Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Philosophy about Personal Worldview Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Philosophy about Personal Worldview - Essay Example My view of personhood with us as constructs made as models of God, not separated from the divine, it assists in developing a type of leadership that is supportive and caring. There is a concept in management called transformational leadership where the individual leads by inspiration, charisma, as a teacher and one who tries to gain loyalty. This is my preferred leadership style as it satisfies many of the rights versus wrong concepts laid out by the divine in many holy texts, but also helps develop others to have these same characteristics that the divine would find acceptable. By being a role model that inspires others, I believe I not only improve my standing with the divine but provide a lasting impact on human history by changing minds in the community. Deming (2002) says that 85 percent of all failures in business are due to management incompetence or failure to lead. This is a profound statement that would seem to justify the need for transformational to ensure loyalty is gained by others so that the organization can thrive as a system of interdependent individuals. Loyalty is gained through these practical and fair behaviors of treatment toward others. It would seem, to me, that a business leader must abandon some of their self-serving, political objectives in favor of assisting and developing others in order to have a successful organization.This might be, in my opinion, and based on theory, the best way to ensure that the organization does not experience significant failures stemming from a single individual.  ... w is a commitment, a fundamental orientation of the heart, that can be expressed in a set of suppositions (either true or false), that we hold about reality†(Sire, 2009, p.20). Thus, my somewhat unjustified view of death and some other elements of the reality of God and the universe are supported by Sire (2009) who illustrates that worldview can be based on fiction. However, after spending many years trying to consider the realities of death and life, it seems that my worldview is, at least, logical based on the seemingly arbitrary attitude of God about the constant instances of death across the world. I believe it is because of the joy of his re-emergence in society that it is possible, as mentioned by Sire, to know nothing at all. There is a saying in community that God works in mysterious ways and it would certainly seem so. Those who look at the world and see heartlessness, selfishness and other hardships could certainly be justified, if they have faith in the divine, to s uggest that God is indifferent and, perhaps, even a bit callous to allow these situations to occur. However, I believe that the depth of his purpose will ultimately be revealed to all of humanity so that everyone with a mind to discern and a heart to feel will understand its constructs and ultimate intentions. Thus, my worldview is one of hope in the midst of the insensible and irrational in which divinity will ultimately provide for those who find a place for him in their hearts and try to abide by his precepts. We learn right and wrong from religious doctrine and thus we are free-minded, autonomous beings given the chance as to compliance or to disobedience that will determine our long-term fate in destiny and as a part of the broader universe. This is my understanding of personhood as it
Monday, October 28, 2019
The Milk Chain Essay Example for Free
The Milk Chain Essay Malawi Dairybord is a home for dairy products. Rogers has run the dairy for the past twelve years. His product is a combination of goods the items he delivers and services the delivery and associated jobs he does for customers. At the heart of operations is an information system which contains full details of all of Rogers’s 1000 plus customers, including their regular orders, special orders, where to deliver, how they pay and so on. Everyday the system calculates the likely sales of all products in two days time. Rogers adds some margin of safety allows for likely variations and passes his order to Unidairy some 150km away. Unidairy acts as a wholesaler for milkmen in Bvumbwe and surrounding areas. The following evening Unidairy delivers to a holding depot in Limbe and then takes Roger’s goods 10km to a cold store in Njuli. At 5. 30am the following morning Roger collects the order from his cold store and starts delivering to customers. This normally takes until 1. 30 in the afternoon but on Fridays he spends more time collecting money and often finishes after 5. 0pm There are several specific problems facing Malawi Dairybord. There is for example some variation in daily demand so Roger has to carry spare stock. He cannot carry too much as dairy products have a short life and anything not delivered is thrown away. Roger aims at keeping this waste down to 2% of sales. There are also problems maintaining a service during holidays, or when Unidairy has difficulties with their deliveries. Perhaps Roger’s main concern is maintaining his sales over the long term. Demand for doorstep deliveries is declining as people buy more milk at supermarkets. The number of milkmen in Bvumbwe has declined from ten in 1997 to three in 2012. Most of Roger’s customers have been with him for many years but he generates new custom delivering leaflets, special offers and carrying a range of products. Case study questions Describe the supply chain for milk Where does Malawi Dairybord fit into this? What specific activities form the logistics in Malawi Dairybord. Draw the supply chain network What are the main problems that Malawi Dairybord has with logistics?
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Argumentative Essay: Gun Control is Not the Answer :: Argumentative Persuasive Essays
Gun control has been a controversial issue for years. A vast              majority of citizens believe that if gun control is strictly enforced     it would quickly reduce the threat of crime. Many innocent people feel    they have the right to bear arms for protection, or even for the          pleasure of hunting. These people are penalized for protecting their      lives, or even for enjoying a common, innocent sport. To enforce gun      control throughout the nation, means violating a persons                  Constitutional rights. Although some people feel that the issue of gun    control will limit crime, the issue should not exist due to the fact      that guns are necessary for self defense against crime, and by            enforcing gun control is violating a citizens second amendment right      to bear arms.                                                              Guns are evil to some, because of the violence that they                  create. People express guns as weapons of homicide. They insist that,     the more guns with which our society equips itself, the greater the       likelihood for accidents or violent acts involving fire arms to occur.    It is a proven fact that handguns have been the murder weapon of          choice. Guns are involved in half of all homicide cases. People           believe that society has relied on weapons that create harm and           criminals. Therefore, these weapons should be outlawed.                    However, law abiding citizens have the right to protect                   themselves against danger. Due to the ownership of guns, burglaries       have reduced considerably. A gun is a tool, guns don't kill people.       People kill people. The matter depends on who is using the gun, and       what situation it is involved in. Purchasing a handgun legally is a       complex procedure. The consumer must go through a two month waiting       period. These procedure guarantee the innocence and reliability of a      gun owner.                                                                 The second amendment states the citizens right to own and bear            firearms. Freedom to poses arms is a guaranteed citizen right. If the     constitutional rights of a citizen are violated, it can be a complex      issue. In the case of US vs Miller during the year of 1939, The           supreme court voted against individual rights to bear arms. Nothing       can destroy a government more quickly than its failure to observe its    Â
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Social Criticism in the Hollywood Melodramas of the Fifties Essay
Social Criticism in the Hollywood Melodramas of the Fifties In the early 1950s the films of Douglas Sirk led the way in defining the emerging genre of the Hollywood melodrama. "Melodrama" strictly means the combination of music (melos) and drama, but the term is used to refer to the "popular romances that depicted a virtuous individual (usually a woman) or couple (usually lovers) victimized by repressive and inequitable social circumstances" (Schatz 222). Sirk's films were commercially successful and boosted the careers of stars like Lauren Bacall, Jane Wyman, and Rock Hudson, who was in seven of Sirk's thirteen American films (Halliday 162-171). Although critics in the fifties called the films "trivial" and "campy" and dismissed them as "tearjerkers" or "female weepies" (Schatz 224), critics in the seventies re-examined Sirk's work and developed an "academic respect for the genre" and declared that the films actually had "subversive relationship to the dominant ideology" (Klinger xii). Douglas Sirk's Magnificent Obsession (1954) and Imitatio n of Life (1959) are representative of the techniques melodramas used to address relevant fifties issues like class, gender, and race. One characteristic of melodrama is the "lavishly artificial and visually stylized scenery (Schatz 234) which is exploited in Magnificent Obsession. Numerous scenes take place in moving convertibles, where the motion of the car is out of synch with the motion of the scenery. Whenever possible, rooms have large picture windows showing magnificent, but obviously fake outdoor landscapes. At one point a scene on the lakeshore cuts directly from a shot of Helen (Jane Wyman) sitting in front of a real horizon to a close-up of her sitting in front of a brightly c... ...ltural form" (Klinger xii). Works cited Aull, Felice. "Magnificent Obsession". http://mchipO0.med.nyu.edu/lit-med/lit-me...cs/webfilms.magnificent.obses3-film-.html Ellison, Ralph. Shadow and Act. Vintage International: New York, 1953. FilmFrog Archives: Lecture given at Sonoma State University (1995), Imitation of Life (1959). http://yorty.sonoma.edu:80/filmfrog/archive/Imitation_of_Life.html Halliday, Jon. Sirk on Sirk: Interviews With Jon Halliday. New York: Viking, 1972. Imitation of Life. Dir. Douglas Sirk. Universal, 1959. Klinger, Barbara. Melodrama and Meaning: History, Culture, and the Films of Douglas Sirk. Indianapolis: Indiana University Press, 1994. Magnificent Obsession. Dir. Douglas Sirk. Universal, 1954. Schatz, Thomas. Hollywood Genres: Formulas, Filmmaking, and the Studio System. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1981.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Communication is a fundamental component promoting positive behaviour
In the secondary school scene, well-developed communicating accomplishments are an indispensable constituent of effectual schoolroom direction. They enable instructors to develop reciprocally respectful mutual interactions with pupils that serve to augment schoolroom experiences and results. Assorted characteristics and methods of communicating may be used to heighten interpersonal exchanges, promote effectual problem-solving and expedite struggle declaration. These are the critical edifice blocks that serve to construct trust and apprehension. Furthermore, the many factors involved in effectual communicating aid greatly in easing warm reciprocal student/teacher relationships and productive acquisition environments which in bend, foster positive behavior and larning results. ( Arthur-Kelly, Lyons, Butterfield & A ; Gordon, 2003 ) Many secondary school pupils perceive this clip period to be particularly disputing. Developmentally, such pupils are sing considerable upheaval as they begin to negociate the labyrinth to emotional, societal, physical and cognitive adulthood. The secondary school old ages are farther complicated as striplings begin to consolidate their sense of individuality, strive for greater liberty and freedom and their societal webs expand. These momentous alterations may do many pupils to stagger and fight both behaviourally and academically. Fortunately, through the usage of effectual interpersonal communicating techniques instructors are able to construct respectful, mutual relationships that bolster secondary pupils throughout this disruptive journey. ( Martin, 2010 ) Interpersonal communicating is a complex pattern that involves conveying and having messages. Spoken words are used to convey significance but the frequently unmarked non-verbal constituents of communicating are of equal importance and comprise at least 50 % of message content. Such constituents include oculus contact, paralinguistics, positioning and position, facial looks, gestures, propinquity and touch, personal visual aspect and communicating puting. These factors have tremendous potency to interfere with and falsify the significance of intended messages. As such, it is of paramount importance that instructors avoid doing rushed readings of pupil non-verbal behavior and besides pay attending to the congruity of their ain non-verbal communicating. Actions tend to talk louder than words so incongruous non-verbal communicating has the possible to earnestly undermine message unity and cause pupil confusion. ( Arthur-Kelly et al. , 2003 ) As stated by Charles ( 2000, pp. 48-49 ) â€Å" To a surprising grade, how you communicate determines your effectivity as a instructor. Relationships are built on communicating and easy destroyed by it. †Because so much of communicating has the possible to be misunderstood it is indispensable for instructors to use schemes that minimise the opportunity of this happening. One peculiarly effectual method is the usage of active hearing ( Arthur-Kelly et al. , 2003 ) . Active hearing is non simply hearing but a much more purposeful action that involves being attentive, endeavoring to understand communicated concerns and emotions, clear uping through appropriate inquiring and back uping job resolution ( Weinstein, 2007 ) . During active hearing, the receiver of the message interprets what has been said and accurately reflects this back to look into apprehension of the talker ‘s concerns and associated feelings. This procedure enables the talker to experience acknowledged, supported and confident that they have been understood. It encourages the talker to go on showing, clear uping and earning support to work through issues constructively ( Geldard & A ; Geldard, 2007 ) . By utilizin g the active hearing technique, instructors send a strong message to pupils that they truly care. Congruently, caring, and particularly student perceptual experience of such, is an of import requirement for set uping the healthy relationships that promote positive behavior and academic results ( DeSantis King, Huebner, Suldo & A ; Valois, 2006 ) . 4 Several other communicating procedures may besides be used to heighten the active hearing procedure and to convey echt concern and lovingness to pupils. These include doing appropriate oculus contact by changing position to fit the degree of the talkers, utilizing congruous facial looks, using minimum verbal cues and persisting with active hearing until the talker feels ready to reason ( Weinstein, 2007 ) . Open inquiring is besides of import. This involves the preparation of inquiries that require more than a negative or affirmatory response. Such inquiring is peculiarly utile to convey to light antecedently inconsiderate issues and besides to clear up information. Additionally, it is an effectual manner of promoting ongoing conversation ( Geldard & A ; Geldard, 2007 ) . The combination of the abovementioned schemes efficaciously facilitate clear look and enhance listening truth during conversations. In secondary schoolroom state of affairss, nevertheless, it is frequently necessary to guarantee that intervention whilst conveying messages is eliminated every bit expeditiously as possible. In these state of affairss, self-asserting communicating is an plus ( Arthur-Kelly et al. , 2003 ) . During self-asserting communicating, the rights of both the talker and the hearers are upheld, therefore cut downing intervention. This method of communication is neither inactive nor aggressive. Rather, pass oning assertively means showing messages in a no-nonsense mode that is straightforward, honest and unoffending ( Mohan, McGregor, Saunders & A ; Archee, 2008 ) . One such manner of communication is through the usage of I statements. I statements are a practical method for leting the talker to convey their message and at the same time do their demands known without encroaching on the rights of others. They are frequently peculiarly valuable as they alert the hearers to the talker ‘s religion in their cooperation without any associated threatening intensions ( Arthur-Kelly et al. , 2003 ) . Assertive statements are by and large stated in three parts, to depict specific behaviors, to sketch feelings associated 5 with such behaviors and to exemplify the effects of such behaviors. They send a clear message to the receiver without hazard of discourtesy ( Mohan et al. , 2008 ) . Spoken calmly, I messages operate to supply valid, comprehensive feedback to pupils about the effects of their behavior in a respectful, non-intimidating manner ( Arthur-Kelly et al. , 2003 ) . Despite the demonstrated efficiency of communicating procedures such as active hearing and self-asserting communicating, in secondary schoolrooms, the potency for struggles and unsolved jobs remains ever-present. Because of the emphasis and anxiousness that is frequently associated with the dramatic alterations experienced by striplings, that they may at times act with confusion as they try to joint their ideas and feelings. This may precipitate apparently inappropriate words and actions that may necessitate careful dialogue to decode and decide ( Brown, 2005 ) . Negotiation is a problem-solving communicating accomplishment that incorporates active hearing and self-asserting behavior. Basically, dialogue involves utilizing common regard and communicating devoid of intervention by such contaminations as high affectional provinces ( Arthur-Kelly et al. , 2003 ) . In dialogue, six stairss are used to ease problem-solving. The first measure involves job designation utilizing I messages, unfastened inquiring and active hearing. Step two necessitates the designation of possible problem-solving options. This is facilitated through the collaborative listing of suggestions which are freely expressed and are neither evaluated nor censored ( Arthur-Kelly et al. , 2003 ) . In measure four, this procedure is refined as stakeholders are provided with the chance to cancel any antecedently generated options that they find wholly unacceptable. Subsequently, in measure five the stripling selects their most favorable option which they believe is most likely to be successful and an understanding to implement this is established. Step six completes the process and involves holding on a clip period before the consequences of the solution are reviewed. During the reappraisal procedure, permanent 6 execution may be decided upon or in the instance of an disappointing result the dialogue process will be repeated ( Arthur-Kelly et al. , 2003 ) . Walsh ( 2004 ) alludes to the fact that during adolescence, emotional ordinance is still undergoing development. This is one account for what appears to be bad-mannered, unprompted and angry behavior that is sporadically demonstrated by striplings. Understanding by secondary instructors that striplings will at times make societal mistakes is highly wise and has tremendous potency to be relationship edifice, puting the phase for cooperation ( Brown, 2005 ) . Consistent, considered action on the portion of the secondary instructor leads to the edifice of trust that is built-in to respectful relationships. Likewise, appropriate and effectual communicating physiques common regard and is the foundation of all positive acquisition environments ( Brown, 2005 ) . All schoolroom larning occurs in the context of interpersonal interactions and this mutual agreement wields a powerful influence over the learning environment and associated pupil accomplishment. Effective communicating between inst ructors and pupils has a mutual consequence. Resultantly, it stands to ground that such interpersonal interactions are a critical constituent of positive schoolroom environment and associated enhanced behaviors and larning results ( Goh & A ; Fraser, 2000 ) . Much research exists to back up the impression that positive relationships between pupils and instructors enhances larning environments, taking to improved behavior and favorable acquisition results ( den Brok, Levy, Brekelmans & A ; Wubbels, 2006 ; Fraser & A ; Walberg, 2005 ; Urdan, & A ; Schoenfelder, 2006 ) . More peculiarly, pupil motive, larning and grade of conformity are preponderantly shaped by their perceptual experience of their relationship with their instructor ( den Brok, Levy, Brekelmans & A ; Wubbels, 2006 ) . During the turbid secondary school old ages pupils care a great trade about set uping positive relationships with their instructors and the degree of support this provides. As such, they respond 7 with far greater enthusiasm, pronounced battle and augmented attempt, both behaviourally and academically, when they perceive that their instructors care about them ( Urdan, & A ; Schoenfelder, 2006 ) . By utilizing effectual communicating accomplishments, instructors are equipped with the tools to leave this powerful belief in their pupils, therefore taking to respectful mutual relationships, positive acquisition environments and associated behavioral and academic growing. 8
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Allah Is the Best Creator Essays
Allah Is the Best Creator Essays Allah Is the Best Creator Essay Allah Is the Best Creator Essay In the name of Allah, The Compassionate The source of All Mercy ONLY ONE WAY TO SALVATION Creatures of Allah! There is only one way to avert an approaching disaster: * Have faith I Allah and His blessed prophet and cleanse your hearts of any allegiances that are false. *Continue doing good to your fellow creatures until the Day you are called home. *Invite others to the Path of righteousness with sincerity. *And endure with perseverance every test and hardship that comes your way. These are not our words, but the words of your Lord: By the declining day, surely man is in a state of loss, ave those who believes and do good deeds, and exhort one another to the truth and exhort one another to the endurance (Al-Quran:103:1-5) Remember! Even slight defect in your faith is a cause for damnation . It is only the sins, mistakes and shortcomings of ours that Allah will forgive through His Mercy. Our Lord only warns us against placing another object ,idol, or ideology before Him that is ,He does not allow any kind of association (Shirk). He says this plainly: Allah forgiveth not that partners should be set up with Him :but He forgivth anything else to who He pleaseth; to set up partners with Allah is to devise a in most heinous indeed. (Al-Quran:4:48) In the saying of the blessed Prophet we read: Whosoever fills the entire earth with sins, but then dies without associating any partner to me . I will meet him with the forgiveness equal to that. (Muslim) So many nations throughout history have been wiped out because of Association (Shirk) And Lo! Even today our Muslim community has reached. the verge of annihilation because of our indulgence in it: Say (O Mohammad , to the disbelievers) : Travel in the land and see the nature of the consequences for those who lived before you ! Most of them were polytheists ( Mushrik) (Al-Quran:30:42) In other words, tell them to explore the four corners of the earth and look upon the ruins of the past. If older civilizations, which were rooted in idolatry(Shirk) can succumb to disaster and disappear, then can’t we too? Our Lord testifies that for this Muslim community even as for others there is only One way to Salvation :Its true sons and daughters must arise and realize that this world is simply a way station on your journey to eternity and that each one of us is born to die. For such reasons it is imperative to live our life as successfully and count. One must, therefore: * Protect himself from every kind of Association(Shirk). Be firm in affirming the Unity of the creator(Tauhid). * Pattern his lifestyles after the most successful man in the History, the blessed Prophet Mohammed (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him). This is the only way one can transform the approaching disaster into certain success. If it is not done here and now then an awful fate is ine vitable. Those who believed and did not pollute their belief with Shirk, for them is peace and safety and they are truly the guided ones (they are going to reach the goal) (Al-Quran:6:82) (ZULM in this verse has been interpreted as Shirk by the holy Prophet himself) (Bukahri and Muslim) Let us be perfectly clear about the meaning of Kalima (the testimony of faith ) and let there be no doubt about its implications. Then we must learn to hold ton innovation (the bida) Only Tauhid and the way of the blessed prophet can build our steps into the hereafter . Our Lord has promised to defend us if we but try with sincerity. The meaning of the first part of the testimony of faith, La ilaha illa Allay is that is neither Father nor Son. Male nor Female, two nor three. He alone may be deemed worthy of of being called: * The Creator and the Master. * The knower of the hidden and the clear. * The Omnipresent, the Watcher and Sovereign. He is the Only in whose power are all good and ill. * He renders help, fulfills needs, lifts sorrow and attends to those who call upon Him. * He alone is to be remembered and called upon often. * All trust and hope must be placed in Him and all prayers are directed to Him alone with no effort and making intermediaries. One should humble himself phy sically and spiritually before him alone . Charity and goodwill must be done in His Name. * Legislation for the basics of human government and organization begins with his precepts. * All are his creature and no one has any influence or power over Him Whether living or dead. Neither graves, tombs , people, charms, symbols nor animals have any validity in his worship. All are helpless before Him. Priests, Monks, Rabbis, Sheiks, Imams, Swamis and Piers are mere suppliants with no power over him. The acceptance of the second half of the testimony of faith, Muhammad -ur-rasool Allah implies that: * The blessed prophet is only a man, a servant of Allah and a messenger. * the tradition of the blessed prophet shall remain the last word in question regarding the conduct of human affairs until the end of history . No words or deed will be acceptable from anyone if it is in contradiction with the prophet’s teachings. Rash and undue innovation will not be given currency. * Only the interpretations of this Prophet’s life as done by those who knew him best i. e. his companions will be considered authentic. Every sincere believer however much be or she may stumble will eventually enter the Paradise by the Grace of Allah . Anyone having a different practice of Faith which deviates from the pristine teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah will not get even a whiff of Paradise, a thousands prayers and years of fasting not with standing! Our Lord! grant to everyone the ability and aptitude to accept this ideology and to act accordingly.
Monday, October 21, 2019
Richard Nixons Native American Federal Policy
Richard Nixons Native American Federal Policy Modern American politics among various demographics can be traced along predictable lines when it comes to a two-party system, especially those of ethnic minorities. Although the civil rights movement enjoyed bipartisan support early on, it became split along regional lines with Southerners of both parties opposing it, resulting in the conservative Dixiecrats migrating to the Republican party. Today African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, and Native Americans are typically associated with the liberal agenda of the Democrats. Historically, the conservative agenda of the Republican Party tended to be hostile to the needs of American Indians, especially during the mid-20th century, but ironically it was the Nixon administration that would bring much-needed change to Indian country. Crisis in the Wake of Termination Decades of federal policy toward American Indians overwhelmingly favored assimilation, even when the governments prior efforts toward forced assimilation were declared a failure as a result of the Merriam Report in 1924. Despite policies designed to reverse some of the damage by fostering greater self-government and a measure of tribal independence in the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, the concept of improvement of the lives of Indians was still framed in terms of progress as American citizens, i.e. their ability to assimilate into the mainstream and evolve out of their existence as Indians. By 1953 a Republican-controlled Congress would adopt House Concurrent Resolution 108 which stated that at the earliest possible time [Indians should be] freed from all federal supervision and control and from all disabilities and limitations specially applicable to Indians. Thus, the problem was framed in terms of Indians political relationship to the United States, rather than a history of a buse stemming from broken treaties, perpetuating a relationship of domination. Resolution 108 signaled the new policy of termination in which tribal governments and reservations were to be dismantled once and for all by giving greater jurisdiction over Indian affairs to some states (in direct contradiction of the Constitution) and the relocation program which sent Indians away from their home reservations to large cities for jobs. During the termination years, more Indian lands were lost to federal control and private ownership and many tribes lost their federal recognition, effectively eradicating the political existence and identities of thousands of individual Indians and over 100 tribes. Activism, Uprising, and the Nixon Administration The ethnic nationalist movements among Black and Chicano communities fueled the mobilization for American Indians own activism and by 1969 the Alcatraz Island occupation was underway, grabbing the nations attention and creating a highly visible platform upon which Indians could air their centuries-long grievances. On July 8, 1970, President Nixon formally repudiated the termination policy (which was established ironically during his tenure as vice president) with a special message to Congress advocating for American Indian Self-determination. . . without the threat of eventual termination, assuring that the Indian†¦[could] assume control over his own life without being separated involuntarily from the tribal group. The next five years would see some of the most bitter struggles in Indian country, testing the Presidents commitment to Indian rights. In the latter part of 1972, the American Indian Movement (AIM) in conjunction with other American Indian rights groups convened the Trail of Broken Treaties caravan across the country to deliver a twenty point list of demands to the federal government. The caravan of several hundred Indian activists culminated in the week-long takeover of the Bureau of Indian Affairs building in Washington DC. Just a few months later in early 1973, was the 71-day armed confrontation in Wounded Knee, South Dakota between American Indian activists and the FBI in response to an epidemic of uninvestigated murders and the terrorist tactics of a federally-supported tribal government on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The heightening tensions across Indian country could no longer be ignored, nor would the public stand for more armed interventions and Indian deaths at the hands of federal officials. Thanks to the momentum of the civil rights movement Indians had become popular, or at least a force to be reckoned with and the Nixon administration seemed to grasp the wisdom of taking a pro-Indian stance. Nixons Influence on Indian Affairs During Nixons presidency, a number of great strides were made in federal Indian policy, as documented by the Nixon-era Center Library at Mountain State University. Among some of the most significant of those achievements are: The return of the sacred Blue Lake to the people of Taos Pueblo in 1970.The Menominee Restoration Act, restoring the recognition of the previously terminated tribe in 1973.In the same year, the Bureau of Indian Affairs budget was increased by 214% to a total of $1.2 billion.The establishment of the first special office on Indian Water Rights - A bill authorizing the Secretary of Agriculture to make direct and insured loans to Indian tribes through the Farmers Home Administration.The passage of the Indian Financing Act of 1974, which supported tribal commercial development.The filing of a landmark Supreme Court suit to protect Indian rights at Pyramid Lake.Pledged that all available BIA funds be arranged to fit priorities set by tribal governments themselves. In 1975 Congress passed the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, perhaps the most significant piece of legislation for Native American rights since the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. Although Nixon had resigned the presidency before being able to sign it, he had laid the groundwork for its passage. References Hoff, Joan. Re-evaluating Richard Nixon: His Domestic Achievements. nixonera.com/library/domestic.asp Wilkins, David E. American Indian Politics and the American Political System. New York: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, 2007.
Sunday, October 20, 2019
The eNotes Blog eNotes Book Club OctoberFinds
Book Club OctoberFinds If you’ve been following our stories on the Instagram, you will have seen us post about our book club a few times. As literature experts, we’re constantly on the hunt for new and interesting stories to read. That’s why five of us decided to create an book club where each week, we discuss a new short story, poem, or essay. For the month of October, we each picked haunting short stories to get us in a spooky, Halloweeny spirit. If you’re looking for reading recommendations, look no further! â€Å"Teatro Grottesco†by Thomas Ligotti Hailed by The Washington Post as â€Å"the best-kept secret in contemporary horror fiction†, Thomas Ligotti arguably deserves this title- although Id prefer it if more people read and discussed his work. Imagine my joy when our reading group agreed to read the titular short story from his collection Teatro Grottesco. â€Å"The first thing I learned was that no one anticipates the arrival of the Teatro.†We quickly realized that the other thing we could not anticipate was the direction our analysis and discussion would take. Despite claims that Ligotti deserves to inherit the horror mantle from Lovecraft, â€Å"Teatro Grottesco†goes profoundly beyond cosmic horror and Eldritch monstrosities to stress the boundaries of our beliefs. The writing is literary, complex, and engaging- it is also frustrating, obtuse, and puzzling. â€Å"In a word, I delighted in the unreality of the Teatro stories. The truth they carried, if any, was immaterial.†At the beginning, we learn that the narrator, a writer of nihilistic prose works, is sharing his own Teatro story. So, what do we make of his claims that the Teatro tales are delightful but their truths are inconsequential? If the truth of the tale is nothing of substance, then what is the point- where is the horror? Make no mistake; several scenes are rightfully disturbing, from a visceral artists painting a moonlit night red to a photographers surreal encounter at the headquarters of T.G. Ventures. However, the horror of these moments only builds to the existential terror eventually revealed. â€Å"You can never anticipate the Teatro- or anything else. You can never know what you are approaching or what is approaching you.†We could not quite conclude just what the Teatro actually is. The story tantalizes, teases, and troubles. Read it carefully, but know that â€Å"The soft black stars have already begun to fill the sky.†- Wes â€Å"The Yellow Sign†by Robert W. Chambers A short story in his larger collection The King in Yellow, I selected â€Å"The Yellow Sign†for us to read because I had previously read a different story in Chambers’s collection, â€Å"The Mask.†I especially enjoyed the hints of mystery threaded throughout the piece. Chambers tells the story, but he doesn’t overtell- a tactic that kept us all wondering. â€Å"When I first saw the watchman his back was toward me.†Although he tells the story with an air of mystery that kept us all guessing, we noticed that Chambers tended to add a few too many extra details to his story. Some of us felt that these details didn’t necessarily add to the story and instead distracted from the â€Å"point†of the short story; this, in turn, led to questions about what’s â€Å"necessary†in a short story and whether or not rules for writing are arbitrary, taking our discussion outside of the realm of the story itself. â€Å"I could tell more, but I cannot see what help it will be to the world. As for me, I am past human help or hope.†â€Å"The Yellow Sign†by Robert W. Chambers is a great short story to read if you want to discuss omens and their place in storytelling. - Kate â€Å"Bog Girl†by Karen Russell After consulting with the oracles on what to read- i.e. Googling â€Å"good spooky short stories for a book club†- I found this short story by Karen Russell, originally published in The New Yorker on June 20, 2016. I wanted to pick a story by a female author I knew no one had read yet with, of course, various threads of interesting discussion to tug on. As I first read the story (and what made me ultimately choose it), I was anticipating what would happen next and was right, oh, about 0% of the time. The narrative was entirely unexpected, and, when compounded with the natural wordsmithing, I assigned it immediately. â€Å"In the Iron Age, these bogs were portals to distant worlds, wilder realms. Gods travelled the bogs. Gods wore crowns of starry asphodels, floating above the purple heather. Now industrial harvesters rode over the drained bogs, combing the earth into even geometries.†Our group particularly enjoyed the feminist themes and commentary on female bodies and personal agency as well as the interesting transitions employed by Russell. â€Å"The girls had matching lunches: lettuce salads, diet candy bars, diet shakes. They were all jealous of how little [the bog girl] ate.†My favorite part of the story is how Russell introduces Cillian’s Uncle Sean. I’ve since added â€Å"smearing†into my personal lexicon to describe such†¦ smearers. (You know the type.) â€Å"He smeared himself throughout their house, his beer rings ghosting over surfaces like fat thumbs on a photograph. His words hung around, too, leaving their brain stain on the air.†There are a lot of avenues of discussion to take with this piece, and we could have very easily talked about it for several more hours. I don’t want to give much more away, but this is a highly recommended, surprising, and well-liked piece for your next book club! - Sam â€Å"Winter†by Walter de la Mare Walter de la Mare is best known as a prolific poet, critic, and anthologist who contributed widely to the world of British letters in the early 20th century. His short stories, though seldom read today, stand among his best work. For our book club, I chose de la Mare’s 1922 story â€Å"Winter,†a sparse, enigmatic tale about a man who walks into a churchyard on a winter’s day and encounters something- or perhaps someone- he cannot explain. At the start of the story, the narrator tells us that â€Å"any event in this world- any human being for that matter- that seems to wear even the faintest cast or warp of strangeness, is apt to leave a disproportionately sharp impression on one’s senses.†The story that follows is both a confrontation with the uncanny and a probing of the mind. The narrator constantly questions his own senses and intuitions as he tries to account for the unaccountable. At the end of the story, the narrator describes the inexplicable being: a beautiful, angelic figure â€Å"in human likeness [but] not of my kind, nor of my reality.†The being looks in terror upon the narrator and his human world- the churchyard filled with its monuments of death- and disappears, returning to the reality whence it came. The narrator is left with both a longing to visit that realm and a deep feeling of distortion, for the ethereal visitor has revealed the rends and frayed edges of our map of reality. In riddling, poetic phrases that accrue like snow on a barren field, de la Mare serves up the best kind of supernatural tale: one which illuminates the mysteries of our world. A perfect read for the darkest season of the year. - Zack â€Å"Especially Heinous: 272 Views of Law Order SVU†by Carmen Maria Machado Every literary mailing list I’m on has been recommending Machado’s collection Her Body and Other Parties for months, so assigning â€Å"Especially Heinous†was a smug way to integrate personal reading with workplace obligations. â€Å"Especially Heinous†is composed of episode summaries for 12 fictional seasons of Law Order: SVU, ranging in length from 4 to over 150 words. Its sentences tend toward staccato rhythms and are objective- even clinical- as they describe events of absurdity and horror. For example, an episode from season one: â€Å"Misleader†: Father Jones has never touched a child, but when he closes his eyes at night, he still remembers his high school girlfriend: her soft thighs, her lined hands, the way she dropped off that roof like a falcon. Featured motifs: sexual violence; fairy-tale tropes (here, a triad of attributes); a haunting image offering neither context nor judgment. (Father Jones returns in season three.) I’m not sure this was a story anyone loved, but it offered a lot to discuss. The episodic structure left metaphors, and sometimes entire plot points, almost entirely up to personal interpretation, alienating some from the narrative. The objectivity of tone resulted in a divided readership: some readers found a lot of humor in the blatant absurdity of Machado’s narrative (the word â€Å"whimsical†was used); for others, that absurdity read as dark and ominous, engaging themes about cultural fixations and sexual violence. While all of us were interested in the story as an exercise in form, its success as a story was still up in the air as we left the table. â€Å"Especially Heinous†is interesting. It’s also hard (and for me, at least, emotionally exhausting) work. I want to go back and read it again, now that I know what I’m getting into, but book clubs, be warned: this is a rough one to unleash on unsuspecting coworkers. - Caitlin
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Questions about Fruits Biology Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Questions about Fruits Biology - Assignment Example Every fruit has a different proportion of these elements and accordingly its taste varies. The fruits which have more fructose and less of acidic content will generally taste sweeter. Some very sweet fruits are banana and mangoes. On the other hand fruits like orange and grapes have higher content of acids. Orange has citric acid and fructose in equal quantity and as a reason it is sour. Some fruits like melon have no specific taste because they have an equal composition of starch and acids. So the major chemical compounds which determine the taste of a fruit are fructose and acid. 2- How does the ripening of fruit affect the process of seed dispersal? The process of fruit ripening has an important role to play in the seed dispersal phenomena of fruits. Fruits are dispersed by various agents like wind, animals and humans. When the fruits are dispersed by animals they undergo ripening procedure which gives attractive characteristics to fruit which attracts the consumers. The enzymes w hich give the ripening effect to the fruit allot bright color and scent to the fruits in order to enhance their appeal and attraction . This makes the fruit more noticeable and visible to the consumers. When consumers are attracted to the fruits they are eaten by them, and the seeds are carried away to long distance when they get discarded. This allows the seeds to travel long distances away from their parent tree. They then get germinated in various location of the land and flourish. In the case of fruits which are dispersed by wind, they undergo dehydration in later stage which causes the seeds to be dry and light . This makes the seeds light and allows the scattering of them to various planes of land. Wind is a very strong dispersal agent and can carry the seeds to extremely far away places. Some fruits whose seeds are dispersed by wind change its structure during the ripening procedure which gives it a light structure due to the consequent drying up or dehydration. Thus differen t agents like wind, animals and humans allow the seed dispersal of fruits after they ripening procedure.
Friday, October 18, 2019
Critical Analysis of a curriculum model Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words
Critical Analysis of a curriculum model - Essay Example Thesis Statement: The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the Singapore Kindergarten Curriculum. The cultural, political and/ or theoretical constructs that underpin the curriculum, and the issues and debates therein will be investigated. All registered kindergartens in Singapore come under the purview of the Ministry of Education. Kindergartens cater to the needs of children aged between three and six years, with children aged three in nursery classes, and children four to six years of age in kindergarten (K1 and K2) classes. Class size may range from twenty to forty children (Lim, 1998). Preschool and kindergarten prepare the young child for admission to school at the age of seven years. In Singapore, the term ‘preschool’ includes both child care centres and kindergartens, available in both the private and public sectors. Preschool programmes are provided by numerous large organisations such as The People’s Action Party Community Foundation which organises up to 70% of the kindergarten classes for preschoolers, the People’s Association and the National Trade Union Congress (Lim, 1998). The range of settings include religious-based preschools such as those managed by churches, workplace child care centres, private kindergartens such as Montessori kindergarten, government-subsidised kindergartens, commercial organisation- or private-run facilities (Ling-Yin, 2006). Early years’ provision for education and care has been extremely diverse in Singapore until the formulation and implementation of the Ministry of Education’s Nurturing Early Learners: A Framework for a Kindergarten Curriculum in Singapore in 2003. Before introducing the new curriculum, in spite of the centralised management of the various forms of preschool settings by the Ministry of Education, the provision for early childhood remained extremely varied, differing according to the social strata, cultural group, family and parental needs. Because of the
Adidas Company in Sports Industry Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words
Adidas Company in Sports Industry - Coursework Example To Adidas Company, putting too many efforts into the whole career thing and strict adhering to certain routines during life do not coincide with the overall expectations. Instead, the company is about passion and a belief that one should push own limits everywhere and all the times. It is sports as the foundation of everything that company does; it is about the redefining the benchmark for discovering and shaping the future; it is the fair play which creates the basis for company’s performance among similar businesses (Our expectations, 2015). All these considerations create the mission of Adidas Group as the company which strives to be the global leader in the provision of sports goods and the services of which are built on the passion for sports and a sporting lifestyle. Values of the company describe the desired culture, which are the promotion of sports as the foundation of all Adidas does, passion for constant moving, innovation and the improvement, the integrity approach based on such characteristics as honesty, openness, ethical and fair attitude toward others, and the understanding of the diversity of ideas, strengths and interests in building the company’s brands. At the same time, however, one should understand that vision and mission which are the visual part of the company’s strategy are different from the forces that embed innovation. According to (Dobni, 2010), innovation is premised on the market orientation, the creation of value and defining of the new opportunity space.
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Project Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 4
Project - Assignment Example The Agile method was developed to provide solutions to the shortcomings of the waterfall methodology. It gives a project an incremental approach as opposed to a sequential one (Measey and Berridge, 39). Developers begin with a simplified design for the project and then proceed to work on the small modules. Developers work on these modules either in weekly sprints or in monthly sprints. When each sprint ends, the developers evaluate the priorities of the project and run tests. The option to work in sprints gives developers the ability to incorporate feedback from the customer into the project’s design before they begin another sprint. The Agile methodology can be applied in our individual project because it is flexible and allows for changes in the design after the completion of the initial plans. With this method, we can also incorporate additional features by introducing new technology into the project (Measey and Berridge, 44). Agile also allows for thorough testing of the
Assignment on Teaching and learning practice Essay
Assignment on Teaching and learning practice - Essay Example Boud and Hawke (2003) underlines that it is more important to make the emphasis on the assessment of outcomes and immediate competence, focuses learners’ attention on the present task and how they might address it, that is, in a way that will satisfy assessors (cited Chappell, 2003). Professional judgment is perhaps the most far-reaching and complex parameter of all. In order to check out the performance of a student, a teacher needs to understand precisely how decisions are made. Every educator and teacher should be responsible for his professional judgment she/he makes concerning students performance and their level of personal development. In this case, professional judgment is a very important activity which helps a teacher to assess a student and determine competency of a student. Professional judgment in teaching is a complex activity which requires careful analysis and evaluation of student’s achievements. The main problem is that it is impossible to teach educators how to make the right judgment in all the cases they are faced with, because every student is a unique individuality and personally influenced by social factors. For this reason, professional teachers learn how to make professional judgments on the job. Boud & Hawke create a concept â⠂¬Å"learning-how-to-learn†They explain that â€Å"currently in an outcomes-based framework, this capacity is not developed. Instead, the emphasis on the assessment of outcomes and immediate competence, focuses learners’ attention on the present task and how they might address it, that is, in a way that will satisfy assessors†(Chappell 2003). On the other hand, in order to improve their professional judgments, the educators record their comments which may include an evaluation of what they have done and/or what they are working towards. Gradually the comments become more in depth in some years of teaching practice and young teachers are able to make detailed and perceptive professional
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Project Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 4
Project - Assignment Example The Agile method was developed to provide solutions to the shortcomings of the waterfall methodology. It gives a project an incremental approach as opposed to a sequential one (Measey and Berridge, 39). Developers begin with a simplified design for the project and then proceed to work on the small modules. Developers work on these modules either in weekly sprints or in monthly sprints. When each sprint ends, the developers evaluate the priorities of the project and run tests. The option to work in sprints gives developers the ability to incorporate feedback from the customer into the project’s design before they begin another sprint. The Agile methodology can be applied in our individual project because it is flexible and allows for changes in the design after the completion of the initial plans. With this method, we can also incorporate additional features by introducing new technology into the project (Measey and Berridge, 44). Agile also allows for thorough testing of the
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Prophecies in The Odyssey and Oedipus the King Research Paper
Prophecies in The Odyssey and Oedipus the King - Research Paper Example One of the key purposes of using the prophecies is to reveal to the readers at the outset itself, the course, the work or the main protagonist will take. Although, it may reveal the crux of the plot, on the other level, it will heighten the curiosity of the readers regarding whether the prophecies will come true or how the prophecies will come true. Another key perspective of using prophecies is to state the fact that human lives will always be controlled by superior powers or external forces, without any chance of them controlling it. This perspective of prophecy was aptly used in the Greek works, Oedipus the King and The Odyssey. This paper will discuss how the lives of the main protagonists Oedipus and Odysseus were dictated by these prophecies, with Oedipus’ prophecies leading to his downfall and tragedy, while prophecies for Odysseus leading to success. Oedipus fate, it seems, has been sealed even before he is born, with the prophecy coming from Oracle of Apollo at Delphi. As King Laius and Jocasta did not have any children after many years of marriage, they consulted the Oracle at Delphi regarding their childlessness. The Oracle gave out the prophecy that if Jocasta bears a son, that son would kill her husband King Laius and will also marry her. This prophecy was recollected by Jocasta later, â€Å"An oracle once came to Laius declaring he was doomed/To perish by the hand of his own son, A Child that should be born to him by me†(Sophocles 51). To prevent his prophecy from actualizing only Oedipus was ordered to be killed. However, he survives and was cared by King Polybus of Corinth and his wife Merope, who raise him as their own. After hearing rumors that Polybus and Merope are not his real biological parents, he coincidently meets the same Oracle at Delphi to clarify his doubts. Without directly answering Oedipus’ question on parentage, the Oracle again repeats the earlier prophecy but in different words, from the perspective of Oedipus. Oedipus
Career Development in Insurance Sector Essay Example for Free
Career Development in Insurance Sector Essay Potential for career development in insurance sector is most vibrant topic today. One Million plus persons are working today as an employees in Insurance sector and 5 Million plus persons are associated with this sector as Agents, Consultants, Surveyors, Loss Assessors, Underwriters, Claim Settlers, Salvage Dealers, Brokers, Sub-brokers, etc etc. The growth rate in Insurance Sector is more than 20% in last 3 years. There is huge potential for development in Insurance sector. The sector is under developed and penetration of insurance is very very low in the country compared to other developing and developed countries. India is leading towards one of the strongest economy of the world by 2020 and it is international phenomenon that insurance sector always booms along with growing economy. Insurance Services are the foundation for smooth functioning of all business commercial activities. Insurance is the backbone of overall economy of the country. For the developing country like India where growth of the economy is at double digit rate, Insurance talent is inevitable. All Industries in this scenario can be monetarily well protected from all types of catastrophic and manmade risks. Insurance is a vehicle for growth in growing economies. The whole world is looking at India as one of the giant and Asian tiger in next 8 to 10 years. All this is true. But very interesting fact of the today is that no one is aware about the exact potential of career development and opportunities in Insurance Sector. This article is dedicated to find the facts and figures about career development opportunities in Insurance Sector in India. This is an effort to enlighten and guide the readers, employees, students, stake holders to understand the facts and facets of insurance sector and how one can develop long term career in Insurance Sector. The article will review all aspects of insurance sector and discuss †¢ Opportunities for Career Development †¢ Growth potential in Insurance Sector †¢ Changing Scenario of Insurance Sector †¢ Manpower Skill Sets Required by Insurance Sector †¢ Regulatory Changes in Insurance Sector †¢ New trends and Developments †¢ International Impacts †¢ Present Academic Scenario †¢ Available Educational Facilities †¢ Recent Educational Academic Developments †¢ Speed and growth cycles of career enhancement in Insurance Sector †¢ Salary Packages at Entry Levels, Middle Level and Top Level †¢ How to improve Employibility and Skill Sets †¢ Career Opportunities Outside India †¢ Subsectors in Insurance for Career Development †¢ Preparing Career Development Path in Insurance Sector †¢ Challenges Opportunities for Career Development in Insurance Sector, †¢ FAQs i.e. Frequently Asked Questions @ Career Opportunities in Insurance Sector, etc After 25 years of experience in Insurance Sector and witnessing the changing scenario of insurance sector after IRDA, I have noticed that the present and future workforce in Insurance sector is totally puzzled about the career enhancement and confused to find a road map for growth. Thousands of Career Fairs Exhibitions across the country are covering all sectors for career opportunities like IT, BPO, ITES, Engineering, Automobile, Management, Finance, Medical, Health Care, Accounts, Law, Company affairs, etc, nobody is talking about insurance sector for career development. People believe that insurance is a small part of finance sector and it need not be cared beyond mere selling of insurance produc ts. Unfortunately I have to state that working employees, students, parents, media, academicians, colleges, universities, top executives of insurance sector and society as a whole are not aware about the exact potential and scope of career enhancement in Insurance Sector. Working in insurance sector is always a secondary thought and society hesitate to honour career in insurance sector. Association in insurance activity is always presumed as below status career. This prejudice attitude towards insurance sector is a great harm for new entrants and career growth of current workforce. This is ironical that due to this negative attitude, the new generation is neglecting and under estimating a golden opportunity of developing gorgeous career in insurance sector. It is more unfortunate that after more than 100 years of commencement of insurance business activity in our country, the academicians, regulators and top executives in Insurance Sector have ignored the need and importance of improving the brand image of insurance sector. Growth Potential in Insurance Sector in India * Insurance is one of the fastest growing sector in India. Hardly 6 % of the population of the country has covered by life Insurance. The penetration is as low as 0.9 % in general insurance. Health Insurance has reached to merely 3 % of the population. In country like USA, where the population is @ 35 Crores, there are more than 6000 companies are engaged in insurance business. In India, population is more than 110 crores and hardly 52 companies are working in Insurance Sector. If we assume that only 50% population is insurable, still we need 10,000 companies to cater the need of 55 Crore people. Only Life Insurance sector has grown to certain extent and people say that I wish to purchase LIC policy for my car or LIC policy for stocks in my factory. Only compulsory policies of general insurance sector have been sold like motor policies and fire and industrial policies. Large number of general insurance products are not even known to the employees of general insurance companies. Thanks to electro mechanical equipments, scientific development and commercialization of medical profession, health insurance penetration has reached to 3 % of population. Still this number is very poor comparing to developed countries. Central Government has targeted Life Insurance Penetration to 40 %, Health Insurance at 30 % and General Insurance at 15 % of the population by 2030. This will create very huge potential for development in insurance Sector. The insurance business was merely 12 Billion US $ by 2000 which has reached to approximately 100 Billion US $ by 2012 and is now expected to grow 1000 Billion US $ by 2020 and 5000 Billion US $ by 2030. * Approval of Bill of 49% FDI in Insurance sector is long awaited. Once it is enacted, the number of insurance companies may rise to @ 150 to 200 in next 7-8 years. There is immense potential for insurance industry to grow. At present there are 24 Life, 27 Non Life and 1 Reinsurance, thus total 52 Insurance companies are in insurance business. Out of this, 4 companies are working exclusively as Health Insurance Companies. 334 insurance broking companies, 800+ corporate agents and thousands of banks have entered in insurance business. Third Party Administer (TPAs) Companies in Health Sector are 29 and TPAs growing in Automobile and Legal Sector. The specialized functions in insurance sector are slowly outsourced and lot many new companies will enter in this area. International insurance surveyors, loss assessors, adjuster, underwriters, claim settlers, have already entered in India and expanding their business activities. Even the world insurance and finance giants like Warren Buffet, Lloyds, Munich Re, Swiss Re, have entered in India. * Health insurance is developing as separate branch of Insurance. It is expected that the number of health insurance companies will be equal to the number of life insurance companies in near future. Bancassurance is also developing as Separate branch of Insurance. People is India have more faith in banks than insurance agents. Many banks have already entered into insurance business and lot more in pipeline. Banks find insurance as growth vehicle. At present only GIC of India is the reinsurance company in the country. But government is now thinking over allowing many more international reinsurance companies in India. In few years, we may find 5 independent branches of insurance in India as Life, General, Health, Bancassurance Reinsurance. * India is becoming Insurance Hub of the world. Giant insurance companies from across the globe are outsourcing core insurance functions to India. IT infrastructure in the country and new generation Indian Talent are attracting world insurance business for core functions for cost effective solutions. Indian software companies are leading in this race. Even BPO in Insurance Sector is growing very fast. All this require technical and domain skills sets of Insurance functions. This IT, ITES and BPO business in Insurance Sector from outside India is expected to rise to 1000 Billion US $ by 2025 It is believed that next boom is in insurance sector. Insurance will play key role in boosting economy further. In India, next 25 years will be dominated by Insurance Sector. The growth is expected at horizontal as well as vertical levels. It will be from inside the country and from outside the country. Changing Scenario in Insurance Business in India * Insurance was strictly dominated by Agents and Development officers till 2000. But IRDA has opened up new distribution channels such as Corporate Agent, Insurance Broker, Bancassurance, Mallasurance, Online Sale of Insurance, Direct Sale, etc. These new channels are growth engines of the insurance industry. One interesting aspect of this growth is that Insurance Sector is heading towards SERVICING from merely Selling. The mantra of â€Å"Sell it and Forget it†is now converting as â€Å"Service Retain Client†. This requires Core insurance knowledge and not merely Selling Expertise. * The commission rates of insurance agents are slowly getting downward trend. The servicing of client is now taken care by customer servicing department. The Technology has now key role in policyholders servicing and provides better knowledge and expertise than agents. Companies are now offering new gate ways for renewal commissions like through internet banking, ATMs, ECS, Mobile banking, etc. It has reduced the dependency of policyholders on agents for timely renewal of existing policies. * Government is slowly removing the Income Tax rebates from insurance policies. It has already signaled the same and introduced few provisions in current budget by restricting the percentage of amount of premium with the sum assured of any policy. * Product Development and new innovative policies has changed the olden rules of the selling game. Merely begging for insurance or forcing a policy will not exist anymore. The 35 % commissioned policy selling dominance will be eroded. . * Insurance is Risk Cover or Investment is a matter of debate but common policyholder is now diverting to PURE Insurance products such as Term Insurance. The ULIP Story between IRDA and SEBI has focused on a need of domain insurance talent. * There is certainly reasonable improvement in policyholder’s awareness and knowledge about insurance. Government, IRDA and NGOs like FIBLI, insurance companies and related stake holders are concentrating on customer education, literacy and awareness about insurance products and services through advertisements, seminars, workshops, comics, e-literature, animated films, etc. * As Insurance need is vertical as well as horizontal, the insurance business is spreading across the country. Insurance companies are focusing and spreading network in rural markets as it has huge potential. Technological development is helping this drive of rural expansion. * Health Insurance and Bancassurance sectors will grow drastically. General Insurance Sector will also develop. In life Insurance Sector, Term Insurance Business will dominate. * In future, Online Insurance will have a key role in new business. * It will be difficult to get insurance claims in future. There will be huge scope for Claim consultants who will help people to get insurance claims. * Insurance sector will slowly dominate the economy and there will be overall developments in insurance sector. There will huge revenue generation form insurance business in India as well as outsourced insurance business from outside India. Employability Potential in Insurance Sector As insurance sector is growing with 20% rate, there will be a huge requirement of Insurance professionals in the country. * NSDC Report – National Skill Development Corporation has estimated the job creations of 2 Million persons in insurance and banking sector by 2021 in its latest report. * CII Report The recent survey of Confederation of Indian Industries estimated that there is a need of @ 21 lakhs insurance educated employees by 2025. * ASSOCHEM Report on Insurance Sector – It has pointed out on employability potential in Insurance Sector in its latest report. The report has estimated manpower requirement to be 30 Lakhs by 2030. The job creation in insurance sector will be across the country as insurance business is spreading across the country. The innovative distribution channels will play a vital role in insurance penetration and of course, technology will be a great supportive tool for this development. The manpower is required across the country. Insurance companies, banks and financial services providers are focusing and spreading network in rural markets as it has huge potential. It will generate huge employability not only at Metro and urban areas but at semi urban and rural levels, too. At present there are 52 companies, 334 brokers, 1200 + banks, 29 TPAs, 2000 IT, ITES BPO companies, 400 surveyor and other insurance services provider companies are working in India. The number will rise to double or triple in next 8 to 10 years. These companies will have offices across the country and will generate jobs across the country. Career Development Path in Insurance Sector Till IRDA, insurance career was dominated by selling activity. It is the assumed misconception that any career in insurance sector will have to be connected with selling of insurance products. The Insurance Agents and Development Officers community in the country has coloured insurance policy selling with either begging of insurance or forcing for insurance. The rebating in insurance premium has eroded insurance profession as under privileged one. After IRDA and entry of corporate insurance companies, the face of insurance career was always compared with the face of poor insurance agent. Career in Insurance was always neglected one and approach towards it was one of the ridiculous one. But the situation is now changing drastically. Career in Insurance is not merely a selling activity. Insurance Sector require domain technical knowledge. The employees with core insurance competency can only grow henceforth. After a decade of privatization, corporate companies have understood that insurance is not a FMCG product and one must possess technical skills and fundamental knowledge to exist grow in this market. Servicing will be key for growth and for this, one require domain expertise. For new entrants, any graduation with specialized diploma in insurance domain like underwriting, claims, motor insurance, health insurance, bancassurance, reinsurance, liability insurance, aviation insurance, engineering insurance, agricultural insurance, marine insurance, etc will be helpful to enter in insurance sector. One has to improve his academic qualification and scope of skills by adding various diplomas from various streams of insurance. As one grows with experience, this academic excellence and expansion will improve his employibilty and scope of promotions and growth. For existing employees, one has to improve his academic position along with experience. Mere experience will not help beyond certain limit. As we expect 49 % FDI and steep increase in number of insurance companies, the existing employees will have clear advantage to grow. But for this, they must obtain domains skills and competency through academic enhancement. The present employee in insurance sector should focus on overall and multi dimensional development in his capacities, skill sets and academic qualifications. The candidate with multifaceted core skills will have better opportunities over general candidate. He should not limit himself only to underwriting or claims. He should always seek for more and more knowledge. One can select a sector of insurance like Life or general or health for developing his career path but he should be equipped with qualifications and skills of other sectors also. It will widen the scope of opportunities available to him. Salary Packages In Insurance Sector As per the present scenario in Insurance Sector, one may join insurance company at entry level with a annual package of @ Rs.1.2 lakh to 1.5 Lakh. He may be designated as Associate or Assistant. In 3-4 years, he may grow to higher position with a scale of Rs. 3 to 4 Lakhs if he has academic qualifications with experience. After 6-8 years after joining insurance, one may easily grow to annual package of 7 to 10 Lakhs. After 12 to 15 years, one may dream to annual package of Rs.15 to 20 Lakhs. Of course, this needs academic up gradation and continuous improvement of domain skills. This trend may continue for next 20 years as there is long term and inside outside country potential. The speed of career growth and expansion is smooth and fast in insurance sector than perhaps any other sector in the country. But it needs hard work, academic excellence and aggressive approach towards opportunities. I will share one practical example here. The employees who joined insurance sector in the newly entrant companies like Bajaj Allianz, HDFC, ICICI etc between 2001 to 2003 were drawing annual salary package of 1.5 to 2.5 lakhs. They are now grown to key positions in new companies after 8 to 10 years with annual packages of Rs.20 to 25 Lakhs. Some of them have even clinched packages of 40 to 50 Lakhs per annum. Skill Sets Requirements by Insurance Sector At present, man power requirements are basically skilled based. Employees with academic qualifications are encouraged for promotions. Fresher with academic qualification in insurance are preferred. At present, Insurance Companies recruit freshers and train them for 6 months or one year. But the attrition rate is so high that more than 42 % of new recruits leaves the company. Insurance companies are seriously concerned over the expenditure on training and the rate of turnout. They are looking for employees who have been already trained and having domain academic qualifications. Insurance Companies have found that domain knowledge will improve selling, servicing, operations and all other functions. New companies prefer persons with experience and academic qualifications. Skill sets required by the insurance sector are underwriting skills, claim handling skills, operational skills, servicing skills, risk assessment and classification skills, insurance product skills, distribution channel operating skills, coordination skills, IT skills with domain knowledge, insurance accountancy skills, etc.
Monday, October 14, 2019
The World is Flat, by Thomas Friedman
The World is Flat, by Thomas Friedman The World is Flat, by Thomas Friedman, chronicles the influx of a large number of new players on the global economic stage that has created a strong force that is already starting to affect Americans. Friedman believes that these looming changes have the potential to produce both positive and negative results. An example that illustrates the range of Friedmans analysis is his argument about the impact of the dot-com bubble and its eventual bust. He suggests that although the bust was bad for some investors, it turned out to be good in opening up global markets. The overcapacity which produced the bust also produced very low prices for telecommunications, thereby enabling players from smaller economic regions to participate in a game usually reserved for bigger players. Friedman describes several examples of different firms in these regions that have emerged to provide technology services to American business. One example, involving an Indian firm that does basic tax-return work for an American accounting company, reflects his view that although cost advantages are important, the real significance are the competitive proportions and innovations made possible by this new technology. One of the most important acumens of his book is that Americans should get used to the fact that the United States will not long remain the strongest player on the field. From my point of view, the United States have badly needed a good dose of humility, and these global shifts Friedman identifies promise to move us that way. While many passages point toward the advent of a system of global cooperation where no one player claims dominance, many others assume a win-lose scenario, in which Americans will be dominated by the Indians and Chinese if they dont get their act together. Friedman starts one of his chapters with a brief recounting of what happened to Americas previous world dominance in basketball, describing it as a great metaphor for what is happening in the global economy. Instead of grasping the new flatness of the global economic system, he wishes for the glory days when the United States was still head honcho. He writes too often as if the only choice Americans have is to play and win, or to be losers. This propensity is particularly self-evident in his frequent references to the determination of high-stakes competition. There is no time to rest; we have to work harder; the Europeans are delinquent because they value having more holidays. Friedman writes as though this is not an option, but th ere are choices, or there ought to be. If the current system diminishes many of those choices, perhaps we should change the system. Globalization is about efficiency. But as Friedman admits, theres more to it than that. He considers the stresses and downsides in globalization in the chapter titled The Great Sorting Out, but he still seems reluctant to seriously explore the consequences. Friedman seems unwilling to acknowledge that the system is significantly affected by global political structures or the absence thereof. For example, he mentions the need for the United States to develop an energy-independence policy, especially to cope with the expected huge increases in the demand for energy by China and India. But most of this discussion occurs in a chapter on how to jump-start American science and technology education so we can stay competitive. Friedman does a pretty good job of acknowledging globalizations impact on workers. He recognizes that the world is not yet really flat yet because there are still millions of people who are not able to compete in the global market. But he is still reluctant to point at structural problems. Friedman offers an evaluation of how the non-democratic political structures of the Middle East do not include much of the population who live there from the benefits of expansion and improvement. I should think that we need more than hope; The United States needs to develop public policies that have global reach, that make certain that at least the key players are at the global dining table can cooperatively address some of the well-known problems. If the price of these policies produces a loss of efficiency, we should have an honest debate about this trade-off, rather than assuming that efficiency always wins.
Sunday, October 13, 2019
An Analysis of Frosts Tree at my Window Essay -- Tree at my Window E
An Analysis of  Frost's Tree at my Window    "Tree at my Window" was written by Robert Frost, an American poet who was born in 1874 and died in 1963 (DiYanni 624). His poem will be the basis of the discussion of this brief essay. The narrator in this poem appears to be speaking to the "tree at my window"; then, repeating the phrase in reverse order, he calls it the "window tree," as if to emphasize the location and nearness of the tree. Calling the tree a "window tree," might also suggest that this tree is something he sees through, perhaps to some higher truth, to something beyond the mere physical presence of the tree. As night approaches, the "sash" or movable portion of the window is lowered, perhaps to prevent the air, cooled from lack of the sun's warmth, from entering the house (Webster 1026). The narrator continues, "But let there never be curtain drawn / Between you and me." Literally, this statement could imply that he does not want a drape to cover the window betwen them. A sense of foreboding arises if one looks at additional definitions. "Curtain" can refer to death and "drawn" can refer to being brought about by inducement or being allured (Webster 280, 346). The narrator begins the second stanza mentioning a dream that is unclear. He then stops short and continues, seemingly describing the appearance of the tree. Referring to "head lifted out of the ground, / Not all your light tonuges taliking aloud / could be profound." Perhaps the speaker could be describing the vastness of the tree's height and width along with the magnitude of leaves. Comparing tongues to leaves is a possibility because, as the wind rushes through them, it causes a distinct sound. The speaker may even believe that the tre... ...In stanza four, the speaker compares "outer" and "inner" lives. "Tree at my Window" contains descriptions and comparisons that almost bring an image to one's mind. Perhaps I have been able to relate to this poem because I have often looked out of the window at the trees and mountains in the distance and contemplated some dilemma. Perhaps we could all learn from nature not to be so anxious about things that in the long run do not really even matter.   Works Cited Cox, James, M. Robert Frost: A Collection of Critical Essays. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 1962. DiYanni, Robert. Literature: Reading Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and the Essay. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1994. Thompson, Lawrence. Robert Frost: The Early Years 1874-1915 New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1966. Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary. Massachusetts: G&C Merriam, 1977.
Saturday, October 12, 2019
Phrenology :: essays research papers
     Phrenology is basically the study of personality through the study of the shape of the skull. The basis of this theory is that the brain conforms to the shape of the head and its contours. This pseudoscience says that because we have isolated where different parts of personality come from we can tell how dominant this trait would be in a person’s life by the size of the piece of the brain. We have since proven that this theory is not true.      Franz Joseph Gall is considered to be the founder of the direct scientific link between the morphology of the skull and personality traits. Gall was one of the first scientists to consider the brain the home of all mental activities. His main work was called The Anatomy and Physiology of the Nervous System in General, and of the Brain in Particular. In this article he put forth five points that phrenology was based on in general. 1. That moral and intellectual faculties and innate. 2. That their exercise or manifestation depends on organization. 3. That the brain is an organ of all the propensities, sentiments, and faculties. 4. The brain is composed of many particular organs as there are different propensities, sentiments, and faculties which differ from one another. 5. That the form of the head or cranium represents the form of the brain, and thus represents the relative development of the brain organs. Gall linked the faculties with precise brain localizations through careful observation and expensive experimental measures.      Johann Spurzheim’s contribution to phrenology was also great. He helped Gall in a study of brain injuries with the phrenology concept Gall had created. He also studied many cases of aphasia following victim’s cranial injuries in battle. In 1832, he arrived in America, which was at that time desperate for insight into human personality, and started on a lecture circuit that eventually killed him only six months into it.      While Spurzheim was in America he managed to inspire two young, frustrated evangelists whose names were Lorenzo Niles Fowler and Orson S. Fowler. These two are largely responsible for spreading phrenology throughout the country. They traveled from town to town carrying the truth of phrenology. They offered lectures, readings, and to evaluate the charteristics of total strangers through the bumps and valleys on their heads. Soon everyone from small-town folk to the rich and famous were getting readings. It became a fad throughout America.
Friday, October 11, 2019
Palate-Able Delights: New Modes of Trade Finance
Consideration was to be given to the applicability of non-traditional online and offline moment and trade finance methods (such as those offered by Papal and UPS), open account terms and more stringent, traditional finance methods such as documentary letters of credit. After careful analysis of the circumstances in the case, it is recommended that PAD adopt a flexible payment system adopting a combination of methods. This is dues (due) to the variability In customers It plans to serve, ranging from small, retail orders to orders up to $150,000.Specifically, for orders up (to) or less than $2,000 PAD should employ a flexible, online method such as that offered by Papal, or the services offered by UPS, which include insurance, collections and financing solutions. For larger orders, a documentary collection method of payment provides PAD with the flexibility it needs in order to sell the goods to an alternate customer should a dispute arise before the products perish, while providing th e customer with much less complexity and expense relative to a documentary letter of credit. 1.Introduction and Case Summary The purpose of this report, commissioned by Mr. Jim Dick, Is to analyses the case ‘New Modes of Trade Finance' and answer all discussion questions attached. The case in question describes the situation of Palate-Able Delights (PAD), a niche retailer of high-end food products such as caviar, truffles and French champagnes, who (which) is In the process of assessing several markets for export of their numerous, highly perishable products. PAD Is attempting to determine Its best suited (best- suited) methods of payment, and is intrigued by non-traditional, online payment options such as Papal.However, impacting on the decision process are a number of important considerations. These are: * While largely focused on small, retail sales, PAD Is also considering larger orders of up to $150,000 In value. * PAD Is aware of the trend towards open account terms, and Is Interested In the benefits of conducting transactions on such terms. * Explicitly stated by PAD's SCOFF is that the trade finance solutions offered by UPS be assessed. * Given the perishable nature of PAD's products, speed of settlement must be Incorporated into the evaluation, as do the various cash flow and financing issues affecting both PAD and Its customers.The following sections address the discussion questions. 2 snouts PAD Adsorb some Incremental I costs In Exchange Tort AAA secure Opt to Stay with Traditional Trade Payment and Financing Systems? TTY, Ana Firstly, the nature of PAD's product, being highly perishable, means that both PAD and its customers face a unique risk which calls for a substantial level of importance placed on transit insurance, such as that offered by UPS Capital or Export Development Canada, to mitigate the risk of loss from product spoilage as a result of detrimental shipping issues (such as delays, mishandling, etc. . Given PAD's high margins an d position in a luxury, niche market, the cost of insurance is one that should be absorbed in exchange for the requisite security. In terms of trade payment, the risk of non-payment is significant, given a potential order size of up to $150,000. Important here, however, are the substantially varied sizes of customer PAD plans to serve – I. E. From the relatively small (single consumer, perhaps) to the very large (up to $150,000).This suggests that differing payment systems and, hence, levels of security and costs are warranted. Furthermore, along with the level of broad-based risk (I. E. Country, commercial and foreign exchange – where these are significant, high security methods such as L/CSS or confirmed L/CSS may be necessary, he costs of which should undoubtedly be absorbed), the type of payment system is dependent on the level of demand for PAD's product in a given market, and its objectives for that market.Although PAD is interested in trading on open account ter ms – by far the riskiest for exporters (FIT, 2008), presumably for the potential of greater sales, the risks are somewhat difficult to Justify. Specifically, PAD's a niche business offering high-end, gourmet products – not a commodity-type product attempting to enter a saturated market. As such, while open terms, given their reverence, may be necessary in markets where competition is high and entry to them is deemed strategically significant, PAD likely commands some level of market pull (demand) in most markets.This suggests that PAD's assumption of the substantial risks associated with open account terms is somewhat unnecessary and, given its high margins and assumed ability to absorb some additional costs, it should opt for a greater level of security. This is especially so for small, perhaps one-time customers, with order values of say, under $2,000. Here, non-traditional payment systems such as Papal or credit card facilities are more appropriate than the employ a nd time-consuming traditional payment types. Furthermore, these methods would typically involve payment-in-advance, providing PAD with a high level of security.Alternatively, the services provided by non-bank providers such as UPS Capital, and their Receivables Management Services, which provides credit insurance and collection services amongst others (UPS, 2010), may be appropriate for established, credible accounts who require a more flexible payment method. For large orders, however, the scale of risk increases – especially for those up to $150,000. Here, the security provided by traditional payment types – most appropriately a documents against payment method – and the subsequent absorption of their costs would be recommended.In all, PAD should absorb some incremental costs in exchange for added security. However, traditional trade payment and financing systems may not always provide the best way to garner this security, as ten practically AT sun mentors var ies according to ten size AT P orders, the market it's selling in, and the relationship with the customer. In response to the latter component of the question, a confirmed documentary letter of credit after review of PAD's needs is not the best option. Confirmed Documentary Letters ofCredit are expensive and time consuming and thus not effective when dealing with the purchasing and shipment of perishable foods. The use of Documentary Collections is more tailored to the needs of PAD as the documents arrive with the product. This means that if there is a disagreement or PAD's customer does not provide payment the documents are already with the product and quick resale is possible cutting down the spoilage of goods and ultimately profit. 3. How well suited is Papal, or some variation of online payment solutions to the PAD business model?PAD can offer an all-in-one online service which can be easy, fast and reliable to customers to improve its business. Papal is one such option PAD can use to improve its business online. Papal is customer friendly, with ease of access providing customers with various account types with multiple log-INS and, also, most importantly it's secure. It accepts almost all the major credit cards as well as debit cards which allow customers to make payments for small orders online relatively easily.Papal is the cheapest option available in terms of a Business Merchant account – for customers outside of the states there is no membership fee (residents of U. S pay $1. 90 or 2. 9% of the order depending on the company's purchase).. With regards to PAD ‘s customers, Papal can be time-consuming as it requires the customers to verify funds deposited by Papal into their account. Even though Papal is secure, it involves risks of fraud which, while generally not affecting the customer (as they are covered by Papal and can be reimbursed up to $2,000), may affect PAD via the losses associated with fraud.Merchant/ Business accounts are pro vided by banks which allow the acceptance of credit cards, debit cards or any other form of online payments. The payment is received and updated immediately through automated systems once the order is placed, confirmed and completed. This allows PAD to have direct access and control over the payment processing system and also by using a trade platform to manage open accounts in a manner that provides better payment visibility to suppliers. Also, the use of debit cards can be encouraged as they're easy for customers to use, and possibly less expensive than credit cards.Through this, PAD will gain more direct control over the payment processing system. Although, this additional control means that they will have to deal with credit card fraud directly as well as maintain the functionality of the website as a whole which ay not be possible depending on the understanding and experience employees have dealing with online payment methods. From the customers point of view there are less ste ps needed when making purchases online as well as there is no need to set up a customer account (unless for business specific reasons stated by PAD). 4.What are the Pros and Cons Related to Traditional Bank-provided Trade Finance, and Open Account Solutions? Do Non-Bank Providers Offer a Credible Solution? I en pros Ana cons related to traditional Dank-Provo account solutions are provided in Table 1, below. I Pros I Cons I Open Account I e trace Atlanta Ana open Open Account I * Potential to boost sales. * Least cost (explicit) intensive. * Least complex and time-consuming. I * Involves the highest risk of non-payment. * Increases cost of credit/receivables insurance. * High risk of disputes, leading to non-payment.
Thursday, October 10, 2019
The Marshall Plan
THE MARSHALL PLAN By the end of World War II much of Europe was devastated. The region’s economic structure was ruined and the devastation to agriculture left millions starving and homeless. During the war, Axis powers targeted the transportation infrastructure, leaving railways, bridges, and roads in a state of severe disrepair. Much of the civilian merchant shipping industry had also suffered severe damage. Due to the economic strain placed on the European countries during the war, many had exhausted their treasuries. If not for The United State’s aid in the form of the Lend-Lease program during wartime efforts, this damage would have been much worse and the outcome may have been different. The United States however, did not suffer the same severity of destruction on its own territory. Consequently its massive agriculture and manufacturing base was still intact. For these reasons, The United States saw it necessary to offer goods, services, and monies to any European or Asian country, be it an Allied or Axis power. The U. S. continued providing aid after the war was over. Between 1945 and 1948, the U. S. ent $12 billion in aid to European Nations. The world’s major economies were crumbling and the U. S. realized the global impact. General George C. Marshall introduced a recovery plan in 1947, the European Recovery Plan or ERP. This plan, which later became known as the Marshall Plan, was the primary program for rebuilding and creating a stronger economic foundation for the countries of Western Europe during the post-war era, 1948-1952. The Marshall Plan provided an additional $13 billion in aid to European nations. Post-war relief from the U. S. totaled $25 billion. With a GDP of $258 billion, U. S. post-war investment in foreign countries totaled 10% of its GDP. For all Marshall Plan participants, the economic output was 35% higher in 1951 than the 1938 pre-war era. Poverty and starvation disappeared and Western Europe began two decades of growth in which it saw a drastic increase in the standards of living. This plan was a key element in European recovery and integration. It erased trade barriers and set up institutions to coordinate a global economy. Efforts were made to model European industrial and business practices using the more efficient American models. The Marshall Plan and the Bretton Woods system mandated free trade throughout the region. Through these acts, European nations standardized international exchange rates, set up the International Monetary Fund and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which is now part of the World Bank Group. The European Coal and Steel Community which eventually became the European Union has roots in the Marshall Plan. Today, the term â€Å"Marshall Plan†has become a metaphor for any large scale government program that is designed to solve a specific social problem. It is usually used when calling for federal spending to correct a perceived failure of the private sector. The Marshall Plan has played an integral part in establishing a global economy. References http://www. polsci. ucsb. edu/faculty/cohen/inpress/bretton. html http://www. archives. gov/exhibits/featured_documents/marshall_plan/ http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Marshall_Plan#Criticism http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Marshall_Plan http://en. wikiquote. org/wiki/George_Marshall#Essentials_to_Peace_. 281953. 29 The Marshall Plan By the end of WWII the political map of the world was distinctly shaped. The former allies in anti-Hitler coalition entered into the era of ideological, military and industrial confrontation the humanity had never a chance to experience before; a confrontation used to be known as the Cold War with its iron curtain, unprecedented arm race and the support of various regimes including those which built their state doctrine on the ideology of terrorism.The political map of the post-war Europe was divided into two political camps, a pro-Soviet Eastern alliance and the Western Europe exhausted by the bloody war. The natural disasters of 1947-1947 ruined the agricultural infrastructure of some European countries. Especially damaged was transportation infrastructure, as railways, bridges, and roads had all been heavily targeted by air strikes, while much merchant shipping had been sunk.By and large the small towns and villages in Western Europe had suffered little damage, but the destruction of transportation left them economically isolated. None of these problems could be easily remedied, as most nations engaged in the war had exhausted their treasuries in its execution. With the formation of the confronting political camps the urgent political and economic actions were required first of all to reconstruct the economy of the countries opposed to the pro-Soviet block and secondly, to restrain the further expansion of the Soviet Union in Europe.The Marshall Plan (from its enactment, officially the European Recovery Program (ERP)) was the primary plan of the United States for rebuilding the allied countries of Europe and repelling communism after World War II. The initiative was named for United States Secretary of State George Marshall and was largely the creation of State Department officials, especially William L. Clayton and George F. Kennan. 1 In fact the Plan was offered to the Soviet Union if it accepted certain conditions like the changes in the political system and the outer control.It was understood that the conditions suggested by the US Administration would never be accepted by the Soviet rulers. The general idea of the Marshall Plan presupposed the elimination the tariffs, close economic integration and it could be said that the Plan was the beginning of the Euro integration process which is taking place nowadays. The attitude towards the idea of the European reconstruction was rather controversial in America. First of all such foreign policy was new for the United States and changed the foreign policy of the pre-war isolationism.At the same time the lessons of the WWII showed that the global security could not be provided under the isolationism doctrine. The State Department under Harry S. Truman was dedicated to pursuing an activist foreign policy, but the Congress was somewhat less interested. Originally, it was hoped that little would need to be done to rebuild Europe and that the United Kingdom and France, with the help of their c olonies, would quickly rebuild their economies.By 1947 there was still little progress, however. A series of cold winters aggravated an already poor situation. The European economies did not seem to be growing as high unemployment and food shortages led to strikes and unrest in several nations. In 1947 the European economies were still well below their pre-war levels and were showing few signs of growth. Agricultural production was 83% of 1938 levels, industrial production was 88%, and exports only 59%. 2It was the objective reality that the United States was the only country the economy of which was not seriously damaged by the war and the bipolar nature of the post WWII world needed some action restraining the Soviet influence. The ruinous effect of the WWII was the fertile soil for spreading the Communist ideas and consequently the influence of the USSR which was not limited by the ideology only but by the growing military, political and economic presence.On June, June 5, 1947 Se cretary of State George Marshall gave the address to the graduating class of Harvard University in which he stated the preparedness of the United States to give the aid to European countries. The most important provision of the speech was that the Europeans should create their own plan of the economic reconstruction and the United States would finance such reconstruction. UK and France considered it necessary to invite the Soviet Union to join the European program of the post war reconstruction.Such appeal to Stalin would exclude possibly hostility from the USSR on one hand but on the other hand it was clear that the USSR would never accept the offer because the Cold War had already started by that time by the Soviet leaders. The major reason the aid was rejected by the Soviet rulers was that the Plan presupposed the creation of the unified European economy which was incompatible with the command economy of Soviet socialism. The US Administration considered the global economic stabi lity to the guarantee of the political stability and security which was stated in Marshall Plan Speech in Harvard.â€Å"It is logical that the United States should do whatever it is able to do to assist in the return of normal economic health in the world, without which there can be no political stability and no assured peace. Our policy is directed not against any country or doctrine but against hunger, poverty, desperation and chaos. Its purpose should be the revival of a working economy in the world so as to permit the emergence of political and social conditions in which free institutions can exist†. 3The position of the Soviet Union and it allies towards the Marshall Plan was rather predictable. Soviet rulers considered the Marshall Plan to be an attempt to destroy the Soviet domination in the Eastern Europe. The USSR allies influenced by the USSR, Poland and Czechoslovakia rejected the offered aid. Finland also declined in order to avoid antagonizing the Soviets. The So viet Union's â€Å"alternative†to the Marshall plan, which was purported to involve Soviet subsidies and trade with eastern Europe, became known as the Molotov Plan, and later, the COMECON.4 Some scholars consider the Marshall Plan to be a milestone and even a starting point on the long term global confrontation known as the Cold War. â€Å"Our analysis of the Marshall Plan will show that it was American policies as much as (and perhaps more than) Soviet actions that finally led to the division of Europe and thus to the Cold War itself. Many historians will feel uncomfortable with this conclusion; and it is certainly not a point of view that is popular with American historians, especially now. Nor should this much surprise us.After all, the Marshall Plan has always tended to receive favorable reviews within the United Statesâ€â€partly because few appear inclined to think critically about an act of generosity involving something close to $13 billion;19 partly because in the context of 1947 the Marshall Plan stood in sharp contrast to its shrill predecessor, the Truman Doctrine; and partly because of the huge reputation of George Marshall, whose role in the Marshall Plan was commemorated by the British government with the scholarships that still bear his name. †5Cox and Kennedy-Pipe suggest that the Marshall Plan was one of the major reasons of the division of Europe and it led to the Cold War. But this approach looks like that which is a little bit simplified. The confrontation of the USSR and USA was unavoidable no matter what political processes took place in the post WWII globe. First of all the confrontation was originally programmed in the ideological difference of the two systems. Nowadays we can observe the nominally Communist China and Vietnam integrating in the world market economy.The modern economies of China and Vietnam have nothing common with the traditional communist command economy. It could be said that the ideological basis of the modern China and Vietnam contradicts completely to the traditional communist approach to economy when the market and the competition according to classics of Marxism-Leninism are aimed to exploitation of the working class and prosperity of the ruling class. Nobody knows what kind of confrontation would be if the Marshall Plan were not introduced.One of the possible scenarios could be that the Europe remained in ruins, Soviets gained the unlimited influence and the greater part of Europe would get involved into the crazy arm race without any restrictive factor which would lead to the new global conflict. The Marxian ideologists interpreted the Marshall Plan as the manifestation of the US neo-colonial global policy. â€Å"US imperialism has never had need to operate in the traditional manner of the British, French or German imperialisms. These countries had to acquire direct political possession of the colonial areas in order to control, subjugate and exploit them.American imp erialism, with its overwhelming capacity to produce, has always used economic penetration as its main weapon of gaining economic and political control over another country. †6 The American Marshall Plan was heavily criticized both in the United States and abroad. The opinions ranged from â€Å"the betrayal of the American interests†to â€Å"the attempt of global domination†but there was no any reasonable alternative suggested. The political aim of the Marshall Plan as it was stated above was to restrain the Soviet expansion and influence in the post War Europe and the entire world.The United States and the USSR were two global superpowers which defeated the Hitler block. At the same time as it was stated above they have basic system ideological differences which in their essence were incompatible. The United States and the USSR were destined to confrontation due to such differences. The first post – war political initiative of the USSR was the creation o f the pro-Soviet block in Europe. Germany, Italy and Japan were destructed and demoralized to oppose the growing Soviet influence. The spread of the Soviet influence created the real threat to the entire world.What is more, the situation looked like paradox because the United States assisted to strengthen the position of its ideological opponent in the world. Due to its geopolitical position the United States could not provide the symmetric political presence in Europe. The Great Britain ran its traditional isolationist policy. France was not economically and politically strong enough to oppose the Soviet influence. â€Å"If Russia came to control Europe and Asia, this control could be founded only on communist dictatorships maintained against the will of the majorities of the peoples.The mere existence of a great free country like our own, to which anti-Soviet forces could gravitate, would then be a major danger (even more than it is today) to the security of the Soviet political structure. For this reason, the Russians would inevitably focus the full force of their economic and military power upon the destruction of our society, with a view to establishing here a regime subservient to themselves which would make no further trouble for them. They would hope that in this way the conscience of the world could be finally silenced†. 7Such attitude towards position of Russia was a little bit exaggerated especially when Mr. Kennan said about the direct Russian aggression against the United States but still it indicated the real threat of Russian influence in the world. It is worth reminding that Mr. Kennan spoke about the Soviet threat to American society in 1948 when there were only two dominating military and political forces in the world, the USA and the USSR, one of which started forming the military and political block risking the superpower global balance. It is worth noting that the initial confrontation of the superpowers was the battle for minds.The Europeans with their destructed economies had the options to choose either the ideology of Communism with its dictatorship and command economy or find the way to rehabilitate their post-war economies on the basis of free market and the United States entered this battle for the sake of the Europeans. The post-war situation is similar to that of nowadays when the United States faces the problem of battling the global terrorism including the economic measures. As Gordon O. F. Johnson notes â€Å"Today we are fighting for the minds of those throughout the world who are inclined to support and sympathize with international terrorists.Just as the aim of the Marshall Plan was to â€Å"drain the swamps†where communism was drawing support, so we today must â€Å"drain the swamps†where international terrorism recruits and draws its support. †8 The outcomes of the Marshall Plan are of great significance for Europe and entire world. The most important of them is that the United States and the civilized community introduced and implemented the unprecedented tool of collective reconstruction. It is worth mentioning that the post-war European economies were rehabilitated by the Europeans themselves with the assistance of the United States.The essence of the Marshall speech at Harvard was that the European countries were supposed to reconstruct their countries themselves and the United States was not supposed to interfere into this process. That is, the United States provided only the tools for reconstruction without imposing any dictatorship. Another important outcome of the Marshall Plan was that the former enemies in the World War II succeeded to join their efforts in building the new Europe taking away the political, economic and ideological disagreements of the former enemies in the bloodiest war of the human history.The Marshall Plan apart from its economic value became the factor consolidating Europe. â€Å"The objective of the Marshall Plan wa s not to solve the problem of poverty by handouts and welfare systems, but rather to foster successful enterprises which would create productive jobs with a genuine future. Jobs and a strong middle class were key to fighting communism. They were key for Europeans to rebuild from the rubble and offer hope for their youth who were the most susceptible to the message of international communism. †8The history of the mankind knows a lot of examples when the political and economic actions were imposed from outside. The Marshall Plan gave the brilliant example when the effective assistance program had the local character. It was taken as fair and sincere action because of its transparency and the complete lack of the outer dictatorship. It had a great ideological value as well indicating that people of the countries which were completely destructed by the devastating war were able to rehabilitate their economies and rebuild their home countries. Citation 1. Wikipedia 2. Ibid 3.Text o f the Marshall Plan Speech 4. Wikipedia 5. Cox and Kennedy-Pipe 6. Homer Paxon 7. George F. Kennan 8. Gordon O. F. Johnson 9. Ibid Bibliography †¢ Marshall Plan, Wikipedia, available at http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Marshall_Plan#searchInput, retrieved 9. 11. 2006 †¢ Text of the Marshall Plan Speech, available at http://www. marshallfoundation. org/marshall_plan_speech_harvard. html#top, retrieved 9. 11. 2006 †¢ Cox and Kennedy-Pipe, The Tragedy of American Diplomacy? Rethinking the Marshall Plan, available at http://www. polisci. ucla. edu/faculty/trachtenberg/cv/jcws(marshall%20orig). pdf, retrieved 9.11. 2006 †¢ Homer Paxon Marshall Plan: Road to Conquest Analysis of the American Way of Imperialism, From New International, Vol. 14 No. 5, July 1948, pp. 138-143. , available at http://www. marxists. org/history/etol/newspape/ni/vol14/no05/paxon. htm#top, retrieved 9. 11. 2006 †¢ George F. Kennan on the Strategic Background, available at http://www. marshal lfoundation. org/marshall_plan_information. html, retrieved 9. 11. 2006 †¢ Gordon O. F. Johnson, Lessons for Today from the Marshall Plan, CIPE. ORG Feature Service: Technical Paper Series January 2002, available at CIPE. ORG, retrieved 9. 11. 2006.
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