Analysis Of The Novel Saving Sourdi - 1509 Words

Why Sourdi is Never Saved?: Selective Change in Sourdi, in Saving Sourdi 2017 In Saving Sourdi, by May-Lee Chai, a major character Sourdi, the sister of the protagonist Nea, undergoes a number of changes, while certain other aspects of her character do not change. The relationship between Sourdi and Nea unquestionably also changes. Sourdi is a foil from which a reader can draw a contrast with Nea. In summary, Sourdi continues to have certain qualities perceived by Nea on the one hand, but on the other hand Sourdi does develop into an adult thinking about issues and life milestones which do not necessarily involve Nea, leaving behind Nea; all of these dynamics accentuate themes of cultural levers for immigrants, relationships and†¦show more content†¦This turn of events plays importantly into themes of immigration. While the reader is told an explanation for the black eye of Sourdi, the explanation is not really tenable, albeit it is one believed by Nea and Duke. There are also themes of immigration and culture. It is interesting that cultural responsibilities to her husband is what really separates Nea and Sourdi. Coming of age and the role men is also something. Yet again, it is the cultural instance of the man Mr. Chhay that takes Sourdi away; despite any protestations of his uncouthness Duke actually may have made for something more inclusive for Nea as he is delayed in development like Nea; symbolized by the fact Duke and Nea even held hands while present with Nea in the car. With Mr. Chhay in the life of Sourdi, there is very little role for Nea; perhaps this is why Nea hates so much that fact that he calls her ‘little sister’ (Chai, 2001). Overall Sourdi represents a choice to become that her mother became, a wife and mother. The acts of violence by Nea can be contrasted with the perceived violence involving Sourdi in the end. While Nea lashes out to protect in the beginning perceiving a threat, Sourdi seeks to protect her very attacker with an unconvincing story of baby wipes falling on her face. This assumes that despite the story told by

Essay about A Comparison of Beowulf and Sir Gawain

A Comparison of Beowulf and Sir Gawain A hero is someone who is idealized for his courage and noble qualities. Beowulf and Sir Gawain can certainly be called heroes. They both have many qualities that are expected of heroic knights and warriors. They are both brave, gallant, and skilled men, but are they the perfect heroes their people believe them to be? While they are portrayed as perfect heroes and they possess many heroic qualities, Beowulf and Sir Gawain are far from perfect. Beowulf and Gawain are shown as great leaders. Sir Gawain is liked by most people he has met. Beowulf has many loyal followers by his side. Beowulf and Sir Gawain are both brave and loyal. They attempt to honor their kings and kingdoms. Those are all†¦show more content†¦Sir Gawain is reluctant to accept the Green Knight’s challenge. He fears for his life. In the end he only accepts the challenge to protect King Arthur’s life and honor. He knows it is his duty to protect King Arthur, but only volunteers to do so at the last second. Sir Gawain also breaks his oath to the Lord of the castle he is staying in. He broke their vow to trade whatever they had earned during the day when he keeps a sash the Lady of the castle gives him because he believes it will protect him during his battle with the Green Knight. Sir Gawain also uses the sash in a an attempt to cheat in his battle with the Green Knight. He does not plan to take a fair blow from the Knight like the Knight took from him. He plans to cheat by using the magical power of the sash to save his life. Gawain believed that he probably would not have to take the blow from the Green Knight because he would kill the Knight with his blow. When he realized he would have to finish the challenge, he attempted to use a magical sash to best the Green Knight. Gawain is said to be skilled in fighting, but does not boast about his battles and accomplishments like Beowulf does. This might be because he has not fought as many epic battles as Beowulf or because he is more humble about his deeds, though his reluctance to accept the Green Knight’s challenge would suggest that the former is more likely. Sir Gawain is very respectful of women asShow MoreRelatedBeowulf and Sir Gawain: a Comparison of Two Heroes Essay1066 Words   |  5 PagesIn Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight there are two heroes that help the present day reader gain insight into what the hero of the Middle Ages would have held as ideals and necessary triumphs. Beowulf and Sir Gawain each fill a different role within their unique societies. Beowulf is a leader and a savior in times of need, willing to go to any length to help another group of people as well as his own kingdom. Sir Gawain is also willing to rise during moments of trouble within his courtRead MoreBeowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Comparison Essay1443 Words   |  6 Pagesappearance, purpose, and the idea they symbolize. Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, two of the earliest great stories of English literature, do not disappoint the readers and present us with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, the Dragon, and the Green Knight. The two poems similarly describe the protagonists’ encounters with these unworldly characters in three patterns, Beowulf’s three great battles with the monsters and Sir Gawain three nights at the Green Knight’s castle. The progressionRead More A Comparison of Perfection in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight1077 Words   |  5 PagesPerfection in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight The heroes of both Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight are fighters. However, the traits they have in common are far less numerous than those that set them apart. As each of the two is dubbed perfect by his contemporaries, it should be possible to draw the picture of both the model warrior and the paragon knight by comparing Beowulf and Gawain. The first question to arise is that of leadership. In Beowulf, the hero is referredRead MoreCompare and Contrast of Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight600 Words   |  3 PagesCompare and Contrast of Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Beowulf is an epic poem that was written in the Anglo-Saxon time period where only a few privileged people were able to read and write while Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, which is also an epic poem, was written in the Middle English time period where reading and writing was more wide-spread. While both the epic poem Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight have similar protagonists, the main character of each poem also hasRead MoreThe Cultural Values And The Archetypal Patterns Of The Novel Hero With A Thousand Faces 1331 Words   |  6 Pageslove. On that note, Sir Gawain and Beowulf both reflect the cultural values and the archetypal patterns found in Joseph Campbell’s Hero with a Thousand Faces which are expressed throughout their communities. Even though some of the values such as valor and loyalty carried over from one time period to another, the two cultures experienced a paradigm shift from the way fighting was conducted all the way over to how women were seen and treated. Starting with the great Beowulf, a courageous man whoRead MorePaganism In Beowulf1683 Words   |  7 Pageswithin the epic poem Beowulf is the continuous, underlying theme of good versus evil – the shift from paganism to Christianity. Although this epic consists of the battle between the hero, Beowulf, and the monster, Grendel (and Grendel’s mother, as well), the main overture of the story is that of the new Christian belief triumphing over evil and the old pagan beliefs. This value is but one of many that contrast the pagan and Christian principles in Anglo-Saxon and in Beowulf. The blending and cultivationRead MoreSir Gawain And The Merchant Of Venice899 Words   |  4 Pagesaccomplished by studying the main characters from Beowulf, Sir Gawain and The Merchant of Venice. Together, these different elements will show the long-term influences of compassion and how all three individuals are embracing its important attributes to varying degrees. Beowulf vs. Sir Gawain vs. The Merchant of Venice The three characters that will be examined include: Beowulf, Sir Gawain and Shylock. In the case of Beowulf, he was the ultimate hero who embraces theRead MoreA Warrior And Knight s Clash With God877 Words   |  4 PagesA Warrior and Knight’s Clash with God As the world continues to turn, people’s ideologies and values change as the time wears on. In the novels, Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, show the stark contrast and minor similarities between the value of Christianity during the early and high middle ages. Analyzing how the role of God influenced each of the hero’s daily lives and what modern historians know about that role, provide a deeper understand. In the early middle ages, the ChristianRead More Power of Women in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight1460 Words   |  6 Pagespoems of Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight show, women have always had power, yet not as overt a power as wielded by their masculine counterparts. The only dynamic of women’s power that has changed in the later centuries is that the confines and conditions in which women have wielded their power has become more lax, thus yielding to women more freedom in the expression of their power. The structure, imagery, and theme in the excerpts from Beowulf (lines 744-71) and Sir Gawain and the GreenRead More Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Beowulf Essay499 Words   |  2 PagesSir Gawain and the Green Knight and Beowulf â€Å"My body, but for your blood, is barren of worth; And tis I have asked for this folly not fit for a King.† These are the words of a true hero. One who is willing to sacrifice his own existence for the life of another. These are the words and actions of Sir Gawain, a character from the beloved British tale, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Beowulf, another character from an ancient British epic entitled, Beowulf, is also portrayed as a â€Å"hero

Surviving School Free Essays

I never enjoyed going to school. It was always the bane of my life. When sitting in classes I just looked at my watch counting the minutes down until I could leave. We will write a custom essay sample on Surviving School or any similar topic only for you Order Now Each day, .time seemed to tick slower. It was like being in prison, just counting the days down until you would be released. There was a reason why I hated school so much. It wasn’t the rest of my peer group, but one particular teacher who made my life the living hell that for me was my school life personified. Loren was his name – Ralph Loren. He was the Maths teacher who picked on me in every lesson. He even made fun of me in front of my fellow peers, telling them to laugh at me every time I got something incorrect. Maths was a lesson which we had every day and therefore it was almost impossible to avoid his daily burning hatred for me. I felt he treated me differently from the others. It was as though he had this burning desire inside him to make my life a living misery. But for what reason I don’t know. Coming from a tough background made me quite a tough cookie, but Mr. Loren made me feel different. I couldn’t stand the bullying and physical abuse he gave me. I tried telling my parents but my Mum was too busy with work trying to keep the family afloat. My Dad? Well he used to be a professional boxer before he became brain damaged. He was an excellent professional boxer fighting only the best but he suffered a high degree of brain damage in a championship fight and is now restricted to the use of a wheel chair as he has now nearly lost all mobility and memory. Doctors say it will only be a few more months before he forgets even his own family. Needless to say I learned to look out for myself and fight my own battles after all that we’ve been through. It’s tough but it has to be done if I’m to survive and keep my sanity. . However I still have the problem of Mr. Loren. I decided that strict action was to be taken. I had to fight this battle alone but I needed help. I contacted a few old friends who used to live on the estate with me in Brixton. They didn’t like me and I didn’t like them but we all had an unspoken understanding and when there was trouble we looked out for each other. We had to for our own safety. These people were the sort of people who you wouldn’t want to meet out on a dark night on your own!. These were people who the Mafia wouldn’t even want to do business with! They were really that bad. They offered me a few solutions to my ‘problem’ and I said I would get back to them with my decision in the next few days. It was a lot to mull over. I decided to leave it a few days in case things got a little better which I sincerely doubted. For the next week Mr. Loren bullied me like never before. He hit me; he even beat me with metre sticks. I had bruises down my body, I was in real agony. I decided to leave him in the grasps of my mates from Brixton. He had to be taught a lesson like never before. For the next week Mr. Loren was absent from school. Everyone thought he was just ill. The school knew nothing of his whereabouts. As time went by people seemed to forget about Mr. Loren as we now had a replacement Maths teacher who was absolutely brilliant and I longed for her to stay on full time if Mr. Loren was not to come back. As time went by I forgot all about Mr. Loren. I just assumed that he had learnt his lesson and fled the country. It wasn’t until one night when I really realised what had happened. I was walking back from town one evening when I passed the Television Rentals store. I always liked to have a glance at what was on because I had never owned a television before. I was wandering around the shop glancing at the programs on the various screens. When suddenly I saw the latest news bullet flash up onto the screen. An unidentified man had been reported missing matching roughly Mr. Loren’s description and had subsequently been found by police searching the area. Police had scoured sections of woods and lakes when a few passers by had noticed a floating body in an old marshy lake on the outskirts of town.. My heart seemed to stop beating momentarily. I didn’t know what to think. I decided that the best course of action was to run to the other side of town to gather what was going on. I had never run so fast in my life. When I reached the crime scene the whole area was cordoned off with tape. I asked whether the body had been identified yet and they said that the corpse was still undergoing identification. After hours of patient waiting the corpse was identified as a one Mr. Loren. I was horrified at the news. I left for home as swiftly as I could escaping without trying to look so suspicious. I didn’t know why I was worried though because I never carried out the crime. I never intended for anything like this to happen anyway. All I wanted my mates to do was give him a good beating to get the message through to him that he should leave the country. I got home and went straight up to bed without saying a word to anyone. The next morning I tried for hours to get through to the boys in Brixton. Eventually when I did get a reply it was an elderly woman who had just moved in and knew nothing of any boys that used to live there. The boys had obviously decided to leave and rightly so after what they had done. I thought I was in the clear. I picked up a newspaper on the way to school the following day and it had the horrific build up story of what had happened to Mr Loren the night he had been murdered. It said that he had been shot five times in the head and chest and had sustained serious bruising all over the body. The paper was asking for witnesses to come forward. Even Mr. Loren’s family was offering a reward for the capture of his brutal murderer. A shiver ran down my spine. All I hoped was that the murder weapon was still in the safe hands of the Brixton boys. A few weeks later the murder weapon had been found in some nearby woods. The gun was to be checked for fingerprints and I knew that it would have the Brixton Boys’ prints all over it. I was wrong I had been framed. I remember as a boy shooting pigeons with a small colt pistol that the Brixton boys had given me. When I left I returned it to them as I no longer needed it and said I was mending my ways. They weren’t best pleased as you could well imagine. I now know why they were only too pleased to help me. They wanted to get me back for all those times when they did something wrong and I ratted on them.. I now know never to trust a living soul again. tried life on the run for a few days but eventually I couldn’t take it anymore. I handed myself in. I knew I stood no chance of defending myself as the gun had only my prints on. I am now facing a secure unit then when I’m eighteen I will be moved into a secure unit. After a few weeks of life inside I learnt of the sad death of my father, which inevitably lead to the sorrowful suicide of my Mother. How to cite Surviving School, Papers

Khidmat Foundation free essay sample

There are over 180 schools of Alkhidmat foundation including Ghazali education system, Dar e Arqam school, Hira schools , Baithak Schools System, and READ Foundation etc. Over 5000 students have received scholarships and other educational assistance from the Alkhidmat Alfalah scholarship program and more than 600 students have completed their professional degrees. Alkhidmat foundation volunteers have putted their lives on risk for promoting education in all over country. In recent months , Alkhidmat foundation Education managing director of KPK Zakir Hussain and Alkhidmat ambulance driver were shot dead in Charsadda by some unknown terrorist when they were on their way to a visit a school there. Alkhidmat orphan care program is divided into two sectors! . Aghosh centers 2. orphan care program   There are ten aghosh centers of Alkhidmat foundation in all over the country in attock, peshawar, muree, rawalakot, bagh, badeen, mansehra etc. The Charman board of governor Aghosh is Dr Ani s Ahmed(vice chancellor RIU). There are 220 orphan children are in aghosh attock mostly are the victims of 2005 earthquake and about 20 of them are the flood victims of 2010. We will write a custom essay sample on Khidmat Foundation or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page They are provided the facilities like cadet college. They are provided with the education, food, medical checkups, and other normal life facilities for the children. In Rawalkot aghosh which is recently finished have admitted 50 children. Other 8 aghosh centers are going to finish this year in which muree aghosh is for about 400 children, Peshawar 100 children etc.   Alkhidmat Orphan care program is recently launched. Its director is Col(R)Khalid Abbasi. Over 3000 children are already sponsored with the 9 crore rupees in the beginning of 2013 and the target for the year is 10,000 children. In this program, those orphan children are included who are living with their mothers or cousins and cannot afford to go to school and other life necessities. In this program, a sponsor(donor) provides 2500rs per month (30,000rs) per year for a child. In this package , a child is provided with school education, school bags, shoes, stationeries and other life necessities. In every cluster of 200 children, a paid FSO(family support officer) is supervisor which works are to take care of children and their families ,providing money, ethical values grooming and education care. A donor (sponsor) have a total record and updates of a child he sponsored online and also he has a facility to visit the child home. Alkhidmat foundation is contributing a lot in health in the country. Alkhidmat foundation have more than 50 hospitals in all over the country with all modern facilities. Alkhidmat also arranges free medical camps on different areas time and time again. There are over 220 ambulances of Alkhidmat in all over the country ,the no. of ambulances is increasing day by day. Alkhidmat foundation have also launched the maternity mother and child health care centers in the different areas of the country. A number of blood bank, laboratories, medical stores are in many regions of the country. A lot of people died of the diseases that are spread due to by drinking unclear and filthy water. Alkhidmat has taken responsibility to provide clean water to the areas in the country where it is out of reach. The director of Alkhidmat clean water project is Qazi Syed Saddar ul din ALKHIDMAT WATER SERVICES INCLUDE FOLLOWING 1:- Water Filtration Plants 2:- Hand Pumps :- Water Well 4:- Water Supply Schemes Alkhidmat Foundation has been providing pure, safe, and healthy drinking water to many people through its water purification plants. The objective is to provide filtered, safe, and hygienic water to the masses. Alkhidmat Foundation has planted 380 plants till date. Alkhidmat Foundation has already established major water filtration plants across Pakistan: Out of the major 14 filtration plants 7 have been installed in Sind, while the other 7 were installed in Punjab with the collaboration of Government Of Japan. These water filtration plants make use of ‘Ultra filtration’ and Reverse ‘Osmosis processes’. Alkhidmat Foundation has also installed water filtration plants in the following Punjab prisons: Sheikhupura, Shahpur, Sargodha, Attock, Rahim Yar Khan and Mandi Bahauddin. An understanding with I. G. Punjab Police was reached according to which Alkhidmat Foundation agreed to install 10 water filtration plants in jails of Punjab. 7 of them have already been installed, while 3 will be installed soon. Hand pumps: Water pumps are very important contraptions, especially in places where drinking water lies 100-200 feet underground. A grand total of 2,148 hand pumps have been installed all across Pakistan by Alkhidmat Foundations. The annual cost for the hand pumps is estimated to be Rs. 26. 19 Million while 7. 35 Million people will benefit from these hand pumps. Water Schemes: The distribution of water is always troublesome in hilly and remote areas. To remedy the situation a reservoir of water is created mechanically and stored at a place where it could be easily disseminated to the required population. The scheme also involves the development of new water resources so that demand could be met along seamless provision lines.

Opposing Views on Renewable Energy free essay sample

Over the years, there has been a huge debate whether using renewable energy is beneficial to our environment or not. The biggest source of our energy has been sourced by coal, oil and natural gasses. Some researchers believe that there are many benefits of using renewable energy and that we should be concerned with seeking environmentally friendly alternatives instead. Not only are these sources harmful, they will eventually deplete our natural resources. The goal is to find pollution-free renewable energy that can offer a better future. Although using renewable energy sounds like a great idea, several people argue that renewables are not green, nor are they sustainable. The only way it’s even possible for renewable energy to contribute to production is by taking up vast amounts of land which in return will cause more damage. In order to truly go green, the best solution would be to use nuclear power instead. We will write a custom essay sample on Opposing Views on Renewable Energy or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Not only does it generate large amounts of powers, it takes up a much smaller amount of land. Personally, I agree. This will help shrink our society’s energy system and reduce costs for everyone. My perception of â€Å"going green† and using renewable energy is that it would prevent growth from happening. From the lights we use in our house, to the fuel we put in our vehicles, everything we do and enjoy these days requires some a source of energy and power. I do think it’s important to create a better future, however, if going green means taking up a ton of land to create new sources, I’m against it. In the past eight years of living in my city, it’s gone from cow pastures and empty fields, to shopping centers and houses. Everything I do is within a few miles from my home now and I love it. It’s hard to support a cause for change, when you’ve grown up seeing the opposite. My lifestyle and past has really shaped me into who I am now and what I’m accustomed to. My perception now is that I can’t live without the things I have because I’ve grown to like them. My daily life and habits make me hesitant to change. Looking back at my city before the new growth began, if those fields ended up becoming energy sources, would I know any different? Would I care? Going forward, I need to question whether I have accurate information or have made assumptions about what is and what isn’t relevant. It’s also smart to get someone else’s point of view. A crucial part of life is rolling with the punches. Not every change is going to be bad, and I have learned that you have to look at both sides of things in order to make a fair decision. If I have a habit of always thinking negatively, there’s a good chance my perception will be altered too. I’m confident in myself and know that I’m capable of growing and changing with the situation arises.

Family Essays

Family Essays Family Essay Family Essay Family is mainly considered as the smallest unit of the association which an Individual can identify with closely. Normally, many people look at family as those people to who they are related by blood being nuclear or extended. However, the broader perspective of the family comprises of those people who are find themselves closely linked up by factors such as m One form and the most common form of family Is family by blood. This form of a family Is made up by people who are born by same parents or belong to the same lineage. For Instance, siblings, cousins and other people who share a similar point of rolling by birth automatically become family by blood Another form of family formation Is through marriage. When a man and a woman Join In a marriage form of relationship, they automatically make a family. Such an association Is what Is commonly referred to as the basic unit of a family. In most cases, this form of family expands through childbirth and later on comes to form an extended family and then a community In later years. In most cases, In life people tend to form friendship associations with other people. Some friendships last form long periods of time to the point where these people form some personal association. In such instances, the people automatically become a family, and it is hard to separate such friends. As people grow up, they get employed or go into other forms of business. As they go on with their daily activities, they meet new people and develop some level of personal contact. : Such form of relationship ANY TOPIC (WRITERS CHOICE)3 an get to the point where there people become too close and always mind and care about each others welfare. Basically, as this relationship grows these people form a family. Human beings tend to live in groups where one will find people forming settlements in some specific regions. As these people live, they tend to cohabit and assist one another in their daily activities. Over a period, these people tend to form some level of close contact and some relationship and friendship develops among people living in that community. In the long run, these people tend to form a family. Family does not necessarily have to be formed by blood. There are other types of family that develops as people get on with their daily activities. As one can see above, family can be made through long term friendship, working together for long term, or even through living together as a community. Family By gargoyle individual can identify with closely. Normally, many people look at family as those is family by blood. This form of a family is made up by people who are born by same arenas or belong to the same lineage. For instance, siblings, cousins and other people who share a similar point of origin by birth automatically become family by blood Another form of family formation is through marriage. When a man and a woman Join in a marriage form of relationship, they automatically make a family. Such an association is what is commonly referred to as the basic unit of a family. In form an extended family and then a community in later years. In most cases, in life people tend to form friendship associations with other people. Some friendships last

Hot Coffee at McDonald's Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Hot Coffee at McDonald's - Case Study Example If a consumer is happy, more business transactions can be completed. This is good for both the consumer and businesses. Â  Prescriptions should have a fair price value, although sometimes do not. That is why generic medicine is cheaper. Many patients want name brand, but the generic is the same ingredients. Prescription prices should be regulated like any other product. Cost of prescriptions should be based on manufacturing cost, profit, and loss. Pharmaceutical companies are businesses. They are in business to make money. Pharmaceutical companies are not in the business of helping people. Researchers might want to help people, but in the end, business is what makes the American economy work. Â  Pharmaceutical companies do not have a moral obligation to make lifesaving drugs in poor countries at little or no cost. However, it does make good publicity if they do provide lifesaving drugs to poor countries at little or no cost. It also makes business sense due to tax benefits to charitable organizations. Morally pharmaceutical companies are businesses. They legally and morally should not sell drugs that harm. However, they do not have to give their product away for free. Pharmaceutical companies are businesses, not charitable organizations. Â  The Doe Run Company should pay the costs of cleaning up Herculaneum. Despite the fact the Doe Run Company has been in business before EPA laws on lead, the Company has been violating known EPA laws for years. This is why the Company should be responsible for cleaning up the town. Willful lawbreakers should have to pay the cost for cleanups. It is not the town people’s fault.

Balanced Scorecard & Tableau de bord Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Balanced Scorecard & Tableau de bord - Essay Example This paper discusses the differences and similarities between the two systems of measurements by reviewing their strengths and weaknesses and then recommending the balanced scorecard as the best to be used by the companies. Introduction Lately there has been an increased performance measurement’s system evolution. The use of measurements that are non-financial, together with more conventional economical, has become a common recommendation; even though its uses are not something new, they were only developed fully during then nineties (Anthony &Dearden, 2007, p23). The relationship between the process of strategic planning and measurement of performance has been emphasized, at all the levels of a corporation. Presently, the most highly rated system of strategic measurement is the balanced scorecard. Nevertheless, the balanced scorecard has actually brought about serious attention particularly in the United States of America, as well as in some other several countries (Atkinson, Waterhouse and Wells, 2007, p.43). However, in France, the system of performance measurement has not been welcomed with much enthusiasm like in the other countries. The academic reticence of France relies mainly on the fact that the Fre nch companies have used for more than fifty years a literary dashboard (tableau de bord), which is much more similar to the balanced scorecard. ... Balanced scorecard Since the year 1992, several articles and texts have been dedicated to the balanced scorecard. However, those who mostly advocated for the approach are Kaplan and Norton. Moreover, several publications have stressed its general deployment conditions or reported particular experiences. It translates a business unit’s strategy and vision into goals and measures of performance in four various areas namely; the financial, client, perspectives of growth and learning and internal business process (Kaplan and Norton, 1993, p.83). The financial viewpoint identifies the way the corporation wishes to be seen by its shareholders. The customer viewpoint identifies the way the corporation wishes to be seen by its clients. The internal business process viewpoint highlights the business process whereby the corporation has to be specifically proficient for the purposes of satisfying its clients and shareholders. This explanation results in the identification of the major in dicators of process that the corporation wishes to manage and which will be party to the balanced scorecard itself (Jenkins, 2000, p.73). Usage and effectiveness among the survey respondents Tableau de bord It is not an easy thing to describe the tableau de bord. The tableau de bord is old as compared to the balanced scorecard, and this means that it has gone through several changes since its inception. There are several versions of it than the balanced scorecard. In French, we find that the ‘tableau de bord’ refers to the dashboard, and therefore the manager is figuratively compared to a pilot. In accordance with this culture, it is a tool meant for the company’s top management, giving it a quick and worldwide

Polish Music Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Polish Music - Research Proposal Example The hymn was being used as a chant as far back as the 13th century, and also served as a national anthem. It was sung by Polish troops, especially during defensive wars with the knights of the Cross. The â€Å"Gaude Mater Polonia† (Rejoice, Mother Poland), a hymn in praise of St. Stanislaus, is to this day, sung at the beginning of every academic year in most of the Polish universities. With the unification of Poland and Lithuania in 1569, the music of Poland integrated the influences of the Germans, Jews, Ukrainians, Byelorussians, Tartars and Scandinavians. The 16th and 17th centuries were periods of economic prosperity coupled with peaceful conditions. This era was conducive to the development of all forms of art and is also referred to as the Golden Age of Polish music. The royal court granted patronage to musicians from all the countries of Europe, while many were employed in the chapels of the aristocracy. This period saw great growth in the musical tradition of Poland w hen many forms of vocal polyphony (choral music) were created. Music was also an integral part of court life, with its dances and other forms of entertainment, all accompanied by music.

Strategic Management of Tesco: PESTLE and SWOT Analysis

Strategic Management of Tesco: PESTLE and SWOT Analysis Tesco plc is a leading global grocery with its headquarters in Cheshunt in the United Kingdom where it is ranked second in this country in terms of revenues and third in terms of profits. This company has stores in more than 14 countries in the world and has employed more than 326000 employees globally. In the United Kingdom, the food and drink retail sector represents the largest industry offering large employment opportunities to people of the United Kingdom and the whole world in general. In the global competition and companies pictures, it is of great importance for a company to come up with a strategy that will evaluate its competitive advantage. In this case, PESTEL analysis is used by the Tesco plc. This analysis indicates that, Tesco plc has to monitor and respond to uncontrollable forces that are posed by six factors. These factors include; political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, environmental, and legal. In this essence, these forces influence the macro environm ent of the Tesco plc. The other aspect which is of great significance to consider when evaluating the competitive advantage of this company is the SWOT analysis. In this respect, the strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities of this company are analyzed. From the analysis it can be learned that the companys strengths and opportunities neutralize the weaknesses and threats. It can be learned from the analysis that this company has been able to operate a number of stores in the whole world with the major ones being in the United Kingdom. The increased advancement of technology acts as a potential basis for the company to operate online and offer its customers with products from different parts of the world. Introduction Tesco Plc. is one of the largest global groceries headquartered in Cheshunt in the United Kingdom. It is the second largest retailer in the whole world when measured in terms of profits and third largest when measured in terms of revenues. In the United Kingdom, Tesco has a market share of 30% hence becoming the market leader in this country. This company has more than 2318 stores in 14 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America. Tesco plc was founded in the year 1919 by Jack Cohen and the first store was opened in the year 1929 in Burnt Oak. Tesco plc has a flat hierarchical structure where each and every intended action has to pass through the management. There are six levels which are between checkout staff and chief executive. This company has employed more than 326000 employees across the globe where 237000 of them are in Europe where it has its largest private employer. This company has 83 Tesco stores and 447 superstores in the United Kingdom. Tesco plc has been using th e strategy of pile em high, sell em cheap as a way of minimizing production costs. The mission and vision of this company are to offer superior and technical representation and add value to its products and customers by providing highly innovative solutions to their customers design, manufacturing requirements, and procurement. This is usually done by improving the quality, productivity, and services to a competitive edge. The grocery sector where foods and drinks are sold represents the largest industry in the United Kingdom. This sector offers employment opportunities to more than three million people in different levels such as primary production, manufacturing, and retailing. In the year 2003, the food and drink retail sector accounted for about 9% of the countrys gross domestic product. In order to increase its competitive advantage, Tesco plc has diversified its production where it supplies clothing and other non food lines. Its own label products are in three levels which include, value, normal, and finest. In addition to convenience produce, most of the companys stores have gas suppliers hence becoming one of the largest United Kingdom autonomous petrol retailers (Porter 1980: 27). Strategy growth company PESTEL analysis In the process of evaluating the competitive advantage of this company, there are six forces that Tesco has to respond to and which influence its macro environment. These forces include; political, economical, socio-cultural, technological, environmental, and legal factors. In the process of shaping the marketing strategies for the Tesco plc, these macro-environmental factors have been evaluated in both global and domestic markets to successfully penetrate the markets and possess a higher niche in competition (Pearce Robinson 2003: 237). Table 1: PESTEL analysis of Tesco plc Political factors As it operates in a globalized environment with stores across the globe, Tescos performance is greatly influenced by the political conditions of the countries where it has its stores. This is because each and every country has its own political standing which may be different from United Kingdom. Among the important factors that act as productive grounds for this company is the fact that United Kingdom is politically stable and free from corruption. Additionally, most of the countries where it has its stores like; Japan, Turkey, Hungary, Ireland, and Poland among others are politically stable providing good environment for business (Patterson 2002: 251). The United Kingdom government encourages businesses and retailers to offer a mix of job opportunities from centrally located, highly paid, lowly paid, locally based jobs, and flexible jobs. The political factors prevailing not only in Britain but also in the whole world influence Tesco to employ all kinds of people as a way of provid ing employment opportunities to citizens. The aspect of political stability has increased the companys profits as taxation policies in Britain encourage operations of business sector. Economic factors Economic factors as they influence demands, costs, and prices of the products offered are of great concern to this company. The whole globe has experienced economic decline and hence the aspect of purchasing products has been greatly affected in all companies without the exception of Tesco plc. In this respect, the inflation rate of the United Kingdom has dropped from 3.6% in the year 2009 to 2.2% in the year 2010. This indicates that there is an increased value of money hence decreasing the costs of living and the purchasing power increases in return. Since Tesco plc has a number of stores not only in UK but also in the whole world, its business cycles are not heavily affected since there are sales throughout the year. The current economic growth has affected the purchasing power of buyers hence reducing the number of sales made by this company. Additionally, the level of income in the United Kingdom is relatively unequal hence making some people fail to afford the products offered by this company (McLoughlin Aaker 2010: 211). Socio-cultural factors It should be noted that people make up markets in the world and hence there is a strong demographic force in global and local markets. Population growth is one of the interests of marketers especially in cities, urban areas, and towns but this does not necessarily mean that the increased population forms potential markets for the produced goods. This is because one may have a lot of people to feed hence failing to purchase the products offered by Tesco plc. The fact that many people have gone to school has increased customer awareness of their rights and hence they are only buying products that are of high quality (Mazzucato 2002: 58). The concept of ethnicity implies that the United Kingdom is an amalgam of races where different races have different tastes and cultures. In this country more than 90% of the total population are the Whites hence marketers are mostly targeting them. Location is another factor that is usually considered by marketers as most of the potential buyers are f ound in urban areas as compared to rural areas. Tesco plc is strategically located in a place where potential buyers are heavily targeted. Environmental factors Globally, there have been increased campaigns on environmental preservation and many companies are supposed to preserve the environment. This is because most of the pollutions that are done to the environment are caused by industries. As a way of maintaining and preserving environment, Tesco plc usually uses licensed waste disposal services. There are legal requirements that force companies in the United Kingdom to support the aspect of sustainable development and this cannot be done without professional ways of disposing wastes (Lake Powell 1999: 63). Additionally, water that is used in this company is usually recycled in so that it can be reused as a way of preserving the most important resources in the United Kingdom. Globally, consumers are aware of the impacts of environmental pollution and hence are increasingly buying products that have been produced through environmentally friendly means. Legal In the United Kingdom there is competition law that is established under the Competition Act 1998 and the Enterprise Act 2002. This usually affects the behaviours of businesses in this country as there is a manner in which they are supposed to compete. It is a requirement for all businesses in this country to abide with these laws and Tesco plc is not excluded (Kotler et al 2005: 54). Tesco plc is mostly involved in selling foods and drinks and hence has to abide with the Health and Safety Laws in this country. These laws are provided under the Health and Safety Act 1974. Technological factors In the global competition, quality of products or services is highly appreciated by customers and any company that produces high quality products wins most customers. In this case, quality is usually guaranteed by technological advancement and hence Tesco plc has improved its technological innovations. The speed of technology transfer in this company is very fast as employees are learning technological aspects in order to improve their performance within the company. Innovation is highly encouraged in this company and this has helped the company in improving its competitive advantage in the whole world (Jeffs 2008: 68). SWOT analysis of Tesco plc The concept of SWOT analysis usually indicates the competitive advantage of a company by looking at its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Strengths Tesco plc has been able to operate a number of stores in the whole world with the major ones being in the United Kingdom. This has helped it to enter into the global market hence reaching a wide number of customers. Additionally, this company has recently engaged in advertising its products online where customers are in a position to learn and order products online (Rumelt 1991: 172). Through the stores that are located in more than 14 countries globally, customers are able to get their ordered products in time. The products that are produced by this company are usually of high value and quality hence attracting large numbers of customers. By operating in urban areas, Tesco plc has been able to capture most people as these are the highly populated areas globally. This company has been able to compete stiffly with its competitors like Sainsbury, Marks Spencer, and ASDA hence improving its financial strengths. There has been diversification where Tesco plc also supplies clothing and o ther products away from food and drink line. This has helped this company is competing with its competitors (Ireland et al 2007: 37). Weaknesses Tesco plc is using a lot of fossil fuel in its distribution of products especially in transport network. This is because it is not wholly established to have stores in almost all countries of the world. Additionally, this company has only targeted the developed world leaving out the developing and under developed nations which may produce potential customers for their products. The aspect of using internet in advertising its products has been covering only a certain group of people as mostly the youths are the ones who make use of internet. This indicates that those people who do not use internet frequently will not be in a position to know about its products (Human Resource Management 2010). Threats There is a very stiff competition that is posed by Tesco competitors like Sainsbury, Marks Spencer, and ASDA. Most companies worry about taxes in any country and Tesco being no exception worries about taxes in the United Kingdom and the other countries where it has stores. The innovation by other companies is another threat of this company as any increase in innovation will result to a very stiff competition towards this company (Grant 2009: 26). Opportunities The recent advancement in technology offers Tesco plc a great opportunity of using internet in selling its products. In this aspect, internet is the most used technology that is able to reach a wide number of customers even in areas where there are no stores. Additionally, there is an opportunity of forming alliance competitors or suppliers in order to reduce production and distribution costs. Collaborations are very necessary in that companies share resources and hence they do not fear taking risks in any pursuit of development (Coulter 2009: 56). Recommendations In order for the Tesco plc to achieve a higher ground in competition than its rivals it has to do the following; Improve the management in order to make sure that all stores are well managed so that quality services may be offered to customers. The company should encourage employees innovations in order to compete with other companies. The company should increase its target population by opening new stores in other countries in order to target large numbers of customers Conclusion In winding up, competitive advantage of a company can be evaluated using different strategies that are very essential in a company. In this case, the PESTEL analysis of the Tesco plc indicates that this company has to monitor and respond to the six forces that influence its macro environment. These forces include; political, economic, technological, soci0-cultural, environmental, and legal. From the SWOT analysis of the Tesco plc, this company has a number of strengths and opportunities that are able to neutralize weaknesses and threat. Africa: Beyond The Stereotypes Africa: Beyond The Stereotypes In a single day 95 photographers document a wildly diverse continent bursting with energy and promise. Send 95 photojournalists around the African continent on the same day, and what do you get? Pictures and columns that belie the clichà ©d expectations, a prosperous South African family enjoys breakfast in a sparkling kitchen near Johannesburg, denim-clad girls giggle as they walk to class in Cape Verde. Africa, which is bigger than the United States, China, Argentina, Europe, India combined; contains 53 nations, 720 million people and more than 800 ethnic groups who speak more than a 1,000 languages. The 250 photos from each photographer barely even scratch the surface of the continents diversity. (magazine, 2002) Studying Africa If educators had the time to survey their students before engaging students in the study of the continent, they would undoubtedly be shocked by (i) the lack of knowledge about Africa, which is the second largest continent in terms of both land area and population, and (ii) by the images of Africa held by the majority of their students. Africa is probably the least known and the most misrepresented of the continents. This is due to the simplistic explanatory constructs through which the media, government, and educational texts have brought understanding to events (social, economic, political) and practices (social, cultural, religious) in Africa. (Exploring Africa)http://graphjam.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/arbitraryuser.png Common stereotypes  · Africa is the Dark Continent  · Africa is culturally monolithic  · Africa without history  · Africa is pagan  · Africa is uncivilized  · Endemic violence  · Endemic hunger/starvation Behavioral Characteristics- African behavior is determined by primordial drives, Savagery, Tribal loyalty, Superstition determines attitudes and behavior, Weird cultural practices. Many popular images of Africa are based on stereotypes that present fragmented, inaccurate, and at times fallacious, images or representations of Africa. These images and misrepresentations become the basis of knowledge. Given the lack of in-depth knowledge of Africa and the prevalence of generalized stereotypes to interpret Africa, Americans tend to use explanatory constructs to bring meaning and understanding to images and news from Africa. Common examples include the following:  · Tribalism- seemingly endemic conflicts in Africa are explained by primordial tribal impulses.  · Patrimonial structures and practices-African patrimonial structures encourage nepotism, corruption, and economic and political inefficiency. Therefore, they preclude democracy.  · Communitarian orientation- Anti-individualism precludes personal initiative, development, and modernity. (Exploring Africa) Sources of Stereotypes Historical European explorers, colonial officials, and missionaries created representations of Africa and Africans through narratives that were consonant with their beliefs and supportive of their agenda (e.g. Africans as uncivilized incapable of governing themselves). Contemporary News Media cover Africa superficially (crisis driven coverage). Reporters often have no background in Africa. Liberal use of inadequate explanatory constructs. Entertainment Media perpetuates negative images of helpless primitives and evil pagans. The media glorify colonialism and European intervention. Currently, Africa is represented as a place of endemic violence and brutal but ignorant dictators. Animalization of Africa through the many of nature shows on Africa that presents Africa as being devoid of humans. Safari Industry promotes an orientation to animals and exploitation of non-representative African cultures (e.g. Maasai, Pekot, San, etc.). Theme parks in united states that feature African themes. Advertising-industry has built and exploited (and thereby perpetuated) simplistic stereotypes of Africa. U.S Textbooks covering Africa often provide inadequate coverage, and use popular explanatory constructs. Feature pictorial images (predominance of animals and exotica).Highlight social and cultural representations of non-representative groups such as the Maasai and San. (Exploring Africa) African stereotypes- A Reaction from the Public After generally refraining from criticizing media coverage of African news, it has becoming increasingly hard for some people to resist commentary. I suppose one can only read and watch so many stereotyped and misinformed news stories before it becomes too much to bear. Texas in Africa (an African blog spot), the ladies at Wronging Rights, among others have always been quick to stress the problem with bad reporting. For example: A story written by Jeffrey Gettleman on the drought currently plaguing Kenya. Gettleman writes: A devastating drought is sweeping across Kenya, killing livestock, crops and children. It is stirring up tensions in the ramshackle slums where the water taps have run dry, and spawning ethnic conflict in the hinterland as pastoralist communities fight over the last remaining pieces of fertile grazing land. The twin hearts of Kenyas economy, agriculture and tourism, are especially imperiled. The fabled game animals that safari-goers fly thousands of miles to see ar e keeling over from hunger and the picturesque savannah is now littered with an unusually large number of sun-bleached bones. (Gettleman, 2009) There is definitely a severe drought in Kenya and it is indubitably a cause of great concern for Kenyans dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. As Gettleman notes, the drought is also increasing conflict in some parts of the country, with farmers struggling for access to arable land. Such conflict, however, is not ethnic, but rather an instance of basic survival. Aside from this point, what I find most troublesome about Gettlemans piece is his suggestion that the Kenyan economy will somehow crumble as a consequence of the drought. The unknowing reader comes away from Gettlemans piece with an image of a completely impoverished, desert-like country on the brink of disaster a stereotype of a typical African country. While Kenya surely does have its problems Gettlemans imagery is highly misguiding. Technology in Kenya is expanding at a rapid pace, heralding much opportunity for development. Emphasis is also being placed on the countrys private sector as an engine for growth, as well as small-scale manufacturing. One doesnt get any of this from Gettlemans piece. African stereotypes and Social Psychology Research by social psychologists strongly indicates that we as individuals find it difficult to hold conflicting or contradictory beliefs/understandings. Social psychologists call this aversion cognitive dissonance, the discomfort in holding contradictory beliefs or representations. Yet when we are exposed to evidence that contradicts an accepted image, we may not recognize or be bothered by the contradiction (e.g. Africans are primitive but not be flustered when introduced to Africans who are clearly very modern), unless prior representation is challenged. To give a simple example, many Americans believe that Africa is comprised of jungle, sparsely populated savannah, or desert. When shown pictures of modern African cities, individuals may accept that the cities are in Africa; however, if the dominant representation is not directly challenged in attempt to maintain cognitive consonance, students will maintain their prior perception. So in spite of pictorial evidence, many people wil l revert to their prior knowledge and understanding of Africa. Debunking African stereotypes It is important that educators advocate a feeling of understanding and appreciating other cultures and societies. So many people tend to judge other peoples actions and ways of life by their own cultural values. Educators need to steer away from this ethnocentric view. In teaching about Africa, stereotypes and biases naturally creep in. educators should be on guard to not perpetuate the beliefs that seem to come to mind. Words in describing Africa can be altered for example consider the table below. Stop word Substitute word Jungle rainforest Tribe Ethnic group/ people Backward/primitive/savage/native traditional Bush savannah Witch doctor herbalist Costume National attire Juju/superstition faith Also educators should examine materials before hand for stereotypes and biases. Dont show a collection of pictures that only show Africans dressed in little clothing or wearing masks. Urban and rural areas should be represented too. Educator should talk about the people and not just the jungle and its inhabitants. Often, seemingly subtle opinions and failure to represent the real Africa can do harm to the students who look to educators as authorities on something they will probably never personally experience. (Turner, 1995) Works Cited (n.d.). Retrieved 3 23, 2010, from Exploring Africa: http://exploringafrica.matrix.msu.edu Gadzala, a. (2009). China In Africa. Trafficking in African Stereotypes . Gettleman, J. (2009, 9 8). Africa. Lush Land Dries up, Withering Kenyas hopes , p. A1. magazine, s. (2002, 12). Africa. Retrieved 3 2010, from http://www.smithsonianmag.coms/africa.html Merryfield, M. M. (1995). . Turner, D. (1995). teaching about africa. Utah: early elemetary.

A Comparison of Aneas of Aeneid and Turnus of Iliad :: comparison compare contrast essays

A Comparison of Aneas of Aeneid and Turnus of Iliad      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The subtlety in the differences between Aneas and Turnus, reflect the subtlety in the differences between the Aeneid and the Iliad.   Although both characters are devout and noble,   Aneas does not possess the ardent passion of Turnus.   Unlike Turnus, Aneas is able to place his beliefs in the fated establishment of Latium before his personal interests. Although Turnus is not a bad person, the gods favor Aneas in their schemes.   The roles of Aneas and Turnus are reversed as the Aeneid progresses.   The erasure of Aneas' free will accounts for his triumph and success.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Time and time again, Aneas' courage, loyalty, and will are tested in the Aeneid. Through seemingly endless journeys by sea, through love left to wither, and through war and death, Aneas exhibits his anchored principals and his unwavering character.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   "Of arms I sing and the hero, destiny's exile...   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Who in the grip of immortal powers was pounded   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   By land and sea to sate the implacable hatred   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   of Juno; who suffered bitterly in his battles   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As he strove for the site of his city, and safe harboring   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   For his Gods in Latium" (Virgil 7).    As a slave to the gods and their plans, Aneas assimilates his mind and sacrifices his life to the establishment of Latium.   As the greatest of all warriors, Aneas displays his superb strength and his leadership capabilities, by guiding the Trojans to victory over the latins and establishing Latium.   The selflessness of Aneas and his devotion to the Gods, enables him to leap over and break through any obstacles that obstruct his destiny.   Patterned after Homer's Hector, Virgil's Turnus is also a courageous and devout hero. As the most handsome of Rutilians, Turnus' nobility reflects his physical appearance; he is a god-fearing, libation-bearing soldier. Turnus was greatly admired and respected by his subjects: "by far the fairest (of Italian men) /   Was Turnus, favored both in his noble forbears /   And by the queen who advanced his claims with eager devotion" (Virgil 147).      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Unlike Turnus, Aneas is able to place his beliefs in Rome before his own interests; that is the defining characteristic of Aneas' heroism. Leaving Dido, the beautiful and passionate Carthaginian Queen, was