Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Lolita: The Etymology of a Nymphet :: Essays Papers

Lolita: The Etymology of a Nymphet The tale Lolita concerns a relationship portrayed by fixation by a moderately aged man, Humbert, for a prepubescent young lady, Lolita. This anecdotal relationship has been a wellspring of numerous inquiries concerning what the author, Vladimir Nabokov, had at the top of the priority list when he composed the novel. In this manner, the novel has been taken a gander at from various perspectives in endeavoring to think of what it depicts. Humbert, in his fancy depiction of Lolita, utilizes nymphet to allude not exclusively to her yet additionally to different young ladies of her age and attributes. Young ladies that came his way before Lolita, he depicts as nymphets as well. The reason for this investigation will be to find what precisely Humbert alludes to as a nymphet in the novel Lolita according to the sort of picture the present society sees as a nymphet with the objective of building up whether the novel depicts the impact of a nymphet. It will endeavor to discover the similitudes and contrasts between the picture of a nymphet that Lolita depicts and the genuine picture of today. The historical backdrop of nymphet in English doesn't go past 1955 when the novel Lolita was distributed in light of the fact that its first use is in the novel. It was brought into English by Mr. Humbert himself. Through his remarkable sexual recognition, Humbert depicts the conduct or the explicitly baiting capacity of young ladies as unnatural or nymphic: Presently I wish to present the accompanying thought. Between the age furthest reaches of nine and fourteen there happen ladies who, to certain charmed voyagers, twice or ordinarily more established than they, uncover their actual nature which isn't human, however nymphic (that is, demoniac); and these picked animals I propose to assign as nymphets (16) Nymphic is descriptive for the thing 'fairy' and the Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia characterizes sprites to be, in Greek and Roman folklore, lesser divinities or spirits of nature, staying in forests and wellsprings, timberlands, glades, streams, and the ocean, spoke to as mortal and wonderful animals that were at times love articles to olympian ladies, attached to music and moving. They could likewise be wrathful and damaging, a character that will be appeared to neutralize Humbert, not genuinely, yet inwardly. Humbert's picture of a nymphet is upgraded by the contemplations and recollections of Annabel that he harbors. He considers Lolita to be a rebirth of Annabel: It was a similar kid - a similar delicate, nectar toned shoulders, the equivalent smooth graceful without any protection, a similar chestnut head of hair (39). Lolita: The Etymology of a Nymphet :: Essays Papers Lolita: The Etymology of a Nymphet The epic Lolita concerns a relationship portrayed by fixation by a moderately aged man, Humbert, for a prepubescent young lady, Lolita. This anecdotal relationship has been a wellspring of numerous inquiries with respect to what the author, Vladimir Nabokov, had at the top of the priority list when he composed the novel. In this way, the novel has been taken a gander at from various viewpoints in endeavoring to concoct what it depicts. Humbert, in his extravagant depiction of Lolita, utilizes nymphet to allude not exclusively to her yet in addition to different young ladies of her age and qualities. Young ladies that came his way before Lolita, he depicts as nymphets as well. The reason for this investigation will be to find what precisely Humbert alludes to as a nymphet in the novel Lolita comparable to the sort of picture the present society sees as a nymphet with the objective of setting up whether the novel depicts the impact of a nymphet. It will endeavor to discover the likenesses and contrasts between the picture of a nymphet that Lolita depicts and the genuine picture of today. The historical backdrop of nymphet in English doesn't go past 1955 when the novel Lolita was distributed on the grounds that its first use is in the novel. It was brought into English by Mr. Humbert himself. Through his exceptional sexual recognition, Humbert portrays the conduct or the explicitly attracting capacity of young ladies as unnatural or nymphic: Presently I wish to present the accompanying thought. Between the age furthest reaches of nine and fourteen there happen ladies who, to certain charmed explorers, twice or ordinarily more established than they, uncover their actual nature which isn't human, however nymphic (that is, demoniac); and these picked animals I propose to assign as nymphets (16) Nymphic is descriptive for the thing 'fairy' and the Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia characterizes sprites to be, in Greek and Roman folklore, lesser divinities or spirits of nature, staying in forests and wellsprings, woods, knolls, streams, and the ocean, spoke to as mortal and excellent animals that were now and again love articles to olympian ladies, partial to music and moving. They could likewise be wrathful and dangerous, a character that will be appeared to neutralize Humbert, not truly, yet inwardly. Humbert's picture of a nymphet is upgraded by the musings and recollections of Annabel that he harbors. He considers Lolita to be a rebirth of Annabel: It was a similar youngster - a similar slight, nectar tinted shoulders, the equivalent velvety graceful without any protection, a similar chestnut head of hair (39).

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Design and analysis (aerodynamics) of the new engine cover for open Lab Report

Plan and investigation (streamlined features) of the new motor spread for open wheel climb race vehicle in by utilizing CFD (computational liquid elements). [2500 words] - Lab Report Example From the start, the examination will rotate around the models of choppiness like Shear Stress Transport (SST) and Spalart Allmaras (SA). These models are the most appropriate for the Computational Fluid Dynamics examine. Practically speaking, the Spalart Allmaras (SA) model admirably produce great Computational Fluid Dynamics recreations according to execution on the expense and security. The model is appropriate for networks without structure. Be that as it may, Shear Stress Transport (SST) is based on k-epsilon and k-omega baselines. K-epsilon is for the pieces of the body that are somewhat a long way from the divider while K-omega model is pertinent on the parts close to dividers. The plan model, will have a structure of low level motor spreads for the new vehicle in a method of chopping down the territory at the front of the vehicle. Based on the nature science, the new model is made in a method of diminishing the coefficient of the drag as one of the streamlined powers. This on the presumption that the motor spread is equipped for lessening the drag because of a diminished territory at the front of the vehicle. The little zone at the front incited by low tallness motor spread guides in diminishing the pieces of vortices and disturbance close to the motor spreads and cockpits. Along these lines, the back wing is fit for building up an abundance descending power, on condition the stream is nonstop. The fundamental certainty in this manner is information on the most ideal approach to diminish the vortices and choppiness (complex stream). The lab was additionally powerful in perfoming Computational Fluid Dynamics reproduction on the head protector. This is the main plan set up in the process which incorpiorates the motor spread as a method of exploring the locales of stream close to the cockpit in each area. The structure of the subsequent vehicle is planned for finding new ways on premise of high slope motor spread. In agreement to the main reproduction result, flimsy wind stream is created. A high

Friday, August 14, 2020

Summer on the West Coast

Summer on the West Coast A couple of weeks ago, I flew thousands of miles across our wonderful country to visit the great state of California!  Growing up on Long Island, I didnt have much (any) exposure to the West Coast, and it was incredible traveling to Los Angeles and dipping my toes in the Pacific Ocean! I traveled all the way to California to visit my boyfriend, Herbert M. 15, who is working at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for the second summer in a row.  His major is Course 16, or Aerospace and Astrological Engineering, so his project involves a bunch of super secret space stuff.  Herbert actually gave me a tour of his lab and the JPL campus, and it was absolutely incredible! JPL is a research and development center as well as a NASA field center in Pasadena, California.  Pasadena is about an hour bus ride away from Los Angeles.  Caltech, which is only a short drive away from JPL, manages JPL, and many students participate in Caltech-JPL research.  The program that Herbert took part in is one of the Caltech-JPL programs.  This entails living and hanging out at Caltech, and then he takes a shuttle with a lot of other students each day to JPL.  There is also a Caltech-JPL tiny shuttle that runs back and forth between each campus everyday on each hour.  Quite a few MIT students go each year to work at JPL, although not all of them end up staying on Caltech campus. At JPL, the focus is on creating robots that go into space, like the one that Herbert is working on.  Some of the major projects at JPL include the Mars Science Laboratory mission, which includes Curiosity, as well as the Mars Exploration Rovers.  Herbert actually got to watch the landing of Curiosity  last summer while in California, and he says that he still tears up when we watch videos of that day, it was that incredible and exciting. After an awesome tour of Herberts lab, I got a chance to see the rest of campus. This included a sneak peak into a video that showed us pictures of space things, a look at the space museum, and an adventure into the field where scientists test the Mars rovers.  After a tour, we went on our way. Not before taking a picture in front of the NASA/JPL sign, though. After visiting JPL, we hurried on our way to take a quick tour of Caltechs campus and then head out to Los Angeles. Caltechs campus was beautiful!  THERE WAS A TURTLE POND! I really like turtles!!  There also were some other nice fountains! We also visited the Caltech Cannon! Notice anything different between the cannon in our picture and this picture below posted to the website www.howeandser.com from 2006? There are chains on the one I took a few weeks ago, and the one from 2006 is in front of the Green Building here at MIT! Something quite wonderful happened in the year 2006. Some MIT students decided to go all the way to California to pay our friends at Caltech a visit.  The MIT students dressed up as movers from the Howe Ser moving company and removed the cannon  from Caltech, showing Caltech security guards phony work orders.  A week later, the cannon appeared on MIT campus with a brass rat  on its neck and a plaque thanking Howe Ser for its wonderful moving job.  A few days later, some Caltech students showed up with a moving truck to get their cannon back.  The students were met by MIT students who invited them to hang out and helped them gather their things and pack up the  cannon. Exactly twenty years before this act, Harvey Mudd, Caltechs local rival engineering school, also stole the Caltech cannon.  Therefore, after retrieving the cannon back from MIT, the Caltech students decided to put chains on the cannon so that they dont have to worry about it getting stolen again. So it was exciting to see the infamous Caltech cannon, even though it was not on our campus, and it made us really happy that we have scared the Caltech students into keeping their cannon chained up. Even though we make fun of the school as a part of the Caltech-MIT rivalry, the Caltech students were really awesome!  I got to visit my good friend Kurtis (Caltech 16) who lives in Ricketts House, and Herbert introduced me to a lot of people from the dorm he has lived in the past two summers, Blacker House.  The houses at Caltech are similar to MIT in that they also all have different cultures, and I really enjoyed meeting and hanging out with the people there.  A bunch of people from Blacker even took Herbert and I camping in the desert, and it was absolutely beautiful there. The campsite was actually on a dried-up lakebed, so the ground was really cool and flakey! We didnt just spend time with the Blacker/Caltech kids, though; we had to be super touristy since it was my first time in California! So of course, Herbert and I made out way out to Hollywood to see the Chinese Theater and Walk of Fame. IT WAS SO GREAT We were walking on these beautiful stars with names on them! I dont know much about celebrities or movies at all, but it was still great and I loved being a tourist! We even got to see the Hollywood Sign! After a wonderful night of being tourists, we spent our Friday at Venice and Santa Monica beach and got ready to visit my cousin Brad who lives in Santa Monica! Venice beach was so cool!  There was an amazing boardwalk with street performers and artists and tons of little shops.  However, once we got to Santa Monica I was truly blown away by the beauty of the beach. There was even a giant playground for grownups where people could swing and do these crazy monkey bars and slackline! And once we walked far enough, we found the Santa Monica Pier! Herbert and I walked around, ate some ice cream, and eventually decided to play some games.  We tried the game where you need to knock over some boxes off a table, but that didnt go so well after five tries.  So then we went to the booth where you have to pop the balloons.  We got six tries, and he convinced me to start.  I threw three in a row and popped all three!  I told him to try, and he tried and missed, so I tried twice more and hit one of them and missed the other.  I won us prizes! I got Herbert a little blue fish and I got a little blue monkey holding a banana for myself. After visiting the pier, we visited my cousin, Brad, and his girlfriend, Rachel.  Brad has been living out in California since he went to grad school out there, and it was great seeing him! Also HE HAD KITTENS!! Grendall and Loki Kittens are really great :) They were so playful and crazy! For dinner, we went out to the Third Street Promenade, which was absolutely gorgeous!  We went to this amazing taco place called Blue Plate Taco where Rachel and I (the vegetarians of the group) got these fantastic little veggie tacos with truffle oil.  These past few days Ive really missed these little tacos and I hope that I can go back there one day soon! Speaking of good food, our last night together in California, Herbert and I took a journey into Old Pasadena, where there were so many great places to eat! After an amazing showing of Despicable Me 2, we went to this awesome Asian Fusion restaurant called One-Six-Eight.  It was so yummy! I got a veggie tofu pad thai and it tasted like heaven.  Even Herbert tried a (mostly) vegetarian dish and really enjoyed it! All in all, this was an incredible adventure to the west coast of America, and I learned about all the cool things I could potentially do during future summers!  I really thought that I wanted to spend my summer in Israel next year, but California is so beautiful and there are so many different opportunities out there for MIT students and for other people interested in science and technology.  Additionally, I learned more about what I want to do when I grow up travel.

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Ministers Black Veil Essays Father Hooper - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1120 Downloads: 3 Date added: 2019/07/01 Category Literature Essay Level High school Tags: The Minister's Black Veil Essay Did you like this example? The Ministers Black Veil is a short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne thats all about guilt, sin, hypocrisy, and love. This story holds a powerful message which through many, or most of the events in it you would have to form your own understandings and ideas. The Ministers Black Veil is a story which illustrates moral and spiritual lessons. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Ministers Black Veil Essays: Father Hooper" essay for you Create order Throughout this essay I will more so be talking about the main character Hooper, his experiences, peoples judgement, as well as my notion of the meaning and reason for the decision he made which he would stick with for the rest of his life. Parson Hooper shows up to church one morning with a black veil covering the features of his face. Right away, people begin whispering about why this man is wearing a black veil. The people didnt believe it was their minister at first and thought it might be another. Once they realized it was their minster the people began to think he had gone mad while others said he might be covering up a bad sin. In time children became scared of him and adults continued to speak about him making their own assumptions about why he covered his face with a black veil. Despite the fact people are curious about it, no one ever had the courage to directly ask him why he decided to suddenly wear a veil. The only person who ever asked him directly why he wore it was his fiancee, Elizabeth. He would not ever tell her why he did let alone anyone else, he always kept to himself about it. This caused their relationship to go downhill and Elizabeth couldnt handle not knowing why he didnt want to show his face to her or atleast explain why he decided to do that. She ended up leaving him because of it although she did love him. Most people begin distancing themselves and they started treating him as if he was a sinner and had done something terrible, most people grew terrified of him for wearing a black veil because of what they thought might be behind it. From him people started to see their own sins and many began to go see him to confess their sins. Other dying sinners weeping aloud for him until they had seen him, some just came from long distances to attend his service with the purpose of gazing at his figure since it was forbidden to see his face. The thing Parson was most afraid of was someone, anyone looking behind his veil, that included himself. He never dared to look at himself for he didnt want people to see him as he seen himself. After he made the decision to cover his face and for no one to see it no matter who it might be it also included himself but mistakenly he caught a glimpse of himself. When Mr.Hooper attended a wedding service, people became astonished as soon as they laid eyes on him, figuring he was the minister by his clothing the people of the wedding became upset, afraid, and confused. They felt that it was inappropriate to wear a black veil to a wedding as a minister. Parson raised his glass of wine to take a sip celebrating the couples marriage and as he raised his glass he caught a glimpse of himself. The black veil hanging over his face, wrapped around his forehead hanging down low it moved from the air of his breath. At that instant seeing his own reflection and the horror that overwhelmed all other people he became overwhelmed himself as he dropped his glass and ran into the night. The day after all the townspeople were talking about him and the mystery under the black veil, meeting up at different spots to speak about him from the night before and the meaning behind the face covering. Some people thought he wore the veil to cover up a really bad sin he had done, he had gone mad, was absent minded, or was ashamed of something but no one ever knew the real reason behind it. When Mr.Hooper was much older, in the hospital, and knew it was his time he began to realize all the things that piece of crepe had put between him and his world. He thought about how it separated him from loving his wife, brotherhood, happiness, his own heart, and kept him sad and apart from the world and himself. Through it all Elizabeth was there at his bedside and another minister to see if he was ready for his veil to be removed since he didnt have much time left. The minister asked if he was ready to lift his veil which would shut in time for eternity. He said he was ready to take it off but seemed hesitant and as he proceeded to remove it he felt a sudden energy and snatched both his hands from beneath the bed, and pressed them forcefully against the black veil, he began to yell that he would never remove the veil or show his face to anyone even after death. He starts asking everyone in the room why they would only be terrified of him and not everyone to each other since they all have secret sins. He says that because of his veil adults and children were terrified of him and men avoided him because of the symbol underneath his veil, under their assumptions which he would live and die beneath. As he looks around he explains to everyone that he sees a black veil in all people and every pe rson has a secret sin theyre ashamed of so he doesnt understand why hes feared and judged for having something all people have. In the end he basically lets the people in the room know that he feels he shouldnt let go of what he believes after all he went through with people. How men would distance themselves from him, woman and children were terrified with the assumptions made about what might be under his veil. He never tells anyone the actual reason he wears the veil but he does tell everyone in the end they all have sins and everyone fears him for that reason as he hides his sins with his veil and everyone else hides their sins so why is he being judged the way he is. I believe he just wants them to understand that they all have sins and he shouldnt be judged and terrified of for the way he handles his and what he did because everyone has their sins that they would not want to tell to anyone because theyre scared and ashamed of them.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

What Is Needed to Install Wind Turbines for Power Generation at Home Free Essay Example, 4250 words

Before starting the marketing process, an organization needs to analyze the internal, micro and macro environments of its business. The macro environment consists of four main factors, namely, Political, Economical, Social and Technological. PEST stands for these. It is sometimes referred to as STEP analysis also. Business leaders use PEST Analysis for decision making and to assess marketing and business development. (Pest Analysis: What is Pest Analysis. 2009). The concept of PEST has now been extended to PESTEL or PESTLE analysis by adding two more parameters namely the legal and environmental factors. The PESTLE analysis is a more in-depth analysis of your company than the standard PEST analysis. PESTLE not only evaluates the Political, Economic, Social, and Technological factors affecting the success of your business, but also the Legal and Environmental factors. It is a crucial test for understanding the environment surrounding your business and managing it to your advantage. - Political: Political factors are mostly government policies and other legal issues such as tax policy, employment regulations, environmental laws, trade restrictions, tariffs, political permanence of various governments of the country etc. - Economical: These are often closely related to political factors. We will write a custom essay sample on What Is Needed to Install Wind Turbines for Power Generation at Home or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page It includes intellectual property issues, competing for technology development, the maturity of the technology, consumer buying mechanisms, patents and licensing, replacement technology, information, and communication etc. Research funding also falls into this.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Forward the Foundation Chapter 26 Free Essays

16 Raych, Manella, and little Bellis were waiting at the spaceport. The hypership was preparing for liftoff and the three had already checked their baggage. Raych said, â€Å"Dad, come along with us. We will write a custom essay sample on Forward the Foundation Chapter 26 or any similar topic only for you Order Now † Seldon shook his head. â€Å"I cannot.† â€Å"If you change your mind, we will always have a place for you.† â€Å"I know it, Raych. We’ve been together for almost forty years-and they’ve been good years. Dors and I were lucky to find you.† â€Å"I’m the lucky one.† His eyes filled with tears. â€Å"Don’t think I don’t think of Mother every day.† â€Å"Yes.† Seldon looked away miserably. Wanda was playing with Bellis when the call rang out for everyone to board the hypership. They did, after a tearful last embrace of Wanda by her parents. Raych looked back to wave at Seldon and to try to plant a crooked smile on his face. Seldon waved and one hand moved out blindly to embrace Wanda’s shoulders. She was the only one left. One by one through his long life, he had lost his friends and those he had loved. Demerzel had left, never to return; Emperor Cleon was gone; his beloved Dors was gone; his faithful friend Yugo Amaryl was gone; and now Raych, his only son, was gone as well. He was left only with Wanda. 11 Hari Seldon said, â€Å"It is beautiful outside-a marvelous evening. Considering that we live under a dome, you would think we would have beautiful weather like this every evening.† Wanda said indifferently, â€Å"We would grow tired of it, Grandpa, if it were beautiful all the time. A little change from night to night is good for us.† â€Å"For you, because you’re young, Wanda. You have many, many evenings ahead of you. I don’t. I want more good ones.† â€Å"Now, Grandpa, you’re not old. Your leg is doing well and your mind m as sharp as ever. I know. â€Å" â€Å"Sure. Go ahead. Make me feel better.† He then said with an air of discomfort, â€Å"I want to walk. I want to get out of this tiny apartment and take a walk to the Library and enjoy this beautiful evening.† â€Å"What do you want at the Library?† â€Å"At the moment, nothing. I want the walk. But†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Yes. But?† â€Å"I promised Raych I wouldn’t go walking around Trantor without a bodyguard.† â€Å"Raych isn’t here.† â€Å"I know,† mumbled Seldon â€Å"but a promise is a promise.† â€Å"He didn’t say who the bodyguard should be, did he? Let’s go for a walk and I’ll be your bodyguard.† â€Å"You?† Seldon grinned. â€Å"Yes, me. I hereby volunteer my services. Get yourself ready and we’ll go for a walk.† Seldon was amused. He had half a mind to go without his cane, since his leg was scarcely painful of late, but, on the other hand, he had a new cane, one in which the head had been filled with lead. It was both heavier and stronger than his old cane and, if he was going to have none other than Wanda as a bodyguard, he thought he had better bring his new cane. The walk was delightful and Seldon was terribly glad he had given in to the temptation-until they reached a certain spot. Seldon lifted his cane in a mixture of anger and resignation and said, â€Å"Look at that!† Wanda lifted her eyes. The dome was glowing, as it always did in the evening, in order to lend an air of first twilight. It grew darker as night went on, of course. What Seldon was pointing at, however, was a strip of darkness along the dome. A section of lights had gone out. Seldon said, â€Å"When I first came to Trantor, anything like that was unthinkable. There were people tending the lights at all times. The city worked, but now it is falling apart in all these little ways and what bothers me most is that no one cares. Why aren’t there petitions to the Imperial Palace? Why aren’t there meetings of indignation? It is as though the people of Trantor expect the city to be falling apart and then they find themselves annoyed with me because I am pointing out that this is exactly what is happening.† Wanda said softly, â€Å"Grandpa, there are two men behind us.† They had walked into the shadows beneath the broken dome lights and Seldon asked, â€Å"Are they just walking?† â€Å"No.† Wanda did not look at them. She did not have to. â€Å"They’re after you.† â€Å"Can you stop them-push them?† â€Å"I’m trying, but there are two and they are determined. It’s-it’s like pushing a wall.† â€Å"How far behind me are they?† â€Å"About three meters.† â€Å"Closing in?† â€Å"Yes, Grandpa.† â€Å"Tell me when they’re a meter behind me.† He slid his hand down his cane till he was holding the thin end, leaving the leaded head swinging free. â€Å"Now, Grandpa!† hissed Wanda. And Seldon turned, swinging his cane. It came down hard upon the shoulder of one of the men behind him, who went down with a scream, writhing on the pavement. Seldon said, â€Å"Where’s the other guy?† â€Å"He took off.† Seldon looked down on the man on the ground and put his foot on his chest. He said, â€Å"Go through his pockets, Wanda. Someone must have paid him and I’d like to find his credit file-perhaps I can identify where they came from.† He added thoughtfully, â€Å"I meant to hit him on the head.† â€Å"You’d have killed him, Grandpa.† Seldon nodded. â€Å"It’s what I wanted to do. Rather shameful. I’m lucky I missed.† A harsh voice said, â€Å"What is all this?† A figure in uniform came running up, perspiring. â€Å"Give me that cane, you!† â€Å"Officer,† said Seldon mildly. â€Å"You can give me your story later. We’ve got to call an ambulance for this poor man.† â€Å"Poor man, † said Seldon angrily. â€Å"He was going to assault me. I acted in self-defense.† â€Å"I saw it happen,† said the security officer. â€Å"This guy never laid a finger on you. You turned on him and struck him without provocation. That’s not self-defense. That’s assault and battery.† â€Å"Officer, I’m telling you that-â€Å" â€Å"Don’t tell me anything. You can tell it in court.† Wanda said in a sweet small voice, â€Å"Officer, if you will just listen to us-â€Å" The officer said, â€Å"You go along home, young lady.† Wanda drew herself up. â€Å"I most certainly won’t, Officer. Where my grandfather goes, there go I.† Her eyes flashed and the security officer muttered, â€Å"Well, come along, then.† 18 Seldon was enraged. â€Å"I’ve never been in custody before in my entire life. A couple of months ago eight men assaulted me. I was able to fight them off with the help of my son, but while that was going on was there a security officer in sight? Did people stop to help me? No. This time, I’m better prepared and I knocked a man flat who had been about to assault me. Was there a security officer in sight? Absolutely. She put the collar on me. There were people watching, too, and they were amused at seeing an old man being taken in for assault and battery. What kind of world do we live on?† Civ Novker, Seldon’s lawyer, sighed and said calmly, â€Å"A corrupt world, but don’t worry. Nothing will happen to you. I’ll get you out on bail and then, eventually, you’ll come back for trial before a jury of your peers and the most you’ll get-the very most-are some hard words from the bench. Your age and your reputation-â€Å" â€Å"Forget my reputation,† said Seldon, still angry. â€Å"I’m a psychohistorian and, at the present time, that is a dirty word. They’ll be glad to see me in jail.† â€Å"No, they won’t,† said Novker. â€Å"There may be some screwballs who have it in for you, but I’ll see to it that none of them gets on the jury.† Wanda said, â€Å"Do we really have to subject my grandfather to all this? He’s not a young man anymore. Can’t we just appear before the magistrate and not bother with a jury trial?† The lawyer turned to her. â€Å"It can be done. If you’re insane, maybe. Magistrates are impatient power-mad people who would just as soon put a person into jail for a year as listen to him. No one goes up before a magistrate.† â€Å"I think we should,† said Wanda. Seldon said, â€Å"Well now, Wanda, I think we ought to listen to Civ-† But as he said that, he felt a strong churning in his abdomen. It was Wanda’s â€Å"push.† Seldon said, â€Å"Well-if you insist.† â€Å"She can’t insist,† said the lawyer. â€Å"I won’t allow it.† Wanda said, â€Å"My grandfather is your client. If he wants something done his way, you’ve got to do it.† â€Å"I can refuse to represent him.† â€Å"Well then, leave,† said Wanda sharply, â€Å"and we’ll face the magistrate alone.† Novker thought and said, â€Å"Very well, then-if you’re going to be so adamant. I’ve represented Hari for years and I suppose I won’t abandon him now. But I warn you, the chances are he’ll get a jail sentence and I’ll have to work like the devil to get it lifted-if I can do it.at all.† â€Å"I’m not afraid,† said Wanda. Seldon bit his lip and the lawyer turned to him. â€Å"What about you? Are you willing to let your granddaughter call the shots?† Seldon thought a bit, then admitted, much to the old lawyer’s surprise, â€Å"Yes. Yes, I am.† 19 The magistrate looked sourly at Seldon as he gave his story. The magistrate said, â€Å"What makes you think it was the intention of this man you struck to attack you? Did he strike you? Did he threaten you? Did he in any way place you under bodily fear?† â€Å"My granddaughter was aware of his approach and was quite certain that he was planning to attack me.† â€Å"Surely, sir, that cannot be enough. Is there anything else you can tell me before I pass judgment?† â€Å"Well now, wait a while,† said Seldon indignantly. â€Å"Don’t pass judgment so quickly. I was assaulted a few weeks ago by eight men whom I held off with the help of my son. So, you see, I have reason to think that I might be assaulted again.† The magistrate shuffled his papers. â€Å"Assaulted by eight men. Did you report that?† â€Å"There were no security officers around. Not one.† â€Å"Aside from the point. Did you report it?† â€Å"No, sir.† â€Å"Why not?† â€Å"For one thing, I was afraid of getting into long drawn-out legal proceedings. Since we had driven off eight men and were safe, it seemed useless to ask for more trouble.† â€Å"How did you manage to ward off eight men just you and your son?† Seldon hesitated. â€Å"My son is now on Santanni and outside Trantorian control. Thus, I can tell you that he had Dahlite knives and was expert in their use. He killed one man and badly hurt two others. The rest ran, carrying off the dead and wounded.† â€Å"But did you not report the death of a man and the wounding of two others?† â€Å"No, sir. Same reason as before. And we fought in self-defense. However, if you can track down the three dead and wounded, you will have evidence that we were attacked.† The magistrate said, â€Å"Track down one dead and two wounded nameless faceless Trantorians? Are you aware that on Trantor over two thousand people are found dead every day-by knife wounds alone. Unless these things are reported to us at once, we are helpless. Your story of being assaulted once before will not hold water. What we must do is deal with the events of today, which were reported and which had a security officer as a witness. â€Å"So, let’s consider the situation as of now. Why do you think the fellow was going to attack? Simply because you happened to be passing by? Because you seemed old and defenseless? Because you looked like you might be carrying a great deal of credits? What do you think?† â€Å"I think, Magistrate, it was because of who I am.† The magistrate looked at his papers. â€Å"You are Hari Seldon, a professor and a scholar. Why should that make you subject to assault, particularly?† â€Å"Because of my views.† â€Å"Your views. Well-† The magistrate shuffled some papers perfunctorily. Suddenly he stopped and looked up, peering at Seldon. â€Å"Wait-Hari Seldon.† A look of recognition spread across his face. â€Å"You’re the psychohistory buff, aren’t you?† â€Å"Yes, Magistrate.† â€Å"I’m sorry. I don’t know anything about it except the name and the fact that you go around predicting the end of the Empire or something like that.† â€Å"Not quite, Magistrate. But my views have become unpopular because they are proving to be true. I believe it is for that reason that there are those who want to assault me or, even more likely, are being paid to assault me.† The magistrate stared at Seldon and then called over the arresting security officer. â€Å"Did you check up on the man who was hurt? Does he have a record?† The security officer cleared her throat. â€Å"Yes, sir. He’s been arrested several times. Assault, mugging.† â€Å"Oh, he’s a repeat offender, is he? And does the professor have a record?† â€Å"No, sir.† â€Å"So we have an old and innocent man fighting off a known mugger-and you arrest the old and innocent man. Is that it?† The security officer was silent. The magistrate said, â€Å"You may go, Professor.† â€Å"Thank you, sir. May I have my cane?† The magistrate snapped his fingers at the officer, who handed over the cane. â€Å"But one thing, Professor,† said the magistrate. â€Å"If you use that cane again, you had better be absolutely certain you can prove it was in self-defense. Otherwise-â€Å" â€Å"Yes, sir.† And Hari Seldon left the magistrate’s chambers, leaning heavily on his cane but with his head held high. 20 Wanda was crying bitterly, her face wet with tears, her eyes red, her cheeks swollen. Hari Seldon hovered over her, patting her on the back, not knowing quite how to comfort her. â€Å"Grandpa, I’m a miserable failure. I thought I could push people and I could when they didn’t mind being pushed too much, like Mom and Dad-and even then it took a long time. I even worked out a rating system of sorts, based on a ten-point scale-sort of a mental pushing power gauge. Only I assumed too much. I assumed that I was a ten, or at least a nine. But now I realize that, at most, I rate a seven.† Wanda’s crying had stopped and she sniffed occasionally as Hari stroked her hand. â€Å"Usually-usually-I have no trouble. If I concentrate, I can hear people’s thoughts and when I want, I push them. But those muggers! I could hear them all right, but there was nothing I could do to push them away.† â€Å"I thought you did very well, Wanda.† â€Å"I didn’t. I had a fan-fantasy. I thought people would come up behind you and in one mighty push I’d send them flying. That way I was going to be your bodyguard. That’s why I offered to be your bod-bodyguard. Only I wasn’t. Those two guys came up and I couldn’t do a thing.† â€Å"But you could. You made the first man hesitate. That gave me a chance to turn and clobber him.† â€Å"No no. I had nothing to do with it. All I could do was warn you he was there and you did the rest.† â€Å"The second man ran away.† â€Å"Because you clobbered the first guy. I had nothing to do with it.† She broke out again in tears of frustration. â€Å"And then the magistrate. I insisted on the magistrate. I thought I would push and he would let you go at once.† â€Å"He did let me go and it was practically at once.† â€Å"No. He put you through a miserable routine and saw the light only when he realized who you were. I had nothing to do with it. I flopped everywhere. I could have gotten you into so much trouble.† â€Å"No, I refuse to accept that, Wanda. If your pushing didn’t work quite as well as you had hoped it would, it was only because you were working under emergency conditions. You couldn’t have helped it. But, Wanda, look-I have an idea.† Catching the excitement in his voice, she looked up. â€Å"What kind of idea, Grandpa?† â€Å"Well, it’s like this, Wanda. You probably realize that I’ve got to have credits. Psychohistory simply can’t continue without it and I cannot bear the thought of having it all come to nothing after so many years of hard work.† â€Å"I can’t bear it, either. But how can we get the credits?† â€Å"Well, I’m going to request an audience with the Emperor again. I’ve seen him once already and he’s a good man and I like him. But he’s not exactly drowning in wealth. However, if I take you with me and if you push him-gently-it may be that he will find a source of credits, some source somewhere, and keep me going for a while, till I can think of something else.† â€Å"Do you really think it will work, Grandpa?† â€Å"Not without you. But with you-maybe. Come, isn’t it worth trying?† Wanda smiled. â€Å"You know I’ll do anything you ask, Grandpa. Besides, it’s our only hope.† 21 It was not difficult to see the Emperor. Agis’s eyes sparkled as he greeted Hari Seldon. â€Å"Hello, old friend,† he said. â€Å"Have you come to bring me bad luck?† â€Å"I hope not,† said Seldon. Agis unhooked the elaborate cloak he was wearing and, with a weary grunt, threw it into the corner of the room, saying, â€Å"And you lie there.† He looked at Seldon and shook his head. â€Å"I hate that thing. It’s as heavy as sin and as hot as blazes. I always have to wear it when I’m being smothered under meaningless words, standing there upright like a carved image. It’s just plain horrible. Cleon was born to it and he had the appearance for it. I was not and I don’t. It’s just my misery that I’m a third cousin of his on my mother’s side so that I qualified as Emperor. I’d be glad to sell it for a very small sum. Would you like to be Emperor, Hari?† â€Å"No no, I wouldn’t dream of it, so don’t get your hopes up,† said Seldon, laughing. â€Å"But tell me, who is this extraordinarily beautiful young woman you have brought with you today?† Wanda flushed and the Emperor said genially, â€Å"You mustn’t let me embarrass you, my dear. One of the few perquisites** an Emperor possesses is the right to say anything he chooses. No one can object or argue about it. They can only say, ‘Sire.’ However, I don’t want any ‘Sires’ from you. I hate that word. Call me Agis. That is not my birth name, either. It’s my Imperial name and I’ve got to get used to it. So†¦ tell me what’s doing, Hari. What’s been happening to you since the last time we met?† Seldon said briefly, â€Å"I’ve been attacked twice.† The Emperor didn’t seem to be sure whether this was a joke or not. He said, â€Å"Twice? Really?† The Emperor’s face darkened as Seldon told the story of the assaults. â€Å"I suppose there wasn’t a security officer around when those eight men threatened you.† â€Å"Not one.† The Emperor rose from his chair and gestured at the other two to keep theirs. He walked back and forth, as though he were trying to work off some anger. Then he turned and faced Seldon. â€Å"For thousands of years,† he began, â€Å"whenever something like this happened, people would say, ‘Why don’t we appeal to the Emperor?’ or `Why doesn’t the Emperor do something?’ And, in the end, the Emperor can do something and does do something, even if it isn’t always the intelligent thing to do. But I†¦ Hari, I’m powerless. Absolutely powerless. â€Å"Oh yes, there is the so-called Commission of Public Safety, but they seem more concerned with my safety than that of the public. It’s a wonder we’re having this audience at all, for you are not at all popular with the Commission. â€Å"There’s nothing I can do about anything. Do you know what’s happened to the status of the Emperor since the fall of the junta and the restoration of-hah!-Imperial power?† â€Å"I think I do.† â€Å"I’ll bet you don’t-fully. We’ve got democracy now. Do you know what democracy is?† â€Å"Certainly.† Agis frowned. He said, â€Å"I’ll bet you think it’s a good thing.† â€Å"I think it can be a good thing.† â€Å"Well, there you are. It isn’t. It’s completely upset the Empire. â€Å"Suppose I want to order more officers onto the streets of Trantor. In the old days, I would pull over a piece of paper prepared for me by the Imperial Secretary and would sign it with a flourish-and there would be more security officers. â€Å"Now I can’t do anything of the sort. I have to put it before the Legislature. There are seventy-five hundred men and women who instantly turn into uncounted gaggles of geese the instant a suggestion is made. In the first place, where is the funding to come from? You can’t have, say, ten thousand more officers without having to pay ten thousand more salaries. Then, even if you agreed to something of the sort, who selects the new security officers? Who controls them? â€Å"The Legislature shouts at each other, argues, thunders, and lightens, and in the end-nothing is done. Hari, I couldn’t even do as small a thing as fix the broken dome lights you noticed. How much will it cost? Who’s in charge? Oh, the lights will be fixed, but it can easily take a few months to do it. That’s democracy.† Hari Seldon said, â€Å"As I recall, the Emperor Cleon was forever complaining that he could not do what he wished to do.† â€Å"The Emperor Cleon,† said Agis impatiently, â€Å"had two first-class First Ministers-Demerzel and yourself-and you each labored to keep Cleon from doing anything foolish. I have seventy-five hundred First Ministers, all of whom are foolish from start to finish. But surely, Hari, you haven’t come to complain to me about the attacks.† â€Å"No, I haven’t. Something much worse. Sire-Agis-I need credits.† The Emperor stared at him. â€Å"After what I’ve been telling you, Hari? I have no credits. Oh yes, there’re credits to run this establishment, of course, but in order to get them I have to face my seventy-five hundred legislators. If you think I can go to them and say, `I want credits for my friend, Hari Seldon’ and if you think I’ll get one quarter of what I ask for in anything less than two years, you’re crazy. It won’t happen.† He shrugged and said, more gently, â€Å"Don’t get me wrong, Hari. I would like to help you if I could. I would particularly like to help you for the sake of your granddaughter. Looking at her makes me feel as though I should give you all the credits you would like-but it can’t be done.† Seldon said, â€Å"Agis, if I don’t get funding, psychohistory will go down the drain-after nearly forty years.† â€Å"It’s come to nothing in nearly forty years, so why worry?† â€Å"Agis,† said Seldon â€Å"there’s nothing more I can do now. The assaults on me were precisely because I’m a psychohistorian. People consider me a predictor of destruction.† The Emperor nodded. â€Å"You’re bad luck, Raven Seldon. I told you this earlier.† Seldon stood up wretchedly. â€Å"I’m through, then.† Wanda stood, too, next to Seldon the top of her head reaching her grandfather’s shoulder. She gazed fixedly at the Emperor. As Hari turned to go, the Emperor said, â€Å"Wait. Wait. There’s a little verse I once memorized: ‘ Ill fares the land To hastening ills a prey Where wealth accumulates And men decay.’ â€Å" â€Å"What does it mean?† asked a dispirited Seldon. â€Å"It means that the Empire is steadily deteriorating and falling apart, but that doesn’t keep some individuals from growing rich. Why not turn to some of our wealthy entrepreneurs? They don’t have legislators and can, if they wish, simply sign a credit voucher.† Seldon stared. â€Å"I’ll try that.† How to cite Forward the Foundation Chapter 26, Essay examples

Sunday, May 3, 2020

Various Strategic Decisions Roles and Responsibilities - Sample

Question: What are A) the roles and responsibilities AND B) The current situation and concerns/worries of the following three people? Mia Foster b) LucienLeclerc c) Louis Chen Why did the company expand from the USA to China? What are their general goals in China What plan/strategy did they use in how they entered China? The case describes several major issues that need to be decided aboutLevendaryCaf in China Decision about global standardization vs. local adaptation to the China Market Authority of who is in charge in China GAAP/Financial Reporting issues The future of Louis Chen with the company Clearly describe these problems in several detailed sentences each What were the a) Revenue and b) Profits for the companyworldwidein 2010? What about inChinaonly? Perform a basic SWOT analysis on the company's situation in China (list 3-4 for each) Mia Foster istravelingto China for a meeting with Louis Chen. What arethree different courses of action/optionsshe has for dealing with Louis Chen? Describe a new strategy that the company could follow that will deal with Louis Chen and the other issues, while still keeping the company in China and putting it into a position to grow successfully. What would you recommend that the company do to have a successful business in China?. In the mini case "Is Porsche Killing The Golden Goose" - a) what does the name "Porsche" mean to you, as far as what is the competitive advantage of the brand? b) Do you think expanding this Porsche name from sports cars intoSUVsand other vehicles helps the company or hurts it? Explain. Answer: Roles and Responsibilities Mia Foster Mia is the CEO of the company and responsible for the various strategic decisions and in general responsible for its sustained growth. Lucian Leclerc Lucian is the CCO or Chief Concept Officer and responsible for the representation of the restaurant in front of the customers. Leclerc not only managed the marketing team but also looked after the food development team. Louis Chen He is the head of the Leventhal China operations and has been given the charge of setting up China operations and also responsible for the restaurants strategy for China and execution of the same. Current Situation and Concerns Mia Foster Concerned about the comparatively lower valuations of the restaurant as compared to peer group. Also, the future growth strategy for China and managing Chen are other concerns for her. Lucian Leclerc Concerned about Chens customisation in China with plastic chairs and dumplings which may adversely impact the brand. Louis Chen Concerned about sustained growth in China and fears interference from head office in Denver could adversely impact growth. The company expanded from US to China since there was saturation in the US market and with a burgeoning upper middle class, China presented a huge opportunity for the company. The general goal of the companys operations in China was to set a base for franchising opportunities with a strong market position in that market. The growth strategy for China was dependent on Chen who was provided flexibility to enhance the presence of Levanthal in China which he did by establishing 23 restaurants in one year. In this endeavour, he deployed a high degree of flexibility depending upon the underlying location. The localisation strategy adopted by Chen could potentially hurt the global brand of the restaurant but at the same time standardisation similar to McDonalds may not be the way forward in China. Hence, a glocalisation strategy is required where there is a harmonious mix of the two. Apparently, Chen was given a lot of freedom as Howard Leventhal himself chose Chen to establish presence in China. However, Mia is the CEO of the restaurant and thus Chen owes accountability to the head office in Denver despite his successful stint. Currently, the Chinese operations report their results as per the local accounting standards which are not in conformity with GAAP. As a result, the consolidated financial statement extended to the investors of the restaurant in the US is not accurate. However, migration from non-GAAP to GAAP would entail significant costs but was necessary especially considering the growing contribution of the Chinese operations. Chen had been appointed for a period of two years to establish presence in China which he has done successfully by setting up 23 restaurants in the first year of information. But, it is very difficult to manage him as he does not consult the US office and also does not provide timely updates and information and only flaunts has success. Clearly, more professionalism is desired from Chen so as to sustain a mutually beneficial relationship. Worldwide Revenues (2010) = $ 10,797,423 Worldwide profit (2010) = $ 780,563 Sales generated from China operations (2010) = $ 3,261,598 Net loss from China operations (2010) = - $ 143,620 Strengths Localisation of menu and interiors as per the location Management of Louis Chen coupled with his knowledge of local market Widespread presence through 23 restaurants in the first year Weakness Lack of support from the US based head office Lack of professionalism in Chen which is leading to conflict Lack of communication between Chen and the head office Opportunities Growth opportunities offered by the large Chinese market. Expansion in other Asian markets such as India based on Chinese experience. Evolving in a global brand in China and South East Asia. Threats Dilution of the brand through excessive customisation which is not approved from the head office Chen may retort to arm twisting tactics so as to ensure that he has the last laugh Increasing competition from local Chinese players which is intense Three courses of options are briefly outlined below. Determine whether Chen was the right person to head the China operations. IF she could transform Chen into a professional manager and thus being a strategic asset for the company. Whether he should be provided with the current flexibility that he has been provided with minimal interference from the head office. It is imperative that Mia spends time with Chen in understanding the China market which would determine the level of customisation required. Further, Chen needs to be explained the various concerns of the head office while simultaneously assuring the requisite support from the same. The quality and standardisation issues should be discussed with Chen. Chen should be asked to submit a strategy for expansion and the same should be approved from the head office. While, the Chinese market is significant but the brand should not be diluted. Also, at the same time some flexibility needs to be provided. However, there should be a harmonious mix of the two to ensure sustained success and establishment of brand as a truly global brand. Porsches engineering and design sets it apart from its competitors and as a result form the competitive advantage of the company. This is primarily because of the RD that goes into the design and manufacturing of the car along with its superior performance that delivers a style statement. Yes, the expansion of the company from sports cars to SUV and other vehicles would hurt the image of the company and it is quite possible that the customer loyalty may be adversely affected. In the process of enhancing sales through other cars, the sports car which is the core product for the company may be adversely impacted as the brand may dilute as the company focuses on diverse customer segments.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Multiculturalism, Individualis essays

Multiculturalism, Individualis essays Mauritius and Modes of Inter-ethnic Compromise Mauritius is one of the polyethnic countries that has the most peaceful and stable democratic.Basically the concept of the multicultural country is based on the balance between the difference and the equality and, most importantly, something that every citizens shares(compromises) together, in this sense, 'Inter-ethnic Compromise'. I now would like to explain this kind of function in Mauritius, which I believe it is one of the most efficient. An important element in the Mauritian political system is the so-called arrangement, which guarantees the presentation of all ethnic groups through alloting a limited number of parliamentary seats to runner-up at general Election. The best loser are selected so as to ensure the representation of all ethnic groups in the Legislative Assembly. In this way, I think the right to be different is more emphasized than the right to be equal, since as a democratic country, every ethnic needs to have voice in the parliament. Other elements are religions, schooling system and official languages.I would like to empasize on the schooling system, which here the right to be oqual prevails over the right to different.Thus core circula are uniform island-wide, as are exams.However, classes in 'ancestral languages' are offered as optional subjects.It could be said ,therefore, that Mautiriusn scholing system stresses on equal opportunity yet allows for the expression of symbolic diffences. By this way We can see that,as I mentioned at the outset, the concept of 'Inter-ethnic compromise' or the balance between equal right and the right to be different depends upon the need of the society. However,there are still many paradoxes in the island,which I think they are somewhat inevitable for the multicultural society. This will haveto do as a general introduction to public policies relating to ethnic differences and national cohesion in Mauritius.First of all,...

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Pastoral care Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Pastoral care - Research Paper Example However, it is also a statistically significant disease. Cancer is the second largest annual killer in the United States, second only to heart disease. This paper posits that pastoral care can identify and address the spiritual and emotional needs of the patient, family members, and loved ones. Background Jann Aldredge Clanton's book Counseling People with Cancer sets a major theological theme as hope, and the pastoral task associated with this is to nurture hope through the use of sacred images and stories. This can be done by hearing what is important to the patient and helping the patient put words to their image of Divinity to find comfort during difficult times.1 Counseling the Sick and Terminally III by Gregg Albers is a practical volume written by a physician from an Evangelical Protestant perspective. He discusses the involvement of the whole person in the healing process and the importance of an integrated emotional and spiritual structure. Albers argues that an individual's spiritual maturity can deeply affect emotional and physical healing abilities and emotional reactions are inseparable from physical symptoms. In his experience, he observed in his practice that there are times when emotional reactions to may become more devastating than physical symptoms.2 Albers introduces a unified theory of grief based upon several clinical models of grief reactions and losses, helping others listen for the initial reaction, the shock, denial, and finally the acceptance: He argues that although Kubler-Ross speaks rightly of the positive aspects of hope and its strengthening effects, the Kubler-Ross model does not personalize the hope that can be found in a personal faith.3 Furthermore, patients often experience loss of control, time, bodily functions, body parts, physical attributes, self-esteem, family positions or roles, and income. The degree of loss depends upon the severity and length of the illness.4 Going beyond the Kubler-Ross model, Albers argues that G od can even use these losses to break down psychological defenses. This breaking down of psychological defenses can allow patients to reach out to others for support and build relationships with loved ones. Many studies also demonstrate the value of religious faith at the end of life, and this connection to God or higher power brings strength and helps to sustain individuals living with advanced cancer.5 Some of the more recent work addresses the spiritual needs and resources of the dying patients and their family members. It is helpful to examine a few of these studies. A survey performed by Roberts, Brown, Elkins and Larson at the University of Michigan Medical Center revealed that out of 108 women who described themselves as having some form of fear, 91%feared dependency, 73% feared death, 73 % feared pain and 73% feared loss of control (participants were invited to indicate all fears which applied to them).6 It is interesting to note the primary fear expressed by patients in thi s study was not fear of death, but fear of being dependent on others for care. Another study was conducted by M.F. Highfield at Veterans Administration West-Los Angeles facility which examined the spiritual health of oncology patients through the eyes of the nursing staff.7 Findings from this study indicated that nurses were often ill-equipped to assess

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

How to Ride a Bike Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

How to Ride a Bike - Essay Example When I started to learn how to ride a bike, I found out that this was not an easy thing to do. What was most instrumental at keeping me away from learning how to ride a bike was the fact that I had seen my neighbor, who was of my age; fall off from the bike and going astray. This was such a bad moment for me that made me realize it could be something that is filled with wrath and destruction. I understood that it would be a gigantic act on my part to make both ends meet, and to finally learn how to ride a bike, which would essentially mean going out of my way and exploring new heights of unattainable proportions. My conditioning was therefore dependent on how the neighbor fell off from the bike and broke her leg. She was hospitalized for a couple of days where she received 10 stitches on her ankle. I felt aggrieved for her and completely disapproved of the kids who rode a bike. I had decided for my own self that this was something that I could not do. However, things changed as I was given confidence by my peers. The learning came about when I realized that I need to ride a bike to enjoy my life’s domains and to get in close company with my friends. I saw that all of them were riding their respective bikes and going from one place to another. So I resolved to learn it in order to move ahead with my life. This helped me create a sense of fear that I was about to undergo something which was unique, completely novel and new for me. The positive reinforcement was in the manner that I could have gained the positives out of the related equations while the negative reinforcement came about with the fear that I had to live with, during the initial stages of the learning process of riding a bike. The positives and negatives had to be balanced with one another so that I could attain success within the relevant ranks. The element of reward and that of the punishment came out in the open for me to understand and contemplate with the passage of time. I realized that if I learnt to ride a bike, it would be a reward in its own right and if I feared as to how I would have done it, it would be a punishment for my entire life because I would then have to remember and recall that I was not ready and willing to take a risk at an important stage in my life, which is indeed the childhood. The mere fact that I would have to be walking while my other friends are riding their bikes is such a feeling that would keep haunting me back and forth, and hence the reward under such realms would be to move one step ahead and learn the basics related with riding a bike. Therefore, reward and punishment are significant pointers for my entirety as I aim to discern how riding a bike would change my respective courses of action and allow me to get a straight on idea with the learning that I will acquire all this while. It is important that a child should know the rewards and punishments before he decides to learn something new, either on his own or through assistance of others.

Monday, January 27, 2020

Policy on Refugees and Integration in Costa Rica

Policy on Refugees and Integration in Costa Rica COSTA RICAN GOVERNMENT POLICY ON REFUGEE AID AND INTEGRATION INTRODUCTION: THE AMBIGUOUS STATUS OF THE REFUGEE AND COSTA RICA The problem of the refugee originates as a peculiarly twentieth century phenomenon. The displacement of peoples from the very borders that delineate states presented a historical challenge that threatened the integrity and the essence of the latter. As the philosopher Giorgio Agamben abstracts the pertinence of this problem: Every time refugees no longer represent individual cases but rather a mass phenomenon (as happened between the two wars, and has happened again now), both these organizations and the single states have proven, despite the solemn evocations of the inalienable rights of man, to be absolutely incapable not only of resolving the problem but also simply of dealing with it adequately.[1] For Agamben, this inadequacy of the treatment of the refugee problem, despite the international consensus on the existence of the human rights of the refugee, is intimately tied to the theoretical shortcomings of the notion of the Nation-State itself; there is a consistent rupture in t he functionality of the Nation State when confronted with the anomaly of the refugee, i.e., when a subject is separated from his/her state, this subject becomes a disturbing remainder that other states find it difficult to account for. Thus, insofar as the refugee denotes a certain failure of the Nation State to protect its citizens/non-citizens, the case of the refugee denotes the limit of the State. Nevertheless, despite the tension between the notions of the refugee and the state that ground their relationship, there is an attentiveness to this problematic (evinced in Agambens own remark), demonstrated by the general consciousness of the existence of the refugee. Hence, regardless of any discerned policy inadequacies, there still exists a concerted effort to address the problem. The success of various refugee policies certainly may be evaluated, e.g., as with Agambens negative evaluation. In the case of Costa Rica, its treatments of the refugee crises that began in 1980s Central America was an example of some moderate successes, or at least, the desired mobilization of a states capabilities via governmental policy towards the refugee cause. However, this mobilization encountered its own distinct problems, over-determined (following Agambens abstraction of the problem) by the irregular status of the refugee him/herself. The successes and failures of Costa Ricas refugee policy is a particularly significant case study for numerous reasons. To the degree that there was a concerted effort from the Costa Rican officials to alleviate the refugee crisis, the shortcomings relate not to Costa Ricas negligence of this crisis (thusly indicating the direction of an evaluation of this policy in terms of a general apathy on the part of Costa Rica), but the opposite: it is this very effort that provides a compelling case for an analysis of a refugee policy in terms of its affectivity and its limits. That is, Costa Ricas attempt to rectify their refugee problem, rather than ignore it or deal with it in a manner that undermines the notions of the rights of man, provides an excellent paradigmatic case for the possible indexing of refugee policy. It is because of this very commitment to alleviating the problem that Costa Rica, despite any subsequent further critiques regarding the details of their refugee policy, is recognized by the international community as having advanced a fairly successful policy in regards to refugees. As Tanya Bysok notes Costa Rica is often cited as a model for refugee settlement.[2] However, this is not to suggest that the Costa Rican approach is flawless. Whilst some policies of the Costa Ricans have been recognized as effective by social scientists, this praise does not diminish the evident gaps in the Costa Rican policy. In this paper we shall examine the Costa Rican treatment of the refugee and attempt to understand how the refugee was integrated/or non-integrated into Costa Rican society. This analysis will be concerned with Costa Ricas approach; however, whilst there was a clear Costa Rican governmental policy, a significant factor in the Costa Rican case is the large presence of foreign organ izations that were encouraged to participate in a possible refugee solution. Thus, because of the Costa Rican openness to a diversity of aid organizations and volunteers offering support, the qualitative analysis of the success/failures of the Costa Rican approach cannot merely be attributed to the Costa Rican government itself. Whilst this encouragement of international participation may be logically viewed as an autonomous gesture of the Costa Rican government, it can also be construed as Costa Ricas self-acknowledgement of having been fundamentally overstretched in terms of its capabilities to handle the problem. Secondly, this analysis shall be supplemented with an anonymous questionnaire of former refugees in Costa Rica, in order to introduce a non-theoretical personal discourse within the parameters of our text. The method of the questionnaire is placed into the paper to act as a balancing point with the theoretical evaluation. The emphasis on the notion of testimony, a form of empiricism all its own, forwards an account of the Costa Rican policy that evaluates the countrys treatment of refugees from a theoretical standpoint, while also acknowledging the power and significance of such a testimony. COSTA RICAN REFUGEE INTEGRATION ANALYSIS The genesis of Costa Ricas refugee problem may be preliminarily abstracted as a matter of geopolitical positioning. Costa Rica occupied a hazardous place within Central America in the 1980s. The relative stability of Costa Rica was contrasted by the neighboring conflicts in El Salvador, Panama, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Honduras: The 1980s evinced a certain explosion of such geopolitical and ideological tensions in Central America, from which Costa Rica was spared. As Martha Honey notes, the Costa Rica of the 1980s â€Å"appeared to be an oasis of tranquility†[3] It is this status of a certain oasis in Central America, that evidently yielded Costa Ricas refugee problem: as a stable nation, it represented the destination of choice for refugees seeking to avoid war in their native lands. Costa Ricas stability as a source for refugees has continued in the time period since the beginning of the 1980s. Yet the refugee that Costa Rica encounters now is substantially different: Refuge es coming into Costa Rica today tend no longer to be from Central America but instead the vast majority are from Colombia. Many are middle-class, urban professionals.[4] Thus, by no means is the refugee in Costa Rica a homogeneous figure. The wars across Central America in the 1980s that led to such displacement are no longer a significant factor in present Costa Rican refugee policy. The Costa Rican encounter with the phenomenon of the refugee begins in 1980 with increasing hostilities in the neighboring country of El Salvador. The immediate reaction of Costa Ricas treatment of this refugee influx distinguished itself from other nations such as Honduras. Whilst Honduras policy favored the internment of the Salvadorian refugees in camps, Costa Rica from the outset emphasized the process of making the refugee self-sufficient; they sought to sever any dependency of the refugee on the state apparatus itself, while simultaneously integrating the refugee into Costa Rican society. These two approaches immediately evince a lucid difference in treatment. In the case of Honduras, this treatment may be viewed as an isolationist approach, insofar as the site of the camp becomes the home of the refugee it does not represent a zone of inclusion, but rather one of suspension moreover, it is an implicit acknowledgment of Honduras government inability to deal with the phenomeno n of the refugee, placing the refugee in a certain no-mans land, as it waits for the conflict in the home country to cease. In contrast, the Costa Rican emphasis on autonomy and self-sufficiency denotes the acceptance of the refugee immediately into its boundaries. We can abstract this difference in terms of a synchronous thinking and a diachronous thinking. In the case of Costa Rica, the policy does not introduce the phenomenon of two times, i.e., waiting for the war to stop rather, the interruption of the refugee experience is directly addressed, through a minimization of this interruption that is a policy of refugee inclusion in Costa Rica. On the other hand, in the Honduran approach, two times are articulated, a wartime and a non-war time. There is no possible mediation between the times; there is only a case of transition and thus, a passivity on the part of the government that is then transferred to the refugee him/herself this interruption that is the refugee event determines the entire Honduran policy. In essence, Costa Rica attempted to establish the continuity of the refugees’ life, allowing for the possibility of a normalcy to remain in the face of a crisis. Such initial successes of the Costa Rican programme may be attributed to a certain history of human rights discourse that emerges in the country, i.e., that Costa Rica was conducive to internationalism in its support of UN programmes and its own creation of international approaches. This historiographical element is significant to understanding the immediate difference of Costa Rica from its neighbors, as it stresses a historical Costa Rican commitment to human rights. As Alison Brysk notes, Costa Rica qualifies as a global good Samaritan because its record of human rights promotion is enduring and multifaceted, and it makes a meaningful contribution to globally significant initiatives.[5] Hence, Costa Ricas Good Samaritan status is derived from its fidelity to such initiatives on both a regional and global level. Among its contributions, Costa Rica was involved in the peace negotiations that ended three regional civil wars, while also functioning as the seat for the Inter-American C ourt of Human Rights of the Organization of American States (OAS). On the international level, Costa Rica was involved with international organizations such as serving at the initial prepatory conference for the founding of the United Nations, while also initiating the UN Childerns Fund. These historical contributions of Costa Rica may be construed as establishing a certain tradition within Costa Rica that made it more receptive to the specific demands of the refugee influxes that began in the 1980s. Thus, from an ideological perspective, there was nothing in the Costa Rican state ideology that would be adverse to the refugee; rather, the ideology was committed to human rights from its outset. This tradition may help to understand the initial successes of the Costa Rican programme. In the initial stages of the refugee problem in the 1980s, because of such an international tradition of Costa Rican policy, there was no shortage in the country of foreign and international refugee organizations that participated in the alleviation of the crisis. As Basok summarizes these contributions: A number of government and voluntary agencies have participated in refugee settlement [in Costa Rica]. They include local branches of such international organizations as Caritas, the Episcopalian church, and the YMCA. In addition, refugees themselves formed a number of voluntary organizations in the hope of assisting their compatriots. Apart from providing emergency aid to refugees, the UNHCR has also financed most of the refugee urban projects. Financial assistance has been provided by other international NGOS as well.[6] The plurality of non-governmental actors demonstrated a Costa Rican openn ess to the refugee crisis. Moreover, the possibility of refugees themselves forming aid organizations demonstrated a certain autonomy of the refugee within Costa Rica; despite the loss of nationality that is the refugee displacement, the refugees were granted a freedom to organize and assemble regardless of their anomalous status. These international organizations were also complimented by Costa Ricas own approach, which has been termed as the durable solution model, emphasizing integration of refugees into the country of asylum. As an unpublished UNHCR document describes this durable solution model: Self sufficiency projects are the ultimate aim of UNHCR as they allow the refugees to become independent of emergency assistance and be productively integrated in the receiving community. In the under-developed countries with serious unemployment problems, self-sufficiency projects offer the best alternation for the refugees work problem. For the receiving country, these durable solutions are a contribution to the national economy, particularly the projects which include both nationals and refugees.[7] Costa Ricas commitment to what the UNHCR deemed as the most effective program for refugee crisis further explicates the traditional openness of Costa Rica to international consensus, whilst concomitantly identifying Costa Ricas desired integration of refugees. The UNHCRs evaluation further acknowledges the durable solution as beneficial to the new country of the refugee itself: the influx of labour sources provided a boost to the national economy of Costa Rica. Thus, Costa Ricas commitment to the durable solution model may be viewed as both a commitment to international law and the notion of human rights, whilst also a policy decision how to utilize the refugee crisis for the benefit of Costa Rica itself. Nevertheless, what may be termed as Costa Ricas comprehensive solution, insofar as it incorporated the UNHCRs preferred model while simultaneously allowing for the participation of foreign organizations, nevertheless encountered specific problems. Primarily the non-organizational model’s intervention into the refugee problem was problematic: The results, however, were less than satisfactory. In 1985 it became evident to the UNHCR that less than half of the 152 projects registered with government agencies were still active. Most of the others had failed.[8] The infectivity of the multiplicity of organizations according to the quantitative data of the UNHCR tends to suggest that the approach of a strength in numbers, i.e., multiple organizations engaging in the refugee crisis, was unsuccessful primarily because of a lack of cohesion. Inasmuch as the Costa Rican intent was essentially one of no aid is bad aid†, this ultimate failure speaks to a certain consistency needed be tween organizations, in order better to establish links between groups, and affectively address the grounding problem, that of the refugee him/herself. This bureaucratic entanglement between organizations as detrimental to the refugee is easily discernable from the perspective of the refugee him/herself; because a plurality of organizations exists, the refugee is caught in a bureaucratic system, with no connection to the Costa Rican government itself. This serves as an impasse to the desired integration. This collapse of the various international programs led Costa Rica to attempt a more autonomous policy that would be regulated by the government, therein optimistically hoping to marginalize the previous failures through a centralization of refugee policy. This centralization would enable a consistent discourse of the durable solution to emerge in the Costa Rican space. As Ed Mihalkanin notes After the failure of many of the international and domestic refugee projects, the Costa Rican government tried to integrate refugees into already existing jobs.[9] By Costa Rica directly addressing the problem, this focusing of the remit of refugee policy could better serve the goal of integration: as the refugees are located in Costa Rica, the most efficient means towards integration would be to have the government directly involved in the refugee process by opening economic opportunities to the refugee. This shift reflects a certain fundamental ambiguity at the heart of the general theory of refugee policy. While, prima facie, the plurality of non-governmental organizations that operated in Costa Rica to alleviate the suffering of the refugee may be viewed as a logical step, inasmuch as it emphasizes giving aid to refugees in light of any possible limits to the capabilities of the Costa Rican government, this approach simultaneously suspends the notion of an integration into Costa Rican society. That is to say, if integration is the ultimate goal of Costa Rican refugee policy, such integration can only be engendered by the direct intervention of the government itself, as the government is ultimately congruent with Costa Rica. From this perspective, the collapse of the aid programmes emanating from various international sources may be viewed, in actuality, as a step towards a more direct involvement of the Costa Rican government in the refugee problematic, in terms of a more strident form of integration. This strident form would be necessary if the Costa Rican government would become the primary instrument for refugee aid in the nation, as opposed to the organizational plurality. Nevertheless, after the general failure of the international aid programmes, charity organizations, etc., the new Costa Rican government initiative itself faced various de jure issues that prevented the establishing of a greater remit for refugee aid. As Mihalkanin writes, at times Costa Rican laws actually prevented refugee aid, despite any best intentions of the Costa Rican government. This was the case regarding Costa Rican employee law: â€Å"Yet very few work permits were issued since by law only ten percent of a firms workers can be foreigners.†[10] Thus, the attempt to integrate refugees into the Costa Rican labour force already met opposition in a pre-existing law that marginalized the possibility of foreign workers in Costa Rica. As Mihalkanin notes, despite the intent of both the government to integrate the refugees and the employers’ will to aid the refugees by giving them work, this shared movement encountered a double impasse: the de jure situation of the l abour law, coupled with the de facto situation of employers, whom, although giving refuges a workplace, could not register the workers because of the law. Therefore, any type of de jure integration of these refugee workers who were already working in Costa Rica, was not possible because of the law; despite their labour power, and one must conclude, the desire for this labour source, the separation between the de jure and the de facto situation prevented this opportunity at integration. What occurred then is simply a missed opportunity, a miscommunication between government and private sectors, the latter wholly receptive to the influx of refugee workers, but whose hands were metaphorically tied by the Costa Rican law. This problem of the limits of aid in the sphere of labour relations also extends into the basic human rights of Costa Ricans, such as health care: insofar as health care is available to refugees in Costa Rica, access is limited from both a temporal and financial perspective. As a UNHCR report from 2003 noted, â€Å"in Costa Rica, access to social security services is universal, which means that everyone, regardless of nationality, is entitled to health coverage at a very low cost.†[11] Nevertheless, the caveat here is that â€Å"refugees and asylum seekers are entitled to free healthcare cover during their first three months in Costa Rica.†[12] This leads to an immediate problem facing refugees after the three month period of coverage has elapsed; as Gloria Maklouf Weiss, Director of ACAI (Asociacià ³n de Consultores y Asesores Internacionales), a UNHCR partner in Costa Rica recapitulates this problem: â€Å"some refugees are in such economic hardship that they cannot pay even the very small monthly fees.†[13] Thus, considering the situation of the refugee, the three-month time limit appears insufficient for health care coverage. The securing of an employment opportunity in Costa Rica within this same three-month period would have to be a concomitant aim of a programme; otherwise, the benefits of the Costa Rican health care policy are severely limited by the refugees’ inability to generate capital. On this point, the separation of the spheres of employment and healthcare impede the abilities of the refugee to begin a life in Costa Rica; insofar as employment and healthcare are considered as distinct issues, the benefits of healthcare are separated from the refugee labour force. The weakness therefore in this aspect of the policy is not anticipating the contiguity between employment integration and the possibility of health care. It is examples such as these incongruities in the law and policy of Costa Rica itself that failed to provide a comprehensive programme for its refugees. Thus, whilst Costa Ricas position as a stable country remains attractive to refugees in a time of crisis, various gaps in the system prevented a comprehensive plan to address the phenomenon. QUESTIONNAIRE The data in section 2.0 regarding Costa Rica’s history and policy approach to the refugee crisis only provides one side of the picture. This theoretical analysis of Costa Rican refugee policy, considering the constraints on any discourse of this style, is to be supplemented by a questionnaire submitted to four former refugees in Costa Rica. Whilst the sample size of the questionnaire is admittedly small, the necessity of its inclusion rests on a theoretical significance given to the notion of testimony in an effort to verify or contradict the reading provided of Costa Rican refugee policy. The prejudice of the academic discourse is to be alleviated through the survey presentation; thus, the purpose of the questionnaire is based on a theoretical value attached to testimony and the attempt to provide a more complete picture of the refugee policy of Costa Rica. Because of sensitivity to the time concerns of the participants and because of issues with the English language, the que stionnaire was deliberately simple and limited to four questions. QUESTIONNAIRE ANALYSIS While the sample size is admittedly small, and the nature of the questions direct, the data of the questionnaire would seem to indicate a moderate level of satisfaction with the Costa Rican refugee policy. The option for the refugees in Costa Rica appears to be beneficial; the majority of answerers expressed that integration and employment possibilities were available in Costa Rica, whilst also noting the receptivity of the various refugee organizations to the concerns of the refugees. It is germane to note that the questionnaire deliberately avoided inquiring into the personal history of the participants, in respect for ethics and the privacy of the participants. While this may be construed as detracting from the accuracy of the questionnaire, as it brackets out some of the personal histories involved in the participants, the aforementioned ethical position of protecting privacy was taken as paramount. Rather the questionnaire was to function as a cursory testimonial survey of Costa Rican refugee policy, and thus, while no means a complete account, it does indicate that the Costa Rican option for refugees was more positive than it was negative. CONCLUSIONS The difficulty of the refugee problem primarily lies in the problems it engenders vis-à  -vis the traditional structure of the State, which relies for its function on the notion of citizenry. Inasmuch as human rights become an international imperative, the anomalous appearance of the refugee conflicts with the traditional State model. This tension is however a source for the production of new approaches to the refugee problematic. Costa Rica’s position in the ravaged Central America of the 1980s placed the nation into a role of a paradigm case for refugee policy. The Costa Rican approach must be commended at the outset for its commitment to human rights and the welfare of the refugees. The intent of the Costa Rican policy therefore must be viewed in a positive light. However, the complications that arose from the refugee crisis provide valuable data and source material for the possible improvements of refugee policy. Costa Rica’s acceptance of foreign, international and non-governmental charitable organizations to alleviate the crisis, whilst helping the refugees on the â€Å"terrain†, actually hindered the successful integration of these refugees into Costa Rican society, inasmuch as these organizations, as non-Costa Rican entities, actually created a further distance between the refugee and the Costa Rican state. Moreover, once the majority of these organizations had failed, the Costa Rican government was left to complete the so-called â€Å"durable solution.† The impasses to the â€Å"durable solution† may be traced to employment and economic laws of the Costa Rican state, laws which were unable to successfully meld with the desired â€Å"durable solution.† It is various de jure factors, despite the overall Costa Rican government intent and the intent of the private sector to integrate refugees through employment, which hindered the affectivity of this solution. Nevertheless, Costa Rica is still referred in some academic literature as an excellent example of a refugee policy. This seems to be supported by the anonymous questionnaire that was a part of our research; the questionnaire, while its sample size is admittedly small, nonetheless offers a certain support to the notion that Costa Rica was more effective than not regarding the refugee experience. Thus, whilst there are problematics in the policy of Costa Rican refugee integration, it is nevertheless a paradigm from which numerous positives can be drawn, whilst also providing a better insight into the impasses that may present themselves in such a policy: hopefully these cases, will yield a better approach to the difficult notion of the refugee in the future. BIBLIOGRAPHY Giorgio Agamben, â€Å"We Refugees†, accessed at: http://roundtable.kein.org/node/399 Tanya Basok, Keeping Heads Above Water: Salvadorean Refugees in Costa Rica McGill Queen’s Press: 1993. Alison Brysk, â€Å"Global Good Samaritans? Human Rights Foreign Policy in Costa Rica†, in: Global Governance, Vol. 11, 2005. Martha Honey, Hostile Acts: U.S. Policy in Costa Rica in the 1980s, University of Florida Press: 1994. Ed Mihalkanin, â€Å"Refugee Aid, Displaced Persons, and Development in Central America† in: Refugee Aid and Development, Greenwood Press: 1993. UNHCR, â€Å"Health Fair in Costa Rica gives refugees much needed medical care†, March 6, 2006, accessed at: http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/EVOD-6MNF3L?OpenDocument> 1 [1] Giorgio Agamben, â€Å"We Refugees†, accessed at: http://roundtable.kein.org/node/399. [2] Tanya Basok, Keeping Heads Above Water: Salvadorean Refugees in Costa Rica, pg. Xvii. [3] Martha Honey, Hostile Acts: U.S. Policy in Costa Rica in the 1980s, pg. 4. [4] UNHCR, â€Å"Health Fair in Costa Rica gives refugees much needed medical care†, March 6, 2006, accessed at: http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/EVOD-6MNF3L?OpenDocument> [5] Alison Brysk, â€Å"Global Good Samaritans? Human Rights Foreign Policy in Costa Rica†, in: Global Governance, Vol. 11, 2005. [6] Basok, pg. Xviii. [7] Basok, pg. Vi. [8] Basok, pg. Xviii. [9] Ed Mihalkanin, â€Å"Refugee Aid, Displaced Persons, and Development in Central America† in: Refugee Aid and Development, pg. 90. [10] Mihalkanin, pg. 90. [11] UNHCR, accessed at http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/EVOD-6MNF3L?OpenDocument> [12] UNHCR, accessed at http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/EVOD-6MNF3L?OpenDocument> [13] UNHCR, accessed at http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/EVOD-6MNF3L?OpenDocument>

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Advanced Project Procurement

With the increased globalization, competition and complexity in global supply chains, more companies have realized that supply chain management is critical to the optimal organizations overall operation. It is not longer just the responsibility of the warehouse manager and logistics director. In the past, many organizations didn’t manage their supply chains they left that up to the suppliers. Usually the supply chain planning, marketing, production and inventory management in most organizations operated as separate departments (Stevenson, 2009). Businesses have recognized the strategic importance and the need for effect and efficient supply chains in operations management (Stevenson, 2009). Assessment As Vice President of Operation my assessment of the battery shortage problem is that SDX are not fulfilling their obligation under the contract. The contract states â€Å"the supplier is expected to achieve a 100 percent service rate† (Benton, p. 456). The current supply of batteries is a 20-day supply this is 70 days short the supply when normal should be a 90 day supply. There has not been a shipment in two months this lead me to believe that SDX are not making Butler a priority shipment. The action taken is to request a meeting with the attorneys to review the contract, because at this point it is a breach in contract. The contract also states that the product prices are fixed for the term of the agreement and a sixty day notice must be given before a price change can occur. SDX did not notify the Butler Operations to alert us of this change. Therefore, this is another breach in contract the SDX company has determine on its own that the contract is null and void. This is not good business practice and creates a problem with Butler’s ability to supply the customer base effectively. Buyer Selection Purchasing involves buying the raw materials, supplies, and components for the organization. The activities associated with it include selecting and qualifying suppliers, rating supplier performance, negotiating contracts, comparing price, quality and service, sourcing. A key and perhaps the most important process of the purchasing function is the efficient selection of suppliers, because it brings significant savings for the organization. The objective of the supplier selection process is to reduce risk and maximize the total value for the buyer, and it involves considering a series of strategic variables. Conclusion In conclusion, focusing on selecting only the best suppliers possible will make a major contribution to the competitiveness of the entire organization. This main task requires careful evaluation, selection, and continuous measurement of the suppliers that provide the goods and services that help satisfy the needs of an organization’s final customers. In other words, once a supplier is selected, the focus must shift from supplier evaluation to the continuous measurement of supplier performance. An organization must have the tools to measure, manage, and develop the performance of its supply base.

Friday, January 10, 2020

Good News Final Question Essay

A young man named Saul stood by and watched as a crowd stoned Stephen.   He went on to be a major persecutor of Christians for a number of years.   One day he was on his way to Damascus, he was blinded by a light and God spoke to him.   He was converted to Christianity and changed his name to Paul.   He made up for his persecution of Christians by telling the â€Å"good news† all over the region. What is the good news?   The good news is that Jesus is the son of God.   He was sent to earth to save the people from their sins.   Those who accept him as their savior will have eternal life in Heaven.   He knew it was true, because God himself told him it was in the blinding light.   The difference it should make in the lives of people in modern society means people should live according to the words God has provided for people to live by.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Paul spent years trying to save people from their sin once he’d learned the truth.   He was taught about God and Jesus.   He taught many to accept the gift of eternal life through the acceptance of Jesus.   Then he wrote many books of the Bible to teach people how to live their lives.   He wrote basic instructions for Christians to follow to be an example for God.   God sent his son to earth for the sole purpose of saving his creation (man) from their sins. He would not choose for anyone to be lost, but he provides humans the opportunity to make the choice for themselves. The life people live on earth is short, for most only about eighty years then there are two possible places to go.   The best choice obviously is the one without eternal torture.   When a person goes to Heaven it will feel like home (familiar, comfortable) (Alcorn, 1999)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Paul learned about God through God himself.   God spoke to Paul through the light on the road.   He then blinded him and gave him specific instructions on what to do.   Paul realized he had been wrong and needed to follow the instructions, because he did this he was not only healed of the blindness, but he received the gift of eternal life. He had no reason to doubt this and neither should those he taught or those still being taught.   Paul taught of God’s love for his people and his forgiveness. He also taught people to continue sharing the good news.   An additional reason to believe the news is true is the hundreds of promises from the Bible, many of which have already been fulfilled and although people fail to keep their promises, God does not (LaHaye and Jenkins, 2003) In order to convince others the news is true, though, his people need to change the way they live in order to set an example.   Just as Saul changed his name to Paul and turned from persecuting Christians to converting people to Christianity, his followers need to live by the words of the Bible.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   How should Christians change the way they live their lives?   It usually does not have to be as great of change as the one Paul made, but it does need to show a change of heart.   God created people to have free will, the ability to make their own choices.   From the moment people are born, they have choices.   They can cry or sleep wet or eat, etc.   As they get older the choices are more difficult.   If they are lucky enough to be raised with religious parents, they are taught the news of Jesus and Heaven from an early age.   Others have to hear it along the way, and like Saul may have several years of making rather bad choices first.   However once the news has been heard and the person has accepted the gift of eternal life, a change must be made. God still expects mistakes since no one is perfect, but an attempt to live as he wants is how Christians teach others.   The first step in this change is to strive to be like Christ being righteous, loving others and overcoming the world (Wiersbe, 1996).   It is popular to wear jewelry that says WWJD, which stands for What would Jesus do?   This is a very important message if people want to live their lives according to God’s word and to teach the good news to others.   When a person stops long enough to consciously ask themselves what Jesus would do in a situation, they would be less tempted to make the wrong choice. Living the kind of life God wants people to live does not mean they have to act extremely different or carry their Bible around with them everywhere they go.   They just need to think they are taking Jesus with them, because if they have truly accepted the gift, they are taking Jesus with them.   He wants his people to be honest and caring.   He wants them to make positive choices for their lives and not get caught up in things that would take their focus off of their ultimate goal (life in Heaven).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   What Paul would tell people is that the news he has to share is the greatest news anyone could hear, because it promises an eternity without pain or sadness and it is a free gift.   All anyone has to do is accept it show it off for everyone else in the world to see.   If people receive a diamond or a new car they can not wait to show it off.   How could they be embarrassed or afraid to show off the world’s greatest gift?   Paul would tell people to believe in God and if they have questions to simply turn to the instruction manual (the Bible), because it contains all the answers.   He would say it should change the way a person lives their lives simply because of the hope it offers in an uncertain world.   Paul heard the news, accepted the news and spread the news.   He would encourage everyone who hears it to do the same. References Alcorn, Randy. 1999,In Light of Eternity, Colorado Springs, Colorado: Waterbrook Press LaHaye, Tim and Jenkins, T. 2003, God Always Keeps His Promises..   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers Wiersbe, Warren W., 1996,Being a Child of God, , Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Publishers