The Role Of Religion And Sociological Perspective - 923 Words

The Role of Religion in Sociological Perspective Religion is a system of beliefs that many of us may not understand in detail. However, the intention of this paper is to describe the role of religion in my personal life, and to briefly explain the functionalist perspective, the symbolic interactionism perspective, types of religious groups, and religion in the United States with the sole purpose to understand religion concepts in a sociological perspective and my personal point of view. The role of religion in my life does not exist, as I am not a religious person. I believe that it is not necessary to follow a particular religion/denomination to practice morality and ethics during our life on earth. I do apply, however (with my own interpretations) the wisdom of the Bible to my life, especially the Ten Commandments. I do believe in one God and I do believe that human’s purpose in life is to take care of God’s creation, to follow God’s words, and to love and acce pt others no matter what background, religion, status, race, or culture. I find the world and everything in it to work to perfection for me to believe that we were created by mere coincidence and evolution (concepts that Atheist’s faith may be based on). Therefore, if I have to relate my worldview to a certain denomination, I would accept that my views are closely related to Theism, which is the belief in the existence of one perfect, divine being. In order to understand the conceptsShow MoreRelatedLiving As Woman And A Muslim Essay1235 Words   |  5 PagesMuslim in America The term sociological imagination was a concept constructed by the American Sociologist C. Wright Mills in 1959 to describe the ability to understand how our lives are affected by the historical and sociological changes around us. 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Berger sociological perspective is described as the link between societal events andRead MoreThe Sociological Perspective Or Imagination, Cite Its Components, And Explain How They Were Defined By C.974 Words   |  4 Pages1- Define the sociological perspective or imagination, cite its components, and explain how they were defined by C. Wright Mills. The sociological Taboo (or imagination) is defined as a way of thinking that help us use external information and experience to form theories about the social pattern around us. We collect data and from that information, we make judgments and predictions. These require going beyond one’s point of view. People s life and experiences are different. Therefore, it is importantRead MoreSociological Approach to the Study of Religion689 Words   |  3 PagesThe Sociological Approach to the Study of Religion Various methods are utilized in the study of religion and they are employed for a multitude of reasons. The method chosen to study religions is determined by the information being sought. Included among these approaches are social scientific approaches such as the anthropology of religion and the psychology of religion, and normative approaches such as the theology of religion and the philosophy of religion. There is also the sociological approachRead MoreEssay on what is the sociological perspective (imagination)691 Words   |  3 PagesQuestion 1: What is the sociological perspective? nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;What is the nature of the social sciences? This is the question that began the study of society, first performed by C. Wright Mills in his development of the idea of the sociological imagination. There are many different aspects to the sociological perspective. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines perspective as â€Å"the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance†Read MoreSociological Perspectives Of Functionalism, Conflict Theory And Symbolic Interactions882 Words   |  4 Pagesthree main sociological perspectives of functionalism, conflict theory and symbolic interactions. In looking at how religion functions in social structures, social systems, and small group interpersonal interactions a sociologist could formulate a better understanding of religion s role in society and the human experience. The sociologist looks at the individual, and how that individual connects to a specific societal location or setting and spec ifically at religion a sociological study couldRead MoreA Sociological Study Of Religion1159 Words   |  5 PagesReligion is one of the most difficult topics in life, not to mention the oldest. People look for the ultimate truth to religion, which in my opinion leads to misguidance and a slant of science. I think this helps true believers find their way to a faith; it certainly helped me. Science does get carried away at times; however, it is good that people are questioning stories from the bible because then we can see how corrupt the world is. Why can t faith exist? Why does everything have to be blackRead More Sociological Imagination Essay582 Words   |  3 Pages To understand the term `Sociological Imagination, it is important to identify what Sociology is and what do sociologists study. It is also vital to look at the three basic concerns of the sociological imagination or perspective, which include Social Structure, Social Institutions and Social Processes. Moreover, it is necessary to understand what C. Wright Mills means when he mentions the personal troubles of milieu and the public issues of social structure, and how it helps us

Battle of Algiers Free Essays

The 1996 Gillo Pontecorvo-directed Battle of Algiers movie depicts the struggle between Algerians and French colonialists by recreating occurrences that happened in Algeria’s capital city between 1954 and 1962. Ali La Pointe, a politically-radicalized former prisoner, narrates the film’s story. After serving his prison term, Pointe was engaged by the National Liberation Front (FLN) via El-hadi Jafar – a military commander. We will write a custom essay sample on Battle of Algiers or any similar topic only for you Order Now Due to increased violence, French army paratroopers are introduced to pursue FLN elements. The paratroop leader – Colonel Mathieu, is the movie’s major French character. Petit Omar, Larbi Ben M’hidi, Hassiba, Djamila, and Zohra are other French characters. The FLN-commanded Casbah executes local Algerian offenders plus other traitors and applies violence to trouble civilian French citizens. In turn, the French take up public lynching and arbitrary, racist aggression against local Algerians. Through the movie, Pontecorvo demonstrates that war really disadvantages civilians based on the strategies the two contending sides employ to subdue each other. For example, both the French and the FNL direct their war-oriented frustrations at the hapless locals. On its part, the FLN use the Casbah militant organization to summarily execute alleged traitors, Algerian offenders and to torment French civilians. In return, the French mete out violence on native Algerians by indiscriminately murdering, torturing, and intimidating locals (Chansel 199). Through such events, Pontecorvo shows that war is a very costly phenomenon that harms both non-combatants and combatants. In addition, the Battle of Algiers critiques the domineering stance that western developed countries usually adopt when dealing with their undeveloped counterparts. French paratroopers come in when locals express hostility towards the European settlers. France’s decision to send in paratroopers to help quell the anti-European sentiments in Algeria demonstrates this western self-ascribed supremacy. Other than seek dialogue, the French seek to exterminate the Algerian citizens in their own land. This situation demonstrates utter contempt by the Whites towards the locals (Chansel 199). Works Cited Chansel, Dominique. Europe On-screen: Cinema and the Teaching of History, Volume 2. Strasbourg, France: Council of Europe, 2001. How to cite Battle of Algiers, Papers

Organizational enablers for the governance - Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss about the Organizational enablers for the governance. Answer: Introduction In the recent scenario, it is evaluated that digital strategies and information system has attained growth in the market. There are many companies that focus on the strategies so that the operations can be performed properly. The strategies that are concerned with information system consider various policies that give direct impact on the organizational environment and also provide proper information to every department of the organization. The information system consists of various software and hardware networks that can be taken into consideration to gather, create and distribute the method of data. The company can easily conduct a proper information system so that the competitive advantage can be achieved. It also minimizes the expenses and increases the overall efficiency of the work. The internal and external environment also plays a great role to align the strategies related to the information system. This report focuses on analyzing the structure, services, and products of the Woolworth's. The report will analyze information system strategy and also the issues that are faced by the company at the time of implementing the information system strategy. The report will also take into consideration the strategies that will assist the company to align the organization structure with information system strategy. Woolworth's Structure, Products, and Services Woolworth's has been one of the largest companies in Australia. The company was established in 1924 and the activities are operated in different locations like Australia and New Zealand. The head office of Woolworth's is in Bella Vista, New South Wales, Australia. The stores of the company are located in many areas and there are more than 990 stores located in Australia, New Zealand, and Australia. By giving emphasis to the revenue it is analyzed that it is the second largest firm in Australia. The organization is a largest retailing chain in terms of revenue. The organization has more than 205,000 workers conducting the operations of the company and they give high-quality products to the customers at affordable prices. By analyzing the data it is evaluated that the organization suffered a loss in the overall profits. The competitors of the company are Wesfarmers, ALDI, and Coles. The organization started giving emphasis on implementing the strategic policies so that the competitive advantage can be achieved. Woolworth's has more than 29 million consumers in every week. The organization has a good image in the Australian market due to the good quality and high satisfaction level of the consumers (Willcocks, 2013). Operations and Functionality Woolworth's started offering its services by taking into consideration online sources. Now a day Consumers purchases products and services from online website of the company. The shopping facility that is available is for a specific location and the company gives focuses on express delivery so that consumer can get the products on time. Woolworth's also suffered a huge loss in 2016 and recovered the loss by giving emphasis on redesigning the internal infrastructure and increases the information system reliability. The company started giving focus on technologies so that the overall efficiency of the operations can be taken into consideration. Woolworth's considers cloud computing technology so that the overall effectiveness can be enhanced by the operations conducted in the organization. By using external cloud services the organization saves the expenses, it gives direct impact on the overall profit of the company (Valacich, George, and Hoffer, 2015). (Ann Sykes, 2015). Big data technology provides proper information to the store managers so that the evaluation can be made of the data that cannot be accessed and it helps to create future strategies in a proper manner. The technology is effective in the agile technology as it assists the organization to give emphasis on its actions and also give reliable products for limited time duration. One of the essential benefits of IT infrastructure is real-time connectivity in various outlets that assist to enhance the speed and efficiency of the decision-making process. Woolworth's gives emphasis on real-time connectivity in its supply chain so that the overall performance can be evaluated and to provide accurate information to increase the current activities. The organization also created BYOD program that helps the employees to take into consideration Google application engine. It assists them to analyze the log support request from I pad devices given to the organization (Galliers and Leidner, 2014). Information system strategy essential to the organization The information system strategy focuses on strategizing that is concerned with active procedure. The process of strategizing focuses on collecting the data through the informal system. The information system strategy gives focus on collaboration of the organization strategy. It assists to achieve the competitive advantage so that the operations can be completed with efficiency. If there is proper infrastructure in the organization, the company can easily conduct the operations of the business (Levy, 2014). Woolworths also increases the efficiency by taking into consideration proper infrastructure so that management of supply chain can be increased and the positive outcome can be attained in an effective manner. There are various organizations that focus on implementing the digital strategies into the strategies of marketing. Various organizations achieve competitive advantage by taking into consideration proper information system strategy into their companies' model like Goggle and Apple (Laudon and Laudon, 2016). Amazon considers technology related to information system so that proper maintenance of products and services can be done. It is one of the largest e-commerce websites and the information system strategy is taken into consideration so that the overall response of the market can also be increased. The queries of the customers are also resolved by taking into consideration proper information. The organization gives emphasis on creating a market response and also on product development (Dhiraj, 2017). The information system assists in increasing the knowledge and learning of the management so that proper opportunities can be grabbed. The organization can easily adapt current marketing strategies so that the routine activities of the company can be conducted. Information system technology assists the modern companies in creating competitive strategies that increase the efficiency of the operations that are conducted by the employees. Woolworths can consider information system into the organization model as it assists to evaluate the necessity in the market. The organization also gives focus on proper utilization of the information system so that niche market can achieve growth in a proper manner (Coyne, 2017). Woolworths take into consideration effective information system strategies. If proper strategies are considered by the companies then it directly gives impact on the activities conducted by the employees. It also gives impact on the enhancement of the market share and customer base. Information system assists the companies to establish innovative strategies so that success can be achieved. The companies also consider proper innovation so that customers can be attracted and also the efficiency of the work can be maintained (Chapman and Kihn, 2009). Goggle also gives emphasis on information system strategy so that proper efficiency can be achieved and also to achieve an overall competitive advantage in an effective way. Various organizations consider the process of group discussion so that interaction can be increased. Discussion in group assists the stakeholders to consider the interest in the policies and also to create policies that cover the necessity. It is important that information system make strategies that help to motivate the employees of the companies so that efficiency of the workers can be increased. The marketing strategies can also be considered by the organization so that operations can be conducted smoothly. It is important to adopt effective strategies so that the operations of the organization can be completed in an effective manner (Barrett, Davidson, Prabhu and Vargo, 2015). Issues in developing information system strategy Woolworths faces various difficulties when the strategy related to information system is implemented in the business structure. The managers evaluate the needs and challenges in an information system. The information system plan gives focus on considering all the requirements of the organization so that the information can be shared with other to enhance cooperation. When the plans are developed, the manager should provide proper approval so that operations of the company can be conducted (Pearlson, Saunders and Galletta, 2016). When the business strategies are aligned, there are many problems faced by the organization like internal communication problems. Human capital is also one of the problems faced by the organization. It is essential to consider proper employees so that latest technology can be operated properly. The major problem faced by many organizations' is related to appointing the right candidates for right positions. The IT professional tries to analyze the demands properly. The technical challenges are also faced by the companies at the time of implementing information system strategy. The organization also faces problems related to Telecommunication, as it is analyzed that communication is not properly conducted between the employees and the top management. It is essential for every organization to have proper communication channels so that proper communication can be done (Mithas and Rust, 2016). Failures and recommendations concerned with information system The information system is considered by every organization in the present scenario. When IS infrastructure is used it is seen that the operators feel bad and the negative outcome is attained. The resistance of the also gives impact on the overall acceptability of the system. Efficiency can also be enhanced so that positive outcome can be achieved by the employees of the organization (Mller, Pemsel and Shao, 2014). Woolworths also gives focus on SAP technology into the systems so that proper platforms can be replaced. The competitors of the organization also targeted so that SAP technology can be sued and can achieve the competitive advantage. At the time of implementing IT in the delivery system of the organization can give result in becoming one of the failures. The online services also attained negative impact and given impact on the operations of the company. The Implementation of self-serve checkout also failed as the consumer does not have the reliability (Stair and Reynolds, 2013). Woolworths also gives emphasis on the strategies so that it can be aligned in a proper way with the information system strategy. Conclusion By evaluating the report it is concluded that information system strategy plays an essential role to achieve the competitive advantage by proper management of the operations of the organization. Woolworths gives focus on IS strategies so that overall performance level and also a competitive advantage can be enhanced over its competitors. The organization faces various issues when the implementation of IS strategy takes place. The organization should also consider the challenges by proper implementation of the strategies policies concerned with the increase in the involvement of the consumers. The company should also try to maintain proper competitive advantage so that the competition level can be minimized. The organization should consider the information system strategy so that performance level can be maintained. If strategies are considered by the organization then it can be easy to attain overall objectives and goals of the organization. If the company is not able to attain goals then it can be difficult to survive in the market. So, proper strategies should be considered in a proper manner. References Ann Sykes, T., 2015. Support structures and their impacts on employee outcomes: A longitudinal field study of an enterprise system implementation.MIS quarterly,39(2). Barrett, M., Davidson, E., Prabhu, J. and Vargo, S.L., 2015. Service innovation in the digital age: key contributions and future directions.MIS quarterly,39(1), pp.135-154. Chapman, C.S. and Kihn, L.A., 2009. Information system integration, enabling control and performance.Accounting, organizations and society,34(2), pp.151-169. Coyne, A., 2017. Woolworths shifts infrastructure to Azure. [Online] Itnews. Available at: https://www.itnews.com.au/news/woolworths-shifts-infrastructure-to-azure-451111 [Accessed on 28/12/2017] Dhiraj, A. B., 2017. Giants Of Retail: The Worlds 25 Largest Retailers By Revenue, 2017. [Online] Ceoworld. Available at: https://ceoworld.biz/2017/01/24/giants-retail-worlds-25-largest-retailers-revenue-2017/ [Accessed on 28/12/2017] Galliers, R.D. and Leidner, D.E. eds., 2014.Strategic information management: challenges and strategies in managing information systems. Routledge Laudon, K.C. and Laudon, J.P., 2016.Management information system. Pearson Education India. Levy, H.M., 2014.Capability-based computer systems. Digital Press. Mithas, S. and Rust, R.T., 2016. How Information Technology Strategy and Investments Influence Firm Performance: Conjecture and Empirical Evidence.MIS Quarterly,40(1), pp.223-245. Mller, R., Pemsel, S. and Shao, J., 2014. Organizational enablers for governance and governmentality of projects: A literature review.International Journal of Project Management,32(8), pp.1309-1320. Pearlson, K.E., Saunders, C.S. and Galletta, D.F., 2016.Managing and Using Information Systems, Binder Ready Version: A Strategic Approach. John Wiley Sons. Pearlson, K.E., Saunders, C.S. and Galletta, D.F., 2016.Managing and Using Information Systems, Binder Ready Version: A Strategic Approach. John Wiley Sons. Peppard, J. and Ward, J., 2016.The strategic management of information systems: Building a digital strategy. John Wiley Sons. Rainer, R.K., Prince, B. and Watson, H.J., 2014.Management Information Systems. Wiley Publishing. Rautaray, S.S. and Agrawal, A., 2015. Vision based hand gesture recognition for human computer interaction: a survey.Artificial Intelligence Review,43(1), pp.1-54. Stair, R. and Reynolds, G., 2013.Principles of information systems. Cengage Learning. Valacich, J.S., George, J.F. and Hoffer, J.A., 2015.Essentials of systems analysis and design. Pearson Education. Willcocks, L., 2013.Information management: the evaluation of information systems investments. Springer

Kelly V. Movie Theater free essay sample

Negligence Negligence requires a showing that a duty was owed, that the duty was breached, and that the breach was the actual and proximate cause of damages. Special Duty – Land Occupier Invitee A special duty arises in circumstances involving a land occupier. An invitee is one who enters the land with the owner’s permission for the purpose related to the activity. The landowner owes an invitee a duty of care to inspect and discover any dangerous condition and to make the premises safe. Kelly went to the Movie Theater to see a movie. Hence, Kelly is a social guest entering with Movie Theater’s permission and thus an invitee. Because Kelly was an invitee, The Movie Theater owed a duty to Kelly to inspect the premises, discover, and remove any known dangers. Breach The Movie Theater knew that restroom sink pipe was broken and did not warn Kelly, or any other patron, of the leaky sink pipe in the restroom. We will write a custom essay sample on Kelly V. Movie Theater or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Theater did not warn of water in front of the restroom sinks. Their failure to warn Kelly of the dangerous condition was a breach of their duty of due care. However, the Movie Theater will argue that they did call for a plumber to fix the pipe and the plumber could not come until the following day. Further, they sent an employee into the restroom to mop up the water every 15 minutes. However, Movie Theater should have placed some type of warning of the water. Therefore, Movie Theater breached their duty of due care owed to Kelly. Actual Causation â€Å"But for† the failure to warn of the water in front of the restroom sink in the girls restroom Kelly would not have slipped on a puddle of water and suffer a painful shoulder injury. Thus, the Movie Theater is the actual cause of Kelly’s injuries Proximate Causation It is foreseeable if you fail to warn of a puddle of water on the floor, that one could slip and become injured. Therefore, Movie Theater is the proximate cause of Kellys injures. General Damages General damages are those damages that flow from the tort. Plaintiff must have sustained actual damages to person or property to recover for negligence. Kelly suffered a painful shoulder. She should recover general damages for her pain and suffering. Therefore, general damages are recoverable. Special Damages Plaintiff may recover for any medical damages or lost of income if specifically plead. Kelly should be able to recover damages for out-of-pocket expenses related to the hospitalization and other related medical care for her shoulder. Therefore, special damages if plead and proven are recoverable. B. Cindy and Sandy v. Movie Theater Negligence Duty Trespasser A trespasser is one who comes upon the land without the permission of the owner. The general rule is that there is no duty owed to a trespasser. Cindy and Sandy broke into the Movie Theater after it had closed for the night. Thus, they came upon the land without the permission of the Movie Theater. Movie Theater will argue since Cindy and Sandy were trespassers there is no duty owed. Therefore, there is no duty of care owed to Cindy or Sandy. General Duty – Rowland v. Christian However, pursuant to Rowland v. Christian, a minority rule, Movie Theater owes a duty to act as a reasonable person under the same or similar circumstances. Thus, Movie Theater had a duty of due care to make sure that anyone coming onto the premises did so without harm. Therefore, Movie Theater owes a duty of due care to Cindy and Sandy. Breach Since Movie Theater’s employee left the vacuum plugged in and because there were no lights in the Theater, Cindy tripped over a cord that was left plugged in across the aisles and fell head first into a row of seats. Further, Sandy ran to the restroom to get some paper towels for Cindy’s face that was bleeding and slipped on the wet floor because it was dark in the Theater and she did not see the wet sign posted in the restroom. Movie Theater did not act as a reasonable prudent person would have under the same or similar circumstances. Their failure to warn Cindy of the cord across the movie aisle, and the failure to make sure persons using the restroom would be able to see the sign created a dangerous condition which was a breach of their duty of due care. Therefore, Movie Theater breached their duty of due care. Actual Causation â€Å"But for† Movie Theater’s failure to properly warn of the cord running across the aisle and the failure to properly warn of the wet restroom floor, Cindy and Sandy would not have been injured. Thus, Movie Theater was the actual cause of Cindy’s and Sandy’s injuries. Proximate Causation Cindy and Sandy will argue that there injuries from their falls was a foreseeable result from falling over a cord that was across the aisle and a wet floor in the restroom. Movie Theater will argue that the independent contractor who was cleaning the Theater left the plugged cord from the vacuum across the aisle and he was an intervening act. However, the independent contractor may be an indirect act, but foreseeable and thus will not sever causation to relieve defendant of liability of the intervening negligence. As discussed Movie Theater failed to properly warn Cindy of the cord and Sandy of the wet floor, and therefore it is foreseeable one could be injured by water on the floor. Therefore, Movie Theater is the proximate cause of all of Cindy’s and Sandy’s injuries. Damages Defined supra. Cindy and Sandy suffered injury. They will recover general damages for their pain and suffering. C. Ed v Movie Theater Negligence Defined supra. Negligence Per Se – Violation of Statute Negligence per se by violation of statute is where there is a clear intent to legislate in order to protect a class of persons to be protected from the type of injury suffered. To establish negligence per se, you need to look to the intent of the legislature in creating the statute, you must be a member of the class the statute is designed to protect and the injury must be the type the legislature is trying to prevent. Under majority jurisdictions, violation of the statute means the defendant is negligent as a matter of law establishing both a duty and a breach. Under some minority jurisdictions, violation of the statute creates a rebuttable presumption of negligence, while in other minority jurisdictions it is only evidence of negligence. Movie Theater is required to illuminate the auditorium aisle with one candle unit of light per linear foot. The intent of the legislature is to protect persons from being injured in the Theater who need to leave safely in case of an emergency when they leave the Theater. Further, the legislature intended to protect Patrons of the Theater. As such, Ed was a patron of the Theater and is a member of the class that the statute was designed to protect. Although the movie Theater has illuminated auditorium aisles a patron spilled is super giant coke on the floor shorting out the floor lights for the entire auditorium. The movie Theater sells drinks to patron and a spill caused the entire lighting for the aisle to go out. The fact Theater has no lighting shows they violated the statutory requirement of one candle unit of light per linear foot. Since Ed was a patron in the Theater at the time he was injured, the intent of the legislature was to protect him from falling from unseen object on the floor or tripping do to no lighting. Therefore, Movie Theater’s violation of the statutory lightening requirement is negligence per se. Common Law Negligence Duty Defendant has a duty to act as a reasonable prudent person under the same or similar circumstances. Movie Theater owes their patrons a duty to illuminate the aisles in order for patrons to see where they are going. A reasonable prudent person would take steps reasonably necessary to assure that if a spillage does occur that the entire lighting of the aisles does not short out. Thus, a reasonable movie Theater would have lighting throughout the auditorium. Therefore, Movie Theater owes a duty of care to Ed. Breach A breach is a failure to act as a reasonable prudent person under the same or similar circumstances. Patron purchased a drink at the Theater and spilled super coke shorting out all the floor lights for the entire auditorium. A reasonable Theater would either have a backup system for lighting, or when a spillage occurs the lights where the spilled occurred would only be effected versus the entire floor. Thus, Movie Theater’s conduct by failing to have any lights on the entire floor fell below the reasonable person standard of care. Therefore, Movie Theater breached their duty owed to Ed. Actual Cause â€Å"But for† the lights shorting out Ed would not have slipped on the puddle of coke spilled on the floor and suffer from a broken ankle. Thus, Movie Theater was the actual cause of Ed’s damages. Proximate Cause It is foreseeable that if all the floor lighting goes out that a patron could slip on food or drinks that have been spilled by another patron and be injured. Therefore, Movie Theater was the proximate cause of Ed’s damages. Damages Plaintiff must also have sustained actual damages to person or property to recover for negligence. Due to the puddle of coke left on the floor and no floor lights to enable a patron to see the spilled coke Ed would not have suffered a broken ankle. Therefore, Ed will recover damages for his injury to his ankle. Mrs. Witkins v Movie Theater Negligence Defined supra Special Duty – Land Occupier Invitee Defined supra. Mrs. Witkins went to the Movie Theater to see a movie. Hence, Mrs. Witkins is a social guest entering with Movie Theater’s permission and thus an invitee. Because Mrs. Witkins was an invitee, The Movie Theater owed a duty to Mrs. Witkins to inspect the premises, discover, and remove any known dangers. Breach The Movie Theater knew that there could be a potential spillage of drink or food since they did sell them to the patrons who came to their movie Theater. Theater did not warn of the floor lightening being out or of the puddle of coke on the floor. Their failure to warn Mrs. Witkins of the dangerous condition was a breach of their duty of due care. Therefore, Movie Theater breached their duty of due care owed to Mrs. Witkins. Actual Causation – Successive Tortfeasor But for† the successive negligent act of the Patron spilling the coke and leaving it on the floor causing all of the floor lighting to go out and Movie Theater’s act of not having additional lighting or monitoring for spills, Mrs. Witkins would not have sustained an allergic reaction. Thus, Movie Theater is the actual cause of Mrs. Witkins’ injuries. Proximate Causation It is foreseeable if you fail to warn of a puddl e on the floor, or no lights illuminating the floor that one could slip and become injured. Movie Theater will contend that it was not foreseeable that the Dr. Pepper and popcorn would cause anything beyond a mere mess. Mrs. Witkins is suffering from an allergic reaction which was not foreseeable. However, under the thin-skull Plaintiff doctrine, one takes the Plaintiff as one finds her. Thus, Mrs. Witkins’ reaction to the Dr. Pepper and popcorn would be foreseeable. Therefore, Movie Theater is the proximate cause of Mrs. Witkins’ injures. General Damages Defined supra. Mrs. Witkins suffered an allergic reaction to the spill. She should recover general damages for her pain and suffering from her allergy.

Academy of Art University Admissions-Acceptance Rate...

Academy of Art University Admissions-Acceptance Rate... Academy of Art University Admissions Overview: The Academy of Art University accepts students by open admissions. According to the schools website, applicants are required to submit an official copy of a high school transcript, verification of a high school diploma (or GED), an application fee, and the completed application form. While art portfolios are not required, they are strongly encouraged. Students can also apply for the schools online program which allows greater flexibility for students who do not live in the San Francisco area. Will You Get In? Calculate Your Chances of Getting In  with this free tool from Cappex Admissions Data (2016): Academy of Art University Acceptance Rate:  open admissionsTest Scores 25th / 75th PercentileSAT Critical Reading: - / -SAT Math: - / -SAT Writing: - / -Whats a good SAT score?ACT Composite: - / -ACT English: - / -ACT Math: - / -Whats a good ACT score? Academy of Art University Description: The Academy of Art University is a four-year, private, for-profit university located in San Francisco, California. Academics at the Academy are supported by a   to 15 to 1 student / faculty ratio. The school offers a long list of art and design-related programs, including majors like Jewelry and Metal Arts, Game Design, and Multimedia Communication. The Academy of Art University also has plenty of online classes available, and some which offer an Online Award of Completion. To keep students engaged outside the studio and classroom, the Academy of Art has a host of student clubs and organizations, including the Tea Time Animation Club, the Competitive Gaming Club, and the Sequential Imagery Consortium. For intercollegiate athletics, the Academy of Art competes in the NCAA Division II Pacific West Conference (PacWest) with sports like men’s and women’s soccer, track and field, and golf. Enrollment (2016): Total Enrollment: 12,608  (8,303 undergraduates)Gender Breakdown: 43  percent male / 57 percent female58  percent full-time Costs (2016 - 17): Tuition and Fees: $21,252Books: $1,790  (why so much?)Room and Board: $14,912Other Expenses: $3,280Total Cost: $41,234 Academy of Art University Financial Aid (2015- 16): Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 53 percentPercentage of New Students Receiving Types of AidGrants: 34 percentLoans: 44 percentAverage Amount of AidGrants: $8,417Loans: $7,346 Academic Programs: Most Popular Majors:  Animation and Visual Effects, Fashion, Illustration, Interior Architecture and Design, Motion Pictures and TelevisionWhat major is right for you?  Sign up to take the free My Careers and Majors Quiz at Cappex. Graduation and Retention Rates: First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 76 percentTransfer-out Rate: 18 percent4-Year Graduation Rate: 5 percent6-Year Graduation Rate: 34 percent Intercollegiate Athletic Programs: Mens Sports:  Soccer, Basketball, Golf, Baseball, Track and FieldWomens Sports:  Tennis, Basketball, Softball, Soccer, Volleyball, Track and Field Data Source: National Center for Educational Statistics If You Like Academy of Art University, You May Also Like These Schools: Applicants interested in attending a top art school may also be interested in  The New School, Bard College,  Massachusetts College of Art and Design, or Maryland Institute College of Art. All of these schools focus on visual and performing  arts, and are fairly accessible, with acceptance rates around 60%. For applicants that are looking for a larger school (with 10,000 or more students) in California, UC Berkeley, the University of San Francisco, UCLA, and San Diego State University are all great choices.

Appraisal Theory The Effects On Skin Psychology Essay

Appraisal Theory The Effects On Skin Psychology Essay This report aims to replicate a classic finding in biopsychology research which proposed, that increases in task difficulty lead to increases in arousal. As well as to present any individual differences that angle off from this, that possibly could be accounted by the appraisal theory. One hundred and two individuals took part in a task called Speedy Pizzas where they had to deliver successfully a vast quantity of pizzas as the level of difficulty increased. The individuals were represented with a total of 5 levels of difficulty, beginning from level 1 (10 pizzas per minute) to level 5 (50 pizzas per minute). This experiment used a repeated measures design where each individual participated at both levels of task difficulty. The outcome showed that there was a significant increase in GSR as task engagement got more challenging. Although, that the overall GSR test showed increase, individual differences might suggest otherwise. Introduction To begin with, this paper will first examin e some relevant background on the former literature on a classic biopsychology discoveries based on task performance and its association with increase in skin conductance in an attempt to replicate its findings. Afterwards, it will address some individual variations that might have a crucial role in that correlation. A number of researchers over the years have shown that task attainment of individuals is closely knit together with increase in skin conductance. For instance, Kahneman, Trusky et al. (1969 cited in Pecchinenda and Smith 1996) experiment, showed the relationship between skin resistance levels and mental arithmetic task at three layers of difficulty and encountered that skin resistance decreased as difficulty of each level increased. Nonetheless, this connection between them is often distinct, there are cases that the individuals disengage from the task by resigning which is shown in the form of decreasing responses in the GSR levels whilst the task engagement becomes pa rticularly difficult. This occurrence can be placed under the theory of the appraisal model proposed by Smith and Lazarus (1993 cited in Pecchinenda and Smith 1996) that suggested that the amount of each individual’s focusing resources is established by their appraisal of task-solving coping potential. The above theory has been adapted in various studies, one of them was measuring accomplishment in a demanding mental task. (Pecchinenda and Smith 1996) Pecchinenda and Smith’s study wanted to demonstrate the direct association between a cognitive task engagement and the appraisal of each individuals coping potential. Thus, subjects were presented by series of anagrams, that they were called to solve, in various circumstances whilst their GSR was continuously observed. The level of difficulty diverse between each anagram by either having an easy, moderately difficult and extremely difficult anagram as well as the amount of time available that participants had to solve it changed between 30 sec and 120 sec. Results showed that participants coping potential varied between them, since the perception that each subject experienced the situation was different. Paradigm, when an individual appraised their task-solving ability with having a high coping potential approached the task with the attempt to achieve their goal and successfully complete the task. On the contrary, people who appraised the situation as overwhelming and the â€Å"task as virtually impossible† (Pecchinenda and Smith, page 486) had low coping potential and therefore disengaged from the task. Hence, apposite to the skin conductance activity there was a general increase in the GSR levels when the task-solving trials were aligned with the participants’ engagement in the trials. However, this increase dropped dramatically when the anagrams level of difficulty was extremely demanding as a result of the paltry levels of task engagement. An interesting feature about this study th at shouldn’t be obscured was that the correlation between skin conductance activity and task engagement is not absolute. There are other aspects that might intrude and mislead this association. As in that the correlation between GSR and other components such as stress, perception of the circumstance, negative feelings etc resulted as having an impact on the GSR, Nikula (1991 cited in Pecchinenda and Smith 1996). Another related experiment was conducted by Bohlin (1976). Bohlin’s study manipulated the levels of arousal by having participants to response after a number of trials whilst they were in physiological habituation state. She divided the subjects into three groups, the first group were told to relax when listening to a tone, the second one were given arithmetic tasks to solve and the third one a threat of shock was added to the task performance. Results showed that the Shock-threat group had the highest mean in conductance level and the Relax group had the lowes t mean in GSR. Thus, this produces some evidence showing how  increases in task difficulty result in various increases in physiological arousal.

SAMPLING Speech or Presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

SAMPLING - Speech or Presentation Example Simple random sample? Explain. This sampling plan results in a random sample, but not a simple random sample. The sample collected is a random sample because every school has the same chance of being selected. The sample is not a simple random sample because no teacher will be selected from schools that were not included in the ten schools selected. In other words, some schools have 100% representation in the sample while some schools have no representation at all. 4. A polling company obtains an alphabetical list of names of voters in a precinct. They select every 20th person from the list until a sample of 100 is obtained. They then call these 100 people. Does this sampling plan result in a random sample? Simple random sample? Explain. This sampling plan results in a random sample, but not a simple random sample. This is a case of systematic random sampling. This is a random sample because each person on the list has an equal chance of being selected. This is not a simple random sample because once the first person is selected, the rest of the selections are already determined. 5. The personnel manager at a company wants to investigate job satisfaction among the female employees. One evening after a meeting she talks to all 30 female employees who attended the meeting. Does this sampling plan result in a random sample? Simple random sample? Explain. No, this sampling plan does not result in a random sample and therefore not a simple random sample. This is a case of convenience sampling, as the personal manager only talks to all 30 female employees who attended the meeting that is whoever happens to be

Government's help to troubled homeowners Research Paper

Government's help to troubled homeowners - Research Paper Example The other criteria that needs to be met is in terms of the fact that the displaced person would have lost public assistance if she has dependent children or income from other member of family The argument in favor of the Act is that it is timely help for unemployed or underemployed women whose chances of gaining employment are slim. Besides, it could also be used in lieu of other income assistance that would not be forthcoming. The counterarguments against this Act are that this would first and foremost act as a disincentive to work and people will tend to depend on such assistance instead of working to earn their bread. Besides, this act has been mainly for women and not for men who may also be underemployed or seeking productive work. Therefore, the element of gender discrimination or bias is also quite evident in this Act. While definitely seeking to grant succor to troubled and struggling families, this Act was also intended to offer a new stimulus to women who could not gain any benefits under Social Security or was under the process of losing social security benefits.

Whale Rider Essay Example for Free

Whale Rider Essay The fate of the future of the people, you can not change it, you should accept it, you should be brave enough to face all the problems. Fate WITI Ihimaera novel Whale Rider is a very important topic. Kahus destiny is to become the first female chief of the Maori, the next Whale Rider. However, this fate is very difficult Kahu done alone. Firstly, Kahu get direct help to fulfill her destiny from the the Rehua, nannies flowers and Ravi Lane. Secondly, ironically, Kahu also indirectly help to fulfill her destiny of Koro and ancient cattle whale third , Kahu fulfill her destiny own fate is an important theme of this novel, is the fate of the Maori whale saved Kahu. The help of a lot of people directly Kahu to fulfill her destiny, such as the Rehua, nanny flowers and Ravi inside. First, Rehua Who wants to name the baby Kahu. Even if Rehua is weak childbirth, she is still hope. The Rehua To baby named Kahu, because she wanted children with her husbands tribe, and in honor of her husband. In addition, the fate of Kahu is very important, because the The Kahu ancestor the Kahutia special Rangi name Rehua hope Kahu nobody to tease her. Secondly, the nanny spend is a person who gave permission to the baby named Kahu. Therefore, the nanny spent out of ideas, defrauding Koro, she knew when she thinks Koro, he will go to the ocean ship, so she is only half of the oil in the ship, and Koro will stay in the middle of the ocean. This is very important Kahus fate, which is the name of the nanny spent to get her to support Rehua performance of Maori tribes. Third, Ravi go help nanny spent directly Kahu was born line. The Ravi was directly help the Kahu her bi rth line, this offer is very important kahu the birth of the line next to the the Kahutia special Rangi Kahu from large ancestors, Kahutia special Rangi. The Rehua, nanny flowers and Ravi inside directly fulfill Kahus destiny, they help Kahu is great, so that she can have a better life. Kahu, a lot of people to help her people, but she is also a person is ironic that those who help her. The Kahu been to help the Koro and, ancient cattle the whales through indirect help. First of all, When Koro pushs Kahu, Kahu is trying to make Koro and accept her.Kahu love her great grandfather Koro Moreover, she was always trying to do a good job, so that her great-grandfather is very proud of her. But she always just disappointed, because she knew she was a girl, can not become the next, which is why her great-grandfather does not accpet her, but she believed Koro accpet upcoming day. Secondly, Koro To test the child, who is the next president of the school, so Koro thrown stone carvings, middle-aged people to the ocean, but not brought back LITHOGLYPHS, Koro upsad, Finally, Kahu can find rock carvings in the ocean This Kahus fate is very important, because Kahu found LITHOGLYPHS, on behalf of her next, because no one can be found who are the next marine rock carvings The Kahus n ew lifel changes Koro not know it is Kahu with The back LITHOGLYPHS Koro traditional, he can not accpet next girl. Third, in the ancient bull whale back found to Wangji Glasgow gold master, but the Maori tribe when the whale is dead, they think their life will stop at that moment, when the ancient bull whale to reach the prosperous Glasgow, Maori people is SCARD their lives, they tried to get the whale back into the ocean, but the results whale whale no final Kahu talks, and riding a whale back into the ocean, but in fact, ancient bull whale that she is a gold master old mother she was not the golden egg, and then sent the Kahu back Wang Glasgow who is Whale Rider, let Koro to know the real situation is one of his great-grandson Whale Rider in the future of this offer. Koro and the ancient cattle whale Kahu told the ancient bull whale indirectly to fulfill her destiny, but also to ensure that Kahu is the future of Whale Rider. Kahu indirectly to help her know that she is the next Whale Rider, she completed her fate by her. Kahus destiny to fulfill its first female chief. First, Kahu interested in learning about Maori culture and language, this is the next should be aware of it. The Kahu efforts to understand the Maori culture, their own language, so she and Kahu hope that she can become the next Kahu spent a lot of time in learning all things Maori Koro proud. Second, a person who can negotiate the whale on behalf of his / her next, Kahu, she will speak of the whale, which is the the Kahu fate of the ability of future chief.This quotes is very important, because Kahu You can communicate with whales. This is the part of the chief, should have do.Third, Kahu meet her fate be the the next Whale Rider bite her great-grandfather is the important part: Whale Rider communication whale. First things should be a little Koro toes part become Whale Rider. To meet Kahu fate of almost help her become the first woman Whale Rider. Kahu help fulfill her destiny, she was a different person to complete her destiny. First, they allow direct Kahu great help in her life. Second the Koro and ancient bullfighting whale is ironic that, in order to ensure that Kahu is the future of Whale Rider. Third, Kahu help themselves to become the next Whale Rider. There are a lot of people with different ideas to fulfill Kahus destiny. Fate is very important Kahu fulfill her dream to become the next Whale Rider.

Essay --

Why would a married man pursue a woman in hopes of gaining more than a platonic relationship? Dmitri Gurov is a Russian womanizer that spent two weeks on a vacation resort in Yalta. During his stay, Dmitri always took interest in the new women that arrived in Yalta. He discovered a young lady with a dog walking along the sea-front. Whenever he saw her approaching the public garden, he would always make a presence to meet her there. There are definitely characteristics of his personality that caused Dmitri to venture beyond his marriage. Dmitri was married at a young age. Dmitri was not happy in his marriage. His wife considered herself very intelligent. However, Dmitri considered her unintelligent, non- attractive, and did not like to be home with her. He had been unfaithful to her for a long time. Due to the lost love Dmitri had for his wife, his view for all women took a negative stand. Whenever women were discussed in his presence, he spoke about them in a negative manner. He referred to them as â€Å"the lower race† (252). Dmitri did not like to affiliate with members of the same sex. In the presence of men, he was he was bored and uncommunicative. Although he spoke negatively about women, he felt comfortable in their presence and knew what to say to them. The way he conducted himself in public, as well as his personal appearance grabbed the women attention and lured them to him. However, something about women got his attention and drew him to them. Dmitri meets the lady with the dog while dining in the gardens. While waiting at a table to be served, the lady with the red beret took the table next to him. Dmitri assumed the lady was married by the way she walked; the way she dressed, the way she did her hair, and her expression. ... ... All awhile Anna had been deceived by the man she fell in love with, not knowing Dmitri true feelings for women. However, the two of them shared a common bond. Regardless of how Dmitri felt about other women, his compassion for Anna was something he never experienced with any other woman. To conclude, While on vacation at a resort in Yalta; two people of the opposite sex both married and unhappy, meet and establish a relationship beyond their imagination. When they departed the resort, their relationship never ended. However, it continued to grow. The two would occasionally visit each other to rekindle the relationship previously established. Throughout this man’s life, his view of women took a negative stand. For he had deceived himself by thinking he could never have the feelings of love for a woman. The women that he fell deeply in love with had proven him wrong.

Cure for Aids Case to How to Distribute

Mykon’s Dilemma When I discovered the cure for AIDS, I was so excited. I was finally going to make medical history and I was going to be known for saving so many lives. I never thought I would be sitting before this board about to make the hardest decision of my life. As you all know there are pressures from every angle for me to make a decision that is best for our company and for the whole world. I wish that I could say that this decision is easy, like every other medication decision we have made in the past.I am regretful that I will not be able to make everyone happy and that I feel I have been given the power to determine who will live and who will not. I have come to the decision that I will only release 85% percent of the available Sprattalin and will scale back the production so that in time we will be able to help more people. The focus of this medication, at this time, will be only on those patients who are asymptomatic HIV positive. These patients will see the most benefits and will be an asset to the society and economy.Since I became CEO, I have made it my mission to do what is best not only for our company, but for our consumers and the help in the world that we currently do not help. So many of us have different ideas and suggestions as to how we could and should distribute Sprattalin. I understand all the ideas and angles that have been presented here, but I feel that we need to keep in line with the mission of this company. I personally follow the theorist Immanuel Kant. Kant is the founder of Kantian Ethics, which believes that everyone should be bound by the same duties and rules.There are three principles associated with this theory; Universizability, respect for people, and categorical imperatives. The jest of it is that you have to be able to accept and comply with the same rules that you would put on everyone else. I wish that I could follow this theory in my business practice, but I simply cannot. I have to think about everyone in volved, including my shareholders and stakeholders of the company. In this particular situation I would follow John Rawls’ theory of Egalitarianism. This particular theory is about equality.He has three main principles under this theory; Veil of Ignorance, Equal Opportunity, and Difference Principle. It is the Difference Principle that I am applying to this situation. I cannot help everyone that I would like, but giving those that cannot afford the medication some, is better than giving them none. I have been presented with a global summary of the HIV/AIDS epidemic as of December 2007. The numbers that I have received do not indicate how many of the people living with the disease in 2007 have HIV or full blown AIDS.I will only distribute to the Asymptomatic HIV patients, because they have the greatest chance of living a normal life expectancy. This is the Utilitarian theory, but as I cannot help everyone that I would like, it is not the main theory that can be used to support my decision. I know that many will not agree with this, but will distribute Sprattalin in a manner that will try to take care of everyone. I will first increase the prices by $2. 00 for all over-the-counter medications that we sell. I will then raise the costs of our prescription medications by two percent.The extra proceeds that are generated by the slight price increase will in effect subsidize the costs of Sprattalin that will be given away to low-income and third world countries. I would like to first start selling Sprattalin in the United States and Europe. These two places can afford to purchase our medications and try to help recoup the amount spent on research and development. I will not allow all of the available medication to go to these countries. I know it costs us $20,000 to produce one dosage of the medication and we will sell it for $80,000 in those two countries.I know that this is a steep price, but if countries are willing to pay way more than that for Sprattalin, then I want us to be able to help more people. Two months after the release in the United States and in Europe, I will start to release it to lower income countries. Africa unfortunately will be the last. They have the highest infected population, but are the poorest region. I know that many countries have tried to help stop the spread of HIV/AIDS in that region and they seem to still spread it to more people than die every year. They need additional help to ease the number of people becoming infected.Once Africa begins to receive Sprattalin, some of it will have to be paid for, but most of theirs will come from the price increases of the other medications that we sell. This is so that we can maintain our mission of helping the most people, but maintaining our profits to ensure that our investors stay happy. The reason behind not providing Sprattalin to full blown AIDS patients is because, I can only help fewer of those people and those people have already been battling it for year s. I feel great sympathy for these people and wish that I could help, but I want to help as many people as possible.I know that if I was one of those patients who could have benefited from Sprattalin, I will be pushing to supply me the medication and save my life. I cannot hide behind John Rawls veil of ignorance, because I do not have AIDS or HIV and I cannot imagine what those people are going through. My choices came from several factors that are prevalent to the determination of distribution. First was the company profits, without the investors, I would not have been able to make the discovery, but to the investors, I only ask for patience as this company deals with the costs and losses that may occur.We will find a way to create this medication in the lab so that the costs can be reduced and so that we can produce more Sprattalin. Cultural environment is also prevalent in this decision, because Africa, which in not only the most infected and the poorest, but they are the least educated on the spread of the disease and the ways to prevent transmission of the disease. In 2007 1. 7 million people were infected and 1. 6 million people died from it. I believe that this area of the world needs more help than we, as a company, can provide.I know that discussing Africa in this manner may seem bias to some of you, but it is the cold hard facts, upon which I relied my decision. Mykon has responsibility to try to provide to everyone in the world the lifesaving medication, and though personally I really want to help those in the lower-income countries with the highest rates, I have to think about the longevity of the company, which employs a lot of people. It is here where I had to determine what corporate social responsibility our company will commit to.I know that Milton Freidman would say that I should only think about the company and the company’s profits, but at the same time I want to help everyone. It is for all of these reasons that I have chosen to pr ovide the medication to those patients whom are asymptomatic HIV and not to those who are full blown. Hopefully throughout the next few years, our company will be able to come up with a way to generate more of the medication. The 15% of the available medication that I am keeping for the company is to be used to help regenerate the fungi growth, so that in three years we still have the medication to pass around.

Rhetorical analysis “The Hardest of the Hardcore”

It is believed that the United States allocates approximately 316 billion dollars a year on these groups. Distant from securing companies, they also provide security for the police, and government officials. Most of them are ex-special forces, and veterans. Some are ex-cons. Some people refer to them as mercenaries, and some people call them builders. Others would describe the mission as training other soldiers. They are used all around the world, providing different services in support of the United States Military. What is their role? Student, Dylan Fujitani in his research policy argument, â€Å"The hardest of the hardcore† writes an article suggesting the removal of private contractors from the Middle East. It suggests that there is a common misconception that people are confused between the difference of civilian contractors, mercenaries, people in the military, and that civilian contractors should not adopt a military role. He adopts a serious tone in order to clutch the attention of his audience. There are a lot of misconceptions to what some may believe the key objectives of the support staff/private contractors/ mercenaries are in the Middle East, and Congress must swiftly act to level the playing field between US military personnel and private security contractors. Most of the writer’s points in the essay seem relevant, and consistent with my past experiences in dealing with private contractors. I agree that there is a common misconception about the role of the private contractor/mercenary. Historically, the mercenary is a soldier for hire, however, the private contractor also has different dignitary support roles. Fujitani successfully uses pathos in his essay to persuade his audience particularly when he suggests that the use of mercenaries circumvents public, and congressional scrutiny of some aspects of war (Fujitani 374). The writer’s purpose here is trying to persuade people, by giving an emotional appeal that civilian contractors (who have questionable prior backgrounds) are armed, are given essentially given legal immunity. Another example of Fujitani using pathos is when he said that placing more contractors in the theater of war is a good way to keep US troops numbers down, but politically it’s more expensive. Here he is suggesting that the United States is trying to mask the severity of war. Even though he provided examples from both sides of the case, he’s extremely ineffective in this area because it seems he was not concerned with presenting the counterargument fair-mindedly. Although the writer uses pathos in this particular section part of his essay, most of this paper is logos heavy. These styles of comparison help the writer convey to his audience a sense of importance by using the language that is quite familiar to the military. He indeed uses language that was easy for military, and nonmilitary personnel to understand. The writer seems very prejudiced, however, uses citations to support his opinion. I agree with the writer on the information that was presented, and how he was able to break down the concepts. I understand what he proposes when he references the role of civilian mercenaries. The writer was able to convince readers that his opinion was truly legit using ethos by referencing several published articles from credible sources. The reference New York Times article also gives good examples to support his reasoning. In contrast to what the writer believes, I believe that there is a position that supports the private contracting business overseas. The writer clearly overlooks some important points that should be noted on the contrary. In my experience, I believe civilian contractors provide essential support services to the United States military. It is imperative that the military should not waste valuable resources, and manpower on support positions. To the contrary of what most people think, war is not always shooting at people, capturing prisoners, and kicking down doors 24 hours a day. A lot of essential jobs are in support. The use of private contractors help with convoys, logistics, and food services help free up essential manpower for the military to concentrate on high mission profile assignments. In conclusion, the writer’s essay was ineffective because I believe that his essay appeals to one type of audience. The writer seems to not have any knowledge of how wartime operations are drawn out and conducted. Although not perfect, I believe that the use of private contractors are essential and should not be completely weeded out the process. On the contrary, he was effective because I think he used mostly logos to appeal to his audience. He references essentially six principles on why private contractors/mercenaries should be extremely downscaled. He starts off by reference in how mercenaries disguised the true cost of war. Here he explains how civilian contractors actually disguise the number of deployed troops. He goes on and references how civilian contractors have no loyalties, and ultimately answer only to their employers and not the military. He again uses logos by citing a report on how mercenaries assigned in Saudi Arabia left their post indefinitely, because they were not comfortable. Fujanti then moves to tie the two points together making a clear contrast on how the US military, and civilian mercenaries are accountable to the Geneva Convention. He describes how civilian mercenaries have no accountability to the law to whereas the US military does. The mercenaries are considered â€Å"noncombatants† and therefore it is difficult for them to fall within the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The writer closes his argument by expressing how private contractors frequently hire employees with questionable backgrounds. He appeals to his audience by citing an article from the New York Times how 1500 S. African mercenaries are now in the Iraqi area. He expresses that many of the people that are participating admitted to being former apartheid mercenaries. Fujanti is clearly frustrated knowing that these kinds of practices are frequently carried, nothings done about it, and moves to propose his solution by conveying that the problems that were discussed earlier needs to be addressed by Congress swiftly, and immediately to protect the legitimate uses of war from market forces, lawlessness, and the abuse of power.

Capital Structure Theory Essay Essays

Capital Structure Theory Essay Essays Capital Structure Theory Essay Paper Capital Structure Theory Essay Paper When a firms debt-to- equity ratio maximizes its value and minimizes the firms weighted average cost of UAPITA (WAC), it is said to be at the target or optimal capital structure. Debt usually offers a lower cost of capital because of the ability to deduct tax from Interest, but the companys risk Increases as debt Increases. Part b. (Business Risk) Business risk refers to the risk brought upon the firm by its operations. This can be influenced by many factors such as, cost of production, sales volume, unit price, competition, demand, government regulations, etc. A company with higher business risk should operate with a capital structure that has a lower debt ration to safeguard TTS shareholders by guaranteeing that it can meet all of its financial obligations. A high business risk means a low debt ratio while a low business risk means that a firm might be able to operate with a high debt ratio. Part c. (Operation Leverage) A firm that makes few sales with sales providing a high gross margin is said to have high operation leverage. Operating leverage is dependent on a firms fixed and variable costs. If a firm has a high proportion of fixed costs it has high operation leverage as opposed to a firm with low fixed costs and high variable casts which are unconsidered to have a low operation leverage. A high-end car dealership has high operating leverage while a grocery store has low operating leverage. In a high operating leverage firm or Industry, forecasting Is Incredibly Important. A small error in forecasting could greatly damage the firms BIT. The opposite can be said for a firm with a low operating leverage. A small error in forecasting is accepted and expected. The error will have little effect on the firms BIT. A Company with high operation leverage should finance its operations with a low amount of debt to insure, n the case of a misconception, to protect Its Investors. Business risk and operation leverage often go hand In hand and are used to calculate the firms total risk on ROE. Part d. (Trade-Off Theory) The trade-off theory states that there are benefits to debt within a capital structure up until the optimal, or target, capital structure. The theory takes into effect the tax shield created by interest payments. Interest payments on debt are tax deductible creating a tax benefit for debt financing. A firm reaches optimal capital structure when the marginal tax shield equals the marginal bankruptcy costs. Bankruptcy costs are ten Increased costs AT Talking Witt EOT Instead AT Witt equally which result in a higher probability of bankruptcy. Thus, there is a point where the marginal tax benefits equal the cost of financing with more debt. At this point, we see the firms optimal capital structure. Part e. Asymmetric Information and Signaling) Asymmetric information refers to the realization that managers have more and better information that outside investors do. Signaling is based upon a firms actions and how it is preserved by its investors. Optimist asymmetric information could lead oh firm suddenly taking on more debt or increasing their dividend policy. This would signal that the company is about to experience growth or is at a mature and stable state. Pessimist asymmetric information could lead a firm to issue more stock because they recognize an upcoming loss. By issuing more stock, the loss could be spread over a larger number of stockholders resulting in a smaller loss per share. Investors know this however and are wary when a firm issues more stock. Because of signaling, when a firm tries to adjust their capital structure their investors behave in way directed by the signal given, whether that signal is accurate or not. Part f. (WAC) WAC or weighted average cost of capital is the firms cost of capital with each category of capital weighted proportionately. The more debt that company uses, the higher the WAC. The higher the WAC, the higher the companys risk. When using debt, the WAC begins to fall, but eventually, the costs of debt and equity will cause WAC to increase which will in turn cause the value of the company to drop. This brings us back to the optimal or target capital structure, where the debt to equity Asia maximizes the firms value. Part g. (Reserve Borrowing Capacity) Firms should however, use a lower debt to equity ratio than optimal capital structure suggests. The reason being, that an opportunity may arise where more funds are needed. As previously discussed, the issue of more stock sends a negative signal whether the signal is accurate or not, but to issue more debt past the optimal capital structure ratio would decrease the firms value which would also send a negative signal. Therefore, a firm should have a reserve borrowing capacity in the case of such an opportunity. Part h. (Windows of Opportunity) A window of opportunity is a time period where a normally unreachable opening exists. An example is todays interest rates. The windows of opportunity theory suggest that because interest rates are so abnormally low, now is a good time for businesses to issue debt. On the contrary, when stock market prices are exceptionally high, firms should issue more equity. Part I. (Personal Application) It is of the utmost importance that managers know and understand their firms risk and how it breaks down into operation leverage and business risk. This might be eased solely off their particular firm or off their industry as a whole. Managers should also consider the benefit of deducting interest on debt to use as a tax shield. Managers should take the asymmetric information theory and signaling into consideration. They should be aware of what certain actions signal and how they can avoid sending the wrong signal and use signaling to their advantage. The WAC should also be considered when determining the corporations debt to equity ratio. They should know that at a certain point, WAC will begin to increase as at this point ten Tall Is Klan on too much EOT IT a corporation wants to take advantage AT an opportunity but does not have the funds necessary, they should issue more debt to take benefit. For this reason managers should have a reserve borrowing capacity and have a lower initial debt to equity ratio than the optimal capital structure suggests. Managers should also be watchful and aware of windows of opportunities in which they can maximize the corporations growth. As one can see, there are many aspects one needs to consider when determining a firms capital structure and this essay only slightly begins to scratch the surface of capital structure theory.

Fogbusters inc Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Fogbusters inc - Essay Example The territory to investigate and give an innovation proposal and settle on a discriminating choice is the assembling and supply benefits Some of the items transformed by FOGBUSTERS Inc framework incorporate Goslyn. This is an immiscible fluid separator which works under hydro static weight and does not have any moving parts. Creative (patent pending) innovation has the proficiency to constantly and for all time uproot Fats, Oils & Greases from waste gushing. It keeps empties free as a bird while killing the requirement for unreasonable splashing frameworks or oil trap pumping. It additionally uproots the strong flotsam and jetsam that move beyond empty wicker bin. It is ordinarily these solids, blending with the fats, oils and oils that cause the lions share of channel blockages. FOGBUSTERS Inc System is altogether "greener" than the elective frameworks focused around various supportability favorable circumstances, It gets water cleaner (more level ppm of FOG), essentially diminishes the utilization of chemicals and decreases the era of oil ooze that overall obliges trucking expenses. Also, it decreases landfill use, lessens the glitch of downstream wastewater medicine frameworks, and encourages reusing of waste FOG for biodiesel generation and different employments. Most biofuel feedstocks (corn, canola, oil palm and other oil products) occupy cropland and different assets from sustenance preparation (the nourishment vs. fuel situation) come as a bi-result of Fogbuster. A business’s technological advancement plays a huge role in choosing where to locate a business. A well-developed internet, communications, and technology makes doing business across borders easy. It is like removing all boundaries that exist whether physical or imaginary. Most businesses have developed their technological infrastructure thus greatly easing the way of doing

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God by J. S. Bach A Musical Report Essay

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God by J. S. Bach A Musical Report - Essay Example This "â€Å"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God† by J. S. Bach – A Musical Report" essay outlines the work of Johann Sebastian Bach. â€Å"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God† still holds popularity owing to the versatile musician J. S. Bach had become as he traveled frequently to several places, and his encounter of diverse cultures undoubtedly makes a significant impact on the musical artistry that presents the unfading memory of such music from his period. Besides being an organist, he was also recognized for possessing a beautiful soprano voice which, along with his special skills in playing the violin, continuo, and church choir performance, had withstood severe criticisms. His determination to pursue not just a career in music but also create an entire unique world around it as if a wonderful abode for an auditory refuge managed to build for him an enduring impression in which the heart of audience was drawn to a type of music readily capable of engaging human nature with profound sensibility as in the well-crafted â€Å"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.† It would also amount to an inevitable appreciation of Bach regardless of the listener’s background on account of the flexibility his rendition took, for instance, when he came up with a musical composition which was styled in French at Luneberg. Bach’s influence on the baroque style in music is quite signified in the monophonic texture and volume of the hymn shaped out of its initially severe complex rhythmic structure. This piece shaped the baroque society by being the â€Å"Battle Hymn of the Reformation.†... Just as how a harpsichord was intended to establish the identity that is uniquely baroque for musical creations, the organ was similarly used to yield to the common objective of bringing a grotesque form in â€Å"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.† This piece shaped the baroque society by being the â€Å"Battle Hymn of the Reformation,† which even during the early part of the 16th century had been sung upon entry to the Imperial Diet of the Worms when Luther defended his theses and critical beliefs against Catholic misdeeds. In a way, J.S. Bach’s rendition of the hymn (Ein’ Feste Burg ist unser Gott) reflected the erudite traits present in the opposing major religions that were tested in the midst of extravagant progress and by high philosophical intellects within the baroque society after the Age of Enlightenment in Europe. Being a music piece of the period of 1600-1750, Bach’s â€Å"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God† projects an essential attribute o f the baroque style as perceived through its grandiosity, irregularity, and strangeness. Compared to the music of the preceding Renaissance age, baroque music is found to be rich in various textures, levels of intensity, and melodies that seemed to form more embellished or intricate sound. To normal listeners, the characteristics of the original musical pieces of this era appeal to the senses not only emotionally but also experimentally. In either approach, a genius baroque musician had a particular unity of mood, form or style, and selection of instruments. By unity of mood, composers followed a specific kind of affection in generating rhythmic and melodic patterns such as those constituting â€Å"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God† and this affection unified the mood in music,

SISCO Marketing Plan Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

SISCO Marketing Plan - Case Study Example This being the first year of operation in the financial and mortgage industry, SISCO has developed its own customer base, thus cultivating its own niche market. An aggressive marketing will however lead to a growth of its customer base, thus making its presence widely known in Jeddah. SISCO's core business shall be the supply of financial services to both individuals and business owners, who have interests in the mortgage and property development industry. Following a study of the target market, the information acquired will hence help the company to better serve the needs of the customers. The kingdom is witnessing a change in demographics of home development. Previously, individuals build at least 98 percent of the homes, whereas developers only handled the remaining 2 percent. The trend is however rapidly changing owing to a drastic rise in both the building materials, and a corresponding increase in development cost The sector is bound to witness a rapid growth, and which will continue onto the following year. This saw investment into real estate increasing by more than two folds by the end of 2007. This review, which was provided by the Global Investment House, also reported of an annual growth in the sector of 115.9 percent, and which now stands at SAR 100.4 billion. In almost all the segments in this market, demand almost always surpasses supply. While this trend is expected to hold in coming years, real estate prices, as well as rental will more than likely remain buoyant. 9. Market trends: The real estate market in Saudi Arabia has remained buoyant, thanks to the availability of sustainable demand. As long as there is an economic expansion, there will be a resultant creation of investment opportunities in the region. Demand will thus continue picking up, fuelled by an influx of increased rates. In addition, population growth in the kingdom has been forecasted to continue growing annually at a rate of 2.5 percent, to reach 25.66 million at the end of 2009. At the same time, there shall be a decline in the average house hold size from 5.5 to 5.2 persons for the periods 2005-2009. This will in turn lead to a corresponding increase in housing demand, which has been estimated to be at 1 million units by the end of the same period. This translates into an increase of 200,000 units per year on average. Jeddah is also witnessing a growing trend, in which high rise and luxurious apartment are being designed and developed by real estate developers of repute (Parker 2007). 10. Market needs: There is a dire need to supply over 200,000 housing units per year. In order to achieve this, a total of 280 million square meters of land is needed. Further, SAR 500 billion needs to be invested in the sector to be able to construct the 1 million housing units. In order to quench this thirst for housing units, the availability of sufficient financial mechanisms are needed (Parker 2007). 11. SWOT Analysis: This is a description of the company's strengths, weaknesses, threats and

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Importation of Agricultural Products from Africa to the EU

Importation of Agricultural Products from Africa to the EU The Role Certification, including Grading and Standards Play in the Importation of Organic Agricultural Products from Africa to the EU CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION Abstract What are standards?; what is organic produce? What factors drive the economic climate in Africa and the EU? What is certification? What is the purpose of certification? and how important is the exportation of organic agricultural produce from Africa to the EU in terms of their economic relationship?, are all questions which go to the heart of this thesis. Accordingly they will be extrapolated throughout the thesis enquiry and where they intersect and overlap this will be explained throughout the thesis. Various themes will be incorporated into the thesis since these, too will be relevant to the answering of the above named questions. These themes include; the economic climate in Africa; poverty in Africa; the importance of the organic produce exportation market to African farmers; why regulation is important in the EU; supply chain management issues and their importance; business good practice; traceability of produce; pricing; productisation and marketing strategies. These themes an d the answers to these questions will highlight the role that certification, including grading and standards play in the importation of organic products from Africa to the EU. The purpose of these processes will be looked at throughout the course of the thesis and this will elucidate their role also. The place of certification, grading and standards processes will be assessed; and their overall contribution to the economic climate in Africa will be examined. In this sense, through analysis of contemporary and historical, economic and political issues, both in the EU and in Africa, a greater perspective on the role of these processes may be derived. Also, the importance of organic produce to consumers in the EU will be examined and the reasons for its growth in popularity will be analysed, since this too will shed light on the role played by certification, grading and standards processes in the importation of organic produce from Africa to the EU. Introduction The economic relationship between Africa and the EU is complex (Ake, C. (1996); p1), and may be described as of key economic significance to Africa, and, albeit to a lesser extent to the EU. The economic relationship in terms of organic commodity trade and exportation is also important. The market for organic produce in the EU is developing at an exponential rate. The reasons for this will be looked at in more detail, as the thesis progresses, but for the moment is is suffice merely to support this point in the following way: the Centre for the Development of Industry in the EU has estimated that the annual growth rate of the organic products market in global terms exceeds 20% (CDI, 1999; p1). Some more figures may put this statistic into perspective. This industry for organic commodity produce produces sales of an estimated 4.1 billion Euro, in Europe (as estimated in 1997) (CDI, 1999; p2). This is all the more significant for the EU, given that according to EPOPA (2006; Section 3.1 .1) the connections between Africa and the EU in the arena of organic exportation of agricultural produce are far more developed that those between Africa and Japan or between Africa and the United States[1]. This evidences the importance of the relationship between the EU and Africa, and the importance of sustaining this economic relationship by keeping standards of produce in terms of quality and integrity at a high threshold. This is one of the functions of the the process of certification, which will be examined in greater detail as the the thesis progresses. The European Union have strict regulations which apply to the importation of organic products from Africa into the EU, and this is particularly true of organically produced commodities such as coffee, vanilla and other foodstuffs produced by African farmers. Certification is one of these processes of regulation and it is a requirement which is just one of an amalgam of requirements which must first be satisfied before organic agricultural products may be exported from Africa to the EU. Many programmes and organisations have been established with the specific purpose of encouraging African farmers to export organic produce to the EU. Organic produce which is to be exported from Africa into the EU is required to be checked rigorously to ensure that its standards are acceptable for consumption in the EU. These standards, procedures and programmes and their purpose will be explained and discussed throughout this project. In particular, there will be a focus on the role that grading and standards play in the importation of organic agricultural products from Africa into the EU. The methodology which will be used throughout the thesis will be qualitative in nature and will revolve around the evaluation of secondary sources. Some quantitative material will be used but this will be evaluated qualitatively, in keeping with the emphasis which is to be maintained on the qualitative arm of research methodology. Research Aims and Objectives The objectives of the research are fairly straightforward. The primary concern of the research is to answer the thesis question as clearly and as concisely as possible. The writer wishes to formulate an originally conceived thesis and to draw conclusions on the basis of what has been discovered through the research enquiry. The limitations of the research will be assessed, and the best ways to lessen the effects of limiting factors will be identified and implemented. Therefore the writer wishes the thesis to contribute to research in the field and to be a source of information for others interested in researching the same field. It is the ultimate aim of the writer, to fully understand the role of certification (to include the process of grading and standards) in the importation of organic agricultural produce from Africa to the EU. Therefore these processes will be examined in depth and explained in full, with reference to academic publications and internet based resources. The socio-political and economic environment in which these processes operate is of crucial importance to the thesis, and accordingly it is the aim of the writer to fully explain these and the give illustrations of theory, where appropriate. A means of doing so effectively has been identified as the use of a case study. Accordingly, the country of Uganda has been chosen as the basis for the case study, and the socio political environment and the points made in relation to this will be illustrated through this mechanism. CHAPTER TWO METHODOLOGY Methodology This project will involve a qualitative evaluation of published and well known texts in the field. These will be secondary sources, as the topic is so far removed from Western culture and the resources available to the writer are such that credible primary research is perhaps not a feasible option. Nevertheless in depth and comprehensive insights will be gleamed from books, articles and web based resources. The methodology will therefore use secondary sources. Qualitative research mainly focuses on an interpretation of the world around the researcher. The researcher themselves is used as a mechanism of research and their observations form key elements in the research (Bryman, A. (1992); p45). Quantitative research, conversely focuses on scientific extrapolations of data (Bryman, A. (1992); p11) and quantitative research tends to predict and hypothesis about results whereas qualitative research results tend to be more malleable and subjective in their extrapolation. The focus on qualitative research was chosen for this project as it seemed more compatible with the ultimate aims of the thesis enquiry. A dearth of literature is available on the subject at hand and this may be explored through many means such as library based and internet based research. Therefore views and opinions, as well as the research of others were consulted in the course of the research. In the course of research of this nature, to preserve the integrity of the research; objectivity is obviously a prime concern. The writer must be careful not to extract views that are biased, or to formulate their own views through examination of biased material. Therefore a very wide scope was introduced to the research and a wide selection of texts were consulted. Where possible more than one text were used to substantiate points that are to be made. This scope will assist the writer to accumulate a more biased and open minded view of the issues which the research question will address. The objectivity of the research was also preserved as the writer consulted a wide range of sources published by interested parties, such as development agencies, non profit making organisations, government endorsed material and material available from the world of academia. The website of the European Union was also consulted as this is probably quite a reliable source of information, and reliability, like objectivity was paramount in the pursuit of the research objectives. Therefore sources that were disseminated through reliable and well recognised media like on-line book databases were consulted. In this sense therefore the qualitative research which was the objective of the project was gathered systematically and in a planned and structured manner. Potential drawbacks and potential problems for the thesis enquiry were also considered. Limited resources were obviously a primary concern, as any research project may be indefinitely improved upon through expenditure of money and availability of resources. However, since this is a university project and one which has a limited time scale, such investment was not feasible. Therefore the writer attempted to compensate for this by ensuring that the research objectives were identified clearly from an early stage of the research, so as to enable the writer to devote as much time as possible to the gathering of material for the project. The research was therefore well planned and executed in a consistent and methodical manner, adding credibility and depth to the finished piece. Ethics are also of primary concern to any credible researcher. Therefore, the writer ensured that they familiarised themselves with ethical research practices, prior to the execution of the research. In terms of ethics, for this research, which does not involve contact with human research subjects, the ethical concerns of the writer were probably much less onerous, as great care must be taken when human subjects are involved in research. Nevertheless, ethical concerns played a substantial part of the research skeleton and the themes of objectivity and reliability of sources were given much consideration, as has been explained above. The emphasis was on producing a wide, comprehensive, well thought out and ethically complied thesis and this is obvious from how the piece has been approached. CHAPTER THREE AFRICA, FARMING AND THE EU African Farmers and the EU Thousands of African farmers operate small farm holdings and they are, in many respects reliant upon these agricultural practices in terms of maintaining a healthy, or even subsistence standard of living. Poverty among this sector of Africans (the agricultural sector) has been explained in many ways, some of which are described in this passage: 'Tiffen et al.'s (1994) much-admired study of Machakos District, Kenya, demonstrates much success in agricultural development and improved rural welfare over the last 40 years. But there is precious little in that work about differentiation. Instead, we have had to wait for Rocheleau et al. (1995) for reports of increasing social differentiation in the District. This has been reinforced by the detail in Murton's recently published work (1999), based on surveys in one village in upper Machakos, supported by rapid appraisal for other villages.Forty per cent or more of households have not had the capital to invest in cash crops of coffee and French beans(Belshaw and Livingstone (2002); p110)'. The EU plays an important part in maintaining higher living standards for the African farmers, and a large part of this involves supporting the practice of exportation of organic produce from Africa to the EU. This supporting function engaged in by the EU involves the support and maintenance of various agencies and initiatives. The agencies to whom the responsibility of ensuring that the importation of organic agricultural products from Africa to the EU runs smoothly conduct research and gather data in relation to the operation of importing organic produce from Africa into the EU. They also offer advice to African farmers wishing to improve their circumstances through growing and exporting their products to the EU. Examples of the agencies and initives mentioned above include EPOPA (Export Promotion of Organic Products from Africa), Fairtrade and EFTA. EPOPA This is an organisation which is called a development agency. It was originally set up by the Swedish International Development Agency in 1997, and its aim is to educate African farmers about business strategy and awareness of the regulations which are involved in exporting their organic produce to Africa (EPOPA, 2006; p1). Specifically, this agency targets small holder farmers as this sector of the African population stand to gain the most from this education, advice and information provision service (EPOPA, 2006; p1). EFTA EFTA was established in 1990 and this term stands for the European Free Trade Association (http://www.efta.int/). This organisation operates as part of a network which involves eleven different Fair Trade organisations in various European countries, who import fair trade products from almost 500 economically disadvantaged countries, including Africa (http://www.efta.int/). Its head office is based in Maastricht in the Netherlands and its main official mission statement is to ensure that Fair Trade is conducted more efficiently and effectively; part of its role is also to disseminate information to farmers in Africa and to organise networks between farmers to ensure that they can exchange ideas and experiences of producing products, including agricultural products for sale in the EU (http://www.efta.int/). Markets for Organic Products It is important to be aware that the market for organic produce is limited when compared with the markets for more generic produce. Although it has been argued above that the market for organic produce in the EU is quite large, it is important to understand that this market is not comparable in terms of size with other markets, selling globally recognised merchandise and products such as Mc Donald's food and mobile phones. This puts the pressing need for quality standards in the organic food market into perspective, and highlights the need for processes of certification and quality control. In terms of organic trade the US, the United Kingdom and Germany have the biggest markets for the sale of organic produce; whereas the most significant per capita consumption can be found in Switzerland, Sweden and Denmark (EPOPA, 2006; Annex 2). This limited size exemplifies the importance of putting high quality produce into these markets; as often what drives the demand for organic produce is the perception that organic produce is of a superior quality and is more healthy for the purposes of consumption. Outlets for Organic Produce A look at the food outlets for organic produce throughout the EU will also allow the writer to gain perspective on the importance of quality and standards. This analysis will introduce the main thrust of the thesis, which is the role of certification, grading and standards in the importation of organic produce from Africa into the EU. In the EU, most organic produce tends to be marketing through hypermarkets and supermarkets (EPOPA, 2006; Annex 2). The emphasis is on cleanliness and presentability. This is an indication of the growing demands there are in the EU for organic produce. The features of organic produce are very marketable within the EU, in the face of public concerns about food safety and health issues connected with foodstuffs. The genetically modified food market has also perhaps strengthened the demand for organic foodstuffs within the EU, since this controversial issue has highlighted and contributed to the growing concerns there are among members of the public about the long term health impacts which may be the result of eating an unhealthy or overly chemically ridden diet. There are proven links between diet and cancer; proven links between some chemicals and cancer and obviously these health issues make the public image of organic foodstuffs very important. These factors have put organic food onto the shopping lists of many people within the EU, who perhaps traditionally would have regarded organic food as a luxury which was extravagant and unnecessary. The next section will focus on how Africa came to be one of Europe's main suppliers of these organic foodstuffs, that are growing in importance. CHAPTER FOUR AFRICA'S DEVELOPING ECONOMY Africa's Economic Climate and the Developments Which Have Affected the Agricultural Industry The Africa economy has undoubtedly become more sophisticated in recent years (http://europa.eu/pol/agr/index_en.htm) (Hanna, J. and Hanna, W. (1981); p81). Like the Republic of Ireland, Africa has seen a process of diversification. The age old dependency upon commodities for the economic well being of the country has been lessened through the process of diversification (Barber, W. (1961); p44) (Hyden, G., Kates, R. and Turner, B. (1993); p41). Mauritius is just one example; South Africa, Botswana, Senegal and Uganda are others. Commodities such as sugar cane, minerals and gold and diamond exportation and the manufacturing industries which have seen more investment have contributed to this emboldened leap forward(Arnold, G (2000); p91) (Konadu-Agyemang, K. (2001); p11). Strengthening political structures has also played a large part in the economic progress that has been seen to affect the commodity markets in particular in these countries (Yudelman, D. (1983); p3) (Ottaway, M. (1997); p15). Ottoway gives us some important detail here: 'The economy that the new democratic elites inherit in most African countries has typically suffered from two decades of mismanagement, exogenous shocks, and inappropriate policies, resulting in a growing debt crisis and a semipermanent process of negotiations and debt rescheduling with international creditors. In addition, the democratic transition itself has occasioned large economic costs, either because of extensive civil unrest and sometimes violence, or because of the fiscal recklessness of authoritarian leaders trying to hold onto power. Thus, the governments that emerge from the process of democratization face the daunting tasks of consolidating pluralist institutions and undertaking urgent economic reform simultaneously(Ottaway, M. (1997); p17)'. During the 1960s, when most African countries obtained independence from colonial rule, many commodity industries were subject to a process similar to the nationalised industry strategies we saw immediately prior to the Thatcher era in Britain (Aryeetey, E., Court, J., Nissanke, M. and Weder, B. (2003); p201). The commodity industries in most African countries therefore were heavily influenced by politicians often engaged in undemocratic practices (Reynolds, A. (1999); p28). Also, the absence of private enterprise which these national led economies fostered led to huge market inefficiency. These processes are slowly becoming more sophisticated, and African countries have moved from selling raw produce to packaging and marketing their own. Africa farmers are also engaged in direct trading with the West(Federici, S., McLaren, J. and Mwaria, C. (2000); p3); the EU in particular as we have seen explained in the introduction. Better investment in the economies of African countries has led to the availability of more education for more people. Interventions from agencies, described above have also contributed greatly to the increasing sophistication of the economies of African countries, paying dividends in terms of a strengthened economy and better stability for small holdings farmers (Abubakar, A. (1989); p83). Better roads have also been a dividend of this growing economic fervour, as these have led to better economic stability for producers who are able to sustain their own supply chains for private enterprise commodity exportation to the EU, and further afield. Specifically, this is of relevance to organic producers of agricultural produce for ultimate distribution in the EU. Sea and air freight are the most common forms of transportation used by African farmers to deliver their products to the EU (EPOPA, 2006; Section 3.1.3). However there are countries such as Uganda and Zambia, which may be descried as landlocked countries, and as such they need to rely upon established and well constructed roads in order to ensure that there business supply chain is uninterrupted and reliable. This is so that they may be able to reach ports and airports with their produce. What is Quality/What are Standards? This refers to a measure of how much value the product may be seen as having. Higher quality products tend to have higher values. Standards, in the context of the certification process refer to a measure of quality. Quality is important in the context of organic commodity export from Africa to the EU as it allows producers to measure how valuable their produce is in a comparative sense. In this sense, quality informs the end consumer of the product and it also informs each and every actor who has contact with products along the supply chain which brings the product to market. Quality is therefore of key significance to all concerned with the presence of organic agricultural commodities from Africa in the EU and global markets. Specifically, quality in the production of organic commodities in Africa is measured with reference to particular characteristics. These are: origin, service, volume, and reliability of exporter (EPOPA, 2006; Section 3.5). CHAPTER FIVE THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS AND WIDER ECONOMIC ISSUES Factors which an African Farmer Must Take into Account: The Certification Process Before an African farmer may export organic agricultural goods for consumption within the EU, the farmer must first obtain a certificate in Organic Standards (EPOPA, 2006; Section 2.2). The purpose of the certification process is to ensure that the farmer is producing organic products that are of a high enough standard to enter the EU market and the homes of EU consumers. It is illegal for an African farmer to export goods from their farms, for distribution in the UK, without first obtaining such certification, and the organic certificate is only issued for a period of one year (EPOPA, 2006; Section 2.3). While obtaining the appropriate certification, is often time consuming and expensive, there are many ways this certification can be obtained and the two major categories are external certification and internal certification (EPOPA, 2006; Section 2.3). The farmers may engage in what is known as an Internal Control System or ICS. Small farmers can obtain certification in groups, which ameliorates the constraint of expense on the farmer in question (EPOPA, 2006; Section 2.3). This system of internal certification is advantageous to farmers also as it maximises contact between farmers in similar situations and enables networks to the established between the farmers and therefore facilitates the building of economic relationships and the sharing of experience and expertise. These groups need to be monitored internally. External certification involves an external certifier gathering much information about the farmers who wish to export their agricultural organic produce to the EU. In order for standards and grading to be conducted in a fair and consistent manner the farmer in question must provide much information about their business and agricultural practices (EPOPA, 2006; Section 2.3). The external certifier may organise inspections of the produce (and where quality suspicions have been raised, more inspections may be carried out at the certifier's discretion) which has been grown by the farmer wishing to export organic goods for sale and consumption in the EU and the certifier may make certain recommendations to the farmer; accordingly the external certifier holds much power and influence (EPOPA, 2006; Section 2.3). What Does the Certifier Look For in the Pursuit of Consistent Standards of Product Integrity? The certifier will look at a number of issues before the issue of a certification which will enable the farmer to distribute his organic agricultural produce for consumption in the EU. Firstly there will be a need to ensure that organic and non-organic produce is keep separate; secondly there will be a need to ensure that products are traceable; thirdly the technologies which are used in the growth and production process are strictly monitored, and lastly there will be a need to ensure that controls are imposed on agents used in the production process of the goods (EPOPA, 2006; Section 2.4). These are the main issues which a certifier will look at before a certificate will be issued to the farmer who wishes to export his agricultural produce to the EU. Perhaps the most important of these processes is the need for traceability. This process refers to the identification of foodstuffs and an ability to trace where the product has come from (EPOPA, 2006; Section 2.3-2.4). This process is particularly important, where there are quality or health and safety issues with the organic foodstuffs. This process therefore involves a registration programme, where farmers are required to to register the full origin of the produce, including any supply chain transitions, so that the origin of the foodstuffs are always clearly identifiable (EPOPA, 2006; Section 2.3-2.4). In terms of the monitoring of technology and the other factors identified above; these are also very important in the process of standards and grading of the produce. Ethical factors are key here. Organic agriculture is often viewed by those who purchase and consume organic products as a safer and more environmentally friendly option. The certification process has to ensure that these standards are retained on a level which is commensurate with the levels of faith that consumers of organic produce place in them. Therefore technologies and production enhancement through the use of technology is strictly monitored in the standards/grading and certification process. The Need for Certification in Terms of Quality Control of Organic Agricultural Produce There is quite a broad spectrum of quality which may be expected from African producers of organic agricultural produce. This diversity exists even in spite of the checks which are imposed at certification level. The agencies which work closely with African farmers aim to eliminate these problems with quality. The certification process is just the first step, since even the checks which may be imposed at certification level can only guarantee a standard level of quality. In some cases, also the certification inspections may not be frequent enough to identify and eliminate sub standard produce. The long term solution to this problem therefore is arguably to attempt to look at why some African farmers are producing lower grade produce and in doing so to attempt to identify some possible solutions to this problem. Organic farming is also highly labour intensive and attracts very high distributions expenses. Also, in terms of organic produce from Africa, the African distributors often obtain very low prices for their products in EU markets and this encourages or even necessitates lower quality produce to be distributed (EPOPA, 2006; Annex 3). This is due to a number of factors, one of which is that the image of Africa and African produce is quite poor. Consumers are often very concerned with the origin of the products in question and, while this is an intangible issue, which is essentially reputation orientated; this does not imply that it cannot be addressed at source, by African farmers. One way to address this problem is to build rapport with the customer, by attaching recognisable names and personas to the produce, creating continuity and trust between producers and the end consumer. Examples of these 'personas' have been identified by EPOPA (2006; Section 3.2.1) as Tasty Toms, De l Monte Pineapples and Chiquita bananas. Branding therefore is a crucial part of the commodity market for sale of organic produce between Africa and the EU, as it builds trust and encourages the African farmers producing such commodities to maintain their reputations through strengthening the quality of the products they can distribute to end customers. The Fair Trade Certification Process This is a particular course of certification which may be acquired mainly for agricultural products (EPOPA, 2006; Section 3.3.3). It is similar to the generic process of certification, although it is perhaps not as widely recognised by exporters of produce to the EU, which is because this particular method of certification seeks to target small and disadvantaged commodity producers in Africa (EPOPA, 2006; Section 3.3.3). What is the Grading and Standards Process? The grading process is an essential part of the organic exportation business. It may be done by both farmers themselves and by exporters (EPOPA, 2006; Section 3.2.2). It ensures that minimum standards are adhered to and that there are levels of consistency in terms of quality instilled in the quality control processes surrounding the exportation of organic produce to the EU. Grading may be carried out in conjunction with other processes that are linked to the grading system. Bulking, cleaning, grading and packing are usually undertaken at the same time (EPOPA, 2006; Section 3.2.2), as this enables the grader to identify and separate lower quality produce, and to ensure that the produce is fully prepared for exportation. For example, if a certain commodity is packaged in a particular way, it may be graded in a better category, since it is to be expected that the packaging may preserve the produce better than inferior packaging or no packaging at all. Grading and its Links with Better Infrastructure Grading is inherently linked with economic and infrastructure development in African countries. It makes sense that processes like this should not be regarded as isolated processes. For example, the grading of produce may be significantly affected by the length of time it takes for their produce to reach points where exportation may begin. Therefore the point that economic processes may be seen to be intertwined so crucially with more macro economic