Compare And Contrast The Family And Structural Functional...

Question One: Choose two theories outlined in your readings and class discussions and compare/contrast them in their usefulness for considering the development of the individual within the context of the family. The two theories I have chosen are the Structural Functional theory and the Family Development theory. The Family Development theory as defined in the powerpoint is the family life cycle divided into universal stages. There are developmental tasks at each stage which will affect future functioning. The Structural Functional theory is a family as a subsystem of the greater social system. This theory strives for equilibrium. The Structural functional theory is focused on the gender roles of a family. The female is the homemaker†¦show more content†¦However, under the Family Development theory, she can chose her career. The mother still plays a large part in the children s life but she is not restricted to the house all day. She can make all the money and the man can st ay home if they so choose. This allows for the mother to make change in her life. Her development can keep going, instead of stopping at â€Å"housewife.† She can be a scientist with five kids and still be a good parent. This also allows the children more freedom in who they are. If there are two children with two parents, they will be very suppressed under the Structural Functional theory. The little boy will be out mowing the lawn with the father. But what if the little boy wants to be in the kitchen, making lunch with his mother instead? What if he loves dolls and everything pink? Under this theory, he will not be allowed to do those things. Acts such as cooking are considered expressive and only for females. The Family Development theory allows for the boy to keep on developing however he wants. He will be cared for by his parents no matter what role he wants to be in. Both of these theories do not account for common possibilities. Single parents are not even thought of. According to the theories, single parenting would be impossible to raise good children, yet it happens everyday. Divorce seems almost taboo. There is no room for stepparents in either of these families. What happens when a child has four parents instead of two?Show MoreRelatedSociological Theories And The Structural Functional Theory1356 Words   |  6 PagesSociological Theories: Compare and Contrast The Structural-Functional theory definition: Two theorist who were major contributors to the structural functional theory where Herbert Spencer and Robert Merton. Also known as functionalism, it is a framework for building theory that views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability and solidarity. Important concepts in the perspective of functionalism include social structure, social functions, latent functions and manifestRead MoreCompare and Contrast Functionalist and Marxist Theories of Stratification.1537 Words   |  7 PagesCompare and Contrast Functionalist and Marxist Theories of Stratification Stratification is the separation of society into layers which are distinguished by unequal rewards and life chances and many systems of stratification have been based on slavery, caste and feudalism. Slavery, being the oldest and most extreme form of stratification, involves the enslavement or ownership of others. This ownership came about as a result of conquest, trade, kidnapping, hereditary status or the repayment ofRead MoreDiscuss Marxism and Functuionalism and Compare1133 Words   |  5 PagesCompare Marxist and Functionalist Perspectives Compare and Contrast Functionalist and Marxist Perspectives Sociology is a systematic way of studying the social world. It seeks to discover the causes and affects of intercommunication and interaction that arise in social relations. The science of society was developed as a discipline in the 19th Century by Auguste Compte, a French philosopher. For him, common sense and the obvious would not suffice; he wanted to build scientific theories basedRead MoreFunctionalism and Marxism: Sociological Perspectives Essay670 Words   |  3 PagesMarxism In this essay I am going to compare and contrast Functionalism and Marxism. They are both sociological perspectives which have theories about society and the people that live within it. They attempt to explain how society influences people, and similarly how people influence society. However, the two perspectives are clearly different. Functionalism is a macro system theory which sees society as a mega structure of linked social institutions such as school, family and the legal system. Each differentRead MoreThe Sociological Perspective Of Sociology874 Words   |  4 Pagesconflict theory is a theoretical framework in which society is viewed as composed of groups that are competing for scarce resources. It also evokes the competition between the proletariat, and the bourgeois that holds the resources. In a similar macro-sociological view, functionalism is a theoretical framework in which society is viewed as composed of various parts, each with a function that, when fulfilled, contributes to society’s equilibrium; also known as functional analysis and structural functionalismRead MoreCompare the Functionalist and Marxist Perspective on Society1104 Words   |  5 PagesCOMPARE THE FUNCTIONALIST AND MARXIST PERSPECTIVE ON SOCIETY INTRODUCTION â€Å"Lotto a ticket to your dreams† Vote Lucky Five and give yourself a chance fi step up inna life†. 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Three different OB perspectives Macro-perspective; the big picture Micro-perspective; the smaller units Meso-perspective; integration and movement between macro and micros Three levels of OB Individuals gt; groups gt; organisations OB as a science Scientific discipline Theories and methods can be developedRead MoreCompare and Contrast Any Two Sociological Theories and Briefly Evaluate Them.2079 Words   |  9 PagesCompare and contrast any two sociological theories and briefly evaluate them. In the following essay I am going to compare and contrast the theories of marxism and functionalism, looking at the topics of the family and education. Functionalism has a macro-structural approach to society. It looks at society as a whole and is known as a consensus perspective i.e. everyone agrees on social norms and values and people work together to maintain society. These norms and values are learned by socialRead MoreThe Theories Of Virus Origin1615 Words   |  7 PagesViruses are one of the most ancient and diverse wonders of the scientific world, yet they are not fully understood. Scientists still do not know of their origins, but have three main theories of how they came about. Viruses infect organisms, yet they do not perform the biological functions to be considered living organisms themselves. Viruses lack many of the abilities that scientists affiliate with living organisms. Primarily, they cannot reproduce without the help of a host cell, and do not useRead MoreAggressive Behavior Essay1189 Words   |  5 Pagesits connection with psychopathy. As a manifestation of the disorder itself, the factors that cause psychopathy result in its aggressive behavior. Hare (1996) theorized that psychopathy may be related to cerebral dysfunction â€Å"reflecting structural or functional abnormalities in the brain mechanisms and circuitry†¦responsible for the coordination of cognitive and affective processes (Intrator et al., 1995).† Damage to the medial temporal cortex, amygdala, and particularly of the orbito/ventromedial

Buddhism Essay - 1309 Words

Buddhism Buddhism is a unique religion. The teacher of Buddhism is Siddahartha Gautama Buddha. Siddahartha was the son of the king of Nepal. Buddha’s father was warned that his son was going to become a monarch and that he would be murdered. So, Siddaharta’s father imprisoned him within the palace so that he would never see anyone suffer or grow old. When Siddaharta grew older, he wanted to know what it was like on the other side of the palace walls; just like we all think the grass is greener on the other side. When Siddaharta escaped, he saw people suffering, people that were dying, and people that were sick. He couldn’t understand why this could happen, how could people suffer like this in a kingdom that was run by his†¦show more content†¦This is believed because we are disappointed when we don’t achieve the goals we set for ourselves, or when our loved ones are sick or die, it causes suffering for us. Everything we do causes us to suffer. The one thing that all human beings have in common is that we all suffer. No matter what class someone is in, or how underprivileged a person is, we all suffer regardless. Suffering is a bond between all humans, it’s something that everyone understands and can comprehend. Buddhism teaches that birth, rebirth, and death are all a continuing part of the process of change. When you die, your soul is separated from your body, and it craves life. The soul then seeks out a new existence. There are six different realms that one may be reborn into after death according to Buddhism. These realms are gods, demigods, human beings, animals, hungry ghosts, and the hells. These realms include three relatively happy states, and three relatively miserable states. The realms of the gods, demigods, and human beings are considered more happiness and less suffering; while the realms of animals, hungry ghosts, and the hells are considered relatively miserable because living beings there suffer. You are reborn into these different realms, according to how you lived your last life. If you performed a lot of good deeds in your last life, you’ll be reborn into one of the relatively happy states, but if you were unwholesome inShow MoreRelatedBuddhism : Buddhism And Buddhism1009 Words   |  5 Pages Zen Buddhism isn’t exactly a â€Å"religion†, but a way of living. It creates peace within the human mind that allows one to grow, develop and look at the world more positively. Originating in China in 650 C.E., Zen Buddhism is a combination between Indian Mahayana Buddhism and Taoism. Mahayana Buddhism promotes bodhisattva, which is practicing the way of life in the direction of Buddha. Taoism is a religion developed by Lao-tzu, a Taoist philosopher, and focuses on obtaining long life and good fortuneRead MoreBuddhism, Buddhism And Buddhism1371 Words   |  6 PagesBuddhism is one of the largest religions in the world that started in India. 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Today, there areRead MoreRelics Of Buddhism And Buddhism847 Words   |  4 PagesRelics are thought to be present in Buddhism since the 5th Century B.C.E, when the original Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, was said to have lived, and Buddhism itself was a new religion. They continue today as sacred objects of worship. Relics that are as old as Buddhism itself are said to exist and still be wo rshipped. Although the idea of relics may seem contradictory to many of Buddhist beliefs, they actually do resonate with many ideals of Buddhist teachings and practices. To see whether relicsRead MoreBuddhism : The Philosophy Of Buddhism1198 Words   |  5 Pagesnever be one true answer. The theory I mostly identify with is the philosophy of Buddhism, its teachings, and the importance of meditation. Some people would argue that Buddhism is a religion not a philosophy, and vice versa, but nonetheless the Buddha has an idea of self in our current life. Buddhism teaches us that life is, and full of suffering and that nothing in life is eternal. The ultimate goal of Buddhism is Nirvana, which means liberation from the constant cycle of life and death, andRead MoreThe Teachings Of Buddhism And Buddhism939 Words   |  4 Pagesfamous religion icon of all time the Buddhism. Many people became followers of this very wise man we know as the Buddha. Buddhism is based on the teaching of Siddhartha Gautama, Buddha, who was born in the Ganges River Valley, the foot of the Himalayas. The Buddha led people in meditation and enlightenment to the next level. Philosophers such as Santideva and Thich Nhat Hanh, have led the life to follow the Buddhism ways and live their day to day life off of it. Buddhism gave them the enlightenment toRead MoreThe Religion Of Buddhism And Buddhism1730 Words   |  7 Pageslife. The religion of Buddhism is one of these that had this effect when it began to spread from India where it originated, to many Asian countries especially China where it would have the biggest impact. In China, Buddhism would take root and would grow to become a popular religion in the country much like the other major religions of China, Confucianism and Taoism, which together with Buddhism would later be known as the â€Å"Three Teachings†. Additionally, at some point Buddhism would began to loseRead MoreReligion Of Buddhism : Buddhism963 Words   |  4 Pagesinterested in the religion of Buddhism. After I watched Oprah Winfrey’s television series, Belief Buddhism has become something I wished to look into on a deeper level. Therefore, On October 9, 2016, I visited Wesleyan college East Asian studies facilities to participate in their Sunday meeting of Practice and Talk. During this hour and a half meeting, individuals who are exploring Buddhism wil l learn the surface practice of Buddhism more specifically shin Buddhism. Shin Buddhism or the teachings of ShinranRead MoreBuddhism, Buddhism And The World Essay1999 Words   |  8 PagesBuddhism is the fourth largest religion in the world, with more than 5 million believers in the world. Buddhism is a kind of religion and law that contains various traditions, beliefs, and spiritual practices. Buddhism from India, between the sixth and fourth centuries BC, and gradually spread to Asia. Although Buddhism originated in India, China has many believers in the dissemination and contribution. Chinese Buddhism began in the Han Dynasty and became the most powerful in the Tang Dynasty. WithRead MoreBuddhism : The Popularity Of Buddhism1306 Words   |  6 PagesBuddhism Culture in China Instructor Dr. Jack Name: Zhoudongxue Zhang Student #: 100311725 Date: 26/11/2015 The Popularity of Buddhism in China Buddhism is one of the most popular religions in the world. The Pew Research Center reports that nearly 488 million people practice Buddhism, which represents 7% to 8% of the world’s entire population. Buddhism is mainly practiced in the Asia-Pacific region with approximately 481,290,000 Buddhists, which means 99% of Buddhists live in Asia-Pacific

Reflections Teaching Financial Statement †Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Reflections Teaching Financial Statement? Answer: Introducation Billabong International Limited deals in retailing and wholesale of surf, sports apparel, snow, skate, hardware, accessories and trademark licensing of the company for specifying the worlds region. The segment of the company involves Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the rest part of the world. However, the primary business of the company is the clothing business and it carries out the activities of suitable distribution, marketing under retailing as well as whole selling of the garments, swimsuits, hard goods, eyewear and various other products (Billabongbiz.com 2017). Industry overview Billabong works in the garments business in Australia with extraordinary introduction to the surf business. The operations incorporate wholesaling and retailing of items, for example, surf, predominant quality skate, both snow and games clothing alongside embellishments and equipment. Examination of the business in which Billabong works uncovers that there is solid rivalry in the overall surf skate and also the garments (Billabongbiz.com 2017). The business evaluation of Billabong uncovers that the organization gets supports from the government. National strategies assisted country building, production of work, industrialisation, continuous governments set approaches of exchange to guard local apparel and also materials. The easy-going way of life in Australia and reasonable atmosphere guides Australians to use less on especially dress than people in generally similar to Western markets. During the year 2005 and 2006, turnover from the retail business in especially 'Apparel Retail' stores was approximated to be AUD 10.1 billion, suggesting expansion of garments deals in Department stores. Ratio analysis Calculation of ratio Ratio 2016 ($000) 2015 ($000) Industry Average Current Ratio Current Assets 464,454 523,753 Current Liabilities 197,932 236,768 2.35 2.21 2 Debt to Equity Ratio Debt 185,206 113,521 Equity 259,289 281,584 0.71 0.40 1 Gross Profit Margin Gross Profit -23,739 2,552 Total Sales 1,103,535 1,056,130 -2.15 0.24 60% Inventory Turnover Cost of Goods Sold 542,373 495,308 Average Inventory 185,556 187,125 2.92 2.65 4 times Trade Receivable Turnover Net Credit Sales 1,103,535 1,056,130 Average Accounts Receivable 171,644 164,504 6.43 6.42 6 times Analysis of companys performance through the ratios The current ratio states whether the company is able to pay off their short term obligation efficiently. It further states whether the company is efficiently using its working capital or not. It can be identified from the above calculation that the current ratio of the company for the year ended 2015 was 2.21 and that for the year ended 2016 was 2.35 and both the years current ratio was better as compared to the industry average of 2. However, it indicates that the company may not be using their working capital efficiently (William, Glover and Prawitt 2016). If the debt equity ratio of the company is considered, it can be recognized that for both the years the debt equity ratio of the company is lower than the industry average of 1 and for 2015 the ratio was 0.40 and for the year 2016 it was 0.71. Therefore, the ratio is indicating that the risk of raising finance through debt as compared to equity is increasing. It will expose the company with the risk of interest payment (Richard 2014). Gross profit margin ratio indicates the profitability ratio and it compares the gross profit of the company with regard to the net sales of the company. To be more specific, it is the mark-up percentage on the products and services from the cost. While considering the gross profit margin of the company, it is identified that gross profit margin of the company is significantly lower as compared to the industry average. Further, the company was not able to generate a positive margin during the year ended 2016. Therefore, the ratio indicating that the company is exposed to the profitability risk. There is further indication that the company I losing the sales on different products which is not a desirable condition for any business. The inventory turnover ratio is the efficiency ratio and it indicated the efficiency of the company regarding the management of its inventory. This reveals how efficiently the companys turnover is sold or turned during the specific period. This ratio is crucial as it considers two major item regarding performance. The 1st one is the purchase of stock and the 2nd one is the sales. If the stock is purchased at higher level, the company is to sell more to achieve the required turnover ratio. While the inventory turnover of the company is taken into consideration, it is identified that the inventory turnover ratio of the company for 2015 is 2.65 and for 2016 is 2.92 and for both the year the ratio is lower as compared to the industry average of 4. It indicates that the company is not efficient in managing their inventory. Account receivable turnover ratio is the efficiency ratio that computes the time for which the business is turning the receivable into cash during the particular period. This ratio measures the times for which the business can collect the average accounts receivable for the period under consideration. While considering the turnover with regard to trade receivable, it is identified that the turnover is better as compared to the industry average. Whereas the companys receivable turnover r is 6.42 and 6.43 respectively for 2015 and 2016, the industry average is 6 times. Areas of audit risk or business risk for the company The risk management approach of the company states that the company is not risk averse. Apart from this, the management is concerned about identification, management and discussion regarding the risk. Identified risks with regard to the company is as follows Translation Risk it is inferable from a significant portion of the groups operations that is outside the range of Australia, the group is fundamentally presented to certain money conversion standard risk. For this situation, this risk happens when the income related to offshore of the whole group and variances of advantage/assets are pronounced in Australian dollars. The section data of the group for the earlier period is essentially displayed on a steady cash basis using the present time frame normal trade rates on a month to month basis to change the past periods foreign earning. This is basically attempted to expel the impact of foreign trade activities from the execution of the whole group. Risk related to audit - audit risk of the firm basically happens due to inaccuracy in the financial statement opinion. The evaluators of the firm may neglect to recognize the risk of debt obligation. Failure on the part of the firm to act as per the association's money related contracts made by an extensive reduction in income or else profit or material adjustments in the AUD against USD swapping scale may require the organization to look for changes, waivers of pledge recognition or substitute getting courses of action (Arens et al. 2014). Company's assessment issues this may results into the operational risk with regard to tax in every country. This may have unfavourable effect by adjustments in both financial or else administrative summon, differences in clarification of the neighbourhood assess controls of those countries, and changes to introduce political, legal or else managerial techniques identified with charge. Proficient accountant of the firm may neglect to comprehend the expense undertakings and this may prompt material error (Houghton and Campbell 2013). Failure to recognition of social risk - Management of the company additionally neglects to distinguish the social dangers encompassing the matter of the firm and consolidate the impacts of social dangers in the financial declarations of the partnership. The organization sources particular merchandise that are made in countries, for example, China in which there remain dangers rotating wellbeing of working environment, support of wellbeing and security benchmarks. Material risk material risks are able to influence the entire financial aspects of the company. various material risks that have an impact on the company are as follows Social risk: the company is associated with the risks like safety and health standards and workplace related risks. Further, the accounting experts may not be able to focus strongly on these types of risks in the audit report as they are too concerned about finance matters. Competition: the company faces strong competition that has an impact on the earnings of the company. Further, the strategies and performance of the competitors has an adverse impact on the company. For example, if the competitor sells their product at lower price or introduce new product lines or paying more to the employees, manufacturing and develops alternative supply channels it will significantly hamper the business of Billabong (Entwistle 2015). Risk related to fashion: the risk associated with the fashion is that the company will fail to develop innovative and unique designs for apparels or the company will not be able to deliver the product as per the customer requirement. Risk related to brand: this risk will expose the company with the risk that will have a impact on the brand as a whole. For instance, the company minimized these risks through maintaining various customers data, making innovation in the product and managing the brand (Dalnial et al. 2014). Macro-economic environmental risk: this risk have an impact on the financial performance of the company as the various aspects under this risk takes into consideration the inflation rate, interest rate, foreign exchange rate, capital market situation and others. Further, the monetary as well as fiscal policies, governmental policies, investors sensitivity and the product pricing may affect the entire financial status of the company. Material misstatement Contingent upon figurings of major financial ratios, it can be therefore said that the organization confronts higher debt risks and it is evidential from the fact that the company has a higher level of debt equity ratio. Apart from that The organization confronts low income (negative profit) reflecting dangers of operations. For this situation, the risk may be identified with failures on the part of the accounting expert of the firm to recognize the dangers of various small scale and full scale financial elements reflected through the decrease in the profit and asset The major risk aspects identified with material error incorporate the debt obligation. Consequences of investigation of money related affirmations of the firm demonstrate that there is parcel of weight to do obligation financing (There is prerequisite to have obligation value proportion to be under 1 and it is seem to be under 1. The necessity may prompt withdrawal of advance that thus can have an aggressive impact on business activities (Cohen and Simnett 2014). Again, the current ratio is more noteworthy as compared to the industry average of 2. In this manner, there exists a likelihood that it indicates that the company may not be using their working capital efficiently and that led at the level of 2 or above (Arens et al. 2015). The inventory turn of the organization is additionally lower than the business standard reflecting lower ability of the partnership to transform inventories into money. The expert bookkeepers additionally may control the stock of the firm that can prompt unsafe practice. Along these lines, there exists likelihood that the stock of the firm may be changed by uncovering included stock amid the time of entry. There is additionally enhancement of the financial risk of the enterprise as is clear from the related risks that should be broke down in an offered to evaluate whether the confirmation are given in the monetary proclamations. References Arens, A.A., Best, P., Shailer, G., Fiedler, B., Elder, R.J. and Beasley, M., 2015.Auditing and assurance services in Australia: an integrated approach. Pearson Education Australia. Billabongbiz.com. 2017.Billabong Biz : Behind the Brand - Investors - Investors Home. [online] Available at: https://www.billabongbiz.com [Accessed 15 Sep. 2017]. Cohen, J.R. and Simnett, R., 2014. CSR and assurance services: A research agenda.Auditing: A Journal of Practice Theory,34(1), pp.59-74. Dalnial, H., Kamaluddin, A., Sanusi, Z.M. and Khairuddin, K.S., 2014. Detecting fraudulent financial reporting through financial statement analysis.Journal of Advanced Management Science Vol,2(1). Entwistle, G., 2015. Reflections on Teaching Financial Statement Analysis.Accounting Education,24(6), pp.555-558. Houghton, K. and Campbell, T., 2013.Ethics and auditing(p. 354). ANU Press. Richard, P., 2014. The Role of the Accounting Rate of Return in Financial Statement Analysis.The Continuing Debate Over Depreciation, Capital and Income (RLE Accounting),67(2), p.235. William Jr, M., Glover, S. and Prawitt, D., 2016.Auditing and assurance services: A systematic approach. McGraw-Hill Education.

Why Was the Brown V Topeka Case Important for Black Americans Essay Example

Why Was the Brown V Topeka Case Important for Black Americans? Essay Why was the Brown v Topeka case important for black Americans? In 1896 there had been a court case called Plessy v. Ferguson which argued that as long as facilities were equal, there was no problem for them being separate. However 90 years on, things were starting to change Linda Brown was a black American third grader who had to walk 6 blocks and take a bus to attend Monroe Elementary School for coloured children. However Sumner Elementary for whites was only 6 blocks away and had better facilities and more funds. In 1951, 13 parents went to the District Court to represent their 20 kids who all wanted to go to white only schools. They were unsuccessful. The District Court ruled in favour of the board of education and they compared the case to railway carriages. They stated they would have separate but equal facilities for black and white people in the USA. In 1953 the NAACP took it to the Supreme Court and argued that the schools were not equal so the separate but equal statement did not apply. Segregation in schools had officially ended. Nonetheless, the struggle was still not over. Since the time of slavery, the southern states heavily depended on slavery and were not happy to see it go. Many people were not overjoyed to see the changes happening around them and went to extremes to stop them. In 1957, Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus called out his states National Guard to block black students entry to Little Rock High School. Consequently President Dwight Eisenhower sent out the army and forced the National Gaurd to stand down as the army escorted the black students into Little Rock High School. We will write a custom essay sample on Why Was the Brown V Topeka Case Important for Black Americans? specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Why Was the Brown V Topeka Case Important for Black Americans? specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Why Was the Brown V Topeka Case Important for Black Americans? specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In 1963, Alabama Gov. George Wallace personally blocked the door to Foster Auditorium at the University of Alabama to prevent the enrolment of two black students. He moved aside only when confronted by General Henry Graham of the Alabama National Guard, who was ordered by President John F. Kennedy to intervene. As education contributes such a massive part to our lives, the Brown v Topeka case was a huge step towards a better society. Why Was the Brown V Topeka Case Important for Black Americans Essay Example Why Was the Brown V Topeka Case Important for Black Americans? Essay Why was the Brown v Topeka case important for black Americans? In 1896 there had been a court case called Plessy v. Ferguson which argued that as long as facilities were equal, there was no problem for them being separate. However 90 years on, things were starting to change Linda Brown was a black American third grader who had to walk 6 blocks and take a bus to attend Monroe Elementary School for coloured children. However Sumner Elementary for whites was only 6 blocks away and had better facilities and more funds. In 1951, 13 parents went to the District Court to represent their 20 kids who all wanted to go to white only schools. They were unsuccessful. The District Court ruled in favour of the board of education and they compared the case to railway carriages. They stated they would have separate but equal facilities for black and white people in the USA. In 1953 the NAACP took it to the Supreme Court and argued that the schools were not equal so the separate but equal statement did not apply. Segregation in schools had officially ended. Nonetheless, the struggle was still not over. Since the time of slavery, the southern states heavily depended on slavery and were not happy to see it go. Many people were not overjoyed to see the changes happening around them and went to extremes to stop them. In 1957, Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus called out his states National Guard to block black students entry to Little Rock High School. Consequently President Dwight Eisenhower sent out the army and forced the National Gaurd to stand down as the army escorted the black students into Little Rock High School. We will write a custom essay sample on Why Was the Brown V Topeka Case Important for Black Americans? specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Why Was the Brown V Topeka Case Important for Black Americans? specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Why Was the Brown V Topeka Case Important for Black Americans? specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In 1963, Alabama Gov. George Wallace personally blocked the door to Foster Auditorium at the University of Alabama to prevent the enrolment of two black students. He moved aside only when confronted by General Henry Graham of the Alabama National Guard, who was ordered by President John F. Kennedy to intervene. As education contributes such a massive part to our lives, the Brown v Topeka case was a huge step towards a better society.

Using Visual Basic VBA with HTTPS and SSL

Using Visual Basic VBA with HTTPS and SSL Is it possible to access web pages with HTTPS and that require login/password using Excel? Well, yes and no. Heres the deal and why its not so straight forward. First, Lets  Define Terms HTTPS is by convention the identifier for what is called SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). That doesnt really have anything to do with passwords or logins as such. What SSL does is set up an encrypted connection between a web client and server so that no information is sent between the two in the clear using unencrypted transmissions. If the information includes login and password information, encrypting the transmission protects them from prying eyes...but encrypting passwords isnt a requirement. I used the phrase by convention because the real security technology is SSL. HTTPS only signals to the server that the client plans on using that protocol. SSL can be used in a variety of other ways. So...if your computer sends a URL to a server that uses SSL and that URL starts with HTTPS, your computer is saying to the server: Hey Mr. Server, lets shake hands over this encryption thing so that whatever we say from now on wont get intercepted by some bad guy. And when thats done, go ahead and send me the page addressed by the URL. The server will send back the key information for setting up an SSL connection. Its up to your computer to actually do something with it. Thats key (pun...well, sorta intended) to understanding the role of VBA in Excel. The programming in VBA would have to actually take the next step and implement the SSL on the client side. Real web browsers do that automatically and show you a little lock symbol in the status line to show you that it has been done. But if the VBA just opens the web page as a file and reads the information in it into cells in a spreadsheet (a very common example), Excel wont do that without some additional programming. The servers gracious offer to shake hands and set up secure SSL communication just gets ignored by Excel. But You Can Read the Page You Requested in Exactly the Same Way To prove it, lets use the SSL connection that is used by Googles Gmail service (which starts with https) and code a call to open that connection just like it was a file. This reads the web page like it was a simple file. Since recent versions of Excel will import HTML automatically, after the Open statement is executed, the Gmail page (minus the Dynamic HTML objects) is imported into a spreadsheet. The goal of SSL connections is to exchange information, not just read a web page, so this is normally not going to get you very far. To do more, you have to have some way, in your Excel VBA program, to support both the SSL protocol and maybe to support DHTML too. Youre probably better off starting with the full Visual Basic rather than Excel VBA. Then use controls like the Internet Transfer API WinInet and call Excel objects as needed. But it is possible to use WinInet directly from an Excel VBA program. WinInet is an API - Application Programming Interface - to WinInet.dll. Its mainly used as one of the major components of Internet Explorer, but you can use it directly from your code as well and you can use it for HTTPS. Writing the code to use WinInet is at least a medium difficulty task. In general, the steps involved are: Connect to the HTTPS server and send an HTTPS requestIf the server asks for a signed client certificate, resend the request after attaching the certificate contextIf the server is satisfied, the session is authenticated There are two major differences in writing the WinInet code to use https rather than the regular HTTP: You should also keep in mind that the function of exchanging a login/password is logically independent of encrypting the session using https and SSL. You can do one or the other, or both. In many cases, they do go together, but not always. And implementing the WinInet requirements doesnt do anything to respond automatically to a login/password request. If, for example, the login and password are part of a web form, then you might have to figure out the names of the fields and update the fields from Excel VBA before posting the login string to the server. Responding correctly to a web servers security is a big part of what a web browser does. On the other hand, if SSL authentication is required, you might consider using the InternetExplorer object to log in from within VBA... The bottom line is that using https and logging into a server from an Excel VBA program is possible, but dont expect to write the code that does it in just a few minutes.

How Cloze Reading Can Be Used to Solidify Learning

How Cloze Reading Can Be Used to Solidify Learning Cloze reading is an instructional strategy where users are required to fill in the blanks within a passage with correct words from a word bank. Cloze reading is used to assess a students understanding of vocabulary. STAR Reading is an online assessment program that embraces cloze reading passages. Many teachers create cloze reading passages to assess student vocabulary understanding within a particular story or passage or a group of spelling words. Cloze reading passages are easily created and can be adjusted to specific content and/or grade level. Cloze Reading Passages Teachers can also have students create their own cloze reading passages as they read a story. This makes the learning more authentic. It also helps students find and make connections between key vocabulary within in the story and how their meaning enhances the story. Finally, students can exchange their cloze reading passages with other classmates. This naturally reinforces the critical components of the story including key vocabulary as students interact with each other and share what they created. This gives students ownership in the learning process. Cloze Reading as a Study Tool Cloze reading can also be used to help students study and prepare for a test. Students can be taught to create their own study guide using the cloze reading process. They can essentially build their own version of the test from their notes. As they put together the guide, it cements the content, makes the connections, and helps them remember it. Providing students with this skill will help them develop better study habits that can help them succeed throughout life. Most students struggle with test and quizzes because they do not know how to study. They simply read through their notes and call it studying. True studying is a much more rigorous and time-consuming process. Developing cloze reading passages that align to a test is one way to study more authentically. Five examples of cloze reading: 1. An elephant is a ____________________________ mammal with a trunk and large ears. A. microscopic B. enormous C. vigorous D. small 2. The radius of a circle is one-half the ___________________________________. A. circumference B. chord C. diameter D. arc 3. A dog chased a cat down the alley. Luckily, the cat was able to escape by climbing over a fence. The word alley refers to a ___________________________________? A. sidewalk running through a neighborhood B. narrow road that between buildings C. open field in a park D. long hallway connecting two parts of a building 4. ______________________________ was the twenty-seventh president of the United States of America and later became the only former president who also became a Supreme Court justice? A. George H. W. Bush B. Theodore Roosevelt C. Martin Van Buren D. William Howard Taft 5. The phrase time is money is an example of a ________________________________. A. Metaphor B. Simile C. Alliteration D. Onomatopoeia

Design of a Production System Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Design of a Production System - Case Study Example Mexico has become the most favorable relocation site as it not only offers incentives of cheap labor but the low import duties to materials shipped into Mexico would help the firm to gain cost leverage in the manufacturing and production of subpacks. The proximity to US considerably reduces the transportation cost and time, while at the same time, the fluctuating rate of currency has also less impact on the production process as against Taiwan sourcing site In the rapidly changing environment of globalization, change is essential for development and organizations tend to adapt to the constantly evolving business environment. To exploit the emerging business opportunities, the organization needs to look forward to improve it performance outcome through diversification of its products and services using optimization of operational functions and effective supply chain management. Since supply chain helps coordinate the organization’s various linkages with the external agencies and promotes efficient receipt and delivery of goods and services, it has great potential to give Emerson Electric a competitive edge in the global and domestic arena. Indeed, the evaluation of operational logistics of relocation of company’s subpack production facility from China would greatly facilitate competitive advantage. The business relationship thrives on the modules of exploitation of knowledge gained through the strategic alliances. Hence, it is extremely important that the partners identify their core competencies and forge alliances on areas that either complements or supplements their competencies and market efficiency. Elements of product differentiation become the vital aspects for exploiting business relationships. In the tough economic scenario, the management would like to relocate the sourcing so as to cut cost and increase profit. ACP product line comprises of ceiling fans that are marketed under Northwind and 1895 brand names. Many components of the fans are

Project evaluation report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Project evaluation report - Essay Example In the past few years the online business and e-commerce platforms have changed traditional business practices. The new online business arrangements are becoming more reliable and simple to use to attract a large number of people for online shopping and deals. In this scenario, the web based platforms are offering an excellent support for improving the quality of traditional business working and operations (Dix et al., 2003; Turban et al., 2005; Whitten et al., 2000). This report presents a detailed analysis of a new website idea. This website is about presenting multimedia material for public. The basic idea of this website is to develop an e-commerce business. This website will contain a wide variety of contents which can be viewed and downloaded by the website users. This report covers an evaluation of a web site: http://a-alfuhaid.com/. This report will present an analysis of some of the important web site features and aspects. This report will also assess aims, objectives, requi rements, and design and application level aspects of http://a-alfuhaid.com/. Aim and Objectives The word multimedia is composed of two words in which â€Å"Multi† denotes a lot of and â€Å"Media† denotes presentation of any form of information. So we can say that multimedia is exhibition of some form of information in any format. ... In this scenario, interactive multimedia can also encompass many forms of multimedia including graphics, text, animation, video and sound in the way we want (Brown & Hurt, 2004; Net Industries, 2011; Wenger, 2008). Moreover, the multimedia is mostly used in the entertainment and the fine arts inductor. In addition, it is extensively used in movies and animations. However, the production of the video games also involves extensive usage of the multimedia. Additionally, the education sector has also started recently making use of the multimedia technology for the better information delivery and learning. In fact, all the industries and businesses are now increasing the heavy use of the multimedia technology that provides help to present information to their shareholders and coworkers. In this scenario, they use multimedia technology for advertising, offering worker training, and selling products to the whole world with virtually limitless internet-based technologies (Brown & Hurt, 2004; Net Industries, 2011; Wenger, 2008). Figure No 1- Digital Multimedia source [http://piotech.wsd.wednet.edu/techtwounits/01presentations/task1/01intro/multimediaIntro.html] Thus, seeing the increasing use of this technology in all the fields of life we have decided to implement a multimedia website. This website will offer online multimedia support and material. This website will be named: http://a-alfuhaid.com/. The major aims and objective of this website development is to offer following major multimedia contents: Online multimedia support Online Pictures Online e-cards Online poems Online music Blogs The above multimedia contents will offer us a great deal of capability to better start an online

Trafficking Of Drugs Essay Example for Free

Trafficking Of Drugs Essay Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Central Asia is one of the regions that international groups are focusing on. Aside form the challenges of establishing its independence it still faces today, it also has to deal with the internal struggles of restructuring social infrastructures. The Central Asian region’s undeniable value is its strategic geographic position between Asia and Europe (Esfandiari, 2004). The stability of Central Asia is seen as a key factor than can ease tension in the region, enhance trade and stabilize the political structure. The prevalence of the illegal drug industry is considered as one of the major deterrents for stabilization in the region (Cornell, 2006). The elimination of illegal drugs is a global concern. The United Nations (UN) is targeting to control the international trade of illegal drugs by 2008 (UN General Assembly, 1998). The prevalence of the illegal drug trade industry is seen as not just an issue of crime prevention but also as a geographical, social and political issue that affects the stability of nations and the security of the international community.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Central Asia has a long history of trans-border relations. The region ahs been defined more by its political versus geographic delineations. This has contributed to the richness of the region in terms of culture and relations. However, this also reflects that the security of borders is not a historical aptitude for the region and current border problems maybe a consequence of this historical predicament   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The chief producers of opium and opium-derivates drugs in Asia is the Golden Triangle in South East Asia consisting of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand and the Golden Crescent consisting of Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Because of the establishment of Afghanistan as the primary producer of opium in the world and the consequent control of the trade in the Golden Triangle, the Golden Crescent has become the region of greater concern (Saidazimova, 2005). Another critical factor in the demand for better control of the drug trade in Central Asia is because of the indication from studies that bulk of the drugs in Europe is being sourced from the region. The concern for controlling the illegal drug trade however has a more important motivation for the countries in the region. Researches conducted by the UN’s Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have indicated the link of the drug trade to terrorism and crime (UNODC, 2006a). The proliferation of drugs and related crime has significantly affected the economy and the stability of the region, severely detrimental to efforts in building the region as a major business hub for Asia and Europe. Central Asian Drug Trade   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Alexander von Humboldt was the first to refer to the region as Central Asia. As seen in Figure 2, the concept what makes up the region has changed together with the current powers in the region. The region for the most part of the century was under Soviet Rule. Borders were redefined after the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990’s and succeeding wars and conflicts in the region (â€Å"Afghanistan†, 2006)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The modern concept of the geographic region includes Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Western China, Northeast Iran, Afghanistan and Western Pakistan. The region has suffered inveterate incidents of civil violence from ethnic and militant groups (Olcott Udalova, 2000). After the September 11th bombings, the US invasion of Afghanistan put the region into the limelight.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the course of this global scrutiny, the international community has realized the key role that the region plays in the establishment of stability and security in the region and the Middle East. Another issue that became a highlight is the increasing significance of the region in the opium and heroin drug trade (United Nations Information Service [UNIS], 2005). The problem of drug trafficking in the region developed its current structure after the Cold War. One of the key factors that is an urgent concern in the region is border management and security. The lack of economic opportunities is also an underlying factor in the pervasiveness of illegal drug production and distribution (Cornell, 2006). The growing presence of crime groups is also capitalizing on the illegal drug trade to finance its operations. The region has seen a direct correlation of the trade with cross-border crime, trafficking or arms and people, money laundering and terrorism. Swanstrom (2001) points outs that the concern in the region is not only in its role a major producer but the greater concern should be focused in its role as a transit point. He estimates that the region will not be able to develop unless it first stops being the preferred channel of transporting drugs. The region is home to a rich ethnic history. The region which is the key element of the Eurasian continent represents a marriage of cultures of the East and West. Ethnic groups like Persians, Greeks, Arabs, Turks, Mongols, Uzbeks, Kyrgyz, British and the Soviets. The regions of Central Asia, particularly the Soviet areas are the ones that most industrialized and developed infrastructure. However these regions have also experiences a high degree of cultural repression. This has established a psychology distrust of government in valuing local leaderships more (â€Å"Central Asia†, 2006). Afghanistan   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Afghanistan serves as the gateway to Asia and the Middle East. It has been a focal point for trade dating back to the beginnings of caramel caravans and the Silk Road. As a nation, it was established by Ahmad Shah Durrani in 1747 and was part of the United Kingdom’s territories until the early 20th century. The conclusion of the Anglo-Afghan war in 1919 restored the nation’s independence. The country figured in the international once more when it was invaded by Russia in 1979. After the withdrawal of Russia in the 1990’s, the Taliban, a fundamentalist Muslim group that traces its origins in Iran and Pakistan took control of the country. The Taliban controlled 90% of the country while the remaining 10% was under the control of resistance forces led by Ahmad Shah Massoud. Massoud was assassinated in September 9, 2001 two days before the bombing of the World Trade Center in the United States. Some believe that Osama Bin Laden, leader of the extremist Al Qaeda ordered his assassination as a strategy in the event that the US partner with the Afghan resistance forces against the Taliban in Afghanistan. The US led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 in pursuit of Bin Laden, Al Qaeda has deposed the Taliban and has supported the Presidency of Hamid Karzai. The country today is still hosting the NATO troops authorized in December 2001 by the UN’s Security Council as part of an effort to establish the authority and leadership of the new Afghan government (â€Å"Afghanistan†, 2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Figure 5, it is shown that Afghanistan today is the undeniable leader the opium and heroin market. This, together with its strategic geographic position in the region makes it the keystone in the drug trade in Central Asia (UN Security Council, 2003). It is estimated that the country now supplies 75% of the world wide market, one third of which ends up in Europe. There has been success in the areas of cultivation but the production from the products has not diminished proportionately (McDermott, 2006). According to Lubin (2001), the farming of opium is remaining a staple in rural agricultural because of the lack of economic opportunities for farmers. The presence of criminal networks in Afghanistan, like the rest of the other countries in the region, is discouraging foreign investment (Swanstrom, 2003). The criminal groups are also being credited with interfering with the government, inciting insurgency and encouraging corruption.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The UN has sponsored programs to address the issues that are escalating the drug trade in the country. The primary objective is to decrease production through the combination of effective regulation and providing livelihood for farmers in the country. Through the Office of Drug Control and Crime Prevention (UN ODCCP), programs are also trying to place criminal groups based in the country, the region and the Golden Triangle. Consequently, the channels that are linked to Afghanistan are also become the target of international police programs (Lubin, 2001) Kyrgyzstan   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Kyrgyzstan traces its origins to a mix of Kipchak and Mongol ancestry that settled in Russia’s Tuva region approximately in the 10th century. When the Mongol empire took possession of the territory of the Kyrgyz people, they opted to move southward seeking refuge from the Mongol Hordes. It was in the 1400’s that the Kyrgyz emerged as a group and was incorporated into the Russian territories making up its Empire. The Russian takeover was meant with significant resistance and fractioned the Kyrgyz people to Afghanistan, the Pamir region and China. The Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Oblast was founded in 1919 and in December 5, 1936, it was formally accepted as a republic of the Soviet Union. Tension in the Osh Oblast between Uzbeks and Kyrgyz in 1990 marked the beginning of a series of violent confrontations that lasted from June to August of the year. Order was restored due to significant reforms and a new leadership in the government. It was also at this time that the country joined Commonwealth of Independent States which was made up of the Central Asian Republics. Before the end of 1990, the Supreme Soviet formally changed the name of the state to the Republic of Kyrgyzstan which in 1993 became the Kyrgyz Republic. More recent developments in the country include the Tulip Revolution in March 2005 that forced the resignation of Askar Akayev and installed Kurmanbek Bakiyev as President and Minister Feliks Kulov as Prime Minister. The country has yet been able to stabilize politics in the country. This has stunted growth in the country and at the same time has encouraged crime and militant and terrorist groups. There is still significant inter-ethnic tension, historically a perennial concern for the nation, affecting civil order and compromising security and efficiency of government (â€Å"Kyrgyzstan†, 2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Kyrgyzstan’s involvement in the drug trade in Central Asia is not in cultivation or production. The role of the country in the drug trade lies in its strategic viability to transport drugs to Europe from the major produces such as Afghanistan. Turkmenistan and Tajikistan have historically been more involved in the transport of drugs form Central Asia as well as those from South East Asia. However, as drug traffickers expand their operations in the region, Kyrgyzstan along with Kazakhstan, is becoming another key channel for the drug trade (â€Å"Kyrgyzstan Confronted by Narcotics Nightmare As Drug Trade Booms†, 2006). As seen in Table 1, opiate seizures in the country remain relatively low and stable compared with its neighbors. This indicates that though there are significant amounts at any given time of opiates and its derivatives in Kyrgyzstan (UNODC, 2006b), there are very few seizures. This may be an indication that its presence is more transitory.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Similar with the situation of farmers in Afghanistan, one of the reasons for the prevalence of the trade is lack of economic opportunity. More significantly in Kyrgyzstan rather than in Afghanistan is the security of its borders. The existing civil unrest in the country has limited the resources to monitor the security of its borders, easing the transportation of not only drugs but also arms and people (Burke, 2001). As a country that only post a per capita income of $2,900, among the lowest in the world, drug trafficking provides an irresistible lure to the impoverished citizens (Swanstrom, 2001).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The country has been one of the first to establish anti-narcotics and supporting trafficking laws. For a long time, the laws acted more as prevention rather than actual part of policing efforts. Traffickers previously concentrated on Turkmenistan and Tajikistan in transporting drugs. However, the industry has grown in the region so much that crime organizations are trying to expand the channels available to them (Marat, 2006). Saidazimova (2005) has pointed out that the existing drugs in the region are not just the one produced there but is also made up of drugs from the Golden Triangle. Following the international operations of a transnational corporation, dealers are competing not just for the availability but also the control of the channels of distribution. Thus, many of the drug syndicates are trying to develop new transport systems and indications from studies conducted by the UN and EU are showing that Kyrgyzstan is becoming a popular option for them (Swanstrom, 2001) Impact of the Drug Trade   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In theory, crime is primarily a concern for the police. However, because of the desire of organized crime to create the conditions that suit them, they try to undermine government, security and civil society. If the state is secure and has the necessary infrastructure for administration or governance, then it can mange and deter the machinations of organized crime. In the case of Central Asian countries, this is not a capability that is readily available. The presence of organized crime that is responsible for the illegal drug trade has undermined the security, state institutions, encouraged the corruption, political instability and violence, and has exacerbated relations among the countries in the region (Cornell, 2006). Security The drug trade is profiting from the scarce resources allotted for the administration of the countries’ borders. Because of the lack or border patrols, the transport of the drugs has been made easier for the traffickers. Land-based transport has been traditionally avoided by traffickers because it was considered riskier than air or sea freight (Esfandiari, 2004). It has increased in viability that even the Golden Triangle is choosing Central Asia to traffic their drugs instead of following the unwritten historical territorial jurisdiction of their operations (Saidazimova, 2005). Better drug control programs against the Golden Triangle have been effective in limiting transportation of drugs produced in the region. At the same time, the crackdown on production has been effective in diminishing the industry in the region (see Figure 5). Security in the areas of the country were the drug trade has its strongholds has severely compromised state and civil security. Reports in Afghanistan of syndicates attacking security convoys, both those of the Afghan government and UN forces are prevalent (â€Å"Drug Industry Threatens to Derail Afghanistans State Building†, 2006). At first, the attacks were attributed to Taliban forces but recent information from investigations in the affected areas reveal that a significant number of the forces were either a combination of Taliban and drug syndicates or just the syndicates themselves (Nazemroaya, 2006). In the case of Kyrgyztan, prior to the Tulip Revolution, there have been reports in the national papers that crime syndicates were taking control of rural areas in the country amidst the political disorder in the country’s capitals (â€Å"Kyrgyztan†, 2006). The country is very vulnerable in its stage today: investor confidence and industries has to be built up significantly. Analysts believe that unless the country can be able to address its security issues, very little progress can be achieved in this objective (Esfandiari, 2004). This is one of the motivation of drug syndicates to provoke crime so that legitimate business do not develop in competitor with their enterprise. State Institutions  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The government is dealing with the trade not just as its protagonist but also internally. In both Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan, there has been some concern regarding the link of government officials to the drug trade. The weak presence of government in remote regions is also becoming an advantage for the drug syndicates. According to Olcott and Udalova (2000), in some areas, the traffickers are even presenting themselves as the legitimate government. Some do not even bother with subterfuge and simply overpower the locals for their operations. More alarming is that some local even begin supporting these groups because they seemingly provide livelihood to them while at the same time become more real to them than the legitimate government so far away in their respective nations’ capitals (UNIS, 2005). In Afghanistan, the Taliban has long been linked to the syndicates. This implies that even if the Taliban were not participating in terrorist activities, its role as a government institution is marred by its link to the drug trade. Some have even implied that the profit from the opium trade during the Taliban occupation, estimated to have ranged between US$ 10 million to US$ 75 million, was one of the core partnerships the organization has with the Al Qaeda (Lubin, 2001). In Kyrgyztan, there have also been claims of the link of some government officials to the Russian mafia concerned with the drug trade. The weakness of state institutions has been credited with the expansion of the drug trade channel linking Tajikistan, southern Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia with the Chinese provinces of Xinjiang and Yunnan (Swanstrà ¶m, 2003). Corruption  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Related to the link of government officials directly or indirectly to the drug trade is the problem of corruption. Corruption can be in the form asking favors in the form of leniency as payback for support to the official. Another form of corruption is the utilization of proceeds from the trade as protection and incentive (UNODC, 2006a). One of the deterrents in addressing the drug trafficking problem is the execution of the intervention programs. The UN’s Security Council has pointed out that in order to be able to effectively to deal with the problem, government has to be able to show its integrity and authority. If government efforts are perceived as corruptible then instead of discouraging the drug traffickers, it may even be an encouragement for them. The issue does not even require that a government is resolutely corrupt, the mere state of being more corrupt than another nation, regardless of actual prevalence, can significantly increase a country’s preference to the drug trade. The development of the drug trade in Kyrgyztan has been associated with the corrupt Russian military officers who were based in Tajikistan. Both the United Nations and the European Union cite them to have developed the cultivation in the country as well as established the channels of transportation (Maitra, 2005). None of these claims have been admitted to by the Russian military or have been supported by any study. Regardless of whether the claims are true or not, this only reflects the perception of corruption as linked with the prevalence of the drug trade in the country. According to studies conducted by the UN, the decline of the routes in Iran because due to more effective programs against corruption on its borders has increased the attractiveness of Afghani routes (UNODC, 1999). This, like with the developments in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, have established a route that corruption has encouraged not only for drugs but also for all other forms of contraband. Political Instability and Violence Drug traffickers incite and practice violence to coerce people into the trade. This is a strategy to protect their activities as well as to accumulate power. Recent studied have indicated that drug trafficking is the preferred cash cow of most criminal organizations an is only to be expected that they are more than willing to engage in violence to protect it (Maitra, 2005). Tamara Makarenko of the University of Saint Andrews in Scotland’s Center for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence says that competition among the criminal networks in the trade is also a contributor to the level of violence (Esfandiari, 2005). This level of violence has severely affected the political stability: warlords are taking over government positions; there has been censorship of the real prevalence of drugs and the control of resources (UN Security Council, 2003). Makarenko has alluded that the sheer magnitude of the drug trade has effectively affected all levels of the political system, from the citizenry to the states themselves: The trade itself is so large in Central Asia now and there are so many different types of people and groups involved, that the strategy that has to be considered is one that involves all different levels To tackling this as a political problem and to say there is no room to compromise with warlords†¦ (Esfandiari, 2005). He further alludes to the situation in Afghanistan as one that needs political will to reach grassroots of the society since the country’s main concern is production and cultivation (Esfandiari, 2005). Another spectrum that has to be considered is that unless the region is able to become more politically stable and control violence, then little progress in achieving peace and prosperity can be achived which in turn can contribute to further political instability and violence. EU External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten told newly independent Central Asian countries like Kyrgyzstan â€Å"†¦are of strategic importance to Europe and EU enlargement will allow us to strengthen political and economic ties with the region, while making clear that a sustainable and fruitful relationship requires tangible steps to consolidate civil rights and the rule of law. (Maitra, 2005). Inter-Regional Relations As international pressure to control the drug trade increases, countries are becoming pressured to control trafficking in exchange for funding from relief organizations. This has prompted the development of tension in the region as to whose country is not being effective in solving the drug trade in its borders. Historically, the region has already had significant border issues and the drug trade which relies on trans-border operations is highlighting this conflict (â€Å"Threat Posed from the Convergence of Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking, and Terrorism†, 2000). The link or organized crime groups to terrorism are also increasing the inter-regional pressure. With the international crackdown on terrorism, nations fear that they will become identified with terrorists or that they become caught in the firing line of the pursuit against them. An example for this kind of development was shown when the Taliban came into power in Afghanistan in 1996. In the cause of transporting the opium produced in Afghanistan, traffickers took virtual control of the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. In defense of the problem of drug trafficking in Kyrgyztan, President Kurmanbek Bakiyev is pointing out that the country has a low cultivation and production level of opium and that it is being victimized the ineffectivity of the drug programs of its neighbors (Swanstrom, 2001). In 2003, the Central Asian region expressed its concern when US troops allied with known Afghan warlords in pursuing Taliban cells. The concern for is rooted from the identification of these warlords as drug traffickers. (Maitra, 2005). This move has raised concerns that Afghanistan’s drug lords, who control most of the drug trades in the region, are being given concessions for their support to US Forces. The development has contributed to the perception that regional cooperation is not feasible and that nations have to guard their backs against each other in the war against the drug trade.   The Future of the Drug Trade   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The UN’s goals of globally eradicating drugs are not anymore an achievable target. One weakness of the programs is that it focused on the trade itself. The focus was in policing the trade, apprehending traffickers and eliminating the channels of trade (Nazemroaya, 2006). Though the efforts have been earnest, it failed to address the nature of the drug problem in Central Asia. Programs that were designed were more like programs to eliminate the use of drugs. In Central Asia, only 10% of the drugs produced are consumed locally, it more profitable to transport it to Europe and Russia (Kyrgyz State Commission on Drug Control, 1999).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The United Nations, European Union and Central Asian countries have reviewed their programs to address the roots of the drug problem in the region. The personalized programs in Central Asia is trying to alleviate the hold of drug syndicates in rural area, particularly the massive cultivation of opium in Afghanistan and the developing role of Kyrgyzstan in the transport of opium produced in Afghanistan. Programs include the creation of economic opportunities in the problem areas, strengthening government in the areas and demilitarization of criminal groups (Olcott Udalova, 2000). Trends   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   According to studies conducted by the UNODC, the prevalence of opiate drugs is relatively stable however; this trend is not being reflected in Central Asia. This implies that though the world trend is declining because of better control in key regions like the Golden Triangle, the Golden Crescent trade is still prospering if not benefiting by international drug control (UNODC, 1999).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Before, the main means of measuring prevalence has been the seizure rates but the UN and the EU have now incorporated rehabilitation indicators to assess the pervasiveness of the drug abuse. To measure the reach how much of the drugs produced is being consumed by the market. From the survey of drugs users seeking rehabilitation from opiate use, it can be inferred that more people are gaining access to the products form Central Asia. As illustrated in Figure 6, the increase of those seeking opiate rehabilitation has increased except in Africa by as much as 32%. It is exhibiting the highest incidence in rehabilitation from 2000 to 2006 (UNODC, 2006a).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA) and the Central Asian Drug Action Programme (CADAP) are becoming the key action bodies addressing drug trafficking in the region. Their first part of the programs were concentrating on creating assessment reports on border management capacities, training for management and policing and the possible areas of cooperation not only within the region but also with the EU and the UN. (BOMCA, 2005). In 2004, the BOMCA and CADAP worked with legislation of laws and upgraded training programs for border patrol in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The programs were conducted in cooperation with EU border police officers and included strategic and computer technology training.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Saidazimova (2005) points out that the region respond to this challenge independently as nations and as a region. The control of the Golden Triangle trade can provide insights to the strategies necessary for strategies. The approach should involve a global perspective but a local approach. The drug trade in Central Asia will continue to figure prominently in the EU’s concerns and is a strategic element in controlling drugs in Europe, particularly opiates. Analysts believe that most programs and actions that will be enforced will be by non-Central Asian interest groups like the EU and the UN because the region itself has limited resources to dent the trade activities. Strategies   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The current action in addressing the drug trade today is taking a multi-faceted approach. The strategy seems to be combat the problems at all levels at the same time. The objective is to suffocate the drug trade and break linkages so that it becomes fragmented. This will address the viability of the trafficking and in turn will remove the profit from cultivation and production (UN Security Council, 2003).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Consider the BOMCA-CADAP strategy. Their programs include â€Å"high-level advice and guidance in upgrading legislation, to delivering expertise in airport security, or the use of dogs to detect drugs†. This considers the importance of the political and executive will to implement control programs. Through these efforts that essential legislation and infrastructures are developed to address the situations. Without the needed legislation that is uniform in the region’s countries, there will not be a comprehensive deterioration of the trade. Differential legislation may make one country become a haven for the traffickers when punishment is perceived to be more lenient. The establishment of the needed infrastructure to address the problem operationally is also seen as key factor. When border patrols don’t have the capability to pursue and apprehend traffickers, it makes the effort wasted. If the border patrols are outgunned or out-resourced by the traffickers, they are not only endangered but also can enhance the position of the traffickers as powers in the region (BOMCA, 2005).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The EU’s participation in the fight has shifted from border control to the creation of programs addressing the economic and social factors underlying the drug trade. Studies have indicated that if programs are cventerd on border dontrol, traffickers only deveise new ways to transport the drugs. This additional risk has even the effect of jacking up prices and in turn makes the trade even more lucrative (Nazemroaya, 2006). The EU is also providing support to regional programs such as BOMCA-CADAP by providing technical training support as well. An effort by EU Member States led by Austria is providing funding and program development in the region (BOMCA, 2005).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On the part of the UN, there are several of its branches that are providing the needed research and information for the development of the programs. Among these branches are the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UNIS and the UNODC. The UNDP is formulating the programs to address the economic and industrial development of rural areas in the region to attack the problem at the production level (UNODC, 1999). The programs are focusing on development of agriculture and the other legitimate industries. One of the major developments to be undertaken in the next five years is the utilization of the same drug trade routes to make transport hubs to Europe for products from continental Asia. On the other hand the UNODC is conduting a regional and coutry survey of the actual prevalence of the opium trade. One of the first parts of their study included the grading of cultivation in the region (UNODC, 2006a). The nest level of the studiest they are to conduct will be grease toward the identification of specific criminal activites to the trade. This is an effort to understand further the link of activities like terrorism and money laundering to drug trafficking in the region. The UNIS primary objectives for the next couple of year sis to provide information regarding the accomplishment of the 2008 UN General Assembly Special Session’s drug control objectives. The UNIS is providing important information to individual countries who can not afford to conduct the studies themselves while at the same time establishing correlation that can provide insights for the programs (UNIS, 2005) Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Significant increase in the global production and trading of opium and coca derived drugs were first taken note of in the 1970’s and eventually decreased in momentum by the 1990’s (Burnham Burnham, 1997). The probability that the objectives set by the UN’s General Assembly for 2008 can be achieved based on current levels of illegal drug trafficking is unlikely. We can take comfort that control of the trade is possible. In the first couple of years of the century, Afghanistan was able to bring down opium production due to enforcement of the Taliban (â€Å"Drug Industry Threatens to Derail Afghanistans State Building†, 2006). However, the means by which the Taliban was able to affect the development is not one that can be considered an option by the UN or other states: it enables violent persecution that in the course of its objectives victimized innocent farmers as well (Lubin, 2001).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The drug trade and rafficking in the region as Svante E Cornell says is one that is the result of   â€Å"the complex evolution of organized crime as a security challenge in Eurasia† (p.29). The drug trade’s effect of developing shadow economies affords it opportunities to infiltrate legitimate institutions in the society and even take control of it. When this happens, the state becomes at the mercy of criminal elements whose central concern is profit. In Kyrgyzstan, the effect of the drug trade has not just raised concerns against the prevalence of a crime but also has significantly affected the stability of the country. The Kyrgyz have had success in being able to achieve progress in crating the necessary policies mainly thorough its successful social activists but it has yet been able to successful stem the infiltration of drug organization in its economy (Burke, 2001). Though no specific data is available, local media has been vocal in its concerns and they seem to have a reason to be concerned (Cornell, 2006). According to initial information gather by studies conducted by the UNODC, there may be a factual basis to media fears expressed in Kyrgyzstan (UNODC, 1999). Of all the nations in the region, Afghanistan poses the greatest challenge and the greatest potential of creating an impact against the world trade of drugs that is centered in the Central Asian Region.   If the cultivation of the opium is effectively reduced in Afghanistan the world supply of the material can be effectively reduced. The action must be decisive, otherwise, it only increase the status of drug traffickers in the region among the local people. Makarenko believes that, â€Å"There is no room to compromise with known drug traders. There is no room to compromise with corrupt officials. We have to clean things up today because if we dont, this becomes ingrained within society (Esfandiari, 2005). Every effort has to be done from Afghanistan becoming a narco-state. This will not only deter the development of Afghanistan but also of the rest of the region not to mention the prevalence of opium in the rest of world (Cornell, 2006). In conclusion, it is the prevalent and progressive feebleness of the states in Central Asia because of civil conflicts is the factor that has commenced the development of criminal activities in the region. The success of the drug organizations is primarily because of the lack of economic opportunities in the region where they are most prevalent. This another reason why framers become involved in the trade: the farming of opium poppies is more profitable than any other produce and in a country where all supplies are so scarce and overpriced, it has become the only means of survival. Recommendations Programs in the region should focus on increasing stability in the countries in the region. Focus should be given on Afghanistan because it is pivotal in controlling of the supply of opium as well as on Kyrgyzstan because it provides the chance to create a model for control. If the development of the trade in Kyrgyzstan is controlled in its beginning stages, it can provide fundamental elements to the proliferation of the trade. Kyrgyzstan has the potential of creating the strategies needed because of a proactive civil social that has previously successful in bringing forth change in the society. There has been more vocalized concerning the infiltration of syndicates into the government and businesses. Regional programmers should capitalize on this unique opportunity to crate the effective agenda against the drug trade. The pivotal factor in the battle against drug trafficking in the region and the rest of the world is the control of the production in Afghanistan. To be able to do this, government infrastructures have to established and enforced in rural areas of the country. The UN’s various objectives to support the economic recovery of the country should be continued. Focus on developing communication in identified key areas is essential to create response units that can properly control the problem. The US action of partnering with warlords who have links with the drug trade should not be encouraged. Afghanistan is at a stage that it is trying to establish its authority and sovereignty and consorting with the elements that undermine this can severely deter progress in the country. The ultimate solution to the problem can only be achieved by determined and definitive programs. Programs should reflect the urgency of the situation. Programs should be able to address all levels of the trade through creating preventive measures as well developmental elements like education, rehabilitation and cooperation. Unless the programs gain the support of civil society, then the program will not be able to achieve their full potential. Also, programs should take into consideration more than geopolitical elements into the proposed solutions. The region’s cultural history and experience have combined to create a society that is prone to factionalism but at the same time has a sense of cultural identity that is unique and beyond boundaries. The international community must to take the concerns in the region as if it was their own. Central Asian states do not have the resources to tackle the problem themselves. However, this does not diminish the urgency of controlling the drug trade that amplifies crime, empowers illicit activities and terrorism and destabilizes the state. Insurgent, criminal and terrorist organizations will continue to engage in illicit drug activities because of the magnitude of the financial gains that can be sourced from it. Unless people are given alternatives for livelihood, cultivation will continue. Unless government and civil society work together in politically, socially and ethnically sensitive program, no real success can be achieved. References Afghanistan (2006). Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghanistan Border Management Programme In Central Asia (BOMCA) (2005). Boosting Border Management Drug Control In Central Asia. Brussels, Belgium: BOMCA Cornell, Svante E. (2006). The Narcotics Threat in Greater Central Asia: From Crime-Terror Nexus to State Infiltration?. China and Eurasia Forum Quarterly Volume 4, No. 1. Central Asia-Caucasus Institute Silk Road Studies Program. pp. 37-67 Burke, Justin (2001). Drug trafficking getting more organized in Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan Daily Digest. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.eurasianet.net/resource/kyrgyzstan/hypermail/200107/0006.htm Burnham, R.W. and Burnham, Helen (1997). United Nations World Surveys On Crime Trends And Criminal Justice Systems, 1970-1994: Restructured Five-Wave Data Washington, DC: U.S. Department Of Justice, National Institute Of Justice Central Asia (2006). Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Asia Drug Industry Threatens to Derail Afghanistans State Building (2006). United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) News Service. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/press_release_2006_11_28.html Esfandiari, Golnaz (2004). Central Asia: Drug Trafficking Has Devastating Social, Economic Impact.   Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2004/06/0761f337-a1de-4b7c-a5d0-bbdaeb20d5f1.html Kyrgyz State Commission on Drug Control (1999). Drug Proliferation in the Kyrgyz Republic. Bishkek: Kyrgyz State Commission on Drug Control Kyrgyzstan (2006). Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan Confronted By Narcotics Nightmare As Drug Trade Booms (2004). Eurasia Insight – Eurasianet.   Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav031904.shtml Lubin, Nancy  (2001). Eurasia Insight Drug Trafficking In Central Asia: A Matter Of Survival For Some. Eurasianet. http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav050901.shtml Maitra, Ramtanu (2005). Follow the drugs: US shown the way.   Asia Times Online October   27, 2005. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/GJ27Ag02.html Marat, Erica (2006). Impact of Drug Trade and Organized Crime on State Functioning in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. China and Eurasia Forum Quarterly Volume 4, No. 1. Central Asia-Caucasus Institute Silk Road Studies Program. pp. 93-111 McDermott, Roger (2006). Dushanbe Looks Towards Afghanistan To Combat Drug Trafficking. Jamestown Volume 3 Number 6 January 10, 2006. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.jamestown.org/edm/article.php?article_id=2370646 Nazemroaya, Mahdi Darius (2006). The War in Afghanistan: Drugs, Money Laundering and the Banking System. Global Research October 17, 2006. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=viewArticlecode=NAZ20061017articleId=3516 Olcott, Martha Brill and Udalova, Natalia (2000). Drug Trafficking on the Great Silk Road: The Security Environment in Central Asia. Washington, D.C.: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Saidazimova, Gulnoza (2005). Central Asia: Experts Say Region Should Look To Golden Triangle To Combat Drug Smuggling. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2005/01/37d15755-5c22-4df6-a4a9-2ab9cc3ab944.html Swanstrom, Niklas (2001). Central Asia as a transit region for drugs. Speaking Freely Asia Times Online August 28, 2001. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/EH28Ag01.html Swanstrà ¶m, Niklas (2003). The Southeast Asian And Chinese Connection To Drug Trade In Central Asia. Central Asia Caucasus Analyst August 27, 2003. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.cacianalyst.org/view_article.php?articleid=1676. Threat Posed from the Convergence of Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking, and Terrorism (2000). Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.csis.org/hill/ts001213cilluffo.html. United Nations General Assembly (1998). United National General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) Drug Policy Targets For 2008. New York: United Nations. United Nations Information Service (UNIS) (2005). Drug Chiefs from Afghanistan and Colombia Meet with UNODC Executive Director in Vienna. Vienna, Austria: UN Information Service. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.unis.unvienna.org/unis/pressrels/2005/unisnar887.html United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) (1999). Global Illicit Drug Trends. Vienna, Austria: UNODC UNDCP Research Section United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) (2006a). 2006 World Drug Report Volume 1: Analysis. New York: United Nations Publication United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) (2006b). 2006 World Drug Report Volume 2: Statistics. New York: United Nations Publication United Nations Security Council (UN-SC) (2003). Security Council Urges The International Community To Strengthen Cooperation Against Drug Production And Trafficking In Afghanistan. Retrieved on December 4, 2006 from http://www.un.org/av/photo/sc/sc061703.htm

Essay --

During the Elizabethan era, many great works were created. Many of these great works were made by none other than William Shakespeare. His plays were exquisitely made in a formal type of language that even people of the late 1500’s didn’t speak like. Besides his success as a playwright, Shakespeare also found great success as a poet and actor. Some of his most famous works, such as Julius Caesar, Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet, led him to, by many, being called the greatest writer of all time. If you are familiar with this great man and the famous works that he created, then maybe this paper will show you just why he is regarded as the greatest writer of all time. Hamlet is one of Shakespeare’s more famous works and it has a very unique script of characters in it. The main character, Hamlet, is the Prince of Denmark. His father was the King of Denmark before his tragic death. Throughout the play, Hamlet shows his detestation towards his mother’s excessive sexuality and his hatred towards his uncle and the present king, Claudius. Though it may not seem like it at times, Hamlet is actually a very brilliant man who studied at the University of Wittenberg. Sometimes he is very quick tempered and impulsive, but most of the time he thinks through things before doing them. Claudius is the uncle of Hamlet, who took the throne after his brother was killed. Claudius is very cautious and is always calculating the effects of his actions. Most of the time Claudius seems to be very inhuman and only driven by the lust for more power and sex. Very seldom does he show his side of guilt for things he has done and his deep affection for Gertrud e. Gertrude is the present wife of Claudius and mother of Hamlet. She is also the Queen of Denmark.... ... appear to be the people wanting him to be in power. Around this time Calphurnia has a dream about Caesar having a bunch of holes in him and there is blood flowing out of him like a fountain. She obviously interprets this as a bad omen for Caesar and is concerned. This and other occurrences such as fire raining down from the sky and his priests not being able to find a heart in a sacrificed animal lead to him wanting to stay home. But, Decius tells Caesar that his dreams mean he is going to save Rome. Caesar is motivated and decides that fate will have its way no matter what. He decides to go the the Capital anyways, against his wife’s wishes. On the way to the Capital, Caesar runs into Artemidorus who tries to give him a letter warning him of the conspirators. Caesar doesn’t take the letter and Artemidorus knows that the fates are on the side of the conspirators.

Global Trends in Tourism Essay

Threats of terrorism, pandemic outbreaks, natural calamities and, finally, pesky security checks notwithstanding, the international tourism industry is booming. Tourism has become a key economic driver globally, and is one of the main sources of income for many developing countries today. International tourism receipts totaled $682 billion in 2005 while arrivals, at 842 million in 2006, registered a five-fold growth over the last three decades. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) estimates that international tourist arrivals will touch the one-billion mark by2010 and the centre of activity will be the Asia-Pacific region. The World Tourism Conference in Kuala Lumpur early this month acquired significance given the recent resurgence in the global tourism industry following several shocks starting from 9/11, continuing through the Bali bombings in 2002, the SARS epidemic, the avian flu and the Asian tsunami. The conference discussed several important issues that the global tourism industry is faced and the changes happening worldwide. The impact of technology and the changing demographics on tourism were among the interesting trends discussed. COMING OF AGE The tourism industry has matured significantly in recent years and is displaying a new willingness to share information and co-operate. The result: A different type of growth, one that is more moderate, more solid and more responsible. More moderate because it is not likely to produce the spectacular double-digit growth rates of 2000and 2004. The industry can, however, look forward to about 4 per cent growth in 2007. More solid because enterprises, consumers and institutions are able to anticipate shocks and respondeffectively to crises. The market shows increased resilience and travellers are better informed; forinstance, they now include security concerns as just another consideration while selecting theirdestination. â€Å"Following each crisis, the ability to respond has improved and the return to normalcyhappens more rapidly,† as Mr Geoffrey Lipman, Assistant Secretary-General of the UNWTO, pointedout, while delivering the keynote address at the conference. More responsible because greater attention is now being paid to the congestion that tourismgenerates and its ill-effects as also its relationship to climate change. According to the World Economic Forum Competitiveness survey, small countries are often better at planning tourism development thanthe big ones. There cannot, of course, be a better example for this than the city-island state of Singapore which was a pioneer in developing its tourism industry in its part of the world.For the smaller countries tourism accounts for 20-30 per cent of GDP. â€Å"For those economies, tourism isnot the icing, it is the cake,† said Mr Christopher Rodrigues, Chairman, Visit Britain.The `greying’ population of several developed countries is proving to be a plus for global tourism. Therising average age means a growing market of people with more discretionary income and time totravel. Rapid economic growth has also created more affluent populations willing to splurge on travel.†Tourists over 55 years of age travel farther away from home, include two or more destinations in atrip, engage in more activities, travel with one or another household member and spend more per tripthan tourists, on an average,† observed Mr Lipman. This is unlike the average tourist in the workingage who may be weighed down by his back-pack as well as work pressure and other compulsions totake no more than a short holiday. Retired tourists have no such compulsions even as they spendliberally from their retirement savings to see the world in a `now or never’ spirit.What may ultimately determine a travel decision is the desire to learn, discover new experiences andadd meaning to people’s lives. Cross-border family travel is becoming frequent and these trends areapparent in the growth of niche products developed by destinations, hotels and resorts.This demographic shift is breeding as a corollary a new set known as `Short Holiday Break’ travellersamong younger folks in double-income families. The concept of a shorter main holiday plus a series of breaks is not only born out of necessity but the norm. The global crisis that shook 2008 to the core (and continues to do so) has impact in industries across the board. One of the most affected fields is tourism as it’s an elected excess and not a necessity. A recently released research by the Tourism Journalists Association shows that people will be more cautious in spending for leisure travels and will engage in more meaningful, rather than extravagant, vacations. Technology. Technology is a driving force of change that presents opportunities for greater efficiencies and integration for improved guestservices. Technology has become a tourism businessactivity in development of strategic resourcesand is considered as a tool to increasecompetitiveness. Effective use of informationtechnology can make significant operationalimprovements. Advanced software andcommunication tools allow enlarging operationalefficiency, for example, orders may be made better, faster and cheaper.In addition, decision-making through decisionsupport tools, databases and modelling toolsassist the manager ’s job. Thanks to expertsystems, sophisticated expertise can be met byany manager (Romanovs, 2000). Technology changes the tourism business rules.More specifically: Information on all tourist services is availablevirtually from all over the world. Potential client can be any resident of the world. More territorial boundaries restrict the number of customers. Decision making turns into a tourism specialist ineach component. Changes in customer service technology andservice personalization occur. Marketing opportunities are expanding.Technology on wireless communication systemsenabling voice, text and data communication amongemployees, managers, departments and guests isnow being adapted by hotels. Comprised of intelligent system software and lightweight, hands-free or handheld communication devices, thesesystems allow hotel staff to deliver the bestcustomer service. Examples of wirelesscommunication solutions for the hospitality industryinclude: communication badges, food and drinksordering systems, as well as devices that allow hotelagents to check-in and check-out guests, processcredit cards, print receipts and program room keysanywhere in or nearby the hotel.Wireless technology offers, among others, thefollowing benefits for hotels and the quality of service they can provide to the guest: Increases staff productivity and reducesresponse time to satisfy guest requests. Improves overall guest satisfaction andservice. Increases efficiency for restaurants (bars,cafeterias, etc.) and caterers by saving time,reducing human errors and by providinghigher quality customer service. Reduces queues at the reception desk andallows guests to check-in and check-outcloser to where their room is. The global financial and economic downturn that affected tourism from 2007 through to 2010and beyond has cast substantial attention to the role that crisis events play in tourism. Theseconcerns have only been exacerbated by natural disasters, such as the 2010 Icelandic volcanic plume, pandemics, and the potential of future global change. The potential affect of crisisevents on international tourism is likely to increase both in size and frequency as tourism becomes increasingly hypermobile and the global economy even more interconnected. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) (2010) estimated that international touristarrivals fell by 4% in 2009. The seeming increase in impacts of economic and financial downturns, politicalinstability or natural disaster on tourism are arguably not a result of any increase in suchevents but instead illustrate the way in which the world’s economies, transport systems, andmedia and communication networks have now become so integrated that when onedestination or region has been affected then the impacts can reverberate through the entiresystem.Many of the crises that affect tourism are crisis events that are of a specific duration and occur in an identifiable time and space, although their impacts may be longer lasting (Ren, 2000).The notion of an event is significant because the limited duration of a high impact crisis eventserves to enhance the attention a crisis may receive in the media and enhance the perceptionthat the event is of concern and should be responded too (Smith, 1990, 2005; Greening &Johnson, 2007). Many of the crisis events that affect tourism have been occurring for millennia. Yet what haschanged is the dramatic growth in the scale of tourism and other human movement to theextent that the developed world is often described as hypermobile. The definition of hypermobility as â€Å"the maximization of physical movement† (Khisty & Zeitler, 2001, p. 598)is a useful way to characterise the vast growth in temporary mobility in aggregate form insome societies as well as a relatively small number of individuals of extremely frequenttravellers within them (Bell & Brown, 2006; Gà ¶ssling, Ceron, Dubios, & Hall., 2009).There have been substantial changes in mobility and other processes of globalisation since thedevelopment of mass commercial aviation in the late 1960 and early 1970s. This has meant that there has been a transition in aviation from being a luxury form of mobility for thewealthy few to being a relatively cheap means of mass transportation for large parts of leisureand business travellers in industrialized countries (Gà ¶ssling et al., 2009). Shifts in access as aresult of improved affordability and availability also correspond with fundamental changes in perceptions of distance, place and space (e.g. Janelle, 1969; Urry, 2000; Gà ¶ssling, 2002; Adeyet al., 2007). For many people, what was once a distant non-routine environment is now aneveryday routine environment (Hall, 2005a, b; Coles & Hall, 2006). According to Hall(2005a) the routinised space-time paths of those living at the start of this century†¦ are not the same as those of people in 1984 when Giddens was writing or in the 1960swhen Hà ¤gerstrand was examining routine daily space-time trajectories. Instead, because of advances in transport and communication technology, for a substantial proportion of the population in developed countries or for elites in developing countries being able to travel long-distances to engage in leisure behaviour (what one would usually describe as tourism)is now a part of their routine activities (Hall, 2005a, p. 24).The significance in the change of the nature of a routine environment is that the more people participate in such long-distance movement and the more destinations and places depend onsuch relatively fast, large-scale movements in economic terms, the more perceptions of crisisdevelop when such ‘normal’ movement is stopped or slowed down. This point was made in acomment in The Guardian with respect to winter travel ‘chaos’ in the UK in December 2009as a result of heavy snowfalls. ‘My solution to winter travel chaos? Don’t travel. †¦ Yet powered movement is a craving no government is willing to curb. Hypermobility is the totemof personal liberty. †¦ Before the invention of jet travel, the idea of a winter holiday wasunthinkable for any but the very rich’ (Jenkins, 2009). Natural disasters and anthropogenic environmental problems are given some significancegiven their impacts on travel and tourism at various scales as well as their potential to affectthe image of destinations (World Tourism Organization, 1998).