Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Eating Disorders: Symptoms, Signs, Causes Essay

What is an eating disorder? Well, one of the many definitions for an eating disorder is any range of psychological disorders characterized by disturbed eating habits; which include anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervous (BN) and binge-eating disorder. (CITE). All eating disorders have similar characteristics. This could be a fear of becoming fat, food, weight or calories. The reason why I want to focus on this population is that eating disorders are a significant problem during the adolescent years affecting up to 5% of adolescent girls (Golden et al., 2003). Someone suffering from an eating disorder has a very unhealthy relationship with food that is prying into many areas of their everyday life. An individual may eat little to no food, eat unreasonably massive amounts of food, be infatuated with thoughts of food or exercise, and have a distorted body image. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fifth edition (DSM-V) recognizes four main eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS). (CITE DSM-5).The signs of an eating disorder will vary and may include refusal to eat, extreme exercise, social withdrawal, self-induced vomiting or binge eating. Many families that have a family member that suffers from an eating disorder also have an increased risk of depression, obesity, substance abuse or consuming too much food. People that suffer from eating disorders may struggle socially, physically and or mentally, there are also many symptoms and signs to watch for. (article 7) Causes of Eating Disorders: Eating Disorders are complex disorders, influenced by a faà §ade of factors. Thought the exact cause of eating disorders is unknown, it is generally believed that a combination of biological, psychological and/or environmental abnormalities contribute to the development of these illnesses. (Cite Article 4) Biological Factors: When it comes to biological factors some include; certain people may have irregular hormone functions that increase their risk of developing eating disorders. Genetics (the tie between eating disorders and one’s genes is still being heavily researched, but we know that genetics is a part of the story). And lastly, there are nutritional deficiencies; which is an inadequate supply of essential nutrients in diet resulting in malnutrition or disease. (Mayo Clinic) Psychological Factors Some of the psychological factors or emotional health include people with a negative body image. They may have low self-esteem, perfectionism impulsive behavior and troubled relationships with friends and loved ones. (Article 4) Environmental Factors Environmental factors or social factors that would contribute to the occurrence of eating disorders are dysfunctional family dynamic, professions and careers that promote being thin and weight loss, such modeling. Aesthetically oriented sports, where an emphasis is placed on maintaining a lean body for enhanced performance. Family and childhood traumas: childhood sexual abuse, severe trauma and cultural and/or peer pressure among friends and co-workers. (Article 6) Signs and Symptoms: (CITIE Article) Symptoms may vary depending on the type of eating disorder. A man or a woman suffering from an eating disorder may reveal several signs and symptoms that are both the same and different. Anorexia Nervosa Anorexia is possible life-threatening eating disorder characterized by an atypically low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight and one-sided perception of weight or shape. People that suffer from anorexia use dangerous efforts to control their weight and shape, which often knowingly interferes with their lifestyle. Obsession with calories and fat contents of food or use other methods to lose weight; such as having engaging in formalized eating patterns, including, cutting food into tiny pieces, eating alone, and/or hiding food. (Cite article 5) Bulimia Nervosa Bulimia is a serious, theoretically life-threatening eating disorder. When you have bulimia, you have episodes of bingeing and purging that involve feeling a lack of control over your eating. Many people with bulimia also restrict their eating during the day, which often leads to more binge eating and purging (Cite article 3). During these episodes, bulimics typically eat a large amount of food in a short time, and then try to rid of the extra calories in an unhealthy way. Because of guilt, shame and an intense fear of weight gain from overeating, they may force vomiting (purging bulimia), exercise too much, or use other methods, such as laxatives, to get rid of the calories (no purging bulimia). Even if you are bulimic, you’re undoubtedly preoccupied with weight and body shape and may judge severely and harshly for self-perceived flaws. Bulimic may be at a normal weight or even a bit overweight. (Cite article 4) Binge-Eating Disorder When it comes to a binge-eating disorder, many regularly eat too much food (binge) and feel a lack of control over eating. Eating quickly or eat more food than intended, even when not hungry, and may continue eating even long after becoming uncomfortably full. After a binge, there may feeling of guilty, disgusted or ashamed by the behavior displayed and the amount of food eaten (Cite Article 2). Many will try to but do not try to compensate for this behavior with excessive exercise or purging, as someone with bulimia or anorexia might. Embarrassment can lead to eating alone to hide bingeing. A new round of bingeing usually occurs at least once a week. Many may be normal weight, overweight or obese (Cite article 1) Treatments: Treatment of an eating disorder generally includes a team approach. The team typically includes medical providers, mental health providers and dietitians; all with experience in eating disorders. Many of the treatments are based around your specific type of eating disorder. However, in general, it typically includes psychotherapy, nutrition education and medication thorough being either an outpatient, or inpatient and if your life is at risk the possibility of being hospitalized. (CITIE ARTICLE 2). Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can help learn how to replace unhealthy habits with healthy ones. Psychotherapy can also help to improve the relationships and moods. Psychotherapy can include both Cognitive Behavioral therapy and Family Based Therapy. (Cite Article 3) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is applicable to all eating disorders but has been most intensively studied in the treatment of bulimia nervosa (BN). CBT is designed to alter abnormal attitudes about body shape and weight. (CITE ARTICLE 1) CBT is effective in reducing all core features of BN and shows good maintenance of therapeutic improvement. Family Based Therapy Family Based Therapy (FBT) is an evidence-based treatment for children and over teenagers dealing with eating disorders. The family is involved in making sure that the child or other family member follow healthy-eating patterns and maintains a healthy body image and weight. (Cite article 1) Outpatient: The goals of this form of treatment include restoring a normal weight and maintaining that weight, managing physiologic abnormalities, reducing the comorbid psychiatric symptoms such as depression, and changing the fundamental thoughts that are underlying the anorexia. Bulimics require similar medical management with the goal of the treatment being the restoration of a normalized eating pattern free of the binge and/or purge cycle. (Article 6) Partial Hospitalization: For the patient with anorexia nervosa (AN) who have had repeated hospitalizations, a partial hospitalization treatment plan is recommended. The partial hospitalization treatment should follow a group treatment model and should include nutritional counseling, meal planning and additional groups such as social skills training. For a patient with BN who are in transition from inpatient to outpatient treatment or those whose bingeing and purging have begun to interfere with their functioning may be treated in partial hospitalization. (Article 3) Inpatient Treatment: The criteria need for hospitalization for both anorexia and bulimia include unstable medical conditions. Weight loss of 10% to 15% or more normal for relapse only or 16% to 20% or more if it is a patients’ first episode. (Cite article 1). The inpatient hospitalization beings with a full evaluation, including a psychiatric and medical evaluation. Patients with anorexia are fed initially with supplemental liquid feedings 6 times a day until they are within at least 10% of their goal weight. Patients who refuse the feedings consistently and do not gain weight are given feeing through nasal gastric tubes (Mayo Clinic). Bulimic patients being with food trays. The goal for both anorectics and bulimics is self-regulated weight maintenance. This is done through letting the patient self-selecting meals after a period of weight maintenance within their range. Both the bulimic and the anorectic are participants in response prevention techniques intended to prevent any purging behavior. (John Hopkins) Future Practitioner Helping Individual with Eating Disorders from Empowerment and Strength Perspectives The empowerment perspective and the strength-based approach work together. In social service work, the strengths-based approach involves helpers highlighting the client’s strengths and not their shortfalls. There are different ways to empower clients; and how empowerment can benefit the clients and social services workers attitudes, relationships etc. Social workers need to be aware and practice methods for empowerment effectively to be able to believe in their client’s strengths, abilities, and dreams. (Cite empowerment article). Empowerment does not give people power, people already have plenty of power. Empowerment is defined as letting this power out. It encourages people to gain the skills and knowledge that will allow them to overcome obstacles in life or work environment and eventually help them develop strengths within themselves or in the society (Cite Theo class).

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Ancient Chinese Contributions Essay

As a young child growing up in Chicago Illinois, I remember my family excitedly preparing for the fourth of July fireworks show that took place annually at the Navy Pier. I remember staring up into the Chicago sky at night in anticipation of the first round of fireworks. The crowed all around me excited and ready for the show. From the beginning of the show with the first explosion and until the last firework faded into the night, I was riveted, almost in a spell. At that time when I was a child, I made no connection between the Chinese and this great spectacle that I loved to see. As I have grown older I have learned many things that escaped me when I was a child. I can remember sitting at home waiting for Kung Fu Theater to begin, I can recall most of the settings taking place during the early feudal times in China. I never really paid much attention to the display of fireworks in some of these movies or any of the other numerous inventions that the Chinese developed over time. I made no connections at all, now looking back it all makes sense, I understand the significance of those things I witnessed as a child. Now I understand the quality of life many of those things invented so long ago have afforded me today. The following is an excerpt from the Minnesota-China Connection website; You may think that fireworks are as American as the Fourth of July, but we would not have them without Chinese inventiveness. The first fireworks might have been an accident. Legend tells that a cook discovered the ingredients for black powder, and quickly the Chinese were entertaining themselves with beautiful displays in the night sky. In the year 1161, the Chinese used explosives for the first time in warfare. And who invented cannons and guns? The Chinese, of course. They also used gunpowder to make primitive flamethrowers and even explosive mines and multiple-stage rockets. The use of gunpowder in weapons gave those with access to the technology a greater ability to protect themselves from enemies or to conquer and control others. It greatly affected the balance of power in many parts of the world. Chinese firearms, fireworks and gunpowder were popular items of trade along the Silk Route (or Silk Road) to Europe. 1994-2011, The Franklin Institute) When I was a child I enjoyed fireworks so much that it has stuck with me all these years and so much that I made sure my children had the chance to experiences it too. Another memory comes to mind much later on in life and was while I was serving on board the USS Donald Cook DDG 75. I can recall one summer while we out to sea doing weapon systems certifications. During one particular evolution we fired more than 180 rounds from the ships 5† 54 main gun. After that evolution nearly every corner of the ship reeked of cordite. This particular assignment brought that memory back. This is the first of the most important inventions ever. Not just because of fireworks, but because the invention of gun power enabled the average man to hunt for food more effectively, kill his prey from a greater distance and take down larger animals. It also enable man to defend his family, home, community and or country. The second greatest invention would be paper, printing and publishing, this Chinese invention could be arguably the number one most important invention in the history of man. But if I had to chose with having paper or a gun, I will take the gun every time. But the ability to record and preserve information efficiently, could have only been done with the invention of paper. The ability to duplicate important documents for larger consumption by the general population could not have happened without this invention. Here is another excerpt from the Minnesota-China Connection website; In almost every respect, the Chinese were at the forefront of developing the printed word. In 105 A. D. Ts’ai Lun invented the process for manufacturing paper, introducing the first use in China. The paper was superior in quality to the baked clay, papyrus and parchment used in other parts of the world. By 593 A. D. , the first printing press was invented in China, and the first printed newspaper was available in Beijing in 700 A. D. It was a woodblock printing. And the Diamond Sutra, the earliest known complete woodblock printed book with illustrations was printed in China in 868 A. D. And Chinese printer Pi Sheng invented movable type in 1041 A. D. Exported to the Western world, it is similar to the technology that German printer Johann Gutenberg used in the 1450s to produce his famous editions of the Bible. And in 1155 A. D. , Liu Ching produces first printed map in China. The impact these inventions had on the educational, political and literary development of the world is simply incalculable. (1994-2011, The Franklin Institute) The third greatest Chinese invention would be the plow, this enabled man too master agriculture. This invention has been modified many times over the years but still maintains its basic function. It is the reason that large metropolitan centers are sustainable today. Without this invention the leap in agricultural production may never have taken place and we would undoubtedly live in a very different environment . Here is another excerpt on this subject from the Minnesota-China Connection website; Around the Third Century B. C. , China produced the moldboard plow for tilling farmland. This ground-buster had a wing-shaped cast-iron blade that turned up the soil more easily and efficiently. Eventually, these plows would revolutionize agriculture in the Western world. Chinese farmers greatly improved the ability of horses to pull wagons or plows with the â€Å"collar harness. † Unlike the â€Å"throat harnesses† used in Europe, the collar harness did not choke the animal. When horses breathed easier, they could pull more weight greater distances. The wheelbarrow is another laborsaving device invented by the Chinese during the First Century B. C. These one-wheeled wonders wouldn’t even exist in Europe before the 11th or 12th Centuries. The forth most important invention would be the compass, without the compass we would not be as effective exploring and mapping out our environments. This is what enabled us to cross the oceans as well as continents with certainty of location. The compass is at the heart of the GPS systems today, we use them every day now. We have them in our phones as well. We don’t have to pick up street maps if we don’t want too. This is without a doubt one of the greatest inventions the Chinese developed. We would be lost without the compass today. Here is another excerpt from the Minnesota-China Connection website on the subject ; By the third century AD, Chinese scientists had studied and learned much about magnetism in nature. For example, they knew that iron ore, called magnetite, tended to align itself in a North/South position. Scientists learned to â€Å"make magnets† by heating pieces of ore to red hot temperatures and then cooling the pieces in a North/South position. The magnet was then placed on a piece of reed and floated in a bowl of water marked with directional bearings. These first navigational compasses were widely used on Chinese ships by the eleventh century AD. The Chinese have invented so many things that go hand in hand with our life styles today. It is safe to say we would in no way be as comfortable or as efficient without those inventions. In addition to those inventions I have listed, here are a few more inventions that compliment the afore mentioned developments. The kite, a wonderful invention that led to the discovery and development of electricity later in history. Cast iron from the fourth century B. C. E. , also used in the development of the plow. The Horse Collar was another invention that enabled horses to be more effective when moving and pulling large loads. (1994-2011, The Franklin Institute) The Chinese developed collar was far more effective than western collars that literally choked the horse under strain from large loads. And lastly but in no way the least is the Wheelbarrow. Developed in the first century B. C. E is one of the most useful tools ever invented. If you have a home with a large amount of land then you will and can appreciate this unassuming tool. It is one of the greatest inventions to me because its powered by me and enables me to keep my property clean, fertilize and mix compounds with potting soil for flower beds. I move leaves, rocks and other debris on my property. (1994-2011, The Franklin Institute) The wheelbarrow is one of the most overlooked inventions the Chinese developed, it is one of those tools that you do not know that you need until you have to move large quantities of material, soil, mix concrete or clean up after a storm. That’s why it is my favorite and the most important invention to me, even though I do very much appreciate all the other inventions as well. (1994-2011, The Franklin Institute)

Monday, July 29, 2019

Budgeting is a key component in management short and long term Essay

Budgeting is a key component in management short and long term planning - Essay Example Budgeting helps in figuring out the issues that are faced by the organization and the stakeholders of the organization (RICH, 2012, p.970). This done by finding the difference between the actual outcomes and the budgeted outcomes, if the actual outcomes are not consistent with the budgeted outcomes, the organization is said to have been experiencing issues that need to be resolved. Budgeting is a means through which alternatives are identified and analyze this is done to find the best alternative which will end up in providing fruitful results to the organization. Budgeting is an essential element in the planning role played by the management of an organization. It plays a key role in creating plans that are short and long term in nature. Both the short and long term goals of the organization are of great importance. The achievement of the long term goals is entirely dependent on the successful achievement of the short term goals of the organization. Short Term Planning A manager is involved in the process of making both short and long term planning. The plans that are created for a shorter period of time are created while keeping a deadline of one year or as long as two years in mind (SPEARMAN, 2007, p.194). The plans are created while analyzing expectations of earnings, cash inflow and outflow and expenditures conducted to obtain resources. The plans may be created for as long as one single month or even for as low as one single week. Short term plans created within the organization are heavily dependant on information obtained within the organization and these plans consists of detailed information of tactical objectives that an organization aims at achieving. The short term plans are well structured and hardly experience change with changes in environment, the outcomes of these plans are easily determinable and the outcomes can be analyzed quite frequently (NIEUWENHUIZEN, 2007, p.61). The plans of revenue earning and profit making that are short term in nat ure are devised in accordance to the current products offered by the organization and the current market in which the organization is operating. Short term profitability programs should be developed in accordance to different responsibilities and areas. Plans that are short term in nature are dependent on departments and all departments create their own short term plans. Once short term plans for each department is created, all the short term plans are viewed and reviewed together as all functions/departments are dependent on each other for their success. For the creation of short term plans, involvement of lower level managers is quite significant. Line manager is one of the lower level managers who play the most important role in defining the short term objectives and short term plans should be finally devised with the ultimate aim of achieving long term targets of the organization. Long Term Planning The nature of the long-term planning is quite strategic and it covers a broad ra nge of purposes. This kind of plan is scheduled to be completed within five to ten years of operations and it is formed in accordance to the future operations of the organization. These plans are not only based on the conditions of the internal environment of the organization, they are created while giving importance to the external environment which includes the

Sunday, July 28, 2019

The Individual and the State Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Individual and the State - Essay Example In toerh ways, citizens give up some freedoms in return for the state guaranteeing much larger freedoms such as the right to live safely and to own personal property without it being stolen. Within this context, it would appear that "civil disobedience" would not be allowed. For civil disobedience would not bow to the general will, it would be an expression of natural right. This is only the case when the government of a country genuinely adheres to the general will, and when the social contract is being honored. Thus if a despotic ruler takes control, or if the citizens start to tyrannize their fellow people, then disobedience would be in order. This seems a sensible point of view. Most of the most advanced countries of the world adhere to the idea of the social contract, and thus civil disobedience is not needed. However, when the laws are demonstrably unjust (such as race laws in the American South in the 1950's) then a degree of "civil disobedience" (such as Rosa Parks) is legitimate. Rousseau would support such actions. In The Death of Socrates David portrays the last seconds in the life of Socrates, who had been condemned to death by the Athenian state for corrupting the morals of young men by his teaching methods. These teaching methods essentially enabled them to think for themselves and to question the logic of authority through the Socratic method of questioning. The main feature of the painting is the contrast between the powerful-looking, animated and yet controlled Socrates who is about to drink the hemlock with those of the young men surrounding him who seem miserable in their inability to accept the situation. Formally, Socrates is placed just to the right of center of the picture, and has a kind of light exuding from him. This makes him the most powerful figure in the painting. In contrast, his disciples are painted in a darker manner, and they are looking away from the figure of Socrates, even as one of the young men is handing him the hemlock. In this situation David is suggesting that the individual must stand up for what he believes in against the forces of the state. The masses are represented by the apparent anger of the old man looking at Socrates on the right. Two young men look at him like timid animals, while an old man sits at the end of the bed, apparently impotent to do anything. It is only Socrates who is facing the reality of the situation, as an individual must if he is to take on the state. c)What areas of shared concern can you identify between Rousseau's argument in The Social Contract and David in The Death of Socrates One major area of shared concern is what the individual should do when he/she is about to take on the state. Thus within The Social Contract the individual should in nearly all cases give up the "natural right" for the good of the whole mass of people. Essentially Socrates has demanded his freedom to assert his natural right through teaching the young men of Athens as he sees fit, rather as the state sees fit. The background to the scene in the painting is that Socrates has in fact refused to escape his death sentence, but rather voluntarily drinks the

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Discuss the different levels of irony in the story Essay

Discuss the different levels of irony in the story - Essay Example It is his journey from stardom to decline. However, A Hunger Artist is not only about changing trends of society, but, actually, it portrays various tabooed issues with its ironic theme, hidden symbols, and metaphors. Irony is a dominating aspect to this story, and its different levels are evident throughout the narrative. This paper is an attempt to understand the hidden irony, and allegory in A Hunger Artist. Irony could be understood as the conceptual contrast between outwardly appearance and the actuality behind personal motives, experiences, and situations of life (Colebrook 5). Irony has different levels: it could be verbal, situational, and dramatic. In a story, irony should be assessed on both personal and communal grounds. Presence of verbal irony in this tale is evident by the hurtful dialogues directed towards the artist. Kafka has very clearly expressed the suspicion, public indifference and dejection experienced by the artist through the narrative. The artist is compared to an animal at several occasions, and by the end of the story, his cage is habited by a panther which is not only insulting, but also ironic to a much greater extent. The quote â€Å"Starvation artist might respond with an outbreak of rage and, to everyone's horror, begin to rattle the bars of his cage like an animal† proves this point (Kafka 61). ... The verbal irony worsens in the last part, where the artist dies due to the unjustified ignorance from his employers but says, â€Å"And forgive me, all of you† (Give It Up! And Other Short Stories 33). This is not just absurd but also ironic because the artist is the receiver of cruelty, negligence, and indifference from the world, but he is asking others to forgive him for his sins. However, this has a lesson which Kafka has conveyed to the reader through a conversation between the artist and the overseer. The artist says, â€Å"I always wanted you to admire my fasting, but you shouldn't admire it† (Give It Up! And Other Short Stories 33). In this story, hunger is used as an element of irony, depicting constraint, isolation, and self-denial which, when imposed, crushes a person spiritually and physically. That is why Kafka clearly stated that such an act must not be admired. Situational irony occurs at numerous points in A Hunger Artist. The aspect that the artist has acknowledged his fading art is an example of situational irony. "In recent decades interest in hunger artists has greatly diminished" (Kafka 56). It is true that entertainment is necessary, but allowing such an odious act for enjoyment sake, and then suddenly rejecting it shows the society’s disrespect for art. The manner in which fasting act was conducted provides sufficient evidence for situational irony. The artist was confined in a cage, and guards kept a constant check on him. â€Å"There were also permanent watchmen, usually butchers – whose job it was, always three at a time, to watch the starvation artist day and night† (Kafka 57). Such a situation is ironic because it depicts the indifferent attitude of the public and employers towards a

Friday, July 26, 2019

What is the role of each component of the strategic management process Essay

What is the role of each component of the strategic management process in determining overall enterprise performance - Essay Example As such, environmental scanning is very important in directing strategy formulation and implementation. The next component is the strategy formulation process. The strategies developed to determine the excellence of the firm in executing them. However, some scholars argue that strategy implementation and monitoring can lead an organization to excellence even if the strategy developed was inefficient or wrong. However, strategy formulation leads to the development of objectives, performance indicators, business unit strategies, functional strategies and the key strategy (Vagadia, 2014). Strategy implementation is equally important. The approach of strategies implementation and execution determine how successful they will become. Strategy implementation assesses aspects such as synergy, efficiency, and total reward strategies. Strategy evaluation is the final component of the strategic management process. Primarily, strategy evaluation and monitoring is the process of performance analysis and management. This component involves with ensuring that the set objectives are achieved and that various functional strategies are completed within the set deadlines (Vagadia, 2014). Strategy evaluation entails the measurement of performance and taking corrective courses of action. As such, strategy evaluation is entirely based on enterprise performance. However, each component plays a unique

Combahee river corporative Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Combahee river corporative - Essay Example Black women have made massive economic progress in the past four decades. Black women occupied the base step of the economic ladder of America They were involved in labor force and earned much lesser than any other nation. Richard Nixon was hostile towards black in helping them catch up with whites in any run of life. In 1970, State of the Union address, he said about blacks, "for those who make massive demands on society to make some minimal demands on themselves." The socio-economic systems along with the political system demanded the struggle against oppression. The function of education, work experience, welfare reforms and the enforcement of equal opportunity laws played a crucial role in reshaping the feminist discourse in the USA.Black women's dissatisfaction, in both women's liberation groups and civil rights, resulted in National Black Feminist Organization (NBFO) in 1973, of New York, felt the urge to form it. Disillusionment within this movement resulted in few Black Femin ist organizations; one of the most prominent of these groups was Combahee River Collective Statement. They began meetings in 1974 in Boston. The name is the conceptualization from the guerrilla action which was led by Herriet Tubman on June 2, 1863, in the Port Royal region of south California. It freed almost 750 slaves and was the only military campaign in America led by a woman. Since then, in association with other progressive organizations and movements, Combahee River Collective Statement has been in process to define and clarify the politics of power and system. It is a collective of Black feminists, who are out there to define, clarify and identify the combined racial, social and political struggle. The women of African descent, who happen to be black, were faced by the constant life-and death struggle for survival and liberation. A black feminism or womanism organization was the product of oppressed racial and sexual castes dominated by extremely negative relationship between the American political system (a system of white male rule) and them. The distribution of Material resources was unfair to those who created resources. The further division of resources, between the men and women of black inhabitants, was complicating the situation in a worse manner because they were already limited to very few educational and employment options. The deprived people were baffled by the gender differences because Black women's intellectual interests had been attacked by their peers, mainly Black males. Initially, the politics of class and race brought these black feminists together. CRC also considered "capitalism" as the main reason for Black women's oppression. In a society, one faces different problem which are inter-connected for example it is hard to detach race from class and sex oppression because they are most often experienced simultaneously. They were racially and sexually oppressed and these two features were considerable determinants in their working/ economic lives. Neither had they had the access to resources nor any form of the power. These combinations of the oppressions had formed different condition in their lives which resulted in Combahee River Collective Statement. Absolute equality and freedom are ideas of an abstract world but they are the simple solutions. They would demand the destruction of the structure of oppression. These females not only do political work as a group, but continued their individual involvement in Lesbian politics, sterilization abuse and abortion rights work. They initiated functioning as a study group and also began conversing about the possibility of starting a Black feminist publication to distribute their work. They setup a rape crisis center in Black vicinities. Organizing welfare, health care and daycare are the main concerns. They also conduct many educational workshops. They all are working for a

Thursday, July 25, 2019

The British and Global Economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The British and Global Economy - Essay Example Britain and International Financial Institutions Britain, Japan, China, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Russia, France and the United States hold permanent positions on the executive board of the IMF. The remaining sixteen directors are elected from other groups of countries. Even with equal representation on IMF board, Britain exercises global economic influence via its membership with the IMF, the World Bank, Commonwealth of Nations, the World Trade Organization, the United Nations, the G20, the G8, the G7, the OECD, and the European Union. The IMF and the World Bank, collectively referred to as International Financial Institutions (IFIs), play a major role in globalization. The IFIs are designed to help control the global financial system and have enhanced economic integration of all countries in the world. These institutions provide financial and advisory assistance to countries in need of the support in their policymaking and economic development. Nonetheless, the IFIs have been attacked by critics over four interrelated aspects of the implementation of the IFIs’ strategy. ... financial crisis hit the old industries until the United Kingdom suspended the gold standard permanently and facilitated the conditions necessary for economic recovery. The global pre-war balance of power collapsed and the world war ensued. Britain and France were forced into action in 1941. The costs of Britain’s military action weakened further and lost its position to the United States as the global economic superpower. Nevertheless, Britain still plays a crucial role in the world economy. After the World War II, the British economy flourished for about twenty eight years (1945-1973) without a major recession. The economy also enjoyed a tremendous growth in prosperity especially in the late 1950s and early 1960s. This encompassed low rates of unemployment; less than 500, 000 unemployed until the late 1960s. According to the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), the British economic growth rate averaged 2.9 per cent during 1960-1973. The other Europe an nations: Italy, France, and West Germany, had a far much higher growth rate. Nevertheless, the British economy was hit again by the 1973 financial recession and the stock market crash. Britain experienced escalating unemployment rates. Moreover, the economy was blighted by over 20 per cent inflation after 1973. The British economic crisis persisted even after the global economy recession had ended. The inflation rate never went lower than 10 per cent. Being a permanent member of the IMF, Britain was forced to acquire a loan of 2.3 billion. The IMF achieves its goals through three main activities which are surveillance, financial and technical assistance. Financial assistance is the central activity undertaken by the IMF. Member states experiencing balance of payments problems can obtain

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Christian and islam Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Christian and islam - Research Paper Example It is possible for members of a particular religion to identify and define themselves against other people who are not in that religion. The dilemma arising in this case is how outsider may be connected to the salvation offered by that particular religion. Does the religion’s purview of salvation include or exclude people outside that religion? Different authors and scholars may suggest different answers to this question. In an attempt to seek both individual and collective salvation, different religious arguments arise to explain differences between one religion and another. Inclusivist, exclusivist and universal pluralism are common positions explaining difference between Christianity and Islam. From an inclusivist perspective, both Christianity and Islam have teachings and beliefs that are true. Though Christians believes that their faith is true, inclusivists believe that other religions are partially true. As an absolute religion, Christianity does recognize that other religions can provide salvation. It only tells of the unique word of God, incarnate in Death of Jesus on the cross and provide a social context for salvation. It teaches that to accomplish salvation God assesses people behaviors on earth. God applies results of the death of Jesus and resurrection to everyone regardless of the religion. Therefore, God makes it possible for anyone to earn salvation including people from other religions. This opinion is not accepted by everyone especially the conservative and evangelical Christians who believe that religious inclusivism contradicts the teachings of the bible. These critics find support from Acts 4:12 that emphasizes on the point that salvation is for no one else other than Christians. Is there any form of inclusivism in Islam? According to Hick (2005), the concept of people of the book has some elements of

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Psychosocial Risks at Work Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Psychosocial Risks at Work - Essay Example Whereas one's interpersonal relations influence the success of the strategies to minimize stress in the workplace, these strategies have a significant impact on approaches to reduce depression and related health-issues of the employees. In their study on psychosocial risks at work, Michael Ertel, et al. maintains that "psychosocial risks such as work-related stress, violence, bullying and harassment have become major concerns for occupational safety and health." (Ertel, et.al., 169) Therefore, it is essential to comprehend that there is a close cause-and-effect relation between occupational health and psychosocial factors. "Psychosocial factors refer to all organizational factors and interpersonal relationships in the workplace that may affect the health of the workers." (Vzina, et.al) As a result of the emerging need for reducing psychosocial risks, modern companies adopt several psychosocial risk intervention strategies to deal with psychosocial factors. It is indubitable that the stressful nature of a work situation, workload, interpersonal relationships, career prospects, and organizational climate highly affect an employee's health-related issues, including depression.

Monday, July 22, 2019

Equity History Essay Example for Free

Equity History Essay Equity was used to refer to the laws that were followed in the English judicial system which supplemented the strict rules that were used on top of the already existing common laws to pass judgments. The conflicts between law and equity can be traced back to the time when England was ruled by kings. At the start of the 14th century, the courts of law in England could only pass sentences to certain cases and disregarded others that according to the system ‘were not suitable’. On top of this, law officials changed the court procedures of listening to claims. Since the legal claims were based on set restrictions, it made the judicial process unfair to the individuals who were denied justice. Remedies however, could be got when petitions were drafted for the king to consider with the hope that he would have mercy on them. The Court of Chancery The Court of Chancery was one court in England and Wales that followed the Equity system. It was formed under the Lord Chancellors jurisdiction who administered cases on behalf of the King; therefore, he served as the judge. During this period, the rules of equity had become more acceptable in solving cases and that is why they were incorporated in the Court of Chancery. In these courts, decisions were made following stare decisis and since they were based on equity, they did not rely on the law doctrines. These courts however, were not trusted with most people to pass correct rulings because of its inconsistency. The courts concentrated on what the defendants had done and what they were supposed to do so as to be right with the law other than what the plaintiff might have wanted. Therefore it was upon the courts to pass the decision that would make the defendant put matters right. Equity therefore, lightened the strict laws. The jurisdiction of the courts of equity is different from law courts because the methods used to distinguish from what is right and what is wrong are differentiated into two such that what is used in the Courts of Law are legal and were enforced using the common laws while those in the Equity based courts were equitable. The Courts of Equity are based on mercy and justice therefore have helped the poor people to fight for their rights especially in certain suits where they are unable to file suits such that a counsel will be assigned to them by the courts and they can get certain favors such as they are exempted from paying ordinary fees. Differences in Common Law and Equity The difference between the common law and equity ranges from the way they deal with solutions and alternatives used in solving legal matters. In Equity, there is no jury as it is the duty of the judge to decide if a person is guilty or not guilty. Another distinction between law and equity is that there are differences in the rules are used to pass decisions. In law, decisions made will be based upon the documented legal guidelines while in equity, general guidelines are followed that will ensure that the sentence passed is fair and just. Equity therefore has no fixed rules as sentences can be passed by using doctrines that were used in prior similar cases. But as time progressed, the equity laws changed rapidly to become more rigid hence becoming a system that was used in the English courts.

Gestalt Learning Theory Essay Example for Free

Gestalt Learning Theory Essay Doing my research on learning and instruction in complex simulation-based learning environments, I experienced a large difference in how learners reacted to my learning material (Kluge, in press, 2004). Complex technical simulations involve the placement of the learner into a realistic computer simulated situation or technical scenario which puts control back into the learner’s hands. The contextual content of simulations allows the learner to â€Å"learn by doing. † Although my primary purpose was in improving research methods and testing procedures for evaluating learning results of simulation-based learning, the different reaction of our participants were so obvious that we took a closer look. I had two different groups participating in my learning experiments: students from an engineering department at the University, mostly in their 3rd semester, and apprentices from vocational training programs in mechanics and electronics of several companies near the University area in their 3rd year of vocational training. Most of the students worked very intensively and concentrated on solving these complex simulation tasks whereas apprentices became easily frustrated and bored. Although my first research purpose was not in investigating the differences between these groups, colleagues and practitioners showed their interest and encouraged me to look especially at that difference. Practitioners especially hoped to find explanations why apprentices sometimes are less enthusiastic about simulation learning although it is said to be motivating for their perception. Therefore, in this dissertation I address the difference in the effectiveness of using simulation intervention program based on a Gestalt learning theory. Moreover, to find out if the program improves either or both the quality and speed of the learning process of students enrolled in a highly technical training program. This dissertation focuses on using simulation based learning environments in vocational training program. In this chapter, the experimental methodology and instruments are described, results presented and finally discussed. As mentioned above, my primary purpose when I started to investigate learning and simulation based on Gestalt learning theory was focused on improving the research methodology and test material (see Kluge, in press, 2004) for experimenting with simulation-based learning environments. But observing the subjects’ reactions to the learning and testing material the question arose whether there might be a difference in the quality of and speed of the learning process of students involved in my study. Research Design: A 3-factor 2 ? 2 ? 2 factorial control-group-design was performed (factor 1: â€Å"Simulation complexity†: ColorSim 5 vs ColorSim 7; factor 2: â€Å"support method†: GES vs. DI-GES; factor 3: target group, see Table 2). Two hundred and fifteen mostly male students (16% female) in eight groups (separated into four experimental and four control groups) participated in the main study. The control group served as a treatment check for the learning phase and to demonstrate whether subjects acquired any knowledge within the learning-phase. While the experimental groups filled in the knowledge test at the end of the experiment (after the learning and the transfer tasks), the control groups filled in the knowledge test directly after the learning phase. I did not want to give the knowledge test to the experimental group after the learning phase because of its sensitivity to testing-effects. I assumed that learners who did not acquire the relevant knowledge in the learning phase could acquire useful knowledge by taking the knowledge test, which could have led to a better transfer performance which is not due to the learning method but caused by learning from taking the knowledge test. The procedure subjects had to follow included a learning phase in which they explored the structure of the simulation aiming at knowledge acquisition. After the learning phase, subjects first had to fill in the four-item questionnaire on self-efficacy before they performed 18 transfer tasks. The transfer tasks were separated into two blocks (consisting of nine control tasks each) by a 30-minute break. In four experimental groups (EG), 117 students and apprentices performed the learning phase (28 female participants), the 18 control tasks and the knowledge test. As said before, the knowledge test was applied at the end because of its sensitivity to additional learning effects caused by filling in the knowledge test. In four control groups (CG), 98 students and apprentices performed the knowledge test directly after the learning phase, without working on the transfer task (four female participants). The EGs took about 2-2. 5 hours and the CG about 1. 5 hours to finish the experiment. Both groups (EGs and CGs) were asked to take notes during the learning phase. Subjects were randomly assigned to the EGs and CGs, nonetheless ensuring that the same number of students and apprentices were in each group. The Simulation-Based Learning Environment The computer-based simulation ColorSim, which we had developed for our experimental research previously, was used in two different variants. The simulation is based on the work by Funke (1993) and simulates a small chemical plant to produce colors for later subsequent processing and treatment such as dyeing fabrics. The task is to produce a given amount of colors in a predefined number of steps (nine steps). To avoid the uncontrolled influence of prior knowledge, the structure of the plant simulation cannot be derived from prior knowledge of a certain domain, but has to be learned by all subjects. ColorSim contains three endogenous variables (termed green, black, and yellow) and three exogenous variables (termed x, y, and z ). Figure 1 illustrates the ColorSim screen. Subjects control the simulation step by step (in contrast to a real time running continuous control). The predefined goal states of each color have to be reached by step nine. Subjects enter values for x, y, and z within the range of 0-100. There is no time limit for the transfer tasks. During the transfer tasks, the subjects have to reach defined system states for green (e. g. , 500), black (e. g. , 990), and yellow (e. g. , 125) and/or try to keep the variable values as close as possible to the values defined as goal states. Subjects are instructed to reach the defined system states at the end of a multi-step process of nine steps. The task for the subjects was first to explore or learn about the simulated system (to find out the causal links between the system variables), and then to control the endogenous variables by means of the exogenous variables with respect to a set of given goal states. With respect to the empirical evidence of Funke (2001) and Strau? (1995), the theoretical concept for the variation in complexity is based on Woods’ (1986) theoretical arguments that complexity depends on an increasing number of relations between a stable number of (in this case six) variables (three input, three output: for details of the construction rational and empirical evidence see Kluge, 2004, and Kluge, in press, see Table 1). To meet reliability requirements, subjects had to complete several trials in the transfer task. For each of the 18 control tasks a predefined correct solution exists, to which the subjects’ solutions could be compared. In addition, knowledge acquisition and knowledge application phases were separated. The procedure for the development of a valid and reliable knowledge test is described in the next section. Different methods have been developed to provide learners with support to effectively learn from using simulations. De Jong and van Joolingen (1998) categorize these into five groups: 1. Direct access to domain knowledge, which means that learners should know something about the field or subject beforehand, if discovery learning is to be fruitful. 2. Support for hypothesis generation, which means learners are offered elements of hypotheses that they have to assemble themselves. 3. Support for the design of experiments, e. g. , by providing hints like â€Å"It is wise to vary only one variable at a time† 4. Support for making predictions, e. g. , by giving learners a graphic tool in which they can draw a curve that gives predictions at three levels of precision: as numerical data, as a drawn graph, and as an area in which the graph would be located. 5. Support for regulative learning processes: e. g. , by introducing model progression, which means that the model is introduced gradually, and by providing planning support, which means freeing learners from the necessity of making decisions and thus helping them to manage the learning process. In addition, regulative processes can be supported by leading the learner through different stages, like â€Å"Before doing the experiment . . . ,† â€Å"Now do the experiment,† â€Å"After doing the experiment. . . .† Altogether, empirical findings and theoretical assumptions have so far led to the conclusion that experiential learning needs additional support to enhance knowledge acquisition and transfer. Target Population and Participant Selection: In the introductory part, I mentioned that there were two sub groups in the sample which I see as different target groups for using simulation-based learning environments. Subjects were for the most part recruited from the technical departments of a Technical University (Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electronics, Information Technology as well as apprentices from the vocational training programs in mechanics

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Communication Strategy Of Next Plc

Communication Strategy Of Next Plc To sustain a business, there must be effective and efficient communication. This means there must be efficient ways and appropriate channels of exchanging information with the stakeholders of the business, which is core to its corporate strategy. This report evaluates the corporate communication strategy adopted by Next Plc, a UK based retailer with over 180 stores spanning continental Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, Middle-East, India and Japan and with international website serving the USA and 30 other countries worldwide. The report highlights the fact that Next has got an established human resource management which continually develops and implements internal communication strategies to enable all employees receive and understand information that is timely, accurate, relevant motivational. In terms of its image, a report by Susannah Streeter(July 2010), a BBC reporter reveals that Next Plc had been breaching consumer law by not refunding delivery charges on online purchases though returned within seven days. This had a damaging effect on the companys image but they were quick to offer apologies to their customers and retrace theirs steps. Also according to a Mintel report(October 2010), Next clothing are also known for qual ity with which it scores with its customers, but the challenge it faces is that as disposable incomes come under pressure, its many young customers might turn to value retailers. However, if it tries to diversify into third party brands, it may erode the image and values of its brand. Hence, the need for effective communication strategies for corporate and brand repositioning. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2 2 LIST OF FIGURES 3 3 INTRODUCTION 4 4 FINDINGS 5 5 Conclusions and Recommendations 14 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1.0 Nexts Record of Sales 2005-2009 Figure 1.1 Abergs Total Communications Domain Figure 1.2 Argentis Reputation framework Figure 1.3 Cornelissens Stakeholder Model of Strategic Management Figure 1.4 Hofstedes Framework of cultural dimensions Figure 1.5 Mckinseys 7-S Model Figure 1.6 General structure of Corporate Governance. Figure 1.7 Ulrichs 4 roles of Human Resources Figure 1.8 Harvard Map of HRM theory by Beer et al(1984) Figure 1.9 Horizontal/Vertical structure of communication INTRODUCTION According to Cornelissen Joep(2008 p.5), a likely characteristic of corporate communication is that it can turn out to be complex in nature. For small-medium firms, communication complexity is quite minimal but with large corporations, if due care is not taken, communication can turn out to be cumbersome. Cornelissen J.(2008,p.95) also states that managing corporate communication requires a communication strategy that describes the general image that an organisation aims to project through themed messaging to stakeholders. As a result of this complexity, this report will aim to provide insights and explore the corporate communication strategy of Next Plc. A Proquest(2011) report tells of challenges faced by Next in the four year period to 2009 as a result of laxity over its positioning and recession. By the time it realized that trends were changing, it had lost grounds. The targeted young customers were maturing and reduced their spending due to additional responsibilities. Erosion of its brand due to over-diversification was another issue. Next has lost ground since 2005 but seems to be emerging now from the underperformance period according to the graph below: Figure 1.0: Next UK sales as a share of clothing specialists Source: Next Company Accounts and Annual Reports/Mintel 2010 An industry expert, Raoul Shah, CEO of Exposure evoked that Next should develop a higher brand profile and image and senior executives need to plan new communication strategies, be more visible in the media, give more interviews and build deeper relationships with customers and stakeholders.(Proquest, n.d). Essentially there has to be a corporate identity management in place. This report will seek to investigate the corporate communication strategy of NEXT Plc with regards to its stakeholder management, Corporate image and identity, its Human resource management among others. These will be achieved through research, recommendations and conclusions will be made based on findings from the company website, articles on the company and its industry, journals, their annual reports and other relevant materials. FINDINGS What is Corporate Communications? Corporate communication is the ability of an organisation to effectively communicate to its stakeholders. This definition gives a general overview or understanding of what corporate communication is about. Looking into a more complex and detailed definition, corporate communications would then be defined as: an instrument of management by means of which all consciously used forms of internal and external communication are harmonised as effectively and efficiently as possible, so as to create a favourable basis for relationships with groups upon which the company is dependent. (Van Riel,1995, p.26) Figure 1.1 : The total communications domain(Aberg 1990) Source: Van Riel (1995) Principles of corporate communication. Van Riel(1995) supports Aberg (1990) that all communication activities within an organisation must be integrated so as to support the achievement of the organisations aims and goals. This is where care must be taken so to address communication complexity effectively and efficiently. It is about the reputation of the organisation, people being able to identify with the organisation and about the formal systems of communication at the highest level. Please see Appendix 1 and 2 for a history and timeline of Next Plc. Image Identity and Reputation Image is the picture of an organisation as perceived by target groups while identity is associated with the way in which a company presents itself to the target groups, by the use of symbols, communication and behaviour(van Riel,1992). Argenti (2007) also states that image is a reflection of an organisations identity. These definitions shed light on the fact that there is but a thin line between image and identity as the former sees from the outside while the latter projects from the inside. It was reported that Next was breaching regulations by not refunding online delivery costs to customers even if they return goods within seven working days. This would have damaged Nexts corporate image, but the companys executives were quick to offer apologies to redeem its image.(BBC Business News, July 2010). According to Richard R. Dolphin(1999), people learn to identify with a company by noting everything it does. In terms of image, whether Nexts customers decide to use the Next Directory or website, visit a Next retail store, the strength of the brand continues to be a powerful attraction in terms of design consistency, value and quality their customers know they can trust. To support this, Richard R. Dolphin (1999) says organizations communicate with those that they perceive as stakeholders because they desire an enhanced awareness, understanding and appreciation of their identity and their core beliefs as well as of their products and their services. Next has an outstanding record of achievement as a result of continued success of innovative shopping concept. Nexts greatest assets are its exclusive designs and distinctive styling that have given it a strong brand image. Figure 1.2 Reputation Framework Source: Argenti, Paul. Corporate Communications(2007) George Davies, a retail entrepreneur, believed in the 80s that tailored jacket could establish Next, as long as it represented fantastic value for the price and high quality (identity). This was their brand positioning at the time. In February 1982 Next opened its first seven shops and the sales were two and-a-half times what the company had originally estimated. Davies found a ready market for his merchandise(as customers were able to identify with the positioning) providing what he called affordable collectables, which represented good design at reasonable prices(image). (Fashion encyclopedia) Next was able to give the public a better product in terms of their expectation of quality at the price point. Also, Next logo has been changed from time to time in terms of the use of upper and lower case letters and also background colour probably as a brand repositioning strategy. Even the name Next suggests something to look forward to which essentially says a lot about how the company wants to be perceived or positioned in the minds of its customers hence translating into the image as conceived in the minds of its various stakeholders which over a period of consistency earns the company a reputation. This relationship is supported with Argentis Reputation framework (figure 1.2). Management of stakeholders Cornelissen J. (2008, p.42) defines a stakeholder as any group or individual who can affect or is affected by the achievement of the organisations purpose and objectives. Next addresses environmental, social, ethical and business related impacts on its stakeholders as a way of managing and bringing value to them. (Next website) NEXT has a strategy of addressing the issue of the organisations reputation as there are different expectations from different stakeholders. The Board at Next represents and promotes its shareholders interests. The Board gives account of the performance and activities of the Group and then communicates this with its shareholders with respect to the business activities.(Ezine Articles 2009). The company recognizes a need to address every kind of stakeholder it has. Figure 1.3 Stakeholder model of strategic management. Source: Cornelissen Joep, 2008. p.39 Next adopts and implements a code of conduct that delivers benefits for its workers across the globe by which means it fulfils its responsibility to uphold international labour laws with its suppliers. The company sources the products it sells from many countries around the world. It recognizes the responsibility it has to work closely with its global suppliers, and is committed to ensuring its products are made in a clean and safe environment, in accordance with all relevant local and national laws and legislation, and by workers who are treated with respect and paid fairly for the work they do.(Nextplc.co.uk). Every company has got its own reasons for being in business. For whatever reason for which a business might be in existence, it must take into consideration its responsibility to the environment in which it trades which includes its stakeholders (Government, shareholders/investors, suppliers, customers, etc) and the world at large. Please refer to the bibliography for a full statement of Corporate responsibility from Next and how it relates with each group of stakeholders. Role of Culture According to Tourish and Hargie (2004), culture can be defined as a collective (for example society, organisation, group or sub-group) interpreted for its sense of social integration, differentiation, and fragmentation. It is the culture of Next to have the interest of its people(including stakeholders) at the centre of its business. Figure 1.4 Hofstedes Framework of cultural dimensions. Source: Hofstede, G. (1994). Cultures and Organisations, London: Harper Collins As a result, the company had its business strategy implemented within a genuine organisational culture and continuous investment in its employees. This in essence gives employees a sense of security and loyalty towards the organisation and in essence help to relax the power distance(Hofstedes power distance) between employees and their bosses. A multi-national organisation such as Next, by reasons of its geographical dispersion will work with and employ people from diverse cultures, hence the need to possess a sensitive communication strategy. Cornelissen J.(2008, p.71) describes an organisations culture as the values as felt and shared by all employees of the organisation. For instance, to contain the situation of cultural differences and language in its countries of operation, Next has a multi-lingual website for its online home-shopping, Next Directory. This is a good step in the right direction in terms of communication strategy. With regards to Hofstedes concept of individualism, Next plc supports collectivism rather than individualism. It encourages employees to be integrated to a single corporate group rather than individual groups. It has in place a training and development team which designs and implements interventions to drive forward the fun, fair and rewarding culture of working together. Role of Technology According to Tourish and Hargie (2004), a torrent in recent years resulting from the surging river of technology is a key feature of the organisational landscape. Technology has proven to be very dynamic in nature and for an organisation that wants to reach and connect with a vast majority of its stakeholders or even expand its customer base in a competitive world, it must also be technologically pro-active. Tourish and Hargie (2004,p.74) supports the views of Clampitt and Downs()993) and Hargie and Tourish(2000), that communication has been at the centre of successful organisations, causing a challenge to create a communication system that is efficient and effective when it comes to addressing the needs of its customers and external and internal stakeholders. Internet popularity and new media reception offers enormous opportunities for NEXT to improve its communication strategy. According to Tourish and Hargie (2004, p.74), technology alone does not solve problems, it only offers opportunities so it must fit into already existing communication strategy. Next increased its customer base to over 2 million with the launch of the Next Directory internet shopping in 1999. The website also has multi-lingual features which helps to translate to other languages to aid user friendliness. This strategy will help Next to influence its customer behaviour. Next is a people oriented organization. Even employees may have instant access to senior managers via their e-mail address, which in essence reduces power distance as Hofstedes cultural dimension illustrates. Human Resource Management Beardwell et al (2004,p.6) supports Legge(1995) that the analysis of HRM in terms of style has revolved around whether it can be regarded as hard or soft. Soft HRM according to him is often viewed as developmental humanism in which the individual integrates into a process of work that values trust, communication and commitment while Hard HRM emphasizes cost minimization strategies. With regard to the Soft HRM, NEXT employs over 58000 people and sees its employees as valuable assets to the organization and is committed to their development by providing a working environment in which they can to achieve their full potential and accessing opportunities for both personal and professional development.(Nextplc.co.uk). Nexts recruitment is done online via the HR department. Figure 1.5 McKinseys 7-S model. Source: www.Mindtools.com Nexts human resource approach is a mixture of both the Hard and Soft approaches in line with McKinseys 7S model(pictured above). Employees enjoy an environment of support and respect, fair treatment, listened to, welfare and motivated to achieve their full potential, which is the core of its human resource management. Next applies the soft approach of recruitment policies, development and training of employees and is also committed to investment of time and resource for support, engagement and motivation of employees to feel valued, developing rewarding careers and want to stay with the company. There are reward systems for employee motivation as a hard approach. As the business continues to develop, Next understands that effective and committed employees will help to continue delivering excellent quality products and services to its customers. This suggests an output-based HRM. Ulrichs model of HRM can be substantiated with Next in that, most of its top people (executives and non-ex ecutives alike ) have been with the company for many years and this is because Next makes its employees feel valued thereby gaining their loyalty and they, over the years, work through the four roles till they become strategic partners. Figure 1.6 Ulrichs 4 roles of HR Source: Ulrich, D.(1998) Human Resource Champions. The Harvard HRM framework as developed by Beer et al(1984) explains that every organization must recognise all groups of stakeholders. Most of Nexts success can be attributed to its business strategy infused with stakeholder centred HRM strategy which can be confirmed with its statement of social responsibility. (Appendix 3) Figure 1.7 Harvard Map of HRM territory, by Beer et al(1984) Source: Beardwell et al(2004) Corporate Governance An enforced and well defined corporate governance provides a structure that works for the benefit of everyone concerned(at least in theory), by ensuring that the enterprise adheres to formal laws, best practices and to accepted ethical standards. Next has got various committees and officers overseeing its many business units in order to ensure smooth running and effective corporate communication flow. Figure 1.3 below further explains the general order or structure of corporate governance which also explains that of Next Plc. Next has a four-member audit committee which reviews the risk management process thereby refering significant risk issues to the Board for handling. Next Board is responsible for major policy decisions whilst delegating more detailed matters to its committees and officers including the Chief Executive. (Next Plc, Corporate Governance). The Board at Next represents and promotes the interests of shareholders (Ezine Articles, n.d) and also other arms including the HR and PR departments are there to help ensure communication strategies are effectively implemented. Figure 1.8 General Structure of Corporate Governance. Source: Johnson et al (2011) Exploring Strategy. Conclusions and Recommendations In conclusion, the organization has to be sustained and successful so effective corporate communication strategy is very essential in tackling its communication challenges. As a result of the unpredictable nature and diversity of stakeholders, drawing up a corporate communication strategy can in fact be very challenging. Sometimes stakeholders still lack commitment to an organization no matter how the organization tries to keep them informed or involved. The management of Next Plc had trivialised this important fact and went on playing on their customers intelligence by breaking consumer law in failing to refund delivery charges on goods bought online even when returned within seven days. The media got a hold of this activity and then made it public. This singular act could make it difficult for Next to achieve its own objectives with its stakeholders. The effect of it was damaging on the companys image and reputation but the management was quick to offer apologies to their customers before any further damages could be made.. Also with the concept of cultural division, Next as a multi-national organization employs and works with people of diverse cultural orientations and backgrounds who sometimes may see different meanings to the same words or statements. Multi-national companies may not always be able to adapt to all the cultural differences and at the same time maintain consistency in portraying their corporate culture but they would have to make strategies that inculcate cultural common grounds. It is sometimes difficult selecting the appropriate channels as well. For instance, Next plc has a multilingual website, though not all languages are included. This also poses a challenge as some cultures might feel left out. Next Plc is committed to abiding by rules and regulations in countries where it operates. Changes in laws and regulations of different countries are also unpredictable as most of the times they may run counter to an organizations strategic interest. These changes sometimes create difficul ty in maintaining its performance culture; for this reason it is confident but cautious at the same time. Against all odds of adverse circumstances and social rethinking, Next has continually moved forward the high standards of quality and processes of improvement using its keen minds. Thereby managing communication complexities arising in relation to it stakeholders. Hence, its ability to synchronise image, identity, reputation and human resource management.

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Freebasing on fight club Essay -- Film Review, Fincher

According to psychotherapist Isaac Marks, behavioral addictions involve, â€Å"routines of dysfunctional and purposeful behavior,† (10.4: 28). All humans engage in some form of addictive activities whether it gambling, eating disorders, hyper-sexuality, or even nervous tics. The severity of such addictions is founded in Freudian ideals of parenting and early childhood development. Addictions, whether chemical or behavioral, can consume one’s life when left unchecked. The cycle of addiction begins at first exposure and continues through until the addict dies or is rehabilitated. The film Fight Club, directed by David Fincher, is a representation of the cycle of addiction. Jack begins his cycle of addiction by trying to fill a void in his life. The world Jack lives in as well as the life he has created has no value or purpose. Jack works as a recall coordinator and his life is reduced to trips across the country to evaluate the cost benefit ratio of recalling malfunctioning cars while living out of suitcases. When at home Jack fills his prefabricated apartment with worthless mass produced IKEA furniture. Additionally, Jack suffers from insomnia and states that his lack of sleep makes him feel like â€Å"a copy of a copy of a copy,† (Fincher 1999). The sum of these emotions culminates in Jack feeling that his life is missing something. Psychotherapist Jason Ward writes in the Healthcare Counseling & Psychotherapy Journal that â€Å"the main features of addiction are obsession and compulsion, focused around an object or behaviour which, it is believed, will somehow bring transformation of the person's inner world,† (10.4: 25). Addict s are looking for something to make them feel whole, secure, or safe and Jack is no exception (10.4: 26).... ...hands is metaphoric of Jack tearing down the impediments of his addiction and thus the destruction of his self-hate and loneliness. While it was written more than six years before the release of Fight Club, the song A Drug Against War by the industrial band KMFDM relates the idea of behavioral addiction by stating, â€Å"No need for needles, no injection, this substance substitutes, love and affection,† (Konietzko et al). While this song pertains to war, its’ statements echo the cause behind Jack’s addiction. Indubitably this film is a portrayal of the character Jack’s descent into addiction. Behavioral addiction afflicts everyone but the depth is dependent on a lack of affection in the formative years of one’s life. Behavioral addictions occur when one uses a dysfunctional behavior to mask the pain in their lives and this is precisely what Jack does in this film. Freebasing on fight club Essay -- Film Review, Fincher According to psychotherapist Isaac Marks, behavioral addictions involve, â€Å"routines of dysfunctional and purposeful behavior,† (10.4: 28). All humans engage in some form of addictive activities whether it gambling, eating disorders, hyper-sexuality, or even nervous tics. The severity of such addictions is founded in Freudian ideals of parenting and early childhood development. Addictions, whether chemical or behavioral, can consume one’s life when left unchecked. The cycle of addiction begins at first exposure and continues through until the addict dies or is rehabilitated. The film Fight Club, directed by David Fincher, is a representation of the cycle of addiction. Jack begins his cycle of addiction by trying to fill a void in his life. The world Jack lives in as well as the life he has created has no value or purpose. Jack works as a recall coordinator and his life is reduced to trips across the country to evaluate the cost benefit ratio of recalling malfunctioning cars while living out of suitcases. When at home Jack fills his prefabricated apartment with worthless mass produced IKEA furniture. Additionally, Jack suffers from insomnia and states that his lack of sleep makes him feel like â€Å"a copy of a copy of a copy,† (Fincher 1999). The sum of these emotions culminates in Jack feeling that his life is missing something. Psychotherapist Jason Ward writes in the Healthcare Counseling & Psychotherapy Journal that â€Å"the main features of addiction are obsession and compulsion, focused around an object or behaviour which, it is believed, will somehow bring transformation of the person's inner world,† (10.4: 25). Addict s are looking for something to make them feel whole, secure, or safe and Jack is no exception (10.4: 26).... ...hands is metaphoric of Jack tearing down the impediments of his addiction and thus the destruction of his self-hate and loneliness. While it was written more than six years before the release of Fight Club, the song A Drug Against War by the industrial band KMFDM relates the idea of behavioral addiction by stating, â€Å"No need for needles, no injection, this substance substitutes, love and affection,† (Konietzko et al). While this song pertains to war, its’ statements echo the cause behind Jack’s addiction. Indubitably this film is a portrayal of the character Jack’s descent into addiction. Behavioral addiction afflicts everyone but the depth is dependent on a lack of affection in the formative years of one’s life. Behavioral addictions occur when one uses a dysfunctional behavior to mask the pain in their lives and this is precisely what Jack does in this film.

Friday, July 19, 2019

Free College Essays - Symbolism in Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter :: Scarlet Letter essays

The Scarlet Letter  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Symbolism      Ã‚  The book The Scarlet Letter is all about symbolism.   People and objects are symbolic of events and thoughts.   Throughout the course of the book, Nathaniel Hawthorne uses Hester, Pearl, and Arthur Dimmesdale to signify Puritanic and Romantic philosophies.   Hester Prynne, through the eyes of the Puritans, is an extreme sinner; she has gone against the Puritan ways, committing adultery.   For this irrevocably harsh sin, she must wear a symbol of shame for the rest of her life.   However, the Romantic philosophies of Hawthorne put down the Puritanic beliefs.   She is a beautiful, young woman who has sinned, but is forgiven.   Hawthorne portrays Hester as "divine maternity" and she can do no wrong.   Not only Hester, but the physical scarlet letter, a Puritanical sign of disownment, is shown through the author's tone and diction as a beautiful, gold and colorful piece.   Pearl, Hester's child, is portrayed Puritanically, as a child of sin who should be treated as such, ugly, evil, and shamed.   The reader more evidently notices that Hawthorne carefully, and sometimes not subtly at all, places Pearl above the rest.   She wears colorful clothes, is extremely smart, pretty, and nice.   More often than not, she shows her intelligence and free thought, a trait of the Romantics.   One of Pearl's favorite activities is playing with flowers and trees.   (The reader will recall that anything affiliated with the forest was evil to Puritans.   To Hawthorne, however, the forest was beautiful and natural.)   "And she was gentler here [the forest] than in the grassy-margined streets of the settlement, or in her mother's cottage.   The flowers appeared to know it" (194) Pearl fit in with natural things.   Also, Pearl is always effervescent and joyous, which is definitely a negative to the Puritans.   Pearl is a virtual shouting match between the Puritanical views and the Romantic ways.   To most, but especially the Puritans, one of the most important members of a community is the religious leader; Arthur Dimmesdale is no exception.

Comparing The Color Purple and Macbeth :: comparison compare contrast essays

Comparing The Color Purple and Macbeth What is a perfect human? Human perfection may be measured by physical ability or intellectual achievement; however, it may also be measured by strength of character, and in this realm humans may often fall short. Weakness of character, shown through various character flaws, causes most of the hardships in life. Literature such as Shakespeare's Macbeth and Alison Walker's The Color Purple contain three levels of characters: setting characters, secondary characters and the main character. Combined, these three all contribute character flaws which leads to the novel or play's ultimate tragedy. The setting character appears in the beginning of a piece of literature to give one a feel and sense of how the piece will reach out to the reader. King Duncan sets the atmosphere in Macbeth when we see different characters take advantage of his character flaw, naivete. Immediately we begin to see some of the major themes such as betrayal and manipulation and know what direction the play will take. King Duncan's naivete is first shown when we find out that the former Thane of Cawdor has betrayed King Duncan and that he did not have any idea of it. This incident then prepares us for King Duncan's meeting with Lady Macbeth, where Lady Macbeth deceives King Duncan. We know Lady Macbeth is not loyal, yet he considers her his "honour'd hostess.../Which still [he] thank[s] and love[s]" (I. vi. 9-12). Once again when naive King Duncan puts his trust into the hands of disloyal Macbeth by making him Thane of Cowdar, the atmosphere and plot advances by making Macbeth's future plans possible. Celie's mother, in the beginning of the novel The Color Purple, is a very small but effective setting character. Her character flaw was irresponsible parenting because she did not protect her daughter. With this lack of protection, Celie did not have any female role models when she was growing up. Therefore, Celie was not able to become knowledgeable about life and have good female company. Another effect this flaw had on the protagonist was that she had no one to teach her how to understand herself. Celie was unable to realize all of the wonderful qualities of being and becoming a woman. Because she could not appreciate being a woman, she was unable to appreciate herself, and therefore had a lack of self confidence.

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Japanese Society Yakuza

It is said quite often that Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, what I comparing to Germany or other countries can confirm from my own experiences. With only 19. 177 per 1,000 people got Japan #34 in a world crime ranking, while Dominica rates #1, United Kingdom #6, USA # 8 and Germany #11. (United Nations, 2000) Nevertheless japanese families, in our case homestay families, are all the time in my view exageratedly concerned about safety, wherefore you could think, that this is just useless talk. But the Yakuza , the japanese Mafia is famous all over the world with Kobe and Osaka having the highest crime rate in Japan. Especially in movies, the Yakuza are shown as the japanese equivalent to the italian Mafia, but in personal interviews with my former hostmother and other japanese colleagues Yakuza were often played down and even portrayed as nice and helpful. In the city i live – Kobe – is the headquarterof the Yamaguchi – gang (), the largest Yakuza group with over 20000 members. They acutally control a large part of Japan and other countries. (Blathwayt, 2008, p. 41) Sometimes i see them when i go shopping or to the Kobe’s Mosque, because the headquarter of a gumi is around this area and I as well as other japanese people got used to them. It is quite easy to recognize them, because they stick out as buffed, tattooed (sometimes you can see that it is protrude from the shirt), wearing sunglasses (even at night) and having expensive cars. But of course like every other Mafia, they control popular, semi-legal or illegal businesses like prostitution, drugs, protection racket and gambling. However there seems to be a big influence by the Yakuza on Japanese society. In this report, i will examine, what kind of influence the Yakuza have on the Japanese society. In doing so i will take a look at parts of the sex industry, daily and business life, as well as in other areas like random smaller criminals as for example japanese biker gangs called Bosozoku and even normal teenagers next door. First of all i will start with the history of the Yakuza, why and how they developed and try to find here possible parallels of a influences on the modern society. Furthermore in the third part of the report, i will write about my personal experiences and experiences of friends and acquaintances, because such statement often say more than just â€Å"dry facts†. I will close my essay with a conclusion and try to give a forecast about whether the Yakuza will continue to exist the way it does today or whether it will change, as every society developes dynamically and continuesly. a. Origin of the Yakuza The word â€Å"Yakuza† means eight (â€Å"ya†), nine (â€Å"ku†) and three (â€Å"za†) and allegorizes a combination of numbers, that is considered to be the worst hand at a Japanese card game called â€Å"Oicho-Kabu† and though is worthless. (Parkanian, 2010,p. 15) The origin of the Yakuza is not clearly to allocate. Some people say that they are descendents of crazy outlandish samurai called kabuki-mono in the 17th-century, who were very conspicuous because of their outlandish clothes and hair styles. They also spoke a luxuriant slang and carried long swords in their belts. Those servants of the shogun, became leaderless ronin (wave men) and eventually rather thieves and gangsters during the Tokugawa era, an long period of peace in Japan. (Hill,2003,P. 37-40) Others claim their origin to be the gambling syndicates called â€Å"Bakuto† in the Edo period. They were people of humble birth, too, like farmers, craftmen or merchants, who lost their jobs and then had no other choice than entering the gambling syndicates. As mentioned before there was an extended time of peace during the Tokugawa Period in which almost all policemen were former samurai. Therefore there was a high tension between both parties, for example the Yakuza were called â€Å"wannabe samurai† without glorifying the way of the warrior (â€Å"Bushido†) and treated very condescending. Thus a kind of â€Å"Robin-Hood-Image† came up and that was the first steps into a solid influence on Japanese Society. During the Meiji Period their importance increased when a national hero called Jichiro, the boss of a gambling organization, got high merits because of his alignment to the emperor during the conflicts of the Meiji Restoration. After the end of the occupation period and the appreciativeness of Japan as sovereign state in 1952, a rebuild of the Japanese economy and national structures began, so the Yakuza reacted with a buildup of their own economic activities tool, focusing especially in gambling and the construction industry. The consequence was gang fights between the different Yakuza gangs. The state answered with a persecution, which led into a higher concentration of power on the three main Yakuza gangs : Inagawa-kai, Sumiyoshi-kai and Yamaguchi-gumi. In the 70’s and 80’s, when Japan got into a recession because of the famous â€Å"bubble economy†, the Yakuza took advantage of the situation to get access into the financial sector. Protection money extortion of stock corporations followed. In addition to that, there was a change of generations in the big syndicates during in the 80’s, thus again bloody gang fights were the consequences, but the situations changed as well. Blathwayt,2008,p. 36-41) For example younger Yakuza tended to break the old rules and standards by using fire arms and being more violent; Being one reason, why Yakuza organizations were banned by the government. In 90’s the Yakuza were still legal and their headquarters could be easily find. It was even possible to recognize the group those headquarters offices belo nged to and their position in the structure of the group. Yakuza bosses were at news conferences and on TV, they had their own newspapers and even visited the police for congratulations at New Year. Gunther, 1999) It was easy to recognize an influence of the Yakuza on Japanese society, especially in the financial or construction sector in earlier times. But how is the situation today, about 10 years after they were banned. How are they structured today, if as mentioned before a kind of development, respectively change, were coming up? And what are Japanese people thinking about them? b. Their role in today's Japanese society First of all Yakuza look different from the average Japanese guy. One sign are the tattoos, which is a taboo in Japanese Society. For me it was not really possible to wear a tank top during the summer without catching everybody’s attention. Referring to Bruno(2007) the â€Å"Yakuza members also favor tattoos, but theirs are elaborate body murals that often cover the entire torso, front and back, as well the arms to below the elbow and the legs to mid-calf. Dragons, flowers, mountainous landscapes, turbulent seascapes, gang insignias and abstract designs are typical images used for yakuza body art. The application of these extensive tattoos is painful and can take hundreds of hours, but the process is considered a test of a man's mettle. Another sign is the famous â€Å"yubizume†, the amputation of the last joint of the little finger, if a yakuza severely disappoints his boss. The next mistake would lead into an amputation of the second joint of the little finger and later moving on to the next finger. Beyond all, a yakuza knows what to do if his boss gives him a knife. (Kaplan and Dubro,2003,p. 1 4) As a Yakuza there is also no space in Japanese Society, but the mafia is quite more accepted as in other countries like for example United States. Yakuza have an increasingly influence on politics and politicians by supporting them financially or with â€Å"services† like extort people to vote for them. For the Yakuza corporate extortion is a very profitable business and the shareholders’ meeting men called â€Å"Sokaiya† are highly involved. Bruno(2007) describes it as follows:† Sokaiya will buy a small number of shares in a company so that they can attend shareholders' meetings. In preparation for the meeting, the sokaiya gather damaging information about the company and its officers; secret mistresses, tax evasion, unsafe factory conditions, and pollution are all fodder for the sokaiya. They will then contact the company's management and threaten to disclose whatever embarrassing information they have at the shareholders' meeting unless they are â€Å"compensated. † If management does not give in to their demands, the sokaiya go to the shareholders' meeting and raise hell, shouting down anyone who dares to speak, making a boisterous display of their presence, and shouting out their damaging revelations. In Japan, where people fear embarrassment and shame much more than physical threats, executives usually give the sokaiya whatever they want. But Japan is also a society where directness is considered rude, and even the criminals make their threats known in a circuitous, outwardly polite manner. Threats come in many disguises. Some sokaiya pose as business magazine publishers who encourage their targets to take out ads or buy subscriptions in exchange for favorable reporting about the company. Since these sokaiya will follow through on their threats and print a magazine or newsletter filled with condemning articles, company executives usually pay up rather than face the bad press. Another sokaiya scam is to set up booster clubs that solicit donations for non-existent causes. They also throw gala events to which the invited businessmen are expected to bring cash gifts for their hosts. Such events have been known to net more than $100,000 in a single night. The sokaiya have also organized beauty pageants for the purpose of shaking down corporate â€Å"sponsors,† and sokaiya golf tournaments come with pricey entrance fees for their corporate players. These corporate racketeers have also been known to sell blocks of tickets to theater events at grossly inflated prices. Anything to extort money out of legitimate companies in the most polite and indirect way possible. The intention is therefore to control them after the vote and to avoid a minding in their business by the state. They are often right wing nationalistic and even the cars with big loudspeakers of right parties are often driven by Yakuza members. With prohibition of the Yakuza, the conspicuous behavior alleviated. Former offices are now placements for loans or jobs and although the Yakuza a re officially called â€Å"Boryokudan† (violent groups), violence is usually the last resort regardless of whether legal businesses like loan lending or placement services or illegal businesses like drugs, prostitution or gambling. Takahashi,2009,p. 40-43) Certainly the yakuza’s standards decreased when recruiting new members. While about 60 % of all Yakuza descend by â€Å"Burakumin†, offspring of the â€Å"impure† people of the feudal age of Japan, most new members currently come from the bosozuku (speed tribes), known for their love of motorbikes. (Takashi,2009,P. 43) Yakuza, who treasure their ancestral ties to the old samurai reject the term and consider it an insult. So the Yakuza remain the â€Å"shadow of Japanese society†, while their image are getting worse. When I asked surrounding people only two of them had contact with them and described them as very olite but arrogant as well. Their friends are Yakuza and studied Law in an university, but then started a career at a Yakuza organization after graduation. They said that Yakuza are very friendly especially to foreigners, except you are getting involved into their business. Two Mongolian guys, who I met, told me that one of them kicked a Yakuza mem ber during a quarrel in an izakaya. When the police and other Yakuza member arrived later, they said to the Mongolians that if they wouldn’t pay 50000 yen, they would find and kill them. And that in front of the police men, who didn’t want to get involved in this business. This kind of controversy mixture of gratefulness (when the Yakuza helped Japanese people after the big earthquake in 1995 earlier than the Japanese government) and fear, tolerance but no acceptance is a very interesting situation in Japan. But situations are changing. While in other Mafias, in which a member is a member for life and this short-term career can have severe repercussions, former Yakuza are becoming now salary men. There are even companies who offer jobs and rehabilitation programs for former Yakuza, who want to change their life. (Bruno,2007) Conclusion As we could see, there is an influence as well as transition of the Yakuza to Japanese Society. Complaints of Japanese citizens about Yakuza activities increased considerably, although there are still feared, the acceptance is getting lower and lower. Some people are fighting back by banishing yakuza social clubs from their neighborhoods or forbidding Yakuza to enter local â€Å"Onzens† (public hot springs or spas) or gyms. In addition to that, yakuza organizations are haveing serious problems to recruit new members, because a Japanese boy from a well-protected good family doesn’t tend to start working at an underground organization. The author Bruno (2007) described the situation with much apropos: â€Å" Today they could be more active—and more careful—than ever, broadening their bases, infiltrating new territories and working new scams. Like the fabled ninjas of ancient Japan, they can be everywhere and nowhere, but they're always lethal. †References: Blathwayt, W.,2008, Yakuza bared – The changing face of Japanese organised crime. Bruno, 2007, The Yakuza, [online] Available at: http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/gangsters_outlaws/gang/yakuza/1.html [Accessed 21 January 2011] Gà ¼nther, H., 1999, Yakuza â€Å"die Japanische Mafia?†, [online] Available at: http://www.japonet.de/j-impressionen/yakuza.html [Accessed 21 January 2011] Hill, P., 2003, The Japanese Mafia: Yakuza, Law, and the State Kaplan, D. and Dubro, A., 2003, Yakuza Japan's Criminal Underworld Parkanian, J. 2010, Game Boy: Glossary of Japanese Gambling Games Takahashi, K. 2009, Capital punishment – Japan's yakuza vie for control of Tokyo. United Nations, 2000, Seventh United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal Justice Systems [online] Available at: http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_tot_cri_percap-crime-total-crimes-per-capita [Accessed 21 January 2011]

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Angel of Death Dr Josef Mengele Essay

During hu world race war two, the holocaust affected m minaciousions of conks, speci entirelyy those of the agree and the children at Auschwitz, who were brut on the wholey experimented on with no pan management while under the supervision of Dr. Joseph Mengele. M some(prenominal)(prenominal) died and the backup lived the rest of their lives with s of all(prenominal) timee medical problems. Dr. Mengele was not a simple creature though. The humankind of the national socialist angel of end began as a child in a frosty remote family, and gradually evolved with his embarking into college, connectedness of his political eccentricy and the army.Both of which were rattling for his desire to perform his twisted experiments. Experiments that were so cruel and brutal he was pressure to flee Germany subsequently the war for channelache of being put to wipeout himself. What Joseph Mengele did at Auschwitz go popside his victims scarred both mentally and physically for t he rest of their lives. Dr. Joseph Mengele was born to Karl and Walburga Mengele in the Bavarian village of Gunzburg. He was the firstborn of three children his two brformer(a)s were Alois and Karl Jr. ife at home was not a quiet loving embrace by any means. From all accounts Karl Mengele was a harsh and distant man. One whos main occupation in feel was the pursuit of his fortune. Karl remove a factory that manufactured invoke equipment. He was n forever home for he was so preoccupied with work.All this go forth Walburga with the children and she ruled her home with a cold iron fist, the boys were not allowed and form of delectation at all they led hard Roman Catholic lives just as their parents did, days filled with hard dig up and prayer. Posner & Ware). This cold and emotionally withdrawn living at home is most apparent what caused young joseph to defy his fathers wishes of taking everyplace the family business to enroll in college at the University of Frankfurt. Alt hough not an specially outstanding student as furthermost as academics or his marks in school, he was considered to be a glittery young man and a really punctual student. It was in the accedes of medicine and the humanistic discip origin of healing that joseph found he kindle with.But similarly he held a gigantic interest in eugenics and genetics, specifically genes that caused human deformities and imperfections. It was also at this clock time that he became involved with the idea of the poor life theory. in 1934 he was awarded a Ph. D. for his thesis racial morphological inquiry on the lower jaw sections of quartet racial meetings. By 1935 Josef had already delved thick(p) in to the world of politics and the military intrigue of the day. In 1937 he was recommended for and current a position at the tierce Reich institute for heredity, biology and racial naturalness in Frankfurt.Here he met the man who would live on his mentor, surrogate father and the 1 who woul d be the inspiration for his most loathsome acts professor Otmar Freiherr von Verschuer. (Astor). By 1938 Josef, twenty-eight eld of age, at the time held positions of enormous force out within the national socialist party simply that year it all changed when he join the Waffen SS. Hitlers elite killing squad, and with his connection of the Waffen SS he was assigned to be the head of Auschwitz the German hell. Mengele quickly made his demarcation lust apparent when he legitimate iodine thousand gypsies gassed the day after he arrived.But above all his favorite job at Auschwitz was the assortment of the new arrivals. He would be at the train every day in hand tailored freshly press uniforms and the while gloves that he would become ill-famed for. He would walk down the line as the inmates were herded glowering the cattle cars and with his horseback riding crop he would direct them office or left. Those who were sent to the right were to be put to final stage immediatel y. The whizs sent to the left were to be made to do knuckle down labor and be animals for the doctors experiments. His favorites were the children, especially the twin.Mengele regarded check higher than all other(a)s. The other officers who would aid Mengele in the select were given special orders to search for twins. They were flat given special quarters away from the rest of the inmates. (Astor). These twins were afforded many niceties that the other inmates would only dream of much(prenominal) as they were allowed to keep their hair, their own clothes and practically times given candy the twins were correct provided with medical word should they become ill. No one would dare allow one of the doctors become overly ill or die from an illness. (Kor).He was infamous for going into a flurry of pettishness if one of his twins were to die. What was in fund for the twins that he loved so much were what can only be described as the most dreadful and inhumane events that occ urred in the second great war. Some of the tests were fairly run of the mill, questionnaires, and line of longitude and weight measurements. Standard procedure for any doctor scarce the blister was politic to come. Mengele was known for many of his experiments. Just a few of his favorites were those which involved eye color, apology to disease and live human dissection.Mengele would relegate pair of twins which he believed was able for his desired experiment. (Lagnado & Dekel). The eyes for example one twin would be a function for the experiment. The other would have a colourful dye injected into their eye. No anesthesia was ever involved the insertion of the dye a lot times would result in loaded infections or complete blindness. Others involved live human dissection of infants and very young children. He carried out twin-to-twin transfusions, stitched twins together, castrate or sterilized twins. legion(predicate) twins had limbs and organs channeld in mad surgical procedures, performed without using an anesthetic. He also did multiple sex changes and tests to see if twins needed each other to arrive one would be placed in isolation with little or no food and no clothes. As part of his normal practice he did not use and sort of pain blunt agents in any of his procedures. magic spell Dr. Mengele was doing these dissections he would ofttimes try to remove organs and observe the effects that this would have on the live subjects. (Bulow).Although many Nazi doctors justified Mengeles experiments as scientifically relevant. But they were no more than a sick psychopath acting out his most hellish desires and fantasies. It was a normally known fact that Dr. Mengele kept trophies from his experiments. He would keep the eyes from his experiments and pin them on the wall of his office much as one would pin a grind to a corkboard to be admired later. overly he had a lampshade which he made with his own two reach which was crafted out the ears of th e children he had experimented on.Among other things Mengele often tried gene splicing or genetic alterations on his patients. He would do so be transfusing large amounts of dividing line or other bodily fluids from one subject to another or subject them to massive amounts of radiation. Other methods included but were not limited to exposure to harmful gases or other types of chemical weapons. Dr. Josef Mengele fled from Auschwitz on January 17th, 1945, as the Soviet army in advance(p) across the crumbling German Reich towards Berlin. During the first few years of the post-war era, Mengele remained in hiding on farm near his native Gunzburg.He assumed a fake identity, and worked as a farm hand, keeping informed of events with and through secret contacts with old Gunzburg friends. Incredibly, he at first aspired to continue his calling as a research scientist, but it became increasingly apparent that the Allies were not going to let a ill-famed war criminal such as he simply r esume the life he had enjoyed prior to the war without salaried for the crimes he had committed during it. Mengele finally discrete that he was no longer true(p) in Europe and escaped through Italy to an ocean liner bound for Argentina. Kor). Mengele arrived in Argentina in 1949, a unpolished that was ruled by the popular dictator Juan Peron.The right-wing ruler had already genteel a friendly relationship with Nazis in Europe, as well as with those who lived in the German expatriate community in Argentina. Mengele was able to slip unnoticed into such a setting with ease and had concisely established a network of Nazi devotees who were exiting to help him assume a new identity in confederation America. Mengele was to spend the next thirty years on the run from internationalist authorities.While he received aid and supply from the neo-Nazi network in Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil, Mengele was also unwittingly assisted by a drop of commitment on the part of the westmost German government to bring the ideal of Death to legal expert, and a similar miss of commitment on the part of the unify States evaluator Department. (Astor,137)The Israeli government had no such lack of commitment to his capture, political campaign and execution. In fact, Israeli agents were close to take Mengele on a handful of do in the early-to-mid 1960s.However, international uproar over Israels kidnapping of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann from Argentina in 1960, and military press security issues involving hostile Arab states, sidetracked Israeli efforts to chase after Mengele. (Kor). While Nazi-hunters such as Simon Wiesenthal keep to press for Mengeles capture and execution, the notorious Nazi doctor seemed to drop off the radar screen of most international governments. Interest in his case was curtly reinvigorated when, on January 17, 1985, a group of Auschwitz survivors returned to the death camp to memorialize friends and family who had perished there.A week later, many of the same survivors self-contained in Jerusalem to try Mengele in absentia. The event was televised around the globe, and for four neat nights, the airwaves were filled with images of survivors recounting their gruesome, barbaric give-and-take at the hands of Josef Mengele. Within little than a month, both the United States Justice Department and the Israeli government had announced that the case of Josef Mengele was officially reopened and strategies were redrawn to bring the Nazi doctor to justice. (Kor).However, these fledgling efforts were stopped in their tracks when, on May 31, 1985, West German police raided the home of Hans Sedlmeier, a womb-to-tomb friend of Mengeles, and his contact person in Europe. The police seized several letters from Mengele and other German expatriates living with him in Brazil, and Brazilian authorities were immediately notified. Within a week Brazilian police had determine the families that had harbored Mengele, and through the m were able to locate the carve where Mengeles body had been buried after a drowning accident in 1979.forensic tests on the skeletal remains sustain that the body was indeed that of Josef Mengele. (Posner & Ware). Survivors of Mengeles treatment who had longed all of their post-war lives to confront this cruel and damned man denied that this could indeed be him. cartridge clips essay said Mengele taint science He defiled Germany. (Astor,278. ). Many still live for the day when they will be able to extract justice for their suffering from the man who was responsible for so much of it, both during and after the war.At last, Mengele has escaped earthly judgment through that act over which he sought-after(a) to wield total control of death itself. The horror of the angel of death was still felt and lived on a routine basis long after his death and after the war had ended. Almost all of his victims that survived his atrocious deeds lived life with ever physical and sometimes psycho logical disabilities. Dr. Josef Mengele was genuinely the living incarnation of the angel of death his deeds are unmatched even today as some of the worst event to ever occur in human history.