Diachronic Analysis of Poverty Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Diachronic Analysis of Poverty - Essay Example From the 578 documents reviewed in the process of selecting the core definitions of poverty, three broad categories were utilized in the screening of the documents: the main among the had to relate to poverty, secondly, each document had to contain a unique and original definition of poverty, and finally, the authorship to correspond to the key actors involved that is the researcher, donors, government, and NGOs. To uncover the deeper layers of meaning within definitions and changes, the diachronic analysis disaggregated topics, themes, and frames within the definitions. Huckin (2002) states that each definition was first disaggregated into basic component parts or topics, once they were identified they were grouped according to their semantic meaning for example topics such as housing, assets, and clothes were grouped according to material assets or possessions while topics such as food, nutrition, and life expectancy were categorized as physical factors. The definitions varied in t heir length and complexity. Some definitions were formed by a single theme while in more length definitions, the themes were embedded in one another. Â  From the findings, the majority of definitions of poverty were sourced in documents written by development agencies and researchers with fewer non- governmental organizations and national government. One of the reason for this as argued by Edwards and Hulme (1992) reveals that governments and NGOs are largely the implementers of development praxis. Secondly, NGOs and government literature often repeated definitions offered by both researchers and donors, this literature was least original and therefore least represented. Gill (1970) argues that NGOs programmes in the past were more independent and did not mirror donor interests today for example during the 1970s, NGOs were less interested in poverty per se than disaster mitigation and family relief as stated by Gill (1970), Twedt (1998) and Maxwell (2001). Â  

Roman Empire Essay Example for Free

Roman Empire Essay Between 100 CE and 600 CE, the Roman empire underwent a change politically as the empire collapsed due to chaos inside it’s empire. Culturally, influence of Christianity grew. The Eastern Roman empire, Byzantines, proved to keep a continuity of the empire. The most dramatic change that the Roman Empire had was its collapse in the late classical period. Han China and Gupta India, also struggled with a collapse in their own empires at the same time. In the year 100 CE, the Mediterranean, and majority of Europe, was in the middle of the Pax Romana. In 180 CE, Rome’s decline was viewed as a decline because of a faulty leadership and outside invasions, this was due to, lack of strong leadership. This caused Rome’s collapse to speed up. Other factors blocked it’s ability to prosper, but without effective leadership, they could not grow as an empire. As the size of the Roman Empire and its trading grew, taxes on the peasants became more difficult to overcome for the lower class. Free peasants usually fled the intimidating taxes by selling their land and becoming workers for other things. From this it led to Germanic soldiers guarding the frontiers of the empire. This caused the final injury to the empire. Germanics spread plagues which lead to population decreasing. In 476, Rome was attacked, and the Roman Empire was ended. The downfall of this is due to, in 100CE Rome had started to fall and by 476CE fell because of plagues and political changes . Another important change to the Roman Empire during the late classical period was the growing of Christianity. The spreading of religion in the Roman Empire was similar to the spread of Buddhism in China while the Han dynasty was falling. In 100 CE,many Romans still stayed in their original religion , even though these years are after the death of Jesus. Christianity attracted poor Romans because of its teachings of class not determining your fate. This led to, Emperor Constantine converting to Christianity. From this one can infer that Christianity then spread more easily. Christianity grew to be very common. After Rome fell, the organization of the Christian church usually provided help for people in a time of political problems. This led to Christianity gaining more converters.

The Physical Atmosphere in Faulkner’s Dry September :: Faulkner’s Dry September Essays

The Physical Atmosphere in Faulkner’s Dry September An anonymous patron in the barbershop at the beginning of â€Å"Dry September† makes one of the key statements in the short story: â€Å"It’s this durn weather. . . It’s enough to make a man do anything† (170). The patron sees the heat and drought as having possibly driven a black man to attack or offend a white woman. The idea that the weather has an effect on the townspeople is echoed at the end of the story when McLendon’s wife says, â€Å"I couldn’t sleep. . .The heat; something† (182). In both examples, the climactic conditions and external environment are seen as affecting the town dwellers’ behavior. The physical atmosphere, however, seems to be more a reflection of the emotional atmosphere of the townspeople than the cause of their agitation, as the barbershop patron would have us believe. In particular, the dust that pervades the story can be seen as a reflection of the dried-up, monotonous, and lonely existence of Minn ie Cooper. She lives with two old women, her sick mother and her â€Å"sallow, unflagging† aunt, and Minnie’s days are typically filled with nothing more than eating, napping, and going to shops in town to meet with other women haggling over prices for the fun of it (173). Minnie does not even have genuine friendships to enliven her â€Å"idle and empty† or dry and dusty days (175). Instead of establishing a female camaraderie between characters, Faulkner portrays relations between women as marked by tension and dissimulation; â€Å"one of those bitter inexplicable (to the man mind) amicable enmities which occur between women† (156, Absalom, Absalom!). As Minnie’s presumed friends during girlhood become women, they take pleasure in the fact that Minnie’s transition to womanhood marks the end of her days as a social butterfly; Faulkner calls it the pleasure of â€Å"retaliation† (174). The neighbors she visits on Christmas, women â€Å"friendsâ⠂¬  most likely, revel in the opportunity to tell her of how well her former love-interest is doing without her in Memphis, â€Å"watching with bright, secret eyes her haggard bright face† (175). When Minnie is having a fit of uncontrollable laughter at the end, the women she is with act solicitous and kind, smoothing her hair and saying â€Å"poor girl† to her, but this is shown to be dissimulation—they smooth her hair, not to comfort her, but to look for signs of graying, and between the expressions of compassion spoken in Minnie’s hearing, they speculate furtively over the veracity of her claim (182).

Rite of Encounter :: encounter

Rite of Encounter Rite of Encounter is, initially a very dry and imposing story. The reader is given same information repeatedly, as if it were not received the first time. This redundancy is an insult to the reader. For instance, in the very first line of the story the narrator tells the reader that, "In the third week of his fasting, Singing- Owl found the white man" (258). This information is given quite clearly, yet later the narrator repeats himself by saying, "A dog meant white men" (259). It is not necessary for the narrator to remind the reader. This "spoon-feeding" is insulting to the reader. The narration was also rather dry. There is little description. The story is conveyed to the reader without any details, and quite plainly, the story is simply reported. The omniscient third person narration is also, at times, confusing. The narration occasionally dips from third person to first without any explanation. For example, when Singing- Owl is suffering of dehydration, fatigue, and hunger the n arrator is reporting the condition of the character. Suddenly, the next line reads, "Water. Must get water" (258). It is unclear who says this. Not suprisingly, Bates, employs this strange tactic again to demonstrate Singing- Owl's exhaustion. The narrator comments on Singing- Owl's declining condition, then says, "Perhaps I'm tired. All right. I am tired" (261). Again, the reader is left unassured of who is speaking. This intentional alteration of narration only robs the story of unity. There is, however, one manipulation of the characters which is interesting. Smallpox is characterized beautifully. Giving life to a disease gives life to a story, which, from the beginning, is dragging on without such animation. Smallpox mocks our "hero", Singing- Owl. This tormenting by a naturally inanimate character saturates the story with fantasy and mysticism. The conclusion of the story, unfortunately, leaves the reader with the same sense of disappointment with which it was started. Singing- Owl, rather than becoming a hero, becomes a marionette for Smallpox to control. Singing- Owl breaks down and agrees to bring Smallpox back to the tribe. Even though Singing- Owl does not completely understand the methods of Smallpox, he does understand the negative repercussions. Yet, Singing- Owl grants Smallpox's wish. This event is disappointing to the reader and degrades the main character. Singing- Owl gains some redemption by trying to infect his enemies, but is not effective and is going to die a dishonored man.

Something That Changed My Life

Frank Tsiboe Ms. Brooks 9th Honors LA 21 November, 2011 A Word To The Wise Is Enough: Look at me now, you see a student but no one will have ever thought I was just someone adding up to the number of students at school. I was once the person who didn’t care about my education or future because I thought I would always have my parents, but I grew up and understood they won’t always be there for me. I remember I hardly had a B or an A until my mom told me what I didn’t know. I didn’t know I had a chance a lot of people didn’t have, I didn’t know I had a chance a lot of people wish they had. Once I brought my report card and it wasn’t good at all. Then my mom sat me down and told me something that changed my life. She told me she didn’t have the chance I was getting and she wished she had completed school but her parents were never there for her. My mom lived with her grandmother who took care of her and saw her through her school but unfortunately she couldn’t complete school, unfortunately she had to drop out because there was no money to support her through school. she had to struggle to get It’s funny because my mom actually had the same problem as I had but then she realized she wasn’t hurting anybody but herself, but nobody had to sit her down to talk to her she realized it by herself. She later changed her attitude her school and started putting an effort.

The Giver2 essays

The Giver2 essays NOT FINISHED OR REVISED OR SPELL CHECKED!! ROUGH COPY Your name is John, it was selected by a committee. You will never be attracted to a person or truly love some. You won't feel love or pain. You were one of fifty babies to be born in that year. Your family was chosen by a committee. Your profession was chosen by a committee; everything is chosen by a committee, everything is the same and it perfect order. Their is rules and guidelines for everything; you don't dare to break a rule.Their is no tolerance for failure or disappointment; you will be released. Welcome to life in the community; I hope you enjoy your stay. The Giver takes place in one of the communities where a boy named Jonas is living the same life as all the other kids before and the generations before. Nothing special has happend; he has recieved his bike, been admitted into the community service program as all the other Elevens. Until the Ceremony of Twelves where he will be assigned to his life-long occupation. Jonas is extremely nervous because he as no clue what he will be assigned; as other Elevens it is obvious what they will be assigned to. At the Ceremony Jonas is anxious to here what he will be assigned to, but he is skipped over. He his baffled why he was skipped over. Then when the all the Elevens where assigned; the Chief Elder called Jonas to the stage, and announced to everyone that Jonas has been selected not assigned to become The Receiver which is the most important role in the community and the rarest. Their's only one Receiver, and once you are the The Receiver you stay the giver years. All this the Chief Elder explained to Jonas and the audience. She all so explained that their last selection 10 years ago was a failure, and it was crucial that Jonas suceeds in his training. She mentioned he had all the qualities that are necessary Intelligence, Integrity, Courage, and the ability to see beyond. The Reciever holds all the past bef ...

Definition and Examples of Sententiae in Rhetoric

Definition and Examples of Sententiae in Rhetoric In classical rhetoric, a  sententia  is a maxim, proverb, aphorism, or popular quotation: a brief expression of conventional wisdom. Plural: sententiae. A  sententia, said the Dutch  Renaissance humanist  Erasmus, is an adage  that bears particularly on â€Å"instruction in living (Adagia, 1536). See Examples and Observations below. Also see: 2,000 Pure Fools: An Anthology of AphorismsCommonplaceEnthymemeLogosWhat Is a Maxim? EtymologyFrom the Latin, feeling, judgment, opinion Examples and Observations It is best to insert sententiae discreetly, that we may be viewed as judicial advocates, not moral instructors.(Rhetorica ad Herennium, c. 90 BC)A mans as miserable as he thinks he is.(Seneca the Younger)No man is laughable who laughs at himself.(Seneca the Younger)Things forbidden have a secret charm.(Tacitus)Greater things are believed of those who are absent.(Tacitus)A bad peace is worse than war.(Tacitus)Post-Ciceronian Latin gave vigor and point to style by the frequent use of sententiaeclever, sometimes epigrammatic, apothegmatic turns of phrase: what oft was thought but ner so well expressd, as Alexander Pope was to put it. Quintilian devotes a chapter to sententiae (8.5), acknowledging that they had become a necessary part of the orators art.(George A. Kennedy, Classical Rhetoric. Encyclopedia of Rhetoric. Oxford University  Press, 2001)Sententiae in the Renaissance- A sententia, which had overtones of its classical Latin sense of judgement, was a pithy and memorable phrase : a recitall of some grave matter which both beautified and graced a style. Several writers were clear that testimony could take the form of a Notable sentence or was a sententia of a witness. Richard Sherry, in his Treatise of Schemes and Tropes (1550), closely associated the sententia with the argument from testimony or authority when he defined it as one of the seven kinds of figure called Indicacio, or authoritie.(R.W. Serjeantson, Testimony. Renaissance Figures of Speech, ed. by Sylvia Adamson, Gavin Alexander, and Katrin Ettenhuber. Cambridge University  Press, 2008)- Scholasticism developed around the medieval tendency to treat ancient sourcesboth the Bible and certain texts of classical antiquityas authoritative. So strong was this tendency that individual sentences from a respected source, even when taken out of context, could be employed to secure a point in debate. These isolated statements from ancient sources were called sententiae. Some authors collected large number s of sententiae into anthologies for educational and disputational purposes. Disputes centered on debatable points suggested by one or more sententiae, these debatable notions being called quaestiones. Education by debating general topics drawn from authoritative statements reveals one way in which rhetorical and dialectical practices made their way into the Middle Ages. . . .Writers now known as the Italian Humanists were responsible for a resurgence of interest in the languages and texts of classical antiquity during the Renaissance period, an orientation referred to as classicism. . . .[T]he Humanists sought to place the text in its historical context, in order to establish the correct value of words and phrases. . . . As noted [above], the scholastic practice of splintering classical sources into individual statements or sententiae led to the loss of original meaning and even of authorial identity. Charles Nauert writes, from Petrarch onward, humanists insisted on reading each o pinion in its context, abandoning the anthologies . . . and subsequent interpretations and going back to the full original text in search of the authors real meaning.(James A. Herrick, The History and Theory of Rhetoric, 3rd ed. Pearson, 2005) Pronunciation: sen-TEN-she-ah

The eNotes Blog Spring Cleaning Your LessonPlans

Spring Cleaning Your LessonPlans The term â€Å"spring cleaning† often evokes the image of a jam-packed closet, filled with items that have accumulated over time and that may or may not still be useful. Spring cleaning usually isn’t associated with lesson plans, but it’s a good practice to apply to them, too. In fact, it’s more than good. It’s essential! Lesson plans, no matter how carefully crafted, aren’t set in stone. At least they shouldn’t be, since teaching never takes place in a static environment. Everything that affects teaching changes continually- in education, in society, and in the world at large. The body of human knowledge continues to grow, sometimes exponentially, and technology races ahead of where we were the day before. Also, from one year to the next, the human dynamics in a classroom change, too. Different groups of kids come and go, and teachers become more adept and experienced in educating them. Consequently, it’s essential not to rely on the same lesson plans year after year. In addition to writing new plans, it’s important to look over the old ones, and do some spring cleaning. Actually, spring cleaning a collection of lesson plans is like going through all the items in a closet- reviewing each one, evaluating it, and making a decision: keep it, toss it, or do something else with it. The analogy works, but not entirely. The usual advice about tackling a cluttered closet is to get rid of everything that hasn’t been worn in a year or two. When it comes to deciding the fate of a lesson plan, though, that approach won’t work. There are too many variables in play. Faculty assignments, district curriculums, and state standards change; what you don’t need one year, you might need the next. Also, a lesson plan that didn’t work last time might work next time with a different group of kids. In evaluating a lesson plan and deciding what to do with it, these guidelines would be more helpful: Is the lesson plan grounded in worthwhile objectives? Is it as effective as it could be in teaching them? Would kids still find it interesting? Does it relate to the world they’re living in or reflect the society they’re navigating? Does it engage them in their own learning? In going through an accumulation of lesson plans, no doubt you’ll find some that are still good-to-go just as they are, while others need to be updated or could be improved with a little polishing. Occasionally, a lesson plan turns up that really needs attention! Not to worry! There are ways to save it, instead of tossing it out, and the same methods can be used to turn an old lesson plan into a new and improved version. Here are a few of them: Revise a lesson plan to incorporate resources now available on the internet. Refocus it to align the objectives with current standards. Reconstruct it to include hands-on activities that allow kids to use technology, especially in creative ways. Rewrite the examples in it to reflect contemporary society. Renovate the teaching methods employed in it by incorporating some new instructional strategies. With a lesson plan that’s no longer effective as a whole, try this before deep-sixing the whole thing. Identify the content that still works well, and recycle it; work it into an existing lesson plan, or use it in writing a new one. Also, it might be possible to use parts of several old plans in creating a new unit. Considering all the resources now available in writing lesson plans, spring cleaning the old ones can be fun. It’s an opportunity to be creative in applying what you know now that you didn’t know then and in using some amazing technology that didn’t exist when you first designed them. Also, besides making the most of the hard work you’ve done in the past, spring cleaning your lesson plans is a valid reason to put off dealing with the closet! It’s a win-win! This is a post from Staff Writer, Susan Hurn. Susan is a former high school English teacher and college instructor. She loves writing for and also enjoys good books, creative writing, and all things related to history.  Let us know if you’re interested in  contributing to the   blog.

Analytical Paper about the article Why there is no 'southern problem' Essay

Analytical Paper about the article Why there is no 'southern problem'. On environmental leaders and laggards in the European Un - Essay Example On Environmental Leaders and Laggards in the European Union†). Thesis Statement This discussion intends to identify the argument which is made by the author relating to the article that is principally based upon the non-compliance with the EU based environmental laws. Moreover, the evidences which are used by the author in supporting the argument will be discussed. Various significant aspects which comprise the judgment about the evidence, whether, it is strong or weak and the grounds of agreeing or not agreeing with the argument will also be portrayed in the discussion. A Brief Analysis of the Argument In relation to the article, it has been viewed that the author made several arguments focusing upon the reality that non-adherence with the environmental laws belonging to EU is considered to be a ‘southern problem’. ... Moreover, the author also argued that the problem took place due to shortage in the administrative capacities for effectually implementing EU based environmental policies. It has been viewed in the article that the southern member provinces of EU did not possess adequate technical know-how, potential working staffs and well-structured infrastructures for applying as well as enforcing EU environmental based legislative policies. The author suggested that the southern member provinces belonging to EU should implement environmental policies competently for the purpose of developing their financial progression, increasing economic interests and most significantly generating employment. The effective execution of the EU environmental schemes or policies would ultimately promote the economic advancement of the different southern member provinces belonging to EU as well as enhance their environmental quality level by a greater extent. The author identified a significant reason which eventua lly restricted the southern member provinces of EU to implement EU environmental based policies effectively. The significant reason was that the southern member provinces belonging to EU possessed the political systems which were conventionally dominated by clientelism, disrespect and patronage for the public authority. On the basis of the article, the author argued that there lays significant disparities in meeting with the EU environmental laws throughout the different European member provinces which cannot be escorted by a simple north-south separation. The other argument which is made by the author in the article is that the relative study of the execution of the different environmental policies belonging to EU

Why I Want to Return to School Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Why I Want to Return to School - Essay Example Having served as a manager in the corporate world, I feel the dire need of acquainting myself with the right management skills. I deem that essential for progressing in the corporate world. I currently work as a security consultant and am placed in the middle management in the organization structure. When I was originally hired for this job, my plus point that counted more than my skills was that I was a woman. The company wanted to see how including a woman in the team would impact the clients. So although I was not quite skilled in management, I was offered a chance to prove them. I am optimistic that this degree will acquaint me with the necessary skills to help me become a subject matter expert in the security career field in the near future. Taking this course of management would enable me to optimize on my skills so that I provide my company with a reason to offer me a place on behalf of my skills rather than for my gender. Till now, all I have been concentrating upon my professional career. I tried being part of the Air Force and then tried being a civilian. Although I love the added freedom that comes with being a civilian, yet it is equally important for the civilians to keep advancing in their careers in order to remain competitive. In order to pursue my degree, I would have to manage the job along with studies and yet give time to my family as well. This would require me to make certain changes in my lifestyle. The biggest challenge for me is to be in the right place at the right time. Since I am divorced and my daughter is with me, I assume full responsibility for her. What makes the challenge even bigger for me is the fact that my daughter is only six years old. She is a toddler and requires full-time attention and care. In order for me to devote myself wholeheartedly to my degree, it is imperative that I find some objective solution to this problem.

A Look at a Baters Food Group's Distribution Strategy in Meeting Essay

A Look at a Baters Food Group's Distribution Strategy in Meeting Delivery Performance - Essay Example Aside from discussing the significance of zero-inventory-ordering policies, staggering delivery, and just-in-time (JIT) concept in the establishment of lean production and distribution system, this report identified and discussed several factors that can trigger operational bottle-neck within a food manufacturing company. Furthermore, this report tackled the importance of using e-commerce in expanding the existing distribution system of Baxters. Table of Contents Abstract †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 2 Table of Contents †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 3 I. Introduction †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚ ¬ ¦. 4 II. Common Factors that Directly and Indirectly Causes Distribution and Delivery Performance Problems on E-Commerce . 5 III. Importance of Establishing Lean Production and Distribution System on E-Commerce .............................................. 7 IV. Significance of Zero-Inventory-Ordering Policies, Staggering Delivery, and Just-In-Time (JIT) Concept in the Establishment of Lean Production and Distribution System ........... 10 V. Baxters Food Group’s Distribution Strategy in Meeting Delivery Performance †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 12 VI. ... 22 Appendix II – Significance of E-commerce on Baxters’ Distribution Strategy †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 23 Introduction Formerly known as W.A. Baxters & Sons Limited, Baxters Food Group Limited was established back in 1868 as a local food manufacturing company in Scotland that specializes in the manufacturing of microwaveable gourmet soup bowls, chilli bowls, pickles and other food preservatives such as jams, marmalades, and jellies, chutneys and sauces (Baxters 2012a; Bloomberg Businessweek 2012). Today, the company manufactures its food products throughout Australia, Canada, and Poland (Baxters 2012b). Despite the global economic uncertainties during the past couple of years, the use of e-commerce enabled Baxters Food Group able to maintain the efficiency of its distribution and delivery performance. Even though the company’s monthly sales were down by 2% from ?125.8 million as com pared to ?129 million in 2010, Baxters Food Group reported approximately 6% increase in its pre-tax profits as of 2011 (McCulloch 2012). Delivery performance of Baxters is highly dependent on its ability to establish a lean production system. Since Baxters Food Group is a local food manufacturing company in Scotland, it is necessary to identify and discuss all factors that could create flaws on its production and distribution line. In relation to the distribution strategies used by Baxters Food Group, this report will focus on analyzing the factors that made the company able to maintain its efficiency despite the volatility in the demand for canned food products. Using the principles, theories, frameworks, and techniques of modern manufacturing strategies, this report will discuss how the Baxters was able to maintain its daily operational costs low

English - Answer questions from 3 Articles Article

English - Answer questions from 3 Articles - Article Example es how the onus must be on developed countries to take the lead in combating rampant over-consumption, because it is these countries that are over-consuming. Furthermore, these practices of overconsumption create problems in developing countries – climate change, for instance, has a global impact despite being caused almost entirely by developed countries. 2. The most significant impact the article â€Å"The Last Empire† by Jacques Leslie is the inherent idea that the current world order expects so-called â€Å"developing† countries to never truly develop, and if they did the quality of life in so-called â€Å"developed† countries would drop perceptibly – meaning that not only do industrialized nations have an incredible incentive to keep developing countries down, they can actually only afford their quality of life on the backs of developing countries. China is one of the few countries, along with Brazil and India, to truly have â€Å"developed† in the past thirty years – with its economy, and consumption, skyrocketing. This increased consumption has led to vast increases in commodity prices, as more and more food, for instance, had to be imported from abroad (Leslie). Now, if China’s economy improving alone could do that, imagine how drastic the increase in commodity prices, and thus decrease in standard of living, would be caused by the rest of the â€Å"developing† world improving. 3. The main point of â€Å"Rethinking the Meat Guzzler† by Mark Bittman is that the cost of raising meat for consumption is absurdly high, and is increasing at an exponential rate. But by far the most significant aspect of his argument is that the raising of livestock puts a great deal of pressure on grain and energy production, meaning in essence meat, and meat eaters are taking resources away from people who need them. According to Bittman, â€Å"nearly 30 percent of the earth’s ice-free land is directly or indirectly involved with livestock production† – and

Roe v. Wade Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Roe v. Wade - Essay Example When most people speak disapprovingly of the Roe decision, they base their objections purely on moral grounds; but scholars, lawyers and especially judges who condemn the decision should only do so based on constitutional grounds in addition to voicing their moral objections. The argument against the decision should address the 9th Amendment which states, â€Å"The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.† Those opposed have said that the ninth, or any other amendment, does not specifically mention abortion, therefore, the Constitution is not applicable when attempting to determine the legality of abortion rights. This opinion, however, very obviously contradicts the short and to the point statement that is the Ninth Amendment which clearly encourages the recognition of abortion and all other rights over and above what is contained in the Constitution. Just because the word ‘abortionâ⠂¬â„¢ does not appear, the Constitution is still the origin of legal precedence for this issue as it is for all other civil rights cases. Those that criticize the Roe decision have complained that the nation’s founders used general terms to frame the Constitution and did not intend for the ambiguous use of the word ‘rights’ to include the right to an abortion. They further propose that those who ratified the Constitution were ‘God-fearing’ men who would have opposed the practice. Even if this argument could be proved valid on a constitutional basis, the inference that the Founders were wholly opposed to the practice is probably inaccurate.

English - Answer questions from 3 Articles Article

English - Answer questions from 3 Articles - Article Example es how the onus must be on developed countries to take the lead in combating rampant over-consumption, because it is these countries that are over-consuming. Furthermore, these practices of overconsumption create problems in developing countries – climate change, for instance, has a global impact despite being caused almost entirely by developed countries. 2. The most significant impact the article â€Å"The Last Empire† by Jacques Leslie is the inherent idea that the current world order expects so-called â€Å"developing† countries to never truly develop, and if they did the quality of life in so-called â€Å"developed† countries would drop perceptibly – meaning that not only do industrialized nations have an incredible incentive to keep developing countries down, they can actually only afford their quality of life on the backs of developing countries. China is one of the few countries, along with Brazil and India, to truly have â€Å"developed† in the past thirty years – with its economy, and consumption, skyrocketing. This increased consumption has led to vast increases in commodity prices, as more and more food, for instance, had to be imported from abroad (Leslie). Now, if China’s economy improving alone could do that, imagine how drastic the increase in commodity prices, and thus decrease in standard of living, would be caused by the rest of the â€Å"developing† world improving. 3. The main point of â€Å"Rethinking the Meat Guzzler† by Mark Bittman is that the cost of raising meat for consumption is absurdly high, and is increasing at an exponential rate. But by far the most significant aspect of his argument is that the raising of livestock puts a great deal of pressure on grain and energy production, meaning in essence meat, and meat eaters are taking resources away from people who need them. According to Bittman, â€Å"nearly 30 percent of the earth’s ice-free land is directly or indirectly involved with livestock production† – and

Parallels Between Spartacus (1960) and American Life in 1960 Essay

Parallels Between Spartacus (1960) and American Life in 1960 - Essay Example In the movie, Spartacus is bought by Batiatus who trains slaves to become gladiators. The fights between two gladiators till one of them dies, and the fact that it is intended merely for the entertainment of patricians, demonstrate the lack of value attached to a slave’s life. The movie also depicts how two men discuss politics when other two men were fighting a battle that would define the line between their life and death. This situation reflects the state of affairs in the American society where thousands embark on the streets fighting for a cause where they are asking for their basic rights while others, who by their race are thought to be superior, decide what the people of lower racial status should or shouldn’t receive. The movie’s focus then shifts to how a deprived and exploited lot would react when the suppression gets in tolerable. When Crassus, a patrician, arrives at Capia along with his wife, Lady Helena, and insists that a gladiatorial match be arranged, ignoring Batiatus’ concern that forcing the slaves to fight to the death in their own camp could cause an uprising. In a fight that ensued, Draba overcomes Spartacus. However, he chooses not to kill his friend, and instead attacks Crassus. A guard kills him and it triggers a mutiny. The slaves form an ‘army’ that travels through the countryside, looting land owners and freeing slaves. However, in the end, they are overcome and Spartacus is killed. Such an uprising can be witnessed in the American history if we examine the Civil Rights and Black Liberation Movements during the 1960s.

Reflection about the discomfort Essay Example for Free

Reflection about the discomfort Essay When I met a stranger at a party, I said to myself I wouldnt be shy. I told him my life story and my opinions within 10 minutes of meeting him. How odd it seemed. And finally he escaped from me. This was not a good start of a relationship, from that I learned self-disclosure was a kind of communication which worked best a little at a time. I had to sensitive to the other persons needs and feeling, to be empathic. When I communicated with my boyfriend in the first week, I reminded myself I should practice self-disclosure and I gave me a license to blurt out everything to him. Several times he said to me, Youre doing that communication thing on me. From his reflection about the discomfort, I thought I was over disclosing. The next week, when I stayed with him, I paid more attention on listening to him, gave him chances to disclose, but he complained that he was disclosing more than I was. This time I made another mistake, I was underdisclosing. I understood that deciding when and how much personal information to disclose was not a simple case, if I couldnt handle well, not only I would lose the chance to make friend with that stranger, but also lose my boyfriend. I was so regret that I was not prepare well for this part in the methodology section. I should modify it. Then I went to do some reading and found the guideline for disclosure. Self disclosure is best when it is to the right person-often one who is capable of empathic understanding; to the right degree- you may decide to disclose all or part of your experience; for the right reasons-be sure your goal is to disclose yourself rather than to burden the other or show off; at the right time-in hours that are appropriate and when the other is not heavily burdened with his own need; and in the right place-in a location conducive to this kind of communication.(Bolton, 1986, p. 180) In the following days, I kept these guidelines in mind when I communicated and made a great effort in using disclosing, no complaints again and the relation between my boyfriend went even intimacy.  I was amazed how I was able to self disclose to my friend Jane after nearlly 3 weeks disclosing training. I opened myself to her and revealed things about my past that I very rarely talk about. I found she was able to relate to me and I even led the way for her to reveal things about herself. This gave us a great beginning. One behavior that has hindered my self-disclosure with her was when she told me she was not happy for me when I told her a serious mistake I have made before. Unfortunately, after she did that I have not been able to open myself up anymore. I didnt take confrontation too well and said nothing at all. I needed to change this by telling her how I felt when she said that to me. If I could do this it would be a big step for me. This was a problem that I didnt foresee, I should learn how to deal with confrontation, prepare for it. I kept a diary of my disclosing within these 3 weeks. I found I was easy to disclosure to women than men. I avoid interact with people with different culture, I rarely talked about my family, and I often pushed me to self-disclosing too much and this turned people off. A lot of problems involves in my skill, I need to learn more about confrontation, learn how much I should disclose and to whom the disclosures are made. These were not included in my initial plan, and I will add them in my follow up plan. Conclusion and reflection  1. Self-disclosure is a process of providing information to another individual. The information that is disclosed includes ones thoughts, feelings, past experiences, and future plans.  2. For me, self-disclosure was the hardest piece of the puzzle, I did not tell people who I really was because I was afraid that they would not like the real me. Plus I had the need to protect myself.  3. I think an ideal self-disclosure (my goal) involves openness, a desire   o get closer to another, and an implied trust in the person were revealing ourselves to. It also can increase self-acceptance. 4. The amount of information we disclose in our interpersonal relationships also influences our relationships. The Johari window is a model that helps us assess the type of information we disclose; whom we make disclosures to and the communication environment we find ourselves in. By using this model, I found I was a person I r who had a lot of hidden area and a little open area.  5. My relationship with my friend May was an example of using the social penetration theory. I thought I understood this theory and did quiet well with disclosing to May. Although the disclosing slowed down in the last week, it was due to the different background. From that, I knew disclosure happened frequently with people had common ground. 6. Although I overcome the mental barrier to communicate with the stranger, I still done badly. I fell in an extreme-overdisclosing and made him escape from me. I realized that self-disclosure couldnt be used as a mere device to force the other people into a relationship. It was a kind of communication which worked best a little at a time. I should sensitive to the other persons needs and feeling, to be empathic. 7. I failed to use self-disclosure with my boyfriend in the first two weeks, but with the help of the guidelines, I did better in the last week. During the first week, I made a same mistake (overdisclosing) again. I blurted out everything to him. After he reflected his uncomfortable, I forced myself to listen more, but still fell into another extreme- underdisclosing. In order to solve the problem, I found some guidelines and kept in mind in the following week and got a lot of benefit. 8. I done really well in disclosing to Jane, but a new problem arose. I didnt know how to deal with confrontation when she said she didnt like my past behavior. This hindered my disclosing and I couldnt open myself any more. The lack of prepare for confrontation leaded to my failure.  9. I thought the approach I adopted was quiet successful, such as prepare for disclosing and handle the anxiety, using a method to gradually work up to being more open.  10. I benefited a lot by keeping a diary about my training. From that, I discovered what feelings and needs I didnt disclose; which friendships grew the most. I also knew certain of my disclosures turn people off and what I was uncomfortable discussing certain things and who I avoid interacting with. 11. Prepared other for my change by telling them I would use a new communication skill gave me a lot of benefits. They would give me feedback and if I done badly, they wont easily get annoy.  12. There were many shortcomings in my approach. Such as ignore when and how much personal information to disclose, havent prepared for confrontation. Those problems made my disclosing failed.  13. I thought my origin goal was appropriate-became openness, got closer to another, and had an implied trust in the person were revealing ourselves to. My goal also included increasing my self-acceptance. After 3 weeks training, I found I was more open than before, I wouldnt always hide myself and I would like to share myself with the right person. I got closer to May, my boyfriend by disclosing. During the process of disclosing, a trust had built. I showed some trust in another by making a disclosure that had a little risky, when the other accepted and was supportive about my disclosure, trust was likely to be enhanced. Due to the acceptance by others, my self-acceptance enhanced.

Artificial And Non Artificial Ingredients In Foods Biology Essay

Artificial And Non Artificial Ingredients In Foods Biology Essay The aim of this research is to find out what are the differences between artificial and non artificial additives, and their modern use as well as the safety, benefits of their presence and side effects it might have on the body. As my examples of artificial additives I will discuss the properties of two synthetically obtained chemicals, a sweetner Aspartame and a flavor enhancer Mono sodium glutamate. Compounds vanillin and cinnamaldehyde as examples of natural ingredients. My intended sources of information were websites found on the google search engine, and other links associated with this topic.. First time line for the research was due on 20/02/2013 and it was requested by Joanne mitchel. 2 What are additives and what are they used for Food additives are ingredients added to foods during their manufacturing processes, food additives can also be identified as natural and artificial. Natural or non-artificial are often considered to be of natural origin, and have been used for centuries by people. These natural ingredients were obtained from organic sources such as part of the plants or animals that contained the active compound in them. Methods of obtaining these ingredients and their uses varied as many cultures and regions had their own methods of seasoning and preserving foods. Ingredients obtained synthetically are artificial, these ingredients are often obtained through bacterial fermentation, some artificial additives are simply, separated and concentrated active compounds found in natural ingredients, however synthetically obtained will never be the same as natural. Natural additives such as food dyes, preservatives and spices existed all throughout history, however their methods of preparation were often ver y time consuming and gave very little results, which not everyone could afford. Today the use of natural ingredients and natural ways of preserving foods has been greatly replaced by artificial additives. They can act as preservative to allow food to be eatable for longer, pH regulators to keep the food at its optimal pH, flavor enhancers to sharp the taste of other tastes and some additives can act as a substitute for tastes and flavorous such as sugar. Chemical properties and uses of Aspartame and Mono sodium glutamate Aspartame or E951 and MSG (Mono sodium glutamate) are two artificial ingredients used in the EU in many foods. Aspartame is a white odorless powder and it is very sweet in taste which eventually becomes bitter, chemically aspartame is a methyl ester of two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid, in acidic conditions aspartame will breakdown to its components and also a 3rd dipeptide called aspartyl-phenylalanin, it will also produce methanol as a bi product. MSG is a sodium salt of an amino acid that is known as glutamic acid which is often found naturally in many animal proteins, chemically it is one sodium atom holding two glutamic acids together. Main use of aspartame are its properties that make it sweet in taste, aspartame is also widely used in soft drinks and chewing gums as a substitue for sugar. Although aspartame is not used in all sweetners, chemicals with similar chemcial properties are also used in other products such as confectionary and sweets. MSG is used as a f lavor enhancer, it works best when combined with other flavors. It is generally used in ready meals, processed meats, fast food restaurants and snacks such as crisps and many other, MSG is also used in seasonings and canned soups. Chemical properties and uses of Cinnamon powder and Vanilla oil. Both cinnamon powder and vanilla oil are examples of natural ingredients that can be added to food to increase their taste quality, these ingredients are often less active on the body than their artificial forms, naturally these ingredients have to be prepared from the actual flower or part of the plant that contains the active ingredient found within the part of the plant. Cinnamon powder is grated bark of the cinnamon tree, the active ingredient found in cinnamon is the cinnamaldehyde which gives cinnamon its taste in cinnamon based products. Presence of a compound known as vanillin gives vanilla its smell and taste and it is the active compound that is used in the production of vanilla tasting spices and all vanilla tasting products, however this chemical is obtained both naturally and synthetically. These natural additives are just a fraction of what used to be an everyday spice, even though the active compounds can be produced synthetically. These spices are still produced naturally, and are sold as everyday spices however products such as confectionary that resemble in taste may have been produced artificially. Benefits of presence of additives in food The main benefit of presence of artificial additives in foods is that it is more economically efficient than obtaining and preparation of natural additives, especially in additives that are used as food dyes, preservatives, pH regulators and flavourings, flavour enhancers and emulsifiers. Naturally preservatives would be just a matter of preserving the food keeping it in cool conditions but even that will not give it a long lasting date of expiration and preservatives can extend that date as well as pH regulators by keeping the food at its optimum pH to preserve its freshness. Sugar substitutes can also be beneficial to people with disorders that excludes sugar from their diet. Some of the properties of certain compounds found within the additives could never be separated out naturally. Possible side effects associated with foods containing natural and artificial additives. Natural additives like vanilla extract and cinnamon powder are non essential to the human body but will digest. The desired active compounds in them will correspond to their function and breakdown to smaller harmless compounds. Side effects that are often associated with consumption of foods containing these ingredients are allergic reactions to compounds found within them. Artificial additives work in similar way, when obtained and prepared it is in its pure form, then it is added during foods manufacturing process. Some artificial additives are synthetically obtained active compounds found in natural ingredients. Some like aspartame were designed using other compounds creating in effect a new compound, aspartame partially breaks down to methanol which is toxic in even small amounts and the more aspartame is consumed the more methanol is produced. Regular consumption of foods and drinks containing aspartame may result in headaches, dizziness, and even vomiting, another biproduct of aspartame is L-phenylanine which by some cannot be consumed as it gives allergic reactions to people sensitive to it. MSG contains glutamic acid that is naturally found in meat proteins, it is non essential but will breakdown and digest, MSG is purely an active compound, the role for glutamic acid in proteins is that it is a building block for muscules and also supports brain function. Foods containing MSG could alter the functions of the brain for the moment of consuming the food and its digestion, over consumption of foods containing these ingredients may cause headaches, bowel distress, acid reflux, indigestion, nausia and fatigue. Long term effects and the impact on society. Natural ingredients added to foods should not be a cause of any physical or mental disabilities, there are always foods in nature that have low toxicity and are considered to be healthy and there are always those more toxic and should be avoided, many natural ingredients and spices were unique to different cultures and regions of the world which were renowned for them as well. It can not be ruled out that compounds found within artificial additives can be considered toxic and be potentially dangerous to the body if excess amounts of foods containing these chemicals are consumed on a regular basis over years. Children can be particularly affected by such foods that it can even be noticed, children require less food so it takes less to see the effects of such foods. Sugar causes hyper activity as well as other sugar based products, there are also concerns that the active compounds found in additives such as MSG can alter the brain chemistry to the point a person will be craving for thi s particular food without understanding that they were actually craving for the ingredient in that food. This might affect children more severely because as they are developing they might become more prone to simply buying these foods over fully nutritional foods that they require. People prone to stress eating will be more likely to want to eat products containing, high sugar content and foods containing richer and stronger flavours, which many additives were designed to simulate. In my opinion it is not worth it to fill foods with ingredients that can be potentially harmful with just having this advantage that they can stay for longer or taste more stronger. The best solution would by minimising the intake of foods containing these chemicals to only required mass their body needs. People in most developed countries are aware of what is in the food they buy and the daily amount required but it still dose not help the growing population of obesity in most countries. It should also b e noted that additives were disqualified from many markets through out their short period of existence because they were considered potentially harmful and those considered vital were always replaced by new. http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/top-10-food-additives-to-avoid http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_additive http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/food_additives.shtml http://www.wholevegan.com/food_additives.html http://cdn.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/images/titelbild/vanillin-ia.jpg http://www.liquorpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/van.jpg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamon http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethyl_cinnamate Health Benefits of Cinnamon http://www.bmrb.wisc.edu/metabolomics/mol_summary/show_data.php?molName=methyl_3_4_5_trimethoxy_cinnamateid=bmse010223

Imagination In Morte D Arthur :: essays research papers

Imagination in Morte D' Arthur A recurring theme in Sir Thomas Malory's Morte d' Arthur is the use of imaginative descriptions of characters and settings. Imagination is what the reader of the story must use to form his or her own mental images of a situation, and the better the storyteller is, the clearer the mental image. His descriptions, ranging from horrific to chivalrous, always manage to draw the reader into the story and make him or her an active participant, usually knowing a bit more than the characters about their own fates. Malory employs many literary techniques, but perhaps his most prominent is his use of imagination.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When the exerpt begins, King Arthur is having a nightmare involving falling into a pit of serpents. Malory describes the scene in Arthur's head as if the reader were there with him. What separates the reader from the character is the fact that the reader knows it's only a dream, and Arthur doesn't. This is an interesting way of keeping the reader a safe distance from the goings on of the story. Malory uses this method again, when Arthur and his army are about to negotiate with Mordred and his. One of the King's soldiers notices a snake about to bite him, and he draws his sword to slay it. All that Mordred's men see is the blade being drawn, and a battle immediately ensues. Once again, the reader is told more than the characters. The only thing keeping the reader a part of the story is the vivid descriptions given of the nightmarish world of Arthur's dream, and the smoking, bloody battlefield of a war that wasn't meant to happen.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Malory also makes use of drama in his portrayal of the double-death scene, again with Arthur and Mordred. When he describes Mordred's sword being driven into Arthur's chest, and Arthur's spear running Mordred through, the reader almost cringes at the thought. However, it is not enough that they are both killed by each other's hand, Arthur doesn't die immediately. He is carried by his most faithful knights back to a chapel, where he died more honorably. The reader is bearing with him all the way, glad to be rid of the villain Mordred, but at the same time pitying him, for he was Arthur's son. This makes the story even more involving, and forces the reader to imagine

The Prospects for a National Missile Defense :: Research Papers

The Prospects for a National Missile Defense Imagine this scenario: approximately fifteen intercontinental ballistic missiles are unintentionally launched from Russia. The missiles are equipped with several nuclear warheads, and their final target is the United States. The United States already possesses an early-warning system and thus detects the missiles more than twenty minutes before they land. However, even though they can detect the missiles, the United States has no means of defending itself from them. If even one of the warheads lands inside the United States, the consequences will be devastating. Hundreds of thousands will perish, millions more will suffer life-altering injuries and diseases, and the targeted city will lie in ruins. The prospect of a ballistic missile attack has been a fear in the United States since the 1950s, and that concern has been renewed with the end of the Cold War. Currently nations have limited means of protecting themselves. Both Russia and the United States have the bounded capability to d efend against short-range missiles, but neither can protect their territory from intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). As a result of a growing concern in the United States, Congress has pushed for a national missile defense system. The purpose of a national missile defense system is to destroy a ballistic missile launched on the US before it can ever reach it. If an operational national missile defense system were implemented, the United States would theoretically be able to thwart any ballistic missile attack on any of its fifty states. Two questions must be answered, however, before the United States begins the implementation of a national missile defense system. First, how feasible and reliable is the technology of the system? Second, assuming that the defense system would be operational and could protect the United States against a ballistic missile attack, what implications would such a system hold for international security? That is, would it serve as a stabilizing or destabilizing factor? This paper will serve to show that the technology for NMD is feasible when its technical components are looked at individually, and it is only a matter of years before a national missile defense system could be minimally operational. However, if countermeasures are taken against an NMD system, it will never be completely successful in a ballistic missile attack. Finally, regardless of its feasibility an NMD system would destabilize international security and could possibly even reinitiate another arms race, and for this reason, alternatives should be considered.

Proposal for assessing the UK’s

Overall Objective The goal of this research proposal is to provide Tangent Company LLC an accurate, detailed plan of the team's research goals, methodology, and progress to ensure the project is in alignment with Tangent's overall expectations.The goal of the research itself is to provide Tangent the knowledge to fully understand water usage, management, issues, and perceptions in the United Kingdom for future business sessions. Our research provides all of the understandings to what Tangent's expectations are regarding the objectives. Specific Aims The team provided a concise quantitative analysis involving water quality, precipitation, water consumptions and usage in homes of the I-J market as well as an accurate qualitative examination of consumer perceptions and attitudes of water in the I-J.This research focused primarily on households with a decentralized water supply, but will examine the Auk's overall infrastructure for water usage, treatment, and disposal. The Auk's existing problems with water supply, quality, disposal, and ending is clearly defined and the consumer perceptions of these problems are surveyed. PROJECT SCOPE We accomplished most of the research goals we have planned. The team used secondary research methods to define water use and the disposal infrastructure in the ELK.The research was focused on individual residences, particularly looking at the market of the point of entry, point of use, and point of discharge in homes with decentralized water. Secondary research defined how water is supplied to residences. Information on existing problems with the Auk's water supply, quality, espousal and sustainability funding is readily available and current. The team will contained information that is unavailable anywhere else. The primary research is the most important, as the team was able to talk to individuals and get better understanding of the overall perception from consumers.The one condition we were not unable to accomplish is primary res earch outside the greater London area. We were able to get good sample in the city of London and other small cities around the area. The primary research was done using both surveys and interviews. We were able to get a large amount of people to complete he online surveys even before arrival in London by using an assigned student- partner from New Packinghouse University as a distribution channel.In addition to distributing the surveys, he has been tasked with putting together a focus group with environmental majors at â€Å"Bucks† University and is gathering recent newspaper articles that involve water issues happening now. Since water is such a hot topic in the I-J, the team feels that we will get a lot of good information from interviewing the local residents and they will have a lot to say about it? SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED BY RESEARCH The following list of questions combines specific questions developed by Tangent Company LLC and questions that had developed dur ing the team meeting with Tangent in February.This list does not include specific questions developed specifically for the interview and surveys. O What is the water supply in the I-J? O What does the water supply infrastructure look like? 0 How old is the piping in the I-J? O How is water delivered to residences? O What percentage of the population uses a decentralized water supply? 0 How much of the water is centrally treated? O How is the water supply and waste water collection funded? What is the size of the market for water softeners? Septic tanks? 0 How many homes use well water? What is the typical water use pattern in the I-J? O How does water use in the I-J differ from that of the United States? O What are the actual water supply problems? What are the perceived problems? DHOW long could the I-J survive a drought? O What are the actual water quality problems? What are the perceived problems? Is the water high in iron? Does it require softeners? O What are the actual wastewa ter disposal problems? What are the perceived problems? 0 What percent of the water is wastewater? Is it influenced by surface water? O Are there water infrastructure funding problems? What are the prevailing consumer attitudes towards water supply, quality, disposal, and funding problems? 0 Are UK residences concerned about their water supply? O Where are the discrepancies between attitudes and reality? O What is the level of understanding and acceptance for water recycling? 0 What is the perceived value of water recycling to the end-user? O Is there competitive technology in the I-J? O What are some of the water industry associations in the I-J? O Who are the ejaculating bodies and what are the regulatory requirements for water in the I-J? 0 What are the water quality standards in the I-J?RESEARCH METHODS Information gathered was comprised of a combination primary and secondary research techniques that will conclude if Tangent's water recycling units will be successful in the U. K market or not. By using both types of research methods, the final report has a good balance of qualitative and quantitative data. The secondary research covers the entire United Kingdom, whilst the primary research will ultimately be limited to the greater London area. Primary Research Methodology There are two different types of primary research: specific and exploratory.Exploratory is dealing more with open-ended research, like having unstructured interviews with small group of people. Specific research is precise and is used to solve the problem exploratory has identified, but specific is more expensive to conduct. In this case exploratory would be the better option considering the budget. Our primary research consisted of randomly selected man-on-the-street interviews, online surveys, and in-depth interviews/focus groups. With the help of our Bucks tuned-partner, surveys were be distributed via email to his contacts prior to the team's departure.In-person interviews were the be st method to gather qualitative data. Here is where we need to talk about our interviews and the names of the two men and their titles. Also here is were we need to add how many surveys were completed. The process for interviewing happened in person and residents will be randomly selected. Once we have all our questions and the format configured, the primary research was conducted. This happened at the beginning of the trip to give us an dead of how people feel about this problem to help determine the ideal target to gather more in-depth information about recycling waste water.Once we gathered all the data from the primary research, then the analysis plan was put together to help organize the data to find a conclusion about the proposal with recycling waste water. This helps with all the different sources that were used to gather the information that we need to present to the client and gives them a clear view of the raw data to help determine whether their product will be successfu l and if it would make an impact on the water supply. Sources of Data Data was obtained by distributing surveys and holding interviews with industry experts.The survey was created in Qualities, a secure online survey software system. This system allowed us to effectively create, distribute, and analyze data collected. The survey was distributed via email to I-J residents. Collection and Assessment of Data Survey and interview questions was protested by five people including Bucks partner The survey will be sent prior to departure to our partner at New Packinghouse University for distribution. The survey will also be distributed to the team's current arsenal contacts in the UK with a request to forward to other residents in order to get a large sample: no less than 100 completed surveys.In addition to email distribution, surveys will be physically conducted by the team while in London. Surveying a variety of people including, environmental experts to the average home owner to gather information about an array of perceptions from all ages, incomes, and education levels. The persons selected for the survey will receive a link via email to fill the questionnaire out over the internet. Once the survey is submitted, the results will be collected and processed by the Qualities software.In-depth interviews will be conducted face-to-face in London. The interviews are still in the process of being scheduled, but contact has been made with various organizations from research facilities to water companies. Professor Tony Allen- Department of Geography at King's College in London has already agreed to an interview and has emailed links to credible online sources for our secondary research. He is a member of The London Water Research Group and is looking to gather a few more industry experts for the team to interview.The plan is to speak to no less than 3 industry experts while in London. The interviews will last approximately 15-20 minutes and will consist of a combination of closed and open- ended questions. The interviews will be conducted by a single team member acting as the interviewer and asking the questions, another team member will take diligent notes, while another will moderate the interview by watching the clock and keeping interview on schedule, ensuring that we respect the interviewee's time.Format for Final Results The final layout for our final primary research results is still to be determined. It will include a concise summary of survey results including graphic data. The data collected from the interviews will also be summarized, and the full interviews will be available in the appendix. It will be organized by participants who have decentralized water infrastructure and participants who have centralized water infrastructure. A bar graph will help present the differences between the different groups.Specific Questions The team has developed questions to ensure that Tangent will not be contacted for a sale as a result of our survey or interview. Key elements of the primary research include: Demographic information, including age, gender, education, location proximity of residence from downtown London), household size, household type (flat, single-family home, etc. ), if they reside in an urban or rural location, and type of household water supply/disposal (centralized or decentralized).Behavior-based questions focusing on typical water usage and buying habits (bottled water, water conserving appliances, water softeners). Questions to determine the level of the publics understanding of water recycling and its reception: â€Å"How do you feel about â€Å"What is your biggest concern regarding your household water? † Scaled questions to determine the publics concern of the actual water problems derived from secondary research â€Å"On a scale of 1-5, how concerned are you about the growing population in the UK with regards to the water supply? . The online survey consists of mainly closed-ended questions that are answered by multiple-choice or on a scale: â€Å"On a scale of 1-5 (1 being not concerned-5 being extremely concerned) how concerned are you about the droughts happening all over the U. K? † Other questions will determine if the consumer is a part of the target market: â€Å"Do you have a septic tank? Yes/No†, If they choose yes, it will lead to a implementers question. If no is chosen, another question will follow.More open- ended questions to gauge customer knowledge and attitudes about current issues and water recycling technologies will be used during face-to-face interviews. â€Å"Would you drink recyclable water, why or why not? † See appendices for complete list of questions. Primary Research Results! Talk about all our surveys, the questions, and answers. Analyze, perceptions Secondary Research Methodology The majority of the research conducted will consist of secondary research methods by gathering information from various credible sources to answer the specific questions outlined by the client.Most of this research will be conducted prior to the team's departure, this will ensure the team is educated on the topics upfront and will assist with developing and modifying specific questions conducted during the primary research in London. Some secondary research will be conducted while abroad, taking advantage of the opportunity to gather information from Loon's libraries that cannot be obtained elsewhere. It is expected that some level of secondary research will need to be done upon return back to the United States to tie up loose ends for the final report.Sources of Data The research databases provided by Cleveland State University library allows students free access to full text scholarly Journals, articles, trade magazines, newspapers, and other sources of credible information. The online research databases used include Water Resources Abstracts and an array of databases provided by Obscenest including Academic Search Co mplete, Environment Complete, Newspaper Source, and Science Direct. The web is also a good source to use to gather secondary research. There are many reliable sources of current information on all aspects of water in the I-J.Many are hosted by the water companies and water-governing bodies. Professor Adams recommends using www. Afoot. Gob. UK/ The Water Services Regulation Authority website, www. Water. Org. UK/ for a wealth of data on all aspects of water use, and www. Environment-agency. Gob. UK/ for its page on water demand management. And sewerage sectors in England and Wales, Water I-J represents all major UK water and wastewater service suppliers at national and European level, and Water Demand Management (WAD) considers national and international water resources, demand management and water conservation.We work closely with the Government, water companies, regulators, universities, academics and trade bodies on all national and international water demand management issues. Lo oking up different water companies in the U. K and finding statistics regarding water recycling helps determine the target audience. The website, â€Å"Wastewater Treatment and Recycling,† is a credible source from the U. K explaining the different treatments that are currently being used. It discusses the recycling of residual sludge and how it has an impact with their water supply. This information will help give the team insight with what the U.K is doing with this situation. So far, the U. K does not have any product on the market that can recycle water and is mainly focused on households while having the cleanest and safest water possible: eliminating all chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Information from this website also helps with our primary research and how we should organize our interviews, surveys, and potential focus groups. While in London, the team will also have access to the British Library and the City Business Library of London. These libraries contain informa tion that cannot be obtained anywhere else in the world.The secondary research performed here could provide vital information to give the client a competitive advantage. The team intends to spend at least one full day conducting research at these libraries. The team will also have access to the library at New Packinghouse University, which may also prove to be a useful source of information. Specific Questions Secondary research provided general information on the Auk's overall water usage and disposal infrastructure by answering questions such as: Where does the water supply come from? How is it delivered to the home? How old is the centralized infrastructure?How is wastewater collected, treated, and disposed of? How many households use decentralized water in the I-J, in the London area? What problems exist regarding water supply, quality, sustainable funding, and wastewater disposal? Who are the governing bodies and regulatory agencies that oversee the Auk's water? What is the typ ical household water use pattern in the I-J, and how does it compare with the US? What is the market for POE, POP, and POD technology? Secondary research Results! Here can insert quotes from the secondary research findings Conclusions and Recommendations , Summary of our resultsStrengths Secondary research objectives are easily obtainable through online databases and the web. The information is current. Ability to gather a large sample population for the online survey due to our Bucks student-partner and the team's established personal contacts in the I-J. The team has the opportunity to use the British Library and the City Business Library of London. Water problems are a big issue now both globally and in the I-J, so the timing for this project is excellent. The team has a strong understanding of the client's expectations for the final project.Willingness of members of the London Water Research Group to participate in our in- depth interviews and assist in providing contacts for th e online survey distribution. Limitations Amount of time for primary research in London is limited. The team will be located in an area with centralized water supply and will have to travel to find a significant sample of target audience. Primary research will only be conducted in the London area. Emailed surveys are easily ignored, forgotten, or deleted. The accuracy of responses of the online survey can be questionable due to the fact the artificial is not being monitored.

External Enviroment

Question 1 The external environment of a firm plays a very important role in the operations of the organization. Why is it important for organization in the Pacific to learn and know about what is happening in their external environment? Use examples to explain a least 5 elements in the external environment. The business dictionary defines external environment as conditions, entities, events, and factors surrounding an organization that influence its activities and choices, and determine its opportunities and risks.From this definition we can identify that external environment plays a vital role in the operations of organization. For an organization in the Pacific to maintain its longevity and productivity in the competitive world of business it is very important to be alert and attentive to the world surrounding it in terms of entities, events, and factors surrounding it that will influence its activities and choices, and determine its opportunities and risks thus maintain its compe titive edge. Technological Element The organization must be technologically efficient.Computers are now the main mode of communication. It knows no barrier. It travels through time and space, continents, companies and what not. A press of a button from Fiji can enable you to communicate with someone thousand and thousand of kilometers away living in United Kingdom. It is very important that they invest in technology through equipment, training and recruitment to be able to impact in the economy. â€Å"Never before in history has innovation offered promise of so much to so many in so short a time. †Ã‚   –Bill Gates (http://voices. ahoo. com/great-technology-quotes-sayings-5759728. html? cat=15) â€Å"The medium, or process, of our time – electric technology is reshaping and restructuring patterns of social interdependence and every aspect of our personal life. It is forcing us to reconsider and re-evaluate practically every thought, every action,†Ã‚   â₠¬â€œMarshall McLuhan (http://voices. yahoo. com/great-technology-quotes-sayings-5759728. html? cat=15) Eg. The use of ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) by commercial banks in the region has made banking effective and efficient.No longer have people be involved in long lines wait to be served. The work of two to three people have been made easier by a single machine. In a Fiji Times interview the ANZ Bank CEO Vishnu Mohan explained that, [1]ANZ customers can now carry out quick and timely automatic teller machine (ATM) transactions. . Economic Element The organization must also be aware of economic development, events and activities regionally and globally. ———————– [1] (Fiji Times, 3rd October, 2012, ATM Upgrade)

International and Domestic Food Franchising in Saudi Arabia Essay

International and Domestic Food Franchising in Saudi Arabia - Essay Example The country is experiencing a tremendous population growth, along with the fact that its oil reserves are finite. These two major dynamics has and is changing the foundations of the country. The realities of globalisation as well as the understanding that its oil reserves will one day be depleted has seen the country's leadership plan changes to the economic structure of the country to meet current and future needs to bring Saudi Arabia in line with the economic make up of a post oil situation, via the development of a diversified economic structure. The preceding background events, which shall be further elaborated upon herein, represent important facets in this study, along with the underpinnings of the country's surge of industrial projects, and revision of its laws, policies and regulations. The foregoing has been spurred by the broad reasons mentioned, population growth and finite oil reserves, and the application by Saudi Arabia to join the World Trade Organisation, a process that began in 1992. Admission to this body occurred in 2005, with the foregoing admittance requiring massive as well as comprehensive internal reorganisation of the legal, social system, and industry that included the difficult changes in consideration of the country's religion, Islam. Â  

History of penicillin Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

History of penicillin - Essay Example In 1896, a French medical student, Ernest Duchesne was the first person to notice Penicillin. Later in 1928, bacteriologist Alexander Fleming re-discovered the drug while working at St. Marys Hospital in London. Fleming discovered an interesting phenomenon with a plate culture of Staphylococcus. He was able to notice that the culture had produced a blue-green mold, which consequently dissolved colonies of bacteria surrounding the mold (Bellis, 4). After a couple of months, further research in to the phenomenon revealed that the mold produced an unknown substance, which dissolved the bacteria. The research also revealed that this mold was not harmful to animals but it was able to kill disease-causing organisms especially bacteria (Hare, 1). In 1939, Dr. Howard Florey, and three partners at Oxford University were able to show that penicillin was actually capable of killing bacteria that cause diseases. They discovered this by conducting intensive research in the capability and strength of the drug. However, there was a challenge, which hindered scientists from Britain to conduct intensive examinations of the drug with humans. This was due to the intensified war with Germany, which rendered the scientists unable to produce adequate quantities of penicillin for human trials. As a result, these British scientists turned to the United States for help. After several intensive experiments in the Peoria Lab, these scientists worked on various methods to increase the growth rate of fungal cultures (Bellis, 6). On 24 August 1940, there was the first publishing of Oxford papers, which showed the capability of penicillin in treating experimentally infected animals. Later, on 2 September same year, Fleming demonstrated that penicillin had the capability of producing total inhibition of staphylococci in human blood (Hare, 21). In 1943, scientists carried out the needed clinical trials, which demonstrated that penicillin was the most effectual antibacterial agent to

Indian Ocean Tsunami Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Indian Ocean Tsunami - Essay Example Proper building strategies should have promoted buildings with escape routes, cautionary system and safe places. Construction of physical barriers or dykes around the sea could have greatly reduced the effects of tsunami. Mitigation approaches could also have been applied to correct the situation. Such measures involve analysis of possible destructions from other similar occurrences. Such measures would also involve an analysis of seismic triggers to establish areas prone to an earthquake. Communication between the authority, seismologists, and the society could have helped to improve the situation as well. Such communication would be followed by recommendations and possible correction measures for any possible occurrence. Authorities in the affected areas could also have applied early warnings to the people. Such warnings would encourage the people to vacate the affected areas for safer grounds. This required the region to have a well-established transport and communication system. Physical developments on the land could also have reduced the effects of tsunami. Physical elevation of the ground, building barriers in high risk areas, drainage systems and onshore and offshore barriers might have helped to prevent damages and reduce a number of victims

Explicative Style Paper on The Lack of Islam in American Public Term

Explicative Style on The Lack of Islam in American Public Schools and the Struggle of Muslim's to gain their own American - Term Paper Example These include the assimilation degree of the Muslims into society, national identity, and religious and civil law inter-relation. One avenue for finding a balance between security and identity issues with diversity tolerance in the society. The United States’ ideal, contending â€Å"out of many, one†, has assured that Muslims can participate in the maintenance and improvement of America as a culturally pluralistic democracy (Moore 286). However, the question arises as to the effects of the war on terror on American assimilation of Islam, both in the education system and society. This paper will argue that there is wanting progress on assimilating Islam into the education system while the formation of an Islamic-American identity is a struggle. The Lack of Islam in American Public Schools Religious illiteracy among American teachers has made it likely that teachers in the system will harbor generalizations and prejudices concerning Islam, which hinder the attempts to acc ommodate Islam in the education system (Aown 1257). Such bodies have long identified the basic requirements that Muslims need to uphold their Islamic faith in public schools as the Council on Islamic Education. These bodies have also raised vital issues that need to be on Islam and State that have now become difficult for public schools resolve. However, some of the state sponsored schools have found it difficult to make some of the accommodations that have been identified. At the heart of this issue is the extent to which the requirements and needs of Islam can be represented in the education system. Another issue that has held accommodation back is the failure of the teachers to understand whether the First Amendment’s establishment clause, prohibits the American state from accommodating religious groups to exercise freely. The religious belief requirement in the First Amendment’s free exercise clause could cause friction with the establishment clause when the studen t wants to practice his/her beliefs in a public school (Aown 1258). The teaching fraternity must ensure that the requirement for belief not to be hindered must be in balance with sensitivity not to give overwhelming state support for specific beliefs (Aown 1259). Some Americans are of the belief that, as long as support by the state is not preferential, then it is all right, whereas others believe that state support is not acceptable. However, it is possible to make thoughtful and sensitive accommodations easily without raising any questions to do with the constitution. For example, it may be possible to allow Muslim students for them to wear modest clothes, or even allow them to skip some social activities without any violation of school policies. In addition, some schools allow Muslim students to be absent for some religious holidays, although this is not widespread. While this accommodation may be considered a reasonable accommodation, some teachers resist it, mostly because they do not understand Islam and the importance of these holidays. Accordingly, some local district and state schools have been criticized for refusing to assent to these holidays (Aown 1259). This can be improved by placing Islamic holidays together with holidays for other religions for teachers to plan on the school calendar. While some schools have began to implement excusal policies that let Muslim

BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS - Assignment Example The process of recruitment pertains to the systematic method of attracting the suitable candidates for the application in case there arises a vacancy within the organisation. The organizations tap the market when they require individuals having particular skill sets, and may also ask the individuals for joining the workplace in order to complement or supplement the existing skill. In all such situations, the company cautiously undertakes manpower planning and job analysis in order to develop the profile of the candidate. This consists of the attitude and technical skills. Subsequent to this, the resources of recruitment are deployed by the organization relying upon the position of the job market. The recruitment method includes offering jobs through search agencies, websites, campus placement, head hunting, newspaper advertisement and various other sources. The organizations make use of two categories of recruitment. Internal recruitment refers to the sources of recruiting people for the vacancies through existing workforce and staff. The external method of recruitment is adopted by the organizations in a way that they hire people from outside of the existing staff. This is a long process of recruitment involving a numerous steps and consuming a lot of time (Quist, 2007). The objective of this research is to have a quick and perfect analysis of the recruitment methods of the leading organizations. For this research, the TESCO Company has been selected. This company is a UK based company which is leading the market in all over the world. This company has a large number of employees. Generally, it has more than 35000 employees. The employee recruitment sources primarily function for the purpose of identifying the right people for the right job and train and motivate them to send job application to the organisation. Selection is the step that

Performance Management at Jet Food Services Essay Example for Free

Performance Management at Jet Food Services Essay It is now the end of Sampada’s first year as regional manager for Jet Food Services. As regional manager, Sampada supervises a total of ten districts, each of which has a manager responsible for sales and service to customers in that area. Jet Food provides contract food services for hospitals, schools, colleges, business firms, and other institutions that need meals prepared on site but that do not wish to be responsible for operating such services. Jet Food Services hires all necessary kitchen employees, purchases all supplies, and prepares meals in accordance with specifications agreed on with customers. The district manager is responsible for coordinating all customer activities. This includes planning, budgeting, hiring and supervising Jet`s on-site representative (customer service manager), customer satisfaction, and contract renegotiations. Sampada was recruited after years of experience as director of food services for a multicampus university. In that job, she had oversight responsibility for the food services at several campuses. The Jet Food position offered an opportunity for continued growth and advancement. In her first year, Sampada has concentrated on getting to know the district managers and the customers with whom they work. She spent more than a week with each district manager and visited each customer with him or her. At this point, she feels comfortable with her job and the knowledge she has gained of both operations and personnel, and it is time to appraise the performance of the district managers and to schedule review meetings with these employees. Sampada`s assessment of Ranjan: Ranjan is the longest term district manager in Sampada’sregion. He completed less than one year of college, held several short term jobs, and then joined Jet as a shift supervisor of the company`s services at a large college. At present, he is completing twelve years of employment with Jet. He has been a district manager for three years. In working with Ranjan, Sampadahas observed his strengths, along with some problems. Ranjan has a talent for working with people, Jet employees and customers alike. In fact, in his years with Jet, no customer he worked with has ever switched to a competitor. Many on-site supervisors recruited, trained, and supervised by Ranjan have gone on to become managers of other districts.On the other hand, Ranjan’s unhealthy eating habits – despite doctors` warnings – have contributed to some serious medical difficulties. During the past year, Ranjan was out of work for three months with gallbladder and heart problems, attributable in part to obesity. And Ranjan’s behaviour towards others can be overbearing. Sampada kept track of her phone calls from district managers during the year, and there were more calls (or messages) from Ranjan than from the other nine district managers taken together – calls to promote or advertise his own efforts. Although Ranjan can be charming, he has started to be loud and rude with regional personnel whom he perceives as excessively rule – oriented. All in all, Ranjan’s style and appearance have become entirely different from what Sampada is accustomed to in colleagues and employees.Further, it has been announced that Sampada’s region is going to be expanded and that a new position, that of assistant regional manager will be created. Ranjan has made it clear that as Jet`s longest tenured district manager in the region, he feels entitled to this promotion. However, Sampada does not feel she could work with Ranjan as the assistant regional manager. She feels that their management styles are too different and that Ranjan’s behaviour might irritate regional and corporate personnel. As Sampada looks over Jet`s performance assessment and management instrument, she realises that her honest assessment of Ranjan’s performance in his current job is generally excellent. She glances at the last page of the assessment and management form and the overall ratings from which she will have to choose. Jet`s overall rating system is on a 1-10 scale, with 10 as outstanding; 7-9, different degrees of excellent performance; 5-6, satisfactory; 3-4, below average; and 1-2, unacceptable. Sampada is uncertain as to what overall rating to assign. If she gives Ranjan too high a rating, he will expect to be promoted. If the rating is too low, Ranjan will doubtless be angry, feeling that an injustice has been done. Ranjan`s Self-Assessment and Management: Ranjan sees himself as different from the other district managers. An outgoing, gregarious type, he loves to visit his customer locations and work with his company`s personnel. His idea of a successful day is one spent teaching a customer service manager a new operating procedure or management technique. In fact, Ranjan is known to roll up his sleeves and teach Jet employees a new recipe or how to improve an existing dish.Ranjan has worked for several district managers and has always liked to keep them informed about his activities, sometimes phoning two or three times a day. From discussions with Sampada, he is aware that she thinks many of these calls are not necessary, but he wants her to know how things are going with his employees and customers. He is also aware of Sampada’s views regarding his ignoring medical advice. Ranjan is proud of his career and of what he has been able to do without much higher education. He feels he is qualified to become a regional manager, and he looks forward to the possibility of promotion to the new assistant regional manager position as a step toward this ultimate goal. Ranjan’s Assessment Rating: In reviewing the situation, Sampada decides to give Ranjan an overall rating of 6. She feels justified, given that Ranjan did miss months of work as a result of neglecting his health. She knows that Ranjan will expect a higher overall rating, but she is prepared to stand behind her evaluation. Sampada then goes back to considering the separate ratings she will assign and to making plans for their feedback review. Questions:1 How would you describe Sampada’s approach to the assessment and management of Ranjan’s performance? 2 Are Sampada`s concerns with Ranjan’s performance legitimate? Will Ranjan have justifiable reasons for feeling dissatisfied with the assessment and management results?

Why singapore failed to be a major trading centre?

Why singapore failed to be a major trading centre? â€Å"No historian has yet adequately explained why Singapore failed to be a major trading centre before the nineteenth century†. Raffles Professor of History, Wong Lin Ken. a. Do new Dutch/Portuguese reports, maps and scant archaeological evidence dating back beyond the 19th Century now suggest that Singapore was ALWAYS a strategic place after all? Numerous evidences had been uncovered, and reports and archaeological findings especially, certainly suggest that Singapore was largely strategic between the period of Temasek, in 14th century, and late 17th century. However, to conclude that Singapore was hence always strategic would probably be too much of an overstatement. This essay will discuss Singapores strategic significance, with the support of these evidences, during the different time periods. During the 14th century, trade was already ongoing between the West, South Asia and East Asia. The Melaka Straits was crucial for traders to sail to and fro the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea. Sailing in the past depended on wind direction, thus ships had to stop in Southeast Asia (SEA) to wait for a change in wind direction to bring them towards either China or India. Singapore was hence a strategic port because she was located in SEA and along Melaka Straits, making it a convenient stopover hence the central of international trade. Bits of celadon (from China), Chinese coins, fragments of stoneware (mainly from Guangdong and South Fujian) and earthernware (from Sumatra, Java and Borneo)and under-glazed blue and white stem cup (more expensive of porcelains from Jingdezhen during Yuan Dynasty)recovered support the above claim as they suggest extensive trade links Temasek had with China and SEA, and that its inhabitants, especially the wealthier ones inhabiting Fort Canning, were able to afford the more exquisite products of Jingdezhen. Temasek then, was able to attract maritime trade by providing unique products that rival ports were unable to supply. Recorded by Wang Da Yuan in Daoyi zhilue,Temasek supplied indigenous products like hornbills casques of excellent quality. Found only between north of Malay Peninsula and South of Borneo, traders can only lay their hands on it at Temasek or Palembang. Though Lakawood was in abundance, Temasek was one of the five ports that offer those of middle-quality. Celadon, white wares and stonewares uncovered at Riau Archipelago, dating back to the period of Temasek, had patterns and craft similar to those imported from Temasek. Furthermore, the origin of glassbeads of Riau Archipelago and Temasek should be identical given similar compositions. Hence, Temasek probably served as a collection centre and an entry to export for Riau Archipelago. In this case, evidences do suggest that Singapore was prospering and had an influence on regional economy and was thus strategic. During the 15th to 17th centuries, though Singapore declined slightly when Temasek was relocated to Melaka, fragments of under-glazed blue porcelains found at Kallang River, and Portuguese maps which indicate the presence of a shahbandars office, as elaborated in (b), suggest that she retained some of its strategic significance as a port by maintaining some trade with China. As mentioned, being one of the strategically situated along the Melaka Straits, the power that was able to erect a strategic dominance around the waters around Singapore would be advantaged in terms of security and economically. The Dutch had wanted to destroy Luso (Portuguese-Spanish) monopolies in SEA when they first started attacking Portuguese trading ships around Singapore waters and declared war with the Portuguese when they raided Santa Catarina and auctioned off its products. This saw the naval battles between the Dutch and Johor Sultanate, and Portuguese and Acehnese in the early 17th century and gave rise to the considerations of fortifying Singapore by both powers. Jacques De Coutre proposed to build forts at the east coast of Singapore and Muar River estuary and station a naval fleet at Sentosa to protect Portuguese trading ships from the Dutch. Dutch had the same places in mind for their fortification plans. Till this point, the Dutch and Portuguese reports do suggest th at Singapore was strategic. However, the plans never realised, which made us rethink if Singapore was really that strategic after all. Singapores strategic significance took a turn in the 18th century. There was not much evidence to prove this period of time, but by referencing to my contextual knowledge, we know that the Dutch shifted their focus from the Melaka Straits to the Sunda Straits, Portuguese diverted their trade to Japan having difficulties trading in the Melaka Straits and Johor Sultanate relocated their capital to the Lingga Archipelago, shifting the maritime silk road southwards. Singapore lost its value with the declination of Melaka Straits and was abandoned. She no longer held any strategic significance to participants of the maritime trade. Perhaps it is precisely that not much evidence was found that dates back to this period of time that it suggests that trading activities in Singapore was kept to its minimum. Moreover, no coins or porcelains were uncovered that dates beyond the Song and Yuan Dynasty, and the Ming Dynasty respectively, further supporting my contextual knowledge. It is evident that Singapores strategic significance changes with time, depending on human-related factors such as politics and economics, and hence is relative. The evidences may seem to imply that Singapore was always strategic, but when viewed from another angle, they can also suggest otherwise as stated in the previous paragraph. Therefore to say that they suggest that Singapore is always strategic may be a little too extreme. b.In light of this evidence, should Singapores history from 1511 to 1819 be written as (1) little more than a sleepy fishing village? (2) a declining but still thriving emporium astride hotly contested strategic waters (3) part of the Johor Sultanate?Please explain your preference. From the 15th century to 17th century, Singapore was a (3) part of the Johor Sultanate, but she was (2) a declining yet thriving emporium astride hotly contested strategic waters between the 16th and 17th century. It was only during the early 18th century that trade in Singapore started dipping, and she was perceived by the British as a sleepy fishing village when they stepped ashore in 1819. Hence, (1) little more than â€Å"a sleepy fishing village† suitably describes Singapores history between this period as it is a broader title and thus encompasses both (2) and (3), and the reduction of importance of Singapores port resulting from the declination of the Melaka Straits during the 18th century accounts for Singapore being â€Å"a sleepy fishing village†. When Singapore was (3), trade was still ongoing though insignificant compared to its Temasek period. Excavations on the north bank of Singapore River, where a settlement was once present, and Kallang River revealed fragments of ceramics and under-glazed blue porcelains with designs dating back to the rule of Ming Emperor Wanli (1573 to 1620). Similar findings in Johor Lama and Johor Shoal imply that the findings in Singapore belonged to the Johor River trade controlled by the Johor Sultans. Some may suggest that these pieces might have been disposed into the Kallang River when ships stopover for supplies because they broke during the voyage, and not because of trade present in Singapore. This may be true, however, according to two Portuguese maps, a shahbandar of the Johor Sultans office was featured on the southern coast of Singapore, proving the above conjecture wrong and showing that trade at the Kallang River was flourishing to the extent it needed a shahbandar to run it. This also indicates that Singapore then, was continuing some degree of trade with China, showing that she was (1). As mentioned, trade was also falling, compared to its Temasek period, as during this time, Melaka was the main port for international trade. Singapore then, supported Melaka by providing goods from herself for Melaka to export. An example being blackwood, which was brought from Singapore to Melaka, and then bought in bulk by Chinese traders. (2) may now seem to be plausible at this point in the essay since Singapore was a declining yet thriving emporium, and evidence show that its waters are hotly contested for between the Dutch and Johor Sultanate, and the Portuguese and Acehnese, and Singapore was seen by both as strategic to build a fort to achieve their individual aims as mentioned in (a). However, one may wish to note that Singapores waters may not be that strategic after all. In 1613, Aceh successfully attacked Batu Sawar as she was upset about the signing of the peace treaty between Johor Sultanate and Portuguese, uncovering the vulnerable position of Singapore waters, rendering it no longer strategic. Moreover, when Melaka Straits lost its importance to Sunda Straits in the late 17th century, Singapore was neglected and declined over the 18th century. Its waters were no longer contested and the issue on it being strategic or not became irrelevant. A village of Orang Lauts and Malays, not being much of a deal, were all that were left in Singapore. Melaka Straits was filled with pirates and Singapore, lying on the Straits, was hence seen as a sleepy fishing village by the British when they landed in the 19th century. (2) does not take into account these happenings, thus it is flawed in describing Singapores history. In conclusion, (1) best describes Singapore history as it accommodates the period when Singapore was (3), when trade was active though declining, the period when it was considered strategic and its waters contested by the Dutch and Portuguese, up to the period when British founded Singapore as a sleepy fishing village due to the decline of Melaka Straits. (2) was unsuitable as mentioned above, and (3) seems to be an understatement as Singapore was more than just part of the Johor Sultanate.