Handmaids Tale and 1984 - 2089 Words

How far is language a tool of oppression in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and ‘Nineteen Eighty Four’? Most dystopian novels contain themes of corruption and oppression, therefore in both ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and ‘Nineteen Eighty Four’ language is obviously used as a form of the states control, enabling dystopian leaders to remain in power by manipulating language to restrict free thought. Orwell and Atwood have utilized language as a key tool of oppression throughout their novels. The use of language is mostly repressive, language can also be seen as liberating, and used as an act of rebellion, which the state wishes to eliminate. The novel Nineteen Eighty Four contains a world in which language is being systematically corrupted. The†¦show more content†¦The Ministry of peace â€Å"concerned itself with war†, The Ministry of Truth dedicated itself to destroying the truth and The Ministry of Love was described as â€Å"frightening† with â€Å"gorilla faced guards. This brings forth the idea that the state are trying to subtly manipulate society however they are a threat. In addition the face of the party ‘Big Brother’ is extremely ironic as Orwell uses this as a tactic to make you feel reassured. This is because the word Big Brother is an example of a double entendre as a big brother is commonly associated with protection, care and love which is the extreme opposite in this case as the party seeks power...for its own sake conveying the irony further as it is not what it seems at first glance. The constant motif of ‘BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU† exemplifies the ide a they will always try to control you, and they have great power. The fact that Orwell chose these names is a reflection of the Partys of the brainwashing of their society and the desire for control over the people. It is a warning as it emphasises the abusive nature of dictators, as they use psychological manipulation as a means of control. The use of names in Nineteen Eighty-Four presents a false sense of security and desirability to citizens, as it makes the state appear friendly and trust worthy regardless of their demeaning acts. The slogan of theShow MoreRelatedMemories of Life Before Government Control: Orwells 1984, Atwoods The Handmaids Tale, and Huxleys Brave New World1107 Words   |  5 Pagespeople’s opinions of reality which proves to be impossible. Within the novels, 1984 by George Orwell, The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley the Governments have taken societys freedom away and all that remains are the memories of what li fe was like before the changes; the main characters are constantly using the past as a way to survive through the difficult times. Winston in 1984 uses his memories to cope with being watched all the time. In addition, he usesRead MoreIs Today s Society Becoming A Dystopian World?1313 Words   |  6 Pagessociety becoming a dystopian world? Both the novels 1984 by George Orwell and The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood provide warnings of how each author sees certain problems in society leading to dystopian states. Civilizations are forced to live by rules and for certain purposes to ensure the governments own goals and aspirations, but arise for different reasons. Atwood is concerned with political groups and aspects of feminism; The Handmaids Tale illustrates how declining birth rates could leadRead MoreMargaret Atwood s The Handmaid s Tale Essay1624 Words   |  7 Pagessexuality, Margaret Atwood’s novel The Handmaid’s Tale, her poem A Woman’s Issue, and George Orwell’s 1984 all convey that sexual repression undermines individual identity and autonomy. In The Handmaid’s Tale, Atwood uses her description of the Ceremony to emphasize how Gileadean society controls sex in order to manipulate its citizens and force the women of Gilead into passivity and dissociation from their bodies. During the ritualistic Ceremony, the Handmaids are raped by their Commanders in hopes ofRead MoreComparison between The handmaids Tale and 1894 (language as controlling force, language styles, structure and contexts3493 Words   |  14 Pages Both the novels 1984 and The Handmaids Tale provide warnings of how each author sees certain problems in society leading to dystopian states. Dystopian genres exist in both novels, but arise for different reasons. Resulting from Atwoods concerns about political groups and aspects of feminism; The Handmaids Tale illustrates how declining birth rates could lead to a state where women are forced into bearing children. In contrast, 1984 depicts a terror state where poverty is rife and tyrannicalRead MoreThe Hand maid s Tale By Margaret Atwood1357 Words   |  6 Pageson the ground of the equality of the sexes† (Oxford dictionary). In the novel The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood explores feminism through the themes of women’s bodies as political tools, the dynamics of rape culture and the society of complacency. Margaret Atwood was born in 1939, at the beginning of WWII, growing up in a time of fear. In the autumn of 1984, when she began writing The Handmaid’s Tale, she was living in West Berlin. The Berlin Wall had not yet fallen and in her travels â€Å"behindRead More Atwoods Attention to Words in The Handmaids Tale Essay1180 Words   |  5 PagesAtwoods Attention to Words in The Handmaids Tale The Handmaids Tale illustrates that dictatorship can be established by creating a state of fear once language controls are instituted. As a tradition to dystopian novels, Atwood has drawn much attention to the meaning of words and the significance of names, as well as the prohibition for women to read or write, in order to portray Gilead as a successful totalitarian state. Atwood is trying to make the point that in a dystopian world, languageRead More##rtance Of Language In The Handmaids Tale And Nineteen Eighty-Four1315 Words   |  6 PagesContained within the novels The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood and Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell is a fight for power and control – not of land, or political position – but of language. Language is seen within both of these novels as being central to the telling of one’s own story – without the control of power and language, it is not possible to convey the intricacies, thoughts, feelings and ideas behind these stories. Whether this story is conveyed through a diary, or through cassetteRead MoreThe Handmaid s Tale By Margaret Atwood1516 Words   |  7 PagesHandmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood, explores the idea of physical and mental oppression through hierarchy, patriarchy, manipulation of history, surveillance and finally, community identity; hence the main character’s name â€Å"Offr ed† or ‘Of-Fred’ if you will. 1984, by George Orwell, covers this by including configuration of language; the characters have a new language called â€Å"Newspeak† and are also constantly watched by the government and the â€Å"Thought Police.† The hierarchy in The Handmaid’s Tale, is structuredRead More The Handmaids Tale: Oppression of Women for Male Political Gain 1782 Words   |  8 Pages The Handmaids Tale is a poetic tale of a womans survival as a Handmaid in the male dominated Republic of Gilead. Offred portrayed the struggle living as a Handmaid, essentially becoming a walking womb and a slave to mankind. Women throughout Gilead are oppressed because they are seen as potentially threatening and subversive and therefore require strict control (Callaway 48). The fear of women rebelling and taking control of society is stopped through acts such as the caste system, the ceremonyRead MoreOrwell s 1984 And Huxley s Brave New World1821 Words   |  8 Pagesto their oppression. In the classic dystopian novels, Orwell’s 1984 and Huxley’s Brave New World, the oppressed are mollified and manipulated by propaganda, indoctrination and betrayal in 1984 and by excessive drug use in A Brave New World, and i n both novels the oppressed seem to be complicit in their oppression. This pattern is also compellingly reflected in the tale of persecution presented by Margaret Atwood in The Handmaids Tale and the dystopian society of Gilead. Unlike other dystopian novels

The Intelligence Reform And Terrorism Prevention - 2210 Words

This paper analyzes Al-Qaeda as a very difficult somewhat intelligent, most circulated and uncontrollable organization, an organization which has made it a duty to confront our Nation’s national security and intelligence for about 15 years. Even with the death of their leader Osama bin Laden’s in May of 2011; the organization remains actively at large by replacing it leadership head with Ayman al-Zawahiri. I also analyzes 5 aspects of Al-Qaeda as an organization, namely the, History, Goals, Internet Campinas, Al Qaeda Affiliating Group and Finances. Furthermore, I analyses the Impact of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention (IRTPA), mainly on Information sharing Introduction Part I: Historical Background of Al-Qaeda†¦show more content†¦Al-Qaeda began carrying out missions as they were also responsible for the 1996 bombings of the Khobar Towers, whereas the 1998 attacks on US Embassies in Kenya, the 2000 assault on the USS Cole in Yemen and the Tanzania bombing and these were their signature missions. Since then al-Qaeda has merged with a number of other Islamist militant organizations, including Egypt’s Islamic Jihad and the Islamic group in Yemen. Al-Qaeda was responsible for the attack on the United States on September 11, 2001, since the attack of September 11; we have undertook two wars, one in Iraq and the other in Afghanistan and also established some very important intelligence organizations, namely the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and have done many other things to fight the war against al-Qaeda and any other form of terrorist, but we have yet eliminated the threat of terrorism which might never do. Al Qaeda, which stand for (â€Å"the base†) is a multi-layered international Islamist terrorist network made up of lots of regional member organizations and clandestine cells with complex degrees of communication, the group ideology and operation remained at its forefront. Ideology of Al- Qaeda The base Ideology of al Qaeda is to establish an Islamic tare, with a focus on Sharia Laws.

Cream Seperation Free Essays

Separation of cream from full cream milk using the Disc- Bowl Centrifuge. Introduction:- Cream is usually a dairy product containing high fat percent, which can be seen floating on the top before the homogenization process. When the milk is unhomogenized, overtime, the fat lighter in weight rises to the top. We will write a custom essay sample on Cream Seperation or any similar topic only for you Order Now The process in the industries is completely different as they use centrifuges, normally called as separators to accelerate the creaming process. Cost of cream totally depends upon its fat content. Cream usually produced by the livestock grazing process on natural pastures normally contains some amount of natural carotenoid pigments acquired from plant materials they consume; as a result of which the cream appears a bit yellowish in colour. Cream derived from the milk of livestock fed indoors is usually white in colour as they normally are grain based pellets. There is a formula for determining the rate of sedimentation, widely known as Stokes’ law. It states that a particle moving through viscous liquid attains a constant velocity or sedimentation rate. Equation for Stokes’ law Vg = d2 (Pp- P1)/ 18  µ ? G Where:- Vg = Sedimentation Velocity d2 = particle Diameter Pp = Particle density P1 = Liquid density G = gravitational acceleration  µ = viscosity of liquid Aims:- 1. To separate cream from full cream milk at two speed settings of the disc bowl centrifuge. 2. To evaluate sensory properties of the cream and skimmed milk. 3. To determine the throughput of the centrifuge. Materials and Equipments:- Disc-bowl centrifuge 1 Litre and 400 ml beakers Litre measuring cylinder Sample cups –transparent 2 Litres full cream milk Large Plastic bowls Pans Stopwatch Digital Thermometer Method:- 1. Two batches of 1 litre of full cream milk was warmed at 37 degree C. 2. 1 litre beaker was placed beneath the lower, heavy phase, spout of the centrifuge. This usually was the point from where the skim milk exits. Right after then the 400 ml beaker was placed beneath the upper, light phase, spout of the centrifuge which usually was the exit point for the cream. 3. Before carrying out the next step, it was ensured that the tap of the milk receiving reservoir at the top of the centrifuge was in a closed position ie. Pointing N to S 4. Warmed milk weighing 1 litre was then inserted into the reservoir. . The motor was switched on as soon as milk was inserted and was set on the lowest speed setting by adjusting the speed setting knob. 6. As the motor speed was steady, the tap of the reservoir containing milk was then released and the stopwatch was started. 7. Portions at light and heavy liquid phases were then collected from the relevant spouts, cream and skimmed milk respectively. 8. The stopwatch was switched off as soon as the milk reservoir was empty and the time taken was noted. 9. The motor of the centrifuge was allowed to run till the flow of skimmed milk and cream was ceased. 10. The portions of skimmed milk and cream received through their relative phases were then measured and then the yield was calculated. 11. The throughput of the material was then determined in litres per hour at its respective speed setting. 12. The stages 2 to 12 were repeated using second batch of warmed milk, with the only difference being the time setting. The whole process was carried out by operating the motor on the highest speed setting. 13. The above process was followed by placing the large bowl underneath the spouts and by flushing the centrifuge using cold water just to clear the washings in the centrifuge. 4. Right after the process the whole equipment was dismantled including the reservoirs spouts, collecting funnel etc. The parts were then washed using hot water with a little detergent. 15. The cream and skimmed milk from each speed setting (i. e. High speed setting and low speed setting) were then subjected to sensory properties evaluation. * * * * Result:- * * The follo wing were the results obtained :- 1. The results for 0. 1 % skimmed milk at low speed setting were * Fat:- 00. 07% * * And the results for same product at high speed setting were * Fat:-00. 03% * 2. The results for 2 % semi skimmed milk at low speed setting were * Fat:- 1. 60 % * * The results for 2 % semi skimmed milk at high speed setting were * Fat:- 1. 64% * 3. The results for 4% Whole milk at low speed setting were * Fat:- 6. 56% * * The results for 4% Whole milk at High speed setting were * Fat:- 7. 25% * * * Discussion:- * 1. Principles of the operation of Disc-bowl Centrifuge. * Brennan (2006) states that the Disc bowl centrifuge works on the principle of particle density. Feed is introduced through the bottom of the bowl. As it comes with the contact of the centrifugal force, the dense phase moves downside while the lighter phase passes through the top spout. * 2. Different Categories of cream available to the consumer and their legal minimum fat contents? * Sheila (2006) mentioned in an article that categories of cream available are * Single cream – 18 % minimum fat content * Double cream – 48% minimum fat content * Half cream – 12% minimum fat content * Whipping Cream – 35% minimum fat content * Creme fraiche – 30% minimum fat content * Soured cream – 18% minimum fat content * Clotted cream – 55% minimum fat content. 3. Categories of cream produced in the Practical? * Type of cream produced in the practical was single cream * 4. Purpose of Cream screw? * The thickness of the cream can be adjusted by the help of the cream screw. Cream screw helps to trap the cream and helps the cream to let out. * * 5. Why is the milk heated first? * De (1991) explaine d that, higher the temperature and degree during agitation the greater is the loss of skimmed milk and vice versa. When the milk is heated and agitated, the agitation process causes size reduction of bigger fat globules into smaller ones. As a result of which they escape the effect of centrifugal force, leading to exclusion of fat loss in the skimmed milk. To reduce creaming. * * Conclusion:- * Cream was successfully separated from the milk using Disc bowl centrifuge. The cream was further tested for its sensory properties, and the sensory properties of the cream were found to be appealing. * * * * References:- * * J. G. Brennan (2006). â€Å"Food Processing Handbook†. Wiley-Vch. * * Sheila (2006). â€Å"Cream Final Edition†. The Times, London, UK. * * Sukumar De (1991). â€Å"Outlines of Dairy Technology†. Oxford University Press. How to cite Cream Seperation, Essay examples

Managing the Channel and the Sales Forces - MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Managing the Channel and the Sales Forces. Answer: Overview Stihl Inc. has been one of the top handheld power equipment manufacturers with the widest distribution channels all over United States. The organization has twelve wholesale distributers considering the entire landscape out of which retail distribution channel consists of independent dealers and home improvement centers (Wilson and Wilson 2017). This has helped in reaching wide number of consumers as the main categories such as handheld, outdoor and power is fulfilled by Stihl Inc. In this discussion, the main problem that Stihl Inc is facing will be highlighted and based on that analysis will be presented concerning the critical issues, followed by conclusion and recommendation for future corporate sustainability. Problem Identification The main goals of Stihl are follows: To provide best quality product through innovative designs, highest-grade materials and solid engineering with precision manufacturing To provide best buying experience with best service and support through wide distribution network including first-class showrooms To assist consumers regarding the product information, dealer location and distributor pricing through own corporate website (Stihlusa.com 2017) Considering the case, it has been identified that Stihl has been one of the top-rated supplier for Home Depot. However, as highlighted by Shahrouzifard and Faraji (2016), with course of time consumers prefer after-sales assistance and post-sales services more than price or quality. Similarly, such expectation of the consumers is not being fulfilled by Stihl home improvement centers and mass merchants channels. Consumers who use to prefer Stihl products are now more concerned about post-sales services, which the organization is failing to provide. Therefore, the main problem of Stihl Inc. is to become failure in providing after-sales services and product maintenance operations on home improvement premises and that they are becoming more dependent only on independent dealers channel. Such operational challenge is acting as the barrierto provide consumers the best buying experience from Home Depot with best service and support, thereby threatening corporate goal achievement. Analysis of Critical Issues faced by Stihl Inc. According to Qiang et al. (2013), a manufacturing organization needs to understand the demographic market and prevailing customer needs so that product or service can be improvised in future. On the other hand, Szwejczewski, Goffin and Anagnostopoulos (2015) argued that dealers need to evaluate the differences in services between own channel and alternative market channel so that customer can be satisfied. Furthermore, Murali, Pugazhendhi and Muralidharan (2016) pointed out that the manufacturing organization needs to evaluate the existing relationship between its own home distribution channel and market retailers so that partnership can be strengthened in future. On the other hand, the concerned organization also needs to evaluate the considerable impact that the partnership is creating on product distribution channel. Therefore, basis the views of the authors, the critical issues that Stihl Inc. is facing will be discussed below. Customer Needs for Channel Services According to Homburg, Vollmayr and Hahn (2014), with the progress of time, explicit market competition has given rise to niche marketing technique, on the basis of which manufacturers are designing new products giving rise to innovation. Such innovation helps in creating new demand and ensures sustainability for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). However, Jerath, Kim and Swinney (2017) contradicted that without channelized services, the target audience does not get the product information and the usability or benefits that they might get. Therefore, only through the medium of channel services, the consumers will be able to experience the latest products. On the other hand, Homburg, Jozi? and Kuehnl (2017) placed a different viewpoint that with the help of channel services such as through retail distribution channel specifically, consumers are able to get the physical value of a product that triggers them in buying. Consumers are also able to differentiate the value of product, pric e differences and post-sales specifications. Therefore, only through the help of market channels such as retailers, supermarkets and local direct delivery logistics, an organization is able to reach out to its target customer segment. After analyzing the case of Stihl Inc., it has been found that the organization has great channel services, which has helped consumers to get benefits from unique handheld electronic machines(Wilson and Wilson 2017). Such channel services have reduced the gap between Stihl and end consumers. However, it is expected that in future, the customer needs will be changed and will be more focused in gaining product oriented assistance and post-sales maintenance so that value for money is justified with course of time. Evaluation of Channel Services The channel services of Stihl can be categorized in distribution network and support for dealers. The distribution network channel services are distributed in twelve geographically separate wholesale distributors. On the other hand, the retail dealer network is made of 8000 independent retailing establishments. These dealer networks are the most important channel services because Stihl is able to assist consumers directly only through these dealers. Stihl provides financial, marketing, and administrative support to these dealers regarding operation, proper application and product maintenance (Wilson and Wilson 2017). Furthermore, the official website of Stihl Inc. creates the channel services for internet shoppers, through which they are able to get product oriented information along with location of independent dealers. Considering the channel services alternative channel such as Home Depot, being one of the largest retailers (Guesalaga and Pitta 2014), would extend its product base by taking more supplies from Black Decker, Briggs Stratton and Echo. Similarly, Walmart might also increase the number of retail outlets so that more number of people can be reached. On the other hand, Sears can reach out to more number of conventional channel boundaries. It can create more partners with home improvement center and mass merchant. Hardware Stores have the option to get supplies from both giant manufacturers and local designers. Online channels can create multiple partnerships with giant manufacturers listing top brands so that both value for money and reliability factors are adhered. Relationship of Stihl Inc. with Potential Channels Considering the case study, it is prominent enough that Stihl is depending more on its independent channel dealers. It is following hybrid channel strategy using internet to direct consumers towards authorized dealers (Wilson and Wilson 2017). Therefore, Stihl does not follow the multi-channel system that Sears follows. Considering the relationship with Home Depot, it can be found that consumers are not getting assistance from the home improvement center as the sales-persons are untrained and they do not provide post-sales services, thereby creating a negative brand image of Stihl. On the other hand, with Hardware Stores, Stihl have a poor relationship as much of its products are sold through its independent dealers. However, it can be said that relationship with online channel is quite favorable with Stihl. Evaluation of Power (Stihl v/s Channel Partner) According to Bellin (2016), with the increase in channel partnerships, more number of customers can be reached. However, considering the above analysis, it can be said that Stihl is confined under only one market channel, which is independent dealer. The channel partners are having more power because they do not rely only on Stihl, but they have supplies from products of Black Decker, Cub Cadet, Echo, Homelite, and Ryobi. With course of time, the bargaining power of buyer will definitely exceed supplier bargaining power. This will create huge rise for organizational sustainability. Ability to Exert Control over Channel Fabbri and Klapper (2016) pointed out that in such a market where there are multiple suppliers, the bargaining power of buyer becomes more prevalent. Similarly, since in USA, the market competition for handheld manufacturers is quite strong, hence Stihl cannot be considered to have the ability to exert control over home improvement centers and mass merchants. If the home improvement centers have to spend more on employee training and assistance specifically for Stihl products, it will definitely consumer their budget. Therefore, they will try to deal with other manufacturers. However, Stihl will have full power over its independent dealers and can enhance services through better employee training. Potential Impact of Partnership While considering the viewpoint of Ishfaq et al. (2016), it can be said that partnership in channel services helps in exposing product physical value to a huge number of people from various geographic locations, which eventually ensures more sales. Partnership with potential channels is discussed in following section. Partnership of Stihl with Home Depot/Walmart Home Depot has the largest base of handheld product categories from all USA manufacturers. Therefore, partnership with it will help in exposing the product base of Stihl along with its competitor companies such as Black Decker and Cub Cadet. Consumers can compare both price and quality before purchasing. However, this implies that the customer service and assistance will be extremely poor. Walmart mostly offers low pricing but since the products of Stihl are of high quality, the price is comparatively higher than the rest. Due to this Stihl might get less profit. Partnership of Stihl with Sears Fortune.com (2017) pointed out that among all other channels, Sears is the only retailer that operates both as mass merchant and home improvement center. Therefore, it can be said that Stihl will get the highest exposure in market if it partners with Sears. Moreover, Sears has the best experience of maintenance and replacement parts capability as it merchandized its own brand, which will ensure customer assistance. Partnership of Stihl with Hardware Stores and Online Medium Stihl will definitely have a better scope of product sales through partnership with hardware stores but the main challenge will be customer assistance and post-sales service. Sales persons in hardware stores do not have enough knowledge of electronic handheld machines, which would be a challenge (Takouda and Dia 2016). However, partnership with online medium will surely act a boon because the consumers will get to know about product features and available locations where they can get product oriented assistance. Conclusion The critical issues that Stihl Plc. is facing are mostly related to selection of channel. It has been understood that the organization is mostly dependent on independent dealers and therefore this implies the highest risk as once the dealers fail to computerize the entire distribution channel will become non-functional. The home improvement center channel is found to have more power of control over the suppliers such as Stihl and simultaneously broadens the product exposure to various consumers. On the other hand, it was analyzed that Stihl needs to extend its partnership with such a retailer who can offer product oriented assistance or even post-sales assistance to consumers. Recommendation for Stihls Change in Channel Structure After evaluating all possible relationships and partnerships, it can be said that Stihl needs to change its channel structure. It needs to broaden its distribution network which will include mass merchant, independent dealers, hardware stores and online. By making partnership with all the four channels it can reach out to more consumers, who even belong to deeper and interior geographical areas of the United States. Specifically, for mass merchant, Stihl needs partnership with Sears, which will ensure product assistance, whereas through independent dealers, consumers will get both product assistance and post-sales service. Furthermore, online channel needs to be strengthened more using advertising techniques such as search engine optimization and pay-per-click strategies for the own corporate website. Representatives from Stihl need to be present at popular point of sales locations so that customer assistance can be ensured. Other alternative channel such as home improvement centers must be given less scope of partnerships as it might turn out to be loss. However, it is quite sure that customer need will change and market demographics will alter, which might affect dealership. Due to poor assistance from mass merchants, consumers may remain unaware of latest handheld innovations, which might create debt as the cost of partnership may remain uncovered. Reference List Bellin, H., 2016. Which Marketing Channel Is Right for Your Company?.Journal of Marketing Channels,23(3), pp.157-161. Fabbri, D. and Klapper, L.F., 2016. Bargaining power and trade credit.Journal of Corporate Finance,41, pp.66-80. Fortune.com, 2017.You Thought Things Couldn't Get Worse for Sears. They Just Did.. [online] Fortune. Available at: https://fortune.com/2017/11/08/sears-kmart-results/ [Accessed 24 Dec. 2017]. Guesalaga, R. and Pitta, D., 2014. The importance and formalization of service quality dimensions: a comparison of Chile and the USA.Journal of Consumer Marketing,31(2), pp.145-151. Homburg, C., Jozi?, D. and Kuehnl, C., 2017. Customer experience management: toward implementing an evolving marketing concept.Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science,45(3), pp.377-401. Homburg, C., Vollmayr, J. and Hahn, A., 2014. Firm value creation through major channel expansions: evidence from an event study in the United States, Germany, and China.Journal of Marketing,78(3), pp.38-61. Ishfaq, R., Defee, C.C., Gibson, B.J. and Raja, U., 2016. Realignment of the physical distribution process in omni-channel fulfillment.International Journal of Physical Distribution Logistics Management,46(6/7), pp.543-561. Jerath, K., Kim, S.H. and Swinney, R., 2017. Product quality in a distribution channel with inventory risk.Marketing Science,36(5), pp.747-761. Murali, S., Pugazhendhi, S. and Muralidharan, C., 2016. Modelling and Investigating the relationship of after sales service quality with customer satisfaction, retention and loyaltya case study of home appliances business.Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services,30, pp.67-83. Qiang, Q., Ke, K., Anderson, T. and Dong, J., 2013. The closed-loop supply chain network with competition, distribution channel investment, and uncertainties.Omega,41(2), pp.186-194. Shahrouzifard, S. and Faraji, M., 2016. After-sales service quality as an antecedent of customer satisfaction.Accounting,2(2), pp.81-84. Stihlusa.com, 2017.Learn More About STIHL Inc. | STIHL USA. [online] Stihlusa.com. Available at: https://www.stihlusa.com/information/corporate/about-us/ [Accessed 24 Dec. 2017]. Szwejczewski, M., Goffin, K. and Anagnostopoulos, Z., 2015. Product service systems, after-sales service and new product development.International Journal of Production Research,53(17), pp.5334-5353. Takouda, P.M. and Dia, M., 2016. Relative efficiency of hardware retail stores chains in Canada.International Journal of Operational Research,27(1-2), pp.275-290. Wilson, R.E. and Wilson, R.E., 2017. Stihl Incorporated: Go-to-Market Strategy for Next-Generation Consumers.Kellogg School of Management Cases, pp.1-32.

Positive Leadership free essay sample

Positive leadership refers to the application of positive principles and positive change. It helps leaders to become more effective in their jobs. Applying principles of positive leadership leads to extraordinary performance. Positive leadership has three connotations: 1)It refers to the facilitation of extraordinarily positive performance – that is, positively deviant performance. Outcomes that exceed common or expected performance. 2)Affirmative bias – or a focus on strengths and capabilities and on affirming human potential. It emphasizes positive communication, optimism, and strengths as well as the value and opportunity embedded in problems and weaknesses. 3)Facilitating the best on the human condition, or on fostering virtuousness. An easy way to identify positive leadership is to notice positive deviance. Many positive outcomes are stimulated by trials and difficulties; for example, demonstrated courage, resilience, forgiveness and compassion are relevant only in the context of negative occurrences. â€Å"Bad is stronger than good†. Human being react more strongly to negative phenomena than to positive phenomena. We will write a custom essay sample on Positive Leadership or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Both conducive and challenging conditions may lead to positive deviance. The few organizations that perform in extraordinary ways, which are the exception, not the rule, are positively deviant. In this case, positive deviance implies more than earning more revenue than the industry average. It involves thriving, flourishing, even virtuous performance, or achieving the best of the human condition. There are 4 strategies to achieve a positive deviance. they are among the most important enablers of positively deviant performance) 1)Positive climate (foster: compassion, forgiveness and gratitude)

Free Essays on The Love And Devotion Of Phoenix Jackson

The Love and Devotion of Phoenix Jackson Eudora Welty creates clues to enhance Phoenix Jackson as a round character. The reader forms a clear mental picture of Phoenix’s appearance like her skin having, â€Å"Numberless branching wrinkles...as though a whole little tree stood in the middle of her forehead.† Also, Welty draws a connection relating Phoenix’s hardships and triumphs to everyone’s struggles in life for the reader to sympathize and relate to. Welty elaborates the unstoppable love and devotion Phoenix Jackson holds for her grandson through her overcoming obstacles of growing senility, deteriorating health with age, and walking a treacherous journey. Although Phoenix grows senile and might have forgotten her journey's purpose, in her heart the unyielding love for her grandson directs her feet to the medical building. The reader first discovers Phoenix’s digressing mental health when she starts to talk out loud saying, â€Å"Out of my way, all you foxes, owls, beetles, jack rabbits......Keep out from under these feet, little bob-whites† (para 3). Even with Phoenix’s prevailing loss of reality the only thing real to her has been her indomitable love for her only family, her grandson. Another incident arises after Phoenix crosses the creek to reveal in depth Phoenix’s challenge with senility, when she imagines a little boy brings her a piece of marble-cake. She says to the boy, â€Å"That would be acceptable,† (para 15) and then she returns to reality and proceeds on her mercy quest. Welty illustrates Phoenix’s devotion to overcome her own declining health through obstacles Phoenix encounters on her journey. A black dog comes at Phoenix and â€Å"Over she went in the ditch, like a puff of milkweed,† (para 33). Phoenix becomes an immovable frail and weakening granny lying on her back, â€Å"Like a June-bug waiting to be turned over,† (para 37) until a young hunter picks her up from the ... Free Essays on The Love And Devotion Of Phoenix Jackson Free Essays on The Love And Devotion Of Phoenix Jackson The Love and Devotion of Phoenix Jackson Eudora Welty creates clues to enhance Phoenix Jackson as a round character. The reader forms a clear mental picture of Phoenix’s appearance like her skin having, â€Å"Numberless branching wrinkles...as though a whole little tree stood in the middle of her forehead.† Also, Welty draws a connection relating Phoenix’s hardships and triumphs to everyone’s struggles in life for the reader to sympathize and relate to. Welty elaborates the unstoppable love and devotion Phoenix Jackson holds for her grandson through her overcoming obstacles of growing senility, deteriorating health with age, and walking a treacherous journey. Although Phoenix grows senile and might have forgotten her journey's purpose, in her heart the unyielding love for her grandson directs her feet to the medical building. The reader first discovers Phoenix’s digressing mental health when she starts to talk out loud saying, â€Å"Out of my way, all you foxes, owls, beetles, jack rabbits......Keep out from under these feet, little bob-whites† (para 3). Even with Phoenix’s prevailing loss of reality the only thing real to her has been her indomitable love for her only family, her grandson. Another incident arises after Phoenix crosses the creek to reveal in depth Phoenix’s challenge with senility, when she imagines a little boy brings her a piece of marble-cake. She says to the boy, â€Å"That would be acceptable,† (para 15) and then she returns to reality and proceeds on her mercy quest. Welty illustrates Phoenix’s devotion to overcome her own declining health through obstacles Phoenix encounters on her journey. A black dog comes at Phoenix and â€Å"Over she went in the ditch, like a puff of milkweed,† (para 33). Phoenix becomes an immovable frail and weakening granny lying on her back, â€Å"Like a June-bug waiting to be turned over,† (para 37) until a young hunter picks her up from the ...

English writing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

English writing - Essay Example Training has been lifelong but successful. Aggression was dealt with in good time. My dog was trained under a special program in that he has special skills. He can detect seizures up to fifteen minutes before they occur. This not only makes my dog a friend but a protector. On the same note, I keep my dog to warn me on any instances of intrusion from where I can respond accordingly. How would I describe my dog? Bruno is 4 years old and plain white in color. German shepherd is Bruno’s breed which justifies his physical strength and fitness. He spends most of the day taking a nap and is always alert at night making rounds around the house to execute his security obligation. You can call him a watchdog of the twenty first century. Play makes him more active with his favorite spot being the water pond. He leaps in whenever it is warm or when someone else is in it. My siblings are often irritate by his character when he goes out and gets dusty after long hours of play as they have to clean him in my absentia else they will clean everything else he touches. My mum among them hates that moment when Bruno walks from outside and licks her lips while sleeping on the couch. She almost had Bruno given off to another foster family were it not for my pleading and support from my siblings. Living with my dog has given me several responsibilities that I have learnt from the daily encounters with Bruno. I am mandated to regularly take him to the vet for de-worming session every three months. Anti-rabies injections and vaccinations are among the treatment I must follow up. All parasites have to be eliminated and his health observed. I realized that my dog belongs to the same family as the jackals, wolves and the foxes. The difference is that its counterparts are not tamed. The dog has become my friend and servant. This dog has become part of my family as humans. I have not encountered a day when my dog has turned against my orders for a stranger. In conclusion, I

Impact and Meaning of the Gnostic Movement Research Paper

Impact and Meaning of the Gnostic Movement - Research Paper Example This research will begin with the statement that the Gnostic Movement was a Christian religious movement where an extended base of knowledge from the pagan and the scriptural sources formed the path to salvation leading to the divine personality Jesus Christ. This movement identified and stressed on â€Å"gnosis† or knowledge as the medium for achieving salvation. Sometimes it has also invested knowledge itself with the stature of salvation. The proponents of the Gnostic movement mainly operated in ancient Alexandria and exerted their influence on the Christian inhabitants of that region during the middle of the second century. The movement was mainly pioneered by Basilides, Valentinus, and Hearcleon living in the city of Alexandria during 130-180 CE. Till the advent of the Gnostic Movement, Christianity was a religion based on the fundamental ways of life as preached by Jesus Christ and Paul. The Gnostic proponents provided many unique insights into the religious faith and Ch ristianity assumed the form of a philosophical religion that could deal with serious moral and intellectual issues. The members of the Gnostic religious movement hailed from different backgrounds. Majority of the Gnostics were Christians while some members were of Jewish origin and some others belonged to the Greco-Roman race. The Mandaean members originated from Iraq and Iran while the Manichaean gnostics hailed from â€Å"Europe, the middle east, northern Africa and China†. Besides, the movement included Muslim Gnostics from the Islamic world and the Cathars hailing from Western Europe. The Gnostic Movement The term â€Å"Gnosis† in the Greek language means â€Å"knowledge†. In the context of the Gnostic movement, it refers to the knowledge regarding the spiritual world. The knowledge of the direct experience

Climate Change and Its Impact Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Climate Change and Its Impact - Essay Example This project will show the fingerprint and harbinger of climate change manifesting through erratic weather patterns or ecological conditions and the possible solutions that can be offered to mitigate its impact. The particular discussion is given to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The effects of climate change are increasingly felt in many parts around the world. Human life and activities are affected by weather and climate, and changes in climate affect man and animals, food production, water sources and health (Department of Ecology, n.d.). Short-term changes in climate can be classified as normal weather conditions, but utilizing observation on a long-term basis, a trend in changing climate has been identified (Department of Ecology, n.d.). The drastic and unusual effect of climate change that have affected not a few countries are the following: coldest winter in UK in 2008-2009 (since 1996-1997), strong North Atlantic storm in British Isles in 2009 (disrupted power and damaged build ings), Midwest heavy rains and worst floods in June 2008 (since 1993), hurricane Omar in July 2008 with winds of 205 km/hour and ravaged a wide area for 17 days, tropical storm Fay that hit Florida four times with its 100 km/hour winds, the worst drought that hit Spain and Portugal in 2008, the worst South California wildfire that damaged an area of 8,100 hectares in April 2009, the worst Mexico drought in August 2009 that affected 3.5 million farmers, the northern Africa flooding that affected Algeria and Morocco in September to November 2008, and several others (UNEP, 2009). Due to the obvious effects of climate change that include erratic and strong weather conditions, fluctuating temperatures, or changing seasons, states and nations, international organizations, concerned groups and individuals call on everyone.

Examining Poverty And Child Protection Acts Social Work Essay

Examining Poverty And Child Protection Acts Social Work Essay The area of poverty and child protection with black African families has been the source of controversy in British social work research for many decades. Many researchers find a correlation between economic deprivation such as poverty and social exclusion and parenting behaviour and practice, child-rearing capabilities and skills which are a prerequisite for proper child development anywhere in the world. Moreover, according to Jordan (2001) poverty is strongly correlated with reports of abuse and neglect. For instance, the National Centre for Children in Poverty found in 1990 that the incidence of child abuse and neglect, as well as the severity of the maltreatment reported, is much greater for children from low-income families than for others (Jordan, 2001 p.1). As a large number of Africans in the UK live below the poverty line, it may be reckoned that most black African children on the child protection register live below the poverty line. Brophy et al (2003) argue that many families brought to the attention of the child protection system lives in extreme poverty and may experience social exclusion. Black African children living in the UK may be over-represented in the child protection system for reasons such as physical abuse or neglect; therefore it is understandable to say that there is a correlation between abuse and parenting behaviours and practices. The question is why African families and children living in poverty, who are alleged of child abuse, are over-represented in the child protection system? Sossou Yogtiba (2008) noted in their study that a child is the most valuable asset of any traditional African family, as children symbolise status, respect and completeness of the nuclear family, if that is the case, then it is ironical to see African families and their children to be over-represented in the child protection system. Many black African families in the UK still lives below the poverty-line though they undertake different types of unskilled or skilled jobs, they support large families in their countries of origin (Anane-Agyei, 2002). It is reckon that poverty is linked with other social disadvantages such as poor education, limited employment opportunities, and poor health and may have devastating consequences for childrens development and life chances. Research shows that many African families and their children have insecure immigration status and their existing financial predicaments only help to complicate their parenting behaviours and practices. Penrose (2002) study shows that African families seeking asylum in the UK are often forced to live at level of poverty that is just unacceptable, and this causes financial constraint in their duty to provide adequate childcare for their children. Unemployment levels are known to be very high among African families, and they are also subject of stigmat ization and prejudice by the larger community that are suppose to accept them. Some African families living in the UK are without jobs and are also not entitled to social and economic benefit and therefore find it difficult to raise their children as expected by the laws of the land. Children growing up with parents living in absolute poverty are deprived of proper childhood development as these poor parents go through financial, emotional and psychological trauma in their duty to care for these children. African families living in poverty and failing to provide good care for their children may be perceived by social work professionals as failing in their parental responsibilities. For this reason, social workers may intervene in such families and often than not they are drawn into the child protection system. Amin Oppenheim (2002) argue that the unfamiliar cultural expectation of black African families living in the UK somehow contribute to the high level of poverty they experience. Research shows that many African families suffer from institutional oppression including housing, employment, education and health which not only means that they are more likely to experience poverty and deprivation, but also more susceptible to social work interventions in child abuse or maltreatment allegations. Corby (1993) noted that it may be expected that black African children are over-represented in child abuse cases because their families are more open to surveillance as they show high levels of poverty that complicate their parenting behaviours. In a broader perspective, Pearce Bozalek (2004) emphasise that the child protection system that exist in Britain will be unfamiliar to many African families, especially those more recently arrived, as similar state systems do not exist in most African countries, particularly where socio-economic factors, political instability and violence overshadow intra-familial child maltreatment and effective intervention into child abuse and neglect (Bernard Gupta, 2006 p). Brophy et al (2003) study supports the above assertion that African families experience discrimination and insecurity in child abuse cases, as the tools for assessing abuse are often euro-centric bias and prejudice the families. Chand (1999) study expresses the awareness that black African families are disadvantaged through oppression in all areas of society and this should not reflect in social work practice. Gibbon et al (2003) findings show that the child protection system was picking up more alleged child abuse cases inappropriately and putting more families and children on the child protection register than children who are subject to social welfare procedures. Therefore the over-representation of African families on the child protection register somehow, undermines the government aim of keeping children with families and reducing the number of children that are drawn onto the child protection register. The Department of Health (1995) document on child protection identified some pertinent shortcomings with the child protection system. The system seems to encourage unnecessary child protection interventions in border-line child abuse cases, which in many instances may have emotional and traumatic effects on families and children. Bernard Gupta (2008) in their study of black African children and the child protection system suggest that there are a series of interactions between environ mental factors such as poverty, immigration status and social exclusion that affect the life chances of many African children and the capacity of their parents to provide adequate care. Dowling (1999) realise that social work practice in the UK focus less on poverty-alleviating strategies but throw more resources behind safeguarding and protecting vulnerable children from abuse or maltreatment. Social workers need to understand the context in which abuse occurs, irrespective of race and culture, to develop an assessment and intervention process that is fairer for black families as they are more likely to suffer racism and oppression. In view of the above argument, it is pertinent that social workers know when to employ preventative measures to support black African families who have financial needs and when to take such families through the child protection system in the quest for safeguarding children. All these factors together create complex needs for many African children living in the UK, and, in many circumstances increase their vulnerabilities which draw them into the child protection arena. It can be argued that social workers have limited training and skills to understand the consequences of poverty on parents capabilities to provide adequate care for their children and this usually reflects in social work practice. Bernard Bernard (2008) argued that only by developing effective relationships with African families can social work professionals begin to understand their parenting behaviours and practices. 2.2 Poverty and Child Welfare Services Current literature shows that poverty experience by most black African families living in the UK could be alleviated by social work services that offer a pragmatic welfare services rather than drawing these families and children into the child protection system. Brophy et al (2003) study suggests that immigration and asylum issues, combined with poverty, are likely to be the reasons for the increased complexity for social work professionals assessing and intervening child abuse cases involving black African children. The Department of Health challenges social workers with the responsibility to implement Section 17 of the Children Act 1995, to provide adequate financial and social support for children in need via the child welfare services (Platt, 2006). However, social work agencies have not fully achieved the government agenda of alleviating poverty experience by many families and children due to inadequate resources at all levels of social work practice. The Department of Health have indicated that most families, struggle to bring up their children in conditions of material and emotional adversity (DoH, 2001). For instance black African families experiencing poverty may fail in their responsibility to provide proper care for their children as they spent almost all their time working to make ends meet. Such children hardly experience family treats such as going on a family holiday trip, having birthday parties and they are deprived of having basic playing toys and games that help children to learn and grow into adulthood. The lack of affordable basic needs for children of poor families complicated with other social adversities may contribute to poor children developing aggressive behaviours, low self-esteem, picking up awkward attitudes, and may to suffer from social deprivation. Fontes (2005) realises that many traditional immigrant families, where black Africans are part of, may use an authoritative style of parenting, demanding tot al obedience and respect from their children. Although these parental practices may not necessarily constitute child abuse, it clashes with the child-rearing norms of British culture, and seems to bring African children and families to the attention of the child protection system. When social workers start acknowledging borderline child abuse cases and understand the difficulties families living in poverty experience in raising their children, there would be a correct balance between when to employ a child protection intervention and a child welfare intervention (Spratt Callan, 2004). It is evident that children living in poverty may benefit from the child welfare services as stipulated in section 17 of the 1989 Children Act, as it aims at alleviating poverty in families and children in need (Platt, 2006). According to Thoburn et al (2007) investigations of alleged child abuse cases tend to focus more on risk assessment rather than assessment about developmental and social needs of the child in entity. In particular, social wor kers carrying out an investigation into alleged child abuse may not pick up parental and child upbringing issues resulting from poverty or social deprivation (Farmer and Owen, 2005). Brophy et al (2003) study concluded that many black African parents, saw state intervention in parenting as a complete anathema and distrust.., especially where they have immigrated from countries in political turmoil and with no child welfare services (Bernard Gupta, 2008 p.481). Arguably social work intervention in child maltreatment or abuse cases seems to contradict Section 17 of the Children Act, as recent research reveals high levels of satisfaction amongst parents and children receiving social welfare services compare to those families drawn into child protection (Tunstill and Aldgate, 2000). The relationship between social work mission with regard to poverty and the type of social work practice poses a dilemma for social workers. The refocusing initiative of social work practice, as defined by Platt (2006), in child abuse cases may benefit families living in extreme poverty, only when social work interventions aim at promoting social change in families. Thus, social welfare interventions promote and empower families with financial difficulties and who also suffer social exclusion to develop appropriate parental behaviours and skill that encourage proper child care (Monnickendam and Monnickendam, 2009). 2.3 Poverty and Parenting Practices Poverty among many black African families affects the physical and emotional developments of African children living anywhere in the world. Poverty may influence parents behaviours and capabilities to provide for their families the basic needs of life. Bernard Gupta (2008) study highlights the limited attention given to child-rearing practices of African families in child welfare research in the UK. Different child-rearing practices exist in different cultures, but there is just one kind of child-rearing practice that is considered normal. Many research findings point out to the fact that poverty- related parenting practices influence the lives of many African children involved in the child protection system. Thus, Child (1999) comments that when differences in child-rearing and ethnicity are explored the black family is often pathologized and their strengths ignored. For instance black African families are too strict and beat their children or tend to punish their children in a mor e punitive way. Therefore according to Chand (1999) discipline is one area where African families are found to be over-represented in the child protection system. It is important, that social workers redirect attention from child protection interventions to the provision of preventative to support families in need. Shor (2000) argue that the relationship between values and child upbringing patterns illuminates the relationship between poverty and parenting behaviours, as parents from low social class differ in terms of the values they uphold for their children. Shor (2000) also argue that there is correlation between black African mothers with low income status using a more authoritarian approach of caring for their children than mothers with high income status. Thus, according to Fontes (2005), many traditional immigrant families may use an authoritative style of parenting, demanding total obedience and respect from their children, although this parental behaviour may not necessari ly constitute child abuse, but may contravene the norms of the land, and bring such parents to the attention of the child protection system. It is therefore paramount for social work professionals working with black African families living in the UK to develop the requisite knowledge and skills, not only across diverse cultures but understanding the affect of poverty and social exclusion on parental behaviours and capabilities. Poverty tends to breed a kind of parenting practices that make children experience unpleasant devastating lifestyle because their parents hardly can afford to care for them. Even where it is evident that a child has suffered significant harm and the child need to be removed from the family, the style of intervention process deploy by the social work team should be such that it empowers the affected families to develop new coping skills and behaviours for future parenting. It is therefore paramount for social workers to have some knowledge and understand the d iversity of parenting practices that exist in contemporary social work practice so as to discern unacceptable behaviours from unacceptable behaviours. The consequences of misconstruing what behaviour is unacceptable may either draw more black African children and their families into the child protection system or undermine the commitment by social workers to safeguard vulnerable children from the risk of significant harm. 2.4 The Government Regulatory Policies In the early 1990s there was an enormous government effort to develop and promote policies which challenge the influence of a child protection culture on management and social work practice, which has been perceived as distorting the balance of service provision to children and families (Spratt and Callan, 2004). The refocusing initiative necessitated the shift in social work practice from what appeared to be an overly child protection perspective towards a child welfare orientation in the United Kingdom (Platt, 2006). According to Platt (2006) the advocacy for a shift in social work practice from an overly focus child protection work perspective towards a child welfare practice shows a gradual move towards poverty alleviation among poor families living in the UK. Both Parton(1995) and Pelton (1998) research supports the need to overcome pertinent obstacles in the manner social work is practice to achieve social change at family or community levels, and emphasised the failure of the child-care systems attempt to manage child protection risks and meet the needs of children and their families. However, the governments policy as stated in the 1989 Children Act aims to integrate child protection and child welfare services. According to Platt (2006) many children who are subjects of section 47 investigations are also eligible for services as children in need. To reinstate public trust, the government have redefined the primary duties of local authorities within the context of the 1989 Children Act so as to safeguard and provide services needed by poor children by conducting initial assessments, rather than child protection investigations in borderline cases. This policy implementation has become possible by procedural adjustments to other legislative guidance such as Working Together to Safeguard Children and the subsequent implementation of the Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (Platt, 2006). The mid-1990s saw a growing consensus that many children who are subjects of Section 47 investigations due to alleged abuse or neglect are also eligible for services as children in need as in Section 17 of the 1989 Children Act (Platt, 2006). Often, Platt (2006) reckoned such children do not receive welfare services because local authority social work overly focuses on child protection rather than family support oriented services. In view of the refocusing initiative social workers have the legislative backing to approach families alleged of border-line child abuse to use the Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families as guidance with a view to finding appropriate social work intervention practice that may address the needs of these children. In the UK the legislation on children welfare recommends all referrals of child abuse cases must initially be offered a comprehensive child in need assessment except in emergency cases or where it is suspected that a chi ld is suffering from significant harm (Platt, 2006). The Children Act (1989) is the main government legislation aiming to revolutionise social work practice and proceedings concerning the welfare of children in the UK. The Act considers the primary responsibility of child-rearing to rests with families and therefore, children interests will be served best by supporting them to grow up with their own family. Also the Children Act (1989) help harmonise family autonomy and to enable families to exercise their parental responsibilities without unnecessary state interference and for the state to support and protect children only where parents are failing to meet their children needs (www.dvon.gov.uk/child-protection-procedures accessed 09/01/2010). Under the Children Act 1989, local authorities have a general duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in need within their area. The legislation requires local authorities to assess a childs developmental needs so as to promote their welfare, and by doing so children are supported t o live with their families (www.dvon.gov.uk/child-protection-procedures accessed 09/01/2010). In the contrary Section 47 requires local authority to investigate when there is reasonable cause to suspect that a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer significant harm. The investigation will include an objective of the needs of the child, including the risk of abuse and need for protection, as well as the familys ability to meet those needs (www.devon.gov.uk/child-protection-procedures accessed 09/01/2010). Thus, social workers need to make judgements in child abuse cases on how to intervene so that children do not continue to leave in dangerous and risky situations or of removing children unnecessarily from their family. The dilemma of striking the right balance between child protection and child welfare services in child abuse cases is for social workers to base their judgement on pragmatic assessment of the needs of the children and the parental capability to cater for their children needs According to Spratt and Callan (2004) the Department of Health guidance documents Working Together to Safeguard Children and The Assessment Framework have been paralleled by initiatives to provide a steer on the direction of contemporary social work practice. CHAPTER THREE SOCIAL WORK PRACTICES In social work practice, it is important for social workers to base their work on theoretical assumptions, whether they are aware of them or not (Munro, 1998). This theoretical framework guides social workers in deciding who or what should be the primary focus of assessment or intervention and, as well as the objectives and the processes of social work practice (Healy, 2005). Many other writers like Fook et al (2000), who are of the view that social workers need to use theories in their work practice, also emphasized why social workers should develop the capacity to identify, use and develop social work theory in their practice (Healy, 2005). Social work has its roots in the struggle of society to deal with poverty and its consequential problems. Many researchers link social work practice to the ideology of charity work, but in a broader perspective social work embraces both the preventative and protective aspect of vulnerable people within society (www.globalvision.org Accessed on 1 4/12/2009). The term social work practice usually describes work undertaken with individuals, families, groups and communities. In the history of British social work practice, the term encompasses the use of social work knowledge and skills within the framework of social care organisation so as to enhance the provision of services and practice which is consistent with the BASW Codes of Practice. This concept of social work practice promotes protection, safeguarding and social inclusion and provides life opportunities for people using social work services. In the code of ethics, it is emphasise that for social work practice to be successful, social work agencies must work effectively with other affiliated organisations such as the police service, health service, and education service so as to promote children welfare (www.basw.co.uk/ accessed 01/02/2010). In the vast majority of instances social work practice is a collaborative activity not an individual activity whether as social worker employee or an independent social worker. Social work practice aims at changing peoples behaviours in the manner that will p rovide life options for people and to facilitate easy transitions of life situations (Smale et al, 2000). Social work is a demanding profession which is based on a body of values, knowledge, skills and personal attributes, and requires the commitment of social workers to continually upgrade their knowledge and skills in their field of practice. The International Federation of Social Workers states that: Social work bases its methodology on a systematic body of evidence-based knowledge derived from research and practice evaluation, including local and indigenous knowledge specific to its context. It recognizes the complexity of interactions between human beings and their environment, and the capacity of people both to be affected by and to alter the multiple influences upon them including bio-psychosocial factors. The social work profession draws on theories of human development and behaviour and social systems to analyse complex situations and to facilitate individual, organizational, social and cultural changes (www.ifsw.org accessed 14/01/2010 p.1). According Graham (1999) the history of African heritage in the development of social welfare and social work is found in the recesses of British history but it remains largely unacknowledged and sparsely documented as social work continues to be steeped in the professional milieu of an existing ethnocentric knowledge base and value system (p.263). Research evidence (Graham, 1999) shows that social work practice within the black African community in the UK has emerged out of concerns about the well-being of children and families whose experience of enslavement and servitude necessitated efforts to improve their life conditions. The Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work (CCETSW) recognises that the effects of racism on black African people are incompatible with the values of social work and therefore seeks to combat racist practices in all areas of its responsibilities (CCETSW, 1996). Dominelli (2002) advocates for anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory social work practice to delineate oppression and racism which breed some of the social problems that affect traditional social work target populations. Earlier research by Platt (1999) shows an increasing awareness among social workers that the traditional social work models are not effective in addressing the needs of African people in the UK. However, the current social work theory and practice which is founded on ethnocentric value systems, lack the necessary resources to address the needs of African families and their children. It is therefore pertinent for social work practice to be designed to reflect other diverse views and cultural values, particularly African families and their children who are more open to surveillance, as they also show high level of poverty. 3.1 Contemporary Social Work Practices It was not until the mid twentieth century when the International Federation of Social Workers, defined the core aim of social work to be alleviation poverty, liberating vulnerable and oppressed people with the ultimate aim to promote social inclusion (Horner, 2003). The Modernisation agenda introduced by the Labour government in 1997 set the foundation for the concept of collaboration and partnership to be established between professions and services. Following up to this, the concept of partnership and collaboration have become a working document for social work practice and underpin long term planning (Whittington, 2003). Crisp et al (2003) also found that when social workers engage with other inter-professional and multi-agency practice, it promotes prospect for common grounds with other professions, and the potential for professional differences to be recognised and negotiated. In contemporary social work practice, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) code of ethics emphasizes the importance for social workers to understand the centrality of relationships as an important vehicle for social change. Social workers are encouraged to engage service users as partners in helping them to attain the needed change. Most research shows that social work assessment and intervention are inherent features of contemporary practice in social work services. Social work assessment represents the entry of a systematic approach to establish a mutual relationship between a social worker and service users. Social work practice is characterised by the new balance in the relationship between the state and the family as social workers remain responsible for managing child protection risks and providing child welfare services within an integrated system. In Spratt and Callan (2004) study it is realised that the balance between safeguarding and promoting welfare services for children in need who are living with their families in the UK has not yet been achieved as set out in the government policy developments. Lord Lamings Report on the death of Victoria Climbie lead to the publication of the document, Every Child Matters, which set the priority for children not only to be protected from significant harm but to be safeguarded and their welfare promoted (Parton, 2006). A study paper published by the Department of Health (2001) indicates that many families regardless of their ethnicity and religion, struggle to bring up their children in conditions of poverty and social exclusions. Social exclusions and poverty make it extremely difficult for many African families to develop the appropriate parenting skills needed for proper child-rearing, and sometimes may overshadow child maltreatment. Pierce Bozalek (2004) suggest that many African families seeking asylum or migrated to the UK are unfamiliar with the British child protection system, as similar state systems do not exist in Africa, and therefore find the systems intimidating and unfriendly. Brophy et al (2003) argued that poverty among black African families may affect the development of many African children and their parents capacity to provide for them. It is therefore paramount that poverty is considered fully understand by social work professionals during the initial assessment of families i nvolved in alleged child abuse cases. Platt (1999) argued that the refocusing of social work intervention is a result of increasing number of child protection allegations referred into the system, and the proportion of cases leading to social work interventions. This type of intervention draws a large number of children into the child protection system compared to children who are subject to further welfare procedures. In the context of social work practices, it is important to consider the effectiveness of the child protection system, as it seems to achieve as much as could be expected in terms of the limited aim of preventing further abuse to identifiable vulnerable children. Social workers role may be considered as facilitating or empowering service users but, specialised skills and knowledge are needed to identify problems with families and their children involve in child protection and also to find sound interventions that would bring about the necessary social change. Crisp et al (2003) states that social work assessment involves collecting and analysing information about people with the aim of understanding their situation and determining recommendations for any further professional intervention (p.3). Monnickendam Monnikendam (2009) argue that the fundamental dilemma facing contemporary social work practice is the extent and manner to commit to social welfare policy or the extent to direct its efforts primarily to the poor and needy. Arguably social work practice that engage in social welfare policy tends to address poverty through macro-level intervention which aims at promoting social change, but social work practices aiming at individual families living in poverty result in poverty alleviation by assisting those in need to develop better lifestyle strategies. Thus, Monnickendam Monnikendam (2009) research shows that the aim of social work practice in attaining social change and dealing with poverty is hardly attainable only by micro practice. Henceforth the relationship between the mission of social work with regard to poverty and the type of social work intervention needed to protect and safeguard children from further abuse becomes a difficult challenge for social workers. .

Ancient Greece :: Ancient Greece Essays

I found chapter two particularly interesting because it deals with the ancient Greek culture and life. It is so different than the American way of living, yet there are some similarities that are strikingly close. I feel this is especially relevant in their religion. They had oracles, who were these people who delivered messages from the Gods. I think that is kind of like a priest or minister of some sort, but in the Greek world the oracles were the say all ? be all. Apollo was one of the most well known and respected Oracles. I interpreted this as him being like the pope. Everyone respects what the Pope says, and everyone in the ancient Greek world respected what Apollo said. They also had decorative doors to the religious places. Today, many doors to churches are very decorative or have symbols. The way the Greek people justified the world was through their gods and goddesses. They had a god or goddess for everything ? love, war, trouble, sun, the world, the moon, and many other s. My favorite goddess is Pandora. You always hear about Pandora?s Box when someone is about to get into some trouble. To me, she was the rebel goddess. The ?black sheep? if you will. I feel like everyone can relate to her in some way or another. I know there are many times I feel like the odd one out. Or that I am always getting in trouble. Poetry and really good fiction started to flourish in the times of the Greeks. They were very into the whole entertainment thing. Some great pieces of literature came from their time period. For example The Odyssey, The Iliad, and the Trojan War. Homer is the most well known author from the era.