Triple Bottom Line

TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE The triple bottom line refers to an extension of the criteria used to measure organisational success. Traditionally, business success (or failure) is measured in terms of its economic performance. A business is considered to be successful if it has generated a sufficient financial return from its investments, financing activities and operating activities. The triple bottom line takes into account three criteria for assessing organisational performance; 1. economic, 2. social 3. and Environmental.The financial or economic performance of an organisation is the easiest of the three criteria to measure accurately. Traditional accounting methods take into account the inflow and outflow of resources from the business, generally including cash and finances, assets, liabilities and other easily definable business resources. The economic criteria can then be used to determine how much an organisation generates in monetary value. It can also be used to determine the net wort h of the business at a given point in time.The social performance of an organisation is somewhat more difficult to define and measure. The social criterion of the triple bottom line takes into account the impact that a business has on people within the business (employees) and people outside of the business (the community). A business applying the triple bottom line principles will act in a way that benefits the community and will ensure that people are not being exploited or endangered by the operation of the business.Social factors that should be considered include labour utilisation and wages, working conditions and contribution to community living standards. Environmental performance is concerned with a business' total impact on the natural environment. Triple bottom line organisations aim to improve the environment where feasible, or at the very least, reduce and limit their negative impact on the environment. Organisations need to look at more than just obvious environmental i ssues (like pollution) and should consider the total lifecycle impact of their products and services.Triple bottom line reporting is becoming more widespread amongst both large and small organisations. Triple bottom line reporting makes business decisions and actions more transparent and allows people to gain a thorough understanding of a business' level of corporate social responsibility. The triple bottom line report also helps manager to assess and compare their performance across all three criteria against the business objectives and long term goals. Triple Bottom Line In the 1990's, mainly due to global warming and its effects like the â€Å"ozone layer†, the world has spread the idea of the Green Movement and people started to question organisations' practices and their environmental, social and economic impacts. With this in mind, companies started to pay more attention to business sustainability in order to improve the company's reputation. The Triple Bottom Line (TBL) concept is a methodology that focuses on the 3 P's: People, Planet and Profit. It was first introduced by John Elkington in 1994 and has increasingly become a basis for business sustainability.Not only has the world's Green mentality influenced how companies operate but also government policies have made companies implement a different approach. Although many companies are using the TBL reporting and have reported to reduce costs due to this approach some companies avoid incorporating sustainability into their practices. As Bristol was considered the European Green Capital large and is seen as a true role model for the Green economy in Europe. This award encourages cities to improve the quality of life by taking the environment and social aspects into account in urban planning and management.It is believed that companies in Bristol have been influenced by this award to take a more sustainable approach towards the operations. This paper will review the TBL concept and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). It will also include thoughts of TBL in relation to the organisation researched and its effects on its operations by linking theory to research findings. Research methods The research methods used in this report consist of field interviews to customers and employees of the chosen organisation.The interviews were conducted between the 29th of November and the 1st of December. The only sources of evidence used in this report are data collected from the conducted interview, relevant information from literature and personal experiences that were related to the topic. Literature review The Triple Bottom Line concept was first introduced by John Elkington in 1994 to expand the environmentalist agenda of those working towards sustainability so that it more explicitly incorporates a social dimension (Elkington, 2004).The triple bottom line is described as an inevitable  expansion of the environmental agenda [that] focuses corporations not just on the economic value that they add, but also on the environmental and social value that they add – or destroy (Elkington, 2004). This framework went beyond the traditional measures of profits, return on investment and shareholder value to include environmental and social dimensions (Slaper and Hall, 2011). . In addition, Savitz argues that TBL captures the essence of sustainability by measuring the impact of an organization's activities on the world including both its profitability and shareholder values and its social, human and environmental capital (Savitz, 2006).The three performan ce elements that compose TBL are social, environmental and financial variables. These are commonly to as the 3 Ps: people, planet and profits. Nevertheless, the 3Ps do not have a common unit of measure (Slaper and Hall, 2011). It is a very difficult task to put a value on social and environmental dimensions of the Triple Bottom Line. Some argue that monetizing these dimensions would be a good option as it would have a single unit of measurement but on the other hand, how could you find the correct price for extinct species?Different views on how to measure TBL has been a subject of argument since it began to be studied. The number of companies that use some kind of 3P accounting grows at an impressive rate (Tullberg, 2012). According to KPMG 70% of the top 250 companies of the world did so by 2005 (Tullberg 2012). This supports that companies are trying to achieve their goals of profit maximization and economic growth while increasing environmental and social awareness and responsib ility and also by focusing on having sustainable operations.Sustainability is defined as the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs (WCED, 1987). Companies with different sizes and structures understand that having sustainable operations is extremely important and they do so by balancing the 3 dimensions of the TBL concept. Environmental sustainability is related to the reduction of the footprint left by the company on the environment. Social sustainability shifts the focus to both internal communities (i. e. , employees) and external ones (Pullman et al., 2009).In order to enhance their social reputation companies engage in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) (Fombrun, 2005). Corporate Social Responsibility requires companies to acknowledge that they should be publicly accountable not only for their financial performance but also for their social and environmental record (CBI, 2001) and, by relati ng the TBL concept to CSR, it can be suggested that companies not only need to engage in socially and environmentally responsible behaviour, but, also, that positive financial gains can be made in the process (Gimenez et al, 2012).In recent years, governments have implemented legislations that oblige companies to provide information on how they are being socially responsible. According to the UK Corporate Governance Code the board should set the company’s values and standards and ensure that its obligations to its shareholders and others are understood and met (Financial Reporting Council, 2012) and Henderson (2004) states that in the UK there is a minister that is charged of promoting CSR.These are some of many examples to show the importance given to CSR. It is not only in the UK that legislation plays a large role in investments by companies in CSR but, also, in other countries in the EU like Germany where companies where required to implement CSR updates on their reports. However, by implementing regulation that obligates companies to report on their CSR means that those that were already being sustainable will lose their competitive advantage.An UK Government report on CSR states that CSR is about companies acting voluntarily to raise performance beyond minimum legal standards (UK Government, 2004), but with the implementation of this type of legislation, companies which have been using sustainable practices for years, will have their positive brand image removed. Many may argue whether companies are actually using â€Å"real CSR practices† (Gallego-Alvarez, 2010) in a voluntary and caring way or simple not concerned at all about their social and environmental impact and only concerned about the positive brand recognition that come with CSR practices.Although, it is agreed by many sources that the concern of companies for CSR has significantly contributed to the social welfare, some, like Henderson, oppose the fact of companies accepting CSR as he believes that it is both harmful at the level of individual enterprises and in relation to the economy as a whole (Henderson, 2009). Furthermore, Eden (1994) stated that the use of sustainable development in a business orientation becomes problematic where that orientation obscures other issues and demotes environmental action to only shallow and reformist dimensions (Eden, 1994).In conclusion, the vision of sustainability has come a long way since first introduced and CSR has become an extremely important aspect of business processes and will continue to grow despite the opposition of some. Achieving Triple Bottom Line growth will be a continuing quest for many organisations but to achieve sustainable development other issues at a macroeconomic level must be addressed. The operation researched The chosen operation to research is a local community gym based at Gloucestershire Cricket Club located in one of Bristol's main roads.BS7 Gym provides a high quality exercise facility for members of the community alongside Gloucestershire cricket professionals. It is easily observable, staff and members could be easily approached and it had sufficient data for statistics to be developed. Data collected Data collection was essential for this report. By conducting interviews to both gym staff and members and observing its facilities it enables the development of statements. In order to gather relevant data the interviewing of staff was centred on TBL, CSR and the European Green Capital Award (EGCA).From the staff interview, it was possible to understand that staff had little or no knowledge about the concepts of CSR and TBL. After being briefly introduced to these concepts the interviewees were questioned about their thoughts on Bristol being awarded the EGCA. Many said that is was very positive and related this to businesses thinking about green issues and some gave examples of environmental friendly practices conducted by businesses and families. One interviewee in particular, referred to transport systems and their improvements and also the Bristol cycling campaign.The remainder of the questions concerned more about the 3 Ps. The interviewees were questioned on what the BS7 Gym was doing towards the environment and the community and what were their thoughts on this and if they could improve. The main answer was based on the individual and not on the Gym itself as they believed that they, as an individual, were doing their best to have positive impact on the People and Planet. They thought that the Gym, as a whole, was not considering their environmental sustainability as much as they consider social sustainability.After conducting observation of the Gym facilities it was very evident that the environmental sustainability measurements were not positive. Simple things like keeping the changing room light on even when they are not being used and the toilet discharge tank dripping constantly show that the gym's performance can be significantl y improved. Some interviewees mentioned that they are individually committed to being sustainable and improve on their environmental footprint. Interviews were also made to members of the Gym. These interviews were based on the members' thoughts about TBL and the gym's concerns towards the environment.Mostly every member identified social variables that can be used to measure their TBL such as, charity contributions (food bank, working with Multiple Sclerosis patients and autistic students) and providing the facilities to the local school. Moreover, gym members mentioned that the gym is constantly improving their facilities, projects and invest on innovation. Their thoughts towards this, related mainly to the gym trying to satisfy every member by providing different class types and improving their gym material. Operational benefitsAs Tullerg (2012) stated, the increase in companies that use some kind of 3 Ps, is perfectly seen in BS7 Gym. As a medium corporation they are paying more attention in being sustainable. With the charitable contribution they are improving their brand image and ,by showing their members that they are a sustainable corporation, they can increase their membership sales. Concentrating on both internal and external aspects of social sustainability (Pullman et al, 2009), will influence both the employees and the local community to be more socially sustainable.One interviewee said that he was influenced by other employees' commitment to being sustainable. Although BS7 Gym is very attentive to the social aspect of TBL they lack attention on the environmental aspect. The high level of light and water consumption shows that the higher levels of the organisational pyramid are not taking into consideration their environmental side of TBL and if they could implement timer on lights and water taps in order to reduce costs and improve the financial performance. ConclusionAs sustainability becomes a bigger issue nowadays, BS7 Gym although being a sm all to medium company with very simple business processes, it is possible to say that they have a sustainable approach towards their activities and that they embrace Triple Bottom Line in depth. Their sustainable approach has shown to improve their performance and how they are seen by the local community and their members. Their social and environmental accountability and responsibility lead them to economic growth although some adjustments and improvements can be done. Triple Bottom Line TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE The triple bottom line refers to an extension of the criteria used to measure organisational success. Traditionally, business success (or failure) is measured in terms of its economic performance. A business is considered to be successful if it has generated a sufficient financial return from its investments, financing activities and operating activities. The triple bottom line takes into account three criteria for assessing organisational performance; 1. economic, 2. social 3. and Environmental.The financial or economic performance of an organisation is the easiest of the three criteria to measure accurately. Traditional accounting methods take into account the inflow and outflow of resources from the business, generally including cash and finances, assets, liabilities and other easily definable business resources. The economic criteria can then be used to determine how much an organisation generates in monetary value. It can also be used to determine the net wort h of the business at a given point in time.The social performance of an organisation is somewhat more difficult to define and measure. The social criterion of the triple bottom line takes into account the impact that a business has on people within the business (employees) and people outside of the business (the community). A business applying the triple bottom line principles will act in a way that benefits the community and will ensure that people are not being exploited or endangered by the operation of the business.Social factors that should be considered include labour utilisation and wages, working conditions and contribution to community living standards. Environmental performance is concerned with a business' total impact on the natural environment. Triple bottom line organisations aim to improve the environment where feasible, or at the very least, reduce and limit their negative impact on the environment. Organisations need to look at more than just obvious environmental i ssues (like pollution) and should consider the total lifecycle impact of their products and services.Triple bottom line reporting is becoming more widespread amongst both large and small organisations. Triple bottom line reporting makes business decisions and actions more transparent and allows people to gain a thorough understanding of a business' level of corporate social responsibility. The triple bottom line report also helps manager to assess and compare their performance across all three criteria against the business objectives and long term goals.

A Day in the Life of a Dog

The room felt airy as I woke up in my bed with my duvet wrapped around me. The atmosphere seemed damp and dull; perhaps my Central heating was on the blink again. I stretched and rose from the warm comfort of my bed and slide of my fluffy purple slippers and slowly, shivering walked over to my wardrobe and opened the creaking door and put on my cold but yet soft dressing gown. The radiator was rumbling and as I touched it my hand went numb with the coldness, it wasn't working again. As I turned away from the radiator and headed towards the door to check my thermostat, I tripped up on a book that was on the floor and it my head on the side of my desk. I began to tremble and shake and I had a numb feeling and images of all kinds of dogs in all shapes and sizes, eating, sleeping, and barking appeared in my head. I was scared infact terrified, Why did I have visions of dogs? Why was I imagining myself as a dog? After what seemed like ages, I tried to pick myself up off the carpet, I couldn't. I suddenly realised that I wasn't human anymore. I had four legs, a soft fur coat and I couldn't talk, all I could do was yap and bark. I was frightened. I nervously took a step and my paws pounded to the floor. Why was I a dog? How was I going to cope? What would my family think? I felt odd but I knew that underneath this fur coat and dumb looking face I was still the same person I had been before I turned into a dog. I shook my coat and cleaned it. It was quite an exciting but yet terrifying experience. My sense of smell had grown stronger. I could smell the stench of sweaty socks. I plodded out of my cold bedroom and down the stairs. My paws were cold because the carpet was damp. As I entered the bathroom I saw my reflection in the mirror, it horrified me. I was a little black dog with long, curly haired ears, short stocky legs, a plump elly, deep dark eyes that sparkled in the sunlight and a wet black nose. I was quite pleased with the way I looked, so off I trotted round the house. My tongue was hanging out of my mouth and I was breathing heavily because I was in need of a drink. It was scary because how was I going to adapt to life as a dog. I didn't know how I was going to get a drink or food. The house smelt of curry and garlic from my tea the night before and cigarette smoke lingered in the air. Flowers in the hall made me sneeze. I jumped up onto the settee and looked outside, how I longed for a rink and something to eat. I could feel a breeze coming from the conservatory, the draft was sending chills down my back and my little black hairs were standing on edge. As I wandered into the conservatory I realised the lower window was open at a jar, so I stood back and remembered what I'd seen other dogs do and decided to try leaping, but as I ran and leaped I crashed into the wall. My nose hit the wall and my back legs collapsed beneath me. I lifted my belly and legs off the floor and gave it another go, this time succeeding. I landed on a wet, paved path that wasn't soft on my ensitive paws. I wasn't use to my strong sense of smell and my sensitive fur coat. Dozens of smells hit me. I could smell different types of food, cats, other dogs, birds and human smells. I drank murky water from the path. It was cold and tasted of chlorine. Leaves rustled underneath my feet. I wanted to explore because I didn't know how long I was going to stay as a dog. Firstly though I needed some food. I remembered my little sister putting some nuts and stale bread out for the birds about two or three days ago. I hooked onto the scent that led me to the greenhouse and here it was stale but now soggy bread and a few crumpled nuts. I bolted that down and ran off to the front gate, which was open. Out I wandered onto the pavement. I could hear lots of noises, children screaming, the traffic zooming by and the wind howling round my body. I could smell other dogs and the horrible shabby cat that lived next door; it had one bad eye that use to stare and weep. I wandered off in the direction of the park, passing lots of children whose feet pounded past my body. Some stopped to pat me, roughly grabbing at my coat and others pointed. Was I really that fascinating? I must have looked like a rough, homeless dog that smelt of nasty uncleanliness smells but I didn't care I just wanted to explore. I wandered out in front of traffic which swerved to dodge me and people were cursing at me but I acted all innocently after all to them I was some dumb dog that didn't understand them. As I got closer to the park I could hear other dogs barking and their owners shouting their names. I had no one to look out for me, no ball to play with, no treats to have when I had obeyed them and no one to love me. So I wandered about the park aimlessly sniffing at the other ogs around me, rubbing at their owners legs in the hope that they'd give me some food or affection. After chasing other dogs balls and getting shouted at off their owners I headed for the duck pond. As I drew nearer I could hear all the ducks quacking and I could smell the fishy scent. I got so excited I jumped into the duck pond and tried to catch the ducks but they started flapping their wings and quacking loudly and swam off faster than I could catch them. I felt soggy and wet and on my coat a horrible ponging smell leached. I got out of the pond and shook my coat. I was trembling now with oldness. Mud stuck to my paws, I could feel leaves sticking to my wet smelling coat and I probably looked like a disowned badly behaved dog, well infact I was one, so I decided to head home. I picked up my home scent half way back up the road and followed it to my front door and suddenly there was a shout and a bang and I turned over and realised I had just been dreaming and my little sister had just woke me up. I tried to settle back down in my bed and go back to my dream but it was no use, it had gone. It hadn't been real, it was a dream and not a reality but I was keeping that experience to myself!

Advanced Accounting Theory & Practice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Advanced Accounting Theory & Practice - Essay Example Since then, more and more countries are adopting IFRS.1 IASB sets down accounting standards for the accounting policies that a company under IFRS must follow. These accounting standards are in accordance with the requirements of Conceptual Framework which assist users of financial statements to take various financial decisions. IASB are in continuous effort to improve the accounting standards in order to prevent creative accounting practices by companies and help representing the true and fair view about the financial conditions and performance of the companies. IAS 1 which sets out guidelines regarding presentation of financial statements, its key features, changes in its recent revision by IASB, and finally criticism with regards to these changes, all have been covered in this study. Effects of changes in IAS 1 on Coca Cola Co. have also been studied. Key Features of IAS 1 Objective IAS 1 sets the guidelines to be followed in the presentation of financial statements made by an orga nisation. The presentation is made for the purpose of comparability with the company’s financial statements related to preceding periods. It also ensures that the financial statements of the company can be compared with other business entities as well. IAS 1 includes comprehensive requirements about how the financial statements are presented, rules about what would be its structure and the minimum requirements about what its contents will include.... cial statements are presented, rules about what would be its structure and the minimum requirements about what its contents will include.2 Scope IAS 1 is applicable to all the financial statements which are made for general purposes and is in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Financial statements used for general purposes are prepared with the intention that it would be required by the person who do not require financial reports to be used by them to cater to some particular information requirement.3 Financial Statements and its Components According to IAS 1, financial statements comprises of the following five components: 1. Balance Sheet: It is a statement which depicts the financial position of a business entity at the end of the period. 2. Income Statement: It is a statement explaining the comprehensive income of a business entity at the end of the period. 3. Statement of Shareholders’ Equity: It is a statement showing the increase or decr ease in equity of the business entity for the period. 4. Cash Flow Statement: It is a statement showing the cash flows of the business entity for the noted period. 5. Notes: It comprises of the accounting policies followed by the business entity in a summarised form. It also includes other explanatory notes of the business entity.4 IAS 1 does not require a business entity to use the same titles of the financial statements as stated above. They can use other titles as well. If we look at the annual reports of Coca Cola Co. for the year ending on December 31, 2011, we can find that all these components of financial statements are mentioned. Along with these there are other reports prepared by Coca Cola like, Report of Management, Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, etc. which

Current Topics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Current Topics - Research Paper Example There is good and there is bad in the proposals and of course hte mining industry is fighting the whole thing. With that in mind, this paper will look at three of the proposals and compare them to the design principles that are to include fairness. The principles that will be used here are simplicity, equity of fairness, and efficiency. The simplicity of this program is excellent. It is clear and easy to understand both for those that are young and just beginning to plan their retirement and those that have been saving for awhile. The catch up issue for older Australians may be a little more difficult than the rest as even though it does give a good opportunity for catch up, understanding how they might do that is difficult. They may need some advice on the best way to manage that in such a way that it is to their advantage then and now. At the same time, it seems very equitable. It would have been very easy to change the rule now and not go back and help those approaching retirement. That would have caused a very unequitable situation for the elderly Australian's now. For example the new guarantee has been extended to workers aged 70 to 75 so they can be on an equal footing with the younger workers (futuretax.gov). It also allows for changes to key amounts when there have been breaks in working throughout a career. Efficiency by the definition given appears to be well distributed. The funds that are put away from this process will go to build infrastructure and increase jobs for the young who will continue to work toward funding the process. This seems to be a very effective and quite efficient way of doing this. However, it works very much like the social security system in the United States (sociealsecurity.gov) which over the years has become a disaster and that may warn that this needs to be watched closely. In the U.S. social security monies were paid in for retirement and used for other things and now with a large retirement about to happen, there is no money. There is also going to be a smaller group of people to fund it over the next few years so there is every possibility that the system will collapse and many will be left without any retirement. Cutting the Company Tax This proposal is intended to use funds from the mining industry to reduce the overall tax that companies in Australia are presently paying. By doing this, it is meant to make Australia more competitive and increase jobs in this country. The plan is easy to understand and is written in such a way that we can all understand it. Attracting industry to Australia is important in keeping the economy healthy. This move will also make the Australian dollar stronger which in the world economy today is very important. This is definitively a proposal that is fair to everyone. In fact it affects everyone in the country in one way of another. The mining industry which is doing very well now will contribute funding to the treasury which allows them to reduce taxes on industry in general which then encourages more industry to come here. That industry, of course, increases jobs which then increases the tax base again. It will move Australia from 22nd to 17th among other countries of the same

Differences between Islamic Financing Methods and Conventional Research Paper

Differences between Islamic Financing Methods and Conventional Financing Methods - Research Paper Example The purpose of this study is to highlight the differences between the conventional financing methods and Islamic financing methods. The growing stature of Islamic financing methods in different parts of the world has offered different options to customers. It needs to be mentioned that Islamic financing methods are different from the conventional financing methods in terms of interest and profit elements. However, very few people are aware of that and often consider Islamic financing methods as similar to conventional financing methods. The study aims at highlighting the basic difference between these two financing methods along with analysing the overall importance and significance in the economic environment. The research also highlights the significance of the study in the current business and social environment. There is no doubt that Islamic financing methods are driven by religious teachings and preaching while conventional financing methods are based on modern and practical el ements of the economic environment like earning profit for every investment. The research encompasses a thorough analysis of differences between Islamic and conventional financing methods, assessment of advantages and disadvantages in the economic environment and preference of customers driven by religious issues and personal proclivity towards the financing methods. Financial institutions are often considered as the heart beat of any nation and smooth operation of these institutions often flourishes the perfect balance between the demand and supply of funds. There are a number of banks having different styles and perceptions of operating in a particular business and social environment. Islamic capitalism was based on Islamic principles where interest was prohibited in every sense. Islamic capitalism can be traced way back in 8-12th century but this has very little significance to this study. The primary purpose of this study is to highlight the differences between the conventional financing methods and Islamic financing methods. The growing stature of Islamic financing methods in different parts of the world has offered different options to customers. It needs to be mentioned that Islamic financing methods are different from the conventional financing methods in terms of interest and profit elements (Hassan, Kabir, Lewis, (2007). However, very few people are aware of that and often consider Islamic financing methods as similar to conventional financing methods. The study aims at highlighting the basic difference between these two

The Chrysanthemums Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Chrysanthemums - Essay Example Her working apparel is clean and provides security to her while working. She is very particular about her self cleanliness as well as of her farmhouse and ""The Chrysanthemums". She declares that her gardening skills were result of her mother's dextrousness in same work. She has just crossed her youth life and has a craving for going out and experiencing the kind of life other people live and to experience new things. She enjoys a very healthy and humorous relation with her husband who makes sure that he starts or leaves the conversation on a laughing note. Her husband who owns a ranch keeps her happy and cares for her well being. She is very observing and inquisitive by nature and keeps check on her surroundings and notes minute details about some things while even working on her beloved Chrysanthemums. Elisa has a face that becomes strong while assertings herselfat work and changes to more softness when she talks to her husband. Lean and strong, at the same time her face is mature and handsome to be seen as masculine while working on relatively softer stems and branches of the flowers. She is thorough with her work with matching knowledge and skilled hands. She loves going out and away from the usual chorus of farm work. She gets intrigued by stories of life that other people live, and also likes experimenting with things. The moment discussion gets towards chrysanthemums, Elisa gets emotionally attached to them and she helps anyone who appreciates the flower for its heavenly hue. She is a believer and a gifted lady. The spring wagon man initially has some off note talk with Elisa but then talks around things in order to get what he actually wants, the work that he pleaded initially to her. The behaviour of Elisa towards the untidy clothed man was rather appreciable and emphatical. And at last but not least, in parts of story, Elisa is depicted as a somewhat sensuous and very beautiful lady who pampers her self as much she works in her flower garden. At the e nd of the day when she gets ready to go out with her husband, she dresses up lovingly. Now we will talk about the character named Henry Allen. He is the owner of the ranch and Elisa is his wife. He loves Elisa very much and keeps her happy in her strenuous work, around the flower garden. He has an air of romanticism around him whenever he talks to her wife and has a good sense of humour with perfect timing. He plans things around pretty well and manages the ranch well also. There is also mention of him selling some fordson at a rate which was profitable. He and his wife share a very fulfilling relation together and his teasing and witty yet hilarious remarks refreshes Elisa quickly. Ain the end of the story while riding a roadster, he is very understanding and caring to her wifes responses and tries to reinforce her smile back. He loves his wife very much and it shows silently in their normal conversations. In the end we will have to discuss the character of a spring wagon chariot who is a daily wager and is not well off in his clothes, attire and vehicle which has a rather amusing fleet of one horse and one donkey clubbed

GENETICS- ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Research Paper

GENETICS- ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY - Research Paper Example The paper achieves this objective by identifying and examining roles that should be played by a multi-disciplinary healthcare team to effectively deal with a family whose unborn child is diagnosed with Tay Sach’s genetic disease. This case study also includes a teaching plan formulated for the family to examine further, the moral implications regarding ease of access to individuals’ genetic information. Additionally, the paper has a reflective section giving insight into my opinion in regard to the family’s decision, as well as, my advocacy for this choice. The final section in the report evaluates the legal and moral circumstances of carrying a baby diagnosed with Tay Sach’s to term. Genetics Case Study It is evident from the Trosack family case that, they are staunch Catholics. This implies that, strong Christian beliefs and ethics guide this family’s decisions, hence their elevated believe in God rather than scientific based evidence. All the sam e, the family needs professional support and education, so as to effectively cope with the Tay Sach’s diagnosis and provide sufficient care for their unborn child. Assessment of the Trosack’s case study brings several crucial healthcare issues to light. The issues include poly pharmacy concerns, and depression possibility owing to the pregnancy and consequent diagnosis (Jenkins & Lea, 2005). These issues can only be addressed by a team with diverse skills and knowledge in different disciplines. The multi-disciplinary team will help me, as the nurse in charge, to formulate an adequate education and discharge plan for Rita Trosack and her family. Members of the Interdisciplinary Team Case Manager: This is one of principal players in management of the case, since the individual is responsible for planning, task assignment and coordination of the other members involved in the Trosack family case (Jenkins & Lea, 2005). Additionally, the case manager provides information abo ut appropriate pregnancy care, while availing resources after Mrs. Trosack’s discharge. This individual can also assist the couple in accessing suitable physicians for their unborn child. It is also the case manager’s responsibility to question the Trosack couple, in order to discover relevant information such as their medical insurance, the level of education, religious beliefs and home living conditions. Overall, the case manager will provide access to all necessary resources for continued care for the child and its mother. Social Worker: This is a vital team member because he or she would enable the family to cope with the Tay Sach’s diagnosis and later treatment (Jenkins & Lea, 2005). Further, a social worker has the capability to guide the family in gaining access to proper support groups and community resources. The worker may also provide emotional support for the family in the course of disease progression. Generally, I would expect the social worker to provide all relevant information about support groups, available community resources and comprehensive education about prenatal care. Registered Gynecologist or Nurse: A gynecologist would be highly beneficial in this case, since Mrs. Trosack is pregnant. The gynecologist’s responsibility would be to examine all changes, however trivial, in the pregnant woman thus effectively monitoring the

Performance and Risks Management Study of Cobham plc 2312 Essay

Performance and Risks Management Study of Cobham plc 2312 - Essay Example Each of the four division offer range of products and service to the three different categories of end markets. Cobham’s US Defence/ security market, non-US Defence/ security Markets and commercial markets with 47%, 28% and 35% of the total market share as depicted from the image below (Cobham Plc. 2014): The consistent growth is acquired with its strategy of continuous improvement, transformation of business through Excellence in Delivery (EiD); and maintaining focus on the core market of second and third tiers of the defense, security market, commercial aerospace, land and marine market etc; and finally and divesting non-core businesses (Cobham Plc, 2015d; Cobham Plc, 2012). Global market share is presented below: The industry of the Cobham is highly complex in its characteristics. At one end, it is highly fragmented, facing high level of consolidation, strategic interdependency (ECORYS, 2009) and impact of loaming budgets (ATKearney, 2013). While on the other hand, the company defines opportunities and its respective position in the industry as follows: According to the annual report 2013, the company offers technologies that are technically diverse and are innovated to facilitate the diverse needs of the customers (Cobham Plc, 2012). Five years’ revenue trends is as follows: As graph above shows that the company has increased its sales except the CDS due to the slippage in the defense and security programs in USA (Cobham Plc, 2010). However, increasing margins from transformation under EiD program, acquisitions, and redefining scope and renaming of Aerospace and Security as Communications and Connectivity; from CAS; offset impact (Cobham Plc, 2013). Also anticipated decline in the defense sector by 2.5% while appreciation in the demand from the commercial sector by 25% in future years (Deloitte, 2015); has played its role. Cobham’s ranks

Case study of a company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Case study of a company - Essay Example The aim of this project is to examine Nike's branding strategy in order to identify the structure, challenges and recommendations for potential improvement. In order to attain this end, the following objectives will be explored: 1. A critical analysis of the strategy for success used by Nike over the past two decades. 2. An examination of the current challenges of the company. 3. Recommendations for the improvement of Nike's existing branding strategy 4. An identification of the branding model used by Nike which can be applicable to other companies. The report will involve a critique of the branding systems and strategies that Nike has used to attain results in its operations. It will analyse the dominant patterns and trends that are used by the company and the main approach which has resulted in the successes of Nike as a major global sports brand. The report will entail a review of the methods and approaches used by the company. The fundamental approach will be through a review of relevant literature. The review will cover the various internal dealings of the Nike and how it has paid off in the area of branding. 2.0 Literature Review This section will examine the important elements and components of the research and study. The section will critically evaluate different groundbreaking definitions and ideas that form the basic framework of the study. They will serve to define the core aspects and of the study and provide an understanding that will create the foundation for the fieldwork and actual research that will be conducted in this study. 2.1 Brand The question of what a â€Å"brand† is plays a significant role in this whole study. This is because the research provides a discussion brand-related matters in Nike, hence it is important to understand the concept of brand and its role in organisations' operations and activities. Kotler defines a brand as â€Å"a name, term, sign, symbol or design or a combination of this intended to identify the goods and services of one seller or group of sellers and to differentiate them from those of competitors† (Knoweles et al, 2010, p91). This implies that a brand is a unique identity or a unique representation that defines a given company's product or offering. This makes the company's offering different from what other companies in the industry are presenting to companies in the industry. To this end, Nike's offering is the popular symbol which makes it different from other competitors like Adidas and Puma who have very different symbols. The idea is to get a unique representation that is protected by law which sets each of the sports manufacturers apart from the other manufacturers. A brand creates and identification for the products in a given entity and builds an emotional connection that acts as basis on which communication with consumers can proceed (Schultz, 2009). This implies that the brand creates a basic and simple representation that other consumers can easily build some kind of connection to. The fundamental position of branding is to provide a means through which easy communication can be conducted. In other words, a brand creates an all-encompassing image which the consumers can identify with through minimal efforts. Once a brand is created, various concepts and ideas of the product offerings are woven into the brand and advertising and other marketing communication ventures are

The Overall Strategic Plan for Blackberry Research Paper

The Overall Strategic Plan for Blackberry - Research Paper Example According to Rhandawa et al (2009), Blackberry was founded in 1984 and it is headquartered in Waterloo, Canada. Blackberry’s strategic plan is to target professionals through the provision of a range of activities such as push email, mobile telephony, text messaging, internet faxing, web browsing and additional wireless information services (Moro, 2007). Jim Balsillie, co-founder of RIM, sums up the strategic plan for RIM â€Å"easy in, impossible out† which implies that it is very easy for corporations to install their email system, but because the way the proprietary RIM software and servers work, it’s almost impossible to extract (Harnish, N.D). Thus, the strategic plan is based on the notion that the products are strategically designed to appeal to the interests of the targeted customers and it is almost impossible for rival competitors to imitate the same strategy. It can be seen that RIM is at the forefront of designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovat ive mobile communication devices. This strategy makes it clearly different from other rival competitors in the market for Smartphones and is mainly based on productivity and utility in terms of the services offered. However, the industry itself is highly competitive where there are companies like Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson as well as Apple competing for the same customers in this particular Smartphone industry. Research has however shown that if RIM wants to continue its dominance in the market, it needs to market its devices moreover in Asia and Europe (Rhandawa et al, 2009). However, Blackberry of late has come under the spotlight for firing influential people who are seen as suggesting ideas that are within the scope of its strategic plan. For instance, the CEO was fired in 2011 though it was popularly stated that it was a resignation (Yarow, 2011). There have been some reports that anyone who goes against the culture of the organization with regards to its strategic plan is o ften viewed as a villain. The organization does not see itself in a position where it diverts from its outlined strategic plans. Such a stance has drawn criticism from other quarters and this is the reason why there is need to develop a Human Resources strategic plan for Blackberry which is based on its overall strategic plan. Thus the following section of the essay seeks to develop a strategic plan for Blackberry as well as to outline how it will be aligned with the organization’s plans organization’s plans as well as the measures that can be taken to implement the HR strategic plan. Strategic HRM for Blackberry Currently, the HRM strategy for RIM is mainly concerned with the optimum performance of the employees whereby the interests of the employees are not given due consideration (Harnish, N.D). Priority is given to the overall goals stated in the strategic plan of the company and this is the reason why the company has been criticised for bad HRM practices. As such, a strategic human resources management (SHRM) plan ought to be implemented. Basically, SHRM can be defined as the combination of human resources management with the strategic aims and objectives/plans in order to enhance business performance as well as the culture that promotes innovation, flexibility as well as the competitive advantage (Becker & Huselid, 2006).

Reflection on The Use of Force Essay Example for Free

Reflection on The Use of Force Essay The short story The Use of Force is a story which is narrated by a character, the doctor. The main character is a normal doctor which appreciates his job and is ready to fulfill his duty; to find out what his patients problems are. In the story, he seems to care allot about the childs health. At one point, he gets mad because all his cooperation with the youngster is getting them nowhere. Anger starts to be felt in the doctors cabinet; this is when the patient will have to be forced to get examined by the doctor. The doctor in the story knows how to apprehend patients, he starts out smoothly with the girl, knowing that children usually respond with a good attitude if you are friendly with them. The doctors duty is to know exactly what you are sick of, which the girl, for unknown reasons didnt want to be examined closely. She refused to admit she had a sore throat. The fact that her ignorance could kill her made the doctor insane, he then became more insistent about using physical force to help her out. Even though the doctors effort didnt work, he knew that if he had the full support of her parents, they finally would come to an end with the problem. The doctor enjoyed the feeling of insane anger towards the child; it made him go through the hard struggle of opening the childs mouth. The anger expressed by him was not directly linked to the girl, but to the situation, he did want to help out the ignorant, suffering girl from the sickness she was hiding. The two characters which bring an essence to the main goal of the story are the doctor and the child. The Doctor then finds pleasure in using force in diagnosing the unpleasant child, which happens to cause her pain. The child therefore, still is fighting back and will not abandon her cause. The child creates the turmoil without being conscious, she is being a painful patient and she is not able to tell whether what she does is good or wrong. It shows us that she is probably a spoiled and rebellious girl, who easily stands out when things arent what she wants. The doctor is also part of the undesired situation, he is a key element in the turmoil. He enjoys using force upon  the child to help her out, he wants to prove her she is wrong to act as such. The doctor feels no remorse’s of the actions he took for the child, all he seeks for is satisfaction by proving himself he is helping the young child. The use of force was needed to resolve the situation. It was necessary to have a proper diagnosis of her health to save her. What really came down to the use of force was that the doctor was determined to find out what troubled the parents of the child. It was also that she made him so angry about being stubborn and so hard to handle that he became more and more persistent. To conclude, both of the characters want to win a fight, with misconduct. The doctor is faced with a problem of self discipline and the young girl has a lack of obedience.

Teaching And Learning In The Digital Age Education Essay

Teaching And Learning In The Digital Age Education Essay Preparing learners for the demands of the 21st century requires committed, innovative teachers willing to push existing restrictions. It is also about effectively using the emerging technologies to enhance teaching and learning strategies. The unique and rapid changes happening in this field present various problems for teachers who are willing to experiment with their teaching and learning, roles and responsibilities, learning atmosphere and situations, patterns of interaction, strategies and theories, as well as, modes of assessment. Integrating technology in education can range from replicating existing educational practices through digital media with technology as tools, to transforming education to bring about new learning goals. Incorporating technology in the classroom can bring significant and positive changes in the teaching-learning process but it is not at all easy as we have strong conventional educational practices in our education system and integrating ICT will demand for the innovative role of the teacher as facilitator of the learning to the active role of the learner. The present paper focuses its attention on the problems and issues of the classroom and teaching-learning process in the digital age as it wont be easy to break existing pedagogical practices and adapt new ones. The paper further proposes the ways through which ICT can be effectively incorporated in the classroom. The paper also talks about the changing role of the teacher as well as of the learner in the world of technology and suggests the ways through which teachers can be motivated to use technological tools in their teaching-learning process. Key Terms: Teaching, Learning, Digital Age. INTRODUCTION: Integrating technology in education is a complex issue taking many forms that differ in purpose. This can range from replicating existing educational practices through digital media with technology as tools, to transforming education to bring about new learning goals. Education is at the core of powerful and rapidly shifting educational, technological and political forces that will shape the structure of educational systems across the globe for the rest of this century. Many countries are engaged in a number of efforts to achieve changes in the teaching-learning process to prepare students for information and technology based society. The UNESCO World Education Report (1998) notes that the new technologies challenge traditional conceptions of both teaching and learning and, by reconfiguring how teachers and learners gain access to knowledge, have the potential to transform teaching and learning processes. ICTs provide a range of powerful tools that may help in transforming the presen t isolated, teacher-centered and text-bound classrooms into rich, student-focused, interactive knowledge environments. The digital age means we now have interactive tools for the classroom to go alongside our more usual set of ideas and activities. Technology is both part of the problem and part of the solution. The information revolution itself has been fuelled by the growth of the Internet networked society but this revolution also offers alternative approaches to access, process and share knowledge, significantly reducing the importance of memory and the retention of a vast subject knowledge base (Burden, 2010). There is no longer the essential for teachers to retain a comprehensive body of subject knowledge which they are expected to be able to access and repeat with accuracy and speed. Subject knowledge is less likely to be perceived as placed in the individual teacher but rather as a shared effort in which the learner is capable of re-constructing new knowledge, both by themselves and as part of a collaborative effort (Ellis, 2007). The passive 3 Rs replaced by the more dynamic 3 Cs of collaboration, creativity and communication. These features challenge the traditional basis for teaching in schools. TEACHING LEARNING PROCESS: Schools today serve and shape a world in which there can be great opportunity to grow if people can learn to work creatively and collaboratively. Yet, instead of fostering creativity and uniqueness, more and more school systems have become preoccupied with traditional curriculum uniformity and pedagogical practices. Schools and teachers have been bound into the web of test scores and achievement targets. By and large, our schools are preparing young people neither to work nor to live well in this digital age. Twenty-first century teaching is no longer about the four walls of the classroom. Technology has enlarged the area of teaching-learning process as learners have the reach to vast store of information i.e. internet and they have lots of queries for this reason. So, pedagogical practices should necessarily be changed and capable enough to provide opportunities to the learners to discover the answers. It is also a fact that teaching has always adapted to its circumstances methodologically and physically, moving from lecture to pair work and from translation to communication, for example. Likewise, teachers have always tried to make the best use of any materials that they could get their hands on from slate to whiteboards, from hand-written postcards to authentic magazine articles, from radio recordings through to DVDs. Fig. 1, Teaching-Learning in the Digital Age The absolute degree of human knowledge, globalization and the accelerating rate of change due to technology necessitates a shift in our childrens education- from merely knowing to continuous cycle of learning, thus demanding the total change in the teaching learning process which is currently based on rote learning and memory. Digital age has opened up the new dimensions to the learning which are not visible in our existing traditional school system. Twenty first century learning is more complex than ever before as it includes various skills that must be acquired by the learner. Figure 2 presents these skills: Fig. 2, Skills of 21st Century Learner The days of only using chalkboards and books in the teaching learning process have gone. Nowadays, there is video or audioà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ video interaction in childrens classrooms. Using the same skills used for centuries-analysis, synthesis, and evaluation-teachers now must look at digital literacy as another realm within which to apply elements of critical thinking. TEACHER IN THE DIGITAL AGE: In the recent years school education sector has realized that the teacher is the ultimate key to educational change and school effectiveness. The teachers do not merely deliver the curriculum, but they also develop, define and reinterpret. It is the task of teachers to tackle with the technology and to grow their learners to acquire skills of the 21st century. In the current scenario, the voice of the innovative teacher in the country is barely audible. This voice is rich in practice and experience and can aid us in understanding best suited pedagogical practices for learners. ICT has given new roles and responsibilities to the teacher. ICT challenges the existing authoritarian role of the teachers as the sole source of knowledge and information and demands to be themselves learner first. Teachers themselves need to learn the new way of learning, and in addition to new ways of helping others learn. This also means a massive shift in the role of the teacher and in all structural aspects of the school system. It can be a highlight for most of the teachers when they suddenly realize that they learned something by and for themselves, not just for next class tomorrow. Teachers are hardly ever asked what they already know and can do, what experiences they bring, which problems they would like to tackle. Such low expectations are set in their teacher education courses in university and more traditional professional development settings. Fig. 3, Roles Responsibilities of the Teacher in the Digital Age The greatest teachers teach naturally. It flows from them like a gentle rain; they cant help but teach. ICT is just another tool in the toolbox of a good teacher. ICT expects teachers to give the students middle stage in the classroom, providing opportunities to explore and inquire for their learning. Teachers should act as guides, facilitators and advisors, building linkages between their students individual interests and understandings and the common skills and knowledge society expects them to acquire. Teachers hold personal theories, cognitive constructs and guiding principles that determine their instructional decisions and technology integration. Teachers are reflective by nature and use their own systems of beliefs to pursue solutions to problems as determined by their contexts. ICT has made it relevant for a teacher to be a subject specialist, in addition be able to utilize the amazing power that computers offer. The real facts remain the same. The good teachers love and passion for their subject, whether it be art, poetry or geography, can and do enrich the childs learning experience. ICT enhances this enrichment, but it will be difficult to break the existing boundaries and to convince the teachers to play their new role. LEARNER IN THE DIGITAL AGE: Students in a traditional classroom are passive. They listen and react to the teachers direct instruction. NCF, 2005 also articulates that childrens voices and experiences do not find expression in the class. It further says that children will learn only in an atmosphere where they feel they are valued and our schools still do not convey this to all children. But ICT has changed the way students learn and the styles of learning they adopt. The learner today has multiple resources available to them. They are ahead of their teachers in using the technology and accessing information in various fields. They are less dependent on teachers and prescribed text books. They build upon their existing knowledge and derive their own meanings. It has provided them freedom and flexibility which was not available earlier. Learners have active, reflective role in this digital age. Todays children are growing up digital. Their view of the world is very different from that of adults, thanks to exceptional access to information, people, and ideas across highly interactive media. Todays children are the latest model of human being. Looking at the world of children is not looking backward at our own past-its looking ahead. They are our evolutionary future. But, it also proposes the biggest problem in the teaching-learning process in the present digital age. A common scenario today is a classroom filled with digitally literate students being taught by linearà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ thinking, technologically obstructed teachers. Students have been exposed to these technologies or similar ones early on during their formative years while their teachers have just been exposed to it only recently. As a result, the students are sometimes more capable with the technology. In spite of this teachers are rarely given the chance to learn how to use this technologyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ teachers are given the tools, but not the knowledge. Teachers increasingly are learning the technology on their own time. Students on the other are confident enough to use these technological advancements effectively and they even prefer it more on traditional methods of teaching and learning. Learners now have freedom to explore, discover and inquire whatever they want. ROLE OF ICT IN EDUCATION: Contemporary beliefs regarding learning have moved away from knowledge transmission models of simply imparting information to constructive knowledge models where knowledge is constructed. In the process of meaning making, technology is roped in to support the communication and construction of new knowledge resulting in new learning. Teachers want their learners to make their own decisions in future, enabling them to learn for themselves. The role of ICT in education can be seen as learning about, learning with and learning through ICT. ICT is used to liberate learners from the limitations of their physical environments due to inadequate infrastructure or lack of resources. ICT can mainly help in three areas that are as follows: Fig. 4, How ICT can help in the process of Teaching-Learning? Today ICT is an essential life skill in the same way as literacy and numeracy are. ICT provides an opportunity for economic development and is a requirement for employability. ICT is a tool for educational management that can improve teaching and learning. Teachers should utilize these technological advancements according to the particular context, pedagogy and activities during the lesson. Teachers need to be flexible to enough to use ICT. Use of ICT can create an interest among students which will result in learning at better pace and with ample opportunities to explore the answers to their various queries. But, it is not at all possible without changing the current traditional practices and roles that teachers and students are playing. CONCLUSION: ICT or digital age is the truth of our lives today which is unavoidable if one want to live, learn and move ahead in 21st century world. This digital age is a potentially liberating process freeing teachers and students from the acquisition and retention of information and enabling them to focus more on the creative processes of making connections and creating new paths which have meaning and purpose for the present time (Anderson and Krathwohl, 2000). ICT or digital age resources today offer great opportunities in education sector and especially to our schools for the beneficiary role they provide in information, learning and research. It clearly states that teachers should be digitally literate in order to use these ICT resources and tools. Existing traditional practices and roles necessarily be changed by the use of technology in the classroom. Teachers must be a facilitator and direct the students towards the right direction where as students should be provided with the freedom t o explore, discover and inquire. Resources should be made available to the schools in order to fulfill this objective and teachers must be educated digitally. It means, curriculum of teacher education will eventually be transformed into ICT based curriculum and exploratory pedagogical practices. ICT can enhance the teaching learning process and can make it more interactive than today. It will provide new dimensions to the learning as it will lead to autonomous learning. Constructivism will emerge as the new theory and technology will follow it in practice as it emphasizes on collaborative learning, real-world projects with authentic assessments with students accepting responsibility for their own learning. But all this will require internal inspiration and support system from our education system as well as the readiness to change and learn from everyone even from the students. Teacher training curriculum also need to be redesigned as teachers should themselves be learner and digita lly educated to be capable of using these ICT tools. REFRENCES: Anderson, L. and Krathwohl, D. (2000): Taxonomy for Learning, Teaching, and Assessing: A Revision of Blooms Taxonomy of Educational Objectives. Allyn Bacon: New York. Burden, K. (2010): Conceptualizing teachers professional learning with Web 2.0, Campus-Wide Information Systems 27, no. 3: 148-161.    Churchill, D. (2006): Teachers private theories and their design of technology-based learning; British Journal of Educational Technology, 37(4): p. 559-576. Dey, B., Saxena, K.M. Gihar, S. (2005), Information and Communication Technology and teacher Education : An empirical study : The Journal of Education, Vol. 1(2), pp.60-63 Ellis, V. (2007): Taking Subject Knowledge Seriously: From Professional Knowledge Recipes to Complex Conceptualizations of Teacher Development, The Curriculum Journal 18, 3: 447 462 Gardner, H. (1983): Frames of mind: A theory of multiple intelligences; Basic Books: New York. Glaserfeld, V. (1989): Constructivism in education; Pergamon Press: England. Jonesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Kavalier, B., Flannigan, S. (2006): Connecting the Digital Dots: Literacy of the 21st Century; Educause Quarterly, 29(2), 1à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ 3. Leask, M. Paschler, N.(2003), learning to teach using ICT in the secondary schools, Routledge: London. National Curriculum Framework (2005): National Council of Educational Research and Training: New Delhi. UNESCO World Education Report (1998): United Nation.

Nationalism During World War One History Essay

Nationalism During World War One History Essay World War 1, the conflict which submurged the world between 1914 and 1918 left a massive mark on the 20th century, and shaped the world in which we live in today. Never before has nation clashed with one another on such a grand scale. Advances in weaponry allowed for the killing of soldiers of vast numbers. When the war clouds finally cleared, monarchies had fallen apart. New nations were born and the seeds were planted for an even greater conflict to engulf the world. A major contributing factor to the tension between great powers that led to the outbreak of the First World War was called Nationalism. Nationalism led to the outbreak of the War when countries wanted to show themselves as the most powerful and advanced society on the planet. When countries started to get nationalistic, they became to see themselves as superior, as proud, as dominant, became very compulsive as many became too proud of their nations. When the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand came about, thus tr iggered the World War and more and more countries started to get involve. The war changed the world and the society we live in today. During the 19th and 20th century, nationalism had spread itself all over Europe. All powerful nations such as Russia and Germany had strong beliefs towards the concept of supporting their own nation. When Nationalism was brought up, nations believed that their own needs must be met before those of other nations. These strong beliefs came to play a pivotal role as many nationalists became so proud of their nations that later on the nations that they struggled for it to become the richest and most powerful nation of all. The signal of national pride became a massive problem for the Austro-Hungarian Empire while they attempted to maintain order and peace within seize are of Bosnia. This power was put under threat due to the Slavonic peoples detest of the Austro-Hungarians and wanted themselves to be no longer part, and wanted to be a separate nation know today as Yugoslavia. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife was a major outcome of nationalism. The assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbian nationalists was an event which was caused by numerous factors which produced widespread shock across Europe. The Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie were assassinated on the 28th of June 1914. The assassination occurred during the Archdukes visit to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Archduke was targeted due to the general feeling amongst Serbians that when he would have been appointed the throne, Ferdinand would continue the persecution of Serbs living within the borders of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Just moments after the two had been shot; the authorities arrested the killer, Gavrilo Princip, a Serbian student, who was believed to have been linked to the Serbian terrorist organization, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“The Black Handà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ . After two days into the assassination, Austria-Hungary and Germany advise the Serbs that they should open an investigation to find the trail of the assassination . The Austrian government later on saw this as a chance to end the perceived threat from Serbia. Austria-Hungary issued Serbia with many ultimatums after the assassination, but nothing had changed. Afterwards, on the 28 of July, 1914, assured with German support, Austria had declared war on Serbia which swift shock and threat around Europe. Later on, Russia mobilized its armies in Serbiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s defense, which triggered France to join in with the Russians and the French. Germany took this as an act of war against the Austro-Hungarians and mobilized their armies in large numbers on the Western Front. Germany had invaded France through Belgium which their neutrality had been protected by the British. Later on, this was an excuse for the British to enter the war and sent many troops to France. As the British dedicated that no one power should dominate Europe, particularly the coastline facing the British Isles. Germanys actions therefore, drew the British away from its colon ial ambitions and towards attempting to stabilize Europe. Although the assassination of the Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand triggered the begging of the World War, Europe has already been awaken up by the groups of nationalists and hatred been spread throughout Europe. On the other hand, many people had different views on how the Great War started. Many believed that the alliance system was the major cause of the World War. The alliance system is a group of nations joined together to support one another whenever backup is needed. Each nation made an agreement to support and help whenever their alliance calls out for help. In 1879, the Dual alliance which was made up of Germany and Austria, made another agreement with Italy, then was named the Triple alliance. France and Britain became allies in 1892, and later on Russia joined in. These three countries joined together and were called the Triple Entente, which was one of the most powerful set of alliance in Europe. Both alliances were very well armed and powerful, and when disagreement occurred within 2 countries, because of the alliance system, a small local war turned into the biggest war that our planet has ever seen. As Belgium was a land-locked country and was surrounded by the two alliances, B ritain agreed to protect it when a nation would declare war on them. After the assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Austria declared war on Serbia. With the alliance system, countries declared war on each other as countries swore to protect their alliance system whenever war was about. To sum up, a small war between two countries spread all over Europe as alliances were made up to protect one another. To summarize, WW1 left a massive mark in the society we live in today. Many people had died from uncontrollable forces which were raging to show off their society. Nationalism triggered the World War as countries tried to show others what they were capable of. When nationalism spread itself around Europe, it angered many as many important figures were assassinated and left a massive mark which angered thousands. Nationalism led to the death of Archduke Franz Ferdinand when he selected a Serbian national holiday to parade through Sarajevo, stoking nationalist distaste. When Ferdinand was killed, as a symbol of hatred against Austria and Serbia, since countries were allied within each other, a small local war became the largest and most dangerous war our planet has ever seen. Besides the assassination of the Archduke, there was another major cause which many people believed in. The alliance system gathered societies together swearing that if any help is needed, the other societies that swore to help must do their best to achieve their responsibilities. When two countries clashed into each other, they called in for help and alliances took place shortly after. World War one has left an indulging mark on the 20th century that will never be forgotten , even thousands and million years later on.

Athenian definition of democracy Essay -- essays research papers fc

Discuss the Athenian definition of democracy. Is the city state the only kind of state in which true democracy can exist? What happens to democracy when it is applied to a society with a large dispersed population? What are other examples of democratic societies besides Athens? Compare and contrast Athenian democracy with American democracy. Is the United States a democracy in the classical sense of the word? The ancient Greek word "demokratia" was ambiguous. It met literally "people power". But who were the people to whom the power of the long? Was it all the people -all duly qualified citizens? Or only some of the people -- the masses? The Greek word demos could mean either. There is a theory that the word demokratia was claimed by democracy's enemies, members of the rich and aristocratic elite who did not like being outvoted by the common herd, their social and economic inferiors. If this theory is right, democracy must originally have meant something like "mob rule" or "dictatorship of the proletariat". By the fourth century B.C.E. there were hundreds of Greek democracies. Greece was not a single political entity it was a collection of about 1500 separate poleis or cities scattered around the Mediterranean and black sea shores. The cities that were not democracies were either oligarchies or monarchies (often times called tyrannies). Of the democracies, the oldest, the most stable, the most long-lived, and the most radical, was Athens. The origin of the Athenian democracy of the fifth and for centuries can be traced back to Solon. Solon was a poet and a wise statesmen but not a Democrat. His constitutional reform package laid the basis on which an aristocrat called Cleisthenes could pioneer democracy. Cleisthenes championed a radical political reform movement which in 508 -507 ushered in the Athenian democratic constitution. Under this political system Athens successfully resisted the Persian onslaughts that victory in turn encourage the poorest Athenian's to demand a greater say in the ruling of their city. In the late 460's a radicalization of power shifted the balance decisively to the poorest sections of society. This was the democratic Athens that laid the foundations of Western rational and critical thought. &nb... ...laves and women were excluded today every resident of the United States can qualify for citizenship. Bibliography Martin, Thomas. R. Ancient Greece: From Prehistoric to Hellenistic Times. New York & London, Yale University, 2000. McEvedy, Colin. The New Penguin Atlas of Ancient History. London, England, Penguin Books, 1967. - - - The New Penguin Atlas of Medieval History. London, England, Penguin Books, no publication No publication date. Oliphant, Margaret. The Atlas of the Ancient World., London, Ebury Press, 1992. Scholastic Inc. Scholastic Atlas of the World. U.S.A., Miles Kelly, 2001. Further information about the Greeks and Athens can be found at the following sites: http://thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/world/greece/greece/html. http://www.stoa.org.demos http://www.fordham.edu.halsall/ancient/asbook.html http://www.newton.mec.edu/oakhill/sixth%20grade.web/resources/geography/geoslide/geopix.html http://www,culture.gr/ http://www.pbs.org/empires/thegreeks/educational/lesson#1.html http://www.members.home.net/georgefrank/war/athens.html#democracy http://www.members.home.net/georgefrank/war/sparta.html#Monarchy

The Problem with Presidential Primaries Essay -- Politics Political Es

The Problem with Presidential Primaries Ever since the election season of 1972, presidential primaries have become â€Å"the dominant means of selecting the two major party candidates.†i[i] The primary system is one in which the eligible voters of each state do one of the following: 1) Vote for a presidential candidate to run for their party in the general election. 2) Vote for a delegate pledged to vote for a certain candidate at the party’s national convention. As intended, this process would bring the candidate selection processes out into the open and â€Å"let the people vote for the candidate of their choice.†ii[ii] On the surface, this may look very democratic (and admittedly, in some instances it was/is), but upon closer examination, it becomes overwhelmingly clear that the candidates are chosen long before the people cast their vote. The culprit: the structure of the presidential primary system. The most influential structural element of the new primary system is the newfound practice of the political parties choosing a favored candidate before the primary season. The parties then throw all their support and financial backing behind this candidate and instantly make him/her a front-runner. While this element is standard among the two parties, the remaining structure of the primary system differs between the two main political parties. While both the Democratic and Republican parties hold open and closed primaries, the two parties hold many of their state primaries on separate dates. Additionally, the two parties have different rules that determine how each state’s delegates are allotted. The Democrats practice the proportional representation method of delegate allocation. The Republicans, on the other hand, pract... ... Online. Internet. 18 Mar. 2000. Available: http://www.thegreenpapers.com/Definitions.html#Prop. i[iv] â€Å"New Hampshire Republican Delegation 2000.† The Green Papers: Election 2000. 1 Mar. 2000. Online. Internet. 18 Mar. 2000. Available: http://www.thegreenpapers.com/PCC/NH-R.html. v[v] â€Å"Delaware Republican Delegation 2000.† The Green Papers: Election 2000. 9 Feb. 2000. Online.Internet. 18 Mar. 2000. Available: http://www.thegreenpapers.com/PCC/DE-R.html. v[vi] â€Å"South Carolina Republican Delegation 2000.† The Green Papers: Election 2000. 4 Mar. 2000. Online. Internet. 18 Mar. 2000. Available: http://www.thegreenpapers.com/PCC/SC-R.html. v[vii] â€Å"The Green Papers: Election 2000 Presidential Primary Season.† The Green Papers: Election 2000. 18 Mar. 2000. Online. Internet. 18 Mar. 2000. Available: http://www.thegreenpapers.com/.

The Problem of Social Unawareness :: A Dolls House Walsh Plays Essays

The Problem of Social Unawareness While the plays Walsh by Sharon Pollock and A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen take place in apparently opposite social settings – the former in the sometimes wild and savage environs of a frontier trading post of early Canada, and the latter in the â€Å"refined† world of European bourgeois respectability of the late 1800’s – they both act as problem plays when they illustrate aspects of the problem of acquiring individual human understanding. Although both plays shape this theme through many examples of characters who have obvious flaws in their human understanding, the plays also offer examples of characters who have generally successful social awarenesses. It is these â€Å"successful† characters that attempt to build a solution to the problem of acquiring human understanding. Much might be gained from examining the traits of the major characters, but in this discussion it is the supporting characters of both plays that lead to greater insights into the theme of acquiring individual human understanding. It is beneficial to observe the social awareness displayed by the characters Christine in A Doll’s House and Louis in Walsh, and the manner in which these characters show their knowledge of the world. In Walsh, Louis’ understanding of the world is effectively a bridge between two cultures which gives him a fuller-encompassing world view. But his cross-cultural background is not what gives him his entire worldly perspective – he is imbued with an intense practical and spiritual knowledge of the world’s local social concerns, and this is evident in the way he attempts to teach Clarence about the art of â€Å"knowing something†: You wanna learn, you study inside here. . . He taps his head. . . .and here. . . He taps his chest. . . .and how it is wit’ you and me. . . He indicates the two of them. . . .and how it is wit’ you and all. . . . He indicates the surroundings. Travel ‘round da Medicine Wheel. Den you know somethin’. (30) While Pollock may be saying through Louis that world knowledge should come from a profound understanding of the self, of others, and of nature, through Christine’s practical character Ibsen also gives evidence to suggest that deeper understandings of the world are possible, and that essentially, the world is composed of â€Å"trials and tribulations† that must be overcome for a person to become knowledgeable and practical.

Dreaming Time Essay

When’s the last time you dreamed? In fact, the last time sleep occurred is the correct answer. Most people believe that they don’t dream, only because these individuals can’t recall dreaming as an event. In J. Allan Hobson’s book, Dreaming, it explores how dreaming is influenced and how it affects the individual, how dreaming is associated with REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep and the importance of it, and also why sleep is so essential for human beings and other mammals to experience. Sleep is correlated with dreaming, making dreaming a phenomenon essential to living. Dreaming is an interesting subject, and may also seem interesting while happening; though many don’t remember the events within them. What is dreaming, someone might ask? Dreaming is basically the brain’s activation throughout the sleep cycle. This was not discovered from looking at the content of the dream, like many of us look forward to, such as the images and scenarios our mind creates; but rather a more formalistic approach on the study of dreams. By using more scientific methods to analyze and define the dreaming state, research has improved drastically over several years, however, it failed to become an actual science. â€Å"My consciousness is as clear as a bell. In fact, I see–and feel–everything in this dream with a surreal intensity†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Hobson 25.) In this quote given by the author, he was describing how he had felt during the dream he shared within the text. People who are interested in the content of dreams should read this book, as Hobson gives away a few logs in his own dreaming journal. Hobson mentioned how he had felt as if imagining the dream were actually happening because it seemed so vividly clear. In fact, so clear it seemed like reality. His dream was about a red car smashing into a wall, and then finding himself with his son’s bloodied knees and all in a locker room. He associated this vision with his son previously being in a car accident, where indeed the car was red, and his son did infact have a damaged leg. Events that happened prior to the dream may affect the content within the sleeping hallucination. Night terrors or nightmares may also have this same effect on the dreamer. These kind of dreaming states can be associated with traumatic events in ones life. This may cause an effect on the individual to get caught up in this unpleasant scenario and result in awakening. Dreams may also be affected through external interference. In a sleep lab, using certain smells, scientists jump started the patients to experience a specific smell in the dreaming state. There are many factors that can affect the dreaming state an individual experiences. The factors that affect the dreaming state of an individual are also internally significant. â€Å"Not that dreaming occurs exclusively in REM sleep. It doesn’t. REM sleep just happens to provide the most ideal condition for its occurrence.† (Hobson 38.) Through this quote provided by Hobson, he is saying that through Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, dreaming is most ideal and this is a common time for dreaming to occur. If someone wants to learn about this certain subject of dreaming, they should consider read the content of this book. Dreaming is important such as REM sleep is to daily function, because both are essentially linked to each other. REM sleep takes place at about 90 minute intervals throughout a sleep cycle, taking up to two hours per night. This kind of deep sleep is essential as it is necessary for development. It is known that at infancy an individual needs much more REM sleep rather than in adults. This makes sense because at this young of age is when the most development occurs. With this statement, it does not mean that as aging occurs that REM sleep isn’t necessary because throughout life development is an ongoing process. As early as at 30 weeks gestation does the fetus develop the ability of REM sleep. Although dreaming is associated mainly with this specific type of sleep, does not say whether fetuses, infants, or even animals dream as it can only be confirmed vocally by the individual. It is only assumed through body movements and facial expressions, such as when a baby frowns or a dog may run in their sleep for example, that dreaming is an occurring event. A study also found that in children, REM sleep happened right away in the sleep cycle of a child, but the same not true for adults. Although dreaming is commonly taken for the misconception that one does not dream entirely altogether, it is at the fault of no recall whatsoever. In sleep lab studies, when one is woken at the time that REM sleep happens to be occurring, it is more likely for the participant to remember their dream; linking mainly REM sleep to the state of dreaming, rather than NREM sleep or right before awakening. Now that it is safe to say that dreaming is associated with REM sleep, can we confront the question of why it’s so important to be in that deep state of sleeping. As mentioned before, REM sleep is essential to development in an individual. â€Å"To read, to write, to listen, and to tell, I need a good night’s sleep. And, recognizing that fact, I try my best to get it.† (Hobson 79.) Even represented in this quote from Hobson does he express the importance of sleep. A lot of people don’t realize the beneficial aspects of a good nights rest, and people should read this book as to gain insight about it. REM sleep helps regulates thermoregulation, which is a necessity for the the body in order to survive. REM sleep also stores important memories and content, throws away old stuff, makes room for the new stuff, and keeps us from going crazy in reality by doing so in our dreams. In many studies, analysis shows the link between lack of REM sleep and daily performa nce. In a rat study, they deprived rats of their REM sleep, results showing that their thermoregulation was off balance and they hurdled to the warmest corner of their living areas. They also eventually died off from infection due to the lack of their ability to properly function. In other tests, they deprived humans of their REM sleep as well and there are reports of individuals going insane after 72 hours straight because they were denied the ability to go crazy, as you could say, in a dreaming state. After so long without this sleep may an individual start to hallucinate. In other studies, people were put to test by recording their performance on a game. When they had first played it they had all improved on it, but after going to sleep, which only half of them got REM sleep, the half that didn’t get it tended not to improve or decrease in skill, while the half that got a good nights rest improved in skill. These studies all show that REM sleep is obviously credited on daily performance and overall health necessary for survival. So the question is, how much sleep is considered adequate enough? That has many factors on it’s own, from climate, social customs, and even by an individuals personal experience. No amount of sleep is considered not to be normal as it varies from person to person. There are short sleepers (4-6 hours) and both long sleepers (8-10 hours). Time for sleep fluctuates, such as weight does, and some can go on very little sleep and function very well, while others go on lots of sleep while still not yet at their performance peak. The body and mind are both miraculous systems, and can compensate very well for themselves, but without adequate time spent sleeping, an individual may not function as well as they would normally refreshed. So many people take sleep for granted, as do so many others go throughout life not recalling their dreams, and even some living in a nightmare all their own, waking in terror. The science of sleep has come a long way since it was first discovered, and it is sure to develop substantially more over the course of time. Knowing what dreaming is, how it is affected and how it affects a single person, how dreaming relates to REM sleeping, and knowing the importance of dreaming to an individual mammal, are we then allowed to incorporate that knowledge into one’s own life. A way to apply this information to my own life may be figuring how much sleep is adequate for myself each night in order to function to the best of my ability, and to remember subject and test material at a more favorable level. This application appears satisfactory to myself as it may seem to many other individuals, taking the study of this subject matter not just into consideration, but also appreciation. Works Cited Hobson, J. Allan. Dreaming: An introduction to the science of sleep. New York: Oxford UP, 2002. Print.

Romantic Love Is a Poor Basis for Marriage

Romantic love is a poor basis for marriage. Many songs had been written about romantic love, and a lot of books had been devoted to this topic. Up to now this is still a favorite theme for many movies and publications. But what is this in the real life, and how does romantic love affect a relationship between man and woman, and especially in marriage? What Romantic Love and True Love really are? Let’s look on this more carefully and try to answer on these questions. It’s difficult to disagree that falling in love is a very wonderful feeling.It seems like wings suddenly grow on your back, and the world shrinks where it is only you and your love, and you would give everything to keep this feeling forever. When I felt this feeling the first time, it was something amazing and indescribable. However, for me this feeling didn’t last long, and usually disappeared in several months. Now I’m married; is this feeling still alive in my marriage? We will see this late r. Sometimes people say that love is blinding. Is it true, or more correctly, is it love?I will not say that romantic love is always something negative. No, it’s a wonderful feeling, and it’s very good if partners have it in a marriage. However, can we build our own future family only on these feelings? I think, the best way for the family is if these feelings grow up in true mutual love in the marriage. On the other hand, what do we do if this doesn’t happen? Unfortunately, life shows in most cases that this romantic love ends after the wedding, and everyday life begins with its usual joys and troubles.You may say to me that it’s not your case, and in your life all will be perfect. Maybe it is true, as I also thought that way before my own marriage, but now I have changed my mind. It's good for all to be prepared for this. When romantic love ends after the wedding, what remains after it? Now we have approached to the definition of what True Love really i s in my opinion. I think, that true love it is not feeling, but it is a choice.When we decided to get married, we gave a promise to love each other forever, and this means that we cannot stop loving one another anymore. If our relations based only in romantic love, then when we live together we will see many differences and many weaknesses are inside one another. We can become disappointed with our decision to make this marriage. However, if we will know that true love is a choice, we can’t return back, and we will be more responsible for our decisions to get married. So, as we can see, romantic love is a poor basis for marriage.This foundation is not strong enough to stand against many difficulties, which we will meet in everyday life in marriage. We have to have the strong decision inside us that in any situation, with any obstacle against us, we will continue to love our spouses. This means that we will continue to respect, to understand, to seek not our will, but our spou se’s. We will continue to try please each other and sometimes even to give up our selfish desires. And then our marriage will be strong and lasting, and we will be together until death do us apart.

Feminist Perspective Essay

Feminist Perspective in â€Å"The Awakening† In The Awakening, Chopin describes how the perfect man or woman should look according to society. The Awakening was published in 1899 which â€Å"aroused a storm of controversy for its then unprecedented treatment of female independence and sexuality, and for its unromantic portrayal of marriage. † (Chopin, 1899, Note) Women were expected to be obedient housewives and a doting mother to their children. The statement; â€Å"If it was not a women’s place to look after children, who’s on earth was it? (Chopin, 1899, chap 3) denotes what the woman’s responsibilities are in a marriage. Chopin uses the characters: Edna, Leonce, Madame Ratignolle and Robert Lebrun to show how marriage, independence, equal rights and freedom are portrayed in the novel, The Awakening. Leonce Pontellier was a forty year old, slender, medium built man with straight brown hair parted to one side. When Chopin describes, â€Å"since it seemed to be the law of society that hair must be parted and brushed† (Chopin, 1899, chap 4) it shows how society expects a man’s appearance to be. Leonce was away on business often and would send a box full of fruits, bon bons, and delicious syrups in abundance. Mr. Pontellier was often away from home on business trips. To make up for the time spent away from home he would send these luscious treats. The women were envious of how much Mr. Pontellier cared for Edna. Chopin best describes how other women see Mr. and Mrs. Pontellier’s relationship when she states; â€Å"selecting with dainty and discriminating fingers and a little greedily, all declared that Mr. Pontellier was the best husband in the world† (Chopin, 1899, chap 3) while sharing the tasty treats sent. Mr. Pontellier was a very materialistic man and even when he looked at his wife after being in the sun states â€Å"you are burnt beyond recognition, he added, looking at his wife as one looks at a valuable piece of property which has suffered some damage. † (Chopin, 1899, chap 1) shows how men view their wife in that era. Men liked their woman to be flawless and devoted to their family. In today’s society that would be considered a â€Å"trophy wife†. Leonce is great at providing for his family, but disregards his wife’s feelings. One example of how Mr. Pontellier is inconsiderate of his wife’s feelings is when she asked him if he would be coming home for dinner and his response was; â€Å"he halted a moment and shrugged his shoulders. / He did not know; perhaps he would return for the early dinner and perhaps he would not. † (Chopin, 1899, chap 1) However, when Edna â€Å"abandoned her Tuesdays at home, and did not return the visits of those who called upon her. † (Chopin, 1899, chap 14) and begins painting, he views her as mentally unbalanced, which he seeks advice from a doctor. â€Å"Mr. Pontellier had been rather courteous husband so long as he met certain tactic submissiveness in his wife. † (Chopin, 1899, chap 14) In other words as long as Edna does what is expected of society he would be happy. In the late 1800’s the man’s job was to provide for the family and the woman’s job was to care for the house and children. Mr. Pontellier was your typical man of that era. Edna Pontellier was a young woman of twenty eight, who’s â€Å"eyes were quick and bright; they were yellowish brown, about the color of her hair. / She was rather handsome than beautiful. (Chopin, 1899, chap 2) In the story, The Awakening Chopin describes Edna as â€Å"an American woman with a small infusion of French† (Chopin, 1899, chap 2), however it was â€Å"lost in dilution. † (Chopin, 1899, chap 2) Edna was in an unhappy marriage with Leonce and throughout the story begins to find her inner self at the Grand Isle. Chopin uses different symbols thro ughout the story to help us understand Edna’s state of mind. Edna did not fit in with the rest of the Creole women. Chopin describes Edna as â€Å"not a mother-woman† (Chopin, 1899, chap 4) indicating that she is not a dedicated mother like the other Creole women. Mrs. Pontellier, though she had married a creole, was not thoroughly home in society of the Creoles. † (Chopin, 1899, chap 4) The Creole women were known for; â€Å"fluttering about with extended, protecting wings when any harm, real or imaginary, threatened their precious brood. † (Chopin, 1899, chap 4) Edna has a quadroon nurse, whom looks after the children who â€Å"was looked upon as a huge encumbrance† (Chopin, 1899, chap 4) leaving one to believe that because of the time period that the quadroon nurse is black. In this era women were dedicated to their children and husband, however Edna defies the norms of society when she doesn’t obey these rules. Edna is fascinated by the beauty and mothering portrayed by Madame Ratignolle and forms a bond with her in the summer at Grand Isle. â€Å"Madame Ratignolle was very fond of Mrs. Pontellier and often she took her sewing and went over to sit with her in the afternoons. † (Chopin, 1899, chap 4) â€Å"Mrs. Pontellier liked to sit and gaze at her fair companion as she might look upon a faultless Madonna. (Chopin, 1899, chap 5) Madame Ratignolle was the perfect Creole woman and Edna looked to her for guidance. Madame Ratignolle is an example of an acceptable woman in this time period. However Edna realizes she is not like the other Creole women and searches within herself for independence. As a woman in the late 1800’s early 1900’s life had many challenges, especially for those who seek independence. It was unlikely for a woman to neither voice her opinions if she were unhappy in a marriage nor choose who to marry. In The Awakening, Edna’s father pushed her into marriage with Leonce. She describes her marriage as â€Å"purely an accident† (Chopin, 1899, chap 7) and with â€Å"the violent opposition of her father and her sister Margaret to her marriage with a Catholic, and we need seek no further for the motives which led her to accept Monsier Pontellier for her husband. † (Chopin, 1899, chap 7) In this era women had very little equal rights and were unable to stand their grounds on their beliefs in fear of rejection from society. In the summer at Grand Isle Edna begins to develop a negative attitude towards marriage. During the summer at Grand Isle, Edna learns how to swim, which begins her â€Å"awakening†. Edna views the sea as calming and way to escape from reality. Even when Edna isn’t at the beach she thinks about the sounds of the waves to comfort her. As Edna looks at the sea she thinks about the â€Å"motionless sails against the blue sky, made a delicious picture I just wanted to sit and look at. / The hot wind beating in my face made me think – without any connection that I can trace — of a summer day in Kentucky, of a meadow that seemed as big as the ocean to the very little girl walking through the grass, which was higher than her waist. (Chopin, 1899, chap 7) The sea reminds Edna of being a little girl without having to carry the heavy load of society. She felt freedom through the waves as they hit the shore. After Edna goes for her first swim, she is overjoyed and yells: â€Å"Think of the time I have lost splashing like a baby! † (Chopin, 1899, chap 5) This was the beginning of the end for her. This night is the first night that Edna stands up to her husband when he asks her to come in for the night while she was resting on the hammock. Edna replies; â€Å"No; I’m going to stay out here. † (Chopin, 1899, chap 6) Mr. Pontellier wasn’t used to Edna not doing what is asked. Edna hears Leonce moving about the room; every sound indicating impatience and irritation. † (Chopin, 1899, chap 6), which signifies Leonce is frustrated that Edna wasn’t submissive as usual. Edna had spent some time with her father which stirred up the feelings as to why she didn’t want to attend her sister’s wedding. Following the advice given to Mr. Pontellier by the Dr. Mandelet’s declined to intervene in her decision. As her father left Mr. Pontellier was not far behind and began talking to her father about Edna’s behavior. Edna’s father told him â€Å"You are too lenient, too lenient by far, Leonce† (Chopin, 1899 chap 29) â€Å"Authority, coercion are what is needed. / Put your foot down good and hard; the only way to manage a wife. / Take my word for it. † (Chopin, 1899, chap 29)This statement shows how men view women with little respect and freedom. It had to of taken a lot for Edna to stand up to her father and tell him no, when he was such an authority to her in life. Edna’s newfound freedom has found her venturing out and doing things she enjoys. She goes to a horse race with Mrs. Highcamp at Arobin’s drag. This is where she meets a man named Alcee Arobin. She begins to spend a lot of time with sharing her interest of horse racing. Through their constant visits Alcee begins experiencing feelings for Edna. Alcee kisses her hand as he leaves her house in the evening. After he is gone she looks â€Å"mechanically at the back of her hand which he had kissed so warmly. † (Chopin, 1899, chap 25) As Edna looked at her hand â€Å"she felt somewhat like a woman who in the moment of passion is betrayed into an act of infedility, and realizes the significance of the act without being wholly awaken from its glamour. (Chopin, 1899, chap 25) When Edna is thinking this she is not referring to her husband, but of Robert whom she fell in love with at the Grand Isle. During this time period divorce wasn’t a choice. Edna continues to fall into the arms of Alcee as they spend time together. Chopin describes the relationship developing into more than just a friendship; however Edna love and s exual desires for Robert are being portrayed with Alcee. Affairs were a forbidden and inexcusable act in the eyes of society. After this night Edna cried which â€Å"was only a phase of the multitudinous emotions which assailed her. / There was with her an overwhelming feeling of irresponsibility. † (Chopin, 1899, chap 28) This signifies that she is feeling remorseful for her doings; however her feelings for Robert are still strong. She then makes a big step and moves out into the pigeon house around the corner. Edna moves out of her home to the pigeon house and begins to support herself through her paintings. This was absurb of a woman moving out of her home away from her husband. When Mr. Pontellier learned of his wife’s intention to abandoned her home and take her residence elsewhere, he immediately wrote a letter of unqualified disapproval and remonstrance. † (Chopin, 1899, chap32) He was worried about â€Å"what people would say. † (Chopin, 1899, chap 32), so he put their house under construction to hide the fact that Edna moved out. For the time being Leonce remains away on business while Edna is living in the pigeon house. â€Å"No longer was she content to â€Å"feed upon opinion† when her own soul had invited her. (Chopin, 1899, chap32) Edna feels independent and full of life. During this time Robert returns from Mexico and Edna reveals her love to him, â€Å"I love you†, she whispered, â€Å"only you; no one but you. / It was you that awoke me last summer out of a life-long stupid dream. † (Chopin, 1899, chap 37) She defies the rules of society by loving one other than her husband, whom she was supposed to love and adore forever. However after revealing her love to Robert she leaves the house to attend to her friend who has become ill and asks him to wait for her to return. When Edna returned home there was a note left from Robert stating; â€Å"I love you. Good-by – because I love you. † (Chopin, 1899, chap 33) Robert did what was the right thing to do in society by leaving because they both would have been shunned for their affair. After reading the letter it appeared as though Edna went into shock. Chopin describes her as she â€Å"grew faint when she read the words. † (Chopin, 1899, chap 33) The next day she decides to go for a little swim and as she was walking she said to herself over and over again, â€Å"To—day it is Arobin; to—morrow it will be someone else. (Chopin, 1899, chap 34) and was also thinking about words shared with Adele Ratignolle, â€Å"she would give up the unessential, but she would not sacrifice herself for her children. † (Chopin, 1899, chap 34) She wasn’t going to sacrifice her life any longer for anybody. Edna interprets the sea as being, â€Å"seductive, never ceasing, whis pering, clamoring, murmuring, inviting the soul to wander in abysses of solitude. † (Chopin, 1899, chap 34) As she continues to walk along the beach doesn’t find anything living except for a â€Å"bird with a broken wing was beating the air above, reeling, fluttering, circling disabled down, down to the water. (Chopin, 1899, chap 34) The bird symbolizes Edna, broken. She strips away her clothing and walks into the cold ocean naked like a new-born creature, never looking back. In conclusion, it is clear throughout the novel society portrays how men and women should look. The men with their perfect hair and the women doing as they should when directed by their husband are the perfect people in that era. However Edna goes against all the rules of society when she begins going against all of her husband’s wishes and gains confidence along with independence. Society was not ready to face the strength of a woman yet. Therefore, Edna felt very alone in the world with nowhere to turn. She took her life in the very place she discovered her soul because it was the only place she truly felt alive and free. Reference Chopin, K. , (2005), The Awakening, (1899), published by Hayes Barton Press, a division of Vital Source Technologies, Inc. , Retrieved from digital library, September 16, 2011 http://digitalbookshelf. southuniversity. edu/#/books/L-999-70979/pages/17443484