Kindly see the attachment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Kindly see the attachment - Essay Example Once Philip Sparke started performing, I found myself nodding along to his music, and my feeling at that instance were that the music was fabulous. His performance brought that dà ©jà   vu effect I always experience while listening to his music, except that, during this instance, the magnitude was heightened. Once, Philip Sparke was through with his performance, I was left longing for more and more. The next artist to perform was John Stevens, and before he started his performance; I was optimistic his performance would be breath taking, and he did not disappoint me when he got in stage. John Stevens is an artist, who performs classical music, and autumn falls under this category. The key music instruments, which he used during his performance, included a piano and tuba, which brought about a harmonious mood to the entire audience. John Stevens’ performance brought make memories of when I was a young kid, and my father would teach me how to play the piano. His performance brought sweet memories, which left me nostalgic. Half way through his performance, I felt uneasy and even wanted to leave the concert, but there was a force urging me to stay, which I eventually did. After, the performance of both John Stevens and Philip Sparke, I had a taste of classical music first hand, and I loved it. At this particular moment, I was enjoying every single moment, and my love for classical music intensified. I noted the talents in both Stevens and Sparke, and appreciated the hard work, as well as practices they put in order to come up with such a performance. My feelings, at that moment, were that practice makes perfect, and if these two artists had perfected their performance and made it in life, I can make it. The next artist on stage was Christian Gouinguene, who performed allegro, andante con moto, and presto. In my opinion, this was the climax of the concert, and as he continued with his performance, I was light hearted because

A brief history of science education in ghana from the colonial era to present day Essay Example for Free

A brief history of science education in ghana from the colonial era to present day Essay Science education is the cultivation and disciplining the mind and other faculties of an individual to utilize science for improving his life, cope with an increasingly technological world, or pursue science academically and professionally, and for dealing responsibly with science related social issues (Akpan, 1992). Ghana, formerly known as the Gold Coast, was the first African country to the south of the Sahara to gain political independence from colonial rule in 1957. This former British colony of 92,000 square miles (about 238,000 square kilometers) shares boundaries with three French-speaking nations: the Cote dIvoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north and Togo to the east. The Gulf of Guinea of the Atlantic Ocean is to the south of the country. EARLY HISTORY OF EDUCATION BEFORE INDEPENDENCE As was the case in many colonies during the early colonial period, the main goal of education was to ‘make civilization march hand-in-hand with evangelization’ (Anum –Odoom, 2013). This statement gives a clear description of how education in Ghana was implemented at that time. The formal, western-style education in Ghana is directly associated with the history of European activities on the Gold Coast The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive at the Guinea coast in 1471. Their intention to establish schools was expressed in imperial instructions that, in 1529, encouraged the Governor of the Portuguese Castle at Elmina to teach reading, writing, and the Catholic religion to the people. It is imply proven that the Danish, Dutch and the English merchants also set up schools in their forts and castle to educate their mulatto children by native women. Unmistakably linked to the implementation of formal education in Ghana with the Christian missionaries, who realized that in order to spread the word of God, they needed well- educated local assistants. Following the consolidation of the coastal region as the British Gold Coast Colony, the administration became more aggressive in pursuit of its educational policy. This was precipitated by the British purchase of the Danish property at Christiansborg in 1850 and the Dutch Elmina Castle in 1872. To help redress problems faced by the mission schools—such as training local teachers and improving the quality of education—the administration made grants to both the Wesleyan and Basel missions in 1874. In the Educational Ordinance of 1882, government grants to denominational schools were made dependent on an assessment of the level of efficiency. The schools receiving grant-in-aid were defined as government assisted schools, but their primary funding was to come from the missions themselves and from other private sources. On the Gold Coast, the appointment of Brigadier General Gordon Guggisberg as governor brought its own advantages. During his tenure from 1919 through 1927, Governor Guggisberg initiated several major developmental programs that included educational improvements as a critical ingredient in his construction of a modern Gold Coast. While the previous administration had seen the provision of elementary schools by the various Christian missions as adequate, Guggisberg was of the conviction that the current system could not sustain future developments. In fact, only a few months after his arrival, the governor presented a 10-year development plan for the Gold Coast. Among other things, funding was aggressively sought for post elementary education for boys and girls. Even though the administration proposed a technical college for Accra, the Prince of Wales College (now Achimota College) was the real trophy of the administrations educational program. This non denominational school catered for students from kindergarten to the pre university level. THE BIRTH OF SCIENCE EDUCATION The inadequacies inherent in the system of education were observed in the post-World War I appeal made by the Foreign Missions Conference of North America to the Phelps-Stokes Funds for a review of the state of education in Africa. The Phelps-Stokes Commission on Africa issued reports in 1922 and 1925 in which educators were criticized for inadequately catering to the social and economic needs of the continent. The commission of which James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey was a member, called for instructions in the mechanical operations necessary for the improvement of the condition of the mass majority of the people. This included science education and character training. The Phelps-Stokes funds founded in 1920, is an African Education Commission represented one of the early attempts to link black Africa with Negro America. The attempt to forge this link represented a concerted policy on the part of a number of missionary and philanthropic groups in the United Kingdom and the United States to draw attention to what seemed to be analogous situations-politically, socially, and economically. Ghana is said to be the first independent sub-Saharan African country outside South Africa to embark on a comprehensive drive to promote science education and the application of science in industrial and social development (Anamuah-Mensah, 1999). Science Education after Independence After Phelps- stokes commission had pushed for the birth of science education in Africa in general and in particular, Gold Coast, there has not been any clear cut national policy for science education in Ghana up to date (Ahmed, 2013). Dr Kwame Nkrumah who aimed at achieving Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education instituted an Act called 1961 Act, (Act 87) . This Act was to make Basic education free and Compulsory and anyone who fails to send his or her child to school was made to pay a fund by the Minister for education. The education system at that point consisted of six year of primary education, followed by four-years of secondary education. At the end of the four years suitable students went on to do a two-year sixth form course that could lead to a three year University course. Students, who were not suitable to continue, completed two- year of pre-vocational classes. The Nkrumah government encouraged the learning of science by instituting a special scholarship scheme which enabled science and agriculture undergraduates to enjoy scholarships a little higher than those of their counterparts in the humanities. This facility was withdrawn after 1966. Science and mathematics teachers were also paid a little more than their colleagues in the humanities. (Djangmah, 2007) The Reforms The seven year development plan instituted by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was short lived. The system was later regarded as too long and too academic. Thus Dzobo Education Reforms of 1974 saw a reform of the system, instating the Junior Secondary School (now Junior High School) on an experimental basis. The Junior Secondary School introduced practical subjects and activities allowing students to acquire occupational skills, which after an apprenticeship lead to the qualification for self-employment. Due to a wide range of factors such as the economic decline, bureaucracy and sheer lack of interest the JSS-system never went beyond the experimental phase. By 1983 the education system was in a state of crisis. It faced drastic reductions in Government financing, lack of educational materials, and deterioration of school structures, low enrollment levels and high dropout rates. With the assistance of several development partners (World Bank, Department for International Development (ODA) and international grants) the education system was reviewed and proposals were implemented in 1987 known as Evans-Anfom reforms. In 1987, Ghanas Ministry of Education introduced a restructured educational system that gradually replaced the British-based O-level and A-level system. The transition was completed in June, 1996, when the last class took A-level exams. The last O-level exams were administered in June 1994, although a remedial exam was offered through 1999 (Keteku, 2013) The 1987 Reforms had strengths as well as weaknesses. One of the strengths was that it provided a comprehensive Basic Education which improved access to education for more children of school-going age. Junior Secondary Schools were provided throughout the country and this helped to increase literacy levels. The reform also introduced Continuous Assessment which formed part of the final examination. This ensured that internal assessment in schools was included in the final examinations and this ended the single-shot examination existing in the old system. The Anamuah-Mensah Report recommended similar structure of education just like the Evans-Anfom Report of 1986. The difference was the inclusion of two (2) years of Kindergarten education as part of Basic Education and Apprenticeship training for leavers of the Junior Secondary School who unable to or do not want to continue in the formal sector. The implementation of the Anamuah-Mensah Reforms began in September 2007, and it was faced with initial problems. These problems included delay in the supply of syllabuses and textbooks for the smooth take-off of the programme, and teachers were not adequately prepared in terms of training to implement the reforms. These problems were later dealt with as the implementation of the reforms progressed. The next major problem being anticipated is the inadequate classrooms and other facilities as students will enter the fourth year of Senior High School in September 2010. The Way Forward For Science Education Promotion of science education in the country will depend on three drivers of change, namely, funding, teaching and interventions, and research (Akyeampong ,2007) Funding Knowledge is not cheap. Science, technology and mathematics knowledge required to move the country into the knowledge society can never be cheap. Government’s commitment to science education should be demonstrated in the level of resources allocated to science and technology. Laboratories and workshops in the schools, teacher training colleges, universities and polytechnics should be well equipped and new ones constructed to take into consideration the increasing student population. Research The knowledge society thrives on the creation of new knowledge. Research provides the means by which new knowledge is created. Resources, both material and human, for research in science and technology are woefully inadequate or non-existent. This has had a profound effect on the development of post graduate research in the universities. A number of measures need to be taken to strengthen research in science and technology in order to meet the demands of the country. The following are being suggested: †¢Research in research institutions and the universities should be adequately funded. †¢Most researches carried out in the universities are those that interest the researchers and are hence supply-driven; the Government should challenge our scientists and provide funds to carry out research on problems confronting the country. This can be done through the provision of research funds to be competed for by all scientists in the country. †¢Establish a National Science Research Facilities Centre equipped with world class specialized facilities which are normally expensive and therefore beyond the means of single institutions, to provide opportunities for Ghanaian researchers to carry out scientific research and development and retain local researchers as well as attract foreign ones. †¢To improve the quality of science education at all levels, research in science and technology should include research on teaching and learning science, technology and mathematics. †¢Institute special awards for best researchers and science teachers. This could be termed the President’s Award for Science to be given annually. We need to celebrate achievement. †¢Set up a formal scheme for mentoring the Youth- This is critical to the development of a career path in science for the youth. Mentors excite interest in junior colleagues and help them to â€Å"walk the path†. This experience is however rare in the universities. These days, newly recruited scientists struggle to keep afloat with little or no support. A formal mentoring system should be established in all institutions to ensure that young scientists recruited into the universities or research institutions are attached to professors and senior scientists in their fields of study to receive advice and support. The mentoring can take the form of joint research, publications and presentations at conferences and seminars. †¢To raise the level of awareness of science and technology innovation (research) and foster a synergy among education, industry and research institutes, a project referred to as SMART MOVES in some countries should be established in secondary schools. This project will involve encouraging schools through visits, presentations and seminars to work on problem solving projects with support from the community. The projects will be assessed and students with innovative and creative projects will be invited to present their projects at a Junior Scientist Conference which will be attended by senior scientists who can later act as mentors for the students. Prizes will be given to students based on the quality of project and presentation. The Ghana Academy of Science and Arts can take up this. Conclusion The vision of the National Science and Technology Policy is: â€Å"to support national socio-economic development goals with a view to lifting Ghana to a middle income status by the year 2020 through the perpetuation of a science and technology culture at all the levels of society, which is driven by the promotion of innovation and the mastery of known and proven technologies and their application in industry, and other sectors of the economy†. (MEST, 2000) This vision can become a reality when science education is given a boost at all levels of education. It has been suggested that the promotion of science education hinges on three pillars – funding, teaching and intervention, and research. Without adequate funding, quality teachers, supportive intervention activities and research to illuminate our understanding, science education will have no impact on the everyday lives of Ghanaians; and the observation made by the National Development Planning Commission will remain true. Our national vision for science and technology will be therefore be meaningless. REFERENCES Ahmed, M. (2012). Ghana to launch National Science policy. Retrieved 4th October, 2013, from http://www. ghanaweb. com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel. php? ID=235350. Akpan, O. E. (1992) Toward Creative Science teaching and learning in West African school. Ghana: catholic Press Akyeampong, K. (Centre for International Education, University of Sussex, England) in his lecture on â€Å"50 Years of Educational Progress and Challenge in Ghana†, at Parliament House, London, England; 2007 Anamuah-Mensah, J. (1999). Science and Technology Education in Ghana. A paper delivered at the National education Forum on the theme: Towards Sustaining an Effective National Education System, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, Accra, 17-19th November. Anum-Odoom, A. K. M . Educational Reforms in Ghana, 1974-2007. Retrieved on 12th October, 2013, from http://www. ghanaweb. com/GhanaHomePage/blogs/blog. article. php? blog=2091ID=1000004125- Djangmah, J. S. Clarifying Ghana’s national vision for the application of science and technology to development. Retrieved on 12th October, 2013, from http://www. ghanansem. org/index. php? option=com_contenttask=viewid=234 Keteku, N. W (EDUCATIONAL REFORM IN GHANA: THE SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL). Retrieved 10th October, 2013, from http://www. bibl. u-szeged. hu/oseas_adsec/ghana. htm Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) (2000). National Science and Technology Policy Document. Accra: MEST.

Sigmund Freud Essay -- essays research papers

Sigmund Freud was born may 6, 1856. He was the first of six children he also had two older half brothers from his fathers previous marriage. This was his father’s second marriage and in this one he was much older than his wife was about twenty years older than he was. When Sigmund was just 4 years old his family moved to Vienna, it was a tough childhood for Sigmund growing up in a large Jewish family with not to much income it was a struggle for everyone in the family. He was nicknamed the golden child at one point in his childhood and the meant he was to achieve great success, from that point on his family did everything they could to give Freud a chance to succeed. Freud excelled at his studies at an early age, earning top marks in all of his classes. He excelled in everything but especially languages he could speak five languages at a young age. Freud was so dedicated to his work sometimes he would have meals sent to his room just so he could study. To prove how much his parents did for him the golden child a younger sibling was learning to play piano but Freud complained about the noise so they had the piano removed from the house. Like most geniuses Freud had a hobby that he was very passionate about he used to keep a record of all his dreams in a logbook and he would read them over and analyse them. At the tender age of 18 Freud entered medical school, he studied a lot of things including fish and seals. He graduated from medical school with top marks in his class....

Death Foretold

Chronicle of a Death Foretold In Chronicle of a Death Foretold, Gabriel Garcia Marquez ridicules the hypocrisy of the church, which is central to the life of the village. While the townspeople celebrate the arrival of the Bishop; sex, alcohol, and murder coincide with the supposedly sacred event. Marquez reveals hypocrisy through biblical allusions, the villages hedonistic lifestyle, and the murder of Santiago Nasar. The bible is often used as source of divine inspiration, but in Chronicle of a Death Foretold biblical stories are satirized to reflect the hypocrisy of the church.For example, many of the town’s people are named after biblical characters, such as Maria Alejandra Cervantes and Pedro and Pablo Vicario, while they act in the most unchristian way. Maria Alejandra Cervantes is named after the mother of God, Mary, but is herself a prostitute, the exact opposite of Mary who was the eternal virgin. Pedro and Pablo Vicario are named after apostles, but are portrayed as al coholics and murderers. Peter did not directly kill Jesus, but denied Christ three times before his death. Pedro denies Santiago’s innocence before the cock crows three times.Marquez portrays biblical allusion by relating each character to one who played a similar role in Jesus Christ’s life. The small Colombian town is filled with many Christians, yet through the course of the novel, Marquez reveals that the denizens of the town only care about virtues which are contradictory to those of Christianity. The three day festivals which mark Angela and Bayardo’s marriage the party, â€Å"had sacrificed forty turkeys and eleven hogs for the guests, and four calves which the bridegroom had set up to be roasted for the people on the public square.He recounted that 205 cases of contraband alcohol had been consumed and almost two thousand bottles of cane liquor, which had been distributed among the crowd. † (Marquez 18). The sheer amount of goods that Bayardo purch ased for the party shows that some Christian’s value gluttony and greed. The town’s people failed to warn Santiago about his murder and showed little to no or care. They had audacity to gather around Santiago’s home to witness the crime, as if they did not care.Instead of following the Christian rule their determination to stick to hypocritical honor codes results to consequences such as the loss of innocent lives. Marquez compares the lifestyle of Jesus Christ to the life of Santiago Nasar. â€Å"Santiago put on a shirt and pants of white linen†(page 5). Like Jesus, Santiago wears a white linen shirt on the day he is supposed to die. White is symbolic for innocence and this choice of clothing promotes Santiago Nasar’s innocence. The nature of Santiago’s death is similar to the crucifixion of Christ.Santiago is stabbed through his hand against a wooden door by Pedro and Pablo Vicario, similar to Jesus being nailed to a wooden cross. The knif e â€Å"went through the palm of his right hand and then sank into his side† (Marquez 117). Christ nailed to the cross is a stigma, or â€Å"the bleeding of hands†. While Father Amador performs the autopsy, he discusses Santiago’s wounds and compares Santiago’s wounds to the wounds of Jesus Christ. Father Amador says, â€Å"He had a deep stab in the right hand, it looked like a stigma of the crucified Christ†(Marquez 75).Gabriel Garcia Marquez creates a society that is based on the morals of Christian values. All citizens of the town believe in living honestly, loving, and faithfully, but they seem to believe in values that contradict Christianity. Marquez compares Santiago Nasar physically and ideologically to Christ Jesus. Marquez reveals the social corruption in the town through Santiago’s death. Santiago died for the sake of the Vicario reputation. He died in a way of honor and respect like Jesus. He sacrificed himself for the â€Å"gre ater good† by dying for others' sins.

Mgx Assignment

Negotiated Agreements/eliminative/Protective Techniques of Long-term Strategies ill. Use of Personal Relationships lb. Proactive Strategies 1 OFF it. Development Introduction The world of business is becoming overcrowded every day, and companies have to develop strategies on a global basis. Political, legal, cultural and economic circumstances vary significantly around the world. Even though investing in an international market may require intensive capital, the reward of such a business ay be enormous.The sale of products and services in another country enables the company to increase its sales, expand the products life cycle, improve brand recognition, and reduce the risks of operating in a single market (Hill, 2009). Before choosing a foreign country for business, numerous aspects have to be considered. For instance, one must consider the nature of politics in that country as well as the political risks involved. Political risks entail the hazardous impacts that political events o r decisions may have on a business. Such risks range from corruption, tax laws, and protests to wars.To manage these risks, companies must carry out comprehensive research beforehand. Some countries may be extremely conservatives while others may be easy to do business (Harrison, 2009). This paper will examine the political aspects affecting entry into an emerging country in comparison to entry into a less developed country. Special attention will be given to Brazil and Bangladesh. Political Aspects Related to Brazil There are different political systems in Brazil that are likely to affect business. To certain extent, these risks subject the country's investors and their investment at take.An examination of Brazier's political environment indicates that Brazil is a federal republic made up of 26 states and a capital district. It has a dynamic multi- party system of government with twenty parties represented within its congress, this is to suggest that it is a democratic state. The q uality and effectiveness of the government services and infrastructure are continuously being improved by the government Jeffrey, 2011). Despite the massive improvements that have been witnessed in Brazil, the country still grapples with corruption related risks that may hinder business.These cases were most prevalent during the reign of the former president Luis Niacin â€Å"Lull† Dad Silva. After taking office in 2002, the president was instrumental in improving the country's poor economic condition. However, scandals tainted his presidency especially in 2007 when it was discovered that government officials were participating in trade of municipal properties. Political protests are a common sight in the streets of key cities in Brazil. This is usually done by local groupings pushing for certain agendas to be addressed by the government.Such protestors' tendency to involve violence, looting and destruction of property. For instance, Brazil witnessed a considerable number of protests against ALCOA which intended to set up a hydroelectric power plant in the country in 2004. The protests were sparked by the environmental groups who wanted the company to consider mitigating environmental damages in its project (Hill, 2009). Another risk of doing businesses in Brazil is that of rampant police brutality and gang violence. It is estimated that approximately 50,000 homicides are reported every year in the country.It is also alleged that the police are often behind numerous extra judicial executions. This has tainted the image of what is by far one of the most prominent economies in Latin America (Hefted, 2007). While the country presents numerous reasons that defend its position as a strong market, entry requires extensive research and planning. Regardless of the company's consideration, be it acquisitions or restructuring, it needs to understand the strategic and fiscal impact of such decisions and the fore mentioned implementation risks.Appreciating where th e opportunities and risks are positioned, the size of each opportunity and what opponents are doing will arm the company with the confidence to enter the Brazilian arrest (Derek, 2006). Political Aspects Related to Bangladesh Like Brazil, Bangladesh has also experienced massive growth in its political systems. For instance, the country has witnessed the transition of power to democratically elected leaders. Despite this significant change, there are still confrontational tendencies within the political front.In 2007, for instance, the government was forced to declare a state of emergency after the opposition protested against the ruling presidency of Sheik Hessian Waged. This has, over the course of time, had negative repercussions on foreign business growth (Theodore, 010). Moreover, party politics between the opposition Bangladesh Nationalists Party (BAN) and Bangladesh Miami League (AL) remain rife. It seems neither of the two can back down from confrontations on how to run the g overnment. The ongoing trails on war crimes too catalyst the political unrests.In fact, these tribunals still have a long way to go before issue of verdicts. However, the courts already issued the first ruling which is expected to stabilize the political air. This goes a distance to remove the fear that Psalmists wars could have begun. The political climate is relatively tense for doing business. Recent cases of violence have been reported in areas around Southeast Chitchatting. Such violence is characterized by ethnic clashes between those in support of a democratic regime and those who desire the status quo to remain. The political risk is further heightened by a high level of poverty and inflation.It is estimated that roughly one in every three Bangladesh is afflicted with abject poverty. Moreover, thousands demonstrate in the streets against the arrest of their trade-union leader. Significantly, the government loses grip of maintaining law and order hence scaring off possible in vestors. It is no doubt that a country that lacks democratic systems and effective leadership is bound to repel economic growth. Political risks play a significant role of barring investors from investing in the country for fear that their businesses would be at stake.This comparison has shown the aspects of doing business in both Brazil and Bangladesh. Over the past decade, Brazil has become a progressively attractive and profitable market for international companies. More companies are seen to shift their focus on this emerging economy. Entering Brazil is good, however it's not easy cause of the immense competition and the availability of business know-how among other reasons (Peabody, 2005). On the other hand, Bangladesh is a less developed country whose economy major depends on the garments industry.Entry into this country is relatively easy because government restrictions are not deterrent to foreign business. All the same, Brazil is a favorite of many because of the immense po tential for profitability. Regardless of a relatively splendid performance in the last two decades, the Bangladesh economy is plagued with numerous structural weaknesses, which are yet to be addressed. Some of the significant issues include an incapacitated public sector, intellectualized financial sector, lack of export diversification, poor infrastructure, and pervasive corruption (Scheme, 2004).The failure of the government to address these long-standing problems has adversely affected the investment environment. On the other hand, Brazier's problems are on a lower scale, and the government is seen to put structures in place in order to develop all of its sectors. Compared to Brazil, Bangladesh is a poor economy characterized by a vast population living in rural areas. The main economic activity is agriculture armament manufacturing, but many businesses are seen to shift into the service and production industries. The case of Brazil is that of relative advancement.The country has a mature democracy, sustainable infrastructure and relative ease of doing business. Overcoming Political Risks Multi-national companies wishing to invest in the foreign market must develop long-term strategies based on intensive market research. They must be able to exercise their existing position relatively well and ensure they maximize on their experience in order to succeed. Depending on existing strategies, companies should insider entering into a venture arrangement with the local representatives or distributors.This is cheaper and will be made easier if the venture company operates the same business. However, any contract agreement should include terms that permit for local production through a Joint venture, an acquisition, or a new plant. Additionally, when entering through these avenues, companies should always embark on a due diligence assessment and channel analysis. This will go a long way in managing any potential political risks (Guppy, 2006). The use of existing adv antages within the multinational company will enable it to have a bargaining rower over the foreign nation.This will work well with corporations who have large economies of scale that can enable them to influence key business decisions in the host country (Hill, 2009). An entry strategy that maximizes on the use of personal relationships will auger well with any foreign situation. Many foreign companies are known to license distributors or dealers to represent their products and services on a non-exclusive or exclusive basis. As these companies become more ascertained in multinational company gains immense power ensuring that the host country doesn't interfere with its affairs.This is referred to as an integrative technique. Another choice that may minimize political risk would be the operation companies from distant offices situated in politically stable countries either in Southeast Asia or India. The whole company or a part of it may be operated remotely (Hefted, 2007). This is r egarded as a protective technique. On other occasions, a multinational corporation may foresee certain future hardships while operating in a foreign country. In this case, it will be crucial to adopt a proactive approach to manage these risks.This strategy entails the use of campaign financing and intensive lobbying to push the host government towards handling the foreseen adversities. By so doing, the impact of those risks will be reduced before they reach the company. Managing political risks requires the use of negotiated agreements that involve all the necessary stakeholders. For instance, ALCOA managed its risks by agreeing to terms demanded by the protestors. This included an agreement to compensate all citizens who were resettled following the launch of the hydroelectric project.Similarly, they adopted the use of environmental consultants to assist in the taxation of environmental damage (Hefted, 2007). Similarly, cases of corruption and economic risks may be managed through the hiring of transparent agencies or via diversification of products to other countries. However, sometimes the multinational company may consider withdrawing altogether if the terms are too hostile. Conclusion In conclusion, it is fundamental to note that any decision to enter into international business must be accompanied by an assessment of the potential risks and threats. Political factors form the most crucial part of this assessment.This is rue because the political environment of any country has the potential to influence how business is carried out (Itchy, 2010). Given Brazier's financial stability and immense support from the state, many investors are streaming into the country. Bangladesh, on the other hand, still lurks behind in terms of political maturity and economic growth. It requires a new company to adopt various entry methods in order to remain viable. Nonetheless, by identifying and managing key elements that influence foreign trade, like political risks, new co mpanies are likely to flourish. Adler, N. (2008).

Cyrus the Great - Persian Achaemenid Dynasty Founder

Cyrus the Great - Persian Achaemenid Dynasty Founder Cyrus the Great was the founder of the Achaemenid Dynasty (c. 550-330 BC), the first imperial dynasty of the Persian Empire  and the  worlds largest empire before that of Alexander the Great. Was the Achaemenid truly a family dynasty? It is possible that the third main Achaemenid ruler Darius  invented his relationship to Cyrus, in order to give legitimacy to his rule. But that doesnt diminish the significance of two centuries worth of empirerulers centered in southwestern Persia and Mesopotamia, whose territory spanned the known world from Greece to the Indus Valley, extending south to Lower Egypt. Cyrus started it all. Fast Facts: Cyrus the Great Known As: Cyrus (Old Persian: KuruÃ… ¡; Hebrew: Kores)Dates: c. 600 - c. 530 BCEParents: Cambyses I and MandaneKey Accomplishments: Founder of the Achaemenid Dynasty (c. 550-330 BC), the first imperial dynasty of the Persian Empire  and the  worlds largest empire before that of Alexander the Great. Cyrus II King of Anshan (Maybe) The Greek father of history Herodotus never says Cyrus II the Great came from a royal Persian family, but rather that he acquired his power through the Medes, to whom he was related by marriage. Although scholars wave caution flags when Herodotus discusses the Persians, and even Herodotus mentions conflicting Cyrus stories, he may be right that Cyrus was of the aristocracy, but not a royal. On the other hand, Cyrus may have been the fourth king of Anshan (modern Malyan), and the second king Cyrus there. His status clarified when he became the ruler of Persia in 559 B.C. Anshan, possibly a Mesopotamian name, was a Persian kingdom in Parsa (modern Fars, in southwestern Iran) in the Marv Dasht plain, between Persepolis and Pasargadae. It had been under the rule of the Assyrians and then may have been under the control of Media*. Young suggests that this kingdom wasnt known as Persia until the start of the empire. Cyrus II King of the Persians Defeats the Medes In about 550, Cyrus defeated the Median king Astyages (or Ishtumegu), took him prisoner, looted his capital at Ecbatana, and then became king of Media. At the same time, Cyrus acquired power over both the Iranian-related tribes of the Persians and Medes and the countries over which the Medes had held power. The extent of the Median lands went as far east as modern Tehran and westward to the Halys River at the border of Lydia; Cappadocia was now Cyruss. This event is the first firm, documented event in Achaemenid history, but the three main accounts of it are different. In the dream of the Babylonian king, the god Marduk leads Cyrus, king of Anshan, to march successfully against Astyages.The Babylonian chronicle 7.11.3-4 states [Astyages] mustered [his army] and marched against Cyrus [II], king of Anshan, for conquest... The army rebelled against Astyages and he was taken prisoner.  Herodotus version differs, but Astyages is still betrayed- this time, by a man to whom Astyages had served his son in a stew. Astyages may or may not have marched against Anshan and lost because he was betrayed by his own men who were sympathetic with the Persians.   Cyrus Acquires Lydia and Croesus Wealth Famous for his own wealth as well as these other famous names: Midas, Solon, Aesop, and Thales, Croesus (595 BC - c. 546 BC) ruled Lydia, which covered Asia Minor west of the Halys River, with its capital at Sardis. He controlled and received tribute from the Greek cities in Ionia. When, in 547, Croesus crossed the Halys and entered Cappadocia, he had encroached on Cyrus territory and war was about to begin. After months spent marching and getting into position, the two kings fought an initial, inconclusive battle, perhaps in November. Then Croesus, assuming the battle season was over, sent his troops into winter quarters. Cyrus didnt. Instead, he advanced to Sardis. Between Croesus depleted numbers and the tricks Cyrus used, the Lydians were to lose the fight. The Lydians retreated to the citadel where Croesus intended to wait out a siege until his allies could come to his assistance. Cyrus was resourceful and so he found an opportunity to breach the citadel. Cyrus then seized the Lydian king and his treasure. This also put Cyrus in power over the Lydian Greek vassal cities. Relations between the Persian king and the Ionian Greeks were strained. Other Conquests In the same year (547) Cyrus conquered Urartu. He also conquered Bactria, according to Herodotus. At some point, he conquered Parthia, Drangiana, Aria, Chorasmia, Bactria, Sogdiana, Gandara, Scythia, Sattagydia, Arachosia and Maka. The next important known year is ​539, when Cyrus conquered Babylon. He credited Marduk (to the Babylonians) and Yahweh (to the Jews whom he would free from exile), depending on the audience, for choosing him as the right leader. Propaganda Campaign and a Battle The claim of divine selection was part of Cyrus propaganda campaign to turn the Babylonians against their aristocracy and king, accused of using the people as corvee labor, and more. King Nabonidus had not been a native Babylonian, but a Chaldean, and worse than that, had failed to perform the religious rituals. He had slighted Babylon, by putting it under the control of the crown prince while he resided at Teima in north Arabia. The confrontation between the forces of Nabonidus and Cyrus took place in one battle, at Opis, in October. By the middle of October, Babylon and its king had been taken. Cyrus empire now included Mesopotamia, Syria, and Palestine. To make sure the rites were performed correctly, Cyrus installed his son Cambyses as king of Babylon. Probably it was Cyrus who divided the empire into 23 divisions to be known as satrapies. He may have accomplished further organization before he died in 530.   Cyrus died during a conflict with  the nomadic Massegatae (in modern Kazakhstan), famous for their warrior queen Tomyris. Records of Cyrus II and the Propaganda of Darius Important records of Cyrus the Great appear in the Babylonian (Nabonidus) Chronicle (useful for dating), the Cyrus Cylinder, and the Histories of Herodotus. Some scholars believe Darius the Great is responsible for the inscription on Cyrus tomb at Pasargadae. This inscription calls him an Achaemenid. Darius the Great was the second most important ruler of the Achmaenids, and it is his propaganda concerning Cyrus that we know of Cyrus at all.  Darius the Great ousted a certain King Gautama/Smerdis who may have been an impostor or the brother of the late king Cambyses II. It suited Darius purposes not only to state that Gautama was an impostor (because Cambyses had killed his brother, Smerdis, before setting out to Egypt) but also to claim a royal lineage to back up his bid for the throne. While the people had admired Cyrus the great as a fine king and felt put upon by the tyrannical Cambyses, Darius never overcame the question of his lineage and was called the shopkeeper.   See Dariuss Behistun Inscription  in which he claimed his noble parentage.   Sources Depuydt L. 1995. Murder in Memphis: The Story of Cambysess Mortal Wounding of the Apis Bull (Ca. 523 BCE). Journal of Near Eastern Studies 54(2):119-126.Dusinberre ERM. 2013. Empire, Authority, and Autonomy in Achaemenid Anatolia. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.Lendering J. 1996 [last modified 2015]. Cyrus the Great. Livius.org. [Accessed 02 July 2016]Munson RV. 2009. Who Are Herodotus Persians? The Classical World 102(4):457-470.Young J, T. Cuyler 1988. The early history of the Medes and the Persians and the Achaemenid empire to the death of CambysesThe Cambridge Ancient History. In: Boardman J, Hammond NGL, Lewis DM, and Ostwald M, editors. The Cambridge Ancient History Volume 4: Persia, Greece and the Western Mediterranean, c525 to 479 BC. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.Waters M. 2004. Cyrus and the Achaemenids. Iran 42:91-102.

Neosporin and Alcohol are killers

Neosporin and Alcohol are killers Efficiency of Neosporin and Alcohol in Killing Bacteria Efficiency of Neosporin and Alcohol in Killing Bacteria Neosporin is one of the most common topical antibiotics on the market. It is applied on smaller wounds to prevent contamination from bacteria. Consequently, the other hand alcohol is also effective in killing bacteria. However, the effects of alcohol when used for treatment are different. Neosporin is a powerful antibiotic and the side effects are remarkably crucial. This is observable when alcohol and Neosporin are placed into two separate samples of water. The alcohol will kill the bacteria more effectively, because most medicines contain alcohol in order to kill the bacteria Neosporin is rare to acne sufferers. It kills bacteria through spreading over the wound. In addition, it speeds the healing of the wound and prevents the appearance of small scars. Neosporin is a combination of Polymixin-B that kills many bacterial beyond Benzoyl peroxide. However, Neosporin is likely to cause drying because it uses an oil base under the surface of the skin. Consequently, the oil produced by the skin glands is likely to become an obstacle to a clear skin. For instance, foot odor is an effect of bacterial infection on the feet. Neosporin is an antibiotic, which eliminates such bacteria efficiently (Lawrence, 2003, 204). Despite the various benefits from Neosporin, precautions of Pfizer should be taken into account. These include not using the antibiotic over a large area on the body. Application for more than one week is not encouraged unless authorized by the doctor. Neosporin can kill more impartial the P. Acnes bacteria that form in pustules. It also kills many of the existing agents that normally support the skin resist harmful bacteria. In addition, the skin can establish an antibiotic resistance which could give an individual more disposed to stern infection. Because of these effects, the enduring, consistent use of a stout antibiotic like Neosporin is mostly to be avoided. Alcohol kills bacteria by making the lipids that form the outer defensive cell membrane of every bacterium cell much soluble in water. Hence the cell membrane begins to lose its operational reliability and falls separately. As the cell membrane crumbles, alcohol can then penetrate the cell and denature proteins in each bacterium. Alcohol is a molecular means used to prevent the growth of bacterial. It also creates a condition that protects to repopulate or populate. However, it does not kill the bacteria. Isopropryl Alcohol destroys the cell wall of the membrane in bacteria. This is significant in re-population. However, alcohol acts as a drying lubricant to the skin. This is a disadvantage as it does not evaporate thus bacteria has to be forced off with a cloth. This is to trap any bacterial being swayed away by the alcohol (Jacknin, 2001, pg. 345). In conclusion, alcohol is much efficient antiseptic in killing bacteria because it achieves its goal subtly by coagulation. This is different from other methods like active poisoning. Research has indicated that alcohol antibiotic is 80% effective in bacterial denaturing. Moreover, the lipids freely dissolve in Alcohol causing disrupter of their membranes. live CHAT

Olmec Religion - the First Mesoamerican Civilization

Olmec Religion - the First Mesoamerican Civilization The Olmec civilization (1200-400 B.C.) was the first major Mesoamerican culture and laid the foundation for several later civilizations. Many aspects of Olmec culture remain a mystery, which is not surprising considering how long ago their society went into decline. Nevertheless, archaeologists have been able to make surprising progress in learning about the religion of the ancient Olmec people. The Olmec Culture The Olmec culture lasted roughly from 1200 B.C. to 400 B.C. and flourished along Mexicos Gulf coast. The Olmec built major cities at San Lorenzo and La Venta, in the present day states of Veracruz and Tabasco respectively. The Olmec were farmers, warriors and traders, and the few clues they left behind indicate a rich culture. Their civilization collapsed by 400 A. D. - archaeologists are unsure as to why - but several later cultures, including the Aztec and the Maya, were profoundly influenced by the Olmec. The Continuity Hypothesis Archaeologists have struggled to put together the few clues that remain today from the Olmec culture which vanished well over 2,000 years ago. Facts about the ancient Olmec are hard to come by. Modern researchers must use three sources for information on the religion of ancient Mesoamerican cultures: Analysis of relics including sculpture, buildings and ancient texts when availableEarly Spanish reports of religious and cultural practicesEthnographic studies of modern-day traditional religious practices in certain communities Experts who have studied the Aztecs, Maya and other ancient Mesoamerican religions have come to an interesting conclusion: these religions share certain characteristics, indicating a much older, foundational system of belief. Peter Joralemon proposed the Continuity Hypothesis to fill in the gaps left by incomplete records and studies. According to Joralemon there is a basic religious system common to all Mesoamerican peoples. This system took shape long before it was given monumental expression in Olmec art and survived long after the Spanish conquered the New Worlds major political and religious centers. (Joralemon quoted in Diehl, 98). In other words, other cultures can fill in the blanks in regards to Olmec society. One example is the Popol Vuh. Although it is normally associated with the Maya, there are nevertheless many instances of Olmec art and sculpture that seemingly show images or scenes from the Popol Vuh. One instance is the nearly identical statues of the Hero Twins at t he Azuzul archaeological site. The Five Aspects of Olmec Religion Archaeologist Richard Diehl has identified five elements associated with Olmec Religion. These include: A cosmos which identifies the socio-cultural context within which Gods and man interactedDivine beings and gods who controlled the universe and interacted with menA shaman or priest class who acted as intermediaries between the common Olmec people and their gods and spiritsRituals enacted by shamans and/or rulers that reinforced the concepts of the cosmosSacred sites, both natural and man-made Olmec Cosmology Like many early Mesoamerican cultures, the Olmec believed in three tiers of existence: the physical realm they inhabited, an underworld and a sky realm, home of most of the gods. Their world was bound together by the four cardinal points and natural boundaries such as rivers, the ocean and mountains. The most important aspect of Olmec life was agriculture, so it is no surprise that the Olmec agricultural/fertility cult, gods and rituals were extremely important. The rulers and kings of the Olmec had an important role to play as intermediaries between the realms, although it is unknown exactly what relationship to their gods they claimed. Olmec Deities The Olmec had several deities whose images repeatedly appear in surviving sculptures, stonecarvings and other artistic forms. Their names have been lost to time, but archaeologists identify them by their characteristics. No fewer than eight regularly-appearing Olmec deities have been identified. These are the designations given to them by Joralemon: The Olmec DragonThe Bird MonsterThe Fish MonsterThe Banded-eye GodThe Maize GodThe Water GodThe Were-jaguarThe Feathered Serpent Most of these gods would later figure prominently in other cultures, such as the Maya. Currently, there is insufficient information about the roles these gods played in Olmec society or specifically how each was worshiped. Olmec Sacred Places The Olmecs considered certain man-made and natural places sacred. Man-made places included temples, plazas and ball courts and natural places included springs, caves, mountaintops and rivers. No building easily identifiable as an Olmec temple has been discovered; nevertheless, there are many raised platforms which probably served as bases upon which temples were built of some perishable material such as wood. Complex A at La Venta archaeological site is commonly accepted as a religious complex. Although the only ballcourt identified at an Olmec site comes from the post-Olmec era at San Lorenzo, there is nevertheless much evidence that the Olmecs played the game, including carved likenesses of players and preserved rubber balls found at the El Manatà ­ site. The Olmec venerated natural sites as well. El Manatà ­ is a bog where offerings were left by the Olmecs, probably those who lived at San Lorenzo. Offerings included wooden carvings, rubber balls, figurines, knives, axes and more. Although caves are rare in the Olmec region, some of their carvings indicate a reverence for them: in some stonecarvings the cave is the mouth of the Olmec Dragon. Caves in Guerrero state have paintings inside which are associated with the Olmec. Like many ancient cultures, the Olmecs venerated mountains: an Olmec sculpture was found close to the summit of the San Martà ­n Pajapan Volcano, and many archaeologists believe that man-made hills at sites such as La Venta are meant to represent sacred mountains for rituals. Olmec Shamans There is strong evidence that the Olmec had a shaman class in their society. Later Mesoamerican cultures which derived from the Olmec had full-time priests who acted as intermediaries between the common people and the divine. There are sculptures of shamans apparently transforming from humans into were-jaguars. Bones of toads with hallucinogenic properties have been found at Olmec sites: the mind-altering drugs were presumably used by shamans. The rulers of Olmec cities probably served as shamans as well: rulers were likely considered to have a special relationship with the gods and many of their ceremonial functions were religious. Sharp objects, such as stingray spines, have been found at Olmec sites and were most likely used in sacrificial bloodletting rituals. Olmec Religious Rituals and Ceremonies Of Diehls five foundations of Olmec religion, the rituals are the least known to modern researchers. The presence of ceremonial objects, such as stingray spines for bloodletting, indicate that there were, indeed, important rituals, but any details of said ceremonies have been lost to time. Human bones - particularly of infants - have been found at some sites, suggesting human sacrifice, which was later important among the Maya, Aztec and other cultures. The presence of rubber balls indicates that the Olmec played this game. Later cultures would assign a religious and ceremonial context to the game, and it is reasonable to suspect that the Olmec did as well. Sources: Coe, Michael D and Rex Koontz. Mexico: From the Olmecs to the Aztecs. 6th Edition. New York: Thames and Hudson, 2008Cyphers, Ann. Surgimiento y decadencia de San Lorenzo, Veracruz. Arqueologà ­a Mexicana Vol XV - Num. 87 (Sept-Oct 2007). P. 36-42.Diehl, Richard A. The Olmecs: Americas First Civilization. London: Thames and Hudson, 2004.Gonzalez Lauck, Rebecca B. El Complejo A, La Venta, Tabasco. Arqueologà ­a Mexicana Vol XV - Num. 87 (Sept-Oct 2007). P. 49-54.Grove, David C. Cerros Sagradas Olmecas. Trans. Elisa Ramirez. Arqueologà ­a Mexicana Vol XV - Num. 87 (Sept-Oct 2007). P. 30-35.Miller, Mary and Karl Taube. An Illustrated Dictionary of the Gods and Symbols of Ancient Mexico and the Maya. New York: Thames Hudson, 1993.

Project Procurement Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Project Procurement Management - Essay Example s or resources required for the execution of a particular project should clearly outline his or her requirements in order to ensure that they meet the standard expectations. According to Fleming (2003), the project manager has a responsibility to ensure that all project activities are coordinated according to schedule and are in compliance with the desired outcomes. In this particular case, it can be seen that Gus reneged his responsibility of ensuring that Bob develops software that is compatible with the in-house database which he developed. Whilst he is happy about the software, he assumed that Bob will guess the correct application that is compatible with the database, which is not the case. Therefore, Bob has no problem and he is entitled to all his payment for the development of the software. In this case, Gus should have acted responsibly for the betterment of the organization and the following measures could have been taken. According to Burke (2007), the success of the project is mainly determined by the commitment of the project manager to ensure that all steps involved in the project are carefully implemented. In order to avoid this situation, both the buyer and the seller must clearly understand the terms of the contract, which is legally binding. According to Gibson (1988), there should be the agreement based on mutual understanding in any given contract, and this principle should always be upheld so as to avoid a situation like the one presented in the case study given above. In brief, it can be noted that there is a need for the project manager to constantly monitor all the developments in a project. Another effective way of doing this is to ensure that there is constant feedback from all parties involved in order to create mutual understanding among

Company is Burberry clothing group PLC Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Company is Burberry clothing group PLC - Essay Example Part of its growth strategy is to license third parties or franchise other entities to manufacture and distribute it produces under the Burberry trademark though the majority of its operations are through the mainline stores and departmental stores across the globe. There were about 70 franchise stores, 227 concession stores, 215 mainline stores and 55 outlets as of 31 March 2014 (managementtoday.co.uk/go/burberry/) The company has employed an elaborate branding strategy, dividing its operations into three distinct brands. This helps to develop brand loyalty which in turn would increase the revenue volumes of repeat sales. The second expansion strategy that has been employed is the use of the franchise away from the traditional company operated mainline stores which increase the cost of doing business. Franchising has enabled the company to have a wider physical presence with less capital needs for expansion and growth into new markets. The company has also ventured into the eCommerce selling its products online to capture the growing trend in eCommerce and reach out to even more wider clientele not just the individuals who can access their physical stores. The company’s products are mainly continuity products that have relatively short life cycles and fashion products that respond to the prevailing trends. This consequently reflect that the company must ensure it position itself uniquely and also be able to target its more trendy conscious customers. The main competitors include Gucci, Polo, Coach and Armani which are top luxury fashion brands globally (wpp.com). To achieve a competitive advantage the Burberry Company has ensured that its expansion into new and emerging markets has been slow and steady as well as increasing its product range to include even logo less apparels. The company generated revenues of  £ 2,330 million, which resulted in a net profit of  £332.4

Blackberry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Blackberry - Essay Example The Blackberry cellphone brand as a variety of designs which rage from QWERTY keyboard cellphones to virtual keyboard and multi-touch screens. Blackberry has approximately 3% of the cellphone market share and is ranked number 6 in terms of popularity in the mobile phone market. The Blackberry phone also has numerous other features however, the main target audience are the business sector. It provides people in business with the ultimate package in order to efficiently perform their duties. The paper will further analyze the the mission statement of the company and its vision and goals. It will also give a more detailed description of the products and services that are provided by the company and the financial strategies it implements in order to gain an advantage in the smart-phone market. The goals of the company are centered around the efficient provision of innovative solutions for global communication using mobile phones. This also involves the creation of software that further i mproves other cellphone features such as emailing, media, internet browsing and other applications. The numerous research and development programs that are carried out by the company clearly show the its goals to constantly improve and provide the people with better services. Mission Statement The mission statement continues to be the company's guideline in business. It is similar to that of its founding company RIM, which is to develop integrated software, hardware and services that facilitate for numerous networks and provide solutions and platforms for limitless access to urgent matters using features such as text messaging, internet based applications, phone calls, emails and internet (Daidj, 2013, 20). This mission statement aims to guide the company with its vision to be the leading designer, marketer and manufacturer of innovative wireless solutions for global cellphone communication (Daidj, 2013, 20). Company Overview Research In Motion, one of the leaders in wireless techno logy and innovation changed the mobile industry when it introduced Blackberry in the year 1999. From the time of its release Blackberry has continued to benefit numerous individuals and change the way in which they communicate. The global headquarters of the company is located in Canada, Ontario, Waterloo, and the company has offices in Asia-Pacific, North America and Europe. The company was founded by Mike Larzaridis, an its current President and CEO is Thorsten Heins (Daidj, 2013, 20). It recently changed its name in February 2013, and now trades under BBRY on the NASDAQ Stock Market and BB on the Toronto Stock Market (Daidj, 2013, 20). Products and Services Blackberry offers a wide array of products and services that are specifically suited for each customer's needs and requirements. These products consists of smart-phones and tablets (Blackberry, 2013). The company has a wide range of smart-phones that have continued to change in order to suit people's needs in terms of technolo gy and style. The software has also changed in the phones and tablets with the latest operating system being Blackberry 10. The latest cellphone also has 4G LTE network, 4.2† camera, dual core 1.5 processor along with other cellphone features. The latest Blackberry tablet is the Blackberry playbook which runs under Blackberry Playbook OS (Blackberry, 2013). Strategy Blackberry has always been one of the leading providers of mobile phones and enjoyed success and rising share prices over the years. However, the company

Examining the need for more fully accredited Schools of Architecture Essay - 1

Examining the need for more fully accredited Schools of Architecture in historically Black Colleges & Universities - Essay Example wer, and with the empowerment that these high learning institutions would give to the blacks, there were high chances that the blacks would no longer hear a thing that the white man said and thus cease to be their slaves (Gasman, and Tudico, 2008). The history of the start of historically black colleges and universities dates back in the mid and early 19th century. The first ever black colleges and universities were started secretly and they used to be located in hidden places such as basements of churches and box cars. This was a strategic move by the pioneers of these black colleges and universities so as to avoid the discovery of the white population of the existence of these colleges. Naturally, these colleges and universities started to grow and with the urge of more blacks seeking a higher education berth, more and more historically black universities started cropping up. Some of the pioneers of these universities, referring to the starters, include Mary M. Bethune, a desire of education that was inspired to open up a college with limited funds of less than $2 and less than 10 students back in the early 1900s. Currently, historically black colleges can boast of having brought up some of the black scholars that exist. The se include; W.E.D Du Bois, who went through Fisk University, Toni Morrison, who went through Howard University and the great revolutionist, Martin Luther King, Jr. who went through Morehouse College. To date, there are more than 106 colleges that can be accredited as historically black colleges and universities spread through the entire United States of America. As a result of the history behind the start of these historically black colleges and universities, most of them don’t boast of fully accredited high end courses that are being offered in them. In this case, high end courses refer to the courses that are considered in high esteem among the professional or career circles. These include courses such as medicine, architecture, courses

US Army history Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

US Army history - Essay Example Today, four of America's five military branches are under the Department of Defense: United Sates Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air forces. The combined United States armed forces consist of 1.4 ml active duty personal along with several hundred thousand each in the Reserve. The United States Armed Forces are considered to be the most powerful millitery around the world (Luttwak, Koehl, 1998). Historians suppose that from its first stand at Lexington, the Army has always had a non-negotiable contract with the American people to fight and win the nation's wars. Now, over 400 years since the first colonial militia was formed in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1565, the spirit and essence of the United States Army is celebrated for the first time. In retrospect, 1775 decision of the Continental Congress to create the Continental Army seems remarkably free from political strife. Delegates of all shades of opinion supported each step, and arguments largely concerned technical details. In 1794 Congress established the Office of the Purveyor of Public Supplies in the Treasury and the Office of Superintendent of Military Stores in the War Department to continue the same broad supply functions established in the Confederation period. This organization of military supply remained in effect with only slight modification until 1812.Training and discipline were the key to an effective militia. It should be mentioned that the President first exercised his authority to employ militia for suppressing insurrection and executing the laws of Congress in 1794 when Washington sent a large force of militia under Maj. The conduct of the war in 1812 revealed deficiencies in the administration of the War Department that would plague the American cause to the end. Lack of transportation was a major problem of the Army. By the end of 1848 the Army had reverted to a peacetime strength somewhat smaller than the 10,000 authorized in 1815 (Luttwak, Koehl, 1998). Congress in June 1850 approved "enlarging the companies serving on the frontier to 74 privates, a considerable increase over the 50 in the dragoons, 64 in the mounted rifles, and 42 in the artillery and infantry authorized at the end of 1848" (Millett, Maslowski, 1984). The new infantry units were armed with percussion-cap, muzzle-loading rifle muskets instead of smoothbore muskets. Nineteenth century technological developments had made possible an accurate, dependable muzzle-loading rifle with at least as fast a rate of fire as the smoothbore musket. At the U.S. Military Academy during this period, such great names as Robert E. Lee and Dennis Mahan (author of many works on engineering and fortification) appeared on the roster of staff and faculty (Millett, Maslowski, 1984). During the middle of the XIXth century the severe forms of corporal punishment were abolished in the U.S. Army. Still, Civil War medical science was primitive in comparison with that of the mid-twentieth century, an effort was made to extend medical services in the Army beyond the mere treatment of battle wounds. As an auxiliary to the regular medical service, the volunteer U.S. Sanitary Commission fitted out hospital ships and hospital units, provided male and, for the first time in the U.S. Army, female nurses, and furnished clothing and fancier foods than the regular rations (Conn, 1980). The industrial age, made a significant influence on military strategy, tactics, and organization. During 1907-1912 the U.S. Navy's

Examining the need for more fully accredited Schools of Architecture Essay - 1

Examining the need for more fully accredited Schools of Architecture in historically Black Colleges & Universities - Essay Example wer, and with the empowerment that these high learning institutions would give to the blacks, there were high chances that the blacks would no longer hear a thing that the white man said and thus cease to be their slaves (Gasman, and Tudico, 2008). The history of the start of historically black colleges and universities dates back in the mid and early 19th century. The first ever black colleges and universities were started secretly and they used to be located in hidden places such as basements of churches and box cars. This was a strategic move by the pioneers of these black colleges and universities so as to avoid the discovery of the white population of the existence of these colleges. Naturally, these colleges and universities started to grow and with the urge of more blacks seeking a higher education berth, more and more historically black universities started cropping up. Some of the pioneers of these universities, referring to the starters, include Mary M. Bethune, a desire of education that was inspired to open up a college with limited funds of less than $2 and less than 10 students back in the early 1900s. Currently, historically black colleges can boast of having brought up some of the black scholars that exist. The se include; W.E.D Du Bois, who went through Fisk University, Toni Morrison, who went through Howard University and the great revolutionist, Martin Luther King, Jr. who went through Morehouse College. To date, there are more than 106 colleges that can be accredited as historically black colleges and universities spread through the entire United States of America. As a result of the history behind the start of these historically black colleges and universities, most of them don’t boast of fully accredited high end courses that are being offered in them. In this case, high end courses refer to the courses that are considered in high esteem among the professional or career circles. These include courses such as medicine, architecture, courses

Hormones on Sexual Arousal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Hormones on Sexual Arousal - Essay Example It is easiest to study male and female arousal in other primates because we have greater control (Carlson, 2002) . The ability to mate is not controlled by ovarian hormones. A woman can have intercourse at any time in her cycle. This makes it difficult to know exactly how much influence ovarian hormones have on arousal. Most studies show that these hormones have only a minimal effect on female arousal. It should be noted that these studies have been done on married women who are with their partner daily. It should be considered that a woman may take part in intercourse because of her husbands desire. Studies of female monkeys have shown that the menstrual cycle does have a strong effect on female arousal (Wallen, 2003). Studies of married women show that these females were, when tested through their entire cycle, more aroused when their testosterone levels were at their highest. When the adrenal glands, the gland that produces androgens, are removed from female monkeys the sexual drive of the money was greatly reduced. Adding testosterone reinstituted sexual arousal. Oxyctocin levels also seem to place a role in arousal. Higher levels start contractions of the uterus and the vagina that accompanies orgasm. It is likely that the pleasant â€Å"afterglow† that follows intercourse is also due to oxyctocin (Wallen, 2003). Pheromones are generally odors that are generally received through the olfactory portion of the brain but can also be absorbed through the skin. These pheromones tend to enhance hormone production in the female including oxyctocin. That would give a second explanation as to why touch enhances hormone production. There is also evidence that vision influences the production of oxyctocin (Wallen, 2003). Researchers are beginning to believe it is the combination of high testosterone levels and high oxyctocin levels that motivates female arousal. If both

Discuss the staging of Act 1 Scene 4 and Act 5 Scene 3 Essay Example for Free

Discuss the staging of Act 1 Scene 4 and Act 5 Scene 3 Essay Macbeth was written in 1606 for the current King James I. 1606 was in the Jacobean period, a time when people believed in the Divine Right of Kings. This is the belief that Kings were chosen by God. They also believed that the worst possible crime was to kill a King and this would result in being dammed to hell. They also believed in the Great Chain of Being, the importance of beings from highest to lowest. At the top was God and below him were the different positions held by Angels. Below Angels, the King was positioned above all other human beings. Because of this the King was given the title Gods Deputy On Earth. During the Jacobean period there was also a strong belief in witchcraft; this being present in the play greatly intrigued the audience. Act 1 scene 4 and act 5 scene 3 both show examples of Kingship. The Kingship shown in these two scenes are very different. In order to understand these differences we must focus on the way in which the scenes are staged and the audiences opinions generated by the script. Duncan is a very well respected and admired King. The people of Scotland admire and bow down to him, as they believe he is a good ruler. Duncan praises and rewards those who do well to him. He congratulates Macbeth in winning the battle against Norway and promotes him to Thane of Cawdor. Its ironic how Duncans two most trusted companions betray him. Macbeth had gained the title Thane of Cawdor off the previous traitor that turned against Duncan and fought for Norway. Duncan truly believes in loyalty and trust. This implies that Duncan is an extremely confident man. When he walks into a room, he knows people are watching him and this does not bother him. Macbeth rules very differently to Duncan. After killing Duncan, Macbeth begins to fear that this could easily happen to him. Macbeth does not praise those who do well, but punishes those who do bad or even nothing. If he feels they may be a threat to him he will immediately take action and eliminate them. Macbeth has no loyal friends, simply scared servants that do what they are commanded, fearing for their lives. The first scene shows Duncan as King surrounded by his loyal company, whereas the second scene shows Macbeth as King without the company of anyone except his servants which are treated with very little respect. In both of these acts the Kings are displayed in the same room of the castle. In act 1 scene 1, Duncan is informed about the death of Thane of Cawdor who is found to be a traitor and sentenced to death. The atmosphere presented is shameful but Duncan knows that the decision he made was right. In act 5 scene 3 Macbeth hears that the English army is heading for the castle. He also finds out the unstable condition of his wife. He jokes to the doctor and asks what the condition of the country is. The doctor replies very honestly saying that he would want to be as far away from Dunsinane as possible. In this scene Macbeth realizes that he will never be the King that Duncan was, he can see that the honor he receives is merely from the mouth and not from the heart. To show the different views from each scene I would present them similar to each other, as this would allow the audience to compare and make a connection between the scenes more clearly. In act 1 scene 4 I would arrange the characters in order to show their status. I would place Duncan in center stage and make sure that he is the main focus. In order to enhance this idea his position on stage must be raised above others. I would have his loyal accompanists by his side. By doing this it would create the sense that Duncan is a man of high status and respected and honored as a King. To create a connection between the two scenes I would place Macbeth in the same position as Duncan in act 5 scene 3. Duncans reaction to the betrayal and sentenced execution to the once loyal Thane of Cawdor should be very calm. He could also show a slight sadness by shedding a tear, this would show the audience that Duncan is shocked and upset by the acts of mistrust. Macbeth is faced with a similar situation in which could endanger his position as King, I would make him react violently and irritated. To create an obvious link between the tow scenes I would use a large throne as a distinctive prop. This throne would be grand and covered in red velvet. In act 1 scene 4 I would have Duncan using this throne in a proper manner, sitting up straight and proudly, where as I would have Macbeth slouching with one leg on an armrest. By using this prop it would display their differences in Kingship. In act 1 scene 4 Macbeth displays his loyalty towards Duncan by crying out O worthiest cousin! as Macbeth and Banquo approach. As he says this line I would make him have his arms wide open reaching out towards Macbeth. In line 31 Duncan says let me infold thee and hold thee to my heart. On this line I would make Macbeth kneel down and kiss Duncans ring. Rings were worn by Kings as symbols of their positions. Kissing this ring would show Macbeths respect towards Duncan. In part 3 of act 5, line 11, a servant informs Macbeth about the English armys approach towards the castle. Macbeth is worried, he shows great disrespect towards the servant by addressing to him with thou cream-facd loon. Whilst Macbeth says this line I would make him use violence towards the servant, hitting or shaking him. This would show an evil and uncaring King that is simply using his status to place himself above everyone else. Towards the end of this scene a doctor talks to Macbeth about the condition of his wife. Macbeth looks down to the doctor even though the doctor knows more about his wife than he does. Macbeth often reassures himself by referring back to the witches prophecies, while he does this I would have him pacing back and forth. The witches never told Macbeth what to do; they simply predicted the future and left it in the hands of Macbeth. This raises the idea that Macbeth might not have been King if he did not kill Duncan, or he could have become King at a later date from the natural death of Duncan. Dressing both of the Kings in each scene differently can compare their differences in personality. I would dress Duncan in a large pure white robe to show his clear conscience. I would also adorn him with gold jewelry to display his high status. Macbeth would be dressed very differently; I would have him in more common clothing in the colour black. This black would show the evil hidden within him. This evil side is suggested when Lady Macbeth describes Macbeth as looking like the innocent yet being the serpent under. By using different lighting I would be able to display what the Kings are feeling in each scene. In act 1 scene 4 I would use an orange light, this would create a feeling of warmth, as Duncan is kind, caring and in great company. In act 5 scene 3 I would have a blue light, this will give the scene a cold, empty and negative feel. All of these stage techniques would enable the audience to compare and contrast the two scenes of Kingship. If these were not used it would make the story harder to understand, hidden within Shakespeares script. In both of these scenes the Kings received high amounts of respect whether it was truly from the heart or falsely from the mouth. Macbeth was seen to be simply an unfit King by those who knew him closely as apposed to a bad King. This is because in the Jacobean period, whomever becomes King, has been elected by God, God being the top of the Great Chain of Beings. Back then Gods opinion meant everything, and could fix peoples opinion on a bad King.

The Childcare Act 2006 in Early Years Education

The Childcare Act 2006 in Early Years Education Unit 3: Building Positive Relationships Every child deserves a good start in life and support to fulfil their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right. High quality early and pre-school learning, together, provide the foundation children need to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up. Childminders and childcare providers registered on the Early Years Register must meet the legal requirements set out in the Childcare Act 2006 and associated regulations in order to remain registered. The Childcare Act 2006 provides for the Early Years Foundation Stage Learning and development requirements to comprise 3 elements: The early learning goals. The educational programmes the matters, skills and processes which are required to be taught to young children. The assessment arrangements for assessing young children to ascertain their achievements. The requirements laid down must be delivered by the child care provider with no exceptions. Document published by the Department for Education on 27 March 20012 states that â€Å"there are seven areas of learning and development that must shape educational programmes in early years settings†. Personal, social and emotional development involves helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities. Physical development involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive, and to develop their coordination, control, and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food. Communication and language development involves giving children opportunities to speak and listen in a range of situations and to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves. Literacy development involves encouraging children to read and write, both through listening to others reading, and being encouraged to begin to read and write themselves. Children must be given access to a wide range of reading materials – books, poems, and other written materials, to ignite their interest. Mathematics involves providing children with opportunities to practise and improve their skills in counting numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems, and to describe shapes, spaces, and measures. Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment. Expressive arts and design involves supporting children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play, and design and technology. Parents and carers play an important role in assisting children to build self-respect, and then through the childs personal understanding of that experience develop the values and skills needed to express respect to others. This interactional process becomes a continuous cycle, as children with strong self-respect engage in constructive positive behaviours towards themselves and others, attracting praise and reinforcement, thus building further self-respect and further facilitating the capacity to demonstrate respect for others. Of course the counter to that occurs when a child experiences continuous disrespect, fails to build healthy self-respect, and then responds to those destructive and negative feelings by treating others in similarly disrespectful ways. It is important that children learn about other people’s feelings and that we show them how we behave in society and to except all walks of life. We could help them to do this by having resources that show the different types of people. For example wheelchair users, people who are hard of hearing and other disabilities etc. You could also celebrate festivals from different cultures or religion. It is good to read the children stories about friendships and display posters that shoe diversity. Showing a child praise when they behave in a socially acceptable manner will give them more confidence and make them feel respected themselves. Introducing a child to their own culture, traditions, and heritage helps the child valuing themselves and then others. Researchers (for example, Brown, 2008; Hughes et al., 2006) consistently find that young people from minority groups have better life outcomes when they develop a sense of pride in their own heritage and culture. As parents, we can cultivate this strength by helping our children participate in meaningful activities and rituals, spend time with others who share their culture or tradition, or use their native or first language. It also comes from having positive messages and role models in the media and culture that reinforce the value of one’s heritage, culture, and identity. If I was caring for a group of children from diverse cultural or ethnic backgrounds I would encourage them to explore their heritage and make it an educational project for the whole group. By making the approach inclusive rather than exclusive it would foster a greater understanding of cultural differences and backgrounds amongst all the children. For example: each week could be devoted to an individual child’s particular background with that child encouraged to explore and learn about their culture (traditions, religion, celebrations, food, history) – the depth of research being determined by the child’s age. The child could make a presentation to the group and be encouraged to find photos and other items to help present their culture. The child could possibly be encouraged to bring a family member with them to help with their presentation (if possible). The other children in the group would engage with the activity by making their own posters, drawings and deco rations with the theme of the culture being presented. This activity would carry on for several weeks depending on the size of the group. As an alternative, if the group was not primarily multi-cultural the above plan could still be used with a cultural theme being decided on in advance and the children being encouraged to learn about the culture and share their findings with the group. Consistency in parenthood and for children is having the rules, routines and expectations the same over the course of time. This helps the child better understand rules and discipline, and it helps the childs world stay predictable and allows it to be a less confusing situation. Consistency helps children learn to be accountable for their actions. Consistency is extremely important because children need set limits. When a child is allowed to do things and then reprimanded it is confusing to them. These children will push limits of adults while thinking it is okay to do so. Consistency will help the child to understand what is tolerable and what is not. What is acceptable and what is unacceptable. Being fair is only right. Children should be taught that for every action there is a consequence. It is also important for these children to help set the guidelines for what is a consequence. This should be done before the consequence is needed, not the moment of. Positive reinforcement allows for the children to continue to have appropriate actions and become intrinsically motivated to do these actions. Positive reinforcement should be reduced over time otherwise the children will always seek the reinforcement instead of just doing the good deed in itself. With negative behaviour it is important that you always give a reason for when you say no. The child will then know that it is not safe to cross the street because they might get hurt, or it is not safe to stand on the table because they might fall. If a child is given a reason for negative behaviour it is usually understood better and therefore will likely not happen again. And if you must give a child a limit follow through, or it will not work again the next time. The child will then push your limits and try to again get off of the hook. In my opinion quiet time is a perfect time for children to just sit quietly and calm down and it helps you to simply get on with your work with minimum disruption. A child can be taken to quiet time without the whole class knowing and it is most effective when you simply, quietly and calmly walk up to a child and ask them to come to quiet time. Quiet time is not to be confused with the naughty spot or naughty chair. There is a different negative feeling to being on the naughty spot, than there is to having quiet time. The naughty chair implies that the child is naughty, which is of course negative and unhelpful. Quiet time is not about making a child feel bad but an opportunity for a child to be taken out of a disruptive situation and as a consequence for unwanted behaviour. This way you are far more likely to end unwanted behaviour rather than temporarily distracted a child from it. Another good strategy is to acknowledge and praise good behaviour and mature interactions with others, rather than only acknowledging bad behaviour and aggression. Often, a child will engage in bad behaviour, including fighting with others, in order to gain the attention of nearby adults. Only paying attention to negative behaviour reinforces the idea that negative behaviour gets results. Conflict between children and adults or between children can be very distressing. In child care settings conflict is very common for children having trouble with an adult authority. Over the years many behavioural theorists debated whether conflict has a positive or negative impact on child development. Some of them felt that conflict is a natural part of life. Others viewed conflict as a negative occurrence instead of being accepted as part of being human. Research carried out by Dennis, Colwell and Lindsey from the Texas Tech University found that there are gender differences between children identifying areas of conflict. The girls tended to have more conflict with their peers over the things that had been said displaying a child to child conflict, whereas the boys manifested themselves in the form of disobeying the teacher. Research supports work of Vygotsky who find that â€Å"†¦ conflict provides for a learning experience for children when they have correct modelling or â€Å"scaffolding† from adults† (Travick-Smith, 2003,p54). The research showed that there were certainly gender differences, with girls’ conflicts arising from reaction to â€Å"words† and boys’ conflicts with â€Å"actions†. Among the many tasks of early childhood, two stand out: to communicate needs in a respectful way to other children and to listen with respect to the ideas of others. These areas of learning are important to all young children, but especially to those who participate in group settings away from home – preschool and child care programmes, playgroups, or summer camps. With the support of knowledgeable adults, children are able to learn the skills necessary for effective communication within peer groups. As children learn to be together in a group, they will inevitably experience conflict with another child. Many adults find conflict among children frustrating and feel uncertain about how to be helpful. However, when adults are thoughtful and skilled in their approach to classroom conflict, children benefit. Conflict resolution is an important foundation for future growth and learning.   References Department for Education, 2012. Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. Runcorn: Department for Education. Riddall-Leech, S. (2010) Home-Based Childcare, Oxford, Pearson Publ Oxford Heinemann. Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (July 2006) the Child care act 2006. Tassoni, P. Beith, K. Bulman, K. Eldridge, H. (2007) Child Care and Education. Publ. Heinemann.

Prejudice and Racism - No Racism in Heart of Darkness Essay -- HOD Jos

No Racism in Heart of Darkness      Ã‚   Chinua Achebe challenges Joseph Conrad's novella depicting the looting of Africa, Heart of Darkness (1902) in his essay "An Image of Africa" (1975). Achebe's is an indignant yet solidly rooted argument that brings the perspective of a celebrated African writer who chips away at the almost universal acceptance of the work as "classic," and proclaims that Conrad had written "a bloody racist book" (Achebe 319). In her introduction in the Signet 1997 edition, Joyce Carol Oates writes, "[Conrad's] African natives are "dusty niggers," cannibals." Conrad [...] painfully reveals himself in such passages, and numerous others, as an unquestioning heir of centuries of Caucasian bigotry" (Oates 10). The argument seems to lie within a larger question; is the main character Charlie Marlow racist, and is Marlow an extension of Conrad's opinion? Achebe says yes to both notions. He points to Marlow's speech about the Thames and the Congo as revealing his view of "Africa as "the other world," the antithesis of Europe and therefore of civilization," and notes the description of the Africans as "limbs [and] rolling eyes," or, in Conrad's words, "ugly" (315). When they are not incomprehensible "savages" or "brutes," the Africans are farcical: "[The fireman] was an improved specimen; he could fire up a vertical boiler. [...] to look at him was as edifying as seeing a dog in a parody of breeches and a feather hat" (109). Achebe discusses Conrad's withholding the ability of speech from the majority of the African characters. The Africans are not humanized, as the whites are, having no dimension, no tone or color save an alien black. They are never personified; Conrad refers to them as "black shapes" or "mor... ...ifferent standpoint, the story for the story's sake, much like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's mysteries which said nothing about society overtly at all. Unlike Mr. Doyle, Conrad's attempts to make social commentary on the pillaging of Africa immediately thrust him into the shoes of his character, and though he attempted to do good by shedding light on the matter, he made only a half-hearted attempt; not racism, merely a lack of strength of conviction.       Works Cited: Achebe, Chinua. "An Image of Africa," from Chant of Saints: a gathering of Afro-American Literature, Art & Scholarship, Michael Harper, ed. University of Illinois Press, 1979 Conrad, Joseph Heart of Darkness and The Secret Sharer, 1902. Signet Classic, New York 1997. Oates, Joyce Carol. Introduction to Heart of Darkness and The Secret Sharer copyright The Ontario Review Inc., 1997.

Citibank: Performance Evaluation Essay

In 1996, Citibank was an emergent banking institution attempting to increase its market share in the competitive Los Angeles area. In order to do so, the bank’s strategy was to focus slightly less on their financial growth, and much more on providing â€Å"a high level of service to its customers†. Management viewed this paradigm shift as â€Å"critical to the long term success of the franchise†. To implement these changes, a new Citibank employee performance assessment scorecard was created, briefly tested and quickly implemented. Though I believe it was a much improved and broader way to gauge individual performance, there was certainly room for improvement. The scorecard was composed of financial, strategy implementation and control goals which had the advantage of clearly, objectively and transparently measure a manager’s work. These measures were readily accessible though the general accounting system, and left little (if any) room to argue over a manager’s performance. However, all three measures focused primarily on the upcoming quarter(s) and how those numbers compared quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year, making them a short-term or â€Å"lagging† indicator of success. The remaining measures on the assessment scorecard (customer satisfaction, people, and standards) were all noticeably subjective, yet viewed as sound long-term indicators and therefore crucial in evaluating the foundation of the future success of the organization. Obviously, the customer is (and will always be) the most important part of the equation, as it is customer business that allows banks to conduct theirs. People and standards measures are both especially significant measures, as they address the character, personality and perceived image of individuals, management and the organization as a whole. A more specific analysis of the assessment scorecard is as follows: Financial Measures Financial goals are clearly and understandably the most important measure in the assessment scorecard. In this particular case, the yearly financial targets are the result of a division-wide process that includes the division President himself, all the area managers and respective branch managers. For any financial institution, I believe this to be the most objective measure of a manager’s short-term performance. However, discrete short-term accomplishment measures rarely shed light on the bigger picture and, therefore, on the future direction of an organization. This is easily correlated to many other businesses and organizations including my own. I manage an orthopedic research laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh, and one of the items on our yearly evaluation form is the total dollar amount of our grants. Being awarded n number of grants for x million dollars in any given year provides little information about future funding opportunities. I have been at the University for over 4 years and have seen several PhD’s have to close their laboratories unexpectedly after failing to attain the necessary funds to maintain their staff and continue their research. Having various items on a performance assessment scorecard can certainly help avoid situations like those. Strategy Implementation This is another objective, transparent, easily quantifiable financial measure. As it stands on the Citibank performance scorecard, this measure focuses exclusively on financial achievement. However, I believe Citibank management should change its strategy implementation goals to include some of the customer satisfaction goals as well. If â€Å"Citibank’s strategy in California† is, truly, to provide â€Å"a high level of service to its customers†, I would add relevant questions from the independently conducted telephone interviews to customers who visited the branches during the past month to this measure, as it is an essential component of the organization’s strategy, and certainly influenced by the actions and leadership approach of the respective branch managers. Internal Control Processes This measure is an added form of financial evaluation done by the internal auditing team that follows in line with the two previously discussed. For Citibank this measure was helpful in assessing the level of awareness and involvement of the managers with compliance problems. Customer Satisfaction The most ambiguous and subjective measure on the scorecard, happens to be highly regarded by Citibank leadership as a vital gauge of the long term success of the organization. I look at this measure as having 2 very distinct elements. In the telephone survey previously mentioned, there were questions regarding services provided at the actual branch, and questions oncerning other Citibank services such as 24 hours phone banking and ATM services. I believe questions pertaining services offered at the branch belong with the Strategy Implementation measures, as management clearly stated customer service as a top priority and the branch managers’ actions should be closely linked to services provided at their own local office. All other questions, ones related to additional Citibank services and seemingly out of a branch managerâ⠂¬â„¢s control, should be eliminated from their performance scorecard. Under the current format, there is information that I deem crucial to making this decision that is not provided with the case study. Being that this Customer Satisfaction measure is new in the assessment scorecard (which was only briefly tested before being implemented) I would like to know more about the performance of other/all branch managers. That way I would be able to compare Mr. McGaran’s performance to that of the other managers. I find it somewhat unusual that someone as highly regarded as Mr.  McGaran seems to be, with so much banking experience, scored so poorly in Customer Satisfaction, yet performed so strongly in all other areas of his yearly assessment for four consecutive years, all while managing the most important and most competitive Citibank branch in the Los Angeles division. People and Standards The final two measures on the yearly assessment scorecard go hand in hand, as they concern the way branch managers value their own career advancement opportunities as well as their growth as leaders and role-models not only for employees, but also within the communities which they serve. As subjective as these measures might be, they are essential for any organization, and could have a tremendous impact on an individual’s career. In this particular case, Ms. Johnson used these sections to describe Mr. McGaran as â€Å"an excellent people manager (†¦), a team-builder that motivates his people to go above and beyond. † She enthusiastically referenced his involvement within the community, his focus, discipline, availability, effectiveness and drive among many other things. These are all intangibles that are difficult to assess otherwise (i. . financial measures), but could make a significant difference for the organization as well as the individual. In our laboratory we work with many medical students and young residents. Once they complete their projects in the lab, this is the type of subjective assessment I am responsible for presenting to the attending physicians. How do students/residents perform when the attending physicians are not around? How do they deal with this new environment and how do they perform outside of their comfort zone? How well do they interact with the staff? Do they attempt to take on leadership roles even in the limited time they have at the lab, or are they comfortable just going along? I have been doing such evaluations for about 3 years and, as students start getting into residency programs and residents move onto fellowship programs, it’s staggering how some of the answers to such simple questions seem to strongly correlate with their future expectations and opportunities. After carefully analyzing all 6 assessment measures, with the information available, and if I were asked to make a recommendation on Mr. McGaran’s overall performance, I would have to give him a â€Å"par† rating. The instructions regarding overall year-end performance scores were very clear – â€Å"without â€Å"par† ratings in all the components of the Scorecard, a manager could not get an â€Å"above par† rating†. Citibank management, in particular the California Division, had been strongly emphasizing the importance of customer satisfaction for quite some time, even going as far as changing the performance assessment scorecard to reflect this. Mr.  McGaran is the manager of the most important and most competitive Citibank branch, and he is a role model and a reference to many other branch managers. What credibility would we have as management, if we deviated from the rules regarding that very specific measure in the first year of its implementation? Mr. McGaran was an outstanding employee, and I would do everything within my power to let him know that his incredibly strong overall performance had been noted and that we, as management, were aware of his concerns regarding the validity of the telephone survey. I would let him know that the year-end performance evaluation team is always looking for ways to enhance and improve the assessment scorecard, but in accordance with the one currently in place, he could disagree, but had to accept his rating, and continue to improve his customer satisfaction numbers just as he did during the last quarter. Obviously, such evaluation process serves not only to assess employees but also the system in place to do so. With that in mind, I would propose some changes to the year-end assessment scorecard, starting with an evaluation to the content of the telephone survey and its soundness in assessing a branch manager’s performance. I would also suggest that the rating system be adjusted, so that instead of 3 categories, there were 5. Hopefully, these changes would create a more flexible assessment scorecard, and a yearly performance such as that of Mr. McGaran would be properly distinguished and rewarded.