Why does tayo wants to be white smoke Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Why does tayo wants to be white smoke - Essay Example Tayo portrays himself as formless as white smoke and refuses to talk to the doctor’s as white smoke is invisible. In his guilt and trauma he wants to become the white smoke because white smoke has no consciousness of itself and in becoming invisible and oblivious he was granted a safe heaven, where nothing horrific or awful penetrated. Losing consciousness and becoming invisible allowed Tayo to leave the painful memories behind and escape the war and the reality and the guilt of Rocky’s and Josiah’s death. â€Å"The smoke had been dense; visions and memories of the past did not penetrate there, and he had drifted in colors of smoke, where there was no pain†. (Ceremony) 1. For him the smoke was a barrier against the pain, where visions and memories of the war did not infiltrate. This barrier of white smoke made him fell safe and secure from the awful reality surrounding him. The doctor’s further aid him in feeling like white smoke by keeping him drugged, helping him to maintain a state of unconsciousness, oblivious of all things surrounding him. Their medicine drained memory out of his thin arms and replaced it with a twilight cloud behind his eyes†. The medicines induced a state of stupor for Tayo, in which his thoughts, memories and consciousness get lost as if in a fog. Instead of helping him they simply let him believe that he indeed is white smoke. To Tayo living or becoming white smoke is a way of escaping reality and the ugliness of the war. By keeping his memories at bay he tries to create a place where he is safe from the horrific visions of war and the death of his relatives. A place where he dose not have to feel guilty for killing his uncle Josiah’s or for not being able to protect his cousin Rocky from

An Obsession the World Doesn’t Share Essay Example for Free

An Obsession the World Doesn’t Share Essay In his essay, â€Å"An Obsession the World Doesn’t Share†, Roger Cohen describes in detail the way other countries view the actions of the United States Government and President Bush (New York Times, 2004). Mr. Cohen’s main idea throughout the article is how the United States government is reacting, or not reacting, to world issues due to the focus on 9/11/01. The author uses countries such as South Africa, and Brazil to make his point that these countries are facing severe problems and the USA, which has always been seen as a â€Å"helping country† is now focused on terrorism. Supporting viewpoints of his main idea are the fact that in Canada, a recent statue of President Bush was erected in the same form as Iraq’s past leader, Sadaam Hussein. In addition, the author notes the AIDS epidemic in South Africa; and the economic factors in Latin America. Mr. Cohen continues his main idea by making the suggestion that any good the USA government has done (i. e. giving money to support AIDS education), is overshadowed by the fight on terrorism. Mr. Cohen’s point in this article is to inform Americans about how the rest of the world views their country. His central argument seems to be that despite the good our government has done, it is completely overshadowed by our dire need to revenge for 9/11 terrorist attacks. The author uses facts to back up his argument from what seems to be reliable sources, such as the government of these nations, and Ambassadors for these countries. The tone of this article is informative, the author presents his arguments without bias and his personal judgments are few. The author uses a logos appeal, presenting his argument as a logical, reasonable one. Although it does not appear that there are many weaknesses in his argument, some information is excluded, namely that of President Bush’s view, because Bush’s view was not clearly stated, this alone may make the author slightly biased towards the other countries, who are in effect asking for our help. This writer accepts Mr. Cohen’s argument. I believe that all the good the USA may be doing for other countries, IS overshadowed by what seems to be revenge for not only 9/11 but for the Gulf War as well. The fact that our government is intent on punishing Middle Eastern countries, which had little or no involvement in 9/11, speaks volumes about what is important (fighting and not assisting). In this article, the author states, â€Å"The problem is the perception that Bush uses immense power in an egotistical way. (NY Times, 2004) This writer strongly believes this to be the truth as evidenced by the fact that Hussein of Iraq was a main focal point of the terrorism instead of the one who committed the crimes (Bin Laden). As assumed from this article, President Bush is not well-liked by other countries and even Americans are growing tired of Bush’s so-called priorities. In sum, Mr. Cohen has presented an aptly named title of how the world negatively views our government. Unfortunately, most Americans do not differ on this viewpoint.

The American Society Of Criminology Essay -- Criminology FBI Expositor

The American Society Of Criminology â€Å"AHHHHhhhhh!† I let out a girlish scream and squirmed as shivers went strait up my spine. I was glued to the latest episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, a show that I have watched religiously since its debut. Criminology is something that has always fascinated me, and is a career that I hope to pursue in the future as an FBI agent. I frequently surf the web looking for short stories to read about different criminal cases and to find information about job opportunities and internships. One day I found a website of an organization that studied crime independently of the government. I was immediately intrigued by the organization, and began reading about the American Society of Criminology. â€Å"The American Society of Criminology is an international organization dedicated to the study of criminology† (ASC homepage). The societies purpose is to educate, research, and study the various aspects of the science, and to transmit ideas and information of criminological development and theories into governmental practices. There are five divisions of the organization, the Division on Corrections and Sentencing, the Division of Critical Criminology, the Division of International Criminology, the Division of People of Color and Crime, and the Division of Women and Crime. Each division has its own individual focus and purpose, as well as an independent website. The Organization as a whole, the American Society of Criminology or ASC, was founded on December 30, 1941, when seven College professors of Political Science and Public Administration joined together â€Å"for the purpose of furthering college police training and standardizing police training curricula.† (American Society of Crimino... ...website should be checked out by anyone interested in the various studies of criminology. Works Cited The American Society of Criminology homepage The American Society of Criminology: The Division of Corrections and Sentencing 02 July. 2003 The American Society of Criminology: The Division of Color and Crime 28 Sept. 1999 The American Society of Criminology: The Division of International Criminology 07 Feb. 2003 The American Society of Criminology: The Division of Women and Crime August 2000 The American Society of Criminology: The Divisions of Critical Criminology September 2003

Mommy why u so young? :: Social Issues, Adolescent Mothers

Adolescent mothers have unique heaths needs compared to older mothers and other female adolescents (Aujoulat et al, 2010; Chablani & Spinney, 2011; Crittenden et al.2009,). Therefore,it is important for community development nurses to consider their specific needs when designing programs. This paper will identify the prevalence of adolescent motherhood in Saint John, New Brunswick and Canada. The challenges and problems that adolescent mothers face, along with the relevant health determinants, will be examined. Finally, local interventions and strategies the literature has identified as successful in improving the health status of adolescent mothers will be examined and critiqued. Target population and epidemiology The target population for this assessment is adolescent mothers aged 15 to 19. For this essay, adolescent mothers are considered to be between the ages of 15 to 19, unless otherwise stated. There were 15,570 live births to adolescent mothers in Canada in 2008. In New Brunswick, there were 488 live births in 2008 (Statistics Canada, 2008). Less than 5% of adolescents who become pregnant opt for adoption in New Brunswick (L.Smith, personal communication, September 21, 2011). The Health Indicators report showed that 28% of New Brunswick teenage pregnancies occurred in the Saint John area in 2009 (Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health{OCMOH}, 2011). The report also identified the teenage fertility rate in New Brunswick. This rate refers to the number of live births that occur to females aged 15 to 19 per 1,000. In Saint John, the fertility rate for adolescents is 43.7. This number is significantly higher than the national teenage fertility rate of 14 and the provincial fertility rate of 20 (OCMOH). Although Canada’s national fertility rate is less than half of the United States of America’s rate of 41, it is still higher than most European countries including France, which has a rate of eight, and the Netherlands’s rate of four (OCMOH). These statistics show a significant number of adolescent mothers in Saint John, New Brunswick and Canada, proving the need for health care interventions for this target population. Determinants of health To conduct a throughout assessment on the needs of adolescent mothers, it is essential to consider the determinants of health. Common problems this population faces include high drop out rates, depression, social isolation, repeat pregnancies, and less effective parenting skills(source). The determinants of health most likely to impact adolescent mothers include income and education, social support, personal health practices, healthy childhood development, and gender.Unfortunately, the literature mainly focuses on the negative health determinants for this group and neglects to concentrate on positive health determinants or assets.

A report on the Cultural Afternoon held at the IPBA’s auditorium

Last Thursday on the July 24th, 2003, a Cultural Afternoon was being held at the IPBA's auditorium. It was organised by the MTCP participants and the B. Ed. TESL cohort 1 students. The theme for the Cultural Afternoon is Unity In Diversity. Unity In Diversity is a poem written by the MLCP participant from Papua New Guinea. The afternoon was conducted by two of the B. Ed. TESL students. They conducted the event very well. After that, Mr. Mahmud from Turkey was called upon to recite a prayer. After he had finished reciting the prayer, the event continued with the first performance by the B. Ed. TESL students. They presented a compilation of the Malay Traditional Dance. The dance was choreographed beautifully and the dancers danced gracefully. The special thing about this cultural afternoon was the way the organiser changed the conductors. The next conductors were the participants from Tunisia and Gambia. The way they conducted the afternoon was very interesting. After they had introduced themselves, they called upon participants from Krygystan, Miss Ainur. She sang a song called Mahabbad, which means love. Even though the audience could not understand her, but the message of the song were well interpreted. Then, all the MTCP participants were welcomed to join the conductors on the stage to introduced themselves. All the participants were introducing themselves with different ways. Some of them made some jokes, holding their traditional flag and so on. There were 26 participants that day who has came from different countries such as Zimbabwe, Croatia, Tunisia, Gambia, Bosnia, Thailand and other countries. After that, Mr. Bernard from Bosnia presented his performance by singing a song using his own language. Followed by named and Ameir from Bosnia. They showed and explained about a poster of the Bosnian Movie, which had won oscars award 2000/2. The movie title is ‘No Man's Land' has won the award for Best Foreign Language. After that, they sang a Bosnian folk song. After changing conductors once again, B. Ed. TESL students performed their Kung Fu performances. After the Kung Fu show, a participant from Turkey sang a wonderful song. The audiences gave her big claps because she had sang the song well even without the background music. All the audiences had paid full attention on the stage to see the traditional costumes show from the other countries. All the participants wore their own traditional costumes and did some explanations on the costumes. After watching the colourful fashion show, the audiences were very surprised to watch the Indian dance that was led by our B. Ed. TESL student, Danielli Devi. The dance was noisily merry with energetic dancers and famous Bollywood song played. After that, the Cultural Afternoon continued with the performances by the MTCP participants. The participants from Sri Lanka sang a song. The song also a love song. After that, the East Timur participant did a traditional dance. She wore her traditional costumes and a gong. She knocked the gong using some rhymes and then danced followed the rhyme. It was far different from other MTCP participant's performances. After that, a participant from Turkey also sang a love song. Another interesting performance was from the Thailand participants. They showed and taught us the right way in greeting. Their performance is quite useful for us. After that, the Cambodian participants danced as soon as their song was played. Next performance was from Gambia. He sang his national anthem. The audiences rose up to show respect. The most waiting performance was Para-para Sakura Dance. The B. ED. TESL students performed this dance. They danced gracefully with many astonishing steps. The dancers were very energetic and noisily merry with their red and pink costumes. All the audiences felt refresh after watching this energetic dance. Lastly, before the Cultural Afternoon ended, the participant from Papua New Guinea recited her poem entitled ‘Unity In Diversity'. She very well wrote the poem. The event ended as soon as the conductors declared it was closed.

buy custom Excellence for all Children Act essay

buy custom Excellence for all Children Act essay The Excellence for all Children Act (1999) set various goals in order to improve the United States standards of education. The Act was enacted to ensure that students graduating from American schools were in a position to compete in the global market. Furthermore, it was aimed at ensuring that all children have access to quality education that meets the international standards. Over the years, the government and other stakeholders, such as the parents and teachers, have worked tirelessly to see the goals realized. Unfortunately, the state of education, especially at the middle school level, is still wrangling with challenges and it has not improved much with time. United States has put in place various measures to ensure that the goals set in the Excellence for all Children Act are achieved. Among the areas have seen a lot of improvement is the increased enrollment of children from poor families into elementary schools. Recently, there has been an enormous increase in the number of children attending junior schools - a trend that can be attributed to improved parental participation in childs education. The enactment of No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 has also contributed greatly to ensuring that all children are incorporated into quality learning regardless of their familys financial status. Though the estimated rate of 90% for the number of graduates from high school is yet to be achieved, the number has considerably increased. Over the years, middle schools have been blamed because of bad behaviors, drug abuse, high rate of drop-out, and poor performance in national and international competitions. These challenges have continued to affect the state of education in middle schools. Researchers attribute this to lack of parents participation and to the emotional, physical as well as psychological changes that students face at this stage. The competency of students leaving grade 4, 8 and 12 in mathematics and sciences has not improved either. International comparison studies have shown tht students in elementary school perform better in mathematics and sciences, but this drops once they get to the middle school. National tests have shown that 8th graders, especially the Latinos and African-Americans, perform poorly in mathematics and science (National Center for Education Statistics, 1996). Nevertheless, the performance gaps between the whites and other groups have narrowed over the time, which shows that the measures put in place in order to minimize the disparities have worked. According to National Assessment of Adult Literacy, there has been an increase in literacy level of adults above 16 years in the US (National Assessment of Adult Literacy, 2005). The survey conducted in 2005 established that more people in US could read and write without much difficulty. The goal aimed at ensuring that every school in the United States is free from violence, drugs, firearms and alcohol has still a long way towards being a reality. In recent times, there have been various incidences when a student walks to a classroom, shoots his colleagues and teachers at cold blood and proceeds to murder himself. Such behavior may result from drug abuse, peer pressure or stress. Moreover, it has been found that U.S. students perform relatively lower as compared to students in other developed countries having the same mode of teaching. A research done by National Middle School Association found out that children in the U.S. do not start out behind those of other countries in mathematics and science performance, but they do lag behind by the end of the middle school level. The level of performance has been also affected by group differences. Thus, as it was mentioned above, the performance of whites is relatively high as compared to that of Black-Americans, but according to the latest statistics the gap has progressively narrowed. Differences in performance have also been associated with learning environments. Students from rich families who attend first class schools perform much better in their national exams as compared to those from poor families. The No Child Left Behind Act was put in place to ensure all groups are accounted for in order to narrow the di fferences in performance. The measures put in place have worked effectively, but still much more needs to be done. In 2009, an estimate of 89.8 percent of 18- through 24-year-olds had either received a high school diploma or other alternative credential. Overall high school completion rates have increased since 1972. The rate was at 83.9 percent in 1980 and rose to 89.8 percent in 2009. (Common Core of Data, 2009). States in the west had slightly higher completion rates as compared to those in the east. In 2009, more girls graduated from high school than boys. To ensure a successful implementation of Excellence for all Children Act, the local board can integrate and use various techniques. For instance, the board should ensure full participation of parents and teachers in molding and motivating children to work hard in school. Low self-esteem and less involvement of parents have contributed to the fact that many students perform poorly and others drop out of school. Bright students from financially disadvantaged families end up dropping school at some higher level due to lack of finances to cover school fees. The government should come up with an initiative to help fund the education of the underprivileged. The school board should set up targets and lay out proper procedures of achieving them. They should create competition within the school and keep encouraging the students to perform better. With the students competing among themselves, a platform for tackling the national exams will be created. This will also help students bring out the ir creativity skills and facilitate innovations. The goals set by Excellence for all Children Act (1999) have continued to provide a benchmark for schools to evaluate themselves in their efforts to standardize their learning environment. Although some goals are yet to be fully achieved, we should appreciate the positive changes seen in our schools. Buy custom Excellence for all Children Act essay

buy custom Energy Production essay

buy custom Energy Production essay The search and exploration of energy in the U.S. has been a blessing in disguise as it has been welcomed by parties on one side but refuted by others on the other hand. The proponents have economical gains in mind while the naysayers have the environmental risks in mind. There are many case studies that have been done but this paper will consider just some of those cases in point. These include the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the Yucca Mountain and the Three Gorges Dam. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Since 1980, oil exploration at the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge has been a bone of contention. Apart from accommodating wildlife, the refuge is near Prudhoe Bay where large oil deposits have been located and tapping of this valued resource is ongoing (over 14 billion barrels produced). The declining amount of oil reserves in Prudhoe Bay has prompted a search for new oil deposits like the nearby Arctic National Wild Refuge. The history of this animal sanctuary dates back to 1960 when congress declared its protection because of its wildlife. However, the department of the interior received permission to explore the oil potential of this animal rendezvous which was not to be for about five years. In 1994, half of the oil consumed by the U.S. was imported resulting into a proposition for oil drilling in the refuge. Even though the department of the Interior noted that this would harm the ecosystem, the proposition was vetoed by the House of Representatives and senate. Later on in 2005, the senate was of a contrary opinion to the drilling of oil although President George W. Bush was for the proposition earlier on in 2001. In 2008, the republican made it a top agenda to develop the Alaskan oil reserves resources in the inland states. The proponents of oil drilling mention economic benefits as a reason for pushing ahead with the proposal. They say that if America explores its own oil resources, equilibrium of trade will be boosted making the U.S. less dependent on foreign oil reserves. The naysayers on the other hand would want to protect this so called American Serengeti since it is a hub for a variety of animal species like arctic foxes, musk oxen, polar bear, snow gees, wolverine and Dall sheep. It also forms a base for the reproduction of the huge migrating herd of the caribou, plants like lichens, grasses, mosses, dwarf shrubs and sedges. All these organisms have undergone much to adapt to their tundra environmentand thus any imbalance brought by external forces would jeopardize their survival. While oil drilling is eliciting debate on the Arctic National Wildlife refuge, another natural resource as even increased tension: The Yucca Mountains. Yucca Mountain Another source of energy that has raised many eyebrows is the nuclear power. After reaching its peak operational usefulness, a nuclear power plant is closed either by entombment, storage or decommissioning. The later option, decommissioning, entails dismantling the plant by workers who wear protective clothing. The small sections of the plant are then transported to a repository for storage. The 1987 Nuclear Waste Policy Act amendment saw congress single out Yucca Mountain in Nevada as a permanent underground repository for high-level radioactive wastes. The proponents estimate that the Yucca Mountain can store 42,000-plus tons of the radioactive matters produced in the U.S. until 2025.When Yucca Mountains is full, another geologic repository will be identified. Several feasibility studies on the geology of the Yucca Mountain have been conducted courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).The findings have shown that the site is at least safe from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. However, cost and public opposition have arisen as the setbacks. Notwithstanding the vehement opposition by the state of Nevada, Congress approved the choice of the Yucca Mountains. The naysayers think that the Yucca Mountain site-145km (90miles) northwest of Las Vegas-is near active earthquake fault lines and a volcano even though the last eruption may have taken place some 20,000 years ago. They fear that an earthquake may cause a rise in the water table leading to a contamination of the ground water and air. This was confirmed in 1992 when an earthquake of magnitude 5.6 occurred approximately 20km (12miles) from the Yucca Mountains. On the other hand, most of the gainsayers think that the change in water level caused by the disturbance is inconsiderable since the water table is some 800m (2625ft) below the crest of the mountain. In addition, the naysayers fear that the transportation of the high-level wastes over a distance averaging 2300 miles through 43 states to the Yucca Mountain, would put the health of the nearby population at risk. A staggering 8 states will bear the brunt of the radioactive material. The decommissioning is also an expensive process which causes a rise in utility bills. For instance, the Maaine Yankee decommissioning cost approximately US $635 million; its construction cost US $ 231 million. The Three Gorges Dam (TDG) A 632 km (412 miles) long reservoir found on the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges Dam is so called because it floods three upstream gorges. Its main reason for installation was to provide hydroelectric power. To begin with, the advantages of the TDG are numerous. It yields 18 GW of electric power which is the equivalent of a large coal or 18 nuclear power plants. Further, downstream floods are prevented leading to a boost to agricultural productivity. Moreover, the movement of large ships upstream is enabled on the one hand while recreation and commercial fishing is possible on the other hand. However, the negative ramifications of dam building cannot be belittled. The already extinct dolphin species of the Yangtze Rivers are endangered; at least 1.5 million citizens face displacement sometimes with little or no compensation; and submergence of canyon wall writings and historical and cultural treasures and pollution of the river by industrial wastes and contaminated sites during flooding. Even though agricultural productivity has improved downstream, arable land in the upstream region has been submerged thus affecting agriculture. More disadvantages are seen into the growing number of wat erborne diseases like schistosomiasis and malaria. The setting up of the dam has not been an easy feat as getting investors has been mired by lack of clarification on design, construction and effectiveness. Sedimentation of the dam has also proved to be an impediment to reasons for its installation like irrigation and hydropower. Conclusion In order to protect natural resources, animal and plan life, the conservationists propose that the government should invest in renewable energy sources (green technology) as the sustainable solution to the energy problem. Such technology includes the solar energy and other indirect solar energy sources like wind, ocean waves and temperature gradients in the deep sea. It is speculated that in the future it may be possible to produce power as a result of ocean temperature gradients. Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is the technology that will take advantage of the temperature gradient in the deep seas and oceans to cool buildings and produce electricity. A case in point is the ongoing construction of the OTEC plant at Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority on the islands of Hawaii. Buy custom Energy Production essay

Finding a Place to Belong Professor Ramos Blog

Finding a Place to Belong Emma Hurtado ENG-261 20 May 2019 Finding A Place To Belong American Identity is something that is almost impossible to define in one word or sentence. Most people would refer to the United States of America as a â€Å"melting pot†, which means everyone would have to assimilate to certain standards and culture. However, it should be seen as a mosaic. Our country and how we identify is comprised of all kinds of cultures and differences, and it is important to acknowledge and appreciate those differences. However, because of these cultural differences, not everyone gets the opportunity at a simple life here in the United States. In the study, â€Å"The Roles of Racial Discrimination, Cultural Mistrust, and Gender in Latina/o Youths School Attitudes and Academic Achievement†, Adina Cooper and Bernadette Sanchez address the racial discrimination problems that are prevalent today. These problems are most common amongst Latino/a students and affect a vast majority of male minorities. Their study addresses the kinds of problems that La tino/a students endure during their educations. These obstacles vary by age, race, and gender. Not only do Latino/a students endure racial issues at school, but they also experience different kinds of hardships in their upbringings at home depending on whether or not they are male or female which is depicted it Junot Diaz’s â€Å"Drown† and Sandra Cisnero’s â€Å"Woman Hollering Creek†. â€Å"Woman Hollering Creek† by Sandra Cisneros depicts what life is like for most Latina women and girls. Despite the fact that the story mostly revolves around Cleofilas, we catch a glimpse of the men in her life and the how their upbringing is toxic to not only themselves, but to the women in their lives. Cisneros addresses the difference in gender roles in a Latino community and how women were expected to be obedient and seen as overdramatic and emotion while men were expected to develop a thin skin and repress their emotions. This kind of behavior is detrimental to men’s mental health and usually harmful to women as well. One example of the way that men were raised differently was when Cleofilas was with her husband and his friends and they were drinking and making violent jokes. The men wanted â€Å"to tell each other what they want to tell themselves† and it showed how they were incapable of expressing any kind of emotion due to the fact that they were rai sed to hide all of that (Cisneros). It shows a lack of communication in the Latino/Chicano community and some of the unhealthy coping mechanisms that are taught to men from a young age. This lack of communication is something that can be seen in other similar stories involving Chicano and Latino youth/communities, such as Junot Diaz’s â€Å"Drown†. The outcome of raising children without teaching them how to communicate can have an effect on the way they value their education and friends, as well as the way they view themselves. â€Å"Drown† by Junot Diaz tells the story of Yunior, a Chicano male who seems to be struggling with his identity and transitioning into adulthood. This story is another example of how boys were raised differently and how male minorities were seen and treated differently than others. As a young boy, Yunior and his friends would get into trouble, especially when they would shoplift from other stores. Yunior’s biggest fear was him and his friend getting caught because of the fact that their parents, especially their fathers would get upset. But this was different for his friend Beto because his father had arthritis and Beto knew he wouldn’t have to experience any kind of violence, whereas Yunior did. Because of this, Yunior expected all men to be violent rather than communicating. Aside from this, in high school Yunior and his classmates were told by a teacher that â€Å"the majority of you are just going to burn out.† (Diaz). Because of this negative motiva tion from their teacher, the narrator described himself as â€Å"going nowhere I could already see myself losing altitude, fading, the earth spread out beneath me, hard and bright.† (Diaz). At this point in the story, people can see how easily he was discouraged which is understandable given the fact that an educator would dishearten them. We only get this small glimpse of Yunior in school, so we don’t get a chance to see if there were any similar incidents in the past, but it can be inferred that the idea of a higher education is a sensitive topic to Yunior. In the study that I read, it was mentioned that â€Å"reports of greater perceived racial discrimination among males may have a negative influence on the way they perceive and/or value education† (Cooper and Sanchez). After being done with high school, the only kind of education that is brought up is when the narrator’s mother brings up his old friend Beto’s academic accomplishments, to which Yunior immediately shuts down. It seems that because of the lack of communication and the negative attitude towards education after his own experiences in school. Cooper and Sanchez’s study mentions that â€Å"because ethnic minority male youth are more likely to experience racism and/or respond to racism differently than female students, they may be more likely to mistrust members of other racial groups and ethnic groups† (Cooper Sanchez). After the moment his teacher told his class that most of them would not succeed, Yunior’s perspective and attitudes towards men of other racial groups immediately changed. When he was approached by an army recruiter, he views the man as a joke, â€Å"He’s a southerner, red-haired, his drawl so out of place that the people around here laugh just hearing him† (Diaz). When he brings up that other people laugh at him, it shows how the vast majority of people in his community hold the same kind of attitude which seems to be an outcome of the discrimination they experienced in education or by anyone else who was of a different racial group. Having to define American Identity is difficult because each individual is unique in their own way, especially because of their cultural differences and the obstacles that they experience growing up. Although academic discrimination is a problem that is prevalent amongst all races, it can seen mostly among Latino/a students. Latino/a youth not only have to struggle with their identity, but they also have to fight against the discrimination they face in school. Just like Yunior in Junot Diaz’s â€Å"Drown†, most Latino/as are kind of stuck in limbo between adolescence to adulthood and trying to figure out where they belong. Cooper, Adina C., and Bernadette Snchez. â€Å"The Roles of Racial Discrimination, Cultural Mistrust, and Gender in Latina/o Youth’s School Attitudes and Academic Achievement.† Journal of Research on Adolescence (Wiley-Blackwell), vol. 26, no. 4, Dec. 2016, pp. 1036–1047. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1111/jora.12263.

REGULATION, COMPLIANCE AND GOVERNANCE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

REGULATION, COMPLIANCE AND GOVERNANCE - Essay Example When the derivatives were distributed, it created an opportunity of basic training and helped in exploiting the difference in prices in future and spot markets. The gas trading of Enron had allowed it to be a market maker and acted as counterparty by trading on both sides and made profits as spreads between the offer and the bid price. Enron was under residual risk after it accessed both the markets and was able to overcome the same by entering into swaps and other such arrangements with dealers. As Enron owned physical plants and took charge of operating those, it had a comparative advantage over the competitors. The company was also able to protect itself from the market price movements for the same reason. Being an industry insider, it also had advantages of acquiring information needed for forecasting shocks related to particular region or sector. Therefore, besides being a market maker, Enron was also a creator of new products. The business strategy used by Enron, in 1990s, was asset light and vertical integration, after it became too leveraged due to the merger. The asset light approach indicates combination of the development of sophisticated risk management techniques with the least amount of ownership and operation of plants. Virtual integration system helps to maintain the reliability of a product with less capital investment. Enron took advantages of deregulation of the US energy markets, as later on, it can be noticed that they enjoyed the experience of steadily rising profit from merger of two utility based companies. Additionally, besides owning several gas pipelines, it also ran a natural gas as well as electricity transmission business. After 1985, Enron even started trading in gas and offered various types of derivates to interested customers, when the gas pipelines business met an end. When the derivatives

The relationship between United States and Israel and its effect on Research Paper

The relationship between United States and Israel and its effect on other Middle Eastern countries - Research Paper Example The liaison between Israel and the United States is one of the most unstable and contemplated relationships in world history. From the period since its establishment in 1948 to today, Israel has faced up to eight diverse American presidents, and eight different outlooks toward Israel as a state, how the U.S.-Israeli relationship should be dealt with, and the issue of Palestine and its people. The relationship between the United States and Israel in the past six decades can be segregated into two schools of thought: the â€Å"special relationship paradigm† and â€Å"national interest orientation† stated Professor Robert Lieber of Georgetown University, an expert on US-Israeli relations . The United States was the first country to recognize Israel as an independent State because at the time in 1948, and until today, the U.S. Government presumes that it shares certain common values and political aims. Under the special relationship paradigm, which forms the basis of U.S. s upport of Israel even today, the Truman Administration sensed that Israel, like the U.S., held a revolutionary fortitude, was compiled of a diverse societal symphony, and shared its democratic ideals. The national interest orientation transpired over time and included mutual aims such as extenuating the Arab-Israeli conflict, sustaining Western access to Middle Eastern Oil, the battle against Islamic Fundamentalism, and with Israel in place, the U.S. was assured continued influence in the Middle East. Definitely, the initial support of the U.S. for Israel was not all politically motivated rather they were initiated on the basis of moral, cultural, and religious sentimental grounds stemming from the mayhem committed in Europe during the Holocaust, which resulted in the major immigration of Jews to Jerusalem and the surrounding areas in the first place (Ben-Zvi 2009). The period from 1948-1957 forms the first phase in the history of U.S.-Israeli relationship. As stated before, the Uni ted States was the first nation to give de facto recognition to the State of Israel primarily on grounds of moral obligation and geo-strategic concerns. This unambiguous assertion of support gave birth to a lifetime relationship between the two countries. However, in these starting years, the United States’ faith in Israel was low, and they were not provided any assistance in monetary or military form. The primary reason of U.S. for making Israel its ally during this period was that in the midst of the Cold War, Israel stood alone as the solitary supporter of the West and discourager of communism in the Middle East. The Truman Administration called this approach an eccentricity of the modus operandi, or method of operation, of stemming Soviet influence in the

Financial System and Intermediaries Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Financial System and Intermediaries - Assignment Example This role is performed by intermediaries by taking the advantage of economies of scale while markets do the same by facilitating offer and trade of assets that comprise investors’ portfolios (Gup, 2011, Pg. 11) Financial intermediaries are the financial institutions such as banks, building societies, investment banks pension funds or insurance companies. Financial intermediaries include insurance companies that offer risk investment, financial advisers who offer specialist advice saving the investor costs and time in looking for the most suitable investment. Credit unions provide facilities for depositing and lending within a certain community and investment trusts or mutual funds that pool small savings of individual investors to enable a bigger investment trust. They enable small investors to enjoy smaller commission rates that are available on big purchases (Allen and Gale, 2001, Pg. 501). Commercial banks are intermediaries that issue among others savings account deposits. With a 100 000, the investor can open a savings account that will earn interest annually. They carry interest payments and offer time deposits. In this case, interests are earned with fixed terms to maturity (Gup, 2011, Pg. 47). Mutual funds raise funds through the sales of shares to individuals as well as institutions. The shares are pooled to buy a diversified portfolio of bonds, stocks or both. A mutual fund intermediary may keep some of the cash for other investment opportunities that may come up in the future (Gup, 2011, Pg. 82). An investor may also require an adviser as a financial intermediary to help in making the right choice of institution to invest with. Advisers spare investors time and resources that may be spent in the process of looking for a suitable investment bank, firm or institution (Gup, 2011, Pg 87). There are numerous banks in the UK that offer financial services to people all over the world. Barclays bank is

The growth of inequality in many countries and it's impact on U.S Research Paper

The growth of inequality in many countries and it's impact on U.S multinational companies and future strategies to deal with its impact - Research Paper Example (Buckley & Ghauri, 2004 p.86) United Nations Human Development Report (1999) said â€Å"Poverty is everywhere. Gaps between the poorest and the richest people and countries have continued to widen. In 1960, the 20% of the world’s people in the richest countries had 30 times the income of the poorest 20% . In 1977, 74 times as much. This continues the trend of nearly two centuries. Some have predicted convergence, but the past decade has shown increasing concentration of income among people, corporations and countries.† (Sala-i-Martin, 2002 p.1; Sala-i-Martin, 2002) Recent research by Soysa and Oneal (1999); UNCTAD (1999); Ram and Zhang (2002); Dollar and Kraay (2002); Bhalla (2002) show us that globalization raises the growth of average incomes in developing countries. However, the standard of living of the poor in these societies could decline if consolidation into the global economy negatively affects the distribution of income. Quite a few researchers conclude that the fears over globalization and letting foreign companies operate in domestic markets: multinational corporations further increase income inequality in developing countries, and thus, marginalize the poorest of the poor. (Brussman et al, 2005 p. 286). Peter Woicke, former executive vice president of the International Finance Corporation, says that 20% of the population in the world controls approximately 80% of the assets and that roughly 1.2 billion people live below the poverty line. Moreover, he says that most of the population growth over the next two to three decades shall take place in poor countries, which means another two billion people will be born poor. (Wilson & Lodge, 2006 p. 9) (Wilson & Lodge, 2006) He believes that this huge challenge of reducing poverty and inequality cannot be handled by the Governments alone. The private sector, particularly the MNC’s must come forward and share this burden and help countries develop socially as well as

Nursing Education Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Nursing Education - Assignment Example A recommended long term approach for narrowing this credibility gap is closer collaboration between the organization’s HR department and its department managers. Fallon and McConnell (2007) explain that a key aspect of this collaboration is assembling a group of personnel from both departments. The major function of this group is to review the nursing scheduling practices of both the departments, and replace the existing rigid practices that are currently used to schedule nurses, with creative alternatives. In addition, the new nursing scheduling practices must reflect the realities of the organisation’s workplace and the nursing marketplace. Basically, this approach will help realign the goals and values of the two departments to avoid pronounced differences. In this way, the two departments will be in one regarding the recruiting, hiring and scheduling of nurses and decision made on the same will reflect the expectations of both departments. When such scheduling practices are in place, there will be no acceptable reason for rejecting the application of a qualified nurse during the time of staff shortages. The most difficult part of managing employees in a hospital setting is diversity management. Disparity in group affiliations that are most likely to affect the hospital workplace mainly involve identity, or cultural groupings based on national origin, ethnicity, race, and religion. Diversity could also result from the job-related functions, for example, the presence of hospital administrators and various healthcare professionals in one setting. If diversity is not managed well, it leads to the problem of â€Å"us† verses â€Å"them† in the workplace. A diverse workforce is critical in meeting the patient healthcare needs and thus diversity is a big issue where employees are required to work together. Such a situation requires that hospital managers should be highly skilled in turning employee diversity into a resource by creating an environment that works for all employees. In order to develop this skill, managers should be sensitive or develop sensitivity to cross-cult ural issues in communication and values (Lenora, 1998). This will help them to deal with marked behavioral differences among various groups and develop ways of assimilating groups that seem un-assimilable. In this way, the managers will develop an inclusive employee management strategy and workplace culture that ensures that there is a good interaction among employees. The culture and strategy developed will reflect or at least accommodate to the greatest possible extend the expectations and values of the various workforce groups. This is very important in the development of successful work teams. The Importance of Transforming Nursing Education The idea of having an improved education system that promotes seamless academic progression among nurses is important in ensuring an improvement in patient safety and quality care. Such kind of an education system will ensure that nurses are more competent in dealing with the current healthcare demands and the needs of the patient than befor e. In addition, it will ensure that nurses are able to respond to the changing trends of healthcare practices for example the use of technology. Nurses who have achieved higher levels of education are also more effective in implementing evidence-based practices that are meant

The growth of inequality in many countries and it's impact on U.S Research Paper

The growth of inequality in many countries and it's impact on U.S multinational companies and future strategies to deal with its impact - Research Paper Example (Buckley & Ghauri, 2004 p.86) United Nations Human Development Report (1999) said â€Å"Poverty is everywhere. Gaps between the poorest and the richest people and countries have continued to widen. In 1960, the 20% of the world’s people in the richest countries had 30 times the income of the poorest 20% . In 1977, 74 times as much. This continues the trend of nearly two centuries. Some have predicted convergence, but the past decade has shown increasing concentration of income among people, corporations and countries.† (Sala-i-Martin, 2002 p.1; Sala-i-Martin, 2002) Recent research by Soysa and Oneal (1999); UNCTAD (1999); Ram and Zhang (2002); Dollar and Kraay (2002); Bhalla (2002) show us that globalization raises the growth of average incomes in developing countries. However, the standard of living of the poor in these societies could decline if consolidation into the global economy negatively affects the distribution of income. Quite a few researchers conclude that the fears over globalization and letting foreign companies operate in domestic markets: multinational corporations further increase income inequality in developing countries, and thus, marginalize the poorest of the poor. (Brussman et al, 2005 p. 286). Peter Woicke, former executive vice president of the International Finance Corporation, says that 20% of the population in the world controls approximately 80% of the assets and that roughly 1.2 billion people live below the poverty line. Moreover, he says that most of the population growth over the next two to three decades shall take place in poor countries, which means another two billion people will be born poor. (Wilson & Lodge, 2006 p. 9) (Wilson & Lodge, 2006) He believes that this huge challenge of reducing poverty and inequality cannot be handled by the Governments alone. The private sector, particularly the MNC’s must come forward and share this burden and help countries develop socially as well as

The Use of Multicultural Material in ESL Classrooms Essay

The Use of Multicultural Material in ESL Classrooms - Essay Example This will also ensure that future bullying will be eradicated. In order to teach ESL, the teacher has to understand his/her students and try to make learning a fun experience. How does a teacher therefore manage to make lessons fun for children of such diverse backgrounds? Using multicultural material can enable the child to embrace his/her own culture in a different language as well as by having a unifying language (English), they are able to express themselves and share their experiences with their classmates. ESL does not only benefit the students; in that at the end of the day they learn their target language, but also benefits the teacher who is faced with a classroom with students from various backgrounds, belief and culture. David O. McKay has this to say about ESL: â€Å"Students who are working on understanding the English language may also be experiencing confusion and frustration from immersion in a foreign culture. Multicultural teaching techniques can help students in a bilingual setting feel more comfortable and gain a better understanding of the learning materials. Multicultural techniques may include linking ESL materials presented to native cultures, providing learning materials and classroom aides that are of a diverse nature, and encouraging students to express their frustrations and confusion in a constructive manner.† Sixth grade students are at an age where learning has to be made interesting, especially when it comes to a new or not very well known language. Many will lose interest others will generally not learn. Using multicultural tools in classrooms such as: Performing plays about various groups/cultures Learn songs in different languages Exchange cultural stories such as fairytales and show the students how cultures do not vary that much Develop a multicultural calendar; where important days can be observed by the whole class irrespective of the culture. Such tools aid both the teacher and the student understand the other and realize that many are not so different after all. According to Jones (1986), multicultural learning activities are most effective for learners when they: i. Offer students opportunities to observe/participate in the affairs of the community ii. Engage students directly and actively in learning iii. Rely on a broad range of instructional materials. Literature Review How can ESL students who usually have a hard time â€Å"fitting in† due to the inability to communicate effectively manage to do so? ESL classrooms are therefore there in order to teach the student how to behave, communicate and appreciate the English language and it’s culture (for lack of a better word), both in formal and academic context as well as informal/ social contexts. In order for such students to be able to interact with other students whose first language is English, they must first learn to interact among themselves and this is where the use of multicultural material in ESL classrooms is import ant. In order for this to be a success, the fewer number of children in a classroom the better. Crowded classrooms, especially of such a sensitive kind may cause conflict between the students and learning anything can prove difficult due to constant distraction among the students. Fewer students in a classroom give room for individual attention and a better learning atmosphere for the students.

Extended commentary of During Wind and Rain by Thomas Hardy Essay Example for Free

Extended commentary of During Wind and Rain by Thomas Hardy Essay On the Title: An ambiguous and interesting choice of title, in that it is – as I will show – both incongruous with the tense (or time-scale) used in the poem and draws the reader’s attention to descriptions of the weather. The word â€Å"during† makes the weather conditions affect the present. However, the poem is mostly written in the historic present and many of the stanzas depict images of bright, pleasant days – not the â€Å"wind and rain† alluded to in the title. There is clearly an intentional discrepancy being orchestrated here by Hardy. Quote SLS: â€Å"Beware â€Å"during†, the incongruous preposition.† Overall Structure: Four stanzas of seven lines, with a very strange (but regular) rhyme scheme. Hardy uses a very odd structure indeed. The rhyme scheme utilised in the poem consists of: ABCBCDA. There are multiple effects of this: * The sixth line in the stanza breaks the poetic flow of the stanza, as it is the only line not to rhyme with another – hence acting like a mid-stanzaic volta. It draws attention to itself. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the sixth line of every stanza breaks away from the theme of familial happiness painted in the previous five lines, and turns the subject to the contrasting theme of death. Observe the refrains used! * The drawn out â€Å"A† rhyme encompasses the entirety of each stanza. Given that the last line (about death) is linked to the first (about life), is Hardy trying to show the unavoidable connection of life and death? * Seven lines to each stanza perhaps represent a week, just as the four stanzas represent the seasons? Very poor allusion. Themes: Death, Family life, Time, The Seasons. Difficult Language Notes: â€Å"Blithely† means â€Å"happily†. First Stanza Notes: â€Å"They sing their dearest songs – He, she, all of them – yea, Treble and tenor and bass, And one to play; With the candles mooning each face Ah, no, the years O! How the sick leaves reel down in throngs!† This poem is one full of repetition and refrain. The general layout of each stanza, in terms of theme, organisation and repetition of certain lines, remains constant. Each stanza, for example, opens with an image of a family – presumably the same one throughout – in a place, or carrying out an action, in a unified and â€Å"happy† way. This stanza evokes a scene of the Victorian family gathered, singing, around a piano (â€Å"one to play†), as piano playing and â€Å"sing-a-long† was, of course, very common in Hardy’s time. Note how he only uses personal pronouns; distancing effect? Hardy goes to perhaps extreme lengths to show the family’s unity. On a critical note, one could criticise his rather inefficient use of the first four lines of this poem, but that is not our aim. Some analysis: * â€Å"They sing their dearest songs†. Note the use of a superlative adjective in â€Å"dearest†. It is the first of many. We may query its meaning; perhaps it indicates a certain reverence to familial attitude, both in Hardy and in the family itself. They are enjoying it! * â€Å"He, she, all of them.† Illustrates a togetherness within the family – one which (as Hardy will later comment upon) Death inevitably overcomes. The following line regarding the different musical voice (â€Å"Treble and tenor and bass†) illustrates a similar thing, but is used to point out that Death affects all elements of family, regardless of age. How very depressing – we’re only at line 3! Even better, he does this in all stanzas. * â€Å"– yea† Note use of colloquial (conversational) affirmative. Not only is it used to force the rhyme scheme, but it contrasts with the later â€Å"Ah, no†, which is negative. Hardy does this in all stanzas. Without jumping ahead, however, it is simply a friendly comment of approval. * â€Å"With the candles mooning each face† Night time scene. Interesting, seeing as it contrasts with the other images presented, which are all in bright daylight. * â€Å"Ah, no; the years O!† Thus we encounter the â€Å"inter-stanzaic volta†. Not only does the rhyme scheme depart from regularity (We label the sixth line in all stanzas the ‘D’ rhyme, as it is the only line not to have a rhyming companion). It signifies a departure from the pleasant theme of the unadulterated joy of family life, and an arrival at the theme of its death – or the fact that it is all going â€Å"to pass† eventually. As before mentioned, the â€Å"Ah, no;† contrasts with the previous affirmative. The actual sense of this line is rather obscure. We assume that Hardy is implicitly commenting on the fact that â€Å"the years† take away/ damage the family life – as they pass, so does the family and its happiness. â€Å"O!† is an ejaculation, expressing sadness or mourning for the family. * â€Å"How the sick leaves reel down in throngs!† Hardy furthers his ideas about death. Here is a line referring to the autumnal decay of life – leaves falling – and the way in which it precedes Death. Note how the leaves, when considered in â€Å"throngs†, may represent people? In the same way, a â€Å"reel† is a type of dance; is this (a slightly sick) dance of death? Unlikely, but we must remember that Hardy has no qualms with tragic irony. Second Stanza Notes: â€Å"They clear the creeping moss – Elders and juniors – aye, Making the pathways neat and the garden gay; And they build a shady seat Ah, no; the years, the years; See the white storm-birds wing across!† Once again, Hardy begins his stanza with an image of the family, this time in the garden – presumably in spring, as suggested by the fact that they are clearing the remains of winter (â€Å"the creeping moss†), whilst he describes the garden as â€Å"gay†. One can immediately recognise the structural similarities shared with the first stanza, as well as the meaning behind the â€Å"pleasant† image. * Note that Hardy now observes that both â€Å"Elders and juniors† participate – again, he differentiates between the different members of the family, but now uses the factor of age, as opposed to musical voices. This serves only to strengthen the original analysis; that unity may be visible and, indeed, enjoyable, but it is only fleeting in the face of Death. Lovely * Observe how the family’s actions are arranged around both â€Å"making the place neat/pretty† and around comfort. â€Å"Making pathways neat† and â€Å"building a shady seat† have only temporary effects upon happiness – the â€Å"moss† will grow back, the pathways will become untidy in time, when Winter (representing Death and decay) comes. Thus we find that Hardy is setting up, within his â€Å"pleasant† image, the backdrop upon which he wishes to point out that all happiness, joy – and life itself – is fleeting. * Or is it an image of the â€Å"futility of human endeavour† – the weather will erode the order imposed upon it, and ultimately Death will prevail? * On an aside: evidence for the scene being set in spring: if the seat is shady, then surely the sun must be out in broad daylight – not a symptom commonly associated with the Wintry illness! Ah, no; the years, the years; See the white storm-birds wing across! And yet, on cue, Hardy revives his alternative theme – this time with a slightly different D rhyme/phrase. The colloquial negative remains, but Hardy uses the echo of â€Å"the years† to emphasize the passage of time. He uses the same phrase in the fourth stanza, yet repeats the primary ejaculation in the third stanza (they alternate). The final line of the stanza is rather interesting. â€Å"Storm-birds† sound like mythical beasts – perhaps the extremity of phrase reflects that of Death? – yet they are most likely geese, flying away before Winter comes. It is not as disturbing an image as that of the leaves â€Å"reeling†, but it again points to the same idea. The use of strong verbs in all final lines in all stanza adds to their strength: â€Å"reel† in Stanza One, â€Å"wing† in the second, etc. â€Å"To wing† itself is an unusual choice, perhaps adding to a sense of the supernatural. Think back to â€Å"Neutral Tones† and the â€Å"ominous bird a-wing†. The verb has the same effect here. Third Stanza Notes: â€Å"They are blithely breakfasting all – Men and maidens – yea, Under the summer tree, With a glimpse of the bay, While pet fowl come to the knee Ah, no; the years O! And the rotten rose is ript from the wall.† Here Hardy is at last explicit about the season and its effects; much as Autumn and Winter are representative of Death and decay, spring and summer bear idyllic delights. In this stanza, we find ourselves in the latter. One cannot â€Å"overdo† the emphasis which Hardy applies to the seasons. He pictures human life as tragically linear, whilst comparing it to the inevitably cyclical seasons. In the end, the seasons – especially Winter – bring about the decay of a finite life. And yet, to begin with, this stanza suggests that the family are blissfully unaware of that fact. * Once again, we find the family in unity and happy – seeing as they are â€Å"blithely breakfasting† – suggesting a disregard for the potential decay and sadness. They appear to live in the happy present. * It has been suggested that the family have now grown up, seeing as they are now described as â€Å"Men and maidens† as opposed to â€Å"Elders and juniors†. Side point – no way to substantiate claim. Of course, now Hardy differentiates between them using sex – all the more differences which Death can overcome. * Allusions to an Arcadian ideal – a perfect landscape, full of happiness – are impossible to avoid. â€Å"Under the summer tree / With a glimpse of the bay†; it sounds more like Tuscany than Britain! Of course, Hardy is not that explicit. The â€Å"bay† may just as well be a bay tree, as much as a bit of coastland. Still, the image remains idyllic. And yet, â€Å"I [Death] am here†. * â€Å"The pet fowl† may represent a further source of happiness – domesticated or agricultural livestock have always been kept for the happiness of one’s stomach or one’s heart. Either will do. More human endeavour to be laid waste to by Death? Here, as usual, the poem breaks away and returns to the original ejaculation about the years passing. Note how the â€Å"O!† lengthens the line – it slows the reader down. Otherwise analysed above. The final image evocative of Death, however, is of our greatest interest: â€Å"The rotten rose is ript from the wall.† Again, an ambiguous phrase creates the sense of sickening mystery which Death itself possesses. Not only does the obvious alliteration of the â€Å"r† sound mount both the tension and force placed upon the final verb, but it also mirrors the ugly nature of the act itself. â€Å"Ript† is merely an archaic spelling of â€Å"ripped† – the sense is the same and bears the same strength. Yet who, or what, rips up the rose? Obviously, the image is representative of Death claiming a life; the verb suggests an unpleasant or untimely death. Quote SLS: â€Å"A complete severance from life†. Perhaps we can extrapolate this further to make a comment on the cruelty of Death in Hardy’s eyes? It may well be the wind. This would fit with the title, although we must still ponder the incongruous preposition, â€Å"during†. Perhaps the entire image is metaphorical, and Death is simply tearing a previously beautiful flower (â€Å"rotten† is probably representative of â€Å"old†) away from life? Fourth Stanza Notes: â€Å"They change to a high new house, He, she, all of them – aye, Clocks and carpets and chairs On the lawn all day, And the brightest things that are theirs Ah, no; the years, the years; Down their carved names the rain-drop ploughs.† Clearly the family have grown wealthier, to move house – and, it seems, they have moved quite literally â€Å"up† in the world, as it is a â€Å"high† one. One may question whether this stanza overly reflects upon the materialistic joys of the world. Maybe that is Hardy’s intention. I doubt, however, that this is an explicit attack upon those who value material objects; rather a memento mori, in that, despite the temporary pleasure of wealth and possessions, Death will always claim victory. Deeper analysis: * Note how we have returned to â€Å"He, she, all of them†. Have we come round in a full generational cycle? * The weather remains good, as the family display their possessions on the lawn, presumably as they either prepare to move them to the new house from the old, or simply before they have been properly installed. Clearly Hardy is using summer to represent joy and prosperity. * The language bears little complexity – hence little analysis! Is this done to reflect the simple, but enjoyable, pleasures of materialistic desires and good weather? * â€Å"Brightest things which are theirs†. Note another superlative. Relevance/ importance, other than to add emphasis? (Have previously analysed the secondary ejaculation. Now repeated.) The final image of the poem is possibly the most interesting, dramatic and explicit. â€Å"Down their carved names the rain-drop ploughs.† Here Hardy at last makes an explicit reference to the subject of death, in that their â€Å"carved names† are grave stones, whilst also tying in the title (with the reference to the weather). Primarily, we are shocked by the contrast; clearly, Hardy is imagining the same individuals with whom we are now familiar (as â€Å"the family†) as being dead. They have been buried. This is a very sudden and rather upsetting realisation. Hardy very successfully makes his point about the frailty and temporal nature of life. Their successes and happiness are irrelevant. How depressing! Worse, Hardy suggests that the weather erodes them not only in life, but also destroys (â€Å"ploughs†) their memory in death; the rain drop appears to be eroding away the names from the stones. This insensitivity contrasts with the use of â€Å"names†, which are highly personal. Perhaps, however, Hardy intends â€Å"ploughs† to be positive. As in the agricultural sense, the rain drop prepares for new growth? Final note: Is the narrator writing the poem in the grave-yard? Are the images he recollects merely his memories of a family now dead – the images of Death are all happening around him â€Å"during wind and rain†? Clever point. Perhaps.

Structure of the Federal Reserve System and Banks

Structure of the Federal Reserve System and Banks The structure and mission of the European Central Bank, The Bank of Japan and The People’s Bank of China. Do any of these central banks resemble the structure of the Federal Reserve System? If so in what ways? Abstract The central bank is the national currency issuers, is countrys bank, is banks bank. Different countries have different central bank structure and mission. Different structure and mission will influent the independence of the central bank.[documents] Therefore, this topic mainly around the ECB, FDS, PBOC and BOJ to compare their structure and mission. Specific analysis following aspects: capital structure, power structure, organization form, operation and supervision department, objective and monetary policy tools. Using these contains to analysis the influence of these aspects for central bank independence. It will mainly compare to the similar and difference between these four central bank. Our results indicate that power structure is the main factors influencing the independence of central bank. The capital structure has no great effect to its independence. Due to the nature of central bank, different central banks have similar missions. Their monetary tools are also very similar, mainly through open market operations and reserve requirements. Finally, we find that European central bank have highest independence in comprehensive view.The second highest independence is FRS. PBOC has lowest independence between these four central banks. The main reason is that PBOC is the only one directly belong to thethe State Council. It means PBOC is a government apartment. But there also have other influent factor about independence which analysis in the article. Introduction As the main implement institutions of monetary policy in a country, central bankshas a very important position for the countrys economic development. Meanwhile, it has a vital influence for the social employment security stability and price stability.Due to the different economic backgroundand organization structure in the different country, its structure and the mission of the central bank is not entirely same. Therefore, this report mainly compared the similarities and differences between four central banksthrough detailed analysis their structure and functions.At the same time, this article aims to discuss whether these differences will bring different level of central bank independence. Central bank independence is a significant problem. Lots of previous academic studies have shown that independence is an important factor to influence the national inflation rate. Additionally, the structure of this paper is as follows. Section 2 provides a literature review on the different aspect and effect of central bank structure and mission. Section 3 explains the specific aspect of structure and mission in our case study. It has 3 parts, capital structure, power structure, missions and independence of central bank. Section 4 is a summary of the papers findings.Previewing our results, we find that missions of central bank are similar because of the central bank nature.Asà £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬the same time, difference power structure will lead different independence, then affect monetary policy and the rate of inflation. 2. Background Literature According to the existing literature in central bank structure, as Schoenmaker (2013) points out, it can divided into several aspects: Banks capital structure and quantity, level of economic development, level of central bank independence. ButD. Schoenmaker (2013) mainly through the analysis of inflation index to evaluate independence, because the central bank’s common methods is through monetary policy to control inflation then keep the economic stability. First, about central bank capital aspect, animportant research results isCBFS modelwhich created byPosso and Tawadros (2013).It shows that central Banks capital strength and the rate of inflation is inversely related. But, in oppose, another view fromStella (1997)thinks that the central bank does not need a lot of capital because it is hard become bankrupt.However, in our opinions, enough capital can give central Banks greater ability to face risk. Therefore, based on this view, we will compare the capital structure between ECB, FED, PBOC and BOJ. After that, we reviewed power structure of central bank aspect. It is mainly around the external organizational form and branch institutions. Meanwhile, we consider different central bankstructureand task determines its independence. At present, we find that a lot of economics research thinks that independence and inflation rate is negative correlation. One of results fromArnone and Romelli (2012)has great guiding significance .Arnone and Romelli(2012) not only test the developed countries central banks, like FED,BOJ. Their panel data also included lots of central banks from developing countries. But, however, they do not compare the difference between developing country and developed country. So, our research will pay more attention to this problem. Thirdly, review the literature for central bank mission research, Schoenmaker (2013) was made research and analysis for this. He considers central Banks have two major objectives: monetary stability and financial stability in the traditional views.But we find that many countries have modified its development goalsmany timesin recent decades, especially the reform of PBOC in 2003.Because the development of economic. So, our research will use our four countries latest laws and regulations as a basis to comparison their mission. 3. Analysis 3.1 Capital Structure Capital funds of central bank offered from the state or private or both. The source of capital funds will affect central bank system. It can be separate to state-owned, half state-owned and private-owned.. The capital structure of PBOC is quite single. It is fully owned by the state.In Article 8 of the peoples bank of China act (2003) point out that all the capital of PBOC are invested by the state, it shall be owned by the state. Nowadays, PBOC’s reserves areUS$3.201trillion. Meanwhile, BOJ capital structure is half state-owned. Bank of Japan is capitalized at 100 million yen in accordance with the Act. About 55 percent of the capital is subscribed by the government. Banking Act from Japanregulated that the BOJ do not set shareholders meeting. Shareholders can not join BOJs operation.Shareholders rights is only to get dividends per year and highest do not exceed 5%. The FRS is private equity capital form. All capital provided by private shareholders investment, after authorized by the government, then to perform the function of central Banks.FRScapital funded by12member Banks of federal reserve bank. Thesemember bank subscribe shares, get dividend per year in accordance with the stake, the highest dividend do not exceed 6%. ECB isSimilar to FRS. Itis also has share subscription, but all of share hold by member states in European Union. The amount of capital contribution is decided according to each member’s GDP proportionand populationproportion in EU.The ECB’s capital amounts toâ‚ ¬5billion.Reserves are 526 euro in total now. It can be find that only PBOC capital provided by government. Other three central banks have stock subscription. ECB is most similar than FED, all of capitalare funded by member banks or national member banks. However, this part only compared capital structure and reserves between these four banks. It is unable to see that the capital structure influence on independence, so later will compare the power structure 3.2 Power Structure 3.21 External Organizational form and branch institutions These four central bank external organizational form can be spate to 3 kinds: unit central bank systemà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã…’Dual central bank systemà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã…’Multinational central bank system. PBOC and the BOJ are unit central bank system. It means that a country only to set up a unified central bank to exercise power and dutyof the central bank. Central bank itself is unified, its branch institutions generally direct managed by central bank. Most countries adopt the wayat present. Because this mode is conducive to national manage and macroeconomic control. As the same time, it is obviously to limit level of branch institutions independence at central bank. FRS power structure is different from Japan and China.It use dual central bank system, means that the central bank system is composed of two parts: central (the board of governors) and local (member of Federal Reserve Bank). These two parts are relatively independent. The board of governorsis the highest financial decision-making body. Local accept the supervision from central. But local has rights in the concrete implementation and daily operation. So, local have their own independence. The Federal Reserve System divid es 12 areas, each area to set up a federal reserve bank. These 12 banks have independence in their own area. Additionally, ECB is Multinational central bank system. ECB and 27 national central banks compose to ESCB. National bank has own independence. So, we can find that ECB has highest level of independence because it not control by any government or state. The local also have own independence to operate. Similarly, FRS also has high independence level. 3.22 Inside Financial manage and supervision Although central bank not operate for profit, but itstill hasoperating income. Among these four central banks, BOJ and FRS revenue will belong to their countrys ministry of finance after dividends payment. Dividends payment proportion has been given in Section 3.1. In addition, at internalsupervision aspect, they have own supervision department respectively. At external supervision, it mainlysupervised fromgovernment with legal methods. Seminally, PBOCs all profits also belong to the ministry of finance in China, same as Japan and US. But supervision aspect, China was explicitly stipulated in the law amendment in 2003(PBOCs Act): the PBOC as a department under the state council of China, belong to the government departments. So, PBOC isdirectly regulated and supervise fromgovernment. ECB is different than other three banks, it has own financial independence. Operate revenue control by itself. ECB can make own budget. In supervision aspect, it accepts European Union rules. ECB should take responsible to offer report to European Parliament, the European Commission, and the Council of the European Union. But ECB do not control byany country or government. So, obviously, ECB have more independence in financial aspect than others. 3.3. Missions As a non-profit financial institutions,the mission ofthese central banktrends to be consistent: play its functions effectively andachieve their core goal. The main way is through monetary policy, to keep price stability, to promote economic development. According to the ECB official website state, the European Central Bank and the national central banks together constitute the Euro system. The main objective of the Euro system is to maintain price stability: safeguarding the value of the euro. In Japan, the Act sets the BOJs objectives is ‘to issue banknotes and to carry out currency and monetary control’ and ‘BOJ shall be aimed at achieving price stability’ Similarly in China, the Act of PBOC (2003) points out that PBOC’s missions are: to formulate and implement monetary policy, to maintain price stability, to provide financial services. In the US, the Board of Governors of the FRS and the Federal Open Market Committee shall ‘maintain long run growth of the monetary and credit aggregates commensurate to promote effectively the goals of maximum employment, stable prices, and moderate long-term interest rates. (1977 Federal Reserve Reform Act specified) Monetary policy tools To sum up, we could find that these central bank’s missions all around to keep price stability. It is determined by the central bank’s nature. But their also has some different. For instance, the US also clearly point out FRS should maximum employment and moderate long-term interest rates. Similarly, their monetary policy tools also trends to be consistent, all mainly to use two methods: open market operations and reserve requirements. 3.4 Independence As background literature described, independence is an important aspect to the central bank. This part is extended based on above analysis, to compare these several central bank independence. In the angle of structure, despite these four central banks has different capital structure, but it didnt have obvious effect to independence. Because shareholders do not to participate operations, only charge a small amount of dividends. In organizational form aspect, BOJ and PBOC independence is lowest. Americansdual central bank systemgives more independence between the central and local. In this aspect, ECB system is similarly with FRS. In financial aspect, the biggest independent central bank still is ECB. Becauseother three central bank’s revenues are belong to their national Treasury. About supervision, except PBOC is directly control by government, other three central banks have great independence. They have their own internal supervision mechanism and external legislative intervention by the government. 4. Conclusions On the whole, we find that ECB, BOJ, FRD and PBOC missions are consistent. It is mainly around to keep price stability. Through the contrast of central banks objective and monetary tools also reflects their similarity. With the research of central bank structure and independence, ECB has highest independence,resemble to FRS.It should be mention that the ECB does not public members vote process, so the independence has been questioned in recent years. However, it is no doubt that the worst independence of central bank is PBOC. It is mainly caused by nationalization of the structure. In addition, our study is based on theoretical angle, around power structure and missions’ analysis, to evaluate its independence. It has not using quantitive data.But reference toMasciandaro,ect.(2008)released specific quantitative rating of the independence of the central bank, (A total of 19 criteria are identified to assess the degree of supervisory independence, and 21 for accountability.) the data are consistent with our analysis. They measured thatPBOC independence index is 0.47 and BOJ is 0.34. ECB and FRS independence is significantly higher. Thus, it could prove our results correctness. References Arnone, M., Romelli, D. (2012). Dynamic central bank independence indices and inflation rate: a new empirical exploration.Paolo Baffi Centre Research Paper, (2012-118). Masciandaro, D., Quintyn, M., Taylor, M. W. (2008). Inside and outside the central bank: Independence and Accountability in Financial Supervision: Trends and Determinants.European Journal of Political Economy,24(4), 833-848. Posso, A., Tawadros, G. B. (2013). Does greater central bank independence really lead to lower inflation? Evidence from panel data. Economic Modelling,33, 244-247. Schoenmaker D. (2013),Chapter 28 -Central Banks RoleinFinancial Stability HandbookofSafeguarding Global Financial Stability,271-284 Stella, P. (1997).Do central banks need capital?. International Monetary Fund.

The Jobs of the National Riffle Association Essay example -- National

The Jobs of the NRA Today the National Rifle Association is the largest association that protects your second amendment rights. The NRA was created in 1871 for one primary reason. However what most people don’t know is that its intention has changed very much overtime. There have been many different presidents and spokespersons of the NRA over time, which has always been ready to defend your gun rights at all costs. Furthermore the basis of the NRA has changed with a growing and always changing government. The location of where the NRA is based primarily out of has changed much over time as well. Going into detail the NRA will be thoroughly explained giving knowledge of the history as well as there purpose through out the years to come. Two Union veterans Col. William C. Church and Gen. George Wingate created the National Rifle Association in 1871(1). The Primary reason they created it was to help soldiers with their marksmanship, because Col. Church and Gen. Wingate noticed that their troops had a major lack in their accuracy. Starting in 1873 the NRA would begin holding annual competitions at their range Creedmoor. Their purpose again started to expand quickly with the promotion of shooting in America’s youth. The NRA pushed for colleges and universities to start rifle clubs. Still today there are over a million youth involved in shooting competitions. In 1934 the NRA formed the Legislative Affairs Division that was in place to notify people of legislative facts about their second amendment rights. This only informed members of issues however if they wanted to do something about the issues in government they would have to take out action on their own. After time passed the NRA realized they would have to st ep up their game an... ...rvised. The NRA funds classes for firearm safety and conducts simnars around the United States and Canada insuring safety of women. The NRA is Americas longest stand civil rights organization. In the book Gun Crusaders by Scott Melzer he says â€Å"They Fear losing their guns, and they fear losing their freedoms.†(pg.1) This is what the NRA fights for, to keep your rights and freedoms from the government. Works Cited "A Brief History of NRA." A Brief History of NRA. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 April 2014. Melzer, Scott. Gun Crusaders: The NRA's Culture War. New York: New York UP, 2009. Print. "NRA | History." NRA | History. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 April 2014. "The NRA Speaks: 14 Quotes from Wayne LaPierre a Week after Sandy Hook tragedy." Gun Control Now USA. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 April 2014. "NRA|Contact Us." NRA|Contact Us. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 April 2014.

Burn Out and Correctional Officers Essay -- Criminal Justice

There have been an increasing number of studies done in the past 40 years based on the concept of â€Å"burn-out† and specifically the work environment for human service workers and the evident amount of job stress these suffer from. Human service workers play a vital role in our community and it is terrible to think that so many of these passionate people are overwhelmed and burnout from their careers. Another big issue is not only the impact burnout has on the individual but on their clients and organization. A professional who is burned out cannot assist a client to the best of their ability. For example, an inmate in a correctional facility will not be getting the best care in order to rehabilitate them and reintegrate them into society if the correctional workers are burnt out and bitter. Everyone that studies the concept of burnout have their own take on it, and their own definition. The biggest problem with the study of burnout is the lack of clarity and complete agreeable concept amongst all those trying to define it. Being burnt out could describe anything from the flu to depression because there is not any clear classification. The definition of burnout by Christina Maslach seems to be all encompassing. According to Maslach, â€Å"burnout is a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment that can occur among individuals who work with people in some capacity.† A vital characteristic of the burnout syndrome is increased feelings of emotional exhaustion – â€Å"as emotional resources are depleted, workers feel they are no longer able to give of themselves at a psychological level.† Another aspect of the burnout syndrome is the development of depersonalization, which are basically negativ... ...f Psychology 52, no. 1 (2001): 396-422. Maslach, Christina. "Job Burnout: New Directions in Research and Intervention." Current Directions in Psychological Science, 2003: 198-192. Mumola, C. J. "Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners." Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1999. Paine, Whiton Stewart. "Job Stress and Burnout." Research, Theory and Intervention Perspectives (Sage Publications), 1982. Patrick, Pamela. Health Care Worker Burnout: What It Is, What To Do About It. Inquiry Books, 1981. Pines, Ayala. "Sex and Culture in Burnout and Coping Among Human Service Professionals." Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology 17, no. 2 (June 1986): 191-209. Shapiro, David. "Psychotherapy and subjective experience." psychiatry (Basic Books), 1985: 311-317. Whitehead, John T. Burnout in Probation and Corrections. The University of Michigan: Praeger, 1999.

Chocolate industry India Essay

Introduction The market leader of the chocolate industry in India, Cadbury, is a British subsidiary of the American multinational confectionary, food and beverages conglomerate â€Å"Mondelez International†. Cadbury, is the second largest confectionary company in the world, close on the heels of Mars, Inc. In India, Cadbury owns a market share of 66 %, significantly ahead of the other multinational company operating the same space for many years, Nestle India, as well as other national, international and regional brands like Amul and Ferrero. Cadbury India began its operations in India in 1948, and has been a trusted and favored brand for decades in India. The market share has decreased from 70-80% in view of entry of other international chocolate companies in the Indian market, however it is still significantly large. Cadbury figures in the Brand Trust Report, 2011 in the Top 100 Most Trusted Brands in India. While Cadbury sells products in several categories such as candy, gum, beverages and chocolate confectionary, this report is aimed at studying the marketing strategy employed by Cadbury India in view of its chocolate confectionary business. Some of the products in this category include the highly popular Dairy Milk, Dairy Milk Silk, Bournville, Temptations, 5 Star, Dairy Milk Shots, Celebrations, Perk and Toblerone. In order to analyze the marketing strategy for Cadbury, this report begins with a SWOT analysis of the company. Environmental Analysis Political Food Safety Act 2006: Detailed and exacting regulations, for standards of production as well as imported chocolates, exist in India. Opportunity. Cadbury is better equipped to follow standards in production than smaller regional or local brands. Strength. Expand into the rural areas before local or regional companies focus on the rural market. Import Tax Rates on Chocolates: A tariff rate of 30% is levied on chocolates. Opportunity. Strength. Demand for premium chocolates at affordable prices can be encashed before foreign entrants can grow their roots within the Indian industry by introducing and aggressively marketing domestically manufactured premium chocolates. Economic Per Capita Spending Patterns: The biggest consumption category in India is Food. Spending in this amounts to almost 21% of the Gross Domestic Production. People, on average, spend 31% of their budget monthly, on food. 70% of the food spending is on agri-products, which incorporates candies and confectionary including chocolates. Two-thirds of this spending is on processed products. Domestic spending on food is expected to grow at a compounded 3 annual growth rate of 4% and billed to reach approximately 320 billion US dollars in value within the next 7 years. USD 841 million is spent on chocolates and confectionary in India. Opportunity. In households across income groups, a large share of money spent goes towards processed agricultural products including chocolates and other confectionary items. This can be encashed by developing effective channels to reach out and sell to lower and lower middle income groups. Strength. Socio-Cultural Social and cultural acceptability of products: There is an increasing acceptance of chocolates as an equivalent of traditional sweets in urban areas. Chocolates are, however, still seen as a luxury food item in rural areas. Opportunity. Chocolates are increasingly being seen as an equivalent or substitute for traditional sweets in terms of the convenience it offers when used for gifting on occasions. Strength. Cadbury is already working on this approach to sell to urban consumers. Rural consumers can also be reached out to and offered chocolates as a new gift item replacing sweets leading to increased sales. Technological Constantly improving technology in chocolate making leads to better tasting products as well as more convenient storage. Opportunity. Strength. Cadbury has the financial capability to invest in R&D and has already produced products that are better suited to Indian tastes and storage conditions that other foreign entrants into the industry are not yet as well adapted to. Natural factors. Climate for Cocoa Production: Cocoa, used to produce chocolates can only be grown in regions 15 degrees to the north or south of the equator. Cocoa, originally a crop native to the Amazon basin, can only be grown in the southern states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. It is not a commonly grown crop. Threat. Lack or scarcity of domestic cocoa producers can affect production costs of chocolates within the country. Strength. Cadbury has encouraged farmers in Kerala to produce cocoa since the 1970s and is now in the process of promoting Cocoa as an inter-crop plant for coconut growing farmers. Successful pursuance of this connect with the farmers would help Cadbury procure raw material at lower prices within the country. Consumer behavior Age composition: 66% of the population is below the age of 35. Opportunity. It implies that a huge part of the population can be encouraged to take up consumption of chocolates more frequently and will be met with less resistance than that put up by older consumers with already set eating habits. Strength. 4 Competition Traditional Sweets: Very widely available and traditional choice, but inconsistent in hygiene levels and taste. Threat. Build on image of chocolates being a better and more hygienic choice, which adheres to food safety standards set out by the Govt. Build on image that chocolates are a more sophisticated choice for gifting carrying greater meaning than ‘mithai’ from neighbourhood sweet shops. Strength. Confectionary items like candies, cakes and icecream: Candies are easily available and appeal to children who have traditionally been the target consumers for chocolates. Threat. Cadbury can emphasize more strongly that chocolates are not meant only for children but for adults as well who may not prefer to eat candies. Cadbury chocolate can be offered as an experience, that is not replicated by eating candies and conectionary items. Strength. Entry of several foreign players: As India is seen to have a rapidly growing chocolate consuming country, with people willing to spend not only on inexpensive smaller packs of chocolates, but also premium chocolates as well, foreign players have started foraying into the market with the hope of establishing a presence in the premium sector at least. Threat. Cadbury can increase its foothold in the premium sector of chocolate industry by launching and promoting premium chocolate brands with higher cocoa content which could be priced a bit lower than the foreign brands. In fact, Cadbury is already in the process of implementing such a strategy through the introduction of Bournville and Toblerone. Strength. Suppliers Global network: Half of the cocoa sourced for chocolate making by Cadbury is from sources around the globe, including countries like Ghana, for its famous brand Bournville. Opportunity. Cadbury can source the majority of its cocoa from farmers in India through contract farming, while importing from foreign countries specifically for certain brands only. This will help reduce loss due to global fluctuations in cocoa bean prices and also reduce transport or shipment costs. It will also help create an even more positive image in the eyes of the Indian population. Strength. Dealer network: Cadbury has CSR activities directed at the farmers who are producing cocoa on contract for Cadbury in the state of Kerala. Opportunity. Cadbury is now in the process of extending these activities to farmers in 3 more southern Indian states. This will help cement positive relations between the cocoa growers and the brand, which may put it at an advantage when compared to new foreign entrants in the country like Ferrero or Mars, Inc. Strength. 5 Advertising environment Use of role models: Trustworthy role models in the media, when used as Brand Ambassadors, give a much needed push to the further acceptance of a product. Opportunity. Cadbury has been able to utilize this by roping in celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, thus emphasizing the idea that even adults can have chocolates, since even a person of Amitabh Bachchan’s stature has not shied away from having them. Cadbury also has the financial power to rope in more high profile celebrities for the same. Strength. Availability of media and ad agencies: Several media channels like TV, Radio, newspapers are available for Cadbury to advertise on. Opportunity. Cadbury has been advertising its chocolates heavily throughout, to keep the brand on top of the mind recall. There have been innumerable ads by Cadbury that have long stayed on people’s minds and even evoked nostalgia, indicating a deep connect of the brand with the audience. Strength. Segmentation Cadbury segmented the consumer based on age. Till the 1980s, chocolates were seen as a luxury item which were eaten only on special occasions or used to reward children with. Despite being the market leader already at this time, Cadbury decided to reshuffle their marketing strategy and position chocolates as a snack and an everyday item of consumption rather than a special treat. In order to do this, the first step was to segment the consumers. Geographic or occupation based segmentation would have proven less relevant in helping raise revenues generated from chocolate sales. The segmentation was done on the basis of age. The existing segment of choice for Cadbury had been children up to the age of 14 who had been driving the consumption of chocolates until the 90s. The other segment that the consumers could be grouped into was the adult population. Targeting The decision made to target a segment is based on gauging the segment attractiveness of the segment. During the 90s, with a rise in the population of the 15-35 year olds, combined with a surge in income and spending power due to the simultaneous opening up of the economy, made the adult segment an attractive one and since then, it has been targeted by Cadbury. Being the market leader already, switching to this target consumer group was not a difficult move for them, in terms of channel attractiveness of the segment. The existing channels which served the consumers until the 90s, such as kirana stores, need no resource intensive special adaptations to serve the youth consumer group as well. Alongside this, competitive attractiveness of the youth segment was also high since no other chocolate company had targeted this consumer group so far. Although this meant 6 Cadbury needed to put in extra marketing effort to change the social acceptance of chocolates in this group, it also translated into a first mover advantage for them. Positioning Positioning is the decision of how the brand wants to be perceived as by the target consumer group vis-a-vis competitors. Cadbury has positioned itself to cater to specific needs and attributes that the target consumer group looks for. Cadbury’s objective was to engage the customers of the adult age group. In the early 90s, Cadbury had the leading share in the market but the volume of sales in terms of per capita consumption was very low compared to western countries. This was also because consumption of chocolate by children was strictly governed by adults and hence increasing per capita consumption within the children consumer group was not a feasible option. In order to widen the net of consumers, Cadbury had to increase the social acceptance of chocolates in the adults age group. This was done through the means of extensive and successively huge ad campaigns which eventually lowered the attitudinal barrier that existed. Cadbury had wanted to and has successfully moved from the perception of chocolate being a children’s product to a celebratory/gifting product, and more recently an indulgence product (For instance Cadbury Silk). In 1992, Cadbury launched a series of aggressive ad campaigns starting with ‘Real Taste of Life† which showcased adults eating the chocolates on their own and not in a parent role or buying it as a reward or a way to say sorry to loved ones. This included the famous ad â€Å"Kuch khaas hai zindagi mein† which showed adults enjoying the taste of chocolates on their own. Later on, Cadbury launched a campaign for Perk which said â€Å"Thodi si pet pooja† which emphasized the use of the chocolate as an any time snack to satisfy hunger, which was a marked shift from the earlier perception of chocolates. Later, to promote Cadbury chocolates as an alternative to traditional desserts, the â€Å"kuch meetha ho jaaye† campaign sought to change perceptions once again, this time including the entire family consisting of elderly grandparents also in the ad to show acceptance of the Cadbury chocolates as dessert. By tying chocolates to Indian customs, and festivals, like Celebrations especially for Raksha Bandhan and Diwali, Cadbury has come a long way from the â€Å"Real Taste of Life† campaign, and â€Å"Indianized† itself in order to entrench itself within the minds of the adult population in India. Marketing Mix – 4 Ps Product/Service Product There are four types of products by Cadbury India, and this report is focused on the Chocolates category. These aim to satisfy the hunger need as well as relaxation and convenience need (easily available snacking option). In order to satisfy these needs, the 7 product is available very easily, at least in the urban markets and in various sizes. Cadbury chocolates are branded so as to represent some emotional core values like family values, and togetherness, but at the same time, they are also branded as a fresh, satisfying, convenient product. Place Cadbury has 6 company-owned manufacturing facilities: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Thane Induri (Pune) Malanpur (Gwalior) Bangalore Baddi (Himachal Pradesh) Hyderabad There are 4 sales offices, one each in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. The corporate office is in Mumbai. In terms of distribution, Cadbury chocolate products are sold directly to wholesalers and retailers. The network comprises roughly 2100 distributors and 4,50,000 retailers. The chocolates are sold through Kirana stores, gift stores, medical stores, canteens, paan shops, bakeries and so on. Price The generally established price point for chocolates in India is Rs 5 and Cadbury has 4 products at this point including Dairy milk, 5 star, gems and perk. This price point accounts for half of chocolate sales in India. At the same time, Cadbury sells multiple differently sized packs on a range of prices, going up to higher, premium priced products as well such as Bournville. In this way, Cadbury has a hold on various price points available to various groups of consumers based on their appetite for spending. Promotion Cadbury promotes its products through various media channels. It uses mainly television ads with strongly featured taglines that get associated with the products easily. There is some amount of seasonality in the market in the way that demand ideally goes up during festive season due to gifting needs and Cadbury launches special ad campaigns around those times to encash on this increased demand. National level competitors like Amul have been unable to match up to the scale of promotions undertaken by Cadbury. Regional players hardly advertise on a big scale through campaigns. However, its MNC competitor Nestle has its own promotional ads and campaigns that seek to rival Cadbury’s and sometimes directly challenge the Cadbury ads. 8 Recommendations 1. In view of the recent entry of foreign players in the market, though Cadbury does not face the threat of losing a significant amount of its existing customers, for instance, those who buy Dairy Milk or Perk, there is a possibility of losing out on potential customers who are interested in premium chocolates. Since this is a rapidly growing industry, and being the established market leader, Cadbury should focus on its premium chocolate brands in a big way through more visible ad campaigns and promote their products based on the brand equity they have built through the years. 2. While leveraging the lower cost of Cadbury premium chocolates vis-a-vis foreign chocolates, Cadbury must take care to ensure it does not go the Tata Nano way, as lower prices in the premium segment may be perceived as lower quality in the product delivered as well. 3. As it has already managed to successfully position chocolates as a snack for children’s as well as adults’ consumption, it can now focus on activating the elderly consumer segment which is typically more resistant to chocolates compared to traditional sweets and feel guilty on indulging in chocolates even if not restricted by health reasons. 4. Cadbury can now change the positioning of certain specific products or introduce new products to cater to â€Å"instant energy† giving needs similar to Mars bars abroad. 5. Recently, a 20-calorie chocolate has been developed in the UK which is now being sold at Michelin starred restaurants. Cadbury can also direct some of its R&D endeavors towards developing a similar product which would give the company a distinct edge over competitors and help tap into a new markets and increase their consumer width. 9 NATIONAL BRAND 10 Introduction Amul is an Indian dairy Co-operative based out of Anand in Gujarat. The co-operative started off as the Kaira District Co-operative Milk Producers Union in December 1946. The Co-operative was set up by the milk producers of the Kaira district of Gujarat who felt cheated by the unfair trade practices. The co-operative collected processed and marketed milk and was co-owned by the milk producing farmers of the district. The brand Amul was used by the Kaira District Co-operative to market its brand of milk products. By the 1970s the Co-operative model had become highly successful and spawned similar Co-operative in other district s of Gujarat. In order to combine together and expand their market while not competing with each other, the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (GCMMF), an apex marketing body of these district co-operatives was set-up in 1973. The brand name of Amul which was held by the Kaira Union was transferred to GCCF. Today, the GCCF is the largest food product marketing organisation of India. The co-operatives collect around 10 million litres of milk per day from around 3 million milk producer members of the Co-operative. Its current turnover is around Rs. 140. 0 billion. Amul started producing and marketing chocolates in 1970. It currently markets 6 different chocolate brands namely Congtas, Fundoo, Chocozo, Bindaaz, Rejoice, Almond Bar, Fruits and Nut and Amul Cooking Chocolate. Current market share of Amul chocolates is just 4% as compared to market leader that is 66%. The main reason behind such low market share is lack of promotion and more focus on dairy products. Environmental Analysis Strengths ? ? ? Raw material (milk) security: Major raw materials for the production of chocolates are Cocoa, milk and sugar. Milk supply is secured for the company which protects it from any volatility in prices. High brand awareness: Amul through its concerted marketing over the last 5 decades has created a brand that is synonymous with good quality. The brand has also become a symbol of successful Indian entrepreneurship that has positively impacted the lives of millions of small farmers, hence there is a sense of patriotism and pride associated with the brand as well. Strong distribution network: Amul has been marketing and supplying milk through a pan India distribution network which supplies milk and milk products to independent retailers but also to its own milk parlours. 11 Weakness: ? ? ? Low market share: Amul chocolates have a low market share in the Indian chocolate industry. The brand, though having a strong recall value, is not primarily associated with chocolates. The market leader in the chocolate industry in India is Cadbury with 70% market share followed by Nestle at 20% market share. Co-operative structure of Amul: Due to the Co-operative nature of GCMMF, there is limited capital infusion in the company. As a result there is a limited scope for aggressive product launches or diversification. Volatility in Cocoa prices: Unlike the major chocolate producing companies in the world, Amul does not own a cocoa plantation. The prices of cocoa are volatile in nature as they are dependent on the international demand supply dynamics. Not having a cocoa plantation of its own exposed the company to volatility in prices of this raw material. Opportunities: ? Huge untapped market: The per capita consumption of chocolate in India has increase from 40 gm per person in 2005 to around 110 gm per person currently. Though this is impressive growth in itself it is still much lower than the per capita chocolate consumption, in countries like Ireland or Belgium which have a chocolate consumption per person of more than 11 kilograms or even USA or Australia which have chocolate consumption per person of around 5 kilograms. There is thus a huge untapped market for growth in the chocolate industry in India. Corresponding Strength: Since Amul has a strong â€Å"Brand awareness†, people would be willing to buy new products launched under its brand name. Amul can launcha variety of new chocolate products for youth and kids. ? Gifting: Gift hampers consisting of chocolates has been a successful marketing strategy by companies like Cadbury. Amul too has the ‘Rejoice’ brand especially for this purpose however there is scope to launch or aggressively advertise this. Corresponding Strength: Since, Amul is a strong brand name and has a strong distribution network, It can very well advertise the gift packs like rejoice and can introduce new brands catering to the same need. ? Advertising: Amul need to advertise and carry out lot of promotional activities to inform the consumers that still exist and can provide them with what they want. It’s been years that Amul’s chocolate advertisement has been telecasted on India’s major television channels. Sales promotions like discounts and free samples can also help them to increase the Brand awareness and attract customers to switch brand from competitors. Big brands use a celebrity as a Brand Ambassador for its product. 12 For example Amitabh Bachchan for Cadbury & Rani Mukherjee for Nestle, Amul can also use a brand ambassador for the promotion of its chocolates. Corresponding Strength: Amul has a huge turnover of around Rs 140 billion and is a financially strong company and has enough funds to carry out the needed advertising campaign and promotions. By spending a small percentage of revenue on advertising campaigns Amul can increase its market share to a large extent. ? Low rural penetration of chocolates: There is significant awareness of the Amul brand even in rural India. The company can leverage these launch cheaper brands targeted at the rural segment which has till now stayed away from chocolate consumption. Corresponding Strength: Amul has been marketing and supplying milk through a pan India distribution network. It has a strong distribution network in rural areas. Amul can leverage this strength and can launch cheaper products in rural market. Threats: ? Strong competition from foreign multi nationals: There is significant potential in the Indian chocolate industry which has been attracting international competition. Companies like Cadbury have been launching premium swiss chocolate brands. Also other premium chocolate brands like Ferrero Rocher are making their presence felt in India. Corresponding Weakness: Since â€Å"Amul† is mostly related to its milk products and has not made its presence felt strongly in the chocolate industry, its still far behind its competitors like Cadburys which is a very aggressive player in the chocolate industry. Amul faces tough competition and to handle the same it needs enormous marketing and advertising campaign and introduction of new chocolate products under its brand name. ? Low brand loyalty in chocolate industry: Chocolates are impulse purchases and compete with categories of soft drinks, snacks and other beverages. Although people may like a particular type of chocolate (dark, milk, white, etc. ) there is not a significant brand loyalty. Hence this presents a threat to established players in the market. Corresponding Weakness: Since Amul has significantly low popularity in chocolate industry and also people are picky while selecting a chocolate, there is not a single chocolate brand product under its brand which enjoys strong loyalty from consumer side. Also, people like to try different kinds of chocolates and are not necessarily inclined towards a single chocolate product. Since, Amul does not offer a large variety of chocolates; therefore it is at a weaker position in the chocolate industry. 13 Segmentation Geographic segmentation: Chocolate consumption is concentrated in urban areas of the country. Chocolate consumption in rural areas of the country may be considered negligible. Chocolates are still considered as a luxury product by the population and are hence consumed by the middle and the upper classes of society which reside in the towns, cities and metropolitan centres of the country. Amul chocolates are thus marketed in these areas of the country. Demographic segmentation: Amul chocolates are mostly segmented its consumers into various age groups like the children, adolescent and youth segments of the society. Since, chocolates are particularly liked by children and middle aged and older generations refrain from eating it citing health concerns due to high sugar content of chocolates. Targeting The brands of Amul chocolates like Fundooz, Bindaaz, Congrats etc. have been named to be attractive to the younger generation who use these words in their daily lexicon. There has been a strategy by the company to provide a young, dynamic and fun loving character to its chocolate through such branding. Amul chocolates also markets two brand namely Amul Cooking Chocolate which is targeted towards the homemakers and professional cooks and chefs. Positioning Positioning is the decision of how the brand wants to be perceived as by the target consumer group vis-a-vis competitors. Amul has positioned itself as an affordable, â€Å"value for money† chocolate. Since, it has mostly targeted kids and youth, it is still considered as a snack unlike cadbury’s product like Celebrations which is considered as gifting option. Amul has not positioned itself as an alternative to sweets or has not developed its product to actually cater to an emotional need. It is simply a chocolate available at a lower price. Marketing Mix Product Amul has a very low range of products in its chocolate business. There are only 8 chocolate brands that Amul offers as of now in the market and these are Congrats, Fundoo, Chocozo, 14 Bindaaz, Rejoice, Almond Bar, Fruits and Nut and Amul Cooking Chocolate. The problem is that there is no clear differentiation between the products that it offers. For example Cadburys is catering to a different need corresponding to its individual Chocolate product. ? ? ? ? ? Product Dairy Milk Dairy Milk Shots Bournville 5 Star Perk Need Milk Chocolate (Basic taste and style). Small balls of chocolate (Circular unlike chocolate bars) Dark Chocolate Sweeter in taste with honey as an ingredient Crispier with wafer inside However, Amul completely ignores such kind of differentiation between its products and hence their product can be easily substituted by their own products apart from the competitor’s product. Another important factor is packaging because majority of the consumers is kids and youngsters who like attractive packaging. Most kids buy chocolates not just because they like chocolates but also because of the attractive wrappers. Packaging used by Amul stands low on appearance parameter. Also, it lacks a common theme or â€Å"top of the mind† recall point. For example, Cadburys is strongly associated with blue wrapper and more than brown it’s the colour blue that we associate with a chocolate. As compared to this, Amul’s packaging is weak and lacks lustre. Amul needs to make changes to its product (chocolates) like introduction of more flavours and attractive packaging because the wrappers Amul uses is not at all attractive compared to those used by Cadbury and Nestle. This would keep them in competition with competitors like Cadbury and Nestle. 15 Pricing Second P of marketing that is Price is often confused with blindly lowering the prices of different products and completely relying on this strategy to increase sales. However it is of extreme importance to divide the target group on the basis of their price sensitivity and purchase power. Every customer segment has different price expectation from the product. To maximize the returns, it is important to identify the right price level for each segment and then progressively moving through them. Amul has launched various chocolate products to cater to different segments of population. Pricing must take into account the competitive and legal environment of the industry. Majority of people in India live in villages and have low disposable income. With such a heavy competition in the chocolate market, Price plays a very important role. Amul pricing strategy has been â€Å"Value for Money†. Amul’s believes in giving value for money to its customers and it has always followed that principle. Its products are of high quality and available at affordable prices. For example, Cadbury’s â€Å"Fruit n Nut† is priced at Rs 35 per 42 gm pouch whereas Amul’s Fruit and Nut is sold at just Rs 25 per 40 gm. Amul offers same quality at a price 30% lower than its competitor. Amul has not launched any premium (high price) product in its chocolate business. Place Place in marketing is considered as the channels of distribution through which products move from the manufacturer to the consumers. The channels of distribution mean intermediaries or middlemen who act as a link between the manufacturer and the consumers. Factors that need to be considered when choosing the place are the characteristics of the product, characteristics of the buyers, control and competitors channels. Since chocolate is an edible product, Amul should adopt an intensive distribution strategy wherein they will manufacture products and make it available at various shopping malls, food joints, local stores, Chocolate parlours etc. Corresponding to its strong distribution channels, Amul currently has very low visibility. It needs to increase the visibility through offering discount to retailers along with buybacks to convince them to store the Amul Chocolates. Since Amul is a â€Å"value for money† brand it can be placed anywhere from small kirana shops to big malls. Amul has a big brand name because of its dairy products. They can easily use it to increase the awareness of its chocolates using various distribution channels. 16 Promotion Promotion refers to exchange of information between an organization and the consumer of its products. Consumers here include Customers, shareholders, employees, government and other parties related to the products like trade union and media. The aim of promotion is to inform the consumers, differentiate from other products and to persuade them to buy. There are many techniques of promotion like Advertising, Sales promotions, Direct Marketing & Personal selling. Amul has been criticised for lack of promotion. Amul has a strong brand name because of its dairy product leadership. Amul must advertise its chocolates using media like newspaper, television and internet to inform the public about the quality & the price of its product. Amul has totally shifted its focus from chocolates towards milk and other milk products and have totally ignored chocolates. Using the mediums like Television and newspaper the company needs to remind the public that they are back with improved products at an affordable price. 17 Recommendations 1. Amul needs to introduce new varieties of chocolates and improve its existing ones. 2. They should introduce milk chocolates like Nestle’s Milky Bar, Chocolates with fruits and nuts like Cadbury has its Fruit and Nuts, Mint chocolates like Nestle’s After Eight etc.