Parenting isnt for everyone Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Parenting isnt for everyone - Research Paper Example Good parenting provides the children with values, morals, ideas and attitudes; while, there is also bad parenting that tends to ruin their whole personalities. To grow into responsible citizens, children want security and affection which is only provided by those parents who are actually willing to be parents and do the tough job of raising kids. Parenting is the process that requires the most patience that one can have because kids are not understanding by nature, and it is a very tactful job to handle them by making them understand little issues. This is why it is believed that everybody does not have what it takes to handle the pressures of raising children, which can lead some to choosing other options. In order to give the reader an idea why parenting is not a favorable choice made by many parents, it is important to discuss first what the pressures of raising children actually are that lead parents to go for other options rather than parenting. The biggest pressure for the parents is that they have to devote themselves whole heartedly to their children. They have to make their life schedules flexible enough to work with their children’s routine. In an intention to fit everything into their busy lives, they start directing their children instead of dealing with them, and this robes them of their personalities, which increases their dependency on their parents. This leaves the parents more stressed out. Parents have to work hard to make both ends meet especially when there is more than one child. They have to cater to their children’s physical and emotional demands no matter how much tired they may be. They have to sacrifice their sleep. They have to plan out their va cations according to children’s comfort. They have to think about providing proper accommodation to the children. Having children puts a hurdle to one’s freedom and increases

3800 discuss 2 part 1 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

3800 discuss 2 part 1 - Assignment Example The body of the victim should then be photographed and each piece of photo placed differently. The photos should depict any physical injury that may be on the body of the victim. Physical medical examination on the body is then carried out. This includes the collection of hair and fiber that may be on the body. Fingernail scrapings and dental floss should be collected. This is done by the use of wooden sticks. The collection of urine and sweat samples on the victim is also done. The medical officer should retrieve any traces of fluid on the victim’s body. Internal fluids are then collected. The collection should be mainly done on the mouth, vaginal or anal cavity (Schiro, 2015). The labeling of each fluid should be accurate. In the instance where the incidence has occurred in the bedroom, any piece bedding should be collected. Spreaders, bed sheets and comforters should be analyzed for any fluid traces. They are then air dried and packaged differently. To ensure that the no traces of evidence are lost during collection and packaging, the collector should use the side lighting technique (Schiro,

Ayatollah Khomeini and Gamal Abdul-Nasser Comparison

Ayatollah Khomeini and Gamal Abdul-Nasser Comparison Introduction: Ayatollah Khomeini and Gamal Abdul-Nasser have both played an important role in the historical activities of the 20th century in the Middle East. This is because their leadership was revolutionary, and they played a role in changing the various governments that existed in Egypt, and Iran. It is important to understand that the regimes in Iran and Egypt were monarchies, at the time, and the two leaders led their followers in overthrowing these regimes. The revolutions in Iran and Egypt occurred under different contexts, or social backgrounds. For example, the revolution in Iran occurred when the country was enjoying economic and political prosperity. However, this assertion is contested. This is because at the time of the revolution, Iran was experiencing un-employment rate of approximately 30%[1]. Unemployment is one of the indicators of poor development and economic growth. Based on this fact, the assertion that Iran was politically and economically stable is false, and does not hol d any ground. On the other hand, the revolution in Egypt occurred when the country was experiencing a series of poor political and economic governance. Despite the differences in these revolutions, and the two leaders, Gamal Abdul Nasser and Ayatollah Khomeini shared a lot of similarities as well as differences in their leadership structure and system[2]. One major similarity is that the two leaders were charismatic, and they sought to eliminate any form of opposition to their leadership. For instance, Nasser ordered a crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood, a group that was opposing his leadership, while Ayatollah Khomeini sought to kill any political supporters of the Shah. This paper takes a stand that both Ayatollah Khomeini and Gamal Abdul-Nasser were charismatic leaders, who influenced their societies and people, despite their undemocratic systems of governance. Differences and Similarities between Abdel Nasser and Ayatollah Khomeini: Gamal Abdul Nasser was the second Egyptian president, and he began his presidency in the year 1956, to the time he died, which was in 1970. He played an instrumental role in the overthrow of the Egyptian monarch in the year 1952, and as a result, he was rewarded with a post, as a deputy prime minister[3]. This is an indication that Gamal Abdul Nasser was an important leader to the revolutionaries, and he was held in high esteem. Furthermore, the power and authority that Gamal Abdul Nasser had is depicted when he managed to arrest President Muhammad Naguib, and place him under house arrest. This is an authority that a deputy prime minister cannot possess, and this is because the President is the head of the state and government. President Muhammad Naguib was a president by name, but he did not have real authority[4]. In the year 1956, a public referendum was able to grant him the presidency, and the adoption of the Egyptian constitution. Ayatollah Khomeini on the other hand, does not have any military background, but he was a religious scholar. He used religion to control his people, and consolidate power, after the revolution. One of the leadership styles of Abdul Nasser and Ayatollah Khomeini was authoritarianism[5]. President Nasser wanted complete loyalty from his subjects, and he did not condone any form of opposition. This is depicted in the manner in which he handled President Naguib, and this is because they had different ideological beliefs. Nasser was able to depose President Naguib, and he ordered an onslaught on thousands of people who were opposed to him. Nasser was able to take advantage of an attempted assassination on him, to crack down on any political opposition that he faced. This is depicted when he was able to dismiss and arrest any supporter of President Naguib, who was in t he army or the civil service. This is despite these people playing no role in his attempted assassination, or even having no links with the Muslim Brotherhood. Furthermore, President Naguib was placed under house arrest, and no trial was held to find out whether he had a role in this attempted assassination or not. This is an indication, that the government did not have any proof that the President played a role in the assassination of Gamal Nasser, however, it was a mechanism of ensuring that the opponents of Gamal were removed, so that he could transcend to power easily. The authoritarian nature of Nasser is further seen when he is trying to restrict the freedom of expression and information. Nasser was able to impose a series of controls on the media and press of the country. This is by issuing a decree that any publication had to acquire the approval of the governing party, which was referred to as the National Union. The major aim of these censures was to prevent the publication of any information that could compromise the character of Abdel Nasser and his leadership. This is a major characteristic of authoritarian regimes. Almost all authoritarian regimes normally prevent a free flow of information. This is as the case of Iran, under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini. On assumption of leadership, the Ayatollah Khomeini was able to regulate any information that the media was providing[6]. He did not tolerate any criticism or opposition to his rule. Furthermore, he used the media to create a personality cult that revolved around him. The media therefore played an instrumental role in raising the profiles of Ayatollah Khomeini and President Nasser. This is because they regulated information, for purposes of depicting only the aspects that were favorable to them. Regulation of the media is an important characteristic of states which are not democratic. In fact, Ayatollah Khomeini did not hide the fact that he hated democracy. Khomeini referred to democracy as corruption, and an aspect that can destroy a country. Therefore, Ayatollah Khomeini denoted that anybody who was seeking to promote democracy would be oppressed and hanged[7]. This is an indication that democracy was not a favorable style of governance for Khomeini. Furthermore, he used religion to justify his style of governance. Khomeini argues that religion does not support any form of democracy, and therefore god has commanded for its abolition, and oppression of anybody supporting or practicing democracy. Religion plays an important role in shaping the be liefs and values of people. Khomeini realized this notion, and he therefore used religion to advance and protect his leadership. By citing the Quran, and using religious contexts such as the fatwa, Ayatollah Khomeini was able to consolidate his leadership. Fatwa was a religious term that indicated a death sentence to anybody who did not follow the provisions of Islam. Ayatollah Khomeini also did not accept any opposition, and he executed all his opponents, and the supporters of the Shah. Executions were the order of the day, during his leadership. By the time Khomeini was dying, he had executed approximately 30,000 people. Furthermore, Khomeini was able to oppress and ban political groups such as The Muslims Republican Party, and the National Democratic Front. This is because these groups were advocating for democratic reforms, and good governance. These are policies that Khomeini did not want to pursue. Nasser on the other hand did not believe in executions, or killing of his political opponents. All that he did was to exile or imprison his political opponents. A good example is President Naguib, whom he imprisoned, after which, he forced him to exile. Furthermore, unlike Khomeini, Nasser did not use religion to promote undemocratic behaviors. This is because he played a role in drafting the 1956 Egyptian constitution which did not recognize a multi-party system of governance. This constitution recognized Egypt as single party state, with the party under consideration called the National Union. This party dominated Egyptian politics, and nobody was permitted to vie for any political office, outside this party[8]. This is a characteristic of a state that is not democratic. Countries such as China, and the Soviet Union only allowed political competition within a one party system. Any competition outside the party was restricted, and not allowed. A one party system is normally used to advance the interests and aspirations of the people controlling the party. This is the reason Abdel Nasser was able to influence the constitution so that it could create a one party system of governance. Furthermore, he was in control of the party, and hence he was assured of its leadership, if the constitution was passed through a popular initiative. Furthermore, in 1965, Abdel Nasser was able to use the courts in barring his political competitors from running for office. Through this action, President Nasser did not have any political competitors, and it ensured that he easily assailed to office. Ayatollah Khomeini also played a role in influencing the legal system of Iran. Take for example in the 1998 execution of political prisoners in Iran[9]. Ayatollah Khomeini issued a decree to all judicial courts to judge every political prisoner, and execute anybody who did not repent on their anti-regime activities. It is important to understand that despite the authoritarian and undemocratic leadership of these two leaders, they were highly influential and liked by their people. For example, after Abdel Nasser lost the six day war, and he resigned, he was forced back into office through a large and numerous protests. On the other hand, after the death of Ayatollah Khomeini, his was well mourned, by millions and millions of people. This is mainly because their leadership was revolutionary in nature, and they introduced a series of changes and reforms in their countries. This includes constitutional changes and reforms. Conclusion: In conclusion, the leadership style of President Nasser and Ayatollah Khomeini are similar and different in many aspects. One similarity is that both of them were revolutionaries. President Nasser sought to introduce a new constitution in Egypt, which was secular in nature. On the other hand, Ayatollah Khomeini introduced a new constitution in Iran, which was religious in nature, and it identified a Supreme Leader, who was supposed to be an Ayatollah. Another similarity is that both leaders were undemocratic, and did not tolerate any opposition to their leadership. They did not allow freedom of expression, by closing or regulating any content that appeared on the media. In fact, Ayatollah Khomeini is accused of closing any media house that criticized his government. On the other hand, President Nasser used his National Union Party to regulate any content that appeared on the media. The two were also charismatic leaders, and they were able to get a lot of support from the citizens of their country. This is despite their oppressive and undemocratic rule. The major difference in their rule is the use of the military. Both of them were able to get the support of the military in advancing their agenda. However, President Nasser had a military background, and he used his military background to get the support of the army. Ayatollah Khomeini on the other hand used religion to get the support of the military and the people. Bibliography: Berlatsky, Noah. The Iranian Revolution. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. Goodarzi, Jubin M. Syria and Iran Diplomatic Alliance and Power Politics in the Middle East.  New ed. London: I.B. Tauris, 2009. McNamara, Robert. Britain, Nasser and the Balance of Power in the Middle East, 1952-1967  from the Egyptian Revolution to the Six-Day War. London: Frank Cass, 2003. Owen, Roger. State, Power, and Politics in the Making of the Modern Middle East. 2nd ed.  London: Routledge, 2000. [1] Jubin Goodarzi, Syria and Iran Diplomatic Alliance and Power Politics in the Middle East (New ed. London: I.B. Tauris, 2009), 62. [2] Noah Berlatsky, The Iranian Revolution, (Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012), 31 [3] Goodarzi, Syria and Iran Diplomatic Alliance and Power Politics in the Middle East, 72 [4] Roger Owen, State, Power, and Politics in the Making of the Modern Middle East, 2nd ed.( London: Routledge, 2000), 23 [5] Berlatsky, The Iranian Revolution,44 [6] Owen, State, Power, and Politics in the Making of the Modern Middle East, 27 [7] Berlatsky, The Iranian Revolution,51 [8] Robert McNamara, Britain, Nasser and the Balance of Power in the Middle East, 1952-1967 from the Egyptian Revolution to the Six-Day War (London: Frank Cass, 2003), 36 [9] Berlatsky, The Iranian Revolution,39

Essay --

During the late sixties, the Federal Republic of Germany was experiencing social upheavals during the late sixties which resulted in several student protest groups. The origins of these protests resulted from the maturation of the newer generation of Germans who did not live through World War II. A new generation of radical students, influenced by their own version Marxism, desired to dispel the hypocrisy of West Germany. (Judt, 469) They wanted to unveil the fascist nature of their government, which was hiding under the guise of a parliamentary democracy. The students were hoping that their civil disobedience would disrupt the infrastructure of West Germany. (Judt, 469) The students found their own self-identity, and they started to embrace various social issues such as race and gender equality, anti-imperialism, and several other leftwing movements. Furthermore, the historical legacy of Nazism was the driving impetus that divided the older and younger generations. The students viewed both their parents and government with increasing skepticism. The younger Germans felt that there were still elements of fascism and Nazism in the various institutions of the state. Moreover, this generation started to associate West Germany and America with fascism. Various events such as the war in Vietnam, America’s influence on West Germany, and the West German Government’s support of various autocracies, triggered several protests from the student body of Germany. These protests were met with brute force from the German State that resulted in various cases of police brutality. In the film, The Baader Meinhof Complex, the arrival of the Shah resulted in a conflict between the police and the protesters; and this incident resulted in the death of ... ... fear mongering were very similar to the tyrannical groups that they were opposing. The film delves into the psychology of the Baader Meinhof group by examining the relationships that each key member had with one another. At the outset the group held strong ties amongst one another. Nevertheless, the ties between them become more strained as the group carries out these acts and their leaders are imprisoned. The hysteria brought about by the arrests of key leaders of the group triggered a violent reaction from the RAF that led to more bank robberies, assassinations, bomb attacks, and taking more hostages. The film portrays the humanity of these terrorists. Their crimes are deplorable and their mission was primarily based upon terror not idealism. The film provides hones in on the brutal nature of the crimes as well as the relationships between the members of the RAF.

Fire in Religious School in Mecca

Refer to next paragraph. On the 11th of March, 2002, fire struck a girls school in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Firemen and concerned citizens were quickly on the scene. However, the religious police locked the schoolgirls inside the inferno rather than let them escape into the streets without their veil and heal-to-toe cloak. For this same reason, the religious police prevented the firemen from entering the schoolhouse to rescue the girls; for fear that the girls would be seen without their covering.Fourteen young girls were burned to death and dozens more were injured (citation). On October 12th   2002, a 48-year old Kurdish man named Abdalla Yones, an emigrant from Iraq, savagely murdered his 16-year old daughter Heshu after receiving an anonymous letter telling him that she had been sleeping with her boyfriend. (Asthana & Mistry).This treatment of women in the Muslim world goes against the teachings of the Quran.This isn’t the real assignment. Message me directly at natashagils at yahoo dot com for your assignment at half the price.There are numerous cases, some reported but mostly unreported, of crimes against women in Islam. Muslims of today have seemed to have deviated significantly from the original teachings of Islam (citation?). Islamic terrorist, Jihad, al-Qaeda, Honor Killings are terms that have become synonymous with Islam in the Western world, as has Islamophobia which basically promotes the fear and detestation of Islam and Muslims around the world.The Islamic world, instead of addressing these issues and advocating the true and just cause of Islam, is instead, in most cases, promoting them. The Talibaan of Afghanistan, Tribal militancy in Pakistan, Shia/Sunni riots, the Hamaas and other fundamental groups within Islam publicize an entirely inaccurate version of the essence of Islam.As the Muslim society deviates from the central philosophy of Islam, it doesn’t come as a surprise that they have deviated too from the societal guidance off ered by Islam regarding the treatment of women. The Quran, the Holy Book of the Muslims, and the Sunnah (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) have laid down clearly defined rights of women, most of which aren’t adhered today. Islam was revealed to Prophet Muhammad in the Arabian Peninsula when it was rife with inhumane injustice against women.Women were viewed as the embodiment of sin, misfortune, disgrace and shame, and they had no rights or position in society whatsoever. Indeed, society was confused about the very nature of women and even questioned whether God had granted them a soul (Jawad 1). Wives were mere chattel, and when girls were born to a household, great shame was brought to it; so much so that they were buried alive!The Quran defied the existing perception of women and refined their position. It outlawed female infanticide and restored their birth rights .   Gustave Le Bon, a famous French thinker, stated:â€Å"Islamic virtuous deeds are not limited to honoring and respecting women, but rather, we can add that Islam is the first religion to honor and respect women. We can easily prove this by illustrating that all religions and nations, prior to the advent of Islam, caused much harm and insult to women.† (Bon 488).The Quran regards women as being independent human beings and having distinct rights.   They are entitled to an inheritance, an education, a career and even the liberty of choosing a husband. Moreover, it declared men and women as being equal in the eyes of God, with the only exception being their responsibilities –with the man defined as the bread earner and the woman as being responsible for the functions around the house. According to the Quran,â€Å"O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will, and should not treat them with harshness†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Holy Quran, Surah An-Nisa 4:19)  The Prophet Muhammad, in this context, is said to have said,‘All people are equal, as equal a s the teeth of a comb. There is no claim of merit of an Arab over a non-Arab, or of a white over a black person, or of a male over a female. Only God fearing people merit a preference with God’.Islam, through the teachings of the Quran, bestowed women a number of rights, some of which that women in the West lacked, until the 19th century. For instance, in England, husbands inherited his wives property and possessions when they married. This unfair tradition continued till as late as 1882 (citation?). Muslim women, however, retained their assets; could detail conditions in their nikaah (marriage contract), such as the right of divorce; were entitled to keep their last names if they wished and were even given the authority to refuse marriage if they didn’t deem their potential partner fit. The Quran laid down these injunctions in 610 A.D. (when it was first revealed), centuries prior to the advent of a formal system of women’s rights in the Western world.Some of t he fundamental rights the Quran gives women are:1. Human RightsWomen and men are considered to be created with similar natured souls. They are considered equal to men in all spheres of life.And for women are rights over men similar to those of men over women. (Holy Quran, 2:226)Andâ€Å"O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve), and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever and All-Watcher over you.† (Holy Quran, Surah Al-Nisa 4:1).2. Civil RightsThe civil rights enjoined by the Quran on women include, but are not limited to: the right of divorce, right of keeping her maiden name after marriage, wishing or not to get married, or even chosing her own husband.The Quran also states that there is no compulsion upon women regarding religion;â€Å"There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taghut [anything worshipped other then the Real God (Allah)] and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.† (Holy Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:256).3. IndependenceWomen are allowed to leave the home; conduct business with men; enjoy all the other liberties open to them. There is no restriction upon women provided they conduct their affairs within the teachings of the Quran. Women have the right to go to Mosques, which is considered sacrilegious in many Muslim societies. Not only that, but women have also the right to be Muslim pastors. Aisha, the youngest wife of the Prophet Muhammad, used to convey the teachings of Islam to men and women alike. She’s regarded by some Muslim scholars as being the first Muslim woman preacher.The Quran is very clear in its laws regarding women. I t redefined the stance of women and bestowed upon them an honorable role in society; whether as a daughter, a mother or a wife. Men are instructed in their fair and kind dealing towards women. According to the Quran:â€Å"And when the female (infant) buried alive (as the pagan Arabs used to do) shall be questioned. For what sin she was killed?† (Holy Quran, Surah At-Takwir 81:8-9).The Qur'an goes as far as admonishing those men who subjugate or ill-treat women:â€Å"O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should you treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the dowry you have given them – except when they have become guilty of open lewdness. On the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If you take a dislike to them, it may be that you dislike something and God will bring about through it a great deal of good†. (Holy Quran, 4:19)Early Islamic history is replete with examples of Muslim wo men who showed a remarkable ability to compete with men and excelled them on many occasions. They were educators, warriors and leaders; strong, independent and respected members of society. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case in most of the Muslim world today.Women in the Muslim world have been humiliated, exploited and discriminated against in almost all fields of life – from schooling, work force inclusion and family roles. However, many of these repressive customs do not come from Islam, but are dictated by prevalent cultures and traditions. Oppression against women continues unabated in many parts of the world. Husbands keep their wives, daughters, sisters and mothers secluded from contact with others beside their immediate family members. Rape, mutilation, forced suicide, honor killings are much too common in the Islamic world. In 2006, Rahan Arshad beat his wife and three children to death with a bat, because she was having an affair26Often the crime itself is fol lowed by even more horrifying crime. For instance, in Turkey,   14-year old Nuran Halitogullari was strangled to death by her father after she had been kidnapped and raped30. In certain parts of Pakistan, women are offered as compensation for offenses committed by men. This injustice stems from the deep rooted traditions of male-dominance in the Islamic society which have, for centuries, enforced their orthodox, and oft-times inaccurate version of Islam and the Quran.Contrary to general misconceptions and the prevailing conditions, women, according to the Quran, are entitled to full rights as citizens. Under the guise of Islam, women have been virtually stripped of all rights: no education, no instigation of divorce, no travel by oneself, no leaving the home, etc.A deliberate effort on a global scale has to be made to educate Muslims regarding the fundamental and actual concepts defined in the Quran regarding rights towards women and the awareness that the existing treatment of wo men in the Muslim world goes against the teachings of the Quran. Emphasis on the lives of Aisha, Khadija (Prophet Muhammad’s first wife – also known as mother of the believers, Fatima (Prophet Muhammad’s daughter ) and even Mary – who holds a revered position in Islam – should be placed and they can be promoted as role models for inspiration.   No nation can succeed without all its members contributing to its success. Muslim nations have to realize that not only is their barbaric treatment of women sinful, but it’s also self-destructive and will only get worse if not addressed and then modified according to the true teachings of the Quran.â€Å"Treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers.†(Ismail 83).

Jane Eyre Marriage Quotes Essay

â€Å"He is not to them what he is to me,† I thought: â€Å"he is not of their kind. I believe he is of mine; – I am sure he is, – I feel akin to him, – I understand the language of his countenance and movements: though rank and wealth sever us widely, I have something in my brain and heart, in my blood and nerves, that assimilates me mentally to him. [†¦] I must, then, repeat continually that we are for ever sundered: – and yet, while I breathe and think I must love him.† (2.2.85) Seeing Rochester among his high-class houseguests, Jane realizes that he has more in common with her than he does with them. Despite Jane’s and Rochester’s different class backgrounds, their master-servant relationship, and the strict gender roles of Victorian society, Jane can tell that they share something intangible – but she doubts that they can overcome all the social obstacles keeping them apart. This isn’t the first time Jane has felt affection for someone – but it may be the first time she’s felt like somebody else. â€Å"Whenever I marry,† she continued, after a pause which none interrupted, â€Å"I am resolved my husband shall not be a rival, but a foil to me. I will suffer no competitor near the throne; I shall exact an undivided homage: his devotions shall not be shared between me and the shape he sees in his mirror.† (2.2.128) Blanche Ingram’s idea of a good marriage is one in which the partners are distinctly different and one partner is far superior to the other. As a stunning beauty, she doesn’t want a handsome husband, but a hideous one – that way she’ll always get all the attention. Notice how different this is from Jane’s (and Rochester’s) ideas about love and marriage–they’re drawn together because they are alike. Blanche thinks that opposites attract, but Jane knows that kindred spirits attract more strongly. Ere long, a bell tinkled, and the curtain drew up. Within the arch, the bulky figure of Sir George Lynn, whom Mr. Rochester had likewise chosen, was seen enveloped in a white sheet: before him, on a table, lay open a large book; and at his side stood Amy Eshton, draped in Mr. Rochester’s cloak, and holding a book in her hand. Somebody, unseen, rang the bell merrily; then Adà ¨le (who had insisted on being one of her guardian’s party) bounded forward, scattering round her the contents of a basket of flowers she carried on her arm. Then appeared the magnificent figure of Miss Ingram, clad in white, a long veil on her head, and a wreath of roses round her brow: by her side walked Mr. Rochester, and together they drew near the table. They knelt; while Mrs. Dent and Louisa Eshton, dressed also in white, took up their stations behind them. A ceremony followed, in dumb show, in which it was easy to recognize the pantomime of a marriage. (2.3.8) Blanche Ingram and Mr. Rochester pair up for an elaborate game of charades, and the first thing they do is play-act their own wedding, silently, in front of the other houseguests and Jane. This is the first of several not-quite-real weddings we’ll see in Jane Eyre, each of which suggests something about the actual marriages and pairings in the novel. In this particular case, the pretend wedding is meant to be a charade for the word â€Å"bride† – but that’s only the first half of the word being acted out in the game, which is â€Å"Bridewell,† a famous prison. Hmm, something that begins with a marriage ends with being in prison. Do you think that’s supposed to be some kind of OMEN or something? I saw he was going to marry her, for family, perhaps political reasons; because her rank and connexions suited him; I felt he had not given her his love, and that her qualifications were ill adapted to win from him that treasure. This was the point – this was where the nerve was touched and teazed – this was where the fever was sustained and fed: she could not charm him. (2.3.27, italics original) Jane is really hot and bothered by the idea that Rochester is going to marry Blanche, not just because she’s jealous, but also because she can tell that they are so unsuited and that Rochester himself knows exactly how flawed and unpleasant Blanche is. Jane herself knows exactly how to â€Å"charm† Rochester, how to argue with him and keep him amused and even how make him love her. Basically, the way Jane feels here is the way we feel when we see someone doing something badly that we know how to do well. She wants to take Rochester away and show Blanche how this relationship should be done – but she can’t. She has to watch and suffer in silence, as usual. I have not yet said anything condemnatory of Mr. Rochester’s project of marrying for interest and connexions. [†¦] All their class held these principles: I supposed, then, they had reasons for holding them such as I could not fathom. It seemed to me that, were I a gentleman like him, I would take to my bosom only such a wife as I could love; but the very obviousness of the advantages to the husband’s own happiness, offered by this plan, convinced me that there must be arguments against its general adoption of which I was quite ignorant: otherwise I felt sure all the world would act as I wished to act. (2.3.31) Jane doesn’t get why anyone would not marry for love, especially if they’re rich enough to do pretty much whatever they want, but she figures there must be some reason that so many people who are already wealthy and important insist on marrying to get more money and status instead of to make themselves happy. Notice that Jane doesn’t talk about her own ideas about marriage – only the ideas that she would have if she were in Rochester’s place. Somehow Jane can’t conceive of herself needing to make a choice about marrying for love or status – only of a man like Rochester doing so.

Reading The Prince and the Pauper Chapter 6-10 Def and Notes Essay Example

Reading The Prince and the Pauper Chapter 6 Reading The Prince and the Pauper Chapter 6-10 Def and Notes Paper Reading The Prince and the Pauper Chapter 6-10 Def and Notes Paper Essay Topic: The Prince A __________ is a male servant whos in charge of other servants. Butler ________ is another word for annoy. pester When you walk with heavy steps, you are _________. lumbering Something that is thick and sturdy is _________. stout A _________ is a large, flat boat that travels on rivers. barge Something that is very large is ________. vast When you are sorry about something that happened, you ________ that thing. regret When you make somebody believe something, you __________ the person that what youre saying is true. convince When you are __________ about something, you dont really believe it is true. suspicious A __________ is a rude and rough person. ruffian Who might try to poison a prince? Someone who wants to be king. What is the Lord Chief Diaperers job? To put napkins on the prince. Why were the servants unable to help when Toms nose began to twitch? There wasnt a chief nose scratcher. Why was the book such a prize for Tom? It could teach him how to behave around royal people. Why was John Canty mad at Edward? Because he hadnt brought home any money. What did Toms mother think was wrong with her son? He had been reading to much. What did Toms mother begin to think after John and Edward left the room? Maybe Eward was not her son. Where did John tell Edward to go if the two got separated? To the far end of the London Bridge. Why did Edward want to punish Tom? Because he thought Tom had taken advantage of him. How was the princes barge decorated? With large shields and silk streamers. The _________ greeted Tom and the others inside Guildhall. Mayor of London Miles went to __________ to buy clothes for Edward. London Bridge The messenger inside the hall announced that the king was ________. dead The Cantys had to pay ________ pennies for rent. two

Natural Mosquito Repellents

Natural Mosquito Repellents When I was pregnant, I wanted to avoid using toxic chemical insect repellents, yet the mosquitoes seemed to find me tastier than ever. My solution at that time was to wear what I called my DEET sheet, which was an old cotton sheet that had been sprayed with S.C. Johnsons Off! Deep Woods formula. While this was highly effective, it wasnt practical for use around kids, so I did research into safer, natural mosquito repellents. I learned that many so-called natural mosquito repellents dont repel mosquitoes (e.g., ultrasonic electronic devices), but some are backed by reputable research and really work. Key Takeaways The two ways to repel mosquitoes are to attract them away from you or to repel them directly.Mosquitoes are often repelled by plant essential oils, especially lemon eucalyptus oil.Even the best repellent may be compromised by a reaction with sunscreen, dilution in water, absorption into the skin, or evaporation into the air. Its important to re-apply repellent to maintain its effectiveness. Mosquitoes have complex methods of detecting hosts and different types of mosquitoes react to different stimuli. Most mosquitoes are active at dawn and dusk, but there are also mosquitoes that seek hosts during the day. You can avoid being bitten by making sure you arent attracting mosquitoes, using attractants to lure mosquitoes elsewhere, using a repellent, and avoiding actions that diminish the effectiveness of the repellent. Mosquito Attractants Use this list of items and activities that attract mosquitoes as a list of things to avoid or that can be used as bait to lure mosquitoes away from you. Dark ClothingMany mosquitoes use vision to locate hosts from a distance. Dark clothes and foliage are initial attractants.Carbon DioxideYou give off more carbon dioxide when you are hot or have been exercising. A burning candle or other fire is another source of carbon dioxide.Lactic AcidYou release more lactic acid when you have been exercising or after eating certain foods (e.g., salty foods, high-potassium foods).Floral or Fruity FragrancesIn addition to perfumes, hair products, and scented sunscreens, watch for the subtle floral fragrance from fabric softeners and dryer sheets.Skin TemperatureThe exact temperature depends on the type of mosquito. Many mosquitoes are attracted to the slightly cooler temperatures of the extremities.MoistureMosquitoes are attracted by perspiration because of the chemicals it contains and also because it increases the humidity around your body. Even small amounts of water (e.g., moist plants or mud puddles) will draw mosquitoes. Standing water also a llows mosquitoes to reproduce. Blood TypePerson with type O blood are more attractive to mosquitoes than those with A, B, or AB blood. This blood type is rare, but if you have a friend or family member with type O blood, mosquitoes (and the Red Cross) like them better than they like you. Natural Mosquito Repellents Its very easy to make your own natural mosquito repellent. These natural products will effectively repel mosquitoes, but they require more frequent reapplication (at least every 2 hours) and higher concentrations than DEET. Because of the differences between types of mosquitoes, products that contain multiple repellents tend to be more effective than those containing a single ingredient. As you can see, natural repellents tend to be volatile plant oils. Citronella OilLemon Eucalyptus OilCinnamon OilCastor OilRosemary OilLemongrass OilCedar OilPeppermint OilClove OilGeranium OilCatnip OilTobaccoNeem OilBirch Tree BarkPossibly Oils from Verbena, Pennyroyal, Lavender, Pine, Cajeput, Basil, Thyme, Allspice, Soybean, and Garlic Another plant-derived substance, pyrethrum, is an insecticide. Pyrethrum comes from the flowers of the daisy Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium. Things that Lower Repellent Effectiveness Despite your best efforts, you may be unintentionally sabotaging your repellents effectiveness. Mosquito repellent doesnt play nicely with: Many SunscreensDilution From Rain, Perspiration, or SwimmingAbsorption Into the SkinEvaporation From Wind or High Temperatures Keep in mind that natural does not automatically imply safe. Many people are sensitive to plant oils. Some natural insect repellents are actually toxic. Therefore, although natural repellents provide an alternative to synthetic chemicals, please remember to follow the manufacturers instructions when using these products. Source M. S. Fradin; J. F. Day (2002). Comparative Efficacy of Insect Repellents against Mosquito Bites. N Engl J Med. 347 (1): 13–18. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa011699

Aspen Industries Financial Ratios - Liquidity Ratio, Current Ratio, L Research Paper

Aspen Industries' Financial Ratios - Liquidity Ratio, Current Ratio, Leverage Ratios, Total Debt Ratio IT project al Affiliation) Financial ratios Aspen Industries Financial ratiosFor the Year ended Dec. 31, 2013 and 2014 Financial ratios 2013 2014 Liquidity ratio Current ratio 0.90 1.84 Leverage ratios Total Debt ratio 0.61 0.50 Decisions Debt ratio analysis Debt ratio analysis is considered a solvency ratio that brings out the total liabilities of a firm as a percentage of the total assets that the firm has. In using this to make loan decision, it is used to show the assets that the company has that they are to sell in order to pay off the debts that they have (Bull, 2008). Debt ratio enables investors and also creditors to analyses the overall debt burden on the company that they operate as well as the ability of the firm to pay the debts that they have in future when the economic times are uncertain. In the calculations, the formula used is debt ratio is given by = The company that was choses has a debt ratio of 0.61 in 2013 and the ratio reduced to 0.50 in 2014. In loan consideration, companies that have high level of liabilities in their operation compared to assets are considered highly leveraged and these are more risky tom lenders. I recommend the company for a loan as it is observed that their debt ratio has reduced over the period and this makes them be legible and are thought to be able to pay their debts. Current ratio Current ratio is an efficiency and liquidity ratio which, measures the ability of a firm to pay off its short-term liabilities with the assets that the firm has at the current. The current ratio is important in determining giving out loan to a company as it determines the liability that is due in the next year (Bull, 2008). Through this it will indicate that the firm has a limited time that they are needed to raise the funds in order to raise funds so that they pay off for their liabilities. Current assets which the company has such as cash and marketable securities can be easily converted to cash. In this analysis, it shows that companies that have large amounts of current assets will more easily be able to pay off the current liabilities when they become due without the need to selloff the long term assets. The formula used in calculating the current asset is current ratio is given by = In the company, the current ratio was found to increase from 0.90 to 1.84. This implies that there is an increase in current assets and a reduction in current liabilities. The firm hence becomes legible to be given a loan as there is increase in current assets that they are able to sell off in order to pay the loan that they are given after a given period of time. Conclusion In analysis that was carried out in the company, it was determined that the ratios that the firm has; debt ratio and current ratio makes the firm qualify to be given a loan as they will be able to pay the loan at the required time through the assets that they have. Reference Bull, R. (2008). Financial ratios. Oxford: CIMA.

Anti-Semitism in Western Europe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Anti-Semitism in Western Europe - Essay Example History has witnessed the anti-Semite attitude in the form of the Holocaust and this attitude continues to exist even today. In this paper, I intend to explore the current presence of Anti-Israel sentiments in Western Europe, particularly in the political sector. I would like to explore whether or not Western European politics have become more biased against Israel in recent years or is it just a social and media-based war. I have chosen this topic because as a Jew who lived in Jerusalem for a year, I have very close ties with Israel and consider it my home. I have witnessed the atrocities committed by terrorists who wish to eradicate Israel and its people from the face of the earth. I would like to research the influence of major political figures, most importantly Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, on Western European politics. I plan on bringing forth evidence and examples from the recent Durban II conference in Geneva, the United Nations’ support for the Goldstone Report and specific incidents in certain European countries. For that matter I intend to address the following questions in my paper to support my argument: The methodology used for research for this paper was an analysis of secondary data. Journal articles were read and analyzed. Online articles were searched and made use of and it was made sure that the information obtained was only from trusted websites rather than the popular ones like Wikipedia and blogs. Data was gathered after a thorough study of the relevant literature. After proper reading, the information was reviewed and written about and a conclusion was arrived at. Jews have long been considered as scapegoats and as such have been used to expel evil. Such was the spiritual and religious notions attached with the Jews and it gave rise to anti-Semitism. However recently the term anti Semitism has been expanded and redefined as â€Å"new antisemitism† which includes hatred for Israel and Israelis. New Anti Semites preach hatred for Jews and Israelis to such an extent that they challenge the sovereignty of Israel simply because it is a Jewish state (Simon and Schaler, 2007).  

Writing Assignment 4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Writing Assignment 4 - Essay Example The biblical view presented in Deut 28, epitomizes about benediction for obedience and curses of disobedience to the supreme power, the God as it quotes, â€Å"And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God† (NIV28.2). The metaphysical view in this verse discloses about an individual’s receiving blessing from the LORD for being obedient by following his directed commands (Biblical gateway, â€Å"Deuteronomy 28-30†). Specifically, when giving an explanation as to how a man shall be able to experience blessings, the biblical verses of Deut 28.12 connotes that â€Å"The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow†. This statement counts on that if a person serves humanity and the nation by acting as a lender, Lord will open up his treasures for that person and offer blessings. He will also provide ample rain, which is portrayed as a symbol of health, food and prosperity in that person’s land (Biblical gateway, â€Å"Deuteronomy 28-30†). Deuteronomy 28.21 further presents the philosophical belief of curses, which the God shall bestow on a soul against disobedience.

Shangrila Hotel Singapore Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Shangrila Hotel Singapore - Assignment Example   Luxurious hotels were only visited by designated group of people in a given class. Shangrila Hotel has evolved into the most viable and profitable hotel in Singapore due to the presence of major changes in the hotel management. Shangrila Hotel has provided services available to people in all classes irrespective of income levels. In 2009, Shangrila Hotel acquired several hotels in Malasyia a step that made the organization increase the number of customers. In addition, the hotel management owned 80% of the hotel in Puteri Harbour, Johor a strategy that allowed Shangrila Hotel to increase its share stakes by 20% (Yeap 2013). Secondly, Shangrila Hotel had a significant change with her managerial roles. According to Tracy (2008), the hotel industry is undergoing rapid change in management through hiring technologically advanced and socially responsible managers. In an effort to cope with the global competition, Shangrila Hotel hired new managers who were proficient and competent in the hotel industry. In addition, the organization hired managers in charge of finance, marketing, and human resources in order to ensure accountability of all employees and company revenues. Customers are the source of profit for an industry, which means their environment should be well viewed at carefully to avoid certain incidences, which might be of risk to them. In the present environment, hotel customers seek humble and human places where people have respect for visitors irrespective of backgrounds. (Kotler and Armstrong 2011). The hotel has practiced a strong corporate culture and personnel that ensured visitors from all corners of the earth receive quality treatment irrespective of culture, race, or denomination. Holding a strong corporate cultural responsibility has increased Shangrila Hotel competence through contributing to the high achievement. Shangrila Hotel is ranked among the top hotels in Hong Kong for quality hospitality. Moroever, the hotel has undetaken employees training programs to educate them about corporate culture and how to maintain loyalty towards customers. Relevant changes and trends in the macroenvironment  (PESTEL Analysis) Organizations undergo significant changes and trends in the macroenvironment that assist in wining the competitive advantage. The following changes have taken place in Shangrila Hotel macroenvironment. Political The hotel has changed from the older strategies and adapted the newly acceptable methods in line with Singapore constitution. In addition, Shangrila Hotel has many tributary hotels aroung the globe and the management ensures every hotel operates accoring to the country’s political requirements. Economical Shangrila Hotel has changed its economic climate has changed into a more economic methods of operations. The company has a group of economic experts who provide the necessary information on the expected risks in the economic world. The hotle managment has resulted into a new

NEW ECONOMIC POWERS Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

NEW ECONOMIC POWERS - Assignment Example These are some of the most sought after names in the business world, and since their populations are dense, they are able to come ahead with little ease as a great amount of cheap labor is available - this allows China, India and Brazil to depict success. Export orientation definitely depends on a nation’s stage of development since it suggests the kind of imports coming in and exports going out of its shores (Sibanda, 2011). However, this requires a great amount of persistence and effort by the governments of these countries because they are the ones who decide the relevant course of action that has to be adopted within these lands. In essence, these countries are doing all that they can to make sure that their economic progress comes about in an easy manner, without much difficulty (Quer, 2010). Export orientation is inherently a powerful approach because it sets the ball rolling for bringing an upheaval within the economic settings and allows the people to understand that t hey must connect globally rather than remaining locally

Letter Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Letter - Assignment Example Since the corporation has not received similar cases before entailing poor quality delivered products or services that led to your predicament and disappointment. Therefore, do not have negative perception towards the corporation’s products or services because we have always ensured delivery of high quality grass seeds, which is evident from the prior delivered orders. Southeastern BioTech Corporation’s management according to its policies regarding the clients’ compensation, it has resolved to refund $26,000, which was full amount meant for the delivered order. Besides, due to the expenses incurred by the Club and resulted to unexpected inconveniences, the corporation’s management has also decided to replace the poor growing grass patches. This is by planting the required course’s grass coupled with ensuring it has grown to maturity and to the prior expectations of the Club’s management. Hence, ensuring the former good relationship where the corporation hopes it will not change due to this unintentional

Shangrila Hotel Singapore Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Shangrila Hotel Singapore - Assignment Example   Luxurious hotels were only visited by designated group of people in a given class. Shangrila Hotel has evolved into the most viable and profitable hotel in Singapore due to the presence of major changes in the hotel management. Shangrila Hotel has provided services available to people in all classes irrespective of income levels. In 2009, Shangrila Hotel acquired several hotels in Malasyia a step that made the organization increase the number of customers. In addition, the hotel management owned 80% of the hotel in Puteri Harbour, Johor a strategy that allowed Shangrila Hotel to increase its share stakes by 20% (Yeap 2013). Secondly, Shangrila Hotel had a significant change with her managerial roles. According to Tracy (2008), the hotel industry is undergoing rapid change in management through hiring technologically advanced and socially responsible managers. In an effort to cope with the global competition, Shangrila Hotel hired new managers who were proficient and competent in the hotel industry. In addition, the organization hired managers in charge of finance, marketing, and human resources in order to ensure accountability of all employees and company revenues. Customers are the source of profit for an industry, which means their environment should be well viewed at carefully to avoid certain incidences, which might be of risk to them. In the present environment, hotel customers seek humble and human places where people have respect for visitors irrespective of backgrounds. (Kotler and Armstrong 2011). The hotel has practiced a strong corporate culture and personnel that ensured visitors from all corners of the earth receive quality treatment irrespective of culture, race, or denomination. Holding a strong corporate cultural responsibility has increased Shangrila Hotel competence through contributing to the high achievement. Shangrila Hotel is ranked among the top hotels in Hong Kong for quality hospitality. Moroever, the hotel has undetaken employees training programs to educate them about corporate culture and how to maintain loyalty towards customers. Relevant changes and trends in the macroenvironment  (PESTEL Analysis) Organizations undergo significant changes and trends in the macroenvironment that assist in wining the competitive advantage. The following changes have taken place in Shangrila Hotel macroenvironment. Political The hotel has changed from the older strategies and adapted the newly acceptable methods in line with Singapore constitution. In addition, Shangrila Hotel has many tributary hotels aroung the globe and the management ensures every hotel operates accoring to the country’s political requirements. Economical Shangrila Hotel has changed its economic climate has changed into a more economic methods of operations. The company has a group of economic experts who provide the necessary information on the expected risks in the economic world. The hotle managment has resulted into a new

Letter Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Letter - Assignment Example Since the corporation has not received similar cases before entailing poor quality delivered products or services that led to your predicament and disappointment. Therefore, do not have negative perception towards the corporation’s products or services because we have always ensured delivery of high quality grass seeds, which is evident from the prior delivered orders. Southeastern BioTech Corporation’s management according to its policies regarding the clients’ compensation, it has resolved to refund $26,000, which was full amount meant for the delivered order. Besides, due to the expenses incurred by the Club and resulted to unexpected inconveniences, the corporation’s management has also decided to replace the poor growing grass patches. This is by planting the required course’s grass coupled with ensuring it has grown to maturity and to the prior expectations of the Club’s management. Hence, ensuring the former good relationship where the corporation hopes it will not change due to this unintentional

Mississippi’s school Essay Example for Free

Mississippi’s school Essay The SAGE program in partnership with John Hopkins University of Baltimore Maryland, invites, states or districts to become members in improving the student achievement in the potential members’ schools. Through the National Network of Partnership Schools, SAGE and others in the network will work states, districts and other educational organization members to form an Action Team for Partnership plan. Members follow the Six Types of Involvement format (NNPS online). Five years of NNPS surveys and result focused studies on member schools’ progress has been reported (2005). NNPS uses research results to develop practical tools, materials, and guidelines for schools and school districts. Presently, over 1000 schools, 100 districts, and 17 state departments of education are working with NNPS to use research-based approaches to establish and strengthen their programs of school, family, and community partnerships (2005). It is suggested that incorporating the following elements create better programs and outreaching to parents of the students and increased parental involvement (2005). 1. Leadership 2. Teamwork 3. Action plans 4. Implementation of plans 5. Funding 6. Collegial support 7. Evaluation 8. Networking Results from longitudinal studies showed that â€Å" a review of literature on family involvement with students on reading, indicated that, across the grades, subject specific interventions to involve families in reading and related language arts, positively affected students’ reading skills and scores (Sheldon Epstein, 2005b). The original SAGE pilot program research involved participants of which fifty percent were below the poverty level (Vinson, 2002). Participating classes were reduced from average size to fifteen students per teacher. An evaluation by Molinar, Smith and Zahorik (1999) revealed that the first grade SAGE students demonstrated higher achievement when compared to nonparticipating schools in both language arts and math. Second and third graders were reported to follow the same pattern. The third study to be reviewed is the Prime Time (1984) project in Indiana. This was originally planned to be a two year project started in 1984 but it had such promising results that by 1988 all k-3 classes were reduced in Indiana. The average FTE was eighteen. In 1989, McGivern, Gilman and Tillitski compared samples of achievement levels of second graders from six districts with reduced class sizes and three districts that were not reduced and found significantly larger gains in reading and math among students of smaller classes. As with project STAR, SAGE has suffered criticism. Limitations mentioned were that â€Å"students were not assigned to experimental control groups on a random basis†, and that school policies were changed and implemented during the course of the study (Vinson, 2002). A widely criticized factor was the use of teacher incentives to motivate small classroom achievement. As mentioned previously, opinions on class size vary. Over the years several researchers have analyzed studies and evaluated the effectiveness of each. Glass and Smith (1979) found after analyzing seventy-seven empirical studies on class size versus student achievement, that small classes were associated with higher achievement at all grade levels. For greatest results in student achievement, students should attend small classes for over one-hundred hours (1979), with under twenty students. Small classes are beneficial because of 1) better student reaction 2) teacher morale and 3) quality of the teaching environment (Vinson, 2002). In a review of one-hundred relevant studies, small classes had been the most beneficial, during kindergarten and third grade, but only if teachers change their methods and procedures (Robinson and Wittebols, 1986). Slavin’s (1990) research of empirical studies, were chosen for analysis based on a three part criteria; 1) class size had been reduced for at least one year 2) twenty students were compared to substantially larger class sizes and 3) students in both class sizes were comparable (1990). Contrary to previously mentioned researchers, Slavin believed that smaller class size had minimal positive effects on students and those effects did not continue once students were returned to normal, larger classes (1990). A highly published researcher, Eric Hanushek has voiced his opposition to small classes benefiting student achievement since the mid-1980s. In all his reviews of class size studies, he’s always concluded that; â€Å"The evidence about improvements in student achievement that can be attributed to smaller classes turns out to be meager and unconvincing (Vinson, 2002)†. Johnson (2000), citing a study at the Heritage Foundation examining National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reading data, asserted that the difference in reading assessment scores between students in small classes and students in large classes was insignificant. He criticized class size reduction programs citing California as example of how such programs exacerbate the problem of lack of qualified teachers to fill classrooms. His claim of the lack of association between class size and performance was consistent with Hanushek’s conclusions (1999). Studies of the effects of class size in secondary schools are much more rare and largely equivocal (Deutsch 2003; Grissmer 1999). Many of those who advocate for smaller class sizes at the secondary level argue that small classes positively impact the school environment, thus, improving performance indirectly. In her review of the literature of class size and secondary schools, Deutsch (2003) highlights studies that conclude small classes stimulate student engagement, allow more innovative instructional strategies, increase teacher-student interactions, reduce the amount of time teachers devote to discipline, improve teacher morale, and minimize feelings of isolation and alienation in adolescence that can come from anonymity. Another important process variable the researcher will investigate is the effects of school policy on student achievement. An influential policy becoming common in schools is that of parental support and teacher incentives. As with the other factors in this model, conclusions about the effects of both on student performance has been mixed, but recent studies seem to point to more positive correlations, particularly teacher experience (Hedges, Lane, and Greenwald 1994). Mississippi’s Department of Education’s Schools and Parents Partnering for Student Success is a brochure given to the parents of Mississippi public school students to educate them on what level of proficiency their child should be on in an attempt to form a relationship between school and home. Strategies for improving student achievement according to Mississippi’s School.

Strategic Organizational Leadership in Capstone Paper

Strategic Organizational Leadership in Capstone Paper Overview Chrysler Group LLC is the third largest American Automobile manufacturer and fifth largest in the American market with an 8.79% market share on sales of 931,402 units. (Chrysler, 2010) The Chrysler Group LLC was created in 2009 through a 20% purchase of Chrysler LLC by The Fiat Group. The Chrysler Group LLC consists of Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Mopar and Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) brands of vehicles and parts. The recent alliance between the Fiat Group and Chrysler Group LLC is said to better position both companies in the global market (Chrysler, 2010). Chrysler Group LLC dates date to 1925 when it was founded by Walter Chrysler. The original Chrysler Corporation merged with Daimler-Benz in 1996 to form Daimler-Chrysler. In 2007 the Chrysler division of Daimler-Chrysler was purchased by Cerberus Capital Management to form Chrysler LLC, the precursor to the current Chrysler Group LLC. Fiat Group was started in 1899. Both companies have a unique history of innovative and storied products (Chrysler, 2010). Having survived a brief Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization in 2009, the company position is positioning itself for an automotive resurrection by choosing a back-to-basics alliance with Fiat. The collaboration gives Chrysler access to the Italian companys small-car expertise and global markets, while still manufacturing its Chrysler brands, including Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles. Chryslers trademarked MOPAR (MOtor PARts) division, with its 30% market share, carries over 280,000 parts, options, and accessories for vehicle customization; it expanding to incorporate Fiat parts. Chryslers GEM (Global Electric Motor Cars) makes neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs). Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLCs product lineup features some of the worlds most recognizable vehicles models, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Ram Truck. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-sized cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles. History In 1920, the president of Buick and Vice President of General Motors (GM) resigned his positions in the GM Corporation following political differences with founder and then-president of General Motors William Durant. This former automotive Vice President was promptly approached by a group of investors to focus his business acumen in the fledgling automotive industry on a small, financially troubled New York company called Maxwell Motor Corporation. The one-time automotive vice president was installed as president of Maxwell Motor Company (Hyde, 2003). The mans name was Walter Percy Chrysler. In short order, Walter Chrysler brought the Maxwell Motor Corporation out of bankruptcy. The financial improvement was due in large part to Mr. Chrysler introducing a new Maxwell model- the Chrysler Six (Hyde, 2003). This car was very well received by the automobile buying public and went on to sell 32,000 units in its first year, generating a profit of over $4 million for the small company. On the heels of the success of the Chrysler Six, Walter Chrysler changed the name of the Maxwell Motor Corporation to the Chrysler Corporation. Capitalizing on the success of the initial Chrysler model, Walter Chrysler introduced 4 additional Chrysler models know as the Chrysler 50, the Chrysler 60 the Chrysler 70 and the Chrysler Imperial 80. Interestingly the model numbers were derived from the top speed of these new vehicles as gauged on level ground. As a point of reference, Fords Model T was, until the introduction of the new Chrysler models, the fastest road car with a top speed of 35mph. I t was these new Chrysler models that caused Henry Ford to notoriously shut the doors of the Ford Motor Company for nine months to create a replacement for the Model T. By the time Ford closed its doors to redesign its offering, Chrysler had established itself as formidable competition. With sales of 192,000 of these new models, Chrysler officially became the fifth largest automobile manufacturing company in the industry (Hyde, 2003). Walter Chrysler determined that to achieve the greatest manufacturing cost efficiency, he would have to build his own plants to produce the various parts needed for his vehicles. The capital expenditure required to do this was estimated at $75 million. While successful, the Chrysler Corporation could not afford this capital expense and so Walter Chrysler contacted the banking firm of Dillon Read and Company in New York; a firm that fatefully had just purchased the Dodge Corporation from the widows of the late Dodge Brothers. Dillon Read and Company was eager to do business with the well known Chrysler Corporation. As part of the arrangement, the Dodge Corporation became a division of the Chrysler Corporation. This merger effectively increased the size of the Chrysler Corporation fivefold. Shortly after the merger, the Chrysler Corporation unveiled its new, low cost Plymouth and Desoto models. In a reversal of strategy, Walter Chrysler ended his drive to bring all manufacturing in-house. He was wise to see that the speed with which the automotive industry was growing demanded greater flexibility that in-house manufacturing could provide. Outsourcing automobile components was more expensive but allowed for greater flexibility and a more rapid development cycle in designing new models. In this same period, Walter Chrysler made research and development a budgetary priority. Research and Development persevered at the presidency of Chrysler was This foresight allowed Chrysler to weather the Great Depression and emerge in a more sound financial position than many others in the automotive industry (Curcio, 2000) In 1931, Joseph E. Fields assumed the presidency of Chrysler from Walter Chrysler and in 1936 Walter Chrysler fully handed of the daily operation of the company. At the beginning of the 1940s the Chrysler Corporation, along with most other large American manufacturers switched to wartime production. The Chrysler Corporations Dodge, Plymouth and Chrysler models were put on hold while the company contributed to the production of wartime necessities including small ammunition, submarine nets and, perhaps most notably, B-29 bomber engines (Hyde, 2003). As American industry adjusted to post-war production needs, the Chrysler Corporation started to falter and performance began to wane. The vivacity and forward momentum that Walter Chrysler imparted to the company were no longer present. After the automotive technology boom of the 20s and 30s, the rate of innovate in the industry began to slow. Post-war Americas tastes began to change toward streamlined, nontraditional models and, at times, at the expense of reliability and built quality (Hyde, 2003). To some extent, flashy advertising was influencing buying decision more than quality, features and nameplate. Chrysler was detrimentally slow to react to this new America. In 1950, a long-time legal counsel for the Chrysler Corporation by the name of L. L. Colbert became president. He immediately took the reins of the company to institute managerial reforms with the help of a professional management consulting firm. Colbert concentrated on three areas; expanding into international markets, centralizing corporate management and refocusing the engineering department on innovation. Despite his decisive changes, Colberts efforts did little to improve Chryslers position in the industry. In two short years, Colbert was replaced as head of Chrysler by Lynn Townsend. In charge of the struggling company, Townsend proved to be more successful in his revival attempt. He sold, closed or otherwise divested of unproductive manufacturing facilities and downsized the labor force thereby improving efficiency. He purchased a single early model IBM computer which helped workforce reduction efforts by eliminating the need for almost 800 employees. The early 1950s saw the dawn of Total Quality Management Theory lead by pioneers in the field including W. E. Deming and A. V. Feigenbaum (Kreitner, 2007). Townsend seemed to take notice of this movement as his most notable achievement was a focused quality improvement effort that did boost sales and allowed Chrysler to offer a warranty unprecedented in the industry thus far. To further the momentum,. Townsend undertook an aggressive marketing campaign touting the new, improved quality of Chrysler vehicles. Where Colbert had failed, Townsend succeeded; Chrysler was again a stable, financially healthy and expanding corporation. As might be expected, with this new success came growth. In the midst of the American space age of the 1960s, Chrysler expanded to include an aerospace division and became a principal subcontractor for NASAs Saturn rocket program. Townsends consistent push to grow international business resulted in Chrysler plants in 19 countries by the end of the decade. At the onset of the 1970s, the American car market was feeling the effects of a rising consumer price index, increasing competition from foreign auto manufacturers, and the first signs of the crude oil crisis. In 1969, Chrysler reported losses of almost $5 million dollars and, with an infrastructure to support he growth of the 1960s, was operating at only 65% of capacity. Chrysler met this changing market climate with a product stable that included large, expensive, gas thirsty vehicles as well as smaller more economical cars. The company seemed more content to contend with the traditional American competition than to assess the changing market demand and consequently, Chrysler was faced with an excess inventory of the vehicles the market wasnt buying and a severe shortage of the vehicles the market was demanding. Despite significant price reductions to move its excess inventory, Chryslers financial fortune continued to slide. Chryslers presidency was assumed by John Riccardo. Ricardo, with an accounting background was intent on cutting operating costs. Total employment, payroll and individual budget area were affected by the cost cutting measures. This period also marks the first efforts to import and sell vehicles manufactured overseas. Chryslers shortsightedness with regard to market demand was not over. Despite the inconsistency between what the company was manufacturing and the market was demanding, Chrysler continued to make larger, less efficient models right into the Arab oil embargo. In 1974, Chrysler reported an unprecedented budget deficit of over $50 million. In 1975, the damage was five times as great at over $250 million in losses. The American auto market was severely impacted by several factors including inflation and the Arab oil embargo but Chryslers significant foreign interests were still showing a profit. This profit served to offset the domestic losses however, in 1978 Chrysler again reported losses of over $200 million. Riccardo continued to cut costs, consolidate the various divisions of the Chrysler Corporation and direct manufacturing efforts toward smaller, more efficient vehicles but the Chrysler Corporations financial health continued an unsustainable slide. Chrysler ended the 1970s on the brink of bankruptcy. The company was spared bankruptcy proceedings by federal intervention in the form of a $1.5 billion lifeline loan guarantee. This loan came with conditions including the requirement that Chrysler raise $2 billion in additional money on their own and they make significant management changes. This last requirement ended the tenure of J. J. Riccardo as president of Chrysler. Riccardo was replaced by charismatic industry veteran Lido Anthony Lee Iacocca. Where Riccardo was an accountant, Iacocca was adept at public relations and marketing. He employed these skills in communicating to both the workforce at the Chrysler Corporation and the public at large the need for federal intervention By the mid-1980s, the company was back on track and stronger than ever before. Chrysler benefited from the combined impacts of strong industry demand and shifting consumer preferences toward pickup trucks and minivans, products that dominated Chryslers lineup. By 1997, Chrysler reported annual sales of 2.9 million vehicles, record revenues of $61 billion, and record earnings of $2.8 billion. Chryslers year-end market capitalization was $22.8 billion and its US market share crossed over 16%. Chrysler had become one of the most profitable automotive companies in the world and had roughly $7.5 billion in cash on hand.2 Nick Colas, an analyst with Credit Suisse First Boston, declared: Chrysler has a better business model for building and selling cars than General Motors and Ford do.3 As profitable as Chrysler was, however, the company was not capitalizing on the growth of the global automotive industry. Since the company had made limited investments in overseas markets up to this point, finding a partner made the most strategic sense. On May 7, 1998, Chrysler merged with Daimler, the leading German luxury car manufacturer, for $36 billion of Daimler stock, the largest trans-Atlantic merger in history. The merger was orchestrated in order to create an efficient and lean automotive powerhouse that would better compete in the global marketplace. The transaction was reported as a merger of equals in the business press. The combined company would have a market capitalization close to $100 billion. In 1997, Daimler reported revenues of $62 billion and net income of $1.8 billion. Though Daimler was soundly profitable and had a strong foothold in the European market with its Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, and Smart Car brands, Daimlers US market share was less than 1%.4 Daimlers management hoped that Chrysler would give the company greater inroads into the lucrative US automotive market with its extensive dealership network and powerful brand name. During the early 1980s, Iacoccas skills as a superb television salesman were of crucial importance as Chrysler lost nearly $1.8 billion in 1980the largest loss ever for a U.S. companyand another $475 million in 1981, before returning to the black in 1982. In August 1983 Chrysler was able to pay off the government loan guarantees seven years early, with the government making a $350 million profit on its investment. Chryslers road to recovery was a difficult one, demanding the closure of several plants and the reduction of the companys workforce. Once restructured, Chrysler scrapped its plans to diversify and divested the Gulfstream Aerospace unit it had purchased five years earlier, selling it to a New York investment firm for $825 million in early 1990. Two other units in the companys Chrysler Technologies subsidiaryElectrospace Systems and Airborne Systemswere slated for divestiture as well, which underscored Iacoccas intent to create a leaner, more sharply focused company. Meanwhil e, there were two key developments in the 1980s that helped form the foundation for the 1990s resurgence: the introduction of the minivan in 1984 and the acquisition three years later of American Motors Corporation and its Jeep brand for $1.2 billion. Reorganized as such, Chrysler entered the 1990s braced for a full recovery, but the economy did not cooperate. The decline in automotive sales during the fourth quarter of 1989the companys first fourth quarter decline since 1982portended a more crippling slump to come, as an economic recession gripped businesses of all types, both domestically and abroad. Net income in 1990 slipped to $68 million, then plunged to a $795 million loss the following year, $411 million of which was attributable to losses incurred by the companys automotive operations. Mired in an economic downturn, Chrysler appeared destined for more of the same, rather than headed toward recovery as Iacocca had hoped, but part of the reason for 1991s losses also led to the companys first step toward genuine recovery. Partly to blame for the $795 million loss in 1991 were the high preproduction and introduction costs associated with Chryslers new Jeep Grand Cherokee and increased production costs at the companys St. Louis minivan plant. These two types of vehiclesminivans and sport utility vehiclesrepresented the key to Chryslers recovery. The popularity of these vehicles, coupled with significant price advantages over Japanese models, fueled Chryslers resurgence. In 1992, Chrysler turned its $795 million loss the year before into a $723 million gain. It was a signal achievement, accomplished in Iacoccas last year as CEO. Taking over during 1992 was Robert Eaton, who was hired away from GM, where he was head of European operations. Chrysler then went on to enjoy its most successful year ever, with 1994 earnings of $3.7 billion on revenues of $52.2 billion. The good news at Chrysler continued into the late 1990s, after the company managed to fend off a $22 billion buyout proposed by billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian in 1995. The long prosperity and low gasoline prices of the middle to late 1990s created a huge demand for large vehicles, and Chrysler was producing hot models in each of the hottest segments: the Dodge Ram pickup truck; the Town Country minivan; and several sport utility vehiclesthe Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Jeep Wrangler, and the Dodge Durango. Questions about the quality of Chrysler products continued to pop up, but the companys share of the U.S. auto market reached as high as 16.7 percent in 1996, the highest level since 1968. In 1996, the year Chrysler moved into new headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, sales reached $61.4 billion. The Creation and Early Years of DaimlerChrysler Daimler-Benz Chief Executive JÃ ¼rgen Schrempp had concluded as early as 1996 that his companys automotive operations needed a partner to compete in the increasingly globalized marketplace. Chryslers Eaton was drawing the same conclusion in 1997 based on two factors emerging around the same time: the Asian economic crisis, which was cutting into demand, and worldwide excess auto manufacturing capacity, which was looming and would inevitably lead to industry consolidation. With annual global overcapacity as high as 18.2 million vehicles predicted for the early 21st century, it became clearer that Daimler-Benz and Chrysler could survive as merely regional players if they continued to go it alone. After several months of negotiations, Daimler-Benz and Chrysler reached a merger agreement in May 1998 to create DaimlerChrysler AG in a $37 billion deal. The deal was consummated in November 1998, forming an auto behemoth with total revenues of $130 billion, factories in 34 countries on four continents, and combined annual unit sales of 4.4 million cars and trucks. The two companies fit well together geographically, Daimler strong in Europe and Chrysler in North America, and in terms of product lines, with Daimlers luxurious and high-quality passenger cars and Chryslers line of low-production-cost trucks, minivans, and sport utility vehicles. Although this was ostensibly a merger of equalsthe company set up co-headquarters in Stuttgart and Auburn Hills, naming Eaton and Schrempp co-chairmenit soon became clear that the Germans were taking over the Americans. DaimlerChrysler was set up as a German firm for tax and accounting purposes, and the early 2000 departures of Thomas Stallkamp , the initial head of DaimlerChryslers U.S. operations, and Eaton (who was originally slated to remain until as late as November 2001) left Schrempp in clear command of the company. During 1999 DaimlerChrysler concentrated on squeezing out $1.4 billion in annual cost savings from the integration of procurement and other functional departments. The company organized its automotive businesses into three divisions: Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars/smart, the Chrysler Group, and Commercial Vehicles. In November 1999 DaimlerChrysler announced that it would begin phasing out the aging Plymouth brand. The Debis services division was merged with Chryslers services arm to form DaimlerChrysler Services, while DASA was renamed DaimlerChrysler Aerospace. Late in 1999 the company reached an agreement to merge DaimlerChrysler Aerospace with two other European aerospace firms, the French Aerospatiale Matra and the Spanish CASA, to form the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS). DaimlerChrysler would hold a 30 percent stake in EADS, which would be the largest aerospace firm in Europe and the third largest in the world. In early 2000, DaimlerChrysler set the lofty goal of becoming the number one automaker in the world within three years. The companys most pressing needs were to bolster its presence in Asia, where less than 4 percent of the companys overall revenue was generated, and to gain a larger share of the small car market in Europe. Filling both of these bills was DaimlerChryslers purchase of a 34 percent stake in Mitsubishi Motors Corporation for $2 billion, a deal announced in late March. The company later increased its interest in Mitsubishi when it purchased a 3.3 percent stake from Volvo. In another key early 2000 development, DaimlerChrysler agreed to join with GM and Ford to create an Internet-based global business-to-business supplier exchange named Covisint. DaimlerChryslers lofty goal would remain unrealized however, as the company faced a host of challenges. The Chrysler Group division was plagued by high costs and weak sales which ultimately cost James P. Holden his CEO position. Buoyed by its strong sales in the mid-1990s, Chrysler had spent heavily on product development in the late 1990s and bolstered its work force while costs were skyrocketing. By the second half of 2000 Chrysler lost $1.8 billion while spending over $5 billion. Dieter Zetsche was tapped to reorganize the faltering U.S. division. He launched a major restructuring effort in February 2001 that included cutting $2 billion in costs, making additional cuts in supplier costs, slashing 20 percent of its workforce, and making changes to Chryslers product line that included the elimination of the Jeep Cherokee (the Grand Cherokee remained in the product line) and the launch of the Jeep Liberty. At the same time, global economies began to weaken in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. To entice customers, car makers began offering buyer incentives that began to wreak havoc on profits. Industry analysts began to speculate that the 1998 merger may have been a mistakeSchrempps proclamation that the deal would create the most profitable car maker in world had indeed fallen short. In fact, the companys market capitalization was $38 billion in September 2003. Before the union Daimlers market cap had been $47 billion. Meanwhile, the companys Mercedes division plugged along launching the E-Class sedan, the SLK roadster, and the Maybach luxury vehicle. In 2003, Chrysler launched the Crossfire, a roadster developed with Mercedes components, and the Pacifica, a SUV/minivan. It also began to heavily market its powerful Hemi engine, which could be purchased for the Dodge Ram pickup and its passenger cars. In early 2004, Chryslers 300C sedan and the Dodge Magnum sports wagon made their debut. Competition remained fierce in the auto industry prompting DaimlerChrysler to make several changes in its strategy. In December 2003, the company sold its MTU Aero Engines business. That year the firm acquired a 43 percent stake in Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation hoping to cash in on Asias growing truck market. Perhaps its most drastic move, however, came in April 2004 when DaimlerChryslers supervisory board voted against providing funds to bailout Mitsubishi Motors, which by now was struggling under losses and a huge debt load. Mitsubishi played a crucial role in Schrempps Asian expansion strategy and it developed the platforms for Chryslers compact and midsize cars. The failure to provide funds put a strain on the business relationship between the two and threatened to result in huge problems for Chrysler, which had cut back on engineering capacity as it relied on Mitsubishi to develop its small and mid-sized cars. At the same time, DaimlerChrysler moved ahead in the Chinese marketwithout Mitsubishi and without another partner, Hyundai. To bolster is presence in the region, DaimlerChrysler restructured its joint venture with Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. Ltd. and set plans in motion to tie up with Chinese Fujian Motor Industry Group and the Taiwanese China Motor Corporation to launch several cars in the Chinese market by 2005. Rumors circulated that DaimlerChryslers relationship with Hyundai was faltering as a result, and in 2004 the company signaled that it would sell its interest in the South Korean automaker. By 2004, Schrempps DaimlerChrysler was a far cry from what the 1998 merger promised to deliver. The companys financial record was lackluster, bogged down by Chryslers $637 million loss in 2003. DaimlerChrysler remained the worlds number three car maker, leaving the 2000 goalto become the number one auto company in the worldunfulfilled. Whether the merger would provide the hoped-for results remained to be seen. Literature Review Leadership is the process through which one individual influences the attitudes perceptions and motivations of other members of a group toward the achievement of a specific group or organizational goal (Greenberg Baron, 2008). Strategic leadership, by extension, is a leaders ability to foresee and proactively act on external conditions, and empower group members to implement change toward the strategic plan as necessary (Kreitner, 2007). Strategic change therefore is that change that happens as an organization moves toward the attainment of their strategic plan. (Kreitner, 2007). Strategic leadership is serves several functions, includes extending managerial influence through other group members, and makes organizations more able to successfully meet the need for change that is brought by ever quickening change in the market and market forces (Nickels et al., 2002). The ability to understand and analyze internal realities as well as market forces is a necessary component of strategic leadership. With this information in-hand, it is then necessary to perform complex information analyses. Appling a strategic management process successfully will aid in bringing about effective strategic leadership (Hitt and Keats, 1992). As this description suggests, strategic management is not without complexities, but it is critically necessary for successful strategic leadership. Many organization in todays business environment fall victim to the over-managed, under-led paradigm and so the understanding and successful implementation of strategic leadership is more important than ever (Kreitner, 2007). The successful application of strategic leadership starts at the top. By virtue of his or her position, the CEO should not consider delegating this specific duty to lower management. Once the CEO is effectively practicing strategic management, his or her methods may be adopted by other managers to effectively implement strategic management in the various divisions of an organization (Hitt, Ireland, and Hoskisson, 1995). Hitt, Ireland, and Hoskisson (1995) formulated a strategic leadership model which consists of six components; Determining strategic direction, exploiting and maintaining core competencies, developing human capitol, Sustaining effective corporate culture, emphasizing social responsibility and ethical practices, and establishing strategic controls. (1) Determining strategic direction; (2) Exploiting and maintaining core competencies; (3) Developing human capital; (4) Sustaining an effective corporate culture; (5) Emphasizing social responsibility and ethical practices; and (6) Establishing strategic controls. Determining strategic direction of an organization involves using all information available on market, competition, core competencies and well as foresight and vision to clearly define long range goals for the organization (Kreitner, 2007). Strategic intent means leveraging the firms internal resources, strengths, opportunities and core competencies to accomplish the goals that have been defined in the strategic planning process. Strategic directions give the members of the organization a clear path to attainment of the set goals (Kreitner, 2007). An organizations efforts can be considered strategic intent exists when all members of the organization or united in their pursuit of the specific benchmarks set forth by the strategic plan and belive that these goals are attainable and attainment will enable the organization to have a competitive advantage over other organizations in their industry. (Kreitner, 2007). Intel, Canon, and Xerox Microsoft are good example of corporations that have clearly discernable strategic intents (Loeb, 1993). Clear strategic intent requires effective strategic planning and effective strategic planning requires long range vision and foresight, usually five to ten years into the future. This long range vision must incorporate organizational and human resource strategy, design strategy, product planning strategy and information use and information system strategy and, finally, it must provide for a system of strategic control (Hunt, 1991). Exploiting and Maintaining Core Competencies is the second of the six components. Core competencies are the internal and external resources and the body of capabilities and expertise that give an organization its identity in the market and ultimately, its competitive advantages. Usually, core competencies relate to an organizations ability to produce their main products, be they material of informational. Some examples might include industrial manufacturing, research, customer interfaces and customer service, retail sales, technology or even specific patents held by the company. Unique market positioning, and unique customer benefits or product value are results of core competency and so, these things should be analyzed when determining core competency. A good question to ask is: why do our customers do business with us?. A main responsibility of strategic leaders in business today is to first identify, and then strengthen and grow their core competencies. Once core competencies are identified, they can then be utilized. As strategic leaders, corporate managers make decisions intended to help their firm develop, maintain, strengthen, leverage, and exploit core competencies. Exploiting core competencies involves sharing resources across units. In general, the most effective core competencies are based on intangible resources, which are less visible to competitors because they relate to employees knowledge or skills. Effective strategic leaders promote the sharing of intangible resources across business units in their firms (Hitt and Keats, 1992). In many large, diversified firms, core competencies are developed and applied across different units in the organization (economies of scope) to create a competitive advantage. Miller Beer, for example, has applied marketing and promotion competencies across its multiple businesses (Maruca, 1994). In many multinational corporations, the development, nurturing, and application of core competencies also facilitate managing complex relationships across business operating in different international markets. Whirlpool has emphasized competency across country borders (Lei, Hitt, and Bettis, 1990). 3. Developing Human Capital Human capital refers to the knowledge and skills of the organizations work force employees as a capital resource (Hitt, Ireland, and Hoskisson, 1995). Much of the development of American industry can be attributed to human capital. One-third of the gr

Joseph Conrad :: essays research papers

Joseph Conrad Joseph Conrad, born Tedor Josef Konrad Nalecz Korzeniowski, was born December 3, 1857 in a Russian-ruled province of Poland. His parents’ involvement in the Polish independence movement had them kicked out of Northern Russia in 1863. After his parents’ deaths, he moved in with relatives where he was often ill and received little schooling.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At sixteen years of age, Conrad decided to become a seaman and he joined the British merchant marines in 1878. His lack of speaking the English language did not discourage him. During his ten years of service, Conrad became a British citizen, traveled the western continents, developed into a Captain and learned the English language.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Health problems caused his early retirement of the British merchant marines. In 1894, he started his career as a writer, using his seaman and sailing experience to write. In 1895, Conrad’s first novel, Almayer’s Folly, was published, with some of the book being written in the service. One year after his first novel, on March 24, 1896, Conrad married Jessie George. They had two children, Alfred Borys and John Alexander. In Kent, England, 1924, Joseph Conrad suffered a heart attack and died.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  For the rest of his writing career, Conrad would have difficulty being a writer. He found it difficult to write in the English language: he thought it was a slow and unbearable torment. His novel Chance was his first financial success. His other novels and short stories that were published in the first ten years of the twentieth century are thought of as his most important works.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Throughout his career, Conrad examined the ridiculousness of living by a traditional code of conduct: his novels suggest that the complication of the human spirit allows neither absolute loyalty to any ideal nor even to one’s conscience. It is presented in all of his novels that failure is a fact of human existence. The novel Nostromo, which deals mainly with revolution, politics and financial manipulation, is best at portraying failure. This novel is widely recognized as Conrad’s most ambitious novel.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Secret Agent: A Simple Tale begins with Mr. Verlocs being summoned to a certain foreign embassy. Strolling down the street he did not look like the agent provocateur he was meant to be. He owned an ambiguous little shop where his family lived close by. He often entertained anarchists from London that he had to keep and eye on and hid his actual occupation.