Effect of video games on children Essay

Technology had evolved very fast from generation to generation. Young and adults are both into what we call video games and techie gadgets. Nowadays, we can normally see computers, gaming consoles and etc. at home and in schools. Video games are entertaining and effective motivation for children. They engage them to skillful play depending on the game design. There have even been studies with adults showing that experience with video games is related to better surgical skills. Research also suggests that people can learn iconic, spatial, and visual attention skills from video games. Although this fad benefits to all but on the other hand, it also give negative effects especially to those children who are getting addicted to it. Studies show that children’s video game habits are contributing to the risk factors for health, behavior and poor academic performance. It was also reported that girls and boys play for an average of about 5-13 hrs/ week. Some children spend more hours that what is reported. There were negative effects of video games on children’s physical health, including obesity, video-induced seizures. and postural, muscular and skeletal disorders, such as nerve compression, and carpal tunnel syndrome that were documented by the research. However, these effects are not likely to occur for most children. Parents should be most concerned about two things: the amount of time that children play, and the content of the games that they play. The amount of time that the children play lessens the amount of time and focus allotted for his academics. The content of the games that he/she plays leads to increased physiological arousal, increased aggressive thoughts, increased aggressive feelings, increased aggressive behaviors, and decreased pro-social helping. Children must not spend more than one to two hours per day in front of all electronic screens, including TV, DVDs, videos, video games, and computers (The American Academy of Pediatrics, 2004). Regarding content, educational games are likely to have positive effects and violent games are likely to have negative effects. We must limit them from violent games and introduce to them educational games, consoles and etc. The conclusion that Gentile (2004) drew from the accumulated research is that the question of whether video games are â€Å"good† or â€Å"bad† for children is oversimplified. Playing a violent game for hours every day could decrease school performance, increase aggressive behaviors, and improve visual attention skills. Instead, parents should recognize that video games can have powerful effects on children, and should therefore set limits on the amount and content of games their children play. In this way, we can realize the potential benefits while minimizing the potential harms. Source: http://findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_m0816/is_6_21/ai_n9772319/ Article by: Dr. Douglas Gentile is a developmental psychologist, and is assistant professor of psychology at Iowa State University and the director of research for the National Institute on Media and the Family where he conducts research with children and adults. COPYRIGHT 2004 Pediatrics for Parents, Inc. COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group.

Pele

Adrian Corona Speech 101 Pele- Informative Speech Introduction: 1. Attention Getter- â€Å"My father always told me, football is a gift from god, and god gave you this gift, just how he gives a song to a musician, or a singer. So you have to take care of your health, how you prepare yourself, and you always have to respect your opponents, and if you do that you will be a great player and no one will stop you. † This is one famous quote from Pele’s book â€Å"My life, and The Beautiful Game. † 2.Brief Intro- Edison Arantes do Nascimento, more known as Pele was one of, if not the greatest footballer in the world. He was born on October 23, 1940 in Tres Coracoes, Brazil. At only 15, he began to play professional football, and made a huge impact in his team, as well as the national team. Even though Edison was his real name, Pele caught on because it means a miracle in Hebrew. He did not like it at first, but got use to it. He is regarded by many players and fans as the best footballer of all time. 3. Thesis- Today I will talk on behalf how and why Pele is known as the world’s best footballer 4.Preview Statement- First I will talk about Pele’s youth career, next I will talk on behalf of his career stats, and highs, and finally I will talk on how Pele impacted the game in many ways. Body 1. Main Point 1- Pele’s Youth Career A. Pele was first spotted by another football star named Waldemar de Brito. He knew from the beginning that he had an indescribable talent, and had to be signed right away. So Pele began playing for Santos at 15 and his national team at 16, and won his first world cup at 17. a. Even though he had many offer from European clubs, he could not leave Brazil because of the law.He even was declared a national treasure in 1961 by President Janio Quadros of Brazil. b. This made him stay in Santos for almost two decades, but brought much success to the team, as well as for him. (Which I will get into later) c. â⠂¬Å"It seems as if Edison was born with a football. I remember that even before he could walk, he would have a ball with him, and once he could, well that was that. You would always see him playing with his little friends, and what kept him going was not only the love of the game, but looking up to his father†, says his mother in his book â€Å"My Life and the Beautiful Game. Transitional statement- Now I will move on to Pele’s many career stat’s, and all time career highs. Main Point 2- Pele Career Stats and Highs A. Supporting Point- At the end of his career, Pele was known as â€Å"The Black Pearl†, or â€Å"The King Pele†. This name caught on for many reasons. a. Pele was known for his accomplishments and contributions to the game of football. b. For one, Pele has many awards and records. Some of them are: c. In 1999, he was voted Player of the Century by the International Federation of Football.In that same year Pele was elected â€Å"Athlete of the Century† by the â€Å"International Olympic Committee and Reuters News Agency. † d. He was the best well paid athlete of the world for his time. e. He is the most successful league scorer in the world with 541 league goals. In total, he scored 1281 in 1363 matches. f. Won the world cup 3 times (World Record 1958,1962, 1970) g. Won numerous titles with Santos, such as the Copa Libertadores, Intercontinental Cup. (Both in 1962, 1963), Supercopa de Campeones Internacionales (1968), and many, many more. These accomplishments are with Santos only, not the Cosmos) h. He was also one of the best players in the world cups he participated in, receiving the Silver Boot, Silver Ball, and Golden Ball. As well as the all time leading scorer with 77 goals in the national team. i. With a record high of 40 official titles, and a few more runner up titles, Pele without a doubt was considered as the greatest footballer of all time. j. Pele is also acknowledgeable for his vocal su pport of policies to improve conditions for the poor. He even dedicated his 1000th goal to the poor children of Brazil. . Even after retirement, Pele was still around serving as a worldwide ambassador and has taken many roles for participating in FIFA events such as promotions for the world cup. Transitional Statement- After getting some idea of his many accomplishments, I will finally talk about the ways Pele changed the game of Football forever. Main Point 3- The change Pele brought to Football. A. Supporting Point- Pele brought many new ways to play football. a. For one, he was one of the first to do actual tricks in a match of football.For example a top hat in his first world cup. No other team has ever seen something like this. b. Pele also set many new standards for the game. He set many records that people still try to break to this day. c. He also made other players strive to become as successful as he did. Made, and encouraged many players to become more than just a good pl ayer that they already are. d. He was one of the reasons why the prices in the contracts of footballers went up because when more than one team will bid for the same player, they added more money too it. e.And according to the New York Times, Pele is seen as an all rounded player, being the player that he was, and being committed to helping out his country, which makes him almost unreachable by other footballers. Now I will conclude my topic of The one and only Pele Conclusion- A. Pele is seen as the world’s best footballer. B. Today I have informed you about Edison, or more known as Pele, and his youth career, career stats and highs, and how he changed the game forever. C. Even though there are many great footballers like Maradonna, Hugo Sanchez, Ronaldihno, and many others, no one has compared to The King, Pele.Works Cited Page 1. Fish, Robert L. Pele : My Life and the Beautiful Game: The Autobiography of Pele. London: New English Library, 1978. Print. 2. â€Å"A Biography of Pele. † A Biography of Pele. Www. latinosportslegends. com, Apr. -May 2001. Web. 24 Oct. 2012. . 3. Cooper, Ben. â€Å"Soccer's Superlative. † Soccer's Superlative. New York Times, 04 June 1975. Web. 24 Oct. 2012. .

Pagcor-Corporate Social Responsibility

I. PROFILE OF THE CORPORATION HISTORY Sometime in March 1992, a very young but energetic ABM Rogelio Y. Bangsil was sent to Fort Ilocandia Resort and Hotel to start the renovation for the future site of Casino Filipino-Laoag. Hand in hand with the construction, a massive promotional campaign was launched by his so-called â€Å"advance-party† composed of a handful of employees Casino Filipino -Laoag, which emerges as a world-class gaming destination with first-class service, is a favorite of tourists from Hongkong & Taiwan.It truly lives up to its reputation as the â€Å"Jewel of the North†. When CF-Laoag opened towards the end of April 1992, ABM Bangsil was promoted as Branch Manager. He was joined by a newlypromoted COM in the person of Melquiades Parungao, Jr. , two newly promoted Gaming Area Managers,two Asst. Gaming Area Managers,a few Table Supervisors and a handful of support staff and office personnel. The branch operated on a single 6pm-2am shift with ten gaming tables and fifty (50) slot machines.An extensive marketing strategy was launched extending as far as Baguio City to invite players to Laoag. For a newly-opened branch, the initial stage of operation entailed a lot of efforts on the part of both management and staff. Income from local players was not really significant. The opening of the Laoag City International Airport with flights from Taiwan gave a new ray of hope to CF-Laoag. These weekend flights brought in players who were ready to wager in US Dollars.During its second year of operation, the branch suffered a major blow in its junket operation. This pulled down the operational status of the branch. This condition resulted to the closure of the casino in September 1993 only to reopen ten days later. Since then, the branch managed to survive and enjoy relatively modest net income. This spectacular feat gradually simmered down due to factors in the economic and political systems. A possible closure was again hovering over CF-Lao ag.In the early part of year 2000, the Waterfront Promotions Limited (WPL) came to the rescue for some time but later transferred to the Fort Ilocandia Promotions, Limited (FIPL). Towards the middle of 2003, the existence of CF-Laoag was threatened anew. This was because of the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) scare that affected most Asian countries. Flights from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, where most of the junket players come from, were restricted.Due to the drastic reduction in the number of playing customers, FIPL proposed to downsize the casino operations for about two months, from June to July 2003 until such time that the SARS scare and the influx of junket players would normalize. CF-Laoag made a major turnaround towards the end of 2003. A total facelifting and renovation of the gaming areas had to be undertaken by the FIPL. In August of that year, the gaming tables were temporarily relocated to the Sierra Madre ballroom while the slot machines were lined upalong t he corridors of the hotel.Carpenters, masons, painters and technicians worked round-the-clock to finish the project before the end of the year. CF-Laoag transferred to the newly transformed venue on December 25, 2003, just in time for the arrival of players from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Everyone was impressed by the chandeliers that hang over the main gaming area, the colorful mini bulbs that twinkled on the outer panels of the ceiling and the congregations of angels that adorned the mini domes above the gaming tables.Six VIP areas depicting American, British, French, Egyptian and Chinese settings were also impressive. Players and guests, even PAGCOR officers, who have seen other casinos abroad commented that the VIP rooms are even cozier than those in the US, Macau, Australia and elsewhere. At present times, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is the Philippines third largest contributor of revenue after the Tax and Customs Authority.It is a government owned an d controlled corporation first established in by Presidential Decree 1067 and entered itself in a contract with Philippine Casino Operators Corporation (PCOC) in operating the floating casino in the Manila Bay in 1977. However, gutted by fire in 1979, for which reason, PAGCOR shifted its operations to land-based casinos and entered into another contract with PCOC for the management of a casino at the Provident International Resources Corporation (PIRC) building on Imelda Avenue, Paranaque City, Metro Manila, Philippines.Then under the Presidential Decree 1869 in 1983, it was mandated as the sole government corporation to conduct and establish gaming pools and casinos. In 1986 it was reestablished by H. E. then Pres. Corazon Aquino's government with New PAGCOR as its short name to help raise the government funds; appointing Norberto Quisumbing as its first Chairman and later on the former Development Bank of the Philippines chair Alicia LL. Reyes as its Chair and CEO. She was succeed ed by Ephraim Genuino under the appointment by H. E. Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2001.The firm operates 13 Casinos and several VIP slot clubs in major cities across the country. It also sees and regulates more than 180 bingo parlors as well as e-games cafes across the country. The company employs more than 11000 employees. In June, 2007 PAGCOR had its most significant piece of legislation with the passage of Republic Act 9487 granting the state-run gaming firm another 25 years to regulate and operate games of chance, to issue licenses, and to enter into joint venture, management, or investment agreements with private entities.PAGCOR is under the Office of the President of the Philippines. As of December, 31, 2009, the Pagcor Board is composed of Chairman/CEO – Efraim C. Genuino, President/COO – Rafael Butch Francisco, Directors – Imelda Dimaporo, Philip G. Lo, Manuel C. Roxas and Susana Vargas (ex-officio) and Corporate Secretary – Carlos R. Bautista . On July 02, 2010, Cristino L. Naguiat, Jr. was sworn in as its new Chairman. On July 19, 2010, Jorge Sarmiento was named as its new President & COO along with other new members to the Board, namely: Enriquito M.Nuguid, Eugene D. Manalastas and Jose S. Tanjua. Vision We will captivate our customers with a world-class gaming and entertainment experience, improved infrastructure, more competitive facilities, and a highly professionalized manpower; We will showcase to the world the exceptional Filipino way of serving customers; We will be a pillar for national progress by instilling integrity as the backbone of our regulatory duties, investing in the education of Filipinos, and promoting Philippine tourism, culture and arts.Mission ? ? To achieve operational excellence, revenue growth and competitive advantage. To attain and enforce a regulatory framework that preserves the integrity and propels the development of the Philippine gaming industry. ? To continue being a responsible and r esponsive partner of the Philippine government in its nation-building programs. ? To actively participate in fforts of the tourism sector to transform the Philippines into an exciting R and entertainment haven for local and foreign travelers alike. Nature of Business PAGCOR is a hundred percent government-owned and controlled corporation created to regulate, authorize and license all games of chance authorized by law in the Philippines, generate revenues for the Philippine Government’s socio-civic and national development programs, and help promote the Philippine tourism industry.According to Sec 10 of Presidential Decree no. 1869 known as the PAGCOR Charter, the said corporation has the rights, privileges authority to operate and license gambling casinos, gaming clubs and other similar recreation or amusement places, gaming pools, i. e. basketball, football, bingo, etc. except jai-alai, whether on land or sea, within the territorial jurisdiction of the Republic of the Philip pines.Provided, that the corporation shall obtain the consent of the local government unit that has territorial jurisdiction over the area chosen as the site for any of its operations. Furthermore, the operation of slot machines and other gambling paraphernalia and equipment, shall not be allowed in establishments open or accessible to the general public unless the site of these operations are three-star hotels and resorts accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) authorized by the corporation and by the local government unit concerned.There are also restrictions on the operations of the corporation. Their power and authority to authorize, license and regulate games shall not extend to the ff. : ? Games of chance authorized, licensed and regulated or to be authorized, licensed and regulated by, in, and under existing franchises or other regulatory bodies; ? Games of chance, games of cards and games of numbers authorized, licensed, regulated by, in, and under special laws such as Republic Act No. 922. ? Games of chance, games of cards and games of numbers like cockfighting, authorized, licensed and regulated by local government units. The conduct of such games of chance, games of cards and games of numbers covered by existing franchises, regulatory bodies or special laws, to the extent of the jurisdiction and powers granted under such franchises and special laws, shall be outside the licensing authority and regulatory powers of the PAGCOR.PAGCOR’s Income PAGCOR derives its income from the winnings of table games, slot machines and in-house bingo operation of the agency's different gaming properties. The corporation also gets substantial income from other sources from its regulated gaming activities such as the private licensed casinos, poker operations, commercial bingo operations, E-games and others. In 2011, PAGCOR's total revenue reached P36. 65 billion, which is greater by P5. 19 billion or 16. 52% to its total income of P31. 46 billion in 2010.I n accordance with its Charter and other governing laws, PAGCOR earnings are distributed as follows: 5 percent of winnings goes to the BIR as franchise tax; 50 percent of the 95 percent balance goes to the National Treasury as the National Government's mandated income share; 5 percent of the balance after the franchise tax and the National Government's mandated income share goes to the Philippine Sports Commission for financing of the country's sports development programs; 1 percent of the net income goes to the Board of Claims, an agency under the Department of Justice, which compensates victims of wrongful detention and prosecution; Cities hosting PAGCOR casinos are given fixed amount for their respective community development projects; Funds for implementation of vital laws such as the Early Childhood Care and Development Program and Sports Incentives and Benefits Act; Remittance to President’s Social Fund Remaining balance of income goes to the projects related to the upli ftment of the quality of education through the construction of classrooms and school buildings, assistance for the promotion of the country’s health programs, and the Pasig River Rehabilitation project II.Organizational Chart How does PAGCOR’s organization works? All policies for implementation and general directions to be taken by PAGCOR are under the responsibility of a five-man Board of Directors duly appointed by the President of the Philippines. Following are the Board Members chosen by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to ensure that PAGCOR's administration during his term will subscribe to his commitment to transparency, integrity and good governance: Hon. Cristino L. Naguiat, Jr. Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Jorge V. Sarmiento President & Chief Operating Officer Eugene D. Manalastas Director Enriquito M. Nuguid Director Jose S. Tanjuatco DirectorThe day-to-day operations of PAGCOR in its Corporate Offices and Casino Filipino Branches are manned by 11,36 9 employees (data as of January 31, 2011). Aside from having its internal auditing group, PAGCOR's operations are also subject to the scrutiny of the government's watchdog, the Commission on Audit (COA), which ensures – among others – that every centavo earned and spent by the corporation are fully accounted for. III. Socioeconomic Aspect Government PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) in line with their â€Å"corporate social responsibility† has been doing different projects raising the concern of the public, of the government as well as promoting their name too.The said corporation has done a project in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepED) allocating a fund of Php 1 billion for the construction of 1,000 classrooms nationwide. This has been the first time that PAGCOR has set aside such huge fund for a single project intended to help a government sector. This project â€Å"Matuwid Na Daan Sa Silid- Aralan† was intended to h elp the government address the perennial problem of classroom shortage. PAGCOR has come up with this project for this problem of the education sector currently stands at 70 582 nationwide. The said project was PAGCOR’s way of helping the Philippine government in its campaign to improve the quality of education in the country.Also, this is not just a big help in the part of the government but in the part of the poor families and students dreaming for a good education too. Included in the Php 1 billion fund is PAGCOR’s Php 65 million funding assistance to DepED and Gawad Kalinga Foundation, Inc. for the construction of 100 learning centers in different communities nationwide. This is to help communities with no learning centers of their own and to help parents who can’t send their children to school. Under the said project, Gawad Kalinga will handle the construction of the classrooms while the Department of Education will manage the facilities once the classrooms are done. DepED will manage the said facilities in cooperation of the local government unit.PAGCOR has also partnered with TESDA and allotted an initial of Php 100 million funds for the retrofitting of TESDA’s existing wood working facilities. Included in their projects in helping the government,PAGCOR and Travellers International fund the construction of a new public school in Mandaluyong. Due to this project,PUBLIC elementary and high school students of Barangay Addition Hills in Mandaluyong City will have a better chance of finishing their basic education after the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc. (operator of Resorts World Manila) committed to fund the construction of an integrated public school there.Travellers, as part of its Entertainment City investment obligation, has also allocated approximately P60 to P80 million for the construction of the Mandaluyong Addition Hills Elementary School in Mandaluyong City’s most populated barangay. The new school will have 2 four-storey buildings with 40 classrooms and 16 comfort rooms. It can accommodate up to 2,000 elementary and high school students. Associated with PAGCOR’s mission on their corporate social responsibility,the state-owned corporation developed the â€Å"PAGCOR Feeding Program†. This project was made possible in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Education (DepED), together with partner schoolbeneficiaries. This program provided balanced meals to undernourished children from targeted day-care centers and public elementary schools in selected areas.The said project aimed to supplement existing government feeding programs and to help address the malnutrition situation in the country. These are some ways on how PAGCOR stretched their helping hand to help the Filipinos and the Philippine government itself. These are also the corporation’s way s to ease the burdens of our government. Community â€Å"To continue being a responsible and responsive partner of the Philippine government in its nation-building programs. † This is one of the missions of PAGCOR. As stated in its mission, PAGCOR is one with the Filipino in this journey. PAGCOR hopes to be a dynamic partner of our government in changing the course of Philippine history towards national development and progress.The corporation facilitates programs for the progression of the Filipino Community. In order to attain its mission, PAGCOR, held the following projects: PAGCOR distributes relief goods to 10,000 families affected by Habagat flooding, align with this project, PAGCOR distributed relief packs to 2,000 families in Barangay Baseco, Tondo. The said state-owned gaming agency also gave relief goods to 3,000 families badly hit by the flooding in Tumana and Nangka, Marikina City, Sta. Ana, Manila and Malabon City. In the provinces, PAGCOR also conducted relief o perations for a total of 5,000 families in Concepcion, Tarlac, Guiguinto, Bulacan,Rosario, Cavite, Taytay, Rizal and San Isidro, Tanay, Rizal.PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Cristino Naguiat, Jr. said this is only the first tranche of the agency’s Habagat relief operations. â€Å"We have allocated a total budget of P8. 14 million for our relief operations. We hope to be able to give help to at least 20,000 families. There were so many of our countrymen who were badly affected by this recent flooding. Itong aming relief operations ang paraan ng PAGCOR para matulungan ang ating mga kababayan na labis na naapektuhan ng kalamidad na ito. † PAGCOR, in its mission of reaching out the Filipino community,also reached out to the indigent and impoverished by providing free medical and dental services via its medical missions.These missions, which were mostly conducted in depressed areas and those battered by calamities, aim to bring government and the company closer to its constituents by providing basic health services. Furthermore, PAGCOR, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Education (DepED), developed the â€Å"PAGCOR Feeding Program† to supplement existing government feeding programs and to help address the worsening malnutrition situation in the country. This project was made possible with partner school-beneficiaries, which provided balanced meals to undernourished children from targeted day-care centers and public elementary schools in selected areas. PAGCOR has been implementing projects that are very helpful in our very own Philippine community.PAGCOR is doing their best in reaching out the depressed areas and the indigenous to let feel that PAGCOR isn’t all about gambling, but also ready to stretch their hand to those communities in need. Employees More health benefits for PAGCOR employees. Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman Efraim Genuino announced y esterday that the agency’s 10,000 employees would soon be receiving a â€Å"bigger and better health care benefits package† following a very productive year. Genuino noted that PAGCOR’s profits rose 21 percent in October despite the economic slump caused by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. This is my way of thanking, on behalf of President Arroyo, the 10,000-strong PAGCOR workforce which worked doubly hard to break revenue records this year despite the debilitating effects of a worldwide economic crisis,† Genuino said. It will be recalled that one of Genuino’s first acts as Pagcor chief was to increase the salaries of all personnel. Prior to his appointment by the President, employees lamented that their salaries â€Å"had remained stagnant for 15 years. † The new health care program will â€Å"substantially increase the present hospitalization budget which employees and officers can avail of. It will also provide g enerous subsidies for maternity cases and ensure a faster processing system of all health claims†, Genuino said.Furthermore, Genuino has ordered the setting up of a state-of-the art health infrastructure program through the establishment of modern outpatient clinics complete with a laboratory, an x-ray room and pharmacy. Dental clinics will also be put up at all casino branches and at the PAGCOR corporate office. Mentioned above are the PAGCOR’s ways of returning the favor to their employees. These are also the corporation’s way of somehow thanking their beloved employees. However, these are not just programs for the employees but for the corporation itself too. Due to these projects, PAGCOR can be assured that their employees will be satisfied from their benefits. Environment PAGCOR takes its corporate social responsibility to another level as it goes green and supports projects about environmental protection.In tandem with the National Convergence Initiative (N CI) Project, PAGCOR is funding and actively undertaking reforestation and related activities not only in our remaining forests but also in various locales under threat of erosion and degradation. It also supports the â€Å"E-Kawayan† project which aims to regenerate bamboo plantations nationwide and exploit the many uses of bamboo for industrial purposes. Just recently, PAGCOR turned over P31million in financial support for Hi-e-Kawayan project of Alaminos, Pangasinan. This will help in reviving bamboo culture, reforest bamboo growing regions for environmental protection. The said project complements the Department of Environment and Natural Resource’s (DENR’s) National Greening Project (NGP) since it is set to reforest 322 hectares of land with bamboo plants which would lead to erosion prevention and slope protection in the area.The said corporation also provides funds for turning illegally cut logs from areas in Mindanao that had been pummeled by the recent Ty phoon Sendong into chairs, tables and blackboards that will be given to public schools. Also, PAGCOR was into recycling as it launched a project converting used slot machine stands into school desks which are donated to six public schools. Lastly, PAGCOR expressed support to the Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP), a project spearheaded by the ABS-CBN Foundation, together with the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission and Department of Environment and Natural Resources. This project aims to rehabilitate and clean the Pasig River from 2009-2015 with the Estero de Paco as its pilot site.These projects only proved that PAGCOR is not just a corporation but a environment-concerned one. These are the ways on how they promote the preservation and restoration of our environment. Economy Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation or PAGCOR, with its chain of casinos and other businesses, contributes much to the Philippine economy. From their large income, the tourists they attract, the j obs they give to a number of Filipinos and up to the investors they bring into the country, they only prove that they are not just about gambling but an asset to the country’s economy. Casino is one of the places where tourists go here in the Philippines whether they came in on purpose of doing so or to just explore what the country can offer.Large number of customers and gamers, both foreigners and Filipinos, also means large amount of income not just for the corporation itself but also to the country. Just last year, 2011, PAGCOR reported whooping P36. 65 billion total revenue, which is P5. 19 billion more than its income the year before, 2010. Tourist dollars are also coming into the country together with these visitors from different places. PAGCOR currently operates 13 casinos in different places all over the country like Metro Manila, Tagaytay City, Pampanga, Cebu, and others. With this, they already gave about 12,000 jobs to the Filipinos which will soon be increased w ith the upcoming projects of the company. This, already, is a big help to the country’s worsening problem on employment.They are also bringing foreign investors in the country together with the rise of the â€Å"Entertainment City Manila† or simply â€Å"PAGCOR City† in the year 2016. It is Asia's Las Vegas-like gaming and entertainment complex that PAGCOR proposed way back in April 2008 to offer on 8 km? of land on the reclamation area of Manila Bay, Philippines. The objective is to capture at least 10 percent of the annual $115-billion gaming revenue in the world. According to vice president Jejomar Binay, â€Å"The project will be a big boost to the economy. It will bring investors and visitors and this will provide employment and livelihood opportunities for thousands of Filipinos. † noting that the project will provide millions of Filipinos with high-paying jobs without leaving for work abroad.It is also believed that this project will bring even mor e tourist in the country as it will not cater only the gaming aficionados but other facilities will also offer other forms of wholesome family entertainment which will encourage tourists to go together with their families. PAGCOR helps the economy more than we give them credit for. Because of the common connotation that comes with their name like ‘gambling’, ‘1-billion coffee expenditure’ and the different cases filed against the officials of the corporation we failed to see the benefits they brought to the country. IV. Pictures â€Å"MATUWID NA DAAN SA SILID PAARALAN† PROJECT PAGCOR, in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepED), has allocated a P1 billion funding for the construction of 1,000 classrooms nationwide. PAGCOR distributes relief goods to 10,000 families affected by Habagat flooding Reaching places like Tondo and Sta.Ana, Manila; Marikina City; Malabon City; Concepcion,Tarlac; Guiguinto, Bulacan; Rosario, Cavite; Taytay, Rizal; and San Isidro, Tanay, Rizal. MEDICAL / DENTAL MISSIONS PAGCOR reaches out to the indigent and impoverished by providing free medical and dental services via its medical missions. PAGCOR FEEDING PROGRAM PAGCOR, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Education, developed the PAGCOR Feeding Program to supplement existing government feeding programs and help address the worsening malnutrition situation in the country. PAMASKONG HANDOG PROJECT The Pamaskong Handog project is an annual Christmas gift-giving project of PAGCOR which is intended to bring joy to the less fortunate at Christmas time. PNOY BAYANIHAN† PROJECT PAGCOR has partnered with the DepED, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for the Pnoy Bayanihan project which aims to convert confiscated logs from illegal logging into school chairs. CONVERSION OF USED SLOT MACHINE STANDS TO S CHOOL DESKS PAGCOR also converts hundreds of its used slot machine stands into school desks which are being donated to different public schools that are in need of school chairs. V. References More health benefits for Pagcor Employees. (2011, November 24). The Philippine Star, p. 3. Cruz, J. D. (2012, June 24). Pagcor goes green. Business Mirror, p. 5. Cruz, J. D. (2012, June 24). Pagcor goes green. Business Mirror, p. 3. http://pcij. org/blog/wp-docs/RA9487. pdf http://www. pagcor. ph/social-responsibility. php http://www. blog. pagcor. ph/ http://www. pagcor. ph

Find out how large are the media industries in the U.S in terms of Essay

Find out how large are the media industries in the U.S in terms of last year's revenues and influence. What are the consequences of that for media culture - Essay Example Usually, the largest, most impressive grosses, are generated by high-budget A-Pictures, financed and/or released by the MPAA companies; however, such pictures do not always create the optimum rate of return, especially for net profit participants, who, unfortunately, only see profit participation in 5% of the pictures. The statistics of the movie industry in the United States also reveal that there had been an increase of almost 30% in the media markets in the span of the past ten years. According to a study conducted by Monitor Co., the movie and television industries contributed over $16 billion to the State of California's economy, directly employing 164,000 and indirectly employing another 184,000. The study also found that the vast majority of feature films and television programs are produced by independent producers. During the recent past, there has been a lot of transformation in the way media is reaching the audience. There has been a shift in the media in new forms like DVD and internet. This shift obviously has got an influence and also a strong cultural and social impact on the society.

Discussion Board 4-1 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 8

Discussion Board 4-1 - Assignment Example It is through treatment planning that counselors are able to identify and determine the source of resources required in a particular treatment. Switchzer and Rubin (2015) explain that treatment plans enable counselors and clients to recognize the need for insurance coverage, and identify appropriate insurance companies to give cover during treatment. Insurance coverage during treatment provides relative protection of clients from unforeseen dangers that may occur during treatment. Treatment plans are also important as they assist counselors and clients establish systems of relationships based on professional and general ethical standards. In that line, treatment plans assist in avoiding legal disruptions aimed at ensuring conformance to legal standards. Ensuring clarity on the relationship and means of interaction between counselors and clients is also an ethical issue (Switchzer & Rubin, 2015). In case of a problem, it is usually easier for either party in counseling to justify claims using the plan. Failure to have a treatment plan in a psychological counseling process exposes counselors and clients to various risks. One of the risks relates to lack of proper relationship that may compromise authenticity of a claim by any party who has experienced abuse. Without a treatment plan, the parties may forget to fulfill certain legal responsibilities and face increased risk of litigation (Switchzer & Rubin, 2015). Lack of effective treatment plan also characterize with unclear goals and objectives. As a result, counselors and clients in session may end repeating issues and losing direction, and eventually wasting much time on otherwise simple

European Parliament elections Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

European Parliament elections - Essay Example European Parliament elections Integration processes get their legal implementation through variety of agreements between states on creation of various unions and organisations. European Union belongs to such organisations. One of the basic structures of this organization is the European Parliament. According to the EU legislation it represents people of European Union member-states, â€Å"the European Parliament represents the people of the states brought together within the European Community† (Fouloy, 1994, p. 77). The agreement, which assumed the creation of joint Parliament of the signatory states, was a part of the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community, which begun the European Union. The first European parliament consisted of 68 deputies delegated by national parliaments of the signatory states of the agreement. The first meeting, in which 142 deputies have taken part, has passed in March, 1958 in Strasburg, during which parliament has got the name â€Å"The European Parliamentary Assembly†, which in March, 1968 has turned in the European Parliament. For today the European Parliament consists of representative of 25 member-states of the European Union, which choose their deputies by universal, equal, and secret voting (this principle has started to work since September, 1976). The quantity of deputies in European Parliament is caused by population of every concrete state of the European Union.

Project Propozal ( What motivete oversea student come to study in the Coursework

Project Propozal ( What motivete oversea student come to study in the United Kingdom) - Coursework Example Apart from this, the current oversea students can also benefit through this research. The aim of this research paper is to identify and analyze the factors which influence and motivate oversea students to come to study in UK. I have chosen this topic for my research because I am also an oversea student who was pretty much motivated to study in UK since very beginning but this did not proved to be something very easy for me. I had faced my obstacles in my way to achieve this highly reputable degree and now I believe that motivation is not only required at the initial stage but it is required throughout the process therefore I am working on this project with an objective to motivate students who are willing to study in UK but are unable to do so for any reason and to keep the current oversea students motivated and focused. English language was developed in England and it is their mother tongue. All everyone speak English there accent is slightly different for the foreign students but once you get here it becomes easy for you to understand their accent and speak the language fluently. There are many factors that motivates and influence students to come and study UK in which the peaceful and committed environment of the UK plays the most important role. UK promises it students to give them the quality exposure along with an everlasting exposure and it really fulfills this promise. Motivation is basically a stimulus that drives a need to be fulfilled (Robbins 25). Not only major decisions and task are performed successfully because of motivation but also the smallest achievements are made due to motivation. For instance, you cannot perform well on a quiz if you were not motivated enough to gain good marks. There are two main components of motivation which actually encouraged a person to achieve something they are intrinsic factors and extrinsic factors. As the name indicates intrinsic

Global operations management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Global operations management - Essay Example To increase its influence and reach more customers in various parts of the world, Huawei has also entered into partnerships with numerous companies. Theories of Internalisation The term internationalisation is descriptive of the methods that are used by business organisations to adapt their numerous operations, in regards to company policies, resources and organisational structure, to suit foreign environments (Dunning 2006). Before embarking on the process of internationalisation, business organisations have to take into account factors such as the geographic distance of the overseas market being considered, the different company associated operations that the company will engage in the foreign branch, and the level to which the company would like to integrate corporate activities (Mitgwe 2006). There are different theories that seek to explain the ways through which internationalisation may occur. ... Dunning’s Theory in the Internationalisation of Huawei According to Dunning’s OLI model, foreign subsidiaries usually demonstrate higher productivity rates than their local counterparts due to the existence of ownership competitive advantages (Dunning 2006). Dunning’s eclectic (OLI) model stipulates that there are three critical elements that are evident in any firm that invests in a foreign branch or subsidiary. The three factors are location advantages, ownership advantages, and internalisation advantages (Dunning 2009). Ownership advantages have to do with the existing conditions that accompany of foreign direct investment (Contractor 2007). For example, to be successful in foreign investment, a firm has to have comparative advantages over other foreign corporations before it determines that a branch will be set up in a foreign nation. Location advantages have to do with the extent to which foreign business-related conditions are favourable to the company in q uestion (Sethi, Guisinger, Phelan, and Berg 2003). Internalisation factors, on the other hand, have to do with how well the multinational corporation can internalise ownership advantages in order to prevent the escalation of transaction costs which are naturally incurred in the course of international production. The Huawei Technological Corporation is a firm that was launched long after other telecommunications corporations had already been launched in the Western nations (Dunning 2009). Huawei therefore focused more on meeting particular objectives in order to realise its internationalisation. Huawei has traditionally used low cost as a technique to enter markets in both developing and developed nations. Huawei also invests in developed nations mainly to realise the adoption of new technologies.

EXPLAIN WHY AL-GHAZALI ATTACKED PHILOSOPHY SO FIERCELY Essay

EXPLAIN WHY AL-GHAZALI ATTACKED PHILOSOPHY SO FIERCELY - Essay Example This paper will explicate on the essential question of whether al-Ghazali attacked philosophy out of self ambitions or he was safeguarding Islam from moral corruption by Islamic philosophy. First, The Incoherence of Philosophers, a text via which he voices his disregard for Islamic philosophy, must be analyzed. Despite the fact that philosophy had a small following, it was swiftly gaining momentum. Second, it is essential to point out that al-Ghazali did not harbor any qualms with the philosophy, falsafa, rather he had reservations pertaining to its application in answering certain religious questions. He questioned the methodology with which philosophy was being applied in the Islamic religion. His attack on Islamic philosophy might be sourced from; his ambitions for reviving Islamic science, his belief that Islamic philosophers did not comprehend the basis for third, it s important to show that Aristotle’s teachings and his opinion that Islamic philosophy was propagating mor al corruption. Third, the analysis will show that his critique of philosophy is fashioned in three fronts: eternity of the world, resurrection of the body and knowledge of God on particulars. In an effort to comprehend the framework within which al-Ghazali attacked philosophy, it is essential to understand the history of philosophy in the Islamic religion. Philosophy was introduced into the Arab world via translation of Greek texts by Christian scholars (Armstrong, K. 2002). This act of translation was further compounded by writing commentary texts on the Greek articles. All these factors, combined, culminated in a slow but steady assimilation of Greek scientific and philosophical learning. The explanation for the significantly low number of adherents of this discipline is sourced from the difficulties that were encountered when training in this philosophy. Al-Ghazali’s main target in his attack of philosophy was centered on philosophers Ibn Sina and al-Farabi (Netton,

Panera Bread Case Essay Example for Free

Panera Bread Case Essay The Au Bon Pain Bakery was first opened in 1976 to fulfill the concept of a fast casual restaurant. Following a period of debt; the Cookie Jar Bakery owned by Ronald Shaich and Aub Bon Pain Bakery owned by Louis Kane merged to become Au Bon Pain Co. Inc. in 1981. In 1985 after noticing customers buying bread and adding their own sandwich meat, the company decided to add fresh made sandwiches to their menu to capitalize on the profit. After going public in 1991, Shaich decided that in order to expand the purchase of the St. Louis Bread Company was paramount. Au Bon Pain or â€Å"where good bread is† would eventually become Panera Bread Company in 1999(Thomas L. Wheelen and J). Panera Bread Company would become the leader in fast casual dining; combining the ease of fast food with the quality of the restaurant experience and a coffee shop atmosphere. Noticing the needs of businessmen for having a place to meet and dine simultaneously; Panera developed its business to meet five different â€Å"meals†; breakfast, lunch, daytime â€Å"chillout†, lunch in the evening, and take-home bread(Thomas L.  Wheelen and J). As a result of Panera’s ingenuity; it became the leader in a bakery-cafe style restaurant providing fresh-baked goods, made-to-order sandwiches, soups, salads, and coffee (Thomas L. Wheelen and J). Panera Bread Company’s growth and success was the direct result of the standards set by Au Bon Pain in its identification as the pioneer in the fast casual restaurant category. Having met four criteria including: a limited service or self service style, pricing that fell between fast food and casual dining, made-to-order food with complex flavors, and upscale decor much like that of a neighborhood bistro; Panera quickly grew and gained profit and continues to flourish today. Panera enjoyed total revenues in 2011 of $1,822,032,000 as reported to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and net income of $135, 952,000. First and foremost I feel that Panera’s effort to sponsor charities is quite commendable, there truly is no better way to gain recognition or compete with similar businesses than to give to charity. This year a local restaurant in Oak Harbor hosted a pig roast as a means for collecting donations to charities in the area. The amount collected and distributed to local charities by the owner of the local restaurant was published in our local paper. As a result of his efforts, he has gained recognition and people are honored to eat in his restaurant. An ever developing menu is also a good way to gain recognition, however I feel that this method could possibly pose issues like the ones seen with fast food chains when they discontinue a favorite sandwich or drink. Many times a fast food joint has a special new drink or sandwich and after a month do away with it. This is frustrating to the customers because they enjoyed the new item and wish to continue purchasing. If proper research is not done to decide whether or not to keep a menu item, business could suffer. An identifiable image is definitely a good way to promote a business, yet I don’t feel that it would be the right move considering the style of business Panera is trying to continue. Most images such as McDonald’s golden arches, and Applebees’ flaming apple tend to scream fast food. While Applebees may not be considered by many as fast food, it tends to fall further down the list in quality than many of our local restaurants. Here in Oak Harbor we have restaurants that are well-known in the community such as Frasier’s and Flyers which do not have specific signage to identify them. Instead these businesses are advertised through word of mouth, and advertising on the actual store front. 2) Schaich would often do the opposite of his competition during periods of economic downturn. While many of his competitors slashed prices and offered extensive discounts, Panera doubled its prices on bagels and soups. This strategy was fundamental to the success of Panera. What would increasing prices during recession be a strategy that worked for Panera? What other strategies might be helpful in maintaining the competitive edge during a recession? I believe the reason Panera was most successful by increasing prices instead of lowering them during recession is the fact that they offered high quality product. Another reason I believe this strategy worked is because it offered consumers an outlet for the stress associated with recession. Had Panera lowered its prices while still offering high quality, it would have been a reminder of the worsening economic condition and perceived as not at all favorable to Panera’s high-end consumers. It is my belief that another strategy that could be beneficial to Panera during recession is acquisition. If Panera were to acquire another company that produces bakery products comparable to Panera, it might broaden its consumer base and possibly expand to more locations. This strategy would reduce competition by consuming the other company’s customer base. The other company would most likely jump at the chance to sell given the economic downturn. Overall this strategy would be helpful in eliminating competition as well as expanding Panera’s locations. 3) In 2003 Panera Bread Company initiated for unit general managers and multi-unit managers to own a majority interest in their business (Thomas L. Wheelen and J). This practice was designed to assist in enrichment of the consumer experience because the people working the bakery-cafes were experienced as well as motivated. In what other ways might Panera motivate its employees and franchise owners? Should Panera better their part-time employee benefits? I believe giving managers a share is a good step in the right direction, it gives them a reason to do their very best for the business. I agree with Panera’s idea of having experienced and knowledgeable employees at the forefront of the business. A competent business is more likely to prosper and draw consumers than a company that employs people with no knowledge of their product. As for additional forms of motivation, I would have to say that first and foremost an employee discount would be a great incentive for employees. This form of motivation would be valuable to employees who truly believed in Panera and its quality. Another great motivator for employees would be charity donation matching. If Panera were to offer its employee of the month the opportunity to have Panera match any and all of his/her donations to charity either in product or funds; this may also motivate employees that are in line with Panera’s values to do their very best. There is a sense of pride in belonging to a company that takes CSR seriously, by voicing this value Panera is more likely to find employees that share in their spirit. Far too often employee burnout becomes a real issue in service related businesses. I think that Panera should offer sabbaticals to employees who wish to work on community service projects. Not only with a break from everyday routine aid in preventing burnout, extra community service will get the brand name out there, and employees will feel that they did something positive and in line with Panera’s values. I believe Panera should have definitely looked at increasing part-time employees’ benefits. Their part-time employees are stated to be at around 13,200, which is significantly higher than their full-time employees. These part-time employees therefore have a significant impact on the success of the business. Keeping in line with Panera’s idea of investing in the business to benefit the consumer, offering better benefits to part-time employees would ensure that employees felt valued and in turn would provide better service.

Discussing The Challenges Faced In Business

Discussing The Challenges Faced In Business Most top management executive today are faced with challenge of creating better ways of doing business in doing this , the customers have becomes the direct focused .In fact ,most organisation today, opine that a companys success depend effectively on managing relationship with customers . In achieving this companies have adopted distinct electronic business application that would generally suit its mission and objective, E-business OBrien state is the use of the internet and other network application, to process data of customers and business partner within a new worked enterprise (OBrien, 2005) .Customer relationship management application has becomes a key element within e-business system which most organisation have already adopted. The Customer relationship management application has been developed by most software companies like oracle, Sales force ,SAP and Seibel .The focused of this paper though is greatly on CRM application called SAPCO developed by SAP and how a UK top home improvement companies ,BQ has been able to use it to develop that relationship with customers . 1.1 AIM AND OBJECTIVES The analysis is this paper will show amongst other thing, how this application has accounted in many ways for the success and grow of customers loyalty of BQ over the years ,it will also look at the business challenge associated with the use of the system within BQ and by extension, the use of similar Customer relationship management systems supports by SAP in other organisation and importantly too, analyzing the ethical issues associated with technology. 1.2 METHODOLOGY A lot of recent articles and text books played a significant role in this work .Internet sources too ,cannot be underestimated alongside comments ,by way of interview conducted with some with some BQ staff who were there when the system was introduced and other who have been using the system for years now. 2.0 CRM TECHNOLOGY AND SAP Customer relationship management technology can up in the mid twentieth century as a result of the most management executive identifying the need to improved relationship with customer and in that way improve business efficiency. The general maxim that the customers are always right seemed to take a more descriptive place as companies were now committed on doing whatever it takes to deliver the promise made (Nguyen et al 2007) .This is where technology comes into pay to create this needs business value. This is also where to business executive brainstorming on aborting the best application that would enhance better control over their operation. Customer relationship management application help organisation assess customers loyalty and profitability on measures such as repeat purchase, dollars spent and longevity (Popovice et al 2003) It is important to note that Customer relationship management is like other E-commerce application, a combination of people, process and technology that seek to understand a companys customers . (Chen et al 2003) SAP happens to be one of the leading vendors for enterprise resource planning system, ERP. ERP systems are software package that permit companies to have more actual control over their operation. A typical CRM application will encompass the entire element in the diagram in figure 1 below Sale Market and fulfillment -Cross sell -Up-sell Customer Service and support Contact and Account Management Fax e-mail Telephone web Prospect or customer sales (OBrien, 2005) The diagram in figure 1 above show clearly that indeed ,the customer is the focus and all other aspect revolved around it ,aimed at marking the customer happy and by extension the business gaining repeat visit through customer loyalty . Now, in this SAP major strength in this application, includes the extensive capability of the softwares functional these and many other reason may have formed that reason why a large organisation like BQ picked sap to provide application . 2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1.1 NEED FOR CRM As the power of the seller shifts to the buyer (Watson, 2002) organizations are realizing that competing with cheaper, better or different products is not sufficient, and competitive advantage cannot be achieved by purely differentiating products alone, but through enhanced customer relationships .At the same time, customers are experiencing low switching costs and could easily redirect their loyalty from one company to another (Holcom, 2001). Their expectations have also risen in recent years, making Customer relationship management a necessity in todays customer-driven business environment (S.L. Pan, J.N. Lee, 2003). Previous research has shown that it costs more to attract new customers than retain customers because of advertising and marketing costs .This means that, instead of differentiating products, organizations should differentiate customers (M. Nykamp, 2001) and they should shift their emphasis on market share to customer share (M. Rogers, 1993). Research has also indicated that organizations must not only retain their customers but also expand the useful lifespan of customers with the organization ( Zeithaml, 2002 ) by means of IT. Through such technologies, one-to-one relationships (D. Peppers and M. Roger, 1993).Value creation (Barnes, 2001) customer value analysis, product and website customization are possible on a scale that was not possible in the past (M. Nykamp, 2001). According to the 80/20 rule, 20% of customers provide organizations with 80% of sales (Ryals and Knox, 2001). This further emphasizes the need for organizations to retain and engage in long-term relationships with profitable customers to maximize profits (J. Galbreath, 1998). SAP IN BQ. SAPCO is an acronym in BQ that stands from SAP Custer ordering system .it is a system being used by BQ to process customers orders, monitor customer transaction and enhance better customer relationship. BQ China, part of Kingfisher Group plc, is one of the top three global decorations and building materials groups. The group employs the equivalent of more than 10,000 full-time staff, serving a marketplace worth around $40 billion. Just like all customer relationship system, SAPCO enable BQ to answer question around: what product or service are customer? How should we communicate with our customers? What are my customers favourite colours or what is my customers size? (Popovvich, 2003). With SAPCO these question would be answered within minutes from customers transaction histories and processes. Businesses and individuals working on refurbishment projects are prime sales opportunities for the Decoration Centers service at BQ China. However, the workflow designed to track these opportunities relied on paper-based notes of project requirements, status, sales and value, and staff kept diaries to make follow-up calls. Total contract sales data was collected and collated manually, a process that took months, before central departments could analyze the results of marketing campaigns (http://www-01.ibm.com). Before BQ introduced SAPCO, orders where made via paper and ink .And when I interviewed BQ staff they confirmed that it was and herculean task. Mistake and long queues were that order of the day the employees found it very difficult with the stress associated with manual way of taking order from customers. The introduction of SAPCO has made all this problem history, customer can now go any of B Q store through to the UK and have their orders complete within a few minutes. 3.1 THE SAPCO PROCESS A potential customer who wants to buy goods from any BQ stores across the UK come in to the shop and meet with a customer adviser who will help the customer to look for what hi want and help the customer to process the order in the system .before the can be done the customer must have a user name and password unique to the individual alone this what the employer will us in logging into the SAPCO application .in the case of the first time customer the customer adviser with request the customer to provide some personal details like name in full, house address, postcode, phone number these information will be keyed into the system after that ,the item number or the barcode number is keyed into the system and an order places . SAPCO will run through the system and identify where the item is, if it is in stock or needs to be ordered from outside the store and if so this process begins immediately. At this point again, the customer is asked about the quantity of goods to be ordered which i s entered into the system. A quotation is also prepared by SAPCO if required by customer. Once the order has been done successfully, the order is checked by both the BQ staff and the customer to make sure the order is correct. The place of delivery of the item is then confirmed from the customer. The charges of delivery are automatically calculated by SAPCO. Then after the customer is issued a sales advice note which he takes to the checkout stand to make payment. If the item is not in store, SAPCO automatically orders the item and also states the date of delivery. This most times takes between four to six weeks (www.diy.com). It also uses the sales confirmation to control its finances effectively. This is done by clients payment for items in BQ can automatically and payments to supplies are included in the central cash flow furcating reports generated by the SAPCO financial application. Again, if the customer had done business with BQ before then and wants information about his earlier order or make a new one the staff need just ask for the postcode and customer number which would be used in locating the transaction history of the customer. Queries if any are spotted and sorted. Another angle to this system is once the order has been picked up, the BQ staff must go back to the system, click on the item across the individuals name. He then goes to the collection section and confirms after which he prints two copies of the collection note. A copy of the collection note is kept by BQ and the other unsigned is given to the customer. This affirms to both BQ and the customer that item has been picked and transaction completed. One of the key benefits of SAPCO is that it links up all the departments in BQ so a customer can walk to any sales advisor and ask about an order. The necessary information is taken off the customer at the nearest computer system available and the order is immediately displayed. 3.2 BENEFIT OF SAPCO AS A CRM TOOL It has greatly improved the ordering system in BQ. The ordering of products is done faster thereby enhancing business. It has also enabled BQ to measure its customers loyalty better through the awareness of the history of customer transaction. It also manages customers documents better as it is fully integrated in the companys business system. Prior to the use of SAPCO customer details were held on paper records, with key project milestones used as the triggers to remind customers to return to the stores. It was difficult to share information between different departments, such as keeping a record of product recommendations and noting project status, and potential opportunities are not always pursued. Angela Dong, Senior Project Manager, comments, A customer usually spends some time consulting with BQ staff, and may visit other shops to compare prices or consider alternatives. With customer information held on paper, it was all too easy to miss the follow-up sales opportunity to invi te them to select BQ. Through this system and via the internet, customers have 24 hours access to their account. This enables them easily assess their account anytime. This has also helped reduced cost for the company. The usual logistics of making orders manually has been greatly reduced. Delivery of items and tracking of goods has improved greatly improved. This system works in a way that staffs handling delivery immediately see an order has been made and paid for; hence they are aware that there is another order waiting to be delivered. With all customer and project data captured electronically, BQ is able to identify the right time to follow up with customers and maximize sales opportunities. BQ central management is able to adjust marketing campaigns in response to actual sales made, respond to demand for specific products, and monitor payments and cash flow. The result is that BQ is able to tailor its business more closely to the needs of customers, creating a genuine competitive advantage. It also a solution that that would serve customers better by providing detailed knowledge of stock levels and replenishment times, and, of course, accurate pricing, across all our stores. Customers are the most valuable assets of any company especially during this present economic situation and which SAPCO helps improves the volume of customers. According to Ian Anthony, Technical Infrastructure Programme Manager, BQ the customer ordering system in particular we have seen a huge increase in the volume of customer orders going through since the systems been implemented. The data gathered from SAPCO helps BQ to track projects status and ensure high quality which ultimately helps to improve customer satisfaction level. Due to the implementation of SAPCO information is completely transparent and managers are able to adjust sales and marketing strategies depending on actual data from current purchasing trends rather than having to wait for data to be complied by hand at the store level and later sent to the head office which normally take up to three months. (http://www-01.ibm.com). There is also an immediate visibility of the number of orders or contract which in other words means that SAPCO has improved both management and customer efficiency. 3.3 CHALLENGES OF SAPCO IN BQ The challenges of SAPCO differ from staff to staff. While some staffs believe is to be a total disaster others feel that there are ups and downs associated with its effective use. Some of which are listed below: The speed of the internet which mainly depends on the network providing the connection as been identified as one of the major challenges. There are some times a completion of order could prove a difficult task as it could take up to ten minutes to move from one page to another. This customer is made in this instance to wait for an undue period of time. For the system to work efficiently a stable and secure internet network must be available. Another big issue is the human side associated with it. Most have not come to properly appreciate the system so sometimes information is incorrectly entered. This is properly due to lack of enough training on the system or the staffs personal decision not to imbibe proper procedure. Data Collection And Processing Management Perspective Business management most times is centred on decision making. However, this aspect within most organisations is the central role of managers. Managers are faced daily with the challenges of coming up with processes that would enhance the effective running of the business. The use of information systems like the CRM technology has formed a critical role of this responsibility and to a large extend has improved this role. Most of the decisions managers have to make now have become web based either through the internet or networking applications which foster the information processing. According to Loudon, managers can now automate certain decision procedure (for example , determining the highest price that can be charged for a product to maintain market share or the highest amount of materials to maintain in inventory to maximise efficient customer response and product profitability). Loudon Loudon 2002 pg. 404). Organisations have a hierarchy of decision makers. This hierarchy in many ways enhances the smooth running of companies. Within the organisation there are the following: Strategic Management The manager here are concerned with decision around the long time value of the company and most times described as unstructured (George Steiner). Tactical Management- Managers here are concerned with medium term planning. They monitor the performance of the organisation, control budget, allocate resources and set budget (Bocij 2003 pg.18). Operational Management- Manager here directly handles the running of the business. Decisions here are highly structured as they affect the business directly and are felt at the moment it is taken. Managers here implements budget and apply them to business. For instance the decision by BQ to adopt SAPCO as a customer relationship management tool for such a large organisation would have been exclusively strategic. However, setting out the budget and planning ahead for the system would have been tactical and implementation would have been by the operation managers. Most CRM application has failed due to poor business management. However, BQs SAPCO has been in use for more than seven years and it is still recording success on a daily basis. Managers can now ascertain the items that are in great need and hence proactively stock them. SAPCO greatly supports operational and tactical decisions in BQ. This SAP enabled system also provides report, giving managers a comprehensive view of the firms performance. It also features corporate performance metrics, simulations and planning tools. (Loudon Loudon 2002 pg 423). Through this system, management can easily view their performance level and also the areas that need to be improved upon. As an enterprise resource planning system, SAPCO brings all the units together into one entity and thereby having a better control of operation. This ultimately provides a better link with their supplier and distributors hence the main goal of servicing the customer is achieved. The integration of business systems has enabled management reach beyond their own corporate walls to better connect with suppliers, distributors and end customers. (Gupta 2000). Sales are better managed especially with the use of the internet although this could also be a shortcoming since it means the system is dependent on the internet connection which it has no power over. However, the internet greatly supports the application. Managers at different levels can track sales at different locations and this gives them a better understanding of the business irrespective of how large the organisation maybe. The rewards of an effective CRM technology like SAPCO are indeed enormous. Steve Gilman, BQI director and BQ UK board director BQI has described the benefits of adopting SAP Retail as better customer availability and cost reductions. Gilman says, We can record sales and margin accurately and as a result have boosted our margins. We have given ourselves a lead over our competitors.(www.ciber.com.au/). Business chief executives can now stay ahead of the competition with greater focus on the customer than the competitors. On the management side cost are reduces and more revenue is made from increased sales. Ethical Challenges In Customer Relationship Management When a new technology is introduced into a business, it comes with its challenges. Its use even creates more challenges which in many ways affect its users. Ethics is one area of great concern to effective business management and information technology most effectively. Ethics refers to the principles of right and wrong that individual, acting as free moral agents, can use to make choice to guide their behaviour. (Laudon Laudon 2002 pg 468) Business ethics is crucial especially to management. It is something managers confront with everyday and have to deal with as the situation presents itself. OBrien speaks of a situation in which he states that as a business professional, you have a responsibility to promote ethical uses of information technology in the workplace. (2005 pg.380). In todays business world, issues of ethics range around privacy, intellectual property, security and even safety issues. Managers must make sure that its stakeholders interests are well protected when issues of this sort arise. 5.1 Information Systems And Ethics 5.1.1 Privacy- The issues of privacy have become one of growing concern as regards information systems in todays business environment. Alter identifies two crucial areas in this: personal privacy, which talks about the ability of an individual to avoid unwanted instructions into personal time. Space and property (2002, pg.287), and the information privacy which deals with the the ability of the individual to determined when, how and to what extent personal information is communicated to others (2007, pg 287). Privacy issues generally can be spotted in a lot of areas, today organisations, through use of the intranet within offices, can monitors mails that staff send across the organisation and also find out the sites they are visiting. This in a lot of ways infringes on their rights of privacy as individuals. That is why most individuals how prefer to send all private mails from their homes. However, the CRM technology is one area that this becomes very crucial. Companies in the process of conduction business with customers, gather a lot of personal information of its customers, for instance BQ, with its SAPCO system. Most of customers personal details are taken by the system. It now dwells on managers and staffs alike to make sure that this information of customers are well protected from abuse. However, over the years there had been codes like the code of fair information practices (Alter 2002, pg.290) created in the US to ensure that customers are to large extent in control of information released from being used for other things without their consent. 5.1.2 Health Issues- This is a very critical issue especially as information technology in the work place raises a variety of health issues. Heavy use of computer is reportedly causing health problems like job stress, damaged arm and neck muscles, eye strain radiation exposure and even death by computerised caused death. O Brien 2005, pg 395). There are times when placing an order for customers on the system can take ages and these in cases are linked to a slow system of internet and how voluminous the order is. In tackling this issue, what BQ has done is making sure that staffs have at least two breaks within a particular working day to ease of the stress that could be associated with this. A day off in the week is also given to staff. In this way, they probably foreseen the issues greatly minimised. 5.1.3 Property Issue- In information technology, this is often referred to as intellectual property which literally links to ownership of an idea or a product. This is very important in business. However, the internet raises some new challenges (Rowley 2002, pg. 244). Issues to be considered in terms of this include trade secrets, copyright and patents. a. Trade secrets- These are very crucial corporate issues as most times. They are associated with companys brand image and identity. They are often regarded as assets that if infringed upon can be sued in the court of law. In 2007, Oracle sued and accused SAP of hacking into its computer networks and stealing vital product information (BBC News 2007). Prevention this now, companies who own products must find ways of making sure that employees protect these from competitors and public generally. b. Copyright- These refer to a law or statutory grant that protects creators of intellectual property from having their works copied by others for any purpose for a period of 28 years. Laudon Laudon 2002, pg. 479). Despite the fact that companies like Oracle, Siebel, Sap, Salesforce all developed CRM. However, there are particular areas which are unique to this companies that cannot be taken from them. Also companies that use SAP products like BQ (SAPCO) and Virgin cosmetics (MYSAP) all have customised products which are peculiar to their companies which must be protected. 6.0 Security Management In Information System It is not enough to create systems within organisation, management must put certain measures in place to ensure that these information are well secured.

Strategies for Vicarious Trauma

Strategies for Vicarious Trauma Frances Roulet Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue Professional Quality of Life, ProQOL 5. The ProQOL 5 was an easy and short-timed instrument to respond to. Based on the responses and personal scores the results were given as follows: Compassion Satisfaction: 47 High Burnout: 15 Low Secondary Trauma Stress: 19 Low The obtained scores in this instrument revealed that in the subscale of Compassion Satisfaction indicated a 47 score, which means that there is a high level of satisfaction in deriving pleasure of being able to do my work, and perceive high level of pleasure in helping others through my work. In the Burnout sub-scale indicated a 15 score, which means there is a low level of elements of compassion fatigue associated with feelings of hopelessness and difficulties in dealing with work or doing effectively my job. On the other hand, the subscale of Secondary Traumatic Stress scored 19 points, which means there is a low possibility of developing problems due to the exposure to other’s extreme or traumatic events is low, therefore, there is no real secondary exposure symptoms interference. Two areas to prevent and avoid vicarious trauma. Although, the overall results of this instrument indicated a very good handle of my professional quality of life, there is two areas where I believe there should be preventive measure to avoid developing and suffering from vicarious trauma. And, even though, these subscales are under control, they are exposed and can create a mayor problem to me if they are unattended. These areas are burnout and compassion satisfaction. I selected compassion satisfaction because if the environment where I work is not adequate or not supportive (referring to the administrative system) or if the lack of personal or professional satisfaction provokes feelings of restlessness or not being productive then I begin to feel bored. There is no sense in working in a place where there is no meaning or being productive, therefore, there is not satisfaction in working. Then, I begin to have an internal struggle where I end up feeling negative effects, such as, hopelessness and difficulties in dealing with the la ck of internal motivation and performing my job effectively. If there is no challenge and space for growth. The feeling that your effort is worth nothing or makes no difference it would push me to the limits. Justification of two strategies to avoid vicarious trauma. According to Bride, Radey Figley (2007) in their investigation indicated that there is a high prevalence level of trauma exposure within the general population, social workers encounter high level of professional contact with traumatized clients. In their investigation the general population indicated that a lifetime prevalence of exposure to traumatic events was identified from a 40 percent to an 81 percent. Moreover, the clients from outpatient mental health reported within their information history of exposure to traumatic events, and these were from an 82 percent to a 94 percent; along with a 31 percent to a 42 percent classifying with criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Bride, Radey Figley, 2007). According to Bride, Radey Figley (2007) and their findings clinicians should be spending more time in getting involved in leisure, self-care among other activities, such as spirituality activities, in order to enhance quality of life. Indeed, the need of disengagement strat egies becomes one of the most important strategies in order to proceed in a positive manner (Figley, 1995). For example, setting the boundaries in your work environment, setting up rituals, such as utilizing music and humor or using motivational breaks during the day. Utilizing self-statements, such as, â€Å"it is not my problem or responsibilities, tomorrow will be another day, among others (Gerding, 2012). Furthermore, using strategies to gain a sense of productiveness and achievement, in which the clinician sets-up achievable standards goals, trust colleagues assessments, tolerance setbacks and make self-statements, such as under the circumstances I did my best or I can only do so much. Subsequently, you can also use the strategies for health and stress reduction, in which we can require adequate rest and relaxation, eat healthy and exercise (Figley, 1995). Last but not least of the strategies, you may build a sense of satisfaction by reviewing life and asking yourself â€Å"w here am I now†, â€Å"where do I start† and â€Å"where will I end my career†. Procedure of desensitization of trauma, may be used in order to better access memory (Figley, 1995). Controlled empathy influence the development of vicarious trauma. The vicarious trauma syndrome can be developed by anyone in the helping field. It characterizes by a set of symptoms that uses controlled empathy while being exposed to listening or seeing traumatic events. Izzo Carpell-Miller (2009) discussed in their article the importance of controlled empathy, these researchers explained that controlled empathy is being used as an instrument to empower awareness around and it’s the neurological process that contributes to the syndrome of vicarious trauma. For example, when a person is listening to a traumatic event, the brain and the body can be observed that it is not calm, they manifest non-verbal communication. The person listening is absorbing all type of shocking communication, nevertheless, their response is constrained and directed to aid the person who is in pain and suffering. Although, there are two types of empathy, known as controlled empathy and automatic empathy, they are not the same because they have different neurological process in the brain. Controlled empathy process is simply automatic empathy interrupted, that affects the professionals physiological, cognitions, emotions and spiritual health (Hodges Wegner, 1997; Izzo Carpell-Miller, 2009). The brain pattern perceived by an activation of the visual cortex, as the listener hears the traumatic events he/she begins to visualize the events as if they are actual protagonists of the event (Hodges Wegner, 1997; Izzo Carpell-Miller, 2009). The process occurring in the brain at the present time is that the right hemisphere of the brain activates mirrors neurons, which automatically flow routing itself to the left side of the brain, but other brain chemicals hold them back. This process occurs internally and manifests in the behaviors’ of the professionals, when she/he remains calm, cool and collected in front of the client. Basically therapeutic empathy may develop a paradox, because the client wished to be understood, seen and accepted. Strategically controlling the attention of the client becomes essential within treatment process. But, constant controlled empathy can also be hurtful provoking a counterintuitive for each and one of us. When a therapist recognizes that empathy hurts, the clients has been observed how their conflicts has affected them in all aspects, and also how these continue to play throughout the therapeutic relationship and the client’s life. Once the therapist empathy seems to be compromised and getting in the way of treatment progress, therefore, therapist affective attunement begins to play a role in the present relationship. The therapist must recognize a disruption in the interpersonal process between the client and therapist, and addressing what has happened. The main therapeutic idea here is to change the therapeutic conversation from whatever issue was being addressed to focus on the immediate experience of engagement with the therapist. Otherwise, this disengagement can cause interpersonal disruption and trauma. References Bride, B., Radey, M. Figley, C. (2007). Measuring compassion fatigue. Clinical Social Work Journal, 35(3): 155–163. Figley, C. R. (1995). Compassion fatigue: Coping with secondary traumatic stress disorder in those who treat the traumatized. New York: Brunner/Mazel. Gerding, A. (2012). Prevention of Vicarious Trauma: Are coping strategies enough? Master of Social Work Clinical Research. http://sophia.stkate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1027context=msw_papers . Izzo, E. Carpell-Miller, V. (2009). Vicarious trauma: The impact of controlled empathy. http://www.selfgrowth.com/print/588454. Hodges, S. Wegner, D. (1997). Automatic and controlled empathy. In: Ickes, W. J. Empathic accuracy. Pp. 311-339. New York: Guilford.

Securing a Place of Power: Reinventing the Role of Women in Theatrical Representation :: Research Papers

Securing a Place of Power: Reinventing the Role of Women in Theatrical Representation In The Feminist Spectator as Critic, Jill Dolan examines the current hegemony of the â€Å"white, heterosexual, middle-class male† (121) as the subject of representation in theater. She examines why feminist attempts to expose this bias and use it to change the objectification of the roles of women have failed, when this has even been attempted, and furnishes her hypothesis on how this failure can be prevented. In the dominant illusionist tradition of American theater, the individuality of the spectator is subsumed in the singular mass of the audience. The face most often given to this mass audience is that of the â€Å"white, heterosexual, middle-class male† (121). Women’s roles are objectified, and, in the process, the feminist spectator is alienated as her gender, race, class, and/or sexual orientation have no relation to what is presented onstage. Feminism is a critique of the prevailing male-dominated social norm that seeks to change this norm and therefore is the platform from which to change its domination in theater. Dolan enumerates three segments of American feminism: liberal, cultural or radical, and materialist. She credits liberal feminism with the bolstering of female visibility and involvement in theater and acknowledges the women-affirming aspects of cultural feminism, but she finds them both flawed and unsuitable for an effective attack on the male domination of theater. Materialist feminism looks at women as a class, oppressed by material conditions and social relations. It considers gender as a social construct, in the service of the dominant culture’s ideology and accepted as normative by the less powerful, which is oppressive to both men and women. It rejects the universality of the mythical Woman and instead views women as historical subjects whose position in the social structures of the dominant culture is influenced by race, class, and sexual orientation. Materialist feminism sees as necessity the unmasking of the ideas of gender and power of the dominant culture and thus what most theater and performance represents. Materialist feminism does not aim to judge, but to examine the ways in which a performance delivers its ideological message, in order to formulate strategies for combating the oppressive cultural assumptions inherent in this message. Its goal is â€Å"to affect a larger cultural change in the ideological and material condition of women and men† (18), and it sees the necessity of politically analyzing the current condition and its representational

Decisions to Drop the Bombs on Japan Essay -- World War 2 II Two Bombs

Decisions to Drop the Bombs on Japan War in itself is an atrocity, to kill or be killed in the name of whatever government chooses to go to war over. Taking lives in order to save lives is the most outrageous oxymoron ever heard, yet during the end of WWII taking the lives of Japanese people saved America from fighting on home soil. Many factors play a role in the final decision to drop the atomic warheads on America's enemy, yet in the end after all is said and done America was simply defending her land and right for freedom. America was under attack in a war fought on foreign soil. No one wanted the war to be brought on American soil and all American's wanted the war to be over to assure safety of the American people. The atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were necessary to bring the war with Japan to an immediate halt. Dropping of the A-bomb took thousands of lives and rendered many others sick while completely destroying in total two entire cities. The force of the first atomic bomb (Hiroshima, code name: "Little Boy") was equivalent to 12.5 kilotons of TNT and the second bomb (Nagasaki, code name "Fat Man") was equivalent to 20 kilotons of TNT (Clancey). It is difficult to fathom the power held within each bomb. Twenty thousand tons of dynamite! To dream of dropping this much power on any living thing is total genocide. Many members of the atomic bomb scientists because of the tremendous power each nuclear reaction would generate had discouraged the u...

Quantitative Analysis Assignment Essay

Problem 1-14 Gina Fox has started her own company, Foxy Shirts, which manufactures imprinted shirts for special occasions. Since she has just begun this operation, she rents the equipment from a local printing shop when necessary. The cost of using the equipment is $350. The materials used in one shirt cost $8, and Gina can sell these for $15 each. †¨(a) If Gina sells 20 shirts, what will her total revenue be? What will her total variable cost be? (F) Fixed Cost= $350.00 (V) Variable Cost= $8.00 (S) Selling Price= $15.00 (X) Number of Units Sold= 20 Revenues = (S)(X) = (15)(20) = $300.00 Total Variable Cost = (V)(X) = (8)(20) = $160.00 If Gina sells 20 shirts her total revenue will be $300.00 and her total variable cost will be $160.00. (b) How many shirts must Gina sell to break even? †¨What is the total revenue for this? (F) Fixed Cost= $350.00 (V) Variable Cost= $8.00 (S) Selling Price= $15.00 (X) Number of Units Sold= ? BEP=> 0=sX-f-vX X= X= X= 50 Total Revenue = (S)(X) = (15)(20) = $750.00 Gina must sell 50 shirts to break even and she would have total revenue of $750.00. Problem 1-17 Katherine D’ Ann is planning to finance her college education by selling programs at the football games for State University. There is a fixed cost of $400 for printing these programs, and the variable cost is $3. There is also a $1,000 fee that is paid to the university for the right to sell these programs. If Katherine was able to sell programs for $5 each, how many would she have to sell in order to break even? (F) Fixed Cost= $1,400.00 (V) Variable Cost= $3.00 (S) Selling Price= $5.00 (X) Number of Units Sold= ? BEP=> X= X= X= 700 In order to break even selling each program for $5, Katherine would have to sell 700 programs. Problem 1-20 Mysti Farris (see Problem 1-19) is considering raising the selling price of  each cue to $50 instead of $40. If this is done while the costs remain the same, what would the new break-even point be? What would the total revenue be at this break-even point? BEP=> 0=sX-f-vX X= X= X= 96 Total Revenue = (S)(X) = (50)(96) = $4,800.00 By raising the selling price of the cue from $40 to $50 the break-even point would be 96 and the total revenue at this break-even point would be $4,800.00. Problem 1-22 Golden Age Retirement Planners specializes in pro- viding financial advice for people planning for a comfortable retirement. The company offers seminars on the important topic of retirement planning. For a typical seminar, the room rental at a hotel is $1,000, and the cost of advertising and other incidentals is about $10,000 per seminar. The cost of the materials and special gifts for each attendee is $60 per person attending the seminar. The company charges $250 per person to attend the seminar as this seems to be competitive with other companies in the same business. How many people must attend each seminar for Golden Age to break even? (F) Fixed Cost= $11,00.00 (V) Variable Cost= $60.00 (S) Selling Price= $250.00 (X) Number of Units Sold= ? BEP=> 0=sX-f-vX X= X= X= 57.89 To reach break-even the Golden Age seminar must have an attendance of 58 people. Problem 1-23 A couple of entrepreneurial business students at State University decided to put their education into practice by developing a tutoring company for business students. While private tutoring was offered, it was determined that group tutoring before tests in the large statistics classes would be most beneficial. The students rented a room close to campus for $300 for 3 hours. They developed handouts based on past tests, and these handouts (including color graphs) cost $5 each. The tutor was paid $25 per hour, for a total of $75 for each tutoring session. (a) If students are charged $20 to attend the session, how many students must enroll for the company to break even? (F) Fixed Cost= $375.00 (V) Variable Cost= $5.00 (S) Selling Price= $20 (X) Number of Units Sold= ? BEP=> 0=sX-f-vX X= X= X= 25 If students are charged $20 for attending the session, 25 students must enroll for the company to break-even. (b) A somewhat smaller room is available for $200 for 3 hours. The company is considering this possibility.  How would this affect the break-even point? (F) Fixed Cost= $275.00 (V) Variable Cost= $5.00 (S) Selling Price= $20.00 (X) Number of Units Sold= ? BEP=> 0=sX-f-vX X= X= X= 18.33 If a smaller room that charges 200 for 3 hours and students are charged $20 for attending the session, 18 students must enroll for the company to break-even.

The Wretched of the Earth

The Wretched of the Earth Colonialism is an integral part of the history of the planet. It is the reason why so many nations have stark cultural similarities with others. Colonialism is responsible for many people being able to understand each other through speaking the same language. Colonialism was the start of the recent phenomenon called globalization. This earth has seen colonialism for many centuries as far back as ancient Greek and Egyptian civilization. Colonialism, as we know it today however is the domination, acquisition, exploitation, or expansion, of one territory by another territory.This usually means the colonist and the colony are in two separate regions or even two separate continents. It typically includes the subjugation of the people of the land being colonized. This colonizing behavior dates back to the early 1400’s with its roots in Europe which began with the Portuguese and the Spanish. Although colonization was the early globalization, it did not have such a positive impact on everyone as globalization has today. Colonization only benefitted the colonists which are the nations seeking and dominating other lands.Successful colonization meant colonist control of the government, the economy, the labor force, and essentially the lives of the colonized. Unfortunately, not everyone benefitted from this colonization. Those colonized were forced often enslaved and exploited for their nation’s resources. If their military forces were not as powerful as the colonists, they had no chance of keeping their rights as free people. Frantz fanon was born in 1925 in French- ruled Martinique, a small Caribbean island.He was raised in a family that was the equivalence of the bourgeoisie social class. The people in this social class were advocates for White- French assimilation. After being taught the philosophy of negritude, he did not wish to remain a part of this social class. He left Martinique in 1943 to help the Free French fight World W ar III. After this war, Fanon studied Psychiatry at Lyons University in France where he experienced extreme volumes of racism. Fanon accepted a position as ‘Chief of Staff’ in a psychiatric ward of a French hospital.He was responsible for treating distressed officers and soldiers who had been affected psychologically by the Algerian conflict. By 1956, Frantz discontinued his work for the French government in Algeria because of the negative effects their colonization had on the people. He could no longer treat the French in the hospital he worked when they knowingly inflicted torture on the people of Algeria. Once he officially stopped working for the French government, Fanon joined the fight for Algerian independence.During this time, he traveled different nations in Africa to help build their resources. It during this time he published a series of works that were in favor of national rights and anti-colonialism. He wrote the Wretched of the Earth within the last year o f his life. The purpose of this piece was to expose the savagery and the atrocity of colonialism. It explored the psychological effect of colonization and racism as well as a movement to decolonization. In this book, he argues that violence is necessary for independence.The very first chapter of the book, ‘Concerning Violence’, explores several topics. In the first sentence Fanon states, â€Å"National liberation, national renaissance, the restoration of nationhood to the people, commonwealth: whatever may be the headings used or the new formulas introduced, decolonization is always a violent phenomenon. † He is not endorsing violence; he is just letting us know that it is inevitable with liberation as the cause. Fanon teaches us that decolonization sets out to change the order of the world.It is the substitution of one species for another and brings new men, new language and a new humanity. Fanon identifies the different parties of the natives who are involved i n decolonization. These parties are the politicians, the bourgeoisie, and the peasant. The politicians only want to reform colonization not remove it while peasant are the most revolutionary being that they have nothing to lose and the most to gain. According to Fanon, decolonization is the physically removing the control of territory from the colonist back to the people.When Frantz Fanon discusses violence, he means force or aggression. By violence he means something that causes injury whether it is physical or psychological. In all of his descriptions of decolonization, he maintains that violence is a component in achieving them. In our society violence is something that should be avoided by all means necessary. We believe today that violence terminates basic human rights. Fanon openly accepted violence as an ingredient in successful decolonization while others tries to reach that conclusion peacefully.For his open and honest opinion on his take on violence, Fanon is viewed as con troversial. There are many that strongly disagree with his opinion and there are some that believe that his thesis is true but for extreme cases only. The final chapter of the book, ‘Colonial War and Mental Disorders’, Fanon describes his studies in the psychiatric ward of the Algerian hospital. In this chapter he notes how the nature of colonialism affects mental health by describing some of the patients he came in contact with.He used the cases to show the scope of disorders between the colonists and the colonized. He provides multiple series of cases, series A through D. Series A has five cases that all display Algerian or European people who had clear symptoms of the reactionary type of mental disorder. Series B displayed cases that rose while Algeria was in total war. The first case in series B is particularly interesting. It deals with 2 Algerians boys that murdered their European friend. Their reasoning for this was simply because Europeans killed arabs.It is cle ar from these cases why Fanon believes that violence is necessary to overthrow foreign government and for a nation to be independent. The revolutionaries will always meet opposition by the perpetrators of colonialism when fighting for freedom. It is very rare that colonist will give up their colony without a fight. Due to their military strength and technology, colonist can easily stop the freedom fighters but they will not give up without a fight. Without returning the violence, the revolutionaries would not be able to gain and maintain power of their land.When violence occurs in the struggle for freedom, revolutionaries become united. With the continuous build up of tension and advantaged treatment, I believe that violence is inevitable as well. Though this book was a little difficult to get through, the benefit of taking the time to understand is large. I enjoyed learning about world history especially colonialism from a psychological point of view. I would recommend this book to anyone that is completing studies in anything from psychology, politics, sociology, rhetoric and certainly history.