Management Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Management Development - Essay Example The field of human resource development is particularly related to organizational learning and transfer of learning, each of which is a significant objective. The last twenty years have yielded a large amount of research about which factors are key influential factors in the process of transfer of learning (Mailick, 1998, pp. 57-68). This has led to the practices of management training becoming highly popular over the past few decades, since its link to increasing aptitude and improved management practices for both middle managers and top managers. However, research (Mumford, 1994, pp. 20-33) shows that most of the substantial resources that companies are allocating to such management training will be wasted, since institutional learning and training hardly transfers into the organization’s workplace. For this reason, the programs have not had a significant impact yet, which leads researchers to further study into such features of human resource management (Ashton et al, 1975, pp. 1-9). The past few decades have been a misguiding era due to the conflicting management beliefs, findings, and practices in the global economy. While there is still much debate about the effectiveness, methodology, and validity of management development (Mumford, 2004, 71-84), companies are still investing millions in executive management education. This does not pertain only to academic training. The corporate training programs are innovatively designed to cater to several needs of the trainees, such as punctuality of delivery, profound information coverage and job relatedness. For this reason, these training sessions provide learning, which is presented in the context of an organizational workplace, administered at the appropriate time, and sized in small and effective doses, which are easy to comprehend. However, these programs have also failed to produce desired results of significant magnitude, which is why the true effectiveness of management development is still in quest ion. Discussion The operations of a business being international in the new global economy (ILO, 1998, pp. 10-28), further complicate the management and technique required for survival far beyond how they would be for a domestic firm. Research (Hill, 2007, pp. 28-51) shows how the strategy of the organization (what to do) is receiving more attention on an international scale than its own implementation (how to do it) or the training of international managers (the people who will do it). The shortage of qualified and capable international managers is a large reason why these companies cannot successfully practice such international strategies, even though the quantity of available research (Rothwell, 2006, pp. 66-79) on the IHRM policies that MNEs practice is insufficient to support this fact. This research is especially limited regarding international markets other than those of the west and their IHRM practices, thus constraining the validity of this discussion. One major criticism that the existing research (Garavan et al, 1999, pp. 191-207) on management development observes is that the core problems that affect the implementation of management have not received sufficient attention. This pertains especially to the academic perspective about management, which tends to restrict its scope particularly in the UK. This does not allow for room to

God’s rule over human happenings Essay Example for Free

God’s rule over human happenings Essay God controls events of human history to accomplish of his purposes. God’s rule over human happenings is demonstrated many times in the Bible. One of the clearest examples is recorded in the first four chapters of the book of Daniel. Daniel and three of his friends were taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. In Babylon they are trained to be special servants of the king. When Nebuchadnezzar had a dream and apparently forgot it, he demanded that his wise men tell him what he dreamed and give its interpretation, on penalty of death if they didn’t. When Daniel heard about this situation, he and his friends prayed to God to learn about the dream and its interpretation. When God revealed the dream and its meaning to Daniel, Daniel thanked God by saying, Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. . . . He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. . . . I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known . . . the kings demand (Daniel 2:20-23, NKJV). The dream was about a man with a head of gold, his chest and arms of silver, his thighs of bronze, his legs of iron, and his feet partly of iron and partly of clay. Daniel told the king that God had revealed to him the dream and its interpretation. He declared that different parts of the man represented various kingdoms. The head of gold represented Nebuchadnezzar. His was the greatest kingdom. After him would come lesser kingdoms, represented by the inferior medals, until the coming of the greatest – an everlasting kingdom – represented by a stone, uncut by human hands. The stone would strike the image and broke it in pieces. It would then became a great mountain and fill the whole earth. Nebuchadnezzar was grateful to Daniel for telling him his dream and its interpretation. He declared, Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret (Daniel 2:47). The king then promoted Daniel to be ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon. Moreover, Daniel’s three friends were placed in positions of power in the province of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar was a most powerful king. He was also very conceited. He built an image of gold, ninety feet tall. Why he built it is not declared in scripture. However, it may be because the dream, wherein he was represented as possessing a kingdom portrayed with a head of gold, motivated him to exalt himself in that way. He called for everyone to fall down before the image and worship it. But Daniel’s three friends refused. Nebuchadnezzar threatened them, saying that they would be put into a furnace of fire if they didn’t prostrate themselves before it. They still refused, saying that God would deliver them, but even if he didn’t, they would not worship the image. Nebuchadnezzar, full of fury, had them put into the fiery furnace. Afterward, however, when he looked into the furnace, he was greatly surprised. There was a fourth person, one like a son of the gods, walking among them and none of them were burned. When Nebuchadnezzar called for them to come out of the furnace, he discovered that they were not singed, nor did they have even the smell of fire on them. Therefore he said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him . . . that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this. (Daniel 3:28-29) He then promoted them in the province of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar thus came not only to recognize, but also to appreciate the Most High God. Nevertheless, Nebuchadnezzar was still filled with great pride. In his own words, Nebuchadnezzar told how he came to be humbled by God. He had another dream which none but Daniel could interpret. The dream was about a great, strong, and high tree with lovely leaves and abundant fruit. In it the birds lodged, under it animals found shade, and from it all flesh was fed. But a voice from heaven commanded the tree to be cut down. Even so, the stump and roots were to be left, bound with iron and bronze in the grass of the field. Before being told the meaning of the dream, Nebuchadnezzar recognized that This decision is . . . in order that the living may know  that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men (Daniel 4:17). When told the dream, Daniel was disturbed because he knew it was against the King. The tree represented the king. Although the king was great, he would be cut down but not destroyed. His heart would become like that of an animal and he would eat grass for seven times (probably seven years). However, Nebuchadnezzar was assured that the kingdom would be his after he came to realize that Heaven rules. Daniel then advised the king, break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity (Daniel 4:20). The dream began to be fulfilled a year later while Nebuchadnezzar was walking in his palace. He said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty? (Daniel 4:30). It was then that a voice from heaven said, King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses (Daniel 4:31-32). And so it was. Nebuchadnezzar ate grass like an ox, his body was wet with the dew of heaven, his hair grew like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like bird’s claws. At the end of the time, Nebuchadnezzar’s understanding returned to him, as did his kingdom, honor, splendor, counselors and nobles. He then blessed the Most High, saying, His dominion is an everlasting dominion, . . . He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’ (Daniel 4:34-35). He then praised and honored the King of Heaven, saying that his works are true and his ways just. Moreover, he said, those who walk in pride, He is able to put down (Daniel 4:37). God rules. He sent dreams to Nebuchadnezzar. Through Daniel, God made their interpretations known. In this way God caused Daniel to become ruler over  all Babylon and his friends to be elevated to rulership positions. God changed Nebuchadnezzar’s heart and made him to be a believer in the Most High God. He also humbled and then restored Nebuchadnezzar to his kingdom. He thereby caused His name to be heralded by the King throughout all Babylon (Daniel 4:1-3). Nebuchadnezzar came to know that God ruled. Yet he probably did not understood the extent or purposes of God’s rule. He may not have realized that in all these things God was preserving the Israelites in their captivity. When we see disturbing conditions in our world (just as the Israelites saw and were disturbed by the fall of Jerusalem and the overthrow of their nation by the Babylonians) we should realize that God reigns over the nations, God sits on his holy throne (Psalm 47:8; See also Jeremiah 18:7-10). He still rules in the kingdom of men. And while we may not know the extent of God’s rule, we should realize that God is working out his own purposes through contemporary human events.

Media System and Press Regulation of Philippines

Media System and Press Regulation of Philippines According to Raul Pertierra (2012), Philippine media is one of the oldest and having the most freedom in Asia. The â€Å"freest in Asia†, this is what Philippine called itself as and it means the media system are full with protection of press freedom which result Philippine as libertarian in media system. (Bisikleta productions, 2009) The aggressive character and lack of respects of its leading journalists is one of the things that known characteristics of Philippines press. For example, the prominent newspaper of Philippine which is Philippine Daily Inquirer often writes on the political affair and even the oppositional opinion. Besides that, The Daily Tribune also features in writing to attack the current government of Noynoy Aquino. (Raul Pertierra, 2012) According to Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (2011), Philippines features one of the freest and most boisterous media in Asia and is partially because of the strong protection of the freedom of media and expression from the Malolos Constitution of 1899 until the current Constitution. Under the Bill of Rights the Constitution, it assurances the freedom of expression and press freedom even encourages the right of every Filipinos to access to any information and documents in the possession of Philippines government agencies . The government seldom censors the media even though it was known during President Estrada to remove advertising provision for newspapers critical of its policies. However, there is still a comparatively strict libel laws that restrain reporters from covering provocative issues. (Raul Pertierra, 2012) The meaning of libel under libel law in Philippines is not defined by the writer itself. The jurisprudence which has conduct the test to determine the meaning has conclude it as â€Å"words calculated to induce suspicion are sometimes more effective to destroy reputation than false charges directly made. Ironical and metaphorical language is a favored vehicle for slander. A charge is sufficient if the words are calculated to induce the hearers to suppose and understand that the person or persons against whom they were uttered were guilty of certain offenses, or are sufficient to impeach their honesty, virtue, or reputation, or to hold the person or persons up to public ridicule.†( Abogadomo.com, 2011) The Philippine media has a multi-layered which harmonies existent of government and also private owned media. However, few large privately owned groups have dominated media ownership of Philippines. There is a network of state owned radio stations, many private radio and television stations and inevitably a large number of internet providers. For the printed media, the tabloids which published in Filipino language have accommodated a larger audience population. On the other hands, there is still broadsheets that are generally published in English and mainly read in Metro-Manila and some secondary cities. The national newspapers for Philippines are published in English and owned by prominent families with powerful connections to broad sectors of society. They are generally conservative. Regional newspapers are published in English or in the vernacular and mostly restrict themselves to local events and personalities. There are several popular tabloids written in Filipino and therefore more accessible to the ordinary citizen but they rarely comment on serious national matters. There are no major Left wing publications apart from partisan pamphlets. Generally, the print media, while highly regarded, is limited to middle class urban readers. Due to the variety of media owned by government or private sector, there is hard for either Private Public Relations Practitioners or Government Public Relations Practitioners who responsible to communicate with public to have a 2-ways communication. Tools that used to communicate with target audience is very important, however Philippines has a complex system that consists of two different ownerships. Although the Philippines media is free but it is also highly committed to a political party. Politicians with interests to get public support make sure that they have contact to media reportage even using the tactics such as direct ownership or through political or economic means. For public, reading diverse newspapers always giving the feel of referring to different realities. The government would not contribute any effort to help increase the regional distribution of newspapers which means they are not agree with the aim of supporting a diverse media landscape. Moreover, there is low level of government investment and subsidy for public sector broadcasters and they are prohibited of publishing advertising as the sources of their revenue. In Philippines, radio is the most dependable channel for disseminate news, information and entertainment especially in rural area. However, television has a large popularity in the prosperous place such as towns and cities. The satellite function increases the coverage of the television in rural areas and signals are less affected by the mountainous topography. But, the government owned radio station and television relatively low audiences even though private broadcasting and radio station showing growing in the Philippines. For newspaper, there is no authoritative and regularly published newspaper circulation figure and the most popular national dailies, such as the Philippine Daily Inquirer claim to sell more than 250,000 copies each. â€Å"Many newspapers were founded by journalists with a political and nationalist agenda. However, most have been taken over by powerful families linked to strong commercial interests.† ( Infoasaid, 2014, pg 18) Clearly the battle for a truly free press continues in the Philippines, although with dozens of publications, radio stations, broadcast entities and their staffs in operation, the Philippines appears to have one of the better media climates in Southeast Asia. Although the Philippines Constitution guarantees freedom of the press, that ideal has been subject to various forms of censorship throughout the history of the nation. Perhaps the most obvious example of censorship which took place during the United States time in the Philippines which is through the use of libel laws. The result of that case was the closing of a newspaper some considered legendary. The press freedom gives the pros and cons for the Public Relations Practices. The pros include Public Relations Practitioners are not restraint for the works they want to disseminate to their public. However, the quality of media has destroyed because too many ownership. In addition, government status affected because the free to discuss political matters. It directly affects the status of government public relations practitioner. In conclusion, there are clearly media characteristics of Philippines which are libertarian but under some control by laws and regulations implemented by government and multi-layered which harmonies existent of government and also private owned media. These two characteristics have shown a big influence toward the practice of Public Relations in Philippines. References Pertierra, R. (2012). The New Media, Society Politics in the Philippines. Retrieved  from http://www.fesmedia-asia.org/uploads/media/PHILIPPINES_2012.pdf Abogadomo.com. (2011). Libel Laws of the Philippines. Retrieved from  http://www.abogadomo.com/law-professor/law-professor-archives/libel-laws-of-the-philippines Mikeeesportuno. (2013). Libel in the Philippines. Retrieved from  http://www.studymode.com/essays/Libel-In-The-Philippines-1489264.html BBC News. (2013). Philippines profile. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-15527446 Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung. (2011). Asian Media Barometer. Retrived from  http://library.fes.de/pdf-files/iez/08746.pdf Infoasaid. (2012) Philippines Media and Telecoms Landscape Guide. Retrieved from  file:///C:/Users/Swen/Downloads/Media%20%20Telecoms%20Landscape%20Guide%20-%20Philippines%20(1).pdf Bisikleta productions. (2009) Dissecting The Philippine Mass Media Today. Retrieved  from http://bisikletaproductions.blogspot.com/2009/09/dissecting-philippine-mass-media-today.html

Macbeth a Victim of Choice not Fate :: essays research papers

The three witches told Macbeth of his fate. Did the events in Macbeth?s life occur because of the witches? prophesy or was it because of the choices he made? Could there possibly be some of both? What caused Macbeth to fall? Was it his fate or his free will? To begin, we look at the first prediction of the witches. They call him by the names of ?Thane of Glamis?, which he already is, ?Thane of Cawdor? (a title he does not know he has been given), and "King hereafter." As a result, the first two things the witches tell him aren?t prophesies because they have already happened. Look at the third and most important prophecy. The witches tell Macbeth that he will become ?King Hereafter?, there?s knowledge that this actually happened. ?If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me.? (1 3) Did it happen because of fate or did Macbeth make it happen? The witches tempted Macbeth to kill the King, however, it was his own ambition that led him to do that terrible thing. Macbeth, even though he was uneasy, he chose to kill King Duncan and ascend to the throne of Scotland. ?Nothing is but what is not.? (1 3) Look at the second set of prophesies. The witches tell Macbeth to beware of Macduff. They tell him that "no one born of a woman shall harm Macbeth." The witches are being sneaky here to give Macbeth the illusion that he cannot be harmed. Macduff eventually kills Macduff. Does Macduff, who is not born of woman, (his mother passed before he was born) kill Macbeth because of fate? Maybe he does but why does Macduff want to kill Macbeth anyway? Macbeth killed the king and took the throne, so there is an apparent reason that it was Macbeth?s choice. Finally, the witches tell him that he will not fall until ?Birnam Woods meets Dunsinane Hill.? Well, Birnam Wood meets Dunsinane Hill and Macbeth is defeated. This again is partially Macbeth?s fault. If he hadn?t killed the King, Malcolm?s forces would never have attacked him and made the prophesy true.

Black Psychology Essay

Abstract: This is an autobiographical essay where I briefly analyzes and interpret significant and impactful events that has transpired over my last 20 years in my life from school to my community in Portland, Oregon. The objective of this essay is to connect concepts and the course objectives related to Black Psychology which I enrolled in at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) spring 2009 term. The outline for this essay is in a chronological age order starting from my birth in 1988 till my current experience at FAMU. The book that is mainly referenced in this essay is the Kobi K. Kambon textbook African/ Black Psychology in American Context: An African Centered Approach along with Joseph Baldwin’s class lectures that I attended. Divided Among two Different Views of the World: But this is my Story The idea that a black person is from Portland, Oregon seems to be shocking information for certain African-Americans. Once I introduce myself to new friends and professors who never traveled to Portland or were never informed that â€Å"Black people† live in Oregon. Many are intrigued by this information and have a quest to know more. So to answer that question, yes there are blacks who live in Oregon. I am a product of Oregon I, Michelle Williams, was born and raised in the urban community in Portland amongst other African-Americans. One may assume that I had a difficult time growing up in Oregon. Experiencing discrimination, racism, or identity crisis; however, my six siblings and I never did. Although, I did not experience those types of issues, I understood that in Portland, the Black race was the minority and Europeans were the majority in the race factor. In addition, do not assume that my family lineage only lines in Oregon, on both sides of my family southern roots run deep. Therefore, southern traditions, values, morals, beliefs, and customs were inbreeded into my up brings. Without questions, I am an African-American woman from Portland, Oregon; however, my geographic region does not define my blackness, nor does it determine if I am capable of experiencing hardships like my fellow peers who were raised in Southern states. In my early childhood, I resided with my maternal grandmother due to my parent’s abuse to their environment and the use of narcotics. However, my time spent with my grandmother was not in vein, yet filled with years of observing and learning how to uphold traditional southern values, which the modern world of psychology considers the â€Å"African/ Black Worldviews†. In the book, African/ Black Psychology in the American context: An African- Centered Approach Kobi K. Kambon explains the difference between the African/ Black and European Worldviews. The four components that compose the worldviews are: cosmology, ontology, axiology, and epistemology (Kambon, 1998) In the African/ African-American worldviews one are taught to believe in oneness/ harmony with nature, survival of the group, sameness; whereas the European Worldview have the notion of survival of the fittest, competiveness, independence, and uniqueness (being different). In my middle childhood my parents redirected their life, and my mother returned to college and obtained her bachelors and masters in Psychology with a minor in Black Studies at Portland State University. While in school she begun to incorporate her findings into her parenting. Although, my mother and I were led by Eurocentric teachings, my family and our surroundings reinforced the black/African-American Worldviews in the household. I recall myself adapting to the ideologies and beliefs of those who were not within my own indigenous cultural group. Kambon defines this experience as a black child who has been influenced by Eurocentric teachings resulting in â€Å"Abnormal Unnatural Circumstances†. The child has accepted and identified him or herself as a member of a â€Å"group that is not indigenous cultural reality (Kambon, 1998). I was able to bounce back to the normal-nature circumstances, with the help of my Black community friends, and family through our morals and beliefs. I had to stay true to my own cultural reality and not be amongst those who are â€Å"cultural mis-identified†. An example of how I demonstrated abnormal unnatural circumstances was when I accepted the European philosophies and allowed the whites to dictate and define what was appropriate or correct based off their standards and views on life. By this I allowed the notion that white Barbie dolls are better, rather than the Black China Doll my grandmother purchased for Christmas one year. While in middle school, which is considered my late or pre-adolescence years, I was offered acceptance into the Talent and Gift also known as the TAG program. The TAG programs honors and congratulates students â€Å"who demonstrated outstanding abilities or potentials in areas of general intellectual ability or specific ability aptitude† (Davenport Community School Website). After discovering the truth in the Black Psychology course, I have come to the understanding that this particular program has several flaws that discriminates against the Black race. The black students who excel above the standards set for Blacks are called â€Å"Talented or Gifted†. In chapter eight it stated that â€Å"there was some Blacks who scored as high as Whites on Standard tests of so-called intelligence (i.e research on Black â€Å"gifted† children)† (Kambon, 1998). The foundation of the Tag program continues and supports â€Å"White Supremacy†. The definition the European psychologist use to define intelligence which were examined on Caucasians only was: â€Å"(a) the repertoire of intellectual/cognitive skills and knowledge available to a person at any one period of time, or (b) the aggregate of global capacity of the individual to act purposely, to think rationally, and to deal effectively with his/her environment† (Kambon,1998). The names of a couple of exams that exemplified that one was intelligent were: The Alfred Binet and the Binet Test, also known as Intelligence Quotient/ IQ, Charles Spearman with the GS Factor test, and a few others (Kambon, 1998). Robert L. Williams the second National Chairman/ President of American of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) (Kambon, 1998), developed a â€Å"Black â€Å"cultural specific† intelligence test which demonstrated that Blacks could perform superiority to Whites on such a Black cultural based test. The test was called Black Intelligence Test for Cultural Homogeneity† formally known as â€Å"BITCH’. His intelligence test showcased that African-American students were out performing whites by 30 to 50 points (Kambon, 1998). In relations to my acceptance to the TAG program I felt a sense of being privileged, superior, and connected to the white race in some sense. I belittled my peers who the Europeans and the test scored them as being underachievers. Through my actions I had continued on the European worldviews. The people see the good that the TAG program promotes; however, there are down sides and negative characteristics of being called a â€Å"Talented or Gifted† child. In my early adolescence years, I was considered at times a student who could be insubordinate, disrespectful, and disruptive in class. However, my actions were to challenge an question my teacher’s philosophy about Western History, colonization in Africa, slavery, and anything that focused on the Black race. Now looking back on what transpired in high school I was trying to discover the truth regarding my peoples. I tried to unravel the mess that the Europeans, Western historians, philosophers, and psychologist created. Removing the blind folds that had been placed over my eyes through the European teachings; I was tired of receiving the edited, shorten, and beautified story the teachers and academic curriculum spoon-feed me every year during the one month Blacks are allowed to celebrate their history (February). I have come to accept that knowledge is key and discovered like John Henrik Clarke that, â€Å"African History/ Negro History are the missing pages of World History† (John Henrik Clarke, 1996). In chapter three of Kambon books, he explains this idea of cultural reality and worldviews construct, and how â€Å"ones thoughts beliefs, values and actions are not uniquely our own, distinct and separate from those of others, particularly other individuals† (Kambon, 119). In today’s society we accept as true that European’s set the standards or dictated/ guide one to believe that their ways of living and doing things are how things ought to be done; continues white supremacy. I am now in my third year at FAMU as a nursing major interested in psychology, following sibling’s footsteps of attending a Historical Black University. My journey in the Black Psychology has taught me new things about my personality and where I come from. In my opinion Oregon is a diverse and complex state. I had adopted and balanced the different worldviews. From my secondary education I have come to a new found knowledge about this Black Psychology and it’s striving for perfection in the Black communities. I have come to understand that my people are from the Southern or African Cradle, which developed before the Northern or European Cradle a model Diop (Kambon, 1998). I am from the lineage of infamous Pharaoh’s and Queens such as Narmar, Pharaoh and Queen who whore the red and white crown Hatshepsut (Abarry, 1996). For years information has been hidden and sheltered from my peers and I. Not only from the African descendents in Oregon, but from all of the descendents of Africa has that populated the 50 states in America. I have learned that I am a descendant of great Queens and Kings and African’s who were educated, governed themselves, ran a successful economy that was developed in many aspects before the 1500’s when Europeans arrived. Ancient Kemit (KMT) and the Ma’at which is the foundation in which the KMT people lived by (Abarry, 1996). I have grown accustomed to both Western and this new psychology called â€Å"Black Psychology†. I am able to observe and fully understand and acknowledge the course objectives in Black Psychology because I have been in the ream of both worlds. My parents were educated and products of the early 60’s; where there was a large movement on civil rights and black psychologist making a change for the black community. Such as the Pan-African Cultural nationalism movement group who where â€Å"Black Psychologist who advocate that race and culture are the foundation of African self-identity and psychological well being† (Kambon, 1998). Black psychology has made tremendous accomplishments; they have challenged the ideals and ideologies of Western Psychology. Rather than being the blinded test mice used in Western Psychology, Black psychologist has made a mark in Psychology. There has been a creation of Psychology geared to the Blacks. They have developed an impressive editorial journal that comes out quarterly called The Journal of Black Psychology which has been around for about 35 years (Kambon, 1996). The members of the Association of Black Psychologist have overcome many obstacles that have been presented in front of them, and will continue to do so for following years to come (Kamon, 1998). I find that my mind was once held captive in a sense, before I entered college under Eurocentric teachings. I upheld the ideas of Eurocentric teachings, yet the status quo has changed; in favor for the Black Race, and my cognitive for that matter. In today’s society black children are taught by a Eurocentric teaching, where there is a mis-education which manifests itself in the Eurocentric conceptual incarceration (Kambon, 1998). The portrait the European psychologists painted through their views and studies of the black race, personality, mental health, and behavioral problems have not reflected the Black people in anyway. On the contrary it has caused a separation between blacks. Those who believed in changing the psychology world for the black race have succeeded at founding its place and did not allow the standards set by Western Psychology to be the foundation for Black Psychology (Kambon, 1996). Today the black’s can see the ‘great depth of the Eurocentric cultural incarceration that encapsulates African intellectual consciousness and scholarship. † (Kambon,1998). Which has caused a developmental problem of the knowledge of the African/ black race. From the motivation of Francis Cecil Sumner, Herman G. Canady, Robert L. Williams, Marcus Gravey, Nat Turners, W. E. B Dubois, Frances Cress Welsing, and the thousands of members of the Association of Black Psychology, there is a psychology that focuses on the black community which is not defined by the Western Psychology standards. It is up to students like me to utilize the essential tools from courses like Black Psychology, and turn a deaf ear to the myths and misleading information that the Western Psychology once succeeded at incarcerating. This was my experience from growing up in Portland, Oregon and making a much need journey to Florida A&M University which landed me a seat in Dr. Joseph Baldwin course Black Psychology. References Abarry, S. , Asante, M. ,(1996). African intellectual Heritiage. Philadelphia, PA: Temple Press A Great and Might Walk. Dir. St. Claire Bourne. Perf. Wesley Snipes John Henrik Clarke. 1996. Bourne, C. [Westley Snipes] (1996): Los Angles Davenport Community School Website. (1998, Aug). Retrieved Mar. 09, 2009, from http://www. davenport. k12. ia. us/curriculum/gifted. asp Kambon, K. (1998). African/ black psychology in the american context: an african- centered approach. Tallahassee, Fl: Nubian Nation Publication.

Very Low to Moderate Income Housing Loans

Very Low to Moderate Income Housing Loans The following is a summary of information about low to moderate income housing loans available to individuals or families through the U.S. Department of Agricultures Rural Development program as listed in the  Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance  (CFDA). During the fiscal year 2015, a  total of $18.7 billion in loans were granted. The average direct loan granted was for $125,226 while the average guaranteed loan was for $136,360. Objectives To assist very low, low-income, and moderate-income households to obtain modest, decent, safe, and sanitary housing for use as a permanent residence in rural areas. Types of Assistance Direct Loans; Guaranteed/Insured Loans. Uses and Restrictions Direct and guaranteed loans may be used to buy, build, or improve the applicants permanent residence. New manufactured homes may be financed when they are on a permanent site, purchased from an approved dealer or contractor, and meet certain other requirements. Under very limited circumstances, homes may be re-financed with direct loans. Dwellings financed must be modest, decent, safe, and sanitary. The value of a home financed with a direct loan may not exceed the area limit. The property must be located in an eligible rural area. Assistance is available in the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas, and the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands. Direct loans are made at the interest rate specified in RD Instruction 440.1, Exhibit B (available in any Rural Development local office), and are repaid over 33 years or 38 years for applicants whose adjusted annual income does not exceed 60 percent o f the area median income, if necessary to show repayment ability. Payment assistance is granted on direct loans to reduce the installment to an effective interest rate as low as one percent, depending on adjusted family income. Payment assistance is subject to recapture by the government when the customer no longer resides in the dwelling. There is no funding provided for deferred mortgage authority or loans for deferred mortgage assumptions. Guaranteed loans may be made to refinance either existing RHS Guaranteed Housing loans or RHS Section 502 Direct Housing loans. Guaranteed loans are amortized over 30 years. The interest rate is negotiated with the lender. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must have very low-, low- or moderate incomes. Very low-income is defined as below 50 percent of the area median income (AMI), low-income is between 50 and 80 percent of AMI; moderate income is below 115 percent of AMI. Families must be without adequate housing, but able to afford the housing payments, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI). Qualifying repayment ratios are 29 percent for PITI to 41 percent for total debt. In addition, applicants must be unable to obtain credit elsewhere, yet have an acceptable credit history. Beneficiary Eligibility Applicants must meet eligibility requirements. Guaranteed Loan Low and Moderate income eligible. Credentials/Documentation Applicants may need to submit evidence of inability to obtain credit elsewhere, verification of income, debts, and other information on the application; plans, specifications, and cost estimates. This program is excluded from coverage under 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles. Application Procedures This program is excluded from coverage under 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. For direct loans, an application is made at the Rural Development field office serving the county where the dwelling is or will be located. For guaranteed loans, an application is made to a participating private lender. Award Procedure Rural Development field offices have authority to approve most Direct loan requests. Processing of guaranteed loans varies in each State. Consult your local telephone directory under U.S. Department of Agriculture for a Rural Development field office listing or visit the website http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/lcoator/app for a State Office listing. If no backlog exists, decisions on direct loan applications are made within 30 to 60 days. Requests for guarantee loans are acted upon in 3 days of receipt of the lenders request for guarantee. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time For direct loans, from 30 to 60 days subject to availability of funds, from the time the application is filed if no backlog of applications exists. A pre-qualification may be provided to potential direct loan applicants upon call or visit a Rural Development office, though results are not binding. For guarantees, a decision is required within 3 days of loan package submission by the approved lender. Information Contacts Regional or Local Office Consult your local telephone directory under United States Department of Agriculture for Rural Development field office number. If no listing, contact appropriate Rural Development State Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog or on the internet at rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html. Headquarters Office Director, Single Family Housing Direct Loan Division or Director Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Division, Rural Housing Service (RHS), Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-1474 (direct loans), (202) 720-1452 (guaranteed loans).

Humorous Quotes on Love and Marriage

Humorous Quotes on Love and Marriage Poking fun at love or marriage can be a dangerous proposition when youre making a joke in the presence of your loved one. Humor is like spice: the right amount can make a delicacy out of a bland meal. The key is the right amount. Use a humorous quote to season your words with the right amount of humor. Even then, be prepared to duck, apologize, and eat your words. At least, youll be able to attribute them to someone else. Thyra Smater Winsolow Platonic love is love from the neck up. Lily Tomlin If love is the answer, could you please rephrase the question? Woody Allen Love is the answer, but while youre waiting, sex raises some pretty good questions. Unknown Love is telling someone to go to hell and worrying about them getting there safely. Rogers Willson It doesnt much signify whom one marries, for one is sure to find out next morning it was someone else. Edgar Watson Howe A woman might as well propose: her husband will claim she did. John Updike Every marriage tends to consist of an aristocrat and a peasant. Frank Zappa I detest love lyrics. I think one of the causes of bad mental health in the United States is that people have been raised on love lyrics. Bill Cosby For two people in a marriage to live together day after day is unquestionably the one miracle the Vatican has overlooked. Honorà © de Balzac Great love affairs start with Champagne and end with tisane. Ray Bandy Honeymoon: A short period of doting between dating and debating. Johnny Carson I know youve been married to the same woman for 69 years. That is marvelous. It must be very inexpensive. H. L. Mencken To be in love is merely to be in a state of perceptual anesthesia - to mistake an ordinary young man for a Greek god or an ordinary young woman for a goddess. David Bissonette I recently read that love is entirely a matter of chemistry. That must be why my wife treats me like toxic waste. Beverly Nichols Marriage: a book of which the first chapter is written in poetry and the remaining chapters written in prose. Henry Louis Mencken Bachelors know more about women than married men; if they didnt, theyd be married too. Helen Rowland When you see what some girls marry, you realize how they must hate to work for a living. Anonymous Theyre almost inseparable. Sometimes it takes ten people to separate them. Anonymous If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular? Lord Dewar Love is an ocean of emotions entirely surrounded by expenses. Helen Rowland A man snatches the first kiss, pleads for the second, demands the third, takes the fourth, accepts the fifth†¦ and endures all the rest. Helen Rowland In olden times, sacrifices were made at the altar, a practice which is still very much practiced. Anonymous Love is one long, sweet dream and marriage is the alarm clock.

James Oglethorpe and the Georgia Colony

James Oglethorpe and the Georgia Colony James Oglethorpe was one of the founders of the Georgia Colony. Born on December 22, 1696, he became well known as a soldier, politician, and social reformer.   Driven to the Soldier's Life Oglethorpe started his military career as a teenager when he joined in the fight against the Turks with the Holy Roman Empire. In 1717, he was aide-de-camp to Prince Eugene of Savoy and fought in the successful siege of Belgrade.   Years afterward when he helped found and colonize Georgia, he would serve as the general of its forces. In 1739, he was involved in the War of Jenkins Ear. He unsuccessfully attempted to take St. Augustine from the Spanish twice, though he was able to defeat a large counterattack by the Spanish. Back in England, Oglethorpe fought in the Jacobite rebellion in 1745 for which he was almost court-martialed due to his units lack of success. He tried to fight in the Seven Years War but was denied a commission by the British. Not to be left out, he took on a different name and fought with the Prussians in the war.   Long Political Career In 1722, Oglethorpe left his first military commission to join Parliament. He would serve in the House of Commons for the next 30 years. He was a fascinating social reformer, helping impressed sailors and investigating the terrible condition of debtors prisons. This last cause was especially important to him as a good friend died in such a prison.   He became a staunch opponent of slavery early in his career, a stance he would hold the rest of his life. Even though he was an elected member of parliament, he chose to accompany the first settlers to Georgia in 1732. While he traveled back some to England, he did not permanently return to England until 1743. It was only after the attempted court martial mentioned earlier that he lost his seat in Parliament in 1754.   Founding the Georgia Colony The idea for the founding of Georgia was to create a haven for Englands poor along with creating a buffer between the French and Spanish and the other English colonies. Thus in 1732, Georgia was founded. Oglethorpe was not only a member of its Board of Trustees but was also among its first settlers. He personally chose and founded Savannah as the first town. He took an unofficial role of the colonys governor and directed most decisions about the new colonys local administration and defense. The new settlers took to calling Oglethorpe Father. However, eventually, the colonists grew upset against his stern rule but also his stance against slavery which they felt put them at an economic disadvantage compared to the rest of the colonies. In addition, the costs associated with the new colony were questioned by the other trustees back in England.   By 1738, Oglethorpes duties were curtailed, and he was left with being the general of the combined Georgia and South Carolina forces. As previously discovered, he was deeply involved in the War of Jenkins Ear leading campaigns against the Spanish. When he failed to take St. Augustine, he went back to England never to return to the New World.   Elder Statesman and Champion of the Colonies Oglethorpe never wavered in his support for the rights of American colonists. He befriended many in England who also espoused their cause such as Samuel Johnson and Edmund Burke.  After the American Revolution when John Adams was sent to England as an ambassador, Oglethorpe met with him despite his advanced years. He died soon after this meeting at the age of 88.

Critique of a research paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Critique of a research paper - Essay Example A clearly focused issue is similar to the research problem. Identifying a research problem is not always easy since every problem has compounding factors. Researchers, therefore, have to be keen when giving the exact problem being studied. This is why the researchers need a clear focus; a well-defined research question which can guide the research study. The clear focus eliminates frustration, confusion, wastage, and saves time (Blessing & Forister, 2013). In the report, a clear focus that would guide the research would be; â€Å"are nurse-led rheumatology clinics qualified for providing the same services offered by rheumatologist-led clinics?† The report is on a â€Å"Randomized controlled trial of a nurse-led rheumatology clinic for monitoring biological therapy† (Larsson et al., 2013, p. 164). The aim is to judge the nurse-led rheumatology clinic against rheumatologist-led clinic, in monitoring of biological therapy. It has focused on patients in remission or those w ith low disease activity, and are undergoing biological therapy. The main issue is that, there are nurse-led clinics that have previously been successful. In the UK, for example, some rheumatology nurse-led clinics showed a high level of effectiveness. It is due to such results that the researchers came up with the thought of a nurse-led intervention in Sweden. In Sweden, it is the rheumatologists who manage such clinics. Larsson and others assumed that there would be no significant differences in treatment consequences between the two interventions. . The results would provide evidence for practice and encourage the creation of nurse-led rheumatology clinics for the management of patients with stable chronic inflammatory arthritis, who are undergoing biological therapy. A clearly focused issue here is whether the nurse-led rheumatology clinics are suitable and qualified to manage patients. Randomized controlled trials are studies that make use of random assignment of study

Background Studies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Background Studies - Essay Example J. Acre realized that â€Å"there is a need for more research on critical pedagogy and elementary school practices† (Arce). â€Å"Critical Pedagogy is a teaching approach that attempts to help students question and challenge domination, and the beliefs and practices that dominate. In other words, it is a theory and practice of helping students achieve critical consciousness† (Wikimedia Foundation, Inc, 2009). It is concerned with â€Å"how education can provide individuals with the tools to better themselves and strengthen democracy, to create a more egalitarian and just society, and thus to deploy education in a process of progressive social change† (21st Century Schools , 2004). Arce observed that the foci of previous researches are â€Å"prosocial education, whole language theory and classroom practices, learning conditions and bilingualism and language acquisition† (Arce). On the other hand, there are only a few studies that â€Å"demonstrate the application of critical pedagogy as it relates to elementary school bilingual students† (Arce). Most of these related studies â€Å"address questions of student learning, whole language instruction, and relationships between schooling and the sociocultural process† (Arce). Arce realized to conduct such a study and he made use of a First Grade Two way Spanish Classroom as a participatory study. The second of these two studies is by S.P. Gillian which is â€Å"An Assessment of the Cross-Cultural Training Needs of South Carolina Counselors†. He mentioned that there are already a lot of studies on cross-cultural counseling to the point that they point to different findings and conclusion. His study then is not in a new arena but it is unique in a way that it focuses on the areas that are yet to be dug in. â€Å"The overall aim of [the] present study is to (a) bring attention to areas of need counselors have with respect to cross-cultural counseling, (b) sensitize counselor education program administrator to these needs for

Cigarettes and Lungs Cancer Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Cigarettes and Lungs Cancer - Research Paper Example Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality all over the world. There are basically 2 predominant types of lung cancer and they are small cell lung cancer or SCLC and non-small cell lung cancer or NSCLC. The latter constitutes 85% of all lung cancer cases. NSCLC is further divided into large cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma (Molina et al, 2008). All these types of lung cancers are different in terms of clinical presentation and histopathological characteristics. But management plans and prognoses are similar. The most frequently encountered NSCLC is adenocarcinoma arising from the mucosal glands of the bronchi. It represents 35-40 percent of all lung cancers. It is mostly seen in the peripheral portion of the lung. It is the most common histologic subtype. It can also manifest as scar cancer. This subtype is mostly seen in non-smokers and may present as a bronchoalveolar form of multifocal tumors. Squamous cell carcinoma accounts fo r about 25 percent of lung cancers. Unlike adenocarcinoma, the cancers are mainly seen in the central parts of the lungs with the classical clinical presentation being proximal bronchus cavity. It is characterized by keratin pearls and has the tendency to exfoliate. It is often associated with hyperkalemia. 10-15 percent of lung cancers are caused due to large cell carcinoma that is easily diagnosable by chest X-ray. Lung cancer metastasis to liver, bones, adrenal glands, brain, spinal cord, and pericardium.... Unlike adenocarcinoma, the cancers are mainly seen in the central parts of the lungs with classical clinical presentation being proximal bronchus cavity. It is characterized by keratin pearls and has the tendency to exfoliate. It is often associated with hypercalemia. 10-15 percent of lung cancers are caused due to large cell carcinoma that is easily diagnosable by chest X-ray. Lung cancer metastatises to liver, bones, adrenal glands, brain, spinal cord and pericardium (Molina et al, 2008). Regional incidence pertaining to lung cancer is actually variable and it predominantly depends on the prevalence of cigarette smoking. For instance, in Utah, the incidence of lung cancer is lowest and smoking is lowest there (Molina et al, 2008). On the other hand, in Kentucky, the incidence of smoking is highest and so is the case with lung cancer (Molina et al, 2008). Another interesting aspect is, with the decline in the prevalence of smoking, the incidence of lung cancer is predominant in form er smokers than in current smokers. For example, according to a study by Yang et al (2005), "more than 5000 patients whose lung cancer was diagnosed between 1997 and 2002, only 25% were current smokers and more than 60% were former smokers" (cited in Molina et al, 2008). The epidemic of lung cancer in the 20th century is undoubtedly caused by cigarette smoking. The development of lung cancer secondary to smoking is directly related to the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the duration of smoking. The nicotine content and tar content also influence the development of lung cancer. Tobacco contains about 300 substances that are harmful of which more than 60 are potent carcinogens (Lee, 2001). Nitrosamine-NNK and poly-aromatic hydrocarbons for DNA

Health causes of stress Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Health causes of stress - Annotated Bibliography Example udying in detail different kinds of healthy stressors from various perspectives, and in supporting our hypothesis that healthy stressors are in a way useful for human body. The authors, researchers at the Biological Psychiatry Branch, Bethesda, used data to study the effects of healthy stressors by analyzing the happy and sad responses by 11 healthy women when they were made to recall happy and sad occurrences in their lives. The participants were scanned by using PET and H2(15)O. Although the number of participants was limited, the results they found correlated with their hypothesis that healthy causes of stress produced significant changes in their brain regions which defined their emotional state. These changes included great reductions in cortical rCBF, right prefrontal and bilateral temporal-parietal regions. This research will be helpful in demonstrating how healthy stressors affect the brain activity and what regions of brain undergo changes during the course of remembering and undergoing positive causes of stress. The author of this article has very successfully provided some very good information regarding stress management with special focus on positive stressors. He has listed some examples of healthy causes of stress like marriage, job interview, starting college, childbirth, and buying a large ticket item. The author has raised an important point that it is our perception of stress that makes a stressor a good or a bad one. Changing our perception can convert a bad stressor into a positive one. The author gives the example of losing a job which might seem as a disaster but it may be perceived as a healthy stressor when one thinks about other opportunities. The article is well organized, easy to understand, and considerable detail has been given describing each positive stressor, which will be quite helpful in conducting our research. In this periodical, the author has emphasized upon the importance of healthy stressors and states that a little

Does the rotation of auditors improve the quality of auditing Essay - 6

Does the rotation of auditors improve the quality of auditing - Essay Example Rotation of auditors has also been argued to facilitate business organisations in developing better transparency in their financial reports. Moreover, auditor rotation is identified as a process assisting in better flow of information. Rotation also ascertains that the financial statements of a business organisation are reviewed frequently. In this manner, auditor rotation develops an increased accountability along with independence amid auditors. However, the policy of auditor rotation is identified to affect the audit quality to a substantial extent, as auditors with time span are aware of the risks and credibility that a business organisation is attached with. It is also ascertained that there are certain business organisations adopting the policy of auditor rotation, which are seemed to increase complexities as well as cost due to rotation during important business transactions (Whitehouse, 2013). In this regard, the essay emphasizes the audit quality and the policy of rotation o f auditors. Moreover, the essay discusses about the issues that are addressed by auditors’ rotation and explains the advantages and disadvantages associated with the policy of auditors’ rotation. Discussion Defining Audit Quality In the present business scenario, financial reports of companies are deemed to be quite essential elements of identifying the performances of business organisations. In this regard, both internal as well as external auditors play effective role in the preparation of financial reports suitably (Arrunada & Paz-Ares, 1997). Contextually, audit quality has emerged as an important aspect in relation to the audited financial reports that are prepared and presented. It is therefore deemed to be the auditors’ responsibility to discover as well as identify the shortcomings in the accounting system of an organisation in order to ensure that financial reports are prepared systematically and appropriately (Velte & Stiglbauer, 2012). Correspondingly , the policy of audit quality is generally argued as based on three important factors, which include disclosure of appropriate financial statements, ascertaining that the internal control system of an organisation is efficient and provide adequate warnings in case of frauds and misrepresentations (PCAOB, 2013). The Issue that are Addressed by ‘Rotation of Auditors’ The policy of rotation of auditors is thereby adopted by business organisations with the objective of ascertaining that financial reports are prepared and disclosed appropriately ascertaining better audit quality. The policy has been adopted in order to minimise the barrier of over-familiarity that may develop amid the management of an organisation and auditors with time. In this respect, business organisations have adopted this policy in order to safeguard and protect the interests as well as confidence of investors by ensuring that quality audited financial reports are disclosed every year, representing a r eliable information reflecting the current financial position of the company. The utmost objective of rotation of auditors is accordingly, to ascertain that auditing operations are performed effectively in order to enhance audit quality (PWC, 2013). In this regard, it can be comprehended

Films of Ingmar Bergman Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Films of Ingmar Bergman - Essay Example To quote Jesse Kalin: â€Å"Bergman’s subject is not being as such, but the moral world – ourselves as human beings in the twentieth century; what is deepest and most true and essential about us , and what meaning we can find for our lives in the face of the truth..† (.The Films of Ingmar Bergman, Page 1) The existential struggle becomes acute in women as their loneliness is deeper in a male dominated society. How do these women communicate with each other in this world of loneliness? The denial of both sexual pleasure as well as the maternal bliss makes their quest for themselves much more frustrating. Persona (1966) and Cries and Whispers (1972) are two great works of this master that form wonderful examples for psychodrama of the modern life as well as for Meta cinema or self reflexive cinema. In Persona it is a speechless woman who confronts an over speaking woman, who essentially speaks of her dilemmas, which strangely confirms to the dilemmas of the listening silent woman. The film opens with a pre-title sequence of a bewildering Freudian montage of seemingly unrelated images, indicating that it is dealing with dark contradictions and never matching opposites. Of the images in the opening montage, the image of the cinematic projection apparatus with the carbon arc of a projector is repeated in the end of the film as well. .Elisabeth Volger (portrayed brilliantly by Liv Ullman ) is a noted stage actress , who is thirty plus of age and who loses her speech mysteriously in the middle of a performance while she was acting as Electra, the Greek mythological character .After staying in the hospital for a brief period , she is removed to a sea side cottage for psychiatric observation. She comes under the care of a private nurse named Alma (Bibi Anderson ).The nurse opens herself up to the patient and tells her all her frustrations as well as her hopes and dreams. She talks

Health causes of stress Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Health causes of stress - Annotated Bibliography Example udying in detail different kinds of healthy stressors from various perspectives, and in supporting our hypothesis that healthy stressors are in a way useful for human body. The authors, researchers at the Biological Psychiatry Branch, Bethesda, used data to study the effects of healthy stressors by analyzing the happy and sad responses by 11 healthy women when they were made to recall happy and sad occurrences in their lives. The participants were scanned by using PET and H2(15)O. Although the number of participants was limited, the results they found correlated with their hypothesis that healthy causes of stress produced significant changes in their brain regions which defined their emotional state. These changes included great reductions in cortical rCBF, right prefrontal and bilateral temporal-parietal regions. This research will be helpful in demonstrating how healthy stressors affect the brain activity and what regions of brain undergo changes during the course of remembering and undergoing positive causes of stress. The author of this article has very successfully provided some very good information regarding stress management with special focus on positive stressors. He has listed some examples of healthy causes of stress like marriage, job interview, starting college, childbirth, and buying a large ticket item. The author has raised an important point that it is our perception of stress that makes a stressor a good or a bad one. Changing our perception can convert a bad stressor into a positive one. The author gives the example of losing a job which might seem as a disaster but it may be perceived as a healthy stressor when one thinks about other opportunities. The article is well organized, easy to understand, and considerable detail has been given describing each positive stressor, which will be quite helpful in conducting our research. In this periodical, the author has emphasized upon the importance of healthy stressors and states that a little

Films of Ingmar Bergman Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Films of Ingmar Bergman - Essay Example To quote Jesse Kalin: â€Å"Bergman’s subject is not being as such, but the moral world – ourselves as human beings in the twentieth century; what is deepest and most true and essential about us , and what meaning we can find for our lives in the face of the truth..† (.The Films of Ingmar Bergman, Page 1) The existential struggle becomes acute in women as their loneliness is deeper in a male dominated society. How do these women communicate with each other in this world of loneliness? The denial of both sexual pleasure as well as the maternal bliss makes their quest for themselves much more frustrating. Persona (1966) and Cries and Whispers (1972) are two great works of this master that form wonderful examples for psychodrama of the modern life as well as for Meta cinema or self reflexive cinema. In Persona it is a speechless woman who confronts an over speaking woman, who essentially speaks of her dilemmas, which strangely confirms to the dilemmas of the listening silent woman. The film opens with a pre-title sequence of a bewildering Freudian montage of seemingly unrelated images, indicating that it is dealing with dark contradictions and never matching opposites. Of the images in the opening montage, the image of the cinematic projection apparatus with the carbon arc of a projector is repeated in the end of the film as well. .Elisabeth Volger (portrayed brilliantly by Liv Ullman ) is a noted stage actress , who is thirty plus of age and who loses her speech mysteriously in the middle of a performance while she was acting as Electra, the Greek mythological character .After staying in the hospital for a brief period , she is removed to a sea side cottage for psychiatric observation. She comes under the care of a private nurse named Alma (Bibi Anderson ).The nurse opens herself up to the patient and tells her all her frustrations as well as her hopes and dreams. She talks

Shakespeare - Authorship Essay Example for Free

Shakespeare Authorship Essay In 1564, a man was born by the name of William Shakespeare. He was born to a poor family, was given little education, and had no interaction with sophisticated society. Thirty-eight plays and over 150 sonnets are not attributed to this ignorant man. Those who believe that Shakespeare was the author have no definitive proof but instead point to Hamlets declaration: The plays the thing(Satchell 71). The true author, however, lies hidden behind he name of Shakespeare. Edward de Vere the premier Earl of Oxford is not only considered a great poet in history, but he may also be the great playwright who concocted the sonnets and plays which are now attributed to William Shakespeare of Stratford, England. Edward de Vere was the Lord Great Chamberlain and the seventeenth Earl of Oxford. He was raised as a Royal Ward and from a very young age was educated in the sports and arts of nobility. Although disgraceful for a nobleman to waste time writing frivolous plays, Oxford as a young man wrote and staged the entertainment for the court. As an adult, he became engrossed in theatrical performances and frittered away his fortunes in support of several writers and actors (Friedman 13). During this time, De Vere also began writing several poems and plays. Much like Samuel Clemens, who wrote under the name of Mark Twain, Oxford adopted the pseudonym Shakespeare. Soon after plays appeared under the name of Shakespeare, poems by de Vere ceased (Russell 5). Coincidently, the coat of arms of Lord Bulbeck, a third title of Edward de Vere, is a lion shaking a spear (Ogburn 10). De Vere was also known by the people as the spear-shaker because of excellence at the tilts and at jousting (Russell 5). Many believe this pen name was for protection. Many of the plays said to have been written by Shakespeare explicitly describe the corruption in court politics and contain thinly veiled satires and parodies of politicians and courtiers. In addition, public theatres such as the Globe were laced with prostitutes, drunkards and criminals and because of the scoundrel audiences, playwrights were held in low esteem. Moreover, many scholars believe de Veres reasons for his pseudonym may be linked to the homoerotic threads in many of the Shakespearean sonnets and de Veres possible homosexual affair with his son-in-law. Using his identity would have been a dangerous game when such affairs were a high crime (Satchell 71). There are many allusions in Shakespeares plays which de Vere would have been particularly familiar with. As a child, de Vere was tutored by Arthur Golding, the translator of Metamorphoses. This literary work was alluded to several times in Shakespearean plays. De Vere also studied law and traveled across the continent, spending a great deal of time in Italy (Tweedale 12). Many references to Italian art and architecture are also alluded to in Shakespeares plays. William Shakespeare of Stratford, however, never left England (Friedman 10). The author of the Shakespearean plays had to possess a rare knowledge in several disciplines including physical sciences, medicine, he law, astronomy, and the Bible. Shakes of Stratford received no formal education with the exception of grammar school through the equivalent of third grade. De Vere, however, was taught by only the best tutors (Satchell 71). The Shakespearean plays were also written by one who has had interaction with the aristocracy and understood the workings of royalty from the inside out (Friedman 10). Although there is no evidence that Shakespeare moved freely about this society, de Vere was regarded as a brilliant ornament of Elizabeths court (Sachmartino 13) and as such would have understood what it as like to live in the aristocracy. De Veres very life is in many ways represented in the plays attributed to Shakespeare of Stratford. For example, in the play Hamlet, de Vere describes many of the details of his life. Like the main character Hamlet, de Vere is virtually a prince and also of Danish decent. De Veres cousins, Horance and Francis are strikingly similar in name and action to Hamlets two friends, Horatio and Francisco. The anguish Hamlet felt due to his mothers hasty remarriage after the murder of her husband was also similar to the distress De Vere felt over his mothers swift remarriage after the murder of his father. One of the greatest scenes in Hamlet is when Hamlet stabbed Polonius through the arras and killed him. This is again remarkably comparable to de Vere, who in a fit of rage stabbed an undercook through a curtain for spying on the young nobleman (Ogburn 173) Hamlet is not the only literary work in which de Vere describes his life. De Veres love affair with Anne de Vavasour is portrayed in Measure for Measure, and his own childhood is directly correspondent with Macbeth and Orthelo (Ogburn 11). Oxford died in 1604. This year is also the same year that William Shakespeare retired from writing his alleged plays. It has been said, The mouthpiece had to withdraw when the voice was gone (Friedman 11). In other word, after de Vere died, his writing stopped, and therefore William Shakespeares career was complete and he thereupon retired. There are also many verbal parallels in the works accredited to Shakespeare and the poetry of Edward de Vere. Contemporary authors will obviously have some phrases and images in common. When hundreds of these similarities are present, however, it tends to show that the authors either corroborated with each other, or that the authors are one in the same. This is precisely the case with Edward de Vere and William Shakespeare. Because we have only a small number of Oxfords acknowledged poetry, it is impossible to trace each metaphor or image of Shakespeares works to de Veres poetry. According to Joseph Sobran, an author for the Oxford Society, forty or so comparisons would be considered a coincidence. Much more, which is present in the comparisons of Shakespeare and Oxfords works, is far beyond the possibility of coincidence (Sobran 1). In both Shakespeare and de Veres poetry, there are similar images and phrases. For example, fertility, harvest, and the lazy drones robbing honey were used by both authors. To capture pity, images such as weeping lovers or floods of tears were also used (Sobran 2). Similar phrases can also be found in the poetry of Oxford and the sonnets of Shakespeare. In Love They Choice, Oxford writes, Who taught thee first to sigh alas my heart, Who filled your eyes with tears of bitter smart, and Colours pale they face. These three phrases were also used in Shakespeares plays and sonnets. For example, Who taught thee how to make me love thee more? is found in sonnet 150 written under the alias of Shakespeare. Also written under the alias of Shakespeare is Titus Andronicus and The Rape of Lucrece which states, And for these bitter tears, which no you see? and The colours of thy face, that even for anger, makes the lily pale respectively (Sobran 3). Common allusions used by both authors include Caesar, Hannibal and Pompey, Venus beauty, blind Cupid with his bow, and countless more from Greek mythology, wish cupid often being referred to as blind boy or wanton (Sobran 1). Certain factors for comparison are also used often in the writings of both Shakespeare and de Vere. For instance, the use of sweet versus sour, joy versus woe, ebb versus flow, flowers versus weeds, and heaven versus hell are all commonly found in the works of both authors. As Oxford writes He pulls a flower, he plucks but weeds, in Labour and its Rewards, Shakespeare echoes this metaphor and similarly writes, They bid thee crop a week, thou pluckst a flower (Sobran 3). What is more revealing is that both authors have similar rhythm and sentence structure (Sobran 2). In a couplet, Oxford writes: Evn as the wax both melt, or dew consume away Before the sun, I behold, careful thoughts decay. Shakespeare also uses the same image with comparable sentence structure and rhythm. The mornings silver melding do as soon as done And decayed, against the golden splendor of the sun (Sobran 3). The similar syntax, images, and comparisons of the writings of these two authors show that de Vere not only was a great writer in history, but he was also the author of the works attributed to William Shakespeare. Perhaps the greatest evidence for the true authorship of the Shakespearean sonnets and plays is the ciphered messages which can be found in the text of the sonnets and plays. Ciphers are codes of uniform length which bear a uniform relationship to the units of the plain text (Friedman, 15). In several of Shakespeares sonnets, de Veres signature can be found. For instance: The order of the dumme shewes E D And Musickes before every Acte E V E R E These signatures can be found various places in the sonnets and plays attributed to William Shakespeare of Stratford. There are also several signatures of the object of his love affair, Mary Pembroke, and also one I love you Mary Pembroke (Huston 132) There are also several examples of acoustic patterns found in Shakespeares sonnets. For example, in the sonnets 37 through 42, there are twenty-one signatures spelling out de Vere. These signatures are arranged to form six letters: O X F O R D, in consecutive order (Huston 161). Considering each sonnet is fourteen lines long, and there are six sonnets, and assuming there are 43 characters per line, the probability that these signatures would spell Oxford is nearly 55,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 to one (Huston 162). In Sonnets 25 through 46, de Vere also spelled out in 22 letter patterns W SHAKESPEARE-OXFORD-VERE (Huston 170). The odds of this happening are even greater than that of the aforementioned probability. Using poetic license, de Vere of Oxford utilized codes and ciphers to spell out his name and other such messages. Edward de Vere of Oxford lived from 1550 to 1604. In the duration of that time, he was a young nobleman, a poet, and a lover of the theatre, but was also probably a great playwright who has yet to receive full credit for the plays he composed. De Vere witnessed first hand the inner workings of nobility. He traveled throughout Europe, completed his education at Cambridge University, studied the law at Grays Inn, and had abundant knowledge of historical occurrences and literary works (Russell 4). These are not only elements in the works attributed to William Shakespeare, but also are things which William Shakespeare of Stratford England knew nothing of. Who wrote the Shakespearean sonnets and plays? There is only one answer to this pivotal question ? Edward de Vere of Oxford England.

Jeffery Dahmer: Case Study and Biography

Jeffery Dahmer: Case Study and Biography The expression Serial Killer makes most people scared, but its far often idea that fear is what drives some curiosities, consequently finding it suitable to recognize why serial killers commit terrible acts of violence repetitively. Finkelhor (1984) four-aspect model, social learning concept, psychodynamic idea, Nature V Nurture and treatment programs for offending behavior all play a part in understanding psychotic behavior. Finkelhor (1984) proposed a 4-element version of the preconditions to child sexual abuse, which combine the numerous theories about why individuals begin to take part in sexually deviant behavior. Finkelhor built an organizational framework which include four separate underlying elements that designate not only why offenders abuse, however also why the abuse keeps occurring. The factors recognized to make a contribution to child sexual abuse are grouped into four pre-conditions; which includes, motivation, inner inhibitions, outside inhibitions, and blockage. To determine what makes a serial killer like Jeffery Dahmer operate, it is essential to look at their history specifically their early life and puberty (Holmes Holmes, 1998). As discovered through his biography, Dahmer was a regular child who enjoyed normal adolescence activities. The social control concept and the psychological concept will hence be used to provide an explanation for the metamorphosis in his personality.( Davis 1998). The shift in his character began about the time he was 4 years old and needed to go through a hernia operation. At some point of this tough duration of the surgical procedure his mother became preoccupied with her personal issues and his father was busy constructing his profession in chemistry. Dahmers mental fantasies blanketed a chain of crimes towards his casualties corpses. For most of his sufferers the scene turned into the constant unchanged scene and it further frequently than not started out with consensual intercourse. He most regularly would meet his victims in homosexual bars and go together with them to his rental. Regularly after engaging them with alcohol or cash. As soon as the consensual intercourse finished, he drugged them, occasionally killing them. He usually killed them by way of strangulation or by means of stabbing. He could then masturbate over the cadaver or have intercourse with the lifeless carcass. His subsequent step changed into typically dismembering the corpse, where he would break up the corpse into components with his power saw. With the usage of acid he removed the meat from the skulls and saved them as fulfillment trophies of his series. In addition to the skulls, he normally saved different body components including the heart in his refr igerator or in vaults and he ate those components occasionally. Their genitalia had been additionally saved as memoirs even as the muscular tissues were stored for another time use. Jeffrey also carried out lobotomies on some of his victims. (Davis, 1998). To a few he went on as far as to drill a perforation in to their skulls and pour acid down it. This made the sufferer prorogue death in a zombie like shape for days. From the possessions discovered in his residence upon his arrest, it became determined that Jeffrey used chloroform to drug his sufferers. The male genitalia had been preserved in formaldehyde. Clearly positioned, Jeffrey Dahmer turned into a serial killer who killed his sufferers brutally, had intercourse with their corpses, dismembered them and later ate a number of the components. Jeffrey Dahmers tale is one of the tales command to be be remembered fie a great amount of years for sparking debates on evaluations todays guidelines. The basis of implications are on  social and mental concepts. The social control theory and the psychological theory with regard to Dahmers life gives protocol effects that consist of education that enables children in advancement of socialization abilities via involvement, parenting programs geared toward appropriate introduction of social bonds and diversion programs for delinquents to modify their psychosocial states. The importance of Jeffreys case stirred the controversy on social implications because of the elimination of the death penalty. The reality that Jeffrey was killed at the same time as serving his sentence raised concerns of the potential of our society to control crime without the help of capital punishment (Youngstrom1991) The concept behind social control theory and psychological theory is that everyone has the functionality to carry out a criminal offense and this may be thoroughly prompted via their mental state of thoughts. Jeffrey Dahmer changed into an intensely kid who grew up in a surroundings rejecting him fueling his loneliness. As a grownup his instability intensified escalated. This has exposed that parental upbringing is of up most significance in a childrens development of social abilities. (Nichols 2006). As witnessed with Jeffrey Dahmer he did no longer obtain that socialization bond be it along with his parent or different human beings in his existence. Throughout his youth, Jeffrey Dahmer was left out and evolved a manner of perceiving himself as an interloper, rejected by society. This loneliness and feel of rejection grew till it irritated his compulsion to commit the barbaric crimes of homicide, necrophilia, and cannibalism. As seen from his biography he did not have intimate relat ionships that might have deterred him from committing the crime because the social control theory indicates. In his loneliness Jeffrey stuffed that void with dismembering animals, a conduct later seen in his crimes. It is able to thus be  concluded that introduction and nurturing of social bonds are very critical in formative years socialization and within the improvement of solid psychological state of thoughts. I feel that the courts decision that Jeffery Dahmer was competent to stand trial is authentic and precise. The definition of insane is in a criminal case, arguing that the defendant isnt responsible for their forms of crimes due to an episodic or continual psychiatric disorder at the time of the criminal act. I feel by reading the case records that he absolutely knew what he was into doing, as he would trap his sufferers and drug them. He was a sick man but I do sense that he knew exactly what he was doing, he planned how he was going to lure his victims. He lured some of his victims with the ploy of receiving money for posing naked. He used an orchestration to get his victim to his apartment and give them a sense at ease around him. Then he drugged their beverages with the intent of raping them and killing them. He made several of them zombies, I feel that you have to have some sort of wits about you to preform something so heinous. The court in my opinion made the correct and true decision. Jeffery Dahmer was not the first serial killer, or will be the last. His crimes were so horrific that he will be known as one of the worst serial killers in the world. That is why people are so fascinated with his tale. References Finkelhor, D. (1984). Child Sexual Abuse: New Theory and Research (Hardcover). New York: Free Press. Davis, J. A. (1998). Profile of a sexual predator: A psychological autopsy of an American serial killer. The Forensic Examiner, 7(1-2), 28-33 Youngstrom, N. (1991). Spotting serial killer difficult, experts note: Aberrant thoughts and behaviors often unrecognized by therapists. APA Monitor, 22(10), 32. doi: 10.1037/e300082005-039 Nichols, D. S. (2006). Tell me a story: MMPI responses and personal biography in the case of a serial killer. Journal of Personality Assessment, 86(3), 242-262. Doi: 10.1207/s15327752jpa8603_02

GM case study :: essays research papers

The action plan of GM should be to extensively evaluate all of their foreign alliances, and through analysis determine the overall benefits of each of their partnerships. GM should eliminate any alliances, which are not beneficial to the firm, or could be seen as not mutually beneficial between both GM and the partner alliance. Alliances, which are not mutually beneficial or more beneficial to one of the firms, are generally viewed as more advantageous and opportunistic rather than as beneficial partnership where the two firms help each other acting as partners. Alliances where one firm benefits more than the other usually do not last for long periods of time and can harm one or both of the firms in the long run. In such cases, the partnership should be either eliminated, or avoided in the future. Goals Short-term:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The short-term goals of GM should mostly be of an evaluative nature. GM needs to collect and gather data on each of their foreign partnerships. The financial, informational and opportunistic advantages of each alliance should be analyzed and evaluated to determine GM’s overall need for and benefits from each particular alliance. Longevity should also be considered. Alliances taken on only for short term benefits could ending up costing GM more than they gained in lost information, technology or competitive supremacy over an allied firm. Firms should be evaluated only on the long-term benefits of the partnership. Long-term partnerships are the only true beneficial alliances on this case. The reason for the other firms desire and reason to partner with GM should also be analyzed to ensure that neither firm’s corporate goals are of conflicting nature. Mutually beneficial alliances are much more successful in the long term and can lead to long lasting, h ighly profitable and beneficial arrangements. Medium-term:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  GM should begin to eliminate their lesser alliances, alliances, which are only advantageous in the short-term, and alliances which tend to be more beneficial to the foreign firm. This however, should be done cautiously and contractually to ensure as little information knowledge, technological knowledge and operational knowledge are lost or transferred to the separated firm. Former partners have a distinct advantage over other competitors to steal some portion of the market share. Also in the medium-term, GM should further coordinate with their strong partner firms to attempt to exploit as many advantages from each other as they can. Partner firms who are suppliers to GM should be fully integrated into the supply chain, and some elements of each firms corporate structure and policy should become transparent to further benefit both firms.

Kants Humanity Formula Essay -- Kant Philosophy Philosophical Essays

Kant's Humanity Formula   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Few formulas in philosophy have been so widely accepted and variously interpreted as Kant’s injunction to treat humanity as an end in itself†(Hill, 38). Immanuel Kant’s views, as elucidated in his book, Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, are based on the belief that â€Å"people count† by prohibiting actions which exploit other individuals in order for self-prosperity or altruistic ends. Ethics then, are confirmed by the dignity and worth of the rational agency of each person. Since human beings are the only rational beings capable of decision making and reasonable judgement, humanity must be valued. Kant proposes a test that ensures that humanity is treated with respect, and not used merely as an instrument. To understand how he defines this test, we must first take a look at the foundation of his main principle, the Categorical Imperative. Kant’s way of determining morality of actions is quite different from other philosophers, and many find it extremely hard to grasp or implausible. The central concept of his basic test for morality found in his Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals is the categorical imperative. â€Å"The representation of an objective principle, insofar as it is necessitating for a will, is called a command (of reason), and the formula of the command is called an imperative†(Kant, 24). In other words, an imperative is something that a will ought or shall do because the will is obligated to act in a way in which conforms to moral law. Imperatives can also be referred to as the supreme principle of morality. According to Kant, there are two types of imperatives: hypothetical and categorical. Hypothetical imperatives are actions that look for the best means to a goal, however, the goal might not necessarily be an end in itself. On the other hand, the categorical imperative is an objectively necessary means to an end in itself, and the action to obtain the end, must have moral worth. If we as rational agents, have any morality at all Kant says, it takes the form of rational, categorical imperatives (commands of reason) and is found a priori excluding all interests and desires. These commands of reason are proven by the Universal Law Formula, which when applied, is a method for determining the morality of actions. How is this formula applied though? Kantian philosophy is derived from the belief that ac... ...eir judgement wisely enough to know that lying would create better outcomes in many situations. This essentially, would be a Utilitarian’s argument. Moral actions are based on consequences; ones which increase happiness or positive outcomes. Telling a lie to the murderer to send him astray would save a life, and consequently would be a moral action. Utilitarianism would take into account the future repercussions caused by the lie, but the analysis of an action still lies in the foreseen or predicted consequences rather than on the action’s intrinsic moral value. Morality then, would be judged on a case by case basis. Kant’s perspective refutes this by saying morality loses its value as a universal quality. Although situations change, the basis for acting (morality) must stay the same and actions are moral or immoral, regardless of any immediate consequences. Still, morality is based on constantly changing and often unpredictable outcomes. Kantian philosophy, even interpreted by Kant himself, is overly extreme and the strict application of its principles is too stringent. Although there is no definite foundation to base morality on, the universal law formula is highly implausible. Kant's Humanity Formula Essay -- Kant Philosophy Philosophical Essays Kant's Humanity Formula   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Few formulas in philosophy have been so widely accepted and variously interpreted as Kant’s injunction to treat humanity as an end in itself†(Hill, 38). Immanuel Kant’s views, as elucidated in his book, Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, are based on the belief that â€Å"people count† by prohibiting actions which exploit other individuals in order for self-prosperity or altruistic ends. Ethics then, are confirmed by the dignity and worth of the rational agency of each person. Since human beings are the only rational beings capable of decision making and reasonable judgement, humanity must be valued. Kant proposes a test that ensures that humanity is treated with respect, and not used merely as an instrument. To understand how he defines this test, we must first take a look at the foundation of his main principle, the Categorical Imperative. Kant’s way of determining morality of actions is quite different from other philosophers, and many find it extremely hard to grasp or implausible. The central concept of his basic test for morality found in his Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals is the categorical imperative. â€Å"The representation of an objective principle, insofar as it is necessitating for a will, is called a command (of reason), and the formula of the command is called an imperative†(Kant, 24). In other words, an imperative is something that a will ought or shall do because the will is obligated to act in a way in which conforms to moral law. Imperatives can also be referred to as the supreme principle of morality. According to Kant, there are two types of imperatives: hypothetical and categorical. Hypothetical imperatives are actions that look for the best means to a goal, however, the goal might not necessarily be an end in itself. On the other hand, the categorical imperative is an objectively necessary means to an end in itself, and the action to obtain the end, must have moral worth. If we as rational agents, have any morality at all Kant says, it takes the form of rational, categorical imperatives (commands of reason) and is found a priori excluding all interests and desires. These commands of reason are proven by the Universal Law Formula, which when applied, is a method for determining the morality of actions. How is this formula applied though? Kantian philosophy is derived from the belief that ac... ...eir judgement wisely enough to know that lying would create better outcomes in many situations. This essentially, would be a Utilitarian’s argument. Moral actions are based on consequences; ones which increase happiness or positive outcomes. Telling a lie to the murderer to send him astray would save a life, and consequently would be a moral action. Utilitarianism would take into account the future repercussions caused by the lie, but the analysis of an action still lies in the foreseen or predicted consequences rather than on the action’s intrinsic moral value. Morality then, would be judged on a case by case basis. Kant’s perspective refutes this by saying morality loses its value as a universal quality. Although situations change, the basis for acting (morality) must stay the same and actions are moral or immoral, regardless of any immediate consequences. Still, morality is based on constantly changing and often unpredictable outcomes. Kantian philosophy, even interpreted by Kant himself, is overly extreme and the strict application of its principles is too stringent. Although there is no definite foundation to base morality on, the universal law formula is highly implausible.

Comparison Italy vs Spain in Crisis

Comparison Spain vs. Italy Similarities * Left-centred coalition government * Member of the EU * Low birth rate * High immigration * Declining competitiveness * Latin, Mediterranean (used to take siestas), highly emotional citizens * High costs, low productivity firms (likely to be overtaken by Chinese competition) * Low spending on R&D * Poor educational system Differences * Italy has a high black economy, Spain does not (tax deficits for Italy) * Spain: monarchy and democratic * Italy: republic Corruption percentage index (Italy: 6. 5 and Spain 4. 8) * Unemployment rate (Italy: 10. 7% Spain: 25. 1%) How did Italy and Spain become struggling economies? Spain * Real estate crash Nearly every Spanish representative did heavily investments in the real estate market. So there was an illegal connection between reforms undertaken and unnecessary low interest rates concerning the housing sector in their own interest. Cajas, which are semi-public banks, are the most involved banks, whic h lenthuge amounts of money to the real estate sector.Those real estate companies went bankrupt. This was followed by a huge price increase of housing done by the cajas, since they needed to get their money back. * Increase in unemployment * Huge trade deficit (increasing oil prices, lack of resources) * High inflation rate (caused by real estate price increase and family indebtedness increase) Italy * High governmental debt (118% of GDP) * Very difficult to start businesses -> high bureaucracy and sluggish justice system * Very weak economy Weak investment, elderly population, poor regulations (->less increase in productivity) * Very low annual growth rate (lower than the rate of interest it pays) -> causes a huge governmental debt * Due to a bad outlook and insecurities of Italy the interest rate increased tremendously for Italy * If nobody will lend to Italy, then Italy cannot repay its debts. And if Italy cannot repay its debts, then nobody will lend to it. (Vicious cir cle) What procedures did the government do to decrease the effects of the crisis? Italy * Monti tries to boost growth in Italy â‚ ¬10 billion of savings should be reinvested to boost growth * New policy: reduced tax to encourage firms to hire women and young workers * Full-scale liberalisation of shopping hours (to stimulate consumer spending) * â‚ ¬3. 8 billion for infrastructure projects (to attract FDI) Spain: * Restructuring Spain’s banking sector A lot of small and weak banks have had to merge by larger banks. This caused a job loss by 11% in this sector. Bankia, Spain's fourth-largest bank is now part nationalised this caused a huge governmental money spending to save the bank. * RecessionTo get help from the market (borrowing funds) would be too cost intensive (high interest rates). So Spain had to ask for financial help at euro members. So far Spain does not want a full bailout or rescue, to avoid another increase in interest rates and close supervision of the S panish finance system. So far the government decided for: a 12% average cut in ministerial spending, freeze in public sector pay for the third consecutive year, new independent authority to monitor government finances, increase in pensions, new 20% tax on lottery wins, new car scrappage scheme. Ms Saenz de Santamaria said that efforts to close the government's deficit would focus more on spending-cuts than tax rises. * The only areas of spending to increase in 2013 would be pensions, student scholarships and interest payments. (to calm the Spanish citizen) * Government tries to reduce the deficit to 6. 3% of the GDP this year. *BUT, government said that tax revenues will be higher than budgeted for this year, so they are expected to increase by a further 3. 8% in 2013. Analysis – Spain * Since the big real estate bubble was mostly caused by the government and politicians, they also should help Spain to overcome the crisis. Spain’s rescue plan so far is to cut governmen tal spending and reduce taxes. This should stimulate consumer spending, which will help the market to get in a better flow again. At the other hand by requesting a potential bailout plan from the EU, Spain makes its citizens and its potential investors highly insecure. The potential bailout plan indicates that Spain is not able to overcome the crisis by itself and herewith no foreign investors and no loans out of the market with acceptable interest rates will be further available for Spain. At the moment Spain cannot come out of the crisis by itself. Due to this, help will be needed. As mentioned above, Spain already requested a potential bailout plan, which is not yet requested by the Spanish government, to prevent an increase in interest rates and a strict observation and regulation of the Spanish governmental actions. * It is inevitable that Spain quickly decides about a crisis plan, which should be strictly followed for the next years. * In my opinion Spain needs to use a bailou t package to save its banking sector.By this action, the government would show its citizens, who are mostly unemployed and highly indebted, that it takes actions to get Spain out of the crisis. The government already tried to be more neoliberal by not intervening a lot and just helping the banking sector out by providing financial rescue help („lightâ€Å" bailout). This financial aid did not solve the problem in depth. At this point of time the Spanish population needs security provided by the government to become more active again. * It will be a difficult procedure to intervene with more cuts and reforms.Many reforms will touch the welfare state, such as pensions, education and health. * A further intervention would probably cause a further erosion of popular support for the EU and might lead to a formation of a new-formed government lead by technocrats. * BUT: Spain needs more jobs, to decrease its high unemployment rate. * To achieve that, the government should subsidize firms, which create jobs for Spanish citizens. Also Spanish government already took over its biggest bank, this could be a start to get control over important and big institutions, in connection with job creation. Spain should provide a mixture of private businesses, which receive subsidies if they create new jobs and state owned or partly owned firms to control the issue of unemployment better. * More employment and lower taxes would then stimulate the consumer spending, which would be followed by a highly stimulated and profitable economy.* Now it is the turn of the government to spend more and reduce taxes as long as the private sector is ready to take the economy forward (Keynesian theory) * If the Spanish economy and the market cools down FDI will continue to come in, which is also a positive fact. As far the market is not as ttractive for foreign investors, the government could also create subvention plans for them. * I am positive about Spain’s FDI future, since Spain is located in the gateway to the Mediterranean, North Africa and Latin America, its labour market provides young and qualified workers, so far the VAT and the Corporate Tax rebate system is relatively low in comparison to the other EU countries. (FDI is a very important source for Spain, it counts for 44% of its GDP, and 7% of employment) Analysis Italy * After Adam Smith every country should specialize in the sector where its competitive advantage is the biggest.But in the case of Spain and Italy there is no huge competitive advantage in a certain sector. So I would propose the theory of David Ricardo. He suggested focusing on a comparative advantage, which means that less efficient countries can still benefit from free trade if they export those products where they have the least productivity disadvantage. * In order to overcome governmental debt, the Italian government cut governmental spending, froze on public-salaries and stopped tax increases. * It also reformed the labour ma rket to overcome the high unemployment rate. Those actions were all caused by the government, which leads to the assumption that the government holds the control over all future market actions. (Keynesian approach) * The Italian government also plans a new structure of the tax system that includes a greater level of control concerning tax evasion. The tax structure is going to be more growth friendly, which includes diverting income from the wealthy to the lower paid citizen, this should increase the consumer spending. (Keynesian approach) -> Stimulating consumer spending leads to Porters Diamond Italy after 1945 again.The Demand Conditions, which were very sophisticated in Italy, should be improved again. * In April 2012, the government proposed a labour market reform. This reform needs to be adopted as soon as possible to overcome Italy? s competitive loss with trade partners. (->Improve competitiveness) * The government also introduced fiscal incentives focusing on the empl oyment of women (action on childcare and elderly care facilities). Elderly Italian women are forced to find work since the pensionable age will rise by five years between 2012 and 2018. ->Fostering employment) ->Factor Conditions after Porter Diamond * Another beneficial step for SMEs the government took is that companies can exclude the notional return on new injections of equity capital from taxable income. This will increase the size of firms of SMEs and investments in innovation. Italy? s economic strength lies in processing and manufacturing goods of SMEs. (->Governmental investment and policies to increase the international competition of Italy) -> Porter Diamond-Related Supporting Industries * The government also forms policies to financially help SMEs at their R&D division.This will trigger firm- specific advantages, which can be useful for Italy? s USP at the global market. (New Trade Theory, Dunning)Bibliography Online Sources for Spain: http://www. bbc. co . uk/news/business-16290598, retrieved 22. 10. 12 http://www. bbc. co. uk/news/business-17549970, retrieved 22. 10. 12 http://www. bbc. co. uk/news/business-19733995, retrieved 22. 10. 12 http://www. ibtimes. com/can-mariano-rajoy-save-spain-its-financial-crisis-797237, retrieved 22. 10. 12 http://www. telegraph. co. uk/finance/financialcrisis/9549245/Debt-crisis-politicians-drive-bank-union-but-markets-focus-on-Spain. html, retrieved 22. 10. 2 http://www. ft. com/cms/s/0/bad90798-07f4-11e2-9df2-00144feabdc0. html#axzz2AK2iKiR2, retrieved 22. 10. 12 http://sizemoreletter. com/spains-new-austerity-plan-what-does-it-mean/, retrieved 22. 10. 12 http://www. presstv. ir/detail/2012/09/02/259497/spain-calls-for-key-action-for-euro-crisis/, retrieved 22. 10. 12 http://www. bloomberg. com/news/2012-07-24/spain-debt-costs-seen-unfounded-after-berlin-crisis-talks. html, retrieved 22. 10. 12 http://www. economywatch. com/world_economy/spain/export-import. html, retrieved 22. 10. 12 http://ecfr . eu/content/entry/commentary_the_eurocrisis_a_spanish_perspective, retrieved 22. 10. 12