Problems of the Heart

â€Å"It was the end of the Lent term, nearing the Easter holiday. Cesca looked out of the window and with one leap, jumped. It was only on the first floor so the drop wasn't too big. She fell gracefully onto the ground below on to feet with a soft thud, stood up and walked towards the swimming pool. Every one that had been sitting in the form room rushed to the window to peer out and see if Cesca was okay. Amazed they watched her stand up and walk away as if she had done no different than walking through a door. ‘ What you do that for?!' cried Isabel out the window rather bemused, she got no reply it seemed Lola was in a world of her own. The six girls returned to their normal places in the room. Isabel resumed her picturesque pose of which she stood with her arm held high above her head, in the corner of the room, balancing on one foot with her tongue just coming out of the left side of her mouth as she stretched clasping her mobile desperately trying to get one bar of signal in order to send a text message to her boyfriend Jamie. Fleur went back to the table and perched on it with a look of concentration on her face that was very unusual she was very focused as she moved her hand with such precision as she placed the small brush into the pot and painted tiny strokes, then swore aloud and dived for the nail varnish remover to eliminate the unwanted blotch from her pristine finger. Charlie stayed by the window surrounded by her fan club; she was undoubtedly the most popular girl in the year. The fan club consisted of Paris, Fanny and Jo Jo; they followed her everywhere flattering her with anything that sprang to mind. There they stayed and continued nattering about the current topic of interest, which was whether Charlie's new haircut was more stylish than Britney Spear's latest venture. This new found issue was one of great importance, one that was not to be taken lightly in their opinion, it was even about seven points higher than the war on Iraq on their ‘ Topic List'. This list consisted of things like blusher colours, if red was the new black or if the ‘little black dress' had been taken over by the sudden craze of hot pants. These were normal day things that were compulsory to their small pointless lives or so this is what I thought.† † I think I hurt my ankle jumping out of that window. I couldn't stay another second in there it was driving me insane. I hate my year they are so small-minded. All they care about is this seasons colours or whether their boyfriends have the latest Porsche or not. The biggest tragedy they could possibly encounter in their lives would be if ‘Daddy' wouldn't let them go to the summer ball. People like them really annoy me for example Isabel spends her whole time worrying about what people could be saying about her and compares herself to everyone while in reality she spends 85% of her pointless time makings unfair judgements of people she knows nothing about, hair or the length of their legs are usually her favourites to bitch about. And Charlie, who spends her time with her head up in the clouds, so much that she doesn't see that her precious fan club, Jo Jo, Paris and Fanny, spend their whole time saying horrible things about her whenever her back is turned, the complete opposite to what they praise her for. She is too stupid to see it, what an idiot. I wish that all the mobiles in the world could be destroyed so that the girls at our school could try and live their lives, for once without them for five minutes. Their lives revolve around them; in fact they are their lives, that is so sad. I hate everything about this place is seems so picturesque and angelic but it is full of hate and depression, or maybe i am the one with the depression, I miss her so much I feel like a part of me is missing. Everything was a disaster last year and it is still unfinished, i wished she could come back so i could either ring her neck for all of the hurt and pain that she caused or run to her and hug her and start crying hysterically. I suppose I will never know all I ask is closure. † † Being a form tutor I have to sit in the form room to make sure that no more excessive amounts of red nail polish are spilt on the floor. I do have my own bits and pieces to get on with I am a very busy teacher, instead I have to sit here and baby-sit a dozen, childish, vain, spoilt, teenagers making sure they spill liquids any where, while they have mindless conversations. ‘I am so excited about the Easter hols it is going to be so wicked!' said Isabel after she breathed a sigh of relief because her text message had been sent. Fleur looked up from her nails and said something unexpected, but only to me the others didn't seem to notice the change in attitude, ‘ I am really worried about Cesca, she seems really unhappy at the moment, she keeps getting really frustrated. What have we done to her to make her so angry?' ‘It's ok it's not us, or at least I don't think it is. I was talking to Eims about her the other day. You know how she is really worried about her and doesn't know what to do. Apparently she gets depressed very frequently for no reason at all, or at least no one knows why, she thinks she is trying to kill herself.† ‘ This came from Fanny, it got every one's attention, Isabel looked up from her phone, and Paris and Jo Jo took their eyes off Charlie, Charlie stopped fiddling with her newly blonde hair to look up at Paris. ‘ That's terrible, what would make her do such a thing?' said Jo Jo. At that moment Cesca walked in luckily it didn't seem like she had overheard the conversation. She walked in and slumped onto a chair. I took the register and saw the girls excluding Cesca whispering to each other; even though i haven't been at this school very long it is long enough to know that all the girls do is gossip or bitch. Anything with an emotional content everyone will stay well away from, like an elephant from a mouse.'† † ‘ She doesn't love me, Cesca' Fernanda said quietly. If it was anyone else the tears would have been tumbling down their cheeks. That, however didn't apply to her, the situation was far gone at that point, it was beyond tears for her she sat on my messy bed, with a look of speechlessness and, unbelievably, acceptance on her face. I sat there not wanting to look into her brown eyes, aware that they were a bottomless pit of hurt and despair. Still keeping my eyes fixed on the childish Mickey Mouse duvet cover, I tried numerous times to say something, anything, unfortunately my words failed me and all I was left to do was open and close my mouth in hope that something of use would come out all that this did was make me look like I was imitating a guppy fish. I knew that all she needed at this time was hope; otherwise she would've lost her bearing on reality, which she was very capable of doing. I felt useless and as though there was nothing I could do but stand by and watch. All I could do was deny it, ‘That's not true Fernanda, your so cynical, you're being ridiculous. Of course she still loves you.' With this I removed my gaze from the duvet and she caught my eye and forced me to look into her unhappy eyes. It was hopeless all I could say would be lies, I couldn't reassure her because there was not one shred of truth in my words.† Dear diary, School is terrible at the moment, everyone just sits around staring at each other, I think they have run out of things to say to each other. Especially Eims, Cesca and Fernanda all they do is argue now. Every night on our floor there is an argument, one thing I have learnt about them is don't get in the way at these times, our floor is wrecked there are dents in the walls, broken chairs and bins. They used to be such good friends, well it started off with Fernanda and Cesca then Eims came in and they were all good friends, they were inseparable. Then something happened between Fernanda and Eims, they just suddenly grew apart, it is still happening now. Although it seems to be Eims trying to get away from Fernanda, I never see her anymore she spends her whole time with Carolina in the year above she is in a different boarding so makes a good escape. They're best friends now they are very close, this seems to be tearing Fernanda apart. She is a very possessive person; one of the most you will ever meet. Fernanda has argued with Carolina loads of times, she has made her cry which is really stupid considering she is in the year abovevery brave considering she is in the year above. Apparently it is though she is trying to stop Carolina being friends with Eims, I don't understand why she cares so much. What's the big deal? Almost every time she looks at Eims for a long period of time she starts crying. I feel sorry for Cesca she always seems to be caught in the middle. You can tell that she loves both of them a lot, whenever they start arguing she goes all funny and can't stay in the room very long or she will go to the other side of the room and try to distract herself or usually burst into tears and beg them to stop arguing. I really don't understand why they are so dramatic and argue all of the time, something must of happened to make them be like that. â€Å"Ok one more stop, then a one and a half mile walk. I spend my whole time on buses, tubes, trains or on foot, compensating for other people's laziness. I can't wait till I go to Japan tomorrow, although I'm not sure which clothes to take I don't want to look like an idiot walking round wearing something that is completely out of fashion. This is my stop, I better give Cesca a ring she's a wreck after Fernanda left. Come on pick up the phone; please tell me you don't have it one silent. ‘ Hey gorgeous, how are you? You surviving?' I said attempting to sound cheerful, hoping it might rub off onto her, but in vain. ‘ Yea I'm ok, just about surviving. I just lock myself up in a room and hope that no one will try to talk to me, except you of course I can talk to you Eims.' She sounded depressed I was probably the first person she had talked to in days. I wonder how long this conversation is going to go on for, we are just making polite, superficial conversation, this is pointless, we are never going to be friends unless she knows†¦ I have to tell her†¦ She is gone now†¦ If I don't tell Cesca soon I am going to explode†¦ I can't keep it in any longer†¦ ‘ I have something to tell you.' I spat out, interrupting her in full flow on how she was avoiding everyone's puzzlement and how much she missed Fernanda. I knew that if I didn't say it now I never would†¦ ‘ It's something you don't know†¦' Come on say it, get it out once and for all, this is your only chance. ‘ It's about Fernanada she†¦she†¦' Oh God I can't believe I am even considering telling her. It would wreck everything she ever had with Fernanda. She would feel betrayed and hurt, you know how much she loved Fernanda, remember how Cesca was when she found out that Fernanda had been trying to kill herself. She had a fit and started hyperventilating, chairs got broken and dents were made in the walls. If I told her it would just be a dreadful repeat of that, I don't want to put her through it again. On the other hand, she deserves to know, she had been lied to for such a long time. It can't do her any harm Fernanda is gone now†¦ ‘She had more than just†¦friendly feelings for me. You knew me I loved her more than anything I would have done anything for her, I was blinded and didn't see it. I felt betrayed, that was why we had so many arguments. When she first told me I was willing to overlook it like any decent person. I mean it wouldn't of made any difference but she made how she felt plainly obvious, i couldn't escape it, she just started seeing me as a piece of ass, she forgot who I was, inside as a person.' It was completely silent she wasn't saying anything, ‘ Cesca are you there?!' I repeated it again. ‘ Yes, yes alright I'm here!' Her tone dropped from angry to someone who had had their heart ripped out with the help of a rusty spoon. ‘ I knew already†¦i just wouldn't admit it.' She hung up. Cesca Look, I haven't seen you in a year. I can't go on any longer. You are the only thing that is keeping me going here, I feel so alone. I want to come and see you in England. I know you say that it will be really hard and the arguments will be worse. And Eims will be there but I don't care I want to see you. I know it won't be easy but with the bad comes the good. That is all that matters to me. I want to see you†¦That's why I have decided to come back for this summer term†¦

Islamic Pottery Essay

Medieval Islamic pottery occupied a geographical position between Chinese ceramics and the pottery of the Byzantine Empire and Europe. For most of the period it can fairly be said to have been between the two in terms of aesthetic achievement and influence as well, borrowing from China and exporting to and influencing Byzantium and Europe. The use of drinking and eating vessels in gold and silver, the ideal in ancient Rome and Persia as well as medieval Christian societies, is prohibited by the Hadiths, with the result that pottery and glass were used for tableware by Muslim elites, as pottery (but less often glass) also was in China, but was much rarer in Europe and Byzantium. Islamic restrictions In the same way Islamic restrictions greatly discouraged figurative wall-painting, encouraging the architectural use of schemes of decorative tiles, which are the most distinctive and original speciality of Islamic ceramics. Era of Islamic Pottery The era of Islamic pottery started around 622. From 633, Muslims armies moved rapidly towards Persia, Byzantium, Mesopotimia, Anatolia, Egypt and later Andalusia. Early History of Islamic Pottery The early history of Islamic pottery remains somewhat obscure and speculative as little evidence has survived. Apart from tiles which escaped destruction due to their use in architectural decoration of buildings and mosques, much early medieval pottery vanished. The Muslim world inherited significant pottery industries in Mesopotamia, Persia, Egypt, North Africa (African Red Slip) and later other regions. Early Medieval (622-1200) A distinct Muslim style in pottery was not firmly established until the 9th century in Iraq (formerly Mesopotamia), Syria and Persia. During this period pieces mainly used white tin-glaze. Information on earlier periods is very limited. This is largely due to the lack of surviving specimens in good condition which also limits the interest in the study of ceramics of these periods. The most highly regarded technique of this centre is the use of calligraphy in the decoration of vessels. Chinese influence on Islamic Pottery During the Abbasid dynasty pottery production gained momentum, largely using tin glazes mostly in the form of opaque white glaze. Some historians, such as Arthur Lane, attribute the rise of such industry to Chinese influence. Three main phases According to Lane, the influence of Chinese pottery progressed in three main phases.  ·The first contact with China took place in 751 when the Arabs defeated the Chinese at the Battle of Talas. It has been argued that imprisoned Chinese potters and paper makers could have taught the Muslims the art of pottery and paper-making. In 800’s Chinese stoneware and porcelain reached the Abbasids.  ·The second phase took place in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, a period noted for the decline of pottery industry following the fall of the Seljuk dynasty. This period also saw the invasion of the Mongols who brought Chinese pottery traditions.  ·The third phase was in the fifteenth century, when much of this influence came through imports made from Tang, Song and Ming dynasties at the hand of Zheng He. Islamic innovations From between the eighth and eighteenth centuries, the use of glazed ceramics was prevalent in Islamic art, usually assuming the form of elaborate pottery. Tin-opacifiedglazing, for the production of tin-glazed pottery, was one of the earliest new technologies developed by the Islamic potters. Middle (1200–1400) By this period the distinctive Islamic tradition of decorated wall tiles had emerged, and continued to develop together with vessel pottery in a way unique to Islamic art. The Seljuks brought new and fresh inspiration to the Muslim world, attracting artists, craftsmen and potters from all regions including Egypt. In addition to continuing the production of similar (although more refined) tin and lustre glaze ceramics, the Seljuks (in Persia) were credited for the introduction of a new type sometimes known as â€Å"Faience†. This is made from a hard white frit paste coated with transparent alkaline glaze. Examples of Islamic Period Pottery  ·Glazed pottery  ·Unglazed pottery Glazed pottery Glazed pottery is typical for the Islamic Period in Egypt, but there is evidence that is was already introduced in the Byzantine Period (Engeman 1990). In contrast to Faience and the glazed materials of the Pharaonic period, true glass was used as glazing. Colours were produced by adding metallic oxides. When transparent it could be applied over paintings. Unglazed pottery  ·Water jugs had often filters built into the neck for keeping out the flies. Especially the examples from Egypt are produced with great delicacy.  ·Most of the pottery of daily use produced in the Islamic period (including down to today) is unglazed.  ·Vessels of uncertain function, with compact fabric: suggestions for use vary from military projectiles to storage of vintage wine.

Hcr/210 Week 6 Checkpoint

Record Organization HCR/210 January 15, 2012 There are a few differences and similarities among small, medium, and large facilities concerning the organization of patient records and in how they handle loose reports. I have noticed that most facilities prefer that their loose records are permanently anchored in their charts, which makes sense to me because it prevents the loose reports from being misplaced and lost. However, the different sizes of facilities tend to organize patient files differently according to each particular facility’s policies. The most popular methods of organization that I have seen include chronologically, form numbers, report type, and category. During my review of the interview threads, I noticed a lot of similarities and a lot of differences in how patient files are handled. For example the medium and large facilities are by far more likely to use electronic files than paper ones, thus eliminating the threat of misplaced records. The most common difference that I saw was in whether or not the facilities use paper files. It seems that almost all of the medium and large facilities are using electronic files and everything automatically gets filed with the patient’s main file immediately. However, in small facilities they are much more likely to use paper files in which case everything is filed with the patient’s main record immediately in order to make it easy to locate and to prevent it from getting lost. In conclusion, whether the facility is small, medium, or large they all take special care in the organization of their files whether they are paper or electronic.

Different Kinds of Engineering Material Assignment - 1

Different Kinds of Engineering Material - Assignment Example Brittle fracture basically is a fracture where there is a rapid run of cracks within the stressed material. In this case, the crack works much faster and it is difficult to understand the fracture before failure occurs. The scientific principle in the brittle fracture is that the crack moves close to the perpendicular where the stress is applied, because of this action, there remains a perpendicular fracture which leaves a flat surface at the broken area. Apart from having a flat fracture surface, brittle material more or less showcase a pattern on their fractured surface. Fatigue is the most common material failures found in the engineering field. Fatigue is a kind of failure mode where the material tends to fracture by means of progressive brittle cracking with regard to a repeated cycle of stress. Here, the stress implied on the material is of lesser intensity which means below the average strength. Creep is a failure mode which occurs on engineering materials at an elevated speed. Basically, it is seen on stainless steel when there is constant stress on the material with exposure to high temperatures. According to â€Å"The stress that produces a specified minimum creep rate of an alloy or a specified amount of creep deformation in a given time (for example, 1% of total 100,000 h) is referred to as the limiting creep strength or limiting stress†. The destructive test method is performed to understand the strength, hardness, and toughness of a material. The test utilized here is the stress test and for this purpose, the material chosen was the aluminum crank arm. The specimen was obtained and different loads and stresses were applied on the same. The destructive testing which is also known as mechanical testing displayed some results when stress was put on the iron with the help of a hammer.  

Reading and Comprehension of texts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Reading and Comprehension of texts - Essay Example The title of the poem is â€Å"Death of a Naturalist†. Through analysis of the title, an individual can understand the themes of the poem. Moreover, the classroom setting of the poem indicates safety and danger as the teacher uses expressions such as â€Å"daddy frog† to give various examples of safety and danger. Besides, ideas of safety nightmarish images and ideas of safety and danger such as the use of words like the "punishing sun" and "Flax had rotted there." The purpose of the text is to show the dangers involved throughout a Childs life incorporating challenges of nature by using a frog. Additionally, nature is represented as an educational force in a Childs life. The safety and danger of situations among children develops in the poem since in the last stanza, and Heaney says that good times represent by the presentation of the weather. Frogs are yellow in the sun to represent danger while they are brown in the rain to represent safety. The reading of texts such as poems generates knowledge without involving teachers. The main points in the text reflect the challenges of safety and danger experienced by children. Some of the points that indicate safety in the poem includes flax-dam fostered in the heart. It appears in the first stanza and reveals various aspects of safety that a child should have. Besides, the sixth line of the poem, reads, â€Å"Wove strong gauze of sound around the smell,† .It represents dangers within the environment that a child need to notice and take necessary steps to escape from danger. The title of the novel is â€Å"The One Thing Needful†. The novel reflects hard times by booking the first sowing. Moreover, the author insists on the importance of facts among boys and girls. Additionally, it points out the importance of facts, as the only thing wanted in life since it’s a part that forms enhances rational thought. Sticking to facts should be the core principle parents bring up their children. The

The Main Causes of World War I. (Militarism, Alliances Imperialism and Research Paper

The Main Causes of World War I. (Militarism, Alliances Imperialism and Nationalism) - Research Paper Example The street celebrations that accompanied the war declaration between French and British gave historians the impression that the move was really popular. Politicians, known to follow the popular side were in support of this move. Historians yet believe that the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, the heir of the Serbian empire sparked war between the Austria-Hungary, which prompted the allied nations to join. The First World War having started in Central Europe, begun in 1914 and ended in 1918. During its progression time, it rapidly spread to other parts of the world and involved many countries. The war that had devastating effects is believed to have been caused by a number of reasons according to historians. However, they anonymously agree on the four major causes of the war which include Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism and Nationalism. This paper will look at these four as the major causes of World War I and their effects to the fighting nations. Imperialism Various scholars a ttribute the start of World War 1 to imperialism that was sparked in the European continent. Since countries such as United Kingdom had accumulated a lot of wealth in the late 19th century and early 20th century from the control of foreign resources and markets, territories and people, other empires too started gaining hopes of economically benefiting from acquiring empires such as Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy and Russia1. However, this totally flopped as things did not turn out to their expectations leading to a lot of frustrations that increased the levels of anxiety and rivalry among powers. Increasingly, the natural resources in the European continent were diminishing at a fast rate, negatively impacting on trade balance. This development made it necessary for companies to seek for new raw materials elsewhere, thus settling for Africa and Asian continents. Vested economic interests by various European nations were the major contributors of the Anglo-German rivalry when the sc ramble for Africa intensified. This scene created the sharpest conflict between German and British interests that had been in a heated competition. The rivalry was however not based on colonies alone. Colonial trade and trade routes was also part of the major issues that caused the outbreak of the war as experts observe. Different emerging economic powers and the incumbent of great economic powers in the African continent saw an increased rise in the broader disputes2. From the 1980s, the rivalry among great powers due to colonial territories intensified and kept growing. Hatred between conflicting powers was evident, while war was imminent. This period witnessed the acquisition of both the African and the Asian continents by the European powers. However, the increased conflicts that arose between the various powers of the European origin saw the spark of the war. The scramble for African and Asian continents increased the tensions between Anglo-French and Anglo-Russian powers, as w ell as the crises that had sought to prevent British alliances with either of the two until the wake of the twentieth century. Not only was the overseas empire a problem to some countries such as Germany, she was also faced with yet another predicament. Otto von Bismarck was not in favour of overseas empire building, and more so acquisitions of Africa. His only support for the African scramble and colonization was that to him, it served as a bite which diverted the attention of governments away from Europe

History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 60

History - Essay Example after submitting to both William and Mary on 13Th February 1689, it later acted as a skeleton meant to draft the bill of rights though there was the elimination of some articles. This was American-Germany immigrant residing in New York between 1697 and 1746. During his career as a printer, Zenger found himself in a tussle with the then Governor, William Cosby after agreeing to print New York weekly Journal. The newspaper’s intention entailed to expose governor’s injustice and tyrannical conduct after disagreeing with Lewis Morris before eventually eliminating him from the bench of chief justices. Zenger due to his involvement in this mission though innocent, the governor ordered his arrest and eventually his case determined unjustly to silent him. However, his determination and defense by Andrew Hamilton led to the freedom of the press, which was a key contribution towards attaining of people’s privileges. This was offense punishable by English law due to the delinquent’s act of verbalizing, publishing or writing statements meant to arouse hatred against the Queen or her heirs, regime and the constitution. The three terms’ core intention encompassed paving way meant for the attainment of Bill of Rights. This is via pressurizing the then colonizing English power yield to the citizens’ demands. Mainly, this is via refuting dehumanizing laws that undermined the then people’s dignity. The terms also characterized varied events and issues that prompted people to agitate for their privileges, hence being essential in attainment of their liberty. The term refers to a global conflict era that existed during 18Th period involving the then two powerful states supported by their lesser allies. These influential states comprised of France and Britain, whereby the core aim was to safeguard colonial interests and augment their economic stability. This was via annexing other global states with the intent of ensuring a constant flow of raw materials for their

The Chinese Decision to Enter the Korean War Essay

The Chinese Decision to Enter the Korean War - Essay Example China's intervention in Korea cannot be ascribed simply to wanting to maintain the semblance of balance of power, "a theory of state behavior [that] explains and predicts how states respond to threats posed by a potentially dominant, revisionist and aggressive state"1, based on the assumption that states seek to, "maximize their power in order to survive in a competitive international system".2 US presence in the Asian region led to China and the US pursuing purely security related strategies that were mutually exclusive, inadvertently generating mutual hostility. Similarly, Chinese responses cannot be generalized into the Chinese merely wanting to secure their national interests without taking into consideration many other factors such as leadership challenges, domestic imperatives, and political consensus amongst domestic bureaucracies that can impinge upon foreign policy. The general understanding and belief is that China's foreign policy has been shaped primarily by external stimulus with domestic factors playing only a marginal role. However, the inability of existing theories to fully explain the reasons for China's entry into the conflict signifies that we must look at explanations that go beyond functional concepts of International Relations but also look more closely at internal factors and domestic compulsions. Students of international relations a... This is particularly relevant in the context of the Korean War, when one recollects that China was then emerging from the throes of a protracted civil war and that the People's Republic of China had been formally declared less than a year earlier, in October 1949. When the internal polity of a country is in a state of flux, any government which is seen as defending a nation's interests will only emerge stronger. China's entry into the Korean conflict can therefore, largely be seen to emanate as a result of the CCP converting a external 'threat' into an opportunity to consolidate its position internally. Korea was annexed by Japan in 1910 and remained under Japanese occupation until the end of World War II. In August 1945, the Soviet Union and the United States decided to oversee the surrender of Japanese forces to the North and South of the 38th parallel respectively. This was to be a temporary arrangement, with a united Korea the ultimate aim. In the interim, the US and the Soviet Union established governments in their respective zones that were sympathetic to their political ideologies. The US installed Syngman Lee in South Korea, while the Soviet Union backed North Korea Kim Il-Sung, with both wanting a unified Korea, under their own system and stewardship. However, North Korea was bolstered by Soviet advisors and military equipment was better prepared to seize the initiative. The North Korean attack across the 38th Parallel in June 1950 was a resounding success North Korea could not capitalize on their gains. North Korea failed to accomplish two crucial tasks, namely the total annihilation of the South Korean army and the

Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Mullen, Hard Thinking About Values Essay

Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Mullen, Hard Thinking About Values - Essay Example However, to this end Aristotle argues that the action of living, which consists of elements like nourishing and providing nutrition to the body, goes the same as that of other living matters like plants. Again, the skill of perceiving different senses, which the human beings think that they are capable enough, does not also constitute the acts of ‘proper function’. It is because as Aristotle argues that even nomadic creatures like animals also possess such skill sets. Aristotle states that apart from the previous two conditions of simple living and the ability to perceive the external world through the sense organs human beings possess the power of rational thinking. This rational thinking links up the individual with a host of different activities. Human beings to sustain themselves must use their rational thinking for performing effectively. Effective performance of an activity by a human being signifies that the person desires to set defined standards in the work done . The individual must optimally use one’s own strength in performing the actions with considerable efficiency to maintain the standards previously set. Optimal utilization of one’s own strength and knowledge to perform the tasks assigned hold that the performance is accomplished in conformation to one’s soul.

Article Review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 32

Article Review - Essay Example The fourth layer contains tailor-structured applications. In the past, the business management process structures focused on data but currently there is a shifting trend from the data system to processes. The focus was only on the data specific methods, which has transformed into the creation of the business processes, which was dismissed in the past. The shift has moved further to enhance the redesigning of the process to advanced levels. Separating the business process management into different components is because of the current developments in the area of web services. Workflow terminologies are helpful in explaining the business process management. The application of business process passes information, tasks, and documents from one party to the next according to the required and set procedures. A Workflow Management System refers to a system that generates and manages the accomplishment of workforce with the use of software operating on several workflow engines that are able link workflow engines, its requirements and the use of IT tools and their applications. The business process management has several phases, which it uses to support its operational business processes. The first stage is the design stage where redesigning of the processes occur. The next phase is the configuration stage where there is implementation of the designs by a process specific information system. After this stage there is the enactment phase where there is caring out of operational processes using the specific system. The diagnosis phase is the last stage where there is analysis of the operating processes to identify problems and to come up with solutions. The operational process of the business process management is divided into two trends in the modern times, Case Handling and Straight through processing. The Straight through processing is the automation of the business process though dealing with situations without

U08a1 Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

U08a1 Project - Essay Example However, there is a major concern regarding the performance of Tufts Medical Center in the matters relating to comprehensive record keeping for employee injuries while on duty. Also, there have been allegations from nursing bodies that this hospital lacks concern for health and safety of its employees. These are indeed serious charges since employees bulwark services and for most part form the backbone of this institution and perceived detriment to their health and safety. This could have a negative impact on the quality of the medical service which they provide to care-needy patients. In a recent case, it is believed that â€Å"Following complaints filed to OSHA by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, Tufts Medical Center has agreed to pay $5,000 to settle issues in record-keeping. OSHA cited the hospital for failing to properly record employee injuries that occurred on the job, including back strains, broken thumbs, needle-stick injuries, and cuts from sharp objects.† (Altman, 2010, para.1). Perhaps, it is necessary to take a good look at the present system of archiving and recording proceedings relating to injuries of employees while on duty at the Tufts Medical Center. It is necessary to isolate those interventions or health care activities that could jeopardize the health of caregivers like lifting crippled heavy patients on to wheel chairs , exposure to chemicals, fear of contracting serious infections and the emotional stress involved in dealing with patients having psychological and mental illnesses. In this context, it is also necessary to understand and appreciate that the entire skyline of modern medical services has undergone severe paradigm shifts. There has been increased need for state-of-the art specialized novel, expensive medical possibilities and a whole new array of medical interventions that need to be put to effective and productive use by health care professionals and care takers. With

Social Anthropology Essay Example for Free

Social Anthropology Essay Social and cultural anthropology is the comparative study of culture and human societies. Anthropologists seek an understanding of human kind in all its diversity. This understanding is reached through the study of societies and cultures and the exploration of the general principlesof social andcultural life. Social and cultural anthropology places special emphasis on comparative perspectives that challenge cultural assumptions. Many anthropologists explore problems and issues associated with the complexity of modern societies in local, regional and global contexts. Participant observation is one type of data collection method, its aim is to gain a close and intimate familiarity with a given group of individuals and their habits through an intensive involvement with people in their cultural environment, usually over an extended period of time. The term ethnography has come to be equated with virtually any qualitative research project where the intent is to provide a detailed, in-depth description of everyday life and practice. The relationship between P. O. and the ethnography is that, in order to write the ethnography, we get information using P. O. The importance of fieldwork is that the data the anthropologist gathers is more valuable because is first hand information. However, the armchair anthropology is based on books and reaserch papers written by anthropologists that have done prior studies. There are some advantages and disadvantages of fieldwork, which i will mention: The main advantage would be that the anthropologist can stablish a good relationship with the people being observered, that leads to a more honest information, and you may tell when people are lying or hiding something. Another important advatage to point out is that you learn how to formulate right questions. The most important disadvantage is that the person doing the research may be bias to the person who is being interviwed. Also, the fact that there is a lack of privacy while doing the work, which might affect the anthropologist point of view. Depending on the period of time in which the ethnography is written, the data included may vary. Due to this fact, the anthropologist as well as the person being observed are affected by the events going on, and by the knowledge they have at this point. As an example, an ethnography published before Darwin, might had been taking into account Lamarck`s theory. On the other side, a study done after Darwin, would consider Darwin`s theory.

Democracy Is A Political System Politics Essay

Democracy Is A Political System Politics Essay Nowadays we can always hear the word democracy in everywhere. What is actually democracy. Democracy is a political system which involves multiparty elections, representative government and also freedom of speech. In other words, we can say that it is a form of government that the citizens are directly or indirectly participate in the state ruling. The citizens in democratic countries have the equality and freedom in social, religion, culture and economic. They are also allowed to elect the state representatives whom they more preferable through elections. Origins of democracy can be traced back to the Greek of sixth century B.C. The word originated from the combination of two Greek words, demos which means the people and kratein means to rule. This system was first appeared in the Greeks politics in the city state of Athens. Cleisthenes was the one who started this democratic system. He was known as the father of Athenian democracy. The Greeks seen dictatorship as the worst form of government, so they evolved to a totally opposite system which is democracy. The political system in Greek was the true perfect democracy in our worlds history. The Greeks civilization was broken down into smaller city-states with small population. The citizens were directly involved in the state government. The citizens were selected randomly to occupy the seats in government, judiciary offices and legislative assembly. They voted on all issues through regular assembly which means that they actually controlled the entire politics of their state. Although t his was a total democracy system, women and slaves were excluded from the system. They were not considered as the citizens and not allowed to vote. Male below 20 and foreigners were also not counted. The idea of democracy was implemented in the politics of Roman but with some different extent. The Roman Empire took the democracy concept from the Greeks government but they were representative democracy. Their system actually worked in the way which had representatives from the wealthy and noble families in the Senate and representatives from the commoners in the Assembly. The Roman Statesman, Cicero was one of the politicians who fond of democracy. In Athens, the right for individual was not secured by the Greeks constitution. In the ancient Greeks, there was no word for right. They were just enjoyed the liberties which not opposed to the government but also not subject themselves to the rules of another person. Cicero suggested that all people have certain rights that should be preserved. He and other political philosophers of the time taught that governmental and political power should come from the people. After the trend of democracy was started by the Greeks and carried on by the Romans, it has been seen in many later governmental systems throughout history. Today modern democracy imitates the Roman model more than the Greeks model as the people believe that there has to be an elected leader or representative. The democratic ideas in the Middle Ages were started to be understood by the people and instituted through Christian. Christianity taught the people that men are all equal. This thinking was deeply ingrained into the society of Middle Ages. In 1215 , the Magna Carta started a more democratic system in England. English Parliament was created, the written laws held a higher power than the king, thereby limiting the power of the Royal family and giving some of that power to the people. The power of Parliament increased in stages over the succeeding centuries. Parliament gradually gained more power until the monarch became largely a figurehead. In North America, the English Puritans who migrated from colonies in New England whose governance was democratic contributed to the democratic development of the United States. (Barr, Rankin, Baird) Most of the countries tend to be democratic due to several reasons. On the path to modern democracy, the American Revolution and the French Revolution were some of the major events. In America, the pursue of democracy was the Declaration of Independence in 1776 which was written by Thomas Jefferson. While in France, the people overthrew the king and set their right to liberty, property, security and resistance to oppression. In the following years, revolution began to rise up against monarchy and the democracy government started to develop all around the world. With the growing success of democracy in the United States and in other countries throughout the world, democracy became more and more popular. In this 21st century, there are 25 countries listed as full democracy according to Democracy Index 2011. The examples are United Kingdom, United States, New Zealand and so on. While there are another 53 countries are categorized under Flawed democracy such as Malaysia, Thailand, Slovakia and many others. Although democracy is said to be the best political system, there are still countries which practice authoritarianism or even totalitarianism due to the conditions of their countries. Many forms of Government have been tried and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time, said by Winston Churchill during the speech in the House of Commons on 11th November 1947. One of the issues of democracy is freedom of assembly. Freedom of assembly is forming of associations and organizations gather together peacefully in order to protect their human right. Freedom of assembly is usually occurs as there are some displeasure among the people which have mutual interest and goals. There are some country like Canada, France, India, and United States allows their citizen have freedom of assembly. Under freedom of assembly, people have the right to having public meetings as it does not influence public safety and usually some fees is need in order to get the permits. By having the right to assembly, people can gather in a group sharing and debating on certain issue and exchanging their opinion as long as there are not create any disturbance to the society. (Smith) However, there also still have communist countries such as China, Laos, and North Korea except from given their citizen freedom of assembly. The political system in China is totally different from de mocracy as they are strongly emphasis on total control to their people. Therefore, there was group of people wishing to organize demonstration during the 2008 Summer Olympics. (Gammon, 2012) We have choose freedom of assembly to be discuss in our assignment as this topic seems to become one of the hot political issues discuss by the citizens and the same goes to politicians in our country as well as other countries. Our fourth prime minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad also gave his own opinion to the issue. There are few points to support his opinion. Government must liable to a minority group and same goes to majority group. When there is full freedom given to people will form issues on other will lose their freedom as they are encroached by the freedom one. Government will loss control their citizen as they are given fully freedom. Although it is good to giving the right for people assembly but it cannot use as a force to the government as it will influence the quality of decision they make. (Freedom of assembly should have limits, says Dr Mahathir, 2012) Although the citizens have the rights to assemble freely, there is also a law to restrict them. The Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (PAA) is the law introduced on year 2012 in order to handle the demonstrations or public protest in Malaysia. (Lim, 2012). This Act contains 27 Sections and 4 Schedules to provide restrictions deemed necessary or expedient relating to the right to assemble peacefully and without arms in the interest of the security of the Federation or public order. This act has replaced the Section 27 of Police Act. The permit of police for mass assemblies is no longer needed. (Gathering in Peace, 2011) Maina Kiai, a Kenyan lawyer who is a United Nations of special rappoteur said that it is important to have freedom of assembly to give chance for the citizens to voice out their opinion. However, he criticized that the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) is more toward control instead of facilitating the assembly. (UN special rapporteur pans Peaceful Assembly Act, 2012). Besides, thi s PAA is being opposed by the Bar council, civil leaders and also the opposition. In Malaysia, there are few cases such as LYNAS and BERSIH relevant to the freedom of assembly. Same goes to other country like United States and Taiwan. In United States, there are thousands of people gathered in Wall Street, New York in order to oppose their government to protect their own economic interest as their government just support system reward for rich class people. Besides, there are demonstrations named Million Voices against Corruption, President Chen Must Go led by Taiwan politician, Shih Ming Te. The purpose of the protest is pressured the President Chen Shui Bian to resign due to the corruption. These cases will be further discuss in the following parts. 2.0 Rally In Malaysia 2.1 Case 1: Bersih 2.0 Bersih 2.0 also shows the individual right such as human right, political right and civil liberty. The  Bersih 2.0 rally was a demonstration that held at Kuala Lumpur on 9th July 2011 to protest for  free and fair elections. Bersih demonstration was agitated to build a better electoral system that will enable Malaysia to elect a better future leader. Bersih also known as Walk for Democracy. There were around 20,000 to 50,000 people attended the Bersih 20.0 rally. The rally was organised by the Coalition for Clean and Fair Election. Why did Bersih establish? What did they want and what were their objectives? There were 8 demands that claim by the Bersih. These demands have also become the objectives of Bersih that successfully injected into all Malaysians mindset. The 8 objectives were shown below: Clean the electoral roll The electoral roll is spoiled due to some irregularities such as deceased person or multiple persons registered under a single address. Therefore, the electoral roll must be updated from time to time. Next, Bersih 2.0 also demand that Election Commission (EC) to implement an automated voter registration system to prevent any irregularities. Reform postal ballot The current postal ballot has to be reformed to make sure that all nations are able to vote includes Malaysians citizen that living abroad, police, military and civil servants. Use indelible ink Indelible ink should be used in all elections to prevent voter fraud. In the past, voters may accidentally smudge the ballot paper with ink, and hence casing the ballot paper to be invalid. Other countries such as Afghanistan, Egypt and Iraq also practice using this kind of ink. Minimum 21 days campaign period A longer campaign are able to provide more time for voters to gather information, more time to consider and more time to vote. Free and fair excess to media Bersih 2.0 suggests that EC press on all media agencies such as radio, television, newspaper and magazine to promote the objectives for all parties. Strengthen public institution Public institutions must act independently, uphold laws and protect human rights as Malaysia is a democratic country. Stop corruption Bersih 2.0 insists to end corruption. The only way is serious action is taken against all allegation of corruption, such as vote buying. Stop dirty politics Bersih 2.0 demands to wipe out all dirty political parties and politicians in order to build a better society and country. 2.1.1 What were the governments views on this and what actions they have taken? On 2nd July 2011, Barisan Nasional government has announced that Bersih was an illegal organization because it is a convergence of Non-Government Organization (NGO) group whereby it formed by many registered group who come together and share the same agenda and purpose. Therefore, they were not allowed to do any demonstration. During that day, Malaysians polices claimed that they vowed to stop any illegal rallies in which without police permission. At first, Bersih planned to march through the streets of Kuala Lumpur with some propaganda such as Walk of democracy, We want fair democracy, We hate the Government, Say no to Corruption, Reformasi and others more, but then Bersih decided to congregate at Merdeka stadium to have a peaceful demonstration. No one was out to throw stones, burns cars and injuries which result in Bersih rally 1.0 in 2007. However, the protestors were still not able to gather successfully at Merdeka Stadium because many of the people were forced by the police who were heavily deployed throughout the city. Police act violently by arresting around 1,600 peaceful demonstrators, hurling tear gas and firing water canon directly towards protestors just to stop the Bersih 2.0 gathering in the stadium. There was a case that a 56-years-old man, which is a participant of Bersih 2.0 and also a protestor, collapsed near the Petronas Towel while fleeing tear gas and was announced dead later in hospital. Next, many protestors were beaten by the police and officers of the Federal Reserve Unit to suppress mass public assembly. It also found out that the police fired tear gas near the hospital compound which put the health of patient at risk. Bersih 2.0 results that almost all protestors arrested during 9th July 2011 now have been released without charge. But there are still 40 people facing prosecution. For those protestors who caught wearing Bersih T-shirts have been charged under Section 49 of the Societies Act for possession of illegal material. 2.1.2 Oppositions stand The opposition, Pakatan Rakyat which comprises Democratic Action Party (DAP), The Peoples Justice Party (PKR) and Parti Islam Malaysia (PAS) has expressed their approval to the Bersih 2.0. In their opinion, it is a new way for Malaysian to voice out their dissatisfaction on corruption and to tell the government not to rig the election again and again. Lim Guan Eng, the secretary-general of DAP said that DAP has reiterated its support to the Bersih 2.0s eight demands. Besides, DAP strongly condemned the actions and warnings by the government, especially Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur, to ban this peaceful sit-in protest by instilling fear of untoward incidents (Chooi, 2012). He also mentioned that it is time to ensure a bright and clean future for free from fear. Apart of this, PAS also gave their full support to the rallty. Their president, Datuk Seri Tuan Guru Abdul Hadi Awang has urged all the party members to take part in the Bersih 2.0 for demanding a real free and fair election. Nearly all of the leaders from opposition parties joined the rally on 9th July but most of them were arrested on the spot. 2.1.3 NGOs stand Overall, there were 24 non-gvernment organizations (NGO) which expressed their objection towards Bersih because they felt that it may cause chaos. They also declared about the stubbornness of the organizer which backed by the opposition to involve in the demonstration. Some of the NGO that against Bersih include Yayasan Pendidikan Cheras (YPC), Persatuan Teksi Eksekutif Malaysia, Persatuan Penjaja Kuala Lumpur, Pertubuhan Suarakan Kehendak Rakyat Malaysia (Sedar) and Pertubuhan Gerakan Memartabat Pejuang Negara Malaysia. Next, the NGOs also submit a memorandum to the Home Ministry to act against the organizers who support Bersih. There is a case in Kampar, Perak where the president of Malaysian Youth Council (MYC) Mohamad Maliki Mohamed Rapiee claimed that the council would take action towards the members who take part in the gathering. We urge youths to guard against being influenced to participate in the gathering, he told the reporters. However, there are also some of the NGO which support Bersih. For example, All Womens Action Society (AWAM), Federation of Malaysian Indian Organisations (PRIMA), Persatuan hak asasi manusia (hakam) and Womens Aid Organisation.The participants that support Bersih are required to wear yellow clothes or yellow items. 2.1.4 The role of mainstream media The mainstream media which were controlled by the government have not focused their report on the rally. Like TV1, TV2 or TV3, it was very hard to find out the detail about the rally on their news, even the print media also hided some truths. It has made Malaysians disappointed and has felt the rate of media freedom was down-grading. 2.2 Case 2: anti-Lynas protest Another example which shows the individual right which includes human right, political right and civil liberty in Malaysia is Lynas cases. The Lynas Corporation Limited (LYC)  is a rare earth mining company from Australia. It mainly focused to become a global rare earths producer and supplier by focus on RED (Rare Earths Direct) branding. Their main asset is Mt Weld rare earths deposit in Western Australia. They digging the rare earth ore from ground at Mt Weld, then process a bit at Laverton and tricking to Fremantle. Lastly, it will be shipping to Gebeng Industrial Estate, Pahang, Malaysia. for the final process. The product, which means the rare earth oxides, will be selling to other country such as America. Why Malaysia has been chosen to be the destination to further process of the rare earth ore into rare earth oxide rather than in Australia? Actually, Lynas came to Malaysia is based on economic reasons and also its proximity to customers. The availability of cheap skilled and unskilled labour, chemicals and fresh water make the company choose Malaysia. It also makes better business sense to be close to global customer because they meet all the regulations and approval to build Lynas plant in Australia. 2.2.1 The reason of having rally Remove of radioactive element from the rare earth mineral by Lynas processing plant in Pahang can produce those electronics such as  iPhones, iPads, hybrid cars and wind turbines. In result, the remaining will become as a dangerous waste which resulting in a humongous amount of radioactive to be released in form of gas, liquid and solids. The bad effect all disposed in Malaysia, and cause nothing toward Australia country and thus make most of the Malaysian assemble to against the approval of government. This action makes a strong rebound from most of the Malaysia citizen. The trust of Malaysian towards government was spoiled and might cause political risk in Malaysia. Voters will tend to vote against the ruling party during election held every five years. Besides, Australians are becoming quietly  hated  by Malaysians. (Ryan, 2012) The aim of the anti-Lynas campaigns and demonstrations formed is most of the Malaysian want to expel Lynas out from Malaysia. On their opinion, this Lynas plant will bring a lot of bad effect which includes humans health and also destroy the environment. They stand out and assemble together to speak out their view and hope the government will be further consider about the built of a uncontrollable time bomb within the country. 2.2.2 Oppositions stand The Secretary-General of the Malaysian Democratic Action Party (DAP), Lim Guan Eng has opposed the build of Lynas. That the BN government has no hesitation to issue the TOL to Lynas even before the general election showed its commitment towards Lynas and profits over the peoples health, he said (Guan Eng: Vote out BN to shut Lynas plant, 2012). He claimed that the government did not concern about the bad effect for citizen that caused by this Lynas plant while just concern about the profit of the country gained. 2.2.3 The views of NGOs For some of the non-government organization which is involved in developing the states business and entrepreneurial sectors, they actually supported the approval of the government that allowed the Lynas built within the country (LYNAS PLANT: Study can silence opponents, 2011). It is because they were more concern about the economy of the country. They thought that the Lynas project did not have harmful health risks based on the evident from the feedback that have been received from local entrepreneurs which were involved in the plant from the start (Lim, 2012) . But for some other non-government organization, for example, Pusat Komunikasi Masyarakat (KOMAS), Center Policy Initiative (CPI) and Lawyers For Liberty (LFL), they opposed the Lynas by supporting the Save Malaysia Stop Lynas (SMSL) to immediately delay the license issued to Lynas and to limit any shipment of rare earth ore concentrate into Malaysia. 2.2.4 The governments actions The police usually use tear-gas grenade to deploy the protesters. The protesters really dissatisfied with the actions of the government that are trying to ignore and prevent them to resist the decision that they have made. They claimed that government has not listening to the people at all. 2.2.5 The effect of the rally As a result, the citizens have assembled for at least five times to oppose the build of Lynas plant. This create riot within Malaysia and it shows unstable of the country. But from other view, it shows that all the citizen have their right to oppose government decision. Citizens have their authority to evaluate the decision which make by the government. Is the Lynas plant will bring more advantages or disadvantages? This is an intricacy question for all of the Malaysian. Every people have their own view to make their decision. Citizen can speak out what they need, what they think and what they want. It is one of the characteristic of democracy country which strongly shows that the freedom of people. 3.0 Rally in foreign countries 3.1 Freedom of assemble in United States The right of the people peaceably to assemble for the purpose of petitioning Congress for a redress of grievances, or for anything else connected with the powers or the duties of the National Government, is an attribute of national citizenship, and, as such, under the protection of, and guaranteed by, the United States. The very idea of a government, republican in form, implies a right on the part of its citizens to meet peaceably for consultation in respect to public affairs and to petition for a redress of grievances.  (Supreme Court, United States v. Cruikshank, 1876) .In America, governments are accepting the people to have freedom of speech and religion; they have the rights or freedom of assembly to voice their opinion out to the government. They have rights to resist the commands of government they deem wrong or unreasonable. In United States, government officials cannot prohibit all demonstrations in public forums during controversial events. Police only can have a protecti on to avoid the violence happen during the event for the interest of public. The official cannot refuse the constitutional rights for protesting on public streets, public parks, and other public venue. People can have a demonstration outside a federal courthouse but the leader needs to discuss their plan with the U. S. Marshall. This shows US country is democratic to accept the view of citizen. The government may not restrict the actual content of speech place, and manner of speech. When the people face by law enforcement, they still need to obey their orders even people believe their action is improper. In large protest activity, people can have fair legal observers to be present. Legal observers cannot participate in the demonstration, but they only can go under some action by demonstrators and by law enforcement. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ The right to peaceable assembly is a right cognate to those of free speech and free press and is equally fundamental. (Supreme Court,  De Jonge v. Stat e of Oregon, 1937). Assembly is a way that people show support for an idea or dispute from the government. America that support the democracy not only promote for people freedom or worker right, it also create a more stable and blooming arena which United State can get its national interest. Citizen creates a non-government organization (NGO) or interest group loyal to single issues. The NGO will be an effective way to focus people interest in the country. The group use to demand something and politicians generally listen. 3.1.1 Tea Party movement (USA) For example, tea party movement in United State is one of the organizations or parties represent the voice of people. They try to oppose the high taxation, immigration and government intervention in private sector. Speaking by the floor of Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Santelli heatedly stated that the bailout would subsidize the losers mortgages and proposed a Chicago Tea Party to protest government intervention in the housing market. Tea party uses the power of social media such as Facebook to coordinate the protest event. This prove that the country is under the free mass media, people can have their individual right to share the information or news about protest government. The first action of tea party movement was a nationwide series of assembly on April 15, 2009, more than 250,000 people take part this protest event. Tea means Taxed Enough Already. All the party members at congressional town hall meetings to protest the proposed reforms to the American health care system. 3.1.2 Occupy Wall Street American people are trying to against the financial mafia that taken their country and protect their own economic interest by taking people welfare and lives. They are fight for truth democracy, people empowerment, an equality and fair society. Citizen in United State voice the dissatisfied that they have keep in silence for long. Citizens hope their government can have a real change that they can believe in, the right of people are not trampled under the feet of money and power-wielding financial elite of the Wall Street silk. The movement, thousands of people gathered on September 17 in Wall Street, New York which is the centre of American banking and finance industry started the Occupy wall Street . The movement has now spread to other cities across the United States and inside the U.S. and across the world has got the attention of people. The system of government that unfair and unjust to the citizen cause they feel despair toward the government. In economics of US, the system an d government only support system reward the people in super rich class and ignore the middle class and the poor. The inequality of national wealth distribution and people income in United State are worse than other country. Since 2008, economic condition of USA has a sharp turn for worse. The middle class of American are stay in high rate of unemployment, rising cost of living and decreasing incomes. The political system of American increasingly failing short of challenge of the time and this cause the government cannot give an effective solution to the problem that face by American and America. For example, Obamas job creation plan which broke to pieces as a result of the Republican-Democrat animosity. The high unemployment level in United State cause destruction of people, families and some Americans who cannot even afford their daily food spend. American people against the financial mafia because the acknowledged fact is that the growth and rise in power of finance capital over the years particularly in the U.S. has meant that the whole economies and societies have been taken hostage by a predatory financial oligarchy. In Middle East, people are against their oppressive dictatorships. In United State, their government, economic, society and their very lives are taken as a hostage and this are now against by people. They are fight for individual right, social and economic equality. 3.1.3 Non- government organization stance toward the America protest activity U.S. and international NGOs (non-government organization) actually represent every conceivable political cause, religion, social issue, and interest group. About 1.5 million NGO operate in United State. NGO in America are engage in some activity such as election, women rights and economic development. NGOs always feel they cannot ignore the immediate practical problems of people in their policy domain. Human rights NGOs and womens NGOs will end up having programs to assist the victims of discrimination and injustice. Some of the NGO are support people to have rights of protest government activity. For example, the tea party government also involved the Occupy Walk Street to support the people fight for their economic interest. 3.1.4 Effect of media to protest activity Media is one of the things that can influence the democracy of America. Ask by a sociologist Herbert Gans, What can Journalists actually do for American Democracy? the point of journalism to journalist is an important thing to democracy. The role of democratic journalist is to inform citizen and allow more citizen participate politically because the more participate of citizen will come out a more democracy country. The journalist only can show the truth of politic to the citizen. But the tea party in the United State is criticizing the media of country try to coverage the Occupy Wall Street protest activity. Media are try to ignore negative point of the Occupy Wall Street protests while it play up suspicious charges against conservative activists last year. The co-founders of the Tea Party Patriots Mark Mecker say that when the tea party protest begins, they are ridicule, ignored and attack by the media. Media are using Astroturf, fringe, racists and Nazis word to describe them. Fro m this event, we can know that sometime United State also will have a limit freedom of media because they want to cover the bad image of America to other country or citizen. 3.2 The Million Voices against Corruption, President Chen Must Go protest in Taiwan In Taiwan, there was a protest named Million Voices against Corruption, President Chen Must Go in 2006 which led by Shih Ming Te, the former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) chairman, to pressure President Chen Shui Bian to resign due to corruption. President Chen and the DPP came to power in 2000 promising reform and an end to money politics, or black gold, after more than half a century of one party rule by the Kuomintang (Gluck, 2006). However, lots of his supporters were disappointed as there are scandals that indicated his son-in-law, Chao Chien Ming, was accused of insider trading. The same year, his wife, Wu Shu Chen, was charged with corruption and forgery. It was proven that she had wired $21million in campaign funds to banks in Singapore, Switzerland and the Cayman Islands, There were charges that Chen himself had misused his authority as well (the Editors of Publications International, 2007). 3.2.1 Peoples responses The mass protest was obviously fully backed up by Taiwanese. It can be seen when Shih has decided to launch a fundraising campaign to finance for the rally, a lot of people gave their quick response and donated a symbolic NT$100 as requested. Within six working days, more than a million people signed up to support him (Gluck, 2006). The speed and scale are surprised to everybody, including Shih. On 9 September 2006, the rally started in front of the Presidential Building. The protesters dressed in red to highlight their anger, gestured thumb down and chanted Ah Bian step down! to show their disapproval and dissatisfaction. The organizers said that more than 200,000 people had joined the rally but the police put the number at 90,000. They also said that the protest was the first mass grassroots movement to remove a president that had not been organized by ma

The importance of financial intermediaries

The importance of financial intermediaries Introduction Nowadays financial intermediations play the important role in the economy. Firms and individuals can find sources to finance its new project. Also lender can invest their money in secure positions. Financial intermediations raise funds from the depositors for short term and lend them to the borrower for long term. The main job of those institutions is to provide finance through taking extra risk. So there are three parties engaged in those investments process. The lender or the depositor could lend his money on secure way and low cost. The borrower can find the finance of his project. The financial intermediation manages the process of those transactions. The question now is that why do lender and borrower need financial intermediation to manage this relationship. Why do not they do it directly without a third party? The answer of this question needs to know the main reasons why financial intermediations exist. There are three reasons explain this issue. First reason is that, the dif ferent requirement of those two parties. Second reason is the transaction cost. Finally is the asymmetric information. In this assay we will focus on the asymmetric information as a reason of the existence of the financial intermediation. Also, in this essay I will first explain the Asymmetric information, adverse selection and moral hazard. Then I will brief some empirical study about the issue of the effect of Asymmetric information to represent the importance of this issue. Also, I will explain the effect of the transaction cost because it has relation with the information cost to avoid unobserved information. Finally, I will explain the financial intermediary natural and their role in guiding the financial process. My conclusion refers to the importance of financial institutions to avoid asymmetric information. I am also touched upon the difference between the risk transferring and risk sharing and the fails of those conventional institutions in the last financial crisis. I reco mmended Islamic industry is an alternative to those convectional ones which can be able to withstand during the crisis because they works as a partner with their consumer and they share the risks with them. The impact of Asymmetric information, adverse selection, and moral hazard on the lender. It is important to the lender to have the good quality and quantity information about the borrower to be in the save side. When the information is poor that means there will be risk exist. Asymmetric information is an important concept in finance and needs to be understood. It means said Bucle (1998); the information refers to the situation where one party has more information than the other party. This is a problem with most types of transactions, financial or non financial transactions. In the Case of a financial transaction, the borrower will have more information about the Risks and return of the investment project for which funds are being borrowed and the lender do not have the same information the borrower does. So it may leads to actual conflict. Asymmetric information more affect lender, before he gives loan to the borrower and after. Adverse selection is the result of asymmetric information which means a bad selection with high risk of default. The adverse selection refers to the borrower with adverse return. Also, the second result of asymmetric information is moral hazard continued Bucle (1998). The lender will face this particular problems, in which always happened after lending. This problem is described as bad behaviour that accurse when the lender take the money from the lender and because the money is not belonged to him he will use it badly. He will use it for risky activities. As a result the lender will be at risk of losing his money. Karlan and at al (2005): investigate the moral hazard and adverse selection in credit market in South Africa. The random sample of 58000, of male and female, direct offers mail used by a larger lender in South Africa by three classes. First, offer interest rate. Second, contract interest rate which is equal or less the offer interest rate and revealed to more than 4000 borrowers that agreed to the first offer rate. Finally, a dynamic repayment with a good price on future loans for borrowers still in a good positions. These three stages supported by full information given to the lenders. The study setup distinguishes adverse selection from moral hazard impact on repayment. The result found that approximately 20% of default is because asymmetric information problems. Another empirical study of the impact of asymmetric information conducted by Gaul and at al (2008) investigate the effect of unobservable information on corporate loan market, and if the borrower gives the lender the incentive to reduce the asymmetric information effects. The study used a regression to give evidence of a positive relationship between some measure of loan borrower by lender, contract terms, negotiating loans, and the amount of non- publicly information. The study found that, moral hazard and adverse selection problems do exist in the corporate loan market. As a result of asymmetric information, adverse select, and moral hazard is the transaction cost. So what do we mean by transaction cost? Bucle (1998) counts four types of transaction costs which are as follows. Firstly, search cost, the borrower and the lender will be affected by high cost of searching for accurate information about each other to avoid risks associated to default and loss money. Also, verification costs, which mean the cost that accrues when lender tries, ensure that information he has is true. Furthermore, monitoring costs, the lender after given loan to the borrower should follow the borrower activities to make sure he will be able to make payment as agreed. Finally, enforcement costs, in case of default the lender wants to ensure that the lender can be enforced to get the money back. The importance of the financial intermediaries The financial intermediation is the entity which in a med position between two parties and manage the financial transaction between them. Commercial banks, investment banks, stock investing services, insurance providers, etc are examples of the financial intermediation. So we can imagine the importance of those entities. For example banks, it does the important role. Banks obtain funds from depositors and then lend those funds to borrowers. Also provide financial services said Fraser and et al (2001). Also individual as lender can get fixed income at cheaper cost. Also, when the lender uses the financial intermediary he wont need to bear those costs. He does not have to spend money and time for collecting information to find good borrower. Moreover, he can get his money back at any time he want it. Also he does not have to bear risks of default the borrower and other risks because the risks are borne by the bank. Always banks have information and policy system about their clients and diversify their investment in case mismatching the maturities of their assets and liabilities said Saunders (2008). Saunders and et al (2008) said because of costs of monitoring, liquidity, and price risk, as well as for some other reasons, savers often prefer to hold the financial claims issued by FIs rather than those issued by corporations. Diamond (1984) developed a model of delegate monitoring. Financial intermediary acts as monitor by promising the lender a fixed income and monitor the borrower activity to fulfil the lender the promise said Allen at al (2008). Another model developed by Boot and Thakor (1997) about delegated monitoring. They assume that, there are three kind of information. First, incomplete and unclear information about the future activity that the borrower is going to do and they suggest the solution is using financial market to obtain this information. Second the lender does not have information about the lender activity in term of invest the money in safe or risky project, and they suggest the solution by intermediary. Finally, borrower might have the chance to invest in a risky project and also they suggest the solution by intermediary said Allen at al (2008). Conclusion and recommendations: In conclusion, financial intermediaries do not exist by chance the economy has found them. As it shows above it exist because the need of the two separate parties and these parties represent the structure of the economy in any country. Borrower wants to have finance in his new project. Also lender need to be safe from asymmetric information, adverse selection of borrower and moral hazard and it is the financial intermediarys main job. To collect information about the borrower is not an easy task. It contains high cost for the small lenders which prevents him to invest his money. Also, he cannot give his money to the wrong person or firm. Financial intermediary could do this job on behalf of the investor. This job can be done by financial intermediaries in a low cost because of the large number of the customer they deal with. Also they act as specialist to this kind of financial transactions. However, financial intermediary is not always the haven. It has also risks of default, credit risk, liquidity risk, and etc. As we experience in the last financial crisis and the collapse of the biggest financial institutions around the world as a result of transferring risk. I think Islamic banks are the solution. They share risks instead of transfer them. Every party have to bear part of the risk to be able to continue. Transferring risks are not the solution, which means party will have nothing and other will have everything as a result part of the economy, will continue and the other part will collapse. Lets imagine the collapse party is the banks. So, the crisis will extend to the economy as a whole.

A critical review of the major opposing views on arbitration & industri

This paper will critically review the major opposing perspectives on arbitration and industrial relations, with particular attention to how government regulation and intervention relate to the changes made to the system after 1996. The major focus of this brief paper will be to demonstrate that Howard’s industrial relations policies resemble those of the late 1800’s, where the Master and Servant Act’s regulated the relationships between employer and employee. These were replaced with the introduction of the Commonwealth Court of Conciliation and Arbitration (1904-1921). The outcome from such dramatic change in industrial relations was the forming of unions and major strikes. Subsequently, the new system of employer and employee relations sought to resolve labour disputes and enhance the quality of life for Australian workers. Moreover it was steeped in social democratic ideals and worked to give every Australian a decent standard of living. These ideals have yet shifted back to the individual contract model where the market predetermines wages and working conditions. During pre-federation when free labour came to dominate the colonies; workers exercised their civil citizenship rights through entry into individual employment contracts. The master and servant laws which empowered these individual contracts were imported from Britain and were quickly implemented and regulated in the Colonies. Isaac argues that ‘the master and servant acts †¦ both in concept and practice reflected the harsh penal code used against the convicts’. However, the latter part of the 1800’s brought with it the rising political influence of the working classes and an increasingly powerful trade union. The modification of the master and servant laws through the collectivisation of union groups resulted in a greater role fir state interventions. The 1890’s saw the emergence of many disputes over working conditions and the power employers had over employees, which was legitimised by law. Australian workers were illustrating this through strikes and the formation of unions. In recognising the duty of government to be the protection and economic welfare of its citizens, a court of Conciliation and Arbitration was established in Australia in the 1890’s. The new systems were based in social democratic ideals and worked to give ever... ...ts to replace the idea of "industrial relations" with that of "employee relations" reflect efforts to draw attention away from institutions like tribunals and unions, towards individuals and their direct relationships. Bibliography Bolton, G., (1990) The Oxford History of Australia, vol.5, '1942-1988: The Middle Way', Oxford University Press, Melbourne. Isaac, J., (1998) Australian Labour Market Issues: An Historical Perspective, Journal of Industrial Relations, vol. 40, no. 4, pp. 690-15 MacIntyre, P.G., (1985) A Fair Wage in Winners and Losers: The Pursuit of Social Justice in Australian History, Allen and Unwin: Sydney McCallum, R., (1996) The New Millennium and The Higgins Heritage: Industrial Relations in the 21st Century, Journal of Industrial Relations, vol. 38, no. 2, pp.294-312. Parkin, A., Summers, J., & Woodward, D., (1980) Government, Politics and Power in Australia: an Introductory Reader, Melbourne, Victoria. : Longman Cheshire, pp. 372-74 Schmitthoff, C. (1990) Export Trade: The Law and Practice of International Trade: 9th Edition. London: Sweet & Maxwell Solomon, D., (1999) End of the Era of Arbitration, Courier Mail 27th March.

Nebular Time :: essays papers

Nebular Time Log Date, 2490 We’re traveling past the new system Plutonomy at Warp 2. I have been informed that there is a new nebula forming past the 6th planet. They say there is valuable plasma gas inside. My plan is to be the first there to collect it all and sell it so I can stop wandering in space. Log date, 2492 Two more days have passed and my co-pilot and I have been hearing about a race to be the first there. We are in the lead and shouldn’t have a problem getting there. I have also decided that I should get some new food on board. The coffee from the replicators is getting old. Log date, 2495 The nebula is now in sight. George, my co-pilot, has decided that it will be best if we drop some of our extra knick knacks so we can hold more gas. I agree. Who really needs 1000 co-processors that are 15 years old? Log date, 2499 Today we reach the nebula. I have decided to start collecting plasma. END LOG â€Å"George, if you don’t mind, hand me that extra co-linear compressor.† â€Å"No problem, Captain,† he responded.I have told myself time and time again that capturing gas is a stupid thing to do, but when you’re a vagabond like me, taking risks is what sets you free. George has said that he has gotten some strange electrostatic readings coming from this nebula, but we have ignored them. Right now we are working on compressing the plasma gas we have collected.â€Å"Captain, come quick and look at this!† George yelled. The readings are off the scale; it looks like some charge has gotten into our EPS relays. â€Å"George, get back quick! It’s going to blow!† I screamed. We both turned and†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.I was abruptly awakened. I looked up and saw that I was in a shabby, square looking room. I could recall seeing something of this nature in my history book. Suddenly an odd looking lady walked in. I quickly said, â€Å"Hello, do I know you?† â€Å"Ahhhh! Who, what†¦ what are you doing in my house, lady?† she asked. â€Å"First of all, I’m not a lady. My name is Mr. Jumpers, and if I knew what I was doing here, I would tell you. Just a few minutes ago, I was in my ship collecting gas,† I replied.

Cyber-terrorism Essay -- cyber attacks, 2015

"It is now clear that cyber threat is one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we face as a nation," President Obama has said in one of his addresses to the nation. He would go on the say that "We know that cyber intruders have probed our electrical grid, and that in other countries cyber attacks have plunged entire cities into darkness." (Net Security.org, 2009) When the president of the United States puts this much emphasis into a subject it shows how important it is and how big of an impact it could have on the nation. The United States is very dependent on digital networks due to the fact that almost everything is controlled by computers. Terrorist organizations and hostile countries are aware of this and an attack on our networks could be crippling to our economy. It would bring the most powerful and influential nation to a standstill. This is why president Obama has expressed the need for increased security measures because a cyber war is a reality tha t could happen soon that we must be prepared for. When a person thinks of the different types of warfare they would probably think of the more common types seen in the past wars like guerilla warfare, chemical warfare, and biological warfare. But in the present day and age a new warfare has emerged. It is the cyber warfare. This type of warfare is when an outside power may chose to attack the network or power grid with means of harmful intent. An example of this can be seen when hackers released a series of cyber attacks on Brazil’s power grid and left cities and parts of the country powerless for up to a few days. In result to this, Brazil lost millions upon millions of dollars and its economy was at a standstill. An incident that happened to the United States that helped make the security of networks front and center was in 2007 when the theft of terabytes of information was taken from the Department of Defense, The Department of State, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Energy and Nasa because of a breach in by a foreign power. This followed by another intrusion of the CENTCOM network which is used by the Department of Defense to relay information for actions in the wars America is currently in. This attack was believed to be a backdoor attack through corrupted memory sticks and thumbnail drives. Foreign powers that staged this attack were able to see and in... ...f the Center for Strategic and International Studies summed up the United States and its stance on cyber wars as this: "We have, at best, a few years to get our defenses in order, to build robustness and resiliency into networks and critical infrastructure, and to modernize our laws to allow for adequate security. Our current defenses are inadequate to repel the attacks of a sophisticated opponent. The United States is far more dependent on digital networks than its opponents and this asymmetric vulnerability means that the United States would come out worse in any cyber exchange." (Net Security.org, 2009) Works Cited cbsnews.com. (2009, November 8). Cyber War: Sabotaging the System. Retrieved February 11, 2010, from 60 Minutes: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/06/60minutes/main5555565.shtml Net Security.org. (2009, November 09). Cyber war is coming, the impact could be huge. Retrieved February 11, 2010, from Help Net Security: http://www.net-security.org/secworld.php?id=8484 Net Security.org. (2009, October 27). Serious cyber attacks on the horizon. Retrieved February 11, 2010, from Help Net Security: http://www.net-security.org/secworld.php?id=8439

An Organizational Failure: Blockbuster Essay

1. Describe and discuss how the organization’s culture facilitated the failure. Philips (2011) believes that success or failure of any great company depends on â€Å"Events, internal and external† (p. 3). Blockbuster also appears to be a victim of certain events at internal as well as external level. Based in McKinney, Texas, Blockbuster and founded in 1985 (Blockbuster Corporate, 2012) and it ushered in a new era as far as video rental retail industry was concerned. The company gave birth to video rental places that had significant amount of movies under one roof (the first store had 8,000 movies) and were not associated with bad movies or bad neighborhoods (Greenberg, 2008). Initially, the company’s strategy was to expand aggressively and the leadership defined Blockbuster’s vision to become McDonald’s of the video rental business. Referring to the company leadership’s ambitious goals, Greenberg writes: The Blockbuster strategy was simple à ¢â‚¬â€œ pump as much money as possible into buying local and regional chains while keeping centralized control over the look and feel of the individual stores. By the VSDA convention the following year, Blockbuster had acquired two other chains and its more than 250 stores dotted the country. At the convention, Huizenga’s marketing executive Tom Gruber outlined vision for the future of the company, and it was expansive. Gruber had spent eighteen years working for McDonald’s before joining Blockbuster, and both he and Huizenga were explicit: Blockbuster wanted to be the McDonald’s of home video (the comparison was so deliberate that at one trade show presentation, huge photographs of Huizenga and McDonald’s leader Ray Kroc were projected side-by-side). (p. 128) So, Blockbuster came into being with a big bang and a unique presentation which was reflected in its slogan â€Å"Wow, What a difference† (Greenberg, 2008). In the beginning, the company even hired greeters who would welcome customers at each location’s entrance whereas the employees were provided with manuals about how to deal with customers. That was the beginning. The strategy and vision worked amazingly well. However, as the company travelled with fanfare down the road, it developed a culture that might have its roots in complacency. The obsession with expansion seemed to derail a process the leadership should have put in place. Rayburn (2009) recalls how Blockbuster’s culture became a liability for the company and ultimately led to its bankruptcy. In 1999, a company called Globix (Rayburn was representing it at that time) was trying to strike a deal with Blockbuster in order to deliver movies to customers online. However, Blockbuster decided to partner with Enron instead of Globix. Rayburn (2009) goes on to point out that though Blockbuster was discussing future developments in advance and contemplated â€Å"about a digital media strategy way before consumers wanted the service and the Internet was even able to support it, that foresight on their part never materialized into any real online video strategy over the next ten years† (para. 4). What surprises Rayburn (2009) is that there was no deal between Blockbuster and Enron as was announced in 2000. In his view, Blockbuster had a great chance to be in the driving seat and â€Å"should have been in the position Netflix is in today as they were the first movers in the market. Yet ten years later, the company still can’t seem to get their act together when it comes to digital media† (para. 5). Apparently, it took a bankruptcy to do the course correction as far as the company’s future direction is concerned. Blockbuster’s mission statement now takes into account today’s reality. It says (Retail Industry, 2012): Our corporate mission is to provide our customers with the most convenient access to media entertainment, including movie and game entertainment delivered through multiple distribution channels such as our stores, by-mail, vending and kiosks, online and at home. We believe Blockbuster offers customers a value-prices entertainment experience, combining the broad product depth of a specialty retailer with local neighborhood convenience. (Blockbuster’s Mission Statement) The timeline of the company’s existence shows the culture of inaction at the top level delayed changes for a very long time. The company introduced Blockbuster Total Access program aimed at online as well as in store renting as late as November 2006 (Blockbuster Corporate, 2012). On the other hand, Netflix started its journey in 1996 and introduced its subscription service in 1999 and by 2010 it had 20 million subscribers (Netflix, 2012). 2. Apply the appropriate learning disabilities and laws that describe this situation. Like other organizations that hit stumbling blocks, Blockbuster had its hurdles in the shape of certain learning disabilities. One such disability is what Professor Senge (2006) calls ‘the fixation on events’. He writes: Conversations in organizations are dominated by concern with events: last month’s sales, the new budget cuts, last quarter’s earnings, who just got promoted or fired, the new product our competitor just announced, the delay that just was announced in our new product, and so on. The media reinforces an emphasis on short-term events – after all, if it’s more than two days old it’s no longer â€Å"news.† (p. 21) Another learning disability Blockbuster may have fallen prey to is ‘the parable of the boiled frog’. Senge (2006) explains that â€Å"Maladaptation to gradually building threats to survival is so pervasive in systems studies of corporate failure that it has given rise to the parable† (p. 22). Blockbuster also seemed to pay attention to events and little focus on learning new things and look beyond the horizon. Plus, it remained complacent as the leader of video rental company until Netflix and RedBox surged ahead to the extent that Blockbuster had to file for bankruptcy. Levy (2010) also blames Blockbuster for not being proactive in learning and bringing the desired changes. He believes â€Å"Change management is not just a tool to deflect distracting maybe-we-should’s, but it’s also a way to handle legitimate we-need-to’s that were missed at the start or that are responses to a changing business environment† (para. 7). So, instead of take charge in a fast changing rental business, Blockbuster refused to budge from its brick-and-mortar edge. Gradually, that edge fell apart like house of cards because the leadership failed to set in motion certain processes that should have allowed Blockbuster to remain the leader of the video rental retail industry. Moreover, the company’s leadership had their eyes set on something else, too. Is there any reason to believe that Blockbuster once tried to purchase Circuit City in 2008? According to Farfan (2010) it did happen but Circuit City rejected the offer and later on Blockbuster withdrew its offer. â€Å"Just two years later, Circuit City is out of business, and Blockbuster is struggling to stay out of bankruptcy court itself. The combination of the two companies seems somewhat symbiotic today, in a sad like-attracts-like kind of way† (Farfan, 2010, para. 11). 3. Explain the elements of the organization’s culture that will lead to similar failures in the future. Lack of focus and clarity in the vision may bring problems for the company in the future as well. Similarly, overconfidence in having physical locations may overshadow the future planning once again. The leadership must look into the fact whether the video store locations in different parts of the country are a benefit or a disadvantage. It may be very difficult to let go those locations, but if it is the right thing to do keeping in view how consumers want movies and games then the company should get rid of those locations. Though the company has new management after it was taken over by Dish Network Corporation, the mission statement still attracts critics. Commenting on Blockbuster’s future, Levy (2010) argues that the company’s mission statement has competing priorities. He points out: This muddled vision (officially the corporate mission statement) provides no clear guidance against which various corporate managers can test their ideas and initiatives. Drop prices? It’s in there. Raise them to cover our depth? It’s in there. Compete with Netflix? It’s in there. Have brick-and-mortar high-monthly-nut locations? It’s in there. Make money? Oops, that’s not in there. (para. 6) The new leadership at the company seems to recognize the reality and wants to let investors and other stakeholders know that it is evolving as the media entertainment industry is transforming. â€Å"While transforming and diversifying its store-base continues as a company priority, BLOCKBUSTER now offers convenient access to media entertainment anywhere and any way consumers want it – whether in stores, by mail or digital download† (Blockbuster Corporate, 2012). 4. Recommend specific actions the organization can take to prevent future failures from occurring. First of all, it should keep an eye on technological advancements that are happening at a very fast speed. It will allow the company to feel the pulse of what is going on and what might occur down the lane. The company should hire a chief learning officer in order to make learning an integral part of the organizational culture. At the same time, by developing a culture of learning will help the company adjust to changes and challenges that may be thrown at it. As Philips (2011) mentioned in his book, Blockbuster has to make sure events taking place within the organization and outside the organization should not come as surprises. He advises that learning and changing at a required pace is necessary for organizations. Moreover, if the company believes physical locations still make the company a leader it should build a unique culture of customer service so that people crave for Blockbuster visits. Philip (2011) reminds policy makers that â€Å"Just as history is not made by great men alone, so companies and countries don’t go bust just because one or two people chase the dream too hard. They need a support staff† (p. 59). Since Dish Network has its own subscribers, it should attempt to attract additional customers through combinations of Blockbuster-Dish Network offerings. Similarly, the company should not underestimate other companies just because they are startups. Actually, there may be reasons to learn from new business models in the industry. Woloszynowicz (2010) informs his readers that Netflix was not a success in the beginning as its IPO dropped from $15 per share to $6 per share after it was launched. On the other hand Blockbuster leadership interpreted slide in Netflix’s share as a failure and thought the company is not going to make any difference in the industry. References Blockbuster Corporate. (2012). Company Overview. Retrieved January 17, 2012, from http://blockbuster.mwnewsroom.com/Company-Overview Greenberg, J. M. (2008). From BetaMax to Blockbuster: Video stores and the invention of movies on video. Boston, MA: MIT Press. Levy, S. B. (2010, September). Blockbuster Goes Bust – Outfoxed by Redbox, Licked by Netflix. Retrieved January 17, 2012, from http://lexician.com/lexblog/2010/09/blockbuster-goes-bust-outfoxed-by-redbox-licked-by-netflix/ Netflix. (2012). A brief history of the company that revolutionized watching of movies and TV shows. Retrieved January 17, 2012, from https://signup.netflix.com/MediaCenter/ Timeline Phillips, T. (2011). Fit to bust: How great companies fail. Philadelphia, PA: Kogan Page. Rayburn, D. (2009, July 16). Ten Years Later, Blockbuster Still Lacks A Digital Media Strategy (BBI). Retrieved January 17, 2012, from http://blog.streamingmedia.com/the_business_ of_online_vi/2009/07/tens-years-later-blockbuster-still-lacks-a-digital-media-strategy.html Senge, P. M. (2006). The fifth discipline: The art and