in order for me to be fair; I must consider the feelings of my friend. As I sat down next to her, I heard her pour out her feelings. I could see the way she was acting. Nicole was extremely nervous. She carried a bottle in her hand, fidgeting with it the whole time. I looked at her, asked her one more time if she really wants to do this. Nicole glanced at me with an extremely red face, telling me that it was all right. Nicole began with.. I dont know where to start.. following apologizes of how much I might be disturbed. Nicole was constantly asking Are you sure you want to know this.. I can see shes worrying that I might see her differently. READ: Social Networking Sites: Beneficial to Societys EssayFor 5 minutes, all Nicole could say is, Youll be shocked! As I sat there in front of her, she began, I always had problems with my mom.. Nicole switched schools in the 7th grade. That is when she developed an eating disorder. Nicole had no friends; people at school were mean, rude, and snobby. She had no attention. Due to that, Nicole stopped eating completely; but when she lost a huge amount of weight she got all the attention she wanted. At first, to me it was weird because I stopped eating because I was sad and people kept telling me I looked good. Nicole constantly desired attention from her friends at school. She received no attention from home. All Nicole wanted was to be noticed at home. Her situation made her seek love from people that do not matter. She got more and more desperate. Nicole is an only girl with two younger brothers. Her parents, especially her mother, treated her differently. Nicole was the least one with attention. Her mother always praised the boys whenever they accomplished something; they were always awarded. However, Nicole was never showed appreciation. Whenever my brothers and I fought, I would always be blamed! Nicole feels like her mother has failed at being a mom. I asked Nicole how she thought their parenting was, she said: Its bad. They give us everything we want. Were allowed to do a lot of stuff but she never consequences things.. It is hard to explain. She is just not a mother. She saw me not eat a lot and did not recognize that I had an eating disorder. Every once in a while I would hear Nicole repeating, I would do everything different. I would never compare things with other people like she does. I would also not compare my childhood with my childrens like she does. I wouldnt do that. Things change. Time changes. She is just not happy with her life and she brings it out on us. Nicole then glanced slowly at me and told me how her mother has shared with her her previous love. Her mother explained to her how she married her father because he could provide a decent life. Nicoles reaction was, I love my dad and I dont want him to be sad; but I know hes unhappy as well; but he is so madly in love with her. Nicole grew up having to take care of herself, her brothers, her father, and even her mother. I see that its and extremely hard task to do. Having to take care of your whole family knowing that none of them care. We went back to talking about her eating disorder. Nicole told me how whenever she had something to eat, shed throw up all of it. I slowly asked her how it made her feel to force herself to vomit all she had eaten. I was scared that I was being out of line but then she said: I do not know what was going on in my brain.. It is like having a cold; you cant do anything about it Its just there and its like being a complete different person. It makes you doing things that you actually dont want to do and you dont want to do it but you just do it. I could see Nicoles eye tearing up as she explained how she felt. Menna, Something inside you tells you do it. Do it That is when I realized, she was in the affection of trying to make herself feel better. Her mind was controlling her thoughts by using her looks as an attention seeker; thus, making her seeks attention at school. She was not accepted by her parents, especially her mother. Losing weight, gave her attention at school. It was her only way out of the weight she carried at home. I then asked Nicole, When was the moment you realized and decided you should stop and change? Nicole told me about the nightmares she had when she started dating Victor. I had nightmares My teeth were falling out It was really bad, and then my hair started falling off. This was the moment that Nicole had seen herself in the future. Nicole was lucky; she was able to visualize how her life would turn around if she carried on with this. Nicole had the opportunity, the chance to get out early before it gets worse. And that is when the fairytale started with the love of her life, Victor. He was the reason she was able to keep going; to hold on and face her fears. READ: The Good Earth: Wang Lung - A Man of Determination and Loyalty EssayI think its because I felt accepted from Victor. Nicole was able to find what she couldnt get from home. Nicole, how did it change you? â€Å"It made me realize how it is so weird that something is so powerful in your mind that makes you do things you dont want to do. As she was explaining her thoughts, I realized that the mind is strong; it is able to control what we want to know, and if it doesnt feel safe, it turns its back on everyone. Nicole then later on, confronted her parents on their parenting. She poured her heart out, telling them every single detail they did wrong. Leaving out the fact that she was Bulimic, Nicole had only told that to her father. I asked her why her mother doesnt know, she said: My mother could never handle this. Nicole later on then went to a psychological center for anorexic people to help out. It was then that she realized how thankful to god she is for helping her go through this. Nicole met girls that within a blink of an eye may die. She knew then that she should be grateful. The last question I asked my friend, Nicole, was How do you feel now that Im talking to you about this She answered with a smooth look, Its like a story. Nicoles father, Victor, and me were the only people who knew. That was it. I finished the interview. Got up and hugged my friend. As I sat listening to a person I knew, a person that I cared about, but I never considered their feelings as much. Everything made sense. I first asked myself, as I hear her tell her story, This doesnt make sense to me, its like I dont know this person. But then everything connected. I realized that Everyone has different reasons to why they endeavor to hide their emotional pain, that comes in the wake of negative beliefs about ourselves; evoked by a particular person or situation. In conclusion, we are just human. Humans fear the thought of others not responding with a caring or supportive way. People dread the thought of trusting themselves, to cope with others response of their fears. The most important strategy, opening yourself to others. Everyone comes from a completely different family, community, or school. Opening yourself to others gives you the option to be in someone elses world, giving you the choice to perceiving their goodness and kindness. I strongly believe that love comes from giving and knowledge. Many fear opening themselves up to others, afraid of what people may think, resulting to grasp no love from others. People are eager to tell others about their lives, but they fear rejection and rejection leads to conflicts within. Everyone fears that exposing themselves would make them seem weak to others; thus, giving the thought and feeling of no love or compassion from anyone. In conclusion, not all masks are evil. Its up to us how to identify the strategy to make the masks and the reason for each mask to motivate us to unconsciously choose which mask to wear. One must be true to themselves by altering the right mask. Love can be described in many ways. However, love is not only enough when said or told. I believe that if parents do not take care of their childs background, the child will eventually adapt within his or her own culture. Such events shape our lives. As you can see, every time Nicole fell down she got her self-right back up. A critical thinker must always seek better ways of doing things. Critical thinkers believe in the power of their minds.

History and Development of Violin Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

History and Development of Violin - Term Paper Example While the violin is generally associated with European classical music, the instrument itself first emerged in the 9th century Byzantine Empire. In terms of the first written records of the instrument Persian geographer Ibn Khurradadhbih is noted as the first to write about the instrument. Khurradadhbih noted that the instrument was a bowed Byzantine lira; this geographer compared the violin to a rabab, a similar stringed instrument used by the Byzantines during this time (Sandys 2006). From these early incarnations the violin steadily gained popularity. During the 11th and 12th centuries the instrument gradually gained popularity throughout Europe and general western regions. This period also contains increased written reference to the violin. While it had not yet taken on the contemporary articulations, writers during these centuries frequently referred to the instrument as a fiddle or lira. While the violin would later become the predominant stringed instrument, its acceptance dur ing the 11th and 12th centuries was greatly aided by the spread of a variety of stringed instruments throughout Europe; for instance, rabab gained great prominence during this period of European history (Sandys 2006). Indeed, the modern incarnation of the violin would emerge from a hybridization of many of these stringed instruments. ... While the lira da braccio was originally regarded as the less aristocratic way of playing the instrument, holding the device in the hands would later become the accepted practice, ultimately giving way to the modern incarnation of the violin. The first incarnation of the modern violin emerged in 16th century Italy. The most prominent area for the violin during this period was the Brescia area, as existing documents from the late 16th century note that Brescia was home to hotbed of musical talent. Still, the word violin is recorded as early as 1540 in Italian documents (Sandys 2006). Although there are no surviving violins from this period, there do exist considerable visual depictions of the instrument from the mid-16th century Italian era. In terms of the first maker of the violin, there continues to be considerable debate on the subject. The most pervasive theory is that Andrea Amati constructed the first violin on order from the Medici family who desired the construction of an ins trument that could be used by street musicians. There are a number of prominent considerations when examining the violin’s construction and mechanics. The typical violin consists of a spruce top. This is also referred to as the soundboard. The violin is then composed with maple ribs, a back, two endblocks, a neck, a bridge, a soundpost, four strings, and then a chin rest (Stowell 1993). The violin has an hour-glass shape and is accompanied by a series of other smaller components. In these regards, the violin contains a neck with a fingerboard. The neck is the area where the musician manipulates the strings with their fingers as a means of playing different chords (Stowell 1993). The top of the violin contains what is referred to

Should Smoking be Prohibited on Campus Speech or Presentation

Should Smoking be Prohibited on Campus - Speech or Presentation Example The debate of whether or not to ban smoking on campus has been there for quite a while, particularly since the start of the 21st century. Seeing more and more college campuses putting bans on smoking presently creates a huge debate platform for both defenders and proponents. While some think that such campus smoking bans mostly remain effective on certain levels in discouraging the newly independent college students to continue smoking, critics claim that college smoking bans are a product of pure authoritative rule under which no individual freedom is allowed. According to latest report, all campuses of University of California will be banning smoking as a result of which every campus would become smoke-free over the course of two years as the UC President compelled the chancellors of all the campuses nationwide to begin implementing smoke-free policies (Rojas, 2012). Discussion of causes: Defenders of campus smoking bans claim that smoking practices on campus seriously interfere wi th a healthy educational atmosphere and if such bans are taken seriously by more and more management authorities and strictly implemented, vivid changes can be seen happening in favor of mental and physical wellbeing of the students. ... s, to break free from the spell of conservative norms they are taught by their parents at homes which is why they fall for heaving smoking while absolutely disregarding the sanctity of their educational institution. Because continuing smoking habit on campus can potentially fuel a student’s mind to develop vast distance between him/herself and abiding by the educational requirements, so smoking should be absolutely banned on campus according to defenders of ban imposition. Campus smoking bans are not very old because it was not before 2000 that smoking-free campuses began surfacing in America. From this, it can be ascertained that smoking-free colleges are essentially a consequence of an increase in the health awareness and consciousness in the educated society which has occurred in the 21st century. The smoke-free spree was fuelled by the fact that no one could pass in or out of a door on any campus without going through a corridor fraught with smoke (Patterson, cited in Stei nberg, 2011). Students began smoking on campus in such a staggering number that it raised huge concern for the education, health and mental wellbeing of a student which is why smoking bans are getting more and more common with every passing day. Colleges that have imposed the ban on smoking should continue with the ban because it is one of the most important health concerns. Smoking is potentially dangerous for health as it is known to be a cause of several diseases that include but are not limited to oral cancer, lungs cancer and heart attack. Smoking in colleges should be prohibited also because smoking happens to be the first step in the way towards drug addiction for a lot of students. Being young and immature, students start exploring the world of narcotics and drugs starting from smoking

Company financial accounting and reporting is regulated by a variety Essay

Company financial accounting and reporting is regulated by a variety of sources - Essay Example All the listed companies were asked to follow these accounting standards for maintaining their accounting transaction and developing financial reports. These accounting standards were introduced to enhance credibility and reliability of the financial statement developed by the listed companies of a nation. These accounting standards assisted the accountants and auditors to resolve different controversies related to different accounting practices. Even the managers consider these accounting policies while developing various strategies and policies to be followed by the company. Like other developed nation, the accounting standards were formulated in UK in early 1980s. People identified the necessity of a well structured accounting standard that assures â€Å"relevance, reliability, comparability and understand-ability† in the financial report that is developed by the listed companies (Kirk, 2005, p.9). In UK, the accounting standards are popularly known as Financial Reporting Standards (FRS). These FRS were developed by Accounting Standards Boards (ASB) and all the listed companies are required to adhere to these standards so that a true and fair picture of the companies’ financial condition can be represented. Prior to 1990, the accounting standards were developed by Accounting Standards Committee (ASC) which was later replaced with Accounting Standards Boards (ASB). In the first meeting of ASB, it formally accepted all the accounting standards prevailing in UK GAAP. With time, this board introduced few new standards and modified many existing standards. In UK, the four main constituents responsible for development and maintenance of accounting standards are Financial Reporting council (FRC), The Accounting Standards Board (ASB), Urgent Issues Task Force (UITF) and The Financial Reporting Review Panel (FRRP). FRC is

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect - Essay Example The most favored solution is the implementation of legislation that requires a combination of safeguards be put into place. These safeguards would include mandating screening of patients on a more frequent basis, an ombudsman program, and required training for all staff that includes consequences if caught being abusive or neglectful. The time from reporting abuse to the investigation of abuse by should be reduced from the standard of ten days to a standard of within 24 hours. According to Dr. Terry Fulmer of New York University (Journal of American Geriatrics Society, Feb 2004) elder mistreatment is "the intentional actions that cause harm, or create a serious risk of harm, to a vulnerable elder by a caregiver or other person who stands in a trust relationship to the elder". Such mistreatment of elders in nursing homes is a significant problem in this country. Gone are the days when families quite naturally took on the responsibility of caring for the elderly. Most elderly in the country, who cannot care for themselves, are sent to nursing homes. Reports from across the country tell horrifying stories of those abused or neglected. In New Orleans, Louisiana a nursing home employee aged 19 raped a 92 year old woman (New Orleans City Business, 2004). Another nursing home resident had her leg amputated because of bedsores. ...An elderly man lost his testicles because of botched attempts to insert a catheter (New Orleans City Business, 2004). In her guest editorial to Nursing Homes Magazine (March 2005) Gloria Schramm tells the sad story of how her uncle was treated while he was in a nursing home. She recalls how he was miserable, had fallen from his chair because he was not properly restrained, and was unassisted at mealtimes when family was not there to assist him. She recalled how he waited long periods of time for simple things such as a drink of water, a diaper change, or help with repositioning himself in bed. The daily visits from family were critical to his recovery as the level of care he received otherwise was lacking. III. Background: Nursing homes were not always the answer in this country. Prior to World War II the poor and destitute elderly were sent to almshouses, or poor farms, which were known for their poor conditions and inadequate care. Some cities took responsibility for their poor and built, or renamed existing homes, to reflect the change in level of care. "In New York City, in 1903, the Charity Board renamed its public almshouse the Home for the Aged and Infirm. The city of Charleston followed suit in 1913, transforming their almshouse into the Charleston Home." (Haber, 2007) After World War II legislation was put into place that somewhat funded nursing homes and nursing homes were built to act as long term care hospitals. Because of concern for those elderly in need women's groups and religious groups established old age homes for the elderly. "As the founder of Boston's Home for Aged Women (1850), explained-a haven for those who were "bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh" (Haber and Gratton, p. 130).

Organizational analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Organizational analysis - Essay Example Luke’s Hospital is the largest in the size as well as in number of nurses and doctors providing their services to the patients. With the collaboration of University of IOWA Hospitals and Clinics, St Luke’s Hospital is now focusing on open-heart surgeries, Intensive Care Units (ICU,) and neonatal services such that only St. Luke’s Hospital is providing such services in whole Cedar Rapids. The main reason behind the establishment of St. Luke’s Hospital was the lack of any good quality healthcare service-providers and hospitals. Increasing level of deaths and casualties due to lack of emergency services made the officials think of establishing a new hospital in order to control the death toll. Due to this legacy element of protecting public’s life, the overall image, and respect of St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapid is quite high and people remember the hospital’s image in good faith. The community impact of the hospital is also quite app reciable since the time it built an inpatient rehabilitation unit, which is accredited by Commission on Accredited of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Fourteen Forces of Magnetism As far as the forces of magnetism are concerned, St. Luke’s Hospital has remained successful in keeping the forces consistent with original intent. However, there are still some forces, which turned out to be rather inconsistent due to various reasons. The alone presence of St. Luke’s Hospital for a relatively longer period of time and the monopoly that it enjoyed over that time created some inconsistencies in the forces of magnetism. Since then nobody did not even notice them and therefore, did not make any changes to rectify those inconsistencies. The main forces, which are found to be inconsistent with their original intent, are fourth and thirteenth force, which relate to Personnel Policies and Programs, and Interdisciplinary Relationships respectively. Personnel Policies and Programs in volve the amount of compensation and benefits that are awarded to the employees of the organization. In St. Luke’s Hospital, the major kinds of employees are doctors and nurses. Doctors are paid competitively however nurses are underpaid. In this way, St. Luke’s Hospital remained a bit deficient in providing appropriate rewards and benefits to all levels of employees working in the hospital. Another main threatening inconsistency relates to thirteenth force such that the relationships developed between the doctors and their lower staff including nurses is not quite satisfactory. The behavior of doctors is quite harsh and underestimating with their lower staff mainly because of achieving higher qualification (Malloch and O’Grady, 2010). However, this inconsistency does not hinder the quality of healthcare services provided by the hospital to the patients. Force number eleven, which states that nurses should also be used as teachers is also lacking in St. Lukeâ₠¬â„¢s Hospital. It has been the practice of the management of St. Luke’s Hospital to recruit the qualified nurses rather than teaching the new comers and bringing them in the mainstream teaching profession. Force number nine, which is related to the autonomy provided to the employees is also quite lacking in the organizational dynamics of St. Luke’s Hospital. Both doctors and surgeons do possess some real kind of autonomy and they can take even strategic decisions, which are in the benefit of the hospital. However, staff working under these doctors and surge

Literary Analysis on Hemingway's Soldier's Home Essay

Literary Analysis on Hemingway's Soldier's Home - Essay Example But very astonishingly the story â€Å"Soldier’s Home† has that charm, that enigma to captivate and engage the minds of the readers of all ages. Thesis Statement The contemporary content of the story, its relevant relative presentation reaches it beyond any particular frame of time and make it universal and timeless in its approach. Exploration of the Character of Harold Kerb to the Devices of Monologue and Dialogue The character portrayal of Hemingway’s protagonist of the short story, â€Å"Soldier’s Home† finds exploration through internal monologue and exchanges of dialogues between the various other characters of the story. For example, it is observed that Harold’s mother tries to restore the lost faith of Kerb over religion and she remarks, â€Å"God has some work for everyone to do.....We are all of us in His Kingdom† (Hemingway, â€Å"The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway†, Pg - 115). The revelation of the charac ter of Kerb finds its expression through the position of Kerb before and after the war in the society, his post-war trauma and depression and his relationship with his family members as well.

Open Topic under Composite Materials Term Paper

Open Topic under Composite Materials - Term Paper Example As described in Wikipedia, there are two main kinds of wind turbines one is Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine and second is Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (1). However, Horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT) are the most widely used design for commercial purposes. Earlier standard parts and components were used for manufacturing of turbines; however, with advancement in technology, specialized materials and parts started to be designed for turbines introducing alternate solutions for manufacturing (Eker, Akdogan, and Vardar 2917). UTILIZATION OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS IN WIND TURBINES Two or more materials are arranged with each other with a specific medium in between them to form a composite material. The fiber material is usually harder and stronger than the binding medium (matrix) being used. This not only rearranges structural and physical properties like rigidity, toughness and corrosion but also unlocks new dimensions to electrical, thermal and environmental properties of materials forming a composite. The aim of modern research is to reduce the cost, improve performance and impact resistance of the composite materials for their better application in a wide range of fields. These discussed significant features of composite materials have made these future materials for wind turbines (Eker, Akdogan, and Vardar 2917). In general, metallic, organic and inorganic materials called matrix, fibers, particulates, stamps and layers having limited geometry constitute composite materials. The binding medium, matrix, creates a phase impact by producing distribution of other material structures in its own structure. This brings changes to overall physical, mechanical and chemical properties of the composite materials. These materials fibers, matrix and reinforcements are chemically inert and dissolved among each other. It is pertinent to note that in metallic composites even a small amount of dissolution may affect the overall properties of the material (Eker, Akdogan, and Vardar 2 918). Purpose of using composite material in turbine blades is to exploit one or more of the physical, mechanical and other properties of materials forming the composite. To achieve this, numbers of methods are used but the principle is same as to improve weak properties of the materials in composite to achieve a good performance turbine blade. WIND ENERGY A convertor is the main component that is required to convert the kinetic energy of motor due to blade rotation into electrical or heart energy, thus producing a power given by following equation P = Av3 where ? = Aerodynamic efficiency constant ? = Density of air A = Area of tubrine-plane v = Wind velocity The two or more blades are installed on central part (disc) of turbine called rotor to form a wind turbine which is rotated by action of wind on turbine blades (Brondsted, Lilholt, and Lystrup 506). Wind turbines usually consist of two to three large blades made of wood, plexiglass or a composite material. The basic design pri nciple encompassing the wind turbines is that of an aero engine turbine or air plane wing where lift is used to make use of energy. Complete turbine assembly consisting of two or more blades is installed in vertical plane on horizontal axis into wind. In a similar fashion, wind energy is captured using same basic design principle. Stall and pitch regulations are used to control the speed and power of

A Comparison of UK Parliament and US Congress Essay Example for Free

A Comparison of UK Parliament and US Congress Essay A congress and a parliament seem to be very similar things the legislative branches of the majority of the worlds democracies which are filled with popularly elected men and women who come together to decide the legislative issues of their home nation. However, despite the initial impression of sameness, the two are very different in two key areas: What is the constitution of them and what are their functions. This assay will discribe them setting examples of the United States and the United Kngdom. And through this assay, we will learn more about Parliament and Congress especially the US Parliament and British Congress. â…  . Similarities between Parliament and Congress As Political systems of capitalist countries, both Parliament and Congress are the highest legislative branch of their country and exert the highest legislative authority. The legislative process of the US Parliament and British Congress both include three procedures: propose the bill, deliberate the bill and turn into law. In addition, both the US Parliament and British Congress exert supervisory authority. They control the politics and woks of their governments to ensure the governments can service themselves better and more effectively. Both the US Parliament and British Congress consist of two houses and most of members of the US Parliament and British Congress are produced by election. On the other hand, citizens in the country of parliament and congress elect commissaries to compose the representative bodies, participat in politics indirectly, discuss and decide on national affairs in order to reflect the exercise of state power and organizational forms of a democratic system. â… ¡. Differences between Parliament and Congress A. The Constitution 1. The Constitution of the US Parliament Parliament consists of Members of Parliament. Members are often elected , in particular, a bicameral national MPs are elected by the General Assembly of the Republic and some by appointment or special status and access to qualified members. For the patriarchate of members, the House of Lords is longer than the House of Commons. With Speaker of Parliament, as the House shall preside, control the proceedings, the administrative charge and supervision of Parliament, representing the Council. Under the House Standing Committee, there are a variety of supporting agencies as to assist the House to review the motion. The bicameral Parliament also has a full-house committees and both houses of the Consultative Committee. In modern times, all capitalist countries have parliamentary assembly in order to facilitate the political parties to strengthen parliamentary control and influence. 2. The Constitution of British Congress The highest legislative branch of United States consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Senator directly elected by the voters in the states, and each state has 2, implementating the principle of equal representation of states. The number of congressmen are distributed by state and by direct election, each state at least one. It is fixed number of 435 and senators must be at least 25 years old. Furthermore, members shall not serve other government functions. B. Functions of the US Parliament and British Congress 1. Legislative Authority As a rule, the procedure of a bill in United States is firstly proposed, then deliberated by the Committee, and finally considered by General Assembly. When one house gets across it, send it the other one, getting through the same procedures in turn. Bills passed by both houses will signed by the President. If the President does not veto, or he veto but re-enacted by two thirds of members of the two houses,the bill will become law. However, in United Kingdom, the legislative process includes three elements: prepare and submit the motion; consider and adopt the motion; approve the bill into law. The motion of Council consideration consists of three points: public motion, private motion and hybrid motion. Public motion could be submitted to both houses of any of the private motion and usually performed by an authorized agent of the party and hybrid motion will be delt with by a special committee. After all of these motions passing through all stages of the Houses of Parliament, then th e king present to the approval of license certificate after being issued by the king, and then announced by the speaker of the houses. 2. Supervisory Authority In the US, implementing agencies are responsible for enforcing the laws passed by Congress. In order to monitor the implementation of the implementing agencies, Congress adopt a series of actions to ensure implementation of laws adopted. Specifically, Congresss oversight of the executive branch involved in the five aspects: First, the administrative implementation of the law; Second, the administrative situation of the use of congressional funds; Third, the political behavior of government officials; Fourth, the sets of the administrative branch; Fifth, decision-making process of the administrative branch. The history of the British Parliament cannot be detached from the struggle for controlling the financial power. Parliament supervisor the policies and work of government by controlling its financial power. Monitoring Committee focused primarily on tracking the appropriate government departments and policy, and the General Assembly through the Liaison Committee Xiangquan Yuan receiv ed the case report. In the Committee, it is the National Accounts Committee work most effectively. The source of the financial control can divided into two aspects: Monitor revenue and monitor expenditure. â… ¢.Conclusion To sum up, there are many similarities and differences between Parliament and Congress and we have learned some spesific information about the US Parliament and British Congress from this assay. However, it just discribes them in some of aspects. For example, I cannot find enough infornation about the similarities between Parliament and Congress so I cannot expatiate perfictlty and just discribe on the surface. Furthermore, I want to know more about the differences between Parliament and Congress but I did not find the information of election and many other things. Therefore, I hope I can learn more about these and have other opportunities to research them in near future.

Foreign Policy Essay Example for Free

Foreign Policy Essay This paper seeks to analyze and discuss American Foreign Policy in relation to globalization. This paper will include a review of the history behind the issue being debated and its relevance to American foreign policy and will be followed by a summary of the arguments in favor of the American foreign policy and the last will attempt to make on personal opinion or conclusion on the issues discussed. 2. Analysis and Discussion 2. 1. Review of History on American Policy and Globalization It may be stated that the primary historical process that has affected international relation in the recent past is globalization. Globalization is not a new development; it has been progressing for most of human history Globalization is the integration of human activity across geographic space. This covers many areas of human activity including, social and cultural contact, environment, and economics. (University of Arizona, 2007), It is a process and not an event as it continues to take place across time. It is also multidirectional and not smooth as it could progress and retreat as may be seen by the fact that some areas are more affected than others. However, it affects all actors in international relations, but with different consequences. Globalization in the modern era, for purposes of simplicity is divided into several categories as follows: economic, social, cultural, military, and environmental (University of Arizona, 2007) As a result foreign policy which a realm in politics affects and is affected by all these areas. It may also be observed that all five areas are driven by technology. As communications, transportation, and production technologies improve it becomes easier to interact across geographic space. This could be illustrated or observed in the industrial revolution spread a new form of production that has made transportation and communication easier via rail and water transport. This also caused the creation of control of particular resources that are vital for military security such as in the case of coal, iron, and others (University of Arizona, 2007). Global integration has accelerated in fits and starts for the past 150 years with the World Bank having focused on economic integration and which has identified three â€Å"waves† of globalization. The first wave covers the period 1854 to 1914 and is characterized by: (a) industrial revolution and colonialism both economically and militarily thus causing the integration of the global economy that came from the integrated colonial systems under European, the US and Japanese domination and (b) economically integrated world as felt today in terms of capital transfer and movement of persons. University of Arizona, 2007) The period between 1914 to 1945 may be considered an interregnum due to a few world wars and a depression. It must be stated however that the IMF was born on December 27, 1945 to address the 1930’s depression. The IMF was later found to assume more rules in globalization waves after World War II. The second wave therefore is from 1945 – 1973, where the following are observed: (a) economic integration resumes, but under divided conditions; (b) integration of Soviet bloc in a command economy system and of US bloc under the Bretton Woods System; and (c) integration of the Western bloc causing it to become generally market-driven (University of Arizona, 2007). The third wave of globalization is the post 1973 era ,where the following events could be observed: (a) the East-West division which started strongly and only to fade in the mid 1980’s and to fall apart by the 1990’s; (b) material and big changes in production and communications technology and economic integration. The shift towards more global integration may be seen with more states opting to adopt the Western Institutions which may be explained as follows: The mid 1980’s saw the tide turning to the US in the Cold War; and (b) more freedom was made possible as the US block has become very free. This particular wave is characterized also by the emergence of market-driven integration, hence one could see the integration of the global economy spreading further to a much larger part of the world, and thus accelerated after the Cold War ends (University of Arizona, 2007). It is from this wave that the World Trade Organization came into existence on the basis of the conduct of its negations through the so called rounds as the Uruguay Round has commenced in September 1986 and has continued until April 1994. WTO’s current works basically started from these negation and there were subsequent ones and have until today. 2. 2 Summary of arguments in favor of globalization Democracy presupposes free enterprise and free enterprise could only be back bone of globalization hence for US to support globalization it must support democracy not only in its country but also all over the world. Given this theoretical frame, it is not hard to appreciate the consistency of the US in supporting democracy all over the world. Even today many will readily see how the US states are showing its support for democratic nations since this best support US national interests. It could therefore be argued that for the US, democracy is the one national interest that will help to secure all the others. Democratically governed nations would have their governments decided by the right thinking citizens as against the whims and caprices of dictator and this would likely â€Å"secure the peace, deter aggression, expand open markets, promote economic development, protect American citizens, combat international terrorism and crime, uphold human and worker rights, avoid humanitarian crises and refugee flows, improve the global environment, and protect human health. (Washington Post, 2006) . The US support for democracy could be appreciated from the words of Former President Bill Clinton saying: Ultimately, the best strategy to ensure our security and to build a durable peace is to support the advance of democracy elsewhere. Democracies dont attack each other. (Clinton, 1994) It is believed by many that democracy is also good for business since nations that embrace political reforms using democratic principles are more likely to pursue economic reforms that improve the productivity of businesses. This could be evidenced by the fact since the mid-1980s, an increase in levels of foreign direct investment going to emerging market democracies relative to countries that have not undertaken political reforms has been recorded (Childs, 2007). The United States has maintained by its declaration about its support for democracy and human rights through several means although its commitment to human rights is doubted and questioned by human rights organizations (Satter, 2007). As regards to those who oppose globalization, it may be asked: â€Å"If globalization is not promoted or supported, what could be the possible alternative? Could countries isolate themselves? † One could see what happened with North Korea. At the guise to trying to show to the whole world that it cannot be made to submit to stop its nuclear program, it recently made a declaration for its need of help such as oil from the other countries and so the US was willing to lend a hand. The WTO is one of the organizations that would help promote globalization. It has the stated goal of improving the welfare of the peoples of its member countries, in bringing down trade barriers as well as promoting trade negotiations as it main mission is has to do with ensuring smooth and predictable trade flows This main mission is further specified in certain core functions serving and safeguarding five fundamental principles, which are the foundation of the multilateral trading system (Lowenthal, Abraham ,1991), which include (a) overseeing the execution, administration and operation of the covered agreements; (b) providing a forum for negotiations and for settling disputes. (c) reviewing the national trade policies, and to ensure the coherence and transparency of trade policies through surveillance in global economic policy-making (World Economic Outlook, 1994). WTO assists developing, least-developed and low-income countries in transition to adjust to WTO rules and is a center of economic research and analysis and cooperates closely with the IMF and the World Bank under the principles of the trading system which may be considered to promote globalization. Since the WTO also establishes a framework for trade policies but not to define or specify outcomes, it must be concerned with setting the rules of the trade policy games and part of these principles include: First is nondiscrimination which includes two major components the most favored nation (MFN) rule, and the national treatment policy. Although these components are part of the main WTO rules on goods, services, and intellectual property, their precise scope and nature still manifest variability on different e areas. The MFN rule necessitates a WTO member to apply the same conditions on all trade with other WTO members. When one grants someone a special favor to someone and the said country must have to do the same for all other WTO members, too. National treatment on the other hand requires that imported and locally-produced goods must be treated equally, which must start after the foreign goods have entered the market at the minimum (Wold, 1996). Another principle is reciprocity which reflects both a desire to limit the scope of free-riding that may arise because of the MFN rule, and a desire to obtain better access to foreign markets. This must be done as requirement in terms of reciprocal concessions in order to ensure that the gain from doing so (from multilateral liberalization is better r than the gain available from unilateral liberalization; intend to ensure that such gains will materialize. The person objecting to the benefits of globalization may find it hard to contradict the existence and application of these principles and alternatives available could not be as good as asserted. Another challenging question that may be posed against the opponents of globalization is this: â€Å"How the problem of the environment could be solved with out a world effort that could be best helped by globalization? † It may be argued that globalization promotes not only economic interactions but also social and environmental ones. Global warming is never a national problem alone. It has become a global problem that requires global attention (Gardiner, 2004). With countries forming their alliances and organizations they also make rules to protect the environment. An isolationist has therefore no place in this globe. 3. Conclusion Globalization is a phenomenon. It was not made by America. Rather it has been a natural phenomenon that the expansion of knowledge has brought to mankind. Even early philosophers may have seen it birth long time ago and it still continuing. It could be reduced into simple proposition â€Å"no man is an island†. By the same analogy it is hard to see a country isolating itself from other countries. This could be seen in the history of mankind it self. Even those countries which were at war are now trading partners because there are more tendencies to help each other and live than killing its other. For the US therefore to go against globalization in its foreign policy would be the most inconsistent and absurd thing to happen since allied with globalization are its other interest which must also be attained.

Critical Evaluation Of Contemporary Issues In Hospitality Management Tourism Essay

Critical Evaluation Of Contemporary Issues In Hospitality Management Tourism Essay Hospitality is a dynamic industry that is ever changing as a result of several external factors. The industry has become more competitive than ever before. Some companies often fail while others are very successful. Tanke (2001) argues that successful firms acquire, manage, and develop resources that provide competitive advantage. They also control and build up relationships with a large number of organizations, various stakeholders, and groups. Globalization has intensified the competitiveness and for firms to remain competitive they have to expand their relationship networks and collaborate with each other to remain competitive. Many firms are starting to monitor and manage key indicators to cut on cost and save money. According to Ottenbacher and Gnoth (2005) There are several contemporary issues in the hospitality industry which include, human resource management, strategic management, use of ICT and gastronomy and tourism. Much of changes in issues have been brought about by globalization. For example in the case of human resource, globalization has brought diversity in the human resources. Information communication technology has advanced much in development. The high number of people travelling to foreign lands has brought changes in the gastronomy and tourism. Hospitality businesses must therefore manage all these issues to succeed in their operations. Tanke, (2001) argues that hospitality businesses will need to focus more on brand, human resource, emerging markets and information communication technology. These are the primary determinants of the winners and losers in years to come. Strategic management is thus important in determining the success of these firms. Strategic management has been hailed to provide higher levels of satisfaction than other management tools. Literature Review HRM Issues In the Hotel Industry Globally The importance of valuable human resource management to business success in any use of human resources can give an organization a competitive advantage. The importance of human resources is particularly significant in hospitality industry. Duncan (2005) suggested that there are several main areas of challenge and worry in the global hospitality industry, relating to employment issues, taxation levels and environmental issues. Employee turnover According to Hinkin and Tracey (2000) employee turnover has become one of the challenges in the hospitality industry. The industry globally suffers from high level of staff turnover, which result to intangible costs and high direct expenditure. Riegel (2002) argues that turnover is a result of several factors such as job dissatisfaction, poor working environment, poor supervision and lack of commitment that influence employee attitude and behavior. Iverson and Deery (1997) carried out a research on the labor requirements of the hospitality industry and established that the high turnover rate is one the most difficult issues in human resource management in that context. They reported that the turnover problem in large hotels was much worse than in small hotels. Many hotels are planning to increase the number of people employed simply to cover the turnover situation. Hoque (1999) contends that service quality focuses on the nature of the interaction between the individual employee and the customer at the point of service, in terms of politeness and overall professionalism. Hoque also argues that service quality is the main factor in creating competitive advantage in the hotel industry, and that any hotel that does not make an effort to improve continually its service quality will lose ground. Competitive advantage generated from internal sources includes such characteristics as value rareness, exceptionality, and non-substitutability (Iverson, Deery 1997), and the employee at the end of the service delivery system may well be the only differentiated and unique asset of a hotel organization that cannot be easily copied. Hinkin and Tracey (2000) have also recommended that there are in fact only two ways to compete in and differentiate between hospitality services. One is by competing on price and minimizing costs, which locks a hotel into a particular market segment. The other is to compete by providing exceptional service. They note that customer care is not a new concept in the service industry, but it is still a complex thing to control and sustain. In the face of the high level of turnover in the hotel industry, it is possible that some customers are served by employees who are fairly untrained, less committed, and less capable in their social skills. But dealing with this requires the use of quite organized approaches to service quality management. Huang (2001) suggested that if an organizations first and foremost objective is to provide a service, a holistic approach to service quality management must be developed and employed, insightful at all levels of the organization from the chief executive to the entry level employees. Training and development Garavan (1997) argues that training and development of employees is linked to service quality because its activities can be used to strengthen attitudes and behaviors that lead to effective service. Several researchers have suggested that developing a service culture during training and development and knowledge building are good practices. Employees training and development of skills help firms to enhance quality of service, increase productivity, and reduce costs. Elsewhere, Davies, Taylor and Savery (2001) investigated certain human resource management functions in improving employees relations in western Australian accommodation industry and found out that sustained training and development led to an important improvement in productivity, with a reduced turnover of employees. Huang (2001) argued that in Taiwan training and development was the main significant driver for economic development. Staff recruitment and selection Alleyne, Doherty and Greenidge (2006) contend the due to the nature of the hospitality industry; labor demand is much unpredictable and subject to seasonal variation. As a result the hospitality industry has had negative image among prospective employees. Elsewhere Debrah and Budhwar (2004) argue that changes in the macro environment for example ageing workforce, lower birth rates have also contributed to employees shortage heightening the imbalance between the employee demand and supply. This has made employee resourcing a great problem and highlights that effective management of demand and supply of best employee is a great problem in the hospitality industry (Tanke, 2001). Global competitiveness in the hospitality industry Successful hospitality firms eventually find that their domestic markets are either saturated or that foreign markets offer opportunities for growth and profits which are not available domestically. Several forces are leading businesses into the global arena. These include trade barriers falling especially in Europe and North America, newly industrialized countries, shift towards market economies, availability of financial capital; standards are becoming uniform globally and advancement in information technology (Tanke, 2001). Organizations that want to remain competitive must therefore acquire state of the art resources at a lower price, for example they may consider expanding to emerging nations where labor is cheap. The strategic management repercussions of increasing globalization are extreme. Managers cannot afford to overlook opportunities in foreign markets. Nonetheless, business methods and customs vary from country to country. These disparities make stakeholder analysis and management even more important. Analysis of wide environmental forces such as society, technology, and political influences ought to also be extended to the different regions in which an organization carries out business. People also vary greatly from region to region. The challenge of an ever increasing competitive global marketplace can be tackled through a well-devised strategic management process. Nevertheless, tactical planning must not always lead to the kinds of changes that are essential to stay aggressive over the long term. Technology Although there has been an increasing awareness of the value of state of the art integrated systems many hospitality firms still do not take advantage of them. There inadequate understanding of how much competence could be improved via use of these systems. Tanke, (2001) argues that hospitality administration systems have over the years developed into complex, well incorporated tools which help firms to make more revenue, attract more guests, and improve effectiveness. Nevertheless, some business still hang on systems that have are much ahead of their competitive useful life. This limits them from having the benefits that are brought about by these systems. Though several firms are scared of upgrading their systems because they fear that their employees will not be in a position to handle these systems, there is need for training the employees how to use these systems (Tanke, 2001). Alleyne, Doherty and Greenidge (2006) contend that as systems become more inclusive their support and security management become necessary and complex. However it must be noted that it is almost impossible for organizations to have their own technical support staff skilled in all the system they use. Guest report has become an aim for thieves and attacks on computers are becoming more complex. These trends call for a shift towards more professional system management; this may be a corporate team or an agreement party. Elsewhere Debrah and Budhwar (2004) argue that innermost revenue management teams, for example, can provide specialist help to numerous properties in a regionally unified way. Centrally-hosted systems permit highly-skilled technicians to offer a far more protected and managed systems environment than would be accessible to an individual firm. This trend is expected to prolong as understanding grows of the value of maintaining systems operating at peak proficiency, and o f the possible harm from security violations. Methodology According to Hoque, (1999) two essential questions were put to a sample of hotels: What are the key human resource management issues and concerns in the hospitality industry of Taiwan? And what are the main human resource management roles and practices used to engage with them? Rather than default to a single issue approach to the interviewees, the interviewer tried to examine human resource management in the hospitality industry in an entirely open-ended way. The respondents were free to raise any human resource management issues, concerns, functions and practices that they thought to be significant. This method allowed the researcher to notice what came up in order of priority for the respondents, or what failed to come up at all (Hoque, 1999) The method used was qualitative and the main technique was in-depth interviews. Leading questions were avoided by the researcher on order to gain a deeper understanding of some phenomena as experienced by a group of people (Creswell, 2003). It was not possible to examine all the hotels in Taiwan because of financial and time constraints. The researcher selected the chain hotels which he expected to have formalized human resource management practices than smaller hotels. The researcher further segmented the hotels according to number of rooms, geographic location, and brand. The researcher interviewed senior managers but in some cases some hotels that were approached refused to be interviewed arguing that they would consider questionnaires because of their tight schedules. Although there are few definitive rules for sample size in qualitative enquiry (Patton, 2002), it has been suggested that 12-20 examples are needed when trying to obtain the broadest range of information and perspectives on the subject of study (Kuzel, 1992). At the time this research was conducted, there were 46 chain hotel properties in Taiwan and the sample selected totaled 14 hotels, which represents 30.43%of the total population of such hotels. Analysis The findings were presented together because some issues were common to all the respondents and had cause and effect relationship. Fourteen participating hotels identified several main issues namely shortage of employees 100% of the respondents, 64% of the respondents talked of challenges in approach to training and development. While 50% of the respondents emphasized on the high level of employee turnover. Shortage of employees Participants pointed out that the overall education level in Taiwan has risen in the last decade. This has caused a problem to the hospitality firms in recruiting entry level employees. The increased growth of the hospitality industry has made the shortage even worse. Respondents however, believe that at middle level the case is different there is o shortage at this level. However those who hold these positions are not qualified but only fill these positions because a vacancy has to be filled. Shortcoming in Approaches to training and development Most of the employees have no hospitality background this calls for a sophisticated training and development approaches. Nevertheless, some hoteliers believe that that is not a major problem because they believe that skills can be gained on job training. High level of employee turnover Participants pointed out that this was unavoidable because of the nature of the hospitality industry. In certain cases the turnover might be positive to the industry as it may remove de-motivated staff. Respondents also pointed out that older employees led to lack of innovation, infusion of fresh ideas and creation in the firm. Discussion From the in depth interviews it can be argued that challenges in training and development, inadequate employees and problems in internship employment can be attributed to customer service quality discussed in the literature. Kuzel, (1992) argues that employing interns is a solution to the shortages in the hospitality sector. Interns provide stable employment especially at the entry level. Some hotels just view interns as supportive force as opposed to long term investments. It is recommended that hospitality managers should create a sense of belonging to the interns so that they could come back and work in these establishments. Most participants in this study appeared to accept Hoques (1999) view that the high level of turnover is a fact of life and a regular and acceptable phenomenon in the hospitality industry (Iverson Deery, 1997). In the fact, turnover still can be improved by better management, as long as human resource managers can see it as an opportunity, not just an unavoidable problem. Some researchers have recommended that specific human resource management practices can improve employee satisfaction which in turns minimizes the turnover rate. Empowerment is one of the efficient approaches suggested by many researchers (Enz Siguaw, 2000a, 2000b; Lashley, 1999). They recommended that it is significant to give power to the employees who provide services by focusing on customers needs. Service encounters are the key activity in a customer service business and employees may encounter a lot of diverse unique situations which cannot be covered by the organizational policies and actions (Iverson Deery 1997). If organizations are able to give power to their employees, then they are able to exercise prudence in delivering customer service and do whatever is required to satisfy customers needs (Enz Siguaw, 2000a; Lashley, 1999). It has been disputed that empowered employees also have a propensity to have a strong sense of control and personal worth because they can take liability for the service encounter and have the power to effect customer satisfaction (Lashley, 1999). At another level, it has been recommended that empowered employees are motivated by doing meaningful work that eventually enhances their job satisfaction and reduces the turnover rate s According to Lashley, (1999) as a result of global economic changes there has been increased competition and uncertainty, the firms have to be flexible in employee resourcing and responding to customers. The human resource managers must use methods that give them flexibility to employ employees to respond to variations. This type of employment helps the organization to cut on direct labor cost and also provide flexibility for employees and employers. One of the possible negative characteristic is that dispatching workers have a limited relationship with hotels in which they will work ensuing in low trust and low commitment. These might, in turn, lead to disagreement between direct-hire and dispatching workers, and between management and employees (Kalleberg, 2000). Another likelihood is that it is more expensive to manage the outsourcing activity than initially expected, so that the goal of cost saving is not achieved (Albertson, 2000). The tendency towards flexible working has become inevitable in such a fluctuating environment (Purcell Purcell, 1998), and dispatching is one of the arrangements which are prone to be a permanent dynamic of the hotel industry in the future. While becoming more popular in Taiwan, but there is no rule of the process at the time of writing. It has been argued that it is essential to regulate dispatching employment, because of the complex triangular employment relationship between dispatching company, dispatched worker, and the firm to which they have been dispatched (Kalleberg, 2000; Purcell Purcell, 1998). Conclusion This study set out to find out the contemporary issues in the hospitality industry. Due to its nature the hospitality industry and globalization effect the industry has several contemporary issues. These contemporary issues have a direct impact on the hospitality industry and for that reason they must be strategically managed for these businesses to succeed. This study however lays emphasis on the contemporary issues in human resource management. The findings of this study suggest that many of the participating hotels thinking and mindset are at the operational level, rather than the strategic level. Even though a good number were able to identify particular human resource management issues as vital, it seems that many do not have strategic approaches to deal with these challenges. Equally, although most perceived specific human resource management functions and practices as being very important, some of these are not utilized in a complicated way. Some of those interviewed had novel thoughts and creative ideas but had a limited voice or participation in decision-making. It seems that their role is seen as being to go behind the policy that has been already set by top management, rather than being an active voice or head in the organizations thinking. It was very strange for respondents in this study to have a seat at board level or to play a key role in creating and supporting competitive advantages for the business. The interviewer concluded that human resource management is not usually seen as a source of competitive advantage, and many look forward to maintain competitiveness mainly through new facilities and amenities. Nonetheless, Ottenbacher and Gnoth (2005) have argued that the efficiency of a hotels approach to human resource management is just as significant as a source of sustainable advantage. This study has stressed that the highly competitive nature of the industry affects both customers and staff. In particular, talented people are much preferred in a labor-intensive customer service industry. This research has expectantly provided some practical and strategic suggestions for hoteliers to cross the gap between the operational level and the strategic level of thinking and practice. Nevertheless, it is concluded that hotel owners need to be aware that human resource management must be managed well in order to keep up with changes in the global environment. The human resource management function is no longer one of traditional personnel administration; instead, it must be strategic and proactive in dealing with complicated human resource management issues.

Elements of Childhood in Platos Lysis :: essays research papers

Childhood in the Ancient world was viewed in somewhat of a different light then in the post Greco-Roman world of Europe circa the Medieval age. For this very reason the attitude, language, and style of the writings that are found from the Ancient world must be considered in the context of their time period. Classical Greek writers like Plato comprised extensive works detailing their own teachings through plays or epic poems. Plato commonly would write plays in which his teacher, the famous philosopher Socrates, would commence in extensive dialogue and debate with several other characters. As a student of Socrates, Plato viewed his teacher as a great man who’s teachings were worthy of documentation and most of the present-day knowledge of Socrates’ works are through the writings of Plato. In addition to the philosophical merits of these works, they are also of great importance because they provide the reader with a first-hand look at the attitudes of the Ancient Greeks towards such things as the ancient idea of Childhood.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Lysis,† written by Plato in approximately 380 BCE (the exact year is unknown) is an in depth look, through the teachings of Socrates, at the nature of friendship, desire, usefulness and personal identity. This work is relevant to our course about childhood because the characters in the dialogue that Socrates is speaking with are youths. Socrates reveals through his teachings many of the ancient attitudes towards different aspects of â€Å"childhood.† It is quite apparent that this outlook on children more closely resembles the later ideas of the Renaissance, rather than those found in Medieval history. Due to the obsession with knowledge and learning found in both the Classical and Renaissance eras, those who partook in the learning, the youth of society, held a much higher standing in society than the children of the plague-ridden society of the 14th and early 15th century. This specific work by Plato is particularly interesting and relevant because in the text Socrates talks about childhood in great extent and he seems to have a great appreciation for the young men in Greek society. Socrates also employs a much different style of teaching than that is found in later Judeo-Christian society of Europe. Plato describes this method with great admiration as he writes, â€Å"Socrates maintains his character of a 'know nothing;' but the boys have already learned the lesson which he is unable to teach them, and they are free from the conceit of knowledge.

The Organisational Structure, Culture and Management Style of Sainsbury

The Organisational Structure, Culture and Management Style of Sainsbury A1.How the organisational structure, culture and management style inter-relates in the business and evaluate their impact and that of ICT on the performance of the business. The organisational structure in which Sainsbury’s uses is how Sainsbury’s move the ranks from highest to lowest. For Sainsbury’s to not have levels of different hierarchy then it would not give anybody a rank, which would make the aims of Sainsbury’s not do well in terms of not having someone to be a manager and manage all the staff and make decisions. Without the chain of command workers would be lost and would not know what to do. The way in which the hierarchal structure works for Sainsbury’s is that they have one Manager who looks after all of the operational staff by making the decisions of what they should do and guiding them with any queries or problems. The hierarchal structure in which Sainsbury’s has yet not been put down in terms of not working as they are very good in their selling of products and fails not to impress by being one of the most popular product chains in the UK as well as making a lot of profit on there way to success. The management style in which Sainsbury’s uses is autocratic where as explained before that there is only one manager on the store floor who watches over the other operational staff who are making orders from customers and serving the customers at the tills, also f...