Social Class and Class Conflict in Jane Austens Persuasion Essay

Social Class and Class Conflict in Jane Austens Persuasion - Essay Example The Elliots are a titled and landowning family, and so, in the conception of traditional, aristocratic society, they enjoyed a secure position. However, Austen highlights in Persuasion just how unstable this position was becoming by the 19th century, and the very real risks which could threaten the fundamental happiness of gentry women. Sir Walter, obsessed with his position as a baronet, overspends in order to maintain what he regards the traditional lifestyle of his class, and brings huge debts upon the family. This forces his daughters to move out of their childhood home – Kellynch Hall – and see strangers move in, who are members of the upwardly mobile middle class – people who, through prosperous trading ventures or, more respectably, through clerical, medical and naval careers, were gaining wealth and influence in the 19th century. At the same time as being forced from her home, Anne Elliot must live with the knowledge that she was persuaded, through the ad vice of the aristocratic Lady Russell, to give up marriage to the man she lived because of his lack of wealth and connections. A key point is that women at the time were unable to own wealth or property, and were therefore curtailed in any attempt to gain economic security. As the character of Mrs Smith shows, the consequences of a husband’s or father’s death could be severe, and could leave a woman destitute and excluded from society. In the novel, the naval career is presented as means by which wealth and a certain elevation of status can be achieved in life, although the traditional landed aristocracy might still descry the ambition of the lower sorts. However, Austen might be accused of a gentle subversion of the rigid class system of the time, in the favorable way she presents the upward social mobility of characters like the Crofts and Captain Wentworth. Of course, even a good start in the naval career is shown to rely on influential contacts, when Admiral Croft says of Captain Wentworth’s charge of the Asp: ‘lucky fellow to get anything so soon, with no more interest than his’ (Persuasion, 51), with ‘interest’ surely referring to influential people working on behalf of his interests. Nevertheless, once given a commission, a captain could make large profits, especially in a time of war as at the turn of the 19th century, when Britain was at war with France, and booty from captured ships supplemented pay. Captain Wentworth comments, ‘Ah! Those were the pleasant days when I had the Laconia! How fast I made money in her’ (Persuasion, 52), while the Admiral even says ‘if he have the good luck to live to another war’ (Persuasion, 55), clearly eyeing potential profits. Austen seems to favor the navy as a career most after the clergy, and not only in Persuasion. She uses it in this novel, however, as the model by which people can be promoted and achieve success and prosperity on the basis of their personal merit, rather than their ancestry. Indeed, such a meritocratic system is anathema to Sir Walter, who is obsessed with heredity. This obsession with his status as a baronet reaches a comic level when we see him repeatedly reading and re-reading the entry on him in the Baronetage, no doubt the famous Debrett’s Peerage and Baronetage, first published in 1802 (Ross, 196). Sir Walter is convinced that this status gives him some natural superiority, and yet, on comparison

Analysis of Two Learning Environment Designs Essay

Analysis of Two Learning Environment Designs - Essay Example The authors conducted a literature review on the significance of working memory and cognitive load on learning performance of students and how the use of multimedia enables the learners to improve their learning by reducing the extraneous cognitive load on the part of the learners. It also discussed the impact of short- and long-term memory in solving problem-based cases, the effects of problem types on students’ thinking process. Based on the literature gathered, the authors conducted a research study to test 3 hypotheses: (H1) participants in synchronized interactive multimedia will outperform unsynchronized interactive media in solving multiple rule-based problem-solving; (H2) Synchronized and unsynchronized multimedia could affect learners’ spatial ability and performance; (H3) demographic factors could affect learners’ ability to solve problems. Study result confirms that all three hypotheses were true.

Reasons For Selection Of New Market For Entry Marketing Essay

Reasons For Selection Of New Market For Entry Marketing Essay Introduction: IKEA a Swedish company has grown itself to a large business organisation from a small mail order business. IKEA was found by Ingvar Kampard in Sweden. It has grown itself to 253 stores and 37 countries around the world. IKEA has opened stores in United Kingdom, Hong Kong, China, Japan, and many more making IKEA a brand around the world. According to Usunier (2000), the implications and barriers in establishing a new market in the international trade business is reducing day by day which creates new opportunities for the business for globalisation. Reasons for selection of new market for entry by the Company India has become a emerging trade nation for many multinational organisations for establishing their business through the years. In year 2009, the GDP of India stood at US$1.243 trillion which had made makes itself the 11th largest economic nation in the world. In July, Reserve Bank of India has claimed a growth of 8.5% growth in the financial year (BBC news, 31 August 2010). Considering the average growth of the India from two decades it has been 5.8% (Achin Vanaik, July 2006). It has been the fastest growing economy in the world. India has involved itself in world trading market by opening its doors to the multinational organisations to conduct business in India. Considering the international market the culture barrier comes in front of any organisation conducting business internationally. So a perfect international marketing strategy should be designed before taking step in the Indian market. Alternative markets which were candidates and reasons not selected? IKEA has established itself in every part of the world in Europe, North America, Middle East, Caribbean and Asia Pacific, so going after the establish region markets will help IKEA only in developing its communication network and not build its brand around the world. India is the location where IKEA has not established itself and had been unaware of the scope of the Indian market in increasing its business. Proposed market entry strategy, including rationale The proposed marketing strategy which can be used by IKEA for establishing in Indian market Marketing Mix (The 4Ps). Marketing mix is considered has one of the main tools in marketing for understanding the different concepts related to price, product, place, and promotion (4Ps) (Armstrong and Kotler, 2006). IKEA can modify its marketing strategy according to the targeted market with marketing mix. Fig:1 The 4Ps of Marketing Mix Source: Armstrong and Kotler (2006) Marketing: an introduction. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc. The product section is the first category where IKEA can first focus on and select what are the products which can be targeted to India. However IKEA offers a great range of the household products which can be useful houses. Considering the products targeted by IKEA to the customers they can be given an option of choosing different range of the products within a range of price and also let them choose different colour combinations for cover at low and cheap price. IKEA has always supported global warming and does not cover its products with all the cardboard stuff covered with synthetic balls and everything, but uses environment friendly products to cover them. IKEA can provide free home delivery option to the customers with self to do furniture and can provide support if needed. The most important parameter is the price which affects customers ranging from different economy class levels. Considering the earlier facts by IKEA where it changes the price by providing discounts, EMI scheme according to the demand and supply of the products. Thus by providing schemes for prices to the customers it keeps the pricing policy balanced with customer values and also integrates with other 3Ps of marketing mix. The 3rd P of the marketing mix is Place which according to IKEA is a important parameter as in for targeting customers. The sub categories involved in the Place are medium of channel, coverage of the area i.e. distance between store and the customers, assortments, locations, inventory, transportation and logistics. However IKEA has developed its communication network by delivering the products from suppliers to customers at time and up to date. IKEA uses flatpacks play which helps in reducing the costs involved in transportation. Opening a shop in the Indian suburbs can also help in reducing the prices involved in transportation of the materials from places. Promotion plays an important role in branding of any product and IKEA has achieved it through its years of marketing techniques used in promoting its products. Promotion does involves advertising, sales parameters, public relations and personal selling and other marketing techniques which can be used for building relationships with Indian customers. IKEA involves advertising of its products in TV, newspapers and hand to hand delivery of the pamphlets to people homes. As said earlier IKEA involves itself in environmental concern and so has been a part of some environmental NGOs through the world, UNICEF, and WWF just creating a favourable public image to the customers. Culture plays an important role in establishing a new firm in international countries. IKEA will have to take in mind the cultural concepts before investing in India. There has been many literature based on different concepts of culture according to different authors and publishers. Terpstra David (1985) defines the culture as medium for learning, sharing, compelling, set of actions or symbols which can provide some meaning to the members of the society. According to Parker (2000), A relation between institutions, organisations and management itself plays as a cultural communication between the teams. Ien (2005) presents a nice concept where he thinks rise in the awareness of the culture in the society is in relation to globalisation in particular. Culture plays an important role in marketing which is also related to the 4Ps of the marketing mix while designing the marketing strategy for Indian markets. Considering the idea that IKEA will be dealing with the Indian customers which h as distinct cultures, languages and different income levels. If we use the same marketing techniques used in United Kingdom, China, Hong Kong we wont be able to guarantee that the marketing strategies used in those will help us succeed in Indian markets. Cross culture marketing will play an important role in developing the IKEA a brand name in Indian cultural trade market. Usunier (2000), has stated in his publication that use of culture approach in developing the marketing strategies for international countries can be useful. Globalization does acts as a barrier in international cross cultural marketing which creates entry step barriers which can be reduced during the span of period. Following in this report we will be exploring the Armstrong Kotler (2006) marketing mix (4Ps) concept with culture and design a marketing strategy form Indian customers. In this report we will apply the global marketing strategy of the IKEA and maintain balance between globalisation standards and Indian market understanding. Usunier (2000), the marketing strategy for any business should be globalised but the marketing concepts can be tailored according to the customer and cross cultural marketing needs. The main approach of IKEA will be to attract as many as customers by adaption through local markets. The following section will explain the marketing strategy by the IKEA in co relation to Indian culture. Product: Product is an integral part of any Retail based business which has to be according to the needs and demand of local customers. The showrooms should be designed according to the Indian style and will also integrate quality and design of the products according to the customer preference. A large variety of the products will be displayed in the showroom ranging low price to high price along with combination prices. Considering the Indian culture and style of cooking, 4 kinds of meat cleavers and 7 types of spoons and forks along with the western style of products will be displayed. Considering the Indian culture which has a different combinations of colours included in it, the design of the showroom will be coloured with different combination of colours. During Diwali (Indian festival of lights) IKEA can bring new range of products with less and affordable price to the Indian market. During this festival people usually renovate their houses and bring in new products to their new home. N ew designs and furnitures can be very effective in Indian markets apart from the local furniture stores. However this step will cost in investment to IKEA but will also help in attracting the customers and increasing sales. For example, IKEA sells mattresses in Sweden as in different sizes such as 70X 200 cm, 90X 200 cm, 120X 200 cm, 170X 200 cm. But in they can be displayed as single bed, double bed, big double bed etc. which also considers the Indian culture because in Indian people believe that sleeping in two different beds creates problems in relationships in the house according to the Indian Vastu shastra. The main attribute of IKEA is packaging of its products which contains a simple wrap like material used to cover the products. But in India people seems to like their product wrapped in a material such that no wear and tear is done to product. IKEA can make use of the low recyclable materials to make such covers which will be cheaper to the other packaging materials. By using the recyclable materials IKEA will stand by its environment friendly organizations. Differentiating IKEA from other furniture showrooms IKEA can open in store restaurant serving Indian cuisines and Swedish cuisines to the customers. Indians love eating which will add as a profit to IKEA. Free home delivery and installation charges services can be provided to the customers under a nominal price and can been given an option of reducing this charges through direct payment of the high range products. Branding plays an important role for any organisation and IKEA can contribute to branding by getting involved in the Indian culture. Price Price plays an important parameter in attracting customers for any business organisations in any world market. Reduce in the prices will help IKEA in attracting customers. Reduce in the prices will help in increasing the sales for IKEA. Considering India most of the market population is in middle class and IKEA with low prices can hit this large middle class population with appropriate marketing strategy. This prices can also be changed during the festive seasons and new products can be displayed with appropriate prices reducing the loss element of IKEA. Full furniture designs can be displayed in the brochures and real designs can be displayed in the showrooms. IKEA has a policy of attracting and winning customer values through low prices. Place Place provides a medium of communication between the organisation some or the other form if the products are supplied to the customers in time and on date it creates some kind of the reliable relationship between organization and customers. After studying through the logistics, transportation routes with easy traffic IKEA can open showrooms in town where thier are high class income customers and middle class customers which would be easy for customers to reach the showroom and easy for IKEA in transportation of their products through logistics. The showrooms will be designed according to the Indian culture depicting various colours with colourful floorings and matching the furniture designs which can give the customers and idea on how they can furnish their homes. Considering the location of the IKEA showroom and traffic problems in Mumbai, IKEA can help in underground carking parking facilities charging a nominal price for parking. The timings of the showroom will be from 10am to 10 pm daily through year. Future investments can be considered in attracting more middle class customers by opening showrooms in suburbs and building efficient distribution system between the two showrooms. This can help in reducing the prices and reaching more customers through Mumbai. Promotion Promotion is an important element in any marketing strategy for any business organization. Promotion consists of sub categories such as advertising, sales parameters, public relations and personal selling and other marketing techniques used for promoting products. Advertisements can help IKEA build customer relationships through cultural means. IKEA has its known policy of not using personal selling and giving out limited choices to the customers, it wants its customers to have a range of products so that they can select their favourite ones. IKEA can display the various colour combinations of flooring and stuff which goes with the furnitures and can create local employments by employing staffs to help the customers related to any products. IKEA can promote its products through advertisements through TV, newspapers and dropping out brochures in some residential areas. IKEA can promote its new products during festival seasons and attract more customers. Internet been a big market for sales of the products IKEA can advertisement through internet by ads through various websites and personal website giving out each information needed by the customer. IKEA can promote its products during festival season by giving free home delivery over purchase of Rs. 30,000/-. An advertisement has to been done in English and Hindi for better communication to the Indian customers. Through advertisements IKEA can reach to its customers for better sales and services. IKEA can build its public relations by letting customers know on purchase of products more than Rs. 20000/- a respected amount of Rs. 4000/- will go into charity helping poor childrens in Mumbai. Outline of recommended marketing mix This marketing mix (4Ps) Product, Price, Place and Promotion in combination with Indian culture can be useful in implementing the marketing strategy for IKEA covering each and every factor required to establish in Indian market. The cultural awareness of the market can help in designing the marketing strategy and adapting 4Ps according to the market. This cultural awareness of the market can help IKEA in building a strong foundation in market and making it different from other organizations. Multinational organization can make use of this marketing mix (4 Ps) for establishing them self in any international market and adapting the 4Ps according to the cross cultural marketing techniques in new international markets.

Poverty, Hunger and Malnutrition Essay -- Nutrition Pyramid Health

Poverty, Hunger and Malnutrition Every morning when I wake up the first thought in my mind is usually: FOOD! I often lie in bed for a few extra minutes, planning out what I am going to eat for breakfast. Seldom as I go through this routine do I stop to think about those who are less fortunate than me. I often take for granted that everyone wakes up and eats breakfast. But this is far from true, not everyone shares the luxuries that we have in the United States. Some people wake up and wonder if they will eat at all that day, let alone eat breakfast. Why? Because food, like many other things, is unequally distributed throughout the world. The struggle for enough food has gone on for centuries. Back in primitive days, the first task human beings undertook was the search for food. Primitive people were collectors, they would find what they could to eat and hope that it would be enough. When this failed to meet the population's needs, humans became hunters and trapped their food. Finally, some years later, humans began to farm the land. Because of the growing demand for food, those who could produce the most crops were considered the most powerful. But the limits of farming too were quickly discovered. If the earth were to produce food naturally, there would only be enough to feed about ten million individuals. With the earth's population now exceeding five billion we can see how this could pose a problem. Because of this overwhelming gap between how much the earth can produce and how much is actually needed, many agricultural advancements have been made that allow us to produce much more. One very important advancement was the irrigation system. This system supplies dry land with water by means of ditches, pipes, or st... ... flowers came from, after all it is too cold for flowers to grow in America. But these flowers are not grown here, they are grown in Mexico. Huge plantations of fertile land are bought by American coporations and instead of being used for agricultural purposes, the land is used to grow flowers for Valentine's Day. People struggle to provide enough food to feed and nurish their families, while fertile land is being wasted to grow flowers. Atrocities such as this are commited by the rich countries every day. We take from other less fortunate countries valuable resources that they truly need, though we have plenty of our own resources to work with. Perhaps if people in the US (as well as the other rich countries) began conserving more and wasting less on luxuries that we do not really need, we could take the first step towards helping those less fortunate than we are.

With a Focus on Gender or Race

CAROL COLLINS STUDENT – 11423048 1 With a focus on gender or race, discuss whether the criminal justice system is biased. Society expects the criminal justice system to provide justice for everyone by protecting the innocent, to punish and convict the guilty, and to rehabilitate them in an attempt to stop them reoffending. It is supposed to give fair justice for everyone, regardless of gender, but much is written that suggests that the criminal justice system is gender-biased. Gender bias was not formed by the justice system, but it does reflect the fundamental conditions and attitudes of society.The cost of gender bias to society, the criminal justice system, and to the people within it is enormous. To discuss if the criminal justice system is gender-biased, an understanding should be reached regarding what is meant by the term `gender`. The word gender can be difficult to define, and also how it differs from the term `sex`. Whilst the term `sex` refers to the psychological a nd biological physiognomies that describe men and women, the term `gender` (The Free online Dictionary) refers to the roles that society considers to be appropriate for men and women, such as activities and behaviours.Categories of gender are `masculine` and `feminine’ while sex categories are `male` and `female`. Some authors believe that the increase of females offending has increased due to the `masculinization` of women’s behaviour during the Women’s Liberation Movement in the 1970s, and is responsible for the increasing numbers of women committing crimes. (Heidensohn, 1989; Adler, 1975). Aspects of sex do not vary between human societies, but aspects of gender may be very different (Bryant and Trueman, 2000).Sex-stereotypes are said to be central to gender, which can be defined as the behaviours, attitudes, roles and beliefs that are passed from generation to generation (Weinrich, CAROL COLLINS STUDENT – 11423048 2 1980). Bias is defined as an inclin ation or preference that inhibits unbiased judgement. There are two views concerning whether men and women are treated differently by the courts and the police. The first is the chivalry hypothesis, which is that women are treated with more respect, sympathy and courtesy.It is stated in the chivalry theory that more leniency is given to women than to men by the police, courts and the criminal justice system in general. It is said that male chivalry means that a woman is less likely to be charged by the police, and that the courts give lesser sentences to women than men, even if they have committed the same crime as male counterparts. Women who are sent to prison often receive shorter sentences than men which does imply that women are treated more leniently (Heidensohn, 2002).Some authors state that the chivalry hypothesis becomes not so relevant if the crimes committed are the same, and sentencing varies very little between the sexes. It can be argued that the chivalry hypothesis on ly works if the offender fits what is considered to be the female stereotypical, gendered role. The second view of different gender-treatment is when a woman does not fit the stereotype of what are female norms, this `double jeopardy’ theory becomes relevant, which results in much harsher sentencing (Carlen, 1985).It can be argued that in some cases that women are treated more severely by the criminal justice system because women are guilty of been doubly deviant; by committing a crime they have not behaved in a way that is regarded to be a socially normal way for their gender to behave. It is also written that females who commit aggressive crimes are often treated more severely than men, who are aggressive because their behaviour is different from what is regarded as normal female behaviour (Paul and Baenninger, 1991; Gelsthorpe, 2003).CAROL COLLINS STUDENT-11423048 3 Campbell (1993) states that violent women must rival men or be mentally ill, because it is not how nice girl s should behave according to Batchelor (2001). It could be seen that in some areas the gender bias within the criminal justice system that gender rivalry with the men has been the predominant force. Police officers and judges were interviewed by Hedderman and Gelsthorpe (1997) and were asked about the ways in which they made decisions.It is clear that women were given more leniencies if they have children, as their offences are treated as â€Å"need more than greed†, for example if they had stolen goods from a shop it was because they needed the goods for their family. However if a man had stolen from a shop it would have been seen that his motivation was one of greed. There is evidence that the possible gender bias in the criminal justice system begins as soon as a woman is taken to the police station. Fawcett (2006) comments that women feel that police stations are hostile places, artly because of the behaviour and sexist language within the police service. Women are in gen eral less inclined to use their right to have legal representation, but this may be not only because they are often charged with less serious crimes, or it could be because they feel overwhelmed and intimidated in the male-dominated police station. Only 20% of police officers are women, and only 18% of forensic officers are women. It is unclear whether police officers are trained to deal with women who have been victims of abuse, particularly when that is pertinent to the charges that have been brought against them.The Home Office states that women who are given prison sentences are given shorter sentences than their male counterparts. This implies that women are treated more leniently by the criminal justice system. The individual's history of offending and the nature of the offence are taken into account, and according to the Home Office, both the higher rate of CAROL COLLINS STUDENT-11423048 4 cautions issued to women, and the lower rate of custodial sentences, reflect that women are less likely to commit serious offences and that past criminal records are also taken into account.Offences that are committed by females tend to be less serious than those committed by men, and fewer women have previous criminal records. This indicates that, according to Trueman and Bryant (2003), there is not any sympathetic bias towards women. 27% of the women who are in prison are first-time offenders, which is more than twice the figure for men. This suggests that men offending for the first time are treated more leniently than women. 63% of women are serving custodial prison sentences for non-violent crimes, in contrast to 45% of men in prison. This suggests that women are sent to prison for far less serious crimes than men.According to the 2001 census, women represented 51. 3% of the population of England and Wales, but only 6. 1% of the prison population were women. It states that more women are likely to be given community sentences, or to be discharged, and that they a re much less likely to be given a custodial sentence than men (Home Office, 2003). Only 8% of the total amount of people sentenced to a custodial prison sentence in 2001 was women. In the last ten years there has been an increase in the female prison population by 60% compared to an increase of 28% for men.The rise is explained by an increase in the severity of the sentences given. It is possible that the introduction in 1997 of The Mandatory and Minimum Sentencing Act put restrictions on judges from using their own discretion when passing sentences. It is believed that the prison system in the United Kingdom was designed for men by men (Corston, 2007). Gender issues not only cause problems for women but also for the trans-sexual prisoners. New prison guidelines in 2006 were introduced to reform aspects of the prison system in order to reduce gender bias towards trans-sexual individuals.Sir David CAROL COLLINS STUDENT-11423048 5 Ramsbotham, prison inspector in 2000, stated that tran s-sexual prisoners were at risk of serious health problems due to the bias against them that they had been denied treatment, and he stated that they should be given the same treatment as everyone else. As fewer women go to prison than men, there is a male-dominated prison system. Due to this, there is discrimination against women in the prison system. There are fourteen women’s prisons in England, are there are none in Wales (Prison Reform Trust, 2010).This suggests that for women to be sent to a women’s prison it is probable that they may be incarcerated a long distance away from their families, causing isolation and emotional stress (Women in Prison, 2006). A woman is imprisoned on average 57 miles away from their committal address, and in 2007 over 800 women was held more than 100 miles away. This also suggests that women are often imprisoned in a higher grade prison than they need to be in. Due to the fact that there are fewer women’s prisons than menâ€℠¢s prisons, there are far fewer opportunities such as training or education (Hayes, 2007).Over the past ten years the media has focused on many controversial problems within women prisons with television documentaries such as `Girls behind bars`, 2011. The newspapers have used headlines such as `Women burn, strangle and stab themselves in jail hell` (Bright, 2004). In the documentaries, any of the issues raised were indirectly a result of gender bias and the effect that it can have on the women inmates within the criminal justice system. Much of the emphasis of the programmes was about the mental illness that is caused by the lack of suitable prisons and facilities.This in turn often leads to self-harm, drug abuse and suicide. There is evidence that suggests that gender bias also exists in the criminal justice system against women who are victims of rape. It is believed that in rape trials it is the female rape victim who is made to feel that she is on trial more than the male suspe ct (Walklate, 1989). CAROL COLLINS STUDENT-11423048 6 Baroness Stern was commissioned by the Government to do an independent report into the on-going concerns in the amount of rape cases that that went to court and resulted in a conviction.In the report Stern suggested that the (estimated) 14% of reported rapes that result in a conviction for rape or sexual assault was not low compared with other crimes. Of the rape cases that go to court, 58% result in a conviction. Stern reported that the figure would not improve under the present legal system (Williams, 2010). The Stern report (2011) suggested that improved care of the victim would improve the rates of conviction, as fewer victims and witnesses would withdraw from the process, which would improve the possibility of a conviction. In 2005, only 6. % of rapes that were reported to the police and taken to court resulted in a conviction, compared to 35% of other criminal cases. In the United States of America (USA) the criminal justic e system discriminates against men; one point that is argued is that if a man commits a murder in the USA it is more than twenty times more likely that he will be given the death penalty. Whereas, if a woman murders a man, she is unlikely to be sentenced to death, however if she murders a child or another woman, she runs a higher risk of receiving a death sentence.Markedly, murdering a man is not significant enough to merit the death penalty (Farrell, 1993). According to Farrell, men do not speak up enough, publicize, or organise appeals, so that that biases against women are removed, and the biases against men remain. Information gathered shows that there is gender bias within the workforce of the criminal justice system. In 2008, only 24% of the police officers in England and Wales were women. Only 12% of women police officers had reached the position of Chief Inspector, compared to 27% who held the position of Constable.In CAROL COLLINS STUDENT- 11423048 7 2008, there were only 2 9 females who were members of the Chief Police Officers Association, out of 209 total members. A 1993 survey showed that nearly all the police women who took part in the survey had received some form of sexual harassment from fellow male officers. There were also reports that 3 out of 10 had been subjected to unwanted touching and to offensive insults. 66. 5% of barristers are men, compared to 33. 5% who are women. A taggering 91% of Queen's Counsel are men, compared to 9% who are women. A view could be taken that with gender bias amongst the employment ranks of the justice system, it is not surprising that there is gender bias within the criminal justice process of criminal prosecution. There are conflicting arguments whether women suffer or benefit from bias during the sentencing for crimes. There is enough evidence to conclude that there is gender bias in the criminal justice system. There should be equal justice for all, yet the criminal justice system is failing women miserably .Women are at a disadvantage as offenders, suspects, defendants, and as employees. The system is failing female victims of violent crimes due to a lack of supportive services. Far too many women are being imprisoned for non-violent crimes. Women are under-represented as employees within the system, principally amongst the senior police levels, the judiciary, CPS, Queens Counsel and within law firms. The criminal justice system and the Government need to address the discrimination that exists against women, and they need to put the issue of gender as central to the criminal justice system.Everyone has a gender or sex, and should be given the right not to be discriminated against. It is a human right to liberty, security, justice, and to not be given punishment without law. It is a human right to a fair trial (Human Rights Act, 2000). As certain that night will follow day, people will commit crimes, and the reactions to the crimes and the way in which gender CAROL COLLINS STUDENT- 114 23048 8 differences are approached in the criminal justice system, for the foreseeable future, will stay the same, coloured by their gender.WORDS- 2312 REFERENCES Adler, F. , 1975. Sisters in Crime: The rise of the new female criminal. New York: McGraw-Hill. Batchelor, S. , 2001. The Myth of Girl Gangs, Criminal Justice Matters, Spring Issue, 43, pp. 26-27. Bright, M. ., Women burn, strangle and stab themselves in jail hell. [Online] (Updated 8 February 1984) Available at: http://www. guardian. co. uk/uk/2004/feb/08/ukcrime. prisonsandprobation1 [Accessed 12 April 2012]. Bryant, L. and Trueman , C. , 2000. History Learning site. [online] Available at: [Accessed 21 April 2012]. Campbell, A. 1993. Men, Women and Aggression. New York: Basic Books. Carlen, P. (1998) Sledgehammer: Women’s Imprisonment at the Millennium, Macmillan Press Ltd: Hound mills; Basingstoke; Hampshire; London. Corston, B. 2007. Ministry of Justice: Criminal Justice Group. [online] [Accessed 8 April 2012]. Farrell, M. 1993: [Online] http://www. mikefarrell. org/activist/deathpenalty. html Fawcett, 2006. Fawcett Closing the inequality gap. Online] (Updated 2006) Available at: http://www. fawcettsociety. org. uk/index. asp? PageID=712 [Accessed 12 April 2012 Hayes, S. C. , 2007. Women with learning disabilities who offend: what do we know? British Journal of Learning of Learning Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 35 (3), pp. 187-191. Heidensohn, F. ,1989. Crime and Society: Sociology for a changing world. London: Palgrave MacMillan. Heidensohn, F. , 2002. Gender and Crime. In: M. Maguire, Morgan, R and Reiner, R. , eds. The Oxford handbook of criminology. 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.Herrington, V. and Nee, C. , [2005]. Self-perceptions, masculinity and female offenders, Internet Journal of Criminology. [online] Available at: [Accessed 21 April 2012]. Home Office, 2003. Statistics on Women and the Criminal Justice System Report. Available at: [Accessed 21 April 2012]. Hu man Rights Act 2000.London: HMSO. Legislation. gov. uk. [Online] Available at: http://www. legislation. gov. uk/ukpga/1997/43/contents [Accessed 12 April 2012]. Paul, L. and Baenninger, M. (1991) `Aggression by Women`: More myths and methods in Baenninger, R. (ed) Targets of violence and aggression. North Holland. Elsevier Science Publishing. Prison Reform Trust, 2010. Women in Prison. [online] (Updated 1 August. ) Available at: [Accessed 16 April 2012]. Self-perceptions,

HRM Case Johnson Assosciates

This case is about a software consulting firm, Johnson and Associates. The business was established in 1989 by James and Michael Johnson. The two brothers opened the business at a time when the computer market was prospering and the software market was estimated to grow from 17% to 20% worldwide. Their plan was to concentrate on three target markets for their products which included health and racquet clubs, independent insurance agents and wholesale distribution companies.The product that was being offered by the firm was a software that would automate day-to-day operational tasks for users and provide marketing information. The name of the software was ‘Club-Kit. Contrary to what the prevalent trend, the firm was focusing on one product. Generally in the market. Firms with many products were more successful. This was a problem for them, along with the fact that copies of successful software were made by competition and this declined the profit margin for the firms involved. T he firm comprised of four individuals, two brothers and two friends of theirs.James Johnson was the rains behind the product and had an inclination towards technology. Michael on the other hand was more charismatic and was responsible for marketing the product. Jackson and Wilson were the two friends on board with the venture. They had launched the business and were looking for ways to market the product. For that purpose Johnson and Associates should keep in mind the marketing mix elements in order to obtain success. The elements include distribution, price, promotion and the product itself. Mainstream advertising was a very costly option and the new firm couldn't afford it.The firm should rely on personal selling to a large extent and on advertisements in trade journals. Since Michael is a charismatic person he should go individually to people and try to market the product. Secondly trade journals are a very economical option for telling the details about the software. It could ma ke many people aware of the company and the product. Incidentally, the general trend was that Service and Support, instruction, distribution and marketing presence were key components to the success of specialized software.Hence the firm should focus on extending their reach as much as they can as they were focusing on just one specialized software. The decision of pricing the software had a divided vote, while two members were for keeping the price of the software fixed, the other two wanted it to be negotiable in order to attract customers. However I believe that they should set the price of the software at 700$. The overall reduction in price should be due to hardware, which wouldn't cause a decline in their profits.

Caroline Chisholm essays

Caroline Chisholm essays Her nickname: The immigrants friend Died: In her hometown of England in March 1877 Married: To Archibald Chisholm in 1832 Fame: She was the first person to set up, and employ the first set of women workers in a womens home in Australia. Rewards: Her picture was printed on a 5-dollar bill for more than 20 years, until being replaced by the queen of England Caroline Jones was brought up by a caring family in England, whose door was open to anyone who needed help, or a place to stay, no matter how rich or poor they were. In 1832, (When she was 22) she married a British army officer, Archibald Chisholm. Archibald was always 100% behind Caroline. Early on in their marriage they decided to move to Australia, to start up a family. When they arrived in Sydney, Caroline was repulsed with all of the used and abused women who were homeless and begging on the streets. After seeing this, Caroline mind was set to making a difference, and after a lot of persuading, Governor Gipps finally allowed her to use the old, disused immigration barracks as a womens home. This was established in 1835. The immigration was run down, dirty and in desperate need of repair. Archibald helped her repair it. Within 2 years of setting up the womens home Caroline had found jobs for 1000 women. Over the time she ran the womens home, she housed and found decent jobs for 11000 migrants of who were mainly women. A few years later Caroline got pregnant and gave birth to a beautiful son, witch was said to resemble her husband Archibald. Caroline Chisholm was the first person to set up a counseling service for the young girls and women, who came to Australia with high hopes for a better life, but their dreams was shattered when they ended up, begging on the streets for money. ...

The Discovering of Puerto RIco Essay Example

The Discovering of Puerto RIco Essay Example The Discovering of Puerto RIco Essay The Discovering of Puerto RIco Essay The Discovering of Puerto Rico?Can this be any be more ironic. Boriquen was the name given to what we today call Puerto Rico and it was already discovered by Arawak Indians.So why do we date the discovery only when the Europeans came into the picture, 1493.Most of us are aware of what the European did to the native Indians and how the brought over the Africans and inslaved them.Ifwe could go back time we would have wished things had been dault in a different, more peaceful way.But since we cant go back in time we have to accept that now we are who we are because of those events.And since we cant change the past we should try our best to change the future by not being prejudice. On Christopher Columbus 2nd voyage he brought 17 ships, about 1200 men, stores for round trip voyage of 6 months.Also seeds, plants, animals, tools for agriculture and construction.Obvious that Spain intended to colonize not just explore.But the most important things they brought was language th at today is still spoke, religion that is still practice and a way of remembering this of years and years gone by, written history.When he sailed out of Cadiz September 1493, and made a stop at the Canary Islands in October, those who joined him on the second voyage probably had no idea how they would change, andthere great great grandkids would be part Dominica was thefirst of many island that would be discovered found for thefirst time by European.Followed by Mariegalante, Les Saintes, Desirade, Guadeloupe, Monserrat, Antigua, St. Martin, St. Croix, and the Virgin Islands name after the mythical story ofSt. Ursula and the 11,000 virgins that were killed by the Hauns when they were visiting the holy shrines of France, Spain, and, Portugal.Thefirst sign for a what we

presence - definition and examples of rhetorical presence

presence - definition and examples of rhetorical presence Definition: In rhetoric and argumentation, the choice to emphasize certain facts and ideas over others in order to secure the attention of an audience. The New Rhetoric: A Treatise on Argumentation arguments speaker Through presence, we establish the real, Louise Karon says in Presence in The New Rhetoric. This effect is primarily evoked through techniques of style, delivery, and disposition (Philosophy and Rhetoric, 1976). See also: Audience Analysis and Implied Audience Examples and Illustrations Ekphrasis and Enargia New Rhetoric(s)ProsopopoeiaPersuasion Examples and Observations: Perelman and Olbrechts-Tyteca write that presence is an essential factor in argumentation and one that is far too much neglected in rationalistic conceptions of reasoning. The presence of a fact or an idea is almost a sensory experience rather than a purely rational one; presence, they write, acts directly on our sensibility.Thus, in argumentation a rhetor seeks to bring his or her audience to the point of seeing the relevant facts, or experiencing the truthfulness of an idea. . . . Perelman and Olbrechts-Tyteca share Gorgias and the humanists intrigue with rhetorics power to direct thought, particularly rhetoric in the control of a skilled rhetorician. But their confidence in argumentation as a rational foundation of discourse is decidedly stronger than was Gorgias.(James A. Herrick, The History and Theory of Rhetoric: An Introduction, 3rd ed. Allyn and Bacon, 2005) Two Aspects of PresenceFor Perelman and Olbrechts-Tyteca (1969), achieving presence is a rule that guides the process of selection; we choose words, phrases, figurative images, and other discursive strategies to either (a) make something absent present to our audience or (b) increase the presence of something that has already been brought to the audiences attention. An example of the latter sense would be the way in which an orator, in a patriotic Fourth of July oration during the 19th century, would try to increase the presence of the spirit of the founding fathers.These two aspects of presence are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they frequently overlap. An advocate might begin by trying to make something present to an audience and then work to increase the presence of that item (whatever that might be). As Murphy (1994) noted, the idea of presence is a conceptual metaphor; when presence is achieved, what initially was absent almost seems to be in the room with the audience.(James Jasinski, Sourcebook on Rhetoric. Sage, 2001) Presence and Figurative LanguageThe very choice of giving presence to some elements instead of others implies their importance and pertinence to the discussion and acts directly on our sensibility, as illustrated by a Chinese parable: A king sees an ox on its way to sacrifice. He is moved to pity for it and orders that a sheep be used in its place. He confesses he did so because he could see the ox but not the sheep.Perelman and Olbrechts. Rhetorical Citizenship and Public Deliberation, ed. by Christian Kock and Lisa S. Villadsen. Penn State Press, 2012) Presence in Jesse Jacksons 1988 Convention Speech*Tonight in Atlanta, for the first time in this century, we convene in the South; a state where Governors once stood in school house doors; where Julian Bond was denied a seal in the State Legislature because of his conscientious objection to the Vietnam War; a city that, through its five Black Universities, has graduated more black students than any city in the world. Atlanta, now a modern intersection of the new South.Common ground! Thats the challenge of our party tonight. Left wing. Right wing.Progress will not come through boundless liberalism nor static conservatism, but at the critical mass of mutual survivalnot at boundless liberalism nor static conservatism, but at the critical mass of mutual survival. It takes two wings to fly. Whether youre a hawk or a dove, youre just a bird living in the same environment, in the same world.The Bible teaches that when lions and lambs lie down together, none will be afraid and there will be peace in the valley. It sounds impossible. Lions eat lambs. Lambs sensibly flee from lions. Yet even lions and lambs will find common ground. Why? Because neither lions nor lambs can survive nuclear war. If lions and lambs can find common ground, surely we can as wellas civilized people.The only time that we win is when we come together. In 1960, John Kennedy, the late John Kennedy, beat Richard Nixon by only 112,000 votesless than one vote per precinct. He won by the margin of our hope. He brought us together. He reached out. He had the courage to defy his advisers and inquire about Dr. Kings jailing in Albany, Georgia. We won by the margin of our hope, inspired by courageous leadership.In 1964, Lyndon Johnson brought wings togetherthe thesis, the antithesis, and the creative synthesisand together we won.In 1976, Jimmy Carter unified us again, and we won. When do we not come together, we never win.In 1968, the vision and despair in July led to our defeat in November. In 1980, ranc or in the spring and the summer led to Reagan in the fall.When we divide, we cannot win. We must find common ground as the basis for survival and development and change and growth.Today when we debated, differed, deliberated, agreed to agree, agree to disagree, when we had the good judgment to argue a case and then not self-destruct, George Bush was just a little further away from the White House and a little closer to private life.Tonight I salute Governor Michael Dukakis. He has run a well-managed and a dignified campaign. No matter how tired or how tried, he always resisted the temptation to stoop to demagoguery. . . .(Reverend Jesse Jackson, speech at the Democratic National Convention, July 19, 1988)* In the presidential election of November 1988, incumbent Vice President George H.W. Bush (Republican) handily defeated Governor Michael Dukakis (Democrat). The Effects of Presence and the Suppression of Presence[Charles] Kauffman and [Donn] Parson [in Metaphor and Presence in Argument, 1990] make the . . . important point . . . that the suppression of presence can have a persuasive effect. They show that metaphors with and without energeia can be used systematically, on the one hand, to alarm, and on the other, to dampen, public anxieties. For example, using metaphors with energeia, President Reagan speaks of antique Titan missiles that leave the United States naked to attack; he depicts the Soviet Union as an Evil Empire led by monsters. On the other hand, using metaphors without energeia, General Gordon Fornell creates an antipresence designed to sidestep public anxiety in the interest of further weapons procurement. The current Soviet ICBM force of 1,398 missiles, of which over 800 are SS-17, SS-18, and SS-19 ICBMs, represents a dangerous countermilitary asymmetry which must be corrected in the near term (99-100; emphasis mine). The systematic use of such colorless metaphors increases adherence by dampening what might otherwise be legitimate anxieties.(Alan G. Gross and Ray D. Dearin, Chaim Perelman. SUNY Press, 2003)

Probation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Probation - Essay Example Probation oriented towards providing rehabilitation or therapeutic services to nonviolent offenders, a logical targeting of probation resources The punishment component therefore is to managed by the law enforcement agencies that already perform surveillance and control (police and sheriffs). An option is to increase specialization within probation by licensing more private agencies that offer Drug and alcohol treatment, education, and mental health services are also provided through contract with private providers. Day reporting centers for probation offenders are the cornerstones of local's corrections privatization in California. Day reporting centers might initially supervise low risk probation offenders who are not sentenced to jail. They agitate for imposition of home confinement sanctions, more frequently for pre-sentence surveillance in conjunction with electronic monitoring than as a stand-alone sanction. Electronic monitoring allows for long distance surveillance of offenders by either passive or active devices. Passive devices operate via radio transmissions in a wrist or ankle bracelet. Active devices use home telephones and computerized random calls to an offender's residence. Electronic monitoring is a component of many house arrest and ISP programs. Offenders may be sentenced directly to electronic monitoring, but some are placed on this sanction when jail crowding occurs, while others are placed on a monitor after violating a previous probation sanction Probation/Parole as agency of rehabilitation In a rehabilitative role the probation officer serves as a social caseworker, a counselor whose primary concerns are generally in the best interest of the offender. In this role, a probation officer must know how to interview, how to obtain facts about an offender's background, how to identify and distinguish surface from underlying problems, what community resources exist, and how to make referrals to such resources. Counseling is required for a variety of offenders including thieves, serious drug offenders, domestic violence offenders, and sex offenders. They are usually given a high-risk assessment status and are monitored closely by counseling staff and specialized probation officers. Who monitor some rehabilitation-related activities such as urinalysis testing, outpatient drug and contracting-out treatment and residential alcohol treatment Probation/Parole as advocate agents With probation inclined towards privation could possibly lead to the probation-related functions. Probation bonds could be required from appropriate offenders. The bonds would be privately guaranteed; with the bonding agency ensuring that a probationer fulfills the terms of probation this would be similar to the current bail system. Public Owned/Volunteer-Operated Day Reporting Centers Probation/Parole as law enforcement agents [ The main idea for probation was to offer alternative sanction programs that required Parolees judged in need of daily structured regimentation to undergo intensive supervision, including frequent and unannounced contact by probation officers outside a confined jail environment. In the law enforcement role, however, the probation officer is a control agent, an authoritarian figure, and a threat to the offender's conditional freedom. The dual role of probation is evident in the classic definition: "Probation strives to protect the community through the rehabilitation of the offender.

Why did castles play such a key role both in the implementation of Essay

Why did castles play such a key role both in the implementation of rebellion by nobles and in its suppression by rulers between 1066 and 1224 - Essay Example They illustrate a key part of British history, particularly those that date from the early part of the Norman era and William the Conqueror’s rule as they are part of an era of political dissent and distrust of the crown. The rebellion of nobles against the crown, as exemplified by the Revolt of the Earls in 1075 and other acts of dissent, played a crucial role in the need for these castles, particularly as many were used to supress such uprisings. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role that castles played in the rebellions and their suppression, and the reason why they played such a crucial role in these events of history. It will also highlight the political importance of castles and their role in times of crisis, particularly with respect to who held control of these dominant buildings. In doing this, it will become clear why the Norman era is so inextricably linked with the huge surge in the number of castles that dominate the British landscape and why so many of these elements of history can be found still standing today. The first true British castles began to be built upon the Norman invasion of 1066 by William the Conqueror1.... As previously mentioned, the Norman invasion of England was not taken lightly by the aristocracy that already resided in the area, and William the Conqueror’s rule was marred by uprisings and rebellion by nobles, a hint at the struggles for political power to come in the next two centuries. One of the most significant struggles for power is known as the Revolt of the Earls, and occurred in 1075. Ralph de Gael, the Earl of Norfolk, and Roger de Breteuil, the Earl of Hereford, began to conspire to overthrow William as the King of England due to a number of conflicts, one involving the sanctioning of a marriage agreement4. Norwich Castle, one of the most important examples of Norman castle building efforts, was the site of Ralph’s efforts to remain protected during the rebellion, and for many months was successful in evading Norman involvement. However, Ralph returned to his native Brittany, leaving the castle in control of his wife, whereupon it became besieged and used f or protection of the Norman troops5. This early event in castle history shows how useful castles were to both uprising nobles and the reigning Norman leaders of the era, as the structures change political ownership as a reflection of power in the region6. Many English castles during the reign of William the Conqueror and subsequent kings were under the control of the reigning leader (royal castles) whilst the remainder were controlled by the aristocracy. This kind of conflicting control was not to stay static during the era, but a series of relocations of ownership through friendly and unfriendly requests was to occur.7 The castles themselves were additionally important because they were not simply standalone property, but

European Union Enlargment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

European Union Enlargment - Essay Example It will also discuss that the process of regulatory management has become more difficult, which entails greater emphasis on the principle of mutual recognition as the main tool for ensuring freedom of movement of goods and services. However, mutual recognition has its limits and is likely to be less effective the more diverse the countries involved. The challenge facing the Union with the start of the eastern enlargement, the first wave of which was decided at the end of 2002 and implemented during 2004-2006, cannot be underestimated. A region of about 100 million inhabitants was integrated into the EU. Populations deeply rooted in European history had become part of the continental polis, yet these same populations emerged from almost half a century of Soviet domination and planned economy only just over ten years ago. A complex net of similarities and differences make the eastern enlargement something quite different compared to previous episodes of EU expansion. The first point relates to the relative level of economic development in the Eastern European countries. The second point is a reflection of the particular historical circumstances of these countries. The second, third and fourth features are very much linked to the necessary conditions for successful re building of the EU and the steps that have been taken to meet those requirements. The previous two enlar... The second point is a reflection of the particular historical circumstances of these countries. The second, third and fourth features are very much linked to the necessary conditions for successful re building of the EU and the steps that have been taken to meet those requirements. Enlargement and the Level of Income in the Applicant Countries The previous two enlargements were, first, to the South, and then, to the North. The accession of Greece, Portugal and Spain in the 1980s brought relatively low-income partners in the Union, and this changed the economic geography and the budgetary structure of the EU. However, both the population dimension and the average income gap of the countries then involved in the southern enlargement were about half those relating to the newest members. The Northern Enlargement of the 1990s actually raised the average per capita income of the EU, and the accession of Austria, Finland and Sweden brought a net positive contribution to the Union's budget. This time the picture is completely different. The incoming members of the EU are, and will be for quite a few years, significantly poorer than the existing members. Their average wages are lower than in the incumbents; hence there could be an incentive for workers to move westward, and for capital to go eastward. Their core inflation rates will be higher due to structural transformation and their net contribution to the EU budget will be persistently negative. Of course, all this will impact on a number of EU policies and institutions, in the fields of migration and border flows, financial and budgetary provisions, monetary policy and the working of the ECB and trade and investment flows.

Extinction of Species Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Extinction of Species - Research Paper Example The recent times have shown alarming increase in the extinction rates and the speed at which the endangered species are falling victim to the human activities. Considering this, need is felt for creating awareness, and taking solid steps in this regard to promote eco friendly activities and protect the wild life for activities as such that endanger them directly. This paper aims at highlighting the sources of problem, their consequences, and the solutions finally. Polar bears: The polar bears are characteristic feature and species of North Pole. With ever rising temperatures and melting ice glaciers, these polar bears are directly exposed to it and included in the list of extinct species. An inter related process which includes the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by human activities namely the transportation means and industries which are increasing the global temperature and directly affecting the North Pole temperatures. The rapid destruction of ozone layer is another means of extinction of animals and birds. Some animals like polar bear need severe cold temperatures and piles of glacier to survive. With increase in temperatures the toll falls directly on the sensitive creatures. As the population grows, the mankind expands its grip on different lands and areas which were once thick forests and house of wild life. As a result of all this, the wild life is getting compromised and their resorts are getting minimal every growing day. The population growth means more demand for land and apparently more forest cutting. The population of the earth is rising at a staggering rate and has surpassed a seven billion digit quite easily. With population rise arises a natural demand for space and human population utilization. Hence a direct threat and sword at the forests. With increase in population means increase in the demands, increase in the resources exploration and naturally disturbances of the natural stratosphere for fulfilling

Implement excellent marketing strategies Assignment

Implement excellent marketing strategies - Assignment Example The most crucial issues related to the decision making methodologies involves the concept of integrated marketing communications to be the best weapon for the marketing managers to come up with good marketing plans to build strong brands. These strong brands form the best solution to overcome any form of competition from the rivals in the global economy. Marketing communications define the set of diverse communication strategies implemented to market the products and services of a company. The communication strategies play a vital role in making or breaking the value of the product in the market. The directors of the company push the marketing managers to extremes in order to obtain the estimated results. These estimated results definitely relate to the position of the company in the global market. Marketing communications comprises of Advertising media, branding of a product, building customer relationships, promotion of a brand, sales promotion so on (Frost & Sullivan, n.d.). All these factors specified play a major role in the construction of good brands by the marketing managers for the products under production. Now-a-days consumers are always looking for various services provided by the producers. Production of a particular product has become a dependent factor based on consumer demand (Kate Maddox, 2006). Major concentration of the marketing strategies deals with the methodologies involved over communicating the apt information concerning a product to the consumer. These communications form the backbone of the brand image formed for a product based on the idea developed in the consumers mind regarding the various features associated with the product. A consumer is always driven by a brand that ensures the quality of the product and also provides easy methods of gaining the appropriate information without any hurdles. The consumer prefers to gather all the necessary information within no time; this can be the best opportunity for the producers to provide all the information with apt details and also present a demonstration of the product functionality to gain the customers loyalty. This sort of communication helps the company to build a huge set of loyal customers who prioritize the brand options and always get back to the brand that they are confident about. Building a Strong Brand Brand is considered as a promise made to the consumer by the producer over the quality of the products and services that they offer to the customer. This is basically the major factor that defines the quality associated with the products the company manufactures (Tom Blackett, 2004). Brand image has become a matter of prestige and pride to the consumers of this new era. Brands provide the authentication over the quality of the product to the consumer in order to make the purchases confidently out of the wide variety of choices. As they say there is no free meal in this world, the consumers prefer to invest their hard earned money into products that perform up to their expectations. Consumer satisfaction

Juvenile Justice and Policing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Juvenile Justice and Policing - Essay Example . However, the types of cases and age of criminals are distinct factors in all systems. Despite the fact that juvenile cases include dependency, neglect, status offences, and delinquency, today, cases of neglect, dependency, and status offences are processed by family courts, while the juvenile courts process cases of delinquency. The juvenile justice system therefore comprises of the police subsystem, the judicial subsystem, the corrections subsystem, and the community-based subsystem, each with its own roles and personnel. To ensure fair legal handling of youth offenders the juvenile justice process is used. It comprises of four phases namely custody, intake, adjudication, and disposition, each of which has its own roles to play in the juvenile justice process. This paper gives a detailed discussion of the juvenile justice system and the juvenile justice process. Keywords: Juvenile, Youth, Cases, Juvenile Justice System, Crime, Offender, Delinquency, Juvenile Court, Juvenile Justic e Process, Police, Judiciary, Corrections, Community-based Institutions, Custody, Intake, Adjudication, Disposition Introduction Juvenile crimes and wrong treatment of children have a profound impact on the well-being of the society (Martin, 2005). Juvenile crimes in the United States are a major cause of national concern. In recent years, juvenile crimes have been on the rise, with about a quarter of the crimes in America being committed by suspects whose age is less than eighteen years. Delinquent behavior has been noticed to occur as youths go through the difficulties of adolescent life. It is during this time that they engage in relationships, dating, drinking, working, and learn to drive. For all children in the United States, the risks of growing up are increased by social developments. The chances of adolescents taking risks are increased by economic, social, and political problems in America. These include the inequalities of race, ethnicity, age, and class, individualism, t he uncertainties of modern social life such as lack of jobs, prominence of consumerism, and lack of real opportunities for people of low social standing. Siegel and Welsh point out that â€Å"about 1.5 million youths are now arrested each year for crimes ranging in seriousness from loitering to murder† (2011, p. 10). The juvenile justice system was established in order to handle crimes committed by young offenders. Despite the fact that they are interrelated, the system is different from the adult criminal justice system, especially in the way juvenile crimes are handled, and the legal and political actions taken. How the Juvenile Justice System Functions According to Martin, â€Å"the juvenile justice system is composed of institutions that have been organized to manage established procedures as a way to achieve justice for all juveniles† (2005, p. 4). Juvenile justice procedures in the United States differ according to states and even counties (Burfeind & Bartusch, 2 011). Burfeind and Bartusch mention that â€Å"each state has a separate juvenile justice system, and they are systems only in a limited sense† (2011, p. 295). The federal government has very minor involvement in the system of juvenile justice, due to the fact that juvenile crimes are usually violations of the laws of the states (Burfeind & Bartusch, 2011). However, the types of cases and age of criminals are distinct factors in all systems. The age of a

Implement excellent marketing strategies Assignment

Implement excellent marketing strategies - Assignment Example The most crucial issues related to the decision making methodologies involves the concept of integrated marketing communications to be the best weapon for the marketing managers to come up with good marketing plans to build strong brands. These strong brands form the best solution to overcome any form of competition from the rivals in the global economy. Marketing communications define the set of diverse communication strategies implemented to market the products and services of a company. The communication strategies play a vital role in making or breaking the value of the product in the market. The directors of the company push the marketing managers to extremes in order to obtain the estimated results. These estimated results definitely relate to the position of the company in the global market. Marketing communications comprises of Advertising media, branding of a product, building customer relationships, promotion of a brand, sales promotion so on (Frost & Sullivan, n.d.). All these factors specified play a major role in the construction of good brands by the marketing managers for the products under production. Now-a-days consumers are always looking for various services provided by the producers. Production of a particular product has become a dependent factor based on consumer demand (Kate Maddox, 2006). Major concentration of the marketing strategies deals with the methodologies involved over communicating the apt information concerning a product to the consumer. These communications form the backbone of the brand image formed for a product based on the idea developed in the consumers mind regarding the various features associated with the product. A consumer is always driven by a brand that ensures the quality of the product and also provides easy methods of gaining the appropriate information without any hurdles. The consumer prefers to gather all the necessary information within no time; this can be the best opportunity for the producers to provide all the information with apt details and also present a demonstration of the product functionality to gain the customers loyalty. This sort of communication helps the company to build a huge set of loyal customers who prioritize the brand options and always get back to the brand that they are confident about. Building a Strong Brand Brand is considered as a promise made to the consumer by the producer over the quality of the products and services that they offer to the customer. This is basically the major factor that defines the quality associated with the products the company manufactures (Tom Blackett, 2004). Brand image has become a matter of prestige and pride to the consumers of this new era. Brands provide the authentication over the quality of the product to the consumer in order to make the purchases confidently out of the wide variety of choices. As they say there is no free meal in this world, the consumers prefer to invest their hard earned money into products that perform up to their expectations. Consumer satisfaction

Sustaining Employee Performance Paper Essay Example for Free

Sustaining Employee Performance Paper Essay Money is no longer adequate enough these days to recruit and maintain top talent for any given business organization. Offering an appealing benefits plan is just as significant. Today’s economy is up and down throughout the US, and reducing employee benefits is frequently the easiest thing employers can to do to conserve money. Competitive businesses with benefits programs will be capable to entice employees away particularly if that organization does not make available the most important programs like health care and disability insurance. Beside the simple morale reasons for retaining employee benefits, there are some additional reasons to be mindful of including: Tax Credits – Expenses that can help a business at tax time would be a business who provides healthcare plans that include dental or company-paid premium life insurance plans. Furthermore, for the employees, many healthcare plans are pre-tax programs. This means the employee’s portion of the premium is subtracted then the federal and state taxes are withdrawn based on a subtotal. Retirement Credits – Depending upon the retirement plan, an employer and employee can reap tax credit rewards. It is important to seek out a qualified tax expert on the most beneficial retirement program to initiate. Employee Packages – When hiring employees salaried or hourly, he or she may not be thrilled or content about their base wage in the beginning. By keeping employee benefits, providing the cost the company will be bearing into his or her total employee compensation package as a way to demonstrate how the company is investing on his or her behalf. Lower Turnover Rate – Asking employees up and down the ranks what benefit is most wanted and the response will be medical benefits. If an employer understands the significance of employee benefits and keeps them, the company will most certainly incur less employee turnover and will continue employment where they are receiving the best package. When looking at company expenses, learn to recognize the weight of employee benefits and refrain from making benefits the first thing on the chopping block. Employers (business owners) must realize that employees make the business operate effectively, so don’t cut back on something that provides the workforce with a feeling of security.

Training And Development In Oil Companies Management Essay

Training And Development In Oil Companies Management Essay The results obtained from the surveyed oil and gas companies provide a rich source of qualitative data and insights into the companies perspectives on training and development. This chapter contains recommendations of the TD systems components, determinants and successful training development approaches as they may apply to firms () in the Yemen oil industry. This chapter also presents the conclusions review and concludes with suggested recommendations for future research. Conclusion Implication: In conclusion, it appears that oil gas companies, as represented by Yemen, are found to be committed to training developing their workforces. They are more or less implementing the training development process along with modern TD theory and practice. They have sufficient budgets allocated for their training development activates and many are in the process of reassessing and systematically improving their approaches to advanced and long term skill and competency development. The great majority of companies recognizes that the skill levels of their employees are fundamental to the success of the business, and that they need to invest and develop these skills in the same way that they maintained improve their infrastructure. While most companies are aware of the training development functions and processes, they arent much familiar with many of the specific components details and structure of what constitutes a training development system. Although the companies aim to have a well-trained staff and are, in general terms, aware of the functions and process stages of training development, they dont attach great importance to systematic training and development structures and they arent aware of the specific components of the TD system framework. For example, the organizational determinants that impact training development activities, such as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦andà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ are never considered. Although most of the TD process stages are followed two phases of the TD process are highly deficient, namely, the training needs assessment and program evaluation phases. Ad hoc needs assessments and evaluation practices may have served in the past but the new economic and social realities of Yemen, make these practices vulnerable. The researcher believes that this is partially due to the fact that the training focus has more or less linearly followed the short term planning of the the day-to-day needs and operations of the businesses, and that it served the direct needs only to ensure that the Oil Gas companies would remain sustainable in the Oil Gas industry. In fact, the training has so far been mainly reactive, where existing employees were trained as identified specific needs arise. Not having clear TD objectives, nor defining or stating specifically the required outcomes has caused some frustrations among the Human Resources or Training Specialists in the oil companies. In some cases their objectives were to only demonstrate to the Ministry of Oil that they are spending significant amounts of money in training and developing their Yemeni workforce. In spite of this, most companies claim that the currently applied TD systems are satisfactory. I believe this satisfaction is mainly due to the sufficient amounts of TD budgets they are currently spending and to the fact that they have an expatriate workforce ready to intervene whenever a Yemeni employee isnt performing as per required standards. So, the effectiveness of their TD activities isnt really a major problem till so far. Companies often consider training as a stand alone process with no ties or links to the major features of their business strategy nor to other parts of the total training development system, such as the surrounding environment of its different components, methods selection procedures (?), or the various burdens affecting employee training. Linking employee Training Development activities with other activities (e.g. career pathing, performance appraisal and reward systems and management by objectives) would put training in a perspective and give the trainee an incentive to learn and apply learned norms. While there is evidence that a considerable amount of existing employee Training Development is undertaken by the Oil Gas companies and their commitment to the continuous training development of their staff at all levels of the workplace (Sentence is not clear). The companies approach to the continuous training development of their existing workforce is unsystematic and dependent on the initiation and enthusiasm of employees and on the government requirements. Training opportunities, both formal and less formal, are open to all staff, but the company does not put pressure on employees to engage in training and development. When companies dont have TD qualified specialists as found by at least two companies, they (= higher management?) rely on the personality, and existing skills and knowledge of its workforce to address these issues. Due to the absence of awareness for restructuring their TD activities in a systematic manner, it is expected that long term development and career plans may not be possible in the Oil Gas companies.. Short-term plans (1-3 years), however that focus on the next promotion may be possible (Muna, 1987). This research has led the researcher to conclude that the Yemen Oil Gas sector is not fully aware of the importance of having a systematic training development system. However, external (Yeminization) and internal (call for promotions) pressure forces the companies to reassess the present practice and to introduce TD systems to link the modern and complex Oil Gas infrastructure with a highly qualified workforce. The potential is there. Recommendations The findings of this study shed light on the training development structures and practices in the oil gas industry in Yemen; and the issues raised in this research may be of value to practitioners in other industries and multinational companies operating in Yemen. On the basis of the result findings and conclusions of this research the following recommendations are made. General company recommendations The findings regarding the considerable amount of existing employee Training Development suggest a growing commitment to employee training in the Yemen oil industry. However, the deficient in not considering the organizational factors that impact the effectiveness of the TD activities needs to be reconsidered. Similarly, TD needs assessment and evaluation systems need to be remedied. It is important that a link is made between the application of systematic TD approaches with proper selection criteria and the required TD outcomes including effective Yemenization. Only through effectively and continuously developing and training their employees are the companies in the Oil industry able to acquire the core competencies needed to sustain their operations and to be flexible or ready to cope with changes. Training Development that is built around action rather than theory and characterized by encouraging a work habit of reflection and learning and self-development is what companies in the Oil Gas industry in Yemen in particular and in all industries in general should be looking at. It is suggested that systematic thinking should guide the planning, analysis, implementation and follow-up of employee development efforts in these companies. Perhaps the clearest messages from this study is with serious effort on their part these companies may be able to define the TD (input output) determinants that have most impacts on the outputs they value most. The cooperation between HR or training departments and all units in the company will enhance the training efficiency in planning and developing employee TD programs. HR, training and all units in the respective companies can work together to find out more about why each one approaches rules the way they do, and work out some compromises. People in various departments should understand what is really required and HR and training should also translate needs in training programmes and figure out how legitimate exceptions can be made to make things work for companys business. The research findings suggest that department managers who are not aligned with HR and training often fail to communicate or implement critical policies that help improve employee engagement. Without cooperation between HR and the various units in the company, both spend too much energy putting out fires, like recruiting new people because the good people leave the company. When HR and other departments leaders work together effectively, the results often include: Clear business roles that ensure the right people are doing the right jobs Performance management processes that relate the core competencies of each departments roles and enable ongoing development of employees Incentive plans that pay for performance and align with business strategy. Previous research (Schimel, 1979) has emphasized the importance of dual roles to be played simultaneously by management of companies and the government, namely, passivity and support. The acquiescence of Yemeni nevertheless at the managerial level and their willingness to permit experimentation and failure is a good approach for the success of Yemeni development (Comment: What do you want to say here? Is the management lenient to the support of the Government?). Moreover, the findings suggest increasing the role of the top management and government involvement in setting the training development strategies, objectives, proper budget allocation of what is spent on training which is short-term and more spending on development which ensures continuity of operations once the international oil companies leave Yemen. Company specific recommendations To enhance training and development effectiveness, it is suggested that the following feature be incorporated in the five Oil Gas companies Training Development functions: Supported by key strategies, objectives, systems, structures, policies, and practices: to ensure a true return on companies TD investments, it is suggested that Training Development in the five companies are aligned with and directly supported by key areas such as organizational structures, lines of authority, decision making, values, planning, budgeting, career development, performance management, rewards and recognition, staffing, recruiting, and succession planning. Specifically, the TD strategies in all five companies should be aimed at knowledge retention and transfer to the workplace, enabling employees to be more effective and to acquire more skills. In addition, there should be explicit alignment between programs, learning objectives, and business objectives. These direct links will help to both set boundaries and reinforce desired results. Best companies now realize that many Training and Development initiatives take years to fully achieve their goals. Consequently, the las t suggestion in this point would be that companies identify these timeframes up front, where possible, and the TD programs evaluated at those points. Companies must seek mutual benefit that is reflected, on the one hand through the employee in the development of his career and achieving personal goals, and , on the other hand, through the leader of these companies in achieving the set of business goals and a more effective management of his subordinate employees. In this way, appropriate staff will be trained and able to contribute to the success of the company. Driven through many Methods and Approaches: companies are encouraged to further investigate and utilize multiple modalities such as the classroom, workplace, blended learning, eLearning, technology support tools, however in a systematic manner to ensure that people get the right skills at the right time, in the right way, and at the right cost to succeed. Modalities are suggested to be selected to match specific learning styles, business issues, budgets, and required training development outputs. Employees are usually keen to participate in programs that add to their current and future work effectiveness and that will contribute to their companys success. Therefore, Training Development programs should be relevant to both the company and to the employees work requirements. All selected Oil Gas companies, and in particular (Companies 3 and 4), are encouraged to train their employees through real tasks and/or assignments in their international branches rather than teaching theory, so that after training employees are able to apply what they have learned in their own work. Also training in projects type of work, is suggested, however, because of the value placed on job rotation discussed in the literature review, the Yemeni government should encourage Oil and Gas companies to establish permanent training slots in major departments, ensuring ongoing exposure of Yemeni employees to new tasks and responsibilities, nevertheless at the management level.(Comment: reword sentence) Yemeni employees identified for management positions may be given the opportunity to test his or her skills in a number of different roles (positions?) such as in finance, operations, and exploration, before settling on a full-time management role within the company. Additionally, companies should encourage their employees to identify their own needs, create individual learning plans, and to seek learning opportunities. Relevant software packages that facilitate such employee interaction was only found in company 2 and therefore the other four companies are strongly recommended to use similar TD information systems. (Comments: but should also be given the opportunity to follow the programs as was mentioned in chapter 4) Participative approach in the application of their TD Processes: Training Development is best when conducted by line managers supported by the TD specialists experience and employee feedback. Line managers set performance objectives, and also perform evaluations. Even where the training is designed and delivered by (= for?) a specific function or department, TD programs should respond not only to organizational needs, but also to individual needs as identified through appraisals, counseling meetings, assessments, and career development plans. One of the most important elements of best practice training and development is that it should be easily transferred back to the workplace. The five Companies can achieve this through the timing of the training, the quality of the content, and the quality and appropriateness of the delivery method. Another crucial element to this transferability is the role of line managers (effective management of subordinate employees) in the maintenance of t he new skill or knowledge once training has been completed. All companies should remember that skills and knowledge that are not used constantly will quickly atrophy (= disappear? forgotten?). Consequently, to bring about lasting change in behaviors and habits, all Companies are encouraged to have a continuous learning process. To achieve this, the Companies should ensure that learning occurs before, during, and after scheduled TD events. The process of doing, reflecting, learning, and doing again should never cease. Another way to achieve this transferability is in the 2nd TD process phase, when designing the training materials. Companies could consider the Performance-Based Training Design method which teaches employees job performance that enables them to go back to work and do the job, not just know how to do the job. TD Input, Process and Output elements: It is no longer feasible to address the complex needs and requirements of Training and Development activities in the contemporary organization in a less than comprehensive approach. Today, the five selected Companies are operating in a surrounding organizational environment where several Input, Process Output indicators impact the quality of the organizational Training and Development function. It is suggested (= recommended?) that all of the five companies TD systems are structured based on the TD basic systems framework as used in this research; such that: TD Input consisting of: Clear TD objectives and strategies Participative environment Sufficient budget and resources Strong support from companies management: Management support is empirical to the success of training programs for resources and support, including time, money and motivation. When the companys top management does not take responsibility for TD policy rather imposed by the HR or training department, can lead to potentially spread the gap between training development and organizational requirements. Clear support from government, through establishing laws and regulations that monitor and sets minimum TD activities that are required to be implemented. TD Process: To ensure a successful Training and Development system, Oil Gas companies need to effectively go through the entire Training and Development process, such that there is: Assessment: assessing the needs for training and the area of improvement, setting training objectives, and determining the budget. In addition, keep track of available inventory of skills and competencies that will assist in proper planning of gaps. Involvement: participation of individual, departments, HR and top management should be involved in designing or selection of the training programs, including the training topics, training methods, place, and the trainers. Personalized: using real world issues and ease studies Interactive: employee training programs will involve open dialogue, role-playing and small-group sessions to increase team building and excitement. Evaluation and Control: the shallow reactive mode governing the program evaluation process should be replaced by a comprehensive evaluation system which focuses on the results of training and transference of knowledge to the workplace. This recommendation is consistent with the suggestions of Kirkpatrick (Kirkpatrick, 1979) who stated that the best evaluation system focused on the effects of the application of information and learned concepts on the organization. Establish follow up procedure that properly measures the TD effectiveness, Employee change and satisfaction, etc. TD Output: Have clear training and development outcomes that include: It isnt enough to evaluate what employees have learned rather what learning have they applied on the job: Standard measurement of productivity and profitability: Yemenization: is an important aspect that requires proper planning, measurement and regular monitoring. Correlation between training development determinants: The literature (Al-Khayyat, et al., 1997) shows that for each output indicator there is a unique set of input and process indicators that have significant effects over it. For example, the adequacy of resources allocated for Training and Development have significant effect on all output indicators such as (application of learning, performance improvement, productivity profitability). Similarly, clearly stated long-term policies of HRD have a significant effect on productivity and profitability. The logical inference of this is that companies should clearly identify and focus on the set of (input and process) indicators that are related to the output they value most, or the desired output in a given time. The view of output-related indicators is much differentiated; each has a somewhat unique path to achieve. Finally, Both the literature review for this research and the data analyzed from the surveyed companies informed ( = contributed to?) the development of a comprehensive TD Determinants model that includes: all relevant TD determinant indicators as well as the full TD process cycle. This improved model is depicted in the following figure that gives an overall picture or model that is suggested to be followed: Comprehensiveness of HRD Perspectives Resources Allocation Strategic Planning Long-term HRD Policies, HRD Objectives Senior Management Gov. Support and Involvement invlovement Employee and Customer Satisfaction Learning Application Yemenization. Productivity Profitability Productivity Work output Input Process Output Needs Assessment Implementation Method Selection Evaluation Control TD Process Change TD Environment TD Model Oil Gas Companies One of the particularly admirable features of the industry is the way that, once a person is accepted into the these surveyed companies industry, the educational sector from which the person emerged fades into insignificance as companies take care of developing their own people. Several directions for further research There are several directions for future research to consider, these include: The degree of agreement between the various oil companies needs to be investigated further. The future studies analysis should be at the organizational level (analysing the data for each organization separately) instead of doing it at the aggregate level (all subjects working in different companies together, as was done in this study). The issue of the differences between effective and less effective companies should be explored further. The analysis should be at the organizational level, that is, identify specific effective and less effective companies and then explore the differences between them with respect to input and process indicators. Identify the elements which contribute to successful training in the Oil Gas companies and factors that influence implementation of training and learning in the workplace (Ridoutt et al. 2002). And how do firms measure the success of their training practices Nonetheless, the major determinats uncovered are significant and gave an indication of the broad brush of what impacts training and skill development in the Yemen oil gas industry. It would be beneficial to test these determinants in other industries. Maybe a statement about making further study on ways the Government could speed up the Yemenization process using TD system.

Emerson Essay -- essays research papers fc

In Emerson's Self-Reliance we see the crowning work of the transcendentalist movement. In this piece Emerson explains his belief in the innate divinity of man and defines our "Self-Reliance" as the broad identity in which we personally participate. Emerson challenges his readers to not conform to traditional practices in a variety of realms. However, he punctuates just four aspects of these challenges to tradition and they are: religion, education, art, and society. I found these passages to be the best representatives of Emerson's ideology due to their poignancy and numbered paragraphs. He talks of these challenges to man as revolutions due to a greater self-reliance. The profoundness of thought in this piece is surprising to me given the historical period Emerson was bathed in. His thoughts on genius are the means of conveyance for his ideal about nonconformity and originality. Also, the personal and emotional connection with which Emerson uses to convey original thoughts and ideas is apparent in his evaluation of great minds of the past. The first passage regards the challenge to revolutionize religion; and more importantly, to discount the practice of prayer and creeds. He says, "Prayer that craves a particular commodity, anything less than all good, is vicious" (Robinson 102). He is basically announcing his contempt for the pious nature man has come to have and his belief that we should not pray for things we can achieve ourselves. He goes on to say, "But prayer as a means to effect a private end is meanness and theft. It supposes dualism and not unity in nature and consciousness" (Robinson 102). He is equating prayer with begging to God and believes it is not needed when you become one with God and therefore can see prayer in all productive actions. Prayer for Emerson creates a distinction between himself and God and does not allow for the self to become one with nature and consciousness. He also critiques man's practice of creeds and he believes the practice of one negates all others and vice versa. He says creeds are "a disease of the intellect" (Robinson 103). Whereas prayer is a disease of the will, creeds perform a habitual complacency in the life of man which allows only for the teachings of one particular idea. This is intellectual death for Emerson. To not only have to beli... ...hat is known is not valuable and not beneficial, and what is unknown is original, daring, valuable and great. The greatness resides inside of us and we must excavate it through constant reevaluation of our principles and virtues, without regarding foreign influences. In conclusion, I believe Emerson’s applicable challenges can be identified as his leading arguments when concerned with individual and personal revolution. His views on religion, education, art, and society are explicated through his gifted intuitional understanding and reason. By reasoning to the reader through vivid examples which are apparent and self-evident, he creates the proof for his understanding of reason’s uses to question what we are perceived to know. The personal connection to Emerson is clear in his engaging emotional remark in which we can simply recognize as his affection for the original, misunderstood, and individual contributions great minds of the past have made. RALPH WALDO EMERSON Self-Reliance WORKS CITED Robinson, David M. The Spiritual Emerson, Essential Writings. Ed. David M. Robinson. Boston: Beacon Press, 2003. Emerson Essay -- essays research papers fc In Emerson's Self-Reliance we see the crowning work of the transcendentalist movement. In this piece Emerson explains his belief in the innate divinity of man and defines our "Self-Reliance" as the broad identity in which we personally participate. Emerson challenges his readers to not conform to traditional practices in a variety of realms. However, he punctuates just four aspects of these challenges to tradition and they are: religion, education, art, and society. I found these passages to be the best representatives of Emerson's ideology due to their poignancy and numbered paragraphs. He talks of these challenges to man as revolutions due to a greater self-reliance. The profoundness of thought in this piece is surprising to me given the historical period Emerson was bathed in. His thoughts on genius are the means of conveyance for his ideal about nonconformity and originality. Also, the personal and emotional connection with which Emerson uses to convey original thoughts and ideas is apparent in his evaluation of great minds of the past. The first passage regards the challenge to revolutionize religion; and more importantly, to discount the practice of prayer and creeds. He says, "Prayer that craves a particular commodity, anything less than all good, is vicious" (Robinson 102). He is basically announcing his contempt for the pious nature man has come to have and his belief that we should not pray for things we can achieve ourselves. He goes on to say, "But prayer as a means to effect a private end is meanness and theft. It supposes dualism and not unity in nature and consciousness" (Robinson 102). He is equating prayer with begging to God and believes it is not needed when you become one with God and therefore can see prayer in all productive actions. Prayer for Emerson creates a distinction between himself and God and does not allow for the self to become one with nature and consciousness. He also critiques man's practice of creeds and he believes the practice of one negates all others and vice versa. He says creeds are "a disease of the intellect" (Robinson 103). Whereas prayer is a disease of the will, creeds perform a habitual complacency in the life of man which allows only for the teachings of one particular idea. This is intellectual death for Emerson. To not only have to beli... ...hat is known is not valuable and not beneficial, and what is unknown is original, daring, valuable and great. The greatness resides inside of us and we must excavate it through constant reevaluation of our principles and virtues, without regarding foreign influences. In conclusion, I believe Emerson’s applicable challenges can be identified as his leading arguments when concerned with individual and personal revolution. His views on religion, education, art, and society are explicated through his gifted intuitional understanding and reason. By reasoning to the reader through vivid examples which are apparent and self-evident, he creates the proof for his understanding of reason’s uses to question what we are perceived to know. The personal connection to Emerson is clear in his engaging emotional remark in which we can simply recognize as his affection for the original, misunderstood, and individual contributions great minds of the past have made. RALPH WALDO EMERSON Self-Reliance WORKS CITED Robinson, David M. The Spiritual Emerson, Essential Writings. Ed. David M. Robinson. Boston: Beacon Press, 2003.