Poly Sci Final Paper

Final Paper Washington State University Political Science 418 Fall 2012 Section 1 Professor Robert Quinlan December 6, 2012 Introduction This paper is written almost exclusively with information taken directly from the book Families of the Forest  by Alan Johnson about the lifestyle of the Matsigenka Amazonian Natives. Information regarding the Matsigenka is almost solely derived from the work of Johnson unless noted otherwise. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Matsigenka people, their needs as a community and finally pose a development project that meets the needs described.Realistically this is only one possible solution posed by an inexperienced undergraduate student. The author is student who has never set foot in South America or even has had any experience with a development project. The ideas expressed in this work are purely an academic exercise. The author does not assume that the Matsigenka do not already know and or practice some of the ideas shared in this a ssignment. Overview of the Matsigenka The Matsigenka, a native people  of the  Amazon Basin, live in what Johnson describes as an â€Å"angular landscape, along river valleys surrounded by forested mountains†.The Matsigenka have a peripheral environment on the outside edge of conquest lands. They originally settled in to a as a bid to avoid conflicts with other groups. The land is not ideal but good enough to live on while not ever being sought as territory for annexation by other groups. They are very isolated and their living choice has the consequence scarcity. Many of the best crops, fish, and game are not as bountiful as they are in other areas. They have plenty of land for their type of farming and their small population means they do not compete between themselves for resources.Their settlements are small and spread far apart. (Johnson) To understand the Matsigenka they must be seen in their own unique context of their daily lives. As with any parent, the task of r aising a child is to raise them to be able to live in the world on their own one day. For the Matsigenka this means raising children who will become accustomed to living in their own nuclear family and thrive while in relative isolation. (Johnson) The Matsigenka’s ability to be independent and desire to remain independent has been disheartening to missionaries and some schoolteachers.Attempts at organizing and building communities have largely been failures. The Matsigenka are happy to be free from directions and rules that stem from a missionary or any other persons attempt to convert or normalize them. (Johnson) From the very beginning their upbringing determines who they are as a people. From the start the emphasis on independence is apparent. No one is invited or comes to visit when a child is born. At birth a newborn is left alone on a mat while the mother is attended to. After a few minutes, the baby is then bathed with hot water causing discomfort making it cry. Johnso n) The procedure is done to strengthen the child for the hard independent life to come. The Matsigenka parents test the child’s limits, expecting more and more self-reliance at an early age. In the home, mothers commonly tether toddlers to a stake keeping them from wandering into danger. The method is no more a cruel â€Å"leash† than a baby gate used in American homes could be considered a cruel cage. (Johnson) Tethering allows the child freedom and independence without the danger of physical harm. The Matsigenka’s diet is varied and extensive.Their types of food production are farming, fishing, hunting, and foraging with some small use of domesticated animals. They can eat anything from raw foods found anywhere in their environment or eat feasts involving days of preparation. The people eat insect larvae of many bugs all during the year as source of dietary fats and protein. Larger game birds, monkeys, peccary, and tapir are the favorites. Farming small garden s is the most important to them making up more than half of their food. Foraging and fishing can often time produce disappointing results.Snakes are taboo and never eaten. (Johnson) Their diet poses no issues for them. For crops the people grow manioc (cassava), maze (corn), bananas, plantains, rice and coffee. Coffee has been introduced recently by outsiders as a cash crop. Along with trying to build communities the crop was meant to bring indigenous peoples into contact and trade with the modern parts of Peru. Coffee was seen as way to introduce money into the Matsigenka system. (Johnson) Their farming methods are sufficient to sustain them and the land they work on. The most important fish in the Matsigenka diet is shima. Johnson) These fish get up to 20 inches long and can weigh over 2 pounds. They are bottom feeders caught by net fishing. Mamori are similar in size to shima and caught with a regular hook and line setup. Rock dwelling fish like etari who are caught by hand. Alon g with other species such as shrimp and kempiti caught in traps fit into their diverse diet. Large fish species of omani, kayunaro and charava are rarely caught. (Johnson) Domesticated animals are not overly significant to a family. Families typically raise a couple of chickens and ducks.They are allowed to forage around the house during the day, feeding on insects considered pests like ants and sometimes are given maize. At night they are kept in chicken coops tended to by the children. (Johnson) As a people, the Matsigenka are very adaptive and catch all kinds of fish in many different ways. The Matsigenka do not participate in the market economy. Attempts to get them to raise cash crops and begin to participate have been implemented by outsiders. (Johnson) They make nearly all of the material goods used in daily life. However they do not make knives, aluminum pots or other metal items.As men and women they learn complementary manufacturing skills allowing them self-sufficiency. M atsigenka can survive in long-term isolation as a nuclear family with the skills in fishing, farming and hunting in the manner they prefer. (Johnson) The Matsigenka are adaptive, and independent. Needs and resource assessment based on the ethnographic description The Matsigenka have good nutrition and housing but they still have barriers to good overall health. The problems they have are not their fault. As a people they do everything they can like maintain standards of cleanliness, and treat illness with medicines they have available.The problems arise from limited resources and knowledge. (Johnson) For hygiene the Matsigenka clean themselves, their homes, and their clothing daily. Even when they sit on the earthen floor of their home they use a woven mat. (Johnson) They wash their hand before preparing food and are careful with waste. Baths are taken daily and garbage is thrown out in a separate area away from the home. The Matsigenka find human waste disgusting along with animal waste and believe according to Johnson that â€Å"The evil odor of feces is believed to invade the body and cause illness†(436)Families try to locate homes next to mountain streams to ensure a water supply uncontaminated by humans. (Johnson) Mountain streams, dry up seasonally forcing people back to the river for water where they are re-infected by water borne parasites. (Rainforest) Research has shown that the debilitating infections are colds, conjunctivitis, and parasites. Colds and conjunctivitis hit the community in waves. Epidemics move rapidly through the population. Tribal memories still exist of when the white man’s influenza that killed many. The people stay away from everyone and the schools when sickness hits.One of the most common greetings used by members is to ascertain if someone returning is sick and to be avoided. (Johnson) Johnson notes that researchers others who stayed with the Matsigenks stated: Most health complaints came to our attention because the medicines we had with us were believed to be more effective than Matsigenka remedies. Our house became a center where people would stop to tell us their symptoms and ask for treatment. They were pragmatic about accepting this help, seeing illness and injury as more or less naturally occurring. 436) When a family member becomes ill they are left to lie on a mat in their home while the rest of the family ignores the sick person. The Matsigenka believe sickness is life-threatening and feel a sick person is dangerous and best left alone. (Johnson) Johnson describes the Matsigenka as a mixed picture of health: They have an ample diet and are energetic and supple, capable of great feats of athleticism and endurance. They are attractive, maintain personal standards of cleanliness, and attend to their health needs with an array of remedies.On the other hand, they live with parasite loads that weaken them and probably contribute to many infant deaths, they are subject to viral and bacte rial infections that periodically sweep their hamlets and incapacitate them putting food production at risk†¦ Despite the beauty of nature surrounding them and their freedom to set their own work agenda, theirs is a hard life evident in the virtual absence of elderly people. (439) A needs and resource assessment based on the ethnographic description provided by Johnson would indicate a few key items.Health education, medical aid, improvements in sanitation, and clean drinking water are the most pressing needs. These could be possibly met using a culturally sensitive and responsible means of service delivery. Development project that meets one or more of the needs described Any project design must take into consideration the unique culture of the people it seeks to help Johnson notes in a prominent way that there is family level of sociocultural integration not a community one and the Matsigenka cannot be understood or appreciated except as a family level society.Meaning, as a g roup they are not â€Å"tropical-forest villagers† or â€Å"tribal peoples† like most amateur sociologists may picture. Unlike other groups they do not participate in suprafamily, raiding and warfare, structured gift exchange, or even large group feasting. (Johnson) Concepts like a family reunion or organizing a militia to defend their land are completely foreign to their way of life. Johnson notes it is extremely difficult to get them to participate in any group activity. They will listen to and directions but will walk away and refuse to join the proposed group activity.Matsigenka are not amenable to being directed or led. Education or works projects from other regions cannot be rolled out in a cookie cutter fashion to help them. Understanding their independence and determination does not mean that the Matsigenka are closed to change. In the 1980 and 1970’s sierra farmers came to the mountain valleys to live next to Matsigenka families. The new farmers have br ought infrastructural development that was welcomed by the Matsigenka people. They created school communities where boys, and girls, play soccer, study and do homework.Radios that can be found now are a sign of the integration of culture from the larger world around them. (Johnson) Most effective long term projects rely on ownership and the pride of the people they seek to help. Pride in ownership translates into maintenance and care of the public works project after the NGO who sets it up leaves. Johnson explains the idea of shintaro â€Å"owner† if we think of it not as legal title to objects like land or trees, but as a form of respect for the individual. Any project must transfer respect as ownership to achieve long term sustainability.Recently in the last 15 years money has been dumped into projects that have failed and been abandoned. (Fraser) It is not enough to just build something and leave. The best way to help might be to model what the rainforest flow project has done and pay special attention to some cultural factors. Any project should consider how ownership is considered, how the people operate as a family level society, the aversion to group activities, and being told what to do. The project should capitalize on their strong sense of hygiene and build on their dislike of human waste.The Matsigenka already intrinsically know about the importance of clean water and washing hands. The leap from understanding clean water and increasing the effectiveness of existing sanitation procedures should be an accomplishable task if executed sensitivly. Hygiene education and health services As a people they are very pragmatic, adaptable and have demonstrated a belief in better westernized medicine when dealing with researchers in the past. (Johnson) Setting up clinics may not be the answer since they will avoid any area where they may go and become sick.The clinic will need to come to the sick, not the other way around. Travelling to and helping sick f amily members on sleeping on mats in the home will strengthen any belief in stronger westernized medicine. The process will loosen the hold of traditional beliefs in bad spirits having an influence on outcomes. Health education can effectively be delivered using the existing school system and reinforced when educators visit with health professionals providing mobile medical clinic visits. (Rainforest) Previously efforts were made to do similar projects but the participants only spoke Spanish not the native language.To eliminate the language barrier it will be key that the health professionals and educators are fluent in the native language. Workers will need to understand cultural norms of the Matsigenka. (Rainforest) Special consideration should be given to immunization programs. Immunizations can make the people feel sick afterward and may scare participants off. Postponing immunizations until a trust relationship has been built up may be necessary. Credibility may be required for families to believe they are not being made sick after a flu shot or pertussis vaccination. SanitationThe Matsigenka already believe in finding the freshest water. Health education should teach how to defecate away from any water source and bury it when in the forest. The disdain they have for waste and how they conduct life around their home makes them receptive. Composting latrines with hand washing facilities may be built near schools but attention should be given to ventilation and odor control (Rainforest) considering â€Å"The evil odor of feces is believed to invade the body and cause illness†. (Johnson 436) Drinking water projects Delivering clean safe drinking water is of paramount importance to the Matsigenka, or any community.Rainforest Flow has used with self-reported success, for several years, a specific setup that uses low tech sand filtration. The method removes 99. 9 percent of bacteria from drinking water and uses a low tech gravitational flow. The systems are setup to support modest community growth and are maintained by a usage fee charged to every home water is delivered to. (Rainforest) In conclusion there are many projects that can possibly help the Matsigenka. The purpose of this paper was to introduce the Matsigenka people, their needs as a community and pose a development project that meets their needs sensitively.Like any group, assistance must be provided to them on their terms for it to be accepted. References Fraser, B. (2012, May 25). Machiguenga communities could be affected by peru gas production. Retrieved from Johnson, A. (2003). Families of the forest the matsigenka indians of the peruvian amazon. University of California Press. Retrieved from http://www. sscnet. ucla. edu/anthro/faculty/johnson/ethnography. html Rainforest flow. (2012, December 01). Retrieved from http://houseofthechildren. org/safe- drinking-water. html

Poetry and Writers Different Ways

‘Casehistory: Alison (head injury)’ Learning Objectives: – AO1: Respond to texts critically and imaginatively, select and evaluate textual detail to illustrate and support interpretations. – AO2: Explain how language, structure and form contribute to writers’ presentation of ideas, themes and settings. ( Pre-reading activity Here is a riddle for you†¦ Who do you think would be ‘†¦my husband’s wife’? ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ What about ‘†¦my mother’s only daughter’? _____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ The title of the poem is ‘Casehistory: Alison (head injury)’. What do you think this poem is going to be about? ( Make a note of your ideas. ___________________________________________________________ ___ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Why might you talk about yourself in the third person? What is the effect? ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ( Take 2 minutes to discuss the effect with your partner.Swap and develop your ideas. Feed back your ideas to the rest of the class. First impressions ( Read the poem. ______________________ ________________________ _________ _________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ __________________________ ________________________ _____________________ What do you think has happened to Alison? The opening line above has a play-like feel.Imagine how this scene might look on stage. ( In the box below, sketch out the scene you imagine. In the notes box below, summarise your ‘vision’ of the action. How might you describe the attitude of the speaker of the poem? ( Choose the word or phrase that gives you this impression and write it in the box below. The first one has been done for you. Alison seems†¦ Wistful ____________ ____________ What does the younger Alison have that the Alison of the present does not? ( Fill in the table below. Alison of the past |Alison of the present | | | | |‘Autocratic knee / Like a Degas dancer’s’ |Knees that now ‘lug’ her ‘up stairs / Hardly’ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Let’s take a closer look ( Answer the following questions by providing quotes and analysis. Think PEA – point, example, analysis. 1. The poem is arranged in even, regular three line stanzas. What is the effect on the reader? _____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Where does this regular pattern come to an END, and what is the effect of this? ______________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ 3. There are two lines in the poem that begin with a single word followed by a full stop. What are they, and what is the effect on the reader? _____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Poetry detective Spot the following linguistic and structural devices at work in the poem. What is their PURPOSE and EFFECT? |techniques |examples and analysis of their effect | |Parenthesis |‘(She looks at her photograph)’ – | |( ) | | |Ambiguity | |(the puzzle / riddle o f the first stanza)| | |Mid-line full stops | | |Repetition | | |Powerful adjectives | | |Enjambment | | |Use of the third person | | Get creative – AO2: Explain how language, structure and form contribute to writers’ presentation of ideas, themes and settings. ( Using ‘Casehistory: Alison (head injury)’ as a guide, you are going to write a poem of your own, using pictures of historical figures as inspiration. You are going to bring the long-dead subject of the painting to life in the form of a dramatic monologue! ( Take an online stroll through the 30 ‘must-see’ paintings hanging in The National Gallery: www. nationalgallery. org. uk/paintings/explore-the-paintings/30-highlight-paintings/ ( Which character did you choose? _____________________________ Writer’s toolbox ( With your choice of speaker in mind, tick the techniques you think would be useful in creating an accurate voice for your poem. Think about the intended effect of your selected techniques. If necessary, you can add additional techniques at the bottom. Poetic techniques: |Use: | | | | |Intended effect: | |Rhyme | | | |Non-standard English | | | |Mid-line full stops | | | |Enjambment | | | |Assonance | | | |Repetition | | | |Alliteration | | | |Metaphors | | | |Similes | | | |Onomatopoeia | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Get writing! _________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________ _________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ __________________________ ____________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ | |My Itchy Toes Smell Loads | | |( Complete the table below with what you consider to be the most important quotes and poetic devices | | |within each category. | | | |meaning | | | | | | | | |imagery | | | | | | | | |tone | | | | | |Structure and Form | | | | | | | | |language | | Comparing poems – AO3: Make comparisons and explain links between texts, evaluating writers’ different ways of expressing meaning and achieving effects Use the Venn diagram to find the differences and similarities between the two poems. Sample exam question and ‘Medusa’. Comparing poems – AO3: Make comparisons and explain links between texts, evaluating writers’ different ways of expressing meaning and achieving effects ( Use the Venn diagram to find the differences and similarities between the two poems. Sample exam question Planning an essay ( Using MITSL as a guide, create an essay plan or spider diagram for your essay question. You must include 3 – 5 points of comparison. Number each point in the order you would write about them in your exam. When you write your essay, remember to analyse structural and poetic devices for their effect and meaning. Don’t just list. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ | |Casehistory: Alison (head injury) | | | | | |(She looks at her photograph) | | | | | |I would like to have known | | |My husband’s wife, my mother’s only daughter. | | |A bright girl she was. | | | | | |Enmeshed in comforting | |5 |Fat, I wonder at her delicate angles. | |Her autocratic knee | | | | | |Like a Degas dancer’s | | |Adjusts to the observer with airy poise, | | |That now lugs me upstairs | | | | |10 |Hardly. Her face, broken | | |By nothing sharper than smiles, holds in its smiles | | |What I

Analysis of The Bet by Anton Chekhov

The Bet is a short story that explores a moral theme regarding the value of human life. However, the story is constructed with an important ironic twist that brings the reader back to the original context of the bet (if the lawyer could endure solitary confinement for fifteen years), and presents an unexpected result. One can ultimately see that Anton Chekhov presents the readers with two different paths in the story. One of them is the banker, who refuses to face his own morality and the other is the lawyer (prisoner) who actually faces his own morality, but falls into despair because he is so disconnected from the outside world, even after gaining so much knowledge. These two characters may thrive on change, but they both alter their own human values in great ways.The banker, a spoiled and pampered man, is very nervous and gets himself carried away by excitement at the time he makes a bet with the lawyer. This is shown when he says, Fifteen! DoneGentlemen, I stake two millions. Chekhov shows the reader that this not the impulsiveness of youth since he describes it as excitability, which he could not get over even in advancing years. Later in the story, Chekhov paints the portrait of a cowardly man who lacks the courage to endure reality. One day before the lawyer is to be granted his freedom, the banker becomes irritated and anxious, The only escape from bankruptcy and disgraceis that the man should die. At this point, the reader can trace the bankers path from boastfully making a foolish bet to being the one to give up all that he had staked, and conclude that his self-values have reached their all time low.On the other hand, the lawyer, an older and wiser man, shows his dynamic characteristics as he changes dramatically in the course of the 15 year bet. The lawyers character completely transforms from being an arrogant, young man, in to a feeble, cynical, yet more intelligent man.

Risk Assessment for Effective Physical Security Term Paper

Risk Assessment for Effective Physical Security - Term Paper Example ever, not treated with the same magnitude as technical intrusions such as hacking, computer virus and invasion of spyware programs.2 What many security strategists fail to understand is that both attacks carry the risks of equal magnitudes. Whether the intruder gained the unauthorized access by physically bypassing the security systems or electronically infiltrating the firewalls and other measures the potential detrimental effects of having the organization’s data or other possession in the wrong hands is the same. 3 To that end, physical security threats should be treated with the same magnitude as other non-physical security threats. Physical security measures are the measures instituted to prevent any unauthorized access of the organization’s property, secure facilities, data, and resources from damage. These damages could be in form of data or property theft, espionage, vandalism and even gross terrorist attack. The physical security measures, therefore, is a combination of multi-layered security systems which operate independently to prevent physical security threats. This paper will analyze the importance of physical security measures then the critical considerations used for physical security risk assessment in order to institute an effective physical security system. Physical security systems appear in different forms and perform different tasks. It is important to note that none of the systems is capable of independently and effectively protecting the organization against physical intrusion.4 The various systems operate independent of one another, but cooperate with each other in order to form an effective whole. The doctrine of synergy, which implies that the whole is better than the sum of its individual components, has great relevance and application in designing an effective physical security system. In order to ascertain an effective physical security system, it is imperative to determine the different types of systems that interact to create

Qualities of a good teacher Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Qualities of a good teacher - Essay Example Effective teachers have the urge to succeed. They remain determined that their students receives utmost educational needs. Their determination brings out the best of their weak students while maintaining and building on the talents and abilities of others. Dedication remains as the fundamental tool to success. An effective teacher have the dedication and commitment to achieve excellence in his work. The effective teacher dedicates most of his or her time solving students’ challenges and providing them with amicable alternative solutions. It is imperative to understand that effective teaching requires creativity skills. Creative skills in teaching would enable a good teacher to design effective concepts and lesson plans that remains unique and dynamic to their students. The teacher recognizes difference in learning capacity of his or her students and design new methods that would best accommodate them (Walker 9). Effective teachers have the personality of being accommodative and cooperative. Cooperation in teaching is essential in building an effective relationship between the teacher and student. Such relationship helps in building the learners’ confidence. Therefore, an effective teacher do not only accommodate his or her students’ thoughts but also cooperate with them and other stakeholders of education sector. In conclusion, effective teaching requires comprehensive training that would ensure that teachers have the urge and passion in their job. It is important that an effective teacher would observe the ethical standards and inherent regulations within education sector. Therefore, effective teaching does not only involve teacher-student relationship, but also effectual relation with other education stakeholders including school administration and

To what extent does the success of E-Learning depend on the nature of Essay

To what extent does the success of E-Learning depend on the nature of an organisations culture - Essay Example In accordance with a report published in 2009 by CIPD, e-learning is a term, which appeared for fist time in 1999. As noted in the above report, two are the key forms of e-learning, as identified in organizations globally: ‘the web-based training and the Supported Online Learning’ (CIPD 2009). Current paper focuses on the examination of a particular aspect of e-learning: its relationship with organizational culture. Emphasis is given to the potential dependency of e-learning on the nature of an organization’s culture. The role of e-learning within modern organizations is critically reviewed. Then, the interaction between e-learning and the culture of each organization is critically discussed, taking into consideration the findings of studies that have been published in the particular field. 2. E-Learning as an element of the organization In accordance with Rosenberg (2006) e-learning is likely to provide solutions in ‘informational or instructional organizational problems’ (Rosenberg 2006, p.72). The above description of e-learning is, partially, opposed with the most common role of this framework, as a tool covering various organizational needs, as analyzed below. On the other hand, Cross et al. (2002) note that the quality of e-learning, as part of an organization’s plans, is not depended on the funds invested on the relevant project. Rather, it is an issue of managing effectively the resources available and being aware of current challenges of the organization’s internal and external environment. However, the following problem should be highlighted: the term e-learning is often too vague (Servage 2006, p.304), i.e. the parts and the role of the relevant schemes are not clearly explained. This fact can have the following implication: the targets set by the scheme’s initiators are n ot achieved while valuable time and funds are spent without having the chance to be paid back. Despite the value of e-learning, its use in organizations is still limited, mostly because of its requirements. In accordance with a series of statistics published in CIPD, e-learning is mostly used in large organizations, at a percentage of 79% than in medium organizations – the organizations with less than 250 employees are likely to use e-learning just at a percentage of 39% (CIPD 2008). It should be noted that the benefits of e-learning have not been made clear to employees. This problem is reflected in the following fact: in organization where e-learning schemes are available, the percentage of employees participating in these schemes is not over 60% (CIPD 2008). Moreover, the use of e-learning as the unique learning process within organizations seems to be avoided. In a relevant research developed by CIPD (2008) it was proved that most organizations (95%) prefer a blended lear ning scheme, i.e. a learning scheme in which e-learning is combined with other e-learning processes (CIPD 2008). The research developed by Servage (2006) led to the following finding: ‘cost and technology are the most common challenges of e-learning’ (Servage 2006, p.304), a problem which cannot be easily resolved. The use of e-learni

What is my position on drug testing welfare recipients to receive Research Paper

What is my position on drug testing welfare recipients to receive their benefits - Research Paper Example Also this topic affects those who are and are not on welfare. Smith, Phillip.  Welfare. Digital image.  Raising Awareness of the Consequences of Prohibition. N.p., 26 Feb. 2013. Web. 28 Feb. 2013. In my research I have found to be two sides to this argument â€Å"Proponents say testing would help the recipients and protect taxpayers. Opponents argue that the practice is unconstitutional and mean-spirited.† (Vitter 141) Both parties make really convincing arguments and surely drove me crazy trying to choose a side â€Å"The proponents of drug testing welfare argue that it is irresponsible for any government to fund people who they know are using drugs† (Chelsea 2). It is true that there are drug addicts everywhere but let us faces the facts; they buy their drugs with their own money and do not depend on any government to finance their addiction. It is therefore illogical for any person on welfare to be addicted to any sort of drugs since they cannot even fend for the mselves and instead depend on welfare funds. Governments provide unemployed people with some amount of money to enable them take care of themselves as well as their children. However, it is common that most people on welfare do not use this money well and instead use it on drugs and other activities that are not beneficial at all. Statistics from the Temporary Assistance for the Needy says that around 50% of all people on welfare programs are addicted to drugs. â€Å"The results suggested that, contrary to popular opinion, most welfare recipients were not alcohol- or other drugdependent.† (Chelsea 2) it is also shown that out of this population, 75% cannot fend for themselves because of their dependency on drugs. ... This means that it is because of drugs that almost 40% of all people in welfare programs are on this programs. â€Å"It is therefore illogical for governments and other nongovernmental organizations to give out money to these same people to continue with their lifestyle† (Debate club 11). This is the reason why most people propose that before anyone enters a welfare program, they need to be tested to ensure that we are not funding drug addicts to continue with their addiction problems. Most politicians and other stakeholders argue that if this system is put in place, not only will most of the drug addicts stop due to financial constraints, they will have to so that they can get a chance to get into the program. This is therefore a long-term strategy to reduce drug abuse in the US. Debate club, â€Å"a meeting of the sharpest minds on the days most important topics†, 6 Match . 2012. Web. 28 Feb. 2013 When this matter got to the senate, it was an arguable issue and most p roponents argued that aid has to be provided based on reciprocal obligation. Reaction to the result from tested prisoners which showed that â€Å"Welfare-receiving arrestees were more likely to test positive for benzodiazepines (16 percent vs. 7 percent,/? < 0.01) and opiates (13 percent vs. 6 percent, p < 0.05)† (Yacoubian, 143)This was aThis means that whenever aid is given, there has to be some obligation by the person receiving this kind of help. â€Å"In West Virginia, delegate CraigBlair wants all welfare recipients to undergo drug testing as a condition of receiving welfare, unemployment compensation,† (Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly 1)This has to apply

Childhood Obesity in African American Children Research Paper

Childhood Obesity in African American Children - Research Paper Example -2004) found out that 21 percent of African Americans, 23 per cent of Mexican Americans and 14 per cent of non-Hispanic white adolescents aged 12-19 are likely to be overweight. Among children aged 6-11 years, 22 percent of Mexican Americans, 20 percent of African Americans and 14 percent of non-Hispanic white children were found to be obese (Centre for Disease Control, 2000). The main negative effects of the condition include medical, psychosocial and economic problems. Medical impacts include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The condition causes significant economic costs. The 2003 national rate of related expenses on obesity reached 75 billion dollars in the US, with most of the funds being generated towards social programs such as medical care. Hudson (2008) asserts that the related hospital expenses for obesity related diseases among children under the age of 17 years increased from 35 million to 127 million dollars over a period of twenty years. Overweight teens, especially girls; perceive their body size as unfashionable as they cannot conform to the recent changes in lifestyles. Most of the overweight children experience social discrimination and low self-esteem because of the teasing and neglect portrayed by their colleagues. This causes stress that increases the prevalence of th e condition. Obese teenagers significantly exhibit irregular school attendance. According to Geier, Foster and Womble et al. (2007) obese children missed an average of 12.2 days while those with an average weight missed an average of 10.1 days annually. This affects their performance as well as reduces their parents’ work output. According to USA Today (2011), most parents divert most of their attention in taking care of the obese children. The school systems also experience financial losses from taking care of overweight children. The risk factors associated with childhood obesity include genetics,

Week 4 class discussions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Week 4 class discussions - Essay Example You can then figure out how that point moves based on different decisions (say, price point). I like it because it’s a very easily understood concept, and can be easily visualixed and internalixed for decision making purposes. I do agree to the post of the student regarding breakeven analysis. As the student has written the post in his own words, therefore, he has not able to represent the exact concept of the breakeven analysis technique. I think I will choose Breakeven Analysis.   It is a technique used by accountants and management.   It determines the point which revenue equals the costs that are associated with receiving revenue.   Break-even analysis analyzes the costs of the sales.   If something costs $50 to produce a widget and the fixed costs are $5000.   The break-even point will be: From what I have read in the book, and from what I have learned in previous classes, the difference between a procedure and a function is the fact that a function will return a value while a procedure does not. In my previous classes, we just called them all functions. If I am missing some finer point of the difference during my discussion on them, Professor, please let me know. A procedure is a piece of code that will, when called, execute a piece of code without returning and values back to the place where it was called from. A procedure may, or may not take any parameters. Example of procedure prototypes (are they called that as a function is?) would be: A function on the other hand would return a value when it is done executing its code back to where it is called from. What we have been writing on every piece of code so far is an example of a function: The above post is well organized description of difference between the â€Å"Procedure† and â€Å"Functions†. The student has clear concept and sound knowledge regarding the topic. The student has discussed the topic with simple and high-quality explanation of the

Comparing Life Experience Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Comparing Life Experience - Research Paper Example Upon the meeting of the blind person, all this thoughts get dispelled. Carver ensures the blind man becomes humanized as a human being so the present stereotypes’ get broken. Everyday Use is the short story about a mother, Ms. Johnson and her daughters Dee and Maggie. Maggie got burnt badly by a fire. She still has the scars all over the arms and legs. Dee, her sister is healthy and has no problems. Whereas the world rejected Maggie, Dee was always the favorite. Every day use I about how one’s culture and heritage should become applied daily so as not to forget the traditions. Dee is ashamed of her families’ heritage, and the narrator in the Cathedral is uncomfortable with the blind person presence in their home. From the stories, we are able to see that, those with the problems are not the people with disabilities rather the people treated as superior to the disabled people. In Cathedral, Carver demonstrates that salvation lies in the contacts of humans and the connection. In the introduction of the story, it is evident that the narrator (also the husband) was indeed lonely. He had a poor relationship with his wife as he questioned if he loved her, since he did not want to invite Robert (the blind man) her friend whom she truly cared for. The wife told the narrator; that if he loved her, he would do that for him, and if not, okay (Carver 1). The narrator felt insecure by Robert, especially since she had told Robert about him and they had never met. He also had no close relationships with other people. The narrator is jealous of his wife’s first husband, smokes marijuana daily and is envious of her wife’s friendship with the blind man. Just like in the cathedral, in the short story Everyday Use, Maggie is nervous because of the presence of her sister in the home. According to the author, Maggie is nervous about her sister Dee, because of her burn scars. She feels inferior to her sister because she has had many opportunities th at she did not have. Mama says, â€Å"Maggie will still be nervous until her sister leaves† (Walker 14). In the narrative, Alice Walker, personifies the different ways of culture and heritage in Dee, the mother, and Maggie. Each one of them has different qualities and philosophies of life. Nevertheless, contrary to the cathedral, Mama and Maggie are both proud and happy of her life. Mama is happy of the life she is living. Dee, on the other hand, is like the narrator in the Cathedral; she is not happy and thinks that she is in control of her life. She believes in her own self and does not to get associated with her sister and mother. The mother explains how she always wanted the best things and how she always got what she wanted. The narrator writes, â€Å"At sixteen, she had her own style and knew what style was† (Walker 20). This gets seen in the story when she wants the churn top and the dasher and also the old quilts that the mother had promised to give Maggie. Mag gie, on the other hand, has accepted life as it is and lives in the uneducated world with happiness in her heart and not material possessions. In the short story, the only names mentioned were of Robert’s wife who died (Beulah) and Robert. The narrator refers to himself as I and is not associated with a name together with the wife. This is dehumanizing to both the husband and wife. The husband feels that he gets stuck in

Ethical Issues Essay Example for Free

Ethical Issues Essay Researchers found that 10 percent of employees at all levels report feeling pressured to compromise ethical standards in the workplace (Managing Business Ethics by Trevino and Nelson 2007). Ethical issues are faced by every industry in the business world as well as communities, public and private organizations and individuals. Leadership, internal practices, and training may impact the proper implementation of business ethics. Halliburton is one of the many large corporations involved in unethical business practices. This paper examines ethical issues faced by public sector employees and employees of private sector firms that conduct business with and for government agencies. The paper discusses Halliburton, a U. S. defense contractor (former vice president Dick Cheney’s old firm), ethical issues and the impact on stakeholders involved. The goal is to highlight the ethical issues and make recommendations for how prospective employees and managers can handle similar situations. Background Since 2001, energy services company Halliburton and its former subsidiary Kellogg Brown Root (KBR) have performed unspecified services to the United States military in Iraq, Kuwait, and several other countries under a no-bid, long-term global logistics contract, (LOGCAP). In February 2003, Halliburton received a five-year extension, $7 billion no-bid contract for services in Iraq. During the course of awarding and executing these contracts at least two people made the decision to become whistle blowers, a government employee, and a Halliburton/KBR procurement employee. The government employee disclosed that Halliburton/KBR was involved in closed-door meetings with the Army Corps of Engineers that resulted in the no-bid, multi-year, billion dollar contract awarded exclusively to Halliburton/KBR (Morning Edition October 29, 2004). The procurement employee disclosed the specific activities within Halliburton/KBR that resulted in overcharging the government and taxpayers for goods and services while simultaneously eliminating competition among potential vendors. Some allegations include soliciting higher priced products and services because the government pays a fee based on the total of goods/services procured and manipulating purchases orders to maintain a maximum of $2,500 to avoid the bidding process between prospective vendors. Specifically, Halliburtons subsidiary Kellogg, Brown Root hired a Kuwaiti company, Altanmia, to supply fuel at about twice the going rate, then added a markup, for an overcharge of at least $61 million, according to a December 2003 Pentagon audit. The only problem is that $61 million is taxpayer money. Perception of Unethical Practices of Dick Cheney From the beginning many American citizens raised an eyebrow towards the decision to have Halliburton as a U. S defense contractor. This public outrage stemmed from the former vice president’s former employment as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Halliburton from 1995 through August 2000. KBR, the companys former subsidiary has been the main government contractor working to restore Iraqs oil industry that was awarded without competitive bidding in 2001. According to Cheneys 2001 financial disclosure report, the vice presidents Halliburton benefits included three batches of stock options comprising 433,333 shares. He also has a 401(k) retirement account valued at between $1,001 and $15,000 dollars. His deferred compensation account was valued at between $500,000 and $1 million, and generated income of $50,000 to $100,000. Halliburton has contracts worth more than $1. 7 billion for its work in Iraq, and it could make hundreds of millions more from a no-bid contract. During Cheney’s tenure as the defense secretary, the Pentagon chose Halliburton’s subsidiary KBR to study the cost effectiveness of outsourcing some military operations to private contractors. Based on the results of the study, the Pentagon hired KBR to implement an outsourcing plan (Washington Post Sep 26, 2003). Many companies like Bechtel, Exxon, Blackwater and Halliburton have profited from the Iraq war. It is no secret that war creates wealth for those companies canny enough to exploit it, and not be killed by it. Is Dick Cheney one of these? After his departure from office former vice president Cheney will be free to profit in whatever way he feels. The ethical question is, however, has he ever really left it? And by not leaving it, was he in ethical violation of his oath of office, at the very least? Stakeholders The stakeholders in this situation are the client, which is the U. S. government and American taxpayers who are the investors or funders of the government; the vendors, who through the bidding process maintain a competitive and profitable business environment; and employees who make sure that their employers receive the best value for the services and products they procure. Ethical dilemmas The first ethical dilemmas is if employees should bring wrongdoing to the surface and if so, how? Will the decision violate the privacy of vendors or other employees? Is it legal to disclose certain activities related to defense contracts? Secondary ethical issues relate directly to the stakeholders. Is the U. S. government unfairly awarding contracts? Is that awarding process facilitating a culture of overcharging, which is absorbed by U. S. taxpayers? Are vendors intentionally overcharging Halliburton/KBR? Are Halliburton/KBR’s procurement practices eliminating competition in the marketplace? Analysis The primary issue in this situation is whistle blowing. â€Å"Whistle blowing means calling attention to wrongdoing that is occurring within an organization. †(Nadler and Schulman 2006) Halliburton is still under investigation by the FBI. Perhaps the negative publicity and the case caused the contract to be divided with Halliburton winning one of the parts in a public bid. The underlying secondary issues include exposing potentially fraudulent business activities, financial irresponsibility, and illegally profiting from public funding. The government employee wrote and spoke to superiors about the activities. The government employee sought legal counsel upon deciding to go public with their disclosure. Finally, both made their testimonies to the proper investigating bodies including the FBI, the U. S. House of Representatives Committees on Government Reform and Energy and Commerce. For their troubles, the government employee and Halliburton/KBR procurement employee were forced into a whistle-blowers protection program. Conclusion In the public sector, whistle blowers are often faced with the dilemma that their choice to disclose can constitute a criminal act. In both cases these employees called attention to suspected activities within their organizations before going outside or public. Employees faced with this dilemma must identify the stakeholders and ethical issues that concern them, and then make calculated decision whether or not to disclose. The facts surrounding whether or not the U. S. government are unfairly awarding contracts will be an ongoing issue. Despite all the measures set forth to regulate the procurement of contracts, greed for money will play a critical factor for the people that have weak ethical character. Whether you are the employee or employer being the standard bearer in ethical situations will earn the respect of others as well as keeping you out of big trouble. References Analysis: FBI investigates whether Pentagon officials committed fraud in their handling of a no-bid contract to a subsidiary of Halliburton before the Iraq War. (10:00-11:00 AM)(Broadcast transcript). (Oct 29, 2004). Morning Edition, p. NA. Retrieved February 08, 2009, from General OneFile via Gale. Donahue, J. (Nov-Dec 2005). Treading on the taxpayer. Multinational Monitor, 26, 11-12.p. 7(2). Retrieved February 08, 2009, from General OneFile via Gale. Nadler, J. Schulman, M. Whistle Blowing in the Public Sector. Santa Clara University Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. Retrieved February 9, 2008, from http://www. scu. edu/ethics/practicing/f ocusareas/government_ethics/introductio n/whistleblowing. html. Profile: US Army will allow bidding for contract work in Iraq initially given to Halliburton. (10:00-11:00 AM)(Broadcast transcript). (Sept 8, 2004). Morning Edition, p. NA. Retrieved February 08, 2009, from General OneFile via Gale.

Asean Solution for Rohingya Plight Essay Example for Free

Asean Solution for Rohingya Plight Essay WHY is Asean silent on the issue of Rohingya Muslims, who have been suffering for centuries under the Myanmar army junta? Recently, they were told to leave the country to a third world nation willing to receive them. This is cruelty towards their own people and it seems that the world is just watching the injustice done to them, without any assistance, support or solution. In June 2012, over 2000 people were displaced in sectarian violence in Myanmar, in which most victims were Muslims. The government promised a full investigation. Representatives from different religions and minorities condemned the atrocities inflicted on the Rohingya Muslims which is a serious human rights violation that the United Nations should stop immediately. In June 2012, 11 innocent Muslims were killed by the Burmese Army and the Buddhist mobs after bringing them down from a bus. A vehement protest was carried out in the Muslim majority province of Arakan, but the protesters fell victims to the tyranny of the mob and the army. People were reported killed and millions of homes destroyed in fires as Rohingyas and Buddhist-ethnic Arakanese clashed in western Myanmar. Myanmar has a Buddhist majority. The Muslim minority in Myanmar are mostly the Rohingyas and the descendants of Muslim immigrants from India (including what is now Bangladesh) and China, as well as descendants of earlier Arab and Persian settlers. Indian Muslim were brought to Burma by the British to aid them in clerical work and business. After independence, many Muslims remained in the country. Over the years, thousands of Rohingyas have fled to Thailand. According to reports, there are roughly 111,000 refugees housed in 9 camps along the Thai-Myanmar border. In February 2009, there was evidence of refugees being towed to sea and abandoned and other reports of brutality by the Thai military in which Thailands then prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said that there were some instances in which Rohingyas were pushed out to sea. Will the present generation see the light of day? They are part of mankind, why then are we responding apathetically towards them? Asean must respond immediately to solve their issues. Please be sympathetic and empathetic towards the Rohingyas.

The Elements of Class Conflict in Pakistan

The Elements of Class Conflict in Pakistan 1.1 Overview of the Topic Income distribution is a frequency distribution showing number of persons, taxpayers or households classified by levels of income. The unequal distribution of income is a major issue in many countries, mostly in developing countries and in Pakistan it has been a burning since its birth. As the inequality in the distribution rises, it divides the population into small groups with various differences among them, thus fueling a conflict between them. The conflict arises due to difference in the income patterns, employment patterns, wage rates, difference in resources symbolic or material, social status etc. the difference in the lifestyle, wage rates, and the job opportunities in the rural and urban cities of Pakistan cause class conflict, as people living in various locations belong to different income groups. Feudal culture in Pakistan is among the major reasons of class conflict. Landlords have made monopolies which have increased the disparities among the various classes living. Cla ss conflict is a serious problem which causes violent activities such as high crime. Unfortunately our government has been unable to solve this problem of uneven distribution of income, as they themselves are enjoying the class difference existing in our country. Over the past year this conflict has been boiling and will eventually erupt one day. With this segregation of the population into various classes, social gaps have increased and people have become more accustomed to other people who are of similar stature in the society. This is one of the major issues Pakistan is facing, unity among the population is a challenge to the government of Pakistan, but it all trickles down to the fact that the people who are causing this unequal distribution of income are the ones who are leading us. Over the past years, the income distribution in Pakistan has adopted an uneven trend, meaning that there is no significant increase or decrease, thus the notion that the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer, and the result of this is a growing conflict among the various classes that exist in our society today. Other factors such as corruption also play a vital role in this unequal distribution of income, not only at higher levels but at the smallest and lowest level of the society as well. 1.2 Background Information Since Pakistan came into being, the income distribution has been a serious issue. During the time of partition, many people were stripped of their lands, properties, valuables and other financial assets. The unequal distribution of income we are experiencing today has its roots from the time of the partition of India and Pakistan. Feudalism in those days was at its peak and remnants of it can still be seen in the modern society. Many powerful feudal lords claimed lands by force from people who were financially or socially weak, thus the wealth became concentrated and its effects can be seen today in our society, as the unequal distribution of income. Even today, many influential people such as politicians and local feudal lords all around Pakistan are in control of the major chunk of the income that is generated and flows through the economy, which is why Pakistan also faces extreme poverty. Pakistan has experienced an uneven trend in the distribution of income in the past years, as there is no significant trend of increase or decrease. This uneven pattern of income distribution has been the root cause of the division of the population into various classes on the basis of income inequalities. During the early years of Pakistan, the population was less divided, but with the passage of time and the uneven trend of the income inequality has caused the population to be divided into upper, middle and lower classes based on different employment patterns, wage rates, households, social status and limited resources etc. The formation of these classes has led to the widening of the social gaps between the people and has also led to social exclusion of people belonging to different classes. This has been a common practice in history that people belonging to a similar group or stratum, tend to socialize more i.e. people who share common resources either symbolic or material in nature tend to form stratums. As the general population is divided into these stratums, belief a nd ideals change, thus a conflict arises due to these changing ideals. Over the past years, since the birth of Pakistan, this conflict between the different classes has been slowly boiling and has erupted into a class conflict based on income disparity. 1.3 Importance of the Study With Respect To the World The problem of unequal distribution of income exists in almost every country around the world, from the weakest to the strongest economies of the world; income disparity is clear and present. It is also one of the major problems that developing countries face and if not contained in due time, it paves the way for many other problems which are either directly or indirectly linked with it. One of these problems is the class conflict that arises due to income inequality among the general population. The relevance of this problem can be best understood with an example of East and West Germany. In World War II the Allies occupied West Germany and the Soviets occupied East Germany. The border between the two Germanys was famously known as the Berlin Wall. Since the corporate and industrial might of the Allies was far superior compared to the Soviets at that time, the Allies started injecting billions of dollars in the economy of West Germany, resulting in higher living standards and plenti ful jobs for the people. In stark contrast the jobs and living standards in East Germany were inferior, resulting in constant unrest which ultimately substantiated into a major class conflict. Thus throughout the world, we see many similar cases where the major chunk of the economy is concentrated at a singular point, that is the elite or the ruling class, leaving the lower classes with little or no financial assets. Concentration fuels the class conflict in a society and ultimately damages a nation as a whole. The inequality in the distribution is caused by many relevant factors, such as inflation, foreign direct investment, remittances, trade, corruption, feudalism etc. and these are all present in almost every society of the world. Thus the significance of this study cannot be denied with respect to the world. 1.4 Importance of Study With Respect To Pakistan Since Pakistans Inception, the Populace has been plagued with the diabolical issue of income distribution. The seriousness of this issue cannot be denied, since it has been the root cause of constant upheaval in the society in general and also the catalyst of constant unrest, distrust and sometimes violent protests. In other words we have been compromised in a never ending stalemate, since there is no significant trend of increase or decrease of income distribution in Pakistan, thus this kind of uneven trend is giving rise to undesirable hybrid classes based upon this income inequality. The initiation of such classes has led to an avalanche of prejudice, discrimination and more disturbingly, exclusion of significant amount of people from the nucleus of the society. It has also led to the formation of different stratums among the people. With the passage of time this horrendous social exclusion, disparity and discrimination has manifested into an ugly class conflict amongst the people we see today in Pakistan. The mere presence of various classes based on improper income distribution is evidence of its existence. The increasing social gap, distrust and lack of communication between the people, nourishes the problem of income distribution and provides sustenance for its future. The prevailing feudal culture in Pakistan is also one of the major catalysts of the unequal distribution of income in Pakistan. The most influential people or the ruling class has the most concentration of resources; they also include the politicians of Pakistan who are responsible for making policies against this burning issue. Inflation is another factor contributing to the lowering of the purchasing power of the lower classes, which in turn induces a conflict among the general public, as inflation hits hard on the lower classes and has little effect on the elite class. All the foreign investment and the remittances are also controlled by the upper or elite class, thus the flow of money in the economy is limited to a set number of influential or powerful people, while the majority of the population is deprived even the basic necessities of life. 1.5 Research Question The elements of class conflict in Pakistan. The problem of class conflict is justified with the increasing gaps between the populations of Pakistan. Various classes exist due to this income disparity. It is due to this income disparity among the people different classes are formed. Thus, there is a clear and present conflict between the classes in our society. CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW The review of existing literature in the current study area of the income distribution patterns and the class conflict in Pakistan will help in appraising additional information on the subject matter and help in establishing a better understanding of the research that is to be undertaken. Hasan (2002) made a study on the emerging trends of Pakistans upper or elite class which is under heavy influence of the west. The post Bhutto era changed all the pervious trends that the ruling class observed. The elite class now has separated itself from the middle and lower classes and with it, has also lost the trend to use public services. They are more inclined to private services and they are the ones who are embedded deep in Pakistans political lobby. They reflect the countrys politics, society and the culture as well. Today, Pakistans elite class enjoys the most as income and money is no object to them, they go abroad for vacations and education whereas the majority of the population has little to eat. This gives rise to a class conflict between the general populations and thus differences are uplifted. Y. So (1991) studied the causes of stratification among people. The author focuses on the study of politics and history in accordance with the class struggle. The author makes the analysis based on three major components, the conditions of class struggle, the entire process of class struggle and the consequences that follow the class struggle both on micro as well as the macro level. By incorporating class struggle into the process stratification theory, the author opens up new a horizon for the analysis. The stratification theory groups people according to income distribution. People possessing similar characteristics form social groups or classes which give rise to social gaps. The Neo-Marxist theory focuses on the production sphere and is the advocate of conflict between the emerging classes. The aim of this study was to analyze the formation of different classes. The study looks at the various forms of class struggle and the ways in which classes are formed with special reference to reasons and causes of this phenomenon. Strasser (1980) argues that there two principles which are involved in the social inequality, stratum and class formation. It is intended to substantiate the work by comparing the claims of the functional theory of social stratification and to uncover the frame of reference that underlies the analysis of social inequality in a society. The author calls attention to the recent finding of his time in anthropology and ethnology to further explain his thesis and looks at various theories of social inequality, functional, conservative and progressive. Stratum is a group of people sharing common characteristics such as income, occupation, status etc. Socialization is the major cause of the formation of various stratums. People belonging to a similar background tend to socialize more between themselves rather than with people who are different from them. Social inequality among the various classes takes the form of unequal distribution of resources. These resources either symbolic or materi al are responsible for the conflict among classes. Classes are formed as a result of grouping of similar people belonging to specific interests, whereas strata are formed due to similar lifestyles of various people. Rashid (1985) examines the feudal culture that has existed since Pakistans birth and even now this culture prevails as many of the ruling elites and politicians are among them. Land reforms are imperative for a country like Pakistan, but the people who are responsible for the implementation are the ones who benefit the most out of land. The policy makers and the people who implement the policies are in the politics, and these people compromise the majority of the landlords here in Pakistan. Landlords enjoy the fruits of other peoples hard work which belong to the lower classes that tend to the lands which are not of their own. This tense relationship of worker and master gives rise to a class conflict which will erupt one day. The government is not trying to balance out this unequal distribution of land among the people. There is concentration of all the wealth of the land to one ruling class. Chandra (1972) stated that since the earliest beginning, Pakistan has been dominated by the ruling class. The author gives a complete assessment of the class character of West Pakistan. Even the Muslim League consisted majority of two classes, the Zamindars and the traders, both of which belong to the upper or elite classes of that time. The study aims at living conditions of the lower or working class, which are still the same even after such a long time. There has not been any significant improvement in the living conditions nor other important sectors for these poor people, even though they comprise the majority of the total population of Pakistan. There has been a significant development in the industrial and the private sector, i.e., inflow of foreign investment, but to no avail, the landlords and the capitalists are only the ones who enjoy the fruits of life, as they comprise all the heavy investors in both the sectors. Landlords have made monopolies, and by doing so the dispar ities among the classes have further increased ever since. Crenshaw and Ameen (1993) in their study of the different dimensions of social inequality in the third world, reveal that the modernization and the ecological-evolutionary theories provide more evidence regarding the social inequality than the either the dependency/world systems or the urban bias theory. They provide a cross national assessment of the determinants of income inequality. They also shed light on the various conclusions that can be drawn from various theories. Injection of foreign capital provides opportunities for some people, but it also widens the gap as many people are unable to capitalize on the certain amount of capital. Thus only the people who are strongly embedded and/or in the mainstream, are the ones who are able to capitalize. The analysis point towards the economic growth and the development of the rural areas to reduce mortality and stabilize the income inequality. Ahmed (1996) in his study comments that in a rapidly progressing world, ethnic, religious and social conflicts are tearing states apart not only in the developed world, but also in the lesser developed third world countries. Pakistan is divided into many ethnic groups according to the author, the largest group being the Punjabis, who comprise mainly of the upper and middle classes. However social inequality in rampant in the whole country as there are small pockets of people who have similar access to resources, thus forming various ethnic groups and/or classes, which include Sindhi, Pushtoon and Balochi people, who are less developed and less embedded. Even though Pakistan is rapidly growing but there are elements that hinder the growth of people and inhibit potential factors which work to decrease this chasm between the people of Pakistan. National integration is a desirable goal but it has caused a lot of problems in the past, such as oppression. Even if national equity is promote d and there is harmony among the different groups, there would yet be emerging ideas of different stances, and this time around would have an adverse effect. Bulir (2001) made a study using the traditional Kuznets model. Inflation reduces the purchasing power of the poor people; it also tends to decrease the general income thus increasing social gaps. The government can tax the rich to cover the gap but there are only a few honest taxpayers as opposed to the number of poor people in Pakistan. This ignites a certain conflict among the people, as a certain image is developed for the tax evaders, who are mostly the ruling class or the elites. People belonging to the lower class are hit heavily by inflation, as they are already short on resources, and after further reduction in their purchasing power, they are forced to corruption. Lower inflation rates, in addition to the level of development and fiscal redistribution are found to improve income equality and their impact is uniform for all levels of GDP per capita, thus low inflation rates improve the income inequality. Level of development; state employment, fiscal redistribution, and price stability are found to improve income inequality in a given country. The positive impact of price stability on income distribution is nonlinear. When inflation is reduced from hyperinflationary levels, there is a significant reduction in the income inequality also, while if it is decreased further, then there are small gains in the countrys gini coefficient. Kentor (2001) observed the effects of globalization on the income distribution, population growth and the economic development. The goal was to develop the linkage between them, and it is evident that they are inter-related parts of a complex system of unequal economic, social and political relationships. Globalization has effects on the income inequality and income distribution, but there are no properly demarked good or bad effects to it. Where there is a negative effect of globalization on the per capita GNP growth, there is also a positive impact on the trade openness. Policies should be made according to the given circumstances at hand, not by prediction. Hussain, Sharif, Hasan (2009) studied the impacts of openness of trade, FDI and remittances on the income distribution and the income inequality in Pakistan. Increased openness of trade leads to economic growth which reduces poverty and makes income distribution more equal. Trade liberalization has been a factor in reducing the income distribution as there is a significant increase in the total trade over the past years. Pakistan has also reduced tariffs from 200% to only 25%. Studies show that FDI has a positive effect on income distribution, but owing to the unstable political and economic conditions it has not risen considerably. FDI was restricted to only few areas but since it opened up to the industrial sector, Pakistan has witnessed a considerable amount of increase in FDI (poor in the 70s and began rising in the 80s). However the extent of FDI had good effects on income distribution in Pakistan. Remittances, also play a vital role in the economy, Pakistan had high remittances through the 70s and 80s but saw a decline after that, yet after 2000, Pakistan again saw rapid increase in the remittances, Pakistan is trying to open up the economy by privatization. This will ultimately cause growth in the economy and reduce poverty and equalize the income inequality. Thus their study revealed that the income inequality in Pakistan follows an uneven pattern, meaning that there is no significant increase or decrease. CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY 3.1 Research Type My Research falls under the category of a quantitative research. I gathered data and put it through a series of statistical techniques to prove the hypothesis derived in the research 3.2 Data Type and Research Period My Research was done by using the primary data. Primary data was collected to study the class conflict, as no historical data is currently available. Questionnaire provided me with relevant information to conduct the research 3.3 Sources of Data A questionnaire was floated asking general questions related to the issue of class conflict in Pakistan 3.4 Theoretical Framework 3.5 Variables Definitions Inequality The degree to which the distribution of economic welfare generated in an economy differs from that if equal shares among its inhabitants (Dictionary of Economics, Graham Bannock) Stratum Division of people according to some variable Feudalism A European system flourishing between 800-1400 based upon fixed relations of lord to vassal (www.thefreedictionary.com) Income Distribution The various levels of income existing within a given population (Dictionary of Economics, Graham Bannock) Class Conflict Conflict between different classes in a community resulting from different social or economic positions and reflecting opposed interests (www.dictionary.reference.com) Income Disparity In economic context, it refers to the difference in wages of people 3.6 Population, Working Population and Planned Sample The questionnaire was completed by 50 people of Lahore. Questionnaire asked questions regarding the social class conflict existing in our society. 3.7 Research Hypothesis H0: Class conflict is caused due to income disparity H1: Class conflict is not caused due to income disparity H0: Social gaps and social exclusion lead to the class conflict H1: Social gaps and social exclusion does not lead to class conflict H0: Division of stratums is a major reason for class conflict. H1: Division of stratums is not a major reason for class conflict. H0: There are social gaps between the various classes in Pakistan H1: There are no social gaps between the various classes in Pakistan 3.8 Techniques For the analysis of the data collected, the statistical technique of regression was used to build and establish linkages between the variables used in the research and finally deriving the conclusion from the results of the regression analysis. 3.9 Data Analysis The statistical software Mini tab was used to apply the regression technique to analyze the data. The software provided with graphs, tables and charts after running regression. 3.10 Data interpretation The data was interpreted using the regression results. Based on the current analysis the main aim of the study was to understand which element was the major one of class conflict. CHAPTER 4 RESULTS AND ANALYSIS 4.1 Results Multiple Regression Analysis Dependent variable: Class Conflict Standard T Parameter Estimate Error Statistic P-Value CONSTANT -0.0519046 0.421089 -0.123263 0.9024 Income Disparity 0.24955 0.122053 2.04461 0.0466 Socialization 0.753118 0.148753 5.06289 0.0000 Stratification 0.0101818 0.092964 0.109524 0.9133 Analysis of Variance Source Sum of Squares Df Mean Square F-Ratio P-Value - Model 4.90069 3 1.63356 10.81 0.0000 Residual 6.95066 46 0.151101 Total (Corr.) 11.8514 49 R-squared = 61.3514 percent R-squared (adjusted for d.f.) = 57.5264 percent Standard Error of Est. = 0.388717 Mean absolute error = 0.318889 Durbin-Watson statistic = 1.52396 Class Conflict = -0.0519046 + 0.24955*Income Disparity +0.753118*Socialization + 0.0101818*Stratification 4.2 Findings Analysis The regression model describes the relationship of socialization, stratification and income disparity with class conflict. It explains how socialization, stratification and income disparity affect class conflict. As we can see from the above equation that income disparity, socialization and stratification is directly linked with class conflict as all three variables have a positive relationship. Since the P-value in the ANOVA table is less than 0.01, there is a statistically significant relationship between the class conflict and the 3 independent variables at the 99% confidence level. The R-Squared statistic indicates that the model as fitted explains 61.3514% of the variability in Class Conflict. The adjusted R-squared statistic, which is more suitable for comparing models with different numbers of independent variables, is 57.5264%. The standard error of the estimate shows the standard deviation of the residuals to be 0.388717. This value can be used to construct prediction limits for new observations by selecting the Reports option from the text menu. The mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.318889 is the average value of the residuals. The Durbin-Watson (DW) statistic tests the residuals to determine if there is any significant correlation based on the order in which they occur in the data file. Since the DW value is greater than 1.4, there is probably not any serious auto correlation in the residuals. In the model the highest p-value on the independent variables is 0.9133, belonging to stratification. Since the p-value is greater or equal to 0.10, so this variable is not significant at the 90% confidence level. Therefore, we can say that stratification have little and no effect on the dependent variable, class conflict. Questionnaire was floated by various people including students and professors of my university i.e. Lahore School of Economics, Doctors working in CMH hospital, Students of LMDC, Shop keepers of H-Block market DHA and people working as drivers and cooks in my colony. The main purpose of getting questionnaire filled from people belonging to various income groups was to clearly study and understand the relationship of socialization, stratification and income disparity with the class conflict issue. The only limitation of doing this primary research was that the sample size of 50 people was very low in order to draw a conclusion as the topic is very wide and each and every individual has his/her own views on the class conflict topic. Overall people surveyed, were of the view that class conflict did exist in our society and gave rise to problems such as income disparity and it divided the population into various stratums. 4.3 Hypothesis testing H0: Class conflict is caused due to income disparity H1: Class conflict is not caused due to income disparity As the results show the p-value of income disparity to be 0.0466 which is less than 0.05 thus we accept Ho at 95% confidence interval. This means that income disparity causes class conflict. According to the respondents, class conflict is a result of the income disparities as these days in Pakistan the rich are getting richer day by day and the poor are getting poorer. Class conflict is dependent upon income disparities. H0: There are social gaps between the various classes in Pakistan H1: There are no social gaps between the various classes in Pakistan The p-value of the information in the regression analysis is 0.0000. As the p-value is less than ÃŽÂ ± which is 0.05, we accept the null hypothesis and say that social gaps do exist between the various classes in Pakistan. It should be noted that the p-value is very small and is significant. Majority of the respondents were of the view that social gaps are present in the various classes of Pakistan. H0: Social gaps and social exclusion lead to the class conflict H1: Social gaps and social exclusion does not lead to class conflict The p-value of socialization in the regression analysis is 0.000 which is less than 0.05 we accept Ho at 95% confidence level. This means that social gaps led to the problem of class conflict. Majority of people said that wide social gaps and differences and social exclusion led to class conflict. They were of the view that this separation between the classes will lead to a major conflict among the general public in Pakistan. H0: Division of stratums is a major reason for class conflict. H1: Division of stratums is a major reason for class conflict. In the regression analysis we can see that the p-value of stratification is 0.9133 which is greater than 0.05 thus we reject the null hypothesis at 95% confidence level. This means that stratification is not a major reason of the class conflict problem. One of the limitations behind this result could be that the sample size is very small, which is in sufficient to draw a conclusion regarding stratification and its relationship with class conflict. Conclusion From the above argument, it is concluded that there is a marked class conflict in the population of Pakistan based on the unequal distribution of income in Pakistan. Corrupt officials, low number of honest taxpayers and resistance to change are some of the factors which contribute to fuel this ongoing conflict among the people. Pakistan is also facing a great threat from security point of view as well as inefficient monetary policies, which also hinders economic growth. Hence the people are divided into the various groups mentioned in the paper, according to difference in income, status, amount of resources and other contributing factors. According to the results, stratification among the people does not hold much importance, but it is a minor contributing factor in the class conflict. Socialization, however is an important variable in the class conflict, people of similar backgrounds belong to a similar type of social status tend to socialize more than people belonging to other clas ses. This is a common practice that people with similar resources either material or symbolic will from a social group and tend to exclude people who are different from them.

Comparison of US Bill of Rights and The Canadian Charter of Rights Essa

BACKGROUND OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS The United States Bill of Rights came into being as a result of a promise made by the Fathers of Confederation to the states during the struggle for ratification of the Constitution in 1787-88. A great number of the states made as a condition for their ratification, the addition of amendments, which would guarantee citizens protection of their rights against the central government. Thus, we have a rather interesting situation in which the entrenchment of a bill of rights in the American Constitution was done by the virtual demand of the states, they themselves fearing a central government which was not legally constrained and restricted as far as its powers were concerned. The resulting Bill of Rights is appended to the American Constitution as the first ten amendments. These amendments automatically became an integral part of the original document, making them part of ‘The Supreme Law of the Land.’ It was then actually ‘entrenched,’ as the phrase is used in Canadian terminology. The American Civil War had a very profound effect upon the American Constitution and upon American constitutionalism generally. The Civil war had indeed been fought over a question of states’ rights, among other things, and the states’ rights interpretation had actually lost and was, to a degree, a casualty of the wartime period. Further, that casualty was swiftly hammered into its coffin by three amendments which were enacted in 1865, 1868 and 1870 – the Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments. The Fourteenth Amendment ultimately became the heart and soul of the modern American Constitution. Most of the legal battle’s surrounding the United States Bill of Rights have been to make it a truly national document – such that states may not violate its provisions. The Fourteenth Amendment finally made this possible. A more sudden, but perhaps equally profound event is the adoption in 1982 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Whereas before the adoption of the Charter Canadian legislatures were supreme, having power without limit within their jurisdictions, they now have debatable supremacy within altered jurisdictions. Moreover, although no powers or rights have been explicitly ‘reserved’ to the people, supporters of the charter nevertheless appear to give Canadians hope that the possibility may exist. COMPARISON OF B... ...wo constitutional documents may be similar in respect to their provisions respecting rights, it would not necessarily follow that claims of violation of rights would receive the same response from the courts of both nations. A proper analysis of why this is so would require a book-length account of the constitutional and political history of Canada and the United States. It would include but would not be limited to the selection and role of judges, the role of legislatures and political leadership, the attitudes and practices of the police and administrative agencies, and, not least, popular attitudes towards rights, minorities, and government. In short, the whole of a people’s way of life. Bibliography McKercher, William R., ed. The U.S. Bill of Rights and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Toronto: Ontario Economic Council, 1983 Dumbauld, Edward. The Bill of Rights and What it Means Today Norman: University Of Oklahoma Press, 1977. Steven Talos, Michael Liepner and Gregory Dickinson. Understanding The Law Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd, 1990. Black, Charles L. The People and the Court: Judicial Review in a Democracy New York: Macmillan, 1960. Comparison of US Bill of Rights and The Canadian Charter of Rights Essa BACKGROUND OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS The United States Bill of Rights came into being as a result of a promise made by the Fathers of Confederation to the states during the struggle for ratification of the Constitution in 1787-88. A great number of the states made as a condition for their ratification, the addition of amendments, which would guarantee citizens protection of their rights against the central government. Thus, we have a rather interesting situation in which the entrenchment of a bill of rights in the American Constitution was done by the virtual demand of the states, they themselves fearing a central government which was not legally constrained and restricted as far as its powers were concerned. The resulting Bill of Rights is appended to the American Constitution as the first ten amendments. These amendments automatically became an integral part of the original document, making them part of ‘The Supreme Law of the Land.’ It was then actually ‘entrenched,’ as the phrase is used in Canadian terminology. The American Civil War had a very profound effect upon the American Constitution and upon American constitutionalism generally. The Civil war had indeed been fought over a question of states’ rights, among other things, and the states’ rights interpretation had actually lost and was, to a degree, a casualty of the wartime period. Further, that casualty was swiftly hammered into its coffin by three amendments which were enacted in 1865, 1868 and 1870 – the Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments. The Fourteenth Amendment ultimately became the heart and soul of the modern American Constitution. Most of the legal battle’s surrounding the United States Bill of Rights have been to make it a truly national document – such that states may not violate its provisions. The Fourteenth Amendment finally made this possible. A more sudden, but perhaps equally profound event is the adoption in 1982 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Whereas before the adoption of the Charter Canadian legislatures were supreme, having power without limit within their jurisdictions, they now have debatable supremacy within altered jurisdictions. Moreover, although no powers or rights have been explicitly ‘reserved’ to the people, supporters of the charter nevertheless appear to give Canadians hope that the possibility may exist. COMPARISON OF B... ...wo constitutional documents may be similar in respect to their provisions respecting rights, it would not necessarily follow that claims of violation of rights would receive the same response from the courts of both nations. A proper analysis of why this is so would require a book-length account of the constitutional and political history of Canada and the United States. It would include but would not be limited to the selection and role of judges, the role of legislatures and political leadership, the attitudes and practices of the police and administrative agencies, and, not least, popular attitudes towards rights, minorities, and government. In short, the whole of a people’s way of life. Bibliography McKercher, William R., ed. The U.S. Bill of Rights and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Toronto: Ontario Economic Council, 1983 Dumbauld, Edward. The Bill of Rights and What it Means Today Norman: University Of Oklahoma Press, 1977. Steven Talos, Michael Liepner and Gregory Dickinson. Understanding The Law Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd, 1990. Black, Charles L. The People and the Court: Judicial Review in a Democracy New York: Macmillan, 1960.

My Favorite Web Site and Why Essay -- Analysis Web Design Essays

My Favorite Web Site and Why Some Works Cited Missing In contrast to most of the other people in this class, I had never done any net surfing. So to prepare for this paper I explored the WWW for approximately seven hours. This helped to create an impression on me of what constitutes a good Web site. Finally, I decided on a favorite SF/CP Web site and I asked myself what made this site better than others. The Web site is dedicated to William Gibson (Foley) site which scrolls a picture of the writer on the site projecting an air of authority. The problem with the William Gibson site is that the background does little to complement the site. The background for the BR site however, not only complements the title but helps project the mood of the site. Blade is backed by the complimentary color of a cool blue. This blue emits a soothing tone and desolate atmosphere because of its relation to the black. This atmosphere is common in the film. The figure of the BR is backed by the fade from blue to black similar to in the movie where the Decker d is found under soothing colors and mysterious shadows. Runner is backed by an abysmal black; an image found articulated in the movie in flying scenes over the futuristic LA and under the feet of Deckerd when dangling from Roy's grasp. Fans of the film can relate to the effective use of graphics in portraying the mood of the film. Critics to the use of graphics may argue that the home page is do directed to fans as to lose credibility in fulfilling the criteria to non-fans. As mentioned earlier, the author of the site had provided clues that the site is intended for fans; however, this site fulfills the site so well that non-fans are actually satisfied with this sites fulfillment of this criter... ...topic of the site, William Gibson. When clicking the info link, one would expect to see information concerning William Gibson, but instead this link is concerned with the producer of the site. "Info" doesn't even hint that this kind of information is going to be linked. This site fulfilled the criteria extremely well as a site directed at Bladerunner fans. But, as I already adressed arguments against this site becuase of its seemingly narrow focus to fans, I believe I proved the site to be exceptional even under the eye of a non-fan. Chapman's intelligent formatting of the sight and thoughtfulness for non-fans helped him far exceed my criteria of impressive graphics pertaining to the subject, simplicity in stlye and organization, and relevant links. Works Cited Chapman, Murray. The Requiem-William Gibson. 1995. Foley, J. Off-World (Bladerunner Page).

Expansion of EU :: Economics Trade Indian IT Companies Essays

Expansion of EU The EU Expansion of May 2004 On May 1, 2004, new members were added to EU. The current round of expansion brings 10 new EU kids on the block: Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Cyprus, and Malta. There are more to follow in the EU candidate list. Many of these countries are of varying economic strengths and per capita incomes. The average Gross National Product of the newer countries is significantly different from the first 12 member nations of the EU. Indian IT Industry India has a well-trained work force and the largest pool of English speaking workers anywhere outside native English speaking countries. India produces more engineers and MBAs than any European country. The educated workforce and the currency exchange rates are the prime factors that make India a very attractive location for software development. India’s quality workforce is among the least paid in the world, yet the workers can afford a good standard of living, due to relatively low cost of living in India. Due to these factors, India has emerged as leading software exporter in the world. USA and Europe are the biggest markets for the Indian software companies. The IT exports were worth $12.5 billion in the fiscal year 2003-2004. Trade between India and Europe Before the formation of the EU, USA was the single largest trading partner for India. Many European countries like UK, Germany and France were the other major partners. After the EU came into being, it has replaced USA as India’s leading trade partner. The major industries involved in India-EU trade are steel, cement, Computer Software, etc. India has had much greater business relations with the western European countries as compared to the eastern European countries. Bilateral trade between India and UK grew by over 20% during 2003. The UK is the second largest investor to India. India was the 8th largest investor in the UK in 2003. The UK attracts over 60% of India's investment in Europe. India is the UK's 17th largest export market. India and Germany have strong bi-lateral trade relations. Last year, Germany's trade volume with India totaled some â‚ ¬5 billion ($5.6 billion). India’s IT sector has very strong business relations with Germany. The Changing Scenario? The basic principles on which EU functions involve removal of trade barriers among member countries and facilitation of free movement of people within the EU. Does this also involve restrictive trade practices and exclusion of workers from non-EU countries?