Monday, September 30, 2019
Assisted Suicide
Matthew Donnelly was a man who had loved life, but Matthew Donnelly became a man that wanted to die. For the past thirty years, Matthew had conducted research on the use of X-rays. Now, skin cancer was consuming his tortured body. He had lost his nose, his left hand, two fingers on his right hand, and part of his jaw. He was left blind and was slowly deteriorating. The pain was unrelenting. Doctors estimated that he had a year to live. Lying in bed with teeth clenched from the excruciating pain, he pleaded to be put out of his misery. His pleas, however, went unanswered because of existing law in the state of Texas. One day, Matthew's brother Harold, who could no longer ignore Matthew's repeated cry for mercy, removed a . 30 caliber pistol from his dresser drawer, walked into the hospital and shot and killed his brother. Harold was tried for murder. (Santa Clara University article) Had assisted suicide been legal in Texas, as it is in Oregon, Harold would not be in the position he is in today. Oregon was the first State to pass the law. In 1997 the Death with Dignity Act was implemented. This piece of legislation enables a competent adult who desires to end their life access to a lethal dose of medication which they administer themselves. In order for a person to qualify for assisted suicide in Oregon, they must be a legal adult and be capable of understanding the consequences of their decision. They must also have a prognosis of six months or less to live due to a terminal illness and have the backing of a registered physician (Volker, 2007). We have a moral obligation to relieve the suffering of our fellow human beings and to respect their right to die with dignity. Throughout most of our country today, terminally ill patients lie with incurable diseases and without the means to end their own suffering because the government tells them they canââ¬â¢t. These patients can only look forward to lives filled with yet more suffering and degradation. When such people beg for a merciful end to their pain and indignity, it is cruel and inhumane to refuse their will. Compassion demands that we give these people the choice they currently donââ¬â¢t have. Despite the clear need for a national death with dignity law, assisted suicide remains a controversial topic in todayââ¬â¢s society. Opponents of the right to die act have many arguments against euthanasia as the right of all citizens. Some argue that only God is the true owner of when a person should come to their natural end. Others make the case that someone in seat of a terminally ill patient would not have the capacity to make a rational decision and could be negatively influenced by an immoral or poor physician. In response to the critics, I say this. We live in the land of the free and nobody should be able to violate an individualââ¬â¢s freedom by forcing their personal beliefs or spiritual beliefs on others (just as it is written in the Constitution! . Furthermore, as a proponent for assisted suicide I would argue that it is well within an individualââ¬â¢s rights to decide when and how they want to die. Why I understand the concern for patients being taken advantage of, I consider this a problem to be solved as opposed to an impassable wall. Let us come together to create a system, like Oregon, that protects terminally ill patients from being taken advantage of when they are most vulnerable while preserving the rights of those same citizens to choose in what manner they will meet their end. Haroldââ¬â¢s story has proved that making it illegal to die when you choose to can lead to desperate acts by either the patient themselves or in this instance, a close family member. We should have the freedom to choose how we live our lives. Whether or not we want to end our lives early or let an illness take its course and let us die naturally are highly personal decisions and an instance where individual opinions are not welcome as law. People deserve to leave this earth with their dignity intact. How that is accomplished should be a personal choice, not subject to public opinion.
Sunday, September 29, 2019
How to Have a Good Relationship with Your Parents Essay
Without mutual respect, any relationship will be an unhappy one. People who respect each other: a) value each otherââ¬â¢s opinions, b) listen to each other, c) disagree without screaming or insults. And remember, your parents have lived longer than you ââ¬â donââ¬â¢t discount their experience and knowledge. This is your key to freedom. The way to build trust is through honesty and responsibility. Honesty means you donââ¬â¢t lie or manipulate. Responsibility means you are reliable and can be counted on to use good judgment. When your parents trust you, itââ¬â¢s a lot easier for them to say à «yesà ». Your parents want to know whatââ¬â¢s going on in your life. If you keep them in the dark, they wonââ¬â¢t know when you need their help or whether they can trust you. Tell them what youââ¬â¢re up to, share your thoughts and feelings with them, and seek their advice for your problems (you donââ¬â¢t have to take it). Communication builds closeness. If youââ¬â¢re always honest, a parent will be likely to believe what you say. If you sometimes hide the truth or add too much drama, parents will have a harder time believing what you tell them. If you tell stories, theyââ¬â¢ll find it hard to trust you. Using a tone thatââ¬â¢s friendly and polite makes it more likely that parents will listen and take what you say seriously. It also makes it more likely that theyââ¬â¢ll talk to you in the same way. Of course, this is hard for any of us (adults included) when weââ¬â¢re feeling heated about something. If you think your emotions might get the better of you, do something to blow off steam before talking: go for a run. Cry. Hit your pillow. Do whatever it takes to sound calm when you need to. These guidelines work both ways. If, on occasions, your parents violate any of these guidelines, talk to them about it. Pick a time when you are both calm and feeling good toward each other (never when youââ¬â¢re angry). Then, explain to them what they did, how it makes you feel, and what youââ¬â¢d like them to do instead.
Saturday, September 28, 2019
ââ¬ÅA Peace to end All Peaceââ¬Â: The Treaty of Versailles Essay
Recently, historian David Fromkin wrote a book about the Treaty of Versailles, arguing that it was ââ¬ËA Peace to end All Peace,ââ¬â¢ hence its title. This is so all the Treaty really offered was only an amicable, short-term, settlement between the warring powers that placed Germany in a disadvantageous position. Eventually, this resulted to a sentiment of retribution among the Germans, which backed the rise of Hitler and the start of another World War. How was the Treaty of Versailles flawed? Below are several aspects for discussion. à à à à à à à à à à à First are the military aspects of the treaty. ââ¬Å"Germanyââ¬â¢s army was reduced to 100,000 men; the army was not allowed tanks. She was not allowed an air force. She was allowed only 6 capital naval shipsâ⬠(Trueman, n.d.). However, this happened ââ¬Å"only in paperâ⬠a Germany ââ¬Å"side-steppedâ⬠the rule and signed her soldiers only for a short contract of service (ibid.). Once the contract is done, she put the soldiers in reserve, successfully carrying out the term of having no more than 100,000 soldiers at any one time, while still having a substantial amount of reserve troops that helped Hitler rise later (ibid.). Also, although Germany was not allowed an air force, she trained potential pilots, as well as submariners, abroad (ibid.). This did not break the treaty as there were no provisions regarding it in the first place. à à à à à à à à à à à Second are the financial and territorial aspects of the treaty. Germany was demanded to cede all of its colonies, to pay financial penalties linked to war destruction, and to not unite with Austria all at the same time (Trueman, n.d.). The Treaty also ââ¬Å"provided for the delivery of capital goods and raw materials to the Alliesâ⬠(Sage, 2006). To the Germans, these terms offered them severe economic restrictions with possibly no chance of rehabilitation. Nonetheless, ââ¬Å"Germany was still the strongest power in Europe economically, so that the unwise thing about Versailles was that it annoyed the Germans yet did not render them too weak to retaliateâ⬠(Lowe, 1982). Third and most importantly are the political aspects of the treaty. Germany was not even included, much more consulted, in its drafting. She was left all alone, with even the membership to the League of Nations banned against her. Most importantly, she was even made to admit ââ¬Å"full responsibility for starting the warâ⬠ââ¬â a term explicitly written in Clause 231 of the treaty, the War Guilt Clause (Trueman, n.d.). With her admitting full responsibility, she had to pay for reparations, which are well beyond her ability to pay. The Allies literally pushed Germany to the ground when they made her sign a blank cheque for the reparations, ââ¬Å"which the Allies would cash when it suited themâ⬠(ibid.). Again and again, Germanyââ¬â¢s opinion was never asked nor even heard of while the treaty was drafted until it was carried out. The most the Allies did was to convince her that she will be consulted after the Armistice in November 1918 (ibid.). The Germans did not like the treaty forced on them. But as the war had rendered them incapable of starting another war, they had no choice but to sign it, lest they be invaded by the Allies. At the end, Germany was the victim. The supposed victims, i.e. the Allies, emerged as victors as the terms of the Treaty worked greatly to their advantage, leaving Germany bruised and battered more than ever. However, some scholars would argue that the treaty was not that bad after all. For instance, Jaron Sandy (1999) believed that it was the ââ¬Å"best compromise possible,â⬠though it ââ¬Å"was certainly not the best one could hope for.â⬠He agrees that it was ââ¬Å"comprehensively harshâ⬠on Germany, but it did not fail as a solution for peace, because there was a ââ¬Å"period of relative stabilityâ⬠in Europe from 1924 to 1931. But considering the discussions above, the Treaty of Versailles was proven to be a ââ¬Å"Peace to end all Peace.â⬠Some scholars would even say it ââ¬Å"was no peace treatyâ⬠at all, but just ââ¬Å"an indictment of Germanyâ⬠(Sage, 2006). All it left was ââ¬Å"a mood of anger throughout Germany as it was felt that as a nation Germany had been unfairly treatedâ⬠(Trueman, n.d.). REFERENCES: Lowe, N. (1982). Mastering Modern World History (excerpt). Retrieved July 14, 2008 from http://www.johndclare.net/peace_treaties1_Answer.htm Sage, HJ. (2006). Versailles 1919. Retrieved July 14, 2008 from http://www.sagehistory.net/worldwar1/topics/versailles.htm Sandy, J. (1999). Personal Conclusions about the Treaty of Versailles and Its Effects (excerpt). Retrieved July 14, 2008 from http://www.johndclare.net/peace_treaties1_Answer.htm Trueman, C. (n.d.). The Treaty of Versailles. Retrieved July 14, 2008 from: http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/treaty_of_versailles.htm
Friday, September 27, 2019
Ethics in Healthcare Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words
Ethics in Healthcare - Research Paper Example p.43; Rae, 2000. p. 15). In other words, ethics are those values and principles which are highly essential for identifying personal or professional activities within or outside organizations. Keeping this view in mind, the UMH has developed vision and certain values that are normally practiced by staff and management of the UMH. In this regard, it is important to mention that certain medical ethical principles have also been included in the paper for the purpose of understanding and evaluating their practical application with the values which are being pursued and implemented by the management of UMH. The University of Miami Health (UMH) has both vision and mission for delivering quality health care services to patients. The mission of the UMH is to provide high-calibre health care facility, make advances through applied research in medicine and deliver medical education to the next generation and subsequently contribute to healthier world (About Us, 2014). In addition, the UMS has developed and practised certain values: excellence, compassion, discovery, collaboration and leadership (About Us, 2014). These values separately address the different expectations and requirements of stakeholders (i.e. patients, hospital management, staff members, regulators and wider social community). For example, the excellence and compassion values are patient-specific in which patientââ¬â¢s medical, physical, psychological and emotional needs and expectations are addressed and satisfied as well while the leadership value is related to retention of the quality staff members and medical professi onals (About Us, 2014). The ethical principles and objectives of the UMH are closely related. For example, providing high-calibre health care cannot be carried out without having full understanding of beneficence. More clearly, if a patient requires treatment for allergy, it is highly required that the health care provider must diagnose the
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Toni Morrison's Paradise essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Toni Morrison's Paradise - Essay Example The events in Paradise are fueled by people who have been treated badly, discriminated against, and beaten down by society. When people are treated like this, human nature dictates one of two responses; a defeated, beat down individual that wants peace or an angry individual that wants to vent. These two types of people weave the story of Paradise. Religion is a big part of Paradise. Religion is a basic part of human nature. The convent where the four women, Mavis, Gigi (Grace), Seneca, and Pallas (Divine), and their leader Connie (Consolata) live is not a real convent. It is an abandoned convent the four misfit women and a former nun come to live in after life has thrown them disappointment and sorrow. The women of the convent treat religion differently than the men in Ruby. These women took in those in need, living communally. Unlike the rigid views of the men of Ruby, the women at the convent treated their religion of Christianity with a broader view of interpretation. Both types of views toward religion are part of human nature. There have always been the religious zealot and the tolerant individual. The fight between the two has been part of human nature as well. The zealot comes to the conclusion everything bad is being brought about by the evil, or the person or persons that do not believe their way. The men of Ruby came to believe that everything bad happening was the fault of the women at the convent. Things like ââ¬Å"A mother was knocked down the stairs by her cold-eyed daughter. Four damaged infants were born into one familyâ⬠(Morrision, 11). While the women at the convent were only trying to live the way the believed with a nonjudgmental look at the world, the men of Ruby were plotting their demise. The women at the convent could not understand why the men of Ruby hated them. Judgment by the Ruby zealots and the
Residence discussion its pros and cons Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words
Residence discussion its pros and cons - Essay Example Naturally, under any circumstances and in any situation childrenââ¬â¢s interests should be of primary concern. If the contact with one of the parents is lost, then future of the child is under the threat of problems and disadvantages. Divorce leads to separation and social dysfunction of the family; but it is not separation itself that is harmful for children; it is the way divorce is handled. The justice system of the United Kingdom is involuntarily daily involved into exclusions of such kind1. Exclusion of one parent makes the child think that the latter is bad; consequently he may think that a part of him is spoiled too. Thus the childââ¬â¢s self-esteem and self-assurance are damaged. These dreadful outcomes of divorces could have been changed by the judicial system if they had eliminated discrimination of one parent with regard to another. Childââ¬â¢s best interests wouldnââ¬â¢t be protected if he lived with one parent; fit biological parents have equal rights and pla y equal roles in the lives of their children. Childââ¬â¢s best interests are in active involvement in his life of both fit biological parents. The Government issued Children Act 1989 is considered to be an initial step in shared residence initiation2. In spite of the fact that many years passed after Children Act adoption, shared residence is still considered to be a novelty in the UK. USA and Canada have more loyal attitude to shared residence and this decision after divorce is considered to be an optimal one. The UK Government should care about the fact that children alienated from one of their parents suffer emotional discord and turbulence. When children have to make choice which parent to ââ¬Ëpreferââ¬â¢, they feel great emotional stress and self-sacrifice. Therefore Equal Parenting Council approves of shared residence.
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Recent research (Kornberger et al, 2010) suggests that despite a Essay
Recent research (Kornberger et al, 2010) suggests that despite a number of initiatives, the proportion of women accountants reac - Essay Example Nonetheless, despite the presence of many women one perceives one of the most glaring contradictions of the contemporary period ââ¬â as women outnumber men in the universities and continuously demonstrate their abilities and skills in undertaking productive labour, extremely few women have made it in the higher echelon of management (Baron & Newman, 1980; Castilla, 2008; Reskin, 1988; Valian, 1998). Although this truism is manifested in, almost all segments of the labour sector, its actuality is clear and evident in the profession of accounting. In a study, Kornberger, Carter and Ross-Smith (2010) have found out that despite a number of initiatives in removing the underrepresentation of women accountants in the upper strata of firms, the proportion of women accountants reaching partner level remains much lower than other levels in the firm. Recognising the prevalence of discrimination in the profession of accounting (Gherardi & Pogio, 2007; Kornberger et al., 2010; Lehmann, 1992) , this study will evaluate the various factors deemed to impede the advancement of women accountants and minority groups. ... The first part is the introduction wherein the issue of the research, purpose of the study, the significance of the research, the methodology use in the study, the structure of the paper and the hope of the researcher are laid down. The next part will deal with the barriers that inhibit womenââ¬â¢s progress in the accounting profession, while in the third segment; possible solutions will be proffered to address the issue. Finally, the fourth section will be the conclusion of the study. In the end, it is the hope of the researcher that this study may contribute to the clarification of the issues raised in the research and, in a way, offer workable solutions to gender inequality in the profession of accounting. The Alienating Factors Accounting as a profession responds to the challenges posed by the global society (Shafer, Ketchand & Morris, 2004). The responses are not limited only in coming up with conceptual frameworks that will further empower the clients and the public, especia lly after the global economic downturn. It also includes the endeavour of connecting the theoretical frameworks of accounting with reality, thus addressing not only the fundamental epistemological and methodological issues of the field but also its socio-political and economic concerns (Brewster, 2003; Nelson, 1995; Shafer, Ketchand & Morris, 2004). This thrust is significant as it counters the notion that accounting is neutral, objective and that its service is primarily to the client only (Carter, Clegg & Kornberger, 2010). It is in the context of change and challenges that the alienating factors hindering the advancement of women in the profession is highlighted (Gallhofer, 1998). Womenââ¬â¢s struggle for emancipation is long and arduous (Firestone, 1972; Tong,
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Beer Wars Movie Analysis Paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Beer Wars Movie Analysis Paper - Assignment Example This text seeks to compare and contrast the strategy and experiences of the two entrepreneurs in the movie. The two entrepreneurs have different experiences with respect to how they do business in the beer industry. Rhonda is faced with a number of challenges as a small-scale beer brewer. Case in point is that companies that have a higher market portfolio hamper their chances of doing business as appropriate. Unlike Calagione, Rhonda does not enjoy the monopoly that big companies enjoy in the beer industry (Baron np). Consequently, there are a number of cartels that define how the market is run to the extent that small businesses face challenges of performance. The bigger companies in the beer industry frustrate Rhondaââ¬â¢s company by introducing products that may be similar effectively overshadowing the small size entities. Calagione, on the other hand, is one of the entrepreneurs that enjoy an immense dominance in the market to the extent that there are a few challenges that affect their businesses. The law is inherently biased in the sense that it does not protect the small sized companies, but works in favor of the bigger ones. Compared to Calagione, Rhonda is faced with a number of legal challenges to the extent that if an issue of law arises, the small company is disenfranchised significantly in terms of doing business. Such tendencies do not provide a fair playing ground for the competitors in the market. Beer wars are fought on a number of fronts, and there are various sophisticated institutions that are employed to frustrate the wellbeing of smaller entities (Baron np). There is a difference in the strategies that the two entrepreneurs employ in the production of beer. While Calagione employs the use traditional means of beer production, Rhonda employs modern and innovative means of making beer. The fact that Rhonda employs a new style of beer production is the point of conflict in the industry
Monday, September 23, 2019
Writing Deficiencies Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Writing Deficiencies - Article Example The researchers assert that teachers in classroom can help students develop better writing skills through the method of modified sentence combining technique. In this technique errors figured out in specific sentences are informed to the students and then the teachers provide information regarding how these errors can be eliminated and reduced. Researchers even assert that if teachers start giving importance to sentences while grading students, sentence structuring will become better as students will learn about the errors they have made. Researchers even assert that teachers have to act as grammar police and the only way students can learn how to write in an appropriate manner is if teachers help students correct their grammatical errors and sentence formation errors at school and formal education level. The researchers believe that if students are not helped in solving the issue of writing deficiency, they may add up to the cost of organizations they work for as they may poist a ne gative image of the organization and their productivity levels will decline if they have to reread any business related
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Should abortions be legal Essay Example for Free
Should abortions be legal Essay Abortion should be legal, because there are too many things that go wrong. A women could be raped and need to get one because she doesnââ¬â¢t want to look at the child and doesnââ¬â¢t want to feel it grow, freedom of choosing what to do and how government involvement in personal decisions such as this could lead to potentially having the government deem how many children you can have or even how many pregnancies you are allowed, medical reasons for abortion, and the ability of a woman to have control of her body is critical to civil rights. There is a freedom of choosing what to do, and how government involvement in personal decisions such as this could lead to potentially having the government deem how many children you can have or even how many pregnancies you are allowed. The numbers of the abortions in China in 1979 spiked to very high numbers. ââ¬Å"According to a government tally, 9. 2 million abortions were performed in 2008, up from 7. 6 million in 2007. But the count only includes hospitals, and state media report the total could be as high as 13 million. If accurate, that would give China among the highest abortion rates in the world. (4) All of these abortions are because of the government taking control and saying that females could only have one child. If something like that happens here in America numbers would spike from the ââ¬Å"2009-2011 estimates of 1,212,400 annuallyâ⬠(5) to around the same as China. ââ¬Å"Medical conditions can arise during pregnancy that may pose a danger to the mothers life. Some of these conditions may result from the pregnancy itself, while others may be medical problems that require immediate treatment that cannot be done while pregnant. For example, if aggressive cancer is discovered during pregnancy, it may be necessary to treat the cancer immediately, posing a danger to the fetus. Some women may opt for abortion in order to receive treatment that could save the womans life. Continuing the pregnancy in some of these instances could result in death, stroke or infertility for the mothers. This is common in cases in which the fetus has already died in-utero. â⬠(3) There are times in a pregnancy when doctors know that a miscarriage is going to happen, this normally happens in the first 16 weeks. They then tell the mother that there is no fetal heartbeat on the monitor or the level of HCG decreases in the blood because the baby is not alive. When some of the women find out they decide to have an abortion because it is less stress and it has less health risk. If the woman has to carry until the miscarriage happens the health risk are very high. The women could hemorrhage, or even greater problems like infertility. When a rape or family pregnancy happens it is a true crime. Making a woman carry the child full term would cause more harm to the woman. There are women out there that are too afraid to go to the police or to a hospital about a rape. Some choose to wait a few weeks after finding out and go in saying they just donââ¬â¢t the child. Some women donââ¬â¢t find out about the pregnancy until it is too late and have to choose abort after 13 weeks or carry to full term. â⬠Only one percent of abortions happen from rape victims. (2) ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Control over her body and the freedom to decide the course of her life is critical to a womans civil rights. When a woman is pregnant it is her body that goes through all the stress of pregnancy. If she decides not to have a pregnancy she should be able to do so. Denying her the right to her body is violating her most basic freedom. One of the most pertinent questions regarding abortion is when does life begin. A fetus may be alive but so are sperms and eggs. It is true that life in every form should be respected. However, should the right of a fetus be greater than that of a woman who in majority of the cases would bear the responsibility of the unplanned child? One of the important abortion facts is that most of the abortions take place in the first trimester when the fetus cannot live independent of the mother. It depends on the mother through the placenta and the umbilical cord for nutrition and health and hence should not be considered a separate entity. â⬠(1) In conclusion abortion should be legal in order to help the people who need it. Yes with the good there comes bad. Some people are always going to use the abortion like a morning after pill; there is nothing we can do about it. If it was to be made illegal than what about the women who are going to die giving birth to an already passed child because she was made to carry to term from this? What about that one percent of women that are actually not scared to say something about the rape and get an abortion? Should we deny them their rights? Should abortions be illegal? Abortions should be illegal because abortion should not be used as another form of contraception, those who choose abortions are often minors or young women with insufficient life experience to understand fully what they are doing many have lifelong regrets afterwards, and adoption is a viable alternative to abortion and accomplishes the same result. With 1. million American families wanting to adopt a child, there is no such thing as an unwanted child. (1-1) In the U. S. A. 2 out of 100 women who get pregnant have an abortion which is more than 40 percent. It is like abortions are being used as if they were getting your teeth cleaned 2 times a year. Abortions should not be just a get out of jail free card. When you decide to lay down in the bed with your partner you should be ready for what comes next. Within the first 8 weeks of pregnancy more than 85 percent of the abortions in the U.à S happen. Women should not be a loud to just kill a child like that its old trash. ââ¬Å"Of teenage women who become pregnant, about 35% choose to have an abortion rather than bear a child. One or both parents of 61% of minors know about their daughters abortions. The younger the teen, the higher the likelihood that she has told her mother about the situation. Many states have enacted, or are considering, laws that restrict teenagers access to abortion by requiring parental involvement in the abortion decision. Such laws include: Parental notification laws that require medical personnel to notify a minors parent(s) of her intention to obtain an abortion; Parental consent laws that require medical personnel to obtain written permission from the parent(s) before providing an abortion; Almost all of the parental notification and consent laws have judicial bypass options that allow a teen who feels she cannot involve her parent(s) to get a judges permission to proceed with her abortion. Some states allow a physician to waive parental involvement, and some allow professional counseling instead of parental involvement. ââ¬Å"(1-2) More than 46 states do this so we can stop the use of abortion by kids so their parents will not know. Low-income women (as an example, those earning $17,170 or less in a three-person household) accounted for 514,040 abortions, or 42% of all abortions, in 2008. Is this just because they feel like they canââ¬â¢t afford it? There are so many families that are unable to have children and just to be blessed with one or two of the children that are killed every day would be so great for that family. ââ¬Å"About 30 percent of Americans have considered adopting (Harris, 2007), but as of 2002, only 2. 0 percent have done so (Jones, 2009). Somewhere between those percentages lies the number of people seeking to adoptââ¬âthat is, those who have taken concrete steps to adopt a child. (1-3) Even though there is over 115,00o children in the public child care waiting to be adopted, most people looking to adopt are looking for younger than 3 kids withâ⬠characteristics that are less common in children in the foster care system than other traits. But while high percentages of women would accept a child with other characteristics, they expressed concern about adopting children with health or behavioral problems. â⬠(1-3) So there are more than plenty of people wanting to adopt younger children so abortio n should be made illegal.
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Social Media Essay
Social Media Essay Social media and social networking seem to play an imperative part of peoples lives around the world. There are some who debate whether it is improving or crippling communication skills. Sitting behind a computer communicating with cyber friends can be easy and fun but can weaken a persons verbal communication skills. I will not only focus on the negative impacts on communication because there are some positive impacts on communication through social media. I will explore how social media and networking strengthens and weakens communication. Communication is defined as the act or an instance of communicating; the imparting or exchange of information, ideas, or feelings. (Collins, 2009). Communication involves the transfer of meaning or information from one person or group to others. (Baack, 2012). It is an integral part of everyones life. All communication areas are significant in that each area represents a system that operates within a broader system of destination management, and contributes to its overall efficiency. However, each area of communication has its own characteristics and the knowledge of these characteristics will ultimately help establish an efficient communication pattern. There can be no argument that technology has had a major impact on the world and how people communicate. (Omrcen, 2009) Accessibility that one has to the internet through smart phones, tablets, computers, and other mobile devices has made accessing information and connecting with people a touch away in some cases. People are communicating almost all day every day through texting, e-mail, and the ever-expanding social media. Because it has had such a modern explosion in popularity and usage, social media has become the new norm when it comes to communicating everything from huge life events like engagements and the birth of children to minute particulars like what one ate for dinner. Social media has had one of the most substantial impacts on how people communicate within the past decade. The internet has a greater impact on people today than ever before. It has been a continual source of news, entertainment, and education for users around the world for more than 20 years. However, the most innovative of its technologies, social media, did not achieve mainstream popularity until about ten years ago. Facebook, Twitter, and similar services are becoming the most visited destinations on the internet. These websites allow users to quickly and easily share pictures, links, ideas, and messages with other users; theoretically facilitating social interaction. These services, through a combination of accessibility, simplicity, and intuitive design promote positive social behavior by encouraging interaction among friends, relatives, and co-workers; facilitating communication between individuals, and fostering a profound sense of community. Social media is a rising trends in the world today. Communication skills are exemplified by use of social media networking. Social media networking allows for a communication outlet. Social media is being utilized by students, parents, businesses, and religious organizations. It is being used in many forms by many different platforms for many reasons. The transmission device is anything that carries a message, including sound waves, light waves, pieces of paper, mobile-phone signals and screens, the Internet, computer monitors, billboards, radio and television signals, and an endless number of additional carriers (Baack, 2012). Social media is employing many transmission devices, including mobile devices and computers. I am interested in the role social media plays in communication because I use some form every day and notice that it is becoming a rising trend. I have found myself checking my Facebook page without even thinking about it. I have also noticed that some friends post frequently and tell everything they are doing via status updates. The social network, Twitter, appears to be one of their first choices with celebrities tweets being the topic of many news discussions. At the bottom of nearly every commercial, there is a Facebook/Twitter link. Social networks like Facebook and Twitter have always encouraged their subscribers to come up with an online persona. They then build a personal network of friends that connects to an open worldwide community (Griffith Tengnah, 2009). Information is now shared freely between the two. These parties can communicate either publicly (writing on walls) or via the more discrete personal messages. Apart from connecting to a network of friends, a subscriber can join community groups with a specific interest. Here, the subscribers discuss different issues touching on that interest. More often than not, events are created where physical meetings are arranged. Briggs found out that an average Facebook user is connected to around 80 community groups (Griffith Tengnah, 2009). Most of these groups encourage the subscribers to give suggestions on how they should be run and to engage in debates. They also provide a social forum for members to interact amongst each other and with the leaders of the groups. There are other social sites like YouTube that give users a platform to upload and share videos. Here, users post videos of themselves for other users to view. YouTube has been a great platform for musicians and film producers as their fans can easily access their music videos. Other social sites like MySpace have also given users the platform to post videos on their profiles. Such sites enable easy access to a variety of videos like music, sports, documentaries, and movies. Social media has lessened the use verbal communication and increased the use of online messaging. People nowadays can have phone conversations over their computers. This has been enabled by the development of social sites such as Skype. Here, people that are connected will communicate by word of mouth. This is unlike Facebook and Twitter where the mode of communication is by writing. Most of the social sites have now incorporated webcams for their subscribers. Webcams enables friends to have a one on one conversation while at the same time watching each other. This communication is more private and very effective as subscribers get to see each other. There has really been an increase in popularity in webcam conversations. Facebook, Twitter, and Skype are popular social media platforms millions utilize daily. It is extremely rare to come across anyone in todays society who does not have an account on one of these platforms. Social media is not only people used by people but by businesses and organizations, as well. Most sites that I visit online has a link to their Facebook page, Qualman, 2009 states: Social media touches nearly every facet of our personal and business lives. In business, it is not just for Marketing and Public Relations department. Rather it is imperative for social media to be a part of the companys overall strategy. Social media is living and breathing and it touches every part of a company from Customer Service to frontline sales, even Human Resources and Information Technology. (p.13) With the rising growth of social media networking, businesses are turning to it as a means of advertisement. It allows businesses and organizations to reach millions of users on a platform they are using on a daily basis. Businesses and organizations reach numerous users on Facebook by creating pages and offering promotions and discounts to get fans. If there is someone on your page who is a fan of their page, your friends can share post that are displayed in your newsfeeds. This allows the business to reach the fan and the friends of the fans. It is important to realize that as social media evolves the realm of communication changes. The technological advances added to social media changes the way we communicate with people on daily basis. It has made communication quicker and more efficient. Social media sites like Facebook send daily reminder of friend birthdays. Instead of picking up the phone and traditionally wishing someone birthday greetings, you can simply type your birthday greeting on their page. This has eliminated the need to make a phone call or send a greeting card While receiving a birthday message from your friends online is okay, it feels impersonal. The feeling of opening a greeting card and reading a message someone picked out for you, fills my heart with warmth. That personal effect is not felt from a message left on a page I have created online and in most cases, I do not read them. Almost everyone young and old use social media in some fashion. Twitter is popular social platform for celebrities. I often watch the news and there is a story of what some celebrity tweeted to their fans or other celebrities. The use of social media and networking has elevated communication to a higher platform. It has helped social organization, businesses, churches and individuals reach audiences in which they could not reach before. It has even be used in politics with President Obama using twitter to keep Americans posted on what is happening in the government, The negative effects of social media on communication are the effect it can have on kids through cyber bullying and unwanted exposure. Younger people are using mass communication without the without realizing the consequences. (Wallis, 2012). There has been instances where young folks have committed suicide as the result of negative things that have been posted about them on the internet, Parental controls are available to ensure website are access that are inappropriate for certain age groups but they cannot protect young folks from what is being posted by their peers. Social media and networking is often used as an outlet and peers can post things that are potentially hurting to others. With the emergence and growth of social media there are benefits and disadvantages to the way communication is impacted. The real question is whether the benefits surpassed the disadvantages. I believe that the benefits of social media are helpful to the world and we communicate. As with anything, there will be disadvantages and it will be used to do things that it was not originally intended. Inmates in prison have access to social media and networking allowing them to stay connected to what is happening in the outside world. The television is slowly becoming obsolete with Facebook, Twitter and other sites providing news at faster rates then the local news at 10pm. The news station and newspaper also have Facebook and Twitter accounts that provide new stories, as they are unfolding. The ability to access social platforms via computers, tablets, and cellphones allows you access at all times throughout the day. The convenience and ease of access leads to social media and network addictions. Anyone who has a Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account have seen the user who is logged in all the time. There are some users who post everything they are doing throughout the day, which can be dangerous. Facebook also lets you to make groups, have applications and have as many friends as you want this assists you with getting in touch with people who like what you like, play games online, and make additional friends. One thing it lacks in is security from pedophiles. There is no report button to report users, even if they are irritating you. It also has a social bookmarking websites, allowing you to keep your favorite websites in one place, as well as all your friends. Another wonderful idea only integrated by Facebook is the friend finder. It permits you to find friends in an instant, allowing you to connect to friends. If you page is not private and can only be accessed by your friends, when you post your everyday activities it allows users to know your location and what you are doing. If you post that you will be going on vacation for the next couple of days, it lets potential burglars know that you are not at home and can lead to your home being broken into. There is no general rulebook on the dos and donts on how to effectively use social media without making yourself vulnerable. Privacy has been become a rising issue in social media and networking with the addition of locations and gps tracking. Recently, Facebook has made it easier to understand and adjust your privacy settings but it is up to the user to ensure their privacy is protected. The best way to protect your privacy is to be mindful of what you post and who can access and view what you are posting. I suggest not posting anything on the social media and networking sites that you do not want broadcasting to everyone. Although you believe your family and friends are viewing what you are posting, anyone can access it. Communication has improved greatly by emerges and continual growth of social media. Everyone from churches to schools use it to communicate with users. Social media has evolved communication to new heights. The ease of access and growth makes it very beneficial to everyone from pastors to politicians. As social media evolves, communication will improve and continue to soar to new heights. The positive impact on communication definitely overcomes the negative and makes it very beneficial.
Friday, September 20, 2019
Comparing UK and Romanias Culture
Comparing UK and Romanias Culture This case of study will provide a deep understanding about the people, culture, lifestyle and weather differences between Romania and UK. The aim of this study is to bring a useful material for our Romanian client, EDMUNDO, in order to deliver precious information to all the Romanian students who wish to come to UK to enhance their studies in different areas of subject and to develop skills for their career. In the first part of the study, we will use Geert Hofstedes cultural dimension theory to pull out the main cultural differences between Romania and UK. Hofstedes cultural dimension theory is a very efficient tool to distinguish the main characteristics of national or regional cultural bearings, which can affect the behavior of a certain group or organization. During the second part, we will focus on the macro environment factors such as political, economical, social and technological, forasmuch these can have crucial affect on Romanian students lifestyle in the UK. Finally, in the last part we have provided some useful recommendations for the students knowledge prior to their coming in the UK for their studies. We believe that students from all over the world need guidance in their career, so it is vital for us to help and provide effective and useful information for the organizations like, EDMUNDO, which mediates in offering great opportunities to those students. Terms of Reference Who are we? We are Educational Cross-Culture Consultant Team part of British Council in United Kingdom. We have nineteen years of experience in educational cross-culture, helping different Educational Institutions and Centres from over 80 countries to accumulate vital information about studying and living in UK. Who is our client? Our client is an educational centre from Romania, EDMUNDO, whose main activity is to provide information, advice, support and financial solution for Romanian students, who wishes to study in higher educational institutions in west European countries. What our client asked us to do? Because our client havent had so far any kind of relation with UK, now they are really interested in discovering the UKs educational institutions system, lifestyle, people and the environment, in order to provide helpful information for their students who intend to apply especially for UKs higher educational institutions. So we are going to provide them all the useful information that a potential student should have to know about United Kingdom, prior to their coming in here. Overview of current situation With this globalization, everybody is likely to work with different nationalities or study and live in different countries. Therefore it is important to understand and recognize people from different cultures who have different ways of looking at things, such as dressing and expressing their personality and feeling. Romania and United Kingdom are two different countries, with different history, different people, but nevertheless, the difference is what really makes the world to be so diversified, and to find similarities between people of different culture, religion and nationality is a great way to stay connected with the rest of the world. But after all diversity exists both within and among the cultures (Nancy 1997, p. 17). Analysis of the current situation Hofstedes Intercultural dimensions For the beginning, we are going to distinguish the major cultural differences between Romania and United Kingdom by using Hofstedes four intercultural dimensions (four because there havent been done relevant studies on Long term orientation for Romania) and then we are going to illustrate if British Culture have Power Distance; if they are individualistic society; if they embrace risks; if they are gender oriented society. Hofstede (2001, p. 24) said that the comparison of cultures presupposes that there is something to be compared that each culture is not so unique that any parallel with another culture is meaningless. Figure nr. Source: Hofstede, [2008] The SD Model of professor Geert Hofstede, Available www.geert-hofstede.com, [2009, 26 Nov] Power distance index: The extent to which the less powerful members of the society accept/expect that power is distributed unequally is much higher in Romania (90) than in UK (35). Why there is such a big difference? UK Romania Superior ranked people/authority treats with respect their subordinates Superior ranked people/authority tends to openly demonstrate their rank. Tutor/teacher often tends to socialize with the student. The relationship between tutor/teacher and student is distant and impersonal. Society is more equal. Within a society, class division is accepted. Mistakes made by the subordinates are often accepted by the managers due to their responsibility to manage. When the things are going wrong, the blame is expected to be taken by the subordinates. Individualism: Romanians tend to be more collectivist individuals (30), whereas British people more individualistic (89). UK Romania I is more important for a persons identity We is more important for a persons identity. Individualism is encouraged The sacrifice of individual need for the sake of the group needs. Individuals make decisions, regardless others opinions Rules and decisions are made within the group members. Masculinity: The masculinity index shows that between UK and Romania there no big difference (66 vs. 42). But still in UK males tend to be dominant in society and power structure. UK Romania Men and women should have different roles within a society Men and women should have equal rights and positions in society. Conflicts are solved by aggressive means Conflicts are solved by negotiation. Achievement, money and career are the most important for a mens life Family, relationship and quality of life are the most important in life for a man. Uncertainty avoidance index: For UAI dimension, Romania (90) has higher index than UK (35). It means that in UK, the society is less concerned about uncertainty and ambiguity and tends to tolerate experimentation and variety. UK Romania Because of immigration, the population is varied. Populations in Romania is not to multicultural. Decision means risk Risks are usually avoided in decision making process Usually innovations and experiments are tolerated and even encouraged Concepts and innovative ideas are difficult to be embraced. Power distance the score reveals that inequalities, rank and status between people are predominantly low for British people. There are different ways of legislation to protect ethnic minorities on macro level, and on micro level, the relationships between the tutors and students are casual and involves little ceremony. Individualism Nancy J. A (1997, p. 25) noted that British people are individualistic; they use personal characteristics and achievements to define themselves, and they value individual welfare over that of the group. On macro level, the predominant form of social structure in UK in the nuclear family. On micro level, in different environment, individuals tend to be more concerned of themselves rather than the group. Uncertainty avoidance By uncertainty avoidance we understand that British people embraces changes and taking risks. On macro level, there are frequently revisions and changes in laws and governments structures. On micro level, any new ideas and even disagreements between students and tutor can be considered useful. Masculinity British society is considered for equality between sexes, yet still exists in some part of society a certain amount of gender bias, where males are addicted to old boy network (Guirdham, pp. 558-28). PEST ANALISYS Macro environment factors can be considered as having as much importance as the culture, due to its impact on daily basis activity for students. PEST analysis is the best tool to reveal these macro environments factors for a certain country. Its of real use to know about the political, economical, socio-cultural, technological, as these can be different from the country the student is coming from. Political UK is a constitutional monarchy country. They have an established monarch, which currently is Queen Elizabeth II with limited powers and impartial political views. The Government or the Executive runs the country, with the responsibility for developing and implementing laws and policies. The head of the Government, the Prime Minister Gordon Brown, appoints ministers, the Cabinet and the people who work in a government department. There is a diplomatic relation between Romania and UK since 20th February 1880, two years after Romania gained its Independence, and since 2003 there has been established a Strategic Partnership. Education is a higher concern for British government. It is in responsibility of Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families and Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills; the administration and funding of state educational institutions are in the responsibility of Local Authorities. Some of the top universities like University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College of London are in UK and they are ranked among top 10 universities in the world. The government encourages all teenagers to attend all levels of education, by providing loans, infrastructure, technical, physical and emotional support. These encouragements are applied for both home and foreign students. Students from Romania have the same rights as home students. First of all, there is no need of student visa or a limited period of time to stay and live in the UK and secondly, the tuition fees are the same as for home students. As far as the work permit policy there are some restrictions for EU and international students. They are allowed to work 20 hours per week during their term period, and a full time schedule during holidays or when the course meets certain full time work requirements. For Romanian and Bulgarian students there has to be issued a work permit card called Yellow Card which gives them the equal rights to work as the other students. This Yellow card is issued by the Home Office within six weeks. The National Insurance Number, without which the EU/International students cannot work, is provided by HM Revenue and Customs department and its useful to get certain benefits in case of need, and to get a state pension. Unlike British students, Romanian students have to book an appointment at one of the Job Centre Plus in order to obtain the NIN. As an employment policy, British government has a flexible and open approach to attract highly skilled workers. In every British company there has to be a number of foreign or different cultural background employees, in concordance with countrys racial issue rules. So it is encouraged the employment of foreign graduate students, which is a great opportunity for any graduate to experience what they have learnt during their studies in a great country like UK. Economical By GDP (growth domestic product), United Kingdoms economy is the fifth largest economy in the world, and the sixth largest by PPP (purchasing power parity), estimated to be $2.279 trillion. In Europe, UK is the second largest economy after Germany, The inflation in UK is low, unlike other EU countries. In October 2009, the CPI annual inflation was 1.5%, the Governments target for 2009. The unemployment rate rose by 0.1% in the last year, reaching 7.8% (2.46 million) of the population workforce. When it comes to higher educational institutions, to pay the tuition fees is one of the biggest issues faced by the students. There are a lot of encouragements for both home and EU students, especially in terms of financial support. The British government encourages and supports all the teenagers to continue their studies in order to obtain higher degrees like Bachelor, Masters and PhD. Yearly, they are offering huge funds to sustain students to follow their career and to develop themselves. Nearly 50% of the college students are receiving economic help from sources different from their families. In forms or scholarships, grants and loans, everybody can achieve a higher education degree even if their budget does to allow doing so. For undergraduate full time courses, British students are granted with financial support up to à £2906 for tuition fees, without paying it back, and up to à £4950 for living expenses. For Master degree or PhD, they can apple for a Career Development Loan with special interest rates. Unlike British students, Romanian students benefit of the British Government student loan, but they have to repay it back either in 10 years with an interest which is equal inflation rate, or when they will earn wages more than à £1250/month or à £288/week. If they will earn less than the thresholds that applies for them, than they will never have to pay it back. Yearly British universities inject huge amounts of resources into research, development, learning facilities, accommodation in order to offer for the students the best environment for their studies. Students are treated different from the rest of the people in the UK. They are granted discounts at the most of the shopping stores, transportation, party clubs, fitness clubs and cinemas. Social British people are kind and hospitable people. Thats the reason why in UK there are concentrated so many different cultures. UK is a great country to live and study in because the population is formed of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. In 2008 census, in the UK the population was 61.4 million people. The ethnic groups are formed of 92% white race, 2% black, 1.8% Indian, 1.3% Pakistan, 0.4% Chinese and 0.4 Other Asians. The language is British English, in origin a West Germanic language descended from Old English with some borrowing from French, Latin and Old Norse. Nowadays, English is the international business language, and in many countries its the most taught second language. Beside this, due to the big number of ethnic communities, there are spoken many other languages like Hindi (Indian), Urdu (Pakistan), Chinese, Polish, etc. For Romanian students its a great environment to live and study in, because of this mixed culture they will accustom in a short period of time. Some of them will join their compatriots and some others will mix among their new international friends. Its a great place to make new friends, learn new cultures and languages, taste new dishes and so many other interesting activities to part. Most of the universities offer for their students the possibility to join sport teams and practice their favourite sports at one of the partner sports centres. UK is well known for their diversity in sports: football, cricket, tennis, golf, rugby and horsemanship. During their study there are organized different social activities among students, mostly for socializing: making new friends, trips to different places and countries, traditional evening parties, disco parties, and they are given possibility to create groups and communities like Indian community, Pakistan community. Christianity is the main religion in United Kingdom. After the 2001 census, 71.6% of the interrogated population said they are Christian, 15.1% they have no religion, 2.8% Islam, 1.0% Hinduism, 0.5% Judaism and 0.3% Buddhism. Romanians are most Christian Orthodox, but definitely there will be no problems regarding the religion in the UK. Wherever you go, you will be able to find churches, chapels, cathedrals, chapels of ease, mosque, temples and synagogues. There are significant numbers of schools and universities which had been founded as faith schools and bear Christian names like St. Mary, St. John. So religion has strong connection with education in the UK. The health insurance for the both home and EU students is free during their study period. They just have to complete the HC1 form and send it to UK Health Department along with the required documentation. A lot of medical expenses can be claimed with the HC1 form. Technological United Kingdom is one of the most advanced countries in technology. Most of the people have access to different kind of technology like satellite cable system, high internet connection and telecommunication. All the universities are well equipped with technology. In every university there are available for students thousands of personal computers, high internet connection within the university area, projectors in every classrooms and social learning areas, special equipment for specialized courses like Media, Arts and Computer Science. The infrastructure in UK is highly developed. The transportation system is one of the most sophisticated in the world. Across the UK there is a 46904 km of radial road network, with 3497 km of motorway network. The rail network covers 16116 km assuring connection with all the villages and cities across UK. Heathrow Airport is the UKs biggest international airport and has de most international passenger traffic of any airport worldwide. From Romanian there are direct flights with air companies like Wizzair, Blue Air, British Airways arriving in major airports like Stansted, Luton, Manchester, etc. For the students coming from Romania, the transportation system in the UK will be different. They have to drive on the left side of the road. It can be really confusing for them because they are coming from right side driving country; for crossing the street they have to look first on your right side rather than the left, and if theyre driving they have to be really careful. In case of visiting the downtown of major cities with a car, everybody has to pay a certain amount of money. This measure is to prevent traffic jams and pollution in the same time. British Double Decker buses are famous in the world. If you are going to visit cities like London, Manchester, Leeds you will certainly have the pleasure to have a trip with these famous buses. Students are granted discounts for all main of transportation: buses, trams and rails. In UK transportation is feasible. At every station there are schedules for buses, trams and trains. Solutions and recommendations Comparing Romania and UK by cultural background as well on PEST analysis point of views there can be highlighted some differences that have been discussed during the study case. Obviously, Romania is coming from forty years of communist regime, but still the majority of the population has managed to overcome the transition period. Especially for the youngsters, coming in the UK and living and studying here will not be a huge difference for them. UK is known to be a very expensive country to live in. The currency used in UK is Pound Sterling. Its the most valuable monetary in the world. As well London its the most expensive city in the UK. Here the rent, the food and transportation is a bit higher than the other cities. For Romanian students coming here to study, our recommendation would be to apply for the student loan in order to reduce their costs of living; and a university accommodation at least for the first year. Than by knowing and making new friends they can share together an apartment in the city where they are studying. Once they have a part time job, their income-expense account will be balanced. In the UK the weather is different from many other countries. It can be a beautiful day but after just couple of hours it can be a showery rain. It rains frequently, the most of the days are foggy, and all the time people feel the humidity. Romanian students might find it disturbing till theyll accustom with it, because in Romania, summers are sunny and beautiful. They need to have rain coats and good umbrellas. As well the transportation system is different from the one in Romania. In UK you drive on the right side, unlike Romania, on the left. Romanian students have to be aware of this, learn the traffic signs and be informed of all these before their arrival in the UK. Because in the UK there are studying many students from all over the world, Romanian students have to be friendly, sociable and tolerant with the other communities. Romanians are very open-minded people, but in socializing with the foreign students, especially from middle orient and Asia they have to be aware of their behaviour in order not to offend or criticize them unconsciously. UK is well known as being one the best beer producers in the world. British people enjoy having fun: they spend often their nights at pubs and disco clubs. Sometimes some of them might consume alcohol more than necessary. Romanian students have to be 100% devoted to their studies, and whenever theyre going out with friends be aware of their limitations. If there are problems in their school or life, there is always a department to assist Romanian students, and if its beyond they authority, they can easily address to one of the Romanian consulates and even Romanian Embassy in London. Conclusion We are sure that Romanian students will enjoy their life in UK. British lifestyle will suit them perfectly. They have the opportunity to apply for one of the best universities in the world and develop their skills which will help them in their future careers. After all, Romania is an European country as UK, so there are many similarities in culture, environment and people. Our institute helped many other educational institutions from all over the world to assist the students and we can proudly speak that those students who came in the UK are perfectly accustomed with almost everything that they have encountered. We are sure that our relation will be a positive one, and together we will try to create and develop a new opportunity for all the Romanian students who wish to study in the UK.
Thursday, September 19, 2019
The Social, Cultural, and Historical Issues in Coral Island and Lord of
The Social, Cultural, and Historical Issues in Coral Island and Lord of the Flies At first sight, ââ¬ËCoral Islandââ¬â¢ seems an extremely pompous and arrogant novel. This, however, is because the book is being read from a 21st century perspective, whereas when Ballantyne wrote ââ¬ËCoral Islandââ¬â¢ it was seen as a thoroughly enjoyable story. This is because the book was written in the 19th century, when the people of Britain felt that they had developed an organised society where humans were at their best and flourishing. As Ballantyne himself described the society: ââ¬ËBritons at the top of the tree, savages and pigs at the bottom.ââ¬â¢ Looking at ââ¬ËCoral Islandââ¬â¢ from a 20th century point of view, Golding analysed the book very critically and decided that it was an out of date, arrogant, false portrayal of society and that he could write a better book. He sat down and wrote ââ¬ËLord of the Fliesââ¬â¢ to show the problems of human nature. The island in the book was used just as a place to put his group of boys away from the adult world, but also had symbolic values linked closely to the theme of evil in man throughout the novel: ââ¬ËThe island itself is a symbol of perfection and paradise, and the instant that humans arrive, a scar of destruction is left through the once perfect forest. The island is also boat shaped, and looking out at the waves at a point on the island gives the illusion that it is moving backwards. This symbolises a journey in which man is always moving on, but makes no progress in life.ââ¬â¢ As well as being linked to Goldingââ¬â¢s beliefs, the use of the island also enabled direct comparisons with ââ¬ËCoral Islandââ¬â¢. Golding hated the tone and ideas of Ballantyne in ââ¬ËCoral Islandââ¬â¢, and expressed his thoughts publi... ...e rescue in the end where adult life appears, dignified and capable, but in reality enmeshed in the same evil as the symbolic life of the children on the island. The officer, having interrupted a manhunt, prepares to take the children off the island in a ship which will presently be hunting its enemy in the same way. And who will rescue the officer?ââ¬â¢ Overall, I think the main theme running throughout ââ¬ËCoral Islandââ¬â¢ is the nobility and courage of Victorian England, that the English are innocent and that they can do nothing wrong. These views are completely turned upside down by Golding in ââ¬ËLord of the Fliesââ¬â¢. I think Golding makes a very clear point that society holds everyone together. Without strong government and rules, mayhem and savagery will thrive, and without policemen and schools men revert to their primitive beginnings as hunters and killers.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Sartre and the Rationalization of Human Sexuality Essay -- Philosophy
Sartre and the Rationalization of Human Sexuality ABSTRACT: Sartre rationalizes sexuality much like Plato. Rationalization here refers to the way Sartre tries to facilitate explanation by changing the terms of the discussion from sexual to nonsexual concepts. As a philosophy which, above all, highlights those features of human existence which seem most resistant to explanation, one would expect existentialism to highlight sexuality as a category that is crucial for considering human existence. Descartes comes immediately to mind when one focuses on Sartre's major categories. In Sartre's case however, it is not mind and matter but consciousness and its opposite: "nothingness" and "being." This irreducible dualism is the key to the trouble human beings have with existence. Humans try to deal with the tensions implied by this dualism by trying to pretend people are not subjects but objects. Sartre calls this "bad faith." He begins by attempting to take human sexuality seriously as a fundamental category, but ends by abandoning the effo rt in favor of other substitutes. Akin to Plato in his rationalization of sexuality is Jean-Paul Sartre. Sartre is probably the end of existentialist philosophy in two senses: in the first place in the sense of extending existentialist premises as far as they can be taken, and in the second place in the sense of serving as the canonical example of existentialist thought. Since existentialism is the philosophy above all other philosophies which takes seriously the concrete existence of a human in all of its facticity, anxiety, temporality, and fleshliness, and will place this existence before all decisions about essence, it would seem that above all others we can expect from Sartre a philosop... ...y important in sexuality. This is "bad faith" in reverse, the treating of objectivities as though subjective. On the other hand, the For-itself is too much bound or confined to abstract categories. Is sexuality really a dialectic of subject and object? It is this, but is it only this? These broad categories cover all cosmic relationships. Sex disappears into an abstraction. Wherein lies the distinguishing difference of sexuality and what difference does this make? These considerations are nowhere in Sartre. This is Sartre's sexuality, a bloodless and a passionless dance of the categories. Notes (1) Translated and with an introduction by Hazel E. Barnes and published by Philosophical Library, New York, 1956. Page numbers placed in parentheses in the text refer to this edition. (2) Sartre illustrates "bad faith" with a sexual illustration. See pages 55-56.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Mr Makedama
Macadam case analysis by UCT group of MBA students Company overview: Macadams Bakery Supplies Holdings (Macadams) is a manufacturer of oven and other appliances for the baking industry. Their financial statements for 1996 highlight a very strong year. Turnover grew by 59% to R125. 3m and profit increased by 81%. An acquisition of Livanos Brothers (February 1996) took place in response to the increased demand in the local market as well as an expansion of market base in foreign markets. Depreciation of the Rand against other major currencies also supported export sales.The company has entered a phase of rapid expansion, expanding its main factory in Cape Town by 50%. As well as opening new sales and distribution centers in Durban and Bloemfontein in the current year, with further plans to expand in to Zimbabwe in the following year. An analysis of the companyââ¬â¢s financial statements will determine whether the company is in a position to leverage its expansion, or whether it is p erhaps growing too rapidly. Detailed Financial Analysis Profitability: Macadams experienced a healthy turnover, which increased by 58. 5% between 1995 and 1996.This ââ¬Å"abnormallyâ⬠high growth in turnover was due to a surging demand for their products, favorable exchange rates and acquisitions of businessââ¬â¢s, which complimented their current product portfolio. They further expanded the operational network to service the growing market they were operating in. It should however be noted that a growth rate of 58. 5% per annum is not sustainable or realistic, and although Macadams has extended their products and services to global markets through joint ventures and M&Aââ¬â¢s, there would be a point where there growth would become organic, or at least in line with industry standards..Although operating and net margins have improved since 1995, the net margin remains low at 8. 5%. This indicates that despite dramatic increases in revenue, Macadams have only marginally im proved the ability to generate profits. Liquidity: The income statement displays a healthy growth by Macadams; however the cash flow statement shows a contradictory picture. Macadams have a serious liquidity problem. Cash generated from operations is significantly down by 87% in comparison to the prior financial year.The operation did not generate sufficient cash to fund its interest, taxation or dividends payments for the year. As a result these payments were made through borrowed funds. Working capital movements in 1996 adversely impacted cash generated by operating activities, with a noticeable increase in working capital of 595% from R2. 7million to R19million. This is due to an increase in inventory of 66%, to meet perceived consumer demand, which was funded by cash resources. There has also been an increase in debtors of 129%, due to increased credit sales.Furthermore, creditors increased by 87%, which only partially offset the increase in current assets. This is a scenario of a business expanding too rapidly. There are high levels of sales and gross profits, but a serious cash flow problem created by inventory build-up, and high level of receivables. Cash is now tied up in stock and debtors. The lack of available cash in the business could impact Masadamsââ¬â¢s ability to service their short-term liabilities. Efficiency: Macadams have become less efficient in 1996. The accounts receivables increased by 129% in 1996.Reviewing the debtorââ¬â¢s collection period we can clearly see the longer collection period (53 days in ââ¬â¢95 to 77 days in ââ¬â¢96) could be indicative of more relaxed credit terms, which could be MBSââ¬â¢s strategy to attract more sales and increase turnover. This strategy does however create a risk of bad debt and creates a problem for operational cash flow, as it currently is experiencing. It is also noted on the financial statements that Debtors have been used by ceded to the banks as security for facilities granted. Ce ssion of debt means that the banks do not have faith in Macadamââ¬â¢s ability to repay its debt.Leverage The debt ratio has increased by 9%; this was for the funding of the expansion. The additional funding taken out, mortgage loan is secured by land and buildings, and the movable assets secure the installment sale agreement. This is risky as it means should Macadams fail to make payment on either of these loans, they would lose R4. 3 million of its movable and immovable assets. Incurring debt to expand their operations and grow the business is not a bad thing, and is necessary. Despite the massive increase in debt, the interest cover ratio is still healthy.This however, is not a cash based ratio and gives us no indication as to whether the company is able to make its cash payments to service the increased quantities of debt. For this reason the concern would be raised with respect to Macadams ability to service their debt. This concern is specific to their lack of liquid funds a vailable in the business. DuPont analysis: With the aid of the DuPont model of analysis the following observations were made: Macadams ROE, of 30. 63%, has decreased by 1. 4% during the financial year under review.However it could be seen as a good return on equity, as it is 10% higher than the prime interest rates at the time (20. 25% Nov 1996). Macadams have become less efficient in using its assets to generate profits. Itsââ¬â¢ efficiency ratios demonstrate a drop from 2. 37 to 1. 90; however this could be explained by the timing of the acquisition of assets. Vacant land was acquired in September 1996, just three months before the December year-end, and new premises opened in Bloemfontein in November 1996. These assets would not yet have had the opportunity to generate the profits that may be expected in future.Macadams profitability has increased marginally since the previous year; however their net margin is still a low 8. 50%. Macadams are not using its revenue to generate sufficient profits. In terms of leverage, the ratio has increased marginally from the 1995 financial year, to 1. 89, in line with increasing debt in terms of both long-term and short-term borrowing. Conclusion: Macadams are a promising business which is currently generating high sales volumes and generous profits. The problem with the business is the following: â⬠¢Their inability to translate their sales into cash. The drive and efforts to grow the business at a rate which is not practical to their available resources and balance sheet; this results in the following: oAccrual of high volumes of long-term and short-term debt. oHigh inventory levels as a result of their steep growth plan which they have implemented (cash on the shelves/in the store room) oIncreased overheads to operate newly established network offices to service the market. If Macadams operates their business as they are, they will eventually grow their business into bankruptcy.As a ââ¬Å"turn aroundâ⬠stra tegy, I would implement the following initiatives to maximize the output of the business and create a more sustainable business model. â⬠¢Slow-down the growth rate which Macadams is currently experiencing. â⬠¢Limit its debt, i. e. not take out any further debt. â⬠¢Analyze the current business operations to improve operational efficiency, thus decreasing COS of sale per unit sold, and inevitably increasing gross, net and operating profit margins. â⬠¢Improve sales efforts to reduce inventory levels, and simultaneously increasing overall sales. Macadams should also review their current costs and look for cost saving initiatives. This will ensure that the revenue increase is matched with a similar increase in profits. â⬠¢Ensure the business is more liquid by having more operational cash and cash in the business; this can be achieved by decreasing the debtorââ¬â¢s collection period from 77 days to 30 days, and increasing their creditorââ¬â¢s period to 45 days. I f I had shares in Macadams I would hold on to them if the above initiatives were implemented, as this would ultimately result in an increased EPS.
Monday, September 16, 2019
Chocolate and Like Water for Chocolate Essay
In Chocolat, I learned that food has magical power that engages and connects people and brings them into good relations. Vianne and her daughter were not welcomed in a conservative and religious town at beginning, however her chocolate had magical power to melt those peoplesââ¬â¢ cold attitude and they became drawn into her chocolate, even that stubborn pastor Reynaud who had strong hostile feeling against Vianne did so at the end. I liked the part that Reynaud couldnââ¬â¢t resist to break in her store and try all the chocolates before Easter Sunday. It is like one of my dreams. I roll in chocolates. I imagine myself in a field of chocolates, on a beach of chocolates, basking-rooting-gorging. I have no time to read the labels; I cram chocolates into my mouth at randomâ⬠(Harris 312). I believe his attitude also influenced and changed town people since he is the symbol that his faithful people ought to believe in and follow in their town. I also enjoyed seeing the relationship between Vianne and Roux. With similar characteristics they both have, such as free minded, not religious like town people, move from a place to another and somewhat isolated from society, it is natural that they feel close each other. Especially, the night they spent together is one of my favorite parts, because it was described beautifully and romantically. ââ¬Å"The garden was still warm in the glow of the braziers. The mock oranges and lilacs of Narcisseââ¬â¢s trellis blanketed us beneath their scent. We lay on the grass like children. We made no promises, spoke no words of love, though he was gentle, almost passionless, moving instead with a slow sweetness along my body, lapping my skin with fluttering of the tongue. [â⬠¦] For the moment, simple wonder; at myself lying naked in the grass, at the silent man beside me, at the immensity above and the immensity within. We lay for a long time, Roux and I, until our sweat cooled and little insects ran across our bodies, and we smelled lavender and thyme from the flower bed at our feet as, holding hands, we watched the unbearable slow wheeling of the skyâ⬠(Harris 289-290). In Like Water for Chocolate, I learned the method of Magic Realism and enjoyed reading several themes which were described with Magic Realism. Magic Realism is an aesthetic style or genre of fiction in which magical elements blend with the real world. The story explains these magical elements as real occurrences, presented in a straightforward manner that places the ââ¬Å"realâ⬠and the ââ¬Å"fantasticâ⬠in the same stream of thought. I enjoyed reading this novel from very beginning with Titaââ¬â¢s dramatic birth in kitchen. Her tide of tears on her birth becomes lots of salt to be used for cooking later on. ââ¬Å"Tita was literally washed into this world on a great tide of tears that spilled over the edge of the table and flooded across the kitchen floorâ⬠(Esquivel 6). ââ¬Å"That afternoon, when the uproar had subsided and the water had been dried up by the sun, Nacha swept up the residue the tears had left on the red stone floor. There was enough salt to fill a ten-pound sack-it was used for cooking and lasted a long timeâ⬠(Esquirel 6). I like this part because Tita not only has a big passion over cooking, but also she could produce an ingredient ââ¬âsalt by her own, which has an important role later on. I enjoyed reading the part that the wedding cake Tita made for her sister makes every single guest feels longing, intoxicated and frustrated at the wedding. Titaââ¬â¢s love over Pedro was so strong and her poison: tears in the cake made everyone become sick. ââ¬Å"The moment they took their first bite of the cake, everyone was flooded with a great wave of longing. â⬠¦] But the weeping was just the first symptom of a strange intoxication- an acute attack of pain and frustration- that seized the guests and scattered them across the patio and the grounds and in the bathrooms, all of them wailing over lost loveâ⬠(Esquirel 39). Watching both films also helped me understanding and picturing each scene clearly. Now I am enjoying the third novel, The Edible Woman, because this novel is written in modern plot and describes womenââ¬â¢s conflicted feeling in modern society through food and cooking.
Sunday, September 15, 2019
Part Five Chapter XI
XI Howard had told Shirley that he did not feel well, that he thought he had better stay in bed and rest, and that the Copper Kettle could run without him for an afternoon. ââ¬ËI'll call Mo,' he said. ââ¬ËNo, I'll call her,' said Shirley sharply. As she closed the bedroom door on him, Shirley thought, He's using his heart. He had said, ââ¬ËDon't be silly, Shirl', and then, ââ¬ËIt's rubbish, bloody rubbish', and she had not pressed him. Years of genteel avoidance of grisly topics (Shirley had been literally struck dumb when twenty-three-year-old Patricia had said: ââ¬ËI'm gay, Mum.') seemed to have muzzled something inside her. The doorbell rang. Lexie said, ââ¬ËDad told me to come round here. He and Mum have got something to do. Where's Grandad?' ââ¬ËIn bed,' said Shirley. ââ¬ËHe overdid it a bit last night.' ââ¬ËIt was a good party, wasn't it?' said Lexie. ââ¬ËYes, lovely,' said Shirley, with a tempest building inside her. After a while, her granddaughter's prattling wore Shirley down. ââ¬ËLet's have lunch at the cafe,' she suggested. ââ¬ËHoward,' she called through the closed bedroom door, ââ¬ËI'm taking Lexie for lunch at the Copper Kettle.' He sounded worried, and she was glad. She was not afraid of Maureen. She would look Maureen right in the face â⬠¦ But it occurred to Shirley, as she walked, that Howard might have telephoned Maureen the moment she had left the bungalow. She was so stupid â⬠¦ somehow, she had thought that, in calling Maureen herself about Howard's illness, she had stopped them communicating â⬠¦ she was forgetting â⬠¦ The familiar, well-loved streets seemed different, strange. She had taken a regular inventory of the window she presented to this lovely little world: wife and mother, hospital volunteer, secretary to the Parish Council, First Citizeness; and Pagford had been her mirror, reflecting, in its polite respect, her value and her worth. But the Ghost had taken a rubber stamp and smeared across the pristine surface of her life a revelation that would nullify it all: ââ¬Ëher husband was sleeping with his business partner, and she never knew â⬠¦' It would be all that anyone said, when she was mentioned; all that they ever remembered about her. She pushed open the door of the cafe; the bell tinkled, and Lexie said, ââ¬ËThere's Peanut Price.' ââ¬ËHoward all right?' croaked Maureen. ââ¬ËJust tired,' said Shirley, moving smoothly to a table and sitting down, her heart beating so fast that she wondered whether she might have a coronary herself. ââ¬ËTell him neither of the girls has turned up,' said Maureen crossly, lingering by their table, ââ¬Ëand neither of them bothered to call in either. It's lucky we're not busy.' Lexie went to the counter to talk to Andrew, who had been put on waiter duty. Conscious of her unusual solitude, as she sat alone at the table, Shirley remembered Mary Fairbrother, erect and gaunt at Barry's funeral, widowhood draped around her like a queen's train; the pity, the admiration. In losing her husband, Mary had become the silent passive recipient of admiration, whereas she, shackled to a man who had betrayed her, was cloaked in grubbiness, a target of derision â⬠¦ (Long ago, in Yarvil, men had subjected Shirley to smutty jokes because of her mother's reputation, even though she, Shirley, had been as pure as it was possible to be.) ââ¬ËGrandad's feeling ill,' Lexie was telling Andrew. ââ¬ËWhat's in those cakes?' He bent down behind the counter, hiding his red face. I snogged your mum. Andrew had almost skived off work. He had been afraid that Howard might sack him on the spot for kissing his daughter-in-law, and was downright terrified that Miles Mollison might storm in, looking for him. At the same time, he was not so naive that he did not know that Samantha, who must, he thought ruthlessly, be well over forty, would figure as the villain of the piece. His defence was simple. ââ¬ËShe was pissed and she grabbed me.' There was a tiny glimmer of pride in his embarrassment. He had been anxious to see Gaia; he wanted to tell her that a grown woman had pounced on him. He had hoped that they might laugh about it, the way that they laughed about Maureen, but that she might be secretly impressed; and also that in the course of laughing, he might find out exactly what she had done with Fats; how far she had let him go. He was prepared to forgive her. She had been pissed too. But she had not turned up. He went to fetch a napkin for Lexie and almost collided with his boss's wife, who was standing behind the counter, holding his EpiPen. ââ¬ËHoward wanted me to check something,' Shirley told him. ââ¬ËAnd this needle shouldn't be kept in here. I'll put it in the back.'
Saturday, September 14, 2019
The outsourcing of the Canon Europe
The outsourcing of the Canon Rupee's finance and accounting management to Accentuate Total words: 2772 Contents l. Introduction In 2006, the Canon Europe decided to outsource its finance and accounting business to the Accentuate consulting company. As a well-known imaging solution company, Canon Europe confronted with fierce competition in 2006. Although Canon Europe is a subsidiary of Canon Inc. Of Japan, the company contributes about one-third of Canon Inc. ââ¬Ës worldwide sales revenue.At the initial stage of transforming, to focus on those activities which are significant to its competitive positioning, the executive of Canon Europe determined to establish a shared-service center to centralize the company's finance operations. After a series of testing and analysis, Canon Europe found out that cooperating with the right outsourcing partner is the only way to achieve greater effectiveness. This measure not only can be used to reduce costs of their finance processes and improve the efficiency of them, but also to create powerful differentiating relationships with supplier.After the careful review of the proposals of all the candidates of vendors, Canon Europe finally decide outsource the finance and accounting business operation to Accentuate. The contract duration is seven years, and Accentuate provided Canon Europe with a range of finance processes through the management of the Accentuate Delivery Center in Prague. II. Outsourcing Project Overview By the reason of Cannon Europe was constantly confronted with increased completion and tighter, the executives of Canon Europe decided to create a powerful, differentiating relationships with suppliers by improving finance processes to reduce he costs.They also determined to improve the finance and accounting, like ordering from approved suppliers using standardized purchase orders, could increase their compliance . Initially, the executives thought that centralizing the company's finance operations would be th e right way to achieve the goals which were mentioned above. But by 2006, they found out that the only way to further savings and greater process effectiveness is through outsourcing. In the autumn of 2006, Accentuate submitted a proposal to Canon Europe that included significant details about its research on high performance.Subsequently, Canon Europe executives recognized Accentuates capabilities are relevant to their company's own strategic direction, and they also initiatives to achieve world-class finance operations, following detailed conversations with Accentuate leaders, the executives finally decided to outsource the company's European shared-services operation to Accentuate. Canon Europe signed a seven-year business process outsourcing contract with Accentuate, focusing on finance and accounting.Managed through the Accentuate Delivery Center in Prague, Accentuate provides Canon Europe with a range of finance recesses, including accounts payable, cash posting and fixed asse ts administration, as well as travel expense processing. Services are provided in 12 languages to Canon Europe businesses in 14 European countries. Ill. Client Perspective The experience of client Canon Europe had a good experience in this whole outsourcing process. Accentuate helped Canon achieve the objectives because running finance and accounting back offices is teacher business of them.Accentuate were able to deploy their economies of scale, and their expertise and process focused to help Canon achieve world-class performance. In fact, within the outsourcing activities, the Canon Europe reached the goal of improving their productivity baby percent in three years. Sourcing model The model that Canon Europe used is sole supplier model, which means Accentuate provides the entire finance accounting service to them. To the Canon Europe, the outsourcing model they chose is appropriate.Outsourcing finance and accounting presents a series of unique challenges that require deep expertis e and sophisticated toolkits. Furthermore, the vendor corporations need the right resources, innovation and talent to positively impact their business. The main benefit of this model is the sole accountability of the supplier, which makes the governance of the venture easier relative to other configuration models. Briefly speaking, it is a wise decision for Canon Europe outsourcing its whole finance and accounting process to an onshore vendor.Canon Europe selected a offspring outsourcing model to cooperate with Accentuate. According to the Decision-making matrix on outsourcing which was suggested by Hillocks (2002), the Canon Europe outsourced their ââ¬Å"Qualifiersâ⬠, which means the organization outsourced their finance and accounting department-?the radical activity for business operations, but do not contribute to the company's competitive positioning in a major way. Strengths and weaknesses The company intended to invest more in their core competitiveness such aspirator m arketing, customer service and looking after their channel partners.Therefore they are realistic in paying vendors, and recognized back office administration as a secondary activity and do not wish to invest in back office innovations. Secondly, ââ¬Å"thereat a number of strength that Canon has realized through the relationship with Accentuate. ââ¬Å", said by Chris Poppa(Accentuate Senior Executive). For instance, this outsourcing activity increased visibility and transparency on the finance processes, more responsive service from the Prague Deliver Centre improved management control through the formal discipline.And finally, Canon Europe can focus on their core business and not worry about the back-office processes. The Canon Rupee's outsourcing weakness lies in that they are a large company, this fact results to the difficulties when they selected vendors. There are so many factors they need to consider, for instance, the reputation, the capability of handle massive ATA and the technology innovations of the suppliers. The organization's own characters decide that the number of vendors they can choose from is limited, and it due to the cost controlling becomes even more difficulty.Retained capabilities The capabilities that developed by Canon Europe through the outsourcing activities are as following: First, relationship building. Creating a powerful, differentiating relationship with supplier is one of the aims of Canon Europe. Actually,building a relationship involves helping users understand developmental of finance and accounting for the business ND the improvement of productivity, helping users and financialexpertscollaborate, and ensuring users' ownership and satisfactions. The second capability is informed buying.Generally, this capability related to the challenge of managing the finance and accounting outsourcing strategy in a way that meets the interests,priorities, and goals of the business. For example, the transition from a shared-services mode l to the Accentuate Delivery Center in Prague was completed in only four months, furthermore, there was no reengineering needed and all finance activities were quickly stabilized. Thirdly, to protect the current and future contractual position of the firm, Canon Europe also had the contract monitoring capability.It is important to note that the contract monitor ensures that the business position is contractually protected at all times while the contract facilitator is mainly involved in the day-to-day operational 1 . Furthermore, as a contract monitor, Canon Europe needs to ensure that their business position is contractually protected at all the timely 2. Risks in outsourcing deal The Canon Europe also met several risks. First of all, considering that Canon Europe ND Accentuate are both influenced organizations in the world, they both have the differentiations culture.Provided that during the process of outsourcing, both parts have limited opportunities for interactions, hence it w ill cause misunderstandings and poor change management controls 3. The structural risk may also exist in the process of the duration of outsourcing. Structural risk refers to the danger that the relationship between clients and suppliers may not work as expected. Whatever, transaction preprocessing insurance claims processing are happily easy to monitor using preciseness's to measure their quality 5.Therefore these activities present low structuralism. Lastly, if an organization decides to outsource some business which includes sensitive data, then a carefully managed outsourcing contract may be preferable. This is because large established clients are probably more careful about protecting their reputation. Expected value Within Canon Rupee's new finance and accounting outsourcing environment, there is now greater assurance that activities are being executed effectively with maximum efficiency, and that productivity and continuous improvement are daily priorities.Such advancements demonstrate why the goal to improve productivity within the outsourced activities by 25 percent in three years is well within reach. To sum up the foregoing, the business achieving performance continually. To keep the relationship between Canon Europe and Accentuate getting better is also the value that this outsourcing activity brought. Actually, Canon Europe paid careful attention to the levels of relationship competency of the supplier, without they wish to maintain a close long-traineeships.Whatever, they found out that Accentuate has the ability to support the future changes in their business direction, and the needs of their innovations the supplier, so the long-term relationship would be a potential value they wish to obtain. ââ¬ËV. Supplier Perspective Good pick for supplier From the perspective of Accentuate, this contract was a good pick undoubtedly. First and for most, Accentuate built the partnership with Canon through this outsourcing process, this laid the foundatio n of theorization's of strategic partner in the future. Actually, in 2010, Canon enters $9. Ban to launch in collaboration withAccentuate to deliver customized information and media management solutions for large European organizations. Given these facts, we can make a conclusion of both parts already built good relinquishment's the finance and accounting outsourcing process. Advantages and disadvantages The vendor selected in this outsourcing case possessed plenty of advantages. First of all, finance and accounting (F) was one of the first processes that Accentuate start to outsource, henceforward have more than 15 years operational experience in Finance and Accounting business process outsourcing.Secondly, Accentuate was also en of the best consultant companies in that time, which means they had better reputation and lower risk than other companies. Last but not least, Accentuate has their own R teams, which maximize the efficiency and increase the possibilities of reaching the go al successfully. While outsourcing, three technology innovations of Accentuate play an important role. For example,the first of these is an Accentuate- developed self-service portal that is updated daily to help Canon Rupee's suppliers control, access and monitor invoicing and payment activities.As for the disadvantages, one of them is the technology solutions growth in Accentuate is much slower than consultancy roles in the fierce competition of the consultant industry. Therefore, once Canon encountered some technique problems in the outsourcing process, Accentuate may not provide powerful supports to them efficiently. Risks to vendors Like most of devotedness, Accentuate also had risks in this outsourcing process. One of them is reputation loss, it would happen as the venture failed.No matter what the real reason is, the supplier always should take the responsibility for the failure first. Another risk is the security of techniques and intellectual property. Elementally repertory rights are also one of major concerns to both the client and the supplier 19. Thus, companies should be particularly careful, because the absence of suitable contractual safeguards can put at risk the firms' rights to its own intellectual property. For example, the development and the application of Accentuates technology innovations are belong to the core competence of the organization.And the Accentuate-developed self-service portal also has key function to the completeness of the whole outsourcing project. Expected value As an outstanding consulting company, Accentuate expects not only to manage the entire successfully, but also to develop the partnership with the Canon Europe. Cooperating with some well-known companies successfully, like Canon, will expand the influence of itself. Furthermore, building the partnership with those companies will also bring plenty of opportunities to the future development to Accentuate.Hillocks suggests that enterprise partnership's involves risk- reward and Joint ownership arrangements, offers promising way to leverage cost and quality gains as well as knowledgeableness and exploitation. V. Recommendations Safeguard of client's position To mitigate the risk that Canon Europe may face, the organization interacted on a daily basis with Individual Accentuate teams (one for each process such as accounts payable and cash posting).Besides, to increase the visibility of the clients, the Accentuate Planning and Control enables management and process owners to capture and track critical path activities and issues in real time. The extraction of value for supplier For the supplier, provided atone of their targets is obtaining extraction of value from the contract, then the following factors are important: firstly, Accentuate should ensure they provided the desired services according to the contract.Secondly, manage to protect the safety of the sensitive data, like ensure the data to be used in appropriate ways, and periodically check that authorized personnel are following designated procedures. Win-win situation As the contract manager of insubstantial public sector agency noted ââ¬Å"Suppliers have to make a reasonableness's to stay in business. You don't want them to lose moneybags the worse their business gets, the worse your business gets. ââ¬Å"Theodosius uncovers that both parts in the outsourcing process are interest- elated.Creating a win-win situation's the client receives increased value- adding services and disruptive generates better revenues and obtaining more opportunities. When Accentuate completed the outsourcing project, the Canon Rupee's employees were free from time-consuming finance transactional tasks, and they are now able to focus on strategic activities to add value to the businesses. Improvement or changes In the next five years, the organizations recognize back office administration as a secondary activity and do not wish to invest in back office innovations, whereby the equines proc ess outsourcing will overshadow IT outsourcing.The clients should invest much more in contract value due to the contract management is a major determinant of outsourcing successes. Second, to avoid the outsourcing failure, the thing that Canon Europe should considerately suppliers other than sole supplier model, as a large company, the outsourcing process of Canon Europe would be more complex than others, therefore continue with only one vendor would carry high amount of risk. In the future, selective sourcing with multiple suppliers will remain the dominant trend.
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