Since the title is too long I will put it into instructions field as a Essay

Since the title is too long I will put it into instructions field as a file - Essay Example pecific aspects of the ECHR which have been violated in the case of her son Abel such that an application may be prepared by her, in order to petition for a court hearing before the European Council. Amy Hart is entitled to apply for such a hearing based on the following: â€Å"Article 34 – Individual applications: The Court may receive applications from any person, non-governmental organization or group of individuals claiming to be the victim of a violation by one of the High Contracting Parties of the rights set forth in the Convention or the protocols thereto. The High Contracting Parties undertake not to hinder in any way the effective exercise of this right†(ECHR, 2007). For thousands of years, kingdoms and governments all over the world, have been involved in information extraction techniques that have served only to degrade, humiliate, harm or kill human beings. As medical knowledge and our understanding of the human body has advanced, so has the human propensity to abuse that knowledge. In an age of heightened terrorism awareness, countries in almost every part of the globe have found themselves the focus of news broadcasts exposing detailed reports and photographs of human degradation in the name of anti-terrorism. The problem of terrorism has single handedly given rise to an equally malignant problem and that is the moral decay of democracies and dictatorships alike to the point of justifying the most heinous of human degradation and humiliation. While admittedly, terrorism is itself a monumental problem on a global scale at this point in time, it is also important to realize that tactics which violate human rights such as acts of torture and a bandon of due process only add to the overall problem at hand. The following is an accurate definition as recognized by international law, on what classifies as terrorism: â€Å"Efforts in the United Nations to achieve by consensus a comprehensive definition of terrorism have been pursued since 1996. (2)

Managing high performance work teams and leadership effectivenessjob Essay

Managing high performance work teams and leadership effectivenessjob satisfaction - Essay Example Leadership is a critical part in the field of management. The consequences of poor leadership in an organization would include increase costs, damage to relationships and loss of trust. It is therefore imperative to have an effective leader in an organization to achieve goals and attain success. Effective leadership separates the successful organization from failed companies . But what is effective leadership Defining leadership is very complex. There exists a lot of meaning for leadership, along with theories and models to describe them. Leadership is the process of influencing others to accomplish an objective and the manner of guiding an organization to become consistent and unified (Briner et al 1996). Leadership capitalizes on individual strengths to fulfill the roles of the position. Effective leaders perform in a proactive manner. They also maintain a balance between the internal and external forces at play in the organization. Effective leaders today are very different from leaders from the past. The time has passed and the environment has changed. Today, leaders must have the capacity and capability to lead complex organization in a global setting and proportion. The trend for leaders now is to demonstrate visionary thinking with the ability to execute the vision. He must hold the highest standards of ethics. He should develop other people in different levels, while understanding the business as a whole and building influential relationships with customers and stakeholders. Pioneers of effective leaderships includes Peter Drucker. He searches for answers on what makes an executive most effective. To be effective means that leaders must manage their time, focus on people's contributions to create results, build on strengths, set priorities and make effective decisions (Drucker, 1967). Stephen Covey (1992), a leadership guru, provided insights into facing daily challenges by employing the concept of principle-centered leadership. Jim Collins (2001), a business consultant, defined the five level leadership hierarchy. These are: Level 1-Highly Capable Individual; Level 2-Contributing Team Member; Level 3-Competent Manager; Level 4: Effective Executive; and Level 5-The Leader. Peter Senge (1990) points out the need for an organization not only to adapt to a changing environment, but also to go beyond adapting to a generative learning approach that allows for growth. Building an organization where people are continually expanding their capabilities to shape their future is the key responsibility for leadership. He identified the need to have a learning organization. Margaret Wheatley (1992) looked at how new discoveries in quantum physics, chaos theory, and biology challenged our way of thinking about organizations. She showed that the old models of leadership, such as hero-leader or leader as individual, stands in the way of the organization's innovativeness and effectiveness. She predicted that the ultimate destination of an organization is the realization that teams are capable of being self-managed where the idea of leadership may be different. High performance teams are a product of the learning organization concept and the idea of self-managed teams. This team can work on its own. Senge and Wheatley innovated the new concept of team-based leadership. High performance teams are created with a mission that have developed their own set of norms or rules, which is written as a team charter. The team members have clearly designated

HRM in the London Olympic games

HRM in the London Olympic games The London 2012 Games is organized by two main bodies The London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) and the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA). The Olympic Delivery Authority is funded by government and authority to develop and build new venues and infrastructures for Olympic Games and long term after 2012. LOCOG is funded by private sector which is responsible for preparing and performing 2012 Games. In this report examines different types of HR issues in ODA and LOCOG. Here discuss about the traditional view of personal management and new approach of Human Resources Management and discuss the effectiveness of principles and procedures for monitoring employees. This report thoroughly examined how LOCOG, a privately funded body and ODA as a public body, handle certain HR issues comparative to the best practice. Background The LOCOG (London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games) is funded by private sector. It is responsible for performing the games. They are planning to employ around 100,000 people on the Games with 3,000 staff, 70,000 volunteers and many of contractors by 2012 Opening Ceremony. It is mainly responsible for performing Memorable Games in 2012. And it is also responsible for recruiting, selecting and training staff and volunteers and supervision of the four year Cultural Olympiad leading up to the Games. The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) is funded by government and it is mainly responsible to build and develop locations and infrastructure for the Olympic Games and using for long-term. Currently more than 10,000 workers work in Olympic park and Athletes village. The employees of the ODA cover a wide area of skills such as planning and project management, transport management and community liaison. CLM Consortium is the Delivery partner of the Olympic Delivery Authority. It is owned by CH2M Hill, Laing ORourke and Mace. CLM Consortium is working on behalf of the ODA by managing programmes of the constructing of places and infrastructures for 2012 Games. Mainly it performs project management for the ODA. Tasks 1.1 Because of the competitive environment in the open economy, Human Resource Management has become the most important factor for the efficiency of organization. Human Resources management arise from the Personal management. The difference between personal management and HR management can be discussed as theoretical. Personnel Management has more administrative environment background. Personal Management deal with Payroll, comply with law of employment, supervise related administration tasks. But Human resource management is managing workforce in the organization to achieve main objectives of the organization. When recognised the difference between the Human Resource Management and the personal Management, HRM can describe broadly in scope than Personal Management. Human Resource Management is supposed to incorporate and develop the personal Management, while focusing on creation and development of team works to achieve organizational goals. The personal management uses a unitary method while HRM uses Pluralist method. The Personnel Management deals with the selection, recruitment, job description and work load of the employees. When notice the relationship between employees and the management, can recognize Personnel Management involve for monitoring, supervising and controlling while HRM focus on nurturing and facilitating with relationship. 1.2 The role of the HR director of ODA must parallel with the changing needs of ODA. ODA is more adaptive, strong, easy change with trend and customer-oriented. The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) is the government body which is building places and infrastructures for the Games. As the Human Resource Director of ODA, HR Director needs to guide and manage the human resource services, policies and procedures and programmes for the whole organization. The key areas have to be directed by the HR director can discuss as follows. Recruiting new staff for the ODA Performance management and improvement systems Growth of the organization Employment and obedience with regulatory bodies Training and Development Documentation Development of Policies Facilitation of company-wide committee Administration of compensation and benefits Employee safety, Health and welfare The Human Resources Director initiates HR Practices which provide high performance culture, quality, efficiency and Values, achievement of goals and the recruitment and continuing development of a greater workforce in The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA). The HR director directs implementation of services, policies and programmes over his staff. HR Director has to report to the CEO of Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and assists and instructs the company managers regarding Human Resource issues in the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA). 1.3 Responsibility for Human Resource Functions rests with every manager in an organization (Weather et al, 1985; Weather and Davis, 1989). HRM is a responsibility of every manager in an organization. Even when a Human Resource department is created within the organization, a dual responsibility exists among operating managers and human resource experts. Individual managers involve in planning, selection, orientation, training, development, compensation and other personnel activities. Line managers find implementation of HR Practices at the operative level difficult and show lack of enthusiasm with their responsibilities. Though, line managers have become accountable for the implementation of HRM and therefore, their performance is serious for effectiveness of HRM of the Olympic Delivery Authority. The Line managers are highly skilled people. Now they are involving with needs of employees which create the better working environment in the organization. They have capabilities to support to the employees with many challenging circumstances they have to go through, as an example if an employee couldnt meet his targets at that time line manager would have regular intervals to decide what they have to do and fix a new target to achieve. Front line manager have to set clear prospects with his employees in terms of what they have to be delivered and how they are going to be delivered estimated products. Then front line manager has to be involved with leading the performance appraisals and approved personal development plans. After agreeing with personnel development plans, line managers must observe the weaknesses of their subordinates and identify the way of bridging the gap via training. The line managers should be able to identify the range of learning and development involvements which existing to them. The Line managers also responsible for effective provision of coaching and guidance and increase the satisfaction of employees, motivation and employees commitment, if the front line manager wants to be a really effective line manager; he has to identify his responsibility as a sponsor of his employees learning and development. 2.1 Human Resource Planning (HRP) is the process of determining future employee needs and deciding steps or strategies to achieve those needs for the purpose of accomplishing organizational goals and objectives. The institute of personnel management (UK currently known as Chartered Institute of Personnel Development) has defined HRP as HRP is a process which more systematic and continuous to analyze and organize the necessities of the human resource that need to be changed conditions and developed rules and regulations suitable for long term effectiveness of the organization. Because of HR costs and forecasts both affected by long term cooperate plans, HRP is an important part of cooperate planning and budgeting procedures. (Armstrong, 1992, p. 289) Information required in HRP process are information regarding future demand for HR and information regarding future HR supply. Information regarding future HR demand is; Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) is considering about talented, enthusiastic and dedicated employees work within a greater range of job roles. Therefore, there is a high demand for skilled and unskilled people for those from the five London boroughs nearest the Olympic Park. The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) is accountable for building and developing places and infrastructures Olympic Games and use after 2012. Therefore, their strategic plan also decides future HR need for this project. Expected number of retirement, resignations, deaths and terminations from this project. Information regarding external factors such as economic, social and political forces prevailing in London. ODA has developed a strategy to outline how it will create new jobs. Information regarding HR supply is; Information of current HR in ODA There are more job opportunities to support for building of Olympic Park. The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has Varity of job opportunities in Professional, Admin, Management, Technical, Information Technology and trades/operation level available in the Olympic Park. II Information required for possible replacements. The Olympic Delivery Authoritys Jobs Skills Stocks has obtained thousands of people for different types of jobs in Olympic Park. The aim of the ODA is offering more jobs up to 7% of the on-site labor force in construction for people who are unemployed previously. There are five steps involved in HRP process. Forecast future demand for HR. ODA has forecasted that the three major Stratford-based projects alone the Olympic Park, Olympic Village and Stratford City development will create around 30,000 jobs over the course of the construction period. Estimate future HR supply of ODA It can be anticipated by observing building and construction industry. Compare forecasted demand with estimated supply. Decide strategies to be taken to bridge the gap between future HR supply and demand. Assess the HRP effort of ODA. 2.2 Structured process for recruitment in LOCOG The London 2012 Organizing Committee (LOCOG) is planning to employ around 100,000 people on the Games with 3,000 staff, 70,000 volunteers and many of contractors by 2012 Opening Ceremony. As the biggest post-war campaign in the UK, LOCOG is waiting for self-motivated, talented and dedicated people who represent the diversity of London and UK to spread on greater range of volunteer roles. A person who selected to volunteer at the event will be known as Games Maker. LOCOG recruit employees in various ways. They allow applying apprentices, people with disabilities, school leavers and via a LOCOG technology internship program. Structure for Recruitment Process in ODA The Olympic Delivery Authority is planning to provide job opportunities for more than 10,000 people in a hard time for construction Industry while seeking to meet commitments to safety, employing, training and developing local people and trainees. A Job agent service, in cooperation with five Host Boroughs and Job Centre plus which match the job opportunities in Olympic Park with candidates who are living local areas and elsewhere in the UK, The National Skills Academy for Construction is funded by The Skills Funding Agency and the London Development Agency. This organizes training programmes within range of suppliers which is including Thames House Training Centre other than a Plant Training Centre for people to grow their skills that need to be success on the Olympic Park and endure their career development while they are working. A guarantee to another 250 traineeships to be created in the Olympic Park and Athletes Village including the specific necessities to take on trainees in future contracts. The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) collects and publishes figures on the Olympic Park workforce which is collect through the enrolment process to ensure transparency regarding the workforce. The workers in Olympic Park and Village have to be spent at least five days over the period of measurement applied. They are counting local workers only in the Olympic Park and Village who are giving permanent address in one of the five Host Boroughs. Before a person categorized as a resident there The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) doesnt have a minimum time period for the residency. Many of public authorities such as Her Majestys Revenue and Customs, Local Taxation and Valuation using this agreement, London 2012 is a Game for everyone, so they encourage to employment opportunities regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. Recruitment methods that can be used Simple word of mouth Job posting and bidding Skill inventories and management inventories Intranet Succession plan Employee referral (internal and external) Walk ins and write ins Educational institutes Employment agencies Professional institutes Advertising 2.3 Interview as a selection technique Selection interview is a face to face, oral and observational evaluation method of appraising an applicants acceptability with regard to a certain job. The interview creates on in-depth conversation between a prospective employer and an applicant for the purpose of deciding whether the applicant is the most appropriate person to fill the vacancy being considered. Interviewing has some distinct advantages over other alternative methods of selection. It gives the interviewer with an opportunity to assess the candidate in terms of self presentation, verbal abilities and behavioural characteristics such as way of talking, manners and sociability. Interviews can be adapted to various types of employees such as managerial, technical, clerical, skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled employees. It can fill information gaps and enable to clarify questionable responses. There are some disadvantages relating to method of interview. Errors associated with interviewers use of inappropriate standards are one of the disadvantages of this method. Those errors are Halo effect, personnel prejudice, pseudo-scientific premises and over-emphasise on one criterion. There can be problems with interviewee. One major error is inability of interview to listen. Also the interviewee attempts to behave in a pretended manner which is socially desirable. Normal interviewee attending an interview is nervous and fearful resulting in that he / she is not in a position to use his/her real skills, knowledge and attitudes to face the interview successfully. Alternative selection methods that can be used are application evaluation, background investigation of prospective candidates and conducting an assessment centers to identify the best candidates 2.4 To be selected for LOCOG Technology internship program, they use some frequently asked questions. There web site shows what is expected by LOCOG team. It is a structured process of selection. As an example for the question of how do I qualify for LOCOG technology team? would expect an answer of set of qualifications specifically mentioned for each post. The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) is the government body which is responsible for building and developing the places and infrastructure for the Games use after 2012. Therefore, they select the most appropriate candidates for the authority via apprentice programs, construction contacts, support organizations and offering job opportunities that related to construction and direct employment for women with contractors in the Olympic Park. ODA has a relatively unstructured mode of selection rather than LOCOG. 3.1 There are five steps involved in pay management process. They are job evaluation, pay survey, job pricing, adjustment of individual pays and finally monitoring and update the pay system. Job evaluation is a subjective process. It is a systematic method to determine the comparative values of jobs which are available within an organization. This is a proper and methodical comparison of jobs to regulate the value of one job comparative to another job and ultimately grade in salaries and wages hierarchy (Dessler, 2005) The purpose of job evaluation is to ensure that base pay of a job possess a good degree of relative equity. Under job evaluation, personnel traits of employees are not taken in to consideration There are five steps in job evaluation process. Appointment of a job evaluation committee. It is better to do job evaluation through a committee, specifically set up for the purpose consisting of persons who are more knowledgeable about the jobs. Examine job analysis information To examine job analysis information, there must be distinctly prepared job description and job specification for each of the jobs available in the organization. Decide the method of job evaluation. There are four methods of job evaluation. Job ranking Job grading Factor comparison Point system However, it was identified that the best method is the point system. Otherwise factor comparison method can be decided to use as the alternative method of job evaluation. Evaluation This step involves evaluating all the jobs available within the organization Rank the jobs according to relative importance After job evaluation, it is possible to ascertain relative worth of each job. According to the relative worth, all the jobs must be put in order of importance. They must be ranked according to the importance of the job. In fact, it is possible to build a hierarchy of jobs arranged by relative importance. After this ranking, financial values should be introduced. Factors of determining the pay are, Government / Legal requirement Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) is a public body which is in control to build new places permanently and temporarily, works on present sports places, planning and implementation of transport infrastructures and facilities to help the Games, renovating the Olympic Park enduring after the Games. Mainly ODA has to make sure the new standards of project for sustainable development. Therefore, ODA must structure its pay system accordance with acts and ordinances of wages and salaries imposed by the government. Trade Unions Influence of trade unions to determine wages and salaries by controlling labour supply is a frequently seen fact. Trade unions use their power in order to increase wages and salaries by engaging in collective bargaining with employers representatives. Cost of Living Increase in cost of living may affect to increase wages and salaries. Cost of living of employees is measured by basing on a price index and then wages and salaries are adjusted according to changes of the price index. Demand and supply for labor Demand for labor of a certain job and supply of labor for that job influence on determining the wage or salaries of that job. Productivity Ratio between input and output is productivity. When productivity increases, organizations may give higher pays to its employees. Financial ability Organizations financial ability to pay is a major determinant of wages and salaries. Competitive pays The ODA offers competitive market salaries complemented by a performance-related bonus. 3.2 Rewards (Compensation/remuneration) include wages salaries, incentives and welfare facilities. Pay management is the HRM function that deals with development, implementation, and maintenance of a base pay system that is fair. It is the aggregate of all the activities involved in developing, implementing and maintaining a fair base system. It needs to decide whether competency based pay instead of job based pay is applied or not. Job evaluation and other steps of pay management focus on a job based pay not a competency based pay. Competency based pay is pay given to the degree of competency the employee has when the employees competencies increase, pay given to him/her increases. Job based pay is a pay given to the value of the job done by the employee. Mathis and Jackson (2000, p.421-2) describe: paying for competencies rewards employees who are more versatile and have continued to develop their competencies. In knowledge based pay (KBP) or skilled based pay (SBP) systems, employ staff at a base level of pay and receive increases as they learn to do other jobs or gain other skills and therefore become more valuable to the employer Aswathappa (2007, p.300) defines: In the skill based pay system, an employee is paid on the basis of number of jobs he or she is capable of doing or on the depth of his or her knowledge. In traditional system, the employees are given salary or wage base on their jobs held. Traditional system means job based pay system. Skill based system has some advantages. It will motivate employees to acquire additional skills which may reduce boredom and monotony. Then increased satisfaction occurs. Increased skills become useful to the organization. It will increase employee flexibility (having employees to do different jobs and transferability). It may increase effectiveness of work teams. There are disadvantages also. It increases cost of pay as employee increases their competencies. Requests for giving promotions from employees may increase. If employees or trade unions propose a skill based pay system to be introduced in an organization that is following a job based pay system. 3.3 Motivation is one of the strategic objectives of HRM. Motivation refers to the extent to which employees are willing to exert the necessary effort to perform their jobs well. Pay management ensures that pays received by employees meet absolute equity, relative internal equity and relative external equity. Sound management of incentives ensures increasing employee motivation so as to improve job performance. ODA is using these rewards and benefits in order to motivate their employees. They provide competitive market salaries, performance related bonuses, pension, ensure employee wellbeing, season ticket loans and gym memberships. When we consider two factor theory of Fredrick Hurzburg, these incentives can be classified in to both hygiene factors and Motivators. Salaries and wages, bonuses, pensions loans can be identified as hygiene factors and ensuring employees wellbeing and gym memberships are examples for motivators. 3.4 Establish objectives for each job and compare and monitor performance based on those objectives HRM of ODA must develop proper job descriptions and job specification for each job and frequently monitor them and ensure that they are up to the standard. Continuously allocate them in to a series of training programs in order to ensure their productivity. Frequently evaluating the performance of their employees. Creating a learning culture in London 2012. Implementing open door system and consider employee ideas in decision making. 4.1 ODA is expecting a highly skilled work force for building the stage of London 2012 Games will provide workers in London and UK unprecedented access to new jobs and career opportunities. This will leave a highly skilled workforce that can not only help deliver the Games, but one that is going to have satisfying and sustainable careers in construction after 2012. One of the key responsibilities of ODA is to convert the Olympic Park for long-term use after the Games. Therefore they can absorb some of skilled staff in to permanent cadre and allow them to maintain it in the long run. After 2012, ODA wishes to absorb other skilled employees to government jobs in construction side or provide job opportunities in the private sector. The LOCOG is responsible for performing the games. It is mainly responsible for performing Memorable Games in 2012. And it is also responsible for recruiting, selecting and training staff and volunteers and supervision of the four year Cultural Olympiad leading up to the Games. 4.2 Selection criteria for declaring redundancy of employee In UK the number of redundancies rises in the course of credit Crunch, mostly in construction and finance sectors. In this project redundancies occur when finish the construction of London 2012 and when some jobs are no longer needed for Olympic delivery Authority (ODA). The effect of the economic slowdown is established by less job opportunities. The selection criteria that going to be used by the employer should be identified clearly and exactly, It is usually contain of persons who carry out same jobs in a specific department, who works at a related site or whose work is expected to do so. Selection Criteria have to be based on objectives which including, Length of service period Attendance Records of Disciplinary Qualifications Competencies and Skills Work Experience Performance Last in, First out (LIFO) is not a suitable selection method for selection criteria, because the workers with less service are to be younger employees. Tribunals happy with point system which is scoring to each employees compared with related criteria. Scoring should be performed by two or more independent managers who know all employees in the London 2012.The scores should added together and give total of them to each employee. Sometime following reasons may unfair for selection of employees for redundancy and employees can claim under Unfair Dismissal or relevant Laws. Membership of the Trade Union Reasons related to pregnancy or maternity Sexual orientation Marital status Race or Skin Color Disability When selection is completed the employees who selected for redundancy should be notified by in writing. The London 2012 offer to employees to leaving the London 2012 to maintain their self-confidence and support them to find another job,

Eating Disorders Essay -- essays research papers

Imagine a thirteen-year-old girl who weighs 60 pounds because she is starving herself. Every time she looks in the mirror, she sees herself as fat. Picture her parents watching their daughter literally disintegrating into thin air. This is the life of a family dealing with an eating disorder. Eating disorders are a major problem with the young people of today's society. While anorexia and bulimia are sociological problems plaguing the world's youth, there are also other eating disorders. This "fat phobia", or fear of being over-weight, disturbs people to the point where they are in a way, committing suicide. Eating disorders have been termed the disease of the 1980's. An eating disorder is defined as "a dangerous and intense striving to become thin (Macionis 350). Even though it has been found that "95% of people who suffer anorexia or bulimia are woman, mostly from white, relatively affluent families" (Macionis 350), "the pre-occupation and obsession with food are not limited to women" (Meadow 24). Although some men also deal with eating disorders, most research has been done on women. In 1985, 95% of women felt they were overweight, while only 25% were actually considered medically overweight (Marshall 124). By the age of thirteen approximately 53% of females are unhappy with their bodies, and by the age of eighteen approximately 78% are unhappy (Marshall 124). Are culture could be seen as a narcissist society. Narcissism is a preoccupation with one's self, a concern with how one appears to others, and with living up to an image (Meadow 127). It seems that appearance is an important factor in our everyday life. According to Michael Levine, who in 1987 said, "Our culture transmits powerful messages that, just as men can not be too rich, women can not be too thin" (Macionis 350). While all women want to look as perfect as "Barbie", for some it just isn't possible. For women, being slender is almost synonymous with being successful (Macionis 350). It is also thought that 40% of the adult US population is significantly overweight (Meadow 24). Some experts feel that eating disorders are reaching epidemic proportions and estimate the national rate to be as high as 12% of women (Meadow 24). In fact, according to the Phoenix Gazette on November 7, 1985, "... ...with an eating disorder. If you suspect that your child or anyone you know has an eating disorder you should never: tell them their crazy, blame them, gossip about them, follow them around to check their eating or purging behavior. You should also never ignore them, reject them, tell them to quit the ridiculous behavior, or feel you need to solve their problems (teenhope.com 3). Some things you should do are to listen with understanding, appreciate their openness and the risk they took to tell you, support them and be available. Two of the most important things you should do are to always give her hope, and continuously, but gently suggest counseling. Roughly two million young women suffer from the symptoms of anorexia nervosa or bulimia (Meadow 127). Eating disorders are caused by a striving to "look good". This need to "look good" is so bad that in the mid 1980's 477,000 esthetic surgeries were done, that was up 61% from 1981 (Marshall 127). Although not all is known about eating disorders, we must keep studying them, and the effect society has on causing these problems, so we can someday be able to control and prevent these diseases.

Ryanair Business Model

MEMO To: Steven Rand From: Morgan Murphy and James Klein Subject: Response to Memo Assignement Date: February 28, 2013 Purpose: Demonstrate the similarities and differences between an article from a magazine and an article from an academic journal and apply what is learned to future learning. Summary: The areas that will be examined regarding the two articles will be; tone, vocabulary, author background, details about the airline that are included and excluded, as well as length.Using this examination we will decide how to treat academic and magazine articles from here forth. Discussion: To begin with, Ryanair is a European budget airline based out of Dublin, Ireland. They are able to keep prices low, such as a round trip ticket from Dublin to Edinburgh for $30, because of their numerous budgeting techniques. The techniques and ideas used to cut costs, such as paying to use the restroom, cause a lot of controversy amongst the consumers. Still Ryanair has one of the largest fleets in Europe and continually has its flights filled near to capacity.The question asked by these two articles is whether or not this type of business plan can last and if consumers will continue to put up with Ryanair’s budget tactics. The tone of each of the articles is the first trait noticed by the reader. The titles of each of these articles are a good indication of what the tone will be throughout the article. The Newsweek article, â€Å"Is this Any Way to Run An Airline† (Any Way to Run), puts the reader immediately in a relaxed state and almost makes the reader feel as though the author is on their side.On the other hand, the article by the International Journal of Transport Management has a more formal title suggesting to the reader that this article is more for relaying facts than opinions. This article is titled, â€Å"The Sustainability of the Ryanair Model† (Ryanair Model). The introductions for both of these articles are also very different in their tone. â€Å"Ryanair Model† uses only facts and statistics to give the reader a short background as to where Ryanair stands amongst its competitors.However, in â€Å"Any Way to Run† there is a background on the current savings techniques used by Ryanair that directly affect their customers because this article is meant to be read mainly by Ryanair customers. Going hand in hand with tone, vocabulary can also contribute to how formal or relaxed an article may sound. The type of vocabulary used in each article is used to effectively reach the targeted audience of each article. The vocabulary used in â€Å"Any Way to Run† is meant to be simple due to the fact that Newsweek is being read by a much larger audience than an academic a journal would be.There are also many more quotes by Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, that are in fairly simple terms. An example of this would be O’Leary’s comment about fares when he stated, â€Å"You paid us a fare of $19-go away†. The other end of the spectrum is more technical vocabulary. Vocabulary that is used in â€Å"Ryanair Model† is only fully understood by economics and business professionals. In the â€Å"Ryanair Model† article, each section begins with pure statistics and facts with many terms such as net margin, industry average, deregulation etc.These terms are somewhat understood by the common reader but in order for their full meaning to be understood it would take a business professional to understand the meanings behind them. There are also many tables and charts included in this article that would make mean more to someone who is familiar with reading those kinds of statistics. The choice of vocabulary is made by the author and the background of the author can determine what kind of vocabulary they may choose to use. The article, â€Å"Any Way to Run†, was written by Daniel McGinn MBA.The academic article, â€Å"Ryanair Model†, was written by Sean Barrett PhD. While these authors are fairly similar in their qualifications for writing, Barrett, being an economics professor at Trinity College, is much more qualified to comment on qualities of business models and McGinn is much more capable of capturing the consumer perspective. After reviewing the author’s profiles it makes sense that Barrett would give the reader tremendous amounts of facts in his article and then comment on whether or not what Ryanair is doing is a good business decision, purely from an economic stand point.McGinn, being a reporter and have some knowledge on the economics behind the Ryanair model, would choose to comment only on quotes from customers and employees of Ryanair. While these authors are writing to different audiences there are still some facts about Ryanair that are included in both articles. Both the Newsweek and the Transportation Journal articles comment on Ryanair’s extensive use of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft. They both m ention how versatile an aircraft it is and how it is able to hold a large amount of passengers. Any Way to Run† goes into more depth about what it means to the consumer to have an aircraft that can hold more passengers. â€Å"Ryanair Model† on the other hand goes more in depth about how Ryanair was able to negotiate with Boeing to purchase these aircraft as cheap as they did. One of the most visible and, aside from tone, the most noticeable to the viewer is length of the article. Length is one of the main deciding factors in how much credibility is received by an article, academic or general.The length directly correlates to how many sources are cited within the article and how much information is available. â€Å"Ryanair Model† is much longer than â€Å"Any Way to Run† because academic articles need many more sources to sustain their credibility in the academic world. In â€Å"Ryanair Model† most of the length is taken up with facts and statistics about Ryanair and its competitors while opinions make up most of the â€Å"Any Way to Run† article. Action Statement: After an in depth analysis and comparison of this academic and magazine article we have realized the different intended uses for each article.From this point forward we will also keep in mind, when reading magazine articles, that they are meant to be appealing to the reader and not necessarily include all the facts about the topic. For academic articles we learned that we may not necessarily understand all the content unless we are well versed in the field that the article is written for. Going forward, if we need an in depth analysis of a specific subject we will research and use academic journals. If we need more of an overview of a topic we will use magazine articles.

The Holy One of Israel in Isaiah

The Holy One of Israel This essay concerns about the meaning of the divine title ‘The Holy One of Israel’ in the Book of Isaiah. It is going to state clearly the study approach before going into the discussion. Approach of this essay The book of Isaiah had been studied through different approaches of which three are quite distinctive[1]. (1)A pre-critical, or traditional, understanding, still found in some conservative scholars. They keep the entire book of Isaiah connected to the prophet Isaiah of the eighth century B. C. E. There is nothing intrinsically impossible as the approach is ‘prophecy’. With the rise of ‘historical criticism’, such an approach has been commonly rejected in the interpretive world. (2)A critical understanding of the book of Isaiah is reflective of the intellectual world of the West in the 18th and 19th centuries that focused on historical issues. The dominant idea of this approach is the division of the book of Isaiah into, with short hand references, First Isaiah, Second Isaiah and Third Isaiah. However, the ‘three Isaiah’ only exist as an editorial convenience, but without integral connection to each other. 3)The canonical study of the book of Isaiah recognizes that the book is a literary complexity. It is a literary approach, draws upon historical-critical gains but moves beyond them toward theological interpretation. The last approach is used in this essay. Introduction The Holy One of Israel, as a description of God is a distinctive feature of the Book of Isaiah. The name appeared in the Old Testament 32 times, 26 times in Isaiah. The other six times in Jeremiah (50:29; 51:5), Ezekiel (39:7) and Psalms (71:22, 78:41, 89:18). It is hardly coincidence that in his vision in Chapter 6 Isaiah himself has heard the seraphim proclaiming â€Å"Holy, holy, holy is Almighty YHWH†, the whole book works out the implications of that vision. In chapters 1-12, and then 13-27, 28-39, 40-55 and at last 56-66, the message of this vision spreads in ever widening circles. Each part leads to the next, but each also relates to that key awareness that YHWH is The Holy One of Israel. The table below shows The Holy One of Israel appeared in the book of Isaiah at different periods of history with related scriptures. Part |Chapters |Motif |Historical Events[2] |Scriptures | | |1 |Prologue |In the days of 4 kings of Judah |1:4 | |1 |2-12 |Sign of Immanuel |Challenge to Judah: Time of Ahaz |5:19, 24; 10:17, 20; 12:6 | |2 |13-27 |Fall of a Great City |Calamity and Hope for the Nations |17:7 | |3 |28-39 |Siege of Jerusalem |Challenge to Judah: Time of Hezekiah |29:19, 23; 30:11, 12, 15; 31:1; 37:23 | |4 |40-55 |Light to the Nat ions |Comfort in Babylon |41:14, 16, 20; 43:3, 14; 45:11; 47:4; | | | | | |48:17; 49:7; 54:5; 55:5 | |5 |56-66 |Return of the Prodigal Son |Challenge to Judah after Exile |60:9, 14 | The Meaning of Holiness The Hebrew word for holiness is qodes (Greek: hagios). It is used for what is set apart from a common to a sacred use[3], as the utensils and ministers of the sanctuary, and certain days (Ex 20:8; 30:31; 31:10; Lev 21:7; Num 5:17; Ne 8:9; Zech 14:21); for what is separated from ceremonial defilement (Ex 22:31; Lev 20:26) or immorality (2Cor 7:1; 1Thes 4:7) including false worship and heathen practices (Lev 20:6, 7: 21:6). In a larger sense God is holy, for He is separated from all other beings by His infinite perfections, by His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justices, goodness, and truth, the glory of which fills the earth (Isa 6:3). Israel acquires holiness by being obedient to God’s commandments and faithful to His covenant (Lev 11:44; Deut 28:9)[4]. The concept of holiness permeates the life of Israel. Even the land occupied by the people is considered holy (Zech 2:12). The capital city Jerusalem is designated as the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High (Ps 46:4). The Holy One of Israel The term ‘The Holy One of Israel’ reflects the dialectical relation between ‘The Holy One’ and ‘Israel’. It is a relation with the Holy One with a non-holy entity[5]. The Holy One requires Israel to be holy. ‘Be holy because I, the Lord Your God, am holy’ (Lev 19:2). The separate one becomes the attached one. Their relation is bound by covenant. The challenge of the relation is Israel’s unfaithfulness in worshipping other god’s. The most notable example is the imposition of Baal worship on the northern kingdom by Ahab’s marriage to Jezebel. Both the northern and the southern kingdoms suffered captivity. Any ‘rebellious’ from Israel side causes ‘discipline’ from The Holy One side. Exile’ from Israel causes ‘In the midst’ from the other, ‘punishment’ causes ‘redemption’, ‘go astray’ causes ‘teaches and leads’ etc. In the Book of Isaiah, the Holy One is the Lord, God. The Lord has passion. He is angry at Israel who rejects His laws (5:24; 31:1) but His compassion is good news more directly for the powerless (29:19). He is the Creator of Israel (43:15), the Maker of this nation (17:7; 45:11; 54:5). He is called the Holy One of Israel, and is in relation with Israel, like Husband and wife (54:5), Father and son (45:11; 63:16; 64:8). The Holy One of Israel is in the midst of the people of Israel (12:6), they will stay upon the Lord (10:20). The harmonious covenant relation between the Holy One and Israel is being challenged by the rebellious Israel. The people have forsaken the Lord, they have contemned The Holy One of Israel (1:4; 5:19, 24; 30:12; 37:23), they are turned away backward and they reject the law of the Lord (5:24). The people have been warned but they do not look unto The Holy One of Israel (31:1). Israel is being punished and exiled. This is the way that the Lord teaches and leads Israel (48:17) to restore the covenant relation. The Holy One of Israel, their Redeemer and Savior (41:14; 43:3, 14; 47:4; 48:17; 49:7; 54:5) rescues the people from exile so that they will understand the work of the Lord (29:23; 41:20), they will rejoice in the Lord and they will sanctify The Holy One of Israel (29:23; 41:16). He Himself works for Israel (43:14), through the redeeming work of the Lord, He has glorified Israel (55:5; 60:9, 14). YHWH’s majesty and authority is over Judah and other nations (49:7). On that day shall a man regard his Maker, and his eyes shall look to The Holy One of Israel (17:7). This is a sketch of a thread sewing The Holy One of Israel throughout the Book of Isaiah. It is discussed in more details below. Prologue (Chapter 1) Israel is called to be a holy nation (Exodus 19:6), now becomes a sinful nation (1:4). A people laden with iniquity, a people being the seed of Abraham become a seed of evildoers. They have despised The Holy One of Israel. The degenerated children have forsaken the Lord, their father. Nothing in human life is more tragic than an unsuccessful upbringing. God’s children rebel against God. ‘The ox knows his owner, and the ass his master’s crib, but Israel does not know, my people does not consider’ (1:3). The knowledge to The Holy One of Israel is even worse than ox and ass to their master. The rod of the Holy One is upon Israel, like the Holy Father disciplining His son (Hebrew 12:4-11). One day, Judah will be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city, Zion will be redeemed by justice, and those in her repent by righteousness (1:26, 27). Israel is like the prodigal son who returns to his father. Part 1 (Chapters 2-12) Sign of Immanuel Judah turns their back to God, the people think that the wealth is built by their power and might, they do not look up to their God, The Holy One of Israel, and they despise His words. They do not even know who they are before the Holy One of Israel. What a rebellious nation who tests and tries The Holy One of Israel. ‘Let Him make speed, let Him hasten His work, that we may see it and let the counsel of The Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it’ (5:19). The people do not know themselves before the Holy One. Even do they not seek the Holy One of Israel, nor do they lift up their eyes on God, but rather they have taunted and blasphemed the Lord (37:23). The sinful nation is called the rejecter of the law of the Lord and despiser of the Word of God (5:24). They forget the laws of the Lord, those holy decrees, laws and regulations that the Lord established on Mount Sinai. (Lev 26:46). For that reason the fire of judgment would descend on them like fire that devours the stubble, and they would burn like chaff. The wicked are perished in the judgment. They are like trees with rotten roots and blossom torn off by the wind. They fly away like dust (5:24). His hand is raised and strikes them down. His hand is still upraised (5:25). At the time of King Ahaz, a sign of Immanuel is given to the people of Judah. No matter how unfavorable the circumstances is, The Holy One of Israel is with them when Damascus and Samaria are punished, and also God will be with them when Assyria comes up to destroy like razor (7:10-20). Part 2 (Chapters 13-28) Fall of a Great City: Calamity and Hope for the Nation YHWH’s punishment comes. ‘The fortress will disappear from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus’ (17:3a). Israel’s trouble comes from looking away from YHWH and disregarding YHWH’s governance and requirements. They have been excessively preoccupied with their own achievements and mesmerized by their own religious assurances. But now Israel would refocus their eyes back to ‘The Holy One of Israel’ (17:7). The theme is repentance and return to YHWH. Part 3 (Chapters 28-39) Siege of Jerusalem The Holy One of Israel is a Protector but the people of Judah do not seek Him. God has spoken to the leaders of Israel not to depend on Egypt, nor to return to Egypt to acquire more horses (Deut 17:16). However they opposed Him and turned their back on Him. ‘Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many and in horsemen, because they are exceeding mighty; but they look not unto The Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord! ’ (31:1) They are rebellious people, faithless children, who do not listen the instruction of the Lord (30:9). They do not like the true prophesy (31:10), nor the right path, nor listening to The Holy One of Israel (31:11). Therefore, the punishment of The Holy One of Israel is upon them, like a break in a high wall, bulging out, and about to collapse, whose crash come suddenly (31:13) its breaking is like a smashing potter’s vessel (31:14). The Holy One of Israel urged His people to return and rest (30:15), to be quiet like a weaned child at its mother’s breast, and to surrender trustingly to their father, to have childlike faith. However, Judah is constantly in fear, surrounding by enemies. The wicked man has no peace but grief. Judah does not have the love of God to cast out fear. They were nervous and ran to and fro without any accomplishment. They focused not on The Holy One of Israel but wrongly on Egypt’s chariots and horses. The city of Jerusalem finally falls down. The people become captives, being exiled to Babylon. Part 4 (Chapters 40-55): Light to the Nation During the period of exile, The Holy One of Israel is a Comforter. ‘Fear not! ’ the Lord speaks to Jacob three times in 41:10-14. That is indeed necessary because the poor exiles fear so many things. But the Lord, the faithful covenant God, uses all kinds of motives and inducements to comfort His people. In the exile, Jacob looks like worm, insect, dead man. The Lord’s comfort gives light to this nation. ‘Fear not, for I am with you, do not be afraid for I am your God. I will strengthen you, and I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. (41:10) ‘For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, â€Å"Do not fear, I will help you†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢(41:13). ‘Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you insect Israel! I will help you, says the lord; your redeemer is The Holy One of Israel’ (41:14). The Lord will hel p Jacob with His right hand. He will make Jacob a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth, to thresh, strike, punish and crush the mountains and hills, so that they are blown away as chaff before the wind. On that day Jacob will rejoice in the Lord, they will glory in The Holy One of Israel. Lord’s comfort brings hope to the nation. The desert people know what it meant to suffer thirst. The exile experiences are like the poor and needy seeking water. The Lord has heard their voices. He will not forsake them. To those perishing with thirst, much water supply was the most impressive metaphor of rich blessings. This abundance is described as the breaking forth of streams, even on the plateaus. Trees will come up in former deserts. On that day, they may see and know and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this, and The Holy One of Israel has created it. Redeemer and Creator (43:1-15) The Holy One of Israel is a Redeemer of Jacob. He has given Egypt as Jacob’s ransom, Ethiopia and Sheba in exchange for Jacob. Why? Because the Lord is the creator of Israel, for he will redeem His people (43:1). The Lord calls Jacob by name, showing intimate relationship between the covenant God and Israel. Israel was precious in God’s sight and honored, and God loved Israel. He gave people in return for Israel, nations in exchange for their life. Also, the Lord is their God, The Holy One of Israel, their Savior. He will protect them. The fire constantly purifies Israel, but it never consumes her; the water cleanses her, but it could never swallow up the Jews. ‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; The flames will not set you ablaze. ’ (43:2) For the sake of Jacob, The Holy One of Israel will punish Babylon, He will bring down all of them as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships of their shouting, because The Holy One of Israel is their Redeemer, their Creator, their King (43:15), their Maker and Husband (54:5). Part 5 (Chapters 56-66) Return of the Prodigal Son The Holy One of Israel participates in the Return of Jacob to Jerusalem. 60:9 and 60:14 mentions ‘The Holy One of Israel’. It is a scene of return of Jacob to Jerusalem from Babylon. In 60:9, ‘to bring your children from far away, their silver and gold with them, for the name of the Lord your God’ refers to the return of Israel with the herald of the King Cyrus of Persia (Ezra 1:1-4). Verse 14 referred to the help of the Lord, Jerusalem is called the City of the Lord, the Zion of The Holy One of Israel. In the exposition of Chapter 60, Harry Bultema[6] writes that ‘some attempted to explain this divine oracle concerning the blessedness of the Israelites as taking place after the return from Babylon; others explained them wholly spiritually of the prosperity, growth and extension of the Christian Church during the days of the New Testament’. Bulterma further quotes the expositor Van der Palm statement ‘the former explanation must of necessity weaken the intended meaning of the words, and the latter violates all sound literal biblical exegesis. ’ Since it has been stated in the beginning that the approach of this essay is canonical literary one, it is not agree to take the traditional view here. From the structure of Chapter 60, it refers to the return from Babylon. -5Glory of the Lord is upon Jerusalem. 6-12Gold and frankincense and all the riches are brought to Jerusalem by sea and by land. 13-18Those who oppressed Israel shall come bending low to Israel. T hey would know this is the work of the Lord, He is their savior, Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. 19-22God was the glory of Zion. One more discussion: Is Jesus The Holy One of Israel? From the above discussion, we can see that The Holy One of Israel is God who bears the following titles: Redeemer, Savior,Comforter,Protector,King, Creator,Maker,Husband,Father There are two questions arise. First, ‘Is The Holy One of Israel referring to Jesus and never in any way beyond Jesus? Second, ‘Is The Holy One of Israel referring to Jesus? ’ In response to the first question, Harry Bultema states that it refers to our Lord Jesus, ‘who is constantly indicated and further defined as the One who created and formed Israel and who one day shall deliver, protect, and glorify it as the Savior. ’[7] It is not agree with Bultema for two reasons, though The Holy One of Israel bears the above titles in the book of Isaiah. (1)In Isaiah, The Holy One of Israel is also refe rred to as a Father (45:11), which is contradict to the title of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. 2) The promise applies to Israel. The church should not rob the glory of the Jews. Da Costa complained once – our country, our cities, our glorious name and the church had robbed us of our promises. Did this not concern you, O Christians. ’ In response to the second question, the title is originally referring to God who comforts, redeems, creates, etc in the Old Testament time. It is very closed referring to Jesus, except for the title of ‘Father’ whose name exists in the triune God. Conclusion With the approach of the canonical study of the book of Isaiah, it is found that the Holy One is the Lord, God. He is the Creator of Israel, the Maker of this nation. He is the Father of this people. The following few lines summarize this essay. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, Immanuel is Your name. Woe to those who despise Your Words, The Holy One of Israel they know not. Woe to those who seek help from Egypt, Protector, Comforter, Savior, Redeemer, they ask not. Your rod from Assyria is upon them, but You are in the midst of them. On that day, their eyes are upon You, They will see You are the Deliverer, the Maker of this Nation. On that day, the Creator will hear, Your are my Father, we are Your children. Bibliography 1. Walter Brueggemann, Isaiah 1 – 39 (Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville) 1998. 2. Walter Brueggemann, Isaiah 40 – 66 (Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville) 1998. 3. John Goldingay, New International Biblical Commentary: Isaiah, (Hendrickson Publishers, Massachusetts) 2001. 4. John D. Davis, Davis dictionary of the Bible, 4th edn (Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan) 1975. 5. Johannes B. Bauer, Encyclopedia of Biblical Theology Vol 1, (Sheed and Ward, London) 1970. 6. Stephen Lee, Lecture Notes on BSN304: Understanding Isaiah: An Exploration on the Spirituality of Exile, 2010. 7. Gordon C. I. Wong, The Road to Peace: Pastoral Reflections on Isaiah 1-12, (Genesis Book, Singapore) 2009. 8. Geoffrey W. Bromiley, The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Volume II:E-J, (Grand Rapids, Michigan) 1982 ———————– 1] Walter Brueggemann, Isaiah 1 – 39, (Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville) 1998, 3-5. [2] John Goldingay, New International Biblical Commentary: Isaiah, (Hendrickson Publishers, Massachusetts) 2001, 8. [3] John D. Davis, Davis dictionary of the Bible, 4th edn (Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan) 1975, 334. [4] Geoffrey W. Bromiley, The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Volume II:E-J, (Grand Rapids, Michigan) 1982, 725-726. [5] John Goldingay, New International Biblical Commentary: Isaiah, 15. [6] Harry Bultema, Commentary on Isaiah, (Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, Michigan) 1981, 584. [7] Harry Bultema, Commentary on Isaiah, 20-22.

Free Essays on Reaction to Howard Zinn’s Writing about Vietnam

Reaction to Howard Zinn’s Writing about Vietnam Zinn gives a complete overview of what happened. He does not go into immense detail on every subject, because if he did that he still would be writing about Vietnam. I was very interested while reading. What I found different was the way Zinn plays a neutral position on the war, leaning a little towards a pacifist. While reading this some of my thoughts of the entire Vietnam War changed. I wish I could have been a bird in the sky while the War was going on. It would have been great to be able to watch all the events, battles, riots, and protests take place. The way that the government lied and continued to lie to the people of America was astonishing to me. It puts a question in the back of my mind of what we do truly know. The things that they do not tell us could change peoples thought and ideas forever, but we will never know. I would like to read the â€Å"Pentagon Papers† sometime and see the truths behind our government’s actions. I think that one of the biggest problems our country had during the Vietnam War was the extreme lack of public support. The U.S. was almost fighting two wars with in it self. There was the government vs. Vietnam and the Government vs. the People, and to think the U.S. was losing lives on both ends of the spectrum. Remember this was all because of an analogy to a game of dominos. What I found amazing was the amount of people evading and revolting. I think reading a book about the people that were for the war would make an excellent counter part to Zinn. Although he does say that the people with college degrees were more for the war than people with high school and no education, but it does not take a genius to figure out why that was. Who was going to war? Yep the lower class people. The presidents claimed that all they would not be affected by all the antiwar cries from the public. Nixon later said he was affected. If I was... Free Essays on Reaction to Howard Zinn’s Writing about Vietnam Free Essays on Reaction to Howard Zinn’s Writing about Vietnam Reaction to Howard Zinn’s Writing about Vietnam Zinn gives a complete overview of what happened. He does not go into immense detail on every subject, because if he did that he still would be writing about Vietnam. I was very interested while reading. What I found different was the way Zinn plays a neutral position on the war, leaning a little towards a pacifist. While reading this some of my thoughts of the entire Vietnam War changed. I wish I could have been a bird in the sky while the War was going on. It would have been great to be able to watch all the events, battles, riots, and protests take place. The way that the government lied and continued to lie to the people of America was astonishing to me. It puts a question in the back of my mind of what we do truly know. The things that they do not tell us could change peoples thought and ideas forever, but we will never know. I would like to read the â€Å"Pentagon Papers† sometime and see the truths behind our government’s actions. I think that one of the biggest problems our country had during the Vietnam War was the extreme lack of public support. The U.S. was almost fighting two wars with in it self. There was the government vs. Vietnam and the Government vs. the People, and to think the U.S. was losing lives on both ends of the spectrum. Remember this was all because of an analogy to a game of dominos. What I found amazing was the amount of people evading and revolting. I think reading a book about the people that were for the war would make an excellent counter part to Zinn. Although he does say that the people with college degrees were more for the war than people with high school and no education, but it does not take a genius to figure out why that was. Who was going to war? Yep the lower class people. The presidents claimed that all they would not be affected by all the antiwar cries from the public. Nixon later said he was affected. If I was...

The Killer Clown, John Wayne Gacy essays

The Killer Clown, John Wayne Gacy essays Robert Hare is North America's most renowned academic on psychopaths. Utilizing the basis of the components of Hare's theory and his "Psychopath Checklist (PCL) which was later revised to the PCL-R" (Wikipedia, 2013, Hare), it is possible to analyze John Wayne Gacy's criminal career. This checklist has specific scoring criteria rating 20 items on a 3-point scale corresponding to the extent that it applies to a given individual. With the psychopathic behaviours identified by Hare's PCL-R, it can be implied that Gacy would score above 30 on this scale and therefore be considered a Gacy is considered to be America's most coldblooded killer. What the world viewed him as before being arrested and convicted of his heinous acts was a successful businessman; a social pillar in his community; volunteer; an active member of the Jaycee's; an ethical man; a man of stature; a good father and family man. Joining the "Jolly Jokers" in 1975, he created his character "Pogo the Clown" (A in order to attend numerous parties and charitable events. This creation of Pogo is what gave him the name "Killer Clown" by the media and public when As Dr. Michael Stone discusses during the documentary, "Most Evil - Cold Blooded Killers", he places Gacy at level 22 on the scale of measuring evil. The only other serial killer to score this high according to the aforementioned documentary was Tommy Sells (Stone, 2006). Gacy was found guilty and sentenced to death for the murder of 33 teenage boys and young men between 1972 and 1978. The majority of the bodies (25+) were buried in the crawl space of his home at 8213 West Summerside Avenue in Chicago (Decoeur, 1998). He would utilize some of his employees and a former roommate to help dig the "graves" for these victims by enticing them to believing they were digging "drainage lines". Fastidiously ensuring that ...

Capital Punishment Research

The use of capital punishment, frequently known as the death penalty, is highly controversial in some countries. Although laws vary between different countries as to what crimes may warrant capital punishment, the crimes for which it is most commonly used are murder and drug-related offenses. The death penalty is the execution of a person for a crime (typically murder). The death penalty is not used in many countries including all European countries, Australia, and New Zealand. In the US 35 of the 50 states allow the death penalty. Popular opinion In the United States of America, the use of capital punishment is generally accepted, with 78 percent of the Republican Party and 52 percent the Democratic Party in support of its use for the crime of murder. The Constitution Party is in support of the death penalty, and the Green Party is opposed to its use. Worldwide, there is little consensus. Capital punishment is abolished in Europe, except for Belarus, which regularly practices it, and Latvia, which retains it for crimes committed during wartime. The Council of Europe prohibits any member state from practicing it. Both Turkey and Russia were pressed to abolish capital punishment as a condition for joining. Turkey abolished capital punishment after it was ruled unconstitutional in 2004, while Russia established a moratorium in 1996, which was renewed in 2009 by the Constitutional Court of Russia, pending abolition. There is little opposition to the death penalty in China, Japan, and most Middle Eastern and African countries, where it continues to be practiced. Execution of innocent people Capital punishment is often opposed on the grounds that innocent people will inevitably be convicted. This fact is well supported in the US. Between 1973 and 2005, 123 people in 25 states were released from death row when new evidence of their innocence emerged. However, statistics likely understate the actual problem of wrongful convictions because once an execution has occurred there is often insufficient motivation and finance to keep a case open, and it becomes unlikely at that point that the miscarriage of justice will ever be exposed. Another issue is the quality of the defense in a case where the accused has a public defender. The competence of the defense attorney is a better predictor of whether or not someone will be sentenced to death than the facts of the crime. Also, improper procedure may result in unfair executions. For example, Amnesty International argues that, in Singapore, the Misuse of Drugs Act contains a series of presumptions which shift the burden of proof from the prosecution to the accused. This conflicts with the universally guaranteed right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, this refers to a situation when someone is being caught with drugs.

A Dialogue between a Hindu Upanishad and a Jain Essay

A Dialogue between a Hindu Upanishad and a Jain - Essay Example It is because I am free from suffering as my state (moksha) has liberated me from it. I do not wish anyone or anything ill and so this forest shall not harm me. I am pleased wherever I am. Religious A (Hindu): Wherever you are is not actually where you are. You see my friend, what you thought as you is not actually you because what you think you are that is trapped in this forest is just the body that houses the atman, which is your soul or the real you. The real you actually cannot perish and it does not matter where you are whether you are pleased or not because the real you cannot be harmed. Religious A (Hindu): I am confident because my atman will unite with its natural universe which is the Brahman. Brahman my friend could be this forest because it is all that permeates all things where it held all being and existence. Right now, in this forest with all its peace and tranquility, the atman becoming the Brahman is beginning to become more apparent to me. Religious B (Jain): That is so wonderful of you my friend. But your conviction and confidence may lead you to suffering because it entertains and contains the mana or ego that leads you to perish and suffer. Religious A (Hindu): No my friend, I don’t perish. I will just be reborn again to improve my karma so I am not worried about any harm. Sometimes death, or perishing as you call it is necessary to complete the cycle of birth and death. This is to allow me to improve my karma through their lifetime of action until I achieved enlightenment and vijnana. Religious B (Jain): Looks like we share the same sentiment my friend. I too strive to achieve nirvana and be released by the karmic bondage. Hey look! The town is already ahead. It looks like it is not our day after all to begin the cycle of

Coca-Colas New Vending Machine Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Coca-Colas New Vending Machine - Case Study Example I would recommend Coca-Cola to follow "price discrimination" strategy in such cases as: (1) different customer groups (lower prices for students and higher prices for business organizations); and (2) when a customer buys high quantities of a product. Pricing is a sensitive and complex decision area affecting sales, costs, and profits for both industrial and consumer goods. For consumers, price reductions and increases have symbolic meanings. A customer may associate a price reduction with a reduction in quality, the anticipation of new models, or even lower prices or poor market acceptance. Higher prices may indicate better quality, a good image, and good value (Das Narayandas 2000). Price discrimination is effective tool when it is applied to each individual consumer. For instance, if a buyer is willing to pay more for a product and receive exceptional quality, he/she should pay more. The second situation when Coca-Cola can follow price discrimination is when a customer buys products in large quantities. For instance, price reductions can be proposed to repeat customers and loyal customers. The third case when "price discrimination" is justified is when the company serves different customer groups.

Ethical Dilema on Abortion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Ethical Dilema on Abortion - Essay Example Numerous states in the United States of America have been locked into a fierce debate over the issue of abortion being legalized. However, disregarding the legality of this act, it is essential to focus on the morality of the issue as well. Abortion has many trade-offs that involve a variety of values including a sense of where people come from. While the use of the right to abort can be legalized, the legality of the issue does not hold as much weight since this requires the elimination of some form of human life. Instead, one also needs to focus on the â€Å"ethical dilemma on abortion† (Ethics Score Board). Before understanding the different theories that surround this moral debate, it is necessary that the definition of abortion be stated. The definition tends to include two meanings: to give premature birth before the fetus is able to form a life of its own, which may be because of a miscarriage or spontaneous abortion, and the other includes the woman’s terminatio n of a pregnancy intentionally. Various feminist and pro-choice groups often regard the intentional abortion as a choice that the woman in question can make for herself. The trend for abortion is on the rise, which includes a variety of reasons. Nevertheless, according to a famous philosopher, Judith Jarvis Thomson, every individual has a right to live, and this right is also extended to the fetus. Therefore, in a way abortion is taking away that right. However, what about the right of the woman to control her own body? Hence, this is a central debate (Butts and Rich 73). The paper, henceforth, addresses the various theories that consider abortion as something not morally permissible for a variety of reasons. Analysis of various theories is essential in order to defend this argument. The pro-life view, which is opposite to the pro-choice view (those who support that abortion is every woman’s reproductive right), puts much weight on the fact that the fetus should be understood as a human being. Such groups also state that life begins at the time of conception, which means that killing a living being is murder and morally impermissible. Unless there is harm to the life of the mother, the fetus needs protection. The pro-life view also includes a variety of religious scholars as well, who quote passages from the scriptures to put forth their argument of pro-life. In Exodus 21:12, the verse states that anyone who murders anyone else should also be put to death. The group also considers the abortion of fetus to be included in this, because fundamentally, the fetus has gained life. This is also illustrated in the verse from Luke 1:41 in the New Testament â€Å"the baby in my womb leaped for joy,† which sheds light on the idea that since the baby leaped, it is very much alive (Butts and Mirch 75). And this â€Å"right to live† is also supported by the philosophical stance of Immanuel Kant and the Divine Command Theory. When it comes to understandi ng moral and religious issues, Divine Command Theory is perhaps the best. According to Cowan and Spiegel, the divine command theory is able to â€Å"provide sufficiently clear moral direction and an adequate sense of duty† (qtd. In Dunstan). This theory considers abortion to be against religion and morality because God does not support it, which has been supported by the verses quoted above. Additionally, a situation from the biblical scripture Exodus 21:22-24 has also been analyzed to state that abortion is wrong. The situation included a woman suffering a miscarriage because of two men arguing. Although this was an abortion, the scripture condemns the loss of life because as Cowan and Spiegel say, â€Å"The life of an unborn child is as valuable as that of an adult,† according to Christian belief (qtd. in Dunstan). There are verses which illustrate that life was bestowed on the fetus from the moment of conception, and God has ordained the entire life of that unborn f etus. Therefore, these precious unborn babies also

Is current UK IT law relevant when applied to the cloud computing Literature review

Is current UK IT law relevant when applied to the cloud computing - Literature review Example A swift increase in the use of PC and internet has seen the rise to new forms of crimes like publishing sexually overt materials in electronic type, video voyeurism and violation of privacy and leak of information by agent, e-commerce frauds like impersonation commonly known as phishing, identity stealing and unpleasant posts through the use of communication services. Cloud computing can be defined as the use of cloud technology to store and access data that is stored in a virtual space. Cloud computing can be divided into several forms that serve better to explain the whole idea; they include the following: 1. SaaS Through the service, the providers install common software, which enables customers download intended materials without necessarily installing personal copies of the software and the charges are inclusive on the material cost (software as a service). This tool therefore maintains lower costs than other conventional hosting of the cloud computing. 2 Utility computing The i dea behind this type of computing is not new, but this type of cloud computing is getting new life from several companies with online presence who offer storage space and virtual servers that IT can be accessed anytime. Other stakeholders offer solutions that help IT create virtual data enters from commodity servers, such as 3Tera's Aplitic and Cohesive Flexible Technologies' Elastic Server on Demand, Liquid Computing LiquidQ offers similar capabilities, enabling IT to stitch together memory, I/O, storage Internet integration Cloud computing provides a whole range of advantage in the way organizations conduct their business and targeting potential consumers. It is a welcome to small businesses especially to avoid the extra high costs that are associated with setting up IT infrastructure. On the other hand, as virtualization permeates the enterprise, the idea of loosely coupled services running on an nimble, scalable network should eventually make every venture a node in the cloud; i t's a long-running trend with a far-out horizon, but among big megatrends, cloud computing is the most difficult one to argue with in the long term. Addition The increase in awareness of consumer products easily accessible through online means is changing the business environment within the United Kingdom just as is the case with all other parts of the globe. For instance, consumers are increasingly adopting the purchase of software and such entertainment products as music as well as movies from online supplies by a third part which represents a form of cloud computing. However, as Brad gate finds in a report concerning the consumer rights on digital products, the increased awareness and use of cloud computing places the consumer at a point of uncertainty in relation to the legal framework within UK today. This is because unlike the case with other physical products where the consumers are well aware of personal rights, the law in UK is not certain on digital consumer rights. Theref ore according to this report is one shortcoming that is notable within the legal

Analysis of relationship marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Analysis of relationship marketing - Essay Example "All too often, many of us go to the dealer with the idea that we'll get the best deal for our money, only to be tricked and manipulated into paying more or buying a model that we don't want. In tact, African Americans consistently overpay--an average of $315 more than other car purchasers--according to a study done of 750,000 actual purchases in 1999 and early 2000 by the National Bureau of Economic Research" (Jackson, Car Buying 101: Buying a New Car in a Few Simple Steps, 2004: 195). The above mentioned statement automatically shows the importance of a website that provides a service through which a customer would buy a car that he/she wants and that with the terms decided, and there when the importance of Edmunds.com is identified, Edmunds.com includes all the data on the new and used cars, from features to the prices of cars, from test drive videos to the tips to maintain such cars, almost every thing appears on the website, including the ways through which "you" can become car's owner, it includes ownership plans, the leasing and all useful material. Few good features of the company include the information through the wireless edmunds.com, the site know as Edmunds2Go!, which is accesible through the PDAs and internet enabled cell phones, another benefit the visitors get is that the company circulates free email newsletters to its voluntary subscribers, another most thrilling feature that is used by the edmunds.com in the most impressive way is its true market value pricing tools, actually launched in the year 2000, "The Edmunds.com True Market Value New Vehicle Calculator provides the estimated average price consumers are currently paying when buying new vehicles. The Edmunds.com True Market Value Used Vehicle Appraiser estimates the actual transaction prices for used vehicles bought and sold by dealers and private parties" ( from Wikipedia, free encyclopedia). So it is the best what company can provide with in its limit to the visitors, the best outcome of launching such tool is that, people from all around the world now log in to find the actual prices of cars all around the world, it is perhaps the best service an automotive website can provide, it is considered to be the most innovative idea by the web operators to bring such a change in the website, the other such online services and tools include TMV new vehicle calculator which estimates the price that the buyers are paying to the dealer for the ownership of new vehicles, TMV finance rate estimator which gives the idea of how much of loan can be obtained and what is in relation to it and the ownership of car, Edmunds.com has another feature added recently which shows how much it would cost if the buyer would buy a car in full terms ownership, it is known as True Cost to Own SM

Reading stories with children Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Reading stories with children - Research Paper Example I decided to read two different books in terms of their themes and setting. The first book was a religious book with religious themes while the second book was more of a fun book. The interaction with the kid, who is about five years of age, was rather eye opening. During the reading session, the kid interjected the process severally asking various questions regarding the stories. He constantly asked questions regarding the meaning of words he did not understand. This trait was a bit interesting as it portrayed the kid as an inquisitive person who wanted to know more. Various facial expressions accompanied my reading to the kid so as to further make him understand certain aspects of the stories. He was keen on the kind of expression that he saw on my face as I continued to read the books. Whenever there were frowns on my face he could also frown. This was a sign that the kid personalized the reading through the expressions that I was portraying to him as the reader. After reading the books to the kid I did further analysis on his reactions during the time I read the books. This revealed something interesting as I realized that the child scrutinized details of every picture that was shown to him. The scrutiny of the fin details in the pictures portrayed the kid as an individual who is interested in both the pictorial aspects of the stories as well as the word flow. This was even more interesting when it came to recalling the reading on the side of the child when I asked him questions. Even after reading the two stories to the kid certain aspects of his traits were outstanding. The kid was able to recall the outline of the two stories though note as exact or fair as it should have been. The first story was titled chocolate me which talks about the skin color in different people. It was more religious and encouraged the readers to appreciate

Analysis of relationship marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Analysis of relationship marketing - Essay Example "All too often, many of us go to the dealer with the idea that we'll get the best deal for our money, only to be tricked and manipulated into paying more or buying a model that we don't want. In tact, African Americans consistently overpay--an average of $315 more than other car purchasers--according to a study done of 750,000 actual purchases in 1999 and early 2000 by the National Bureau of Economic Research" (Jackson, Car Buying 101: Buying a New Car in a Few Simple Steps, 2004: 195). The above mentioned statement automatically shows the importance of a website that provides a service through which a customer would buy a car that he/she wants and that with the terms decided, and there when the importance of Edmunds.com is identified, Edmunds.com includes all the data on the new and used cars, from features to the prices of cars, from test drive videos to the tips to maintain such cars, almost every thing appears on the website, including the ways through which "you" can become car's owner, it includes ownership plans, the leasing and all useful material. Few good features of the company include the information through the wireless edmunds.com, the site know as Edmunds2Go!, which is accesible through the PDAs and internet enabled cell phones, another benefit the visitors get is that the company circulates free email newsletters to its voluntary subscribers, another most thrilling feature that is used by the edmunds.com in the most impressive way is its true market value pricing tools, actually launched in the year 2000, "The Edmunds.com True Market Value New Vehicle Calculator provides the estimated average price consumers are currently paying when buying new vehicles. The Edmunds.com True Market Value Used Vehicle Appraiser estimates the actual transaction prices for used vehicles bought and sold by dealers and private parties" ( from Wikipedia, free encyclopedia). So it is the best what company can provide with in its limit to the visitors, the best outcome of launching such tool is that, people from all around the world now log in to find the actual prices of cars all around the world, it is perhaps the best service an automotive website can provide, it is considered to be the most innovative idea by the web operators to bring such a change in the website, the other such online services and tools include TMV new vehicle calculator which estimates the price that the buyers are paying to the dealer for the ownership of new vehicles, TMV finance rate estimator which gives the idea of how much of loan can be obtained and what is in relation to it and the ownership of car, Edmunds.com has another feature added recently which shows how much it would cost if the buyer would buy a car in full terms ownership, it is known as True Cost to Own SM

MSU Grade Module on Mobile using Android OS Essay Example for Free

MSU Grade Module on Mobile using Android OS Essay The proposed system entitled MSU Grade Module on Mobile using Android OS is a mobile version of the current Grade Module of Mindanao State University. This system enables the instructor to input grades and update INC grades at any location and at any time. Obtaining the Grade Module password is also done using mobile connection. Reasons: * With the convenience of an Android-powered mobile phone, the instructor does not need to physically go to the clerk to request for Grade Module password. * The Grade Module password is sent through email which is more secure than printed Grade Module stub. * The instructor does not need to be in their respective department or in the university to input and/or update grades. * The scarcity of available computers in the university is no longer a concern. * If the instructor is away for seminars, vacations, and other reasons, the instructor no longer needs to request favour from other instructors to input and/or update grades for them, thus the accountability of the grade resides only to the instructor in-charge and lessen bothering other instructors. * With this kind of application, an instructor can become invisible from students who keep following him/her because of various reasons. Possible Problem: * Not all instructors have an Android-powered mobile phone. * Not all instructors maintain an email address, especially those who are not technology-savvy. * Internet connection is not stable for instructors who want to input and/or update grades within the university. * The availability of online modules of the university is not stable.

Pro-Natal Policies Analysis

Pro-Natal Policies Analysis Pro-Natal Policies in Norway Background Norway’s average fertility rate over the past 10 years is about 1.9, compared to Singapore’s average of 1.25 over the same period (The World Bank, 2014). Furthermore, 5 out of 6 women between the ages of 30-39 still remain employed (BBC News, 2006). Norway is Scadinavia’s richest country, enjoying an oil boom which started 40 years ago (Mohsin, 2014). Most of its revenues are channelled into a wealth fund that has accumulated to $890 billion, or about $170,000 per person. These oil revenues allow for large budget surpluses, protect government schemes from recessions, and provide resources for the future (Rindfuss et al.). The Nordic welfare states have a long-running tradition of implementing policies directed at the family (Rà ¸nsen, 2004). However, these policies are not for pro-natalist reasons, but rather based on their ideas of gender equality and a general concern for the well-being of families and their children. Also, Norwegian society holds the philosophy that children are an essential part of society (Andersen, 2012). Policies Child Benefit The child benefit is paid to all families with children below the age of 18 to cover their costs of having children (Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion). It is paid per child from the month after the child’s birth till the month before the child turns 18. In 2012, the child benefit was â‚ ¬ 119 per month. A single provider is entitled to an additional child benefit. Parental Leave Benefit Families receive the parental leave benefit upon the birth of a child, a scheme that was started way back in 1956 (BBC, 2014; Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion, 2014). For most families, this continues until the child is about a year old. The goal of the parental leave benefit is to make it financially feasible for one parent to care for the child at home during its first year, as well as to facilitate equality in parenting. A period of 47 weeks with parental leave benefits, or 57 weeks with reduced benefits (80% of pay) is shared between the parents to provide income for the first year of the child (Anderson, 2012; Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion, 2014). After the first year, the child is entitled to a place in a day-care centre and/or a cash benefit. Mothers have the right to parental leave benefits if they have worked for at least 6 out of the last 10 months (Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion). Mothers who do not fulfill this requirement have entitlement to a lump sum maternity grant. In 2011, this grant was â‚ ¬ 4310 per child. The three weeks before and six weeks after birth have to be taken by the mother as part of the parental leave benefit period. The father also has to fulfil a minimum quota of leave (Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion, 2014; BBC News, 2014), with the Norwegian government has planning to lengthen this by one more week. The rest of the leave period can be freely shared between both parents. When the father takes any leave outside of his quota, he has to take up primary care of the child. A goal of this is to allow for fathers to spend more time alone with the child during the toddler stage. Since the paid leave is financed by taxes, employers do not lose out when employees use their parental leave (BBC News, 2014). Funding for the parental leave benefits and lump sum maternity grants amount to about â‚ ¬ 1.83 billion (2011) (Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion). More than 80% of mothers and 70% of fathers are entitled to parental leave benefits. Cash Benefit For one and two year olds, parents can choose between a place in a day-care centre or receive a cash benefit (Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion). They can also choose to combine a reduced rate cash benefit with reduced time in a day-care centre. Only children who are one year of age can receive the cash benefit and are entitled to a maximum benefit period of 11 months. For cash benefits, only full or half cash-benefits can be chosen. The cash benefit is approximately â‚ ¬ 404 per month (2011), is non-taxable, and is paid without income or means-testing. Day-care A child is entitled to a place at a day-care centre as soon as the child turns one-year old (Andersen, 2012). Both public and private day-care centres are heavily subsidised by the state, and parents are means-tested and are charged accordingly at different rates. Fees are capped at â‚ ¬308 per month. This is in contrast to an average of â‚ ¬144 a week in Ireland. Furthermore, the childcare system in Norway is highly regulated and the standard of care is known to be of very high quality. Effectiveness A study by Lappegà ¥rd (2010) found that policies which promote involvement of fathers in childcare and gender equality such as paternal leave are positively associated with second births, while policies which grant general support for the family such as childcare cash benefits are positively related with third births. Another study conducted by Zuvander, Lappegà ¥rd and Andersson (2010) found a positive association between fathers’ parental leave use and continued childbearing in Norway for one-child and two-child couples. For families with two children, an extended period of leave for the mother was positively associated with the birth of a third-child. Furthermore, using data from Norway, Rindfuss et al. (2007) showed that the greater availability of child-care centers leads to a younger age for the first birth, and that high quality and affordable child-care leads to increased child-bearing. However, Rà ¸nsen, a Norwegian statistician, claimed that implementing generous family policies do not guarantee high fertility (BBC News, 2014). Sweden is cited as an example, whereby birth rates have not improved even though family policies were as generous as in Norway. Sweden went through a sharp increase in unemployment, after which the fertility rate fell from 2.1 in 1992 to 1.5 in 1997. It is believed that it is Norway’s combination of steady economic growth and family policies that has kept birth rates high, since people have a tendency to postpone having children during periods of economic insecurity. Pro-Natal Policies in France Background France has the second highest fertility rate in Europe, ranked after Ireland (France Diplomatie, 2013). In 2012, the fertility rate was 2.01, close to the replacement rate of 2.1. The birth rate has been increasing since 1995, and this trend has often been linked with many family policies during that period (Laroque and Salanià ©, 2008). In addition, France still maintains a high rate of female employment: 85% of women are employed (France Diplomatie, 2013). In France, fulfilment comes about from a rewarding family and social life (France Diplomatie, 2013). A 2011 study found that close to 60% of young French people were keen to start a family and have children. This figure was the highest rate in Europe. Policies Generous Monetary Benefits Women under maternity leave can receive full salary for 16 weeks, and are eligible to 26 weeks if the child is their third, and up to 34 weeks in the case of multiple births (European Union, 2014). Fathers are granted 11 consecutive days of paternity leave with full salary. Furthermore, families are entitled to monthly parental allowance if one of the two parents stops working or reduces his/her working hours to care for a child under three years of age. In addition, parents receive a family allowance after their second dependent child under 20 years of age (European Union, 2014). This monthly amount depends on the number of dependent children. After the third child, if the other two children are under 21 years, families are entitled to further family support amounting to â‚ ¬ 167.34. This is subject to means-testing Families can also receive assistance for their first child (European Union, 2014). For example, they can be paid a premium of â‚ ¬923.08 for a birth or â‚ ¬1846.15 for an adoption; a monthly allowance to assist parents with raising and education costs for three years (â‚ ¬ 184.62); family support allowance to help raise a child in the absence of help from one or both parents (ranging from â‚ ¬ 90.40 to â‚ ¬ 120.54), and a back-to-school allowance that is means-tested to help families with their children’s schooling costs (â‚ ¬ 360.47 for 6 to 10 year olds, â‚ ¬ 380.36 for 11 to 14 year olds, â‚ ¬ 393.54 for 15 to 18 year olds) Tax concessions for big families Large benefits stand to enjoy substantial tax concessions, whereby families with at least three children benefit the most (European Union, 2014). The French tax system is such that tax units are households, not individuals. Each household amounts to a number of shares determined by marital status and the number of children. Married couples are entitled to two shares, a further half-share for the first two children, and an additional one share per child after the third child. Given that taxable income is calculated as the total household income divided by the number of shares in a household, large families get to enjoy a significant reduction in taxes. Wide range of childcare services France has a comprehensive childcare and pre-school system that allows parents to continue working (European Union, 2014). Nurseries are run by businesses, the local government, or parent associations. The fees for most nurseries are means-tested. Parents can also choose to hire a licensed childminder who can look after up to 4 children at his/her home. Also, pre-school in France is free. In addition, parents with children under the age of six can make use of after-school centres, which are usually subsidised by the Familiy Allowance Fund. Effectiveness Laroque and Salanià © (2008) found a notable impact of financial incentives on fertility especially for the first and third child. Also, according to Letablier (2008), the main cause for France’s impressive fertility rate is likely due to the of support provided to parents to reduce the costs of children and in reconciling work and family life for mothers so that they can work and care for their children. The latter supports findings from a recent OECD report which found that the most effective policies to boost birth rates are the ones that help women to reconcile career and family. According to the report, government expenditure to provide childcare to help families improve work-life balance is more effective in raising fertility rates than giving money to families to subsidise births (Silverman, 2011). What Can We Learn? How Do They Suit Their Respective Economies (welfare/open economy?) France Financial incentives, though helpful in increasing fertility to a certain extent, are not as effective as helping women to reconcile work and family through the availability of childcare services and parental leave programs. Concessions on taxation, nonetheless, may be a useful tool in raising birth rates. To boost fertility, government policy should utilise a wide variety of instruments and measures to create a conducive environment for child-bearing. McDonald (2007) lends support to this by advocating for comprehensive policies over piecemeal policies, as the real importance of a single policy lies not in its econometric impact, but in how it adds to the way young people perceive their society’s support for those who have children. It is the symbolic meanings of the policies that count most. Norway Funding effective pro-natal policies may require substantial government spending, which may only be affordable to well-endowed and wealthy countries without the possibility of a deficit. Economic stability may also be a pre-condition for high and steady birth rates. Policies that advocate gender equality in parenting may be effective in raising birth rate. Granting more paternal leave to fathers can be helpful, as well as setting a minimum quota of leave to encourage fathers to spend more time caring for the child. Also, the availability of good quality and affordable child-care services can help boost fertility.