Deception and disguise in William Shakespeares Merchant of Venice Essays

Deception and disguise in William Shakespeares Merchant of Venice Essays Deception and disguise in William Shakespeares Merchant of Venice Paper Deception and disguise in William Shakespeares Merchant of Venice Paper Essay Topic: Merchant Of Venice Play The difference between appearance and reality is a constant theme in Shakespearean drama. In The Merchant of Venice it is an important aspect of the development of the plot and character both in the story of the bond, which unfolds in Venice, and in the tale of caskets, set in Belmont. Shylocks affected kindness (I, iii, 140) in proposing the terms of his loan immediately illustrates the necessity for the characters to detect deception, and the dangers inherent in a superficial assessment of temperament and motives. Earlier in the scene, Antonio has shown that he is aware of the need for incisive judgement: O what a goodly outside falsehood hath! (I, iii, 99). Nonetheless he unfortunately proceeds to accept the merry bond (I. iii, 69) at face value, thinking that Shylock grows kind (I, iii, 174). Bassanio is less confident: I like not fair terms and a villains mind (I, iii, 176). The ability to look below the surface and perceive true values is exactly what the test of the caskets is designed for. Morocco learns that All that glisters is not gold (II, vii, 65), and Arragon is sped on his way with a maxim on the same theme (II, ix, 69-70): There be fools alive iwis, Silvered oer, and so was this Bassanio, who, on the other hand, appeared to see through Shylocks hypocrisy, shows by his lengthy deliberation that he is not one of these fools. The world is still deceived with ornaments, which hides grossness even in religion, a reminder of the way that Shylock manipulates scriptural texts. Supposed fairness, then, is (III, ii.100-101): The sseming truth which cunning times put on To entrap the wisest Bassanio is successful simply because he refuses to judge by appearances (III, ii, 131-2): You that choose not by the view Chance as fair, and choose as true This idea is illuminated many times in the course of the play. For instance, Lorenzo perceives the qualities he associates with Christians in his Jewish lover, for as Jessica points out: though I am a daughter to his [Shylocks blood/ I am not to his manners. (II, iii, 18-19). Again, Launcelots comic discourse (II, ii, 1-28 touches on the same theme: his conscience should offer the best advice, but, on close examination, the fiend is really offering the more friendly counsel. The happiness attained by these characters at the close of the play comes about through this ability to see beyond superficial appearances. For Bassantio and Lorenzo, in particular, it is the reward for perceiving beauty in virtue and love, not merely in ornament, physical appearance, or the circumstances of birth, which may be misleading. Yet the plays happy ending is also dependent on a benevolent form of deception which the characters do not detect. The blissful harmony of the final Act would be impossible without the artfulness of Portia in her disguise as the doctor of law. Her pretence is entirely constructive. It is like the artifice of the author, making use of the devices available in a comedy to save Antonio from the knife, and his friends from heartbreak. In the scene concerning the ring, it preserves Gratiano and Bassanio from disloyalty, as they unwittingly give away the symbols of their fidelity to their own wives in disguise. However, it is important to realize that while the characters are completely taken in by Portias deception, the audience is not. We are fully aware of outrageous disguise and scheming which lie behind the contrived outcome of the trial. So, just as Bassantio has seen through the dull casing of the lead casket to find his hearts desire, so the audience can perceive the love and social feeling embodied in Portia beneath the appearances of her legal attire and her pedantic legal quibbling. Moreover, by highlighting the disguise and artifice involved in averting disaster for Antonio and his friends, Shakespeare warns his audience not to take the plays comic, happy ending to literally, and not to consider that the distinctions made in the play are intended to form a strict and practical code of ethics.

A Guide to Caring for Bess Beetles

A Guide to Caring for Bess Beetles Bess beetles  are among the easiest arthropods to keep in captivity, and make excellent pets for young insect enthusiasts. As with any pet, its good to learn as much as you can about their habits and needs before you commit to keeping them. This guide to caring for bess beetles (also known as bessbugs)  should tell you everything you need to know about keeping them as pets. In North America, whether you purchase bess beetles from a supplier or collect your own, you will almost certainly be dealing with the species Odontotaenius disjunctis. The information provided here may not apply to other species, particularly tropical bess beetles. Things You Should Know Before Keeping Bess Beetles as Pets Although they are quite large and have powerful mandibles, bess beetles (family Passalidae) dont usually bite unless theyre being mishandled. They have thick, protective exoskeletons, and dont tend to cling to your fingers with their feet (like many scarab beetles do), so even small children can handle them with supervision. Bess beetles are easygoing, although they do squeak in protest when disturbed. Thats what makes them so much fun to keep as pets – they talk! Bess beetles often burrow and hide during the day. Flip on the light switch at night, however, and youll probably find your bess beetles perched on top of their log or exploring their terrarium. If youre looking for classroom pets that will be active during school hours, bess beetles might not be the best choice. They do, however, cooperate if you wake them from their naps for a science activity. If youre looking for low maintenance insects, you cant do better than bess beetles. They eat their own poop as part of their diet, so you dont have to clean out their habitat. The only thing they need from you is a piece of rotting wood and a regular misting of water. No need to chop vegetables or keep crickets to feed them. Bess beetles rarely reproduce in captivity, so you dont have to worry about a population explosion in your terrarium. The unlikeliness of breeding also means they arent a good choice for classroom life cycle studies. Housing Your Bess Beetles To keep 6-12 adult bess beetles, youll need a terrarium or aquarium that holds at least 2 gallons. An old 10-gallon aquarium works well, fitted with a mesh screen cover. Bess beetles wont scale the sides of the container like roaches or stick insects do, but you should still keep their habitat covered securely. Put 2-3 inches of organic soil or peat moss in the bottom of the habitat to give the bess beetles a place to burrow. Sphagnum moss will hold moisture and help keep the habitat at a comfortable humidity level for your bess beetles, but its not necessary as long as you mist them regularly.    Place the habitat in an area out of direct sunlight and dont put it too close to a heat source. Bess beetles do well at room temperature, and dont need special heaters or lights. In fact, they prefer a dark environment, so you can tuck them away in a corner of the room where there isnt much light. Caring for Your Bess Beetles Food: Bess beetles are decomposers of fallen trees, and feed on rotting wood. The North American species Odontotaenius disjunctis prefers oak, maple, and hickory wood, but will also feed on most other hardwoods. Find a fallen log that is already decomposed enough to break with your hands. Healthy bess beetles will break a log down in short order, so youll need a regular supply of rotting wood to feed them. You can also purchase rotting wood from most science supply companies that sell bess beetles, but whats better than taking a walk in the woods? If youre keeping bess beetles in the classroom, ask your students to collect wood and bring it to school to replenish the habitat. Water: Mist the habitat once per day, or as needed, to keep the substrate and wood moist (but not soaking wet). If youre using chlorinated tap water, youll need to dechlorinate it before misting the beetles. Just let the water sit for 48 hours to allow the chlorine to dissipate before using it. Theres no need to purchase a dechlorinating agent. Maintenance: Bess beetles recycle their own waste (in other words, eat their own feces) to replenish the population of microorganisms in their digestive tracts regularly. These gut symbionts enable them to digest tough wood fibers. Cleaning their habitat would eliminate these important microorganisms, and possibly kill your bess beetles. So theres no need to do anything other than give your bess beetles enough wood and water to live. Other than that, leave them be, and they will do the rest. Where to Get Bess Beetles Many science supply companies sell live bess beetles via mail order, and thats probably your best bet to obtain some healthy specimens to keep as pets. You can usually get a dozen bess beetles for under $50, and in captivity, they can live up to 5 years. If you want to try collecting live bess beetles on your own, turn over rotting logs in hardwood forests. Keep in mind that bess beetles live in family units and both parents raise their young together, so there may be larvae living with the adults you find.

Poverty alleviation is the very foundation of 'human security'. Why, Essay

Poverty alleviation is the very foundation of 'human security'. Why, then, have we not been able to 'make poverty history' in SubSaharan Africa - Essay Example The reasons as to why action plans addressing food security in Africa have continued to fail can be accredited to defective analysis and defective actions. What is required is a comprehending which goes beyond conservative, traditional wisdom in order to work extra strategically in formulating and implementing effective and successful, global, national and also regional policies. Accessibility, availability and affordability are each aspects of food security, difficult issues which encompass a broad scope of interconnected social, economic and political issues, internal aspects and external aspects, which challenges Africa's capability to tackle food security in the continent. Ultimately hunger or lack of food is a political making which should be ended through political ways. (Rajalakshmi, 2002) Globally, the trends of food shortage are disturbing as development in reduction of hunger in the third world countries has gone down and in many regions the figures of malnourished people is really growing, in spite of the actuality that global food production has developed quicker than global population in the last 3 decades. The most recent approximates that about 840 million persons were malnourished between 1998 to 2000; 11 million people in the industrialized nations, 30 million people in nations in transition, and a whopping 799 million people in the developing countries, this is according to FAO (2002) In the 1996, World Food Summit (WFS) gave a goal of a reducing the number of starving people at least by 20 million each year from 2000 to 2015. Whilst a few regions made remarkable growth over two decades previous to 2000, signifying that food shortage is not a stubborn crisis, (World Food Summit, 2002) the recent figures on statistics of under-nourished global disclose that as from the 1996 World Food Summit, the average yearly decline has been merely 2.5 million, which is far less than the goal set by WFS of halving the figure of under-nourished people by the 2015. Advancement needs to be speed-up to 24 million people annually, approximately ten times the present pace, in order to attain that goal. (World Food Summit, 2002) Sub-Sahara Africa food shortage; is it a willful problem Economic experts revels that, the Africa's resources exceed its requirements by far, and however, there is so much food shortage. It is a paradox that countries (African) which have millions of starving people export foodstuffs to other countries which have well fed people. How is it that, Sub-Saharan African countries which are poor having a lot of starving people, appears to be capable growing food fairly plentifully What is it that will assure better food security in the sub-Sahara Africa and in deed in the whole world In1970s and 1980s, food security resolutions proposed were entirely technological, emphasizing production instead of equitable allocation of food for the people. This solution failed, since food shortage problem is not a technical problem. Population strains have been viewed as a source of world food shortage; it might be an infuriating factor, however it is not a source. Climate and Weather have also been a suitable excuse, however large quantity of food can and does exist along

1. Who is Cathy Crowe 2. Who is Gabor Mate Essay

1. Who is Cathy Crowe 2. Who is Gabor Mate - Essay Example The book delves into stereotypes the homeless have to go through as they attempt to improve their living conditions. Crowe also creates the contrast existing in Canada, a country that is considered among the rich in the world but also has some of its citizens being homelessness. Crowe has also presented lectures on homelessness in different institutions and halls. Crowe serves as Ryerson University practitioner where she visits the institution to interact with students on matters around social justice covering topics such as affordable housing for al Canadians and homelessness in general. Crowe has adopted a practical approach in her lectures, which involves walking through the streets while discussing and demonstrating issues on health, poverty and homelessness (Shahzad, 2013). Due to her input into the homelessness debate, Crowe has received various recognitions including honorary degrees and awards such as the International Nursing Ethics Award while also featuring as the subject in a documentary â€Å"Street Nurse† produced by renowned filmmakers Emmy and Gemini (Diebel, 2010). MateÃŒ  is a renowned speaker and author focusing on subjects such as stress, various forms of addiction and childhood development. MateÃŒ  perspective in these subjects involves analysis of situations based on case histories, scientific investigations and personal reflections aimed to encourage, enlightens and empowers people to recover from particular mental conditions. Matà ©, a professional doctor derives his experience from years he served in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside where he interacted with many patients suffering from mental diseases HIV/AIDs and addicted to hard-core drugs. Additionally MateÃŒ  has over twenty years of experience in palliative care and family practice. Gabor Matà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s experience in mental illness is based on his past as a Jewish born in

Bruce Feilers Walking the Bible Essay Example for Free

Bruce Feilers Walking the Bible Essay Bruce Feiler gives his readers new perspectives on the background of the events told in the Five Books of Moses, and on the Bible itself. The book is concerned with how the land itself had a deep influence (and still has a deep influence) on the bible and the spiritual culture of the people, and the author attempts to demonstrate how the bible is still relevant today. The book is an attempt to provide a cultural and historical context for the Bible. It is peppered with the authors thoughtful insights on the relationship of the land and its people, and relates the path of (re)discovery of faith as a result of the journey, while also providing a good starting point for anyone desiring to travel through the Middle East. The book, of course, is not an objective, scholarly work, and should not be taken as such. Although scholarly views of the events outlined in the five books and of the land and culture relevant to these events are presented, it is by no means a scientific work, as obvious from the religious theme of the book. Feiler takes the reader on a two-year exploration of the first five books of the Bible, by actually trekking through the land in which the events in the five books occur. The land itself is the focus of the book. He provides his insights on the effects of the land of the people, ancient and modern, and relates the views of the Jews on the relationship between god and the people. He describes the wilderness as instrumental in uniting the ancient Israelites as a people. He describes his experience in the desert, the journey through which Feiler states is the core of the first five books. It is in the desert where he experienced the â€Å"raw human emotion involved in being in a stark place, confronting the limitations of ones upbringing, and trying to forge a new identity in the midst of a difficult, transforming journey. † Feiler did not have a strong motivating purpose at the start of his journey, but he relates the significant change in attitude that the journey brought to himself. His initial intention was merely to be a tourist of sorts, using the Bible as a travel guide to experience and appreciate the land in which the events in the first five books of the Bible occur, but when he starts his journey, he finds out that there is a palpable â€Å"connection† between the land and the people, and he stops seeing the Bible as merely a travel guide. Through his journey he develops insights into himself concerning his faith, particularly on his identity as a Jew. Feiler â€Å"rediscovers† his faith as a result of this journey, and provides some unique perspectives on the five books of Moses. Of course, as it focuses on the land, the book is also a travel memoir, a travel guide of sorts, providing useful tidbits for readers intending to journey there as well. Through his gustatory descriptions of geographical features, he manages to convey his impression of the sacredness of the land. He provides some background on scientific and historical arguments that have concerned the authenticity of the bible, but ultimately demonstrates that such concerns on empirical facts have little bearing on faith. He also outlines the influences of Israels relationships with neighboring lands, particularly Egypt and Mesopotamia, and how the culture of Israel was deeply connected to the land itself. The book focuses on faith, on history, and on travel, all in the context of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. As a work of literature, it is not outstanding. As a travel memoir, it provides some useful and entertaining facts about the geography and culture of Israel. But the book is mostly focused on the author himself, on his views and insights gained from his journey; the book succeeds ultimately as a spiritual undertaking.

Metamorphosis and Heart of Darkness :: Literary Analysis, Kafka, Conrad

Although both Joseph Conrad and Franz Kafka distance their protagonists from conventional society to represent the shallowness of mankind, Kafka does so through internal changes whereas Conrad creates external changes. In Heart of Darkness, Conrad removes Marlow from accepted society to show how challenges man suffers through to survive on their own with the superficiality surrounding them. Kafka exiles Gregor in Metamorphosis to demonstrate the ignorance people have for others physically and mentally different from themselves through Gregor’s transformation and the isolation he endures. Both authors transition their main character into a new environment, and combine the new environments with different behaviors to live with. Conrad’s shifting setting introduces new environments and attitudes for Marlow to cope with. Marlow begins the novel in â€Å"a narrow and deserted street in deep shadow, [with] high houses, innumerable windows with venetian blinds, a dead silence, grass sprouting right and left, [and] immense double doors standing ponderously ajar† (Conrad 45). Nearly all of the surroundings have intimidating connotations, which surprisingly fight Marlow into a comfortably safe and secure standing. Marlow notices the map in the office, and examines it to see just where his travels will take him. After observing the map, he points out that he was not going to the points of Africa that seem welcoming but he â€Å"was going into the yellow. Dead in the centre. And the river was there – fascinating – deadly – like a snake† (45). He already realizes he will have trouble transitioning into the new environment, being surrounded by what seems like death. Because Ma rlow grows accustomed to the urbanized streets of Brussels, the difficulty of the transition to the Congo develops exponentially. Before Marlow knows it, he travels to a land with â€Å"trees, tress, millions of trees, massive, immense, running up high† and they â€Å"made [him] feel very small, very lost† (75). Marlow, already apprehensive of the change to the Congo, shows his loss of confidence in his new environment. Conrad changes the environment to cause his protagonist struggles, and Kafka does the same but through internal contrasts. Kafka’s transformation of Gregor into a disgusting vermin causes doubt within him. These doubts place his family in a position where they lose any love and care they ever had in their son. On what should have been a normal morning, Gregor awoke and â€Å"found himself changed in his bed into a monstrous vermin† (Kafka 3). Gregor's surreal transformation forces him to doubt and deny anything happening around him. Metamorphosis and Heart of Darkness :: Literary Analysis, Kafka, Conrad Although both Joseph Conrad and Franz Kafka distance their protagonists from conventional society to represent the shallowness of mankind, Kafka does so through internal changes whereas Conrad creates external changes. In Heart of Darkness, Conrad removes Marlow from accepted society to show how challenges man suffers through to survive on their own with the superficiality surrounding them. Kafka exiles Gregor in Metamorphosis to demonstrate the ignorance people have for others physically and mentally different from themselves through Gregor’s transformation and the isolation he endures. Both authors transition their main character into a new environment, and combine the new environments with different behaviors to live with. Conrad’s shifting setting introduces new environments and attitudes for Marlow to cope with. Marlow begins the novel in â€Å"a narrow and deserted street in deep shadow, [with] high houses, innumerable windows with venetian blinds, a dead silence, grass sprouting right and left, [and] immense double doors standing ponderously ajar† (Conrad 45). Nearly all of the surroundings have intimidating connotations, which surprisingly fight Marlow into a comfortably safe and secure standing. Marlow notices the map in the office, and examines it to see just where his travels will take him. After observing the map, he points out that he was not going to the points of Africa that seem welcoming but he â€Å"was going into the yellow. Dead in the centre. And the river was there – fascinating – deadly – like a snake† (45). He already realizes he will have trouble transitioning into the new environment, being surrounded by what seems like death. Because Ma rlow grows accustomed to the urbanized streets of Brussels, the difficulty of the transition to the Congo develops exponentially. Before Marlow knows it, he travels to a land with â€Å"trees, tress, millions of trees, massive, immense, running up high† and they â€Å"made [him] feel very small, very lost† (75). Marlow, already apprehensive of the change to the Congo, shows his loss of confidence in his new environment. Conrad changes the environment to cause his protagonist struggles, and Kafka does the same but through internal contrasts. Kafka’s transformation of Gregor into a disgusting vermin causes doubt within him. These doubts place his family in a position where they lose any love and care they ever had in their son. On what should have been a normal morning, Gregor awoke and â€Å"found himself changed in his bed into a monstrous vermin† (Kafka 3). Gregor's surreal transformation forces him to doubt and deny anything happening around him.

Emerging Business Themes Essay

A- QUESTION 1 1- Definition Business ethics is a form of professional ethics that examines ethical principles and moral or ethical problems that arise in a business environment. The definition of Ethical stance defined by Johnson and Scholes as: ‘the extent to which an organization will exceed it minimum obligations to stakeholders and society at large. There are four possible ethical stances existing and are stereotypes for any organization.(1) The first ethical stance is short-term shareholder interests; a company who stick very close to laws and regulations which are in place. They give and do only what they are obliged to, this usually causes problems with long-term financial decisions. The second stance is longer-term shareholder interests – a company who are very focused on building and maintaining reputation in relation to its financial success. They take into consideration all stakeholders and how they can affect the organization in the future. The third stance is multiple stakeholder obligations – relating to a company taking wide consultation with all stakeholders. This is a very slow process and not a good stance for a fast moving and growing company. The last stance is shaper of society – companies who focus on communities and want to build them up; this stance puts the financial interest second and is usually related to charitable organizations. 2- Ethical Dimension to Corporate Decision Making Ford Motor Company is one of the competitive motor companies in the world. In 1970s, the compact car Ford pinto, became a famous for its tendency in rear-end collisions to leak fuel and explode into flames. More than 20 people were killed or injured before the Ford Motor company issued a recall to correct the problem. The decision process behind the Pinto’s launch revealed that under intense competition from Volkswagen and other small car manufacturers, Ford has rushed the Pinto into production. Ford’s engineers had discovered the potential danger of ruptured fuel tanks in crash tests, but the assembly line was ready and Ford’s leaders decided to proceed. This is an evidence of greed, callousness and unethicality. (2) Looking to their decision, it take into account a growing understanding on how cognitive biases distort ethical decision making, and come to a different conclusion. In our mind, the executives involved in the Pinto decision, were making an unethical choice. It is because they thought of it is as purely a business decision rather than an ethical one. The problems are already highlighted to Ford’s leaders, but, in those days, safety was not popular in Ford. Problem meant delay on a Pinto. Production must go to achieve sale target. We don’t believe that Ford’s leaders or executive in charge were consciously unethical or intentionally sanctioned unethical behavior by people further down the chain of command. After decades, the Ford Pinto case has allowed us to dissect Ford’s decision-making process and apply the latest behavioral ethics theory to it. The pattern of evident continues to recur in organizations. It is diverted the Ford’s Executives’ attention from the ethical dimension of problem, and executives today are swayed by similar forces. (2) To overcome all the problems, Ford Motor Company has a program to guide compliance with Ford Policies and Directives. Ford compliance program is reviewed by a senior management compliance committee and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. The program raises awareness of the Company’s commitment to defines corporate practices through Policies and Directives, ethical practices, ensure an infrastructure that allows for the reporting of Policy violations or business-related legal violations through a number of avenues worldwide, conducts risk assessments, oversees the investigation of such reports and education on key legal and provides training and ethical risk areas. The Handbook outlines requirements for its employees and those working on behalf of the Company and provides background resources for a wide range of business-related situations, including: (3) 1- Workplace environment 2- Gifts, favors and conflicts of interest 3- Use of Company assets and data safeguarding 4- Integrity of financial records 5- Product quality, safety and environmental matters 6- Intellectual property 7- Working with governments (political activities) 8- Competition and antitrust laws 9- International business practices References: 1-Wikipedia- http://en.wikipedia.org./wiki/Business_practices 2- Max H. Baseman And Ann E. Tenbrunsel – Harvard Business Review April 2011- http://hbr.org/2011/04/ethical-breakdowns/ar 3- Ford Motor Company- Fordmotorcompany.com -report 2008/2009 – http://corporate.ford.com/microsites/sustainability-report-2008-09/governance -sustainability-ethical B- QUESTION 2 1-Climate Change – Ford Motor Company. In 21st century, climate change is the most important global political and business issues. It will have a huge impact of the world and threaten livelihood of millions of people in the world. Every years, average temperature in artic have risen twice, increasing emissions of greenhouse gases. Climate change is the result of an increase in heat-trapping (greenhouse) gases in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the major long-lived greenhouse gas (GHG). The burning of fossil fuels (to provide electricity, heat and transportation, and to support industry and agriculture), as well as deforestation, leads to net emissions of CO2 and increased levels of atmospheric CO2. The atmospheric concentration of CO2 has increased from a preindustrial level of 270–280 parts per million (ppm) to a level of approximately 392 ppm in 2012. (4) Ford Motor Company have a holistic view of climate change and have addressed non-CO2 long-term greenhouse gases such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), nitrous oxide (N2O) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Through its Restricted Substance Management Standard they have prohibited SF6 in tires in magnesium casting. They were continuing their scientific research to determine the relative contribution of a wide range of long-lived greenhouse gases to radiative forcing of climate change. (4) 2-Ford’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Ford has estimated that their total CO2 emissions are in the range of 350–400 million metric tons (Mmt) per year, varying over time with fluctuations in vehicle production and sales, on-road fleet size and vehicle miles traveled. The estimate includes emissions from its facilities, emissions from current-year vehicles and emissions from all Ford vehicles on the road. (4) 3-Climate Change Risk and Opportunities In 21st century, concerns about climate change, the energy security and price of fuel, along with the global recession, have changed the automotive business. This creates substantial risks for automakers but also opportunities for innovation that enable growth and expansion. Below, the general trends driving change in Ford’s markets and take a closer look at several key markets. Also discuss the physical and supply chain risks to its business posed by climate change. (4) Ford’s Markets – Price of fuel, consumer interest in smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles and energy security concerns are also a driver of fuel economy regulation and alternative fuel development. – All of Ford’s major markets are increasingly shaped by government actions to regulate fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions, provide incentives to shift consumer and introduce low-carbon fuels and business behavior. Some of governments are also actively involved in development, promoting the research, battery technologies and purchase of new vehicle. – Greater concern from Investors about climate change as a material risk. Providing climate-change-relevant information to investors and shaping its business strategy with climate change in mind are important elements of maintaining access to capital. – Product globalization strategy – respond to changing markets, regional preferences, opportunities and the risks presented by the climate change issue. Ford has created global vehicle platforms that offer superior fuel economy, safety, quality and customer features. (4) 4-Physical Risks Climate change raises the potential for shifting patterns of extreme weather and other risk to Ford’s facilities. For insurance, Ford assesses the risks each of their facilities faces at least once a year. This risk assessment is updated and takes into account the risk of exposure to storms, hurricanes, earthquakes and flooding. (4) 5-Supply Chain Risk Ford suppliers located in more than 60 countries, regulatory and physical risks as a result of GHG regulation and the impacts of climate change. These risks could affect their competitiveness or ability to operate, creating the potential for disruptions to the flow of supplies to Ford. (4) 6-Ford Climate Change Strategy Ford’s long-term strategy is to contribute to climate stabilization by: †¢ Continuously reducing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy usage. †¢ Working with industry partners, energy companies, consumer groups and policy makers to establish an effective and predictable market, policy and technological framework for reducing GHG emissions. †¢ Develop the flexibility and capability to market lower-GHG-emission products. (4) 7-Product Sustainability Process -Science – Stabilization approach Technology plan -Government – regulatory trendsproduct CO2 strategy Policy position -Consumer- market trends Cycle plan -Competitive- industry trends Marketing and Communication plan 4- Ford Motor Company – http://corporate.ford.com/microsites/sustainability-report-2011-12/environment-climate-risks C- QUESTION 3 In 21st century business challenge and difficult global trading conditions, good relationship with several groups of stakeholders such as employees, customers, dealers, suppliers, investors and communities are very important. 1- Ford Motor Company Stakeholders. Through internal analysis and developing sustainability programs, Ford has interdependent relationship with a few categories of stakeholders such as employees, customers, dealers, suppliers, investors and communities, also its relationship to ‘society’ which includes government agency, NGOs and academia. (5) 2- Employees Employees are the most valuable resource. In 2011, Ford employed more than 164,000 individuals at 73 plants, 41 distribution warehouses, 106 sales offices worldwide and 57 engineering research/development facilities. All of the hourly employees in its automotive operations in the U.S. and also its subsidiary outside U.S. are represented by unions and covered by collective bargaining agreements. Unions are key partners with Ford in providing a productive, safe and respectful workplace. Ford faces workplace health and safety challenges such as; establishing and reinforcing high, common expectations for the safety of their employees worldwide. Most of their manufacturing facilities have joint union/management safety committees that guide the development and implementation of safety programs. (5) ONE Ford plan aligns its efforts toward a common definition of success: having ONE Team, ONE Plan and ONE Goal for an exciting, viable Ford that delivers profitable growth for all. (5) †¢ F: Foster Functional and Technical Excellence(5) †¢ O: Own Working Together(5) †¢ R: Role Model Ford Values(5) †¢ D: Deliver Results(5) 3- Customers Ford Motor Company serves more than 5.5 million customers worldwide. Ford’s customers are the most important stakeholder. Their major regional markets include South America, North America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Russia, Australia and Asia. In some regions, Ford serve 3 types of customers- individual retail consumers, small business customers and large commercial fleet customers. It will continue to expand products and services for these existing customers while working simultaneously to gain new customers in emerging markets. In North America and Asia, they are focusing on increasing their offerings of smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles. (5) 4- Dealers Dealers are the face of Ford to its customers and communities, the key employers and contributors to local economies. Dealer sustainability program has launched in 2010, a voluntary sustainability initiative for dealers to reduce their carbon footprints and improve the energy-efficiency of their dealerships. The goal of the â€Å"Go Green† Dealer Sustainability Program is to collaborate with dealers to implement cost-effective ways to improve the energy-efficiency of their facilities. It partnered with the Rocky Mountain Institute, a leading energy-efficiency organization, to pilot new technologies and architectural design principles. (5) 5- Suppliers Ford relies on more than 1,400 production suppliers to provide parts that are assembled into Ford vehicles. 9,000 supplier companies provide a wide range of nonproduction goods and services, from industrial materials to computers to advertising. Ford and its suppliers work jointly to deliver great products, have a strong business and make a better future. In today’s economic environment, achieving lower costs and improving quality require an unprecedented level of cooperation with suppliers and the maintenance of strong supplier relationships. (5) 6- Investors The success of Ford as a company directly affects its 162,000 investors, and they have been focused on improving Ford’s financial health. Provide information and interact regularly with investors through corporate website, annual report and regulatory filings and annual meeting. They also engage with socially responsible investment organizations that are seeking information to use to evaluate its sustainability performance. These interactions help Ford stay abreast of and respond to investor concerns. (5) 7- Communities Ford Motor Company impacts the communities in numerous ways, provide the employment, the taxes, the environmental and safety performance and support and participate in civic life. The communities are composed of a range of groups and individuals, include its customers, employees, business partners, government regulators, community organizations and members of civil society, and individuals who live and work around its facilities. Ford has been supporting community more than 100 years ago. This includes helping feed hungry people, providing mentors in classrooms and teaching teenagers to drive more safely. Changing of Fundamental have been happening including increased competition globally and changing markets for its products, with future sales growth expected to occur in emerging economies. Ford is expanding sourcing in these lower-cost emerging markets, as a way to serve both local markets and the global supply chain. Ford seeks to respect and make a positive contribution to its host communities. (5) 5- Ford Motor Company – http://corporate.ford.com/microsites/sustainability-report-2010-11/society-stakeholders D- BIBILIOGRAPHY 1-Wikipedia- http://en.wikipedia.org./wiki/Business_practices 2- Max H. Baseman And Ann E. Tenbrunsel – Harvard Business Review April 2011- http://hbr.org/2011/04/ethical-breakdowns/ar 3- Ford Motor Company- Fordmotorcompany.com -report 2008/2009 – http://corporate.ford.com/microsites/sustainability-report-2008-09/governance-sustainability-ethical 4- Ford Motor Company – http://corporate.ford.com/microsites/sustainability-report-2011-12/environment-climate-risks 5- Ford Motor Company – http://corporate.ford.com/microsites/sustainability-report-2010-11/society-stakeholders

Assess the View That Cults and Sects Are Only Fringe Organisations That Are Inevitably Short Lived and of Little Influence in Contemporary Society Essay

It can be argued that cults and sects are only fringe organisations that are inevitably short lived and of little influence in contemporary society, however some may have views to contrast this idea. A sect is an organization, which usually breaks off from an established religion, which finds itself in disagreement with beliefs and values of wider society and refuses to tolerate the beliefs of others. Although the desire to be a member is voluntary, as oppose to being born into, like religion, sects are rejected by society and claim strong obligation and commitment by its members. A sect is an extremely narrow-minded organisation, which is often led by a charismatic leader. Whereas, in contrast, a cult does not progress from a mainstream religion and does not reject or challenge societal norms. However, as tolerant of other beliefs as they are, they still attract a great deal of negative press, for example brainwashing. Members in a cult are usually more like customers than followers. An example of a cult is Heavens gate, which is a destructive doomsday cult, centered in California. There is a mass of supporting evidence that cults and sects are short lived and insignificant to wider society. Nevertheless, it must be maintained that the matter is complex as there are many sects and cults, which identify themselves differently. There is evidence to support this view of a short-lived nature of sects. This is due to many reasons. World rejecting sects, due to their nature and succeeding societal rejection and stigma of bad press, must be able to compromise with society and becoming a denomination and therefore cease to be a sect, if this is not done then the sect will die out. There is also an argument that sects cannot have a great deal of affect upon society over a long term period as they cannot survive past the charismatic leader’s lifetime and therefore sustain themselves over more than one generation. The American theologian Niebuhr theorises that another reason for transience of sects is that they rarely live past the 1st generation because the 2nd generation usually lacks the belief of the 1st. In this way, their membership dwindles as the 2nd generation chooses to leave the sect and hold other views in wider society. However Wilson disagrees with Neibuhrs view and says that he overates his case and chooses to not pay attention to groups who did preserve a ‘ distinct sectarian stance’. Similarly, evidence proves to discredit the belief that a sect fails to live on past their leader’s death. For example, The Mormons have continued for many generations and also the Amish- however this could be attributed to the protective ‘isolation-like’ in which they live. There is also a possibility that the Moonies surviving is due to the leader preparing for his son to take over his position as the charismatic leader after his death, however this is yet to be seen. Cults have seen a large incline in their number recently and because they are more accepting of wider society and despite receiving bad press, offer a practical solution to peoples’ issues and wishes, seem less likely to die out due to refusal and disapproval. They are also financially rather stable, the Church of Scientology for example has an estimated income of over  £200m per year. This is down to the consumer attitude of cults. There is also a mass of evidence for their importance in society in a sense that audience cults have a mass market of ‘self help therapy’ there are many books available for example, tarot reading, crystals and reflexology regularly appear on the best seller list and often more room is devoted to these books rather than Christianity books themselves. The view that cults are fringe movements is less supported than that for sects. Sects very infrequently continue on as sects but cults such as scientology are not only prosperous but also have a huge celebrity following trend; admired by the public for example Tom Cruise. There is also evidence that sects and cults can be of great influence to society – though it is debatable as to whether or not that is possible today in a society as apparently secular as ours. Weber suggests in his Theodicy of Disprivilege that because they offer a solution to problems: justification and explanation for life and its problems, to marginalised groups such as dropouts or ethnic minorities, world rejecting sects that offer status appeal to people. An example of this is Liberation Theology which was for the poorer people which had great influence upon the priorities of the Catholic Church in Latin America (though it has become more conservative, it continues to represent human rights and democracy). Bruce argues that it is not a religion and is instead a shallow, meaningless thing. Due to the elements of choice it offers, the choice about which bits to believe and whether to take its readings into account, it does not require commitment. This he argues prevents it having religious status. Post Modernists see it as being spiritual shopping: it is part of a consumerist culture. Despite not necessarily being a religion, there is lots of evidence to show that it has influenced society as a whole and, some sociologists would claim, aided secularisation. There is also evidence to show that it is unlikely to be particularly short lived as it fits in so well with our Capitalist, consumerist society and our individualistic values and is so profitable. Therefore, though there is strong evidence to show that sects and cults are ‘fringe organisations’, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that neither are short lived in themselves either through the Sectarian cycle or demand and supply (though sects tend to become denominations) and also to suggest that the influence of sects and cults on society is greater than expected; though the influence of sects and cults is exemplified by older examples and so one cannot be sure as to how successful they will be in today’s society, except in regards to specific sects and cults. In conclusion, the view that cults, sects are fringe organisations that are inevitably short-lived and of little influence in modern-day society, is on the whole not wholly correct but has some strength in that the permanency of all is arguable as is their status as fringe organisations.

A Single Man (1964) by Christopher Isherwood

A Single Man (1964) by Christopher Isherwood Christopher Isherwood’s A Single Man (1962) is not Isherwood’s most popular or most lauded work, even after the recent Hollywood movie, starring Colin Firth Julianne Moore.  That this novel is one of the â€Å"lesser read† of Isherwood’s novels speaks volumes for his other works, because this novel is absolutely beautiful.  Edmund White, one of gay literature’s most respected and prominent authors, called A Single Man â€Å"one of the first and best models of the Gay Liberation movement† and it’s impossible to disagree. Isherwood himself said that this was the favorite of his nine novels, and any reader might imagine that it would be quite difficult to top this work in terms of emotional connectivity and social relevance.   George, the main character, is an English-born gay man, living and working as a literature professor in Southern California.  George is struggling to readjust to â€Å"single life† after the death of his long-time partner, Jim.  George is brilliant but self-conscious. He is determined to see the best in his pupils, yet knows few, if any, of his students will amount to anything.  His friends look to him as a revolutionary and a philosopher, but George feels he’s simply an above-par teacher, a physically healthy but noticeably aging man with little prospects for love, though he seems to find it when determined not to look for it. The language flows beautifully, even poetically, without seeming self-indulgent. The structure – like short bursts of thought – is easy to keep pace with and seems to function almost in tune with George’s day-to-day musings.  What’s for breakfast?  What’s happening on the way to work?   What am I saying to my students, but what do I hope they’re hearing?   This is not to say that the book is an â€Å"easy read.†Ã‚   In fact, it is emotionally and psychologically haunting.  George’s love for his deceased partner, his loyalty to a broken friend, and his struggle to control lustful emotions for a student are effortlessly expressed by Isherwood, and the tension is brilliantly constructed.  There is a twist ending which, had it not been built with such ingenuity and genius, could read as something quite clichà ©.  Fortunately, Isherwood gets his point across without having to sacrifice his (or the reader’s) imme rsion into the plot line.  This was a balancing act pulled off immaculately – truly impressive. One of the more disappointing elements of the book may be the result of the novel’s length.   George’s simple, sad life is so ordinary but has so much promise; our understanding of this is largely due to George’s internal monologue – his analysis of every action and emotion (typically literary-inspired).  It is easy to imagine that many readers would enjoy getting more of the back story between George and Jim and more of the relationship (little as it existed) between George and his student, Kenny.  Some might be disappointed by George’s kindness to Dorothy; indeed, readers have consistently expressed that they would not have been able, personally, to forgive such a transgression and betrayal. This is the only inconsistency in an otherwise wholly believable plot line, though, and will likely be subject to reader-response, so we can hardly call it an outright fault. The novel takes place in the course of one day, so the characterization is about as well-developed as it can be; the emotion of the novel, the desperation and sadness, are genuine and personal. The reader at times might feel exposed and even violated; sometimes frustrated and, at other times, quite hopeful.  Isherwood has an uncanny ability to direct the reader’s empathy so that she might see herself in George and thereby find herself to be disappointed in herself at times, proud of herself at other times. Ultimately, we all are left with the sense of knowing who George is and of accepting things as they are, and Isherwood’s point seems to be that this awareness is the only way to live a truly satisfied, if not happy, life.

Other Ways of Using the Spanish Preposition ‘A’

Other Ways of Using the Spanish Preposition ‘A’ Although the Spanish preposition a is usually used to indicate motion toward and thus often translated as to, it also is frequently used to form phrases that can explain how something is done or to describe nouns as well as in time expressions. Using A to Mean ‘In the Style Of’ One common use of a is similar to its use in a few English phrases, such as a la carte and a la mode that come to us via French. This use indicates the way in which something is done or, less commonly, forms a phrase that functions as an adjective. Spanish phrases using a in this way usually cant be translated word for word, although it is often useful to think of a as meaning in the style of. Here are some examples of a being used in adverbial phrases (phrases that act like adverbs): Amar no es nada ms que andar a ciegas. (Love is nothing more than walking blindly.)Imgenes de televisià ³n muestran a un soldado ejecutando a quemarropa a una madre. (Television images show a soldier executing a mother at point-blank range.)La actriz se casà ³ a escondidas. (The actress was secretly married.)La votacià ³n se hizo a mano alzada. (The voting was done by a show of hands.)El zumo y la leche se vende a galones. (Juice and milk are sold by the gallon.)El bebà © andaba a gatas, descubriendo el mundo. (The baby is walking on all fours, discovering the world.)El sentido del olfato es a menudo el primero en advertirnos acerca de un peligro que somos incapaces de ver. (The sense of smell is often the first to warn us of a danger that we are unable to see.) A similar construction can used to form adjectival phrases (phrases that describe nouns): Walter conocià ³ a Nadia en una cita a ciegas que le ha organizado su hermano. (Walter met Nadia on a blind date that his brother set up.)Nunca entre a una casa con un nià ±o a solas. (Never enter a house with a child alone.)Era el viaje a caballo ms largo de la historia. (It was the longest horseback ride in history.) ‘A La’ Phrases It is common to form adverbial (and sometimes adjectival) phrases by using a la followed by noun that has the form of a feminine adjective. These phrases typically of the meaning of in the _____ style and are most iften used with geographical terms. There are also a few phrases beginning with a lo followed by a masculine adjective or noun. Las papas fritas a la francesa se llaman chips en Inglaterra. (French-fried potatoes are called chips in England.)Hoy en Europa es imposible un liberalismo a la americana. (Today in Europe, an American-style liberalism is impossible.)Se sirve un desayuno a la mexicana. (They serve a Mexican-style breakfast.)A la moderna, optaron por no casarse. (In the way things are done today, they chose not to marry.)El cantante dijo adià ³s a lo grande. (The singer said goodbye in style.)Se lava a lo gato. (He washes himself like a cat (i.e., while barely getting wet). Using A for ‘At’ A can also be used to indicate how often something occurs or indicate relationships in much the same as as the English at when it isnt being used in the context of a location.  ¡Un paso a la vez! (One step at a time!)Venden a dos pesos el kilo. (They sell at two pesos per kilo.)El encontrar calidad en un producto a un precio bajo puede crear ms satisfaccià ³n. (Finding quality at a product at a low price can create more satisfaction.)Le agencia aceptar a 10 por ciento de aspirantes a licenciatura. (The agency will accept applicants for licensing at a rate of 10 percent.) Using A in Time Expressions Many time expressions use a much like at and sometimes per is used: Patricia y yo salimos a las 9:30. (Patricia and I are leaving at 9:30.)Comienza a las cinco de la tarde. (It begins at 5 in the afternoon.)Muchos trabajamos 40 horas a la semana. (Many of us work 40 hours per week.) ¿Es posible amar a dos personas a mismo tiempo? (Is it possible to love two people at the same time?) Key Takeaways Although the common Spanish preposition a usually means to, it can be used in ways that dont refer to motion or location.An abundance of phrases beginning with a can function as adverbial or adjectival modifiers.A is also often used in time expressions, usually to mean at.

Jacobs Creek in United Kingdom Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Jacobs Creek in United Kingdom - Essay Example Since 1973, the company has accumulated around 5000 awards that include 110 trophies and 670 gold medals2. Jacob Creek is one the Australia’s most famous wine distributor. The company has continued to innovate in a variety of ways. It recently introduced screw caps instead of the corks on its Riesling variety. The quality price ratio of the products from Jacob’s Creek is excellent as the basic wines cost just  £4.6. The only major weakness that Jacob’s Creek reflects is that it is not an elitist brand and it has no snob value3. The brand is approachable by everybody because of its lower cost as compared to other leading premium wine producers. A person having a bottle of Jacob’s Creek is considered no outclass in contrast to a person holding a bottle of Absolut in his hand. The wine market of UK is one of the worlds largest and the most dynamic market for imported wines. Wine share of all the alcoholic beverages in the UK accounts for 30%. The market is valued to  £7 to  £9 billion by the Wine Intelligence4. There are 45 million adults in the UK of which 31 million are wine drinkers, therefore all the statistics are in favor of Jacob’s Creek brand. The population structure is changing rapidly in the UK as more and more people cross the 65 years mark; the younger population group is falling day by day. The average life expectancy in the UK has increased to 82 from 78.55 which means that the wine consumers are on the rise. This is evident from the survey by Wine Intelligence Ltd that most of the wine consumers are above the age of 65. The distribution cost is less in the UK as compared to Australia but it is a difficult task. UK is bigger is size than Australia in terms of developed areas. Wine consumers are spread from the downtowns to suburbs in the UK which requires wine companies to develop a strong distribution system in order to maintain presence everywhere in the country. The warehouse costs are much higher

Public Management and Leadership Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Public Management and Leadership - Assignment Example The differences between genuine leadership and positional leadership and the impact of these forms of leadership on social health administration and management. Modern research works suggest that positional leadership and genuine leadership are the two most dominant forms of leadership in the labor front presently (Creswell, 2009). This topic would, therefore, compare the two forms in a typical social health industry and see how each of them complement the other. Employee involvement impacts in hiring and promotion process of public agencies. Employee involvement as a leadership philosophy shall be critically analyzed and related to how it could help to impact hiring and promotion in a positive manner in a typical public agency (Randy, 2009). â€Å"The role of employee engagement in attaining achieved productivity targets of a public sector agency.† This topic shall basically highlight the strengths and advantages of employee engagement and spell out ways in which managers can benefit from employee engagement (Frankfort-Nachmias & Nachmias, 2008). Based on the research questions set, the most preferred qualitative approach that will be selected for the research is the case study research approach. Generally, a case study would narrow a research topic to a well-defined setting and critically analyze the issues involved in the topic in relation to the selected setting (Miller and Brewer, 2003). Looking through the research questions that were set, it will be realized that most of the research questions are highly practical and experimental in nature.