Ford Motor Company Analysis Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Ford Motor Company Analysis Report - Essay Example The contingency perspective has been demonstrated with the technologies that are used along with the justification of their fitness in the organisational structure. In this regard, the structural problems have also been identified and analysed. The next part of the report demonstrates the cultural aspect of the organisation assessing its goals, norms and rules and how effectively the organisational structure fits into its present culture. Lastly, the report analyses the political perspective in the company while explaining the way in which power is distributed between stakeholders and managers. The project also proposes suitable recommendations based on the analysis of the above four perspectives and identification of the challenges. The Ford Motor Company is one of the largest manufacturers of automobile products in the world. The company had initially started with manufacturing twin cylinder engines which had a potential of 20mph. Later on, the company diversified into developing o ther models. The Model-T had become particularly popular since 1909 because of its price at $850, engine size, fuel consumption and speed in the range of 40-mph. The company had confronted an economic slowdown during the Second World War, but had gradually regained its potential since then. Even amidst very stiff competition, Ford has retained the topmost position with its constant production of innovative products. The worldwide popularity of the company can be attributed to its low price, innovative styles, enhanced production and customer satisfaction (Bryant University, 2004). Analysis Bureaucratic The Ford Motor Company, which is an America based multinational automaker, is located in... This essay stresses that the company has a proper hierarchical structure in which each ones’ roles and responsibilities are clear and well defined. The rules and regulations are designed by the top management and implemented at the ground level. However, this often becomes difficult for the global organisation to incorporate. Ford is a global organisation where the business units are located at different geographic locations. This is the reason why the company has been decentralising at rapid rate. It is recommended that there should be greater decentralisation efforts from the top management. It is not easy to control the entire business from one place. Each business unit must have a specific implementation and management control. This paper makes a conclusion that the company faces problems integrating the different cultures across the different global units. As the company has globalised, the bureaucratic structure has become increasingly obsolete. In order to create a single corporate culture, it is crucial for the top management to allocate power and authority to the individual managers. They should be accountable for implementing the culture, norms and regulations in the individual business units. Maintaining a single culture from a single location would be impossible. This is where the bureaucratic structure fails. Greater decentralisation and allocation of power and authority would be the most effective method of integrating the diverse culture of the global organisation and focussing one single and common norm.

How technology has affected you as a translator Essay

How technology has affected you as a translator - Essay Example The work can easily be sent and received across the cultural and natural borders. The translator may work for its clients from anywhere in the world. The market for the translator is not just limited to their own city or country. However translation is still considered to be a service whose dependence is based on high degree of trust between the translators and their clients. The translator may receive his high pay work mostly from the unseen clients living across the borders, as fees paid to the translators in different countries may vary, however the translators still believe that the best clients are made face to face. Technology has made the distribution of the large translation jobs quite easy between the intermediaries. Suppose if the client wants to market its product in 15 other languages, they would simply hire a marketing company. It is the job of the marketing firm to hire different brokers who then assign this job to a number of translation companies that further allocate the task to the translators that are often are freelancers. In such a case the company is usually paying at least three times more of what the freelance translator receives. However if the company directly assign the task to any freelancer then it be an advantage for the company as well as the freelance translator, as the company will be paying less for the same job and the translator will be receiving more. Technology has played a significant role in increasing the benefits for the translators; however the various consequences of the electronic communication have also increased the security risk. Translators are usually working on the material that is out of the public domain. This is what makes trust such an important factor in this business. Therefore while sending and receiving a file the translator must be aware of secure FTP, various forms of zipping and of encoding. There is no

Explaining Prophets And Their Duties Religion Essay

Explaining Prophets And Their Duties Religion Essay From a Biblical perspective, a prophet is a spokesperson on earth who proclaims Gods word, revealing things that would happen in the future. This utterance is called prophecy because its divinely inspired, and involves, revelation or interpretation. This essay will illustrate a study on prophecy in the Old Testament (OT), various people who met the criteria of being true prophets and identify those who were known to be false prophets. Further, an insight on different kinds of prophecy and there fulfilment will also be demonstrated. Prophets through various scriptures in the bible were referred to as men of God or servants of God to implicate the seriousness of their status. After the fall of man, God had a divine plan to restore His love relationship with humans and this was portrayed throughout the OT. Tholuck titled the prophets as the ancient preachers of the Church, he said, The prophets were the living depositaries of the idea of the theocracy or kingdom of God. In other words prophecy erected from the foundation of Gods law and it was the prophets who imposed it. According to the prophetic criteria, bible theologians state that Enoch (Gen. 5: 24) and Noah (Gen. 6: 9) qualified as prophets, because God spoke through them, but it was Abraham whom God first spoke of as a prophet when He warned King Abimelech against marrying Sarah (Gen. 20: 6-7). According to Bible theology, God chose the Israelites to be His representatives on earth to whom He could reveal Himself, by speaking through His chosen advocates known as the prophets so that all other nations could be blessed and know the true Living God. He wanted humans to know that He was their creator and He had divine plans and a purpose for them to live according to His will. He gave them His laws to which they were to live by, and He was to be their God. It was those laws that caused conflict between God and His people. Chris Wright believed that it was the Holy Spirit who inspired the prophets. He said, He is the Spirit who spoke through the prophets, inspiring their commitment to speak the truth and to stand for justice. This was affirmed by Peter in The New Testament when he contested the origin of the OT prophecies (2 Pet. 1: 20-21), and was evident when Saul got anointed as king and the Spirit of God took control of Him and he prophesied (1Sam. 10: 10). Since prophets were the mediators of God, they only spoke in the name of God, lived by faith and demonstrated the holiness of God, as Zechariah father of John the Baptist said in his prophecy that, As He said through His holy prophets of long ago (Luke 1: 70). The prophets had to be fully obedient to what God required of them hoping in Gods Spirit that strengthened and worked through them. Fulfilment was a key issue in the prophetic movement. Through Isaiah, God said, As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isa. 55: 10-11). Such prophecy took away any doubt about Gods will especially to the prophets themselves, who prophesied to a doubtful nation. One writer said, The criterion of true prophecy is what it should be-truth, the correspondence between the prophetic word and the realities of history. Any prophet who spoke oracles of other gods other than the God of Israel would be known as a false prophet. So the prophets main role was to co mmunicate Gods message in its fullness. Since it was Gods divine plan to use prophets to convey His messages, He illustrated that He purposely set them apart, He said, Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. (Jer. 28: 5). Prophets were from diverse back grounds, for example Amos was a shepherd (Amos 1:1), Elijah was a priest and Elisha was a herdsman (19:15-21). Although men were popularly used, women like Miriam; sister to Moses (Micah 6: 4); Deborah who served as an Israelite judge (Judges 4: 4); Huldah (2 Kings 22:14) and Noadiah (Neh. 6: 14) also served as prophets. God revealed Himself and communicated to His prophets through visions and dreams or spoke audibly to them as in the case of Moses. He said, Listen to my words: When there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, reveal myself to them in visions, I speak to them in dreams (Num. 12: 6). So this is why prophets had common characteristics that identified them as Gods messengers. Their messages exposed the nature and attributes of God to men (Deut. 5:4-10); made known to men the laws of God (Ex 20: 1-17); to call the people back in obedience to Gods laws (2Chr 24:19); exhorted the people to sincerity in worship (Jer. 7:1-11); warned the Israeli tes of Divine judgment upon sin, both personal and national and foretold future events which God had willed especially the coming of the Messiah (Isaiah 9:6). According to the O.T, there are three sections of books which are refered to as prophetic books and they are known as; (Joshua to Kings) the former prophets, major prophetic books (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel), and finally the Minor Prophets (Hosea to Malachi). The prophetic ministry in the O.T intensified at the beginning of the Exodus when God appointed Moses and Aaron as His prophets with a mission to rescue and lead His people out of slavery from the land of Egypt after 430 years. God gave a specific oracle to Moses that His chosen people were being called to worship him. The prophetic movement appeared throughout The Exodus 1446 BCE and the period of the Israelites captivity by the Assyrians and Babylonians, to the times of Zechariah who was associated with the restoration of the temple in 521-515 BCE. There is a mention of many false prophets in the O.T. God clearly warned the Israelites never to approve of such prophets, and he would test them to see if they would remain faithfully (Deut. 13: 1-5). It was a warning that was repeatedly issued with an example of Hananiah a false prophet in Judah in the reign of King Zedekiah. (Jer. 28: 1-17). God even approved of the death of such prophets when He said, But if any prophet presumes to speak anything in my name that I have not authorised him to speak, or speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet must die (Deut. 18: 20). Prophet Elijah also challenged Jezebels prophets of Baal to show that he was serving A Living God, unlike all other gods that were worshiped in the land. He killed 450 false prophets from that confrontation (1 Kg. 18: 19-40). Prophets could also be manipulated or bribed to defy God, as in the case of King Balak of Moab who asked Balaam to curse the Israelites. Now come and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful for me. Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the country. For I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed (Num. 22:6). Balaams response indicated that he communicated with God (Num. 22: 9-41). God revealed that He could use anything to prophecy as was in the case of Balaams donkey (Num. 22: 28). Another aspect of prophetic experience, involved the prophet himself who performed portents to support the prophecy e.g. Isaiah walked naked for 3 years in the land (Isa. 20:2); Hosea expressed the prophecy by being obedient to what God told him. Go and marry a prostitute so that some of her children will be conceived in prostitution. This will illustrate how Israel has acted like a prostitute by turning against the Lord and worship ing other gods. (Hos. 1: 2). Though Gods prophets differed on how they prophesied, the emphasis of their messages was common. It was about sin, judgement, wrath of God, repentance, love, mercy and forgiveness of a compassionate God. For example Moses was a law giver and urged the Israelites repeatedly never to take on the pagan practices of the people of the Promised Land because God Himself would raise another prophet like him to continue a prophets great role. (Deut. 18: 14-17). The Prophet Elijah was a spiritual revivalist, and Isaiahs prophecies were upon the royal house of Judah. Prophets suffered persecution, and they were often disregarded, despised and rejected especially by rebellious kings and people who had hardened hearts and continually disobeyed Gods law, But the people would not listen and continued to follow their former practices. (2 Kg. 17: 40). Ungers Bible dictionary quotes, The genius of Old Testament prophecy was rather, a prediction of the future arising from the conditions of the present and was inseparably connected with the profoundly religious and spiritual message the prophet was called to proclaim to his own generation. Some prophecies of the OT were Forth telling prophecies that called back people unto their God in terms of repentance and change, as in the case of Jonah when God relented and withdrew plans of disaster upon Nineveh (Jonah 2). Fore telling prophecies, gave the people time to obey, seek and pray honestly to God, a significantly important feature of Biblical prophecy. Such prophecies promised restoration and events that would be fulfilled in the future declaring salvation, especially those that announced the coming of a Messiah who would come at Gods appointed time, as the final perfect sacrifice to God who would redeem mankind and fulfil the reconciliation of God and man (Hos. 14; Amos 9: 11-15). Overall, Jesus was the completion of the prophetic scriptures in the OT. Jesus testified in His time that He was the reference point of the OT prophecies. I will proclaim the LORDs decree: He said to me, You are my son; today I have become your father. (Psalm 2:7). Bible Scholars, G and R Konig said, Jesus is unique among all people in history in that he is the fulfilment of centuries of Messianic prophecies, which are found in the Old Testament that foretold his place of birth, details of his life, his mission, his nature, his death, and his resurrection. From a theological perspective, God affirms both His power and right to judge, and His steadfastness in the end to save. Jeremiah prophesied of the new covenant, whereas Ezekiel had a vision of a new temple centre stage (Ezek. 40, 48). Isaiah is also memorable for its Messianic promises (Isa 9:2-7, 11:1-9), and ideas of new creation and Exodus. If Judgement and salvation are the fabric of the OT history, it explains why so much of it was the work of the prophets, because God expressed His heart through the prophets in order to restore His relationship with man. Prophecy is one of the major ways in which God communicates His will to mankind even up to this age as written: Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. (Luke 10: 23-24). The prophetic movement was a significant phenomenon in history of Divine revelation. Therefore, without the prophecies in the Old Testament, humans wouldnt know of Gods intentions. This can only be summarised as Gods Divine love for mankind.

Three Honrable Pilgrims :: essays research papers

Three Honrable Pilgrims Geoffrey Chaucer was the greatest English poet of his time. Besides William Shakespeare no other writer has surpassed Chaucer's achievements. One of his best unfinished writing, "The Canterbury Tales" rankes as one of the world's best work of literature. In "The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales" Chaucer presents a cross-section of Medieval Society through his discriptions of people representing the court, the church and the common people. In Medieval Society, just like in modern day society, there were people of different moralities. The knight the Parson and the Plowmen are examples of good people who possessed honorable characteristics. The Knight in this pilgrimage is a representative from the Court class which was at the top of Medeval Society. He was wealthly but he didn't want to impress anybody. He truly had all the charactoristics of an ideal knight. As a Christian, he loved thruth and as gentlemen, he believed in chivalry and honor. With so many dishonest people going to Canterbury,or must have been very irritating to deal with them. But "He never yet a barrish thing had said. In all his life to any , come what might ; He was a true, a perfect gentle-knight." He was true to his king and was generous, and courteous. He didn't wear flashy clothes. All he wore was a coarse cloth shirt of cotton and linen. His shirt was stained with dark smudges where his amar had left it's marks . The Knight's motivation to go on this pilgramage is to give thanks to God, because he had survived all of the wars and battles he had fought in. Another honerable pilgrim on this trip was the Parson who is representative of church society. Un like the other religious people on the pilgrimage who claimed lots of earthly posessions, the Parson was a very poor priest. However he was a noble example to the people of his church. He was an honest priest who didn't cheat people out of their money. Although he was poor in money and possessions, he was vary rich in the Christian spirit. He would practice what he preached and would rather give then recive and "who truly knew christ's gospel and would preach it, Devoutly to parishioners,and teach it". When parishioners gave him money he would not accept it. As a follower of Christ he was willing to help his fellow man. The reason he is gtoing on this trip was to pay respect to the

Public Transportation Vs Private Transportation

Nowadays people from all over the world are suffering from the air pollution. One of the reasons of such situation is the constantly increasing car usage. Are we able to do something in order to encourage people not to use private cars or to use them less? To be honest, there are only several things we can do. Among them is propaganda of the risks caused by the private cars usage. We can provide people with the main benefits they can get by using public transport and make the transportation prices more affordable.First of all, advertisement is a very powerful â€Å"weapon†. Many people can remember the ad they saw several years ago. Advertisement has a very strong effect. It can impress people, influence their thoughts and even change them. Of course, it is impossible to encourage all people from all over the world to use public transport only. But still a certain number of people will definitely give up using cars and will give preferences to the public transport as time goes by.Moreover, we can also provide people with the benefits they can get from usage of public transport. For example, it is possible to provide those people who use public transport with the 20% discount when they need to buy something. Also, it is possible to implement special cards that will be some kinds of an opportunity to change bus to train for free. As a final point, let’s take a look at one more thing we can provide people with in order to encourage them to use public transport. It would be advisable to make the public transportation prices lower.Let’s suppose that you pay 40$ per month to drive your own car. If you give preference to the public transport, it will cost 20$ per month. What would you pick as the method of transportation? Sorry to say that it may be quite hard to set the price of 20$ for public transport, as transportation companies may be against such fee’s reduction. But if it happens one day, a great number of people would give up their cars and prefer public transport in order to prevent congestion and air pollution. I’m 100% sure that all the ways†¦ Public Transportation Vs Private Transportation Nowadays people from all over the world are suffering from the air pollution. One of the reasons of such situation is the constantly increasing car usage. Are we able to do something in order to encourage people not to use private cars or to use them less? To be honest, there are only several things we can do. Among them is propaganda of the risks caused by the private cars usage. We can provide people with the main benefits they can get by using public transport and make the transportation prices more affordable.First of all, advertisement is a very powerful â€Å"weapon†. Many people can remember the ad they saw several years ago. Advertisement has a very strong effect. It can impress people, influence their thoughts and even change them. Of course, it is impossible to encourage all people from all over the world to use public transport only. But still a certain number of people will definitely give up using cars and will give preferences to the public transport as time goes by.Moreover, we can also provide people with the benefits they can get from usage of public transport. For example, it is possible to provide those people who use public transport with the 20% discount when they need to buy something. Also, it is possible to implement special cards that will be some kinds of an opportunity to change bus to train for free. As a final point, let’s take a look at one more thing we can provide people with in order to encourage them to use public transport. It would be advisable to make the public transportation prices lower.Let’s suppose that you pay 40$ per month to drive your own car. If you give preference to the public transport, it will cost 20$ per month. What would you pick as the method of transportation? Sorry to say that it may be quite hard to set the price of 20$ for public transport, as transportation companies may be against such fee’s reduction. But if it happens one day, a great number of people would give up their cars and prefer public transport in order to prevent congestion and air pollution. I’m 100% sure that all the ways†¦

Franchise vs New Business Essay

Gaining profit is one of the reasons why most people do business. They buy stocks, start their own business, or the most popular now is franchising. However, due to some factors – economy and competition- it is somewhat risky to do so. Hence, in deciding, one should know the pros and cons of each. Deciding whether to invest money on franchise or start a new business requires knowing the different features one can get are worth the cost he/she has to pay for. This may seem to be a debatable issue that is why the organization JAM prepared a debate regarding this issue. There were two groups, each group had discussed and rebutted. It is your own idea (originality), you are the boss and you can implement basic management principles (planning, controlling, etc) are some of the reasons given by those who favor starting a new business. But, we noticed that the most of their answers were being repeated and not elaborated by providing specific examples. An example is the implementation of management principles. It would have been better if they have provided situations in which these can be used since these management principles can still be used in franchising. Furthermore, when they had rebutted the other group, we noticed that they just repeated what the other group had said without elaborating it further. Despite some weak points, there are some good things they had pointed out. They discussed that on starting a new business one can reap the fruit of its own labor. One has control with the business without the franchisors collecting fees. This may seem true since in franchising one cannot change the business. It is as it is. The group of franchising, on the other hand, pointed out that it is less risky since there is an existing business and a protective reputation from the franchisor. One good point that they had discussed was the advantages of franchise. They talked about the continuous support from management, advertising was not costly, and no required feasibility study. However, this strong point is somewhat their weak point for reason that they merely focused on discussing it without opposing the other side. The time was consumed explaining them. In a nutshell, we can say that it went good since we gained idea on the advantages and disadvantages of the two. This will help us a lot in the future on how best to use our money.

Gentlemans Agreement essays

Gentlemans Agreement essays Philip Greenwood is a magazine reporter that is offered a job in New York to publish a series on anti-Semitism. Greenwood is having a hard time finding an angle approaching the Hebrew religion. After several nights of no leads he decides to write his good friend from childhood and wants to ask, what is it like to be Jewish? Realizing just before he begins to type, there is no way of fully understanding what it feels like to be a minority unless he pretends to be Jewish himself. In order for him to make this project work few people know the truth about the new man that has arrived in New York City. Philip is a tall slender man with dark features such as his hair and eyes. He is able to pass as Jewish. What Greenwood doesnt realize is that it will effect his entire life style and the ones he loves. The project is under way, and he notices that with in one day word has spread throughout the entire magazine company that a new Jewish man has been assign an article to publish. Problem after problem start to occur after Philips little boy comes home from school confused on what religion he is. Greenwood explains to Tommy that in order to fully understand what it feels like to be Jewish he is acting as though he of the same religion. Philip has little problems along the way, until Dave is back from being over seas. Dave is the long time friend who faces the cruel world every day by being Jewish. Dave and Philip and another reporter go out on the town for a couple of drinks to talk about the old times. While Dave is sitting down in a chair, a rude man bumps in to him and asks his name. After hearing his last name the man was ready to fight. Philip had to step in between the two. He soon realized that anti-Semitism is no joke. Greenwoods project had been going along for about one month and he and his soon to be wife were having difficult times as well. P ...

Coursework piece 1 Essays

Coursework piece 1 Essays Coursework piece 1 Essay Coursework piece 1 Essay The candidate uses and develops relevant knowledge in a sustained account of the changes made at Ightham mote over time. The candidates cover the site fully and supports most claims effectively with evidence including annotated illustrations. Some awareness is shown of Ightham Mote as a historical source.Question 1 (9-10 level 4)As Level 3 and the candidates also makes reasonable judgements that show an understanding of the complexity of the site and its past. The candidate may comment on the pace and degree of change. The candidate will give a clear account of the changes and development using a wide range of evidence to support their claim. Answers will also give a clear assessment of the value of the site as a historical source.Question 2 (8-12)Candidates answer discuss a wide range of factors. Answers attempt to assess relative importance and support the points with evidenceQuestion 2 (13-15)Candidate will consider a wide range of factors (as level 3) a nd will reach a substantiated judgement about their relative importance. Answers will show awareness of different types of causes e.g. political, economic social and chance.Question 1Ightham Mote started off by having one front. Now when you look at this country house you can see many changes have been made. Probably the first thing you will notice is that the house has been expanded a lot, there are now four fronts. Many other interior changes have been made to the house.The Great HallThe Great Hall was built in the 1330s. It is known that the room was built in this time as ring tests have been taken out on wood found in the room on the ceilings.A large window was put into the opposite wall to the fireplace by the Haunt family. This window was then changed by Sir Richard Clement. Below is the window. I have explained the changes which have been made.The CryptThe Crypt is probably one of the oldest rooms in the house. It has been built under the Old chapel. It is the room in the hou se which has been changed the least. It has been lefty as it was in the beginning however it shows us what it was like in the times it was used.The Oriel roomThe Oriel room has changed quite a lot since it was first used. In 1330 it was a basic empty room with small window at the front. This was all changed. Windows were added and changed, fireplaces were added and so were separate levels.The Old Chapel and New ChapelThe Old chapel was used every day. It lies above the Crypt and was part of the original building. Only the men were allowed to sit in here during the service. In the room next door the woman sat of the service. There was a hole in the wall so that they could look through and see what was going on. This room had a fireplace inserted after quite a while. It was also changed into two separate rooms. This can be seen by the fact that there are holes halfway up the wall where the floorboards would have been originally. Also we know this because the windows have been changed. Originally there was only one set which went the full length, ceiling to floor however, now there are two sets of windows. One set on normal level and another set a lot further up.When Dame Dorothy moved into the house she moved the chapel into a different room which wasnt used as much. This was then named the New Chapel. She got permission to hold and hear sermons in her own home so that she could use the room. On the next page is a picture of the new chapel.The Drawing roomThis room was added at a later day. The room first came to use when Dame Dorothy owned the house. She felt there was nowhere for her to relax with guests so she changed this room. There have been several changes made to this room.The West frontThere have been quite a few changes to this front over the years. The Haunt family added this front to Ightham Mote in the 15th century. The lower part of the tower is thought to have been built between 1330 and 1340. Here is a picture of this front.Here is a close-up of west side where the drawing room is.The CourtyardThis is the centre of the house. When you first enter the house this is where you will find yourself. From here you can access all rooms on the bottom level. It has been made up by each of the sides of the house that have been added over the years.From looking at this house I have learnt several things. The house has been left as it was. Unfortunately we have little written evidence about the house and when alterations were made. However the house is very useful as the alterations that were made have not been covered up. Therefore we can see how things were made and when they were made/put into the house. We can therefore tell which owners made the changes. So we can try and work out reasons for why they may have made the alterations.The site gives us ideas about what the designs of houses were like over the period of time 1399 and 1889. If shows us how styles and ideas for building has changed. Also interior decorating can tell us ab out the time.Overall I think that the site is very useful and can tell us a lot about the history of the house. If the alterations had been covered up more then I do not think that the site would have been as useful to us. This is because then we couldnt see how it changed and made us realise why it may have been changed.Question 2As I have already explained there are many ways in which Ightham Mote has changed over the years. Many of the changes have been made for specific reasons. The different owners have made all the changes as they have moved into the house to make it their own. The Haunts were the first family to own Ightham Mote in the period of time 1399 to 1519. They ended up running out of money. They were executed for being to close to the king who reigned before the one who was on the throne at this time. The house was bought in 1521 by the Clement family. Sir Richard Clement owned the house until 1544. The final family I have looked at was the Selby family. They bought the house in 1591. The house finally left the Selby family in 1980 this family probably made the most changes to the house.There are probably two main reasons why all of these changes were made to this house. These are the main reasons however there may be other smaller reasons.Religion played a big part in the lives of people around in this period of time. It made many changes in how people lived. People liked to be associated with royalty as it gave them a higher status. This is one of the reasons we think that some of the changes were made to the house. To make them seem closer to royalty. Sir Richard Clement put in the large window with the symbols of the king, the queen and the Tudor rose. He also put in the ceiling in what is now the new chapel. It is thought that he did this because he was expecting the king to come and visit. This shows that people always wanted to impress royalty. The slightly odd thing about this house is that even after Henry VIII had divorced his wife an d had demanded that anything that was in honour of her was destroyed; the ceilings and windows were still left in the house.Status and wealthy ness also played a large part in peoples lives. People liked to show off. Nowadays people show wealth off by their cars and clothes. However, when this house was owned people showed off by their house. Decoration, size and additions to your house showed wealthy ness. This then showed status. The wealthier you were the higher status you were. This meant that people tried as hard as they could to have whatever was in fashion at the time for their house. An example of this is the Oriel window in the Oriel room. Sir Richard Clement bought this and installed it. At the time these types of window had a use however, Sir Richard Clement didnt buy it because of its use, he bought it because it showed wealthy ness. He also put in the gatehouse for decoration. There was no actual need for it however he wanted it to show off his wealthy ness. At a later date, another family added crenulations to the gatehouse. At the time that these were added they were generally put onto buildings as an aid of protection. However the family just put them on to show their wealthy ness and status. We know this because there are little shelters behind them which mean that there would be no room for people to stand behind them.Fashion also was quite important at the time. Changes were also made to the house because of fashion. For example the Oriel window was fashionable at the time. It was popular to have in houses. Therefore Sir Richard Clement bought one to put in because it showed wealthy ness and to keep in with what was in fashion.From this we can see that basically all anyone at the time wanted to do was impress people. Whether it was neighbours or royalty. This shows that people were quite shallow at the time. From the country houses we can tell a lot more than just what changes have been made. We can learn about why people did things and what people were actually like.

A Note on the Arts and Crafts Schools of Germany

A Note on the Arts and Crafts Schools of Germany Essay Tive and therefore charming small canvas by D. W. Try on, â€Å"Evening—Septem ber†; J. Francis Murphy shows a small work delightfully interpretative entitled â€Å"Showery Day†; J. Alden Weir is seen at his best in Autumn,† and William Lathrop in â€Å"A Stretch of Salt Marsh land.† Emil Carlsen’s â€Å"Wood Interior† has decorative quality aside from pro nounced beauty both of theme and treat ment; Charles H. Davis’s â€Å"Summer in the Hills† combines classical spirit with modern spontaneity. Among the painters of winter, the interpreters of sunlit frosty air—Schofield, Redfield and Gard ner Symons—are as usual to the fore. Daniel Garber’s prize winning picture shows, not only admirable transcription of the subtleties of light and air, but feeling for design and a fine sense of color. Leonard Ochtman, Willard Met calf, Ben Foster, Bolton Jones and Hobart Nichols send notable canvases. That subject is of less importance than treatment is manifested by two paint ings, one of a â€Å"Sow and Pigs† in a barn yard by Horatio Walker, the other of â€Å"Porpoise† leaping through a wave, by Clifford W. Ashley—each individual in treatment but equally engaging in effect. Excellent examples of still life paint ing are shown. Chase sends another brilliant painting of fish, which almost straightway upon the opening of the ex hibition found a purchaser; H. R. Riten berg, Alice Worthington Ball, Hugh Breckenridge, Carl Schmitt and Aline Solomons each contributes a study which helps to uplift the average of merit. Following the custom of past seasons the Corcoran Gallery has made purchases from this exhibition for its permanent collection acquiring the following seven works before the doors were open to the public: â€Å"My Daughter† by F. W. Ben son, â€Å"Incoming Tide† by R. N.Brooke, â€Å"Woods in Winter† by John F. Carlson, â€Å"Late Autumn Moonrise† by Ben Foster, â€Å"Cape Porpoise† by Chauncey F. Ryder and Autumn† by J. Alden Weir. NOTE ON THE ARTS AND CRAFTS SCHOOLS OF GERMANY Casual American who wanders JL into a room labeled â€Å"Kunst-Gewerbe Schule† in one of the many German in dustrial exhibitions, looks with idle if ad miring eye at the cases of jewelry, etch ings and embroidery, vainly tries to puzzle out the signs on the wall refer ring to â€Å"Metal Arbeit,† â€Å"Druckerei† and Sticherei,† and passes on ignorant of the fact that he has seen the results of one of the most remarkable elements of the complex German school system. The details of this system differ in each of the several cities of Germany, but in the main the plan is the same. It is one which endeavors to select by searching examination young, ambitious and talented artisans, and to train them under instructors of the highest grades of artistic knowledge and technical skill. The time given to this training varies, though it is rarely less than four years, and in some cases is prolonged for six or seven. The candidates come from a variety of sources, many of them from the Craft or Gewcrbe schools, estab lished to train the lads that have al ready had some artistic foundation in schools for â€Å"Lchrling† as apprentices. The Lchrling† schools give a little drawing with the elements of a general education to the apprentice who has left the â€Å"Folk† school at fourteen. The Gewerbc† or Craft school gives much more in the way of artistic workman- ship and practical skill, but it is re served for the â€Å"Kunst-Gcwcrbc† school to take the pick of the young people, those with the keenest artistic sense and ability, and train t hem to produce work of the highest technical order and excel lence. Numbers do not count in these schools—one rarely finds an attendance of more than two hundred or so in the day school and perhaps as many more in special and evening classes, while the faculties are large, often twenty-five to thirty professors and assistants giving lessons at different times throughout the week. READ: 16th Century Northern Europe I: Germany and FrancePractically every good sized German city has one of these Arts and Crafts schools. Many, naturally, are in build- ings which date back a number of years, but the ambition of every director is to have a new building, and those who have realized this aim see their respective schools housed in beautiful structures, complete with modern conveniences. But though many of the older schools are in buildings lacking some of the things their heads desire, it must not be understood that they arc ill-equipped. On the con trary, the studios and work-shops often represent an investment of many thou sands of dollars, which the state aims to draw interest on, through an increasing demand for the work of German design ers, reproduced in a multitude of busy German factories. A composite picture, one which shall aim to show at a glance just what a â€Å"Kunst-Gewerbe† school is like, is of necessity difficult to draw. Like all composites it will not be true of any one school, though generally faithful to the type. What follows, however, is an at tempt in this direction. See then a big building with central covered court filled with cases of stu dents’ work, a permanent exhibition of the art product of the school. Ranged round will be the studios—great rooms, with huge studio windows and studio chairs, model stands, and racks for drawing boards. The rooms for cast drawing and for modeling will have the walls hung deep with plaster casts, while in the adjacent halls will be scores more of all sizes from a small bust to a great group of some Greek master. There will be a library with some hundreds of books on art, and some thousands of plates, together with the current art magazines, German, English, French and Italian; then will come a dozen or so studios with equip ments of drawing tables of various kinds adapted to the needs of the students of life drawing, mechanical drawing, still life painting, design, architectural draw ing and so on. Each of the class studios will have adjoining it the Professors studio—a good size room, with fine light and all the properties† accumulated by a teacher, active in the pursuit of his spe cial subject out of class hours. Another range of studios has yet to be visited—the â€Å"work-rooms,† a half dozen in all, of good size and proportion, each elaborately equipped for some special branch of work, metal, ceramic, textile, decorative painting, sculpture, lithogra- phy, book-binding, and the like. (Each school differs in regard to these special practical courses.) Again we will find case after case filled with models and again the professor’s studio. If we are invited into the latter we shall sec beau tiful examples of the handicraft of this accomplished teacher. And the students? Naturally the greater number arc found in the studios where arc taught the fundamentals. In the earlier years of the course the rooms will be full of men and women, drawing from cast or life, painting still life or working out ingenious problems in light and shade, or beautiful pattern. The work is always more or less individual, and at times half a dozen different tech niques will be employed by as many separate students. This is a striking characteristic of these classes. The pro fessor must know many techniques, and in turn is expected to have his stu dents learn to work from the model in many different ways and with different media: charcoal, crayon, pencil, watcr color, oils, gouache, pen and ink, tem pera. Few things are more impressive to the visitor than to see an advanced class in drawing or design, making charming illustrations in a great variety of different forms and handlings. All go on together, though, as one of the teachers remarked, The students cannot all do all—but they learn from one an other. In the work-shops things are as busy, but not nearly so crowded. There one finds half a dozen or a dozen students, advanced pupils thoroughly grounded in line, form and pattern, working quietly at individual problems. If it is a metal working room one will be developing the elements of a jeweled brooch, another preparing an enameled box, a third drawing up a silver beaker which is to be embossed,—a piece of work requiring infinite skill and patience. The master will now say a word to one, now to an other, here a bit of help will be given, now a hint with a smart sting of criti cism. READ: Nazi Germany EssayThe work must be right†Ã¢â‚¬â€ nothing hurried or shabby will pass for an instant. If these things need a week, take a week†Ã¢â‚¬â€what is a week in four years’ training for mastership! So also we shall find affairs in other shop-studios. In the textile room we may see beautiful pieces of embroidery or perhaps a table-cover of charming color and design; in the pottery room, vases of fine shape and line, jars of quaint conceit of form and color—of course made and fired in the school kiln. The professor of the printing arts will show us etchings, dry prints, mezzotints, and lithographs made by his little group of experts, and the professor of sculp ture will exhibit a half dozen projects all in development, or may, as in Vien na, take us out into the public garden back of the school and show the decora tions in â€Å"Calk-Stone made by his pupils. Perchance, we may come to one room where only a couple of students are at work and w onder whether a course so scantily patronized is considered a suc cess. There we should make the easy error of estimating success in numbers, rather than in fine craftsmanship. A word to the director will set us right. Ah, this course, yes. We have few students with the right talent, but as long as we have one we must have the course. That one may mean much for our art in the years to come. Here is the seed idea of the German Arts-Crafts school. It is a school for the cultivation of the highest taste and skill in the highest type of worker, that worker and state may enjoy the fruits of this deter mined scheme to raise the artistic value of the products of German industry â€Å"yes—that one may mean much for our art in the years to come.† THE COLLEGE ART ASSOCIATION The infant among college societies is the College Art Association, which drew its first breath in Cincinnati last May, developed forthwith a good consti tution and was ready for active work December 27th and 28th, in Pittsburgh. The object of the Association is to pro mote art interests in all divisions of American colleges and universities.† This makes the organization militant rather than reflective, concerned perhaps more with teaching than with research. It is inclined to take for granted its own in terest in things artistic, and to bend its endeavor to arousing a similar interest in others. This is fairly apparent from the na ture of the program presented at Pitts.

Dibs in Search of Self (Axline) - Review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Dibs in Search of Self (Axline) - Review - Essay Example Her insight, comprehension of character, patience, and counseling expertise are apparent throughout, and the book could serve as a manual of clinical counseling strategies. It seems to me that four key themes run through Dr. Axline’s approach: 1. The individuality of each person, 2. The necessity of possessing an optimistic attitude that the individual can be helped, 3. Respect for the individual as a prerequisite for facilitating mental growth, 4. Allowing the individual – rather than the counselor – to lead. Possibly, however, those four themes could be collapsed into one: the all-abiding belief that the human individual is unique, that he has potential and that, when listened to and unconditionally accepted, this potential may flourish. Axline, therefore, seems to be a humanistically-oriented psychologist (of the Rogerian school of counseling), even though play therapy is, undoubtedly, behaviorally inclined. Noting her approach, Leonard Carmichel, in his introduction, has this to say: â€Å"No one who reads this book with understanding can ever again think that human psychological growth, success in a schoolroom, or the acquisition of a complex skill can be achieved merely by overt repetition or by the reinforcement of simple patterns of response.† (p. viii) 1. Acknowledging the unequivocal individuality of each person: In a somewhat Leibnizian stance, Axline posits that each person is an individual unto herself, closed off as a Leibnizian monad in his own world, and therefore the therapist (or another) could attempt to empathize with him or gain some sort of understanding of the workings of his personality, but could never fully enter the client’s experience. When first meeting Dibs, Dr. Axline reminisces on the many children she had encountered each of whom had dealt with their challenges in their own way; some had surmounted their difficulties, others had been overcome, but the Doctor realized there was no pat explanation

Dossier regarding a recent russian contemporary affair Essay

Dossier regarding a recent russian contemporary affair - Essay Example The paper focused on the notion that sentencing was executed with a personal grudge from the president Putin himself and also revealed the picture of pro-â€Å"Pussy Riot† case. But it also reflected a bit of criticism of the case in an indirect manner supporting the convicted by stating that they have performed an act of hooliganism which further reflects the strictness of the Russian government in this case (Pussy Riot members jailed for two years for hooliganism, 2012). In the article â€Å"Anti-Putin Stunt Earns Punk Band Two Years in Jail† published in August 2012 on NY Times also criticized sentencing of the Pussy Riot Case and highlighted on the global reactions in favor of the case. Giving the instance of the performance of the band members and their subsequent conviction the report stated that it was a kind of forced sentencing on the alleged persons. The report also highlighted that the members of the band had no intentions of hurting the Orthodox sentiments b ut their performance was a symbol of protest against the third time election of Putin as the President through manipulation and loosening the attributes of democracy (Herszenhorn, 2012). The convicted were also not given proper flexibilities in defending themselves. In the article â€Å"History Repeated Itself as Farce in 2012† from Moscow times published in 7th January 2013 by journalist Roland Oliphant also reflects its sympathy for the members of Pussy and blames the Russian President as a move to curb down the opposition and also making its authority over the opposition and establishing anti democratic aura but the report also directs that western media have exaggerated the issue and the event can occur in the west as well (Oliphant, 2013). 3. Vladimir Putin and controversy Vladimir Putin in Russia after serving a term from 1999 to 2008 in Russia as the Prime Minister and President was also re elected as the President of Russia in 2012 (White, 2011, p.175). Although Russi a follows a pure democratic regime but the presidential election was not a favorable outcome for a large fraction of people in Russia. Huge constraints have come from the opposition political parties in Russia like that of People’s Freedom Party and Republic Party of Russia with the notion that Putin has manipulated the votes in his favor and have jeopardized the crux of democracy. On the eve of the Presidential election, there were military troops in the streets and there were more than hundred of arrests. One of the opposition leaders stated that, â€Å"If it was a free election, why have they flooded the entire city of troops? They fear us† (Stewart and Palmer, 2012). On the eve of Presidential election and his victory, Putin was found shading tears. The protestors criticized this action of the president by stating that this tear was seen for the first time in Putin’s eyes after gaining victory in the elections by a share of 64 per cent votes. Anti Putin camp aigner Ilya yashin stated that, ‘It is the first time within the last 12 years we saw the tears of the dictator’

Reflection on skills Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Reflection on skills - Essay Example Humans gain different types of skills and knowledge in their courses of life experiences and formal learning. What is most important is what remains and is retained for purposes of applying it in the workplace. This essay is an explanation of the skills and knowledge I have acquired before and currently as a human resource student in our university class and an application of all these in workplace. An important knowledge I have acquired in the university is an understanding of leadership dynamics in the context of an organisation. Many other things in an organisation undergo change over time and so are the organisation’s leadership expected to change. Â  The shift from being static to dynamic/changeable is motivated by the need to achieve better performance whereas the push for better performance in many organisations is driven by the existing competition. This calls for the delivery of very quality services or production of quality products. This objective is normally well achieved through continuous innovation and creativity in the organisation. Agbor (2008) explains that leaders in organisations are sources and catalysts to innovation and creativity. An organisation’s leadership can be able to drive creativity by encouraging and managing diversity. This means the leaders should initiate a change in the organisation’s culture. According to Zaccaro (2001), the leadership structure of an organisation should be one that can support and sustain innovation process in the organisation. This means that necessary changes should be made to this structure. According to Zaccaro (2001), the factor of time is very important for leaders and this means leaders of an organisation have to choose wisely their time-orientation. This decision is very important considering the limited resource in many organisations. For example, long-term leadership perspectives are aimed at long term prosperity. Short-term orientation is important when aiming at immediate results and pay-offs. This usually becomes a good option if the organisation operates under social systems that are complex and insecure. However, leadership dynamics requires that organisation’s leaders should be able to adapt to the two perspectives because one perspective exploits the resources of the organisation. As an assistant manager, I was able to use time orientation skill in making long-term and short term decisions in the shoe company in response to existing organisation’s needs. I had to make a consideration of the available resources. According to Dyer (1999) competencies refer to context-specific behaviours that define success in a particular setting. I have come to acquire knowledge on diverse professional and personal HR competencies through this course. These competencies are grouped into core, role-specific and role leadership and management competencies, and personal attributes. The core HR professional competencies include compliance, stewardship, coaching and consulting , customer focus, technology expertise, talent, vendor and knowledge management, virtual teamwork, employee advocacy and , assessment and measuring skills (Brockbank and Ulrich, 2003). Â   According to Ramlall, (2006), personal attributes/competencies include result orientation, continuous leadership, commitment, and honesty and integrity. Leadership and management competencies include vision alignment, strategic thinking, resource management, networking, process excellence, teamwork, goal setting and performance development (Brockbank and Ulrich, 2003). Â  As an administrator in a beer factory, I utilised the HR competencies I had acquired during my past learning and online research to respond to customer needs. I did this in a way that adds value to the organisation while developing significant customer satisfaction. I also made sure that I handled employee issues in a way that it kept or increased their motivation no matter the situation. I am also knowl edgeable on the importance of practical and creative thinking skills in relation to HR. HR require

Topic - An Exploration of My Career Choice dentist Essay

Topic - An Exploration of My Career Choice dentist - Essay Example Dentists are skilled professionals and they contribute to the well being of the society as well. Many dentists also provide free service to the needy poor people showing the humble feelings engraved in their mind during their education. Another advantage of being a dentist is that dentists do not have to work under some other person and they can be their own boss. Since they are self employed they can easily manage and balance their professional and personal lives in a proper manner. Dentists would be in big demand in the coming future mainly because of the modern and stressed lifestyles of the individuals. People would need dentists to maintain their oral hygiene and for keeping their teeth free from dieses in order to avoid any dental problem in the future. As per the information available on the website of world dental federation, there are approximately 1,36,000 dentists working in USA and the demand for them, would only increase as the number of oral problems in the younger gene ration is the highest among the developed world. Dentistry is a profession which is changing and evolving rapidly. Dentists are required to treat patients with a variety of dental issues like teeth scaling, gum dieses, filling and many more.

Mainstream Conceptions of Gender and Development Term Paper

Mainstream Conceptions of Gender and Development - Term Paper Example However, this is not the case as gender approaches and issues cover both men and women and the relationships between men and women. The emergence of gender and developed has taken shape over the past decades and it has evolved from issues of women to encompass both gender. To understand better the conception and development of gender and development, it is important to trace the history of gender and the emergence of gender and development as a concept. This paper critically examines the mainstream conceptions of gender and development by exploring the evolution of gender and development from feminist development approaches and the integration frameworks that led to its uptake. Conceptions of Gender and Development The emergence and conception of gender and development is pegged on the issue of gender and the relationships between men and women. Gender can be viewed on two aspects, namely, the social construction perspective and the relationship between sexes. As a socially construct ed aspect, gender refers to the social design of a biological sex that is determined and influenced by the tasks, functions and roles that are attributed to women and men in society (Council of Europe, 2004). Gender also refers the social construction of the relationship between the sexes and it often revolves around unequal power relationship where male dominate while female act in subordination. Gender therefore refers to the range of socially constructed roles of males and females and the relationships between them. According to UNESCO, gender refers to the roles and responsibilities of men and women that are created in our families, societies, and cultures and it entails the expectations held on characteristics, aptitudes and likely behaviours of femininity and masculinity (Jimenez & World Bank, 2007). Due to prior pre-defined gender roles, men and women usually undertake various productive and reproductive roles in development. Gender and development evolved as a sequence of we stern feminism theories and ideologies. Indeed, the history of gender and development issues requires thorough and comprehensive understanding of development and feminists theoretical frameworks and concepts. The evolution of gender and development can be attributed to the intensified global awareness of women and gender issues. During the pre-war days, women and gender issues were marginalized from development issues and processes. This period was characterized by a development phase where women were conspicuously absent and invisible and their experiences were ignored. However, there were little progress that was made in relation to the recognition and acknowledgement of experiences of prominent women in the society. This phase recognized the experience and contribution of prominent and unusual women but their activities were judged majorly from male perspectives (Parpart & Barriteau, 2000). The phase was also dominated by the societal emphasis on the differences between sexes and there roles in the roles. During the pre-world war period, development approaches and initiatives ignored women. The post world war period re-oriented the world perspective on gender issues as it gave rise to feminist approaches that underscored the experiences of women in the society. The initial feminist approach to gender aspect were women centered as they often neglected

America history since 1865 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

America history since 1865 - Essay Example After the Civil Rights Movement, all practices that discriminated the negro that include laws, norms (giving up a seat to a white), segregation was ended and paved the way for policies that elevated the Negro to have more place in American society such as the Affirmative Action Policy. Today, United States has now an Afro American President to the person of President Obama which would not have been possible without the Civil Rights Movement. II. Growth of government and state power   The New Deal was a government program of action by President Roosevelt to address the Great Depression when he assumed office as a President of the United States on March 4, 1933 I believe is the most important aspect of government’s growth and state power. The New Deal lifted the United States economy from the shambles of the Great Depression to become an economic superpower after the Second World War. President Roosevelt’s New Deal involved a series of economic programs focused on Relie f, Recovery and Reform of the economy not only to address the Great Depression but also to avoid the repetition of the same. Among the programs of his new deal was the obtained permission to reopen most banks and provided grants to citizens. He instituted government initiated work programs to generate employment through the Works Progress Administration (WPA) programs. President Roosevelt also pump primed the economy with the widespread public spending on infrastructure by constructing roads, buildings, dams and similar projects through his Public Works Administration (PWA) which provided not only jobs but income in the system. He also enlisted young men in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to work on conservation projects. President Roosevelt’s New Deal was to elevate both income and prices which dropped during the depression. When Second World War came in 1941, President Roosevelt shifted his attention to foreign policy to address the war. The war proved to be good for the US economy because the massive spending to build war machines double the country’s Gross National Product or GNP and reduced unemployment rate from 14% to less than 2%. III. United States Foreign Affairs   I would like to discuss the immigrants in the Chesapeake and New England as America’s early experience in Foreign Affairs because these migrations in 16th and 17th century helped shape the kind of country that she is today. In between 16th and 17th century, immigrants from England settled into the eastern coast of the colonized New World which was then known as America. These groups settled into two regions which were the Chesapeake and New England areas. Chesapeake included Virginia, Maryland, New Jerseys (East and West), Pennsylvania and Jamestown while New England composed of included Massachusetts Bay Colony, Plymouth, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Haven. While these immigrants came from the same country and spoke the same tongue, they proved to become different kind of people when they settled into these regions of America. Settlers in Chesapeake came into America mainly for economic reason while immigrants in the New England settled in America to escape the religious persecution back in England. Those who went to Chesapeake were into finding riches while those who settled in New England hoped to have religious freedom which they did not have back in England. Having different reason and motivation

Mainstream Conceptions of Gender and Development Term Paper

Mainstream Conceptions of Gender and Development - Term Paper Example However, this is not the case as gender approaches and issues cover both men and women and the relationships between men and women. The emergence of gender and developed has taken shape over the past decades and it has evolved from issues of women to encompass both gender. To understand better the conception and development of gender and development, it is important to trace the history of gender and the emergence of gender and development as a concept. This paper critically examines the mainstream conceptions of gender and development by exploring the evolution of gender and development from feminist development approaches and the integration frameworks that led to its uptake. Conceptions of Gender and Development The emergence and conception of gender and development is pegged on the issue of gender and the relationships between men and women. Gender can be viewed on two aspects, namely, the social construction perspective and the relationship between sexes. As a socially construct ed aspect, gender refers to the social design of a biological sex that is determined and influenced by the tasks, functions and roles that are attributed to women and men in society (Council of Europe, 2004). Gender also refers the social construction of the relationship between the sexes and it often revolves around unequal power relationship where male dominate while female act in subordination. Gender therefore refers to the range of socially constructed roles of males and females and the relationships between them. According to UNESCO, gender refers to the roles and responsibilities of men and women that are created in our families, societies, and cultures and it entails the expectations held on characteristics, aptitudes and likely behaviours of femininity and masculinity (Jimenez & World Bank, 2007). Due to prior pre-defined gender roles, men and women usually undertake various productive and reproductive roles in development. Gender and development evolved as a sequence of we stern feminism theories and ideologies. Indeed, the history of gender and development issues requires thorough and comprehensive understanding of development and feminists theoretical frameworks and concepts. The evolution of gender and development can be attributed to the intensified global awareness of women and gender issues. During the pre-war days, women and gender issues were marginalized from development issues and processes. This period was characterized by a development phase where women were conspicuously absent and invisible and their experiences were ignored. However, there were little progress that was made in relation to the recognition and acknowledgement of experiences of prominent women in the society. This phase recognized the experience and contribution of prominent and unusual women but their activities were judged majorly from male perspectives (Parpart & Barriteau, 2000). The phase was also dominated by the societal emphasis on the differences between sexes and there roles in the roles. During the pre-world war period, development approaches and initiatives ignored women. The post world war period re-oriented the world perspective on gender issues as it gave rise to feminist approaches that underscored the experiences of women in the society. The initial feminist approach to gender aspect were women centered as they often neglected

How Islam responds to Relationships Essay Example for Free

How Islam responds to Relationships Essay Introduction Throughout this project, the intention of the information is to answer the question: How does the religion of Islam respond to issues on relationships? All through this Booklet, I have kept in mind to focus on the ideas of Islamic relationships and what this means to a Muslim, in the Islamic definition. In Islam a definition of relationships means marriage, contract, sex, families, children etc. Therefore, if applied to Islam in liaison to the now modern everyday life this would involve issues such as * Men Womens Roles in the family * Beliefs about the ethics of Divorce * Beliefs about sexual Relationships * Religious attitude to the use of contraception These are the subjects I will be talking about and looking over at the Islamic perspective on these topics of concern. To portray the view Islam has over these issues I will be using: * The genuine teachings from the word of our God `Allah` himself, doing this through the Quran. * Referring to important hadiths (lessons) and quotes from the prophet Mohammed (pbuh) * The message given out today by the most knowledgeable top scholars. These should give a clear message of what, the view on these issues used to be like, how they have progressed and possibly altered over the years, the differences on these matters from today in contrast to when the religion began, and how it is today, right now in Muslim houses and nations across the world. Islamic Marriage Ceremonies Marriage (nikah) is a solemn and sacred social contract between bride and groom. This contract is a strong covenant; `Mithaqun Ghalithun` as expressed in Quran 4:21. The marriage contract in Islam is not a sacrament. It is revocable, both parties mutually agree and enter into this contract. Both bride and groom have the liberty to define various terms and conditions of their liking and make them a part of this contract. Mahr The marriage-gift (Mahr) is Gods command. The giving of mahr to the bride by the groom is an essential part of the contract. And give the women (on marriage) their mahr as a (nikah) free gift (Quran 4:4) Mahr is a token commitment of the husbands responsibility and may be paid in cash, property or movable objects to the bride herself. The amount of mahr is not legally specified, however, moderation according to the existing social norm is recommended. The mahr may be paid immediately to the bride at the time of marriage, or deferred to a later date, or a combination of both. The deferred mahr however, falls due in case of death or divorce. One matrimonial party expresses `ijab` willing consent to enter into marriage and the other party expresses `qubul` acceptance of the responsibility in the assembly of marriage ceremony. The contract is written and signed by the bride and the groom and their two respective witnesses. This written marriage contract (`Aqd-Nikah`) is then announced publicly. Sermon The assembly of nikah is addressed with a marriage sermon (khutba-tun-nikah) by the Muslim officiating the marriage. In marriage societies, customarily, a state appointed Muslim judge (Qadi) officiates the nikah ceremony and keeps the record of the marriage contract. However any trust worthy practicing Muslim can conduct the nikah ceremony, as Islam does not advocate priesthood. The documents of marriage contract/certificate are filed with the mosque (masjid) and local government for record. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) made it his tradition (sunnah) to have marriage sermon delivered in the assembly to solemnize the marriage. The sermon invites the bride and the groom, as well as the participating guests in the assembly to a life of piety, mutual love, kindness, and social responsibility. The Khutbah-tun-Nikah begins with the praise of Allah. His help and guidance is sought. The Muslim confession of faith that There is none worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is His servant and messenger is declared. The three Quranic verses (Quran 4:1, 3:102, 33:70-71) and one Prophetic saying (hadith) form the main text of the marriage. This hadith is: By Allah! Among all of you I am the most God-fearing, and among you all, I am the foremost held responsible to save myself from the wrath of Allah, yet my state is that I observe prayer and sleep too. I observe fast and suspend observing them; I marry woman also. And he who turns away from my Sunnah has no relation with me. The Muslim officiating the marriage ceremony concludes the ceremony with prayer (Dua) for bride, groom, their respective families, the local Muslim community, and the Muslim community at large (Ummah) Marriage (nikah) is considered as an act of worship (Ibadah). It is honourable to conduct it in a Mosque keeping the ceremony simple. The marriage ceremony is a social as well as a religious activity. Islam advocates simplicity in ceremonies and celebrations. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) considered simple weddings the best weddings: The best wedding is that upon which the least trouble and expense is bestowed. Primary Requirements 1) Mutual agreement (Ijab-O-Qubul) by the bride and the groom. 2) Two adult and sane witnesses. 3) Mahr (marriage-gift) to be paid by the groom to the bride either immediately (muajjal) or deferred (muakhkhar), or a combination of both. Secondary Requirements 1) Legal guardian (wakeel) representing the bride. 2) Written marriage contract (Aqd-Nikah) signed by the bride and the groom and witnesses by two adult and sane witnesses. 3) Qadi (State appointed Muslim judge) or Mazoon (a responsible person officiating the marriage ceremony) 4) Khutba-tun-Nikah to solemnize the marriage. The Marriage Banquet (Walima) After the consummation of the marriage, the groom holds a banquet called a walima. The relatives, neighbours, and friends are invited in order to make them aware of the marriage. Both rich and poor of the family and community are invited to the marriage feasts. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: The worst of the feasts are those marriage feasts to which the rich are invited and the poor are left out. (Mishkat) It is recommended that Muslims attend marriage ceremonies and marriage feasts upon invitation. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: and he who refuses to accept an invitation to a marriage feast, verily disobeys Allah and His Prophet. (Ahmad Abu Dawood) Roles of Men and Women within an Islamic Family Islam teaches that men and women are equal and that Allah will judge them equally according to the way in which they have lived. Men and women are quite obviously different from each other and each have their own qualities, both of these joined together in the act of marriage is what makes a family work well. Due to the differences and qualities, men and women have different responsibilities to their children and to each other. These responsibilities are in no terms biased against women, the responsibilities laid upon the parents are balanced and equally as important to one another. Men do have the quality of normally being physically and mentally stronger than women, and for this, they are expected to provide his wife(s) with sufficient money to allow her to buy food, take care of the house and look after the children. But this does not mean that the father just has a financial role, not at all, the father is the leader of the home in Islam, it is his responsibility to set the social and emotional nature for the home and family. Mens responsibility in Islam goes far beyond only financial. If the father is emotionally distant, perpetually angry, or closed off, chances are this will reflect throughout the rest of the family. Thus, the role of the father and husband as a tone-setter is a key element in the leadership running of the household. I notice in my own home that when my father is engaged in reading/activities, I will take interest and want to join him. Rather than get upset at me for interrupting him, he will usually try to include me in what he is doing in a way that is playful and educational. This allows me to take an interest in it as well, increasing the bond and emotional connection between us. Islam gives fathers and mothers a great deal of responsibility for raising their children. It was narrated that Abd-Allaah ibn Umar heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say, Each of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. The leader is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. The man is the shepherd of his family and he is responsible for his flock. The woman is the shepherd of her husbands household and is responsible for her flock. The servant is a shepherd of his masters wealth and is responsible for his flock. He said, I heard this from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Women are expected to cook food, clean the house, and take care of the children but the fathers do also have a part in the upbringing of the children and the daily house chores as Mohammed (pbuh) used to help his wife Khadija at the housework as well. Also equal rights are given to both the women and men in Islam; Women do have the right to study if they which, to refuse a marriage, to divorce, to inheritance, to keep their own names, to own property, to take part in politics, whether they are married or not. Women are owed more respect in Islam than men and the pathway to heaven is at your mothers feet. Muslim Beliefs about the Ethics of Divorce Muslim marriage is supported by Islam and is classified as a very good act between a man and women however Muslims are not so ignorant to think that marriages dont fail. They do, it is acknowledged that they do, and since marriage is a legal contract between two people and if the continuation of a marriage brings misery to the couple and their children, it can be undone. In a hadith it states; `If a wife fears cruelty or desertion on her husbands part, there is no blame on the, if they arrange an amicable settlement between themselves; and such settlement is best; even though mens souls are swayed by greed` Also it is said that of all things allowed in Islam but disliked (this is known as `makrooh` e.g. smoking) Divorce is the most hated of them all. A man cannot seek to have a divorce from his wife until it is certain that she is not pregnant, as they may change their mind and try and give it another go if the woman is pregnant. Also as divorce is much hated and is not to be done lightly at all, once divorce has been announced there is a period of three months called `iddah` this is a period of three months to allow for a possible reconciliation of the marriage. If there is no reconciliation then the divorce is permitted to take place. A woman is also allowed to have a divorce, either by an agreement with her husband or because of his treatment of her. Children are regarded as illegitimate if their parents are not married and, according to Shariah law, the father has no legal responsibility. These are the complete conditions of marriage in the contract and the circumstances in which it is permitted, backed up by quotes from the Quran. Requirements; * Marriage implies that both husband and wife are able to live with one another with kindness, respect and cooperation. It is their responsibility to raise a family and it is a covenant binding on both parties. * There are times when marriages fail and no solution can be found except divorce. * The Quran orders men to either live with their wives on good terms or divorce them, but they are not to hold them hostage: When you divorce a woman and they are about to fulfill their Idda, either take them back on equitable terms or set them free, but do not take them back to injure them. Chapter 2, verse 231. * A woman has the right to seek a divorce from her husband if she feels that their marriage is doomed. If you indeed fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by God, there is no blame on either of them if she gives something for her freedom. Chapter 2, verse 229 Muslim Beliefs about Sexual Relationships In Islam, sexuality is considered part of our identity as human beings. In His creation of humankind, God distinguished us from other animals by giving us reason and will such that we can control behaviour that, in other species, is governed solely by instinct. So, although sexual relations ultimately can result in the reproduction and survival of the human race, an instinctual concept, our capacity for self-control allows us to regulate this behaviour. Also, the mere fact that human beings are the only creatures who engage in sexual relations once they are beyond the physical capacity for reproduction, sets us apart from all other species, which engage in sex for the sole purpose of reproduction. Beyond childbearing, sexual relations assume a prominent role in the overall well being of the marriage. In reading hadith, one is impressed with the Prophets ability to discuss all issues including those dealing with human sexuality. The topics range from questions about menstruation to orgasm. He apparently was not embarrassed by such inquiries, but strove to adequately guide and inform the Muslims who asked. Both Quran and hadith allude to the nature of sexual relations as a means of attaining mutual satisfaction, closeness and compassion between a wife and husband. Permitted to you on the night of the Fasts is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and you are their garments.(2:187) Adultery Also, Muslims are advised to avoid sexual intercourse during menses so as not to cause discomfort to the woman. It could be said that Islam has a very realistic attitude towards sex and realises that both men and women can be tempted to have a sexual relationship outside of marriage. Sexual activity of any kind is explicitly forbidden and adultery by the husband or the wife is a serious crime. `Nor come night to adultery: for it is a shameful deed and an evil, opening the road to other evils` (surah 17:32) Sex Before Marriage Naturally, attraction between individuals is necessary to initiate a relationship that leads to marriage. But sexual relations can obviously take place between any couple, consenting or not. Because of the far-reaching ramifications of sexual relations outside of marriage, God prohibits Muslims from such behaviour. And because the process that leads to physical attraction and ultimately intimacy is part of human nature, Muslims are advised to behave in a way and avoid circumstances that could potentially result in extra- or pre-marital sex. Modesty in dress and behaviour between women and men figures prominently as a means of exhibiting self-control. Similarly, unmarried couples are admonished against spending time alone in isolated places where they would be more likely to act on their feelings and thus be less inhibited. Homosexuality Human beings are capable of many forms of sexual expression, orientation and identification. The existence of such a variety again is not found in any other species and thus further demonstrates our uniqueness among Gods creations. The potential for behaviour, such as homosexuality, does not mean that its practice is lawful in the eyes of God. Therefore, individuals are expected to control themselves and not act on their desires if such action is contrary to the guidelines of Islam. Homosexuality, like other forms of sexual relations outside of heterosexual marriage, is thus prohibited. In any discussion of prohibited acts follows the question of what happens if they nevertheless occur. The Quran and hadith are explicit regarding severe punishment by the State if a person is convicted of such a crime. However, in order for conviction to take place, the individuals must confess or be accused by at least four eyewitnesses of the act of actual intercourse. Obviously, the likelihood of these criteria being met is small which means that most couples who engage in unlawful acts will not be punished by the State. They will then deal with the consequences of their behaviour in this life and will be accountable to God on the Day of Judgement. Only He knows how He ultimately judges. Muslim Beliefs about Contraception Contraception Although Muslims are encouraged to have children, contraception is not prohibited. The method used during the time of the Prophet was `coitus interruptus` (known as azl`) about which several hadith exist. His basic response when asked if such a practice was lawful was that individuals can do as they will, but if God intends for a child to be born, she/he will be born. Some interpreted this to mean that preventing pregnancy is not recommended because childbearing is preferred; yet the act is not specifically prohibited. Also, other hadith stipulate that azl could not be practiced without the wifes consent as it might interfere with her sexual satisfaction or desire to bear children. The Quran does not make any explicit statements about the morality of contraception, but contains statements encouraging procreation. Various interpretations have been set forth over time, and at the time of this writing, discussions on the web can be found easily that take various positions. Early Muslim literature discusses various contraceptive methods, and a study sponsored by the Egyptian government concluded that not only was azl (coitus interruptus) acceptable from a moral standpoint, but any similar method that did not produce sterility was also acceptable. It is permissible to use condoms so long as this does not cause any harm and so long as both husband and wife consent to their use, because this is similar to azl (coitus interruptus or withdrawal). But it reduces the sensation of pleasure, which is the right of both partners, and reduces the chance of conception, which is also the right of both partners. Neither one of them is allowed to deprive the other of these rights. And Allaah is the course of strength. islamic-paths.org, Sex and Sexuality in Islam Condoms (2005) [4] By analogy, the methods that exist today as contraceptives are lawful for Muslims to use at their discretion. Basically, it is our position that any method that does not involve pregnancy termination is permissible. Imam al-Ghazzali lists a number of legitimate reasons for practicing contraception, including; * Financial difficulty * Threat to mothers health * Chance of child being born with mental or physical deformities * Emotional or psychological hardship * Already having many children * Preservation of beauty and health. It should be clear from this discussion, that since sexual relations should be confined to marriage, contraception is so limited. It is not considered a means of easing the difficulties associated with sexual relations outside of marriage and should most certainly not be used in this way at all. Conclusion Overall, all in all in my total truthful opinion, I do believe that Islam the true words from Allah does promote marriage among society, does accept that marriages do fail and permits divorce and the use of contraception. I accept that marriage breakages can happen and that they cannot be forbidden as the continuous misery of two people is worse than the split of their marriage so it should be permitted. However I do think that in todays modern society people are getting married with the thought that they can just divorce if it goes wrong but I believe this is truly wrong! People should seriously contemplate whether or not the time is right for them to get married before they just go into it. Also despite being Muslim myself I feel that the permittance of a man having more than one wife is wrong and unfair on the women themselves, because no matter how fair the man wants to be, hell never be able to treat all them with the same fairness. Also I dont feel that a man is able to truly love more than one woman at the same time, so having more than one fair would make one think that the man doesnt actually love any of his wives but keeps them for pleasurably reasons only. I also have to disagree with a certain Shariah law stating that `Children are regarded as illegitimate if their parents are not married and, according to Shariah law, the father has no legal responsibility` I believe this to be unjust as women cannot become pregnant by herself; the man in full knowledge of what he was doing had sex with her, giving him responsibility for any offspring created from it. Also men may very well use this law as a means of taking advantage of women as they will not be held responsible for any children created as a result of it. Apart from those, Islam has a very modern and fair way of looking at relationships, and apart from those mentioned I dont believe that women are treated unfairly in anyway at all. Bibliography The holy quran the companions of the prophet book2 al-nawawis 40 hadiths Religion equality booklet www.islamonline.net www.islam101.com www.bbc.co.uk/gcse/bitesize www.islamicforums.com

Importance of Product and Service Design

Importance of Product and Service Design Design is the craft of visualising concrete solutions that serve human needs and goals within certain constraints. (Goodwin, Kim. 2009). Human engineering combined with product and business knowledge to generate ideas and concepts and convert them into physical and usable objects or services is called as product or service design. A designer should be creative and have analytical ability to create a user friendly, efficient and good looking product or service. The product must be good in design, value function and appearance. (Importance of product design, www.cirinodesign.com) Earning profit through satisfaction of the customers is the main target of the organisation. This is only possible if the product or service is designed well. Good design communicates the purpose of the product or service to its market and helps business to earn profit. We can say that the main objective of a good design is to satisfy customers by meeting their actual or anticipated needs and expectations. A good design of the product or service is only successful when it is delivered on time and cost is reasonable. Design helps business connect strongly with their customers by anticipating their real needs. As a result it enhances profitability to the business. (Slack, N. et al. 2010) When Issigonis designed the Morris Minor, he was unaware of its vulnerability and the design was not fully successful. It was a heavy vehicle for its overall size, slow and poor at cornering. The Mini, by contrast was capable of very fast cornering and low weight. John Cooper, fitted large engines in the Mini and created the Mini Cooper and Cooper S which, driven by Paddy Hopkirk among others, were hugely successful in rally sport. The model went on to win a total of 153 rallies in (1962) that year alone. This example shows the importance of the product or service design. (Mini Cooper S rally success, www.suite101.com) 3.1 Stages of Product or Service Design As we can see that there are five stages of product or service design in figure 3.1 below. The designers should pass through those sequences of stages to get a final design of a product or service. But in practice, designers may sometime recycle or backtrack through the stages. Figure 3.1 The stages of product or service design (Slack, N. et al., 2010) First comes concept generation stage, which is the main root of the whole process. It is the development stage of the concept which is later screened to try to ensure whether it is feasible, acceptable and its vulnerability. Then concept is turned to preliminary design and goes through evaluation and improvement to see if the concept can be served better cheaply and easily. Then the concept is subject to prototyping and final design. Concept Generation: Generally, in some organisation concept is generated form the research and development (RD) department. As its name states, research develop new knowledge and idea to grasp any opportunity or to solve any problem. And development is the attempt to try to utilize and operationalise the idea that come form research. Ideas for new product or service concept can come form customers, competitors and staffs as well. Regular customer who gives feedback and complains gives us an idea about how to improve the product and service. Staff who meet the customers day to day knows what their customers want which may be helpful to generate new idea. Concept Screening: The main purpose of this stage is to take the flow of concepts and evaluate them because not every concept generated will necessarily be capable of further development into product and services. Best design is chosen among the several designs by evaluation of their value. From large number of design concepts only one design is selected form the evaluation screens. We have to think in terms of the following design criteria: Feasibility: the ability of an operation to produce a process, product or service. Acceptability: the attractiveness to the operation of a process, product or service. Vulnerability: the risk taken by the operation in adopting a process, product or service. Preliminary Design: This is a stage after generating an acceptable, feasible and viable product or service concept, where first attempt of specifying the component products and services in the package and defining the process to create the package is done. Specify the components of the package Exactly what will go into the product or service will be defined in this stage. The order in which the component parts of the package have to be put together should be known earlier. Information of the constituent component parts of the product should be collected and the bill of materials (BOM), which is the quantities of each component part required to make the package should also prepared. For example, rifle shooting in adventure holiday, activities can be broken down into level one shooting practice and level two target shooting. Also the components for the rifle shooting (like a 22 air rifle, some shot, a back board, a target holder and card targets) are defined and bill of materials includes the quantity of those components. (Pycraft, M. 2000) Reducing design complexity When an organisation produces variety of goods and services with several ranges on those goods and services as a whole, it becomes complex and may increase costs. Designers as well as the producers want simplicity in their product and services. Designers adopt several approaches to reduce complexity in the design of the product and service. The three common approaches for the complexity reduction are: Standardisation: This is all about variety reduction of the product or services. For example, garment manufactures produce cloths in only a limited numbers of sizes. Commonality: This helps simplifying design complexity by using common elements within a product or service. Modularisation: Designing standardised sub-components of a product or service which can be assembled in different ways is the main principle of modular design. For example, a package holiday industry can assemble holidays to meet a specific customer requirement. (Slack, N. et al., 2010) Define the process to create the package The bill of materials and the product or service structure specify what has to be put together and this stage is to specify how the process will put together the various components to create the final product or service. We show the flow of materials or people through the operation and identify the different activities that take place during the process. Simple flow charts, routing sheets and process flow charts help us examine the process before any product or service design is finalised. (Pycraft, M. 2000) Design evaluation and improvement: In this stage preliminary design can be improved before the product or service is tested in the market. In other words, it involves re-examining the design to see if it can be done in a better way, more cheaply or more easily. Typical techniques that can be used in this stage to evaluate and improve the preliminary design are: Quality function deployment (ensures that the eventual design of a product or service actually meets the needs of its customers) Value engineering (try reducing costs, and prevent any unnecessary costs, before producing the product or service) Taguchi methods (tests the robustness of a design i.e. it assumes that the product and service should still perform in extreme conditions.) Prototyping and final design: This stage involves providing the final details which allow the product and service to be produced. It is risky to go to full production of the product or service before testing it out. So it is appropriate to turn the improved design into a prototype so that it can be tested. Many retailing organisations pilot new products or services in a small number of stores in order to test customers reaction to them. A fully developed design for the package of products and services are then finalised and delivered them to customers. (Pycraft, M. 2000) 4.0 Basic Layout Types The layout of an operation or process means, how its transformed resources (raw materials and components that can be transformed into end products) are positioned relative to each other and how its various tasks are allocated to these transforming resources (building, machinery and people). (Slack, N. et al. 2010) According to Slack 2010, most practical layouts are derived from only four basic layout types. They are: Fixed-position layout In fixed-position layout, transformed resources do not move between the transforming resources. In this layout the product or recipient of the service is too large to be moved conveniently, it might be too delicate to move. The main product being produced is fixed at a particular location. Resources, such as equipment, labour and material are brought to that fixed location. For example, building a ship the product is too large to move. Figure 4.1 Fixed-position layout (www.transtutors.com) Functional layout Functional layout can also be called as process layout. In this layout types similar operations or machines are located as per their functions or processes. This is because it is convenient to group them together, or that the utilisation of transforming resources is improved. For example, all lathes are kept in one location and drilling and milling work are done in other location. Greater flexibility and scope of expansion exist in this layout. Figure 4.2 Functional layout (www.transtutors.com) Cell layout Cellular layout can also be called as group layout because in this layout machines are grouped according to the process requirements for a set of similar items (part families) that require similar processing. Processes are grouped into cell using a technique known as group technology (GT). Group technology involves identifying parts with similar design characteristics (shape, size and function) and similar process characteristics. This type of layout is an attempt to reduce the complexity of process layouts. (Layout, www.referenceforbusiness.com) Figure 4.3 Group technology or cellular layout (www.transtutors.com) For example, in the figure 4.3 lathe, mining and drilling work is done in cell 1 and 3 and lathe, mining, grinding and assembly is done in cell 2. This shows parts, which are similar in design or manufacturing operations are grouped into one cell or one family. Product layout Product layout can also be called as line layout. In this layout, machine and operating facilities are located as per the sequence of operation on parts. In other words, transforming resources located as per the convenience of the transformed resources. The transformed resources flow as in a line through the process. This type of layout is preferred when production volume is high, demand is stable, part variety is less and the production is continuous. Figure 4.4 Product layout (www.transtutors.com) For example, in the figure 4.4 product A require same sequence of process i.e. lathe, mining, lathe, drilling and grinding. These are the basic layout types used in any operations management. Some operations can also design hybrid layouts which combine elements of some or all of the basic layout types in different parts of the operation. This type of layout called as mixed layouts.