American foreign policy Essay

Foreign policy refers to the strategies that governments employ to guide their actions towards other countries. The U. S. foreign policy is founded on the principles of democracy and tenets liberalization (Goldstein, 2003). The U. S. foreign policy takes into account issues of human rights, economic growth and development, terrorism and environmental degradation and addresses them as challenges that can best be addressed through democracy in countries and institutions throughout the world (Goldstein, 2003). The U. S. foreign policy has undergone significant transitions that match different historical periods in the world that include the World War I, the World War II, the Cold War, the post Cold War period and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The United Nations and the United States are arguably the most influential players in the international system as well as in the global political economics as a whole. Having been formed with the main objective of promoting and achieving sustainable peace in the world, the United Nations remains the most dominant and most influential International Governmental Organization in the world (Roberts & Kingsbury 1994). In theoretical terms, the fundamental significance of the United Nations as well as the operational challenges faced by the institution are illustrated in the theory of realism which states that â€Å"there is no world government, or political authority above the state, a situation that ultimately reduces the international system to absolute anarchy with the absence of any overarching political body with the capacity to enforce law and order among its members or nation states† (Roberts & Kingsbury 1994). The realism theory stresses on the centrality of the state, or nation state as the ultimate political authority in the politics of the international system. As such, the overriding motive of all states is self-preservation through maximization of power, a characteristic that effectively transforms the international system of a war of all against all (Goldstein, 2003). The realism theory further argues that stability is best achieved in the balance of power which can be achieved through increased interactions among states, with the most powerful country playing the role of a balancer (Goldstein, 2003). Today, the U. S. is the most powerful country in the world and has effectively assumed the role of a balancer in the international system, with the United Nations serving as the overarching political body with capacity to enforce law and order among its member states. Domestic Public Attitudes toward Foreign Policy in the United States At the domestic level, the U. S. foreign policy enjoys a lot of support among the citizenry. According to a report by World Public Opinion. org, a strong majority of U. S. citizens support of the U. S. involvement in the world. However, the number of U. S. citizens who feel disgruntled by the country’ foreign policies is growing steadily. The World Public Opinion. org has established that Americans overwhelmingly support the continued leadership role that the U. S. plays in the world. These findings were based on a 2006 GMF poll which indicated that 84 percent of those polled saying it was desirable for the U. S to exert strong leadership affairs, with 43 percent having been quoted as expressing a US global influence as being very desirable, and only 14 percent expressing their concerns about the U. S. global influence. However, the overwhelming support of the U. S foreign policy by its citizenry does support the role of the U. S. in global affairs as a hegemony, but rather supports the idea of shared leadership roles with other players in the international system. A significant segment of the U. S population believes that the U. S security has been threatened by the way the U. S. has been using the threats of military force as leverage in the international system. In a poll conducted by the World Public Opinion. org, 63 percent of the respondents were of the view that the U. S. military threats prompt other countries to be protective by developing and acquiring weapons of mass destruction. In another survey that was carried out in 2003 by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, majority of the U. S. citizens faulted the war in Iraq, with 66 percent of the respondents believing that the war has had negative effects on the relations between the U. S. and the Muslim world. According to the survey, 64 percent of the respondents expressed concerns that the war will not promote democracy in the Middle East while a further 61percent expressed fears that the war will not reduce the threat of terrorism. International Public Attitudes toward Foreign Policy in the United States There has been a growing disdain for the U. S. foreign policy in many countries throughout the world. The September 11 terrorist attacks and the subsequent U. S. war on terror are seen as having particularly caused dramatic shifts in U. S. foreign policy (Grant, 2004). The military operations in Afghanistan that have been ongoing since October 2001 to date and the U. S. invasion of Iraq have taken toll on the image of the United States with people from around the world and those in the Muslim countries in particular showing the lowest ratings for the U. S foreign policy. According to the Pew Global Attitudes Project that is run by the Washington DC based Pew Research Centre, America’s image relative to the country’s foreign policy has dropped immensely over the years. According to the report of the project, the United States is trailing many countries in favorability ratings. Countries such as France, Germany, China and Japan are more popular than the U. S in the European Union countries and Muslim countries. The study showed that while the ratings of the U. S were highest in Asian countries such as India, the favorability ratings of the country dropped by 15 percent in India between 2005 and 2006. The study further indicated that levels of negative attitudes that the populations of Western Europe have towards America are even higher than they were in 2002 before the Iraq invasion. The Pew Global Attitudes Project report also showed low ratings for President George Bush both domestically and internationally, with the confidence in bush to make the right decisions in international affairs having dropped in seven of the eleven countries in 2005 as provided by the data that tracked the trends. The report further indicates a steady slump of rating for George Bush in European countries and among predominantly Muslim populations. George Bush registered the largest slump of ratings in the U. S. from 62 percent in 2005 to 50 percent in 2006. In regard to the War on Terror, the Pew Global Attitudes Project reported an overwhelming decrease in international public support for the U. S led war on terrorism. With Muslim countries having obviously registered the highest levels of criticisms against the war on terror, Spain and Japan also registered almost virtual collapse of support for the counter-terrorism war. As of 2006, the support for war on terror in Spain had reduced to 19 percent from 63 percent in 2003 while Japan registered public support of 26 percent from 61 percent in 2002, according to information provided by the Pew Global Attitudes Project.

Hershey Marketing

The Hershey Company 1. History and Overview The first Hershey’s Chocolate Bar was produced in 1900, six years after the firm that would become The Hershey Company (â€Å"Hershey†) was founded by candy-manufacturer Milton S. Hershey. 2. Strategic Planning, Corporate Vision Until late last year when Hershey announced plans to revamp how it organizes its business with two new strategic business units—one for chocolate and the other for sugar confectionery—the company’s marketing organization was comprised of five primary product groups and three divisions: Hershey North America, Hershey International and the Global Marketing Group.According to their 2009 Annual Financial Report, this organization structure allowed Hershey to capitalize on unique customer and consumer trends, leverage marketing and sales leadership in the US and Canada, and focus on key growth areas in global markets (Annual Report p. 2). As indicated by a November 2nd, 2010 press relea se, the new structure is meant to leverage competencies for global growth, strengthen regional focus with additional resources, and augment confectionery consumer insights and innovation capabilities. (http://www. hehersheycompany. com/newsroom/news-release-1490640. aspx) In 2009, Hershey put forth their first Corporate Social Responsibility Report. In the opening paragraphs of this report they call Corporate Social Responsibility integral to their mission of â€Å"Bringing sweet moments of Hershey happiness to the world every day. † Kotler and Keller (27) contend that not only should a mission statement be short, memorable, meaningful, and enduring, it should provide employees with a shared sense of purpose, direction, and opportunity.Hershey is attuned to these needs. The report elaborates, â€Å"Our employees are committed to our mission†¦In all of our efforts, we are guided by our values, which have enabled our company to succeed over the long term. † Hersheyà ¢â‚¬â„¢s internal marketing strategy is driven by their stated corporate values—â€Å"One Hershey: A global and diverse team, operating with integrity, working together, determined to make a difference (Hershey Our Values). Kotler and Keller (29) identify the importance of utilizing three specific nternal groups toward the goal of successful strategy making: employees with youthful perspectives; employees far removed from company headquarters; and employees new to the industry. In a concerted effort to encourage ideas from the younger generation, Hershey has implemented an innovative approach by putting in place an R&D mentoring program where new Millennial employees are paired with experienced Boomers. Hershey recognizes that Millennials have categorically received greater support from their schools and families and expect it from their employers as well.Hershey also has a program called Quality Through Excellence that engages â€Å"the most committed and energetic tho ught leaders from all over the company and from different functional areas. † Among other things, these employees are charged with the duty of provided feedback to the company about what’s going well and what needs to be changed. Further, they have redesigned their performance management system to reward employees for their contributions to the success of the company. Attracting, Developing and Retaining Talent p11) A superior value chain incorporates a high level of product quality, service, and speed (Kotler and Keller 23). The conjunction of these components allows marketers to achieve profitable growth by, among other things, building loyalty and capturing customer lifetime value. Hershey has an ongoing commitment to deal fairly and ethically with all parties in its global value chain which extends from the farmers who supply raw materials for ingredients to consumers all over the world.They are dedicated to conserving energy and reducing emissions throughout their value chain, beginning with a company-wide initiative in 2007 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in both their facilities and their transport operations. (CSR Report 26) 3. Strategic Planning-Business Vision Hershey relies on strong R&D efforts to continue making progress in the areas of cost reduction, quality assurance, and process improvement. Their research and development initiatives are centered on the creation/ improvement of new/existing manufacturing methods.Recent R&D activities have enabled Hershey to offer customized products which have turned out to be a major growth driver (SWOT 2). Hershey’s ability to capitalize on its internal strength in manufacturing continues to benefit the company. Another strength the company boasts is a robust and diverse product portfolio. However, though the company does not demonstrate an overdependence on a particular product segment, it does face the threat of dependence on a single customer.Hershey sells its products to va rious wholesale distributors, department stores and grocery stores, however, in 2009 more than a quarter of the company’s net sales were derived from sales to McLane Company, Inc. (SWOT 4). While Hershey has huge opportunities to expand in the emerging markets, specifically in India and China where disposable income continues to steadily rise, the company also faces the threat of a growing counterfeit goods market. This threat not only affects sales, it affects the image of established brands (SWOT 4). Underperformance of counterfeit products will have a significant negative impact on consumer confidence.In addition to the added competition the counterfeit market brings, Hershey will also continue to see new players enter the market. This will create a still greater challenge to keep costs down in order to stay competitive. When the company began more than one hundred years ago, it was granted immediate success with its low-cost, high quality milk chocolate. Though one of Mil ton Hershey’s founding principles that has persisted over the years is to â€Å"make and sell a high-quality product at a fair price† (CSR Report 7), another threat Hershey contends with is changing consumer preference. The company is experiencing changing consumer trends toward premium and trade-up product segments (SWOT 4). † In order to adapt to the changing marketplace, Hershey will have to continue to constantly develop, produce and market new products. 4. Marketing Strategies In 1963 Hershey acquired H. B. â€Å"Harry† Reese’s Candy Company which had been making chocolate-covered peanut butter cups since 1928. In the early 1980s Hollywood producer Steven Spielberg met with Hershey executive Jack Dowd.The two struck a deal and the newly developed Reeses’s Pieces appeared in the legendary box office hit, E. T. : The Extraterrestrial. Fortunately for Hershey, the candy shared in the success. (thehersheycompany. com) Early this year in Las Vegas, NV, at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show, Hershey unveiled Reese’s Minis—smaller unwrapped versions of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. According to Anna Lingeris, spokesperson for Reese’s, â€Å"Techies at CES seek out cool innovations like min-tuners, mini-cams, nano-mice, mini-keyboards, and gotta-have gadgets so small you could fit a fistful in our pocket, so who says the next, big mini innovation can’t come from a candy company? (Business Wire 1/6/2011)† It remains to be seen whether this latest Reese’s marketing blitz is a success, however, the videos which spoof the â€Å"unboxing† trend in the tech world have had widespread play on YouTube and across a number of social networks (Business Wire 1/6/2011). This product falls in the popular hand-to-mouth category that, according to a recent Hershey presentation, presently makes up 16% of chocolate sales (adage. com 10/21/10).Erin Swanson, a Morningstar analyst, points ou t that this product is lower risk because it is an extension of an existing brand instead of an entirely new one. Hershey has tried its luck with some recent similar brand extensions. Modeled after Reese’s Pieces, early last year Hershey launched Almond Joy Pieces, York Pieces and Hershey’s Special Dark Pieces. According to a Hershey spokeswoman, Jody Cook, they launched these new products in hopes they would â€Å"entice consumers who eat the traditional form in a private setting to share a bag of Pieces in a social setting (nytimes. om 2/17/10)†. In 2005 the company introduced cookies by each of these three brands which were all discontinued a few years later. Hershey promoted the new product launch with a â€Å"wrapper reward program† which encouraged consumers to be one of the first 25,000 to mail in a wrapper from the full-size version of one of these candies. In turn, participants received a coupon for a free bag of the smaller product. Hershey reli es on promotional programs like this one as a marketing strategy to stimulate sales of certain products at various times throughout the year (2009 Annual Report p 5).We have a variety of promotional programs for our customers as well as advertising and promotional programsfor consumers of our products. We use our promotional programs to stimulate sales of certain products at various times throughout the year. Our sales are typically higher during the third and fourth quarters of the year, representing seasonal and holiday-related sales patterns. In late 2010 Hershey revealed plans to launch TV ads for PayDay and Hershey’s Syrup—two products that haven’t been promoted on television for a decade—alongside the new campaign for Reese’s Minis and Hershey’s Drops.According to CEO David West, this decision was made in response to the positive results from a pledge in 2008 to increase ad spending by 20% for two years. â€Å"Sales analysis consists of measuring and evaluating actual sales in relation to goals (Kotler and Keller 34). For the most part, the spending on these recent brands has exceeded expectations. Effective sales analysis highlighted the strong results Hershey won from their amped up efforts at promoting core brands like Kisses and Reese’s and caused them to later extend this effort to Twizzlers and Kit Kat.

Organizational Technology Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Organizational Technology Plan - Essay Example Those key objectives are: Continuously improving performances relating to environmental, health, and safety issues Reporting key data as often as possible to the public Operating various businesses and subsidiaries in a sustainable manner by having innovative products and services Making practices that benefit the environment, health, and safety of all a priority to benefit stakeholders. The driving force behind Eaton’s technological environment is sustainability. Eaton is committing to sustaining its practices through research of new technology, â€Å"green† technology, and the benefits that it can produce – for example, Eaton’s hydraulic systems are a combination of hybrid and electric powertrains that reduce emissions for the cars and trucks they are a part of. 2. Personal and organizational responsibilities for moral and ethical use of technology: Eaton has committed itself to holding every employee, in every office of every branch of its company accou ntable for any action, and was named in 2010 by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the world’s most ethical companies.

Operations Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 2

Operations Management - Essay Example Thus no organization can afford to be involved in non-value adding activities (Brown 2005). Non-value adding activities not only increase costs but also result in poor outputs, slow delivery and reduced flexibility to respond to the market forces. In our following discussion, we will start by understanding the various theories and latest practices in the field of Operations Management (OM). We will also try to understand the practical aspects of OM and see how these are actually implemented in the real organizational context. Since we need to analyze Aldi Stores, which is a chain of retail stores, we will look at the implications of Operations management in the field of retail management. Retail has become a very competitive field today. As retail chains were the first to enter into the globalization arena, especially international sourcing, this industry has reached a very mature level of internationalization of operations. Managing these operations to obtain the real benefits of internationalization is of critical importance for these organizations. Our aim in the pursuing sections will be to see how these concepts and theories of operations management as a whole (and in specific relation to the retail industry) can be used for obtaining operational excellence at Aldi Stores. Hence, we will first look at operations management examples that have provided competitive advantage to Aldi as well as its competitors Tesco, ASDA and J Sainsbury. This will be followed by a discussion on some OM problems being faced by these companies. A major concern of this field of management is the cost of implementation as it is highly dependent on technology. Thus, we will analyze the costs and benefits accrued from OM implementation at Aldi. After analyzing all aspects of the operations management we will look at some solutions to the problems faced by Aldi in this respect and arrive at some concrete recommendations for its

METHODS OF RESEARCH Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

METHODS OF RESEARCH - Assignment Example Answer to Question 5: Non-parametric methods make fewer assumptions; this shows why their applicability is more than the other parametric methods. They can be used in situations in which the purpose being researched has little information (Kothari, 2005). Answer to Question 7: The teacher will use inferential  statistical procedures. This means that the teacher will collect some students from each group and use them as a sample for the study and not necessarily the whole group (Kothari, 2005). The discussion also allows the researcher speculates on what he or she thinks the data is stating. In the method and results sections of the research, the presentation is limited to the project. In the Discussion part, the researcher makes what is like a conversation with the reader about the ideas. Critical research consumers read about and understand investigations on research. They determine of how much value the obtained data is. They also determine how adequate the research design is and if any other explanation exists for the obtained results. They also assess how adequate the conclusions

Ancient Chinese Contributions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Ancient Chinese Contributions - Essay Example Among of these ancient Chinese inventions or contributions include the movable type printing, toilet paper, porcelain, harnesses for horses, ship’s rudder, deep drilling, iron pillows, seed drill, compass, and row planting (Listverse Com, 2009, 207-210). Of the identified Ancient Chinese inventions or contributions, the four most ingenious or innovative inventions are the movable type printing, compass, porcelain, and toilet paper. The movable type of printing could be the most useful invention or contribution from the ancient Chinese, specifically from the Song Dynasty. History has a proof of how printing has evolved during the ancient times of Chinese in which, the first printing has produced a printed book from full-page woodcuts. Innovative approaches were tried back then to improve the quality and time of printing. Bi Sheng is one of the person who has developed innovations in the existing printing set up and has made reusable and typesetting techniques to clay-fired char acters (Listverse Com, 2009, 210). Due to its authenticity, the technology was not perfected until 1450s and after the emergence of metal type printing in 1490s. Without the printing technology that was brought to us by the ancient Chinese, historians might not have relay to us historical events, cultures, and customs which were attributed to ancient Chinese and other races. In addition, the discovery of printing technology has been very useful in the transfer of knowledge and in communication among nations. During the feudal period, the invention of a Chinese maritime compass have also been of great help in aspects of travel, exploration, and barter (exchange of goods). Sea explorers have adapted the use of compass at sea during 10th or 11th century to find the countries with rich number of resources or spices (Pelt & Matthews, 2010, 37). It has also been used for on land as a divination tool and as a direct finder. Unaware of the scientific breakthrough which this ancient inventio n has created, compass is ingenious to the ancient Chinese as it has served the foundation for thermoremanence technology. Because of the continuous innovations for the development of compass, ancient Chinese mariners has produced thermoremanence needles to replace lodestone spoons. In addition, the discovery of compass has paved the way for meeting other nations that could help in the exchange of goods, improvement of geographical knowledge, and enrichment of culture. Meanwhile, porcelain could not only be one of the most useful inventions or contributions but the most visible reflection of ancient Chinese influences. Porcelain was invented during the time of Sui Dynasty (581-618 AD) and was made from a mineral compound which was known for strength, translucence, and beauty (Listverse Com, 2009, 209). Chinese porcelain has been valued for its uniqueness as a very specific kind of ceramic was produced by extreme temperatures of a kiln. Back then, ancient Chinese used porcelain for c rockery purposes; but now, it is often used for aesthetic purposes as the beautiful cravings or inscriptions on the porcelain reflect the rich cultural arts of ancient Chinese. In addition, porcelain is also used as a material in the bathroom and in crown replacement for natural teeth in dentistry. Without this beautiful and artistic invention or contribution, pottery would be known to the world and the materials for bathroom or dentistry purposes would not be

End of Life Choices Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

End of Life Choices - Research Proposal Example In addition, the practice would lessen the urgency to develop new medicines designed to prolong life. Those who oppose the practice on religious grounds argue that it is ‘playing God’ therefore sinful. Health care professionals cite the Hippocratic Oath which forbids them from carrying out this procedure. This paper will examine the moral and ethical concerns surrounding euthanasia, clarify the meaning of the term, present arguments for the practice and conclude with a recommendation to resolve the issue. Euthanasia describes a situation in which a terminally ill patient is administered a lethal dose of medication, is removed from a life-support system or is simply allowed to die without active participation such as by resuscitation. A doctor’s involvement in the procedure could be to either prescribe a lethal dose of drugs with the express intent of ending a life or by intravenously inserting a needle into the terminal patient who then activates a switch that administers the fatal dose (Naji et al, 2005). Assisted suicide by physicians and non-physicians has been legal in Switzerland since WWII. In addition, three organizations within the country have been established to aid terminally ill patients. They provide patient counseling as well as the drugs for use in the procedure. Lethal injections, however, are not allowed. The unusual situation in Switzerland holds that assisted suicide is allowed as long as a physician is not a part of the process (Hurst & Mauron, 2003). Eutha nasia has been legal in Belgium since 2002. Each case must be reviewed by two physicians before the procedure is carried out by either ingestion or injection. In The Netherlands, euthanasia has been legal for four years but has been tolerated for two decades.

Executive Compensation Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Executive Compensation - Research Paper Example This essay demonstrates that Stumpff (2011) lamented that in the past three decades, executive compensation has been on a steady rise contrary to the growth of the average salary for employees, companies’ profitability, and even the national economy. In particular, between 1984 and 2004, it is reported that the executive compensation had recorded as the steady growth of 8.5% annually whilst the growth of company’s profitability only grew by 2.9% annually and the growth of per capita over the same period was only 2.9%. Stumpff (2011) further added that by 2006, company executives were earning 400 times more than average employees in America and the compensation was seemingly pegged on the size of the company and not necessarily the performance of the company.In a natural sense, if executive compensation was a reflection of a company’s performance then there would have been an equal growth of employees’ compensation to reflect the increased profitability. Mo reover, if the executive compensation would have been directly pegged on the financial performance of a company then it would not have recorded a steady growth, this is because the cyclical nature of business performance would have equally meant that executive compensation fluctuates rather than remain steady.   Conclusively, this present study asserts that executive compensation does not necessarily reflect the financial performance of an organization and also at times, it is excess especially when a company is performing poorly.  

Explore the ways in which Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth and Browning presents the speakers in Porphyria’s Lover, My Last Duchess and the Laboratory Essay Example for Free

Explore the ways in which Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth and Browning presents the speakers in Porphyria’s Lover, My Last Duchess and the Laboratory Essay Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth in such a way that she is shown as a strong and powerful woman. Her ability to manipulate Macbeth to murder Duncan in order to get more power is a key example of this aspect of her character. Browning also presents his speakers in a similar way to Shakespeare through their need to control. The main way that both authors achieve this is through the use of language. Techniques such as rhyming couplets and semantic fields are used to emphasise the control that the characters have or want to achieve. Additionally, a range of imagery is used throughout all of the texts, allowing the reader to gain an understanding of the characters. In their writing Shakespeare and Browning don’t follow the general patriarchal society which makes the murders so horrific and odd as women weren’t generally thought of as thinking of murder or committing a murder. Lady Macbeth tries to gain power by pushing Macbeth to murder Duncan, when she says she would have ‘dash’d the brains out, had [she] so sworn as [Macbeth]/ [Has] done to this’. This shows Lady Macbeth using horrific imagery to manipulate Macbeth into murdering Duncan as she is saying if she would ‘das[h]’ the brains out of her own child, he should be able to murder Duncan. Lady Macbeth wants to be more masculine so she feels more superior to Macbeth. Lady Macbeth uses violent imagery, which proposes that she isn’t the stereotypical woman that society suggests. The phrase ‘das[h] the brains out of her own child’ shows she is prepared to do anything to gain power. In the 17th century women were seen as nurturing and caring so to be thinking about murdering her own child would be seen as horrific. In a similar way Browning’s poem ‘The Laboratory’ also uses a variety of imagery; however here he particularly focuses on the imagery of death. The use of an exclamation mark at the end of ‘And Pauline should have just thirty minutes to live!’ shows the speaker is excited at the prospect of murdering her partner’s mistress as it is as though she is speaking in a loud or excited tone. The use of imagery ‘just thirty minutes’ shows that she likes the  pressure and the short time scale for murder. By doing this it emphasises the woman’s psychotic behaviour as women were generally not meant to even be thinking about murder never mind excited for it. In all three of Browning’s poems the speakers use self-justification for their actions. In ‘Porphyria’s Lover’ the speaker justifies murdering his lover. When the speakers says ‘From pride, and vainer ties dissever,/ And give herself to me forever,’ he justifies murdering his lover; he believes that, because she is a higher class than him, she cannot truly love him and is too proud to be with him. As there was no proof that the woman was going to love him he is using his deluded personality as an excuse for murdering her. In a similar way in ‘The Laboratory’ the killer also uses self-justification. The speaker describes ‘The soul from those masculine eyes’. This shows the speaker criticizing the enemy to make it look more acceptable that she is murdering someone. In society a woman is not generally thought of as a murderer, so by her describing the victim as a ‘masculine’ person she is trying to make her a ctions reasonable. Shakespeare and Browning both use semantic field of love and death with Browning particularly focusing on possession in ‘Porphyria’s Lover’. When the speaker says ‘she was mine, mine’ he implies he loves her so much that he wants to kill her so that no one else can have her. This is showing the speaker’s narcissist personality because he would rather her be dead so she can’t be with anyone else. This is similar to Shakespeare’s work as Lady Macbeth and Macbeth see the power as their possession. An example of semantic field of death in Macbeth is when Lady Macbeth says ‘who should against the murderer shit the door’. This contrasts with the semantic field of love in Macbeth. Through this juxtaposition, Shakespeare shows that lady Macbeth is willing to use her love as a means to manipulate Macbeth; she will use her love to control him, no matter what the cost. In both Macbeth and Browning’s ‘The Laboratory’, the speakers use masks, both literal and metaphorical, to cover up their psychotic behaviour. An example of this is in ‘The Laboratory’ where the speaker says ‘Now that I, tying thy glass mask tightly.’ Here, her mind is becoming fragmented and she is  literally hiding herself from others as she protects herself from the fumes. In Macbeth Lady Macbeth urges Macbeth to put the mask of a murderer back on- ‘Was the hope drunk/Wherein you’d dress yourself?’ –which suggests Macbeth is feeling guilty. If he adopts a faà §ade he’ll be able to kill without feeling remorse and no one will suspect them. This also implies that they are hiding their true personality and putting on a mask to hide what they are really going to do. People today still put on an act to hide their true feelings; Shakespeare and Browning’s texts allow the modern audience to relate t o this universal concept. Browning and Shakespeare both present their speakers as mentally disturbed but use rhyming couplets as a way to create stability to cover up their true personality. In ‘The Laboratory’ the speaker and her motivations are seen as troubling and sinister so using rhyming couplets, which creates a predictable pattern acts as an attempt to mask their true personality; the pattern attempts to impose a structure in her life. Browning also uses rhyming couplets in ‘My Last Duchess’ to also create stability to mask the speakers deranged personality; the couplets are limited, as is the Duchess’s life, so it suggests that the Duke has a level of structural control although he was unable to control her behaviour. In a similar way Shakespeare also uses rhyming couplets but uses them to show lady Macbeth’s firmness of decision: ‘Away, the mock the time with fairest show:/False face must hide what the false heart, doth know.’ Here Macbeth has giv en into Lady Macbeth’s persuasion and had made his final decision on murdering Duncan. Using rhyming couplets seems misplaced as they are orderly yet a murder isn’t. Shakespeare was influenced by The Gunpowder Plot as the link between Guy Fawkes’s plan to kill the king and Lady Macbeth’s idea to kill King Duncan was very similar in a way that it was unnatural to kill the king and go against what God has chosen. Shakespeare shows Lady Macbeth thinking and talking about murder; Browning also uses a woman as a murderer in ‘The Laboratory’. Both authors use women to show how horrific the murder really is, as women were seen as caring, mother figures who were automatically seen as kind and loving- so for women to be thinking of murder shows their psychotic personality and rebellion  against social expectations. An example of this is when Lady Macbeth says ‘unsex me here,’ which shows Lady Macbeth wanting to become more masculine, so she will be more capable of murder. By Shakespeare presenting Lady Macbeth in this way shows us that Lady Macbeth is capable of anything which is seen as unusual because women weren’t generally seen as being able to do a lot of things men were. Another example of this concept is in ‘The Laboratory’ when the speaker says ‘Sure to taste sweetly. This shows that the speaker finds pleasure in murdering someone. The speakers in ‘My Last Duchess’ and Lady Macbeth are both controlling and possessive. In ‘My Last Duchess’ the speaker says the metaphor ‘Taming a sea-horse.’ which suggests that the Duke has a controlling personality as it is like he is treating the Duchess as a slave and modelling her into what he wants her to be. The Duke shows he is controlling possessive as he says ‘That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall’; by using the possessive ‘my’ the Duke show us his true personality as he is saying the Duchess was, and still is, his. An example of possessiveness from Macbeth is ‘Only look up clear;†¦leave the rest to me.’ This shows Lady Macbeth being assertive and taking charge showing us her controlling and manipulative personality. By doing this it shows us that Lady Macbeth is the one who was the most power hungry as she is taking control and sorting everything out; it also shows that Macbet h is quite timid when it comes to Lady Macbeth because he just follows her orders. As women were seen as weaker than men, Lady Macbeth has to use Macbeth to get what she wants. In conclusion both Browning and Shakespeare present the characters as powerful and manipulative. Browning uses pronouns in both ‘The Laboratory’ and ‘My Last Duchess’ in order to show the relationships between the characters. Shakespeare also uses role reversal as he uses a woman telling a man what to do instead of the other way around; this could therefore be seen as subverting traditional gender roles. In this century a woman telling a man what to do is not seen as unusual but in the 17th century it wasn’t seen as the standard thing.

Victorian England Essay Example for Free

Victorian England Essay We are studying the novel Great Expectations which was written by Charles Dickens. In this novel Dickens shows his concerns about injustices within the society that he lives in and he intends to describe to us what his childhood and past life may have been like. This novel is written in first person narration. The form its written in is called bildungsroman. It means the protagonist of the book i. e. Pip is now grown up and is looking back on his life. I intend to compare the similarities between Chapter 1 and Chapter 20 focusing on the differences between both of them. Section 2: In the beginning of the novel Pip is standing lonely and desolate in a graveyard overlooking the graves of his parents and five brothers. He appears poor and vulnerable and lives with his sister and Joe Gargery (blacksmith). Since his parents died his sister has been raising him by hand. Dickens uses the weather and the fact that Pip feels lonely to create a frightening atmosphere and environment around Pip. When Pip is standing in the graveyard he is scared and caught by a convict called Magwitch. Magwitch catches Pip and hangs him in thin air whilst asking him his name and where he lives. Pip is terrified yet he replies with him name and tells Magwitch that he lives with the blacksmith. Magwitch shakes Pip a couple of times to empty out his pockets and he searches for any food he may be carrying. He then threatens Pip and makes him promise to bring him food tomorrow. He makes him swear he shall not tell anyone his location or a man Magwitch claims as his accomplice will find Pip and tear out his heart and his liver. Magwitch describes this man as brutal and says it will be hard to keep him away from Pip if Pip doesnt follow his instructions. Pip returns to his house and is insulted and hit by his sister while Joe defends him from her. Hes told to steal some food for the escaped convict. Dickens wants the reader to fell sorry for both Pip and Magwitch in this Chapter as they are both feeling lonely and need help. Section 3: Pip and Magwitch and both very vulnerable and scared characters. Pip is scared of Magwitch not knowing that he in turn is also scared of the soldiers that have been sent out to capture him. Pip gives the file and the food to Magwitch telling him that there is also another escaped convict in the nearby area and that the soldiers are close by searching as the gunshots are being heard by everyone. Quotations: Missing Dickens intends to reflect the real Victorian society by showing that instead of Mrs . Joe sending Pip to live elsewhere she keeps him by herself. Also, the convicts want to escape prison because they are being kept in hulks and the living conditions are terrible. The transport during Victorian days was mainly walking. ( During the days when Charles Dickens was growing up trains existed but he chooses to write his novels in the past tense even from his time). When convicts were given harsh punishments they were mainly transported to Australia and should they choose to return they would be killed. Dickens links the novel to Victorian England and shows that the poor and uneducated arent treated in the same way as the rich people were. Section 4: In Chapter 20 Pip has changed from being a child and is now twenty three years old. He has lost most of his morals in trying to become a gentleman. He now knows how to present himself in society and the people around him but knows nothing of how he should behave with his old friend and mentor, Joe. Also Pip has changed from being poor to having wealth. Pip is the same in some ways such as feeling guilty about anything he does wrong but as well as his wealth, he has also had a change in his attitude. He behaves as if most people are beneath him and his is better then them in most ways so basically he thinks himself better then anyone else and is bigheaded. He lives with his roommate and best friend Herbert Pocket. Dickens is using first person narration in this novel to present Pip in different ways as compared to Chapter 1. Pips arrogance and ungratefulness towards his true benefactor is shown through what he thinks. Pip doesnt like the fact that his benefactor is a criminal who he helped in his childhood. Section 5: Once again Dickens has presented us with atmosphere that frightens Pip just like in Chapter 1. Dickens highlights the fact that the weather is once again stormy, rainy and cloudy all the time. He creates the same conditions that occurred the first time that Magwitch entered Pips life thus introducing the fact that Magwitch will return in this Chapter. When Magwitch shows up at Pips flat, Pip is terrified and he still thinks of Magwitch as the powerful figure from his childhood and starts feeling vulnerable not knowing that Magwitch feels the same way as he is a return convict from Australia and could end up in prison again. Pip is surprised to find out about Magwitch having given him enough money to cover his expenses and live like a gentleman. He appears to be the same as he was all those years ago, he behaves and acts as if him and Pip are very close when in fact Pip is horrified over what he has just found out. He wants to be able to live with Pip and he thinks of him as a very nice person for having helped him when he was a child. Section 6: At the beginning of Chapter 20 Pip is faced with tough decisions. He is confused about how to deal with the circumstances he is faced with. When Pip is faced with the reality that Mrs. Havisham has not been his benefactor and therefore realises that means that Mrs. Havisham had not intention of wanting him to marry Estella. He thinks that he has been cheated and Pip doesnt like the fact that whatever he has achieved has been accomplished by the convict and murderer who Pip helped during his childhood. First person narration is used here to explain Pips disappointment and sadness. When Pip about Magwitch having funded him he is not pleased besides knowing that Magwitch is a criminal he also knows that this means Miss Havisham was not preparing him to marry Estella therefore there is now no hope for him being able to do so. Conclusion: At the time this novel was written the justice system in Victorian England was very harsh especially with the poor people. Dickens has shown Magwitch as a very nice person who is good hearted and wants to help Pip in any way that he can but he finds it hard to do so because since he has gotten in trouble with the law. If he chooses to return to England and meet Pip he will suffer harsh justice. Since he murdered his partner, Compeyson then Magwitch will be put to death. During the time Dickens wrote this novel the death penalty was very common and whilst writing each of his novels he chooses a character who is poor and suffering due to the legal system. Through Pips experiences in this novel we can now fully understand that the poor arent treated equally to the rich in any way. The poor are mainly uneducated and the rich live exquisite lifestyles in which they are free to do whatever they please. Victorian England is projected as full of injustice ands the differences between rich and poor is emphasized.

Tackling Obesity at a Global Level

Tackling Obesity at a Global Level Shirley PANG Obesity has become increasingly recognized as a serious health issue and has aroused public concern. World-wide, 475 million adults and 200 million teenagers are currently struggling with obesity (World Obesity Federation, 2014). The majority are in America and Europe (Ibid). This phenomenon results from diet imbalance due to over-consumption of calories and lack of exercise. Not only are people suffering from several types of disease such as heart problems and high blood pressure (World Obesity Federation, 2014), but also are being suffering discrimination by society as abnormal. The prevalence of obesity has been rising extensively and constantly in UK over the past two decades (Public Health England, 2014). Currently, 67% of males and 57% of women suffer from obesity or are overweight (Tran, 2014). Obesity is not just destructive and antagonizing to patients’ own physical health, but also a heavy burden to the government and the whole economy. This essay will examine the ca use of obesity and drawbacks of unsatisfactory levels of obesity. The conclusion of the paper present various strategies used in Denmark and UK to reduce the levels of obesity. Firstly, wholesome foods such as organic vegetables and vitamins are getting more expensive than ever and have become relatively expensive for citizens. For example, the cost of fruit and vegetables rose markedly by 17% in 1997 and 2003 (DeFusco, 2014). Obviously, non-nutritious foods such as canned foods and processed foods are cheaper, which provides an incentive for customers to purchase them. (Harvard School of Public Health, n.d.). As a result, unwholesome food trades a bigger market than fresh food. Low-income families tend to spend more on bargain groceries, and having a higher consumption rate of junk food in households induces a high obesity rate (Yale Rudd Centre, n.d.) The different structures of price greatly impact chronic obesity, which is why governments seek to implement a fat tax to prohibit such a situation. Secondly, moving to another cause of obesity. Continuing physical activity delivers the benefit of burning calories. Without a doubt, people are contributing less and less of their time to exercise that maintains a healthy lifestyle. This globalization of this circumstance commonly occurs because of shifts in economic development and modern technology (Harvard School of Public Health, n.d.). In the United Kingdom, people are less active as result their desire to own a vehicle instead of walking or cycling (Ibid). Frequently diet or eating high calorie foods, especially sugars and fats, which gradually accumulate in the body without regular physical exertion (NHS Choices, 2014). As a consequence, there has been a modest increase in mortality. It is compelling that insufficient physical activity is a crucial explanation for the growth in obesity. Obesity is considered as a potential threat to life expectancy. Heart disease is the main cause of fatalities, killing 598,000 people annually (FOX, 2013). Heart disease is followed by cancer, which causes 575,000 deaths annually (Ibid). Cardiovascular diseases are come from overweight (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). Officially, the expected longevity for a female is 81 years, while for a male it is 76.2 years (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). The measure of body mass index (BMI) is a tool for assessing the appropriate level of weight (NHS Choices, 2014). Researchers investigated the effect of body mass index on life span. A BMI of 30-35 kg/m2, which is regarded as modest obesity, causes a loss of 3 years of lifetime (University of Oxford, 2009). A BMI with 40-50kg/m2, which is considered as morbid obesity, causes a decrease in lifetime of 8 to 10 years (Ibid). Thus, the greater BMI value, the higher the likelihood that people will be afflicted w ith various types of disease. It is noteworthy that obesity both maximizes the risk of death and minimizes the quantity of life. We will now consider the negative connection in between obesity and income. Obese employees have diminished job prospects and fewer opportunities for promotion. Theoretically, wage is determined by how much a worker contributes to a company (Cawley, 2011). For example, not only does obesity contribute to limited productivity, which leads to reduced company profit, but it also increases the likelihood of diseases, leading to workers frequently applying for sick leave with a higher cost for health insurance (Havard School of Public Health, 2012). Therefore, an obese worker produces less output and reduces company profit, causing that employer to avoid hiring or promoting obese workers. Food and beverages plays a vital role in declining obesity rates because of the calories that they contain a huge energy. The UK government has reported that excess calories are the result of sugar (Public Health England, 2014). Therefore, The UK department of Health declared a â€Å"Calorie reduction pledge† would be implemented. These days, 39 food companies have given support and signed an agreement agreeing to reduce sugar and calories in soft drinks (Department of Health, 2014). Coca-Cola is a large-scale manufacturer retailing a wide variety of drinks. Apart from reducing calories in carbonated drinks, Coca-Cola is also providing a detailed accounting of the calories in their drinks and providing easily understood nutrition labeling on their improved products. To illustrate, cola without sugar and calories accounted for 42 % of beverages sold (Department of Health, 2014).The producer has encouraged their retail merchants to purchase Diet Coke and Coca‑Cola Zero be cause these drinks are without calories and sugar (Coca-Cola, n.d.). Apparently, the motivation is to assist their customers to improve their lifestyle though promotion of healthy beverages. Without enforcement of legislation, advertising continuously promotes unwholesome food products. Advertising has been recognized as a highly effective medium for communication, and for selling products to particular targets, particularly aimed at obese people and children (Dehghan, Akhtar-Danesh and Merchant, 2005). Research has verified that 10% of advertisements promote confectionary or fast food chain restaurants such as KFC or McDonalds during family time (BBC News, 2014). Children and obese people are powerfully susceptible to choosing foods as a result of broadcast stations which promote a variety of food and beverage and large scale convenience food restaurants. Meanwhile, they prefer eating morsels of photo chips, and snacks with carbonated drinks instead of food with good nourishment. Therefore, the advertising legislation was officially announced starting from April 2007 by the regulator, Office of Communications. Ofcom analyzed the outcome and efficiency of the scheme by c ontrasting 2005 and 2008. They found that children watched advertisement with unhealthy foods 41% less (Department of Health, 2012). With unhealthy products sharply dismissed from advertising, children watching advertising fell by 25% (Office of Communications, 2010). These data indicated a considerable reduction of opportunities to view harmful advertising. Food advertisement is a form of marketing skill, providing a variety of information and affecting food choices and the preferences of viewers. A corporation mostly seeks to earn profits and attain turnover. Hence, rigid rules and regulation on advertising have decreased purchases of fast food. Physical activity reduces the cost of obesity and improves economic effectiveness. A study has recommended that an adult should exercise for 2.5 hours weekly while an adolescent and youngster should spend more than 7 hours per week exercising, on average. (World Health Organization, 2010). The unexpected outcome was that merely 27.1% of high school students actually allocate 60 minutes for a daily exercise (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). The survey indicated that less than 48% of adults fulfilled the requirement(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). The imposition of taxes is a global strategy used to reduce the prevalence of obesity by shifting food choice to away from the consumption of unhealthy and fatty foods. In fact, taxing is not only implemented to curb obesity, it is used to improve the average life experience by reducing heath disease and other serious illnesses (Kaplan, 2013). Denmark as an example, being the first European country to apply a surcharge on high saturated foods. The surcharges were applied to foods containing more than 2.3% of saturated fats, butter, meat and Danish pastries (Channel 4 News, 2011). Prices increased sharply by 14% for oils and fats, 4% for meats and 3% for milk (Petkantchin, 2013).In addition, healthier foods are taxed favorably versus junk foods which are taxed heavily, making them costly. As a result of, consumers lowered their demand for butter, cream and cheese by almost 7% (Snowdon, 2013). Not all the consumers could suffer the increase in the price, especially for those needy peop le. For public of the view, perspective of tax collecting was pessimistic although markup the price to regulated consumer purchase fatty food. The public was displeased about the increased prices due to taxation however the tax was successful at reducing the consumption of fatty foods. Bibliography BBC News, (2014).Ban TV junk food ads until 21:00, say campaigners. [Online] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-26665952 [Accessed 7 Jul. 2014]. Cawley, J. (2011).The Obesity Wage Penalty. [Online] The New York Times. Available at: http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2011/11/28/should-legislation-protect-obese-people/the-obesity-wage-penalty [Accessed 29 Jul. 2014]. Coca-Cola, (n.d.).Coca-Cola Enterprises : Product Portfolio. [Online] Available at: https://www.cokecce.com/corporate-responsibility-sustainability/product-portfolio [Accessed 7 Jul. 2014]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (2014).Facts about Physical Activity. [Online] Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/data/facts.html [Accessed 28 Jul. 2014]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (2014).Physical Activity Adolescent and School Health. [Online] Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/physicalactivity/facts.htm [Accessed 28 Jul. 2014]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (2014).FastStats How Healthy Are We. [Online] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/healthy.htm [Accessed 31 Jul. 2014]. DeFusco, D. (2014).High Cost of Fruits, Vegetables Linked to Higher Body Fat in Young Children | News | School of Public Affairs | American University. [Online] American University, School of public affair. Available at: http://www.american.edu/spa/news/fruits-vegetables-children-study.cfm [Accessed 3 Jul. 2014]. Dehghan, M., Akhtar-Danesh, N. and Merchant, A. (2005). Childhood obesity, prevalence and prevention.Nutrition journal, [online] 4(1), p.4. Available at: http://www.nutritionj.com/content/4/1/24#sec3 [Accessed 27 Jun. 2014]. Department of Health, (2014).Responsibility Deal annual updates 2013/14 published today. [Online] Available at: https://responsibilitydeal.dh.gov.uk/responsibility-deal-annual-updates-201314-published-today/ [Accessed 6 Jul. 2014]. Harvard School of Public Health, (n.d.).Physical Activity. [Online] Harvard School of Public Health. Available at: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-causes/physical-activity-and-obesity/#references [Accessed 28 Jun. 2014]. Harvard School of Public Health, (2012).Economic Costs. [Online] Available at: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-consequences/economic/#references [Accessed 29 Jul. 2014]. Mayhew, L. (2009).The impact of obesity on life expectancy. [Online] Cass Business School. Available at: http://www.cass.city.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2009/april2/the-impact-of-obesity-on-life-expectancy [Accessed 31 Jul. 2014]. NHS Choices, (2014).Whats your BMI? [Online] NHS Choices. Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/loseweight/Pages/BodyMassIndex.aspx [Accessed 31 Jul. 2014]. NHS Choices, (2014).Causes of obesity. [Online] Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Obesity/Pages/Causes.aspx [Accessed 31 Jul. 2014]. Public Health England, (2014).About Obesity [Online] Available at: http://www.noo.org.uk/NOO_about_obesity [Accessed 25 Jun. 2014]. Tran, M. (2014).Cadbury makes anti-obesity pledge with cap on chocolate bar calories. [Online] Guardian. Available at: http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/jun/03/cadbury-anti-obesity-pledge-cap-chocolate-calories-mondelez [Accessed 7 Jul. 2014]. West Virginia Health Statistic Center, (n.d.).Section One Continued OBESITY AND MORTALITY. [Online] West Virginia Health Statistic Center. Available at: http://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/oehp/obesity/mortality.htm [Accessed 30 Jul. 2014]. Worldobesity.org, (2014).World Obesity Federation about Obesity. [Online] Available at: http://www.worldobesity.org/aboutobesity/ [Accessed 25 Jun. 2014]. World Health Organization, (2010).Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health. 1st ed. [eBook] World Health Organization, p.8. Available at: http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2010/9789241599979_eng.pdf [Accessed 28 Jul. 2014]. Yale Rudd Centre, (n.d.).Rudd Center for Food Policy Obesity — What We Do — Economics — Topics: Food Prices. [online] Yaleruddcenter.org. Available at: http://www.yaleruddcenter.org/what_we_do.aspx?id=85 [Accessed 3 Jul. 2014]. University of Oxford, (2009).Moderate obesity takes years off life expectancy. [Online] University of Oxford. Available at: http://www.ox.ac.uk/media/news_stories/2009/090317.html [Accessed 31 Jul. 2014]. Chan, K., Prendergast, G., Grà ¸nhà ¸j, A. and Bech-Larsen, T. (2011).Danish and Chinese adolescents’ perceptions of healthy eating and attitudes toward regulatory measures. 3rd ed. Emerald Group Publishing Limited, p.219 Channel 4 News, (2011).Denmark introduces fat tax on food. [Online] Available at: http://www.channel4.com/news/denmark-introduces-fat-tax-on-food [Accessed 26 Jun. 2014]. Office of Communications, (2004).Childhood Obesity à ± Food Advertising in Context. 1st ed. [eBook] Office of Communications, p.13. Available at: http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/research/tv-research/report2.pdf [Accessed 26 Jun. 2014] National obesity observatory, (no date).TV viewing and obesity in children and young people. [eBook] Available at: http://www.noo.org.uk/uploads/doc/vid_15867_TV_viewing.pdf [Accessed 27 Jun. 2014]. Department of Health, (2012).An update on the government’s approach to tackling obesity. [eBook] National Audit Office, p.25. Available at: http://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/tackling_obesity_update.pdf [Accessed 27 Jun. 2014]. Office of Communications, (2010).HFSS advertising restrictions. 1st ed. [eBook] Office of Communications, pp.2-3. Available at: http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/research/tv-research/hfss-review-final.pdf [Accessed 28 Jun. 2014] Benson, B., Ferris, A., Eberle, M. and Huntington, C. (2008).The Economic Impact of Prevention. 1st ed. [ebook] University of Connecticut, p.i. Available at: www.publichealth.uconn.edu/assets/economicimpact_06_25_08_final.pdf [Accessed 28 Jun. 2014]. NHS, (n.d.).Obesity Causes NHS Choices. [Online] Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Obesity/Pages/Causes.aspx [Accessed 28 Jun. 2014]. Stanford Hospital Clinics, (n.d.).What Causes Obesity?. [Online] Available at: http://stanfordhospital.org/clinicsmedServices/COE/surgicalServices/generalSurgery/bariatricsurgery/obesity/causes.html [Accessed 1 Jul. 2014]. Harvard School of Public Health, (2013).Eating healthy vs. unhealthy diet costs about $1.50 more per day. [online] Available at: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/healthy-vs-unhealthy-diet-costs-1-50-more/ [Accessed 1 Jul. 2014]. Kaplan, K. (2013).Denmark aims to improve health with. [online] Los Angeles Times Articles. Available at: http://articles.latimes.com/2011/oct/03/news/la-heb-fat-tax-denmark-20111013 [Accessed 2 Jul. 2014]. Petkantchin, V. (2013).Nutritiontaxes:thecostsofDenmarksfattax. [ebook] Institutà ©conomiqueMolinari, p.3. Available at: http://www.institutmolinari.org/IMG/pdf/note0513_en.pdf [Accessed 2 Jul. 2014]. Snowdon, C. (2013).The Proof of the Pudding: Denmarks fat tax fiasco. 1st ed.[ebook] The Institute of Economics Affairs, p.20. Available at: http://www.nzjba.org.nz/myfiles/The_Proof_of_the_Pudding.pdf [Accessed 2 Jul. 2014]. European Commission/EACEA/Eurydice, 2013. Physical Education and Sport at School in Europe Eurydice Report. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union. P.1

Birth Of Communication Essay -- essays research papers fc

Outline I.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It is important to reflect one’s own national and cultural identity to understand what is different among people of different nations. History teaches us that culture always changes because of internal or external influences, even our own cultures and values change over time. Our world today is a world in which people from different nations and cultures are getting closer and closer because of economical and political reasons. Because cultures are becoming closer, communication is the most important quality for anyone to work on if they want to work in the international society. The history of communication and the relationships that were formed in the early part of worldwide communication still reflect the relationships held between nations today. The question is how have cultural differences evolved as technology increased? Although many things have indeed changed in individual cultures and values, the knowledge of how communications work today can only be learned from studying communications of yesterday. II.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At the turn of the century, Asia seemed very close because of â€Å"great modern inventions. However, the close feeling was only on communication terms. Culturally the effect of communication was a very complicated process. III.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although international communication was non-existent between distant countries only a few hundred years ago, cultural differences are accentuated today as an effect of communication technology. III.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Development of International Communication A.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  19th century Asian Culture B.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  19th century American Culture V.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  America meets new countries A.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Talking to Asia B.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Thoughts of the world about the new player called America IV.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Tensions A.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Countries who became stronger or weaker (politically and economically) because of communication B.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  How did those who became stronger use communication to their advantage? (Politically) C.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  How the weaker countries reacted, and exposed themselves to the world as a culture. (If they did) V.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ben... ...c: An Inner History of American-East Relations. New York: Harcourt, Brace & World, Inc, 1967. Koester, Jolene, and Myron Lustig. Intercultural Communication and Competence. Vol 17.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  California: Sage Publications, 1993 Mancall, Mark. China at the Center: 300 Years of Foreign Policy. New York: The Free Press, 1984. Pong, David, and Edmund S.K. Fung, eds. Ideal and Reality: Social and Political Change in Modern China. Lanham: University press of America, 1985. Bibliography Fogel, Joshua A. The Cultural Dimension of Sino-Japanese Relations: Essays on the nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries. NewYork: M.E. Sharpe, 1995. Chang, Gordon H. Friends and Enemies: The United States, China, and the Soviet Union, 1948-1972. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1990. Carbaugh, Donal, ed. Cultural Communication and Intercultural Contact. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers, 1990. Hart, Robert. The Eccentric Tradition: American Diplomacy in the Far East. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1976. Fischer, Heinz-Dietrich, and John Calhoun Merrill, eds. International and Intercultural Communication. New York: Hastings House Publishers, 1970.

what is the sociological perspective (imagination) Essay -- essays res

Question 1: What is the sociological perspective?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What is the nature of the social sciences? This is the question that began the study of society, first performed by C. Wright Mills in his development of the idea of the sociological imagination. There are many different aspects to the sociological perspective. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines perspective as â€Å"the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance†. Having a sociological perspective means that you view all of societies components and their relationship to the individual. First I will discuss how individuals are socialized. Next I will point out societal structures role in that socialization. Finally I will discuss how the sociological perspective allows us to view different inequalities in the world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  While growing up we rarely think about why we do things the way that we do, and make the decisions that we make. From infancy we are socialized, meaning that we are trained how to exist within our social environment. By developing a sociological perspective we are able to see that we are socialized, and view how our social environment has an effect on the decisions that we make. Social environments differ across many boundaries including, but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, and class. For example I was raised within a poor, Caucasian, single parent, low class family, which means that the deci...

Privatization in India Essay

Ram Mohan Visiting Faculty, Finance and Accounting Area Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, India Abstract The proposed research is intended to survey the process of privatization in India and assess its impact on the Indian economy. The central issue we will address is the impact of privatization that has taken place so far on profitability and performance of PSUs. Going beyond this, we will attempt to understand what explains the impact of privatization on performance. Is it the use of market power by oligopolistic firms whose pricing power had been constrained under government ownership ? Is performance bought at the expense of labour through extensive layoffs so that what we see is essentially a transfer from workers to shareholders ? Or are we confusing the impact of privatization with the more generalised impact of deregulation in the economy, which in itself could spur efficiency ? The research output will comprise the following: 1. A survey of the literature on privatization, particularly with respect to less developed countries. 2. A review of the role of the public sector in the Indian economy, and the process of economic liberalization and privatization in India upto this point. 3. Impact of privatization on firm performance. 4. Explanation for the impact of privatization 5. Assessment of mechanisms of corporate governance in India. -2- I. Background: privatization in theory and practice A great wave of privatization has swept the world in the past two decades, embracing the industrial economies, the transition economies of East Europe and large parts of the less developed world, and it continues to roll on. It is interesting, however, that its basis in theory was somewhat shaky to start with. Moreover, a sizable enough body of empirical evidence, on which hypotheses about its impact could be tested, became available only several years down the road. So much of the initial impetus to privatization entailed a leap in faith, and, as happens all too often in the development of knowledge, attempts to explain its impact have followed on the heels of widespread existing practice.

West Coast Limited

West Coast Limited is a company that specializes in PC Hardware, printers, monitors, software, parts and range of AV equipment.   There are currently eight employees including:   One administration person, three small parts people, two forklift drivers, a manager and one goods inward department employee.In this company, each person has been taking many roles.   The following has been discovered:   The administration person handles the role primarily of checking in goods as they are received.   In addition, the administration person assists the small parts people when she has time.   The small parts people currently put away small parts then assist bookkeeping when finished. Their duties also include moving stock, unloading stock, and assisting the manager when needed.The forklift drivers spent approximately 30% of their time consolidating things then putting items away that were received by shipping.   The manager spends his time answering emails and answering the phone . He is responsible for all scanners we well, which can be time consuming considering they move very slowly.   The goods inward rep works in the department and handles strictly goods inward.Developmental NeedsIn reviewing the company’s daily tasks and the roles of the individual staff, I have recognized there are primarily ten different tasks which are pertinent to be completed daily.   The tasks include:   Checking goods in as they arrive, putting away small parts, consolidating bins, putting away receivables with forklift for larger items, bookkeeping, moving stock, checking paperwork, answering phones, answering emails and incoming scanners.There are five official titles including: forklift driver, manager, goods inward department, small parts and administration.   All of these job titles are currently performing a mixture of functions which can be damaging to the organization. First, each person is spending only a certain amount of time on their area then assistin g another area.   This is a problem considering there is a specific job that needs to be done to its fullest. Having a number of hands in the pot of each area is leaving too much room for error.   It is easy to have a lack of communication when there are so many different people working at different times, in no apparent schedule.The developmental needs begin with creating a job description for each title and defining the objectives that are needed to be completed daily.   The job description should also provide the steps necessary in order to be recognized for advancement, as well as what advancement opportunities will come next. Advancement opportunities need to be developed. This can include promotion to manager of that area, as well as the chance to post out of your department and try for a new role.   Doing this will encourage employees to be ready for change, and gain excitement in that area.In order to prepare advancement opportunities, individual performances should be measured.   This should be measured annually beginning with this year.   To begin the process of a pay scale should be created for each department and clearly communicated to the employee in that area where they stand. The key elements of what is required should be provided in a written job description.   Additionally, the steps to be measured in a performance evaluation should be provided to the employees. This will create an open environment and begin the process of communication as employees will feel informed, every step of the way.Developmental Opportunities for the TeamTeam building exercises should take place in order to build open communication.   This can be done by each department. Each department should evaluate what objectives that they need met at this time, as well as search for areas that they may be deficient and need help.   Times can be established that other departments and team members can be assigned to help the lagging department get caught up. In return, the assisting department should be prepared with a list of items that they need help with, and be prepared to ask for the same help in return.Having excellent communication is very important in times of change. Everyone handles changes differently, which is why it is important during a transition to emphasize on communication.   In order to ensure a good development of this, meetings should be held. An initial meeting, company wide should be held in order to advise employees of what transitions will take place. An estimated time frame for restructure should be provided.   An update as to the reasons for the transitions should be provided.   A point of contact for questions and concerns should be established and provided.Once an initial meeting has been completed, a regular schedule for meeting updates should be provided.   This will keep employees informed.Developmental Opportunities for each IndividualThe first step for development for an each individual is to sched ule a time for the employee to meet with the manager. This meeting should consist of the employee receiving their job description. The job description should define daily tasks and specifications. It should also provide the measurement tools of this position. The annual review process should be introduced to employees, advising of the steps that they will bemeasured. The employee should also be encouraged to offer assistance when needed, to other areas that are delinquent in their daily completion of tasks.   Considering each person will have defined duties, the process of doing their position part of the day then assisting other area’s will be deleted. The individual will only assist other areas when it is determined by management that it is necessary to obtain additional help versus offering overtime to the employees of that department.   Additionally, any questions or feedback should be encouraged. Training opportunities need to be discussed in the meeting.   This wi ll include reviewing the job description with the employee to obtain any pertinent information as to any training needs that they feel they need.Development Objectives Based on the Needs for Development, Opportunities for Team and Each IndividualIn order to define objectives for each individual, a short quiz or questionnaire should be provided containing the following questions:â€Å"Take a minute to consider your daily work tasks and identify the tools and skills you will need to perform them.What personal qualities are needed to succeed describe the mental and physical skills and tools you use to get motivated for classes, tests, presentations and reviews† (ferret 2003)This will evaluate where the employee stands and get a good idea of the additional training that they will need to receive if any in order to do a good job. This questionnaire will also identify the employee’s objectives and interest in their current roles.Team building should be encouraged considering each person is used to putting their hands in a lot of areas. Everyone reacts different to change. therefore it is important to be prepared to handle different reactions to the changes being made.   In prevention of lack of communication, the following points should be reviewed in company meetings:â€Å"1. Be aware of your feelings.  2. See the value in diversity  3. Treat people as individuals  4. Treat people with respect  5.   Be aware of differences  6. Listen7. Get involved8. Take risks9. Apologize when you make a mistake10. Speak out11. Encourage representation† (ferret 2003).Another strategy should be used to encourage adaptation to change. This includes encourage.   Encouragement should be in the area of changing the way of thinking.   Currently the daily thought process includes looking at tasks as a partial project until moving on to a new area.   This needs to be changed to looking at the big picture in effort to ensure quality and productivity .   This can be done with a lesson.   The recommended lesson is:â€Å"Working in Day Units† (Davidson 2004) as The â€Å"60 Second Procrastinator† (Davidson 2004) suggests, you need to take each project that needs to be done and organize this by each day.   For this company it will include: the amount of inventory coming in for the day, the amount of emails, busy phone times, busy email times, arranging inventory put away and small parts put away by the amount of volume. Organize the volume expected to be conducted by that department by the day and treat each day as an opportunity. Once this becomes a pattern then the company will be accustom to functioning in this manner.Assess the Program Against Development ObjectivesThe program that I designed will meet development objectives. It is designed to bring out the training issues which may exist from each employee, and to format each person with a job description, to be sure that each area is being handled by someo ne that is familiar with the whole picture of that area.   This will ensure a 100 percent focus on each area, instead of having someone who only does that part of the time, working in the area. The program is designed to create a smooth flow of operations, and provide initiatives for employees so that they want to stay with the company.In addition, the program is a developmental tool for each person. It will help to open communication and show each person that they are valued. It will encourage participation from those interested in advancement. When opportunities are provided along with objectives, people will meet those if they feel they will be rewarded and recognized.Planning the Work Activities for the TeamThe new structure for daily work activities will be as follows:Goods inward department will check in goods as they come in and handle incoming scannersOne small parts girl will put away small parts The other small parts girl will consolidate the bins Forklift driver will pu t things away that require a forklift Forklift driver will move large items that require a forklift Administration will do bookkeeping, answer phones and respond to emails Manager will oversee daily operations, and review department objectives. He will measure areas that need improvement and delegate others to assist if departments are delinquentIf there is a time when the department is clear of duties, then a list of ongoing items should be compiled in order to keep busy, such as reviewing daily tasks to ensure completion as well as preparation for upcoming busy times.Gaining Commitment for Work Activities from your TeamHave employees sign a slip recognizing that they have been advised of their job description.   Have a one on one with each employee to make sure that they are comfortable with the process and are aware of the changes that will be made.   Give them a mission statement of the company.   Give them knowledge of what the performance evaluation will entail and the a mount of raise they could receive next year according to their accomplishments.Encouraging Involvement and Assessing Progress of Work ActivitiesThe manager should provide positive reinforcement. A good tool is to keep a white board in the meeting area. A new affirmation should be listed daily for each person to review at their leisure. Whether employees comment on this or not, it is a positive reinforcement tool. An example of one of the affirmations could be:   â€Å"Every day is an opportunity- I can’t get to Friday until I step on Monday†. (Harrell 2003) He should be out and in the work area’s available to answer any questions, all while performing procedure verification to be sure that the people are doing daily tasks, and to check the progress of what is being done. He should be notified of any problem areas and then once the problem area’s in order to provide compliance.Modifying Plans to Ensure that Performance Objectives are Being Met and Relati ng this to Day to Day Management Activities:Day to day management activities should include reviewing the work areas for accomplishments daily and performing daily walk thru’s. Morning meetings to reviews and accomplishments and goals should be conducted. This will also create enthusiasm and promote positive attitudes. Managers should establish a clear set of goals pertaining to what needs to get accomplished and follow up on those goals.   One on one coaching and mentoring should be provided on a daily basis. One day a week can be spent with each area in order to accomplish this.ConclusionThere’s a lot of work to be completed, however the most positive asset that this company has at this time includes the fact that each employee has a good knowledge of primarily all areas. Despite the fact that each person will have their own job description, this experience provides a broad overview of the company and gives each department some objectives to work toward if they are interested in advancement.In conclusion, this company has daily activities established. However; they need to spend time to organize, inform, and provide incentives. Once the company is organized, they will be more productive, at which time more business will arrive.   Once employees are informed, and given tools necessary to exceed they will feel valued and important. Valued employees are happy employees, which leaves little room for turnover.ReferencesFerrett, Sharon K. Peak Performance: Success in College and Beyond.   California: Glencoe/McGraw Hill, 2003Davidson, Jeff. The 60 Second Procrastinator. Massachusetts: AdamsMedia, 2004Harrell, Keith. Attitude is Everything. New York: HarperCollins, 2003A

Arab nationalism in the years 1900-2001 Essay

How significant was the presence of foreign powers as an influence on the nature and growth of Arab nationalism in the years 1900-2001 Throughout the century it is evident that the presence of foreign powers has had a substantial influence on the nature and growth of Arab nationalism which has suffered many peaks and troughs over the years. The fluctuations of Arab nationalism have come as a by product of what is a combination of foreign country’s power hungry self interest and demand for greater natural resources such as oil and greater land. What was once a strong anti-ottoman feeling in the early 1900’s began to develop largely into anti west sentiments which were largely geared towards anti imperialism once the mandate system was set up during the 1920’s. Moreover, after conflict between borders and a continuing anti Zionist affection shown during the Arab Israeli conflict, Arab nationalism began to rise through the 1950’s and peaked after the Suez crisis, and a largely anti imperialist action of nationalising the Canal in 1956. Over the century the Arab Israeli conflict has been more of an integral influence on Arab nationalism than any other. The 1917 Balfour Declaration recognized the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine severely undermining the Sykes-Picot agreement[1] that had aimed to hand over control of Syria, Lebanon and Turkish Cilicia to the French and Palestine, Jordan, and Baghdad to the British. Walter Zander argues that this declaration was simply out of British ‘‘strategic interest’’[2] Increased Jewish immigration in to Palestine added greater strain to tensions between them and the Arab states. Problems continued in 1936 when Arabs launched a spontaneous rebellion against British rule and the increasing Zionist presence in Palestine[3]. Arab nationalism had developed into an anti imperialistic ideology following the mandate system created and maintained and increased its anti Zionist feelings more and more. During the post World War Two period in 1945 League of Arab States was founded and Egypt, Syria, and Iraq and Lebanon united to work for Arab independence and to oppose Zionist aspirations in Palestine[4].With violence between Arabs and Jews reaching uncontrollable levels and Britain withdrawing its military personnel from Palestine in 1948. Moshe Gat stated that Egypt, and indeed the entire Arab world, regarded the establishment of the state of Israel ‘‘as one of the most heinous crimes in history,’’[5] emphasizing how much hostility the Arabs truly met Israel with. Israeli troops took the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt in 1954 and with Nasser recently seizing power, a strong anti Zionist feeling was further developing. Following the Suez Canal Crisis in 1956 when Nasser acted against the British and their imperialism showing the Arab world they had a voice, significantly more Arab masses began to follow him, and his anti Zionist ideology allowing Arab national ism to peak during these years. Martin Kramer supports this by highlighting how young colonels, such as Nasser now wanted to ‘‘propel the Arab world to unity, power and prosperity.’’[6] The creation of the PLO in 1964 supports this by demonstrating the anti-imperialistic views Nasser wanted to implement, and by doing so, making his anti Zionist feelings heard labeling them the ‘‘forces of evil’’[7] The Arab Israeli conflict reached boiling point in 1967 resulting in the outbreak of the Six-Day War after border clashes between Israeli and Syrian forces.[8] The influence of Britain and France was substantial as they clearly sympathized with Israel. Deals such as the Sykes Picot agreement and the Balfour Declaration of 1917 highlighted their imperialistic intentions and sympathy towards Israel. This clearly promoted greater anti-Zionist feeling amongst the Arab world and would eventually develop into a strong anti-west feeling that provided a platform for Arab nation alism to take off from. Despite there being a strong anti Ottoman feeling during the early 1900s, World War One was a catalyst for change and in 1920 a clear turning point transpired. In 1915 the McMahon Correspondence came about where under McMahon’s demands, Hussein would encourage the Arabs to revolt against the Ottoman Empire and enter World War I on the side of the allies in return for the independence of Arab states. A meeting was held in order to decide the fate of territories formally under Ottoman control. The League of Nations awarded a mandate over Syria to France, and a mandate over Israel and Palestine to Britain. The League of Nations took no territorial integrity into consideration when doing this, and, run by the allies, self interest took priority as each vied for power within the Middle East. Dr Nigel Ashton supports this by stating that the mandates ‘‘sowed the dragon’s teeth’’ which eventually grew into a ‘‘complex of tensions and despotisms that constitute the contemporary Middle East’’[9] The creation of the new modern states was carried with no cultural, historical or political knowledge over where the ideal place to establish borders would be, and therefore, without regard to natural or human boundaries, they were made according to distinct territorial entities. The creation of these states meant that each one had to follow self interest and this created border disputes among Arab states for oil and strategic assets. Essentially, the mandate system can be seen as ‘‘the first manifestation of the ultimate goal to abrogate the colonial system’’[10] which many European states were still pursuing. Lebanon gained independence from France in 1943, as did Syria[11] and this was a period wh ere many post-colonial nations in the region were first feeling their nationalist muscle, a prime example being Egypt and Nasser during Suez Canal Crisis in 1956. Consequently, tensions rose and Arab nationalism became anti imperialist and anti west due to the burden they had placed on the Arab nations. The creation of independent states was however an ‘‘important issue in the decolonization process,’’ [12] which would have affect in the long term removal of European power in the Middle East. However, the border disputes also took place amongst the Arabs themselves and great distrust began to emerge, as was evident when Iraq invaded Kuwait after a border dispute over oil in 1980. The Kuwaiti Government had hoped to force Mr. Hussein to the bargaining table, and negotiate a border truce and a non-aggression pact. Instead, Iraqi troops invaded Kuwait driving its ruling family into exile. Henry M. Schuler, states that from the Iraqi viewpoint, the Kuwait Government was †acting aggressively – it was economic warfare.†[13] Moreover it can be argued that if not for leaders such as that of Kuwait and Husse in himself, these disputes may never have occurred. Further influence on Arab nationalism has been the ‘Superpower’ statuses of USSR and the U.S.A. In response to the U.S.A’s refusal to fund Nasser’s plan to build the Aswan High Dam, he nationalised the Suez Canal in 1956[14]. Martin Kramer describes Nasser’s next astute move as ‘‘positive neutralism,’’ [15]as he played foreign powers against each other and instantly received funding from the USSR. Arab nationalism subsequently seemed to be aligning with the USSR through Nasser and it seemed that although the Arab states followed an anti imperialistic ideology towards Britain, they contradicted themselves by allowing the Soviet Union to have a sphere of influence within the Middle East. Western powers grew to perceive Arab nationalism as a threat rather than a political idea to positively engage with, a succession of aggressive and ill-considered policies led Arab states to turn to the Soviet Union for support. In 1955 the Bagdad Pact that was signed however was an exemplary Cold War agreement reflecting the priority the Eisenhower administration gave to containment of the Soviet Union through collective security agreements.[16] This pact led Iraq into alignment with the U.S.A and after previously being non-aligned, clear divisions became evident throughout Arab nationalism. The pact indicates the transformation of the passive negative principle of nonalignment into an active and positive policy of neutrality. Fayez Sayegh highlights the importance of the Bagdad Pact stating that it essentially brought the ‘‘cold war from the outskirts and into the Arab world.’’ [17] Moreover, it became evident that the policy of neutrality followed by Arab nationalist now meant independence. This allowed for the pursuit of self interest without ideological constraint meaning they didn’t have an ideological characteristic and could pursue things simple because it was in their own interest and nothing else. Arab relations with the U.S.A deteriorated after their ties with Israel did not agree with Arab nationalism and the strong anti-Zionist feeling which was promoted by leaders such as Nasser. This was in contrast to the relations with the Soviet Union who had strengthened their ties with the Arab states by supplying them with arms since 1955.[18] Furthermore, we can not overlook the cultural developments and this largely stemmed from the repercussions of the Ottoman Empire. Turkification in itself as Martin Kramer states, ‘‘threatened the cultural status quo.’’[19] Kramer shrewdly illustrates how this clearly raised the need for a separate a separate Arab identity. The Arabs rebelled against the Ottomans and longed for a separate cultural identity in relation to their writings and language. Arab identity was due to their own religion and language for a long time foreign presence acted as glue to foreign imperialism creating a bond of solidarity. Martin Kramer goes on to note that the Arabs did share ‘‘a vague admiration for the liberal democracies of the West’’[20] implying that Arabism did not develop into full-fledged nationalism straight away, but did argue for the existence of secular Arab culture. Nevertheless, the discontent Arab states shared during the Ottoman period came to be known as the ‘Arab awakening’ and this cultural revival evidently reduced the influence of foreign powers within the Middle East allowing Arab nationalism to grow. This however was not always a simple task as the struggle was not only against anti-imperialism, but against the would be Arabs themselves. Nationalists aimed to ‘‘educate them to an Arab identity,’’ preferably by persuasion and not by force. To conclude, I believe the presence of foreign powers throughout the past century has been extremely significant in relation to the nature and growth of Arab nationalism. As Martin Kramer states, Arab nationalism represents ‘‘rapid birth, rise, and decline of any modern nationalism’’ highlighting the result of inconsistent ideologies, and the broad spectrum of countries which were present in the Middle East over the last one hundred years. Foreign powers have continuously had an influence on nationalism in the Middle East beginning from the Ottoman Empire during the early 1900’s, and spanning into its anti-imperialist development sparked by the presence of Britain and France and the creation of the Mandate system by the League of Nations. Due to the on going Arab Israeli conflict Arab nationalism has essentially always been anti-Zionist and this peaked through the years after the Suez Canal Crisis where Nasserism took off and Arab states united to support their anti imperialist policy. The increasing influence of the USSR due to frequent arms deals cemented their place in the Arab world however the U.S.A did not share this same luxury as it leaned towards Israel. Eventually peace settlements were made in the Middle East as in 1969 where Israel accepted the Resolution 242.[21] Word Count: ________________ [1] Teach MidEast www.teachmideast.org [2] Arab Nationalism and Israel – Walter Zander [3] Teach MidEast www.teachmideast.org [4] Teach MidEast www.teachmideast.org [5] Nasser and the Six Day War 5th June 1967- Moshe Gat [6] Arab nationalism: Mistaken Identity Martin Kramer [7] Palestine National Charter of 1964 [8] Teach MidEast www.teachmideast.org [9] Dr Nigel Ashton, review of Western Imperialism in the Middle East, 1914–1958 [10] Civilization and the Mandate System under the League of Nations as Origin of Trusteeship – Nele Matz [11] people.virginia.edu/~jrw3k/middle_east_timeline/middle_east_timeline.htm [12] Civilization and the Mandate System under the League of Nations as Origin of Trusteeship – Nele Matz [13] Thomas C. Hayes, 1990 [14] Teach MidEast www.teachmideast.org [15] Arab nationalism: Mistaken Identity Martin Kramer [16] Jankowski, James. Nasser’s Egypt, Arab Nationalism, and the United Arab Republic [17] Arab nationalism and Soviet-American relations – Fayez Sayegh [18] www.labour-history.org.uk- Assess the impact of the Suez Crisis on Cold War politics [19] Arab nationalism: Mistaken Identity Martin Kramer [20] Arab nationalism: Mistaken Identity Martin Kramer [21] Teach MidEast www.teachmideast.org

Occupational Safety and Health Administration Essay

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is an agency of the United Stated Department of Labor. OSHA is governed by Occupational Safety and Health Act. The agency will issue rules and regulations to maintain the safety and health at work place. Accordingly the employer should comply the standards to avoid work-related injuries including illnesses, deaths. The employer should make a set up for which the employees to report work-related injuries/illness. It is also responsibility of the employer to guide the employees so that they will be able to report work-related injuries/illness. The employees or former employees or their representative have right to access the OSHA injury and illness records with certain limitations. (1904. 35 (b) (1). Under 1910. 120 (b) (1), the employers should develop a written safety and health program for their employees who will be involved in hazardous waste operations. The program should be aimed to identify, evaluate and control safety and health hazards with a conclusion of a proper response for hazardous waste operations. Such safety and health program should include the details like organizational structure, comprehensive work plan, medical surveillance program, employer’s standard operating procedures for safety/health etc. Besides, the employer should notify to the employees with respect to the chemical, physical, and other toxicological properties that can be present on site. The notification should be present before when the employee is expected to perform functions at the site. (1910. 128 (c) (8). The supervisors and management responsible to give proper training to the employees where the hazardous substances, health hazards or safety hazards may expose and the employees supposed to receive the training under regulation of 1910. 120 (e) (1) (i). The employees are permitted to be engaged at hazardous substances, only after receiving training for which management/supervisors responsible to provide the training. The employees should also be trained to give emergency response where the hazardous substances may exist.

Challenges to Infection Control of Hep C, B and HIV

Challenges to Infection Control of Hep C, B and HIV Infection control and cross contamination prevention are imperative to ensuring high quality patient care and quality of life for all patients. In the hemodialysis clinics and hospital units where patients are in end stage renal disease the prevention of infection is of utmost concern as it is directly correlated to lowered morbidity and mortality rates. Blood borne pathogens and bacteria are transmitted through poor infection control practices and lack of cross contamination prevention procedures. To understand the importance of infection control and cross contamination prevention, it is first imperative to understand the risks and consequences of infection transmittal in the hemodialysis unit. The hemodialysis unit is unique in that the procedure allows pathogens to enter the body through access sites, injection sites, and catheterization, all of which increase risk of infection for already ill patients. The following explores the most common concerns in infection transmittal as H epatitis C and B, HIV, and common bacteria found in hemodialysis patients. This is followed by an exploration of methods in infection control, focusing on the procedures of cleaning, sterilization, and disinfection. An examination of staff education and training procedures that impact infection control and patient care follows. The research concludes with a summary and commentary. Research has often compared the incidences of HCV infections in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in patients, finding that patients undergoing clinical bloodstream invasive hemodialysis procedures have three times higher rates of HCV infections (Horl et al 2004). This is reflective of nosocomial transmission of HCV within the clinical dialysis setting (Horl et al 2004). HCV is transmitted through cross-contamination, occurring through â€Å"blood, shared cannulas, and equipment, and blood transfusions† (Horl et al 2004 p 1390). A comparison of the outcome of hepatitis virus-positive and -negativ e kidney transplant and hemodialysis patients involved 384 kidney transplant patients (67 HBsAg positive, 39 anti-HCV positive, 278 hepatitis negative), transplanted between 1987 and 2001, and 403 hemodialysis patients (128 HBsAg positive, 83 anti-HCV positive, 192 hepatitis negative) who had started hemodialysis and were referred to the kidney transplant waiting list during the same period (Visnja et al 2008). Comparison of the groups’ survival rates, adjusted for patient age, showed that all kidney transplant patients survived longer than hemodialysis patients (p < 0.001) (Visnja et al 2008). Interestingly, HBV infection had a negative impact on patient survival, especially in hemodialysis patients, but HCV infection did not have a significant influence on patient survival (Visnja et al 2008). Thirty-two outpatient hemodialysis providers in the United States voluntarily reported 3699 adverse events to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) during 2006 (Klevens et al 2008). Among the 599 isolates reported, 461 (77%) represented access-associated blood stream infections in patients with central lines, and 138 (23%) were in patients with fistulas or grafts (Klevens et al 2008). The microorganisms most frequently identified were common skin contaminants (e.g., coagulase-negative staphylococci) (Klevens et al 2008). Hepatitis C (HCV) among maintenance hemodialysis patients has limited data on the incidence and prevalence. According to Bennett, Brachman and Jarvis (2007 p 360): â€Å"In 2002, 63% of dialysis centers tested patients for anti-HCV, and 11.5% reported having (symbol) 1 patient who became anti-HCV positive in 2002. The incidence rate in 2002 was 0.34% among centers that tested for anti-HCV, the prevalence of anti-HCV among patients was 7y.8%, a decrease of 25.7% since 1995. In the facilities that tested, the reported incidence was 0.34% and the prevalence3 was 7.8%. Only 11.5% of dialysis facilities reported newly acquired HCV infection among their patients†.