Turkey and the Kurdish today Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Turkey and the Kurdish today - Essay Example Civil uprisings have often taken place leading to deaths of thousands of people, most of them being Kurds and members of KPP. However, recent attempts by Premier Egrogan to bridge the gap between the Kurds and the Turkish armed forces have yielded positive results. This paper goes on to discuss the history of the Kurds in Turkey, how they have been treated over the period of time and what attempts have been made by the current government to solve this issue. Essay The Republic of Turkey, as it is officially known was founded by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in first quarter of the nineteenth century. According the official census of 1990, the country has a population of fifty seven million people (Gunter, Michael M., 2007). Although ninety nine percent of the population in the country consists of Muslims, the rest one percent is also allowed complete freedom to carry on their religious and social activities just like their Muslim counterparts. The Kurds comprise of a significant number of pe ople in Turkey. Even though the national language of Turkey is Turkish, Kurds speak a different language which is a mixture Indo and European Languages. Discrimination against the Kurds has always been a key issue in this country and this community has been facing a hard time ever since the creation of the country. Kamal Ataturk in his life time did discuss the issue of Kurds at various special forums. In the Turkish parliament session he once said, â€Å"North of Kirkuk there are Kurds as there are Turks, and we never discriminated against them†. However the situation hasn’t been as good as it sounds. Even after eighty two years of independence, the fourteen million plus Kurds of Turkey have been facing a hard time - often being prejudiced against, kicked out of their homes and villages, tortured, raped and killed. To maintain their status quo, the Kurds have fought back time and again against the government. Although there have been various fights, none of them has b een as fierce as the one in 1984 by the banned organization called Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Over the years these fights have resulted in thousands of deaths with almost forty thousand of them being of members of the PKK. The major reason for the conflict between the Turkish state and Kurds has been the call for a separate province. The Iraqi Kurds have always called for a separate province, Kurdistan, and just the mere existence of this word is a taboo for the Turkish state. The rationale behind this fear is that the creation of Kurdistan by the Iraqi Kurds can provoke the Turkish Kurds to rebel against the state and take with them bits of Turkish territory. For decades the Turkish government has seen the issue of Kurds as one of terrorism caused by the PKK. However it is very interesting to see that when various countries back the PKK (due to the fact that PKK is seen by others as a party fighting for the rights of the Kurds), the Turks say that this goes on to prove that no one really wants to see a healthy Turkish economy to grow into an European superpower. Even if all what is mentioned were to be true, factually Turkey is home to almost 17 million Kurds, many of them being those who don’t even support the PKK and its acts. It is also widely reported that Kurds have been treated very unfairly in Turkey. This point was proved when a report from The European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance spoke about injustices prevailing in Turkey. The report says that the Kurds’

Online Shopping Acceptance Model OSAM Assignment

Online Shopping Acceptance Model OSAM - Assignment Example The components of OSAM are generated from OSA components. The OSAM module is described as an entity offering a group of services that can be achieved from the background of service growth and service provision (Dede et al., 1997). This model presents an easy method of obtaining comprehensive information about the constituents managed automatically at the beginning of the structure and can hypothetically affect its function. Zhou et al. (2007) state in their study that the knowledge-orientated view of the customer approval of electronic shopping is currently predicted and clarified by observing technical descriptions such as content and design on the website, user boundary features, and structure usability of an available store. Without the approval of the technology, e-commerce would be limited. The customers’ willingness to acknowledge the technology guides the achievement of electronic promotion (Zhou et al., 2007). Several factors influence the consumer acceptance of online purchase like consumer attitude, environmental factors, and availability of resources. The main aim of the OSAM model is to enable traders market their products using different modes like mobile phones and social media channels. Advertisement can be made through mobile phones and social media networks. References Carlota, L., Efthymios, C., and Maria-del-Carmen, A. (2013). Social Media as Marketing Strategy: An Explorative Study on Adoption and Use by Retailers, in Miguel R. Olivas-Lujan, Tanya Bondarouk (ed.) Social Media in Strategic Management (Advanced Series in Management, Volume 11). New York: Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Chen, S. J., & Chang, T. Z. (2003). A descriptive model of online shopping process: some empirical results. International Journal of Service Industry Management, 58(6): 556-569. Close, A. (2012). Online Consumer Behavior: Theory and Research in Social Media, Advertising and E-tail. London: Routledge. Dede, A., Arsenis, S., Tosti, A., Lucidi, F., Westerg a, R. (1997). OSAM Component Model - A Key Concept for the Efficient Design of Future Telecommunication Systems. In IS&N, (67):127-136. Doherty, N., and Ellis-Chadwick, F. (2010). ‘Internet retailing: the past, the present and the future.’ International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, 38(11/12): 943–965. Flick, K. (2009). Assessing Consumer Acceptance of Online Shopping: Examining Factors Affecting Purchase Intentions. London: ProQuest. Howladar, M., H., H., and Mohiuddin, G. (2012) Developing Online Shopping Intention among People Bangladesh Perspective, Developing Country Studies, 2(9): 2225-0565. Lina, Z., Liwei, D., and Dongsong, Z. (2001). ‘Online shopping acceptance model – a critical survey of consumer factors in online shopping.’ Journal of Electronic Commerce Research. 8: 41—61. Mikalef, P. Giannakos, M., Michail, G., and Pateli , A. (2013). ‘Shopping and Word-of-Mouth Intentions on Social Media.’ Jour nal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research, 8(1):17-34. Monsuwe, T.P.Y., Dellaert, B.G.C. and Ruyter, K.D. (2004). What drives consumers to shop online? A literature review. International Journal of Service Industry Management, 15 (1): 102-121. Olumayowa, S. M. (2012). Acceptance and Impact of Social Networks Marketing Using Extended Technology Acceptance Model unpublished

Canadian Residential School System Education Essay

Canadian Residential School System Education Essay The Canadian Teacher Magazine is an educational scholarly resource meant for use by high school students and teachers, young Canadians, communities and anyone who might be interested in the history of First Nations education. It seeks to enable readers understand the major developments impacting First Nations before the Europeans arrival up to this day. The text has three portions. The first-First Nations History-gives a short summary of the distinctive cultures of Early First Nations in Canada. It explores the system of education that was implemented before the arrival of Europeans. The second portion explores the system of education that was implemented by the government and the missionaries after their arrival. Llewellyns (2002) article on Dealing with the Legacy of Native Residential School Abuse in Canada by University of Toronto Law Journal, a scholarly source particularly describes how the residential schools system introduced to the First Nations affected school going childre n. This point is supplemented by other non scholarly sources such as Chrisjohns The Circle Game. Another non scholarly source is Dubashs film titled Indian Residential Schools in Canada, which depicts the experiences of aboriginal kids in residential schools. The third part explains how Indian Control of Indian Education impacted education among First Nations communities as depicted by Wells (2012) in his book Wawahte: Canadian Indian Residential Schools. This part is the most relevant to the topic at hand as it explores how the First Nations worked with the government in order to improve the education system and general learning environment. It is rather obvious that this collaboration was long overdue. As such, its outcome would be of benefit to both partied involved in its implementation. The credibility of these articles on Canadian Residential Schools can be ascertained as it is a reflection of the education system that existed among First Nations from the context of teachers a nd students. Today the Canadian Government has partnered with First Nations in this era of reconciliation to help establish stronger First Nations communities. Essential collaborative efforts are can be seen all across the country in areas as diverse as First Nations education, social services, governance, economies, culture, human right and resolution of outstanding claims. The term First Nations is used to encompass the wide range of aboriginal peoples in Canada, which include Indians (status or non- Status), Metis, Inuit, aboriginals and native peoples. This paper is intended to provide readers interested in First Nations education with information about current developments in federal, provincial (public and separate) and band schools across the country. As well, this study is intended to give schools, school officials, teachers and parents or guardians examples of various approaches, so that they may improve their own situations. It is based on the results of a survey of schools and on submissions from Departments or Ministries of Education (Wells, 2012). At present, the majority of First Nations students attend one of four types of school: federal day schools, which are located on reserved; provincial (public) day schools, usually off reserve; band schools on reserves; and separate schools, usually affiliated with church denominations. Since the policy of Indian Control of Indian (First Nation) Education was adopted in 1973, the number of federal schools has declined dramatically as bands have assumed responsibility for these schools (Wells, 2012). Most mainstream account accounts of the education of the education of First nations in Canada begin with the arrival of the Europeans. Although this may be accurate in terms of formal schooling, it is worthwhile to consider the education that was practiced before this contact. Traditional Education Long before the arrival of Europeans in North America, Indians had evolved their own form of education. It was an education in which the community and the natural environment were the classroom, and the land was seen as the mother of the people. Members of the community were the teachers, and each adult was responsible for ensuring that each child learned how to live a good life. The development of the whole person was emphasized through teachings which were often shared in storytelling. Each group of first Nations has its own legendary hero through which much learning was transmitted, including Raven, Nana bush and Weakachak. They were regarded as transformers or tricksters of learning, through which children learned such traditional varies as humility, courage, respect and honesty (Chrisjohn, Young, Maraun, 1997). Although there was little segregation of family for events, whether social or work-related, children were taught that there were times when they should be silent and all ow adults to speak without interruption. Silence was regarded as the cornerstone of character. Traditional education was largely an informal process that provided the young with the specific skills, attitudes and knowledge they needed to function in everyday life within the context of a spiritual world view. It taught many skills as part of everyday life, as can be seen in Rabbit Snaring, (Chrisjohn, Young, Maraun, 1997). Jeanette Armstrong describes the traditional indigenous peoples view of education as a natural process occurring during everyday activitiesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ensuring cultural continuity and survival of the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being of the unit of its environment. (Llewellyn, 2002). Education Provided By the Federal Government and the Missionaries In the early 17th century, missionaries were brought over from Europe to establish schools for Indians. This was believed to be the best method of bringing Christian civilization to the heathen Natives. The Roman Catholic Church was the first to get involved in educating Indians in the 1600s. The Protestant churches did not get involved until after the turn of the 19th century. Day schools were the first to be established. The day schools were largely abandoned in favor of residential (boarding) schools from the latter 1800s through to the 1950s, though a few day schools did continue to be built, and the building of day schools on reserves accelerated after 1950 (Llewellyn, 2002). Residential (Boarding) Schools Residential schools were designed to isolate children from their parents and the influences of the reserve. Schools were often located many miles away from the childs community. Children stayed at the residential schools for at least ten months of the year, from the ages of six (sometimes younger) through to 18 years. Residential schools provided a very basic education designed to prepare students for futures as working farmers, housemaids, mechanics or the like. It was to make provision for the domestic and Christian life of the Indian children. The residential schools were oppressive. After being separated from their families, the children were then subjected to a severe regimen of work. The boys were expected to clean the stables, butcher cattle, mend broken machinery and work in the fields. In fact, by the half-day plan, they were expected to spend as much time in this kind of manual labor as in school. The same was true of the girls who had spend half of their time doing laundry, sewing, working in the kitchen and doing other forms of housework (Llewellyn, 2002). The residential school was most notable for the incredibly high mortality rates among the students. Many died from the effects of tuberculosis. At about the turn of the century, it was estimated that 50% of the children who passed through these schools did not live to benefit from the education they had received therein (Dubash, 2008). The federal government became involved in the education of the Indians in the mid-1800s. The residential schools became jointly operated by the government and the church. The churchs duty was to manage the school, contribute part of the operating cost, and most importantly, provide Christian guidance to the children. The government was responsible for inspection, special rules and regulations as well as making financial grants. The highest recorded number of such schools in Canada was 80, in 1933. The enrolment in the schools varied anywhere from 50 or so to over 400 students of all ages (Wells, 2012). Most of these schools were closed by themed-1980s. However, in Saskatchewan, several remain but under the control of the First nations bands and offer culturally sensitive environment to the students. The residential schools have had a lasting negative effect on First Nations people as a whole. These schools removed children from their parents and their communities. Generations of Indian children were denied a normal family childhood. They were denied the association with family, with their extended familys perceptions of spiritualism, of acceptable behavior and of the means of survival. For many, residential schools meant the loss of their native language, the principal means by which culture is accumulated, shared and transmitted from generation to generation. The result was a tragic interruption of culture. The legacy of the residential schools was one of cultural conflict, alienation, poor self-concept and lack of preparation for independence, for jobs and for life in general. Much of what was learned and experienced in residential schools was a direct and purposeful contradiction to the philosophy of traditional First Nations societies as a whole. Integration- Education provided by provincial Governments To civilize and Christianize gave way in the 1950s and 1960s to a policy of integration. Integration, administratively defined, was the process of having First Nations children attend provincial schools (Loyie, 2009). Since the policy of integration was introduced in 1948, the government of Canada has at its highest point been successful in making provision for about 65% (about 43% today) of First Nations students in integrated schools. The integration program was introduced and continued with little or no discussion with First Nations parents and children or the Non- Native community. No specific training of teachers or of the national curriculum was designed to put up with the children of another culture. In 1967, Dr. Harry Hawthorn, a professor at the University of British Columbia, released a two-volume study on contemporary Indians (Wells, 2012). In 1972, the Winnipeg Free Press revealed a number of Hawthorns findings on Indian education. The article stated that integration has not provided the answer to the demand for significant education for First Nations children. Integration has, in many schools, resulted in only a physical presence (Chrisjohn, Young, Maraun, 1997). This program has not been one of true integration where the different cultures are recognized; rather it has been a program of assimilation where First nation students are absorbed into the dominant society. Indian Control of Indian (First Nation) Education In the 1960s, First Nations leaders began to react openly to the deplorable conditions of their people. In response to the educational concerns being raised by First Nations people, the federal governments Standing Committee on Indian Affairs was charged with the responsibility of preparing a report on Indian education. This report, presented in the House of Commons on June 22, 1971, unfolded before the Canadian public the educational problems facing Indian people (Loyie, 2009). Some of the findings included: A drop-out rate four times the national average (96% of Indian children never finished high school); A related unemployment rate averaging 50% for adult males, going as high as 90% in some communities; inaccuracies and omissions relating to the Indian contribution to Canadian history in texts used in federal and provincial schools; An age-grade retardation rooted in language conflict and early disadvantage, which accelerated as the child progressed through the primary and elemen tary grades (Dubash, 2008). The First Nations peoples response was generated by the 1969 government White Paper, based on the goal of eliminating the special status of Indians in the wake of a First Nations school strike in North East Alberta in 1971 (protesting school facilities on reserves). The National Indian brotherhood (now the assembly of First Nations) established a working committee that would reflect a national position on education (Llewellyn, 2002). The committees work culminated in the document, Indian Control of Indian Education (ICIE). In February 1973, the minister for Indian Affairs gave official departmental recognition to the ICIE document stating that: I have given the National Indian Brotherhood my assurance that I and my department are fully committed to realizing the educational goals for the Indian people which are set forth in the Brotherhoods proposal (Wells, 2012). First nations Philosophy of education is in many ways more valid and universal than the one which prevails in educational circles today. Instead of a one-sided view of history, First Nations want their children to learn a Canadian History that honors their customs, accomplishments, values and contributions. As George Manuel stated: We want our children to learn science and technology so that they can promote the harmony of man with natureà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦not destroy it. We want our children to learn about other peoples in literature and social studies, and in the process to learn to respect the values and cultures of others (Llewellyn, 2002). ICIE is a four point policy dealing with parental responsibility, school curriculum and programs, teachers and school facilities. Parental Responsibility Under the terms of the 11 major treaties between the Indians and the federal government and the Indian act, the federal government of Canada is obligated to provide funds for the education of Indians. This is an incontestable fact. In no way does the principle of Indian control or local control contradict or nullify this fundamental federal obligation. The governments financial responsibility does not justify its dominance over lives of Indian people. This policy statement demands that Indian parents participate as partners with the government in the education of their children. Teachers and Counselors The federal government must help train Indians as teachers and counselors, in co-operation with First Nations peoples. Non- Indian teachers and counselors should receive additional training to prepare them for cross-cultural situations and teach them how to make the curriculum for Indian children more meaningful, i.e., more relevant, and also how to instill pride and cultural awareness in their students. Facilities Educational facilities must meet the needs of the local population. Substandard buildings and equipment must be replaced. Conclusion From this overview, it is obvious that the missionaries and both federal and provincial governments have failed in 300 years to administer an effective educational program for First Nations. This failure has been attributed to several factors; namely the absence of a consistent philosophy of education with clearly articulated goals and objectives, failure to provide a meaningful program based on First Nations reality, a lack of qualified teaching staff, inadequate facilities, and most important , the absence of parental and community involvement in the education of their children. Studies on the effects on integration have shown that First Nations children reveal patterns that can be identified as alienation and identity conflict. The First Nations student is caught between two cultures and is, therefore, literally outside of, and between, both. Through the policy of ICIE, the effect of parental responsibility and local control has clearly brought about positive changes within the past two decades. These include an increase in the numbers of First Nations students completing high school and entering universities and colleges, an increasing number of First nations teachers, and increasingly more research being done by First Nations providing valuable insights on the effect the various forms of education are having. More importantly, the problems and challenges associated with ICIE are becoming clearer and attempts are being made towards resolving them. Critical to improving the situation is the need for legal recognition of First Nations jurisdiction over education. This was identified very early on as a serious problem. It was noted that the Indian Act presents no direct legal foundation for the shifting of control of education from the minister to Indian bands. It empowers the minister to enter into contracts with territorial and provincial governments, public school boards, or charitable or religious organizations, but not with Indian bands. Clearly, the fundamental obstacle to Indian Control of Indian Education is the lack of legislation. Without it, we can expect only minor adjustment to the existing situation. With it, an Indian band or group of bands would be able to write its own Education Act, and determine its own administrative unite, policies, aims and objectives.

Pfizer Animal Health Essay -- Business Marketing Case Study, solution

Pfizer entered the animal health industry in the early 1950’s. Today, Pfizer Animal Health products are sold to veterinarians, livestock producers, and horse and pet owners in more than 140 countries around the world and used in more than 30 species. Pfizer Animal Health is committed to providing high-quality, research-based health products for livestock and companion animals. The company continues to invest more in research and development than any other animal health company. This offers opportunities for substantial growth and internal synergy. Pfizer has more new animal health products in its research pipeline today than at any other time in its history. Their products include anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, and anti-parasitic pharmaceutical medicines, vaccines and feed additives. These products are used by cattle, swine, and poultry industries, as well as, veterinarians serving both the livestock and pet markets. The animal health segment of Pfizer accounts for approx imately 10% of their total revenues. ) Pfizer Animal Health revenues were $1,314 million in 1998. Some of Pfizer’s top selling animal health products are Rimadyl, Anipryl, Dectomax, and RespiSure.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The animal health segment is served in manufacturing by the 35 production plants around the world. Their products are sold through veterinarians, drug wholesalers, retail outlets, distributors, and directly to users. Animal Health gross revenues declined 1% to 1.3 billion in 1998. (Note Appendix:) This decrease is due to continuing weaknesses in the U.S. livestock market, the poor Asian economy, and the unfavorable effects of foreign exchange. This decline was offset by growth of Pfizer products; the cattle endectocide Dectomax, the canine anti-arthritic Rimadyl, and the swine vaccine RepiSure. Pfizer is among the leading suppliers of companion animal vaccines, a $500 million market worldwide. They have over 43 animal health product candidates in clinical development. Pfizer’s Animal Health markets several feed supplements for large animals. Feed supplement product sales slowed in 1998, due in part to regulatory issues, market conditions, and competitive pressures.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Pfizer’s goal for both its business units is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of all their customers. They achieve this with ongoing innovation through state-of-the-art research and development, ... ...s small, medium, large, and extra large coolers to accommodate shipments ranging in size.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Government regulations are a large threat to our company. In December 1998, the Council of European Agricultural Ministers voted to ban the use of Pfizer’s antibiotic feed additive, STAFAC, throughout the European Union. It is regulations like these that can stunt our sales growth in both of our business segments. FDA requirements and reviews have increased the amount of time and money necessary to develop new products and bring them to market. Our international businesses are subject to a number of risks that are inherent in carrying on business in other countries. Some government-imposed restraints may include laws on pricing or reimbursements for use of products.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another threat to Pfizer’s Animal Health segment is competition. Principal methods of competition in this marketplace vary depending on the particular product, but are mainly: product innovation, service, price, quality, and effective promotion to veterinary professionals and consumers. Pfizer is the leader in the animal health industry today. Some of their main competitors are Merck, Alpharma Inc, and Wingo Inc.

Personalities of The Cold War Essay

Who caused the cold war? Focus; the role of each personality in contributing to the cold warTime frame: 1945 to 1952Cold war- period of intense tension and mistrust, leading to competition and confrontations. Stand: both Stalin and Truman contributed to the cold war. The key personalities that contributed to the cold war are namely Stalin and Truman,both in office in US and USSR respectively. both were responsible as their personalities and level of experiences contributed to their policies made, which heightened tensions and thus caused the cold war. Personality traits like Stalin’s paranoia gave rise to his expansionist policy, which hardline Truman viewed as aggression and tried to counter it in the Truman Doctrine and Marshall plan. Truman’s low level of experience in dealing with Stalin also increased tensions and led to the cold war. Stalin was aggressive and protective of the USSR as he was a true hardline communist and believed that Russia had to stay strongly communist. However, the USSR was invaded thrice in no more than a century and also suffered civil war and intervention from anti-communist forces from 1918 to 1920, when communism as an ideology was at infancy. These anti-communist forces comprised of the West when they helped the Whites during the Bolshevik Revolution. From this, Stalin believed that the West wanted to destroy communism before communism became stronger. His mistrust grew as he became paranoid and thought of the West as a potential security threat this was because This prompted his embarking on salami tactics ( an expansionist policy) so that Communism would remain strong in Eastern Europe. Gradually the Russians began to systematically interfere in the countries in Eastern Europe to set up pro-communist governments, in countries like Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Albania and Romania. Stalin felt that his actions were justified for the defense of communism, and that salami tactics were absolutely necessary. He did not realize that his actions had frightened the West. What he failed to consider was that the west was not interested in destroying communism but was looking more towards post war cooperation. The  west showed this through the decisions made at the post-war conferences when Russia was allowed to take reparations from Germany and it was allowed to benefit from the loans from the west, known as the Lend Lease. His paranoia in embarking on the expansionist policy ( comprising Salami tactics) when juxtaposed with Truman’s hardline views, only served to heighten suspicion and tensions, leading to the Cold war. Similarly, Truman became suspicious of the USSR’s intent towards eastern Europe. He was a hardline president who stood firmly against Communism, and was intolerant of the needs of the USSR . Truman saw Stalin’s actions as a breach of the Declaration of Eastern Europe where Stalin had promised to allow countries like Poland free elections but failed to do so, instead carrying out the reverse and forcing communist governments in these countries through rigged electionsTruman, with his hardline view that communism was bad, viewed Stalin’s moves as being remarkably similar to Hitler’s salami tactics, and that the USSR was embarking on aggression. In addition he felt that if he did not stop Stalin, Stalin would think that Eastern Europe was his for the taking, and capitalism would perish. This in turn led to the formation of the Truman Doctrine and Marshall plan which would serve to increase tensions (elaborated below)Secondly, the Truman Doctrine and the Marsh all Plan. The West formulated the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall plan to contain communism in Greece and Turkey. Communists were trying to overthrow the monarchy but british troops who restored the monarchy in the past were feeling the strain of supporting it against the communists. The british prime minister appealed to the USA and Truman announced that it would † support free peoples who are resisting subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressure’ and Greece received massive amounts of aid and the communists were defeated. The funds of the Truman doctrine were obtained through Congress where Truman portrayed the situation in Greece and Turkey as part of the global communist threat. Truman’s low level of experience prevented him from realizing that Stalin would see the Truman doctrine as an attempt to subvert them. In other words, he did not deal with stalin before, and did not see that his portrayal was excessively confrontational and would  serve to heighten Stalin’s paranoia and escalate his mistrust towards the West. Similarly, the Marshall plan was formulated to facilitate economic recovery in Eastern Europe. By September, 16 nations had drawn up a joint plan for using American aid and in total over 13000 million dollars of Marshall Aid was given to western European countries. However, the west did not consider the impact that the Marshall plan would have on how the USSR viewed them. Truman’s low level of experience with dealing with the Stalin prevented him from seeing that the Stalin was sensitive about USSR’s economic status (Stalin refused to ratify the the Bretton Woods agreement so that the West would not realize how economically weak the USSR was in 1945. The Bretton woods agreement was a system to acquire international currency stabilization which required foreign access to sensitive economic data. Stalin viewed the policy as ‘dollar imperialism† and as a blatant American device for gaining control of western Europe, and made all Russian states reject the offer. The Truman doctrine and the Marshall plan would eventually prompt Stalin( along with his paranoia) to come up with the Cominform and the Comecon which served to unify all Eastern European satellite states. Truman’s low level of experience in coming up with the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall plan, when juxtaposed with Stalin’s paranoia, fueled further consolidation of power by Stalin, which escalated tensions on both the USA and the USSR and caused the Cold war. Biblography: Richard Crockett, the fifty years war: The United States and the Soviet Union in World Politics, 1945-1991Gaddis, John Lewis. We now know: Rethinking Cold war History. US: Oxford University Press.

Discretion in the Criminal Justice System Essay

Shifting the amount of discretion within our justice system could be for better or worse, but why fix something that’s not broken? Although most police officers use discretion, â€Å"Many police officers (and whole departments) prefer to focus on the justice aspects of police work: getting offenders off the streets, responding to emergencies, scoring big drug busts, and generally ‘catching the bad guys. ‘† (Fuller, J. R. Pg. 6. ) No matter how much discretion you give an officer, it’s ultimately their choice to use it. Although it is common throughout the criminal justice system, some authoritative figures don’t use discretion in a way to guide punishments; they stay in accordance with established guidelines. In my opinion, depending on the severity of the crime discretion should or should not be used. For example, discretion should be used for a first time offender for speeding but should not be used for a first time offender of rape. â€Å"The police are typically the first contact that young victims and delinquents have with the juvenile justice system. As with adults, law enforcement serves as the gatekeeper to the justice system. † (Fuller, J. R. Pg 17. ) It is extremely important for a police officer to make the decision of introducing a juvenile to the justice system. The responsibility for authorities to use discretion is crucial for a juvenile’s future. With adults, less discretion could be used because they have a greater sense of morals. In today’s society I have personally seen adults expect leniency just because, for example, they have a police organization bumper sticker. Enforcing the law for adults who are habitual offenders is necessary to uphold order. One can only push society and the law so far; at some point you must face the consequences. As we talked about in class, the 3-strike rule is a fair method of deciding who should be held accountable. â€Å"Three major studies were commissioned to examine police practices in detail and to update the 1931 Wickersham commission report (National Commission on Law Observance and Enforcement, 1971). These include the report of the President’s Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice (1967) entitled The Challenge of Crime in a Free Society (1967), a report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders (1968), and a report of the National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals (1973). Each of these commissions was a major undertaking by a large number of scholars and practitioners who focused on solving some of the problems in both policing and the criminal justice system as a whole. The commission reports include multiple proposals to tighten the controls over police discretion, including the use and abuse of force. † (Alpert, Dunham. Pg. 11. ) Whether for good or bad; laws shape citizen’s views of beliefs, actions and character. Unfortunately not all systems of morality and discretion are used properly. Discretion should be used in moderation and to preserve order in society, not used in excessive amounts to threaten the law’s purpose. In summary, I feel discretion is a necessity. With our overcrowded jails, police and judges need to use their training, insight and experience to keep the public safe from individuals that have no regard for the law. Bibliography * Alpert, Geoffrey P. ; Dunham, Roger G†¦ Understanding Police Use of Force: Officers, Suspects, and Reciprocity. West Nyack, NY, USA: Cambridge University Press, 2004. p 11. * Hagan, F. (2011). Ch 1. Essentials of Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology (pp. 1-45). New York, New York: Prentice Hall, 3rd Edition. * Fuller, J. R. (2008). Juvenile Delinquency – Mainstream and Crosscurrents. New York, New York: Prentice Hall, 1st edition. * Owen, S. S. (2012). Foundations of criminal justice. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Whether to Use Whether or If

Whether to Use Whether or If Whether to Use Whether or If Whether to Use Whether or If By Mark Nichol Sometimes, when it comes to deciding between using the word whether and employing the word if, the correct choice is obvious: â€Å"I don’t know if to turn the oven knob left or right† is obviously wrong, but the almost-identical statement â€Å"I don’t know if I should turn the oven knob left or right† is acceptable. However, because if implies probability, and whether indicates a choice between alternatives, in formal writing, the latter is more appropriate. Similarly, â€Å"I don’t remember if I turned the oven off† is correct, but because â€Å"I don’t remember whether I turned the oven off† more clearly expresses that two alternatives exist, it is better in formal contexts. â€Å"Turn the oven off if you are leaving† is a conditional sentence it involves probability, not choice and therefore if is correct. But â€Å"Turn the oven off whether or not you are leaving† conveys two alternatives, so whether is better. Note also the insertion of the phrase â€Å"or not† into the sentence: When the sense of whether is â€Å"regardless of the possible alternatives,† include the phrase. However, in such constructions as â€Å"I don’t remember whether I turned the oven off,† because whether already has a sense of â€Å"yes or no,† â€Å"or not† is redundant. The phrase â€Å"as to whether† to mean â€Å"about whether,† as in â€Å"I am unclear as to whether a decision has been made,† is correct, but it’s an unnecessary formality; â€Å"about whether† will do. The phrase is also somewhat pedantic in constructions such as â€Å"The question as to whether it will do any good hasn’t been answered.† Simplify to â€Å"Whether it will do any good hasn’t been determined.† When whether follows a noun such as decision, issue, or question, it should do just that, without the word of intervening, if the phrase appears in a sentence such as â€Å"They will make a decision whether we’re there or not.† (â€Å"Or not† is necessary here because the sense of whether is â€Å"regardless.†) But if the sentence structure is something like â€Å"It’s an issue of whether they’re qualified† (here, â€Å"or not† is superfluous), of is integral. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:7 Classes and Types of PhrasesConfusing "Passed" with "Past"Practice or Practise?

Subversive Comedy vs Social Comedy Essay in Restoration Drama

Subversive Comedy vs Social Comedy Essay in Restoration Drama Introduction One of the main reasons why Restoration comedies The Country Wife by William Wycherley and The Rover by Aphra Behn were able to attain a popularity with the members of viewing audiences at the time of their staging, is that both dramaturgical works contain themes and motifs of an unmistakably societal significance.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Subversive Comedy vs Social Comedy Essay in Restoration Drama specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More That is, just as it is the case with Wycherley’s comedy, the one written by Behn does address the socio-cultural effects of Restoration on British society. In this paper, I will explore the validity of this suggestion at length, while arguing that; whereas, The Country Wife is best discussed within the conceptual framework of a ‘subversive comedy’, The Rover fits better into the framework of a ‘social comedy’ (as defined by Canfiel d). Main body According to Canfield: â€Å"Subversive comedy reveals fissures under the smooth surface of official ideology, even as the play end in ritual celebration of society’s centripetal power usually a marriage† (XVII). [This is how the page, containing Canfield’s definition, is numbered]. Canfield’s term implies that this particular type of comedy exposes deep-seated inconsistencies between the official state-ideology and the actual state of socio-cultural affair in the country. In order for us to be able to substantiate the suggestion that the earlier provided definition does apply to Wycherley’s comedy, we will have to make mentioning of what were the specifics of a socio-political situation in Britain, during the course of Restoration. Before being allowed to return to Britain and to assume British throne, Charles II was made to promise that, while acting as a king, he would refrain from trying to limit the British citizens’ newl y gained civil liberties, including the right to enjoy a religious freedom. This created a somewhat paradoxical situation – whereas, the government headed by Charles II predominantly consisted of ‘old school’ aristocrats, strongly affiliated with the representatives of largely Catholic social elites in Europe, the majority of ordinary Britons were in fact Protestants, who resented the ‘immorality’ of the Charles’s court. Thus, in order to be considered a legitimate ruler, Charles II had no other option but to act on behalf of these people, while safeguarding Britain’s interests, as an essentially ‘Protestant country’ – even at the expense of imposing a certain ideological censorship on the members of his formally Catholic/Anglican but factually atheist entourage.Advertising Looking for term paper on british literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is needless to mention, of course, that the court’s aristocratic sophisticates (libertines) were far from considering such state of affairs thoroughly normal. However, while being unable to openly express their lack of enthusiasm towards the prospect of having to coexist peacefully with ‘brutish commoners’, they nevertheless used to do it in a rather subtle manner – such as by favoring the plays, which were supposed to expose the officially sponsored ideology of a ‘national unity’, as having been utterly superficial (Jones, 298). Therefore, it will be fully appropriate, on our part, to refer to Wycherly’s The Country Wife as an unmistakably ‘subversive comedy’. This is because it does promote the idea that, contrary to what were the provisions of the political ideology of Restoration, there was in fact an irreconcilable existential gap between the intellectually advanced/liberated but strongly cynical representatives of British ‘old school’ aristocracy, on the one hand, and the greed-driven/intellectually shallow but pretentiously religious Protestants (Puritans), on the other (Malcolm, 309). As Canfield noted in his book The Broadview Anthology of Restoration and Early Eighteenth Century Drama: â€Å"Subversive comedy tends to focus on†¦ centrifugal energy. Sometimes this energy strains the seams that hope or pretend to stitch together a superficially homogeneous ruling class out of the heterogeneous elements of a tenuous oligarchic coalition† (121). The validity of this statement can be well illustrated in regards to a number of comedy’s scenes, which ridicule the ‘virtuous gang’ members’ tendency to remain strongly committed to leading ‘morally sound’ lifestyles, as the foremost proof of their de facto bestiality. [This is just an introductory statement – it implies that its validity will be illustrated in the paper’s consequential parts]. For example, while explaining his rationale to adopt the posture of a sexually impotent man, Horner states that it is specifically the targeted ‘virtuous’ women’s observable repulsion towards sexually-incapacitated males, which should serve him as the actual indication that, despite being ‘morally uptight’, they nevertheless strongly crave for an adulterous sex. Hence, the discursive significance of Horner’s suggestion that: â€Å"I can be sure, she that shows an aversion to me loves the sport (sex) as those Women that are gone, whom I warrant to be right† (The Country Wife Act 1. Scene 1. Lines 30-31). As Hynes noted: â€Å"Presumably, the women who make the greatest fuss about honor, virtue, and chastity are in fact the most lustful and therefore the most promising subjects† (175). Apparently, having been a rather wise individual, Horner was perfectly aware that one’s adherence to the moralistic do gmas of a particular religion does not make the concerned individual less of an animal, in the biological sense of this word.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Subversive Comedy vs Social Comedy Essay in Restoration Drama specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This implicitly promoted idea was meant to reveal the sheer hypocrisy of how overly religious ‘commoners’ used to address life-challenges, while assuming that the objective laws of nature did not have any effect on them. [This is just my personal interpretation, which is why there is no need to cite any source, in order to confirm the interpretation’s validity]. Another subject of the Wycherley comedy’s societal criticism was the fact that, despite praising the Christian values of ‘love and tolerance’, the male-representatives of the newly emerged social class of bourgeoisie nevertheless could never bring themselves to reco gnize the basic humanity of women. This is because the sheer strength of these people’s commitment to generating a commercial income (according to the Protestant doctrine, one’s financial well-being is the foremost proof that he or she is in favor with God) created objective preconditions for them to refer to women in terms of a soulless commodity (Weber, 35). For example, it is not only that one the comedy’s main characters Jack Pinchwife (representing country-commoners) [The play’s context suggests that the character of Jack Pinchwife is a commoner] used to deny his wife Margery the liberty of being able to socialize with others, but he in fact was quite comfortable with the idea disfiguring her physically, as the ultimate confirmation of his ‘possession’ of this woman. There is a memorable scene in the comedy, when Jack forces Margery to write a letter to Horner, while threatening to ‘punish’ her would-be-disobedience with a k nife: â€Å"Write as I bid you, or I will write ‘Whore’ with this knife in your Face† (The Country Wife Act 4. Scene 2. Line 79). By having this scene included in the comedy, Wycherly wanted to show that, despite having attained a social prominence, the representatives of London’s ‘new money’ bourgeoisie never ceased to remain ‘animals’ on the inside – not just irreconcilably alienated from the ideals of a courtly gallantry, but utterly incapable of understanding what the notion of a behavioral decency stands for. It is quite clear that the comedy’s exposure of these people’s actual ways was meant to undermine even further the integrity of the officially upheld ideology of a ‘national unity’. [This is because the comedy shows that, psychologically speaking, aristocrats and commoners differ from each other rather drastically].Advertising Looking for term paper on british literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Nevertheless, it would not be fully appropriate to discuss the subversive subtleties of The Country Wife, as being solely concerned with exposing the ‘fissures’. After all, it is not only that Wycherly succeeded in revealing the sheer pretentiousness/shallowness of the comedy’s ‘morally virtuous’ characters, such as Jack Pinchwife and Lady Fidget, but he also showed the actual roots of their hypocritical attitudes. Hence, another important aspect of the comedy’s ‘subversiveness’, as such that subtly promoted the idea that, regardless of the amount of the received education, natural-born commoners are simply incapable of matching the aristocrats’ cognitive-perceptual sophistication. As Knapp pointed out: â€Å"The gallants in The Country Wife place a high priority on witty conversation and object to the witless Sparkishs interference with it† (454). The full soundness of this statement can be well explored in regards to the comedy’s scenes, in which Horner mocks Mr. Sparkish’s outright stupidity – despite the fact that the latter continues to remain fully convinced that he is indeed a sophisticate individual: â€Å"No gad, hell never let her (Margery) come amongst us good fellows. Your stingy country Coxcomb keeps his wife from his friends as he does his little Firkin of Ale for his own drinking. Ha, ha, ha, gad, I am witty† (The Country Wife Act 4. Scene 3. Lines 184-187). In this respect, Wycherley’s message is clear – one’s consciously adopted posture in life has very little to do with what the concerned individual really is, in the de facto sense of this word. This message’s discursive implications are also quite apparent – people’s strive to gain a social prominence cannot be discussed in terms of a ‘thing in itself’, as it is only the inheritably noble (and therefore, intelligent) individuals, who are being naturally ‘preordained’ to exercise a political authority within the society. Thus, by mocking ‘piggish commoners’, Wycherley’s comedy in fact undermined the Restoration’s conceptual legitimacy, as such that occurred due to the involved parties’ willingness to reconcile – even though that they never truly believed in the reconciliation’s long-lastingness. Discussion Whereas, Wycherley’s comedy clearly aimed to undermine the discursive provisions of Restoration [that is, this comedy aimed to expose the earlier mentioned ‘fissures’], as the event that contrary to its formal significance, legitimized the British bourgeoisie’s continual dominance in the country’s public life, Aphra Behn’s The Rover had the opposite agenda – convincing viewers that, despite their rather flamboyant lifestyles, British exiled nobles were in fact the nation’s integral part. This, was meant to provide citizens with yet another reason to think of the Restoration, as having been fully justified. Therefore, The Rover can be well discussed in terms of a ‘social comedy’, because it does adhere to the Canfields definition of this particular dramaturgical sub-genre: â€Å"Social comedy socializes threats against hegemonic culture†¦ Good nature and generosity replace wit and energy as the supreme values†¦ even as bourgeois morality becomes an ethic of sentiment, of benevolence, providing the rationale for patronizing the less fortunate, less civilized† (XVII). [This is how the page, containing Canfield’s definition, is numbered]. After all, the themes and motifs [concerned with advancing the cause of Restoration], contained in this particular comedy, do serve the purpose of convincing viewers that there was indeed a very little rationale for them to think of formerly exiled loyalists (‘banish’t Cavaliers’), as having been psychologically alienated from the rest of British ‘common’ citizens. [This is an interpretative statement, supported by the following citation]. In this respect, one hardly disagree with Beach: â€Å"The fact that the play was embraced by the court suggests that The Rover expresses a pro-Stuart ideology, yet its position was moderate and ï ¬â€šexible enough to allow its survival beyond its historical moment† (2). The legitimacy of the earlier suggestion can be shown in relation to the following ideological aspects of Behn’s comedy: First, The Rover promotes the idea that, contrary to what contemporaries used to think of exiled gallants, there was nothing ‘effeminate’ about these people’s postures in life (Beach 7). The character of Willmore is especially illustrative, in this respect. It is not only that he never tries to avoid fighting with the numerically superior Spanish, but also he always ends up chasing them away in the end, whi le usually commenting their ‘retreats’ in a rather sarcastic manner: â€Å"A plague upon your Dons, if they fight no better theyll neer recover Flanders.- What the Devil wast to them that I took down the Picture?† (The Rover Act 2. Scene 2. Lines 201-203). As it can be well seen from the above-quotation, it was a customary practice for Willmore to refer to his Spanish competitors with utter disrespect, due to their cowardly attitudes. There is even more to it the second part of Willmore’s remark implies that, as compared with the British, the Spanish are differently ‘brain-wired’. Whereas, the Spanish are ‘emotion-driven’, the British are ‘rationale-driven’ – hence, the key to the existential superiority of the latter. Apparently, Behn was trying to advance the idea that there was nothing accidental about the fact that, regardless of what happened to be the actual form of the British government (monarchy or re public) in the past, Britons never had a problem, while subduing their Spanish counterparts. It is needless to mention, of course, that there is a strongly defined nationalist sentiment to it, which in turn implies that, while working on The Rover, Behn wanted to prompt viewers to think that it is not their class-status that matters, but rather their national affiliation. [This is an interpretative statement, supported by the earlier provided line of argumentation]. Second, The Rover promotes the idea that, even though the exiled British ‘cavaliers’ did not have any other option but socialize with Catholics, there was nothing ‘treacherous’ about it, as the gallants in question never ceased recognizing the apparent fallacies of Catholicism. For example, after having listened to Hellena’s plans of becoming a nun, Willmore exclaims â€Å"A Nun! Oh how I love thee fort! theres no Sinner like a young Saint† (The Rover Act 1. Scene 2. Lines 70-71). Obviously enough, this Willmore’s remark was meant to expose him as a rationally minded individual, highly skeptical of the Catholics’ tendency to follow the dogmas of their religion, regardless of how nonsensical the latter might have been. This, of course, was intended to provide the audience members with a yet additional reason to believe that, despite the Restoration’s formally ‘reactionary’ nature [monarchy is the discursively outdated form of government], there was nothing truly reactionary about it, as it is one’s endowment with the sense of ‘Englishness’ which reflects upon his or her social value, and not the concerned person’s religion (Beach 8). Hence, yet another justification for our earlier suggestion that The Rover does in fact belong to the sub-genre of a ‘social comedy’ – this play subtly argues that it is specifically the governmental officials’ ability to maintain the societyâ €™s structural integrity, which should be considered the main indication of their professional adequacy. Third, Behn’s comedy shows that the Britain’s eventual transformation from being ruled by ‘nobles’ to being ruled by ‘merchants’ was bound to occur – regardless of the aristocrats’ attitude towards it. This [‘What?’ what?] is the true significance of the motif of prostitution, explored throughout the comedy’s entirety. There is another memorable scene in The Rover, where Angelica tries to enlighten Willmore, as to the fact that there is nothing fundamentally different between women ‘renting’ their bodies to make a commercial profit, on the one hand, and men marrying women ‘in good faith’ for essentially the same purpose, on the other: â€Å"Pray, tell me, Sir, are not you guilty of the same mercenary Crime? When a Lady is proposed to you for a Wife, you never ask, how fair, di screet, or virtuous she is; but whats her Fortune which if but small, you cry She will not do my business and basely leave her†¦?† (The Rover Act 2. Scene 2. Lines 105-109). There is a strongly defined discursive overtone to this Angelica’s remark (with which Willmore agrees) Behn wanted to advance the idea that, since the relations between men and women can be well conceptualized in terms of commercial transactions, there is nothing wrong about the process of the 17th century’s British society becoming ever more ‘commercialized’. After all, men and women comprise just about any human society. [This is the common sense knowledge]. As Szilagyi noted: â€Å"Angelicas prostitution†¦ is, in principle, foundational for all the socio-political contracts between individuals in public life† (449). In other words, by prompting readers to adopt an intellectually flexible attitude towards the notion of prostitution, in general, Behn was sim ultaneously trying to enlighten them on the discursive connotations of socio-economic dynamics within the British society, in particular – hence, patronizing them to an extent. [The validity of this statement is confirmed by the above-quotation and by what are the interpretative implications of the earlier deployed line of an argumentative reasoning]. By doing it, she undoubtedly contributed towards the process of British formally monarchist government striving to set the country on the path of cultural and technological progress. This, of course, once again confirms the validity of the earlier suggestion that The Rover may indeed be discussed in terms of a ‘social comedy’. [The reason for this is apparent – as opposed to what it happened to be the case with ‘subversive comedies’, The Rover does not strive to expose the ‘centrifugal energy’ within the society, but rather to conceal it. This is also the example of an interpretative statement, so I do not quite understand why I am being required to provide any reference-sources]. Conclusion I believe that the deployed line of argumentation, in regards to what should be considered the extent of each of the analyzed plays’ consistency with Canfield’s definitions of ‘subversive’ and ‘social’ Restoration comedies, fully correlates with the paper’s initial thesis. [There are no Canfield’s ‘terms’ per se, but only his highly subjective (pretentiously sophisticate but rather unintelligible, I may add) visions, as to what the concepts of ‘subversive’ and ‘social’ comedy stand for. Therefore, I am not in a position to provide universally applicable explanations to these ‘terms’ (I will be asked for ‘sources’ again), since the very essence of the discussed subject matter denies such a possibility. We do not talk nuclear physics here; there are no scient ific formulas involved. The points made earlier, do expose the discursive difference between both comedies. If these points are not clear to you, I will be able to highlight them for your convenience]. Beach, Adam. â€Å"Carnival Politics, Generous Satire, and Nationalist Spectacle in Behns The Rover.† Eighteenth-Century Life 28.3 (2004): 1-19.Print. Behn, Aphra 1677, The Rover. PDF file. 31 Mar. 2013. https://scholarsbank.uoregon.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1794/719/rover.pdf?sequence=1 Canfield, Douglas. The Broadview Anthology of Restoration and Early  Eighteenth Century Drama. Peterborough: Broadview Press, 2001. Print. Canfield, Douglas. Tricksters and Estates: On the Ideology of Restoration  Comedy. Lexington: The University Press of Kentucky, 1997. Print. Hynes, Peter. â€Å"Against Theory? Knowledge and Action in Wycherleys Plays.†Ã‚  Modern Philology 94.2 (1996): 163-189. Print. Jones, James. â€Å"Liberty secured? Britain Before After 1688.† Canad ian  Journal of History 28. 2 (1993): 295-305. Print. Knapp, Peggy. â€Å"The ‘Plyant’ Discourse of Wycherleys ‘The Country Wife’.  Studies in English Literature 40.3 (2000): 451-472. Print. Malcolm, Joyce. â€Å"Charles II and the Reconstruction of Royal Power.† The  Historical Journal 35.2 (1992): 307-330. Print. Szilagyi, Stephen. â€Å"The Sexual Politics of Behns Rover: After Patriarchy.†Ã‚  Studies in Philology 95.4 (1998): 435-455. Print. Weber, Max. The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. Routledge, London, 2001. Print. Wycherly, William 1675, The Country Wife. PDF file. Web.

How to Format APA Citations

How to Format APA Citations How to Format APA Citations APA referencing – developed by the American Psychological Association – is used to cite sources in academic writing. But how does this system work? In this post, we take a look at APA citations, how to quote sources, and a few variations of the basic citation format you may need to know. 1. Basic APA Citations APA uses author–date citations (a form of parenthetical referencing). This means you cite a source by giving the surname of its author and the date of its publication in brackets: Many people use APA citations (Schreiber, 2001). As shown above, APA citations place a comma between the author’s name and the year. If the author is already named in the text, meanwhile, you only need to give the year in brackets: Schreiber (2001) states that many people use APA citations. This is the basic APA citation format for all sources with a single author. 2. Sources with More than One Author For sources with two authors, include both surnames in citations. The names should be joined by an ampersand if they are cited in brackets, but not when they appear in the main text: Two is company (Schreiber Harkin, 2011). According to Schreiber and Harkin (2011), two is company. When a source has three to five authors, the format is the same as above for the first citation. For instance: Three is a crowd (Schreiber, Harkin, Murray Ptaszynski, 2014). However, if you were to cite the same source again, you would use the first name plus â€Å"et al.† to prevent repetition. For example: Nobody yet knows what comes after a crowd (Schreiber et al., 2014). For sources with more than five authors, meanwhile, you should cite the first named author plus â€Å"et al.† in all citations, including the first one (full author information is still given in the reference list). 3. Organizational Authors Some sources, such as the website of a business, won’t have a named individual as an author. When this occurs, you can name a company or organization as the author: Missing citations can affect your grades (Proofed, 2018). This is known as citing an â€Å"organizational author.† If there is no organizational author available either, though, you may have to give the title of the source in the citation instead of an author. 4. Quoting Sources If you are quoting a source, you need to give a pinpoint citation. This means citing the page number(s) of the quoted passage: It is important to â€Å"provide evidence in essays† (Schreiber, 2001, p. 24). As shown above, you should give the page number(s) after a comma and â€Å"p.† when the author’s name is part of the citation. However, you should cite the page number separately when the author has been named in the text instead: Schreiber (2001) says we must â€Å"provide evidence in essays† (p. 24). The key is that page numbers always appear after the quotation. 5. Audiovisual Sources If you want to quote an audiovisual source, you need to cite a timestamp: The interviewee claimed that â€Å"video is the future† (Harkin, 2017, 21:34). Here, for example, the â€Å"21:34† in the citation shows that the quote comes from 21 minutes and 34 seconds into the recording. This replaces the page numbers cited when quoting a print source. 6. Multiple Sources in One Citation You can, if required, cite more than one source in a single set of brackets. All you need to do is place a semicolon between the citations, which should be ordered alphabetically by author surname: There is strong agreement on this issue among experts (Harkin, 2001; Ptaszynski, 1998; Schreiber, 2010). Citing more than one source at the same time like this can be useful if you need to show that multiple sources support the same argument. 7. Multiple Sources by the Same Author from the Same Year For most sources, the author’s surname and year of publication will be enough for the reader to find it in the reference list. However, if you are citing more than one source by the same author from the same year, you will need to provide extra information to help the reader. APA referencing does this by placing a letter after the year of publication: Publishing success can vary by year (Harkin, 2001a). Some years may see an author release multiple works, whereas other years may see them publish nothing at all (Harkin, 2001b). Here, we have two sources by Harkin from 2001. As such, we label these â€Å"2001a† and â€Å"2001b† in citations and in the reference list so readers can tell which citation points to which source. The letter used depends on the position of the source in the reference list, with sources from the same year ordered alphabetically by title. So, if we have two sources by Harkin from 2001, one called Analyzing APA and another called Myths of Referencing, the former would come first in the reference list and be cited as ‘2001a’, while the latter would come second and be cited as â€Å"2001b.† 8. More than One Author with the Same Surname Finally, if you cite separate sources by two authors who happen to have the same surname, you should add a first initial to citations so that your reader can tell them apart: Some surnames are very common (A. Smith, 1984). This can lead to confusion between people with the same surname (B. Smith, 2004). Adding this initial will help readers find the sources in your reference list.

Do administration times of anti-retro viral therapies affect their Essay

Do administration times of anti-retro viral therapies affect their efficacy - Essay Example Although none of the studies I found, as stated, were specifically designed to test my hypothesis. The majority the studies, in reading, the test found evidence or results that lead to the theory that timing of drug therapy is vital in the treatment of AIDS. Specific studies in this area would, in my estimation, greatly advance what we know about AIDS, best practice methods for treatment, and the possibility for halting its progression. I am a nursing working with AIDS patients. In the daily course of my duties I have seen numerous patients whose treatment plans vary greatly from one individual to another. Often the drug therapy methodologies and prescription frequency are contrary to commonly accepted practices and sometimes conflict with pharmaceutical recommendations. As a nurse, my primary goal is to enhance the level of treatment AIDS patients receive and to ensure treatment methods are in the best interest of maintaining the client’s health and quality of life. The conflicting treatment methods began to raise questions for me. I began to ask whether the initial implementation of drug therapy had a direct impact on the patient’s longevity and quality of life. There were varying opinions amongst healthcare givers on the best time to begin treatment. Although this is sometimes determined by the time diagnosis of the disease with respect to the progress of the virus, often times, even with early dia gnosis, the decision to begin administering of anti-retro drugs was not uniform. Dr. Jens Lundgren, a physician at the Copenhagen HIV Programme and Dr. Andrew N. Phillips, a professor of epidemiology reported in a British Journal of Medicine article that had examined the indirect relationship discovered regarding the assessment of the efficacy of anti-HIV drugs. Through analyzing data from various trials they were examining the effectiveness of various drug treatments. However, at the conclusion of their research they

Conducting a library search Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Conducting a library search - Essay Example The article however reduced drastically once I started becoming specific with the information I was researching. The articles were narrowed down to only slightly above one million articles from the CINAHL database which contains authentic nursing journal articles with specific information on different types of primary care settings and which narrows down the search. The narrowing down process involved become more specific in the search. I started off with the broad primary care settings but it was too broad. This was followed by specifying which field of primary care setting I wanted information from which is health education. Lastly, i narrowed down to which specific database I wanted the information from and this completely reduced the search and provided me with specific and reliable information. The information initially sought was way too vague and hence led to large packets of information which was mostly irrelevant being displayed. However, with much specific details being added, the search was finally narrowed down to the most important and most relevant of the information which is way more helpful in

Prospective on corporate strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Prospective on corporate strategy - Essay Example He argues that if these principles are not followed in entirety then a firm would be unable to maintain or enhance its strategic position. The first principle is to develop the ‘right goals’, which means the targets and objectives that are realistic and achievable in real world. For instance, the goals should be defined in a way they could create economic value for customers. This is happened when certain want-satisfying products are developed and marketed that in turn lead to consumer satisfaction / loyalty and relationship building in the long run (Porter, 1996). Profits are viewed by Porter (2001) as a secondary element of strategy because if a firm’s primary aim is profit then it would probably devise wrong policies. The second principle is ‘value proposition’ that refers to promises made by a supplier to its buyers. Indeed, the stronger the value proposition the greater the probability of enhanced strategic positioning. The third principle is â⠂¬Ëœdistinctive value chain’, which means that firms should differentiate their business functions compared to their rivals to support its distinctive value proposition (Hamel & Prahalad, 1990). The fourth principle is to ‘trade off’ certain characteristics during strategy formulation to ensure differentiation. ... Indeed, an organization with weak positioning could not survive, expand and sustain in a challenging, complex and unpredictable 21st century business environment. Task 2 It is worth mentioning that this is a globalized world (an outcome of technological advancements) where competition is intense among business firms due to relatively fewer barriers in entering in corporate arena. Nevertheless, the organizations also enjoy multiple benefits due to these technological innovations because they automate their business process and ensure their virtual presence to enhance their strategic position (inclusive of productivity and efficiency, cost reduction, market reach / share and sales volume). Apparently, it seems as if internet is a very useful tool for any firm (traditional operations) or e-business to attract a large pool of potential customers through web (dot com) presence. However, the first major criticism is that a significantly large number of dot com ventures fail and internet is not extremely beneficial for sales purposes because today it has been used by all entities (Stead et al, 2007). Indeed, every credible small and large business has created a website to facilitate and entice potential consumers towards their products (for example General Motors will not have a genuine advantage on Toyota and Chrysler because every global corporation enjoys online presence). For instance, another criticism is that the online customers are disadvantaged because they could not physically test and validate the products they order online (on web); therefore, they tend to make purchases online mostly from companies that have earned credibility and authenticity in open market and

Economic Opportunities Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Economic Opportunities Paper - Essay Example American labor is not sufficient to fill in all these job vacancies and migration of workers from Europe and Asia are encouraged. As such, labor and employment opportunities are open in almost all areas of US. . Many states needed immigrants to add up to their sparse population to spur up the economy. They need workers to mines, factories and fields. These states actively invited immigrants by offering jobs or land for farming. Labor Exchanges were created to promote migration, offering cheap lands for permanent homes and cultivation. In Oregon, for example, Governor L. F. Grover, on August 23, 1870 issued a statement of need for farming population, inviting migrants to own land for residence and for cultivation of variety of products.(Oregon State Archives) Some States, Kansas, for one, made migration part of their business in order to increase their population. They have hired agents in principal seaports in Europe and in New York to communicate with migrant workers. All kinds of assistance are given such as reduced transportation fare, start up supplies, guides and attention to immigrants so they will be able to adapt in their new environment. Kansas was able to increase its population of 107.110 in 1860 to 550,000 in 1870 through immigration. (Oregon State Archives) * Shipbuilding. A lot of workers are needed as ship builder since US is one of the largest shipbuilders supplying the needs of Great Britain. * Iron industry. Iron makers are needed in Pennsylvania wherein the industry made progress and iron exports are developing. Other opportunities are the disparities of income from the migrant’s home country as compared to US make a big difference and enough reason for workers to come. Young and adventurous immigrants have come to US, and upon arrival looked for work and settled in communities where they have relatives and

Case Brief Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Brief - Case Study Example While the plaintiff does not have her palimony agreement in writing, because she filed her claim before the enactment of the new legislature, the judge ruled the amendment does not apply to her case. In doing such, the judge further ruled to deny the defendant’s motion to dismiss the complaint and the defendant’s counterclaims. Barbara A. Botis is the girlfriend of the late Gary A. Kudrick. Botis claims herself and Kudrick were in a â€Å"marriage-type relationship† for the greater part of 32 years after Kudrick divorced his wife. Botis further claims that Kudrick promised to take care of her after his death even though he did not put her in his will. Therefore, Botis seeks palimony- or compensation made by one member of an unmarried couples to another member after separation. Estate of Gary A. Kudrick denies that Botis and Kudrick were ever in a â€Å"marriage-type relationship† and, therefore, the plaintiff is not entitled to any compensation. Furthermore, the Estate seeks its own compensation from the plaintiff for unauthorized withdrawals from a home equity line on one of the deceased’s residences, removing belongings from one of the residences, and refusing to return stolen financial documents. In addition, the defendant later requested to expand the later counterclaim to include fraud, perjury, attorney fees, and punitive damages. Plaintiff stands that her and the late Gary Kudrick met in high school in approximately 1954. Although they initially married other people, after both of their respective marriages ended, they began a committed relationship. In 1976, Kudrick moved into Botis’s residence while still maintaining his own separate residence. They then lived together for approximately eight years before selling her residence and moving into his expanded residence in 1984 of which she claims she invested $17,000. Then, in 1995, they supposedly purchase another home

Fulton's Ice Land Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Fulton's Ice Land - Case Study Example Therefore Fulton is trying to adopt some strategies which would increase its profits. Fulton’s current strategy To evaluate the current strategy of Fulton’s ice Land, the 4Cs of marketing is taken into consideration. The 4Cs includes Customer Value, Cost, Convenience and Communication (Crandall, p.57). Fulton’s Ice Land offers indoor staking with a conventional hockey rink surface. Steve operates the staking program and runs a successful hockey program which is accompanied by decent profits. Steve wants to expand his business so that he could allow 700 people at one time in the public session. Steve has 14 public staking session in his ice skating but unfortunately it has not attracted many customers. Out of which the public sessions hold on Saturday and Sunday afternoon has been the most successful, which has recorded an average of 200 people during the winter session. This session has mainly attracted the kids dropped by their parents for many hours and also at tracted few family groups. But the public session operated on Friday and Saturday evening were the biggest disappointment for Steve. This session attracted the age group of 8-14 years and only a handful of young and teenage couples affecting the environment which Steve expected to create for the dating couples and the old patrons. Later Steve limited this session for people of age group above 14 years so to get a better environment for the young crowds. In order to make the skating fun and relaxing Steve installed few lights and music which encourage people to skate to the beats of the music and couples to skate together. Steve basically tried to attract the couples and was successful. Steve hired a local radio disk jockey which attracted many young crowds and couples. Steve realized that it was hard changing the attitude of the people and most of its customers on the weekends belonged to age group of 13 and less. Thus Steve’s effort to attract the teenage and couples did not generate a positive response. Steve’s motive of expanding his public skating program was assumed to attract as many as 700 customers in a public session instead of limiting the use of ice to 12 to 24 players per hour. Steve plans to charge $200 an hour plus concession sale, the two hour public skating would be charged at a rate of $5 per person which would yield up to $3500 for two hours plus a higher concession rate. By operating a large public skating session Fulton expected to earn a profitable turnover. Fulton’s evening session on Friday and Saturday were rated at $5 per person and $1.50 for skate rental. Steve has invested more than $3000 in lighting and about $9000 in promotional activity mainly promoting the rock music radio station which proved to be a failure. Steve operated 14 sessions out of which the public session on Saturday and Sunday were the most successful. The people could choose a session as per their convenience. The kids and families usually arri ved more on Saturday and Sunday during the winter. Fulton Ice Land is situated in the northern part of USA, which is attracted by many Ice Skating rinks; therefore Fulton’s introduction of 14 public sessions would be convenient for the people to choose as per their timings and enjoy the winter with families and friends. Steve used radio as a means of communication in promoting its new offerings, which did not deliver a desired result. Steve spent almost $9000 in promoting the session over rock music radio

Case Brief Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Brief - Case Study Example While the plaintiff does not have her palimony agreement in writing, because she filed her claim before the enactment of the new legislature, the judge ruled the amendment does not apply to her case. In doing such, the judge further ruled to deny the defendant’s motion to dismiss the complaint and the defendant’s counterclaims. Barbara A. Botis is the girlfriend of the late Gary A. Kudrick. Botis claims herself and Kudrick were in a â€Å"marriage-type relationship† for the greater part of 32 years after Kudrick divorced his wife. Botis further claims that Kudrick promised to take care of her after his death even though he did not put her in his will. Therefore, Botis seeks palimony- or compensation made by one member of an unmarried couples to another member after separation. Estate of Gary A. Kudrick denies that Botis and Kudrick were ever in a â€Å"marriage-type relationship† and, therefore, the plaintiff is not entitled to any compensation. Furthermore, the Estate seeks its own compensation from the plaintiff for unauthorized withdrawals from a home equity line on one of the deceased’s residences, removing belongings from one of the residences, and refusing to return stolen financial documents. In addition, the defendant later requested to expand the later counterclaim to include fraud, perjury, attorney fees, and punitive damages. Plaintiff stands that her and the late Gary Kudrick met in high school in approximately 1954. Although they initially married other people, after both of their respective marriages ended, they began a committed relationship. In 1976, Kudrick moved into Botis’s residence while still maintaining his own separate residence. They then lived together for approximately eight years before selling her residence and moving into his expanded residence in 1984 of which she claims she invested $17,000. Then, in 1995, they supposedly purchase another home

Crisis and conflict are inevitable in capitalist economies Essay Example for Free

Crisis and conflict are inevitable in capitalist economies Essay Marx believed that capitalism was doomed, and he developed an intricate analysis of the law of motion of capitalist society to prove it (Fusfeld 2002, p 50). At one level his argument had a moral basis. He argued that the inherent injustices of capitalism lead ultimately to social and economic conditions, which cannot be maintained (Fusfeld 2002, p 50). On another level his argument is sociological: class conflict- between a decreasing number of increasingly wealthy capitalists and a growing and increasingly miserable working class- will lead ultimately to a social revolution (Fusfeld 2002, p 50). To conclude his Final argument is economic, that the accumulation of capital in private hands makes possible economic abundance; yet accumulation also leads to depressions, chronic unemployment and the economic breakdown of capitalism (Fusfeld 2002, p 50). At each level the idea of conflict is emphasized: conflict between ideal reality, between capital and labor, and between stagnation (Fusfeld 2002, p 50). Out of conflict comes change, and in this respect according to Marx, capitalism must give way to another society in which conflict is replaced by ethical, social, and economic harmony. Furthermore, Marx argued that the crisis would become deeper and severe longer as capitalism developed. Student no. Z3220293 However Marxs analysis of conflict within capitalist societies was limited by his theory of the laws of motion. He argued that conflict between classes created by an unequal distribution of wealth, and would ultimately lead to an unsustainable social situation prompting the demise of the world capitalist system. Thus, he perceived class conflict as the fatal flaw of capitalism. However his detractors would argue that conflict of some form exists in all human interactions and thus has existed in all political and economic systems, concluding that capitalism addresses this inherently human conflict in order to avoid crisis. In a capitalist society according to Marx, the two great economic interests are those of a capitalist and worker. These two classes stand opposition to each other, since the capitalist can prosper only if the worker is exploited. In this respect capitalism is only the latest in series of social organizations in which one class exists at the expense of another, stated in the communist manifesto. Marxists would further argue that peoples dominated politically or economically by great capitalist nations now bear the burden of exploitation, poverty and unemployment However as a proof of Marxs errors, his detractors point to the rising living standards of modern nations. The working class has not been subjected to growing misery, and labor unions have gained economic and political power in all major industrialized countries (Fusfeld 2002, p 50). Moreover, the working class Student no. Z3220293 has shared the increased wealth, income, and economic benefits that have been spread widely throughout all social classes. In spite of all the concessions that have been made to the working class, such as social welfare legislation, union organization and higher living standards Marxists contend that the basic defects of capitalism remain, holding back economic growth and postponing the emergence of the abundant society (Fusfeld 2002, p 50). Nevertheless Marxs prediction of the triumph of socialism and the creation of democratic, egalitarian, and nonexplotive society has not proved accurate. Capitalism was placed on the defensive by the rise of communist regimes in Russia and China, and by the spread of socialism through many of the less-developed countries (Fusfeld 2002, p 60). But in most instances, these non-capitalist economies developed authoritarian political regimes, new forms of economic and social inequality, and new aspects of exploitation. Ultimately Marx argued, as Fusfeld states ( 2002) the economy could achieve widespread abundance and produce enough for all, and at that point in human history all people could be completely free, both politically and economically. Further more Marxist economics suggested that capitalism could not achieve this Student no. Z3220293 goal, as it prevented the full development of modern technology and resulted in periodic stoppage of capital accumulation. However, it is evident that under capitalism technology has flourished. More so capitalism has provided the push for new productive industries, as it is a continued to growing and change. Thus such an economy offers more opportunities then a stagnant one. For example China is the manufacturing hub of the globe. Even though China has its roots in communism it is still regarded as an extremely influential capitalist society. Its cities are booming. There are more building cranes in china than in all the United States. Chinas super-highways are filled with modern cars. Its research and development centers are state of the art. At the rate its growing, China will soon be the largest economy in the world. In these respects it is evident to conclude that under capitalism economies have grown and benefited, due to its productive nature. Further more, in a Marx perspective, labor under capitalism is exploited as it is not paid the full value of the products and services it produces. The capitalist employs workers at the current wage rate and works them for as many hours each day as possible, making sure that the value of the workers output is greater than the wage paid (Fusfeld 2002, p 61). This difference between the wage and the value added by the worker, which Marx refers to as surplus value, becomes the capitalist profit. Exploitation of the worker can be intensified, and the surplus Student no. Z3220293 value appropriated by the capitalist can be increased, by an employers efforts to achieve lower wages, longer hours and an employment of greater number of women and children. Marx was correct in some respects, for example developing countries at present are experiencing high rates of exploitation. Women and children whom work in such exploitive environments in china for example for less then a few dollars a day are the truth in Marxs theory. More so, Marx critique of capitalism included a forecast of its inevitable break down. In some instances capitalism has served as an unstable society, which has been suffocated with conflict and crisis. For example the great depression and the 1987 recession. In both instances the economy had if not almost hit bottom. In a Marxist view this could be concluded as the demise of capitalism. However his detractors would argue that conflict of some form exists in all political and economic systems, concluding that capitalism addresses this inherently human conflict in order to avoid crisis. Which in some respects is true. For example on black Monday of the October 1987 when a stock collapse of unprecedented size lopped twenty-five percent off the Dow Jones industrial average. The collapse, larger than that of 1929, was handled well by the economy and the stock market began to quickly recover. More so during the great depression certain strategies were adopted to deal with the crisis. The new deal was the name given by President Franklin D. Roosevelt of programs between 1933-1938 with the goal relief, recovery and reform of the United States Student no. Z3220293 economy during the great depression. The new deal had three components, direct relief, economic recovery and financial reform. In these respects one can observe the recovery of capitalist economies and their ability to continue to grow. To conclude it is evident that crisis and conflict is inevitable in capitalism however such an economic system is able to adapt and recover from such conflict. References student no. Z322093 Campbell, D 1996, the failure of Marxism-the concept of inversion in Marxs critique, Dartmouth Press, London Cohen, G A 1978, Karl Marx theory of history, Oxford University Press, London Culter, A, Hindess, B, Hirst, P Hussain, A 1977, marxs capital and capitalism today, Routledge Kegan Paul Ltd, London Fusfeld, D 2002, the age of the economist, 9edn, Addison Wesley Press, Harman, C 1995, how Marxism works, 5edn, Bookmarks Press, Sydney. Worsley, P 2002, Marx and Marxism, revised edn, Routledge Press, London

A Review On The ABM System Information Technology Essay

A Review On The ABM System Information Technology Essay This paper will focus on the benefits of utilizing Activity-based management (ABM) system within the workplace. ABM is defined as: a method of identifying and evaluating activities that a business performs using activity-based costing to carry out a value chain analysis or a re-engineering initiative to improve strategic and operational decisions in an organizationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Activity-based management focuses on managing activities to reduce costs and improve customer value.  [1]   In order to maintain confidentiality, for the purpose of this paper I will refer to my workplace as XYZ Inc. XYZ Inc. in this instance is a Third Party Administrator (TPA) of employee health benefits. XYZ Inc. sells and administers various insurance products and services to an array of clients throughout various industries. Introduction: Organizations implement Activity-based management (ABM) due to the fact it is believed that this will aid them in making better decisions, improve performance and earn more money on assets deployed. Regardless of ones approach or belief, each organization requires information to make decisions, set priorities, allocate resources and monitor actions taken. ABM systems exist only to meet the information requirement. The information and knowledge gained are of value and benefit only when the information is used to improve the business. This paper will illustrate: where I believe ABM would be useful at XYZ Inc.; how ABM is currently used at XYZ Inc.; lastly, the overall usefulness of ABM. Recommended Application of ABM at XYZ Inc.: ABM information has wide use and applicability in XYZ Inc. There are many uses for ABM information which range from determining product/service costs to evaluating acquisition candidates. I feel that XYZ Inc. would benefit greatly by practicing ABM within its operations. XYZ Inc. would benefit from ABM by implementing its practices: To Determine Product/Service Cost; To Improve Performance of Processes and Activities; To Cut Costs/Downsize Operations; and Various other applications such as: To manage projects, to budget and to support acquisition analysis. Current use of ABM at XYZ Inc.: Currently ABM is claimed to be used in the areas of determining product/service cost, improving the performance of processes and activities and in terms of determining the budget. However, in other vital areas such as: determining when to cut costs/downsize, managing projects and acquisition analysis, ABM practices are not present. These areas definitely require the attention of ABM in order to ensure the best and most informed decisions are made relative to these vital areas of the operation. Although XYZ Inc. collects all the data they need for costing (i.e. Number of Employees to ensure, Insurance Premium Bulk Rates, Geographic Location etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦), they dont use it effectively or appropriately. As XYZ Inc. sole purpose is to undercut the competition and provide the lowest possible insurance premium rates to clients in order to attain their business. This is not allowing XYZ Inc. to effectively price their products/services. XYZ Inc. also receives feedback from its clients and customers relating to problems with its services, pointing to bottleneck issues within the claims reimbursements processes. Again, XYZ Inc. does not effectively utilize the information that is being forwarded to them in terms of how to remedy the issue. Rather in information is just ignored with hopes that the issue will in some fashion correct itself. Lastly, in terms of budgeting, the information collected here is used in a more serious manner. Senior management looks closely and most of ten times solely at expenditures throughout the year; almost instantaneously issuing a corporate update outlining where cutbacks will occur in the upcoming year. Most often times Senior management only looks at the large expenditures without taking into account correlating factors or benefits that may have be attained via the expenditures. Collecting all the pertinent data and utilizing it in a productive fashion, in theory would lead to more effective and efficient operations of the organization. However, when human power and capital is spent to ascertain such data and it is not used in accordance with betterment of the organization, this in turn leads to extreme discouragement and the action of accurate record keeping seems to become more and more pointless, creating a sense of uselessness in a vicious cycle and spiral downward within the organizations efficiency and effectiveness. When data is collected, it needs to be utilized in a fashion whereby everyone involved can reap and clearly see the benefits of attaining the data and using it in an effective and efficient manner for the betterment of the organization. Usefulness of ABM in Specified Application Areas: In the areas identified earlier, I will describe how ABM would be useful within the following applications. To Determine Product/Service Cost: In this area accuracy is required for operational and strategic decisions of product mix, product pricing, product line investments and production alternatives. Most ABM implementations are directed toward product/service cost. However, managers use Activity-based costing (ABC) to determine the actual, true cost of products and services. Organizations use ABC because they believe the understanding of true product/service cost will lead to better decisions of product mix, product pricing and product sourcing. Better decisions lead to increased profits. However, knowing true product/service cost does not necessarily result in better product/service decisions. If an organization is selling all it can at a market driven sales price, there may be no opportunity to increase the selling price or changes the mix of products. In these situations, accurate product/service cost information will force the organization to look at the activities associated with making or delivering an unprofitable product/service. To effect reductions in product/service cost, activities will have to be improved; requiring the implementation of ABM system. To Improve Performance of Processes and Activities: Many organizations use ABM as a structured way to select and examine key activity work processes, which are critical to the success of the organization. Activities are defined, analyzed and assigned a cost, in order to determine an organizations current or as is situation. With an organizations current or as is situation established, activities and processes with high potential for improvement can be selected and the efforts/actions undertaken to realize the improvement opportunity. Through identifying the biggest bang for the buck, improvement can be focused. ABM is also used to monitor the result of improvement initiatives. Through reporting cost and performance of processes and activities, people and teams responsible for improvement have a scorecard to judge the result of effort. The ABM system is used to provide the feedback necessary to sustain improvement initiatives. To Cut Cost/Downsize: Some organizations use ABM to cut cost, downsize, or restructure operations. This is the unfavourable side of ABM. In all actuality, ABM is an effective tool for cost cutting/reduction. In situations where financial returns are unacceptable to stockholders or when survival of the organization is at steak, organizations often take significant cost reduction actions. These actions typically take the form of layoffs, plant closings and idled equipment. Often taken across the board in all areas of the organization, they are rarely effective. Unless the volume of work is reduced, these cost reductions just leave the same work to be done by fewer people. Eventually, the cost creeps back into the organization. Activity-based cost reduction is focused on the activities of the organization. Cut activities, cost will follow. Other Applications: To Budget: To Support Acquisition Analysis: To ensure the future prosperity of XYZ Inc. ABM practices should be adhered to and utilized on a going forward basis. Conclusion: A prerequisite to benefiting from ABM is the willingness to assign responsibility for effecting decisions, actions and changes necessary to deliver the desired benefit. Decisions must be made and actions must be taken. Specific responsibility has to be assigned to reduce/eliminate non-value-added activities, improve value-added activities and reduce or eliminate the associated cost drivers. The value and benefit of ABM can only be measured by the decisions, actions and improvements that result due to the fact individuals were motivated to take action, based on the knowledge and information provided. Implementers of ABM systems should be warned that all efforts to implement an ABM system will be wasted if no one uses or takes action on the information provided. The value and benefit of ABM can be difficult to quantify. The result of some decisions can be difficult to quantify, while others cannot. Expect people to want process improvements to be credited to their project or initiative versus giving the necessary credit to the ABM system which was the driver of information leading to success. ABM information drives and supports all improvement initiatives. It can be difficult to measure and quantify its role in improvement and decision making. Activity-based management measure the result of decisions and improvements, regardless of who or what initiative gets credit. While some organizations view ABM as a tool to support improvement initiatives and decision making. The dollar sign makes this information tool useful. Organizations and managers are bottom line driven, and dollars and cents are the language of business. The dollar sign inspires people to take action. The ABM information system tracks improvements and provides individuals, managers and teams with process-based cost and operating information to judge the result of their decisions and efforts.