Quran Essay free essay sample

Among the innumerable facts, this writing will contribute two facts only: First, the Quran contains many scientific facts that are only being found out recently. The Quran’s linguistic style is far superior then any other form of writing. Without a doubt men have negated and contested the truth and revelation from God including the Quran revealed to prophet Mohamed (sallahu alahi wa salaam). For that reason, men in their objection and adamant behavior suggested that the Quran is word of Mohamed or the Quran is created by Mohamed; such statement is away from the truth. Undoubtedly there are other verses in the Quran related to human development that will be understood in the future as our knowledge increases. † In the Quran, Allah (subhanahu wa tala) also speaks about the Cerebrum: ( ) ( ) (Nay! If he (Abu Jahl) ceases not, We will catch him by the forelock (the front part of the brain also known as the prefrontal lobe) (15) A lying, sinful forelock! (96:15-16) Why does Allah describe the front part of the brain to be lying and sinful? In recent research scientists have found out that the prefrontal lobe actually controls a person’s decision making, cognitive behavior, personality expression, and moderating social behavior (Yang, Y Prefrontal structure†¦). We will write a custom essay sample on Quran Essay or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This part of the brain also deals with the creation of thoughts and actions (Miller, Earl the prefrontal cortex†¦). This shows that the prefrontal lobe is the part of the brain that may engage in sinful behavior and entices someone to lie or not. This also shows that the Quran does confirm scientific facts and there is no way an unlettered nomadic Arab man[5] in the 7th century could have known these facts. The pagan Arabs of the 7th century were for the most part isolated from the two great empires[6] at that time. The two empires did not waste their time in conquering the vast Arabian deserts because of its plain and unattractive look. The Arabs had nothing, they didn’t have any monuments, and they didn’t have masterful pieces of art. Therefore the Arabs of Mecca[7] were not much of a concern to the two empires; as well the two empires were not willing to send their forces through the dangerous deserts. Thanks to this isolation, the Arabs were able to refine their language. After a few centuries, the Arabs had shaped their language into an eloquent language where everyman was known to be a poet. The Arabs prided themselves on their language. So much so, they would have tribal battles not with swords but rather their tongues and the losing tribe would be shamed. The pagan Arabs marveled at the amazing speech of the Quran. When a person speaks he is able to organize his thoughts, but a person is incapable of organizing their words based on what they are going to say later . For example, there are two ayahs that are very much the same one ayah states: â€Å"Say (O Muhammad): Allah is enough as a witness between me and you†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . The other ayah states: â€Å"Say (O Muhammad): Allah is enough between me and you as a witness † The difference is sequence, in the first ayah Allah says â€Å"witness† first, and â€Å"me and you’ later. The Quran is very sensitive to context, at the end of the first ayah Allah says â€Å"†¦he is the ever all knower, all seer of his slaves†. The ayah ends speaking about Allah, the word â€Å"witness† for Allah is used first so therefore the ayah begins with Allah and ends with Allah. While the second ayah ends with speaking about people it uses â€Å"between me and you† first then â€Å"witness† second. So the ayah begins with speaking about people and ends with speaking with people. So what is about to be said in the future has a direct influence on how words are organized before. Humans are unable to do that. Prophet Muhammad (sallahu alahi wa salaam) was never known to be a composer of any types of poetry or any other forms of literature. So when they heard this literature they were amazed. â€Å"Umar bin Al-Khattab was a great enemy of the prophet. He planned to kill the prophet, but on his way he was informed that his sister had joined the religion. He immediately changed course. Upon arrival he hit his sister. He regretted what he did so asked for the paper she was reading (containing ayahs of the Quran). Once he read it he immediately went to prophet (sallahu alahi wa salaam) and accepted Islam†. Umar bin Al-Khattab was a man that was amazed by the Quran’s linguistic style and its strong meaning. This is one of the many men who accepted Islam because of the Quran’s amazing speech. The famous Arab grammarian H. Gibb had this to say about the Quran: â€Å"As a literary monument the Koran (referring to the Quran) thus stands by itself, a production unique to the Arabic literature, having neither forerunners nor successors in its own idiom. Muslims of all ages are united in proclaiming the inimitability not only of its contents but also of its style†¦ and in forcing the High Arabic idiom into the expression of new ranges of thought the Koran develops a bold and strikingly effective rhetorical prose in which all the resources of syntactical modulation are exploited with great freedom and originality. John Penrice stated: â€Å"That a competent knowledge of the Koran is indispensable as an introduction to the study of Arabic literature will be admitted by all who have advanced beyond the rudiments of the language. From the purity of its style and elegance of its diction it has come to be considered as the standard of Arabic † These two men have an understanding of the linguistic exc ellence of the Quran. Allah says: Do they not then consider the Quran carefully? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein many contradictions. (Quran 04:82). The Quran contains many palindromes; palindromes in many languages can only be done with one word. For example, in the English language the word Race Car can be written the same backward. In the Quran there are entire sentences that are palindromes. For example, in the Quran, Allah says: ( ) Magnify your Lord (Allah)! (Quran 74:3) In conclusion, the Quran has impacted the world in many ways. The Quran was not only sent to the desert Arabs but rather it was sent to all of mankind. Allah sends out a challenge, Allah (subhanahu wa tala) says: ( ) â€Å"And if you (Arab pagans, Jews, and Christians) are in doubt concerning that which We have sent down (i. e. the Quran) to Our slave (Muhammad Peace be upon him), then produce a Surah of the like thereof and call your witnesses (supporters and helpers) besides Allah, if you are truthful. † (Quran 2:23) The Quran is a revelation from Allah and it was revealed upon the tongue of Muhammad (sallahu alahi wa salaam). The Quran contains many scientific facts ranging from embryology to the purpose of the frontal lobe. All of this presented in a beautiful linguistic form, so much so when the Quran is translated into English, the language’s primitive level is unable to display the Quran’s linguistic beauty. This renders the English native unable to appreciate the Quran in a way the pagan Arabs of the 7th century were able. The Quran reaches the top level of eloquence in the Arabic language as well as other languages. The idea of Muhammad (sallahu alahi wa salaam) being able to go from being a unlettered man to the top author in the Arabic language is impossible on all plains of reality. Therefore, the only logical reason to say is that Muhammad (sallahu alahi wa salaam) has received revelation from the Almighty. QURAN: A REVELATION? Name: Harun O. G Course: GLE20 Teacher: Ms. Vacar Date: April 09, 2011 1]sallahu alahi wasalm means peace be upon him [2] Allah is the Arabic word for God and is preferred(to Muslims) [3] subhanahu wa tala means glorified and exalted be he(Allah) [4] Ayat: this is the plural version of Ayah, this word does not have a direct translation in English but the closest one is verse. In other places in the Quran ayah means signs. [5] According to sources Prophet Muhammad (sallahu alahi wasalm) was a illiterate man [6] Persian and Roman empire [7] Is found in Saudi Arabia and is th e holiest city for Muslims

Firestone Corporation essays

Firestone Corporation essays This work will attempt to address corporate social responsibility and the actions of Firestone, with regard to recent ethically questionable decisions. The work will touch on the most recent recall and eventual reparations awarded injured parties as a result of Firestone tire failure. The work will also identify the key ingredients that make such a failing possible in the long term through a look at the source of ethical (or unethical) decisions making. The core of the problem, according to many experts and by this writer is that profit is valued above safety and that the corporate climate as well as it support networks, such as law and education value secrecy rather than full disclosure when the potential for profit loss is projected. Scientists, CEOs and even line workers are implored to remain silent through overt and subtle coercion, even when they are aware of safety concerns and industry relies heavily on the time lag between the introduction of a potentially unsafe product and the time it takes to begin to restrict its use to safe practices or eliminate it altogether. It is difficult to imagine a socially aware individual being against corporate social responsibility, though many actions taken by individuals and corporate entities prove that the profit margin dictates the decisions made, even if this means practicing business in a socially irresponsible manner. (Berkhout, 2005, pg. 15) Such as in the case of the Bridgestone/Firestone, when dangerous products manufactured and sold by them caused deaths and permanent injury to many people, when they purchased the Ford Explorer new, with presumably new tires and then those products failed and caused serious accidents. In 2001, Bridgestone/Firestone and the Ford Motor Company apologized to consumers for a pattern of deadly tire failures, while blaming each other for the debacle. 9 Once again, major corporations are enveloped in ethics scandals that are generating new trem...

Judaism Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

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Global Financial Management & Summary slp Assignment

Global Financial Management & Summary slp - Assignment Example Again monetary policy of a central bank try to control the fluctuation of currency value and future prediction of central bank affects this factor. Balance of payment in this country also fluctuate the domestic currency and affects the demand and supply of foreign currencies as well as the exchange rate. Foreign investors who want to invest U.S. (which has a strong dollar market) have to pay more than their own domestic currency and hence investors are not encouraged to invest their money in US economy (Anbarasu, 2010). In United States banking activities are regulated by both the state government and the federal government. Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citigroup and JPMorgan Chase these are the five major largest banks which hold 56 % position in the US economy. The banking system and economic condition in US are now in a complex situation. Fluctuation in currency is another important reason to discourage the investors for investing money in this economy. So this can be said that investing in banks of US is not a safe procedure at least in the present days. Federal government does not take any kind of responsibilities to save and protect the interests of investors and lenders at the time of financial crisis and their financial decisions also may affect the interest of related parties. US has faced financial crisis in the financial year 2007-08. It was the worst financial crisis after the great depression of 1930. The prices of stock was declined in the US stock market and US economy has faced a large amount of bad loans and lost more than $ 1 trillion toxic assets. This is observed that business owners are facing difficulties for getting loan from the financial institutions in US. A business can seek foreign investment if the interest rate and value of dollar will be higher. In such case investor can get higher amount

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Essay Example itative Services, Office of Special Education Programs (2003) defines ADHD as â€Å"a neurological condition that involves problems with inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity that are developmentally inconsistent with the age of the child† (p.1). They go on to explain that ADHD is in fact a problem of developmental failure in the part of the brain responsible for monitoring self-control and that it is not a disorder of attention as has been thought all along. The Department estimates that 3-5%of the student population have ADHD, which amounts to 1.46 – 2.46 million children. The National Institute of Mental Health (1996) agrees with this figure and also emphasizes the significance of this prevalence by suggesting that this means that in every class of 15-30 children at least one child will have ADHD. There are three main symptoms of ADHD – inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. These symptoms usually appear early in the child’s life over a period of several months. Usually hyperactivity and impulsivity are first observed and later on followed by the inattention. Generally the child can be seen fidgeting with hands a great deal of the time, running around the classroom, not able to sit in seat for long periods of time, blurting out answers to questions impulsively and having difficulty waiting in line or taking turns. These are all signs of the hyperactivity and impulsivity. The inattention that is seen later is manifested by being easily distracted by irrelevant sights and noises and making careless mistakes. Another common feature of the inattention is that the child will hardly finish one task before moving on to another. According to the Office of Special Education Programs, the symptoms can range in type and level of severity with each child. The behavior can be classified into two categories- inattention and hyperactivity-impulsiveness and there are three subtypes of the disorder. The child can either be predominantly inattentive, predominantly

Marks and Spencers Business Strategy

Marks and Spencers Business Strategy Introduction In section A of this report, we will analyse and assess Marks and Spencers (MS) food sector business strategy. In previous consultancy task we examined UK supermarket sector and business environment. That will be crucial in understanding current MS strategic position. Also, it will help us to identify sources of competitive advantage and at the same time opportunities for future strategic positioning. In addition, we have to be aware of companys non-financial performances as well as quantitative corporate objectives and key performance indicators. Analysing them using balanced scorecard and benchmarking method will show us, is our strategy sustainable, does it have long run perspective and direction we are currently moving. This will be covered in part B of this report Part A Strategy can be defined as â€Å"the direction and scope of an organization over the long term, which achieves advantage in a changing environment through its configuration of resources and competences with the aim of fulfilling stakeholder expectations† (Johnson et al. 2005, pp.9). According to Porter (1996) company can do better than other companies only â€Å"if it can establish a difference it can preserve† (Porter 1996, pp.63). Delivering additional value to customers, providing them with comparable products at lower cost or both is a good way to make a difference according to the author. Johnson et al. (2005) presented three Porters generic strategies which could be used by companies to achieve competitive advantage: cost leadership, differentiation and focus. It can be concluded that MS using focused differentiation strategy. According to the Bowmans strategy clock this strategy is seen as high price strategy which gives perceived high value to customers. They choose to differentiate themselves from other food retailers with: top quality own label food, ready prepared meals, fresh food and food for special occasions. They do not attract customers for full weekly groceries shopping but gives them additional value for their money with focus on freshness and quality. Their simply food stores contributed with high margins to overall sales in past few years. Also, they expanded abroad to 40 countries in order to attract new sales into the same niche. This is consistent with Johnson et al. (2005) who explained that growth may be achieved by targeting new sale at the same market niche abroad. In previous consultancy we analyse supermarket sector using Porters five forces framework. That helped us to better understand industry in which MS operates. We concluded that power of suppliers is high due to a lot of supermarkets and brands. Also the threat of substitutes is high because customers now want better value for money. MS is aware of that, especially because that was primary reason for a big decline in sales in 1990. The power of suppliers is low because of huge number of fragmented suppliers. Threat of new entries is on medium level and competition among industry is on high level. The four biggest food retailers in UK (Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury and Morrison) have almost 76% market share. Therefore, MS with 3.9% market share in 2009 cannot compete with lower price strategy. Their focus is more on product quality. The MS food offer ‘has largely focused on the upper end of the mass market, typically higher than its positioning for non-food.'[1] They are selling own brand labels only to their customers which giving them value for money. It helps them in promotion of overall MS brand. The good thing is introduction of some branded goods from 2008, because of higher targeted customers demand. MS food sector strategy lies on companys basic values: Quality, Freshness, and Value, Standards of innovation, Ethical Sourcing and Healthy eating.[2] MS is premium food retailer and food sector is very important to overall group business and performance. It brings over 50 percent of group revenues in UK with sales of  £4.25bn in 2009. Previous consultancy also shows that the most influential trends in broad environment related to food industry are: Food industry was relatively recession proof and these days UK is officially out of recession after six consecutive quarters.[3] High level of inflation in UK (CPI inflation=3 percent) is the reason which contributed to retailers profitability. In 2009, MS reported slightly decrease in margins and profitability. Previous year, they were moving in good direction with initiatives to cut costs (marketing, distribution, support) and reinvest that money in prices to provide better value to customers. The bad thing is reducing capital expenditures for almost 40% which have to create value in future. Increasing number of healthy conscious consumers is a second trend. As a premium food retailer who is selling top quality food, this trend is big strategic opportunity for MS future strategic positioning. In addition to this, survey show that only one in six customers switched to less expensive and frozen food.[4] Today we have environmentally aware consumers. MS is first food retailer who realizes that. Thus, they presented Plan A in 2007 with 100 environmentally commitments to complete within five years. Today, after two years they achieve 39 commitments. This strategy have aim to differentiate their food business from main competitors. Online shopping is also todays trend and opportunity for retailers. They launched MS direct and free wine delivery as a result of growing demand. In 2009 MS market share decline from 4.3% to 3.9% and this is opposite to what board of directors announced in 2008. They predicted growth in market share to 5%.[5] In formulating strategy for next year, they have to take into account few things which will have effect on customers disposable income. From January 2010, we have increase in Value added tax from 15 to 17.5%. Personal income tax will stay at the same level in 2011.This fiscal measure will affect 70,000 people across UK who are now in higher tax band. Additionally we have announced increase in sin taxes for alcoholic drinks. Customers are today spending  £36 per person per week on food in UK.[6] Previous mentioned changes will have certain impact on customers spending habits. Probably they will not cut food expenses, but some products coul be more affected. That is one reason more for MS to provide customers with additional value for money. Part B Balanced scorecard The Balanced scorecard is â€Å"an integrated set of performance measures derived from the companys strategy that gives top management a fast but comprehensive view of the organizational unit.† (Drury 2004, pp.1001). The main question behind the balanced scorecard concept according to Kaplan and Norton (2001) is how to measure future performance. The authors were aware that companies are only in 10 to 30 percent successful in executing its strategy. The main reasons are vision, people, resource and other barriers. For example non-understanding of strategy by employees or management fails to link budget with strategy objectives. Also they realize importance of intangible assets, not capital anymore in adding value to company. In this new business environment focus only on past financial measures (profit, cash flow) and not taking into account non-financial performances such as customer satisfaction could be fatal for organization. The authors presented framework and suggest eve ry company to be viewed from four perspectives: financial, customer, internal business process and learning and growth perspective. All financial and non-financial measures and objectives should be based on companys vision and strategy. That will help managers to have overview over whole processes in company and employees to better understand global firms strategy. We will use suggested framework to support formulation and implementation of Marks and Spencers current strategy. 1. Financial perspective Kaplan and Norton (2001) argue that non-financial perspectives are important but the same is with financial perspective. The reason is simple. Effects from other three perspectives will show their impact through companys financial performances. Marks and Spencer current financial objectives on group level and business unit level are to reduce costs and manage cash flow. In 2009, the effect of broad environment and recession in UK impacted direction of MS strategy. Because of decrease in UK food sector sales and decrease in market share from 4.3% to 3.9 % they choose to reduce costs with aim to keep profitability. Food gross margin was down 235 bps at 31.5%. We can continue to use gross margin as performance measure. Also, we could use profitability measures such as Operating profit, Return on equity, Return on capital employed and net margin which are already being used as MS key performance measures. The results of reducing costs are, reduced spending in support areas and marketing activities of 8.6% without threatening customer satisfaction (stayed at average high level of 84%) and increase of only 1.9% in staff costs. These activities will have impact on profitability in coming years. The target for next year should increase of 10% in mentioned profitability measures. On the other hand, significant cut in capital expenditures of  £450 million h ad immediate impact on companys cash flow from investing activities. MS also have to focus to on how to improve operating cash flow. They decreased cash conversion cycle for almost 6 days.[7] They should further monitor debtor payment period, creditor collection period and stock clearance period (decrease from 8.7 to 4.29 days in 2009).[8] In future, decrease of 10-20 % in stock clearance period and cash conversion cycle could help the company to have stronger cash flow. 2. Customer perspective Main objectives of MS in order to increase market share, acquire new customers and keep customer satisfaction on a high level are to provide customers on targeted market with additional innovation, improved on-shelf availability and to give them additional value for money. The last have roots to year 1935 slogan â€Å"Dont ask the price its a penny†[9]. They took numerous promotions like â€Å"Wise buys†, ‘Family favourites for  £4 and ‘Dine in for two for  £10 during the year. Despite this investing in prices across food range have impact on companys margins, it also provides customers with better value. In 2009 survey, MS is recognized as a leader in top quality food. In future, they should increase ‘wise buys products from existing 10% food range and set target measure to 15%. Also, innovation in products should be continued and monitored with comparing percent of new products in overall products. Relating to on-shelf availability, they already employ more people in stores, open new 75 and close 26 stores with underperforming performances. This trend should be continued because it gives customers more convenience shopping. Customer loyalty, satisfaction and quality customer service are important in future period especially when market share declined 0.4%. 3. Learning and Growth perspective Kaplan and Norton (1996) recognized importance of intangible assets and employees as most important resource company have. In order to keep customers satisfied and loyal, company need to invest in its employees, systems and organizational procedures according to Drury (2004). Therefore, employee satisfaction, investment in employee skill and training must not be overlooked. MS have good communication with employees via MS intranet and employee magazine. The results from employee satisfaction survey ‘Your Say show high response rate (90%) and consistent score with previous years of 70%. Another two measures could be applied to measure employee capabilities- employee retention and employee productivity. Last two derived from employee satisfaction, because only satisfied employee could be productive. Investment in employee skills is recognized as important for MS. Thus, organization of development programme for 2000 lines managers, leadership programme and food academy are vital for future growth and development. The aim to become most sustainable retailer by 2015 they converted into the Plan A. It is also in accordance with Food industry sustainability strategy presented by DEFRA in 2006. They already fulfilled 39 commitments in order to become energy efficient, send no waste to landfill and become carbon neutral. Target of accomplished 15 new commitments per year will keep them on right way to reach this strategic goal. 4. Internal business process perspective According to Drury (2004) internal business process perspective need to give answer on question what business processes will increase value to shareholders and customers and help company achieve its vision at the same time. MS recognizes that investment in innovation process and operation process (decrease distribution costs, maintain supplier satisfaction, increase efficiency in value chain and process quality) are vital to succeed. MS already presented innovation in food from national cuisines (Italian, Chinese etc.) and should monitor percentage of sales from these new products, also compare themselves with competitors (at first place Waitrose who is concentred on the same market niche- top quality food). To excel in innovation field, they should also focus on market products in which they are first or second in the market according to Drury (2004). Innovations in operation process has aim to make more efficient supply and value chain in a company. On one side we have suppliers and customers on other. Already half of 2000 suppliers were trained on MS ethical standards. Distribution costs will be managed with implementation of SAP software and building of domestic and international logistic and distribution centres. Once a build, they will significantly decrease distribution cost and time. Balanced scorecard method (BSC) will help organizations to translate vision into performance measures and improve communication within the company. Also we have to be aware of some limitations of BSC. Othman (2007) argues that BSC is static, ignores external environment and treat company as mechanical system. Drury (2004) describe that empirical study failed to provide evidence that link between non-financial data and financial performance in future exists- which is the assumption of BSC method. Benchmarking There are numerous definitions of benchmarking. One of the first books written about benchmarking providing definition of this method was in â€Å"The search for industry best practices that lead to superior performances† in 1989 by Camp. Until today many definitions emerged but still the most quoted one is from this book that says â€Å"Benchmarking is the search for the best industry practices which will lead to exceptional performance through the implementation of these best practices† (Ungen 2007,pp. 335). In this part, we are going to look at our internal strength and weaknesses, make comparison with our closest competitor in UK market- Waitrose, because both have almost the same market share of about 4% and the same market focus- top quality food. At the end, we will make comparison with Tesco and Sainsbury as a market leaders and see could we use knowledge to improve our operations. Here the aim is to learn from our competitors, not only to compare with them. First we have to understand our internal position- segments we are good at, possible opportunities and segments where improvement is needed. MS differentiate itself with high quality food and at the same time have perception among customers as a top food retailer. It has strong brand for last 125 years, strong internal financial sources and good communication with customers and suppliers. Almost 100% own label food is advantage but at same time could be weakness. So, they start selling branded premium food which they do not produce. Main opportunity is in further expansion to international market. Today, MS has 296 stores in 40 countries with significant 26% increase in international sales. In future, they should expand more as a wholly owned business, not as franchising business. Second, comparison with Waitrose we will start comparing their financial performances because they will show us how successful other perspectives from the balanced scorecard are. An MS food sector sale is down 0.1% at  £4.25bn with loss of market share of 0.4%. On the other hand, in the same period Waitrose increase its sale for 5% to  £4.2bn, market share 0.4% and decrease in operating margin 45 bps to 5.1%. Increase in Waitroses margins is at some part result of 13 Somerfield stores acquired in 2008. Waitrose is also focused on premium organic food brand. Comparing with Waitrose, MS opened 47 stores more and is selling 3600 products more with much more own label food selling. This store opening trend in previous years was primary reason for margin increase but now MS should closely monitor store performance (already close 26 underperformed stores in 2009) and different product lines and replace slow selling products. MS in terms of pricing is above Waitrose and selling almost 1 00% own brand food with products made in UK is major difference from competitor.[10] As a result their sales depends entirely on own label products. In addition to this in 2009 MS made a cut of  £127m in marketing activities which was important for him in food sector positioning.[11] In Corporate social responsibility section, MS is leader with presented 100 commitments plan A. Also partnership with Amazon will help them improve on-line shopping segment. On the other hand, Waitrose presented online food delivery service which could be next step for MS in satisfaction of customer needs. In UK food retail sector, major market share has Tesco and Sainsbury. They both have access to economies of scale and price promotions are fundamental part of their strategy. On the other hand, MS differentiate itself with providing additional value not cheaper price to customers. Despite different in size, MS could use good practice from leaders to achieve better results. Sainsbury launched these days promotion ‘buy now free next time.[12] MS could implement these on 500 wise buys products which are 10 % of range in a one month period and closely look at sales, profit margin and overall financial effect. Also, Tesco since last year increase 29% percent increase in marketing activities.[13] In year where we have 13.8% drop in organic food sale, cutting marketing activities as MS did should be re-examined. Tesco, for example offer double points in order to keep customer loyalty. MS has only 39 outlets out of 668 stores in UK. This number should be increased in future because of rising consumers demand for convenience shopping. Also, search for value and healthier eating will be still in customer focus.[14] Benchmarking can support BSC with recommendations from outside the company how internal, customer and learning and growth perspective could be improved. One of the main critics to benchmarking according to Johnson et al. (2005) it will not identify the reasons for companys good or poor performance. But Benchmarking as a tool have aim to improve companys performance and can support BSC. Therefore, synergy between benchmarking and BSC and implementation of current trends and best practice into organization will improve financial perspective of our company. Conclusion This report showed importance of understanding broad environment and market sector in strategy formulating and implementation. For example, mature supermarket sector in UK is one of the reasons for MSs decision to invest in developing countries in the same premium food market niche. In part B we showed changed focus from capital to intangible assets and from financial to non-financial measure. It is important for MS to monitor all four perspectives in order to have sustainable long- run strategy. Also it is vital for MS to understand what facors influence the financial and operational performance. Therefore, benchmarking and BSC should be used together in strategy formulation and implementation. References: Competition Commission (2000). Supermarkets: a report on the supply of groceries from multiple stores in the United Kingdom. Chapter 5. [online]. Last accessed on 24 April 2010 at www.competitioncommission.org.uk/rep_pub/reports/2000/fulltext/446c5.pdf Competition Commission (2008). The supply of groceries in the UK market investigation. [online]. Last accessed on 23 April 2010 at www.competitioncommission.org.uk/rep_pub/reports/2008/fulltext/538.pdf Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) (2009). Food Statistics Pocketbook. [online]. Last accessed on 24 April at www.defra.gov.uk Delpachitra, S. and Beal, D. (2002), Process benchmarking: an application to lending products, Benchmarking: An International Journal Vol. 9 No. 4, pp. 409-420. [online]. Last accessed on 24 April 2010 at www.emeraldinsight.com DEFRA (2010). Recovery, Growth and the Environment. [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at www.defra.gov.uk DEFRA (2010). UK Food Security Assessment. [online]. Last accessed on 24 April 2010 at www.defra.gov.uk DEFRA (2010). Economic note on UK grocery retailing. [online]. Last accessed on 24 April 2010 at www.defra.gov.uk Department store retailing (2007), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://academic.mintel.com.lcproxy.shu.ac.uk Drury, C. (2004), Management and cost accounting, 6th edition, Thomson learning, London Food Standards Agency (FSA) (2008). Consumer Attitudes Survey. [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at www.food.gov.uk/ Food retailing in UK (2009), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://academic.mintel.com.lcproxy.shu.ac.uk IGD Retail Analysis (2010). IGD Retail Analysis News Tescos growth strengthens. [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at www.igd.com/analysis/news/index.asp?nid=6634 Johnson, G., Scholes,K., Whittington, R. (2005), Exploring corporate strategy, 7th edition, Pearson education limited, Essex John Lewis (2010). Interim report 2009. [online]. Last accessed 24 April 2010 at www.johnlewispartnership.co.uk/Download.aspx?ResourceId=56427 Kaplan, S. R., and Norton, P. D. (2001), Strategy focused organization, Harvard Business School Publishing Corporation, USA Kaplan, S. R., and Norton, P. D. (1996), Using the balanced scorecard as a strategic management system, Harvard business review, January.February issue, [online]. Last accessed on 24 April 2010 at www.hbr.org Kaplan, S. R., and Norton, P. D. (2001), Building a strategy- focused organzation, Harvard business review, May/June issue, [online]. Last accessed on 24 April 2010 at www.hbr.org Kaplan, S. R., Norton, P. D. and Rugelsjoen, B. (2010), Managing alliances with the balanced scorecard, Harvard business review, January/February issue, [online]. Last accessed on 24 April 2010 at www.hbr.org Kyro P. (2003), Revising the concept and forms of benchmarking, Benchmarking: An International Journal Vol. 10 No. 3, pp. 210-225. [online]. Last accessed on 24 April 2010 at www.emeraldinsight.com Marks and Spencer annual report (2009), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at www.marskspencer.com Managing food costs (2009), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://academic.mintel.com.lcproxy.shu.ac.uk National statistics office, [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at www.statistics.go.uk Norreklit H. (2000), The balance on the balanced scorecard- a critical analysis of some of its assumptions, Management accounting research, Vol. 11, pp. 65-88. [online]. Last accessed on 24 April 2010 at www.emeraldinsight.com Othman, R. (2007), Enhancing the effectiveness of the balanced scorecard with scenario planning, International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management Vol. 57 No. 3, pp. 259-266. [online]. Last accessed on 24 April 2010 at www.emeraldinsight.com Porte, E. M. (1996), what is strategy?, Harvard business review, November-December 1996. [online]. Last accessed on 24 April 2010 at http://hbr.org/product/what-is-strategy/an/96608-PDF-ENG Retail review, UK (2008), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://academic.mintel.com.lcproxy.shu.ac.uk Telegraf newspaper (2009), [online], Sainsbury launches first ever buy now free next time promotion, [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/agriculture/supermarkets/6609035/Sainsburys-launches-first-ever-buy-now-free-next-time-promotion.html Telegraf newspaper (2009),Shoppers turning their backs on supermarker own label brands, [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/agriculture/supermarkets/6790854/Shoppers-turning-their-backs-on-supermarket-own-label-brands.html Thompson, L. J. (2003), Strategic management, 4th edition, Thomson learning, London Ungen, C. M., (2007), Manufacturing best practices: implementation success factors and performance, Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 18, issue 3,pp. 333-348. [online]. Last accessed on 24 April 2010 at www.emeraldinsight.com Food retailing in UK (2009,pp.2), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://academic.mintel.com.lcproxy.shu.ac.uk Marks and Spencer annual report (2009), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at www.marskspencer.com National statistics office, [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at www.statistics.go.uk Managing food costs (2009), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://academic.mintel.com.lcproxy.shu.ac.uk Marks and Spencer annual report (2009), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at www.marskspencer.com Food retailing in UK (2009), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://academic.mintel.com.lcproxy.shu.ac.uk Marks and Spencer report (2009),Fame database, [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at https://fame2.bvdep.com/version-2010420/Report.serv?seqnr=0context=GH10NF_cid=159 Marks and Spencer report (2009),Fame database, [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at https://fame2.bvdep.com/version-2010420/Report.serv?seqnr=0context=GH10NF_cid=159 Marks and Spencer annual report (2009,pp.37), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at www.marskspencer.com Department store retailing, UK (2007), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://academic.mintel.com.lcproxy.shu.ac.uk Retail review, UK (2008), [online]. Last accessed on 25 April 2010 at http://academic.mintel.com.lcproxy.shu.ac.uk Telegraf newspaper (2009), [online], Sainsbury launches first ever buy now free next time promotion, [online]. 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The Euro :: essays papers

The Euro In 1991 it was decided that the Euro would be introduced. It officially became the currency of eleven European nations: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, shortly thereafter. Although the actually hard currency will not be introduced until January 1, 2002, it is possible to trade and complete transactions using this currency. This introduction allowed for a single money supply throughout most of Europe, caused increased transparency of prices and stocks throughout the nations adopting it and encouraged long-term investments between firms in different countries by eliminating exchange rate risk. Despite these benefits, the launch of the Euro has not gone as successfully as planned. Since it’s introduction the Euro has lost almost one third of it’s value compared to the dollar. This devaluation has the potential to create a large negative effect on European markets. To take control of the situation government intervention was deemed necessary. In early September, the European Central Bank lowered interest rates for the sixth time in less than a year, in hopes of initiating a rise in the value of the Euro. Despite these efforts the value of the Euro continued to falter. Then in late September central banks from many powerful economic nations collaborated in a major invention effort. The banks spent billions buying Euros to increase their demand while simultaneously selling dollars and yen. This effort seemed to have work as the Euro finally stabilized. This invention was an important step because a weak Euro would cause investors to lose confidence in the new currency. In addition it created a risk of increased inflation because of the increased expense of imports. However, the Euro is still not out of danger because many analysts feel that the reason that it is performing so poorly is because of the decreased amounts of investments in Europe as other markets, the United States in particular, continued to flourish. This is a long-term problem that the central banks will be unable to fix. Then in November as there were signs of slowing economic growth in the US the value of the Euro started to increase. By late November many businesses were acquiring a preference for the Euro because of the benefits it provided. According to one article, â€Å"The Euro has revolutionized corporate strategy and transformed approaches to doing business in Europe.

Ancient Greeks: Theatre as Competition and Ritual

Ancient Greeks: Theatre as Competition and Ritual The ancient Greeks were the inventors of what is today known as â€Å"theater. † Beginning with religious ritual celebrations and competitions, they created an art form which has been parent to the modern theater, as well as television and film. Although the origins of Greek theater are unknown, it is believed that it grew out of the dithyramb, songs and dances honoring Dionysus held at a festival called the Dionysia (Theater of Ancient Greece). Although these uninhibited songs and dances probably grew out of ritual celebrations, they eventually became more formalized and symbolic, eventually evolving into the Greek theater (The Ancient Greek Theatre Page). Theater started as ritual fertility celebrations by the â€Å"Cult of Dionysus† in Athens. These rituals altered over time and became Spring ritual with theater at the center of the celebrations (Drama 30), although it is impossible to know how the rituals separated into comedy and tragedy (Greek Theatre). A lesser festival in honour of Dionysus, The Lenea, became another theater festival/competition halfway through the fifth century BC. The rules of the Lenea were different from those of the Dionysia. In the Lenea, there were only four tragedies, two from each of two playwrights, and five comedies from five playwrights (Greek and British Theatre). According to Aristotle's Poetics, Greek tragedy came before satyr plays and comedies. Tragedy came out of the dithyrambs sung in praise of Dionysus at the Dionysia every year. By the 600's BC, the dithyramb was changed into a formalized narrative sung by a chorus (Greek Theatre). Tragedy lost its Dionysiac associations very early, and only one of the preserved plays, Bacchae by Euripides, has any Dionysiac content, namely the myth of resistance to the introduction of Dionysus's cult to Thebes, and the god's revenge upon the city (Greek Tragedy). In the 500s BC, the poet, Thespis of Attica, is credited with creating a new style in which an actor, called the protagonist, performed the characters' speeches in the narrative, using masks to distinguish between the different characters. The actor spoke and acted as if he were the character, and he interacted with the chorus, who acted as narrators and commentators. Because of this, Thespis is considered the first Greek â€Å"actor,† and his style of drama became known as â€Å"tragedy,† which means ‘goat song,' possibly referring to goats sacrificed to Dionysus before performances, or to goat-skins worn by the performers (Ancient Greek Theater) Aeschylus introduced the antagonist, and Sophocles introduced a third actor. Plays with more realism and dialogue were written by Euripedes and Aristophanes (Drama 30). Theatrical presentations had a religious element and attendance was practically compulsory. Because of this, the builders of Greek theaters had to provide enough space for large audiences . It is believed that the theatrical representations could have arisen from the substitution of an animal for a human sacrifice and, eventually, the formula of the sacrifice was enacted ritualistically without the actual sacrifice of the animal (The Greek Theatre). Plays were produced which could be seen as a formalistic representation of human sacrifice. An example of one of these representational plays is Oedipus the King by Sophocles. In the play, Oedipus becomes the embodiment of suffering and guilt, serving as a way of cleansing the spectators (The Greek Theatre). By the fifth century BC, the theater had become a major part of the culture of Athens. The most important element of the annual Dionysia celebration was the play competition between three playwrights at the Theater of Dionysus. These playwrights each submitted a trilogy of connected tragedies, along with a satyr play which dealt with the same subject matter as the trio of tragedies (Greek Theatre). The competitors were chosen by a government authority called the archon. Wealthy patrons, called choregos, financed the productions. The funding of the arts was a way of tax avoidance, so they were willing to do so. In return for funding a production, the choregos would pay no taxes that year (The Ancient Greek Theatre Page). These men paid for the production of each dramatist's series, the chorus, and other production costs. The actors were paid by the state. The directors of the plays were usually the actual playwrights (Greek and British Theatre). Once many playwrights began writing plays for multiple actors and submitting plays for the Dionysia, competitions began to be held all over Greece. Prizes were given for the best of these and they were written down and saved (Greek and British Theatre). In the competitions, there were ten judges. These judges were taken from each of the Athenian â€Å"tribes,† divisions of the people made for administrative convenience, not actual tribes. Choosing the â€Å"best new tragedy,† which was the purpose for the competition, was taken very seriously. In 449 BC an award for the best leading actor in a tragedy was introduced (Greek and British Theatre). Revivals of popular plays was not allowed in Greek theater. This was to encourage new plays to be written. In fact, a special state decree was issued to allow the Aeschylus's plays to be performed after he died. Until this, revivals had never happened. Revivals did begin to occur in the fourth century when touring companies began to perform in Attica, a rural area, and beyond (Greek Theatre). The ancient Greeks took their theater seriously. Beginning with religious ritual celebrations, the Greek theater evolved into the modern theater that we know today. Plays from those ancient competitions are known and performed all over the world. The Greeks' contribution to the cultural and artistic development of the odern theater is incalculable. Works Cited â€Å"Ancient Greek Theater. † Greek Theater. 6 Oct 2008. . â€Å"Greek and British Theatre† The British Theatre Guide. 6 Oct 2008. â€Å"Greek Theatre. † Greek Theatre. 6 Oct 2008. . â€Å"Greek Tragedy. † Greek Tragedy. 6 Oct 2008.. â€Å"The Ancient Greek Theatre Page. † The Ancient Greek Drama and Theatre History Page. 30 Sep 2008. . â€Å"Theatre of Ancient Greece. † Ancient Greece. 30 Sep 2008. . â€Å"The Greek Theatre. † The Greek Theatre. 6 Oct 2008. â€Å"The Theatre in Ancient Greece. † Ancient Greece. 6 Oct 2008. â€Å"When Did Theatre Begin? † Drama 30. 6 Oct 2008..

Bill Sikes Essays

Bill Sikes Essays Bill Sikes Paper Bill Sikes Paper Dickens begins this chapter by talking about Fagin in non-human terms that suggest he is frightening and dangerous. Words like lair, phantom, and fangs describe the Fagins house and his physical appearance. This isnt the first use of animal imagery to suggest Fagin is scary and dangerous in Oliver Twist. Fagin has been described before as a reptile and a predator. Dickens has used animal imagery to express a sense of evil. Dickens is suggesting that Fagin is about to act like an animal and is his need for revenge a strictly human evil? This remark by Charley Dickens, showing Olivers purity, further shows us that Fagin is willing to corrupt an innocent soul for the sake of his greed, as we find out later on that he was to corrupt the boy for money. He tries to make Oliver as one of his boys but in the end he does not succeed. Fagin seeks to corrupt even the innocent, which makes him almost evil. Making Fagin a Jew is a metaphor as Fagin himself is a recurring symbol for the devil. Several times Dickens refers to him with known devil names or symbols. He talks of Fagin with flaming red hair and a beard, along with a three-pronged roasting fork, which all are symbols. Before he is to die, he refuses to pray for himself and his being a Jew has a very evil connotation. He is greedy and mean, trying to pull Oliver and others into his web of evil. After Noah delivers his report, Fagin is furious with Nancy. When Sikes enters, carrying the loot from his nights work, Fagin un-nerves him by staring fixedly, speechless and twitching with emotion. The old man tells Sikes his story, masterfully rousing Sikes to a pitch of rage at the hint that the gang has been betrayed. Deliberately increasing the tension, Fagin wakes Claypole to make him tell Sikes about Nancy. WITH ALL OF THE SYMBOLISM AND MORAL ISSUES REPRESENTED IN OLIVER TWIST, ALL SEEM TO COME FROM REAL EVENTS FROM THE LIFE OF ITS AUTHOR, CHARLES DICKENS. THE NOVELS CHARACTER, OLIVER, IS A GOOD PERSON AT HEART SURROUNDED BY THE FILTH OF THE LONDON STREETS. FILTH THAT DICKENS MIGHT HAVE DEALT WITH IN HIS EVERYDAY LIFE. BUT THROUGH MORALS AND MERE CHANCE OLIVER BECOMES A LIVING SYMBOL. THROUGHOUT HIS LIFETIME, DICKENS APPEARED TO HAVE ACQUIRED A FONDNESS FOR THE BLEAK, THE SORDID, AND THE AUSTERE. MOST OF OLIVER TWIST, FOR EXAMPLE, TAKES PLACE IN LONDONS LOWEST SLUMS. THE CITY IS DESCRIBED AS A MAZE WHICH INVOLVES A MYSTERY OF DARKNESS, ANONYMITY, AND PERIL. MANY OF THE SETTINGS, SUCH AS THE PICKPOCKETS HIDEOUT, THE SURROUNDING STREETS, AND THE BARS, ARE ALSO DESCRIBED AS DARK, GLOOMY, AND BLAND. EVEN WHILE HIS LIFE WAS IN DANGER WHILE IN THE HANDS OF FAGIN AND BILL SIKES, TWO SCHEMING PICKPOCKETS, HE REFUSED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE STEALING WHICH HE SO GREATLY OPPOSED. ALL OLIVER REALLY LONGED FOR WAS TO ESCAPE FROM HARSH LIVING CONDITIONS AND EVIL SURROUNDINGS WHICH HE HAD GROWN UP IN. HOWEVER, NO MATTER HOW TEMPTING THE EVIL MAY HAVE BEEN, OLIVER STOOD BY HIS BELIEFS. UNFORTUNATELY, MANY CRITICS HAVE FOUND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT A BOY SUCH AS OLIVER TWIST COULD REMAIN SO INNOCENT, PURE, AND WELL SPOKEN GIVEN THE LONG PERIOD OF TIME IN WHICH HE WAS SURROUNDED BY EVIL AND INJUSTICES. FAGIN THE HEAD OF A GROUP OF YOUNG THIEVES SPENDS MOST OF HIS TIME TRYING TO DEMORALIZE AND CORRUPT OLIVER AND PREVENT HIM FROM EVER COMING INTO HIS INHERITANCE. HE IS SEEN AS AN ESCAPE FROM ALL PREVIOUS MISERY. HE ALSO HELPS OLIVER TO EASE ANY FEARS ABOUT STARVATION AND LONELINESS. FAGIN IS A MASTER CRIMINAL, WHOSE SPECIALTY IS FENANG (SELLING STOLEN PROPERTY). HE EMPLOYS A GANG OF THIEVES AND IS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW RECRUITS. HE IS A MAN OF CONSIDERABLE INTELLIGENCE, THOUGH CORRUPTED BY HIS SELF-INTEREST. HIS CONSCIENCE BOTHERS HIM AFTER HE IS CONDEMNED TO HANG. HE DOES HAVE A CYNICAL SENSE OF HUMOUR AND A MYSTERIOUS ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND PEOPLE. HES A VERY OLD SHRIVELLED JEW, WHOSE VILLAINOUS LOOKING REPULSIVE FACE WAS OBSCURED BY A QUANTITY OF MATTED RED HAIR. Fagin and his gang are of like qualities, all being thieves and gangsters, with whom poor Oliver unwittingly falls in with. Oliver, being a kind and innocent soul, is beguiled by Fagin and his boys into joining them for time. He uses double talk to keep his true motives from others. BILL SIKES IS A BULLY, A ROBBER AND A MURDERER. HE IS AN ALLY OF FAGIN. FAGIN PLANS THE CRIMES AND SIKES CARRIES THEM OUT. SIKES EVIL IS SO FRIGHTENING BECAUSE IT IS SO PHYSICAL. HE IS COMPARES TO A BEAST. NANCY IS THE HAPLESS PRODUCT OF THE SLUMS, THE PUPIL OF FAGIN, AND THE ABUSED MISTRESS OF SIKES. ALTHOUGH SHE IS A PROSTITUTE AND AN ACCOMPLICE OF CROOKS, SHE HAS THE INSTINCTS OF A GOOD PERSON. SHE IS PART OF A FEW OF THE MOST MEMORABLE SCENES (WHEN SHE VISITS FAGINS DEN, WHEN SHE WAITS FOR BILL TO COME HOME OR WHEN SHE MEETS WITH ROSE MAYLIE AND BROWNLOW TO HELP SAVE OLIVER).

Microsoft Vega Project Essay Example

Microsoft Vega Project Essay Example Microsoft Vega Project Essay Microsoft Vega Project Essay How does Microsoft conduct strategic planning and what role human resource management plays in that process? It is apparent that people are Microsofts greatest asset. Linking production areas and using an atmosphere that caters to the 30 year old average employee age, has made the company a fantastic place of employment. Human Resources is responsible for identifying, hiring, and retaining their gifted talent. Microsoft has also boasted as very generous compensation and benefits program that has created a quality employee experience. Microsofts work environment, is a catalyst for great achievements. With a strategic human resource plan, Microsoft ensures that a diverse range of candidates are considered for opportunities as well as retaining them in a very competitive market. Their results are shown through enhanced product development and employee performance. The HR department is great at spotting talent and potential and aim to hire people who are smart, work hard, and get the right things done. HR staffing seeks to hire talented people who are passionate about their work. This passion translates directly into products and services that enable Microsoft customers to do their very best. Its an important mission - bringing the right people in and taking good care of them. It plays a critical role in helping Microsoft generate technology that positively affects the lives of millions of people around the world (Microsoft. com 2008). The case study on the Vega Project shows that HR department as well as company directors are using the plan to promote, educate, and empower individuals. As this case shows, it does not always work out to be a successful match. However, according to Microsoft’s home page, I believe their HR approach is a great example of how to recruit, retain, and promote motivated employees. Where along the transactional-commitment continuum does Microsoft choose to be located ? Transactional leaders use strategy, structure and culture to strengthen their organization. This type of leadership can be displayed through a system of contingent-reward exchanges as well as active management. This style of leadership can be characterized through a process of goal-setting, setting expectations, and defining how followers will be rewarded (Gerhardt 2004). By achieving specific goals for both leaders and their followers, transactional leadership seeks to maintain stability rather than promoting change within an organization. This leadership style is closley related to the style used by Jim Kaplan in 1998. By recruiting MacLellan, he set goals, explained the rewards associated for meeting those goals, and maintain as close relationship with his new recruit. MacLellan was very excieted about his new Vega project and felt empowered to complete the project on time and meet the specified goals. He had a great commitment to the project, his team, and used many resources to ensure that it was a success. In my opinion I feel that due to the nature of Microsoft’s business, the company is high on the transactional-commitment continuum. This type of leadership is shown through the offer to MacLellan from Kaplan. Delivering the Vega project would mean a 14,000 dollar bonus, an allocation of 2,800 stock options, and promoted to a level 33 program manager, which carried a salary range of 85,000 to 110,000 dollars (Bassert page ? ). Microsoft Home Page http://members. microsoft. com/careers/careerpath/humanresource/default. mspx 2008 paulgerhardt. com/homework/TranformationalTransactonalLeadershipInRetail. pdf Paul Gerhardt-Transformational and Transactional Leadership in Retail (2004)

John Kerry on Syria Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

John Kerry on Syria - Assignment Example Having a weapon does not equate to automatic use and we did not even know if Assad has full control of them because there may be generals under him who would surreptitiously use it without Assad knowing. A. And we know what they did next. I personally called the Foreign Minister of Syria and I said to him, â€Å"If, as you say, your nation has nothing to hide, then let the United Nations in immediately and give the inspectors the unfettered access so they have the opportunity to tell your story.† Instead, for four days they shelled the neighborhood in order to destroy evidence, bombarding block after block at a rate four times higher than they had over the previous 10 days. And when the UN inspectors finally gained access, that access, as we now know, was restricted and controlled. B. Syria has chemical weapons and they are hiding it. When they were asked by UN for an inspection, they bombed it to destroy its evidence. They bombed it because their bombing rate was four time higher than the previous 10 days. C. This argument is unsound because Kerry immediately assumed that Syria is hiding its chemical weapons and that they are bent on hiding it so as to bomb it after UN advised for inspection. The certainty that they intend to hide their chemical weapons due to the increased rate of bombing is unsound. Increased rate of bombing can be caused by a multitude of factors and not just to hide it. It is also illogical to bomb their chemical weapons to hide them. Why not move and keep it somewhere else where no one can trace it? A. In all of these things that I have listed, in all of these things that we know, all of them, the American intelligence community has high confidence, high confidence. This is common sense. This is evidence. These are facts. C. The argument is just flatly wrong. What the American intelligence community is

Changing Role of Women Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Changing Role of Women - Essay Example While this new role of women is determined, it is also essential that such an investigative study incorporates the changed role of women in various sectors, sections, and nations. Therefore, the efforts to define the new role of women in the modern world should essentially include a research on the changing role of women in every sector and category of social life. This has been the central consideration for the selection of research articles for this anthology. As the title of this anthology suggests, this needs to be perceived as an attempt to define the changing role of women in the background of sex inequalities and gender role differences which has been a major research point of the feminist theorists in the modern world. It is indisputable that one of the most relevant topics in the modern feminist theory relating to the general theme of gender role and sex inequality has been the changing role of women. Therefore, this anthology endeavors to provide with the most accurate mate rials to conclude on the changing role of women in various sections and categories of modern life. Here, this Anthology by the title "Changing Role of Women" covers a broad span of articles which are related to the topic-changing role of women through several categories of modern women of various backgrounds. ... He in the article "From Emancipation to Liberation: The Changing role of Women in Turkey's Public Realm" which has been the first essay of the anthology, deals with the changed role of women in the public sector of Turkey. According to the article, the change of women in Turkey can be related to a change from emancipation to liberation, i.e. the change has been one of the attitudes mainly. This article introduces the history of the liberation of women in The Republic of Turkey. The article "introduces the historical context of women's emancipation in the Republic of Turkey and then discusses how different women's groups expanded, transformed or perpetuated the parameters of the public realm with their different, at times seemingly contradictory, discourses for liberation. The focus of this article is on issues and concerns around which women voiced their differences from the founding fathers who 'emancipated women,' and not on politics in formal political institutions, such as politi cal parties or parliament." ("From Emancipation to Liberation: The Changing Role of Women in Turkey's Public Realm" 107). The republican concept of secularism and nationalism strengthened the feminists of Turkey. In the society, women were provided with a new public space and their gender role was redefined. By taking effort to enforce the women's status, the state actually meant to cultivate nationalistic feeling in the minds of its citizens. Gender equality and gender rights were equal and the professionalism of women was supported by the government but they demanded for more rights especially the control upon their sexuality. The feminists were not satisfied those limited rights and tried to enter the male dominated politics and they started to express their