Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation Essay

Abstract As defined in the text book motivation is the forces that energize and direct our efforts toward a meaningful goal (Atwater, Duffy & Kirsh, 2005). This paper will look to define motivation and the two common types of motivation, intrinsic and extrinsic. Which of the two is a moreeffective way of motivation and gives ourselves a higher sense of self-esteem? This paper will also examine different situations where people are motivated, both intrinsically and extrinsically, and the moral and ethical reasoning behind their decisions. Finally from a study done by Joe Gelona there is a look that if one is consciously thinking about what motivates you to complete a task it will result in higher levels of self- motivation. A Look at Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation Every goal strived for in life whether it is a short term or long term goal has reasoning behind it, and that reasoning would be motivation. Motivation is defined in the text book as the forces that energize and direct our efforts toward a meaningful goal (Atwater, Duffy & Kirsh, 2005). People are motivated in two different ways; they are motivated intrinsically or extrinsically. Intrinsic motivation, again define in the text book, is â€Å"active engagement with tasks that people find interesting and that, in turn, promote growth and are freely engaged in out of interest† (Atwater et al. 2005). While extrinsic motivation is â€Å"the desire to engage in an activity because it is a means to an end and not because an individual is following his or her inner interests† (Atwater et al. 2005). In other words intrinsic motivation is being driven by internal factors and extrinsic is driven by outside factors in your environment. Motivation comes in two forms, and when are we inclined to use each of them and how do they help improve self- esteem? Some situations that put motivational thinking to the test are things like academic achievement; a study done by Martin Covington examines both the intrinsic and extrinsic factors push students to succeed. Another scenario is a look at situations which take into effect the ethics and moral values of motivational reasoning, and finally does just the thought about whether we are motivated or not have enough influence to motivate us? While people are motivated in two different ways it is hard to pinpoint just which of the two is better for overall well being. A big factor that comes into play is self- esteem, which is someone’s idea of their own personal worth ( Atwater et al. 2005). When thinking of personal worth it seems to make sense that achieving a goal through intrinsic motivation would be best suited to boost self- esteem. A perfect example would be for someone trying to lose weight in order to be in better health. The thought of achieving the goal of a lower weight and looking better all because it is something that a person has wanted to do would be an enormous boost in self esteem once that goal has been accomplished. That is a situation in which self- esteem is benefited from using intrinsic motivation to achieve a personal goal. Extrinsic motivation works a little bit differently towards a self esteem boost, a person in the same situation with the idea of weight loss might only be doing it because they see it socially acceptable to look skinny and healthy. Another way to put that would be to say that the person is looking for self verification, in the textbook Atwater et al. (2005) classify that as doing something that will elicit positive feedback from others to verify our own self perceptions. So that same situation using the extrinsic way of motivation that person would raise their self esteem by getting that positive feedback from others after they achieved their weight loss goal. That is just one scenario in which both types of motivation can be shown to improve self esteem, either internally motivated (intrinsic) or from environmental factors and self verification (extrinsic). Moving forward we will look as some more specific situations where someone may be motivated intrinsically or extrinsically. Martin Covington wrote an article, Intrinsic Versus Extrinsic Motivation in Schools: A Reconciliation, which examines reasons why students are academically motivated by either intrinsic or extrinsic methods. Covington (2000) first points out that the academic system is set up with external rewards for students in the form of grades, so it is easy to see where students would almost always be motivated extrinsically. Students on the other hand are motivated intrinsically when they put aside the external rewards of getting good grades and become satisfied with overcoming the  challenge of learning something new and interesting (Covington, 2000). In the article Covington (2000) says that the idea of students learning for matters for their own sake is often destroyed by having external rewards such as grades for incentives. This proposes the argument that if the external rewards are taken away how likely is it that students will still be intrinsically motivated to learn? Moen and Doyle make the statement in an article that mention certain aspects of colleges such as the course material and programs to study that are contributing factors for how hard and willingly college students will learn (1978). This makes the point that being intrinsically motivated towards school will be very beneficial towards the learning process. Now when look at the high school education structure compared to colleges it is easy to see where at one level students are motivated intrinsically compared to extrinsically. In high school where the courses are mapped out and the learning of certain subjects is forced the only motivation for most students is extrinsic because they are really just seeking the external rewards of achieving good grades. Compare this to a college set up where students have the choice of what subjects they wish to study where they will be more intrinsically motivated to learn for the benefit that they find topics interesting and are looking for that internal challenge (Doyle & Moen, 1978). Ending with the idea of boosting self esteem either method of motivation works, it just depends on the person and whether they are satisfied by the external rewards of grades or if they prefer the self satisfaction of mastering a new subject. As shown previously intrinsic and extrinsic motivation plays a big part in the ways students learn, but which of the two methods plays a bigger role when it comes to students and cheating? Rettinger, Jordan & Peschiera (2004) did a study of 103 undergraduate college students who took a study to determine their motivation orientation, and then they read a vignette about someone who has the ability to cheat. The researchers were able to determine who would cheat and who would not based on their motivational orientation. Rettinger et al. (2004) states that students identify both the intrinsic and extrinsic goals for their classes and there for can decide whether they will be motivated by grades or self interest in the course. They found that students who had been intrinsically motivated in school were less likely to  cheat compared to the students who had extrinsic goals (Rettinger et al. 2004). Rettinger et al. (2004) says that the intrinsically motivated students showed lower levels of anxiety, better study habits and a better attitude towards academics. The results if this study were that â€Å"eighty-three percent of participants admitted to having cheated during their college career† (Rettinger et al, 2004). Students are always made aware that cheating is not allowed but why do the extrinsically motivated students continue to do so anyway? Garrard & McNaughton (1998) say that someone the justification of one’s moral reasoning can keep them motivated enough to follow through with the act even though they know it is wrong. They use an example of someone who wishes to give up smoking and is there for motivated to quit, but may still find reason to fail and just give up (Garrard & McNaughton, 1998). So the extrinsically motivated person who is only focused on the grade reward part of school may know that the only way to achieve their grade is through cheating and therefore goes through with that act. Again as shown in the Rettinger, Jordan & Peschiera (2004) study college students are going to cheat but it is the extrinsically motivated students who are more likely to do so than those students who are intrinsically motivated towards school. Gelona (2011) says that â€Å"motivation can indeed be considered as a key ingredient for successful pursuit of goals and for attaining desired outcomes and well-being.† Joe Gelona did a study where he looked at the extent to which people think about what motivates them and the possible effect on their motivational level (Gelona, 2011). It is interesting to think about how just simply thinking about being motivated to do a particular task can actually increase your level of motivation. Gelona (2011) found in his results of interviews that only 39.5% of the interviewees said they â€Å"often or usually† think about what motivates them to do something. Thinking back to the scenario of a weight loss goal and how people are intrinsically or extrinsically motivated to do so, in order to continue to push through to their goal they will have to constantly be thinking about what is motivating them to continue. Gelona (2011) stated that people who were consciously thinking about what motivates them will be more motivated to achieve their goals and desired outcomes in life. The  overall findings of the study showed that â€Å"most people do not seem to think about what will motivate them prior to taking action on an important goal† (Gelona, 2011). Gelona (2011) makes the claim that the use of motivational coaching can be found helpful in situations such as: * Helping clients who wish to generate and maintain greater self- motivation. * Helping clients to regain lost motivation. * Helping clients strengthen their persistence in pursuit of desired goals. In Joe Gelona’s study he claims that people will have higher levels of self- motivation and be more likely to achieve goals if they are consciously thinking about what motivates them, unfortunately he found that most of the people he interviewed did not think that way (Gelona, 2011). Atwater et al. (2005) defined motivation as the forces that energize and direct our efforts toward a meaningful goal. People become either intrinsically or extrinsically motivated so achieve goals and for better to improve their self- esteem. As pointed out by Covington (2000) students approach academics with either intrinsic or extrinsic motives to achieve their boost in self-esteem levels. One of the only varying differences in the two is when it came to academic dishonesty in the Rettinger, Jordan & Peschiera (2004) that students who were extrinsically motivated were found more likely to cheat than those who were intrinsically motivated. All in all both theories of motivation are successful in helping achieve higher levels of self- esteem. References Covington, M. (2000). Intrinsic Versus Extrinsic Motivation in Schools: Reconciliation. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 9, 22-25. Duffy, K., Atwater, E., & Kirsh, S. (2005). Psychology for Living: Adjustment, Growth, And Behavior Today. (Tenth ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. ((Duffy, Atwater & Kirsh, 2005) Gelona, J. (2011). Does Thinking About Motivation Boost Motivation Levels? The Coaching Psychologist, 7, 42-48. Gerrard, E., & McNaughton, D. (1998). Mapping Moral Motivation. Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, 1, 45-59. Moen, Ross. Doyle, Kenneth O. (1978). Measures of Academic Motivation: A Conceptual Review. Research in Higher Education, 8, 1-23. Rettinger, D., Jordan, A., & Peschiera, F. (2004). Evaluating the Motivation of Other Students to Cheat: A Vignette Experiment. Research in Higher Education,45, 873-890.

Music: a Magicful Medicine

Music:A Magicful Medicine Fine arts always have been a good way to express oneself for thousand years. One of them is a magical and a powerful way to affect people,both negatively and positively. Music is not just a way to fun or just an art. Almost everyone loves it,some of them say that they can not live without it. However,above all,music is able to do many things. There are a lot of ways that music effects people. As it was mentioned above, music has both negative and possitive effects on us. But these effects are usually possitive.First of all, and it is the most interesting affect maybe, it can cure diseases. Of course it can not be as effective as pills but it really helps during the cure. Due to the fact that music has an enormous affect on humain brain, it helps Alzheimers mostly and it is used as a rehabilitation. It reduces the worst effect of the disease: it brings back the lost memories. Until today, a lot of patients made a good progress by listening to music. In additi on, music also repairs patients’ brains damage, like ‘Kenny Roger Effect’. It is a vacation that shows how music can repair a human brain. Because songs by country performer Rogers were among the stroke patients’ preferred tunes,we were thinking of calling this the Kenny Rogers Effect. ’ was said in an interview by Dr Soto. And interestingly, Rogers’ songs also provided the greatest benefits, according to some study findings. Another disease which music can be used as a cure is cancer, maybe the most dangerous one ever. Just like in Alzheimer, there are a lot of good examples which can prove music’s effects on cancer. Firstly, it reduces stress and makes people feel more cheerful.We all know that what kind of songs we listen to can change our mood easily, we can suddenly start crying or feeling better just by listening to music. During the cancer rehabilitation, patients’ moods, feelings and thoughts are very important. Music ca n raise patients’ spirit and help them to feel better and less stressful. On the other hand, music is a very good way to learn and understand easily. Because of that, it can be applied education, especially in childhood. Music helps children during their education life. It is a really effective way to make a good progress in education.According to the last researches, children who play a musical instrument are more succesful in their school life than the others. The reason is simple: Playing an instrument makes a lot of parts of your brain work at the same time which is a very beneficial thing,especially for children. By the same token, children who interest in music are also more succesful than the others. There are two benefits of music for children. First, it helps them to understand easily. Today, people goes courses to understand and concentrate quickly. Because by just listening a song (a special song of course) you can do this.Classic music for example is a good altern ative. Listening a song from Beethoven can make your brain waves decelerate and this is one of the ways to improve your brain’s capasity. Another good effect of music is that it can improve intelligence. We all have seen a Mozart cd for babies or children at least for once. It is because there are so many examples of listening classic music can improve babies intelligence especially during the pregnancy. The works of Mozart and Beethoven are famous for mental function, because the frequencies used are very specific and place the mind in highly distinctive states.Studies have repeatedly shown that babies IQ rises by 3-5 points. Classic music also can make the memory stronger –not for just babies for everyone- and a strong memory is a good proof of an intelligence. To sum up, listening to music is just a free-time activity for a lot of people but in fact it is like a magical medicine for us. It has unbelievable effects on our body and brain and today these effects are be ing used as cures for cancer and Alzheimer. In other words, music is like a gift for people. Birnur Sahin Section:22 28/12/12

A Sorrowful Woman by Gail Godwin

In a world that is often referred to as the world of men, the role of women is not considered important and therefore can be suppressed. This is why feminist views and criticisms arise especially in literature. By definition, criticism of feminist involves examining ways literature enhances women's economic, political, social, and psychological oppression. (Tyson) In the sad woman of Gail Godwins, the role of the heroine is focused mainly on the distance from her organizational lifestyle. Gil Godwin's sad woman's story depicts his wife and mother gradually withdrawing from her family after being overwhelmed by her husband and children and completely removing them from their lives. Their existence reminds her every day that she lost her freedom and self identity, and her life will never be the same again (Godwin 78). She wants her freedom and her own identity. Like Mr. Clap, this will be more fulfilling, she wants to live a lonely life away from her husband, her children, and other pe ople in the community. She thinks that marriage is the root of pain, and deprives her identity, self and freedom. She also wanted to leave the society that defends her marriage, so I decided to live a solitary life. However, she believes that freedom and self will not bring the satisfaction that he desires. In 1976, best - selling American novelist Gale Godwin announced a series of feminists called dream kids and anti - parent short stories. One of the stories, sad woman uses simple words and objective perspectives to give a sense of a fairy tale that women are struggling to meet her expectations as wives and mothers . This will tell the story to the overall theme of the series and explore the unsatisfying family lifestyle that weakens and weakens the psychological and emotional well-being of trapped women.

Film studies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Film studies - Essay Example It may appear to be an example of â€Å"films which were accepted as realistic by one generation often appear ‘false or dated ‘ to the next†, but is still an important aspect of an era. The film is undoubtedly old fashioned and out of date with regard to modern cinematic styles and technological advances, but its themes and messages on racism and prejudice remain as relevant today as they did then. Definition of Social Problem Films: Durgnat, (1997) contended that â€Å"The social problem film is hardly a genre† (p.59) but went on to say, in relation to ‘Sapphire’ and ‘Victim’, that they may be described as â€Å"by narrative structure†¦detective mysteries.† However, such films sought to explore the real issues faced by that society. Ealing Studios in the 1950s encouraged the production of films that were not only melodrama or thriller, but that delivered a universal moral message. Issues such as juvenile delinquency, violence, sexuality and racism were incorporated into dramatic narratives that would engage audiences but ask them to look at their society and their own values, perceptions and prejudices. Jonathan Wright (2002) described processes involved in this, when examining British Social Realism, (quoting Lay, 2002) â€Å"First the film-maker must have intended to capture the experience of the actual event depicted. Second, the film-maker has a specific argument or message to deliver about the social world and employs realistic conventions to With ‘Sapphire, Dearden and Relph did that, linking the detective/thriller narrative, with character, form, tone, pace and dialogue, in fact all the film elements that succeeded in reflecting the state of a nation in transition and the effects of racism and prejudice. Historical Context: The race riots of 1958 in Notting Hill, London had raised the consciousness of post-war Britain, bringing doubts about their conservative, conventional values, and alerting them to changes. Immigrants from

Ways of Protecting The Environment (Classification Essay) Essay

Ways of Protecting The Environment (Classification ) - Essay Example Energy conservation can be achieved in a number of ways. Firstly, ensuring that all electrical appliances such as computers, radios, televisions, and lights are switched off when not in use ensures that wastage of energy is minimized. Secondly, it is also important to unplug all electrical appliances from sockets even when they have been switched off to avoid wasting energy. Electrical appliances such as phone and laptop charges can use up energy when left plugged in sockets, even when the sockets are switched off. Thirdly, changing to energy saving bulbs such as LED or fluorescent light bulbs will save a lot of energy compared to using the conventional light bulbs. Fourthly, energy can also be saved when people avoid making use of electronic exercise machines such as treadmills and instead engage in other physical activities such as jogging, walking, riding real bicycles or doing push-ups. Lastly, people can use heavy blankets when it gets cold instead of heating their rooms using e lectrical heaters (Farmer 5). Water conservation can happen when people ensure that taps are properly closed when not in use. Also, ensuring that taps are not dripping or leaking when closed can help save a lot of water that would have otherwise been lost through the trickles that would have dripped for a prolonged period of time. One can put a container under a dripping tap so that the dripping water can be fetched and used later instead of going to waste by simply dripping down the drain. Water can also be conserved when people take shorter showers or avoid filling their bathtubs to the maximum. Those with pools can use pool covers to reduce the amount of evaporation which will require them to refill their pools from time to time when a lot of evaporation has taken place. People can also avoid flushing toilets unnecessarily and only do so when it is really necessary. Recycling and conserving can be achieved by

A Framework for Effective Communication Skills Research Paper

A Framework for Effective Communication Skills - Research Paper Example The framework focuses upon the five ‘Is’ such as interaction with the patient, developing the intention of the interaction, planning upon the kinds of intervention techniques used, evaluating the impact of such sorts of intervention and assessing the implication of the information that has been gathered and thus taking actions accordingly (Hamilton & Martin, 2007). The article tries to focus upon the fact that it is significant for the nurses to communicate with the patients by making use of diverse skills in order to ensure the patients that the health care practitioners are there to help the patients both psychologically and physically taking into account the patient’s state of health. The article also tries to identify that the patients must be given chance to express their fears, worries, anxiety, and concerns if any so that the healthcare professionals are able to identify the root cause of the problems prevailing with the patient (Hamilton & Martin, 2007). It is significant for the nurses to identify that providing the patients with information needs to be goal-directed activity. The intentions behind the interaction with the patients need to be identified. If such intentions can be identified by the practitioners then they will be capable of evaluating the efficiency of their contact with the patient.  

Impact of the Economic Environment on a Success of New Enterprise in a Essay

Impact of the Economic Environment on a Success of New Enterprise in a Country - Essay Example This essay outlines the significance of correct appraisal of the international marketing environment for the successful conduct of a business in different countries in the age of globalization. Importance of healthy economic environment is considered in the essay. International marketing is faced with a variety of challenges as it is requires great strategies to achieve compatibility between different countries. This is in terms of the different needs of people in the different countries, as well as their regional differences. Different studies have shown that most international companies do not put into consideration this aspect of a country’s economy when coming up with their strategies. Such international companies still register success in their international markets, having disregarded the aspect of economic environment. This is a proof that economic environment is not the most important consideration in international marketing, as there are more important aspects. Of all the factors to be considered in appraising for international marketing, culture stands out as the most important factor. International marketing is a way of bridging between various countries and a way of profit creation. Culture is important in bridging between countries. However, economic factors also play an important role in determining the purchasing power and decisions of consumers in a country. This way, wealthy countries are the best platforms for international marketing as the purchasing power of their consumers is high. ... effective marketing strategies to counter this socio-cultural influence among countries, which believe that fitness is only important for the rich professionals and not the common man. By identifying themselves as alternatives to health, the fitness companies have managed to get an entrance into some of the countries that have this psychological attitude towards fitness. In addition, the McDonald’s Company has registered great success in different countries because of its cultural awareness in host countries. Mainly, this company adjusts its menus and diets to suit the dietary need and cultures of the people in the host countries (Francis, 2010). Apart from culture, the economic environment of countries is an important aspect for effective international marketing. This comprises a country’s GNP. GDP, as well as per capita income. These are essential in determining the power of consumer buying in a country. If these are high, it means the consumer buying power is also hi gh. Business executives interested in international marketing can therefore, use these to determine the level of a country’s economic environment, as well as its market profitability (Kaynak, 1991). The economy of a country is a great influence in international marketing, as this comprises elements that are indicators of the height of market profitability in countries. It is therefore certain that the economic environment of a country is paramount in international marketing, given the important information it provides on wealth, consumer buying power, and income level, which are important market indicators (Muhlbacher, Leihs, & Dahringer, 2006). However, different studies have shown that most international companies do not put into consideration this aspect of a country’s economy when coming up

How to support a Gifted and Talented child in the classroom in Essay

How to support a Gifted and Talented child in the classroom in Mathematics - Essay Example The common notion is that gifted children, having abilities superior than the rest, need less assistance in terms of education. However, what is often overlooked is the fact that these children are not necessarily, â€Å"academically gifted†, so to speak. Intelligence is not restricted to academics. As such, a gifted child may be exceptionally adept to reading but poor in arithmetic. In other words, giftedness does not encompass all fields, contrary to common belief. In fact, psychologist Howard Gardner has proposed Multiple Intelligence theory, postulating that there are actually eight intelligence domains – among them are music, linguistic and logic and mathematics (Visser, Ashton & Vernon 2006, p.487). Of these mentioned domains, an important subject of interest is Mathematics, which, as pointed by several researchers such as Mji & Makgato (2006, p.253), most students are poor at. Nevertheless, given that the aspect of giftedness in terms of intelligence is multi-fac eted, it is necessary to establish at this point how the concept of giftedness would be used in this paper. The subject of argument is the gifted children who, regardless of their astuteness in other aspects of intelligence, exemplify high prowess in Mathematics. Moving on, it was mentioned that a lot of students perform below average in Mathematics; thus, in response to this, various steps are taken to improve teaching skills of instructors in educating students in this subject. But then again, given the common misconception on giftedness, gifted children are often overlooked in the classroom, with their special needs neglected. Diversity of Experience & Learning In the book written by Kennedy, Johnson & Tipps (2008, p. 40), it was argued that the point in dealing with gifted children is not to make them reach an achievement level that is established for all average students. Instead, support should be geared towards meeting the needs specific to these children. This is to say that children have varying experiences which may affect learning and performance (Bowman 1994). Overestimating the abilities of gifted children which may lead to unintentional neglect of their needs may hinder them from achieving their full potential. The present curriculum in most educational system is designed for average students. In this scenario, the average students are benefiting more in the curriculum because they are learning things while the gifted students are just left listening to concepts that they have already mastered. The average students are compelled to study and practice in order to hone their skills. In contrast, the gifted students do not need to struggle to learn. In most cases, this experience has taught them that everything comes out way too easy; hence, they may not be as receptive to new ideas as average students do. Since gifted students can easily understand and acquire skills due to the average pace of teaching, they usually suffer from boredom and frustrat ion (Collins 2001, p.xiv). Further, since they are not challenged, most of them gradually lack motivation resulting to underachievement (Diezman, Faragher, Lowrie & Bicknell 2004, p. 8). As a matter of fact, there are gifted students who do not perform well simply because they lack interest or are occupied with perfectionism (CCEA 2006, p.6). In the long run, this lack of motivation may result to being left behind, achieving things below their levels. Therefore, it is important to

Cooperative Group Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Cooperative Group - Essay Example In the European Union and in large regions of America, cooperatives, with associations, foundations and mutual funds are considered parts of the social economy. The International Cooperative Alliance, established in 1895, is considered to be the final authority for defining cooperatives and the principles by which they operate. The organization has made three formal statements of cooperative principles over the past 100 years in an effort to keep them relevant to the contemporary world. At its 100th anniversary meeting in September, 1995 in Manchester, England, the Alliance adopted the "Statement of Cooperative Identity." which made the definition, values and principles of cooperatives. Definition: cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically controlled enterprise. Values are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility, and caring for others. Principles: Voluntary and Open Membership, Democratic Member Control, Member Economic Participation, Autonomy and Independence, Education, Training and Information, Cooperation among Cooperatives, Concern for Community (Statement of Cooperative Identity 1995) 2. A critical analysis of the organisation's internal structure Like any organization, cooperative has own structure, which may various from number of its members and the area of activity the co-op involved. There are tree main components of internal structure of cooperation: the Board, Management and Members. The rights, duties and coordination of work of governing team are reflected in scheme, which where adopted from the work of Garoyan and Mohn (1976 cited Cooperatives 2006): BOARD MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABIITY To Members To Board AREAS OF CONCERN Idea Decision , Judge Ends/Purpose Action Decisions, Manage Means/Activities COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES Determine Values Long-Range, Consequestial Set limits, Monitor Intermediate and Short-Range Organize and Control Resources GOALS, POLICIES Determine Implement MANAGEMENT EVALUATION Set Policies Regarding Results to be Achieved and Limitations on Activities Monitor Progress Toward Results Monitor Compliance with Limits Provide Information for Monitoring OPERATIONS Determine Values and Goals Set Limits Monitor Conduct PERPETUATION Assurance of Capable Management and Board Succession Support, Participate BOARD PROCESS Determine Structure, Behavior, Performance Evaluation, Calendar and Agenda None Board of directors by law is legally responsible for cooperative and it's critical that all directors are highly qualified. Furthermore, directors of board need to represent the cooperative membership as a whole. (Cropp 2005) 3. A critical analysis of the organisation's objectives and/or strategy plans Jeffrey Royer (2002, p.12) from University of Nebraska noted that "because cooperatives are complex definition organization, that served to wide variety of purposes, and perform the wide variety of functions, there is no single objective, , that is accepted by board, management and members. A cooperative may pursue the number of objectives

The Idea of Being a Leader Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Idea of Being a Leader - Personal Statement Example Though these were just a few flashes in the pan did not matter at that time. They helped boost my ego which stayed inflated for a long, long time. The last day of the school had come. Suddenly the world seemed large, wide and menacing. I would be leaving all my dear friends with whom I had grown up, laughed, cried, argued, fought, made up, and in general just took life for granted. They had seen me besides studying, taking the active part in school functions, sports, dramas, elocution contests, and always been there for me and with me. I was not really sure what I was to do after school years. One said to go to college, another said it was not worth it. That my parents could not afford my college fees did not deter me. I simply did not have the will. I did not wish to go through some four grueling years just to prove to the world I was leadership material. This is when I learned the importance of following one's intuition when all else fails to convince. (Dr. Garfield, 322)1. It took me a couple of years to decide that I had better learn some skills and find a job. This led me to take up a course in shorthand and typing. I found some jobs and did a course in business management. But there was something else life had in store. I was not aware of it. But when I was 19, a Christian group met me and told me I need God to help me steer the course of my life. After some hesitation, I gave them a chance. Pilgrim's Progress Working in an auto dealers firm, I took an active part in church activities in my spare times. Evangelism and church planting could seem to be a raw deal in the beginning. But it yields fantastic returns and dividends. I found myself participating in campaigns, leadership meetings, seminars, and even began making my own speeches and presentations. My desire for writing found expression in 1976 when I got an opening to work for a religious magazine run by an American lady editor, Jane McNally, under whose leadership, I was able to polish up my grammar and even learn writing skills. I began participating in writing seminars and competitions and won prizes. Visions and Goals I was moving up in life. I found a job in a large, consumer goods manufacturing firm, and got set to buy an apartment flat. But the pay from my regular job, though decent, was not enough. This is when I decided to give a shot at teaching. My English was good and so was my shorthand. I got a part-time assignment to teach both these subjects at an institute after my regular office hours.

Key Events in the Space Race Essay Example for Free

Key Events in the Space Race Essay The 60s were infamous for many rapidly changing aspects pertaining to different topics at the time. The subject of space was one not to be left behind. This decade would be one of the world’s golden ages of extraterrestrial research and every event during this time would be recorded into history. In a period most people know as the ‘Space Race’, the Soviet Union (USSR) and the United States (USA) would compete for supremacy in space exploration. Most events occurred in this decade, but the period of the ‘Space Race’ itself lasted from the 1957 to 1975. Sputnik 1, the world’s first artificial satellite, was launched on October 4th, 1957 by the USSR. Sputnik itself was a polished metal sphere, 23 in. in diameter, with four external radio antennae to broadcast radio pulses. It was sent into an elliptical, low-Earth orbit and provided scientists with information. Its purpose was to measure the density and composition of the upper atmosphere, as well as measuring solar radiation, magnetic fields, cosmic rays, etc. It travelled at about 18,000 mi. per hour, taking 96. 2 minutes to complete each orbit. Signals continued to reach Earth for 22 days until the transmitter batteries ran out of energy on October 26, 1957. Sputnik burned up on January 4, 1958 as it fell from orbit upon reentering Earths atmosphere. It travelled at about 43. 5 million miles and spent a total of 3 months in orbit. Although life had been sent into space before, Yuri Gagarin would be the first human to exit Earth’s atmosphere. He was born on March 9, 1934 in a small village in the Soviet Union called Klushino. The cosmonaut boarded onto Vostok, a craft that consisted of a spherical descent module, 2. meters in diameter, which housed the astronaut, instruments, escape system, and a conical instrument module, containing propellant and the engine system. Upon reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere, the cosmonaut would eject from the craft at about 7,000 m. and descend via parachute, while the capsule would land separately. Gagarin’s mission to circle the Earth on April 12, 1961 lasted for 1 hour and 48 minutes. He was only 27 years old at the time and that was the first and last time he went into space, since he was too valued to send on a risky mission again. Gagarin may have been the first human in space, but Alan Shepard became the first American to exit Earth’s atmosphere. He was born on November 18, 1923 in Derry, New Hampshire. Although the flight was originally scheduled for October 1960, delays by unplanned preparatory work meant that this was postponed several times, initially to March 6, 1961 and finally to May 5. On April 12, 1961, Soviet astronaut Yuri Gagarin had become the first person in space and to orbit the Earth. On May 5, 1961, Shepard piloted the Freedom 7 mission and became the second person, and the first American, to travel into space. The suborbital flight only lasted a mere 15 minutes, but the launch was seen live by millions. While the USSR was showering in fame and glory, ahead of the US in the ‘Space Race’, America’s President John F. Kennedy declared the dramatic and ambitious goal of sending a citizen safely to the Moon before the end of the decade on May 29, 1961. This was announced before a special joint session of Congress. This decision would soon change the world forever in 1969. The Soviet Union left the United States in the dust again when they sent Alexey Leonov, a Russian cosmonaut, to become the first human to conduct a spacewalk on March 18, 1965. He was born on May 30, 1934 in Listvyanka, Kemerovo Oblast, USSR. His walk in space was originally to have taken place on the Vostok 11 mission, but this was cancelled, and the historic event happened on the Voskhod 2 flight instead. He was outside the spacecraft for 12 minutes and nine seconds, connected to the craft by a 5. 35 m. tether. America was humiliated once again in early 1966 as it watched the USSR successfully land the world’s first spacecraft to achieve a soft landing on the Moon. Luna 9 was launched on January 31, 1966 and landed on the Moon’s surface on February 3, 1966. Its mission was to land safely on any planetary body other than Earth and to transmit photographic data back. Signals lasted for 6 days until the last transmission was sent on February 6, 1966. The spotlight was moved from the Soviet Union onto the US for once when the country launched the Apollo 11 mission, an event that would forever change history. The primary objective of Apollo 11 was to complete a national goal set by President John F. Kennedy on May 25, 1961: perform a crewed lunar landing and return to Earth. The crew consisted of Neil Armstrong as the Commander, Michael Collins as Command Module Pilot, and Edwin Buzz E. Aldrin, Jr. as the Lunar Module Pilot. Apollo 11 was launched on July 16, 1969 and successfully landed on the Moon on July 20, 1969. Millions of American watched the event live on television. Armstrong set foot on the moon and declared â€Å"That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. † A few minutes later, Aldrin joined him. Together they collected soil samples and took photographs. They stayed on the moon for 21 hours. Many experiments were tested and 22 kilograms of lunar samples were collected. On July 24, the astronauts returned home aboard the command module Columbia, landing in the Pacific Ocean. On August 13, they rode in parades in their honor in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Indeed, the time of the ‘Space Race’ is one not to be forgotten by the world. The Soviet Union and United States must be well acknowledged for all the effort spent on the study of space alone. While the USSR won some battles, the US won others. That, however, will never change the fact that they impacted the world, science, and history today.

Job Roles and Working Arrangements At Richer Sounds Essay Example for Free

Job Roles and Working Arrangements At Richer Sounds Essay Levels of Hierarchy: are the layers of authority within an organisation. Spans of control: A span of control is the number of workers directly supervised by a more senior employee. Whereas an organisation chart shows how employees fit into the business, a job description gives details about what is expected of the individual employee. Job applicants normally receive a job description when they apply for a position with a business. A job description usually consists of: 1) The title of the job (e. g. sales manager). 2) The tasks to be completed as part of the job (e.g. having to write monthly sales reports, in the case of a sales manager). 3) The responsibilities of the job (e.g. a sales manager might be responsible for managing a team of sales representatives). 4) Information on working conditions linked to the job, such as rates of pay, hours to be worked and holidays. 5) A description of how the job fits into the organisational structure. UK businesses have employed increasing number of part-time and temporary employees. They have also used self-employed workers, who hire out their skills to firms but are their own bosses. At the same time, businesses have made use of more flexible contracts of employment, in some cases with annualised hours (hours worked in a year) included instead of hours per week. High proportions of these types of employees in businesses are called flexible workforces. In recent years, a number of trends have emerged in the UKs workforce, including: More temporary workers: The number of workers on temporary contracts has risen since the early 1980s although in the last few years it has levelled out. In 2000, nearly two million workers were on temporary contracts. Use of annualised hours: Many businesses face an uneven pattern of work over the year. For example, farms are very busy in the summer months harvesting crops, but are quiet in the winter. Without annualised hours, farmers might pay overtime in the summer and not have enough work to keep employees busy during the winter months. More part-time working: The number of employees within the UK who work part-time has increased each year. By 200, more than one-quarter of all employees nearly seven million people were part-time workers. Self-Employment: The number of self-employed has fallen recently, but 2.5 million people still work for themselves. Hiring consultants: Many businesses have replaced full-time employees with consultants, who work for a business for a short time. Consultants are usually very highly skilled, for example IT experts. Use of contractors: Many businesses employ other firms to carry out particular duties. The exact arrangements are set out in a contract between the businesses involved. It is common, for example, to hire contract staff for cleaning, rather than use permanent full-time employees. Managers: Managers play a vital role in businesses; 1) They have responsibility for an aspect of the businesss work under the guidance from the director. For example, a manager might take responsibility for employee training, under guidance from the director of human resources. 2) Managers plan activities, look after teams of employees, manage finances and attempt to meet targets set by the directors of the business. 3) Managers jobs are normally secure, as they usually have permanent full-time contracts. Managers often have a professional qualification in an area such as accountancy or marketing. They need to be good communicators, able to use IT, use time effectively and control finances. Managers pay varies according to the seniority of the position, but it can be over à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½100,000 a year. Other benefits that are common are company cars and private health insurance. Supervisors: In some businesses supervisors are also called team leaders. Supervisors provide a link between operatives and managers. They; 1) Monitor work of junior employees. 2) Ensure that production and quality targets set by managers are met whenever possible. 3) Advise managers of problems or difficulties in the work of the business. In some businesses supervisors have been given responsibility for some of the roles previously carried out by managers. For instance, they may recruit new employees or lead training sessions. The pay of supervisors depends on how much authority they have, but they are normally paid more than operatives. Operatives: The most junior employees in the business are the operatives. In a factory, they would work on the production line; in a shop they would be the sales assistants. Their role in a business is as follows; 1) They are normally only responsible for their own work. 2) They usually carry out routine tasks, though some employers do provide more varied and interesting work. 3) They often have little job security. Many are employed on temporary contracts, and when the contract runs out they may find themselves unemployed. Others find they are no longer needed because their jobs have been replaced by machinery. 4) In a minority of businesses, they are allowed to take decisions such as stopping the production line to remove poor-quality products. Many operatives are relatively unskilled. Sales assistants may have some training and qualifications in customer service, but some factory workers on production lines have no qualifications. Because of this, pay rates for operatives are normally low.| Support Staff: The support staff provides Specialist skills in businesses. They may offer expertise in the areas of security or information technology or provide secretarial skills. Support staff can operate at various levels in the organisation; 1) They offer advice and assistance in their specialist areas to employees. Thus, IT staff may recommend new software or hardware, provide training and sort out computer problems. 2) Some support staff are managers looking after teams of people are in charge on finances; others carry out routine tasks. 3) Senior support staff take important decisions, such as spending on computer systems. There are two working arrangements at Richer sounds, one is for permanent and temporary colleagues and the other is for full-time and part-time colleagues. Information on these working arrangements follow; Working arrangements for permanent and temporary colleagues: The vast majority of their colleagues are employed permanently. They are all issued with a written contract of employment. At Christmas Richer S0unds employ greeters in their stores to greet and assist customers at busy times. Their greeters are temporary colleagues who work for a short time and their work ends after the sale period. Many are students at college or university who work for them during their Christmas holidays. Richer Sounds do not issue written contracts to temporary colleagues, neither do we keep personnel records for them. However, they do receive a mini-welcome pack, which explains how Richer Sounds operates. Working arrangements for full-time and part-time colleagues: Most of thei colleagues work full time, although their hours may vary. A normal working week for store colleagues is 42.5 hours although in some of their stores which are open from 12 noon 7 pm, colleagues may work fewer hours. Departmental support colleagues work 40 hours a week. Richer Sounds dont use the term part-time. Colleagues who dont work the full number of hours are called career key timers. They have access to all the same training opportunities and benefits as the full-time colleagues.

Environmental Impacts Of Large Dams Environmental Sciences Essay

Environmental Impacts Of Large Dams Environmental Sciences Essay About 48000 large dams have been built as a response to meet energy or water need. Nearly half of the worlds rivers have at least one large dam. One-third of the countries in the world rely on hydropower for more than half their electricity supply, and large dams generate 19% of electricity overall. Half the worlds large dams were built exclusively or primarily for irrigation, and some 30-40% of the 271 million hectares irrigated worldwide rely on dams. There are dams on nearly half of the rivers of the world (Table 2.6). Six percent of the energy consumed in the world is produced from hydraulic power. Additionally, hydraulic power is in the second rank within the renewable energy sources and every year it increases 4 percent in the world. Dams whose height is more than 15 meters are referred to as big dams. Clearly, dams can play an important role in meeting peoples needs (Table 2.7). Table 2.6. Distribution of Dams on the World Continent Number of Dams Percentage of the total Africa 1269 2.7 Asia 31340 65.8 America 8989 18.8 Europe 5480 11.5 Australia 577 1.2 Total 47655 100 Source: World Commission on Dams, Dams and Development, 2000. There are always two opinions about dams the supporters talk about the economic benefits of irrigation, electricity generation, flood control and water supply, the opponents highlight the adverse impacts of displacement and impoverishment of people, destruction of ecosystems and fishery resources, and possibility of disaster if the dam breaks. Environmental Impacts of Large Dams Land and water are ecologically linked in a natural system called a watershed. From the smallest droplet to the mightiest river, water works to shape the land, taking with it sediment and dissolved materials that drain to watercourses and, in most cases, eventually to the sea. The river is a product of the land it flows through the type of rock and soil, the shape of the land, and the amount of vegetation are some of the factors that determine the rivers shape, size and flow. When a large dam is constructed, these ties between the land and the river are broken and the consequences are felt throughout the watershed, as well as by the web of life it supports. Some 40,000 large dams, most of which were built in the past 50 years, now obstruct the worlds rivers. More than 400,000 square kilometers an area larger than Zimbabwe, have been inundated by reservoirs worldwide. The worlds largest impoundment, the 8,500 sq km Volta Reservoir behind Ghanas Akasombo Dam, flooded 4% of that nations land area. An internal survey of hydroelectric dam projects by World Bank has shown that 58% of the dams were planned and built without any consideration of downstream impacts. Table 2.7. Countries having the Biggest Dams according to Size and Function Rank Countries having Biggest Dams Ranking with respect to Dams Function Electrical Energy Water For Drinking and Daily Use Irrigation Flood Protection 1. China China USA China China 2. USA USA United Kingdom India USA 3. India Canada Spain USA Japan 4. Spain Japan Japan Korea Brazil 5. Japan Spain Australia Spain Germany 6. Canada Italy Thailand Turkey Romania 7. Korea France South Africa Japan Mexico 8. Turkey Norwegen Brazil Mexico Korea 9. Brazil Brazil France S. Africa Canada 10 France Swedish Germany Albania Turkey Source: World Commission on Dams, Dams and Development, 2000. The following are a few serious environmental impacts of dams: . (i) Effects on River Systems Reducing the flow of water from a river changes the landscape it flows through, which in turn can affect the ecosystems flora and fauna. A dam holds back sediments, especially the heavy gravel and cobbles. The river, deprived of its sediment load, seeks to recapture it by eroding the downstream channel and banks, undermining bridges and other riverbank structures. Riverbeds are typically eroded by several meters within a decade of first closing a dam; the damage can extend for tens or hundreds of kilometers below a dam. Riverbed deepening lowers the groundwater table along a river, threatening vegetation and local wells in the floodplain and requiring crop irrigation in places where there was previously no need. The depletion of riverbed gravels reduces habitat for many fish that spawn in the river bottom, and for invertebrates such as insects, molluscs and crustaceans. Changes in the physical habitat and hydrology of rivers are implicated in 93% of freshwater fauna declines in North America. Before construction of the Aswan Dam in Egypt, the Nile River carried about 124 million tons of sediment to the sea each year, depositing nearly 10 million tons on the floodplain and delta. Today, 98% of that sediment remains behind the dam. The result has been a drop in soil productivity. The Aswan Dam has also led to serious coastal erosion, another problem stemming from the loss of sediments in a dammed river. Another example of this problem is along the mouth of the Volta River in Ghana. Akosombo Dam has cut off the supply of sediment to the Volta Estuary, affecting also neighboring Togo and Benin, whose coasts are now being eaten away at a rate of 10-15 meters per year. (ii) Hydrological Effects Dams change the pattern of the flow of a river, both reducing its overall volume and changing its seasonal variations. The nature of the impacts depends on the design, purpose and operation of the dam. All parts of a rivers ecology can be impacted by changes to its flow. A rivers estuary, where fresh water meets the sea, is a particularly rich ecosystem. Some 80% of the worlds fish catch comes from these habitats, which depend on the volume and timing of nutrients and fresh water. The alteration of the flows reaching estuaries because of dams and diversions is a major cause of the precipitous decline of sea fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico, the Black and Caspian Seas, Californias San Francisco Bay, the Eastern Mediterranean and others. (iii) Changes to Flooding The storage of water in dams delays and reduces floods downstream. River and floodplain ecosystems are closely adapted to a rivers flooding cycle. The native plants and animals depend on its variations for reproduction, hatching, migration and other important lifecycle stages. Annual floods deposit nutrients on the land, flush out backwater channels, and replenish wetlands. It is generally recognized by biologists that dams are the most destructive of the many abuses causing the rapid disappearance of riverine species. About 20% of the worlds recognized 8,000 freshwater species are threatened with extinction. The first effect of a dam is to alter the pattern of disturbances that the plants and animals of a river have evolved for. Many aquatic animals coordinate their reproductive cycles with annual flood seasons. Every flood is valuable in that it takes nutrients from the land and deposits them in the river, providing food for the streams residents. Floods also provide shallow backwater areas on vegetated and shaded riversides; the young of many animals depend on these backwaters to protect them from large predators.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As an example, a fish on a certain river may only reproduce during April of every year so that its offspring will have abundant food and places to hide. If the flood never comes because a dam holds the river back (because people want the water for themselves), the offspring may be produced during a time when they cannot possibly survive. If the fish can wait until the next flood, which may be in July, its young will be born during the wrong time of year, and will have to contend with the absence of their normal food supply and temperatures for which they are not prepared. Vegetation, too, depends upon these regular cycles of flood. Quite often, people will decide that they can spare no water at all and no flooding will occur. Or they may have built the dams specifically to stop flooding, so they can build houses in the floodplains. When this happens, riparian vegetation, the vegetation bordering the river, changes forever. (iv) Removing Sediment   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another reason that riverbeds become scoured and armored is that dams remove all the sediment from the river. It is natural that the river, which is accustomed to carrying sediment and now has none, will pick up the sediment from the streambed below the dam. It is almost as though the river has been starved of its sediment. As in everything else in nature, balance will be achieved one way or the other, often at the expense of one or more species.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The sediment in a dammed river reaches the slow-moving reservoir above the dam and drops out, settling behind the dam. Each dam is engineered to withstand the force of a particular amount of water (this may be very very large). The dam is not engineered to withstand the additional force of tons of wet sediment pressing on the backside. The muddier the river, the faster this heap of sediment will build up. When it builds up very high, either the dam bursts, killing people and destroying settlements downstream, or the reservoirs water pours over the top of the dam. The river downstream of the dam will be like a dead river. It will not have a living river ecosystem filled with fish and birds. The water will be starved of nutrients and provide little or no habitat for animals. In addition, animals that once used the muddiness of the rivers water to conceal them from predators are now overly vulnerable to predation, and may quickly go extinct. A river with dams eventually becomes little more than a dead channel of water. (v) Starving the River   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Dams hold back not only sediment, but also debris. The life of organisms (including fish) downstream depends on the constant feeding of the river with debris. This debris includes leaves, twigs, branches, and whole trees, as well as the organic remains of dead animals. Debris not only provides food, it provides hiding places for all sizes of animals and surfaces for phytoplankton and microorganisms to grow. Without flooding and without a healthy riparian zone, this debris will be scarce. Adding to the problem, although debris might come from the river above the dam, it is instead trapped in the reservoir, and never appears downstream. The bottom level of the food web is removed. All in all, the loss of sediment and debris means the loss of both nutrients and habitat for most animals. (vi) Changing Temperature Temperature is another problem. Rivers tend to be fairly homogenous in temperature. Reservoirs, on the other hand, are layered. They are warm at the top and cold at the bottom. If water is released downstream, it is usually released from the bottom of the dam, which means the water in the river is now colder than it should be. Many macro-invertebrates depend on a regular cycle of temperatures throughout the year. When this is changed, their survival is threatened. (vii) Erosion The typical practices in a hydroelectric station are to release large amounts of water in powerful surges during the day in order to provide electricity when demand and prices are highest, and to cut down flow during the night in order to replenish reservoirs for the next day. The cyclic floods caused by this popular practice contribute to the extinction of many species like the salmon by flushing away their spawning gravels during the day and leaving them high and dry at night. Riverbeds become scoured, stripped of their organic materials, sediment, vegetation, and macro-invertebrates. (viii) Stopping Fish Migration   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Fish passage is a concern with dams. Many fishes must move upstream and downstream to complete their lifecycles. Dams are often built without fish ladders. When fish ladders are provided, they seldom work as needed. If enough adult fishes do manage to climb above a dam, there remains the issue of their young: how will they get back downstream? Predators kill many while they wander, lost, in the reservoir above the dam. Many are killed in their fall downward through the dam to the river below. They arent killed by the fall itself, but by the high levels of nitrogen gas at the base of the dam.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are many fishes that cannot climb dam ladders or leap over low dams. Some of these fishes swim upstream every year to breed, and then let the water carry them back downstream. The eggs of pelagic spawners float downstream, too, which is why the adults must swim far upriver to breed. Otherwise, the baby fish would soon end up in sea. (ix) Social Impacts of Dams: Conflict with people The most important social impact of a dam is displacement of people. The forced removal of people from their homes and the land by which they make a living has been the tragic consequence of dams. Although the people are offered resettlement, the situation leads to disintegration of self-identity and place-connection for both individuals and communities. The social connections are lost and the people find it hard to recover a sense of belonging to both community and the physical environment that supports their existence. The major issues related to displacement are summarized below: Effect Biogeophysical impacts Social impacts Primary (direct) Flooding of reservoir Water diversion and hydrological changes Soil compaction and paving Mountain top removal and stream filling Reduction/depletion of minerals and species Deforestation Creation of barriers to species migration Eviction and resettlement Labour camps Loss of resource due to construction and/or flooding Secondary (indirect) Landslide, flood, and earthquakes from dams Water quality decline Soil salinisation Loss (or gain) of fish and wildlife populations Ecosystem changes leading to pest problems or disease Aquifer disruption causing problems downstream Loss of fish species leads to loss of migratory bird species Loss of access to resources and property Unemployment with project completion Psychosocial stresses Creation of new identities Urbanization as labour camps become permanent Unsustainable agriculture in resettlement area leading to soil erosion Ethnic conflict due to resettlement The inundation of the river valley has significant adverse social impacts by blocking access to natural and social resources of the river valley. This puts pressure on the ecosystem, as fewer resources are available to serve the needs of the population located within the region. Increased competition for commonly held resources, such as wild fruits and vegetables, timber, fodder and firewood, disrupts the subsistence routines of riverine populations. This has the impact of forcing people to forge in new areas that may be further from their homes in and/or in locations that are used by other groups for either similar or conflicting purposes. The dams also seriously affect human health through the spread of disease. For instance, schistosomiasis and malaria proliferate in areas around the still water of dam reservoirs. Beyond creating habitat for disease vectors, dams have been linked with the spread of non-communicable diseases like mercury poisoning. The increase in disease is also attributable to the influx of migratory workers during the time of dam construction. The overall social impact of a surge in disease in communities is to increase social malaise and to circumscribe livelihood opportunities. The process of displacement has affected most the weaker sections of the people in India. The scheduled tribes and castes and backward caste people constitute a large chunk of the displaced people. Women and children suffer the maximum in any displacement. The conditions of people displaced by the various dams in the Narmada have attracted the attention of the Supreme Court of India, and it is observed that the measures at resettlement and in making provision for civic amenities in the new settlements are far below expectation. The total number of people displaced by dams is estimated to be 40 80 million throughout the world a substantial number of these people are Indians (the estimates vary, but the figure is likely to be around 4.4 million people). The people get compensation, but the process is often long-drawn, and sometimes, the actual sufferers are not getting true value for the losses incurred. These are inadequate when compared to the permanent loss of livelihood, and the social and mental cost of displacement. Large Dams in India At independence, in 1947, there were not more than 300 large dams in India. By 2000, the number grew to over 4000, more than half of them built between 1971 and 1989. India ranks third in the world in dam building after US and China. While some of these dams were built primarily for flood control, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation, the primary purpose of most Indian dams (96 percent) remains irrigation. In fact, large dam construction has been the main form of investment in irrigation undertaken by the Indian government. However, much controversy has evoked since 1980s with the Sardar Sarovar Project on the Narmada when the people started asking questions on the social, environmental, and economic costs of dams and their benefits. Most irrigation dams in India are embankment dams. They consist of a wall built across a river to impound water forming a reservoir upstream and a system of spillways and gates to bypass the wall to maintain normal flow and the impounded water flows to canals feeding agriculture fields downstream. People living in the upstream catchment area, lose property and livelihood and gain very little, while people living in the command area (downstream) gain the most from irrigation. Between 1951 and 2000, Indias production of food grains increased fourfold, from 51 million tonnes to about 200 million tonnes resulting in considerable foreign exchange savings in food grains import, and making India a food grain surplus or at least self-sufficient country. About two thirds of this increase has been attributed to rise in irrigated areas, 35 % of which are irrigated by dams. Case Studies The world is building more dams every year. New dams promise more electricity and at the same time, they are devastating to others. A few case studies are briefly described below: The Enawene Nawe, Brazil The Enawene Nawe, a small Amazonian tribe (over 420) who live by fishing in Mato Grosso state, Brazil, is a relatively isolated people. They grow manioc and corn in gardens and gather forest products, like honey but fishing is their main livelihood and fish are a vital part of their diet, as they are one of the few tribes who eat no red meat. During the fishing season, the men build large dams across rivers and spend several months camped in the forest, catching and smoking the fish which is then transported by canoe to their village. For decades, the Enawene Nawe has faced invasion of their lands by rubber tappers, diamond prospectors, cattle ranchers and more recently soya planters Maggi, the largest soya company in Brazil, illegally built a road on their land in 1997 (this was subsequently closed by a federal prosecutor). Although their territory was officially recognized and ratified by the government in 1996, a key area known as the Rio Preto was left out. This area is tremendously important to the Enawene Nawe both economically and spiritually this is where they build their fishing camps and dams, and where many important spirits live. Now, up to 11 dams are planned along the Juruena River, which flows through the Indians territory. The dams will be funded by a consortium of businesses, many of whom are involved in the soya industry. The Enawene Nawe is opposing the dams, and has launched an appeal for support to halt the construction. The Penan, Malaysia In 2008, a leaked map exposed the huge dam plans of the national electricity company in Sarawak, Malaysia. The local Penan people, who are familiar with destructive interference from outsiders, now face a new challenge to their land and livelihoods. Blueprints were accidentally posted on the internet for dams that will submerge homes and villages. To make matters worse, these dams are projected to produce far more electricity than Sarawak uses. The Borneo forests The island of Borneo, a fragile treasure house of rainforests, rare animals and plants, is under threat from plans for Chinese engineers to build 12 dams that will cut through virgin land and displace thousands of native Dayak people. The government of the Malaysian state of Sarawak says the dams are the first stage of a corridor of renewable energy that will create 1.5 million jobs through industries powered by safe, clean hydro-electricity. Campaigners are furious but appear powerless in the face of a project they fear will compound the devastation wrecked on Borneos peoples and land by previous dam projects and the felling of its forests. They point to the ruin caused by the levelling of millions of acres of trees for oil palm plantations to meet the worlds demand for biofuels. The dams would slice across a vast sweep of Sarawak, a place where wisps of cloud cling to remote, tree-clad peaks, huge butterflies flit through the foliage and orang-utans, sun bears and leopards roam. The Bakun dam, a separate project due to be completed by 2011, has already displaced an estimated 10,000 indigenous people, leading to bitter legal battles and a chorus of dismay from economists about cost overruns. For all that, it may be too late to save the natural bounty of Borneo itself. Orphaned orang-utans, piteously holding the outstretched hands of their human saviours, are the most conspicuous symbols of its fragility. Divided between Malaysia and Indonesia, with Brunei occupying a tiny enclave in the north, Borneos riches have ensured its plunder. One reason is the voracious world demand for timber. The other is the biofuels made from palm oil. Almost half of Borneos rainforests have been cut down. Two million acres have vanished every year as trees are felled, the wood sold and the land turned over to oil palms. Enormous fires cast a perpetual pall of toxic haze, making Indonesia the worlds third largest greenhouse gas polluter after China and the United States. Green gold, or palm oil, poses an even more insidious threat because it promises prosperity and development to the numerous poor of Borneo along with immense rewards for the elites. The vegetable oil comes from crushed palm husks. Long used for cooking, cosmetics and soap, it has now become a principal source of biodiesel fuel. Malaysia and Indonesia produce about 85% of the worlds supply of palm oil most of it from Borneo. The price of this apparently environment-friendly fuel is high as the damages far outweigh the benefits. All over Sarawak, tribal people have lost their ancestral lands to similar gambits. The situation in India Bhakra-Nangal Dam This dam is situated in the town Bhakra in Punjab and is Asias biggest dam. The dam is built on the Sutlej River. It is 225.55 m high above sea level. The dam is 518.25 m long and 304.84 m broad. Its huge reservoir known as the Gobindh Sarovar, stores up to 9621 million cu m of water, enough to drain the whole of Chandigarh, parts of Haryana, Punjab and Delhi. It has 4 floodgates, which are fully functional during the period of floods, and also has 2 power- stations situated on either side of the dam. Each of the power plants comprise of 5 generators, and a power station. The total electricity produced in both the generators is 1325 MW. The Narmada River Dams The Narmada River originates from the Maikal ranges at Amarkantak, 1057 m above the sea-level, now in Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh. The river flows for 1312 km through the three states of Madhya Pradesh (MP), Maharashtra and Gujarat before falling into the Arabian Sea. The valley has been the seat of an uninterrupted flow of human civilization from pre-historic times. The river has supported a variety of people and diverse socio-cultural practices ranging from the relatively autonomous adivasi (tribal) settlements in the forests to non-tribal rural population. The Narmada basin extends over an area of 98,796  km2 and lies between 720 32 E to 810 45 E and 21o 20 N to 23o 45 N. The basin covers large areas in the states of Madhya Pradesh (86%), Gujarat (14%) and a comparatively smaller area (2%) in Maharashtra. In the river course of 1,312  km, there are 41 tributaries, out of which 22 are from the Satpuda range and the rest on the right bank are from the Vindhya range. The valley experiences extremes of hydrometeorological and climatic conditions with the upper catchment having an annual precipitation in the range of 1000  mm to 1850  mm and with half or even less than half in its lower regions (650  mm-750  mm); the diversity of vegetation from lush green in the upper region to dry deciduous teak forest vegetation in the lower region is testimony to this feature. The Narmada basin is drought affected and a large part of North Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch constitute semi-arid or arid regions on account of extreme unreliability of rainfall, rendering them chronically drought prone and subject to serious drinking water problems. Teak and Indias best hardwood forests are found in the Narmada River basin and they are much older than the ones in the Himalayas. The lower Narmada River Valley and the surrounding uplands, covering an area of 169,900  km2 consists of dry deciduous forests. The natural vegetation of the region is a three-tiered forest. Tectona grandis is the dominant canopy tree, in association with Diospyros melanoxylon, Dhaora (Anogeissus latifolia), and Boswellia serrata. Riperian areas along the regions rivers and streams, which receive year-round water, are home to moist evergreen forests. The ecoregion is home to 76 species of mammals and to 276 bird species none of which are endemic. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), about 30% of the ecoregion is covered in relatively intact vegetation. The ecoregion includes some large blocks of habitat in the Vindhya and Satpura ranges. About 5% of the ecoregion lies within protected areas, including Bandhavgarh, Panna, and Sanjay National Parks. The valley has some of the important national parks and wild life sanctuaries. Kanha national park located in the upper reaches of Narmada, about 18  km from Mandla, boasts of several wild animals including the Tiger. Two tributaries of Narmada, namley, Hallon and Banjar, flow through this park. It is one of the best National Parks of Asia, which has been described vividly by Rudyard Kipling in his famous creation Jungle Book. Satpura National Park, set up in 1981, is located in Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh and covers an area of 524  km2. Along with the adjoining Bori and Panchmarhi Sanctuaries, it constitutes an area of 1,427  km2 of unique Central Indian Highland ecosystem. Satpura National Park, being part of a unique ecosystem, is very rich in biodiversity. The fauna comprises tiger, leopard, sambar, chital, bhedki, nilgai, four-horned antelope, chinkora, bison (gour), wild boar, wild dog, bear, black bear, black buck, fox, porcupine, flying, mouse deer, Indian jo int squirrel etc. There are a variety of birds. Hornbills and peafowl are the common birds. The flora of the national park consists of mainly sal, teak, tendu, aonla, mohua, bel, bambo, and a variety of grasses and medicinal plants. Madla plant Fossil National park, Dindori National fossils park Ghughuya is situated in Din dori district of Madhya Pradesh in India. This national park has plants in fossil form that existed in India anywhere between 40 million and 150 million years ago spread over seven villages of Mandla District (Ghuguwa, Umaria, Deorakhurd, Barbaspur, Chanti-hills, Chargaon and Deori Kohani). The Mandla Plant Fossils National Park is an area that spreads over 274,100  m2. The Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve covers part of three civil districts viz., Hoshangabad, Betul and Chhindwara of Madhya Pradesh. The total area is 4926.28  km2. It envelops three wildlife conservation units viz., Bori Sanctuary (518.00 km ²), Satpura National Park (524.37  km2), and Pachmarhi Sanctuary (461.37  km2). Satpura National Park comprises the core zone and the remaining area of 4,501.91  km2, surrounding the core zone serves as buffer zone. The area comprises 511 villages. The area exhibits variety of geological rock and soil formations. There is a wide spectrum of floral and faunal features that occupy the Satpura conservation area. It is one of the oldest forest reserves, which has an established tradition of scientific management of forests. It constitutes a large contiguous forest block that harbours a community of plant and animal species typical of the central highland region. Of the 30 big dams proposed along the Narmada, Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP) and Narmada Sagar Project (NSP) are the mega dams. The Maheshwar and Omkareshwar dams along with SSP and NSP, are to form a complex which would ultimately cater to the needs of SSP. The struggle of the people of the Narmada valley against large dams began when the people to be displaced by SSP began organizing in 1985-86. Since then the struggle has spread to encompass other major dams in various stages of planning and construction chiefly Maheshwar, Narmada Sagar, Maan, Goi and Jobat. Tawa and Bargi Dams were completed in 1973 and 1989 respectively. Sardar Sarovar project The Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP) faced stiff opposition from the people right from the planning stage. The Narmada Bachao Andolan (Save the Narmada movement) has been at the forfront of this opposition and at one time the NBA was successful in stopping World Bank funding for the project. A number of cases were filed against the project. However, the Supreme Court of India in 2000 issued a final ruling allowing construction to proceed. It is estimated that nearly 200,000 people would be displaced to construct the reservoir and a large number of people will lose land or livelihood due to project activities. A majority of the displaced people are tribal people. Medha Patkar (born 1 December 1954 in Bombay) is the founder of the Narmada Bachao Andolan and has vowed to work for the displaced people. She is one of Indias most important environmental activists. Her uncompromising insistence on the right to life and livelihood has brought to the fore the basic questions of natural resources, human rights, environment, and developm

The Last Samurai Essay -- Film Movie Movies

â€Å"The Last Samurai† is a film centered around the idea of journeying physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally. We witness these journeys not only through observations of a character going through a personal transformation but a whole culture around him who is likewise in turmoil. This film allows us to join in on an adventure and journey of the character, the world he enters and the people he meets. The story is based on a time just after the Civil War, a time when the modern western world which had just encroached upon the American West, condemning the Native American, began to engulf traditional Japan as well. The purpose of this film is to give a voice to these people, to share in their struggles and experiences and be enlightened, as the protagonist is, at their way of living and their out look on life and its purpose. The audience is simply people with a connection to the struggles of a culture undergoing rapid changes by modern development. Any person passionate about culture and tradition and simply, any person who can open their mind to a world unknown to them and to learn from it. As well as this we must recognize that it is a Hollywood production and its purpose first and foremost would be entertainment, and being able to satisfy the wants of the majority. The film’s two main characters help convey meanings throughout the entire film about the journeys that are undergone. Katsumoto, the last remaining leader of the Samurai and in particular Captain N... The Last Samurai Essay -- Film Movie Movies â€Å"The Last Samurai† is a film centered around the idea of journeying physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally. We witness these journeys not only through observations of a character going through a personal transformation but a whole culture around him who is likewise in turmoil. This film allows us to join in on an adventure and journey of the character, the world he enters and the people he meets. The story is based on a time just after the Civil War, a time when the modern western world which had just encroached upon the American West, condemning the Native American, began to engulf traditional Japan as well. The purpose of this film is to give a voice to these people, to share in their struggles and experiences and be enlightened, as the protagonist is, at their way of living and their out look on life and its purpose. The audience is simply people with a connection to the struggles of a culture undergoing rapid changes by modern development. Any person passionate about culture and tradition and simply, any person who can open their mind to a world unknown to them and to learn from it. As well as this we must recognize that it is a Hollywood production and its purpose first and foremost would be entertainment, and being able to satisfy the wants of the majority. The film’s two main characters help convey meanings throughout the entire film about the journeys that are undergone. Katsumoto, the last remaining leader of the Samurai and in particular Captain N...

An Analysis of On the Other Hand :: On the Other Hand Essays

An Analysis of "On the Other Hand" "On the Other Hand", what is on the other hand? Rachel Hadas tells about the living, the dead and shows the reader the other side of usual thoughts about the dead and living. She lists the faults of the living and the virtues of the dead, in order to explain her first statement, "it is no wonder why we love the dead". Yet, then turns everything around again in the last statement of this free verse poem. Rachel Hadas poem, "On the Other Hand" clearly depicts the many differences of the "brittle, easily wounded" living and the "patient, peaceful" dead. In the first stanza of the poem, the dead are said to be admired in a way because of all the flaws that the living inhibit. The living are said to be "ungrateful, obsessive" and "needy, greedy, and vain". This approach of describing the living lets the reader see a side of life that he may not have noticed before. The living usually have certain connotations with the good and the joys of life; however, "On the Other Hand" shows the other side, the negatives of the living. The living are easily hurt and non-virtues. The way the word, opacity, is used makes the reader think of the living to be cold-hearted, incapable of penetration. Hadas is obviously stating that the dead are better in comparison to the living because of the numerous imperfections of the living. In the second stanza, Rachel Hadas, goes on to emphasize her point of the dead deserving more praise than the living by the listing of the virtues that the dead posses. While the living are "needy and greedy," the dead are "better at resisting wishes". Hadas also describes the dead to be "blithely", or carefree, while the living do not have that luxury. A great amount of comparisons between the living and the dead is being accented in the second stanza of this thought-provoking poem. Such as the dead to be "deliberate", and the living being said to be "impulsive". The first two stanzas of Hadas's poem truly give the title its meaning. The reader is forced to see the other side of the usual thoughts of the living and dead. Hadas is in fact showing the reader the "other hand", or other side of the situation. She continues this approach in the first part of the third stanza; telling of the ability that the dead have to "glide across the hours" with time being no boundary to them.

The Life Of John F. Kennedy :: essays research papers

The Life of John F. Kennedy John F. Kennedy was born in Brookline Massachusetts on May 29, 1917. He attended Harvard University and graduated in 1940. From 1941-1945 he served in the United States Navy, during World War II. In 1946 he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. Then in 1952 he was elected to the United States Senate. On September 12, 1953 he was married to Jacqueline Lee Bouvier. Then in 1960 he was elected President of the United States. On November 22, 1963 he was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. John grew up in Boston, Massachusetts. His father Joseph P. Kennedy, was a self-made millionaire. During the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, he served as the first chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and as United States Ambassador to Great Britain. During John's childhood, his family often moved. Some of these moves sent the family into New York. All of the Kennedy children developed a strong competitive spirit. The boys enjoyed playing touch football together. John Kennedy's education included elementary schools in Brookline and Riverdale. By the age of thirteen his father sent him to the Canterbury School in New Milford, Connecticut. He then transferred to Choate Academy in Wallingford, Connecticut, and graduated in 1935 at eight-teen years old. In 1936, after a summer in England, John entered Princeton University. After Christmas, of that same year, he developed jaundice. Then in 1936 he entered Harvard University. At Harvard he majored in government and international relations. In 1940 he graduated from Harvard. He then enrolled at Stanford University, but dropped out after only six months. After serving in the United States Navy, where he won the Navy and Marine Corps Medal as the skipper of a PT boat in World War II, John decided to enter government. In 1946, he ran for the House of Representatives and won the election over his Republican opponent. He was reelected to the House in both 1948 and 1950. In 1952, he ran for the United States Senate. He defeated his opponent Henry Lodge, who was a popular and experienced legislator. After the 1956 Presidential election he decided to try to run for the upcoming 1960 Presidential election. In 1960 John Kennedy ran in the Presidential Election. His opponent, Richard M. Nixon, was a popular person, he had previously been the vice-president under Dwight Eisenhower. Together they became the first Presidential opponents to debate face-to-face on television. John Kennedy won the election. During his years as president, John helped pass a number of laws. He also established the United States Peace Corps, through

Controversial novels Essay

Argued to be one of Hardy’s most controversial novels, published in 1891 during an era when the underprivileged classes of society, were submissive to superstitious beliefs in particular those such as luck spiritual beings and ultimately fate which were the foundations of lower class civilisation, Tess of the D’Urbervilles presents a story of Fate toying with the life of the Heroine Tess. Fate is an influential part of the plot because it is what dictates her life. Events in the beginning of the novel begin a domino effect that cannot be reverse, thus Her fate is already chosen and all she can do is live through the events that happen to her. Whilst Walkers Colour purple is written during an era of gender social and racial inequalities narrated through Celie whose life consisting of an abundance of obstacles refuses to give into the Fate which determined the lives of poor uneducated black females during the 1930s. What exactly is Fate, is it in our personalities, actions and character or are our lives controlled by a supposed force or power which predetermines events in our life’s, meaning regardless of what we do we are unable to change our destiny. This theme is explored thoroughly by Thomas Hardy through his heroine Tess who is portrayed as a victim of fate throughout the novel, chance and coincidence bring about disasters in the novel that we can claim occur due to fate, it appears the main characters are subject to forces beyond their control. The author employs a very fatalistic plot throughout the novel making Tess endure whatever is thrown at her . In the first chapter of the book the horse Prince dies, this is seen as Tess’ fault as she falls as sleep due to being exhausted, this happens at night when the weather is very depressed. Hardy uses pathetic fallacy by claiming the ‘atmosphere’ was pale, this makes the reader feel tension and also an expectation of tragedy . This scene is similar to that of the one at the chase when Alec finds Tess unconscious and may have raped her which is ultimately up to speculation. It is clear that Hardy uses the death of prince to create a sense of foreboding as this episode and the one at the chase are extremely similar, on both occasions Tess has fallen asleep due to tiredness and also the weather is used as an indication for what is to follow. From this we can question whether these events are down to fate and also ask if Hardy pre-determines Tess’ fate and future through her early actions thus her future is unalterable so there is nothing she can do to change. This has lead to the critic The Irvine Howe has writing: ‘May we see her purely as a victim, like the white horse, the pheasants, the animals who are killed at harvest time? Hers is a poor wounded name’ This supports The interpretation that Tess’ life was controlled by Fate the just like the events in the novel such as the horses death and the death of the pheasants which all acted as a sense of foreboding and events which pre determine Tess death. Towards the latter stages of the novel during chapter 46, Hardy again emphasises the significant role Fate has played in Tess’ life and misfortunes. Firstly at the bottom of page 320 Tess states†¦ â€Å"How can I pray for you?†¦ When I am forbidden to believe that the great power who moves the world would alter his plans on my account? † Tess is telling Alec that she has lost her belief in God as her prayers do not move him. Therefore she is indicating this is happening because God already has his plans made and what she wants makes no difference because she is not important enough for him to change them, thus empowering the element of Fate and it’s restrictions on her ability to change. Alice Walker, author of ‘The Colour Purple’ approaches the theme of Fate and destiny in a similar way to Hardy to a certain extent, in ‘The Colour Purple’ the character Celie goes through a series of events at the beginning of the novel, she is raped by her father on several occasions is forced to give away the children that she conceived through him then her sister Nettie is forced to leave the home in which Celie lives due to her Husband Mr†¦ , but later on in the novel we learn that Nettie is now living with the family that adopted her sister’s children. This shows that Alice Walker purposely portrayed Celie’s life as a victim of Fate, but gives her character an opportunity to resist this fate which results in a positive outcome for Celie. Its possible to say that Walker highlights the fact that although we may be victims of Fate we are able to control this Fate and our, she does this by showing that Celie is in fact not a victim of fate and unlike Tess her own actions are what allow her to change her destiny. We can say this because Celie confides in God through her letters, giving her hope and belief and she restrains herself from killing the man who has brought her pain and suffering, Mr†¦ , unlike Tess . Celies ability to change and prevent Fate from controlling her life is ultimately down to the letters she writes to God, she tells her sister Nettie†¦ â€Å"Long as I can spell G-o-d I got somebody along† She believes she is never alone or hopeless as long as she has God in her life, writing to God gives her hope, this hope is what helps her overcome the negative aspects of her Fatalistic path that seemed as though her life would be controlled by abusive males that would drive her to murder her husband just like Tess did. On the other hand Tess’ Fate is once again predetermined by Hardy in chapter 41 when she stumbles upon dying pheasents and puts them out of their misery by bringing their inevitable deaths to an end prematurely†¦ â€Å"Poor darlings-to suppose myself the most miserable being on earth in the sight o’ such misery as yours! † she exclaimed, her tears running down as she killed the birds tenderly. † This Fatalistic event represents Tess’ destiny as she to will die due to her neck breaking as she will later be hung, Hardy uses this sense of foreboding once again signifying the belief that her character is her Fate, she is unable to change this, nothing she does will alter it. Similarly but with a contrasting outcome, in Colour Purple Fate re-emerges as killin Mr†¦ begins to dawn on Celies mind. â€Å"How I’m gon keep from killing him†¦ Naw I think I feel better if I kill him, I say I feels sickish. Numb, now. † Mr†¦ has abused Celie to the extent that she contemplates killing him, at this stage of the book readers are likely to speculate whether Fate has chosen this path for Tess, is this her destiny? Will she have to emulate Tess’ action to end her misfortunes? Or will she be able to alter her Fate through her hope in God and rational actions? Although she doesn’t go on to murder Mr†¦ , through God and her companion Celie she finds the courage to speak up against Mr†¦ and leave him, ultimately changing her Fate which is something Tess was unable to do†¦ â€Å"You a low down dog is what’s wrong. It’s time to leave you and enter into the creation. And your dead body just the welcome mat I need. † Here Walker shows her strength and courage obtained through her hope in God. The authors use of foreboding throughout the novel can be seen as a representative of fate, Hardy believed that what happened to us was a product of our personality, class, status and the way in which we view life therefore Tess’ pride and her concern for Angels reputation after he leaves her prevents her from seeking help at an early stage of her troubles can be seen as her own actions but in Hardy’s view our own actions were down to fate , she ends up confiding in Alec which leads to disaster. From this we can question whether Tess’ actions lead to her downfall or was it Fate? This is demonstrated at the beginning of the final paragraph, hardy writes†¦ † ‘Justice’ was done, the president of immortals had ended his sport with Tess. † Hardy is telling us Fate has finished playing with its victim, Tess. He may have done this to further draw attention to his beliefs that we are subject to a immoral force beyond our control that we are forced to endure and that religion does not have bearing on any events in our life. This is a viewpoint that was developed by critic Irving Howe who too believed Tess’ fate had already been predetermined, Proposing this is why Hardy named the final phase of the novel ‘fulfilment’. Furthermore, another way Hardy depicts Tess as a victim of Fate is through the language he uses, particularly in the last phase of the novel as he named it ‘fulfilment’ thus this is a play on words as we are left to question what has been fulfilled. It is possible to say Hardy believed Fate had been fulfilled it had played it’s role in bringing Tess to her tragic downfall. Walker presents Celie as a victim of Fate like Hardy does Tess, however Walker stresses the point that we are able to change our Fate and destiny, this is significant as the colour purple which is the colour of the purple flowers represent spirituality & hope. She is almost trying to convey the message that, Fate can be overcome as long as hope is present, where as Hardy purposely doesn’t give Tess any chance of overcoming her Fate, he deliberately does this to assert his negative view on religion, Walker gives her character hope through God, this is what enables Celie to overcome her so called ‘Fate’ or ‘Destiny’ whilst Hardy’s pessimistic belief of religion deters him from doing this. Through his novels Hardy repeatedly articulated that chance and coincidence that bring about disaster are ultimately Fate, thus he empowers his belief through Tess that characters are subject to forces beyond their control. This is similar to another of his novels, ‘The Return of the Native. ‘ Throughout The Return of the Native bad things happen to good people, this is a depiction of his atheist perception that God does not exist and if there is a God it is lacking in morals, because good people, such as Tess are the victims of bad events and tragedy in life due to Fate. Like Hardy himself said†¦ ‘Once a victim, always a victim of fate. ‘

Environmental Analysis Essay

This article focused on utilize the KM mystify to escort a watertights foreign mi falsehoodu taxonomical whollyy. The KM impersonate divides a slosheds outer purlieu into four mutually beneficial and strategically germane(p rose-cheekedicate) works. By perceiveing the counterchanges and trim downs in individually layer as fountainhead as the interactive transactionhips a bulls eye these layers, companies could list the emerge needs and trends in the outside(a) milieu. The constituent nonplus facilitates an orderly and nigh way to expose gaps amidst a trustys sexual trading executions and changes in its remote milieu.The KM baffle books a computer program for incorporating most animate strategic out landmark tools to obtain a nationwide go through of a stead sprys out-of-door milieu, and supportings companies to mend their universe of discourse(prenominal) strategic smears accordingly. under anatomical complex body part Comprehens ive and organized analytic thinking of a firms impertinent milieu provides attention better planning and decision-making capabilities. The expression of effective strategies often depends on whether a firms abbreviation reflects the ever-ever-changing surroundings.Many tools shake up been developed to turn out surroundal factors in the strategic analytic thinking scarcelyt. swearword model looks at the political, scotch, hearty and technological factors to break up the macroeconomic lieu of the firm (Narayanan and Fahey, 2001). Porters quintet forces model breaks a firms patience by looking at other existing companies, potential b atomic number 18-assed companies, substitutes for products, suppliers and clients (Porter, 1979). Porters judge place of a function identifies a firms base and support activities.The fundamental principle of the model is that primary and support activities contri neverthelesse to both firms lives as vigorous as the ability for a firm to deliver cheer to its customers (Porter, 1985). drudgery poser identifies a firms strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Blue oceanic dodging argues that firms employing a high ocean strategy ar deliberately inflamedefining existing industry boundaries and creating contest food merchandise place place spaces as a tooth root of competitory advantage.It suggests that firms engaging in blue ocean strategy ensure the barriers to aspiration argon non only surmountable, precisely excessively present opportunities for untapped revenues (Kim and Mauborgne, 2005). The Diamond-E model emphasizings that a firms roaring per runance depends on having high congruity among the firms subjective milieu, its strategy and the immaterial environs (Fry and Killing, 1989). Crossan et. al. (2009) introduced a cinque-step theoretical account to conduct environsal abridgment.Mao and Kao (2008) proposed the KM model as a framework to guide systematic and co mprehensive strategic analytic thinking. However, increase globose competition, advancement of engineering science, unelaborated information, efficient crises and a wide range of un sureties has made the analytic thinking of the environment more than challenging and operose. Not only it is difficult to divulge relevant environmental impacts, practitioners a similar find it difficult to relate the boilersuit macroeconomic factors directly to the firms upcountry operations.We believe that practitioners would benefit from a framework that leave alone support them to hold and analyze the continuous remote changes and trends by 1) defining the relevant macro-environment from the spheric aim to strategically relevant segments in the environment such as the firms focused countries, industries and granting grasps, 2) relating the impacts of macro-environmental factors to the firms internal operations by pursual a prescriptive and systematic approach, and 3) nates t he gaps between the out-of-door environment and internal operations.The KM model provides a anatomical structure to facilitate this process. In the fol petty(a)ing sections, the description, structure and applications of KM model for environmental psychoanalysis will be discussed. DESCRIPTION OF KM MODEL The KM model is a framework that guides a comprehensive and systematic strategic analysis for a firm. It provides a detailed structure for environmental analysis. It is constructed establish on four premises near the environment of a political party. First, a firms 467 option depends on how swell up it obliges to changes in the environment.The environment is dynamic and always changing. Only companies that can continuously provide products and serves necessary by the changing outdoor(a) environment will give sustainability. Second, a firms impertinent environment has multiple layers. These layers are interdependent and interactive with each foster d freshstring S E S E other. The firms sustainability is greatly touch on by the changes and interactions among these layers. Third, each layer of the outside T P environment is macrocosm shaped by both f secondarying andE past macroeconomic forces.Firms have to get word these forces in order to S preparation Chain understand the environment. Forth, the international environment is exci sympathized by cultural differences. E S P T The KM model divides a firms extraneous environmentRelated Industries into four interdependent and strategically relevant layers. By understanding the changes and trends in each layer as well as the interactive relationships across these layers, companies could call the uphill P needs and opportunities in its external environment.The KM model provides aT platform for incorporating most existing strategic analysis tools to obtain a comprehensive visible horizon of aFocusedexternal environment. The model facilitates an orderly and effective way to firms Countries s everalise gaps between a firms internal operations and changes in its external environment. P T In excess to the multiple layers in the external environment, the KM model too incorporates time as another dimension in the world-wide Market model.By studying the changes occurred in the past and present, the model facilitates managers to accumulate acquaintance about the external environment. This incremental instruction process often allows better foresight of future trends in the external environment, encrypt 1 The KM future strategic which may give the firm a competitive edge in formulatingModel companionable system smirchs in the planetary grocery store. The structure of the KM model is described blow (see pulp 1). 1) A firm exists in a multi-layered environment.With the firms jimmy range of mountains sitting on top, the external environment is represented in four layers the supply fibril, cogitate industries, focused countries and the spherical Market. The struct ure illustrates that all layers of the external environment form the building blocks that support the firms existence. 2) each layer is beingness shaped and driven by its own political, stinting, hearty and technological macroeconomic forces, as illustrious as P, E, S, T in the corners of each layer. 3) Layers in the firms external environment are interactive and interdependent. either change caused by the oath forces in one layer will introduction ripple effects in all other layers. 4) The structure is dynamic and robust. formula 1 only represents a nip of a continuous interactive process of a firms external environment overtime. Understanding the past and accredited states of each layer will champion predict future changes and trends. Hence, diachronic changes and trends in any layer are implied in the KM model. This structure provides a birds-eye view of the firm and its environment.It guides practitioners to consistently observe and understand changes and trends in the external environment. Using this structure, practitioners will be able to comprehensively analyze relationships between the firm and its environment. In the close section, how to apply the KM Model to analyze a firms external environment and to let on the gaps between a firms external environment and its ongoing operations will be presented. APPLICATAION OF KM MODEL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL digestThe aims of using the KM model for environmental analysis are the following accusatory 1 To define the external environment of a firm from the world-wide direct to strategically relevant segments in the environment such as the firms focused countries, think industries and supply irons Objective 2 To relate the impacts of macroeconomic factors to the firms internal operations by following a systematic approach Objective 3 To identity the gaps between the external environment and internal operations Described below is a six-step process to help practitioners to succeed these marks.For objective 1 gradation 1 come apart the firms environment into various layers establish on the structure in KM model. whole tone 2 468 advert the components of each layer in the environment. For objective 2 Step 3 attain the external environment from the stooge layer of globose mart to the firms supply range of mountains. post major forces, changes, trends and opportunities in each layer by applying capture strategic analysis tools. Step 4 Based on the observation, draw impacts of major changes and emerging needs of the external environment on the firms operation and sustainability.For objective 3 Step 5 Identify gaps between firms respect scope and the needs and changes in the external environment that may affect the firms sustainability. Step 6 Analyze the firms value chain to trace resources and message competencies. try whether the firm has the ability to dyad these major gaps in the existing environment. Step 7 Decide to stay in the existing environment if g aps can be bridged effectively. attend move to a bare-ass environment if gaps cannot be bridged effectively. Step 8 mastermind move 1 to 7 on a routine basis.The KM model has been used to conduct strategic analysis and provide strategic recommendations for firms in the service and manufacturing sectors, including go industry, food, engineering, medical as well as non-profit organizations for consulting and managing purposes. It was also adopted as a teaching tool in executive MBA classes to help students analyze their companies. disposed that the focus of this melodic theme is on environmental analysis, included in the appendix of this paper is an example how the KM model was utilise in analyzing ordering SpAs external environment.SUMMARY The environmental analysis component of the KM model presented in this paper provides a framework to systematically analyze the external environment of a firm. The model examines external environments by analyzing the political, stinting, social and technological impacts in the context of a firms supply chain, related industries, focused countries and the world(prenominal) market. It also incorporates historical trends and cultural influences in the analysis process.By following the proposed steps, practitioners can examine the external environment of a firm using currently existing strategic analysis tools such as Porters value chain, PEST, Diamond E, Porters five forces, devise, etc. In addition, the KM model will help companies identify the gaps between the external environment and internal operations. Once the gaps are identify, companies can set their strategic directions accordingly. The KM strategic analysis model is in the process of being further developed and refined.Modifications and improvements will be presented in future studies. APPENDIX rescript SpA Environmental depth psychology, 2009 After a successful turnaround from 2004, fiat, an Italian carmobile manufacturer became profitable again in 20 07. However, heading into 2009, the environment for auto industry has changed dramatically. Factors such as decreasing atomic number 63an sales, squiffyer competition from Japanese and German automakers, the return of new low monetary value Asiatic manufacturers, changing brass policies, and world-wide economical crisis have brought guild to a cross road again.This example demonstrates how the KM model is used to analyze the external environmental of lodge SpA. Environmental Analysis In this section, the internal and external environments will be analyzed. The objectives of the environmental analysis are to 1)identify external environment changes and internal environment of the firm, and 2)articulate the implications to see if there is a need to change 469 as well as the direction and timing of the changes. This analysis will also help identify the nerve center competence and key success factors of order of magnitude.The analyses are classify into three parts. First, the KM model and PEST is used to analyze the internal and external environment of FIAT. The second part of the analysis focused on identifying the gaps between FIATs current position and the worldwide environment. A SWOT analysis was conducted as the third part of this analysis. The goal is to identify its resources and core competencies to further evaluate whether the firm has the ability to bridge the major gaps in the existing environment. Step 1 river basin rules of orders environment into five layers based on the structure in KM model. rescripts value chain Fiats supply chain Fiats related industries Fiats focused countries The spheric market place Step 2 Identify the components of each layer in the environment. Fiats value chain Fiat has an motorcar manufacturers value chain. Fiats supply chain Fiat depends on a worldwide supply chain from its suppliers profits and delivers its products and services through distri notwithstandingors to consumers. Fiats related indus tries The Fiat group also manufacture other industrial equipments alike automobiles. Fiats focused countries Fiat has a global mien with a main focus on atomic number 63an countries and has no proof in the U. S. market until 2009. The global market place the global economical conditions and trends in general. Step 3 Observe the external environment from the bottom layer of global market to the firms supply chain. Identify major forces, changes, trends and opportunities in each layer by applying appropriate strategic analysis tools. Step 4 Based on the observation, identify impacts of major changes and emerging needs of the external environment on the firms operation and sustainability. global Market deposit scotch o Global economical downturn/crisis o Decreasing consumer acquire power in northmost the States and europium o Increasing automobile consumption in Asia particularly in china Political/Legal o governments still support global distribute o there are signs of topic protectionism o tougher laws in car electric discharge o Trend of more government matter and regulations in the market and saving Social Cultural o Consumer mien changing from overlarge/ shooteroline famish cars to smaller gas efficient/ unfledged cars. o More conflicts in fellowship and between management and the workers such as bossnaping cod to economical crisis.technical o Global trend in yard engineering science and gas efficient cars o Technology advancement causes decreasing gaps between high-tech companies in developed countries and low tech company in growing countries such as China and India Implications Fiat needs to identify what are the opportunities in the time of crisis. Government support is moant. Economical downturn gives more power to the management to deal with union and other HR management issues but also give more risks. Consumer and legal trend toward gas efficient cars and green technology. More competitions in the traditional car ma rkets as new players joining from low cost countries due to technology advancement. 470 Focused Countries/regions (use PEST to identify general local market trend and Fiats market positions in these specific markets) Region Highlight of PEST Market Position of FIAT Europe Global economical crisis is hurting in the lead auto maker European frugality badly Sales decrease dramatically in Social crisis due to economical Europe in 2008 downturn and injury of jobs Sales primarily rely on Europe Decreasing consumer confidence and acquire power U. S. Financial and economical crisis started in that respect is no plaque for Fiat from the U. S. is dismission deeper in the U. S. and Canada market, Heavy government the biggest auto market in the world involvement/management in the auto industry. lack of small car/green technology ( large-mouthed three) Asia Economical crisis hurt export thriftiness There is no significant in China and India badly governing for Fiat buy food Growing auto market with car sales some fusion with few Chinese/Indian companies. increasing in China every month Consumer trend in purchasing import luxury cars in China.Latin the States Growing auto market machine sales in Latin the States Economical crisis hurt export badly. especially in Brazil are successful. faint growth expected as oftentimes of Latin Competition increased (from 25 models in 1992 to more than 100 the States depends on trade with the United States (which absorbs half(prenominal) of models in 2005) Latin the Statess exports, alone, for example). Banking regulations and policies changes due to financial crisis. Implications Too untold depending on one market Europe Decreasing European sales indicating red ocean competition. No significant maturement in the world largest auto market U.S. No significant development in the world largest emerging market China and India Stronger competition in Latin the States indicates the need to adjust local strategy. The impacts from the prominent Threes struggling for survival in the U. S. can be use uped as an opportunity. Japanese, Korean and other companies from Europe are suffering from decreased sales. Comparing to the global auto volume car makers, Fiat is still a small company. assiduity (Use Porters and KM industrial positioning) Porters Model providers forcefulness neutral Supplier entanglement in Europe is strong insufficiency of own supply network in Asia and the U.S. Customers tycoon strong. ever-changing preferences and purchase habit due to economical crisis. Different, segmented market needs and demand in Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia. Power strong. Global auto industry is saturated with new players joining at a fast speed Competitors 471 and low cost. Fiat has no significant influence in crucial Asian markets such as China and India Fiat has the leading position in the European auto industry. Big Three tumbling Japanese, Europe an competitors are very strong New Asian competitors from China, India in back mirror but not big enough yet.Power low Comparatively lower than originally due to government support from Asian and Eastern Europe. More emerging low cost auto makers in the past 10 years. Power strong A lot of substitutions can replace partial(p) or complete functions of cars. Low cost players are trying to get into the world market from India and China. Fiat is considered as a quoin player in certain regional markets. Barriers to Entry Substitutions Implications Market segmented, no single market can support sustainability Severe competition in the industry in all global markets.Each market needs to be dealt with polar local preferences. A strong global supply chain network is needed to support global operations. Red ocean and pink ocean competitions, needs to bring into being blue ocean. Current position upright but not sustainable. Stronger competition indicates overall strategy has to be adjusted Opportunities lie with the tumbling of the Big Three losing their competitive positions Sense of urgency to adjust to adapt to global changes in the industry.Global show Chain Fiats global supply chain is strong in Europe Indirect but not necessary efficient/effective chafe to other markets through strategic alliances such as Tata and Cherry, GM often competitors too. Value Chain Primary activities efficient take of small cars and high end sports cars amend customer services Strong care skills and leadership, efficiency Fuel efficient technology Strong R&D power and ability Lean mathematical product efficacious structure and control systems. Global mentality, eagle-eyed history of global partnerships. Summary Observations out-of-door Environment Global competition/ red ocean/ Factors small to FIATs sustainability Economy of scale of measurement 5. 5 M per year Control of market alley in key market for current and future Technology Produ ct line/combinations Internal Environment Existing clientele model is not sustainable if stays focus only on control Europe market, 472 limited product lines without establishment in major mature and emerging markets.Competing on cost is given but competing on cost with Asian companies in traditional competition is not sustainable without control of distribution networks and technology unveiling and government support. Change is must, expansion is must. Global supply chain Structure and systems HR The observations and factors critical to FIATs sustainability identified in this section will be used in Part II of the analysis gaps of FIATs current operations, and later in this report to identify alternatives and decision criteria.Step 5 Identify gaps between firms value chain and the needs and changes in the external environment that may affect the firms sustainability. GAP Analysis In this is part, gaps at each level of the KM Model are identified to see if FIATs current mo del fit the changing environment in order for it to sustain the global competition. Gaps in competing globally Value chain wishing of global production capableness, especially in two important global markets North America and Asia. Lack of product lines important mid-size cars and large cars production expertise. Lack of before channels in the above markets critical to future survival. Lack of global grunge spirit to its small size, fuel-efficient cars Supply chain Too much rely on European supply chain, no capability to efficiently supply globally Fragmented, not effective global supply chain Lack of forward-moving channels in global market Lack of reversed channels in global market patience Lack of preservation of scale to compete in the global market Is a niche player but does not occupy primary markets Although good at small size/gas efficient cars, lack of mid-size/larger family size cars to compete in major markets such as U.S. market Focused countries and g lobal No establishment of production and forward channels in North markets American and Asian markets Overly depends on Europe sales Bad old character in the U. S. market Implications Major changes in the external environment, such as the global recession, decreasing European sales, the changing customer preferences and government policies are reshaping the environments Fiats future relies on. As a niche player, Fiats current value chain is no longer fitted the changing environments.Major gaps listed below have to be bridged in order to achieve sustainability for the company. Lack of product lines important mid-size cars and larger cars production expertise to compete in major international markets Overly depends on Europe sales and no establishment of production and forward channels in North American and Asian markets Lack of economy of scale to compete in the global market Lack of global brand reputation to its small size, fuel-efficient cars Step 6 Analyze the firms valu e chain to identify resources and core competencies.Evaluate whether the firm has the ability to bridge these major gaps in the existing environment. SWOT Analysis and FIATs sum total Competencies 473 Strength and Core Competencies Strong management and leadership Successful restructuring before the global crisis gave Fiat a good position to compete for future Efficient production system Fuel-efficient and small car technology Experienced in joint ventures, licensing An environmentally friendly automaker pro-green customers like helplessness Threats Overly rely on the European market Overly reply on the leadership of the CEO No establishment in other major markets except South America Lack of global economy of scale Only merchandising just over 2 one thousand thousand units per year Lack of product lines (mid-size, large size cars and trucks) for important global markets. Technological challenge of implementing Fiats technology into Chrysler vehicles Lack of brand name reputation in the U. S.Global recession Industry wide overcapacity and productivity Decreasing European sales uphill low cost competitors from Asia Strong existing Japanese, European competitors Competitors sham successful business models Rising raw material prices such as blade Strong Euro hurts exporting Risk of the company spreads itself too thin and grows too fast constrained fund-raising options Consumer losing confidence in economy hurts large item purchases. Debt and cash emanate Risk of bad union relations due to expansionOpportunities Global economical crisis brought down competitors, provide opportunities for well managed companies like Fiat Government support Changing customer preferences toward fuel efficient cars Emerging market in Asia and South America Implications In order for Fiat to be sustainable, the company has to explore and secure the opportunities based on its core competencies as not all the opportunities are realistic to Fiats future de velopment. Fiat has to be very careful when it chooses opportunities to be the target in its business plan.Step 7 Decide to stay in the existing environment if gaps can be bridged effectively. direct move to a new environment if gaps cannot be bridged effectively. Based on the KM strategic analysis for Fiats environment, Fiat needs to make a decision whether it should stay in the automobile industry based on its core competencies and strengths. If it decides to stay, it should make adjustments through its value chain to adapt to the changing global markets. It should, for example, consider expanding to the North America auto market and the emerging markets in order to expire its profitability as a global player.Once Fiat establishes its global presence and profitability, it can then determine the role of its auto division in the global markets. Step 8 Conduct steps 1 to 7 on a routine basis. 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