Saturday, December 28, 2019

International Cooperation Is Necessary For Address...

Introduction CITES came into effect in 1975 to ensure that international trade of wildlife specimens does not â€Å"threaten the survival and well-being of wild animals and plants† (CITES, 1975). Specifically, it applies either trade bans or trade regulations to over 35,000 species, depending on how much protection is needed (CITES, 1975). Species can be in Appendix I (nearly extinct, trade only permitted in special circumstances), Appendix II (less threatened than Appendix I species, but trade is still regulated), or Appendix III (protected in at least one member country of CITES, each species follow different regulations) (CITES, 1975). Member countries are required to implement legislation for trade of Appendix I and II species. Trade must be reported to the Scientific and Management Authorities of the parties concerned, and to CITES’ secretariat (CITES, 1975). International cooperation is necessary to address wildlife trade because it is a worldwide occurrence and often happens across international borders. It also has a large economic impact; illegal wildlife trade alone is worth $50-100 billion USD/year (UNEP, 2014). Some countries may already have legislation to control trade, but CITES ensures that all participating countries follow the same standard. Most of the targets of the original CITES agreement are quantifiable, but they do not specify how exactly they will be quantified. However, CITES has updated some of its indicators, mainly with quotas, which are moreShow MoreRelatedThe Future of the Arctic Is in Our Hands1468 Words   |  6 Pagesthat will carry the responsibility to foster development in a peaceful and collaborating process with respect for the environment and for the Arctics indigenous peoples. Maritime safety in the Arctic International law provides a stable framework for the five Arctic coastal states’ peaceful cooperation on the development of the region, the Government of Greenland puts therefore faith into the CLCS upon the decision on the Danish claim on the extended continental shelf which will be submitted throughRead MoreInternational And National Law On Forest Trade And Management4008 Words   |  17 PagesInternational and national law on Forest Trade and management Introduction Forest goods and services are valuable recourses and providing huge benefits to humankinds and all live on earth. Forest can bring about high level of commercial, material, and immaterial benefits. Many countries get benefits from trading in forest goods and services and consider forestry to substantial source of income. On the other side, trade in forest goods and services can contribute to environmental problem and environmentalRead MoreEssay on Biodiversity7414 Words   |  30 Pagesto be implemented through various international agreements as well as through the adoption into the domestic legislation of States, however conflicts often occur when policymakers attempt to equate biological value with economic benefits. Environmental concerns will incessantly produce an atmosphere of compassionate arguments and harsh demands, yet the following discussion suggests optimism as organizational networks are becoming stronger and are able to address many more interests than before.Read MoreEssay about Policies and Politics in Madagascar1182 Words   |  5 PagesMadagascar is among the countries that are termed as least developed in the world today (United Nations, 2001). The implementation of trade agreement based on agriculture sector led to sluggishness in the various market dynamics of the available grains. In addition to this, the quantity of grains was declining and as a consequence of this, the revenues generated declined at an alarming rate. The country was therefore obliged to opt for food import. This step was taken as a result of reduction inRead MoreEssay on Protecting Biological Diversity6352 Words   |  26 PagesBiological Diversity Biodiversity is a major concern in international and national politics. How can we manage our environment and preserve what we have before all is lost and exhausted? `This question is a main concern for present and future generations. In its simplest terms, biological diversity is the variety of life and its processes, and it includes the variety of living organisms, the genetic differences among them, and the communities and ecosystems in which they occurRead MoreThe Devastation of Poaching in Africa Essay1614 Words   |  7 Pagesresponsibility for what is a global crime and which requires a global response, especially given the involvement of organised crime and the links to other crimes including corruption, money laundering, and murder’ (qtd. in Kabukuru). We need the cooperation of many nations to stop this issue that effects most of the world. The augmentation of poaching has had dramatic effects on populations of endangered animals. As stated earlier, 95% of the wild tiger and rhino populations that existed in the 1970sRead MoreEssay on Is Whaling Humane?2243 Words   |  9 Pagesemployed by the responsible parties. Whaling nations continue to defend their whaling right for cultural and research purposes. Yet, ethical and humanity issues are among the controversial disputes raised by concerned public. In February 2010, International Whaling Commission (IWC) proposed a plan of lifting whaling ban by limiting scientific whaling activities with the intention of reducing overall number of whales killed besides solving the current impasse between pro and anti-whaling nations (YamaguchiRead MoreEu - History, Policies and Facts5310 Words   |  22 Pagesapply in all member states including the abolition of passport controls within the Schengen area. It ensures the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital, enacts legislation in justice and home affairs, and maintains common policies on trade, agriculture, fisheries and regional development. A monetary union, the eurozone, was established in 1999 and is currently composed of seventeen member states. Through the Common Foreign and Security Policy the EU has developed a limited role in externalRead MoreInternational Law And National Levels2501 Words   |  11 Pages Introduction All through the most recent four decades, coordinated endeavours have been taken by states at universal, local and national levels to address natural difficulties postured far and wide. Amidst this period, global understandings have been made running from the marine environment to space and from species conservation to assurance of the ozone layer. In addition, the author peddled that this period has additionally seen the foundation of new global establishments which have reinforcedRead MoreThe Expansion Of The United States Essay1918 Words   |  8 Pagesneed for international interdependence in order to best make use of the world’s limited natural resources, and gave the necessary impetus for the environmental movement to unify and take action. In order to understand the significance of the Oil Crisis in American history, it is first necessary to discuss what changes in energy policy resulted from the event. Republican President Richard Nixon was in office when the U.S. was struck by the oil crisis, and on November 7, 1973 he gave an address to the

Thursday, December 19, 2019

The Sources Of Finance And The Impacts Which Will Occur...

Introduction This essay will be covering the sources of finance and the impacts which will occur when starting up a new business. This essay will be covering financial impacts within an organisation and also the advantages and disadvantages on source of finance. Also what source should the client use for their new business idea. Scenario A client wants to start a retail business selling handmade birthday cakes. The client will manufacture the cakes in house. The client also plans to sell the cakes online and in a small shop which is based in Uxbridge. The client is currently uncertain whether to set up as a sole trader, partnership or as private limited company. The client is currently confused about the sources of finance that could†¦show more content†¦Partnership: Partnership business is when two or more people are involved in the business they put in the money their skills and other resources and share profit this source of finance is more suitable for a company if they want office space and more features for their company. For example a law firm needs a property for them to meet their clients for a law firm property they will need to pay it off by mortgage. Limited Companies: Limited companies are incorporated which means that the companies have their own legal identity which means they can sue or own assets in their own right. Limited companies are divided into parts called shares. This means who ever owns one or more of these are called shareholder. When a company is limited is then means that the companies than have their own legal right which means that their owners are not personally liable for the firms debts. Private limited company: Private limited company is different to limited company in private limited company the funds are borrowed through family and friends or personal investments. This option is good for a small company as in public limited company there will be debts where as in private limited company there will be less pressure in giving the money back but it may cause problems in between the relation in family. Implication of the different source of finance. Overdraft: Bank overdraft can be a good source of short term finance helpShow MoreRelatedDifferent Definitions Of Gestalt And Holistic Essay1732 Words   |  7 Pagesawareness to emerge from the existing business framework. A good basis for possibilities and potential are only possible if we have a good grip on reality. Reality shifts by widening, deepening, and revealing new or alternative ways of thinking, perceiving, and therefore doing business. Within the framework is a uniquely personal theory of change waiting for discovery, a new framework for something to be unfolded and utilized for a successful outcome. Change occurs when an individual, group or organizationRead MoreEffects Of The Rise And Fall Of The Oil Prices1123 Words   |  5 Pagesglobal markets today. Crude oil is defined as a nonrenewable resource which occurs naturally. It is an unrefined petroleum product composed of hydrocarbon deposits and other organic materials. Crude oil can be refined to produce usable products such as gasoline, diesel and various forms of petrochemicals hence it plays a very crucial role in any economy. The demand for oil has a number of important facts that we can look at starting from 1980 to 2008 where the world’s demand increased by 40%, from 60mRead MoreThe Effects Of Climate Change On The United States981 Words   |  4 PagesOver 14 billion dollars have been spent on levees in New Orleans , yet hurricanes continue to cause damage. As storms continue to grow stronger, that figure will continue to rise. Though the destruction of climate change can be seen globally with storms, wildfires, and oil depletion, Popular support for environmental movements and policies is minimal. The numbers needed to make a difference are not there. From 2008 to 2010, the number of Americans who believed in climate change dropped to 57%. WhileRead More21200 Words   |  5 Pagesstage entrepreneurial activity, which consists of businesses that are just being started and businesses that have been in existence for less than three and one-half years. While the high rates of entrepreneurial sta rt-up activities occur in low-income countries, where good jobs are not plentiful such as brazil, china, Argentina. Low rates occur in high-income countries, such as Germany, French, USA.   also identifies whether its respondents are starting a new business to take advantage of an attractiveRead MoreBtec First Diploma Unit 163703 Words   |  15 PagesBTEC First Diploma In BUSINESS Level 2 Vocational Assignment Unit 16 Business Enterprise SCENARIO: P1. Explain how knowledge of personal strengths and weaknesses can be applied to preparing for and contributing to a business When setting up a business you need to have passion, confidence and knowing your skills set. The business I intend to set up is a Window cleaning business. There are certain things needed to follow to set up me business and they are Strengths, WeaknessesRead MoreCase Study : Accounting Principles At Hdr1308 Words   |  6 Pagesinformation about an organization’s business activities (Wild, 2012). When running a business, accounting is a vital key to how it is managed and ran. Accounting is used to communicate data that helps people make good financial decisions. In business it is used to provide data of the company’s finances pertaining to which direction the company is going. Every company relies on good accounting practices to ensure that the business is successful and making money. Business Style A Corporation is an independentRead MoreSocial Media And Its Effect On Business1388 Words   |  6 Pagesmarketing approach, the effect on big brands and small businesses, Facebook’s role in a business and all the tools and strategies they offer will be presented, analysis of the businesses who include Facebook as a marketing key in their business. Comparative data will show the competiveness and efficiency between Facebook and Twitter. Facebook contemporary marketing approach is crucial. Today’s technology and business environment are forcing organizations to restructure their processes and behavior. ForbesRead MoreManaging Financial Resources4675 Words   |  19 PagesTable of Contents Choosing a Financial Source 1. Sources of Finance†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Page 3 2. Term Length of Funding†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...Page 5 3. Venture Capital Sources†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦....Page 5 Decision Making 1. Team Building†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...Page 6 2. Cost of Finance†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..Page 7 3. Flow of Cash†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..Page 8 4. Balance Sheet†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.Page 9 Financial Performance 1. Financial Statements†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Read MoreIdentifying The Different Ways Online Identity Theft1462 Words   |  6 PagesIdentify and discuss the different ways online identity theft can be achieved by a cybercriminal Identity theft is when your personal details are stolen. Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information with the intention to access bank accounts for example, or commit many other crimes in your name and at your expense. Identity theft is a growing threat in the uk which is increasing at a rapid rate. It is said that it could be one of the leading threats in the coming years. AnalysisRead MoreDepartments of a Business Essay2146 Words   |  9 PagesDepartments of a Business Within a business there are the different departments: marketing, finance, human resources, and administration. Each of the departments have there own aims. These aims can lead to a businesses success or failure depending on whether the aims/objectives are met. Some departments have the same aims as the others, for example finance and human resources may both have the aim

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

copurtate Essay Example For Students

copurtate Essay Annotated Bibliography VIII Jacobs, Laurence. , Guopei, Gao.; Herbig, Paul. ( 1996.) A guide for marketing to China: There may be a hidden agenda. Review of Business. 18(1,) 3-6 This article introduces an innovative strategy called CRM (Customer-relationship management) by which some wireless companies use to evolve their call centers. The author provides a new strategy in concerned with Chinese peoples traditional skill in negotiation, Chinas economic model and Chinese governments policy. In the first part of this article, the author summarizes the foreign marketers failure in accessing Chinese market and introduces some experts prescription to this symptom. In addition to the analysis of Chinese peoples Confucian tactics during negotiation and Chinas planned economic system, the author states his argument that the key factor assisting the foreign salesman to design the appropriate market plan is the study of Chinese governments five-year economic construction plan. The article finally draws a conclusion that doing business with Chinese people should begin with the research on Chinas market and economic data as well as its rules. The five-year economic construction plan initialized in 1953 is renewed every five years. It reflects the decisions and strategies the Chinese Government made on developing and adjusting the countrys economic framework. It is my opinion that studying with the seemingly bureaucratic materials will benefit the Foreigners to decide whether their market plans are suitable with Chinas planned market share. With the popularization of Internet and enhancement of the opening up policy from China, I believe that Western marketers would find it easy to access to Chinas previously confidential documents as well as its mysterious market

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Modern Project Management Answer Key free essay sample

Multiple Choice Questions 1. The advent of project management has been most profound in A. Automobile manufacturing B. Construction C. Information technology D. The U.S. Department of Defense E. Film making The impact of project management is most profound in the area of electronics industry, where the new folk heroes are young professionals whose Herculean efforts lead to the constant flow of new hardware and software products. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 2. A professional organization for project management specialists is the A. PMI B. AMA C. MIS D. IPM E. PMBOK The Project Management Institute (PMI), is a professional organization for project managers. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 3. Which of the following is not considered to be a characteristic of a project? A. An established objective B. A clear beginning and end C. Complex tasks D. Only for internal use E. Never been done before See List on Page 5. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Application Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium 4. Which of the following activities is not considered a project? A. Developing a new software program B. Designing a space station C. Preparing the site for the Olympic Games D. Production of automobile tires E. Developing a new advertising program A project is not routine, repetitive work! Ordinary daily work typically requires doing the same or similar work over and over, while a project is done only once; a new product or service exists when the project is completed. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Evaluation Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium 5. From among the following activities, which is the best example of a project? A. Processing insurance claims B. Producing automobiles C. Writing a term paper D. Completing a college degree E. All of these are good examples of projects See table 1.1 on Page 6. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analysis Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium 6. Which of the following constraints is not typically found in managing projects? A. Time B. People C. Cost D. Performance E. Both B and D are not typical constraints Specific time, cost, and performance requirements bind projects. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium 7. Which of the following choices is not one of the stages of a project life cycle? A. Conceptualizing B. Defining C. Planning D. Executing E. Delivering See List on Page 7. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Knowledge Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium 8. In which of the following stages are project objectives established, teams formed, and major responsibilities assigned? A. Conceptualizing B. Defining C. Planning D. Executing E. Delivering Specifications of the project are defined; project objectives are established; teams are formed; major responsibilities are assigned. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium 9. In which of the following stages is a major portion of the physical and mental project work performed? A. Conceptualizing B. Defining C. Planning D. Executing E. Delivering A major portion of the project work takes place—both physical and mental. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Application Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium 10. In which of the following stages are you more likely to find status reports, many changes, and the creation of forecasts? A. Conceptualizing B. Defining C. Planning D. Executing E. Delivering Time, cost, and specification measures are used for control. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Application Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium 11. Which of the following characteristics is not typical of a project manager? A. Managing a temporary activity B. Possesses in-depth technical knowledge C. Managing a non-repetitive activity D. Manages independently of the formal organization E. Provides a direct link to the customer Increased competition has placed a premium on customer satisfaction. Customers no longer simply settle for generic products and services. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analysis Learning Objective: The Importance of Project Management Level: Difficult 12. Which of the following choices is not one of the driving forces behind the increasing demand for project management? A. Compression of the product life cycle B. Knowledge explosion C. Development of third world and closed economies D. More emphasis on the product and less on the customer E. Corporate downsizing Increased customer attention has prompted the development of customized products and services. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Application Learning Objective: The Importance of Project Management Level: Medium 13. Which of the following statements is true? A. Project management is becoming a standard way of doing business B. Project management is increasingly contributing to achieving organizational strategies C. Project management is being used at a consistent percentage of a firms efforts D. Both A and B are true E. A, B, and C are all true Project management is no longer a special-need management. It is rapidly becoming a standard way of doing business. The future promises an increase in the importance and the role of projects in contributing to the strategic direction of organizations. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: The Importance of Project Management Level: Difficult 14. Project management is ideally suited for a business environment requiring all of the following except A. Accountability B. Flexibility C. Innovation D. Speed E. Repeatability Competing in a global market influenced by rapid change, innovation, and time to market means organizations manage more and more projects. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: Project Management Today An Integrated Approach Level: Medium 15. Which of the following is the number one characteristic that is looked for in management candidates? A. Overall intelligence B. Works well with others C. Experience D. Past successes E. Good references The phrase works well with others has long been a staple on grade school report cards; now, in the IT world, its the No. 1 criterion for management candidates.(See Research Highlight on page 16). AACSB: Communication Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: Project Management Today An Integrated Approach Level: Medium 16. A common rule of thumb in the world of high-tech product development is that a six-month project delay can result in a loss of product revenue share of ___ percent. The waste on failed projects and cost overruns is estimated in the neighborhood of A. 10 B. 20 C. 33 D. 45 E. 50 A common rule of thumb in the world of high-tech product development is that a six-month project delay can result in a 33 percent loss in product revenue share. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: The Importance of Project Management Level: Medium 17. The waste on failed projects and cost overruns is estimated in the neighborhood of A. Under $100 Million B. Over $150 Billon C. Under $10 Billion D. Between $90-$100 Billion E. Between $125-$135 Billion The need for elevating performance continues to challenge the project management profession. The waste on failed projects and cost overruns is estimated in the neighborhood of over $150 billion! AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Knowledge Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 18. Which of the following is the first step in developing a set of strategies designed to best meet the needs of customers? A. Market Research B. Define the Integrated Project Management System C. Environmental Analysis D. Project Selection E. All of the above are correct Project management is critical both to development of customized products and services and to sustaining lucrative relationships with customers. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Knowledge Learning Objective: The Importance of Project Management Level: Easy 19. Integration of project management with the organization takes place with the A. Master budget B. Strategy plan C. Process of managing actual projects D. Both b and c are correct E. A, B, and C are all correct Since projects are the modus operandi, strategic alignment of projects is of major importance to conserving and effective use of organization resources. Selection criteria need to ensure each project is prioritized and contributes to strategic goals. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Knowledge Learning Objective: Project Management Today An Integrated Approach Level: Medium 20. Two dimensions within the project management process are A. Technical and sociocultural B. Cost and time C. Planned and unexpected D. Established and new E. Unique and reoccurring There are two dimensions within the actual execution of projects (see Figure 1.3. The Technical and Sociocultural Dimensions of the Project Management Process on page 15). AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Knowledge Learning Objective: Project Management Today An Integrated Approach Level: Easy 21. Which of these is not part of the technical dimension of project management? A. WBS B. Budgets C. Problem solving D. Schedules E. Status reports See Figure 1.3. The Technical and Sociocultural Dimensions of the Project Management Process on page 15. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Knowledge Learning Objective: Project Management Today An Integrated Approach Level: Medium 22. Which of these is not part of the sociocultural dimension of project management? A. Negotiation B. Resource allocation C. Customer expectations D. Leadership E. Politics See Figure 1.3. The Technical and Sociocultural Dimensions of the Project Management Process on page 15. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: Project Management Today An Integrated Approach Level: Medium 23. Corporate downsizing has increased the trend toward A. Reducing the number of projects a company initiates B. Outsourcing significant segments of project work C. Using dedicated project teams D. Shorter project lead times E. Longer project lead times Companies outsource significant segments of project work, and project managers have to manage not only their own people but also their counterparts in different organizations. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: The Importance of Project Management Level: Medium 24. The importance of project management has increased due to A. The movement of manufacturing operations out of the U.S B. Time to market C. The movement toward flatter and leaner organizations D. Both a and b are true E. A, B, and C are all true One of the most significant driving forces behind the demand for project management is the shortening of the product life cycle. In todays flatter and leaner organizations, where change is a constant, project management is replacing middle management as a way of ensuring that things get done. Corporate downsizing has also led to a change in the way organizations approach projects. Companies outsource significant segments of project work, and project managers have to manage not only their own people but also their counterparts in different organizations. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Synthesis Learning Objective: The Importance of Project Management Level: Difficult 25. Which of the following is not typically the responsibility of a project manger? A. Meeting budget requirements B. Meeting schedule requirements C. Meeting performance specifications D. Coordinates the actions of the team members E. All of these are typical responsibilities They must ensure that appropriate trade-offs are made between the time, cost, and performance requirements of the project. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Knowledge Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 26. A series of coordinated, related, multiple projects that continue over extended time intended to achieve a goal is known as a A. Strategy B. Program C. Campaign D. Crusade E. Venture A program is a group of related projects designed to accomplish a common goal over an extended period of time. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 27. In which of the following stages is it determined what the project will entail, when it will be scheduled, whom it will benefit, and what the budget will be? A. Conceptualizing B. Defining C. Planning D. Executing E. Delivering The level of effort increases, and plans are developed to determine what the project will entail, when it will be scheduled, whom it will benefit, what quality level should be maintained, and what the budget will be. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 28. Competing in a global market is influenced by A. Rapid change B. Innovation C. Time to market D. Politics E. A, B, and C are all true Competing in a global market influenced by rapid change, innovation, and time to market means organizations manage more and more projects. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: Project Management Today An Integrated Approach Level: Easy 29. Integration of all project processes and practices to improve Project Management is due to A. Centralization B. Environmental analysis C. Customer Expectations D. Project management system E. The organizations environment and culture Centralization entails integration of all project processes and practices to improve project management. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Application Learning Objective: Project Management Today An Integrated Approach Level: Easy 30. From 1994 to 2009 the trend for projects late or over budget was: A. Significantly better B. Slightly better C. About the same D. Slightly worse E. Significantly worse Failed projects also declined from 31 percent in 1994 to 18 percent in 2004. However, the CHAOS Summary 2009 report shows a small decrease in the numbers. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Evaluation Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium Fill in the Blank Questions 31. Like most organizational effort, the major goal of a project is to __________. satisfy a customers need Like most organizational effort, the major goal of a project is to satisfy a customers need. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium 32. The initial stage in the Project Life Cycle is the __________ stage. defining Specifications of the project are defined; project objectives are established; teams are formed; major responsibilities are assigned. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Application Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 33. The final stage in the Project Life Cycle is the __________ stage. closure Closure includes three activities: delivering the project product to the customer, redeploying project resources, and post-project review. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Application Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 34. The __________, a professional organization for project managers, has grown from 93,000 in 2002 to more than 230,000 currently. PMI The Project Management Institute (PMI), is a professional organization for project managers. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 35. In the __________ stage of the Project Life Cycle a major part of the project work, both physical and mental, takes place. executing A major portion of the project work takes place—both physical and mental. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Application Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 36. In the _________ stage of the Project Life Cycle what will be accomplished by the project is determined along with the projects schedule and budget. planning The level of effort increases, and plans are developed to determine what the project will entail, when it will be scheduled, whom it will benefit, what quality level should be maintained, and what the budget will be. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Application Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 37. A common rule of thumb in the world of high-tech product development is that a six-month project delay can result in a __________ percent loss in product revenue share. thirty-three A common rule of thumb in the world of high-tech product development is that a six-month project delay can result in a 33 percent loss in product revenue share. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: The Importance of Project Management Level: Medium 38. In todays high-tech industries the product life cycle is averaging _________ years. 1 to 3 Today in high-tech industries the product life cycle is averaging 1 to 3 years. Only 30 years ago, life cycles of 10 to 15 years were not uncommon. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Knowledge Learning Objective: The Importance of Project Management Level: Easy 39. The advent of many small projects has created the need for an organization that can support __________ management. multiproject This climate has created a multiproject environment and a plethora of new problems. Sharing and prioritizing resources across a portfolio of projects is a major challenge for senior management. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Knowledge Learning Objective: The Importance of Project Management Level: Easy 40. Increased competition has placed a premium on customer satisfaction and the development of __________ products and services. customized Customers want customized products and services that cater to their specific needs. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Knowledge Learning Objective: The Importance of Project Management Level: Easy 41. In some organizations, selection and management of projects often fail to support the broad-based _________ of the organization. strategic plan Today, projects are the modus operandi for implementing strategy. Yet in some organizations, selection and management of projects often fail to support the strategic plan of the organization. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Knowledge Learning Objective: Project Management Today An Integrated Approach Level: Medium 42. WBS, schedules, and budgets are examples of the _________ dimension of the project management process. technical See Figure 1.3. The Technical and Sociocultural Dimensions of the Project Management Process on page 15. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: Project Management Today An Integrated Approach Level: Medium 43. Leadership, teamwork, and negotiation are examples of the _________ dimension of the project management process. sociocultural See Figure 1.3. The Technical and Sociocultural Dimensions of the Project Management Process on page 15. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: Project Management Today An Integrated Approach Level: Medium 44. The ________ is a professional organization for project management specialists. Project Management Institute (PMI) The Project Management Institute (PMI), is a professional organization for project managers. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 45. One of the defining characteristics of a project is that it has a singular purpose, i.e., an established ________. objective Projects have a defined objective—whether it is constructing a 12-story apartment complex by January 1 or releasing version 2.0 of a specific software package as quickly as possible. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 46. Because projects have a defined beginning and end, the ________ is frequently used to manage the transition of a project from start to completion. Project Life Cycle The project life cycle typically passes sequentially through four stages: defining, planning, executing, and delivering. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Synthesis Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Difficult 47. The development of schedules, budgets, and identifying risks are common elements to the ________ stage of the project life cycle. planning The level of effort increases, and plans are developed to determine what the project will entail, when it will be scheduled, whom it will benefit, what quality level should be maintained, and what the budget will be. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Application Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium 48. The establishment of project goals, specifications, and responsibilities usually occurs in the ________ stage of the project life cycle. defining Specifications of the project are defined; project objectives are established; teams are formed; major responsibilities are assigned. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Application Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium 49. Training the customer, reassigning staff, and releasing resources occurs in the ________ stage of the project life cycle. closure Includes three activities: delivering the project product to the customer, redeploying project resources, and post-project review. Delivery of the project might include customer training and transferring documents. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Application Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium 50. Project managers are expected to ensure that appropriate trade-offs are made between the time, cost, and __________ requirements of the project. performance Project managers are ultimately responsible for performance (frequently with too little authority). They must ensure that appropriate trade-offs are made between the time, cost, and performance requirements of the project. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analysis Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium 51. The growth in ________ has increased the complexity of projects because projects typically include the latest advances. new knowledge The growth in new knowledge has increased the complexity of projects because projects encompass the latest advances. Product complexity has increased the need to integrate divergent technologies. Project management has emerged as an important discipline for achieving this task. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Knowledge Learning Objective: The Importance of Project Management Level: Medium 52. A _________ is a series of coordinated, related; multiple projects that continue over extended time intended to achieve a goal. program A program is a group of related projects designed to accomplish a common goal over an extended period of time. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 53. In the __________ stage, it determined what the project will entail, when it will be scheduled, whom it will benefit, and what the budget will be. planning The level of effort increases, and plans are developed to determine what the project will entail, when it will be scheduled, whom it will benefit, what quality level should be maintained, and what the budget will be. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Application Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy True / False Questions 54. Because of the profitability motive, project management is nearly always limited to the private sector. FALSE Project management is not limited to the private sector. Project management is also a vehicle for doing good deeds and solving social problems. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Application Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 55. Ten years ago major universities offered only one or two classes in project management, primarily for engineers. TRUE Ten years ago major universities offered one or two classes in project management, primarily for engineers. Today, most universities offer multiple sections of project management classes, with the core group of engineers being supplemented by business students majoring in marketing, management information systems (MIS). AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Application Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 56. The professional certification for project managers is a Project Management Professional (PMP). TRUE PMI provides certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP)—someone who has documented sufficient project experience, agreed to follow the PMI code of professional conduct, and demonstrated mastery of the field of project management by passing a comprehensive examination. (See Snapshot on Page 4). AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Application Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 57. Because of its flexibility, project management is equally useful in ongoing, routine work as well as unique, one-time projects. FALSE A project is not routine, repetitive work! Ordinary daily work typically requires doing the same or similar work over and over, while a project is done only once; a new product or service exists when the project is completed. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Application Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 58. One of the defining characteristics of project management is that the projects are not confined to a single department but involve several departments and professionals. TRUE One of the major characteristics is the involvement of several departments and professionals. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium 59. One of the characteristics that separate project management from other endeavors of the organization is that there are specific time, cost, and performance requirements. TRUE Major characteristics are specific time, cost, and performance requirements. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium 60. The singular purpose of a project is often lacking in daily organizational life in which workers perform repetitive operations each day. TRUE This singular purpose is often lacking in daily organizational life in which workers perform repetitive operations each day. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium 61. Since a construction company builds many buildings the projects after the first building do not fit the definition of a project. FALSE All projects are nonroutine and has some unique elements. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Comprehension Level: Medium 62. The first stage in the Project Life Cycle is the Concept stage. FALSE The first stage is defining. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Application Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 63. A major portion of the project work, both physical and mental, takes place during the Production stage of the Project Life Cycle. FALSE A major portion of the project work, both physical and mental is done in the executing stage. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Application Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium 64. In practice, the amount of work accomplished in each stage of the Project Life Cycle will vary greatly depending on the department or work group. TRUE In practice, the project life cycle is used by some project groups to depict the timing of major tasks over the life of the project. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Application Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 65. Because of the requirement for in-depth expertise, project management is generally restricted to specialists. FALSE Unlike their functional counterparts, project managers generally possess only rudimentary technical knowledge. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Knowledge Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 66. On the project team, the Marketing manager is the primary, direct link with the customer. FALSE Project Managers are typically the direct link to the customer and must manage the tension between customer expectations and what is feasible and reasonable. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Knowledge Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 67. One of the most significant driving forces behind the demand for project management is the ever increasing expansion of the product life cycle. FALSE One of the most significant driving forces behind the demand for project management is the shortening of the product life cycle. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Application Learning Objective: The Importance of Project Management Level: Easy 68. Unlike their functional counterparts, project managers generally possess only rudimentary technical knowledge to make trade-off decisions. TRUE Unlike their functional counterparts, project managers generally possess only rudimentary technical knowledge. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Knowledge Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium 69. Because of the significant loss in potential product revenue, time to market has become one of the most critical factors in developing new products. TRUE Time to market for new products with short life cycles has become increasingly important. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Application Learning Objective: The Importance of Project Management Level: Easy 70. A common rule of thumb in the world of high-tech product development is that a six-month project delay can result in a 33 percent loss in product revenue share. TRUE A common rule of thumb in the world of high-tech product development is that a six-month project delay can result in a 33 percent loss in product revenue share. Speed, therefore, becomes a competitive advantage; more and more organizations are relying on cross-functional project teams to get new products and services to the market as quickly as possible. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Application Learning Objective: The Importance of Project Management Level: Easy 71. Project management integration necessitates combining all of the major dimensions of project management under one umbrella. TRUE Project management integration necessitates combining all of the major dimensions of project management under one umbrella. Each dimension is connected in one seamless, integrated domain. Integration means applying a set of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to a collection of projects in order to move the organization toward its strategic goals. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: Project Management Today An Integrated Approach Level: Easy 72. Due to corporate downsizing significant segments of project work have been outsourced to other organizations. TRUE Corporate downsizing has also led to a change in the way organizations approach projects. Companies outsource significant segments of project work, and project managers have to manage not only their own people but also their counterparts in different organizations. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Knowledge Learning Objective: The Importance of Project Management Level: Easy 73. Smaller projects in larger organizations tend not to need project management skills. FALSE Many small projects can eat up the people resources of a firm and represent hidden costs not measured in the accounting system. Organizations with many small projects going on concurrently face the most difficult project management problems. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Knowledge Learning Objective: The Importance of Project Management Level: Medium 74. In the current trends, Project managers are typically required to manage many diverse systems such as; networks, bar charts, job costing, task forces, partnering and schedule, to manage projects. FALSE Project managers must shape a project culture that stimulates teamwork and high levels of personal motivation as well as a capacity to quickly identify and resolve problems that threaten project work. This dimension also involves managing the interface between the project and external environment. Project managers have to assuage and shape expectations of customers, sustain the political support of top management, negotiate with their functional counterparts, monitor subcontractors, and so on. Overall, the manager must build a cooperative social network among a divergent set of allies with different standards, commitments, and perspectives. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: Project Management Today An Integrated Approach Level: Easy 75. Project management is usually restricted to specialists. FALSE Unlike their functional counterparts, project managers generally possess only rudimentary technical knowledge. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 76. Project management is becoming a standard way of doing business. TRUE Project management is no longer a special-need management. It is rapidly becoming a standard way of doing business. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Application Learning Objective: The Importance of Project Management Level: Easy Short Answer Questions 77. Compare and contrast the Product Life Cycle and the Project Life Cycle. Product Life Cycle deals with the time it takes to develop a product and the time it remains in the marketplace. The Project Life Cycle is the stages that a new product goes through while being developed. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analysis Learning Objective: The Importance of Project Management Level: Medium 78. Identify the five major characteristics of a project. see list on page 5 of your text AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium 79. Identify and briefly describe the four stages of the Project Life Cycle. see list on page 1-7 AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Knowledge Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Easy 80. Project managers perform the same functions as other managers. Agree or Disagree and support your decision. Many of the same basic management functions are performed by project managers; however, there are aspects of the project managers job that make it unique. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analysis Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium 81. Identify and briefly describe the six factors that are increasing the demand for project management. 1. compression of the product life cycle, 2. knowledge explosion, 3. triple bottom line, 4. corporate downsizing, 5. increased customer focus, 6. small projects represent big problems AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: The Importance of Project Management Level: Difficult 82. What is meant by an Integrated Project Management Process? All efforts are focused toward the strategic plan. Piece meal tools are no longer accepted. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: Project Management Today An Integrated Approach Level: Difficult 83. Identify and briefly discuss the two key areas where project management need to be integrated within the organization. 1. with the Strategic Plan and 2. within the process of managing actual projects AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: Project Management Today An Integrated Approach Level: Medium 84. Identify and briefly discuss the two key dimensions of managing actual projects. 1. Technical and 2. Sociocultural AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: Project Management Today An Integrated Approach Level: Medium 85. The success of individual projects is typically measured by performance compared to three constraints usually placed on all projects. Identify and briefly describe those three constraints. 1. time, 2. cost, and 3. performance AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium 86. Describe what it means that a Project Manager must work with a diverse troupe of characters? They are typically the direct link to the customer and must manage the tension between customer expectations and what is feasible and reasonable. Project managers provide direction, coordination, and integration to the project team, which is often made up of part-time participants loyal to their functional departments. They often must work with a cadre of outsiders—vendors, suppliers, subcontractors—who do not necessarily share their project allegiance. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analysis Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium 87. What is the difference between a project and a program? The terms are often used interchangeably in business, however, a program is considered to be a series of coordinated, related, and multiple projects that continue over extended time intended to achieve a goal. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: What is a Project? Level: Medium 88. Describe the connection between Project Management and an organizations Strategic Plan. Today the emphasis is on an integrated project management process that focuses all project effort toward the strategic plan of the organization. AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Comprehension Learning Objective: Project Management Today An Integrated Approach Level: Medium

Thursday, November 28, 2019

The Orchard and Nineteen Eighty-Four Essay Example

The Orchard and Nineteen Eighty-Four Essay The Orchard and Nineteen Eighty-Four both describe cultures that encourage us to see ourselves as others see us. Consider the political implications of seeing and being seen in Nineteen Eight-Four and The Orchard, focussing on one passage or scene from each book, and one relevant image or written text you collect from print media. The Orchard, Nineteen Eighty-Four and Dougs Story, all describe cultures that have both subservant characters as well as dominant ones; creating an unequal society. The political figures affect how the individuals see themselves; through many techniques including creating institutions, generating propaganda, having constant surveillance and interpellation of genders. I endeavour to examine each of these tools on their success to affect their victims and influence the society. Nineteen-Eighty Four is a dramatic novel which examines Orwells speculation of a possible future under a communist-dominated regime. It eliminates freewill there will be no thought, as we understand it now. Orthodoxy means not thinking-not needing to think. Orthodoxy is unconsciousness.1 The political implications of seeing and being seen in 1984 is that due to constant surveillance and brainwashing, someones perception of reality can be altered, so that they truly believe they are living in utopian society, which is actually dystopic. Through habit and not knowing any better, individuals copy each other: as a satisfied conformist who does not have emotions except their love of Big Brother. We will write a custom essay sample on The Orchard and Nineteen Eighty-Four specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Orchard and Nineteen Eighty-Four specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Orchard and Nineteen Eighty-Four specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Nineteen-Eighty Four does describe a culture that encourages us to see ourselves as others see us This is Big Brothers powerful role as the watcher, that everyone one will match each other; as a modelled citizen representing Big Brothers ideology. Victims reflect what everyone else is doing eg yelling during Two Minutes Hate2; otherwise they are punished eg. the stretch exercises, when Winston is reprimanded by the instructor for not touching his toes properly, he is aware of being seen, so touches his toes3, showing that surveillance works from fear, as he does what he was told. During this he realises that he must remain inscrutable for a single flicker of his eyes will give him away this was called facecrime4. Winston believes his worst enemy was his nervous system, at any moment the tension inside you was liable to translate itself into some visible symptom.5 As Winston is a different individual. Winston final reformation pg. 310-311, shows the success of seeing and being seen as a method of controlling people. After torture and rehabilitation, Winston ultimately betrays himself and extinguishes all his dignity. We meet him at the Chestnut cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½, where he is now a perfected robot Big Brother has cured. Winston sees himself as Big Brother wishes, he now has no individual identity; revealed in the simile his soul white as snow 6lacking its previous impurities and originality. Big Brother is symbolised as white and Winston is black, the last humanist7 or enemy of Big Brother black horde8, expressed in the extended metaphor of the chess game; in which Winston subconsciously cannot defeat the black, he keeps getting distracted could not settle down to the serious study of the chess problem9. This is because he is now brainwashed to believe in no chess game has black ever won.10 Evidently showing, that Winston is still subconsciously fighting the battle against Big Broth er. This is symbolic to the whole book of Winston struggle to be black. Propaganda is shown through vivid imagery on pg 310 Triumphant phrases complete demoralisationcontrol of whole of Africagreatest victory in human history victory, victory, victory, with all truths being pushed into victims minds. Revealing how political implications are used by Big Brother to manipulate its population. This was Winston previous political job at The Ministry of Truth to update files to get them to comply with Big Brothers beliefs Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past.11 With the victory over the Eurasian army12; Winston expresses that he now feels healed13, he was now in a blissful dream14, a meaningless, dead and empty body of cells nothing mattered.15 In the last paragraph, Winston creates pathos through emotive words and repetition of O, where he expresses how foolish it was to resist. It had taken him forty years to see himself as a conformist needless misunderstanding. He should not have been so stubborn and self-willed as an exile of Big Brother16. Who can be symbolised as his father, it is not enough to obey Big Brother you must love him17, an allusion to the stereotypical role of the father: all-knowing, who teaches, protects, educates, p rovides, and punishes. This is also evidenced in The Chestnut Cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ with an allusion to the nursery-rhyme symbolising that Winston is now a child-like being with a lost soul as his priorities and beliefs were crushed into thin air. He is just another cog in the wheel of the machine which is Big Brother. The Orchard describes a patriarchal society, which encourages women to see themselves as others see them. Throughout history, many political movements18 have taken place over the mind/body split by Berger19. Including the Feminists, who argue that women have been made objects, designed to flatter men by advertising sex appeal20. They believe women are restricted to conform to this stereotypical image21. This is evidenced in old paintings where the dominant male is the creator who paints women only as the surveyed object. Although in The Orchard Artemisia Gentileschis self-portraits, went against these traditions; she became subject and object, process and image, the creator and the art itself22. Proving she believed she wasnt alive to be just an object of mens desire, but to be her true self without hegemonic discourses.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Kyoto Protocol essays

Kyoto Protocol essays There is a consensus among the scientific community that increases in greenhouse gas emissions will affect climate. Considerable uncertainty, however, exists with regard to the magnitude of the effect, its timing, and its regional pattern. In addition, there is great uncertainty about changes in climate variability and regional impacts (Ha-Duong et al.,). In order to understand the underlying principles of potential climatic change, we must discuss what the greenhouse effect is, the nature of the gases to be controlled, and the effects this will have on the climate, if the controls are implemented. We will also look at human activities that may contribute to increased atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases and their effects on climate change. Then, we will look at the impacts that global warming may have on Earths climate and consider possible immediate and long-term solutions. Finally, international cooperation for the control of greenhouse gas emissions will be addressed, wit h particular attention given to the most recent convention, the Kyoto Protocol. The greenhouse effect is the natural phenomenon that contributes to the Earths annual temperature having a global mean value of approximately 15C (Botkin et al., 1995). Without any greenhouse effect, the Earth would be 33C cooler than it is now (Minister of the Environment, 1994). The process involves incoming solar radiation from the sun that warms the Earth. Little of this solar radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere, as the greenhouse gases allow most sunlight to pass. The heated Earth emits longwave radiation back to the atmosphere, in which the greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapour, are absorbed. These gases act like a blanket for the Earth, trapping more heat than light (Botkin et al., 1995). Does this mean that the measurably increasing levels of CO2 in the atmosphere over the last century will cause...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Dissertation-Methodology Part Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Dissertation-Methodology Part - Essay Example Data collection methods and tools utilized for analysis are also discussed. With the positivistic paradigm, the emphasis is on using measurement to find out the relationships between facts and causes of the phenomenon. This is â€Å"an essential element of the research process under this paradigm† (Collis & Hussey, 2003, p. 57). This approach is useful when there is a need to conduct statistical analysis (Collis & Hussey, 2003, p. 56). A positivistic approach will be used and the researcher will be independent, will not be influenced by the subject of research, and will take â€Å"the role of an objective analyst† (Saunders & Lewis & Thornhill, 2000, p. 85). The major reason for this method as a choice for the study is because, quantitative researchers focus on the measurement and analysis of facts and causes. According to Denzin & Lincoln (cited in Silverman 2005), â€Å"qualitative investigators think they can get closer to the actor’s perspective through detailed interviewing and observation† (p. 10). With qualitative researchers, the emphasis is on the close relationship between the subject of research and the researcher where the value is in the social reality and the meaning of the social event or phenomenon. The qualitative approach relies on the quality and depth of data and does not focus on the â€Å"measured (if measured at all) in terms of quantity, amount, intensity, or frequency † (Denzin & Lincoln, 2000, p. 8). In addition, as Waters (2001) explains, the quantitative approach is based on â€Å"simplified representations of reality where real features are depicted by symbols† (p. 8). The main benefits of choosing a quantitative approach to this research are as discussed below. Firstly, this method allows stating of the research problem in very specific and clear terms. Also there is a clear possibility to follow the original research objectives that have been set down and to arrive at more conclusive conclusions. Also this

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Water Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Water Crisis - Essay Example o global warming have caused major changes in precipitation globally which has affected the average amount of rainfall in several countries (National Resources Defense Council, 2010). All the above factors are collectively responsible for water constraints across the world. The natural water resources are being constantly depleted due to a combination of several factors such as increased demand, climatic changes and pollution. Rivers and aquifers which are a major source of clean water are being drained constantly. There is increasing withdrawal of water from groundwater, lakes, streams and manmade structures such as dams and water released from other reservoirs. With the annual population growth at 80 million people a year and projection figures indicating an addition of 3 billion people to the world population by the year 2050, the demand for clean and fresh water will see a manifold increase. Reports suggest that a majority of the population growth will occur in developing regions which are already facing water shortage. In addition, advances in science and technology have increased the use of renewable energy resources worldwide. There has been a huge increase in the generation of electricity from hydroelectric power. Other new innovations such as generation of nuclear energy and use fossil fuels for energy purposes have also affected water quantity and quality (The United Nations World Water Report, n.d). Apart from energy production water is also being used for agriculture which utilizes nearly 70% of freshwater withdrawals. The increase in world population has raised the demand for food. Subsequent rise in agricultural practices are using copious quantities of freshwater for growing crops and maintaining plants and trees (The United Nations World Water Report, n.d). Another reason which has posed serious constraints on water supply is the changes observed by scientists in the precipitation rates. This is likely to have a major negative impact on the amount

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Conscientious Objection Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Conscientious Objection - Research Paper Example he patient in this case is not guilty in any way, but since the doctor who has attended to him/her performs abortions, then Rogers will not attend to him. The other issue is the fact that he is the only pharmacists available at the hospital and thus patients may be stranded. According to the state’s law, Rogers has all rights to act according to his religious, moral and ethical convictions as this does not call for civil, criminal and disciplinary action (Grady, 2006). The hospital cannot therefore fire him. It is the legal right of every patient to be attended to considering in a community hospital (Morrison & Monagle, 2009). It also may be that the patient is in pain and really needs the medication, but because of the religion conviction of Rodgers, he she cannot get the medication. In my view, any decision should be to the advantage of the patient. I would advise the hospitals management to get another pharmacist to work alongside Rodgers. This is because Rodgers has the right not to remit his services to patients coming from doctors who do abortion due to his religious conviction. It is therefore best to get a partner pharmacist in order to serve the interests of the patients and at the same time keep Rogers as they can’t fire

Friday, November 15, 2019

Analysis of Reasons for Banning Nuclear Power

Analysis of Reasons for Banning Nuclear Power Nuclear Power Should Be Stopped In Japan Electricity is necessary for life. Most items need electricity. There are many kinds of natural resources, such as oil, coal, and fossil fuels in the world. However, there is a limit on consuming these resources. Electricity also can be produced by many methods, such as thermal power, wind power, solar power, geothermal electric power, and hydroelectric power. Each country uses different methods to get electricity. Some countries focus on cost. Other countries focus on carbon emission or damage to humans when accidents happen. In Japan, many methods are being used. There are seventeen nuclear power plants and these are helpful to generate electricity because nuclear power can produce huge amounts of electricity at once. However, nuclear power also has disadvantages. When the Tohoku earthquake occurred on March 11 2011, Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan was broken. Thus, people who live in Japan had a limit of spending electricity. Nuclear power plants should be stopped i n Japan because it creates the possibility of radioactive accidents, gives humans cancer, and pollutes air, soil, and water. The main reason for nuclear power plants to be banned in Japan is that nuclear power creates the possibility of radioactive accidents. On March 11 2011, the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami happened. Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan was broken by this earthquake. Even workers who work at the Tokyo Electric Power Company could not control nuclear power plants at that time. This accident was managed by Nuclear Regulatory Commission. They wrote a document which listed the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant as one of the most trouble-prone nuclear facilities in Japan. (Wang and Chen 2611) This shows that nuclear power plants create the possibility of radioactive accidents, and gives people fear. Therefore, this is terrible to use for electricity. Even now, many people who live around Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant cannot go back to their town. There are more than 90,000 residents, who were evacuated from areas surrounding the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. (Cuttler 1) â€Å"The total amount of released radionuclides has been estimated to be 520 PBq (excluding noble gases); for releases of 137Cs, estimations are about 12 PBq, which is about 15% of that released at Chernobyl.† (Higaki et al. 1) Radionuclides which were released from Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant were spread out from Fukushima to Kanto area. Air, soil, and water were polluted directly. Although 15% of that released at Chernobyl, radioactivity which was released by nuclear power plants was higher percentage than average. â€Å"Availability of cooling water has been one of the major issues in the selection of nuclear power plant sites.†(Zhao et al. 41) When a radioactive accident happened in Japan, sea water was used for coolin g down.[1] The water which was used for cooling down was contaminated and leaked. As a result, vegetables, fish, and livestock were polluted indirectly by contaminated soil and water. This shows that radioactivity can spread out quickly. â€Å"After the Fukushima nuclear accident from the 17th March 2011 to the 31st March 2012 the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare set a provisional regulatory value of 500 Bq/kg (fresh weight basis) for radiocesium (134Cs and 137Cs) in vegetables and crops.†(Higaki et al. 1) Prefectural government and the Ministry of Health, Labour and welfare serveied food safety and reported. â€Å"Products including spinach, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, tea, milk, plumes, and fish have been found to be contaminated with cesium and iodine as far as 360 km from Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant.† (Zheng, Tagami, and Uchida. 1-2) However, food which is made in near Fukushima and did not find radioactivity was criticized. For example, the north pa rt of Japan is a great place to grow rice, yet rice was not bought because rice might be contaminated. Thus, this accident gave farmers who live in the north part of Japan economic damage. Possibly, if people eat food which contains radioactivity, they are exposed to radiation. Likewise, humans were contaminated. Many people were killed by not only an earthquake but also radiation exposure. Humans absorbed radioactivity both directly and indirectly from air, soil, and food. Radioactivity causes cancer, such as leukemia. On August 6 1945, an atomic bomb was dropped in Hiroshima. This bomb also gave humans radiation exposure. This tragedy happened 70 years ago. Nonetheless, many people who experienced this tragedy was dropped is suffering from radiation exposure. â€Å"When most or all of the human body is exposed to a single dose of more than 1 Gy of radiation, acute radiation sickness can occur† (Christodouleas et al. 2337) This means that even a small amount of radioactivity can give humans radiation sickness. Clinicians have been interested in x-ray exposure during pregnancy since the 1950s, and they reported an approximately 40% increase in the risk forms of radiation, for instance CT scan, fluoroscopy, or mammography. (Smits and Dolores 441) Radi oactivity is used for diagnosis at hospitals. The radioactivity which is used at hospitals should be safe. Nevertheless, even at hospitals, radioactivity can be dangerous. If pregnant mothers are examined by CT scans, fluoroscopy, or mammography, unborn babies may get trouble. For these reasons, radioactivity is dangerous and harmful for health. On the other hand, some people prefer to use nuclear power plants because they are ecofriendly. â€Å"World Nuclear Association and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), contend that nuclear power is a sustainable energy source that reduces carbon emissions.† (Bhasin and Aparna 1) Thermal power plants release carbon dioxide instead of radioactivity. This mean nuclear power plants can help to prevent global warming. â€Å"Energy installations, especially thermal power plants that use coal as a fuel, can influence the environment, sometimes leading even to ecological balance damage within areas where they are located, so that the energy field be considered as the main pollution source.† (Costel 1) If carbon emissions are focused, nuclear power plants are better than thermal power plants. â€Å"A large number of studies have illustrated the public concern about the adverse effects of mobile phone radiation and possible health hazards.† (Marica, Luinica and Lumi nita 561) Not only nuclear power plants, but also some electricity, such as cell phones release radioactivity. â€Å"Human populations have always been exposed to ionizing radiation from natural sources.† (Pehlivanglu and Kilincarslan 275) This means that there is radioactivity in the air already before why radiation accidents. In addition, radioactivity is used for medication, such as CT scans, and radiotherapy. Radioactivity causes cancer, whereas it is also effective to cure cancer. â€Å"The report, released by the UN Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) warns that the damage caused by stress and worry over radiation will likely cause much more damage than the radiation itself.†(ASIA 1) The Majority of people think that cancer risk was increased by radioactivity. However, some people think the reason cancer risks increased is not only radioactivity. People who live in Fukushima were under stress because people could not get exact information. When the earthquake happened, media, internet, phone services, and transportations were confusing. Cancer risk was increased by not only radioactivity, but also stress. Nuclear power plants can be hazardous weapons. â€Å"Fukushima is an eerie replay of the denial and controversy that began with the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.† (Perrow 56) Japan is only one country that suffered an atomic bomb attack. Accordingly, Japanese people tend to already know how much radioactivity is dangerous. They also notice that they cannot control nuclear power plants if radioactive accidents were to happened. â€Å"The nuclear disaster in the Japan nuclear power plant Fukushima Daiichi has reminded the importance of proofed and reliable systems used in the active or passive mode for application in case of serious nuclear accident†. (Maar and 81) The radioactive accident that happened in Fukushima warned that nuclear power plants creates the possibility of radioactive accidents. Nuclear power plants can be ecofriendly because carbon emission is low. Nuclear power plants produced 13% of all electricity in the world in 2008. (Islam and Ahiduzzaman 26) In Japanese case, 30% of electricity was produced by nuclear power plants before happening the earthquake. (Wohns 5) Most electricity is being made by other ways in the world. However, Japan count on nuclear plants. Japan can get technology from other countries. Furthermore, Japan can use alternative energy. Alternative energy is energy generated in ways that do not deplete natural resources or harm the environment, especially by avoiding the use of fossil fuels and nuclear power. (Oxford d[2]ictionary) Examples of alternative energy are solar energy, biomass energy, wind energy, and geothermal energy. In Japan, solar energy has been becoming common. Solar panels are attached on each house roof. Solar power plants release 40 g/kWh and nuclear power plants release 30 g/kWh. (Murphy and David 522) These two amounts are lower than other power plants. One of benefits of solar power plants is that if electricity which is made by solar power plants so not use everything, the electricity can sale to power company in Japan. In my case, my house has solar panels on roof. The panels can produce electricity for whole my house. Moreover, a few of electricity can sale to power company, so my house does not buy electricity from power company. Solar power plants can replace with nuclear power plants. Some people said that cancer was caused by not only radioactivity but also stress. This opinion could be true. However, after leaking out radioactivity by accidents, such as Chernobyl, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Fukushima, cancer rate was increased. â€Å"In the Ukraine, children were born with deformities and developed cancer; today, most children there still[3] develop leukemia at an early age.† (Robertson 11) This result shows radioactivity gives humans huge impacts. It also shows children are exposed indirectly. â€Å"In pregnancy, the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) is problematic.† (Nijkeuter et al. 1857) This shows that radioactivity which is used at hospital is also can expose fetus indirectly. Aftereffects which are caused by radiotherapy are known. Although radiotherapy is effective for cancer, patients get damages, such as nausea or fallen hair. â€Å"People are always exposed to ionizing radiation, which could badly influence their health.† (Samadi , Bahman, and Nima 52) this means that radioactivity already exists in the air without radioactive accidents, but the radioactivity is not huge amounts. However, if radioactive accidents happen, radioactivity is leaked in the air. After leaking radioactivity, the amount of radioactivity should be more than the average amount which exits in the air. In conclusion, nuclear power plants can be dangerous when radioactive accidents happen because, air, soil, food, and water are contaminated by radioactivity directly and indirectly after accidents happen. Moreover, radioactivity can cause cancer. For these reason, nuclear power plants should be stopped in Japan. Works Cited ASIA. No Cancer Increase After Fukushima UN. TCE: The Chemical Engineer 876 (2014): 17. Academic Search Complete. Web. 23 July 2014. Bhasin, Amit, and Aparna, Ahuja. Harnessing Nuclear Energy: Health Risks. Indian Journal Of Medical Specialities 2.1 (2011): 46-53. Academic Search Complete. Web. 19 July 2014. Costel, Alic. Laurean, Marinel, Manea. Traian, Vasiu. Gheorghe, Dobrei. Environmental Impact Due To Use Of Coal In Mintia Thermal Power Plant. Revista Minelor / Mining Revue 19.1 (2013): 2-7. Academic Search Complete. Web. 20 July 2014. Cuttler, Jerry M. Commentary On The Appropriate Radiation Level For Evacuations. Dose-Response 10.4 (2012): 473-479. Academic Search Complete. Web. 23 July 2014. Higaki T, Higaki S, Hirota M, Hasezawa S. Radiocesium Distribution In Bamboo Shoots After The Fukushima Nuclear Accident. Plos ONE 9.5 (2014): 1-9. Academic Search Complete. Web. 17 July 2014. John P. Christodouleas, M.D., M.P.H., Robert D. Forrest, C.H.P., Christopher G. Ainsley, Ph.D., Zelig Tochner, M.D., Stephen M. Hahn, M.D., and Eli Glatstein, M.D. Short-term and long term health risks of nuclear-power-plant accidents. New England journal of medicine 364.24 (2011): 2334-2341. Academic Search Complete. Web. 22 July 2014. Marica, Lucia, and Luminita Moraru. Study Regarding Electromagnetic Radiation Exposure Generated By Mobile Phone. AIP Conference Proceedings 1400.1 (2011): 560-564. Academic Search Complete. Web. 23 July 2014. Maar, Tomas, and Jiri Martinec. Possibilities Of Vapour Condensation And Heat Accumulation Systems For Loca Accidents In Nuclear Power Plants. Annals Of The Faculty Of Engineering Hunedoara International Journal Of Engineering 12.2 (2014): 81-84. Academic Search Complete. Web. 24 July 2014. Murphy, Patrick, and David J. Browne. Solar Energy: Competitive On Carbon Emissions?. Engineers Journal 62.9 (2008): 550-555. Academic Search Complete. Web. 28 July 2014. Nijkeuter, M.,Grlrijns, J, De Roos , A, Meinders, E, and Huisman, M. Diagnosing Pulmonary Embolism In Pregnancy: Rationalizing Fetal Radiation Exposure In Radiological Procedures. Journal Of Thrombosis Haemostasis 2.10 (2004): 1857-1858. Academic Search Complete. Web. 28 July 2014. Pehlivanogl, F., and S Kilincarslan. Determination Of Natural Radioactivity In Aggregates From Western Mediterranean Region. Acta Physica Polonica, A 125.2 (2014): 275-277. Academic Search Complete. Web. 21 July 2014 Perrow, Charles. Nuclear Denial: From Hiroshima To Fukushima. Bulletin Of The Atomic Scientists 69.5 (2013): 56-67. Academic Search Complete. Web. 24 July 2014. Robertson, Naomi. Harnessing The Power Of Radioactivity. Young Scientists Journal 4.9 (2011): 10-12. Academic Search Complete. Web. 28 July 2014. Sadrul Islam, A. K. M., and M. Ahiduzzaman. Biomass Energy: Sustainable Solution For Greenhouse Gas Emission. AIP Conference Proceedings 1440.1 (2012): 23-32. Academic Search Complete. Web. 24 July 2014. Samadi, Mohamad Taghi, Bahman GolzarKhojasteh, and Nima Rostampour. Indoor Natural Radiation Level In Hamadan Province, 2012. (English). Journal Of Mazandaran University Of Medical Sciences (JMUMS) 23.99 (2013): 52-59. Academic Search Complete. Web. 28 July 2014. Smits, Ariel K., Heather L. Paladine, and Dolores Zegar Judkins. What Are The Risks To The Fetus Associated With Diagnostic Radiation Exposure During Pregnancy?. Journal Of Family Practice 55.5 (2006): 441-444. Academic Search Complete. Web. 23 July 2014. Wang, Qiang, and Xi Chen. Regulatory Failures For Nuclear Safety – The Bad Example Of Japan – Implication For The Rest Of World. Renewable Sustainable Energy Reviews 16.5 (2012): 2610-2617. Academic Search Complete. Web. 17 July 2014. Wohns, Anthony. Fukushimas Lessons For Boston: Debating The Future Of Nuclear Energy. Harvard International Review 35.3 (2014): 4-5. Academic Search Complete. Web. 28 July 2014. Zhao, Haihua. Zhang, Hongbin, Sharpe, Phil, Hamanaka, Blaise, Yan, Wei., and Jeong, WoonSeong. Ice Thermal Storage Systems For Nuclear Power Plant Supplemental Cooling And Peak Power Shifting. Journal Of Energy Engineering 139.1 (2013): 41-47. Academic Search Complete. Web. 23 July 2014. Zheng, Jian, Keiko Tagami, and Shigeo Uchida. Rapid Analysis Of U Isotopes In Vegetables Using ICP-MS: Application To The Emergency U Monitoring After The Nuclear Accident At TEPCOs Fukushima Dai-Ichi Power Station. Journal Of Radioanalytical Nuclear Chemistry 292.1 (2012): 171-175. Academic Search Complete. Web. 19 July 2014. [1]incomplete sentence [2]capitalize [3]misspelling

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Free College Essays - Sir Gawain and the Green Knight :: Sir Gawain Green Knight Essays

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight The poet begins his work by reminding us that the history of Britain is both ancient and glorious; Aeneas, whose deeds in the Trojan War are legendary, whose exploits in war are recorded in Virgil's Aeneid, and who is legendary for having founded the city of Rome after the Trojan War, was the ancestor of a man named Felix Brutus who founded Britain ("Britain" comes from "Brutus"). The most noble of the kings that followed Brutus was Arthur; the poet says that he intends to tell one of the wondrous tales of Arthur. One Christmas at Camelot, the king, his queen Guinevere, and the court gather for fifteen days of celebration. The best and noblest of people and activities are there: brave and famous men who compete in military games, beautiful and gracious ladies who play kissing games with the men. There is the most wonderful entertainment-dancing, feasting, singing. On New Year's Day, there is a tremendous feast at which all gather together. Arthur, young and impulsive, has a feast-day tradition, though, which has to be observed before the meal. He would not eat on such an occasion until he observed something marvelous: the telling of an amazing story, the fighting of a glorious battle, or the like. Arthur presides over the feast at the high table with Guinevere and Gawain and other famous knights as music plays and the food is brought in-so many delicacies and elaborate dishes that the poet says it would be impossible to describe them all. In the midst of the preparations for the feast, and as Arthur waits for a marvel to take place so that he can eat, a huge and terrible man bursts into the hall-a giant of a man, his chest and limbs are massive even while his proportions show him to be fit and attractive. The most shocking thing about him is that he was completely green. The poet spends most of the next three stanzas describing the Green Knight in detail; first, we learn of his clothing, trimmed in fur and embroidery, all green and gold. Then we learn that the horse he rides, the saddle, and the stirrups are all green. The man's long hair matches that of the horse, and he has a great, thick beard, also green.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Cultural History of Rap Essay

Public Enemy opens the track with â€Å"Cant Truss It† in a rap merge with Flavor Flav who shouts â€Å"Confusion† their voices paralleled over the heavy and energetic baselines. Even though the song speaks about slavery as rapped by Chuck D about the legacy of slavery, the opening rhymes could as well be used to describe the cultural history of rap music (Rose 272). While there is widespread perception that rap culture is nothing but a noisy and confusing genre of music that has crept into contemporary America’s culture, there are those who posit that rap is an educational tool, as a component of the hip hop culture it is a way of life, a representation of social activism and a music genre with deep social undertones that are drawn from its identifiable origins. Any discussion on the aesthetic edge of rap cannot be made unless a critical analysis is done of the sequential developments in rap music. Never even in its tutelage did rap gain the adoration of the larger populace. The obstacles it faced as it grew from its roots to achieve its present status are so many that it would be a great disservice to take a criticism leaning on the concept of aesthetic edge to disregard rap and pronounce it dead. Initially rap music was regarded as a passing fad that was nothing but a playful and ephemeral expression of black culture whose origins could be traced to the musical energies of the black urban teens. Wynston Marshalis dismissed hip hop as nothing but adolescent â€Å"ghetto minstresly† (Dyon xv). When it was realized that rap as a form of music was meant to stay longer than it had been expected, it received a novel christening that permanently fixed it as a form of music played by and for black ghetto youths. It is at this point that reactions against rap became transformed from dismissal to denigration and it was commonplace to hear attacks from both the white and black quarters. Trying to chart the origins or rap music as a form of cultural expression is very tricky because we are either forced to accept that the cultural foundation existed but only gained expression through rap or view rap as an independent cultural facet that spontaneously erupted without deep cultural roots from where it had existed way before it gained wide applause or derision. However, for the sake of charting the cultural history of rap and pinning it to what critics say about the music genre, it can be conclusively said that the first instance of rap could be traced to the revolutionary verse that was done by Gil Scott-Heron and the Last Poets. Pigmeat Markham followed next with â€Å"Here Come de Judge,† to Bessie Smith rapping along to the beats in her blues (Keyes 17; Forman & Neal 61). For the purposes of pinpointing the origins of rap, it is also prudent to cite that Rap existed in some ancient African oral traditions and consequently in contemporary African American cultural practices. Specifically, modern cultural history of rap begins in 1979, with Sugarhill Gang rapping in the song â€Å"Rapper’s Delight†. These early cases were mostly underground rap forms. Underground rap was viewed as the signal breaker and what followed next was the birth of hip hop and the beginning of the global popularity of rap music. Usually the first stage in production of rap music was the record production where the artist would place their rhythmic repetitive speech over known black music hits which were mostly R&B rhythms that were well known. This stage would later on transform with the help of advanced technical virtuosity through drum machines, instrumentation and the sampling of existing records so as to make rap a form of music that was creatively symbolic(Forman & Neal 61; Keyes 122). Despite all these changes rap was still limited to the inner city neighborhoods, especially in at its cradle; the New York City. Artists like Cold Rush Brothers, Africa Bambataa, Kurtis Blow, Busty Bee, Kool Moe Dee, Funky 4 plus 1, Grandmaster Mel and DJ Kool Herc, began actively experimenting with this new music genre as well as proclaiming its African roots (Keyes 17). Its development was thus marked by the description and analysis of the social, political and economic factors that stimulated its emergence and consequent developments. Such factors included police brutality, drug addiction, teen pregnancy coupled to a variety of cases of material deprivation. A notable case is Kurtis Blow’s lyrics in â€Å"Those are the Breaks†, and the â€Å"Message† a song merges between The Furious Five and Grandmaster Flash. These songs pictured the hues existent in the social misery as well as the stains that could be observed as profoundly reminiscent of urban catastrophe. A rendition of the â€Å"Message† was as follows; â€Å"You’ll grow up in the ghetto living second rate/ And your eyes will sing a song of deep hate/ The places you play and where you stay, / Looks like one great alleyway/ You’ll admire all the number book takers/ Thus, pimps, and pushers and the big money makers/ Drivin’ big cars, spending like a jungle sometimes/ It makes me wonder how I keep from goin’ under. † (Forman & Neal 62) This song together with Flash’s â€Å"New York, New York† became the pioneers of the social awakening that characterizes rap music in combination with musical creation, social protest and cultural expression (Forman & Neal 62). Kool Herc who was a Jamaican DJ in the Bronx is credited with revolutionizing the rhythms in rap. Herc had a unique style of deejaying where rhymes could be recited over instrumentals. In places where he was deejaying such as house parties, he would rap on the microphone while involving a variety of the in-house references. These duplicates of house parties where Herc was deejaying quickly diffused to Manhattan and Brooklyn and followers of rap music began to grow in number (Keyes 40; Adaso 1). Next stage of growth was the increment in financial fortunes from rappers. However, at the background there were still beliefs that rap was nothing but an epiphenomenol cultural activity that would with time wane off after the youth became bored or acquired a different diversion in life just like what had happened to graffiti art and break dancing. But the growth of groups such as the Run-DMC rap group entrenched rap as an independent sphere of an expression of art that increasingly took control of its destiny. Run-DMC became the progenitor of the modern form of rap that is basically a creative integration of diverse musical elements, social commentary and uncompromising cultural identification. This strong integration pushed rap into the mainstream of American culture as well as securing its future as a music genre that has a clearly identifiable tradition. The commercial and critical success that Run-DMC accomplished almost single handedly, pushed rap music into American homes by being certified gold, being featured on MTV as well as being the first rap album(Raising Hell in 1987) to go triple platinum(Keyes 67). Moreover, with the song â€Å"Proud to be Black† they intoned unabashed racial pride that was missing in those days of chronic racial discrimination. It can also be said that it was at this time in the cultural history that Run-DMC acting like a self proclaimed ambassador of rap music began to concentrate its characteristic subversive cultural didacticism to address issues of racism, classism, urban pain, and social neglect. In rap concerts, rappers engaged in ritualistic refusals to abide by the censoring of speech. The concert also acted as space for cultural resistance, loosening the strictures that Blacks were subjected to through demoralizing condemnation and tyrannizing surveillance. The latter actions by the hegemonies white ruling class only served to muffle cultural creativity and self expression. Based on these developments rap music became a strong social force fighting for their civil rights and liberties. Commercial success was instrumental in pushing rap music to the mainstream American culture on one hand but on the other, another charge was levied on rap music: that rap expressed and promoted violence. A notable personality, Tipper Gore has often retained his repeated stance that rap music only appeals to those kids who are angry, disillusioned and unloved. He posits that rap tells them that it is okay to engage in violence. To this day there is a popular perception that there exists an intimate linkage between rap music and the violence exhibited in the social arena especially by Latino and black inner city youth. However, much people may try to substantiate these claims, they are merely side shows and have nothing to do with the deep understanding of rap as a genre of music as well as a cultural and historical identity of the American people. There are countless numbers of rappers who have spoken against violence. On point is rapper KRS-One on his track titled, â€Å"Stop the Violence† in the top selling album of 1989, â€Å"Self Destruction†. In the track KRS-One raps that violence predates rap and is therefore not a characteristic of rap music. He urges a stop of black on black violence as it only erodes the social and communal fabric that had for decades debased inner cities where blacks resided across America (Forman & Neal 66). Despite the potency of the message that KRS-One put across, categorically negative images in against rap have persisted. In a nutshell, rap music is emblematic of the existence of glacial shifts in aesthetic sensibilities that have for decades progressed as blacks moved from one generation to the next with regard to the severity of economic barriers that have been at play in the movement from the ghetto life to middle or upper middle class blacks. Fortunately, these negative perceptions of rap have led to the development of a fierce competitive steak among rappers and hence their continual transcendence across boundaries to global markets. It is upon this developments that rap modeled the modern definition of hip hop which opines that it is a form of music comprised of emceeing and deejaying coupled with graffiti and break dancing. These are the four components of hip hop that catapulted it to its current big business nature. As this evolution progresses other components like clothing trend, lifestyle, slang and the general mindset are becoming more and more incorporated into the hip hop culture. In differentiating rap and hip hop it can be said that rap is a genre of music in the hip hop culture. Hip hop is a lifestyle complete with its own dress codes and lingo. To borrow the words of KRS-One, hip hop defines how you life while rap is definitive of what you (Adaso 1; Cheryl Keyes interview with KRS-One). Therefore, as a product of decades cross cultural integration with deep roots in the African culture, African oral tradition and consequently African American tradition, it is deeply weaved into the social fabric that pronouncing it dead based on the basis of aesthetic edge is simply parochial. First, it is prudent to understand the cultural developments of rap music because it is only in such an understanding that it becomes considerably plausible to attribute lack of aestheticity in its present forms. In context, rap music brings together so many complex social, economic, cultural and political issues. Its contradictory articulations are neither signs of losing the aesthetic edge nor signs of the absence of intellectual clarity. As stated in the beginning of this discourse, the obstacles that rap has survived to become what it is today are may and variable. Therefore, the contradictory articulations that are existent today are but common features of cultural dialogues that not unidirectional but multi directional in that they include the social, cultural and political contexts that define the everyday struggles over pleasure, resources and meanings in the environment where we live and interact(Rose 274). Rap music is a cultural expression that is a preserve of the black community since it prioritizes black voices living in the inner cities of urban America. It is highly rhythmic with a very strong storytelling component. The music is basically electronically based. These are some of the characteristic features of rap music. It is upon these tenets that rap music should be judged so as to form an opinion on its relevance. Rapping which is currently embedded on the powerful technological, industrial as well as ideological institutions usually involve the telling of long and sometimes abstract stories that are necessary in passing the information to the wider audience. Memorable phrases and rhymes that are themselves black sound bite packaged in an ever changing black slang. In essence, rap music wizards, all sounds, images, icons and ideas for recontextualization, mockery, pun and celebration. All these characteristics lie at the core of rap and are therefore definitive of it. In his book, Hip Hop Matters, Watkins, quotes David Samuels who asserts that â€Å"rap has forfeited whatever claim it may have has to particularly by acquiring a mainstream white audience whose taste increasingly determined the nature of the form. What whites wanted was not music, but black music, which as a result stopped really being either† (85). This statement confirms that rap has lost its aesthetic edge because owing to its origins that clearly defined the cultural difference between white and black music, such a divide was broken by rappers like Eminem who symbolized the first breakage of that division. The fact that Eminem rose to a celebrity status despite his white background also confirms that from the earlier days when rap was a preserve for only the black kids, rap has revolutionized and rewritten the racial and cultural history of America. This assertion can be counterbalanced by the fact that the existence and the inevitability of social change cannot be used as a reason to proclaim that rap has completely lost its aesthetic edge. Moreover, the American landscape has changed both socially, economically, politically and culturally. Days when white hegemonies and racial discrimination have gone by. There cannot be a greater explanation for the political changes than the mere fact that a Black president is occupying the white house. In introducing the book, Know What I Mean, by Dyson rapper JZ reiterates the socio-economic underpinnings that defined his life as he grew on the tough streets of Detroit. These conditions of life opened up his mind to the benefits of learning. He could have become a teacher at Baltimore to show the young kids the benefits of leaning just like Tupac had been shown that there existed a power in knowledge and understanding a people’s history (Dyson ix). He further points out that hip hop are not only Black American but American as well. It is correct in the context of cultural discourses to pinpoint forms of music that are termed as rap and are indeed not. Nas’ assertion that hip hop is dead is welcome as it denotes artistic vigilance. Moreover, Nas forms the caliber of rappers who have maintained the original style and content of rap music. As a rapper he has come into contact with a variety of musicians who are not driven by the basic nature of the rapper to use music as a form of activism against social ills. In his book, Dyson describes Nas as one of his generation who is not illiterate, destructive or materialistic, a man who read for passion, pleasure and intellectual stimulation (iv). At the core, rap music can never be called rap without an examination and acceptance of its true nature in the social fabric of America’s landscape. According to Nas, hip hop is dead is a title he used for his album because he felt that unlike in the historical past, people no longer have political voices. Speaking in an interview with MTV, he said, â€Å"When I say ‘hip-hop is dead’, basically America is dead. There is no political voice. Music is dead †¦ Our way of thinking is dead, our commerce is dead. Everything in this society has been done. It’s like a slingshot, where you throw the m- back and it starts losing speed and is about to fall down. That’s where we are as a country †¦ what I mean by ‘hip-hop is dead’ is we’re at a vulnerable state. If we don’t change, we gonna disappear like Rome. I think hip-hop could help rebuild America, once hip-hoppers own hip-hop †¦ We are our own politicians, our own government, we have something to say† (MTV. com) In another interview Nas said that he used the title as a way of engendering reaction from other artists which like he expected happened. Nas blamed the hip hop world especially those in the South for reducing the quality of rap with sub genres like snap music and crunk. Such productions were ideally an affront to Nas’ street credibility. It is aspect of street credibility that Keyes refers to as street consciousness. A critical analysis of the lyrical content as well as the social message in many of today’s rap hits confirms Nas’ assertion that hip hop is dead. The noble quest for social voice that had existed in the past has been replaced with a music genre that is solely driven towards material possession and the pleasures that accompany such acquisitions of wealth. In another interview he could not be more exact, he said that rappers were simply monkeying around and just scrambling for attention. As a counter attack to the notion that hip hop has lost its aesthetic edge, Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Lil Wayne and Kanye West scoffed at the assertions made by Nas. Specifically, Ludacris intoned that hip hop ain’t dead that it was indeed living in the South. Saying that it was the South keeping it alive, he added that hip hop is what you make it to be. Moreover, they believed that due to the booming South, saying that hip hop is dead does not make sense as the south would have been dead too(http://tbohiphop. net). According to Keyes, Rap music if a forum used by rappers to address economic and political disfranchisement of youths especially black youths, it fosters ethnic pride, displays cultural values and aesthetics. At the core rap is artists, the themes they portray and the variation of styles in the portrayal of these themes as a sure reflection of urban life and street consciousness values and aesthetics. Therefore as countries, cultures and cultural components change and socially restructure, there is going to be a continual transformation across cultures and not even rap music can escape such an onslaught. However, a dominant cultural force like rap genre can never be erased. There are core components that will forever define and differentiate rap music from other musical genres. Works Cited Dyson, E. Michael. Know What I Mean? Reflections on Hip Hop. Westview Press, 2007 Forman, M. & Neal, A. Mark. That’s the joint! the hip-hop studies reader. Routledge Press. 2004 Keyes, L. Cheryl. Rap Music and Street Consciousness. University of Illinois Press. 2004 Rose, Tricia. Voices from the Margins: Rap Music and Contemporary Cultural Production. In Popular Culture in American History. By Jim Cullen. Blackwell Publishing, 2001 Watkins, C. Samuel. Hip Hop Matters: Politics, Pop Culture, and the Struggle for the Soul of a Movement. Beacon Press, 2005 Websites Adaso, H. A Brief History of Hip-Hop and Rap. http://rap. about. com/od/rootsofraphiphop/p/RootsOfRap. htm Is Hip-Hop Dead? Luda, Big Boi Disagree With Nas. http://tbohiphop. net/is-hip-hop-dead-luda-big-boi-disagree-with-nas/18/ MTV. NAS Interview, â€Å"Hip-Hop Is Dead†. MTV. com