Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Nietzche’s Master and Slave Morality Essay

In Of the Genealogy of Morality, Nietzsche sought to provide context for what he saw as the central value system of the society in which he lived: slave-morality. Nietzsche saw morality as reflective of the conditions in which its proponents were brought up. He saw the roots of slave morality in oppression and slavery, and posits that it grew as a reaction to the morality of the masters of the time. What follows is a simplified account of Nietzsche’s master-slave dichotomy, and what he saw as the dire consequences for human progress should the pervasiveness of slave morality be allowed to remain at the expense of the master. I will argue that although religion and slave morality may have had significant influence in Nietzsche’s day, his fears about the stagnation of mankind through its adherence to slave morality are exaggerated and largely unfounded. I will also briefly discuss the applicability of slave-master morality to contemporary life. Nietzsche’s account of master and slave morality springs from a time of actual master-slave relationships. Master morality is found in those who have the power to create their own values to live by, without the need for approval from others. In Nietzsche’s own words, the master â€Å"honours everything he sees in himself. † They understand themselves as having an integral function in the universe, as resembling a kind of god, and therefore see goodness in those attributes which they find in themselves, and goodness in the values they themselves create. They see no reason to refer to others or seek another’s approval. Nietzsche’s idea of the Master comes from nobility, and so the central tenet of master morality is nobility; that those attributes found in a noble person are those that can be considered good. In master morality, a person is considered good if s/he is autonomous, strong-willed, brave, powerful, proud, able and happy in themselves. They see badness as a lack of that which is good-that is, a lack of the noble characteristics. Co-dependence and conformity are bad because they are not autonomy, weakness is bad because it isn’t strength, poverty is bad because it isn’t wealth, cowardice is bad because it isn’t bravery, and so on. The master respects his or her hierarchical equals, but the wellbeing of common folk is not his/her concern. The moral badness of the master’s subordinate does not have a significant impact on the master’s happiness or security, but only reinforces what he already knows: that s/he is a vastly superior being than those under him/her. In terms of actions, master morality is consequentialist: it judges the goodness of an action by its outcome. It is a morality of instinct and individualism, whereby the fulfilment of one’s animal desire is seen as a positive outcome no matter what actions were taken to obtain this fulfilment. Any action which leads to a positive outcome is seen as being a good action. Any action which has negative consequences for the master is seen as being inherently bad, regardless of the intentions behind it. In practice, this morality glorifies self-regard, greed and ruthlessness because these attributes lead to the best outcomes for the person who displays them. Nietzsche sees the basis for his master archetype in the violent and brutal emperors, warriors and warlords in ancient imperial civilizations: â€Å"Roman, Arab, German, Japanese nobility, Homeric heroes, Scandinavian Vikings† who represent â€Å"the blond beast splendidly roaming around in its lust for loot and victory. Master moralists are rarely unhappy, as the primary goal of their actions is their own wellbeing and happiness. They are able enjoy to the fruits of their various conquests, unburdened by the weaknesses guilt or remorse. Slave morality could not exist without master morality, as it is first and foremost a reaction to it, a â€Å"revolt† against it. Slave morality stems from ressentiment or resentment the slave feels towards the master. The master feels, at most, condescension or smug pity towards the slave. By contrast, the slave is consumed by hatred and bitterness towards the master, and sees the master as responsible for his or her misfortune. This resentment and bitterness leads to the slave adopting a mentality which demonises the master, and which holds up as good those attributes which are unlike that of the oppressor. Characteristics shown by the master are â€Å"evil† and goodness is seen in the traits which oppose them, e. g. Humility, obedience, restraint, self-denial, modesty, patience and acceptance of one’s fate. Slave morality does not aim for self-ascension or self-gratification. Its aims centre on utility: the reduction of suffering for the greatest number of people. It sees evil in the self-aggrandizement and the ruthlessness and violence of the master. Where master morality is for the elite few, slave morality is a value system for the masses. The values inherent in slave morality, not coincidentally, are almost synonymous with Judeo-Christian moral ideals; Judaism and Christianity were, in the past, religions of the poor and the oppressed. Nietzsche sees, in the reactionary nature of slave morality and its dishonest demonization of its oppressors, a desire to make slaves of the masters. Violence and vengefulness are anathema to slave morality, however, if the slave moralists can universalise their value system – through religion, for example – they can convince the masters that they are evil, and in doing so lessen their power and take revenge for past evils. Nietzsche sees slave morality, especially the universalisation of it through religion, as harmful and damaging to human progress. However, he does not see it as an unreasonable reaction to oppression, and suggests that the slave is in fact cleverer than the master, even if this cleverness is often exercised through self-deception. In contrast to the consequentialism of master morality, slave morality can be seen as a deontological morality. It determines an action’s goodness by looking at the actor’s intention: to slave moralists, the ends do not, necessarily, justify the means. The nature of acts and their actors plays an important role in Nietzsche’s discussion of morality. Slaves believe in and strive for freedom and see evil in the masters’ oppression of them, as they believe they perform these acts of oppression of their own free will. They believe that, because the masters are free agents, they should be held responsible for their actions and criticized for them. Nietzsche disputes this view, and demonstrates his argument using the analogy of the eagles and the lambs: â€Å"That lambs dislike great birds of prey does not seem strange: only it gives no ground for reproaching these birds of prey for bearing off little lambs. And if the lambs say among themselves: ‘these birds of prey are evil; and whoever is least like a bird of prey, but rather its opposite, a lamb – would he not be good? ‘ there is no reason to find fault with this institution of an ideal, except perhaps that birds of prey might view it a little ironically and say ‘we don’t dislike them at all, these good little lambs; we even love them: nothing is more tasty†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . Nietzsche claims that asking masters to act with humility or restraint is akin to asking a bird of prey not to hunt to feed itself. He believes that slaves separate the being from the action and in doing so are able to condemn the masters for the supposed evils they perform. Nietzsche believes the slaves are dishonest in this, because the master acts in strength not because he wants to cause harm to the others, but because he is strong and powerful and should not be expected to act as if he is otherwise. It would be against the eagle’s nature to act against his own self-interest, and the same applies to the master. He believes the slaves are practicing self-deception in claiming goodness is theirs because they choose to be humble when, in fact, slaves are only humble and restrained because these traits were forced upon them through slavery, or through their own inherent weakness. He does not blame the slave for being this way – the slave performs these acts of self-deception in order to survive and affirm his/her own existence as worthwhile – but, again, sees the increasing prevalence of the slave mindset as harmful for society as a whole. He saw, in the democratic fight for equality, a movement towards mediocrity and stagnation. Nietzsche saw the move towards democracy in the western world as a logical continuation of slave morality’s influence, calling the democratic movement â€Å"†¦the heir of the Christian movement. † (BGE 151) The principle of equality on which democracy in based was profoundly unreasonable to Nietzsche, given the obvious inequalities within the human race. He believed that in order to enforce equality, strong men are lowered to the value of weak men, to the point where ambition and ingenuity goes unrewarded and progress stagnates. He looks back on times of scarcity and warfare, when enterprise and domination were rewarded and respected because they were necessary. Now, the west has given itself over to a herd mentality, where such attributes are seen as â€Å"dangerous†¦ [and] branded as immoral. † When an individual does raise his or herself above the herd through ambition or excellence, the community’s self-confidence is diminished. The herd takes comfort in the fact that, in their eyes and/or the eyes of their god, this individual must be immoral. Judeo-Christianity was the dominant religion in the west during the 19th century, and democracy did become the dominant political system during this time. However, although most of the sentiment behind it seems to hold true, there are flaws in Nietzsche’s argument that this is evidence of the overarching adoption of slave morality, and that this adoption created a stagnation of ambition or progress. Put simply, Nietzsche must argue the following: 1. Slave morality has triumphed over master morality in the west. 2. Progress stagnates under slave morality because excellence is not rewarded but condemned, 3. Progress has stagnated and excellence is condemned in contemporary western society. But we can look to the history of the late 19th century to see that the progress made in that time was not insignificant. The invention of the motor car, the telephone, the light bulb, among other things, is a sign that creativity and ambition was certainly not altogether stifled. While democracy provided the political framework, capitalism (primarily an individualistic economic system) flourished and rewarded enterprise and ambition with money and influence. This shows one of two things to be true: slave morality’s influence over western society was not as pervasive as Nietzsche claims OR its influence was not as damaging to human progress as he believed it was. If, as Nietzsche claims, master morality is a necessary condition for the advancement of society, it must not have been defeated entirely, for society was and is advancing. Nietzsche’s account of the master-slave dichotomy is more difficult still to apply to modern western society, although I doubt Nietzsche himself would try to do so. While our individual morality may still come from external sources, these days the sources are likely to be many and varied, rather than from a single religious viewpoint. Individual morality grows and evolves from experience. And while the culture of our society may endorse elements present in Nietzsche’s slave morality (compassion, modesty and patience, for example, are certainly not seen as bad things,) we also see a culture where achievement and ambition is not stifled but rewarded. We see celebration of athletes, who embody the strength, beauty and pride present in a Nietzschean master. We want our leaders to be honest, active, strong willed and brave, but raise concern if they are seen to lack compassion, or are too boastful, or do not seek to reduce suffering. Nietzsche’s Genealogy is convincing in its methodological approach to understanding the opposing moralities it discusses. It is logical that masters, the strong and elite, should seek no comfort or endorsement from external sources when they have total faith in themselves. That slaves sought out comfort in a morality based in religion, which holds up piousness and selflessness as virtues, makes sense as a survival strategy and as a way for these slaves to carve out meaning in their difficult lives. In discussing the impact on society in his time, Nietzsche despairs that of these two moralities, the slaves are winning, through the growth of democracy throughout the west. Perhaps, instead, the growth of democracy led to an evolution of western morality. Through the evolution of our class system beyond master and slave, our culture has become more multifaceted. Our relations with those above and below us has become more nuanced, and so too has our morality.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Rome’s Via Dei Fori Imperiali

Via dei Fori Imperiali Millions of tourists flock to the eternal city every year to look at the many beautiful and grandiose sites of Rome. What many might not realize is that in the 18th century Mussolini had a plan to restructure, and tear down many of important monuments that define Roman heritage, and he did just this. Benito Mussolini built the road known as Via dei Fori Imperiali in 1931-1933. Mussolini wanted a way to brand Rome with his distinct Fascist ideals.Via dei Fori Imperiali was first built with the idea that it would house many triumphal marches or parades. Mussolini also wanted to form a physical and symbolic link between Piazza Venezia, the headquarters of the fascist movement to the Roman Forum, the epitome of Roman power and strength, and all the way to the Colosseum. Many obstacles lay in Mussolini’s way, to start with many important and historic monuments but also little villages and houses that housed 746 of Rome’s poorest families.The dense amou nt of poor Romans living in the once- Alessandrino neighborhood, could not argue or protest against the tearing down of there homes precisely because they had no political power or even money to make any objection at the time. Apart from kicking thousands of people out of their homes, Mussolini also managed to destroy many millennia- old structures. To name a few Mussolini demolished the churches of San Lorenzo ai Monti and Santa Maria degli Angeli in Macello Martyrum. He also partially eradicated the forums of Caesar, Augustus, Trajan, Vespasian and Nerva.By building this road Mussolini completely changed the landscape of Rome, cutting completely the Forum area in two. Like many overbearing leaders Mussolini had the vision of creating a â€Å"new† Rome, one that had rid itself of the domineering aura of history. Mussolini wanted to make new open spaces that were not cluttered by history. He wanted to leave his own mark on the Country, and in his opinion the only way to do th is was to tear down thousands years of historic monuments and to displace thousands of people.Mussolini modeled himself on Julius Caesar, yet his role model was the first emperor Augustus. Mussolini admired the rulers of the ancient Roman Empire and strived to be like them yet with his arrogance he felt he needed to build bigger, better buildings than the Romans had built, he needed to make Rome the grandest it had ever been. ——————————————– [ 1 ]. http://www. heritage-key. com/rome/dei-fori-imperiali-mussolinis-fascist-route-through-rome

Monday, July 29, 2019

Plan of Action Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Plan of Action - Term Paper Example Maria has misunderstood things here. She has put the blame upon the company on a totally different tangent altogether. There is no reason why she should be blaming the company for her poor communication skills and traits that she has been displaying over a period of time. She believes that she is being maltreated as there is a bias within the company but this is not something that has been pondered upon deeply by the people who are sitting within the helm of affairs in the company. Maria must know that any company within the business world exists to satisfy not only the customers but its internal publics as well, which comprise of its own employees who are the most prized possessions that these companies can ever have. When Maria says that the company is treating her in a shabby way, it is the bias which is reflected in her understanding and not the way in which work gets done within the domains of the organization in the long run (Kim 2002). What the company has to do in such a sett ing is to make Maria realize that she is in the wrong, and that she shall have to be treated fairly no matter what happens. However at the present, Maria has become disgruntled because she believes that she is being hard done by due to her color and Latin ancestry. The scenario could be avoided if the company took a more proactive approach and told Maria where she was lacking before announcing the promotions for the employees. This could have made the entire effort look genuine and there would not have been any resentment whatsoever.

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Parents vs. Peers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Parents vs. Peers - Essay Example They cast it off like the dorky sweater their mother made them wear. The behavior of a child is both dependent on the internal genetic influence that he gained from his parents and the external influence that he has from his association with peers. Modern developmentalists admit that children are born with distinctive characteristics that make certain developmental outcomes more likely. In fact, the word heredity is rarely used nowadays; it has been replaced by words like nature and genetic, which acknowledge childrens genes without acknowledging their source. Children share 50% of their genes with each of their biological parents. Also not proved is the proposition that children learn things from one relationship or in one context that they automatically carry with them to new ones. If parenting behaviors do have lasting effects, the effects are specific to the context in which the behaviors were experienced. Because children are destined to play out their adult lives in other contexts, what they learn in these other contexts will be more important in the long run (Harris, 2000). Judith Rich Harris, in her book "The Nurture Assumption," is challenging the conventional wisdom of both Academic psychologists and parents alike: that parent have a large influence on how their children turn out.   Harris challenges this wisdom. If one can combine her points with some knowledge about temperament, it is most likely this synthesis will help in explaining the role of parents in raising their children.  Ã‚   She points out that trying to separate the effects of inheritance (genes) and the parents environmental effects is extremely difficult to do with any large degree of scientific validity.   In reality, the effect of childhood environment on the development of the individual to mature adulthood is still mysterious and is not understood. Peer groups can have a large influence in behavior while the child is in

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Human Rights Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Human Rights - Essay Example For better understanding the following explanations relevant to the case under study are noteworthy: 1. Article 11defines assembly as â€Å"a company of persons gathered for some common purpose, for example, a meeting or public demonstration [whereas] freedom of assembly†¦ include[s] organisation of, and participation in marches†¦ processions, ‘static assemblies†¦ sit-ins’ and both public and private events, whether formal†¦ informal (Interights, 2007, p. 7). Based on this definition, Rik’s group and activity qualifies. 2. The right to freedom of peaceful assembly is not an absolute right, but is a qualified right. Meaning, such rights can be interfered with by the Government under specified circumstances. The manner by which Article 11 is constructed clearly manifests this, wherein section 1 defines the rights being upheld, while section 2 defines Government legitimate interferences that may curtail this right. (Ashcroft et al., 1999, p. 22) 3. The general principles as to Government legitimate interferences are set by the European Court of Human Rights following the two cases: Bukta v Hungary [2007] ECHR Application No 25691/04 (17 July 2007) and Makhmudov v Russia [2007] ECHR Application No 35082/04 (26 July 2007), whereby the concerned State parties had been found violating Article 11 (Marauhn, 2007, p. 120). The Court laid the burden of proof on the State, ruling that Government interference against Article 11 is legitimate provided: a. It has legal basis in domestic law. â€Å"In determining the necessity of a restriction, the European Court and Commission have always accorded a certain margin of appreciation to the national authorities† (Rai, Allmond & Negotiate Now [1995]) (Hamilton, 2007, p. 19-20). In Rik’s case the following UK laws apply – for the power of the MP are the Public Order Act (POA) 1986 and the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (SOCPA) 2005 (Norton 2010); while for the re stricted use of the Parliament Square are the Greater London Authority Act 1999, and the Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square Garden (Amendment No. 1) Byelaws 2002 (Greater London Authority, 2002). b. It is grounded on permissible aims, which in Rik’s case as given by the MP is security. Although such given reason was unconvincing especially so that in the past The Parliament Square has been the common centre for demonstrations and no recent security issue had been heard for the use of the Square. Furthermore, the HOOL as an organisation does not connote any violent intention and does not have any violent history in the past. c. It is indispensable in a democratic society, which in Rik’s case to ensure security is necessary for a democratic society to enjoy its freedom and rights. However, the right being curtailed is in fact one of the cornerstone of democratic society. Meaning, the reason for its infringement must be greater. In Rik’s case, the reason is unc onvincing. d. It should be proportionate to the aim being pursued, which in the case of Rik’s, the police ‘kettling’ – which although favoured by the High Court in Austin v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis (UKHL, 2009) – of the protesters for four hours did result to the curtailment of the protesters freedom of movement and even put their health, especially the young children, at

Friday, July 26, 2019

Tackling the Incidence of Cardiovascular Diseases Essay

Tackling the Incidence of Cardiovascular Diseases - Essay Example According to statistics obtained from the World Health Organization (WHO), CVDs are the primary cause of deaths worldwide. It is estimated that more people die from CVDs annually than from any other disease. The WHO further reports that in 2004, CVD was responsible for 17.1 million deaths globally. This represented 29% deaths worldwide. Of these, 7.2 million deaths were due to coronary heart disease, while stroke was associated with 5.7 million deaths. The WHO estimates that by 2030, deaths due to CVD would amount to 23.6 million, most of which will have resulted from stroke and heart disease (â€Å"WHO Fact Sheet†). In sight of this grim reality, it is high time that scientists explore beyond conventional medicine. Current treatment of CVD involves balloon angioplasty, heart transplantation, coronary artery bypass surgery, and repair or replacement of valves. Though widespread, there are always implications and setbacks to these methods. In most cases of heart failure, congen ital cardiac anomalies and post-myocardial infarctions, the only possible cure is heart transplantation because â€Å"the ischemically injured failing heart lacks contractile myocardium, functional vasculature, and electrical integrity, which has made treatment of the underlying injury untenable† (Ott, Davis and Taylor, 2005). However, due to a severe scarcity of organ donors and the fear of organ rejection, transplantation science needs a full-blown transformation. Therefore, in this proposal, I put forth possible areas of research in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine that are emerging as promising frontiers in transplantation technology, and how they can be used in tackling the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Here, I wish to explore new technologies in tissue engineering and discuss how I will approach my research objectives for postdoctoral studies in this field. Context and literature review Most of the current research is focused on tissue engineering to reproduce functional myocardium, heart valves and even the entire heart from the cells of the patient. In the treatment and prevention of heart failure, technologies that induce cardiac repair are being sought after. Therefore, â€Å"cell-based† regenerative medicine is the first step in this direction (Ott and Taylor, 2006). â€Å"By combining stem and progenitor cells with increasingly complex scaffold materials and culture conditions†, it is possible to create an entirely new organ derived from the patient’s own cells (Song and Ott, 2011). Studies have been done on cardiac stem cells isolated from â€Å"uncommitted cardiac progenitor cells† of ventricles. These cells can mature into smooth muscle, endothelial and cardiomyocyte cells that can be used to produce organs or parts of an organ (Ott et al, 2007). In another approach, skeletal myoblasts, myogenic or angiogenic precursors, hematopoietic progenitor cells and blood-derived or bone marrow mesench ymal cells can be used for cardiovascular repair (Ott, McCue and Taylor, 2005). Using cardiac derived stem cells, progenitor cells or cardiomyocytes, a functional and contractile myocardium can be engineered using â€Å"biocompatible scaffold materials† (Tee et al, 2010, p. 683). Scaffold materials are required to guide the division of cells to enable the development of an organ just like an extracellular matrix. Attempts are being made to make patient specific scaffolds through bio manufacturing (Bartolo et al, 2009, p. 212). Failed cardiovascular components can be replaced with â€Å"biocompatible tissues that have the potential to rapidly restore the lost function and slowly regenerate by remodeling†

Effect Size Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Effect Size - Assignment Example Moderator is the variable that has an effect on the interrelationship between the two variables which have a zero order correlation. In another case an importance of the mediator variables has to be seen and it has been known by the researchers that the mediator variables have been seen to be following the models that are given by the researchers (Briggs, 2006). One of the models realizes that interferes between the response as well as the stimulus that an organism has. This model has been seen to represent the complete formulation of the mediation hypotheses that has been recognized by the social sciences researchers. In the general terms it has been said that the mediator can be defined as a variable when the relationship between the predictor and the criterion is defined and is established in an analytical manner. The external events when assume an importance of the psychological significance only than the importance of the mediators is to be realized. In this case the mediator model can be represented by the following diagrams. The mediator variable can be represented by the path diagram and this model has been seen to assume the three variable systems in which there are two main causal paths that join the variable, the path measures the direct impact of the indirect variable and this also measures the impact of the mediator (Baron, and Kenny, 1986, 1180). The variable in this case has been seen to function as the mediator when the specific set of characteristics are being followed by the variable and these are inclusive of the variations that might be noticed in the independent variable and these are the changes that have been seen to notify the changes that are related to the mediator. In a similar manner the variations that take place in the mediators notify the changes in the variable (Hayes, and Preacher, 2008, p. 880). Effect size Strength of the relationship between the two variables can be measured by the effect size. Here it can be said that the effect size is the research on a numeric scale. It is the effect size that can be helpful in making the measures if the deference between the two variables is real or if the deference is because of the change that has occurred in the various factor that have caused the changes in the values (Klein, Fan, & Preacher, 2006, p. 100). It has been seen that in case of the hypotheses testing the effect size, the sample size as well as the critical significance levels are the ones that have been given an importance and these are the ones that have been leveled with each other in hypotheses testing. An importance of the effect size has been determined in the case of the Meta analysis and in this case it has been seen that the effect size is the one that takes into consideration the different studies and it has been seen that in this case the different studies are combined together into the single studies (Briggs, 2006). It has been said that for the purpose of the Meta analysis the kind of effect size being used is the one that is in correlation with the sum of all the researches being taken into consideration.

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Should college athletes get paid Research Paper

Should college athletes get paid - Research Paper Example We must mention that not every learner gets a scholarship and more so, it does not cover everything. Firstly, we must mention that the scholarships granted to student athletes cover tuition, fees, room, board and textbooks as put across by the National Collegiate Athletic association (NCAA ). Nature of the scholarship varies with the learners as some receive cover for only some of these expenses while many still receive exceedingly more aid than the average student. The scholarship is extended to outstanding students who are exemplary talented and work very hard to earn money extended to them. Additionally, colleges provide a lot to these athletes giving them a distinctive advantage over others. For that, we can argue for and against paying them as we demonstrate below. Most importantly, we must agree that colleges are making a lot of money off these students, who commit their energy and will power to engage in sports. Apparently, social media are so popular and making money out of sports is a ridiculous pursuit. The broadcasted college sports are generating a lot of profits for schools especially from basketball and football. The activity is out rightly tiresome and subject the students to negative effects to their physicality. With all these money, we can agree that the schools can afford it and should share with the athletes. Secondly, the money granted to these individuals is not enough to meet all the expenses. It’s tailored towards the basics that are a must for everyone. They don’t obtain more than the scholarship grant. It’s not enough to cover all expenses like tuition, board, travel, books and many others. They never find time to recompense these needs as sports exercises and practices take all time after academic responsibilities. They don’t have time to commit to odd jobs to support themselves. Paying them would help them meet these needs and appreciate their talents at the

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Contribution of Facebook to Egypt revolution Research Paper

Contribution of Facebook to Egypt revolution - Research Paper Example In the year 1999, the government of Egypt initiatives was to ensure free internet, reduce the cost of computers, and implementation of many internet access centers. Researches indicate that in the year 2010, approximately 80 million Egyptian citizens had cell phones, which resulted to easy access to Facebook (Elsayed, 2013). How people communicated via Facebook during Egypt revolution In the year 2000, many Egyptian bloggers were able to tackle critical issue. The first blogs in Egypt were published using English, but following Arabic software development, which encouraged publication of more blogs, hence attracting a large domestic population. Following the growth of these blogs, journalists started using other communication technology such as Facebook. The initial Egyptian-instigated cyber activism trial was on April 2008 whereby, the programmers created the first Facebook page, which attracted approximate of seventy thousand supporters. The Facebook knowledge and experience gained power in social media and became an effective instrument to gather information in 2011 protests resulting to Egypt revolution (Elsayed, 2013). Perhaps, what is most effective resulting from the use of Facebook towards revolution of Egypt is the way it transformed the strategy of social mobilization. Perhaps, what is most effective resulting from the use of Facebook towards revolution of Egypt is the way it transformed the strategy of social mobilization. Facebook improved speed and interaction in traditional communication technology.... This really assisted in bringing Egypt revolution to existence. The expansion of the Facebook pages enabled many citizens to engage themselves in political discussions as well as attracting young politicians. Facebook members used this opportunity to spread information on the current faults of President Mubarak government. This discussion seemed to be of the frustrated citizens as the Facebook population portrayed (Marzouki, Skandrani-Marzouki, Bejaoui, Hammoudi & Bellaj, 2012). Many youthful social media journalists who spread political news via Facebook effectively assisted to initiate Egypt revolution. Egyptian youths, gave guidance on their country’s condition using Facebook technology to avoid regime surveillance, like their counterparts, Tunisian youths. During the 2011 Movement, a population that mostly relied on Facebook to gather political information was the major institutional resources of the movement. Two years later, the movement’s leaders introduced nonvi olent movement by designing the association’s logo to bear a resemblance to the Serbian movement logo, which assisted in toppling Slobodan dictatorship. The group members could pay visits to Serbian to meet up the activists. Facebook was the key tool for them to gather and exchange information for better preparations to launch the 2011 protests (Marzouki, Skandrani-Marzouki, Bejaoui, Hammoudi & Bellaj, 2012). Importance of Facebook towards Egypt revolution The main advantage of Facebook technology towards Egypt revolution was its faster means of exchanging information to a large group of both domestic and international Protesters. For example, as Egyptians carefully followed events spread out in Tunisia as they progressed the planning of their protest, the two groups could easily

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Lessons for Auditors and Regulators from the WorldCom Fraud Essay

Lessons for Auditors and Regulators from the WorldCom Fraud - Essay Example The fraud was undertaken by representing line costs as capital, rather than expenses and inflating revenue on the financial statements. However, a team of internal auditors later on came to discover the fraudulent representation of financial statements and notified the Company’s board of directors and audit committee, who acted swiftly although the company had already become bankrupt (Albrecht, Albrecht, Albrecht & Zimbelman, 2011, 457). Lessons from WorldCom Fraud Lessons learnt from WorldCom fraud presents a broad range of issues to put into consideration such as, the importance of fraud auditors to have knowledge and an understanding of corporate systems and processes. Lessons have it that routine internal audit processes may not expose fraud, since auditors focus on providing assurance with respect to effective controls, rather than detecting irregularities as `possibilities of fraud. Fraud auditors should actively seek to identify irregularities and anomalies as indicator s of fraudulent behaviors among financial executives and general corporate staff, and use the knowledge to undertake further in-depth analysis to root out fraud. Fraud detection in corporate organisations relies on the knowledge and understanding of auditing and detection by officials of the fraud background, fraud schemes, principles, and indicators (Singleton & Singleton, 2010, p.145). WorldCom internal auditors were well conversant with the organisation’s culture and choices of recording the financial statement, which helped them immediately to recognise the $2 billion operating cost recorded as a fixed asset. This came out as a red flag unlike the normal culture of the organisation, more so when an official referred to the expenditure as prepaid capacity. Auditors’ understanding of the normal organisations culture was able to detect the omission of lease line cost in the operating expense account as a fraud (Rezaee & Riley, 2010, p.212). However, new loopholes in f inancial statements often require auditors to improve and devise new ways of detecting fraud, since past indicators may not be applicable in future fraud cases. Corporate fraud has continuously advanced with the computerisation of operations, and thus requires fraud auditors to be proactive in improving their fraud detection schemes. Corporations need to put in place mechanisms for assessing fraud as an organisation’s risk, and approach the risks using relevant internal audit methodologies. Fraud auditors should also be seen with regard to the presence of indicators of fraud, and design relevant controls and prevention methods of fraud. However, proactive fraud seeking auditing activities may be costly for organisations, though not comparable to extent of loss in case of successful fraud. Cost involved may include knowledge expansion in the area of fraud detection and more so, the use of electronic-detection tools. Internal auditors have the mandate to understand an organisat ion’s corporate culture, conditions, and choices that may have been used by fraudsters in engaging in financial statement fraud. Such an understanding would go a long way in providing accurate indicators of fraud and possible fraud in future of the organization's inconsistency with fraud risk levels that organizations face (Rezaee & Riley, 2010, p.213).  

Monday, July 22, 2019

Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay Colonies Essay Example for Free

Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay Colonies Essay The Reformation was the driving force behind English Catholic dissenters, many of which would eventually form the base of groups heading for new lands to find religious freedom. These people would come to be called Puritans and their goal was to purify the Church of England. They wanted to do away with the â€Å"offensive† features such as Church hierarchy and traditional rituals of Catholic worship in order to promote a relationship between the individual and his relationship with God. Through English rulers King Henry the VIII to Elisabeth I to King James, the Puritans never really found a strong foothold for their practices. When King James’ son, Charles I came into power, a ruler that was strongly anti-Puritan and enforced conformity to the Church of England, Puritans began making plans to escape the persecution in England for the new world where they hoped to build new colonies to practice their faiths. Two of these groups, one to land at Plymouth and another to arrive at Massachusetts Bay, were prime examples of Puritans seeking to find a new life outside of England (or more specifically, the Church of England. Not surprisingly, religious beliefs are one area where both colonies share a few similarities, but exhibit greater differences. Both groups left England because of their dissatisfaction in the Church; however Plymouth’s inhabitants held a more extreme mindset than the Massachusetts Bay colonists. After a stint in Holland, where they first tried to live in accordance with their beliefs, they went on to America and came to be known as Separatists, due to their belief that the Church of England was hopelessly corrupt and they wanted no part of it. The Separatists sought to withdraw entirely from the Church, where they could start new, better protect their children’s relationships with God, and preserve their community the way they saw fit. Bradford, governor of Plymouth, and author of â€Å"History of Plymouth Plantation† writes about the religious turmoil and division of beliefs he experienced: â€Å"The one side labored to have the right worship of God discipline of Christ established in the Church, according to simplicity of gospel, without the mixture of mens inventions†. Bradford continues on for many pages, describing the persecution reformers experienced and how strongly he felt that the men involved with protecting the ways of the Church of England were being influenced by the devil. Massachusetts Bay colonists, on the other hand, still believed the Church of England had hope for reformation and they set out to provide an example in the new world to show what that reformation could look like. In this â€Å"ideal† community, colonists would form separate congregations (groups who worship together) and devote themselves to Puritan doctrines. Guided by ministers and members of the elect, they would live in harmony and glorify God. John Winthrop, the Governor of Massachusetts bay, speaks of this desire througout his written account; â€Å"†¦They (a fishing ship) brought us news of the Scots entering into England, and the calling of a parliament, and the hope of a thorough reformation, etc, whereupon some among us began to think of returning back to England† (Winthrop 19) His statement, although seemingly offhand, shows a continued interest in reforming the Church of England and his colony being the living proof of how that change can happen. Both Massachusetts Bay and Plymouth showed similarities and differences in more secular ways, also. Plymouth was a profoundly smaller community, starting with only 102 individuals made up of working class families. They were not wealthy, and hardly had the funding for an expedition to America, so they made an arrangement with the Virginia Company. They made a joint stock company, where English investors would provide the capital and the colonists would provide the labor for the next 7 years. Similarly, Massachusetts Bay also was involved with joint stock company – the Massachusetts Bay Company, where they too were granted a charter to settle in the new world and the company chose John Winthrop as governor. Massachusetts Bay Company was located in the colony, unlike Plymouth, where the Virginia Company was located in England. Massachusetts Bay colonists were larger in number when they settled, approximately 1200 immigrants came within months of each other, and they were generally wealthier and more educated than the Plymouth colonists. As we would expect, both colonies encountered Indians as they were trying to survive in their new surroundings, and these encounters were uneasy. Plymouth colony was in terrible shape, in the first winter they lost half their company and were weakened, sick, and starving. The colonists were able to forge a treaty with the Indians, after a few small skirmishes, and were eventually assisted by the native population. Squanto, an English speaking Wampanoag indian, served as a guide on how to survive and sustain by planting corn and fishing. Bradford writes â€Å"†¦they (as many were able) began to plant ther corne, in which servise Squanto stood them in great stead, showing them both y manner how to set it, and after how to dress and tend it. † (Bradford 100). The colonists existed in relative peace with the Indians, likely also because they were such a small community and posed little threat. Massachusetts Bay, on the other hand, was a much larger group and had difficulty keeping the peace with local Indians. At first, they didn’t encounter many, due in part to an epidemic that had nearly wiped out the local Indian population. Eventually, however, as Massachusetts Bay began to grow and become more established, they needed to expand their territory. This expansion caused more tension between Indians and the Puritans, eventually leading to warfare. William Bradford described the destruction by fire of the Pequots major village, in which at least 300 Indians were burned to death: Those that escaped from the fire were slain with the sword; some hewed to pieces, others run threw with their rapiers. It was a fearful sight to see them thus frying in the fier, and the streams of blood quenching the same. Both colonies shared similar characteristics and experienced similar distresses. They each dealt with various ailments, hunger, death, tensions with Indian relations and landownership, but with all their shared experiences they were still very different groups. Plymouth, smaller and less educated, funded by the Virginia Company located in England, tried to separate themselves from the Church of England altogether. They survived with the help of Indians, but never really thrived and eventually were absorbed by the much larger Massachusetts Bay colony. Massachusetts Bay was created and inhabited by individuals with overall greater wealth and knowledge, supported by the locally based Massachusetts Bay Company. They set out to be an example of how England, religiously, should behave. As they expanded, they fought with the local Indian population, eventually driving them out of the lands the growing English population needed to settle.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

How does Foreign Direct Investment affect the Malaysia economy

How does Foreign Direct Investment affect the Malaysia economy II. Literature Review FDI in Private Sector (Private Investment) Economic report (2010/2011) indicates that the private investment was rebound from -17.2% in year 2009 to 15.2% in year 2010 and in year 2011, private investment will stable in 10.2%. Department of Statistics, Malaysia (DOSM) (2010) indicates that in first half of 2010 the private sector capital grew by 46.6%. The largest contribution in private investment is services sector 47.2%, following mining and electricity sector and manufacturing sector which is 25.4% and 21.1% (Economic Report, 2010/2011). In the first seven months of 2010, Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) approved 545 investment projects which are totally RM16.6 billion to improving domestic economy and FDI (Economic Report, 2010/2011). The three main largest foreign direct investment countries from Singapore, Japan, and United States and in term of location in Malaysia, the state of Selangor, Johor, and Penang was become the largest approved investment (Economic Report, 2010/2011). Economic Report (2010/2 011) also indicate that FDI fall from USD7.3 billion in year 2008 to USD1.4 billion in year 2009 which is drop by 81.1%. Economic Report (2010/2011) point out Malaysia government should more focusing on more sizable and high-impart investment, promote private sector-led growth and as facilitator to enhance private investment and attract more domestic and foreign investments. FDI inflows are projected to increase because supported by government which government provided a conductive business environment and gradual revival of capital expenditure. (Economic Report, 2010/2011). Most foreign company are making profits because Malaysias investments is broad-based which largely in manufacturing, agriculture, oil and gas, and services (Economic Report, 2010/2011). AmResearch Sdn Bhd senior economist, Manokaran Mottain said that if want attract more foreign investors to improve FDI, the Malaysia government will introduce public-private sector partnership as role in business (Tan, The Star, 2010). In Najib Tun Abdul Razak (2010) 2011 budget speech, one of the strategic to improve the private investment is Reinvigorating Private Investment. In reinvigorating private investment strategic got around 20 different sub-strategic, different strategic will enhance in different aspects in private investment. So, the main strategic to improve the whole private investment is public-private partnership initiatives, high impart strategic development, and revitalizing capital market (2011 Budget Speech, 2010). In public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives, Najib Tun Abdul Razak (2010) indicates that The government will provide allocation as a tipping point for infrastructure support to ensure viability of private sector-led projects. All the PPP projects identified in 10th Malaysia Plan will enhance the private sector investment, for example, construction of highway, construction of a 300-megawatt combined-cycle gas power plan, and development projects like hospital. The total private investment will be implemented in 2011 is RM12.5 billion. In high impact strategic development, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) agree to develop the Kuala Lumpur International Financial District (KLIFD) which will commencing in 2011 and the value of KLIFD will be reach at RM26 billion. The important of develop KLIFD is strength Malaysias position as the premier international Islamic financial hub and government is consider to promote special incentive packages to attract foreign investor to KLIFD. Another project in this strategic are the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) in Greater KL, estimate of RM40 billion in private investment; Malaysian Rubber Board land in Sungai Buloh, estimate of RM10 billion in private investment and also Petronas Twin Tower, estimate of RM5 billion in private investment. Malaysia government will implement seven measures to enhance the cooperation with foreign bourses which is first, divest their shareholdings in major companies by government-linked investment companies (GLICs); second, for better return to foreign investors, GLICs allowed to increase investment in overseas market; third, certain listing company will offer higher public shareholding like Petronas Chemicals Sdn. Bhd.; forth, launch sukuk and conventional bond by Bursa Malaysia; and the last one is Securities Commission (SC) will offer three new stock broking licenses, increase the number of Proprietary Day Traders, and facilitate process and procedures for listing companies. Foreign direct investment (FDI) and Economic growth in Malaysia A large number of studies was suggest that foreign direct investment (FDI) is an important source to the economic growth in Malaysia, the FDI bring in the capital investment, technology, create new job opportunity for economic growth. FDI not only stimulate the economic growth but also stimulate the growth of industrial sector and transform the Malaysia economic structure from agricultural into major producer and exporter of manufactured goods (Jajri, 2009). Karimi and Yusop (2009) examine that causal relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth in Malaysia. Karimi and Yusop (2009) suggest that FDI has indirect effect on economic growth in Malaysia. The Toda-Yamamoto causality test done by Karimi and Yusop (2009) suggest that there is no strong enough evidence of a bi-directional causality between FDI and economic growth. Karimi and Yusop (2009) indicate that two variables such as technology transfer and productivity have indirect relationship in FDI and growth of economic and the most important mention by them is the performance of one variable does contribute to stability of another variable. This meaning that the performance in a sector will be affect to each other, for example, stability of manufacturing sector will enhance the private investment in private sector. Har, Teo Yee (2008) examine that the relationship between FDI and economic growth in Malaysia for the period 1970 to 2005 using the time series data. Har et al. (2008) determined that there is a positive relationship between the FDI and economic growth based on their empirical result and FDI was played an important role in Malaysias economy. To achieve economy development of Malaysia, government should concern the importance of FDI in economy growth; for example, encourage more foreign direct investment to increase the employment in Malaysia and advance technology in production can increase more skilled labor to increase productivity (Har et al., 2008). Although the empirical result showed that has a positive relationship between FDI and economic growth, but it has bringing some negative effect on some sector, for example, domestic producer, they will facing difficulties to survive in the market because the foreign investor become monopoly and losing the market power. Therefore, Har et al. (2008) were suggesting that government should implement some policies like joint venture to make a win-win situation between domestic producer and foreign direct investor. Har et al. (2008) also indicate that the political stability is an important role in FDI because the new policies implemented by government will be affects the decision making of foreign direct investor. Jajri (2009) examines the influence of foreign direct investment (FDI) over the growth of the Malaysia for the period of 1970 to 2003. Based on the empirical result done by Jajri (2009), the result showed that FDI was significant influence on the growth rate of Malaysias economy and has a strong market and macroeconomic stability to promote FDI. Jajri (2009) shown the human capital was more important in FDI because it can improve the productivity, innovative capabilities, and strengthening the supporting industries to attract more foreign investment. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in manufacturing sector growth Yusop and A.Ghaffar (1994) examined that several quantitative factors that was influence FDI in Malaysian manufacturing sector. In this study, Yusop and A.Ghaffar (1994) indicate that gross national product (GNP), interest rate, external reserve, manufacturing output, economic health, currency stability, local financing, availability of adequate human and physical infrastructure are important factors to influence the FDI in manufacturing sector. Oman (1984) defined that a foreign entity own majorities of the equities in firm should be consideration involve in FDI activities. So, the purpose of Yusop and A.Ghaffar (1994) in this study is measure the company is consider as FDI company if the company has at least 50% of equities. After this study was done, Yusop and A.Ghaffar (1994) suggest few aspects can improve the FDI in manufacturing sector. First, the result show that between the (LMOG) and FDI have a positive relationship, that meaning human aspect and physical infrastructures ar e related to manufacturing sector and it is important for foreign investor (Yusop and A.Ghaffar, 1994). So, to attract the foreign direct investment in manufacturing sector, Yusop and A.Ghaffar (1994) suggest the provision of a well trained and efficient labour force, special or subsidized industrial sites, and other infrastructural facilities. Second, to increase the flow of FDI, the allocation of special fund or credit facilities for firm also important, for example, the local finance is the important consideration for foreign investor because it will affect their FDI decision (Yusop and A.Ghaffar 1994). Third, tax incentive is the important element to improve and increase the flow of FDI, the policy maker can utilize tax incentive to leading the FDI activities in manufacturing sector (Yusop and A.Ghaffar 1994). Chandran V.G.R (2008) found that FDI was a determinant in manufacturing sector in his empirical analysis about examines the FDI over manufacturing growth in Malaysia which is in developing country during 1970 to 2003. Chandran V.G.R (2008) suggests that to improve the FDI in manufacturing sectors, the first action is focus on improving productivity and innovative capabilities. Quality of FDI can only be attracted if the host country has the ability to improve the manufacturing outputs through productivity gain rather than depending on the traditional factor of production (Chandran V.G.R, 2008). Chandran V.G.R (2008) also suggests that to more focus on education institution and the industrial needs to build up human capital stock and improve the level of education. In additional, the networks of foreign universities affiliation with local institution are important because those will enhance the competitive advantage of the manufacturing sectors. The last strategic suggest by Chandran V.G.R (2008) is the relationship between the local supplier and foreign investor must strengthened through network cohesion for many manufacturing firms. A strong supply chain must be establish so that foreign investors will realize that the local supplier in Malaysia also capable to fulfill their need in delivering material. Incentives and maintain attractiveness in Malaysia for FDI Oti-Prempeh, Abenaa A. (2003) examines the concept of FDI in developing country such as Malaysia, Mexico and South Africa in his paper. Oti-Prempeh, Abenaa A. (2003) showed that there are some reasons to make the Malaysia become attractive in FDI like the Malaysia undervalue currency, low inflation rate, low cost of labor. Malaysias National Economic Program (NERP) also became a attractive for foreign investor, it is because the six objective of the NERP enhance the confident of the foreign investor and Malaysia plans to become industrialized nation by year 2020 (Oti-Prempeh, Abenaa A., 2003). Oti-Prempeh, Abenaa A. (2003) indicate that the Labuan is the city with tax haven, free regulation and law, and full natural resources like oil and gas to attract foreign investor to invest in Malaysia. The Malaysias investment policy provides incentive to foreign investor such as Promotion of Investment Act 1986 and the Income Tax Act 1967. This Act provides incentive in many sector so that fo reign investor can enjoy the advantages like full or partial exemption from income tax, for example, Malaysia current income tax rate was 30%. Consequences, foreign investor can get higher rate of return on their investment (Oti-Prempeh, Abenaa A., 2003). Duasa, J (2007) also indicate that Malaysia has attract a large portion of FDI inflow after Malaysia introduce the Investment Incentive Act 1968 and the Free Trade Zone during the second Malaysia Plan (1971-1975). In Chandran V.G.R (2008) opinion, the Malaysia can maintaining their attractiveness for FDI is because of moderate overall cost, political stability, and good infrastructure. In the other hand, FDI liberalization in Malaysia also provide incentives to foreign investor, Chandran V.G.R (2008) suggest that Malaysia should focus on providing labor force and complementary asset in the long run to maintaining the attractiveness of Malaysia. In manufacturing and agricultural sectors, Malaysia was providing incentives to let the foreign company or investor to enjoy different advantages when they invest in Malaysia. The two major incentives provide by Malaysia government are pioneer status and investment tax allowance (ITA). In Pioneer Status, A company grated Pioneer Status enjoys a 5-years partial exemption from the payment of income tax and it pays tax on 30% of its statutory income. (MIDA, 2010). In addition, Malaysia also provides the promoted area to encourage foreign direct investment. Invest in promoted area such as Sarawak, Perlis, Sabah and some certain area can enjoying a 100% tax exemption on statutory income during in 5 years exemption period (MIDA, 2010). In investment tax allowance (ITA), a company can apply ITA to grant an allowance of 60% on qualifying capital expenditure within 5 years. In the other hand, for each year of assessment, a company may be able to offset this allowance to against 70% of its sta tutory income and the rest of 30% will be taxed at the prevailing company tax rate (MIDA, 2010). The Malaysia also provides promoted area in ITA incentive which is if any company invests in the promoted area; a company can enjoy 100% allowance on qualifying capital expenditure in 5 years. In addition, for each year of assessment in promoted area, the allowance can be utilized to offset against 100% of the statutory income. Different additional incentives also provided by government in many sectors, here just discuss one major of additional incentive for all sectors which is Reinvestment Allowance (RA). From the MIDA website, reinvestment allowance is given if a company involves in manufacturing or agricultural activities, operation at least 36 months from year assessment 2009, and purposely reinvest in expansion, automation, modernization or diversification business (MIDA, 2010). Reinvestment allowance is given 60% on the qualifying capital expenditure, 15 consecutive years, can be offset against 70% of statutory income and can fully against of statutory income if a company invest in promoted area or attain productivity level exceeding the level determined by Ministry of Finance. (Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP), 2010, Chap. 3, pp. 39-41) indicated Malaysia annual FDI inflow has grown by only 1% CAGR from the period of 1991 2000 to 2001 2007. The FDI performance is worst in past 20 years, so, Malaysia must improve its performance by using some initiatives which is; Benchmarking Malaysias attractiveness, Empowering Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to attract investment, and Investing in talent recruitment (10MP, 2010, Chap. 3, pp. 39-41). In benchmarking Malaysias attractiveness, Malaysia will identify the key factor of the understanding of the foreign investor by conduct an annual survey (10MP, 2010, Chap. 3, pp. 39-41). The key factor will affect the Governments policy decision making to make out some adjustment to ensure Malaysia can compete for capital and increasing the FDI attractiveness, for example, reducing the corporate and personal income tax rates is a type of factor can improve the attractiveness of FDI inflow in Malaysia (10MP, 2010, Chap. 3, pp. 39-41). In empowering MIDA to attract investment, MIDA will more focus in few sectors those can support innovation and productivity growth and will focus on quality of investment rather than quantity (10MP, 2010, Chap. 3, pp. 39-41). Several change will made by MIDA to attract FDI which is given the authority to negotiate directly with investors for target projects, enhance the coordination and cohesion among the relevant investment promotion bodies in the country, and enable the necessary organizational flexibility to attract and retain the talent it needs to be internationally competitive (10MP, 2010, Chap. 3, pp. 39-41). In investing in talent recruitment, liberalization, good quality of life, and better compensation package will increase the number of worker flow into our country (10MP, 2010, Chap. 3, pp. 39-41). Malaysia also introduces the Talent Corporation (TC) which is under the Prime Ministers Department to improve our FDI. TC has three key roles to improve the inflow FDI, the first is catalyst lead and drive innovative national talent management initiatives. The second key role is as a facilitator and creating and motivating for private sector. The third key role is deliver major national initiatives on talent across the human capital development pipeline (10MP, 2010, Chap. 3, pp. 39-41).

Pricing Strategy For Retail Leather Business

Pricing Strategy For Retail Leather Business 1. Executive Summary Pricing strategy is play very important role in any business and pricing is always based on the consumers perception .This research is based on the Pricing strategy of Leather Retail Business in Singapore this is my first step for having retail leather shop in Singapore. In this research the important to know what price range will make customer to buy leather products and to see gap or space in existing leather market. This paper investigates about the consumer preferred pricing for leather products- Handbags, Wallets, Jackets, Computer Bags, Mobile case , Shoes and belts and what price range they found product is Expensive and At what price range consumer think that product is cheap? These factors are very important to know about consumer pricing acceptance. Finally we have got consumer preferred price, expensive and cheap price also Research paper also investigates all the factors which are influencing consumer buying decision they are Price, Quantity, Brand and Country of Origin. We got that price is top most important factor for consumer in buying decision and Competitors Price offerings analysis shows that Store type Biz from home and Retail Leather store is much similar but store type Shopping Mall store is having high end products with high price. For this research, SPSS, Perceptual and excel is used to know about the difference between Consumer preferred price. Perceptual is used to know preferred leather product according to the consumer age and gender. SPSS for knowing the cluster of leather product so that can be used for offering packages on demand. Overall, Price is very important factor and there is gap between consumer preferred price and competitors offerings and there new store can enter in market for selling leather products in consumer preferred price. 1. Introduction An entrepreneurial venture I am going to practice is to step in, in the leather retail business. This dissertation is based on the Pricing strategy of Leather Retail Business in Singapore this start will help me to stand up on my own feet. Singapore is small place but It is known as shopping paradise for Singaporean and tourists also. All leather products are fashion symbol for teenager and youth generation in the world Singapore youths are also fond of leather products. In 2008-2009, each and every business was facing decline due to the global crisis and in that period Singapore recession started because of that people started buying only necessary things for them and they were less concerned about the fashion and style but From first Q1 of 2010 the shadow of global crisis started fading off and base on this I think Its right time to start Leather retail business .Leather products could never die although it might face difficulties, which is the part of business. Leather products will be purchased from wholesale leather industries, Dharavi, Mumbai. Dharavi is famous for selling all genuine leather products at cheap price. In order to move ahead with my plan, I have to make certain assumptions and get a fair idea of the market. For this, the group will be conducted a primary research on the local people on their desire to buy leather and their expectation from the leather product The details of overseas buyers/delegates who visited India during the three Indian International Leather Fairs in the last three years is given below: In which Singapore has entered in 2006-2008 It is taken from http://www.leatherindia.org/annexure Year Country Number of overseas Buyers 2005-06 Spain, Portugal, UK, Singapore, Oman Italy 14 2006-07 Italy, Romania, Turkey, Argentina, Mexico, UK, USA, Portugal, Philippines, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Vietnam, Mexico, Sri Lanka and South AfricaÂÂ   69 2007-08 Spain, Belgium, USA, Brazil, Brunei, Spain, Czech Rep, Netherlands, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Israel, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Namibia, UK, Romania, Poland, Finland, Colombia, Canada, South Africa, Turkey, Belgium, Portugal, Italy, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Uzbekistan Turkmenistan 116 In Singapore seems to be a considerable potential for the entry or expansion of specialized retail chains for leather retail business. Singapore is very small country and here market of any service or product gets saturated very rapidly but during my initial research shows that total 98 retail leather shops are available in the market but in 98 retail leather shops. 25 to 30 retail shops sell Branded leather like Gucci, Bulgary. 1.2 Singapore retail leather Market In Singapore seems to be a considerable potential for the entry or expansion of specialized retail chains for leather retail business. Singapore is very small country and here market of any service or product gets saturated very rapidly but during my initial research shows that total 98 retail leather shops are available in the market but in 98 retail leather shops. 40 retail shops sells Branded leather like Gucci, The Indian durable goods sector has seen the entry of a large number of foreign companies during the post liberalization period. A greater variety of consumer electronic items and household appliances became available to the Indian customer. Intense competition among companies to sell their brands provided a strong impetus to the growth for retailers doing business in this sector. Increasing household incomes due to better economic opportunities have encouraged consumer expenditure on leisure and personal goods in the country. B2B meetings between India exporters and over seas buyers. Changes in consumer needs, attitudes and behavior: The growth of modern leather retail is linked to consumer needs, attitudes and behavior. Rising income levels, education and global exposure have contributed to the evolution of the Singaporean middle class. As a result, purchasing and shopping habits have been inculcated and are increasing day by day. Historically, Singaporeans have been the ones to splurge on luxury items. Today, people are willing to try new things and look different, which has increased spending on fashion and beauty products apart from apparels, food and grocery items. 1.3 Competitors of Retail leather stores In Singapore many competitors are available but leather market is not saturated. Pls see below the list of Company Name who runs retails leather business in Singapore http://www.singaporebusinessguide.com/category/Leather_Goods.htm Here almost all retail leather shops are concentrating Leather wallets, Hand bags, key case, leather jackets and card holders and in the list few of company are selling all these above products but rest of them concentrating few product items and some of them concentrating on one product like only men belts and some only hand bags. I have visited retail store of Artisan where they sell all leather products. Pls see the below Pricing for some demanding products. In in leather industry Pricing is good factor in retail business and importantly if you are selling the product which you got in low price where Product has a high value so seller willingly sale product in good profit margin. Business strategy of selling product in low price which can be adopted , if you have enter in existing market where competitors are already gaining good profit margin so there differentiation can be made by selling product with low profit margin and make profit from selling large quantity. 1.4 Target Customer People who stays in Singapore Locals, PR or EP holders anyone who stays in Singapore and like to buy product with good quality in reasonable price. After recession hit in 2008 -people who were keen to buy branded products from showroom and malls are moving into this customer segment Customers are segregated according to their Monthly family Income and their buying behavior. Other factors will be their preference for any particular leather product and availability of the product 1.5 Literature Review (Pricing Strategy) 1.5.1 How Competitive Forces change strategy Price is big factor for buyers and sellers both in retail business. Typically in Singapore It is very much observed that People are more likely buy products where they get products in low price. And there is opportunity in retail leather market to have leather retail business with low business strategy. Michael E Porter Business strategy professor from Harvard Business School has written in his article How Competitive Forces change strategy The buyers are likely to shop for a favorable price and purchase their products 1.5.2 Empirical Analysis of Determinants of Retailer Pricing Strategy Author Venkatesh Shanker and Ruth N Boltan has given their point of view for An Empirical Analysis of Determinants of Retailer Pricing Strategy where they investigated the other determinants of pricing strategy for retail business and how price coordination and relative price and chain factors in retailer pricing . And these outputs are derived from a simultaneous equation model and how it is underlying dimensions of retailers pricing strategies and that are influenced by some pricing dimensions and following are the These four pricing dimensions are statistically related First Competitors price and deal frequency), Second Storability and necessity ,Third Chain positioning and size , Fourth Store size and assortment ,Fifth Brand preference and advertising and Sixth Price and deal elasticity These findings are very useful to retailers profiling alternative pricing strategies. Author Scott Alen has put some light on the point that How much should product and service be charged? How product positioning should be placed and is pricing going to be key part of that positioning? The product positioning has to be consistent with positioning because people really want to get in return same or above what they pay for. Pricing is also aferct demand because of that you have to do basic research so need to make simple questionnaire and asking them At what price they would like to buy that product and service ? even this sole practitioner will give basic curve that says that at X price, Y percentage people will buy. Author Deloitte has emphasized main challenge of retail business is setting up an accurate base price for a product. Price is important to draw the customer and generate the sale margin Market basket analysis should be done and we can identify an optimal base price using measurement tool like Price elasticity. This can be done by doing compare a series of price points and determining a price which generates the good gross sales margin. The past data of the product should be assessed to come up with the best base price for the market. Retailers will be prevented stock shortages and minimized unplanned clearance markdowns by selecting the optimal price This method or strategy will ensure price image remains fix and consistent to the customer and it will enable retailers to increase sales and inventory turns. Existing leather 1.6 Area of concern: It is necessary to set Price of Product while entering existing market. First step will be decide the price and look into the availability of leather products in different mediums. According to my analysis of counting Leather shops from different categories. Currently 26 retail local leather shops which is different from Branded leather shops, 63 branded shops and approximately local online shops are 15. Singapore is very small country so market of any product gets saturated and there are direct competitors who are selling all types of leather products It will be challenge for new entrant to enter in existing market, stay in the market and plan for growth of the business. 1.8 Research Problem: This market research is the function which connects the consumer and customer in the public. Market research result is used to get an idea of identity and information is used to identify and decide opportunities and problems in the market for evaluating and refining marketing situation also observing market behavior and performance. This will improve the understanding of the marketing in and out Market Research emphasis the data collection process and analyze the results and after that collected findings should be used for their implications. It is related with problem solving methods and the technique for getting idea to how to solve the problems. To understand the unpredictable consumer buying behavior and analyze this problem and make attempt to offset this. People sometimes have perception high quality means high price. Require to segregate the pricing strategy to avoid the product price perception. Product selection is required according to the demand of Singaporeans like Mens Accessories, Women Accessories, Shoes and Leather Jackets etc and according to the demand of Singapore people. To understand the Competitors Pricing strategy analysis for their products and then different products with different price range. This research should be niche to find the competitors pricing strategy 1.7 Objective of the Study: Price of any product or service is always play very important role and this need to explore the opportunities for entering new retail store in existing leather market of Singapore by applying pricing strategy. Research of the competitors products price and how pricing impact on Consumer buying decision. To determine demographic segment of the existing leather products consumers and how each segment behave differently Verify the preferred pricing for all leather products according to consumer point of view Identifying the price of leather products where consumer think that products are expensive and cheap Verify competitors price offerings 2. Methodology 2.1 Data Collection: The primary data has been collected from the 81 people who have contributed in Survey questionnaire form created for doing analysis on my research topic. Data collection is done with gender wise and according to the monthly income range and age to get a better idea from different view of consumer by knowing their demographic angle. Competitors data collection based on the price offering of competitors to the consumer and the type of stores like, Shopping Mall, Retail shop or business from home . Sample size was 81 for survey questionnaire of consumer and Competitors data collection sample size is 24 2.2 Data Analysis: Perceptual Analysis is used to see leather product Handbags, Wallets, Jackets, Computer bag, Mobile case, shoes and belts preference according to the gender wise. Female preference for leather products and Male preference for leather products. SPSS tool has been used for performing for cluster analysis to know the combination of leather products and frequency analysis to get details of frequency of using leather products. Excel is also used for getting difference between expensive price compare to preferred price and getting the details of variation of Expensive, preferred and cheap price. 2.2.1 Demographic analysis Demographic analysis has been used to segregate data with different available basic parameters of consumers. Age, Gender, Monthly Income, Nationality, Using leather products and frequency of purchasing leather products 2.2.2 Perceptual Analysis Perceptual analysis has been used to see the different variables position. There are 7 types of leather products Handbags, Wallets, Jackets, Computer bag, Mobile case, Shoes and belts. Analysis is based on according to different age group and gender. 2.2.3 Frequency Analysis Frequency analysis has been used to see frequency of preferred variable and differentiate variables preference. This analysis has helped to find out buying influenced factors Price, Quality, Brand and country of origin. 2.2.4 Cluster Analysis Cluster Analysis has been used to see possible cluster from available all leather products. Available products for this analysis Handbags, Wallets, Jackets, Computer bags , Mobile case, shoes and belts. 2.2.5 Price Segmentation analysis Price Segmentation analysis has been used to see variance among acceptance category given in primary data by consumer. There are 3 categories available Expensive, Preferred and Cheap. After this check the difference between Expensive to preferred to see which price will be suitable for consumer 3. Results and Interpretation 3.1. Demographic Analysis Result 3.1.1 Age Result Finding and Interpretation: There are 5 categories of age range Sample size is 81, 55% from 81 response is from age range 25-35 and second highest is from age range 35-45 3.1.2 Nationality Result findings and Interpretation First analysis of Nationality of all 81 responses shows that there are 4 categories in which first highest one is Indian having 51.9% and second one is Singaporean 35.8% , 8.6% Malay and 3.7% of others. This research according to this findings is more based on Indian and Singaporean. 1.3 Gender Result findings and Interpretation This demographic analysis is showing that in 81 responses Male are having 61.7 % and female are having 38.3% that means preference of leather products of male is more prominent research compare to female 3.1.4 Income Range- Singapore Dollar Result findings and Interpretation This demographic analysis is very important to know the monthly income range of taken 81 responses for this research as it is based on pricing. 27% is 10001 to 12500 and second one is 12501 to 15000 and 3.1.5 At present Using in Leather Products Result findings and interpretations This analysis is showing that 88.9% is already using leather products means they are already associated with their choice of leather goods and their price so following analysis is useful to get impact of their products choice of purchased leather product and what exactly they are looking for it. 11.1% are not using leather product and the following analysis will tell us about their preference which makes them to buy leather product 3.1.6 Leather Product Purchasing Frequency Result findings One time in a year is captured first place 22.22% from 81 responses and second place there are two categories one is 2 times in year and another is 1 time in a year . I interpret that Yearly frequency has captured more % then monthly because leather product are not essential product. Interpretations 3.1.7 Preferred Store type for Leather products shopping Result findings This analysis is saying that 51.9% from 81 responses prefer to buy from Retail local shop in compare to Mall or online. I interpret that people like to buy from retail shop compare to Mall Branded shop or online shopping. 3.2 Clustering of leather products Result findings. There are 7 clusters for leather products shoes, belts, wallets, Computer bags, Mobile case, Handbags and Jackets. Belts and shoes is one good cluster and another one is computer bag and Mobile case. Interpretations: Belts and shoes are having very good relation in buyers point of view if anyone likes shoes so in same manner he will like belts also . Seller can sell them as a package and same for the Computer bags and Mobile case 3.3 Perceptual Analysis 3.3.1 .Male Preference of Products with different Age Range Result findings This analysis is based on leather products preference according to their age group Male only. There are 6 categories Teen : 45yrs and 1- handbags, 2- wallets, 3- Jackets, 4- Computer bags, 5- Mobile Case, 6- Shoes and 7- Belts Interpretations: Male Adults and Male Teen they both like 4 Computer bags more and Male Young Adult prefer more shoes then other products and Aged like Wallets and Mid Aged male like Jackets and mobile case 3.3.2 Female Preference of Products with different Age Range Result findings This analysis is based on leather products preference according to their age group Male only. There are 6 categories Teen : 45yrs and 1- handbags, 2- wallets, 3- Jackets, 4- Computer bags, 5- Mobile Case, 6- Shoes and 7- Belts Interpretations Female teens like no 2 Wallets, female young Adults like belts compare to other leather products and female aged like Jackets, mid aged adult and adult like Handbags and shoes but Female mid aged adult like more Handbags and shoes compare to Adult female 3.4 Leather products preferred price 3.4.1 Handbags preferred/expensive/cheap Difference between Expensive and preferred price range Result findings and interpretaion In the above 2 charts X axis is Number of response and Y axis is the mean of selected Price range. This analysis is done to check the variation of 81 people responses regarding their preferred price for Handbags, expensive price according to people and cheap price and difference between the people preferred and expensive pricing. People preferred price range are bit low or sometime as same as expensive price and from this we can interpretate that people will like to buy handbags if it is bit expensive 3.4.2 Wallets preferred/expensive/cheap Difference Between Expensive and Prefered Result findings and interpretation In the above 2 charts X axis is Number of response and Y axis is the mean of selected Price range. This analysis is done to check the variation of 81 people responses regarding their preferred price for Wallets, expensive price according to people and cheap price and difference between the people preferred and expensive pricing. According to this analysis output People preferred price range are low from expensive price so we can interpret that people will like to buy Wallets in their preferred price and do not like to pay more 3.4.3 Jacket preferred/expensive/cheap Difference Result findings and interpretations In the above 2 charts X axis is Number of response and Y axis is the mean of selected Price range. This analysis is done to check the variation of 81 people responses regarding their preferred price for Jackets, expensive price according to people and cheap price and difference between the people preferred and expensive pricing. According to this analysis output People preferred price range are low from expensive price so we can interpret that people will like to buy Jackets in their preferred price and do not like to pay more 3.4.4 Computer Bag preferred/expensive/cheap Difference Result findings and interpretation In the above 2 charts X axis is Number of response and Y axis is the mean of selected Price range. This analysis is done to check the variation of 81 people responses regarding their preferred price for Computer bags , expensive price according to people and cheap price and difference between the people preferred and expensive pricing. People preferred price range are bit low or sometime as same as expensive price and from this we can interpret that people will like to buy Computer bags if it is bit expensive but still they are very few in compare to all 81 responses. 3.4.5 Mobile Case preferred/expensive/cheap Difference Result findings and interpretation In the above 2 charts X axis is Number of response and Y axis is the mean of selected Price range. This analysis is done to check the variation of 81 people responses regarding their preferred price for Mobile case, expensive price according to people and cheap price and difference between the people preferred and expensive pricing. People preferred price range are visibly low compare to expensive price and from this we can interpret that people will like to buy Mobile case if it is provided in their preferred price range 3.4.6 Shoes preferred/expensive/cheap Difference Result findings and interpretation In the above 2 charts X axis is Number of response and Y axis is the mean of selected Price range. This analysis is done to check the variation of 81 people responses regarding their preferred price for Shoes, expensive price according to people and cheap price and difference between the people preferred and expensive pricing. According to this analysis output People preferred price range are low from expensive price so we can interpret that people will like to buy Shoes in their preferred price and do not like to pay more 3.4.7 Belts preferred/expensive/cheap Difference Result findings and interpretation In the above 2 charts X axis is Number of response and Y axis is the mean of selected Price range. This analysis is done to check the variation of 81 people responses regarding their preferred price for Belts, expensive price according to people and cheap price and difference between the people preferred and expensive pricing. People preferred price range are bit low or sometime as same as expensive price and from this we can interpret that people will like to buy Belts if it is given in their preferred price range 3.5 Influence factors of Buying 3.5.1 Price-Buying Influence Factor Result findings Result findings are 55.6% responses is said that Price is Most important factor for them for buying leather product and 21% is said that price is very important factor and for 9.9% it is less important, 6.2% it is very less important and 7.4 it not at all important factor for buying and leather products Interpretations More than 50% of responses are saying that Price is Most important factor for them to buy any leather product and 21% are saying Price is very important factor so cumulative 72% out of 100% is saying Price is important factor 3.5.2 Quality-Buying Influence Factor Result findings Result findings are 44.4% responses is said that Quality is Most important factor for them for buying leather product and 25.9 % is said that Quality is very important factor and for 3.7% it is less important, 11.1% it is very less important and 14.4% it not at all important factor for buying and leather products Interpretations More than 44.4% of responses are saying that Quality is Most important factor for them to buy any leather product and 25.9% are saying Quality is very important factor so cumulative 70% out of 100% is saying Quality is important factor 3.5.3 Brand-Buying Influence Factor Result findings Result findings are 3.7% responses is said that Brand is Most important factor for them for buying leather product and 29.6% is said that Brand is very important factor and for 48.1% it is less important, 11.1% it is very less important and 7.4 it not at all important factor for buying and leather products Interpretations More than 48.1 % of responses are saying that Brand is less important factor for them to buy any leather product, 11.1% are saying Brand is very less important factor and 7.4% is saying it is not at all important so cumulative 67% out of 100% is saying Brand is not much important factor for them for buying leather products 5.4 Country Origin-Buying Influence Factor Result findings Result findings are 11.1% responses is said that Country of origin is Most important factor for them for buying leather product and 18.52% is said that Country of origin is very important factor and for 18.52% it is less important, 25.93% it is very less important and 25.93% it not at all important factor for buying and leather products Interpretations More than 18.52 % of responses are saying that Country of origin is less important factor for them to buy any leather product, 25.93% are saying Country of origin is very less important factor and 25.93% is saying it is not at all important so cumulative 70% out of 100% is saying Country of origin is not much important factor for them for buying leather products 6.Competitive Analysis 6.1 Types of Stores Research Findings and Interpretations Sample size is 24 stores and 45.8% from 24 is Retail shop and 37.5 from shopping mall and 16.7% Biz from home . Analysis is for all these 3 store types is to know about the pricing offering for leather products 6.2 Handbags Price Range Handbags- Biz from Home Handbags- Shopping Mall Handbags- Retail Store Result findings and Interpretation Store Type Biz from home 27% selling handbags at $1 to $150 price range and 73% at $151 to $300 and Store type Shopping Mall 70% selling handbags at $151 to $300 and 30% $301 to $450 and Store Type Retail 45% selling handbags at $1 to $150 price range and 55% at $151 to $300. According to these findings I interpret that retail store are selling balance price range products and Shopping mall starting range is bit high compare to retail store and biz from home 6.3 Wallets Price Range Wallets-Biz from Home Wallets- Shopping Mall Wallets- Retail Store Result findings and Interpretation Store Type Biz from home 75% selling Wallets at $1 to $100 price range and 25% at $101 to $200 and Store type Shopping Mall 70% selling wallets at $201 to $300 and 30% $301 and above and Store Type Retail 35% selling wallets at $1 to $100 price range and 65% at $101 to $200. According to these findings I interpret that retail store biz from home are selling at low price range products and Shopping mall starting range is bit high compare to retail store and biz from home 6.3 Jackets Price Range Jackets-Biz from Home Jackets- Shopping Mall Jackets- Retail Store Result findings and Interpretation Store Type Biz from home 50% selling Jackets at $1 to $150 price range and 50% at $151 to $300 and Store type Shopping Mall 55% selling Jackets at $151 to $300 and 45% $301 to $450 and Store Type Retail 20% selling Jackets at $1 to $150 price range and 80% at $151 to $300. According to these findings I interpret that Biz from home store type are selling balance price range products 6.4 Computer bags Price Range Computer Bag-Biz from Home Computer bags- Shopping Mall Compbags- Retail Store Result findings and Interpretation Store Type Biz from home 75% selling Computer bags at $1 to $200 price range and 25% at $201 to $400 and Store type Shopping Mall 30% selling Computer bags at $201 to $400 and 70% $401 to $600 and Store Type Retail 25% selling Computer bags at $1 to $200 price range and 75% at $201 to $400. According to these findings I interpret that retail store are selling balance price range products and Shopping mall starting range is bit high compare to

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Penelope and Odysseus of Homers Odyssey Essay -- Homer Odyssey Essays

Penelope and Odysseus of Homer's Odyssey    Penelope and Odysseus, being kin spirits, soul mates, and a great husband and wife in their own right, are very much alike.   They have many of the same qualities.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Both Penelope and Odysseus are very quick thinking and cunning.   Odysseus, for example, devises the plan to get the Cyclops to drink the wine so the crew could stab him in the eye.   Another example of Odysseus' cunning is his elaborate plan to massacre the suitors.   Odysseus orders that all the weapons be taken out of the room where the arrow contest was being held, then that the women of the household to be locked in their rooms, as to not interfere, then for the doors to be locked by his allies, then to...

Friday, July 19, 2019

Destiny, Fate, Free Will and Free Choice in Oedipus the King - The Fate

The Fate of Oedipus in Oedipus the King    In "Oedipus the King" there comes a point in the play where Oedipus learns something that plays an important role throughout the play.  Ã‚   He learns from a   oracle that he will eventually kill his own Father and sleep with his own mother.   As one could imagine this is a shock to Oedipus, and he does not believe the oracle.   However, he cannot prevent any of this from happening because it is his fate.   Oedipus is a victim of circumstances beyond his control, his life had already been planned by the Greek Gods.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Throughout the whole play there are references made to many of the ancient Greek Gods, for example, Apollo, Zeus, Dionysis, and Artemis are discussed quite often.   In ancient Greece the people believed that if anything happened one of the god's had a reason for it.   Each god was related to one specific thing like Poseidon being the god of the sea.   They thought that if there was a tidal wave or a hurricane it was because Poseidon was angry at them.   This is the basis for my assumption that Oedipus had no control over his fate.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   First of all, when Oedipus is just a baby his father, King Laius of Thebes, is told in an oracle that his own son will kill him.   So, with the agreement of his wife, Jocasta, the baby's feet are pinioned, and it's given to a slave who is supposed to leave it to die on Mt. Cithaeron. However, the slave feels sorry for the baby, and gives it to a fellow shepherd from Corinth. The shepherd from Corinth presented the baby to the childless King of Corinth, who is Polybus, and he brings him up as his own. He gives him the name Oedipus, whi... ...d emotions of all the characters in the play.   While doing so Oedipus could in no way control his own fate.   The god's mislead him, and did not allow him to keep from his destiny.   Oedipus was indeed a victim.   A victim of circumstances beyond his control, and it just goes to show that it is impossible for someone to escape their own fate.    Works cited and Consulted: Murray, Robert D. Jr. "Sophocles' Moral Themes." In Readings on Sophocles, edited by Don Nardo. San Diego, CA: Greenhaven Press, 1997. "Sophocles" In Literature of the Western World, edited by Brian Wilkie and James Hurt. NewYork: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1984. Sophocles. Oedipus Rex. Transl. by F. Storr. no pag. http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/etcbin/browse-mixed new?tag=public&images=images/modeng&data=/texts/english/modeng/parsed&part=0&id=SopOedi   

Free College Admissions Essays: Learning from Mistakes :: College Admissions Essays

Learning from Mistakes    One day that I will probably never forget is the day that I had to play Jonathan Walker. He was easily the best table tennis player in our school and he had even been offered to play on the National Junior team. I remember the match as if it was yesterday.    It was the time of year when competition smelled thick in the air and everyone was excited about Inter-House Sports. I was particularly involved in Tennis and Chess but I was really excited about Table Tennis as I had been named Vice-Captain.    It was a grueling school day that had ended with an arduous 120-minute Chemistry practical. The school bell that rang was like sweet music to my ears and the only thought that whisked through my mind was that of going home and sleeping in my big, comfortable bed. Just then, I remembered that the Table Tennis contest between Team C and Team D which also incidentally the finals, was at 4:00 p.m. I sluggishly changed into the clothes that I had in my locker and headed for the Games Room. I was very tired and hoped that I would have an easy opponent. However, this was not to be my lucky day. The captain of our team, Jason, was sick so I had to play the opposing captain, namely, Jonathan. Panic and doom were those thoughts that dominated my mind when I was told this.    However, I was always an optimist and tried to convince myself that I could defeat him (Yeah right!). We approached the table and shook hands. In the few initial minutes, we warmed up, just casually rallying the ball around, but even then he was playing better tennis than I ever had. The coach then blew his whistle which concluded the warm up and signaled the commencement of the match. At this point in time, I tried to swallow all the fear and anxiety that I had and to face my opponent valiantly and courageously. The match began and before I had fully realized, he had won the first game 21-05. He had won it with the utmost ease, returning even my best shots without any struggles or even remote difficulty. I tried not to feel discouraged, saying to myself that he still had two more games to win and that I would not give in without a fight.

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Nationalism and Politics Custom Research by Essay Writers Essay

Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As the world political climate has become more complex and in some cases outright hostile, many nations have turned inward, embracing nationalism as a method of self preservation at the very least and at best, or worst depending upon one’s point of view, pitting nations against one another in competition for global political status[1].   Because of these mixtures of nationalism and politics the question of why and how justifiably nationalism has been treated with suspicion by political thinkers becomes very relevant.   In this paper, the question will be discussed and explored with real world examples where appropriate. The Roots and Renaissance of Nationalism Nationalism, in one form or another, traces its European roots back at least 200 years; most sources agree that the â€Å"modern renaissance† of nationalism can be defined as the period when the Cold War reached its apex in the early 1970s[2].   It was also during this period that nationalism became truly political in nature, as the two superpowers of the world at that time, the United States and the United Soviet Socialist Republic, each developed an intense infrastructure of national pride and protectionism while at the same time trying to advocate their respective political systems in other nations in an effort to gain allies for their war of politics and ideology[3].   With the key players in the world political game embracing nationalism in its new form, the other nations of the world, large and small, soon followed suit.   Along with the nationalism boom came suspicion of nationalism on the part of many of the world’s most keen political minds and powerful p olitical players[4]. Justified Suspicion of Nationalism   Ã‚  Ã‚   The suspicion on the part of the world’s political leaders is justified; when one takes the time to look at world history over the last century or so, painful examples of nationalism run amok abound.   Many people do not realize it, but the roots of the Nazi party, the political machine of Adolf Hitler in the Germany of the 1930’s-1940’s, was based upon a very concentrated, and in hindsight toxic, form of German nationalism[5].   In this instance, Hitler, being a charismatic speaker and power monger, used the fervor of nationalism to build a regime which ultimately claimed millions of innocent lives and hurtled the world into war for years.    Behind the scenes, one can only imagine how many more lives were shattered as a result of Nazi fervor and actions. Also, referring back briefly to the introduction of this paper, the entire communist movement which came close to launching the world into war as well, had its beginnings in the elements of nationalism and the use by powerful and persuasive leaders to manipulate the masses into a system that would ultimately take away their freedom, their hope, and in some cases, their lives[6].   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A present day example of possible nationalism and its potential to topple the political order exists in Great Britain, where sources indicate that there are forces within the government that advocate a concentrated form of nationalism, which ostensibly they maintain will give the common people more freedom, but in actuality, other sources claim, British nationalism would upset the established political order and lead to the downfall of the Crown itself[7]. What all of this represents is a potential power struggle that would likely ensue with the demolition of the traditional political order in a nation that has a proud history of resilience.   In fact, overall, the political leaders worldwide have in recent years voiced a concern that the new, more virulent form of nationalism that has emerged since the height of the Cold War is actually a social movement in disguise, used by those with a hunger for political power to burn down the established order and, in its place, put their own governments that of course have their own best interests at heart[8].   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The point that is made with these real-life examples is that the suspicion with which political leaders often view nationalism is justified.   Any system that can devour an entire people against their will and best interests needs to be viewed with a certain degree of cynicism, and utilized only with the utmost caution. Nationalism and the World Economy   Ã‚  Ã‚   Because of the close relationship between global politics and economics, the effect of nationalism on world economies is important to understand, and likewise provides solid evidence that leaders in every corner of the planet should likewise monitor nationalism from the vista of economic consequences.   Taking into consideration the previously presented examples of political chaos caused by nationalism in its present most popular form, it is not a far stretch to predict what would happen economically to accompany political upheaval.   This is especially true when the use of â€Å"reform nationalism† is used.    Reform nationalism surfaces under the premise that it will actually lead to greater economic opportunities through an overhaul of a given nation’s economy, in such forms as a revision of the tax codes, monetary policy, and the like[9].   While it ultimately is true that most cases of reform nationalism do lead to new economic opportunities, they are usually reserved for those in power, or more precisely newly in power, while the masses find themselves worse off than before.   Unfortunately, this has happened time and time again in recent times due to the often volatile power systems in some nations; classic examples in recent times include Bosnia, Serbia, and much of Eastern Europe following the collapse of communism[10] . Key Considerations   Ã‚  Ã‚   In this paper, real examples of the validity of suspicion against nationalism by political leaders has been presented, but perhaps just as importantly, the common citizen must be vigilant to make sure that their interests and rights are preserved as well, as a check and balance against the powers that exist within politics; this is true in any nation.   As the old saying goes, those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   References    Anderson, Benedict. Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism. Revised Edition ed. London and New York: Verso, 1991. Anton Antonowicz Analyses the Lives of John Hume and David Trimble. (1998, October 17). The Mirror (London, England), p. 9. Beiner, Ronald, ed. Theorizing Nationalism. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1999. Benner, Erica. (1995). Really Existing Nationalisms: A Post-Communist View from Marx and Engels. Oxford, Clarendon Press. Billig, Michael. Banal Nationalism. London: Sage Publications, 1995. Blair Warns of English Threat to New Britain; Let’s Stick Together: PM Blasts Right-Wing Agenda. (2000, March 28). Daily Record (Glasgow, Scotland), p. 6. Borntraeger, Ekkehard W. Borders, Ethnicity and National Self-Determination. Vienna: Baumueller, 1999. Boyce, D. George. Nationalism in Ireland. Third Edition ed. London and New York: Routledge, 1995. Brehony, K. J. and N. Rassool, ed. Nationalisms Old and New. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1999. Breuilly, John. Nationalism and the State. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1985. Brubaker, Rogers. Nationalism Reframed: Nationhood and the National Question in the New Europe. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996. Bruce, Steve. The Edge of Union: The Ulster Loyalist Political Vision. Oxford, New York and Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1994. Burns, Jimmy. Barà §a: A People’s Passion. London: Bloomsbury, 1999. Carter, A. (1997). Nationalism and Global Citizenship. The Australian Journal of Politics and History, 43(1), 67+. Cottam, M. L., & Cottam, R. W. (2001). Nationalism & Politics: The Political Behavior of Nation States. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner. Ercegovac, P. (1998).   Competing National Ideologies, Cyclical Responses: The Mobilisation of the Irish, Basque and Croat National Movements to Rebellion Against the State.   Sydney, AU: University of Sydney. Glynn, P. (1994, August). Is Nationalism the Wave of the Future?. Commentary, 98, 42+. John McKie: Will Kilroy’s New Face of UK Politics Be Orange? (2005, February 5). Daily Record (Glasgow, Scotland), p. 13. The Making of the British. (2005, June 27). The Evening Standard (London, England), p. 67. Wheatcroft, G. (1999, June). The Making of the English Middle Class. The Atlantic Monthly, 283, 128. [1] Anderson, Benedict. Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism. Revised Edition ed. London and New York: Verso, 1991. [2]Carter, A. (1997). Nationalism and Global Citizenship. The Australian Journal of Politics and History, 43(1), 67+. [3]Brubaker, Rogers. Nationalism Reframed: Nationhood and the National Question in the New Europe. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996. [4]Beiner, Ronald, ed. Theorizing Nationalism. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1999. [5]Glynn, P. (1994, August). Is Nationalism the Wave of the Future?. Commentary, 98, 42+. [6]Cottam, M. L., & Cottam, R. W. (2001). Nationalism & Politics: The Political Behavior of Nation States. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner. [7]Blair Warns of English Threat to New Britain; Let’s Stick Together: PM Blasts Right-Wing Agenda. (2000, March 28). Daily Record (Glasgow, Scotland), p. 6. [8]Ercegovac, P. (1998).   Competing National Ideologies, Cyclical Responses: The Mobilisation of the Irish, Basque and Croat National Movements to Rebellion Against the State.   Sydney, AU: University of Sydney. [9]Breuilly, John. Nationalism and the State. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1985. [10]Ercegovac, P. (1998).   Competing National Ideologies, Cyclical Responses: The Mobilisation of the Irish, Basque and Croat National Movements to Rebellion Against the State.   Sydney, AU: University of Sydney.