Strategic Leadership In A Changing World Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Strategic Leadership In A Changing World - Essay Example The paradox that exists between the market environment and the resources that are available to the organization are evaluated by strategic leaders as a basis upon which they select the most appropriate model or strategy for the organization. The most important consideration however is the role of the strategy in allowing the organization to meet its objectives and goals in an effective and efficient manner. It is in line with this that this essay gives a critical analysis and discussion of the Gary Hamel and Michael Porter’s approaches to strategic management with an aim of illustrating how the circumstances within an organization and the market environment influences the choice of strategic managers for either of these approaches in their leadership role within illustrated organizations. The essay focuses on strategic management within the changing world which is characterized by a diverse workforce and application of information and communication technologies for competitive advantage and business success. According to the generic strategies for leadership and management that were proposed by Michael Porter, the attractiveness of a market is the core determinant of the profitability of an organization (Colvin, 2012, p. 70). It is in this regard therefore that strategic managers of companies which require internationalizing their business activities strategize for market entry modes for an attractive market with high demand and more business opportunities. Therefore Porter’s approach to strategic leadership is important in making market choices for expansion. For example the growth of Apple into a multinational company was motivated by strategic leadership which targeted the most attractive markets for their smart phones and Mac computers. Gobble, Petrick & Wright (2012, p. 63) however argue that in the selection of strategic markets, leaders must put into consideration of the resources available to the organizations such as capital for internati onal expansion of the business and the forces within the new market environment such as political, economic and social cultural factors. Porter, in his generic strategy further points out that the position of a company within a specific market or industry is the second most vital element that determines it profitability and performance (Pathak, 2012, p. 154). It is through effective strategic management and allocation of resources that leaders of an organization are able to enable them to become market leaders. For example effective strategic marketing which fits the changing market environment such as online marketing communication are applied by effective leaders to make their organization to climb the competitive ladders within the market or industry (Foss, 2006, p. 10). This can be illustrated by the market leadership of Coca-Cola within its world markets. This company achieved this leadership in the market through proper allocation of resources for marketing, innovation and mot ivational compensation of its workforce by its strategic leaders. Moreover the company invested in market research which allowed it to determine the characteristics of the market and the changing trends of business operations (Saeidinia, 2012, p. 7). It is through this that the company became a leader within the soft drink industry and as a result gaining from huge profits. Gary Hamel views strategy within any organization as a

Fast Food Nation Essay Example for Free

Fast Food Nation Essay The main characters in the novel Fast Food Nation are Richard and Maurice â€Å"Mac† McDonald, Ray Kroc, Walt Disney, Carl N. Karcher, and Dave Thomas. The McDonald’s brothers are from New Hampshire. They opened up the first McDonald’s restaurant in 1937 in southern California. They revolutionized the fast food industry in 1948 by ridding their business of carhops, and using disposable plates and cups to serve finger food. Ray Kroc was a high school drop-out from Illinois. He sold milkshake makers until he met the McDonald brothers in 1954. He sold milkshake makers to them, and bought the right to franchise their company. He is known as a pioneer in the fast-food industry for creating characters that rivaled others such as Mickey Mouse. Walt Disney became Ray Kroc’s biggest rival after refusing to put a McDonald’s in Disneyland, which was model marketing to children. Carl is also one of the American fast-food industry’s pioneers. At twenty-years-old, Carl moved to Anaheim, California where he began his first hotdog stand. Carl eventually turned his hotdog stands into drive-in restaurants. After observing the first McDonald’s restaurants success, Carl started expanding and developed the Carl’s Jr’s restaurants. In 1997, the corporation expanded dramatically with the new possession of the Hardees Restaurant chain. In 2004, CKE Restaurants, Inc. had revenues in excess of 1. 4 billion dollars. Dave Thomas dropped out of school at fifteen-years-old. After working as a bus boy and a cook, he eventually founded Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers restaurant in Columbus, Ohio in 1969. Today, there are thousands of Wendy’s restaurants and they remain popular throughout the world. Dave is probably best known as the guy on the Wendys TV commercials. From 1989 to 2002, Dave appeared in over 800 commercials for the restaurant chain. He died after a long battle with liver cancer in 2002. The setting of this novel is in any fast-food restaurant on an international level. The theme of this novel is that we as Americans can no longer ignore the many health hazards of a fast-food diet. Years of consuming fast food has resulted in diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and obesity. There are several conflicts in this novel. One type is man vs. man. An example of this is when former employees return to the restaurants and kill innocent people. Another example of man vs. man is when companies pay doctors and nurses to minimize reportable injuries. This is not fair towards the injured employee. Plot: * This book opens with discussing Carl Karcher and Ray Kroc’s roles as fast-food pioneers. * Next we examine Kroc’s complicated relationship with Walt Disney, and each man’s rise to fame. * Then, we go to Colorado Springs, CO to observe and investigate the working conditions of a typical fast-food employee. * After that, we discuss the chemical components that make up fast-food. * We then observe the lives of ranchers and meat packing industries that supply for fast-food chains. * The book ends by discussing how America has matured as a cultural export. There has been a mass spread of American goods and services, especially fast-food. As a result, the rest of the world is catching up to America’s rising obesity rates.

College Admissions Essay: Learning from Helen Keller :: College Admissions Essays

Learning from Helen Keller "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." -Helen Keller Helen Keller was one of the most successful people in the world. She helped in so many ways to change many people's lives. She was a very humble person despite her successes. I want to tell you about a story I read which touched me and shows what a special person Helen Keller was. In the summer of 1950, a woman in Italy was asked by a neighbor to pick up two women at a nearby hotel. The reason why her friend, Margot Besozzi, couldn't pick them up is because her jeep was getting repaired and that was the only car they could take to get up the very steep hill to her house. The women of course said that she would be delighted to pick them up. She asked Margot, " whom should I ask for at the hotel?" and Margot replied, "Miss Helen Keller." She could not believe that she was going to pick up Helen Keller at the hotel. She was so excited that she started to dream about when she was a little girl and her father had given her the story of Helen Keller written by Annie Sullivan. When she arrived at the hotel, she got out of her car to greet Helen Keller and Polly Thomson. She took Helen's hand and placed her in the car with Mrs. Thomson. Then it came to her mind that they were going to be taking a very dangerous ride when they were to go up to the house. There were no sides to the car, so when she took very sharp turns, she was afraid that Helen might fall out of the car. So she warned them about the sharp and steep turns. When they got to this part of the journey, Helen started to sing, "This is fun!" and then she cried out, "Lovely!" When they reached the house, she helped the two women out of the car to greet Margot. She was invited to have lunch with Margot, Mrs. Thomson and Helen. They drove to the restaurant and went to sit down at their table. When Helen sat down, she felt around her area so she knew where her fork, spoon, knife, and plate were, and sat patiently. After they finished lunch, they were sitting around taking about Italy, and Helen was talking about where she wanted to visit.

Child Abuse

Childhood abuse is a major issue in the world today we all know or have heard of unfortunate events dealing with children. â€Å"Abuse changes your life†¦Fight Back and change the life of your abusers by Breaking Your Silence on Abuse! † (Patty Rase Hopson Adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse). I believe there are long term affects to child abuse and adults or parents should be sent to jail. Childhood abuse is positively related to adult depression, aggression, hostility, anger, fear, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders.At least 3 meta-analyses on the effects of childhood sexual abuse find clear and convincing evidence of a link between such abuse and a host of adult psychological symptoms. Childhood abuse to have consistent significant effects on early onset and recurrent depression and that violence from siblings or multiple family members was most strongly associated with recurrent depression. Other studies also show that childhood abuse has consistent eff ects on first onset of early adult psychopathology.Women with such abuse also had significantly greater lifetime prevalence’s of agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social phobia, sexual disorders, and suicide attempts than women without such abuse. Adults who experienced either sexual or physical abuse as children are found to have anxiety disorders and depressive disorders to be significantly higher in both men and women with a history of either physical or sexual abuse. I believe parents should go to jail for abusing their kids; it is a serious issue that many Americans go through.Kids need to grow up in a safe and loving environment so they can be productive adults. If parents are sent to jail that means the child will no longer have a parent, but they are better off without them. If they are getting mistreated at home then they are in a better situation at a foster home than with a crazy parent. In conclusion, I believe there are long term affects to child abuse and adults or parents should be sent to jail. Works citedHelpGuide. com – Macintosh Support Experts. (n. d. ). HelpGuide. com – Macintosh Support Experts. Retrieved October 1, 2012, from http://www. helpguide. com New Dawn Technologies. (n. d. ). New Dawn Technologies. Retrieved October 1, 2012, from http://www. newdawn. com â€Å"Abuse changes your life†¦Fight Back and change the life of your abusers by Breaking Your Silence on Abuse! † (Patty Rase Hopson Adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse).

Policing Essay

Policing CRJ 201, Section 511 Frank Serpico Francesco Vincent Serpico was born on April 14, 1936 in Brooklyn, NY. At the age of 18 Serpico enlisted in the United States army and spent two years in Korea. In 1959 Frank Serpico graduated form the police academy and was sworn into the New York City Police Department. From the =Beginning of Serpico’s career in the NYPD he was forced with having to defend his integrity to the police department. While a rookie taking part in field officer training, there was a rape in progress call sent out over the radio. Serpico, wanting to do nothing but help wanted to take the call though it was out of his sector and against his veteran officers advice. Frank later forced to give up his collar despite the fact he apprehended the remaining rape suspects on his own. Being a rookie officer left him susceptible to officers with seniority easily getting over on him. In 1960 Frank became a patrolman in the 81st precinct. He then worked for the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) before he was assigned to being a plain-clothes officer. This is when Frank Serpico’s problems began and he was exposed to department wide police corruption. Police subculture is defined as; shared values and norms and the established patterns of behavior that tend to characterize policing. During Frank’s time police corruption was definitely apart of police subculture. However it was not apart of Frank Serpico’s police subculture. While stationed at the 93rd precinct Serpico was given $300 as a part of the station pay off. Not knowing what to do with the money, and it being his first experience with corruption Frank took the money to his Sargent who in turn pocketed the money for himself. Becoming a snitch is something frowned upon then and now among civilians and law enforcement when it comes to one of your own. It is especially difficult to be a snitch in the police department because there is then no one behind you when in need. Blowing the whistle on fellow officers took a lot of guts and courage, especially when knowing that no one is there to stand behind you, and everyone is against you. On April 25, 1970, a New York Times article was published by David Burnham that would shake up the entire New York City Police Department. With the aid of Frank Serpico and Sargent David Durke, Burnham told the world of the millions of dollars paid to policeman in the New York Police Department by drug dealers, gamblers, and crooked businessmen. Frank also pointed out that despite the obvious corruption both Mayor Lindsay’s’ administration, and the police department ignored and failed to look into corruption cases repeatedly brought to their attention. This very article and the now public knowledge and outrage forced Mayor Lindsay to form the KNAPP Commission; a five-member panel whose purpose was to investigate corruption among the police department. Once the New York Times article was published, Frank Serpico was officially deemed a snitch. Subjecting himself to the possibility of extreme danger and violence, either at the hands of his own or by criminals when a lack of police back up and support is available. This possibility of danger became reality on February 3, 1971. While working in the vice division out of Brooklyn North, Serpico and 3 others detectives were working a drug sting. Frank was sent into the building and after witnessing the drug buy informed the two other plains clothes officers of were the suspect apartment was located. Serpico, the only officer that knew how to speak Spanish, was prompted to fake as if he wanted to purchase heroin to gain access into the suspects’ apartment. Once the dealer cracked the door Frank tried to force his way in, only able to wedge some of his body into the suspects’ door. Subsequently Serpico was shot at point blank range in his face with a . 22 caliber handgun. Once collapsed on the floor the remaining two officers stepped over him and proceeded with the drug bust instead of helping, they didn’t even care enough to send out a cop shot call over the radio. It was a neighbor living on the floor of the shooting that called the ambulance and stayed with Serpico until a squad car arrived to escort him to the hospital. Frank Serpico soon after the shooting began to question the circumstances of the shooting, feeling he was set up to be executed. While in recovery at the hospital Serpico was constantly harassed and faced with wishes of death. Frank recovered, losing hearing in his left ear, and in December of 1971 testified in front of the KNAPP Commission. Ultimately Serpico received what he always wanted, a brass shield and a promotion to detective. Of course there was no customary ceremony when Frank was awarded detective status, he was called and told to pick his badge up from the office. This was one of the many things that displayed the distain the department and city officials had for Frank Serpico. In 1972 after receiving a gold metal of honor, Serpico retired from the New York City Police Department and moved to Switzerland, where he stayed for almost a decade. In 1980 Serpico back to New York City and now lives a quiet life upstate. Frank Serpico was the first and probably most famous New York police officer to report and go as far as to testify on the department wide corruption. He never gave up, never gave in, and always stayed true and loyal to the oath he took when graduating from the police academy in 1959. Hearing the story of Frank Serpico makes me grateful because I know there are truly honest and loyal individuals that hold jobs in the public service field. People like him played major roles in molding what the police department is today. However I do not think I would have followed in Frank Serpico’s footsteps to expose the ugly truth of what was going on in the police department at the time. Being apart of the police subculture, all you have is each other. Once you put on the uniform and strap on that gun and badge no one can protect you from danger but yourself and your fellow officers. Once those other officers distrust you there is no one to have your back when faced with a criminal with intent to harm you. I would remember that when my shift is over I have to go back to my family, I have to live a life outside of my career as a New York City Police Officer. If I could have found a way to not take the payoffs, still do my job to the best of my ability, and not snitch on my fellow officers, that would definitely be the route in which I would take. Frank Serpico could have easily been killed and I don’t think the police department or anything else is more important then my life and the lives of my family. I do respect everything that Frank Serpico did. His integrity and courageousness was unprecedented. Without him the police department that my friends, loved ones, and I interact with daily could very well be much different and much worst. All Frank Serpico wanted to do was be a good, moral person and an honest police officer. He nicely summed up some of his feelings while in front of the KNAPP Commission by saying, â€Å"Through my appearance here today†¦ I hope that police officers in the future will not experience the same frustration and anxiety that I was subjected to for the past five years at the hands of my superiors because of my attempt to report corruption†¦ We create an atmosphere in which the honest officer fears the dishonest officer, and not the other way around†¦ The problem is that the atmosphere does not yet exist in which honest police officers can act without fear of ridicule or reprisal from fellow officers. †

Secularism And Its Effect On Society Religion Essay Example

Secularism And Its Effect On Society Religion Essay Example Secularism And Its Effect On Society Religion Essay Secularism And Its Effect On Society Religion Essay Secularism is the separation of province and faith. It is the exclusion or rejection of faith from political or civil personal businesss of the province. Bing an ancient belief of some ancient Grecian and Roman philosophers like Marcus Aurelius it has developed and expanded to make different corners of the universe. However, the term secularism is comparatively new as it was foremost mentioned or coined by the British author George Holyoake in 1851. In the 1700 s different authors and philosophers of the Enlightenment Age had proposed its application in society. High Renaissance writers besides gave rise to secularism and idealism in their plants formed from Classicism, but it was largely in historical instead than artistic and architectural plants. Therefore, secularism was officially born or started during the Renaissance but found a certain terms in the eighteenth century during the Age of Reason. The construct and its application grew stronger with the Gallic revolution trans porting until today. The most secular provinces in modern-day times have more than doubled the figure of non-secular provinces. However, some secular provinces do non use it to the full and still detect some spiritual foibles like vacations. Some provinces, nevertheless, do non hold a defined province faith because of different patterns of a big figure of its citizens. For illustration, Nigeria has Islam, Christianity and other Traditional faiths but non every bit much as the first two- as the official faiths of the state. The full state observes both Islamic and Christian vacations and puts aside money in its budget for different intents for this faith. Hence, secularism has had a encouragement in the last two to three centuries. Since its outgrowth, faith holds the function or position as the footing for jurisprudence and all other legalities. It is the exclusive beginning of jurisprudence and everyone is expected to obey its regulations and ordinances and failure to make so consequences in penalty of the guilty individual or individuals by spiritual edict. Therefore, the proper function of faith in every society is to put down the regulations or Torahs to be followed by every member. It besides encompasses the full life of a individual, from his or her birth, day-to-day activities and even to demise and farther. Religion is absolute i.e. it is a godly edict from the Almighty. Europe was widely Roman Catholic Christians due to the Roman vanquishers of the Dark and Middle Ages. Europe was a really spiritual continent. Hence, faith was the jurisprudence seting the church over even the opinion Monarchs and Lords. However, this agreement depended on the state and sometimes changed harmonizing to the swayer. For illustration, King Richard the Lion Heart of England was a strong Catholic and a leader of the campaigns hence, had a good standing with the church while his brother John besides known as John Lackland who became king after him did non. Pope Innocent II excommunicated him due to a difference between them on who was to be the following Archbishop of Canterbury. Because the olden Norman and Angevin male monarchs of England had had considerable influence with the church, he besides assumed he could. However, the church triumphed and he kept on paying the church compensation money for some clip. Therefore, spiritual regulations have been around for a long clip due to faith and its willing followings. It can besides be seen from the clip of its outgrowth and development from animism to polytheism and eventually monotheism, all faiths allow for the belief in a power or divinity that sets regulations. These regulations have been sometimes to the advantage of society and at other times to its hurt. For case, in pre-Christian Rome, human forfeit or bloodshed is said to be the bringer of the God s and goddesses clemency on the people of Rome. Human forfeit brought about rainfall, good crop and abundant wealth. Therefore, it brought about the birth of the gladiators and their legendary battles to delight the divinities. Another illustration would be the Indian forfeit of a widow on her dead hubby s funeral pyre or subsequently times the terminal of her societal life and she is considered a bad fortune appeal for anyone. Therefore, faith compelled society to either kill these wid ows or cut them off from society and coerce them to populate together without support, have oning merely white and selling their organic structures to feed themselves most of the clip. Some faiths even back up and O.K. of incest particularly brother-sister incest which can be seen in Egyptian, Nipponese and Chinese royal households of the olden yearss. Hence, the proper function of faith in society is to set up and convey order non chaos to religion. But for the most portion, Europe engaged in wars between its states due to religion giving 1000s of lives to its cause. For illustration, the Campaigns that were undertaken three times by different states that threw all of their money into them by to a great extent taxing their people to finance wars which were lost in the terminal. Some states, like England and France neer recovered to the full from this economical forfeit which can be said the developments in both these states because of hapless criterion of life. State faith in France after the revolution gave manner to province godlessness which promoted the suppression of faith. It is overriding to understand that secularism promotes spiritual freedom while maintaining it from act uponing its Torahs while godlessness does non back up the pattern of faith at all. In modern or modern-day times, secularism is more popular because it promotes equality of faiths before the jurisprudence and can squelch accusal of favouritism towards one faith. However, in communist provinces province godlessness is promoted. The modern universe should non abandon or pass on faith to the side as it is being done in most modern provinces. It is a given that some provinces have more than one major faiths to see. This might a present a job to most provinces when it comes to jurisprudence devising. However in Nigeria, the jurisprudence shapers have done a good occupation instilling its major faiths i.e. Islam and Christianity with great consequences. The state besides recognizes other patterns of the less populated traditional faiths accepting some things like matrimony, paternity and acceptance without a demand for a legal representative at the clip. It can be said that faith threw Europe in to a province of war, but it can non be refuted that it besides brought about stableness at the clip of its outgrowth in Europe. However, most people particularly the philosopes like Denis Diderot rejected the thought of God doing faith synonymous to socie ties agonies. He wrote an essay about a deceasing blind professor, Lettre Sur lupus erythematosuss aveugles, in which he promoted his political orientation. It is believed Diderot s sister s decease in a convent where she was a nun contributed to his disfavor of faith. Therefore, it can be seen that agonies of people of the hapless at the custodies of the church led to many Europeans credence of godlessness. On the other manus, it most provinces that have a individual faith as its province faith and being non-secular have a comparatively unagitated and orderly society. For illustration, the Middle Eastern states that usage Islam as their functionary faith use the Quran and the instructions of the Prophet Muhammad ( S.A.W ) as their jurisprudence. Although there is crisis in the Middle East states like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates enjoy a peaceable societal and economical life which orderly and chaos-free. The separation of faith and province Torahs both has its advantages and disadvantages. It is still an on-going argument on whether its benefits outweigh its defects. If province is separated from faith, Torahs will hold no direct spiritual influence. Man made spiritual regulations stating is non the jurisprudence. Tolerance of other faiths will be developed. Nepotism and segregation or bias due to spiritual difference will greatly cut down. The province will non add spiritual disbursals to its budget go forthing it with more financess to prosecute other province affairs or jobs. Atheist can besides be tolerated and their positions heard. Freedom of look is greatly promoted in these societies. Democracy is besides promoted. On the other manus, if province is non separate from faith it will incur excess disbursals. There is less tolerance of other faiths and their pattern as can be seen in topographic points like Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E, Yemen and Israel to a great extent towards Muslims. Religious expressions are considered as jurisprudence. Atheism every bit good as bad talking the faith will be considered unorthodoxy and might even be punishable by decease as seen during the church s powerful clasp in Europe. However, some of the advantages above can besides turn into these disadvantages while some of the disadvantages turn into advantages. For illustration, tolerance of godlessness can take to its widespread and the diminution in faith as evidenced in Europe with the coming of unbelieving Enlightened philosophers. Although there was no tolerance in most states, the Netherlands allowed these people to print most of their plants and in making so helped the spread of godlessness. Democracy can be said to be extremely overrated because most provinces practising it can besides conflict on the rights of others and non digest their spiritual freedom. For illustration, the jurisprudence that was passed in France by President Nicholas Sarkozy to forestall Muslim adult females from covering their caput infringed on their freedom of faith and look. So besides were the penalties administered by most churches in early Europe which sometimes involved stoning or decapitating depending on the magnitude of the wickedness in the church s eyes. However, these rights subsequently left the custodies of the churches and transferred to the feudal Godheads who still took advices from their assigned priests. This nevertheless, seemed to decrease the penalty taking it off from adult females and kids but largely between work forces and their feudal Godheads. However, a more outstanding illustration of non-separation jobs can be seen with the Catholic Popes of the Renaissance epoch in Italy. Their frivolous and epicurean life style damaged the image of faith and gave it no acceptance in the eyes of the trusters. They did nt care for their people and largely left them to endure. Another illustration is the epoch of the Plantagenet Kings of England. All of these male monarchs made England a really hapless and unhappy state by taxing its people to a great extent and changeless battle in wars that were largely junior-grade and selfish. Further, Philip II launched a naval onslaught on England beca use of faith and without a idea to his people and their support cut down Spain s woods to construct his ships led to the economic diminution of Spain which was one time had a robust economic system. Therefore, by dividing or non dividing faith and province, pandemonium occurs. However, it is wiser to maintain faith as a footing for jurisprudence devising. Divine messages if followed adamantly lead to peace non anarchy as can be seen in Saudi, U.A.E, Qatar, Brunei and others. Secularism in modern-day universe has led to worsen in earlier extremely valued ethical motives. Nowadays, sexual relationships are openly carried out i.e. a twosome can travel in together with the cognition with both their parents and other people in society. On the other manus, non-secular and Old Europe frowned upon something like this. Fornication and criminal conversation are seen as a wickedness from a spiritual point of position everyplace in the universe. Although, the sovereign and blue bloods still indulged in the pleasances of the flesh and the priests and society look the other manner every bit long as they are discreet for case Henry VII with his six married womans and countless kept womans. However, this illustration is alone to those societies that at the clip were non really spiritual, frivolous and at times helter-skelter. For illustration, Italian Renaissance that was characterized with frivolousness and worldly chases because of they were non practising spiritual expressions. This epoch can be identified with one of Europe s most disgraceful and licentious relationships and tonss of single female parents who suffered greatly. Synonymously, in the modern universe, the Western universe is extremely secular and as such it besides faces the job of teenage gestation, single individual female parents populating in poorness, high divorce rates, and legion instances of unfaithfulness and so on. However, after the moving ridge of frivolousness during the Renaissance had been cleared by Paul III and hid replacements, the enlightenment age brought with it a new moving ridge of low moral criterions. It can be seen from the 18th to the nineteenth century how extra-marital personal businesss became about legalized. A married woman was chiefly the agencies to an inheritor. She was required to be faithful to her hub by until she has given him an inheritor so that there will be no competition as to who the kid s male parent was. She can so hold her personal businesss every bit long as she was discreet while the hubby besides has his ain kept womans and personal businesss. Therefore, bogus kids belonging to the Lords and blue bloods were really high in figure with a great many of the boies given rubrics while the girls are at most times educated. All these epochs though accepting of these low lesson values make societal outcast out of its practicians. Therefore, secularism might advance or develop persons to be independent but it does non protect them from the rough worlds of life. A spiritual and orderly society do non hold such jobs, although they do occur but non in such high Numberss as in secular provinces. For illustration, the Puritans live their lives merely though of modern times, they do non believe in worldly pleasances. Furthermore, the rate of self-destruction is seen to be much higher in secular provinces. There may be spiritual forfeits as in the widow combustion in Hinduism or lapidating in Islam, it nevertheless, does non claim as many lives as self-destruction in the Western secular provinces. Furthermore, both of the aforesaid patterns have falling into neglect while self-destruction is the most approaching and pressing job of deceases in secular societies. Having lived in a non-secular society where faith governs our twenty-four hours to twenty-four hours lives. I have witnessed how spiritual expressions from God can be turned and manipulated to accommodate the demands of work forces. In my sentiment, secularism is a good thought but it besides does nt acquire to be practiced the manner it is supposed to be. For illustration, late the Gallic authorities although naming itself secular passed a measure to halt adult females or specifically Muslim adult females from covering their faces. It is absolutely allowed to approve those that refuse to demo their faces for security grounds, but why persecute all on the footing of a impression or what a minority does? It goes to demo that both secular and non-secular provinces need to work on where they stand in the modern universe. Timess have changed since people will take in pace what the province dictates. As it can be informants in France, although adult females are being sanctioned and charge d, they still rebelliously wear their caput covering. To them, their head covering is and individuality of who they are and what they represent as Muslim adult females. The Gallic authorities will make good to larn from past errors of enforcing countenances on their people and its terminal consequences i.e. the revolution. I believe that faith plays a function in society that can be at most positive and sometimes negative. However, both sides can be argued harmonizing to one s ain point of position. For an academic ( western instruction ) , socialist or scientific point of position faith has more negative than positive sides. For illustration, gender inequality, female instruction and sacrificial functions to do person give up his/her life. On the other manus, theologists or spiritual bookmans will give recognition to the positive side of faith for conveying approximately peace, repose and equity. For case, Islam in Arabia pulled the people out of ignorance or Jahiliyyah as the period is known to a blissful clip of peace and love for all. Further, in the Christian and Islamic books i.e. the Bible and Quran severally, narratives showcased the manner faith brought the people peace and flight from harsh and ruthless swayers as in the narratives of Moses, Abraham and Jesus. Hence, the merger of these two p ositions still proves to be ineffectual. To my apprehension, until these two opposing point of positions are united, secularism can non and will non be practiced to everyone s satisfaction. Democracy can non be practiced to the full without any partizan influence from spiritual groups either. The 9/11 onslaughts claimed by the Taliban are now being seen as onslaughts orchestrated by Jews and some say by the American authorities itself. President George Bush, the former president was said to be a member of a spiritual groups that rule America between themselves therefore, extinguishing any hint that all past democratic opinions were just. Current president Barack Obama besides hit a brick wall during his run for the station. Because of his Muslim-like name and his roots, he was considered a Muslim sitting as a Christian to acquire Islam to govern America. This influenced so many people non to vote him reasonably based on a judgement of his character. By dividing faith and province, the title has merely fueled the widening spread between the two most dominant faiths in the universe ergo in America excessively. Schools do non learn their students much about faith ; hence, they come out with a icteric position created by the media. Most politicians besides do non conceal their antipathy for other faiths as can be seen by Sarah Palin and her anti-Islamic sentiments. European history in its class from the ancient Greeks to the Romans to the Celts and the Vikings to Feudal systems and absolutist Monarchies and eventually to the reaching of constitutional monarchy and democracy has shaped the universe to what it is today. The West is the manner it is thanks to these people who lived 100s of old ages ago. But unhappily, the universe is yet to open their eyes and learn from past errors. European history in its class has shown us how tyranny or absolutisms can crumple in mere yearss when the people revolt. But the enticement of power is excessively much for most leaders that they forget the yesteryear and merely indulge in the present and pigment and program a happy hereafter. This can be witnessed in the recent moving ridge of unrest passing through some of the North African and In-between Eastern states. The leaders of these states had been at that place since land come but are non ready to lose that power they hold so in their clasp. It took a revo lution for most of these swayers to give up and step aside ; nevertheless, some refuse like Libyan and Yemenis presidents. In my sentiment, it all comes down to greed and the lecherousness for power. The features of these people can be witnessed from other historical figures like Napoleon I of France, John I of England, Charles V Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain, Philip II of Spain and others. Most of these leaders thirst and lust for power led to their ultimate ruin most particularly Napoleon and his quest to make an imperium for himself all over Europe. In decision, I believe secularism is merely applicable to some provinces while in others it can neer be good implemented. To my apprehension, African states like Nigeria can non work good under secular regulation because of the assorted spiritual groups in the state. Other topographic points that witness Islam as the dominant faith can neer utilize secularism to regulate a province. Islam itself brings an full system of the manner a province under Islamic regulation is supposed to map. It can be seen that most of these Middle Eastern provinces have flourished under this system. For Christianity, I believe the Vatican is a typical illustration of a spiritual province being ruled by a spiritual system that works reasonably darned good. The Pope as its caput and the people under him are go forthing in a peaceable and non-hectic environment. However, the Christian universe ( West ) has learned another lesson from European history of Christian wars and its regulations. Therefore, it is wa ry of traveling back for seconds after interrupting off and organizing other positions that do non conform to the Catholic Church. As the expression goes one time bitten twice diffident so besides do most Christians feel they can non travel back under influence and regulation by the Church. But most of all European history, particularly the Enlightenment age has left its grade on history by recommending godlessness. As some figures and statistics show, the universe faiths are worsening in figure as more and more people stop believing in God. Atheism has spread its wings to touch every corner of the universe non merely the West but Asia and Africa, two of the most spiritual continents in the universe. Hence, most people believe the turning rate of godlessness should be synonymous with secularism so as to make a balance between the trusters and the non-believers. However, I believe lone clip will state what is the right way for us to follow and convey peace and harmoniousness to our otherwise helter-skelter universe.

Shylock a villain or a victim of the society he lives in Essay Example

Shylock a villain or a victim of the society he lives in Essay Example Shylock a villain or a victim of the society he lives in Essay Shylock a villain or a victim of the society he lives in Essay Essay Topic: Play In my opinion Shylock was a victim of the society he lived in. He was a victim because he was a minority in a Christian city where anti-Semitism played an important role in society. In the society in which Shylock lived, there was plenty of racism, so it was easy to paint a picture of Shylock as a villain on evil, based on stereotypical opinions for the society in which he lived. The target audience for which the play was written was largely a racist and a prejudiced audience, so they readily accepted Shylock in the role of Villain, without questioning whether this was an accurate assessment of his personality. Due to the target audience being racist, there is a bias in the way in which Shylock is portrayed, and does not always effectively portray what Shylock was feeling or thinking. Although in some cases Shakespeare did show that he did not have the stereotypical view of Shylock, which most certainly his audience did have. In this essay, I will be expressing my opinion on whether Shylock is a victim or a villain in the society that he lives in. I feel that, Shylock is a victim of the Elizabethan society in which he lived. He seems to be treated badly by everyone who he comes into contact with, including his own servant. It is really only his own kind who seems to respect and treat him properly. In Act 1 scene 3 Shylock is asked to loan 3000 ducats to Antonio by Bassanio. It looks or has been made to look as though Shylock is a villain, this is shown by using repetition, the repetition used in by Shylock is that he seems to mention well a lot, this makes Shylock look like he is planning something, for example how to get revenge on Antonio, also in the beginning of the act Shylock seems to come across as an evil character, this is when he is first introduced into the play. Shylock looks like a villain when he is asked by Bassanio to dine with Antonio, but Shylock replies I will not eat with you, drink with you nor pray with you this sentence made Shylock look like a villain, but if you had to look at it from his point of view, it would be that he has been hated and treated badly all his life by Christians. Then, when Antonio enters the scene you can see how Shylock is treated badly and is a victim in the society he lives in, this point is proven when Shylock says to Antonio You call me a misbeliever and Spit on my Jewish gabardine In the next few scenes in the play we find out that Jessica is ashamed of being Jewish, and consequently is ashamed of her father. She is not happy with her life, and she blames everything that goes wrong on the fact that she is Jewish. As she resents her difficulties and blames them on her religion she also resents her father, and blames him for being Jewish resulting in her also being Jewish, we find this out when Jessica says to Launcelot But though I am a daughter to his blood, I am not to his manners For example in Act 2 scene 3 we find out that Jessica thinks that where she lives is hell. She expresses her feeling to Lorenzo, saying to be ashamed to be my fathers child. This is another point which could make Shylock look like a villain because even his own daughter is ashamed to have him (Shylock) as a father, or this also could look as though Shylock is a victim because he has been victimized and arguments have been caused in his family due to his religion. Christians such as Lorenzo have changed his daughter they have made her ashamed of her own religion and her father. I also think that this does show that Shylock and Jessica do not have a very good relationship if their relationship was stronger she would be prouder of her heritage and less likely to blame everything that goes wrong on her father and their religion. She would accept the familys religion as an important part of her heritage and background, and not something to be ashamed of. In Act 2 scene 5 Shylock looks like a kill joy he seems to give Jessica no freedom and is always controlling her, and not leaving her on her own. This could be because he is in fear of what might happen to her, and thus his controlling her is just Shylocks way of making sure that nothing happens to her, as he wants her to be protected. However because Shylock is portrayed in such a negative way, his control over Jessica could be incorrectly seen as unreasonable and evil so one again he looks like a villain. In this scene there are very good examples which shows how much hatred Shylock has towards Christians for example But yet Ill go in hate, to feed upon the prodigal Christian. In this scene there is dramatic irony, this is when the audience know what is happening and some of the characters do not know what is happening. The use of dramatic irony is used when, Shylock explains his dreams, and he says that he is going to lose something. This is ironic because his daughter Jessica was planning to run away and take all of Shylocks money with her. In Act 3 Shylock seems to be loosing everything he has. His own daughter Jessica had run away and had also stolen all of his precious jewels, and he had done nothing to deserve this. To an audience in Shakespeares time this would look completely normally, they would not understand how upset Shylock probably was, but to a modern audience we can see that he is a victim of society, and there was nothing he could have done to prevent it from happening. The only thing he could do was take revenge from his bond, in my opinion this does not make him a villain because personally I think most people would want revenge on something or anything if that much had happened to them, as it is human nature. To bait fish withal. If it will feed nothing else, it will feed my revenge. This shows how he wants to take his revenge on Antonio because now he finally has the chance to do what ever he can do. In act 3 scene 3 Antonios attitude changes towards Shylock for example he says hear me yet good Shylock this shows that he is a coward and is willing to beg for his life, and he is begging to the person he once spat on, and swore at, so at this point Shylock deserves to be a villain and stand up against his sworn enemy. In Act 4 scene 1 at the beginning Shylock has been made to look like a villain, at this point it looks at though Shylock is going to get his revenge, the one thing he has been waiting for, for his whole life: making him look like a villain and yes I do think he is a villain at this point in time, but only because he has been pushed and pushed by the Christians. He also looks like a really bad villain towards a Shakespearean audience as he has been asked to show mercy but he doesnt. This is shown that Shylock wont give mercy as he uses repetition and repeats many times in six thousand ducats I would not draw them I would have my bond But then in the end or near to the end it seems as though Shylocks luck has changed, and there is dramatic irony used, as the audience know that Shylock is being tricked by Portia, whereas Shylock things that the young lawyer is from a distant city. In the end of the scene Shylock is a victim of society as he has been told that if a drop of a Christians blood is spilt then all his good will be taken away from him. So where he was the villain, then the tables had turned against him, and they not only took his bond away from him, but they also took all his possessions from him, leaving him with nothing and also making him a victim of society. This is also ironic, as when Shylock had the upper hand against his enemies they all begged him for mercy, and told him that what he is doing is wrong, but when the tables had turned against Shylock and he was now the victim, and the Christian society had the upper hand, they did not show that they were better than him and give him mercy, as they had begged him for. This all shows that in the end Shylock was the Victim, and that the society he lived in was the villain towards him, and other Jews. So to summarize in my opinion I believe that shylock was a victim and a villain of the society he lived in, he was a victim due to the fact that he was a minority amongst Christians, and during his time there was a lot of racism against him and his religion, I also believe that Shylock was a villain in some ways because the society had driven him to be villainess meaning that because he was treated so badly, that every time he could get his own revenge back against the Christians he did try to do that, making it look like he is the villain to a Shakespearean audience.

How to Make Red Fire

How to Make Red Fire Road flares contain strontium nitrate in addition to other ingredients (potassium nitrate or potassium perchlorate, sawdust, charcoal, maybe some sulfur, magnesium, or aluminum). Strontium salts burn bright red. Obtaining Strontium Salts If you want to make red fire and arent in a position to order strontium salts its easy to harvest material from a road flare. Heres what you do: Take a pocket knife or steak knife and carefully cut open the cardboard tube of the flare.Pour the powder into a bowl or jar.You can sprinkle this powder sparingly onto a campfire or fireplace fire.You can store unused powder in a paper bag. Keep it dry, but away from heat and flame. How To Create the Fire Alternatively, you can ignite the powder directly. Put about a tablespoon of powder onto a fire-proof surface. Pour a little accelerant onto the base of your powder (try ​Heet, which is methanol). Light the accelerant. If you are using methanol, it will burn out and the powder will begin to burn. The flame will be very bright. You may wish to cut the mixture with powdered sugar or charcoal before lighting it.

Organisational Behaviour Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Organisational Behaviour - Essay Example Therefore, it was easy to divide up our Team based report and get the task done. During group meetings, I feel that I played a vital role in getting the task started and allocating what each member should be researching. The next state is performing. In this particular situation, I felt that this was the hardest stage as I do not mind doing research and writing assignments but I definitely do not like oral presentations. My other group members were already aware of this and therefore we decided to practice together until I felt comfortable. I think that this shows my group was very in tune with each others strength and weaknesses and I was grateful that they helped me. In the end, I felt that my group all made a sufficient contribution, executed our presentation well and I was quite happy with our grade. The last stage, adjourning, is not relevant to my group as we have continuing relationships. There were many class activities that my group worked on together. After the formation of our group, we completed an activity within the group that required us to separately answer questions in relation to how we should communicate, how often we should meet, how we should deal with conflict and what grade we were aiming for. When discussing our answers as a group, I hold back a little bit from the beginning and ultimately I felt comfortable to answer truthfully throughout the rest of the class. I feel this is because I was confident afterwards that my group member’s answers would not differ significantly from mine. We generally agreed on our answer, this did not surprise me as we have worked on past assignments together in the past and know each other very well. When considering my past behavior, I know that if I had been in a group with people I did not... The author of the essay "Organisational Behaviour" mentions that there are many theories which describe the elements which effective groups require. One particular theory by Dorothy Marcic was relevant to my group and also my own personal behavior. This theory includes the group elements of participation, influence, styles of influence, decision making procedure, motivation, task functions, maintenance functions, group atmosphere and membership. According to Bloisi (2007), â€Å"Motivation is defined as the conscious decision to put more effort into one activity than another for whatever reason†. Motivation puts each team member into action to accomplish goals, has increased level of efficiency within the team work and built friendly relationship. Through each of these elements as stated above, I feel that I played an important role to my group. In relation to participation, I think that my participation within the group was high as I talk openly with all members and attended almost all of our group meetings. However, at times I have quiet moment when I do not really contribute much. This has no relation to my group, it is purely related to my mood and I was concerned how my group members perceived me during these moments. In the end the author concludes: "By completing this team based case study, I was able to learn more about my behavior in group situations. Although, I have done many team based assignments before, this particular task pushed me to look more in depth into my own behavior.".

Run- dmc's impact on rap and society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Run- dmc's impact on rap and society - Essay Example ablished Rush Productions, a hip- hop management Company in the 80’s encouraged his brother Joey to form a rap duo with his friend Darryl McDaniels. They started out as a duo and later roped in another friend called Jason Mizell. The trio introduced a dress culture to suit their fancy and set them apart from the regular dress code. Their style was flashy with hats, untied sneakers and heavy gold chains that greatly appealed to the youth and left a deep impression on their suburban rock fan following. (Simon & Schuster, 2001) Run – D.M.C outshone their predecessors Grandmaster Flash and Whodini by being much more tougher and menacing while using samples from heavy metal and their popular spare beats. They helped to promote rap from a genre that was single oriented to a genre that became officially album oriented. Run – D.M.C was the very first hip – hop artist group to cut full- fledged albums and slowly made it into the mainstream of music. In the course of time Run – D.M.C had spawned many other groups and were even overtaken by them, yet they dedicated themselves to performing even into the 90’s. The group had cut their first single titled â€Å"It’s Like That† in 1983 which sounded like no other rap during that time. By 1985, they had become America’s most popular and influential band after their second album titled â€Å"King of Rock.† This album was succeeded by the R&B single which was a cover for the legendary Aerosmith titled â€Å"Walk This Way† which became Run- D.M.C’s biggest hit single which was recorded using Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry. This was the very first hip – hop number that appealed to both rappers and rockers alike. This album was followed by their third album titled â€Å"Raising Hell† which became the first rap album to scale to number one on the R&B charts and then even go platinum. There was no turning back now for Run – D.M. C as they strengthened their position as the first rappers to make a

Depersonalization as a method of representation and protection of Research Paper

Depersonalization as a method of representation and protection of personal data - Research Paper Example Computers and the Internet paved the way for more efficient and fast methods to gather, store and organize personal information. Since the 1970s the number of computer data banks or databases became staggering. There are the databases from Social Security Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Medical Information Bureau, state criminal justice systems, municipal data systems, credit card companies, telephone companies, Medicaid, and, recently, Google, Facebook and so much more. The huge amount of information that governments and businesses collect from individuals have become a cause of concern. Personal data collection encroaches on the individual’s right, particularly as it invades privacy or the right to control information about ourselves; there is a disclosure of private personal facts; and, the information can be used in such a way that a person is cast in a bad light or in a case of identity theft. The method of personal data collection, its use and security, hence, necessitate citizen protection. Through the years, laws have enacted that aim to protect personal privacy but they appear to be insufficient. This paper will explore depersonalization as an effective method of personal data collection, where privacy is still protected. ... 3. Access or the level of access provided to individuals on the gathered data about them. 4. Security or the responsibility of data gatherers to provide adequate protection for the information collected (Bidgoli 2004, 98). Based from these principles, a number of laws were enacted covering individual privacy across different sectors. For instance, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act protects personal banking information; the Fair Credit Reporting Act provides the framework for handling personal credit data. There are also laws that cover the collection and use of medical and health data, government records, children’s privacy, and so forth. Laws are also enacted in other countries such as the European Union Data Protection Directive, the OECD privacy guidelines adopted by countries such as Mexico, Australia, Japan and Czech Republic (Conrad, Misenar and Feldman 2012, 401). But these laws and even some ethical guidelines (see Kluge 2000), no matter how specific and comprehensive, still fail to address privacy issues. Neubauer and Kolb (2009), for example, noted that approaches and methods for protecting privacy often do not comply with legal requirements or basic security requirements without suffering any penalty, (7). Szeto and Miri (2007) revealed the same findings when they studied the Canadian experience. According to Hildebrandt and Gutwirth (2008), this is because most statutes builds on traditional ways of thinking data, personal data and their abuse, without understanding or recognizing the new type of knowledge that result from modern data processing (321). It was further argued that even when recent or updated laws were effective regarding personal data, they are still not equipped to deal with correlated data, which is persistent today

Financial Reporting Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Financial Reporting - Assignment Example The strengths can also be analyzed by how well it is achieving its objectives or targets. However such comparisons have their drawbacks. Comparing Essex with other fire services is not a good indicator given the different circumstances and environments both fire services are operating. Operators received significant savings as projections. The fighters pension scheme also had significant results since the difference between the actual and estimate is +7,000,000.Generally the net operating expenditure did not suppress the estimates. We could also indicate the fact that the trading activities had their objectives clearly spelt. One of the objectives was to achieve an operating surplus to fund appropriations direct to service budgets to re-invest in new and, replacement equipment for the treading account or to provide an additional source of income to the service where possible. One of the major weaknesses of the budgetary process in Essex fire service is that reviewing programmes after estimates have been indicated in the budget means that the budget might not reflect the actual management plans. It is also at concern that the intended management structure is not consistent with the estimates set out in according to best value accounting code of practice. The estimates have been apportioned to enable the set up. Total operating income of 205 against projections of 965 is a case of considerable concern. ... One of the objectives was to achieve an operating surplus to fund appropriations direct to service budgets to re-invest in new and, replacement equipment for the treading account or to provide an additional source of income to the service where possible. Weaknesses One of the major weaknesses of the budgetary process in Essex fire service is that reviewing programmes after estimates have been indicated in the budget means that the budget might not reflect the actual management plans. It is also at concern that the intended management structure is not consistent with the estimates set out in according to best value accounting code of practice. The estimates have been apportioned to enable the set up. Total operating income of 205 against projections of 965 is a case of considerable concern. Such a discrepancy can affect the objectives of the budget drastically. Such an event is of considerable importance because it is a cash inflow. One of the objectives of engineering services is to get an operating surplus. Such an objective is not consistent with the broad objectives of the public sector services. By ensuring that ICTU courses are in line with Essex counting fire and rescue service policy and practice means that the company is reacting instead of being proactive. Its practices could be better suited than those of the policy. By setting estimates the Essex fire services might be restricting itself only to the projections and may fail to take advantage of existing solutions or the ground of the actual time. In as much as budget is a pointer of intentions for the year, it is bound to strengths and weaknesses. Budgets are just an indicator and room for adjustments should be made. Budgets only provide a framework and should not be relied on

4.How do the Homeric epics, the Illiad and the Odyssey differ from Essay

4.How do the Homeric epics, the Illiad and the Odyssey differ from each other in their depiction of Greek culture and values - Essay Example n of vices and goodness, strength and weakness, and betrayals and friendships yet all these aspects of human life amalgamate in a manner that each aspect provides the readers with a variety of moral lessons to be learned. Homer in both of his works applies the same phenomenon and deals with two paradoxical situations and presents the readers with two highly contrasting scenarios although both the works project the some good and bad values and culture of the same Greek society. Homer utilizes the plot, setting, character and their actions as a tool in order to depict two different personal interpretations of the Greek society and its culture and values. Homer’s epic Iliad is based on the War of Troy. This piece of literature deals with warfare, bloodshed and revenge. The poem depicts a tale of a war that is fought between Greek King Agamemnon and the Trojans. Homer in his depiction of the whole scenario of the war incorporates and explores a variety of aspects of Greek values and culture. These aspects include greed, pride and deception. Greed and lust are two of the major seven sins that exist in this world. Consequently the Greek society was also engulfed in these sins and a common practice of these vices was also observed amongst portrayal of various characters in Greek Literature. Homer also assimilates this concept in his poem and presents the adverse and fatalistic affects of practicing such vices through the condition of the Greek troops when Achilles refuses to fight for Agamemnon. The reason behind this was because of Agamemnon’s desire to Briseis who was awarded to Achilles. Hence the greed and desire of Agamemnon leads to Achilles refusal and consequently the Greeks lose a large number of their warriors in the beginning. Through Achilles character Homer depicts another vice that was common in Greek Society i.e. Pride. So it can be perceived that the reason for the loss of a large number of The Achaean men and the death of Achilles closest friend

Energy management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Energy management - Essay Example The targeted interviewee was the marketing and sales manager because he is the head of the department which controls sales and a lot of information is in that sector more so on demand for energy which was the requirement of our interview. Richard daily routine is described by his controls and managing the marketing and sales sector of his industry. He ensures that all is done in time and correctly ensuring the demand for their products does not go down. He likes his job because it is well paying and it is so attracting to him because it pertains his career and it involves innovative life which he likes a lot. ‘I dislike the tiring of my job’. Most of the time he spends outside office trying to find more customers and less time is spend in office (Scott, 2006). Conclusively the workers who are involved in the department of marketing and sales should be increased for them to ensure that the manager is not out of office most of the times and this will make him concentrate on office work which is more important to incorporate all jobs which needs to be dealt

4.How do the Homeric epics, the Illiad and the Odyssey differ from Essay

4.How do the Homeric epics, the Illiad and the Odyssey differ from each other in their depiction of Greek culture and values - Essay Example n of vices and goodness, strength and weakness, and betrayals and friendships yet all these aspects of human life amalgamate in a manner that each aspect provides the readers with a variety of moral lessons to be learned. Homer in both of his works applies the same phenomenon and deals with two paradoxical situations and presents the readers with two highly contrasting scenarios although both the works project the some good and bad values and culture of the same Greek society. Homer utilizes the plot, setting, character and their actions as a tool in order to depict two different personal interpretations of the Greek society and its culture and values. Homer’s epic Iliad is based on the War of Troy. This piece of literature deals with warfare, bloodshed and revenge. The poem depicts a tale of a war that is fought between Greek King Agamemnon and the Trojans. Homer in his depiction of the whole scenario of the war incorporates and explores a variety of aspects of Greek values and culture. These aspects include greed, pride and deception. Greed and lust are two of the major seven sins that exist in this world. Consequently the Greek society was also engulfed in these sins and a common practice of these vices was also observed amongst portrayal of various characters in Greek Literature. Homer also assimilates this concept in his poem and presents the adverse and fatalistic affects of practicing such vices through the condition of the Greek troops when Achilles refuses to fight for Agamemnon. The reason behind this was because of Agamemnon’s desire to Briseis who was awarded to Achilles. Hence the greed and desire of Agamemnon leads to Achilles refusal and consequently the Greeks lose a large number of their warriors in the beginning. Through Achilles character Homer depicts another vice that was common in Greek Society i.e. Pride. So it can be perceived that the reason for the loss of a large number of The Achaean men and the death of Achilles closest friend

Discussing the benefits of e-communications in integrated marketing Essay

Discussing the benefits of e-communications in integrated marketing communications - Essay Example The inter-dependence of the various elements within the system has vast potential to establish a market that is sustainable as well as mutually satisfying. IMC, through e-communication greatly facilitates the success of the existing and new products and therefore needs to become intrinsic part of market strategy of the organizations. The core business strategy of any business heavily relies on the market strategy that facilitates its products and services to meet the needs and requirements of the people at large. According to Shultz, McCarthy’s principles of 4Ps of marketing have outgrown their effectiveness in the present age of information technology. In the past, the 4Ps (product, price, place and promotion) of marketing strategy were highly relevant mainly because of the three reasons: There was lack of variety within the products; people were exposed to limited means of publicity; and promotional activities were more localised (Shultz, 2001). Therefore, under the given restrained parameters, the strategy satisfied both the customers and the retailers. The equation is drastically changed in the contemporary times. Today, the technological advancements have brought forth an explosion of information that is easily accessible to public through the internet and other media like television, radio, mobile phones etc. The internet has made it easy for the customers to become aware of the product details including its availability at competitive prices which has precipitated the need to develop a whole new perspective for a new marketing technique. Integrated marketing communication therefore, becomes the most vital part of market strategy for all organizations to maintain a competitive edge over their rivals. The inter-dependence of the various elements within the system has vast potential to establish a market that is sustainable as well as mutually satisfying. Kotler has

Health Care Communication Methods Essay Example for Free

Health Care Communication Methods Essay As the Communication Coordinator for this well known drug manufacturer, we will now debate and discus how we will get information to the public about the negative effects that our medications are causing the public. Our goal, as a vital asset to the public and medical community, is to convey all concerns to our community in a very sensitive and careful way. Using the power of newspapers, radio, internet, social networking and news related companies. The local news has already reported that a well-known public figure has been effected which goes against the health portability and accountability act. So as communication coordinator it is important to communicate this issue carefully, addressing the proper population, without losing business and the trust we created with our investors and consumers. Today in our meeting, we will discuss very important aspects of our company’s medical concerns and deciding which communication tactic is most suitable for this situation, while sticking to the very important and necessary HIPPAA guidelines. We will start by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of using traditional media, to get the news out to a significant number of the population. Recent reports of negative effects caused by one of the company’s medications need to be addressed. News reports have alleged that one of the individuals is a well-known public figure. Traditional media can include magazines, newspapers, radio and television. There are some great advantages on why these media outlets would be great in reaching our audience regarding this health scare. Two great methods are newspaper and magazines; they can help because we can be precise and explicit when discussing our issue. Additionally, these methods will provide use with a permanent record of the manufacturer attempt to reach the public (Advantages and disadvantages of written communication, 2012). Two other good methods are television and radio. These methods are beneficial because they are cost effective. It allows the communication coordinator to reach the audience directly, while showing attentiveness, emotion and oncern about the negative effects caused by our medication. All these tactics seem like they will work however there are disadvantages with sticking to traditional media outlets instead of using social media or electronic sites. Some main concerns the coordinator will have with using traditional media is that it can only reach a limited amount of people and the company is restricted to a small scope of listerners and readers. According to the national center for education statistcs the U. S. reads between the 8th and 9th grade reading levels. (NCES, 2003). The lack of education and the advancement of technology will minimize the effectiveness of radio, magazines and newspapers. The communication coordinator will continue talking about the different methods of communication. By discussing the advantages and disadvantages of using electronic media, to get information to the public without breaking any HIPAA laws. Some advantages of electronic communication, is that the media tends to be very fast, cost-effective and convenient. Electronic communication will let the coordinator combine numerous media; text graphics sound and video in a single message. This will also give the coordinator the chance to set up a website to give good credible information directly targeted to the population that is effected by the medication, with less chances of interfering with the laws set in place by the HIPPA act. This form of media can result in far more meaningful communication tailored to the population effected by the national drug manufacturer medication. Increasingly doctors are communicating with other practitioners, hospitals, clinics and patients via portable devices. However these attributes contains disadvantages. The technology that enables health care providers and the rest of the nation to keep in touch can also invade privacy. The main disadvantages of using electronic communication, is security. Computers can be hacked, and affected with computer virus. Communication electronically in this particular scenario can also make it difficult, for all affected to understand the message the same. The speed at which the messages are transmitted, often, changes the structure of the message which at times, can be misinterpreted. False or Phantom sites are also a concern. Some foes of this company or medical manufacturing companies may release false or exaggerated negative reports. This could cause the public to lose trust in our efforts to give valuable information and hinder patients to trust products. Electronic communication will lack the human touch. Now we will talk about the disadvantages and advantages of social media facebook, twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn are social networking platforms that are set up and created by web developers. Public internet and social networks can enable communication, collaboration and information collection and sharing. The advantages of using social media are because, â€Å"About one-third of Americans who go online to research their health currently use social networks to find fellow patients and discuss their condition† (Elkin, 2008). As communication coordinator a social network can be used to reach out and receive feedback from the population, and bring awareness about the drug. Social network is where individuals have control on releasing their private information about the drug and the consumer will not be breaking any HIPAA laws. The disadvantages of using social media, is that all information may not always be credible. This method of communicating can also open up the possibility for hackers to commit fraud and launch virus attacks. Social networks increases risk of people falling prey to online scams. The hugest risk using social media such as facebook, YouTube or twitter, Is the inability to control the conversation. The effected population may say a lot of negative things about the company true or not that can damage its reputation. Improper descriptions or discussions of a patient’s case on social media could violate a patient’s privacy, even if no names are used and no harm is intended. As communication coordinator for the national drug manufacturer, in conclusion, all methods of communication have their advantages however the disadvantages outweigh the smartest of the decisions. Majority of the methods will affect the HIPAA law by releasing to much information about personal health. Traditional media, electronic communication and social media sites can be all used in moderation to reach out to the effected population. Traditional media such as newspaper and magazines should be very brief in the information it voices. This method will be used to have record of the company showing some sort of concern about news reporting negative effects of the drug. As the coordinator I feel the best form of communication will be provider and patient’s direct contact. It may be difficult to reach each individual affected however it will be the safest.

Cause and Effect Essay †The Causes of Divorce :: Expository Cause Effect Essays

Cause and Effect Essay – The Causes of Divorce From the past to present, people all over the world have determined to live together, which is called â€Å"get marriage† in another word, so that they depend on for living each other. Nevertheless, some couples are unable to maintain their relationship; therefore they choose divorce, which is one of the solutions to cope with problems between husband and wife. Furthermore, most people think carefully before they get marriage. However, the divorce rates trend to continually increase nowadays, thus it might be argued that divorces can be taken place easier than the past. There are three main causes of divorce: changing woman’s roles, stress in modern living and lack of communication, which are highlighted below. The first significant cause of recent rise in the rates of divorce is that women completely change in roles. In the past, men have to earn whole money to afford the expense of family, whereas woman only do housework, hence women have no money leading to depend on husbands’ money. Because of these situations, it is too difficult for most women to separate from their husbands. Nonetheless, these situations entirely change nowadays. The equality between men and women in roles are very clear at the moment, thus women can work outside to earn money, while men share the household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, washing as well as caring for children. It can be clearly seen that women are independent from money as they can earn money by themselves to support their living cost. Accordingly, the divorce rates recently rise. Another cause to confirm the recent increase in divorce rates is stress in modern living. Many people, who live in globalisation, have considerable pressures to earn money. It can be obviously seen that the stress has occurred since they are children. For instance, in Thailand, students generally want to go to famous school so that they take advantage to go to well-known universities. Studying in celebrated universities mostly causes having a good opportunity to find a job or earn a lot of money. This circumstance not only happens in Thailand, but also occurs in many countries. Some people are laid off from their companies; consequently the stress occurs in their family, which leads to divorce. Some families can earn money, but inadequate for covering their expenses, therefore it is easy to think about divorce. Nevertheless, the rates of unemployment trend to continually increase as a result the divorce rates can also rise.

The Importance of Being Earnest Essay -- Literary Analysis

Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest is a timeless comedy of manners in which two young, light-hearted men, pretend their names are ‘Ernest’ in a bid to impress their love interests, who both believe the name Ernest bestows magical qualities on the possessor. Throughout the play, Wilde uses a mix of social drama, melodrama and farce to appeal to the audience. Through his gentle use of parody Wilde is able to ridicule his contemporaries and attack the values and attitudes of Victorian society, such as; wealth, hierarchy, respectability, morality and self- interest. Via satirical dialogue and dramatic irony Wilde is able to reveal the moral hypocrisy at the heart of the Victorian era. The title â€Å"The importance of being Earnest† places an ironical importance on a plot about men leading ‘double lives’, lying to family and friends about their private lives, so they can take trips away and do the things they really want to do. Both Jack and Algernon lead a double life, a life separate from their family and friends; Jack uses his imaginary brother ‘Ernest’ to escape his life in the country. Whilst Algernon uses his imaginary friend ‘Bunbury’ to escape social gatherings, suggesting that both men find the stresses of society and their lives extremely restrictive, and in order to escape the constraints of society they must lie or deceive. Via his play Wilde claims that the majority of Victorian society wears some sort of social mask. Many critics have argued that each character depicted in the play is an extension of Wilde himself, and that Algernon and Jack’s ‘double life’ represent Wilde’s own alter ego which hid his homosexuality and many of his illicit affairs from a society that frowned upon homosexual acts. Through his p... ...being Earnest and other plays page 325 http://www.shmoop.com/importance-of-being-earnest/writing-style.html Oscar wilde the importance of being earnest and other plays page 304 http://www.thefreedictionary.com/earnest http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/earnest/themes.html Donohue and Berggren 1995, p.281 http://www.indiastudychannel.com/resources/111841-The-Title-The-Importance-Being-Earnest.aspx Kumaraditya Sarkar York notes, the importance of being earnest, pg. 6 The importance of being earnest and other plays Page 297 http://www.gradesaver.com/the-importance-of-being-earnest/study-guide/about/ 22/04/2012 http://sexualityinart.wordpress.com/2009/02/27/the-importance-of-being-earnest-a-comedy-of-manners-and-culture-revealing-double-lives-and-universal-truths/ 6/04/2012 http://dreamhawk.com/inner-life/the-importance-of-being-earnest/ 6/04/2012

Assess the dramatic and thematic effectiveness Essay

The opening act of ‘The Duchess of Malfi’ is important in terms of the themes that John Webster is presenting. He uses the characters to explore such themes, and subsequently the audience are given detailed descriptions of most of the main characters. Moreover, Webster uses the characters to describe each other not only giving the audience an insight into their personal attributes, but also how each character perceives the other. Although not entirely apparent in the initial acts of the play, the fact that the audience only know about the characters from the other characters’ descriptions, implies the ideas of secrecy, deception, and spying, and the general theme that there are things that the characters think they know, when in fact they don’t. Antonio is the first character to be introduced, and he is initially presented as an outsider returning home from the French court, which he â€Å"admires†. He has a brief conversation with Delio about the French court, and how although it was orderly, it could easily be distorted.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Pure silver drops in general; but if ‘t chance  Some cursed example poisoned ‘t near the head,  Death and diseases through the whole land spread.† The rhyming couplet makes it almost seem like a curse, and exerts a sense of doom. This already gives the impression that the court of Malfi is it self distorted, as Antonio describes the goodness of the French court, and then quickly goes onto describe how easily any court could be corrupted, as if ‘pointing a finger’ at the court of Malfi. Webster uses this contrast quite effectively to convince the audience from the beginning that there is more to the Court of Malfi than it may primarily seem.  Interrupting the conversation, Bosola arrives, and before he even speaks, Antonio speaks of him to Delio, and creating a distinct impression of Bosola. â€Å"Would be as lecherous, covetous, or proud,  Bloody, or envious, as any man,  If he had the means to be so.†Ã‚  This unpleasant impression of Bosola given to the audience is further supported, as Delio reveals that he was â€Å"a fellow seven years in the galleys for a notorious murder†, making him appear as an evil character who is capable of murder.  Aside from the information the audience receive from Antonio and Delio, the way in which Bosola speaks makes him appear to be very negative. â€Å"He and his brother are like plum trees that grow crooked over standing pools; they are rich and o’erladen with fruit, but none but crows, pies, and caterpillars feed on them.†Ã‚  The constant use of dark and distasteful imagery attributes him to be quite bitter, and so completes the overall impression that he is indeed an unpleasant character. However, as Bosola leaves, Antonio says he has heard good things about Bosola, but his â€Å"railing at those things which he wants† overcomes these positive aspects. â€Å"‘Tis great pity  He should be thus neglected; I have heard  He’s very valiant. This foul melancholy  Will poison all his goodness.†Ã‚  This indicates to the audience that Bosola may have a good side which he may or may not reveal later. Either way, this is another way in which Webster explores the theme of first impressions not being all that they seem.

Family Guy, Friend or Foe? Essay

Family Guy and Freud: Jokes and Their Relation to the Unconscious In Antonia Peacocke article â€Å"Family Guy and Freud: Jokes and Their Relation to the Unconscious,† she discuses the show created by Seth MacFarlane, stating how she loves the show and how she can even recite several episodes by heart. However, when she first started watching the show she did not care for the type of humor that was expressed. Peacocke goes onto explains that she is not the only one who has these same feelings on how the show is bigoted and crude (Peacocke). Evidence to this was when the show was cancelled not only once, but also twice, in 2000 and 2002. Soon after the show was band, complaints from so many viewers to Fox Television Network, the producers were forced to start airing the show again (Peacocke). However, as she continued to watch the television program, she noticed that there was more than just racist, sexist, and bestiality jokes to be taken from the show (Peacocke). She even goes on to state how she gave the show a second chance and realized that it actually had a purpose and portrayed the stereotypes many people use today. Family Guy is one of the most disgusting, cruel and racist shows I have ever laid my eyes on, that is what I first thought after watching the TV show, Family Guy, for the first time, now that I look back on it, it is simply not true. If you look into the show more deeply and get what Seth McFarland, creator of Family Guy, is trying to portray you realize there is a lot more to it. I took the same view of the show as Peacocke, at first I did not like it, but I was forced by my family and friends to watch it. After watching several episodes, I stepped back and took a deeper look at the racist and sexist jokes said on the show, and I realized there was mor e to learn and see then just getting a chuckle out of the cruel jokes. Family Guy can be one of the most sexist and demeaning television programs out there but if you take a step back and look at what Seth MacFarlane is trying to get at, from the women of the 1950’s to the censorships of the FCC, you can learn the true meaning of Family Guy. Anyone who has ever watched an episode of Family Guy will agree that the show is very offence and often time sexist, but most people do not really get the true meaning of the show and how it relates to the stereotypes in our day to day lives. In one occasion in Peacocke essay â€Å"Family Guy and Freud: Jokes and Their Relation to the Unconscious,† she states that in an episode â€Å"I am Peter, Here me Roar,† there is a scene of an old 1950’s work place where a business man is talking about how women are very insecure about their appearance(). He explains that men should be sure to complement women on how they look, even if they are ugly, because they will believe it (302). Then the businessman goes on to say that a firm slap on their butt will let them know what good of a job they have done (302). I take this not to be a sexist skit but how the women of the 1950’s were mocked in the work place and how normal it was for this to happen to them. This is just one of the many examples of people misunderstanding Family Guy. Peacocke also includes in her essay how celebrities influence the way we think and what we do things in our everyday lives. This is shown in one episode of Family Guy, mentioned in Peacocke’s essay, when Brian and Stewie, are talking about Stewie’s choice of reading material (304). Brian then goes on to explain to Stewie that he only picks what he is going to read based on the books presented in Oprah’s Book Club on the Oprah Winfrey show (304). However, Stewie is quick to deny any of his accusations. Soon after Stewie’s denial, Brian is able to get Stewie to admit that he really is reading the book simply because Oprah suggests it. Here they are trying to demonstrate how Americans are willing to listen to the suggestions of celebrities and do what they tell us to do, without thinking twice about it. I agree with Peacocke on this because I have first hand experiences with my family. One example of this is my dad is a huge Payton Manning fan. When he saw that Payton was endorsing the brand Buick, he just had to go run out and get one because he wanted to be just like Payton. When I asked him about it, he said that it was a nice car and had nothing to do with Payton. But in the back of my mind I knew it was because of Payton. This goes to show that people are willing to follow the instructions of celebrities but don’t really want to admit that they do (304). An episode of Family Guy, PTV, as mentioned in Peacocke’s essay, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) is trying to shut down Peter’s Griffin’s own television show because it is not censored and appropriate enough to be put on television (306). Then the FCC takes it to a whole other level and tries to censor the town where they live, Quahog, later the FCC puts black bars over nude Griffin’s and uses a frog horn when they are using a swear word. The point MacFarlane is trying to depict in this episode is that no matter how much you try and censor media, you can never change the unforgiving nature of humans and therefore, in trying to do so, would be virtually impossible. Peacocke also states in the essay that it is the parent’s responsibility to watch over their children and there is more to worry about in this world then television (306). This reminds me of one of my own personal experiences with this as a child. One of my favorite shows that my dad let me watch growing up, The Three Stooges, got banned because the FCC thought that with them beating each other up and getting hurt every episode that it promoted violence, even though it was just a funny show to watch and get a laugh out of. Similarly, in Family Guy, they are not promoting hurtful racial or sexist slurs; they are showing the true stereotypes that exist in people today. At the end of the day, I have first hand experiences on both sides of the story. I have a reasonable understanding of the side, which does not care for Family Guy, and the side that knows the true meaning behind the television program. If the people who think this show is a disgrace would just take a step back, they could that Family Guy really has much more to offer then just racist, sexist and bestiality jokes. There is a distinct difference between what many people believe is sexist and what is simply just what the creator of Family Guy is trying to show us how people stereotype. I think that people are much more willing to listen to a message about discrimination and sexism if it is delivered in a funny way and they can make themselves believe it is really not them.

European Tourism Essay

The article in question paints a perfect picture of the little country of Andorra, one of the few places remaining on earth where culture and sanctity has have not been overrun by the trappings of modern life. After reading the article, one comes away with a warm and happy feeling about what is going on in Andorra. It is a place, to be frank, that any person would want to visit in order to feel the beauty of the Pyrenees Mountains and understand the history of Europe. The author is careful to point out the fact that Andorra is certainly not stuck in the 15th century, though. It has updated itself to modern culture and although you cannot catch a flight to the country, one could certainly drive there to take advantage of a few conveniences. Among those are the shopping, which the author spends a great deal of time talking about. It is interesting that a place with such a richness and wealth of history and culture would have to offer bargain basement tax breaks for people to come and visit. In a way, this speaks to today’s culture, where people are more concerned with commerce than they are with culture. Andorra is a perfect mix of that commerce and culture, though. It is a place that is naturally torn and conflicted between two of Europe’s most traditional powers, yet it somehow maintains a measure of neutrality and independence. It is similar to plenty of other countries in Europe in regards to size, but does not share many similarities beyond that. Andorra is a place that, according to the author, every person should get to see because of the beauty and history that will immediately engulf the senses.

Personal Statement,The purpose of the study Statement

,The purpose of the study - Personal Statement Example My doctoral degree in educational technology would equip with huge knowledge and skills and help me contribute to expanding educational programs through new medium of digital technology. Communication technology promotes highly innovative approach to education and my interest in online educational programs would get a great boost through my doctoral program. In recent times, online education has increasingly become popular across the globe. It offers new hope to people who were hitherto not able to pursue education or higher education due to personal constraints. Online education or distance education provides people with vast options to acquire new skills and knowledge to meet the challenges of time and compete successfully. I would like to contribute to the online education through highly creative methodology of web design and introduce design educational animations. I strongly believe that multimedia in education hugely facilitates learning abilities of students and helps meet their individual needs for optimal achievement. My PhD would help gain expertise in the chosen field so that it could be used to achieve my long term and short term goals in life. I am also highly driven individual with ambitious goals in the area of online educational programs. I would like to attain the highest level of professional excellence, in terms of gaining knowledge and experience so as to reach the position of Professor in a renowned university. The evolving instructional technology is hugely challenging and offers huge scope for personal and professional development. Most importantly, in the area of distance education, online courses utilize technology judiciously to deliver the wider goals of education and make it accessible to people from different demographic segment across the globe. Moreover, the online courses also help evolve new curricula and approach that not only

Should Under God We Trust be taken off US currency Essay

Should Under God We Trust be taken off US currency - Essay Example It is then a bit troubling and awkward for the US treasury to continue to print money bills with the phrase â€Å"In God We Trust.† This essay provides arguments to the position that the US should eliminate the use of this phrase in the printing of future currency bills. To understand why the religious motto â€Å"In God We Trust† is utilized in the printing of money it is essential to look at the history of this event. The motto was first utilized right after the civil war in America to serve as a sign of peace and unity among U.S citizens who were separated by internal conflict and need a common reminder of higher being watching over the horrendous acts being committed in a war. At that time it may have been justified, but in modern times this religious connotation should have been eliminated a long time ago. If our education system prohibits the teaching of religion in our public school system, then why should our economic system openly promote religion through a slogan? The utilization of this slogan contradicts the official position of the US government of separating state and the church. President Theodore Roosevelt once expressed in a letter his position on the issue, â€Å"My own feeling in the matter is due to my firm conviction tha t to put such a motto on coins, or use it in any kindred manner, not only does no good but does positive harm, and in effect irreverence which comes dangerously close to sacrilege† (Procon, 2008). The utilization of this motto sets forth a precedent right before our eyes that discriminate against believer of other religions that are not Christian based. Since other religions such as Buddhism and Muslim do not believe in god, instead they refer to the almighty as Buddha or Allah. â€Å"In this nation that is suppose to be this beacon of religious liberty. What’s next? ‘In Jesus We Trust’ ’In Protestantism We Trust’ † (Newdow, 2006). The US government is taking an official stance in preference of Christians; when the

IT management Practices in Organisations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

IT management Practices in Organisations - Essay Example The underdeveloped system saps the managers’ ability to make informed decisions while planning for the IT, and the plans most turn out to be impracticable. â€Å"Deficiency in executing the plan formulated has led to a disjoint mode of implementation of technology† (Misra, 2006, p. 49). The system and organizational culture in SMEs is in the nascent stage and is not strong enough to address the loopholes in the organization and integration of IT in the work setup. Organizations take time to develop. In the start, one individual may represent one whole department because of human resource constraints imposed to minimize the expenditures and make the business profitable. Strategies entrepreneurs commonly adopt to limit the expenditure include but are not limited to increased manual work to save the expenditure of purchasing machines, overloading of work on the employees, more working hours, and reduced benefits for the organizational personnel. SMEs that do invest in mach ines do not have an efficient repair and maintenance system in place to ensure that the machines are fully functional all the time. A small dysfunction may take days to be fixed, which not only distorts the process of communication and drawing of information using technology, but also serves as a disincentive for the organizational personnel to rely on the use of technology to accomplish their daily tasks. As a result, there occurs a shift from machine work to the manual work, that in effect lowers the efficiency of the system as well as increases the work-load upon the employees further. Like all employees down the line, leaders are no less affected by the lack of planning and organization. Although leaders are primarily responsible for decision making as well as the planning and organization of IT, yet they are not able to achieve their optimal potential in leadership because of the resource constraints imposed by the owners of SMEs. Involvement of the CEO and the external IT expe rtise has a major influence on the success of IT management in SMEs (Thong et al., 1997). Unfortunately, most of the entrepreneurs/owners of SMEs are just rich enough to establish a new firm, and may not necessarily be qualified enough to lead the companies themselves. Like all other areas of IT management, controlling of IT is no less complicated in SMEs because of the aforementioned reasons. However, it is not appropriate to conclude that IT management in SMEs is absolutely inexistent. Although management of IT in SMEs is not comparable to that in large enterprises, yet various studies have concluded that there has occurred immense improvement in management of human resources as well as IT over the years (Suraweera, Cragg, & Mills, 2010, p. 1). Q. 2: Answer Before identifying the important practices in each of the four areas of IT management, it is customary to briefly discuss the concept of IT management as it helps in understanding the role of different departments in addition t o the IT department in the IT management. IT management is a very broad topic that covers activities that include but are not limited to the management of IT resource as a weapon of attaining competitive advantage, management of the resources of IT like the technical infrastructure and the organizational personnel, and establishment and accurate functioning of the information systems (Luftman, 2004). In the