Monday, September 30, 2019

Informational Interview Essay

Owner of Nutra-Planet, Sam Hong, is a respected, hardworking man that gave me advice that will be very useful in the future. Nutra-Planet is an online supplement store that has been growingly rapidly the past few years. I met with Mr. Hong for about twenty minutes, and discussed things such as: the education needed to work in his business, his job setting, required skills, and many other things. I chose Mr. Hong because I have been a customer with his business for a few years, and his warehouse/office is in my home town. He was a very polite man, and he said that he always enjoys the chance to share his knowledge with people. I interviewed him at his main office and I dressed business casual. I really learned an abundance about owning your own business, and it gave me an idea of what I needed to do if I decided to own my own store. Education Needed The first question to Mr. Hong was the type of education needed, not just to work there, but to actually have an opportunity to advance. He told me that he is interested in someone who knows both the business aspect and the supplement knowledge aspect of running the business. In order to pursue this path, I would be more successful finding a major supplement chain like his that has opportunities for advancement. My major now is marketing, and he said that will definitely help me in the future. I need to know the business aspects if I want to run day to day operations. Job Setting My next question for Mr. Hong was the type of job setting that his business offered. He said that his main goal was to make his customers’ experience a pleasurable one, and that the environment was a major factor in making that successful. From the casual, friendly atmosphere to the layout of the online store and warehouse, all things need to come together to make the customer want to come back, and tell all their friends about it also. This requires a knowledgeable staff that is helpful to everyone, and a friendly personality is as important to him as the experience an employer brings with him. Required Skills When I asked Mr. Hong about the skills that were required to be hired in an upper-level position in this business, he told me there were two different avenues to advance through; the business aspect or the customer relations aspects. He said that it is crucial for his employees to work well with other employees, and be able to take criticism and advice. Although I am majoring in business, I would still love to work hands on with customers. Aside from the obvious skills of knowing about supplements, Jay said the single most important skill he looks for is â€Å"people† skills. The personality to interact with others and assure them that you know what you are talking about when it comes to supplements. Conclusion The interview with Mr. Hong went very well, and he was said that he was happy that he could answer my questions. He emphasized that it is very important to stay in school and make sure that I graduate, because if I ever need any loans or anything it will help out tremendously if I have a good background and a degree. I will make sure that I interview more people in the future because I believe that it is a huge help to talk to someone face to face instead of reading stuff online.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

International Joint Ventures

AR50126 Assignment Name: Mizanur Rahman In submitting this assignment, I certify that all this material is my own work, except where I have indicated otherwise with appropriate references. 0. 0 0. 1 Report on the ‘Sandford’ Joint Venture in East Timor Date: 30th September 2011 For: George Jackson From: Mizanur Rahman 1. 0 Executive Summary Freemantle Construction operates in a domestic environment against ever increasing competition in a saturated market, trying to maintain market share during economic downturn. In contrast Sandford has a strong international presence in the hotel/leisure industry and is looking at diversification to improve their competitive advantage and compliment their current offerings. The opportunity presented by this Joint Venture (JV) will assist both Sandford and Fremantle in entering a new market. It will be challenging mainly because of the fact that both firms are from different industries and may have different goals/objectives along with differing management styles. Furthermore, the JV’s first project is situated in the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste (DRTL), which will have its own complexities to contend with, be it government/business policies or technology/skills shortages etc. The JV will have to consider a decision making processes throughout the partnership, which could be difficult, with each firm’s needs possibly being different. For a successful JV, the partners need to be honest, trustworthy, committed and focus on what will be best for the JV rather than on their own needs. Beamish (2008) quoted that firms enter JVs in order to create new products/services and enter new/foreign markets. This is the key benefit to this JV, whilst there are many risk factors to consider, the rewards will possibly outweigh this but only if all the obstacles and opportunities are correctly assessed and an appropriate strategy is agreed and implemented. 2. 0 Introduction This report was commissioned by Mr Benny Garstead. The objective was to recommend an appropriate ‘Diversification Strategy’ and identify ‘Opportunities and Obstacles’ that will be encountered by the ‘Sandford & Freemantle’ JV in the DRTL. Page 1 of 8 AR50126 Assignment Name: Mizanur Rahman 3. 0 3. 1 Diversification via JV What form of JV Prior to engaging in a ‘Diversification’ strategy both firms will have to agree on the type of JV to be implemented for this project, integrated where profit/loss is shared against an agreed percentage, or non-integrated where profit/loss is not shared. The benefit of an integrated system is that it requires capital investment from all partners and this signifies commitment and can enhance the chances of success. These decisions along with objectives and how to manage the JV will have to be agreed prior to engaging the JV. Pearce (1997) indicated that JVs can become very demanding if the partners have differing objectives. The reasons behind the JV are simple, both parties contribute to the overall scale/skills pool, thus being in a position to penetrate new markets. However local knowledge in respect of the newly formed DRTL will be lacking. This gap will need to be filled, possibly with local partners/advisors if the JV is to be successful. . 2 Diversification Theory Ansoff’s (1965) idea of diversification (see matrix below) highlights that this is when firms enter new markets with new products. The new product here is the combined offering of both firms, in a completely new market. Berry (1975) alternatively states that ‘Diversification’ is an increase in the number of industries a firm is active in. There are numerous other definitions, but in essence it is based on de sire for growth, by expanding a firm’s existing offering with other products/services etc. which can be directly or indirectly related to current offerings or be completely unrelated. The notion that this JV needs to be identified separately from both firm’s existing operations, by diversifying, could improve competitive advantage by providing focus in a niche market, where one service compliments/leads on to the other and thus being able to provide a tailored/total solution to the DRTL, where many international/domestic firms will be vying for the same business. Page 2 of 8 AR50126 Assignment Name: Mizanur Rahman 3. 3 Why Diversify By integrating into related markets (related diversification, infrastructure hotels/leisure = revenue from building & tourism), Freemantle can enter into another market, which could boost their current position and secure cash flow to survive the current downturn. Rather than downsizing, they could potentially increase their turnover, albeit growth not necessarily means more profit. Sandford will also greatly benefit by being able to complement Freemantle’s offering by following on with the required tourism facilities. This type of synergy is called ‘Horizontal Diversification’. A diversification strategy is simply a ‘growth’ strategy and in this instance could be seen as ‘differentiation’. Porter (1985) states in his ‘Generic Strategies’, firms looking for competitive advantage through ‘differentiation’ must consider the additional costs incurred in re-branding, promoting etc. and the chances of recovering these, also the method is not unique and could be replicated by other competing firms. On a positive note Rumelt (1982) developed, from earlier studies of Chandler (1962) and Wrigley (1970), categories for various diversification strategies nd from this, related diversification on average outperformed other diversification strategies. Furthermore, it was found that these firms had a natural advantage by expanding their skills into related areas. In general drivers for Sandford & Fremantle’s choice to diversify would be based on: i. ii. iii. iv. v. Sandford’s desire for growth Freemantleâ₠¬â„¢s need to escape a stagnant market Both need to acquire the skills in the construction/tourism sector Both desire to spread risk Both desire to access a virgin market 3. 2. 1 Advantages & Disadvantage The principle advantages for this JV are: ? ? ? ? ? An increase in value/wealth to the firms, which would not be possible on their own. Economies of scale would be increased, assisting entry into the new market. Construction costs for Sandford would decrease. Economies of scope can be exploited by Freemantle delivering the required infrastructure and then the related tourism/leisure facilities. Provides movement away from declining activities for Freemantle. Spreading risk from interests in one area, as well as the risks involved in international JVs (IJVs). The Principle disadvantages could be: ? ? Slowing growth in its core business, if focus is shifted. Potentially would add to management costs by implementing a separate team to run the JV. Loss could be incurred during market c onsolidation process resulting in some parts of the business being subsidized by other profitable parts. Page 3 of 8 AR50126 Assignment Name: Mizanur Rahman ? ? Diversification across national boundaries could result in the firms having to deal with varying political/legal requirements of the different countries in which the JV firms have controlling interests. May result in failure when there is a mismatch between core competencies/experiences. Freemantle’s lack of international experience and Sandford’s lack of local knowledge/influence. 4. 0 4. 1 Obstacles and Opportunities for the DRTL project Virgin Market The DRTL is a diverse country ecologically and culturally due to its multitude of linguistic and ethnic inhabitants, built up over its history from settlements to colonisation. The DRTL have to deal with many critical issues from the lack of infrastructure, as virtually everything will have to be rebuilt from ruins left from the war. Despite the lack of facilities and the major task ahead, according to Moghe (2001) the success of the country lies with proper infrastructure, security, efficient policy and the ability to make clients and investors feel that they are on ‘neutral territory’. One point to note is that there will be mass influx that will occur from foreign firms looking to capture some market share during construction, along with the firms that will remain and operate businesses (i. e. hotel/leisure and tourist facilities). Aditjondro (2001) criticised this, as it would force the DRTL into a new form of colonisation, an economic one, thus resulting what could be viewed as simply an outpost for globalisation. 4. 2 Globalisation Society today is very global and thus making our domestic markets more competitive. This encourages firms to venture across international boundaries in order to offset seasonal fluctuations (i. e. construction during winter periods) through increased opportunities and ultimately be spreading their risk across various options. The choice to go global has many risks and potential obstacles to consider from cultural/language barriers to economic, legal and political risk. Cartwright and Cooper (1996) underline that compatibility issues may arise from IJVs due to differences in national culture, managerial styles. The proposed JV provides a gateway for international expansion, which maybe a comfortable area for Sandford but Freemantle need to fully assess their capability/competence in a foreign market by fully assessing the risks. 4. 3 Risk Bettis & Hall (1982) successfully demonstrated the link between risk and reward performance and diversification strategies. In their study they calculated return on assets to measure risk and reward performance. The result found a negative risk Page 4 of 8 AR50126 Assignment Name: Mizanur Rahman against return for related firms, which suggested the opportunity to simultaneously reduce risk and increase return. However, a detailed risk/reward analysis needs to be conducted to ensure that the JV is not affected by any change. Areas for consideration (UK & USA ‘v’ DRTL): Culture: Currency: Economy: Government: Legal: Labour: Language: Marketing: Transport: Technology: Homogeneous ‘v’ Heterogeneous Uniform ‘v’ Uniform (? /$) Relatively Stable ‘v’ Variable & unpredictable Stable ‘v’ Maybe Unstable Free movement of goods ‘v’ possible legal restrictions Skilled workers available ‘v’ Impossible to source Generally Single Language ‘v’ Different Languages/dialects Many media streams with little restriction ‘v’ Fewer media Several competitive options ‘v’ inadequate Latest ‘v’ Outdated An appropriate level of competency/ability and motivation is required amongst the staff, for a firm to operate effectively on the international scene. The varying strengths and weakness of both firm’s skill base would need to be fully analysed, in order to compile a competent/capable team. Thus providing a balance of all necessary attributes and improving the chances of success. 4. 4 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) DRTL is one of the poorest countries in the world. The country will still be very fragile and under the watch of the UN. Also the population may not trust outsiders as they have repeatedly been under forced control, so gaining trust for a successful JV will be imperative and thus a robust CSR policy needs to be agreed and implemented. If the CSR policy is not followed, the firm’s image be ruined, causing failure abroad and potentially back home. The JV cannot claim to be an ethical setup if it ignores unethical practices linked to its operations e. g. : ? ? ? ? Use of child labour and forced labour Production that effects the livelihoods of indigenous people Violation of the basic rights of workers Ignoring health, safety and environmental standards An ethical business has to be concerned with the behaviour of all businesses that operate in the supply chain – i. e. ? ? ? ? Partners Advisors Suppliers Sub-contractors The sticking point is if any of the above is required to be ignored, either to progress the project or to make profit. The decision needs to remain ethical to maintain long term success. Page 5 of 8 AR50126 Assignment Name: Mizanur Rahman 4. 0 Conclusion The capability/capacity of the existing construction industry in DRTL, like many developing nations, will be in its infancy (World Bank, 1984; Kirmani, 1988; Wells 1986). For success local knowledge will be a necessity. Although there are several strategies available for IJVs, diversification strategies provide firms with high growth potential in international markets (Capar and Kotabe, 2003). Diversification may be a fast track growth solution but if an appropriate strategy is not applied and the management fail to understand the JV, then serious financial impact is inevitable not only to the JV but also the parent firms. Available competencies and capability need to be assessed; also the product that is being provided needs to have resonance with the new market. Hence extensive research rather than internet based research needs to be conducted at ground zero. Are the firms ready for an IJV, or are there skills gaps that need filling? 5. 0 Recommendations The recommendations are, but not limited to: 1. Conduct a thorough PESTEL analysis on the DRTL situation. 2. Conduct a SWOT analysis of the JV in DRTL. 3. Agree on the percentage level of profit/loss sharing for an integrated JV. 4. Agree the JVs Objectives, Decision Making Protocols. 5. Review competencies and capabilities of senior management and assemble the correct team. . Implement a CSR policy. 7. Network with DRTL decision makers and appoint a local partner or advisor. 8. Engage with the community. Once the above has been achieved then the JV can start prospecting for work. (2020 – 24 Citations = 1996 words) Page 6 of 8 AR50126 Assignment Name: Mizanur Rahman Bibliography Aditjondro, G. J. (2001). East Timorese becoming guests in their own land [online]. Indonesia: Jakarta Post . Available from: http://members. canb. auug. org. au/~wildwood/febguests. htm [Accessed 27 September 2011]. Ansoff, H. I. (1965). Corporate Strategy:An Anylytical approach to business policy for growth & expansion. New York: McGraw-Hill. Beamish, P. W. (2008). Joint venturing. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing. Berry, C. H. (1975). Corporate Growth and Diversification. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. Bettis, R. A. , Hall W. K. (1982). Diversification Strategy, accounting determined risk, and accounting determined return, Academy of Management Journal, 25, pp. 254-264. Carpar, N. , Kotabe, M. (2003). The relationship between international diversification and performance in service firms, Journal of International Business Studies. 34, pp. 45-355. Cartwright, S. , Cooper, C. (1996). Managing Mergers, acquisitions and strategic alliances: integrating people and cultures. 2nd ed. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann. Haendel, D. (1979). Foreign investments and the management of political risk. Colorado: West View Press. Hill, W. L. (2005). International Business: Competing in the Global Marketplace. International ed. New York: McGraw-Hill. Kirmani, S. S. 1988). The Construction Industry In Development: Issues And Options, Discussion Paper, Report INU 10, February, World Bank. Moghe, C. G. (2001) A framework for East Timor's economic planning [online]. Indonesia: Jakarta Post. Available from: http://www. thejakartapost. com/news/2001/02/22/a-frameworkeast-timor039s-economic-planning. html [Accessed 27 September 2011]. Pearce, R. J. (1997). Toward understanding joint venture performance and s urvival: A bargaining and influence approach to transaction cost theory. Academy of Management Review, 22(1), pp. 03–225. Phatak, A. V. (1989), International dimensions of management, 2nd ed. Boston: PWS Kent Publishing Company. Porter, M. (1985). referred to in Hancock M. R. (2008) â€Å"Strategy in Construction† (ICM Module 6 work file. p. 2. 6, University of Bath. Ronen, S. (1986). Comparative and Multinational Management, 4th ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons Inc. Rumelt, R. P. (1982). Diversification Strategy and Profitability, Strategic Management Journal, 3, pp. 359-369. Page 7 of 8 AR50126 Assignment Name: Mizanur Rahman Scullion, H. 1992), Strategic recruitment and development of the ‘International Manager’: Some European Considerations, Human Resource Management Journal, 3, pp. 57-69 UN (2010). East Timor Country Brief [online]. Australia. Available from: http://www. dfat. gov. au/geo/east_timor/east_timor_brief. html [Accessed 25 September 2011]. Wild, J. J. , Wild, K. L. & Han, J. C. Y. (2000). International Business: an Integrated Approach. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall. World Bank (1984). The construction Industry: Issues and Strategies in developing Countries, Washington D. C. : World Bank. Page 8 of 8

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Sociology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Sociology - Essay Example Since the UK contained a well-established political structure, well-trained and highly equipped army, navy and air force, magnificent economic stability and unshakeable social hierarchy, the country was in a position to rule over the entire world for several decades. By dint of her unconquerable armed forces, sharp foreign policy and enormous financial resources, the UK invaded on numerous Asian and African countries, and captured their wealth and governmental system. Hence, the people belonging to the subjugated states got orientation with the UK as a great strategic, educational and economic giant of the world at large. Consequently, they dreamed of visiting and settling down in the UK in order to lead a comfortable and respectable life for the future years to come. Additionally, the African men, women, children and elderly were also brought in the country as slaves, where they were meant to serve their white masters in their domestic chores and professional responsibilities as wel l. By looking into the history of the British Africans, it becomes crystal clear that the Blacks had been the least educated stratum of British society, as majority of this community was either working as slaves or got involved into different petty or purported odd jobs at lower scale. Similarly, because of their association with the labour in their native land as well as scarcity of food and fruits, the Blacks underwent poorer health condition in comparison with the rest of the entire English population. Though the situation has taken drastic change with the passage of time, and the country is viewed to be exemplary in respect of the health condition and education level of its citizens, yet the Blacks are still viewed to be the least developed community in respect of both health and education, as they are refused to be treated on the foundations of equality in the British society. Thus, their past is still haunting the Blacks even after several years of their freedom from slavery a nd settling down as free citizens in Great Britain. The Paper: The contemporary Britain is undoubtedly one of the most enlightened states of the entire sphere, which offers job, business, health and immigration facilities to the highly skilled and proficient individuals belonging to various parts of the globe. Additionally, the traditional British universities have been pioneer in providing high quality education by conferring degrees against different disciplines, which does not have any match with any educational institution of the entire world. It is therefore the students who had sought education and degrees from these renowned institutions, led their respective societies and cultures by rendering valuable services in their relevant fields. The entire exposure they gain and the outstanding vision they acquire is partially dependent of the British educational institutions, cultural values, social norms and traditional way of life that proves guiding star for polishing their perso nality and enhancing their capabilities to move and survive even in the multicultural civilisations. On the one side of the picture, there appears to be affluence, luxuries, social justice, economic prosperity and technological advancements, and on the other side, malpractices, apartheid, ethno-racial and religious discrimination, poverty and deteriorating health of the lower stratum of society raise their ugly head to threaten the glow of the so-called big claims of national

Friday, September 27, 2019

Star Alliance in the field of Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Star Alliance in the field of Marketing - Essay Example Alliances were an appropriate response to the market change by the leading airlines. Star Alliance is the largest with a market share of 23.6 percent followed by Sky Team, Oneworld and Wings (Czipura & Jolly, 2007). This paper will discuss how at Star, the benefits are reaped both by the customers and the airlines, the route setup and the basis, the problems and pitfalls encountered and how Star Alliance differentiates itself from other airline alliances. The Star Alliance started as a joint marketing effort between United Airlines and Air Canada in 1992 and was formed on the premise that each could derive benefits from expanding the range of cooperation. They wanted to increase the membership and devolve authority towards a more centralized and independent organization structure (Anslinger & Jenk, 2004). By 1997 Scandinavian Air System (SAS), Deutsche Lufthansa, Thai Airways International had joined the alliance. These five members signed bilateral agreements regarding code sharing, joint marketing activities, and flight schedule coordination (Czipura & Jolly, 2007). The alliance wanted to exploit the benefits of a worldwide network. By 2006, there were 18 full members in addition to several regional members and member candidates. Today it has 24 members and has a centralized set of activities and functions. The Star Alliance serves 855 airports in 155 (StarAlliance.com, 2007) countries and expects to achieve substantial savings thr ough rationalizing their operations and in the process squeezing out competitors (Boyd, 2001). Airlines have little control over fixed expenditure like aircraft and equipments and the labor costs account for almost one-third expenses in the industry. As such most airlines are looking for saving expenditure in other areas. In 2001, Star Alliance created a new and more stable management structure. Prior to this, the alliance was driven by the individual

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Employment and Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Employment and Society - Essay Example In such a case, an employees’ place of work ceases to exist resulting in a redundancy. There exists a discrepancy between the first cause and the second, as the first case involves an overall shut down of business while the second involves only the place of work for the worker and not both employer and employee. Redundancies also occur when an employer eliminates the work or duties that an employee carries out entirely. In this case, the role an employee plays in a business ceases to exist leading to their dismissal as there is nothing for the said employee to do. In addition, reductions lead to redundancies in an attempt to cut back on the number of employees on any given business. In this regard, the number of people carrying out a given duty gets reduced but not eliminated altogether. However, redundancies in any given business should be avoided as it affects parties involved, employers and employees. This can be attempted by utilizing a wide range of means that do not affect both parties directly but work gradually. One way to cut redundancies is through the process of natural wastage. This is a case where an employee decides to leave their jobs of their own accord and not because the employer would like them to quit. In such cases, the employee may decide to retire or switch jobs to one that they feel better suited. Furthermore, recruitment freezes work well in avoiding such situations. This is by failing to recruit or enrol new workers into a business, thus cutting the risk of redundancies. In addition, an organization may choose to stop or reduce overtime or offer early retirement to volunteers; however, retirement options may be open to age discrimination issues. Retraining, redeployment and provision of sabbaticals and secondments to existing employees also serve to cut redundancies. Sabbaticals in this case refer to employees taking time off and seeking alternative employment while receiving an allowance from the employer. Other

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Global economic Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6000 words

Global economic - Assignment Example Simon, an economist, and P. Ehrlich, a biologist (Economist 2011). In the book of Ehrlich under the title ‘Population bomb’ reference is made to five metals, the price of which was expected to increase in the following ten years because of the increase of population globally; a bet has been set between Ehrlich and Simon who opposed the above argument, noting that no such increase would take place, a view that was verified up to 1990s (Economist 2011). According to the article, if the above issue were reviewed now, a different result would be revealed. Indeed, if the views of these scientists were compared today, Ehrlich would have won the bet (Economist 2011). In other words, the article aims to highlight the different effects of growth of global population, as reported through the decades. It is noted that in the past, the effects of the increase of population globally would be less negative for the environment compared to today; this view is based mostly on the argumen t of the World Bank that the global food production would have to increase by about 70% by 2050, so that the food needs of global population, estimated to 9 million in 2050, to be covered (Economist 2011). However, it has been proved that areas with stable population, like Europe and USA (Economist 2011) tend to affect more the global climate, compared to countries where the level of population is unstable. Under these terms, it is suggested that the control on the rate of growth of population should be developed both at state and at family level. 2nd version The rate of increase of population globally has been often considered as related to the economy of countries worldwide. At the same time, the effects of increase of population on global climate seem to be important. However, these views have not been standardized through the decades. For example, according to the book ‘The Population Bomb’ of Ehrlich, the increase of global population between 1980 and 1990 could le ad to the increase of the price of five metals: ‘copper, chromium, nickel, tin and tungsten’ (Economist 2011). By 1990, no such increase occurred, a fact that was already highlighted by Ehrlich opponent, Julian Simon (Economist 2011). In the years that followed, a different trend appeared: it was made clear that the increase of global population could lead to the increase of food required for covering people’s daily food needs, an issue highlighted by the World Bank (Economist 2011). In addition, it was proved that the increase of global population could negatively affect the environment. It seems though that the economic and environmental effects of the increase of global population are more intensive in rich countries, like USA and China. Introducing a birth-control policy, as in China, would minimize such risks. Still, the article notes that the control on global population should be rather based on appropriate family planning and less on the intervention of s tate, which can lead to severe demographic and economic turbulences, as in the case of China. In the above country, the one-child policy promoted by the government has helped to control the excessive increase of population, which would have adverse effects on the country’s economy and climate, but this policy is expected to lead to the radical decrease of the country’s working population in the near future (Economist 2011). B. Peck, Don. â€Å"Can The Middle Class Be Saved?† Atlantic Monthly September 2011 1st version Commonly,

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Sustainability In Emerging Economies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Sustainability In Emerging Economies - Essay Example Most have reduced poverty levels to greater lengths, but at a cost to the environment. They have contributed to global warming by engaging in unsustainable efforts which is a threat to global environmental sustainability (Hansen and Wethal 2014: p 3). In this case study, the researcher focused on a firm, Bunge Limited, to show how they adopted the zero deforestation policies in a bid to ensure food security for a growing population in a sustainable manner. Bunge Limited is one of the largest agribusiness firms in the world. The company is one of the largest suppliers of global commodities. However, in its efforts to feed the world the firm severely impacts the environment through deforestation on agricultural development (McIntyre). The concerns about the effects on the environment prompted the firm to adopt a raft of measures that were sustainable to the firm and the environment (LOUCHE and HEBB 2014: p48). The selected state is Kenya found in Africa. Bunge Limited will partner with the Kenya Forestry Services (KFS). Bunge will source seedlings from the KFS and plant in the tropical zones of the Mount Kenya forest. The area receives adequate rainfall that is appropriate for various species such as the Cupressus lusitanica and Grevillea robusta. The area is inhabited by the Ameru to the south and some western parts of the mountain, the Agikuyu to the east and north (Johannson and Project, 1995). The project is estimated to take three months. However, sustaining a project in an emerging economy faces challenges due to social-economic and even political differences. In this case, the six principle of project sustainability will be used to ensure the project is beneficial to the members of the society and it lasts. The first principle is to maintain and to enhance the quality of life of the resident. Bunge Limited is concerned with tree planting, and the benefits accrued with trees are

Monday, September 23, 2019

Business Performance of Specsavers Research Paper

Business Performance of Specsavers - Research Paper Example On the marketing front, Specsavers pioneered a slew of industry standards. For example, it was the first company to start a debt scheme for contact lenses along with free home delivery. This initiative changed the way a customer financed her eye care purchases. Specsavers’ advertising campaigns were perfectly designed to strongly communicate the special features offered by Specsavers. The â€Å"Should've has gone to Specsavers† campaign reinforced the superior services offered by Specsavers. One of the most important USPs of Specsavers was its great value-for-money positioning. Due to economies of scale, it could negotiate better prices with its vendors, and then passed on savings to its customers. Specsavers offered 2 for 1 glass at  £75, an offer that has been very successful. Specsavers also targeted market niches by offering special pricing for its products/services. For example, Senior citizens (over 60 years) were offered a massive 30% discount on glasses. However, the most revolutionary innovation was on the products/services domain. Prior to the arrival of Specsavers, this industry was served by small chains or independent opticians. While these chains offered low-cost services, there was an enormous room for improvement in their services. Those providing high-quality services were costlier & often charged a high premium. Specsavers’ new partnership model brought together for the first time, the best practices of retailing & service delivery concepts along with the best available opticians, but at a much competitive price. While Specsavers offered their partners a range of business support services like accounting, marketing etc, the frontline opticians were free to do what they did the best. The opticians, hence, could concentrate on delivering their best services to the consumers. On the product front, they  pioneered innovations like offering varifocal glasses. Specsavers offered the option of returning ‘varifocal’ glasses (some people take time to adjust to these) within a period of 30 days from purchase.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Cross Cultural Managemant Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Cross Cultural Managemant - Essay Example Prominently, it has been found that Egyptian culture favors authoritative leadership and team orientation; emphasizes the present and avoids risk or change; emphasizes laws and regulations and does not adhere to time schedules. Recommendations to managers have been made keeping in mind these and few other attributes. Table of contents 1. Introduction 4 2. Cultural assessment in global business: rationale and objectives 4 3. Determinants of culture 6 4. Analysis of Egyptian culture 7 4.1 Based on Hofstede’s cultural dimensions 8 4.2 Based on Trompenaars’ cultural dimensions 10 4.3 Based on Edward T Hall’s intercultural aspects in communication 11 4.4 Based on the GLOBE project by House et al., 12 5. Implications for business 14 5.1 From GLOBE’s cultural dimensions perspective 15 5.2 Other perspectives 17 6 Conclusions and Recommendations 19 Bibliography Appendices List of appendices Appendix 1: Steers et al.’s (2010) Comparison of models of cultural dimensions Appendix 2: Nardon & Steer’s (2009) Core cultural dimensions: an integrative summary Appendix 3: House et al.’s (2004) Summary of social cluster rankings for culturally endorsed implicit theory leadership 1. Introduction: Egypt, an African country, is known for its historical origins of world civilizations. Its culture is influenced by the Mediterranean, African and the Arab countries, and therefore predominantly follows Islamic religion. From international perspective, Egypt’s social and cultural considerations act as the constraints for business and management due to their vast dissimilarities with other nations’ cultures (Rice & Mahmoud, 2013). In view of this fact, Egypt’s conduciveness for business in international arena will be explored by using findings from literature. Literature on various researches related to world cultures will be studied, with main focus on the most significant studies, like those by Hofstede, Trompenaars, H all, and House et al will be used as reference points. Critical implications for effective management such as motivation, leadership, organizational policies and procedures will be identified based on analysis carried out on Egyptian culture using various cultural dimensions. Finally, conclusions will be drawn and recommendations will be made, if required, from management viewpoint. 2 Cultural assessment in global business: rationale and objectives Business management attracted a different perspective during the beginning stages of globalization owing to the various determinants of successful business run by people belonging to various backgrounds. This perspective was from the cultural aspect, which management specialists and scholars have been studying in detail to identify the role of national culture on various aspects related to organizational behavior. Business anthropology has thus permeated management field owing to various needs in globalized world, such as communication, b usiness growth, international relations, international laws and regulations etc, all of which are influenced by culture. For instance, the human resources perspective demands a thorough understanding and analysis in different countries, considering the similarities and variations of national and organizational cultures, for effective management of people. Extensive research work and evidences in the areas of marketing, consumer behavior, international business,

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Motherhood and slavery Essay Example for Free

Motherhood and slavery Essay As a capable black woman and as a mother, Sethe feels obligated to provide Beloved, whether her daughter or not, a bed to sleep in and somebody there not worrying you to death about what you got to do each day to deserve it (Beloved 67-68). Therefore, her job as mother, as caretaker, as life-giver and life-maintainer is never-ending, and because it is never-ending, it has the potential to take her to her grave. Beyond that, Sethe fears losing Beloved before she can make her understand that worse than killing her own daughter, —far worse—was what Baby Suggs died of what Ella knew, what Stamp saw and what made Paul D tremble. (Beloved 251). Although not entirely true, for Sethes best thing is herself, the one thing about herself that she values, that slavery has not taken away from her is motherhood. This, for Sethe, is maintaining a mental survival for her children, preventive medicine for the ills of slavery. As Kubitschek notes, On the plantations black womens nurturance—from the physical (nursing milk) to the metaphysical (energy and patience)—is used up primarily in working fields and tending white children (166). But for Sethe, who was able to have her children with her, the major means of protecting children from slavery is to value them and to communicate this value to them (Kubitschek 166). This is a sacrifice Sethe and many mothers, traditional and nontraditional, are more than willing to make. This becomes especially painful in part two of the novel. When Sethe thinks about Beloved and her own actions, she says she will explain it all to Beloved, reflecting, How if I hadnt killed her she would have died and that is something I could not bear to happen to her Ill tend her as no mother ever tended a child, a daughter. Nobody will ever get my milk no more except my own children (Beloved 200). Here we can see transforming and destereotyping potential of Sethes actions. She goes on thinking of how she will change, how she can mother now as a free woman. In this case, it is as if Sethe must be a nontraditional, unstereotypical mother in order to accomplish the traditional mothering role she wants to attain. She also reflects on her faults when Beloved returns, how she was distracted by Paul D and should not have been. But it is at this point that she demonstrates the difference between man and woman, between father and mother. Kubitschek argues that In the twilight area of an illegal freedom, Sethe has immediately, upon being summoned back to slavery, acted on a slave definition of mothering: presence is all (167). Being together, even if dead together, was enough. Presence is all. Lucille Fultz cites Marsha Darlings interview with Morrison in which Morrison asserts: Under the theatrical conditions of slavery, if you made that claim that you are the mother of these children you were claiming the right to say something about what happens to them. Morrison terms Sethes commitment to her children an excess of maternal feeling, a total surrender. This surrender is configured in Sethes desire to protect her daughter from the ills she suffered as a female slave. (40) Sethe takes her protection of her children one step further. Fultz contends that Through desire and knowledge Sethe achieves subjectivity for herself and her children. She refuses to subscribe to the system that treats her and her family as objects (38). She especially needs to make up to Beloved, perhaps because she killed her, or perhaps because the death separated them as Sethe had been separated from her own maam. Kubitschek asserts, Still defining motherhood as keeping her children with her, Sethe cannot reject the ghosts presence (167). Perhaps it is more a loss of a time component than the actual murder component that Sethe regrets. Thus, because she spent so little time with her own mother, she must spend as much time with her daughters as possible, which leads to their month of playing together. Morrison visually paints their month, noting the star-loaded sky, sweet milk, string puzzles in afternoon light, shadow pictures in the gloaming, a garden of vegetables and flowers (Beloved 240). All of this serves Sethes purpose until Beloved decides it is not enough, and Denver realizes that her mother could die and leave them both and what would Beloved do then? (Beloved 243). Beloved has no life of her own, no name, and never did. She was never called anything but the crawling already? girl and Beloved as her gravestone marked her. Not a name to cling to. Morrison tells us that Everybody knew what she was called, but nobody anywhere knew her name (Beloved 274) because she is a representation of life, many lives, but does not get the opportunity to live her own. She can be the woman during the Middle Passage; she can be the woman in slavery; she can be the woman who escaped slavery; and she is all of these. She embodies each and every woman of the African American motherline and is also linked to Sethes own mother who, like the murdered granddaughter, remains nameless (OReilly 86, 87). But as a result, she is never herself. Morrison poetically crosses three generations of women, who learn and demonstrate survival skills, in a very matriarchally religious trinity—mother: Sethes mother; daughters: Sethe and eventually Denver; and holy ghost: Beloved. Each fights for survival of herself, and of future generations through different means. Sethes mother rebels and is hanged, but impresses upon her daughter what truly matters—the self and a sense of connection with ones own matrilineal line. Sethe escapes slavery with her children and is willing to kill them so that they may survive maintaining their natural selves. Beloved is reincarnated. This is her survival, but it also leads to Denvers ability to survive on her own, which further protects and preserves the potential for future generations. Essentially, all these women can fight for survival at this point in the novel because there is a sense of belonging, of necessity. Sethe gives herself inherence when she places complete necessity on herself for the responsibility of her children. Morrison describes Sethe as a free woman, as a free mother, writing, Freeing yourself was one thing; claiming ownership of that freed self was another (Beloved 95). But that is what Sethe is able to do. In the Clearing, she claims herself. At this point, she is finally able to attach herself to the self that she can create. As a result, she can also, hi her mother role, help begin to claim selfhood for those around her. Thus, she returned to 124, opened the door, walked in and locked it tight behind her and when Sethe locked the door, the women inside were free at last to be what they liked, see whatever they saw and say whatever was on their minds (Beloved 198, 199). This is all part of Sethes role as mother. She defends others, her own girls especially, with her whole body, her whole home. Yet, the one thing she does not immediately understand or establish for herself, until Paul D makes her realize it, is that Beloved, her crawling already?girl, was not her best thing. Sethe is a woman destined for survival early on because of the actions she takes and the decisions she makes as a mother, but she cannot see her personal value beyond powerful motherhood until the end, when she is a free woman: free of slavery, free of Beloved, beginning to be free of the past, free of the blame of murdering her daughter to save her, and free of the blame of making the ink schoolteacher used to assess their animal characteristics and measurements (Beloved 271). Then and only then does she fully comprehend the destereotyped notion of best thing as herself. Redefining motherhood for herself, Sethe also redefines the foundation of humanity. By making her character commit that horrible act, Toni Morrison asks her reader: is the inhumanity in Sethe’s killing of the baby or is it in the horrible system that drives her to commit this act? Playing with the reader’s mind, Morrison dislocates scenes of the slaves’ beating that are prevalent in narratives of slavery. For the image of the master holding the stick, she substitutes that of the slave committing a violent act on her own child. From now on the slave is given the opportunity to have a voice. Why murder her baby? With this infanticide, Sethe’s writing of history undermines the ideology that founded the white masters. This ideology, based on a racial and gendered duality, locates humanity within the white race. It is this vision and appropriation of humanity that Morrison attacks. If humanity lies in the empowerment of the white man who engages in a violent exploitation of the non-white, driving the latter to kill her child, where does inhumanity stand?

Friday, September 20, 2019

Pigovian Tax: Analysis and Overview

Pigovian Tax: Analysis and Overview Neo-classicals uphold perfect competition as the ideal state of the market. But in truth, the economy is fraught with market failures. Therefore, we need government interference to correct many of these market failures. Pigovian Tax imposed by the government is one such course of intervention. It helps to curb negative externalities (e.g. pollution) and reduce the burden on the society caused by the externalities (social costs of production and consumption). Moreover, it attacks over-consumption, bringing it closer to the socially optimal level of production and/or consumption. The paper examines the effects of Pigovian tax and analyses its degree of effectiveness on an economy. What is Pigovian Tax? Pigovian tax is a kind of tax, which is levied to correct a negative cost that is created by the actions of any business firm, but that is not considered in a firms private costs or profits. Also known as sin tax, it is a tax placed on an action with a  negative externality,  to correct market failure (Mankiw, 2010). In the presence of negative externalities, the  social cost  Ã‚  of a market activity is not covered by the private cost of the activity. In such a case, the market outcome is not  efficient  Ã‚  and may lead to over-consumption of the product. A Pigovian tax equal to the negative externality is thought to correct the market outcome back to the level of efficiency. For example, a factory does not financially take into consideration the damages caused to the environment by their emissions. By imposing Pigovian Tax, the government can artificially make the firms bear the cost of the damages, which will ideally be equal to what the price would have been if a market for such an activity existed. In a country like Canada with a publicly funded health care system, that is, where the medical service of every patient is funded from government revenues, the cigarette tax acts as a Pigovian tax it raises the revenue necessary to offset the expenses towards the health care system, as a consequence of smoking. Pigovian Tax in Implementation This idea was first put forward by Arthur Cecil Pigou in the year 1912. In his book, The Economics of Welfare, he argued that industrialists seek their own marginal private interest, while not taking into account the social costs of their activities. Pigovian tax is the difference between marginal social cost and the marginal private cost, which is equal to the marginal external cost, shown as Tax in the diagram. The tax level may not equal the marginal external cost at quantities other than the socially optimum equilibrium level. The diagram indicates that marginal external cost increases with increase in quantity produced or consumed. After imposition of the Pigovian Tax, the new supply curve intersects demand (the marginal benefit) at the socially efficient quantity. As a result, the new competitive equilibrium, taking into account the amount of the tax, is efficient. Although this tax works perfectly in theory, its practical implementation is very difficult due to a lack of complete information on the cost of the damages to the environment. When Arthur Pigou first came up with the concept, he laid down a set of assumptions, one of which is a perfectly competitive market. Yet, perfect competition is an unrealistic situation. Monopoly, monopsony and oligopoly markets are commonplace. To internalize the external cost, the government needs to intervene by way of imposing taxes. Pigovian tax can be applied to all spheres of production, be it production of a good (automobile) or service (transportation, banking etc). Baumol and Oates (1975) argue that if Pigovian tax is set equal to the level of marginal damage (external cost) at the Pareto-optimal level of pollution, the industry will move towards its optimal pollution level. The tax is applied to the production of a good that has an externality. Overhead: Pigovian Tax Anatomy from Diagram 2- i. Unregulated result (Q, P) ii. Socially efficient level of production = Q iii. Efficient Pigovian tax = P-P iv. Tax payment to government (shared by consumer and producers = PACP v. Gross benefit from decrease in externality = ADBC vi. Foregone consumption benefits i.e., the social cost of abatement = ABC vii. Net benefit to society = ADB Pigovian tax enhances welfare of the society; restricting over-consumption. It also generates additional revenue for the government. Roland Coase (1960) propounded that if markets may not secure the optimal amount of externality, they can be very gently nudged in that direction without the necessity for full-scale regulatory activity. Yet again, the coarse theorem faces criticism. Property rights are not as strictly defined as required by the coarse theorem. Coarse argued that social costs are even worse if only the offender pays for the social harm and not the consumers for whom the goods and services are produced. Under the Pigovian Tax, it is only the firms who pay for the externalities. Moreover, it is difficult to calculate the right tax in a world of imperfect Coarsian bargains. The concept has evolved through time and many similar ideas were developed such as the Coarse theorem, emission trading i.e. cap and trade (Europe), Environmental Protection agencies (U.S.) formed with the idea of command and control, carbon tax, and tradable permits. The principal problem remains that of quantifying the externality. There is some debate about whether to quantify externalities if the methods are imperfect. The usual response is that as long as we are honest about the flaws in the numbers, it is better to have some numbers than none (Phillips, Carl V, 1999). The benefits accrued by taxing externalities are more than that without taxing the externalities as shown with the game theory approach. The co-ordination game consists of two players, Company A and Company B, with two strategies: Subject to Pigovian Tax and Not Subject to Pigovian Tax. The payoffs of each player are given in the matrix. Nash equilibrium occurs at 2 points, when both companies are subject to Pigovian taxes and when both companies are not subject to Pigovian taxes. If both the companies are ready to bear the social costs, the benefits of sustainability accrued to the companies and society as a whole are more than if the costs are not borne by either company. The many forms of Pigovian Tax Since players dont always come to a socially efficient negotiation, there is a traditional way of limiting externalities command and control. This approach sets quantity limits on activities that have external effects. However, the method is cumbersome. While this method has been undertaken by the US government, the economies of Europe consider cap and trade as a better solution. It causes the least polluting firms to do the majority of the production since their social cost of production is the lowest. Rajeev K. Goel and Edward W. T. Hsieh laid down a two-period model in their research (Durable Emissions and Optimal Pigovian Taxes) where a social planner minimizes social damage by setting the per-unit Pigovian tax on a polluting monopolist. Results show that for a given level of production, the durability of emissions and the socially optimal Pigovian tax are negatively related. Mike Moffatt, in his article named Pigovian Taxes Joining the Pigou  Club; Promoting Economic Growth and Reducing  Externalities, wrote in favor of Pigovian Tax, stating, One of the uses of taxes is to discourage activity that has negative externalities, or we believe is otherwise economically/socially harmful. The benefits accrued versus the inherent failings In addition to correcting social disequilibrium, these taxes also raise revenue for the state. In 2004-2005, the Canadian government collected $16.7 billion in other taxes, which were largely Pigovian taxes such as energy taxes and excise taxes on cigarettes and alcohol (Moffat, 2006). In theory, using Pigovian taxes to correct what economists call market failures is simple. But in practice, its not so. The important problem often ignored by advocates of Pigovian taxes is what might be called the measurement problem or the Knowledge Problem. Pigou himself also declared that it must be confessed, however, that we seldom know enough to decide in what fields and to what extent the State, on account of [the gaps between private and public costs] could interfere with individual choice (Pigou, 1954). Pigou and  Friedrich Hayek  point out that the assumption that the government can determine the marginal social cost of a negative externality and convert that amount into a monetary value is a key weakness in the framework of the Pigovian tax. The economists blackboard model assumes knowledge we dont possess its a model with assumed givens, which are in contrast with real-world happenings.  Friedrich Hayek  would argue that this is knowledge which could not be prov ided as a given by any method, yet could be discovered, due to insuperable cognitive limits. However, the key difficulty with this tax is calculating what level of applied tax would counterbalance the negative externalities. Even when a Pigovian tax is charged to correct the market imperfection in a world with regulations and efficient transfers, the observed amount of the externality (e.g., pollution) is unlikely to be zero since we will still observe some externalities as a consequence of the exchanges and transfers. The rate of tax best set should be equal to the per-unit external cost that spills over into the society. A tax imposed without such calculations may well be inefficient and redundant. There is also political influence on the levied tax, in such a way that lobbying of government by the polluters may tend to reduce the level of the tax levied and which would ultimately reduce the mitigating effect of tax and lead to increase in production. Instead of accomplishing the goal of the tax imposed, the burden shifts to the society. Thomas A. Barthold (1994) argued that in the US in the year 1994, the actual policy decisions often came from budget requirements, and not concern for the environment. The taxes do not always comply with economic theory because social benefits and costs are hard to measure. He uses the 1989 Montreal Protocol as an example. President George H. W. Bush signed this protocol that allowed either a permit auction or a tax on ozone-depleting chemicals. Barthold attributes the decision to implement the tax to the pressure on the Ways and Means committee to come up with more consistent revenue. Like the other taxes imposed by the government, Pigovian tax gives air to malpractices like black marketing, smuggling and child labour, especially if they create large differences in the prices of products, which are popular, and if the demand for the product increases in spite of the increase in production. Pigovian Tax imposed by the government is a complex mechanism. It has its societal merits and elementary de-merits. While it covers the cost of negative externalities and eliminates the burden of society, on the same page, it may also hamper the growth of industries leading to inefficiency of small industries. In a monopsony market, where there is only one buyer, it is difficult to impose Pigovian tax since the burden of the tax will be borne by one entity. This may consequently lead to rise in the prices of the commodity. When Pigovian tax is imposed, in a monopolistic competitive market, the tax will be borne by a large number of consumers and hence, the burden of tax is divided. While it can be said that imposing Pigovian tax would lead to a reduction in the level of quantity produced of a commodity by an industry, it can also cause the industries to look upon to new advancements in technologies. This will open doors to research and innovation in the field. For example, the company AkzoNobel Industrial Chemicals is always trying to innovate and make a leap forward in its development to achieve its target to reduce CO2 emissions. Its production facility in Mariager in Denmark uses wood to generate electricity. Wood and other plant-based materials are also used to produce chemical building blocks. Moreover, this shift in technology by commodity producers will cause the externality to be automatically internalised. Whatever benefits Pigovian taxes might be able to provide, it will usually give diminishing returns past a certain point, where the government might fail to achieve their objectives of meaningfully reducing the excess social costs. Instead, these kinds of taxes would appear to simply become a vehicle by which politicians may raise tax revenue by imposing a discriminatory tax policy aimed at an undesirable minority. Therefore, only where  institutional and trade solutions are not efficient, the government should consider whether specific  interventions, regulation or specific  taxes are appropriate to address externalities. These measures are preferable when the net efficiency gains from the  intervention are larger than the associated administrative and compliance costs. This suggests that intervention is desirable when externalities are reasonably large.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Alienation Essay -- essays research papers

Love is one of the most liberating connections two people can hold between each other when it is authentic and sincere. Many find completion and satisfaction when they find this ideal, true love in another. However, when love is turned into a faà §ade in order to create the image of an perfect, fulfilling relationship, it can be alienating and destructive. In Walker Percey’s essay, The Man on the Train, he claims that love is ultimately a source of alienation instead of an escape into wonderful satisfaction. This theory is exemplified in Frank Capra’s It Happened One Night, a story of a woman, Ellie, on a journey to fill her void of true love and escape her feelings of alienation. only exacerbates her sense of alienation instead of functioning as a cure. Until Ellie can find real love within herself she will never be fully satisfied with her life. In the mean time she involves herself in many different scenarios with various men seeking some form of love, her distract ion from alienation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The opening scene of â€Å"It Happened One Night† illustrates that Ellie has all the luxuries one can wish for, yet she is still dissatisfied with her life. She argues that although she is given everything she is still not happy. During an argument with Peter Ellie explains the reason for her alienation, â€Å"People who are spoiled are accustomed to having their own way. I never have. On the contrary. I've always been told what to do, and how to do it, and when, and with whom.† As a result she finds herself on a quest for her husband to be, King Westley, whom her father strongly disapproves of. In the course of her search she falls in love, yet again with Peter Warne. By the end of the movie Ellie and Peter seemingly live happily ever after. The love that Elle pursues is a forged feeling. She shifts so easily from her adoration for King Westley to her love for Peter Warne that it leads one to believe that it is disingenuous. Throughout â€Å"It Happened One Night† Ellie is being taken care of by someone else other than herself. In the beginning her father looks after her. Then on her search for her husband, Peter takes Ellie under her wing. The men in her life all play a role of a nurturer or a protector, in a sense replacing the role of her father. Ellie is essentially in search of a man that can support and nurture her. The men that fulfill Ellie’s needs in... ... (Percy 99). Furthermore â€Å"[Ellie] is taking refuge in the standard rotation of the soap opera, the acceptable rhythm of the Wellisian-Huxleyan-Nathanian romance of love among the ruins† (99). Although Ellie believes she is truly in love with Peter and plays a part in a great adventure of romance, she is just following a well-known path another has already taken. Percy continues to say that Ellie’s passion for Peter is â€Å"far from being a free exploration, it is in reality a conforming to the most ritualistic of gestures: that which is thought to be proper and fitting for a sexual adventure† (99). Finally, Ellie’s pursuit for love does not prove to be an effective method to terminate alienation. Her love for Peter will only last as long as it can attain her attention, or until the next gentleman with a flair for adventure comes along. Ellie will continuously seek love from various people. Until Ellie tires from â€Å"excursions into the interesting† and begins a journey â€Å"into [her] own past in the search for [herself]† (95) will she find authentic deliverance from alienation. As a result love only plays a part as a distraction from her boredom, and plunges herself deeper into alienation.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Holocaust Museum Essay -- essays research papers

Fourth Floor The Nazi Assult 1. The first exhibit that I experienced was a film on Hitlers' rise to power. It showed how he played on the fears of the people by using propaganda to promote himself to becoming Chancellor of Germany. Ever though he lost the election, Hindenburg on January 30, 1933 appointed Hitler Chancellor. 2. The next thing that caught my interest was a film on anti-Semitism. This film showed the roots for people's natural fear of the Jews from the times of Christianity through the middle ages and up to WWII. 3. The more traditional type of exhibit they had was about how the Germans tried to separate Aryans from what they considered inferior races that did not deserve to exist. They tried to do this very scientifically by measurements, facial features, eye color comparisons, and other features. 4. In a different part of the exhibit, was the listing of all of the Jewish towns that were totally or partially whipped out because of the Holocaust. The names of the towns were engraved on the glass windows of a corridor there were so many of them that they filled up the entire wall. Personal Response 1. This movie was very informative, for example before this movie I thought that Hitler was voted into power, but really he was appointed by Hindenburg. I thought that it was kind of scary that a government system could fall apart that easily. 2. I was amazed at how long of a history anti-Semitism had. It went all the way back to the beginning of Christianity. I also learned that one of Martin Lutherans, of the Lutheran Church, goals was to convert Jews to Christianity. 3. I was astonished of how in depth the Germans went in measuring the body parts, such as the different parts of the head, the position of the nose, and so on. 4. I just stood there for a little bit, just looking at the names of the towns, and I saw people pointing out different towns of there ancestors, but I could not relate to it at all. Third Floor "Final Solution" 1. The actual start of the German plan for the Final Solution (1940-1945), was to isolate the Jews into Ghettos, and then to send them off to Concentration camps to be used for slave labor, or gassed. 2. The archway to Auschwitz was incorporated into the museum by having it as the archway to the part of the floor that describes the things that went on inside concentration camps. The Translation of the... ... drawers and closets. This is an interactive, hands-on exhibit. 3. The Quote "You are my witnesses" from Isaiah 43:10 is reminding people who visit the museum that the Holocaust really did happen, and that such an event should never ever happen again. 4. The middles of the museum from the first floor up is designed to look like a ghetto, and it gives sort of an eerie feeling to the place, that you are in the place of the Jews during the Holocaust in the ghettos, before the concentration camps. Personal Response 1. It is hard not to notice the architecture, because it was such a part of the museum. It had a lot of emotion in it, like it self endured the holocaust. 2. I thought that this was really nest, all of the hands on stuff, and the little bits of the diary everywhere. It was a lot different to see the holocaust through the eyes of a child. 3. This is a well known quote, and I thought about it a little bit, and I started to think about all of the bystanders of the Holocaust, not, Jewish, not Aryan, just there. They too must have been scared by it. 4. While I was standing there I felt like I was actually inside of a ghetto. It was a sort of eerie feeling that I got.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Stress Essays -- essays research papers

Stress Stress is the "wear and tear" our bodies experience as we adjust to our continually changing surroundings. It has physical and emotional effects on us and can make good or bad feelings. As a good influence, stress can help motivate us to do something, or help us through the day. As a bad influence, it can result in feelings of distrust, rejection, anger, and depression (overall, make you feel really crappy), which in turn can lead to health problems such as headaches, upset stomachs, rashes, insomnia, ulcers, high blood pressure, heart disease, and strokes. With the death of a loved one, the birth of a child, a job promotion (or demotion), or a new relationship, we experience stress as we change our lives to cater to this. In so adjusting to different circumstances, stress will help or hurt us depending on how we react to it. The circumstances that cause stress are called stressors. Stressors vary in harshness and duration. For example, the responsibility of caring for a sick parent may be an ongoing source of major stress, whereas getting stuck in a traffic jam may cause mild, short-term stress. Some events, such as the death of a loved one, are stressful for everyone. But in other situations, individuals may respond differently to the same event—what a stressor is for one person may not be stressor for another. For example, a student who is unprepared for a chemistry test and anticipates a bad grade may feel stress, on the other hand a classmate who stud...

Monday, September 16, 2019

Jose Rizal’s Life Essay

1. Surname-â€Å"Rizal† Jose Rizal and his family got the surname ‘Rizal’ from his Chinese ancestor Domingo Lameo. Rizal means â€Å"Ricial or grains†, and they started using it 1731. His true surname is Mercado, but to keep his family safe he used the surname Rizal. His brother insisted that he adopt the name Rizal in order to avoid the obvious stigma that the Alonzo y Mercado name had recieved from Paciano’s association with Father Burgos, and the family’s prominence in the native community. Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Where_did_Jose_Rizal_get_his_surname_Rizal#ixzz1C3si8ka5 http://www.schillerinstitute.org/educ/hist/rizal.html 2. Jose Rizal’s reason in going out of the country Rizal went out of the country because he wants to discover,explore other places and to learn new things. Rizal went to other countries to study, he also wants to learn different languages, he studied medicine because he wants to give cure of his mother’s eyes. Rizal build up businesses, experiencing life to the fullest while he’s out of the country, he changes his girlfriend whenever he wants. But going out of the country is not about pleasure, Rizal was there to hide, because he’s life was already in danger that he has to hide for awhile. There are many accussations thrown on him during those times. He has to go out of the country with all his love for his family and for all the filipinos; to protect his family and his countrymen. If he choses to expose himself to the opponent, whole filipinos life will be in much danger than it really was. 3. Part of Rizal’s life  2 May 1883 – Visitacià ³n 8 – 3rd floor, No. 4 Yesterday, one year ago I left my home to come to this country. How many illusions one entertained and how many deceptions! Yesterday, all day and night, I kept recalling all that had happened to me since then. I took my diary and read it, which reminded me of faded impressions. Though sick, I’ll continue my diary because I see that it is most useful and above all it consoles the soul when nothing more remains of its former treasures. This morning I went to see the celebration of Dos de Mayo (2nd May) [05]. There were many people around the obelisk where I saw a tiny altar with some candles. Everywhere could be heard the cries of newspaper vendors which recalled the 2nd of May. In the afternoon we — Zamora, Villanueva, and I — went to see the civic procession. Many soldiers and members of the different corporations. The King does not attend this national celebration. I received from the Philippines a letter of L.R. [06] of 26 March. * Rizal went out of the country because of his true love for the country and his family. He wants to protect those people that he really love. During the day that he wrote it, he’s sick, he’s like crying everything to his diary and that is the best that he did, to write, he write everything coz he knows that those writings will be very useful to help and save his country, but what i like about it is that he uses a diary in dealing with his emotions, the diary is like someone who will collect every details of your story. It’s almost a treasure, it holds everything even secrets. During that sad moment, rizal recalls some moments of his life, from the day that he’s in the Philippines up to the day that he has to leave for the sake of everyone. With a diary, everything was just like yesterday. I was really touched will this part of his diary. Even he’s sick he still keeps on writing, i can really realate here, i can imagine him writing while recalling those sad moments of his life, it’s painful and really wanna makes me cry, because Rizal has been a very good man ever since he was born, Rizal was full of love, he’s really humble, and being humble is not an easy thing to learn. It’s not just about doing good things, it’s about doing good things from the heart, and Rizal was always sincere on what he intended to do same with what he really does..even sacrificing his own life, from his heart he sincerely wants to give it up just to save every life of his country men. And that intention will never be easy to do, you will just learn to do it when you’re humble and full of love just like Rizal, his intentions are good and it really reflects him . Life of rizal was not that good at all, he has to sacrifice, he has to suffer, he has to hide even tough all that he want was to write and make the filipinos realize that they’re being cheated and abused by those foreigner, those people who came from other country was very deceitful, they’ve been a dictator and pretentous that the filipinos are not awared of it and they let their fears and stupidity control them. He died beacuse of his love for every filipino and it’s not right to question him being our national hero, after all that he has done, Rizal’s diaries has been very useful, all of his writings are useful, it really tells how he fought for our country in more simple ways. Every writings has a story to tell. I like every part of Rizal’s life when he’s writing, i don’t know all that he write but i like that he is writing. It’s not just about the diary, i mean everytime that he write. Coz i want to write as well as if i’m a writer but i don’t know where to start coz i think you really have to be knowledgeable, it’s not just you’ll write but you have to make sure that it has an appeal and it will effectively influence the readers, so i am really amazed because Rizal was very smart and god has given him that talent to write, he’s full of passion on everything. Before and now, he is a very good author of those well known books. He has influence everyone before to fight with him for the country against those user and abusive people from other country.

Males and females

Much research studies had focused on the behavior of male delinquency. However, there has been a steady rise of juvenile female offenders as well as on the criminal justice system. Media has sensationalized the account of female violence. The rise in number of arrests however, can also be attributed to changes in policies in police practices, rather than a drastic change in women’s behavior. Most of these arrests were assault-related. While former juvenile offenses were once labeled as non-criminal offenses such as a girl being hit by a mother shoves her in self-defense and runs away from home. Whereas such an offense would be labeled before as â€Å"runaway† offense, today this might cause her to be charged of assault, which is a criminal offense. However, in criminal offenses such as robbery, female youths had been seen as becoming more involved in what used to be a predominantly male offense. Youth status, especially among urban girls is a causal factor for most of such crime. Pop culture among adolescents places great importance on high-end branded clothes, latest electronic gadgets, ‘looks’ that try to imitate Hollywood celebrities and fashion models, which had placed greater pressure on growing adolescents for peer acceptance. Youth pop culture has greatly caused an obvious division among differences in economic status, and the desire to â€Å"keep up the Joneses’† breeds the environment for some youths to victimize their own peers in order to buy the â€Å"desirable† goods which they would not have been able to afford otherwise. Other studies had also attributed thrill and excitement as robbery-causing factors among youths who were inclined to ‘show-off’. Although there are less occurrences of female robberies than among males, both has expressed the same motivation for committing the crime, and that is to acquire more money in order to have goods that bestow high status among peers. Female youth offenders were less likely to use weapons compared to males, and is much more characterized by harassing and hijacking youths of lesser age for petty amounts of cash and in some cases, jewelry. It has also been found that there is also a high correlation between poor relationships with mother-daughter which causes an increase among female adolescents to seek peer reputation which in turn becomes a contributing factor for female delinquency (Kerperlman & Smith-Adcock. â€Å"Female Adolescents’ Delinquent Activity†) A comparative study between male and female offenses however has shown that there is a significant difference between their criminal activities. Young men were more likely to resort to use weapons (guns) than girls. Knives were more of girls’ choice of weapon if they do resort to using one. Female offenders were more likely to commit murder because of conflict rather than during the act of other crime such as robbery. Assaults done by girls are more frequently done against one’s own family members. Males are more often arrested for more serious crimes such as rape, homicide, or burglary than young females. While there is a growing belief that female behavior has greatly changed among offenders today, suggesting that girls are taking over more masculine-related crimes, the offenses of male and female youth delinquency had both risen; therefore change of behavior cannot solely be blamed on changes of female youth behavior but changes on the over-all young population in ge neral. There is also no evidence that female offenders gained an increase of status among male peers since such offenses were done mostly among female younger victims (J. Weiler. â€Å"Girls and Violence†). Reference: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Kerpelman, J & Smith-Adcock S.   â€Å"Female Adolescents’ Delinquent Activity†. Vol. 37, No. 2, 176-200. 2005 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chesney-Lind M, Paramore V. â€Å"Are Girls Getting More Violent?: Exploring Juvenile Robbery Trends†. 1998 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Cited by Weiler, J. â€Å"Girls and Violence†. ERIC Digest, No. 143. http://www.ericdigests.org/1999-4/girls.htm         

Sunday, September 15, 2019

What is the role and purpose of the inspector in Priestley’s ‘An inspector calls’?

John Boynton Priestley was born within the city of Bradford on the 13th of September 1894. His childhood consisted of many major historical events, including the First World War in the period of 1914 – 1918, within this period he would have been 20, he served on the front line, and this life experience could have left Priestly with long-term mind like effects. Before the war his mother died, and collectively these two major events could have made him unstable or unsure of position within the world. You could describe his life as war, marriage and tragedy. Throughout his lifetime priestly wrote a number of novels, plays and other texts, mainly containing and expressing his own beliefs and experiences. As an individual he believed very much in capitalism and everybody living within there own success, benefiting from their own profits. Priestley was very left wing, whereas he disagrees with the right wing policies and prefers policies that are of a different extreme. This left wing attitude made up his main and general characteristic, which was that of someone expressing their views, his membership of the socialist party allowed him to do exactly this and share in other people's societal beliefs and views. This idea of Priestley's expression of beliefs, views, emotions and feelings of the world and society are shown clearly through the characters of Priestley's play â€Å"An inspector Calls†. Prior to the arrival of the inspector Mr. Birling appeared to be very confident in what he spoke, making his beliefs shown to his surrounding family. He made it clear that he was powerful and a strong believer of capitalism where oneself would benefit from all working efforts. From the opening scene Mr. Birling's characteristics started to be shown to the audience, he says, â€Å"I speak as a hard headed, practical man of business†, this shows that he considers himself of a high class and somewhat intelligent, however there is an understanding of his arrogance, self satisfaction and complacency. The idea of him being a man of business also suggests his obsession for money and power. Mr. Birling's confidence is shown in furtherance when he says, â€Å"the titanic-she sails next week forty-six thousand eight hundred tons- New York in five days and every luxury and unsinkable, absolutely unsinkable†. This to the audience shows irony as we know that the titanic went onto sink, however in context to the characteristic of Mr. Birling it becomes clear that he is a very confident and arrogant man. When the inspector arrives it is made clear that the family are tense, uneasy and uncomfortable with the arrival of an unexpected visitor. When the inspector asks any questions, very blunt and subdued responses are given. The family regard themselves as class which should receive no such suspicion of any crime or any police related incident. Mr. Birling believed that the inspector must be calling regarding his â€Å"Knighthood† or a warrant, however in actual fact there are questions to be answered, and this scenario shows the arrogance of Mr. Birling, alongside his self satisfaction and his complacency. The inspector at this time plays a vital role in the implementation of fear, worry and guilt. In furtherance Mr. Birling becomes victim to a thorough scrutiny by the visiting inspector. Before the inspector begins his questions Mr. Birling shares information which highlights his importance within the local community, His mellow minded approach to the scenario has no huge effect and instead suggests and expresses his personal characteristics to the audience. The way that Mr. Birling says, â€Å"I was an alderman for years and lord mayor two years ago and I'm still on the bench so I know the Brumley police officers pretty well†. This shows his eagerness to express his importance and destroy any of the inspector's suspicions or questions. As the questions carry on being delivered by the inspector, Mr. irling's level of impatience increases. He also shows an eagerness to complete the interview and carry on with the evening celebrations. At this stage of the play the inspector is staging a battle, where he has to bring Mr. Birling down to reality and try to extract information regarding the death of Eva Smith. As the inspector continues to reveal the horrific happenings, Mr. Birling continues to defend his position, expressing a query regarding the role in which he plays as a high class business man in connection to the death of an ‘unknown' person. Mr. Birling says, â€Å"Yes, yes. Horrible business but I don't understand why you should come here, inspector? † In relation to human nature in general it highlights people's arrogance, directly what is being shown through the character of Mr. Birling. It is made clear at this point that it was the idea of J. B. Priestley to express peoples characteristics and show them to the reading audience, probably intended to support the main theme of the play which is to extract information using certain techniques which are used in order to allow people to face their actions and relate it to guilt, making people realise the consequences of their actions. As more details become revealed by the inspector and as Mr. Birling realises that he has previously employed Eva Smith, tension starts to build, Mr. Birling begins to give very blunt, sharp and self centred, with the inspector interrupting with a very abrupt manner, suggesting that he wants answers and will not let Mr. Birling's attitudes and beliefs stand in the way. In relation to the real world, people often have to use appropriate manners and techniques to show that they are important and will not let anything slip away from the matter in hand, regardless of a person's attitudes and characteristics etc. Although Mr. Birling accepts that he has once employed Eva Smith, and in furtherance sacked her, due to a protest over the smallest increment of pay, which solely adds to and shows his arrogance, business man like ways and higher class ignorance. He stills shows denial, he says, â€Å"Oh – that's it, is it? Well we've got several hundred young women there, y'know, and they keep changing†. This clearly shows that Mr. Birling has no care for anybody other than himself and his family, this is also shown within the following quotation, he says, â€Å"A man has to make his own way – has to look after himself – and his family of course, when he has one†, Small details which are given off by Mr. Birling relate to a major or important and meaningful thing. Mr. Birling's actions and characteristics are very important towards the main theme of the play, as they separate truth from reality, just as many defensive people within today's society would also contemplate, it shows in general how people will withhold information for the sole purpose of preventing a leakage of information which could be potentially harmful lot themselves, there business or there social dealings. Within the context of ‘An Inspector Calls', Mr. Birling makes every possible attempt to prevent a scandal which would involve himself, he repeatedly says to the inspector, â€Å"I don't see where I come into this†. The use of the word ‘I' shows his belief in a society where oneself looks after themselves and there surrounding family only. Mr. Birling continues this self satisfied and self belief attitude as he continues to use words which refer to himself, this is recognised by the audience and the inspector who are now in realisation of his full characteristics. Mr. Birling is faced with the realisation of responsibility and how it is affected by small and simple actions which in context to the guilty party may appear harmless. The inspector says, â€Å"What happened to her then may have determined what happened to her afterwards, and what happened to her may of driven her to suicide†, this makes Mr. Birling think and realise fully what his actions could have caused, however instead of simple straight confession he replies to the inspector with the following comment, â€Å"oh – well put it like that, there's something in what you say, still I cant accept any responsibility. If we were all responsible for everything that happened to everybody we'd had anything to do with, it would be very awkward†. At this moment in time Mr. Birling demonstrates once again his strong and clear attitudes, however the inspector makes his first challenge, questioning his use of vocabulary, he asks more questions, forcing more related detail. The inspector starts to be shown as a strong character who is unwilling to take blunt and meaningless responses, however the inspector needs to be shown as strong, otherwise Mr. Birling would express no relevant detailed information, and instead only the bare minimum. Priestly made this idea significant by showing that so called superior high class citizens are not entitled to withhold and ignore information which links and directs to a plea of guilt. The Inspector asks very probing and searching questions, which have great significance, his role becomes much more exposed, the inspector as a character becomes someone who is confid ent, wise and possibly someone who is an advisor like person who is warning of a future event. He is seen as someone who can adapt to an individual to extract the highest quality of information. He acts as a catalyst, wanting to change something in the case of the Birling family, this is to turn their attitudes away from uncaring to somewhat sympathetic. The inspector says, â€Å"But after all it is better to ask for the earth than to take it†. This quote is significant because it shows a man of wisdom, and knowledge, but it also shows Priestley's perspective of life, showing that it is better to ask for something rather than just taking it. In relation to the general world it shows how people will just take something or do something without thinking of the consequences, this is exactly the point that the inspector is making when he makes this comment to Mr. Birling. Mr. Birling continues to show his arrogance as he begins once again to relate to his superiority and importance he says, â€Å"How do you get on with our chief constable, Colonel Roberts? † The way that he gives names is supposed to impress the inspector, and release himself from any further suspicions, even though at this stage he does realise that he has played a part in the death of Eva Smith. However it makes the inspector more eager to move on and away from the situation, leaving Mr. Birling beginning to realise his wrong doings which had consequences eventually leading to a death. Sheila enters and her interview begins. When she enters she appears totally oblivious to the presence of the inspector, although all is about to be changed as her true doings and actions are about to be exposed changing her high class status into a guilty, responsible and conscious citizen. Although Sheila is totally oblivious to the scenario and situation, she is eager to find out exactly what is going on, the complete opposite to her father, showing a difference in character. Sheila appears much more subtle and sympathetic, personally asking questions to entice more information. It becomes clear that the inspector will play up to Sheila's nature and play a different game, using different techniques. It appears at the outset that Sheila has driven herself into the situation and dragged herself in purely because of the many questions which she is posing. It appears that priestly wanted to make the play more interesting to the audience by introducing from the outset a mix of characters, creating conflict, opposition and contrast, however it is soon to be made clear that only from the outset the family are different, and in fact very similar within their ‘unintentional' actions. Gerald and Mr. Birling soon realise potentially what Sheila could be doing to the family, too much information can be never to good! Gerald intervenes with the following comment to the inspector, he says, â€Å"And I don't see that this inquiry gets you anywhere, inspector†. This shows Gerald's desperation to release Sheila from the scenario, and save the families from a public scandal. Gerald and Mr. Birling at this stage seem to have at least one thing in common, and this is the matter of business. Sheila starts to turn against her father, precisely what the inspector is trying to do, she says, â€Å"I think it was a mean thing to do†, this conflict starts to draw tension, totally obliterating the happy followings from the earlier evenings, Priestley's idea of creating conflict is the basis for the revealing of the truth, in relation to the general world it often takes a simple disagreement or argument for people to confront there guilt. Shelia has won the gold award for drawing attention to herself, asking many questions has eventually led her to be faced with the truth, the inspector appears to know more than he is letting on, and instead of showing it he allows the family to expose there corrupt ways themselves. Priestly made this idea of self exploitation significant because it shows how uncaring, unsympathetic people in general will expose themselves is correctly probed, in the case of the Birling family they are turned against each other, which makes them face to an extreme guilt and true reality. The inspector keeps the photograph to himself and only one family member at a time, refusing access to no one other than the interviewee. Could the photograph be someone different each time he shows it to somebody, the way that priestly keeps the audience guessing and allowing for them to draw there own conclusions on the situation is very cleverly done. Slightly coincidental but the inspector keeps the photograph very secret, just like the Birling family with there secret's, kept hidden from anyone other than themselves. The inspector has taken a very different approach to the interview with Sheila, this approach to Sheila is to extract information, however with the rest of the family members it is seen to be inappropriate and somewhat intrusive. With the continuation of the Inspectors questions and Sheila's subtle approach, she realises that she has some responsibility for the happenings of Eva Smith. She realises that the inspector had his suspicions and admits her responsibility, a total contrast to her fathers approach. As is shown in the following comment, she says, â€Å"I've told my father, he didn't seem to think it amounted to much – but I feel rotten†. It just shows there contrasting attitudes to life. Priestly made this idea of contrast significant because it shows how people on the outside can be very different, but inside can be very similar. As Sheila continues to expose her conduct, the audience starts to understand her character from a different angle, her innocent early impressions change as she tells of a story of jealousy. It becomes clear that Sheila was jealous of the girl, her looks and her position within the world. She says, â€Å"She was a very pretty girl†, this shows her jealousy of other glamorous threats within her society, she went onto to misuse her power, by using a threat to the manager, she says, â€Å"If you don't get rid of that girl, I'll never go near the place again†. This is significant because it shows how people's actions can be solely driven by jealousy and power, without thinking of the consequences, this is exactly the case of Sheila, the audiences perceptions of Sheila have suddenly changed, and as an audience we begin to understand that people shouldn't judge on first appearances as there is usually more to be told. The inspector says, â€Å"Well, we'll try to understand why it had to happen? And that's why I'm here, and why I'm not going until I know all that happened†, this quote is significant because it shows the inspectors determination to change the family, to extract and make them face reality and guilt, making them confess to all of there wrong doings, making them realise that actions have consequences. Sheila's interview takes less time than Mr. Birling's, possibly because of co-operative manner, showing a willingness to become involved and share all that she knows, accepting reasonability. Now that Sheila accepts what she has done, she casts her suspicions to Gerald, who is next for the hot seat. Gerald is confronted on his own honesty, Sheila realises that the inspector knows about each person, this is imprinted on her mind and she confronts Gerald about his own doings with Eva Smith, he admits a relationship only to Sheila expressing no real details, however not with an Eva Smith but instead with a Daisy Renton, the change in name suggests confusion and deliberate separation to attract no links between the very secretive family members. As Gerald's interview begins he again starts the routine where he tries to excuse his rather fragile Sheila. He protests that she must leave, escaping the following disturbing details which are to be revealed by Gerald. This is significant because it continues to show the families rather secretive motives, relating and sharing to nothing with the possibilities of exploitation leading to a public scandal. Gerald says, â€Å"I think Miss Birling ought to be excused any more of this questioning. She's nothing more to tell you†. From this comment he shows to the audience that he is hiding something, which appears to be his affair with the dead girl. The inspector makes a very interesting comment when he says to Gerald, â€Å"And you think young women ought to be protected against unpleasant and disturbing things†, which is closely followed by, â€Å"we know one woman who wasn't†, this comment is an attempt to hit Gerald with guilt in the face, it is yet another revelation from the part of the inspector. The inspector wants Sheila to stay with Gerald throughout his interview, he says, â€Å"She feels responsible. And if she leaves us now, and doesn't hear any more then she'll feel she's entirely to blame†, this quote is significant because it relates to an idea of sharing guilt and not just accepting as a sole being, however in relation to the general world, people are prepared to burden guilt onto a sole being to save themselves from any shame of guilt. As the interview of Gerald continued there were numerous interruptions, possibly planned, possibly coincidental, Mrs Birling made her first appearance who also tries to expel Sheila from the ‘damaging' scenario. Sheila continues to defend her case and manages to stay for the remaining of Gerald's story. There is an element of surprise when the inspector directly asks Gerald when he started seeing Daisy Renton, Gerald plays down the claim by saying, â€Å"where did you get the idea that I know her? † However the inspector continues to say, â€Å"I knew already! â€Å", this tactic used by the inspector is interesting as it shows the ignorance and arrogance of Gerald and Mr. Birling, who are unwilling to take and accept responsibility. The inspector is getting Gerald to reveal and expose his secret life, which prior to this interview no other person was aware of. Gerald reveals that he felt sorry for the girl and he was acting to save her from an atrocious womaniser, surely this shows a caring side to Gerald, yes, this other side to people is significant because it shows that people are made up of a mixture of personalities and characteristics, what would the world be like if we only had one mode? Gerald says, â€Å"We went along to the country hotel, which I knew would be quiet at that time of night† this suggests that he has been there before and possibly has a habit of taking in women for short petty affairs, this in relation to the real world shows how people have secret lives behind the backs of there supposed family. Gerald is exposed almost to be as bad a Muggerty, although he had saved someone from an extreme sexual relationship from an intense womaniser, he himself took advantage of the situation, turning a simple refuge campaign into a secret affair, although he did implement thoughtful and caring measures to make sure that she was well looked after, and free of trouble, you could say he was only helping a weak, vulnerable and deprived person. He said, â€Å"It was inevitable. She was pretty and warm hearted†, Priestly made this idea significant because it shows in relation to the world how people will take advantage of a weak and vulnerable person to benefit themselves in some way, In the era of priestly it was common for high profile men to take advantage of weak lonely women for the sole purpose of making there reiterating lives into something more exciting with a bit more entertainment. Gerald eventually puts into context what he has done and realises that elements were unscrupulous and inappropriate, Gerald explains that the relationship ended a few months after it begun, it was clear to the audience that the affair wouldn't of continued for a long period of time, because back then within the days of Priestly it was totally expelled that only people of the same class could have a relationship, and not a mixture in the case of Gerald and Daisy. In furtherance Gerald offered Daisy money to keep her sustainable and out of trouble, however she refused as she wanted the relationship to be meaningful and representative, she also wanted to take away the idea that Gerald was paying her for her services, this idea is significant because it shows that a proud person does not have to be of a social high class, and instead should be respected whatever there actions or beliefs. Gerald appears to have moved by the story in which he has told, he asks politely to be excused, the inspector allows for this to happen, the upset of Gerald is significant because it shows even a high class man of business with unsympathetic feelings for others in the world can and does feel emotion for tragedy's that occur within the world, I believe that it was the idea of priestly that characteristics must be shown and covered from every angle, in accordance with the main theme of the play which is the expressing of emotions, feeling guilt for the of consequences caused by an unintentional action. Gerald leaves and Mrs Birling now becomes accustom to settling routine of interview. Mrs Birling is very assertive showing that there should be no such suspicion hanging over her. She answers very sharply being very inconsiderate, when the inspector poses a question she immediately without thought gives such an answer which releases no such relevant information. The inspector says, â€Å"You're not telling me the truth! â€Å", which is followed abruptly with the following comment from Mrs Birling, she says, â€Å"I beg your pardon! already just seconds into the interview Mrs Birling and the inspector are having major clashes of personalities, Mrs Birling's attitudes are shown very strongly and she repeatedly makes the point that she has no point to play in this charade. As tension continues to grow, and as the inspector continues to fire questions which antagonise Mrs Birling, Sheila makes a point which brings the family back down to mother earth, she says, â€Å"We've no excuse now for putting on airs and that if we've any sense we won't try†. This allows Mrs Birling to realise that there is no escape as the inspector has already uncovered information from three characters, finally the inspector can resume his questioning to a more subtle level. Priestly made this point significant because it shows how people will act without full information to save themselves from suspicion or scrutinising. Still a little hesitant but more cooperative, Mrs Birling responds to the inspectors questions, it is revealed that she is a volunteer working for women's charity, she says, â€Å"We've done a great deal of useful work in helping deserving cases†. From this the audience starts to understand that she must be very caring, but indeed we are very wrong, our perception of a volunteer would be a caring person, but in the case of Mrs Birling it is non existent, it appears that she only carries out the volunteer work to gain status within her community, showing that she is prepared to be caring and work for free, to serve and aid the needy. Priestly gave the audience this idea because it is very true throughout the world, Mrs Birling represents the snobs of the world who participate in such events which gain them credentials within the community's perceptions. The inspector reveals that Mrs Birling was in fact one of the last people to see the girl before she died, she had appealed for help to the women's organization, however due to Mrs Birling's bitterness and prejudice she influenced the decision that no help would be given, Mrs Birling says, â€Å"I didn't like her manner†, jealousy and prejudice are shown. Priestly made this significant as he showed that a snobbish like person will feel no such remorse for somebody else's misery or wrong doing. In my own personal opinion Mrs Birling is the worst character out of them all, she had the opportunity to help this harmless, vulnerable, friendless, penniless, desperate victim but instead because she was dissatisfied with her initial case she dismissed her and made sure that the other members gave a unanimous vote to refuse help, it should be Mrs Birling who feels the most sympathy, but instead she probably feels the least amount of compassion from the overall spectrum of the Birling family. Tensions continue to rise as Mrs Birling's attitudes towards the inspector change, as she begins again to give responses which suit herself and not that of the inspector. More details are revealed which will eventually link back into the remaining character, Eric. The inspector Wants Mrs Birling to release more information to make her face the consequences of her actions, repeating and exploring the avenues more of the incidents will hopefully help Mrs Birling realise what she has done. The family begin to realise that Eric plays a role in the death of the girl, and his scrutinising will begin shortly, just as Mrs Birling's interview comes to a firm conclusion. The family sit and wait in anticipation for the return of Eric. Priestly made this idea of time significant, because it changes the way that we as the audience interpret the play, somebody who read the play twenty years ago will have different interpretations of the meanings than somebody who reads the play today. Eric enters and is sharply questioned, he enters with a realisation that the inspector knows about his traits, and actions, His realisation that his family are also aware of what he has done creates a rather subdued atmosphere, arguments arise and there is an overall feeling that Eric has committed such an act that jeopardises the family's status. With the family firing questions wanting to know why and what possessed him to do such a thing, the inspector becomes increasingly angry and frustrated. Eric says, â€Å"Could I have a drink first? â€Å", this is answered with a ‘No' from Mr. Birling and a ‘Yes' from the inspector, this conflict of interests between the two is increasingly apparent with a case of rivalry implemented. Is alcohol the answer to all problems? Priestly wanted to show how different people deal with their own problems in there own ways, this varies videly throughout the world. Suspicion and guilt hits Eric straight in the face, He tells of the secret meetings with the girl, and he explained how he made love to her on more than one occasion, it is suggested that himself and Gerald both took advantage of the girl, for her good looks, and her vulnerable position within life. Eric says, â€Å"She told me she was going to have a baby†, Eric then replies with, â€Å"I was in a hell state about it†, this shows that only consequences hit certain people in the face when they are confronted with reality, a baby for Eric created by accident with somebody he didn't love would have catastrophic and disastrous. Priestly wanted to show exactly how some high class families were humiliated back then within his era, when such events occurred it was common that the families would banish the perpetrator, and escape any disgrace from the local community, for the Birling family it would have been cataclysmic if any such news escaped of there corrupt wrong doings, this would have been followed by a public scandal. Eric's integrity is severely questioned by his fathers somewhat raging temper and annoyance. It is revealed that that he stole money from his own family business, as the truth is revealed, it becomes clear that Mr. Birling is more concerned about the money, than the pregnancy of the girl. He says, â€Å"He's admitted he was responsible for the girls condition†, Mr. Birling burdens total blame onto the Eric, as his secret life unfolds, for the position that the girl was left in. Priestly made this idea significant because it shows how people will prioritise things to there own aptitudes and attitudes of life, in the case of a business man (Mr. B) he is putting money and theft before family and pregnancy. This is shown by Mr. Birling when he says, â€Å"I've got to cover this up as soon as I can†. A childhood revolt begins to occur as Sheila continues to blame her mother and father for all of the endeavours committed by the younger generation. Eric blames his mother for the final death of the girl, saying, â€Å"You killed her – she came to you to protect me – and you turned her away†. This idea of a childhood revolt is significant because it shows how disrespect on the child's part occurs within a family, in the time of priestly it was unheard of a child questioning there parents, in the case of the play it was the inspectors job to remove such disrespect. The inspector continues to assert his authority, interrupting and taking charge, He gives a summary of events, hitting each perpetrator directly in the face with guilt and realisation of there true given consequences, he burdens the main blame onto Mr. Birling, who is left with a moment of thinking to reiterate what has just been said, this idea of repeating what has been done is allowing for the family members to understand the extent of there actions, coming to terms with the consequences, realising what they did then was unacceptable and a feeling of guilt should be felt. The interviewing of the family draws to a conclusion, he leaves the family divided, with opinions against each other, they are allowed to reserve judgement and come to terms within there own hemisphere just exactly what they have done. The inspector leaves giving a rather meaningful speech