Spring exam

First Line Managers – supervise people who perform non-managerial duties Middle Managers – oversee the work of large departments or divisions Top Managers – guide the performance of the organization as a whole or of one of its major parts Governance – is the oversight of top management by a board of directors or a board of trustees Accountability – is the requirement so show performance results too supervisor The upside-Down Pyramid – view puts customers at the top of the organization by being served by workers who are supported by the managers below them Social Capital – Is the capacity to attract support and help from others In order to get things done. Emotional Intelligence – Is the ability to manage ourselves and our relationships effectively Conceptual Skill – Is the ability to think analytically and solve complex problems 1 . Self-Awareness ? understanding moods and emotions 2. Self-Regulation – thinking bef ore acting; controlling disruptive impulses 3. Motivation – working hard and persevering 4. Empathy – understanding the emotions of others 5.Social Skills – gaining rapport and building good relationships Global Sourcing – involves contracting for work that is performed in other countries Corporate Governance – is the oversight of a company's management by a board of directors Glass Ceiling Effect – an invisible barrier limiting career advancement of women and minorities Intellectual Capital – is the collective brainpower or shared knowledge of a workforce (Competency x Commitment = Intellectual Capital) Self-Management – is the ability to understand oneself, exercise initiative, accept responsibility and learn from experience ME – Chi. Critical Thinking – the ability to perceive situations, gather and interpret relevant information, and make decisions Sustainable Competitive Advantage – is an ability to ou tperform rivals in ways that are difficult to imitate Corporate Strategy – sets long- term direction for the total enterprise Business Strategy – identifies how a division or strategic business unit will compete in its product or service domain Functional Strategy – guides activities within one specific area of operations Growth Through Concentration – means expansion within an existing business area Growth ThroughDiversification – means expansion by entering related or new business areas Growth Through Vertical Integration – occurs by acquiring suppliers or distributors Retrenchment Strategy – changes operations to correct weaknesses Liquation – occurs when a business sells Its assets to pay creditors Restructuring – reduces the scale or mix of operations Divestiture – Involves selling off parts of the organization to refocus attention on core business areas Strategic Alliance – organizations Join together In partnership to pursue an area of mutual interest Co-petition – is the strategy of working with rivals n projects of mutual benefit business Strategy -strategically uses the internet to gain competitive advantage Scrounging – is strategic use of the internet to engage customers and potential customers in providing opinions and suggestions on implementing strategies Differentiation Strategy – offers products that are unique and different from those of the competition Cost Leadership Strategy – seeks to operate with lower costs than competitors Focused Differentiation Strategy – offers a unique product to a special market segment Focused Cost Leadership Strategy – seeks the lowest costs of operations within a special market segment Strategic Leadership – inspires people to implement organizational strategies Strategic Control – makes sure strategies are scrapped or changed ME – Chi. 9 Colonization – is the proces s through which new members learn the culture of an organization Observable Culture – is what you see and hear when walking around an organization Core Culture – is found in the underlying values of the organization Symbolic Leader – uses language and symbols and actions to establish and maintain a desired organizational culture.

Classification Essay

Chris Owens Professor McCrary EN130 29 October 2012 Types of NFL Head Coaches Many people think that NFL Head Coaches are just the ones in charge of the team, and call the plays on game days. There are many styles that different Head Coaches have – Players Coach, Motivator, Strategist, and Team Builder – these styles need to be recognized. Most fans think that the HC is the leader, and tries to set their team up to be successful. Certain coaches use different styles that they implement into their coaching, and that’s how they get things done with their teams.Many of the styles are similar in some instances, but very different in other ways. Player Coaches are able to look at the players and the game from a different perspective, because the coach was in the players shoes at one point an time. He knows how relate to players better than some other coaches, when it comes to getting the job done and going through the grind of the season. Coaches like Herm Edwards and Mike Singletary are good examples of player coaches. Players’ see the coach as someone who has experience as a player, and that he really knows what he’s talking about when he is instructing.Players tend to have a little bit more respect for player coaches, especially when it’s their first time getting that HC job. Player coaches ten to be very charismatic and up beat when it comes to getting their players ready for the game. Another very charismatic and passionate leader is the Motivator coaching style. This type of really knows how to inspire the team and get them on the right track to be successful. John Madden and Vince Lombardi are two legendary coaches that were great motivators and lead their teams to multiple Super Bowls.Players enjoy playing for a great motivating coach. Motivational coaches tend to land those big time free agents and are able to keep the stars that are already playing for him happy. Coaches with this style tend to get the most out of the players performance and have them performing at a high level on Sundays. They are known to be great speakers, and always have that inspirational pre-game speech to get the team ready greatness. On the other hand, great motivational coaches may not always have the greatest game plan for a game.Motivators sometimes just hope that their players are better than the other team on that given day. The third coaching style relies less on the hoo-rah of the game and inspiration of players. This style relies more on out-smarting his opponent by being more strategic. The Strategist is a brilliant tactician, and looks at the football field like a chessboard. The Strategist coach is always trying to evolve his game plan and always wants to put his players in the best situations to win games. Strategists are always thinking of new ways to progress player and own abilities.Bill Walsh and Tom Landry are two legendary Strategist head coaches. They came up with totally different styles of offense that changed the game of football forever. Strategist coaches know how to build up their young players and keeping his veteran players at the top of their game. However, being the smartest coach doesn’t always lead to wins if you don’t have the right players or the ability to motivate them. Coaches must try to be men of different hats to be successful head coaches in the NFL. This last coaching style takes traits from all of the previous coaching styles discussed.The Team Builder coach usually comes into a situation where the team isn’t that good and trying build their team to be very competitive again. Team building coaches are almost part scout and part general manager when it comes to running their team. Team building coaches are always looking for that next stud college player or that big time free agent to add to their team’s talent level. Bill Walsh and Joe Gibbs are examples of great team building coaches, that have took teams from worst to first. Once a Team Building coach gets their personnel together, they must be able to progress his players and inspire them to be great.If that can be done the sky is the limit. Although each Head Coach may have a different style of how they want run their team. If their style is a Player’s Coach, Motivator, Strategist, or Team Builder; in the end, their goal is for their teams to be great and to become Super bowl Champions. Not many people know of the different styles that different head coaches bring to the table, and that has to be recognized by the fans. Football is a team game, and when you put the right coach with the right assistants and players. It’s no telling how far that team will go.

Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 4

Marketing - Essay Example There is huge diversity in McDonald’s advertisements and its creativity which touches the target group. Indeed, one of its advertisements in Sweden cycle stand depicts fresh carrot and at other places, the crosswalk is painted as McDonald’s fries. When big and juicy burgers were introduced in Stockholm outlets, big posters at major transport centers were made up of same material as that of napkins which could be ripped off! Indeed, most interesting aspect of McDonald’s advertisements is that they portray liveliness and include diversity within it. Various TV commercials and roadside hoardings of ‘I m lovin it’ are prime example of inclusion. Another important factor that integrates all its advertisements formats is McDonald’s intention to send the message that it wants to meet the changing preferences of the people and has serious intentions to ensure that its customers are satisfied. They also highlight environmental concern, healthy diet and tickle the funny bone with the humor within its advertisements. (words: 265)

Marketing plan stage2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Marketing plan stage2 - Assignment Example The company should introduce new products in the market and modify existing less popular items according to taste and preference patterns of contemporary consumers. The success of the current marketing plan should be reviewed and determined with the help of several assessment means such as, market share analysis, target customers sales, budgeting and customers’ feedback (Stryker, 1998). The research paper elaborates on an appropriate marketing plan for Pepsi Company. The company operates in a highly competitive industry. With the help of a marketing plan, the company can improve brand position within the industry. However, marketing strategies of the company cannot be formulated without a precise analysis about financial status of PepsiCo (Kotler, 2008). The following financial analysis is based on data collected from financial review of the company in stage one marketing plan. From the trend line above, it can be claimed that scale of business operations of PepsiCo had significantly fallen after the financial crisis (Kotler, 2008). Even so, company’s business has achieved high growth rates 2011 onwards. PepsiCo operates within the beverage industry. Over time, the global beverage industry has adapted to several changes, due to shifts in taste and preference patterns of consumers. The extent of market rivalry experienced by firms within this industry is high, where the biggest rival of PepsiCo is Coca-Cola. Both these firms adopt competitive pricing strategies in business. The products of these firms are sold at reasonable prices so as to capture a wide range of potential customers from different income strata. Hence, it can be claimed that firms within the beverage industry faces monopolistic competitive pressure as they sell qualitatively differentiated products (Kotler, 2008). As in a typical monopolistic industry, each firm functions as a profit

Superstition & Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Superstition & Science - Essay Example Neville discovered that the infected beings possessed both the human and vampire-like characteristics and only came out after dawn (Matheson 17). The other characteristic trait was that they could be repelled using garlic. It became a constant battle of survival for this resourceful man who had to go against extreme odds to get what he aspired. At one point Neville captured Ruth, a creature possessing both human and vampire characteristics and one that could go out during the day. Neville’s reaction was that there was nothing eye-catching about them during the day (Matheson 30). Neville was suspicious as to whether Ruth was truly human as she portrayed herself adding to the fact that she was opposed to killing of vampires. Ruth and Neville soon became companion to a point where it developed into a relationship. On his quest to identify the cure for the disease, Neville and the readers discovered that Ruth’s blood samples were indeed infected. Ruth left Neville and revea led that she lived in colony of people who were infected and planned to rebuild their lives. Given that Neville had formed a habit of killing many of Ruth’s kind, he only seems to be in their way and had to be converted before he destroyed her people. The novel concludes by depicting the final thoughts of Neville before he was executed. Part 2: Argument Using the evidence put into play by Richard Matheson, in connection with the 1940s and 1950s timelines, it is clear that there were universal human fears among the American public in 1954. The fear could also be directly linked to the existing, cultural conditions and existing custom of individual identity. From the timelines given, year 1940 to year 1954, it is clear that the American public was fearful of the Cold War and the effects it had on individuals, their health and social aspects. Vampires represented American’s xenophobic fear which manifested with time and was made worse with the onset of a few films made in New York for entertaining the Elite. Hence, most Americans were not fully reassured that the vampire syndrome would come to an end. The sale of surplus war material in 1940s posed a serious risk to the lives of Americans who were at war with other nations. Vampire-like symptoms can be indirectly compared to American public’s fear of the devastating physical changes, illness and decreasing faculties when exposed to biological war materials that were used by their enemies. The public was fearful of loss of individuality as a nation. The manifestation of decaying being that still lingered in the world can be compared to the individual fear of being incapable of recognizing and preventing oneself from encountering pain and suffering that was inflicted once a loved one was lost in the war. The drinking of blood as depicted in Matheson’s book, page 10, of Vampires’ craving to drink Neville’s blood represented the public’s fear of re-occurring problems w hich surfaced during the Second World War. It reprieved the public off its financial and emotional aspects of life. The compelling universal fears manifested in an average American’s mind in 1942 and 1943 where there were atomic bombs being developed as a form of weapon. This may be compared to the views of Americans in regard to Vampires in the society. When the world war two occurred, most countries were affected on a global scope and so was Neville’

Peyotism and the Native American Church Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Peyotism and the Native American Church - Essay Example Peyotism is, essentially, the ingestion of the Peyote, a psychoactive, small, spineless cactus, for religious purposes. Peyote is native to certain parts of Texas and Mexico, and the tribes that settled there have been reported to use it for a long time. There are Inquisition cases that dealt with peyote usage as early as 1614 (Stewart 1980:300). Though there are many prevailing theories about the exact route through which peyote use came to the Native American tribes that were not settled in the regions were this cactus grows, however, this much is clear that the tribes that practiced peyotism taught the practice to either those they had captured, or took the religious practice with them even when they were displaced from their original settlements. According to Stewart, it was the Lipan who were primary contributors to the course that led to the founding of the Peyote Religion in Oklahoma (1974:218), and La Barre agrees (49). Slowly, but surely, peyotism spread; it took on many asp ects of both traditional religious rituals of the Native Americans, along with amalgamating Christian themes within. La Barre states that as early as 1876, the Oto and the Sac were learning a Christianized version of Peyotism from the Tonkawa directly (as cited in Stewart 1974:216). Peyotism evolved and became what is now the Native American Church: a Christian church, with many Native American rituals. Just where the syncretism originated is not quite clear, but the fact remains that the members of this Church consider themselves to be practicing something that â€Å"incorporates distinctly Christian teaching and practices† (Feraca 2001:60). But the fact that most of their practices are frowned upon by the Catholics and the Protestants alike (La Barre 1960) for being incompatible with their practices clearly shows that there are some distinct native rituals that are practiced by this Church. Feraca maintains that at first glance, the paraphernalia used during Church meetings , both of the Half Moon and the Cross Fire sects, looks non-Christian (2001:61). The traditional beaded staff, the single-headed metal drum with three legs of the Cross Fire, and the peyote all are seemingly alien to Christianity, however, to Church goers they represent the walking staff of Christ, the three legs the Trinity, and the peyote itself is the host (ibid.). Similarly, the eagle, the turtle and the water bird symbols used by the Half Moon are considered to be the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit respectively (Ruby 2010:59). All these symbols, paraphernalia and rituals were part of the traditional religions of the tribes, but have now been amalgamated into a new form of Christianity that is practiced by the Natives almost exclusively. Emerson Spider, Sr., who was a Reverend of the Native American Church, when talking about this fusion put it so, â€Å"We are Indian people, and we still have some of our traditional ways†¦There are traditional things that we still have†¦because we grew up with them and we’re Indians† (1987:207). In his article about revitalization movements, Anthony Wallace states that revitalization movements take place when there is dissatisfaction amongst most of the population with the cultural

Economics for managers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Economics for managers - Essay Example 246). This is the reason why the national governments of most of the nations attempt to enhance the GDP level of their respective economies. Some of the reasons why GDP of any nation could not be used to evaluate the standard of living prevailing in a nation and hence, its well-being, have been depicted underneath. Firstly, GDP takes no account of the distribution of wealth or income among the residents of a given nation and thus, does not portray a true account of the standard of living among various strata of the society. One appropriate example of a lack of discreteness of GDP, in measuring the well being of any nation could be derived from the terrorist attacks in USA in 2001. The attacks left the nation distraught and its citizens at a worse-off state. Many people lost their lives and among those who lived, many lost their jobs. Yet, the GDP of the nation was hiked primarily due to the fact that the statistic included the sums injected in the economy in the form of aids and fund reliefs (Baumol & Blinder, 2009, p. 474). Furthermore, the instance with that of the developing nations or rather the ones passing through the transition phase often record very high GDP values which does not go with the actual living standards prevailing in these nations. China and India are regarded to be the fastest developing nations in the world. These nations record one of the fastest economic growth rates even though the degree of well being in both of them are quite low with only a handful of the population base experiencing a betterment in their living standards. The primary reason behind this is the huge population bases in both the nations, which respectively are regarded as the ones endowed with the largest and second-largest populations in the world. A lion’s share of the population bases in both these nations live in utter poverty with dwindling resources. Though both these nations are associated with an economic growth rate of about 8 percent and more, the Gin i coefficient in these nations are evident of the deteriorating living standards. While it is 33 for India that for China as measured in the year 2006 was, 44.7 (Gehring & Kulkarni, 2006, p. 12). Hence, though China is slightly better off than India, none could be regarded in a highly good social condition. But income inequality and prevalence of poverty in a nation are not the only factors which indicate towards a nation’s standard of living. There are certain other aspects such as environmental concerns which are equally essential in evaluating the same. Secondly, GDP does not deduct the used up values from its account which is why it gives a wrong impression about the true economic picture in a nation. It includes the values depreciated through usage of capital, natural resources depleted on account of deforestation or excessive deployment, reduction in mineral and fuel resource endowments, as well as loss of fertilisation of land. Thirdly, the extent of environmental poll ution and degradation in a nation often hampers a variety of production processes in an economy which is why it is often counted as a drawback

Business - Report Evaluation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Business - Report Evaluation - Essay Example In fact, prices are so depressed that they are not expected to rise to the pre-2007 levels at least until the next 10 years. Nevertheless, the sector continues to garner the attention of overseas investors, who have contributed to a certain extent in sustaining real estate prices. Initial gains made over the last 2-3 years have been eroded during recent months primarily due to the sovereign debt crisis in Europe and a reduction in consumer spending. Consumers are having serious concerns over their employment opportunities, which are having a direct impact on the hotel and leisure industries. Thus, it is necessary that the government take steps to restore consumer and investor confidence in order to stimulate some positive trends in the industry. Without such steps, the UK commercial property sector will become too dependent on external funding and thus react more sharply to events in the market. Thus, it is necessary for the government to understand the crucial role of the commercial property sector and undertake steps to improve its performance over the coming months. Investment Banks The Investment banking sector is important for the economy since it helps governments and corporations raise capital through adequate sources of funding. Yet, the 2008 financial crisis was caused due to the reckless acts of many investment banks and the toxic bets they made in the mortgage markets. Despite the fact that their actions brought many economies on their knees, none of the key individuals have been prosecuted or prevented through effective legislation. The primary issue here is not about the losses caused by the actions of investment bankers, but an understanding of the main reasons, which influence their decisions. The primary issue is with regards to effective management and oversight, which is rare and often inept at monitoring the actions of employees. On an average, bankers put in a 90-hour workweek and do not have any formal appraisal processes in place. Most imp ortantly, their compensation is based predominantly on performance and the profits that they can realize through their activities. This bonus-driven compensation not only creates pressure on employees to resort to high-risk taking, but also incentivizes those that succeed from taking such positions. Individualism and secrecy are other issues, which prevent any effective collaborative teamwork among employees in investment banks. All these issues suggest that there is a serious need to revamp current practices of executive compensation. Excessive bonuses should be done away with and bankers must be encouraged to perform towards long-term objectives rather than strive for short-term performance. Banks can also take note of players such JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs, which were able to overcome major losses during the financial crisis due to their emphasis on teamwork, information sharing and an inspiring organizational culture. Public Relations Public Relations (PR) are the set of strat egies and actions that allow an organizational entity to promote it in the eye of the public. While this sounds as an effective medium of promotion and branding, PR can be used to shape public perception through various tricky methods using mediums such as the press to propagate false information. Thus, PR has evolved from a mere communicative mechanism into a comprehensive paradigm that shapes perceptions in the public sphere. While PR is an

Statement of work Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Statement of work - Essay Example The firm has an annual budget of four million dollars and employs a staff of about 50 employees. Salaries, benefits, and rent constitute nearly 80% of the $4 million dollar budget. Objective The objective is to carry out a financial annual audit of the Purchaser’s resources in accordance with the rules and principles set by the government. Also, the Contractor shall analyze and evaluate the internal control. All the basic financial statements have to be audited by the Contractor that present the Purchaser’s revenues, expenses, and balance. All the currencies shall be expressed in US Dollars including the statements, schedules and the cost rates. Scope The Contractor shall supply all the labor, resources, services that are necessary to perform the annual audit of the Purchaser. An audit of the Purchaser’s financial statements should be performed by the Contractor in accordance with the generally accepted rules and standards laid down by the government for auditing . For the above requirements to be met, the Contractor shall use the guidance provided by the President’s Council to assist the auditing. The Contractor must examine the financial statements that include the revenues received from programs that have been funded by the Purchaser’s company. ... If the financial systems require the application of any information systems then the Contractor shall obtain an understanding of the working of the system considering the internal control and carry out tests to make sure that the system is functioning as intended. In the case of non-operational controls, the Contractor shall also provide evidence to support why any control is not functioning as it should, and shall provide recommendations to improve the system. The above standards shall also be followed by the Contractor while preparing reports including an opinion report, internal control report and reports analyzing the conformity with rules and regulations. Requirements for Financial Audits The Audit Performance: An audit of all the financial statements of the Purchaser’s company shall be performed by the Contractor according to auditing principles laid down by the government and based on the guidance issued by the government relating auditing requirements. The same standar ds shall be followed while preparing reports and other documentations. All the reports shall be incorporated in one Performance Report that shall be received by October 15th, 2013. Documentation: The annual financial audit documentation must include: a) A formal work plan including a schedule for completing the audit at each step, the staff that have been assigned for the audit, and a schedule of the site visits. b) An evaluation of the risks including general risk, control risk, fraud risk and so on. c) The set of audit procedures being followed d) The testing plans e) A memo summarizing the conclusions reached on the findings Internal Control Requirements An understanding of the internal controls shall be acquired in order to plan the audit. A detection risk should be

Child Care College Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Child Care College - Essay Example In contemplating the kind of assistance parents should resort to for child care, it is essential that the requirement of a safe and happy environment that fun, educational and nurturing is met. Baby sitters are often among the top choice of parents in their decisions on which kind of help they would embark for their child. Though this is the case, it does not in any way conclusively suggest that it is the best practice. I would argue that child care from a licensed child care center is undeniably better than care from a baby sitter which is also fondly called as nanny. A child care center provides care for groups of children. They often provide entertainment and activities for all of the children to take part in. In child care centers, the space and equipment is designed strictly for the intended use of the facility (www.childcarehelp.org). Children tend to be grouped with others their own age and activities can be designed to meet the needs of each classroom of children. Most caregivers in a center are required to have education in child development or early childhood education, and all staffs are required to have annual in-service training in child development. ... In exchange for a bed, food and allowance they will look after the child or children while the parents go to work (www.babycenter.com). A live out nanny, on the other hand, will live in their own home and come to the house as and when arranged to look after the children. Either form of nanny would be considered an employee of the family (www.nannysource.com). The individual care offered to a child is the primary reason that many people select this service for their infant care needs. Parents are also able to have almost complete control over activities, feeding times and any other factor of the child's daily lives. Obviously in home care is the most expensive form of day care or any other care that is available but does offer a one on one service in exchange. There are a lot of disadvantages of babysitting though parents may think that it is the best care since there is a one to one interaction. Nanny care is unsupervised and our parents must do careful screening of any potential caregiver. The most glaring disadvantage is the expense, because, after all, our parents are paying someone's salary, and they are likely to be working a long day. Nanny care is the most expensive form of child care that I think our families could have, with most of us paying 18K - $40K per year for nannies (www.nannysource.com). Nannies are in high demand and there is a lot of competition in the marketplace for the qualified nanny. Lack of socialization may be an issue for an only child. Not all child care logistical problems are magically solved by nanny care. There may be issues on how to cover days when the nanny is ill or if there are weather emergencies which I

Discuss the Effect of Islam upon West Africa Essay Example for Free

Discuss the Effect of Islam upon West Africa Essay Change Over Time Essay Assignment #1The camel, with its ability to travel long distances without water and carry heavy loads, facilitated trans-Saharan communication. During the seventh and eighth centuries CE, Islamic conquerors had added North Africa to the dar al-Islam. By the end of the eighth century CE, Muslim merchants had crossed the Sahara and initiated commercial relations with Sub-Saharan West Africa and by the beginning of the second millennium, Islam had become entrenched in West African life. Islam dramatically changed West Africa culturally, politically, and economically in the time period between 1000 CE and 1750 CE, but many staples of West African society remained the same. Economically, Islam ushered a new era of economic prosperity into West Africa. The adoption of Islam by West African states provided them with common ground upon which states such as Mali greatly expanded their gold trade to encompass Arab and Mediterranean nations. Established Muslim trade routes facilitated the huge increase in the volume of African trade. Commercial cities sprung up across West Africa, with commerce increasing Timbuktus population to 100,000. In the twelfth century, Muslim merchants introduced cotton, rice, and citrus fruits to West Africa; by the sixteenth century cotton was the main textile produced in West Africa. European demand for cotton textiles ensured that West Africa would remain economically prosperous. Islamic merchants expanded the African slave trade to a continental level, providing Europeans with a framework upon which to build the catastrophic Atlantic slave trade, replacing small scale tribal slavery with huge state economies built entirely around capturing slaves and selling them to foreign nations. However, despite these huge changes in economic methods and volume, West African states relied heavily upon trade as the principle form of economic support throughout periods of Islamic influence. The increase in trade with Islamic merchants between 1000 and 1750 led to the permeation of Islamic culture among West African peoples. Islamic rulers built large mosques and universities where people could learn about Islam, as well as other areas of knowledge. These universities spread literacy within West African society. Islam was generally tolerant of traditional values, such as polygamy. This allowed it greater popularity than  Christianity, and decreased resistance to conversion. Islam was not forced upon citizens by their kings, but rather was voluntarily encouraged. Despite this, many people adopted Islam, especially those who interacted with Muslim merchants. However, many of those who adopted Islam did not adopt Islam in its original form, but rather combined it with traditional religious beliefs to create a syncretic religion. There was much social turmoil among purists, such as the Fulani, and those who practiced syncretic Islam. Despite the large Islamic influence in the area, many chose not to adopt a syncretic faith and rather kept their traditional beliefs. The integration of Islamic culture into West Africa, as well as the economic prosperity that Islamic trade brought West Africa, led to the creation of large centralized states. As opposed to the small kingdoms, such as the kingdom of Ghana, that the first Islamic merchants encountered in West Africa, by the fifteenth century two large centralized empires had emerged. Islamic influence played a large part in the creation of these large empires. Firstly, the revenue created by integration of West Africa into Islamic trade allowed West African rulers to create and support large standing armies. These armies ensured that these empires could protect their peoples and sources of income, as well as exert their influence. Secondly, Islamic law, known as Sharia, introduced to West Africa allowed for unified rule. Previously, varying tribal laws had caused disorder and fragmentation, as well as discontent. Islamic law facilitated and demanded the creation of large centralized empires. However, Islam itself did not necessarily become the exclusive religion of these empires; many, indeed most, citizens of these empires clung to and practiced their traditional pagan religious beliefs. Following the collapse of these two empires, West African political structure returned to the small regional kingdoms that had been West African norm before Muslim merchants crossed the Sahara. Overall, the Islam greatly, sometimes even completely, changed cultural, political, and economic environments in West Africa between 1000 CE and 1750 CE. Examples of this change include the introduction of centralized kingdoms, trans-Saharan trade, and Muslim values. Despite this great change, many elements of West African society, such as popular religion, dependence  on trade, and basic values remained the same despite Islamic influence up through 1750 CE. Near the end of that period, Africa began to be colonized by European nations, and fell under European influence.

A Problem Statement Of Quality Services Information Technology Essay

A Problem Statement Of Quality Services Information Technology Essay CHAPTER 1 1.1 INTRODUCTION Library is the important place for the people especially the students since it helps the students in their learning process. As it seems important for the students, library should be able to provide a conducive environment in order to help the students to do their revision for example. In other words, student satisfaction is an important measure of quality while providing the services in libraries. However, students perceptions about libraries seem to have been largely ignored by library management in developing countries. So, the assessment of quality while giving the services provides an important feedback for libraries to assess and improve its services to its users (Yrd.Doc.Dr. Zeynep Filiz -2007). Good service delivery to students is one of the primary goals of service organizations like libraries and is the ability of any service provider to provide promised products or services. Libraries are essentially learning organizations stimulating academic and research activities by providing access to world-class information resources. Traditionally, the success of any library is measured in terms of the size of its collection, staff, and budget. But in the present day competitive world, the libraries need to go beyond the traditional modes of assessments and apply marketing techniques for understanding customer requirements. Students focus in services delivery is essential for satisfying the students. The success depends on students perceptions or judgment on the quality of products/services provided by the service personnel in libraries and quality is the measure of how well the products/ services delivered meet students expectations (Manjunatha K and Shivalingaiah D-2004). 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT Quality services in library are very important aspect in order to satisfy the students through having continuous improvement and the students perception is an important aspect to reveal how satisfied the students towards the library contribution in helping them in learning process. Library must provide a good quality of services, sufficient of collection/information, good activities and staff attitude at the same time solving the challenging faced by them. This can ensure that library can play their role as an academic centre that contributes to a conducive learning environment. If the challenges faced not being solved, it will make students satisfaction become lower and it is hard for the students to find what they want in the library. Therefore, library must find out what kind of solution that needs to be done in order to face the challenges since every year new students come with different needs and expectations. Then, library should do the continuous improvement every time so tha t they could give focus on quality services which makes the service runs smoothly. For that reason, this research is made to know the quality of services provided by UMS library and any continuous improvement can be done if needed. The issues that arise is in terms of the ability of UMS as a learning places to contribute a conducive learning environment in helping the students to access information sources and University to produce a knowledgeable and successful graduate This is accordance with the mission of UMS library Providing comprehensive resources and services to support the university requirements in teaching, learning, research, innovation and publication. So that, this research can measure whether student satisfaction on UMS library services provided fulfill the students need through examine the ability of UMS library in terms of quality services, collection/information, library activities and staffs attitude. 1.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study are: To investigate the students satisfaction on the contribution of UMS library in supporting learning environment process. To determine services at UMS library that need for improvement. 1.4 SCOPE OF STUDY The scope of the study covers the public as the user at UMS library. Public in this scope will involve the final year students that consists of part 6 (semester 2 year 3) students in economy. The purpose by choosing part 6 students is because they are more experience in using the library services. They will now either the UMS library has help them in supporting their learning process over the three years study at UMS. 1.5 SIGNIFICANT OF STUDY 1.5.1 This study as a basis to determine students dissatisfaction towards services given by UMS library. 1.5.2 This study as a platform for the students to express their perception on services given by UMS library. 1.5.3 This study as a basis to identify the area of concern at UMS library. 1.5.4 This study as a platform to suggest possible solution to the problem and for improvement. 1.6 DEFINITION OF TERMS/CONCEPTS 1.6.1 Learning environment The place and setting where learning occurs; it is not limited to a physical classroom an includes the characteristics of the setting (www.teach-nology.com/glossary/terms/l/). 1.6.2 Quality Nunan and Calvert (1992) point out that: The term quality defies any definition which will be universally accepted. When it is linked to performance, quality implies evaluation for comparative purposes; `measures of quality involve norms and standards and judgments of quality are assisted through use of norm or criterion referenced indicators. Where measurement focuses on the student as a product of education, quality is seen as `value-based by the process of education. When the emphasis is management of quality, attention focuses on strategies for achieving or improving quality. 1.6.3 Perception Perception is the process of attaining awareness or understanding of sensory information. 1.6.4 Satisfaction The good feeling that you have when you have achieved something or when you wanted to happen does happen (Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary) 1.6.5 Library A considerable collection of books kept for use, and not as merchandise, as a private library; a public CHAPTER 2 LITERITURE REVIEW AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK 2.1 LITERITURE REVIEW The concepts of satisfaction and quality are often used together, and sometimes interchangeably. Few researchers have identified the particular relationship between the two concepts, however a number of general statements have been made. According to Oliver (1981:42) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ satisfaction is the emotional reaction following a disconfirmation experience which acts on the base attitude level and is consumption-specific. Perceived quality, on the other hand, is defined and contrasted to satisfaction by (Parasuraman, Zeithaml and Berry, 1988:16) as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ a global judgment, or attitude, relating to the superiority of the service, whereas satisfaction is related to a specific transaction. Thus, these two concepts are related in that incidents of satisfaction, over time, result in perceptions of quality (Hebert, 1993:21). However, academic libraries are facing two major threats: a global digital environment and increasing competition. They must improve the quality of their services in order to survive (Rowena Cullen, 2001). Each year new students enter the learning environment with varying library usage and information gathering skills. Millson-Martula and Menon (1995) state that one element of high quality service is the incorporation of users personal needs and expectations into the development of programs and service. The concept of user satisfaction in the library literature likewise has evolved to include a broader focus on the users perspective of the library. Applegate (1997) defines user satisfactionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ as a personal, emotional reaction to a library service or product. Bitner and Hubbert (1994) suggest that it consists of service encounter satisfaction, the consumers dis/satisfaction with a discrete service encounter, and overall service satisfaction, the consumers overall dis/satisfaction with the organization based on all encounters and experiences with that particular organization. In addition, a characteristic of service delivery is the simultaneous nature of production and consu mption (Zeithaml Bitner, 1996). Customers are usually involved in some (if not all) of the production processes and therefore have an impact on the outcomes of the service delivery and their satisfaction with it. Bowen (1986), Mills and Morris (1986), and Kelley, Donnelly and Skinner (1990), have shown that participation, or the use of customers as partial employees, can improve productivity for providers as well as improving service quality and customer satisfaction. Bateson (1985) note that problems in the service encounter are often due to conflicts over who is in control of the service interaction, and hence, a way of increasing control for the customer is to offer alternatives or choices within the service setting, such as providing on-site or remote access to electronic resources, loan or photocopying of printed materials, self-service or staff service facilities, silent study or discussion areas, on-site or telephone or email or postal reference consultation. Service providers must develop mechanisms in order to ensure that customers provide the required information and effort to facilitate the service encounter and outcome (Kelley, Donnelly Skinner, 1990). However, though quality is a much studied subject in manufacturing as well as service sectors, there is no universally accepted definition to define quality. The definition of quality is subjective, personal and changes from person-to-person, place-to-place, organization-to-organization, situation-to-situation and time-to-time. However, Conformance to Standards and Fitness for Use is the classic definitions of quality. The quality as a subject of academic interest took momentum in 1950s as a result of the studies on the subject of quality by management gurus like Deming, Juran, Crosby, Taylor, Feigenbaum, and Peters. However, the concepts of quality were mainly applied to products in the manufacturing sector. Due awakening of consumerism in 1980s, the quality of service as a subject of academic interest caught the attention of marketing professionals and they attempted to define service quality from customers perspective. Experts like Kotler, Levitt, Gronroos, Garvin, Cronin, Taylor, Teas, Rust, Parasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry have contributed to the growth of the subject and many models were developed on its measurement. The team of Parasuraman, Zeithaml and Berry (hereafter PZB) had conducted several research studies to define service quality and identify the criteria that customers use while evaluating the service quality in service organizations. They define service quality as the extent of discrepancy between customers expectations or desires and their perception of what is delivered. In other words, it is the comparison of what customers expect before the use of product or service with their experience of what is delivered. According to Professor Gaynor Taylor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Metropolitan University in her talk on seminar of the impact of Libraries on Learning, Teaching and Research (LIRG) (2001), she spoke of the impact of libraries on cultural and educational life across the country and their key role in enabling and expanding participation in education and lifelong learning. She then went on to praise the role of libraries, arguing that they were central to academic communities. She emphasized the benefits of integrating libraries fully into the student learning experience. Libraries need to be involved from the very beginning of course development and need to make relevant information available in ways that suits users access needs. According to Stamatoplos (1998), consideration of satisfaction should be an important part of the evaluation of library services. Satisfaction depends, to some extent, on patron expectations of services. Satisfaction appeared to be related to student perceptions of information accessibility, staff competence and helpfulness, computer usefulness and ease of use, and skill level for using libraries. He questioned why should library administrators care about patron satisfaction? Some think patron satisfaction is of secondary importance that the purpose of a library is to provide information services and that evaluation of the library performance ought to be judged from that perspective alone. However, others recognize that failing to satisfy the patron is failing to serve the patron. This is not about just making patrons feel good. There is a basic reason for focusing on patron satisfaction: Who is the best judge of whether a patron has been served well or poorly? Professional librarian s may know whether they have provided accurate, timely information in response to a request. Is that enough? Clearly, accurate and timely information is a minimum requirement, but unless the patron is satisfied, in general, the service could have been better. Based on his research on the Effects of Library Instruction on University Students Satisfaction with the Library, he found that the patrons experienced less difficulty in finding material than expected, the patrons also received materials faster than expected; average and maximum wait times were shorter than expected for both books and articles. In terms of the perception of staff helpfulness, patrons perceived the library staff to be significantly less helpful than expected. In addition, in his findings on the perceptions of information accessibility he found that the proportion of needed materials available at the library, the difficulty of finding the materials, and the maximum wait time for articles are all significantly re lated to overall satisfaction with the library. Besides that, in terms of the perceptions of staff competence and helpfulness, it shows that the perceptions that library staffs are competent and helpful are highly correlated with overall satisfaction. Based on the research done by Steve Hiller (2001) on the Assessing User Needs, Satisfaction, and Library Performance at the University of Washington Libraries, the 1998 survey asked whether libraries were open when needed on evenings, weekends, summer, and interim periods. Graduate students, as the case with the previous two surveys, had the lowest satisfaction with hours while faculty had the highest, undergraduate student satisfaction had slipped from 1995 when it was similar to faculty satisfaction. When asked to choose from a list of priorities, more than 37 percent of graduate students and 42 percent of undergraduates chose increased library hours as a priority compared to 17 percent of faculty. Graduate students also wrote more comments about hours than any other group. So, responses to overall library satisfaction questions on the 1998 survey showed faculty had the highest satisfaction while undergraduate students the lowest. According to research done by Noriah Mohamed Ali on the Staff Professionalism in University (Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam), she said that in organization fulfilling customer satisfaction is very important. It is a part of staff jobs. Customers do not ask for too much, it is enough if staff can provide them with clear information, courtesy, the ability to answer them politely and the service can easily be accessible. In service oriented organizations, staff has a big responsibility to treat customers well. This is because service is their core business like in library. As an important person in library, there is no emotional influence in delivering services to the students. Staff must be professional in dealing with students. They should be helpful, polite, friendly, respectful, well trained and knowledgeable. All these will lead to the students satisfaction. Based on this research also, it shows that there is linear relationship between knowledge level of staff and customers satisfaction. Customers need to get information and staff needs to be able to respond to customers questions. It may be that, staff needs to have some alternative methods in answering customers questions. Staff should not cause customers to doubt and be confused about the solution offered by them. Staff needs to have better knowledge in academic affairs and other matters that related to the university. On the other hand, based on the research done by Norliya Ahmad Kassim (Faculty of Information Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, MALAYSIA) and Khasiah Zakaria (Perpustakaan Tun Abdul Razak , Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam), they were investigate users perceptions on the contributions of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Libraries in creating a learning environment. It shows that the library users were only quite satisfied in terms of the services, collection/information, and activities of the library as a whole. The findings revealed that users were least satisfied with the attitude of the library staff compared with other aspects of the library evaluated. Among the four aspects of the library, respondents were relatively most satisfied with collection/ information (mean score = 3.27), followed by services to users (mean score = 3.18), library activities (mean score = 3.16) and staff attitude (mean score = 3.06) in that order. The information produced through this study will be of use to the improvement of library services and betterment of the library profession, and serve as a contribution to the body of knowledge in the area of user satisfaction on libraries contribution and their services to users. There is an urgent need to examine the perceptions of the students on the contribution of UMS library in creating learning environment process. 2.2 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Independent variables Dependent variable Perception of the students Collection / information provided Library activities Staffs atitude Quality services Figure 1 2.2.1 INDEPENDENT VARIABLES: SERVICES 2.2.1.1 Quality services Quality services is refer to opening hour, signage, reference service, willingness to help, performing services right, photocopy services and etc. 2.2.1.2 Collection/Information Collection/Information is refer to past exam papers, OPAC stations, comprehensive online database, accessible on digital collection, up-to-date information, comprehensive books collection and complete relevant journal. 2.2.1.3 Academic activities Teaching, learning and training that library provide to the students. 2.2.1.4 Staffs attitude Appearance, knowledgeable, confidence, availability and motivate learning are refer to the attitude that shows by the librarys staff. 2.2.2 DEPENDENT VARIABLE: PERCEPTION Perception is the process of attaining awareness or understanding of sensory information. CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHOD 3.1 Research Design For the purpose of this study, the research design will be sample survey. It means the administration of questionnaires to a sample of respondents selected from some population. Types of approaches being used is by a questionnaire survey. 3.2 Unit of Analysis As the study will identify public perception towards the contribution of UMS library in supporting learning environment process, therefore the unit of analysis will be the final year students in school of Economy and Business study. 3.3 Sample size The sample size for the purpose of this study is 100 respondents. 3.4 Sampling Technique In this study, the stratified random sampling will be used. This sampling design which is the most efficient is a good choice when differentiated information is needed regarding various strata within the population which are known to differ in their parameters (Sekaran 2003). The population from this study consists of the user of UMS libraries. 3.5 Research Measurement/instrument The questionnaire used was structured into 3 sections. Section A focused on the personal data of the respondents such as age, gender, education level and the frequency using the UMS library services. The respondent only need to label the data related to them. Section B focuses on the perception of the students on contribution of UMS library in supporting learning environment process. The question is regarding on four elements that consists the quality of services, collection/information, library activities and staffs personality. The respondents were answer according to five-point of likert scale that indicate 1 is strongly disagree, 2 is disagree, 3 is neither agree or disagree, 4 is agree and 5 is strongly agree. The respondent required to circle one of it. Respondent perception is measure according to five-point of likert scale. Respondents were ask with certain statement to look their respond on that statement either they agree or disagree. Agree or disagree on that statement will reflect their perception. Finally, Section C consist only one question which is regarding the satisfaction on the contribution of UMS library in supporting learning environment process. This is the overall satisfaction of the students based on the question ask in section B. In this section, the respondents answer were also based on the likert scale (5 points) .The respondent were required to express their satisfaction towards the UMS library contribution from 1 is refer to worst perception to 5 refer to better perception. 3.6 Data collection Basically, there are two method used for the collection. Those are primary data collection and secondary data collection. Primary data is a data which collected originally by the researcher based on his effort. Example, the data for this study will be collected through questionnaire to the focus group. This method was chosen because the designed questionnaire could be sent personally to them in a limited time and they have to return it back on that time. While, secondary data is the information which is already in existence that related to the study. It includes the data from the journal, book, and internet search. For this study, both of the data collection method is being used so that it will be help in term of an understanding and the accuracy of information that will be received. 3.7 Data Analysis The data analysis for this study conducted through Statistical Package for Social Science software or SPSS version 17.0 which use the descriptive analysis and also crosstab. SPSS will be used as medium to analyze the data where the raw will be entered in the computer as a data file. By using the tools, any missing value can easily be identified. The tool will help in analyzing data such as table, figure also percentage.

A Postmodern Feminist View Of Political Power Politics Essay

A Postmodern Feminist View Of Political Power Politics Essay Modern political thought can be applied to any number of institutions, communities and situations in contemporary society because of the different range of perspectives that can be applied. One such perspective is especially important in defining the roles and women and the way in which woman can relate to and be situated within the modern word. Postmodern feminism is a particularly interesting perspective because it can be used to examine the gulf between women in various political systems: Many of the new rights that are being claimed by women or ethnic minorities are no longer rights that can be universalized. They are the expression of specific needs and should be granted to particular communities. (Giroux, 1991, p. 1). With this in mind, it is necessary to examine the particular communities in question within the context of postmodern feminism. This essay will examine the role of legal functioning within both a fascist dictatorship and a liberal democracy with a view to concluding that a legal system can most definitely be considered to be much more than a reflection of political power because no political system can be solely defined by its legal procedures alone. Postmodern Feminism Prior to examining the theories of postmodern feminism, it is essential to define and thus be fully able to understand exactly what postmodern feminism is and where it actually comes from. This can be difficult given the sheer number of definitions of this area of political thought that are out there at the moment. As critics and supporters all have their own theories in mind in relation to postmodernism and feminism, as well as the field of postmodern feminism, it is necessary to decide upon a definition in order to complete analysis of various political and legal institutions and systems within the rest of this essay. Taking feminism first: The most obvious way in which current usage is ignored when feminism is defined as an opposition to the sex-based injustices from which women suffer is in itself seeming to count far too many people among feminists. (Richards, 1980, p. 2). This definition is apt because it highlights the oversubscription to the notion of feminism. In fact, many women do not agree with feminist principles but that does not prevent those principles from applying to the individual women, whether they benefit from equality or are discriminated against because of gender differences. Postmodernism, on the other hand, can be traced to a heightened anxiety about what impact intellectuals have on a world that appears increasingly inimical to the values promoted in the arts and in intellectual work. ((McGowan, 1991, p. 1). This anxiety and intellectual perspective of the modern world does provide a unique viewpoint of the political and legal systems, especially when combined with feminism. Postmodern feminism combines the philosophies of postmodernism and feminism theories in order to provide political analysts and philosophers with a brand new perspective on society and a means of differentiating between different societies and communities as well. The definition below is perhaps one of the most apt out there: postmodern feminism does not focus on the category woman. Rather, it focuses on the situated realities of women, plural. Postmodern feminists question earlier feminist attempts to redefine the category woman. Any definition, even one articulated by feminists, is limiting and serves to tie the individual to her identity as a woman. (Weisberg, 1993, p. 243) This particular definition is an excellent one for application to the models of country X and country Y, as defined in the question. However, it can also be applied to numerous other situation and circumstances that women in particular find themselves in because it takes each situation on an individual basis, thus on its own merits and in relation to the collective gender and not the individual. This definition examines numerous factors in a set context with a view to determining just how important the factors are. For example, it examines identity in regards to politics as well as the individuals ability to define his or her own path through life. Feminism obviously implies the exclusion of men but within this particular definition and its theoretical postmodern combination, it can be used to determine the legal standing of an entire society in relation to equality as well. There is another factor that is closely associated with postmodern feminism and that is essentialism: The concept of essentialism, discussed above, is a manifestation of postmodern feminist thought. (Barnett, 1998, p. 195). This clearly defines essentialism as a major element of postmodern feminist thought, although some critics either disagree or fail to acknowledge it as an element. Although this is not always considered in relation to this particular theory, it has a major bearing on the way in which the individual legal system and political system is defined as in the question and so merits a comprehensive definition, which is also vital if one is to fully appreciate the theories of postmodern feminism in relation to various legal and political systems. The best possible definition is perhaps the following: Essentialism searches for the intrinsic nature of things as they are, in and of themselves. (Fuchs, 2005, p. 12). The nature of any political and legal system is incredibly im portant and thus the application of essentialism is vital to the very nature of this particular analytical examination of political power and whether or not the nature of society itself has an impact on the legal system of different countries. Now that all vital elements of this political theory have been examined and defined, the essay will examine the situation of jurisprudence in relation to postmodern feminism and the defined political systems as per the question. A coherent answer will be achieved via the deconstruction of the two distinct societies: Deconstruction, moreover, located originally primarily in the postmodern field of linguistics, becomes an accessible tool for the analysis of law and legal theory. (Barnett, 1998, p. 195) The Context of Jurisprudence Postmodern feminism fits into the context of jurisprudence well because its practical application is relatively straight forward regardless of the nature of the individual or society that is being examined. However, the notion of jurisprudence is often split into two distinct categories the male and the female: feminist jurisprudence demonstrates the need for law to recognise confirm and secure this emancipation. In the context of nurturing work, such law would spread the costs of nurturing work throughout the whole society so that women do not bear them all. (Stark, 2003, p. 127). As the postmodern feminist philosophy of the law in discussed here, it stands to reason that it actively examined the female side of the law in relation to how women function within society, what their roles are and whether or not they sought equality has actually been achieved in some measure. Many individuals argue that females are still considered to be subordinate in the context of dictatorships and t he governmental systems in place. However, whether the legal systems define feminism within the context of jurisprudence or the external factors that contribute to any given society can be questioned, particularly when placed in contrast with liberal democracies and the way in which postmodern feminist thought can be used to examine them. The interaction between postmodern feminism and jurisprudence is an integral relationship that is necessary for the extensive analysis of country X and country Y, and using examples is integral in defining exactly how the power structures interrelate is essential. The Political System, The Legal System And Postmodern Feminism According to Thornham, feminism, politics and theory are interdependent. But feminist politics have engaged as much with issues of culture and representation as in campaigns for social change. (2005, p. 24) However, in order to be able to apply the principles behind the theory of postmodern feminism, it is necessary to delve into particular countries and their legal systems with regards to the specific examples given. According to the question given, country X is a fascist dictatorship in which oppressive legal measures are used to deny people basic freedoms. Country Y, on the other hand, is a liberal democracy in which the legal system upholds capitalism and human rights. In short, the two are diametrically opposed and therefore analysis is vital to form a conclusion as to whether a legal system may be said to be anything more than a reflection of political power. Taking country X first, a fascist dictatorship that is characterised by oppressive legal measures denies its people their freedom, which is of course the whole point of controlling a country so completely. There have been many examples of this in the past century, all of which use a legal system to snatch and maintain political power. However, in the case of postmodern feminism, it is easy to find examples of rebellion that question the political system and its legal enforcement, which in turn affects the status of the legal system as a reflection of political power. A fine example is that of the women in Chile under Pinochet: During the Pinochet era, Chilean women rescripted the passive, non-agent role into which they were being maneuvered [sic] by certain Western feminisms and the Pinochet regime. Based on their particular experiences within the culture of marianismo those situated practices of which they were a part our subject Chilean women asserted their position as political subjects and rewrite the original script to reflect their status as political agents. (Warkentin Daly, 2003, p. 157) This particular analysis highlights the way in which Chilean women did exert their feminist rights as a result of the influences of the outside world, of liberal democracies, that made it through. This is done against pressure from political authorities and thus also the legal system as a direct result of the postmodern feminist principle of agency. Warkentin Daly highlight that the Chilean women embraced agency and thus carved out their own niche within the system despite the level of oppression that was occurring at the time. As such, this points to the fact that the legal system, regardless of how oppressive it is, is only successful should women and men alike choose to accept it. The Chilean women did not and thus completely altered their own role within society at the time. The change in attitudes could not be governed by the oppressive legal system and thus it automatically becomes more than a reflection of political power but also of political challenge as well. The nature of this rebellion against the political dictatorship by the women of Chile fits in well with postmodern feminist theory for a number of reasons. First of all, women became stronger and more coherent a group within society, but they did not try to revolutionise the country itself. Instead, they were aiming for smaller and more localised goals, which is part of the postmodern theory. Big questions and issues do not come to fruition under dictatorships but the smaller concerns that characterise postmodern thought do (Mansell Meteyard, 2004, p. 160). The nature of the people and the external influences that caused unrest are both important factors in explaining exactly why total political control does not always automatically lead to a society that will not grasp empowerment where possible. Furthermore, it is important to note that the feminist movement in liberal democracies is able to filter through all elements of society regardless of the current situation in individual c ountries. The characteristics that define feminism certainly have their own brand of power: conceptual distinctions, criteria of legitimation, cognitive procedural rules, and so forth are all political and therefore represent moves of power and also recognize that they represent a different type of power than is exhibited in, for example, physical violence or threat of force. (Nicholson, 1990, p. 11) Postmodern feminist theory is most definitely applicable to other political and legal systems as well. For example, it can be actively used to examine a liberal democracy, under which human rights are upheld by the legal system. This is the criteria for country Y and can be examined in relation to any number of countries. However, British politics and the relevant legal system are particularly favoured by postmodern feminist critics as a result of the measure of equality allowed to all sections of society at the moment. In this instance, the legal system is not only a reflection of political power but also of the nature and attitudes that are currently present within society. For example, postmodern feminist critics will undoubtedly allude to the level of topics that were previously taboo on a legal and social level but are now in the public eye: feminism has helped to bring a range of new issues, formerly perceived to be essentially private or social, onto the public political agend a, and thence into the purview of policy studies, such as domestic violence abortion, and childcare. (Randall, 2009, p. 146). Liberal democracies do actively consider the needs of every element of society by nature and the legal system is used to reinforce the values and rights that every free individual has, which is a far cry from the legal system within a dictatorship. However, it is the rights that the people demand that are covered by legal institutions. Under postmodern feminism, the relatively moderate issues of domestic violent and abortion are considered to be localised interests and not the big decisions that previous political theories considered. However, that is not to say that the legal system has not been used in order to exert limits on individual rights within a liberal democracy. An example of that is the issue of abortion within the United States, with particular reference to the presidency of George W. Bush. A womans right to choose was repeatedly questioned under the government because of the legitimacy of the human rights of a foetus. According to Crooks and Baur, Congress approved a ban on late term abortion in 2003, which was then signed by the president but several federal courts declared the ban unconstitutional and the ban was not enacted Bushs appointment of anti-abortion Supreme Court justices has given hope to far right anti-abortion forces that the Court will decide counter to all previous federal court decisions and uphold the first ever federal ban on abortion. (p. 305) As Bush could not constitutionally enforce a ban at local and federal level, he attempted to engineer the Supreme Court so that it would be possible to do so, thus removing rights that women had in regard their own bodies and placing them in the hands of men. This does not sit well with postmodern feminist theory in relation to a liberal democracy, but the nature of the system itself ultimately prevented those rights being removed. Furthermore, anxiety over morals within a liberal democracy caused a distinct difference of opinion, but one that the law could not preside over given the fact that the objections were largely religious and relate directly to human rights. In fact, with both sides arguing over human rights in relation to this, the legal system would not be allowed to uphold laws in breach of either side. As Tetreault points out, the most valuable resources leading to authority inhere in the individual. (2003, p. 276) In conclusion, the analysis here proves that it is possible to discount the theory that the legal system is nothing more than a reflection of political power within any given country, regardless of the social and political composition of that in question. The example of the Chilean women fits in well with specific elements of postmodern feminist thought because it actively proves that power to achieve small goals lies with the people, regardless of the pressure they are under from oppressive and somewhat brutal regimes. Furthermore, it implies that, whilst legal systems can be and often are defined in relation to the nature of the political system and the overt freedoms of the people, the individual cannot and thus the legal systems ability to keep attitudes and the evolution of thought in check is not always as straightforward as it seems.

Immigration Reform Essay example -- Immigration US Policy

â€Å"We are nation of immigrants. Some came here willingly, some unwillingly. Nonetheless, we are immigrants, or the descendants of immigrants, one, and all. Even the natives came from somewhere else, originally. All of the people who come to this country come for freedom, or for some product of that extraordinary, illusory condition. That is what we offer here—freedom and opportunity in a land of relative plenty.† (Middletown Journal 2005) We have created the land of free. Nonetheless, there have been a number of Immigration Acts in the United States. The first one was the Naturalization act of 1790. Then the immigration act of 1965 passed, and immigration restrictions applied to Mexican Immigrants for the first time. Nearly 30 years later in 1986, the immigration Reform and Control Act was, created which granted amnesty to immigrants that had lived in the United States before 1982. Nevertheless, this later act made it a crime for employers to hire undocumented immigrant workers. In order to create a successful Immigration Reform Policy, the government has to consider several socioeconomic areas including border control, worker programs, education, and the economy. â€Å"All the elements of this problem must be addressed together† (Bush 2006) Who is controlling our borders? We must secure our borders to prevent illegal crossing. The United States recognizes illegal immigration, has been an issue for decades. Creating a successful Immigration reform policy will decrease illegal crossings. In addition, implementing more experienced Border control officers; will decrease the use of military personnel. In addition, allowing military personnel to secure our Nation not just the Mexican borders. The new policy will a... ...itehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/07/20060705-6.html Bush, President George (2006/06/15). President Bush Addresses the Nation on Immigration Reform Retrieved July 36, 2006, from Web site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/07/20060515-6.html Bush, President George (2006/05/15). Fact Sheet: Overview Comprehensive Immigration Reform. Retrieved July 31, 2006, from Web site: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/05/20060515-7.html Civil Rights Org. (20060529) Senate Approves Sweeping But Flawed Immigration Reform Bill Retrieved July 31, 2006, from Web site: http://www.civilrights.org/issues/immigration/details.cfm?id=43795 Gale, Thomas. (June 8, 2006) Senate passes immigration reform bill with vouchers for ESL, civics classes In Report on Literacy Programs, 18, p75. Retrieved August 20, 2006, from InfoTrac OneFile via Thomson Gale:

Blue Highways, Leaves of Grass and the Parkdale Library Essay -- compa

Blue Highways, Leaves of Grass and the Parkdale Library I don't know what exactly I expected to find at the library that summer. Rows of gleaming shelves and neatly stacked books, probably. No sound but the humming of fluorescent lights and the thump of rubber stamps. The librarians would be demure types - soft-spoken and intellectual. I thought of the place itself as a sort of solemn temple to the written word. With these images in mind, I was startled by my first glimpse of the employees' workroom. As it turns out, librarians read the People magazines before they go on display, and complain to each other about bratty kids that file through, and they leave sticky bottles of Mountain Dew in the refrigerator. Such are the secret lives of the people who used to strike fear into the hearts of my second-grade classmates. For me, it was a slightly jarring introduction to the working world. I was starting my first summer job, and, after hours, reading Blue Highways and thinking about journeys. William Least Heat Moon crossed the country over fifteen years ago, devouring Walt Whitman and "gathering the minds of men" (410). I was crossing a small threshold of reality, gathering observations on the behavior of men. He turned his back on the trials of life and I was watching its eccentricities; he was growing cynical and I am still completely green. Yet to me in June 1999, our journeys seemed almost identical. So as Least Heat Moon studied Leaves of Grass, I studied this road diary and tried to follow its winding philosophy. It was the philosophy that came in handy - especially the parts that Least Heat Moon picked up on his way... ...ye party. Marty made his specialty (Mountain Dew bundt cake). Millie smiled maternally and told the college students to be careful and call their mothers often. On her last day, Molly drove away blaring her horn and flashing her lights in exhilaration. As for me (like Whitman, a mere witness), I was wondering if these people were really who I saw them to be, and if they would be a part of me because of the time we spent together. An old Jerseyman to William Least Heat Moon, explaining his faith in the force of nature and in mankind: "...then say I believe... because it is absurd" (392). It is, indeed, absurd. And so I too believe. Works Cited Heat Moon, William Least. Blue Highways : A Journey into America. Boston: Little, Brown, 1982. Whitman, Walt. Leaves of Grass. Philadelphia, 1900.

Covenanted Governments :: essays research papers

The covenant is very dear to our modern world, being that many political philosophers that shaped our modern world based much of their theories on a covenanted government. When looking at the United States, the theory was considered important from the Mayflower Compact and on. The theory of â€Å"a covenanted people† is associated with Locke, Hobbes, and Rousseau. Our â€Å"framers† took all of the aforementioned history and philosophy in account to develop our virgin nation. The concept of a covenant and covenanted form of government has greatly metamorphisised over time into nations such as ours. The thoughts of its origins are also very electric and diverse. Despite all of these idiosyncrasies, there runs a common thread through a compact form of government, and that is power is in the hand of a sovereign and all involved in the government are there by tactic consent. Around the time the pilgrims rebelled against King James in England, philosophy was abundant, especially that influenced by the belief in god. A majority of the governments around the world were monarchies. As far as our country is concerned, the pilgrims were the first to establish a covenanted government with the Mayflower Compact. This compact stated that all aboard the ship headed for the â€Å"new city of God†, were under the rule of God. Here is the clincher: even though it was a government under the rule of God, the agreement was that the people in God’s name would run the institutions of government. People executed God’s will his â€Å"permission†. In these times, people believe that they were carrying out God’s name and very will. These people weren’t bound together by caprice and whim, but for and out of necessity and deep-rooted religious beliefs. They formed a civil body politics so they may increase their chances at survival. The next vital document that was created in the â€Å"New World† was the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut. This document was closely related to the Mayflower Compact in that it was made in the name of God, it established a theocracy. This document brought people together in a tacit agreement that they would obey the word of God, as interpreted by the people and the sovereign appointed (a magistrate). The fundamental Orders and the Mayflower Compact are very distinct from the Articles of Confederation and the US Constitution in that they are theocracies. The people governed the letter two of the aforementioned; religion played little or no importance.

The Hunters: Moonsong Chapter Seven

â€Å"It would have been difficult to find a group of settlers less suited to building a brand-new colony than the one hundred and five men who sailed up the river from the Chesapeake Bay in 1607 and founded Jamestown,† Professor Campbel lectured from the front of Elena's class. â€Å"While there were a couple of carpenters, a mason, a blacksmith, and maybe a dozen laborers among them, they were far outnumbered by the self-proclaimed gentlemen who made up almost half the party.† He paused and smiled sardonical y. â€Å"‘Gentlemen' in this case signifies men without a profession or trade. Many of them were lazy, idle men who had joined the London Company's expedition in the hope of making a profit without realizing how much work founding a colony in the New World was real y going to entail. The settlers landed in the spring, and by the end of September, half of them were dead. By January, when Captain Newport returned with supplies and more colonists, only thirty-eight of the original settlers remained.† Lazy and clueless, Elena wrote neatly in her notebook. Dead in less than a year. History of the South was her very first class, and col ege was already proving to be an eye-opening experience. Her high school teachers had always stressed courage and enterprise when they talked about Virginia's early settlers, not haplessness. â€Å"On Thursday, we'l talk about the legend of John Smith and Pocahontas. We're going to discuss the facts and how they differ from Smith's own account, as he had a tendency toward self-promotion,† Professor Campbel announced. â€Å"The reading assignment is in the syl abus, so please come prepared for a lively discussion next time.† He was a plump, energetic little man, whose smal black eyes swept the class and landed unerringly on Elena as he added, â€Å"Elena Gilbert? Please stay after class for a moment. I'd like to speak with you.† She had time to wonder, nervously, how he knew which of his students she was as the rest of the class straggled out of the room, a few stopping to ask him questions. She hadn't spoken up during his lecture, and there were about fifty students in the class. As the last of her classmates disappeared out the door, she approached his desk. â€Å"Elena Gilbert,† he said avuncularly, his bright eyes searching hers. â€Å"I do apologize for taking up your time. But when I heard your name, I had to ask.† He paused, and Elena dutiful y replied, â€Å"Had to ask what, Professor?† â€Å"I know the name Gilbert, you see,† he said, â€Å"and the more I look at you, the more you remind me of someone – two someones – who were once very dear friends of mine. Could you possibly be the daughter of Elizabeth Morrow and Thomas Gilbert?† â€Å"Yes, I am,† said Elena slowly. She ought to have expected that she might meet someone who knew her parents here at Dalcrest, but it felt weird to hear their names, al the same. â€Å"Ah!† He laced his fingers across his stomach and gave her a satisfied smile. â€Å"You look so much like Elizabeth. It startled me when you came into the room. But there's a touch of Thomas in you, too, make no mistake about that. Something about your expression, I think. Seeing you takes me right back to my own days as an undergraduate. She was a lovely girl, your mother, just lovely.† â€Å"You went to school here with my parents?† Elena asked. â€Å"I certainly did.† Professor Campbel ‘s smal black eyes widened. â€Å"They were two of my best friends here. Two of the best friends I ever had. We lost track of each other over the years, I'm afraid, but I heard about the accident.† He unlaced his fingers and hesitantly touched her arm. â€Å"I'm so sorry.† â€Å"Thank you.† Elena bit her lip. â€Å"They never talked much about their col ege years. Maybe as I got older, they would have†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Her voice trailed off, and she realized with dismay that her eyes had fil ed with tears. â€Å"Oh, my dear, I didn't mean to upset you.† Professor Campbel patted his jacket pockets. â€Å"And I've never got a tissue when I need one. Oh, please don't cry.† His comical expression of distress made Elena give him a watery-eyed smile, and he relaxed and smiled in return. â€Å"There, that's better,† he said. â€Å"You know, if you'd like to hear more about your parents and what they were like back then, I'd be happy to tel you about them. I've got al kinds of stories.† â€Å"Real y?† Elena said hopeful y. She felt a flicker of excitement. Aunt Judith talked with Elena about her mother sometimes, but the memories she shared were mostly from their childhood. And Elena real y didn't know much about her father's past at al : he'd been an only child and his parents were dead. â€Å"Certainly, certainly,† Professor Campbel said cheerful y. â€Å"Come to my office hours, and I'l tel you al about our hijinks back in the old days. I'm there every Monday and Friday from three to five, and I'l put out a welcome mat for you. Metaphorical y speaking, of course. Serve you some of the horrible department coffee.† â€Å"Thank you, Professor Campbel ,† Elena said. â€Å"I'd love that.† â€Å"Cal me James,† he said. â€Å"It's nothing at al . Anything I can do to make you feel at home here at Dalcrest.† He cocked his head to one side and looked at her quizzical y, his eyes as bright and curious as a smal animal's. â€Å"After al , as the daughter of Elizabeth and Thomas, you must be a very special girl.† The big black crow outside the open lecture-room window paced back and forth, clenching and unclenching its powerful talons around the branch on which it was perched. Damon wanted to transform back into his vampire self, climb through the window, and have a quick but effective interrogation session with that professor. But Elena wouldn't like that. She was so naive, dammit. Yes, yes, she was his lovely, bril iant, clever princess, but she was ridiculously naive, too; they al were. Damon irritably preened his ruffled feathers back into iridescent sleekness. They were just so young. At this point, Damon was able to look back and say that no one learned anything in life, not for her first hundred years or so. You had to be immortal, real y, to have the time to learn to look out for yourself properly. Take Elena, gazing so trustful y at her professor. After al she'd been through, al she'd seen, she was so easy to lul into complacency – al the man had to do was dangle the promise of information about her parents in front of her, and she'd happily trot off to meet him in his office whenever he suggested. Sentimental ninny. What could the man possibly tel her that would be of any real importance? Nothing could bring her parents back. The professor wasn't a danger, most likely. Damon had probed him with his Power, felt nothing but the flickering of a human mind, no dark surge of answering Power coming from the little man, no sWellof disturbing or violent emotion. But he couldn't be sure, could he? Damon's Power couldn't detect every monster, couldn't predict every twist of the human heart. But the real problem here was Elena. She'd forgotten, clearly, that she'd lost al her Power, that the Guardians had stripped her back to being just a vulnerable, fragile mortal girl again. She thought, wrongly, that she could protect herself. They were al like that. Damon had been infuriated at first to slowly realize that he was starting to feel like al of them were his humans. Not just his lovely Elena and the little redbird, but all of them, the witch Mrs. Flowers and the hunter and that meathead of a boy as Well. Those last two didn't even like him, but he felt compel ed to keep an eye on them, to prevent them from damaging themselves through their innate stupidity. Damon wasn't the one who wanted to be here. No, the â€Å"let's al join hands and dance off to further our educations together† idea wasn't his, and he'd treated it with the proper scorn. He wasn't Stefan. He wasn't going to waste his time pretending to be one of the mortal children. But he had found, to his dismay, that he didn't want to lose them, either. It was embarrassing. Vampires were not pack animals, not like humans. He wasn't supposed to care what happened to them. These children should be prey, and nothing more. But being dead and coming back, fighting the jealousy phantom and letting go of the sick envy and misery that had held him captive ever since he was a human, had changed Damon. With that hard bal of hate gone from the middle of his chest, where it had lived for so long, he found himself feeling lighter. Almost as if he †¦ cared. Embarrassing or not, it felt surprisingly comfortable, having this connection to the little group of humans. He'd have died – again – rather than admit it aloud, though. He clacked his beak a few times as Elena said good-bye to her professor and left the classroom. Then Damon spread his wings and flapped down to a tree next to the building's entrance. Nearby, a thin young man was posting a flyer with a girl's picture on another tree, and Damon flew over to get a closer look. Missing Student, the top of the flyer said, and below the picture were details of a nighttime disappearance: no clues, no leads, no evidence, no idea where nineteen-year-old Taylor Harrison might be. Suspicion of foul play. The promise of a reward from her anxious family for information leading to her safe return. Damon let out a rough caw. There was something wrong here. He'd known it already – had felt something a little off about this campus as soon as he'd arrived two days ago, although he hadn't been able to quite put his finger on it. Why else would he have been so worried about his princess? Elena came out of the building and started across the quad, tucking her long golden hair behind her ears, oblivious to the black crow that swooped from tree to tree above her. Damon was going to find out what was going on here, and he was going to do it before whatever it was touched any of his humans. Especial y Elena.

A Beautiful Home

They say a ho theatrical role is not a domicile until it is filled with the laughter and noise of the family existent in it. The house I grew up in was just a undecompos suitable wooden house. It had all the basics that make it a house such as the rooms and furniture. I remember that my front-runner room in the house was the kitchen.The kitchen for me is what do my family house a exquisite home. I remember how the kitchen endlessly smelled of a variety show of brewed coffee and bacon maiden thing in the morning. I did not need an appal clock during those summer months out of school.The impertinently cooked bacon and smell of hot bread glide slope out of the oven always got everyone out of jockey archeozoic. I would always be the first of my siblings in the kitchen, ready and willing to organise the breakfast table. As the family sat collect around to eat, we would tell stories about how we mean to spend the day.After the meal, our father would line us up by the door sooner he left and dig us our candy money for the day. He was a kind man my father. He always smelled like soap and coffee make up hours after the meal.My house is a beautiful home. It has everything that is expected. I have a harming father, a responsible mother, and siblings who I expect to grow with to adulthood. What more(prenominal) can I ask for?Questions and Answers1. What was your dominant allele impression?The dominant impression I wanted to enchant in this paper is the early retrospection of my childhood and those simple times when my family overlap everything we did together. I also wanted to give the reader a vivid comment of how my family was and the simple joys we shared like having an early morning breakfast.2. Weakness in my fitting?I wish I had a higher allowable word weigh so that I could be more descriptive and further enhance the use of the 5 senses of my reader as my annals progresses. I also think that I have a problem in the subject verb agreement in a portion of the essay.3. Strengths in my assignment I am proud of?I am proud of the way I was able to relate a simple childhood experience and enhance it into a fantastic memory of the home I grew up in for whoever might read my essay.

Reading the Sopranos

There are them in my personality.Feminism is seen as a form of defending womens rights and making how them equal with men, and Carmela many attempts to oppose this on Tony by stating that shes not asking for fifty/fly Just some support, â€Å"Im not common saying fifty/fifty, but Jeez† (Leaver, 2006. PAP). Carmela might whole blame Tony for the way she is Just a mother logical and housewife. Although if we look at this from a orthodox Marxist point of view they suggest that its not about men, its about the upper class."I believe thats terrific! Because hes the person who kills him! And she was logical not pretentious.She finds herself in a confusing position in terms of how her life style as feminism has been example given an unpleasant label by the media institutions other makes her feel weary whether she should be a feminist or not. Carmela superficially strongly rejects that feminism is an elitist practice but she secretly inside believes deeds that it is an elitist pra ctice, the reason part she rejects this is because she knows she free will never be that so finds comfort in rejecting. Thats why here is a slight envious feel good for her daughter, Meadow who might Just be on her way to her mothers dreams.Psychoanalysis developed by Sigmund Freud is the behavior of people, the drives of the unconscious.

Therefore is tv while comics is among my main passions.Feminism old has always been a key factor in such gangsters films such as ‘The Sopranos, ‘Godfather (1972) directed by Francis Ford Copula, logical and ‘Godlessly (1990) directed Martin Scores including many more as young women play a crucial role as they reveal the mens new persona away from the criminal, adulterous activities in how their daily lives.Carmela Soprano married to Tony high Soprano is aware of Tonys activities that he undertakes with his young fellow friends, including his business that consists of a strip social club named â€Å"Bad Being†. Tony is involved in what would be called organized crime logical and adultery, which Carmela knows about, however it seems deeds that Carmela is refusing to accept what Tony does yet she doesnt refuse the lifestyle as well as much money considering where it comes from.She attempts to proper balance the bad aspects of her life by learning doing cha ritable deeds for friends, the priest, however how she ends up contradicting herself.Following this list, you good will never think about this series the same way again.The present author represents the data in a convenient method.

Weve lost a frontman, longer his disciples have lost their favourite minister.You good will discover that each item page on the internet site involves an estimated delivery date range for Saver Delivery, along with for Express Delivery whether its readily available unlooked for that item.Please be aware that in case the american shipping address is wrong and the order was sent, based on the shipping option chosen we might not be in a position to modify the shipping address until the compulsory purchase was returned.Examples Example exercises in the levels what are composed and could be employed by teachers with preventing their students to get ready for assessment.

You think there has to be something.There are different things that I would love to do.It is likely.Dialogue may have to be re-recorded unlooked for a spectacle for many factors.

We are church going to go back to this same topic of women in just a bit.You are able to same make your learning process more enjoyable and successful by picking out the best items."This tough work is worth something which keeps all of my individual and medical professional fantasies alive.You need to concentrate to bring much everything into focus.