Monday, September 30, 2019
Fuzzy logic in car safty
Car safety issues are wide-reaching problem. This problem is mainly due to human driving which involves reaction times, delays, and Judgment errors that may affect traffic flow and cause accidents. In some cases, the cause of the accident is distraction on the part of the driver and failure to react in time. Even in some cases, it could be cause by environmental factors (Song, 2005). Advanced system of auxiliary functions has been developed to help avoid such accident and minimize the effects of collision should one occur.Fuzzy logic provides tools for dealing with imprecision, which is fundamental to many engineering problems. The level of safety in our society could be archived by applying fuzzy logic control system. Fuzzy logic control technique has become an active area of research in the application of industrial processes, which are not friendly to straight control techniques. It attempts to emulate human mind for checking the processes parameters and to take decisions regardin g the control action (Eugene, 1985).Fuzzy control become a huge industry in Japan and other countries where it was adapted into home appliances such as scum cleaners, microwaves ovens, video cameras, washing machines, etc. A fuzzy controller acts or regulates by means of rules in a more or less natural language, based on the distinguishing feature: fuzzy logic. On the other hand, to reduce car accidents we are going to examine a system, which makes the drivers, pay more attention and alert them before an accident takes place.Because of this, we shall acknowledge the digital systems because they are easier to handle with, so the first thing in the development is to convert all variations in the car environment into digital signals without any changes. The ultrasonic transmitter circuit sends its vibrations in front of car, when these vibrations reflected the ultrasonic receiver circuit would take these vibrations and amplify it. Moreover, send it to the microelectronic, which can com pute the distance between the car and anything in front it (as shown in the figure 1 below).At the same time, the Infrared ââ¬ËR) circuit senses the round of the wheel and sends it signal to the microelectronic, which can compute the car speed. After that, the microelectronic sends the output signal to the speaker and The LCD. In addition, of these output devices the microelectronic sends output data to a personal computer using the serial port. Figure 1: Overview of the used hardware; copied figure (from Journal of Computer science 4 (1 2): 1061-1063, 2008]) We shall consider developing level of safety under three steps, which are: Defining level of safety Calculating each degrees of risk between two vehicles, and Combining these degrees to level of safety with average speeds in some divisions (Method et al, 2001). In the other hand, to ascertain the danger degrees of each car, and the base elements, fuzzy sets and their membership functions, are define by using survey data and degrees of risk (Chunk, 2003). In addition, if-then rules of inference engine are made by rough set theory.Conclusively, to get the level of safety in some divisions, fuzzy membership function values of each safety result is averaged, and a method to et ââ¬ËLevel of Safety based on these degrees relates with an average of safety speeds is suggested. Definition of Level of Safety Safety being a wide-reaching problem, has gained various definitions from several authors. The level of safety in a road division means the grades, which people feel about the possibility to experience, rear-end collision including relentlessness in the division (Song, 2003).This definition is composed of three elements related with roads in themselves, driving behaviors in this road, and relation between drivers and roads. These three factors are mix in microscopic driving behaviors on roads, and five gyroscopic traffic condition variables are selected such as velocity and acceleration of lead and follow ing cars, and the gap distance between these cars divided the minimum safety distance (Method et al, 2001). The minimum safety distance (MS) is the distance that following car needs to avoid a rear-end collision.The traffic condition in itself can be included into velocity, drivers' behaviors are able to be included into oscillations of accelerations in every two seconds, and degree of risk in the system can explain the gap distance divided the minimum safety distance (MS). Where, : following Car speed Response time : Possible deceleration rate However, these results are not level of safety but risk degrees of two Cars (Fuller, 2005). Definition of Fuzzy Sets and Membership Function The member functions are divided into speed fuzzy sets and acceleration fuzzy sets (Method et al, 2001).Speed fuzzy sets are composed of three sets, ââ¬Ëhigh speed', ââ¬Ëmedium speed', and ââ¬Ëlow speed'. Their membership functions are based on macroscopic traffic condition data and number of ac cident. Acceleration fuzzy sets also consist of three sets, ââ¬Ëpositive acceleration', ââ¬Ëno acceleration', and ââ¬Ënegative acceleration', and membership functions, which are based on microscopic field, survey data and maximum and common acceleration rates of vehicles. The gap distance/MS sets are divided into three fuzzy sets, ââ¬Ëmore than 1', ââ¬Ëaround 1', and ââ¬Ëless than 1' using microscopic data.The combined danger degrees are about from 0. 4 to 0. 55 that corresponds to common situation defined in fuzzy set, and this result means that people drives more or less safely bearing some anger because there are possibility to happen accidents in traffic condition in itself but drivers believe that they can response properly to a danger situation. Moreover, this result shows that there are some danger situations n each two vehicle, but in road divisions, the danger degrees become normalized.Figure 3: Relation between Speed and Danger Degrees For this reason, â â¬ËLevel of Safety should not include the combined danger degree directly, and should be deducted from relationship between speeds as well as danger degrees. In order to find their relation, pairs of average speed and danger degree are, shown in figure 3. We find that danger degrees are low in low speed level and high in fast speed level, and the level of change is not high in low and rapid speed situations. However, in medium speed case, danger degrees are increase vapidly, and there are two points of inflection.If danger degrees do not change rapidly, drivers would react properly because their expectations to the road conditions are fixed, but if they change fast, the situation on a road division would be dangerous because the expectation of drivers cannot be fix. Consequently, the simple possibility of accidents depends on the grades of change in danger degrees, and the severity depends on the quantity of danger degrees. Conclusively, this seminar suggests ââ¬ËLevel of Safet y such as in Figure 4. First, range of Level of Safety in which relentlessness and possibility of accident is high is defined as Very dangerous situation', E.Similarly, that of range which relentlessness or possibility is high is suggested as ââ¬Ëdangerous situation', D, and which relentlessness and possibility is usual as ââ¬Ëcommon situation', C, and which possibility is low and relentlessness is high as ââ¬Ësafe situation', B, and which possibility and relentlessness is low as Very safe situation', A, these are shown in Table 3 below. Finally, relation of danger degrees and average speeds develops the intercepts of each level of safety, UT it needs to be more precisely define by further study based on more investigation.Table 3: Level of Safety Definition The possibility The severity The range(km/hrs) Very safe -18 c 25-40 (or) High 18-25, 40-53 53-63 Figure 4: copied figure (from [Proceedings of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies]) 8. 0 CONCLUSION This seminar work shows how the system provides a solution to decrease the car accidents by giving the drivers more time to avoid the accidents. Adjusting the sensitivity and the accuracy for the measuring circuits is important to ensure that the assured parameters represent its actual values.The use of microelectronic makes it possible to implement the system with less hardware components. The microelectronic, FISTICUFF was chosen among all the other microelectronics because of its low-cost and small size. In addition, we evaluated safety degrees on a road division, and suggest ââ¬ËLevel of safety. The method to develop ââ¬ËLevel of Safety from degrees of danger and combined using fuzzy theory, and we combined danger degrees to define level of service with average speeds. This is the first trial to define
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Good vs Evil â⬠English Essay Essay
There is neither a definite good nor evil, but only the grey area in-between. The Japanese proverb of Yin and Yang states that in all good there is some evil and in all evil there is dome good thus without good there can be no evil and without evil there can be no good. Evil was once described to me as ââ¬ËThe inability to feel sympathyââ¬â¢ and at first I agreed with this analogy but upon further thought and deliberation I decided that it was not entirely true, for if evil is the inability to feel sympathy then that makes all acts of sympathy good. However, that analogy would make an act, one that almost the entire world agrees is purely evil, an act of good. The act in question is the destruction of the twin towers of 9/11, because the perpetrators were sympathetic. They were sympathetic towards their country and their people who, contrary to popular knowledge, had already been invaded and were being oppressed by the USA who were trying to secure their oil reserves. There is no way to moderate universally what is considered good and evil. Every man believes in some way that their own actions are just and righteous whilst also believing that their enemyââ¬â¢s actions are acts of evil purely because they oppose his own wishes thus making all man good in his own eyes yet evil in the eyes of those he opposes. Each and every one of us must decide for ourselves what is good and what is evil, and yet we must still conform to the ââ¬Å"normsâ⬠of society. The definition of what is right and what is wrong may come from many different places. Some blindly accept what society tells then to where others question society and still others actively oppose societyââ¬â¢s views. Some get their definition from the relative religious scripture and follow that without question whereas others merely see it as a general guideline whereupon to base their actions. I believe that the concepts of good and bad, righteousness and evil, just and unjust exist purely to justify manââ¬â¢s actions and that they have and will continue to change to fit the person whose action requires justifying. Alas, these unflinching opposing forces are bound to perpetually clash as they strive for a balance. For without either life as we know it could never exist, perhaps life at all could not exist.
Saturday, September 28, 2019
10 Things I Hate About You & Taming of the Shrew: Appropriation Essay
The historical and cultural contexts of Shakespeareââ¬â¢s The Taming of the Shrew (TTS) and the 1999 film 10 Things I Hate About You (10TIH) differ exceptionally, resulting in the filmââ¬â¢s expression of values unlike those expressed in Shakespeareââ¬â¢s original text. Shakespeareââ¬â¢s play was written during the Elizabethan era, during which the belief that men were superior to women was prevalent. This concept is centralised in TTS, through incorporation of a disputably misogynistic tone and the dominance of men consequently forcing Katherina into marriage and submission. In contrast, 10TIH, a modern film appropriation of TTS, largely challenges the values of Shakespeareââ¬â¢s play. It presents to its audience a high school love story appropriate to modern beliefs and sensibilities, emphasising the greater equality between genders and the power of women in the characterisation of the Stratford sisters and their interaction with their respective love interests and father. TTS reflects its 16th century European context in that its central theme is the dominance of men over women and societyââ¬â¢s acceptance of it. See more: Foot Binding In China essay Whether Shakespeare intended to ridicule the misogyny and patriarchy of Elizabethan society is irrelevant; however, as his play is concerned with the two, it indicates that the social systems were firmly established. Katherina is forced into marriage that was agreed upon by Petruchio and her father, the governing force of their household. Her objections are nullified in the face of her lesser status as a woman and the authority her father and husband holds over her in age and gender. Dissimilarly, 10TIH is concerned with the power of women and youth. A modern film, it is directed towards a target audience of teenagers with modern views- which dramatically changed from the 1960s and onwards with the rise of feminism and youth. In this modern setting, Kat is able to exercise her non-conformist views freely. Though this isolates her from her peers, just as Katherinaââ¬â¢s outspoken opinions isolate her, Kat is not oppressed as Katherina is. Kat is influenced by external factors that also contextualise the filmââ¬â¢s setting; she mentions feminists Sylvia Plath and Charlotte Bronte, and is featured reading the formerââ¬â¢s novel, Bell Jar, and the film applies ââ¬Ëriot grrrlââ¬â¢ music ââ¬Ëof the angry girl varietyââ¬â¢, with lyrics such as ââ¬ËI donââ¬â¢t give a damn about my bad reputationââ¬â¢ to Kat in order to define her from the opening scene of the movie. That the film includes these elements of feminist material reflects its modern context of a society that is not unfamiliar with feminism. In this area it challenges the original text, where within the context of the Elizabethan era, Katherinaââ¬â¢s rejection of her inferiority as a woman is unaccepted and repressed. As Hortensio mocks: ââ¬Ë ââ¬ËMatesââ¬â¢, maid? â⬠¦No mates for you/Unless you were of gentler, milder mouldââ¬â¢ (1. 1. 59-60), he manipulates Katherinaââ¬â¢s reference to him as a ââ¬Ëmateââ¬â¢- a crude man- to mean ââ¬Ëhusbandââ¬â¢ in an attempt to silence her. Such repression- and that of Katherina at the hands of Petruchio- though exaggerated and outrageous, was acceptable and approved of in the context of Shakespeareââ¬â¢s play. Conversely, in the modern context of 10TIH, where there is greater equality between genders and greater liberty for children, similar repression would be unacceptable. These liberties are explored when Kat is able to ââ¬Ëoverpowerââ¬â¢ her father in situations such as her attendance of Sarah Lawrence College. Here the film challenges the authority of Baptista, Walterââ¬â¢s model; where we see Baptista endorsing subjugation with no acceptance of objection within the Elizabethan context of TTS, Walter eventually recognises Katââ¬â¢s will, acknowledging: ââ¬Ëfathers donââ¬â¢t like to admit it when their daughters are capable of running their own livesââ¬â¢. The film does, however, in keeping with its modern context, suggest that the parent holds a degree of power of the children- a social role parallel to the Elizabethan context of TTS which contributes to Shakespeareââ¬â¢s rendering of Baptista as a domineering father. Nevertheless, Walter is unable to fully control his childrenââ¬â¢s love lives, with the film utilising his character as comic relief to convey this. In addition, the Stratford daughters ââ¬Ëdateââ¬â¢ rather than marry; these two factors are attributed to the filmââ¬â¢s modern context where freedom of romance is valued. Such a value differs from the Elizabethan standard of having marital relationships set by the men involved- the husband, and the father. The concept of arranged martial relationships in TTS is atypical to the Elizabethan era, where dowries were also set, as seen in Baptistaââ¬â¢s offer to Petruchio; ââ¬Ëâ⬠¦half of my lands/Andâ⬠¦twenty thousand crowns. ââ¬â¢ (2. I. 117-118). However, the social context of 10TIH sees the film expressing that the payment for wooing Kat is immoral- as opposed to a similar payment being expected by the husband in the context of TTS. This aspect of the historical and cultural context of the Elizabethan era is made clear in Petruchioââ¬â¢s enquiry of the dowry- ââ¬Ëâ⬠¦if I get your daughterââ¬â¢s love, what dowry shall I haveâ⬠¦? ââ¬â¢- as it is one of his first lines to Baptista, preceded only by his greeting. Similar to the manner in which it challenges Baptistaââ¬â¢s authority, the film challenges Petruchio. Within the context of TTS, Petruchioââ¬â¢s ludicrous metaphoric objectifications of Katherina ââ¬Ëshe is my goodsâ⬠¦my anythingââ¬â¢ (3. 2. 118-220) are coupled with a firmer ââ¬ËI will be master of what is mine ownââ¬â¢. Here he affirms that despite his constant jovial wordplay, he intends to assert his authority. 10TIH however, in keeping with its context of a society that values respect for women, features Patrickââ¬â¢s chivalry in the face of love. He does not assert a claim on Kat as Petruchio does on Katherina; and their love is confirmed at the end, whereas Petruchio and Katherinaââ¬â¢s love is debatable. The disputability of their love lies in the final speech of Katherina. She utilises metaphor to express her acceptance of Petruchioââ¬â¢s dominance as her husband; ââ¬Ëâ⬠¦thy husband is thy lordâ⬠¦thy sovereignââ¬â¢ (5. . 146-147). Her ââ¬Ëtamingââ¬â¢ reflects Elizabethan society; women that resisted male supremacy were- as was appropriate to the time- acceptably quashed. Approval followed in the words of Vincentio, a representative of society: ââ¬Ëââ¬â¢Tis a good hearing. ââ¬â¢ (5. 2. 182). Katââ¬â¢s taming, on the other hand, though also portrayed in good light, is based on the compromising between her and Patrick. They are two equal members in their relationship, unlike Petruchioââ¬â¢s dominance over Katherina after subjecting her to his taming methods and silencing her with his use of anguage. Language itself is an expression of the contexts of the two texts. The members of Shakespeareââ¬â¢s play use refined speech, and utilise wordplay to reflect their level of status and intelligence. The characters of 10TIH however, speak colloquially and swear, though their usage of wordplay carries similar connotations. Those that manipulate language- such as Kat and Patrick- are seen as intelligent and therefore ââ¬Ëgoodââ¬â¢, whereas Joey ââ¬Ëeat meââ¬â¢ Donner uses simpler language, projecting a poorer image of his character. This reflects the modern day context of the film; one of a society that respects and values intelligence. Furthermore, whilst characters such as Joey and Bowie Lowenstein are wealthy, they are portrayed as unattractive people, showing that the modern day society in which the film is set does not value wealth as the characters of TTS do within its context, as conveyed by Petruchioââ¬â¢s attraction to Katherinaââ¬â¢s wealth as opposed to her person- which, in the Elizabethan era, was not inappropriate as it would be in the context of 10TIH. Overall, the storyline and themes of The Taming of the Shrew underwent a significant level of adaption for 10 Things I Hate About You. The four hundred years that spanned between the publication of Shakespeareââ¬â¢s play and the premiering of the film appropriation saw changes in social values regarding gender, status and youth that resulted in the filmââ¬â¢s modifications of the original text, so as to be appropriate and entertaining to its 20th century teenage viewers; just as Shakespeare expressed the values of the Elizabethan era in order to be appropriate and entertaining to his audience.
Friday, September 27, 2019
Writing An Academic paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words
Writing An Academic paper - Essay Example Magill v Magill is a recent legal case. Therefore, my research efforts would be targeted towards websites where I could read the case and the judgments that were tendered, as well as articles in law reviews dealing with the implications of the case. I would also refer to text books that contain materials on the general subject matter of the case, in this case paternity and tort. In the case of a book debt, I would first read financial websites and articles to gain an understanding of the subject and then look into legal websites to find articles dealing with the subject matter and my notes drawn from these sources would form the basis for my arguments and conclusions. I would first of all research Magill v Magill(2006) on Google. This would provide me with an idea about the case itself. The link http://www.canadiancrc.com/Magill/ Magill_High_Court_Media_release_09NOV06.htm provides me information which lets me know that the case of Magill is an Australian case which deals with paternity fraud and the tort of deceit. The CCH website deals primarily with business law while the LBC website has materials primarily on housing law, therefore I would not look into these websites, where it is unlikely that information on torts could be found. However the Australian legal website is likely to be a good source for specific information about the Magill case, as also the Lexis Nexis and/or Westlaw websites. On the Lexis Nexis Academic website, I go to the Legal link. The search terms I enter are ââ¬Å"Magill v Magillâ⬠while the sources I specify would be the International Law Reviews combined. However, this search also pulls up several articles on another Magill case which concern intellectual property. So I refine my search by entering Magill v Magill within quotes, and requiring that the word ââ¬Å"tortâ⬠be found in the documents retrieved, in order
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Can a variety of English ever be a truly neutral means of Essay - 1
Can a variety of English ever be a truly neutral means of communication Answer this question using material from an online academic journal article of your choice and at least two blocks of this module - Essay Example A number of customs, as well as criteria is being put together and shared among different cultures on a global level. Therefore, in many multilingual nations, English has turned out to be the language of communication since it has been a dominant language for a long period. A major strategy in opposing the threat to linguistic diversity triggered and instigated by the spread of English is the idea of linguistic rights. Therefore, it can be said that it was the British influence, authority, and industrial supremacy that directed English across the world between the seventeenth and the twentieth Era. The heritage of British imperialism has left numerous nations with the language comprehensively institutionalized in their court of law, assembly, civil service, faculties and higher learning institutions. In other regions, English offers a neutral way of communication amid diverse ethnic groups. According to the politics of English by Ann Hewings and Caroline Tagg, all language use can be said to be political in nature (HEWINGS, & TAGG, 2012: 13).Language cannot be said to be a neutral medium of communication, but it plays a major role during power relations negotiation. These involve relations of competition, conflict, as well as cooperation amid individuals and the community (HEWINGS, & TAGG, 2012: 13). Language is the main means through which power relations are reinforced and organized.Therefore, the management of diplomatic, social, as well as political relations employs languages. Politics can be about language regulation whereby regulations are employed according to what a person can say, and how well individuals can express themselves. Every language, within certain contexts as well as settings plays a major role in power relation. However, in the present day English has a global reach like no other language, owing to its history during colonialism, its multiple forms as well as varieties, its association with global
The software process models Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
The software process models - Essay Example The requirements are based on system functionalities and roles and so would not undergo any change with time. b) The requirement capturing process for the user interface is an on-going process as a few of the requirements are subjected to change with availability of measures such as skill level of users, type of interface access methodologies, compliance with technological advancements, etc. The model is generally used in small, simple throwaway projects with output as short lived demos, proof-of-concept or prototypes. No separate planning, risk assessment, designing, building, testing phases are required. The administrative system in AILS requires thorough gathering of requirements, understanding the working of existing processes and workflows and data accessing details for integration with the interface which the model fails to provide. For the user interface however, the model can be used the requirement of gaining user satisfaction. Interface can be made and tested; missing or ambiguous portions can be identified and fixed in the next build till a workable interface is achieved. In the AILS administrative system, the requirements necessitate the need of completely capturing of fixed requirements and functionalities to produce a complete product as deliverable. Therefore, the model seems to be appropriate for the task. Spiral model employs risk management approach, an essential requirement in the large mission-critical projects, where reusable, high quality versions of software are delivered before the requirements change again. For the user interface, applying the model would produce a workable solution but with an overhead of unnecessary risk analysis. User interface is not a critical task and therefore does not require extensive risk analysis. For the user interface, the model can be applied owing to the varying scope and requirements. An initial role based interface, accessing data may be developed and tested.
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Women in Male dominated jobs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Women in Male dominated jobs - Essay Example In the United States, job positions that are iconic representation of male-domination include positions of Secretary of State and directorship of federal institutions. Since US gained independence in 1776, 68 persons have occupied the Secretary of Stateââ¬â¢s office (Smith, 23). Expectedly, 3 out of the total 68 occupants were female, while the rest were male. In this context, a ration of 65:3 in terms of male and female office occupants respectively is a symbol of female underrepresentation in executive fields. Technically, underrepresentation of women in high positions is not without causes. Among the common causes of female underrepresentation include gender discrimination, and limited self affirmation within the female population. Traditionally, sex and power have an intricate relationship. Every society believes that women are emotionally weak, and lacks capability for objective judgments. This misconception explains why in the United States, women were not allowed to work and were expected to remain at home performing household chores. After the feminism period in the 1960s, the American society reluctantly invited women into the nationââ¬â¢s workforce (Lindsey and Martin, 90). Because of the structured gender discrimination, women lacked adequate education; hence could not be promoted into leadership positions. This element of inadequate education caused a corresponding limited self affirmation among women. In this regard, the synergistic effect of gender discrimination coupled wi th limited self affirmation propagated subordination of women in the labor force to date. Fortunately, liberation of women not only invited the female gender into workplaces but also laid the foundation for progressive transition of women in male dominated fields. Inasmuch as women are still underrepresented today, it emerges that the female gender has moved up the leadership ladder with time. Gradual entry of
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Brightware Corporation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Brightware Corporation - Essay Example Until the past 3 years, the sales of Brightware Corporation were unparalleled by any other company in the fray. In fact, our products had received maximum points as part of a general quality survey conducted by the Bureau of food standards, both in terms of quality as well as safety of use. However, there ware some serious reasons for the company not being able to perform with similar momentum during the previous year. In order to determine the exact causes of this slump, I visited a number of places associated with the company. Firstly, I spent considerable time at the warehouse facilities of Brightware Corporation to determine whether there were any lapses in terms of efficiency or quality. I met with a number of key personnel and also had performed an analysis on the efficiency at various stages of the production line. From my investigation at these facilities, I succeeded in figuring out a few key aspects that were hampering smooth supply. In this regard, I made observations that in addition to a slip in the employee morale, there was also an increased incidence of absenteeism among the personnel and this was directly having an impact on overall efficiency to the tune of a drop of 20%. The reasons for t The reasons for the fall in employee morale are not restricted to a single aspect. Firstly, upon visiting the 6 warehouse facilities of the company, I discovered that the working conditions were not up to the standards. Over the years, much of the machinery that had started to get old had not been replaced. It was also found that much of the warehousing equipment such as cranes and forklifts (almost 65% of the total equipment) required a major overhaul. The increased sales over the past few years that had grown by 125% over the past 4 years had increased the workload of the staff, who at most times, were unable to cope with the heavy demand and supply forces. This increased work pressure combined with a lack of efficient equipment has been found to be the major contributor for the fall in employee motivation. In addition to this, unable to cope with the extreme work pressure, many of the employees had been forced to absent themselves on a regular basis. In fact, a look at the attendance registers over the past years suggests that the rate of employee absenteeism had increased from a mere 6% to a staggering 15% within the span of a single year. Apart from this, as the business had grown, the supply chain had become overburdened and the lack on the part of the company to open up additional warehouses (calculations show that we require to open 4 new ones as of now) as a measure to satisfy the increased demand. Therefore, transport at the existing warehouse facilities of the company had to wait for prolonged periods, which was having an impact both on the supply from manufacturers as well as the supply to the retail chains. In fact, this has grown to such proportions that the overall productivity of our company has dropped by nearly 20%. A part of my interaction with some of the
Monday, September 23, 2019
Describe the main duties of an Accountable Manager. How does the Coursework - 1
Describe the main duties of an Accountable Manager. How does the holder of this position relate to the financial management - Coursework Example The accountable manager is usually considered to have some position in the Board of directors or other equivalent body of the company. This allows him a more close connection with the owners of the company. So, the objectives set by the Board of Directors contain an opinion on his part. It also assists him further to understand the objectives fully and other underlying requirements of these objectives. The presence of a person in setting objectives makes such manager more accountable as the objectives are set with full collaboration of such manager. However, larger organizations usually consist of more than one units who either dependent of each other or independently work to achieve the desired results and objectives. The regulations for each of these units are also different. So, different accountable managers are appointed for all these units who supervise the work of these units. These managers are accountable to their respective Regulatory body. Usually, accountable managers are solely responsible for the accomplishment of desired objectives. However, the tasks are not carried out by them alone. A large number of subordinates are involved and it is inevitable for the accountable manager to rely upon the work of subordinate managers. However, these subordinates are responsible to report to the accountable manager about their work. The Accountable manager is after all responsible for their own work s well as the work of their subordinates. Because of such greater responsibility, the accountable managers are not given any other task which they are capable of carrying out. The reason is that the focus is not diverted to any other work which is less important than the primary job of such manager. In case of companies which carry out air operations, the accountable manager is responsible to the regulatory body, either within or outside the company, for all the operations which are
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Haitian and American Revolutions Essay Example for Free
Haitian and American Revolutions Essay While the revolutions in colonial America and Haiti had many parallels, they were also unique in their own ways. In both revolutions, the rebels revolted against a foreign superpower that was in a weakened economic state in order to gain economic and social freedom. However, the Haiti revolution stressed freedom for everybody (including slaves), whereas the American Revolution focused more on the needs of the Bourgeois, or middle class. The revolutions in both of these countries would have been unsuccessful were it not for the crippling problems faced by both opposing superpowers. The success of the Haitian revolution was due in no small part to the political turmoil brought about by the French revolution. This weakened the ability of the colonial administrators in Haiti to maintain order and caused the authority of colonial officials to no longer be clear; even the very legitimacy of slavery was even being challenged in France. The turmoil in France and Haiti paved the way for a struggle between the elite plantation owners and the free black slave owners. This fighting in turn gave the slaves, under the leadership of Toussaint LOuverture, the unheard of opportunity to revolt against their owners and emancipate themselves from a brutal system of bondage (Corbet). The revolution in the Americans was against its mother country, Great Britain, and unlike Haiti, the British army was in full force when war broke. There were, however, economic weaknesses that led to the inevitable revolution against Britain. Britain was burdened by debts from the French and Indian War, and therefore taxed the colonies substantially to make up for this. The ideologies of the revolutions in both Haiti and America were very similar. In America, philosophers such as Thomas Paine and John Locke preached social and economic freedom. Thomas Paine writes, And he hath shown himself such an inveterate enemy to liberty, and discovered such a thirst for arbitrary power, is he, or is he not, a proper person to say to these colonies, you shall make no laws but what I please!' (Overfield, 198). This represents the opinion of many revolutionaries: that they should be allowed to rule on their own and not be taxed and forced into things by aà ruler thousands of miles away. Also, these philosophers believed in the idea of unalienable rights for men. The Declaration states, We hold these truths to be [sacred and undeniable] self evident, that all men are created equal and independent; that from that equal creation they derive in rights inherent and inalienables, among which are the preservation of life, and liberty and the pursuit of happiness (Maier). The colonists believed that everyone with land should have a chance to pursue happiness, and that the British monarchy wasnt allowing them this freedom. They also proclaimed that taxation without representation was a denial of the rights they deserved. The bourgeois class brought up this claim to get more economical freedom and rights. Acts passed by the Parliament such as the Stamp Act limited the economic potential of this middle class. Thomas Paine talked of how no immigrants would move to the colonies of the government was not allowed to be independent and thrive (Overfield, 198). Although this would help the middle class gain more money and thrive, the lower class including the slaves would be unaffected. These slaves were not to be given any rights or improvements from their previous lifestyle. In Haiti before the revolution, slaves also had no rights or say in their lives. With Frances being in a state of turmoil, a window opened for a chance to rid of their masters and grasp a life unheard of to slaves of this era. All they needed was a leader: someone to bring them together and unite them in this noble cause, and for them, this man was Toussaint LOuverture. With the slave owners fighting and in disarray, the slaves rose up and fought hard for a better life. LOuverture might have grasped the idea of economic independence, but the slaves only goal was social freedom. Many fought to the death because they welcomed death as a change from the terrible lives they had been living. This revolution was to give inalienable rights to all, including slaves, instead of just to the bourgeois class as had been done in America. In the Haitian revolution, the slaves revolted against the wealthy plantation owners. Details of these events are shown with illustrations that wereà created from British admirer Marcus Rainsfords own sketches. Rainsford depicted him through his portraits almost as if he were a deity a countenance bold and striking, yet full of the most prepossessing suavity terrible to an enemy, but inviting to the objects of his friendship or his love. The rebellious slaves eventually gained the upper hand under the leadership of LOuverture (Rainsford). LOuverture then led an invasion of neighboring Saint Domingo where he continued to liberate slaves. In 1802, Napoleon, the leader of France, sent a large military force and fought the rebel forces. The resistance persisted, and the slaves eventually gained independence by defeating Napoleon. LOuverture was captured and sent to France, where he died in prison. One might wonder what he was thinking as when he was there. A letter, or a journal written by him might provide insight into the mind of this influential revolutionary. The American Revolution started with boycotts to repeal unjust measures such as the Stamp Act. These passions intensified into riots, which were portrayed in the Boston Tea Party, where rebels dumped 10,000 pounds of tea into the river to protest high tea taxes. The Boston Massacre also incited hatred towards the King of Britain, King George III (Middlekauff 712). All these factors escalated and came to a climax when war was declared against the British. In the early stages of the revolution, minutemen, ordinary colonists, were used in the battles. Eventually, strong military leaders organized the colonists into a fighting machine and the colonists were able to surround the British at Yorktown, thus gaining their independence Bibliography Corbett, Bob. The Haitian Revolution of 1791-1803. 21 Mar. 2001. Webster University. http://www.webster.edu/~corbetre/haiti/history/revolution/revolution1.htm. Maier, Pauline. American Scripture Making the Declaration of Independence. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1997. Jefferson, Thomas. The Declaration of Independence. Maier 235-241. Middlekauff, Robert. The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution, 1763-1789. Vol. II of the Oxford History of the United States. New York: Oxford Univ. Press, 1982. Overfield, Andrea. The Human Record Sources of Global History. Vol. 2. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2001. Paine, Thomas. Common Sense. Overfield 194-198. Rainsford, Marcus. An Historical Account of the Black Empire of Hayti: Comprehending a View of the Pricipal Transactions in the Revolution of Saint Domingo; With its Ancient and Modern State. London: James Cundee, 1803.
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Management In Action Starbucks Marketing Essay
Management In Action Starbucks Marketing Essay 1. Introduction: At global level there are many developed and successful organisation which have powerful strategy, modern technology, good managerial system and sound financial conditions. StarBucks is one of the famous and successful organisations. StarBucks is a global organisation. This case study is going to describe about the StarBucks value at global level and relation with theories of trade. Main thing is strategy of StarBucks that which type of strategy StarBucks have adopted and what the impact on the organisations was. StarBucks has used well structure strategy to develop the organisation at the global level. So that is why StarBucks have achieved its aim, objectives at domestic and global level. StarBucks has faced many challenges during its success. There are some supporting theories which have explained about the national advantage of the StarBucks like Porters diamond model. There is also analysis of SWOT Matrix which explains about the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats of the StarBucks. SWOT Matrix is the alternative of the strategy of the company. Market development of StarBucks was diversification in culture, marketing mix and development of product. There are some unrelated developments like WIFI internet connection is available on the stores, entertainments, music etc. StarBucks have also partnership with different organisation. 2. History of StarBucks: Starbucks has launched in 1971 in Seattle. Three friends have opened a small coffee shop. There name were Jerry Baldwin, Zev Sigel and Gordon Browker. They were found of fresh coffee. They started to sell fresh roasted, gourmet coffee beans coffee beans. Then things started change in 80s. In 1981 sales man of plastic has noticed about the usage of drip prepped thermoses which StarBucks was buying from Hammerplast. Starbucks sold out from Zev Sigel. In 1982, Howard Schultz haired by Baldwin as a new marketing head and he is sent to Italy for attending the international show. Schultz noticed an important point rather than the coffee that customers came to coffee shop and enjoy every sip of coffee it was inspiration moment for him. Schultz explained that impressive moment and said change old world with new world and make a place where people can do gathering by using the marketing techniques. Baldwin did not allow Schultz to do. After that Schultz has opened its own coffee shop with nam e of Il Giornale and start selling 700 coffees per day it was great success for him. In 1987, Schultz pushes up the business and forces the investors to open 125 outlets in next five year. Starbucks started outlet from 17 stores in 1987 then business expanded in Vancouver, Chicago, and Portland as well. StarBucks also started mail order business and licensed on airport. Business also expanded in California, United States, Japan and Singapore. Star bucks also started WIFI free internet connection, selling CDs, producing ice cream and also make relation with Apple Company as well. StarBucks have 1334 stores all over the world and got success. 3. Globalisation: We can define globalisation that it is a process, in which we can reduce the distance, time, easy access, connection by using the global networking. It will call global village as well. Regional, economical and cultural activities become incorporated with each other by globalisation. Globalisation helps to reduced and minimized the barriers between national borders and flow of goods, capital, services, and labour. Globalisation has made easy access to the products, services etc. We can see the example of KFC, McDonalds, Dominos pizza many other organisation which are worldwide spreader. Globalisation is not a minor term, it is board term. There is one more example of StarBucks which is worlds famous organisation. It has a lot of branches on different countries globally. StarBucks and Globalisation: StarBucks is a multinational organisation in America. It has more than 16000 StarBucks branches in the world. Starbuck sale out coffee and espresso and many other products as well. Almost 70 percent branches are in United States and rest of percentage in the world. Starbuck speciality is whole bean coffee. It also offers frapaccino, baked goods and beverages as well. A star buck is the one of the successful organisation of the America which is globally spreader business. 4. Theories of international trade: International trade mean import and export of goods and services across the boundaries of the countries. It helps to increase in the gross domestic profits in the countries. International trade is affected by industrialisation, modern technology, and advance infrastructure system and by many other factors as well. Theory of international trade includes four types of theories.1) comparative advantage2) absolute advantage3) trade theory4) mercantilist theories. Two theories are most important one is comparative advantage theory and other is absolute theory. Comparative advantage means two counties are committed they want to increase production by their motivational power and want to reduced consumption because they prior to trade lower relative marginal cost than other goods. Absolute advantage theory means take advantage by using the cheapest source by doing trade of products which was totally unattainable at domestic level. StarBucks and theory of international trade: StarBucks is the well known multinational organisation. StarBucks import and export their products in the different countries. StarBucks outlets are scattered on the whole world. So it has connected with the theory of trade. Star buck expended its business. It opened first coffee warehouse in Tokyo then it open its branches in different countries and adopted the theory of international trade. Absolute theory is related to StarBucks because America has StarBucks which is specialist in coffee and food and extended its business across the boundaries of the country. 5. Globalisation strategies of StarBucks: StarBucks faces many up and down to expand its business. To become a multinational company StarBucks have to mage globalisation strategy which have give the benefits and also accepted many challenges. On the 40th anniversary of StarBucks chair man, CEO told about the global strategy of StarBucks which explain about the achievement of discipline, profitable growth by approval the global market place, forcing our brand strength through new and existing ways. He also describe about the good customer services, new innovation in the market. In the global strategy of StarBucks also include about the employees which are providing good customer service and trying to maximize the satisfaction of the customer. StarBucks basic object is providing good and valuable quality coffee and food to the customer and make them happy. Global strategy is helpful to achieve their objective, vision, and mission. It also explains about the financial the conditions, strengths, weakness, environmental condition of StarBucks and also explains about the cultural and organisational behaviour of the StarBucks. Challenges for StarBucks: A star buck has faced different challenges during the journey of success. StarBucks have challenge the economical and consumer environmental condition in US and across the boundaries in many countries. StarBucks adopted those trick which has developed in the financial condition, operating performance and also its fiscal health. StarBucks also handling the disciplines and strategy growth in US and in retail business and also in global market. Most of these challenges were related to the organisation global strategies. 6. Supporting theories: There is one of the famous theories which are porters diamond theory that explain about the comparatives advantage of the country. This theory includes some factors which are labour, natural resources and size of population. Michael E. Porter has explained in this theory that nation can create new advance factors as well. Porters diamond national advantage: There are four factors which can affect the comparative advantage. Availability of natural resources. Important information which help in decision making. Goal of individual of company Pressure on company to invest and innovate. Factor condition means a country create its own skilled factors like StarBucks has created its own value and specialised in coffee. StarBucks have labour force and also a lot of strengths it can achieve its goals. Market of specific product demands more important rather than the international level whenever local market will not be strong then bunnies will not extent so StarBucks did the same thing so thats why it is globally famous organisation. Related and supporting industries show about the market competition. StarBucks have competition with Costa coffee. StarBucks strategy, structure and rivalry also effect on the organisation. 7. Effectiveness and efficiency of operations: There are some operations which are StarBucks doing and focusing on them. These operations are effective and helping in progress of business. Recycling system was started in 2005 but plastic cup could not be recycled then they have changed the material of cup for recycling. Many stores did not have bins to store the recycle but now many stores have arranged it and it is effective because they can easily collect the rubbish and recycle it. In 2004 StarBucks, StarBucks have reduced to use the napkins and the store garbage bags because the usage of these thing s very high. The usage of water was also so much high23.4 million per day. It was continues usage of water during washing utensils. Then StarBucks have started to use machine push button for washing the utensils. Efficiency of this operation was it has reduced the usage of water 150 gallons per day. StarBucks also started staff training. This training was give for the properly coffee making. Except it StarBucks have stared some charitable operations like Ethos water which was way of charity to the children, product red was launched foe the AIDS medicines and New Orleans is different employees working different projects like gardening, planting trees in urban areas. 8. Strategy of StarBucks and its alternatives: Strategy of StarBucks is very simple and unique. Their mission statement is always providing good quality coffee to the customers they grew coffee and roast them with great care. They also care about those people who grew the coffee. StarBucks are worldwide famous organisation so there is diversity fall but they respect each other. StarBucks also serve the customers with the nice smile and with good beverages. StarBucks think that their store is place where customers can come and enjoy their precious time together. They can do get together. StarBucks also explain about the relation as a neighbour which positive. Basic objective of StarBucks expanding their business whole the world and good customer service and make employees proud on it. If we do SWOT analysis of StarBucks then we can find out the alternatives of the strategy of StarBucks. Best way is SWOT matrix which is more help full. SWOT MATRIX: LEAVE BLANK Strength(S) List strength Weakness(W) List weakness Opportunities (O) List opportunities SO strategies Use strength take advantage of opportunities WO strategies Overcoming weakness by taking advantage of opportunities Threats (T) List threats ST strategies Use strength avoiding threats WT strategies Minimize weakness and avoid threats. SO strategies: StarBucks is good market leader and have good ability to attract the customers. StarBucks have well train employees and good working environment. StarBucks are strong financial organisation and it is spreader all over the world. StarBucks have also good relation with customers as well. Through using its strength StarBucks can take advantage from the opportunities. StarBucks can use new technology and can expand also retail business. StarBucks can also launched new and branded product by emerging with the other organisation at global level. WO Strategies: StarBucks can overcome the weakness by using the opportunities. StarBucks are focusing the size of the business. It trying to expand the business but its not focusing on internal factors. Numbers of competitors are increasing in the growing market so StarBucks should have to think about it. StarBucks have also weakness of cross functional management. Product pricing of the StarBucks is also high. StarBucks have to take advantage of the opportunities which includes new distribution of channels, distribution of products and segmentation at domestic level and adopting new managerial systems. ST Strategies: By using the strengths StarBucks can avoid threats. StarBucks have threat of competition which includes other coffee shops and super markets. There is also fluctuation of prices in other developing countries. Some cultural and political issues also threats for StarBucks. By suing the power and strength can achieve its goals. StarBucks are knowledge based and board organisation. It has strong financial resources as well. StarBucks have trademarks and patents rights as well. WT Strategies: Last strategy alternative is minimizing weakness and avoid threats. StarBucks is focusing on the expansion of the business but its not expanding the business but have to do analysis its internal factors. It should reduce to adopt the cross functional managerial system. It should have to reduce the prices. Through this automatically threats will minimized as well. 9. Market development alternatives: Market strategy of StarBucks is to expand the business at high market level and also in global market. StarBucks have leadership quality as well. StarBucks have good relation with its suppliers and have ability to be an industry market leader. Customers accept its products and like to eat it. Its have its competitors like Costa coffee and cafe Nero. Diversification: Starbucks prefer diversification to their customer, Communities, partners and supplier. There is diversification in employees because in different areas have different employees according the countries. There is also diversification between the customers according to the cultural of the people. Starbucks do contributions to their neighbours have partnership with different companies and organisation. Starbucks always try to develop its business by doing relationship with other new suppliers. Product and market growth: StarBucks have to launch new products with good and developed taste. StarBucks can do brand extension as well. It will be help full to increase demand of products and market development at domestic level and also at global market. Market growth can be increased by doing good advertisements. It will maximise market development. Marketing mix: Marketing mix also an alternative of development of a market. StarBucks have competitive advantage and also good leadership quality. By adopting the marketing mix StarBucks can develop the market at domestic and global level. 10. Unrelated developments: StarBucks is well known organisation at global level. Its coffee quality and taste is also liked by the customers. Their strategy is to give good taste and good quality coffee to customers. They want to make happy to the customers. StarBucks try to do some direct development but it also affect directly. There are some indirect developments which are as follow. Wireless internet: StarBucks is offering free internet connection at their stores. Every customer can get easy access to the internet while taking coffee. There is no charge, no need to use password and user name and no restriction. Its unlimited usage of internet connection. StarBucks try to do direct development but it was indirect development because StarBucks is an organisation where providing coffee not WIFI system. I Phone Apple: StarBucks did agreement with Apple Company. They offer the customer to get free music. In 2007, in ITunes stores StarBucks entertainments option added. These were similar songs which were played in StarBucks store. StarBucks want to entertain their customers as well. StarBucks want to do directly development but it indirect development of entertainments. MSNBC: StarBucks have relation with Moring news by name of brewed by StarBucks. It shows logo changed in company as well StarBucks as well. StarBucks wants to give up to date news to customers. It was indirect development in media in StarBucks 11.Strategic alliances, joint ventures and routes to survive: StarBucks have different joint ventures and used different strategic alliances. One of them was HEAR MUSIC which is purchased by StarBucks in 1999. StarBucks realised it first album with name of opera. This album includes famous singer. StarBucks use this strategy and get development and extension in business. StarBucks have partnership with the Apple Company which is very well known and famous at global level. StarBucks did joint venture with it and add option of music of StarBucks in ITunes store. People love to listen music and like the barded products so that is why StarBucks had taken advantage. StarBucks also having partnership with the BT for free WIFI connection. It was successful strategy to develop the business and get attraction of customers. 12. Conclusion and recommendation: At the end, StarBucks is the good competitors and successful organisation in the world. Starbucks has achieve its aim , goal and objective in very short time period by adopting well structured strategy by using at global level and domestic level as well. StarBucks have good and valuable roast beans coffee and also well trained staff and employees with good managerial system. Starbucks has good strengths and opportunities through it can competitor its rival and also can over the weakness and can avoid threats as well. In my opinion is that StarBucks is expanding its business day by day but it not giving attention to its internal factors like financial condition and cross function managerial system. It should have to make strategy to minimize its weakness and threats that can be a cause of its loss. Starbucks is famous all over the world and people like the taste of coffee.
Friday, September 20, 2019
Challenges to Governance and Leadership in Africa
Challenges to Governance and Leadership in Africa It is undeniable the fact that governance and its progeny, leadership, pervades every aspect of human life and existence. In nations, organizations, families and wherever human life is found, these two variables exist in one form or the other. It is also a truism, that there exists a huge governance and leadership gap in many countries in the world, especially, in Africa. The slow pace of Africaââ¬â¢s development is concomitant to this governance and leadership predicament. A 1989 World Bank report on the topic ââ¬Å"SubSaharan Africa: From Crisis to Sustainable Growth: A Long-Term Perspective Studyâ⬠affirms this position by stating that ââ¬Å"underlying the litany of Africaââ¬â¢s development problems is a crisis of governanceâ⬠(p60). In a similar way, Walumba et al posited that ââ¬Å"while African countries are richly endowed with all manner of natural resources, their economic performance since independence has been generally abysmal with a few exceptionsâ⬠(426). They further argued that ââ¬Å"ultimately a countryââ¬â¢s economic performance is contingent on the effectiveness of its leadershipâ⬠(425). These assertions, dispassionately underscores the governance and leadership predicament in Africa. Consequently, this essay seeks to discuss some of the reasons why governance and leadership still remain a big challenge in Africa, and also proffer ways to alleviate these bottlenecks, respectively. To begin with, this essay would want to point out that several reasons contribute to why governance is impoverished in Africa, especially in the Sub-Saharan region. These reasons include the wrong form of governance the continent practises as a result of colonialism, selfish leadership, weak institutions, and too much foreign interference on the continent. First and foremost, it is not a ruse that the governance and leadership challenge Africa faces is an upshot of the wrong form of governance the continent is practising or being coerced to practise. Historical evidence have shown that, many years ago, before Africa was colonised by the Europeans, Africans governed themselves through the chiefs, clan and family heads, etc and the form of government they practised was gerontocracy and monarchy. These systems of governance as practised by these pre-colonial Africans had its root in their cultural and religious beliefs. Thus, governance and religion/culture were intricately interwoven. Yet, after being colonised, the Europeans forced their form of government on the indigenous people. These forms of government, which are the different forms of democracy we see around the world nowadays, had obstructive and damaging consequences on the religio-cultural orientation of the indigenous people. However, the colonial masters turned a blind eye on these developments. Decades after Africa gained independence, these colonial forms of governance are still being practised in Africa, with much complicatedness. This is simply because, the cultural and religious underpinnings of the African orientation of what governance is, and should be is different from those of the colonial masters. As Africans, our cultural upbringing upholds, fundamentally, communalism which is expressed in our proverbs, religion, folklores, songs, and mythology. In a sharp contrast, the colonial mastersââ¬â¢ form of governance had as its foundation, capitalism. Hence, putting the square peg in the round hole has led to the current governance and leadership challenge in Africa. African leaders are thorn between satisfying their people based on tradition and pleasing their colonial masters because of the carrot and stick model of diplomacy they (colonial masters) employ. This complexity is the basis of the governance and leadership predicament in Africa. Moreover, selfish leadership is a major setback to good governance in Africa, and the underdevelopment of the continent. Post-independent Africa has seen the rise of selfish, stomach-driven and inconsiderate leaders. Some came to power through coup dââ¬â¢Ã ©tats, amidst shedding of innocent bloods, destruction of infrastructure left for the continent by the colonial masters, and looting of the wealth of these African nations. These leaders used the power they ceased to amass as much wealth as they could for themselves, their families and cohorts at the detriment of their nationââ¬â¢s development. Obviously, these leaders had no expertise or knowledge about governance or effective management, hence the worsening of the socio-economic lives of their country, and countrymen. Principles of fundamental human rights were not honoured, while individual, ideological, partisan or even labour dissent were strongly stamped out. The result was regimesââ¬â¢ collapse either internally or externally engineered between 1963 and 1966, and which attracted international outcry against the governance style of post independence Africa- Leaders. The other set of leaders, who supposedly were elected to lead their countries, were of no significant difference from their predecessors. Most of these leaders only have as their aim, the comfort and satisfaction of themselves and their families at the disadvantage of the populace. They had no clear vision for their countries. Democratic rule, in their various countries, witnessed horrible governance style, mismanagement of resources and propagation of self-aggrandizement. Undoubtedly, the leaders Africa has had after independence, under the guise of liberating their people, have rather contributed to the free-fall/underdevelopment of their countries. This they did by their profligate spending, inept management of state resources and infrastructure, and visionless governance. Furthermore, weak institutions since independence have contributed significantly to the governance and leadership predicament in Africa. After most African countries gained independence, instead of the leadership to focus on building strong institutions, where in their absence, those institutions could work to achieve the development they sought for which reason they fought of independence, they rather built strong personalities and empire around themselves. This phenomenon has continued perpetually till now. In Africa today, there is the practise of ââ¬Å"rule by lawâ⬠not ââ¬Å"rule of lawâ⬠. This is because, people in authority (government) use their power, position and influence to tweak institutions in their favour when it comes to matters of the law. Institutions cannot hunt certain individuals in society nowadays because those people are above the law. This phenomenon which is brought about by the partisan politics we practise, have corrupted majority of the state institutions in Africa. It has made justice, accountability, transparency and fairness a fairy tale, simply untenable. Institutions in Africa are simply weak and frivolous. Adding to the non-functional institutions is a collection of skewed and corrupt civil society organizations. Instead of these civil societies to be a watchdog of the populace to strengthen state and institutional efficiency, most of them are pursuing partisan agenda. Even more, too much interference of foreign nations on the continent is worrying and highly destructive. This phenomenon is as a result of globalization. Virtually every decision and every action that most African leaders make, is contingent on the approval of their pay masters, the foreign nations. These foreign nations come into the continent in de guise of helping develop it, but with the mindset of draining the natural and human resource of the continent. They determine for us almost everything, from economic policies, to education, to religion, to who should lead the country etc. The ordinary African has a limited stake in deciding for himself and in helping build his country or continent. The Constitutionsââ¬â¢ in most African countries rarely exists due to rule by foreign powers. The ordinary African is not consulted on any issue as power is in the hands of these overlords while our leaders only serve as errand agents to ensure compliance of their subjects.
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Animal Farm, by George Orwell :: Animal Farm Essays
The Significance of Squealer The novel Animal Farm, by George Orwell, is an allegory portraying the dangers of a totalitarian government. It seeks to show how a society where all live completely equal has not been, and cannot be achieved. Orwell, through the use of the character Squealer, shows how propaganda can affect members of a communist society in a negative way. By drawing parallels to events in communist Russia, Orwellââ¬â¢s Animal Farm illustrates how propaganda was used to control the Soviet people by deceiving them, threatening them and keeping them ignorant in an attempt to maintain order. The story uses simple language to explain and expose the corruption of communist Russia. Throughout the story, Orwell uses Squealer to illustrate how propaganda persuaded and victimized Russian citizens. Squealer is a sly, crafty pig who is not only intelligent, but a manipulative speaker as well. His cunning is key to the deception of the other animals. In chapter three, Squealer deceives the animals of the farm for the first time. The animals find out that the milk and apples are given solely to the pigs, and Squealer is sent to explain the uneven distribution of farm resources. ââ¬Å"ââ¬ËComradesââ¬â¢ he cried. ââ¬ËYou do not imagine, I hope, that we pigs are doing this in a spirit of selfishness and privilege?ââ¬â¢Ã¢â¬ (Orwell 42) He goes on to explain, ââ¬Å" ââ¬ËMilk and apples (this has been proved by science, comrades) contain substances absolutely necessary to the well-being Williams 2 of a pig. We pigs are brainworkers (42). Here, Squealer tries to convince the animals that itââ¬â¢s for health reasons that they take the apples and milk, but he tries to persuade them in other ways as well. Squealer continues, ââ¬Å" ââ¬ËThe whole management and organization of this farm depend on usâ⬠¦. It is for your sake that we drink that milk and eat those applesââ¬â¢Ã¢â¬ (42). Finally, he convinces them with fear. ââ¬Å" ââ¬ËDo you know what would happen if we pigs failed in our duty? Jones would come back! Yes, Jones would come back!ââ¬â¢Ã¢â¬ (42) Here, Squealer frightens the animals into submission with the threat of the return of Mr. Jones, the abusive farmer that was driven out of the farm by the animals. Squealer is desperate to obtain the apples and milk and will stop at nothing to manipulate the other animals into believing that the pigs should be the sole recipients of this luxury. By masking their true intentions by misleading the animals, the pigs are soon able to acquire whatever they want with little resistance. Orwell uses Squealer to represent the Pravda, the Russian newspaper controlled by the government during Joseph Stalin's regime.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
An investigation to determine which of four alcohols is the most exothermic :: GCSE Chemistry Coursework Investigation
An investigation to determine which of four alcohols is the most exothermic Prediction I predict that the most heat given out per mole burned would be by Propanol because the size of the alcohol molecules might increase with heat. Alcohols produce heat when they burn in oxygen or air. The amount of heat produced per mole of alcohol will be proportional to the amount of air present. Full combustion should generate two products only: carbon dioxide and water vapour. Hypothesis Within a molecule there are bond energies that are holding the atoms together. When the fuel combusts a chemical reaction takes place, this breaks the bonds, this requires energy, and makes new bonds this gives out energy. The energy differences between the two tell us how much energy was given out or taken in. We can show this on a graph. Alcohol particles will break their bonds when they mix with oxygen. This is known as exothermic reaction. Boiling points will be increased because energy is needed bonds can be formed and broken. Breaking bonds need less energy than is needed to form bonds - exothermic reaction. Bigger molecules use high energy to be broken. Methanol and Ethanol have differences as Methanol melts at a higher temperature and boils at a lower temperature than Ethanol. Higher alcohols which include Butanol and Propanol have a higher molecular weight and this is why Butanol is used in perfumes. Ethanol, which is sugar based, with its low freezing point, has a specific use as antifreeze for cars and other vehicles. GRAPH Tripod Matches Goggles Method: - To begin with, I choose one out of the four different alcohols. I weigh beforehand in the spirit burner. This is so I can calculate the mass which is lost in each alcohol. The spirit burner and alcohol which I am using is on a brick under a tripod. On the tripod I place a clay pipe triangle which holds a beaker containing 100ml of water. I light the spirit burner and stir the water with the thermometer constantly. When the temperature has risen to 30Ã ºC, I quickly place the top back on the spirit burner. Now I re-weigh the alcohol. o find out how much alcohol has been burned I subtract the finishing mass from the starting mass. Fair Test I will try my best to keep this experiment fair. All the variables must be controlled. These are as follows - The scale reading has to be on zero before weighing the spirit burner
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Profit Leverage Effect of Logistics and Cost Saving Opportunities Essay
Logistics was initially a military term but since the 1960s it has grown and covers various numbers of functional areas such as managing raw materials and inventory, handling of work in progress, storing and delivering of finished goods. It also includes customer service, demand forecasting, plant/warehouse site selection, traffic and transportation. Since it has an effect on most of the activities held within an organization, it has a great influence on the profits made. A recent US study found that logistics accounts for 10% of the Gross Domestic Profit (GDP) and that approximately 56 cents out of every dollar of revenue is spent on managing the purchasing of goods and services.à The process is lengthy but once handled right can run very smoothly and can prove very beneficial to the organization. An organization cannot be competitive and strive in this fiercely competitive corporate world till it delivers end products or services of the desired quality to its customers at the right time, right place and at a price the customer feels is reasonable. The way to sustainable competitive edge lies in improving logistics. Therefore to maintain profit earnings, it is important for firms to manage logistics efficiently. If a chosen supplier fails to deliver the required raw material of an agreed-on quality level at the right time then the firm will incur additional expenses in the form of higher scrap rate, wastage and direct labor. Prompt delivery is required to avoid costly rescheduling of production otherwise efficiency will be decreased. In order to maintain profit levels it is important for firms not only to satisfy customers but to delight them. This again becomes a part of the organizations logistics. To achieve this not only fast and reliable delivery of high quality goods but also innovative design and distribution of ideas is essential. Firms stress on logistics to create differentiation by providing its customers with unique products that are difficult to be imitated by competitors. Logistics is considered as the last point of contact between the organization and its customer and so leveraging successful logistics leads to cost reduction, increased customer satisfaction and market share and so eventually higher profits. Low total product or service cost is significant in logistics so that the firm can have a competitive edge in the market. There are many opportunities to achieve dramatic cost savings but to achieve this, vision and hard work is required. Firms can do this by coordinating the different parts of the supply chain. Departments within firms such as procurement officer, manufacturing, legal and R&D managers need to work in a cross-functional manner and promote joint cost-saving projects. One of the biggest opportunities for cost saving is to reduce the amount of inventory which will automatically drive costs down. This can be done by Just-in-time inventory management that emphasizes on continuous improvement. For this, it is important for firms to develop strong relationship with few, reliable suppliers who deliver raw material in time. à Also Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) model, one of the common techniques is used to control inventory. Outsourcing is often used to transfer some of the internal activities of a firm to an outside vendor to achieve greater efficiency and specialization. It is also used as a technique to meet unexpected demands that firms cannot handle. Wastage can be eliminated through focus on what the customers want. This can be done by continuous improvement using Lean Production. It emphasizes on customer focus. Greater efficiencies can be accomplished through use of technology tools that can enable the purchase of low value, low risk goods and services. With the usage of database systems, unnecessary paper work can be eliminated, and real time data can be accessed. Use of E-Commerce to track inventory and coordinate pickup and delivery for end customers can be a great cost saving opportunity. This has been adopted by Cisco and FedEx. Different alternatives of distribution means such as trucking, airfreight, shipping, and railroads should be constantly evaluated. Use of Excel OM and Production and Operation Management (POM) for Windowsââ¬â¢ enables firms to correctly plan for the forecasted demand. Further, software like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) including Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) provide firms with great opportunity to save on costs. Gantt Charts are useful for loading and scheduling. It prevents firms from unnecessary delays in work. Quality is one aspect that firms emphasize on due to growing awareness for better quality goods amongst customers. This can be done by implementing Total Quality Management (TQM), meeting quality standards developed by International Standards Organization (ISO) and by adapting to Six Sigma and Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) model. Mentioned above are some of the greatest costs saving opportunities in todayââ¬â¢s world. References Lambert, D.M; Stock, J.R. and Ellram, L.M., (1998). Fundamentals of Logistics Management. Burr Ridge, IL: Irwin McGraw-Hill. http://www.mhhe.com/business/management/leenders12e/information/leenders_ch01.pdf
Monday, September 16, 2019
Andrew Carnegie A Captain Of Industry
Many industrialists in the gilded age were on the border line between a robber baron or a captain of industry. Of these industrialists was an extremely success useful business man Andrew Carnegie. Andrew could be argued on both sides of the matter. Carnegie shaped his steel production business to #1 in the world, he sold it a ND used the money towards many charity organizations.I believe that Andrew Carnegie e was a captain of industry because he dedicated his life to helping society with public activities and donated more than 100 million dollars to schools, libraries, an d through several other donations. He not only shaped industrialization but the United s tastes. People believe that Andrew Carnegie was a robber baron because he was untrustworthy, selfish, and left workers in lethal work habitats with low wages .Andrew put his employees in harmful work environments with less than safe equipment NT. Injuries occurred often in Carnegie;s business from exploding iron, flames, and sl ang. It was hard for the workers to be alert and ready with only a couple hours of sleep and a work SSH fit of twelve. Along with the means unsafe work conditions they had to live off low pay. Carnegie also betrayed one of his closest business friends Henry Fricke by three tatting him to sell his stock in the steel business for cheap.Many believe that Andrew Carnegie betrayed not only his workers but his friends. Although many will strongly critic Andrew Carnegie as a Robber Baron see h as one of the greatest captains Of industry. Carnegie used his ââ¬Å"last daysâ⬠serve Eng others by building libraries, schools, and giving donations. ââ¬Å"Carnegie donated approve imitate 5$ million to the new York public library so it could open several branchesâ⬠. And even opened up his own university so he could share his knowledge and success the rough future business owners.Carnegie put his men through hell and back so they c loud have the #1 steel business in the world that would soon sell for more than 200 mill Andrew Carnegie did what he had to do so that he could be successful in the gilded age and lose himself in the service of others. Carnegie changed his life for the beet err in his later years. He wrote books on being socially responsible for the wealthy and enjoyed meeting with other professionals from different fields. Carnegie may have lo deed like just another snotty,cocky business owner but really wanted to help others.An drew Carnegie was a captain of industry but also a shaped the industrialization by b Ewing an example of smart work and effective actions. In conclusion, Andrew Carnegie was a brilliant business man who ended with the best steel plant in the world. Although he treated his employees poorly he did it to be successful which worked. Carnegie spent the money from his steel production n to help others be successful too. Andrew Carnegie was captain Of industry and made a difference in peoples lives for the better.
Sunday, September 15, 2019
Edward de Vere = William Shakespeare Essay
Everyone knows of William Shakespeare, the author of thirty-seven full length plays and 154 sonnets. Romeo and Juliet is one of the most popular stories as it is read in most high school English classes. There is not a theatre goer anywhere who has not heard of, or seen, Hamlet. Anyone involved in the theatre, on a regular basis, will tell you that they never say Macbeth in any space they call a theatre. What if it was all a lie? What if Shakespeare was not the great Shakespeare? What if someone else wrote ââ¬Å"hisâ⬠works? There are many books and theories in the world today about the true authorship of Shakespeareââ¬â¢s works. Edward de Vere the 17th Earl of Oxford, Francis Bacon a philosopher and writer, and Christopher Marlowe a Playwright are among the top suspected authors of these works. It is important to know that there is a debate over the true identity of the author, and there are many theories. This paper will discuss Edward de Vere as the possible William Shakespeare. To be or not to be; that is the question. Since the early 1700ââ¬â¢s scholars have been asking themselves the question of Shakespeareââ¬â¢s identity. The great William Shakespeare, who was known throughout history to have existed and to have written the greatest literary works of all time, is being questioned over and over again. Did the William Shakespeare that is on record actually write Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, King Lear, etc.? This debate has suggested many names as the possible Shakespearian author. However, none have had so much evidence to support his case than the 17th Earl of Oxford, Edward de Vere. As Oxfordians that has done extensive research and wrote numerous books on the subject cannot prove there point either way, there is no possible way that this paper could be presumptuous enough to prove it either. Instead this paper is going to discuss the evidence of the de Vere being William Shakespeare. The William Shaksper (of Stratford is spelled different) on record was born in Stratford-upon-Avon on April 23rd in 1564. He was then baptized on April 26th, 1564 at Holy Trinity Church. His father was John Shakespeare who was a glover and leather merchant, and his mother, Mary Arden was a landed local heiress. Scholars believe Young William attended the free grammar school in Stratford; however there is no hard evidence to support this claim. He never went on to university. William married Anne Hathaway on November 28th 1582 when he was 18 and she was 26 and pregnant. They had three children together though one died at age eleven. William disappeared for a while after the birth of his twins. This is what many call the lost years. He didnââ¬â¢t turn back up again until he comes back to London in or around 1588. Scholars believe that this is when he started to act as well as practice playwriting. By 1594 he was acting and writing for the Lord Chamberlainââ¬â¢s Men (which is called the Kingââ¬â¢s Men after James I takes the thrown in 1603), and was also a managing partner. He retired to Stratford and wrote his will in 1611. Supposedly he died on his birthday, which is probably a myth, however it is the only date entered (ââ¬Å"Shakespeare Resource Centerâ⬠). 17th Earl of Oxford, Edward de Vere was born at Castle Hedingham in Essex on April 12th, 1550 by the old calendar but April 23rd by the new calendar. Is it a coincidence that Shaksperââ¬â¢s birthday is that same day? He lived there until he was twelve and then he was sent to London to be a Royal Ward when his father died. The Queen made Sir William Cecil his guardian. He had a love of the theatre and letters right away. He underwent an extremely strict education. His first tutor was his motherââ¬â¢s brother Arthur Golding. He received an A. B. degree from St. Johnââ¬â¢s College, Cambridge when he was fourteen and a half. When he was sixteen he received an M. A. from Christââ¬â¢s Church College, Oxford. He also spent three years as a student of law at Grayââ¬â¢s Inn. By his early twenties he showed great promise as a poet. He married Anne at twenty-one however it was a most unsatisfactory marriage. Charlton Ogburn author of Shake-Speare: The man behind the Name states that ââ¬Å"Recorded fragments of information and Oxfordââ¬â¢s own singed writings, leave little room for doubt that the relationship between the young Oxford and the Queen was very intimateâ⬠(Ogburn, and Ogburn 14). Many say that he used the pseudonym William Shakespeare because some of the sonnets and parts of plays can be interpreted to point out the Queen and his relationship (Ogburn, and Ogburn16). Was the Earl the real Shakespeare? All the evidence gathered suggests that Edward de Vere was far more a possible candidate than William Shaksper of Stratford. The argument is that Oxford was far more educated than Shaksper of Stratford. There is no evidence suggesting that Shaksper of Stratford even went to school. He was barely able to write his name and the signatures had blots. In Ogburnââ¬â¢s Shake-Speare he states the six different ways that he wrote them: Willm Shaksp, William Shakspe, Wm Shakspeare, William Shakspere, Willm Shakspere, and William Shakspeare. There is no record that Shaksper of Stratford ever even referred to himself as Shakespeare; with the two words of Shake and Speare. In fact the others who knew him that wrote his name often wrote Shagsper, Shaxper, Shaxbere, etc. Oxford had an extensive education and ââ¬Å"his letters show him to have written in the cursive Italian script with ease and fluency, and evidently without blotsâ⬠(Ogburn, and Ogburn 31). ââ¬Å"The argument, in so far as it concerns the authorââ¬â¢s station, is not that genius is a function of social status or that a humble cottager is less worthy than an earl. It is simply that, as Bismarck pointed out, the familiarity with the world of the court displayed by Shakespeare could not have been acquired by one to whom that world was barred, whatever his powers of intellectâ⬠(Ogburn, and Ogburn l8). This is an interesting argument. Maybe in todayââ¬â¢s society it would be easier for the lower-class to write about the upper-class, but in those times there was no way the lower-class could know specifically what goes at court. Shakespeare had written way too easily the formalities of court life. ââ¬Å"In all the plays of Shakespeare there is not a single fully-realized, three-dimensional character taken from the stratum of society to which Shaksper belongedâ⬠(Ogburn, and Ogburn 18). The point is that Shaksper would have had to been at least somewhat knowledgeable. The topics he wrote about suggested that he understood: the law and legal terms, contemporary and historical; the manners of the royal court, the aristocratic mind, and ways of language; sports of the nobility, hunting and falconry; philosophy, classical and esoteric; statecraft and statesmanship, biblical scholarship; English and European history; classicalà literature and languages; French, Italian, and Spanish languages; Italian geography and travel; France and the court of Navarre; Danish terms and customs; horticulture and the designing of gardens; Wales and the Welsh; music and musical terms; painting and sculpture; mathematics; astronomy and astrology; natural history; angling; medicine and psychology; military life; heraldry; exploration and the New World; navigation and seamanship; printing; folklore, fairy mythology, the supernatural; theatrical management and the habits of players; Cambridge University jargon; Freemasonry; cryptography and the secret service (Michell, 18). This is quite an extensive knowledge base for a man whose education is limited to grammar school if he even was afforded that. Another comparison is how either candidate was regarded by others. As Ogburn says ââ¬Å"the author of the greatest literary works of the time (and most popular plays) would have been held in high regard-certainly as high a regard as Marlowe, Jonson, Spencer, Chapman, et al. ââ¬â by those who knew who he wasâ⬠(Ogburn, and Ogburn 31). ââ¬Å"If Shaksper wrote the plays, the fact would have been generally known. Yet, while special, if peculiarly sporadic, praise was given to the dramatist Shakespeare as a name, Shaksper the corporeal man was never, so far as is known, treated by his contemporaries as in any way distinguishedâ⬠(Ogburn, and Ogburn 31). There is no evidence that states that Shakspere of Stratford wrote any of the plays or sonnets. His name is on none of them. Oxford, on the other hand, was held with high regard by the Queen and many other writers of the day such as Arthur Golding, Thomas Churchyard, and many others. However, no one when referring to Oxford mentioned the name ââ¬Å"Shakespeareâ⬠or even Shaksper. ââ¬Å"The first time the dramatist ââ¬Å"Shakespeareâ⬠was associated with Stratford was seven years after Shaksperââ¬â¢s death when it was stated in the First Folio, ambiguously, ââ¬Å"Whenâ⬠¦Time dissolves thy Stratford monumentâ⬠(Ogburn, and Ogburn 35). It is interesting that this is when the case for Shaksper is most evident and it comes so long after Shaksperââ¬â¢s death. Shaksper had nothing to gain by changing his name to Shakespeare. He would actually been better off if he had written them under his own name. It would have boosted his reputation and he would have made so much more money in his lifetime. For him not to put his name on his writing, had he actually written anything, would be insanely stupid. It would certainly go against any title of genius as everyone wanted to change their class. This certainly would have changed his class. On the other hand, Oxford had every reason to take on a pseudonym. He was a wealthy Earl who wrote things that would have called attention to his affair with Queen Elizabeth. There are many things in his plays that poke fun of the royal courts. ââ¬Å"Attributed to a nobleman close to the Queen, the plays would have been scrutinized ââ¬â and very fruitfully, it would seem ââ¬â for revelations of personalities and affairs at courtâ⬠(Ogburn, and Ogburn 29). Also he had a reputation preceding the writings of the Shakespeare plays, and Ogburn says ââ¬Å"something happened in connection with his writing. Whatever it was, it prevented his putting his name to another poem after the age of twenty-six or to any of the plays which he is known to have writtenâ⬠(Ogburn, and Ogburn 13). Also it is believed that the name Shakespeare comes from the family crest of Oxford in which a lion looks as if he is shaking a spear. Another interesting fact is that Oxfords mother remarried within a few months. This story is told through the story of Hamlet. Gwynneth Bowen, a Shakespearean researcher says in Charles Ogburnââ¬â¢s The Mysterious William Shakespeare: The Myth & the Reality, ââ¬Å"Oxfordians have always maintained that Hamlet is very largely autobiographical ââ¬â with Oxford in the title-roleâ⬠¦the ââ¬Ëoââ¬â¢re hasty marriageââ¬â¢ of Oxfordââ¬â¢s mother ââ¬â has been given due weightâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ (Ogburn 434). Another interesting piece of evidence comes from Ralph L. Tweedale in his book Wasnââ¬â¢t Shakespeare Someone Else? Tweedale writes about the cryptography that lies within the lines and words of William Shakespeareââ¬â¢s works. Throughout all of his plays and sonnets lies a cryptic message, a code that points to the name Vere. Tweedale uses the following as evidence of the cryptography in Shakespeareââ¬â¢s sonnets and plays. He says that when Julietââ¬â¢s mother tries to interest her in Paris as a husband, she compares him to a book. ââ¬Å"Read ore the volume of young Paris face. And find delight, writ there with Beauties pen, (Read over the volume and find delight. ) Examine every severall liniament (Look at every single line. ) And see how one another lends content (See how each lends content to the next. ) And what obscured in this faire volume lies Find written in the margent of his eyes. â⬠(The obscure messages are found by looking in the margin (Tweedale 187). There are so many other similarities between Edward de Vere that it would take an entire book in order to discuss them, and there have been many of them. Obviously there was no way a college research paper can cover all the bases of this argument. Edward de Vere has the strongest evidence to support his claim. There is not enough evidence to proof that and one would not be able to come to any conclusions on the matter, but it does inform the reader of the closest candidate for the name of William Shakespeare and raises doubt of Shaksper of Stratford. Who is the real Shakespeare? Well no one really knows. Maybe one day scholars will find the one piece of hard evidence that will support without a doubt either case and prove one of them to be William Shakespeare. Ogburn, Charlton. The Mysterious William Shakespeare:The Myth & The Reality. 2nd. McLean, Virginia: EPM Publications, INC, 1984. 434. Print. Ogburn, Dorothy, and Charlton Ogburn. Shake-Speare:The Man Behind The Name. New York: William Morrow and Company, 1962. 14-35. Print. Michell, John. Who Wrote Shakespeare?. London: Thames and Hudson Ltd, 1996. 18. Print. ââ¬Å"Shakespeareââ¬â¢s Biography. â⬠Shakespeare Resource Center. J. M Pressley and the Shakespeare Resource Center, 2011. Web. Sept 16 2011. .
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Immanuel Kantââ¬â¢s Philosophy Essay
If a billionaire were to leave behind all his fortune but makes a dying request to donate $1 million to his favourite football team when the same can be used for a better cause, what would one do? Donating it to charity would seem like the right thing to do, but the answer to it, according to Kant would be quite the opposite. Here, itââ¬â¢s not the consequences that determine the rightness of an action. Rightness is in accordance with morality. According to Immanuel Kantââ¬â¢s views, a supreme moral principle must entail an absolute necessity and should be done out of duty. He believes that, only actions that emanate out of a sense of duty are moral actions and any act performed keeping oneââ¬â¢s own self-interest in mind are, regarded as actions that are not born out of morality. For an example, consider a shopkeeper who is at the liberty of pricing his goods. He could over charge the customers and attain increased profits but that would be an act contrary to oneââ¬â¢s morals. He could also choose to price his goods inexpensively, in order to increase the sales. However, in this case, he is acting is a way to ultimately benefit himself and not out of morality. Morality ultimately rests not on sense, experience or feelings, but on reason. If the same shopkeeper, sets fair prices merely because itââ¬â¢s the right thing and not for the fear of getting caught, then he is fulfilling his duty to morality. Furthermore, Kant feels morality is something one ought to adhere to, unconditionally, that is, without doing so to gain any reward or merit. For example, if one senses the possibility of a robbery occurring, one must report it to the police out of a sense of duty as he is in a position to do so. Then his action is a moral one. However, if he were to do so, with hopes of making the headlines and getting rewarded, then in this case, he acts out of self-interest and such an action is not considered a moral one. According to the Kantian philosophy, the one thing thatââ¬â¢s good in itself, without qualification, is good will. He believes in the existence of an element of certain common sense in the foundation of moral law, which arises out of good will. Morality is valuable in its own right and not based on the fact that it has instrumental value. All other intrinsic goods, moral or intellectual, can serve the vicious will and accord to evil deeds. They are only morally valuable, if accompanied by a good will. Honor can lead to pride. Not even success and happiness is good in themselves. Thus, a good will is good not in virtue of wanting to bring about happiness, but in virtue of wanting to obey the moral law. For Immanuel Kant, motive is the antecedent of all moral worth and not consequences. He argues that one must perform moral duty solely for its own sake i. e. , duty for dutyââ¬â¢s sake. Some conform to the moral duty they presume it in their own enlightened self-interest to be moral. Rightness of actions is determined by their accordance with morality. In order to decide order to decide whether an action was moral or not it is not enough for one to simply help the person in need, but their intention behind providing the aid has to be known. Even if one were to provide aid to someone in need out of a sense of compassion, it would not be considered a moral action according to Kant as it was motivated by emotion. For example, a father playing baseball with his son, should do so out of a sense of duty and not because he loves him. For Kant, the only acceptable motive for a moral action was a sense of duty. The reason is that the consequences of an act are often beyond our control and hence cannot be used to gauge the morality of an action . For Kant, an unsuccessful attempted murder is as bad as a successful one because they had identical motives. It didnââ¬â¢t matter to Kant, if an act was act performed improperly or left unfinished. For example, if a fire-fighter in an attempt to save a man from reducing into ashes, accidently gets him killed having performed the act erroneously, such an act would still be considered a moral one by Kant as the fire-fighter was carrying out his duty. Consider another illustration, Two soldiers volunteer to cross enemy lines to contact their allies on the other side. Both start off and do their best to get through the enemy area. One succeeds; the other doesnââ¬â¢t and is captured. But, arenââ¬â¢t they both morally praiseworthy? The success of one in no way detracts from the goodness of the other. Kant considered the duties that instigate moral actions as absolute. For him, moral duties are said to have imperative nature and they were to be followed irrespective of the consequences. And this is termed as ââ¬ËCategorical imperatives or dutyââ¬â¢ and this can be categorized into two: where in the examples of ââ¬ËHypotheticalââ¬â¢ duties included, ââ¬Å"If you want a good job, get good education. â⬠Whereas, ââ¬ËCategorical Imperativesââ¬â¢ suggests the intrinsically right thing to do like, ââ¬Å"Tell the truth. â⬠But Kant believed that, for an action to be moral, the motive behind the action and the principle underlying the action (maxim) must be universally applicable. For example, one is expected not to honk near hospitals, one must be kind to old and disabled etc. Categorical or unqualified as they recognize the imperial status of moral obligations, unlike Hypothetical. Any actions done in violation of Kantian theory would be considered immoral. Kant also persuades people not to view others as a means to an end and degrade the value of human life. But to respect them for the person they are. For example, one should be polite to people they meet without anticipating any favour, in return. On the other hand, he feels all that choices should be autonomous as every single person is capable of reason. Our natural inclinations and influences shouldnââ¬â¢t limit our choices. This very briefly summarizes Immanuel Kantââ¬â¢s view on Morality. Kantââ¬â¢s views outline a clear structure of moral judgments but firstly, he fails to provide us with guidelines as to how go about taking rightful moral decisions when faced with tough situations. For example, if one has to lie about a friendââ¬â¢s presence in order to save his life, to choose between speaking the truth and protecting the friend leaves one in a fix as the universal maxims seem to conflict each other. Further, Kant disregards the emotional aspect that is involved in everyday decision making process, by expecting people to alienate feelings like compassion, pity etc. He also seems to completely ignore the consequences of oneââ¬â¢s actions, which is quite impractical when looked at, from a practical point of view. Finally, there is no mention of how certain acts are clearly immoral while he strongly advocates the following of universally applicable maxims. As much as his views bear an influence, his principles find very little effectiveness and practical applicability in oneââ¬â¢s daily life. Bibliography ââ¬â BOOKS AND WEBSITES AND MORE ââ¬â 1) Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy ââ¬â plato. stanford. edu 2) Encyclopedia on Philosophy published by Macmillan. 3) Kantââ¬â¢s search for the Supreme Principle of Morality by Samuel J. Kirstein 4) Ethical theory of Immanuel Kant ââ¬â bellevuecollege. edu.
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