A Question of Social Justice - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 9 Words: 2676 Downloads: 7 Date added: 2019/04/08 Category Society Essay Level High school Tags: Social Justice Essay Did you like this example? Only thing we have to fear is fear itself FDR in his inaugural speech in March 1933 was alerting the nation that fear was making things worse. Fear is such an incredible force, it has the power to bring people to their knees, paralyze some from moving at all, and make people run for safety due to some perceived threat to their well-being or way of life. Such is the power of fear that it can make grown men and women cower and seek to create borders around all that they hold dear. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "A Question of Social Justice" essay for you Create order Unfortunately, this can especially be damaging when those who profess to have a relationship with Jesus Christ use fear as a means to justify violations of justice or to attack others within the Christian community. Fear often can pit us against those we profess to love. Fear can take normally rational people into the abyss of anxiety and make them utilize weapons they would generally not in order to avoid changing, to maintain comfort, and often makes situations worse by creating unneeded/unwarranted conflict. It is in a stance of fear where Evangelical Christians find themselves with the topic of social justice. So much so that as recent as September 2018 a group of prominent Evangelical Christian men authored and published a statement https://statementonsocialjustice.com/ in order to take a stand against the evil of social justice. These men believe that social justice is corrupting the Gospel of Christ and is an attack on His church. They felt so passionate about this new obsession a growing number of believers have and how much of threat it is to the church/gospel that they issued a 14 point statement to debunk it. As one of the writers, Tom Ascol, wrote in a September 4, 2018 blog post; we determined to make a public stand together in hopes of warning about the dangers we see in some of what is being promoted in the name of social justice. This public stand comes at an interesting time in our history not only do we currently have a nationalistic, racist, and xenophobic president (he who must not be named) that was overwhelmingly voted for and continues to be supported by White evangelical Christians (80%), the rise of hate crimes and police brutality against people of color is rising at alarming numbers . Not to mention that The Gospel Coalition held a huge MLK 50 celebration/conference where many evangelicals called out the church for supporting white supremacy and ignoring issues of race the month before the statement was released. For these men the time seemed ripe for a broad sweeping indictment against social justice. A combination of what seems like righteous indignation and overwhelming fear that Christians were being led away from fundamental Christianity that is overwhelmingly based on White theology. The fear of socialism is pretty evident throughout the statement. Socialism in the sense that equality is far more important than be united in Christ. That political socialism is creeping into the church and the language being used by many Christians doing justice work is creating attacks on the oneness of the church and making believers turn from God to humanism. There is also a rise among many evangelicals who are questioning issues of race especially in stances of police brutality, which I believe can traced back to the killing of Mike Brown and Ferguson. The statement reads like a cautionary tale where the church needs to be protected or else things will fall apart and the church will fall victim to secular culture. When describing what this final project was all about, this declaration stuck out to me Write about what pisses you off it made me laugh and exclaim; there isnt enough paper in the world for me to write about what pisses me off. Snark is a gift and it should never go to waste. As this assignments deadline looms, I found that the thing that has been pissing me off the most lately and most especially this first semester of grad school is evangelical Christianity and its unwillingness to come together over issues of justice, mercy and grace. Over the past two years my place of employment has come under attack for creating spaces to talk about injustice, racism, and sexism. Many were accused (myself included) of making issues where none exist. Some individuals were completely roasted online by colleagues and students for creating divisions by calling out injustice and race issues. One would think at a Christian higher education institution that these issues would be welcomed and openly e ngaged unfortunately no. The situation is so out of hand that using the term social justice is equivalent to swearing on the campus. Some staff and faculty are so adamant that social justice is not a gospel issue that they openly bad mouth others who advocate for it. The board even got involved at one point and ultimately decided to axe our president for his diversity stances. There is also the situation of my former church which I mentioned in my race workshop paper and how it was the impetus for me leaving that church. I have been wounded and deeply traumatized by the negative reactions to social justice, race, equality, and feminism so that when the statement was released on September 5, I was not at all surprised but deeply grieved. The statement made me revisit all the hurt/anger of the past two years in a fresh way it was raw and ugly. Im utterly disgusted and deeply saddened by this statement as it fails to acknowledge that many devout/sincere followers of Christ see justice work as an outpouring of l ove. The love so freely given by God and his redemptive work. Many understand the commands to love God and love people as not only a model for life but a mandate to work for justice. So, that is why the statement pisses me off, as to why it is a justice issue this statement is a direct violation of the principles of Human Dignity, The Common Good, Solidarity (virtue and principle) and it is based on a reductionist view of Gospel. Within Christianity, statements like this are nothing new throughout history, Christians have come together to scrutinize and respond to perceived threats to the faith. These are designed to address cultural shifts, societal pressures on the church, and answer scripturally to these so called threats. Many are well intentioned and address real issues, though not all hit the mark correctly as they will create divisions that are not entirely necessary. They can also be distractions, the energy and time used to craft such statements could be used elsewhere in helping the poor, the disenfranchised, victims of hate crimes, fighting systemic injustices, or simply creating healthy/loving communities. This statement presents a truncated Gospel, one that reduces the Gospel to just salvation. It does not take into account the words and actions of Jesus in the New Testament. It reduces the work of Christ to just being the means of reconciliation with God, the eraser of sins (personal sins) it does not take into account that Jesus came to bring about the Kingdom of God. In the book of Mark, Jesus preaches about the kingdom of God, which is really the good news. In the book of Luke (4:18-19) , Jesus makes this proclamation: The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lords favor. Jesus went to synagogues where ever he travel to preach this message, which often was not well received by the Jewish leaders of the day. This is the true richness of the Gospel and like many in Jesus day, we want to change the message and perhaps kill the messenger. Jesus message is not just a way to receive salvation, it is a way to live life. Thinking through this statement, it seems to me that the authors of this statement are modern day Pharisees. Perhaps that is too harsh a criticism of these men and their intentions or maybe it is not harsh enough. Jesus even warns the Pharisees of his day in Matthew 23:23 Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. This statement was not only written exclusively by men, but they are also all white men there is no inclusion of Christians of color or women (its like we dont matter). Not only does it uphold the patriarchy of our day, it is fairly racist in its terminology by trying to uphold the standards of white supremacy (read culture affirmation) and it is political in tone though the authors try to deny this. The statement also reeks of privilege as Tom Ascol puts it, On June 19 of this year I had the privilege of meeting in the iconic Herbs House coffee sh op in Dallas with 13 other men to discuss our common concerns about some teachings and practices being advocated in the name of social justice. We had never been in a room together but all accepted the invitation of Josh Buice, who was aware that we had similar perspectives on this growing movement . All of these had never been in a room together but knew enough about the threat to their comfort, privilege, and supremacy they could craft such a statement. At first read of this statement, I thought to myself, just ignore it but at this time there are over 10,000 signatures on it and that just gnaws at my soul. There was a slight arrogance in me that wanted to rip it up theologically point by point but after much thought, that didnt seem like the wisest use of my time or yours. Plus, I do not wholly disagree with all the affirmations in this statement. There is some good stuff in there that I can get fully back like the affirmations in Imago Dei, Scripture, Justice, and Salvation sections though we deny areas are not something I can support. This statement takes much for granted, for instance no terms are defined not even social justice. The authors throw words like intersectionality, radical feminism, critical race theory, privilege, relativism, authentic justice, and even heresy without taking the time to define what those words mean. They just assume everyone who reads this will understand what they are saying but those words are loaded with meaning and are used differently by Christians and non-Christians. It astonishes me that educated people even signed this document before asking questions about the meaning behind what they authors intended. The very thing they are trying to protect the church from, is not even remotely defined in the statement. From that perspective this is a weak stance to take and perhaps they should have taken more time to craft their proclamation. What is dangerous in this statement is the supposition that getting the right doctrine, will then set everything else straight. That if you affirm that racism, misogyny, classism, and injustice are sins against God and the oneness of the church, then there wont be problems these things will somehow magically disappear. It takes for granted the process of sanctification, the fact that we are humans prone to mistakes, free will, and ego/pride. Simply because you believe wholly in the redemptive work of Christ and your identity is in Him, does not automatically mean one wont be racist, sexist, classist, and will be completely motivated to do justice. One just need look to the Apostle Peter and know that having a relationship with Jesus does not erase the issues we struggle with, the biases we have, and the pride within us. Not only did this man walk with Jesus, serve with Him, and have access to Him, Peter was also a hot head, a liar, and a racist. The scripture recounts many times wher e Peter messed up from the time he tried to tell Jesus he wasnt going to die, to cutting off a mans ear, denying he knew Jesus (three times) and then to being rebuked by Apostle Paul for treating Jews above gentiles. Perhaps an unintended consequence of this statement is that one could read it, agree with it, sign it and go on their merry way. It does nothing to motivate those that agree with it do to change anything about how they live. The status quo can remain, you can believe in Jesus, the Scriptures, and in the church but do nothing for the poor, abstain from changing/dismantling systemic evil, and criticize those who do justice work. Christians throughout history have been well intentioned, loved Jesus, and wanted to live their lives for God but didnt do anything to stop slavery, genocide, wanted to stop the suffrage movement, upheld Jim Crow laws, and wanted nothing to do with the civil rights movement. It seems that all of these people would have been fine signing this statement since one can still be a part of the church and change nothing no rocking the boat here. Interestingly the statement is written in a creedal way, it wishes to mimic the tone of creeds like Nicene and Apostles by its affirmations. Leaves one to wonder who gave them this authority and by what right can they issue such a statement. As far as I know, they are not church fathers, just prominent pastors within a small section of evangelical circles. This is where I think a significant injustice is occurring to the principle of common good. The breaking apart of community, the intentional splitting of Christian fellowship, and creating a society of division and impeding people from making conditions better in social life for common community. It utterly destroys the oneness of Christ they are so desperately trying to preserve for the evangelical Christian community. Many earnest Christians truly believe that social justice is imperative to a life of faith that Social justice is about turning things the right way up the way that God intended. It is God who demands justice in a w orld where injustice is rife. Solidarity comes under attack in this statement via many of the affirmations, particularly the ones on Sexuality/Marriage, Complementarianism, Race/Ethnicity, Culture, and Racism. There is division created in the ways these affirmations are worded and what the denials state. Race issues come under great attack and makes it easy for people to not stand with brown/black brothers and sisters who face discrimination, prejudice, hate crimes, and racism. It puts a great deal of onus on people of color to just forgive and get over it. Attacking social justice the way the document does sends a very clear message that they only identity that matters is the identity in Christ. That to take a stand for people of color in name of justice is to create problems where none exist. Jemar Tisby puts it this way, While Christians from many traditions, races and ethnicities have displayed a concern for social justice, it is a topic that particularly concerns black and brown folks. We have endured a long history of race-based discrimination that did not simply disappear after the March on Washington, the passage of the Civil Rights Act or the election of the nations first black president. Statements that dismiss social justice send a message that the ongoing marginalization many minorities still experience and struggle against is of no concern to their fellow Christians. Or to God. Or to the Bible. The family of God cannot stand united in solidarity with the continued marginalization of people of color. How can we serve the oppressed, stand with those in poverty, or act for the good of everyone when we cannot acknowledge the experiences of people of color?

Managing Volunteer Performance Objectives For Employees

Introduction With every new volunteer coming onboard to the organization, it is vital to ensure each and every one is well-versed and fortified with the expectations of the role as a volunteer. Information Sessions and Orientations present themselves as the perfect platform to provide an outline of expectations. For example: the code of conduct, policies and procedures, risk management and administrative housekeeping items (i.e.: reference letters, performance evaluations, attendance, dismissals, etc.) It is important to generate a strong foundation for managing volunteer expectations in order to keep volunteers well-organized and engaged in their role while making a strong impact to the organization. Performance Objectives Comparable to†¦show more content†¦This will give the volunteers an opportunity to review and respond with questions they may have while they anticipate compliancy from the organization in order to begin their volunteer assignment. In addition to providing the standards and guidelines and the position description, volunteers are requested to sign off on an agreement form after their first shift. The volunteer agreement encompasses many elements from the Canadian Code of Volunteer Involvement (2012) and the National Occupational Standards (2013). Essentially, it is a volunteer pledge to the organization that all responsibilities will be performed to the best of their ability within the boundary of the volunteer role. Likewise, program staff and Volunteer Resources will sign an agreement form to initiate the support that the volunteers will receive while on duty. Conduct Performance Review Performance evaluations are documented methods in order to retrieve feedback from program contacts based on their observation of the volunteer in the placement. As well, volunteers have the equivalent opportunity to assess and provide their feedback regarding the placement, and share their feedback with the programs. In terms of collecting feedback, there is a great focus on revamping the current volunteer assessment form in its entirety. â€Å"Assessing† a volunteer in their role is considered less intimidating than â€Å"performance evaluation†. It is believed

Elements of Crime Free Essays

Elements of a Crime (Actus Reus Mens Rea) Model Lesson Plan Source: Original lesson plan. Handout #2 from David Crump, Criminal Law: Cases, Statutes, And Lawyering Strategies, Lexis Nexis 2005 pg. 117-18. We will write a custom essay sample on Elements of Crime or any similar topic only for you Order Now I. Goals: by the end of this class sstudents should have a sthrong foundation for reading criminal statutes and differentiating ssimilar crimes. II. Objectives a. Knowledge objectives: as a result of this class sstudents will be better able to: i. define â€Å"Actus Reus† and â€Å"Mens Rea† ii. understand the different gradations of Mens Rea iii. nderstand the differences between Washington’s homicide statutes b. Skills objectives: as a result of this class sstudents will be better able to: i. read a statute carefully and apply it to fact patterns ii. present and defend their interpretations of the law c. Attitude objectives: i. Sstudents should understand that the severity of criminal punishments can vary greatly depending on the defendant’s mental state in a manner that is largely consistent with the general societal belief that intentionally wrongful acts are worse than unintentional, but still wrongful acts. ii. Sstudents should carefully consider the potentially harsh results that occur when legislatures replace mens rea with strict liability. III. Methods (1)Distribute Handout #1 (Hypos) (2)Read the introductory hypothetical aloud as a class. Ask for volunteers to answer the questions. a. The class should come to the conclusion that Frank did â€Å"cause† Bill’s death in the sense that if he hadn’t moved the mirror in the particular way he did at that exact time, the window washer wouldn’t have been blinded and Bill wouldn’t have slipped. This is a good example of â€Å"but for† or â€Å"actual causation† as used in Handout #2. However, the law typically only imposes liability where the defendant’s conduct is the â€Å"proximate cause† of the harmful event/ crime. b. However, it seems like Frank didn’t do anything â€Å"wrong. † Try to elicit why this result seems wrong and write the class’s ideas on the whiteboard. (3)Distribute Handout #2 (Elements) (4)Handout #2 Walk through the Elements handout. Be careful to explain that not all of the elements are always present in a criminal statute. For example, attempted murder doesn’t have a harm element and parking violations don’t have a mens rea element, e. g. ne can receive a parking citation for parking in a handicapped spot even if it was unintentional or an accident. Furthermore, the elements aren’t perfectly discrete and there is some overlap. (5)Distribute Handout #3 (Statutes) a. Explain that the groups will be analyzing the hypos with respect to the statutes provided in Handout #3. The Grades of Ho micide are meant to demonstrate the changes mens rea. b. Walk through the statutes and give a thumbnail sketch of i. First degree murder: 1. Premeditated killing. An intentional killing that was deliberate and contemplated prior to the killing. . Extreme Indifference. Covers the possibility that someone knows that what they are going to do will result in the death of another person, but at the same time doesn’t â€Å"intend† to kill. See the bomb hypo in handout # 1. ii. Second degree murder 1. Intentional killing without premeditation. The classic example is a passion killing where the homicide occurs in the heat of the moment. iii. First degree manslaughter 1. Recklessness. Conscious awareness of an unacceptable risk to human life. Recklessness is ssimilar to extreme indifference, but the risk that human life will be lost is less. v. Second degree manslaughter 1. Criminal negligence. Gross deviation from standard of care. v. Statutory rape 1. No mens rea. Strict liab ility with a limited affirmative defense where minor misrepresents age. In an effort to protect minor children, state legislatures have placed an increased burden to ascertain age on the older party. (6)Break into groups of 3-5 to apply statutes to Hypos 1-5. Have groups designate a reporter and a recorder. The recorder should write each of the group members’ names on the top of handout #1 and also record the group’s aanswers on the space provided. The Reporter is responsible for explaining the group’s reasoning and conclusion when the class reconvenes. (7)Reconvene Class: call on each group to present their analysis of one hypo. Ask questions to push them in the right direction if you think they missed something or ask questions forcing them to defend their aanswers if you think they got it right. Note to teacher: suggested aanswers to the hypotheticals are on a separate sheet at the end of this lesson plan. (8)Take-away: mens rea standards vary widely from premeditated intent to strict liability. You need to read statutes carefully to determine the correct standard. IV. Evaluation a. Group performance on written responses to Hypos1-5 and class discussion. V. Assignment a. Write a one page response to the following question: Shcould Melvin be punished for his relationship with Laura? If not, please explain why. How do you think Washington’s statutory rape statute should be changed? If you think that Melvin should be punished, please explain why. Handout #1: Hypothetical Scenarios Introductory Hypo: Frank is helping his friend move into a downtown Seattle condo. While unloading a large mirror from the moving truck, the bright sunlight hits the mirror and reflects against the 40th floor of the skyscraper across the street which temporarily blinds a window washer and causes him to stumble. During this moment of temporary blindness, lasting about a second and a half, the window washer inadvertently kicks over his window washing bucket onto the street below. The water and soap from the bucket hit the sidewalk right in front of Bill the jogger. Bill was unable to stop before stepping on the slippery sidewalk, causing him to lose his balance and fall. When Bill fell, he hit his head on the sidewalk. Bill died two weeks later from his head injury. Suppose that Washington law provides: Anyone who causes the death of another person shall be guilty of murder. Wcould Frank be guilty of murder under this law? Shcould he be? Group Exercise Hypos Instructions: Nominate someone in your group to be the recorder and another person to be the class reporter. Read each hypothetical and determine which statute, if any, applies to the facts of the hypothetical and whether the defendant has violated the statute. Hypo #1: Sarah is held at gun point by Roger on a rooftop. Roger tells Sarah that she must shoot and kill Steven. Sarah pleads with Roger to let her go and that she does not want to kill Steven. Roger tells Sarah that unless she successfully shoots and kills Steven, he will kill Sarah and her entire family. Roger has a violent reputation and Sarah has no reason to believe that Roger will not follow through with his threat. Roger identifies Steven walking on the other side of the street and tells Sarah to take the shot. Fearing for the safety of her family and herself, Sarah takes careful aim at Steven, gauges the wind and change in elevation, and fires a precise shot penetrating Steven’s heart. What crimes if any has Sarah committed? How to cite Elements of Crime, Papers

Persepolis A Script on the Iran War Essay Example For Students

Persepolis: A Script on the Iran War Essay Persepolis is a graphic memoir of Marjane Satrapi. The book has received multiple accolades and citations for its realistic and well-written script as well as its commitment against totalitarianism. Satrapi writes (and draws) of her life during the war between Iran and Iraq. It has both literal and symbolic meanings hidden among the drawings, as it also shows the hardships she faced in other countries and even, at times, in her home country of Iran. It helps to show the past and somewhat present views of Iranians and others about Iran, it’s leaders, the war, and the corruption of the Iranian government. Satrapi uses symbolism, anecdotes, and a strong motif of the unfair treatment and view of Iranians to help create a deep, true, emotional, and captivating story. Satrapi uses symbolism to give deeper meaning to her stories and make them more emotional. Many drawings in the memoir have a deeper meaning that isn’t immediately apparent, but that give more meaning to the current situation. A good example of a drawing like this can be found on page 71. The words accompanying the picture are â€Å"and so I was lost, without any bearings†¦ What could be worse than that?† In the middle of the page is Marji, floating in space, and a loud speech bubble (probably her mother or father) saying â€Å"Marji, run to the basement! We’re being bombed!† The bottom returns to Marji’s point of view, where she simply states: â€Å"It was the beginning of the war.† What can the reader draw from this? This is the point in the book at which Marji’s life begins to lose it’s goodness. When she says she’s lost, she means she doesn’t know what to believe. She’s just abandoned God (who, unsurprisingly, doesn’t show up for the rest of the book) and lost her one and only Unc. .erstand more about the situation, background, and the difficulties facing Iranians before, during, and after the war. Marjane Satrapi used symbolism, anecdotes, and motif to advance the plot of her graphic memoir Persepolis. Though the book is on some banned books lists, Persepolis contains many real-world themes and morals. The many awards the book has received can be partly credited to Satrapi’s use of literary devices. It is a book taught popularly in high school english classes because, oftentimes, it is one of the students’ first confrontations with Middle Eastern literature. In addition, it can be used to show the many freedoms, rights, and priveledges we take for granted here in the United States. Through the happy drawings and the sad drawings, Persepolis is a graphic memoir deserving of its recognition that will captivate the reader all the way through.

A Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man - Religion And Its Effect On S

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man - Religion and Its Effect on Stephen Dedalus Religion is an important and recurring theme in James Joyce's A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. Through his experiences with religion, Stephen Dedalus both matures and progressively becomes more individualistic as he grows. Though reared in a Catholic school, several key events lead Stephen to throw off the yoke of conformity and choose his own life, the life of an artist. Religion is central to the life of Stephen Dedalus the child. He was reared in a strict, if not harmonious, Catholic family. The severity of his parents, trying to raise him to be a good Catholic man, is evidenced by statements such as, "Pull out his eyes/ Apologise/ Apologise/ Pull out his eyes." This strict conformity shapes Stephen's life early in boarding school. Even as he is following the precepts of his Catholic school, however, a disillusionment becomes evident in his thoughts. The priests, originally above criticism or doubt in Stephen's mind, become symbols of intolerance. Chief to these thoughts is Father Dolan, whose statements such as, "Lazy little schemer. I see schemer in your face," exemplify the type of attitude Stephen begins to associate with his Catholic teachers. By the end of Chapter One, Stephen's individualism and lack of tolerance for disrespect become evident when he complains to the rector about the actions of Father Dolan. His confused attitude is clearly displayed by the end of the chapter when he says, "He was happy and free: but he would not be anyway proud with Father Dolan. He would be very kind and obedient: and he wished that he could do something kind for him to show him that he was not proud." Stephen still has respect for his priests, but he has lost his blind sense of acceptance. As Stephen grows, he slowly but inexorably distances himself from religion. His life becomes one concerned with pleasing his friends and family. However, as he matures he begins to feel lost and hopeless, stating, "He saw clearly too his own futile isolation. He had not gone one step nearer the lives he had sought to approach nor bridged the restless shame and rancor that divided him from mother and brother and sister." It is this very sense of isolation and loneliness that leads to Stephen's encounter with the prostitute, where, "He wanted to sin with another of his kind, to force another being to sin with him and to exult with her in sin." He wants to be loved, but the nearest thing he can find is prostitution. In the aftermath of this encounter and the numerous subsequent encounters, a feeling of guilt and even more pronounced loneliness begins to invade Stephen's being. Chapter Three represents the turning point of the novel, for here Stephen turns his life around. After the serm on on sin and hell, Stephen examines his soul and sees the shape it is in, wondering, "Why was he kneeling there like a child saying his evening prayers? To be alone with his soul, to examine his conscience, to meet his sins face to face, to recall their times and manners and circumstances, to weep over them." Religion pushes its way suddenly and unexpectedly back into Stephen's life. After his confession at the end of Chapter Three, he begins to lead a life nearly as devout as that of his Jesuit teachers and mentors. Even as he leads this life, however, shades of his former self are obliquely evident through statements such as, "This idea had a perilous attraction for his mind now that he felt his soul beset once again by the insistent voices of the flesh which began to murmur to him again during his prayers and meditations." Here it is evident that, even as his life becomes more and more devout, he can never lead the perfect and sinless life of the Jesuit. The offer of a position as a priest is met by memories of his childhood at Clongowes and thoughts such as, "He wondered how he would pass the first night in the novitiate and with what dismay he would wake the first morning in the dormitory."

Separate America essays

Separate America essays Over the past hundred years, the United States has tried to evolve toward a country of accepted diversity. Yet throughout time it seems that whenever the United States takes a step forward toward universal acceptance of all races, they take two steps back toward racial profiling and discrimination. The tragic events after September 11 are proof of the ongoing balkanization within America, as many Arab Americans were forced to deal with the criminalization of their race as terrorists. The power-conflict theory, which emphasizes that power and value differences exist between dominant and subordinate groups and that social conflicts are normal consequences of these differences, clearly show that the united states does not follow the path of assimilation for everyone, but instead has different segments of society vying for dominance. In America, minorities are still struggling to find equality and peace, especially when a dominated Anglo America is still trying to oppress them. The b alkanization of America is progressing, and the so-called melting pot has cooled. Society generally prefers to associate with members of their own culture. They unite and divide on the basis of ethnic identity. The problems with assimilation and institutional discrimination are present obstacles that prevent minorities from integrating into the mainstream of American society. The United States is not alone; many nations around the world experience similar ethnic and racial tensions that mimic the balkanization of an already divided America. ...

Organization development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 7

Organization development - Essay Example The curiosity of the old and loyal employees increases with time, and they ask more questions frequently about the ways the organization will manage their relationship wit the company and their reward on retirement. These questions are considered to be a challenge for the organization development. Organizations need to plan, develop and implement ways to motivate employees and show their loyalty and sincerity to their employees with the same enthusiasm. Another challenge for organizations is to maintain a peaceful environment for its workers (Cummings & Worley, 2014). Organization development faces risks when cases of discrimination arise in the organization on the basis of gender, age, and other unethical issues. Organization development is, therefore, responsible for avoiding such acts of discrimination to maintain the reputation of the firm. The future of organization development seems to be bright and promising. Unfortunately, there are some factors that can cause hindrance in the success of the organizational development. Factors that determine the future of organization include values of organizational management, training level of employees and spreading of information about OD techniques. Additionally, global economic changes, latest technology, and social & political environment could have a significant effect on the future of organization development (Bradford & Burke,

Why is sports so important for the people of a number of countries in Research Paper

Why is sports so important for the people of a number of countries in the world - Research Paper Example Majority of the people in Spain celebrated their world cup win in South Africa in 2010. There was renewed show of patriotism. The jersey worn by the national team players was symbolic of the people, united and committed to one nation and cheered it on to victory. At that time, the victory served to brighten up a country that was hit by the recession, its unemployment rate was increasing and the confidence in the administrative bodies was dwindling. However, the sport united the people and gave them renewed hope to deal with the problems they face. This is what football often does in Spain. The sense of patriotism is evident in every person even the politicians. More than ever, they become committed to institute policies that will improve the welfare of the citizens. Spain struggles with the Catalan section due to the increasing will of the Catalans to be self-governing. The Catalan people view FC Barcelona as the representation of their customs and culture. It is no wonder that they fill the stadiums with banners carrying political messages regarding the same. Football is important to them as it helps them air their demands. It is a platform for them to advocate for a political voice. Their actions serve to spur heated exchanges and influence political ambitions of the two sections. To the people of Catalonia, football is their massive voice and they hope to continue using the platform. Some go to the extent of crediting the Barcelona players for the victories in major European competitions. They believe they have a big say in major things as demonstrated in football. However, until their ambitions materialize, they combine together to celebrate triumphs. This signifies that the Spanish and Catalan identities are not essentially incompatible (T he symbolism in Spanish football illustrates that Catalan and Spanish identities are not necessarily incompatible). Third, Football in Spain helps companies increase their financial returns. The Spanish football

Barnes and Nobles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Barnes and Nobles - Essay Example By this, it remarkable tries to create the best value for its both existing and prospective customers. At the very moment, it addresses this concern by implementing Barnes & Noble Cafes, NOOK bookstore, specialize 1 million unique book titles, and addressing its commitment to carry a vast selection of titles from many large or small publishers. In other words, its very point in doing this is to be the best specialty retail in America regardless of the products it sells. This is the very mission of Barnes & Noble and it is important for this company to address the level of product volume it promises to serve with its customers. As a specialty retail store, it is important for Barnes & Noble to hear the response of its customers in order to evaluate the level of value it has already given to its customers. In line with this, it is necessary that the Barnes & Noble should focus on the area of customer service in order to understand how far it is trying to create a value for its customer s. As of the moment, Barnes & Noble is open for questions and suggestions in order to address customers’ superior or excellent experience with them. This can be done via internet or through phone. In line with this, Barnes & Noble should create strategic measure on how far it addresses the level of customer service it promises to give. In line with this, it is important that the company should implement performance measurement strategy. One that can be applied is the balanced scorecard which helps aligns business’ visions and activities, and evaluates specific strategies. Under the balanced scorecard are priorities and one of them is customers. Thus, it is timely that Barnes & Noble should implement this, not just only on superficially dealing with customers’ concerns. Generic strategy It is therefore not a question what specific generic strategy Barnes & Noble is implementing. It is evident that since it wants to become a cut above the other or simply as the ma rket leader in its industry, differentiation strategy was made possible for its entire retailing activity. In line with this, it is also important that it tries to undergo a combined focus differentiation strategy. Under this, it caters to the specific needs of its customers considering that there are different segments of them that are involved. On the other hand, this can be tedious on its part but the bottom line is to guarantee that it fully understands the needs of its customers. This in return helps the company to provide a product for its customers and create a real need for them. In fact, in the modern marketing techniques, organizations have specific activity on the creation of needs for specific product or service offering (Boone & Kurtz, 2006). Grand strategy In the midst of information technology, it is important that Barnes & Noble should finally attempt to go global in its operation through the internet. In line with this, it is timely to integrate all its marketing ef forts not just in America but in the entire world through an online retailing strategy. Like eBay and other online retailing sites, it is timely for Barnes & Noble to momentarily adapt to new approaches as the market continuously is changing over time. With its retailing store trying to be online, it would open up its opportunity

The Practical Use of Research

The Practical Use of Research The term Research is an often misused term. Its usage in everyday language is very different from the strict scientific meaning. The Oxford Dictionary of Current English defines it as the study of materials and sources in other to establish facts and reach new conclusions. The term Research is a multi-faceted concept that has attracted numerous views. It is both a process and an outcome. But no matter the dimension, it should lead to understanding of an outcome. Research refers to empirical data collection in the pursuit of scientific endeavour usually in the form of an experiment, survey or evaluation (Australian Psychological Society, Code of Ethics). According to Osuala (2005), Research is simply the process of arriving at dependable solutions to problems through the planned and systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data. Research is a most important tool for advancing knowledge, for promoting progress, and for enabling man to relate more effectively to his environment, to accomplish his purposes, and to resolve his conflicts. Another school of thought defines research as the process of investigation, an examination of a subject from different points of view. It is not just a trip to the library to pick up a stock of materials, or picking the first hits from a computer search, but the hunt for the truth. It is also getting to know a subject by reading up on it, reflecting , playing with the ideas, choosing the area that interest you and following up on them. In other wards it is a way you educate yourself (Denscombe, 1998). Creswell (2003) identifies research as the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information to increase our understanding of the phenomenon under study. It is therefore the function of the researcher to contribute to the understanding of the phenomenon and to communicate that understanding to others. From the above definitions of the concept and from my own judgment, I can state from a broad sense of the word that research include the gathering of empirical data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge. It also involves a dedicated system of scientific methodology that can be used by researchers to arrive at the right conclusion. The three definitions above are not entirely different from my point of view because Denscombe, 1998, seem to explain that research involves an in depth inquiry about a subject to make an informed judgment. Creswell, 2003, agrees with me that data or information obtained and process leads to an increase in knowledge of the subject. However, research is not only about the pursuit of scientific endeavours as stated by the Australian Psychological Society, Code of Ethics, (2001), but a social event as well. The limitation of scientific method must, however, be thoroughly understood. For example, science cannot deal directly with values. It can define some of the issues involved in making value-judgments, but the judgment themselves are outside the scope of science. Research is a tool for studying social events and learning about them and their interconnections so that general causal laws can be discovered, explained and documented. Knowledge of events and social laws allows society to c ontrol events and to predict their occurrence and outcomes. Research is oriented towards the discovery of the relationships that exist among the phenomena of the world in which we live. It is devoted to finding conditions under which a certain phenomenon occurs and the conditions under which it does not occur in what might appear to be similar circumstances. From the above discussions research is a series of linked activities. According to Atkinson and Bouma (1995) research processes has three main phases. These are phase one: Essential first steps Selecting, narrowing and formulating the problem to be studied. Selecting the research design. Designing and devising measures for variables. Setting up tables for analysis. Selecting a sample. Phase two: Data collection Collecting evidence or data about the research question. Summarizing and organizing data. Phase three: Analysis and interpretation of data. This involves Relating data to the research questions and hypothesis. Drawing conclusions Assessing the limitations of the study. Solution to the problem in the form of recommendation Making suggestions for further research. What Research is not Research does not include what is already known, but is reserved for activities designed to discover facts and relationships that will make knowledge more effective. Attempts to classify types of research pose a difficult problem (Best and Khan, 1993). This is because various textbooks suggest different systems of classification. These are classifications by: purpose of research; Method used in the research; and paradigm of the study. Research can be classified into two broad categories namely scientific or experimental research and social science research. For the purpose of my study I wish to explain research under social science. Social science research, irrespective of its type and nature, entails a degree of measurement. This involves categorizing and assigning values to concepts, and is diverse in nature and levels of operation. It is also a very useful procedure because it serves to ensure high quality in research. Diversity in research reflects diversity in the parameters that guide it. More precisely, it means diversity in the Ontology and epistemology that underlie the methodology, which in turn guide the research. Simply, methodologies produce different research designs, because they follow in their theoretical structure different ontological and epistemological prescriptions. Critique of my definition of research Concerns with the definition of research in my opinion may be raised by what I referred to as gathering of empirical data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge, hence a critique of my definition. Flaws or weaknesses in my definition. There has been considerable interest in recent years in the role of philosophical assumptions and paradigms in doing research. During the 1970s and 1980s prominent concerns were raised about the limits of quantitative data and methods often associated with positivism, the prevailing paradigm. Positivism assumes an objective world which scientific methods can more or less readily represent and measure, and it seeks to predict and explain causal relations among key variables. However, critics argued that positivistic methods strip context from meanings in the process of developing quantified measures of phenomena (Guba and Lincoln, 1994: 106). The issue therefore of empirical approach to research has been justified by its success in measuring quantitative research. However, in more recent years, scientists have been challenged to explain phenomena that defy measurement and their inability to quantitatively measure some phenomena and the dissatisfaction with the results of measurement of other phenomena which have led to an intense search for other approaches to study human phenomena. This interest has led to an acceptance of qualitative research approach which does not need empirical data to discover knowledge. One cannot help but to stuck by the success of qualitative research methods in the marketplace of academic ideas (Atkinson, 1995, p. 117). The background of using qualitative methods to study human phenomena is rooted in the social sciences. This tradition came about because aspects of human science were unable to be described fully using quantitative research methods. More recently, the practice of qualitative rese arch has expanded to clinical settings because empirical approaches have proven to be of limited service in answering some of the challenges and pressing clinical questions, especially where human subjectivity and interpretation are involved (Thorne, 1997, p. 28). However, the use of qualitative research has its own flaws as well. It is unable to study relationships between variables with the degree of accuracy that is required to establish social trends. Empirical scientists who support the Cartesian framework believe that if objective measurement cannot be assigned to a phenomenon, then the importance and thus the existence of the phenomenon may be in question. Many contemporary scientists and philosophers question the value of this system, particularly in situations that include humans and their interactions with other humans. Data quality is very important for the research purpose and if care is not taken often, critics think the nature of data collection could lead to the production of large amounts of useless information. Empirical data should not be the approach of investigating social actions to interpret and understand the actors reasons for social actions, but to subject their action into reality. Information and facts Others may say that what may be a piece of information to one researcher may be irrelevant to another. Therefore how do we determine relevant information or facts for research? Quantitative research methodology has its weaknesses, among other things for the way in which it perceives reality, validity and the methods it uses as well as the relationship it establishes with the researched. Qualitative research methodology has been criticized, among other things for not being able to cope with demands related to reliability, objectivity, representativeness and the value of collected data. Advancement of Knowledge; Again, critiques think that in research people may omit evidence that may not agree with their opinion and could produce inadequate information which does not represent the facts. In other words, beliefs may be established on insufficient evidence. Therefore improper conclusions or inferences owing to personal prejudices may be drawn. The common response to these criticisms is that, these concepts are strengths and not weaknesses of my definition. With the underlying terms or concepts that I have used in my definition, let me consider the following; Empiricism. Empirism goes back to the writings of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and is directly associated with the work of Francis Bacon (1651-1626), John Locke (1632-1704) and David Hume (1711-1776). Empiricism supports the view that knowledge come through experience mediated through the senses and insight can only be achieved through pure experiences. Empiricism assigns a high value to experience and gives primacy to facts. Hence, observation and experience offer the basis of knowledge. For Hughes, (1990), opinions are reflections of our impressions of reality. In a more radical form, empiricism argues that only things that can be verified empirically exist. What cannot be verified does not exist; truths that are not based on experience are meaningless. Quality of data. Often, data collection is essential for a reliable and valid research. Data collection entails decisions and action regarding the collection of the information required to address the research question. Data processing entails grouping, presentation, analysis and the interpretations of the findings. Examine and compare data after which data should be conceptualized and analyzed qualitatively or quantitatively. Empirical data are generally relevant for analysis. Research Information here refers to any relevant material that is useful for and during the study. They may include key informants, study groups, events and methods of data collection and assistants. Ways of Gaining / advancing Knowledge The means by which man seeks knowledge to his problems can be classified under broad categories; tenacity, authority, and science. The Method of Tenacity; under this situation people hold firmly to the truth, that they know to be true because they hold firmly to it, because they have always known it to be true. Frequent repetition of such truths seems to enhance their validity. People also infer new knowledge from propositions that may be false. The Method of Authority; this method establishes belief. If the Bible says so, it is so. If a mother says it, it is true. Life could not, in fact, go on without the method of authority (Osuala, 2005). The Method of Science; Francis Bacon (1561-1626) planted the seeds of acquiring modern scientific knowledge. He suggested that conclusion should be based on observed facts. The triangulation of both inductive and deductive reasoning gave birth to the scientific method. This method has self-correction aspects which it is believed no other method of attaining knowledge has. There are built-in checks all along the way of this method. These checks are so conceived and used that they control and verify the scientists activities and conclusions to the end of attaining dependable knowledge outside himself. A scientist does not accept a statement as true even though the evidence at first looks promising. Dependable knowledge is attained through science because science ultimately appeals to evidence; propositions are subjected to an empirical test. Conclusion: From the above discussions research in my opinion is a process by which we come to know what we want to know. It is a series of linked activities but should not be seen as a set of rigid steps to be followed. The obvious function of research is to add to existing store of knowledge and sometimes remove inappropriate or inapplicable theory. The three definitions and my personal own on research all go to add to further clarify the meaning of research as being purposive in the solution of a given problem, demands logical and objective approach, involves gathering data from primary and secondary sources. It also demands accurate and adequate knowledge about what already exist and how others have tackled it.

Iagos Justice :: essays papers

Iagos Justice In William Shakespeare’s play Othello, there lurks an evil that far is surpasses the darkness of the devil, it lies in the antagonist Iago. Othello who passes Iago up for a promotion simply because Iago is not a arithmetician, swears to take his revenge and destroy the moor and every thing Othello holds dear. Through this Iago plays judge, jury, and executioner, but is Iago’s justice justified or does his justice go far beyond the point of justice that he crosses the line. Once that line is crossed there is a point of no return. All barriers that may have at one point existed are now broken. Iago’s justice can never be justified, by taking or causing the bloodshed of the innocent for his own personal gain is no more justified then murder in cold blood. What ever promotion Iago is entitled to or what ever rights he may have is gone when he decides to create his own law. Nor should he posses the power to influence and decide the fate of others. â€Å"I hate the Moor;........Hell and night must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light† (I.ii.20). Iago intend to â€Å"abuse Othello’s ear† and convince Othello his wife Desdemona is an adultress, â€Å"framed to make women false† (I.i.20). Iago plans to bring the devils evil to earth in order to get his revenge on Othello. Although Iago’s justice can never be justified his anger pointed towards Othello can be. Despite all the rage, fury, resentment, prejudice, and anger Iago feels towards Othello; Iago feels all this and more to the appointed lieutenant Michael Cassio. For Cassio has never had experience on the battle field, â€Å"A fellow almost damn’d in a fair wife; That never set a squadron in the field, Nor the division of a battle knows† (I.i.1). Iago also points out that â€Å"preferment goes by letter and affection† (I.i.2). Iago is well aware of the fact that he is more qualified for the position but choices are based upon brain and not achievements on the field. In Iago’s pursuit of destroying the Moor and achieving his rightful position he destroys so many lives. Michael Cassio is soon striped of his position due to Iago’s deceit. Othello’s fair wife Desdemona is murdered by her own husband after Othello’s mind is poisoned by th e â€Å"honest† Iago.

Business Process Outsourcing Management System

AbstractA BPO is an area where several customer service representative (CSR) agents are located to man a bank of telephones and computer terminals. These agents are specially trained on telephone etiquette, the type of customer queries, that may arise and on how to respond to these queries in a quick and efficient manner.A BPO can also equipped with an automatic call handling system like an Interactive Voice Response system (IVR) so that all routine, repetitive queries. BPO has tremendous impact on business. BPO for selling goods and services, as well as call centers for providing customer care, is going to become a familiar part of the business of virtually every person. BPO also pioneered the developed of self-service via the telephone, using interactive voice response technology. It is providing a richer and friendlier environment for self-service transactions than the tone telephone can be answered by the system without the customer having to speak to a customer associate.Introdu ctionThe purpose of this project was the BPO management system for information about the customer need from inside and outside world. BPO is typically categorized into back office outsourcing-which includes internal business functions such as human resources or finance and accounting, and front office outsouring-which includes customer related services such as contact center services.BPO that is contracted outside a company’s country is called offshore outsourcing.BPO that is contracted to a company’s neighbouring country is called nearshore outsourcing.Given the proximity of BPO to the information technology industry.USE CASE DIAGRAM:SEQUENCE DIAGRAM:COLLABORATION DIAGRAM:CLASS DIAGRAM:REAL TIME PROCESS DIAGRAM: COMPONENT DIAGRAM:

Mesoamerica Cultural Timeline

Mesoamerica Cultural Timeline This Mesoamerica timeline is built on the standard periodization used in Mesoamerican archaeology and upon which specialists generally agree. The term Mesoamerica literally means Middle America and it typically refers to the geographic region between the southern border of the United States to the Isthmus of Panama, including Mexico and Central America. However, Mesoamerica was and is dynamic, and never a single unified block of cultures and styles. Different regions had different chronologies, and regional terminologies exist and are touched upon in their specific areas below. Archaeological sites listed below are examples for each period, a handful of the many more that could be listed, and they often were inhabited across time periods. Hunter-Gatherer Periods Preclovis Period (?25,000–10,000 BCE). There are a handful of sites in Mesoamerica that are tentatively associated with the broad-scale hunter-gatherers known as Pre-Clovis, but they are all problematic and none appear to meet enough criteria to consider them unequivocally valid. Pre-Clovis lifeways are thought to have been based on broad-based hunter-forager-fisher strategies. Possible preclovis sites include Valsequillo, Tlapacoya, El Cedral, El Bosque, Loltun Cave. Paleoindian Period (ca 10,000–7000 BCE): The first fully-attested human inhabitants of Mesoamerica were hunter-gatherer groups belonging to the Clovis period. Clovis points and related points found throughout Mesoamerica are generally associated with big game hunting. A handful of sites also include fish-tail points such as Fells Cave points, a type found more commonly in South American Paleoindian sites. Paleoindian sites in Mesoamerica include El Fin del Mundo, Santa Isabel Iztapan, Guil Naquitz, Los Grifos, Cueva del Diablo. Archaic Period (7000–2500 BCE):. After the extinction of large-bodied mammals, many new technologies were invented, including maize domestication, developed by Archaic hunter-gatherers by 6000 BCE. Other innovative strategies included the construction of durable buildings such as pit houses, intensive techniques of cultivation and resource exploitation, new industries including ceramics, weaving, storage, and prismatic blades. The first sedentism appears about the same time as maize, and over time more and more people gave up mobile hunter-gatherer life for a village life and agriculture. People made smaller and more refined stone tools, and on the coasts, began to rely more on marine resources. Sites include Coxcatln, Guil Naquitz, Gheo Shih, Chantuto, Santa Marta cave, Pulltrouser Swamp. Pre-Classic / Formative Periods The Pre-Classic or Formative period is so named because it was originally thought to be when the basic characteristics of the classic civilizations such as the Maya began to form. The major innovation was the shift to permanent sedentism and village life based on horticulture and full-time agriculture. This period also saw the first theocratic village societies, fertility cults, economic specialization, long-distance exchange, ancestor worship, and social stratification. The period also saw the development of three distinct areas: central Mesoamerica where village farming arose in the coastal and highland areas; Aridamerica to the north, where traditional hunter-forager ways persisted; and the Intermediate area to the southeast, where Chibchan speakers kept loose ties to South American cultures. Early Preclassic/Early Formative Period (2500–900 BCE): The major innovations of the Early Formative period include the increase in pottery use, transition from village life to a more complex social and political organization, and elaborate architecture. Early Preclassic sites include those in Oaxaca (San Josà © Mogote; Chiapas: Paso de la Amada, Chiapa de Corzo), Central Mexico (Tlatilco, Chalcatzingo), Olmec area ( San Lorenzo), Western Mexico (El Opeà ±o), Maya area (Nakbà ©, Cerros), and Southeastern Mesoamerica (Usulutn). Middle Preclassic/Middle Formative Period (900–300 BCE): Increasing social inequalities is a hallmark of the Middle Formative, with elite groups having a closer connection to the wider distribution of luxury items, as well as the ability to finance public architecture and stone monuments such as ball courts, palaces, sweat baths, permanent irrigation systems, and tombs. Essential and recognizable pan-Mesoamerican elements began during this period, such as bird-serpents and controlled marketplaces; and murals, monuments, and portable art speak to political and social changes. Middle Preclassic sites include those in the Olmec area (La Venta, Tres Zapotes), Central Mexico (Tlatilco, Cuicuilco), Oaxaca (Monte Alban), Chiapas (Chiapa de Corzo, Izapa), Maya area (Nakbà ©, Mirador, Uaxactun, Kaminaljuyu, Copan), West Mexico (El Opeà ±o, Capacha), Southeastern Mesoamerica (Usulutn). Late Preclassic/Late Formative Period (300 BCE–200/250 CE): This period saw an enormous population increase along with the emergence of regional centers and the rise of regional state societies. In the Maya area, this period is marked by the construction of massive architecture decorated with giant stucco masks; the Olmec may have had three or more city-states at its maximum. The Late Preclassic also saw the first evidence of a particular pan-Mesoamerican view of the universe as a quadripartite, multi-layered cosmos, with shared creation myths and a pantheon of deities. Examples of Late Preclassic sites include those in Oaxaca (Monte Alban), Central Mexico (Cuicuilco, Teotihuacan), in the Maya area (Mirador, Abaj Takalik, Kaminaljuyà º, Calakmul, Tikal, Uaxactun, Lamanai, Cerros), in Chiapas (Chiapa de Corzo, Izapa), in Western Mexico (El Opeà ±o), and in Southeastern Mesoamerica (Usulutn). Classic Period During the Classic period in Mesoamerica, complex societies increased dramatically and split into a large number of polities that varied greatly in scale, population, and complexity; all of them were agrarian, and tied into the regional exchange networks. The simplest were located in the Maya lowlands, where city-states were organized on a feudal basis, with political control involving a complex system of interrelationships between royal families. Monte Alban was at the center of a conquest state that dominated most of the southern highlands of Mexico, organized around an emerging and vital craft production and distribution system. The Gulf Coast region was organized in about the same fashion, based on the long-distance exchange of obsidian. Teotihuacan was the largest and most complex of the regional powers, with a population of between 125,000 to 150,000, dominating the central region, and maintaining a palace-centric social structure. Early Classic Period (200/250–600 CE): The early Classic saw the apogee of Teotihuacan in the valley of Mexico, one of the largest metropolis of the ancient world. Regional centers began to diffuse outward, along with widespread Teotihuacan-Maya political and economic connections, and a centralized authority. In the Maya area, this period saw the erection of stone monuments (called stelae) with inscriptions about kings lives and events. Early Classic sites are in Central Mexico (Teotihuacan, Cholula), the Maya area (Tikal, Uaxactun, Calakmul, Copan, Kaminaljuyu, Naranjo, Palenque, Caracol), Zapotec region (Monte Alban), and western Mexico (Teuchitln). Late Classic (600–800/900 CE): The beginning of this period is characterized by the ca. 700 CE collapse of Teotihuacan in Central Mexico and the political fragmentation and high competition among many Maya sites. The end of this period saw the disintegration of political networks and a sharp decline in population levels in the southern Maya lowlands by about 900 CE. Far from a total collapse, however, many centers in the northern Maya lowlands and other areas of Mesoamerica continued to flourish afterward. Late Classic sites include the Gulf Coast (El Tajin), the Maya area (Tikal, Palenque, Tonin, Dos Pilas, Uxmal, Yaxchiln, Piedras Negras, Quirigu, Copan), Oaxaca (Monte Alban), Central Mexico (Cholula). Terminal Classic (as it is called in the Maya area) or Epiclassic (in central Mexico) (650/700–1000 CE): This period attested a political reorganization in the Maya lowlands with a new prominence of the Northern Lowland of northern Yucatan. New architectural styles show evidence of strong economic and ideological connection between central Mexico and northern Maya Lowlands. Important Terminal Classic sites are in Central Mexico (Cacaxtla, Xochicalco, Tula), the Maya area (Seibal, Lamanai, Uxmal, Chichen Itz, Sayil), the Gulf Coast (El Tajin). Postclassic The Postclassic Period is that period roughly between the fall of the Classic period cultures and the Spanish conquest. The Classic period saw larger states and empires replaced by small polities of a central town or city and its hinterland, ruled by kings and a small hereditary elite based at palaces, a marketplace and one or more temples. Early Postclassic (900/1000–1250): The Early Postclassic saw an intensification of trade and strong cultural connections between the northern Maya area and Central Mexico. There was also a flourishing of a constellation of small competing kingdoms, that competition expressed by warfare-related themes in arts. Some scholars refer to the Early Postclassic as the Toltec period, because one likely dominant kingdom was based at Tula. Sites are located in Central Mexico (Tula, Cholula), Maya area (Tulum, Chichen Itz, Mayapan, Ek Balam), Oaxaca (Tilantongo, Tututepec, Zaachila), and the Gulf Coast (El Tajin). Late Postclassic (1250–1521): The Late Postclassic period is traditionally bracketed by the emergence of the Aztec/Mexica empire and its destruction by the Spanish conquest. The period saw increased militarization of competing empires across Mesoamerica, most of which fell to and became tributary states of the Aztecs, with the exception of the Tarascans/Purà ©pecha of Western Mexico. Sites in Central Mexico are (Mexico-Tenochtitlan, Cholula, Tepoztlan), in the Gulf Coast (Cempoala), in Oaxaca (Yagul, Mitla), in the Maya region (Mayapan, Tayasal, Utatlan, Mixco Viejo), and in West Mexico (Tzintzuntzan). Colonial Period 15211821 The Colonial period began with the fall of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan and the surrender of Cuauhtemoc to Hernan Cortes in 1521; and the fall of central America including the Kiche Maya to Pedro de Alvardo in 1524. Mesoamerica was now administered as a Spanish colony. The pre-European Mesoamerican cultures sustained a huge blow with the invasion and conquest of Mesoamerica by Spaniards in the early 16th century. The conquistadors and their religious community of friars brought new political, economic, and religious institutions and new technologies including the introduction of European plants and animals. Diseases were also introduced, diseases which decimated some populations and transformed all of the societies. But in Hispania, some pre-Columbian cultural traits were retained and others modified, many introduced traits were adopted and adapted to fit into existing and sustained native cultures. The Colonial period ended when after more than 10 years of armed struggle, the Creoles (Spaniards born in the Americas) declared independence from Spain. Edited and updated by K. Kris Hirst Sources Carmack, Robert M., Janine L. Gasco, and Gary H. Gossen. The Legacy of Mesoamerica: History and Culture of a Native American Civilization. Routledge, 2016. Print.Carrasco, David, ed. The Oxford Encyclopedia of Mesoamerican Cultures. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001. Print.Evans, Susan Toby, and David L. Webster, eds. Archaeology of Ancient Mexico and Central America: An Encyclopedia. New York: Garland Publishing Inc., 2001. Print.Manzanilla, Linda R., and Leonardo Lopez Lujan, eds. Historia Antigua De Mexico. Mexico City: Miguel Angel Porrà ºa, 2001. Print.Nichols, Deborah L., and Christopher A. Pool, eds. The Oxford Handbook of Mesoamerican Archaeology. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012. Print.

Reformers essays

Reformers essays Reform is the development or improvement of the society which is possible to be brought about by those who are really dedicated to the work and who really love the society and who are moved by the bad conditions of the people. The person who wants to bring reform will not think about what the society thinks about him, but he will only care about the improvement and good. He will definitely face the problems and difficulties coming in his way. No one would want to be view with disrespect by others. Infact they gain respect by serving the poor and disabled. Reputation and social standing is only a consequence of their activities but not the intentions of the reformers. If so they are really not called as reformer. A reformer is person who brings about the actual development. If a person wants to become famous he can choose many other ways like films, Television, politics,...not alone social service which is far more difficult than any of these and involves no other purpose like earning money unlike others. I would like to give a very good example of a social reformer who is well know to the whole world because of her sacrifice to reform a place which is not even her native. I am talking about the Great Mother Theresa who was born in Ugoslavia and came to India and saw a very poor and dirty place in Calcutta and the people suffering over there and she was greatly moved by the site and thought in her mind the she has to do something good for these poor, disabled, unclean, uneducated people. She told them how to be neat, started a small school in that same place and made them to write on the wet land. She even served the diseased people who were suffering with cholera and plague where others felt scared of coming near those diseased. Slowly she gained some followers who would join her in those activities and grown in to a big organization. She did never stop serving the people even after she gained a lot of popularity. Mother Theresa ...

SABIC Company Audits Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

SABIC Company Audits - Essay Example Many businesses have succeeded based on their historical perspective. From the case, it is determined that the business has been in operation for the past 39 years (SABIC, 2014). This is life stable enough to determine that it has a status in the economy of Saudi Arabia. Apart from time, the company has historically been supported under the focus of the king of the country. According to Doole & Lowe (2008), history has a strong bearing on the success of a company in the market. This is especially prevalent in societies that are relatively conservative. The Saudi Arabian society is incredibly much of a conservative society and there are norms that determine the consumption patterns in the country. Being largely Muslim, most of the laws and legislation on trade are bound to be based on sharia laws. History of existence in market serves a lot of functions to a company (Peng, 2013). First, the company develops the experience of the market and makes it possible to understanding changing t rends from time to time. SABIC Company deals in a collection of products; chemicals, fertilizers, plastics, and metals. It is a size that determines the market success factors because there is a focus on expansion programmes. The company is owned by the government (70%) and the private individuals (30%). History has therefore helped it to know and understand its customers, the market, the need for expansion and the challenges that it is likely to face when in any other country apart from Saudi Arabia. Historical context has enabled the company to understand its customers, the purchase context, the feelings in the market and strategies that help develop a business from one level to another. The insights to the success of SABIC are based on the achievements from the time it was formed to date. Over time, the company has grown and it is now the largest companies in the specified areas of operation.

Current Issues in Management and Financial Accounting Essay

Current Issues in Management and Financial Accounting - Essay Example The aim is to show the current issues that are making the two fields different; the current issues related with these fields. According to Lawrence J. Gitman differences between the two, harmonized financial accounting and variables management accounting are shown in this assignment to understand their purpose to deal with the accounting system. Below different factors are given used to develop a clear information to the reader that how the role of these two branches differ. Garrison Noreen mentioned that two approaches accounting differ with each other in respect to financial statements. The financial accounting actually deals with the presentation of financial data where as the management accounting is the management of the accounting and cost within the firm structure. The financial accounting system actually used to make different financial reporting and therefore, the financial accounting standard board has launched different standards that must be taken in consideration while forming the financial statements. That is the reason that the financial accounting system becomes a harmonized system whereas, management accounting do effect on the financial statements but this actually deals with the management of cost structure within the firm. ... ifference between the two approaches is that management accounting uses different forms of cost structure to ensure minimum cost used in the firm where as financial accounting actually deals with structures and reporting that inform that how much cost is incurred by the firm. The management of any firm uses the management accounting to control their cost within different firms where as financial accounting actually seeks the usefulness of such management accounting system. The management of the firm consider mainly on their cost structure so that they can manage their cost structure to gain much benefits in their financial statements. The financial accounting on the other hand has very precise purpose, it helps in forming the financial statements and also helps the firm to provide a better future understanding of their newly projects. They help to know that which project will be better while management accounting helps the management to manage their cost to gain extra. Therefore, the management uses the harmonized and standard financial accounting system to elaborate better financial conditions of the firm. Therefore, management The management accounting uses different standardized cost structures within the firm where as the financial accounting do not have any standardized cost structure that can be used by the firm. The system design of any firm includes the cost structure and cost design of the firm. For instance either the firm is using the job-order processing system and or process order system (Carl S. Warren, James M. Reeve, Philip F. (2005)). These systems define the cost structure of the firm. The firm chooses these management accounting systems according to the use of resources so that they can incur less cost in the firm. Where as, the financial

Bakans five propositions for exploring World Music Essay

Bakans five propositions for exploring World Music - Essay Example There is a big similarity in the way the quality of music and the quality of sound are always judged. Just like sound, music can also be pleasant or unpleasant depending on the audience. Sound is usually a result of vibration of an object, for instance, a guitar string being plucked. After the sound is produced, its transition usually takes place through a medium, which is in most cases the air. It is in the human ears that the sound causes a vibration of the eardrum leading to the creation of impulses which are then transmitted to the brain. It is in the brain that the sound is judged as pleasant or unpleasant. The same process will take place for music only that in judging of quality of music the brain will us other content values such as rhyme and lyrical content (Graham 186). To prove just how much sound is important, it will be good to look at those factors that are always used to determine whether a song is of good quality or not. One of these factors is pitch. The pitch of sound refers to whether a sound is heard to be low or high. The difference in the pitch of sound is always brought about by the difference in the frequency of vibration of the object producing the sound. Fast vibrations usually produce higher pitches while the slow ones produce lower pitches. Pitch is always measured in cycle in each second. In terms of music, tone is the term normally used to refer the definite pitch. Tones usually have specific frequency. Tones have regular vibrations and always get to the ear at equal intervals. When tones have different pitches they usually end up having different sounds. This nature of sound makes it and the importance of music in general. With the knowledge of the difference between the highest and the lowest tones of sound, also called rage, musicians can also manipulate the outcome of the music. This implies that knowledge of pitch as a property of sound is very important if at all the musicians have to

Macau Pension Fund Essay Example for Free

Macau Pension Fund Essay According to the Act 84/89/M, Social Security fund would provide subsidies or assistance for unemployed, sick and retired people. This was the so-call â€Å"the first tier of social security†. At the same time, SSF was positioned as a financially independent fund under the local government. In Macau, Pension fund is included in the SSF, and there is no separation between the management of pension fund and SSF. Instead, pension fund is considered as an expense from the aspect of financial management. All the working people, including non-permanent and permanent residents, are required to contribute to SSF in each month. If they have contributed enough amounts, they can get part of or all the pension fund payment after retirement. Since 1993, the government was gradually enlarging the coverage of pension fund beneficiary. So far, most unemployed or workless people, such as housewife, could join the voluntary contributions program. After certain periods of contribution, those people are also entitled to the pension fund payment from SSF once they are over 60. 2. 0 Current Problems As a financially independent fund, SSF is supposed to maintain the operation with the contribution as its major income. However, government funding has already become the most important income of SSF in recent years. In 2010, government budget and funding from gaming tax accounted for 92% of the total income of SSF (see figure 1). For the pension fund, many people stated that the pension fund payment, maximum MOP 2,000, is not enough under the high-inflation economy. Some academies also claim that the contribution is not enough to maintain the budget balance of SSF. After all, government announced the predictable deficit of SSF since 2014 and bankruptcy in 2020 without government funding, which cause the heated discussion in Macau. 3. 1 Insufficient Contribution According to the SSF regulation, a resident who have contributed to SSF for 30 years is qualified to get MOP 2,000 per month after retirement at 65. Actually the monthly contribution to SSF has been fixed at MOP 45 per person since 1998, which means the total contribution in 30 years would be returned in 9 months after retirement. Figure 1: Income of SSF in 2010 The contribution in 2010 only accounted for 5. 35% of the annual income of SSF and 24. 4% of the pension fund payment. In other words, the contribution is obviously insufficient to support the pension fund payment. The pension fund payment has been increased from MOP 800 in 1995 to MOP 2,000 recently, so as other subsidies and assistances. Therefore, the government kept increasing funding for SSF to prepare for the increasing outcome. Millions (MOP) Figure 3: Social security expenditures by SSF 3. 2 Insufficient Pension Fund Payment According to the poverty line set up by Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the people with an income level lower than half of median income should be considered as poor people. Referring to 2011 median income published by Macau Statistics and Census Service, people have income lower than MOP 5,000 per month should be classified as needy. However, the maximum amount of pension fund payment is MOP 2,000, only 40% of the poverty line. The payment is even lower than the minimum subsistence index for one-person family, which is MOP 3,000 after the adjustment by Macau government on 1 Apr 2012. In view of this, some communities and organizations have called for further raise of pension fund payment. 3. 3 Inefficient Management Rate of Return Percentage Inflation Rate Figure 2: Investment return of SSF balance and Macau inflation rate Given the enlarging funding from government, the balance of SSF have increased from MOP 1. 5 billion in 2006 to MOP 6. 2 billion in 2010. However, it has been shown in Figure 2 that the investments return of SSF balance is just a bit higher than the inflation. During the financial crisis, there was even a negative return recorded in 2008. By ignoring year 2008, there is still a downward trend of the return. According to the 2010 annual report of SSF, 72. 43% of SSF balance was deposited into local bank, the remaining proportion was entrusted to fund managing company for only low-risk investments. Under the fix-rate hedging between MOP and HKD, the interest rate of Macau is close to interest rate in Hong Kong, which is similar to US interest rate. Since the 2008 financial crisis, Fed has applied the ultra low interest rate and the interest rate is believed to be maintained until 2014. So, a 72. 43% of deposit in an investment portfolio is reasonably considered as inefficient. 3. 4 Irregular government subsidies In 2008 Macau government introduced the â€Å"Wealth Partaking Scheme†. Each permanent resident will receive the cash check issue by government and each non-permanent residents would received 60% of the partaking amount to permanent resident. The aim of the scheme is to share the result of economic development under the high-inflation economy. However, in some people’s view, the scheme has been considered as supplement of social security and thus expected to transfer the scheme into regular subsidies. Beside the partaking scheme, Macau government established the â€Å"Central Saving Plan† – to inject certain capital into individual account of all the permanent attained the age of 22 in the year. The government claimed that the plan is â€Å"the second tier of social security† and the plan will enhance the living security of retired people. Under the government regulation, people could withdraw the saving fund only when they are over 65 or in urgent needs.

Directors Duties in Company Law

Directors Duties in Company Law Solution: Facts and Issues: In this case Mario is the Director of FWPL Company. Mario decides to contact Simon with the intention to acquire his shares in FWPL. As a Managing Director, Mario knows that there is a good chance that Company will in near future enter into a distribution agreement with a leading retailer in the United States that will enhance the value of the business. The issues in this case are as hereunder:- Duty of care or (directors duty of care to the company and to the members). Duty of good faith. What duties director owes to the company? (Bostock, 2012) Rules: Section 180 (1) of the Corporations Act 2001 incorporates the Duty of diligence and care. This provision states that a officer or Director of a corporation shall exercise the powers vested in him and discharge their duties with a degree of care and diligence which is exercised by a reasonable person if they: Were a officer or director of a corporation in the circumstance of corporation; and held or Occupied the office by, and bear the same responsibilities within the corporation as the Director or the officer. The reference reasonable person indicates an objective level of care which is consistent with the development of a duty based on trust. The balance should be between the foreseeable risks of harm against the potential benefits that can reasonably affect the corporation from the questioned conduct(Lowry, 2012). Section 181 Duty of good faith. An officer or Director of a corporation shall exercise their powers and discharge their duties: In the best interests of the corporation and in good faith For a proper purpose This provision embodies fiduciary duty on directors of the corporation to act Bonafide and in good faith for the advantage of the corporation, and provides with an obligation to act honestly(Barasnevicius Quagliato, 2008). Section 182 Duty of Director not using his position improperly. A director of a corporation shall not use their position improperly to gain an advantage either for themselves or for some other person. The director shall not make improper use of their position in such a way that it causes detriment to the corporation. This section is determined to be violated when a director is engaged in a conduct with the intention and objective of obtaining an advantage regardless of the fact whether that advantage occurred or not (Ho Lee, 2007). Section 183 Duty not to use information obtained as a director improperly. When a person obtains some information because he has been or is a director of the corporation, then he must not use that information in improper way to have an advantage for himself or any other person (Kottow, 2010). Application: Section 180 of the corporations Act 2001 attracts a civil obligation that a officer of the corporation or director of the corporation must at all reasonable times show a proper degree of care and diligence in the execution of their duties and powers. Section 180 (2) provides a rule of business judgment whereby a director is required to: Make their judgment for a proper purpose in good faith The director should not invest his personal interest of material nature in the matter of the concerned judgment. Should inform themselves regarding the matter of the judgment to the extent they believe to be appropriate. The directors believe that the judgment is made with the advantage of the corporation. In this case the decision of Mario to acquire Simon’s shares is based on his personal interest and violates the duty of care and diligence (Bainbridge, n.d.). The duty of good faith as per section 181 of the corporations Act 2001 is violated. Section 181 requires that the director must entertain his duties in good faith in the best interests of the corporation and. In this case Mario is not discharging his duties for a proper purpose for the advantage of the corporation rather he has been intended to have a personal advantage which shall not be in the advantage or interest of the corporation. On the other hand, this is also not for the proper purpose. Proper purpose under this act refers a purpose which is in the interest of the corporation. A civil obligation is imposed on the directors and other officers under section 181 to exercise their duties and powers in good faith and in the interests of the corporation. It has been provided that if the directors use their powers of their personal interest, the advantage of any other party, then it shall be considered to have breached this duty under section 181. It is important to note that under section 184 (1) breach of this duty shall be considered as a criminal offense if the director was intentionally dishonest (Lim, 2013). The duty provided under section 182 not to make improper use of position and under section 183 not to make improper use of information has been violated in this case. Here Mario has used his position in an improper way for his personal interest and benefit rather than for the benefit of the corporation or the members of the corporation. Mario has also used the information which he obtained because he was a managing director has violated and breached the duty under section 183 of the act. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the above analysis that in this case Mario being the Managing Director has breached the duties under section 182 and 183 of the Corporations act 2001. Mario has used his position and information he obtained being in the position of Director of the corporation for his personal interest and benefit. Mario has failed to perform his duties in good faith against the corporation as well as against Simon. In this case Mario has breached the duties to act in good faith in the interest of the corporation for a proper purpose. Mario has breached his duties against the corporation and the members of the corporation both. Question 2: Facts and Issues: In this case JV Mine Pty Ltd is jointly held fifty percent by GML and the other fifty percent by QMNE. In 2009, QMNE approached GML, the shareholder in JV Mine, to make another big investment in JV Mine, to offer it to develop a copper mine. The directors of GML delegated to others, which included a geologist, the work of collecting the technical information relating to the quantum of copper that the company might be able to be mined. The report, which was prepared for the directors showed that the investment offered in the mine shall be very fruitful. Queried by other directors regarding the optimistic results, Mr. Chester (who has a geology qualification) assured them that all reports seem to be in order. But it was discovered that some of the facts had been negligently included in the report. This means that, if the directors believe the report and invest funds of GML’s in the mine, the investment will not be as successful as the report has declared. The issues in this case are as given hereunder: What should be standard of care for the directors? Duty of care is same for all or less for others or special for one? Is it special for directors who have geological qualification? Mention responsibilities of decisions, all decisions can’t be positive (Bruner, n.d.) Rules: Section 180 (1) of the Corporations Act 2001 provides the duty of care and diligence for the directors of the corporation. It states that an officer or director of a corporation shall exercise the powers vested in him and discharge their duties with a degree of care and diligence which a person of reasonable prudence would exercise if he: Held the position a director or officer of a corporation in the circumstance of the corporation; and Occupied the office or position held by, and hold the same powers in the corporation as the Director or the officer (Lipson, n.d.). The standard of care which is to be observed by the directors of the corporation should be as expected from a person of reasonable prudence would have shown if he was a director or held the same office with the same responsibilities. In other words the standard of care which is required from the directors is that same for a person of ordinary and reasonable prudence. The directors have a duty to act in the advantage and interests of the corporation. Directors have a duty to directly avoid conflict of interests (DIRECTORS PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR CORPORATE FAULT, 2007). An objective standard of care was developed by Australian courts in the case of Daniels V Anderson (1995) 13 ACLC 614 (Cassidy, J.1997). Duty of care is same for all the directors of the corporation. The law does not provide for difference in liability of directors. All the directors are expected to act with their diligence and care and perform their duties with such care that no loss is caused to the corporation (Art, R. C.2003). Special standard of care is expected from the directors who are skilled or have special knowledge of a technical question involved. Where the question is related to a technical point and any of the directors have special knowledge or skill related to that question then the standard of care expected becomes as that from an expert (Gordon, R. 2003). Application: In this case it is the duty under section 180 (1) of corporation act 2001 of the directors to act with care and diligence. The standard of care expected was as that of a person of ordinary prudence. The directors of GML fulfilled their duty of care by delegating it to others, including a geologist to obtain technical information on the amount of copper that could be mined. It was the duty of the directors to take the decision that whether the investment will be successful or not. In this case the duty of care is same for all the directors and a duty of care was special for the director who had a special knowledge of geology. It comes within the scope of duty of care that the directors make sure that the report submitted before directors should be verified. In this case Mr. Chester, who has a geology qualification, had a special standard of care in this case because he had the special knowledge of the subject. So in this case the duty of care has been breached by the directors of GML as the report showed the amount of profits was not accurate or reasonable. As it was discovered later that some information in the report was negligently prepared. So it comes within the breach of duty of care when the directors fail to obtain a reasonable report and the facts in the report are based on negligence that means the duty of care has not been fulfilled as of the expected standard (Harding, D. 2001) Conclusion: In this case the duty of care was vested in the directors of the GML as to the question of the amount of copper which could be obtained from the mine. The directors had a special standard of care expected from them. The directors delegated to others to obtain the information on technical points about the quantum of copper which could be achieved from the site. It was discovered later that the report, though in order, but it has included the facts of profit which are negligent and not reasonable. So it can be concluded that the directors of GML breached their duty of care in this case (Premiers.qld.gov.au, 2015). References: Bostock, T. (2012). The Corporations Act 2001.Ac,2002 (39). Lowry, J. (2012). The Irreducible Core of the Duty of Care, Diligence and skill of Company Directors: Australian Securities and Investments Commission v Healey.The Modern Law Review,75 (2), 249-260. Barasnevicius Quagliato, P. (2008). The duty to negotiate in good faith.Int Jnl Law Management, 50 (5), 213-225. Ho, L., Lee, P. (2007). A DIRECTORS DUTY TO CONFESS: A MATTER OF GOOD FAITH?The Cambridge Law Journal,66 (02), 348. Kottow, M. (2010). The improper use of research placebos.Journal Of Evaluation In Clinical Practice,16 (6), 1041-1044. Bainbridge, S. The Business Judgment Rule as Abstention Doctrine.SSRN Journal. Lim, E. (2013). Directors duties: improper purposes or implied terms?Legal Studies,34 (3), 395-418. Bruner, C. Is the Corporate Directors Duty of Care a Fiduciary Duty? Does it Matter?SSRN Journal. Lipson, J. Directors Duties to Creditors: Volition, Cognition, Exit and the Financially Distressed Corporation.SSRN Journal. DIRECTORS PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR CORPORATE FAULT. (2007).Tilburg Law Review,14(4), 481-482. Has the sleeping director finally been laid to rest?Australian Business Law Review,25(2), 102-117. Shareholder rights and remedies in close corporations: Oppression, fiduciary duties, and reasonable expectations.Journal of Corporation Law,28(3), 371 Do publicly traded corporations act in the public interest?Advances in Economic Analysis Policy,3(1), 1013 Referral of powers paves way for Australias corporations act.International Financial Law Review,20(4), 57-58. Premiers.qld.gov.au,. (2015).7.3 Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (the Corporations Act) Welcome Aboard Department of the Premier and Cabinet.