Benefits of a Liberal Arts Degree Essay

The student who decides to pursue a liberal arts education in University often faces a discouraging reaction from family and friends. Everyone seems to know a B. A. in Philosophy who is flipping burgers at Wendy’s, or an M. A. in English who is clerking at Wal-Mart. Students who choose liberal arts hear the same remarks over and over: â€Å"What good is a degree in Medieval History, or Chinese literature, or Classics? Study something practical and get a real job! † In fact, however, no degree provides an automatic job ticket, since the market for employment is constantly in flux. The liberal arts offer education, not training, and thus prepare students for a wide range of possibilities in both work and life. By developing their minds through a liberal arts education, students benefit themselves, their eventual careers, and the culture at large . For anyone interested in personal and intellectual growth, the liberal arts offer immeasurable benefits. Studies in such fields as English and Philosophy introduce a student to the great writers and thinkers whose ideas have shaped our culture. By working through the dialogues of Plato, students see logic in action; by studying the plays of Shakespeare, the poetry of Wordsworth, or the novels of Dickens, they realize the power of language. Without knowledge of the great writers and thinkers of the past, people operate in a vacuum, unable to see beyond their immediate world. How can they gauge the validity of ideas if they know nothing except the present moment? In a media-driven culture of instant celebrity, students need to experience truths that have endured over hundreds and even thousands of years. These truths expand their thinking beyond their immediate limitations, and they discover new insights into their own minds. The benefits of a liberal arts education, however, go beyond personal growth into longer-term career skills. Every liberal arts course from Art History to Women’s Studies requires proficiency in reading and writing. Graduates with Arts degrees find their communication skills in demand by employers seeking people who can read, write, and speak well. As Francis Bacon observed nearly 400 years ago, â€Å"Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man, and writing an exact man†(106). No courses develop these skills more fully than do those in the liberal arts. In addition, the liberal arts foster analytical thought: the ability to break an argument into its parts and assess its validity. Clear analysis is fundamental to the practical worlds of trade  and commerce. Finally, the liberal arts encourage originality, as students learn to think in creative ways. The student who gives an inventive presentation or develops a fresh perception will enhance the workplace with that creativity. It’s no surprise that law schools actively seek liberal arts graduates for its programs, or that jobs in the civil service, human resources, and upper management are typically staffed by people with Arts degrees. The only surprise is that anyone still scoffs at the notion that a general B. A. is a useful degree. As significant as its impact may be on personal and career growth, the real value of a liberal arts education is found in its benefits to the culture as a whole. The liberal arts retain and transmit the history of civilization itself. Without a commitment to preserving that history, our culture runs the risk of forgetting or distorting its past. Liberal arts students serve as guardians of intellectual thought for the next generation. Writers, journalists, film-makers, and politicians – the people shaping the thoughts and actions of the future – are drawn from the ranks of liberal arts majors. For example, the creator of the Harry Potter series, J. K. Rowling, has an undergraduate degree in Classics, and Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff earned degrees in History. Moreover, the liberal arts tend to be interdisciplinary in nature. Knowledge in one area illuminates another, so that instead of creating a society of narrow specialists, liberal arts studies actually encourage a culture of educated, open-minded people. Such individuals have both the capacity and the training to address practical problems in society. Leading reformers of the 20th century, including Nelson Mandela (â€Å"Nelson†) and Martin Luther King, Jr. (â€Å"Martin†), profited from their liberal arts studies. A degree in the liberal arts is not a dead-end route that culminates in a lifetime of serving fries or stocking shelves. Rather, it is a doorway that opens to paths heading in every direction. Students who expand their minds through liberal arts benefit themselves, their future career choices, and the wider culture.

Nvq Unit 303 Supporting Children Through Transitions

Unit 303 Supporting children through transitions Transitions occur when a child moves from one care situation to another. Children of all ages experience transitions. 0-3 years Children attend a setting for the first time – a nursery, pre-school, creche, and childminder’s home. Move within a setting – from the baby room to the toddler room, or change childminders. To help and support the children through the transition you could: †¢Ensure all registration information has been received before the child attends, so that practitioners are prepared to meet the child’s needs. Have a key worker allocated to the child †¢Combine visits with parents, shorter stays before longer ones. †¢Tell children and adults that a new child is coming and encourages them to make the child welcome. †¢Give the child a warm welcome. †¢Encourage children and parents to say goodbye to one another. †¢Show the child around and explain the routine, where to hang up coats etc. †¢Remain supportive. †¢Provide ways to involve families in the child’s experience, to assist the transition from the setting to home. 3-7 yearsTransitions are periods of change which generally involve a loss of familiar people in a child’s life. Different children respond differently to transitions, children attending pre-school or juniors, a child moving within a setting. Children have new living arrangement or maybe even a stay in hospital. To help and prepare for change you could: †¢Communicate with the children about the transition. Talking about what will happen as well as listening to the child’s concerns. †¢Arrange a visit to a new setting prior to the transition with parental supervision. Ensure all documentation about the child is organised in advance. †¢Communicate with the children continuously to see and monitor their progress. 7-12 years Children and babies are naturally motivated to lean until the age of seven or eight. At this age school work may become taxing and the eagerness to discover may fade. To promote development of self- motivation in children you could: †¢Encourage children to be optimistic †¢Encourage children to value persistent effort and to expect success when they try †¢Teach children the value of overcoming failure Encourage children to celebrate and enjoy achievement †¢Give children opportunities to master their world †¢Make learning relevant to the individual child’s interest †¢Teach children in ways that appeal to their styles and learning. 12-16 years Some children experience multiple transitions. This may be due to frequent family breakdowns or perhaps the nature of the parents work. You should allow relationships to form gradually with friends and peers with such children, taking care not to overwhelm them.Social services recognise the problems of multiple transitions. As a child develops they still need support and encour agement with change. Children either changing school or class my still need guidance. Sometimes children enjoy solving their own problems and should be allowed to do this. The move to secondary school can be a quite big change for children. Children often have common anxieties about transitions, such as will I make friends, will I like my teacher, and will I get much homework, what happens at lunch time. Parents and carers should be aware of the child’s new surroundings †¢Get involved in the move by talking and communicating both with the child and teachers. †¢Encourage time to chat with the child to keep a good understanding of what is going on and how the child feels about the change. †¢Allow for emotional change as the child develops. †¢Support the child as they make physical and emotional changes. †¢Support and give good guidance to the rules and disciplines of both the home life and school.

Revenge in Romeo and Juliet Essay

The want for revenge leads many of the characters in Romeo and Juliet into murderous acts which eventually leads to severe punishments and a further need for revenge. The everlasting revenge in Romeo and Juliet is first born from ancient grudge between the Capulets and the Montagues, which is ultimately settled with the tragic, abrupt unifying factor of both Romeo and Juliet’s death. Several instances within the interactions of the characters suggests that vengeance is driving force of the plot, and that consequently, there must ultimately be an end to the feuding and recoil, due to the fact that there must be a resolution after the thrilling climax.. The first factor causing revenge springs from the ancient grudge between the Capulets and the Montagues, which curiously was never fully explained in the play. This ancient grudge is the initial justification that accounts for the two family’s first dispute in the streets of Verona. Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. (Prologue) However, after the first civil brawl, Romeo and Mercutio decide to intrude on the Capulet’s masked party. Consequently, they eventually become discovered by Tybalt due to Romeo’s easily distinguishable voice, yet Capulet discourages and scolds him from confronting Romeo and ruining the party. This humiliates Tybalt, and draws him into wanting to take the present matters into his own hands, dealing with Romeo and Mercutio some other time while his anger gradually builds. Tybalt This, by his voice, should be a Montague. Fetch me my rapier, boy. Capulet Am I the master here, or you? go to. You’ll not endure him! God shall mend my soul!†¦ Well said, my hearts! You are a princox; go: Be quiet, or–More light, more light! For shame! I’ll make you quiet. What, cheerly, my hearts! (1.5) After the Montague’s intrusion on the masked party and the first civil brawl, the want for repercussion further increases within each character, especially Tybalt, eventually leading to the untimely death of Mercutio, with his last few breaths plotting revenge on both families. Why the devil came you between us? I was hurt under your arm†¦ Help me into some house, Benvolio, Or I shall faint. A plague o’ both your houses! They have made worms’ meat of me: I have it, And soundly too: your houses! (3.1) Mercutio does get his revenge on both families, since Romeo is soon banished after the slaying of Mercutio, Tybalt is slain, and accordingly, a series of adverse experiences occurs within the lives of both families. To seek revenge for his friend Mercutio’s death, Romeo murders Tybalt, who now is  his own kinsman. Now, Tybalt, take the villain back again, That late thou gavest me; for Mercutio’s soul Is but a little way above our heads, Staying for thine to keep him company: Either thou, or I, or both, must go with him. (3.1) After Tybalt is eradicated by Romeo, the citizens of Verona try to step in and get their own revenge for the Montague’s and Capulet’s fighting in the fair streets of Verona because they are disturbing the peace. Which way ran he that kill’d Mercutio? Tybalt, that murderer, which way ran he? (3.1) Benvolio replies to the citizens statement by announcing that Tybalt made threats and killed Mercutio first, and from that, Romeo received a newly contrived revenge. An envious thrust from Tybalt hit the life Of stout Mercutio, and then Tybalt fled; But by and by comes back to Romeo, Who had but newly entertain’d revenge, And to ‘t they go like lightning, for, ere I Could draw to part them, was stout Tybalt slain. And, as he fell, did Romeo turn and fly. This is the truth, or let Benvolio die. (3.1) Lady Capulet soon afterwards gets her revenge for Romeo killing her kinsman. She pleads to the Prince to put Romeo at fault, since he killed Tybalt, believes that Romeo is telling a lie, and also because of her ancient grudge against the Montagues. He is a kinsman to the Montague; Affection makes him false; he speaks not true: Some twenty of them fought in this black strife, And all those twenty could but kill one life. I beg for justice, which thou, prince, must give; Romeo slew Tybalt, Romeo must not live. (3.1) Because of this second quarrel, which the Prince has strictly forbidden, the Prince decides to set punishments for this pointless fighting, and decides to set forth his vengeance upon Romeo for quarreling in Verona again and disturbing the tranquility. And for that offence Immediately we do exile him hence. I have an interest in your hate’s proceeding, My blood for your rude brawls doth lie a-bleeding; But I’ll amerce you with so strong a fine That you shall all repent the loss of mine. (3.1) In response to his exile, Romeo threatens to commit suicide in Friar Lawrence’s cell. Friar Lawrence then attempts to calm Romeo down, eventually leading into a humiliating conversation for Romeo as the Friar gets his revenge for Romeo’s threats and groans about the banishment. Art thou a man? Thy form cries out thou art. Thy tears are womanish; thy wild acts denote The unreasonable fury of a beast. Unseemly woman in a seeming man. (3.3) After hearing about Romeo’s banishment, Juliet becomes distressed, and locks herself in her room. Old Capulet converses with Paris about her change in heart, and converses with him about the details of the wedding. However, once Capulet tells Juliet about the upcoming wedding, Juliet refuses to marry Paris, causing Capulet to erupt in a rage, and in revenge, cursing and threatening Juliet for not accepting the marriage to Paris. Hang thee, young baggage! disobedient wretch! I tell thee what: get thee to church o’ Thursday, Or never after look me in the face: Speak not, reply not, do not answer me; My fingers itch. Wife, we scarce thought us blest That God had lent us but this only child; But now I see this one is one too much, And that we have a curse in having her: Out on her, hilding! (3.5) This is Capulet’s revenge for Juliet’s refusal to marry Paris, and putting all the effort that he put into the wedding to waste. This incident springs into yet another reprisal. Juliet asks the once faithful nurse to help put off the wedding, however, she surprisingly suggests that Juliet marry Paris, since she considers him a more fit husband over Romeo. Juliet doesn’t want to be an unfaithful bride to Romeo, and in revenge, scorns the nurse in retaliation for her suggestion to marry Paris and unwillingness to aid her in the postponing of the wedding. Ancient damnation! O most wicked fiend! Is it more sin to wish me thus forsworn, Or to dispraise my lord with that same tongue Which she hath praised him with above compare So many thousand times? Go, counsellor; Thou and my bosom henceforth shall be twain. I’ll to the friar, to know his remedy: If all else fail, myself have power to die. (3.5) The final predominant act of revenge in Romeo and Juliet occurs in response to Juliet’s refusal to marry Paris. She fabricates death, so that she will be able to sneak to Mantua with Romeo. Her death is her revenge for  Capulet’s forcing her to marry Paris and threatening her with banishment. O, bid me leap, rather than marry Paris, From off the battlements of yonder tower; Or walk in thievish ways; or bid me lurk Where serpents are; chain me with roaring bears†¦ And I will do it without fear or doubt, To live an unstain’d wife to my sweet love. (4.3) Thus, with her death, her parents become dismayed, and won’t be able to experience the joys that they were hoping for in marriage, as expressed in the last scenes of the play. The Prince then dictates to both families about the consequences of their wearisome hate, and the extensive sequence of vengeance is finally ends, with the Prince carrying out the final act of revenge by punishing both families for the death Mercutio and all the grievances that have been endured.. Where be these enemies?-Capulet, Montague, See what a scourge is laid upon your hate, That heaven finds means to kill your joys with love, And I, for winking at your discords too, Have lost a brace of kinsmen. All are punished. (5.3) Revenge is the key to the advancement of the complex plot in Romeo and Juliet. It causes events to happen that would never have happened otherwise, and creates a suspenseful mood as well as several other themes and morals to  be incorporated into the play. However, this ageless vengeance can only be stopped by the deaths of both family’s children, and in the process of that, several others suffered the vile consequences of revenge. The definitive central idea of Romeo and Juliet characterizes how malevolence can eventually lead to drastic encounters, and that they can overshadow several other important occurrences in the lives of those affected by the discord. In Romeo and Juliet, this disarray and the portentous threats were resolved too late, and only occurred with the devastating unifying influence of the loss of each family’s child.

Concept and components of business cycles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Concept and components of business cycles - Essay Example Whenever talks are made concerning the economic or business fluctuations, notions of aggregate economic income or output is anticipated. This is because, while business cycles are expressed in terms of fluctuations in GDP, there is usually an accompaniment by labor unemployment rate fluctuations too (Parkin, 2012). However, economists have often noted that there is variation in the lengths of a complete business cycle, as the duration may range from between two to twelve years, but averagely six years. Business cycles are significant in the sense that they highlight the economic relationships that exists in the economy. For instance, while growth in the economy will fall and rise with cycles, it generates a long-term trend line for growth. Economic growth above the trend line would result in a fall in the unemployment rate. Based on Okun’s Law, a 1% rise in GDP above the trend line would result in a 0.5% decline in the employment (Parkin & Bade, 2001). A business cycle is often comprised of four main stages that form its components. These are the recession (trough), contraction, recovery and expansion, and growth (peak). Even though the concept of the business cycle is used in relation to the larger economy, its phases can be applied to several sections of the business or a particular industry. The expansion and recovery phase relates to the period in which the business is rising, and consumer confidence is growing in the economy. As such, companies seize the opportunity to expand, and incomes and spending rates increase. This period is often associated with significant aggregate increase in factors such as total income, output, trade and employment rates. It persists for approximately six months, and is characterized by a widespread expansion of economic units/sectors in the economy. An extended period of this phase results in a boom in which the

Developing new or existing funding streams for a Social Enterprise or Essay

Developing new or existing funding streams for a Social Enterprise or Charity Project - Essay Example In general, social enterprises are typically considered to be those organisations that apply commercial techniques for the purpose of maximising enhancements especially in environmental along with human well-being rather than exploiting profits for their respective external shareholders (Price, 2009). It is worth mentioning that social enterprises can often act in the form of a social oriented business, a mutual along with co-operative organisation or a charity based establishment. It has been apparently observed that the different service enterprises located in diverse regions throughout the globe possess certain significant social targets. These social goals comprise attaining favourable environmental, community and cultural or social outcomes, effectively mitigating any sort of prevailing social issues, generating optimistic transformations in the communities and most vitally earning money without creating harm to the society and delivering better benefits to the society (Drucker, 2012). It has been viewed that the managers belonging to different social enterprises are incessantly facing crucial problems in terms of increasing pressure to compete for funding due to ever-transforming business environments (SEL, 2007). With this concern, the managers belonging to different social enterprises throughout the globe should design and execute an effectual or inventive problem-solving procedure based on Enterprise Case Initiative (ECI) in order to mitigate the aforementioned issue by a greater level. In this paper, a detailed analysis about the business market environment and the assessment of underperformance or growth opportunities of an United Kingdom based social enterprise organisation named Families Relief will be discussed. Moreover, the identification of feasible enterprise case initiatives that would support this organisation towards exploiting growth opportunities will be considered. Various aspects like the objectives of the proposed ECI for Families Reli ef, a detailed implementation plan and valuable suggestions that are needed by this service enterprise based organisation in order to attain and embed the ECI will also be depicted in this paper. A Brief Overview of Families Relief Families Relief is regarded as one of the foremost charity organisations in the United Kingdom. The service enterprise based organisation strongly realises that any sort of disasters not only adversely affect the individuals but also unfavourably affect their families along with the communities by a greater level (Social Enterprise Mark Co, 2013). The prime business objective of this particular organisation has been viewed to be providing an active support to different individuals towards mitigating the problems generated from the happenings of any sort of disasters for constructing a sustainable future. It has been apparently observed that the organisation performs its different operational functions in various regions of the world like Europe, Asia and the Middle East serving significant portion of individuals as well as their families with their basic necessities. The major missions of the organisation have

How can globalisation processes help alleviate poverty Essay

How can globalisation processes help alleviate poverty - Essay Example It was noted that prior to the two agreements most country’s trade has been stifled by unfair tariff and trade restriction imposed by countries due to their adherence to their contractual obligation to the first countries they have been trading with at the onset. WTO and GATT mandate that all signatory countries adhere to the Most Favoured Nation principle, wherein what is conferred to one country as a trade incentive should similarly be given to another country (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, 2004). This in itself levelled the playing field for all nations big or small in terms of international trade. Globalisation processes not only includes tangible items for trade it can also be in the form of service. Outsourcing of processes is normally conducted by companies in order for them to save on operation cost. To illustrate: It does not make sense for an organization to maintain its own telephone based customer care department manned twenty four seven since the demand or volume is unpredictable over the course of a twenty four hour day. The same is true for organization that requires the services of telephone based campaigners. I. Historical Background Global trade is not a new concept as chronicles of early trade relations between nations occurred in the first century when the Romans bartered riches for spices with the Indians. Similar exchange transpired in West Asia trading silk for spices. Barter was the medium of transaction between nations until the middle ages when the first paper money was developed by the Sung Dynasty as the legal tender to gain access to market rights and trading privileges. Accordingly, the first recorded trading company, The Dutch East India Trading Company, was then established in 1602 until its demise in 1799 due to bankruptcy (Maps of World , 1999). The importance of trade between nations was well received even by Napoleon III where an initiative known as the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was executed betw een France and Britain which ended in 1860. On the other side of the globe in1868, Japanese Meiji Restoration introduced industrial development through free trade. As trade expanded between industrial nations, its leaders in 1946 institutionalized standards to govern commercial and financial relations known as the Bretton Woods System which was peddled to promote lasting peace between independent states as well as to avert financial crisis from happening (Maps of World, 1999). Global trading strengthened further in 1949 when a multilateral agreement between nations known as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was founded by twenty three countries. This has set forth trade regulations and standards such as reduction of tariffs and other trade barriers was concurred in by more than one hundred (100) countries. The role of the GATT as an international organization was bolstered when negotiations for the creation of an International Trade Organization (ITO) failed to mater ialize (Bossche, 2005). Thus, GATT continued to discharge its functions by conducting rounds of discussion which included, among others, reduction of tariff and trade barriers; and liberalization of trade affecting wider range of fields such as services, capital, intellectual property, textiles and agriculture. The

Speaking Tests Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Speaking Tests - Assignment Example The OPI is a face-to-face or telephonic interview that consists of three phases: a warm-up phase, a series of level checks and probes, and a wind-down phase. This is one of the most widely accepted tests for speaking ability and is used by government agencies (The Defense Language Institute, The Peace Corps), testing institutions (Educational Testing Service) and the Federal Interagency Language Roundtable. There are many advantages to the OPI system of testing. It is easy, quick and apparently accurately forecasts the degree to which a foreign-speaker will be able to communicate in English. Unlike written tests, it actually tests English speaking ability which, as with all languages, is completely separate from the ability to read and write. The test can be performed quickly and the tester can interview multiple people in a single session. This is particularly importance within the context in which this test is often given. Thus graduate students from foreign countries are often given the test before they can perform grading and/or teaching duties in American universities. Resources for such testing are limited, and so the ability for one tester to perform multiple tests in one day is vital. There are, however, detractors who ... Basically, Messick suggests that the OPI tests do not actually represent real-life conversations. Part of the problem with OPI tests are that they do not really reflect the sheer range of speaking that occurs in actual life. Thus there is monologic speaking (one person), dialogue speaking (two people) or multiple speakers, such as in a meeting with several colleagues. The OPI tests tend to test only one of these: the dialogue. As Brown (2003) and Bonk (2003) have suggested, some speakers do better with dialogue and some with discussion activities. A test that tests one over the other is bound to be somewhat limited in its scope. Another basic problem with this type of test (although it may in fact be shared with all speaking tests) is the variability of the interviewer and his/her affect upon the test results. Each interviewer will have a unique speech style, pattern and intonation that may help (or hinder) the interviewee (Brown, 2003). Thus the test result may be seen as a co-score reached by both the tester and the subject, rather than an accurate measure of the non-native sp eaker's communication prowess. This tendency may be countered by careful training of the tester and the equally careful process of self-evaluation and objective supervision which must occur. Within one center periodic test interviews can be undertaken in which the same candidate is tested by all the testers (with suitable renumeration of course) and the tests and then compared. If test results vary too much from the mean then some additional training etc, is perhaps needed. As McNamara (1997, 2002) suggests, the more educated, skillful and eloquent the

Similarities and Differences between Baboon and Human Being Term Paper

Similarities and Differences between Baboon and Human Being - Term Paper Example Based on social behavior studies, psychological and physical stress levels remain exceptionally higher amongst individuals within the lower hierarchy. The social behaviors results include high blood pressure, suppressed immune system and increased stress hormones. It is imperative to note that due to the social behaviors baboons can differentiate real menace and neutral factor in a similar manner as behaviors of neurotic persons. In addition, both human beings and baboons believe that violence control implicates less stress and good health. Mostly, the highly sociable baboons normally have a healthier lifestyle and with minimal stress in a similar manner to human beings. Minimize social stress directly relates to reduces mental and physical torture with consequent comfort in health. The social build up is indispensable in a realization of least social stress, and it begins at birth amongst both baboons and human beings. Besides health-related stress similarities, baboons also have a strong tendency towards competition and aggression just like human beings. In a similar way as human beings, baboons develop inherent competitive urge when relating to each other. In addition to competitiveness aggression, baboons also directly get involved in decision-making processes in a similar way as human beings. Typically, baboons develop thinking and take sides during discussions both emotionally and rationally just like human beings. However, human beings slightly differ with baboons mainly because their decisions may surpass the immediate situation and environment. Furthermore, both the baboons and humans manifest wickedness and envy friendship in all their social associations. Another important social behavior relates to the unique personality developed by an individual and baboons.  

Tacit Knowledge for the Training of pre-service Industrial Design and Dissertation

Tacit Knowledge for the Training of pre-service Industrial Design and Technology Teachers in Australia - Dissertation Example From the research it can be comprehended that a lot has been heard and talked about tacit knowledge in the field of teaching and teacher training. According to Chandra and Chalmers, the knowledge contains certain tacit aspects that cannot be codified but are only transmitted through personal experience or training. Tacit knowledge is defined by Shulman as the knowledge that cannot be transferred to other using words either written or verbalised. As such, tacit knowledge has been recognised in the literature of teacher training only one aspect – who possesses this knowledge – rather than focusing on other aspects and taking it a step further on how this knowledge can be passed down or diffused within the pre-service training period. Various educational theories have cited tacit knowledge as the sole means of learning to teach but this has been a topic of debate and controversy throughout the history. Ma debating on one of the educational theories stated that the traditio nal epistemology is about teaching which include the concepts of objectivist, behaviourist, and positivist. Even though, as stated by Ball, that each of these concepts visualise a different teaching method, the concepts centre on the idea of delivering the content from a tacit point-of-view. In other words, the traditional teaching epistemology focuses on articulating the tacit knowledge rather than to prompt the pre-service teachers to respond or act in a particular manner. (Ball, 2000, p.244). Over the past few years, attention to research on teacher training and education has shifted away from behaviours or skills teaching to the knowledge and beliefs of the teachers i.e. the tacit knowledge (Lampert, 2001, p.127). This shift occurred because of dissatisfied teachers that deliver the teaching contents in a mechanistic manner. In order to understand this behaviour, investigations were carried out in classroom settings that focused around the knowledge and beliefs of the teachers ( Chick, 2002, p.180). Recently, the interest in the training of pre-service teachers has increased because of the concept and utilisation of knowledge. Although researchers take different approaches in their researches and purposes, knowledge is broadly defined as tacit knowledge that teachers learn with respect to their teaching experiences (Sullivan and McDonough, 2002, p.250). Tacit knowledge, for many researchers, implies the presence of complex and context specific teaching nature that can contribute to the enhancement of teachers teaching status as a profession (Chick, 2002, p.187). This tacit knowledge has been explained by many researchers, but was introduced and elaborated by Shulman using the concept of pedagogical content knowledge (Chandra and Chalmers, 2008, p.25). The concept explains tacit knowledge as the interpretations and transformations of subject matter in context that can facilitate student learning (Chandra and Chalmers, 2008, p.26). Teachers who are preparing to teach in secondary schools that often struggle in subjects such as science particularly industrial design and technology. They need to take sufficient courses to meet the degree requirements and learn enough about the subject to be able to teach in schools. However, the training of pre-service industrial design and technology teachers often falls short of preparing the new teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge (Shulman, 1986, p.11). As argued by Ma (1999, p.26), the curriculum changes in the schools particularly in the industrial design and technology subject area, teachers are not being adequately training. The reform in the curriculum requires that teachers need to be trained to be able to provide quality education to all students (Ball, 2000, p.243). However, the exact contents of the subject have been subjected to controversy as when, what, where and how can it be acquired by the teachers. One research suggests that in order to underst

The Trust bank of Britain and Asia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Trust bank of Britain and Asia - Essay Example The higher the level of uncertainty (with regards to future operations of the acquired entity) indicates that the company should go for alliance rather than acquisition and vice versa. From the case analysis, it is clear that TBBA has a strong history and culture. It is a trustworthy bank that enjoys a good repute among its customers. Though TBBA has a good holding on the retail banking tasks, it is new to commodity trading. Still, the bank has several opportunities in commodity trading especially when the economic crisis has considerably reduced the profit margins from the retail and investment banking side. Richard Cheung, the newly appointed CEO of TBBA is now faced with two questions whether it should keep its commodity trading business or sell it off. In addition to this, if the bank decides to stay with this line of business, whether it is a good idea to go for alliance or acquisition. Analysis and Recommendations with regards to Selling off Commodity Trading Business Selling o ff a part of business is worthy when the gains are higher in liquidating than keeping that line of business. Van Horne (2002) stated that selling off a part of business to another firm is a right decision when the present value received by the selling company is higher than the expected future returns by that business. Other reasons of divestment highlighted by Kozami (2002) are persistent negative cash flows, high competition, or lack of resources. In the case of TBBA, none of the above reasons exists that makes it justifiable to divest commodity trading business. Neither commodity trading business is giving negative outcomes, nor does the company lack resources for technological upgradation or to beat competition. This makes it irrational to sell off a line which is one of the most flourishing markets and has shown great potential in Asian market of TBBA. Divestment can be a quick fix for a newly appointed CEO because he is not emotionally attached to the unit to be divested; howe ver, for a CEO emotionally attached to a unit it is rather a difficult decision (Kozami 2002). In case of Richard, he is a part of the organization before being appointed as a CEO and he is the one who has given a unified identity to TBBA and commodity trading unit is very much a part of that identity. It is not that easy to sell it off rather it is more comfortable to invest in it especially when future expected returns are higher. Another thing that opposes the decision to divest is that the future plans of TBBA include returning to its roots. There is a great opportunity for expansion in UK because of the weak performance of rivals. TBBA is expert in areas where its rivals has failed to produce results; that is lending to small firms and commodity trading business. Entering these lines will give TBBA a visible success in UK market. Working on areas that can deliver true value to stakeholders can give a clear edge to TBBA in highly competitive and slow growing market of UK where i t will be difficult to mark a huge footprint otherwise. Though selling off a business unit may lead to regain lost strategic focus (Decker 2008) however it is not a good option when the business line to be sold off promises future gains (Van Horne 2002). Instead of selling off commodity business, it is a far better idea to make it work in UK market. TBBA can take advantage of its strong balance sheet to expand its commodity trading

Global Marketing report 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Global Marketing report 2 - Essay Example Service recovery to a service failure would help in restoration of the brand image of a company and also help in development in smooth relationship between the customers and company. Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 Table of Contents 3 Introduction 4 Relationship Development 4 Market Segment & Supplier of Nestle in Pakistan 4 Selection of PBL as Beverage Supplier 5 Methods of Relationship Development 7 Benefits to Nestle from PBL perspective 11 Effects of Supply Chain Crisis 12 Crisis Response Management 13 Rationale for Crisis Management 14 Conclusions & Recommendation 14 References 16 Introduction The main purpose of this study is to assess the relationship of Nestle team with the suppliers and the customers of Pakistan. The study has focussed on the various stages of relationship development between the suppliers, customers and the Nestle, Boost. One of the main objectives of the study would be to focus on the various models that would help in successful establishment of the relationship. However, the researcher of the study could not find the exact statistical data regarding the consumption of beverage in Pakistan. There were no other limitations in conducting the study. The study has laid emphasis on the distribution services of the Pakistan Beverage Ltd of Karachi department. Relationship Development Market Segment & Supplier of Nestle in Pakistan The stiff competition in the marketplace has compelled the companies to improve their existing business activities and resource allocation to maintain their profitability, increase their market share and sustain their annual turnover. Boost is the chosen nutritional drink for entering into the Pakistan. The target market segment for the Boost would be the children aged between 06 to 12 years, teenagers and the young adults. Market segmentation has been done after evaluation of the beverage market in Pakistan. The beverage market in Pakistan is very established and there has been an increase in the beverage consumption in the people of Pakistan. In the year 2011 the people had spent $1.3 billion on carbonated beverages and later in the year 2012 Coca Cola decided to invest $248 million in Pakistan (Tirmiz, 2012). The soft drink industry in Pakistan has been long associated with sports as it has always been promoted by cricket players. The target market segment has been chosen because of their love for sports and Boost being a sports nutritional drink would appeal to this target customers. The Pakistanis are very particular about food hygiene and cleanliness and had decreased their consumption of bottled water which contained high levels of contamination (BusinessWire, 2012). Since, Nestle is an established brand in Pakistan it is important for the company to select an established supplier who can promote the brand benefits and enhance the brand personality further. The successful corporate resource allocation has become essential in restructuring the business process of the company. Th e successful resource allocation depends upon the suppliers to a large extent. The selection of the suppliers would be to strengthen the relationship with the management, to enhance the market position, broaden the customer base, market targeting etc. Hence the selected supplier for the Nestle, Boost would be Pakistan Beverages Ltd (PBL). PBL had launched a local beverage known as Pakola which still holds a strong market position in the Pakistani beverages market (KCCI, 2013).They acquired Pepsi

Fiction-writing mode Essay Example for Free

Fiction-writing mode Essay Rhetorical modes are methods for effectively communicating through language and writing. Complete the following chart to identify the purpose and structure of the various rhetorical modes used in academic writing. Provide at least 2 tips for writing each type of rhetorical device. |Rhetorical Mode |Purpose – Explain when or why |Structure – Explain what organizational |Provide 2 tips for writing in | | |each rhetorical mode is used. |method works best with each rhetorical mode. |each rhetorical mode. | |Narration |The purpose of a narration is to| | Start with asking yourself if | | |tell stories. Narrations can be |Chronological order, which is a method of |you want to write a factual or | | |factual; story based on events |organization that arranges ideas according to|fictional story. Next, make a | | |as they happened in real life, |time, is the best organizational method for |plot summary, which is a | | |or fictional; made up or |narration. |paragraph or outline that | | |imagined | |describes only the main events | | | | |that drive the story forward. | | |The purpose of an illustration |Order of importance, which is a method of |First, decide on a topic that | |Illustration |is to clearly demonstrate and |organization that arranges ideas according to|you are interested in writing | | |support a point through the use |their significance, is the best |about. Secondly, vary the phases| | |of evidence. |organizational method for illustration. |of illustration you use. This | | | | |way, readers will stay engaged | | | | |in your writing and ideas. | |Description |The purpose of a description is |Spatial order, which is a method of |Does your writing follow a flow?| | |to make sure the audience is |organization that arranges ideas according to|Good writing is focused. Is | | |fully immersed in the words on |physical characteristics or appearance, is |writing written for a purpose? | | |the page. The writer describes |the best organizational them. |Good writing is grammatically | | |his or her world through sensory| |correct a

Five Competitive Forces Defined By Porter

Five Competitive Forces Defined By Porter Porters five forces analysis is an absolutely fundamental technique in strategy. Using this framework to map out environmental forces affecting the FedEx Corporation would result in the discovery of what the main sources of competitive pressure are and how strong each competitive force is in the shipping industry world. This analytical step is essential because we cannot create a successful strategy without in depth understanding of the industrys competitive character. Porters five forces model FedEx Corporation Potential Competitors LOW Existing Rivals HIGH Buyers Power HIGH Suppliers Power LOW Substitute Products LOW prproductspppp The potential entry of new competitors Established companies had managed to effectively raise the barriers to entry bringing it to a high and making it difficult for potential new competitors to enter the market. This is so due to the fact that these companies have taken competitive advantage of cost by achieving large volume of shipment and economies of scale. In addition, there is a high fixed cost associated with entering the International transportation network. For example, fleet of aircraft, ground handling, vehicles etc. Extent of rivalry between established firms There are both local and global competitors in the shipping industry i.e. UPS, FedEx, DHL and TNT. Although these companies competed vigorously for a market share in the industry, FedEx and UPS quickly gained prominence by responding to the changing environment through the use of technological advances. These companies competed by strictly focusing on lower pricing, customer segmentation, quality of service and innovation. This has caused rivalry to be intense among competitors because customers could easily switch to preferred companies with better offers. Bargaining power of buyers The bargaining power of large buyers in the shipping industry is high. This is because buyers can easily switch to larger shipping providers for a lower price and faster service. For example IBM which provides large volume of shipment at a lower price. Bargaining power of suppliers The supplier power within this industry is fairly low. Large shipping service provider can affect prices of supplies by placing better offers on packaging materials. This is because they buy in large quantities and can turn to different suppliers easily. Threat of substitute products There are no substitutes to shipping. In this day and age where many businesses have a strong online presence and a small physical presence, it would be difficult to find a substitute in delivering their product. Shipping services are very much similar to a commodity, in that it is not easily replaced with another service or even a similar service. Porters Value Chain Analysis The use of Porters value chain analysis will help to better understand the activities through which FedEx can develop a competitive advantage and create shareholder value. Inbound logistics The FedEx value chain begins with same day collection of packages. FedEx employees collect the packages from various locations that are convenient to the customers such as businesses or at their homes. Customers can comfortably request pickups via the internet or telephones. Operations After the packages have been picked up, they are transported to one of FedExs regional hubs for onward distribution. A hub is a central location where FedEx employees sort the packages according to their destinations. The packages remain at the hub until they are collected and shipped either by aircraft or truck. Outbound Logistics The efficient distribution of the packages by the aircraft and truck drivers to their various locations are integral to the value of the service. The packages must get to their destinations on time at anyway. Marketing and Sales Support activities such as company infrastructure e.g. truck; aircraft etc provide the enabling environment for the primary activities to function properly. Other important support activities include information systems, which allow customers to place their orders on- line and track their products. Services FedEx further facilitates customer comfort and security during the use of its service by allowing customers to track their packages while on route. Customer service is usually seen as a final primary activity and provides after sales support and service, however, it is an important part of the FedEx process. FedEx over a number of years had improved its core competencies and capabilities through the use of infrastructure, a stronger brand name than rivals and embracing new technology. Infrastructure FedEx realized that by acquiring its own transportation fleet e.g. regional hubs, trucks and aircraft would set them apart from its competitors. By doing this, the company had managed to achieve over one billion dollars on revenues making it difficult for potential and existing competitors to imitate since it took a lot of capital needed to compete with this company. Brand Name FedEx brand name was considered to be one of its greatest assets; the name had placed an image of reliable service and fast delivery in the mind of its customers. This had also made it difficult for other entrants in the market to compete because FedEx had a lot of trucks and aircraft to back them up. Innovation and New Technology Technological breakthrough and application of innovation promoted significant advances for customer ordering, package tracking and process monitoring. Example FedEx was the first company in the shipping industry to introduce the use of new technology that allows millions of people to connect via the World Wide Web through its website www.fedex.com. FedEx had also made it possible for people to track their package at the point of picking up to the stage of the delivery. Finally FedEx had built a small warehouse in Memphis. This was it first attempt at multi- client warehousing where customers can call up and place an order and the said order will be picked up on the same day.

The Advantages Of Globalization In ICT

The Advantages Of Globalization In ICT Here i introduced a Globalization and difusion of ICTs and how they reduced the importance of geography, whats the advatage and dis-advantage of Globalization and difusion of ICTs. globalisation is very important for cultural structure,political,social and technological structures.It contains four principal feature in origion of globalisation so i introduced in shortly as below. the multiplication into world markets of national economies, the transition from a High grade economy into a High value economy.The end of bipolarity and traditional prize-fight between socialism and capitalism. http://www.unesco.org/most/globalisation/Introduction.htm Privatization + Deregulation + Globalization = Turbo-capitalism = Prosperity (Luttwak quoted by Frank 2002: 17) http://www.infed.org/biblio/globalization.htm The ICTs (Information and communication technology)are understood about the computers and the internet but this consideration is limited. Information and knowledge are critical components of poverty alleviation strategies, and ICTs offer the promise of easy access to huge amounts of information useful for the poor. However, the digital divide is argued to be the result rather than the cause of poverty, and efforts to bridge it must be embedded within effective strategies that address the causes of poverty. Moreover, earlier patterns of adoption and diffusion of technology suggest that ICTs will not achieve their full potential without suitable attention being paid to the wider processes that they are intended to assist and to the context within which they are being implemented. as it excludes the more traditional and usually more common technologies of radio, television, telephones, public address systems, and even newspapers, which also carry information. In particular, the potential value of radio as a purveyor of development information should not be overlooked, especially in view of its almost ubiquitous presence i n developing countries, including the rural locations in which the vast majority of the poor live. Many of the factors that will define how ICTs will be integrated into existing community and national development initiatives are highly contextual in nature; dependent on existing norms of institutional behaviour and on how vigorously reforms can be implemented. As a result, diffusion and replication rates will vary among communities and between nations. In some cases, we can expect slow progress towards further diffusion of ICTs for poverty alleviation. Retrieved from http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Information_and_Communication_Technologies_for_Poverty_Alleviation/Introduction Advantages and disadvantges of globalisation Advantages Increased free trade between nations . Increased liquidity of capital allowing investors in developed nations to invest in developing nations. Corporations have greater flexibility to operate across borders. Global mass media ties the world together . Increased flow of communications allows vital information to be shared between individuals and corporations around the world. Greater ease and speed of transportation for goods and people. Reduction of cultural barriers increases the global village effect . Spread of democratic ideals to developed nations . Greater interdependence of nation-states. Reduction of likelihood of war between developed nations. Increases in environmental protection in developed nations . Disadvantages Increased flow of skilled and non-skilled jobs from developed to developing nations as corporations seek out the cheapest labor. Increased likelihood of economic disruptions in one nation effecting all nations. Corporate influence of nation-states far exceeds that of civil society organizations and average individuals. Threat that control of world media by a handful of corporations will limit cultural expression. Greater chance of reactions for globalization being violent in an attempt to preserve cultural heritage . Greater risk of diseases being transported unintentionally between nations. Spread of a materialistic lifestyle and attitude that sees consumption as the path to prosperity. International bodies like the World Trade Organization infringe on national and individual sovereignty. Increase in the chances of civil war within developing countries and open war between developing countries as they vie for resources. Decreases in environmental integrity as polluting corporations take advantage of weak regulatory rules in developing countries. http://www.darkseptemberrain.com/ideas/advantages.htm Globalization: Advantages and Disadvantages Instead of giving a few pointers here and a few pointers there, explanation on these concepts should do more justice to the subject. Have a look at the following Advantages and Disadvantages of Global Marketing There has to be operational differences between various companies in different countries. What I mean to say is, a car manufacturer of UK will manufacture a car with a different operation than a car manufacturer in Italy (for example Jaguar and Ferrari). Both are trying to take advantage of the operational difference that they have between them. And both companies are trying to sell a car in America for a greater value. So if you want your product to have an appeal on a global scale, then obviously, marketing on a global scale is required. Advantages of Global Marketing Lower Marketing Costs: If you are to consider lump-some cost then, yes, it is high, but the same cost even goes even higher if the company has to market a product differently in every country that it is selling. Global Scope: Scope of this kind of marketing is so large that it becomes a unique experience. Brand image Consistency: Global marketing allows you to have a consistent image in every region that you choose to market. Quick and Efficient Use of Ideas: A global entity is able to use a marketing idea and mould it into a strategy to implement on a global scale. Uniformity in Marketing Practices: A global entity can keep some degree of uniformity in marketing through out the world. Disadvantages of Global Marketing Inconsistency in Consumer Needs: American consumer will be different from the South African. Global marketing should be able to address that. Consumer Response Inconsistency: Consumer in one country may react differently than a consumer in another country. Country Specific Brand and Product: A Japanese might like a product to have a traditional touch, where as an American might like to add a retro modern look to it. In this case, a global strategy is difficult to device. The Laws of the Land Have to be Considered: Original company policies may be according to the laws of home countries. The overseas laws may be conflicting in these policies. Infrastructural Differences: Infrastructure may be hampering the process in one country and accelerating in another. Global strategy cannot be consistent in such a scenario. Advantages and Disadvantages of Globalization in Developing Countries Overall globalization has been a big boon for the developing countries, but there are a few who say that it has been a curse. Let us take a look at both these aspects of globalization. The Advantages GDP Increase: If the statistics are any indication, GDP of the developing countries have increased twice as much as before. Percapita Income Increase: The wealth has had a trickling effect on the poor. The average income has increased to thrice as much. Unemployment is Reduced: This fact is quite evident when you look at countries like India and China. Education has Increased: Globalization has been a catalyst to the jobs that require higher skill set. This demand allowed people to gain higher education. Competition on Even Platform: The companies all around the world are competing on a single global platform. This allows better options to consumers. The Disadvantages Uneven Distribution of Wealth: Wealth is still concentrated in the hands of a few individuals and a common man in a developing country is yet to see any major benefits of globalization. Income Gap Between Developed and Developing Countries: Wealth of developed countries continues to grow twice as much as the developing world. Different Wage Standards for Developing Countries: A technology worker may get more value for his work in a developed country than a worker in a developing country. Reversal of Globalization: In future, factors such as war may demand the reversal of the globalization (as evident in inter world war years), current process of globalization may just be impossible to reverse. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-globalization.html Advantages and Disadvantages of ICT ICT has made my project easier to do. Making a catalogue is a long process, involving a lot of design and research plans, using a computer and IT based materials has cut down the time it would take of I had done it manually. For example, before starting to make my catalogue I had to do some research on the items I wanted to advertise, using the internet was a faster more efficient way of doing this. The internet showed the websites I needed to go on that had the right information. If I had not used a computer I would have had to carry task out manually, which is very time consuming, for example, Cropping pictures down to the right size to fit the catalogue. The computer does this accurately and more precise than a human can do, cutting. Also copying and pasting, doing this on a computer, then printing means no Pritt Stick: This can look tacky and bad quality. Using ICT gives the best presentation possible. Key skill 12 There is so much technical equipment in the ICT rooms, precautions need to be taken, so that nobody gets hurt, when I was in the ICT room, I made sure that drinks and food were not near the computers, so that the equipment would operate in the right order. Also I made sure that bags were not left in the walking areas, so that others would not trip over them and hurt themselves. To prevent fires, fore extinguishers were present in the room and the sockets were not over loaded. Work surfaces remained clear to avoid clutter. Five minutes before the end of every lesson, I saved the work I had done that day to make sure all my work is well documented and so I can continue from where I stopped in the next lesson. [IMAGE]I saved my work on my part of the school network, in My Documents. Particularly working in this project I made a new folder called Communications- the name of the project so that I can put all the work I do in it, this saves confusion with other files. I made a back up file of the communications folder and named it communications just in case the first one got lost. [IMAGE]i used floppy disks to get even more copies of my work especially the unfinished class work so that I can complete it at home. I used a floppy disk because the schools computers had the facilities for floppy disk use. It is not too heavy or too big for me to carry home and use on my own computer. When I found was having trouble or difficulties in my work or using the computer I told my teacher Mrs Wenden to help me, or got sent to the schools computer technicians to help me, like when I could not log in, the technicians gave me a new password for my username. Key skill 24 There are many advantages and disadvantages of using ICT Advantages of using ICT * Using Microsoft word and software like Microsoft Publisher is that you can change the text, mistakes without having to start from the very beginning again. * Work is easy to save and document, rather than someone keeping them in folders were they can get misplaced. * You can make back up files quickly. * Can keep all files under one folder e.g. communications * Crop pictures down accurately * Use scanners to scan in pictures form magazine and books. * Printer that produce high quality work * Access to the internet * You can email letters and document to people all over the world. Disadvantages of using ICT  · The internet server can go down randomly, so you cannot connect to a webpage.  · Networks can get hacked into. o Shopping online leaves shoppers prone to online credit card theft.  · Viruses can come through the internet damaging the files in your computer  · Some software can be difficult for some generations and people to learn how to use  · People start to rely on computers too much and use them to do everything.  · Repetitive strain injury, strain on tendon in the arms, back problems and painful eyes are caused from prolonged use of computers.  · Work sometimes does not look exactly like what you want it to look like. http://www.123helpme.com/view.asp?id=149377 Tesco Using ICT Advantages and Disadvantages and the Impact of ICT This report is based around the information gathered on a Business Information Day Provided by ELBP. The focus of this case study is on Tesco Supermarket. The manager of the Tesco.Net Business gave an interesting talk on the business and in this case study I a going look at what they use ICT for in their business and the disadvantage and the advantages of ICT and the impact ICT has on the business I will draw out the four main feature if using ICT. The company that I am going to look at is Tesco. Tesco is a shopping company. Tesco customers can buy online and deliver it to your doorstep. Tesco use ICT for their company they use it for various reasons like to get the stock and it alerts them when there are low on stock. The four main functions of using ICT in Tesco: q The first main feature of using ICT is that it produces Internet web site. They use it for Tesco customers can buy online this is an good advantage for Tesco customers because if they live far away and want to shop and Tesco it will be very difficult to get there Tesco online shopping or if Tesco is too crowded online shopping will be much easier. Tesco An Applied ICT Case Study For LEBP Author J.Cowell 2 q The second main feature of using ICT is that Tesco ICT have created a PDA. Tesco staff use it so if the customers cant find a particular item they can type it in and then they can find the item they want and it will tell you the isle and this will make the company more efficient and they will be less fuss about asking where is this particular item. q The third main feature of using ICT is that is produced a location label this is used to find items. It says the isle number first then the row and then the shelf this is very useful to Tesco customers if they cant find what they want. q The fourth main feature of using ICT is Tesco have created a navigation system. Truck drivers use this if they get lost or dont know the way to the customers house or to make the journey quicker to get very groceries to your houses. This a very good item of ICT and very reliable. The advantages of using ICT in Tesco is: q The first advantages of using ICT is that Tesco customers can buy online so they dont need to go to the actual store to buy the products and you just click on the product you want and they just deliver it to your house. Tesco An Applied ICT Case Study For LEBP Author J.Cowell 3 q The second advantage of using ICT is that they can use credit card to buy your items so they dont need to bring your money you can use your credit card. q The third advantage of using ICT is a navigation system this is where the driver can find the customers house if they get lost or dont know where it is. q The fourth advantage of using ICT is location label this is a very good advantage of using ICT because it tells you where the products are and will be less people wondering about the store looking for what there product they want to buy. The disadvantages of using ICT in Tesco is: q The first disadvantage of using ICT is that if the system goes wrong the company cannot run and must close the store and they will lose a lot of money and the customer will think the supermarket is not very reliable so they might not come again. q The second disadvantage of using ICT is if they dont have stock and the truck driver navigation system goes down and Tesco dont get their stock they will lose a lot of money. q The third disadvantage of using ICT is that if the website crashes the people will not be able to buy online and will have to come to the store and will be crowded full of people and will just lose all their stock and will have none left for the afternoon or maybe tomorrow. Tesco An Applied ICT Case Study For LEBP Author J.Cowell 4 q The fourth disadvantage of using ICT is that it is very expensive and costs a lot of money. Tesco pay at least  £3,000,000 a year. The impact ICT has on Tesco The impact ICT has on Tesco is to make them very efficient and if they didnt have ICT it will be very difficult to operate as efficiently and this will waste a lot of time sorting everything out. If the company was not as reliant on ICT they would need to train staff on tills whereas the current tills require no skill level at all. Tesco ICT commitment keeps the staff morale high lack of ICT will lose a lot of staff and will be even more difficult to run the store and will eventually have to close the store. Tesco do use ICT and has made their company more efficient and more reliable to use and ICT will was save a lot of time by saving a lot of time it will save a lot of money. Other Major impacts include advancements in store security due to digital video and better cameras. They are also testing electronic shelf edge labelling to adjust prices globally as they need to be competitive. Many stores in the Tesco group now incorporate self-service checkouts. Which allow you to scan your own shopping and pay. The increase use of ICT at Tesco have created website so people dont need to leave they own house to buy their groceries and will make the company less crowded out Tesco also have been able to widen their product range due to more specialised websites being created and linked to the supermarket business. ICT have also created a navigation Tesco An Applied ICT Case Study For LEBP Author J.Cowell 5 system for truck drivers so they dont get lost and will make the company more faster to run and will make the company more efficient and will be more reliable to their customers. It is a very good impact for people who are on wheel chair and they dont need to leave the house, which will be very difficult for the people who are wheel chair. It has also created PDA to find the product people want and will be less fuss and people wondering about to look for a particular item, which is on stock. It will be more customers getting what their want and will be more customer coming to the store because they can find out want they going to get and not wasting time wondering about Data processing Data processing in the Tesco business is 100% reliant on ICT thus the ICT team needs to ensure the data processing and communication system doesnt crash and ensure regular upgrades and system checks Having all their data processing requirements tied up in ICT is not very efficient and safe for Tesco because if the computer system goes down all the data could be lost. Thus Tesco need to keep a backup system. Robustness and security Tescos systems have a good backup facility that is very safe, as it has multi redundant back-up copies this is very good for Tesco if the computer goes down, Tesco has password protected servers and terminals for all staff, even the tills have secure password and encrypted data transfer protocols. Tesco.net has spent a lot of money and time getting a secure site for their customers and staff. Staff and customers are required to have a valid username and access password to get in the company business system or the website to buy. The website is SSL (secure socket layer) protected this allows them to accept credit and debit cards on their site. The Tesco An Applied ICT Case Study For LEBP Author J.Cowell 6 specialised and enhanced robustness and security allows Tesco to stop hackers getting into their business, which is very efficient for Tesco. http://www.cbsglenroad.com/Intranet/Departments/ictda/POWERPOINTS/unit%202/tesco.pdf IMPACT: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1611691_22.html Definition: Globalised World What does it mean? Does it mean the fast movement of people which results in greater interaction? Does it mean that because of IT revolution people can be in touch with each other in any part of the world? Does it mean trade and economy of each country is open in Non-Intrusive way so that all varieties are available to consumer of his choice? Does it mean that mankind has achieved emancipation to a level of where we can say it means a social, economic and political globalisation? Though the precise definition of globalisation is still unavailable a few definitions worth viewing, Stephen Gill: defines globalisation as the reduction of transaction cost of transborder movements of capital and goods thus of factors of production and goods. Guy Brainbant: says that the process of globalisation not only includes opening up of world trade, development of advanced means of communication, internationalisation of financial markets, growing importance of MNCs, population migrations and more generally increased mobility of persons, goods, capital, data and ideas but also infections, diseases and pollution Impact on India: India opened up the economy in the early nineties following a major crisis that led by a foreign exchange crunch that dragged the economy close to defaulting on loans. The response was a slew of Domestic and external sector policy measures partly prompted by the immediate needs and partly by the demand of the multilateral organisations. The new policy regime radically pushed forward in favour of amore open and market oriented economy. Major measures initiated as a part of the liberalisation and globalisation strategy in the early nineties included scrapping of the industrial licensing regime, reduction in the number of areas reserved for the public sector, amendment of the monopolies and the restrictive trade practices act, start of the privatisation programme, reduction in tariff rates and change over to market determined exchange rates. Over the years there has been a steady liberalisation of the current account transactions, more and more sectors opened up for foreign direct investments and portfolio investments facilitating entry of foreign investors in telecom, roads, ports, airports, insurance and other major sectors. The Indian tariff rates reduced sharply over the decade from a weighted average of 72.5% in 1991-92 to 24.6 in 1996-97.Though tariff rates went up slowly in the late nineties it touched 35.1% in 2001-02. India is committed to reduced tariff rates. Peak tariff rates are to be reduced to be reduced to the minimum with a peak rate of 20%, in another 2 years most non-tariff barriers have been dismantled by march 2002, including almost all quantitative restrictions. India is Global: The liberalisation of the domestic economy and the increasing integration of India with the global economy have helped step up GDP growth rates, which picked up from 5.6% in 1990-91 to a peak level of 77.8% in 1996-97. Growth rates have slowed down since the country has still bee able to achieve 5-6% growth rate in three of the last six years. Though growth rates has slumped to the lowest level 4.3% in 2002-03 mainly because of the worst droughts in two decades the growth rates are expected to go up close to 70% in 2003-04. A Global comparison shows that India is now the fastest growing just after China. This is major improvement given that India is growth rate in the 1970s was very low at 3% and GDP growth in countries like Brazil, Indonesia, Korea, and Mexico was more than twice that of India. Though Indias average annual growth rate almost doubled in the eighties to 5.9% it was still lower than the growth rate in China, Korea and Indonesia. The pick up in GDP growth has helped improve Indias global position. Consequently Indias position in the global economy has improved from the 8th position in 1991 to 4th place in 2001. When GDP is calculated on a purchasing power parity basis http://economics.about.com/od/globalizationtrade/l/aaglobalization.htm SWOT ANALYSIS 15.1 Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat It will be rather simplistic to select features/developments and describe these as strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT). The reality is too nuanced to allow such laboured descriptions. Hence, we are presenting a pertinent rather than a cut-and-dried picture in this regard. The localization of weaver-force; dyers; designers, card-cutters, loom fabricators and traders- the pool of competencies and resources- is a major strength but this is no longer handloom-dedicated and in that sense, is getting dissipated. When market conditions deteriorate, the stakeholders-particularly weaversexit; correct the supply side and thus prevent terms of trade from worsening below a minimum mark. The legal framework also can provide a bulwark against the terms for weavers deteriorating below a minimum mark. At Agra, absence of occupational alternatives and legal framework contribute to freefall. This weakness is responsible not merely for worsening of weaver wage levels but also for lack of initiative to shore up the competitive strength of the sector. There are market and product development opportunities for the cluster. There is scope for growth in overseas market. On the other hand, there are multiple threats- Carpet weaving becoming a completely unrewarding occupation. On the whole, the cluster is facing an uphill task of recovering lost ground. For understanding it better we here give the SWOT Analysis of the cluster in bullet form à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ STRENGTH à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Traditional Value à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Availability of skilled weavers à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ All the back word linkages are available à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Being a famous tourist place good Connectivity with major cities à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Existence of strong Traders WEAKNESS à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Dependency on one product à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Highly unorganized cluster à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Over work force à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Products are relatively costly because of use of costly yarn à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Need of Dry Cleaning à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Inferior quality of dying à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Low credit from financial institutions à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Infrastructure is bad à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Brand Equity of product is declining à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Decline in wages of weavers à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ No regular work for weavers à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Common Facility Center à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ No Training institute à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ 80 % import (OGL) OPPORTUNITY à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Product diversification à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Exploration of new market à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Export à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Reduction in custom duties on Yarn à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Product/Design patenting à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Tax free THREAT à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Competition from other clusters à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Decline in demand of Carpet à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Increase in demand of value added products à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Increase in demand of low cost power loom products . 15.1 STRENGTH 15.1.1 Market à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Diversified customer base. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Large Domestic Market à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Strong presence in Domestic Market with diversified customer base. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Adequate Marketing Network. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Steady increase in market demand provided impetus to the demand. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Diversified customer base. 15.1.2 Input Availability à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Ample availability of raw material and consumables à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Easy availability of Packaging Materials Technology à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Availability of Customised Manufacturing Facilities. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Availability of low cost manufacturing facilities à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Demonstration effect (cluster rapidly adopt the technological changes) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Combine conventional and automatic manufacturing method to provide a cost effective product to the cluster. 15.1.3H R D à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Industrial harmonious relation in the entire cluster. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Most of the jobs are learnt by workers while doing it. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Manpower is easily available but revaises to be trained by units. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Young and Educated next generati

Imperialism in America Essay -- American History Politics Essays

Imperialism in America At the turn of the century, America and the views of its people were changing. Many different ideas were surfacing about issues that affected the country as a whole. The Republican Party, led by William McKinley, were concentrating on the expansion of the United States and looking to excel in power and commerce. The Democratic Party at this time was led by William Jennings Bryan, who was absorbed in a sponge of morality and was concerned with the rights of man. The nation’s self-interest was divided into different ideas between the two parties. At this time imperialism and anti-imperialism were the dominant topics regarding America’s destiny.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One argument backing U.S. imperialism is by naval strategist, Alfred Thayer Mahan. At this time, Great Britain had the strongest sea power. Mahan states that America’s navy must be as strong to compete in trade and war. Expansion would aid exports, and more naval power would grant the ability to overcome obstacles such as a dispute between the U.S. and another country. Most importantly, Mahan states that the world is in struggle and the U.S. must protect itself to survive.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another argument in favor of U.S. imperialism was that of Albert J. Beveridge. Beveridge argued that it was the duty of Americans to govern others, he felt that if Britain and Germany could, then why not America as well. In response to the opposition that stated that people should not govern those who do not wish to be governed Beveridge responded that, â€Å"†¦applies only to those who are capable of self government,† (Beveridge 1898), and as he and many others saw it, foreign lands were not capable of self- government. Additionally, Beveridge argued that there was too much in America. He stated that there are too many employees and not enough jobs, too much capital and not enough investment; he felt that all the U.S. needed was more circulation. Invading and taking over foreign lands was just the way to do it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  An additional argument in favor of U.S. imperialism was that of Charles Denby and his explanation of why we should not give up the ‘foothold’ we have in the Philippines. According to Denby, commerce was the most important factor to a nation’s well-being. Denby felt that by keeping hold in the Philippines China’s market was much more easily accessible. China having a very profitable market and t... ...lists wanted to do was to make the nation better and stronger, which was all in the best interest of the U.S.. The United States became an extremely strong military power due to the decisions at this time. Due to the drive of the development of America at the present time, our nation was a dominant power in World War I in 1916. Furthermore the U.S. has been a dominant world power for years to come all the way to present day. Finally, the imperialist view at the turn of the century was a movement to stabilize the economy, improve trade among other nations, and offer protection to make the lives of Americans better and easier. Sources Cited Albert J. Beveridge Endorses Imperialism. Speech, September 16, 1898. Modern Eloquence, v.11(Philadelphia: John D. Morris and Co., 1903), pp.224-243. The Siren Song of Imperialism: McKinley Prays for Guidance. Report from an interview, January 22, 1903. C.S. Olcott, The Life of William McKinley, v.2 (1916), pp.110-111. â€Å"Find the Constitution† Philadelphia, North American, 1901 Address to the Voters of the United States. National Liberty Congress of Anti-Imperialists. Indianapolis,IN,August 15-16,1900.(http://www.boondocksnet.com).

Does Islam Cause Violence in the Middle East? Essay -- Islam, religion

Since the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, a large focus of the Western Powers, like the United States, has been on the Middle East. Out of this has come a conclusion that this area of the world is prone to be more violent than other parts and this is largely to due to the Islamic religion. This the West has concluded in large part through observation coupled with some qualitative data. However, is this an adequate assertion of the area, and of the religion of Islam? To begin various types of violence will be explored quantitatively and qualitatively to see if there is a difference in the level of violence seen in the Middle East as compared to Western States. Once it has been determined if there exists a difference in the amount of violence in the Middle East, as compared to Western States, it than shall be explored to see what role Islam may play in it. Comparing Violence It has been assumed that while the rest of the world appears to be seeing decreasing levels of violence, it appears the Middle East has yet to experience this same trend. By just watching the news or reading the paper, it has appeared that in the past couple of decades there have been either an increase in violence in the Middle East. In addition, it has also appeared that certain types of violence that the West has not experienced for some time still exist within the region. The question this raises then, is the Middle East more violent? On the other hand, is this nothing more than Islamophobia? To find the correct answer both a quantitative and qualitative approach will be taken. Through this patterns should emerge that will lead to answer whether are not the Middle East is more prone to violence than other Western States (Pinker, 20... ...s Office on Drugs and Crime. (2013). UNODC Homicide Statistics. Retrieved November 24, 2013, from http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/homicide.html This publication is put out by the United Nations and its office on Drug and Crime. The purpose of this publication is straight forward. It is to the homicide rates of each State. The data is collected by various agencies, some associated with the United Nations and some not. This document is easy to read and to understand. It serves the purpose in which it was created by showing the homicide rates nearly all the States in the world. The underlying issue with it is that not all the data is complete. When it comes to Western, developed, States the data is complete. However, when it comes to less developed states, it is not. This can causes issues if someone is looking for patterns or comparing regions.

How Traditional Family Cultural Survive in the Future Essay

Traditional businesses are essential and important for a country. These reveals the lovely culture and habits of nation. These are the most attractive places where foreigners visit whenever they arrive to the land. Foreigners also buy traditional products which is difficult to be bought in their places and be placed at their home for their arrival and remembrances of the places where they visited. Not only for foreigners but also for local people, traditional products show how a person love culture and tradition of that nation. They play an important role in the standard of nation, so it is impossible for them to be disappeared although they get a little way to success. When a country becomes more developed, there is a lesser number of traditional business. The other business are favored and traditional businesses are transformed into these businesses because they are relatively more easy to succeed and can get more profit. Traditional businesses are made by humans and cannot be subs tituted by others. Therefore, they are too expensive for basic people to buy and use them. The other substituted things are processed by machines and standardized. They produce in large quantities and get economy of scale and can be sold in low price. The basic choose the cheaper one for their daily use how much they love their tradition. But the country is based on basic class, not on upper class. The demands go down and traditions have to depend on foreigners and upper class, especially. There is a little chance for every traditional culture business to survive although it cannot be disappeared from the market. All have to transform and innovate new things. Their management style, production process orientation have to be upgraded. Almost all traditional businesses are sole traders. Their finances, profession and ability to do are limited. Only the person who leads the business decide what to do, how to do and who have to do. The other member are not included in the decision, the other members of the family or the floor workers. They have to change this because one’s profession is limited, the decision may be very fast but may not be as good as one deciding by many. They do not have any accurate documents. Some only have Cash Book, Debtors’ book and Creditors’ book. They never draw any financial statement and never check their income and expenses. Some firms may not have any of these, they keep the cash to the drawers when something is sold. And at the end of the day, they keep it to the drawer. And also their pricing, they set the price above the cost of production. Prices are not set stable. Customer has to have full knowledge to get goods with right price. The production processes are made to be smooth. Not all the processes let human make. Making traditional things must be made by human but aided by machine. It can lessen time, make lower cost of production and can control the quality. Machines are more accurate than human. For example, in the process of making pots, they are fired with woods by humans. Instead of this ovens can be replaced. They can be fired with accurate temperature and woods do not need. It can lessen the cost and wages can be reduced. To do these, technology is the key point. Nowadays, we do business in production orientation. We do the best, but we do not know what the customers need, we do not find what they want from us. We have to change into marketing orientation. We must find out what customer needs, how can we fulfill their wish. We have to research on the market. People are bored when they get the only one thing. They always want newest thing, they always seek in us. We have to make innovation based on the tradition. It is important to have great care not missing tradition. foreigners are main customers for the traditional market. Although we can produce the products, we are weak in market distribution. so, we should need organization to improve traditional business. we should make internet website about traditional business. we should make knowledge distribution of tradition to the local. we should connect with travel& tourism .so ,they introduce to visit our industry. And we explain the production process step by step thoroughly .we should create the design update. In traditional job, main problem is rare raw material. If we meet this problem , we should think the another way to substitute with other.

Why We Must Speak English??

Why must we speak English 1. English is the International Language and is one of the most popular and most spoken in the technology world. 2. We need to know English language in order to study any science subject or any computer language. 3. We need to know English to communicate effectively too many developed countries. 4. English is very much important in our life, it is necessary in each and every field. 5. If we know English we never feel tongue tide in front of others. 6. It's a widely spoken language. 7.People take pride in speaking English . 8. if we don't know English, we will leg behind the other. 9. English is a need of hour. 10. Today we can't deny the importance of English in our life. 11. To anyone who lives in an English speaking country, it is of vital importance. 12. Language is always very important, because it is the means of communication. 13. If you cannot speak the language of a place, it will be very difficult to communicate with the people. 14. You can develop your knowledge for betterment of your knowledge. 5. English is awesome !! 16. Can communicate easily with the people that live in USA 17. Because I study in a English school 18. All subject in this school is english 19. 50% of the people in the world speak English 20. You can develop your knowledge for betterment of your knowledge. 21. Knowing a major language helps a person to find more opportunities. 22. Employers want employees that can really understand what they are saying and not having a hard time doing charades and wasting their time more. 23.Knowing a 2nd language always better than knowing only one 24. Easy to find job. 25. English is a universal language, it is widely acceptable in most countries. 26. English is my mother tongue 27. Learning to speak English well may be the best thing you can do to improve your life. 28. English is a interesting subject 29. If we know how to speak englisch very well , we can find a job easily . 30. English language became the most widely spoken and yes for business reasons its the universal language, that everyone needs to know. 31.

Children and Happiness Essay

What makes children happy? ‘That’s easy,’ you might say, ‘a new toy, an ice cream or a trip to the amusement park.’ While these things bring an immediate smile to many children’s faces, they are probably not the things that will keep them happy day by day, or turn them into happy adults. The basic ingredients that make children happy during childhood seem to be the same ones that help them to become happy adults: a secure relationship with parents gives the base to confidently explore the world and develop a sense of mastery and recognition, all important components in the recipe for happiness. However, in the short term, the new toy might provide a smile too! Man has to pass through many stages of life, since he is born until he dies. He passes through infancy, childhood, boyhood, youth, middle age and old age. Childhood continues from the 6th to the 12th year of age. Boyhood continues from the 12th to the 19th year of age. Youth lasts from the 20th to 35th year of age. Middle age lasts from the 36th to the 55th year of age. Old age continues from 56th year until death. Of all the stages of life childhood is the most important. Because it is the formative period of life. It is also the first conscious stage of life. Important of childhood: Childhood is the formative period of life. Human character takes its shape in childhood. Man gets deep and lasting impressions in his childhood. Because at this stage men’s mind is soft, receptive and plastic. It is just like the potter’s clay. So human character should be properly shaped in childhood. What should be done in childhood: Childhood is one of the growing stage in man’s life. The human beings grow up to 24th year of age. So, the health of the child should be properly looked after. He should be given balance diet. He should be encouraged to from healthy habits like early rising. He should be taught to be neat and clean, to do exercise regularly, to eat, sleep, read and play at habits. He should be kept happy and cheerful. All these will help him to grow healthy in body and mind. Proper and appropriate food should be provided to the child’s mind. He should be given the most carefully chosen books to read. he should be given children’s magazines. He should be given interesting and instructive pictures. At this stage, records should be kept of the child’s inclination, aptitude, knack, mood, temperament, interest, abilities and his latent qualities. On the basis of these records, the future of the child should be planned. The child should be trained on the basis of this plan. Care of parents and teachers: In the modern system of society and education in India, nobody takes the responsibility of the child’s welfare. The parents think that it is a responsibility of the teachers, because the child stays in the school for six hours a day. The teachers think that it is the responsibility of the parents, because the children belong to their parents, and in future the children will come to any use only to their parents and families. But in the interest of society, nation, country and above all mankind all have responsibility for the welfare of the children. Conclusion: It is the foremost duty of the Government to see to the welfare of the children. But in India we find that a lot of children in schools are dying by food-poisoning in the Government Mid-day meal system. The school buildings are defectively constructed. So the buildings breakdown and many children die underneath. the milk-powder that comes to Panchayats and Block offices is said to be put to black-marketing. Government should look to all these affairs. Childhood is the most important period in a men’s life. So, the Government should take utmost care of it.

EU-Belarus Relations

This paper will utilize 5 articles from around the world on the question of the relations between Belarus and the European Union. The purpose here is to unmask the propaganda, the unsubstantiated rumors and western-sponsored attacks on Belarus and specifically, its president, Alexander Lukashenko, wildly popular in Belarus itself. The Moscow Times (May 4, 2009), speaks of the possibility of Lukashenko boycotting the EU’s summit in Prague that same week. There are two reasons given for this.First, that the visit might â€Å"irritate† some EU members, and secondly, that part of the agenda of the meeting is to promote the â€Å"economic integration† of eastern Europe within a EU run framework. Both of these reasons are telling. First, the economic success of Belarus outside of the system financed by the International Monetary Fund has threatened the European Union and the United States. The endless accusations of vote rigging and oppression are belied by the fact th at Lukashenko is overseeing a huge expansion of the post-Soviet economy of Belarus, and that he holds to a solid popularity rating of 80%, this after over 10 years in office.The Los Angeles Times (September 25, 2005) has said: â€Å"even [Lukashenko’s] fiercest opponents don’t question the accuracy of independent polls that rate him the most popular politician in this country. † Yet, the major papers and agencies here do not make reference to it at all. From the Financial Times (May 2, 2009), the Belarussian foreign Minister, Sergei Martinov, fears that the Prague Summit would have turned into a competition for Belarussian support. In other words, that the EU was using this summit to lure Belarus away from Russia.Martinov said that â€Å"We are not going to make a choice between the EU and Russia. We are not going to develop relations with one at the expense of relations with the other. † It seems that the fears of Lukashenko and his government are justif ied here. The only rational reason why the EU, whose public contempt for Lukashenko is daily made clear, would want Belarus to attend the Prague summit is so that they can take Belarus away from the protection of Russia with the aim of altering her highly successful political system.What other government would tolerate this? It seems more that the EU seeks the cooperation of Belarus, at least partially because Russian oil pipelines and much refining capacity goes straight thought Belarussian territory. While the EU publically condemns Belarus for vague crimes, the Belarussian foreign trading regime has been heaving tilted towards the EU and away from a dependence on Russia. Belarus is skillfully playing both sides, making herself indispensable for both the Russian and the European sphere of influence.The fact is that, vague denunciations aside, Belarus still sports a large trade and budget surplus, high economic growth rates and an unemployment rate of around 1%. These numbers are d ifficult to argue with, and hence, the EU’s approach has now been directed more towards dialogue rather then confrontation. In April 29, 2009, the Euro-Business newspaper from Brussels came out with a scathing article attacking Belarus from a Polish point of view.It relates the president of the European parliament’s condemnation of Belarussian policies while speaking in Poland, and reminds readers that Lukashenko was under a EU imposed travel ban lifted only in October. But what are the facts here. Again, the president of the rather toothless EU parliament attacks Belarus for a lack of democracy. But Belarus has 14 independent and rather large political parties, some pro-Lukashenko, some opposed. Belarus has dozens of privately owned newspapers of diverse backgrounds, including the large anti-government Charter 97 news agency.Apparently, the issue is not over â€Å"democracy† but Belarus’ strong sense of national independence, including in terms of econom ic integration with the EU. Pro-Belarussian professor Matthew Johnson had this to say about the situation in Belarus: In Belarus, a country the size of Kansas, there are about 800 newspapers. Of this, about 600 are privately owned. There are about 450 magazines are various kinds. Of these, about 300 are owned by private investors or entrepreneurs. In television, there are 9 state owned stations, and about 40 stations owned by private investors (Johnson, 2006).On April 30, 2009, the Soros owned Radio Free Liberty newspaper wrote that â€Å"Czech President Vaclav Klaus has said he would neither shake Lukashenko's hand nor invite him to the Prague castle if he comes to the Czech capital. † No reasons for this immature overreaction are given. It does strongly suggest that the EU and the US are putting quite a bit of pressure on European leaders to freeze out the independent Lukashenko. His economic success and thriving democracy are a threat to the west where democracy is synonym ous for â€Å"integration with the west.† Lukashenko’s independent course and economic success far and above either Poland and Czech Republic in terms of incomes and unemployment (cf. World Bank Report, 2009). The Russian News and Information Agency wrote on February 18, 2009, that â€Å"The EU plans to include Belarus in its new program, Eastern Partnership, on the condition that Minsk complies with EU demands on the country's democratization. † In other words, Belarus can be a part of Europe so long as she ceases to be an independent country and permits Brussels to restructure her domestic policy.And would Great Britain like it if Belarus refused to ship any oil to Europe unless she pull out of Northern Ireland? This is about power, and the foreign policy independence of Belarus. Refusing to follow any western line, Belarus has strong economic and military ties with Iran, China and Vietnam, hence standing in the way of western foreign policy. This seems to hav e more to do with the EU’s contempt for Minsk than anything else. But often, the newspapers dealt with here refuse to deal with the major issues.First, none of the above papers ever dealt with the economic success of Belarus, even when such success is seconded by the World Bank statistics themselves. Second, they refuse to deal with Lukashenko’s popularity and, lastly, refuse to deal with the long history of the CIA in attempting to destabilize that country, hence prompting Lukashenko’s paranoia about foreign manipulation. Paul Labarique writes in the Non-Aligned Press Network: The Bush administration’s many attempts to overthrow Alexander Lukashenko and destabilize Belarus to bring it to the North Atlantic orbit (NATO) have failed.Not precisely because the extremely authoritarian president has had the support of Russia, but because it has relied on his voters. Appreciating the country’s good economic performance and the maintenance of their indepe ndence, the Belarusian distrusted an opposition too openly submitted to Washington’s interests (February 18, 2005) While this is a dated reference, it does show that many are suspicious about the so-called anti-Lukashenko opposition and the CIA’s long running interference in Russian, Ukrainian, Serbian, Georgian and Belarussian elections.But none of this is spoken of in the major media outlets in America or the EU. The more recent articles dealt with in this paper refuse to deal with any of the major issues involved with the west’s irrational attacks on Lukashenko. But what are the newspapers leaving out? Apparently they are under a great amount of stress to paint Lukashenko in the most dire colors possible. But this is a problem: if the major newspapers worldwide are refusing the report the truth, than what does this say?It says that, especially in more obscure parts of the world, CIA involvement can lead to distorted reporting for reasons of â€Å"national se curity. † Or it may be merely that the reporters involved do not want to be thrown out of the country club, or that, even more, the Radio Free Europe report is motivated by the fact that the Soros NGO’s were thrown out of Belarus some years ago as agents of the CIA. Either way, the fact remains that newspaper reporting is highly suspect, and yet, the issues here are tremendous: Russia is a nuclear armed country, and pushing Belarus too hard is, to some extent, pushing Russia.To re-create the Cold War is likely not the best idea in the world, and the fact that Belarus is reaching out to China and Venezuela suggests that an alternative trading and military bloc is being formed. The picture the newspapers paint of Lukashenko is an unrestrained tyrant. Yet that is not backed up by facts in any forum. Hence, in reading papers about the relations between Lukashenko and the EU, one must be wary of the bias of the authors. The issues that the authors are not bringing up either because they are too ignorant of the subtleties, or they are under pressure, are that first, Belarus is an economic and political success.Lukashenko enjoys wide popularity and has controlled the effects of both the breakup of the USSR and the current economic crisis. But Lukashenko’s policies have been driven by state independence and the desire for a multi-polar world. This has led to threats from the west that has led further to the realignment of Belarussian politics towards anti-western centers throughout the world, including the crucial area of nuclear power (Kommersant, 2006). The west’s policies in this respect have been failures.But it is also clear that the media is also a major power behind the attacks on Lukashenko, often without the facts and research necessary to make sense out of the complex political situation of small states in a hostile environment. Obviously the media is misreporting the situation in Belarus. It seems to this writer that the real reas on Belarus is a threat is that they are an economic successful nation outside of the integrative structures of the west and its banks.Luskahenko has refused to permit his country to come under the control of the west, and has pursued a strategy of international equality, seeing all states as equal and as contributing to global justice. As a result he is vilified in the press, as some of the newspaper reports mentioned here show. History is in the making indeed, and it is being made by a handful of reporters and journalists in elite newspapers. References: Barber, Tony. â€Å"Belarus Fears Battle for Regional Influence. † The Financial Times. May 2, 2009. Moscow Times. â€Å"Lukashenko Expected to Skip EU’s Prague Summit.May 4, 2009 EU Business. â€Å"European Parliament Chief Calls for Democracy in Belarus. April 29, 2009. Radio Free Liberty. â€Å"Belarussian President Will not Attend Prague Summit. † April 30, 2009. Labareque, Paul. â€Å"Belarussians Defen d their Interests. † Non Aligned Press Network. February, 15, 2005 Johnson, Matthew Raphael. Belarus: A New Look. The American Journal for Russian and Slavic Studies, 2006. Kommersant. â€Å"Lukashenko Speaks Chinese. † May 24, 2006 World Bank. Belarus. 2009. (Cf www. worldbank. org/by) for all the statistical information on the Belarussian economy.