Report on Business Level Strategy Essay

Any given organization may comprise a number of different businesses. Each operating in distinct markets and serving different customers. A market is defined by demand conditions and based on an organization’s customers and potential customers. Industry is determined by supply conditions and based on production technology. Business level strategy is a means of separating out and formulating a competitive strategy at the level of individual business unit. This is sometimes referred to as a Strategic Business Unit (SBU). A Strategic Business Unit is a distinct part of an organization which focuses upon a particular market or markets for its products and services. The parent company sets the overall or corporate strategy. The role of the business unit is to devise a strategy which allows it to compete successfully in the marketplace and to contribute to the corporate strategy. A sustainable competitive advantage is about performing different activities or performing similar activities in a different ways. In other words, the firm must be capable of producing value for the customer that is recognized as being superior to that of its competitors. Michael Porter (1980) developed three generic strategies to help an organization outperform rivals within an industry, and so successfully position itself against the five forces. These strategies are referred to as generic because they apply to different types of organizations in different industries. The first of these three strategies is called Overall Cost Leadership. A cost leadership strategy involves a firm being the lowest cost producer within the industry. This allows the firm to outperform the rivals within the industry because it can charge lower prices and its lowest cost base still allows it to earn profit. In effect, this firm can charge the lowest price within the industry which the rivals simply cannot match. Therefore, a cost leadership strategy allows the firm to make superior profits. A Differentiation Strategy is based on producing products or services which are perceived by the customers as unique or different. A differentiated product has the opportunity to meet different customer needs more closely. It is the difference that is the basis on which the customers are prepared to pay a premium price. Clearly, the cost of producing differentiation must not outweigh the price being charged. Or, put another way, customer should be prepared to pay a price which exceeds the costs of differentiation, thereby allowing the organization to earn superior profits. The third Strategy is referred to as a Focus Strategy. A Focus Strategy allows an organization to target a segment of niche within a market. The segment may be based on a particular customer group, geographical markets, or specific product lines. Unlike overall cost leadership and differentiation strategies which are industry-wide, a focus strategy is aimed at serving a particular target market efficiency.

Huckleberry Finn Chapter 16 Analysis Essay

I just finished reading chapter 11 of my book The Adventures of Huckleberry fin. The woman lets Huck into the shack but thinks that he’s up to sometimes. Huck introduces himself as â€Å"Sarah Williams† from Hookerville. The woman chatters about a variety of subjects and eventually gets to the topic of Huck’s murder. She reveals that Pap was a suspect and that some townspeople nearly hanged him. Then, people began to suspect Jim because he ran away the same day Huck was killed. Soon, however, suspicions again turned against Pap, after he bought alcohol with the money that the judge gave him to find Jim. Pap left town before he could be lynched, and now there is a $200 reward being offered for him. Meanwhile, there is a $300 bounty out for Jim. The woman has noticed smoke over Jackson’s Island and has told her husband to look for Jim there. He planed to go there and fin him that night with another man and a gun. The woman looks at Huck suspiciously and asks his name. He replies, â€Å"Mary Williams.† When the woman asks about the change, he tries to cover himself by saying his full name is â€Å"Sarah Mary Williams.† She has him try to kill a rat by throwing a lump of lead at it, and he nearly hits the rat, increasing her suspicions. Finally, she asks him to reveal his real male identity, saying she understands that he is a runaway apprentice and claiming she will not turn him in to the authorities. Huck says his name is George Peters and describes himself as an apprentice to a mean farmer. She lets him go after quizzing him on several farm subjects to make sure he is telling the truth. She tells Huck to send for her, Mrs. Judith Loftus, if he has trouble.Back at the island, Huck built a decoy campfire far from the cave and then returns to the cave to tell Jim they must leave. They hurriedly pack their things and slowly ride out on a raft they found when the river flooded. Because Huck lied to the women giving her his fake identity, allowed him to potentially save Jim’s life. After the lady let him go he set up a fake campfire so the people that were going to kill jim went to a different place, which allowed Huck to find Jim and escape safely before anyone could kill either of them. His lying saved Jim’s life and even though he’s not the best kid he’s a genius. We see in these chapters that Huck, though open-minded, still largely subscribes to the Southern white conception of the world. When Jim assesses their â€Å"adventure,† Huck does admit that he has acted foolishly and risked Jim’s safety, but he qualifies his assessment by adding that Jim is smart, for a black person. Huck also genuinely struggles with the question of whether or not to turn over Jim to the white men who ask if he is harboring any runaway slaves. In some sense, Huck still believes that turning Jim in would be the â€Å"right† thing to do. Over the course of these chapters, as he spends more time with Jim, Huck is forced to question the facts that white society has taught him and that he has taken for granted. The arguments Huck and Jim have over Huck’s stories provide remarkable mini-allegories about slavery and race. When Huck tells the tale of King Solomon, who threatened to chop a baby in half, Jim argues that Solomon had so many childre n that he became unable to value human life properly. Huck’s comments lead me to compare Jim’s assessment of Solomon with whites’ treatments of blacks at the time as infinitely replaceable bodies, indistinguishable from one another. Later, Huck tells Jim that people in France don’t speak English. Huck tries to convince the skeptical Jim by pointing out that cats and cows don’t â€Å"talk† the same, and that, by theory, neither should French people and American people. Jim points out that both are men and that the theory is not fair. Although Jim is misinformed in a sense, he is correct in his assessment of Huck’s analogy. Jim’s argument provides yet another subtle reminder that, in American society at the time, not all men are treated as men. We see the moral and societal importance of Huck and Jim’s journey in Huck’s profound moral crisis about whether he should return Jim to Miss Watson. In the viewpoint of Southern white society, Huck has effectively stolen $800—the price the slave trader has offered for Jim—from Miss Watson. However, Jim’s comment that Huck is the only white man ever to keep his word to him shows that Huck has been treating Jim not as a slave but as a man. This newfound knowledge, along with Huck’s guilt, keep Huck from turning Jim in. Huck realizes that he would have felt worse for doing the â€Å"right† thing and turning Jim in than he does for not turning Jim in. When Huck reaches this realization, he makes a decision to reject conventional morality in favor of what his conscience dictates. This decision represents a big step in Huck’s development, as he realizes that his conscience may be a better guide than the dictates of the white society in which he has been raised.

Security Operations Management Practicum Assignment

Security Operations Management Practicum - Assignment Example If I was an adjudicator and considering the investigative report done by the Special Agent, FBI, on   Smith Ronald James Smith DPOB: 2/5/1976, I would not have granted her the security clearance request. According to the investigative report gathered, the credit agencies had no unfavourable financial information on Smith. He was born in Davenport, Iowa, in 1976, on his security form it; he indicated that he had been arrested in high school over alleged smoking of marijuana. According to guideline regarding drug involvement, drug abuse is a condition that can raise a security concern and thus disqualifies an individual from been granted security clearance. By definition, drug abuse is the illegal use a drug in a manner that deviates from the correctly approved medical direction. Accordion to the Controlled Substance Act of 1970, Marijuana or Cannabis is classified as an illegal drug (Herbig 12). Further, a review of State Department travel records indicated that Smith had travelled outside the country on four different occasions. However, the date he indicated on his security form regarding his tour to Moscow did not match with the date on indicated in the State Department travel record. As if that was not enough, on his security form, he failed to indicate his tour to Rome, Italy. In the travel state department, it is clearly indicated that he travelled to he travelled to Rome, Italy on September 15, 1988, and returned on October 15, 1988. According to the Guideline E, personal conduct, dishonesty and questionable judgment is a concern that can result in unfavourable action for clearance eligibility (Herbig 12). However, Smith could have mitigated the security concerns if in good faith efforts he corrected the falsification of the dates before he was confronted with the facts. Other the other hand, if I was an adjudicator and considering the investigative report done by the Special Agent, FBI, on Susan Julia Kidwell, DPOB: 7/5/1986, I would have granted her the security clearance request. The aggravating factor that I would consider first is that Kidwell profoundly admitted that she owed the credit card debt and after discovering this, she filed for bankruptcy.  Ã‚  

10-1 Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

10-1 - Case Study Example Legally, Mark Levitt should have been informed transparently about the reason for his removal. His removal from the position by three members of the company indicates that they were driven by self interest rather than the betterment of the company in the long term. Additionally no fiduciary duties towards the LLC were violated since being a manager also entails management of all company assets; unless Mark Levitt intended to sell off the real estate for personal interests over the company interests (Fitzpatrick, 2014). The company should have had confidence in Mark Levitt for managing the real estate for the best interest of the company. Yet there are still loopholes in the case and additional information is required in order to proceed with the case. Firstly, the previous manager’s purpose and motive behind selling off the real estate property. Secondly, the clear reasons for Mark Levitt’s removal from his position. Further information regarding the ownership of the property is needed to clarify the position of Lauren Bivins. Full information needs to be known as to the reason for Mark Levitt’s decision to sell of the company’s main real estate in order to be visualize the whole

Classroom-based Learning Experience Research Paper

Classroom-based Learning Experience - Research Paper Example e worst classroom-based learning experience has been in the form of my ability to differentiate between what I should have grabbed over a period of time, and what I was unable to do so within this time frame. I believe that when I lost out on the adoption of the technological basis, my classroom-based learning experience deteriorated immensely, which was something that I feel unhappy about (Michael, 2012). I detest the moments when I was unable to showcase my true abilities and skills, which were indeed some of the more strong points that I achieved ever since I took on the Internet technological basis within my folds. The things that made it a good experience included the hard work and conviction as well as the belief of our teachers in the students’ abilities. The things that made it a bad experience comprised my lack of intent to make sure that this process continued for a long period of time as well as my shortcomings in the wake of upgrading myself

Future of oil and gas in pak Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Future of oil and gas in pak - Essay Example As of June 6, 2008, the oil market price reached as high as US$139 per barrel. (MSNBC, 2008) In line with the constantly increasing market price of crude oil, Pakistan’s oil import bill has reached the highest record of $6.338 billion during the first quarter of 2008 as compared to $4.741 billion the previous year. (Ahmed, 2008) To enable us to understand the future of oil and gas in Pakistan, the researcher will first define the importance of oil and gas in Pakistan’s economy. Eventually, the researcher will evaluate the increasing domestic and regional demands for energy including the government of Pakistan’s effort to fulfil these requirements. After discussing the strategic role of Pakistan with regards to the current global issues related to oil and gas supply, the researcher will examine and discuss investors’ benefits in terms of business opportunities related to their investments in oil and gas industry. As part of the conclusion, the researcher will discuss the theoretical factors that contribute to the increase in gas and oil prices in the world market. Sufficient supply of oil and natural gas is an important part of Pakistan’s economy since both sources of energy accounts for 80% of its commercial energy use. Among the major the sectors that consumes the most energy includes: industrial with 38.2%; transportation sector with 32.8%; residential and commercial with 25%, agriculture with 2.5%; and others with the remaining 2.2%. (Kakakhel, 2007) In the absence of sufficient supply of petroleum products, Pakistan could face a serious inefficiencies in the costs of public transportation. (Shikoh & Mansoor, 2008) Similar to the importance of petroleum products, the availability of natural gas is also considered a crucial part of Pakistan’s economic growth. A large portion of natural gas supply is mostly consumed by the energy / power as well as the fertilizer sector. Up to year 2010, Engr. Abdul

Black & Decker - Eastern Hemisphere and ADP Initiative Case Study - 1

Black & Decker - Eastern Hemisphere and ADP Initiative - Case Study Example His prime concern was the fact that he found significant disparity in the ‘management styles’ that existed in the region. He found that certain managerial styles emphasized on employee empowerment whereas, others belonged to old authoritarian method. From his observation he felt that a few managers were bad managers. The other aspect was related to the growth and development of the people as he felt that in this region quite a few people were stagnant in their position. The other crucial matter of concern was with regards to existing process of management assessment as well as development system. They followed MBO-type system which had been discarded in the US a few years before. Bill Lancaster observed that these concerns required immediate addressing in order to not only increase the organizational growth in the Eastern Hemisphere organization but also to instigate human resource growth and development. Appraisal Development Plan (ADP) was first introduced in the Black & Decker in 1992 as a replacement method of appraisal to the existing MBO (Management by Objective) plan. ADP method of appraisal was observed to be one of the best tools available to provide employees with set goals and career plans similar to MBO process. The added benefit that ADP provided was that it was Eastern Hemisphere organization undeniably superior to MBO in guiding people towards growth prospects. The ADP plan followed six steps appraisal process which was in line with the 3600 appraisal method.

Business law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words - 2

Business law - Essay Example In this context, the case of Foss v Harbottle1 will be relevant, since it allows for the protection of minority shareholders within a Company and allows them to file suit against unfair conduct and a compromising of their interests. For example, in the case of Burland v Earle2 the issue under consideration was the allegation of the minority shareholders that fraud was being perpetrated on them, and those responsible for the fraud were the ones in control of the company. While Higbert may not be able to contest the manner in which he is being marginalized on the basis of fraud, he can certainly bring suit against the other Directors who are in control of the Company for conduct that is unfair to his interests as a shareholder and Director of the Company. In his position as a minority shareholder, Higbert can consider bringing a suit against the other three Directors under Section 459 of the Companies Act of 1985, requesting the Court to pass an order decreeing that the affairs of the Company â€Å"are being conducted or have been conducted in a manner which is unfairly prejudicial to its members generally or of some part of its members.†2 Higbert also satisfies the conditions necessary for a person to file under Section 459, i.e, (a) he is one of the shareholders affected by the prejudicial conduct and (b) action under Section 459 can also be taken for proposed unfair conduct. Re R.A. Noble and Sons (Clothing Ltd)3 – in this case, the Company was founded as a quasi partnership, along similar lines as Hippos Ltd where the partners were also shareholders. One shareholder sued and won under Section 459, because he was excluded from the management. In effect, maginalizing Higbert also amounts to partial exclusion from the management of the Company and therefore this case may be successfully applied in Higbert’s case.. Other

Canadian Market Economic Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Canadian Market Economic - Research Paper Example To accomplish this pure, here an effort has been to made to examine the macroeconomic structure of Canada. In chapter 1, the paper will discuss the economic and political structure of Canada, the economic social values of the country and characteristics of Canadian factors of production. Chapter 2 will explain the demand and supply structure of the Canadian economy. Finally, Chapter 3 will talk about the price control mechanism of the country. Chapter 1 1.1. Types of the economy and political structure Canadian economy is one of the wealthiest economies in the world as it is one of the top ten net exporters of energy. It is a member of OECD whose full form is Organization Of The Economic Cooperation And Development. As other developed nations, Canadian economy is also dominated by the service sector. There are two major economical sectors in Canadian economy. One is the service sector which comprises of seventy-five percent of the country’s population. The contribution of the service sector to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product is nearly about seventy percent. The other sector is the agricultural sector. Although this sector contributes only two percent to the country’s Gross domestic Product, a huge proportion of the labor force of the country is employed in the agricultural sector. ... His tenure is for about five years. (Lympany, n.d) The house of Parliament is situated in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. The Canadian parliament consists of the Head of the state represented by the Queen, the Senate and the elected House of Commons. The Federal Government of Canada has the power to make laws on various subjects like defence, immigration, criminal law, international peace, border control and customs. (Lympany, n.d) 1.2 Social values of Canada One of the social values in Canadian culture is peace. Canadian people are basically peace loving people and that is very much reflected in their business dealings. Thus hostile business attitudes are not quite common in the Canadian market economy. Of course, competition is there in every economic sphere, but entrepreneurs are generally involved in healthy business competition. Another social value is that they maintain a unique blend of collective responsibility and individual autonomy. They also have an attitude of tolera nce and acceptance. Canada is also known for the level of economic freedom that it offers. In the world, one of the highest level of freedom in economic terms is available in Canada. (Canada25, 2010) 1.3. Characteristics of Canadian Factors of production There are various factors of production in Canadian economy. One of them is land. It is one of the primary factors of production. It is one of the natural resources gifted by GOD and its tangible. But its supply is limited to an extent. It cannot be moved from one place to the other nor can be destroyed. It varies in terms of fertility depending on the nature of location. In terms of land ownership, absolute ownership is not present in Canada. In this second largest country of the world, the

Marketing plan for Speedo in the U.K market Assignment

Marketing plan for Speedo in the U.K market - Assignment Example In relation to the study the company which has been selected is Speedo International Limited (Speedo) as a world’s top selling swimwear brand. The heritage of the brand derives from its leadership in swimming where Olympic Gold Medals has been won by swimmers who wore Speedo swimwear. Speedo is a manufacturer as well as the distributor of swim wear and accessories related to swimwear. The company was founded in Sydney near Bondi Beach in Australia in the year 1928. In today’s date the company is a subsidiary of Pent land Group Plc. The brand is known for its innovation in the past and continues to be innovative. Some of the examples of its innovation are such as; Speedo has introduced the racer back suit, the first non wool suit which allows greater freedom of motion. It was the first innovation made by the brand in 1920s and since then the brand has lived up to the expectation of the people, investors, customers and all other related people. It continued its process of innovation in swimwear. In the year 1950 the brand had introduced its first water short which was made of Nylon, again in 1970s it launched swimwear made of Nylon as well as Elastane. In 1994 the brand manufactured first chlorine resistance fabric followed by fast skin swimsuit in 2000. 2008 marked a new era when Speedo’s new LZR racer Elite which was led by Michael Phelps broke all the records and won eight gold medals in the Beijing Olympics. Thus Speedo has been a true innovator and has acquired a real position in the minds of the target customers. The marketing plan conducted on Speedo aims to understand the marketing plan conducted by Speedo for three years in the UK market. The marketing plan would take into consideration factors such as micro and macro environmental factors which would help to know the internal and external driving forces. The SWOT and TOWS matrix would help the company analysis its strength, weakness, opportunities and threat and link each factor wit h one another. Apart from the above factors the marketing plan would take care of the marketing mix based on UK and how to make Speedo the top most company in UK and parts of UK. The marketing strategies which are utilized by the company have also been discussed. Thus the paper holds on to the marketing plan of Speedo in the UK market particularly in two markets, Birmingham and Liverpool. Environmental Appraisal The environment appraisal would take into consideration the micro environment and the macro environment which are necessary for analyzing the environment and accordingly the organization can act to bring in about the changes required for an effective operation. The environmental appraisal is much more effective in case when the organization decides on setting up its business in other countries, when the organization tends to adopt the expansion plan. Speedo is based on USA and is planning to expand in UK, thus the macro environment will be based on UK. Figure 1: Micro and Ma cro Environment (Source: Trehan & Trehan, p.7) Organizational Environment The organizational environment consists of the products and services offered by the organization, finance, marketing, production, the organizational structure, management style and location are the

Assessment and Feedback Essay Example for Free

Assessment and Feedback Essay Many of my lessons involve embedding literacy into a topic so it is more meaningful for the learners. There are various ways of assessing work which are used. One method that is used is initial assessment, where the learners at the beginning of their induction into our pre-16 program do an online BSKB initial assessment in Maths, English and ICT. This is to ensure that the learner is at the right level of learning. These tests are formative and convergent where choices of multiple choice questions give indications of gaps in the learner’s knowledge. Once the learner has  completed an initial assessment they are then given the diagnostic BSKB assessment to see what subject strengths and weaknesses they have. These learners tend not to have attended much school therefore it is difficult to assess the work they produce as very often little or no work is achieved. Assessment is about making a judgment to make sure that learning is taking place. It is about identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the learner so that the learner is progressing with the work that is set. Assessment in all forms that involve making a judgment and it includes an element of subjectivity by me. It should be objective, fair and transparent. It plays an important role in the education process as it determines the work students undertake and affects their approach to learning. There are varying degrees of assessment that are designed primarily to serve the purposes of accountability, or of ranking, or of certifying competence. However, an assessment activity can help learning if it provides information that I can use and can give students feedback. Feedback can be used to modify teaching and learning activities in which the learners are engaged in. Such assessment becomes formative when  the evidence is actually used to adapt the teaching work to meet learning needs. Much of what teachers and learners do in the classroom is assessment based. Tasks and questions prompt learners to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and skills. How the learners respond and interpret this can give indications of how their learning can be improved. Verbal feedback and discussion tends to be the main method that I use where opinions can be discussed and attainment of knowledge can be assessed during lessons. This is classed as affective learning where topics can gain an emotional response or a tone of interest/values that the  learner may have prior knowledge or experience. These types of responses are 1 usually focused on the learner’s feelings, and they are often difficult to measure in quantifiable terms. However, in my classroom, I want the learners to feel that their work is valued and that the effort has been worthwhile. During lessons, informal assessment is the preferred choice for me and my pre-16 colleague as students are wary of tests or exams. The reason for this maybe the learner’s previous experience of learning or the fact that they feel vulnerable when the word test, exam or assessment occurs within the learning environment. Informal assessment is easily incorporated into classroom routines and learning activities. It can be used at any time without interfering with teaching. The results give indication of the learner’s performance on the skill or subject of interest. However, it is not intended to give a broader view of the learner’s ability apart from the lesson that took place. This is not to say that informal assessment is spontaneous or absent from accuracy. Formal tests assume a single set of expectations for all students and come with prescribed criteria for scoring and interpretation. Informal assessment, on  the other hand, requires a clear understanding of the levels of ability the students bring with them. Only then may assessment activities be selected that students can attempt reasonably. Measuring the validity and reliability of informal assessments is achieved by expected goals and objectives outcomes. Once the work is completed, I assess the knowledge that the learners have gained by their attempted completion of the tasks. Scoring procedures can be used to measure progress and achievement in content areas and literacy skills can be measured by oral, reading and written work. Reliability is a statistical measure of which we can trust the results of a given writing test. Reliability estimations and their interpretations will vary according to particular assessment contexts and purposes. In real practice, high score reliability is indeed necessary and feasible in large-scale assessment, where the actual tests are the main source of interpretable information. In more local contexts (e. g. classrooms), reliability measurements are to a great extent unfeasible and, simultaneously, other sources for qualitative evaluation are available. The work that the learners produced enabled me to assess their level of  understanding and also their literacy progress. Feedback was given in written format on the activity worksheet, to identify strengths and weaknesses of each individual 2 learner. All the learners attempted the worksheet and I gave feedback in the format of Petty (2004) medals and missions. Medals (sometimes called positive reinforcement) are given when the learner has done something well, such as spellings or written something in their own words although most of the learners just wrote down what was on the computer screen. This was what I commented on as missions where the learners need to improve, correct or work upon. Written tasks, alongside oral questioning, should encourage students to develop and show understanding of the key features of what they have learned. Opportunities are given during lessons for the learners to respond to comments made about their work and advice is given on what areas they are struggling on. The key point to feedback is for it to be effective and for the learners to think about the good and bad points in their work and that clear goals can be achieved. The negative aspect of feedback for disaffected learners is that low self-esteem influences their reaction to feedback. Building self-esteem and confidence is one of the main aspects in my classroom. Low self-esteem can knock confidence and ability and their previous experiences of learning can have a considerable impact on their academic ability. In this environment learners are in a vulnerable position and in some cases their low esteem can be forgotten by teachers due to distractions and challenging behaviour. The comments I make have to be sensitive and constructive so that the comments do not impact on the learner’s self-esteem and confidence. The comments are to be constructive and build on their learning capabilities. When I  ask the learners whether or not they understood the feedback given regarding their work, the learners give the appearance that they are not bothered about the feedback or acted disinterested. Students find the feedback messages hard to understand and complex in their meaning especially in the written form. However, when feedback is used as dialogue within the lesson it provides opportunities for feedback and feedforward. This is a good scenario as the learner responds to initial feedback with their opinions. This gives the chance for the teacher to help the learners develop their understanding and has an instant response in correcting  misunderstandings. Although, the response to verbal feedback regarding the learners knowledge, skills and understanding is feasible in the classroom, further development of feedback and feedforward is required so that the student can improve and grow in their 3 understanding of the subject and true learning has taken place. When I assess a learner this has an impact on my teaching. The feedback I get from the students gives me the opportunity to reflect on my practices and adjust accordingly so that the learners are engaged, focused and completing the tasks given during lessons. However, learners’ indifference to learning and feedback can cloud my judgement about what I am doing right or wrong. In my sessions I need to develop the dual narrative where the learners work together as a group but also there are one to one opportunities. This would work towards full differentiation where students are working independently but within a whole group setting. This has been difficult to achieve yet it is possible; progress has been made with the learners providing work that can be assessed verbally or written. However, it has taken six months to gain  trust, confidence and self-esteem of the learners to provide any work at all. Nonetheless, with a longer time restraint development of feedback and feedforward can be achieved. The learners need to see feedback as a reflection on their work not that it’s personal to them, the problem these learners face is to understand what feedback is and what its intentions are. The trouble is that once the disaffected learners arrive at Rathbone they already feel that school as failed them therefore feel disengaged with the learning environment. This can be a contributing factor to the way they feel towards assessments. The attitude towards motivating and engaging the learners towards learning objectives is a more social context. Therefore, the attitude of Rathbone and its staff is to gain confidence, trust and self-esteem so that learning is more enjoyable to them. This then becomes a platform for the learners to want to learn post 16. As their teacher, the environment is complex and challenging however I feel that the learners are starting to become aware of what is required of them in the classroom. This means that I am doing something right and that my assessments, judgement and feedback are starting to be acknowledged.

Introduction To A Social Experiment Social Work Essay

Introduction To A Social Experiment Social Work Essay This assignment follows the experiences of an immigrant Indian/Kashmiri family in their first couple of months in Australia. The family was a period of five weeks for a period of one to two hours per week in their family setting at home and once in the final week on a family picnic which they were gracious enough to invite me to. For discretionary purposes all personal information including names, addresses and any other identifiable markers have been changed in keeping with the primacy of the familys privacy. The family consists of five individuals, the father Mr. Fayaz Ahmad, his wife Rubina Geelani, their two children Ahmad, a boy of 10, Maryam a girl of 12 and their 5 year old nephew Abbas. The family from here on for purposes of brevity will be known as the Ahmads. The Ahmad family is from the northern most state in India, Kashmir. Mr. Fayaz used to work as an engineer in the state of Kashmir with the municipal department of the state as a civil engineer superintendent. Ms. Rubina has a bachelors degree in education but has never worked full time, Maryam and Ahmad were both studying in a well reputed private school and were both performing above average in academics as well as extra-curricular activities, Abbas is their nephew who was recently witness to the tragic death of his parents in a militancy related incident in their home state. Kashmir has had a long history of troubled political activity dating back to the partition of India and Pakistan during which time the Muslim majority state of Kashmir became a bone of contention between the two newborn nations. Since then there has been a slew of political and military activity that has served only to worsen the tangled situation between the two countries with two wars being fought over the state and an armed uprising against the Indian state fueled by Pakistan which resulted in massive state sponsored atrocities as well as transgressions on behalf of the armed rebels. Several other variables, including the growing influence of China, the rise of Afghan Islamist groups, political instability etc has also contributed to the increasingly complex situation in the state. The Ahmad family immigrated to Australia following the tragic death of his brothers family in a military encounter against suspected militants, young Abbas was the only survivor of the tragedy and was a dopted by Fayaz and his wife who decided to leave the trouble torn state behind in order to secure a better future for their children. I came into contact with them through a mutual friend who is a volunteer activist for militancy affected families in Kashmir and who also helped Fayaz through the formalities surrounding immigration. Week one: My first encounter with the Fayaz family was on a pleasant sunny Australian Sunday afternoon the very next day after they had moved in to their home. My reception in their home was very warm and enthusiastic with Mr. Fayaz greeting me very effusively and treating me with great hospitality and warmth. I was told by my friend that the house was a temporary accommodation and was not in that great shape, nevertheless everywhere I saw I could see the efforts of Ms. Rubina and Mr. Fayaz to tidy up the place. There were boxes and unpacked luggage everywhere but Mr. Fayaz managed a comfortable couch space in the main room for me to settle down in. The object of my research was somewhat puzzling to them as they seemed to follow me everywhere I went and it took some while for me to explain to them that this was merely an observation and not an interview, this was greeted with some skepticism and worry by Ms. Rubina who immediately wanted to know what I was looking for. The initial warmth gave way to some mistrust on behalf of Ms. Rubina who instructed the children not to play downstairs or in the open but to go to their room and play there. My initial thoughts were that the mistrust of my presence in their midst was related to their negative experiences with official government agencies that are notorious for their clandestine activities amongst the civilian population in Kashmir. The rest of the time passed by without any major incident and was spent mostly talking to Mr. Fayaz over consecutive cups of tea. Week 2: My second week started right after Mr. Fayaz found a part time job at a nearby retail institute as a sales executive; on my visit to the house he was not present as he was picking up a late shift that day. I used this opportunity to increase my rapport with Ms. Rubina and get to know her better, I felt that our previous encounter had not gone over the smoothest and after some initial reluctance she allowed me to observe the children playing in the yard. I had to assure her that I would not take any photographs of the children before she would allow me this. The children showed little effect of the trauma in their past, although Ahmad was showing signs of lethargy and malnutrition, upon asking Ms. Rubina about his health she replied that he was always a picky eater and had been getting progressively difficult to get him to eat properly in recent weeks. On closer inspection of the children I saw that both Maryam and Ahmad were trying to involve Abbas in traditional Kashmiri games, a version of hopscotch and tag that somehow always ended up with Abbas winning, it was obvious that both Maryam and Ahmad were letting Abbas win these games. Later on while observing them I noticed that they shied away from me and rather spent time with their mother in the kitchen rather than stay anywhere they knew I could see them. In normal cases I would have construed this as natural shyness on behalf of the children but after seeing them play I could not imagine them being very timid by instinct. Week 3: My third visit marked the first time that the children had started school in Australia, I was fortunate enough to observe them coming home directly from school. Maryam seemed very pleased and satisfied with her day at school, although she spoke only in Kashmiri around her mother I could gather from the tone that she was excited about the prospect of school, Ahmad on the other hand seemed subdued and quiet, on closer observation I noticed the signs of a scuffle on the child, with a pocket torn off his new shirt, he was taken away by his mother to his room, I presumed this was to comfort him as there were no sounds of scolding from his room. Maryam was pleased enough to try and interact with me and be comfortable around me, she offered to show me her new books and notebooks, one of which bore a note by her teacher praising her drawing skills and another one which had her homework written down in her small, neat handwriting. She spoke with me in accented by fluent English asking me abou t why I was always in the house with them. The conversation led to the topics of her brother and little cousin, she admitted that Abbas was much sadder nowadays than in the past and he frequently wet his bed at night and as a result had to sleep with the parents in the other room instead of with them. I resolved to talk to Mister and Missis Ahmad about getting Abbas to see a child therapist. Week 4: My fourth visit was a bit rocky as my previous suggestion of a child therapist for Abbas had not gone down well with Mister Fayaz. He felt that I was making unfair demands of him and that the child had been doing fine before I was there and even at one point tried blaming me for Abbass changed behavior. The majority of the time was spent trying to explain to him that it was just a suggestion and that he was in no way bound to do what I asked of him. Later on he admitted that the stress of managing finances for the household was starting to build on him and that he was worried about their future in Australia, on further questioning he informed me that his engineering degree was invalid in this country and he would be stuck with lower level jobs until he could complete another technical course here in Australia. Week five: I was surprised by my fifth and last visit when the family decided to take me along for a surprise picnic. Although not strictly their domestic settings I decided to go along with them to observe their interaction with the Australian picnic experience. The children seemed slightly apprehensive instead of the natural exuberance that most children would show when informed about going to the beach, apart from Ahmad both Abbas and Maryam seemed to stick close to Ms. Rubina and reserved themselves to helping her pack whereas Ahmad wanted to put on his rubber wings and flippers right in the house and go to beach thus dressed. While helping Mr. Fayaz get the car ready I came to know that Ahmad has been having trouble with bullies at school who make fun of his accent, that he has been dreading school and enjoys their outings with a relish, Abbas had started his sessions with a child therapist and was no longer wetting his bed and that Maryam had already enrolled in soccer class. I provided Mr. Fayaz with some brochures and booklets regarding part time courses and short term courses that he could take. Analysis: There were several issues and points that I observed while with the Ahmad family in regards to their reasons for coming to Australia, their interactions with the local culture and the nature of their family relations. Most importantly I came to realize about their unique needs and perspectives, their unique characteristics in regards to what they could bring in to the community, the culture they came from and the special needs that the three children of the family that needed to be addressed. My analysis can be elaborated as: For the greater part of this analysis the focus will be on young Abbas, then on Ahmad and on Maryam in decreasing order of significance in relation to special early care needs. The very first observations regarding Abbas were those of his interactions with the different societal settings that he had to experience. For instance his initial immigration to Australia was prompted by a drastic change in his original environment of Kashmir where he suffered the debilitating trauma of losing both his parents, in conversations with the Ahmads I got to know that Abbas was naturally a shy child and following the death of his parents he became even more withdrawn, to the point where he managed only a few sentences in conversation per day with the Ahmads and not even that with strangers. The initial experiences of the children with their societal systems were also apparent in how they treated me, a stranger in their house, the initial mistrust and fear that they projected on me was only a reflec tion of their past environment where authority figures or those who were in anyway related to official status were viewed with mistrust and even fear, this symptom extended not only to the children but to Ms.Rubina as well, when she forbade the children from interacting with me. The family structure in conservative societies like that of the Ahmad family is generally constituted of only close blood relations, the adoption of children as in the case of Abbas is almost unheard of, the most that a Kashmiri family will do is provide all the necessary support and accessories to a relative but that is all the other party will remain; a relative, in this case the traditional family structure has changed to that of a typical western nuclear family model and that has put an additional load on the two adults as Ms. Rubina and Mr. Fayaz do not have the traditional family support structure in place to help them manage their children any more. The cultural background of the Ahmad family is also an issue that has led to certain hindrances while integrating with their new environment, this was demonstrated with the trouble that Ahmad had with bullies at school and the frustration and worry that Mr. Fayaz felt at his educational qualifications not being considered eligible in the Australian work environment. The stress also showed on Ms. Rubina when she felt mistrustful of me, furthermore the bed wetting episodes of Abbas were symptomatic of elevated stress levels as Maryam informed me that he had never had this kind of problem before. There were of course the needs of the children to take into consideration especially those of Abbas and Ahmad. The specific list of activities and processes that I recommended for the children were: Child specialist therapy for Abbas to help address the trauma of his parents death and the sudden culture shock of shift from Kashmir to Australia. Extracurricular activities for Maryam in order to enable her to come out of her shyness and gain the confidence and self-esteem she needs in order to engage in social interactions effectively. Ahmad requires counseling as well in order to encourage better, more constructive outlets for his frustrations, bullying is always a significant issue to be dealt with in regards to early child care and Ahmads case is no exception but his situation is further compounded by the complexities of the previous experience in the stifling and rather constricted environment of Kashmir along with his experience in a private school in Kashmir as opposed to a public school in Australia In addition to the counseling steps for the children I also suggested certain short term technical courses for Mr. Fayaz so that he doesnt feel trapped in a lower level employment circle in Australia due to his degree not being recognized here.

The Role Of Complexity Theory In Organisations Commerce Essay

The Role Of Complexity Theory In Organisations Commerce Essay This review seeks to make an assessment of the value and reliability that complexity theory makes regarding a new approach to future thinking. The assessment is done with regard to organisation and management. The literature is addressed, as firstly the complexity theory and notion related to complexity theory, the application of complexity theory as metaphor, the concept of self organisation and its robustness in the organisations. Secondly, the role of complexity theory in organisation science-as far as strategy, planning, and vision is considered for future. Thirdly, the complexity theory is analysed in the aspect of leadership and finally the conclusion with a proposed model for further research. INTRODUCTION: Complexity theory states about unpredictability, non-linearity, and the advantages from non-linear thinking.,(1996) has asserted the role of both positive and negative feedback in organisations and the importance related to creativity(Innovation). Creativity and innovation, both are generated at the edge of chaos and the some patterns are generated .Chaos theory which is a part of complexity theory has notified the significance of these patterns. It is a creative place far away from equilibrium. Over the last 30 years and more, an aspect of this behavioural pattern has become the focus of attention in a number of scientific disciplines and fields such as astronomy, chemistry, evolutionary biology, geology and metrology. Valle ,(2000) has explained the complex system as the one in which numerous independent elements continuously interact and re-organise themselves into more and more elaborate structures over time. Mathews et .al ,(1999) called it as an emergent dominant force, distinct from the older competing paradigms. According to Holm dahl, (2005) the complexity theory or complexity science is used as a unifying name for a set of patterns found in the most different areas. However Edmonds ,(1999) supported an argument that it compromises of several views and interpretations; it is not a Unitary, monolithic, fully fledged theory on which there is an academic consensus (Sawyer, 2005). Colemann, (1999) also stated that there is no unified field of complexity theory but rather a number of different fields with intriguing points of resemblance , overlap or complementary with each other. Researchers like Morrison ,(2010) and Edmonds ,(1999) has mentioned about complexity theory, as a nascent, emergent science where its still developing and clarifying its central Tenets, paradigmatic principles, applications, derivatives, methodologies, foci and coherence. Mc Elroy ,(2000) has asserted that complexity theory is the system thinking applied to the behaviour of natural systems. Wheatley ,(1994) have shared the idea of organisation being natural living systems, where they emerge and grow in their environment according to simple rules of nature. However Griffin ,(2002) has extensively criticised the same and the way in which the complex and paradoxical phenomenons are drawn into a systematic understanding of organising. Various Organisational theorists such as (Chia, 1998; Tsoukas and Hatch, 2001; Tsoukas, 2006) also disagree with the direct transfer of models and theories from the natural sciences and explores how, if at all, complexity science may be located in the context of established social theory relevant to organisations In relation to patterns and behaviour, Coleman, (1999) has said its the unpredictable behaviour within the system, encouraged through underpinning patterns that can further represent a powerful, albeit unpredictable innovation. Levy, (2000) has also said that the observing patterns can be more useful if we can associate different phases of system with other characteristics, such as relationship between business cycles and other variables such as demand, interest rates, vendor lead times, and labour market conditions. In relation to the unpredictable behaviour and observation of patterns in systems, Rosen head , (1998) has challenged Coleman ,(1999) arguing that under certain conditions the complex systems performs in an regular predictable ways and in other conditions they exhibit behaviour in which regularity and predictability is lost. Some researchers have criticise others work of complexity theory by signifying their lack of experience such as Rosen head (1998) in his papers has criticised the work of Mc Master (1995), Merry (1995), Stacey (1992) and Wheatley (1992), as Rosen head explains that the findings that they report and interpret, is about scientific fields related to management concerns where they have no experience at all. Rosen head has supported researchers such as Stewart (1989) and Kaufmann (1993), who being scientist of high reputation wrote about research fields in which they are themselves active. Both Stewart and Kaufmann have written about chaos and complexity and their works do make some relevance in regard to complexity theory as they belong to the same field. Complexity theory as a metaphor: Complexity theory has been valued in the social sciences as a source of metaphor (Lissack ,1997). Different researchers have different views for complexity theory and for its basis such as Burnes,(2005) who considered it as an metaphorical device. Van Eijnatten and Van Galen, (2002); Fitzgerald and van Eijnatten, (2002) has mentioned complexity theory as a lens (like chaos) or an analogy (Sundarasaradula et al., 2005). Morrison, (2010) regarded complexity theory as a set of constructs. Indeed as a theory also, Lissack ,(1999) has also argued that it is more, a collection of ideas than a theory. Smith and Humphries, (2004); Murray, (2003) has suggested complexity theory to be best regarded as metaphor. Metaphor, being a complete legitimate device is a way to explain certain phenomenon in a novel way. If complexity is utilised as a metaphor, while understanding the organisational behaviour and management, it would lose the prescriptive force (Rosen head, 1998). While advocating complexity theory as a set of constructs (Morrison ,2010) has argued that complexity theory in itself could have been more valuable as a set of constructs however the complexity theory essential practicalities makes its susceptible to the charge of relativism , arguing for it contemporary reasons, context specificity of the values and actions involved in the subject called change. Complexity theory relativism undermines its own status (Siegel, 1987), ( Laudan , 1990). According to Morrison (2010), Complexity theory is only relativistic and ephemerally useful, rather than having absolutist aspirations. According to researcher the issue being raised here is the need to clarify the status of the complexity theory as what: a theory, framework, a metaphor, a set of constructs, lens, principles or collection of ideas. According to the researcher view, its vital to understand the plain status of complexity theory while considering complexity theory as a robust theory to be used in management or organisation studies. There urges a strong need to research on the subject to utilise the full advantage of it. Self-Organisation: Concept of Self organisation in complexity theory and its validity in management and organisation: Complexity theory suggest that, self organised order may supersede command and control in many situations advocated by Andriani et al. (2004), Brown and Eisenhardt (1998), Falconer (2007) , Kelly and Allison (1999), Marion and Uhl-Bien(2001), Majchrzak et al. (2006), and Stacey(2005). However Willis (2004) argued the view, and said that self-organisation as per the complexity theory may result in a useless development and managers should concern themselves with content, not only with process. According to complexity theory, the human beings should be left to organise themselves. Stacey (1996) has mentioned this as a property of dissipative systems and has mentioned human beings as dissipative structures. Some researchers like Smith et al. (2004) have mentioned these ideas to be unreliable, selfish and irrational. According to them, the organisation science is structured to be led, regulate, mange direct or even control the human beings to guide and give them the sense of direction to achieve their common goals. . Macintosh and MacLean (1993) has argued about the concept of self organisation that, it might exhibit a contradiction between naturally occurring self-organisation and contrived or deliberately , managerially forced positioning of organisations at the edge of the chaos (Falconer, 2007). So this contradiction might lead to inefficiency, time wasting, mob rule and people going in so many different directions which would be resulting in the loss of connectivity and alignment between parts of an organisation, its value and directions (Morrison, 2010). The contradiction about the naturally occurring (emergent) or contrived, deliberately forced positioning of organisation while on the edge of chaos, is difficult to identify and the emergent events could also become destructive (Schneider and Somers , 2006) Similarly negativity might result from new forms of organisation so one has to be very clear while identifying the nature of the self-organisation as people might take benefit of the autonomy in other manner. Eoyang , (2004) in his paper has said about exploring the power and ubiquity of self organisations by giving a theory of self organization in human systems. He has designed the difference matrix in aid to understand the degree of difference in an organisation; still not all self-organising is successful (Lichtenstein, 2000) as some can lead to system failures or catastrophes. Researcher also agrees that the concept of self organisation is probably not absolute in the case of management and organisations as the consequences and conditions vary in different situations and particularly from one organisation to other. So the concept needs further analysis within different business environments. Complexity theory -Strategy-Planning-Vision Complexity developed popularity due to uncertainty and turbulence in environment as the environment is now more and more unpredictable and dynamic in nature. Stacey (1996) in his book has said that the long term planning is irrelevant. Stacey has criticised the strategy as visionary thing and has mentioned that the single vision to serve as intended organisation future, motivator of behaviour, and guarantor of corporate cohesion as a thoroughly bad idea. According to Stacey, such an idea generates a culture of dependency, restricting the expression of conflicting views and creates mental models tending toward groupthink. Our vision and planning is both inter-related and according to complexity theory one should not keep long term planning as the world is dynamic in nature, still there is no evidence that explains the actual meaning of word long in the terms of complexity theory. Apart from long term planning, the scenario planning is also criticised by complexity advocates still nobody tells about the term long term (Levy, 2000) and this notion changes from one environment to other such as biologically evolutionary systems , firms and industries. Smith, (2005) argues on the concept that the complexity advocate asserted so much about the complexity theory and the butterfly effect, still if we consider the macro environment, then the place for scenario analyst is very significant. McMaster (1995) implicitly conceded that scenario analysis could be useful in thinking about the future. According to Smith (2005), thinking about different alternatives remain a better approach to encourage innovation than trusting to emergence and quick action, as supposed by complexity advocates like Kelly(1998) and Tatenbaum(1998). Tetenbaum (1998) and Kelly (1998), both the complexity theorist, has advocated that the future is an inherently unpredictable, unstable entity, from which patterns emerge from the bottoms up. According to Smith, (2005) they have completely discarded the planning and scenario analysis. We need both the innovation and creativity when the organisation thrives at chaos; however we also need the analysis to avoid the pitfalls again. According to researcher the compatibility is the actual word which has to be addressed and needed further attention as Rosenhead , (1998) has also argued that if we rely only on the facts of unpredictability and uncertainty then it would be great achievement in itself. Bunker and Alban (1997) has asserted that even plans can be conceived as actions, as actions unfolds making and economising, with the scarce resources easier and therefore planning process can yield the organizational learning, shared mental models, in fact a meta language which will be supporting the knowledge based view of organisation rather than resource based view. As a researcher, I agree that the world is dynamic and non-linear still the world needs a focus and I believe that the scenario planning and long term planning provides a focus to strategise, in both internal and external environment. Future analysis in general and scenario planning in particular might be well served to the value of system thinking including the chaos, complexity and the catastrophic theory. So then the people would be able to conceptualise the alternative scenarios (Smith, 2005) as it would be promoting the innovation factor. The concept can be explained through observation of macro environment, where the oil prices which are non-predictable still crucial from analyst point of view. Certain scenario analyst, who have years of experience in the same field can make an assessment for short term. Researcher agree with the fact that world is changing rapidly, still the years of experience people have with them in respective field is also an valuable asset for the future, the only need is to make the complexity theories compatible with this experience to evolutes a new understanding on the subject. So as a researcher, I have proposed a model in conclusion which need further research. Leadership: The role of leaders is to successfully implement the change within the organisation. According to complexity theory, the leadership emerges through interactions, networking and connectivity, relationship, as these enhance operational effectiveness. (Goldstein and Hazy, 2006; Lichtenstein et al., 2006; Surie and Hazy 2006; Parellada , 2007). Leadership and management, from the perspective of Complexity theory, is adaptive, participative and enabling (Schreiber and Carley, 2006). On the one hand, Complexity theory advocates distributed leadership that operates in an ever-changing, unpredictable environments, Gronn (2003), Lakomski (2000), Gunter (2003), Harris (2003), Falconer, (2007) and on the other hand, it suggests that employee empowerment, voice, creativity and diversity have considerable significance. (Stacey, 2000; Parellada, 2007; Capra et al., 2007). Complexity theory introduces the reality of unknown future, may be through overstating the case for unpredictability or absolving leaders and managers of responsibility. However, it does not argue against the fact that leaders and managers have to operate with the best evidence to date, rather than having perfect knowledge. (Morrison, 2010) Researcher also agrees that there is inconsistency in the definition of leadership by complexity theory and it plays a very vital role in the management of organisations. Indeed Smith and Humphries (2004) write that complexity theorists such as Brown and Eisenhardt,(1998) accept instability and uncertainty with too much certainty. This rehearses the postmodernists dilemma of proscribing fixity and firmness yet holding such proscriptions fixedly and firmly. Conclusions: Complexity theory is a field within which some un-expected and diverse results have been found, further leading on to some further intriguing conjectures. What does not follow here is that any such result necessarily applies to all situations. As a researcher, I have developed an idea that might use the concept of complexity in organisation to achieve improved results. As the researcher has worked in marketing field , so recognises the importance of innovation and creativity. Firstly, I agree with the concept of unpredictability and long term planning, however the urge is to utilise the experience gained by senior people in the companies. I feel the importance of complexity in change management and would like to propose an idea for it. Organisation has a particular culture and learning process shaped from either past or present to achieve the future goals. So it implies that both are inter-related (Culture-Learning).Both of them should be nourished with negative and positive feedback as well as with an awareness to change. So people who has linear thought process and with non-linear thought process should be trained consciously or sub-consciously towards change. Let us give name People with linear thought process=A People with non-linear thought process=B The senior management can identify and differentiate between people A and people B, by observing their responses to their works. (problem-solving methods). For 6 months, without any restriction, A should be allowed to give recommendations through a non-linear point of view in their problem-solving ways for 6 months and Data collection has to be made. For same 6 months, B should be allowed to give recommendation through linear point of view in their problem solving ways. Data collection has to be made. Then relocate them as they were before, now observe the changes and pattern. Involve both nontechnical and technical team to assess the problem solving ways to achieve solutions on complex problems related to organisation. Performance might get improve or might deteriorate; still there might be chances that Organisation can get a dynamic team with dynamic capabilities. I understand the issues related to it, so will suggest a further qualitative deductive research on the model to establish a link from complexity theory to the science of organisation. Overall after the review, researcher highlights the need to further research on the following subjects of complexity theory: Status of Complexity theory-Complexity theory absolutist or relativistic status to understand the organisation science Complexity theory mandate about self-organization that may be directive, manipulative and mechanistic. Still about its source and validity no one has confirmed, yet a so further study has to determine the link between the exact global pattern and its validity. How complexity theory helps leaders and mangers in the enterprise as it does not does not address the problem of how to replace command and control without using command and control. Complexity theory refers to an system without any ordered rules and regulations and then specifies its own regulations to follow the concept of self-organisation, positive feedback, connectivity and the concept of non-linearity in predictable and non-predictable world.

The Ruthwell Cross :: Artifacts History Religion Essays

The Ruthwell Cross The Ruthwell Cross is a late seventh or early eighth century sculpted "preaching" cross. It can currently be found in the town of Ruthwell, near Dumfries in southern Scotland. Standing about 17 feet tall, the cross is adorned with Latin and Anglo-Saxon runic inscriptions and carvings. The cross, almost thirteen centuries old, has as much history as one would expect for an artifact of this age. The Ruthwell Cross was partially dismantled most likely during 1642 at the order of the Church of Scotland General Assembly. The General Assembly was looking to rid Scotland of items of Roman worship. Believed to be connected with Roman worship, the cross was dismantled and spread out on the grounds of a small church in Ruthwell. Its pieces, which were large in size, were used as paving in some parts of the church grounds. In the early 1800's the pieces were located and the cross was reconstructed at the order of Reverend Doctor Henry Duncan. Although most of the cross was found and pieced together, Duncan had to construct a new crossbeam for the cross. The significance of the cross lies in its inscriptions and carvings. Some of the carvings on the cross are said to symbolize passages from the New Testament. Portions of the Anglo-Saxon runic inscriptions have been determined to be passages from one of the most recognized Old English religious poems, "The Dream of the Rood." There is some controversy surrounding this poem, as its author and date of creation remain unknown to this day. Some historians believe it was written by the famous poet Caedmon; however, there is no proof that it is his work. In conclusion, the Ruthwell Cross has a detailed and important history behind. Its runic inscriptions and carvings give us insight into what the culture was like in those times. The Ruthwell Cross is an important piece of history and is recognized as such in the Ancient Monuments Protection Act of 1882, under which it is protected. GRAPH

The Importance of History :: World History

The Importance of History Can anything worthwhile be gained from continued research into historical events? History seen as study of the past is an integral part of many education systems across the world. Many countries spend huge amounts of money and resources to uncover their past. Every year new and new historical sites are uncovered, excavations on those sites are conducted and the result are studied by archeologists throughout the world. But have we gained anything worthwhile from research into the past? The answer seems clear: Yes, we have. The Study of history especially into historical battles and wars is beneficial when not vital for the evolution of warfare in the modern world. Military strategists continually study wars such as the World Wars, the Napoleonic Conflicts and many modern wars. Tactics and strategies are analyzed and continuously refined, so as to improve their effectiveness and efficacy in future conflicts, without historical study into conflicts, advanced warfare tactics prevalent today would never have evolved from those primitive tactics man used to use in wars. Many countries nowadays are trying to acquire Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), as history has convincingly displayed their awesome destructive power, and their potential to deter aggressions and conflicts thrust upon on a country, like the Cold war remained 'cold' because both countries had WMD and were aware of the consequences if they were used. Another example were historical research is vital is the judicial system. History sets precedents of judicial cases, which are studied by judges to before they make decision in similar cases themselves. The effectiveness of certain punishments for offences is also evaluated through history. Thus we study history in order to learn from it, improve our past experiences and avoid repeating past mistakes. However this is not always the case. When World war one broke out in Europe, The Empires of Germany, Austro-Hungarian and the Ottoman, were fighting against the axis France, Britain, and Italy. The result of this conflict was total destruction for all of Europe. However just after 20 years, the same nations were getting closer to another military confrontation. Yet again the same nations were allowing Germany to rise militarily, yet again they failed to act soon enough, and yet again they found themselves in another conflict. Yet again the conflict brought total destruction for Europe. What went wrong here, why didn't the study of history prevent a cataclysm in Europe when just one had happened 2 or 3 decades ago?

Baby Boomers Essay -- essays papers

Baby Boomers During the Great Depression and World War II many Americans delayed marrying and having children because of the poor economy. The number of marriages and births soared after the war. Many older couples who had delayed having children began having them when the war ended. This increase in births among both younger and older American couples created the Baby Boom Generation. This large group of people born in the U.S. from 1946 to 1964 amounted to 76 million children. Those born during this time make up approximately 36% of today’s population (Deutsch). What impact has this had on the economy? Read on to see how the baby boom generation has affected the economy and what will happen as they retire. This generation has had a huge impact on the economy due to its sheer size. At first there was a crunch at hospital maternity wards. When the boomers reached school age, schools became overcrowded, forcing towns to build additions. By the time they were entering senior high the cities and towns were expanding. New office buildings, hotels, apartment complexes and stores were springing up everywhere. When they reached college age, American Higher Education had to expand. Large enrollments along with inflation pushed college costs higher. When they started families of their own and became homeowners it drove real estate prices up. As they passed through the life cycle, these shortages soon became surpluses. An example being the collapse of the real estate market in the late1980’s (Sullivan). We can expect a large demand for retirement housing, elder care and finally the funeral industry as the Boomers continue their life cycle. Marketers have followed the boom generation for decades, producing items that appealed to them as children, teens and young adults. With more money in their pockets than time on their hands, today’s baby boomers are dining out at an all time high. Now it is people over the age of 40 who have the resources to purchase big-ticket items. Today the engine that is driving our economy and our stock market is due to the lopsided demographics present right now. The coming of age of discretionary spending is allowing people to buy that SUV, boat, computer, etc that would have been put off in the past (Income). The economy is sensitive to the Boomer generation’s desire for a luxury lifestyle. As they look toward retiremen... ...grams for children, while a new state agency was created to represent the needs and concerns of older citizens.† (Sullivan). The baby boom generation has had a profound effect on the American economy at each stage of their life starting with the demand created for goods, then filling the labor market. Now we’ll have to wait and see if their retirement will cause the doom predicted by some or create the marketplace godsend predicted by others. Bibliography: Buchner, Gail. â€Å"Demographics is Not Destiny†. Journal of Financial Planning. Institute of Certified Financial Planners 1999. Deutsche, Alex. Topical Study #51. 10 Oct. 2001 www.yardenicom/topical.asp Generation Gap to Create Jobs Turnaround. Sydney Morning Herald 4. 10 Oct. 2001 http://www.ncpa.org/pd/economy/econ 10.html Jackson, Gerard. â€Å"Will the Baby Boomers Cure Unemployment?† TNA News with Commentary. 9 Apr 2001. Peterson, Peter G. â€Å"Gray Down: How the Coming of Age Wave Will Transform America and the World†. 1999: 189-90. Sullivan, Teresa A. â€Å"Baby Boom Generation†. Discovery Channel School. 2 Oct. 2001. http://www.discoveryschool.com/homework.help/worldbook/atozhistory/b/040930.html

Student Resources Worksheet

Student resources include a variety of helpful sites and tools that can be of assistance when completing assignments, connecting to other students, and searching for careers. Complete this table regarding student resources provided by the university. In the first column, identify where the resource can be found. In the second column, summarize each resource in at least one sentence. When you are finished with the matrix, answer the follow-up question in part B.Part A: Resources Scavenger HuntStudent resource Where found Summary of the resource Syllabus Course materials Your guide that tells you all you assignments and reading material, as well when they are due. Class Policies On the classroom page on the left hand side undercourse outline Tells you about all the academic polices and procedures University Library Library tab Helps you do research or look up information on different subjects University Academic Catalog My program tab A guide of all programs that are offered as well as everything that has to do will the university University Learning GoalsLife Resource Center Home page under quick links A support center for students Phoenix Career Services Under library tab Resume building, career planning, job market research, job opportanties Student Workshops Programs under services Different workshops that they have going on PhoenixConnect Phoenix Connect tab Social gathering site just for students Technical Support phone number 1-877-832-4867 Help when you are have technical issues with the website. They are aviable twenty-four hours a day seven days a week.Part B: Follow-Up QuestionBased on the resources in the table, what are the attendance, posting, and participation requirements for the university? Attendence is two days a week. You are required to post a total of six messages per week. Your participation is to post two messages on three different days a week.

The Great Gastby

Abstract As the spokesman of the â€Å"Jazz Age†, F. Scott Fitzgerald , referred to his own experience, wrote his masterpiece-The Great Gatsby. Through abundant symbols, Fitzgerald profoundly depicted the society of Jazz Age and successfully displayed the disillusionment of American Dream, which existed in the majority of American in 1920s. To describe the restlessness of the â€Å"lost generation† in the â€Å"roaring twenties†, the author created several typical tragic characters. This paper, based on some symbolic theories, focuses on how the author brought his attitude to the surface to reveal the theme.And by analyzing the symbolic meanings of some leading characters, it further probes into the failure of American Dream. Key words Symbolism; characters; American Dream; disillusionment 1 Introduction 1. 1 Plot and characters review Jay Gatsby, formerly Jake Gatz, is a successful bootlegger with desire of being accepted in the highest social circles of Long Is land. Once he has done this, Gatsby spares no effort to win back the love of his former girlfriend Daisy, now married to a boorish â€Å"old-money† millionaire, Tom Buchanan.Gatsby's obsession with Daisy and his pursuit of this unworthy dream results in disillusionment and, ultimately, tragedy. Sidelines observer Nick Carraway, recounts the whole story. 1. 2 The spokesman of the â€Å"Jazz Age† F. Scott Fitzgerald is widely regarded as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century. He was both a representative of his era and a severe critic of society. In his short life, Fitzgerald experiences overnight fame and wealth in 1920s but suffers a lot in 1930s, which shares much resemblance with American society.Furthermore, with a lot of works describing the expectation and disilluionment of the American young generation, he gained irreplaceable position in the history of American literature and was often called the spokesman of â€Å"Jazz Age†. The Great Gatsby, for which he was known, is somewhat a reflection of his experience and his attitude towards the American Dream. The novel shows the anomie following the First World War. During the â€Å"roaring† 1920s, American society enjoyed unprecedented levels of prosperity as the economy soared.At the same time, Prohibition, the ban on the sale and manufacutre of alcohol as mandated by the 18th century, made many bootleggers millionaires and led to an increase in organized crime. Although Fitzgerald, like Nick Carraway in his novel, idolized the riches of the age, he was uncomfortable with the unlimited materialism and the lack of morality that went with it. The value of money was mostly exaggerated during that age. The connection of the â€Å"old money† and â€Å"new money† is presented in geographical symbols of the novel: East Egg is the place where the established aristocracy lived, and West Egg – â€Å"the self-made rich†.Using his narratorâ€⠀œNick, the author told about his views of American Dream – it was â€Å"originally about discovery, individualism, and the pursuit of happiness† . 2 Symbolism in characters In the Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald skillfully selected diffirent people, such as Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan and Nick Carraway. This part will analyze the four main characters in detail and discuss their function in symbolism. 2. 1 Jay Gatsby Through the whole life of Gatsby we can see that he is the representative of the people who pursue the American dream.At first when Gatsby falls in love with Daisy, he is frustrated for the huge gap between their social status and wealth. Gatsby is a poor immigrant of low status but Daisy comes from an old wealthy American family. They belong to two totally different worlds under that condition where people all pursue money and material content. So their love is actually desperate and not realistic. He falls into great agony because he lost Daisy and he thinks they didn’t get married just because he is not rich enough.In Gatsby’s opinion, his dream of loving Daisy is ruined by the difference in their respective backgrounds, so he resorts to crime to make adequate money so as to impress Daisy and win her back. To some degree, he makes it. He gets the money he needs and then, through building up a large house and holding luxury parties and banquets, he successfully attracts Daisy’s attention. Daisy comes back to him, dating with him again. Gatsby is so happy to see that they finally return to their old days. But in fact, this is all his illusion, as their love is based on material possessions. He has lived not for himself, but for his dream, for his vision of the good life inspired by the beauty of a lovely rich girl. † The green light situated at the end of East Egg dock and visible from Gatsby’s West Egg lawn may be the best symbol of his unattainable dream. â€Å"He stretched out his arms tow ard the dark water in a curious way, and far as I was from him I could have sworm he was trembling. Involuntarily I glanced seaward—and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away, that might have been the end of a dock. In the end when Gatsby dies for the sake of Daisy, she just leaves him behind and goes to Europe with her husband to spend their holiday. Gatsby’s dream of a perfect Daisy and a happy life totally breaks up until now. The falling down of Gatsby’s dream represents the falling down of American Dream. Then why the dream fails in such a miserable way? First, Gatsby builds up an illusionary dream. He is fascinated with Daisy’s grace and charm, but blinds her shortcomings. â€Å"He gives Daisy an idealistic perfection that she cannot possess in reality† .Alhough later he comes to know that Daisy is not what she used to be and that she doesn’t love him, he cannot stop dreaming and continues to recall the old days. Gatsby’s dream is ruined by the unworthiness of its object, just as the American Dream in the 1920s is ruined by the unworthiness of its object—money and pleasure. Second, from the beginning he uses a wrong way to achieve his dream and this would inevitably lead to his dream’s coming into failure at last. He has made his fortune through racketeering and conducting suspicious business, regardless of the moral principles.The American dream of Gatsby corrupts as the unrestrained desire for money and pleasure surpasses those noble goals. More importantly, the sharp contrast between the ideal and the reality is due to result in the breakup of the dream. In some senses, Gatsby’s dream originated from the past, and made him sincerely persist. But when he was addicted into the past, he made efforts to find various possibilities in the future. He makes the historical past transform to the future in the vain hope.The green light representing his ideal fut ure, which also indicates the whole American ones, is unattainable. The American Dream destroys not only because of the profound social and historical reasons, but also being deeply concerned with the self-destructive characters of Gatsby. When Gatsby’s simple and naive characters are confronted with the cold society and moral decay of America, there will be no place for Gatsby to escape but die. In the end, the author wrote, â€Å"Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgiastic future that year by year recedes before us.It eluded us then, but that's no matter – tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther †¦ And one fine morning – So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past† . Gatsby goes back ceaselessly into the past because the future is far too cruel to imagine. This is the tragedy of Gatsby: he himself lives in the past and is making a beautiful but illusionary dream of the future, so do the Ame ricans. 2. 2 Daisy Buchanan Throughout the book, Daisy is described almost in a fairytale tone.She is the princess in the castle, the wonderful girl that every man dreams of possessing. She is beautiful and rich and innocent and pure in her whiteness. â€Å"She dressed in white, and had a little white roadster †¦Ã¢â‚¬  . But that whiteness is mixed with the yellow of gold and the unavoidable corruption that money brings. Just as Gatsby once comments after their reunion, â€Å"her voice is full of money. † . Her love for Gatsby is conditioned by his wealth. When she saw Gatsby’s fabulous pile of shirts, she could not help crying:† I’ve never seen such — such beautiful shirts before. . For Daisy, her love associated closely with stable and extravagant life. Daisy proves her real nature when she chooses Tom over Gatsby, then allows Gatsby to take the blame for killing Myrtle Wilson even though she herself was driving the car. Finally, rather tha n attend Gatsby’s funeral, Daisy and Tom move away, leaving no forwarding address. Daisy lived in â€Å"a material world without being real, where poor ghosts, breathing like air. † Actually, Daisy stands for youth, gold and status, which many young Americans regard as their dreams.Yet, the dream has already became a nightmare, as it generates those money-oriented and power-persuing minds. As a social satire, Daisy is also a reflection on moral decadence in modern Amercian society. It is concerned with the corruption of values and the decline of spiritual life. Since the Industry Revolution, Americans have fallen in , not only the way of life through which they seeking for more luxurious enjoyment, but also wealth and status at the expense of moral decay. As a consequence, American Dream has totally failed to bring any kind of fulfillment, either spiritual or material. . 3 Tom Buchanan Tom Buchnan, the dude form Yale, is a liar, a hypocrite, and a bully. Being born int o a wealthy family has made him a spoiled man. He hasn’t really worked his entire life and instead, spends his days in indulgence and ease. All Tom’s feelings and actions are self-directed. He has a shameless affair with Myrtle because it satisfies his needs. He flaunts their relationship in public for he is a careless man who isn’t bothered by the sufferings he causes. This also attributes to he and Daisy’s escape in a situation where they would have to face.Tom is the typical character of his class. His social attitudes are laced with racism and sexism, and he never ever considers trying to live up to the moral standard he supposed to. Tom is â€Å"a scion of the great robber barons of the Gilded Age who seize the land, gutted the forests, laid the railroads, and turned the cities into vast urban fortresses for the purpose of protecting their own moneyed interests† . He represents descendants of those early pioneers, frontiersman and later settle rs who attempted to transform the Virgin Land into a New World Garden.These later empire-builders of the post-Civil War period, who were eager to replace crops with machines, set aside morality as easily and quickly as they attempted to buy up civilization. 2. 4 Nick Caraway Although Nick is not the hero in the novel, his importance as the narrator and a functional character makes him almost as much a central figure as Gatsby. He is Gatsby’s neighbor, Daisy’s cousin once removed, Tom’s classmate in college and the sweetie of Daisy’s close fried, Jordan.He is a tie, who connects many contradictions and conflicts among characters, and a key figure in the complicated relaion net. Nick uses his curious eyes to view Gatsby’s actions and holds sympathy to suppose Gatsby’s thoughts. As a witness who â€Å"has strong flexibility and broad and various information† , he can observe Gatsby’s actions standing far from him and take a neutra l and calm viw to value the story. Using â€Å"I† as witness to narrative the story, Fitzgerald let readers feel things directly while hid himself behind the case.Nick resembles Fitzgerald in such aspects as age, family background, education record, literary interest, military experience and seeks of fortune. â€Å"If Gatsby represents one part of Fitzgerald’s personality, the flashy celebrity who pursued and praised wealth in order to impress the woman he loved, then Nick represents another part: the quiet, reflective Midwesterner adrift in the lurid East† . So this may fully explain why Nick senses, understands and sympathizes Gatsby. The similarities between Nick and Fitzgerald make Nick voice more than the author.As a moral symbol he is the embodiment of a hope for moral and spiritual growth. Functioning as Fitzgerald’s speaker in making his ultimate value judgements, Nick realizes that the fast-paced, fun-driven lifestyle of New York is grotesque and damaging; an ideal based on materialism rather than a fulfilment of American Dream. Knowing the truth of the East, Nick quickly goes back without any hesitation. At the end, Nick is the only person escaping from the illusory American Dream and unfolds this tragic story to us all. 3 ConclusionIn the Great Gatsby, by using symbolic images, F. Scott Fitzgerald reveals the contradiction and inner conflict of the characters as well as displays his intelligence and excellent writing skill. The entire story is about the effect brought by the roaring age of reshaping people’s value , causing the deterioration of morality and running after money even one undeserved. Gatsby deadly accumulated great wealth in illegal way to get Daisy’ love, but he didn’t recognize people’s ugly inward—greedy of money and mean of kindness, and finally he died with everything lost.References [1] F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Great Gatsby. Jiangsu:YiLing Press, 1997 [2] Miller James E. Jr. F. Scott Fitzgerald: His Art and Technique. New York: New York University Press, 2001 [3] Wang Qiong. The Narrative Technique in â€Å"The Great Gatsby† from the Point View of Narration. Shanghai:Journal of Huzhou Teachers College, 2004 [4] Garrett George. Fire and Freshness: A Matter of Style in the Great Gatsby. In Matthew J. Broccoli (Ed), 2002 [5] Ernest H. Lockridge ed. Twentieth century interpretations of The Great Gatsby: A Collection of Critical Essays.Prentice-Hall, 1968 [6] Leech Geoffrey N & Short Michael H. New Essays on the Great Gatsby. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1985 [7] Zhang Tianjing. the Deeply Moving America Tragedy–Analysis the Great Gatsby. Journal of Xianyang Normal University, 2004 [8] Zhao Hongwei. Disillusionment of Gatsby’s† American Dream† From the Perspective of Society–Analysis of â€Å"The Great Gatsby†. Journal of Harbin University, 2003 [9] Mizener Arthur ed. F. Scott Fitzgerald: A Coll ection of Critical Essays, Englewood Cliffs. N. J: Prentice-Hall, 1963 The Great Gastby Chapter 7 1. Look up Trimalchio and decide whether that is an appropriate comparison for Gatsby. Trimalchio was the protagonist in Satyricon, by Petronius. He was a freedman who gained prestige and power through sheer tenacity and hard work. Once he attained his wealth, he enjoyed throwing lavish parties that were meant to impress his variety of guests. The comparison of Gatsby and Trimalchio is obvious. Both were newly rich, and trying to get the right attention. Fitzgerald's early version of Gatsby was actually titled â€Å"Trimalchio in West Egg†. 2.What has changed at Gatsby’s house? Why? Gatsby’s house becomes much quieter, and his parties come to an end because he no longer needed them to attract Daisy. 3. In chapter 1, Daisy and Jordan are lying on a couch. Find and compare the passage that this section repeats. 4. How do Gatsby and Daisy behave together? In the absence of Tom? With Tom around? While Tom is out of the room, Daisy kisses Gatsby on the lips and says she loves him. When Tom is around, Gatsby stares at Daisy with obvious passion and Daisy recklessly remarks, within earshot of Tom, that she loves Gatsby. . When is it that Tom realizes Daisy is in love with Gatsby? Why? After Daisy suggests they go to town, Tom witnesses a soft glance that passes between Daisy and Gatsby and can no longer deny the two of them are having an affair. 6. How does Gatsby characterize Daisy’s voice? What does that mean? How does that make sense to Nick? Gatsby says that her voice is â€Å"full of money† (-__-). For Gatsby, Daisy represents the wealth and elegance for which he has yearned all his life.It also shows that while Gatsby hesitates frequently, thinking before he speaks around these people because he was never really part of their world, Daisy, on the other hand, is free to do and say what she wishes, without worry, because she is so accustomed to living in this world. Nick realized that was the charm in her voice. 7. What does Tom learn about Wilson? What does Myrtle misinterpret? Tom learns that Wilson is trying to raise money to finance the move west that he has planned for him and his wife Myrtle.Myrtle is staring down from the windows above the garage at Jordan Baker, whom she seems to have mistaken for Daisy, her rival in love. 8. What is ironic about the music below the suite? 9. Describe the behavior of Tom, Gatsby, and Daisy. What is Nick’s attitude toward them? Tom and Gatsby have an argument, with Tom accusing Gatsby of lying about being an oxford man. When Gatsby successfully answers the question, Tom then explodes and asks him about his love affair with Daisy. Daisy tries and fails to quiet Tom.Nick remains a spectator of the scene and doesn’t say anything. 10. What is Gatsby’s insistence with Daisy? Why? How does this connect to earlier in the novel? Gatsby insists that Daisy never loved him, and not Tom, all these years. But when Daisy cannot honestly admit that ne ver loved Tom, Gatsby declares that Daisy is leaving Tom anyway. Gatsby does this because he realized that he was losing Daisy. 11. What does Nick realize about himself? How does it make him feel? Nick realizes that he that it is his 30th birthday.After Nick realizes it is his 30th birthday he acknowledges the fact that he has wasted too much of his time with people who do not actually care about anything other than wealth. He has spent a lot of his life on trivialities and sees that, all of a sudden, life is passing him by. His time with Nick, Jordan and the others has distracted him to the point where he loses focus of his own life and goals, thus, forgetting his own birthday. 12. Why does Myrtle Wilson die, according to Gatsby?How does this relate to her earlier misinterpretation? Because Daisy was driving and (accidentally? ) struck Myrtle. Myrtle saw Jordan Baker in the yellow car and thought she was Tom’s wife. She recognizes the yellow car as she’s running away and tries to speak to who she thinks is Jordan but it is in fact Daisy, the actual wife of Tom, who accidentally kills her. 13. What is the status of Daisy and Tom at the end of the chapter? Tom and Daisy have reconciled and it is obvious that they are going to stay together. 14.Compare Gatsby’s vigil at the end of the chapter with a similar moment earlier in the novel. Nick’s parting from Gatsby at the end of this chapter parallels his first sighting of Gatsby at the end of Chapter 1. In both cases, Gatsby stands alone in the moonlight pining for Daisy. In the earlier instance, he stretches his arms out toward the green light across the water, optimistic about the future. In this instance, he has made it past the green light, onto the lawn of Daisy’s house, but his dream is gone forever.

Racial Formation Summary Essay

Racial Formations by Michael Omi and Howard Winant, in my eyes, successfully explained how we as a society view race and gives us a sense of how it is observed within social contexts. Omi and Winant used media, ideas, and everyday examples to portray their views about race. Omi and Winant’s article began with the Susie Guillory Phipps’s case about how she had (Omi and Winant 2014) â€Å"unsuccessfully sued the Louisiana Bureau of Vital Records† (p.13) because she wanted to change her racial distinction from black to white on her birth certificate. Phipps argument was that racial classifications were unconstitutional. However, the court had upheld the belief that classifying individuals based on race was indeed constitutional. The Phipps case demonstrated for many centuries, that the United States had always tried to define race and how it is to fit within our social context. Omi and Winant then goes on to say this struggle to define race is not only seen in the U nited States, but is seen in other locations around the world, such as Europe. With exploration of the new world, many Europeans had believed that anyone who was not white had to have lesser freedom, if any at all, because these non-white were seen as inferior and less fit for society. Even to this every day, many individuals try to discover the â€Å"scientific meaning† of race. These individuals want to argue that race in not (Omi and Winant 2014) â€Å"social, political, or economic determination† (p. 15) but instead race can be found within an individual’s underlying characteristics which can be identified through skin color or physical attributes. Omi and Winant further showed how race can be seen as a social concept as well. For example, they explained how many people in contemporary British politics use the term black to mean any nonwhites, which surprisingly has not lead to any retaliation by any people. As a matter of fact, some Asian and Afro-Caribbean youth are using the term for self identity. Omi and Winant explains this phenomenon as â€Å"racial formations† which refers to the (Omi and Winant 2014) â€Å"process of by which social, economic, and political forces determine the content and importance of racial categories, and by which they are shaped by racial meanings† (p.15). Omi and Winant also goes on to explain within everyday life, individuals tend to create racial identities for others. These preconceived thoughts are like expectations we give  ourselves about other races. These preconceived thoughts did not just occur over night, they are a result of the historical events that has occurred over time and still shape the way we think about other races to this very day. Constructing Race, Cheating, White Privilege Constructing Race, Creating White Privilege by Pem Davidson Buck illustrated from the beginning of European colonization, there was a sense of how white individuals granted themselves privileges that no other race could have. To keep these racial privileges separate, laws such as the one in 1691punished European women who married African Americans or Native American men. The white individuals were so driven to separate themselves from other races, that European men who had children with an African or Native American, or any slave for that matter, were not responsible for the children. This meant that African American or the Natives did not become wealthy and was done so that the white people did not feel threatened by other race’s power. Buck then goes on to say that (2014) â€Å"Whites had an equal interest in the maintenance of whiteness and white privilege, and that it was the elite† (pg.35). This meant that white supremacy was taught to others and thus engraved in their minds for years after. All this was created so that whites would have power over other races. Additionally, whites reserved the right to whip African Americans; however, it was illegal to whip white people. On top of this, African Americans were denied the right to having a family just because husbands could have authority for their wives and not their owners. Buck then goes into talks about Psychological Wage. Buck describes psychological wage as having a feeling of superiority for the poor whites because their whiteness made up for the terrible economic situation they were in. This sense of superiority further helped the rich whites because the poor had supported this separate racial system and thus the rich had control of labor and the economy.