Famous Thinkers Immanuel Kant and Martin Luther King Jr.

Famous Thinkers: Immanuel Kant and Martin Luther King, Jr. Introduction Throughout history, across time and space, there have been many thinkers whose teachings and ideas have inspired significant changes in the world around them. From Socrates and Sir Isaac Newton to Charles Darwin and Albert Einstein, certain individuals throughout history have had both the brainpower and the motivation to essentially change the future, using their new ideas and beliefs to shape the worlds next generations into individuals who were, and continue to be, more informed than the last. Who could imagine modern life without the knowledge that these individuals provided us? As with all worldly change, many of these thinkers views and methods were challenged, but in never backing down, many of these teachings, and certainly the names of the individuals behind them, have stood the test of time, as seen in viewing two of historys most noted thinkers, Immanuel Kant and Martin Luther King, Jr. Immanuel Kant: Life, Contributions and Methods Immanuel Kant is widely-regarded as one of the greatest thinkers and philosophers of all time, with his teachings having more influence on other contemporary thinkers than any other philosopher of the 18th century. Fighting against the governmental and monarchical constraints of the time, Kant began his work by maintaining that all humans are free beings, who out to think autonomously, free from the dictates of external authority (SEP, 2011, pp.1). KantShow MoreRelatedTranscendentalism Essay1866 Words   |  8 Pagesman studying Immanuel Kant’s works named Frederick Henry Hedge. This allowed Emerson to learn of Kant and his transcendental idealism. While discussing Kant, Emerson only took certain pieces back to America with him. In 1833, Emerson returned to his home in America lecturing any of those who would listen about â€Å"spiritual experience and ethical living†. The next two years saw Emerson moving to Concord, Mass achusetts. This new life in Concord allowed Emerson to speak with many new thinkers who sharedRead MoreBranches of Philosophy8343 Words   |  34 Pagespsychology, anthropology and science. [edit] Western philosophy Main article: Western philosophy [edit] History Main article: History of Western philosophy The introduction of the terms philosopher and philosophy has been ascribed to the Greek thinker Pythagoras (see Diogenes Laertius: De vita et moribus philosophorum, I, 12; Cicero: Tusculanae disputationes, V, 8-9). The ascription is based on a passage in a lost work of Herakleides Pontikos, a disciple of Aristotle. It is considered to be

The Novel The Green Mile - 978 Words

King s novelâ€Å"The Green Mile,† was a depiction of horror and imagery, or as Harold Bloom stated, â€Å"visually oriented scenarios.† He teased the senses and gave an inevitable emotional twist at the end. This story follows a special inmate possessed some unworldly powers that changed people s fate, when he deemed worthy. John Coffey, last name â€Å"like the drink, only not spelled the same way,† (King 16) plays the hand of God in this story, when he saved a life, cured the incurable, punished the guilty, and changed the life of Paul Edgecomb inevitably. â€Å"The arrival of John Coffey in fall of 1932 was a hot, normal day in the E Block cells†(King 5). The guards saw this man as not much of a talker, but he often cried himself to sleep. He was sentenced there for the rape and murder of two little girls; a crime he did not commit. John Coffey was a large black man in both height and mass, but there was an oddity sensed about this man. â€Å"Paul Edg ecomb had been acquainted with many inmates over his years, but this is the first one he offered his hand to† (King 19). â€Å"Even now I don’t know why,† he stated (King 19). Coffey, a simple man, who talked very little, touched the guards hearts very quickly in his stay. From the start, it seemed Coffey knew he was going to be killed for the crime he did not commit. â€Å"[He was] doomed and [maybe] even perhaps eager to die and put all of the pain and misery behind him†(D Ammassa). He had a hand for healing, even though this man knew that life wasShow MoreRelatedAnalysis of the Green Mile Essay1007 Words   |  5 PagesEnglish 110 November 3, 2011 Summary of the Novel, â€Å"The Green Mile† A summary of any novel by Stephen King has to include a small biography of the horror novelist, himself. Publishing this novel in 1996 as a serial novel, with the first edition actually coming out as one of six small paperbacks that were eventually made into one novel. Stephen King is well known for his horror novels, therefore, this summary of the novel â€Å"The Green Mile† shows this book set in the 1930s and is a deviationRead MoreThe Unjust End Of John Coffey1504 Words   |  7 Pagesof John Coffey Yumi Nagasaki-Taylor writes, â€Å"There aren’t too many people who haven’t read a Stephen King book or seen one of his movies† (Nagasaki-Taylor). King s many novels and short stories have become staples in American Literature and English classes around the world. Among King’s well-known works, there is The Green Mile. Anyone who has read this story will forever remember it, not only because of the unmistakable plot, but also for the heart-wrenching resolution involving John Coffey. Coffey’sRead MoreEssay on Main Themes in The Green Mile1473 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"The Green Mile† is death. It encapsulates the whole novel, leaving the reader to think deeply about their fate. It’s an obvious theme, considering the story takes place on death row. However, further analysis reveals a deeper meaning than men dying in the electric chair for their crimes. â€Å"And I think about all of us. Walking our own green mile; each in our own time .†(Pg 434) Paul said. The reader will discover that the Green Mile itself is a metaphor for death. Paul compared life at the Green MileRead MoreJohn Green is one of the most popular writers of the 21st century. John Green is not an ordinary700 Words   |  3 PagesJohn Green is one of the most popular writers of the 21st century. John Green is not an ordinary writer. What makes his books so popular is the transition from sadness to a content normality that teenagers tend to relate to. Greens books tend to relate to the life of some teenagers today. Greens serious subjects such as cancer, suicide, isolation, and self-discovery, they are often full of humor and abnormal facts. For many reasons John Greens books belong in high schools today. John Green was bornRead MoreThe Perks Of Being A Wallflower And John Green s Novel997 Words   |  4 PagesBoth Steven Chbosky’s film, The Perks of being a wallflower and John Green’s novel, looking for Alaska cannot fail to impress the reader or audience on the likeness surrounding the two. The relationship between the two connects in numerous ways. Both are stories about growing up that depicts with similar groups of high schoolers dealing with similar kinds of life events. Two dominant themes presented throughout both the book and the film is loss and love. Chbosky directs The Perks of being a wallflowerRead MoreLooking For Alaska By John Green991 Words   |  4 PagesProfessor Dorwick English 350 9 February 2017 Looking For Alaska by John Green Looking For Alaska by John Green is a coming of age story focused on a shy and friendless fifteen-year-old boy named Miles Halter. He leaves his home in Florida to attend Culver Creek Preparatory School in Alabama, seeking his â€Å"Great Perhaps† (Green 5). It is important to note that this novel is written in two parts, before and after. Before, Miles fits in perfect at Culver Creek where he meets his first true friendsRead MoreLooking for Alaska by John Green884 Words   |  4 Pages The novel Looking for Alaska by John Green is told in first person narrative from the point of view of Miles Halter. The story takes place in Alabama on the campus of Culver Creek Preparatory School following the lives of Miles, a 16 year old boy, and his group of friends that consist of the Colonel, Alaska, and Takumi. As the novel progresses, Miles innocence slowly unfolds as he faces the pressures of drinking, smoking and Alaska’s death. Miles changes from being an antisocial person to someoneRead MoreShould Banning Books Be Banned?1745 Words   |  7 PagesAbsolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, and Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye on Huffington Post’s The Most Frequently Challenged Titles since 2013. In John Green’s Novel it is true that all of these topics are brought up frequently throughout its entirety. Controversial topics are introduced very early in the novel. When Miles arrives to Clear Creek Boarding School he is thrown into smoking, alcohol, swearing, and sexual referencing almost immediately. His roommate, who prefers to be calledRead MoreA Brief Look at Stephen King751 Words   |  3 PagesStephen King Many people say that Stephen King is the most successful and influential author of the present day. His novels have given reader thrills and chills since the 1980s. Most people view Stephen King as America’s greatest horror writer, but he also explores the idea of identity and the American condition in the 1980’s. On September 21, 1947 Nellie Ruth King and Donald Edwin King gave birth to their son Stephen in Portland Maine. While King was still very young, his parents separatedRead MorePredicting Or Generating Expectations By Serena Lo Monaco1511 Words   |  7 PagesSerena Lo Monaco Journal Predicting or Generating Expectations Currently while reading, it is safe to say the main protagonist of the novel is trying to escape his past life by leaving behind everything he’s known for a new adventure featuring new people. Already he has tried to fit in by being something he is not. It is evident through his speech versus his thoughts. Short term events could consist of him changing who he is to fit into the current way of life he has walked into. Long term events

Nonverbal Communication Emotions Free Essays

Nonverbal communication is playing nowadays one of the most important roles in organizations and companies, because it is the only source of mutual understanding among employees and customers, directors and suppliers, etc. Apparently, one of the wide-spread barriers to communicate emotions is hierarchy or status. Hierarchy affects communication of emotions, because the fact that a person is a boss certainly creates barrier to open and sincere communication. We will write a custom essay sample on Nonverbal Communication: Emotions or any similar topic only for you Order Now Boss is responsible for determining rewards and penalties and thus he is often treated negatively. Therefore, the only way to improve the situation is collaboration approach meaning that boss has to motivate employees to share information and, furthermore, he has to introduce rewarding systems for skillful employees to show that he really respects their work. Other obstacles involve cultural differences, dreaming, flittering, judging, analyzing and many others. Understanding how to communicate emotions effectively will help to promote creating smoothly working project teams; responding to customers, clients, and markets; living and working in a culturally diverse world. Effective nonverbal communication skills are really important, because they will assist in better company’s performance either in domestic or international market. In a modern swiftly changing world people and cultures are circulating and interacting as at a really dizzying speed. Those people who know how to use emotions and how to communicate them effectively have a crucial advantage over others. Emotions are very important in group communications. The main benefits of communication emotions are that they replace verbal communications, complement verbal communication enhancing the message sent and express interpersonal attitudes, thoughts and feelings. The possible ways to improve communication of emotions are smile making the communication more pleasant, friendly and warm; trust and honesty in business relations; ability to help and assist others in resolving internal conflicts. References Collins, Susie. (2005). How To Dramatically Improve Communication in Your Relationship and Start Getting More of The Love You Really Want In Just One Evening. Retrieved January 8, 2007, from http://www.communication-magic.com/ Â   Â   Â   Â   How to cite Nonverbal Communication: Emotions, Essay examples

Human Resource Management Goals and Objectives

Question: Discuss about the Human Resource Managementfor Goals and Objectives. Answer: Introduction Human resource management is a concept that allows business organisations to manage their workforce using functions, such as performance management, career development, training and development, etc. with an objective of optimising the overall performance of the workplace by ensuring better working conditions for the employees and fostering better relations between employees and employers. Human resources are the most important resources in any business because nothing can function without them. In the past few decades, another concept that has surfaced is strategic human resource management, which aims at maximising the efficiency of an organisation by aligning the human resource management practices with the organisational strategies, goals and objectives. Thus, to ensure maximum efficiency and best results, it is important that human resource management metrics are incorporated into all business decisions (Sen, 2015). HRM Metrics and Decision Making The reasons because of which HRM metrics should be incorporated in the business decision making process are discussed below: First of all, it is important that the management has an idea about the labour demand and supply conditions before it plans to select a future course of strategy. The management should also consider labour turnover rates in the decision making process as it has costs associated with it and can affect the overall strategy of the company in the longer run. For example, a company planning to upgrade its manufacturing unit will have to take the employee turnover into account because it will require a larger workforce once it upgrades its manufacturing capacity. Secondly, performance of the human resources is another area of concern which the management has to address while taking business decisions. Aligning the performance metrics with the business decision making process of a company can allow the management to highlight areas of excellence or those areas where an improvement is required (Business, n.d.). Thirdly, compensation and benefits or the human resource budget is another key ar ea that should be addressed while taking important business decisions. An organisation taking a business decision should consider the human resource costs that the decision can have. For example, an organisation planning to start a small subsidiary in another part of the country will also have to consider the compensation and benefits of the freshly recruited employees and also of the ones that will be sent from the headquarters to the new subsidiary. Similarly, an organisation planning to start a pilot project will have to take employee overtime expenses into account while taking business decisions. Fourthly, when companies plan to take important decisions about starting something new or bring about changes in the workplace, they have to incorporate the training and development needs of the employees and the time period and costs associated with it. Conclusion Almost all the working of an organisation is dependent on the condition of its human resources. As a result, it is important that an organisation considers a number of human resource metrics into its decision making process so that it can align the management of its human resources with its future strategies and increase the chances of success. Bibliography Business, H. M. a. T. I. o., n.d. Heidi Cardenas. [Online] Available at: https://smallbusiness.chron.com/hr-metrics-impact-business-62267.html [Accessed 16 April 2017]. Sen, S., 2015. How Analytics Are Becoming Important For HR. [Online] Available at: https://startupfocus.saphana.com/how-analytics-are-becoming-important-for-hr/ [Accessed 16 April 2017].

Keynesian Economics Essays (1689 words) - Keynesian Economics

Keynesian Economics Macroeconomics, branch of economics concerned with the aggregate, or overall, economy. Macroeconomics deals with economic factors such as total national output and income, unemployment, balance of payments, and the rate of inflation. It is distinct from microeconomics, which is the study of the composition of output such as the supply and demand for individual goods and services, the way they are traded in markets, and the pattern of their relative prices. At the basis of macroeconomics is an understanding of what constitutes national output, or national income, and the related concept of gross national product (GNP). The GNP is the total value of goods and services produced in an economy during a given period of time, usually a year. The measure of what a country's economic activity produces in the end is called final demand. The main determinants of final demand are consumption (personal expenditure on items such as food, clothing, appliances, and cars), investment (spending by businesses on items such as new facilities and equipment), government spending, and net exports (exports minus imports). Macroeconomic theory is largely concerned with what determines the size of GNP, its stability, and its relationship to variables such as unemployment and inflation. The size of a country's potential GNP at any moment in time depends on its factors of production-labor and capital-and its technology. Over time the country's labor force, capital stock, and technology will change, and the determination of long-run changes in a country's productive potential is the subject matter of one branch of macroeconomic theory known as growth theory. The study of macroeconomics is relatively new, generally beginning with the ideas of British economist John Maynard Keynes in the 1930s. Keynes's ideas revolutionized thinking in several areas of macroeconomics, including unemployment, money supply, and inflation. Keynesian Theory and Unemployment Unemployment causes a great deal of social distress and concern; as a result, the causes and consequences of unemployment have received the most attention in macroeconomic theory. Until the publication in 1936 of The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money by Keynes, large-scale unemployment was generally explained in terms of rigidity in the labor market that prevented wages from falling to a level at which the labor market would be in equilibrium. Equilibrium would be reached when pressure from members of the labor force seeking work had bid down the wage to the point where either some dropped out of the labor market (the supply of labor fell) or firms became willing to take on more labor given that the lower wage increased the profitability of hiring more workers (demand increased). If, however, some rigidity prevented wages from falling to the point where supply and demand for labor were at equilibrium, then unemployment could persist. Such an obstacle could be, for exam ple, trade union action to maintain minimum wages or minimum-wage legislation. Keynes's major innovation was to argue that persistent unemployment might be caused by a deficiency in demand for production or services, rather than by a disequilibrium in the labor market. Such a deficiency of demand could be explained by a failure of planned (intended) investment to match planned (intended) savings. Savings constitute a leakage in the circular flow by which the incomes earned in the course of producing goods or services are transferred back into demand for other goods and services. A leakage in the circular flow of incomes would tend to reduce the level of total demand. Real investment, known as capital formation (the production of machines, factories, housing, and so on), has the opposite effect-it is an injection into the circular flow relating income to output-and tends to raise the level of demand. In the earlier classical models of unemployment, such as the one described above, deficiency of demand in the aggregate market for goods and services (known by the short-hand term as the goods market) was ruled out. It was believed that any discrepancy between planned savings and planned investment would be eliminated by changes in the rate of interest. Thus, for example, if planned savings exceeded planned investment, the rate of interest would fall, which would reduce the supply of savings and, at the same time, increase the desire of companies to borrow money to invest in machines, buildings, and so on.

Carrion Beetles, Family Silphidae

Carrion Beetles, Family Silphidae Look no further than your nearest road kill if you want to collect specimens in the family Silphidae. Carrion beetles inhabit the remains of dead vertebrates, munching on maggots and consuming the corpse. As gross as that sounds, its an important job. Carrion beetles also go by the common names burying beetles and sexton beetles. What Do Carrion Beetles Look Like? Unless you’re in the habit of examining carcasses, you may never come across a carrion beetle. Some species will fly to porch lights on summer evenings, so you may get lucky and find one on your front door. While we might find the carrion beetle’s diet rather distasteful, these scavengers provide a vital ecological service - disposing of carcasses. Most of the carrion beetles we encounter fall into one of two genera: Silpha or Nicrophorus. Silpha beetles are medium to large, oval in shape, and usually flattened. They’re typically black, sometimes with a yellow pronotum. Nicrophorus beetles (sometimes spelled Necrophorus) are commonly called burying beetles, thanks to their remarkable ability to move and bury carcasses. Their bodies are elongate, with shortened elytra. Many burying beetles are red and black in color. Though carrion beetles as a family range in size from just a few millimeters to as long as 35 mm, most species we commonly encounter top 10 mm in length. Silphids have clubbed antennae, and tarsi (feet) with 5 joints. Carrion beetle larvae have elongated bodies that taper at the hind end. Carrion Beetles Classifications Kingdom - AnimaliaPhylum - ArthropodaClass - InsectaOrder - ColeoopteraFamily - Silphidae Carrion Beetle Diet As adults, most carrion beetles feed on maggots, as well as on the decomposing carcass they inhabit. The adults’ voracious appetite for maggots certainly helps eliminate competition for their offspring. The carrion beetle larvae feed on the carcass, which would quickly be devoured by maggots without the intervention of the adult Silphids. A few carrion beetle species feed on plants, or even more rarely, prey on snails or caterpillars. The Carrion Beetle Life Cycle Like all beetles, Silphids undergo complete metamorphosis, with four stages of the life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The adult carrion beetles lay eggs on or near a decomposing carcass. The young larvae emerge in about a week and will feed on the carcass for up to a month before pupating. Interesting Behaviors of Carrion Beetles Burying beetles (genus Nicrophorus) practice remarkable feats of insect strength in an effort to beat the competition to the carcass. When a pair of burying beetles comes across a carcass, they will immediately go to work burying the body. A couple Nicrophorus beetles can completely inter a carcass as large as a rat in a matter of hours. To do so, the beetles plow the earth beneath the carcass, using their heads like bulldozer blades to push loose soil out from under the body. As more and more soil is excavated from beneath it, the carcass begins to settle into the ground. Eventually, the burying beetles push the loose soil back over the body, effectively hiding it from competitors like blow flies. If the soil beneath the carcass proves to difficult to dig, the beetles may work together to lift and carry the body to another location nearby. The bright bands of red or orange on the wings of many carrion beetles warn potential predators that they won’t make a very delicious meal, so don’t bother tasting them. There’s something to be said for the old adage â€Å"you are what you eat.† Carrion beetles, after all, feed on rotting flesh, and all the bacteria that goes along with it. Silphids apparently taste and smell like death. Where Do Carrion Beetles Live? The family Silphidae is a fairly small beetle group, with just 175 species known worldwide. Of these, about 30 species inhabit North America. Most carrion beetles inhabit temperate regions. Sources: Borror and DeLong’s Introduction to the Study of Insects, 7th Edition, by Charles A. Triplehorn and Norman F. JohnsonInsects: Their Natural History and Diversity, by Stephen A. MarshallKaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, by Eric R. Eaton and Kenn KaufmanA Matter of Taste – The Natural History of Carrion Beetles, by Brett C. Ratcliffe, Curator of Insects, University of Nebraska State MuseumFamily Silphidae, Bugguide.net, accessed November 29, 2011

Accounting and financial management 4 Topics Assignment

Accounting and financial management 4 Topics - Assignment Example Financial distress is a state whereby a company is not able to meet the agreements it had with its creditors it normally results to a company being termed as bankrupt. Cost associated with financial distress are normally termed as costs of financial distress. Some of the costs of financial distress are classified into direct and indirect. Direct cost include; legal fees, auditors fees, management fees. Some of the indirect costs involved are, loss of goodwill, loss of trust by creditors, loss of customers. Method 2: the second method is used only when the risk imposed on a company remains the same as a result of its capital structure, the company is ready to incur as much debt as possible. The main aim of this method is to identify the level of debt at which the advantages of increased debt are not outweighed by the increase in risk that are financially distressed company is subjected to. It is also known as the intuitive view. The theory indicates that a firm should have as ideal level of gearing at which its WACC is minimized. Nevertheless this theory does not indicate where the ideal level is and this leaves trial and error as the sole method of finding it. When gearing levels are low shareholders regard risk increases as marginal. This results to cheapness of debt issues and this causes WACC to be lower. When gearing ratios are higher the volatility of shareholders returns increase. Dominance in cheapness of extra debt results in WACC increasing as the levels of gearing increases. In the case when the levels of gearing have escalated abnormally both equity and debt holders face a risk of bankruptcy as a result the cost of equity and the cost of debt rise with increased gearing and this therefore causes WACC to rise further They disregarded the capital structure which was irrelevant in determining the cost of capital. They argued that a firm have no optimal value and its value is determined by the business risk it

Industry overview of Yahoo company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Industry overview of Yahoo company - Essay Example By means of contrast and comparison, the main competition for Yahoo, Google, Microsoft, and Apple fall into two distinct groups with regards to their own value proposition. As can be expected, Google mirrors Yahoo with regards to the way in which it offers services in an attempt to garner a further level of customers. As such, Google has the value proposition of having Gmail, YouTube, Picasa, Google News and a litany of other associated services. However, both Microsoft and Apple approach the market from a somewhat different standpoint (Reingold, 2013). For example, for Microsoft and Apple, the services that are related are more oftentimes related to actual hardware that works seamlessly with the online services that they already offer; i.e. iTunes or the ability to sync hardware with that information that is being viewed online . This somewhat differentiated focus allows Yahoo to have a distinct advantage with regards to the fact that it is ultimately most closely competing with Goo gle in terms of the market that has already been defined. From an analysis and review of Porter’s five forces, with respect to Yahoo Inc., it can be determined that the threat of new entrants is not something that Yahoo should be particularly concerned with. Due to the fact that the market is already heavily stratified, the danger of new entrants is something that Yahoo need not be overly concerned by. Similarly, the threat of substitutes products is something that Yahoo must perennially be on guard against. Due to the fact that the Yahoo business model has been largely successful, although arguably not nearly as successful as Google, the threat of substitutes products that could take away their stake in the market is something that Yahoo is faced with on a daily basis. Likewise, the bargaining power of the consumer is naturally a pertinent concern due to the fact that any changes within the baseline of the

An Analysis of the Woolcock Street Investments Case Assignment

An Analysis of the Woolcock Street Investments Case - Assignment Example This case began in 1987 when the Eagle Star Nominees, Inc., designated as trustees for the BSL Growth Trust Company, engaged a company doing engineering work to design foundations for a warehouse and offices in Townsville. When the building’s construction had been finished, the trustee Eagle Star then decided to sell the property to the plaintiff. In the contract of sale, there was no warranty indicating that the building had no defects. Likewise, the buyer did not conduct any building inspection, survey before purchase, or any sort of appraisal to determine whether or not the building had been constructed in an optimal manner. Also, there was no assignment in contract by the vendor of the rights to proceed against others in case of defects. Just more than a year after the property had been turned over, the defects become apparent. The building had unmistakable structural distress and this was because of how the foundations were arranged, as well as the material below the foundations. The buyer filed a case against the engineering company and its employee, stating that the company owed a duty of reasonable care in designing the foundations of the building and ensuring the safety of the premises. In response, the company said that they owed no such duty of care to the buyer and that they were not at fault, because they in fact had asked the trustee to allow them to do soil tests, however they were told that such soil tests were not necessary and to simply use structural footing sizes. A lawsuit for damages was then filed, and the main question that the courts were tasked to respond to was: â€Å"Whether or not a subsequent buyer of commercial property had the right to sue the builder for design malfunctions?† The court ruled against the buyer and ruled that the duty of care owed to a subsequent or remote purchaser by the engineer that built the foundation of the building in question does not hold when the defective building is used for commercial purposes. This means that there is no case that can be filed against the engineer by the subsequent buyer because the building was not used as a dwelling, but rather as a commercial establishment. Previous Jurisprudence It is difficult to talk about Woolcock without talking about the progenitor case, Bryan v. Maloney. [(1995) 182 CLR 609, 616–17, 623 (Mason CJ, Deane and Gaudron  JJ) (‘Bryan’)]. In that case, the plaintiff was able to successfully claim damages against the builder, despite the fact that she was a subsequent buyer of a residential property and the sale was concluded seven years after the property had been built. The plaintiff had inspected the house many times before purchasing it, with no observations made that there were any defects. However, after six months, it was discovered that there were cracks on the wall and this was because the builder had constructed footings that were inadequate to withstand the changes in the

Natural Church Development

Natural Church Development ESSAY TOPIC: AN AUDIT OF THE OF A CONGREGATION DESIGN TO DISCERN ITS STRENGTH, WEAKNESS, OPPORTUNITIES AND THREAT. STRATEGY FOR ITS FURTHER DEVELOPMENT BUILDING ON YOUR AUDIT INTRODUCTION In recent years, it has become very difficult to get people to church. Many would rather go to football field or a cinema than to church. Some complained that church is boring and out of date while others believe it is meant for the elderly and the children. Whichever way, there is a drift away in thinking. Burke echo the above observation said, The reality is, postmodernism is a fad, it is not a new trend we can ride out and ignore. Whether or not you realise it, you live in a postmodern world . There is no point in pretending that you are not or wishing that things would go back to the way they were thirty years.[1] Wishing things in church go back decades back is not good for people and civilization nevertheless it is unrealistic. However, Synder noted that, the church of God is Gods kingdom or institution on earth and for that reason, the theological or organisation structure should not be questioned knowing well that from insertion of the church to now, the church is still unfol ding Gods purpose for humanity.[2] The church has a role of unfolding Gods plan to the world yet faced with these challenges, what are the solutions to overcoming them. It is also worth noting that each church has her peculiarity. This essay will be focusing on using the Natural Church Development module to take a look at the health of a church I once worked with discern the strength and weakness and strategizing a solution. This essay measures the churchs health rather than the typical growth by using the Schwarzs eight quality of characteristics of church health. THE CHURCH HISTORY AND HEALTH Coming from an African church setting, I felt compelled to pick on one of the African church setting I have been involved for years for this essay due to my insight of the congregation and the history. I felt assured to proceed using the church because the pastors and the governing boards were willing to assist in the research that might be involved. Furthermore, the governing board and the pastors were open to the administration of the Natural Church Development using the eight quality characteristics to access the church health. The NCD experimental mode was used throughout the collation and administration of the project. The main instrument of the NCD used was the questionnaire, due to short time in getting data needed to write this essay. The questionnaire used for this essay was limited to only very few members of the congregation of twenty who were pick randomly in order to have a balance information. The expectation is that at the end of the project, the church would have been healthier and experience growth. Also, putting to mind the stresses this change might bring to the congregation, the governing board and pastors are helping the congregation negotiate the change while the project last. This estimated time of completion is one year. The church setting has her origin from Nigeria, West Africa with over 65 years of existence. The central core message of the church as well as the organisational principle is based on the book of Hebrew 13:8 with Berner noting that, has almost gone full circle through the vicissitudes of days of small things to periods of intense evangelistic fervour and search for doctrinal anchor and purity, to the present explosion into socio-political power, economic privilege and spiritual aristocracy.'[3] Nigeria in West Africa has diverse religion and beliefs with three main religion mainly the African Traditional Religion, Christianity and Islam. This diversity brings with along hunger for the truth. Moreover, the quest to fight poverty also aided the growth for search for divine intervention which many found in the churches. This is possible because of the reliance on Holy Spirit among the Pentecostal churches. Furthermore, the young and educated wanted something different from the traditio nal religion or the orthodox churches settled for this new moment. The growth of Pentecostalism began to make most churches to focus on the leading of the Holy Spirit and the power of Pentecost so much that church leadership and organisation in most of these churches have to be by the leading of the Holy Spirit. The selected church organisation of this essay was one of the early church of this moment. The growth of the church movement led to the expansion of the church beyond the border of Africa to other countries including United Kingdom where the parish of the church for this essay is located. The location of this parish was strategic because it is in an area of London that was seriously in need of a change and a living church. As most churches in that area then were either empty and the buildings were converted to hall for general social activities or you see only elderly weekly. This calls for the need of a church for the people not only to worship God but also socialise together creating a community in a community. As noted by Avis, Mission is not a discrete activity of the church, but the cutting edge of the churchs life. It includes the vital areas of social engagement, compassionate care, prophetic critique, Christian education and intellectual dialogue and apologetic.[4] The challenge I discovered was that the church was not reaching the people of the community and the few people coming were people of the same culture. Research carried out in the community during my earlier years in the church shows that there were people searching for a church nearby but were not feeling welcomed to be a part of the church due to approach, cultural design or the mode of service and people management. The pastors and governing board noticed these challenges but were limited with lasting solution to these challenges. Moreover, they are of the opinion that it is God that gives the increase 1 Cor 3:6. Secondly, there were sense of satisfaction and success because there were flints of cars always packing for church services. It is sad because though there were flints of cars in major services, the people coming were from other communities, the church was unable to reach her immediate community. Furthermore, some the members who were from Africa now residing in this area were not getting the spiritual satisfaction there were hoping for because of their experiences from the African setting of the church. The theological implication of the struggle was that many who were very spiritually thorough back in Africa were now struggling with their faith either due to cultural, economic or social differences that need to be attended to in other to create a balance among the congregation. Many not only left the church to seek for spiritual satisfaction while some left Christianity completely due to disappointment in the leadership style or approach. Looking this, Snyder stated that, the church is the agent of the Kingdom of God first of all through what it. It best serves the kingdoms interests as the messianic community of Gods people rather than as an ecclesiastical institution.[5] For clarity of purpose I concentrated my project on the principle of the church, that states but God that gave the increase[6] Though, there are numerous books, theories and modules on the concept of church health today. For me to remain focus on my objective, and fundamental principle of the parish, I restricted myself to the Natural Church Development by Christian A. Schwarz. In this essay, the concept given by Christian A. Schwarz and the eight quality characteristics will be used to analyse the church health and how to experience growth. NATURAL CHURCH DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT The leadership of the church believes that it is only God who gives the increase in ministry or church. This ideology echoes Schwarzs NCD. However, NCD gives a more details and analytical ways of getting result. Schwarz believes that church is like a plant and should experience natural growth progressions.[7] Which is based on biblical principles growth citing Mark 4:26-29.[8] He sees the church as a biotic plant that has the potential of reproducing itself if there is the right condition for growth which include reducing the environmental resistance[9] to the minimum.[10] As noted by the leadership of the church that it is God that gives the increase, Schwarz believes that Church growth can happen all-by-itself[11] In as much as God is the one that causes the growth Schwarz pointed out that there must be self-organisation for proper growth to occur.[12] Since plant grows by itself once the conditions of growth are met, then the church can also naturally grow as God is the one that g ives the conditions of growth in the first place.[13] He noted that for biotic potential to be released for self-organisation of a church there must be quality characteristic, minimum strategy, biotic principles and paradigm shift.[14] Hence, he Defines Natural church development as Releasing the growth automatisms, by which God himself grows his church.[15] While mentioning the sources of his discoveries which include research, observation of nature and biblical studies of natural growing processes of plants Schwarz made it clear that observation of the natural study of plant or church should not be the standard of accessing the growth but the scripture and what is theological acceptable.[16] He distinguished NCD from other concepts of church growth development because it is principle-oriented[17], quality services[18] and the release of natural growth focus[19] with which the church is built by God.[20] Schwarz gave his qualities of characteristics for effective self-organisation as follows: Empowering Leadership which involves teaching and making leader from the lay members of the church Gift-oriented lay ministry. By this, members are helped to discover and identify Gods gift and are developed. Passionate Spirituality which include the role of spiritual exercises in church Functional structures like heads of department and unit leaders. Inspiring worship service. Holistic small groups Need-oriented evangelism Loving relationship. Selection Christian Schwarzs NCD to access my church health because of his discovery which agrees with the teaching and the ideology of the leadership of the church, one cannot overlook some of the lingering questions in the approach applied by Schwarz. He carried out researches all over the world collating data to prove the viability of NCD but there were little said on the word of God regarding the concept except for the initially scripture. For any concept on Gods church to be effective, attention must be given to the word of God above technology and research. Though technology and research enhances good result.[21] Similarly, he seems to distant himself from size and numbers and make quality of service seems to be all that is need even if there is not numerically growth.[22] APPLICATION OF THE CONCEPT God plan of reconciliation of man through Jesus Christ using the church is important Col. 1:17-20 and the mission of the church is to demonstrate this headship[23] but if the church is not measuring up then the devil and the world have the upper hand as seen today. Schwarz stated that for any church to experience good health growth, the characteristics must interplay and a weakness in one of the characteristics and can limit the effectiveness of the others.[24] Analysis and review of questionnaires were carried out with the pastors and the governing board of the church. During the review, it was discovered that though the church was not lacking in all the quality characteristics but as mentioned above lacking in one can limit the others. There were area that needed to be strengthen. Schwarz pointed out that the level of contentment in a congregation can be traced to the level of involvement people have in the congregation. People who are involved in their churches using the gifts and depending on the Holy Spirit, have a higher contentment than those who do not.[25] The church empowerment of leadership was good as there were structures to teach members on getting involved. Members are trained in-house and are made to serve in any department of the choosing. Furthermore, during this training gift are discovered, identified and are used for the church, this promotes confidence, peace and desire to want to serve God with the gift.[26] Holistic small group called house cell where members are divided according to the location and a central place is pick for the meeting of the group. This foster good relationship among the members. Schwarz said that, seek to apply the Bible in a relevant way characterise healthy church.[27]However, there were situation where members are too familiar that relocating them for other assignment became an issue. One of the strategy to solving that was rotational of the leadership of the small group. Passionate spirituality was one of the major problem because of the doctrinal beliefs of the church (Africa origin of the church). Some of the members were unhappy with too strict laws on dressing, where you cannot put on a particular kind of dressing once you are a member of the working unit in the church. Looking at the questionnaire, the issue of dressing stood out for attention. The pastors and the governing board had to biblically look for a balance that will be attracted to encourage people been free. Some were not in agreement with the leadership as this was changing the doctrine of the church. However, the understanding of the people as regard passionate spirituality were difference from what Schwarzs. Schwarz believe that Passionately spiritual Christians are enthusiastic about their faith. Passionately spiritual people are growing in their faith and holiness regardless of dressing or any doctrine that might be in place.[28] Schwarzs thought was carefully planned to one of t he services and there were significant progress. Healthy churches are not overworked by activities that take it turns on both the members and the leadership instead it allows for room it allows for programs that help the leaders to reproduce themselves.[29] For a church that believes in making members active by putting up many church activities, helping the leadership understood the negative impact was very important and how to shift away from such practices to a practice of reproducing quality believers. Inspiring Worship services involves giving God honour, recognising his sovereignty through the sacraments, the Word of God, preaching, testimony and fellowship through the power of the Holy Spirit.[30] Worship is a priority and it is to be taken so. Therefore, for a healthy church, quality time must be spent in prayers and planning of any services or programme to bring people to the presence of God. Need-oriented evangelism is needed for the church as evangelism is the duty of all believers. While Jesus was ascending to the sky is said Go ye to all the nations Matt 28:19. New strategy of evangelism was introduced to encourage members to meet the need of both Christian and non-Christian. One of such was the introduction of a food bank to assist as many in the community in need of food and though this many came to the saving knowledge of the Lord. John the Apostle wrote, Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God 1 John 4:7. Snyder writes, Christians are kingdom people when, having found peace with God through Jesus, they build a peaceful community and become agents of Gods peace in the world[31] The people were encouraged not to show love to other believers only but to the unbelievers alike so that by our love, they can come to the knowledge of Gods grace and measure. The pastors and the governing board realise areas of improvement, took it on board and began to implement the change in order to have a healthier church that can serve the community and shows Gods kingdom on earth. CONCLUSION Schwarz believe that, healthy or whole churches are those that are strong in all eight specified areas[32] and one quality cannot lead to growth in churches but rather involving the interplay of all eight characters. His words, the key is found in the harmonious interplay of all eight elements.[33] Therefore, it is important to improve the services giving in the church to same standard or more compare to what is offered in the world by so doing making the Church become more attractive to the world. BIBLIOGRAPHY Avis Paul, A Church Drawing Near: Spirituality and Mission in a Post-Christian Culture (London, Great Britain: The Cromwell Press 2003) Schwarz Christian A. Natural Church Development: A Practical Guide to a New Approach (Barcelona, Spain: M.C.E. HOREB 1996) Snyder Howard A., Signs of the Spirit: How God reshapes the church (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House 1989) Snyder Howard A., The Community of the King (Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Versity Press 1977) Snyder Howard A., A Kingdom Manifesto (Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Versity Press 1977) Spencer Burke, Colleen Pepper, Making Sense of Church: Eavesdropping on Emerging Conversations about God, Community, and Culture (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House 2003) King James Version Bible Ulrich Berner, The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Nigeria. Local Identities and Global Processes in African Pentecostalism (published Doctoral Dissertation, Owerri, Imo State, 2003), p.1 [Accessed 17 Jan 2017] [1] Burke Spencer, Pepper Colleen, Making Sense of Church: Eavesdropping on Emerging Conversations about God, Community, and Culture (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House 2003), p. 26. [2] Howard A. Snyder, Signs of the Spirit: How God reshapes the church (Grand Rapids: Michigan, Zondervan Publishing House 1989), p. 270. [3] Berner Ulrich, The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Nigeria. Local Identities and Global Processes in African Pentecostalism (published Doctoral Dissertation, Owerri, Imo State, 2003), p.1 [Accessed 17 Jan 2017] [4] Paul Avis, A Church Drawing Near: Spirituality and Mission in a Post-Christian Culture (London, Great Britain: The Cromwell Press 2003), p.13 [5] Howard A. Snyder, The Community of the King (Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Versity Press 1977), p.73. [6] 1 Cor 3:6 Kjv Bible [7] Christian A. Schwarz, Natural Church Development: A Practical Guide to a New Approach (Barcelona, Spain: M.C.E. HOREB 1996), P.9 [8] Christian A. Schwarz, P.8 [9] Christian A. Schwarz, Natural Church Development: A Practical Guide to a New Approach (Barcelona, Spain: M.C.E. HOREB 1996), P.10 [10] Christian A. Schwarz, P.10 [11] Christian A. Schwarz, P.10 [12] Christian A. Schwarz, P.10 [13] Christian A. Schwarz, P.11 [14] Christian A. Schwarz, P.11 [15] Christian A. Schwarz, P.13 [16] Christian A. Schwarz, P.13 [17] Christian A. Schwarz, P.14 [18] Christian A. Schwarz, P.14 [19] Christian A. Schwarz, P.14 [20] Christian A. Schwarz, P.14 [21] Christian A. Schwarz, P.19 [22] Christian A. Schwarz, P.45 [23] Howard A. Snyder, The Community of the King (Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Versity Press 1977), p.117 [24] Christian A. Schwarz, P.50 [25] Christian A. Schwarz, P.24 [26] Christian A. Schwarz, P.24 [27] Christian A. Schwarz, P.32 [28] Christian A. Schwarz, P.27 [29] Christian A. Schwarz, P.28 [30] Christian A. Schwarz, P.31 [31] Howard A. Snyder, A Kingdom Manifesto (Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Versity Press 1977), p.22. [32] Christian A. Schwarz, P.38 [33] Christian A. Schwarz, P.39

Four Views of The Sick Rose :: sick

Four Views of The Sick Rose Four Works Cited By analyzing more information from different authors, I was able to draw a greater amount contrast from the authors. I had a better feel for what they were trying to convey when they wrote their critical essays in their books. Whatever the case, it was easier to judge "The Sick Rose" by having more sources to reflect upon. Michael Riffaterre centers his analysis of "The Sick Rose" in "The Self-sufficient Text" by "using internal evidence only [to analyze the poem] and to determine to what extent the literary text is self-sufficient. It seems to [Riffaterre] that a proper reading entails no more than a knowledge of the language" (39). Riffaterre identifies psychological, philosophical, and genetic interpretations (connected to "mythological tradition") as "aiming outwards." These approaches find the meaning of the text in the relationship of its images to other texts" (40). Riffaterre argues for a more internal reading of the poems. Riffaterre emphasizes the importance of the relationships between words as opposed to their "corresponding realities" (40). For example, he states that the "flower or the fruit is a variant of the worm's dwelling constructed through destruction. Thus, as a word, worm is meaningful only in the context of flower, and flower only in the context of worm" (41). After Riffaterre's reading and interpretation of the poem, he concludes that "The Sick Rose" is composed of "polarized polarities" (44) which convey the central object of the poem, the actual phrase, "the sick rose" (44). He asserts that "because the text provides all the elements necessary to our identifying these verbal artifacts, we do not have to resort to traditions or symbols found outside the text" (44). Thus, "The Sick Rose" is a self-sufficient text. Hazard Adams takes a different approach to reading "The Sick Rose" than most critics by cautioning the reader that often one "overlook[s] the fact that a literary image primarily imitates its previous usages and secondarily what it denotes in the outer world or in the realm of ideas" (13). Adams begins his analysis with examining the rose, and by reminding the reader that in a "literary world where the rose is seen archetypally, all things have human form" (14). Thus he allows for the rose to be able to become part of the speaker. He carries his idea one step further by suggesting that the speaker always "address[es] some aspect of himself" when speaking to an object.

The Utilization of Moringa Oleifera (Malunggay)

Rising energy prices and environmental problems led to the increase in alcohol demands in many aspects, like in making fuels. Many people are doing researches about making their own product so as to lessen their everyday expenses. Right now, Filipino scientists are in think of the search for alternative fuels, with the experts from the University of the Philippines in both Diliman and Los Banos campuses searching all over the archipelago for energy sources from the forests to the bottom of the sea, from enzymes to fungi and other microorganisms. So, the researcher came up of using the malunggay leaves extract as source of ethanol since based on the study done by Senator Loren Legarda, the extracts obtained from the leaves of malunggay plant is 80% ethanol, which is used for fuels. This study knew the possibility of ethanol from malunggay leaves extract. First, the researcher gathered the needed the raw material, the malunggay leaves. It weighted . 75 kilogram. Then, through the process of grinding and filtration, 700mL of malunggay leaves extract was produced. The extract was fermented after with the aid of live yeast for a period of six weeks. The fermented extracts was then distilled using the simple distilling apparatus and the researcher obtained 60 mL ethanol. The ethanol was then brought to the Philippine Institute of Pure and Applied Chemistry (PIPAC) to know its ethanol content. Based on the testing done, only . 5% of the volume of the product is ethanol. After the testing, the intrinsic properties were computed. Using the formula for density, D=mass/volume, 47. 4 g/ml was obtained. For the specific gravity, the formula SG=density of the liquid/density of water, and . 79 was obtained.

The eNotes Blog What Distinguishes Young Adult Fiction From AdultFiction

What Distinguishes Young Adult Fiction From AdultFiction As a genre, young adult (YA) fiction has blossomed in popularity within the last few decades. We might attribute part of this to John Green’s popular body of YA works, including The Fault in Our Stars, Looking for Alaska, and Paper Towns. Green’s novels, and their corresponding movie adaptations, are often name-dropped in discussions of why YA has suddenly become so much more popular and respected. But it’s worth noting that there is a long tradition of writing books that speak to the experiences of young adults (roughly twelve to eighteen years of age), from the works of Judy Blume and Laurie Halse Anderson to those of J. K. Rowling and Jenny Han. But what exactly is YA fiction? How is it different from its more grown-up counterpart? Is YA inherently â€Å"trashier† or less complex than â€Å"serious fiction? Ever since the genre got its own label, book lovers have been worried about these questions. These discussions have sparked some heated online essays and debates, ranging from defenses of YA to counterpoints stating â€Å"you should be embarrassed when what you’re reading was written for children.† It’s true that YA generally uses a simpler level of diction and syntax than adult fiction does. It’s also true that it usually features teenage protagonists and often takes place in a high-school setting (or a dystopian or magical equivalent). But these things don’t automatically make YA less complex than adult fiction- it’s just a different set of experiences and a different vocabulary. At the most basic level, YA’s distinguishing feature is that it typically centers on the experiences of young adults. But even this creates a tricky in-between category where we find works with teenage protagonists that generally aren’t considered YA, such as The Catcher in the Rye, Romeo and Juliet, and My Sister’s Keeper. Personally, I like the definition YA author David Levithan sent to The Atlantic: â€Å"The defining characteristic of YA literature is emotional truth. Even if we’re not the same as the characters we read, they are all dealing with things- issues of who they are, who they should be, what they should and shouldn’t do- that we all deal with, in their own ways.† Young adulthood is typically a stage of life where you’re figuring yourself out- your identity, beliefs and principles, interests and tastes- and experiencing a lot of shifts, like in your responsibilities and the myriad roles you play on a daily basis. So it makes sense that YA fiction seeks to address this. But it would be silly to pretend that this process stops when you turn eighteen and that adults aren’t going through this same process of self-definition. Maybe this is why consumers over eighteen make up over half of YA sales. I’ve just turned nineteen, and my birthday wasn’t marked with a ceremonial burning of all my John Green books. I didn’t go to the library and load up on all the Jules Verne and George Eliot in sight; in fact, I’m reading more YA than ever (probably because I got over my complex about only reading â€Å"classic† literature). In between my coursework for school, I’ve been enjoying books by Becky Albertalli, Kiersten White, and Angie Thomas. The Hate U Give was one of my favorite books last year- it changed my life and almost single-handedly broke me out of my reading rut. The fact is, no matter where you try to slice up the continuum of human existence- whether you use age eighteen as a marker of â€Å"maturity† or not- we are all complex beings with complex emotions. For this reason, fiction that is deemed â€Å"young adult† has the potential to resonate with anyone. Likewise, some young readers really enjoy and prefer â€Å"adult fiction. More than anything, these are marketing labels and don’t need to impact your personal choices. So many different genres have historically been decried as â€Å"less serious† than adult, realistic, non-romantic fiction (like fantasy, science fiction, romance, and now YA), but the fact is that so-called serious fiction is only one aspect of a diverse potential reading experience.

Free Essays on Effects Of Political Parties

Since the last of the Whig party left office in 1852, the American political system has been primarily a two party system. The Democrats and the Republicans have been the two parties fighting for the Presidency since that time. There have been many other parties since that time, but mainly, these two have gone unopposed against each other. However, how much good do these parties actually do? Would our country be run as effectively if the presence of political parties was no longer a factor? It is the opinion of the authors that the U.S. Government would exist without political parties and may, in fact be stronger. The concept of political parties seems to go against what it means to be a politician: to represent his or her constituents. More time, money and effort, it seems is put into getting elected to an office than actually doing work for the people in that office. One fairly recent example is seen in the case of the proposed federal Balanced Budget Amendment. Mark Hatfield, Republican Oregon Senator, went against his parties wishes and voted against the amendment. His party nearly abandoned him for choosing the people over his party. Many senators are faced with the same decision every day, but instead stick with party beliefs and not what they feel would be the best for the people. In order for true democracy to be achieved in our government, we feel drastic changes need to occur. Review Of The Literature Since the mid 1850's, the Democrats and Republicans have had control of the nation government. The only place where opposition was felt was at the state and local levels. However, in the early days of our country, third and fourth party candidates played important roles in politics. A few of these parties from our history are the: Democrat-Republicans, Jefferson Republicans, Whigs and Federalists. Many other lesser known or hardly known at all parties were the: S... Free Essays on Effects Of Political Parties Free Essays on Effects Of Political Parties Since the last of the Whig party left office in 1852, the American political system has been primarily a two party system. The Democrats and the Republicans have been the two parties fighting for the Presidency since that time. There have been many other parties since that time, but mainly, these two have gone unopposed against each other. However, how much good do these parties actually do? Would our country be run as effectively if the presence of political parties was no longer a factor? It is the opinion of the authors that the U.S. Government would exist without political parties and may, in fact be stronger. The concept of political parties seems to go against what it means to be a politician: to represent his or her constituents. More time, money and effort, it seems is put into getting elected to an office than actually doing work for the people in that office. One fairly recent example is seen in the case of the proposed federal Balanced Budget Amendment. Mark Hatfield, Republican Oregon Senator, went against his parties wishes and voted against the amendment. His party nearly abandoned him for choosing the people over his party. Many senators are faced with the same decision every day, but instead stick with party beliefs and not what they feel would be the best for the people. In order for true democracy to be achieved in our government, we feel drastic changes need to occur. Review Of The Literature Since the mid 1850's, the Democrats and Republicans have had control of the nation government. The only place where opposition was felt was at the state and local levels. However, in the early days of our country, third and fourth party candidates played important roles in politics. A few of these parties from our history are the: Democrat-Republicans, Jefferson Republicans, Whigs and Federalists. Many other lesser known or hardly known at all parties were the: S...

Critically analyse the role of the board of directors and senior Essay

Critically analyse the role of the board of directors and senior management in managing enterprise risk in an energy company - Essay Example Energy and Resources companies have come increasingly under the regulatory purview. Due to brisk changes in the industry, they face stiffening regulatory requirements, ever-increasing cyber issues and rapidly changing technology. Such compliances and risks have a strong impact on the company’s operations and business strategies that makes it utterly imperative for the management to adopt approaches to manage and mitigate risks and cope up with regulations. Risk Management in the Energy Sector A good progress has been made in the past in developing comprehensive enterprise risk management (ERM) programs. ERM is set to become an industry standard for management of risk because it is probably the most effective way to manage risk internal or external to the organization (Accenture Global Risk Management, 2011). The key risk areas that have been identified for energy and resources sector can be listed as follows: 1. High competition in the industry participants: Energy industry pa rticipants have a very unique competitiveness. Each player has a different advantage within the industry. One firm may have a good resource support while the other might be a technologically strong firm and a third would have a huge market. Nowadays, competition is shifting and each firm is trying to develop on every frontier. International firms are thus facing challenges by national players reducing their market size. 2. Limited sources of alternative energy: Despite the fact that there are alternatives to limited source of non renewable energy, energy companies still haven’t been able to progress much on developing much on alternative sources. Alternate sources have an irreplaceable demand, but on the supply side, they face a lot of constraints. There hydrocarbon content on earth is enough to last a century, but the problem lies in lack of knowledge on its development and usage. These sources are limited by limitations in scale, feasibility and fitness (Holmes, 2004). 3. G overnment Interventions: Most of government regulations in the energy industry are directed towards regulating supply. Operational policies, regulations on carbon emissions and energy security norms affect both the demand as well as the supply side of energy business. Role of Board of Directors and Senior Management Post recession, the scene for energy companies has not only been tough but also challenging in terms of greater project undertakings and complex compliances. Companies have also had to venture in remotest regions simply to manage demand and supply side challenges. Management has to focus on strategy, production, enterprise risk along with operational excellence. With the advent of regulators, management has started to recognise the need for risk management to enhance business performance. With time, a lot of change has come in managing enterprise risk. New tools, better techniques and risk measuring methodologies have come up. One can only predict how enterprise risk man agement shall evolve in the coming times. As Energy sector risk officers, senior managers and the board of directors need to be have the capability to comprehend what possible risks could potentially arise in the near future and how exactly to take preventive measures that will help in combat. With such approach, all downsides that

Terminal Design Concept Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Terminal Design Concept - Essay Example d namely; pier satellite design, pier finger design, remote satellite design, transporter design, semicircular (curvilinear) design and linear design. Having analyzed the concepts mentioned above, the most appropriate and efficient design was a hybrid of linear and pier satellite design configurations. By description, the linear design concept involves a configuration with one building hosting both the ticketing and waiting area especially for small aircraft airports. The pier satellite terminal includes the same design as linear only that it involves more concourses connected to this main building thus creating several satellite structures. Considerations of best practices in modern airports influenced the hybrid selection decision. The need for short walking distances, for example, for passengers was assured by incorporating linear design to counter the excessive walking distances created by the rotunda-like pier satellite concept. A linear design concept guarantees a precise orientation where aircrafts park nose-in with respect to the terminal building. However, the orientation occasioned by the rotunda-like layout in the pier satellite design configuration is not a straight forward one. Simple construction of the main linear terminal building and the piers influenced the selection of the hybrid design configuration. The layout is simple and enables passengers to park their vehicles even right in front of the terminals before they enter through for boarding the aircraft. Adequate curb length is made possible by the pier satellite system since it is dependent on dwell time called so to mean the time has taken to remove passengers and their baggage. Thanks to the piers for decentralizing the clearing area and the no hub volume type of airport under consideration. In this case, there was enough area for terminal curb for through vehicles, baggage, and the passengers’ pickup. Small baggage system costs using decentralized system helps achieve pier satellite

Review of literature on Brady Plan Research Paper

Review of literature on Brady Plan - Research Paper Example According to Rosen (2008, 102-103), this period built a new government in the U.S. and saw the democratic elections in Uruguay, Chile, Brazil, and Argentina, and the establishment of new administrations in Venezuela and Mexico. Within this setting, cutting down debt was one method to bolster developing economies in Latin America. Consequently, these countries take advantage of democratic transformation as a bargaining ticket to gain more favorable debt arrangements. These countries, as developing democracies, thought that pressing for inflexible strictness and full debt settlement would estrange newly entitled voters and threaten the continued existence of democratic governments (Hiatt 2009, 388). In September 1985, President Garcia remarked quite frankly that â€Å"We are faced with a dramatic choice: it is either debt or democracy† (Maswood 2008, 94). In view of this, the objective of this research paper is to analyze the status of the Brady Plan after 23 years of its implementation with a focus on Brazil and Mexico. In particular, this paper tries to answer the question, how did the Brady Plan help solve the problems faced by Mexico and Brazil as a result of the Latin American debt crisis? The success of the loan industry ended in 1982 due to the emergence of the debt crisis, raising alarm on global markets (Buckley 2009, 54). This bleak condition forced several international financial organizations to generate a remedial program, which may function to prevent a potential disaster. This mission engaged the government of the United States, but not, at the outset, as the major player. Basically, the Brady Plan included a rigorous debt assistance program where industrial banks may select from a list of debt-stock reduction and new currency selections, practiced within the context of policy contingency (Iqbal & Kanbur 1997, 25). In actual fact, not many industrial banks were eager to grant a new

Analyse the way Beatrice and Benedick Essay Example for Free

Analyse the way Beatrice and Benedick Essay The characters Beatrice and Benedick in the William Shakespeare play â€Å"Much Ado About Nothing† can be described as sparring lovers. At the start of the play, it is difficult for them to converse without becoming involved in a â€Å"merry war† or a â€Å"skirmish of wit†. This attitude gradually changes as the play progresses. I shall analyse the way in which this attitude changes as Beatrice and Benedick engage in parlance. From Act One, Scene One, Beatrice demonstrates hypocrisy when to Benedick she says â€Å"I wonder that you will still be talking, Signor Benedick, nobody marks you†. The ironic part of this is that she is actually listening to him. Therefore, as much as she may like to deny it, she is giving the man she â€Å"detests† her undivided attention, and is noticing him. Benedick, in a quick flash of wit answers back â€Å"What, my dear Lady Disdain! Are you yet living? † As Benedick asks Beatrice if she is living, it presents the witty assumption that Benedick has not been aware of Beatrice’s presence. A very well-put reply to this from Beatrice is that â€Å"Disdain† can’t die whilst Benedick is there â€Å"feeding† it to carry on. This battle of wit which occurs between the both of them illustrates the deep loathing that they appear to have for one another. As we shall discover further on in the play, this seems only to be a guise for the immense passion they have for each other. There is, here, however, a suggestion from Beatrice that both of them have had a relationship before: â€Å"You always end with a jade’s trick. I know you of old†. The aforementioned evidence of a possible relationship provides a reason for the skirmish of wit, and also implies there may still be romantic feelings between the two. In Act Two, Scene One, Beatrice is dancing and having a conversation with a masked Benedick. It is not clear, and remains the decision of the reader whether Beatrice truly knows that she is speaking with Benedick. She goes on to describe him as â€Å"the prince’s jester, a very dull fool†. As there is a sense of possession â€Å"the prince’s jester†, it creates the impression that Beatrice sees Benedick as nothing more than a puppet. When speaking with Claudio, Benedick makes it clear he was shocked by this: â€Å"Lady Beatrice should know me, and not know me: the prince’s fool! Hah†¦Ã¢â‚¬  †¦ â€Å"Every word stabs†. Here, Shakespeare has used a dramatic device, ie: the masqued ball, and the inherent identity confusion to make Benedick believe that Beatrice had all along intended to speak ill of him. It is for this reason that I believe that Beatrice knew full well that she was indeed speaking to Benedick. In Act Two, Scene Three, Benedick is successful tricked into thinking that Beatrice is in love with him. However, this trick has not yet been carried out on Beatrice. In the garden, Beatrice approaches Benedick and announces â€Å"I do spy some marks of love in her†. This is ironic because there are none. The passion she shows is one of hate for what she is about to say: â€Å"Against my will I am sent to bid you come in to dinner†. When asked by Benedick if she â€Å"takes pleasure in the message†, she says â€Å"Yea, just so much as you may take upon a knife’s point† (ie: not at all). Benedick has got completely the wrong end of the stick in his soliloquy: â€Å"there’s a double meaning in that†, and thinks that she does not want him to come in, but instead to stay out in the garden with her. Hence, his going inside would not be a pleasurable message for her. However, this is an example of dramatic irony as we know this is not the case at all. Shakespeare points out the truth beneath the characters surface, as well as using language as his tool to juxtapose these feelings, in effect, switching the meaning around so that the connotations are what illuminate the truth. He is also able to use a technique to capture the truth beneath the surface of the characters. Everything that is spoken by the characters seems to have a deeper or double meaning under the words. In Act Four, Scene One, Benedick declares his love for Beatrice. He does this so she will call upon him to right Hero from the terrible injustice that recently occurred at the wedding scene. He asks her if it seems strange that he loves her. This is again an example of dramatic irony, because the audience knows that it’s not strange – she knows already that he loves her. Beatrice, usually extremely able to articulate herself is strangely not able to here. The use of commas and colons break up the following speech, as she is overcome by fierce emotions. She is therefore not able to articulate anything but the fact that she feels sorry for her poor cousin who has been wronged. â€Å"It were as possible for me to say, I loved nothing so well as you, but believe me not, and yet I lie not, I confess nothing, nor I deny nothing. † Beatrice, therefore equivocates here being deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold information, ie: her love for Benedick. This is particularly emphasised by the long sentence length. Benedick’s immediate rejection at the idea of killing Claudio â€Å"Not for the wide world! † elicits anger, and impatience in Beatrice who doesn’t wish to converse with Benedick any longer. After much deliberation, knowing it will please Beatrice, Benedick agrees to â€Å"use† his hand â€Å"in some other way than swearing by it†. In other words, he has agreed to engage Claudio in a duel. Beatrice’s reason for wanting him killed is that â€Å"he is now as valiant as Hercules†. This allusion to Hercules implies that Claudio has become too boastful, too big for his boots. In conclusion, it’s clear to see how the attitude between the two changes, and the relationship progresses. Shakespeare employs the use of juxtaposition to mask true feelings. The best illustration of this juxtaposition masking is of the relationship between Beatrice and Benedick. Their incessant banter and wit-battles mask the true feelings each has for the other.

Death Is A Natural Process

Death Is A Natural Process Abstract Death is a natural process experienced by every being. Yet, societys attitude towards death and dying has become one of fear and avoidance. The intention of this essay was to consider factors that account for the gradual shift in social perceptions of death. The exploration of historical experiences of death identified the link between an increased awareness and fear of mortality, with the impact of medicalisation. It acknowledges how the radical improvements within healthcare have limited societys exposure to death by reducing the number of premature deaths. Adaptations to the care of the dying are also associated with the prevalence of the medical profession and the decline of religious influence. The essay highlights sociological concerns over the isolation of the dying, particularly when care provision is confined within the hospital environment, causing death to be hidden from society. The diverse rituals and traditions demonstrated by a variety of cultures were examined, along with the contrast in burial rites between the social classes. The psychological impact of death discussed the potential of creating a perpetual fear of dying, through childhood socialisation of death and grief. Removal of such fear and misconception is associated with the vision of palliative care. Evaluation of its strategy identified its aim to improve quality of life by promoting informed choice and patient focused care. It also acknowledged the limitations of its resources and the restriction of services to specific conditions. The culmination of all factors expressed within the essay is fundamental to the changes in social attitudes. An increased awareness of mortality and the desire to prolong life wherever possible has contributed to a fear and denial of death. Overall, social perceptions of death and dying are subjective to cultural diversity and are adaptive to the dynamics of society. In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes (Franklin, 1789, cited in The Phrase Finder, 2013). The words of Benjamin Franklin signify the reality of deaths undeniable role in natural existence. Yet, the subject of death is more widely associated with morbidity than a universal biological process. Prior to the 19th century, very little research or literature featured such a taboo subject. This essay will explore changes in social attitudes to death and dying, with particular focus on changes in historical patterns, rituals and traditions and the progression of the hospice movement. Pre-modern society was well acquainted with death; the event, though tragic, was encountered with little surprise or overwhelming fear. The historical perspectives of death will outline the contrast between such awareness and acceptance of mortality during the Middle Ages, to modern societys focus on prevention and cure. The rituals and traditions surrounding death will consider the burial rites associated with social and economic status and present the symbolic interpretations of diverse cultures within society. The sociological impact of death will appraise the social disruptions caused by grief, and the positive social functions of death that contribute to equilibrium within society. Additional analysis of the shift in attitudes towards death will discuss the notion that society is graduating towards further denial of death. It will examine the medias portrayal of death in society, along with the desire to control and prevent death through medical science and technology. A brief review of the psychological perspective of dying will refer to socially constructed attitudes to grieving. In particular, parental socialisation and childhood experiences of grief that contributes to a perpetuated fear of death. Finally, examination of the research into the growth of the hospice movement will reveal the history behind its evolution and review the pioneering work of Dame Cicely Saunders. Critical analysis of palliative care will attempt to identify limitations of the service, along with the efforts by palliative care councils and charities, to extend services and prevent social exclusions. These services, when implemented effectively, have the potential to change societys perception of death and the dying process. Historically, the risk of death in western societies has reduced significantly over the last few centuries. Improvements within childcare, education and the discovery of antibiotics, has limited societys experience of infant mortality and contributed to an overall increased life expectancy. Premature death of children under the age of five was just 5% between 1990 and 2010, in comparison to the thousands that failed to thrive during the Middle Ages, due to poverty and diseases such as tuberculosis and the Black Death (WHO, 2012, p19). Chronic and terminal illnesses such as cancers, cardiovascular disorders and respiratory diseases account for the majority of deaths among the middle aged in contemporary society. The younger generation tends to be associated with deaths resulting from suicide, Aids and illnesses related to drug and alcohol abuse (Taylor and Field, 2003, p156). Medical technology has contributed to the eradication of many diseases within western countries but it is yet to take effect on a global level. Populations within Africa continue to be affected by cholera, leprosy and malaria. Survival rates are low due to extremes of poverty, unsanitary living conditions and limited access to medical treatment (WHO, 2012, p94). Death and disease was encountered during the Middle Ages with such regularity, it became less feared. Historian Arià ¨s (1974, p7), referred to death in this era as tamed death. Death was experienced on a communal level as friends, family and even children visited the dying on their sick bed, with no theatrics, with no great show of emotion, (Arià ¨s, 1974, p13). Religious influence was prominent during the 11th and 12th century and great emphasis was placed on the judgment of the individual on the last day of their life. A strong allegiance with church was believed to determine resurrection. Thus, the process of Ones own death, (Arià ¨s, 1974, p36) became more personal, indicating a greater awareness of existence and mortality. The 18th century witnessed the most significant change in social attitude towards death. Thy death, as described by Arià ¨s (1974, p66), intensified the emotional aspect of separation. This lead to more pronounced displays of grief through a greater fear of loss. The emotional impact of death contributed to a new desire to withhold the prognosis of death and relocate the dying to the hospital environment. Arià ¨s (1974, pp86-89), refers to this as the Forbidden death as traditional rituals of death were abandoned and replaced by clinical practices of the medical profession. The religious figures responsibility of overseeing the death process was relinquished to the physicians. Sociologists such as Elias (1985, cited in Giddens, 2009, pp320-321), acknowledge that medicalisation has enabled greater management of symptom and pain control. However, in doing so, the dying are pushed behind closed doors through a societal need to civilise the death process. He argues the promise of death free from pain and distress may come at the emotional expense of patients; as dying in hospital is both isolating and lonely. Caring for the terminally ill in hospitals became the cultural norm and was the site of approximately three quarters of all deaths by the 1950s. Ironically, many elderly people are more fearful of the institutionalisation of hospitals and nursing homes than death itself. They feel a loss of identity when removed from social circles and loved ones, to an unfamiliar environment where care is provided by strangers (Kearl, ND). Conversely, many sociologists argue that medicalisation of death has established positive social functions. Kellehear (2000, cited in Howarth, 2007, p135) maintains that good death is subject to a degree of social regulation, reliant on the collaboration of the patient, their family and the medical profession. He claims that if the responsibility of care is placed in medical hands, the patient and their family can be proactive with preparations and the organisation of personal matters. He argues, in certain circumstances the patient may continue to work, promoting self -worth and a valued contribution to society. Continuation of social roles is dependent on the nature and progression of the condition. Illnesses that cause a gradual decline in health and an anticipated death, arguably, have less impact on society. Sudden and premature deaths can evoke more intense reactions within society and require lengthier periods of readjustment (Clark and Seymour, 1999, p11). Diseases such as AIDS can attract negative societal judgment, causing sufferers to withdraw from social interaction. They may experience a loss of identity to the disease and choose to keep the stigma hidden from social view (Moon and Gillespie, 1995, p89). Deaths caused by AIDS and suicide tend to receive less empathy due to the perception of personal responsibility. Yet, some cultures in Japan view suicide as an honourable act with no attachment of religious punishment. The high rates of suicide among Japanese women over the age of 75 are thought to relieve the burden of care and responsibility from loved ones. Although suicide is still perceived negatively by Western societies it does not reflect such extreme attitudes of the Middle Ages. The historical shame attached to suicidal death led to the denial of proper burial rites. Suicide victims were often buried in the same manner as criminals and the poor of society, in unmarked graves and ditches (Howarth, 2007, p65). Burial within the confines of the church was the privilege of the wealthy. Those of high social status endeavoured to secure a burial plot under the flagstones, or within the walls of the church, believing this increased their chance of resurrection (Arià ¨s, 1974, p18). The poor did not qualify for such opportunities. Their burial was of little significance to the churches entrusted with the care of the dead. The poor were buried in either, unmarked graves or large communal ditches. As the pits became piled high with the deceased, older ditches were re-opened and the remaining bones were removed (Arià ¨s, 1974, pp18-22). This was common practice until the 18th century when concerns were raised over the lack of respect shown towards the remains of the deceased. Tombs were introduced to accommodate the dead and reduce the risk of disease from the foul smelling ditches (Arià ¨s, 1974, p70). The evolution of undertaking as a recognised profession and business replaced the primitive role adopted by carpenters and grave diggers. The management of death and burial came at a high price as funeral processions developed into a spectacle of wealth and social status. Little consideration was given to the poor, who, in extreme circumstances would store bodies of their loved ones until able to pay the funeral costs. The poor were also at the mercy of thieves involved in stealing recently expired corpses and selling them to the medical profession for analysis. They could not afford to pay for reinforced coffins or graves that offered protection within the confines of the cemetery. Such was the stigma of a paupers burial, people began to take out burial insurance and often went without food to maintain contributions to their policy (Howarth, pp222-242). The increasing cost and unsanitary nature of burial motivated an influential figure, Sir Henry Thompson, surgeon to Queen Victoria, to propose an alternative method of dealing with deceased. In 1874 he founded the Cremation Society of England and began the lengthy campaign for the legalisation of cremation. Despite continued opposition from the Home Office, it was eventually pronounced legal in 1884 during the trial of Dr William Price in a South Glamorgan courtroom. Price was an 83 year old man who was arrested for attempting to cremate the body of his five month old son. The judge, Mr Justice Stephen, declared cremation would be permitted as long as the process did not impact negatively on others. This gave rise to the construction of crematoriums and the realisation of the cremation movement on a global scale. During the 19th century The Cremation Society of England became The Cremation Society, forcing the Home Office to recognise this as a legal alternative to burial and issue c remation regulations that remain present to date. The Roman Catholic faith was also forced to acknowledge the shift in public opinion towards cremation. This led to the Pope lifting the ban that previously forbade catholic priests from conducting services in crematoriums (Cremation Society of great Britain, 1974). Although cremation has become increasingly popular in contemporary society, many continue to uphold the traditional ritual of burial. The expansion of cemeteries within close proximity of museums and parks has created more accessible environments and a society inclusive of the deceased (Kearl ND). Decorative memorial statues and headstones are more prevalently adorned by floral displays and traditional flower wreaths, symbolising continuity and eternity. Symbolism associated with the rites of passage reflects the varied cultural traditions within society. Colour is a universal symbol of death and grief, yet there are such variations of colour worn by different cultures. Black has been the traditional colour to mark the period of mourning within Britain. A torn black ribbon worn on clothing is also significant to Jewish culture and is worn for the first seven days of their mourning period. Conversely, white is worn by Sikh, Buddhist and some Hindu cultures, symbolising purity and eternal life. (Everplans, ND). Mourning periods are also subject to cultural diversity and social regulation, as normal routines and social interactions adapt to the beliefs and traditions of the individual. The sociological impact of death and its associated mourning period are socially disruptive on a variety of levels. From a functionalist perspective, the societal roles of those close to the deceased may be compromised by extensive grieving periods that can negatively impact upon the equilibrium of society. Whilst the customary ritual of mourning is acknowledged by society, there is a limit to its tolerance. There is an underlying necessity for the individuals to resume their roles and re-integrate with their social groups (Howarth, 2007, p235). The depth of disruption to social order is dependent on the number and circumstances of death and the re-distribution of roles within social groups. Historically, the effects of the Black Death on the working class community were experienced on a far greater scale through the loss of so many lives. Yet, the social groups of the upper class were able to function to some degree. They utilised their wealth and status, retreating to sanctuaries t o protect themselves, whilst continuing their positions and roles from a safe distance. Re-establishment of roles is essential, not only to maintain societys ability to function, but also to limit the financial cost of death (Kearl, ND). As Marx (1964, pp71-73) argued, a capitalist society has little sympathy for the workers, who, in their attempts to meet the demands of the ruling class put themselves at greater risk of death. The focus remains on the potential disruption to work and its threat to capitalism. Working hours lost to grief and mourning reduces production and profits. Death also provides opportunities for financial gain within a capitalist society; insurance policies, funeral and burial costs undoubtedly contribute to capitalist economic wealth. Social mechanisms have evolved throughout history to reduce the disruption of death to society. During the Middle Ages, when childhood mortality was commonplace, people were socialised to refrain from forming a deep attachment to their children. Many did not refer to their children by their names until they reached a certain age, as survival rates were low. Women often gave birth many times to increase the likelihood of the survival of at least one child. Through the effects of medicalisation, premature deaths have been significantly reduced. Medical institutions have increased the promotion of health awareness to minimise the risk of death and its disruption to society. Death itself has become less visible as social systems of modern society have contributed to the institutionalisation of the dying. Funeral arrangements have become a more discrete process through delegation of matters to businesses specialise in the management of death (Kearl, ND). Death, though disruptive, has evident positive social functions. Societys rules of succession allow the social roles of the deceased to be surrendered to family members or the wider community, creating the potential of social mobility. Death also functions to control an ever increasing population, whilst its fear induces a greater level of social control and conformity (Kearl, ND). An increased awareness of mortality can promote reflection on the values of a society. When death is experienced on a large scale, communities demonstrate a collective approach to morals and values. Social bonds are formed as they attempt to cope with tragic circumstances and are united in grief (Howarth, 2007, p112). Tragedies and natural disasters that lead to mass death receive extensive global media coverage. Televised news reports provide visual access to scenes such as the gunfire during the Gulf War and the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Despite the morbid aspect of death, television shows such as ER, Six Feet Under and House, depict scenes of death and dying that have become a part of popular culture. Film productions incorporating death as the underlying theme are presented across a variety of genres such as westerns, horrors and comedy. References to death do not escape the music industry, expressly within the lyrics of rap and heavy metal songs. The description of violent acts, coupled with the murders of well-known musicians within the rap culture, no doubt contribute to the dark and morbid image of death (Durkin, 2003, p44). Sensationalising media reports on the deaths of public figures and celebrities heighten the curiosity of the public and instigate outpouring display s of grief. The term dark tourism outlined by Marchant and Middleton (2007, p2) highlights the increasing phenomenon of visiting scenes of tragic death like the Nazi concentration camps and Ground Zero. It suggests that such behaviour may not simply occur out of grief and sympathy, rather, curiosity and a desire to connect with the event. Fundamentally, the suggestion is that society may be more open to face death than deny or hide from it. Contemporary western societies have been described by some sociologists as death denying, a result of the medicalisation of death. The dynamics of society have become focused on finding cures for illness, disease and the prevention of death wherever possible. Advancements within the medical and pharmaceutical fields have made significant progress in prolonging life. However, the involvement of such specialised medical technology is often limited to clinical environments. Arguably, this contributes to social isolation of the sick. The invisibility of death not only shields the death process, it protects the family members and social groups within society. If medical technologies and tools were not utilised in the management of death, it may be deemed as a capitalist attempt to limit costs within healthcare provision. Many social scientists argue that medicalisation has, in fact, enabled a degree of acceptance towards death. They maintain that the active scientific approach to healthca re increases the acceptance of death when it is beyond the control of science (Zimmerman and Rodin, 2004, p125). Scientific analysis and discoveries have provided western societies with a greater awareness of environmental risks. Natural disasters, often referred to as Acts of God, may not be controlled by science; however, modern technology has increased the accuracy of predicting such events (Howarth, 2007, p77). Whilst, prediction can facilitate a greater level of preparation and reduce the risk of death, it is essentially beyond all control. The nature of death can itself be shaped by society in relation to the cultural, social and economic environment. Durkheims exploration of societal influence on death was examined during his suicide study (Appendix 1). His investigation highlighted the correlation between economic instability during periods of both depression and prosperity and an increase in suicide rates. He maintained that societal forces were of greater influence than an individuals state of mind. The conclusions of Durkheims study were based on official statistics, therefore, it is reasonable to question their true reflection of society (Giddens, 2009, pp16-17). However, his argument that death is a social problem is plausible. It is societys response to death that is reflected in the unique rituals and symbolic meanings established to provide a coping mechanism for death and dying (Howarth, 2007, p15). The high rate of suicide among young males is one of the more significant statistics in modern society. The general perception of the male as the provider may cause increased pressure to compete successfully for social and economic resources. Failure to meet such expectations can make suicide seem like a viable solution to the problem. The pressure to maintain the masculine role and the reluctance to seek assistance is instrumental to the male approach when faced with death and grief (Howarth, 2007, pp64-65). Grief is considered by some social scientists as a universal reaction to the loss of human life. Yet, the subjective nature and extent of grief can vary between culture, social class and gender. During the late 19th century, unlike men, middle class women were encouraged to grieve openly as greater emphasis was placed on the caring and sympathetic disposition of their role. Functionalists, in their perception of the natural division of gender roles, would argue that exhibitions of male grief are a sign weakness and damaging to the masculine role (Howarth, 2007, pp223-231). Prior to medical advancements many women, particularly in the working class, died during childbirth. Husbands often remarried swiftly after the death of their spouse to re-establish the female role of housewife and mother. In modern day society, there have been numerous studies that indicate higher levels of mortality occur within close proximity of the death of a spouse. Objective analysis of these circumstances may identify other contributing factors that have a causal link such as; lack of appetite, a change in lifestyle and the increased emotional and financial stress that accompanies death and loss (Gross and Kinnison, 2007, p372). As mourning has become less of a public display within society, Arià ¨s (1974, p91) suggests that such discretion may influence the high rates of mortality among surviving spouses. He argues that society has become less accepting of grief, causing the bereaved to withhold emotion through fear of judgement. Grief does not always follow death, it can precede it by those facing death. Psychologist Kà ¼bler-Ross developed a framework classifying the five stages of grief; Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance, all relating to the anticipation and process of dying (Kà ¼bler-Ross, 1970, pp34-99). Whilst these stages provide an insight and explanation to the emotions experienced, generalisations should not be made concerning the grieving process. The five stage theory (Appendix 2) is to some degree a one size fits all approach and may not reflect the multi-cultural society of today. However, there is room for variation and flexibility within each stage of the Kà ¼bler-Ross framework that may be applicable to certain cultures. Gross and Kinnison (2007, pp378-379) maintain that childhood grief is also subjective to culture and socialisation, rather than a generalised stage process. They argue that children of modern society are often shielded from the realities of death, resulting from parental fear and denial of death. Feelings and emotions expressed by those surrounding them have the potential to shape the childs outlook and ability to contend with death. Kà ¼bler-Ross (1970, p6) argues that children who are present in an environment where death has occurred and are given the opportunity to talk rather than being removed from the environment, can share in the grieving and mourning process. Death then has the potential to be less feared and more accepted as a natural part of life. Nurses and medical staff involved in the care of the dying are far more exposed to all aspects of death and grief than most. Communication with dying patients and sensing the appropriate time to discuss issues of terminal illness is a fundamental, yet challenging part of the role. Consequently, many healthcare professionals utilise a form of behaviour referred to by psychologists as blocking. This enables them to avoid confrontation of such issues by changing the subject and re-directing the focus onto less pessimistic issues. Although the predominant focus of medicine is to cure, the dynamics of nursing terminally ill patients have progressed allowing greater emphasis to be placed on care. This has been motivated by the increasing growth of the hospice movement (Gross and Kinnison, 2007, pp377-378). Evolution of the hospice can be traced back to the Middle Ages when its function was to provide shelter and care for the sick, elderly, orphans and the poor. The progression of medicalisation during the 19th century, led to the establishment of new hospitals that focused on the management and cure of financially profitable illnesses, such as scurvy and leg ulcers. The chronically ill and dying were deemed as undesirable and non-profitable patients. Subsequently, medical and spiritual care was provided in sanctuaries by religious orders (Clark and Seymour, 1999, pp66-67). The 20th century witnessed the greatest change in the provision of care for the terminally ill. In 1967, St. Christophers Hospice was founded by Dame Cicely Saunders. It was the first of its kind, offering management of symptom control and care alongside clinical research. Saunders trained as a nurse, a medical social worker and eventually a physician. She was motivated to work within the care of the terminally ill as the general consensus among clinicians was that little could be offered to these patients. Her pioneering work within the hospice inspired charitable organisations to fund the construction of many more hospices. St. Christophers hospice eventually extended its services to the wider community in 1969 (St.Christophers.org, ND). The expansion of community based care led to an increase in funding from charitable organisations for the provision of specialist cancer nurses. As the hospice movement gathered momentum, there was an alteration in the terminology of this division of care, from terminal to palliative care. Distancing the association of terminal with imminent death aimed to address the misconception that patients qualifying for palliative services were at the end stages of life. Although hospices were initially reliant on charitable funds, the elevating costs of clinical treatments and increased life expectancy forced many to apply for NHS state funding. The involvement of the NHS not only induced financial support but also an element of regulation (Clark and Seymour, 1999, pp74-78). The influence of government funding within hospices has generated concern among some sociologists, who fear the hospice movement is in danger of losing sight of its original vision. The focus on professionalism and qualit y audits has led to comparisons of hospices with large organisational institutions, guilty of routinisation (James and Field, 1992, pp1363-1375). Palliative care services are difficult to measure as the nature of the service is to manage care and symptom control rather than to cure. Palliative care focuses on the value of quality of life rather than the medical model of quantity of life (Appendix 2). Palliative care and the hospice movement have predominantly been associated with terminal diseases such as cancer, AIDS and motor neurone disease. Yet, there has been an increasing demand for services to be inclusive of other lesser known conditions (Seymour, 2007). Many organisations are now actively working towards the provision of services across a wider spectrum, through data analysis and interaction with government agencies and politicians (National Council for Palliative Care, 2012). A key issue is the limitation of available resources and funds to meet the increased demand. Support and guidance extends to the family affected by the illness, exerting further pressure on the service to adapt the delivery of care in accordance to the family structure and dynamics. Consideration of varying traditions within a multi-cultural society is fundamental to the success of the service (Becker, 2009). The demographic changes to society and increased life expectancy have intensified the expectation of services to be available for extended periods. Access to palliative care in a modern capitalist society has led to a postcode lottery. The poor of society are at greater risk of being deprived of services if they reside in damp, cold and lower quality housing, deemed an unsuitable environment for community based care (Seymour, 2007). Less affluent areas of society with a high proportion of ethnic minorities are also significantly under-represented as palliative care service users. The language barrier and lack of information is a significant issue as patients and families are not fully aware of the referral procedure. For many cultures accepting a provision of care from outside agencies removes the responsibility from the extended family (Beresford, Adshead, Croft, 2006, pp146-151). Palliative care services are not easily accessible to the homeless of society. They are often reluctant to attend appointments in an unfamiliar environment, for fear of judgment or isolation. New initiatives such as St. Mungos Palliative Care Project, aim to tackle this issue by offering support and guidance to homeless sufferers and the professionals who work alongside them (National Council for Palliative Care, 2012). St. Christophers have also collaborated with the University of Baths Centre for Death and Society, to promote services. Through the utilisation of media resources and technology they are able to extend services to non-resident patients and prevent social exclusions (Centre for Death and Society, 2012). Professor Ilora Finlay has become a modern day pioneer of the hospice movement. Her role as the first consultant in Palliative Medicine at Cardiff University and work within parliament has led to the implementation of her palliative care strategy. This strategy has facilitated the enhancement of patient-focused services across Wales. Finlay is also responsible for the establishment of distance learning courses in palliative care, achieving international recognition and contributing to the increasing number of palliative care clinicians (Finlay, 2009, pp349-351). There is a recognised need for re-investment in palliative care to develop professional skills across a wide range of services. The benefits will not only improve patients quality of life but also reduce unnecessary NHS hospital admissions and the financial cost to the economy (Association for Palliative Medicine, 2010). Arguably, there would be less expectation of society to change its attitude towards dying, if, the focus r emained on the provision of resources to prevent anxiety and facilitate a good death (Zimm