Oedipus Rex vs. Hamlet

A snake, which weaves itself throughout the veins of a family, spews its fatal venom into capillaries and infecting the soul. The poison of betrayal, despair and the disease of the psyches cloud the mind in both Oedipus Rex and Hamlet. In both instances, all characters fall victim to a shattered world, ripped apart by failed expectancies. Prince Hamlet and King Oedipus both watch as their families become dismembered. There was a pattern of ideals that were violated and corrupt, progressing the plays’ actions. The helping hands which aided the unraveling of their lives were perverted concepts, everyday characteristics needed to lead a sane life. These corrupt philosophies which color the pages of these plays touch on the ideals of cursed love, crumbled loyalty, a broken family and the virtue of suffering; all of which aid in the destined doom of the characters. Love is golden, pure. It’s the saving grace which sheds light in the darkest of nights. But in our main characters’ stories, it’s part of their downfall. In both novels, love is one of the threads that are snapped. The tainted, incestuous love of Jocasta and Oedipus Rex helped to prove the prophecy true. It was essentially a mockery of what love is, for they believed it to be true but in the end what they really felt was the love of a mother to her son. Teiresias lays the first seed of their crime, crying to him, â€Å"I say thou livest with thy nearest kin in infamy, unwitting in thy shame. † As the truth unfolds and the couple begins to realize the depth of their sins, the love which they once knew morphs into an ugly, distorted perversion. It resulted in Jocasta’s suicide and Oedipus’s loss of sanity. The revolting reality that the truth posed was too much for the characters to rationalize. In the case of Hamlet, Ophelia’s rejection only added to the deep depression that already colored the Prince’s mind. Hamlet’s spurned desire caused him to alienate Ophelia, leaving him lonelier and believing that there was no one there for him. As he was contemplating suicide, he includes the â€Å"pangs of despised love† as one of the wounds that ravage his mind. Our Prince is angered by Ophelia’s rejection and unleashes his wrath on her, accusing that â€Å"God has given you one face and you make yourselves another. You jig and amble, and you lisp, you nickname God’s creatures and make your wantonness your ignorance. † His isolation and cruelty left Ophelia reeling and despairing, thus ending with the taking of her own life. Another instance of â€Å"incest† was between Claudius and Gertrude. The taboo of their relationship brought about Gertrude’s death and added to Hamlet’s reasons for avenging his father by murdering Claudius. When the cement bonds of family are crushed and ground into dirt, it could cause one to question their life, their worth. All they’ve known vanishes. Family is the stoic rock that is supposed to support you, be there for you in times of need. As Oedipus inadvertently betrays himself and his family, he spells out the demise of his blood line and all others involved. His family becomes a perversion of what a true one should be, spawned out of betrayal and sin. His realization of his broken family snaps his sanity, crying out, â€Å"Then had I never come to shed my father's blood nor climbed my mother's bed; the monstrous offspring of a womb defiled, co-mate of him who gendered me, and child. Was ever man before afflicted thus, like Oedipus? because of the God’s will, he kills his own father and sleeps with his mother. He’s fulfilling the prophecy and his destiny, committing taboos that will end up ripping apart the seams of his rational mind. The betrayal of Jocasta and Laius helped the story to progress as well. If they’d never abandoned their newborn son for death, Oedipus might have avoided ignorantly sleepi ng with his mother and carelessly murdering his father. The cursed King also broke the trust of his people. He alone was the cause of the plague that claimed so many innocent citizens of Thebes. Oedipus only wasted time and effort trying to search for the culprit when it was he who was the villain, accusing the innocent of treachery and pointing his finger at all the wrong places. The lover’s tryst between Ophelia and Hamlet could be categorized as betrayal as well as spurned love. Hamlet looked to the woman he loved for support in his dark time, but she refused him and sent him away at the advice of her father. He illustrates his sense of deception when he says, â€Å"Ay, truly, for the power of beauty will sooner transform honesty from what it is to a bawd than the force of honesty can translate beauty into his likeness. This was sometime a paradox, but now the time gives it proof. I did love you once. † The advice Ophelia received from Polonius to stop seeing Hamlet made the Prince believe that she was just a whore, playing with his emotions. The relationship of Gertrude and Polonius also created a sense of disloyalty for Hamlet. The Queen hardly endured the mourning period of her late husband before diving into bed with King Hamlet’s murderer. Hamlet formulated a distrust for women as a result of his mother’s actions, lashing out at Ophelia exclaiming, â€Å"Get thee to a nunnery. Why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners? I am myself indifferent honest, but yet I could accuse me of such things that it were better my mother had not borne me. † Once Hamlet learned that his mother was not only sleeping with the King’s brother, but his murderer as well, the knife of disloyalty cut even deeper. Revenge then began to taint his mind with the realization of this great betrayal. But, the driving force behind the thirst for the death of Claudius came from the broken trust between brothers. As Claudius poured the venom into King Hamlet’s ear, it sealed his own death. In both Hamlet and Oedipus Rex, the drama revolves around a broken and disjointed family. Your relatives are those you trust, a net to catch you from any treacherous fall. Oedipus tears apart his family as he taints it with murder and incest, incurring his madness and his parent’s demise. He knows that because of his dark deeds, he has set a life for his daughters in which they’ll always be haunted by his actions. His knowledge of this sin makes him spurn himself, â€Å"Their father slew his father, sowed the seed where he himself was gendered, and begat these maidens at the source wherefrom he sprang. Jocasta and Laius also aided in the destruction of their family’s foundation when they tried to kill their own son. Oedipus narrates this when he claims, â€Å"No, let me be a dweller on the hills, on yonder mount Cithaeron, famed as mine, my tomb predestined for me by my sire and mother, while they lived, that I may die slain as they sought to slay me, when aliv e. † But, destiny won out and punished them for their cruelty, for the prophecy was still fulfilled. In the case of Hamlet, Claudius takes a sledgehammer to the Royal family of Denmark when he kills his own brother. This action was the spark which ignited the flame that would engulf the entire family. The Ghost of King Hamlet exposes the treachery of his brother, revealing â€Å"But know, thou noble youth, the serpent that did sting thy father’s life now wears his crown. † The loss of his father was the initiating action that commenced Hamlet’s depression and the discovery of Claudius’s role spurs him to consider murdering Claudius. When Hamlet finally avenges his father, he makes his uncle’s broken brotherhood known, â€Å"Here, thou incestuous, murderous, damned Dane, drink off this potion. Is thy union here? Follow my mother. † Another family wrecked in the play was Polonius’s family. As a conspirator to Claudius, he received his karma when Hamlet killed him. His action brought down his children as well. He convinced Ophelia to disregard Hamlet’s advances, thus incurring the Prince’s loathing for her and making her commit suicide. Claudius convinced Laertes that Hamlet was sick in the mind, dangerous, and the cause for the death of his family. The actions of the two men brought down this second family, as Polonius’s children were lured into the deceiving web of lies which they had spun. Like the venom poured into King Hamlet’s ear, another type of poison seethed into the minds of our plays’ characters. These doomed persons both endured torturous suffering of the mind and the heart. In Oedipus Rex, Jocasta couldn’t bear the knowledge of the terrible sins she had committed. In her last despairing words, she cries â€Å"O woe is thee, poor wretch! With that last word I leave thee, henceforth silent evermore. † Oedipus couldn’t stomach his own tainted self and whatever was left of his corrupted family. His plea cries for blindness, to blacken all that is sinful, â€Å"Dark, dark! The horror of darkness, like a shroud, wraps me and bears me on through mist and cloud. Ah me, ah me! What spasms athwart me shoot, what pangs of agonizing memory? † But no matter what he does, he cannot escape his sins, even as he stabs his eyes. The suffering of these characters, brought on by the knowledge of what they had committed, was the ultimate weapon which ended them. Our Prince Hamlet was inflicted with the disease of the mind, depression. It lingered in the corners of his mind, a black cloud which fostered his dark thoughts and wishes to avenge his father and all who has wronged him. Hamlet also questions the validity of living, whether it was worth it. â€Å"To be or not to be? † To live or not to live? He’s outlining his depression in that soliloquy, debating â€Å"whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune or to take to arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing end them. † He paints the image of his tired mind set, for â€Å"who would be the whips and scorns of time? There is also poor Ophelia, who has cracked underneath her ex-love’s cruel words. â€Å"Well, God'ield you! † She cries in her insanity, â€Å"They say the owl was a baker’s daughter. Lord, we know what we are, but know not what we may be. God be at your table. † She cries her nonsensical words, demonstrating her fragile state of mind. She ultimately becomes so haunted by the stinging words of Hamlet that she cannot bear her life any longer, thus drowning herself. Both of these characters’ sufferings gave rise to their final death. In the works of Oedipus Rex and Hamlet, the main characters all suffer a tragic end. It’s the themes that permeate the pages which causes their ultimate doom. When a chain of events are set into motion, un-foretold consequences may lurk behind. And so those consequences begin to taint the concepts that we all inherently rely on for a happy life. As human beings, we strive to attain love, to be accepted into one’s heart and to do the same. Accompanying love is the expectancy of fidelity. When Prince Hamlet witnessed the countless deceptions, he lost faith in his fellow man. Also family, in which there are ties that are stronger than ever, is expected to remain truthful and just to their relationships but this is violated in both plays. As a result, the violation of all the expected concepts brings about the plague of despair that infects one’s mind. At the realization that life isn’t living up to what they hoped for, questions of existence arise. And so these ideals of cursed love, crumbled loyalty, a broken family and the virtue of suffering all spelled out the imminent demise of our poor characters.

Discuss the dramatic impact of act 2 scene 2 Essay

To achieve maximum impact in this scene, unconventional methods should be used to show how Macbeth is slowly beginning to slip into madness. Shakesphere has added an owl shrieking, this is to perhaps set up a dark atmosphere to link the scene with evil. The owl’s shriek should just begin as Macbeth kills Duncan to show that a evil deed has been committed. Shakephere has deliberately not shown you the actual murder-taking place to show guilt and also by not seeing it we are left to imagine the murder-taking place and may, perhaps, have more affect on the viewer. It can be imagined as being bloodier than it really is. As Macbeth enters on to the stage with bloody hand he should drop to his knees to show how he realizes that what he has done is so evil and it also shows how a psychological impact is starting to take place on him. As Lady Macbeth enters, she should enter slowly and silently to symbolize how the witches disappear and appear as if from nowhere. This shows how evil she is and cold hearted. She should remain calm as if to show no feelings towards what has happened. Lady Macbeth just wants to get back to bed and have the deed finished quickly. As Macbeth begins to tell his speech of how the guards were talking in there sleep, ‘one cried, god bless us! And amen the other.’ Macbeth should say it slowly as if he is worried and as he comes to say the word ‘amen’ he should stutter as if to show he still cannot say it. This shows the evil taking over Macbeth as anything related to good he has problems saying. Lady Macbeth would not commit the deed herself because as Duncan sleeps she resembles her father but she would be happy to kill her own baby as shown earlier on in the book. However she will make sure that the deed is complete without any problems by framing the two servants. A feint knocking should start in the background of the scene as Lady Macbeth departs to finish off the deed, the knocking should be in such away so that it resembles a heartbeat. Macbeth at this point should start scrubbing hands vigorously to show that there seems to be an everlasting amount of blood, like a sea of blood. This shows how evil the deed was and how bloody it was also. The knocking should get louder and faster to resemble Macbeths heart beat slowly getting faster as he gets more nervous and as he slowly begins to slip into madness. In this scene the stage should be mainly dark, there should be no lights focused upon Macbeth or Lady Macbeth to show that they are in darkness and evil. The lighting should be positioned in a way so that they are behind the two characters showing how they have left the light and goodness into the darkness and evil. Macbeth should enter the stage and collapse not starting to speak for several seconds to show how Macbeth it thinking of what he has done. Macbeth should breathe heavily to show his fear and anxiety. He should stare at the daggers and keep his eyes fixed on the daggers until he gives them to Lady Macbeth. This shows how he realizes that the deed is wrong but it is too late to late to go back and change what he has done. This shows that Macbeth is slowly beginning to slip into madness. Macbeth should shout most of his lines where as Lady Macbeth should whisper to show that Lady Macbeth is calm at this point where as Macbeth is scared and angry. The shriek that the owl makes should be loud and fast to show that the murder has been carried out quickly and smoothly. As Macbeth begins to clean the blood off his hands he should scrub it clean off but carry on to show that he is seeing his hands as being still covered in blood but are really clean. This shows that he is going mad.

Diets Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Diets - Essay Example People with diseases such as diabetes need to refrain from eating a lot of carbohydrates. Rather, they should eat more whole grain, eat more poultry and fish and not red meat as well as reduce the amount of sugar they take in their body. They should refrain from eating or drinking food or drinks containing high levels of sodium (Chatham, 2012). Discuss Domino Effect (this is what I call this – this term is not in the text). How will not taking any measures versus taking action discussed for those items you discuss affect your health in the long term. Eating of fatty foods, less fruits and vegetables as well as increased amount of carbohydrates and sugar will lead to an increase in the calories in the body. It will also change the insulin and glucose level in the body leading to diabetes. This unhealthy eating and diet combined with the lack of exercise with increase fat in the blood vessels preventing the heart from pumping blood and this leads to cardiovascular diseases hence causing short life time. The domino effects comes in where the unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise cause the body not to function properly and the systems of the body like the cardiovascular system start crashing. If however the diet mentioned above is maintained combined with regular exercises, then long life is bound to be

Campaigns and Money in American Government Essay

Campaigns and Money in American Government - Essay Example It will also provide a competitive political environment by providing a level ground for the candidates. There would be no landslide wins for the incumbents or the famous that are able to hold fundraisers (Breslwo et al, 2000). More public funding would also ensure that the influence of private contributors on the candidate or those in office is reduced. Replacing private funding with public funding would channel concerns of the general public and not a few. Last, the costs incurred during campaigns would be controlled, preventing overspending, as those funded by the public have to adhere to set limits. (Ansolabehere et al, 2000) The two challenges that face public funding the continuous presence of influence by the wealthy and the high costs of running for elections. Money is defined as speech by the court and these means that one can spend as they wish without interference from the government or anyone else and if this is done then there must be solid justification. However, accountability is required when it comes to spending resources on campaigns and these can be achieved if the government requires that each candidate provide a budget. An appropriate figure is then decided on the amount to spend based on underlying factors such as the seat one is contesting. This would increase

SABMiller Case Analysis Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

SABMiller Analysis - Case Study Example The external environment for SABMiller in 2010 was conflicted by the inability to differentiate certain products in its portfolio of brands, namely the light beer categories, which accounts for 40 percent of total beer sales in the U.S; a significant volume. In Western Europe, well-established premium brands were estimated to be driving consumer demand based on their buying trends. This was a difficulty considering that new executive leadership worked toward reducing the Miller brand portfolio from 50 down to just 10 or 12 products. Divestment of premium brands that occurred during the earlier part of the 2000s seemed to limit the ability of SABMiller to re-establish brand presence for low-performing beer. Clearly, SABMiller is affected by the consumer behaviour preferences driven by trends or consumption patterns and must reengineer processes to meet these changing demands. In 2010, it was also clear that SABMiller is impacted by events in the external market, such as South African AIDS pandemics, confidence in certain currency markets related to the stock market and trading, and other events that limit their short-term potential to gain revenue and/or market share. However, SABMiller understood these limitations and worked to leverage other activities to the best of their ability, especially considering that some external events like the AIDS scenario was completely outside of the control of strategic leadership and focus. Additionally, the external market was driven by joint ventures from some of the major players in the beer industry, thus limiting the ability to consider this a quality strategy that had once served them well, such as with Coors and other brands. Even though these had short-term revenue opportunities and cost reduction improvements, or streamlining operational functions, their long-term value was diminishing. The external market provided opportunities to combine resources with competition, however this strategy has long-term brand problems at the marketing level when similarly-priced products in a joint venture are competing with one another. Thus, finding new opportunities based on the external market characteristics were becoming increasingly difficult to innovate and implement. SABMiller’s competitive advantage SABMiller’s competitive advantage had been the ability to coordinate resources for acquisitions in order to extend their portfolio of brands across Europe, em erging economies and the United States. This drove considerable success from 2001 until 2009, such as the acquisition of Grolsch, Sarmat Brewery in the Ukraine, and multiple brewery purchases in the Chinese market. As indicated by the company’s cash flow statements, the improvement in total brand portfolios gave it more resources to seek acquisitions as a strategy for long-term growth and opportunity in emerging economies and locally. SABMiller fits the profile of a strategic leader when it comes to seeking opportunity through acquisition and divesting poor performing brands when required through external analysis and business process reengineering.

Research Report and Presentation (Short Report) Paper

Report and Presentation (Short Report) - Research Paper Example Reynolds is also popular for being in possession of award-winning advertising skills. After starting up his tobacco company, and advertising it through the print media, he was regarded as the leading innovator by the members of his society. In 1913, Reynolds introduced the Camel brand, which enticed consumers by providing them with a lifestyle that no other cigarette brands did (Gillespie, 2012). RJR resurrected its Camel brand in 1987 and renamed it Joe camel. Joe Camel reflects a cartoon camel that has been pictured wearing sunglasses. A large number of people stipulate that this move was a ploy aimed at enticing young children to start smoking. However, RJR denied the idea and said that Joe Camel was a smooth character whose role was to attract the attention of adult smokers. This criticism was raised by the Journal of the American Medical Association, which stipulated that children who were aged 5 and 6 years were able to recognize Joe Camel than they could with Mickey Mouse (Gillespie, 2012). In this case, it was alleged that the Joe Camel campaigns targeted children to become smokers, regardless of RJR’s contentions that the campaign was researched among adults, and it was directed towards smokers who used other brands. In 1988, RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company initialized an advertising campaign to boost the popularity of its Camel brand, which featured the Joe Camel cartoon. Later it was revealed that Joe Camel was rivalling Mickey Mouse in terms of recognition and that children who were as young as 11 years were able to notice the advertisement more than any other person regardless of his or her age. From the time, the campaign was started; the market share for the Camel brand had risen from 0.5 percent to 32.8 percent by 1991 (Calfee, 2000). Because of this, RJ Reynolds realized that it managed to make approximately $476 million sales illegally from Camel cigarettes to young children every

FINANCIAL MARKET AND PRODUCT RISK Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

FINANCIAL MARKET AND PRODUCT RISK - Essay Example The two of the stylized financial asset pricing model is Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and Arbitrage Pricing theory (APT). The paper will be focusing on the critical evaluation of these two asset pricing models and will be analyzing the justification of its use with that of a fund manager in the United Kingdom. Let us begin our discussion with the notion of these two models before plunging into their critical evaluation. Mechanics of CAPM The capital asset pricing model (CAPM) developed by Sharp (1964), Linter (1965) and Mossin (1966) (Zhang & Wihlborg, 2004, p.1) assumes that stock returns are usually evolved from one factor model which represents the market portfolio of all the risky assets. The theory is structured on the notion that it is an aggregation of the Portfolio theory and some additional ones. In the CAPM model, the concept of risk free asset resulted in the derivation of Capital Market Line which is referred to as the new efficient frontier. The equation for the CA PM model can be stated as follows: is the required rate of return on a risky asset and it is a function of risk free rate and risk premium . The market risk premium is the difference between the return on the market and the risk free return. is crucial as it determines the sensitivity of the stock market to that of the market which shows by what amount the price of a stock will fluctuate in specific fluctuations to that of the stock market (Zubairi et al, 2011, p.441). But the critical point in the estimation of the CAPM. The model assumes that the return on a stock is dependent on whether the price of the stock follows the prices in the market as a whole. It is useful as it represents a statistical representation of the past risk. Although there is no certainty but a high probability will be attached to infer the statement that the companies which strong stock price history will also performs in the future. The critical point in the estimation of the CAPM is the difficulty of measu ring the true market portfolio (Donovan, 2007, p.3). The APT theory is a modified version of CAPM which is discussed in the following segment. Mechanics of APT Developed by Ross (1976) APT states that a large number of sources for risk are present in the economy which cannot be eliminated by the process of diversification (Iqbal & Haider, 2005, p. 121). The risks are thought to be of the factors like inflation, output fluctuations, fiscal and monetary shocks. APT is modified than CAPM in the sense that it focuses on the measurement of a large number of Betas () than a single Beta which was calculated in CAPM model. The Betas are calculated by the estimation of the sensitivity of the return of the assets with respect to change in each factor. It possesses a linear relationship between the returns on risky assets and a small set of economy wide common factor. The equation is given as follows: Here, is the expected return of the ith stock. Fj represent the unobserved economic factors a nd bij represent the sensitivity of the security i to that of the economic factors j and ?I is the stochastic parameter known as the uncontrolled factor (Donovan, 2007, p.3). Now let us analyze which model a fund manager sitting in the UK will be adapting. Characteristics of the shares traded in the London Stock exchange The companies whose shares are traded in the London Stock Exchange vary largely where the smallest companies are valued

Personal Value and Ethical Standards Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Personal Value and Ethical Standards - Essay Example In purely lexical terms, the word ethics comes from the Greek word ethikos which means ‘based on habit’. In present terminology, ethics is taken to be a branch of philosophy which judges individual and collective actions as being right, wrong, good or bad. In business and professional fields like finance, construction, public relations, advertising and many others, the application of ethical principles is said to be a part of the good practices which create and increase credibility for the business interest (Alexandra & Woodruff, 1990). The field of human services is not exempt from the practice of ethics and there is an entirely different branch of ethics connected with the actions of those who interact with individuals in need. In fact, even those who have no contact with others and are only conducting research on the various topics under the field have to follow ethical and legal guidelines that govern how research can be done on any particular topic (Scanlon, 2000). Thus, every individual from researchers to those who actually provide services have to follow ethical guidelines. Therefore, it is important to understand what ethical guidelines are in actuality. Velasquez et. al. (1987) report that when people on the street were inquired about the meaning of ethics, they said that ethics have to do with internal feelings of what is right and wrong or that ethics are religious beliefs or that ethics are legal requirements. People also considered ethics to be acceptable behavior as per the rules of society and some simply did not know what it meant. While the responses stated above may come naturally given the context the word ethics is so often used in. It must be clarified that ethics have nothing to do with the internal feelings of a person (Alexandra & Woodruff, 1990). This is because personal feelings and emotions about something may lead a person to do what

Inclusion Programs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Inclusion Programs - Essay Example As the report declares co-teaching methods are under constant research. The effectiveness in its completeness can not yet be ascertained as far as this model is concerned. But many a benefit are found to surface by co-teaching process. Co-teaching is a model in which a team of teachers get themselves involved in the development of heterogeneous learners. The team normally does not accept mere inclusion of students with disabilities in a general classroom. The team members assess, evaluate, and locate the actual needs of individual students and act after planning to meet their needs. This paper stresses that inclusion programs for students with disabilities in regular class rooms do not give any tailor-made solutions. However, the inclusion of disabled students in regular classrooms are widely gaining support among all concerned. Several factors are to be taken into account in the philosophy of inclusion. Some are: Age-appropriate placement, Social integration, Curricular expectations, Staff development, Team collaboration and classroom management. While giving much weight to the smooth running of the class, the legal support available for a parent to get his/her kid continued in the regular class room must also have to be considered without causing any damage to the general education process. Appraisal of parents with the fact that individual needs of the students with disabilities are keenly observed and strived hard to meet them to the maximum possible extent would ease the situations in many cases.

The trade system in Ramayana Essay Example for Free

The trade system in Ramayana Essay Based on the summary by Stephen Knapp (2007) The Ramayana is one of the two greatest stories told from India which was written and created by VÄ lmiki sometime between 4th and 2nd BCE. Knapp had elaborated that the story of Ramayana is about how the lives of people have been running in India on the year 1000 BCE. The story wandered around the life of the heroes of the story, Rama and Sita. The story of the Ramayana has been very influential to the lives and teachings of the Indians at those times, preachers treated the life story of Rama and Sita as a model for the youth (Knapp, 2007).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the story of Ramayana, since it talked about how the people of India lived a long time ago, the source of the primary needs of the people was also mentioned. At the timeline of the story, trading was very active and people have been able to live by the barter system since money was not that used during that period. Within the Ramayana story, there are passages that mentioned things about the trades that happened in the place the story was set (Narayan, 1972).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Most of the merchants at that time had stones, iron, stones and even animals for export. But the most popular product exported by the Indians at that time was cloths which was made of cotton and were perfectly woven and block printed. These items were bartered to other races that intentionally went to the Indian ports to trade different products (Foley, 2004).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The trade of different products between India and other countries also happened inside India itself, Indians bartered with each other to be able to acquire the things each of them needed at that time.   This also occurred in the story of Ramayana, in which the monkeys and the Ravanas are involved (mythome.com, 2004).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The army of monkeys was headed by Hanuman, and they transacted and traded products like cloth and war equipments with the Ravanas, with hope of getting their trust. But their main hidden goal was to defeat them and the kill their leader which is Ravana, the ten-headed evil god (indhistory.com, 2007). References: Ramayana. 2007. 1. Ramayana Summary. 2004. 1. Foley, Jennifer. Lessons of the Indian Epics: Following the Dharma. 2004. Knapp, Stephen. The Ramayana: A Summary by Stephen Knapp. 2007. 1. Narayan, R.K. The Ramayana. Viking Press, 1972.

Unilever Business Strategy

Unilever Business Strategy Jump to: SWOT Analysis of Unilever | Unilever BCG Matrix  |  Unilever PESTEL  | Unilever Financial Analysis | Unilever Competitors This is a case study on Unilever business strategy. It would seek to analyze the strategic position of the group with the help of SWOT, PEST and BCG Matrix models. The paper would critically assess the competitive situation of the company in relation to other major product based companies in the market and companys financial performance and key issues. In the end it would submit few recommendations. The case study is my first effort towards analyzing the business strategy of Unilever and its success in the market. Since Unilever is so famous and its products so widely used all over the world, it is of great interest for me to carry out a case study on its business strategy. The paper would greatly help me and the readers to understand some key issues concerning Unilever in todays business world. Introduction 2.1. About Unilever Unilever is a multi-national corporation, formed of Anglo-Dutch parentage that owns many of the worlds consumer product brands in foods, beverages, cleaning agents and personal care products. Unilever employs nearly 180,000 people and had worldwide revenue of almost à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬40 billion in 2005. Unilever is a dual-listed company consisting of Unilever NV in Rotterdam, Netherlands and Unilever PLC in London, England. This arrangement is similar to that of Reed Elsevier and that of Royal Dutch Shell prior to their unified structure. Both Unilever companies have the same directors and effectively operate as a single business. The current non-executive Chairman of Unilever N.V. and PLC is Michael Treschow while P Mr Paul Polman is the Group Chief Executive. The company is widely listed on the worlds stock exchanges (About Unilever: 2008). 2.2. History Unilever was founded in 1930 through merger by the British, Lever Brother; and the Dutch, Margarine Unie; now Unilever PLC in London, U.K and Unilever N.V in Rotterdam, Netherlands respectively. In 1872 before the merger, Jurgens and Van den Bergh, the Dutch, built factory in Netherlands for the production of Margarine made from milk and fact. In 1927, they formed Margarine Unie (margarine Union) together with two European Businesses, Centre and Schicht. Lever Co on the other hand was founded in 1884 by British William Hesketh Lever and his brother, James, and was producing soap Sunlight soap for people in England especially for women. William Lever wrote: to make cleanliness commonplace; to lessen work for women; to foster health and contribute to personal attractiveness, that life may be more enjoyable and rewarding for the people who use our products. In 1890, Lever Co become limited company known as Lever Brothers (Uhomhoabhi, Fredrick Albert: 2008) Unilever, Unilever N.V and Unilever PLC comprise Unilever group. Both companies have the same directors. Its annual turnover in 2005 was à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬39.672 billion and employs206, 000 employees around the world.1 Unilever brands consist of Food, Beverage, and Home and Personal Care. Some of these products are Knorr, Breyers and Magnum, Lipton, Omo (detergent) etc. Knorr has the biggest sales of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬2.3 billon in 2005.In May 2007 it became the first tea company to commit to sourcing all its tea in a sustainable manner, asking the Rainforest Alliance, an international environmental NGO, to start certifying its tea estates in East Africa. It declared its aim to have all Lipton Yellow Label and PG Tips tea bags sold in Western Europe certified by 2010, followed by all Lipton tea bags globally by 2015. Covalence, an ethical reputation ranking agency, placed Unilever at the top of its ranking based on positive versus negative news coverage for 2007. In 2008 Unilever was honor ed at the 59th Annual Technology Engineering Emmy Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Advanced Media Technology for Creation and Distribution of Interactive Commercial Advertising Delivered through Digital Set Top Boxes for its program Axe. Strategic position of the company The strategic position of the company shall be analyzed through following techniques: 3.1. S.W.O.T Analysis The overall evaluation of a companys strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats is called SWOT analysis. In general, a business unit has to monitor key macro environment forces (demographic-economic, technological, political-legal, and social-cultural) and significant microenvironment actors (customers, competitors, distributors, suppliers) that affect its ability to earn profits. The business unit should set up a marketing intelligence system to track tends and important developments. For each trend or development, management needs to identify the associated opportunities and threats. (S)trengths Recognized as a global company. Strong brand portfolio. Strong relationship with retailers Economies of scale. Corporate social behavior Variety of products (W)eaknesses Dual leadership Limited costumer connection Inefficient management of brands Inability to maximize acquisitions Lack of control in the market Reduced spending on RD (O)pportunities Changing consumer preferences Increasing need for healthy products Low income consumers Rapid increase in population (T)hreats Decrease in revenue Strong competition(PG) Tougher business climate Exchange rates Economic crisis Increase in production and labor cost 3.2. BCG Matrix Stars(High market growth share) Lux Sunsilk Walls ice cream Fair lovely Rafhan Energile AXE Vasline PG tips Dogs(Low market growth share) Wheel detergent Supreme tea Lifebuoy shampoo Cash cows(Low growth High share) Surf excel Ponds Lipton Close up Blue band Dove soap Rexona Knorr Question marks(High growth low share) Clear shampoo Rin Comfort Ben Jerrys Persil 3.3. PESTEL Analysis 3.3.1. (P)olitical/Legal environment Unilever, as a matter of policy, set a standard as to the way of tackling political issues. Unilever has its tactical way of handling political issues. First, in the 1960s, many countries began to nationalize foreign firms which also affected Unilever. This was a call for local equity participation in foreign firms. Thus, so many companies were subject to local control on prices, imports, employment of expatriates and so on. As a result of the adverse effect of nationalization policy, in the 1970, many US companies e.g. IBM and coca cola left India. There was fear by foreign companies uncertain issues such as knowledge leakage, loss of trademark etc. this was also hazardous for Unilever as its control over operation in the market was reduced. For example UAC, a subsidiary of Unilever, whose operation was in many African countries (Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, etc.), was focused on as its profit margin and rate of easy remittance of profit to its Anglo-Dutch parent was enorm ous. Nationalizing UA Chambered Unilevers control over the market where UAC operates. However, Unilever uses its experience and goodwill to make contacts in many countries to bargain with government so as to modify their regulations. In central and south America, Unilever only engaged in lobbying rather than active politicking. In other words, Unilever never get involved in sponsoring political parties. Today, Unilever has gained political ground using its tactical strategy and experience. Unilever is a member of many organizations all over the world. The aim is to create favorable business environment, and also facilitate corporate reputation management. 3.3.2. (E)conomic environment Unilever market environment is becoming highly competitive especially in the Western Europe. Procter Gamble (PG) is one of the major competitors in the European market. More so, there are so many discounters in the European market resulting from EU free trade policy. This has had adverse effect on Unilevers profit potentials. Retailers are pressurizing FMCG producers to reduce prices of their products. Consumers on the other hand would not want to buy expensive product or brands due to current economic tide. Competition in EU has grown so strong that Unilever is facing difficulties in places like France, Netherlands. In the developing countries and the emerging economies (Asia and Africa), where there are political instability, Unilever has adopted its company strategy to ensure that its profitability drive is sustained. Some Products are packaged in small size for low or regular income earner, for affordability. In some developing countries, Nigeria to be precise, there was uncertainty about duties to be paid by companies due to inflation and fluctuation of currency. The effect on Unilever was a decrease in profit in 2005 compared to 2004, though there was increase in turnover. 3.3.3. (S)ocio-cultural environment Unilever has continued to maintain momentum in its socio-cultural environment in line with its sustainability drive. The company is working relentlessly to bring improve hygiene and better nutrition to people in Asia, Africa and Latin America, especially the poor and obesity. Over 30% of Africa population lives on less than $1 per day. By this, Unilever strengthens it goodwill. However, the low literacy of consumers affects marketing vehicles such as advertisement in print media. This therefore requires employment of more resources, for instance to enhance face-to-face communication. Besides, Unilever employs about 100 nationalities. It ensures that diversity works for everybody both employees and consumer alike. In order to achieve and ensure that diversity works amongst employees, Unilever employed the strategy of so as to manage and leverage diversity. Unilever is focused on building an exclusive culture and embracing difference, which resulted in high demand of its products in th e developing and emerging markets. 3.3.4. (T)echnological environment Right in the 1930s, Unilever continue to diversify. Business continue to boom in the1950s with new technology being invented to boast production and enhance quality products for consumer, competitors improving their products using new inventions. Unilever did not give up its effort in RD. Since 2000, Unilever has been spending on IT to improve its business especially in the area of e-business so as to improve brands communication and market through internet, making transaction simple along chain. Today, Unilever is trying to minimize cost through IT efficiencies at global level. In addition, Unilever Technology Venture works in collaboration with Unilever RD group to help Unilever meet consumers needs. Area of concern is genomics, advanced bioscience, advanced materials science and nanotechnology. In 2003, Unilever installed and commissioned pallet live storage system from Bitto Storage System Ltd. This was meant to store its frozen products. The facilities include: pallet live storage systems, carton live storage systems, pallet racking, boltless shelving, plastic bins and containers, wide span and heavy load shelving, cantilever racking, and multi-tier shelving systems. 3.3.5. (E)nvironment In recognition of local legislation and to keep its corporate responsibilities, Unilever designed management system. Unilever has respect for consumer health and safety. This policy is to ensure all Unilever operators establish a formal environmental management system. Training programs are being arranged in various regions/business groups to ensure compliance with the company Standard for Occupational Health and Safety Environmental Care (SHE). This framework is based on the ISO 14001 management standard. Unilever had also worked in conjunction with government of countries of its operation as regards waste management. For instance in Ghana, 2004, over 21 tones of wastes were supplied to small and medium size recycling businesses in Accra, Ghana, by Unilever to reduce the amount of plastic waste sent to landfill. Financial performance Underlying sales growth of 7.4% was partly offset by movements in exchange rates (4.8%) and the net impact of disposals and acquisitions (1.4%). Including these effects, turnover was 40,523 million for the full year, increasing by 0.8%. Operating profit increased by 1,922 million to 7,167 million, including a higher level of profits on business disposals. These generated a pre-tax profit of 2,190 million in 2008, compared  with 297 million in 2007. Net profit was 28% higher than last year, boosted by the profits on disposals. Earnings per share were à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬1.79, including a net gain of 0.36 from  RDIs. This compared with 1.35 last year, which included a net loss of 0.07 from RDIs. Net cash flow from operations at 3.9 billion was in line with last year. Total cash returns to shareholders in the year were 3.6 billion, made up of 2.1 billion of dividends and 1.5 billion of share buy-backs. 4.4. Financial Objectives Unilevers ambition is to top Third Total Shareholder Return, over a 3 year rolling period out of peer group of 20 other companies. Its outlook for year 2010 is: Un-geared free cash flow in the period 2005-2010 to be 25-30bn. Improvement in Return on Invested Capital. Underlying sales growth of 3-5% p.a. Operating margin of over 15% by 2010 after normal restructuring. Improved capital and tax efficiency. Market share and competition 5.3. Category position in the market Strategic Issues Following are some of the key strategic issues which Unilever faces today: 6.1. Leadership Unilever maintains two business entities i.e. Unilever PLC and Unilever N.V. Due to dual chairperson approach; it faces following problems in their business strategy: List stock separately Shared board of directors Typical management; wear two, three hats Conflict in Board and Business responsibilities Company remains fragmented Reduced effectiveness Slow decision making process( Bureaucracy) Unilever believer (believe in Unilever) Unilever should create a sense of belief amongst its consumers. It should try and focus on program that focuses on brand initiative to the consumers. Use advertising that connects with consumer needs: Consumers demand high quality products that are both convenient and delicious Consumers look for new ways to use the product Large population of single parent house hold More females are working full-time jobs Increase consumer focus on health and nutrition Strategy Justification 7.1. Recommendation 1 Make an initiative to create an overall umbrella brand across all Unilevers brands that will eventually consolidate various businesses under one name. Unilever Plc Unilever NV One Unilever Provides a greater clarity of leadership, responsibility, and accountability Allows Unilever to focus on the needs of their customers and consumers thus reigniting growth and increasing sales potential Provides the ability to leverage scale of operations Create a strategic platform for brand management Recommendation 2 It should implement Unilever Believer product and brand extensions. The related example in this case is of Lipton tea. It should try and create an extension to this famous brand by focusing on energy drinks. Justifications are: Energy drinks jumped 56% in sales last year Market has exceed $100 million in the recent years Main Competitor: Red Bull Positioning Statement: A Healthier Alternative to Energy Drinks Unilever should cash in this opportunity by: Target Market: Young adults 18-32 Uses: stay up all night and/or start a night out Main Ingredients: Caffeine, Vitamin B, Guarana Advertisements: Highlight healthier ingredients of the product while showcasing its ability to give energy and revitalize body

Technologys Impact on the Upper Mississippi River Essay -- Enviroment

Technology's Impact on the Upper Mississippi River Since the days of Lewis and Clark men have dreamed of harnessing the "Father of Waters" in the interests of commerce and development. The long struggle which ensued required incredible ingenuity and determination on the part of engineers as well as enormous capital investment. The Mississippi River Commission, established in 1897, was the first federal program designed specifically to meet these requirements, and early systems, instituted by the Army Corps of Engineers, saw much success. Technological advancements in the fields of transportation, flood control, and natural resource management were needed and, eventually, emerged to provide the level of control possible today. This report will discuss the technological transformation of the upper Mississippi river and the motivation behind it from the middle 1800's. Economics, in the form of cheap transportation, have been the impetus behind most of the development along the Upper Mississippi. In the early 1800's, transportation was limited to keelboats (large rafts made of roughcut lumber) which floated downstream with the current where they changed their cargo and then were poled or warped (pulled from shore with a rope) back upstream. With the development of the steamboat the arduous journey up and down the river, taking up to nine months by keelboat, became a much more reliable route for transporting both products and people. In the late 1800's, the invention of the internal combustion engine led to the powerful towboats seen on the Mississippi today. Towboats move 70 to 85 million tons of cargo annually between Minneapolis and the Missouri River [http://www.emtc.nbs.gov]. Underscoring the economic importance of such ... ...ing fascinating about science, one gets such wholesale returns of conjecture out of such trifling investments of fact." References: Mairson, Alan, "The Great Flood of '93," National Geographic, vol. 185 (January 1994),pp. 42-81. National Biological Service, Department of the Interior, "Environmental Management Technical Center," http://www.emtc.nbs.gov (1996). Twain, Mark, Life on the Mississippi (New York, New York: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1917). Upper Mississippi River Basin Coordinating Committee, Upper Mississippi River Comprehensive Basin Study, vol. 1 and 5 (1972) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, "Upper Mississippi River--Illinois Waterway System Navigation Study," http://www.usace.army.mil/ncd (1996). U.S. Geological Survey EROS Data Center, "Upper Mississippi River Basin Flooding," http://edcwww.cr.usgs.gov/doc/edchome/sast (1996). Technology's Impact on the Upper Mississippi River Essay -- Enviroment Technology's Impact on the Upper Mississippi River Since the days of Lewis and Clark men have dreamed of harnessing the "Father of Waters" in the interests of commerce and development. The long struggle which ensued required incredible ingenuity and determination on the part of engineers as well as enormous capital investment. The Mississippi River Commission, established in 1897, was the first federal program designed specifically to meet these requirements, and early systems, instituted by the Army Corps of Engineers, saw much success. Technological advancements in the fields of transportation, flood control, and natural resource management were needed and, eventually, emerged to provide the level of control possible today. This report will discuss the technological transformation of the upper Mississippi river and the motivation behind it from the middle 1800's. Economics, in the form of cheap transportation, have been the impetus behind most of the development along the Upper Mississippi. In the early 1800's, transportation was limited to keelboats (large rafts made of roughcut lumber) which floated downstream with the current where they changed their cargo and then were poled or warped (pulled from shore with a rope) back upstream. With the development of the steamboat the arduous journey up and down the river, taking up to nine months by keelboat, became a much more reliable route for transporting both products and people. In the late 1800's, the invention of the internal combustion engine led to the powerful towboats seen on the Mississippi today. Towboats move 70 to 85 million tons of cargo annually between Minneapolis and the Missouri River [http://www.emtc.nbs.gov]. Underscoring the economic importance of such ... ...ing fascinating about science, one gets such wholesale returns of conjecture out of such trifling investments of fact." References: Mairson, Alan, "The Great Flood of '93," National Geographic, vol. 185 (January 1994),pp. 42-81. National Biological Service, Department of the Interior, "Environmental Management Technical Center," http://www.emtc.nbs.gov (1996). Twain, Mark, Life on the Mississippi (New York, New York: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1917). Upper Mississippi River Basin Coordinating Committee, Upper Mississippi River Comprehensive Basin Study, vol. 1 and 5 (1972) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, "Upper Mississippi River--Illinois Waterway System Navigation Study," http://www.usace.army.mil/ncd (1996). U.S. Geological Survey EROS Data Center, "Upper Mississippi River Basin Flooding," http://edcwww.cr.usgs.gov/doc/edchome/sast (1996).

The Rise Of Violent Crime In Canada Essay -- essays research papers f

The Rise of Violent Crime In Canada Violent crime in Canada is on the rise in Canada as well as the types of violent crimes being committed against the public. It has been on the rise for many, many years. I believe and intend to prove in the following essay that it is societies responsibility for the rise of violent crime with their unwillingness and inability to effectively deal with the current trend in our society. In the last few years, a slight dip in violent crime has been noted, but we must view this with skepticism as no official statistics are available. As well as this could be an example of society realizing that the Criminal Justice System is not effectively dealing with the trend of violence in Canada. This would be true by way of the fact that people are not reporting these crimes to the police. Generally all the statistics that are gathered and used by the police are based upon reported crime and no conjecture on unreported crime is included in these official statistics. To fully understand what violent crime is, we must first define what violent crime is in actuality. All to often, people in Canadian society refer to general wrongdoing as being a crime. A simple example of this is when grocery stores all raise their prices for certain food products. People then refer very casually to this act as a crime or that these prices are criminal. Individuals in our Society often have a fear of being victimized by others, such as the government, friends and or strangers. This fear is often equated with crime since all crimes have a winner and a loser or victim as would be the legal term. This equation often makes involvement in these acts of "crime" a personal thing. Which results in stronger feelings and sometimes irrational thinking towards the whole subject of crime. Many times people are not reporting these crimes because it is their duty in a society to help uphold the laws of ones society. In actuality, they are reporting the crime for needed compensation whether it be for medical costs or lost wages. Another reason some people report crimes is because they are doing it as an avenging act to extract a revenge they could not otherwise get for themselves. This is a main reason in the fact that police officers need to investigate reported crimes and determine if a crime had actually been committed o... ...otions and problems. Social upheavals have occurred in recent times and gender roles have been obscured causing more problems with the continuity of society. Values and ideas are being taught to new members of a society which are old and out dated methods. This could be a causing factor into which violence is increasing. As frustration increases and a lack of understanding of how to interact among different people in a society is gone, the problems appear to be mounting and getting bigger everyday. The social methods of control are falling behind and chaos is coming out as a leader in our society. Bibliography Fleming, Thomas. The New Crimonolgies in Canada. Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1985. Johnson, Holly. Violent Crime. Canadian Social Trends. Larsen,Nick. The Candian Criminal Justice System. Toronto: Canadian Scholars Press Inc., 1995. Macionis, John J.. Sociology. Scarborough, Ontario: Prentice-Hall Canada Inc., 1994 Roberts, Albert R.. Critical Issues in Crime and Justice. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications, 1994. Siverman, Robert A., Teevan, James J.. Crime in Canadian Society. Toronto, Canada: Butterworth and Co. Ltd., 1975.

El Nino :: science

El Nino El Nino has been a reoccurring phenomenon for centuries. Man has only started to realize how much of the worlds weather is effected by it. The term El Nino refers to an irregular warming of the seas surface. During the last 40 years there have been 10 significant El Nino occurrences. Most affecting the coast of South America. Water temperatures increase along the coast as far as the Galapagos islands. Weak events will raise the water temperature 2 to 4 degrees Celsius and will have minor impact on fishing. However strong events such as the 1982-83 event will disrupt climate conditions around the world as well as local conditions. It has been linked to floods and droughts all over the world. Hurricanes and tropical storms are also altered in their numbers by El Nino. Therefore it would be very helpful for people if El Nino could be predicted and prepared for in some form. During a El Nino cycle there are many biological changes. Due to a depressed thermocline there is less photosynthetic activity resulting in a decrease in the primary life forms that form the beginning of the food chain. The warmer waters that are brought by these changing cycles hold less dissolved oxygen forcing fish to go deeper or venture elsewhere. Due to a lack of data during El Nino occurrences it is not fully known if fish populations are depleted solely due to exposure to El Nino. A decrease in their growth and reproductive success has been observed by many surveys in coastal waters. The link between climatic effects around the world and El Nino is now well established. It has taken many years of studying to understand how the pieces of the puzzle, from ocean currents to winds and heavy rains fit together. During the 1920s a scientist was on assignment in India trying to predict the Asian monsoons. As he sorted through his records he discovered a connection between barometer readings at stations on the eastern and western sides of the Pacific. He noticed that when pressure rises in the west it usually falls in the east and vice versa. He coined this term Southern Oscillation. When it is on its high index state pressure is high on the eastern side of the Pacific and low on the western side (figure 1). The east west pressure contrast drives easterly surface winds.

A Revolutionary People at War

Rightfully taking its place on the bookshelf next to Alexis-Charles-Henri Clerel de Tocqueville’s (1805 to 1859) Democracy in America and Howard Zinn’s A Peoples History of the United States (1980), Charles Royster’s classic study A Revolutionary People at War (Chapel Hill, 1996) takes us once more through an emotionally stirring panoramic view of the Revolutionary War and the people who fought it.In a similar vein to Zinn, Royster’s book focuses on the political and cultural forces that have arguably remained somewhat at the heart of the American character. Royster as well, is never too shy about informing us just what made us who were are, and how we came to remake ourselves in the process. Although it is not always pleasant to hear, he never fails to tell us the truth.This is a book about how the Revolutionary War came to shape the character of the American people; and not the other way around. It is about broken promises, fear and suspicion, and then i t is about the broken hearts of so many loyal American soldiers who left the battlefield, some of them after eight long agonizing years of war, truly feeling as if they had been betrayed by their country.They could not have felt much unlike many Americans must feel today. We are also living though an era when families of fighting men and women in Iraq have often expressed feeling alienated by their own country; while the burden of fighting this war seems to have rested solely upon their shoulders. The emotions felt by many who fought in the Revolutionary war could not have been much unlike the feelings of so many Viet Nam era combatants, who faced down a skilled guerilla army in a foreign land with no clear purpose in mind; only to return home and be spat upon and treated like criminals by their own people.The only difference here is that there was indeed a clearly defined purpose for the revolutionary colonist to throw off the yoke of British colonialism. If there was one thing tha t 75% of the colonialist could agree upon, it was that they were sick of British taxes and British rule. They ultimately took up arms and fought with honor. However, before the war was over the burden had become too great for some to bear.In the beginning, the war had promised the fighting men glory beyond everything else, because at the heart of the mounting revolutionary sentiment was an undeniable sense that the nation was offering them a â€Å"dual immorality; in heaven and posthumously† (p.32). In the end though, the nation had largely disparaged and then abandoned them altogether.Royster’s book is about the clamor for resistance that got us into war in the first place, and the sense of betrayal that many soldiers in the Continental Army felt afterwards. It is about the sense of fear and suspicion that the citizenry grew to feel towards the soldiers who were raiding their farms and confiscating their wagons and life stock at will, all throughout the war (52).Yet, it is also about an officer or two, who ultimately left the battlefield feeling beset with a sense of anger; and then the looming sense of dishonor that would accompany them at the end of the war. It is about the resentment of the solider towards the Continental Congress for not doing the right thing by awarding them the pay that they deserved, after putting them in harms way.Yet it is also about the riotous manner in which a portion of men brought dishonor upon themselves. Royster presents the Clausitzian concept of the natural Trinity, framing a primordial surge towards violence, hatred, and enmity, and the effect that this came to have upon three contentious forces of our society; the army, the Continental Congress, and the people, all of whom conspired in their own self-interest to drive the nation to war.He presents the evidence and then he lets the reader decide for themselves. This is because in the end, it is really up to us as a part of this great experiment to deicide how we view the motives of each of them. A Revolutionary People at War It was the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War and first blood had been drawn at Lexington. Once Lexington had served to bring out the capabilities of the Redcoats against the fragile militias of the colonies, the need for an armed defense for on a national scale was imperative.On the 4th of 1775, the Continental Army was founded and the Americas decided to enter into a battle that would go on for eight years (Wright 1983). Congress gave George Washington the authority to not only lead the Continental Army, but the powers granted to George Washington were those that would be granted to a British Commander, as well as those that a Colonial Governor would hold.In his book A Revolutionary people at war, Charles Royster not only elaborates upon the varying aspects of the Continental Army, but also makes use of statistics to strengthen the contents of the book (Royster 1996). According to Royster, the Continental Army was one of the best armies that the United States fielded.It was an army that defined success in terms of the authentic sense of the word since it learnt its lessons for any and all shortcomings that it held. It was an army that chose to take on the enemy even though it was well aware of the fact that it severely lacked training and expertise. But as Royster notes, the men were dedicated and willing to go into battle under the leadership of their major-generals and the brigadier-general for the sake of the safe keeping of their country.The attempt that Royster has made in his book A Revolutionary people at war is to determine the true emotion of nationalism that prevailed amongst the people of that time. Royster has made this possible by delving into the emotion that existed in the Continental Army and the obstacles that the army faced in the many battles it fought and how it evolved into the refined fighting mechanism that eventually defeated the Redcoats.In the beginning, the Congress did not desire for the Continental Army to become a permane nt army and wages were established on the basis of short term enlistments. The Continental Army had its roots deep with the idealism. However, the fact remains that one finds it difficult to come to a conclusion without feeling that Royster overstates the very concept of idealism and gets carried away with his the very subject of his own book.When the American Revolutionary War began in April 1775, the revolutionaries of the colonial front did not have an army to defend them. The closest thing to an army that they had was the only available fighting force which was composed of part time soldiers. These part time soldiers constituted the individual militia of each colony.However, it has been recorded in numerous history books that colonies had begun to carry out attempts to train their militia in light of growing tensions between the colonies and Great Britain. Colonies began to bring about steady changes in the way their militia operated in order to attempt to train them to an exten t where they can ward of any unforeseen attack by the Redcoats.In 1774, Colonist Richard Henry had put forth the idea of creating a national militia. It was suggested that this militia would be held under one flag which would represent the colonies on a united front if the colonies were to experience an attack by external elements. However the idea was rejected by the First Continental Congress and the result was that the first line of defense against the Redcoats found itself severely outnumbered and caught unaware.The Redcoats had been trained for battle through the numerous battles that they had been fighting on numerous fronts for the last few decades whereas the militia was not in any way prepared to face such a highly trained enemy in the battle field.But Royster is immaculate in his attention to detail and does not show bias in his book as he boldly writes of the several developments that took place in the Continental Army as well as in the war that were in complete deviation from the ideology upon which it had begun.Royster uses historical facts and figures to highlight how the war was fought by the brave men of the Continental Army and how the war evolved into a scenario where certain colonies began to establish arms trade with the enemy and how the war became a business venture for suppliers of war material. Yet, Royster makes sure that at no point does the reader forget that the men of the Continental Army did not lose sight of their mission and continued to struggle on through thick and thin.Royster’s accounts of the Continental Army are accurate in the regard that the battalion of men that was referred to as the Continental Army was in fact a flag under which the group of men continuously changed as more men lost their lives and losses were replaced by more men. However, one advantage that the Continental Army had over their oppressors was that they knew the lay of the land. This was a factor that the Continental Army learned to benefit fro m as the war progressed.

Human Resource Management: Dreamworks Animations Essay

With Jeffrey Katzenberg as their CEO, DreamWorks Animation’s business encompasses animated content creation for theatres and television as well as merchandising and licensing of their associated characters (Fixmer, 2013). DreamWorks Animation has been an exemplary example when it comes to keeping its employees happy at work, being voted 12th on Fortune’s 2013 top 100 best companies to work for (CNN, 2013). DreamWorks Animation goes through great measures in order to maximize the potential of their employees by ensuring that they are always motivated. By organizing regular special events such as movie screenings and family get-togethers, DreamWorks Animation acknowledges on ensuring work-life balance (Stanger and Groth, 2012). Jeffrey Katzenberg would also initiate communication with his employees daily through social media (Stanger and Groth, 2012). Apart from motivating the employees, this gesture removes the barrier between employer and employee, allowing effective communication. To encourage freedom and expression of creativity, the company allows employees to personalize workstations and create an environment which would maximize their potential (CNN, 2013). DreamWorks Animation depends heavily on their employees who will directly affect the  quality of products. To ensure that DreamWorks Animation is able to meet organizational goals and gain a competitive edge over competitors such as Disney Pixar and Sony Entertainment, it is important that the right human resource management practices are being utilized to maximize the potential of the company and to create a high-performance work system. Such a system is achieved through human resource management by reacting to trends such as increase in emphasis of knowledge workers, empowerment of employees, and improving of teamwork (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.35). . Analysing and design of jobs For DreamWorks Animation whose main business focus is on the development and creation of animation using state-of-the art technology, this process requires technical knowledge and creativity from their employees in many different specializations. Therefore, it is imperative that job analysis and design of jobs must be done to match the right person to the right job and maximize the potential of the company. The first step is using work flow analysis to gain a better idea on what the work needs to be done is. This is achieved by first determining the products of DreamWorks Animation, followed by the work processes including activities required to produce it, and finally the inputs such as raw materials, equipment, and human resource (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.100). In the case of DreamWorks Animation, an animation is produced using state-of-the art technology by teams of experts in niched specializations from content creation up to licensing. After determining the work processes and inputs, the next step is to zoom in to the specific job roles and functions. Through the use of job analysis, DreamWorks Animation will be able to get more detailed information and understanding of the jobs in order to match it with the people which best fulfils its requirements (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.103). The company can get more information about certain job roles and requirements using the Fleishman job analysis system by asking existing employees to fill up surveys based on 52 categories of abilities (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.108). Having been in the job for a certain period of time and accumulating experience in the certain specialization, a 3-D modeller, for example, could advise on what kind of software knowledge is required by a prospective employee. Once the information is gathered, the next step is to create the job description which would list out the task, duties and responsibilities of the specific job (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.103). This is important as it provides prospective employees with a clear indication of what is expected of them and the key roles which they will be playing in the job. For DreamWorks Animation, a company which requires knowledge workers who possess specific skillsets and talents in order to fulfil roles within the production process, the emphasis on job specifications is important. By evaluating the job function and understanding the inputs which they invest in such as the equipment and technology, DreamWorks Animation would have to indicate clearly the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics required for the job (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.103). By indicating the need of certain software skills or technical certification important in content creation of an animation, DreamWorks Animation will be able to attract the right people for specific jobs. Using job design and redesign, DreamWorks Animation could enhance job performance by fully utilizing the strengths of their employees (Rehman, 2011). One of the ways is by designing efficient jobs, for DreamWorks Animation, could be the passing down of operating procedures from senior employees to speed up certain work processes. Being assigned to specific jobs for extended periods could demotivate employees due to the monotony of the job. By introducing self-managing work teams giving autonomy with regards to schedules and duties to achieve project based objectives, employees feel more empowered and the job becomes less rigid (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.116). Introducing flexi-time whereby employees are allowed to choose their working times as long as they meet targets set by the company, DreamWorks Animation can also benefit from having a more motivated workforce, in turn encourage generation of creative ideas and improve efficiency. DreamWorks Animation is a company whose product creation involves an intensive work process which requires the expertise and technical nous of knowledge workers. Through the use of job analysis and design, they could benefit from finding the right people for the right jobs by clearly defining the description and requirements (Rehman, 2011). DreamWorks Animation could also increase efficiency and motivation of their employees, benefitting from increased productivity and reducing the turnover rate. Recruitment As DreamWorks Animation depends on development and creation of creative content as their main business function, the quality of employees they have plays a large factor on the quality of product produced. Therefore, employees become the most important resource the company has, and being able to identify and attract potential employees through recruiting becomes a top priority. The decision made by the company in recruiting consists of three main aspects; personnel policies, recruiter traits and behaviours, and recruitment sources (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.143). In order to attract top talents in their relative specializations to choose DreamWorks animation over their competitors, the first step is using image advertising. Under personnel policies, image advertising is the focus on creating a good impression of the company by advertising the positive experiences of working for them (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.144). By advertising what DreamWorks Animation has done to provide opportunities for existing employees to showcase their talents and how they have provided a working environment which encourages creativity, the company would be able to appeal to potential employees who value such a working culture. In many cases, especially in a highly-competitive labour market where top talents in the animation industry are highly sought after, DreamWorks Animation should also adopt personnel policies such as lead-the-market pay in order to attract employees with top potential. This is achieved by paying the potential employee a higher salary compared to any others in the current market for the same position (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.144). For DreamWorks Animation where top talents are needed in niched positions for the creation of their product, they could also offer the potential employee benefits in the form of profit-based bonuses from the project they will be working on. This way, not only does DreamWorks Animation benefit from acquiring a top quality employee, the employee would also be highly motivated to excel due to added benefits. Once the personnel policies are in place, the company would have to make decisions based on recruitment sources. It is important to use the appropriate sources to attract the ideal employees out of a huge job market (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.145). One option is through internal sources whereby current employees are sourced to fill up newly opened positions. This can be done through job posting whereby information of the position is  communicated to the employees through employee publications or the intranet (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.145). By recruiting through internal sources, the company will benefit from having an employee who already has experience in the industry and would be able to adapt easily. It will also increase the morale of existing employees as they will see the opportunity for future advancements with the company choosing to recruit from within. DreamWorks Animation could also choose to recruit through external sources such as tertiary institutions. By tapping onto universities, especially those with good reputation and track record for producing the top students in certain specializations, DreamWorks Animation could benefit from attracting the best talents. This is done through enhancing of the company’s presence by attending job fairs and providing internships to students (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.151). In order to attract the best talents, top companies such as Google have not only provided interns with the opportunity to participate in real projects, they are also paid in the average of US$6000 per month (Buxton, 2013). Once the recruitment process has been completed, DreamWorks Animation should also evaluate which sources attract the best talent and this would help them with future recruitment decisions. Last but not least, DreamWorks Animation should ensure that they provide training to the recruiters who are an extension and representative of the company. By providing guidelines on what are the behaviours to display as well as information which should be provided, recruiters will be able to appeal more to the prospective recruits. With proper utilization of human resource practices in recruitment, DreamWorks Animation will benefit from recruiting the best employees in the industry. This is important as it ensures that not only will they be able to create and develop the best products, they will also gain a competitive edge over their competitors by staffing the company with employees possessing the right competencies and are able to fit in seamlessly to contribute towards achieving organizational goals (Chew and Horwitz, 2004). Performance Management Another important human resource practice DreamWorks Animations should look into is managing of their employee’s performance. There are three main purposes for performance management and the first one is to achieve  strategic purpose whereby the company will be looking to reach organizational goals and business objectives (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.236). It is also done for administrative purpose which helps the DreamWorks Animation make decisions on appropriate compensation as well as identifies employees who are not meeting required standards (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.237). Lastly, is to achieve development purpose whereby the strengths and weaknesses of employees are evaluated to provide them with feedback or suggestions to improve their knowledge and skill (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.238). The first step to effective performance management is to understand the desired outputs and goals set for the company (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.236). For DreamWorks Animation, the overall objective would be hitting certain profit margins from the successful launch of a new animation. Next, is to evaluate the goals and performance requirements set out for individual employees in order to achieve the organization’s goals, the consequences and performance outcomes should also be evaluated (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.236). Once the goals are set, it should also be followed by observing and providing of constructive feedback to employees to guide them in achieving the goals (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.235). With the process in place, DreamWorks Animation should decide on methods or combination of methods most suited for measuring performance. One of the methods could be attribute measurement through graphic rating scale. Through this scale, the employees are being rated based on a list of traits and to what extent do they display such traits (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.242). This is a highly customizable method which allows DreamWorks Animation to rate their employees according to certain traits which are important for the company such as knowledge and creativity. The company can also measure results through management by objectives by setting goals flowing from top to bottom which contributes to achieving the overall organizational goals, and using of these goals to evaluate performance of employees (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.248). The goals are often set by individual departments through discussion between managers and employees whereby the goals are specific and challenging (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.248). For DreamWorks Animation whose business objectives hinges on the success of their animated content, using its profitability as a measurement for evaluating performance is also valid. However, such a method might be unable to predict factors such as climate of the market and efforts put in by the employees (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.249). By comparing between employees using the simple ranking method, DreamWorks Animation would also be able to have an idea of how employees fare among their peers. This method is carried out by ranking the employees in the department from the best downwards (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.240). With the method of performance management formulated, the next step is on the delivery to the employees. DreamWorks animation should emphasize on scheduling regular appraisals to ensure that their employees have ample time to correct. Managers providing the feedback should also be trained on how to deliver and prepare for the appraisals (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.257). To minimize any errors in performance management which may result from difference in standards of judgment or bias which may occur in any of the above methods, DreamWorks Animation should utilize the 360-degree performance appraisal. This method gathers feedback not only from managers, but from the peers, customers, as well as the individual (Noe, R.A. et al., 2014, pg.253). Performance management should also be done in a legal and ethical way to ensure that employees are treated fairly. With proper performance management, DreamWorks Animation will be able to benefit from not only having employees who have a clear idea on what are their goals and ways they could improve, constructive guidance and feedback will also ensure that the company is focused on achieving a common objective. As a result, the productivity of DreamWorks Animation will be improved and employees will be more motivated to work towards their goals. Conclusion With the above human resource management practices in place, in the next five years, DreamWorks Animation will be able to benefit from understanding specific requirements of each job and improve productivity. Having the right people at the right job where their talents are fully utilized, they will create effective workgroups and ensure that their resources are well invested to improve performance. Through finding ways to improve on the current jobs would also be beneficial in their corporate branding as a top company to work for, attracting the best talents around the world. The improvements to existing jobs would also ensure that the employees are given more support and encouragement to realize their potential, therefore  empowering employees. With the right recruitment practices, it would also ensure that their resources would be maximized on sources which would generate quality hire. The emphasis on performance management also allows gives a clear direction on organizational goals and guides employees towards working more effectively. On the whole, DreamWorks Animation will be able to create a high performance work system, they will also see a huge increase in employee morale and reduce turnover rate. Reference List Buxton, R. 2013. Google Intern Salary Reached $6000 A Month, Plus Free Food And Gym. Huffington Post [Online] Available at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/12/google-intern-salary_n_3429746.html [Accessed 6 June 2013] Chew, I.K.H. & Horwtiz, F.M. (2004): ‘Human Resource Management Strategies in Practice: Case-study Findings in Multinational Firms’, Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, 42, 1: 32-56. CNN Money (2013). Fortune: 100 Best Companies to Work For. [Online] Available at: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/best-companies/2013/snapshots/12.html?iid=bc_fl_list [Accessed 5 June 2013] Fixmer, A. 2013, DreamWorks Animation CEO Says TV Will Give Revenue Boost. Bloomberg [Online] Available at: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-06-18/dreamworks-animation-ceo-says-tv-will-give-revenue-boost.html [Accessed 5 June 2013] Noe, R.A., Hollenback, J.R., Gerhart, B., Wright, P.M. (2014): Fundamentals of Human Resource Management, 5th Edition, Singapore: McGraw-Hill. Rehman, M.S. (2011): ‘Job design and job performance relationship: A study of Pakistan Public Sector employees’, Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research In Business, 2.12: 562-76. Stanger, M. & Groth, A. 2012. 23 Companies With Employee Perks That Will Make You Jealous. Business Insider [Online] Available at: http://www.businessinsider.com/companies-with-awesome-perks-2012-10?op=1 [Accessed 5 June 2013]

The Hunger Project In Ghana Environmental Sciences Essay

Ghana is rich in natural resources and has one of the strongest emerging economic systems in Africa. Ghana is quickly urbanizing. Despite this, most of Ghana ‘s hapless unrecorded in rural countries without basic services such as wellness attention and clean H2O, entree to recognition loan installations, basic instruction. Small-scale husbandmans, who are affected most by rural poorness in Ghana, depended on out-of-date agriculture tools and deficiency entree to improved seeds and fertilisers to increase harvest outputs. Like Caritas in Sierra Leone, The Hunger Project ( THP ) , was founded in 1977, in the aftermath of the lifting argument on universe hungriness triggered by the first Rome World Food Conference. Compared with Sierra Leone, NGOs presence in the state was as a consequence of the merely concluded war, Ghana on the other manus has non experience war but yet its citizens live below the poorness line. It should be noted that, the battle against poorness or the schemes implemented by NGOs to contend poorness and their targeted donees varies from NGOs to NGOs, part to part. The Hunger Project has been working in Ghana since 1995 and is authorising 250,000 spouses in 40 epicentre communities to stop their ain hungriness and poorness. Through its incorporate attack to rural development, the Epicenter Strategy, The Hunger Project is working with spouses to successfully entree the basic services needed to accomplish the Millennium Development Goals ( MDGs ) and lead lives of autonomy. 3.5.1- GENERAL ACTIVITIES OF THP Success physiques on success is the chief focal point of THP in Africa is mobilising people at the grassroots degree to be autonomy is a general concern of the THP and their chief mark groups are adult females and youth the marginalized in today ‘s society. Hunger Project strategies seek to construct people ‘s capacities, leading and assurance. They developing of adult females and work forces, fiting them with the accomplishments, methods and cognition needed to take autonomous actions to better their lives and conditions in their communities have been the undertaking of THP for a decennary period now. The Vision, Commitment and Action Workshop ( VCAW ) are the first phase set for rural communities to be autonomous. This has produced good figure donees in THP operational zones. The preparation of community or local energizers and their mobilisation procedure have become the flicker stopper for local action. As people take more significant action, THP provides accomplishments preparations in literacy, numeracy, nutritionA and local Torahs. The organize people into self-help groups to derive a stronger voice are behind their success narratives.Analysis OF NGOs ROLE AND APPROACH TO POVERTY ALLEVIATION4.0.3- NGOs ROLES: HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE/ RELIEF SERVICE AN APPROACH TO POVERTY ALLEVIATIONIn this stage, the function played by NGOs during exigencies, like war, and some natural catastrophes, will be assessed and analyzed. Relief service is one of NGOs speedy intercession countries, in the universe. However, one should hold the realisation that human-centered aid, is offer during exigencies, and that it is short live. These aid include: the proviso of Non-food points, like apparels, hard-on of cantonments as shelter for displaced or returnees, vulnerable, every bit good as victims, free medical installations, proviso of free instruction and skill preparation, proviso of nutrient, either all ready procedure, or through the battle of the donees in some agricultural activities, and nutrient points, formed the alleviation service programme. In position of the definition of human-centered aid or alleviation services, below is an analysis, of the alleviation programme implemented by two NGOs in Sub-Saharan Africa. Three major sectors which alleviation services ever focuses on are to be discussed below and these include: Agriculture, Health and Education. 4.2.1 AGRICULTURAL SECTOR ( Case surveies THP and Caritas The study highlights the agricultural plan, implemented by Caritas Sierra Leone, in Sierra Leone in the Eastern Region in three Districts. In the 2003-2004 Cropping Season supported by Caritas Germany Donor, The Caritas Germany plan supported 1110 farm households through Caritas Sierra Leone in the Kenema District. So far four major activities have been undertaken to implement agribusiness programme. These are: Base line Survey Input Distribution Monitoring Field Extension The program of activities was prepared by the Field Supervisor and the Agricultural supervisor and presented to the Administrative Officer for blessing. The base line study was done by the Field Extension Workers ( FEW ) . Besides, the bringing of Extension Service ( which is ongoing ) is being undertaken by the FEW. The Monitoring exercising is being undertaken by the targeted communities in January/February 2004. 4.2.2 BASELINE SURVEY The Baseline Survey/ Farms Registration were done in all the targeted communities in January/ February2004. The husbandmans targeted were chiefly farm household caputs shacking in either relocated communities of IDP cantonments in the targeted chiefdoms. Certain standards were use 500 to select/register the husbandmans including the followers: That merely the Farm Family Head is listed down That precedence is given to the most vulnerable, such as those who are husbandmans but have no entree to basic production inputs such as seeds/planting stuffs and tools. That the Farm Family Head has a minimal household labour force to cultivate at least two estates of land. That the Farm Family Heads have entree to free piece of land to cultivate in the vicinity. Precedence was besides given to adult females and widow Headed Farm Families. The donees in Nongowa and Dama Chiefdom in the Kenema District were registered and served in the internally displaced locations i.e. in relocated village/town communities. A fixed Farm Family instance burden of 200 was allocated for all relocated communities and 100 farm household from each cantonment in every mark Chiefdom. However, the figure of communities per Chiefdom was hot fixed. Few communities were selected from Chiefdoms with big towns/villages e.g. Nongowa, and more from little Chiefdoms with smaller towns/ small towns e.g. Dodo.5.2.3 INPUT DISTRIBUTIONTHE Caritas programme provided assorted types of Agriculture inputs for the 1100 targeted farm households. These were seed rice, tools and seting stuffs ( sweet murphy vine and cassava film editings ) The day of the month of the input distribution started in the 13th June 2001 and ended on the 29th July 2001.an analysis of the input distribution is given in the tabular array below.4.2.4 Monitoring AND ExtensionThe monitoring exercising started since 30th July2001. The targeted communities ( including displaced cantonments ) the Nongowa, Dodo and Small Bo Chiefdoms are being visited. The motivation fundamentally is to happen out How far the FEW were able to successfully present the inputs to the donees. The Extent of extended services being delivered to the husbandmans. How far the donees have been able to properly grip and use the inputs received services render them by FEW. Reasonable histories can now be given to the undermentioned activities. Timely conductivity of Base line study. Successful bringing and distribution of all inputs provided for the donees. The husbandman s accepted and described the inputs as good. Cultivation of the seeds and seting stuffs provided for the husbandmans now in advancement. Transplant of seeds rice had been completed in most of the farms. The cassava film editings and murphy vines had besides been planted. All three ( 3 ) harvests were shooting good.4.2.5 CROP PRODUCTIONThe harvests cultivated by the targeted donees included highland and IVS rice, maize, manioc, and miscellaneous veggies. Entire land area cultivated for each of the harvest by farm households and by all the donees combined is shown below: The undertaking end product was used in several ways by the husbandmans. The crop from the seed rice was used for place ingestion, refund of seed loans, proviso of seed stock for subsequent planting season and gross revenues. The harvest signifier manioc, maize, and veggies were used for gross revenues, place ingestion and seed seting stock. The sale of some of the crop allowed the husbandmans obtained money to run into other family demands to better on their societal economic position. The grain shops are soon being used for hive awaying agricultural inputs and seeds. In 2004/05, some constituent was formed under the agricultural sector. For this constituent, 25 Liberian refugees ‘ farm households were identified and registered. Shown in the tabular array below, the demographic profile of the donees ( household caputs ) .4.2.6 SEED LOAN RECOVERYFarmers were supplying with seed rice on the status that after harvest the same measure that was received will be paid. An estimation of 95 % of seed burden recovery was achieved. The seed tonss were collected in all communities covered. The loans collected were deposited into seed bank established in the several communities. These loans allow communities have stock of seeds from which seed loans could be obtained by interested community members for future planting season. See full detailed analysis on the seed loan below. THP, on its portion, has similar agribusiness programmes, organized for community engagement. Increasing Food Security Malawi is a state that is prone to natural catastrophes, enduring from both utmost drouths to heavy rain falls. As a consequence, the nutrient supply state of affairs in Malawi remains rickety. To this terminal, The Hunger Project-Ghana empowers and supports husbandmans with preparations and stuffs to increase and diversify their nutrient production. In these catastrophe prone countries, a cardinal component of the Epicenter Strategy is the community nutrient Bankss. The Hunger Project-Malawi has besides inaugurated a system of land irrigation to increase and diversity nutrient production. The Hunger Project-Ghana in 2005 sceptered and supported husbandmans with preparations and stuffs to increase and diversify their nutrient production. While Benin does non endure from major drouths or inundations, there is however a great deficit of nutrient. Food Bankss at the epicentre, small town and family degrees help communities remain nutrient secure in instance of a deficit. The Hunger Project-Ghana late launched a pilot undertaking, The Food Production Contest, which has successfully catalyzed spouses ‘ committedness to the terminal of hungriness in poorness by increasing stocks in community nutrient Bankss.4.2.7 EDUCATIONAL SECTOR( a ) -Skills Training This sub-project was initiated with the purpose of authorising Refugee Youths between 17-35 old ages to go an plus to their communities and doing pregnant parts to the development of their several communities whether they return. Trainees were identified among the Liberian Refugees population in coaction with the Liberian Executive and developing garb was rented at No. 18 Sesay Street, Sierra Leone, where the undermentioned accomplishments options were conducted: Tailoring, Gara Tie Dyeing, Soap production, Hair Dressing, Carpentry and Small Engine care. Quality preparation stuffs were produced and made available to the Centre for the different accomplishments through the Liberian Executive. Educational Officer In coaction with the Liberian Executives, Caritas Sierra Leone pointed Educational Officer registered 820 Liberian Refugee pupils for support in 2004/05 academic twelvemonth. 481 of these were supported in the primary schools out of which 245 were male childs and 236 were misss. 339 secondary school pupils were supported out of which 231 were male childs and 108 misss. As seen in the tabular array, above 63 % of the primary school pupils supported are between the ages 6-11yrs while 37 % are above 12 old ages. Of the 302 pupils under 12 old ages, 153 ( 51 % ) are boys and 149 ( 49 % ) are girls. Of the 179 pupils over 11 old ages, 90 ( 50 % ) are boys and 89 ( 50 % ) are misss. An estimation of 58 % of the secondary school pupils supported is between the ages 12-17 old ages and 42 % are above 17 old ages. Below is the distribution of the pupils harmonizing to age and class: Among the 339 refugee pupils supported and between 12-17 old ages, 126 ( 63 % ) are boys and 40 ( 28 % ) are misss. A sum of 110 refugee ( grownups ) registered for the Adult Literacy Program ( 52 males and 58 females ) and were all distributed to the assorted degree of the plan harmonizing to their output/progress. Out of this sum ( 110 ) , 70 ( 64 % ) are between 15-24 old ages and 40 ( 36 % ) are 25+ old ages. The library continued to supply utile services to refugee school kids, largely those in secondary who could non buy the prescribed reading stuffs in their schools. A sum of 1,829 pupils visited the library during the twelvemonth. Similarly, THP – Ghana has of all time since embarked on Promoting Education in Ghana ‘s eastern part. This portion of the state history for the highest degree of illiteracy. Adult and child literacy plans conducted in local and national linguistic communications are being carried out in more than 30 literacy centres in The Hunger Project-Ghana ‘s eastern part plan countries. The local authorities continues to back up The Hunger Project-Ghana with instructors and stuffs. In an attempt to guarantee that girl kids stay in school, The Hunger Project-Ghana implemented a Mother ‘s Club which sensitizes adult females to the benefits of directing misss to school. The plan has seen noteworthy consequences such as a decrease in local kid trafficking every bit good as an addition in literacy rates. 4.2.8 HEALTH SECTOR PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES- HIV/AIDS PREVENTION 2002-2008 The Caritas Sierra Leone Health undertook the Primary Health Care programme, uses the undermentioned attacks in the HIV/AIDS bar Education Strategy: Sponsoring immature instrumentalists to compose vocals turn toing HIV/AIDS prevention/ attention and stigma ; Working through adult females ‘s groups such as Hunbgtateh Women ‘s Association in Kenema Town which conduct preparation in assorted accomplishment aiming dropouts, commercial sex workers, miss female parent, and female supported family ; Preventing HIV/AIDS bar through Audio-Visual shows, talk and function drama to establishments TBA ‘s, female parents an clinics yearss, young persons and grownup in the communities etc ; and Using the platform of World Aids Day for HIV/AIDS sensitisation activities. 4.2.9 CLINIC ACTIVITIES A entire figure of 172,145 Liberian refugees patient received intervention between March 2001 and May 2003 at Caritas supported clinics in the Kenema District. The reported clinical mortality rate was 0.14 % that is, 155 under five and 123 grownups. Malaria leads with 30 % of Acute Respiratory Infection ( ARI ) and pneumonia, 10 % of adult females infestation, 80 % skin infection, 17 % diarrhoae and dysentery, 6 % anaemia, and 5 % of Sexually Transmitted Infection ( STI ) . Maternal and Child Health Aids assigned by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to the 30 clinics constructed and supported by Caritas in the Kenema District assisted in 2,683 bringings 22 were maternal deceases and five 100s and 20 unnatural bringing were reported from the clinics. The Traditional Birth Attendants ( TBAs ) reported 2,476 normal were trained in the Kenema District and given obstetrics supplied by UNICEF. In Ghana eastern part, similar wellness plants are done by THP. THP in Ghana, through the creative activity of the Epicenters in the part, these wellness centres provide primary wellness attention and immunisations. They besides teach work forces and adult females how to better their wellness and hygiene. The Hunger Project-Ghana in 2003 has pioneered a household Planning and Nutritional Monitoring Community Dialogue Project in an attempt to continue the wellness of both adult females and kids in the community. When births are spread out, kids are constantly healthier and adult females have more clip and energy to put in their income-generating activities. In Ghana eastern part, where there is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and malaria, and in 2004, 3,000 anti-malaria bed cyberspaces were distributed among 3,000 community people. The Hunger Project-Ghana, conducts preparation of traditional birth attenders, as in the instance of Caritas Sierra Leone, mobilizes energizers to supply bed-nets and implements HIV/AIDS voluntary guidance and proving plans in epicentre communities. More than 215,000 people have participated in THP-Ghana ‘s HIV/AIDS and Gender Inequality Workshop.[ 1 ] In the battle against malaria, Hunger Project energizers are enrolled as community drug distributers who are trained by the authorities and given malaria drugs to administer. Detailed records are kept of which spouses have received cyberspaces and accessed malaria intervention drugs. WATER AND SANITATION PROJECT Thirty new Wellss were constructed at assorted clinics location in the Kenema District. A sum of 26 old Wellss were rehabilitated profiting an norm of three 100 people per good. In add-on, four new gravitation H2O systems were complemented two at the Dodo and Nongowa Chiefdoms in the Kenema District. As mentioned in above, NGOs functions are diverse in nature. In this subdivision of the work, the issue of microfinance is capable of treatment every bit THP as in the instance of Caritas will be use as a instance survey to show the functions of NGOs as related to microfinance.Part TWO4.3.0. NGOs Function: MICROFINANCE AN APPROACH TO POVERTY ALLEVIATIONIs it clear that rendering human-centered aid to the hapless is a good thing, but non warrant, as these alleviation services are offer merely during exigency period, for illustration if there is war, drouth, civil agitation, and when natural catastrophe occurred in a given vicinity. It has its ain advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, if NGOs purpose is to relieve poorness in Sub-Saharan Africa, they should airt their development function particularly in states where no war has taken topographic point like Ghana. Redirecting their dockets can besides assist in refocusing people ‘s head from doing problems and do them concentra te. This of class, could merely be achieved if people particularly marginalized young persons and adult females, the voiceless are to the full engaged in plants that are profitable and could do them autonomy. â€Å" An idle encephalon they say is a Satan ‘s workshop † . As antecedently explained, in order to relieve poorness, The Hunger Project has used microfinance like many other NGOs, as an attack and mechanism to assist contend poorness in Ghana other sub- Saharan African states do besides hold microfinance operation. Microfinance plans have been embraced around the universe as an of import scheme for poorness relief. Surveies have demonstrated that the poorness relief impacts of microfinance services include making the hapless, raising their economic wellbeing every bit good as authorising them, particularly adult females ( Ashe, 2000 ; Todd, 2000 ; Fisher, 2002 ; Khandker, 2002 ; Robinson, 2002 ; Simanowitz, 2002 ; Snodgrass, 2002 ) . Over the last decennary the microfinance field has expanded well both in footings of figure of establishments and the size of establishments. Microfinance is an effectual tool that is been used by NGOs to cut down poorness in the rural hapless. Microfinance is the proviso of fiscal services to the hapless who do non hold entree to capital and fiscal services Kosiura, K 2001. A more precise definition describes microfinance as the proviso of appropriate fiscal services to important Numberss of low-income, economically active people with an terminal aim to relieve poorness ( Ledger wood, 1998 ) . Fiscal services can include one or any combination of the undermentioned: loaning, nest eggs, insurance, pension/retirement and payment services. Increasingly mature MFIs besides provide diverse products-housing loans ( chiefly betterments, fix and care ) , insurance ( both wellness and life insurance ) , and private pensions. Microfinance is besides often combined with the proviso of societal and concern development services, such as literacy preparation, instruction on wellness issues, direction or accounting preparation. The function of microfinance for development attempts in black Africa, peculiarly for poorness relief has been important. Supplying hapless people with entree to fiscal services are seen to cut down capital market deformations to except the hapless, cut down exposure by supplying the hapless with fiscal resources when needed, and chances for income-generating activities. In Sierra Leone, for case, the Agricultural Bank established by the authorities to be crediting husbandmans and pay in subsequent harvest home season was closed during the war and since after that the authorities has non being reestablished and husbandmans to day of the month are constrained with the issue of money Microfinance enables clients to protect, diversify and increase their income, every bit good as to roll up assets, cut downing their exposure to income and ingestion dazes ( Robison, 2002 ) . The solidarity group loaning methodological analysiss common in microfinance, aid increase the assurance of the hapless ( particularly adult females ) , authorising them to more efficaciously confront inequalities ; ( Ashe, 2000 ; Todd, 2000 ; Fisher, 2002, Khandker, 2002 ; Robinson, 2002 ; Simanowitz, 2002 ; Snodgrass, 2002 ) . The handiness of fiscal services has proven to be a critical factor in cut downing poorness and its effects, uncovering positive consequences on nutrition, instruction, wellness, gender equity, agribusiness and the environment ( Littlefield, 2003 ) . MFIs include all types of entities that provide microfinance services. MFIs scope from non-governmental organisations ( NGOs ) to regulated fiscal establishments such as non-bank fiscal establishments, commercial Bankss, recognition brotherhoods and province Bankss ( Christen & A ; Drake, 2001 ) . They are by and large guided and defined by two viing paradigms: fiscal self-sustainability and poorness relief.[ 2 ] The poorness relief attack ( besides referred to the welfare-statist attack ) claims that the overall ends of micro-finance should be poverty decrease and authorization. Such MFIs are rather expressed in their focal point on instantly bettering the well being of participants. Harmonizing to Woller ( 2000 ) , their nonsubjective tends to be self-employment of the poorer among the economically active hapless, particularly adult females, whose control of modest additions in income and nest eggs is assumed to authorise them to better the conditions of life for themselves and their kids. Within this paradigm, there are a group of feminist authorization writers that emphasize adult females ‘s economic, societal and political authorization. While microfinance is seen by these writers as an of import manner to react to the immediate practical demands of hapless informal sector adult females workers, it is seen as lone portion of a scheme for wider societal and political authorization o f adult females which, in bend, is seen as indispensable to sustained additions in income ( Mayoux, 1998 ) . In the point of view of THP, edifice and strengthening of the adult females ‘s administration and other marginalized people who formed Self-Help Groups are the footing of microfinance development. Through these community groups, the hapless cultivates their spirit of common cooperation and construct corporate actions. In relation to this attack, community facilitators and energizers as in the instance of THP, encourage people to set up themselves. THP put the constitution of CGs as a first and chief measure in the attempts to assist the hapless to be autonomous and battle against poorness. When these CGs are established, THP provides human resource preparation for the members of the group particularly on how to make nest eggs and recognition activities. It is a measure to be passed by all the members before they learn how to make concern activities. In other words, THP develops nest eggs and recognition activity as a footing for heightening micro concern, and to make micro concern. To accomplish this end, THP has established epicentres to ease their micro finance programme. In analysis, THP ‘s microfinance programme in Ghana eastern part is analyzed as follow between the old ages 2000-2006. Within 2000-2002, The Hunger Project has distributed USD $ 1,279,841 in loans to a sum of 3,917 spouses in their epicentre communities. The current cumulative refund rate bases at 87.23 per centum. In 2003-2004, The Hunger Project has distributed US $ 405,785 in microloans to 14,785 spouses, with an mean loan size of $ 68. There are three government-recognized rural Bankss that are runing in three autonomous epicentre communities. Through its microfinance plan, in 2005, The Hunger Project has distributed US $ 688,134 in microloans to 7,695 spouses.[ 3 ] The twelvemonth 2006, was THP ‘s immense fiscal expense. The Hunger Project has distributed USD $ 1,279,841 in loans to a sum of 3,917 spouses in their epicentre communities. The current cumulative refund rate bases at 87.23 per centum. Form the above, it is a clear grounds demoing how THP ‘s microfinance programme is an effectual agencies of relieving poorness, as there micro finance has capacitated the local communities to transport out their agriculture activities and make some nest eggs which subsequently would be of usage for small-scale concerns. The intent of microfinance is to authorise the marginalized in community, to do small nest eggs and besides to utilize the money given by givers to set about some little graduated table concern, and for those who are husbandmans to utilize in purchasing fertilisers, seeds, and in future be self-reliance. As human-centered services seem to be a short term end, and caters for a really few, microfinance on the other manus, screens broad scope of donees, as the money given are directed to groups and administrations, instead than single households, profiting at the disbursal of others. In modern-day times today, human-centered aid, and microfinance, ne'er seems to be plenty, as they people involved in the procedure, and donees are clump of nonreaders, and they few elect benefit most at the cost of others. The issue of Microfinance has been questioned ; this is because, microfinance, trades with banking and nest eggs procedure, therefore, if people ca n't read nor compose, the procedure can easy be fraud, as issues associating to certification is entirely in the custodies of the elite. Accountability and lucidity has ever been the job with money. African leaders are notably known for corruptness, graft and many other illegal activities, so whenever one talk of money, uncertainties are ever created in the heads of people. In a command to turn to this unfavorable judgment, NGOs have besides embark on another development function which is Capacity Building. The inquiry frequently asked by funding givers, is the capacity, and degrees of the alteration agents ( NGOs ) . Many argue that NGOs are â€Å" rawness, incompetent and incapable of covering with such proficient countries, and besides lack the expertness to manage pecuniary issues † ( Henrietta, 2007 ) . If this is no bias, so NGOs should seek so difficult to better on their proficient know-how if their ends are to be achieved. To turn to this issue of capableness, most NGOs have redirected their development schemes from alleviation services and microfinance to capacity-building and empowerment programmes. Many opined that if more pririority is put on this facet of NGOs functions, so it will still the frights of givers. In the short coming chapter, the issue of capacity- edifice and authorization would be another country of analysis to see it outcome and effectiveness in our society. 4.3.1 NGOs Functions: CAPACITY BUILDING AN APPROACH TO POVERTY ALLEVIATION Capacity -Building, as a term has late dominated NGOs vocabulary. â€Å" Teach me how to angle, instead than, given me fish every twenty-four hours † . This proverb can outdo depict what capacity edifice is all approximately. In modern-day times, divergent positions are held about the construct. Scholars are working round the clock to convey up a simple and precise definition, but till so no 1 definition is given. Some NGOs work to construct up local administrations, so that they can make more to back up local people themselves. This procedure is known as ‘capacity edifice ‘ . For case, it might include assisting little community groups come together and supply support to their members, or assisting national NGOs or authorities establishments to work better and turn. If the procedure works good, capacity edifice can assist local administrations deliver relevant services on a sustainable footing to local people ( including lobbying and helping authorization ) . Capacity Building is a procedure through which â€Å" NGOs strengthen the local communities, civil society administrations, authorities establishments, and other private establishments † . Although Lewis ( 2001, p. 69 ) argues that the NGO is an implementer and â€Å" can be engaged in supplying services to its clients through its ain programmes, † we argue, on the contrary, that NGOs, should non implement its ain plans, but instead should assist communities achieve their ain sustainable plans economic, political and societal countries. As Fowler ( 1997, p. 13 ) underscores, â€Å" facilitation is a critical facet of engagement procedure † that Southern NGOs need to larn and pattern. In a more definite term, Capacity-building is an â€Å" enterprise that focuses on the proviso of proficient support, for both NGOs for those situated in the LDCs, to assist their mark donees, and for those established in developed universe, know as Northern NGOs ( NNGOs ) , therefore enabling them to transport out their preferable ends of project-related services and protagonism † . Smillie ( 1999, p. 75 ) provides a substantial illustration. The Canadian Partnership Branch â€Å" has articulated several aims. Among them is capacity edifice in developing states: to beef up the capacity of southern organisations and establishments to do a important and sustainable development impact among the deprived communities through forming preparation programmes † ( see besides Duhu 2005, p. 44 ; Tapeline 2000, p. 40 ) . Capacity Building is much more than preparation and includes the followers Human resource development, the procedure of fiting persons with the apprehension, accomplishments and entree to information, cognition and preparation that enables them to execute efficaciously. Organizational development, the amplification of direction constructions, procedures and processs, non merely within organisations but besides the direction of relationships between the different organisations and sectors ( public, private and community ) . Institutional and legal model development, doing legal and regulative alterations to enable organisations, establishments and bureaus at all degrees, and at all sectors to heighten their capacities. Local authorities, communities and NGOs are the chief clients, but cardinal authorities and the private commercial sector besides need support. Community groups, frequently with strong NGO support, need to better their capacity to be after, form and pull off their vicinities. Departments of local authorities play an progressively of import function in enabling community groups to heighten their capacities and effectivity. There are really direct deductions for agricultural instruction in the country of human resource capacity edifice since by definition the term ( and the procedure ) has instruction, both formal and non-formal, at its nucleus. In its broadest reading, capacity edifice encompasses human resource development ( HRD ) as an indispensable portion of development. It is based on the construct that instruction and preparation prevarication at the bosom of development attempts and that without HRD most development intercessions will be uneffective. It focuses on a series of actions directed at assisting participants in the development procedure to increase their cognition, accomplishments and apprehensions and to develop the attitudes needed to convey about the coveted developmental alteration. Another indispensable mechanism for capacity edifice is partnership development. Partnerships give a local NGO entree to: cognition and accomplishments ; advanced and proved methodological analysiss ; networking and funding chances ; replicable theoretical accounts for turn toing community demands and managing resources ; options for organisational direction and administration ; and schemes for protagonism, authorities dealingss and public outreach. The Hunger Project -Ghana is one clear illustration of NGOs partnership. The Hunger Project-Uganda has been successful at making long-run partnerships with a figure of organisations. A partnership with Catholic Relief Services ( CRS ) in Kiboga Epicenter, in 2002, builds the capacity of rural spouses to fix and react to a figure of diseases impacting their chief harvest: manioc. Diseases have devastated crops and go on to endanger the nutrient security and incomes of cassava-dependent households. This four-year partnership with CRS will assist spouses to protect their crops and increase their outputs and family incomes. The Hunger Project-Ghana partnered with AFFORDS in Uganda and received 3,000 treated anti-malarial bed cyberspaces for spouses in Mpigi Epicenter. In the battle against malaria, Hunger Project energizers are enrolled as community drug distributers who are trained by the authorities and given malaria drugs to administer. By the terminal of 2002-2007 over 7,000 people received free malaria intervention in Ghana eastern part. The ideal of human development and partnership are non the lone ground for NGOs capacity edifice, but instead support has its ain instance to reason. The former can be carried out successfully, but in concurrence with support which is even the more ground for partnership. When people partnered, is either for fiscal, moral, proficient and other supports. Through NGOs local partnership, environmental sustainability could be achieved. Environmental sustainability is a basis of plan execution in The Hunger Project-Ghana epicentre communities. Many Hunger Project spouses in Ghana usage energy ranges, which cut down firewood ingestion by an norm of 60 per centum. Womans have replaced their cookery fire or three-stone ranges with more efficient clay ranges which burn less wood. In this manner, adult females do non hold to pass as much clip roll uping firewood. Efficient ranges mean less work for adult females. Capacity edifice, as a construct entails tonss of strengths, Northern NGOs may utilize their resources to beef up the capacity of Southern NGOs on many foreparts, as Duhu ( 2005, p.44 ) notes: â€Å" plan support, institutional support, proficient support, partnerships and alliances. † Skills in the country of strategic planning, and human development, for illustration, can non be overemphasized. Sadly, Lewis ( 2001, p. 158 ) argues that â€Å" in many aid-dependent contexts it is common for partnerships affecting NGOs to hold inactive character, frequently because the thought of partnership is forced in some manner. † â€Å" Capacity edifice is an terminal to itself, instead than a agencies to any other terminal † , in this context justifies that any support given to 3rd universe NGOs by northern NGOs, is a right to itself. Northern NGOs like United Nations, World Health Organisation, and any other UN related Agencies, given developing programmes like, study aut horship, accounting ; monitoring and rating and undertaking proposal/design and direction, to Sothern NGOs are illustrations of NGOs justifiable ends. However, it should be noted that effectual capacity edifice besides takes clip and depends on respectful duologue with the staff and stakeholders of the administration that is constructing itself up. From the above analyses, one could reason that NGOs are non merely ordinary societier members, but more positive histrions in the battle against poorness as demonstrated in the above analyses, and the accomplishment of the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 as prioritized by United Nations and the universe at big. The three countries of concern used as a focal point for poorness relief by NGOs, proved beyond uncertainties the effectivity and importance of NGOs in our society. Hence a research of such nature, is deserving educating.