Holden Caulfield Is an Island Essay

John Donne’s quote, ‘No man is an island’ connects quite directly to Holden Caulfield in ‘The Catcher in the Rye. ’ Holden’s character is very relative to themes such as isolation, loneliness and non-conformity. Holden has a very distinct character; he has many features, which would describe him as quite a lonely, cynical young man. It is evident that a past of his has had such an effect on him that the adolescence he has become quite a rocky journey for him; the death of his brother Allie, and the suicide of one of his schoolmates included. How is Holden Caulfield an island? Well, the quote itself – ‘No man is an island’ – can be interpreted that no man will thrive in isolation, such as an island. Holden has isolated himself from the conforming ways of society. This explains why he finds it so hard to be close to people, and why people find it so hard to get close to him; because he is so different. Holden’s character can be described as one that is flying off the rails. Some events throughout the novel regarding alcohol and drugs, relationships and Holden’s whereabouts show that he is simply trying to be something he isn’t. Holden Caulfield is an island, throughout the novel, a word to describe him best would be ‘alone. ’ Those who attempt to help him, guide him and be there for him, such as Spencer and Mr. Antolini, generally fail as Holden makes a quick escape from their guiding hands. In some ways, Holden can be seen as a hero. It is much harder to go against the grain alone, than to follow along in the footsteps of others. Holden can be understood as a leader, rather than a follower. Although his purpose is not quite evident, his journey is still worth so much. Holden’s personality includes features, which define him as a very judgmental person. He often uses the term ‘phoney’ to describe people who aren’t true to themselves and who according to him, squeezing into a certain cut out. Holden is very set in his ways, and will generally not take on the opinion of anyone else, and will stick to his own very closely. An example of Holden preferring to be alone is when he informs his sister that he will be leaving home. He organizes a meeting with her before he leaves. She arrives with her belongings and asks to go with him. It is not that Holden loses his temper, and refuses to take her along. After Holden leaves Pencey Prep at the beginning of the novel, he makes the decision to find his way around Manhattan alone, with out telling his parents; for a few days before he is due back home. To most sixteen year old teenagers, to make this decision would be a big move, but to Holden, a stunt like this doesn’t concern him. This just shows how far he goes to prove himself to be an individual, who can take care of himself, Holden feels he doesn’t need anyone but himself, as he is left alone by the end of the story. Throughout the novel, is it clear that the story is about Holden’s journey, and Holden Caulfield being an island. The events and occurrences that happen to Holden along the way prove this statement to be true. Holden has a very strong character, that of which he remains tough; he does his own thing, in his own way; without the need for approval from anyone. Holden Caulfield has isolated himself from the conforming ways of society. Therefore, Holden Caulfield is an Island.

Doing Business in Russia

Export and Investment Chapter 5: Trade Regulations, Customs and Standards Chapter 6: Investment Climate Chapter 7: Trade and Project Financing Chapter 8: Business Travel Chapter 9: Contacts, Market Research and Trade Events Chapter 10: Guide to Our Services 1 6/7/2013 Return to table of contents Chapter 1: Doing Business in Russia †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Market Overview Market Challenges Market Opportunities Market Entry Strategy Market Fact Sheet Link Market Overview †¢ Return to topWith a vast landmass, extensive natural resources, more than 140 million consumers, a growing middle class, and almost unlimited infrastructure needs, Russia remains one of the most promising and eexciting markets for U. S. exporters. Russia is the world’s 11th largest economy by nominal gross domestic product (GDP) and 7th largest by purchasing power parity (PPP). It has the highest per capita GDP ($13,400) of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Afric a). Russia is an upper middle income country, with a highly educated and trained workforce and sophisticated, discerning consumers.Russia’s economy is still recovering from the economic crisis that began in 2008, with GDP growth estimated at 2. 8% for 2013. In terms of trade in goods, Russia was the United States’ 27th largest export market and the 16th largest exporter to the United States in 2012. Russia was America’s 21st largest trading partner overall. U. S. exports to Russia in 2012 were $10. 7 billion, a new record and an increase of almost 30% from 2011. This is six times more than the growth rate for overall U. S. exports worldwide, which rose by 5%. Russian exports to the United States in 2012 were $29 billion, a decrease of 15% from 2011.Russia’s leading trade partners were recently Netherlands, China, Germany, Italy, Ukraine, and Turkey. U. S. accumulated investment in Russia is approximately $10 billion. According to Russian data, the United States is Russia’s 10th largest foreign investor. Russia joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in August 2012. This brought the world’s largest economy outside the WTO into the organization and bound it to a set of rules governing trade. Congress also enacted legislation to extend permanent normal trade relations to Russia in the same year.Russia’s membership in the WTO will liberalize trade with the rest of the world and create opportunities for U. S. exports and investments. For industrial and consumer goods, Russia’s average bound tariff rate declined from almost 10% to under 8%. U. S. manufacturers and exporters will have more certain and predictable access to the Russian market as a result of Russia’s commitment not to raise tariffs on any products above the negotiated rates. For American businesses, Russia’s accession to the WTO will also bring the following: 3 †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ More li beral treatment for service exports and service providers.Sthronger commitments for protection and enforcement of IPR. Rules-based treatment of agricultural exports. Market access under country-specific tariff-rate quotas. Improved transparency in trade-related rule-making. More effective WTO dispute resolution mechanisms. The United States is working vigorously to expand bilateral trade and investment cooperation to benefit both Russia and the United States. In the last several years, the positive atmosphere resulting from the â€Å"reset† of bilateral relations has led to an unprecedented advance in economic cooperation between our countries.From 2009 to 2011, U. S. exports to Russia rose markedly by about 57%, and total United States-Russia trade increased by more than 80%. There is much more room for growth in this important relationship. Return to top †¢ Market Challenges †¢ †¢ †¢ Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning nine time zones an d encompassing over 17 million square miles. Seriously underdeveloped infrastructure poses logistical challenges, especially in accessing markets outside of major cities.An incomplete transition from central planning has led to an insufficiently iintegrated economy and disparities in wealth distribution, both geographically and demographically. Conducting business might be impeded by: burdensome regulatory regimes; inadequate intellectual property rights (IPR) protection and enforcement; widespread corruption and inadequate rule of law; inconsistent application of laws and regulations; lack of transparency; and the continued presence of large state-owned, or state-controlled, enterprises in strategic sectors of the economy.Investments in â€Å"strategic sectors† of the Russian economy are subject to Russian Government control. Recent reforms make it easier for companies to hire expatriate employees, but the Russian immigration and visa system requires time and patience for bu siness travelers to obtain necessary permissions to do business in Russia. English is not widely spoken although knowledge of the language is expanding especially in the major cities. Return to top †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Market Opportunities In alphabetical order: †¢ Agricultural Equipment †¢ Apparel †¢ Automotive Parts and Service Equipment/Accessories †¢ Aviation 4 †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Chemicals/Plastics Construction Consumer Electronics Electric Power Generation and Transmission Equipment Energy Efficiency/Green Build Medical Equipment Refinery Equipment Safety and Security Equipment Travel and Tourism to the United States Return to top Market Entry Strategy †¢ †¢ Commit time, personnel, and capital seriously, as developing business in Russia is resource-intensive. Conduct market research, such as with the U. S. Commercial Service’s Gold Key or International Partner Search services, to identi fy opportunities and potential Russian business partners.Conduct due diligence, such as with the U. S. Commercial Service’s International Company Profile service, to ascertain the reliability of business partners. Consult with U. S. companies already in the market, as well as with the U. S. Commercial Service and business organizations such as the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia and the U. S. -Russia Business Council. Communicate regularly with Russian business partners to ensure common understanding of expectations. Frequent travel to Russia is sthrongly recommended in order to establish and maintain relationships with partners and to understand hanging market conditions. Maintain a long-term timeframe to implement plans and achieve positive results. †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Return to table of contents 5 Return to table of contents Chapter 2: Political and Economic Environment For background information on the political and economic environment of the c ountry, please click on the link below to the U. S. Department of State Background Notes. http://www. state. gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/index. htm Information on Russia can be found at the following link: http://www. state. gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3183. tm Return to table of contents 6 Return to table of contents Chapter 3: Selling U. S. Products and Services †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Using an Agent or Distributor Establishing an Office Franchising Direct Marketing Joint Ventures/Licensing Selling to the Government Distribution and Sales Channels Selling Factors/Techniques Electronic Commerce Trade Promotion and Advertising Pricing Sales Service/Customer Support Protecting Your Intellectual Property Due Diligence Local Professional Services Web Resources Return to top Using an Agent or DistributorEncompassing nine time zones, Russia is the largest country in the world by landmass. Therefore, many busi nesses tend to approach the Russian market on a regional basis. Most new entrants start in Moscow and then move into the regions either through an existing distributor or by seeking new distributors in those locales. As both Moscow and St. Petersburg are major population and business centers, many Western firms have representatives there. The Northwest Federal District consists of the northern part of European Russia and includes eight federal subjects (equivalent to U.S. states), including Russia's second largest city, St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad Region are home to Russia's largest port facilities, and the area has significant natural resources, especially in forest products and oil and gas. The region's population of over 13 million provides a stable and highly educated workforce. In addition, the region shares a long border with Finland, and nearly 40% of European Union-Russia trade takes place along this border.American companies have made signif icant investments in northwest Russia: Caterpillar, Ford, GM, International Paper, Kraft Foods, Wrigley and ConocoPhillips are some of the U. S. brand names with investments there. Some companies have successfully entered the Russian market by starting distribution in other key regions first because of market features and industry sector concentrations (e. g. , woodworking in northwest Russia and energy projects in Sakhalin and western Siberia) and then expanding elsewhere. Well-organized distribution channels are established in western Russia, especially in Moscow and St.Petersburg, and continue to 7 develop rapidly in southern Russia, the Volga region, Urals, Siberia, and Russian Far East. With a high concentration of mineral resources (diamonds, gold, silver, tin, tungsten, lead and zinc), fishing, and timber resources, the Russian Far East also represents business opportunities for U. S. exporters. The Russian Government is promoting a shift in the region to deep processing of n atural resources and fostering local production of high value-added products, while preserving a reasonable focus on resource extraction.Deep processing is focused on the timber, fishing, and agricultural (meat and milk production) industries and will create a need for equipment in these areas. Local and international environmental groups are supporting this strategy, aimed at more sustainable economic development in the region. The Russian Government has mega-projects in the fuel and energy sectors, including continued development of the major Sakhalin oil and gas project at a cost of over 1. 8 trillion rubles. Chemical production facilities using natural gas will likely be built along the pipeline routes.A large-scale petro- and natural gas chemical industry is expected to develop in the Russian Far East along the main pipeline routes to include methanol, ammonia, and fertilizer products, as well as manufacturing of polymeric plastics. These new projects will require procurement o f equipment and machinery to support their production. The mining sector is also expected to be developed, including continued development of gold deposits in the Amur and Magadan regions and the Chukotka Autonomous Region.New projects in the mining sector will drive up the demand for expanded fleets of road construction machinery, and other equipment by local companies. The development of regional aviation as a mearns to connect population centers in the Russian Far East is another Government priority. A new Federal program (adopted in April 2013) plans to allocate 101 billion rubles to support regional aviation, including the upgrade of local airports’ infrastructure. This will create business opportunities for suppliers of regional aircraft and equipment, as well as for service providers specializing in airport modernization.

Catcher in the Rye and Atigone

In the novel The Catcher in the Rye, and the play Antigone both main characters Holden and Creon are alienated or isolated from society. Through their journey they both develop the theme which is wisdom is gained through suffering and experience. J. D. Salinger’s novel ‘Catcher in the Rye’ portrays to the reader a protagonist named Holden Caulfield who desires independence and feels that the world is an inhospitable place, that he holds contempt for, Holden like many teenagers seeks a sense of identity but does not look for it through his connections with others.The book highlights this and his issue of identity is explored through Holden, himself, who can be correlated to other people living in forced isolation and alienation. Holden constantly labels â€Å"phoney-ness† on the adult world and forces self alienation as a way of self protection for himself to further illustrate his independence from a world he is not connected to. In the drama â€Å"Antigon e† by Sophocles we can see that Creon is also the protagonist. Creon is obsessed with greed and power. The play highlights this by capturing the controlling and manipulative ways of Creon’s personality.We can see that he is not directly wanting to be alone like Holden but that he doesn’t care about anyone else other than himself. This is self inflicting insolation, because no one will what to endure his presents. This help’s develop the theme because we can see both of the characters flaws and how they are going to grow. Holden is a compelling character, because we are not sure what he is going to do next. He purchased a red hunting hat that will make him stand out in a crowd, or protect himself from the outside world.He wears a hunting hat to show his uniqueness and isolates him self to portray that he is better than others and above interacting with them. In the beginning on the novel we see that the hat is used more frequently, to hide his true emotions . He tends to wear his hat when he is alone and thinking to himself. But he did wear it in a crowd of people so no one would talk to him. As he is in New York he tends to stop wearing the hat so often this meaning that he is growing up and maturing. Then eventually he even gives the hat to Phoebe showing that he is now an adult.There are many conflicts that Creon has to over come before he realizes that he is not the only person he truly cares about. Creon puts himself at a position of power, he go against his word saying that he would listen to the people of Thebes. Now he is going to send people to death even if they are listening to the gods. Because Creon is at a postison of power he can do whatever he wants even though it is pushing people away from him and causing him to be isolated. At the end of the play Creon finally realizes that just because he has power does not mean that everyone will love him, and he is left alone.This helps develop the theme because we can see that bo th characters are suffering in their own way. Holden is suffering with letting people in and not being able to show emotion. He is gaining knowledge through his own experiences and able to see that the adult world is not so bad after all. Creon had to also learn from his own experiences. Creon’s tragedy is his inability to recognize that anyone else can be right and his failure to acknowledge a higher good than that of the state. He only realizes when it is to late, when his loved ones were no longer with him.Holden often reaches out to people but sabotages potential relationships by making awkward and odd comments or actions. Holden is terrified to make a connection with someone knowing that the people he love often abandon him: Allie, D. B. , his parents. â€Å"Where do the ducks go? † is a question that he often asks to the taxi driver. This is a symbol of growth and maturity because he can see that not everything will leave forever like Allie. The ducks will come b ack and so will the people in his life. Holden thinks he wants to find someone to share intimacy with but truly what he needs is a good friend, someone who he can talk.This person in the novel is his sister the one who he truly cares about Phoebe. She is like a rock for him, even though she is much younger than him she acts as the adult in the relationship. She helps him grow and mature into a young adult. Unlike Holden, Creon is in love with power. He puts his love for his country above the love for his family He'd rather kill Antigone to uphold his law and win the respect (or fear) of people of Thebes than pardon his niece and one of his last living relatives. When he sends Antigone to her death he has an argument with his son Haemon.Creon is now killing the love of his son’s life for his own love of power. He tries to take back what he has done but it is to late, Antigone, Heamon, and Eurydice are now dead. Creon had cause his own son and wife to die because of his love fo r power. Love helps develop the theme because we reach out for people and we need them to live normal social lives. Without these life experiences how are we able to mature and grow as a person. You may have to suffer before you can see the growth. â€Å" Of happiness the crown and chiefest part is wisdom, and to hold the Gods in awe.This is the law that , seeing the stricken heart of pride brought down, we lean when we are old. † ( Chorus, p 162, text) We can only grow wiser through experience as we can see through both Holden and Creon. With both character’s they have to learn to let people in to have an opinion. That it is ok to stand out, but what will you do with your power? And to love the ones who love you. Without them you will be nothing in the world. Wisdom is gained through suffering and experience because without experience we would never grow as a person. Comparative Essay

Police brutality Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Police brutality - Research Paper Example brutality comes in the form of use of profane language, threats of violence, field searches, approaching an innocent citizen with a drawn firearm, and to the extreme, physical violence against victims (Champion 58). Although police brutality is a commonplace occurrence in the entire United States, it is worth noting that New Jersey and New York are particularly conspicuous with such acts due to their strategic importance (Holmes and Smith 87). In as much as the law allows the use of reasonable force by the police in apprehending suspects, the governments of New York and New Jersey should install the relevant surveillance systems to reduce the many incidences of police brutality Despite the fact that the law on procedures of apprehension is very clear, some police officers still prefer to use excessive and more often unreasonable force in dealing with suspects or innocent citizens (Holmes and Smith 87). The law protects all citizens, including suspects and the police officers have to comply with such laws in maintaining order within their areas of operation (Shedd 43). It means that officers who appear to have violated the fundamental rights of the citizens in the course of their duties should face the same law that is fair to all (Johnson 521). Under all circumstances and occasions, officers should conduct themselves with utmost decorum and professionalism because the use of any excessive force by such officers could turn detrimental (Champion 58). In most cases, police officers who engage in brutal acts against the citizens do so in groups or individually with the aim of intimidating their victims. In this respect, they use a number of methods to perpetrate inhumane acts on their victims, depending on the situation and the nature of the individual (Barak 71). Sometimes, such rogue officers can use profane language or abusive language towards their victims even if their victims are submissive to their demands. Additionally, police brutality can come in the form

Business Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 4

Business Law - Essay Example The court did not find specific performance as a legal remedy in this case for the reason that it was impossible to compel the Wentz to sell the carrots to Campbell unwillingly. In the final ruling, the court refused to help Campbell in reinforcing the case because Campbell had formulated an unconscionable contract that provided him with unreasonable privileges to control the farmers. For instance, he could dictate to whom the farmers would sell the carrots they could not buy after the harvest. To avoid instances of unconscionable contracts in the future, Campbell soup requires to exercise fairness in the contract by involving farmers during the contract formulation process (Blum, 2007). The Uniform Commercial Code Under UCC 2-302, a person who buys goods at an exaggerated price stands a better chance to exit a contract more than a person who is involved in the purchase of non-food products. The principle of fairness requires that all contracts be treated as equally binding regardles s of the participants of the contract. However, the UCC law seems to contradict this law by exercising favoritism for people with unequal bargaining power. It would be more ethical if the court upheld treated all citizens on the same platform as long as the at the signing of the contract each party is aware of the terms of the contract; They have the will to sign it or refuse to sign (Collins, 2009). In the scenario of Ace heating and Cooling Company, although Glamour and Shady restaurant are familiar with the terms of the contract, the purchase conditions are incomparable. While Glamour purchased the Freezy to protect the health of old patients, Shady restaurants bought the Freezy out of not urgency. Glamour’s purchased the goods to protect the rights of people who have a low bargaining power, unlike Shady’s customers. Employment-at Will The employment-at-will Act allows the employer to fire an employee without any substantial reason to do so, and as they deem fit for the organization. Unless there is a contract of employment or evidence of discrimination, fired employees cannot obtain a legal protection from a court of law. While it is considerate to allow employers to fire employees at their own discretion, this rule has been applied to inflict discrimination in the labor market. For instance, ABC news reported a case where a woman was fired on the ground that she was irresistible and was a threat to marriages. When the Supreme Court ruled against the woman and justified the action of the employer, the case attracted a lot of controversy since this termination of employment was perceived as an incidence of illegal female discrimination. The fact that the court granted rehearing of the case, it can be considered as evidence of inconsistency in court decision due to a weakness in the law regarding the firing of employees (Doyle, 2013). To avoid such inconsistencies and misinterpretation of the law regarding firing, the law should not allow firin g for no reason policy. A Principal’s Responsibility for the Actions of Their Agent The action of Steve, a Big Mart employee, to check their customer, Karen, is part of the responsibility he owes to their employer. The fact that Karen did not go through the check counter raises a question and hence Steve’s action to scrutinize her is an act of good faith. Since Karen has no tangible evidence to show that Steve had a malicious intention, she is not justified to sue for defamation or

MANAGING IN A MIXED ECONOMY Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

MANAGING IN A MIXED ECONOMY - Coursework Example Management in mixed economy in the current context has attained significant importance across the world (Reisman, 2005). Concerning with the factors of a mixed economy, this paper intends to focus on the management of such issues in the light of Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd. Overview of the Network Rail Railtrack was involved in performing various tasks of scheduling, delivering, managing, selling and consulting for rail transportation and operated as a group of companies that was engaged in maintaining all the aspects of the track as well as stations of the old British rail network. However, it was sold to Network Rail and later renamed as Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd. Network Rail was then charged with the responsibility of managing the entire rail infrastructure in Great Britain excluding the London underground service. Network Rail therefore aims at providing a safe, reliable and efficient railway service within the UK. Correspondingly, the organisation is committed towards improving the rail network by offering faster, and frequent as well as reliable journey within the towns and cities of the UK. With its rigorous effort, it aims at integrating people for making the UK more competitive in terms of railroad transportation. It also aims at bringing significant benefits to the national economy. Moreover, its endeavour towards private sector growth and workforce can also be seen with its radical investment in the sector (Network Rail, 2013). It is worth mentioning in this context that the organisation is committed towards introducing new technologies in order to offer greater ease and facilities to its wide-range of customers. The organisation proclaims to follow the best organisational practices of safety management wherein its initiatives have been committed towards promoting righteous attitude and continuous development within the workforce. It further tends to ensure that all the passengers as well as individuals dealing with fright are fairly treat ed when they choose to use railway. Currently, the company operates as a private company performing commercial businesses. It is categorised as company limited by guarantee and is directly accountable to its members being regulated by the Office of Retail Regulation (ORR). Moreover, the company is determined to deliver a safe, reliable and the most efficient railway for Britain. It is worth mentioning that its members are drawn from rail industry and the public. Moreover, it is funded through excess of revenue apart from the monetary assistance rendered by the government grants. Notably, the Scottish Government is a public member of Network Rail (Network Rail, 2013). Seminar Topic 1: Innovation and Service Transformation The notion of co-production is widely being discussed in relation to the public services across the world and in the UK as well when evaluating the innovation and service transformation strategies taken by organisations such as Network Rail in a mixed economy system . It is worth mentioning that co-production processes in a mixed economy have often been argued to be primarily based upon the apparent characteristics of services in both public and private sectors wherein the production and consumption of services are commonly noted as inseparable. In order to attain the broad benefits of the co-production, it is essential that the users of

Sustainability as a source of competitive advantage in the hospitality Literature review - 1

Sustainability as a source of competitive advantage in the hospitality industry - Literature review Example While sustainability is engineered into large hotels, simpler processes are associated with environmental friendliness in small hotels. The differences between them should be noted in order to better appreciate the scope of sustainability issues in large hotels. For small hotels, a significant solid-waste management (SWM) program becomes the principal concern. Small hotels generate wastes that usually end up in landfills, due to the relatively smaller quantities of various types of waste that defy more economical large-scale waste management. It is not true, however, that effective waste management cannot be conducted in small hotels. There are still methods and techniques by which waste can be segregated, recycled, and reduced to minimize and even eliminate contribution to landfills (Radwan, Jones & Minoli, 2010). Empirical studies have come to explore the consumer dynamics relating to sustainable hotels. Lee, Hsu, Han & Kim (2010) sought to determine the view of consumers concernin g green hotels, and how the hotel’s green image can impact on their behavioural intentions. The diagram following provides a graphic presentation of the factors considered in the conduct of the study. The study takes into account among its assumptions the growing concern among the public about environmental issues in general, and how this affects their viewpoint of the hotel industry. Green technology is viewed herein as a strategic tool that can enhance the hotel’s competitive advantage.

Colonial Salem, Witch Trials as a quest for power Essay

Colonial Salem, Witch Trials as a quest for power - Essay Example In fact, religion, witches, and Satan may have had less to do with the outcome of the Salem trials than the male/female conflict that permeated the town and the era. Gender attitudes were prescribed by the fundamentalist religion of the time, and religious figures may have had a fear of the women expressing themselves, and a hostility towards their feminist demands. Gender roles and sexism played a key part in the Salem Witch Trials, as the events of 1692 became another chapter in the ongoing struggle that women have confronted in their quest for status, fairness, and justice. Witchcraft has traditionally been stereotyped as the domain of the female gender, as well as being a social construct perpetuated by the dominant male power structure. Witnesses who testified against the witches seemed to "acquiesce in and reinforce theories of witchcraft, developed by theologians and lawyers, which emphasize female weakness—the greater susceptibility of women to temptation; their greater sensual depravity" (Holmes 45). These theories were simply prejudicial stereotypes that had no basis in scientific or social fact. Feminism and gender roles are central to the Salem Witch Trials as they recognize and address the "systems of power and oppression" that existed at the time (Gasser 27). In 1692 Salem, men controlled the political spectrum, only men could vote and hold public office, they were the leaders in the Puritan religion, and owned most of the personal property (Demos 63). These factors would create an environment where women would have few opportunities except to keep their place, not speak out, and acquiesce to male demands. In addition, clinical hysteria was common in the 17th and 18th century when women were denied self-expression and limited in power and status (Hill 22). The charges of witchcraft in 17th century Salem were a manifestation of the womens struggle, and defined as witchcraft only by the male power structure. As the hysteria

How can powerful people affect the lives of people who do not have a Essay

How can powerful people affect the lives of people who do not have a lot of power - Essay Example Indeed, the two generations have distinct needs, objectives, views, perception of life, and communication techniques. Most specifically, the communication between the two generations is not successful as the rarely agree on anything. Ideally, the older generation disregards the younger generation by condemning what the later does. In fact, we can see Miss Emily dismissing the modern generation of the town. Faulkner quotes that, â€Å"So she vanquished them, horse and foot, just as she had vanquished their fathers thirty years before about the smell† (Barnet 420). More so, we can establish the tax disagreement between Miss Emily and the new generation who wanted her to pay the debt after disputing the earlier arrangement, which exempted her from paying taxes in 1894 (Barnet 419). According to the short story, A Rose for Emily, â€Å"She refused to acknowledge that the old arrangement might not work anymore, and flatly refused to pay† (Barnet 423). Indeed, she was dissati sfied with the new arrangement. Her blatant refusal depicts a disregard and disrespect of the new generation. Moreover, when the mayor and his new administration visited Miss Emily, she despised them and did not interact or welcome them to her house (Barnet 421). Actually, Faulkner claims, â€Å"She just stood in the door and listened quietly until the spokesman came to a stumbling halt† (Barnet 421). On the other hand, we can see Connie disagreeing with her mother who actually scolds and nags her for admiring herself in the mirror (Barnet 481). However, Connie ignores her criticism and spends most of her time in clubs. Notably, the looks of Connie’s mother were long gone. Connie’s mother disregards Connie’s ability and urges her to behave and dress like her elder sister. Oates claims that Connie’s mother always lamented Connie by stating, "Why don't you keep your room clean like your sister? How have you got your hair fixed—what stinks? Hai r spray? You don't see your sister using that junk† (Barnet 481). Furthermore, the two generations do not communicate effectively as we can see the mayor and his new generation communicating ineffectively with Miss Emily who never responded to their letters, notices, and mails. Indeed, Faulkner asserts, â€Å"Each December we sent her a tax notice, which would be returned by the post office a week later, unclaimed† (Barnet 423). As such, the new generation gave up on getting any information from Miss Emily. At the same time, we can confirm that the decisions made by those in power do not reflect the best interests of all. Indeed, the powerful seek to satisfy their needs and those of their colleagues with total disregard of the less powerful in the society. For instance, we can see Colonel Sartoris, the mayor hatching a plan to exempt Miss Emily from tax from the death of her father on into perpetuity (Barnet 419). Indeed, Colonel Sartoris cheated the general society tha t Miss Emily's father loaned the town some money, which Miss Emily can only recover by being tax exempted (Barnet 419). Such a move did not suit the interests of all as it denied the town huge resources that can add some benefit to the society. As such, we can see the new mayor reversing that arrangement for the benefit of the people. Moreover, we can see the authorities refusing to confront Miss Emily on the strong stink coming from her

Short Answers 1. ULTRA 2. Marshall Gregori Zhukov 3.General George C Essay

Short Answers 1. ULTRA 2. Marshall Gregori Zhukov 3.General George C. Marshall 4. Anzio 5. Operation Fortitude 6.Kursk 7.The Fal - Essay Example 2. Marshal Georgi Zhukov was the leading Red Army strategist behind Soviet victories at Moscow, Stalingrad and at Berlin. He was instrumental in developing defensive strategies that led to the Germans’ defeat. A leading member of the Stavka, Zhukov â€Å"more than any other one man was responsible for the formulation and implementation of Soviet strategy.†? His victory at Moscow and subsequent counter-offensive at Stalingrad devastated the Wehrmacht and turned the war in the Soviets’ favor after a string of near-catastrophic losses during the early weeks of Operation Barbarossa. After driving the Nazis out of Russia, Zhukov ultimately led the Red Army to victory in 1945 at Berlin, taking the city despite fierce resistance. (Name) 3 3. General George C. Marshall was in large part architect of the Allies’ victory in World War 2. As the grand organizer of the Allies’ war effort, he orchestrated the invasion of the European continent. He also managed th e massive U.S. war effort on two fronts, balancing the need for overwhelming manpower and materiel between Europe and the Pacific. Ultimately, Marshall was â€Å"responsible for the building, supplying, and, in part, the deploying of over eight million soldiers.†? After the war, the Marshall Plan became the blueprint for recovery in Europe and set the stage for subsequent prosperity in Western Europe. Marshall was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1953. 4. Anzio, the battle subsequent to Operation Shingle, was an attempt by the Allies to outflank the German army and free the road to Rome. Strategically, the Allies sought to liberate Italy but were facing stalemate north of Naples.4 Despite a successful landing, the Americans and British were pinned down by the Germans but managed to hold the beachhead, finally breaking through to Rome and liberating the city. The fighting at Anzio occupied German troops that could not be committed to the defense of Normandy on D-Day, with the Germans eventually committing approximately 80,000 additional troops to the defense of Italy. 5. Operation Fortitude was the name the Allies used for a campaign of deception prior to the Normandy landings. Aimed at keeping the Wehrmacht off balance and confused, it led the German high command to believe that the Allied landing would take place at Pas de Calais. Ultimately, the objective of Operation Fortitude was to keep (Name) 4 the Germans from concentrating their forces in Normandy. One of the war’s most successful deception campaigns, Operation Fortitude had the desired effect: â€Å"As a result, (the Germans) embarked on relatively few defensive preparations, mostly along the Pas de Calais on the Channel Coast north of the River Seine.†5 6. The Battle of Kursk technically marked the end of the German initiative in the eastern war. From a tactical standpoint, the Soviet victory at Kursk was a triumph of the Red Army’s use of â€Å"redundant† defen se, or defense in depth, which utilized a devastating and meticulous combination of artillery, tank units and other defensive weapons. This approach proved the undoing of the Wehrmacht’s famous Blitzkrieg approach to offensive warfare. Designed to overwhelm a foe in a single massive stroke, the German Blitzkrieg broke against a series of Russian defensive positions. â€Å"

The prosecution of James Phang Wah and Jackie Hoo Choon Cheat Essay

The prosecution of James Phang Wah and Jackie Hoo Choon Cheat directors of an insolvent company, Sunshine Empire - Essay Example This paper illustrates that the firm swindled investors who bought lifestyle packages. The firm also promised investors returns which were not from genuine profits but were actually funds recycled from new members joining the scheme. These two scenarios constituted criminal law. Another case is where Phang’s wife was paid a commission of nearly 950,000 US dollars for her work as the company’s group sales director, a job she never had or did. Sunshine empire was a corporation. Therefore all its operations were governed by the corporations’ law that existed. Some of the requirements of this law are proper maintenance of books of accounts. This company never kept proper books of account. On the other hand, a company is normally formed with the sole object of not dealing in illegal trade. The company also breached this by processing uncensored and obscene films. All these cases led to the breach of corporations’ law. The company is being wound up. Therefore, t he Commercial affairs department has seized about twenty-one million US dollars and will establish how these funds should be disbursed to the firm’s creditors. This constitutes property law. The directors’ intention of selling 26,000 packages and earning 180, 000 US dollars was unacceptable. They knew that the scheme would fail. An important aspect of Law of contract is ‘acting in good faith.’ The directors breached this provision. On the other hand, Phang’s wife is also being fined for falsifying payment vouchers. This constituted a breach of contract law. How the Law helps in the following Situations Allows people to Organize and Plan Law in itself can help people organize and plan their future actions. In the case of Sunshine Empire, investors are applying the provision of the law to plan their future actions. This is evidenced by the fact that they buy packages from Sunshine Empire with the hope that they will get higher returns. There was a ris k though with such investment as the company could collapse in the future leading to heavy losses to investors; and true to this, the company eventually went under receivership. How Law Encourages or discourages Particular activities Law can act to encourage or discourage certain activities. The prosecution of directors is a common example where the law doe not permit swindling of investors money through fraudulent activities. The directors defrauded the public of their through false investment activities, hence had to pay for their illegal acts (Howitt, p68). The law also acts to encourage compensation in cases of losses being suffered by a given party to a contract. This is seen when the commercial affairs department of company sets aside money to disburse to the firm’s creditors. How Law Creates Rights and Duties that can be enforced The contract between Sunshine Empire and its investors is a clear indication of a situation where law can create rights and duties which can be enforced. The investors invest their funds in the hope of higher returns in the future. The company gets wound up and the Commercial Affairs Department sets aside funds to settle creditors’ claims. By settling the creditors claim, a right of compensation in case of damages or loss is being enforced. How Law Provides remedies when Rights are interfered with or duties are not discharged In this case, creditors are being given funds set aside to cover for their losses as the company goes into liquidation. This clearly shows how law can be used to provide remedy in case of interference with somebody’s rights or where duties in a contract are not fully discharged. Why it is Important to know the law in the circumstances described in the Media report Members of the public at large should know the

Online Hotel Reservation Essay Example for Free

Online Hotel Reservation Essay -According to Mrs. Michelle Amir,co-fouder and CEO,says:,†I am proud to say that by the third quarter 2008 we will have succeeded in our goal to become a global hotel booking agency. During three consecutive years our company results have shown a tremendous annual increase of much more than 100 %. Over 2007 we boasted gross sales of over 36 million. We expect to reach 75 million in hotel reservation in 2008. The first quarter in 20087 looks promising. With over 13 million gross sales we start the year ahead of budget. We achieved this with a mere three destinations. Therefore,with so many more destinations,we expect our results to continue to increase significantly. We also expect many more repeat visitors and actual bookers due to the added cities. † -Callista Hospitality is a reservations and management system for motels, lodges and small to mid-sized hotels. It incorporates powerful, easy-to-use features which are normally available only in high-end, expensive reservations software systems. Electronic reservations, easy checkin/out, automatic management of online reservations and all changes in room availability, integrated and automatic guest call logging and allocation with user-defined margins per call type, multiple accounts per guest room, automatic confirmation emailing, user-defined in-house charge allocation, on/off peak calendar, complete guest history, integrated guest billing and automatic scheduled reporting for management, statistical analysis, financial analysis and operations and much more are all available in this innovative, inexpensive, easy-to-use system. A fully automated checkin wizard makes checkin fast and efficient even for the most novice user. The online hotel reservation is the only growing section between the different methods of reservation. The 40% of rooms in cities were reserved online in 2009 and this rate is increasing because there is more and more online reservation system. Online reservation systems are very useful because the traveller can compare prices, can see the other travellers opinions and ratings from the hotels and their services. In this way it is easier for the client to choose the right hotel. It saves time and money for travellers.

Value Management And Its Application In The Construction Industry Construction Essay

Value Management And Its Application In The Construction Industry Construction Essay The construction industry the world over is often perceived to be the life wire of its respective economy as it cuts across all aspects of human activities (Ayangade, 2009) and the Nigerian construction industry is not an exception to this. Its contribution ranges from enabling the procurement of goods and services to the provision of buildings and other infrastructure, thereby providing employment opportunities to its labour force while contributing immensely to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to Ayangade (2009), the contribution of the Nigerian construction industry is yet to measure up to those of the western world like the UK and Australia due to its developing nature among other reasons discussed below. As noted by the same researcher (Ayangade, 2009), whereas the construction industries of other developed countries are responsible for about 22% of their respective GDPs, the Nigerian case is different as it contributes slightly below 16% to its economy. However, this could be said to be complemented by the relatively higher employment (20%) it provides for its whooping 140 million citizens compared to the 12% as in the case of developed countries. Mbamali (2004) attributed this to relatively lower use of mechanization within construction in Nigeria and the high dependency of the Nigerian economy on the oil sector. Obiegbu (2005) noted that the construction industry, unlike other sectors, is a complex one and requires articulate professionals who are ready to live up to its clients expectations. Clients in the construction industry may either be private individuals including corporate bodies or public organisations which include the government. In Nigeria the federal government is often seen to be involved in the most complex projects with about 38.4% of the market (Ayangade, 2005). This is followed by the state government which is responsible for about 19.2% of the projects in the industry, though there is still some form of partnering between different classes of clients. The players in the industry are a disparate group of individuals often assembled into temporary teams and may comprise of quantity surveyors, architects, Engineers, Estate surveyors Valuers, project managers, contractors and sub-contractors, suppliers, labourers and artisans. Activities in the construction industry are carried out on a project basis and could be within an organisation or part of a programme (..reference). The Project Management Institute (PMI) (2004) defined a project as a temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, service or result. The product, in the context of the construction industry, may be a building, services installation or other infrastructural project. Hence the relevant mix of professionals is often assembled together with the aim of achieving this goal. This group of professionals is expected to possess the relevant skills, knowledge, tools and techniques to achieve the project goals. The application of these variables, skills, knowledge, tools and techniques, with the aim achieving the required objective is referred to as project management (PMI, 2004). According to Obiegbu (2005), the contractual procurement strategy, which he defined as a basis for clients action in defining the procedure to be followed fr om the inception of the project to handover, plays an important role in the performance of the industry. Some of the contractual arrangements which are often referred to as procurement routes may include, but are not limited to, the following: Traditional procurement route Design and build Management contracts 2.1.1 Nature and Performance of the Nigerian Construction Industry the economic resources often wasted in cost and time overruns, substandard work and shoddy workmanship, client-contractor-practitioners acrimonious relationships and non-performance of projects as envisaged by clients and end users Olatunje (2009) The above quote highlights the perception of the Nigerian construction industry presented by Olatunje (2009) highlights issues researched by other authors such as cost and time overruns (Aniekwu and Okpala, 1998, Oyedele Tham, 2007, Dlakwa Culpin, 1990), project abandonment (Sonuga et al, 2002, Adams, 1997) and both client and contractor dissatisfaction (Olatunje, 2009). The quote also echoes findings from Egans (1998) research into the UK construction industry. The Egan report has been formative in the UK construction industry but also for the Nigerian industry, which is fashioned after the UKs (Mbamali, et al., 2005, Oyedele Tham, 2007). The Nigerian construction industry has similar contractual arrangements as the industry in Britain which has been found to be more unsuitable for developing industries like Nigeria than it is for its own industry (Edmonds Miles, 1983, Sonuga et al, 2002). The most common procurement route used in the Nigerian construction industry is the traditional route (Ayangade, 2009). This implies that much risk is placed on the Architect to deliver the project as he is left to advise, organise and lead other project consultants to conceive and develop the project design. This procurement route has faced a lot of criticism including the separation of the design stage from actual construction. Wells (1986) found that the divorce of design from construction and the use of competitive tendering, which is based on lowest cost, are noted constraints that affect the performance of the Nigerian construction industry. Aniekwu and Okpala (1988) referred to these as systemic issues in the industry which result from the application of contractual arrangements unsuited to the Nigerian industry. Some of these issues may be accommodated by appropriate conditions of contract but these factors are considered to be withholding the development of the industry. Aniekwu and Okpala (1988) also identified some of the structural issues affecting the industry to include access to finance and lack of proper communication among consultants, contractors and the client at the early stages the project and during construction. Oyodele and Tham (2005) noted that lack of proper communication in the industry, boosted by its high level of fragmentation, has left it awash it with delay, cost and time overruns in addition to the disturbing rate of fluctuation in the prices of materials offered by the economy. The findings of the Building Research Establishment associated more than 50% of the construction defects with mistakes in project drawings and documentation due to inadequate interaction among the proj ect professionals. This is in line with the recommendation of the National Economic Development Office (1987) on the need for more accurate designs in the industry as this is responsible for nearly two-thirds of poor quality work in the industry. 2.1.2 Project Management in the Nigerian Construction Industry Odusemi et al, (2003) found that Project Management is still in its early stages of development in the Nigerian construction industry. The service is offered but only alongside other consultancy services. This is not assisted by the fact that PM is learned experientially and is not represented by established professional bodies, although many consultants are members of the Association of Project Management (APM) and the Project Management Institute (PMI). This has left the industry struggling with the challenges of satisfying the needs of its clients and the public as a whole. As noted by Oyodale and Tham (2005), the complexities presented by the industry can only be tackled by its professionals. Aibinu and Jagboro (2002) concluded that, considering the contribution of the construction industry to its nations economy, improved services in the form of greater efficiency and timeliness would certainly yield a positive impact. The research called on the need for innovative research that will improve management skills and ability, buildability, design quality, integration and communication and client focus so as to deliver value for money. 2.2 VALUE MANAGEMENT 2.2.1 Value Concept Historically, value is viewed from an economic perspective, hence its expression as a ratio of costs to benefits (Kelly et al, 2004). The concept of value is based on the relationship between satisfying needs and the expectations and the resources required to achieve them (British Standard, 2000). The above statement implies that for value to be correctly defined there ought to be some needs that are desired to be satisfied; which are then weighed against the required and available resources to achieve them. This however does not equate reduced cost to enhanced value. For instance, as illustrated in figure 2.1 below, a project manager may decide to commit more resources in the short run (which would obviously increase cost) with an intention of increasing his revenue (improved value) in the long run. Value can thus be increased when the clients satisfaction increases and the cost in terms of resources either diminishes, or increases to a lesser extent (Tassinari (1985, p37). Figure 2.1 showing the relationship between resources and customer satisfaction. (Adapted from British Standard, 2000) A need is that which is desired or necessary to perform a particular function and will differ depending on the nature of the client or the perspective from which it is defined (British Standard, 2000). This explains why value is often seen to be a subjective term (Thiry, 1997). According to Kelly et al (2004) producers and dealers may both view value as the price of a physical object while the consumers or users would see value from its performance perspective which changes with time. McGeorge and Palmer (2002) illustrate this using a modern home which has a little battery operated radio in addition to internet, phone, and television. Of course, the small radio would be perceived to have little or no value until a snow storm cuts the house off from the electric power supply which will render the radio as the only source of communication. The above example by McGeorge and Palmer (2002) shows the effect time and innovation can have on a clients interpretation of value and how it can change given a particular situation. The small battery operated radio was initially of very high value when it was the only available option but diminished with the invention and/or acquisition of internet, phone and television by the household. However its appreciation changed when the situation change. According to Zimmerman and Hart (1982Shona Flannery2010-07-24T16:24:00 p) as cited in Thiry (1997), if a design has not changed in 18 years, the product is either excellent or management has failed to improve it. However one knows that neither of these two conditions mentioned in the above statement is obtainable in the present construction industry due to its highly competitive nature. Most times clients interpretation of value is when it meets or exceeds their expectations. Kelly and Male (2007) described this using the Kanos model as shown in figure 2.3 below. Figure 2.2 Kanos Model, reproduced from Kelly and Male, 2007 As shown on Kanos model above, there are three levels of satisfaction factors; basic, performance and delighter, each having some effects on the quality characteristics including customers satisfaction. According to Kelly and Male (2007), Kanos model (figure 2.2) does not only portray the importance of achieving a clients immediate expectations from a project but also the need to go the extra mile to improve it beyond the clients expectations as this gives them a delighter satisfaction. The possible benefit from this is that projects would not become obsolete within a short period of its completion as its performance would still exceed the customers demand, thereby assuring the client of continued good value for his money. Kanos model also creates room for improved projects through innovative services and products as what was once a delighter over time goes down to basic and forms a baseline below which the client becomes d issatisfied. According to Harty (2009) one of the driving forces behind the value management concept is that it encourages innovation through research which is in line with the recommendations of Egan (1998) to improve the performance of the construction industry. 2.2.2 Defining the Client Value System Clients in the construction industry have been described as a heterogeneous group made up of private or public organisations operating in different environments with diverse reasons for their existence (Kelly et al 2007). Some of these are multinational organisations competing at the global level who already have reputations to protect while some are small upcoming organisations who are still very much profit driven. Viewed from another perspective, some of these clients are more experienced than others irrespective of their sizes or the sector in which they operate. It then follows that clients are unique in their own ways and have individual, respective requirements which determine their needs and hence what is of value to them. This is referred to as the client value system. Harmonizing and prioritizing these diverse views of stakeholders in a particular project at the project briefing stage sets the clients value system and ensures that value for money (VfM) is achieved, (OGC, 20 07). The client value system is thus seen as a basis for making decisions as to the allocation and use of resources available for a project, thereby addressing the usual mismatch between the clients actual intent and his capability (Thiry, 1996). According to Kelly et al (2004, p157) one of the most important considerations of value management is the recognition of the uniqueness of each clients value system. This creates demand for the construction industry as it is focused on the customers by making explicit what value means to the each individual client. Sequel to this, Kelly et al (2004) identified some measurable criteria which form a typical construction client value system to include time, capital costs, operating cost, environment, exchange, flexibility, esteem, comfort and politics. 2.2.2.1 Time Refers to the period from when the project was conceptualized to the period when it is completed and absorbed into the clients organisation. Often time is assessed on a continuum from when it is of essence to the point where it could be compromised (Kelly et al, 2004). For instance a project to build a sports bar for the 2010 world cup delivered just a day past the commencement of the tournament, may drastically affect its value. Hence it is necessary to determine what time means to the client. 2.2.2.2 Capital expenditure (CAPEX) Are those costs associated with the capital cost of a project, measured on a continuum between the budget being considered tight and not able to be exceeded to there being flexibility in budgeting (Kelly et al 2004). Simply put, CAPEX is what it cost to put a project on ground, from inception to handover. However, Elinwa and Joshua (2001) stated that it is sometimes difficult to separate the capital costs of some projects from its operating costs due the platform on which it was procured. For example a primary health centre to be procured through PFI, it may not be so easy to pin point the capital costs as it forms part of the total lease package. 2.2.2.3 Operating expenditure (OPEX) Spending on construction projects is not one off expenditure as the building requires to be operated, maintained and repaired throughout the life span of the building. According to Kelly et al (2004), OPEX can be defined as those costs associated with operation and maintenance of a completed project as it becomes a part of the clients organization; measured by the extent to which it is minimized to its point of being flexible. This depends on the use to which a building is being put to. For instance where the building is for residential purpose, the operating costs may include utilities, cleaning, repairs, maintenance, caretaker and security. This may be expanded to include photocopying and internet facilities and other office services for a commercial development. 2.2.2.4 Environment This defines how important achieving an environmentally friendly project is to the client. Kelly et al (2004) defined environment as the extent to which the project results in a sympathetic approach to its immediate and extended physical environments in terms of energy consumed in putting it up and in operating it. The yardstick here is the level to which the project complies with the Kyoto Agreement and Agenda 21 issues including other environmental regulations. This explains a clients interest in having a sustainable development which is resources conscious. 2.2.2.5 Exchange or resale This refers to the monetary value of the project were it to be sold, rented or valued as part of an organisations assets. Where the project cannot be traded on the open market value or there is no intention to resell ab initio, this will be indicated in the organisations value system (Kelly et al, 2004). The continuum here is between the returns from the project being of importance to the returns being of not of much or no importance to the client. 2.2.2.6 Flexibility As recommended by Egan (1998), there is a need for construction projects to be at a par with improvements in technology and changes in market demand. Hence flexibility as a value criterion is the extent to which a project parameter has to reflect this ever changing environment at its design stage (Kelly et al 2004). For instance, the nature of the healthcare industry involves constant improvements in technology and hence healthcare facilities must be compatible with the incorporation of these changes. However, flexibility depends on the nature of the project and is measured between being very easy to change its function to being impossible. 2.2.2.7 Esteem This refers to the amount of immediate resources that a client wants to forgo for attributes like prestige, aesthetic and appearance rather than performance (Thiry, 1996). Some projects may not be viable based on other value criteria but of high value to the client on esteem grounds. For instance, some projects undertaken by some countries could be just aimed at creating awareness and putting the countrys name on the map as in the case of the worlds tallest building in Dubai. 2.2.2.8 Comfort In the context of a building this refers to the physical and psychological comfort of the building as a place for working and living with its influence on human performance (Kelly et al 2004). Simply put, it refers to the ease with which the project supports the business carried out in it or other uses to which it is being put. 2.2.2.9 Politics This is external to projects and refers to the level of resources that the client wants to commit to the community, popularity and good neighbour issues which often determines how important they Shona Flannery2010-07-24T17:55:00 who?are to him (Kelly and Male, 2007). This is measured by the motive to be popular with the local community or not having any concern with them at all. In a study conducted to determine clients assessment of architects performance in Nigeria in terms of delivering value for money, Lukmon et al (2007), identified a set of 28 similar but correlated criteria which they grouped under quality of project, buildability, client focus and management skills. 2.2.3 Historical Background of Value Management A project is defined as an undertaking aimed at achieving a specific objective usually measured in terms of performance, budget and schedule, (Morris and Hough 1987). Hence project is an investment undertaken to add value to the core business of a client (Kelly et al, 2004). Value Management, as a management technique, offers the most logical approach to delivering VfM to clients (Shen and Liu 2003); Kelly and Male, 2007). Its strength may be attributed to its approach of identifying and/or verifying a clients value system among the relevant stakeholders at an early stage of the project, so that these may be reflected in the project design. According to Thiry (1996) the origins of VM can be traced back to the 1940s in what he described as more for less in the USA manufacturing industry. During World War II Lawrence Miles, an Engineer with General Electric, was faced with some strategic problems in producing some components which were easily produced in the past. As a way around this Miles, who before then has been dissatisfied with the cost of production in the industry, came to realise that most times circumstantial innovations result in better performance and reduced cost. This prompted Miles to ask what function does this component perform and how else can we perform that function (Dallas, 2006Shona Flannery2010-07-24T17:59:00 p). Miles questions gave rise to the concept of function analysis which was aimed at identifying and analysing the intended functions to determine if the materials for the proposed solution can be substituted with less expensive ones. Not long after, people started to adopt the technique of focusing on the intended function not the process which soon developed into what is today referred to as Value Analysis (VA). In many cases people perceived the technique as a cost reduction technique at the expense of improved functionality which is a total misconception of the technique (Kelly and Male, 1993). However, the technique was so successful that in less than 10 years it was adopted in the US Department of Defence to deliver VfM and from then on other industries in the USA have adapted it for application at different phases of their projects. Value Management (VM) as it came to be called, refers to a structured management of the total value equation throughout all stages of the project (Kelly et al; 2004). Figure 2.3 shows different stages and segments of the development of value management. Figure 2.3 The metamorphosis of Value Management, adapted from Dallas (2006) As illustrated in figure 2.3, Miles action in the 1940s was focused on getting alternative materials or components to perform the required function which was the beginning of value management. This was later perceived as a cost cutting technique before the adoption of a holistic structured approach to improving value (Kelly and Male, 1993). Following the development and positive impacts of value management in the US manufacturing sector, the technique was adopted into the US construction industry as a means of delivering VfM to its clients in the 1960s. Fong and Shen (2000) noted that VM was first introduced in the US construction industry in 1968 and its application in the Chinese construction industry is recorded to occur 10 years later (Shen and Liu, 2004). According to Kelly et al (2004), the value management technique was first used in the UK 30 years after it was introduced in the US manufacturing industry at the Xerox headquarters, an American company. From then on VM has grown to become widely accepted in different parts of the world as a logical means to achieve value for money (Fong, 2004; Kelly et al, 2004; Ellis et al, 2004) including in Africa (Bowen et al, 2008). 2.2.4 Benefits of Value management Value management is a proactive, problem solving service, which maximizes the functional value of a project through a structured team which makes explicit the clients value system and weights further decisions against the value system.(Kelly et al, 1998). VM aims to justify the place of a project in a clients organisation at an early stage and develops a strategic plan against which it is built on to deliver value for money. VM is often misconstrued to being a cost reduction exercise, hence seen to be synonymous with value engineeringShona Flannery2010-07-24T18:14:00 . According to Dallas (2006) cost reduction, which is an obvious output of a value management exercise, cannot after all be seen as its main motive. As illustrated in figure 2.4 below, VM incorporates value engineering and value analysis in its value definition exercise and so could be perceived to be a universal set for the three concepts. Figure 2.4 shows the relationship between Value Management, Value Engineering and Value Analysis, adapted from Connaughton and Green (1996) VM looks at a project from a holistic point of view (time, whole life cost and performance) in the context of its usage which properly fits in the definition of value for money (). Connaughton and Green (1996) identified the following benefits which a properly executed Value Management exercise can yield: The need for the project is made explicit and verified by available data. The project objectives are identified and discussed openly to reach a consensus. Rational, explicit and measurable decisions are guaranteed after alternatives have been considered. Project designs are developed from the agreed framework, which are evaluated on the basis of the agreed performance criteria. There is greater participation from stakeholders which guarantees their buy in. There is improved communication and teamwork spirit throughout the project. Improved innovation with better quality definition in the project. Unnecessary cost is eliminated which may lead to a reduction in cost. Properly executed, value management when employed at the early stages of a project can help eliminate unnecessary cost to the tune of 10% to 25% savings on the proposed capital cost of project (Ellis et al, 2004). This is considered to be reasonable compared to the actual cost of the VM exercise, which is estimated at about 0.5% to 1% of the projects cost (REF). 2.3 APPLICATION OF VALUE MANAGEMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Any construction project should be only commissioned following a careful analysis of needs since failure to think through project requirements will almost certainly cause problems for subsequent design and construction stages. For that reason, the Construction Industry Board recommends that value management be incorporated as an integral part of the construction process (Baldwin 1998). The value management approach may differ between countries depending on the nature of their construction industry or the chosen procurement route in a particular project. However, this does not dispute the fact that the VM technique can be gainfully applied at any stage of a construction project, as clients/contractors are often faced with the challenge of finding an optimum balance between cost, time, quality and performance criteria (Fong 2004). In the UK, the USA, Australia and other countries where the value management technique is well established, VM is applied through a process referred to as the value management study (British Standard, 2000) or value management process (Kelly et al; 1998) via a workshop approach facilitated by value manager or experienced team facilitator. A value management study, as defined in BS12947, involves the application of value management to a particular business case identified within a VM programme. Baldwin (1998, as cited in Kelly et al, 1998) noted that VM is not a question of brainstorming and problem solving, rather it requires a structured methodology in order to have the required outcome. Figure 2.5 overleaf depicts a simple VM study plan developed for the European Value Management standard (British Standard, 2000). Figure 2.5 shows a simple VM study plan, adapted from the British Standard (2000) The VM study plan represents a systematic approach to ensuring that appropriate techniques and skills are utilized in the value study. According to the British Standard (2000), as shown in the VM study plan above, a VM study should aim to achieve the following objectives; Identify the objectives and targets the intended study is set to achieve; as this may differ from the project objectives. Formulate the relevant approach needed to achieve the objectives, including team selection and training (where necessary). Identify the relevant functions which will lead to the achievement of the objectives. Identify some basis for measuring changes in performance and use of resources. Set targets for performance and use of resources for the above identified functions in a way peculiar to the organisations. Identify innovative ways of arriving at the targets through the application of the above methods. Evaluate the proposal for improvement. Implement the proposal which have been chosen by the decision makers Monitor and measure the outcomes in relation to the target. Feedback results for continuous improvement of VM programme. There are different approaches to value management studies in different countries with regards to team compositions and workshop procedure. For instance in the American construction industry, VM studies are typically carried out by an independent workshop team who will have to sell their ideas to the project team later on. This is different from the UK practice where the existing project team is fully involved in the study. In a benchmarking exercise carried by Kelly et al (1998), the use of an existing project team in conducting value management studies appeared to be the preferred approach due to the following advantages accruable to the project; Cost of the study is relatively minimized Time spent project briefing the study participants is reduced Waste of resources on previously considered but failed ideas are eliminated Offers better opportunity for developing project teams during the workshop More opportunity to explore all available options Implementation is more guaranteed as team members have already accepted ideas which they generated as a team, thereby reducing the development period. However, generic VM workshop strives to add value to a project by considering the project on its whole life basis. Kelly et al (1998) who were in support of this view identified the five key value opportunities at which VM technique can be employed to include pre-brief workshop, proper Shona Flannery2010-07-24T18:44:00 ?workshop, sketch design workshop, final working design and implementation workshop. 2.3.1 Pre-brief workshop The Value Manager or Facilitator meets with the project sponsor/client to clarify the place of the project in his organisation or programme. This will give the two parties a better understanding of the functional expectations of the project so as to help form a basis for the project briefing workshop and the clients value system. This may yield solution/s to the clients problem, for example, whether a new building is needed or renovation of existing one will achieve the same objectives. 2.3.2 Proper workshop Proceeds from the identified solution in the pre-brief phase and aims to identify the clients value system. This workshop offers an opportunity to facilitate the project team, understand their dynamics and guide them to achieve the desired goal. Though it is expected that the workshop has an agenda, this should not be too detailed, thereby making the timings tight, as this may divert the focus from achieving the objectives of the workshop to exhausting the items on the agenda. The tactical skills of the Facilitator are very much needed at this stage of the workshop if its participants are to be productive and should be as brief and focused as possible. 2.3.3 Sketch design workshop Sets a base for the detailed drawings and represents the design teams perception of the

The Rise And Fall Of Kingfisher Airlines

The Rise And Fall Of Kingfisher Airlines Kingfisher is a major airline based in Mumbai, India. It is the fifth Indias airlines that provide largest passenger airline in which international and domestic flights are provided to the customers with very flexible fares. Kingfisher is one of the largest airlines in India and it was established in 2003. It is owned by the Bengaluru based United Breweries Group. Basically the commercial operations are started in 9 may 2005 with the fleet of four new Airbus A320-200s Operating flight from Mumbai to Delhi. Then the next international operations are started on 3 September 2008 by connecting from Bengaluru to London. The Kingfisher airline has been facing financial issues for many years. Kingfisher airlines have the second largest share in the air travel market till December 2011. However due to the astringent financial crisis faced by the Kingfishers airline, it has now the fifth largest market share currently and only above Go Air Airlines. Kingfisher Airlines is one of the only seven airlines that are awarded 5-star rating by Skytrax along with Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Asiana Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Hainan Airlines. Kingfisher operates 250 daily flights including domestic and international services. Kingfisher Airlines carry more than 1 million passengers which help the Kingfishers Airlines to make the highest market share among all other airlines in India in May 2009. Kingfisher also holds the Skytrax award for one of the Indias best airline of the year 2011. Background: Main issue of the downfall of the Kingfisher Airline. All things are going in a very good manner and kingfisher is at its peak but in 2005 the airline faced many problems in the operations, the Airlines then reported as in loss. But the situation become worst when the new airlines called Air Deccan is adopted by the Kingfisher airline in 2007. Due the collaboration with the new airline the Kingfisher suffered a loss of over Rs. 1,000 Crore continuously for 3 years. In the Starting of 2012, the staff of Kingfisher airline is going on strikes and it also faced a very big loss of over Rs. 7,000 Crore with half of the money is bankrupted. In this tough situation the faces mainly faced financial problem and to overcome the situation the airline went for loans, so that they can cover it. But the heavy interest and debt, in November 2010, the company adopted a way to decrease the burden the airline adopted debt restructuring on those total 18 leading lenders, those have landed total Rs. 8,000 crores, they agree to cut the interest the rates and convert part of loan into equity. As per the contract the lenders have to convert the debt into shares which is converted into equity. Due to this company able to cut down the average interest to 11% and save Rs. 500 Crore every year in the interest cost. The use of the strategy Debt restructuring also didnt help the airline a lot; no doubt by using this it reduced the interest charges by Rs. 500 crores every year, but due to the high increase in cost and many other factors the company started faced problems of liquidity. Due to no funds available the company also faced these types of problems like delayed salary there are over 6,000 workers which are working in the company and after the financial crisis company have delayed salaries of the staff that will affect the workers a lot because they are working like the same and we can say they are working more than normal but these type of problems decrease the workers morale and dissatisfaction factor also arises. Due to the non-availability of the funds they are also many things that will effect like due fuel, Service tax, Air craft lease rental due and many more. Current Situation: Problem still continues Kingfisher airlines started to cast down into fresh crisis. Many flights are cancelled and many aircrafts are grounded. The company shut down many important international operations and closed the booking of the tickets. Kingfishers have many aircraft and only few were operating and presently very less airplanes are operating and this dropped highly in market share. Main leading State bank of India also not giving more loans to the company unless they pay the previous amount. Now a day it is very hard situation for kingfisher airlines in recent months. The service of airline provided by Vijay Mallya is not glamorous as it was previous times because many flights are cancelled when customers are waiting to departure and this will underestimate a lot to customer. The management is main issue here in the Kingfisher airlines they need some expert CEOs that help to check the activities every day but Vijay Mallya is the only one that control the whole company this may be the biggest cause of downfall of the kingfisher airlines. In big organizations lots of discussion and suggestions are needed that help to make any decision easily. This causes which disturbs the relation between the employees and Vijay Mallya because there must be some time given to each and every employee so that they feel motivated and feel their suggestions or any need of help are given by the company, this help them to stay satisfied and they work with their full effort. Vijay Mallya always kept saying that the reason behind downfall of company is that the rising fuel pricing and other factors contributed the downfall of the company. But there are other factors also. Some other reasons that also contribute to the downfall of the kingfisher airline: Sociological: Now a days traveling by plane is not a big issue because there are lot of airlines from which we can select any one according to our financial status. Every flight has its own way of treating passengers because in todays world going one place to another is not a big deal all matters how was our journey what are the experience and how comfortable are you in the whole journey. As being a 5 star airline they provide good service to the passengers but the prices are also very high only the high profile or above the economic level people adopt Kingfisher airline. Due to the luxurious level of treatment they are willing to pay more than other airlines charge. But they have to be economical so every economic person can also have the experience this type of luxurious treatment this also help them to gather more and more customers. Technological: In todays world technology plays a great role in any type of the company. Kingfisher airlines dont provide a TV screen on the back of the seat, so that every passenger has its own personal TV. Now people use technology they want to do the whole work with the help of internet and do all the work while sitting in their home. This also attracts customers to do all the booking while relaxing in their home and they dont need to stand in the long queues on the ticket counters. Economical: Now a days economic issues is a major concern because people are now check not only the luxurious treatment they also check whether it is worth going or not. There a lot of bank credit options that are available in the case of travelling this are also the reason that affects the sales of the aviation industries. In India there are lot of factors that affect the organisation like the inflation, interest rates and recession. There are government policies that effect the organisation a lot. There are lot things which have to consider while planning the economic factors because that depend a lot on the success of the organisation. Ecological: Nature also effect the aviation industry a lot because the climate affects a lot on the aviation industry weather should be stable in the time of the flights because if the climate is not good they are delayed and this disturb the customers a lot. Passengers who pay so many amounts to get good service and comfortable journey in between if something happen this disturbs a lot. If something happen like delay in the flights airline have to provide facility and accommodation for the customers this costs a lot to the airlines but they have to do for the passengers to calm them down and this help them to understand the problem and they dont take any chances to lose the customers because if the customer have any bad experience they might not go next time with the same flight because they are many others options available to them. In India weather is stable for most of the time and passengers are not use to these type of situation so aviation industry must be prepared if any thing happens. Political: In India in every 5 years government changes and also it is a democratic country. Kingfishers have great benefit of this because the owner of kingfisher Vijay Mallya have good political network which helps to their airline. No doubt, the political network is great but this not always help because all have to follow the government policies and rules. Legal: Rising Fuel pricing is also the main issue in India. The aviation industries have to pay large amount of money for fuel. To overcome this problem aviation industry increase of decrease the level of services to the passengers which help them to cover it up. Ethical: Indians are very ethical people they always think before buying anything they always check which thing is good for them and also gives some benefits to them. Like in India there a lot stationary products which are collaborated with some non-profit institute or any other institute which gives some amount when someone buy it, majority of people willing to buy that product because they help the needy people. In past Kingfisher gives value for the money that is why people are willing to give more money after all kingfisher airline is the 5 star rated airlines. Analysis: No doubt kingfisher airlines are one of the successful airlines in India. But there are lot pros and cons there which lead them to downfall of the successful airline. Pros: Kingfisher is one of the luxurious flights in India. Kingfisher is a well-known brand and the financial status of the organization is very good. The connections between the political and the owner of the Kingfisher airlines are very strong. Kingfisher has a strong relationship with parent United Breweries Group which supports them a lot. The customer service is very healthy. Kingfisher provide very luxurious journey to the passengers. The staff is highly trained and very professional with customers. Cons: The management practices are very poor and the organization structure is not formed properly. Kingfisher airline is not producing the expected returns from they are spending. Sales are getting lower and lower due to cancellation and delayed flights which customers dont like it. Due to the 5 star brand of the company it is spending more than normally which is very hard to recover the money. Things need some changes: There are lots of things which are needed to be change which help the kingfisher airlines to recover. Aviation industry is now days are very popular and competition is getting tough and tough. To successfully run the aviation industry there are many things which have to keep in the mind while successfully run the business. In Kingfisher only the owner Vijay Mallya is having the direct control on the business and due this there is problems occur. In kingfisher there is huge network and there are many employee works there and to satisfy the needs of the employee only one person cannot keep it. There must be some professionally and fully trained CEO must be hired to control whatever is the situation. Vijay Mallya also taken wrong step while cutting the salary of the employees and even the salaries are delayed for many months and according to the Herzbergs Motivator-Hygiene Model the customers are Dissatisfied because they are not getting the salary on time. In the recession period of Kingfisher airlines they also misbehaved with some customers due to the frustration and this will lose their customers. In this period the Kingfisher airlines introduced a new airline called Kingfisher red to cover some expenses because it is comparatively low cost. Once there is an incident occurs passengers booked the ticket for Kingfisher Airlines and when they come to the flight the realize that this is not Kingfisher fisher this is Kingfisher red and when the passenger asked for that then they asked that there is technical issue in the website it was not distinguishing the two airlines differently but this is not a valid reason because as I said earlier that the technology plays a great role in todays world people are now days very techno used and they know which flight they are booking. The main question is that why the kingfisher is running a cheap airline after all Kingfisher is one of the top brand 5 star airline this reduces the reputation of the airline and also misbehaving with customers also give wrong impact on them so to handle this Kingfisher airlines must be have some arrangement to handle this type of stuff. To do so experience staff is required and if any conflicts occur then handle them with care so that no passenger get upse t and feel biased everyone should be treated same. Competition also have a major issue because while competing with other Aviation airlines they have to consider so many expects that will affect the Kingfisher airlines because other airlines provide more facility and there low cost of the fare attracts the customers, But Kingfisher Airlines have to do some strategies so that they can keep their customers. Competition is not only with Aviation industry in India majority of people will go for the low cost carriers in India. Railways are also competitors because now Indian Railways are safe mode to travel and they cost very less as compared to airline. So to plan according to the budget of the airlines and equally economical to the people, trained CEOs are required to do the job done well. Owner of Kingfisher airlines Vijay Mallya also done one more thing that they only targeted the passengers that are willing to pay more than normal. They only need luxurious treatment, this is a good but in the time period of 2005 to 2008 is very easily earned money period for Kingfisher and Vijay Mallya also make so much profit then he invested money on others places like Cricket, Alcohol and many more. Due to the easy money Mallya expanded a lot their empire that is very difficult to handle and this is one of the reason which makes the Kingfisher into trouble. Kingfisher Airlines have to take following step to make things good: With lot of increase in loss of Kingfisher airlines and overdue of tax, fuel suppliers and airports and only few of the flights are working. If they want to again successfully run the business then promoters need to invest some money first then the Kingfisher airlines firstly clear the due of fuel and overdue of the tax with this money and then they should step up the ladder of success. The morale of the employees should be considered first because they are the very important to the Kingfisher airline especially the staff and pilots they should never be dissatisfied. So Kingfisher airlines should must clear all the due of the salary of the employees because due to unpaid they have to suffer and their families also suffer with them. They cant afford to lose quality pilots and if this will continue it may be happen that the plant should shut down in future. Aircrafts used in the Kingfishers used now is very less and due to the mismanagement of the staff and between the owner leads them to failure because as I discussed earlier Mallya always have the direct control of the business and may be some factors that are left which are not considered by Mallya that affects a lot to the Organization. The perception of the Owner may be somehow wrong that is why the organization structure should be clear and should be made by various talented minds that help to success of the airlines. Conclusion Kingfisher is one of the leading and successful airlines in India. The reason behind the downfall of the airline is mentioned above and there are many other factors which also the reason behind the downfall of the Kingfisher airline. The organizational structure is mainly the major concern in the Kingfisher airlines. In starting the kingfisher is at its peak at that time period is the best time to expand the business but due to the huge benefits the staff and pilots and the expenses is also become more and more and to successfully manage it many talented person are required, no doubt they have experienced staff and luxurious treatment they give to the passengers but to organize the whole staff and the airline only Vijay Mallya is having the direct control on it and this occurs misunderstanding. When the business is having great profit then we must have to more alert because when this happen the other competitors always try to get trouble so we cant make profits. Like the other competitors of kingfisher is giving more facility and the cost of other airlines are also less than it is difficult to manage for Kingfisher airlines because they are the very luxurious and the cost of the flights are also high because due to the brand name they have to treat the passengers like they are treated previously and this is very difficult to handle but this can be handled by professionals so that the passengers not feel and change but this strategy gives benefits to the airline and various strategies are required to do it. Some of them are mentioned above but the organization behavior plays a great role to manage the people in the organization. This helps the staff and employee and higher status persons and owner to successfully run the business and maintain a healthy relation between them.

Contrast In Language :: essays research papers

Contrast Between Language of Love in the Balcony Scene and the Language of Death in the Final Scene of Romeo and JulietIn William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare introduces many themes that he continues throughout all of his tragedies, including the language of love vs. the language of death. The balcony scene is the most valuable scene illustrating the language of love, whereas in the final scene of the play the language of death is used to set the stage for their suicides, pulling together the tragic ending of the play.Throughout the second scene of Act II, Romeo uses beautiful metaphors and similes to express his affection for Juliet:O, speak again bright angel, for thou artAs glorious to this night, being o'er my headAs is a winged messenger of heaven.(Rom. II. II, 28-30.)This passage is used to compare Juliet to an angel, somethign that is universally held as sacred and lovely. Elsewhere in the scene there are lines that describe their love for one another, and add to the romantic theme of the scene:And but thou love me, let them find me here.My life better ended by their hateThe death prorogued, wantingof thy love.(Rom. II. II, 76-78.)In the final scene of the play, there is much talk of death by Romeo, Friar Laurence, and Juliet. Romeo announces his own demise in his soliloquy:Depart again. Here, here I will remainWith worms and chambermaids. O, hereWill I set my everlasting restAnd shake the yoke of inauspicious starsFrom this world-weariedflesh. Eyes, look your last!Arms, take your last embrace! And, lips,O youThe doors of breath to engrossing death!(Rom. V. III, 108-114.)The Friar's Frantic wrods and actions in conflict to his previous calm stature illustrate the grim mood of the scene: Stay not to question, for the watch is coming.Come, go good Juliet.

A Speech Given By Frederick Do -- essays research papers

FREDERICK DOUGLASS’S POWERS OF APPEAL After his escape from slavery, Frederick Douglass chose to promote the abolition of slavery by speaking about the actions and effects that result from that institution. In an excerpt from a July 5, 1852 speech at Rochester, New York, Douglass asks the question: What to the slave is the Fourth of July? This question is a bold one, and it demands attention. The effectiveness of his oration is derived from the personal appeals in which he engages the listener. At once in this speech, Douglass appeals to his listeners’ religious tendencies. He asks his audience, “am I, therefore, called upon to bring our humble offering to the national altar…'; (441). Religious appeal is so important because the majority of his audience is Christian, and he implies that Christianity, in its ostensible purity, allows the mishandling of human life to the degree of slavery. By relating Christianity directly to slavery, his listeners must question the validity of their Christian doctrines in relation to the institution of slavery. In doing so, they must eliminate their acceptance of one of these traditions; the odds are that Christianity holds a much more loyal following than slavery, in which case slavery will be given up as a practice. Douglass also quotes from Psalms 137:1-6, and the ludicrous concept that slaveholders expect their slaves to be joyous in their state of bondage is the essential meaning of the passage he chooses as it relates to the comparable situation of the Babylonians’ captives (442). His persuasive appeal in this case is the notion that any pious Christian would have sympathy for the lamenting captives and contempt for the captors in the Psalms passage. If this assumption is correct, then the same pious Christians surely should realize the situation of the slaves on this day and every other. Additionally, in asking this question, he asserts immediately that the meaning of the Fourth of July is entirely different from that of the free, white American. Douglass concedes that the whites of America had reason to rejoice: “the rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity, and independence'; (441). However, he also illustrates that there are just as many reasons for slaves to scorn the traditional meaning of the Fourth of July. Furthermore, these reasons are as ... ...w, with all of the activity and thinking life requires, the slave’s manhood can be questioned (443). For the white man listening to this argument, it is required that he empathizes with the situation of the slave, because in actuality there is much in common between the free and the enslaved. This is precisely Douglass’s point; bondage is the only hindrance of slaves’ abilities to lead a fulfilling life. Douglass’s appeals to his audience are specifically directed toward white, Christian males. He is fully aware at all times he must show that he can relate with them. As Christians, how should they have felt had they been denied their right to practice religion and believe in their god? What would they do if the country they so loved chained them to a life of servitude? Finally, what would all the work to support a family and desire for self-improvement have accomplished if it only benefited a master, but not a wife and children? Douglass deliberately addresses those aspects of life that mean the most to his audience because in doing so he is sure to gain the listeners’ full attention and consideration of the immorality of slavery.