European Government and Politics Essay

The political system in Britain has seen the dominance of two parties and hence traditionally, Britain has a bi-party system. The Conservative Party, also known as the ‘Tories’ has existed since the 17th century while the present Labour Party has existed since the 20th century. Earlier, the principal opposition to the Conservatives was the Liberal Party, which later merged with the Social Democratic Party, forming the Liberal Democrats. Although Britain has a bi-party system, there are a number of other parties and the Liberal Democrats form the third largest party. The Conservative Party has been extreme rightist in political terms, in favour of complete privatization. This was particularly prominent during the Prime Minister-ship of Margaret Thatcher who came to power defeating the Labour Party in 1979. Under the Conservative leadership of Thatcher and subsequently John Major, the government followed policies of privatization and monetarism. The two policies were together known as Thatcherism. The Labour Party on the other hand belongs to the leftist orientation. In recent years however, it is adopting a more centre-left approach. Although the Labour has functioned since 1906, it came into prominence in the post World War II scenario with electoral win in 1945. however, the Labour went into opposition during 1951-1964 and 1979-1997. the Social Democratic Party was formed as a break away party by right-wing Labour MP’s. under the leadership of Tony Blair, the policies of the Labour Party were changed considerably. Political parties first appeared in Britain during the English Civil Wars of 1640 and 1650. among the first political parties in Britain were the Royalists and Parliamentarians, after that came the Tories (who were the patriotic party) and the Whigs (who wanted to reduce monarchical powers). The Conservative Party holds the claim to being the largest political party in the world. Apart from the two dominant parties and the third largest party, there are a number of other parties that function within the political milieu of Britain. These parties are – the UK Independence party, the Green Party, the Plaid Cymru (belonging to Wales) the Socialist Nationalist Party, the Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party. However, it is the Labour and the Conservatives who are taken into account broadly, during the elections. The party which secures a majority of the votes polled is called upon to form the government and the leader of the winning party becomes the prime minister of Britain. Since the parliamentary form of government prevails in the UK, there is one real executive, the prime minister and the one nominal executive, the monarch. Also, the executive works in close collaboration with the legislative, with the prime minister’s Cabinet being formed by people who are members of the legislature. The grounds on which the major parties share similar views are – a free market economy, rule of law, nationalized health services and regarding Britain’s membership of the European Union and the NATO. However, the factors on which these parties are divided are taxation laws, dealing with poverty, the extent of state intervention in the economy and how to strike a balance between individual and collective rights. Although the politics and electoral process of the UK appears to be simple and straight forward, there has been one or two occasions when things were not as simple. For instance, in the 1951 and 1974 elections, the party with the fewer votes secured more seats in the polls. It shows that politics is unpredictable even in an apparently straight-jacketed political system having a political tradition that goes back hundreds of years. Germany : Politics in Germany or the political system in Germany is very different from that existing in both Britain. While there is a bi-party system in Britain, Germany is largely a multi-party system. However, unlike the multi-party political systems existing in other countries of the world, the German one is a ‘dominant multi-party system’, that is, politics is dominated to a great extent by two parties despite greater representation provided by other parties. Also, where as the political system in Britain has been in existence for centuries with minor changes over the years, the German political system is rather recent. The political system in Germany has been through two major shifts. Firstly, since its inception in its present form in 1949, German politics was dominated by the communist forces in the area under Russian control and the non-communist forces in the area jointly held by Britain, France and the US. The second shift occurred in 1990 when Britain, France, US and Russia withdrew from the country. Despite the second shift, the dominance of the Socialist Democratic Party and the Christian Democratic Union often in alliance with the Christian Socialist Union, both in existence since 1949, is there still. Nevertheless, since there are other parties and fragmented or multi-party representation, it has never been possible for either the SDP or the CDU/CSU to win a complete majority in the elections. It is at this juncture that the role of the other parties assumes importance because the support of these parties to either the SDP or the CDU helps form the coalition government. Germany therefore, is an example of perpetual coalition politics. The other parties include the Free Democratic Party, the Left Party and the Alliance 90 or The Greens. The centre-right is represented by the CDU/CSU and the centre-left by the SDP. The SDP and the Greens were in a coalition government from 1998-2005, after a sixteen year long government of Helmut Kohl, which was toppled by the grand coalition between the CDU/CSU and the SDP since 2005. SDP registered its lowest results since World War II in the wake of sweeping labour reforms that were announced in Agenda 2010. One important characteristic of German politics is the fact that funds for elections are essentially drawn from the public purse. The current Chancellor of Germany is Angela Merkel who had become the first female chancellor after winning the 2005 elections. France : The French political system is probably one of the most colourful political systems in the world in that it has a vibrant history. The left wing in France has gone through several phases starting with the Anarchists, Revolutionaries and Reformists of the early 19th century giving way to further splits in the post World War I period. Three broad divisions of the Old Left, the New Left and the Centre-left can be drawn today. The New Anticapitalist Party has been the culmination of the fragmented left in France and seeks to bring about a unity between the various bifurcations of the French left. The right wing can also be classified into three broad clusters of the Legitimists, the Orleanists and the Bonapartists. The dominant issue in French politics is that of the extent of government intervention in the economy. Naturally, the liberals are in favour of free market while the socialists prefer a limited governmental intervention and a welfare society. The political sphere comprises two parts – the left wing represented mainly by the French Socialist Party and the right wing represented previously by the Rassemblement pour la Republique (RPR) and presently by the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) which is neo-Gaullist in approach. The constitution of the Fifth Republic has transformed to a great deal over the years with further institutional reforms on the cards. The people have been influenced by the left wing for years but following trends of globalization, the left has found it difficult to hold its ground. Like in Germany, coalition governments have more often than not been the order of the day. In the end, one can conclude that while multi-party systems offer more representation, bi-party systems are more stable. Also, ideological differences are in most cases not rigid as has been demonstrated over time and can become accommodative according to the demands of the day. References Curtis, Michael & Ammendola, Guiseppe. (2002) Western European Government and Politics. Longman.

Sex Trafficking; Modern Day Slavery

eSasha Gibson Kristy Weiberg English Comp II December 10, 2010 Sex-Trafficking: Modern Day Slavery Human trafficking in the United States is a reality. What have in do the things child labor, forced sex, forced marriage, and forced labor have in common? The first words that come to mind are Human Trafficking, a modern day form of slavery. Terrible activities of human trafficking are happening in several countries around the world. However, this kind of activity also happens in industrialized countries.According to the department of state of the United States of America government, human trafficking also happens inside the walls of United States. As claimed by the Polaris Project, â€Å"an estimated 17,500 foreign nationals are trafficked annually in the United States alone. The number of US citizens trafficked within the country is even higher. An estimated 200,000 american children are at high risk of trafficking into the sex industry each year. † And the biggest human traffi cking in the US (domestic and transnational trafficking brought into the US) is sex trafficking.But, why is this modern slavery happening, even in the most industrialized countries, like the United States? The prinicpal reasons most people will think is poverty and inquity. However, according to the Polaris Project even if these reason are good driving forces, they aren’t the prinicipal reasons why human trafficking does happen. There’s a market for modern slavery, and this market is lucrative. Also, there’s no real danger of prosecution for the traffickers.Even if human trafficking is present inside the United States, the US government has created a series of laws, to comply to the minumim of requirements for the elimination of trafficking. Aggressive laws against human trafficking continue to be voted by the Congress, like the new law against sexual explotation of children by sex traffickers. This law will give a supplement of 45 million dollars to law enforce ment and victim-assistance effort. In prevention, the United States does try to cut n commerical sex and cheap labor, to cut the grass under the feet of human traffickers, as well as they do law enforcement in critical industry areas, and finally to educate the public. However, even if these measures are really important and efficient the problem continues to strike. As long as there is a demand, and the demand is global, human trafficking will continue. According to the U. S Department of Health and Human Services, there are many emotional, physical and psychological repercussions due to the sex slave trade.Children as young as six years old are being trafficked on a daily basis. Young girls are being made to do 10-20 â€Å"tricks† a day. Many will never be able to have children because of the extensive damage to their vaginal areas. Disease is also a common factor. Sexually transmitted diseases run rampant in the sex slave trade. Girls as young as six years old have herpes, syphilis, HIV, among other diseases. Many are used until it is discovered they have HIV and become to sick with the disease to work any longer.Then are released and thrown into the streets. According to CBS News, poverty stricken families in third world countries will sometimes drastic measures to prevent starvation, even sell their young children for sex. Thousands of children every year are sold into the sex slave trade by parents or other family members. Family members have stated that they had no choice, some of them had no other means of getting food for their children. The United States is the lowest ranked human trafficking country in the world, for now.The sex slave trade is growing all over the world and the U. S is no different. Thousands of sex slaves are trafficked into the U. S every year and that number is growing according to the U. S Department of Education. Although the problem with the sex trade seems too big for anyone to make a real difference, there are many or ganizations out there who are offering hope to these victims, such as Abolish Slavery and Not For Sale. These organizations are dedicated to ending the sex slave trade all over the orld. Their belief is that if we band together and stand up for what is right, the sex slave trade will be abolished.Works Cited Gore, Martha R. â€Å"Sex Trafficking in the United States: Enslavement into Prostitution A Billion Dollar Growing Industry. † Suite101. com: Online Magazine and Writers' Network. Martha R Gore, 28 Dec. 2008. Web. 10 Dec. 2010. http://www. suite101. com/content/human-trafficking-in-the-united-states-a86817. Gagnon, Donald. The Reality of Human Trafficking in the United States. † Suite101. com: Online Magazine and Writers' Network. Donald Gagnon, 29 June 2010. Web. 10 Dec. 2010. http://www. suite101. com/content/the-reality-of-human-trafficking-in-the-united-states-a253902. â€Å"Human Trafficking of Children in the United States-A Fact Sheet for Schools. † U. S. Department of Education. U. S. Department of Education, 10 Sept. 2009. Web. 10 Dec. 2010. http://www2. ed. gov/about/offices/list/osdfs/factsheet. html.

Coporate International Outsourcing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Coporate International Outsourcing - Essay Example The firms that are involved in the practice should take the decision to offshore work only after serious consideration. Some companies’ outsourcing decisions have backfired and they had to reconsider their outsourcing mission (Ren & Zhou, 2006). DELL was forced to move back its OptiPlex desktops and Latitude laptops in November 2003 from India after complaints from customers of language difficulties and delays in reaching senior technicians. Lehman Brothers too had to shift their call center operations back to the US from India after they received complaints of service quality. There basically seems to be a lack of understanding of the economics of outsourcing. The call center supply chain strategy has not been studied. There are various costs that are not considered and people merely take into account the direct labor costs. Moller (2006) says there is a trend to export jobs to where it is cheaper and low-cost economies in Asia are receiving all the jobs. This article points out the problems that the developed countries may face when jobs are offshored to less developed countries. The new labor-cost efficiencies may not last for long and this is the main reason why firms outsource. In India, in cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad, there is already a shortage of skills and above average salaries are required to obtain and retain them. The impact of outsourcing on the LDCs has prompted many countries to make efforts and capitalize on the opportunity. King (2007) discusses how new economies are opening and marketing their countries in a bid to get a slice of the outsourcing jobs. Estonia, for instance, has been able to offer a pool of talented, tech-savvy workers and a modern telecommunications infrastructure. According to King, the global market for shared services and outsourcing is expected to grow to $1.43 trillion by the end of 2009, from $930 billion in 2006. Many countries are joining in the competition and it is expected that India’s dominan ce in the outsourcing market would be diluted. The author gives the important factors that make and sustain a location as an attractive destination for outsourcing. Apart from costs, the other factors include the education and language skills of workers, the availability of labor, and attrition risk. Political and economic environment are equally important. To remain attractive, the LDCs have to invest in improving technology and infrastructure. The telecommunications infrastructure has to be modernized. Technology has to be used by these countries to transform economies. It also requires changes in policies and procedures. The protectionist attitude has to be done away with if a country wants the total support from the outsourcing company. Kenya wants to become an attractive IT outsourcing destination and it has to liberalize its telecom sector. This indirectly helps the LDCs as competition in any sector drives the prices down as Kenya found in its telecom prices. The shortfall of talented labor can be envisaged in each of the LDCs and this issue has to be addressed by such countries to remain sustainable.               Ã‚  

Identifying the elements of interpersonal communication Essay

Identifying the elements of interpersonal communication - Essay Example On the contrary, a child who grows up in a poor environment can be timid, defensive and therefore inhibited in his actions. In some cultures, a person is respected by the way he speaks as in the case of Asian people. They have words that indicate politeness and courtesy which is important when talking to elderly people. Filipinos use â€Å"po† and â€Å"opo† to indicate that they are talking to someone with a higher position or someone older than them. Not observing such practice could be translated as being rude. The westerns setting does not have such words but â€Å"please†, â€Å"excuse me† and â€Å"I’m sorry† indicates good manners. As for the second statement, people who communicate more often can also be rude and tactless, quality of communication matters since people love to hear from sensible people. This is primarily why Oprah’s talk show and Dr. Phil is successful, they make people feel good and give hope. They also bring a wealth of ideas , advice and opinion to all the listeners which makes them interesting. There are also some sarcastic images in media such as â€Å" Dr House† which makes him earn the ire of people around him. NO matter how truthful and valid his advice maybe, people still value on how one expresses a certain viewpoint. Tone of voice is important since the receiver of the message may decode the meaning of the message differently. Another important thing about personal communication is that it depends upon the circumstance or situation; therefore, one must be sensitive about the context of a conversation or even an argument. This is also important especially when communica ting with people from different cultures. More often than not, conflicts in the workplace happen because of difference in cultural background. Since language is a necessity in interpersonal communication, certain meanings are attached to words or symbols of a certain language that can be a source of

Karl Marx's Philosophical Views Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Karl Marx's Philosophical Views - Essay Example Finally, I shall give my own reflection on whether communism would work or not.   Affluence by Marx According to Karl Marx, affluence refers to a situation when the working class in the society ends up being more economically stable. This relates to them having an opportunity to mortgage houses, invest in the stock market, amongst other businesses. In the long run, class struggles were witnessed in the society, and as Galbraith (pp.63) indicates, the rich had a lot to lose in this struggle. The society saw a reduction in the cottage factories, due to the increasing service provision industries, which saw a huge employment of the persons in the middle class society. It is apparent that the number of persons employed to perform manual jobs greatly reduced; thus, an increase in the bourgeoisie jobs. This gave a lot of people meaning to the kind of life they were living in the society, as all upheld the fact that they had to work to survive in the economic times. There was an increase in the rush to production and consumption means, an elucidation of the fact that all humans wanted to fulfill their potential. At this time, it is vital to note that the society was industrializing by the day. The society was slowly shifting into being an affluent one, with the rush of the classes, especially persons of the low classes taking part in the revolution towards attaining a higher status. However, one would argue that Marx was wrong in his thoughts that the society would not attain socialism with then rush to affluence and the advent of new technologies in the society. Galbraith would instead argue that the society would otherwise attain socialism if the foundations of the society are upheld keenly, even with most humble societies (63). Marx- ‘religion is the opium of the masses’ This remains one of the most remembered phrases by Karl Marx. In relation to the workers party, Marx aimed at bringing pout the view that religion is simply a tool that is used to su bdue some groups of people from others. In the research carried out by Marx & Marx et al, (pp.89), Marx indicates that religion has been vocal in silencing the working class, in an endeavor to defend the bourgeois from any form of exploitation and competition. In this case, the rich always avoided a situation whereby religion would die down. Marx & Marx et al state categorically that religion is the best instrument to get to the people with (90). In the layman point of view, religion is the source of hope for all, food for the hungry, home to the destitute, amongst others. Through this notion the poor have been oppressed in terms of the economic ability; thus, injustices in the social order. Religion can in this case be described as the source of all the predicaments in the society, by virtue of the oppressors using this tool to oppress the inexperienced and poor. In light to the interpretation of this statement, it is palpable that it holds much deeper meaning than it is perceived by the layman. It would be of great benefit if the whole theme of religion would be banned to reduce the endless streams of tears among the societal members (Marx & Marx et al, pp.89).   Marx- ‘workers of the world unite’ In his work, Hallas attempts to scrutinize Karl Marx’s viewpoints on the unity by workers (11). Marx was fully concerned with the progress of capitalism in the society, which according to him was the source of a myriad of production forces in

Hertzian Contact Stresses Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Hertzian Contact Stresses - Essay Example Hertz identifies that the abutment of non-conforming forms was an example of stress accumulation that could be explicated liberated of the geometry and physics of stress field generated in the bodies. According to Heinrich Hertz," we can confine our attention to that part of each body which is very close to the point of contact, since here the stresses are extremely great compared with those occurring elsewhere, and consequently depends only to the smallest extent on the forces applied to other parts of the bodies." By circumscribing concentration to that fragment of the garb padlocked to the areas in contact with each other, the forces and wrench can be observed by evasion the slender cal arch of the surfaces of the two contacted bodies. The hertz theory is stimulated by two factors namely quadratic terms are used to delineate the geometry of general curved surface areas and the area of the body that have a curved surface mutilate as though they have elastic half spaces. From time t o time efforts are made to enhance hertz theory by considering higher order terms in the geometric elaboration of cylindrical or spherical profiles and by calculating the deformations of truly cylinder or spherical solids. Considering the hertz theory with respect to Marine engineering components, it has been observed that these components are designed to accommodate a defined life. Considering the case of Roll Bearings, which are used in ships, has approximately life of 65,000 hours and so accordingly this requires its replacement quite frequently during the tenure of the ship. The failure of these bearings is consorted with the inner raceway. The failures, which include the center radial, bearing of thrust bearing pair and radial drive end bearing, are also experienced. A very close examination depicts that the failure is the result of sub-surface fatigue. Once the cracks are instigated then it lead to grows and promulgate sub-surfaces. Following figure shows typical failure morphology of bearings This figure shows that Hertizan stresses plays important role in this failure process. On canvassing and implicating the Hertz theory in above scenario it is serene that shear forces are effectuated sub-surface and repose on plane close to

Investigation of the effect of the balanced scorecard on the Dissertation

Investigation of the effect of the balanced scorecard on the performance of the for profit organisations - Dissertation Example The researcher states that it is important to first understand and comprehend the basic concept of balanced scorecard before investigating its impact on the performance of the organisations. The balanced scorecard provides a new and changed approach towards the management of the performance of the organisation. It is important to manage, monitor, and control the organisational performance in order to make sure that the organisation is able to accomplish the objectives, vision, and mission defined by the top management. There have been several research studies in order to understand the implementation of the balanced scorecard in effective and efficient manner. The research study will be beneficial for the business analysts and organisations who are looking for the methods and techniques for successful implementation of the balanced scorecard strategic tool in order to manage the overall performance. The method of balanced scorecard allows the organisation in the process of identifyin g the issues with the previous strategic management tools being used and provides the organisation with clear definition of the objects and elements which should be measured and monitored. This in turn allows the organisation to accomplish the main financial objectives. The main motivation or encouragement behind the research study is to explore the effectiveness of the balanced scorecard in the process of increasing the overall performance and profits of the organisation. The approach of balanced scorecard has been gaining rapid popularity and is being used by several organisations as a strategic management tool.... The approach of balanced scorecard has been gaining rapid popularity and is being used by several organisations as a strategic management tool (Geuser, Mooraj, and Oyon, 2009). Hence, it is important to understand the factors which influence the successful implementation of the balanced scorecard. In this way, organisations will be able to use the balanced scorecard in effective and efficient manner and will avoid any pitfalls and negative implications. 1.5. Aim and Objectives of the Research Study: The main aim behind this research study is: ‘to explore the effect of the balanced scorecard on the performance of the for profit organisations’. The objectives which will be tried to fulfill by the research study are as follow: To explore the advantages and benefits of balanced scorecard for the organisations. To investigate the relationship between the implementation of the balanced scorecard and the performance of the organisation. To identify the differences in the perfor mance of the organisation which have implemented balanced scorecard and the performance of the organisation which have not implemented balanced scorecard. 2. LITERATURE REVIEW: 2.1. Overview of Balanced Scorecard: A balanced scorecard is a tool utilised in an organisation to integrate their objectives, strategy and performance. This tool is unique as it can be used as a performance-measurement system, a strategic management system and a communication system. A balanced scorecard integrates each business activity of an organisation with its organisational strategy, and assesses the performance of each business activity in achieving a strategic goal (Cardinaels, Paula, and Veen-Dirks, 2010). This in term helps the

Visual Analysis on a Photography of your Choice Article

Visual Analysis on a Photography of your Choice - Article Example As a means of analyzing and understanding Arbus unique style, this particular essay will discuss the photograph entitled â€Å"Identical Twins – 1967). By analyzing its technical approach, content, story, and significance, it is the hope of this particular author that the reader will come to a more informed understanding and appreciation for the work of this artist and the actual technical skill and means of delivery that this particular photograph employs. For means of reference, the photograph in question is appended on the final page of this essay in the Appendix. Likewise, the following quote from Stuart Hall will be analyzed: â€Å"Yesterdays deconstructions are often tomorrows orthodox clichà ©s† (Grossberg, 2014). As has been noted within the introduction, Arbus’ attention to elements of society that would otherwise not likely find themselves within the photographer’s lens is what helped to set her style and approach apart from others. With regard to the photo in question, identical twins that are anything but attractive are represented in a black and white medium; Arbus’ favorite. Shooting this particular shot with her Rolleiflex medium twin lens reflex, she used a square aspect ratio to engender the disjunct and unnatural reality that was represented within the shot. Furthermore, even though the image is clearly posed, Arbus stayed with her convention and insisted that the subjects did not express any clear emotion; either positive or negative. In this way, the blank faces of the twins serve as the focal point around which a dull background contrasts with their dull and dour expressions. Interestingly, Arbus chose to set the backdrop of the photo in a way that did not c ompliment nor detract from the subjects in question (Baird, 2008). This is with reference to the fact that the floor of the setting is outlined in a darker hue (predictably black) with the wall being outlined in a lighter hue (probably grey). However, by means

The Impact Of Technology On Customers Essay Example for Free

The Impact Of Technology On Customers Essay Customer is the most important component of any business. The globally popular slogan customer is king or customer is god indicates the importance of customers to businesses. Hence, if the organizations are hugely customer centric in their approach, they are rightly so. Customer centricity refers to the orientation of a company to the needs and behaviors of its customers. Any pivotal functional change being considered to be incorporated by the decision makers of an organization is always first studied for its impact on the current and expected customers of the company’s products. One of the most common form of change that companies usually bring in their organization is the up-gradation of the existing technology used by the company. Post Industrialization era , technology has become one of the most important feature of an organization. It is one of the hot topics among the business world. More and more business enterprises , large or small, are trying to incorporate the latest available technology into their operations. This notion is substantiated by the fact that the popular business firms now have a separate technology sections, and information systems departments as a very critical component of the organization. The importance of the whole information technology field is that it is designed to make people and organizations more faster, knowledgeable, efficient, and profitable. A key advantage of the information systems is to be able to simplify organizational structures. In fact firms with well-developed management information systems lend themselves to a move towards flat structures. Irrespective of the complexity of the system or the size of the organization, the incorporation of new technology or information systems will accompany change by and large in the entire organization. The importance of information technology and its impact on the organization is emphasized by Nadler, who states perhaps the largest single influence on organizational architecture and design has been the evolution of information technology. [Gerstein, p. 5]. The mode of implementing the new technology can be either indigenous or it can brought at a suitable price from another company selling the technology. In the former case need for co-ordination is only one sided (within the organization) but in the later type a very well coordinated relationship has to be maintained with the enterprise selling the technology as well as within the organization so that the training and the transition process is smooth. The implementation of information systems and technology in general can be a boon to an organization by being part of a transformation that results in fundamental improvement. Although in the beginning their may be some repulsion towards acceptance of the new technological change but with proper managerial support and education they can be certainly overcome. Nonetheless, the efficiency gained from technology and associated information systems will generally serve as the precursor to eventual acceptance of the change. The benefits of improved coordination and increased supervision even replace the need for tall, hierarchical organizations. In fact firms with well-developed management information systems lend themselves to a move towards flat structures. One author warns that de-layering is not right for every organization and should not be done indiscriminately. (Nelson, p. 56) The impact of new technology and information systems does not limit itself only to the organization its also hugely influences firms relationship with suppliers or customers. As the new technologies and information systems are adopted by the firms, the technology level of the firm is emerging as an important variable of inter-organizational relationships. The influence of technology levels on the customer-supplier interactions is explicit. Drawing on the marketing and social exchange literature, a set of research propositions in terms of major characteristics of interaction processes with the customers is part of the process. The technology implementation process must view the customer as both the purchaser and user of the new technology. With this perspective, demand evolves not just through compositional changes but also through how customers evaluate and use a technology. These components of demand progression emphasizes how competition shifts in an industry and the effects of disruptive technological changes. On systematic analysis of the demand evolution and its influence on industry competition with respective to the technology it can be observed that customers tend to study the market thoroughly before making a choice. Demand evolution in terms of customers is switching from valuing different product features to price as the products satisfy their functional thresholds (or preferences). Adner and Levinthal 2001] A process in which customer understanding and technological development co-evolve as customers and the technology move from an uncertain, generalized understanding of the technology to a more determinate and specified interpretation [Clark (1985]. The customer, evolves in ways that are interrelated to firms innovating a new technology. The source of competitive advantage lies in the interplay between firms adapting and the environment selecting. Creative and strategic management of how customers understand and use a technology should be an important competitive factor in the industries. Customers can change how they value a technology through learning new uses, then firms have an incentive to re-engage in product innovation after technical standardization. Customers may interpret the technology differently or may adapt it to their local conditions and requirements, generating variety in how users actually deploy products. Moreover, as customers use new products, they may learn new ways of using the technology, which affects their future purchasing and deployment decisions. In order to educate the customer about the new technology being used and its after effects it is very important that the customers are correctly informed and educated about it by the company and its public relationship department. A triangular relationship exists between communication channels, companies, the customer. The choice of communication technology is the key to building a successful brand relationship with any given existing or prospective consumer. This decision of promoting the technology however also needs intervention of the marketing department in order to creatively bring the brand to market. This allows the sale of the technology along with the product it is associated with. Once of the significant trends in consumer marketing is the advent of multi-channel marketing of products and services. This is exactly where the communication technology comes into picture. Given this the new technology, channels of communications are evolving at a speed that no one can keep up with. Organizations are using direct channels such as the Internet, catalogue channels and other channels such as brick-and-mortar environments, either to seamlessly integrate their offerings across all channels or to use these different channels to segment consumers and implement differential marketing strategies. Revolutionary innovation of the technology like e-mail, e-commerce, Internet and websites, cell phones and laptop have opened up a new world of marketing communication. A fundamental change has occurred and marketers need to rethink their promotional strategies. Today the customer has the opportunity make a suitable choice, by accessing the website or sending an e-mail. All relevant information must be made accessible and user friendly so the customers are easily able to acquire what they seek. Many market research companies are now-a-days using the wireless devices and interactive voting systems to obtain an instant feedback from their customers. These wireless devices are also used for dynamic promotion and pricing – for example electronic coupons as consumers shop, quantity discounts, auction pricing for certain items or bidding against other shoppers are common strategies of obtaining high end immediate response of their product. Interactive voting is one of the most successful revenue generating Interactive TV applications. Voting can be used to encourage the first time users to interact with programs and advertising, thus helping viewers become familiar with Interactive TV. Voting changes the dynamics of the viewer’s experience from a passive, one-way communication to a two-way exchange that draws in the audience by allowing viewers to interact with and influence the program. Thus, it has been proven that the use of advanced technologies to complement the more traditional channels can lead to much more efficient and effective market communication techniques at significantly reduced cost. The technological development and its incorporation first in the organization and then finally impacting the customers of the business has been explained below with two actual examples. The foundation for the purpose of this research has been created by a prospective study to explore the impact of application of e-commerce on the Iranian insurance industry. In order to fulfill the purpose of this study, a frame of reference has been emerged based on a vast literature review. With the focus at quantitative research as a general approach and descriptive research as the type of research in this study, a structured questionnaire was used as the data collection instrument. To accomplish this, a survey of 258 people (in almost all active insurance companies in Iran) has been carried out. The respondents from almost every department within the targeted insurance companies were randomly chosen. We have focused on the perception of insurers regarding the subject of study, and thus, the perception of other stakeholder such as insurance agents/brokers and even their customers have been suggested for future research, due to limitation and demarcation of this research. This dissertation has been organized in the seven chapters. An introduction this study, problem statements and research questions were presented in chapter one. The second chapter was devoted to literature review. The emerged frame of reference was provided in the third chapter and our research methodology was discussed in the fourth chapter. Data presentation and analysis were done in accordance with the research questions and the frame of reference in chapter five and six, respectively. Finally, in the last chapter findings and conclusions were drawn by answering the research questions. With respect to the findings, we conclude that the Iranian insurance companies were positively looked at e-commerce and its application in their companies. Their attitude and views toward e-commerce was positive so that they found that e-commerce would be an opportunity rather than a challenge or even a threat for insurance industry. They highly believed that e-commerce would affect on insurance companies and, thus, their companies should embrace e-commerce. Lack of skilled staffs in e-commerce application and scarcity of IT experts were the most infrastructure requirements which they found that the Iranian insures were suffering from. Whereas they were well equipped with hardware and networking as well as general and professional insurance software required in e-commerce applications. Lagging of other supportive sectors (e. g. , e-Banking and Telecommunications), lack of appropriate legislation and regulation (e. g. copy right, digital signature), low Internet usage and fewer users, traditionally attitudes and views over the companies and scarcity of skilled staffs were the five top major obstacles which would hinder the Iranian insurers to embrace e-commerce. E-commerce is potentially applicable to marketing and sales as well as RD with respect to insurance value chain. On the other hand, as far as insurance products concern, auto (motor) insurance, marine and aviation, life insurance and fire insurance were highly perceived to suitabl e to e-commerce (sale online). Finally, the Iranian insurance companies were chiefly believed that in the case of e-commerce application they would get these top five benefits: brand and image promotion (as a pioneer and modern company), extended corporation with partners (specially in the reinsurance cases), lower invest for establishing the sales and after sales services network, cost reduction in value chain management (e. . product/service development) and decentralization and no restrictions imposed by national borders [Aarabi and Bromideh, 2006] Information technology was also a core element of the turnaround of Union Pacific Railroad. The overall goal was to eliminate layers of unnecessary middle management, increase their efficiency, and improve customer service radically. Accomplishing this goal would not have been possible without the technology implemented in their revised, centralized operations. All customer service functions were consolidated into one National Customer Service Center in St Louis, where customers could b e given up to the minute information on their shipments and UPs schedules. This in turn, is made possible by the worlds largest computer controlled dispatching facility located in Omaha, Nebraska. In this facility, a 100 yard long screen displays all of the railroads trains and 10,000 miles of track and constantly monitors the movements of each by means of electronic sensors on the train cars [Kupfer, p. 142] Their success at implementing this technology along with the other accompanying changes, both formal and informal, enabled UP to make a dramatic turnaround. From this discussion and the examples given, it is apparent that technology is a critical element of organizational transformation and customer decisions..

The Life Of Muhammad Religion Essay

The Life Of Muhammad Religion Essay The book The life of Muhammad has been authored by Abdul Hameed Siddiqui. He is considered an authority in the religious studies and he has written numerous books regarding Islam. In this book, the writer has attempted to give a brief but profound insight into the life of Holy Prophet (PBUH) encompassing almost all notable aspects. Author himself claims that this book is a modest attempt on a mighty subject. He has published it for the very first time in July 1969 through Islamic Publications Ltd. Lahore. The theme of the book revolves around the life of the Holy Prophet (PB UH) and his noble mission. It is an attempt to provide a chronology of the life span of the final prophet. It is essentially liked with the evolution of Islam from its dawn in Arabia to its rapid expansion and remarkable hold in a few decades. It depicts the personality traits and teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) which are for all the worlds. The successful culmination marks the accomplishment of the goal of Holy Prophet (PBUH) to educate the purpose of life to the ignorant humanity and guide them to the path of salvation and eternal bliss. Traditionally, it is an account of events, yet coupled with due appreciation of the purpose of prophetic mission. Whats more is the overall impact of the teachings of holy Prophet form one of the main parts of the book. The steadfastness and consistent carrying out of the divine mission is the demonstration of the perfect nature of the personality of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) . Authors Thesis: Chapter one begins with the geography of Arabia followed by the character of Arabs before the advent of Islam. They were generous in tongue, eloquent in utterances, ardent lovers of poetry, confident yet self-centered and self-reliant. Then, a picture of social life is portrayed which shows excessive drinking, illicit relations, gambling, sensual pleasures and female infanticide. At the same time, the writer has described the impact of Islamic teachings which transformed the whole Arabian Society. Next in line is a description of economic life of Arabs mainly consisting of trade. It was corrupted with the system of Riba. Arabs did also have an idea of religion that there was a supreme controlling power but it was adulterated with idolatry turning them into polytheists. Chapter two emphasizes the fulfillment of the promise of the foretold birth of the Holy Prophet (PBUH. It narrates the life span from the early infancy to the youth and subsequently his marriage with Hazrat Khadija (R.A.). It also involves the removal of some misconceptions and allegations by the orientalists. Chapter three explains the quest for truth on the part of Holy Prophet (PBUH) and finally the revelation of Divine Message assigned him the task of spreading Islam. He had to face hostile opposition that was visible during his visit Taif and also when he was confined to the cave of Abi Talib with his family and companions. He had to face even life threats. Chapter four underlines various allegations levelled against Holy Prophet (PBUH) both by the old and modern critics. Then there is another gropu which demanded miracles from. All these clains were defeated and the holy Quran vindicates the fact that Allah himself became witness of the Prophethood of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH). Chapter five is discussion about the last years of Prophets stay at Makkah. It was during this period Islam was strengthened with the acceptance of Islam by Hazrat Umar (R.A.). Later, there is a brief commentary on the Holy ascent of Holy Prophet (PBUH) through heavens known as Miraj. It ends with the historic migration from Makkah to Madina. Chapter six witnesses the turning of Madina as a stronghold Muslims Universal Brotherhood is established and great charter of Madina is signed to ensure peace among Muslims and Non Muslims of Madina. A brief touch is given to Prophets marital life followed by the emphasis on prayer, fasting and pillars of Islam. Later change of Qiblah was ordered. Then a thorough analysis of Jihad is given with the allegations of westerners and the reply to their false claims. Chapter seven is a record of major battles fought under the command of Holy Prophet (PBUH) to defeat the veil forces. These lay down the international principles of warfare. Chapter eight embodies the Holy marriages and justifications for polygamy. Then is discusses the historic Treaty of Hudybiyah. It also tells the dispatch of letters to foreign rulers as a call to accept Islam. The end of this chapter witnesses conquest of Makkah and the results general amnesty. Last chapter deals with battles of Hunayn and Tabuk, and then last sermon during Pilgrimage has been discussed at length. Lastly the last days of Holy Prophet (PBUH) have been narrated following a general estimate of his personality and lifestyle. Analysis: The biography of Holy Prophet (PBUH) undoubtedly manifests a comprehensive embodiment of the exalted divine message that he conveyed so as to deliver the human race from the quagmire of darkness and polytheism to the highways of light and monotheism. Keeping in consideration, the writer has rendered his utmost effort to write this biography. Perhaps the most striking portion is the reply to the baseless and misleading allegations on the personality of Holy Prophet (PBUH) by the orientalists whose views are fabricated. A similar narrative of the chronicles of Holy Prophet (PBUH) life is attributed to Muhammad Husayn Haykal in the form of his book titled as The Life of Muhammad. He writes, Whoever studies honestly and without prejudice the history of Muhammad and his preaching and the culture which is built on this foundation will finally come to the conclusion that Muhammad (PBUH) was the greatest man the history has known. Holy Prophet (PBUH) was perfect in his personality and disposition. A nature so pure, so tender, and yet so heroic, inspires not only reverence, but love. The book also reveals that Islam has laid down glaring principles of warfare that are applied all over the world. The last sermon, in a real sense, forms the basic of Declatation of Human Rights. It was he through whom Allah pronounced the saving of one Human life as tantamount to the saving of humanity. Fourteen centuries have been elapsed since he delivered his message but time has made no difference in the devotion he inspired. I believe that the writher has one justice to a great extent as per his capabilities and faculties. It is also relevant to mention here that the editors of Encyclopedia Britannica to exclaim, Muhammad (PBUH) to bethe most successful of all religious personalities. Historians are of the view that Allah indeed put before him the keys to the treasure of the whole universe but he refused it. Be as a teacher a father, be as a commander or an administrator, the life of Holy Prophet (PBUH) has been accurately portrayed in the book. Modesty and mercy, patience and humility, generosity and compassion made part of his conduct and held the affection of all around him Recommendations: I suggest this book to everyone whosoever wants to know about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and early Islam. This is equally informative for a layman as well as a student of religions. This treatise is an excellent record of the life of Holy Prophet (PBUH) which adds in the intellect and faith of its readers. The book is well-researched consisting of nine chapters including footnotes and bibliography.

The Presidential Election Of 1976 Politics Essay

The Presidential Election Of 1976 Politics Essay In the year 1976, a very close race transpired between the former President Gerald Ford and an unexpected dark horse, Jimmy Carter. Jimmy Carter was an unknown former naval officer and one-term governor of Georgia who rose up to become the Democratic Presidential Candidate. Gerald R. Ford was just ending his term as President, which came about from a very corrupt situation. Following the Watergate scandal that consumed Nixon and shocked millions of Americans, Gerald R. Ford, as House Minority Leader, became President after the Vice-President Agnew resigned. While Ford was popular when he first became President, his popularity had slowly dwindled over the years. This being the first election after the Watergate scandal, it was a good time for the unknown Washington outsider, Jimmy Carter, to rise up and steal the presidency for himself. Starting back at the beginning, Jimmy Carters journey was not a nice walk in the park. He was not well known and was unlikely to even become the Democratic presidential candidate. Knowing hed have to spend a lot of time campaigning to get the attention of the voters, he decided to start campaigning more than a year before the election. At the end of 1974, he began to campaign and was the first candidate to do so. As the Democratic Convention approached, there was little hope that Carter would win. He was known as Jimmy who? and was running against other well-known politicians. All of a sudden, his luck changed at the Iowa Precinct Caucuses when he won more votes than all of the other candidates.6 Fortune continued with him at the New Hampshire primary in February, 1976, where he beat out five of his rivals. At the Democratic Party Convention, he won enough votes to beat out the California Governor, Jerry Brown, making him the official Democratic Presidential Candidate. President Gerald R. Ford also had a hard time of becoming a Candidate. Many people questioned him during this time because he became President without being voted on after the Watergate scandal. During the Republican Convention of 1976, his only competition came from Ronald Reagan. It was a very close vote between the two, but in the end Ford won and was again in the running for the Presidency. Another man running, named Eugine McCarthy, was the chairman of a third political party called the Independent Party and announced his candidacy on January 1975. This party came about because some people believed that the Democratic Party was too willing to compromise in order to get elected. McCarthys main agenda was to be very liberal and, as the season began, he did everything he could to keep his name in the paper. At the beginning of the election, McCarthy chose William C. Ford as his running mate. However, that didnt last because William Ford decided he wasnt going to run and bailed out. That made McCarthy mad. He decided that the office of vice president should be abolished and didnt choose another running mate. McCarthys campaign wasnt well known and he only got his name on four ballots.4 Unfortunately for McCarthy, he was never a competitive with the other two candidates because he wasnt allowed to participate in the Debates held between Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford. The final blow came when Jimmy Carters campaign started to challenge McCarthys campaign. Some of McCarthys supporters left him for Jimmy Carter in fear that Gerald Ford would win the election. In the end, McCarthy got about one percent of the popular vote and pretty much ended the Independent Party.4 Now that the two Candidates had been chosen, the different parties began to focus more heavily on their platforms. The Democratic Party Platform wanted to increase the amount of jobs available in the U.S. and cut down the unemployment rates by 3% by the time of the next election. They pledged to favor a tax reform and cut from the defense budget. On the social side of the platform, the Democrats declared that they would not create an antiabortion amendment. They did, however, want to regulate gun control and create a national health care insurance. For foreign affairs, the Democrats wanted to create a Panama Canal treaty that guarded U.S. interests while still supporting Latin America. Jimmy Carter wanted to continue to improve the relations with the Soviet Union, in the hopes that they could relax the Cold War tensions that still lingered. He hoped to spread the promotion of human Civil Rights throughout the world without using military force.2 The Republican Party Platform was almost the complete opposite of the Democratic Party Platform. Economically, the Republican Party promised to lower tax rates and create more jobs so people could get jobs easier and be able to pay taxes, while increasing the government funding. Another key point of the Republican Party Platform was the opposition to a national health care. Their main argument against this was that it would increase government spending by seventy billion dollars in the first year alone. Some other parts of the platform were to increase defense spending, oppose gun control, retention of the Panama Canal, and constitutional amendments to ban bussing and abortion.1 The real campaign for the Presidency started in September. A Gallop Poll was taken and showed Jimmy Carter leading with a support of 49% of the population, while Gerald Ford trailed with 39%.6 In one of Gerald Fords speeches he said, The question in this campaign is not who has the better vision of America. The question is who will act to make the vision a reality. Over the next two months not much was done and one newspaper said that it put the voters to sleep. Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford talked together and decided to have a series of debates, like the ones held between Richard Nixon and John Kennedy. It had been over a decade and the revival created a tradition of debates that is still used today. This was also the first time a debate was held in a public setting instead of in a studio. The debates would be over both domestic and foreign policy issues affecting America. The first debate occurred on September 27th in Philadelphia over domestic issues. It got off to a slow start with a 27 minute delay because the sound system shut off. Jimmy Carter spent his time talking of how Washington hadnt had a real leader in four years and called Ford out on his so called insensitivity to the unemployed. Ford replied by accusing Carter of not knowing the facts and having the details to back it up. Ford pushed for more jobs by expanding the private sector, controlling government spending, and lowering the federal tax. At the end of the first debate, most people believed Ford won and that Carter was too nervous and very hesitant with his answers. This caused Ford to become more popular and make the race much closer.8 The next debate took place in San Francisco and covered International Policy. Before the debate took place, it was inferred that Gerald Ford would easily win this debate. However, things quickly went south and President Ford made a huge mistake. From the start, Jimmy Carter went on the offensive and challenged Ford by saying Ford had surrendered International Affairs to the Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. Later in the debate Ford stumbled over a question about the Soviet Union and made a mistake. Many think this mistake kept him from becoming President. This caused many voters to believe that Ford was unintelligent and news of his costly mistake was talked about by many news reporters. Another Gallop Poll was taken after this debate showing that Carter was in the lead with 48% versus Fords 42%.8 In the third and final debate, the topic was about everything and anything. Ford was asked questions on his defense of Nixon and the Watergate Scandal while Carter was asked why he thought his lead had dropped down so far. This debate also asked questions on gun control, the Supreme Court, and possible amendments to the Constitution. To wrap up the debate, both candidates were asked what sacrifices they would require of the nation when times were difficult. Ford responded, Those necessary sacrifices to preserve the peace an adequate military capability and a few billion dollars more in defense funding. On the domestic side, sacrifices would be those that would hold the lid on spending so that we could have a long overdue and totally justified tax decrease for the middle-income people. Jimmy Carter responded by saying there wouldnt be as many sacrifices in his Administration. His main goal was to create more jobs and work on getting inflation lower with strong leadership. The only sacrifice would be to have a couple guidelines and a voluntary price restraint. Overall, this debate was very subdued with minimal accusations compared to the other two.8 After these three debates, many voters were still undecided. This election would be no landslide victory. Jimmy Carter just needed to get to Election Day fast, while Gerald Ford needed just a few more days to bridge the gap. On the day of the election, there was a big voter turnout with over four million more people voting than the year before. However, that was from more people coming of age. There was a higher percentage of voting age people voting in 1972 than in 1976. The numbers for the popular vote was very close between Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter with Gerald Ford picking up 48%, Jimmy Carter 50%, and Eugine McCarthy picking up the other two. However, while the Electoral College votes were still close, there was a wider gap with Jimmy Carter holding 297 votes versus Gerald Fords 240.7 The strange thing about this election was that it wasnt based as much off of north and south. It was split up into east and west, which hasnt happened very often in the history of Presidential E lections. With that Jimmy Carter won the Presidency even though at the beginning it seemed hopeless. http://wikihistoria.wikispaces.com/file/view/1976_Electoral_College_Map.png/65396784/443237/1976_Electoral_College_Map.png The Election of 1976 was very similar to the Election of 2012. In both election years, the voting was extremely close which made it not much of a victory for the two men elected. Another striking similarity is that the elections occurred during a time of war and turmoil. In 1976 the Watergate Scandal had just blown over leaving the public with a bad taste in its mouth. Now, in the year 2012, our country is currently at war with Afghanistan due to the terrorist acts of Al-Qaida. On September 11th 2012, on the eleventh year anniversary of the destruction of the World Trade Center, terrorists attacked again and killed the ambassador of Libya along with other violence around the globe. Both of the Elections occurred during momentous times in history. One last similarity between these two elections was the debates. In 1976, the debates had a huge impact on the election. Jimmy Carter himself, believed that if there hadnt been the debates, he wouldnt have become President. In 2012, the deba tes were similar in the way it helped the challenger for the Presidency and gave each a significant bump in the polls. However, in 2012, the incumbent, President Obama, won the election, while in 1976, the challenger, President Carter, won the election. Overall, the election of 1976 was a very important Election, just like every other Election in history. It was memorable in the way it started the precedent for debates in an election, not only between the Presidents, but also the Vice-Presidents. In this election, there was a fierce battle between two very deserving candidates. In the end, the Incumbent President, Gerald Ford fell to a new era that marked the beginning of the Democratic Hold of Office. In the next two elections the Republicans regained control of the Presidency, but the Republican Partys popularity has continued to dwindle. Once again, a Democrat (President Obama) has been voted President. Sources: http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=25843 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=29606 http://millercenter.org/president/carter/essays/biography/3 http://www.ourcampaigns.com/NewsDetail.html?NewsID=35030 David C. Whitney (2009), The American Presidents 11th Edition: Biographies of the Chief Executives, form George Washington through Barack Obama. William A. Degregorio (2009), The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents: 7th Edition. Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley (2008), The Presidency A To Z Fourth Edition. http://cgi.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1996/debates/history/1976/ By: Ginny Glockzin

Death, Personal Experience and the Supernatural in Sylvia Plaths Poetr

These five poems by Sylvia Plath are all connected by the theme of death, self-loathing, and by the presence of historical and magical concepts. Sylvia Plath uses very powerfully charged imagery of controversial and emotional topics in order to best describe her own life. Most of the poems reflect her own personal life, including the events that she has experienced and, more appropriately, the relationships and emotions that she has felt. Every single one of these five poems uses the word â€Å"dead† and the topic of death itself is prevalent in some manner. Of particular interest is the presence of her relationship with her deceased father, and her own reluctance to let go of his memory. Plath's poetry reflects her own self-loathing and disregard for her own existence. Her poems often mention her own attempts at suicide, in addition to her personal experiences with trying to get rid of her suicidal desires. In each of her poems she evokes the images of historical and mythical creatures and concepts linked with the religious and the supernatural. In addition, her poems can be connected by the idea of being held back or held down by some sort of feeling, either of desire for a loved one, escape from mortal existence or of a fantasy world. In the poem â€Å"The Colossus†, Plath is reflecting on her relationship with her father. She depicts him as a giant statue of sorts that has broken into pieces that, despite her efforts, she can never piece back together. This poem reflects her inability to let go of her father despite him being dead for most of her life; she's thirty years old at the time. In one particular line, she says, â€Å"Thirty years now I have labored / To dredge the silt from your throat. / I am none the wiser.† (Plath 48-49) The t... .... Plath, Sylvia. "Balloons." Introduction to English Literature. Comp. Trent University Department of English. Toronto: Canadian Scholars, 2010. Print. Plath, Sylvia. "Cut." Introduction to English Literature. Comp. Trent University Department of English. Toronto: Canadian Scholars, 2010. Print. Plath, Sylvia. "Daddy." Introduction to English Literature. Comp. Trent University Department of English. Toronto: Canadian Scholars, 2010. Print. Plath, Sylvia. "Lady Lazarus." Introduction to English Literature. Comp. Trent University Department of English. Toronto: Canadian Scholars, 2010. Print. Plath, Sylvia. "The Colossus." Introduction to English Literature. Comp. Trent University Department of English. Toronto: Canadian Scholars' Press Inc., 2010. Print. Webster's English Dictionary. Canadian. Toronto: Strathearn Books Limited, 2006. Print.

Plastics and Our Environment Essays -- Environmental Impact Ecology Es

Plastics and Our Environment Works Cited Missing Plastics today play an important part in cutting-edge technologies such as the space program, bullet-proof vests and prosthetic limbs, as well as in everyday products such as beverage containers, medical devices and automobiles. Recycled plastics are used to make polymeric timbers for use in picnic tables, fences, and outdoor toys, thus saving natural lumber. Plastic from 2-liter bottles is even being spun into fiber for the production of carpet. They are such a valuable resource, that, as a society, we have become dependent on plastics. It is essential that we develop programs to assure this resource will always be available in the future. Plastics are being used in so many different ways. Whether you are aware of it or not, plastics play and important part in your life. Plastics' versatility allow it to be used in everything from car parts to doll parts, from soft drink bottles to the refrigerators they are stored in. From the car you drive to work in to the television you watch when you get home, plastics help make your life easier and better. So how is it that plastics have become so widely used? How did plastics become the material of choice for so many varied applications? The simple answer is that plastics are the material that can provide the things consumers want and need. Plastics have the unique capability to be manufactured to meet very specific functional needs for consumers. So maybe there's another q...

Organisational Behaviour Essay

Being critical is not about merely making black and white decisions. It means using your judgement on matters that are different shades of grey. This implies that criteria need to be used in ascertaining what it is you want to say about whatever it is that is being adjudicated upon. Assignment 1 is a critical analysis of a concept and various aspects of it in the context of individual behaviour. Analysis is breaking down the concept, like motivation, attitudes, or job satisfaction –any one of the seven mentioned in the course outline under weeks 2-5 will do. In language lab today, Week 2, we searched internet and library for references (textbooks and journals). As a guide, in an assignment at this level I would expect to see as a minimum between 10-15 references, with about 25-30% being texts and the remainder references to journal articles). When a reference is found that may be important or useful then take a note of this, say, in a list using word. Next, take notes of any reaction (agreement and/or disagreement and why) to what these authorities are saying. After that, write a rough content outline. Following on from this reflect on the structure of the essay. Below is a possible structure for the essay. Of course, other structures are possible. At this point write a first draft. In this draft weave the content into and through the structure, remembering to keep both fairly fluid at this stage. Next, write up a second draft that is firmer, checking for grammar, spelling and punctuation. Keep most paragraphs more or less 6-10 lines long; never longer than eleven lines. Make sure there are no follow-on sentences by breaking down long sentences into simpler sentences. Take the words needed to say what needs to be said. To carry on with what was being said in the above about structure, the structure of Assignment 1 may follow something like this: Introduction (tell me what you are going to talk about) (300 words) Aim Scope -limitations and delimitations of the essay and/ or Background – paint a picture of the background, for example, talk here about individual behaviour as a context for job satisfaction. Many kinds of background are possible, including the historical or geographical. Purpose Body (talk about it) (1500 words) 1). To facilitate understanding -Comparison/contrast: that is, mention the similarities then focus on the differences between what Smith (1999) and Jones (2001) say. Outline the differences in their views. These differences may be treated as aspects of the concept chosen for the essay. (500 words) 2). Use reason by explicating (writing down clearly your interpretation of) what each authority is saying. [There may be more than two sides to an argument. Please consider more than two. ]. Write down what each is arguing, for and against, and give your reasons for why they are saying what they are saying. In other words, what is their purpose? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using one point of view over another? (500 words) 3). Which argument is stronger or weaker? Why? (500 words) Conclusion (tell me what you talked about) (200 words) Do not add any new material in this part of the essay.

Faber s Three things

A human pore lets sweat out and oxygen in. Information that is porous is an open thought that allows you to interpret anyway you want. For example, in a book that describes a character, you can imagine their appearance based on the details given. Books at least allow the reader to put them down, giving people time to think and reason about the information they contain. TV might look more fun than books, but it never gives you a chance to think about the information in your own way and to reason your own conclusions. In our socio ¶y', we have the same thing missing.For example, in our schools, and in standardized testing we lack quality of information. Teachers use Overprints, which are slide shows, to present their material, instead of boring lectures. Teachers use too much animation believing that they're making their material more interesting, which actually distracts students from learning. On standardized tests, they ask what questions vs.. How and why questions which make them all multiple choice instead of short answer. Multiple choice questions don't allow students to think outside of the box, or explain their thinking.In addition, social media promotes shallow thinking. On social media, you have Youth where people just post stupid videos, and then you have Mainstream which just has pointless pictures. Social media could be used for more engaging discussions, but people waste their time posting stupid things. So today's society is similar to the way Faber describes their society in the book. Faber defines leisure to digest as not being overstretched and having time to think. In the book, Montage states that they have a lot of time off of work, but Faber points out hat their minds are consumed with unimportant information.For example, very large all-consuming billboards, stupid catchy jingles, and TV's on all the walls of their homes are distracting them. When they aren't bombarded with media, they are fearing for their lives because they are thinking a bout the dangers in the society. Similarly in our society, we spend too much time watching TV, going to school, and doing homework. Teenagers sleep as much as they can because teachers assign too much homework which makes them stay up late and get up early to go to school.Therefore, we don't have the energy and brain space to think. Faber defines the right to carry out actions based on the other two items as people need to fight for their rights to do something about what they gather from the books. If they read and determine that something should be changed, then they would have the right to take action and stand up for what they believe in. In our society, people have limited say in decisions. For example, protestors get in trouble for standing up for their rights. Kids in school have little right to speak about tepid teachers.

Norton Lily

PHASE 1 OF THE TURNAROUND : Building The Foundation Jim Burton set about analyzing the business with an emphasis on quick wins that would contribute to developing the long-term â€Å"execution† foundation. * He was dealing with seasoned industry veterans, each with deaply held beliefs and paradigms about the business – how it had been and should be run. In an effort to build confidence and gain acceptance among his senior peers ( it had to be an incremental approach) * With encouragement and support of the owner, burton first formed an executive committee of nine, including the five business unit.The objective in forming executives committee was to begin decentralizing the decision making process away from the two owner. ( The owners not actively participate in committee sessions, but would instead attend summary reviews, at the conclusion of each meeting, to provide counsel and advice ) * He was to transform the company and build the sustainable growth platform the own er wanted Identifying and Understanding Value Creating Processes Burton focused on its execution and on helping Norton Lilly’s executives understand the key processes that enabled good strategy execution and value creation. Burton first launced process mapping in the linier group, which operated in eight different US offices * At the time, the liner division offered a fragmented mix of services across its eight location, with each location performing some activities more effectively than other location and all location failing to provide adequate service in some regard * By late 2007, mapping the key processes involved in delivering each type of service had helped management and employee understanding of processes led to improved process standardization, end administrative procedures that duplicated work, improved costumer satisfaction, and penalties * By the end of 2007, Burton had assigned responbility for achieving KPI goals to individual managers and supervisor overseeing specific value creating process within the liner division Implementing a Balanced Scorecard Performance Measurement System Accompanying the KPI’s rollout was a balanced scorecard, wich further focused managerial employees attention on the performace of value creating process. Metrics included in the balance scorecard system used at Norton Lilly included process KPI’s. costumer satisfaction and financial performance * In late 2007 Norton Lilly’s balance scorecard system was expanded to included a â€Å" dashboard† of performance indicators that could provide overview of business unit level * The dashboard contained : * Revenue compared to budget * Expense groupings compared to budget * Capital expenditures compared to budget Top 10 Costumer profitability * By the end of 2007 Norton Lilly business unit leaders were holding monthlymeetings to review KPI status and propose corrective action to resolve differences between expectations and actual performance R esource Allocation Policies Other foundation building actions undertaken in 2007 included in the initation of various policy changes. One such policy change involved the company’s capital outlay policy, which was the first new policy established by the executive committee. * The capital outlay policy came about after Burton discovered that the company had variously launched into a number of ventures without much success. The policy called for a nine step due diligence process, that nine steps were as follows: 1. Description of the opportunity 2. Description of how the opportunity fit with Norton Lilly’s objectives 3. Assessment of the competitive threats 4. Assessment of the competitive landscape 5. How success whouldbe ensured 6. Proposed exit strategy 7. Business case 8. Financila pro forma 9. List of major assumtions and risk * The capital outlay policy would ensure that decision to entef into any business venture would be fully vetted, based on fact, not opinions B uilding Managerial Talent Throught out 2007 Norton Lilly focused on another important foundation building element management development. * Burton introduced a leadership evelopment program that matched a person’s profile to a job, the program was based on the fundamental premise that managerial employees could be classified into one of four basic profil; stategist, project director, networker or external qualifier * After being tested and profiled, the 20 highest-rangking employees at Norton lilly entered into workshops directed at helping members of the management team interpreteach profile and respect and deal effectively with differing profiles PHASE II OF THE TURNAROUND REINFORCING THE FOUNDATION The effort undertaken during Phase 1 of Norton Lilly’s turnaround had produced a profitable fiscal 2007, which was the company’s first profitable year since 2003. Improving Information Used for Decision Making Dashboard were also expanded to all of Norton Lillyâ₠¬â„¢s business units.Linerm Ship services, and Overseas. As well as the addiction of Financial measures such as cash flow and accounts receivable KPI’s Changing Financial Performance Expectations Burton initiated another policy change in 2008, although less a stated policy than a mindset. * The concept of value creation was introduced at an executive committee meeting in late 2007 and became the basis for all 2008 budgeting * The concept of earning a fair rate of return based on assumed risk didn’t exist at Norton Lilly, so as apart of the 2008 budgeting exercise each business unit leader was given a margin target A NEW APPROACH TO FORCASTING FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE Provide continual refreshing of the assumptions underlying the forecast * Provide the company a continual look at its next 12 months, regardless of how many months were left in the calendar year The move to rolling forecast helpd managers improve forecasting accuracy to the extent that the company missed its financial projections. TAHAP 1 DARI TURNAROUN : Membangun Pondasi Jim Burton berurusan dengan veteran industri berpengalaman, masing-masing dengan keyakinan dipegang dan paradigma tentang bisnis – bagaimana hal itu telah dan harus dijalankan. Dalam upaya untuk membangun kepercayaan dan mendapatkan penerimaan di antara rekan seniornya (itu harus pendekatan inkremental)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dengan dorongan dan dukungan dari owner, Burton pertama membentuk executive committee of nine, termasuk lima bisnis unit. Tujuan dalam membentuk executive committee adalah untuk mulai desentralisasi proses pengambilan keputusan dari kedua owner . owner tidak aktif berpartisipasi dalam sesi komite, melainkan akan menghadiri summary review, pada akhir / kesimpulan setiap pertemuan, untuk memberikan nasihat dan saran)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Jim Burton mengubah perusahaan dan membangun sustainable growth platform Mengidentifikasi dan Memahami Value Creating Processes Burton berfokus pada p elaksanaannya dan membantu Norton Lilly’s executives memahami key process yang memungkinkan strategi eksekusi yang baik dan penciptaan nilai. Burton pertama meluncurkan proses pemetaan pada kelompok kapal , yang beroperasi di delapan kantor yang berbeda o   Ã‚  Ã‚  Pada saat itu, divisi kapal menawarkan berbagai pelayanan terfragmentasi di delapan lokasi, dengan masing-masing lokasi melakukan beberapa kegiatan yang lebih efektif daripada lokasi lain. an lokasi semua gagal untuk memberikan layanan yang memadai dalam hal tertentu   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pada akhir 2007, pemetaan key process yang terlibat dalam memberikan setiap jenis layanan telah membantu manajemen dan karyawan memahami proses untuk memperbaiki proses standarisasi, mengakhiri prosedur administrative yang tidak efektif , meningkatkan kepuasan pelanggan. Pada akhir tahun 2007, Burton diberi tanggung jawab untuk mencapai tujuan KPI untuk manajer individu dan supervisor mengawasi spesicific value creating proce ss dalam divisi kapal Menerapkan Kinerja Balance Scorecard Sistem Pengukuran Seimbang Sistem balanced scorecard fokus ke perhatian manajerial karyawan pada performance value creating process.Metrik yang termasuk dalam sistem balance scorecard digunakan di Norton Lilly termasuk proses KPI kepuasan pelanggan dan kinerja keuangan   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pada akhir tahun 2007 sistem balance scorecard Norton Lilly diperluas untuk memasukkan â€Å"dashboard† indikator kinerja yang dapat memberikan gambaran tingkat unit bisnis o   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dashboard berisi: Pendapatan dibandingkan dengan anggaran Pengelompokan Expence dibandingkan dengan anggaran   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pengeluaran modal dibandingkan dengan anggaran   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Top 10 Costumer profitabilitas Pada akhir tahun 2007 para pemimpin unit bisnis Lilly Norton memegang monthlymeetings untuk meninjau status KPI dan mengusulkan tindakan korektif untuk mengatasi perbedaan antara harapan dan kine rja aktual Alokasi sumber daya Kebijakan Tindakan membangun pondasi lainnya dilakukan pada tahun 2007 termasuk dalam inisiasi perubahan berbagai kebijakan.Salah satu perubahan kebijakan tersebut melibatkan kebijakan pengeluaran modal perusahaan, yang merupakan kebijakan baru pertama kali didirikan oleh komite eksekutif. Kebijakan pengeluaran modal muncul setelah Burton menemukan bahwa perusahaan telah meluncurkan beberapa usaha tanpa banyak keberhasilan. Kebijakan menyerukan sembilan langkah due diligence process karena sembilan langkah tersebut adalah sebagai berikut: 1. Deskripsi kesempatan 2. Deskripsi bagaimana kesempatan fit dengan Norton Lilly objectives 3. Penilaian terhadap ancaman kompetitif 4. Penilaian terhadap kompetitif landscape 5. Bagaimana keberhasilan bias dipastikan 6. Usulan exit strategy 7. Kasus bisnis 8. Financial pro forma 9. Daftar asumsi utama dan resikoKebijakan pengeluaran modal akan memastikan bahwa keputusan untuk masuk ke setiap usaha bisnis akan sepenu hnya diperiksa, berdasarkan fakta, bukan pendapat Membangun Bakat Manajerial Norton Lilly terfokus pada perkembangan foundation building elemen management development yang lain   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Burton memperkenalkan program pengembangan kepemimpinan menyesuaikan profil seseorang sesuai dengan pekerjaannya , program ini didasarkan pada premis dasar bahwa karyawan manajerial dapat diklasifikasikan ke dalam salah satu dari empat profil dasar; stategist, direktur proyek, networker atau eksternal kualifikasi   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Setelah diuji dan diprofilkan, 20-rangking karyawan yang tertinggi di Norton lilly engadakan workshop diarahkan untuk membantu anggota tim manajemen saling memahami, menghormati dan menangani secara efektif. FASE II DARI TURNAROUND: Memperkuat Pondasi Upaya yang dilakukan selama fase 1 dari turnaround Norton Lilly telah menghasilkan fiskal tahun 2007 yang menguntungkan, yang mana ini menjadi tahun pertama yang menguntungkan perusahaan sejak tahun 2003 . Meningkatkan Informasi Digunakan untuk Pengambilan Keputusan Dashboard juga diperluas ke semua unit bisnis Norton Lilly. Serta penambahan ukuran finansial seperti arus kas dan rekening yang piutang KPI Mengubah Harapan Kinerja Keuangan Burton memulai lagi perubahan kebijakan pada tahun 2008, walaupun kurang kebijakan dinyatakan dari pola pikir.Konsep penciptaan nilai diperkenalkan pada pertemuan komite eksekutif pada akhir 2007 dan menjadi dasar bagi semua penganggaran 2008   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Konsep a fair rate of return berdasarkan risiko diasumsikan tidak ada di Norton Lilly, sehingga terpisah dari budgeting exercise 2008 masing-masing pimpinan unit bisnis diberi target marjin Pendekatan baru untuk peramalan kinerja keuangam Meng-udate atau refresh terus-menerus asumsi yang mendasari forcasting   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Memberikan perusahaan melihat terus-menerus pada 12 bulan berikutnya, terlepas dari berapa bulan yang tersisa di tahun kalender. Hal tersebut membantu manajer meningkatkan akurasi peramalan saat perusahaan membutuhkan proyeksi keuangan.

China’s One Child Policy

The policy was put onto place In 1979 as â€Å"an aggressive effort to Improve standards of living and the economy through population control† (CNN). The initial policy that was put into place was much stricter than the policy most people are familiar with now. This is because the original plan was meant to be short-term (only a couple of decades), however it's success of preventing nearly 400 million births made China leaders think twice about terminating the plan altogether and instead revised the policy Into what it is today (CNN).This essay will be breaking down the one child policy by looking Into a variety f different aspects such as; the company that oversees the policy and what rewards or punishments they hand out, the baby boomers effect on the policy and the reason the leaders implemented it, and prior attempts to control the population. As well as the current population standings, the well-known daughter to son ratio problem, how it affected one families plan, and c urrent feelings by the locals towards the policy. The one-child policy Is known by those that abide by It as the â€Å"family planning policy. Understanding the policy In China Is difficult as there are many exceptions and rules. The family planning policy states that married urban couples are only allowed one child. However, exceptions include rural families, ethnic minorities, couples who themselves only have one sibling, and foreigners residing in China. According to Maria Trichina, the NIFOC (The National Population and Family Planning Commission of China), Is a state agency responsible for overseeing population control, reproductive health and family planning across China.The NIFOC was created to help families make decisions about their child, designate rewards to abiding families, and enforce penalties when it is disobeyed. Everyone who falls under the policy in China is personally responsible to practice family planning and use proper contraceptive methods. Those that play b y the rules are offered a number of perks such as special financial assistance, longer maternity and honeymoon breaks, â€Å"Certificate of Honor for Single-Child Parents,† loans, along with other rewards.Those that disobey the strict law can be fined up to half of their annual household income or be subject to confiscation of their household items. The â€Å"excess† children themselves may personally be subject to health and education disadvantages. Trichina) All of these penalties and rewards make having a single child very attractive and make most couples not even consider having a second child. The way the policy is set up Is very smart and lucrative, making nearly 97% of the country follow It's guidelines. Hays) 1979 as the â€Å"baby boomers† of the sass's and ass's were beginning to reproduce. The reason for the sudden worry of the population in China came when leaders realized that China was home to a quarter of the world's population on Just 7 percent o f the world's land (Hester). The population increase during the sass through 1979 introduced a large number of problems in China. With such a rapid increase, came the government's inability to provide for its citizens the way China's citizens were used to the way that was previously possible.Also, leadership argued that rapid population growth would â€Å"retard achievement of the four modernization (industry, agriculture, science and technology, and defense) by hampering attainment of full employment and by cutting into increases in capital accumulation, living standards, and education† (Bonaparte) The rule was implemented in order to return the country AAA higher standard of living, education, and economic reform.Because the long term effects of the policy have not been felt and there are still a number of people in China that were born before the policy, it is uncertain if China's goals to make a better life for its citizens have been fulfilled. Judging by the number of ch ildren born under the one child policy that plan to follow it with their own families, the policy obviously has its perks. But before this law was enforced, a number of other options were attempted. A number of other options were researched and attempted before the law went into effect, many failed efforts to control the population took place.Although the policy seems harsh, the one child policy was not implemented on a whim. In 1971 the Chinese government introduced a birth-limitation campaign called â€Å"longer-later- fewer. † In this plan men and women would have longer periods between the births of their children, wait until they were older to have their first child, and have fewer than the average children. Fewer than average was three children if you were a rural dwelling couple and 2 for those in the Urbana (Bonaparte).Due to the lack of success f that program, the decision was made to limit couples to having Just two children in the year 1977, followed by Just one ch ild in 1979. China will maintain its one-child policy for at least another decade as nearly 200 million Chinese will enter child- bearing age over the next 10 years. Minister Ghana Weighing told the China Daily newspaper, abandoning the policy during this period would cause â€Å"serious problems and add extra pressure on social and economic development. However, the exact details of the continued policy will be less strict and will include exceptions and options such as being able to apply for certificates to allow the birth of a second child. Another revision of the policy has not yet been started, however the grip is a lot less tight and more families are able to have more than one child while still following the rules, and falling under the exceptions. The successes of the policy can be seen in the current population standings versus where the country was headed prior to the policy beginning.It is hard to reflect what the exact population goals were and what the current populat ion is as a number of sources contradict each other yet each claim to be en discontinued in China in the late sass and since population counts have been restarted in 1975 they have never been referred to as reliable. This shows that the population goal was not set in stone and that the actual population in China is unknown. According to sources, the estimated population in China has been continually growing since 1953 when the death rate began falling significantly and the birthrate increased, creating a 2. 8 percent population growth rate.The increase was initially embraced by the public and the leaders of China saw the population growth as part of the countries strength. A growing population following hundreds of years of war, epidemics, rebellions and the collapse of imperial authority was a welcomed change. (Kane) However, when the reality of the increasing population hit home and the effects of the growing population started effecting communities, the policy began being designe d. When it was introduced, it is said the leaders had a goal in mind; in 1979 they hoped the population of China, in the year 2000, would be at approximately 1. Billion. The 2000 census showed the population at 1. 27 billion, however many people argue that this is an underestimate because the census neuters in China is the same committee that is meant to be in charge of population control. Whether the population actually decreased or not is hard to say, but what has been proven is that per woman, the fertility rate has dropped from 2. 9 children, down to 1. 7. (Hester) China's population, which now stands at about 1. 3 billion, is growing at the rate of 0. 6 percent and is expected to peak around 1. 6 billion by 2050, according to the U. S. State Department. CNN) Following the peak, it is expected to drop off drastically resulting in the population numbers desired by leaders in China. As a whole, the policy has helped prevent approximately 250 million births since 1979. The greatest difference in population has come from those in urban areas, as those in rural settings are less keen on the rule. Although the rule only officially applies to those living in urban areas, couples in rural landscapes are also advised and sometimes pressured to follow the one child policy as well. Even before the rule went into effect, nearly 90% of urban couples had already decided to have only one child.This was in part due to the small living spaces and the hours Chinese workers are expected to put into a Job. Add to that the exhausting tasks of caring for a family and the majority of couples can't fathom having more than one child. Rural families, on the other hand, need larger families to financially support them as they grow older as they tend to have limited savings and no pensions (Kane). Discouragements of larger families include â€Å"financial levies on each additional child and sanctions which ranged from social pressure to curtailed career prospects for those in govern ment Jobs† (Kane).Specific measures varied across each individual community, but in a tight knit community, the pressure o adhere to the one-child policy is high. Having what they call â€Å"unapproved pregnancies† which are children that are not approved by the family planning authorities, can bring problems to more than Just the defiant family. For example, if a couple was to have an unapproved pregnancy in a community and this birth caused the community to exceed the yearly birth quota, then other families who had previously been approved to have a child, would have to wait until the next year and families in China.Not only do families feel pressure in having children, they also feel pressure in the gender of the child they have. A well-known effect caused by the one child policy in China, is the preference of having a son over a daughter. Before the policy was implemented, the ratio was about 105 males to every 100 females overall in China, but currently the ratio s tands at 114 males to every 100 females. The desire to have a son rather than a daughter is due to the tradition that in the parents' old age, the daughter moves in with the parents of the son to care for them.In the event that a daughter is born instead off son, families abiding by the one child rule, more often peasants, dispose of the infant RL and try again, this time hoping for a son. This practice is called sex selective infanticide. Another well-known reason to dispose of the daughter is so that when the child grows up and tries to start a family, the families' last name tied with the daughter won't have a chance to be tarnished by a daughter breaking the one child policy. Beliefs in China are that an infant does not own life until they are six months old; therefore getting rid of the infant daughter is not seen as a crime.The method used, most commonly by the father, is to place the infant in a bucket of cold water that Chinese refer to as â€Å"baby water†. In a stud y done in 1980, for every 1000 infants being born across China, 53 were being disposed of, but in the rural areas of the country, the ratio was much higher (Kane). In some communities of China, one out of every three daughters born are disposed of. The boy to girl ratio proves to be troubling for China in the future, but as of now, no measures are being taken to prevent this common practice. Families struggle to decide whether to keep the daughter or try again for another, in hopes that it is a boy.Many people were frustrated when the rule was set in place in 1979. Going from the â€Å"longer-later- ewer† rule that did allow more than one child, Just a certain amount of space between each birth (usually 3 years), to having Just one child, ruined a lot of couple's family plans. Especially those who had already had one child, a girl, and were planning on trying again later for a boy. Most couples had to accept the plan and were â€Å"plagued† with the reality that their one child would be a girl and would likely leave them in their old age. But some couples broke the new rule, and tried for a son.Penalties faced for having another child included losing workforce â€Å"points† and even personal belongings. Some locals surveyed say it was worth it, but others, who had a daughter a second time, are now even more devastated. The only way to gain back those points and reclaim their confiscated items is for the woman to be permanently fixed by a licensed doctor. Almost all couples breaking the rule and having a second child are forced to undergo such procedures. For traditional families, it can be heartbreaking. However, for a number of more modern families, the policy is becoming understood and even accepted.Some say having only one child ensures better care, including better nutrition, dress, education, and more attention. These modern couples embrace the one child rule, understanding that â€Å"the best care can be given to a child when there is only one child to care for† (Ghana). Modern couples understand the policy and some even chose to undergo the procedure after their first child to avoid being punished. These are the government or NIFOC. While there are some that agree and abide, there are still some that will fight it until it is taken out of practice.Those that fight it may not be beneficiaries of some of the positive results the policy has produced. Even some of the only daughters are enjoying benefits that, without the policy, would not have existed. Since the policy implementation over 30 years ago, a number of children born under the one child policy are now adults. Feelings towards the policy are across the board, but the statistics are not. A number of studies done show that children born under the policy, especially girls, tend to have a better life than those with multiple siblings.One obvious reason for that is the family with one child is not scolded by the government with fees, income confiscati on and other humiliations. But in the studies there are other reasons that children are better off as an only child. For example, â€Å"many one child families are made of two parents and one gather. With no male heir competing for resources, parents have spent more on their daughters' education and well-being, a groundbreaking shift after centuries of discrimination† says Jeffery Hays, an expert on the one child policy.In 1978, women made up only 24. 2 percent of the student population at Chinese colleges and universities. By 2009, nearly half of China's full-time undergraduates were women and 47 percent of graduate students were female, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. (Hays) This is the first time in China's history that school enrollment between males and females are near equal. So, although the policy might be hard to understand and frowned upon by many, the statistics can't be denied, having Just one child in China ensures that child a better life.In stud ying and reading of the family planning policy in China I believe that it is a very difficult rule to dissect. There are obvious reasons that the policy was set into place, and had it not been implemented, the population of China would have far outgrown the resources that country has to offer. I think the biggest issue that comes into play is the tradition of sons moving in with their parents to care for them. This is the largest reason that the surviving birth rate of females is so low and males is so high.It is hard to say to abandon the tradition and have elderly care in a home or find another way, however in China, the act of a tradition so strong between families it makes that idea unrealistic. I do think that something needs to be done that alters the tradition into something that welcomes both males and females into the world before China is overrun by males and the men to women ratio is even worse than it currently is. Overall I think the policy had to happen and it would no t be horrible if other entries took this idea into consideration.