Monday, September 30, 2019
Christmas Carol Text Repsonse Essay
â€Å"In A Christmas Carol, Dickens delivers strong criticisms of the society in which he lives. Discuss†A Christmas Carol written by one of the most influential social reform novelists of the nineteenth century, Charles Dickens, delivers very harsh criticisms of Victorian London. Dickens presents these criticisms through the behaviour of the novella’s protagonist, Ebenezer Scrooge. His character displays everything that Dickens perceives as being wrong in Victorian society. His treatment of the poor and destitute, the treatment of his employee Bob Crachit and the weak relationships he keeps with family are all indirect criticisms by the renowned author, Dickens. The poor in Victorian London were left in very poor living conditions, and were essentially ignored by the upper class. There was a huge segregation between the lower class and upper class. Dickens implies that those with excessive wealth and power had a responsibility to take care of those less fortunate than themselves. This idea is explored between the relationship of Scrooge and his clerk, Bob Crachit. Scrooge is completely ignorant of his responsibilities and duties to Crachit. When asked what donations Scrooge would like to give to the poor, he simply states â€Å"Nothing!†. This shows that Scrooge (and the upper class society) simply have no compassion or consideration for the poor living below them. The children ignorance and want are an addition by dickens to send a simple message, to help out those in want, and beware of ignorance in oneself and others. The main protagonist of the story, Ebenezer Scrooge embodies the worst qualities of Victorian society. Obsessed with accumulating wealth and with no concern for his beleaguered employee, Scrooge is an allegorical representation of the forces of capitalism driving the industrial economy at the time. The treatment of loved ones and relationships are key in A Christmas Carol. The main relationship emphasized by Dickens is the relationship between Scrooge and his nephew, Fred. Scrooge does not even slightly value his relationship with Fred. He refuses any affection or invitations given by Fred, shows no interest in Fred’s life and does not show any remorse towards these actions. This is also a criticism by Dickens. He is implying that the excessive and overbearing need for wealth and power ruin the relationships shared between people. In Scrooge, this is not only shown through his lack of a relationship with Fred, but also with his relationship with Belle, and ultimately its downfall. The festive and face value of A Christmas Carol provides an entertaining and light-hearted story for readers. However, beneath this heart-warming transformation of a character there are strong criticisms of Victorian society delivered by Dickens. He criticizes the way that the poor are left to fend for themselves in terrible conditions, the way the poor are treated by the upper class tear of society, and through the use of weak value placed relationships with family and friends during the time. Dickens novella was intended to point out the flaws in the society in which he lived and make it’s readers aware and cautious of these near fatal traits.
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Keri 2006 Advertising Campaign Essay
This is a 2006 advertising campaign of Keri new skin-care product, Keri Nourishing Shea Butter lotion. It is a remake and reproduction of a well-known painting â€Å"La Grande Odalisque†by French artist Jean-August-Dominique Ingres. The written message states this â€Å"experience the timeless beauty of being a woman with Keri Shea Butter. Enriched with nourishing Vitamin E, it makes skin feel truly touchable†. It seemingly means that this new product can help improve the consumer’s skin performance. But indeed, this ad contains intended meanings which include symbolic properties and commodity fetishism. First of all, this Keri’s ad produces symbolic meanings. In this ad, it is not a simply a case that the conventions and themes of an artist or a style are copied, but rather it is a carefully and close reproduction of the original painting. If we compare it to the origin, the head cover, the fan and pose of the nuked woman is almost the same. The product itself has no meaning. However this careful reproduction of particular elements obvious makes the ad as a reference to the original painting, a classic and wide international recognized work of art which is meaningful to most consumers. As a masterwork of art in the history, the painting is regarded as an important icon of an immortal and timeless signifier of classical female beauty. By creating correlation between the ad and Ingres’ painting, the image, ideas of Ingres’ panting become attached to Keri’s new product. The sexy female nude, the material object, becomes the signifier, and it signified the idea of timeless female beauty. Therefore, Keri’s new product becomes a sign of timeless female beauty. Moreover, the advertisement creates differentiation between new product and the other products in the same series (Williamson, 1978, p24). Keri’ ad introduces a new product that is enriched with nourishing Vitamin E, an important element to make skin smooth and vibrant. In fact, there are more six more products in this category. The function and content of Keri Nourishing Shea Butter make it unique and independent to other product, such as Original, Advanced and Moisture Rich Oil. In addition, the advertisement makes the product and a feeling of â€Å"experience of the timeless beauty of being a woman†equal in value. Every woman wants to be beautiful and timeless. However money cannot buy you beautiful and timeless. Thus, by generating a connection between Keri’s product and feeling, it adds a value to timeless beauty, because money can buy Keri’s product. Secondly, the Keri’s lotion product exists as a commodity in the market place. The lotion has a nature priority of making skin smooth. As Marx says the nature priority decides the use value (Marx, 1867). The use value of Keri’s product is to improve your skin quality. In Capital, Marx says the objective form of social relations is called reification (1867). As the advertising campaign says â€Å"experience the timeless beauty of being a woman with Keri Shea Butter†, the consumers will experience â€Å"timeless beauty of being a woman†if they purchase and consume the product. The human relationship of timeless beauty is expressed in a commodity form of lotion. The abstracted social relations are taken out of their actual organic context†, abstraction separates the use value and exchange value of a commodity (Goldman, 1992, p21). In this ad, the meaning of using its product is transformed into the experience of timeless beauty. In this process, the exchange value of Keri’s product now refer to the timeless beauty. It equivalents the value of the product and the value of a history work of art of beauty female by putting the product and reproduction image together into the same frame.
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Criminal profiling and the types of crime Essay
Crime Murder is the unlawful taking of human life It is a behavioral act that terminates life in the context of power, personal gain, brutality, and sometimes sexuality. Murder is a subcategory of homicide, which also includes lawful taking of human life, such as, manslaughter, deaths resulting from criminal and non- criminal negligence, and unpremeditated vehicular deaths (Megargee, 1982) With murder there are murders who sometimes go on for months without being caught for the murders they have done. But eventually, the murder catches on to them through the behavior of the murder. Behavior reflects the personality, everything observed at a crime scene tells a story and reflects something about the unknown subject who committed the crime. (Ressler, Burgess, & Douglas, 1988) Modus operandi and victimology are very important factors in an investigation. These terms could link a murder to different scenes of crime that they committed that they are not yet charged with. Modus operandi is t he method of procedure or a method of operation that suggests the work of one crime to other crimes. Victimology is the study of victims of crime. The offender often leaves signatures (something repeated at each crime, like slashes in the throat and a bullet between the eyes) which can point a profiler at the offender’s personality. Criminal Profiling Do you ever wonder what criminal profilers do? Criminal filer is a job that is different from other jobs people have. â€Å"Criminal profiling is defined and described as a technique whereby the probable characteristics of a criminal offender or offenders are predicted based on the behaviors exhibited in the commission of a crime.†(Kocsis 2006, p. 1) Due to a various amount of crime shows and social media criminal profiling meaning is often misinterpreted and the job is mixed up. Criminal profiler often examines the work a murder does and figures out their personality through crime. There are many different kinds of murderers and types of murders ranging from mass homicide, rape, computer crimes, etc. Homicide. Homicide can be classified by the number of victims, style, and type of homicide. One person is defined as a signal homicide, two victims killed in the same location around the same time is a double homicide and lastly, a triple homicide is three victims killed in the same location around the same time. Unlike homicide mass murders have â€Å"two subcategories of mass murder: classic mass murder and family mass murder. A      classic mass murder involves one person operating in one location at one period of time,   which could be minutes or hours or even days†¦The second type of mass murder is family mass murder. If four or more family members are killed and the perpetrator takes his own life, it is classified as a mass murder-suicide. Without the suicide and with four or more victims, the murder is classified as a family mass murder.†(Ressler, Burgess, & Douglas,     1988) Usually, someone that commits a mass murder is a men tally ill individual whos problems have increased to the point where they act to groups of people who are unrelated to the problems. A Spree murder is a single event with more than one location and no cooling off to think before another murder. A Serial murder is three or more events in three or more separate locations with a cooling off time. Gang motivated murder is the murder of a group of three or more that sometimes ends in homicide. Arson and Bombing. Arson is the crime of fire with the intent of harming someone or something. Arson is very hard to investigate due to all the debris, collapsed buildings, and ashes. But when investigating a fire scene you are to find where the fire originated from or started. If the fire does not seem to look like an accident it is a person. Crime scene investigators usually note from arsons that organized arsonist have electronic timing mechanisms, less evidence they were there, and have items to start fires with them. While disorganized crime has the materials with them on hand like cigarettes or lighter fluid, and they leave physical evidence. Aerial bombing is when one attacks a public place where there are to be a lot of people. Rape and Sexual Assault. Rape and sexual assault include criminal offenses in which victims are forced or coerced to participate in sexual activity. Physical violence may or may not be involved. (Ressler, Burgess, & Douglas, 1988) Usually victims of rate are put into different categories depending on how old you are. Adults; at least eighteen years old and have the exception for mentally ill, brain impaired, or psychotic, adolescents; thirteen to seventeen years old who have reached puberty, children; twelve year of younger, lastly elders who are sixty or older. When someone reports a rape case the investigators are to see if it was a situational or preferential sexual motives. Examples of both situational and preferential sexual motives are described below: Situationally motivated sexual assaults are those committed to fulfill sexual and other       needs without the elements of the offense being necessary for arousal or gratification (such as raping a woman because she is available and vulnerable). Preferentially motivated sexual assaults are those committed to fulfill sexual and other needs with some elements of the offense being necessary for arousal or gratification (for example, raping a woman because the offender cannot feel aroused or gratified without an unwilling partner). (Ressler, Burgess, & Douglas, 1988) Sexual rituals are patterns of behavior or rituals that are hard for the rapist to change. Both preferential and situational sex offenders may have an MO, but the preferential offender is more likely to have a sexual ritual. (Ressler, Burgess, & Douglas, 1988) Nonlethal crimes. There are criminal acts that begin as, and sometimes remain, nonlethal crimes. In some of the crimes, such as burglary, threats, and stalking, there may be no physical contact, and the victim is not physically injured. But the victim may fear for their life or the life of loved ones, so it is suggested you report these crimes to police. Communication threats are to cause harm by a threat, terrorist threats are a good example of a communication threat. Direct threats are aimed at a certain person while indirect threats are told in a vague manner. There are also written, letter, and symbolic threats to where something is sent to you or placed on a desk or inside a mailbox. We often hear physical threats a lot, our parents may threaten us by telling us they will take our phones if we do not do good on the test. Stalking is often another form of nonlethal crime, stalking is a form of following. Robbery is taking something that is not there, The element of force differentiates robbery from embezzlement, larceny, and other types of theft. Armed robbery involves the use of a weapon. High- way robbery takes place outside and in a public place. Carjacking is the act of stealing a car from a victim, usually at gunpoint. Bank robbery is the robbing of banks and financial institutions. (Ressler, Burgess, & Douglas, 1988) Computer and cybercrime. Not all crimes are going to be involved in person or through a threat some crimes are involved with cyber and computers. Computer crimes are when someone hacks into a computer system and puts malware that messes up and destroys the computers walls so that the person can take over the computer or destroy it. Virus are a good start to this computer crimes, virus are embedded in emails or music that we download illegally that damages the software or hardware on the computer. A worm is a code that damages computer files or slows the computer down, which comes from other programs like emails. Trojan horses are programs placed on a computer to send and take information and send it to computer user who used the trojan. Cyberstalking is a use of following a target through social media which is typically like stalking. Money laundering is a crime used to make illegal funds appear to be legal. (Ressler, Burgess, & Douglas, 1988) Bank Fraud is when money is illegall y obtained from on bank account and put into a different bank account. Cybercrime is costing the world $110 billion every year. But according to McAfee Inc. the cost is actually approximately $1 trillion. With all this money being spend on cyber crimes we could be finding new way on how to get rid of cancer or to help stop global warming. Conclusion Crimes come in all different shapes and sizes. Not all crimes need to be homicide or murder they simply can be someone taking over your computer with a virus. Being aware of all these different kinds of crime come in handy. Just remember when committing a crime Modus operandi and victimology are important factors in an investigation and if they don’t find you now they will find you in the future.  References Burgess, A., Burgess, A., & Ressler, R. (1992). Crime Classification Manuel (Second ed.) (J. Douglas, Ed.). Jossey Bass A Wiley Imprint. Geberth, V.J. (1983). Practical homicide investigation: Tactics, procedures, and forensic techniques. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. Hyman, P. (2013). Cybercrime: It’s Serious, But Exactly How Serious?. Communications Of The ACM, 56(3), 18-20. doi:10.1145/2428556.2428563 Kocsis, R. N. (2006). Criminal profiling. [electronic resource]: principles and practice. Totowa, N.J. : Humana Press, c2006. Pinizzotto, A. J., & Finkel, N. J. (1990). Criminal personality profiling: An outcome and process study. Law And Human Behavior, 14(3), 215-233. doi:10.1007/BF01352750
Friday, September 27, 2019
Crude oil prices Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Crude oil prices - Essay Example After adopting qualitative research method, there should be quantitative approach. The ideal researcher uses the combination of methods. At first, the qualitative approach should be followed. There are many methods to get the required information, the important things that should be kept in mind while gathering information are, the information should be practical, cost-effective, accurate, credible to the decision makers and the nature of the audience confirm to the methods. This is the primary phase of research. After getting the required data qualitatively some conclusions are drawn from the data; the results are tested on a larger scale by taking statistical analysis. This is the quantitative research also termed the secondary phase of research. There are many ways to collect a data qualitatively; they are Questionnaires, checklists and surveys: the aim of this method is to get the information quickly; the advantage is the identity of the respondent can be protected; lots of data can be collected. However, in this method clear feed back cannot be obtained. Interviews: the aim is to understand the individual's experiences and impressions, the advantages are in-depth information can be obtained; a relationship with the client can be established. This process can be time consuming, costly The
Thursday, September 26, 2019
The Economics of Bio-fuels Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
The Economics of Bio-fuels - Research Paper Example With increasing awareness the use of bio-fuel is increasing. Environmentalists opine that use of bio-fuel sheds less effect on the climate, and decision makers reveal that use of bio-fuel can lessen the pressure on balance of payments. The primary and major emission gas for Greenhouse Gases is carbon dioxide (CO2). When the carbon dioxide goes into atmosphere and changes the weather conditions, the bio-diversity will decrease through increase in temperature. Scope of Research The research will try to analyze how the benefits will accrue to an economy using bio-fuel. The enhanced scope has economic and environmental points of view. Research is in progress around the world so as to explore new paths to solve the environment related hazards that can harm human beings. Scientists argue that increasing usage of renewable sources of energy can stand out as a potential solution to solve environmental hazards. Sustainable development and renewable energy uses share an intimate connection. It is believed that bio-energy systems would come out as important contributors to future sustainable development in industrialized and developing countries. ... The globe witnessed high energy prices in 2000. The bio-fuel was made profitable with high energy prices coupled with low prices of food. The rise in prices of corn can lead to substantial losses for the processors of corn bio-fuels. The emerging markets of bio-fuels will provide new markets for forest resources and the net benefits will get accrued to the local economies. The industries selling forest products are also likely to get benefitted. The negative effects will vary across regions. Bio-fuels can be utilized in electricity generation in the decades to come. The global industry of bio-power will bring enhanced prospects to the economy filled with natural resources. China, India, Latin America and Africa are the major gainers from the energy saved by improved cook stoves. China has saved 40 to 59 percent of its energy consumption by bringing 20 to 30 percent improvements in fuel efficiency. Energy is needed for poverty alleviation in the developing countries. However, with the rise in income levels, a shift in trend of preferences has been noticed. Modernization of agriculture will provide spaces for biomass energy production (Zilberman, Rajagopal, Sexton, and Hochman). The reports of 2007 state bio-fuels replaced 1-2% of liquid fuels and reduced the prices of other fuels by 2-4%. The estimated amount that was saved by the consumers was a resultant of 60 billion dollars. The major proportion of corn productivity was used in generation of bio-fuel. The inventories declined as well. There has been accumulating impact of bio-fuels on prices of food. The World Bank suggested that negative supply shocks and continuing shortages will lead to expectation of price rise. The carbon emissions from bio-fuels can be offset by carbon
Article analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words
Article analysis - Essay Example The oil producers in the U.A.E. are expected to increase production of oil as a response to this fall (Cornwell, 2014). This reaction of the government is contrary to the conventional economic theory which states that if the price falls then the suppliers should reduce the level of their production. But this is not happening in case of the U.A.E. The economic theory of demand and supply fundamentally states that as price of a product increases less and less quantity of the product is demanded and as the price of a product rises then its supply increases. The equilibrium market price is determined by the point where the quantity demanded by the consumers equals to the quantity supplied by the producers (Frank, 2008). The following diagram shows the same. The initial equilibrium point is marked by E1 and the initial equilibrium price is P1 and the quantity demanded is Q1. A fall in the market demand due to exogenous market conditions like recessions or weak demand of the products causes the price to fall and the demand curve shifts to DD2 where the new quantity is Q2 and the price falls to P2 (Frank, 2008). Following this theory it should be expected that a global fall in prices would discourage the suppliers and they should reduce their production. However, according to the news article this is unlikely to happen. U.A.E. is expected to produce 3 million barrels of oil by the end of the current financial year. According to experts factors like weaker growth of China, rise in shale production in the U.S.A. and oversupply of oil are the main factors that are responsible for the global fall in oil process. A fall in the global oil prices could be represented by a downward shift in the demand curve from point DD1 to DD2 where quantity demanded equals quantity supplied. The new equilibrium point is reached at E2. However, the determination of oil production in the global economy does not follow the cardinal
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Globalizm Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words
Globalizm - Essay Example It is the process that has a lot of effect on life and economic development of the world and on the overall well-being of humans in all the societies of the world. (Manfred 2003, p. 97) Globalism is therefore the phenomenon that transforms some things from local to global ones. It is the unification of the whole world into a single society that is judged by the same benchmark in all the spheres of life. Though it has found most of its definition on the economic front, it has lot of effect of the social cultural life of the people. However in our real definition, Globalism and globalization does not mean the same thing. Though they may be both referring to the concept of bringing the world closer, there is a difference in the application of the two terms. Globalism describes the realism of interconnecting the world. This means that it is the aspect of one region being interconnected to the rest of the world and in reference to the world it is the aspect of having the entire world becoming interconnected. Globalization on the other hand can be described as the speed at which these connections increase or the speed at which these connections decreases. ... In this paper will apply the two terms to mean the same aspect of interconnecting the world to a global village. (Nye, 2002) Globalism describes a world that is characterised by interconnected networks which reduces the distance between continents. It understands all the interconnection of the modern world and also highlights all the patterns underlying most of these connections. On the other hand globalisation refers to the forces and the dynamisms of the changes that are taking place in the world that shapes these interconnections. Globalism is also used in other instances to describe the positive aspect of the process of globalization. In this case it is opposed to mundialism which can be described as anti globalisation. Therefore Globalism can also be taken as an aspect of globalization which supports the need to have the process take root in the world as it portray the pro-globalization views. (i) Origin The origin of the terms can be traced back to a long time ago but the real experience of the term surfaced in the 1980s, although the concept took root in the world in the 1990s and late 1980s. However the earliest written concept globalisation can be traced to 1897 when Russell described corporate giants referring to corporations which were spreading their wings beyond their mother locations. Globalisation can be traced back to early 16th century when Portuguese explores began to find sea routes which could be used for trade. This apparently marked the beginning of Globalism although it has become a familiar subject of interest and study in the recent past. What we call globalism today can be seen as nothing but more of a modern globalism which has been marked by post-second world war events.
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Internet Marketing Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words
Internet Marketing - Case Study Example With the series of eCommerce, which is the buying and selling of products and services via the internet, e-business has broken off into quite a few components, two of which are Business-to-Consumer (B2C) in addition to Business-to-Business (B2B). Furthermore, Business-to-Consumer or B2C commerce refers to the buying and selling of products and services online from the seller to the purchaser. It engages the "consumers shopping for and buying individual and household products. It also needs businesses to use online marketing and products techniques to draw and retain customers as well as to endorse products and services to them (eCommerce Program, 2005)." An instance of a victorious Business-to-Consumer website would be Target.com. Just like the usual brick and mortar store, customers can log onto the site and shop for personal and family items. There are no mediators to go during, the shopper just adds items to his or her shopping cart and when ended, checks out with a credit card or online check. In a Business-to-Consumer environment, mainly functions of the company are handling or are obtainable to the consumer via the internet from sales to purchaser support. One of the advantages to online B2C method is the unlimited ava ilability of the site; as long as you can log in, you are free to browse and purchase. Background of Organization Established in 1982, Futureshop had turn into today Canada's main electronics retailer. Throughout these 20 years, Future Shop has full-grown from a "one store operation" situated in Burnaby, British Columbia, to Canada's main, fastest-growing nationwide retailer of customer electronic products for the digital age with more than 100 stores from coast to shore and still rising. (Their annual sales in year 2001 had surpassed 2 $ billion) Future Shop stores are now a separation of Burnaby-based Best Buy Canada Ltd., which is a wholly-owned supplementary of Best Buy Co. In order to achieve our objective the consulting team first looked at the company background and analyzed Futureshop's current value chain activities and the revenue model being used. An examination of the various methods they use in order to market and promote their website was conducted. This was achieved by looking into aspects of market segmentation, web presence, and specific advertising used at Futureshop's webpage. Our team also studied the legal, ethical and cultural issues pertaining to Futureshop. Now for each of these sections of analysis we performed a SWOT analysis in order to characterize our most important findings. By using our SWOT analysis we were able to propose recommendations which are suggested to improve the business. Service/Product Offering This project investigates the web based business of a well known Canadian based retailer, Futureshop.com. The main objective of the Futureshop e-commerce website is to be at an international level of business and to enhance its marketing capabilities. Our team analyzed the website of Futureshop. This company's presence on the web was established in 1995 and represents a reflection of all goods and services delivered by Futureshop to its customers. Futureshop. By the end of the project we have given our conclusions
Monday, September 23, 2019
Postwar Australian Art & Film Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
Postwar Australian Art & Film - Coursework Example Both artifacts depict a battle zone but they have a different approach. Both Mad Max and Sidney Nolan, portrays a war environment but with different tactics and approach. In addition, both images portray a sense of victory whereby a lone solider stands against an army. The images portray the conquering spirit of the European and how they managed to take over Australia from its natives. The two images are quite different in their stylistic and thematic presentation. Mad Max portrays a traditional type of wars that was fought from horsebacks. Moreover, the image’s background shows a vast open land, which portrays the untamed continent of Australia. On the other hand, Mad Max advertising photo for the Australian post-apocalyptic action thriller film. It depicts a hero who people look up to after a war. The photo brings out a superhero who stands out for the oppressed at a time when the streets are not safe. The man in the photo holds a gun and is the person people look up to for hope and inspiration. The photograph is rather sophisticated and it depicts transformation in modern warfare. Moreover, the photo depicts modern Australia whereby rural areas have been opened up by transport and communication infrastructures. 2 After the war was over, there were more issues to be solved. Before the war, everyone seems to have been satisfied with the ways things were done. Certainly, no one cared about the environment since no one had the responsibility. However, after the war, things turned around and people started to care about the environment as equally as they cared about their bodies. The extent to which we can neglect or care about our environment is portrayed in the Peter Dombrovskis, Morning mist, Rock Island Bend and Christo and Jeanne-Claude, photograph of Wrapped Coast. The photographs portray the natural beauty of the Australian wild. More importantly, the photos depict the untamed continent and its perfection. However, this changes as soon as immigrants arrived in the country. The main difference between the two is that one shows a neglected environment while the other shows environmental conservation efforts. Wrapped Coast, Little Bay depicts a massive environmental conservation effort to reduce erosion. On the other hand, Peter Dombrovskis, Morning mist depicts a neglected environment that is in need of our protection. 3 Badtjala woman images seem to be based on historical injustices and redemptions. The artist inserts her own images within a pictorial frame just as the country caves its own destiny after the war. The image itemizes the shell and reed necklaces, ‘collecting bag’, and ‘crossed string’ that adorn her naked upper torso. Foley seems to be replicating the ways of the 19th century photographs of the images of the Badtjala people. In such photographs there is an unequal power relationship inherent. The photography does not bring out pornography due to the use of a naked indigenous female as op posed to a ‘white’ female. Bishop’s image is an icon of the lands rights movement in the Australian political photography (McCloskey, 2005). The bright blue sky and red earth gives an immediate sense of place. The red earth is seen to symbolize blood that was shed during the war. Years of struggle are engraved on the face of Lingiari. Lingiari slightly bends back whereas Whitlam stands upright confident and optimistic. Words and white papers are meaningless when
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Mercutio vs Romeo Essay Example for Free
Mercutio vs Romeo Essay Love is a hard thing to define but lust is a burning desire for another person, and it usually doesn’t last a very long time. Love can transform over years and still remain consistent. Lust is superficial when only the appearance is considered but nothing else, which can be called ‘love at first sight’. Lust is only a short-term relationship, whereas love leads to a deeper understanding of the other person and one develops affection and caring for them. Mercutio’s idea of love doesn’t involve commitment, is more realistic than Romeo’s view and Mercutio doesn’t allow love to inflict any pain. Romeo’s idea of love includes commitment, and has a deeper, more passionate love and he allows himself to be vulnerable to his emotions and lets them take over. Mercutio and Romeo’s view on love are both similar in the sense that they involve desire for a girl and they are driven by their emotions. Both are fuelled by madness and this leads to them making rash decisions that result in a big loss and in Mercutio’s case, his life. Mercutio’s anger and feud with Tybalt leads him to go mad and be stabbed to death. Romeo’s anger gets the better of him which results in him stabbing Tybalt, after just having married Juliet. In the end, Romeo’s grief over Juliet’s ‘death’ overcomes his will to listen to reason and this poor decision ends up terminating his life too soon. Another similarity is that both characters are captivated by looks. They both speak of a woman’s outer appearance and have rarely talked about their personalities. When Romeo first sees Juliet, he marvels at her beauty without trying to figure out who see really was. O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night, Like a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear; Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear†(1. 5. L. 44-47) In Act II, Scene 2, we see Mercutio trying to lure Romeo out by describing Rosaline’s appearance, â€Å"I conjure thee by Rosaline’s bright eyes, By her high forehead and her scarlet lip, By her fine foot, straight leg, and quivering thigh. †(2. 1. L. 17-19) In the start of the play, Romeo and Mercutio think that all ther e is to ‘love’ is having sex. Even the servants, Sampson and Gregory mentioned wanting to sexually harassing the maids of the Montagues. â€Å"That shows thee a weak slave; for the weakest goes to the wall. †â€Å"’Tis true; and therefore women, being the weaker vessels, are ever thrust to the wall: therefore I will push Montague’s men from the wall and thrust his maids to the wall. †(1. 1. L. 12-17) This proves that most men in this time thought of themselves as superiors compared to women. As the play progresses, Romeo’s view on love changes after he meets Juliet. After meeting Juliet, he falls in love with her as a whole instead of just her appearance. While there are minor similarities between Mercutio and Romeo’s view on love, the differences are pronounced and deserve thorough examination because the line between lust and love is very confusing and many people in society mix the two up. On one hand, Mercutio’s view can be described as ‘a chase for something sexual’. He never mentions settling down with a girl and having a committed relationship. Mercutio, unlike Romeo, does not believe in fate deciding his path, instead he lives in the moment. Mercutio doesn’t let love overthrow his conscience and guide his actions. Romeo says â€Å"Is love a tender thing? It is too rough, too rude, too boisterous, and it pricks like a thorn. †(1. 4. L. 25-26), to which Mercutio replies with â€Å"If love be rough with you, be rough with love; Prick love for pricking, and you beat love down. †(1. 4. L. 27-28) In those lines, he talks about how in order to defeat love and to not have it afflict with your actions is to have sex instead of loving someone and go through the pain of them not reciprocating your feelings. On the other hand, Romeo has a romanticized view which is shown by his strong reliance on fate, and the stars. In these lines, Romeo says â€Å"I am too enpierced with his shaft, To soar with his light feathers, and so bound, I cannot bound a pitch above dull woe. Under love’s heavy burden do I sink†(1. 4. L. 19-22) Romeo is being pulled down by the amount of pain from not being able to see Rosaline. At first he’s a victim of being caught up in Rosaline’s looks and mistook it as love. It wasn’t until he met Juliet that he truly discovered the true meaning. Romeo wallows in self-pity and loves by night. â€Å"I have night’s cloak to hide me from their sight; And but thou love me, let them find me here: My life were better ended by their hate, then death prorogued, wanting of thy love†(2. 2. L. 75-78) In contrast, Mercutio appears in the play mostly in the day and shows that he believes he can control his life and is more realistic than Romeo. He serves as the contrasting character to show a ifferent perspective on love from Romeo’s passionate, and emotional view on love. In culmination, Romeo’s idea of love is stimulated, loyal, and susceptible to pain. Romeo shows his vulnerability and readers and viewers of the movie have an easier time relating to his feeling for heartbreak. His loyal and never changing love for Juliet even as she was ‘dead’ made readers fall in love with his character. Although Romeo and Mercutio have different perspectives on love, they also have similarities which make them able to be such good friends.
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Cassia Fistula Antidiabetic and Wound Healing Activities
Cassia Fistula Antidiabetic and Wound Healing Activities Problem Statement: The present research is on the antidiabetic, wound healing and antimicrobial activities of various parts of Cassia fistula. Diabetes is one of the most prevalence chronic diseases in the world. This is a chronic incurable condition due to insulin deficiency that affect 10% of the population. The number of diabetic people is expected to rise from present estimate of 150 million to 230 million in 2025. For a long time, diabetes has been treated with several medicinal plants or their extract based on the folklore medicine. Infection is also the major problem to treat the wound and wound infections are most common in developing countries because of poor hygienic conditions. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcuspyogenes, Escherichiacoli, and Pseudomonasaeruginosa are some important  organisms causing wound infection .Nowadays herbal medicines are highly recommended for  the treatment of diabetes inspite of other therapeutic option, which can produce serious side effects. Cassia fistulais an important and potential medicinal plant. The Cassia fistula is the substantial evidences on the anti -bacterial activities of its pod and seed extracts. Cassiafistulapossess antioxidant, antimutagenic, antitumor, hepatoprotective, antitussive,antimicro bial, anti-inflammatory and so many activities. Its antioxidant activity plays a role in wellness, health maintenance, and the prevention of chronic and degenerative diseases. It is recognized  as a rich source of vitamins, flavanoids, tannins glycosides, phospholipids, carbohydrates. The evaluation of toxic properties of Cassia fistula is also crucial when considering public health protection because exposure to plant extracts can result in undesirable effects on consumers. Acute oral  toxicity of C. fistulaseeds extract t shows that oral administration of crude extract even at the highest dose of (5000 mg/kg) resulted in no mortalities or eviden ce of adverse effects, implying that C.fistulain nontoxic. Hence, the extract can be utilized for pharmaceutical formulations. The methanolic extract of Cassia fistulaleaves was examined for its wound healing property in the form of an ointment.The leaves are laxative and used externally as emollient, a poultice used for chilblains,   in   insect   bites,   swelling, rheumatism and facial paralysis. Leaves are used in ulcers, external skin eruptions and eczema. Fruits are used as cathartic, in snake bite and asthma. Barks  possess  tonic  and  antidysentric properties. It is also used for skin complaints, leprosy, jaundice, syphilis and heart diseases.So attempt has been made to study the antidiabetic activity of the glycoside containing fractions. In traditional medicine, it is used in the treatment of hematemesis, pruritis, intestinal disorders, leucoderma, diabetes, as antipyretic, analgesic laxative. The innumerable medicinal pr operties and therapeutic uses of Cassia fistula as well as its phytochemical investigations prove its import nce as a valuable medicinal plant. 2.Objectives (To be attained): To determine, antidiabetic and antimicrobial activities of cassia fistula various parts To investigate the wound healing activity of of various parts of cassia fistula plant To evaluate phytochemical properties, of various parts of cassia fistula .to investigate the antibacterial and antifungal activities of Cassia species using disc diffusion methods To apply supplement (extract) on selected animal to check diabetes and cholesterol level To examine the weight age level of animal before and after dose. Analysis and confirmation of phytochemical compounds using the highly advance techniques such as UV, HPLC and GC/MS. To reduce the content of diabetes and cholesterol level on suppressed animal. 3.Literature Survey: (Brief survey of past work done on the topic and any related work with reference, developing need for present study). The antidiabetic potential of the total alcoholic extract its ethyl acetate fraction of the bark of Cassia fistula was studied in alloxan induced diabetic rats. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited significant reduction in blood glucose levels than alcoholic extract was also found effective in restoring the blood lipids to normal levels. The activity was found comparable with standard drug glibenclamide. The present investigation of the plant established some pharmacological evidence to support the folklore claim and effect of glycoside containing fraction that is used as an antidiabetic.[1]       The plant Phyllanthus reticulatus is claimed to have antidiabetic activity in tribal area. To validate the tribal claim,the petroleum ether and ethanolic extracts of leaves of the P. reticulatus were orally tested at 500 and 1000 mg/kg for hypoglycemic effect in alloxan induces diabetic mice. It shows antidiabetic activity at the dose of 1000 mg/kg. The phytochemical screening of the residues revealed the presence of terpenoids glycosides, protein, carbohydrates and absence of alkaloids and steroids.[2]       Cassia fistula Linn is used extensively in various parts of the world against a wide range of ailments, the synergistic action of its metabolite production being most probably responsible for the plants beneficial effects. This paper reviews the primary and secondary metabolite composition of vegetative and reproductive plant parts and cell cultures thereby derived, with emphasis on potent phenolic antioxidants such as anthraquinones, flavonoids and flavan-3-ol derivatives In order to establish this, it is imperative to measure the markers of baseline oxidative stress particularly in human health and disease and examine how they are affected by supplementation with pure compounds or complex plant extracts from the traditional medicinal plants.[3]                  Medicinal herbs are moving from fringe to mainstream use with a greater number of people seeking remedies and health approaches free from side effects caused by synthetic chemicals. India officially recognizes over 3000 plants for their medicinal value. It is generally estimated that over 6000 plants in India are in use in traditional, folk and herbal medicine. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review on the phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of Cassia fistula.[4]        C. fistula treated rats showed, better wound closure, improved tissue regeneration at the wound site, and supporting histopathological parameters pertaining to wound healing. Biochemical analysis and matrix metalloproteinases expression correlated well with the results thus confirming efficacy of C. fistula in the treatment of the infected wound.[5]        The present review focused on plant extracts or phytochemicals role in diabetes management has been tried by many researchers. I have attempted to compile a list of total 419 plant species belongs to 133 families have been used for in-vitro and in-vivo studies. The researchers have used different parts of the plant extracts or individual phytochemicalsfor antidiabetic activities. This review brings the researcher data on antidiabetic activities of different plant extracts role in reducing of diabetic problems.[6]      Cassia fistula Linn. which belongs to family Leguminosae is a medium-sized tree and its different parts are used in ayurvedic medicine as well as home remedies for common ailments. Sequential extraction was carried out using solvents viz. petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol, methanol and water from leaf of the plant were investigated for preliminary phytochemical and antibacterial property. Results of the study showed that all the extracts had good inhibitory activity against Gram-positive test organism. [7]      Hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol and water extracts from the flower of Cassia fistula (an ethnomedicinal plant) were tested against bacteria and fungi. All the extracts exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram-positive organisms with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) between 0.078 and 2.5 mg/ml. Among the Gram-negative bacteria, only Pseudomonas aeruginosa was susceptible to the extracts. Ethyl acetate crude extract was fractionated using chromatographic techniques. A crystal was isolated, which was confirmed as 4-hydroxy benzoic acid hydrate using X-ray crystallography. It exhibited antifungal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes (MIC 0.5 mg/ml) and Epidermophyton floccosum (MIC 0.5 mg/ml).[8]         Aim of the study is to assess the antimicrobial activity Cassia fistula fruit pulp extracts on some bacterial and fungal strains. Hydro alcohol and chloroform extracts of Cassia fistula fruit pulp were evaluated for the potential antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial activity was determined in both the extracts using the agar disc diffusion method. Extracts were effective on tested microorganisms. The antibacterial potential of the extracts were found to be dose dependent. The antibacterial activities of the C. fistula were due to the presence of various secondary metabolites. Hence, these plants can be used to discover bioactive natural products that may serve as leads in the development of new pharmaceuticals research activities.[9]           In the present study antifungal activity of crude and partially purified extracts of Cassia fistula L. fruit pulp has been assayed against Alternaria solani which is responsible for early blight of potato. Cold and hot extracts of fruit pulp was prepared in different organic solvents, which were subsequently recycled by rotary vacuum evaporator. Antifungal activity of different fractions was determined by poison food technique. Maximum percent extractive value was obtained with alcoholic extract. The antifungal activity of the Cassia fistula was due to the presence of various secondary metabolites. Hence, this plant can be used to discover bioactive natural products that may serve as leads in the development of new pharmaceuticals research activities.[10]          The plant Michelia champaca (MC) is widely used in the treatment of inflammation, constipation, dysmenorrhea, ulcers, wounds, fever, and cough. The aim was to evaluate the wound healing property of ethanolic extract of MC flowers in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. Wound healing activity was assessed by incision and excision wound models. Results were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, followed by Tukeys post-hoc test.[11] Anita Singh et al. studied the plant Cassia fistula Linn. Belonging to family leguminosae, known as Cassia in English, Amaltas in Hindi. The methanolic extract of plant pod, showed the presence of glycoside, steroids, amino acids, flavanoids. The present study was focused to evaluate antipyretic activity of pod of Cassia fistula Linn. The methanolic extract showed antipyretic activity, which was significantly (P . Shashi Kanth, et al. studied on the stem bark of Cassia fistula Linn for laying down preliminary Pharmacognostical identification standards.Cassia fistula Linn .is known as Aragvadha in Ayurveda is an important medicinal plant belonging to family Caesalpiniaceae. The stem bark is anti dysenteric, laxative and diuretic.The diagnostic features are the presence of starch grains, stone cells, crystalliferous phloem fibers, uni or bi seriate medullary rays.[13] Raju Ilavarasan et al. studiedAnti-inflammatory and Antioxidant activities of the aqueous (CFA) and methanolic extracts (CFM) of the Cassia fistula Linn. Bark were assayed in wistar albino rats. The extracts were found to posses significant anti-inflammatory effect in both acute and chronic models.[14]          M. A. Islam et al represented the concentration of antimicrobial at which there is complete inhibition of growth of organism. In order to determine the MIC of cloxacillin, 10 MRSA were previously detected from 40 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Agar plate dilution test was used to determine the MIC of cloxacillin.[15]  4.Methodology. a)Brief description of how research will be conducted. Extracts of Cassia fistla will be obtained through soaking the dried leaves and peel in different solvents( water, methanol,ethanol, n-hexane), concentrating them in rotary evaporator and then phytochemical studies will be carried out. Antimicrobial activity as well as quantitative analysis will be carried out on the extracts. b)Experimental set up: Techniques for the characterization GC-MS (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry) UV-visible Spectroscopy FT-IR (Fourier transform Infrared Spectroscopy) AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy) c)Theoretical Studies: Specialized studies in the antidiabetic, wound healing and antitmicrobial activities of various parts cassia fistula plant is made through detailed literature survey, chemical abstract services, world wide webs, journals reviews and biosynthesis texts. d)Results expected and method of the Analysis: Positive results are to be expected from experimental setup selected. Analysis of the plant extracts in different solvents will be done via GC-MS, AAS, FT-IR, UV-Visible Spectroscopy. After that these extracts will be compared with each other on the basis of phytochemical studies as well as on the basis of their quantitative data. 5.Utilization of research results: After this study we will be able Significant reduction of diabetes level in animals after treatment. Reduction of chlosterol level in animals. Presence of glycoside or flavonoid may be responsible for the antidiabetic activity of total alcoholic extract. Antioxidant activity plays a role in wellness, health maintenance, and the prevention of chronic and degenerative diseases. Therefore, it is justifiable to promote these plant extracts which are comparatively cheap, safe and reliable for the treatment of diabetes and chronic disease. So there is a hope of positive results, which will then be used for the treatment of diabetes and wound. 6.Research Time Table: Literature survey                       January- Feb 2017 Collection of sample                 1st March- April 2017 Experiment work                      1st May October 2017 Thesis writing                           1st November 2017 Submission of thesis December 2017 7.References: 1. Malpani Sn, Manjunath Kp, Hasanpasha Sholapur,Savadi Sv, Akki Kusum S. And Darade Ss..Antidiabetic Activity Of Cassia Fistula Linn. Bark In Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats. Int.Journal Of Pharm Sci.,Jan-April 2010;2(1):382-385 2. Kumar S, Kumar D, Deshmukh RR, Lokhande PD, More SN, Rangari VD. Antidiabetic potential of Phyllanthus reticulates in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Fititerapia 2008; 79: 21-23. 3. Bahorun T, Neergheen V S, Aruoma O I. Phytochemical constituents of Cassia fistula African Journal of Biotechnology ,2005: 4(13); 1530-1540 4. Danish M, Singh P, Mishra G, Srivastava Jha S K K, Khosa R L.Cassia fistula Linn. (Amulthus)- An Important Medicinal Plant: A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry andPharmacological Properties. J. Nat. Prod. Plant Resour; 2011:1(1); 101- 118 5.Kumar muthusamy sethil, Ramasamy S, Raghvan H V and SehgalP K. Wound healing potetial of cassia fistulla on infected Albino rat model.Journal of surgical research; 2006: 131; 283-289. 6. Suneetha, B., D. Sujatha and K.V.S.R.G Prasad, . Antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of stem juice of Musa Paradisiaca on alloxan induced diabetic rats. An International Journal of Advances in Pharmaceutical Sciences,2010; 1(2): 167-176. 7. Kumar VP, Chauhan NS, Padhi H, Rajani M. Search for antibacterial and antifungal agents from selected Indian medicinal plants. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006;67:241-45. 8. Duraipandiyan V, Ignacimuthu S. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of Cassia fistula L.: An ethnomedicinal plant. J Ethnopharmacol. 2007;112:590-4. 9. Bhalodia NR, Nariya PB, Acharya RN, Shukla VJ. In vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities of Cassia fistula Linn. fruit pulp extracts. Ayu 2012;33:123-9. 10. Hajra S, Mehta A, Pandey P. Assessment of antimicrobial activity of Cassia fistula and Flacoartia indica leaves. J Pharm Res 2011;4:2432-35. 11. Robson MC. Wound infection. A failure of wound healing caused by an imbalance of bacteria. Surg Clin North Am. 1997;77(3):637-50. 12.Singh A, Manjul P. Singh, Alam G, Pate A, Dat N, Antipyretic activity of cassia fistula  linn. Pods. J. Nat. Prod. Plant Resour., (2012), 2 (3):385-388. 13.Kanth J. Shashi , Chandra reddy P. Rama , Rao P.Padma,.Vijaya Bhasker       Reddy,A preliminary pharmacognostical report on the stem bark of cassia fistula linn.J.D.Med. (2012),4(1). 14.Ilavarasan R, Mallika M, and Venkataraman S. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant activity of Cassia fistula Linn.Bark extracts. Afr.J. Trad.Cam, 2005; 2: 70-85.    15. Islam M. A, Alam M. M , Choudhury M. E , Kobayashi N, and              Ahmed M. U ,  Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (Mic) Of Cloxacillin For Selected Isolates Of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (Mrsa) With Their Antibiogram. Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2008). 6 (1): 121-126.    16. Bhalerao S.A, Kelkar T.S. Traditional medicinal uses, phytochemical profile  and pharmacological activities of cassia fistula linn. (2012).    17. Harshal A Deshpande, Sanjivani R Bhalsing,Recent advances in the phytochemistry of some medicinally important cassia species: a review. Int. J. Pharm. Med. Bio. Sc( 2013),2( 3).   18. Rajagopal PL,Premaletha K, Kiron S.S , Sreejith K.R . Phytochemical and pharmacological review on cassia fistula linn. The golden shower. IJPCBS(2013), 3(3), 672-679.   19. Maya kushawaha and r. C. Agrawa ,biological activity of medicinal plant cassia fistula a review. (2012).   20. Kumar M.S, Sripriya R,Wound Healing Potential of Cassia fistula on infected Albino Rat Model. Journal of Surgical Research:( 2006); 131: 283-289. 8.Comments of Supervisor: This Project is fully apprehended and evaluated and found feasble for project work of MPhil Thesis as a partial fulfillment of Degree of M. Phil in Applied Chemistry from Chemistry Department, University of Engineering Technology. Signature of SupervisorSignature of Student _____________________________________________________________________ Endst. No. Univ./______________Dated: _____________ The above proposal duly recommended by the Departmental Board of Studies/Committee of Post-Graduate Studies in its meeting held on _____________ is forwarded to the Director of Research for obtaining the approval of the Vice-Chancellor.                                                                                                     Chairman/Director of the Department
Friday, September 20, 2019
Income Inequality Reduction in South Africa
Income Inequality Reduction in South Africa â€Å"The disparate distribution of a nations gross domestic product amongst its population†. That is how (Sullivan Sheffrin 2003) define income inequality. It is usually characterised by two underling issues; the inability of an economy to efficiently utilise its factors of production, and limited social mobility ranging from social classes to ethnicity and even nations. History demonstrates how inequality can act as a barrier to sustainable development; highlighted in the Brundtland Report (UN, 1987). â€Å"Quality economic growth†is the significant expression emphasised in the report in an attempt to illustrate the requirements of a more equal and democratic society. Up until recent times, South Africa has boasted the largest economy in Africa. This has resulted in heavy examination of economic growth levels in the country. Between 1960 and 2013, the country recorded average growth rates of approximately 3.25% (World Bank 2013). However, this growth hasn’t been enjoyed by the masses, approximately 23.7 per cent of the country’s labour forces were unemployed in 2009 and 25 per cent in 2012 (World Bank 2013). In South Africa, there are combinations of factors working together causing income disparity in the country. However, even in post- apartheid South Africa, race is still a significant factor responsible for the gap between the rich and poor. (Sherer, 2000) and (Ozler. 2007). This is significant because it has been observed that societies that are more equal experience longer periods of economic growth (UN, 1987). The Gini coefficient measured at 0.6314 in 2009, is incongruously high for an upper-middle-income nation (World Bank 2 013) Gini Coefficients: South Africa According to (World Bank 2013) the Gini index â€Å"measures the extent to which the distribution of income or consumption expenditure among individuals or households within an economy deviates from a perfectly equal distribution†. Gini coefficients measures the variances between all pairs of incomes and their and sum their absolute difference. Between 1948 and into the early 1990s no official data was collected with regards to inequality levels in South Africa. Throughout this period, South Africa was still under the apartheid regime and the government were far from concerned by the clear inequality in the country. Observing the graph above it appears that inequality decreased following the dissolution of the apartheid regime and has gradually increased for most of the first decade in the most-recent millennium. Having said that, perspective is required as the data set is extremely limited, and it is possible that fluctuations may be a result of standard economic business cycles. Therefore it is impossible to use Gini data to provide empirical evidence for or against income inequality patterns. Lorenz curves: South Africa â€Å"The Lorenz curve plots the percentage of total income earned by various portions of the population when the population is ordered by the size of their incomes†(Gastwirth, 1971) Figures in the graph below are centred on monthly per capita household expenditures in 2000 ZAR (South African Rands) The Lorenz curve illustrated above is a graphical representation of the distribution of income among the South African population. It is clear for the graph that the Lorenz Curve for South Africa in the year 2000 is underneath that of the year 1995 until it reaches the 85 per cent percentile. The Lorenz principle is void in this case as there is a intersection in the Lorenz curves. Results from the Lorenz curve should not be taken as factual as it does not take into account key dynamics that are responsible for income inequality. For example, trade union bargaining, land ownership and educational achievement (Azam Rospabà ©, 2007). Kuznets Ratio: South Africa The Kuznets ratio can be defined as a measurement that observes the income share attained by the richest 20 per cent of the population divided by that held by the poorest 40 per cent. Data for Kuznets ratio table in South Africa is based on data available from the World Bank to date. Above is table illustrating the Kuznets ratio in South Africa, this table is based on the data available from the World Bank to date. Looking at the table it is clear that the disbandment of the apartheid lifestyle inequality seems to decrease. This is observable by comparing the 1993 and 1995 Kuznets ratios. From the data available it can be deduced that from 2000, inequality in South Africa has been increasing (7.24 in 2000, and then 9.30 in 2009). This hypothesis matches that of the Gini-coefficient data which proposes a notion of inequality rising since the turn of the twenty-first century. 20:20 Ratio: South Africa The 20:20 ratio is a measurement of the income share of the richest 20 per cent compared to that of the poorest 20%. Its methods in measuring inequality are similar to that of the Kuznets ratio. However the 20:20 ratio can be more revealing of the actual impact of inequality in a society. This is because the effect of outliers is reduced on the top and bottom and prevents the middle 60 per cent concealing inequality levels. Data for 20:20 ratio table in South Africa is based on data available from the World Bank to date. Results from the 20:20 ratio follow similar patterns to that of the Kuznets ratio. Inequality is seen to decrease between 1993 and 1995, however again like the Kuznets ratio it increases at the turn of the twenty first century; (20.5 in 2000 but then 25.26 in 2009). Theil-T index: South Africa The Theil-T index is another statistic that measures inequality in societies. The Theil-T index however is unique compared to other economic inequality measurements. It is a specialised form of the entropy index, differentiating inequality between and across various groups in society. According to (Woolard, 2002) approximately 40 per cent of inequality in South Africa is between races. 33 per cent is â€Å"intra-African†and 21 per cent â€Å"intra-White. Average household monthly wage by race and spending quintle (ZAR) Mean hourly wages by racial group (ZAR/Hour) The unproductive nature of rural farming in rural South Africa has had an effect of encouraging a culture of dependency. Rural families have become heavily reliant on migrated â€Å"family member’s remittance†. Due to this culture, labour market access has played a key role in providing income for job seekers, and to those who depend on them to repatriate income. (Allanson Atkins 2005) claim that African worker’s wages have improved by roughly 30 per cent. It is believed that the introduction of minimum wage policies (OECD 2010) has caused this change. These policies were introduced in an attempt to start rectifying the injustices of apartheid. Looking at the figure 6 above, it is clear that there has been an improvement in the wages of rural migrants. Pro-labour acts as well as increases in labour mobility have meant that more rural migrants have been able to find employment in urban areas. However, the introduction of minimum wage policies as mentioned before has not been completely successful. In fact, it has significantly contributed to the high unemployment levels currently witnessed in South Africa. The African National Congress (ANC) attempted to combat this problem through wage subsidies. However this attempt has been mostly unsuccessful in reduce inequality as businesses prefer highly-skilled workers (Delfin 2010) Access to Crop Land and its use in Rural Areas â€Å"Apartheid institutionalised both conflict and environmental degradation †¦ by allocating, through the homelands system, 14 per cent of the nations land to 72 per cent of the population†(UN, 1987). Figure 7 above illustrates how, across rural South Africa post-apartheid, the three most deprived quintiles, measured by consumption, had relatively smaller quantities of land which were shared communally, and were un-irrigated. Research undertaken by (UNDP, 2003) has hypothesised that inequitable land distribution within the country has been a stumbling block to the eradication of extreme poverty in rural South Africa. (UNDP, 2003) also highlights how â€Å"In 2002, 37.3 per cent of households’ disposable income was from property†. This indicates that the property right concentration policy enforced under the 1912 Native Lands Act, continues to extend income disparities in South Africa. At this time the African National Congress (ANC) was the new party in power. They developed a â€Å"reconstruction and development programme†(RDP) in order to combat the underlying issues in South Africa. The foundation of the programme was based around three key land-reform pillars; restitution, redistribution and tenure reform. The ANC took a market-led ‘willing seller, willing buyer’ approach. The main objective of this approach was to promote economic growth, social and food security (UNDP, 2003). According to the work of (Philip David, 2003) roughly 1 per cent of entitled South Africans applied for restitution under the above-mentioned RDP. (UNDP, 2003) cites the fact that since redistribution was not complemented by the provision of a sufficient support scheme, success has limited. Cross-sectional studies conducted in Limpopo, (province in South Africa), established that the resources required by rural farmers to make land arable were too expensive (Eastwood, Kirsten, Lipton, 2006). The Department of Agriculture and Land Affairs (DALA), who is responsible for implementing the land reforms, were allocated only a third of a per cent of the South African national budget in 2002 (UNDP, 2003). A DALA report on the quality of life of South African farmers, found that only 22 per cent of those farmers who profited from the land reform were able to make sufficient revenue from the land (UNDP, 2003). Academic specialists of rural South Africa believe that â€Å"suitably adapted land reform could play an important part in restructuring the rural sector in South Africa†(Deininger, 1999). This hypothesis is backed up by the fact that pilot studies led by the South African government have successfully increased rural farmer’s income. This increase has been a chieved by facilitating joint schemes between White and African commercial farmers, resulting in increased access to credit, technology and consumer markets (UNDP, 2003). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_inequality_metrics Unequal access to humdamian capital has been one of the biggest income-inequality drivers within post-apartheid South Africa. It has led to racial wage discrimination, both as a result of skills biased technological change and institutional racism (Azam Rospabà ©, 2007). These factors have led to an increase and fall in the demand for white and black workers respectively (Michaud Vencatachellum, 2003). These low returns to education for black children have negatively affected African parents’ human capital investment. As shown in Graph 7, South Africa, in comparison to most other Sub-Saharan African countries, has had relatively high levels of primary school enrolment. However, it is also worth observing that during the apartheid, the 1953 Bantu Act restricted the quality of education available to ‘non-whites’ (Michaud Vencatachellum, 2003). â€Å"Roughly, for every 4 R spent on a White child, only 3 R were spent on an Indian child, 2 R on a Coloured child an d 1 R on a Black child.†(Thomas, 1996). A panel study in Cape Town found that the amount of African students enrolled in school was positively correlated with grade repetition (Lam, Ardington, Leibbrandt, 2011). This was as a result of the inadequate internal assessment procedures undertaken across predominantly-black public schools. Hence, grade progression within these schools was sparsely linked with cognitive ability. The study concluded that, often, for African students grade advancement is a lottery. Inadequate management within South Africa’s public school system makes human capital investment too costly for poorer African households (Edmonds, 2006). The inability of the poorest South African parents to invest in future generations’ educational attainment has exacerbated income inequality. A study into the effects of credit constraints on schooling decisions, found that, amongst the poorest black South African families, the opportunity costs of sending children to school decreased as anticipated pension eligibility increased (Edmonds, 2006). The study found that â€Å"each additional schooling year of exposure to a male pensioner increases the probability that a male completes primary school by three percentage points. (Edmonds, 2006)†. Another study (Duflo, 2004), found that increases in an elder female’s pension increased the height of younger females in the same households by 1.16 standard deviations. Cash transfers in South Africa have had successful re-distributional effects, which have extended beyond their recipients in the form of increased spending on children’s wellbeing. Within both state-run and private South African educational institutions, school fees directly limit the quality of education poorer households have access to (Seloda Zenou, 2003). The schools with higher fees tend to offer better facilities and higher teacher-student ratios, but are often further away from the black students. A study (Seloda Zenou, 2003) assessed the cross-cultural human capital effects of transportation subsidies, private-school vouchers and public-school spending in Central Business Districts and Black Townships. The study found that a ‘restricted-voucher’ policy, which could be offered to low-income families, would offset the fee-setting behaviour in predominantly-white areas. The study estimated that if the policy was financed by a 1% income tax rate, it could increase black student’s access to better schools by over 50 per cent (Seloda Zenou, 2003) . In conclusion, income inequality reduction measures have been, for the most part, unsuccessful in South Africa. Market-led principles, which have driven reforms in education, labour and land markets, have not achieved the desired trickle-down effect on many of the poorest South Africans. Rather, they have directly increased the returns to factors which have traditionally been monopolised by the white minority population (Murray Leibbrandt, 2010). However, more recent signs indicate that inequality may be falling across races but increasing within them (OECD, 2010). In light of falling world commodity prices and an uncertain global economic outlook, I believe the long-term success of South Africa’s economy primarily hinges on initiatives, such as cash transfers, which will help poorer households finance their children’s access to higher-level human capital.
Thursday, September 19, 2019
cruelty :: essays research papers
Cruel Sports And How They Effect Animals "The referee shouts, "Ready, pit!" The birds explode from their handlers' grasps and collide breast to breast, a foot off the ground. Beak grabbing beak, hackles flaring like porcupine quills, they bounce apart and then collide, again and again. The hatch takes command. The roundhead rolls over, then revives. He pounds the Hatch with a foot, spearing a lung. The Hatch fades, hunkering down and refusing to budge. As he coughs up drops of blood, his breathing sounds like footsteps on gravel. The Roundhead, fatigued but intact, wins. The Hatch is carried off, most likely to die" (Kilborn 3). This is just one account of a cruel animal sport like cockfighting. This is a epidemic that needs to be stopped. Too many animals are killed for the illegal profit of a few. In today's advanced society there are still humans who thrive on the killing of defenseless animals. Some people do this for the fun and the sport, while others do it as a way to make a living. The three animals that are most commonly abused are cocks, bulls and dogs. These animals fight against other animals and humans. Usually these fights go to the death. The term cruel sports is most often used to describe these fights. Cruel animal sports can be defined as an arranged fight between two animals or an animal and a human for the fun and or profit of the people involved. In most cases these fights are illegal. Although with the amount of money to be won through illegal betting the risks are usually overlooked. Especially because of the lack of law enforcement that is delegated to cases like this. Stronger legislation needs to be adopted to completely stop cruel sports that abuse animals. There are two forms of cockfighting. Naked heel fighting is the less deadly of the two. Whereas artificial heel fighting is a lot more inhumane. Metal spurs of up to three inches are placed over the cocks natural spurs to cause a devastating effect to the other bird. These metal spurs can puncture a heart or a lung with one kick. When the birds fight with metal spurs the fights are for the most part quick and to the death. There is no need to provoke the birds once their in the ring. It is a natural instinct for them to fight over territory.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Identity and Violence Analysis Essay -- recognition,
Identity and Violence may seem isolated from each other on a superficial level, but on a deeper analysis both seem to depend on each other. To put in a different way, just as long-stagnant water can give birth to deadly mosquitoes, similarly a logged and rigid definition of identity may lead to violence which could be similar to Aedes. To briefly explain this analogy it’s essential to refer to Charles Taylor who argued that identity is shaped in three ways:- 1) Recognition of identity 2) Absence of identity 3) Misrecognition of identity. All three modes of shaping identity have the potential to bring out violence which is latent. Here, Sigmund Freud’s idea of human instincts being of two kinds: those that conserve and unify and, the instincts to destroy and kill is very significant. These instincts work according to the motive, when individual works for their ‘motive’ that is of shaping the identity leads to use of violent means and ends mostly. Our presentation will include Terrell A. Northup idea of identity as a system of beliefs or a way of construing the world that makes life predictable rather than random. This way, he conceptualizes that social constructs of an identity become so entrenched that the conflict surfaces as violence. The identity first takes the form of threat, which later gets distorted and extremely rigid and ultimately colludes in maintaining the conflict. Thus, it can be said that, identity is central; almost core to individuals and their sense of connectedness to themselves and the society-scope they engage in. Kriesberg examines how there is a formation of not only one's own, but also a sense of identity of the other, which further reinforces the self. Though identities can be both 'ascribed' a... ...llows that the intervention is contingent on the identity dynamics of the groups involved. For instance, peripheral would limit itself to the objective component. Similarly, change in the dynamics of the relationship between parties,will not change the core schema, but alter the nature of the existing relationship between parties. This carries connotations of a relatively enduring change. Changes that occur in the identities of the parties are aimed at reconstructing the core schema, in this case, the perception of ‘us’ and ‘them’. Such would be the case if the Israeli State recognizes the Palestinian State as an equal and de-emphasizes the differences between the two. This level implies a change approximating utopia. The introduction of super ordinate goals establishes a commonality between the groups, forcing them to acknowledge the ‘other’ as more like ‘self’.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Informations Management
Systems and Management Contents Executive Summary The reports sets about assessing HA Loge's current business operation both in the UK and India, this done by utilizing three analysis tools, SOOT analysis, PESTLE analysis and Porters Fiver Forces analysis. From the SOOT analysis the reports highlights several key points, which includes the potential of overseas sales in emerging economies and the benefits of having manufacturing faculties in India.The lack of developed e-commerce and the poor utilization of information technology advances have been highlighted as one of the biggest weakness of HA Loge's. The PESTLE analysis has shown that while traditional consumer (local councils) have less money to spend and sales may decline In the short term, the opportunities from a new ‘Affluent Achievers' market holds great promise. The desire for going ‘green' In both social attitudes and wider environmental laws is also an opportunity that can be exploited for HA Loge's gains.Por ters Five Forces has highlighted that threat of new entrants is high because the Entry barrier is high as many competitors try to earn market share in the business of street furniture. The bargaining power of buyers mains high due to councils trying to get the lowest price possible and high number companies who are sharing / or trying to enter the same market. Threat of substitute products remains low because of the high saturation of competitors producing similar products. Bargaining power of suppliers is also low thanks to the adduce of manufacturers offering highly competitive prices and low specialization within the market.A new IT portfolio has also been recommend for HA Loge's to implement, this includes a complete overhaul of the current ageing IT systems and new website as long as an active social media engagement. A new ERP is vital for HA Loge's future and it has been recommended that SAP be implemented across the company and a new website that will help increase sale with in the ‘Affluent Achievers' market. The risks of implementing such changes has also been factored in and explored in details, with the potential of possible issues occurring, such as staff training and skills.The effect that the new portfolio will have on both the suppliers and customers of HA Loge's has also been explored and in conjunction with the implementation timeshare, has highlighted the need for a well organized and structured phasing to the new systems. The recommendation is that HA Loge's take a multi phased approach to implementing the new systems that includes a pre-stage of evaluation of staff and their ability to use the new systems and a comprehensive training program .This will be followed by a trial run of the new systems, a soft and partial changeover and then finally a complete switch to the new system, whilst keeping the old systems for 2-3 months as a backup. Following the situational analysis of HA Loge's current business and the assessment of its IT req uirements, our recommendations on what HA Loge's requires for the future will allow it to succeed ND grow into new markets and remain profitable for the following years. 1 . Situational Analysis and Strategic Direction 1. 1 . SOOT Analysts 1. . 1 Strengths As it can be seen from the above table, H. A Logon & Sons, are in an advantageous situation compared to other companies, especially in the United Kingdom. The fact that the company was established since 1952 and has shown stability economically through time allows the opportunity to create a very strong and powerful name. The brand potential can allow immediate expansion and takeover of the U. K market rely due to its relationship with the local councils and the existing top of quality product range they have.The market is growing and the low competition may allow the company to become market leaders. The Polls group have conducted a market analysis which shows that a lot of the street furniture companies are under immediate dange r (Pillions, 2014). The possession of the Indian factory reduces the cost and provides a better advantage on the pricing of the products since they can be offered at lower prices. The weaknesses described in the SOOT analysis can be fully exploited and used to the company's advantage.The creation of a website and use of social networking will allow easier market penetration and provide easier and cost effective means to reach the target segmentations. It is however noteworthy that the relationship between the H. Q. In India and U. K should be worked on, as this can be beneficial to the client. Better organizational behavior would effectively mean a better working environment and consequently more efficient production. The operations management could be well benefited from such a change. . 1. 3 Opportunities The opportunities created since the budget for immediate reformation came into existence are extensive in various directions. By creating a patriotic slogan, it will enable the e nhancement of the company's image, thus gaining an advantage over other competitors, especially since the major clients of the investigating market are the councils. One can argue that here is no better way to spend the tax payer's money to a native company with a lot of history of consistent quality and relations.The Lugubrious University can be funded in PhD to offer extensive research on LED Lighting. Especially since LED lighting market is about to increase by 20% McKinney&Company, 2012) and surpass 20 billion USED by 2020 (Technology, 2014). Biding may be done in the Chinese projects ready to be released in 2017. This is due to the fact that the Chinese government had a problem with the already installed LED Lighting and are expected to replace the lighting introduced. 0-15 to street lighting companies will be able to bid on the project (Magazine, 2007-2014). There is the chance to enter the Chinese market with an upgraded and more professional image. A more environmental frien dly approach will attract attention. 1. 1. 4 Threats Even though threats may not be originated from the immediate environment, a company that is trying to expand globally needs to evaluate any potential threat worldwide. The growing expertise of U. S and China on LED lighting may be proven difficult to reach.However with effective research, the knowledge can be obtained and surpass the existing threats. There is growing competition in the Far East and these companies may be favored and correctly encountered. In conclusion, H. A Logon & Sons can expand in other markets such as the Chinese market. They can reach the market segmentation ‘affluent achievers' through proper marketing and anally they can even expand in the direction of street advertising with minimum costs but great profits.This can be achieved because street furniture is already sold in the local councils. Advertising is a very powerful tool for expansion as it can provide instant change in profits and promotion of the company. This idea is already exploited by Caduceus, a French company Caduceus, 2014) and the market is suspected to reach 35. 5 billion USED by 2016 (Edition, 2014). Key factors for this increase are arbitration, meliorating global economy and digital out of home advertising. 1. 2. PESTLE AnalysisTechnological Technological Improvements Company's spending on R (PhD) Access to newest technology Social Media (development & Usage) Socio-cultural Educational Level CEO – friendly habits Turning into Charity Organizations 0 Corporate Social Responsibility (Eunice or other corporations) New market Different culture organizational Culture (India Manufacture) Population growth Attitudes towards saving and investing ‘Affluent Achievers' Attitudes towards product quality and customer service Political Government regulations Economic policies Tax policy Trade restrictions Economic Inflation rateI-J is growing economically so more spending to normal products. (Business Economi cs) China ready to offer projects (LED lights? ) Exchange rates (entering global market) Fiscal policies (India) Growth rates Labor cost minimized Trade flows and patterns (PhD) Environmental Recycling Waste management Attitude toward ‘green' or ecological products Legal Law that affects the business environment in Asia Vs. law in the UK Industry specific regulations e-commerce From deducting a PESTLE analysis three major points can be derived and should be exploited. Firstly, countries nowadays are trying to be as CEO-friendly as possible.The CEO-friendly awareness is increasingly more popular, therefore the company should follow an environmental approach. By producing street furniture or more products in particular street lighting that indeed are environmental friendly, the company can attract buyers. Entering an CEO-friendly mode will show sensitivity company. Thus the councils will be more attracted to the company's products since they will benefit from the CEO-friendly ap proach. Secondly, the current recession is fading away and the coming years will be marked with an economic boom since England is recovering effectively from the economic crisis (Oxalate, 2013).The increase in income will provide increase in demand as there is a positive relationship between the two variables. This would inevitably mean that the market of the ‘affluent achievers' will also increase and this is the market that Loge's should concentrate on. A report by the ALGA shows that between 2011 and 201 5 spending cuts will amount to 33% in real terms. It is clear to see that the previous strong consumer base in local councils may falter and as a source of revenue may not be growing, least not in the short term. Therefore Loge's should be more aggressive with contract bidding.This also leads to a secondary point that out cash flow in the short term maybe less and more opportunities must be sought out, as well as a better financing (Association, 2013). Thirdly, political fa ctors are defined as political issues which can occur in the company, in the areas where the company is operating, both nationwide and worldwide. The effect on business and legislation can be done by political changes and globalization. Government regulations, tax policy and trade restrictions are the main factors that should be taken into notice.Finally, technology is rapidly developing, especially in countries as USA and China hat are more advanced in markets of LED lighting or even street advertising. By investing in technology and creating Research and Development support teams, the company may expertise in LED Lighting sector and can increase its product range such as including interactive panels, which allow advertising to occur. The company may not be directly involved with the advertising but they can actually sell or rent the panels to the local councils.The councils can choose whether to advertise events or other companies for personal profit. The PESTLE analysis did not r aise any flags to any legal concerns or any other matter of the type. 1. 3. Porter five forces The threat of new entrants is high. The company is a market leader in I-J and competitors abroad, bigger companies that have better technological equipment and are trying to earn market share in the business of street furniture. They also have better relationships with councils abroad, since Loge's company has relationships mainly in UK and isn't established long enough abroad.Furthermore, these companies can take advantage of their bigger brand awareness and make agreements more easily than Lagan's company. However, Supply -Side economies of scale are exploited for Loge's since they own their supply factory. This spreads the fixed costs over more units. This deters entry by forcing the ‘aspired entrant' to come in the industry on a large scale production or accept a cost disadvantage. Finally incumbency advantages are independent of size. This effectively means that H. A. Loge's are not easily threatened by potential entrants due to their geographic location Cobber, 2010).The bargaining power of suppliers is low. The company has the opportunity to collaborate with many manufacturers as suppliers, which allows the company to easily make an agreement with another supplier. There is sufficiency f raw materials, which doesn't allow suppliers to have monopoly on them. Bulk buying can be used and this will result in having discount in price during purchasing. The bargaining power of buyers is high due to the large volume of business agreements between the company and the councils for a wide range of products. Failing at the negotiations with the councils can result in losing a wide range of business projects.Their high power gives them the allowance to force down prices and the Loge's company shall accept it since there is the threat of their competitors. The threat of substitute products is low. All companies in the street furniture business manufacture almost the same products and there are no known substitutes. LED lights and panels could be characterized as substitute products, but there aren't brought in the East Midlands market yet (assumption). In the case that the substitutes are considered high, Loge's should distance itself from substitutes through product performance and marketing.The threat of intense segment rivalry is high. In UK during the last years many companies were obliged to exit the street furniture market because of the economic crisis. The companies that survived Loge's company), managed to dominate in the I-J market, but as it seems lately there is an increasing number of big companies from abroad that are trying to enter and invest in this market. â€Å"Rivalry is especially destructive to profitability if it gravitates solely to price because price competition transfers profits directly from an industry to its customers†.The new market of ‘affluent achievers' will likely draw new entrants due to the chan ce of exploitation. Care should be considered to avoid the above statement. Although H. A Loge's will be the first to enter they should do so in a manner that will allow them to establish their network with brand recognition, excellence in customer service and price stability (E. Porter, 2008). 2. Metrics,'Kip At H Logan, attention has always been paid mostly to their financial metrics as opposed to the inputs that drive the numbers.In this section, other possible performance metrics will be discussed according to the new proposed strategy plan. Financial metrics are like descriptive statistics and says something unique about a characteristic of the whole body of data that might not be obvious from merely reviewing individual finance figures (Tax, 2009). Firms and management require an objective way to measure performance so more often than not, it's easier to go straight into the result and forgetting to measure also what led to those results.Financial metrics are useful but should n't be used on its own because financial performance is a result or consequence of something else (Tax, 2009). Operating metrics are the inputs that correlate or drive the desired outcome, if more attention is paid to the operating metrics then financial outputs wouldn't be a big issue for the organization. Examples of these operating metrics include customer satisfaction, customer repetition, customer referral rate, quality of product etc. This is the aspect of metrics this report will focus on (Tax, 2009). 2. 1 . New Proposed Strategy for H.Logan More friendly environmental products(CEO-friendly products) Exploitation of the ‘Affluent Achievers' market Investment in research and development team Extension/Reduction in product line Adequate HER staff to deal with staff issues/concerns especially the issue between the Indian office and the WHQL Set clear goals and objectives Encourage customer and staff feedback Possible reduction in staff from both branches(the I-J and India) and training the Taft removed from the office to become call centre staff where they can deal with customer enquiries, queries, complaints and orders (e-commerce) Provision of services, e. . Offering delivery and installation services etc. Website, proper marketing strategy Introduction of new IT software (SAP software) 2. 2. Potential New Metrics for H. Logan Metrics are used for a variety of reasons. Metrics such as market share, sales increases, margins, and customer satisfaction surveys enable firms to take stock of where they are now and where they want to be in the future (Houses & Katz, 1998). Hauser and Katz, 1998 suggest that every metric will affect actions and decisions whether used mainly to influence behavior, to evaluate future strategies, or to take stock.An ideal metrics system should be tied to overall profit, apply to all employees and be designed to encourage extra effort, however if stretched to the limit can result in counter-productive actions. Relating these metrics back to H. Logan, below is an ideal list of what metrics should be measured in their company. Measurement of how their products and services are perceived in the market- this an be done by market research to determine if people view their products as high end luxury or affordable but quality products etc.Measure how much these ‘affluent achievers' are willing to spend on lighting and how often they purchase household goods. Organization views it as well. Find out what the customers want- by measuring how often they repeat orders, refer the organization's products to their friends and family, or how often they cancel orders, and how many customers never return to H. Logan to buy goods. The Voice of the Employee- this can be measured by finding out what the employees ant, what they value. This can lead to enabling employees make decisions and take actions that they know are going to be necessary to achieve their metrics-based goals.A balanced score card system will be im plemented in the next part to get fair balance of the new metrics to be measured. 2. 3. Balanced Scorecard A balanced scorecard is a strategic management system used to align business activities to the vision and strategy of the organization, improve internal and external communications, and monitor organization performance against strategic goals (Kaplan & Norton, 2007). The balanced scorecard is a management system that enables organizations to clarify their vision and strategy and translate them into action.It provides feedback around both the internal business processes and external outcomes in order to continuously improve strategic performance and results. When fully deployed, the balanced scorecard transforms strategic planning from an academic exercise into the nerve centre of an enterprise. The balanced scorecard suggests that we view the organization from four perspectives, and to develop metrics, collect data and analyze it relative to each of these perspectives which inc lude: The learning and growth perspective- This entails employee training and corporate cultural attitudes related to both individual and corporate self- improvement.It is the most essential foundation for the success of any organization. The business process perspective- this allows the managers to know how well their business is performing and if it matches their customer requirements. This system should be implemented by those who know the system inside and out. The customer perspective-customer focus and perspective is important in any organization and most organizations are beginning to realize the importance of their customers. If customers aren't satisfied, it is likely that they will find those suppliers/ organizations that satisfy them.So measuring what customers want and like the type of customers they are and the processes that need to be followed is essential. The financial perspective- this is the traditional way of measuring metrics but still useful in measuring the ad ditional financial-related data, such as risk assessment The learning and Growth perspective The business process Perspective The customer The financial goals. Measurement of how much the ‘affluent achievers' are willing to spend on lighting ND how often they purchase household goods.Measurement of how their products and services are perceived in the market place by carrying out a market research to determine if people view their products as high-end luxury or affordable but quality products etc. Do the consumers view the products ‘attributes as the same attributes the organization views it as well. Find out what the customers want by measuring how often they repeat orders, refer the organization's products to their friends and family, or how often they cancel orders, and how many customers never return to H.A. Loge's to buy goods. How much is available to spend on the new strategy and development. If there isn't adequate funding, how will the organization source for fun ds. How much profitability lies in the development of the new developments/ strategy/plan. Measurement of how much the new systems will cost and how to priorities the funding of the new system. Measurement of the cost of training staff, R costs and risk assessment. Measurement of the cost of marketing and developing new website. . Portfolio of Systems 3. 1 . Portfolio Enterprise Resource Planning can be crucial to a business, especially one as out- dated as this. As in any other business, processes essential to its success include inventory and order management, accounting, human resources and customer relationship management. At its most basic level ERP Software ‘integrates these various functions into one complete system to streamline the process and information across the entire organization' (Devonshire, 2014).First and foremost the company needs to invest in the current website as it is over 10 years old. In today's technological age, online content is more vital than eve r so as not to fall behind. The Internet is the way most potential customers will search for H. A Logon & sons and if market emphasizes their greater need to invest in this part of the business. Loge's finds itself under intensive pressure from new competition abroad, so they must have some sort of product differentiation to really show prospective customers what they are all about.They should also look to add a separate section to the website specifically for the home solutions potential market. They are what kept the business going when their competitors disappeared and it fits in very well with the strategy to exploit the ‘Affluent Achievers' market. This is a new market opportunity and one that must be seized so H. A Logon & sons can progress to the next level. Due to the cost and long-term maintenance of the website, it would be appropriate to outsource the website production and maintenance too professional company.The company will also need to invest in new IT systems b ecause what exists has been running for over 35 years and has become increasingly unstable. It is important to realize that ‘an ERP system that is not the right fit tends to weigh down the entire organization' (lyre, 2012), this is why we have taken special care in narrowing down possible systems the company could use such as Oracle, Sage and SAP. Oracle represents more of an integrated system, while Sage pride themselves on the ease of use but the most suitable system for H. A Logon & Sons is the ‘SAP business objects solutions' system.This we believe brings a far more holistic process to the table and helps solve some of the problems they have now and reduce the overall cost that comes with implementation. SAGE and Oracle might be better at certain aspects but the SAP system is more consistent across the board as the feature analysis (table 1 below) depicts. ‘The evaluation of the ERP process must consider usability as a critical success factor' (lyre, 2012) and this is what the SAP system ensures. It provides an intuitive means to unify the information that business users need for their daily activities.It eliminates the need to access multiple applications, providing relevant information form a central location'. This as we can see will already eliminate the problem the company has had over the years where they have to input the same data several times because some systems aren't integrated. It comes with ‘Large Scale information distribution', which is very useful as the company has bases in both England and India. This helps because the platform supports distribution of content o up to 1 million recipients and allows the workers have all they need available to them.The most important integration this system brings is helping the company make decisions based on the whole picture. As mentioned earlier, ERP integrates many aspects such as HER, operations etc. The problem with this is that we tend to gain individual views based on the se aspects but the SAP system gives a ‘unified view of the businesses and enables its users to gain fresh new perspectives. Using the Package approach is beneficial as it's cheaper and can be tailored to the needs of the company. Weightings SAP SAGE Oracle
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