The pursuit of happiness Essay Example For Students

The pursuit of happiness Essay Love is perhaps the most actively sought moral objective of ones life. And though marriage is often thought to be the logical consequence of love, it is Oscar Wildes contention in his satire, The Importance of Being Earnest, that love begets bliss and marriage thwarts this course of bliss. Algernon Moncrieff spends very little time falling in love and the rest of the time striving toward engagement. Wilde demonstrates through him that once one becomes intent upon achieving a goal, the individuals motivation becomes a matter of action rather than truth. Algernon is no longer driven by a moral objective; instead, he becomes intent upon achieving a societal standard. We will write a custom essay on The pursuit of happiness specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now The truth is rarely pure, and never simple (35). Love is truth. Marriage results in the systematic complication of love. Algernon becomes disillusioned in the process of seeking truth. In defining Algernons preconceived notion of marriage and then describing the subsequent earnest pursuit of engagement, Wilde achieves a consequential climax that satirizes marriage. Algernon is a pompous man of seemingly strong, albeit unconventional, convictions. Wilde uses him for the sole purpose of mocking the sanctimonious institution of marriage. In the beginning of the play, Algernon considers Jacks intent to propose to Gwendolen to be business, not pleasure (30). Yet eventually Algernon also resolves to propose to Cicely, discrediting his own established belief: I really dont see anything romantic in proposing. It is very romantic to be in love. But there is nothing romantic about a definite proposal. Why, one may be accepted. One usually is, I believe. Then the excitement is all over. The very essence of romance is uncertainty (30). Algernon clearly, at one point, sees marriage as a means to an end. Once he meets Cecily, however, the idea of maintaining truth above reality is hard to rationalize; he wants only to move forward in the proper manner established by society. Upon initially hearing about Cicely, Algernon is intrigued. She is no more than a name on a cigarette case. After intense probing, Jack discloses Cicelys identity. Algernon then tells Jack, I would rather like to see Cicely (51). She suddenly becomes more of a name to Algernon, and he begins to pursue her as more than a person; she becomes his moral objective. When Jack reveals to Gwendolen his address in the country, Algernon secretly writes the address on his shirt-cuff (53) in hopes of going to meet Cicely. Shortly after his first encounter with her, he reveals to Jack, I am in love with Cicely, and that is everything (71). This newfound love is his truth. He admits to her, Cicely, ever since I first looked upon your wonderful and incomparable beauty, I have dared to love you wildly, passionately, devotedly, hopelessly (73). Yet Algernon quickly abandons the truth imbedded in love, his moral objective, and instead opts for convention. I dont care for anybody in the whole world but you. I love you, Cecily. You will marry me, wont you? (74). The irony displayed through Algernons self-contradiction is the pivotal progression that eventually results in Wildes intended resolution of the play Algernon reveals he simply wanted to be engaged to Cecily (88) to Jack, who quickly dismisses him. There is certainly no chance of your marrying Miss Cardew (88). It is this obstacle, and its respective denouement, which outlines the basis of Wildes thematic emphasis. Prospective marriage, by means of engagement, serves not only as an obstacle but also a resolution. In Algernons view, Cecily is the sweetest, dearest, prettiest girl in the whole world. And he doesnt care twopence about social possibilities (98). .u1f3f861e1e9d40f2e1586b6792ba716f , .u1f3f861e1e9d40f2e1586b6792ba716f .postImageUrl , .u1f3f861e1e9d40f2e1586b6792ba716f .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u1f3f861e1e9d40f2e1586b6792ba716f , .u1f3f861e1e9d40f2e1586b6792ba716f:hover , .u1f3f861e1e9d40f2e1586b6792ba716f:visited , .u1f3f861e1e9d40f2e1586b6792ba716f:active { border:0!important; } .u1f3f861e1e9d40f2e1586b6792ba716f .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u1f3f861e1e9d40f2e1586b6792ba716f { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u1f3f861e1e9d40f2e1586b6792ba716f:active , .u1f3f861e1e9d40f2e1586b6792ba716f:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u1f3f861e1e9d40f2e1586b6792ba716f .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u1f3f861e1e9d40f2e1586b6792ba716f .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u1f3f861e1e9d40f2e1586b6792ba716f .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u1f3f861e1e9d40f2e1586b6792ba716f .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u1f3f861e1e9d40f2e1586b6792ba716f:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u1f3f861e1e9d40f2e1586b6792ba716f .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u1f3f861e1e9d40f2e1586b6792ba716f .u1f3f861e1e9d40f2e1586b6792ba716f-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u1f3f861e1e9d40f2e1586b6792ba716f:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Art Of Procrastination Essay In actuality, however, it is the promise of social possibilities that motivate him to an end. For, it is his eventual conformity to societal norms that destroys the moral truth he once held dear. By the time Wilde establishes definite engagement for the couple, Algernon and Cicely embrace, and the play ends. As Algernon said in Act 1, The excitement is all over (30). This anti-passionate climax epitomizes Wildes sardonic wit, humoring a societal institution. Algernon achieves what he believes he wants, but loses his motivation in the process. Marriage, at one point, seemed to be very problematic to Algernon. His .

House Votes to Reject Immunity for Phone Companies Involved in Wiretaps essays

House Votes to Reject Immunity for Phone Companies Involved in Wiretaps essays On March 15, 2008, New York Times writer Eric Lichtblau wrote an article, House Votes to Reject Immunity for Phone Companies Involved in Wiretaps. The main focus of this article was the controversy surrounding the use of phone tapping, or the secret activity of monitoring telephone conversations without the people involved in the conversation being aware that they are being monitored. This was done, government officials claim, in the interest of national security. In a nation where the possibility of terrorist events is very real on a daily basis, the argument on the part of the officials was that phone calls of suspected terrorists must be allowed to be listened to without the delay of obtaining search warrants to do so (Lichtblau). The problem arose when the telephone companies that performed the actual wiretaps were being held liable in terms of violating the constitutionally protected rights of everyone- not just those who obey the law. In response to this request for immunity by the phone companies, the United States House of Representatives passed a vote by a narrow margin, 213 to 197, to make phone companies liable and to take away their immunity. In response to this vote, the White House responded by saying that President Bush would very quickly veto this bill once it comes to his office for ratification (Lichtblau). The bill that the House approved has three main elements to it: first, the bill refuses immunity to the phone companies, both for future problems and going back to prior violations of privacy of those who were monitored (Lichtblau). Also, the bill brings back many of the legal protections against illegal wire taps that were in place in the past. Lastly, the bill provides for the creation of a Congressional commission to oversee everything. The vote that the House took was done in a secret, night time session, the first such session in over 25 years. This session ...

Leadership & Vision Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Leadership & Vision - Essay Example Therefore, a vision that mainly reflects "vague dreams" or "thing(s) of imagination" may be detached from reality" (Bogler & Nir, 2001). "Leadership is reciprocal, occurring among people. Leadership is a people activity, distinct from administrative paper shuffling or problem solving activities. Leadership is dynamic and involves the use of power" (Daft, 1997). In order to involve and motivate the employees and to instill a sense of ownership among employees, organizations carry out many activities. Sharing the vision and goals of the company is one of the most practical and fruitful ways of instilling the sense of ownership among employees. This philosophy supported by a visionary leadership builds trust and trust further creates a sense of ownership. In the environment of trust and ownership, overall goals and objectives of the company are understood by the employees in a better way resulting in better performance not just by the employees individually but also collectively by the company or organization. Employees must be empowered to take action based on the basis of their understanding of different situations and scenarios within the organization. This empowerment will develop their problem solving skill and they will become a part of the big picture. This empowerment would not be possible without sound leadership.

Terrorism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 5

Terrorism - Essay Example an be defined as political, social or religious objectives but in greater perspective terrorism is associated with the idea of practicing power over the mass population while turning humans in to slaves. Here, if we closely analyze then it can be said with conviction that pessimistic use of power is not only done by social activists and influential religious groups rather terrorism is also practiced by powerful nations and governments. This can be substantiated on the basis of the fact that the last two World Wars were actually initiated due to political disagreements among government authorities. Moreover, the incidents which occurred during World War I and II are the prime examples of human rights violation, murder, violence, fear and inhuman acts such as rape. On the other hand the contemporary form of terrorism is largely affiliated with religious groups which negatively influence people to accept their ideologies. Although these people aren’t religious in the true sense but that is how they justify their violent acts. Hence in my opinion terrorism is violation of human dignity in the name of egotistic goals and it can be associated with government authorities or individu als. There is no single event which can predict the exact starting time for the Modern International Terrorism since it is defined differently by a large number of scholars, politicians, historians, economics, sociologists etc. Weinberg argues that French Revolution played a significant role in beginning the Modern Terrorism. This revolution particularly set standards for events which occurred in the 20th Century. Most importantly it provided the means of using tyrannicide for confiscating the oppressive political authorities (Cameron, 2010). As activities against state leadership gained intensity and violence began the government also started taking actions and named the individuals participating in revolutions as terrorist. This actually gave rise to two different ideas including the

Application to motivational theories Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Application to motivational theories - Essay Example In addition, the model does not focus on agent feedback, dealing with others, and time pressure, which are also important job characteristics. Due to changes in organisations and the environment, application of motivation has moved away from psychology to engineering. Today, approaches to job design depend on different scientific disciplines including engineering and psychology. Mechanistic approaches are applied to job design in the areas of work simplification and time and motion study, which have their basis in industrial engineering. Money matters to some people more than others, and this has made it a motivator in current management. However, to other people, money does not matter so much; since factors such as the way employees are treated at their work places sometimes matter more than money. Despite these facts, money can act as a motivator to different kinds of employees, for example people in developed and underdeveloped nations for various reasons. According to Hackman and Oldham, experience of certain psychological states by individuals motivates them towards their jobs, and gives them job satisfaction. These psychological states include â€Å"experienced meaningfulness of work, experienced responsibilities for outcomes of the work, and knowledge of actual results of the work activities† (Grant, 2003, p. 110). The psychological states create a positive effect that boosts job motivation. However, the psychological states are only created when a job has skill variety, task identity, task significance, autonomy, and job feedback. Skill variety, task identity, and task significance promote employees experienced meaningfulness at work. A level of autonomy creates personal responsibility for the outcome of the work, and good job feedback increases knowledge of the actual results of work activities on the part of employees. The Job

Analysis Of The Significance Of Mikhail Gorbachev Politics Essay

Analysis Of The Significance Of Mikhail Gorbachev Politics Essay Mikhail Gorbachev, The Patron of Change. The Cold War was a period in history from roughly 1945 to 1988 when the worlds two largest superpowers, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (Soviet Union) and the United States, were in continuous economic and political conflict. These polar entities struggled for dominance and control in the new atomic age. With no end in sight to this potentially catastrophic confrontation, it became essential for the leaders of both sides to reconcile their differences. For the Soviet Union, peace was increasingly important mainly because of the poor state of their economy. The leader responsible for bringing about the fall of the iron curtain and for helping to bring an end to communism in the Soviet Union was Mikhail Gorbachev. Gorbachevs contributions to world peace have been widely recognized and his actions continue to serve as examples for world leaders today. Mikhail Gorbachev, the leader of the Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991, made several significant contributions to the world. He represented a new generation of Soviet leaders, different form his predecessors who used fear and intimidation to maintain a communist idealist Russian society. Gorbachev was different because he recognized the flaws in the Soviet system of government and was willing to take steps to improve it. The opposing ideals between communism and capitalism created a split between the East and the West on the proper form of government which was to be established in the occupied territories in Europe following World War II. However, the balance of power and arms race between the two superpowers took a huge toll on the Soviet Union. Gorbachevs policies helped bring an end to the Cold War, led to the destruction of the wall separating East and West Berlin, encouraged the rise of democracy in Europe, and ultimately led to a complete dismantling of the Soviet Union.  [1]   Gorbachev was born into a peasant family in the village of Privolnoe, on March 2, 1931. As a teenager, he worked driving farm machinery at a local machine-tractor station. During his college years, Gorbachev was very interested in politics. He joined the national communist party of the Soviet Union and quickly moved up in the ranks. By 1962, he was the regional leader of Komsomol (Young Communist League). Gorbachev was a successful politician from early on in his career. He became exposed to influence and workings of the influence of the KGB, the Soviet Secret police, experience that served him well in his future political career. Gorbachev met his wife, Raisa Titorenko, while attending school at Moscow State University.  [2]   As Prime Minister, Gorbachev tried to establish better relations with the United States. In November, 1985, he met with President Reagan in Geneva to talk about national and international issues. Gorbachev once said America must be the teacher of democracy, not the advertiser of the consumer society. It is unrealistic for the rest of the world to reach the American living standard. The clearest signs of improvement between the United States and Soviet Union relations came in 1988 when Gorbachev made a positive impression with a crowd of spectators in New York City where he shook hands with people.  [3]   In the 1980s, the Soviet Union was struggling to survive because of the problems associated with a planned economy, and because a disproportionate amount the budget was being spent on the military towards an arms race with the United States. Gorbachev believed that the Soviet Union could not afford to spend so much on arms so he reduced the amount of money for war. This policy led to nuclear missile reduction treaties with the United States and effectively brought an end to the Cold War which had dominated international relations with the United States since 1945. When Mikhail Gorbachev took office in 1985, he faced one terrible problem. The Soviet economy had been in a period of turmoil, and it was in desperate need of reform for two decades. Gorbachev once said The market came with the dawn of civilization and it is not an invention of capitalism. If it leads to improving the well-being of the people there is no contradiction with socialism. Gorbachev decided to change the old system with a period of perestroika, or restructuring in the hope of making it more efficient.  [4]   From 1985 to 1986, Gorbachew continued an anti-alcohol program started by his predecessor, Andropov. His policies increased the price of vodka and changed the legal drinking age from 18 to 21, which had the effect of decreasing alcohol sales. It was his goal to discourage workers from drinking, and thus to improve the productivity of workers and increase industrial output. However, this campaign did not work out well in Russia.  [5]   Gorbachev promoted great political changes. One of the most important measures came in 1989 when he set up elections where members of the Communist Party had to run against non-Communist Party members. Later that same year, he called to terminate special status of the Communist Party guaranteed by the Soviet Constitution. Gorbachev also ended the Soviet military occupation of Afghanistan. During this period, he began more drastic changes. One of these changes was the Law of State Enterprises, enacted in June 1987. This legislation gave businesses more independence from the government. Despite the increased independence, the state still exercised some control over their activities. This was quite a radical change and was seen as a move away from the old system of a centrally planned command economy, and many people did not agree with it. Workers were also encouraged to be more open, which was part of Glasnost, and speak out against corruption or give suggestions. They were also encouraged to form small privately owned cooperatives such as grocery shops and hairdressing salons.  [6]   In 1989, Gorbachev was nominated as Time Magazines Man of The Year. Gorbachev called what he was doing permitting a revolution. Gorbachev became the patron of change. Gorbachev, and his reformist allies in Eastern Europe, managed to suppress at least one monster which was the states capacity for cruelty and violence against its own citizens. The Chinese students carried portraits of the Soviet leader, and they were shouting, In Russia they have Gorbachev; in China we have whom? Gorbachev became a hero for what he would not do.  [7]   There were several important events that occurred while Gorbachev ruled the Soviet Union. One hundred thousand Soviet troops withdrew from Afghanistan. The Soviet military intervention was costly for the Soviet Union, and to the Afghan people. Over 1.5 million Afghans were killed.  [8]   Another important event was the Chernobyl disaster. According to Michael Gorbachev (Tuesday,April16,2006,The Daily Star) the nuclear meltdown at Chernobyl 20 years ago, even more than my launch of Perestroika, was perhaps the real cause of the Soviet Union five years later. The Chernobyl disaster occurred on April 26, 1986 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Chernobyl is ranked one of the greatest industrial accidents of all time. Some have said that Gorbachev was too silent about the disaster and was not forthcoming.  [9]   Also, Perestroika was Gorbachevs important reform. This consisted of economic reforms and policy changes. The Law of Cooperatives passed in 1988 allowed ownership of businesses by individuals. Gorbachev has been a powerful and symbolic presence in the worlds imagination since he first came to power in 1985. Gorbachev, and his program of Perestroika, was not popular in Russia. At the time, soap, sugar, tea, school notebooks, cigarettes, sausage and other meats, butter, fruits and vegetables, and matches were scarce.  [10]   By the 1980s, it was obvious that communism in the Soviet Union was not really working out. Mikhail Gorbachev became the leader of the Soviet Union in 1985 and he introduced many reforms in an attempt to modernize the economy and make the Communist Party more democratic. These reforms ultimately led to the breakup of the Soviet Union and an end to the one-party Communist rule. In December 25, 1991, Gorbachev resigned as President at the point when the Soviet Union disintegrated.  [11]   Work Cited Page Internet Sources: Mikhail Gorbachev Biography -. WriteSpirit -. Web. 28 May 2010. . Mikhail Gorbachev Biography Life, Family, Death, Wife, Young, Old, Information, Born, House, Time, Year. Encyclopedia of World Biography. Web. 28 May 2010. Gorbachev Foundation Biography. Russian. Web. 28 May 2010. . Non Internet Sources: Kort, Michael. Mikhail Gorbachev. New York: Watts, Morrow, By Lance. TIME Person of the Year: Story Archive Since 1927, Mikhail Gorbachev. Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews TIME.com. 13 Dec. 2002. Web. 27 May 201

Essay --

Rudyard Kipling’s seminal poem, â€Å"The White Man’s Burden† resonated amongst American policymakers in the aftermath of the War of 1898. For a price of twenty million dollars, the Spanish relinquished their control of the Philippines to the United States, thereby transforming America into an overseas empire. As statesmen in Washington considered their new Pacific possession, they viewed the archipelago as a moral liability rather than a strategic asset. The first formal evaluation of the prospects for Filipino independence came in February 1900, when President McKinley dispatched the â€Å"Philippine Commission† to Manila to compile a report on the subject. In this paper I consider their assessment through a social lens. I argue that while McKinley’s emissaries strove for objectivity, preconceived notions of national identity, race, and civilization influenced their judgment. Ultimately, the Commission viewed American-ness as a prerequisite for i ndependence. Background The Spanish had maintained colonial authority over the Philippines since Ferdinand Magellan laid claim to the islands in 1521. For over three hundred years the Spanish government, aided by friars from the Catholic Church, used Manila as a naval base and cultivated the hinterland as a source of cotton. Filipino aristocrats across the archipelago learned Spanish, and helped to disseminate the Catholic faith to the majority of animists and sabians — worshippers of the moon and stars. Although many friars were seriously engaged in helping the Filipino peasants, over time they gained a reputation for exploitation and corruption. In response to these grievances and to an absence of representation in the colonial legislature, community political leaders began in the early 19... ...mission rejected the prospect of Philippine independence primarily because the population deviated from the western concept of the â€Å"nation.† The masses of the people are without a common speech and lack the sentimentality of a nation. The Filipinos are not a nation, but a variegated assemblage of different tribes and peoples, and their loyalty is still of the tribal type (pdf one 192). . . their lack of education and political experience, combined with their racial and linguistic diversity, disqualify them, in spite of their mental gifts and domestic virtues, to undertake the task of governing the archipelago at the present time . . . should our power by any fatality be withdrawn, the Commission believes that the government of the Philippines would speedily lapse into anarchy The Filipinos are not a nation, and there can be no political being that we call a people,

Financial Literacy in the Philippines Essay

Money. That word enough is enough to turn the heads of almost any one in this world today. It’s not a hidden fact or a myth, or an exaggeration that money indeed makes the world go round today. In legal matters, money is the only reasonable way to amend some matters. In a cynical point of view, you could say that money is the law. In these times of corporate international booming, there’s no exaggeration that money holds your life today. Financial literacy is the knowledge that is the answer to these times of finance emphasized earth. But what is financial literacy? Financial literacy is, according to Wikipedia, â€Å"the ability of a person to understand how money works†. It is basically how one is skilled at handling financial matters, and how one is informed of insurances, investing and over-all money management. Knowing this term, then I am asked, Am I financially literate? As a young adult, it is necessary that one knows how to manage money. Especially that I go to school everyday, riding public transportation, eating out; One can say that isn’t everyone financially literate because they know how to budget their money after all? If it’s that easy, then I could say I am, but it isn’t. I’m not financially literate. As far as my money goes, I only know a little about saving. In fact, I don’t even own a real bank account in this age of 20. I know very little about insurances, investments, let alone the stock market. I only save money so I can spend it on going out with my friends, not for, as they say, the rainy days. Bank accounts are the only thing I know about and as far as I’m concerned it’s just about them keeping my money secured. I’m supposed to be a little embarrassed, but then I look around my community and see I’m not the only one. No, in this country, I’m one of the majority that is not. Why am I not? Why are most of us not financially literate in this world where money is a crucial necessity? I’ve read one article in the internet by Randell Tiongson entitled â€Å"Pinoys and Financial Literacy†. The article tackled how us Filipinos are not as financially literate as we think and the fact that most Filipinos give very little attention to actually be more knowledgeable in handling finances. In contrast though, it states that little by little, we are getting better; but still we have a long way to go to being called a financially stable country. I learned that most Filipinos have the same mind set as I have. We think having a bank account is already financial security. I think I am one of the population that is generally very clueless. Looking at other countries, they have these programs where they actually give seminars and lectures on being financially literate; to them the booming money world can only be survived through education. All I see in our country today are seminars about bank accounts and piggy banks. Where is the education that us Filipinos need in this world of financial dependence? We may turn our eyes from it, but money is a concrete fact of living. All my life I’ve been taught that saving money is the best thing you can do to your money; budget and management. But those are all kids stuff. I’m actually now worried that I am not well informed. One of the reasons I am not financially literate is definitely because of poor education on these matters. No one really taught me the words ‘investing’, or ‘insurance’ or ‘the stock market’ in school. Well maybe in definition, but I never came across how-to’s and guide to how to use these terms in the practical world. I think I would be scolded that I’m asking to be spoon-fed but, to be frank, this country never really made me grow up with concerns about financial literacy. And I am even one of those people with a good education†¦ how about our co-citizens with even less? Another reason is probably how our traditions and culture never really had a chance to understand these legal matters formally. Unlike other countries, we are generally the most traditional ones. We held our religions close, believing that everything happens in God’s time, if it’s safe to say, I think we are relying in Him too much. They didn’t talk about life insurances in the bible. We tend to believe that whatever happens, it happens on God’s will. Religion has been our security for ages. And I think that is why my own parents doesn’t have too much of a clue in investments issues. And as their child, how am I supposed to have a grasp in this area. No matter how I am accused of having enough resources because of the internet, it’s still not enough to carry a curiosity on finance matters. Because as tradition was, in this country, if you have a bank account, you’re saved. My family isn’t really one of those homes where everyone’s so money-savvy. I think it’s also because we’re a young family, with me as the eldest child. So I think I should be the one starting, learning about financial literacy. And this goes, with my last reason: Families with low financial status tend to not to be exposed in these opportunities. We’re not exactly in the higher middle class which many people may think because I’m studying in Mapua. We’re extremely in the middle middle class and as I have observed in television and the internet, those who already have the money are the ones only given the chance to be literate financially. It isn’t a theory that you need money for education, though there are other ways to stay informed but this is the truth. Most people in this country are lower middle class and could you even imagine the opportunities given to their level? It’s just concerning. Money-education for only those who already have money, or the promise of it. And I think that should be the one of the main concerns of this country. In conclusion, the main reason is our own country’s lack of financial literacy education. Resources: https://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Financial_literacy , http://www. investopedia. com/terms/f/financial-literacy. asp ,http://www. randelltiongson. com/? s=financial+literacy+in+the+philippines , http://www. getsmarteraboutmoney. ca/en/managing-your-money/planning/investing-basics/Pages/what-is-financial-literacy. aspx.

GDP †A Gross Deception

Capitalism concentrates on production of wealth more than distribution of wealth to satisfy the needs, which is secondary in their view. Therefore, the capitalist economic system has one aim, which is to increase the country's wealth as a whole, and it works to arrive at the highest possible level of production. It considers that the achievement of the highest possible level of welfare for the members of society will come as a result of increasing the national income by raising the level of production in the country, and in enabling individuals to be able to take the wealth, by being left free to work in producing and possessing it. So for capitalists the economy does not exist to satisfy the needs of every individual, rather it is focused on satisfying the needs of the wider community by raising the level of production and increasing the national income of the country. It believes that through the availability of the national income, the distribution of income among the members of society occurs, by means of freedom of possession and freedom of work. So it is left to the individuals to obtain what they can of the wealth, everyone according to what he has of its productive factors, whether all the individuals or only some individuals are satisfied. This is the so called â€Å"trickle-down effect†, a now-discredited theory of distribution which holds that the concentration of wealth in a few hands benefits the poor as the wealth necessarily â€Å"trickles down† to them, mainly through employment and as a result of investments made by the wealthy. In most cases, this policy failed, as the benefits were pocketed by a few. GNP is used widely by the capitalist nations as a measure of total production of all goods and services produced in a nation (usually annually) and central to a government’s national income accounts. GNP was introduced during World War II as a measure of wartime production capacity, since then the Gross National Product (since changed to Gross Domestic Product – GDP) has become a nation's foremost indicator of economic progress. Yet the GDP was never intended for this role. It is merely a gross tally of products and services bought and sold. However it is now widely used by policy makers, economists, international agencies and the media as the primary scorecard of a nation's economic health and well- being. Yet in this role it has many serious flaws. 1. The GDP ignores everything that happens outside the realm of monetized exchange, regardless of its importance to well-being and the society. Hence values (humanitarian, ethical, spiritual) other than material values go entirely ignored. 2. The GDP records every monetary transaction as positive, so the costs of social decay and natural disasters are tallied as an economic advance. For example the terrible effects of crime are recorded positively as adding billions of dollars to the GDP due to the need for locks and other security measures, increased police protection, property damage, and medical costs. Hurricane Andrew was a disaster for Southern Florida USA, but the GDP recorded it as a boon to the economy of well over $15 billion. 3. GDP ignores the drawbacks of living on foreign assets. Where governments have increased their spending by borrowing from abroad, this raises the GDP temporarily, but the need to repay this debt becomes a growing burden on the national economy. This downside of borrowing from abroad is not reflected in the GDP. 4. The GNP was turned into the GDP – a change that was deceptive and exploited by the Capitalist nations. Under the old measure, the Gross National Product, the earnings of a capitalist multinational firm were attributed to the country where the firm was owned and where the profits would eventually return. Under the Gross Domestic Product, however, the profits are attributed to the country where the factory is located, even though the profits won't stay there. This accounting shift has deceptively turned many struggling nations into statistical boomtowns. Statistics which are used in aiding the push for globalisation and free trade. Conveniently, it hides a basic fact: that the western Capitalist nations are walking off with the resources of poorer nations and calling it a gain for the poor. 5. Above all GDP ignores the distribution of income. In effect the GDP hides the fact that a rising tide does not lift all boats. From 1973 to 1993 in the USA, while GDP rose by over 50 percent, wages suffered a decline of almost 14 percent. Meanwhile, during the 1980s alone, the top 5 percent of households increased their real income by almost 20 percent. Yet the GDP presents this enormous gain at the top as a bounty to all. Furthermore the average number of poor people averaged more than 30 million people over the last 40 years in the US, with an average of 15% of the population being poor. In the meantime, the gross national product continued to increase drastically, over the same period. The GDP grew from $400 billions to $10 trillions from 1959 to 2000. This very large increase in the national product did not contribute to the resolution of poverty. More than 30 million people continue to be poor. Hence Capitalism superbly increases the production of products and services, and hence wealth. However this completely fails to resolve the poverty of the individuals. The number of poor people continues to grow. In reality therefore GDP as a measure of a nation’s economic well being is really a deception. It begins to explain why people feel increasingly gloomy despite official claims of economic progress and growth. In Islam, the economic problem is focused on distributing the means of satisfaction for individuals i. e. the distribution of the funds and benefits to the members of the nation or people, not on the needs which the nation or the people require without having any regard to every individual within the nation. In other words, the problem is the poverty which occurs to the individual not the poverty which occurs to the nation. The concern of the Islamic economic system is focused predominantly on satisfying the basic needs of every individual, not the study of producing economic commodity. Islam makes the subject of study, the basic human needs of man, as a human being, and the study of distributing the wealth to the members of society to guarantee the satisfaction of all their basic needs. Unlike capitalism it is aware that the treatment of the poverty of a country, through raising the level of production, does not solve the problem of poverty for individuals. Rather, Islam advocates the treatment of the poverty problems of all the individuals, and the distribution of the wealth of the country among them by addressing their basic needs first, thus motivating all the people of the country to work in increasing the national income.

Aramark Global Analysis

Aramark Global Analysis Aramark Global Analysis Aramark Corporation (hereunder Aramark) is an American-owned business, which has so far established its operations in 22 countries all over the world. In its website, Aramark indicates that it offers services in different sectors, which include business and industry, healthcare, sports, entertainment, higher education, and apparel (Aramark, 2014a).Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Aramark Global Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Aramark is an international business because it produces and distributes goods and services, not only in its home country, but in other 21 countries spread across Europe, Asia and the American continents.  Azevedo and Bertland (2000) describe an international organization as â€Å"a decentralized federation with distributed resources and delegated responsibilities that allows the foreign operations to answer to the local differences† (p. 3). True t o the foregoing definition, Aramark is a decentralized organization, which has assigned responsibilities to different offices across the 22 countries. Additionally, the company has provided the overseas offices the mandate and resources necessary to cater for local differences. Aramark Ireland has, for example, set cultural theme days as one of the ways of marketing itself in the country. Additionally, Aramark Ireland translates its staff training manuals into languages that the staff members can comprehend. Moreover, the company changes its restaurant menus to reflect diets that serve the medical, therapeutic and religious diets of the consumer market in Ireland (Aramark, 2009). Theories and Concepts of Globalization, Multinational Strategy and International Business Bartelson (2000) has conceptualized globalization as transference, transformation and transcendence. In reference to transference, Bartelson (2000) indicates that globalization has led to a situation where, national, r egional, cultural and other forms of boundaries do not prevent the transfer of goods and services from a unit to diverse countries, regions or cultures. The foregoing is true in Aramark’s case because the company operates in diverse nations, regions and cultures. The transformation concept according to Bartelson (2000) indicates that globalization transforms the systems and units of doing business as they were traditionally understood. Consequently, traditional systems and units that were limited by geography and space can now be replaced by market-oriented structures where competition is crucial. When applied to Aramark, the foregoing concept could be interpreted to mean that rather than worry about competitors in its home country, Aramark should be concerned about competitors in the global front, because, such competitors symbolize a competitive risk. In relation to transcendence, Bartelson (2000) argues that globalization defies the limitations of â€Å"pre-constituted un its or agents† (p. 189).Advertising Looking for term paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Transcendence is arguably a hard concept to grasp, but as Bartelson (2000) explains, it means that the boundaries and limitations that existed in the past have now been wiped away. Instead, the globalised world has networks that are not temporal or spatial. Used in context, the foregoing may be reflected in the real time communication that occurs in between Aramark’s headquarters in the US and its other offices across the world. Multinational strategy Firms that have a multinational strategy have other markets in addition to their domestic market (Lynch, 2011). In Aramark’s case, the other markets are the 21 countries, which it offers its products and services to, in addition to its home country, the US. A multinational strategy has a distinct strategy for all the different markets ta rgeted by the company (Lynch, 2011). The foregoing situation is informed by the fact that customer needs, preferences and demands differ between countries. In Aramark, the multinational strategy is reflected in how services are customized to each country’s consumer market and the prevailing market conditions. International Business Theory Porter’s diamond theory seems more applicable in Aramark’s case compared to other theories. The theory posits that the competitiveness of a nation (or in this case an international company), is affected by four things namely: factor conditions (i.e. the factors that a company can exploit e.g. labor in order to gain competitive advantage of its rivals), demand condition (i.e. the demands by the consumer market, e.g. for excellence); supporting industries (i.e. the cost effectiveness of suppliers); and the structure, strategy and rivalry of a firm (Mahmud, n.d.). Arguably, and although this is a hard thing to determine from t he publicly available information regarding Aramark, the company is favored by all the four demand factors in Porter’s diamond model. The foregoing assertion may not be true in all the 21 countries, but in countries like china, the company’s competitive advantages is attained from a combination of factors which include: its ability to utilize the cheap labor, the high demand for its services, the support industries in the country, and its structure, strategy and an almost absent market rivalry (United States Securities and Exchange Commission, 2012). When, How and Why Aramark Entered Into Foreign Countries Aramark first took the international path in 1968, when it served in the Olympic Games held in Mexico (Aramark, 2014b). By then, the company was known as Automatic Retailers of America (ARA) (Aramark, 2014b). Aramark’s partnership with the Olympic Games organizers propelled it to international operations (Aramark, 2014b).Advertising We will write a cus tom term paper sample on Aramark Global Analysis specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The ‘why’ of entering into foreign countries is best explained by the fact that the company saw an expanded market in those countries, and the fact that it had developed internal capacities to move into the foreign market. In 2001, for example, the company entered Ireland and Chile after expanding its service offers to include food services, healthcare, uniform services and conference center services. Arguably, the reasons why Aramark ventured into foreign markets came true; its wide market base is a confirmation that the opportunity that the company had seen in the foreign market, did indeed exist. The Potential, But Unrealized, Advantages of Internationalization to Aramark The world today has 196 countries. Aramark has only established its operations in 22 countries. The foregoing statistics means that there are still more countries that Aramark can find a ready market. Africa is, for example, one continent that Aramark needs to consider. With 55 countries in total and a population of approximately 1.033 billion people, the continent is no doubt a ready market for different consumer items and services. Global Integration and Local Embedding Aramark integrates its activities by ensuring that the same standards of quality are used everywhere (Aramark, 2009). Additionally, the company has benchmarks on issues such as diversity, which all its overseas operations have to abide with. To embed such activities locally, Aramark has given its foreign operations the mandate to change whatever needs to be changed in order to meet customer requirements and expectations. However, and as has been revealed by Aramark (2009) any market-appropriate change that is made in the company has to keep within identified performance and quality standards. Competitive Factors Driving Aramark’s Global Business Development Aramark targets institu tional buyers, who incidentally have weak bargaining powers. The foregoing position can be explained by the reality that Aramark does not have many competitors who can provide similar services, at the same quality, and the same efficiency (Aramark, 2009).Advertising Looking for term paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Additionally, institutional buyers buy frequently, in large quantities and would, therefore, face high switching costs. However, Aramark’s suppliers have stronger bargaining power because they deliver the supplies to Aramark in large quantities, and the company would not be in a position to find other suppliers at a short notice. Aramark is arguably faced with the threat of new market entrants. However, since the company has a diverse business portfolio, the threat of new market entrants is more pronounced in some business lines (e.g. in janitorial services) than it is in others (e.g. in energy management services). Another competitive factor which Aramark has to contend with is rivalry in the industry. Luckily for Aramark, its brand works to market its services hence ensuring that although competition is stiff in some of its business lines, its reliability usually attracts a significant market share over less-know service providers (Aramark, 2009). Brand Strategies to Enhanc e Internationalization Aramark went into foreign markets by exporting its own brand name. The company has performed impressively so far and as such, one would argue that its branding strategy was successful. In future, however, the company might consider strategic partnerships with established non-competing firms in new investment destinations. Such partnership would assure the company of a ‘soft landing’ in countries where business cultures are completely different from the US. New Areas for Global/International Expansion As indicated elsewhere in this paper, Africa’s population and its growth rate provides Aramark with a viable potential market. The company may also look into other developed countries in Asia (e.g. Singapore). References Aramark. (2009). Global diversity and inclusion: Our journey. Retrieved from aramark.com/Documents/Diversity-Report.aspx Aramark. (2014a). Services and industries. Retrieved from aramark.com/ServicesandIndustries/. Aramark. (20 14b). History. Retrieved from aramark.com/AboutARAMARK/History/ Azevedo, G., Bertland, H. (2001). From multinational to global companies: Identifying the dimensions of change. Retrieved from guilhermeazevedo.com/public/dimensionsofthechange.pdf Bartelson, J. (2000). Three concepts of globalization. International Sociology, 15(2), 180-195. Lynch, R. (2011). Strategic management (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Mahmud, R. (n.d.). The theories of international business. Retrieved from academia.edu/4333675/Theories_of_International_business United States Securities and Exchange Commission. (2010). Form 10-K: Aramark Corporation. Retrieved from http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9MTE5MzU5fENoaWxkSUQ9LTF8VHlwZT0zt=1

Criminal Law Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Criminal Law - Assignment Example The court is expected to carry out three different kinds of tests such as objective test where the particular court imputes the elements of mens rea based on the fact that any of the reasonable individuals that possess the same kind of abilities and knowledge as is possessed by the person that is accused in this case is expected to have such kind of elements. The second test is the subjective; in this test the court is expected to make an establishment as to what the person accused was thinking of at the time he caused the actus Reus. Finally, another test is the hybrid that involves both objective and subjective tests (van den Haag, 1978, p 27). These arguments was advanced by Dori Kimel in his case comment, ‘Inadvertent recklessness in criminal law’ (2004) LQR 548, where she analyses and critically evaluates the decisions of the House of Lords in R v G [2003] UKHL 50; [2004] 1 A.C. 1034 and R. v Caldwell (James) [1982] A.C. 341. This paper will therefore briefly identi fy the key arguments advanced by Kimel in her analysis of the two cases. Further, it will discuss whether Kimel’s critical evaluation of the two decisions is persuasively argued. Arguments advanced by Kimel in his analysis The facts of the case was that there were two boys who were aged 12 and 11 years, they are reported to have been camping without any particular permission by their parents when they decoded to go to the backyard of a nearby shop in the morning, they had newspapers that they had lit. The newspapers that they had lit are reported to have caused fire in nearby bin that was located against the wall of the shop, the fire immediately spread up the wall and eventually onto the roof. The fire caused an estimated damage of $1m. The two children made an arguments that they were expecting the fire to eventually burn itself out and did not give any thought to the risk that could be caused incase the fire spread (Kimel, 2003, p 21). In the judgment of the House of Lords , Lord Bingham actually saw the need of modifying the definition of Lord Diplock in order to ensure that infancy of the defence was accounted for which was containing the mischievous discretion notion. This rule required the various courts to make a consideration of the extent the children who were aged from eight or more years could be able to have a clear understanding of the differences that existed between wrong and right. Therefore, the test that was stipulated by Diplock of obviousness was expected to actually operate in unfair manner for the two children incase they were eventually held to the same particular standards the reasonable adults were held to. The courts finally held that the defendant must be clearly shown to have indeed subjectively appreciated a given risk to the property and health of the other party but eventually carried on any particular event before they could actually be said to be completely criminally culpable. This ruling abolished the historical object ive reckless test that had been previously recognized under the famous R v Caldwell (Kimel, 2004, p 548). Dori Kimel has indicated that recklessness is actually the particular critical mental element that exists within the Critical Damage Act of the year 1971. However, ten years following the enactment of the particular legislation, the House of Lords in the context of R v Caldwell made a controversial interpretation of the recklessness objectively as well as

Non-Malignanat Palliative Care Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Non-Malignanat Palliative Care - Assignment Example Introduction Certain incurable conditions like advanced malignancy and end-stage organ diseases are a challenge to health professionals like nurses for several reasons. Besides instituting treatments to manage their symptoms like pain, the nurses also need to take care of other aspects like emotional support, spiritual care and psychosocial interventions (Arolker and Johson, 2007). Patients who are in terminal stages of life need to be managed in a holistic manner keeping in mind the emotional distress they are going through. Such a care is known as palliative care. Extension of palliative care services to all patients, including those suffering from non-malignant conditions is a much discussed topic in many countries all over the world. Infact, there is a lot of pressure among health service circles for the provision of palliative care to patients based on their need rather than diagnosis. However, at the same time, there is paucity of practical skills and information as to how supp ort must be provided to patients with non-malignant diseases (Cochrane et al, 2008). In this essay, a critical analysis of provision of palliative care services by those specialists providing palliative care for cancer patients will be done. 2. Overview of the needs of people with non-malignant conditions for palliative care According to the World Health Organization (2009), palliative care is â€Å"an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual." Historically, palliative care services by specialists were provided to only cancer patients (Addington-Hall et al, 1998). But, actually, even non-malignant patients in terminally ill stages require palliative care services and pressure to service these patients is mou nting enormously (Cochrane et al, 2008). According to Addington-Hall (1995), palliative care must be provided to patients based on the need rather than on the diagnosis. This means that even non-malignant patients who quantify for palliative services will need palliative care services. Palliative services for those with non-malignant conditions are sparse when compared with those with malignant conditions (Cochrane et al, 2008). Several needs assessments have proven that those with certain non-malignant conditions in the the long term develop some physical symptoms which burden the patients and their family members along with certain psychosocial needs that are unmet. Some such conditions include certain chronic neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, end-stage renal disease, chronic respiratory problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic heart problems like dilated cardiomyopathy (Cochrane et al, 2008). The end-stage of life, when the patient and his/he r family members know about the proximity to death, evokes certain feelings and emotions like rage, denial, bargaining, envy, depression and acceptance (Aranda, 2008). According to DOH (2008), "the challenge for the NHS and social care services now, is to extend this quality of care from the minority of patients (mainly those with cancer) who currently come into contact with hospices and specialist palliative care s