Defining the Purpose of Education

I believe the purpose of education is to provide children with a wide range of knowledge that will lead them into the future. The journey through education should be an enjoyable experience that they will always remember. The more fun a child has learning the more they will want to learn and the more they will want to be in the classroom. Students should be provided with an environment that is bright, happy, uplifting, and most importantly safe. Students should feel like their classroom is the safest place for them to be. Teachers should make sure that the classroom is equipped with all the essential safety materials. Teachers should set safety rules for the students and make sure they are always followed, to keep physical harm in the classroom from happening. Accidents do happen, so both teachers and students should know what to do incase of an emergency. Students should also feel mentally and emotionally safe. Students should not be afraid to answer a question, express ideas and opinions, or present a project. The teacher should provide the child with confidence to express his or her opinion with out being ridiculed by others. I believe that students should have fun while in the classroom. School is a place where many children make their friends and playmates. Students enjoy doing things with their peers, so I believe that working in groups is a great way to let students† individual intelligence†s add to someone else†s ideas so they end up learning from one another. It†s a great way for students to accept their peers† ideas and incorporate everyone†s ideas in to one finished project. I also believe that children learn though playing. This especially is true for pre-school and kindergarteners. There should be activities in the classroom that caters to every student†s different interests. Such activities center around art, books, music, building blocks, kitchen sets, computers, science activities, sand and water, and toys that will be familiar to them like the ones they would have at home. Through these activities and subjects that are focused on, students should leave the classroom with new knowledge everyday. Teachers should set rules for the classroom to keep the class in order. The student should know the rules on the first day of class and follow them everyday throughout the year. If a rule is broken, the student must face the consequences. This goes for homework assignments also. A child should know when homework assignments are do and if they are not turned in on time they will not be able to turn them in. It is the teacher†s responsibility to have control over the classroom and be in charge. It is also the teacher†s responsibility to make sure all of the students are learning the set curriculum. Assessment will be given sporadically to make sure that the students are learning what is being taught and that they are on the same level as everyone else. Assessments can be oral or written to test the student†s skills. Progress reports should be sent home regularly to let parents know the students† strengths and weaknesses. Parents should be encouraged to work with the children at home on the subject that the child is having trouble with. I hope that my students will remember my classroom and take along the lessons they have learned and use them throughout their lives. Teaching to me is the most rewarding occupation. Teaching children information that can affect their lives forever and to be able to reward them for the accomplishments is going to be the most fulfilling experience that I may ever experience in this life time. I hope that students walk out of my classroom satisfied with themselves and what they have learned in my class.

The Hunters: Moonsong Chapter Thirty-One

Why do they always want to be on top of buildings? Bonnie thought irritably. Inside. Inside is nice. No one falls to their death if they're inside a building. But here we are. Stargazing from the top of the science building while on a date with Zander was romantic. Bonnie would be al for another little nighttime picnic, just the two of them. But partying on a different roof with a bunch of Zander's friends was not romantic, not even slightly. She took a sip of her drink and moved out of the way without even looking as she heard the smack of bodies hitting the ground and the grunts of guys wrestling. After two days of living with Zander, she was beginning to get the names of his friends straight: Tristan and Marcus were the ones rol ing around on the floor with Zander. Jonah, Camden, and Spencer were doing something they cal ed parkour, which mostly seemed to involve running around like idiots and almost fal ing off the roof. Enrique, Jared, Daniel, and Chad were al playing an elaborate drinking game in the corner. There were a few more guys who hung around sometimes, but this was the core group. She liked them, she real y did. Most of the time. They were boisterous, sure, but they were always very nice to her: getting her drinks, immediately handing her their jackets if she was cold, tel ing her that they had no idea what she saw in a loser like Zander, which was clearly their guy way of declaring how much they loved him and that they were happy he had a girlfriend. She looked over at Zander, who was laughing as he held Tristan in a headlock and rubbed his knuckles over the top of Tristan's head. â€Å"Do you give in?† he said, and grunted in surprise as Marcus, whooping joyful y, tackled them both. It would have been easier if there were other girls around that she could get to know. If Marcus (who was very cute in a giant shaggy-haired Sasquatch kind of way) or Spencer (who had the kind of preppy rich-boy elegance that some girls found extremely attractive) had a regular girlfriend, Bonnie would have someone to exchange wry glances with as the guys acted like doofuses. But, even though a girl would occasional y appear clinging to the arm of one of the guys, Bonnie would never see her again after that night. Except for Bonnie, Zander seemed to travel in an almost exclusively masculine world. And, after two days of fol owing the macho parade around town, Bonnie was starting to get sick of it. She missed having girls to talk to. She missed Elena and Meredith, specifical y, even though she was stil mad at them. â€Å"Hey,† she said, making her way over to Zander. â€Å"Want to get out of here for a while?† Zander wrapped his arm around her shoulders. â€Å"Um. Why?† he asked, leaning down to kiss her neck. Bonnie rol ed her eyes. â€Å"It's kind of loud, don't you think? We could go for a nice quiet walk or something.† Zander looked surprised but nodded. â€Å"Sure, whatever you want.† They made their way down the fire escape, fol owed by a few shouts from Zander's friends, who seemed to think he was going on a food run and would shortly return with hot wings and tacos. Once they were a block away from the rooftop party, the noise faded and it was peaceful, except for the distant sound of an occasional car on the roads nearby. Bonnie knew she ought to feel creeped out, walking around at night on campus, but she didn't. Not with Zander's hand in hers. â€Å"This is nice, isn't it?† Bonnie said happily, gazing up at the half moon overhead. â€Å"Yeah,† Zander said, swinging her hand between them. â€Å"You know, I used to go on long walks – runs, real y – with my dad at night. Way out in the country, in the moonlight. I love being outside at night.† â€Å"Aw, that's sweet,† Bonnie said. â€Å"Do you guys stil do that when you're home?† â€Å"No.† Zander hesitated and hunched his shoulders, his hair hanging in his face. Bonnie couldn't read his expression. â€Å"My dad †¦ he died. A while ago.† â€Å"I'm so sorry,† Bonnie said sincerely, squeezing his hand. â€Å"I'm okay,† Zander said, stil staring at his shoes. â€Å"But, y'know, I don't have any brothers or sisters, and the guys have sort of become like a family to me. I know they can be a pain sometimes, but they're real y good guys. And they're important to me.† He glanced at Bonnie out of the corner of his eyes. He looked so apprehensive, Bonnie felt a sharp pang of affection for him. It was sweet that Zander and his friends were so close – that must have been the family stuff he had to deal with the other night. He was loyal, that much she knew. â€Å"Zander,† she said. â€Å"I know they're important to you. I don't want to take you away from your friends, you goof.† She reached up to wrap her arms around his neck and kissed him gently on the mouth. â€Å"Maybe just for an hour or two sometimes, but not for long, I promise.† Zander returned the kiss with enthusiasm, and Bonnie tingled al the way down to her toes. Clinging to each other, they made their way to a bench by the side of the path and sat down to kiss some more. Zander just felt so good under her hands, al sleek muscles and smooth skin, and Bonnie ran her hands across his shoulders, along his arms, down his sides. At her touch, Zander suddenly winced. â€Å"What's the matter?† she said, lifting her head away from his. â€Å"Nothing,† said Zander, reaching for her. â€Å"I was just messing around with the guys, you know. They play rough.† â€Å"Let me see,† Bonnie said, grabbing at the hem of his shirt, half concerned and half wanting to just check out Zander's abs. He had turned out to be surprisingly modest, considering they were sharing a room. Wincing again, he sucked his breath in through his teeth as Bonnie lifted his shirt. She gasped. Zander's whole side was covered with ugly black-and-purple bruises. â€Å"Zander,† Bonnie said horrified, â€Å"these look real y bad. You don't get bruises like that just messing around.† They look like you were fighting for your life – or someone else was, she thought, and pushed away the words. â€Å"They're nothing. Don't worry,† Zander said, tugging his shirt back down. He started to wrap his arms around her again, but Bonnie moved away, feeling vaguely sickened. â€Å"I wish you'd tel me what happened,† she said. â€Å"I did,† Zander said comfortingly. â€Å"You know how crazy those guys get.† It was true, she'd never known guys so rowdy. Zander reached for her again, and this time Bonnie moved closer to him, turning her face up for his kiss. As their lips met, she remembered Zander's saying to her, â€Å"You know me. You see me.† She did know him, Bonnie told herself. She could trust Zander. Across the street, Damon stood in the shadow of a tree, watching Bonnie kiss Zander. He had to admit he felt a little pang, seeing her in the arms of someone else. There was something so sweet about Bonnie, and she was brave and intel igent under that cotton-candy exterior. The witchy angle added a little touch of spice to her, too. He'd always thought of her as his. Then again, didn't the little redbird deserve someone of her own? As much as Damon liked her, he didn't love her, he knew that. Seeing the lanky boy's face light up in response to her smile, he thought maybe this one would. After making out for a few more minutes, Bonnie and Zander stood up and wandered, hand in hand, toward what Damon knew was Zander's dorm. Damon trailed them, keeping to the shadows. He huffed out a breath of self-mocking laughter. I'm getting soft in my old age, he thought. Back in the old days he would have eaten Bonnie without a second thought, and here he was worrying about her love life. Stil , it would be nice if the little redhead could be happy. If her boyfriend wasn't a threat. Damon ful y expected the happy couple to disappear into the dorm together. Instead, Zander kissed Bonnie good-bye and watched as she went inside, then headed back out. Damon fol owed him, keeping hidden, as he went back to the party where they'd been before. A few minutes later, Zander came down again, trailed by his pack of noisy boys. Damon twitched in irritation. God save me from college boys, he thought. They were probably going to gorge themselves on greasy bar food. After a couple of days of watching Zander, he was ready to go back to Elena and report that the boy was guilty of nothing more than being uncouth. Instead of heading toward the nearest bar, though, the boys jogged across campus, quick and determined, as if they had an important destination in mind. Reaching the edge of campus, they headed into the woods. Damon gave them a few seconds and then fol owed. He was good at this, he was a predator, a natural hunter, and so it took him a few minutes of listening, of sending his Power out, of final y just racing through the woods, black branches snapping before him, to realize that Zander and his boys were gone. Final y, Damon stopped and leaned against a tree to catch his breath. The woods were silent except for the innocent sound of various woodland creatures going about their business and his own ragged panting. That pack of noisy, obnoxious children had escaped him, disappearing without the slightest trace. He gritted his teeth and tamped down his anger at being evaded, until it was mostly curiosity about how they'd done it. Poor Bonnie, Damon thought as he fastidiously smoothed and adjusted his clothing. One thing was abundantly clear: Zander and his friends weren't entirely human. Stefan twitched. This was al just kind of strange. He was sitting in a velvet-backed chair in a huge underground room, as col ege students roamed around arranging flowers and candles. The room was impressive, Stefan would give them that: cavernous yet elegant. But the little arrangements of flowers seemed chintzy and false somehow, like a stage set in the Vatican. And the black-masked figures lurking in the back of the room, watching, were giving him the jitters. Matt had cal ed him to tel him about some kind of col ege secret society that he'd joined, and that the leader wanted Stefan to join, too. Stefan agreed to meet him and talk about it. He never was much of a joiner, but he liked Matt, and it was something to do. It would take his mind off Elena, he'd thought. Lurking around campus – and it felt like lurking, when he saw Elena, with the way his eyes were irresistibly drawn to her even as he hurried out of sight – he'd watched her. Sometimes she was with Damon. Stefan's fingernails bit into his palms. Consciously relaxing, he turned his attention back to Ethan, who was sitting across a smal table from him. â€Å"The members of the Vitale Society hold a very special place in the world,† he was saying, leaning forward, smiling. â€Å"Only the best of the best can hope to be tapped, and the qualities we look for I think are very Wellexemplified in you, Stefan.† Stefan nodded politely and let his mind drift again. Secret societies were something he actual y knew a little about. Sir Walter Raleigh's School of Night in Elizabethan England wrestled with what was then forbidden knowledge: science and philosophy the church declared out of bounds. Il Carbonari back home in Italy worked to encourage revolt against the government of the various city-states, aiming for a unification of al of Italy. Damon, Stefan knew, toyed with the members of the Hel fire Club in London for a few months in the 1700s, until he got bored with their posturing and childish blasphemy. Al those secret societies, though, had some kind of purpose. Rebel ing against conventional morality, pursuing truth, revolution. Stefan leaned forward. â€Å"Pardon me,† he said politely, â€Å"but what is the point of the Vitale Society?† Ethan paused midspeech to stare at him, then wet his lips. â€Å"Well,† he said slowly, â€Å"the real secrets and rituals of the Society can't be unveiled to outsiders. None of the pledges know our true practices and purposes, not yet. But I can tel you that there are innumerable benefits to being one of us. Travel, adventure, power.† â€Å"None of the pledges know your real purpose?† Stefan asked. His natural inclination to stay away was becoming more resolute. â€Å"Why don't you wear a mask like the others?† Ethan looked surprised. â€Å"I'm the face of the Vitale for the pledges,† he said simply. â€Å"They'l need someone they know to guide them.† Stefan made up his mind. He didn't want to be guided. â€Å"I apologize, Ethan,† he said formal y, â€Å"but I don't think I would be an appropriate candidate for your organization. I appreciate the invitation.† He started to rise. â€Å"Wait,† said Ethan. His eyes were wide and golden and had a hungry, eager expression in them. â€Å"Wait,† he said, licking his lips again. â€Å"We †¦ we have a copy of Pico del a Mirandola's De hominis dignitate.† He stumbled over the words as if he didn't quite know what they were. â€Å"An old one, from Florence, a first edition. You'd get to read it. You could have it if you wanted.† Stefan stiffened. He had studied Mirandola's work on reason and philosophy with enthusiasm back when he was stil alive, when he was a young man preparing for the university. He had a sudden visceral longing to feel the old leather and parchment, see the blocky type from the first days of the printing press, so much more right somehow than the modern computer-set books. There was no way Ethan should have known to offer him that specific book. His eyes narrowed. â€Å"What makes you think I'd want that?† he hissed, leaning across the table toward Ethan. He could feel Power surging through him, fueled by his rage, but Ethan wouldn't meet his eyes. â€Å"I †¦ you told me you like old books, Stefan,† he said, and gave a little false laugh, gazing down at the tabletop. â€Å"I thought you would be interested.† â€Å"No, thank you,† Stefan said, low and angry. He couldn't force Ethan to look him in the eye, not with al these people around, so after a moment, he stood. â€Å"I refuse your offer,† he told Ethan shortly. â€Å"Good-bye.† He walked to the door without looking back, holding himself straight and tal . He glanced at Matt, who was talking to another student, as he reached the door and, when Matt met his eyes, gave him a shrug and a shake of the head, trying to telegraph an apology. Matt nodded, disappointed but not arguing. No one tried to stop Stefan as he left the room. But he had a nervous feeling in the pit of his stomach. There was something wrong here. He didn't know enough to dissuade Matt from joining, but he decided to keep tabs on the Vitale Society. As he shut the door behind him, he could sense Ethan watching him.

Bad Day of Biking

The day we went bike riding in Adventure Physical Education tried me the most. We headed out; I was biking and talking with my friends. After the teacher leading us took us in the wrong direction, we turned around. At this point we stopped at a restroom. When I came out, everyone had left and they were going up to the fork in the path. I hopped on my bike and started pedaling fast to try and catch up because I didn’t know which path they were going to choose. I was pedaling faster and faster when my chain skipped. I flew half way over the handle bars as the bike fell on its side. My leg was caught under the bike and it skid along the concrete for at least ten feet. I didn’t know what to do, so I slowly got out from under the bike, assessed how badly I was injured and the condition of my bike. I had a burn mark that was half the size of my shin, my knee had two gouges out of it, I was bleeding and my forearm was gashed open. My bike was usable, but was bent and it wouldn’t shift gears. My teacher, Ms. Kelm, made us put her cell number in our phones so if anything were to happen, we could get a hold of her. I called her and there was no answer. I tried my friend’s cells because they were in my class. No luck. No cavalry was coming to help me, so I cleaned off the mess and biked until I found Ms. Kelm up the path. She gave me alcohol wipes to disinfect my wounds and I started my long and tedious bike back to our meeting place for lunch. I had to bike the rest of the day, otherwise I wouldn’t get credit for the class. I biked 40 miles that day, at least 30 of it injured with my bike on one of the hardest gears. That day had tried me the most, but I kept going because I knew I had to. In my life, when I’m faced with difficult obstacles, I just k eep going, looking for the right path and I don’t stop until I’ve found it.

Post Modern Paradoxs Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Post Modern Paradoxs - Research Proposal Example esultant concepts such as the social movement based on the modern policies are also undertaken to be able to achieve the aim of determining the issues and concepts that are related to the migration. The post modern paradox presented by Douglas Massey is used to describe the migration status in the international community. Basically, he described the history of immigration mainly on the economic aspect by looking to the motivation of people in relation to migration. These periods of immigration are driven by the different forces in the society, most specially the economic aspects. It has evolved from the trend wherein established nations such as those in the Western Europe sending people and immigrants to explore and conquer less developed nations toward the present condition wherein the less developed nations are the ones who have more people migrating on the basis of the need to work in capital-rich nations considered as receiving regions in terms of migration. In addition to such trends, there are other observations such as the movement of people in the modern era is distributed to different parts of the world. In relation the movements of the people, the movements of the different economic components such as the goods, capital and different forms of technology and information are also included in significant characteristics (Massey 2-6). The South Africa and the movement of the population can be attributed to two main reasons. One is the local migration within the region on the basis of job in certain areas of the continent that had been more developed. The more significant force of migration is related to people that are coming from other countries on the basis of the motivation to further develop the region. In fact, different international organization of economic perspectives and objectives are continuously making the region a site of migration receiving area (Massey 6). The situation in South Africa can be compared to that of the United States

Thank you for smoking Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Thank you for smoking - Movie Review Example He tries to explain the curiosity of the tobacco industry and the interest they have. This is usually misunderstood for being wrong as the world has a negative influence about it. The challenge arises when Nick has to go on a talk show of Joan Lunden where he has to face people who are against smoking and a person who has been suffering from cancer because of this smoking habit. (Dargis, n. p.) He tries to defend himself by saying that if this person suffering from cancer faces death it would not benefit the tobacco industry; moreover they'd be losing a customer which they wouldn’t want. Hence it is not the tobacco industry that wants the cancer stricken persons death but other antismoking vigilantesthat would benefit from the individuals death by making their contributions rise. Nick considers to be "trafficking in human misery". The way Nick advocates his point and proves all the antismoking vigilantes are wrong is a proof of his capabilities. Nick has mastered the art of ly ing and knows how to manipulate people in a way that they fall for him. The best thing that attracts one to this movie is how Nick practices this art of lying. Nick represented the monopoly of the tobacco industry on the platform he's been provided. The purpose behind this movie was to symbolize the image of activities which involve smoking as appealing and refined hence considering it be a habit interlinked to social and moral values. The personality of Nick is very impressive, and hence, one gets quite influenced by the way he speaks and motivates by the power of his words. Nick uses the force of the visual provocation to attract its viewer in approval of smoking. He knows that by developing a positive image of something it helps to persuade humans. Furthermore the virtues he depicted convinced the audience even more. During the beginning of the movie Nick works on the agenda of developing a positive image of himself in front of the masses. The purpose behind this was to lay the f oundation and to give credibility to the movie. Another thing that he flaunts during the movie is the moral flexibility that convinces and helps to build upon trust within each other. The way he knows how to play along with words and to mold them in such a manner that they turn in favor of him and help him to keep his audience away from the truth. The movie has a huge baggage of sexual activities and abusive language incorporated in it. The movie delivers a stark image of how Nick is successful in transforming words, changes and altering message, other modes of negotiation and various methods of communication so that he develops confusion in their minds and nothing becomes clear. The strategies used in the movie are merely to manipulate and leave the viewer in a dilemma. Furthermore, this film still exhibits the essence and the beauty of love although showing immense fraud, deceit and manipulation. Nick although being very stubborn and taking support of all sort of lies and tactics to manipulate others is influenced by the love of his son. There are many segments in the movie that show emotional bonding and an outburst of feelings in a very passionate manner. The change in the course of the movie comes at the time when Joey who is Nick's son makes him rethink and develop second thoughts about his work. The reason that joey gives him. Usually it is seen in such movies that the protagonist changes by the end but this movie turned to be different in such a manner that Nick just swayed, changed his target audience and used his art on them. This made him a hero in the eyes of his son and gave him a reason to be like his dad. In the end Joeys wins a debating competition proving that he's walking on the same lines as his father. The movie

Discuss how mass production transformed architecture by focusing on Research Paper

Discuss how mass production transformed architecture by focusing on either canonical works of modern architects or the works of - Research Paper Example This article shall discuss how mass production transformed architecture, mostly focusing on either canonical works of modern architects or the works of non-architects. Body The introduction of computers have transformed design processes as well as design economics as it has also changed the quality of products which can be secured. The design software which designers have come to use has shifted from being a discerning environment and concept to a more generic mass produced design. The quality, the artistic-focused design as well as the modified quality of buildings, mostly homes, based on architects have generally been indicated for the rich and privileged members of society (Mumford, 2003). However, the traditional concept of prefabricated buildings also includes in the discussion a different type of craft not often seen among the low and middle class. Prefabs seem to be the answer to the issues on governmental housing systems, emergency shelters, as well as the need to secure envi ronmentally friendly homes (Friedman, et.al., 2013). Just as museums have guaranteed for art, the prefabrication exports effective work for the general public. This is known as the commoditization of architecture and this paper shall further discuss the need for a strong interest in prefabs and related commoditization. Prefabs are generally an encompassing term. It is easily understood within the concepts of non-architects with great interest in architecture (Harker, n.d). It is often viewed with confusion by those who are not aware of design concepts. Prefabs also do not present with a specific definition, one which would allow for a strong appreciation and showing in the market. In general, all the houses are created in the US with prefabricated elements, but mostly, they do not have the necessary elements which would indicate that they are genuinely prefab (Harker, n.d). Modular housing is generally associated with prefabricated housing, but should also not be confused with manuf actured housing, within the concepts relating to construction quality as well as associated processes. Although the manufactured homes bring up different ideas on mobile housing, which are not nearly acceptable, modular housing presents more attractive site-assembled parts. Moreover, the Building Research Establishment in Scotland indicates that prefabs, whether they be of full volumetric indication or founded on component application, the need only covers construction applications, not the end-result or product (Phillipson, 2001). In general, there are different elements of prefabs: the kit home, the panels, and the volumetric modules (Blauvelt, 2007). The kit home refers to the parts which would be delivered on site, already packed with different parts to be assembled. The panels call for additional on-site work. One of the panels is delivered in large panels, including the walls, the roof, and floor; the rest are put together by skilled labourers (Buchanan, 2007). The module home covers a complete and defined prefab home. The different parts of the home are built in the factory with all the necessary parts built together, unless the different parts are used due to issues in the transport (Blauvelt, 2007). Moreover, the volumetric module is at 90% completion after shipment. As such, securing results from delivery to the handling of keys covers a

Job Saisfaction and empoyee motivation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Job Saisfaction and empoyee motivation - Essay Example I strongly believe that the culture of the organisation plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the employees are satisfied with their job. Corporate culture is the pattern of shared beliefs, attitudes, assumptions and values in an organisation which shape the way people act and interact and strongly influence the ways in which things get done (Armstrong 1994). Thus, according to information obtained from the official website of Google, it can be seen that under the leadership of Schmidt, the organisation has managed to inculcate a culture of strong innovation among its employees. At Google, the culture is that every employee has something important to say and what they say is an integral part of the success of the company (www.google.com/corporate). Accommodative culture is very effective as far as job satisfaction is concerned because it creates a sense of belongingness to the organisation among the members. Through the supporting style of leadership, the employees are motivated by various factors. They are given the opportunity to be part of the decision making process whereby a leader will mainly be concerned with maintaining effective relationships among the members of the group. Achieving the organisational task requires concerted efforts of all the members in the organisation so that the chances of having conflicts will be minimal. If they have the autonomy to contribute to the decisions that affect their daily operations, then they will be in a position to identify with the organisation since they will be part of it which is one great motivating factor. At Google Inc, it can be noted that the organisation has offices around the globe but regardless of the area, the company strives to nurture an invigorating, positive environment by hiring talented, local people who share the organisation’s commitment to creating as well as perfecting the popular search engine

MGT Leadership and Ethics Unit 1 IP Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

MGT Leadership and Ethics Unit 1 IP - Essay Example It is vital to note that during their day to day responsibilities, leaders make changes that would enhance their performance as well as the productivity of other employees. Such changes are not always acceptable to the employees or other managers. In this regard, a good leader should be in a position to address the challenges that arise from the organizational changes. One of the major ways of enhancing the productivity of the work force and increasing the profitability is by creating a culture of team work. Despite, the efforts by the CEO of one of my client organization to improve the performance of his firm, he is faced by resistance from some managers and employees. This paper seeks to analyze the situation and recommend the CEO on the steps to take. One of the major strategies that the CEO should emulate in order to effectively deal with the situation is to hold in-house meetings with his employees and educate them on the importance of team work. It is vital to note that some of the employees are not resisting the formation of teams not because they do want the idea but because they do not understand their relevance. One of the advantages of team work is that it results to the improved working relationship that enables employees to assist each other when faced with challenges. Additionally, team allows individuals to exercise their leadership qualities an aspect that provides them with opportunities to be promoted to senior level of management. The CEO should also engage with the employees during the formation of the team in order for each of the employee to feel comfortable. According to Nahavandi (2006), communicating with the employees and the managers is one of the initial strategies that the leader should adopt. In any organization, leading and managing are different aspects. While leading entails organizing the team members in order to attain the objectives of an organization, managing implies directing and giving instructions that should be strictly followed by the members of the team. Leading process is all inclusive where employees are free to provide their ideas to the leaders and the leaders can consult their team on certain issues. On the other hand, managing process does not allow for close intermingling between the managers and his or her teams. In his efforts to create a team-based empowered organization, the CEO is trying to lead his change initiative. As an experienced leader, he has noticed that there is lack of participation in the organization an aspect that other managers cannot detect. Contrary to the command and control style that other managers are adopting towards the employees, the CEO is focused at serving his customers effectively. In their studies on leadership in organizations Den and Koopman (2002), argues that a good leader should be focused at improving the productivity of his followers not by use of unquestionable instructions but by the use of all inclusive engagements with his followers. Based on t he resistance that the mangers are providing, the CEO can use different arguments to preside the managers. The CEO should advise the managers to resist from using the dictatorial style of management. This is based on the fact that apart from limiting the productivity and growth of the employees, the firm will not effectively compete with other firms that have now turned into team works. Similarly, the CEO should encourage the managers to emulate team work based

Program facilitator Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Program facilitator - Essay Example Among the possible opponents to the plan to reduce obesity among children are fast food shops like McDonalds and KFC among others. Obviously, fast foods that also include junk food materials are among the major causes of obesity among children. To curb or reduce the prevalence of the condition, the program has to encourage reduced consumption and proper advertisement of fast food materials (Bombak, 2014). Discouraging consumption of fast food materials among children and campaigns against deceptive television adverts about the food will work to threaten the business fast food shops. Successfulness of the program to reduce obesity will mean that children and other victims of obesity will consider reducing their rates of consumption of fast food, which will in turn compromise performance of fast food businesses. Businesses and individuals dealing in online and written video games are also potential opponents to the program to reduce obesity among children of 6-17 years old. Generally, video games have proved to usurp greatest part of time of children and sparing them limited time to engage in physical activities (Etow, 2012). Program to reduce obesity among the children of 6-17 years will include discouragement and call to reduce time spent on playing video games. If successful, dealers in video games will experience sharp decline in consumption of their products. To address opposition from dealers of video games, I would ask the producers to design games that limit playtime. For instance, instead of games that children can play the whole day, the proposed design should turn off a game after a particular period like 2,3,4 or 5 hours. This will help regulate the time that children spend playing a particular

A History of Playing Cards Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

A History of Playing Cards - Essay Example Henceforth, different games were invented and the manner of playing cards evolved. In European context, the origins of playing card were thought to have come from Egypt near Mameluks. The fragments found believed to be from the 1400, consisted of 52 cards with "suits of swords, polo-sticks, cups, and coins." Each suit was composed of cards numbered 1 to 10 while three of the court cards included "malik (king), na'ib malik (Viceroy or Deputy-King), and thani na'ib (Second Under-Deputy)." When compared to early Italian cards, they appeared to be similar. Some early names given to European court cards include naibbe (Italian) and naipes (Spanish)("The Introduction of Playing-Cards to Europe"). The early Chinese playing cards were made from paper and had suits drawn with coins and strings of coins. To Mah Jong players, these are the circles and bamboo figures found in the tablets. Islam introduced cups and swords to the suit without any human figures. This could be explained by the prohibition of Islam from using representations of humans in artworks or printed material. The French were credited for designing the court personages in each suit. The King of Hearts represented Charlemagne; Julius Caesar was the king of Diamonds; Alexander the Great was the king of Clubs while King David from the Bible was identified as the King of Spades (The United States Playing Card Company). These were still used in contemporary playing cards. In the 19th century Europe, the playing card faces were transformed into mini-canvasses as many artists executed prominent figures culled from history and literature. This was referred to the 19th century phenomenon of transformation cards (The International Playing-Cards Society). The cards were an innovative form of art but were totally unusable for playing games. England was a laggard and followed the trend at a later period. The English continued to cling to traditional designs despite the developments in other parts of Europe. The Americans were credited to have invented the Joker. From the French design, the Americans in the 1800's introduced innovations to the playing card. The Americans began using "double-headed court cards for convenience and avoiding the act of turning the card right side up. The surfaces were varnished for easy shuffling and sturdier to endure wear and tear from frequent playing. The corners were rounded to avoid corner tears and identifying marks were added to the corners of each card (The United States Playing Card Company). The backs of the cards were used as promotional vehicles and sometimes depicted with famous landmarks or trends popular at a particular period. Russell and Morgan were the pioneers in the manufacture of playing cards. The Bicycle brand was born out of the popularity of the two-wheeled transportation in 1887. The company debuted with Rider Back (The United States Playing Card Company). From being an exclusive entertainment for the rich and imperial courts, card games had since evolved for ordinary people to enjoy. Social Function of Card Games When card games were introduced in medieval Europe, a royal card party was frequently played in circular tables. In the 15th century, the site of play was a circular table

Trade Unions in South Africa and Argentina Essay Example for Free

Trade Unions in South Africa and Argentina Essay Introduction: South Africa is a country that is crippled by the heritage of the apartheid, this is because the struggle for democracy was a long and exhausting one (Budeli, 2009: 68). Argentina also suffered among the hands of the military regime, as the lives of ordinary people was accompanied with hunger and a forceful government (Brysk, 1994: 1). The trade union movement has been pivotal in both of the countries, as the labour movements were able to mobilise towards better countries. In this essay, South Africa and Argentinas trade union struggles will be discussed through a political-economic and historical context, and the essay will portray how these two countries share similarities and differences. South Africa: The Nationalist Party, which was a result of many Afrikaners going against the Smuts government, came into power from 1948 to 1994 (Baskin, 1996: 209). The apartheid laws came into full swing in 1948, where racial discrimination became institutionalised, which simply means that the segregation between whites and non-whites was enforced by the apartheid government (Baskin, 1996: 209). These laws played a large role in dictating which races received employment, for example in many cases jobs would be reserved for whites only, and were greatly protected (Baskin, 1996: 211). Trade unions had to struggle with political and industrial relations when trying to fight for the rights of workers (Baskin, 1996: 210). In many cases African trade unions (Black, Indian and Coloured people) were not recognised and so it was a constant fight to try and get recognised as legitimate trade unions (Baskin, 1996: 210). In 1948, the Nationalist government, removed the Industrial Conciliation (Native) Bill that was in effect under the Smut government, and it introduced the Botha Commission (Baskin, 1996: 210). The Botha Commission was greatly criticised by the government as it gave African trade unions the ability to be recognised and to receive bargaining rights (Baskin, 1996: 210). The apartheid government rejected the application of acknowledging the African trade unions, due to the relations most of them had with the African National Congress (ANC), (Baskin, 1996: 211). This was because the ANC became one of the non-white political organisations that  were going against the unjust laws that existed in apartheid South Africa (Baskin, 1996: 211). In 1954 the Minister of Labour introduced the Trade Union Council of South Africa (TUCSA), in order to gain greater solidarity from the white workers, TUCSA also made it clear that their association with African unions was non-existent in order to win over the majority of white conservatives (Baskin, 1996: 214). This brought rise to the South African Congress of Trade Unions (SACTU), also in 1954 (Baskin, 1996: 214). SACTU, made it clear that it was in opposition of the union and political strategies that existed within TUCSA, this was because SACTU posed a large threat to TUCSA, as they argued against the control of African trade unions (Baskin, 1996: 214). SACTU embarked on a journey and agenda that involved political mobilization of the African working class as they continuously became proletarianized by the apartheid government (Baskin, 1996: 214). But to importantly strengthen the political agenda by linking up with the ANC (Baskin, 1996: 214). In 1957, SACTU sent a number of invitations to TUCSA in order to discuss ways in which African unions can be recognised and that collective bargaining for Africans could be considered, even the Minister of Labour was often invited to these discussions and yet both the minister and TUCSA, rejected all the invitations (Baskin, 1996: 224). Examples of the invitations would be that of the local committee of SACTU, appealing to TUCSA for a joint meeting to discuss a statement made by the Minister of Labour about job reservation for semi-skilled and skilled workers, it also refused the invitation given, where SACTU asked for TUCSAs support for the Treason Trials Defense Fund (Baskin, 1996: 224). Therefore this shows that the African trade unions were trying by all means to cooperate with government departments and TUCSA, but they were not interested in any way. SACTU leaders such as the president, Leon Levy and the general secretary Leslie Massina were banned, due to the fact that they were in opposition of TUCSA (Baskin, 1996: 224). By 1959, the alliance between the ANC and SACTU grew strong, as more and more people began to recognise the movement, over 46000 individuals became members of SACTU, these members were largely factory based (Baskin, 1996: 225). SACTU continued to campaign and attracted many Africans (Baskin, 1996:  225). The ANC and SACTU began to draft the Freedom Charter, which was a manifesto of what a democratic South Africa would be, where individuals would not be discriminated against because of their race, sex or disability, amongst others factors (Baskin, 1996: 228). By the time the protest in Sharpville arrived in 1960, there were many grievances that were felt by the African working class, but the main reason for the protest, was to protest against the pass laws and other factors such as constant low wages and poverty (South African History Online, 2012). Pass laws were used to control the movement of non-whites in apartheid South Africa (South African History Online, 2012). The Sharpville protest was a peaceful one and the apartheid police opened fire on the civilians which resulted in a massacre where many lives were lost and so the African unions and ANC, SACP (South African Communist Party) began to intensify when Umkhonto weSizwe, which was the military forces used and occupied by the ANC, SACP and African trade unions in the armed struggle against apartheid (South African History Online, 2012). By 1965, many of the leaders of SACTU either went into exile, executed or were imprisoned at Robben Island and so the union activity died down, as there was no one to lead the organisation (South African History Online, 2012). SACTU was instrumental in paving the way for many of the other trade unions in strengthening their struggle for the working class. The instability in apartheid South Africa, forced the United Nations to condemn the apartheid policies and to request the members of the United Nations and the international community to also condemn the South African apartheid government by stopping any economical and military business they had with South Africa (Budeli, 2009: 68). But dominant companies like Anglo American, Barlow Rand and Gencor, grew tremendously (Baskin, 1991: 113). These companies were negatively affected when non-whites decided to go on strike in 1973, their main grievance being that of low wages, this strike led to industry in South Africa come to a standstill (Budeli, 2009: 68). It became evident that the workers had gotten stronger in the sense that they were able to form pivotal stries without any formal backing from the government (Budeli, 2009: 68). This led to the growth of many unions, which by the end of 1973 resulted in the government introducing the Bantu Labour Relations Act (Budeli, 2009: 68). The act was passed in order to control and  regulate the conditions of black employees, to also regulate the disputes, prevention of disputes and settlements between black employees and their employers, in this way the government was able to belittle any relevance or influence that the African trade unions had (Budeli, 2009: 68). This did not stop the strikes from occuring as they spread through put the country, and the isolation from the international community had a negative affect on the economy of South Africa (Budeli, 2009: 69). This led to the rebirth of many trade unions such as SACTU, and later in 1976 the Soweto Uprising intensified the need for a change in South Africa (Budeli, 2009: 69). By 1979, the South African government felt the pressure from the international community and brought to the table the Weihahn Commission of Inquiry (Budeli, 2009: 69). The Commission had its first report in 1979, as it presented fundamental changes in the labour relations system (Budeli, 2009: 69). The Commission, supported the freedom for all trade unions to make up their own rukes and regulations, amongst other things (Budeli, 2009: 70). The formation of the Federation of South African Trade Unions (FOSATU) was also in 1979, where there was central decision-making by a panel of executive committees which represent delegates from all the factories, with the sole role to promote shop floor development and organisation, FOSATU proposing that they will only work with the government, for all races to be able to register to a trade union (Baskin, 1991: 60). FOSATU paved the way for the formation of trade unions such as the National Union of Mine Workers (NUM) in 1982 led by Cyril Ramaposa (Baskin, 1991: 115). NUM was used to protest against horrid working conditions and better wages. In 1984, the government created the tri-cameral parliament, which fundamentally extended political rights and affiliation to Indians and Coloureds excluding black individuals (Budeli, 2009: 72). This made the black people very angry, and to further fight against the apartheid government strategies, the birth of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) occurred in 1985, COSATU formally allied itself with the ANC joining the organisation in the struggle against apartheid (Budeli, 2009: 72). The birth of COSATU was accompanied by a large strike, where a record of 185 000 work days were lost, during industrial activity in January 1986  (Baskin, 1991: 77). Official government records showed that 1985 brought the highest number of strikes in the last ten years, not knowing that the next 12 months were going to be pivotal point in South Africa (Baskin, 1991: 77). Impala Platinum, were in shock when on New Years day 1986, over 36 000 workers put their tools down, at the four Imp ala Platinum mines in Bophuthatswana, this created a large problem as the four mines produced over 30% of the worlds platinum (Baskin, 1991: 77). The miners were in protest against receiving low wages and having to work over time on public holidays without being paid for the extra time, and that their living conditions should be the same as that of their white counterparts, where they are allowed to receive access to marital quarters as well (Baskin, 1991: 78). But even more important, the workers demanded that management should provide facilities to NUM even after management had refused (Baskin, 1991: 78). COSATU had to form their structures, and so they decided to take a participatory approach, where the majority of workers were delegates, and there was mass participation in the decision-making, what was most important to COSATU was to ensure that the workers were taken care and this was done at constantly looking at the grass root level (Baskin, 1991: 112). By the late 1980s COSATU began to have issues within the congress where smaller unions like NUMSA, were unhappy and also conflict with community organisers (Baskin, 1991: 112). But such internal problems did not, distract the working class from the struggle, to the extent in which the apartheid government lost their tight control over the townships, and so the regime became increasingly compromised. By the early 1990s the struggle began to dissolve with the release of Nelson Mandela and the unbanning of the ANC, SACP and PAC and all the other struggle organisations that were involved (Budeli, 2009: 73). Argentina: The military government came into power in 1943, at this time Peron was gaining a lot of recognition and in many ways Perons ideology coincided with that of the working class (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 127). The event that occurred in 1945 on the 17th of October was fundamental in the Argentinen labour movement (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 127). During 1943  and 1944, Perons support base grew tremendously due to the support received from inside the trade unions (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 127). The event that took place on the 17th October, it was the mobilisation of the working class as they demanded the nationalisation of industries, profit sharing for workers, an extensive social security system amongst other demands (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 127). Peron used the event to his advantage by becoming allied with the trade unions by getting all the government employees and their unions to mobilise against the employers who were condemning the reformist social activities and soon to be policies of the military regime (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 128). Union leaders were often eager to ensure the linkage between the military politics and themselves, this was all in 1945 (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 128). Since Peron was the Minister of Labour, he introduced the Law of Professional Associations which amplified the power of the General Confederation Labour (CGT), and also gave the government the ability to allow unions legal status, as a precondition for collective bargaining, which was on the behalf of their members (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 128). Peron chose this way forward as a response to the train drivers, textile and shoe makers unions (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 128). Though Peron was becoming increasingly popular, other military rulers were not taken by Peron, and in actual fact wanted to remove Peron from his position of power, unfortunately for the other military rulers, this did not necessarily affect Perons campaign to win over the working class (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 128). In 1946, Peron was elected into office to be Argentinas president, his first mission was to eradicate the Partido Laborista, to make way for his new party the Peronist party (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 130). Peron created his own kind of ideology, and it was known as Peronism which meant the people and so Anti-Peronism would be enemies against the people (Di Tella Dornbusch, 1989: 91). The CGT became the foundation of the Peronist party (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 131). Even though Peron had succeed in wining over unions, some independent unions under Louis Gay, posed a threat to the succees of his office and in 1947, Peron executed the resignation of Gay, in order to have full control of the labour movement, and not allow the unions to have any political presence (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 131). Peron adopted a corporatist model in Argentina, where the employers, government and unions would come together issues that affected the country (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 131). This was because in many cases, the working class would be striking, and demanding increases of wages being part of the employee contracts and yet the employees continued to refuse, but the turning point was reached in 1948, where higher wages were received due to the increase in the amount strike activity (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 136). Most of these strikes were pleads from the working class, for the improvement of working and living conditions (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 136). Peron had big plans for Argentina, one of which was to turn Argentina into an industrialised country, this was done through the creation of a steel company but by 1950 the industrialisation faced a crisis (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 137). Perons economic policies faced a lot of negative comments by the Catholic Church (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 137). It became intensified when the Catholic Church began to use armed forces in order to make changes, the Church argued that it was no longer feasible that wages could always increase and that profits and capital to keep the companies was going to decrease (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 137). Once the changes were made to the economic policies, real wage began to decrease in 1950, and the economic growth rate fell (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 137). Strike action began to rise, from 1950-1954 there were 125 strikes and 4,006,204 working days were lost (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 138). Even through the minor economic crisis Peron still soared to defend the working class (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 137). In 1955, the working class, the Peron government and CGT had a confrontation with the military, middle class and Catholic Church, many people were killed and a massacre resulted in Plaza De Mayo (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 142). The military were victorious which resulted in Peron being removed from office (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 147). The fall of Peron, caused a period of political instability, which resulted in phases where different organisations would be in office from military regimes (1955-1958), to civilian interludes (1958-1962), or even a  combination of both in 1962-1963 (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 147). In that time span, the factory floor was forced to conform to the new modern strategies that were meant to lead productivity, but two points were important at the time, which is labour resistance and the bureaucratisation of the unions (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 148). The labour resistance was often known as the Peronist resistance as socialist and communist parties became instrumental in the deterioration of Peronism, therefore trade unions became divided into Peronist, Socialist and Communist Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 148), The CGT was often divided between provinces, which resulted in the persecution of many union leaders in the Peronist resistance (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 149). Vandorism became influential in the labour movement, this was because the Frondizi government, which came into power in 1958 had began to make changes in the economic policy, by promoting the privatisation of certain factories (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 152). The state had a confrontation with the labour movement when it was decided that Lisandro de la Torre near Buenos Aires (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 152). Vandorism was greatly a bureaucratic organisation even at the grass-root level, but eventually military coup led to the fall of Vandorism in 1966 (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 157). Military coups became the usual, when from 1966-1971, Argentina went through three presidents, in 1966 it was Ongania, 1969 was Levingston and 1971 was Lanusse (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 166). A new working class emerged, where there was heterogeneity growth, internal diversification and an increase in the decentralisation on growth of labour productivity (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 168). The situation in Cordoba, was a cause for concern as the strike activity in the area increased where workers were protesting against harsh working hours (44 hour week paid as 48) and they were questioning the power of employers in reducing the national wages due to the decrease in economic growth (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 169). Peron came back in 1973 as the president which did not last for a long time, because when Peron died in 1974, his ideologies died with him (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 187). By 1983, free elections had taken place, and the  military regime began to die (223). Similarities: Argentina and South African trade union movements possess many similarities. The first similarity that was noted in both of these case studies, is the commitment of the trade unions in changing the political and economical structures of the countries, as mentioned above, South African trade unions were in constant conflict with the apartheid regime when trying to reform the structures (Baskin, 1996: 210), the same happened in Argentina, when Peron and the trade unions were at the forefront of trying to move the militant regime, in order to satisfy the needs of the working class (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 127). Industrialisation has played a large role in the history of both Argentina and South Africa, and it known that the same patterns of industrialisation existed in the countries (Cooper, 2011: 19). The type of industrialisation that occurred in both countries is that of mass production and often on the manufacturing of engineering parts (Cooper, 2011: 19). The trade unions had a large role to play in the lives of the working class during the industrial booms of the two countries, for example in South Africa in 1986 many of the mine strikes that occurred in South Africa, trade unions such as NUM and COSATU were at the forefront trying to ensure that the interests of the working class are taken into consideration, which was mainly the improvement of working conditions and wage increases, the Impala Platinum strike mentioned above is an example of solid trade union support (Baskin, 1991: 77). In Argentina 1958, there were many talks of privatisation of the factories and this would badly affect the working class as the wages were sure to decrease, in particular there was an intense labour movement formed at Lisandro de la Torre near Buenos Aires, to protest against the privatisation of the factory, Vandorist unions were at the forefront of the protests (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 152). An important similarity would be that of both countries having the labour movements under harsh authoritarian regimes, where a bureaucratic model exists and only to those it benefits (Cooper, 2011:6). Therefore in most cases in both the countries there would be large mobilisation and resistance against the authoritarian rule, as mentioned above the trade unions were  instrumental in coming up with certain policies that assisted the working class (Cooper, 2011: 6). In South Africa, the policy of the Freedom Charter is and example of the trade unions mobilising politically and formally against the apartheid regime (Budeli, 2009: 68). In Argentina, when Peron allied himself with the trade unions, and ensured that the CGT was backing him, it was a clear indication that changes and policies were going to be put into place to loosen the authoritarian control (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 128). Both countries began to rely greatly on foreign aid and foreign investments in the 1950s and 1960s, this played a large in the restructuring of the economy to suit the needs of the foreign corporations than the people living and working in the country (Cooper, 2011: 5). In South Africa there was a large increase in the expenditure on machinery in 1956 and 1960 (Webster, 1985: 9). Argentina had the same thing happen, and the governments inability to effectively deal with the political and economic conflicts gave rise to turning point strikes in the country (Cooper, 2011:19). The last similarity is that the trade unions formed in both countries wanted grass-root democracy and often socialist economic transformation (Cooper, 2011: 25). In South Africa this was done by COSATU, by introducing shop floor delegates in order to deal with the issues that the workers were having directly, this was done in a participatory manner (Baskin, 1991: 112). In Argentina, Vandorism used heavy bureaucrac y as grass root organisation (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 152). Differences: The differences found in the countries are also vital in the comparative analysis. The first difference is that the two countries often had different ideologies in their trade union and political movements, an example would be that most of the trade unions in South Africa such as COSATU had communist policies, even the ANC which as mentioned was the political party that was against the apartheid regime started of with communist political backing with SACP (Budeli, 2009: 73). Whereas in Argentina, Peron made it clear that only his policies that he implemented were to be used and in any cases trade unions who were communist were often deposed by Peron, and so the only successful trade unions in assisting the working were the ones that allied  themselves with Peron, thus the success of socialist or communist trade unions was limited or non-existent (Munck, Falcon Galitelli: 128). South Africas apartheid regime differed from the military regime in Argentina, in the sense that it occurred according to race lines, this simply means that the African unions that represented non-whites were not recognised by the government and so jobs were often just reserved for white people, and there was no protection for non-white workers from the employers (Baskin, 1996: 224). Unlike in Argentina where the labour movement, did not have to concern themselves with racial issues directly. Argentina even under the military regime did not experience the international community condemning the actions taken by government to the extent of actually placing sanctions on the economic, social and political activities in the international community, whereas South Africa had been sanctioned from the international community which was felt directly by the working class as wages became lower and the economy was crippled (Budeli, 2009: 73). Conclusion: In conclusion, Both South African and Argentinas trade unions have been instrumental in the reforms that occurred in both countries. The trade unions were not only revolutionising against the undemocratic regimes, but in the process of doing the trade unions in both countries were highly influential in making the lives of working class better through the struggles that were fought against harsh working conditions and low wages (Cooper, 2011:19). Even though the struggles in both countries lasted for many decades, labour movements in both countries, have improved since the regimes occurred, in the fight for a stronger and more effective working class. List of References: Baskin, J. 1991. Strking Back: A History of COSATU. Johannesburg: Raman Press. Baskin, J. (ed). 1996. Against the Current: Labour and Economic Policy in South Africa. Naledi: Ravan Press. Brysk, A. 1994. The Politics of Human Rights in Argentina: Protest, Change and Democratization. California: Standford University Press. Budeli, M. 2009. â€Å"Workers right to freedom of association and trade unionism in South Africa: An historical perspective†. Fundamina. Vol. 15(2) pp. 57-74. Cooper, D. 2011. â€Å"Locating South Africa in the third world: Comparative perspectives on patterns of industrialisation and political trade unionism in South America†. Social Dynamics: A journal of African studies.Vol. 17(2) pp. 1-40. Di Tella, G., Dornbusch, R. 1989. The Political Economy of Argentina 1946-1983. London: MacMillan Press. Munck, R., Falcon, R., Galitelli, B. Argentina: From Anarchism to Peronism: workers, unions and politics 1885-1985. New Jersey: Zed Books Ltd. Webster, E. (ed). Essays in Southern African Labour History. Johannesburg: Raman Press.

The Glands Menagerie Essay Example for Free

The Glands Menagerie Essay A Streetcar Named Desire was written by Tennessee Williams in 1947, eliciting the most critical commentary of any of his works, as well as being highly divisive: upon its release, one reviewer defined it as the product of an almost desperately morbid turn of mind1; George Jean Nathan criticised the unpleasant2 nature of the play, calling it The Glands Menagerie'3. Williams focus on realism, and the subsequent omission of clear-cut protagonists and antagonists in Streetcar, also drew glowing reviews, from the pre-eminent theatre critic Brook Atkinson, for example, who called Williams a genuinely poetic playwright whose knowledge of people is honest and thorough4. This difference in opinion does not stop at subjective criticism of the play, but even the specific genre which Streetcar falls into. Many assume it to be a tragedy of some type, and there is indeed much to commend this view. However, the ambiguous nature of many aspects of the play and Williams inclusion of alternate dramatic devices has led many to believe that Streetcar should not be classified as a tragedy, but as a melodrama. In any tragedy, the tragic protagonist is of vital importance: everything is centred on the protagonist, their flaw and subsequent downfall. However, in Streetcar, there is large uncertainty as to who this tragic protagonist actually is. This equivocacy may be observed in the difference in artistic opinion between the plays original director, Elia Kazan, and the plays second director, Harold Clurman. Elia Kazan was a close friend of Tennessee Williams, who told him to ensure that Blanche (had) the understanding and compassion of the audience without creating a black-dyed villain in Stanley5. Indeed, from his directors private notebook, published in 1976, it is clear that Kazans sympathies lie with Stanley, who he sees as defending his household against the corrupting influence of Blanche: for instance, Stanleys seemingly crude violation of Blanches belongings in an attempt to find legal papers and his later physical violation of her person would have been justified in Kazans eyes, as the social incorrectness of Blanches intrusion into his domestic kingdom and subsequent undermining of his authority and values (Well if youll forgive me hes common! He acts like an animal Stanley Kowalski survivor of the Stone Age! , Dont hang back with the brutes! ) outweighs the respective incorrectness of his retaliatory actions (Come to think of it maybe you wouldnt be bad to interfere with ). As such, Kazans direction dictated that Stanley be the victim of Blanches actions. It was even reported that some members of the audience cheered the rape of Blanche in Kazans production, with critic Signi Falk noting the waves of titillated laughter (which) swept over the audience 6. In direct opposition to Kazan, Clurman reallocated the role of victim to Blanche, positing that Streetcar portrays the crushing of sensitivity (Blanche) by brute force (Stanley), therefore portraying the rape as such instead. These contradictory interpretations illustrate the crucial problem in labelling Streetcar as a tragedy, at least in a strictly Aristotelian sense: there is no singular, defined hero or heroine, both can be interchangeably depicted as victim or antagonist. There is even discussion as to whether Stanley and Blanche represent either. Williams himself seems to support this: I dont want to focus guilt or blame on any one character but to have it a tragedy of misunderstanding and insensitivity to others 7. This has only confirmed the ambiguous nature of the play, fuelling and perpetuating the uncertainty surrounding it and taking it even further away from the Aristotelian tragic ideal. Additionally, Aristotle dictated that tragedy should chart the demise of a great person, as he argued that their cataclysmic downfall due to hamartia would evoke higher pathos in the audience; Williams focuses instead upon the demise of people in the dregs of society, ensuring that there is no way that Streetcar could possibly be considered to be a strictly classical tragedy. However, it is still possible to identify aspects of classical tragedy in Streetcar, which further heightens the vagueness surrounding the genre which Streetcar finds itself in. There is, for example, evidence of anagnorisis leading to peripateia, a tragic device which Aristotle considered to be the mark of a superior tragedy: In Scene Three, after Stanley beats Stella and realises the error of his ways, he breaks into sobs and telephones Eunice, who has taken Stella in, in an attempt to talk to (his) baby, to no avail. This is arguably Stanleys lowest point, as Stanley has alienated Stella, leading to one of the iconic moments in American drama: Stanleys heaven-splitting cry of STELLL-AHHHHH! an outburst of animal desperation. This moment, then (if Streetcar is considered to be a battle between Blanche and Stanley for Stellas affections), is a victory for Blanche. However, in Scene Ten, the roles are reversed: Blanches telephone call for help is unsuccessful, and she is arguably at her lowest point of the play here, as Stanley shatters all her illusions and pretensions (Not once did you pull any wool over this boys eyes! ), uncovering her multitude of lies, which makes Blanche face the reality of the threat Stanley poses to her (i. e. anagnorisis). So, while it is plain that Streetcar is by no means a classical tragedy, it does include facets of tragedy as defined by Aristotles Poetics. There is perhaps a more credible case for Streetcar being a tragedy in a slightly broader sense: that is to say, encompassing the characteristics of modern domestic tragedy. Arthur Miller summed up the essence of domestic tragedy in his work Tragedy and the Common Man: It is time, I think, that we who are without kings, took up this bright thread of our history (tragedy) and followed it to the only place it can possibly lead in our time the heart and spirit of the average man 8. The conclusion of Brook Atkinsons review of the opening night reflected this sentiment: Out of poetic imagination and ordinary compassion (Williams) has spun a poignant and luminous story9. Miller argued against the Aristotelian ideals concerning tragedy: where Aristotle believed tragic heroes had to be of high social standing (for reasons above stated), Miller proposed that tragic heroes could be formed out of the working classes. Domestic tragedies of this nature became popular in the 19th and 20th centuries as a result of writers such as Miller, portraying the breakdown of a social construct, emphasising the distortion and destruction of domestic order. Streetcar could, then, be construed as a domestic tragedy, as it portrays the demise of the social system from the old agrarian South (as represented by Blanche) and the rise of the post-war urban industrial society (as represented by Stanley). Furthermore, Streetcar concerns the fates of Blanche and Stanley in the main, Stanley being irrefutably lower class; although Blanche is not as straightforward to categorise according to class, at the beginning of the play, Blanches demise has already occurred: she has already fallen from her previously high status, having lost her estate and fortune. Therefore, although Streetcar charts her descent into insanity, it does not show her fall from a high position in society, again rejecting the Aristotelian norm. It therefore seems as though Streetcar could easily be defined as a domestic tragedy, a judgement Dan Isaac agrees with: Streetcar is a modern tragedy, and Blanche DuBois tragic flaw is hubris pride of intellect and pride of sexual prowess10 If one tragic hero can be singled out, then it is possible to find their personal hamartia, and Streetcar becomes a domestic tragedy with aspects of classical tragedy. However, one prominent feature of Streetcar has yet to be introduced into the debate, and that is the huge emphasis on melodrama and expressionism.

International Relations Major In Diplomacy Politics Essay

International Relations Major In Diplomacy Politics Essay The Ph.D. in International Relations allows students to specialize in a specific domain of knowledge while gaining the recognition that is instrumental to pursue advanced careers in academics, think tanks, international organizations, or government research. A unique aspect of the Ph.D. program  is the very close guidance provided to students  throughout the dissertation process. The program takes full advantage of its location  and it offers access to countless libraries, archives and special collections, and provides an excellent venue for  conducting  interviews with diplomats and members of  government institutions,  inter-governmental organizations and NGOs. Curriculum International Relations Ph.D. candidates must successfully complete: Seven required courses Three  elective courses, including one area courses The international relations curriculum has a multi-disciplinary scope. Required courses cover the disciplines of international relations, political science, economics, international law, international organizations and diplomacy. The choice of electives is made in accordance with the domain in which the candidate wishes to pursue his or her research. Ph.D. candidates may take internships as part of their curriculum in order to develop a network of useful contacts and in order to combine hands-on experience with the scholarly work involved in the Ph.D. program. PhD International Relations Major in Diplomacy Required Courses Core Units Factors and Theories of Analysis in International Relations and Diplomacy Research Methodology and Design Foreign Policy Formulation and Diplomacy International Public Law Current Economic Problems and Policies International Organizations Current Issues in International Relations Elective Courses of Diplomacy Beginnings of the Contemporary Political Order Comparative Politics Anthropology and Politics Post-Modernity and International Relations and Diplomacy Issues in U.S. Foreign Policy COURSE DESCRIPTION CORE UNITS Factors and Theories of Analysis in International Relations and Diplomacy In an international political environment that is swarming with a plethora of events that we read in the day to day news, how can we make sense of it all in a systematic and informed manner, in a way that is theoretical, practical and in a manner that goes beyond the political talk? How can we find trends, patterns and generalizations for events occurring today, with those that occurred in the past and those that we are likely to see in the future? This course emphasizes the role of theory in the study of issues of international relations. Exploring a range of theoretical underpinnings to deepen our understanding of international relations, this course in theories and factors of IR and diplomacy helps us to achieve a greater understanding of the world and the diversity of its cultures with the use of theory. Knowledge of theories of international politics prepares students for understanding the world in a systematic manner, a world made smaller by the steady increase of international contact in society, politics, and business and allows students to acquire knowledge and tools that enable them to analyze and understand the complex world in which we live. Research Methodology and Design This is an introductory course in research methods and design for students of political science, international relations. Students do not need any previous knowledge of social science methodology, but they should already have some substantive political knowledge, and an interest in conducting original research. The aim of this course is to teach students how to gather quantitative and qualitative evidence through the use of established social science research methods and how to analyze that data logically. Starting with a brief introduction to the elementary principles of the scientific method, you will learn how to generate original quantitative data through doing an actual scientific public opinion poll with a probabilistic simple random sample. Then you will be trained in some widely used qualitative data-gathering techniques, including research using published and archival documentation, as well as field research techniques of observation and interview. This phase will include a mandatory field trip to the national library. Once the data-gathering phase is complete, you will learn the basic tools of data analysis: i.e. establishing relationships, testing hypotheses, and developing valid theoretical explanations. Foreign Policy Formulation and Diplomacy To understand Foreign Policy Formulation this Practitioners seminar takes you inside the black box of statecraft in order to study the goals, beliefs, and perceptions of decision-makers. Contemporary diplomacy as a norm-based activity and mindset provides an array of tools for preventive, persuasive and coercive crisis management for enduring stability and globalized security. These operational procedures of thinking and acting diplomatically including pre-crisis diplomatic communication enable us to deal with global and regional disruptive shock events. In the practice of International Relations there is interdependency between diplomacy as the procedural tool-box for the application and execution of policy decisions and International Law as the behavioral guidelines for international policy-making. International Law serves as the language for diplomacy to justify policy decisions. Course objectives: To develop an understanding of the techniques and tactics of diplomacy and international law To become familiar with the role of foreign ministries and embassies To identify the present trends of modern diplomacy, with emphasis on the role of the United Nations To equip students for careers in international affairs International Public Law The knowledge of basic legal concepts is essential for anyone working in or studying the field of international relations and diplomacy. The student will learn about the creation of International Public Law through treaties, customs and general principles. Particular importance will be given to the formation of these sources, showing how treaties are negotiated and illustrating some of the problems that written agreements can present, as well as the questions of equity and the impact and significance of unilateral acts on IPL. States will be studied on many levels, including defining the term state, identifying its attributes and determining how its responsibility can be engaged. Other actors such as international organizations will also be considered, and individuals as subjects and not only objects of IPL. Finally, methods of resolving international conflict will be analyzed from simple informal negotiations to the use of the international court system. The possibility, legality an d desirability of non-peaceful methods will also be discussed. Current Economic Problems and Policies The aim of this course is to equip future policy makers with the basic analytical tools of macroeconomics, and prepare them to assess some of the economic issues they will encounter in this area. Hence, building on the knowledge already acquired by the students, this course will focus on open-economy macroeconomics, with special emphasis on the recent business cycle, current global imbalances, and the exchange rate of the dollar. International Organizations International organizations have joined the list of the most important actors in global affairs. The course distinguishes two types of international organizations: intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and seeks to understand their past and present function in contemporary societies and international relations, focusing on IGOs and the UN in particular. The course also seeks to analyze information to examine plausible scenarios of the future role of IGOs and NGOs. Lectures address issues such as: the importance of IGOs and NGOs as actors in international relations; the administrative and financial structures of IGOs and NGOs; their political and social ramifications; their communication strategies and the role of public opinion in their creation, maintenance and growth; whether IGOs such as the League of Nations or the United Nations have been efficient in accomplishing the goals for which they were founded; what can an IGO or an NGO specific ally accomplish in international relations to advance peace, prosperity and to improve the livelihoods of populations; should IGOs and NGOs have so much power and since few of their administrations are elected democratically, is it in the interests of the state and of the public to limit their power. Current Issues in International Relations The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the diversity of contemporary issues in international relations, with a particular focus on the relationship between regional and global issues. The course will provide an overview of the dynamics of the international system, looking at the major features of the current world order. Underlying processes will be described, with an emphasis on three vital areas: the changing relationship between national governments and their peoples; global capitalism and global markets; and the conduct of global international relationships. The course will also consider a number of contemporary regional case-studies in order to obtain a more precise vision of the political situation of these areas. This will allow students to have a comprehensive overview of the international situation, with a particular focus on the changes which have taken place over the past twenty years. ELECTIVE UNITS FOR MAJOR IN DIPLOMACY Beginnings of the Contemporary Political Order The course is designed to provide necessary understanding of modern political institutions and the ideas that govern them, such as modern conceptions of democracy, human rights, the free market economy, rule of law and universal suffrage. Topical considerations will be explored in light of current events on the international scene. Post-Modernity and International Relations and Diplomacy This seminar is designed to familiarize students with periodization in political history, and particularly with the ideas and concepts related to the notion of post-modernity. The bulk of the seminar is an interdisciplinary exploration of economic, human, cultural and political dimensions of post-modernity. This interdisciplinary approach is necessitated by the simple fact that post-modernity is a multi-faceted phenomenon that defies a neat, clear-cut definition. The seminar will center on various socio-political and economic developments in the world since the fall of communism and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Particular attention will be paid to the concept of post-modernism developed by authors such as Kojev, Fukuyama, Baudrillard, Lyotard and the theorys relation to knowledge, politics and communication. Issues in U.S. Foreign Policy This course offers the student the opportunity to examine the concepts and theories used by scholars to make sense of past events, interpret and analyse contemporary issues and predict future developments in American foreign policy. The purpose of this course is to provide students with the tools to understand both the how and the why of U.S. foreign policy decision-making. The course covers: the principles and concepts of US foreign policy; sources of American foreign policy; the process, politics and structure of US foreign policy making; past and present foreign policies and possible directions for the future; and competing interpretations of American foreign policy. The making of US foreign policy is a complex process, and the decisions made have tangible and intangible consequences on the lives of Americans and people all over the world. Among other related topics, this course discusses the history, context, politics, structures (Presidency, Congress, Legislative, Executive, Jud iciary, Military, Intelligence, Media, Public Opinion, and Society) and processes that lead to the formulation and implementation of United States foreign policy.

Greek Theatre :: essays research papers

â€Å"Greek Theatre† Hello my name is Chris Gerald and I want to tell you about Thespis. The honor of the beginning of theatre should be given to one man. His name is Thespis. With his chorus he would carry his belongings on a cart whose floor and tailboard could form an improvised stage. In traveling from one festival to another eventually he reached Athens, Greece. He was said to be the first to win a prize at the newly established festival in the city of Dionysia. The great innovation that Thespis made was to detach himself from the chorus, and engage in dialogue in the character of god or the hero whose deeds were being celebrated. He was said to be the first actor as well as a manager. Thespis was the first unsanctified person who dared to assume the character of a god.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The most important feature of their costumes was the mask, said to have been introduced by Thespis. Masks were made of lightwood, cork or linen. These enabled three actors in a tragedy to play several parts each. It also allowed a theatre staffed entirely of men to Impersonate woman since woman were not allowed to be in plays. More than thirty types of masks are said to have existed. Each one showing age, standing, sex, fear, rage, hate, and despair.â€Å"My Greatest Fear†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Of all the fears in life, my greatest would definitely have to be the loss of my parents. My parents have had a great influence in my life. Threw thick and thin they have been there right by my side. I would be lost without them. My childhood memories of my mom are always warm. I can remember her tucking me in for bed every night. She always has good advice for me in every situation I am in. If I ever lost her it would be a great chunk out of my life. I wouldn’t have anyone to confide in. My dad is the provider for our house. I can remember one year he worked threw Christmas just to keep his job. That was a very sad point in my life. He always makes sacrifices for our family. He helps me the most when my mom and me are having trouble.

The Effects of Text Messaging on Young Novice Driver Performance Essay

Monash University (Melbourne, Victoria) conducted a study on the effects of text messaging on young novice driver performance; the results were published in February 2006 by Simon Hosking, Kristie Young, and Michael Regan. The study was sponsored by the National Roads and Motorists Association (NRMA) Motoring and Services, and NRMA insurance. This essay will cover the background to the study and accompanying information such as the research question, and the objectives. Secondly, this essay will analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the study. Lastly, the findings as a result of the research project and the subsequent conclusions will be discussed. It is estimated that about one-quarter of motor vehicle incidents are caused by the driver becoming distracted. It is expected that with the increased prevalence of mobile phones, there is potential for the number of distraction-related incidents to increase, with this in mind, young drivers need to be educated about the dangers of becoming distracted while driving. It was reported by Telstra that 30% of Australians surveyed had used their cell phone while driving and that one-in-six admit to doing it regularly (Telstra, 2003). The aim of this study was to extend the findings of previous research on the effects of receiving and sending text messages while operating a motor vehicle. The participants to the study were all aged between 18 and 21 years old, and were undergraduate students at Monash University. They were asked to take part in a practical driving test, as well as a pre-drive demographics questionnaire, a post-drive questionnaire and a subjective workload inventory. The 20 participants for the study consisted of people who were on their Probationary driver’s license; this... ...elated incidents. MUARC also suggests there should be harsher punishment to assist in deterring drivers from using hand-held cellphones while driving. The research highlighted a need for mobile phone safety awareness; the study provided strong evidence against the use of cell phones, not only for young, inexperienced drivers but for all drivers. The result of less distraction would be heightened road safety, and in turn, a safer community. Works Cited Conaway, M. (1999). Repeated Measures Design. Vanderbilt. Tennessee. Holah, M. (2009, 19 November 2009). Repeated Measures Design Retrieved 16/04, 2012, from http://www.psychexchange.co.uk/glossary/repeated-measures-design-263/ Telstra. (2003). Telsta, Police and NRMA Insurance join forces to target mobile phone use on Australian roads, Telstra News Release. Retrieved from www.telstra.com.au/newsroom

A Review on an Article: If the European Economy Is So Shaky, Why Is the

The article on the Economist, â€Å"If the European economy is so shaky, why is the euro so strong?† by R.A is explaining why and how the value of euro is still remaining strong, even though the economy of Europe is going through many struggles. Throughout the article, it is discussed how appreciation of a currency may not always be good improvement and what negative consequences the appreciation of a currency can lead to. The article also states how the moves of the exchange rates cannot easily be explained and goes into further details about the euro exchange rates. The article starts by stating that recently the euro zone has been facing a good trend of improvement in terms of economy and managed to pull out of the recession. In the euro zone, the unemployment is decreasing and worries regarding the crises are disappearing by the time. However, there is the fear of deflation. As the article continues, it explains how appreciation of a currency can cause problems that are very significant and serious. In order to better explain this point, an example of the US cars is given in the article; if US dollar appreciates compared to euro or yen while the price of the cars do not vary, it will be more expensive for the countries that uses euro or yen as their currencies to purchase US cars. As a result of this appreciation in the value of dollars, the number of cars exported will decrease in the United States. This is exactly the same reason why Europe has a fear for a strong currency; the strong euro currency makes European goods and services more expensive to other nations and thus, lowers the amount sold abroad. Also, since the households, firms and government is cutting back, the development and growth of the economy is highly dep... ...s products and services in demand throughout the globe, hence the euro's strength, at least as determined by the "demand" side of the equation. The "supply" side of the equation would involve to what degree the European Central Bank is pushing credit expansion, which tends to push the value of the euro downwards. In addition to this, the article uses some expressions that does not sound very right when thinking about a big economy as Europe; for example, it is mentioned in the end of the article that, â€Å"The surest way to bring it down is to make more euros†. European system certainly has a slow, hardly predictable response time, many variables, and its behavior is definitely nonlinear. Thus, using such a simple and straight forward expression regarding the exchange rate of euros may not be very right thing to do, even though it is a correct statement to some extent. A Review on an Article: If the European Economy Is So Shaky, Why Is the The article on the Economist, â€Å"If the European economy is so shaky, why is the euro so strong?† by R.A is explaining why and how the value of euro is still remaining strong, even though the economy of Europe is going through many struggles. Throughout the article, it is discussed how appreciation of a currency may not always be good improvement and what negative consequences the appreciation of a currency can lead to. The article also states how the moves of the exchange rates cannot easily be explained and goes into further details about the euro exchange rates. The article starts by stating that recently the euro zone has been facing a good trend of improvement in terms of economy and managed to pull out of the recession. In the euro zone, the unemployment is decreasing and worries regarding the crises are disappearing by the time. However, there is the fear of deflation. As the article continues, it explains how appreciation of a currency can cause problems that are very significant and serious. In order to better explain this point, an example of the US cars is given in the article; if US dollar appreciates compared to euro or yen while the price of the cars do not vary, it will be more expensive for the countries that uses euro or yen as their currencies to purchase US cars. As a result of this appreciation in the value of dollars, the number of cars exported will decrease in the United States. This is exactly the same reason why Europe has a fear for a strong currency; the strong euro currency makes European goods and services more expensive to other nations and thus, lowers the amount sold abroad. Also, since the households, firms and government is cutting back, the development and growth of the economy is highly dep... ...s products and services in demand throughout the globe, hence the euro's strength, at least as determined by the "demand" side of the equation. The "supply" side of the equation would involve to what degree the European Central Bank is pushing credit expansion, which tends to push the value of the euro downwards. In addition to this, the article uses some expressions that does not sound very right when thinking about a big economy as Europe; for example, it is mentioned in the end of the article that, â€Å"The surest way to bring it down is to make more euros†. European system certainly has a slow, hardly predictable response time, many variables, and its behavior is definitely nonlinear. Thus, using such a simple and straight forward expression regarding the exchange rate of euros may not be very right thing to do, even though it is a correct statement to some extent.

Case Study “Ebay in China” Essay

EBay first entered the Chinese market in 2002 by acquiring a 33% stake in its local counterpart, EachNet, followed by a full acquisition a year later in 2003. Critically assess eBay.s choice of market entry strategy for China, listing both the advantages and disadvantages of its acquisition strategy. As we know, eBay’s China expansion strategy can be considered as failure, despite the fact that eBay entered this potentially rewarding market with caution. This cautious strategy was very unusual for eBay, because they used full-forced, head-on, .be-first-or-nothing. strategy in other markets, for various reasons, it would be impossible to implement this strategy when penetrating Chinese market. So acquiring an already comparatively recognizable and well established brand seemed to be the best way to continue eBay’s expansion in Asia. Without a doubt, Each Net was the best candidate for acquisition at the time. When eBay acquired 33% shares of Each Net in 2002, it seemed to be hugely successful, because in year 2003 the value of Each Net had doubled and market share had rocketed to 85% – this initial success encouraged full acquisition of Each Net. As we know, the success did not turn out to be long-lasting, despite the fact that in first few years the performance of the company was brilliant. While acquisition of Each Net meant many advantages for eBay, it also implied serious disadvantages. Advantages of Each Net acquisition: †¢Each net had strong financial backing from large venture capital companies †¢Immense market potential – 1,23 billion Chinese language speakers all around the world †¢Rapidly increasing number of internet users in China – increasing number of potential customers †¢Each Net in essence was an imitation of eBay, adjusted to fit Chinese customer needs, but with much greater recognition in China †¢Increasing popularity of shopping online (also by using Each Net) in China. †¢Well established image of Each Net in China †¢High Each Net market share (about 50%) in year 2002 †¢Wide range of different items sold through Each Net †¢Only significant player in online auction market in China by year 2002 was Each Net Disadvantages of Each Net acquisition: †¢Cultural differences and buying habits of Chinese. †¢Huge investments required †¢Unpredictability of the fast-changing Chinese market – huge risks †¢Emerging competitors – TaoBao (Alibaba subsidiary), which outcompeted eBay Each Net in future, by better adjusting to Chinese customer needs and buying habits †¢Alibaba had more established presence in China and much better knowledge of Chinese customers – reason for increasing lack of consumer trust in eBay Each Net in future †¢Each Net failed to create customer trust in future, while TaoBao succeeded †¢Chinese refusal of adopting traditional eBay practices (Pay Pal etc.) †¢Lack of interaction possibilities between buyer and seller, provided by eBay Each Net – important for Chinese, TaoBao was much better in this aspect †¢Comparatively poor customer service In conclusion, this acquisition, which was probably the right step by eBay, turned out to be failure, despite the fact, that at first it seemed to be a huge success. In my opinion it is because eBay’s management was so overwhelmed with the initial success, that they lost caution – they were very conscious at beginning but failed to adjust to customer needs, they did not pay enough attention to them, which led to eBay Each Net to situation where they were outcompeted by TaoBao in Chinese market. Question 2 Assess the potential benefits and risks of eBay’s joint venture with Tom Online. In an eBay’s and TOM Online formed joint venture there are some benefits as well as some risks. One of the benefits is that TOM Online is a Chinese domestic brand, which is much better for consumers of China. They mostly  like well known Chinese internet brands. TOM Online is a market leader in China in sphere of mobile value-added services and has an internet portal, which is one of the biggest and most popular in china, it means that TOM Online is a well know brand in China and is rapidly recognized in the internet. TOM Online has a good experience in cooperation with Skype and has given great results in it. This shows that TOM Online knows how to present new product in the market and how to increase its market share, which is essential for eBay at the moment. All the aspects of TOM Online show that this company has a great and efficient knowledge of Chinese market and exactly this feature is very necessary for eBay to gain good results. In addition, political connections of the TOM Online can be very helpful in Chinese market, especially in nowadays and situation in China. Risks of this joint venture are not as great as benefits, but there is a risk to loose a chance to strengthen the eBay brand, because Chinese customers will be focused on the TOM Online and EachNet. There also is a risk of loosing big amounts of money, because TOM Online has a 2% bigger ownership, but in amount of money, eBay invests two times more money, however the success of the TOM EachNet depends more on TOM Online. There also can be assessed as a risk point, that TOM Online is focused on mobile value-added services and their target audience is generally young consumers, but eBay target audience is a little older. Question 3 eBay will have a 49% stake in the new joint venture while Tom Online will have 51% ownership. Critically assess both companies’ decisions on their respective percentage of stake In our opinion E-Bay’s decision to joint venture with TOM Online was a great success. Although E-Bay is a giant and successful company in US and has successfully expanded worldwide, China is a â€Å"Hard-Nut† for them. China’s cultural differences and moral values lead them to face some difficulties in setting up eBay business. Chinese people still trust their own companies more and respect them. TOM Online is a successful company with a good reputation and has already gained trust of millions of customers. Their activity area is also not far from eBay’s – mainly internet and other IT services, and mobile entertainment. TOM Online was also expanding rapidly and cooperating with various influential companies as for example Skype. But lately they also had a decrease in revenues so joint venture also was an opportunity for them. That way they widened their service range and that meant new opportunities. Why eBay 49% ownership and 51% to TOM Online? Why then eBay still invests more? And why the term ‘eBay’’ disappears from the name of this joint venture – â€Å"TOM Eachnet†. We think that that is quite obvious. There are several factors which explain this situation. As we already know the Chinese culture is very different and trust and respect are very substantial terms. So by erasing the US brand name from the joint venture name people would trust it more. Moreover both TOM and Each net are known as local brands. In this joint venture TOM invests US$20 million and contributes its local knowledge, technology and brand value, which are much more valuable than money – this explains why eBay invests twice as more. Moreover TOM Online has very important persons among their shareholders. This joint venture would open a whole new market segment for both – eBay and also TOM Online, allowing them to fulfill and widen significantly together. They can also let eBay into â€Å"mobile world†. As we all know – China has been always very different and that is the reason why setting up a stable, successful company has been a â€Å"hard battle† for others. But it is also a huge amount of customers (almost 1, 5 billion) which then means a great revenue if succeed. eBay EachNet understood than they are too unstable and the stakes are too high, so the joint venture with TOM Online and creating TOM EachNet was the best opportunity. Question 4 Strategic recommendation on International Commercial Strategy for E-Bay Increase revenues by capturing more customers Increase of the customer base will positively contribute to increase in revenues, customer loyalty schemes may be developed further in order to ensure that more people fall into the category of loyal customers, the services could be improved in order to serve some customized customer needs, a wider advertising campaign may be carried out in order to appeal to a wider market segment, perhaps even trying to work with some niches of the market providing solutions to their problems, satisfying their needs and wants. Look into new pay system or create own (PayPal only in 38 countries) Increasing the number of ways how customers can pay for their purchases will ensure that revenues grow and that a wider appeal will be given to the company – the services will be interesting both to credit card owners, pay pal users thus ensuring that customers can choose the method in which they would like to pay for their purchase – this method will also contribute to the solution of security concerns since people will be able to choose the method they consider to be the safest one. The Company should look at acquiring shopping comparison sites and vertical search engines to drive traffic and acquire consumers. Ebay should also consider how they can compete with Myspace, facebook and youtube, because a lot of selling is made through these sites, like google adwords is giving great traffic to Ebay, it is also a rival to Ebay, it proposes other similar sites. Company could also enlarge to the mobile sphere. Make eBay available for on mobile phones and PDA’s and others. As that is one of TOM Online activity sphere, it could be easily done and there is already an available previously formed customer group, who could be also very interested in this kind of service.