How is religion a human response in the search for meaning? Essay

Every culture has some kind of religion, and all faiths answer the question â€Å"What is the meaning of life?† Humanity’s search for an answer to this question is one of the main reasons that people are drawn to religion. The answers, although different from religion to religion, give people’s lives purpose, meaning, and hope. Religion is found in all ages and all cultures. Its principles and values have given motivation and guidance to every human society. The function of religion in a society is often to explain to people their primal origins, the nature of life, the function and aims of life and reasons for living. Religion is just one of many answers to the questions that most human beings spend their lives searching for. Maybe that’s why so many strongly religious people are so at peace with themselves and with the world. Everyone’s looking for meaning in life, from all kinds of different sources. It’s human nature to want connection, a sense of belonging to something greater than ourselves, and a sense of community. This is derived from the human characteristic of curiosity. We want connection to our pasts and our heritage. We want answers to the big questions: Where do we come from? What’s the meaning of life? Why do good people suffer? Why is evil often rewarded? Religion provides solutions to many of these questions, to those who believe, but it also provides many new questions. Religion is a human response to the search for meaning for some people, but ultimately all are looking for the answers. Whether their path is through religion, obsessive meditation, staring at crystals, running 47 kilometers a day or talking to walls, everyone has to come to their answers on their own terms. Some people use religion for this purpose. When trying to find answers to life’s mysteries, religious impulse begins. When the mystery is understood, you come to understand the religious life as more as a quest than a destination. Steve Tyler of Aerosmith once sang â€Å"Life’s a journey, not a destination†. Maybe life is a journey of the search for meaning, its not something that your trying to accomplish, more something that you work through and once you’ve reached it then its over, which seems so much more purposeful than simply spending each day killing time. The study of philosophy seeks to develop intellectual abilities important for life as a whole. Properly pursued, philosophy enhances analytical, critical and interpretive capacities that may be applied to any academic field. In a world where religion often plays a central role in political, social and even economic events, there is a vital need for an ongoing critical analysis, reflection and understanding of religious traditions, issues and ideas. Taken together, philosophy and religious studies develops how to critically examine, analyze and appreciate these traditions and ideas. Proverbs 4:7 says â€Å"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.† To me this seems to state that to understand something, one must have knowledge and astuteness of the subject. Therefore maybe the philosophy of religion is the path to realisation†¦ Religion is a source of meaning because it provides a way of addressing such diverse foundational questions as those raised by the facts of life and death or the very existence of the universe. Even more importantly, in terms of the meaning of everyday life, all religions provide a value structure within which the quality of human life or human progress can be measured. Religion acknowledges the validity of the quest for human happiness and all religions claim to be able to offer a map that traces the path by which happiness can be attained. All religions provide a sense of personal identity within which human life  can be structured. They also provide a social context that allows us to understand ourselves as part of a community with rights and responsibilities to that community and ways of relating to other communities. Obviously it is possible to find alternative ways of shaping one’s personal and social identity. However, history suggests that there are few ways that can match religion in catering for this key requirement in the search for meaning.

Geoffrey Chaucer’s the Wife of Bath Essay

â€Å"The Wife of Bath’s Prologue and Tale explore many aspects of patriarchy – and sometimes reveal surprising attitudes within the tale and prologue.† Discuss. Geoffrey Chaucer’s the Wife of Bath is a text which is interwoven with references to Patriarchy and unanticipated attitudes towards the social backdrop in which it was created. Written in a period where males dominated the hierarchy, Chaucer through the Wife portrays the reversal of traditional roles, and a sense of rebellion and feministic instincts which at the time appeared extraordinary: â€Å"His poetic sensibility, combined with an immense understanding about men and women, enabled him to survey the life about him with such imaginative insight and power.† (Bennet 74) Throughout the Canterbury Tales, Chaucer speaks with remarkable authority on a huge range of subjects. This is perhaps made possible by the assortment of characters from all areas of society which travel on the pilgrimage. Alisoun’s character is perhaps best encapsulated in the manner of her entrance to the Tales. Clothed in the finest garments, her â€Å"hosen weven of fyn scarlet need†, well-travelled and â€Å"carteyn so wroth†, the Wife: â€Å"Strides into the Canterbury Tales on a large horse, spurs jangling, and ready to assert herself in a company made up almost entirely of men†¦ She is a medieval housewife who is not just going to star in a story, she is going to tell it.† (Reading the Wife’s Prologue and Tale) A far cry from the meek and submissive maidens so often portrayed in classic literature and fables prior to this; the Wife is independent, liberated and outspoken. The Wifes’ relationship to the men in her life is often one of total domination and manipulation. She enjoys â€Å"maistyre† over her male counterparts: Unne the mught they the statut holde In which that they were bounden un to me Ye woot wel what I mean of this, pardee! As help me God, I laughe whan I thynke How piteously a- nyght I made hem swynke. The Wife governs many aspects of her husbands’ lives, and rules with special sovereignty in the bedroom. Her sexual powers are and obvious source of seduction and control over her lovers. Very much a humanistic text, the Canterbury Tales constantly remind the reader of the complexity of the human character. One example of this could be the Knight, the embodiment of â€Å"chivalrye, Trouthe and honour, freedom and curteisye† in the hierarchy of society at the time. At first he appears to fit the specification perfectly. The however subtle passing motion which slightly removes the Knight from this brave and righteous tradition is left with us when he is described as â€Å"meke as a mayde†. Chaucer understood the depth of personality in each individual, and that a stereotype is never applicable. His characters almost always only very nearly fit the stereotype, and leave us scope to remain unconvinced about the rest. This refusal to comply with what many would describe as the one dimensional and traditional Fairytale characters allows for the issues of patriarchy to be discusses liberally. Interestingly, even at points of text which reflect a relaxed and conversational tone, the Wife constantly feels the requirement to reemphasise and argue her point with references to astrology and biblical references. These biblical references however are often contorted to suit the Wife’s requirement in the argument. For example the term from Genesis 1:22,28 â€Å"Go forth and multiply† is used as an excuse for the remarriage of the wife. This control and knowledge of the Church’s text represent a disregard to Patriarchal structures at many levels. The male governed Church, with its male oriented texts and belief systems for the Wife especially represent the oppression of men. For Alisoun the structures of literature, religion and authority are connected in that they represent male dominance. The Wife of Bath however cannot be totally classified as a pro feminist character. At many levels her dishonest, manipulative nature reinforces the common negative conceptions of anti- feminism at the time. Hansen (cited in Beidler) claims that this anti-feminist discourse mentioned above is less of a product of archness towards patriarchal literature. â€Å"Instead she is trapped in a ‘prison house’ of anti-feminist discourse. She is unable to see that her tactics simply reinforce all the stereotypical Medival ideas about women as cruel, emotional, and sexually voracious. Chaucer therefore is seen as reinforcing antifeminist views rather than undermining them.† Alisoun provides a vessal through which thousands of years of antifeminist literature are regurgitated with a revised purpose and tone of archness. One example of this method comes in Alisoun’s first words to the group, a repeat of earlier rhetoric (Awkroyd): Expeience, though no autoritee, Were in this world, is right ynogh for me To speak of woe that is in marriage. Peter Awkroyd (2005) believes that Chaucer â€Å"uses much of the antifeminist literature of the period but, by placing it in the Wife’s capacious mouth, he lends it a new and ironic lease of life.† The Wife’s five marriages on the outset portray a sense of calculated systematic marrying for the advancement of wealth and power. However, it could be argued that Alison was more than simply a ruthless professional. There are arguments that the fourth, and especially the fifth husband Jenkin, captured her love and stood in more than equal stead with their spouse: â€Å"That al myn herte I yaf unto his hold/ He was, I trowe, a twenty winter oold, and I was fourty.† Although the true love described by Chaucer at first appears conformal to the description of traditional literature, as often the case in the Tales, there is a cause for disease. In this case the context in which the romance begins, the burial ceremony of husband number four, Alisoun covets the younger page boy and her future husband. In Jankin, Alisoun finds a man to which she is willing to submit. Cruel, abusive, manipulative this husband domineers the relationship, physically, emotionally and sexually. At this stage the once immovable opposition to patriarchy admits that he partner â€Å"so well koude he me glose†. Furthermore the Wife admits that it is this form of denial and subornation in a relationship which causes women to crave what they cannot have: â€Å"wait what†¦crave† The dictatorship of Jenkin is further developed by Minnis, who claims Jenkin: â€Å"read aloud to her (translating from his anthology of antifeminist texts – It could be said then that she has learned at home, from her husband – how acquiescent and submissive can one get?† (Minnis 249) The Wife of Bath’s Tale and Prologue, as a text which attempts to examine Patriarchy, the attitudes portrayed are purposely less definable. Often categorised as either a feminist or anti- feminist text, The Wife of Bath is a complex mixture between the two. Chaucer, as always does not provide specific or obvious attitudes to these hierarchies and relationships. Instead, like his characters he provides us with an insightful cross- section of the Patriarchal society in which he existed. Reference List Awkroyd, Peter. ‘The Tales of Canterbury.’ Chaucer. London: Vintage, 2005. 150 – 53. Beidler, Peter G. Geoffrey Chaucer: The Wife of Bath. New York: Bedford Books, 1996. Bennet, H.S. ‘Chaucer.’ Oxford History of English Literature: Chaucer and the Fifteenth Century. Ed. F.P Wilson and Bonamy Dobrà ©e. London: Oxford, 1947. 74 – 75. Minnis, Alastair. ‘Chapter 4 Gender as Fallibility.’ Fallible Authors: Chaucer’s Pardonerand Wife of Bath. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2008. 249. ‘Reading the Wife of Bath’s Prologue and Tale.’ York Notes Advanced: The Wife of Bath’s Prologue and Tale. London: Longman, 1998. 3 – 10.

What is Corporate Taxation Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

What is Corporate Taxation - Assignment Example To fund Napoleonic Wars, William Pitt The Younger incorporated the simple process of taxation in Britain in the budget of 1798. And hence the tradition carries on. History of Corporate Tax: In the Finance Act of 1965, the process of uniform taxation for individuals and corporates was abolished and separate Corporate Taxation was started. It is currently governed by the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988, which has also undergone amendment. Advance Corporation Tax (ACT) and its abolition: The advance Corporation Act introduced in 1976 came as a blow to corporates as dividends paid by the corporates were highly and disproportionately taxed. 0n 6 the April 1999, it was abolished by Mr. Gordon Brown, the then vice chancellor of the Exchequer, who is none other than the Prime Minister of Great Britain today. Reduction of Rates by Gordon Brown In 1999: In the budget of 1999 Gordon Brown introduced a more efficient and proportionate taxing system or rate according to the volume of profits, as in opposition to an age-old system of 1965. A budget of 2002: It scrapped the tax on companies earning profits up to 10000 pounds and that witnessed a huge growth in the number of self-employed and small-scale industries. It is still perceived to be a major step in the UK's Corporate Taxation history. (Darmon, 2008) Adoption of Ethical and more scientific Appraisal standards: IFRSs or International Financial Reporting Standards was adopted by European Union in 2005 and hence as well as the UK to promote transparency in taxation system and hence benefited the corporates in general. (Nardi, 2005)Â   Finance Act of 2004: The first of its kind, it promoted the use of legal anti Tax Avoidance Schemes among Corporates. (Public Sector Information, 2004) Finance Act of 2005: For the need of higher revenues, Oil, Gas & Life Insurance companies were targeted in this budget and laws were implemented forcing them to pay lump sum tax installments and that cost these companies heavily. (Public Sector Information, 2005)

How to extend and enchance a childs learning Essay

How to extend and enchance a childs learning - Essay Example Basing from relevant information and sources of knowledge, this case study shall attempt to identify ways of enhancing learning on ‘Child A’. The case shall also shed light on relevant theories on learning, and how they contribute to enhancing learning on ‘Child A’. The case study shall also attempt to relate the learning theories to classroom situation of ‘Child A’, as well as conducting an assessment on brain, gender, race, and environment, and contribution in learning. ‘Child A’ is a five year old male of Somali origin. He is newly arrived to the U.K. from Norway (6 months) and has never been to school in England before. He comes from a large family of Mother, Father, two older siblings, male of 9 years and female of 7 years and then two younger female siblings of 3 years and 6 months old. Only father and two older siblings are English speaking in the family, therefore, most of their conversation in the homes is in Somali language. He started in reception in September and is already making excellent progress considering his initial lack of English. From the above background information, it is an obvious assumption that the tutor needs to come up with methods that ‘child A’ of Somali origin will acquire concepts taught in the learning environment. The move for supporting the student must be in concurrence with active learning of the child. As evident in the work compiled by Kay (2005), and Wigfield & Wentzel (2009), direct input in the child’s learning solely depends on the communication mechanisms applied in the school setting. It is evident that once a child attends school, they receive instruction with different languages in different settings, as well as receive instruction from a dissimilar source, as opposed to their parents or caregivers. Additionally, Arnold (2005) and Golper (2012) caution that in an event that the caregivers completely shift focus to the educators, learning may not take

Stages of Business development Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Stages of Business development - Research Paper Example DISCUSSION Stage 1: Existence -This stage can be duly considered as the initial phase of a business wherein a new thought or an idea is developed for starting up a new enterprise. This stage includes various aspects such as emerging challenges of market acceptance, creating a distinctive business focus and sourcing of capital to enter into diverse markets among others. In relation to this particular stage, businesses may often face a problem concerning gaining greater satisfaction level of customers as well as delivering end products. Businesses or establishment in the existence stage thrive for raising customer acceptance and amplifying business reputation. Companies like Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Apple Inc. are planning to launch new products or appliances for the customers in future. This can be duly considered as a new business idea which may provide with lot of valuable inputs to the overall mobile and telephony industry by a certain degree (Churchill and Lewis, â€Å"T he Five Stages of Small Business Growth†). Thus, Samsung and Apple can fit into this stage. Stage 2: Survival -This stage is mainly applicable for those businesses that have been able to survive in this competitive landscape. In this stage, a particular company actually takes the higher leap of development as well as growth in the competitive market in full motion. This phase provides a business with numerous opportunities in terms of earning significant profits and also creating a positive image in front of the customers. For instance, nutrition based company i.e. The Kellogg Company had achieved considerable amount of growth and is still surviving in this competitive landscape. This might be owing to the reason of offering better product quality and cheaper product price among others (Churchill and Lewis, â€Å"The Five Stages of Small Business Growth†). Thus, Kellogg’s can fit into this stage. Stage 3: Success- It is a particular stage wherein every business s trives to attain. In this phase, a business becomes quite mature and acquires a powerful position in the market. This stage eventually makes a business to attain a favorable position in front of the consumers with regard to goodwill and brand image. For instance, companies like Cadbury and Nestle S.A. have established themselves as premier chocolate varieties resulting in gaining greater success in this competitive business setting (Churchill and Lewis, â€Å"The Five Stages of Small Business Growth†). Thus, Cadbury and Nestle can fit into this stage. Stage 4: Take-off -In this particular stage, a company looks forward to enter into new business dimensions with prime objective of increasing its profitability and brand image and thus endeavors to achieve a take-off position. Considering, this particular stage, a new market segment or a portion of an existing establishment ensures to achieve growth and profit by implementing effectual marketing strategies (Sullivan 1-40). For e xample, the company i.e. Frito-Lay is undergoing its expansion stage as the company is introducing new variances in the flavor of its flagship product i.e. Potato Chips. By introducing new flavors in its product, the company wants to cater to huge figure of consumers and also to achieve higher growth rate in the global business markets (Churchill and Lewis, â€Å"The Five Stages of Small Business Growth†). Thus, Frito-Lay can fit into this stage. Stage 5: Resource maturity - It is a particul

Nonconsequentialist Theories Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Nonconsequentialist Theories - Essay Example The essay "Nonconsequentialist Theories" talks about the Non Consequentialist theories that state that consequences should not find their way into our moral judgments. It means that actions are to be judged good or right in line with other criteria i.e. divine command or intuitions. They are categorized as; Act non-consequential theories and Rule non-consequentialist theories.Rule Non-Consequentialist theories are of the idea that blanket rules should be employed to govern the society since they will introduce a greater good. One of the major examples in Rule Non-Consequential theory is the divine command theory that claims that our only source of morality or moral authority is from a higher source, a spiritual deity like God. On the real world, an example is the adherers of the Catholic Church. Many of these followers base their moral values on what is written in the Bible. They believe whatever the scripture says or its interpretation by the church leaders to be moral. Two examples are the Catholic Church’s opposition to birth control and homosexuality. These stands would never be agreed upon by secular reasoning alone, it takes religion. Act Non-Consequentialist Theories are of the idea that we should not employ general or blanket rules but act on a case by case basis. The theory states that only individual acts and situations count morally. The theory is against generalization since every situation is different. They are based on emotions and intuitions to be able to come up with moral conclusions.

Restate Goals Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Restate Goals - Essay Example Strategic goals and objectives involve a twin accomplishment: accomplish strategy formulation and strategy implementation in order to accomplish a connection between the firm and its environment. This is why strategy content, environmental scanning and corporate social responsibility. The manager must decide who are his good competitors and who are his bad competitors in the specific industry circumstances in which he competes. A key part of this policy-making process is the skill at predicting what his competitors are doing. Prediction is a vital practice because competitors, both good and bad, are not standing still. Management has a continuing and virtually inexhaustible obligation to its shareholders to increase the residual value of the corporation, rather than to increase the wealth of any other group of stakeholders, and that is the fundamental difference between the claims of other stakeholders and the claims of the shareholders to the board's decisions. Management's duty to the other stakeholders is finite, defined by contract, the law of torts, or governmental rules, and needs simply to be satisfied (Campbell 1997). Corporate goals and objectives are closely connected with organizational development embracing a wide range of intervention strategies into the social processes of an organization and involve the application of organizational behavior. Questions for discussion and training exercise: 1. Examine goals and objectives of each company. Name advantages and disadvantages of these strategies. 2. Image you are a CEO of the company. How can you restate corporate goals and objectives identified by three companies Why do you make these changes 3. Your task is to plan organizational performance according to goals and objectives. (a) Is it easy to plan organizational development strategies using these goals and objectives Explain. (b) Identify the main areas of growth and development using companies' corporate goals and objectives. Discussion Section Three organizations selected for analysis are the Alaska Railroad, HP and Nestle. These companies were selected for analysis because the yare global leaders in their industries operating of the global scale. Question: What do you know about these companies Can you identify the main similarities and differences between these giants Nestle, a leader in food industry, has the following corporate goals and objectives: " Nestl's corporate objective is to be the world's largest and best branded food manufacturer, whilst ensuring that the Nestl name is synonymous with products of the highest quality" (Nestle Corporate Objectives 2007)

Free Trade during the Rise of Capitalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Free Trade during the Rise of Capitalism - Essay Example Witte introduced industrialized capitalism in Russia believing that it establishes competition and free trade which then results in development bringing prosperity to the individuals. The capitalists, Smith and Witte being on top of the list, strongly believed that competition and free-trade provides not only the earning opportunities to both the businessmen and the laborers but also the quality driven affordable products to the consumers. In their point of view a happier and successful individual will give rise to a happier and successful nation and country. The father of the free-market capitalism, Adam Smith further mentioned in his book, "The Wealth of Nation", that "It is not by gold or silver, but by labor, that all the wealth of the world was originally purchased" (Smith, 1776). The basic message expressed by Smith in "The Wealth of Nation" can be simplified as life is all about give and take. Somebody's necessities or luxuries fulfill other man's necessities or luxuries. This means that not only the laborer fulfills his demands by working for the business owner but also the business owner fulfills his demands by providing work to the laborer. This is how people are dependent on each other. Such collaborative efforts of the people of a nation bring harmony and success to them. The other very common concept explaine... This approach of monopoly can be restrained by having competition in the market. The business man will never lower its supply or production knowingly that it will benefit his competitor instead of him. The competition thus, reinforces the benefit of the consumer providing him better products within lesser prices. This approach of competition via capitalism by Smith inspired Sergei Witte who then implemented it in Russia and thereby, brought advancement and development in Russia. But in contrast to Smith, who emphasized over free market, Witte proposed protectionism in his capitalistic vision. In free market, government does not intervene in the market instead it just regulates the market against fraud or corruption. Only property rights are protected by the government with no regulation, subsidization, single monetary system, and governmental monopolies. Whereas Protectionism is the economic policy adopted by the government to impose barriers to trade. Protectionism is also referred as fair trade by it supporters. It is meant to protect the domestic industry from foreign competitors by imposing tariffs, subsidies, import quotas, or other restrictions or handicaps placed on the imports of foreign competitors. Capitalism was strongly condemned by Karl Marx a nineteenth century philosopher, economist, journalist, and revolutionary. He mentioned in his work, "The Communist Manifesto" that "Economic Competition and the pursuit of self-interest created only anguish, inequality, and the exploitation by the "haves" of the "have-nots"." (Marx, 1848) This argument was then perceived by many illustrating that capitalism limit the power and wealth in the hands of few people belonging to the elite

The Complexities of Gendered, Sexualized and Racialised Violence and Essay

The Complexities of Gendered, Sexualized and Racialised Violence and the response of criminal law and criminal justice - Essay Example Similarly, the general establishment is that women contribute to a minor share of all crimes that are less professional in character and, less grave ensuing in their lesser representation in the criminal justice system. The position, therefore, is that gender can be of a larger statistical importance in the differentiation involving criminals and non-criminals as compared to any other trait. Gender and sexuality in criminality and criminal law justice The aspect of gender is an extremely serious issue in children upbringing, with distinction found in the way boys and girls socialize and stereotypical idea concerning gender suitable behaviors for females and males. This is position is revealed in socialization and is to blame for the criminal activities of females and males, relatively than biologically associated sex dissimilarity. While female socialization considered highlighting compliance, the deviant activities of males put up with and even overlooked and exempted. Objectives an d behaviors expectant for males considered to have a lot in agreement with criminal actions, with individual distinctiveness encouraged in the course of socialization into the masculine gender position, like aggression, considered exciting and tough, considerations necessary for participation in crime . Crime is considered as representatively masculine and maleness as providing the reason for crime. The position is that feminine violent behavior frequently judged further severely than masculine aggression since it reveals a superior deviation from the feminine social norms. Violent women, particularly, have to be consequently mentally not well, or imitating men since, it deviates from the feminine norms. The argument puts forward the belief that feminine offenders socialized wrongly into the masculine gender roles4. A number of explanations for this position have been obtained from the principal that feminine criminal activity has increased in tandem with the better liberation of women and an obvious masculinization of female behavior in general. Amplified offending considered foreseeable as hurdles that confined male privileges fell apart and socially defined sexually categorized roles became progressively more alike. Women’s amplified participation in criminal activities considered then as a purpose of them more often taking on conventionally male personality. Socializa tion, Biological and masculine clarifications of feminine offending cling to their center that criminal activities is a male action and that by meaning consequently, feminine offenders ought to be more masculine. Even though, the position may appear more naive, the concept has confirmed pleasantly clear-cut particularly for the media, the notion has shown to be a compelling justification for even current evident increases in feminine criminal involvement. It is imperative to note that the inspiration for offending is possibly diverse for offenders doing different types of offences. An example is that property offenders further probably motivated by financial achievement, brutal offenders likely driven by expressive desires. In consideration to masculinity, an individual might hypothesize that aggression and violence in essence involve a superior level of masculinity, undoubtedly portraying a greater deviation from all right

Issues, Theories & Practice in Organizational Behavior (Hospitality Essay

Issues, Theories & Practice in Organizational Behavior (Hospitality Industry) - Essay Example s by proposing ways through which the hotel can use to improve the human resource aspect while adopting the globalization trend moving into the future. Globalization can be defined as a way through which companies move from the native countries and start their operations in other countries. It entails several aspects like operations, products among others. It can be identified as a means through which companies avail their services in many countries around the world. In recent times, the desire for companies to attain globalization has been on the rise. Going international makes many companies discover new markets. In the hospitality industry, the globalization trend has been extensively employed as there are numerous hotels within this industry which have an international outlook. The demand for high standards of hospitality services can be identified as the global feature driving these companies towards globalization. The demand for hospitality services has been on the rise as international business increases across the globe. The rate of movement by people around the world has increased tremendously in the 21st century. The demand for hospitality services like hotel rooms continues to increase annually as the years progress. Hotels continue to expand their services in the aim of satisfying their clients. Loyal clients of hotels have been the main reason for the desire to globalize within the hospitality industry. The competition within the industry continues to rise as new organizations come into the market (Aaker, pg 5). Globalization has become the new way to create an extra market for the organization within the hospitality industry. The creation of an international brand is crucial for many organizations within this industry. People travel from numerous places in the world, and with an international brand, a hotel can easily sell the name once it enters into the new market. While creating an internationally recognized brand is an essential requirement for

Cultural Differences In Education Essay Example for Free

Cultural Differences In Education Essay It has been a widely known fact that the cultures differ in their educational goals and there is major difference in this respect when Asian and American cultures are taken into consideration. However there are several positives and negatives in both form of cultures in terms of cultural difference in education but at the same time it could be stated that each culture can learn the positive aspect from the other to proceed towards the betterment of the generations to come. The topic would be evaluated and analyzed with explicit connections back to writings of Ho in Cross-Cultural Roots of Minority Child Development in your paper. Since family is such a basic and vital social unit in all societies, persons of all political persuasions have at-times visceral opinions about what things promote the institution and what forces degrade it. In the United States, conservatives and liberals view family very differently. In extended families, more than two generations of the same kinship line lived together, either in the same residence or in nearby dwellings as mostly in Asian family structure. All adults in these extended families shared responsibility for child-rearing which is distinctly different from the Western method. This important social change would have profound effects on how children were raised. In their book Cross-Cultural Roots of Minority Child Development Greenfield and Cooking mention that â€Å"the key fact about human culture is its intergenerational transmission through the socialization process. Socialization is used in the broadest sense to include informal education in the family as well as formal education†. (Greenfield, 1994) According to David Y F Ho in his text Cognitive Socialization in Confucian heritage cultures he mentions that family and community subjects are part of the curriculum. The kids know that we are all different. These same youngsters also know we are all alike in other ways. In today’s society the American people represent many different cultures. Each one has its own viewpoint, traditions, values and political ideas. The challenge is to cement them all together as one. The multicultural education system is the way to go. Not only does it educate the children. The kids go home and pass the information on to their parents and other siblings. Also the teacher learns as the lesson is delivered. Thus, all of society begins to learn about each others, each other. Culture can be defined as the way a particular group of people, live their lives at a certain time. The question we are waiting for is what can Asian and American cultures learn from another? American Civilization is basically a multi cultural objective that has the essence of freedom and opportunity. There are multi strata perspectives of history and history without these layers becomes meaningless academic foliage. These layers of history could be defined as perspective and perceptions related to politics, economic, sociology, cultural and religious. Without the intervention or analysis of these subjects and subsequent incorporation and investigation in accordance to these subjects history would be wrongly incepted. Thus the streamline of education in this regard stands in a midpoint where the system demands an open format to enable maximum space available. This is where Asian culture of philosophy and self development can excel and help the overall perspective of the American education and thereby influence the way of life in the positive aspects. On the other hand it can be said that the Asian perspective of like and attitude towards education appears to be some what rigid and outdated. In this context the implementation of American system of education would certainly be beneficial for the future generations to come. So it can be said that it is eastern philosophy for the Americans and the American system for the Asians and thus a confluence would be formed that would be beneficial for all. However in the modern world the perception and goal of education and its purpose is guided by a large number of variables and can be termed as heavily accountable to the society as a whole. One such variable can be enumerated as the financial factor that is involved in the comparatively higher strata of education system. Standers are set and limitations are imposed regarding the social, economical and financial variables. To precede the higher range of education a subject needs the accumulation of finance. The subject needs to incorporate it in the respective educational institution that has other obligations too like lodgings and such other detailed expenses. For the accumulation of this finance, therefore, the subject must work out a method like part time job which would simultaneously curb away valuable study time and energy. Thus the end purpose of education would be lost by a margin in the process. Moreover there are family obligation whereby an individual is forced to provide for the family in terms of both economics and social quality timings. This also depletes the purpose or end goal of education where it becomes difficult to pursue the availability of education in the first place. (Lamb, 2004) However, the norms of the society are high and difficult to achieve but one must achieve it at the end by formulating the individual priorities in accordance to his or her needs. It should be understood that the education or knowledge is a power in certain senses and to achieve this power one needs to pay a price. This price may be in form of economy or social obligations like devoting time for the family. The idea of education a tool of power has been recognized down the ages. At the time of slavery in the United States slaves were barred from education. This helped their owners to operate them in a better and effective manner as the slaves were unable to conceptualize the actual situation and outcome in a proper manner. More so they were not able to estimate the brighter opportunities of tomorrow thereby were locked in the pothole of slavery. This was just one example how education develops the human mind or being deprived of education depletes it. If this example is taken into account and exercised in practical ways of the modern world the same would stand to be true as the motive of education is to yield awareness and awareness can be utilize into harvesting success. However it should be noted that the main concern is the individual and it is up to the individual who would be responsible in the end to formulate an individual time and energy management process. The society does have its share of obligations but the achievement of an individual must sort a way out beyond limitations. Nothing should be considered as a free meal in this existence of modern world and it is determination of an individual that would be instrumental in achieving the target in the end. All in all it can be stated that the end purpose of education is to prepare a person to deal with all seen and unseen problems and overcome them. References: Greenfield, Patricia M Cocking Rodney edited; 1994; Cross-Cultural Roots of Minority Child Development; Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers; Hillsdale, New Jersey Hove, UK Lamb, Davis; 2004; Cult to Culture: The Development of Civilization on the Strategic Strata; National Book Trust.

What determinants affect remittance trends and patterns in Ethiopia

What determinants affect remittance trends and patterns in Ethiopia Migration by its nature has negative impacts to the emigrant countries through brain drain especially to the developing one. (HDR, 2009) states that mobility of skilled human power harms the economy of the origin country especially for small states and poor countries. Apart from the economic point, there are also other associated problems that cant be measured in terms monetary aspects. People move within their country or cross their borders with the hope of getting better opportunities benefiting the people migrating, their families as well as their areas of origin and destination (HDR, 2009). Though it is not an easy task to come through different challenges, there are many people who combine their efforts and talents to expand their opportunities by moving into other better areas. Successful immigrants keep connected with their home country and send what is usually expected from them. The benefits could be direct remittance sent to family or for other purposes and could also be in other multidimensional effects such as technology transfers, brain gain and help strengthen diplomatic efforts in their destination and international stages. (HDR, 2009) argued that moving generally brings benefits most directly in the form of remittance sent to immediate family members, thereby generating jobs for local workers as multiplier effect and behavioural changes in response to ideas from abroad. The benefits even go beyond this by increasing investment level of their origin. Further, the same report states that at the place of origin, impacts can be seen in income and consumption, education, health and broader cultural and social process. Moreover, the macro impact can be visibly seen in the countries foreign currency reserves. This is because foreign currency reserve is one of the most important components for economic growth of developing countries. Murinde, 1993 ac cited in Elsakka and Mcnabb (1999) argued that remittances are major sources of foreign exchange for man y developing countries where its limited availability acts as a major constraint on economic development programmes and stabilization policy. For countries like Ethiopia which witnessed shortage of foreign reserves for the last three years, it is so crucial to think about how national policy can be made favourable for remittance flow. The increase in remittance not only helps in solving the foreign reserve crunch but also contributes to poverty reduction programmes through the increase of consumption at household level, encouraging investment, creating additional savings to the economy and through other multiplier effects. However, too much remittance could make the economy dependent on it which will affect the diversification of the economy for export and production. McCormick and Wahba (2000) argued that one of the drawbacks of remittance for the receiving country could beDutch Diseaseas the economy of the home country can weaken as a result of receiving remittance. Further, the d ependency on remittance could make the economy susceptible to external shocks that could decline the flow of remittance as happened in 2009 global economic downturn. But still remittance has been less volatile to external shocks than other sources of capital such as export, FDI and foreign aid in the same period when there was decline in capital flows to developing countries in the global financial crises. Remittance could be more stable than private capital flows, and that they might even provide a stabilizing element during periods of financial instability (Buch and Kuckulenz, 2004). In anyway, for countries like Ethiopia which badly needs capital inflows, this shouldnt be a concern as the country is suffering from shortage of foreign currency reserve for importing basic and capital goods. Further, dependency on remittance wouldnt be a threat as the country is progressing economically by diversifying its exports and attracting more FDI ever. Recipients however should also consider the availability of these funds could develop a continuing trend of migration of working age population (ibid: 2004). Remittance therefore could be incentives for the working age population and for the educated ones to migrate which in turn affects the overall growth of the economy in the long run. The main focus of this study will be on matters associated with remittance and its determinants. International remittances refer to the money and goods that are transmitted to households by migrant workers outside their origin countries (World Bank). The Remittance industry is one of the multi-billion industries in the world which helps countries get foreign currency from different sources abroad. The volume of remittance flow is increasing in many folds from year to year especially starting from the 1990s. The amount has shown an increase of ____fold from __ in _____to 316 billion USD in 2009 (WB, 2009). Globalization, decreasing cost of transfers and the increase in technology usage in the business could contribute for the faster increase in the flow. Remittances have been identified as the third pillar of development as their volume is second to foreign direct investment and higher than overseas development assistance.  [1]  Remittance enables income redistribution between persons and across sectors, increases consumption in excess of locally generated income and is used as source of additional capital fund (Lucas and Stark, 1985). It is for this big reason that governments have been taking different initiatives for increasing the proportion of capital flows to their account and actually the business has increased tremendously for the last few years. Its importance is inevitable especially for those developing countries which often suffer due to short of hard currency. Since 2008, developing countries have experienced foreign currency crises which in some of them resulted in shutting down businesses, high inflation, increasing the poverty level which in turn led to clashes between government and ordinary people. The World Banks official data shows that remittance flows to developing countries reached $316 billion in 2009, down 6% from $336 billion in 2008 but is expected to increase by 6.2% to $335 billion in 2010 (World Bank, 2010). Unofficial remittances are believed to be large enough to underestimate the figure of the total remittance flow. Howe ver, Official Development Assistance was three times less than the above figure at the same period. This is not to underestimate the volume of ODA given to developing countries, but to show how much attention is given to ODA than to remittances as sources of capital flows. The same data sources (WB and ODA figures) reveal similar trends for Africa. Some studies on this issue show that remittances have direct implications for the development of developing countries both in household and national level. However, some countries are not giving that much emphasis for changing and increasing remittance flow to their country; if taken, the initiatives are not enough to bring change. Ethiopia like any other developing country needs remittance flow to its account so as to help the countrys overall development. It is one of the countries which passed critical times since 2008 due to hard currency crunch. Still there is no guarantee for this problem. For passing these hard times, the country has been dependent on foreign aid from the IMF to stabilize its economy.  [2]  Further the country has also been one of the main recipients of foreign aid from other sources. Ethiopia stands third next to Iraq and Afghanistan on the list of ODA recipient by taking 3% of the total Official Development Assistance given to developing countries in 2008 (ODA, 2010). This doesnt include the capital flow from China and India which they are becoming another source of capital for Ethiopia and other African countries. However, capital flows to Ethiopia through remittances is very low when compared with the ODA and other unofficial foreign assistance. Official data from the WB shows th at remittance flow was 387 and 383 million USD in 2008 and 2009 respectively. And this flow accounts 1.5% of the GDP as of 2008.  [3]  Even with simple comparison, the remittance flow is four times as low as the amount Kenya receives from the same business. The flow of remittance to Kenya was 1692 and 1572 billion USD in 2008 and 2009 respectively.  [4]  This comparison only shows the gross flow of remittance to Ethiopia and Kenya as my main intention is to look how low the flow to Ethiopia is. To the contrary, in 2005, Ethiopian stock of emigrants was 445,926 and that of Kenya was 427, 324 (WB factbook, 2008) which makes Ethiopia advantageous over the number of people living abroad. There can be other factors that determine remittance flow; however, Ethiopia at least should have benefited more from the gross remittance flow than Kenya depending on the stock of emigrants which the actual trend is the reverse. Even without comparison with any country, the remittance flow to E thiopia is very small. What triggered me to deal with this issue is that; first, the flow of remittance to Ethiopia is much lower than from what I expected. Second, as can be seen from the above comparison with Kenya which they lay in the same geographical, social, economical and political standard in many aspects, Kenya suppressed its East African competitor by four fold in the gross remittance flow and actually Ethiopia should have been benefited more. Third, what is the reason behind this? Where the difference does lays, from the Ethiopian Diaspora or from the national policy? My aim in this study is to look into what are the determinants that made remittance to Ethiopia so low by mainly focusing on the Ethiopian Diasporas patterns of remitting. Research questions: The research problem is already explained above. To deal with the research problem, this study will focuses on the following research questions: What are the determinants that affect remittance trends and patterns of the Ethiopian immigrants in Sweden? What are the factors that affect remittance flows to Ethiopia? What makes remittance flows to Ethiopia very small? Is it in the national policy related to remittance and capital flows or it is in Ethiopian immigrants? How can this business work better for Ethiopia as source of hard currency? Methodology: The study will apply qualitative method for investigating the research questions. This method is selected based on the appropriateness to the research issues considering the effectiveness of the method to investigate research questions in depth and suitability to the phenomenon. Controversies have raged over the appropriateness of research methods in the social science as whether to use qualitative or other methods (Mikkelsen, 2004:141). Flick, (2009:15) discussed that in scientific discipline; methods become the point of reference for checking the suitability of ideas and issues for empirical investigation and should be appropriately selected and applied. Moreover, the method helps in exploring the actual explanation of facts behind the research problem. However, making generalization based on the findings is difficult as the samples taken for the study are limited in proportion for the intended generalization. (Flick, 2009: 122) asserted that generalization is not in every case the goal of qualitative study. Qualitative study typically focuses on compiling a selection of micro-level case studies which are investigated using a combination of informal interviews, participant observation (Dessai and Potter, 2006:118). It could also include exploring policy documents and other material for complementary purposes. In order to facilitate these all, a case study will be used. This is because case study helps the study to be more specific on the key aspects and focus on the issue. Thus, the research will use Ethiopian immigrants in Stockholm, Sweden as a case study. The target group will be Ethiopians living in Sweden as the writer is also living in Sweden and at the same time Sweden is one of the top favorable destinations of Ethiopian immigrants (Sweden is within top 10 as a stock to Ethiopian immigrants). Interview with selected Ethiopian immigrants in Stockholm will be used for collecting data along with other secondary materials. Semi-structured and open ended q uestions will be prepared for the interviews so as to use the advantage of high degree of flexibility during the interview. Different themes will be created while preparing the interviews so as to structure the different issues and aspects on the remittance trends of the specific interviewee. Sampling Different sampling methods are combined depending on the particular dimension of the issue being considered: different purposive sampling techniques, identification of key informants who possess the particular knowledge sought and also random encounters to cross-check information or highlight yet more differing perspectives on the same problem (Dessai and Potter, 2006:118). By doing so, the researcher will select the appropriate people or target group which will enable the study in getting reliable information. The study will use purposive sampling and key informant selection for interview. The sample will include both male and female interviewees; it will also consider taking those who have investment in Ethiopia and those who dont have, this is because investment is one factor that could affect money flow. In addition to this, the sample will consist people of different backgrounds. Apart from these interviewees, one interview will be held with the head of the economic affairs of E thiopian embassy official if the embassy allows. This will give another perspective to the study. Theoretical framework Theory increases our awareness of interconnections and of the broader significance of data. Without making theory explicit, it is easy to fall into the trap of hazy thinking, faulty logic, and imprecise concepts (Mikkelsen, 2004:156). Indeed, theory helps us to have better understanding of the study prior to the start of the project and connect the findings of the research with the existing knowledge of the issue. It is also sound to link the theory with the empirics of the study throughout the research process. For this big reason the research will use a theoretical framework which suits with the study. The literature available on the subject, determinants of remittance flows from emigrants has almost developed into two thoughts viz. the micro-economic and the macro-economic factors which it meant that most studies have been made on micro-level and macro-level. (Lucas and Stark, 1985; Lucas and Stark, 1988 ; Agarwal and Horowitz, 2002; Adams, 2008; Dustmann and Mestres, 2008; Gupta and Hedge, 2009) could be studies that support the micro-economic thought and (El-sakka and Mcnabb, 1999; Buch and Kuckulenz 2004; Higgins et al, 2004 and Ratha, 2003 ) could be in support of the macro-economic factors. These two theories give their own explanations on what affects the migrants behavior in remitting. For instance, (Lucas and Stark, 1985) in giving the initial model for the micro-economic theory of remittance argued that emigrants are motivated for remitting due to many reasons ranging from pure altruism to self interest including mutual agreements between migrants and family. Moreover, th e models did show that migrants are said to be altruistic if the flow of remittance increased with a decline in family income back home; whilst, if remittance flows are directly related with the family income back home, then they are said to be self-motivated (ibid, 1985). Beyond these two pure factors of altruism and self-interest, (Lucas and Stark, 1985) have also discussed tempered altruism and enlightened self-interest to refer to the remittance motivated by a combination of altruism and self-interest. The combination is meant to show the possibility of remitting based on contractual agreements made between the migrant and the family back home so as to get mutual benefits. Independently after almost two decades of the above theory of Lucas and Stark, (Agarwal and Horowitz, 2002) pointed out that the two primary incentives explored in the remittance literature are altruism and risk sharing (some sort of self interest according to Lucas and Stark, 1985) which is similar concepts t o other literatures but slightly different. In the same theoretical explanation, however, (Quinn, 2005 as cited in Niimi et al, 2009) in contrast, suggested another model of remittance behavior whereby remittance are treated as both consumption transfer to households and as alternative saving mechanism for migrants. Many immigrants use the alternative saving mechanism when they think that they will be back to their country of origin some day in the future. Under such circumstances, immigrants want to own fixed assets that will help them live without any problem upon return. Though it is not usual to see immigrants returning to their country of origin; this increases the flow of remittance. (Dustmann and Mestres, 2008) contended that immigrants return policy increases the probability of remitting more motivated by holding assets and savings in home country for future purposes. Similarly, remittances are also attached with household consumption especially in the altruism concept so as to take care of family in origin country. Depending on these theoretical arguments, it can be said that income of both the household back home and the migrant determines how the remittance flow could be. Income of the migrants has many factors that could affect which otherwise would contribute the lion share in determining how to remit. Buch and Kuckulenz (2004) claimed that microeconomic factors such as education and income level of the migrant and his family are the main determinants of remittance. Briere et al (2002) and Agarwal, Buch and Kuckulenz (2004) also found that migrants destination, gender and household composition are the other factors that affect the flow of remittances. Adams, Guptaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. On the other hand, at the macro-level, factors operating in both the host and the country of origin will affect the flow of remittance (El-sakka and Mcnabb, 1999). However, for countries who would like to maximize the capital inflow it looks difficult to frame policies based on the different factors of the host country as it is out of their control. Indeed, the factors in the host country are important components behind the motivation of the remitter as these factors affect the remitters income status. These are related with economics nature of the host country which have direct impact upon wages earned by the migrants and this in turn will determine their won consumption and saving behavior and thus the potential amount to be remitted. This type of experience can be easily found from the 2009 global financial crises which affected the income of migrants and eventually decreased the capital inflow to developing countries. The decrease in remittance to developing countries in this per iod has bitterly affected those countries which depend on remittance for their national foreign currency reserve. This gave these countries a message to review their remittance related policies and diversify their source of capital funds. El-sakka and Mcnabb, (1999) suggested that macro-economic factors such as interest rates, exchange rates and political instability of the country of origin affects the behavior of remitters. Accordingly, they argue that macro-economic factors should be suitable enough so as to encourage remittance flows to the country of origin. For these reasons countries would like to make exchange rates competitive by depreciating their own currencies with the intention of attracting more capital inflows, but sometimes it is associated with risk of bringing high inflation rate for the country. El-sakka and Mcnabb, (1999) on their part argued that higher inflation could discourage the flow of remittance as higher inflation rate could be a sign of economic and pol itical instability. To curb such associated problems, therefore, different variables should be taken into consideration while framing remittance related policy. On the other hand, empirical analysis using data from Egypt shows that remittance flows are responsive to interest rate and exchange rate differentials (ibid, 1985). Attractive interest and exchange rates would eventually lead immigrants to think of investing their money in their home country. Ratha (2003) also suggested that macroeconomic policies of the country of origin matter a lot whether remittances are to be invested or not. If remittances are encouraged to be invested, there is better chance for the economy to get more than two benefits from the same source. Interest rate differential between country of origin and host country, government domestic policies, wages, political risk factors and the rate of inflation determines remittance flows (Buch and Kuckulenz 2004). Since the aim of the study is to find out the factors that determine the patterns and trends of remittance flow; the two approaches can contribute some from different perspectives in framing the better solution for the research question. Off course, both the micro and macro level factors focus on the individual behavior of the remitter from personal experience and from national policy perspective. The personal experiences are those factors that affect at the micro-level: whilst, the national policy factors are those at macro-level factors that contribute in determining the individuals behavior in remitting. However, in most literatures the advocates of each approach neither discussed nor ruled out the counter ideas. For instance, the micro-economic theorists didnt discuss the possibility of macro-economic factors and the same goes for the macro-level theorists. This makes difficult to uncover the exact relationship of each theory and what they actually think of each other. For instan ce, Buch and Kuckulenz (200) argued that the main problem of microeconomic case studies is that they tend to undervalue the macroeconomic impact of remittance by focusing on isolated communities. (reference for combined studies). Thus, this study will have the chance to investigate this problem by looking into both approaches at the same time and adding up other perspectives beyond the economic theorization. The two theories focuses on the economic determinants of remittance, however, this study will go beyond this and touches other aspects that affects the patterns and trends of remittance flow. The study will also add another perspective to the remittance literature by going deep using qualitative method of studies. This is because most studies on this business have been made using quantitative method. This means, this theoretical framework adds other variables such as cultural, social and political factors that affect the flow of remittance. In a different perspective, Elbadawi and Rocha (1992) discussed concerning motivations to remit as two broad approaches viz. the endogenous which is based on the social and human aspects that cause remittance and the exogenous which is based on only the economic aspects.

Business and Marketing Analysis Techniques

Business and Marketing Analysis Techniques Business strategy involves seeking a position within an environment or industry that generates a sustainable competitive advantage (implying that a diversified company should have as many business strategies as it has businesses) Analysing Macro Environmental Factors: There are many factors that will effect the strategies and decisions of managers of any organisation. Tax changes, new laws, trade barriers, demographic change, etc are some of the examples. To help analyse these factors, we can categorise these micro environmental factors using PESTEL model. PESTEL abbreviates Political, economical, social, technological, environmental and legal factors. Political Factors: These refer to government policy such as the degree of intervention in the economy. What goods and services does a government want to provide? To what extent does it believe in subsidising firms? What are its priorities in terms of business support? Etc Economical Factors: These include interest rates, taxation changes, economic growth, inflation and exchange rates etc. Social Factors: Changes in social trends can impact on the demand for a firms products and the availability and willingness of individuals to work. For example, in UK, the population has been ageing. This has increased the costs for firms who are committed to pension payments for their employees because their staff are living longer. Technological factors: Technology is growing very fast nowadays. New and fast machineries are introduced every now and then. New technologies create new products and new processes. Technology can reduce costs, improve quality and lead to innovation. These developments can benefit consumers as well as the organisations providing the products. Environmental factors:Â  Environmental factors include weather and climate change in macro factors. Change in climate, temperature can impact on many industries. These can benefit one industry and can make other industry down at the same time. For example in hot sunny days, people love to go out and visit beaches instead of going to restaurants and places like them. With major climate changes occurring due to global warming and with greater environmental awareness this external factor is becoming a significant issue for firms to consider. Legal Factors: These are related to the legal environment in which firms operate. The introduction of age discrimination and disability discrimination legislation, an increase in the minimum wage and greater requirements for firms to recycle are examples of relatively recent laws that affect an organisations actions. LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS: Generally, the model assumes that industry growth follows an S shaped curve. The flat introductory phase reflects the problems of establishing the new product. Once proven, growth becomes explosive until market saturation is reached. Sales now are limited by the rate of replacement sales and the rate of growth of the population in the market. Eventually the industry will come under pressure from newer technologies and substitute products with superior price performance. There are four stages in this model. i.e. introduction stage, growth stage, maturity stage and decline stage. In introduction stage, Pioneering firms often after considerable investment and repeated failures, introduce products based on a new technology. Costs tend to be high, and quality tends to be low because of lack of economies of scale or manufacturing experience and the product itself will be very basic. In growth stage, a dominant technology begins to emerge, and competitors standardise around it. There is likelihood of capacity shortages although costs and prices fall as standardisation and the adoption of large scale manufacturing makes possible economies of scale. At maturity stage, Overcapacity begins to emerge in the industry, products differentiation declines as technological know-how becomes widely shared, and price competition intensifies. Consolidation occurs within the industry as weaker firms are acquired by stronger ones. Sales to less developed markets, and the t ransfer of production to lower labour cost economies accelerates. In decline stage, The industry comes under pressure from new technologies offering superior performance, although this may be reduced by factors such as high price and switching costs associated with the new technology. Price wars erupt as the surviving firms fight for market share in a declining market, and exits from the industry, as well as consolidation within the industry, becomes more likely. Analysing Micro Environmental Factors: The micro environment consists of stakeholders who are directly or indirectly linked with any business. For example customers, consumers, suppliers, shareholders etc. Suppliers: Suppliers are major pillars or any business as they provide all the materials essential for any business. Big deal with suppliers is that can they provide high quality products at low price. Can they do this reliably? Have they got the flexibility to respond to a firms demands? What is the bargaining power of these suppliers? How dependent is the firm on them? Does their approach to their staff and resources fit with your ethics? Firms must decide on issues such as who to use to supply them, on the responsibility it takes for these suppliers and on the terms and conditions it adopts. Some firms take quite an aggressive attitude towards their suppliers by trying to push down the prices and delay payments. Others view the relationship more as a partnership in which they are working together with suppliers and that by helping each other both can benefit. The importance of suppliers can be seen if things go wrong. Distributors: Distributors job is to deliver your product to market place where it can be sell easily. Imagine you sell shampoo what you need to sell this is to get it on the shelves in the leading chemists and supermarkets but this means moving someone elses products off the shelves! So the challenge is to get stores to stock your products; this may be achieved by good negotiating skills and offering appropriate incentives. The distributors used will determine the final price of the product and how it is presented to the end customer. When selling via retailers, for example, the retailer has control over where the products are displayed, how they are priced and how much they are promoted in-store. Customers: Customers are key to sales. Managers must keep the needs of customers in their mind and try to anticipate how these will develop so that they can meet these requirements effectively now and in the future. To help understand their customers firms are increasingly trying to gather information on them through mechanisms such as loyalty cards. By gathering data on shopping patterns and matching this to data on the individual shoppers firms can build up detailed pictures of their buyers and then offer them appropriate deals. Competition: The success and behaviour of any business will depend on the degree of competition in its market. In some markets one firm is dominant. This is called a monopoly. If you are in a monopoly position this may allow you to exploit the consumer with relatively high prices (assuming your position is protected in some way) and you may be able to offer an inferior service if customers have no other choices. In other markets a few firms dominate; this type of market structure is called an oligopoly. In oligopolistic markets there is a high degree of interdependence and so firms will think carefully how their rivals might react to any actions they take. Key Stakeholders, Their Needs Expectations: Key stakeholders of a business are: Employees Customers, suppliers and contractors Shareholders Investors Communities Government Employees: are the major stakeholders of a business as they are strongly linked with the business. They want to work in a place where they can meet their personal needs and wants. Leaders who create job assignments, work environments, and visions help employees be both competent and committed to their work. Customers: want leaders to build compelling products and services so that they can trust and when they do, customers will give share of wallet. Customers are key to sales. Especially in fast food industries like Burger King, we ( employees ) have been instructed to focus on quality service and food. Customers should be satisfied at any cost because without them, business is nothing. Suppliers and contractors want their loyal concern with payment of goods and profit respectively. Shareholders and Investors: are those who bought companys share and are part of ownership in the company. They are concern with maximum outcome in terms of cash from profit. Investors are those who invest their money into the business as capital to earn their share from the profit. Investors want leaders to keep their promises, develop a compelling growth strategy, align core competencies to the strategy and then to ensure that people are committed to delivering on these premises. Communities and Government: Communities want leaders to build organizations that are socially responsible, through how they treat the environment and how they serve the larger community. Government are linked with business as to start a business, licence is required and government issue licence. And from the profit gained by a company, a percentage of profit goes to government in terms of tax which is used to build infrastructures etc. C) SUMMARY: The Burger King Corporation (BKC) was founded in 1954 in Miami by James Mc Lamore and David Edgerton. Following this, the famous Whopper sandwich was introduced in 1957 and it quickly became one of the best-known sandwiches in the world. Today, with the corporations brand promise: Have it your way, there are 221,184 possible ways to order a Whopper sandwich around the world. Burger King now operates more than 11,300 restaurants in approximately 70 countries. Food is necessary for humans to survive, but the wastes, chemical by-products, and inefficiencies in its production can have an immense impact on the environment. People demand perfect inexpensive year round food, which increases the use of pesticides, herbicides, and preservatives depleting the precious ozone, contributing to global warming, and polluting our lakes and streams. To help protecting all the dangerous fumes and chemicals, Burger King is doing its best. To help prevent contamination and other dangerous things, there are separate containers for different things. Strategy is affected by major changes taking place in the environment and for those changes, strategy has to be change accordingly in order to stay in business stream. Some change in micro environmental factors will affect strategy in different ways. If business is losing customers then many strategies can be applied depending on the level of business loss. Prices of product can be decreased, or distribution of vouchers etc. One of Burger Kings most important tasks is to ensure that the business is continually meeting its customers needs. In order to achieve this, the organisation has a research and development team dedicated to product improvement. Its mono is HAVE IT YOUR WAY. It means that customers can have their food the way they want, with or without, more or less of anything in their food. THREE TOOLS TO ANALYSE, SUMMARISE AND EVALUATE EFFECTS OF CURRENT BUSINESS PLAN POSITION OF THE ORGANISATION IN CURRENT MARKET COMPETITIVE STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF ORGANISATION PORTERS FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS The competitive structure of a company can be analysed by Porters five forces analysis. It analyse the attractiveness of a company within the market. Porters five forces model is: Likelihood of new entry: it means that the extents to which barriers to entry exist. The likelihood of entering a market would be lower if: The entry cost are high There are major advantages for those firms which are already operating in market because of experience Government policies prevent entry or makes it more difficult Existing brands have high level of loyalty Power of buyers: The stronger the power of buyers in an industry the more likely it is that they will be able to force down prices and reduce the profits of firms that provide the product. Buyer power will be higher if There are few or many buyer of the product The buyers can easily switch to other products provided high quality in low price Power of suppliers: The stronger the power of suppliers in an industry the more difficult it is for firms within that sector to make a profit because suppliers can determine the terms and conditions on which business is conducted. Suppliers will be more powerful if they are less in number and the supplier can threaten to buy the firm so it is a stronger negotiation position. Degree of rivalry: This measures the degree of competition between existing firms. The higher the degree of rivalry the more difficult it is for existing firms to generate high profits. Rivalry will be higher if there are large numbers of similar sized firm, the costs of leaving the industry are high, and there is little brand loyalty so customer are likely to switch easily between products. Substitute threat: This measures the ease with which buyers can switch to another product that does the same thing e.g. aluminium cans rather than glass or plastic bottles. The ease of switching depends on what costs would be involved. Using Porters model, firms can generate high profit if the industry is: Difficult to enter There is limited rivalry Buyers are relatively weak Suppliers are relatively weak There are few substitutes BOSTON MATRIX: The Boston Matrix model is a tool for assessing existing and development products in terms of their market potential, and thereby implying strategic action for products and services in each category. Cash Cow: The rather crude metaphor is based on the idea of milking the returns from previous investments which established good distribution and market share for the product. Products in this quadrant need maintenance and protection activity, together with good cost management, not growth effort, because there is little or no additional growth available. Dog: this is that product or service of a company which has low presence in market. There is no point of developing goods and services in this quadrant. Most of the companies discontinue their product which they think fall under this quadrant. Businesses that have been starved or denied development find themselves with a high or entire proportion of their products or services in this quadrant, which is obviously not very funny at all, except to the competitors. Problem Child: These are products which have a big and growing market potential, but existing low market share, normally because they are new products, or the application has not been spotted and acted upon yet. New business development and project management principle are required here to ensure that these products potential can be realised and disasters avoided. This is likely to be an area of business that is quite competitive, where the pioneers take the risks in the hope of securing good early distribution arrangements, image, reputation and market share. Rising Star: star products, are those which have good market share in a strong and growing market. As a product moves into this category it is commonly known as a rising star. When a market is strong and still growing, competition is not yet fully established. Demand is strong; saturation or over-supply do not exists, and so pricing is relatively unhindered. SWOT ANALYSIS: To determine what a companys strategy should be, the managers must consider the internal strength and weaknesses of their company and compare them with external opportunities and threat. This process is known as SWOT analysis. Strengths: are internal factors which a firm may build on to develop a strategy. They may include: Marketing strengths Financial strengths Operation strengths HRM strengths Weaknesses: are internal factors which a firm may need to protect itself such as: Marketing weaknesses such as limited distribution Financial weaknesses such as high levels of borrowing and low rates of return Operational weaknesses such as old or poor quality equipments HRM weaknesses such as high rate of labour turn over and industrial disputes TASK 2 STRATEGY EVALUATION To achieve an objective, managers must develop a suitable strategy. A strategy is a long term plan setting out how an objective will be reached. For example, if the objective is to reduce costs, the strategy could involve relocating or reducing the labour force. If the objective is to boost revenue, the strategy may be to launch new products or to invest in a big promotional campaign. A strategy may be developed by using a firms strengths to exploit the opportunities that exist. For example, a strong brand name may be used to extend a firms products into new markets. It may also use these strengths to protect itself against threats; for example, a retailer may use its finance to acquire key locations to prevent a competitor buying them. Strategies can be evaluated by many ways. One of the way is by using Porters Five Forces model. In this model there are five different sources which are strongly connected with the business and they must be kept in mind while making strategies. While making strategy for a business includes keeping those things in mind which will ruin the business. For example in case of a retail business, if a new retail business entered in, then strategy in this will be change accordingly in this case. Secondly if buyers power is strong in retail business, then it could be a negative or a positive impact on business. If they are strong then they can force down the prices of the product which will lower the profit, so in this case strategy will be evaluated very carefully as every step can change the course of business. Suppliers are the major part of any business so keeping them in mind is a necessary part in strategy evaluation. A firm may also want to protect itself against its weaknesses. For example, it may try to find alternative suppliers to reduce an over-reliance on a particular one; it may invest in a rebranding exercise to reposition itself. Fourth part is degree of rivalry. This measures the degree of competition between existing fir ms. The higher the degree of rivalry the more difficult it is for existing firms to generate high profits. Fifth and last part is threat of substitute. This measures the ease with which buyers can switch to another product that does the same thing. Keeping following things in mind will help effecting business in loss. If the second industry is easy to enter in market, if there is a high degree of rivalry between firms within industry, buyers are strong, suppliers are strong etc. The implication of Porters analysis for managers is that they should examine these five factors before choosing an industry to move into. They should also consider ways of changing the five factors to make them more favourable. TASK 3 IMPLEMENTATION Evaluating strategies is a difficult task but implementing them in a regular and smooth manner is more complicated. The importance of strategy should not be underestimated. Changing the price of an item, changing the distribution strategy and investing in new equipment are all important decisions but if you are fighting in the wrong market with the wrong products then the details are almost irrelevant. The strategy sets out where and how the battles will be fought and a good strategy is essential to business success. This involves an understanding not only of what happens within the firm but also the ability to forecast changes in the external environment and their significance successfully. This implementation is in fact a landmark where various organizations tend to falter. The extensive research and resources used up for the drafting of strategic plans often make organizations believe that whatever they have understood and devised is the optimum and therefore requires no second thoughts. However, what has been ignored is the fact that plans can be tested only if they meet actual usage. Only planning or theoretical application cannot be guarantee complete success. Actual implementation yields the true picture. A business plan is the textual version of a strategy, as it includes pertinent information regarding the company, including: vision and mission statements, measurable objectives supporting the vision, actionable tactics meeting the objective, resources, milestones and timeframes, accountability and role designations, as well as internal and external risks. The business strategy is not evergreen and should be evaluated routinely to ensure the company still has the competitive edge. A business plan includes the primary and secondary objectives of your organization, an analysis of current policies and procedures, and the development of new policies or procedures to correct weaknesses within the organization. Strategy is firstly introduced to lower managers and supervisors so they can act on it and tell to lower staff in order to work on it. If launching a new product or reducing the price of another product because of substitute available in market, all the staff must be aware of that, after that the new promotion or product or discounted product will be advertise in an attractive way in Television, radio and by distributing leaflets to let people aware of it. Focussing on excellent customer service will definitely help improve the business because the service given to customer will bring him back again. Quality assurance of the product will increase the demand of product and will increase revenue. Introducing new and latest technology in the company will save a lot of time and give result much faster and effective. Giving training to all new and old staff about new technology, new products, and everything related to business and plan will help staff delivering a better quality service required. For implementation of plan, money is the major and important resource required. So in order to get money there are many ways, selling shares of the company, retained profit, profit in terms of capital can be reinvested and by taking loans from banks etc. After implementing the plan, wait for the result and do surveys. Drop or put small questionnaire that will help letting you know how good is the strategy going. Taking customers feedback and evaluate the strategy. If it is going the way we wanted, then there is no need to change and if its not, then re evaluate and check where there is a mistake and sort it out.

Private Schools vs. Public Schools Essay -- Private Schools vs. Public

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As time has gone by, Americans have increasingly paid more attention to the schooling process, trying harder all the time to get the best education possible for their children. As a result, more parents are turning from the public school systems to the private schools. This happens for several reasons. First, students that graduate from private schools tend to be better prepared for college. Second, private schools open up many opportunities to succeed in the business world. Last, the private schools allow the parents and the student to decide which school they feel will give the student the best education possible. Overall, private schools offer a better education for high school students than do public schools.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Students that graduate from a private school tend to succeed more in colleges than students that graduate from a public school. There are several reasons that this occurs. First, the study skills that are learned in a private school far exceed the skills that are learned in a public school. One of the most important skills is being able to manage ones time effectively. Time management can be one of college life’s hardest habits to learn. The difficulty-level of each course also plays a large role in the preparation for college. In private schools it is expected that the courses will be more difficult than at a public school. The second area of strength is the peer pressure. In public schools the pressure is very rarely pressure to work hard in school, ...

Mozart In 1788 :: essays research papers

With over two pages of compositions finished in 1788 you would figure that this year was an extremely busy and prosperous one for Mozart, when in fact his "situation both publicly and privately became critical" (unknown). Up until this year the information revealed in Mozart's personal letters has provided great insight about his private life. A peculiar thing about letters from this year is that there appears to be none written after August (Keys 210). One possible reason for this could be that Mozart was again living at home and thus he was living with the person that he would normally be writing to. Of these letters only one of them is written to Nanarel; the rest are to a dear friend of Mozart's, Micheal Puchberg. Interestingly enough Mozart begins all of his letters to Micheal delicately and affectionately with "brother", "Brother of Order", or "beloved friend" which we know from the past is Mozart's way of getting on somebody's good side before asking for something. After the greeting, the body of all of these letters appears to follow a basic format: starting out with a high feeling of dignity or self-confidence, and ending with pleas for financial backing or help. The letters, amounting to twenty between 1788 and Mozart's death (Keys 206), only afforded Mozart an estimated 1415 florins. This can be compared to the near 3000 gulden that he had borrowed from many people by his death in 1791. Mozart met Micheal back in his freemason days; they worked together for the same company. Micheal became very wealthy when he inherited the textile manufacturing business that he was working for. Mozart's near constant pleas for money were sometimes granted, but not all of the time. Unfortunately, Mozart never made enough money before his death to be able to fully pay Micheal back for all of his help. However, as a small form of compensation, Mozart would occasionally send Micheal compositions and even dedicated one of his piano symphonies to him. Micheal was such a good friend of the family, that it has been said that he continued to help Costanze out with family and financial problems after Mozart's death. Eventually, it becomes rather obvious that Mozart can barely support his family, let alone pay back anyone who lends him money. Because of this, he loses nearly all of the financial credibility that he once had.

Passionate Anti Smoking Tobacco Essay :: Tobacco Nicotine Cigarettes

Smoking! Why smoking is the most wrong thing you can do to your lungs .it is just not done to be good. I FURIOSLY HATE SMOKING. and when people smoke it has OIL in it. 40,5000 Canadians are killed a year. including my grandma and now I am not with her anymore. I miss her so much I curse the people who brought it to Canada. The kids breath it when they are near the people who are smoking it. do you know what happens to the KIDS who breathe it they can get CANCER . It is such a pity for kids to get cancer and some people have cancer because of their genes because of their parents and their during their pregnancy. Think about all the kids and their stupid genes they got from their lovable parents . there are 4000 chemicals in 1 cigarette. These are the only the smallest fraction of diseases you can get: Lung cancer, cancer of voice box throat and mouth , cancer of pancreas, cervical cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, blatter cancer, leukemia, coronary, circulatory, high blood pressure, LDL, Pneumonia, influenza, the common cold, Peptic ulcers, Tooth decay, Gum disease, Osteoporosis ,Sleep problems ,Cataracts and much MUCH more 1. Smoking hurts your lung’s natural cleaning and repair system and traps cancer-causing chemicals build in your lungs. Smoking destroys the tiny hairs .which line the upper airways and protect against infection. Normally, there is a very thin layer of mucous and thousands of these hairs lining the insides of your breathing tubes. The mucous traps the little bits of dirt and pollution you breath oxygen in, and the hairs move together like a wave to push the dirt-filled mucous out of your lungs. Then you have to waste your time coughing , swallow, or spit up the mucous, and the dirt is out of your lungs. When your lungs' natural cleaning and repair system is hurt, germs, dirt and chemicals from cigarette smoke stay inside your lungs and never come out. This puts you at risk for a cough that never goes away, chest infections, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease . 2. Smoking always and permanently damages the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs, making it really hard to breathe. Little air sacs at the tips of your lungs, are built like tiny, stretchy balloons.

Original Writing Essay

I am the princess awaiting rescue in the quiet corner of the ballroom. I stand silently gathering dust in the shadows, grinning with gapped black and white teeth. The pungent odour of rising damp impregnates the air. Lonely and deserted by the warm affectionate hands I once knew and loved, shudders trace the length of my now slackened strings. I can still feel the faint, muffled trembling in my worn hammers of a serene piano concerto. I remain here reminiscing of times gone by; dreaming about rhapsodies of the great composers, sonatas with their heartbreaking refrains casting their sweet melodies out into the hearts of my listeners. I held the power to move people and touch their very souls. My waltzes floated dreamily like a single cloud in a clear blue sky drifting peacefully into the distance. I look back on my past at all the things I have experienced: my debut in the grand concert hall, the first time I felt the touch of his hands pounding passionately on my keys, I remember shaking with nerves as the critics watched and listened attentively, waiting for mistakes. We, my old friend and I, had travelled the length and breadth of the country together enchanting audiences with our music. Each week we would embark on another journey to take us to a new hall, each as grand as the last. The venues with their elegant, majestic decor were visited only by the noble and wealthy people in society. It felt fantastic to be associated with the upper class. They were women who could afford to wear the most opulent of gowns made with the finest silks, taffetas velvets and brocades; all of which were accompanied with stoles derived from the best pelts of fur that money could buy- the most popular of which being mink, ermine and fox. Their partners, of course, were dressed just as magnificently in their white tie evening suits. They looked somewhat like penguins in their expensive attire. I often wondered if it was the actual music they had come to listen to or just an excuse to show off their prosperity; the value of their wives jewellery alone could well have paid a king’s ransom! How I miss the anticipation and the adulation that each concert brought; the scores of fans applauding and cheering for an encore for which we jumped at the chance! We would play for ages after the scheduled end of the show; this was my favourite part of the performance because we always made an unforgettable exit! We amazed crowds like this every night; they all loved us and our music. But, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. The popularity of such grand events began to dwindle; the new recordings brought the great concertos into ones front room. People’s leisure time was spent in the comfort of their own homes and they much preferred to spend their evenings at the newly developed moving pictures. Then came the Great War. All the men were sent away to foreign lands to fight for their country. War, as they say, can be a great leveller; a rich man can be killed with a bullet just as easily as a poor man. People’s priorities altered, it wasn’t thought to be patriotic to flaunt ones wealth as had been done before. Nobody came to watch our shows: there was no one to escort the ladies, and they no longer felt the need to show their prosperity. Our shows were all cancelled. We were no longer needed; no longer wanted. It broke his heart knowing that we could no longer perform together. Not long afterwards, he went bankrupt. He lost everything: his house, his livelihood, his possessions; and me. I was devastated, how could I cope without him to love and comfort me? Who could be there for me? Most importantly, what would happen to him? I was so confused, my life had been turned upside down and I didn’t know if I’d manage. I knew he loved and cherished me, and the last thing he wanted to do was sell me, but he found himself in financial dire straits. He did what he had to do and I can’t condemn him for that. Nobody said that life should be fair. As the day of the auction loomed the atmosphere in the house was fraught. Complete strangers rummaged ruthlessly through all that was dear to him. The workmen pulled apart his home and left nothing behind. They had no respect for his privacy or his dignity. All his worldly goods were auctioned to satisfy his creditors. The items were sold for a pittance. I was sold there and violently shoved inside a small white transit van. It was not quite the transport I had become accustomed to, but I didn’t really have a choice in the matter. I made my final journey to where I am today; isolated here in the corner, being tortured by incompetent, untrained and inept hands, making a tuneless drone where once beautiful melodies had been played. I hope one day my prince will come rescue me from the depths of my despair; stuck here in this cold, damp dining room fully exposed to the gales blowing through the open window. I long for the caress of someone who truly understands my worth; and I can only hope that someone can appreciate me half as much as my friend did. I resign myself to the fact that I am no longer the youthful princess awaiting my prince, but a dowager condemned to a life of solitude. I now realise that life doesn’t always go the way you plan. I will always miss him but losing him has made me appreciate all the happy times we spent together and all the fond memories we share. 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An Alternative to Incarceration for Nonviolent Offenders Essay

dissociatenership field of studys is a range of election penaltys for nonviolent wrongdoers. on that point ar twain basic connection castigations models in the get together States. In the first-class honours degree model, coordinated residential district bailiwicks programs combine sentencing guidelines and discriminatory discretion with a variety of election upholds and unloosen and probation options. In the second model, roughly evinces choose instituted programs in which disciplineal officials whitethorn direct already prison ho practice session termd wrongdoers into resource advocate programs and parole and probation options.Both models atomic number 18 designed to help mortify prison overcrowding and be less expensive alternatives to prison. Widespread using of confederacy countervailion programs in the United States began in the late 1970s as a way to offer offenders, particularly those leaving shut up or prison, residential utility in hal fway houses. The first nominate association correction programs began in Oregon, Colorado, and Minnesota as pilot projects with actu to each oney little government-funded support.They diverted nonviolent offenders in selected pilot project argonas from jails and postulate prisons into topical anaesthetic anaesthetic alternative penalisation programs. These programs allowed judges to sentence offenders to a community- assure penalty rather than jail or prison. Rehabilitation programs were the preferred penalty option. In the late 1980s, prison remainss across the country began experiencing h mavenst overcrowding of facilities. The overcrowding work ond as a catalyst for lawmakers to develop new options for sentencing wretched offenders. Nineteen produces let now enacted different community correction programs.Community correction programs domiciliate m any communities with topical anaesthetic anesthetic anesthetic punishment options as an alternative to prison or jail. These sanction programs be lower bell alternatives to increased prison and jail construction, based on the cost per offender. They extend local courts, state departments of department of corrections, and state parole boards with a broad range of correctional options for offenders nether their jurisdiction. The intention is to match the provide punishment with the discourtesy. Community corrections programs argon co-ordinated sanctioning strategies which seek to achieve the by-line goals The offender is punished and held accountable.Public asylum is protected.Victims and local communities receive restitution from felons who throw in their accede jobs and/or in restitution programs. Community service wrench increases.Collection of court be and fees increases receivable to contractual agreements with offenders who remain in their present jobs. Eight states begin adopted comp Community chastening Acts which bring about a nedeucerk of correctional programs for u nique(predicate) types of offenders.The acts produce mechanisms by which state funds be granted to local governments and community come alongncies to get a retentive local sanctions in lieu of prison or jail. While no two state programs atomic number 18 alike, a complete community corrections program loosely embarrasss the chase elements A locally unified criminal justice system which supports a network of de centralise or centralized correctional programs for specific types of offenders. For instance, in Minnesota, local community corrections advisory boards make up of county sheriffs, chiefs of police, prosecutors, judges, defense lawyers, probation agents, and otherwise local officials create comprehensive correction plans to improve the politics of justice at the local level.The plans stage the various options of punishment in the community which argon available to judges and other criminal justice officials when sentencing offenders. These interconnected systems by and large include restitution programs for nonviolent offenders. Offenders fee atomic number 18 applied directly to restitution, court- uniform fines and fees, and means and board. Placement in the work programs commonly lasts from three to six months. Programs atomic number 18 administered by local governmental or non-for-profit agencies at the county or regional level, and be funded by the state under a single system which provides for local punishment options.Funds are provided contractually or directly depending on the involvement of nonprofit organization agencies. Sentencing guidelines for local, district, or regional judges regularise a uniform sentencing structure with a variety of punishment options for offenders. They differ from definitive sentencing by targeting alternative punishments for the non-violent offender population.The punishment authorized under sentencing guidelines is generally well-kept for the crime and applies to all similarly-situated felony offenders. For example, judges essential(prenominal) follow a rating system based on the severity of the offenders crime, the frequency of violations, and the nature of the crime. military rating scales are adjusted periodically by sentencing commissions to reflect statewide sentencing patterns.Non-violent crimes have the worst criminal rating, allowing judges the broadest range of sentencing options. In contrast, judges must(prenominal) impose very(prenominal) specific sentences for violent or serious crimes. Serious or violent felons sentenced to prison receive very little if any good while credit, and must serve a specified term tour in prison. Responsibility for community correctional service is delegated to local units of government. This joins sentencing and punishment in one administrative level, with incentives for the most economical use of local and state correctional resources. A post-prison release program, operated through a parole or probation system, is an in tegral dowry of a local community corrections interposition system. Community corrections sanctions may include24-hour residential programs which provide a structured living environment for offenders who enquire oversight when not working or looking for exercising Non-residential drug and intoxicant interposition programselectronic observeing of offenders rigid on home detention (offenders must wear bracelets that allow parole officials to monitor their movement) Diagnostic evaluation and counseling order of magnitudeed by the court as part of a pre-sentence process Pre-trial intervention which provides tightfitting supervision and support function to selected offenders introductory to trial Community service programs twenty- four hour period billing centers where offenders are take ind to establish the progress of their job search and casual activities with parole officials and Mandatory education programs.There are several key elements to an integrated community- based correctional program Collaborative long range planning by local and state law enforcement officials to reduce the use of prisons for felony sentencing Coordinated use of local and state correctional resources A state patronage mechanism to ensure a local level of correctional services and Ensuring humankind safety in community correction facilities. One of the goals of sentencing guidelines is to match the community sanction with the offender.The types of offenders which are considered for community sanctions include the spare- eon activity Offenders who competency benefit from prevention services, and are of criminal activity in the future(a) school drop-outs, urban youth conclave members, and juvenile offenders with learning disabilities. Prevention services could include mid-night basketball leagues, big pal programs, special education programs, and other activities. Offenders who might benefit from early intervention services. This stem is generally composed of fir st time offenders.Early intervention may reduce their chances for committing future crimes. They generally require services related to education, work-skill development, and substance rib and inebriant counseling. Offenders who might be eligible for recreation programs. This group is basically those people in jail or prison who may safely be diverted to alternative programs and services. They generally are second or third time offenders who have failed on probation and have been convicted of a number of non-violent offences. at a lower place atomic number 20s three rents law, they could face deportment imprisonment if their first two felonies are violent and/or if the third felony is violent.The goal of sentencing guidelines is to match target offender groups with the appropriate community sanction. While on that point are some variations among state sentencing guidelines, most establish punishment by the severity, frequency, and nature of the crime committed. For example, in Michigan, if an offender is arrested for burglary and has a introductory drug arrest, state sentencing guideline ratings provide a range of sentencing options from alternative community corrections to up to a 24 month prison sentence. The community correction option allows the judge to sentence the offender to a secured community-based substance abuse treatment program for six months, followed by a short probation period.The judge has the discretion to opt from an array of options. On the other hand, if an offender is convicted of a serious felony and has previous non-violent felony convictions, sentencing guidelines provide that alternative community corrections is not an option, and require a token(prenominal) 24 month prison sentence. While offenders sometimes violate the terms of a community correction sentence, so far there is no evidence that the offenders currently accounting entry these programs are a danger to communities. military rank studies are currently randoml y tracking offenders who participate in community correction programs to determine the success or trial of the programs. The eight states which have enacted comprehensive community correction laws require a open local implementation strategy that targets specific offender populations, and seeks to match their needs with the correct community sanction and service, before state funds are dispersed. Several states have as well enacted on-going performance evaluation reviews to recognize problem areas and fine-tune sentencing options.The other four states do not offer fiscal incentives or disincentives, although local implementation strategies are closely monitored by state legislatures. cardinal of the 8 states also offer formula-based incentives which require community agencies to develop comprehensive, integrated long-range community correctional plans. The greater local resources and services available under the plan, the high the state funding.Most local plans are coordinate d at the county level and secern all available community treatment programs, including prevention and intervention programs, training programs, and digression programs. Local plans must include information detailing how the community correction programs are expected to reduce commitments to prison. The formula grants include a disincentive for sending certain(a) kinds of felons to state prison, in the form of a per-diem fee which is deducted from the local grant.Grantees are also required to monitor offenders for possible parole violations after they complete the community corrections program. lah has the oldest state burster mob program in the country. The Intensive motivational Program of Alternative correctional handling (IMPACT) has as its goals Provide an alternative to long-term incarceration for youthful first- and second-time offenders. Reduce costs without undue risk to public safety. contract participants self-discipline, self-confidence, self-respect, individual r esponsibility, and respect for others. In order to participate, an offender must meet the following eligibility criteria Male and female offenders under the age of 40 serving sentences in state prison. First time felony offenders committed to state custody for 7 years or less for an offense with parole eligibility.Second-time felony offenders who have not previously spent time in state prison and who have been committed to state custody for 7 years or less for an offense carrying parole eligibility. No offenders with outstanding felony charges, legion(predicate) outstanding misdemeanor charges, outstanding in-migration detainers, mental or physical wellness problems, history of assaulting behavior or escape, open homo informality, sex offense against a nestling or any violent sexual offense, or absence of post-release plan.In 1987, the lah Department of Public Safety and department of corrections began operating a 136-bed military-style boot inhabit program at the medium-securi ty Hunt Correctional totality (Up to 20 female slots are also available at the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women these inmates are bused to the boot camp daily). The 90- to 180-day program uses a three-phase barbel to promote its philosophy of discipline and treatment. secureness program activities include military reading and ceremony training, physical training and organised recreational activities.Treatment programs include a re-education therapy class that requires participants to evaluate their beliefs and values, substance abuse education classes and activities, and prerelease (life skills) preparation. Extra duty or incentive physical training are required for minor disciplinary infractions. more(prenominal) serious infractions may entrust in reduction in rank, additional duties, or, in some cases, dismissal from the program. About 55 percent of participants graduate from the program.On release, all IMPACT parolees are assigned to 3 months of intensive parole supervision where, in addition to the regular conditions mandated for all parolees (maintain employment or full-time educational training), they must satisfy the following requirements a minimum of 4 face-to-face contacts with a supervision officer each week, adherence to a curfew, 100 hours of unpaid community service work and random drug and alcohol screenings. After 3 months, supervision standards are gradually relaxed.Depending on individual performance, at the conclusion of this period, the parolee will detain receiving intensive supervision or is laid in regular parole supervision. accord to the Multi-State Evaluation of Shock Incarceration report to the discipline Institute of nicety, Louisiana is one of three states whos program results in lower recidivism rates relative to comparison groups. Failures are more often for expert violations of parole than for new crime violations. It is estimated that each 100 inmates completing the program result in a cost nest egg of $750,000 to the state (Nieto, Marcus Feb. 1996).REFERENCESTravis Hirschi, and David Rudisill, An Evaluation of calcium Probation pension Program, Vol. 1 Commitment Reduction and Probation bounty A Summary of Available Data, Center on Administration of Criminal referee, University of California at Davis, (Davis), 1977.Probation/Parole Survey, Corrections Compendium, The National Journal for Corrections, August, 1994.U.S. Department of evaluator, Office of Justice Programs. A Survey of Intermediate Sanctions, Washington, D.C. September, 1990, and Nieto, Marcus, California Research Bureau, The Changing Role Probation In Californias Criminal Justice System, April, 1996.Peters, G.T., Intermediate Sanctions A Discussion of informative Programs. Office of National Drug chequer Policy. Washington D.C. 1990.Stone, Susan and Fulton, Betsy, Achieving Public Safety through and through Rehabilitation and Reintegration The Promise of a new-fangled ISP, Presented at the Academy of Criminal Justice Science Conference. Kansas City, Missouri. 1995.Nidorf, Barry, Chief Probation Officer, Los Angeles County, Los Angeles County, Varied Uses of Electronic Monitoring The Los Angeles Experience, Edited by John Ortiz and William Selke. Intermediate Sanctions Sentencing in the 1990s. Anderson publish Company, 1995.Bourque, Blair, Han, B, Hill, Mei, and Sarah, M,. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs. An stocktaking of Aftercare Provisions for 52 Boot refugee camp Programs. NCJ 157104. Washington, DC. January, 1996.Nieto, Marcus, California Research Bureau, Community Correction Punishments An Alternative to Incarceration for Nonviolent Offenders, Sacramento, CA., February, 1996.