Taking a Glance into the Heart of Darkness The Ambitions and Failure of the Civilization

Rethinking the historical events is one of those tasks that inevitably bring people to realizing their past mistakes and drawing experiences so that these mistakes would not be made further on in the future.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Taking a Glance into the Heart of Darkness: The Ambitions and Failure of the Civilization specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More On Conrad’ Heart of Darkness, the lead character, Marlow, at first considers the reasons behind the Europeans who were heading to the wilderness of Central Africa as â€Å"civilized† and rather noble; however, further on, Marlow becomes disappointed about these reasons. After re-evaluating the ambitions of the people exploring the African continent in such an impudent manner, Marlow realizes that the true reasons behind the Europeans’ travel were far more egotistic than he could ever imagine. Indeed, the goals of the people, heading for the terra incognita of the distant and savage lands are not quite clear; wisely enough, Conrad does not disclose the aims of the travelers from the very first page – eh only hints at the possible aims which the travelers might pursue: â€Å"But these chaps were not much account, really. They were no colonists; their administration was merely a squeeze, and nothing more, I suspect† (Conrad 9). However, when it comes to discussing the reasons that made Marlow join the ranks of those exploring the uncharted lands, Conrad makes it obvious that Marlow’s intentions were most innocent: â€Å"Now when I was a little chap I had a passion for maps. I would look for hours at South America, or Africa, or Australia, and lose myself in all the glories of exploration.† (Conrad 11). It seems that for Marlow, only the passion for adventures and new experiences was the true motivation. Nevertheless, even Marlow has hard times with learning about the continent and its inha bitants: After all, that was only a savage sight, while I seemed at one bound to have been transported into some lightless region of subtle horrors, where pure, uncomplicated savagery was a positive relief, being something that had a right to exist — obviously — in the sunshine. (Conrad 122) Finally, he also lets some of the madness which the rest of the crew was infected with reach his heart, filling it with darkness as well: â€Å"I had to beat that Shadow — this wandering and tormented thing. ‘You will be lost,’ I said –‘utterly lost.’† (Conrad 137).Advertising Looking for essay on british literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Therefore, the readers are left with guessing what the Europeans heading for the new lands are going to do. On the one hand, it might seem that the mission of these people could be quite noble; starting with bringing common knowledge t o the pagans, it could expand further on to establishing relationships with the people inhabiting the uncharted places, which will supposedly include not only cultural, but also economical and even political ties. However, Conrad clarifies the given issue pretty soon, explaining that the causes bringing the Europeans to the uncharted lands are far from being noble: â€Å"They were conquerors, and for that you want only brute force — nothing to boast of, when you have it, since your strength is just an accident arising from the weakness of others† (Conrad 9). As Conrad’s lead character, Marlow, continues telling his side of the story, it becomes clear that the Europeans ware aiming only at cashing in on the inhabitants of the wilderness: â€Å"They grabbed what they could get for the sake of what was to be got. It was just robbery with violence, aggravated murder on a great scale, and men going at it blind — as is very proper for those who tackle a darkne ss† (Conrad 9). The author stresses that the goals of a new European presence were to use the lands, the people and their resources and then leave the place, barren and forgotten. Thus, the question of what the European people were targeting at when heading for the wilderness of the continent remains open. While there are some specks of humanity left in some of the characters, including Marlow, the narrator, it is still clear that the story focuses on the lowest of the low and their efforts to grab every single thing of the slightest market value. The darkness within the man who came to conquer started to grow: â€Å"It had taken him, loved him, embraced him, got into his veins, consumed his flesh, and sealed his soul to its own by the inconceivable ceremonies of some devilish initiation† (Conrad 92). The above-mentioned, therefore, triggers the question whether these are the wild pagans, the gloomy forests of the continent or the wretched souls of the European conquero rs where the darkness is born. It is quite peculiar that all characters portrayed in the novel pursue their own goals, though their goals seem to revolve around the same core, i.e., the desire to get their own profit out of the situation which they have trapped themselves in.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Taking a Glance into the Heart of Darkness: The Ambitions and Failure of the Civilization specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Hence, it seems that none of the characters reach their goals in the end; the attempt to conquer the wilderness ended up in a complete failure. Marlow’s point seems sadly legitimate enough. Driven by the supposedly huge economical and financial profit, the European travelers were defeated not by the threatening darkness of the African continent. It was the darkness of their souls that trapped them – the darkness of the people making their way over corpses. Works Cited Conrad , Joseph n. d., Heart of Darkness. PDF file. 17 Nov. 2012. https://planetpdf.com/planetpdf/pdfs/free_ebooks/Heart_of_Darkness_T.pdf. This essay on Taking a Glance into the Heart of Darkness: The Ambitions and Failure of the Civilization was written and submitted by user Hiroim to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Beauty Pageants Essay Example

Beauty Pageants Essay Example Beauty Pageants Paper Beauty Pageants Paper Growing up as a little girl, I remember fantasizing myself as a princess. I would spend hours undergoing a fairly god mother transformation. I would put on fake nails, heels, makeup, and put a sparkly dress on. I felt like the world was my kingdom. My mother would look at me and Just smile and tell me that I was the most beautiful girl In the world. The encouragement my mother gave me as a young child helped me out with my self-esteem. As I grew up I realized that fantasizing myself to a fictional hearted would have to end, I grew out of wanting to be a perfect Barbie and learned that we all have imperfections that make us unique. Unfortunately, thats not the case with a lot of young girls; some of the young girls are put into child pageants to keep on dreaming of becoming a princess or becoming the new next top model. But are the beauty pageants helping the children keep living there childhood dream or Is It Just holding them back from reality? As the competition gets tougher, the crowns get bigger. With a new generation of spoiled undisciplined kids and parents hat will go to the extremes to do anything for their child to look and feel beautiful. Paul Peterson, the president and founder of A Minor Consideration feels that beauty pageants sexuality young girls rather than help them built self-esteem. This is feeding the sex industry; there is a tremendous trade within Juvenile modeling. Many others agree with Peterson, like the French government. The French government Is trying to ban beauty pageants for young girls because they also believe that they promote hyper-exultations and harms the child. Karri Klein Ritter for the Los Angles Times, believes that there is more harmful things for a child then a beauty pageant and disagrees with the French for trying to ban beauty pageants. Are there no greater threats to the children and women of France than a few silly pageants? Child beauty contestant mother and owner of Universal Royalty and Baby Beauty Pageants, Annette Hill believe that beauty pageants are an opportunity for their child to play Cinderella and participate In an extra curriculum activity. In todays world the children industry is the fastest-growing segment in the beauty agent market, the pageant industry is drawing an estimated 3 million children, mostly girls, ranging from six months to 16 years of age who are competing to win a crown and money. Is alleged to believe, that once the child begins to participate in the pageants they start to become accustomed to the lifestyle and some of the kids are Just In It because of the attention It brings them or because theyre being forced by their parents. Childhood behavioral health psychologist Dry. Mike Bishop believes that participating in pageants in such a young age could damage their self-esteem. Toddlers are not old enough to make an informed decision as to whether they should compete. Nor are they able to separate the completion from reality, which can make participation even more damaging to their self-esteem. (McKay, 1) When a Natural pageants allow the child to wear makeup, but it has to be toned down and their clothing is not allowed to be flashy nor to low-cut or short. The purpose of the natural pageant is to have the children look like their age and let their personality charm the Judges. But, considering that most children like playing dress up, and are giggly influence by fictional characters and the media, they usually will choose glitz pageants. Once they have entered the pageant they have to pay a pageant they have to pay an entry fee ranging from $10 to $200 depending on the pageant (Somerville, 2). Besides the obligated fee the parents still have to consider the expenses of travel, makeup, hair extensions, nails, and flippers. The overall goal for the contestants is to compete and hopefully win the title of ultimate grand supreme. The ultimate grand supreme winner is usually the contestant who WOWs the Judges with their props, performance, and costumes. Parents could spend enough to finance their kids college tuition. One mother tells a researcher: l know people who spent so much on pageants, they lost their trailers (Crime,l). That is not always the case; some parents are cleverer about putting their child in a pageant without going over budget. People who have lower-incomes tend to participate in events with low entry fees. Sociologist Hillary Level concluded in a study, that mothers of lower-income and education enter their children in pageants because they want their children to learn the proper skills necessary to move up the social scale. Parents with higher incomes and education beyond high school often Justify pageants by explaining that competition is essential for their children to become successful. With all the makeup, eyelash extensions, flippers and tanning when do the parents step in and realized that they are equalizing their child? Historically and legally, our system defers to parents to make the right decision for their child, commented sociologist Hilary Level Friedman, after finding out the French Senate has approved a bill that proposes Jail time and a fine for parents and organizations that sponsors or encourages anyone 16 and under to participate in a pageant. In the United States they have no laws on how a pageant must be managed, beauty pageants are allowed to come up with their own guidelines for their participants. Fair Labor standards act. 938 does not take place in any pageants because the children are not considered to be working although, the children earn money and prizes for their performance, and practice for hours per week Due to the definition of child pageants not being defined as work, there are no laws in place nationally to protect these young children from exploitation. (Gunter, 1) Many child psychologists feel hat the pageants are more for the fulfillment of the parents rather than the happiness and healthy development of their children. Its not odd for parents to try and live out their dream through their kids. Parents of pageant children disagree, and feel that pageants help their kids gain confidence in front of large crowds and give them poise rather than hurt their self-esteem. Pageants do benefit some children, not all children will win pageants, or want to compete in them. One can only imagine the stress the children go through while participating in a beauty pageant, which focuses on their looks. The children could grow-into being self- conscious about their weight and start to develop disorders, and develop social phobia if they dont feel they are pretty enough, or even adapt intolerable attitudes in a serious situation. William Pinions, a clinical psychologist and president of the Family Institute at Northwestern University said, Being a little Barbie doll says your body has to be a certain way and your hair has to be a certain way. In girls particularly, this can unleash a whole complex of destructive self-experiences that can lead to eating disorders and all kinds of body distortions in terms of body mage. Traveling, stress and competition are everyday features of an adults life. Since the number of children that are becoming victims of heinous crimes is rapidly growing, it doesnt help that the parents are parading their child to go around on- stage in outfits that are sometimes as little as Daisy Duke shorts and a belly shirt. (Gunter, 1) The provocative outfits the parents are putting on the child could provoke a sex offender to gain interest in the child which could lead to the sex offender posing as an agent/ manager and stalk the child down through the show. The scandal that happened with Jon Bent Ramsey is a situation that could happen to any of these kids. Ramsey was a beauty queen in training; she was six years old when she was brutally beaten and killed in her basement. Images of her looking like a painted baby, a sexualities toddler beauty queen (Beardsley, 1) were broadcasted into the homes of many Americans. This brought attention and negative reaction towards child beauty pageants and how it sexualities children. Ramsets life and death seemed to illustrate all too well the consequences of parental manipulation and child exploitation. (Time, 7) A lot of parents way of thinking about beauty pageants is to see it as any other sport that children play in. They practice Just like any other sports; they travel with their team, and compete to win prizes. Preparing for pageants usually require a lot of commitment, time and patience from the child. Unfortunately, not all kids are trill to sit still for a long period and fatherless have to practice for hours. On the hit TV show Toddlers and Tiaras the viewers are allowed to see the preparation the children and the parents go through while preparing for the pageant. Usually in the show the viewer watches some of the children become antsy and watch them throw temper tantrums if they become upset or want to play instead of practicing. TODAY contributor Render Dawn interviewed Tom Organ, Doodlers Tiaras producer he asked Organ about a past incident that happened on the show that had a lot of viewers talking, when a mother decided to wax her 5 year old daughter eyebrows. The question followed with But didnt it make you uncomfortable, or make you wonder if you should include it in the show? Dawn asked Organ. Organs replied to the incident with this statement, Weve all seen wings that are sometimes a little difficult to watch when it comes to how parents relate to their kids. You can see a parent who is doing something that is making their child cry or unhappy that the parent think is the best thing for them ? making them brush their teeth, or telling them to go to bed. (Dawn, 1) There are viewers who view the show as cruel and unusual; and feel that the pageants could be defined as child abuse. The critics of Toddlers Tiaras believe that the parents are objectifying their child to desire a glamorous life and believe that the only way to succeed in life s by their looks. Dry. Nancy Irwin, a Los Angles-based psychotherapist, feels that the parents should not be placed as the worst parents because they dont physically abuse their child. These parents run a close second, however, as they are selfish Beauty. (McKay, 1) Saba Johnson has been competing in pageants since she was four years old. Johnson has been awarded three hundred trophies throughout her pageant career; Saba aspires to land a major modeling contract. Johnson and her mother were interviewed by AE network she kept looking over at her mom for reassurance of her thoughts. She never mentioned coming education; she solely relied on her appearance for her future (Nassau, 2). If the child is focusing more on their looks rather than outshining in other areas that require using their brain, what will these children be able to accomplish. As one argument was made, in Parents of Children on Talcs Toddlers in Tiaras Hurting Their Kids childhood behavioral health psychologist Dry. Mike Bishop said, Toddlers are not old enough to make an informed decision as to whether they should compete. Nor are they able to separate the competition from reality, which can make participation even more imaging to their self-esteem. parents play an important role in their childrens success. We are thought in an early stage that looks dont matter, but whats in the inside does. The world is not a fairytale, but if you work hard and set a goal, anybody can accomplish their dream. Theres nothing wrong with being a kid and dressing up, but they should be able to play pretend without a skit. Children should be able to enjoy their youth and not be obligated to grow up so early. If the parent is going to register their child in beauty pageants they should always consider the well-being of heir child. Child beauty pageants become the hot topic of conversation when the parents become out of control and will go to the extreme to make sure that their child wins these pageants; even if it is getting their child false teeth, tans, sexy cloths and covering them in tons of makeup. These type of parents usually will get caught up in winning that they will not notice how their actions affects the child and could possibly put the child in harms way. Children now a days are in such a rush to grow up and interpreted the characters that are shown in TV, it doesnt help that the arenas are teaching the child to use their looks in a provocative way that could trigger a sexual predator. Even though these contests allow the chance for these children to earn money for their education it comes at the cost of their pride, they become objectified. Its hard to choose a side on this issue because the pros and cons weigh about the same.

According the ppt in attachment write a Speech about 2 page in hurry Essay

According the ppt in attachment write a Speech about 2 page in hurry plz - Essay Example existence of diverse knowledge, attitudes, competence, and concepts that are based on diverse cultures in today’s workforce necessitates competence in intercultural communication. When the knowledge is integrated with business, it constitutes intercultural business communication. Intercultural communication study is not a new concept. It started in the 1920s with the study and teaching of linguistics. Linguistics constituted lessons on communication skills such as listening that enhanced understanding languages. In the 1950s, E.T. Hall introduced the terms, â€Å"intercultural tensions,† and â€Å"intercultural problems.† The terms created awareness on the diversity and differences that are evident among individuals from different cultures and worldviews. Furthermore, awareness of the existing tensions and problems created by cultural differences promoted the urge for different people to harmonize them through commonalities in communication. In 1958, Lederer and Burdick published â€Å"The Ugly American† that created mass awareness of intercultural issues and concerns. In 1959, Hall published â€Å"The Silent Language† that further promoted awareness on intercultural communication. Later, in 1961, Kluckhohn and Stodtback contribut ed greatly to the concept of intercultural communication. Oliver’s 1992 publication â€Å"Culture and Communication† and Smith’s 1996 â€Å"Communication and Culture† further enhanced understanding of the concept. The period from 1971 to 1980 featured landmark and rapid development of intercultural communication. Three major publications were influential in enhancing understanding of the concept. â€Å"American Cultural Patterns† by Stewart, â€Å"Communication: A Reader† by Samorar and Porter, and Prosser’s †Intercommunications among Nations and People† were notably influential publications that promoted understanding of intercultural communication as a concept. Since 1980 to present, there have been several studies and publications

Saint Augustine Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Saint Augustine - Term Paper Example He attended school in both Thagaste and Carhage (Musick 11). The social life he experienced as a teenager was full of sins. The children were taught to value material things from the time they were in school. Augustine grew in this world, and this made him encounter sexual behavior at an early age (Augustine 7). Augustine also engaged in false philosophies. As a teenager, he valued material things rather than God and religion. However, he explains how his uncouth behavior was punished through having a disorderly, confused and full of grief life. Nevertheless, the youthful Augustine creates a passion for the quest of philosophical truth. He also developed an interest in learning the â€Å"doctrines of manichaeism, skepticism and neoplatonism† (Wills 23). In his confessions, he incorporated catholic theology with neoplatonic concepts. Augustine’s movements from Thagate and Carthage and between Rome and Milan did not free him from doubts about Catholicism and its doctrines. He joined the catholic religion because his mother was from a catholic faith (Wills 24). Filled with doubts about the catholic religion he pursues a career in teaching of rhetoric, he later resented this job claiming that it was a waste of ideas. He also condemns his habit of being involved in sexual behavior at an early age and other sinful activities. When he visited Milan, he decided to embark on Catholicism as his only true faith (Wills 24). Nonetheless, the subject of baptism and abstinence from sex was still difficult for him. He had difficulties in devoting himself fully into the catholic faith. However, he gets full change in his Milan garden and he converts to a staunch and faithful catholic (Musick 12). The final four chapters of his book were based mostly on religious and philosophical concepts of â€Å"memory (Book X), time and eternity (Book XI), and the explanation of the Book of Genesis (Books XII and XIII)†. Even though, he changes the

Simulation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Simulation - Essay Example For any kind of simulation, a different model has to be developed. There are two such models, namely, Agent based simulation and Monte Carlo simulation. In this paper, an attempt has been made to review to scholarly articles where the above mentioned simulations have been applied in real life situations. For agent based simulation, a case study of non-pharmaceutical strategies to combat influenza has been selected. For Monte Carlo simulation, improving the reliability and performance of the transportation network of Istanbul under earthquake has been selected. The idea is to review the case study to understand the problem faced and how simulation helped solved the issue through its unique characteristics. Agent Based Simulation Agent based simulation is an approach whereby agents are used to note the extent to which the project is a success for a certain kind of simulation. In the paper by Mao, the non-pharmaceutical strategies to combat influenza were considered under agent based si mulation. ... These agents were taken from Buffalo, New York and they were further categorized into different locations as well as timings. It was assumed that these agents met a variety of people when socializing and travelling and thus could be good agents of carrying and transporting the influenza virus. In order to kick start the study, five agents were introduced in the case study already carrying the influenza virus and thus spread the virus within the state. These agents were asked to resume normal day activities and socialize also so as to create an accurate study (Mao, 2011). The results of the survey showed that when flu was extended to two more days, it is expected to minimize the seasonal influenza’s disease attack rate. With a three day extension, more desirable results were to be found as the spread of the disease is further curtailed. This was because when people limit their interactions with others, the spread of the virus is also limited. This strategy was thus found to be quite practical since individuals can easily take a day off when they have caught the seasonal flu. Such a strategy can be advantageous in countries that do not have access to proper vaccination and pharmaceutical medicines (Mao, 2011). Monte Carlo Simulation – Case Study of Istanbul’s Transportation Network Ordinarily, during natural or man-made disasters, chaos ensues. This makes it difficult to effectively develop a disaster response as transportation is the most impacted area of the disaster. For rescue and relief operations to be carried out effectively, transportation system of water, energy, communication should be effective. In order to deal with this complex issue, the study conducted by Gunnec

The involvement of IMF in the Economic development of Nigeria

The involvement of IMF in the Economic development of Nigeria Has the economic integration and trade liberalisation of Nigeria by IMF enhanced its economic development? Research Issue: This question has contested several evoking and vigorous answers- following the ambiguities and contradictions of the IMF concepts that have riddled its purpose, and has therefore, created an enormous uncertainty and complexity which evidently is raising new anxieties and threats to human security and development especially in underdeveloped economies. Method: My main source of information will be from secondary data such as: Google books, articles, books and journals. I will apply a qualitative method approach. Purpose: The objective of this term paper is to analyse some economic indictors such as GDP, inflation and other economic variables from these secondary data to see if the integration and trade liberalisation of Nigeria by IMF has enhance the economic development of Nigeria or rather distorted its development. Keywords: Globalisation, Economic Development, IMF, Nigeria, GDP, Economic growth, Inflation, dependent theory, Liberal Theory, Abbreviations GDP: Gross Domestic Product SAP: Structural Adjustment Programme OECD: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development GATT: General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade WTO: World Trade Organisation IMF: International Monetary Fund CBN: Central Bank of Nigeria NEEDS: National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy MNCs: Multi National Companies LDCs: Least Developed Countries PRSP: Poverty Reduction Strategy Programme FDI: Foreign Direct Investment OAU: Organisation of African Union MAN: Manufacturing Association of Nigeria NEITI: Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative NACCIMA: Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce. Industry, Mines and Agriculture NIEC: National Economic Intelligence Committee NASSI: Nigeria Association of Small Scale Industrial 1. INTRODUCTION The economic of Nigeria and as other British colonies has been under great influence dating back to 1846 when the protective barriers or duties on agricultural imports were abolished. By 1860, all trace of restriction on trade and tariff restrictions were removed and an era of free trade imperialism treaties begun .The imposition of the Free Trade by the British on its colonies and informal empire to obligatory maintain low tariffs by treaties with the chief aim of reducing their sovereignty in commercial matter and giving extraterritorial right to foreigners (Angus Maddison, World Economy, April 2001). The two world wars shattered this liberal order and caused the collapse of capital flows and the beggar-your-neighbour trade system. However, by 1950 to 1973 a significant fast growth in the world economy was recorded and that era was referred to as the golden age. This growth was due to several reasons but mainly because of the creation of a liberal international order by advanced capitalist countries with explicit and rational codes of behaviour and institutions for co-operation (OEEC, OECD, IMF, World Bank and the GATT) in order to avoid the incur of the beggar-your-neighbour behaviour of the pre war years(Angus Maddison). However, Nigeria and the rest of the 168 countries of the world were considered falter in their economic development because of the alarming deterioration in economic performance of these countries after the golden age. This liberal international order is known as globalisation today. The issue of the faltering economies of this heterogeneous group of 168 countries has brought questions, opinions and views of pros and cons of globalisation. Some believe that globalisation has made the world healthier while other believes the contrary. Theodore Leavitt(1983) to explain globalisation market state that We live in a rapid globalising world and certain national identifiers like taste, technology, market and finance are no longer constrained by national boundaries. They operate on a global basis. The defining features of globalisation are interdependence and connectedness of the economics, politics and culture of nations and not uniformity of markets and taste of a single country (Yong M, 1989). The more these economies integrate, on the one hand; the more new ideas about politics, education, entertainment and services and expansion of local culture perimeters are reinforced and diffused. On the other hand, the international network becomes increasingly complex and unpredictable. Beside, as is known fact that, virtually all humans are opportunistic; hardly would nations work together and not want to outwit one another either to gain an economic, social or military advantage. While considering the complexity of economic growth through integration. The question will be, is it possible for underdeveloped economies to transform into vibrant economies for growth and development amidst this complexity? Well, base on the complexity and competitiveness of the developed economies over those of the underdeveloped economies and the implicit backing of these developed economies by international global institutions such as the OECD, WTO, GATT, IMF, and World Bank, a sustainable economic growth of these underdeveloped economies is slim. This has aroused great criticisms and close examination of the impact of globalisation on the development process of these underdeveloped economies because of the continual retardation of these economies. This persistent situation has resulted to the debt crisis of many of these economies and had led to sheer poverty, squalor, deprivation, frustration and worst political instability. 1.1 Globalisation The term globalisation is frequently used but seldom defined because of the vast interpretation of its phenomenon and perhaps its multiple manifestations of its prevailing trend. It has become a buzzword of the century often use to describe everything that is happening in the world today. Since its advent, a once thought big world is made into a much smaller place where the interaction between different countries and economies of the world are increasingly integrated by factors like internet, TV, radio and mobile phones and the creation of institution like World Trade Organisation (WTO), World Bank and International Financial Institutions (IFIs) has expanded international trade and also portfolio of investment such as foreign loans, international policies Brittan (1998:2) viewed globalisation as a whirlwind of relentless and disruptive change which leaves governments helpless and leaves a trail of economic, social, cultural and environmental problem in its wakes. My own interpretation of globalisation is that: Globalisation is the marginalisation of the underdeveloped economies by the developed economies for their self sustainability purposes. 1.2 Research Question Has the economic integration and trade liberalisation of Nigeria by IMF enhanced its economic development? 1.3 Research Issue This question has contested several evoking and vigorous answers- following the ambiguities and contradictions of the IMF concepts that have riddled its purpose, and has therefore, created an enormous uncertainty and complexity which evidently is raising new anxieties and threats to human security and development especially in underdeveloped economies. 1.4 Research Objective The objective of this term paper is to analyse some economic indictors such as GDP, inflation and other economic variables from these secondary data to see if the integration and trade liberalisation of Nigeria by IMF has enhance the economic development of Nigeria or rather distorted its development. 1.5 Paper Design There are about six different research designs (Philosophical, Literature review, and Case study, Survey, Evaluation and Experiment) but I will be choosing two among these six research designs. Philosophical: its often used to examine a research issue from another perspective because it is based on existing literature. Literature review: this design aim at summering data already collected for a particular topic. When data are qualitative, the analysis of this data can create new knowledge and perspectives on the matter previously put forward. 2. PROBLEM STATEMENT Nigeria, a country located at the trigger point of Africa and the envy of all African states was forecasted by economists to transcend ahead of most of the African states in her economic development to become the giant of Africa and the international economic trade centre such as Dubai, central Asia and China of today. These believe and forecasts were not just based on mere passive ideas but on concrete facts of the availability of natural resources, human resources and huge market base in Nigeria. With the boost in agriculture and earning top dollar from the exportation of black gold, Nigeria discovered oil; the money spinner, at Oloibiri in present Bayelsa state in 1956. Nigeria got her independence in 1960 and was seen as nature goes perfect blessed with good climate and vast fertile agricultural land almost twice the size of England with high human resource index and huge market base. With the abundant untapped natural resources, it was logical for anyone and not only economist to have thought that the involvement of economics experts such as the IMF and the World Bank in the running of Nigeria economy will accelerate its transition to attained socio-economic stability being that these institutions main goals and objectives are to provide avenues for proper allocation of resources, monitoring of balance of payment, evaluating and rendering technical assistance through economic Structural Adjustment Program (SAP). However, as the saying goes à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦with great wealth comes greater problems. Today, the oil-rich Nigerian economy suffers from long hobbled political instability, corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and poor macroeconomic management. There is an acute growth in income poverty and worse of all, human poverty- this implies, the denial of choices and opportunities to live a tolerable life (United Nations, 1997) and the fundamental freedom of action and choice to influence key decision affecting their lives. Apart from oil, the strength of Nigeria economy lies in its rich agricultural resource base. From the 1980s agricultural productivity was recorded to be on constant declination due to abandonment for oil and that gave raise to rampant rural poverty. This has rendered the economy vulnerable to external shocks which emanates from the fluctuations in world oil prices and the rising of imports prices, therefore creating an external and internal imbalances. These imbalances manifested difficulty in balance of payment, unemployment and low utilisation capacity in all sectors, and deterioration in purchasing power. Between 1982 and 1994, the debt stock of Nigeria rose at an average rate of 17% which means, stock of external debt increased by a factor of 33 in 22 years aside from domestic debt (Iyoha, 1997). Today, Nigerias public debt is more than 75% of its GDP with the effective debt to export ratio being more than 200%. This ironically has shoot up Nigeria to be Africas biggest debtor with about $ 28.5billion to its external creditor and debt service payments of $3.3billion in 2002 alone and that is expected to be on constant rise (Debt Management Office, 2002). The growth rate of Nigeria external and domestic debt was 9.4% in 2002 against the GDP growth rate of 3.3% and the external growth rate of -6.7% with the average GDP per capita annual growth rate of -0.4%(CBN Annual Report, 2002). Figure : Growth Rate of GDP, Income Per Capital and Total Dept Source: CBN Statistical Bulletin 1999 and CBN Annual Reports and Statements of Accounts 2002 During the 1960s, Nigeria never observed double- digit inflation. By 1976, the inflation rate stood at 23%. It decreased to 11.8% in 1979 and gun shoot to 41% and 72.8% by 1989 and 1995 respectively which marked the early period of the IMF Structural Adjustment Programm (SAP). Trend of gross domestic product of Nigeria at market prices Table : Inflation, GDP and Exchange Rate Year Gross Domestic Product US Dollar Exchange Inflation Index (2000=100) Per Capita Income (as  % of USA) 1980 50,849 0.78 Naira 1.30 7.22 1985 98,619 2.83 Naira 3.20 1.87 1990 286,374 8.94 Naira 8.10 1.49 1995 1,928,642 54.36 Naira 56 1.28 2000 4,676,394 102.24 Naira 100 1.11 2005 14,894,454 131.01 Naira 207 1.96 For purchasing power parity comparisons, the US Dollar is exchanged at 150.00 Nigerian Naira only.(IMF) Based on the impact of inflation, the per capita GDP today remains lower than in 1960 when Nigeria declared independence. By 2005, Nigerias inflation rate was estimated to be 15.6 percent and the GDP was composed of the following sectors: agriculture, 26.8 percent; industry, 48.8 percent; and services, 24.4 percent. (NEEDS) It is to be observed in the first graph; the growth in GDP from 1970-1978 was recorded to be 3.1% annually and 1972 to 1973 was the oil boom era; there was a remarkable growth in GDP of approximately 6.2% annually. However, in the 1980s to the 90s, Nigeria started to have negative GDP growth rates. This period constitutes the Structural Adjustment Program and economic liberalisation in Nigeria by the IMF and since then the economic has responded to a 4.0% positive GDP growth rate. The aim of this paper is to analyse the impact of the structural Adjustment Programmes introduced by IFIs (IMF) through globalisation on economic development of the underdeveloped economies (Nigeria as case study). This will be by the application of two economic theories (dependency, liberal) and observation of the three economic development variables. The two economics theories will help to give more light on the analysis of the persistent poverty in the underdeveloped world, Nigeria especially, while the variables to demonstrate economic development. My choice of Nigeria as a case study is due to its idyllic background as a country of immense natural and human resources but 70% of its population live below the poverty line (World Bank). I will concentrate on IMF conditionality and its influence on the economic development of Nigeria. 3. LITERATURE REVIEW 3.1 Economic Development There are numerous definitions for economic development as there are people who practice it. Economic development means different things to different people, which today makes the definition of economic development harder than ever in a more concrete and salient terms. Gonà §alo L Fonsesca at the New School for Social Research defines economic development as the analysis of the economic development of nations. The University of Iowas Centre for International Finance and Development states that: Economic development or development is a term that economists, politicians, and others have used frequently in the 20th century. The concept, however, has been in existence in the West for centuries. Modernization, Westernization, and especially Industrialization are other terms people have used when discussing economic development. Although no one is sure where the concept originated, most people agree that development is closely bound up with the evolution of capitalism and the demise of feudalism. From other perspective, economic development involves the allocation of scarce resources land, labour, capitol and entrepreneurship in ways which has positive effect on the level of business activity, employment, income distribution patterns, and fiscal solvency. 3.1.1 The Imperative of Economic development Professor Dudley Seers argues development is about outcomes and development occurs with the reduction and elimination of poverty, inequality and unemployment within a growing economy. The 21st century view of development encompasses a countrys consensus to achieve sustainable growth, poverty reduction, gender equality, human development, environmental protection, institutional transformation and human right protection. To put it concisely, development is the ultimate aspiration of modern economies, it is the upward movement of a countrys entire social system. More to the point, development is the removal of any host of undesirable condition that may perpetrate a state of underdevelopment. Economic growth is a prerequisite for economic development. Facilitating increase in the output of major sectors of production of the economy, such as natural resource and manufacturing either by the improvement of the structural system such as technology, will lead to economic growth. (Todaro, 1994) Kuznets (1971) defined economic growth as a long term rise in capacity to supply increasingly diverse economic goods to its population; this growing capacity is based on advancing technology and the institutional and ideological adjustments that it demands The obstacle facing most of these developing countries is the ability to create a more conducive atmosphere for essential use and harnessing of economic resources. The obstacle has increase anxiety by the increase of economic liberalism that promotes free movement of capital that tends to undermine and marginalise indolent economies. This interdependent global economic dispensation has given rise to disparities among countries of the world on the attainment of economic growth. 3.1.2 Growth versus Development However, before I go further, I will like to state that; there is a considerable difference between economic growth and development. I may just frankly state that, economic development is a terminology used to refer to the underdeveloped countries and while economic growth refers to the developed countries. Economists Peter Bearse and Roger Vaughan write that: Development is a qualitative change, which entails changes in the structural system of the economy, including innovations in institutions, behaviours, and technologies which enhance growth, While Growth is a quantitative change in the scale of the economy in terms of investment, output, consumption, and income Amartya Sen state that: Development requires the removal of major sources of poverty as well as tyranny, poor economic opportunities as well as systematic social deprivation neglect of public facilities as well as intolerance or over activity of repressive statesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Hence, on one hand, economic development can not be achieve without growth because it can be conceived as a multi-Dimensional process or phenomena-increase in per capital income, increase in GNP and improve living standard of the population but, on the other hand, growth is possible without development for the mere fact that it is measured as the increase in GNP, it does not have any other parameter. 3.1.3 Historical development of the term To continue it will be necessary to show how this term economic development has evolved over time to include a wider variety of variables and not just focus on economic growth. Economic development is a term conceptualised as a branch of economics in the early 20th century in reverence to growth and industrialisation in the capitalist society by the classical school of economics. However, this school of thought did not put to consideration countries like Africa, Latin America and Asia but rather an opposite reflection of the developed world that will catch up in time. (History of Economic thought, 2008) Economists after the World War II become more concerned about the low standard of living in so many countries, especially due to decolonisation. The aim of the term changed to include not only the Western world but also the less developed which in fact made most of the population of the globe. Therefore, important reservations were made as opposed to the ultimate objective of the study of economics to include other variable rather than only economic growth. With fast change in the political geography of the world, the need for the formation of supranational bodies (IMF, OECD and World Bank) that would oversee the smooth progress of the developing nations became necessary. The responsibilities of these institutions are to work hand-in-hand with the local government of the underdeveloped nations to sustain and accelerate growth speeding up progress of economic development of these nations. Many believed that economic development started as capitalism but as time went by and changes occurred, the term shifted from capital oriented concept to identify human capital endowments developed by Schultz (1951) as the primary obstacle to the realization of the potential economies of scale inherent in the industrialization of developing countries. Singer (1964) contributed further more to this social development by including health and fertility into the picture. Incorporating elimination of poverty, inequality and unemployment in the equation by Dudley Seers (1969) gave a notable change in defining the term economic development By 1977 Seers developed a structuralised theory which included social development and economic growth to the overall definition of economic development. As of this point, reservations were made for the third world countries because of the distinctive characteristic that differentiated them from the western countries. Later on, privatisation was introduced such as foreign MNCs as a factor in the economic development of least developed countries (LDCs) by the Neo-Liberals in the 1980s. (History of Economic Thought, 2008) Definition of Economic Development I decided to put a definition of Economic Development that would best fit my analysis of a third world country. Economic development is the fundamental process of increasing the factors of productive capacity- land, labour, capital, and technology -through sustainable growth from a simple, low-income to a modern high-income national, state or local economy. Its scope includes the process and policies of using its resources and powers to reduce the risks and costs which could inhibit investment but improves the economic, political and social well-being of its peoples. 3.2 Economic Theories The crisis facing the underdeveloped countries can not be accurately and properly analysed without the examination of some theories underpinning the problem. These crises have triggered scholar and writers with different theories, explanations and research projects aimed at solving and bringing to light the causes and complexities surrounding these crises. (Baran, 1957, Frank, 1971) maintained that dependency theory is the best for understanding the causes of the crises. While others argue that development theory (Rostowe, 1960) or economic explanations (Offiong, 1980) give a more lucid view. Yet, there are others who contended that political explanations (Migdal, 1988) or the liberal theory (Burchil, 1996) is of most important. For the purpose of this paper, I will consider the dependency and liberal economic theories 3.2.1 Dependency theory The economy of Nigeria is in doldrums from the recent pandemic crisis of capitalism. Though it has always been a battered economy which has been suffering from a form of Dutch Disease socio-economic hardship and where the poor masses benefited nothing from the boom in the annals of Nigeria. Nigerians naively thought that for not being fully integrated into the world economy, they could at worst receive a mere scratch from this contagious capitalism crisis. However, this economic maelstrom was made truly global by globalisation. Andre Gunder Frank, one of the earliest dependency theorists, made it quite clear on this point, historical research demonstrates that contemporary underdevelopment is in large part the historical product of past and continuing economic and other relations between the satellite underdeveloped and the now developed metropolitan countries. Furthermore, these relations are an essential part of the capitalist system on a world scale as a whole.(Andre Gunder Frank, The Development of Underdevelopment, in James D. Cockcroft, Andre Gunder Frank, and Dale Johnson, eds., Dependence and Underdevelopment. Garden City, New York: Anchor Books, 1972, p). 3. This view shows that capitalism promotes greed and blind pursuit of profit. The enforcement of international division of labour is the one proof but the most explicit manifestation of this doctrine is the Comparative Advantage characteristic. This division of labour (dependent and dominant states) is largely responsible for the underdevelopment of large areas of the world. The osmotic act that occurs in this system provides at large an ultimate explanation for the persistence of poverty in these areas of the world. The dependent states are made to supply cheap minerals, agricultural commodities, and cheap labour and these economies also serve as the repositories of surplus capital, obsolescent technologies and manufactured goods. This flow of goods, money and service into the dependent states are considered functions which orient these economies towards the outside. However, these dependent states have little or no influence to determine the allocation of their resources; it is rathe r determined by the economic interests of the dominant states. This division is considered by the capitalist a necessity for efficient allocation of resources. Dependency theory can be an explanation of economic development of a state in term of the external influences (political, economic, and cultural) on national development policies. (Osvaldo Sunkel, The Journal of Development Studies, Vol. 6, no. 1, October 1969, p. 23) Dependency can be define with emphasis on historical dimension asà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ an historical condition which shapes a certain structure of the world economic such that it favours some countries (Dominant states) on the detriment of others(dependent) and therefore limits the development possibilities of the subordinate economics. This a situation which the economy of a certain group of countries is put under unfavourable condition by the development and expansion of another economy, to which their own is subjected. (Theotonio Dos Santos, Readings in U.S. Imperialism, 1971, p. 226) However, there are serious disagreements among the various strains of dependency theorists. Although there are some core propositions which seem to underlie the analyses of most dependency theorist, nonetheless there are vigorous and challenging debates among the liberal reformers (Prebisch), the Marxists (Andre Gunder Frank), and the world theorists (Waller Stein) on the dependency theory. 3.2.1.1 The Core Propositions of Dependency Theory There are contestable numbers of propositions, which form the core of dependency theory. I will take two out of these numerous propositions because the suit my paper: 1. Underdevelopment is a condition fundamentally different from undevelopment. The latter term simply refers to a condition in which resources are not being used, while Underdevelopment refers to a situation in which resources are being actively used, but used in a way which benefits dominant states and not the poorer states in which the resources are found. 2. The distinction between underdevelopment and undevelopment places the LDCs countries of the world in a profoundly different historical context such as behind or catching up to the developed countries of the world. 3.2.2 Liberal Economic Theory Capitalism has failed to develop Nigeria, despite it huge natural and human resources. The Nigerians with necessary lesson incur from capitalism needed an alternative for economic -oriented revolution. The neo-liberal saw this as an opportunity to present itself as an economic alternative system for Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Since then, Nigeria has been compelled to swallow one economic prescription after the other such as IMF and World Bank imposed reforms; SAP (Structural Adjustment Program), PRSP (Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers) etc. and now NEEDS (National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy), yet poverty still persist. The World Banks seminal report title: Sub -Sahara Africa (1999) signified an ideology that retain both emphasis upon domestic sources of economic malaise and the faith in liberal economic policies which has a twin resemblance to belated centrality of state and accountable government to sustained the capitalist development.(Sandbrook, 1993:2) This report claim that Africa needs not only good governance but better governments that will concentrate more on trade liberalisation and not on direct intervention. Hence, a proposal of the conversion of the monopolistic Africa states by IMF and World Bank into liberal democracies linked to enlarge and rejuvenated private sector and to build a reformed states institutional capacity are formulations of neo-liberal capitalist to teach poor nations the good old fashion fiscal discipline. To say in a clear statement, liberal economic theory is manoeuvre of the western capitalist to have continuous clutch on the underdeveloped countries championed by the Financial Institutions (IFIs). The major argument is that economic liberalization has provided the flow of foreign investment into the underdeveloped countries, as the means of reducing trade and exchange restrictions. This idea was that in the process of homogenizing the political economy of every member states of the international community, the creation of a market society on a global scale is achieved (Biersteker, 1993). Professor Mason Gaffney, a renowned America economist stated that the neo-classical economics present us with choices often too hard a dilemma. According to him, these dilemmas are choices of sacrifices that are not favourable for government to undertake and at the same time developed. For efficiency, government must sacrifice equity; to attract business government must lower taxes so much as to cause the closure of libraries and starve the schools; to prevent inflation government must keep a huge unfortunates rate of unemployment; to make jobs government must chew up land and pollute the world; to motivate workers there must be unequal wealth distribution and so on. These dilemmas have provided the solid reasons that contribute to the present poverty in the underdeveloped countries and these are by imposition of free market strictures on the underdeveloped countries by the powerful trans -national bodies (IFIs) which personify free trade liberalism as part of their governing ideology. They lock peripheral states into agreement which forces them to lower their protective barriers thereby preventing the underdeveloped nations from developing trade profiles which diverge from the model dictated by their supposed comparative advantage. Burchill et al, (1996) stated that; the IMF and the World Bank for example, are responsible for the provision of finance assistance(or more accurately debt) to underdeveloped societies upon

Brief History Of Databases :: essays research papers

Brief History Of Databases   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the 1960's, the use of main frame computers became widespread in many companies. To access vast amounts of stored information, these companies started to use computer programs like COBOL and FORTRAN. Data accessibility and data sharing soon became an important feature because of the large amount of information recquired by different departments within certain companies. With this system, each application owns its own data files. The problems thus associated with this type of file processing was uncontrolled redundancy, inconsistent data, inflexibility, poor enforcement of standards, and low programmer maintenance.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1964, MIS (Management Information Systems) was introduced. This would prove to be very influential towards future designs of computer systems and the methods they will use in manipulating data.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1966, Philip Kotler had the first description of how managers could benefit from the powerful capabilities of the electronic computer as a management tool.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1969, Berson developed a marketing information system for marketing research. In 1970, the Montgomery urban model was developed stressing the quantitative aspect of management by highlighting a data bank, a model bank, and a measurement statistics bank. All of these factors will be influential on future models of storing data in a pool. According to Martine, in 1981, a database is a shared collection of interrelated data designed to meet the needs of multiple types of end users. The data is stored in one location so that they are independent of the programs that use them, keeping in mind data integrity with respect to the approaches to adding new data, modifying data, and retrieving existing data. A database is shared and perceived differently by multiple users. This leads to the arrival of Database Management Systems.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  These systems first appeared around the 1970=s as solutions to problems associated with mainframe computers. Originally, pre-database programs accessed their own data files. Consequently, similar data had to be stored in other areas where that certain piece of information was relevant. Simple things like addresses were stored in customer information files, accounts receivable records, and so on. This created redundancy and inefficiency. Updating files, like storing files, was also a problem. When a customer=s address changed, all the fields where that customer=s address was stored had to be changed. If a field happened to be missed, then an inconsistency was created. When requests to develop new ways to manipulate and summarize data arose, it only added to the problem of having files attached to specific applications. New system design had to be done, including new programs and new data file storage methods. The close connection between data files and programs sent the costs for storage and

Critically Evaluate the Relevance of the Contingency Approach

Jane directly leads a team of seven HRS and communication employees and five operations staff, and has a strong Influence across the organization. Reporting to the CEO, with both board and ASS reporting responsibilities, Cane's role and authority at EX. Wealth Is prominent. As the HRS Director, Jane Is Involved In structure, employment Issues, human resource allocation. Recruitment and retention decisions and sets the people strategy for the organization (J. Smith, peers. Com, 2011). As she faces many different situations everyday in her work, she heavily relies on the contingency approach to management.The contingency approach states that â€Å"organizations are different, face different situations (contingencies) and require different ways of managing† (Robbins, Bergman, Stag & Coulter, 2009 p. 53). The classical, behavioral and systems approach to management theory assumed a universal or ‘one-best-way of management that applied the same techniques to all companies. Ho wever, experienced managers know that not all people and situations can be managed exactly the same. Thus the contingency approach to management suggests that what managers do In practice depends on the situation.However, the contingency approach is not without its critics. A major problem is that it often is used as an excuse for not acquiring formal knowledge about management, but just lets managers make dados decisions. There are four popular contingency variables: organizational size, riotousness of task technology, environmental uncertainty and individual differences (Robbins et al, 2009). In this essay, we will discuss how Jane at EX. Wealth manages each of these variables. The first variable In contingency management theory is organizational size.The way Jane manages her direct team of seven, Is very different to how she is seen as a manager across the 700 staff at EX. Wealth. For example, Jane holds weekly meetings with her team to advise of company-wide news and Information from her meetings at CEO and Board level. In relation to Skate's â€Å"human skill† (Katz, 1974) she Is an effective communicator In tans arena. However, one AT ten roles AT newer team Is to teen disseminate this information through their business groups and across the organization, so that all employees are aware of various company-edicts and general ‘goings on' .They did this through posting memos in breakout rooms, which were rarely noticed. Thus Jane (and in turn, her team) was perceived as having poor human skills' as the information coming from the HRS team was communicated across the larger organization ineffectively. Jane had to change her management style in relation to these larger communications and a company wide intranet was developed as a result. On it, important employee notices were communicated as well as information about the company and it's various activities. 0. Smith, peers. Com).Employees were then able to access the information as it suited them , and remained just as informed as those in her direct team after their weekly meetings. Another variable in contingency management theory is the ‘riotousness of task genealogy. Routine Technologies are those that have little variety and use objective, standardized procedures. They are mostly associated with a mechanistic structure and processes, with formal rules and rigid management processes (Daft, Murphy & Wolcott 2010). An example of this at EX. Wealth is in the Operations Department.Their role is to scan all incoming mail, forward it to the correct person and file the hardcopy. Jane finds managing this department is relatively straightforward. She sets formal Kips at the start of each year and the Senior Operations Officer ensures that the team meets their targets. In effect, Jane is using one of Integers ‘Managing on Three Levels' (being, information) technique (Integers, 1994). Non-routine technologies, however, have high task variety and experience and technical knowledge are used to perform the work and solve problems.Using Woodward's research, organizations with more non-routine technologies are more likely to have organic structures (Robbins et al, 2009) Similar to many companies in finance, EX. Wealth has traditionally had a very bureaucratic structure based around division of labor, central controls and a strict hierarchy – almost Weeper's ideal bureaucratic structure. Robbins et al, 2009) – with the CEO at the top and the majority of staff (in processing and call centre roles) making up the bottom. Divisions were created by Job role and geography and the machinations of the firm had little to do with the head office and their goals.However, since the challenge of Global Financial Crisis (SGF) companies, particularly in financial fields, have had to be leaner and more able to change and faster at doing it. EX. Wealth has started to develop a flatter management structure, with a matrix- reporting style and business units connecting with each other (Chapman, 2001). For instance, instead of all Human Resources (HRS) consultants sitting together in an HRS team environment, those dedicated to a particular business group, now ‘live' with their business, as business partners. Although they form part of Cane's team, they also have a reporting line through to their business manager.Echoing Chessman's (2001) work, Jane feels that this new organizational structure is more desirable as interpersonal relationships are developed and knowledge and understandings are shared between the HRS team and the business. 0. Smith, peers. Com) I en Tanta variable Tort ten contingency approach to management Is environmental uncertainty. Because uncertainty threatens an organizations effectiveness, managers will try to minimize it. (Robbins et al. 2009) Operating in a post-SGF world, EX. Wealth is facing uncertainty on numerous levels. There are constant threats from competitors and the market is still Jittery and unpre dictable at best.EX. Wealth has a large insurance division that has recently been onset by claims from the various natural disasters that Australia has recently faced. In short, there is not a lot about EX. Wealth's environment that is certain. According to contingency theory, stable environments suggest mechanistic structures that emphasis centralization, standardization, and specialization. (Robbins et al. , 2009) Unstable environments suggest organic structures, which emphasis decentralization to achieve flexibility and adaptability (Robbins et al. , 2009).EX. Wealth is effected by a rapidly changing and unstable environment and must evolve to ensure that it is able to operate efficiently through any uncertainty. An example of this was highlighted with an unprecedented retention issue with the Junior clerks in the Perth offices of EX. Wealth. Due to the mining boom, these staff were being lured away from EX. to earn significant amounts working in the mines. As hiring and retraini ng staff is an expensive exercise (and EX. Wealth was in no position to match the salaries on offer), the company offered an extended leave without pay program for Junior employees who had shown potential.This gave them time off to work in the mines and then they were able to return to their previous roles (Smith, peers. Com). The final variable for the contingency approach to management thought is that of individual differences: â€Å"Individuals differ in terms of their desire for growth, autonomy, tolerance of ambiguity and expectations† (Robbins et al, (2009) p. 4). This final variable, makes it clear why so many found the classical theories of Payola and Taylor so limiting.There are Just so many variables that could apply to motivating and leading individuals, that no classical theorist could cover them all. As Human Resources Director Jane Smith leads discussions at EX. Wealth on the remuneration levels of employees. Being a company in financial markets, employees who w ork in this industry are usually attracted by money. Thus, it has always been the main motivator for staff and all employees are eligible for performance related pay and company bonuses. However, since the SGF the focus on money as the main motivational tool has been lessened.Other benefits such as more flexible working practices (either with hours, or working from home), study support or the ability to ‘buy extra annual leave; have also been seen to highly motivate employees (Smith, peers. Com). As Mitchell and Nickel (1999) argue – money is an important motivator, but managers need to understand individuals – their attitudes, beliefs and behavior – before it will act as an effective motivator. In analyzing Cane's work as the Human Resources Director of EX. Wealth, it can be aid that she heavily relies upon the contingency approach to management.

Banish bad writing to Room 101 - Emphasis

Banish bad writing to Room 101 Banish bad writing to Room 101 Good writing is powerful. Bad writing belongs in Room 101. George Orwell, creator of that fictional torture chamber where peoples worst nightmares reside, determined to rid the world of the terrible writing habits he believed threatened our mother tongue. The six rules he laid out have been guiding writers in all fields since he wrote them in 1946. Because, after all these years, Orwells advice is as relevant today as it was 65 years ago. 1. Never use a metaphor, simile or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print Metaphors and similes have the potential to evoke powerful mental images. But overused phrases such as axe to grind, selling like hot cakes or strike while the irons hot no longer have the power to conjure up anything other than a slight glazing over of the eyes. A fresh, unfamiliar juxtaposition of ideas can be just the late-afternoon espresso your reader needs to awaken your ideas in their head. Having said that, imagery is difficult to get right. And beware of overdoing it. If youre writing a business report, coming up with 12 never-before-seen metaphors per page may not be the best use of your time. Save them for your creative writing class. 2. Never use a long word where a short one will do On the grounds of rule one, Orwell probably wouldnt approve of the phrase less is more. However, its often true. Short words are powerful, direct and punchy. They are more likely to be instantly understood, which means your writing will have an immediate impact on your reader. Note that this rule doesnt put a complete ban on the use of long words it discourages using them for their own sake, as this can lead to opaque, pompous writing. But, for variety, the occasional Scrabble high-scorer is acceptable. 3. If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out Remove all padding from your writing. This means cutting every word that doesnt add to your meaning: this isnt school and youre no longer graded by the word. And get rid of waffle-magnets such as nominalisations. This hefty word means a noun thats created from a verb for example consideration (from the verb consider) or implementation (from implement, or even just do). Not only are these noun versions heavier than their lithe verb counterparts, they need extra words (eg, of and the) to make the sentence work. Little surprise that Nike didnt go with the slogan, Just complete the implementation of it. 4. Never use the passive where you can use the active The active voice is where you put the who of the sentence before their action just as you would if you were speaking. For example: The novel Nineteen Eighty-Four was written in 1949 by George Orwell is passive, but George Orwell wrote the novel Nineteen Eighty-Four in 1949 is active. The active voice is more direct, interesting and logical and it forces you to be specific about who does what (whereas with the passive, the who can be removed from the sentence). But do keep the passive in reserve for moments of necessary tact (ie, to a customer, The form was filled in incorrectly rather than You filled in the form incorrectly); and perhaps the odd shady cover-up (Yes, boss, the coffee machine has been broken). 5. Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent Not so straightforward, this one, as it really depends on context. For corporate teams or expert readers, jargon is not only acceptable, it can also act like shorthand, helping to clarify your meaning. But knowing your audience is key. When you need to get technical information over to a more general readership, consider how youd explain your subject matter to a friend in a different industry, and youll find the right words to use. 6. Break any of these rules sooner than say anything barbarous A lazier writer than I am might say theres an exception to every rule. A straight-talker may just say, use your brain. Even Orwell admitted he was probably guilty of violating these rules again and again in the very essay he declared them. Still, the more you write with these sensible ground rules in mind, the better youll become at spotting the odd moments when you might do well to break one.

Soil Component lab essays

Soil Component lab essays The purpose of this lab is to separate soil by setting in water to find the % of various components. In this lab I learned a lot. I learned that there is a lot more stuff to the soil than we can see; there is floating leaf litter, Sunken leaf litter, silt and sand all in a jar of soil. However, it takes time to sort itself out and that is why we left it alone for a week so it could separate out into all the different layers. The composition of the soil could effect organisms in the quadrat for many reasons. The composition effects the nutrients. Plants require a certain amount of nutrients to produce what they need to. The nutrients come from the decomposed soil so it has to be the right amount of decomposition that takes place. We have mostly granite rocks in this area and soil derived from granite this effects us and plants in a big way. Granite rocks cause acid rain because of the chemicals that they that they give off into the air. A plant requires a pH of 6.8-7.0. The acid rain will change the pH so that it is not that. Our soil component graph compared pretty much the same with the other graphs in our class. The only thing that was a little bit different was the floating leaf litter at the top of the jar. I think this was just because of the soil that we got and the way we got it. This data effects people in many ways. It effects farmers and people that grow crops the most because their plants need a certain amount of nutrients to grow and produce what they need to produce. If this is different in any kind of way the plants will get either to much nutrients or to little nutrients that will kill it. ...

Childhood Obesity Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Childhood Obesity - Term Paper Example Obesity prevalence is brought by poor nutritional eating habits exposing the parents of the affected children to unavoidable consequences resulting to either social stigmatization or medical related problems (Preedy &Watson, 2012). The prevalence of obesity and related condition is said to have risen rapidly amongst the children aged between 5 and 16. Despite this rate, treatment and prevention have always remained vital steps to curtail this menace (Ferry, 2011). Stake of the community health in controlling prevalence of obesity The main objective of the community health is to explore adequate mechanism of reducing obesity in children and adolescence. A number of considerations have been put in place by the health workers to ensure that the fight against such conditions is put under control. Some of the values that need to be embraced are community involvement and empowerment. All the members of the society should be sensitized about the articulate nature of obesity amongst the chil dren. Therefore, communities should be empowered to have a response to the childhood obesity while emphasizing on the environmental risks, which exploits the health of a child. Ironically, most of the food advertisements are usually directed towards the perspective of the children. Parents and the society as a whole should participate in an active role of educating children about the prospects of positive food advertisements. ... For adequate provision of comprehensive effort to curtail the prevalence of obesity, the collaborative effort must involve partisans at all levels of the society, community, organizational, interpersonal and individual. Causes of obesity In America, nearly two out of five children are either of excessive weight or are obese. There are several reasons as to the prevalent increase of obesity even though most of them can actually be controlled through slight adjustments in lifestyle changes. However, among the dominant causes of obesity includes poor nutrition. Insufficient nutrition accustomed by many Americans has been found to contain too much calories and less nutrition responsible for the development of body structures. Moreover, inadequate exercise is also considered as a major contribution of the body towards obesity. Absence of actual balance of the amount of calories that are believed to stagnate in the body after consumption may lead to radical gain in body weight. Therefore, a recommendable exercise of approximately 20 minutes daily is considered adequate to enhance distribution of fatty acids within the body (Smith, 1999). Another contributing factor is health illiteracy. Inadequate education both at the community level and the institutional levels concerning the measures of controlling obesity has never been up to date. For instance, some mothers may not be actually aware that, they are capable of eradicating obesity. In addition, some suffer from inability of translating the nutritional components of food substances. It is, however, considered of no use to consume a definite amount of food if there is no clear

Assignment 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Assignment 1 - Essay Example The SECI provides a theoretical guide to knowledge generation and conversion as well as suggests that the processes take place simultaneously within an organization. In contrast, the CVF emphasizes the importance of coping with complex and competing demands. The integration of both models may assist organizational members to appreciate the complexity of knowledge management systems where multiple functions are undertaken simultaneously†( Densten and Gray). â€Å"The result of this study is the development of an integrated model, â€Å"The Organizational Knowledge Management Model† which if put into operation, should become a basis for managerial leadership development. In conclusion, by proposing the integration of organizational culture and knowledge management theory, this would stimulate development of theory and encourage further empirical research into these vital aspects of organizational behavior†(Densten and Gray). Densten, IL  and  Gray, JH  (2005)à ‚  Towards an integrative model of organizational culture and knowledge management.International Journal of Organisational Behaviour, 9 (2). pp. 594-603. [PDF File] ISSN 1440-5377 Accessed: http://www.usq.edu.au/extrafiles/business/journals/HRMJournal/InternationalArticles/Volume%209%20Knowledge%20Mgt/Volume9No2Gray.pdf [PDF FILE] CROSS-CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN THE KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS OF 20-21st CENTURIES WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF INTERNATIONAL DIALOGUE FOR CREATION OF A NEW MODEL OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT By Tatiana Khvatova, Irina Ignatieva A SUMMARY The study focuses on the dimensions of Knowledge Management. Knowledge Management (KM) is one of the emerging multi- and interdisciplinary fields of science found to have study gaps that need further pursuit of research undertakings. â€Å"Tatiana Khvatova and Tatiana Ignatieva are few of those who attempted â€Å"to create a new model of Knowledge Management within the perspective of Cross-Cultural Diversity in the Knowledge Man agement Concepts of 20-21st Centuries within the Framework of International Dialogue†(Khvatova and Ignatieva). The target respondents are the practitioners in the said field and members of organizations. The methodology was not indicated although results of their study â€Å"presented tabulated cross-cultural similarities and differences on selected nationalities between American, Japanese, European, Chinese and Russian. KM approaches were presented with distinctive features such as: mission, mentality, ideal type and embodiment of knowledge, mechanism, objective, strategy, process, means and metaphor of KM† (Khvatova and Ignatieva). The study envisions that the â€Å"interconnections presented between all these approaches will provide better understanding on the versatility of KM science development. In addition, the study was purposely undertaken to help Russia create its own KM model