Ben-Hur and Messala

Full of surprising actions, difficult compromises, and bitter defeats, Ben-Hur tells the tale of a Jewish prince, Judea Ben-Hur, born around the time of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. Judea is childhood friends with a Roman boy named Messala. The deep bond between the two is a point clearly made in the beginning of the movie. The movie swiftly moves ahead over 20 years to a time when Rome has invaded Jerusalem. Ben-Hur is still a prince and regarded still with honor though he no longer rules the land.After years of separation, Ben-Hur and Messala have a joyful reunion and once again begin to reinvigorate the bonds of friendship. Exposition as they walk around fountain with the women discussing their youth lets us know Messala was almost a part of the Ben-Hur family. Everything is sweet with talk of â€Å"old times† yet one still gets the feeling that Messala is a bad guy as he discusses turning Libya to ashes in front of the women and soon after as he tries to get Judea to turn in fellow Jews. Messala is looking to climb the ladder of power and he begs for Ben-Hur’s help in getting rid of Jewish rebels.When Ben-Hur refuses, Messala uses an accident to place Ben-Hur under arrest. He is sent away as a galley slave for use on Roman ships. After saving the life of the Roman Counsel Quintus Arrius, Ben-Hur is freed from slavery and adopted by the high-ranking Roman. Judea Ben-Hur, driven by obtaining revenge on Messala, decides he must leave his new friends and family and return to Jerusalem. The longing to find his sister and mother are as strong as his need for revenge. After leaving Rome, Ben-Hur finds that Messala is now a famed chariot racer in Jerusalem.Fate has Ben-Hur meeting an Arab sheik who owns a chariot but whose rider is inadequate. This Arab offers Ben-Hur the chance to ride in a chariot driven by four of the finest horses he has ever seen in competition against Messala, hoping winning against the evil ex-friend will be revenge enough for Be n-Hur. After politely rejecting the offer, Judea heads back to his Jerusalem home in hope of finding his revenge and his family. But instead, Ben-Hur returns to find his home in disarray and his family still gone.His slaves, however, remain and they have hidden Ben-Hur’s wealth. Esther, the slave daughter he freed years before is still there, almost waiting for him to return. Fate once again steps in, and Judea winds up on the sheik’s chariot in the great chariot race of Jerusalem. Taking up almost twenty minutes of screen time, this ultra-dramatic and occasionally gory scene finds Ben-Hur the victor in the end. Thinking his family dead and his nemesis not only beaten but also mortally wounded, Ben-Hur finally believes the end of his torments may be close at hand.But Messala, despite knowing he is near death, still refuses to concede defeat. He requests a visit from Ben-Hur. It is then that Messala tells Ben-Hur that his family is alive and living as lepers in the vall ey. The obvious fresh pain he brings to his one-time friend seems to please Messala as Ben-Hur is once again filled with agonizing reality. Esther and Ben-Hur soon bring his mother and sister out of the valley and into the city where they are pelted with rocks. Soon though, attention shifts to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.Ben-Hur recognizes Christ. He cannot understand why he is being tortured so and Ben-Hur thrashes through the crowd in order to get closer. He is able to bring Jesus a wooden cup of water and when he sits in front of the wounded Christ to offer the drink, Ben-Hur looks into Christ’s eyes and it is obvious something deep has passes between them. The crucifixion complete, we see Christ’s blood being washed down the hillside where Esther and Ben-Hur’s family have taken shelter in cave. It is this night that finds Ben-Hur finally attaining peace.Ben-Hur has probably been described as a film of â€Å"epic† proportions more times than the su n has risen since its birth. Nevertheless, epic it is. Made on a grand scale, Ben-Hur is a story of good and evil which is often as clear as in children’s fable. For example, for centuries most people associate the color white with good and black with bad. Messala, the enemy of Ben-Hur wears black clothing and has black horses in the great chariot race while Ben-Hur’s are clothes are light and his horses white.Yet, it is also a tale that makes one wonder if good and evil are actually as clearly defined as we have been led to believe. Though it is in the background most often, religion plays a big part of this movie. Just like in the modern world where religious fanatics abound, there were many conflicting beliefs two centuries ago. While the movie, in my opinion, could have made the Romans the evildoers simply for their different beliefs, it never stoops that low. Instead, the movie shows that greed is evil and that acceptance of others unlike oneself is what makes all humans good.Messala disparages Jews to Ben-Hur frequently, but it is not that which makes him evil. It is Messala’s corrupt ways, selfish actions, and unrepentant heart that make him evil. Not only does the movie compare and contrast Messala and Ben-Hur, it also strives to compare Ben-Hur with Jesus. They were born around the same time, they were good men with great things in their futures. But the pain of one found him seeking blood for blood where the other professed people should fight oppression and evil with love and peace. With cunning subtlety, the live of Jesus is intermingled with Ben-Hur’s.We never see Jesus’ face, nor do we ever hear him speak. But, we do get the ideas Jesus professed through other characters such as Balthazar and Esther. We hear of the types of choices Jesus would make and we witness the one Ben-Hur makes. Judea is absolutely powerful as he talks of how freedom will ring so loudly when Rome falls. We know his choice is to fight, vio lently if need be for what he wants. Yet Jesus is powerful too, as we hear his words of peaceful action through others. Compared to Messala, Ben-Hur is the opposite of evil.But, when compared to Jesus, Ben–Hur is also an opposite. This is where the lines of good vs. evil are less clear than say white and black. It is almost as if the movie wanted us to see Messala as the ultimate evil, Jesus as the ultimate good, and Ben-Hur as the fallible human who must live every day between the two. This pull of both is obvious quite often in Ben-Hur’s life. First he must choose between being a loyal friend and a loyal leader, then he must choose between killing those who would have him dead and remaining alive for the future.He makes life-altering choices based on emotion only many times. The ship scene where Ben-Hur is unlocked prior to being rammed turns into him saving as many other slaves as he can, despite risking his own life by remaining in the ships’ hold is not onl y graphic but very emotional. And soon after, he not only kills another to save the life of Quintus Arrius, he saves him again by refusing to allow Quintus Arrius to kill himself by suicide. No expert on this time period, I found this movie to be extremely accurate historically.From the clothing to the architecture of ships and buildings to the desolate desert settings, they all rang fairly true. If occasionally, one could image a particular shot taken on a movie lot, there were hundreds of others that felt perfectly real that could make you forget a second or two of falseness. It seemed that very detailed attention was given to even minor aspects of the film. For instance, Ben-Hur’s hairstyle was decidedly Roman after his months spent in the empire’s capital. The make up of the women was very detailed too, as were the many wounds shown in the war between ships.Also, the instant where the slave must move the Baton of Victory closer to the emperor reach so that the empe ror would save mere inches of movement rang quite true and a tad funny. Every great epic must have a great ending. Ben-Hur certainly does. This is when Judea is finally reunited with his family and he brings them into to Jerusalem where they see Christ being tortured as he carries the cross. â€Å"In his pain a look of peace† Ester mutters softly as Judea struggles to get close to Jesus.Soon after, the blood of Jesus that runs down the hillsides as the rain pours down heals Judea’s family miraculously. Esther was going to leave Ben-Hur as his thirst for vengeance was turning him to â€Å"stone† until a look from Jesus and a few of the crucified preacher’s words rid Judea of the pull toward evil completely. The happily ever after ending can read like a children’s fable and feel a little unrealistic as well. But, one has to consider that with all the torment the main characters in this film had to endure in their lives, a little artistic license is u nderstandable.This version of Ben-Hur was a great success. It remains on many lists as one of the top 100 films of all time and is still discussed frequently among moviegoers and critics alike. The famous chariot race scenes in the later half of the movie are recognizable even to many that have never seen the entire film. No doubt this film can be considered a success when fifty years later it is still being watched, still is recognizable, and it’s actions scenes are still being emulated (Think of the pod-race in Star Wars – The Phantom Menace).Another aspect of measuring its success is that while some of the scenes are obviously shot on a filming lot (Ben-Hur’s home after his return from Rome, close-up shots during the dramatic race are the first scenes to come to mind) the production itself was an amazing undertaking. Made in the days before computers could enhance, fix, and modify any image, the drama accomplished is admirable. Thousands of people at a time i n some shots and the final product came together in a way that ends up looking so smooth, but must have been quite an undertaking to realize.The most recent production of Titanic, a massive success in its own right, had fifty years of technology at is disposal and yet it’s computer generated people aboard the luxurious cruise liner with their stiff movements and bodies and clothing without details cannot hold a candle to the thousands of extras used to fill a Jerusalem arena as they cheer for Ben-Hur, line roman streets for a tribute to the returning Quintus Arrius, fill a hillside from all directions to listen to the words of Jesus Christ, or follow Christ as he takes his last tortured steps through Jerusalem with the heavy wooden cross on his back.Technology has been wonderful to the movie industry, but Ben-Hur stands out even today because it is able to touch the audience intensely without the use of modern tools. The realistic touches, such as the thousands of extras invo lved, the intelligent decision to parallel the live of Jesus while still keeping his character in the background, and the still exciting chariot scenes are only a part of the reason this film is a monumental success still.

The World Is Flat

Thomas Friedman in his recent book ‘The world is flat’ discusses a short history of globalisation in the twenty-first century. His discovering journey took him around the world to investigate the new concept in transnational business. He views himself as Columbus-like, but in a new modern word, in which he is searching for the sources of today’s wealth. Only to come to a rhetorical conclusion that the world is â€Å"flat† not round! His book, ‘The world is flat’ has been a subject to much criticism. His work was highly criticizes by Aronica and Ramdoo, (2006) in their book ‘The World is Flat? A Critical Analysis of Thomas Friedman’s New York Times Bestseller’. They point to the fact that Friedman does not use a single table or data footnote in his book. Friedman makes arguments by assertion, based on not documented facts, but makes his assumption based on stories from his journey around the world, visiting few places, and selected CEOs he visits on his journey.(Aronica & Ramdoo, 2006) Friedman in a research for his book visits India, where Nandan, the CEO of Infosys explains to him that; â€Å"the playing field is being leveled† causing Friedman to conclude that the world is flat. (Friedman, 2006 p.7) Friedman refers to a â€Å"flat world† in a metaphorical sense. He reiterates over and over again that â€Å"The world is flat†. In which he means that reducing barriers in trade and political and technical advances have made it possible to do business, instantly with any other businesses around the world, without the need to emigrate. It has allowed for parts of the world, which had previously been disconnected, like India and China, to compete in the world market. And that we are now connecting all the knowledge and expertise, using computers, email, fibre-optic networks and so on. Friedman argues that there are ten major forces that flattened the world, and describes each of the following â€Å"flatteners†. The fall of the Berlin Wall; or the work flow software; uploading; outsoursing; offshoring; insourcing; in-forming; and lastly he talks about steroids. Next Friedman delve into what he describes that the forces of flatness have resulted in â€Å"the triple convergence,† three additional components that acted on the flatteners to create a new, flatter global playing field. Friedman also states that â€Å"technology has made the world flat by removing geographical, hierarchical and other boundaries to trade†. In a flat world, Friedman writes, â€Å"you can innovate without having to emigrate. Yet, there are still many people in rural areas that have been left out and neglected of this global integration. People are migrating from rural areas to the big cities in search of jobs all the time, and this is what Friedman calls a ‘flat world’? Richard Florida,(2005) in his article ‘The World is spiky’ argues that â€Å"the globalisation has changed the playing field but it has not leveled it.†, Richard talks about â€Å"uneven distribution of the world’s population, light emissions, focusing on ‘peaks’ as of the cities that drive the world economy, and ‘valleys’ – places with little connection to the global economy.† Both authors seems to be right, but they both missing the point, using misleading metaphors. The paradox of these two metaphors is that the flattening of the world is creating a new prospect for even greater spikiness. Some would argue that it does not matter whether the world is spiky or flat. What does matter is where you live. Now, people have to compete and work harder than ever before. People in American are losing their jobs because someone on the other side of the world can do it faster and for less money. Technology makes it all more possible today to bring the world closer and make it more interconnected and interdependent.(Friedman, 2006) However, technological innovation by itself will never flatten the world, instead it tends to create inequalities by being inaccessible to less fortunate. Leamer (2007) in his critical review demonstrate that the technological revolution, economic integration and interaction increase the openness of trade and promote the production and transmission of information and knowledge in general. However, it is possible that increasing economic integration can lead to spatial agglomeration of economic activity rather than to a geographically ‘flatten pattern†. Process of globalization may as well wipe out space and distance between countries, then again, some will argue that in a global economy, competitive advantages are often heavily localized, arising from concentrations of highly specialised skills, knowledge and institutions. Friedman argues, that the world is getting flatter, incomes though, are not. Distribution of incomes within countries and between countries is growing greater. Nevertheless, all these arguments show that the world is not flat, never was and is not likely going to be in the near future. In second chapter, Friedman describes than Netscape went public and how Internet and World Wide Web came along and enabled more people to communicate and interact with more people anywhere on the planet, causing the Earth to flatten even more. In 2007 Foreign Policy magazine article, Pankaj Ghemawa, argued that ninety percent of the world’s web traffic, investments and phone calls are local, suggesting that Friedman has overstated the significance of the trends he describes. (Ghemawat, P. 2007). Friedman talks about ‘outsourcing’ of manufacturing and other processes to a foreign country to take advantage of less-costly labour. Outsourcing may indeed be good for the multinational corporations to stay competitive and survive, however, Arnica and Ramdoo (2006) in their book argue that, Friedman discuss in a favor of global corporations moving their operations overseas to exploit weak governments and cheap labor. Global corporations are not invested in the well-being of American workers and their local communities. Instead they go wherever they can to exploit cheap labor, lax environmental regulations and tax breaks. Stiglitz (2006) in his book points out that, the policy frameworks and laws are manipulated to be best suited for the industrial elites. Moving operations overseas is â€Å"cost cutting† to improve the financial performance of big corporations, without loyalty to one’s country. Their only loyalty is to increased profits and increased salaries of their directors. As a result of outsourcing, Many of American citizens, according to Friedman, are now worried about their careers, because some of the jobs they used to hold are now being performed outside the country for a much lower cost to their former companies. The reason behind the outsourcing is simply the cost. Indian workers can work for far less then American. The question is what will be the outcome of shipping all these jobs overseas? Some will argue that outsourcing less skilled work to emerging economies will raise living standards around the world. Workers in developing nations will get new and higher- paying jobs, and consumers in the U.S will be able to buy products that are cheaper than if they were made at home. Leamer (2007) argues that â€Å"it makes both parties worse off† saying â€Å"we get their wages and they get our culture. Outsourcing is occurring at a breathtaking pace, and as a result America is facing a big challenge because their jobs are at risk. Business services and finance is now at risk of being outsourced. And in the near future accounts, marketing and sales, and even human recourses will be shipped overseas in the name of cost saving. We are not only outsourcing business processes, but also moving process of innovations. Overall, this is good for global economy, but the U.S. workforce will face drastic career changes and pressures on wages subject to competition from foreign labor. Thus, what is good for some might not be good for others. Another example given by Mr. Friedman that stroked me is how Southwest Airlines let you issue your own boarding pass online twenty-four hours before the flight. What if you forget to print out your ticket? This is just a simple demonstration of declining quality of services a customer receives in a flatten world. I would argue that while the flat world has done extremely well for many industries and people around the world, Friedman but does not realized that the more flatten world brings many dark sides of globalisation along with it. The global financial system is more unbalanced, the threats of climate change are stronger and there is more international terrorism. The Friedman is reinforcing a wrong message to its audience for peace, loyalty and prosperity. Thomas Friedman points out that different parts of the world are now more connected because convergence of technology, information systems and telecommunications systems that created a ‘global platform’ is shrinking the world, and enabling each of us to reach around the world faster and cheaper than ever before! Yes, there have been some dramatic changes and transformation in the world economy, and we are now more connected than ever before, however the world is not flat. (Stiglitz, 2006). Stiglitz in his book ‘Making globalization work’ (2006) touches various aspects of globalization that is destroying the developing countries and their aspirations to provide a decent living to their citizens. He talks about egotistic intellectual property laws, the unfair trade mechanisms and many more critical points to complete success of globalization. Mr Friedman appreciates the existence of global poverty but fails to explain its structural and geopolitical causes.

Strategic Management Wk3 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Strategic Management Wk3 - Assignment Example The methods and strategies aim at making a business dominate its market space. Competitive advantage management is, therefore, an integral part of a business plan. This paper explores value creation and competitive advantage. In particular, the paper discusses key steps in creating value and importance of competitive advantage. In addition, the paper highlights how a multinational company maintains competitive advantage over its competitor. According to Bamford & West (2009), creating value and competitive advantage in a business calls for, as the first step, an understanding of competitive advantage type an organization wishes to employ in. Based on Michael Porter’s analysis, competitive advantage, as a firm’s strength, is categorized as either differentiation or cost advantage (Bamford & West, 2009). Cost advantage occurs when a company delivers similar products like its competitors but at low costs, while differentiation entails delivering high quality products than those of a rivaling business. The second step involves assessing available resources in a business. Available resources determine whether a business applies one type of competitive advantage or both. Third step involves evaluating strengths or abilities of a business (Bamford & West, 2009). Strengths of a company are vital in planning for steady progress of an organization. From abilities and resources, a business realizes its distinctive c ompetencies. Identified skills facilitate efficiency, innovativeness, and quality customer-business relation. The final step involves deciding on when and how to apply formulated strategies. Wal-Mart is an example of a multinational company that has successfully applied the concept of value creation and competitive advantage to win its competitors. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. runs numerous chains of warehouse stores and large discount retail shops worldwide. According to Fishman (2006), the company is considered as among

General Systems Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

General Systems Theory - Essay Example According to Dwivedi and Wade, a process is essentially a set of behaviors that incorporates a system and whose aim is to achieve a goal. A system consists of elements which have many and relevant properties. These elements are not part of the system, but in case they are removed or changed then the state of the system will be changed or altered. This paper focuses uniquely on emergence and connectivity system theory concepts as they applied in the information systems. The benefits of information systems include personnel and inventory reduction. Tangible benefits include improved processes, visibility and standardization. The benefits can also be classified as strategic, financial, tactical and operational. Organizational systems provide the environment for the information systems (Stair & Reynolds 2011). According to Stair & Reynolds, the information systems are different from the organizations in which they are embedded. Information systems are purposive systems. Organizations are systems which are purposeful (Hua & Bapna 2009). Hua & Bapna urge that, in case of a purposive system, there are multiple goals, which are different but they are under a common property. Information systems offer considerable help in packaging and processing organizational systems. ... In this case, the observer can be a manager, customer, etc. we must view an information system as an element of a bigger system. Information systems play an extremely prominent role in the running of an organization (Knight & Halkett 2010). An organization is a system which consists of subsystems which are distinct but correspond to each other. While considering information systems it is crucial to take note of how the general systems theory promotes the purpose and understanding of information systems, (Stair & Reynolds 2011). Considering the above definition, information systems can be conceptualized and thought of as control systems. They can also be viewed as subsystems that give common meaning or purpose to a system which is part of a bigger system (Knight & Halkett 2010). This definition carries more value and representation than the other definitions. It also shows the modern role of information systems. General system theory and information systems General systems theory (GST ) can be applied to information systems (IS). General systems theory consists of four concepts that help to define any system. These are emergence, control, hierarchy and communication. Emergence refers to the process by which new structures and properties are derived in complex systems. This happens when elements of a system interact over a period of time. Hierarchy refers to a collection of stages or levels which are arranged according to the level of detail or complexity. This is demonstrated through systems and subsystems. When information is being processed in organization systems, it is planned, processed and displayed according to these hierarchies. This saves time for the organization. The communication is the process by which

Possibility article Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Possibility article - Essay Example The Corp vigorously attempts to contain the outbreak of the T-virus. The T-virus is â€Å"the only known Umbrella-made virus that possesses the ability to infect almost all known animal and plant species. The extreme degeneration of intelligence is also dependant on species, as Eliminators are known to possess much more intelligence than zombies and are capable of understanding orders.  In humans, t-virus infection is only 90% effective, with the remaining 10% of the population having a natural immunity to the virus, even when directly bitten by a Zombie. As well as this, the rate of the infection is unique to each person, and can be influenced by several factors which may speed up or slow down infection† (Project Umbrella, n.d.). Does the T-virus have possibilities of existence? The film shows that people can turn into parasite victims that are mindless and zombie-like slaves. Thus, there is what you call Toxoplasmosa Gondii parasite that seems to give the same effect that can lead to such terrifying holocaust. â€Å"Human and rat brains share the same basic anatomy and neurotransmitterrs, which is why rats are common in human drug expirements.

Korean shamanism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Korean shamanism - Research Paper Example It could be argued that shamanism embodies the oldest human religion, for the most adventurous of archaeologists provided evidence of shamanistic practices among homo sapiens. Its prevalence all over the world as well indicates that in several ways shamanism is the perfect example of human religiosity. It continues to be extremely important at present, less often clearly as in the case of Haiti than totally as in the case of the Pentecostal.2 The word shaman has a Siberian origin and a shaman is a person who arbitrates the connection between the natural world and a dynamic supernatural dimension or realm of spirits for the goal of obtaining some control over or wisdom of natural phenomena. The practice is indicative of situations in which individuals either had extremely little control over their fate as in ancient societies or whose individual power is inadequate in a world that appears overpowering or menacing as under contemporary capitalism. To obtain a union with a power that is mystical, the shaman is mounted by a spirit after having freed his/her mind from innate limitation. This emancipating process is frequently attained through drugs such as sot-weed or tobacco, whirling or dancing, thumping or singing yawning tones.3 The word shaman is not just Siberian in origin, but Northeast Asia appears to have been a key center of later transmissions of the spiritual practice into the Americas, particularly Native America, and later all over Eurasia, as in ancient Southeast Asia. For the reason that the deepest origin of Korean culture and civilization rest in the Altaic province of Northeast Asia, it is not astonishing that shamanism had a fundamental part in Korean civilization, as it as well does in the case of Tibetan. When the Yamacek, or also called the Tungusic people, moved to the Korean Peninsula at the advent of first millennium B.C., they pioneered a deeply shamanistic culture.4 Among the Yemacek-Tungusic society’s manufactured bronze

The Concept of Self-Interest Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Concept of Self-Interest - Term Paper Example The paper will analyze the concept of self-interest from the position of Adam Smith, Chinese Confucianism, and Christianity. The human nature is created in a way that every action benefits the self-conscious. The action by a person either good or bad is made in regards to the wants of a person. In an argument by Marilynn (2001) the relationship between the human nature and one’s actions are based on the benefits one may achieve. The author further asserts that human nature acts in response to the human needs (Marilynn, 2001). For this reason, self-interest in inevitable. The creation of self-interest is involuntary to human nature. Moreover, the relationship between self-interest and human nature is created minus ant regards of morality and ethics. The moral obligation of human beings does not go beyond the altering of their internal needs. Marilynn (2001) is the assumption that the moral obligation of human beings is mostly influenced by the requirement of the society. Consequently, people tend to act as required by the people. This requirement can, however, be altered by personal needs. For this r eason, it is an accurate assertion that self-interest is an involuntary creation of the human mind to suit personal needs. As a creation of God, a person has the ability to control their perception of self-interest. The ability of a person to act may be influenced by their personal needs but a person can influence their needs. In an argument by Voert, Felling & Peters (1994) human beings are created with power and ability to control their ability to create wants and needs. For this reason, self-interest is a personal creation that can be controlled if a person wants to. From the Christian perspective, self-interest is selfish and a creation to justify immorality and being unethical. Moreover, Christians are required to act as required by the creator. This requirement makes self-interest, not a requirement or a need. In addition, self-interest can be shunned by adhering to the Christian teachings on morality and human requirements.

Women's health Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Women's health - Essay Example This paper discusses some diets that are being increasingly recommended for weight loss by the dieticians and nutritionists: The founder of Atkins diet – Dr. Robert C. Atkins says that he has proposed â€Å"the amazing no-hunger weight-loss plan that has helped millions lose weight and keep it off.† (Kennedy, n.d.). Atkins diet has been designed in such a manner that it follows the â€Å"ketosis principle† in that it burns excess body fat. This is achieved by taking-in food that has a highly suppressed amount of carbohydrate while that of protein is enlarged. Human body develops excess fat as a result of high insulin levels that are produced by the excessive in-take of carbohydrates. The high amount of insulin in the blood raises sugar levels considerably and the unused energy is stored as fat, ultimately contributing to the development of obesity. With reduced carbohydrate intake, the body relies on secondary source of energy i.e. stored fat. Within a couple of days, results show up in the form of weight loss and improved body figure. Atkins diet comprises four stages, namely the â€Å"Induction stage, Ongoing weight loss stage, Pre-maintenance stage, and Maintenance stage.† (Kennedy, n.d.). The Induction stage lasts for 2 weeks and foods to be taken are defined at the start of the stage. The person can take absolutely none of a food that was not included in the plan in the start. However, once the Induction stage is over, a little leniency is offered in terms of leverage of food. In-take of carbohydrate increases in successive stages. The metabolism ultimately gets attuned to function in a way that regulates the weight despite normal in-take of carbohydrates and fat. South Beach diet was introduced by Dr. Agatston in the 1990s, who wanted a change in the conventional low-fat diet plans so as to make them more satisfying to the food cravings. (Real Women’s Fitness, 2010). South Beach Diet focuses upon

Strategic Management and Strategic Competitiveness Assignment

Strategic Management and Strategic Competitiveness - Assignment Example Thus, strategic competitiveness can be regarded as a consequence or outcome of effective strategic management from a critical viewpoint. Undoubtedly, strategic management and strategic competitiveness are two fundamental attributes which are essentially required by modern day organizations to achieve as well as sustain in the leadership position. From a broader perspective, these two concepts can be identified as based various factors or managerial elements such as organizational vision, mission and its business administration strategies to name a few (Hitt, Ireland & Hoskisson, 2010). Based on this particular notion, the aim of the discussion henceforth will be to analyze the strategic competitiveness and the efficiency of strategic management process as practiced by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Wal-Mart) in its regular business operations taking into account the effects of globalization and technological alterations in its international industrial context. Effects of Globalization and Te chnology on Wal-Mart One of the positive effects led by globalization which is identifiable in relation to Wal-Mart has been the exposure to worldwide consumer market. It can be stated in this regard that globalization has provided a noteworthy scope to Wal-Mart in terms of cost leadership advantages. It is worth mentioning in this regard that owing to the cost efficient market structure of Wal-Mart in its home country, the company had been able to market its products at a competitive price in the global consumer market. In other words, this globalization effect regulated a balance for permitting the expansion of quality products at a much lower rate in the global markets context which proved to be of great benefit to Wal-Mart (Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, 2005). However, globalization also imposes certain negative implications which are commonly identified in terms of increased competition and significant influence of governmental interventions. It is worth mentioning that owing to such influences, Wal-Mart also had to face certain disruptions in its strategic management processes in performing the responsibilities of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Wal-Mart also had to witness significant challenges in relation to the diversity of cultures and market structures prevailing in different economic contexts all around the world. This can also be regarded as a vital challenge imposed by globalization effects upon organizations (Geref? & Christian, 2009). The effects of technology, in the similar context, can be considered as an important determinant which tends to impose significant impacts on the productivity of the retail outlets of Wal-Mart. Concerning today’s ever changing scenario, it can further be stated that the global retail market has been significantly influenced by the technology advancements. In relation to Wal-Mart’s strategic management initiatives in the global marketplace, can be observed as highly influenced by the te chnology effects. For instance, the company has been able to confirm efficient customer supply and almost accurate identification of the consumer demands. Technology has also played a vital role in increasing the efficiency of the overall business operations practiced in Wal-Mart

Warfare During The Crusades Essay Example for Free

Warfare During The Crusades Essay Medieval warfare is the combat of the middle Ages. In Europe several changes like technological, cultural, and social developments had brought about a dramatic alteration in the nature of warfare from ancient times, altering military procedures and the function of cavalry and artillery. Analogous transformations in patterns of warfare as well were introduced in other parts of the world. The Crusades were a succession of military conflicts of a religious nature which took place in the years 1095–1291, more often than not authorized by the Pope in the name of Christendom. The Crusades in the beginning had the purpose of recapturing Jerusalem and the consecrated Holy Land from Muslim canon and were instigated in rejoinder to a call from the Eastern Orthodox Byzantine realm for help in opposition to the spreading out of the Muslim Seljuq dynasty into Anatolia. The European and the Muslim styles of warfare during the time of the First and Second Crusade had developed several distinct characteristics which decided the success of the crusades. The warfare of middle ages demonstrated the superiority of mounted cavalry over traditional ground forces, which helped to set the nature that medieval warfare that would maintain for the next several centuries. According to The Second Crusade and the Cistercians by Gervers the perchance the most significant technological change in warfare in Europe was the introduction of the stirrup, which was introduced in Europe in the 8th century, but was previously in use in the Middle East. The stirrup, accompanied with horse breeding and more sophisticated iron and steel working, helped in development of far more powerful cavalry. In European warfare, the heavily-armored knight became central where as in Muslim warfare lightly armored horse archers did so. The book The Invention of the Crusades by Tyerman describes that it is almost certainly a mistake to have a discussion of medieval European armies during the middle ages, as Europe was culturally varied continent and each region in it had their characteristic style of warfare. Medieval Anglo-French armies could be divided into three segments termed as battles or battalions such as the vanguard or forward, the center or main-battle, and the rearguard or backward. The front line was often composed of archers and other elective long-range weapons, like slings and stones and the rare lightweight simple catapults, while the center was composed of infantry and armored cavalry (knights), and the rearguard was sometimes comprised of more nimble cavalry. The usual order of March was front line, center, and rearguard, and the three battles took their position on the battlefield with the vanguard on the right, the center in the center and the rearward on the left. On the other hand, as armies grew larger and more cumbersome they often positioned as they arrived on the field. Each section in European army were positioned in either linear or block formation Where as, in the countries of the Middle East following Muslim tactics of warfare, the main forces were positioned in the battle field somewhere in the between. The main determinant of the Muslim tactics during the crusades was the predominant position of the horse archer in their army. As a light cavalry, the horse archers that made up the bulk of the Islamic armies were highly mobile. This mobility was used in four ways which gave the Turks an advantage over the European armies which could be highly dangerous when they approached for close combat. Where as, the Eastern European armies were in general high in horse archers and noble cavalry. The nobles were light lance cavalry in armor, until the armies were westernized, like the Polish knights. The light cavalry were also effective against similar cavalry deployed by the Muslims and, afterward, the Golden Horde. The heavy cavalry wore brigandine, and later on, plate armor. The light cavalry were dressed in leather or brigandine if they could afford it. Eastern Europe as well produced decent foot archers, because of the horse archer custom, but they usually had poor weighty infantry, more often than not spear or axe-armed levies. In European army cavalries were made depending on the situation. While a group of horsemen was undoubtedly efficient, cavalry in tight formations wielding lances became devastating forces. The most ordinary formation was the line or linear form. The horsemen arranged themselves in a long line, commonly three or four ranks deep and then charge. On the other hand, in Muslim cavalry a well-trained infantry force capable of withstanding any attack employed forces in a wedge formation. The horses were arranged in a large triangle, with the most heavily armored cavalry at the front. When the wedge came into contact with the infantry line, customarily it used to cave in on itself, allowing an infantry charge to move in and scatter the remaining forces. According to Medieval Canon Law and the Crusader by Brundage, as a light cavalry, the horse archers that made up the bulk of the Islamic armies were highly mobile. This mobility was used in four ways which gave the Turks an advantage over the European armies which could be highly dangerous when they approached for close combat. As Muslim cavalry became the prevailing force on the battleground, it in addition became necessary for European forces to come up with ways to counteract them. One accepted method was the use of pikes, which were spears that sometimes reached lengths of twenty feet. As the cavalry charged, the pike men arranged themselves in a tight square or orb formation, which prevented the horses from penetrating too deeply into the infantry line. With a large block of pikes shielding the stern and flanks, armies could move into an effective position without being routed. The experience level and tactical choreography aptitude of medieval armies different widely, were depending on the period and region. For larger battles, both in European and Muslim warfare pre-battle planning characteristically consisted of a council of the war leaders, which could either be the common laying down a plan or a loud debate between the different leaders, depending on how much authority the general possessed. Battleground infrastructure previous to the advent of strict lines of announcement and were naturally very difficult. Interactions often took place with the help of standards, oriflammes, banners, flags, etc. The book Medieval Canon Law and the Crusader by Brundage provides that the infantry, including missile troops, were typically employed by the European army at the onset of the battle to break open infantry formations while the cavalry shot to defeat its opposing force. When one side acquired superiority in cavalry or had it at the onset of battle it attempted to make use of the loss of cohesion in the conflicting infantry lines caused by the infantry conflict to hit the opposing infantry and attempt to rout it. This was often difficult, and careful timing was essential for a direct cavalry assault, as an ordered infantry line may often be able to beat off the cavalry attacks. Where as Muslims used to fight with arrows. The mobility of the Muslims helped them in attacking the enemy and forcing him to fight on the march. Instead of the Europeans sitting in a circle and gradually being killed by arrows, they marched toward either safety or where they supposed the enemy to be. This allowed for even greater possibilities of the use of the Muslims mobility in battle to come into distance, attack with arrows and move back away from the distance in which the slower loading crossbow could be used against them. Cannons were introduced to the battleground by European cavalry in the later medieval period. The Invention of the Crusades by Tyerman describes that on the other hand, their very poor rate of fire, which over and over again meant that only one shot was fired in the course of an entire battle and their imprecision, made them more of psychological force multiplier than an effectual anti-personnel weapon. Later on in medieval warfare, the rate of fire improved only to some extent, but the cannons became far easier to aim, mainly since they were smaller and much closer to their wielder. Their users could be easily protected, because the cannons were lighter and could be moved far more quickly. Arab warriors respected archery as a valuable skill for war and even as a sport in times of peace. The great number of archers in the armies of Islam often gave them a decisive advantage and helped them win in the wars. According to The Second Crusade and the Cistercians by Gervers the flights of arrows were used mostly by the Muslims to obliterate any consistency that the Europeans possessed, and cause them to lose horses on top. This loss of horses was a major blow to the main weapon of the Crusaders especially to the heavy cavalry charge with lances in rest. The horse archers themselves could loose their arrows from the saddle without halting or dismounting, and even shoot backwards while in retreat. The complex bow was a light weapon which frequently did not penetrate the armor far enough to cause injury to the wearer. Because of thick pads of felt and the mail worn by knights, the arrows were often seen sticking out of warriors who just continued on their way. Breakdowns in federal states resulted in the rise of a number of Muslim groups that turned to large-scale pillage as a source of income. As these groups were by and large small and required to move quickly, building defenses was a good way to endow with refuge and defense for the people and the wealth in the region. In the Medieval period surrounding armies used a wide diversity of siege engines as well as scaling ladders, battering rams; siege towers and different types of catapults like the mangonel, onager, etc. Advances in the action of sieges gave rise to the development of an array of defensive counter-measures. According to Medieval Canon Law and the Crusader, by Brundage, in particular, medieval fortifications in Muslin warfare became increasingly stronger for instance, the arrival of the concentric castle from the period of the Crusades and more hazardous to attackers, witness the rising use of machicolations and murder-holes, also the preparation of boiling oil, molten lead or hot sand. Arrow slits, hidden doors for sallies, and deep water wells were also integral to oppose siege at this time. Constructors of castles paid meticulous attention to shielding entrances, protecting gates with drawbridges, portcullises, etc. Wet animal skins were frequently draped over gates to hold back fire. Moats and other water military protection, whether natural or increased, were also imperative to protectors. In the European Middle Ages, practically all large cities were encompassed within city walls. Dubrovnik in Dalmatia is a remarkable and well-preserved instance and more vital cities had citadels, forts or castles. Great endeavor was expended to make certain an excellent water supply inside the city in case of blockade. In some cities, long tunnels were built to carry water into the city. According to Anatomy of a Crusade by Powell, the main determinant of the Muslim strategy during the crusades was the prime position of the horse archer in their army. As a light cavalry, the horse archers that made up the bulk of the Islamic armies were highly mobile. This mobility gave the Muslims an advantage over the European armies which could be highly dangerous when they approached for close combat. High mobility allowed the Islamic army to maintain a distance from the enemy and choose the moment at which they would close with them. Use of this mobility was the feigned retreat which allowed them to lead the Europeans into ambushes or to cause a fake retreat to last for some days to tire the enemy. Good mobility allowed them to attack the weakest points in the enemys army. This caused chaos while traveling, and in a battle it allowed the Muslims to attack the crusaders without ever coming into a pitched battle with the main body of the Europeans until they were worn-down and had lost all support from the flanks of the attack in battle. Another positive side of Muslim warfare was well built fortification system. These factors facilitated the Muslims in the battle. The Crusaders Kingdom by Prawer defines that the infantry, including missile troops, were typically employed by the European army at the onset of the battle to break open infantry formations while the cavalry shot to defeat its opposing force. Another method utilized by the English was the use of massed archers. The English longbow was a particularly devastating weapon of warfare. With the invention of gunpowder, the traditional methods of defense of the Muslims became less and less effective against a determined siege. Cannons were introduced to the battleground by European cavalry in the later medieval period. These factors gave the European side an advantage in the battle. In conclusion it could be mentioned that history helps out us to identify ourselves, recognize who we are and be acquainted with the origin where we come from. We over and over again shrink back from hearing about our chronological times of yore for the reason that so much of it is excruciating. The European and the Muslim styles of warfare during the time of the First and Second Crusade had developed several distinct characteristics like modification in cavalry, invention of gun powder, canons, new methods of fortification, etc. Instead of all developments it could only be concluded that battles in all ages have brought only destruction. References: Brundage, C; Medieval Canon Law and the Crusader (HBT Publishers Pvt.Ltd. 2000) Prawer, H A; The Crusaders Kingdom (Allied Publishers 1998) Powell, M; Anatomy of a Crusade (ABP Ltd 2001) Gervers, V; Second Crusade and the Cistercians (HBT Publishers Pvt. Ltd. 2000) Tyerman, J; Invention of the Crusades (Allied Publications 2001) Kar, P; History of Europe; Vol. III (Dasgupta Chatterjee 2005) King, H; Introduction to War; Vol. II (HBT Brooks Ltd. 2005) Lamb, Davis; Cult to Culture: The Development of Civilization on the Strategic Strata. (National Book Trust. 2004)

Different approaches to corporate governance

Different approaches to corporate governance Corporate governance is almost frequently viewed as both the construction as well as the rapports which ascertain collective direction as well as functioning. The board of directors are generally fundamental to corporate governance. Its rapport to the former basic players, generally stockholders as well as management, are vital. Other participants admit workforce, consumers, providers, as well as creditors. The corporate governance model besides depends upon the legitimate, regulative, institutional as well as honourable surroundings of the profession. (Dignam, A, 2006) CORPORATE GOVERNANCE The full term Corporate Governance isnt easily to specify. The condition governance concerns for a procedure of deciding as well as applying the determinations in the concern of every stakeholders. It essentially associates to growth of corporate functioning as well as ascertains right accountability to direction in the concern of every stakeholder. The Cadbury describe of 1991 on Corporate Governance conceives it as the strategy by which corporates are guided on as well as organized. Corporate governance is the strategy through which organizations are addressed as well as handled. It determines how the aims of the organization are fit as well as accomplished, however danger are supervised as well as evaluated, and how functioning are optimized. (Cadbury, 1991) DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO CORPORATE GOVERNANCE JAPAN Abiding by the 1945 frustration, Japanese zaibatu or organization groupings were broken down, firm has intimately determined by governance. The requirement for japan to regain subsequently the warfare headed to end governance management of firm, by a centre on development in exportations as well as marketplace apportion besides profitableness. Organization boards dont commonly assemble often as well as the organization is generally handled by the chairman as well as his functioning commission, wherever actual authority is practiced along with determinations taken which is entirely hand stamps by a control board. FRANCE A lot of great businesses in French Republic have till lately been operated by governance. A few individual organizations for instance: Renault, Michelin who have an eminent external visibility, but almost of these have trusted on a hard basis of French marketplace abide in decree to go international. Almost French organizations are comprised as well as are handled by general manager who are responsible for stockholders. Greater as well as cited organizations are integrated. GERMANY German corporate governing is rooted in the OECD rules of May 1999, which constituted written for cited organizations in Jan 2000 through the German board on corporate governance. (Adrian Davies, Chapter 2) DIFFERENT TYPES AND COMPARISONS OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Board of Directors A board of directors are a corporate governing mechanism which protects the concerns of a organizations stockholders. The board is much responsible in brushing up organization direction as well as taking out persons who do not amend the organizations general fiscal operation. Audits Audits are an autonomous critique of an organizations patronage as well as fiscal functioning. This collective governance ascertains which enterprises or companies adopt domestic accounting principle, rules or different extrinsic guidelines. Audits could besides amend a companys abiding in the organization surroundings. Additional organizations perhaps more amenable to act upon by an organization that is a firm record of functioning. Balance of Power Reconciliation authority in a company ascertains that no individualist has a power to overstrain resourcefulness. Dividing obligations among board members, directors, managers and other persons ascertains that all separate obligations have well reasonably to the company. Making distinct characters besides continue the business adaptable, ascertaining that functional alterations or novel employs could be built without disrupting present functioning. (Adrian Davies) LEADERSHIP Leadership is a procedure for bringing matters executed by folks. The quarterback acts the squad toward a touchdown. The elderly patrol leader directs the group for an eminent evaluation at a camporee. These leaders are bringing work acted through acting by folks. Theyve employed the procedure for leaders to accomplish definite destinations. Leadership isnt a scientific discipline. Therefore representing a leader is a hazard as one could never make certain whether one would accomplish the objective at the least in present time. (Scoutmasters, BSA, 1937) ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT LEADERSHIP Commonly on superior betterment efforts top-ranking leadership establishes transformational conducts that were accompanying winner for those enterprises. Public constitution could be demographic variance among the company or capacities for persons as well as groupings. In leadership literature a few accent inclines to sexuality, as well as employees heterogeneity along with its effect on leaders or execution. No stress inclines to the transformational leaders. Operations admit the manner of governing, Human Resource Management strategies and so forth however procedures themselves are not generally the basic centre for the empiric explore. Almost of the reports in the leadership literature discoursed the consequences of province or stipulate as the contextual inconsistent entirely at the greatest stages of companies as well as hold centred on mass alterations along with crises affecting top management squads, chief executive officer along with Boards of Directors. (Lyman W. Porter, Grace B. McLaughlin; 2006) LEADERSHIP APPROACHES Traits approach Leadership trait hypothesis is the thought that individuals are birthed by convinced quality traits or calibres. As convinced traits are assorted by skilled leaders, it adopts that if one can discover individual by the right traits, one would be capable to discover leadership as well as individual by leadership prospective. Group approach In counterpoint to human leadership, a few companies have taken in troop leadership. In that position, much one-man caters management to a squad in general. A few companies have admitted the approach in desires of growing creativeness, cutting prices, or retrenchment. Behavioural approach Behavioural leadership isnt actually a character of leadership. Alternatively, its analyse for the forms of activities as well as behaviours which comprise what the company could address the leadership mode. LEADERSHIP STYLES o Authoritarian or autocratic The mode is utilized whilst leaders narrate their workforce what they require to do as well as how they need them achieved, without bringing the advice for their followers. o Participative or democratic The mode implies the leader admitting one or several workforce in the deciding procedure o Delegate or Free Reign Therein mode, the leader admits the workforce to build the determinations. (Hofstede, Geert, 1977) Situational approach Additional approach to leadership analyses is the situational approach, the primary preface of that is dissimilar positions require dissimilar cases of leadership. A position, among the circumstance, is an determined of measures as well as positions among which the people or troop has to consider in a procedure of activeness as well as with reference to which the action is designed as well as its consequences apprized. Transformational approach Transformational leadership is specified as the leadership approach which efforts alter in people as well as social structure. In its perfect anatomy, it produces worthful as well as favourable alteration in the followers by the last objective for growing followers into leaders. Inspirational approach The power to urge individuals to accomplish large altitudes of execution as well as winner is an attainment that leadership require. Passion, intention, hearing as well as significance assist attain a leader inspirational. (Kendra Cherry) CHANGE MANAGEMENT Change management is an integrated approach path for changing or transitioning people, squads, as well as companies as of a present province to a desirable prospective province. Its an organisational procedure aspired at authorizing workforce to consent as well as adopt alterations in their present organization surroundings. (Hiatt, Jeff, 2010) FACTORS TRIGGERING CHANGE IN AN ORGANIZATION All business carries out points of shift which could drive strain along with uncertainness. To be productive, companies have to adopt a lot of characters of alteration. The extrinsic surroundings are impacted by governmental, societal, and technical, along with economical stimulations exterior of the company which drive alterations. The interior surroundings are impacted by the companys management strategies as well as modes, systems of rules, as well as processes, and workforce postures. (Cliffnotes) APPROACHES TO CHANGE MANAGEMENT Kurt Lewins approach The framework is constituted in a common schemes possibility, a lot of specifically, its referred by the drives that hold down equal schemes or those which breach it down. Socio technical approach It distinguished quasi- independent work on troop as the initiation of some company as well as besides it has greater suitable to the requirements of organization it was little thoughtful to the basic requires of the workforce such as job gratification. Lean production approach Its supported the precepts for zero faults; zero stocks as well as zero languish, by the consolidation of every system of rules. Total Quality Management approach Its accompanying lean output. Alike lean output, TQM employs to the all functional strategy by full incorporated work squads as well as centres on calibre as well as consumer demands. (Stroh, U M, 2005) BRITISH AIRWAYS In the year 1981, British Airways brought out panel afresh chairman. Whilst the chairman commenced, he observed that the organization was really ineffective as well as was ravaging a lot worthful resources. To build the company more advantageous, this chairman determined to reconstitute the whole business. He accomplished that the greatest method to do was by change methodological analysis management program. Consistently, the company set out contracting their employees. However, earlier they acted this, by his change direction leadership, the chairperson devoted the organization the causes for the reconstituting as well as privatisation of the organization in decree to develop them for the forthcoming alteration. Therefore, by leadership as well as communicating, he guided his organization by a hard time which can had unfortunate without competent change management opposition communicating. (Mistyfaucheux, 2009) CONCLUSION Effective corporate governance structures promote organizations to produce esteem along with put up accountability as well as command systems of rules in proportion to on the dangers involved with. Effective corporate governance structures promote organizations to produce esteem along with put up accountability as well as command systems of rules in proportion to on the dangers involved with. (James McRitche, 1995)

Personal Teaching Philosophy Essay -- Education Sociology Children pap

Personal Teaching Philosophy Introduction "Children become, while little, our delights†¦when they grow bigger, they begin to fright’s." This quote is from John Bunyan’s poem "Upon the Disobedient Child," and rings the truth. But, how can we help children develop into normal, healthy adults? That is a question society has been asking since the first days of civilization. There are four areas of development that allow children to grow into strong adults: motor, cognitive, language, and social-emotional. Motor Development Motor development is defined as "the development of skill in the use of the body and its parts" (Charlesworth 12). There are three areas of motor development: gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and perceptual motor skills. Gross motor skills require the "use of large muscles†¦as well as general strength and stamina" (Trawick-Smith 201) and they are the first to develop in infants. Two examples of these skills would be creeping or standing with help. For older children, examples of gross motor skills would be jumping rope, martial arts, soccer, or swimming. Fine motor skills require the use of "smaller muscles in the arms, hands, and fingers" (Trawick-Smith 209). In infants, an example of this motor skill would be grasping an object. In older children, examples of fine motor skills would be writing, drawing, tying a shoestring, or building with Lego’s. However with these motor skills, particularly with fine motor skills, one must keep in mind that perception helps to put together these movements. "This ability to integrate movements and perception" (Trawick-Smith 210) is called perceptual-motor skills. Examples of using these skills would be baseball, football, or copying what a teacher drew ... ...n certain subjects. So, I’ll try to have creative lessons in which the children will learn something and have fun while doing the activity. Finally, I hope I can become a good teacher and pass on what I have learned from my teachers in the past. Works Cited Charlesworth, Rosalind. Understanding Child Development. United States: Delmar Thomson Learning, 2000. 12, 16, 107, 271, 374. Mayesky, Mary. Creative Activities: for Young Children. United States: Delmar Thomson Learning, 2002. 309. Muzi, Malinda Jo. Child Development: Through Time and Transition. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2000. 187, 213, 264. Smith-Trawick, Jeffery. Early Childhood Development. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2000. 135, 174, 201, 209, 210, 293, 295, 298. 300. Wood, Chip. Yardsticks: Children in the Classroom Ages 4-14. Massachusetts: Northeast Foundation for Children, 1997. 1.

China Essays -- essays research papers

â€Å"Government in China: three perspectives† In the Ming period of government in China, it is evident that the characteristics and learning of the emperor are essential to the essence of good government. Under the Confucian system, it was vital to conform to the strict hierarchical structure of the social and political codes which formed the foundation of the system: therefore, the basis of good government was something which permeated all levels of society but was ultimately inspired by, and dictated by, the higher levels of the power structure and ultimately the emperor. Within the hierarchy, there were certain aspects of rights and responsibilities which could not be transcended and which ensured that each member of society retained their appropriate place within the overall structure. There would invariably be those above, to whom one owed deference and respect, and those below, to whom one owed protection. No-one was isolated, but rather seen as an integral part of a network which could only function successfully if everyone played exactly the role which was allotted to them, and did not attempt to transcend their designated status. The concept of government, therefore, was something which was dictated from the top of the power structure but permeated to all its levels. Government of the country, of a province, of a household, were all aspects of the same strictly enforced social order and each level could be seen as reflecting the pattern of the one above. However, according to Confucian practices it was not sufficient to understand good practice and to put it into effect, it was also essential to demonstrate to others that the individual was aware of their particular place in the social and political hierarchy. There was therefore a heavy reliance on custom and ritual, which affected every aspect of everyday life and acted as a constant reiteration of the dictates of the hierarchy. To carry out these rituals not only reinforced one’s social standing, both to oneself and to others, but also showed that the lower orders of the social structure maintained their faith in, and obedience to, the higher orders. In this way not only could the government be maintained, its efficiency could be seen to be exemplified at all levels of the social and cultural hierarchy. This strictly codified and rigidly enforced system, however, was at least to some extent de... ...hose who are at the top of the hierarchy and disseminate their virtues to those below. If this system breaks down, becomes corrupt or deteriorates into a faà §ade, then only the outward trappings of order remain, in the practices of ritual: there is no inner core of wisdom and sagacity of which these practices should be the outward representation. Government may continue to function, but it is no longer motivated by the virtues and philosophies which originally motivated it, and the continuation of custom and ritual loses its meaning and significance. We see this in ‘Woman Wang’, for example, in the way that marriage is perceived: the Confucian ideal in which the man is superior, but has a responsibility to respect and protect the woman, has gone and in its place is an abusive relationship where the power remains, but the impetus to protect is gone. Wang is still confined by custom to her marriage, but it is no longer the enlightened hierarchy of Confucianism but the darker control relationship of a patriarchy. References Huang, R. (1986) 1587: a year of no significance. Yale University Press. Kuhn, P. (1990) Soulstealers. Harvard. Spence, J. (1978) Death of Woman Wang. Penguin.

Laertes in Shakespeares Hamlet Essay -- GCSE English Literature Cours

Laertes in Hamlet  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚   In the Shakespearean tragedy, Hamlet, the reader or viewer meets a dashing young man who is key to the climax of the tragedy, and key to the fulfillment of the Ghost’s admonition to Hamlet. He is Laertes, whose character forms the subject of this essay.    Marvin Rosenberg describes Laertes in his essay, â€Å"Laertes: An Impulsive but Earnest Young Aristocrat†:    Laertes is a dashing, romantic figure who excites striking, spectacular moments in the play. Not much attention has been paid to him by scholar-critics and theatre observers; for all his activity in the later acts, he is not much cursed with inward struggle – while being surrounded by others fascinating for their infernos of inwardness. After Laertes’ brief, bright introduction in I,i and I,iii, he disappears from the play – and Denmark – until he returns at the head of a rebellion in IV,v. . . (87).    Laertes makes his appearance in the drama after Marcellus, Barnardo and Horatio have already seen the Ghost and have trifled with it in an effort to prompt it to communicate with them. Horatio and Marcellus exit the ramparts of Elsinore intending to enlist the aid of Hamlet, who is dejected by the â€Å"o’erhasty marriage† to Hamlet I’s wife less than two month’s after the funeral of Hamlet’s father (Gordon 128). After this scene, Laertes is one of many in attendance at a post-coronation social gathering of the court at Elsinore. Laertes, like Fortinbras a rival of Hamlet (Kermode 1138), comes with his father, Polonius, who manipulates both him and his sister (Boklund 122).G. Wilson Knight says, â€Å"Instinctively the creatures of earth—Laertes, Polonius, Ophelia, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, league themselves with Claudius... ...on Nardo. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1999. Rpt. from The Masks of Hamlet. Newark, NJ: Univ. of Delaware P., 1992.    Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 1995. http://www.chemicool.com/Shakespeare/hamlet/full.html    Ward & Trent, et al. The Cambridge History of English and American Literature. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1907–21; New York: Bartleby.com, 2000 http://www.bartleby.com/215/0816.html    West, Rebecca. â€Å"A Court and World Infected by the Disease of Corruption.† Readings on Hamlet. Ed. Don Nardo. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1999. Rpt. from The Court and the Castle. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1957.    Wilkie, Brian and James Hurt. â€Å"Shakespeare.† Literature of the Western World. Ed. Brian Wilkie and James Hurt. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1992.

Economic Performance And Current Situation Overview Economics Essay

The Hong Kong ‘s economic system is presently in an upward tendency. It is said to be the universe ‘s freest economic system, the 2nd largest beginning of foreign direct investing ( FDI ) in Asia, the universe ‘s 9th largest foreign exchange militias keeping, the universe ‘s 2nd highest per capita retention of foreign exchange militias and the universe ‘s more services-oriented economic system whereby the service sector accounts for more than 90 % of GDP. Hong Kong has successfully overcome the strict challenges from the planetary recession of 2009. It has been able to raise its existent Gross Domestic Product ( GDP ) from -2.7 % in 2009 to +6.8 % in 2010, therefore overcoming the economic recession of 2009. Hong Kong ‘s economic growing was achieved because of the robust rise in entire ware exports and service exports every bit good as the autumn in unemployment rate. However, the rising prices rate which is measured by the composite Consumer Pric e Index besides rise from 0.9 % in 2009 to 2.9 % in 2010, connoting that on norm the monetary values of all goods and services rose by 2.9 cents in every US $ over the twelvemonth. It is of import to observe that rising prices rate in Hong Kong, which refers to a general and sustained rise in the degree of monetary values of goods and services was chiefly due to imported rising prices, that is, addition in the monetary values of imported goods from overseas besides boosts up the monetary values of goods and services locally. The figure below shows the economic tendency of Hong Kong since 2000. From the chart, it can be clearly seen that Hong Kong ‘s existent GDP has fell by 3.7 % ( 10.5 % in 2000 – 6.8 % in 2010 ) over the last 10 old ages. At the same clip, it can besides be observed that Hong Kong experienced a major diminution from 10.5 % in 2000 to 0.1 % in 2001 because of the deterioration of the external environment prompted by the downswing in the US economic system, and with the state of affairs aggravated by the tragic event in the United States on 11th September 2001 when two air hoses crashed into the Twin Towers of World Trade Center in New York City. Furthermore, with the recent economic growing in 2010, citizens of Hong Kong are better off as the existent GDP per capita, that is, income per caput besides increases over the last three old ages from 2008 to 2010. Besides, it is every bit of import to advert that Hong Kong has four economic pillars: Trading and Logistics ( 24.1 % of GDP in footings of value-added in 2009 ) , Tourism ( 3.3 % ) , Financial Services ( 15.2 % ) , and Professional Services and other manufacturer services ( 13.1 % ) . On the other manus, there are six industries in which Hong Kong has clear advantages for farther development and which histories for 8 % of GDP in footings of value-added in 2009. The six industries comprises of Cultural and Creative Industry, Medical Services, Education Services, Innovation and Technology, Testing and Certification Services, and Environmental Services. Now, allow us analyze in deepness the different elements structuring the economic system of Hong Kong. The Domestic Sector The Domestic Sector contributed a batch on the economic growing of Hong Kong with the retail gross revenues holding a important recoil, reflecting a return of consumer assurance and strong influxs of tourers. The value of retail gross revenues increased by 18.3 % in 2010 compared to a 0.6 % rise in 2009. Furthermore, the touristry sector besides experienced a sustain growing with visitant reachings making 36.3 million, a 21.8 % addition in 2010 compared to 2009 with visitant reachings stand foring 29.6 million, a 0.3 % addition. The chart below shows how retail gross revenues and tourers reachings have fared strongly through to the twelvemonth terminal on a year-on-year footing since 2005 to 2010. Beginning: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.hketosydney.gov.hk/cust/HK_Feb_2011.pdf The External Sector Hong Kong ‘s external sector besides continued to do strongly in 2010 thanks to the vigorous economic public presentation of Asiatic economic systems, peculiarly the Mainland. The Mainland and other Asiatic markets, which accounts for around 70 % of Hong Kong ‘s entire exports of goods, remained the cardinal growing driver, registering a important rise of around 20 % in existent footings in 2010 compared to a autumn of 6.6 % in existent footings in 2009. It is of import to observe that the Asiatic markets particularly the Mainland continued to surpass the US and EU markets, mirroring the divergent form of planetary economic recovery across parts due to the addition in the petroleum oil monetary values in January 2011 to US $ 93 per barrel and besides due to the political agitation in Egypt. The diagram below illustrates how the Asiatic markets have surpassed the US and EU markets over the last five old ages. Two-Speed Growth Continued Beginning: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.hketosydney.gov.hk/cust/HK_Feb_2011.pdf Now allow us see the two different types of trade: seeable and unseeable. Visible Trade Visible Trade refers to the imports and exports of goods, such as oil, machines, nutrient, chemicals and so on. The major states to which Hong Kong exports its goods are Mainland of China, United States, European Union, Japan, Republic of Korea, Taiwan and Singapore. Though after the planetary recession in 2009, Hong Kong ‘s exports to these states have improved well like exports to Mainland in existent footings rose from -6.6 % in 2009 to 20 % in 2010 ; yet the European Union still lagged behind with merely a 6.6 % addition in existent footings in seeable exports in 2010 compared to the other major markets who have seen a double-digit addition in exports in the current twelvemonth. Similarly, the imports of goods in existent footings rose from -9.4 % in 2009 to 18.6 % in 2010. The maintained imports for most of the merchandises like consumer goods, groceries, natural stuffs and capital goods of Hong Kong climbed significantly in 2010 compared to 2009 whilst fuels retained impo rts fell by 9.3 % ( 23.2 % in 2009 – 13.9 % in 2010 ) . This was chiefly due to the recent rise in the petroleum oil monetary values. The figure below shows how seeable imports and exports have fared since 2005. It can be seen that both imports and exports of goods have increased since 2005 and have been able to excel the planetary recession in 2009. Invisible Trade Invisible Trade refers to the exchange of services, that is, imports and exports of services like fiscal and concern services, travel services, trade-related services and transit services. Exports of services sustained a strong growing throughout 2010, jumping by 15.0 % in existent footings for the twelvemonth as a whole, following the 0.3 % growing in 2009. Among the major service constituents of Hong Kong, the exports of travel services showed the strongest public presentation thanks to the ample inflow of visitants from te regional every bit good as long-haul markets. Likewise, exports of trade-related services besides grew aggressively in 2010 benefiting from the improved trading environment in Asia. On the other manus, imports of services experienced a rise up to 10.9 % in existent footings in 2010, in contrast to the 4.9 % contraction in 2009. The imports of services grew solidly in line with improvong the economic conditions. Hong Kong Trade Balance Although Hong Kong is sing important addition in its exports and imports of both good and services, the seeable trade shortage in 2010 has widened compared to 2009. But this seeable trade shortage was overcomed by the high unseeable trade excess ; therefore assisting the economic system of Hong Kong to give a trade balance excess of $ 104.6 billion equivalent to 2.8 % of entire value of imports of goods and services in 2010 compared to merchandise excess of $ 121.3 billion stand foring 4 % of the entire value of imports of goods and services in 2009. The figure below depicts Hong Kong trade public presentation over the last five old ages. It can clearly be seen that Hong Kong has been sing seeable trade shortage since 2005 its imports exceeded its exports. However, due to its high invible trade excess over the last five old ages, Hong Kong continues to hold a favorable trade balance which underlines the state ‘s strong external fight. The Financial Sector The heavy market concerns over lifting financial shortages and public debts in a few European economic systems have made the stock market more volatile recently. As a consequence, the Hong Kong dollar topographic point exchange rate moved withing a narrow scope of 7.749 to 7.805 per US dollar in 2010. Despite a brief weakening around the center of the twelvemonth amid possible capital escapes induced by heightened concerns about the European debt crisis, the Hong Kong spot exchange rate showed renewed strength thenceforth on the dorsum of strong demand associated with the vivacious Initial Public Offerings ( IPOs ) activities. Furthermore, under the Linked Exchange Rate system, motions in the Hong Kong dollar exchange rates against other currencies closely follow those of the US dollar. In 2010, the US dollar strengthened against the Euro and the British Pound amid concerns about the European debt job but weakened further against most other currencies, particularly the Australian dol lar and the Nipponese Yen. Consequently, in December 2010 the trade-weighted Hong Kong dollar Nominal and Real Effective Exchange Rate Indexs declined by 2.2 % and 2.1 % severally from 2009. Hence, Hong Kong dollar weakened against most major currencies as shown in the figure below for the twelvemonth 2010. Hong Kong dollar weakened slightly recently in 2010/11 In add-on, Hong Kong is a extremely attractive market for foreign direct investing. Harmonizing to the UNCTAD World Investment Report 2010, Hong Kong was the universe ‘s 4th largest FDI receiver, pulling US $ 48 billion in 2009. This marks the first clip that Hong Kong has gained 4th topographic point in the planetary rankings and represents a leap from its 9th place in 2008. For the 12th back-to-back twelvemonth, Hong Kong continues to be the 2nd largest FDI receiver in Asia, after the Chinese mainland. On the other manus, Hong Kong was the 2nd largest beginning of FDI in Asia, draging Japan, with FDI escapes amounting to US $ 52 billion in 2009. Further, imparting to all major economic sectors grew at a alert gait as Hong Kong has a low involvement rate. In other footings, involvement rates on both sweeping and retail foreparts continued to remain at historically low degrees in 2010. The Labour Sector Labour market conditions improved further on a wide forepart as a consequence of the strong choice up of economic activities and substancial occupation creative activity. Entire employment rose to an all-time high by end-2010, forcing the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate down farther to 4.0 % in the 4th one-fourth of 2010. Underemployment rate likewise dropped to 1.8 % . Labour income continued besides to lift. It is of import to observe that the new occupations created were non merely adequate for absorbing the bing umemployed individuals but besides the new entrants joing the labour force. The line chart below shows the tendency in unemployment rates since 2006. Unemployment rate declined for most in 2010, led by the important upturn in labour demand Beginning: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.hkeconomy.gov.hk/en/pdf/er_10q4.pdf Monetary values Inflation force per unit areas in Hong Kong went up bit by bit over the class of 2010 chiefly due to higher imported rising prices. Monetary values of nutrient and other trade goods rose strongly in the international markets in 2010 along with the continued planetary economic recovery and the really accommodating pecuniary environment worldwide. For 2010 as a whole, the Composite Consumer Price Index rose by 2.4 % following the 0.5 % addition in 2009 when the economic system was in deflation for several months in the twelvemonth. As mentioned antecedently, rising prices was besides caused by imported rising prices. In other footings, import monetary values augmented notably in 2010, due to the strong recoils in planetary trade good monetary values, higher rising prices in supply beginnings and to a lesser extent the somewhat weaker Hong Kong dollar alongside the US dollar ; accordingly, these increase the imported rising prices in Hong Kong. Inflation in Hong Kong Beginning: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.hketosydney.gov.hk/cust/HK_Feb_2011.pdf Key: CCPI stands for Composite Consumer Price Index ( * ) The underlying CCPI has netted out the effects of all relevant one-off steps introduced since 2007, including the release and Government ‘s payment of public lodging leases, rates concession, suspension of Employee Retraining Levy, and subsidies for family electricity charges. However, it is critical to indicate out that Hong Kong was non the alone state to be sing lifting rising prices on 2010. Many Asiatic economic systems with vivacious growing in activities besides saw higher inflationary force per unit areas throughout the twelvemonth.

How Technology Affects the Business Environment Essay

During the last century, the world has been through a technological revolution. We have in few years moved from being a world where it could take months to receive a message, to being a world where it takes microseconds. Within most industries, technology is a very important factor to succeed. Especially in certain industries, like energy, transport and financial services, technological innovations have been vital to make those industries develop into what they are today. Companies are always struggling to acquire better technology, so that they in a more efficient way can produce their products or carry out their services. It is therefore important for companies to keep an eye on new technological innovations. The technological elements of the external environment are a part of the LoNGPEST analysis, which is being used to scan a firms environment, so it in a best possible way can adopt to it. In this essay, I will attempt to explain how technology has been a vital reason for the globalization, and how it has made the world more efficient. There is no doubt that the development of information and communications technology is one of the causes for globalization. The table below shows the reduction in communicating and travelling prices. According to the table, the price of a 3 minutes phone call have been reduced by 98,6%. The reduction in air transport costs per mile is 74%. There is no doubt that such reductions encourage companies to expand geographically. In addition, the rapid growth of the internet has made it possible to share information with the rest of the world in microseconds. Eric Samuels states that one of the industries that has grown because of information technology is the financial service industry. He states that â€Å"delivery of services has become more efficient because of the application of technology.† What he is saying, is that the financial services provided are being done more effective and at a lower cost than before. By using the internet, companies can reach out to the whole world without spending a pound. In addition to claim that the financial service industry has grown due to the information technology, Dr. Nicolas Pologeorgis also states that the industry, since 1998, has gon e through a rapid geographic expansion. This especially applies to wealthy nations, like countries from Europe and USA. He claims that â€Å"customers previously served by local financial institutions are now targeted at a global level.† Dr. Pologeorgis believes that one of the reasons for this, besides deregulation and more trading between countries, is the information technology. Services like ATMs and websites is being used to develop a more efficient relationship between long distance customers and suppliers. A study about globalization of the banking industry, states that improvements in technology â€Å"have facilitated greater geographic reach by allowing institutions to manage larger information flows from more locations and to evaluate and manage risks at lower cost without being geographically close to the customer.† One example of a company from this industry that expanded geographically in the 90’s is Goldman Sachs (GS). I 1990, Robert Ruding and Stephen Friedman decided to focus on GS global operations. During the 1990’s, GS went through a rapid geographical expansion. Today, GS has offices located in all major financial centres around the world. I have made a comparison between the growth in the financial service sector and the use of internet worldwide. It was in the 90’s that the internet use exploded. In 1995, 16 million people were connected to the internet (0,4 of world population). The table below shows that the use of internet exploded about the same time that the financial service industry, according to Pologeorgis, really started expanding geographically. However, it is not only the improvements in communication and information technology that has contributed to a more efficient and globalized world. Another industry that has been affected by improvements in technology the last century is the oil and gas industry. An article made by naturalgas states that â€Å"new innovations have reshaped the industry into a technological leader9.† A report made by the U.S. Department of energy in 1999 shows that if technology had stagnated in 1985, America would have needed twice as many wells to produce the same amount of oil and gas. However, because of technological improvement, we only need half as many wells to produce the same amount in 1999. In 1999, the America used 22 000 less wells to produce the same amount as they did in 1985. A statistical review of world energy made by BP illustrates how much oil and natural gas that has been produced in each country and worldwide from 1965-2010. Worldwide, the total development of oil has increased from 31,806,000 barrels daily in 1965, to 82,095,000 barrels daily in 2010. The development of oil has increased from 96,9 billion cubic feet daily in 1970, to 309 billion cubic feet daily in 2010. The main reason to the increase in production is off course the growing demand, but according to naturalgas it would have been impossible without the improvement in our technology. Consumption of oil increased from 30,783,000 daily in 1965 to 87,382,000 barrels daily in 2010 and consumption of gas increased from 63 billion cubic feet daily in 1965 to 306,6 billion cubic feet daily in 2010. Another industry that has developed because of new technology is the nuclear industry. Numbers taken from NEI shows that 13,5 of the world’s electricity production IN 2010, was provided by nuclear power. Furthermore, NEI states that â€Å"in total, 15 countries relied on nuclear energy to supply at least one-quarter of their total electricity†. According to NEI, one example of a country that is dependent of nuclear energy is France. 74,1 percent of the energy produced in France was generated through nuclear energy. The statistical review published by BP, shows that the consumption of electricity generated from nuclear power has increased tremendously since 1965. In 1965 the global consumption of terra hours has increased from 25,7 in 1965 to 2767,2 terra hours in 2010. FINN UT OM DAILY In this essay, I have tried to show how technology has been a vital part of both the globalization and the development of a more efficient world. I have found that information and communication technology has been important for globalization. Lower costs of travelling and communicating overseas encourage people to expand geographically. In addition, the fact that use of internet has developed into a common thing, especially in developed countries, makes customers able to do services that they could not do before. My essay also shows how the oil and gas industry have become more efficient, and how the nuclear industry has grown due to technological improvements. Reference list: Department for Business Enterprise & Regulatory Reform (2008) Globalisation and the changing UK economy, page 3 [online]. Available from: http://www.bis.gov.uk/files/file44332.pdf accessed at 22.11.2011. British Petroleum (2011) Historical data [online]. Available from: http://www.bp.com/sectionbodycopy.do?categoryId=7500&contentId=7068481 (then click on historical data) Accessed at 23.11.2011. U.S. Department of energy (1999) Environmental benefits of advance oil and exploration and production technology [online]. Available from: http://www.fe.doe.gov/programs/oilgas/publications/environ_benefits/4envben.pdf Accessed at 22.11.2011. U.S. Department of Energy http://www.fe.doe.gov/programs/oilgas/publications/environ_benefits/3innov.pdf Funding Universe, The Goldman Sachs group INC [online]. Available from: http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/The-Goldman-Sachs-Group-Inc-Company-History.html Accessed at 22.11.2011. Goldman Sachs (2011), who we are – at a glance [online]. Available from: http://www2.goldmansachs.com/who-we-are/at-a-glance/index.html Accessed at 22.11.2011. Internet World Stats (2008), internet growth statistics [online]. Available from: http://www.internetworldstats.com/emarketing.htm Accessed at 21.11.2011. Internet World Stats (March 31, 2011), internet usage statistics [online]. Available from: http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats.htm Accessed at 21.11.2011. Dr. Nicolas Pologeorgis (2009), The Globalization of Financial Services [online]. Available from: http://www.investopedia.com/articles/financial-theory/09/risk-free-rate-return.asp#ixzz1eNeBhksO Accessed at 20.11.2011. Eric Samuels (2011), Marketing of Financial Services [online]. Available from: http://www.measurethat.com/?cat=5 Accessed at 20.11.2011. Natural Gas (2010), Natural Gas and Technology [online]. Available from: http://www.naturalgas.org/environment/technology.asp Accessed at 22.11.2011. Nuclear Energy Institute (2011), world statistics, nuclear energy around the world [online]. Available from: http://www.nei.org/resourcesandstats/nuclear_statistics/worldstatistics/ Accessed at 22.11.2011. Wall Street Journal (2010), A Brief History of Goldman Sachs [online]. Available from: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704671904575193780425970078.html Accessed at 21.11.2011 Allen N. Berger, Qinglei Dai, Steven Ongen, David C. Smith (2002) To What Extent Will the Banking Industry be Globalized?A Study of Bank Nationality and Reach in 20 European Nations, page 3 [online] Available from: http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTFR/Resources/banking_industry_globalization.pdf Accessed at 22.11.2011.

I’m a child anorexic Essay

In 2006 the BBC made a documentary called ‘I’m a child anorexic’ (appendix 1) it focuses on â€Å"Rhodes Farm† – a treatment clinic in north London that specialises in children suffering from anorexia nervosa from girls as young as 12 years old. The programme follows the girls’ highs and lows at the clinic – the initial tantrums as they struggle to eat the foods they fear most, their interactions with staff, the friendships they make, their family dealings and then the tears of sadness when they finally have to leave. The documentary focuses primarily on the struggle of 2 young girls in particular, 12-year-old Natasha and 13-year-old Naomi. I have chosen this clip because as well as educating about anorexia in young girls, it does a brilliant job of illustrating different types of relationships the girls have with the people surrounding them during this difficult time. It portrays variances in communication between them and their families, carers and peers. It also reveals how the young girls are feeling during their time at the clinic and demonstrates examples of how they are made to feel isolated and different. Wherever you are and however you may be nobody likes to feel isolated and alone; being part of a community has a positive impact on your life. A sense of loneliness leads to feelings of sadness and anxiety, which consequently can complicate health problems. In health care settings in particular it is important that individuals feel a sense of belonging among other things. For this reason if progress is to be made by the girls at Rhodes Farm then is important that their care follows the ‘relationship-centred’ framework. This framework has been developed so that all participants (staff included) experience a sense of: security, belonging, continuity, purpose, achievement and significance (Nolan et al. 2006). Whilst this framework was designed with a focus on older people, the six senses have wider applicability to other clinical areas to. The concept is that if all these senses are met, then the care you are giving and receiving is at its highest possible level. Throughout the clip there are arious scenes that demonstrate how happy the girls are to have one another. It is extremely important, in their fragile states that they are not going through this journey alone and the fact that there are other girls of similar ages going through the same thing means that the girls can all relate to one another. This is important because it makes them conscious that they are not the only ones that are suffering with this illness. By establishing these close friendships the girls are achieving a sense of belonging within the clinic. Having others that are going through the same as them also gives them the security to know they are not alone, which helps to ease sadness and pain. It is through communication that we build these friendships. Effective mutual communication is of paramount importance. Research shows that in order to make a difference to children’s lives healthcare practitioners must be able to relate to the children, support them in making decisions, listen to them, and involve them. â€Å"Good communication between healthcare professionals and patients is essential† (Nice 2012). There are numerous scenes in the clip where Dr Dee Dawson founder of Rhodes Farm (referred to as Dr D throughout) is seen talking directly to the girls, both individually and in group situations; and in my opinion she does not always demonstrate good communication or meet all the senses from the framework I have mentioned earlier. It can be very difficult to judge what a child understands or knows (NHS), and this is apparent when Dr D is talking to Naomi about her personal progress at the clinic. Dr D presumes that Naomi is aware about the calorific content of water, and by repeating her question and raising the tone and volume of her voice she appears to patronise Naomi quite significantly. This represents a distinct lack of empathy on Dr D’s part. Additionally what that caught my attention in this scene was how the majority of what Dr D has to say focuses on the negative aspects of Naomi’s journey; such as failing all her weekends away and how they feel she is keen to stay on, instead of picking up on the more positive aspects such as the meals she has eaten and the weight she may have gained. You also see in this scene that because of the emotional and cognitive impacts that the illness has on Naomi, alongside the pressure from Dr D, she really struggles to verbalise her feelings. This is validated when Naomi breaks down in tears. One of the key qualities central to therapeutic communication is the ability to truly ‘attend’ to the other person. This has been referred to as giving ‘free attention (Egan 1990). Heron (1975) described this as, â€Å"a subtle and intense activity of being present for the client. â€Å"Talking is the main ingredient in medical care and it is the fundamental instrument by which the doctor-patient relationship is crafted and by which therapeutic goals are achieved† (Rotter and Hall 1992). In the clip, there is a scene that shows Naomi being made to drink water, as punishment for her behaviour. What is interesting about this scene is the difference in communication and in the relationship between the carer and Naomi comp ared with that of Dr D. The carer uses a more healing style when talking to her, using more positive phrases such as, â€Å"you can do it,† and generally being more encouraging. She points out to Naomi what has already achieved in order to support her with what she has remaining. Carers are taught the basic principles of motivational interviewing (Miller and Rollnick, 1991). When people are hostile or hesitant to change the principles of this approach should be used. This approach can be summarised in the phrase ‘less is more’. Less serves as an acronym for the fundamental principles of this approach: listen, empathy not sympathy and sharing, af? rmation and support. Whitaker et al. 2005) Chitty and Black (2007, p. 218) explain that communication is the exchange of information, thoughts and ideas through verbal and non-verbal communication at the same time. They explain that verbal communication consists of entirely speech whereas non-verbal communication consists of gestures, postures, facial expressions, tone and level of volume. Children in particular once they have grown out of infancy, are acute observers of body language and the mood of ot hers. In the scene where Dr D is standing at the front of the room talking to the girls as a group I noticed that body language is evident from her and the girls. I also noted that she shows very little empathy or support towards them. In this scene the girls are sat at a lower level, they therefore need to look up to her as if she is more important than them. In doing this she is distancing herself from the girls. In their fragile conditions they already see her as the authoritative figure, and this positioning clarifies that further. You can see in the girl’s facial expressions that they lack interest in what she has to say; their faces appear jaded. There is little eye contact made between the doctor and the girls as the majority of them have their heads down; some have their faces in their hands, other are picking their nails. These are common signs of disinterest and anxiety. The language that Dr D uses here is derogatory and I imagine makes the girls feel even more alienated. She emphasises this by categorising them, using phrases such as, â€Å"you people† and referring to non-anorexic people as â€Å"normal people†. It is highlighted in studies how important it is to transfer warm, af? rming and respectful methods of communication however as seen in this clip Dr D seems neither warm nor affirming. I do not feel that she is seen to be being respectful of their low self-esteem and I do not see any example of her making an effort to be heartfelt or affectionate. To be able to identify and accommodate to the particular conversational practices of different social groups, you must have what Hymes calls ‘communicative competence’ (Hymes, 1972. This is a term used to describe a speaker’s potential for communicating effectively. Proficiency must be shown across a wide range of social, interpersonal and cultural contexts. This skill is a prerequisite for Dr D when communicating with these young girls and I would have thought that as the doctor who set up the clinic and therefore presumably has a keen interest in young people with this illness, that she would practice this theory in or der to engage with the girls more and make them feel more at home and comfortable. Studies show that an adult’s values and attitudes effect children close to them quite substantially, therefore it is vitally important that adults develop the insights; self-awareness and skills that are needed to guide the child, especially within a setting such as Rhodes Farm. From the day they are born children start to develop a sense of who they are. One of the main factors that contribute to their identities is relationships; this can be with family members, other adults and children, friends and other figures such as members of their community. As well as being a standard of ethical practice, finding out what children and young people are feeling, hoping, thinking, and fearing in regards to their treatment, as well as decision making which affects them directly is now a statuary requirement. (Department of Health 2002) Family are important in any environment where young children are involved as they create a balance between change and stability. In early 1960s when Bowlby and Robertson established that there were negative consequences to he well-being of a child that is hospitalised and recognition of the family as a unit increased (cited by Alsop-Shields and Mohay 2001). The concept of family-centred care (FCC) has become much more frequently used to describe a practice that identifies the family as the fundamental source of support. It also considers the deliberate involvement of the family essential to promote the health of all family members (Franck and Callery 2004, Shields et al. 2006). The classic view of parent – adolescent relationships is one of conflict, Anderson and Clarke (1982) opposed this view. In the scene where Natasha is about to go out for a meal with her father for the first time since being at the clinic, she is talking to the camera about how hard it is has been for her to spend time without seeing her family. In a situation where Natasha was not sick or separated from her family for a long amount of time, her feelings and reactions on this subject may not be the same. When the parents arrive at Rhodes Farm to see the girls, the girls run out to hug them. Research suggests that children of a young age rely on the support of their families. Through hugging the girls the parents show them love, affection and support. To feel secure, attention to the essential physiological and psychological needs need to be met and part of this can be done through hugging. In the clip when Natasha is alone with her father, I noticed that one of first thing that Natasha’s father tells her is how great she is looking. Giving children messages of love, approval, encouragement and above all respect, allows them to develop a positive sense of who they are. Sick children in particular need to feel this; it can be one of the factors that contribute towards a faster recovery. These messages give them the confidence to voice their own feelings, views and opinions and aid them in making their own choices when appropriate. In Natasha’s case this support her father is showing her could have a direct influence on the way she perceives herself and therefore speed up her recovery. As Faulkner (1998) stated: â€Å"To be able to communicate effectively with others is at the heart of all patient care. † All the relationships seen in this clip have an immediate and vast impact on the girls. Dr D demonstrates how not relating to the girls makes it hard for her to gain their attention and presumably respect. When she talks to them as a group they have little interest in what she has to say, when she has one of the girls on her own the girl struggles to verbalise her feelings, resulting in tears. The relationships between the girls are what keep them motivated and happy. Without these friendships I imagine that the girls would feel so much more isolated and less inspired to get better. The carer’s positive attitude and encouraging words are also key factors in making the girls feel safe giving them a sense of achievement and making them feel secure in these particular surrounding, The relationships between the father and daughter also gives the girl a sense of security as well as continuity. He is supporting her and showing love, which will give her the confidence she needs to get well. Within any type of relationship, especially within a care setting, it is imperative that the senses of belonging and security are met. Once these have been met, a trust is in place that makes communication much easier.