My Ideal Class Essay

Lots of people will say this when ask them what can help you learn better or what is your ideal class â€Å"no teachers to teach us and we can use our phones whenever we want, we can just chill and sleep.† However, students never think about the consequences of that. Everyone in our class are going to have a lot problems, so we must need our great teacher to help us. My ideal study environment would be somewhere quiet and comfortable where I have all my materials I need on hand. but I do like to have some kind of relaxing background noise because I can’t stand sitting in silence. Usually the best time to study for me is on class, because I can learn a lot of things by listening to what the teacher says. I would like to have between ten to fifteen students in all my classrooms. That is because the less the students, the more time the teacher can help all students individually. This will help me be a better students, with smaller classrooms students will have the chance to communicate with every student in the class and I will also learn more. My personal learning style is online researching and it works really well for me. My personal learning style works out very well for me with my study habits because it involves a lot of typing and somehow I think typing is A LOT better than writing. If all of our homework can be hand in by using computer will be best for me.

Faith and Man: A Literature Essay

In our history and our society we heard of stories of great men and women who pass through difficult times of their lives and were able to overcome and came up victorious. This made us to draw inspiration from them. People admired their courage and the strength they possess to surpass the tests in their lives. What could have driven this people to continue and press on with their lives? Is it because they are just extraordinary people that can do even impossible things or is it because of having a character full of faith? It is interesting to discover the role or relation of faith to man. Can man live without faith? What is faith and how do we explain it? Faith means believing that you have tremendous power to do exceptional things and to overcome hardships. Man plus his faith will guarantee that he will survive. Where is this faith really coming from? Inspiring Literature Helen Keller’s The Story of My Life illustrates an example of how a person with physical defects can raise above all her problems and became one of the respected lecturer and social activists of America. Helen Keller quoted that â€Å"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.† This word signifies that Helen Keller believed in the power of faith which is also related to optimism, hope and confidence. If people look at Helen Keller’s life it may seem impossible for her to make significant contributions in society as her deafness and blindness was a real challenge. But because of her insurmountable faith she was able to succeed in life. Emily Dickinson in her poem entitled My Faith Is Larger than the Hill had this first line which says â€Å"M y Faith is larger than the Hills, so when the Hills decay, My Faith must take the Purple Wheel, to show the Sun the way†. This would mean that her faith is much higher than the hills around her and no matter how negative things are, there is a ray of hope waiting for her and could change the situation because she holds on to her faith. Grace Under Fire: Letters Of Faith In Times Of War by Andrew Carroll was a collection of war letters about the faith of the   US troops and their families in the midst of danger it said: â€Å"We are now encamped right in the midst of tall mountains which would look very strange to you they look like they reach clear up into the sky These days the mountains are now covered with ripe whortleberries which are very nice the people bring them to our camp & we buy them & our Irishman that cooks for us makes pies for us† Faith Can Move Mountains by Helen Downey is all about how a family increased their faith when Sara survived a major accident in her life. One line goes said that:† A tragic event happened before Sara’s parents opened their eyes to that word called ‘Faith’. Conclusion Faith is something that people must develop in their selves. Faith comes from your belief that some invisible force may take control to help you survive the difficult situation. It is always thinking that everything will turn out right. It also pertains in having faith in God and his divine intervention in our lives. Having faith means having hope. A number of literatures were written on how people have used their faith in times of troubles and difficulties. They are written to encourage everyone undergoing hard times in their lives. It really showed the power of faith for us to do things which seem impossible. Maybe if we don’t have faith everything around us will turn negative, there will be no literature ever written to inspire us and no literature to encourage us. Therefore faith is a gift from above that can empower and save us from all life’s challenges and difficulties. Work Cited Downey, Helen.† Faith Can Move Mountains† 21 July, 2009

Social -- Redo Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Social -- Redo Society - Essay Example The results of the analysis suggested that not all, but most of the moral systems need some renovation in order to make them play a valuable role in saving humanity and the world. The conclusion of the results was that some moral systems should be restored to the point at which they were in earlier even centuries. Introduction Moral systems are the systems of justifiable and coherent principles, behaviors, thoughts, and ideas that work together to form a system (Ursery). Each moral system is the base of morality for a society that guides people when they deal with any particular matter of life. According to Edmonds, â€Å"moral systems can be shaped by different cultures, which is how people can look at the same situation and come to a different conclusion about it†. Moral systems help people live their lives according to a set of predefined ethics and rules. In this paper, the researcher will examine the need for renovating or replacing current moral systems considering the l evels of poverty, injustice, disease, war, and crime in the present world. ... Poverty If we analyze the level of poverty in 21st century with that of earlier centuries, we will come to know that poverty has increased significantly with the start of the 21st century. Today, there is no proper check and balance system in place due to which poor people are getting more poor with every passing day. As Smith states, â€Å"every man is rich or poor according to the degree in which he can afford to enjoy the necessaries, conveniencies, and amusements of human life†. Although this statement is true, but when we see the prices of products today and compare them with the buying power of people, we come to know that poverty is on rise everywhere in the world. Poverty has increased in today’s world because today hardly any one has the time or desire to help the needy. We can reduce poverty only if we start going back to our original norms that taught us to have some feelings for others. Crime Our moral systems have become so weak that we have forgotten the v alue of ethics and moral in our lives. Today, one can observe that the graph of crimes have gone very high and is still on rise because of less inclusion of ethics and norms in thoughts and actions. Crimes occur when people start ignoring the value of ethics and try to snatch the rights of others for his/her own sake. Again, the feeling of ‘for others’ start diminishing when the rate of crimes goes high. Crimes are not the ones which harm others physically or mentally. They also refer to such words or thoughts that may harm others unintentionally. According to Nietzsche, â€Å"our highest insights must, and should, sound like follies or even crimes when they are heard without permission by those

Criminology theory research paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Criminology theory research paper - Essay Example In response, the Canadian conservative government has adopted varied measures aimed at addressing this menace. These include increasing longer prison terms as well as establishing more prisons. (Agnew and Cullen 121) As much as this has been helpful in averting crime, its effectiveness has often been questionable. This therefore call the need for the application of classical criminology and strain theory to explain how government agencies can avert the ever increasing rates of crime in the city of Toronto. Classical criminology theory Prior to explaining how government agencies in Toronto can apply classical criminology theory to fight crime, it is important to analyze it major underlying concepts. The classical school of criminology is often associated with Cesare Beccaria (Slocum 1107). It emerged at a time when the naturalistic approach of social contract scholars was challenging the spiritualistic approach that had dominated the thinking of criminal justice policies over a long p eriod (Becker 174). Thus, classical criminology emerged as a protest against spiritual explanations of crime and the criminal policies which they were based. Beccaria protested against a wide range of inconsistencies in the governance as well as public affairs(Slocum 1108). He advocated for various reforms within the criminal justice system to make it more logical and rational(Slocum 1108). He objected the barbaric punishments that were issued at that time. In regard to the contractual society and the need of punishments, Beccaria argued that laws are conditions under which people are united to form a society. It is the law that defends against private usurpations by individuals. He believed that only established laws can decree punishments for crimes. Beccaria believed that the true measure of crime is the harm done to the society. Thus, he expressed acknowledgement of the fact that crimes should not be committed, or should be less frequent in proportion to the harm they case socie ty. For this reason, he contended that obstacles that deter people from engaging in crime should be made stringer in proportion as they are contrary to the public good. According to Beccaria, there must be a proper proportion between crime and punishment(Agnew and Cullen 231). Today, most law enforcement agencies apply this principle through the establishment of law enforcement agencies aimed at punishing criminals. In regard to severity of punishments, Beccaria believed that for punishment to attain it end, the evil it inflicts has to exceed the advantage derivable from the crime (Cornish and Clarke 943). He argued that the more prompt and more closely punishment followed upon the commission of a criminal activity, the more just and useful it well be. According to him, one of the greatest curbs of crime is not the cruelty of punishment but rather the certainty of punishment. Thus, he suggested that laws and executors of laws should be inexorable. Most importantly, Beccaria argued t hat it is better to prevent crime rather than to punish them(Agnew and Cullen 232). He therefore believed that the ultimate purpose of every good legislation should be to prevent crime. This can be done through making laws clear and simple and that the entire force of a country should be united in the defense of these laws. Therefore, Beccaria believed that laws should be published do that the public may be aware of they are expected to do. His

Inequality in Brazil Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Inequality in Brazil - Essay Example The country has a very diverse social setting with the population consisting of white people who arrived during the era of migration and discovery, black people who arrived during the slavery period and various diverse indigenous communities. The black population has been the one mainly discriminated by the white dominating population. The country has the second most populous black population in the world after Nigeria. The inequality in the country date back to the slave period of which the country had been under Portuguese colonization for hundred of years making the injustices deep rooted and to be accepted as a norm. Unlike in the US or South Africa where inequalities had legal backing, inequality in Brazil takes a cultural twist with the white people exercising cultural domination. Black population together with other non-white indigenous population have come to accept some of the practices regarded as social injustices, as a norm and civilized way of behavior (Smith 76). The no n-white population has been discriminated in almost all sectors, especially in socio-economic and political spheres. With discrimination in education, all other areas are affected. Afro-Brazilians have been greatly sidelined in education system making the acquisition of jobs very hard. Public schools do not have the capacity of providing quality education with the well-established and advanced white schools only affordable by the white elites. Since these Afro-Brazilians cannot secure good schools, they are deprived off the chance of obtaining objective knowledge, many abandoning schooling altogether. The lack of schooling at young age dashes the hopes of ever acquiring higher education in colleges and universities. This institutionalized form of discrimination affects all other areas of the Afro- Brazilians, leading to poor living conditions. The system of education has thus become an institution structured and systematically regulated to make sure the Afro- Brazilians do not gain enough knowledge to enable them to earn decent wages. With no sustainable wages, the black population has very limited economic influence, the majority barely making the stipulated quarter of the minimum wages. In turn, the Afro-Brazilians are artificially put at a disadvantage and cannot escape absolute poverty no matter what they do. This economic subjugation leaves the Afro- Brazilians with no other option rather than to take up the roles domestic laborers as an occupation. Many have become homemakers and lowly servants of the elite oppressive society. This has been argued as total humiliation; as they are forced to work in the homes of their oppressors where they continue to be deprived further (Salardi 3). Brazil is among the countries of the world that inequality has continued to thrive unchecked. The majority of black women have no formal employment with about eighty percent working in the manual sector, which is very challenging to these women forcing them to sometimes negle cting their homes. They are specifically employed as domestic servants or domestic task and are among the lowest paid workers in the country and in the developing emerging economies of the world. With such low unreliable income, poverty becomes inherent, passed from one generation to the other, in the Afro- Brazilia

BENCHMARK PROJECT Statistics Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

BENCHMARK - Statistics Project Example This survey was conducted on beach situated around my area of residence. On that note, I employed some basic observational skills in a bid to try and answer some of the questions in the objective list. Evidently, through monitoring the activities in the beach during the weekends I was able to achieve the goals of this study. However, in a bid to establish the most commonly engaged activity in the beach, I was able to count the number of people engaging in various activities for instance, swimming, surfing and others just went to the beach to enjoy the view of the ocean. Apparently, the main reason for the use of simple observational skills in this study was because it was not a time consuming method as compared to other statistical methods for instance interviews. Secondly, it required minimal resources to carry out the study hence it is economical. On other hand, in a bid to achieve an unbiased study, the observations were carried out for three weekends in order to justify the claim s and ensure accuracy in the results. In this particular observational study, the sample population wasthe people present in the beach during the period in which the study was carried out. In addition to that, on the particular weekend in which the study was carried out, there were approximately five hundred people. On that note, the study was able to yield the following results; the survey was able to conclude that seventy percent of people who went to the beach engaged in swimming activities. Fifteen percent embarked on surfing activities,fivepercent engaged in beach games for instance, volley ball and beach soccer and the rest were in attendance to enjoy the view of the ocean. In short, the survey was able to conclude that swimming was the most popular engaged activity in the beach. Consequently, this survey has a number of significance to our society. Apparently, this survey has been able to highlight that in the beach area, many

Psychology of Diversity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Psychology of Diversity - Essay Example It focused on a small, closely-knit South Asian community in Muncie, Indiana. The people in this town are mostly Asians who are part of the diaspora. She recalls that when she left Muncie in 1981 to go to college, her mother gave her some advice – to remember her Indian heritage. At first, she was really puzzled, for how could she know her heritage when she grew up in Muncie? She has lived in a country which regard non-white and non-European as â€Å"outsider† and â€Å"other†. Up to now this setting is still experienced by Asians and Latinos in America. But she says that she’s just a young adult woman of Indian ancestry living in a small American city, trying to understand what her heritage was. She focuses her paper to that time of history up to today when American has not yet awaken to the realization that she survived with diaspora and immigration. Gupta-Carlson said that when Henry Ford pioneered the assembly line and built the automotive plants that would power America’s consumer economy to fame, he had no other recourse but to bring in the immigrant workers and had them work. He then relied heavily on immigrant labor, but he tried to forcibly Americanize his workers. This occurred during the 1920s and 1930s. He enforced the restrictive laws on immigration that made a backlash against Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and other Asian settlers in agricultural and logging communities. Ford wanted to erase the â€Å"foreign-ness† in his workers. The worst discrimination happened then. There are many other incidents and inhuman conditions mentioned in the paper of Gupta-Carlson, and the experiences proved not very uncommon. Today, more than ever, we still see and witness these occurrences – immigration laws against immigrants, working conditions still inhuman and really oppressive measures enforced not only on Asian male but also on women. Not only are these inhuman conditions present in the working place but also

Thought Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Thought - Essay Example According to the traffic regulations and safety expectations, it is not advisable to drive under the influence of alcohol. As such, devices that can sense alcohol can communicate with the driver and inform him when it is safe to drive. Such a device can also lock the car until the drivers sobers up such that he can drive well. The other thing that can be communicated to me by these devices is the element of giving direction. In the event that I am lost or I have diverted from my route, the device can tell me that I should stop and navigate my way towards the right direction. When you get into a new place, it can be noted that it is very easy to get lost and this can happen when there is no one in site. Given such a scenario, I can communicate with the device in the car to give me the right direction. devices can also talk to me about the general issues of the environment I would be driving. These devices can sense if the terrain is good for my car and they can inform me the appropriate road to follow in the event that some parts of the road are damaged. In the same vein, such a device can warn me to slow down when I am approaching depressions along the road. This will help me to maintain reasonable speed that does not harm my vehicle. The devices mentioned above can also be used to communicate with me in the event of any malfunction of different parts of my car. In some cases, there are certain parts that can malfunction but the car can still move. Such problems are often difficult to diagnose and in some cases they can be taken for granted by the motorists but the truth is that they pose a real threat to the vehicle and the motorist as well. Though minor, such problems can culminate into bigger problems that may be costly and difficult to repair. As such, whenever a problem has been detected, the devices mentioned above can talk to me so that I can take action. They can also communicate with me so that I can

Politics of Fear Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Politics of Fear - Essay Example Ironically, most democratic governments spend just as much time attempting to handle the impact of stories that have come into the light in a spontaneous manner as they would while carrying out campaigns. The politics of fear have grown in breath and depth as a result of the depiction of personhood as being a very vulnerable entity. We seem to be living in an era of a lack of alternatives and for this reason, we seem not to be in need of someone who will keep on reminding us that we are getting more powerless by the day (Furedi, 2007). As a result of this scenario, a majority of the people have come to interpret and regard events from the perspective of anxiety and fear. Fear politics are a measure of an in-depth cultural mood. Nevertheless, such a situation never came into being on its own. It is worth noting here that fear has time and again been politicized deliberately. All through history, the ruling class has taken upon itself the mandate of using fear as a political tool. Generation after generation of totalitarian governments have adopted the directive that Machiavelli made to rulers; that by being feared, they would be recipients of an even greater form of security, more than they would ever receive from love (Furedi , 2007). Fear could be used to terrorize, coerce, and in the maintenance of public order. Unity and consensus could also be gained by way of infuriating a general response to a supposed threat. Currently, the main aim of politics of fear seems to be not only a gaining of consensus, but also to forge, as an index of oneness around elite that would otherwise appear to be disconnected. Thomas Hobbes, an English philosopher, provides us through his writings with the original systematic endeavor to expand fear politics that could as well be utilized in the implementation of the suggestion that we do not have an alternative in politics. Hobbes opines that through cultivating fear, the main aim is to render any would-be radical argue towards a collective experimentation ineffectual (Rosen, 2002). In order to realize such an objective, Hobbes is of the opinion that it would be in the best interests of both the state and its people if the masses were convinced to dare less (Furedi, 2007). The people that internalized a fear consciousness were less likely to assume a risk, let alone a collective experimentation. Additionally, the promotion of a wide aversion consciousness to the unknown aids in the instilling of fear in the masses that whatever they had not experimented, could as well be harmful to them. Presently, there has been an institutionalization of the fear of the unknown harm, and this seems to strengthen the currently prevailing fear culture (Dickinson, 2006). A lot of the public figures in political offices have to daily grapple with the question of whether they need to reduce fear, or politicize it. The same question also confronted a Former New Labor campaign adviser, Phillip Gould. Through his 1994 publication, 'fighting of the fear factor', Gould argued that there does exists a feeling of anxiety and insecurity that tends to revolve around the present day electorates. It is this sense of mood anxiety over the future that Gould has observed to be the reason behind the use of fear tactics by

Retail Book Industry in Nz Essay Example for Free

Retail Book Industry in Nz Essay The aim of this report is to analyse and outline the business perspectives for opening a new independent book store in the Auckland region. The report analyses the current book retail industry and specifically discusses a new book shop’s viability highlighting the internal and external risks and opportunities as well as strengths and shortcomings. To assess the book retail competitive environment elements of SWOT and Porters’ Five Forces analysis tools were utilised (Needle, 2000). The major strengths of a new book shop which could be turned into a competitive advantage are the independency and local governance, relationship with publishers and closeness to customers. The major threats to and weaknesses of the new venture are attributable to low bargaining power with publishers (Needle, 2000), to lack of resources, and high market competition. The report’s conclusion is that anyone intending to enter the book retail market by opening a new store is advised to be mindful of the industry’s risks and challenges in order to mitigate those on the one hand, and to fully capitalise on the opportunities offered by the industry by turning its strengths to a competitive advantage, on the other hand. Table of Contents Executive Summary2 Table of Contents3 1. Introduction4 2. Discussion5 2. 1 Competitive Environment5 2. 1. 1 Whitcoulls Group5 2. 1. 2 Paper Plus6 2. 1. 3 Dymocks8 2. 1. 4 Independent Booksellers9 2. 2 Risk Assessment11 2. 2. 1 Low Bargaining Power with Publishers11 2. 2. 2 Lack of Resources12 2. 2. 3 Market Competition13 2. 3 Opportunities14 2. 3. 1 Independency and local governance14 2. 3. 2 Closeness to Publishers and Customers15 3. Conclusion17 References18 1. Introduction The given report is commissioned by Susan and Michael Clarke to be completed by 27 August 2009. The report’s main objective is to provide an independent analysis of the book retail industry including potential risks and opportunities of opening a new independent book store in the Auckland area. In order to assess the current business environment, the market competitiveness in which a new proposed book store would be operating is analysed including such main industry players as Whitcoulls, Dymocks and Paper Plus on the one hand, and a number of independent book stores on the other hand. Elements of the Porter’s Five Forces’ (Needle, 2000) were incorporated to analyse the competitive environment of the book retail industry. The findings from the analysis of the competitive environment were then utilised to identify and analyse strengths and weaknesses of as well as opportunities and threats for the proposed new independent book store (Samson Daft, 2005). 2. Discussion Bookselling is a big industry in New Zealand. According to (â€Å"Booksellers ready†, 2008), starting from 2007 the annual books spending in New Zealand has not gone below $1 billion. Books have always been perceived as a lucrative retail business due to high margins[1] and book value that has not changed much over time (â€Å"Big boys’ books†, 2009). 2. 1 Competitive Environment There are two main groups operating in the New Zealand book retail market being chain retailers and independent stores. Historically, the book retail market has always been dominated by a few book retail chains occupying almost 90% of the book retail market, leaving the local independent book stores with no more than 10% of market share (â€Å"Whitcoulls, Paper Plus proceeding†, 2007). The main book retail chains operating in New Zealand are Whitcoulls, Paper Plus and Dymocks. 2. 1. 1 Whitcoulls Group The AR Whitcoulls Group (Whitcoulls Group) is the largest retail chain in New Zealand presented by the Whitcoulls, Borders and Bennetts Tertiary stores (â€Å"Whitcoulls finally picks†, 2007). The group is also internationally operating in Australia and Singapore with more than 130 Angus Robertson and Borders stores (â€Å"Big boys’ books†, 2009). After acquiring the Australasian and New Zealand businesses of the second-largest United States bookstore chain Borders[2] (â€Å"Whitcoulls Borders bid cleared†, 2009) in 2008 the Whitcoulls Group obtained access to a high demographic serious books market niche (â€Å"Whitcoulls widens†, 2008). As a result, the Whitcoulls Group operates 90 stores across New Zealand (â€Å"Whitcoulls finally picks†, 2007) accounting for up to 45% of the book  retail market (â€Å"Whitcoulls widens†, 2008). Further to the existing dominance in all the CBD areas, Whitcoulls is planning to expand into small-town areas starting from Te Awamutu, Richmond and Ashburton (â€Å"Booksellers ready†, 2008). The recent recession prompted the group to seek cost cuts by merging its Australasian retail operations’ support offices into one division located in Australia (â€Å"How the book trade†, 2009). The group is also looking into opening the online selling operations in August (â€Å"Booksellers ready†, 2008). 2. 1. 2 Paper Plus The Paper Plus chain being fully New Zealand-owned is the second-largest book retailer in New Zealand (â€Å"New look†, 2008). The company operates as a franchise system and has been around for more than 25 years (â€Å"New look†, 2008). Historically Paper Plus has been a strong player in a stationary business[3] whereas its role in bookselling was not taken seriously by the industry[4]. This is one of the reasons why Paper Plus is currently outperformed by Whitcoulls when it comes to bookselling (â€Å"New look†, 2008). However, Paper Plus has recently become an aggressive player in the book retail market announcing an ambitious goal to become number one book retailer in New Zealand[5]. Paper Plus has recently refitted all their 105 stores as booklovers destinations (â€Å"Big boys’ books†, 2009) aimed at improving store layout and putting more emphasis on books (â€Å"New look†, 2008). In the meantime, the television and radio celebrity Kerre Woodham was signed up as a frontwoman to do book reviews by hosting the â€Å"books and bubbles† events (â€Å"New look†, 2008). The company’s marketing position is further strengthened by participating in the Fly Buys programme and the agreement with New Zealand Post to host Post Shop and Kiwibank services in Paper Plus stores (â€Å"New look†, 2008). As a result, the company manages to gain a competitive edge by not only targeting the niche of traditional booklovers but also those people who do not have a clear intention to buy books but visit the shops for Post Shop or Kiwibank services. On the management side, Paper Plus has promoted a strong support policy to its franchise stores including effective training by the local support office[6]. In the meantime, Paper Plus has been focusing on the relationship with local publishers as well as has considerably increased spending on advertising raising customer awareness about its products[7]. This all has enabled the company to enter the recession with a very strong financial and marketing position. 2. 1. 3 Dymocks Dymocks is Australian-owned and has been around for over 130 years opening its first store in Auckland in 1994 (www. dymocks. co. nz). Dymocks operates as a franchise system running more than 80 stores in Oceania including six New Zealand stores located in the North Island (www. dymocks. co. nz). Dymocks has been operating with the â€Å"love of books† concept having a reputation as a serious bookseller only without expending their product range to stationary, music and movies (â€Å"How the book trade†, 2009). The company offers their customers more of a contemporary bookbuying experience through the â€Å"Booklover† Rewards Programme (â€Å"How the book trade†, 2009). The company focuses on the New Zealand books being historically in the top 10 sellers. Dymocks have been experiencing a sustainable growth opening four new stores over two last years with further plans to expand into the South Island (www. dymocks. co. nz). However, the recession has almost reversed this growth as Dymocks had to close three stores in two months: two in Auckland and one in Wellington[8]. The main causes for these closures were very high rents, bad locations, no street frontage or through traffic and high competition from Borders (â€Å"How the book trade†, 2009). In addition to this Dymocks had to resort to centralise administration in Australia by closing its New Zealand support office. As such, out of the three main book retail chains, Dymocks has been weakened by the recession the most and is more concerned with a struggle to retain its existing six stores. 2. 1. 4 Independent Booksellers In contrast to the recession-linked problems faced by the book chains the independent booksellers[9] do not seem to suffer any recession at all (â€Å"How the book trade†, 2009). Despite some loss of customers choosing to go to library instead of buying books, the recent recession helped books products gain a momentum in the gift market[10]. The books’ popularity and affordability merits attribute to the people’s preference of a good book or dictionary gift over a $300 vase or duvet blanket (â€Å"Booksellers ready†, 2008). According to an industry expert[11] it is because the book chains have not been putting sufficient effort and resources into the customer relationship side, while independent stores have managed to develop a very loyal customer base by their excellent customer service, professionalism and personal approach (â€Å"How the book trade†, 2009). As such, the independent book stores see the recession times as a good opportunity to pull new customers from the book chains which due to their large size and lack of knowledgeable staff cannot compete with independent stores on the professional advice, recommendation and customer service sides (â€Å"Boutique booksellers†, 2009). The competitiveness of the book retail market is further strained by online booksellers, which have experienced a considerable growth over the last few years in some cases almost doubling their sales each year[12]. Taking into consideration the competitive environment analysis above, the book retail market can be defined as highly competitive. Whitcoulls, Paper Plus and Dymocks were found to be the main competitors due to their market dominance on the one hand, and high bargaining power with book publishers on the other hand (Needle, 2000). 2. 2 Risk Assessment Taking into consideration the above analysis of the book retail industry’s competitive environment the following could be identified as risks and threats for a new independent book store. 2. 2. 1 Low Bargaining Power with Publishers Upstream of the value chain (Samson Daft, 2005) a new independent shop would have a challenge to sign book publishers and authors in to obtain the rights to sell their books. The authors and publishers would likely be inclined to work with big retail chains or strong independent stores as being representative of better channels for promoting and distributing the books. Bookshops would usually compete over the right to sell quality books in order to win the customers’ preference and loyalty. The industry experience shows that it is not the large stock but rather a good book range and quality that enable a shop to be preferred by customers over its competitors (â€Å"Boutique booksellers†, 2009). Therefore, bearing in mind the tight economic conditions and high market competitiveness, a new independent shop would have a risk of not being able to obtain a competitive book range due to insufficient bargaining power with publishers (Needle, 2000). 2. 2. 2 Lack of Resources Opening a new store would require significant spending starting from hiring or buying the store to paying professional staff competitive wages. The Dymocks example with closing two Auckland stores (one of which after only a few months after opening) showed how much a store location mistake can cost to a shop regardless of its reputation, product range and popularity (Refer 2. 1). Thus, a company wishing to enter a book market would face not only the challenge of funding to open a new store but also to be able match the location trade advantages with costs. The downstream of the value chain (Samson Daft, 2005) such as advertising and promotion as well as customer relations would also require significant funding. The Paper Plus and independent book stores examples show that investing in advertising and building customer relationships are one of the most effective and powerful means to sustain and further gain market share in the current competitive environment (Refer 2. 1). The independent stores’ achievement of being able to build loyal customer base is due to having professional sales people on floor capable of providing good service along with knowledgeable advice to the customers (Refer 2. 1). Therefore, the lack of resources both material and human would be a weakness of a new shop when entering the book retail market populated with rich chain retailers and professional independent stores. 2. 2. 3 Market Competition New Zealand has a very high number of book shops per capita in comparison to other countries (â€Å"Booksellers ready†, 2008). Thus, a new book store would be entering the market which according to some industry experts is already overpopulated[13] with such strong players as Whitcoulls, Paper Plus, Dymocks not mentioning about independent stores and online sellers experiencing a significant growth in recession (Refer 2.1). Whitcoulls has considerably improved its marketing position through acquiring the Borders operations whereas Paper Plus, being strengthened by combining its services with Post Office and Kiwi Bank, has put a comprehensive action plan in place to fight for number one bookseller in New Zealand. In the meantime, the independent shops are gaining a recession momentum to strengthen their current position by capitalising on the inability of big chains to provide competitive books range, on the one hand, and appropriate level of customer service and support, on the other hand. Taking into consideration the above facts, the book market could be classified as mature where there is no unoccupied market niche (Samson Daft, 2005) left for a new book store to capitalise on. As a result, for a new store to become successful it will literally mean fighting for other shops’ customers. The implication for a new book store is that it will be very hard to compete with the current industry players that have a very high customer loyalty and market reputation for providing exceptional customer service on the one hand and significant resources, aggressive advertising and market dominance, on the other hand. 2. 3 Opportunities This section discusses the main strengths of and opportunities for a new book store in the current business environment. 2. 3. 1 Independency and local governance The centralisation of the stores support and governance is a common move for many in pursuit of cutting costs. However, experience shows that under the current level of competition store problems are timelier and more effectively resolved if there is local governance in place (â€Å"How the book trade†, 2009). The main competitors of the proposed book store are strategically and operationally managed from overseas[14] making these shops quite inflexible and not quick enough to react to market changes as someone in Australia decides how many copies of a particular New Zealand book the stores should stock. In the meantime, the independent book stores have not felt the recession and are thereby able to respond quicker and serve customers’ needs better by preferring to have better books range over larger stock of out of date books (â€Å"Boutique booksellers†, 2009). Therefore, the independency of a new shop would put the company in a better position in regards to timely reacting to industry changes and thereby avoiding unnecessary losses usually resulted from poor decisions made. 2. 3. 2 Closeness to Publishers and Customers Independent governance makes a proposed new book store closer to local publishers and customers. The New Zealand Book Publishers Association consisting of 95 local publishers is not satisfied with the current â€Å"super market† store running model used by the chains[15]. The main disadvantages are: the decreased books range printed as bulk purchases are made at cost of the books diversity[16], the chains often abuse their bargaining power with publishers[17] and the central display system with ineffective books categorisation[18] (â€Å"Big boys books†, 2009). As such, the New Zealand publishers are naturally more inclined to work with small independent stores who will have less bargaining power but more flexibility of buying and distributing books. On the other side of the value chain, a new store would have an opportunity to capitalise on the chains’ clumsiness and lack of personal touch when dealing with customers. The main lesson learnt from chains’ struggle in the current recession is that customer satisfaction and loyalty could on its own determine the book retailer’s commercial future. Independent stores, in turn, have put a particular emphasis in implementing effective customer loyalty programs and achieving loyal customer base. Therefore, despite the high market competition, there is a good opportunity for a new book store to win the book chains’ customers by offering better books range, more professional service and personal approach. 3. Conclusion Taking into account the above analysis, the opening of a new independent book store can be classified as a â€Å"Question† according to the BCG strategic tool (Samson Daft, 2005). On the one hand, the independence, local governance, good relationships with publishers and closeness to customers could enable a  new book store to become a successful venture, thereby shifting to the â€Å"Star† BCG section distinguished by quick growth and expansion. On the other hand, if the new venture has not managed to establish a strong market presence by providing sufficient funding, professional staff and developing effective strategic relationships with publishers, entering the current highly competitive book retail market could result in a commercial failure. The book retail market can be classified as very mature and highly competitive. As such, it would be quite challenging for a new independent book store with limited resources, on the one hand, and the low bargaining power with the publishers, on the other hand, to compete with the book retail chains as well as with a number of other well established independent bookshops and online booksellers in the Auckland region. In the meantime, the fact that a new book store is going to be independent and locally run provides a competitive advantage of knowing its publishers and customers better and, thereby reacting to industry changes quicker and more effectively. The final success of the new proposed book store would be mostly dependent on its ability to cope with high market competitiveness and mitigating its weaknesses on the one hand and capitalising on its strengths and opportunities currently present in the book industry. References Needle, D. (2000). Business in context: An introduction to business and its environment (3ed. ). London: Thomson Learning. Samson, D and Daft, R. (2005). Management, 2nd Pacific rim edition. Australia: Thomson Learning. Big boys books. (2009, January 1), The Press, Retrieved August 15, 2009 from www. stuff. co.nz/the-press/lifestyle/150420/Big-boys-books#share Booksellers ready to write new chapter. (2008, July 14), The New Zealand Herald, Retrieved August 15, 2009 from www. nzherald. co. nz/business/news/article. cfm? c_id=3objectid=10521367 Boutique booksellers boom. (2009, August 13), The Dominion Post, Retrieved August 15, 2009 from www. stuff. co. nz/dominion-post/wellington/2743304/ Dymocks’ official website. www. dymocks. co. nz. How the book trade is turning a page. (2009, June 13), The New Zealand Herald, Retrieved August 15, 2009 from www. nzherald. co. nz. ezproxy. auckland. ac. nz/business/news/article. cfm?cid=3objectid=10578175pnum=2 New look for friendly book chain. (2008, June 21), The Dominion Post, Retrieved August 15, 2009 from www. stuff. co. nz/business/497996 Whitcoulls Borders bid cleared. (2009, January 1), NZPA, Retrieved August 15, 2009 from www. stuff. co. nz/business/130168 Whitcoulls finally picks up NZ Borders stores. (2007, June 07). The New Zealand Herald, Retrieved August 15, 2009 from www. nzherald. co. nz/business/news/article. cfm? c_id=3objectid=10514932 Whitcoulls, Paper Plus proceeding by the book in Borders buy-out. (2007, November 22), The New Zealand Herald, Retrieved August 15, 2009 from www.nzherald. co. nz/shopping/news/article. cfm? c_id=318objectid=10477609 Whitcoulls widens its Borders in $137m deal. (2008, July 7), The Dominion Post, Retrieved August 15, 2009 from www. stuff. co. nz/business/477324 [1] According to industry experts books margins vary from 40% to 50% out of total price (â€Å"Whitcoulls, Paper Plus proceeding†, 2007). [2]The group AR Whitcoulls group acquired 30 Borders stores as well as exclusive rights to the Borders trademark in New Zealand, Australia and Singapore worth $NZD137 million (â€Å"Whitcoulls finally picks†, 2007). The New Zealand Borders operation acquired included five stores: three in Auckland and one in each Christchurch and Wellington (â€Å"Big boys books†, 2009). [3] The recent achievement of Paper Plus is being recognised as the top seller of greeting cards (â€Å"New look†, 2008). [4] Historically only six out of 105 Paper Plus stores were positioned as serious booksellers (â€Å"New look†, 2008). [5] The company’s growth strategy is supported by the strong financial position improved from the loss of $401,000 in 2007 to profit of $748,000 in 2008 (â€Å"New look†, 2008). [6] Paper Plus has purchased a new 500 square metre store in Aucklands Sylvia Park to be used for training the franchisees how to implement an effective store layout and design to boost books sales (â€Å"New look†, 2008). [7] Whitcoulls admitted in the past that their loss of market share was directly caused by Paper Plus increasing its advertising spending (â€Å"Big boys books†, 2009). [8] The Auckland Smales Farm franchise store and the company-owned Queen Street store went into liquidation in May and June 2009 and Wellington Lambton Quay shop closed in May 2009 (â€Å"How the book trade†, 20). [9] The most popular independent book stores include Unity Books (Auckland and Wellington), Scorpio (Christchurch) in Christchurch, Vic Books (Wellington), Dear Reader (Auckland), The Booklover (Auckland) and of Cambridges Wrights Bookshop (Auckland) (â€Å"Big boys books†, 2009). [10] According to the owners of ‘The Childrens Bookshop’, a book shop in Kilbirnie, last year the store has experienced a 12% increase in revenue mainly driven by the parents preferring books for gift for their children (â€Å"Boutique booksellers†, 2009). [11] Tom Beran owning independent stores in Grey Lynn (Dear Reader) and Takapuna (The Booklover) (â€Å"How the book trade†, 2009). [12] For example, the New Zealand online seller www. fishpond. co. nz starting in 2004 expanded to Australia in 2006 and in 2007 was recognised in the Deloitte/Unlimited Fast 50 list noting the fastest-growing companies (â€Å"How the book trade†, 2009). [13] According to Dymocks CEO, Don Grover the New Zealand bookselling market is already over-supplied (â€Å"Booksellers ready†, 2008). [14] Among the book retail chains occupying 90% of the market only Paper Plus is locally supported, whereas Whitcoulls and Dymocks are both owned and governed by Australian companies (â€Å"Big boys’ books†, 2009). [15] That was evidently expressed in the open opposition from the Book Publishers Association of Whitcoulls’ bid to purchase Borders’ stores as they know that it will result in a decrease of the books range bought by the chain (â€Å"Big boys books†, 2009). [16] For example, a book offered by a small publisher could be of a particular interest to smaller towns’ readers. However, a local chain store is unable to make a purchasing decision instead having to sell the books decided in the support office across the Tasman (â€Å"Big boys books†, 2009). [17] For example, Whitcoulls is viewed by the industry as a tough negotiator with inflexible buying policies demanding from publishers at least 50% discount (â€Å"Big boys books†, 2009). [18] Compared to chain stores that cannot add or change the central display system, the independent stores have much more flexibility in deciding how their stock should be grouped and displayed on the floor (â€Å"Big boys books†, 2009).

The Impact Of Penal Populism On Policy Change Criminology Essay

The Impact Of Penal Populism On Policy Change Criminology Essay This paper explores the impact of penal populism on policy change, examining definitions of penal populism and managerialism and evaluating their importance as determinants of policy change. For the purpose of this paper, the focus will be on the campaign for Sarahs Law and the impact on policies relating to sex offenders that arose from the campaign. According to Pratt (2007) the origins of penal populism lie in the work of Sir Anthony Bottoms (1995) who used the term populist punitiveness (Bottoms 1995 cited in Pratt 2007: 2) to discuss one of the main influences on contemporary criminal justice and penal systems (Pratt 2007: 2). The term punitiveness refers to the publics disapproval and their harsh attitudes in response to offenders (Green 2009: 520). The notion of punitiveness suggests a disproportionate use of sanctions and consequently a deviation from the principle of proportionality (Matthews 2005: 179). In the 1980s it was conceded by senior conservative politicians that in penal matters it was the popular press rather than informed opinion that counted (Ryan 2003: 117). Populism is a political response favouring popularity rather than political considerations (Roberts et al. 2003: 3) and penal populism is a label, given to politicians who devise punitive penal policies that are popular with the general public (Pratt 2007: 8). Both penal populism and populist punitiveness are used to refer to the presumption that it is the harsh attitudes of the general public that drives and justifies a harsher stance on crime and punishment policies (Green 2009: 521). Yet Roberts et al. (2003:5) argue that the electoral advantage of a policy takes precedence over any penal effectiveness and rather than attempting to reduce crime rates, penal populism is merely politicians pursuing a set of policies to win votes. Crime is socially constructed, politically-influenced and historically variable Punis hment, like crime, is historically and culturally contingent (Newburn 2007:15). However, Pratt (2007) argues that one of the limits of penal populism is that the publics desire for punishment is not insatiable. Penal populism is an emotional response to terrible, often rare, crimes that generate intense media attention (Roberts et al. 2003: 9). The entanglement of politics and media creates an environment encouraging politicians to offer quick solutions for the most serious crimes (Roberts et al. 2003: 36). Furthermore, highly punitive policies are provoked by penal populism, reflecting a position of outrage rather than rationally considering the policy options in relation to offending (Roberts et al. 2003: 36). Penal populism is a product of social and cultural changes and the rise of penal populism reflects a fundamental shift in the axis of contemporary penal power brought about by these changes (Pratt 2007: 3). Penal populism stems from the lack of faith in the government, the decline of deference and the growth of ontological insecurity, along with new media technologies helping to spread it (Pratt 2007: i). There are a number of issues that require further examination according to Matthews (2005); definition, aetiology and the relation between punitiveness and other dominant trends in penal policy such as managerialism, which are seen to involve different and even oppositional currents (Matthews 2005: 178). Similar problems are encountered with the term bifurcation, viewing the penal system as a twin track or bifurcated system with coercive and segregative controls on the one side and inclusive community-based controls on the other is too restrictive (Matthews 2005: 181). Managerialism is a set of techniques and practices which aim to fracture and realign relations of power within the criminal justice system in order to transform the structures and reorganize the processes (McLaughlin 2001: 169). Managerialism focuses on the operation of the system rather than the treatment of victims and suspects and there is an emphasis on results, targets and performance indicators. The main change in penal policy has not been towards more emotive or expressive punishments but the development of more administrative and impersonal styles of regulation (Matthews 2005: 188). According to Matthews (2005: 185) new styles of managerialism have been introduced, which appear to develop alongside punitiveness, and the role they have played in shaping the criminal justice system has been widely reported. Penal policies are developed by governments in line with the sentiments and aspirations of the general public rather than their own bureaucratic organizations (Pratt 2007: i). Populist sentiments veer toward a more punitive response to crime and the expansion of the media has been critical in fuelling public sentiments and creating the conditions in which retribution and vengeance can more readily be expressed (Matthews 2005: 181). Newburn states that the politics of law and order are played out and stimulated by the media with crime becoming staple newspaper fodder (Newburn 2007: 15). The way the media highlights certain crimes and events, influences not only the general public but also politicians and policy makers who have come to rely on the media as the voice of public opinion (Green 2009 : 527). Within the criminal justice system there is an abundance of experts that are not only able to influence policy making but also to mediate the demands of the public (Matthews 2005: 189). However, Pratt (2007: i) argues that there has been less reliance on academic expertise and penal populism has been allowed by governments to impact on policy development. The public have been able to articulate their views and also influence how penal policy is developed, moreover, the publics hostility towards paedophiles and acts of vigilantism are often taken as an indication of intrinsic public punitiveness (Matthews 2005: 188). The media then encourage and stimulate public concern, in their search for a scapegoat on whom to focus their attention, resulting in a further increase in the sale of newspapers, also an increase in viewing figures (Matthews 2005: 188). Penal populism has not only set new policy agendas it has also radically redefined official opinions on crime and punishment (Pratt 2007: 28). It is in the development of policy on sex offenders that it has had most influence (Pratt 2007), with close parallels in the media and political rhetoric concerning the risk posed by paedophiles (Newburn and Jones 2005: 73). According to Matthews (2005: 194), much has been made of the campaigns and legislation that have been passed to address the issue of paedophiles. Sara Paynes daughter was abducted and murdered in 2000 by Roy Whiting, she called on the then Home Secretary to change the law regarding paedophiles. Campaigning for Sarahs Law to allow restricted public access to the sex offenders register (BBC 2008), partially inspired by Megans Law, introduced in New Jersey after the rape and murder of Megan Kanka in 1994. With the support of the News of the World, Sara Payne and the Sarahs Law campaign fought for parents to have the right to know if there was a child sex offender living in their area (Ryan 2003: 127). It also called for high risk paedophiles to be included in sex offender orders, those that previously did not fall within the sex offender registration requirements; for the right of victims to know why this or that sentence has been passed; and to be informed of the release date of those who had abused them (Ryan 2003: 127). There was criticism from some police forces and child care agencies fearing vigilante attacks (BBC 2008), moreover, in 2000 on the Paulsgrove estate in Portsmouth suspected paedophiles and their families were victims of vigilante attacks and a paediatrician was forced to leave her home and neighbourhood after her house was attacked (Ryan 2003: 127). This was prompted by the News of the World publishing the names and pictures of convicted paedophiles on the back of the Sara Payne campaign (Ryan 2003: 127). The publics response to this moral panic was, according to Ryan (2003) instructive and there was widespread condemnation of the violence, even the News of the World argued that it was counter-productive (Ryan 2003: 127). Hard cases make bad law, and spectacular cases make knee-jerk policy (Walker 2002: v). Including those mentioned previously and others, such as the introduction of Multi Agency Protection Panels and preventing offenders from contacting victims (For Sarah 2009), there have since been 15 pieces of legislation introduced as a direct result of Sara Paynes work (Moorhead 2009); the News of The World claim 14 of those are as a result of their campaign (For Sarah 2009). Furthermore, Sarahs Law pilot schemes, allowing controlled access to information about paedophiles, are now being extended (Topping 2009). Politicians are aware of the depth of public feeling and they use rhetoric and symbolism to imply support for stronger measures regarding notification, at the same time as bowing to the professional judgement and influence of criminal justice practitioners (Jones and Newburn 2002: 196). Criminal laws and penal measures that are named after victims, such as Megans Law and the campaign for Sarahs Law, use the plight of the victim to legitimate more extensive controls and new punitive measures (Hoyle and Zedner 2007: 473). Pratt (2007) questions the effects on criminal justice policy when policy is driven by popular public anxiety, the refutation of evidence based policy is questionably less concerned with proven effectiveness than with what the public want. Penal populism has enabled new policy agendas to be created, redefined official opinions on crime and punishment and Pratt (2007) states that it is in the development of policy on sex offenders that it has been most influential. The public, politicians and policy makers are influenced by events that the media highlight, with the politics of law and order frequently being played out and stimulated in the media. Despite the abundance of experts able to influence policy making, there has been less reliance on the expertise of academics and governments have allowed penal populism to impact on policy development (Pratt 2007). Word count: 1630

Essay --

All mammalian mothers feed their children breast milk directly from breast to mouth; this act is known as breastfeeding. The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommends early initiation of breastfeeding, within an hour of birth, and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life (Global strategy for infant and young child feeding, WHO 2013). Exclusive breastfeeding is defined as the infant receiving only breast milk without the addition of solid foods or other liquids. The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding are numerous, with the most highly recognized being protection against gastrointestinal infections, which have been shown to be a cause of mortality in infants. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 2013 Breastfeeding Report Card, approximately 77% of American children are breastfed at all, 40% are exclusively breastfed at three months old, and 16% by six months. Approximately 50% of mothers continue to breastfeed their children past six months, although the child’s sustenance is supplemented with solid foods and other liquids. Lack of breastfeeding has been linked to malnourishment, which is associated with 45% of child deaths globally (WHO 2013). In 2012, close to 100 million children under the age of five were below the healthy weight-to-height ratio as a consequence of malnutrition due to inadequate feeding and multiple infections. Research has shown that the act of breastfeeding not only provides benefits for the child, but also mothers. According to the federal agency on women’s health, breastfeeding has been associated with reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers, and other women’s health problems. Encouraging women to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of thei... ...initiatives have increased breastfeeding rates from 31% to 51% in a small rural community in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada (Martens, 2000). Increasing educational initiatives to encourage breastfeeding can be further fortified by encouraging the involvement of family and close friends in the decision-making process. The support of family members such as spouses, siblings, and the infant’s grandparents is essential in helping the mother as she decides how the baby will be fed and providing the necessary support once the baby is born. Family members can also serve as mentors to mothers who are considering their infant’s feeding options. The baby’s grandmother, for example, can be a key influence by sharing her breastfeeding experience with her pregnant daughter or daughter-in-law. A mother’s perspective on breastfeeding is greatly influenced by the community around her.

Defending A Mans Honor :: essays research papers

Defending a Man’s Honor   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The main male characters in Shakespeare’s play Othello kill their wives in order to defend their own honor. In the period setting of the play, to show honor, women are expected to be subservient to their husbands. The characters Iago and Othello reflect this attitude toward their respective wives, giving them reason to feel just in killing these women. Iago kills Emilia because she dishonors him by revealing his manipulation of Othello and Cassio. Othello strangles Desdemona because of imagined infidelity, which makes him look like a fool. Both men have different ideas of honor, perceive their own honorable status differently, have different relationships with their wives, and different feelings of remorse. Ultimately they both kill their wives to defend their own honor. Proud, noble, and brave warrior Othello is well respected and his military skills and adventures are widely known. He is charismatic, charming, self-reliant and well traveled. These personality traits made Desdemona fall in love with him, and by these, he measures his honorability. His measures his self-worth by the way he is perceived by others. That is the main reason why he perceives Desdemona’s alleged infidelity as ruining his honor. It makes him look like a fool and he feels that he has been taken advantage of because he is unwise and unfamiliar with the devious sexual practices of Venice women. Othello is also very trusting. Of course, the question is why he believes Iago and doubts his wife. He believes â€Å"honest Iago† without question because Iago had served in the army with him and is generally regarded by all to be an honest man. The feelings of being an outsider and insecure in his social status are Othello’s character flaws and Iago to takes advantage of these Achilles heals. For Iago, deception, manipulating, and killing are second nature. It doesn’t occur to him that he will be caught and he doesn’t have any conscience about what he has done. These characteristics show that Iago is self-absorbed and out for himself. He is also greedy and jealous and plots to make everyone around him unhappy, while seeking position and honor. High position and honor starts his hatred of Othello. Iago sees Othello as being beneath him because of his race, but having all the glory and honor that he covets. The final straw, Cassio being made lieutenant over him, makes him take action and plot his revenge. Defending A Mans Honor :: essays research papers Defending a Man’s Honor   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The main male characters in Shakespeare’s play Othello kill their wives in order to defend their own honor. In the period setting of the play, to show honor, women are expected to be subservient to their husbands. The characters Iago and Othello reflect this attitude toward their respective wives, giving them reason to feel just in killing these women. Iago kills Emilia because she dishonors him by revealing his manipulation of Othello and Cassio. Othello strangles Desdemona because of imagined infidelity, which makes him look like a fool. Both men have different ideas of honor, perceive their own honorable status differently, have different relationships with their wives, and different feelings of remorse. Ultimately they both kill their wives to defend their own honor. Proud, noble, and brave warrior Othello is well respected and his military skills and adventures are widely known. He is charismatic, charming, self-reliant and well traveled. These personality traits made Desdemona fall in love with him, and by these, he measures his honorability. His measures his self-worth by the way he is perceived by others. That is the main reason why he perceives Desdemona’s alleged infidelity as ruining his honor. It makes him look like a fool and he feels that he has been taken advantage of because he is unwise and unfamiliar with the devious sexual practices of Venice women. Othello is also very trusting. Of course, the question is why he believes Iago and doubts his wife. He believes â€Å"honest Iago† without question because Iago had served in the army with him and is generally regarded by all to be an honest man. The feelings of being an outsider and insecure in his social status are Othello’s character flaws and Iago to takes advantage of these Achilles heals. For Iago, deception, manipulating, and killing are second nature. It doesn’t occur to him that he will be caught and he doesn’t have any conscience about what he has done. These characteristics show that Iago is self-absorbed and out for himself. He is also greedy and jealous and plots to make everyone around him unhappy, while seeking position and honor. High position and honor starts his hatred of Othello. Iago sees Othello as being beneath him because of his race, but having all the glory and honor that he covets. The final straw, Cassio being made lieutenant over him, makes him take action and plot his revenge.

World War 1 as a Total War

In what ways can the First World War be seen as a Total War Total war is defined as the organisation of entire societies for war, using all Its economic, military and human resources to aim for complete victory. In addition there is less differentiation between combatants and civilians than In conventional warfare; civilians were affected as deliberate targets of war In their own right. It can be argued that the government of the Involved countries focused the economy on the war effort which in turn had an Impact on everyday life.The countries tried to make the maximum use out of their human and economic resources, which leaded to a entralization of power In hands of the government. The government started to control their countries In different aspects. Conscrlptlon was Introduced to control manpower better. Conscription Is defined by the compulsory enlistment In some kind of national service. In this case It was military service. In the united Kingdom, for example, it was introduced in 1916. In addition, governments started to exercise more control over industry, which leaded to nationalizing key industries like coal mining and shipping.They also had to control inflation, so that wages and prices were regulated. In order to pay for the war various countries increased taxes. Britain, for example, increased direct taxation. The governments also started to adopt tariffs on certain imported goods. The countries also borrowed money from other countries and also from their own people, what was done through ‘war loans' . ‘War loans' were credits issued by the population of a country to finance military operations and other expenditure in times of war, which the government would pay back with interests after the war ends.We can highlight that propaganda also made World War One a total war. After a big amount of time fighting some persons lose their otivation to fight a war and therefore they stop supporting their country. Propaganda was used to solve that problem by the governments. With propaganda the countries usually wanted to recruit new soldiers, motivate the population to support their country with work and money and to set on their population against the enemy. A poster made by the allies shows three anxious kids near by a shadow of a swastika and says: ‘Dont let the shadow touch them†¦ uy war bonds'. That poster was used to make the population hate Germany and to use that hate to make them support their country with money. Propaganda was an Important part of the war and Britain even created a Ministry of Information which made propaganda a key element of Its war policy. One of the points that make the First World War a total war Is the affect the war had on the life of civilians. The clvlllans were affected by military action and due to the new technology available there were many casualties.On the Eastern Front, due to the movement, clvlllans were Involved In violence, accidentally and deliberately. The Jews, for example, were attacked deliberately by the Russians. On the Western Front the civilians were able to keep away from the fighting, so that casualties were reduced to Inaccurate artillery fire. The First World War Is also the war that caused most casualties on civilians until that moment, due to military action or Oue to Tamlne, Olsease or accidents. A clvlllans oleo on Dotn sloes In total due to military action.The most shocking fact is that about 6,000,000 civilians died because of other reasons that were caused by the war and the life circumstances. As a result of the military casualties, in some countries conscription was introduced. Due to conscription a lot of men left their work and Joined the army. As a consequence a lot of pursuits weren't satisfied, like for example nutrition as a consequence of a lack to farmers. In addition both sides started to cut off supplies to their enemies. They tried to disrupt trade routes and to intercept the food and raw materials supplies.German y used submarines to create shortages which affected British civilians. As a result, the average calorie input of an adult civilian from the involved countries dropped from about 1500 in 1915 to 1000 in the winter of 1916-1917. In addition, due to the rapid growth of industry and men Joining the army and leaving their workplace, a lot of woman Joined the workforce. In spite of all to employ a woman was not the first choice of the employees. Women had to deal with isadvantages. One of them was the differentiation in wages compared with male workers.The wages of women remained low, despite their work increased. By 1917, one in four war workers was female. That shows how big the role women had in World War One was. In addition women had to deal with agreements made to let them work in ‘men's Jobs', as for example that these arrangements would Just be temporarily. By 1918 Woman formed 55% in Germany and in other countries the number of workers increased dramatically, for example i n Russia, with 20%, and in Austria-Hungary with 25%. All of the involved countries had ‘total' aims and they ere reluctant to give them up.Germany ‘s war aims were to expand their territory and to increase their economic strength to ensure security for Germany in west and in east ‘for all imaginable time'. As a consequence negotiated peace was difficult to achieve. Propaganda also made the peace difficult to achieve because it Justified the war and demonized the enemy. However, there were some tries to make peace by important persons. Some of them were the Pope Benedict XV and Lenin. They tried to develop peace without taking any personal benefits out of it. They principally called for a peace without annexations or financial demands.The affected countries, on the contrary, tried to make the maximum profit out of peace treaties. The First World War also affected the civil population of the involved countries and not only the soldiers. The on war effort focused econ omy led to changes in the life of the civilians what is basically what makes a war a ‘total war'. In the points above it is made clear that World War One was a ‘total war' because of the effect the war had on civilians and their lives, the growth of power of the government and how it was used to take advantages in war out of it and the attitude of the countries towards the implementation of their aims.

Definition of Auditing

AUDITING I. Definitions * Auditing, in a general sense, is a systematic and critical evaluation of the financial position, operating systems, and results of operation of an audited entity. * A systematic process of obtaining and evaluating evidence regarding assertions about economic actions and events to ascertain degree of correspondence between those assertions and established criteria and communicating the results to interested user. The analytical and systematic examination and verification of financial transactions, operation, accounts, and reports of any government agency for the purpose of determining the accuracy, integrity, and authenticity, and satisfying the requirements of law, rules, and regulations. State audit relies on the provisions of law; its authority and limitations are prescribed by law and it is conducted in accordance with law. The 1987 Constitution and related laws set the scope, powers, functions, and jurisdiction of government auditing. Auditing in Public AdministrationState auditing (along with accounting) may be considered as the control and accountability component of fiscal administration cycle. * As a control mechanism, auditing ensures the proper and legal utilization and management of fiscal resources in accordance with sound financial management principles, accounting and auditing standards, and applicable laws and regulations. * As an accountability component, it seeks to ensure that public officials entrusted with functions and resources are made responsible for the performance and results of operation of their office. In the Fiscal administration cycle, auditing also provides inputs to the next phase which is planning. Audit reports contain vital information on the results of operation of agencies and recommendations to improve their performance. Auditing and Accounting Accounting * Accounting is a discipline which provides financial and other information essential to the efficient conduct and evaluation of the activities of an organization. Is concerned with constructing from a mass of transactions entered into by a firm or agency during a certain period, financial statements, results of transactions (in terms of profit and loss), and current financial position, through the interpretation, summarization, and compilation of information. Auditing * Is primarily concerned with analyzing whether or not the financial statements reasonably represent the result of the firm’s operations. II. TYPES OF AUDITING A. Timing Pre-audit – The auditor reviews a transaction (a contract for janitorial services, for example) even before such services are rendered. The auditor also gives his tentative approval for payment of the services by the agency. * Post-audit – The auditor reviews and approves the transaction after the services have been rendered and payment has been made In both cases, the review may consist of the following: * Determining whether all relevant laws, rules and regulations have been observed in the transaction. Physical inspection of supplies or equipment. * Checking whether all necessary documents are submitted and properly accomplished. * Determining whether the required authority or approval has been secured. * Checking mathematical accuracy. B. Organizational Status of Auditor * Internal Audit * The internal auditor undertakes an analytical view of balances disclosed in the financial statements to determine that the information contained in the statements is consistent internally, with budget accounts, and with those of prior years.He may also insist, in an advisory capacity, in adopting basic organizational regulations, preparing rationalization proposals, and recommending measures to improve the structural and procedural systems of the agency. * In small agencies, the internal audit is usually conducted by accounting or controller units * In large organization, it is done by a separate internal audit staff which reports directly to the head of agenc y, the finance office, or corporate board of directors, in the case of corporations. * External Audit * Is performed by auditor external to or independent of the audited organization. In the Philippine state audit context, it is the audit performed by the COA auditors. * In commercial audit, it is conducted by independent certified public accountants on private business organizations primarily to express an opinion on the fairness, consistency, and conformity of financial statements to generally accepted accounting principles, for submission to management, government regulatory agencies, stockholders, and other interested parties. Under the Constitution, external audit by the COA cannot be replaced by internal audit (or any private external audit).While an internal auditor may conduct audit of his agency (or private independent auditors perform external audit), only COA auditor is authorized to conduct government audit. External audit as performed by the COA Includes a comprehensive review of an agency’s internal audit services, as part of its audit function of evaluating of agency internal control systems. C. Audit Scope * Fiscal Audit: Financial and Compliance Fiscal audit is the â€Å"traditional financial audit† in government. It is the combination of financial audit and compliance audits. Financial audit of government transactions is conducted to determine whether: Financial operations are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations, and accounting and auditing standards. * Whether an agency financial statement presents fairly and accurately the financial position of the agency in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The auditor determines whether the agency is maintaining effective control over revenues, expenditures, assets and liabilities, whether financial statements are fairly presented, and if financial reports contain accurate, reliable and useful information.Compliance audit, on the other hand, is an evaluation of the extent to which the agency has complied with pertinent laws, policies, and rules, and regulations in the conduct of its operation. The auditor tests the agency’s financial transactions and specific program, function or activity to determine their legality or regularity. He may for instance; check whether the agency has not violated pertinent law in incurring significant unrecorded liabilities. * Performance Audit: Efficiency, Economy, EffectivenessA performance audit is a constructive examination and evaluation of the financial and operational performance of an organization, program, function or activity with the object of identifying opportunities for grater economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in agency. Economy and efficiency audits determine: * Whether the agency is managing and utilizing its resources (personnel, property, funds) economically and efficiently * The causes of inefficiencies or uneconomical practices * Whether the agency has complied with the laws and regulations concerning matters of efficiency and economyEffectiveness or â€Å"program results† audit determines. * Whether the desired results or benefits established by the legislature or other * Whether the agency has considered alternatives that might lead to desired results at lower cost Special/Other Audits * Subsidy Audit (in the Constitution, PD1445) * Levy Audit (in the Constitution, PD1445) III. THE AUDIT PROCESS A. The Audit Cycle – The state audit cycle consist of seven phases: * Phase I. Preliminary survey of the agency or audited entity The preliminary survey is conducted to acquire a working knowledge of the audited agency and its legal, policy, and administrative environment.The auditor gathers general background information on the agency and its operations after which he defines the scopes of his audit. The auditor may perform the following activities: * Interviews with agency officials to obtain general information * Obtain basic documents on agency activities, objectives, policies, standards, procedure, etc. * Physical inspection of agency facilities, office, etc. Ideally, the survey should provide information on: * Laws, policies, and rules, and regulations applicable to the agency * Brief history and goals or purpose of the agency Agency organization, functions, staff, regional offices, and operating systems * Nature, investments and location of agency assets * General objectives and policies * Operating methods and standards used in measuring or evaluating agency operations and performance * Description of major, existing problems * Copies of internal agency reports, especially internal audit reports * Phase II. Review of Legal and Policy Framework The information gathered from the preliminary survey are reviewed in order to obtain a general knowledge of the legislation and policies applicable to agency objectives, policies, programs, and operating standards. Phases III. Review and Evaluation of In ternal Control System In this phase, the auditor reviews the procedures and practices actually applied by the agency in processing its transactions in order to establish: * The actual means and methods in carrying out operations * Appropriateness and utility of various steps in the processes * The results of operations or transactions relative to agency objectives, legal and policy requirements, and standards * The effectiveness of the internal control system and its various componentsThe review and evaluation of the agency’s internal control system is to: * Identify major critical areas that would warrant more detailed examination * To determine the type of test to be used in the closer examination of such areas later on * Phase IV – In-depth Examination of Problem Areas, Data-gatherings, Analysis, and Evaluation In this phase, the auditor concentrates on audit findings on the problem areas in terms of: * Compliance with or adherence to legal and policy mandate, presc riptions, and requirements; * Goals and objectives-achievement Operational efficiency, economy, and effectiveness in the use of human, material, and financial resources; and * Propriety, accuracy, reliability, and usefulness of financial records and reports, including the effectiveness of control over the latter In-depth examination may involve reviewing agency reports, books, files, records, and such other relevant documents and analyzing, evaluating, verifying and confirming their content through enquiries, inspection, or observation.Where it becomes impossible or impractical to examine all operations and transactions, the auditor conducts reviews and tests on a selective basis, based on his professional judgment and on the adequacy of internal control systems. The auditor develops the factual and documentary evidence to support his audit findings, conclusions, and recommendations. He analyzes the data gathered and determines the causes and effects of the problems, and their signi ficance to agency operations. He also determines whether the agency needs to take corrective action and recommend the appropriate solutions.The auditor must alert agency officials on any deficiencies discovered during audit to enable management to take immediate corrective action. * Phase V. Preparation and Presentation of Draft Report A draft audit report is prepared based on the findings and recommendations formulated in the previous phase. The report is then presented to agency officials for their review and comments. * Phase VI. Finalization of Audit Report After the meeting, the auditor finalizes the audit report.In writing the final report, he has to observe certain principles or standards of report writing. The scope of the audit should be stated clearly and concisely in the report and any limitations should be explicitly mentioned Findings and conclusions should be adequately supported by factual documentary evidence. The recommendations should be clearly identified and shou ld be realistic. Previous audit recommendations which have been unimplemented and the agency’s reason for such should also be noted. * Phase VII. Follow-up on the Implementation of Audit RecommendationsAudit recommendations, such as suggested improvements, proposed adjustments in the accounts, correction or discontinuance of malpractices, solution to existing problems, etc. should be followed-up B. General Objectives, Principles and Standards * General Objectives There are many objectives of state audit and all these relate to the concept of public accountability. Public accountability is central to government audit as it is anchored on the tenet that public officials, as stewards of public office must give a full and public accounting of the manner with which they utilize the powers and expend the resources entrusted to them. Establishing accountability for financial material and human resources of an agency * Establishing accountability for compliance with applicable laws. Policies, rules and regulations * The efficient, economical and effective operations of the agency * Specific Objectives The specific objectives of state auditing also include the following, as enunciated in the Lima Declaration of Guidelines on Auditing Precepts * Proper and effective use of public funds * Development of sound financial management Orderly execution of administrative activities * Communication of information to public authorities and the public through publication of audit reports * Audit Principles and Standards * Audit principles and standards serve to guide the auditor in conducting his audit with integrity, objectivity, independence, and efficiency * Audit standards deal with the quality with which the audit is performed based on the professional and ethical qualifications of the auditor and his exercise of judgment in the course of audit.

Health Benefits of Coffee Essay

â€Å"Overall, research shows coffee is more healthful than harmful. For most, a lot of good comes from drinking it, more so than a lot of bad. † Tomas DePaulis, PhD states. In fact, drinking a few cups a day may be healthy according to Harvard’s Women’s Health Watch. People who drink coffee on a regular basis appear to acquire some advantages compared to those who don’t drink it at all. These benefits include but are not limited to: a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, reduced risk of gallstones, lower colon cancer risk, and reduced risk of parkinson’s. â€Å"I think on average, the consumption of caffeine probably does create a public health risk. † Dr. Jim Lane claims. â€Å"Coffee drinkers put themselves at greater risk of hear attack, stroke, or early death. † Health risks linked to coffee consumption include: worsening of PMS symptoms in some women, reducing fertility in women while trying to conceive, insomnia, anxiety, and irritability. Section 2 Tomas DePaulis , PhD, is a research scientist at Vanderbilt University’s Institute for Coffee Studies. Dr. Jim Lane is a researcher at the Duke University Medical School. Both of their opinions are for the general public, anyone who’s interested in finding out about benefits, or risks of coffee drinking. They both give valuable information for any reader, the good and the bad. Both DePaulis’ and Lane’s research seems to agree with what their opinion is, both research opposes the other. Section 3 I love everything about coffee, the taste, the smell, and the effect. I hadn’t really thought about risks or advantages of drinking it until I had to start researching coffee. I found both sides to the research very interesting, and it’s definitely hard to know which one proves to be true, and which proves to be incorrect. I’m no scientist but as much as I love coffee I find it hard to believe there would be any risks in drinking it, and was a bit startled when I came across research to show health risks.

Behavior and Leadership Essay

There are many forms of leadership style used among top companies today. Within the given scenario we are given three different leadership styles among three different leaders. Within this scenario we will look at transactional, transformational, and level 5 leadership. We will identify what type of leader each person is, and also how the style of each new leader might affect the performance of the company. Executive A is a â€Å"level 5† leader. A level 5 leader is someone that is focused on the good of the company. They will be very ambitious to make the company a success; however they will not take credit for the success. A level 5 leader points towards the other leaders within the company when they are successful, just as Executive A does. However when the company fails or makes mistakes, he takes full responsibility. These are all traits of a â€Å"level 5† leader. Leader B would be classified as a transactional leader. Leader B feels that effort and accomplishments should be given a reward. Leader B also would be considered a passive manager. Leader B hands out tasks and the full responsibility of that task falls on the person it is given too. Leader B has clear goals established and rules and a chain of command for obtaining these goals. Leader C is a transformational leader. Leader C encourages employees to problem solve issues. Leader C also provides vision and clear goals. Leader C encourages employees to put self-interests aside and do what is better for the company. Leader C is also personal with employees, remembering things like birthdays. This helps motivate the employees by making them feel important no matter what their position is within the company. If Leader B were appointed as CEO of the company when Executive A retires, I believe that the company will still be successful, but not as successful as it was before Executive A retires. Executive A has the leadership qualities that make people want to work and perform to the best of their abilities. Leader B’s leadership style has clear goals and reward systems, but instead of letting people grow, he sets out rules and chain of commands. This may intimidate people to think outside of the box and be more creative. Also Leader B gives reward for accomplishment; this may cause employees to put their own self-interest in front of that of the company. They will work to improve their own careers instead of doing what is best for the company. Leader C has a vision to provide mission and pride within the company. Leader C has high expectations for the company but also encourages the employees to put themselves in a place where their actions are for the company and not self-interest. Leader C’s promotion of self though allows employees to think outside of the box. Leader C’s leadership style shows a charisma that makes people want to work and do the best they can. Also Leader C interacts with employees on a more personal level by remembering birthdays and recognizing accomplishments of individuals. Leaders that bring themselves down to their employee’s personal level create a better work environment that makes people want to perform well for them. This in turn will produce better outcomes for the company in general.

Why Was the Irish Revolution of 1919-21?

On December 6 1921 the Anglo-Irish treaty was drafted and signed by representatives of both the Irish and British Governments. After centuries of bitter feuding involving both sides the British Government was for the first time to offer the Irish independence. In this essay I seek to outline how the Irish revolution of 1919 and 1921 was successful in achieving Irish independence. Richard English says, â€Å"There had never been any chance of a formal military victory†¦ nor in practice of the British recognising an Irish republic. [1] If English is right to say this then how did the Irish manage to gain independence when the odds were stacked against them both militarily and politically? I believe that independence was reached for a number of reasons to be discussed in more detail later. These factors can be divided into the two crucial areas of political and military. Politically, there was a list of British failures including the negative publicity attracted by the revolution at home, pressure from America and the Government of Ireland Act. Failures only exacerbated by political achievements on the Irish side.Such as De Valera’s trip to the U. S to canvass American support for the revolution plus the establishment of Dail Eireann and its de facto courts. The next section of the essay will be based on the military issues. Was the revolution’s success down to Britain’s failures or Ireland’s triumph of military tactics? Military mistakes were made on the British side which nullified the fact that they had a vastly superior army. The harsh reprisals in nationalist territories for example stoked tensions unnecessarily. A large part of the revolutions success could be attributed to the military strengths of the IRA.With Michael Collins at the head the IRA was extremely strong tactically and used guerrilla warfare to great effect. The also had a mass intelligence system to rival any according to figures like Thomas Bowden for instanc e. Although some historians such as Peter Hart try to unravel the legend of Michael Collins and believe he did not have quite as big a role in the war as many would later claim. Political In order for the revolution to work the IRA had to defeat Britain politically and in a propaganda war as well as militarily.It has to be noted that as far back as 1916 the Irish public had no interest in a revolting. The men who took part in the Easter Rising were looked upon as villains in the immediate aftermath not heroes. It was political failure that allowed such a dramatic swing in public opinion to take place. The harsh treatment of the rebels was the turning point in Irish popular opinion. It formed the motivation for many who joined the IRA during the revolution becoming a superb propaganda tool for the republican cause. With each execution of the men who took part in Ireland the fury grew.A student in the University College of Dublin Barry once studied remarked, â€Å"I never experienced anything like this surging fury with the news produced in everyone. †[2] Later in the interview the student claims that there was notable rejoice when three Englishmen were shot for every Irishman hung. Primary quotes like this go some way to showing the feelings of resentment caused through Britain’s political own goals that multiplied the supporters of an armed revolution in a matter of days. It was not only public opinion in Ireland that was affected by the mistakes of the British administration.Public opinion in Britain throughout the revolution had reached a low. Many normal British citizens were horrified by what they saw as atrocities going on in their name. A sketch of opinion at the time can be viewed in a report of the Labour commission to Ireland in 1921. The report claims that the results of a government policy of reprisals on the people manifests in three main ways they are health economic and spirit. The report states, â€Å"months of oppression, coercio n, and physical violence cannot but have far reaching effects upon the people who suffer under them. The Labour party believed at the time that British Government policy was to the detriment of the economy both in Ireland and in Britain. While the armed forces â€Å"provocative behaviour† was only creating â€Å"a new bitterness of spirit† among the people. Perhaps a concluding line from the document may sum up the thoughts and fears of many in Britain. â€Å"Things are being done in the name of Britain which must make her name stink in the nostrils of the whole world†[3] A crucial failure of British policy was the Government of Ireland Act passed in 1920.The Act was to create two subordinate parliaments one in Belfast and one in Dublin. The Belfast Parliament comprised of the same six counties that would later make up Northern Ireland. The Act was ignored in the twenty six counties but the Dail was powerless to prevent its operation in the North. Ronan Fanning believes that the Act later caused the British to give away more independence than previously hoped by the very fact it had Ireland divided into separate legislative bodies never an intention of the Act. Britain continually faced U. S pressure to solve the Irish question.Lloyd George faced constant pressure from U. S president Woodrow Wilson. It is said in Hopkinson’s book that Wilson told him until the Irish question was resolved it was bound to not only affect the relations between England and the U. S but inevitably effect the relationship of England with her colonies as well. [4] It would be wrong for one to say the Irish revolution of 1919-1921 in achieving Irish independence was all down to Britain’s failure politically. For one to do claim would do a great injustice to many strengths the Irish displayed politically before independence was achieved.Three factors to be considered here are the rise of Sinn Fein, De Valera’s canvassing of U. S support and the creation of the Dail parliament and Courts. The rise of Sinn Fein led to a radicalisation of the masses which had previously not existed in Ireland before this the majority were happy with Home Rule now it was all or nothing. When discussing this many historians would say that the rise Sinn Fein was as much if not more a consequence of Britain’s failings more than any great genius on behalf of Sinn Fein. A school of thought shared by historians including Hopkinson and Dangerfield.Dangerfield was of the belief that by not implementing Home Rule the rise of a more radical politics was unavoidable. â€Å"The point is that when the concept of Home Rule vanished†¦ Nationalist Ireland drifted into a position were only republican and revolutionary leadership became possible. †[5] Once this process had begun it was simply irreversible. Whereas Hopkinson would state that the British Government had a misplaced optimism involving Sinn Fein. They tried to suppress them by ma king many arrests which all led to propaganda victories for the party.Who could now claim they were unjustly victimised. â€Å"Like many other British politician both before and since, they believed that a few extremists were the problem and that usual order would be restored once they were dealt with. †[6] By trying to introduce conscription in Ireland Britain only managed to give Sinn Fein another boost. Townshend asserts, â€Å"In resistance to conscription, the Sinn Fein leadership found for the first time a national political issue which could mobilise the mass of the people. †[7] Not all of Sinn Fein’s rise can be blamed on the British according to Peter Hart.The party he argued was strengthened by female involvement and the support of first time female voters. De Valera’s visit to the Treaty of Versailles may not have laid to the American backed independence hoped but was beneficial in other areas. Yet despite this there was support for his cause i n America. According to Ferriter, De Valera managed to raise something in the region of $6 million between January 1920 and October 1921 a figure higher than that raised in Ireland. Ferriter asserts that to call Irish Nationalism a mass movement in the U. S by 1920 was no exaggeration.Perhaps the central political success by Ireland before eventually achieving independence was the creation of Dail Eireann on January 21 1919. An illegal parliament based in Dublin separate from British control. The Dail followed the path of which Ronan Fanning called â€Å"Sinn Fein’s unilateral solution to the age old problem of the constitutional relationship between Britain and Ireland was to deny that there was any legitimate connection. †[8] Thus it made sense that the Dail’s first law was to break with Britain. Townshend was complimentary in speaking of the decision to set up Dail Eireann. Their (nationalists) action in assembling on 21 January 1919 as Dail Eireann, the Parl iament of Ireland was in itself revolutionary. †[9] At the beginning Britain simply ignored this new parliament. They shared the same beliefs Stephen Gwynn echoed in 1921. â€Å"When the decision was taken to constitute the Irish members into an Irish parliament people were inclined to laugh. †[10] Gwynn later claimed that the fact the British Government did not initially interfere merely added unreality to the whole proceedings. Yet many believe that when Britain did interfere in 1919 in banning the Dail more harm than good came as a consequence.Arthur Mitchell says the banning of the Dail was not its end but really its making driving it underground was generally to its advantage. The fact that Dail Eireann created its own judicial system greatly undermined British rule. Ferriter points out positives and negatives of these courts. It was said, â€Å"The promptness and efficiency of the courts impressed even most unionists. †[11] Although at times reality bit as Ferriter tells us how figures such as Cathal Brugha the minister of defence had little time for courts they were a distraction from war.Military Despite all the ramifications of each side’s political manoeuvres it is highly unlikely of course the Irish revolution would ever have taken place were it not for what happened militarily. Similar to political, military could also be divided into both Britain’s failures and Irish success. How did the IRA gain a truce when they were fighting the military might of the British Empire? If English’s point earlier in the essay is to be considered the IRA could never have gained a formal military victory.Could it be a case that the British overestimated the IRA’s staying power? For the IRA’s key leader Michael Collins himself believed the IRA was close to breaking point. The British policy of reprisals was in itself a military disaster. Augustein puts the point across that, â€Å"The actual and alleged bad behav iour of the crown forces was an extremely persuasive force which caused and justified a violent response by the IRA in the eyes of men and women on all sides. †[12] Thomas Bowden is of the view that reprisals were advocated at the very top level of British intelligence.Sir Henry Wilson, chief of the Imperial General Staff was a known sponsor of these methods declaring â€Å"shoot all Irish leaders by roster. †[13] On May 21 1921, General McCready sent a memo stating, â€Å"Defeat the IRA by the summer or pullout† It is possible the general did not want to get bogged down in a guerrilla conflict in unfamiliar terrain. Though historians like Townshend believe McCready was giving too much credit to the IRA who would soon fall. While others including Hart have the view that the IRA’s organisation was such McCready was right to issue the memo.In order to achieve independence the IRA had to have been strong militarily. Much of this is put at the door of historia ns to Michael Collins held by many as a master of tactician and great exponent of guerrilla warfare. Collins is chiefly judged in history as the main man behind the revolution. One such historian is Dangerfield who complements Collins highly. â€Å"Neither Richard Mulcahy, the volunteers chief of staff, nor the Minister of defence come close to Collins, with his administrative genius, his enormous energy, his warm blooded presence, his cold and concerted purpose. [14] Strong praise for a man Peter Hart claims never held a gun post 1916. For Collins was based in Dublin mainly undertaking intelligence duties. ———————– [1] English, p29 [2] Augustein [3] Labour, pp54-56 [4] Hopkinson, p33 [5] Dangerfield, p246 [6] Hopkinson, p31 [7] Townshend, p318 [8] Fanning pp1-2 [9] Townshend, p328 [10] Gwynn, p62 [11] Ferriter, p202 [12] Augustein, ‘Motivation’ [13] Bowden, p119 [14] Dangerfield, p313