Thursday, October 31, 2019

Evolution from vintage to contemporary haute couture based on a social Essay

Evolution from vintage to contemporary haute couture based on a social and cultural context - Essay Example ... 5 2.2. Christian Dior: ‘The New Look’ and Working Class Women †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 6 2.3. Social and Cultural Basis of Transformations in Fashion Trends †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 9 2.3.1. Other Social Impacts on Fashion Trends and Haute Couture †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 11 2.3.2. The Contribution of Japanese Designers to Haute Couture in Paris †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.17 2.4. Haute Couture in the Production of Culture and its Similarity to Art †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦19 3. Contemporary Haute Couture: Body Concepts, Lifestyle and Media †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 23 4. Conclusion †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 33 5. Bibliography †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 35 EVOLUTION FROM VINTAGE TO CONTEMPORARY HAUTE COUTURE BASED ON A SOCIAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT 1. Introduction Haute couture refers essentially to fashion created through the artistic expression of the designer, instead of by the dictates of commonly held beliefs and norms related to clothing. By the late 17th century, the origins of the haute couture approach emerged in France, the European centre for innovative and richly produced luxury silk textiles. The opulent fabrics formed the basis for developing the system of haute couture. From the mid-19th century, Paris based haute couture validated the fashion designer as a creative artist, and not merely a skilled artisan, and established the designer’s name as â€Å"an international authority for the design of luxurious, original clothing† (Batty, 2008, p.4). The history of modern fashion is traced from haute couture in the late nineteenth century with the formation of the House of Worth, to the present day high fashion apparel created by contemporary designers (Martin and Koda, 1997). The changing fashion trends include the rise of haute couture, demi-couture, pret a porter or read-to-wear, mass production, and the prevalence of street fashion. These changes were accompanied by several complexities and contradictions caused by the social, cultural and art environment of the changing times (Martin and Koda, 1997). Thus, in studying the evolution of haute couture during the twentieth century, it is essential to understand the dynamics between commerce and culture, technology and aesthetics, popular culture and pastische, and fashion and anti-fashion at different stages. Later developments in high fashion integrated elite class and taste with street style, derived from tribalism, popular culture and rebellion against formal modes. According to English (2007), fashion is found to imitate art, which in turn is regarded as reflecting the different para digms of life. Thus, the social and cultural contexts of the times play an essential role in the development of fashion. â€Å"Fashion was not only an indicator of cultural change; it was influenced by many social changes† (Batty, 2008, p.11), particularly transformations in gender and class differentiation. Fashion also served to create several social changes. The distinction between high fashion apparel and clothing became hazy, and people’s perspectives altered over time die to technological advancements, ideological transformations and changes in consumerism. From a social history perspective, fashion has contributed considerably but gradually to the liberation of women. It has also played a role in their achieving â€Å"increased power both as consumers and as producers of goods† (Batty, 2008, p.8). Thus, women’s willing acceptance of being targeted by fashion trends

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Health care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

Health care - Essay Example 2. There are policies that have been designed for lowering the medical expenditures, due the rising costs that are resulting to projected federal deficits over the few decades. There are expansion difficulties experienced in expansion of the health care insurance. Moreover, the elevated medical expenses are crowding out in private coverage resulting to decreased employment of low wage and secondary earners. Therefore, these issues can object the effort of entrepreneurs to venture into the field of health care. In this case, the health care system is not acting optimally concerning the legal structure, since there are no policies aimed at can facilitate venture of the entrepreneurs. In conclusion, the paper has explored issues related to the venturing of the entrepreneurs into the field of health care systems through innovation, though, there are numerous hindrances identified and the most significant one being lack of the legal structure to support their efforts. Therefore, the health care system presents a compelling opportunity for entrepreneurial spirit, but there is no legal

Sunday, October 27, 2019

MGMT Methylation Status and Glioblastoma Multiforme Outcome

MGMT Methylation Status and Glioblastoma Multiforme Outcome ABSTRACT Background: O6 – methylguanine-methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation has been associated with increased survival among patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) who were treated with various alkylating agents. We examined the relationship between MGMT methylation status and clinical outcome in newly diagnosed GBM patients treated with BCNU wafers (Gliadel ®). Methods: MGMT promoter methylation in DNA from 122 newly diagnosed GBM patients treated with Gliadel was determined by a Quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction assay (QMSP) and correlated with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Results: The MGMT promoter was methylated in 40 (32.7%) of 122 patients. Overall median survival was 13.5 months (95%CI: 11.0-14.5) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 9.4 months (95%CI: 7.8-10.2). After adjusting for age, KPS, extent of resection, temozolomide (TMZ) and radiation therapy (RT), newly diagnosed GBM patients with MGMT methylation who were treated with Gliadel had a 15% reduction in hazard of death compared to patients with unmethylated MGMT (Hazard ratio: 0.85, 95%CI: 0.56-1.31). Patients aged over 70 with MGMT methylation and treated with Gliadel had a significantly longer median survival of 13.5 months compared to 7.6 months in patients with unmethylated MGMT (p=0.027). A similar significant difference was also found in older patients with a median recurrence-free survival of 13.1 versus 7.6 months (p=0.01) for MGMT methylated and unmethylated, respectively. Conclusions: Methylation of the MGMT promoter in newly diagnosed GBM patients who were treated with Gliadel followed by RT and TMZ, was associated with significantly improved survival compared to the non-methylated patient population with similar treatment. For the elderly population, methylation of the MGMT promoter was associated with significantly better OS and RFS. INTRODUCTION Glioblastome multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor, with a median survival of less than two years [1]. To date, only two different alkylating agents have been shown to be consistently associated with prolonged survival – temozolomide (TMZ) and the locally delivered BCNU wafers (Gliadel) [1-3]. Gliadel wafers (Eisai Inc. for Arbor Pharmaceuticals, LLC) are implanted and locally deliver Carmustine (also known as (1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1- nitrosourea (BCNU)) at the site of tumor resection, allowing for a higher concentration of local chemotherapeutic doses while minimizing systemic adverse effects [2-4]. These wafers provide a controlled- release form of local chemotherapy for approximately 3 weeks [4, 5]. Methylation of the MGMT promoter in gliomas was found to be an important predictor of the tumor responsiveness after several cytotoxic regimens [6], including BCNU treatment [7]. It was found that expression of the DNA repair protein, O6 – methylguanine-methyltransferase (MGMT), results in GBM resistance to alkylating agents. Alkylating agents cause cell death by binding to DNA, most commonly to the O6 position of guanine, and forms cross-links between adjacent DNA strands. This cross-linking of double strand DNA is inhibited by the cellular DNA-repair protein MGMT. In this study, through a unique analysis of 122 patients with newly diagnosed GBM who were treated with Gliadel, we retrospectively examined the association between MGMT promoter methylation status and survival. METHODS Patients and Tumor Specimens We retrospectively reviewed 185 patients with newly diagnosed GBM who received Gliadel after tumor resection, at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, USA, between July 1997 and December 2006. Of these patients, only 122 patients had stored samples that were available for MGMT analysis. The clinical, radiological and hospital course of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. Age and gender were recorded, as well as Karnofsky performance score (KPS) at time of diagnosis, tumor location, time to recurrence and dates of death were recorded. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from the time of surgery to death, and recurrence free survival (RFS) was calculated from the time of surgery to time of recurrence or censored at the last time of follow-up. GBM was histologically confirmed in all cases. Extent of surgical resection was determined based on a postoperative MRI performed Treatment Algorithm Gliadel wafers were typically not implanted in patients after tumor resection when the tumor largely extended into the ventricles or was multifocal. DNA Extraction After initial patient de-identification, all original histologic slides from the GBM specimens were reviewed to reconfirm the diagnosis of GBM by a senior neuropathologist (PB). A representative block with tumor was retrieved for DNA extraction. Histologic slides from the formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue were obtained. One representative slide was stained with HE and the tumor was marked by the senior neuropathologist (PB). An additional five correlating unstained 10 micron slides were also obtained. The tumor cells in the unstained slides were microdissected according to the marked HE stained reference slide. DNA was extracted from paraffin embedded tissue after xylene deparaffinization. The microdissected tissue was digested with 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and 200ug/mL proteinase K (Roche, Nutley, NJ) at 48 °C for 48 hours, followed by phenol/chloroform extraction and ethanol precipitation of DNA. Extracted DNA was dissolved in either LoTE (2.5 mM EDTA, 10 mM Trisâ⠂¬â€œHCl [pH 8]) or distilled water. Bisulfite Treatment Extracted DNA was subjected to bisulfite treatment, to convert unmethylated cytosine residues to uracil residues. Briefly, 2  µg genomic DNA from each sample was treated with bisulfite using the EpiTect Bisulfite kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Converted DNA was stored at -80oC. Methylation Analysis Bisulfite-modified DNA was used as a template for fluorescence-based real-time PCR. Amplification reactions were carried out in triplicate in a final volume of 20  µL that contained 3  µL bisulfite-modified DNA; 600 nmol/L concentrations of forward and reverse primers; 200 nmol/L probe; 0.6 units platinum Taq polymerase (Invitrogen); 200  µmol/L concentrations each of dATP, dCTP, dGTP, and dTTP; and 6.7 mmol/L MgCl2. Primers and probes were designed to specifically amplify the promoter of MGMT and the promoter of a reference gene, ACTIN B; primer and probe sequences and annealing temperatures are provided in Table 1. Amplifications were carried out using the following profile: 95 °C for 3 min followed by 50 cycles at 95 °C for 15 s and 60 °C for 1 min. Amplification reactions were carried out in 384-well plates in a 7900 sequence detector (Perkin-Elmer Applied Biosystems) and analyzed by a sequence detector system (SDS 2.2.1; Applied Biosystems). Each plate included patie nt DNA samples, positive controls (Bisulfite-converted Universal Methylated Human DNAStandards (Zymo Research) in serial dilutions 20ng to 2pg) and molecular grade water was used as a non-template control. The ÃŽ ²-actin gene was used to normalize and act as an internal loading control. The methylation ratio was the ratio of values for the gene-specific PCR products to those of the ACTIN B and then multiplied by 1,000 for more efficient tabulation. Statistical Methods The overall survival (OS) time was defined from the date of initial diagnosis of the disease (surgery) to the time of death or censored at the time last known alive. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) was counted from the date of initial diagnosis of the disease to the time of disease recurrence or censored at the time last known alive and recurrence-free. Probabilities of OS and RFS were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier (KM) method [15] and compared using Log-rank test. Confidence intervals were calculated using the method of Brookmeyer and Crowley[14]. Cox proportional hazards model [16] was used to estimate the association between OS or RFS and MGMT methylation status, treatments and well known prognostic factors. Schoenfeld residuals were used to test the proportionality of factors in Cox proportional hazards models. Radiation status was treated as a stratification factor in the Cox regression model. TMZ has FDA approval for newly diagnosed GBM patients aged between 18-70. Subgro up analyses were performed for patients who were aged over 70. All p values were two-sided. All analyses were performed using the Statistical Analysis System, version 9.2. MGMT was considered as promoter methylated if the methylation ratio was higher than 8, and unmethylated if below 8. RESULTS Patient Population Six hundred patients with newly diagnosed GBM underwent craniotomy between 1997 and 2006, at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. One hundred eighty five patients received Gliadel (30.8%) after tumor resection. Methylation specific PCR was performed in 122 of the 185 patients (66%) because 63 patients did not have sufficient paraffin embedded tumor tissue for MGMT analysis. The characteristics of the patients and type of treatments are shown in Table 2. The clinical course of forty patients who had methylation of MGMT promoter was compared to 82 patients without promoter methylation of MGMT. The similarity of distributions among patients characteristics, and treatments between MGMT methylated and unmethylated is also shown in Table 2. There was a slightly male predominance in both groups. The median age of the MGMT methylated group was 65.5 years compared to 60.5 years in the non-MGMT methylated group (p=0.59). Most of the patients in both groups had KPS score of ≠¤ 80 (p=0.67). Most of the patients in both groups underwent gross total resection (GTR) (85% vs. 74% in the methylated and non-MGMT methylated group, respectively), (p=0.19). Most of the patients in the MGMT methylated and non-MGMT methylated groups received post-operative radiation therapy (RT) (80% and 72% respectively). However, there were 31 patients (25%) without radiation treatment recorded in their medical chart. Only 33% and 29% of MGMT methylated and non-MGMT patients, respectively, were treated with TMZ due to majority of patients was treated prior to 2005 when RT+ TMZ became the stadnadrd of care for the newly diagnosed GBM patients. Overall Survival The Kaplan-Meier estimate of the median OS for the122 patients with newly diagnosed GBM was 13.5 months (95% CI: 11.0, 14.5). Median OS for those with MGMT methylation was 13.9 months (95%CI: 9.5, 17.1) compared to 12.9 months (95%CI: 10.9, 14.5) (p= 0.86) in patients non methylated. Univariate and multivariate association of survival with treatment factor, baseline prognostic factors, and MGMT methylation status are shown in Table 3. There was a 15% reduction in hazard of death (Hazard ratio: 0.85, 95%CI: 0.56-1.31) for patients with MGMT methylated tumor compared to those with MGMT unmethylated tumor after adjusting for age, KPS, extent of resection, TMZ and RT. A subgroup analysis was performed among 35 patients who were 18-70 years old and treated with Gliadel, RT and TMZ ( Gliadel+ Stupp’s regimen) [1]. The median OS was 19.8 months (95% CI, 14.5, 22.2) in this subset of patients. There was no statistically significant difference in OS among these 35 patients with MGMT pr omoter methylation (median OS:20 months,95% CI: 9.2, 37.0), compared to patients without MGMT promoter methylation (median OS: 18.9 months, 95% CI: 11.9, 22.2), (Table 4). Only two out of 30 elderly patients aged above 70 years were treated with TMZ, one was MGMT methylated and another was not. Among these elderly patients, those with MGMT promoter methylation showed a significantly longer median survival of 13.5 months (95% CI, 0.49, 17.1) compared to 7.6 months (95% CI, 2.9, 9.4) when the MGMT promoter was non-methylated (p=0.027). A similar significant difference in median recurrence-free survival was also found in elderly patients where the median survival was 13.1 versus 7.6 months (p=0.01) for MGMT methylated and unmethylated, respectively. The overall median recurrence-free survival was 9.4 months (95%CI: 7.8-10.2) for all patients. There was no difference in RFS between patients 18-70 years old with and without MGMT methylation. DISCUSSION In this study we investigated the significance of MGMT methylation status in a series of 122 patients with newly diagnosed GBM who underwent surgical resection and implantation of Gliadel wafers. The results of our series show a reduction in hazard of death for patients who were MGMT methylated compared to non-methylated. Interestingly, this effect was much more profound in the elderly group of 35 patients who were older than 70 years old when they were diagnosed with GBM. Elderly patients who were MGMT methylated had significantly better OS, compared to non-methylated (13.5 vs. 7.6 months respectively, p=0.027). The methylation of the MGMT promoter region leads to a reduced ability to repair DNA damage induced by alkylating chemotherapeutic agents [7]. Methylation of the MGMT promoter was found to be associated with responsiveness to alkylating chemotherapeutic agents such as temozolomide [6] and BCNU [7], and an increase in OS and progression free survival. The median survival of patients who received the combination of Gliadel, temozolomide and radiation therapy in our cohort ranged between 18.9 to 20 months, six months greater than that for the radiation therapy and temozolomide historic cohort [1] (Figure1). For patients younger than 70 years old, the median survival of the MGMT methylated sub-group was slightly greater that MGMT non-methylated. KPS in a known prognostic factor for patients with brain tumors [8]. Most of the patients in our study cohort had poor KPS of less than 80. Still, our results were in line with the report of Lechapt-Zalcman et al. [9] who assessed the prognostic impact of MGMT promoter methylation in patients with newly diagnosed GBM that received Gliadel in addition to radiation therapy and temozolomide. The OS of their study cohort was 17.5 months. Patients with MGMT methylation had a significantly longer OS of 21.7 months compared with patients without MGMT methylation who had OS of 15.1 months. Two recent phase III clinical trials in the elderly age of patients with malignant astrocytoma, the NOA-08 [10] and Nordic trials [11], demonstrated that temozolomide therapy alone was not inferior to radiotherapy alone, and methylation of the MGMT gene promoter was associated with a benefit from temozolomide. However, there is a concern that combination therapy of radiation therapy and temozolomide may be less active and less well tolerated in the elderly population [12]. European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)-26981/National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) CE3 trial have suggested that with increasing age, the relative benefit of addition of temozolomide to radiotherapy decreases and the patients suffer from increased chemotherapy-associated side effect such as neutropenia, lymphocytopenia, thrombocytopenia , raised liver-enzyme concentrations infections and thromboembolic events. As opposed to systemic chemotherapy with its limitations, local delivery of Gliadel wafers may be promising in this subset of patients. Chaichana et al. compared 45 elderly patients who were treated with Gliadel to 88 elderly patients who did not receive Gliadel [13]. The survival for older patients who received Gliadel was significantly longer than for patients who did not receive Gliadel (8.7 months vs. 5.5 months respectively, p=0.007). The median survival of MGMT methylated in elderly patients in the current cohort was doubled. These results may support the use of Gliadel in this sub-population. Limitations There are several limitations to this study. Its retrospective nature carries a potential bias. Moreover, the time period of this study ended in 2006, only one year after temozolomide became the standard of care in the treatment of GBM, thus most of the patients were not treated with the combination of temozolomide and radiation therapy. Furthermore, because this is a tertiary referral center, there is a bulk of patients who were operated in this center, but received further neuro-oncology treatments elsewhere, near their home, and therefore, their complementary oncology treatment is not available. Still, this large and unique cohort of patients with newly diagnosed GBM who were operated in one tertiary center provide novel data that may assist in optimizing and personalizing the treatment for GBM patients.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Karl Marxs The Communist Manifesto Essay -- Communist Manifesto Essays

Karl Marx's The Communist Manifesto The Communist Manifesto written by Karl Marx explains the history of all societies as the history of class conflicts, he claims that the power and direction of all societies is determined by the modes of production, as such when the mode of production no longer suits the relations of society there is a revolution. He predicts that a revolution is coming between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie, and calls its coming inevitable. Marx argues that the bourgeoisies are no longer fit to rule, nor is their rule sustainable, as such the proletariat will overthrow them and end all class antagonisms with the creation of a classless society. However, Marx does not give enough credit to nationalism, nor does he ascribe to the possibility of compromise between the classes. Due to this he predicts a class war which never, and might never, take place. The first section of the Communist Manifesto describes the history of all society as the history of class conflicts. Claiming, that every society is essentially divided into, the oppressors and the oppressed. Furthermore, Marx adds, in the past, societies were organized in more complex combinations and hierarchies, but modern society is being split into two ‘hostile camps’. There has always been a continuous conflict between the different classes; the end result of these conflicts is always, either the total suppression of the oppressed classes, or a revolution, which leads to an overhaul of society. He blames the cause for the separation of modern society into only two groups, on the fall of feudalism. These new class antagonisms are between the proletariat, and the bourgeoisie. Marx views the rise of the bourgeoisie in Europe as the result of a couple of factors; firstly, he believes that, the initial elements of the bourgeoisie, were developed by the chartered burghers who evolved from the serfs of the medieval ages. Next, following the great colonization of the 16th and 17th centuries the market expanded, leading to a great need for increased production. This great demand could not be sufficed by the feudal guilds, as such they were replaced with manufacturing. However, the markets and the demand kept increasing and the manufacturing system could no longer keep up, as such it also was replaced, by Modern Industry. The Industrial Revolution of the late 18th century and th... ... the revolutionary parties. These sorts of compromises happened, and different socialist parties left behind the ideas of radical revolution and instead pursued gradual improvement through unions and parliament. Thus the previously constant decrease in workers state did not continue, rather the workers started getting more rights, for example universal male suffrage. Also they fought for, and won, social and economic improvements, for example more employment stability, higher wages and laws such as the Ten Hour Act of 1847 and the Factory Act of 1833. Such reformations, the increase in the power of Unions and the ability of the workers to vote led to sustainable compromises between the classes, as such no class war took place. Marx’s description of European society as driven by economics and divided by class lines is correct. However he fails to see the great influence of nationalism and he does not entertain the idea of compromise between the classes, because of this he wrongly predicts the destruction of the capitalist system and the bourgeoisies by the proletariat. Works Cited: McLellan, David. Karl Marx: Selected Writings (Oxford, NY: Oxford University Press, 1977)

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Evaluation of Human Resources Essay

Businesses have to control their resources closely, this is because Human resources are needed in the business and is also monitored because if some staff are not doing their work correctly then they are likely to be replaced with someone that is better. If the business is to expand then the business needs to employ staff with certain ability that will benefit their business. The Human resources can improve the businesses performance in many ways. There are two main processes which are looked at when managing human resources. The most important is to employ the correct people for the job, people that will carry out the job role correctly. Then the correct resources have to be provided for them so that they can carry this process out to the best of their standards. Treating these employees with care and sensitivity is important. They are not like physical or technological resources; humans need to be dealt in certain ways, as they are protected by legislations and laws. In some businesses, there will be a constant change of different demand of products that the customers wish to purchase, for this reason the staff will have to be trained for any of these occasions. This is how they improve there human resources. They also look at how many skills the employee has when they are searching for new employees. They will check whether that person can be used in more then one job position of that store, how many skills they consist of. Coordination of the teams in different types of businesses is very important in ensuring that they meet the targets that the company sets them. When all employees of the team complete their assigned roles the team will run more smoothly. It is also important that a manager is always there so that they can supervise his staff and also if there is a problem that they might not be able to handle the manager will defiantly being trained to deal with the situation. Monitoring the performance of a team and letting them know of there good work is a good way to keep the staff motivated. There are certain ways to monitor the way that businesses monitor their staff. Firstly they can make sure that the staffs are reaching the targets that are assigned to them. Also sales figures can be looked at, seeing whether the team has overspent or under spent the budget that was assigned to them. Finally last way to monitor the performance is to record the number of compliments, or complaints that that member of staff has received from the customers. Individual and team appraisals are also a good way to keep the team motivated. Liaising within departments in a business is very important in keeping the employees on talking terms with people in other departments. It is essential that they work with each other so that they can coordinate with each other and progress is completed rather then slowed down. One way to make sure that the teams work together is to encourage team building exercises, so that the employees can get to know each other more. Many people from the same level within the organisation are told to meet with other people from other departments, not necessarily physically, but through the internet. To ensure that the employees know how the business works, and what there job role entitles, they should know about the background of their organisation. There will have to be good communication and respect shown when the people of the company are talking to each other. People will talk to others in a different way depending on there role, or what they have achieved. With there superiors there will be more respect shown then others like people below them in the organisation. In some businesses managers will refer to each other using there titles but many others, they will be referred to on first name bases. It is also important to communicate with the employees, make sure that they know the terms of there contract with the job that they have with you, whether they are allowed to have a second job or not, these little things. If they choose to have a second job, they should tell their role manager about it, and also the job should be in a non-related company. Managers can use incentives to keep the workforce encouraged to work harder and harder. There are many ways in which employees can use these incentives to keep them working, they can be rewards, little things that will make the workforce feel that that are being appreciated. These incentives also have to be worth of value to the employee that is earning them, or they will not want to earn them. It is always good to offer a variety of choices for the employees to choose from. This way they can have different things every time that they work hard. Businesses usually encourage there employees to be creative, and use their initiative. This is to adapt with any change in the market, so that the company is easily adaptable, and these companies are more likely to succeed. Because companies can compete all over the world using the internet, these companies’ encourage their employees to think creatively and use their imagination. Many small businesses become successful by being creative and using their initiative. Organisations can get their work done in two different ways, one in-house, where the employees that they employee do the work for them, or the organisation can outsource their work, where they pay some other company to do the work for them. Evaluation of Technological Resources: When looking at resources which are technological, there are many improvements that can be made in a business. Technological resources would not be hardware; they would fall under the category of software. They are managed in similar ways to other resources to ensure that they are not damaged, and if there is a newer version an update can be made. Intellectual property is the right in which people can own idea’s and decide what happens to them. This is similar to having a patent to an idea or an item, where the person will decide what will happen to the item or ideas. The longer that people work in a job, or different jobs they will start to gain accumulated experience, they will start to learn how to deal with certain issues that may come up in their job. This is a major benefit to the company, as more and more people stay at the company, gradually gaining more experience. The people with experience will be placed as mangers so that they can have an influence on their own sector or department. It is very important for the organisation to build up the skills of peoples so that they can deal with certain issues that arise in the business. It would be wise to train more then a few people at certain things, for instance in their absence, there should be somebody to handle that specific area. If an experienced person was to leave the organisation it would be hard to find another person that would be able to fulfil that job role with the same amount of skill as the previous person. Cascading training is the process in which training is passed on throughout the workforce, so that a backup is available when another individual is needed. Software is used in businesses a lot, and the businesses spend a lot of money on software for its business. Specially made software is sometimes very important to businesses; the reason for this is because it is a piece of software that is specifically designed for a business. Software that isn’t specially made, but owned by people is also used, and to use these businesses must pay a fee for the software license so that they can distribute it to all of their stores. When companies buy these licenses, they usually get a discount due to the amount of computers that they wish to install the software onto. Some companies run the software on more computers they claim to be, and in these cases they are breaking the law, although this can work both ways, as the companies can charge too much. Software reviews can save a vast amount of money for the company, to see which computers need new software and which don’t. Using legislation to protect the technological resources of the company is very important although it is always hard to tell whether people have taken your idea, it is always hard to find the perpetrators. Patents and Copyrights are different area’s which fall under intellectual property law. Patents are protection for inventions, new or improved. Evaluation of Physical Resources: When looking at the physical resources of business, businesses should look at the procedures that it undertakes to carry out its activities. Improvements can be made to make sure that these resources are maintained, refurbished and secured. All businesses need premises where they can operate from. These buildings can have a strong affect on the people that either work there, or the customers of the company. Having buildings located in strong economic areas is also very important for the business, so that many people will be attracted to it, as well as see it as an important building in the area. Importance of how businesses layout their stores all over the country, no doubts show in its success. Businesses have to find ways into attracting the attention of the customers. In businesses that deal with clothing, shoes or accessories, they would need to be aesthetically pleasing to the customers, being attracted to the building will naturally result in them proceeding into the building. Improvements should be made in the materials and waste in businesses. Undoubtedly this would both save the economy as well as money for the business. Different types of buildings within each business will all need to cope with different activities that will need to be completed. The plant will be the place where the machinery for these places will be placed. Although some companies take there machinery on lease, some businesses see it as best to buy the machinery as they can be used in the long run. The correct equipment is essential for a business to operate smoothly. If the necessary equipment is not given then this can result in the incompletion of the task which was required, this can have more impact on the company then some may think. IT is one of the most important, many businesses fail without it. Businesses must consist of both hardware and software, which carry out their main jobs of looking after the amount of stock in the stores, the day’s cash intake, and many other important functions that the company needs. Hardware is the physical items, computers, monitors, things that are visible to people. Software would be the systems that the computer runs on, Microsoft and other applications. All of the factories will always have their premises checked. If the correct maintenance does not take place then the machinery or the buildings can break down, leading to much more large cost with replacing them. Cleaning of the buildings is important in keeping it safe to work in and healthy for the people who work there. Refurbishment of the company consists when the company seems to want to change the appearance of their stores whether it is to the customers in the stores, or for the workers in the other associated buildings. Keeping the buildings fresh will encourage people to enjoy their workplace and result in people working harder. Refurbishment can also have an impact on the environment as well as people, as old resources can be replaced with eco-friendly or energy saving ones. To ensure that the workers and the customers are safe at all times Emergency Provisions will be there in case of an emergency. Evacuation training must be given to all of the employees, so that they know exactly what to do in case of a fire or any other incidence. Other equipment to prevent harm will be placed in the store, such as, fire alarms, smoke detectors, fire escapes and fire extinguishers. To ensure that these are working at all times, regular checks will need to be made. Insurance is a must with all building, whether there leased or owned by the company. This is to cover any damages. Protecting the assets of the company is very important because if any of these were vandalised, they can claim the damage costs back. The building must be made secured at all times, when the employees finish their shift at night; they must lock the premises up so that no intruder can enter. Although this is not always the case, people still somehow find a way in, this is why security guards are hired. The company can also get advice from big security companies about how they can keep their business locked and secure. Evaluation of Financial Resources: Financial resources are needed in the businesses because they have to monitor their finance because; they need to insure that they have enough money in order to buy products and to pay their employees. They then also have to make sure that they have enough money so that they can pay off their bills as well. Financial resources are the cash or loans that a business has, or has access to. A business’s non-financial resources are their employees, technology, equipment, buildings, warehouses and information systems. Within the financial and non-financial category come two more types of resources: internal and external. Internal resources are financial or non-financial resources that a company owns, or has in-house. External resources are financial or non-financial resources that a company does not own, but may be able to use externally. When businesses evaluate their internal environment, they are analysing the areas of their work that they have control over. Internal environments may include, but are not limited to, the organisational structure, purchasing behaviours, research and development and manufacturing processes. Within the internal environment are internal resources, such as finances, staff, equipment, and machinery and information technology. Businesses should perform environmental scans of their internal environments and resources, they should document their findings, examine the trends in their environment, review and analyse the inventory and use the information for decision-making techniques. External business environments are the areas that a business does not have control over, but can still be impacted by. Common external environments can be categorised as environmental, political, economical, technological, legal and social. Within these external environments businesses can identify external resources. Technological advances, for instance, are operated external resources. By knowing what is available to businesses in the external environment, decision makers can analyse risk potential and understand how their business can be progressed or slowed down by external resources. Monitoring Budget Costs: At the beginning of a businesses year, the business will start to start formulate a budget which is their objective to forecast what their profit will be at the end of the year in the assumption that the budget will remain the same through out. The budget will be monitored quarterly or monthly to see if the profit they projected at the beginning of the year is still realistic. Monitoring their budget will give them the flexibility to adjust their wants, needs and must have so that the projected profit is realisable at the end of the year. Profit is the measure of a business performance. Ideally, the process of budget planning for the next financial year should give everyone in the organisation an opportunity to reflect on what they’ve achieved, what the external environment is telling them and where they want to go next. In times of recession, businesses will aim to increase revenues or they may maintain them, they could specifically target a certain market, or invest more in a profitable area. Businesses will focus on these specific areas by everyone in the business. Unfortunately, hardly any business gathers the full rewards of focused engagement with the budget process. Too often businesses are facing the future with budgets that are reluctantly thrown together by cost centre managers with other things on their mind.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

African American Booker T Washington

Booker T. Washington was a man beyond words. He rose up from slavery, delivering speech after speech expressing his views on how to help raise America's view of the African American. He felt that knowledge was power, not just knowledge of â€Å"books†, but knowledge of agricultural and industrial trades. He felt that the African American would rise to be an equal in American society through hard work. Washington founded a school on these principles, and it became the world's leader in agricultural and industrial education for the Negro. He put his heart and soul into his school, Tuskegee Institute, and gained great respect from both the white and black communities. Many of the country's white leaders agreed with his principals, and so he had a great deal of support. Booker T. Washington cleared the way for the black community too fully enter the American society. Washington was born into slavery on April 5, 1856, in Franklin County, Virginia, on a small tobacco plantation. His only true relative was his mother, Jane, who was the plantation's cook. His father was thought to have been the white son of one of their neighbors. Washington spent his early years on the plantation. He did the small jobs, such as carrying water to the field hands and taking corn to the local mill for grinding. This hard work at an early age filled him the values he would teach for the rest of his life. Washington and his mom were freed after the civil war. His stepfather had escaped earlier, and had gotten a job in Malden, West Virginia, at a salt furnace, so Washington and his mother went to live with him. Life was tough in Malden. â€Å"Drinking, gambling, quarrels, fights, and shockingly immoral practices were frequent.† Washington himself got a job in the salt furnace and often had to go to work at four in the morning. Washington really wanted an education. A school for African Americans opened in Malden, but his stepfather would not let him leave work to attend. Washington wanted an education so bad that he arranged with the teachers to give him classes at night. Booker did not have a last name until he went to school. When he realized that all of the other children at the school had a ‘second' name, and the teacher asked him his, he invented the name Washington. Booker heard of a big school for African Americans in Hampton, Virginia, and he decided to go there. In 1872, he set out on the 500-mile journey to Hampton, traveling most of the way by foot. He was only 16 at this time too. When he finally arrived, he had to take an entrance exam that consisted of him sweeping the floor. He graduated with honors and returned to Malden. He then was asked to come back to Hampton to be an instructor. Then, soon after, the principal of Hampton received a letter from a group in Tuskegee, Alabama, asking for help in starting a school for African Americans there. They were expecting a white man, but when they got Washington, they were quite pleased with him. Washington founded The Tuskegee Institute in 1885. The school opened with 30 students. Tuskegee Institute and its facilities grew, and so did its courses in agricultural and engineering subjects. The Institute survived its early years only through the perseverance of Washington. Washington believed in the â€Å"dignity of labor.† He emphasized the teaching of â€Å"practical skills,† like brick making, carpentry and dairying for the boys, and cooking and sewing for the girls. He believed that African Americans must make economic progress, and learn how to make a living first. Booker is remembered and admired for his accomplishments. Of course his most famous being the Tuskegee Institute. Booker T. Washington is a perfect example that even if you came from nothing, you can accomplish great things if you try hard enough and are willing to make the sacrifice.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Breaking Point of a Soul

Breaking Point of a Soul The Nazi death camps of World War II produced some of the most horrific atrocities ever recorded. History has seen many accounts particularly from the perspective of holocaust victims. However, not much attention has been paid to the emotional effects suffered by the individuals who worked in these death camps. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Breaking Point of a Soul specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More These individuals were not guards of SS troopers but rather individuals considered too impure to be part of the German society. Their impurity however was not of the extent that could warranty their execution upon arrival. These people were referred to as â€Å"Canadas† and it was their job to clean up after the executions and herd those considered sub-human to gas chamber commonly referred to as â€Å"the Canada†. Tadeuzs Borowskis short story This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen, is an account of a young man forced to work in the camps as a Canada. While not directly responsible for the gassing of Jews himself, this young man definitely participated in the atrocities by helping the Nazis carry out mass murder. History is full examples of such circumstances where young men are forced to commit crimes failure to which they are either killed or bodily harm was inflicted on them. Individuals in such situations were forced to lose connection with their emotional side by ignoring humane attitudes directed towards the individuals being executed. To stand witness to acts demeaning human life inevitably resulted in the individuals losing all compassion for their victims. To some extent, there is a possibility that these ‘handy men’ ended up hating those being exterminated. This lose of emotion got to a point where the persons involved were in a position of turning against fellow men and start viewing them as animal at the snap of a finger. Those individuals who were cons tantly around killing fields had to develop adaptive measures to enable them cope with situation; this in current times is seen presented from the viewpoint of the soldiers’ involvement in the battlefields. They are constantly witnessing their comrades getting killed and maimed right in front of their eyes and hate begins to boil in their hearts directed at the individuals who inflicts these injuries. With time, their emotional tolerance towards fellow human greatly reduces such that they find it relatively easy to kill a person they consider an enemy. It gets to a point where their sole objective is to merely survive irrespective of the means used to obtain this survival. Such was the case with the young canada in Borowskis story. The tolerance in this particular case develops as a result of the conditions in which he lives in as well as the rules that he is expected to follow. His task is to remove all the clothing and valuables from the Jewish prisoners and this has been clearly described in the essay. â€Å"Whoever takes gold, or anything at all besides food, will be shot for stealing Reich -property†.Advertising Looking for essay on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In order to stay alive they must take the food from those condemned to death since the latter are allowed a few necessities required for survival. The Canadas are however forbidden from taking even the smallest article of clothing from the prisoners, as much as these could improve their living conditions and make their lives more bearable (Borowski 342). Lack of basic essentials like shoes subjected the Canadas to painful moments that further served to enhance their resentment towards their victims. For example, the Canada’s feet developed painful sores and this further intensified their hatred to the Jews. The argument by the Canadas was that it was the Jews fault that they lacked shoes. Aside fro m physical pain, the Canadas underwent extensive emotional pain. The Canada in Borowski’s story, had to develop ways of copping with shock occasioned by seeing hundreds of dead bloated babies on a daily basis. As Borowski describes the scene, â€Å"Naked little monsters with enormous heads and bloated bellies† (344). The sight of these dead bodies must have prompted him to develop a lot of hatred and anger. This kind of anger has to be re-channeled in order for the individuals to maintain some level of sanity. Since it would have been imminent suicide to try and direct the anger towards Germans, that Canada instead chose to direct it towards Jewish prisoners. The Canada begins to question if he still is a good person after removing the babies in this statement to his friend, â€Å"Henri, are we good people? I am furious, simply furious with these people, furious because I must be here because of them. I feel n o pity. I am not sorry theyre going to the gas chamber. D amn them all!†(Borowski 345). This anger, a direct result of witnessing the horrors around him, is directly attributed to his dislike for manual labor and his anger is particularly directed towards the Jews because in his eyes, it is they that get him out of bed to go and work. In reality, this anger is the direct consequence result of having to experience emotion-numbing ordeals. The kind of emotional trauma experienced by this Canada demanded that for him to survive and still maintain some degree of mental control, he had to look at prisoners as non-humans and treat them as such. This became evident when the Canada was interacting with a certain Jewish prisoner, â€Å"I look at her without saying a word. Here, standing before me, is a girl, a girl with enchanting hair with beautiful breasts, wearing a little cotton blouse† (Borowski 348). The Canada was in this particular instance staring at a stunningly beautiful girl but his emotional situation did not permit him to regard her as human. Instead he chose to view her as some sort of animal and treat her in the same way an astonished farmer would see one of his cows that somehow starts talking. The Canada was no longer in a position to view this girl as a human being on the mere pretext that doing so would have made her subject to humane consideration. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Breaking Point of a Soul specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Unfortunately, fate demanded action when the Canada was faced with such a situation and in his case all he could do was kill the Jews irrespective of how any feelings he had towards them. this was a reasonable response and it definitely proves that no one can witness the events at death camps and still be able to sensibly live in society without viewing other people as sub-human. When the Canada realizes that he can no longer continue working directly with the prisoners on the unloading ram p, he confides in his friend Henri of his intention to step back. It is at this instance that Henri looks at him puzzled and asks him for the reasons that force him to quit after just a few trips. Henri cannot understand the Canada’s predicament since has worked the ramps for several months and has had millions of individuals pass through his watch. He has even witnessed some of his friends pass through the ramp, â€Å"The worst are the transports from around Paris, one is always bumping into friends† (Borowski 350). The response that he (Henri) gave to the friends was suggested that they (the friends) would take a bath on the other side and relax. Henri however was fully aware that they were marching to their death but could not bring himself to entertain such thoughts. All senses of emotion had been suppressed to the extent that he viewed old friends as animals on their way to a slaughter house. The atrocities of the death camps have left lasting impressions on man kind and this is more notable from individual who were forced to work in them. Both the Canada and Henri were forced to start regarding fellow humans as nothing more than animals; a consequence of having witness many people get sent to death. In order to survive without losing their minds, they had to block out all emotional feelings in the process changing how they viewed the rest of mankind. Borowski, Tadeauzs. â€Å"This Way For The Gas, Ladies And Gentlemen.† The Mercury Reader: Ideas That Matter: Readings For English 111. Boston: Pearson Custom Publishing, 2009. 336-352. Print.Advertising Looking for essay on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More

Monday, October 21, 2019

Women Studies Rape

Women Studies Rape Introduction Rape is a misdemeanor offense in which an individual mandates to have sexual contact without his or her approval. Though majority rapes are never accounted for, the figure of occurrences documented in the United States tremendously increased between 1970 and 1986. It is not in fact acknowledged if the number of rapes is augmented or if additional victims are enthusiastic to report the cases. Indignity, terror of retribution or denial and the shock of a court audition are regular causes for refusal to testify against a sexual felony (Williams, 2002).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Women Studies: Rape specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More History of Rape The record of society’s appreciation to sexual aggression has its pedigree in English assets law. The problem of sexual attack did not come into the realization of the United States’ civil society until the feminist pressure groups of th e 1960s. Feminists perceived rape as an instrument for upholding patriarchy, a brutal technique of stirring up horror in women and strengthening their inferiority to men. This perspective has fashioned the approach in our culture in describing and conceptualizing sexual violence presently. Kids who are induced to hostility between their relatives are possibly caught up in brutal love affairs when they become adults. The configuration of the family appears to have effects on the feelings and conducts of kids brought up in them. Aggressive sex delinquents are known to be prone rape compared to other grownups that experienced deprived parental upbringing, unfortunate control, corporal violence, abandonment, and separation from their parents. The Causes of Rape Cultural Expectations and Rape myths Prospects conveyed by culture classically push men to believe they are greater, unrestricted and that they are supposed to be constantly on the sentry for and prepared to kick off sex in their affairs with women. Simultaneously, these sexual writings train women to believe that they are in charge of situating the confines and speed of sexual intercourse in their interaction with men. Rape folklores naturally reject the reality of sexual attack, justify it and lessen the gravity of its consequences. Virtually all cultures accept rape and have instruments that are responsible for sexual aggression. The Media and the School Since the beginning days of contemporary feminist’s pressure groups, women challenged that pornography facilitated sexual violence towards females depicts them as not anything apart from sex items, an outlook that is backed by research. Television and cinemas frequently pass the information that such brutality functions to demean women. Involvement in group activities could augment the danger of sexual violence. Peers are extra powerful in determining personality actions than environmental science, individuality, kin, faith, or traditions (Scott Glenna, 1994).Advertising Looking for research paper on gender studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Psychopathology and Individuality Qualities Men involved in rape cases have been spotted with a broad range of psychiatric and character disarrays, mainly disruptive individuality confusion. However, personality gauging of rapists has established that there is no momentous variation between sexual delinquents and those confined for platonic felonies. The extent of participation in sexually coercive actions seems to be correlated to individual quantities of capriciousness, deficiency of collective sense of right and wrong and a worth course legalizing antagonism, predominantly against women. The largest part findings have summarized that there is much of heterogeneity amongst rapists and that sexual violence is caused by various dynamics. In fact, it has been alleged that the personality data of rapist criminals mor e directly counterparts the personality data of men in the broad populace as compared to any other forms of crimes (Hooks, 2000). Masculinity and Power Drives Research has established that drives of supremacy and rage are more famous in rapists’ justification of sexual violence than sexual wishes are. Sexually hostile men candidly confess that their sexual desires are antagonistic and brutal. The level of affiliation between a man and a woman may perhaps influence the likelihood of aggression. A number of researches propose that men who rape on initial or subsequent dates possibly will have connection to outsider raping while men who rape near the beginning in what or else materialize to be an increasing association may just misconceive their partners’ meaning (Allison Wrightsman, 1993) Feminist Movements Feminist movements refer to numerous attempts put in place to bring about change. For instance, they attempt to bring about an end to brutality against women, provid e the same chances for men and women, allow women sufficient motherhood leave and bring to a halt pestering of women sexually. Women have since time in memorial been fatalities of socio-cultural unfairness. The feminist lobby groups have managed to penetrate through inflexible socio-cultural structure in society primarily through backing female child education. The entire globe no longer practices female injustice by handing over minor roles to women. In its place, some women have raised to sky-scraping positions in politics and finance (Harris, 1990).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Women Studies: Rape specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Islamic Feminism Islamic feminism is apprehensive about the position of women in Islam and aspires for the complete egalitarianism among Muslims, despite of sex, in civic and personal life. Even though it is ingrained in Islam, the association’s founders have made use of worldly and Western feminist discourse. Campaigners of the lobby group try to underscore the extremely deep-seated experience of impartiality in the Quran and query the patriarchal explanation of Islamic philosophy through the Quran, hadith (maxim of Muhammad) and sharia (rule) towards the formation of a new, identical and fair society. Lots of ayaat (stanzas) of the Qur’an appear to pronounce gentleman/womanly sameness. Fundamentally, human beings are identical. They are merely differentiated among themselves on the origin of their legal observations or execution of the essential Quranic standard of integrity (Rhouni, 2001). Therefore, there is no disagreement between feminism and being religious. On one occasion, we identify feminism as consciousness of limits erected in front of women since sex, dismissal of restrictions erected on women, and attempts to create and employ unbiased gender structure are all patriarchal efforts meant to derail women efforts in the society (Bergen, 1996). Feminist movements in the Middle East employ three approaches. The approaches include first, reinterpreting ayaat of the Quran to rectify bogus information in frequent circulation. Secondly, it involves quoting ayaat that indisputably pronounce the egalitarianism of women and men and lastly, delink the section of ayaat conscientious to male and female variation that has been frequently construed in ways that rationalize male supremacy (Treanor, 2002). Conclusion In general, research on the roots of sexual brutality has paid attention to two forms of premises those entrenched in individuality of the delinquent, and those that spot distinctiveness of culture in which we exist. None the theories fully elucidates the occurrence of sexually brutal activities in our civilization. Modern research in the discipline of sexual hostility points out that an incorporated theory will possibly have the superlative ability of amplifying what causes sexual cruelty in our culture. The police officer, with little research information thought indecent dressing causes sexual violence. References Allison, J. Wrightsman, L. (1993). Rape: The Misunderstood Crime. California: Sage.Advertising Looking for research paper on gender studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Bergen, R. (1996). Wife Rape: Understanding the Response of Survivors and Service Providers. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Harris, A. (1990). Essentialism in Feminism legal theory. American Sociological Journal. 42, 35-71. Hooks, B. (2000). Feminist theory: from margin to center. Cambridge, Massachusetts: South End Press. Rhouni, R. (2001). Women and Gender, the Middle East and the Islamic world. Web. Scott, S. Glenna, S. (1994). Housework in Marital and Non-marital Households. American Sociological Review, 59(3), 17-31. Treanor, N. (2002).The feminist movement. Farmington Hills, ML: Green haven Press Williams, M. (2002). The Sexual Revolution. Farmington Hills, ML: Green haven Press

Saturday, October 19, 2019

What Does It Cost to Attend Northwest Indian College?

Located just south of the Canadian border on the Lummi Indian Reservation, Northwest Indian College is the only accredited tribal school serving the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. And unlike many of the colleges in the Evergreen State, this institution comes with a list price that many families would consider affordable. Read on to learn more about college pricing and why it can vary so dramatically between schools and students, as well as what it really costs to attend Northwest Indian College. Like many schools across the U.S., Northwest Indian College has a sticker price that differs significantly from the actual cost most students spend to attend. You can find out the actual price of admission, or the financial aid net price, by adding up the cost of all forms of financial aid, including federal, state, and local grants, institutional aid, and scholarships. Then subtract this figure from the list price. Because Northwest Indian College is a public school, the list price of admission is generally lower than at private schools. However, it’s worth noting that public schools lack the large endowments of private institutions. So they might not be able to give out as much money in the form of financial aid. Do your research to find out what option is truly best for your family. Because Northwest Indian College is a public institution, tuition prices are somewhat lower than average. Expect to spend $13,959 whether you’re applying from in state or out of state. Students in the top 30% of acceptees and those from families earning less than $175,000 a year were less likely to pay the full sticker rate. Financial aid can significantly lower the cost of attending Northwest Indian College. For the 2016-2017 year, both in-state and out-of-state applicants paid around $5,367 annually in tuition and fees. The list price of attending Northwest Indian College is largely dependent on family income level. Check out average net prices per family income bracket below: *The numbers above don’t account for federal Pell Grants some families receive. Estimating your chance of getting into a college is not easy in today’s competitive environment. Thankfully, with our state-of-the-art software and data, we can analyze your academic and extracurricular profile and estimate your chances. Our profile analysis tool can also help you identify the improvement you need to make to enter your dream school. The lower cost of attendance at Northwest Indian College might be part of the reason that few students take out loans to finance their education. Currently, just 12% of undergraduates borrow money for tuition and fees. Assessing student outcomes at Northwest Indian College is a good way to evaluate ROI on your tuition dollars. Currently, the school boasts a six-year graduation rate of 86%, suggesting that a majority of students finish on time. However, prospective salaries seem to be on the low side. Ten years after graduating, the average student was earning just $27,900 annually. Attending Northwest Indian College offers numerous advantages, including the fact that the region is known for its affordability. With a cost of living index of 129.6 , Bellingham, Wash., is only slightly more expensive than the average city in the United States. One of the biggest expenses is housing, which will run you $843 for a one-bedroom, $1100 for a two-bedroom, and $1593 for a three-bed. Working part time can help students afford their degrees. If you’re looking for a position in Bellingham, expect to earn $12 an hour, which is the state minimum wage. The average income in this part of Washington is $42,440 a year. Work-study is a great option for Northwest Indian College students who prefer not to pursue off-campus work. Not only are these jobs convenient in that you don’t have to leave school, but they also tend to include down-time for reading and catching up on homework. Additionally, students can earn extra cash by applying for independent scholarships. If you scored well on the PSATs, consider the National Merit Scholarship program , which provides recognition and grant money to the top 1 percent of test takers. This program helps support the educational goals of 15,000 students a year. Find out what other Northwest Indian College scholarship opportunities are available on the school website. Sky-high college tuition rates can cause both students and parents to hesitate on their college admissions journeys. Fortunately, the Applications Team is there to support families throughout the process. From narrowing down college lists to negotiating financial aid offers, our expert team members are always in your corner. For more information on our services, call today or contact our experts online.

Friday, October 18, 2019

Organizations environment analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Organizations environment analysis - Essay Example Environmental analysis plays an important role in formulating the business strategies, marketing plans etc. Its significance increases even more when the external business environment undergoes frequent changes. In the past few years dynamic changes in the political, social, economic and technological environment has been observed while on the other hand these have subsequently impacted the task factors of an organization’s environment such as suppliers, customers, competitors, regulators etc. Furthermore, if an organization fails to monitor its environmental changes then it expected to be pulled out of the business. The environmental analysis made in the paper will enable managers to evaluate any future business strategy. As discussed above that Bubble is a small business located in San Marcos. The organization offers special Asians fruit fused drinks along with bobas (Boba Tea San Marcos, 2014). The internal business environment of Bubble Tea constitutes of manufacturing, accounting, information systems, sales and marketing, research and development, finance and human resource department (Talloo, 2007). All of these areas are under the direct control of the management whereas these are the crucial areas which make a business successful or failure. As per customer reviews Bubble Tea has been efficiently managing its internal environmental factors while satisfying its customers’ needs. The most important step in the analysis of environmental factors is to define the general and task factors. Following is a brief description about different aspects of an environment which currently influences the business operations of Bubble Tea. Economic: Business cycles are largely influenced by the economic growth and development. Bubble Tea’s business activities are primarily impacted by interest rates, economic competition, powers of supply and demand, disposable income and unemployment. Socio-Cultural: Social

Sensitivity report Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sensitivity report - Coursework Example These resources are the machine time for this case as profits for the products is not sought as a solution to the company’s problem of finding the best combinations for the products. With regards to the three resources available in this analysis, they represent hours at the machines’ disposal. However, it is observed that, it more hours per machine were allowed, then higher total profits would be increase immensely. In order to answer questions like whether it is reason for the company to invest in more machine hours, should the company be willing to pay for more manufacturing time, and whether is profitable to hike the production hours. Using the solver solution represented as table 1, these questions and how they relate to the right combinations for product production can be identified. Using a theoretical analysis approach, it is by design that changes in right-hand-side of the constraint; a corresponding change is registered not unless it is conditional that the con straint is redundant. This translates to a change in the optimal solution as well. With regards to the reduction of hours the machines time may result to a increase of decrease in profit per hour. The change in profit per hour is referred to as the shadow price and is therefore used to determine whether the company should consider investing in more machine hours or a better combination of the produced products. To a constraint, the shadow price represents the improvement to the functional objective that may be a product of one-unit increase within the constraints right-hand-side. With regards to the fact that the profits generated per hour in normal circumstances is ?0.33333 the right combinations of the products are desired in order to preserve the need for increasing machine time. Hence fore, the fact that the company’s profit increased with ?0.3333 for every additional hour, it means that more product B types should be considered if time alone is to be considered. However, while the value of one product A is 24 Sterling Pounds and that of product B is 4 sterling pounds. Therefore, it is also observed that for every single product A a profit of 2 sterling pounds is made as compared to the 4 sterling pounds’ profit on product B. However, given that product A produces at machine at for four hours and two hours at machine B. The total amount of products producible at machine A will be 30 products with regards to the count of four hours for a machine allowance time of 120. On the other hand, the same product can process at machine B for two hours against the allowed duration of 72 hours to give 36 products A. With reference to product B, out of the allowed machine hours for machine A, 120 hours, only 20 product Bs can be produced within the time limit of 6 hours per product. This means that on the other hand, the only 12 product Bs can be produced using machine B speed of 6 hours per product against the allowed timeframe of 72 hours. In this case, since hours are constant and the company does not need to increase machine hours in order to keep investment at the original figure. This means that for product A to be processed within the time frame allowed for machine A and B will translate to a profit of ?60 per hour when processed in machine A and ?72 when process by machine B. On the case of product B, the solver solution shows that for all products B producible in machine A will yield a profit of ?80 with respect to the ?4 profit margin for every unit of

Article Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Article Analysis - Essay Example Targeting the investors and potential investors in the Canadian stock exchange, the article warns them of the imminent crisis that has already started taking shape on the economy of Canada. It also targets the policymakers who are supposed to take into account the pitfalls and offer solutions of how the situation can be improved. According to them, an investor who opts to hold their investments in the Canadian BMO Capital Market Authority or any investment banks in the country risk making losses from their investments. They provide evidence supporting their hypothesis which indicates a losing trend that the Loonie has been facing in the recent years. Basically, the subject of their argument is the contribution of the oil crisis to the poor performance of the Canadian dollar in relation to other currencies and the U.S. dollar. Other contributing factors to soring the situation have been discussed, which include low buying of the government bonds and the decreasing demand for Canadaâ⠂¬â„¢s triple-A-rated sovereign debt. The poor performance of the loonie against other currencies prompted Walter & Karen to write this article. Most importantly however, it was the poor sale of the country’s crude oil that made the issue more serious warranting their reference to the poor performance of the currency. The fact that Canada’s oil prices have been performing poorly in reference to other oil producing states is evidence to this. Trading at about $ 65 a barrel, the Canadian oil poorly performs against international oil prices. In the article, 'Loonie' Slips on Oil Patch Walter & Karen explores the influence of Canada’s oil reserves on the performance of the Canadian dollar. While the global crude oil prices have remained competitively high, the poor price of the Canadian oil proves to be a liability to the country’s economy and exchange rate. The major contributing factor of this trend is the boom in the U.S. oil in the Northern American regio n. A barrel of the Canadian oil trades at only $65 dollars, while the international market prices stand at $115 per barrel. Contrary to other currencies that move along with the changes in the oil prices, the loonie has been facing a downward performance against the dollar, shedding off 0.5% this year. The biggest disadvantage of the Canadian currency, points out experts is over reliance on petrol exports. The weak currency is expected to remain weak so long as the oil prices remain low. Effects of the poor prices of the oil have not only negatively influenced on the currency performance, notes Walter & Karen. The shocks of this have been felt by the economy, negatively affecting the annual economic growth which the central bank forecasted to drop from 2.3% to 2%. Moreover, the prices have also contributed to a widening trade deficit, reaching up to C$2 billion. As experts continue loosing hope in the recovery of the dollar, more investors keep pulling out of the market. Data indica tes so, as bonds have been facing a decreasing trend since June of last year, hitting the lowest point in November. As more people shy from bond buying that was the biggest source of income for the country’s funds, the face value of the currency seems to be overvalued. The oil

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Write an annotation entry consisting of a Citation, a brief Summary, Essay - 4

Write an annotation entry consisting of a Citation, a brief Summary, and a short paragraph Evaluation of the text below - Essay Example The text is useful because it presents opportunity and resolutions for the improvement of police and community relations. Moreover, different individuals representing various institutions can participate in the discussions. Zachary Norris, the executive director of Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Ethel Long- Scott, director of women’s economic agenda project and Daniel Zapien, youth organizer, photographer and videographer at Silicon Valley De-Bug, have lengthy talks on the reasons for poverty, police and community relations. They make the text debatable since they have valid facts for discussion based mainly on poverty issues, and it is effects on police and the community. Nguyen argues that the text offers value of the importance of racial and economic justice. Besides, economic justice among various people in the community contributes to the alleviation of poverty and eventual improvement of police and the community. Therefore, support of economic power among the youth reduces idleness and rates of crime in the community. It has a positive effect on the community since police tend to execute their duties based on racial discrimination of criminals in the community. That is because youths supported economically reduce their criminal activities keeping away the police from them and the community. The text enhances understanding of the necessity to improve police and community relations. Besides, thoughtful ideas on poverty reduction promote understanding of the improvement of police and community relations. However, the text does not challenge existing condition of poverty as the main reason for the police and community disparities. In fact, poverty remains as the main reason for police great influence to the community since economic inequality. Selective justice is a notable reason for the rise in the levels of crime

Kuwait's economy before and after gulf war Assignment

Kuwait's economy before and after gulf war - Assignment Example Most of its oil was exported to Europe and the United States (International Business Publications 2012). Reliance of oil as the sole source of income led to over production of oil in Kuwait. With large deposits, approximately 94,525 billion barrels, Kuwaiti suppressed the prices of oil in the international markets (CIA World Factbook). However, overproduction angered the neighboring oil producers, such as Iraq, which was desperate to pay the funds it had borrowed for was. The act of suppressing process was viewed as an act of economic sabotage. The government of Kuwaiti maintained a low value of foreign debt that was manageable. The debt owed by Kuwaiti prior to the gulf war was $8billion. Although the country is oil rich, it has a small portion of arable land, thus preventing the country from relying on agricultural activities. However, the country engaged in other economic activities such as construction, manufacturing, and financial services. The geopolitical importance of Kuwait was increasing die to instability in neighboring nations. It was the preferred trade route that linked the west and the east. The hostilities that arose due to suppressed oil prices made Iraq invade Kuwait in 1990. The war devastated the oil wells of the country. According to Murdico (2004), the Iraqi troops burned most of the oil wells in Kuwait. The act sabotaged oil production in Kuwait for a whole year. The per capita income fell from $8967 in 1990 to $ 5508 in 1991. The war also led to an increase in international prices to over $30 per barrel, up from $20 per barrel in the oil spot market. Although the war did not last long, the effects were visible. First, most of the people ran to neighboring countries, meaning, there was no immediate resumption of production after the war. Second, the oil wells were heavily destroyed and had to be renovated. Reconstruction of Kuwait after the war cost the country an approximated $40 billion. The

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Article Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Article Analysis - Essay Example Targeting the investors and potential investors in the Canadian stock exchange, the article warns them of the imminent crisis that has already started taking shape on the economy of Canada. It also targets the policymakers who are supposed to take into account the pitfalls and offer solutions of how the situation can be improved. According to them, an investor who opts to hold their investments in the Canadian BMO Capital Market Authority or any investment banks in the country risk making losses from their investments. They provide evidence supporting their hypothesis which indicates a losing trend that the Loonie has been facing in the recent years. Basically, the subject of their argument is the contribution of the oil crisis to the poor performance of the Canadian dollar in relation to other currencies and the U.S. dollar. Other contributing factors to soring the situation have been discussed, which include low buying of the government bonds and the decreasing demand for Canadaâ⠂¬â„¢s triple-A-rated sovereign debt. The poor performance of the loonie against other currencies prompted Walter & Karen to write this article. Most importantly however, it was the poor sale of the country’s crude oil that made the issue more serious warranting their reference to the poor performance of the currency. The fact that Canada’s oil prices have been performing poorly in reference to other oil producing states is evidence to this. Trading at about $ 65 a barrel, the Canadian oil poorly performs against international oil prices. In the article, 'Loonie' Slips on Oil Patch Walter & Karen explores the influence of Canada’s oil reserves on the performance of the Canadian dollar. While the global crude oil prices have remained competitively high, the poor price of the Canadian oil proves to be a liability to the country’s economy and exchange rate. The major contributing factor of this trend is the boom in the U.S. oil in the Northern American regio n. A barrel of the Canadian oil trades at only $65 dollars, while the international market prices stand at $115 per barrel. Contrary to other currencies that move along with the changes in the oil prices, the loonie has been facing a downward performance against the dollar, shedding off 0.5% this year. The biggest disadvantage of the Canadian currency, points out experts is over reliance on petrol exports. The weak currency is expected to remain weak so long as the oil prices remain low. Effects of the poor prices of the oil have not only negatively influenced on the currency performance, notes Walter & Karen. The shocks of this have been felt by the economy, negatively affecting the annual economic growth which the central bank forecasted to drop from 2.3% to 2%. Moreover, the prices have also contributed to a widening trade deficit, reaching up to C$2 billion. As experts continue loosing hope in the recovery of the dollar, more investors keep pulling out of the market. Data indica tes so, as bonds have been facing a decreasing trend since June of last year, hitting the lowest point in November. As more people shy from bond buying that was the biggest source of income for the country’s funds, the face value of the currency seems to be overvalued. The oil

Kuwait's economy before and after gulf war Assignment

Kuwait's economy before and after gulf war - Assignment Example Most of its oil was exported to Europe and the United States (International Business Publications 2012). Reliance of oil as the sole source of income led to over production of oil in Kuwait. With large deposits, approximately 94,525 billion barrels, Kuwaiti suppressed the prices of oil in the international markets (CIA World Factbook). However, overproduction angered the neighboring oil producers, such as Iraq, which was desperate to pay the funds it had borrowed for was. The act of suppressing process was viewed as an act of economic sabotage. The government of Kuwaiti maintained a low value of foreign debt that was manageable. The debt owed by Kuwaiti prior to the gulf war was $8billion. Although the country is oil rich, it has a small portion of arable land, thus preventing the country from relying on agricultural activities. However, the country engaged in other economic activities such as construction, manufacturing, and financial services. The geopolitical importance of Kuwait was increasing die to instability in neighboring nations. It was the preferred trade route that linked the west and the east. The hostilities that arose due to suppressed oil prices made Iraq invade Kuwait in 1990. The war devastated the oil wells of the country. According to Murdico (2004), the Iraqi troops burned most of the oil wells in Kuwait. The act sabotaged oil production in Kuwait for a whole year. The per capita income fell from $8967 in 1990 to $ 5508 in 1991. The war also led to an increase in international prices to over $30 per barrel, up from $20 per barrel in the oil spot market. Although the war did not last long, the effects were visible. First, most of the people ran to neighboring countries, meaning, there was no immediate resumption of production after the war. Second, the oil wells were heavily destroyed and had to be renovated. Reconstruction of Kuwait after the war cost the country an approximated $40 billion. The

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Cultural Differences in Business Essay Example for Free

Cultural Differences in Business Essay I have read a lot about the cultural differences between Asia and the United States. I have talked to some of my Asian acquaintances here in Okinawa. There are quite a few cultural differences in the business worlds in Hong Kong and the States. In the states, employees have stronger feelings about and opinions of the intrinsic contracts of a business. The employees inner images come into play with these feelings because they feel that if they have a good and strong inner image then the outer image will automatically be a good one. They feel that extrinsic contracts are not as important, but still an issue when it comes to business. Employees in the United States are not as respectful to management and will even argue if they feel they have a strong point. In some cases this may be a good thing. In the United States we tend to be more aggressive and have strong opinions rather than suggestions. In Hong Kong, they believe that extrinsic contracts are everything. They believe as long as they have a strong front and image then there business will succeed. This is a good thing when it comes to public images because if you look like you have a strong business then the public will not know any different. Intrinsic contracts are not a main concern in Hong Kong. They are pushed to the side until they have a strong front and then it may be worked on.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Development of Regulatory Mechanism

Development of Regulatory Mechanism Critical Analysis of Role of IRDA (Regulator) In the Last Decade In Respect of  General Insurance Companies In India, insurance has a very deep-rooted history. Insurance in India has evolved over time heavily drawing from other countries, England in particular. The history of general insurance dates back to the Industrial Revolution in the west and the consequent growth of sea-faring trade and commerce in the 17th century. It came to India as a legacy of British occupation. General Insurance in India has its roots in the establishment of Triton Insurance Company Ltd., in the year 1850 in Kolkata by the British. In 1907, the Indian Mercantile Insurance Ltd., was set up. This was the first company to transact all classes of general insurance business. In 1968, the Insurance Act was amended to regulate investments and set up minimum solvency margins. The Tariff Advisory Committee was also set up then. In 1972, with the passing of the General Insurance Business (Nationalization) Act, general insurance business was nationalized with effect from 1st January, 1973. 107 insurers were grouped into four companies, namely National Insurance Company Ltd., the New India Assurance Company Ltd., the Oriental Insurance Company Ltd. and the United India Insurance Company Ltd. The General Insurance Corporation of India was incorporated as a company in 1971 and it commence business on 1st January, 1973. Evolution of IRDA In 1993, the Government set up a committee under the chairmanship of RN Malhotra, the former Governor of RBI, to propose recommendations for reforms in the insurance sector. The objective was to complement the reforms initiated in the financial sector. The committee submitted its report in 1994 wherein, among other things, it recommended that the private sector be permitted to enter the insurance industry. They stated that foreign companies should be allowed to enter by floating Indian companies, preferably a joint venture with Indian partners. Following the recommendations of the Malhotra committee report, in 1999, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) was constituted as an autonomous body to regulate and develop the insurance industry. The IRDA was incorporated as a statutory body in April, 2000. The key objective of IRDA includes promotion of competition so as to enhance customer satisfaction through increased consumer choice and lower premiums, while ensuring the financial security of the insurance market. The IRDA opened up the market in August 2000 with the invitation for application for registrations. Foreign companies were allowed ownership of up to 26%. The Authority has the power to frame regulations under Section 114A of the Insurance Act, 1938 and has from the year 2000 onwards framed various regulations ranging from registration of companies for carrying on insurance business to protection of policyholders interests. In December, 2000, the subsidiaries of the General Insurance Corporation of India were restructured as independent companies and at the same time GIC was converted into a national re-insurer. Parliament passed a bill de-linking the four subsidiaries from GIC in July, 2002. Today there are 24 general insurance companies including the ECGC and Agriculture Insurance Corporation of India. IRDA plays a vital role in shaping the growth of the insurance industry as a whole. Ever since IRDA came into existence and started regulating the insurance industry, there were many changes which were brought in the insurance industry which immensely helped the customers in choosing the right policies as well as helped the insurance companies in delivering the right policies to its customers as well as the insurance company. IRDA made a huge impact of its presence in the insurance industry since it started regulating the insurance industry firmly and stiffly as well as imposed many new regulations on the insurance companies to protect the policy holders interests and help the insurance companies grow and have a healthy competition among each other so that no insurance companies are declared bankrupt. Insurance companies were made to comply with all the regulations framed by IRDA and IRDA had full authority to penalize any insurance company for non-compliance of the guidelines of IRDA. IRDAs role in shaping the whole insurance industry has been a challenging job since its inception because the insurance companies enjoyed the freedom of non-regulation before IRDA came into existence. This is the reason why IRDA worked tiresomely in order to put everything in place and faced so many challenges for regulating the insurance industry as a whole. Mission Statement Of The Authority To protect the interest of and secure fair treatment to policyholders; To bring about speedy and orderly growth of the insurance industry (including annuity and superannuation payments), for the benefit of the common man, and to provide long term funds for accelerating growth of the economy; To set, promote, monitor and enforce high standards of integrity, financial soundness, fair dealing and competence of those it regulates; To ensure speedy settlement of genuine claims, to prevent insurance frauds and other malpractices and put in place effective grievance redressal machinery; To promote fairness, transparency and orderly conduct in financial markets dealing with insurance and build a reliable management information system to enforce high standards of financial soundness amongst market players; To take action where such standards are inadequate or ineffectively enforced; To bring about optimum amount of self-regulation in day-to-day working of the industry consistent with the requirements of prudential regulation. Composition of Authority As per section 4 of IRDA Act, 1999, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority specify the composition of Authority: The Authority is a ten member team consisting of: a Chairman; Five whole-time members; Four part-time members. (All the members are appointed by Govt. of India) Review of Literature Insurance Regulatory Development Authority IRDA since its inception has done a wonderful job in carrying out its duties, powers and functions without failing. The powers and functions of IRDA are such that it has the authority to issue to the applicant a certificate of registration, renew it, modify it, withdraw, suspend or cancel such registration. IRDA plays an important role in protecting the policy holders interests in matters concerning assigning of policy, nomination by policy holders, insurable interest, settlement of insurance claim and other terms and conditions of contracts of insurance. IRDA also specifies the requisite qualifications, code of conduct and practical training for intermediary or insurance intermediaries and agents. It clearly states the code of conduct for surveyors and loss assessors as well as promotes efficiency in the conduct of insurance business and regulates the professional organizations connected with the insurance and re-insurance business. IRDA always calls for information related to undertaking inspection, conducting enquiries and investigations including audit of the insurers, intermediaries, insurance intermediaries and other organizations connected with the insurance business. IRDA fully controls and regulates the rates, advantages, terms and conditions that are offered by the insurers in respect of general insurance business which were earlier not so controlled and regulated by the Tariff Advisory Committee. IRDA also specifies the form and manner in which books of account shall be maintained and statements of accounts shall be rendered by the insurers and other insurance intermediaries. Now to discuss some of the guidelines and regulations framed by the IRDA in respect of General Insurance Companies, IRDA issued some regulations relating to protection of policy holders interests which stated that an insurer or its agent or other intermediary shall provide all material information in respect of a proposed cover to the prospect to enable the prospect to decide on the best cover that would be in his or her interest. Where the prospect depends upon the advise of the insurer or its agent or and insurance intermediary, such a person must advise the prospect dispassionately. Except in case of marine insurance cover, whereby current market practices do not insist on a written proposal form, a proposal for grant of cover for general business must be evidenced by a written document. It is the duty of an insurer to furnish to the insured free of charge, within 30 days of the acceptance of a proposal, a copy of the proposal form. Every insurer should have proper procedures and effective mechanism in place in order to address complaints and grievances of policy holders efficiently with speed. An insured or the claimant should give notice to the insurer after any loss has occurred arising under the contract of insurance at the earliest and within specified time period which may be allowed by the insurer. On receipt of such a communication, the insurer has to respond immediately and give clear indication to the insured on the procedures that he or she should follow. In case a surveyor is appointed for assessing the loss, it shall be done within 72hours of the receipt of intimation from the insured. On receipt of the survey report, the insurer should offer a settlement of claim to the insured within a period of 30days. If the insurer for any reason decides to reject or repudiate the claim under the policy, it has to do so within a period of 30days from the receipt of the survey report. Non-Tariff Regime In the year 2005, General Insurance Companies and other stake holders in the insurance market voiced the demand for removal of tariff as the existence of tariff was considered contrary to free market principles and insurance products needed to be priced based on market forces. IRDA accordingly considered moving to a tariff free regime. IRDA stated that in a market free of tariffs, all the insurance companies should have in place internal capabilities, procedures and controls. It also stated that the functions of underwriting and rating of insurance business should be independent of the business development function and not be made subservient to the business development function. Employees with authority were to be trained to evaluate proposals, underwrite and rate the risks as per the guide tariff. Following the decision of the tariff advisory committee to de-tariff Marine Hull Insurance, IRDA issued certain guidelines in respect of Marin Hull Insurance. All the general insurers who had wish to underwrite marine hull business, should follow the exact existing policy wordings, terms and conditions including clauses such as the Institute clauses as it was before de-tariff regime. It was also indicated and stated that all the insurance companies who wanted to underwrite marine hull class of business should file separately with the IRDA regarding the reinsurance arrangements for protecting the net account exposures. Guidelines Pertaining to Corporate Agents Outsourcing of Activities All the non-life insurers were directed to lay down minimum business requirements for Individual agents. The said provision of minimum business requirements is extended to all Corporate Agents as well. Accordingly, all the non-life insurers were directed to lay down minimum business requirements for Corporate Agents and monitor the performance of Corporate Agents as often as it is required. Insurers in India increasingly used outsourcing, as a means of both reducing cost and accessing expertise, not available internally and in order to achieve strategic aims. IRDA in respect of outsourcing stated that, all applicants will carry on functions in respect of insurance business including management of investment, within its own organization. It was observed that certain insurers were even outsourcing the core activities such as investment, underwriting and policy servicing. IRDA said that it was not desirable to outsource the core and important activities which will immensely affect the corporate governance, protection of policy holders, solvency and revenue of flows of insurer. IRDA further stated that outsourcing arrangements should neither diminish its ability to fulfill its obligations to policy holders nor impede effective supervision by IRDA. Insurers therefore were to take steps to ensure that the service provider employs the same standards in performing the services as would be employed by them if the activities were conducted in house. Accordingly, Insurers were not to engage in outsourcing that would result in their internal control, business conduct or reputation being compromised or weakened. Therefore, IRDA does everything that they can in order to protect the policy holders interest as well as control the Insurance Industry as a whole for betterment. Need of the Study What is the purpose of IRDA in regulating the General Insurance Companies? How IRDA framed and implemented the policies. Role of IRDA. Objectives of the Study A comprehensive wide case analysis of the role of IRDA in the last decade in respect of General Insurance Industry will aid and help in understanding the details regarding the benefits of the guidelines bestowed upon on the General Insurance Companies by the IRDA as well as to know the problems faced by General Insurance Companies in complying with IRDA regulations. Rationale of the topic Insurance industry in India has come a long way since the time when businesses were tightly regulated and concentrated in the hands of a few public sector insurers. Following the passage of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act in 1999, India abandoned public sector exclusivity in the insurance industry in favour of market-driven competition. This shift has brought about major changes to the industry. This topic will help in identifying the role of IRDA and its impact on the General Insurance Industry since its inception. IRDA plays a vital role in shaping the growth of the insurance industry as whole due to which it is very important to understand how IRDA framed and implemented the policies in order to protect the policy holders and bring transparency in the insurance market. This is the reason why it is very important to critically analyze the role of IRDA since its inception and find out whether the general insurance companies have strictly adhered to the rules framed by IRDA and followed it without any problems faced. Research Methodology Research method: Descriptive Research Sampling tool: Questionnaire Data collected: primary Statistical tool used: Microsoft excel Data collection methods Primary data: the primary data will be collected by means of a survey. Questionnaire will be prepared and the General Insurance companies will be approached to fill up the questionnaire. The filled up information will later be analyzed to obtain the required information. Hypothesis Null: H0: Guidelines framed by the regulator are useful. Alternative: H1: Guidelines framed by the regulator is not useful. Null: H0: IRDA treats all the insurance companies both Public and Private, equally and fairly. Alternative: H1: IRDA doesnt treat all the insurance companies both Public and Private, equally and fairly. Data Analysis Interpretation Q1. Insurance Regulations includes all the objective of insurance business. Code Response Frequency Precentage 1 Agree 10 100 2 Disagree 0 0 According to the survey collected from 10 respondents one each from 10 general insurance companies, it was found that the regulations framed by IRDA includes all the objective of insurance business. Q2. Regulator Examines the documents thoroughly before issuing a license to any new insurance company. Code Response Frequency Precentage 1 Agree 10 100 2 Disagree 0 0 As per the pie chart above, we can easily interpret that all the respondents agree on the fact that the regulator examines the documents thoroughly before issuing a license to any new insurance company. Q3. Insurance Companies are able to meet the capital requirement set by the regulator. Code Response Frequency Precentage 1 Agree 10 100 2 Disagree 0 0 The response on the capital requirement is that Insurance Companies are able to meet the capital requirement set by the regulator as responded by the survey respondents. Q4. True disclosure of the working of insurance company ensures the soundenss of the business of the insurance company. Code Response Frequency Precentage 1 Agree 10 100 2 Disagree 0 0 According to the respondents, all of them agree to the fact that true disclosure of the working of insurance company does always ensures the soundness of the business of the insurance company thus showing transparency in the workings of insurance companies. Q5. Regulator has a very important role in the selection of the management. Code Response Frequency Precentage 1 Agree 2 20 2 Disagree 8 80 As the chart speaks for itself, we can clearly see that 80% of the respondents does not agree to the fact that regulator has a very important role in the selection of the management as opposed to 20% who agree to the statement. This shows that regulator is not so important when it comes to the selection of management. Q6. Guidelines framed by the regulator are useful Code Response Frequency Precentage 1 Agree 9 90 2 Disagree 1 10 According to the survey conducted, it shows that 90% of the respondents feel that guidelines framed by the regulator are useful whereas 10% feels it is not useful meaning that majority of the insurance companies feel that the guidelines are very useful for insurance companies to sustain and grow in the market. Q7. Filing a new product with regulator for approval is easy. Code Response Frequency Precentage 1 Agree 1 10 2 Disagree 9 90 The survey on the filing of new conducted concluded with 90% denying the fact that filing a new product with the regulator for approval is easy meaning that they feel it is difficult to file a new product. Only 10% feels it is easy which is quite bad. Q8. Setting up of the customer grievance cell as the directives by the regulator helps in satisfying the policy holders and getting more business for the company. Code Response Frequency Precentage 1 Agree 9 90 2 Disagree 1 10 90% respondents feel that setting up of the customer grievance cell as directed by the regulator helps in satisfying the policy holders and getting more business for the company where as 10% of the respondents doesnt support the statement. Q9. Establishment of the IRDA to regulate the insurance industry was a wise step taken by the government of India in order to protect the policy holders interest and insurance industry as a whole. Code Response Frequency Precentage 1 Agree 10 100 2 Disagree 0 0 The above pie chart shows that all the insurance companies that were surveyed feels that establishment of the IRDA to regulate the insurance industry was a wise step taken by the government of India in order to protect the policy holders interest and insurance industry as a whole. Q 10. IRDA treats all the insurance companies both public and private equally and fairly. Code Response Frequency Precentage 1 Agree 10 100 2 Disagree 0 0 All the 100% respondents agree to the fact that IRDA treats all the insurance companies both public and private equally and fairly. Q11. IRDA takes strict actions on insurance companies for non-compliance with the regulator. Code Response Frequency Precentage 1 Agree 10 100 2 Disagree 0 0 According to the pie chart, we can easily come to a conclusion that all the respondents from 10 general insurance companies accepts that IRDA is very strict and that it takes strict actions on insurance companies for non-compliance with the regulator. Findings Insurance Regulations does include all the objectives of insurance. IRDA always examines the documents thoroughly before issuing a license to any new insurance company. Regulator doesnt have much role in the selection of management according to the general insurance companies. Guidelines framed by the regulator are very useful for the insurance companies. Filing a new product with the regulator for approval is not at all easy. Establishment of the IRDA to regulate the insurance industry was a wise step taken by the government of India in order to protect the policy holders interest and insurance industry as a whole. IRDA treats all the insurance companies both public and private equally and fairly. IRDA takes strict actions on insurance companies for non-compliance with the regulator. Suggestions Since regulator doesnt have important role in the selection of the management, I think the regulators should take part in the selection of the management so that there is a fair and transparent management. Since filing of a new product for approval from the regulator is not so easy, IRDA should take into account such problems and issues so that various types of products are available immediately in the market which would help the customer choose the best suited product. IRDA can try to increase their man power and examine the new products filed thoroughly in a quick moment. Although guidelines framed by the regulator are useful, few insurance companies feel it is not due to which IRDA should also take the consent of the insurance companies for sharing their ideas on the guidelines, then note it down and if the regulator feels it is valid, then adapt that guideline. Conclusion The study of the topic Critical Analysis of the Role of Regulator (IRDA) in the Last Decade in Respect of General Insurance Companies it was found that regulator plays a very vital role in protecting the policy holders interests as well as growing and shaping the insurance industry as a whole. It was also found out that establishment of IRDA to regulate the insurance industry was a wise step taken by the Government of India as well as the most important factor for IRDA to be a very prominent and successful regulator is due to the hard work and wise firm decisions and steps taken by the Government as well as the Management of the regulator. The study also found out that there was not much gaps and flaws in the functioning of the regulator since the regulator has properly framed the guidelines taking into account the customers protection and the Insurance Industrys protection as a whole. The general insurance companies are all satisfied with decisions taken by IRDA and do appreciate the presence of IRDA. So finally, it is concluded that IRDA as a regulator does play a very important role in shaping the whole insurance industry and that IRDA should maintain the same henceforth so that even the new insurance companies would also stick to the norms and proper procedures. Sonam Tobgay