Countee Cullen’s Poem Incident Essay

Probably the most underrated African American poet of his time, Countee Cullen is a very rebellious protester themed writer who is all about securing the rights and dignity of black people and uses that very passion to fuel his poetry. In the poem â€Å"Incident†, Cullen uses a mixture of rhetorical devices which he incorporates into his ironic rhythmic syntax to help emphasize to readers the effect of racism had on children living in the early -mid 1900’s, a big time of racism. Written in 1925, Cullen used this poem as a way for him to vent his feelings and frustration and inform the ignorant all at the same time. The poem talks about a young African American boy who is excited that he is visiting Baltimore and while there he comes across another young boy that is his same age and size but he is white and then the young boy is surprised by a powerful and crude racial slur. The poem is not as head as Cullen makes it seems, it is actually an ironic poem. The first hint o f irony is found early in the poem â€Å"Now I eight and very small/And he was no whit bigger† (5-6). A reader would think that the racist bullying would come from someone bigger than the kid in the poem when in all actuality it was from someone his own size, and that’s exactly what Cullen is trying to show, that racism came from all ages and happened between all spectrums of ages, a teen and an adult, an adult and a child, anyone. The Spencer 2 irony does not stop there, you see another glance of it in the last stanza, â€Å"And he was no whit bigger†(6). In the poem wit is spelled W.H.I.T but, the correct spelling of wit is W.I.T and this is no spelling error, this is actually a small pun Cullen uses to help emphasize his racial theme. It’s as if Cullen takes the â€Å"E† off of white and if it’s put back it’s â€Å"No white-bigger†. Cullen used this play on words to show the mental deception that was used by white people used to make themselves seem intellectually superior. Not only is the content of this poem unique, but so is the structure. In the first stanza the syllables of each line alternate 8 and 6, then for the rest of the poem alternates 8 and 7. This unique syllable structure gives the poem a rhythmic under tone of joy, which in turn when it mixed with the content and theme of racism brings out more of the poem’s irony which is one of the main style focuses of th is poem. Cullen’s inspirations of his life and passions are definitely evident in this poem. First off the location of the poem was set in Baltimore, MD and although much of Cullen’s early biographical information is shady and unclear, Baltimore has said to be one of Cullen’s possible birth places which is hinted in the poem, â€Å"Once riding in old Baltimore†(1). Another key connection is that Cullen lived in a time period where racism and segregation was a very popular idea so an incident such as the one in the poem occurring to Cullen is a very strong possibility. Cullen’s unique writing stlye and complex syntax that is shown in his poem Incident is what made him one of the best writers of his time, and although the topic of the poem is still a touchy subject for most Incident is a poem that has been and will be a poem worth reading for centuries. Works Cited Cullen, Countee. Magill’s Survey of American Literature: Pasadena: Salem Press, 2007, print, V.2

Physics Lab Report Cooling Coffee Essay

Introduction: It is Saturday afternoon. You brew yourself a cup of coffee and are just about to pour cold milk into the coffee. The doorbell rings and you realize immediately that your friend needs your help for a few minutes this afternoon. If you want to have your coffee as warm as possible after you helped your friend, what would be wise to do? Should you pour the milk now, or after you come back? Or does it make no difference? I would like to add the milk into coffee after I come back. Because the hot coffee without milk will cool longer than the warm coffee with milk. Aim: To find out the relationship between the time at which the milk is added, and the final temperature of the coffee/milk mixture. Every minute the coffee was getting cooler (milk was getting warmer until the room temperature), but when we added the milk into coffee it started to cool more faster. Variables: Independent: Dependent: the coffee/ milk temperature dependents of the room temperature. Controlled: To control variables we can change hot coffee/water and milk every minute, or put hot coffee/ water into thermos and milk into object that has same temperature. Hypothesis: My hypothesis is that will be better if we won’t add milk into coffee( because it has a cooling effect), so the coffee will be hoter if we won’t add milk into it. Apparatus: 1. 250 ml beaker 2. 50 ml beaker 3. 100 ml 4. 50 ml measuring cylinder 5. thermometer 6. kettle 7. water cooler 8. stop watch 9. stirring rod Thermometer Diagram: Thermometer Hot Coffee (200 ml) Cold Milk (50 ml) Method: 1) Take 2 test tubes 2) In the first test tube pour milk 3) In the second one pour hot coffee/hot water. 4) Put thermometers into both test tube. 5) Measure the temperature every minute. 6) Record the temperature. Data Collection: At the beginning of the experiment the temperature of the coffee/ hot water was 80.9, but the water started to cool and every minute the temperature was getting lower. 80.9| 79.9| 73.7| 71.7| 65.3| The milk was 19.8 and with every minute it was getting warmer. 19.8| 19.9| 20.1| 20.1| 20.1| So the milk and hot coffee had difference of 61.1 but after mixed together-54.5. Substance:| Temperature(c)as is| Temperature(c)after 1 min| Temperature(c)after 2 min| Temperature(c)After 3 min| Temperature(c)After 4 min| milk| 19.8| 19.9| 20.1| 20.1| 20.1| Hot water| 80.9| 79.9| 73.7| 71.7| 65.3| both mixed together| 53.1| 52.1| 51.0| 51.0| 50.3| Graph: Conclusion and Evaluation: Problems: We used only one metal rod, after hot water we put it into milk ( the rod was hot) and maybe it made a effect to results. Also we use only one thermometer in short time, after hot coffee we measured the temperature of the milk promptly, maybe this can changed results. To solve these problems we should use two metal rods and two thermometers. Make sure you read and follow the checklist!!!!! Design Design| Complete /2| Partial / 1| Not at all /0| Aspect 1 | Define problem and select variables| Formulates a research question and identifies the relevant variables.| Formulates a research question that is incomplete or identifies only some relevant variables.| Does not identify a research question AND does not identify any relevant variables.| Marking Checklist: Research Question (RQ) or Aim clearly stated| | RQ/Aim includes Independent Variable (IV)and Dependent Variable (DV)| | IV correctly identified with units/ range| | DV correctly identified with units| | Prediction is quantitative| | A sketch graph is included, with explanation| | Prediction is explained using scientific theory| | Design| Complete /2| Partial / 1| Not at all /0| Aspect 2 | Controlling variables| Designs a method for the effective control of the variables..| Designs a method that makes some attempt to control the variables.| Designs a method that does not control the variables.| Marking Checklist Method to manipulate IV, including specific details of range or increments| | Method for recording results, including units| | Diagram of equipment or experimental set-up | | Controlled variables presented as a table: * List all variables to be controlledFor each variable: | | How could it impact the results?| | Exactly how will it be controlled?| | Design| Complete /2| Partial / 1| Not at all /0| Aspect 3| Developing a method for the collection of data| Develops a method that allows for the collection of sufficient, relevant data| Develops a method that allows for the collection of insufficient, relevant data| Develops a method that does not allow for any relevant data to be collected| Marking Checklist: How will your results be presented?| | Does your plan address the research question?| | Do you have a minimum of 5 different values for the independent variable?| | Do you have sufficient repeats at each value to ensure reliability?| | Is your method clearly presented and can it be easily followed by others?| | Have you addressed safety?| | Data Collection and Processing DCP| Complete /2| Partial / 1| Not at all /0| Aspect 1| Recording raw data | Records appropriate data including units.| Records appropriate data but with some mistakes or omissions. | Does not record any appropriate raw data OR raw data is incomprehensible.| Marking Checklist: Raw data clearly distinguished from processed data (possibly separate table)| | Units of IV and DV present and correct| | All data are recorded correctly and honestly| | Decimal points consistent throughout| | Decimal points consistent with precision of the measuring equipment| | DCP| Complete /2| Partial / 1| Not at all /0| Aspect 2| Processing raw data | Processes the raw data correctly.| Processes raw data, but with some mistakes and/ or omissions.| No processing of raw data is carried out OR major mistakes are made in processing.| Marking Checklist Calculations to determine DV carried out, if necessary | | Calculations address RQ| | Mathematics correctly applied| | Worked example calculations given| | Processed data (and decimal places) consistent with precision of recorded data| | Data Collection and Processing| Complete /2| Partial / 1| Not at all /0| Aspect 3| Presenting processed data| Presents processed data appropriately| Presents processed data appropriately but with some mistakes or omissions| Presents processed data inappropriately or incomprehensibly| Marking Checklist: Does your graph have an informative title?| | Is it an appropriate size with suitable scales?| | Are the axes labeled with S.I./metric units?| | Are all the points accurately plotted?| | Does it have a suitable line of best fit?| | Conclusion and evaluation CE| Complete /2| Partial / 1| Not at all /0| Aspect 1| Concluding| States a conclusion, with justification, based on a reasonable interpretation of the data| States a conclusion based on a reasonable interpretation of the data| States no conclusion or the conclusion is based on an unreasonable interpretation of the data| Marking Checklist: Have you stated the patterns or trends in your data with reference to your graph?| | Have you offered a scientific explanation of your results?| | Comparisons, if appropriate, are made | | Data related to prediction or RQ – to what extent to they agree/ disagree?| | Appropriate language used â€Å"Supports my prediction† (not ‘proves’ or ‘is correct’)| | Suggestions for further investigation stated| | CE| Complete /2| Partial / 1| Not at all /0| Aspect 2| Evaluating procedures| Evaluates weaknesses and limitations.| Identifies some weaknesses and limitations, but the evaluation is weak or missing.| Identifies irrelevant weaknesses and limitations.| Marking Checklist: Analysis of reliability of results:| | Are data sufficient to address the RQ? | | Was the range of the IV appropriate?| | Identify & Explain anomalous data points| | Refer to data| | Some attempt to evaluate measurement/ instrument errors, systematic error problems with the method) in terms of:| | Possible effect on data| | The validity of the conclusion| | Time management or human error may be mentioned, though these are not scientific errors – they should be eliminated with good practical skills. The focus here should be on the investigation. List your errors and limitations in order; state the most significant error or limitation first! CE| Complete /2| Partial / 1| Not at all /0| Aspect 3| Improving the investigation| Suggests realistic improvements in respect of identified weaknesses and limitations.| Suggests only superficial improvements.| Suggests unrealistic improvements.| Marking Checklist: For each weakness or limitation mentioned above, how could improved experimental design remove or reduce the effect of the error in terms of:| | Techniques used to collect and record data| | Design of the investigation, including range of values chosen and repeats of each IV data point| | Realistic, specific and achievable improvements| |

Build Bridges Not Walls

Society has undergone a massive change in the last few decades, with respect to both economic and social environment. And this change has affected people of all age groups, starting from children and adolescents to the young, middle aged and old. The pressures to perform either at school/college level or at jobs are enormously high. Tinged with competition, technological advancement as well as the increasing materialism, and hence with changing norms for social status and respect has set people into a mad frenzy of desires.With these changing definitions, people now are unable to define needs, wants & desires. What maybe was a luxury in yesterday’s generation is a need in today’s generation. But what people fail to understand is â€Å"Desires are many, needs are few. Needs can be fulfilled; desires never. A desire is a need Bone crazy. It is impossible to fulfill it. The more you try to fulfill it, the more it goes on asking and asking'† So in this mad frenzy of satisfying desires people forget the one of the basic needs for mental stability and peace†¦a healthy relationship.Man is a social animal and this is important for his survival and he is neglecting almost all relations-â€Å"Parents, friends, siblings,children etc, but the most prominent failing relation is between a man and a woman, be it husband & wife or a relationship. As per laws of nature its natural that a man and a woman develop an attraction which sometimes culminates into a relationship and sometimes ends in marriage, but we are seeing increasing number of broken marriages ,wherein there are irreconcilable differences between a couple and they carry on due to some binding factors like children or society.Sometimes these broken marriages end in divorce and sometimes don’t. The same happens to relationships too and people flit from one relation to another trying to find that deluding peace and happiness. Failure of relationships & marriages-WHY: We believe that if we have someone who wants the same things as we do, it would be a happy relationship. We believe in an overtly romantic ideal which sets us up for disappointment.Having chosen each other on the basis of similarity we have no skills to resolve the differences that inevitably emerge between any two people, and  our romantic spirit is crushed as easily as a paper bag. We avoid conflict when we should be training ourselves on its barbs. We have come to think of compromise as a dirty word. When in fact you get nowhere in real life without it. We look for partners who give us no problems, rather than partners we are good at overcoming problems with. We fail to understand that a man & woman are basically different, not only physically but emotionally as well.Their reaction to a situation or an approach to a problem is always different, and it requires a great deal of patience & understanding to bridge this communication gap between a man and a woman. When a relationship culminates int o marriage, and a couple stay together, these inevitable differences crop up more, and things, which looked trivial or were not noticed in the relationship phase, now come into the forefront and slowly look like major hurdles, which couples find difficult to cope up.Instead of accepting each other, they set about finding flaws and try to make the other person think and behave like them. The undying frenzy in this age of materialism, adds to this, comparisons in social circles take place, expectations arise giving rise to ego, and the couple slowly start drifting apart mentally and emotionally and an invisible and impregnable wall is built between them. Not to mention many a times that also parents from either side are fuelling factors in this.The boy’s parents are still bound mentally in their times and they are unable to cope up with these changing times, and have expectations as were expected of them during their times , sometimes trivial issues becoming major factors for a break up. I personally know of a issue in my friend’s family, wherein an argument broke over an issue, of excessive salt being put in Dal. The argument took such major proportions, and so many other underlying issues came up that my friends elder brother and sister in law left the house and took up a house outside and separated.Funny and sad too. But what needs to be introspected, is what proportions a trivial issue took to. Was it really worth it? An issue of momentary discomfort which could have been just ignored. So also the girl’s parents in a bid to be over protective about their daughter keep interfering in her family life and adding fuel to fire. I know of another trivial issue which could have been solved between a couple, but because of the interference of the girl’s parents, which further fuelled the ego in both sides, and it finally ended in a divorce.So what are the basics to keep a relationship or marriage ticking:1) Both need to accept that howeve r similar interests they share, they are basically two different individuals, hence differences are bound to crop up sooner or later. Also like some famous author said â€Å"Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus†.. hence their emotional psyches are different and this needs to be kept in mind.2) Women need to understand a man more than loving him and a Man needs to love a woman more rather than trying to understand her .3) Both need to keep in mind that only both of them can solve their differences and adjust. Family or friends cannot do it for them. At best family or friends can be helpful in cooling down a highly volatile situation.4) They should think that we see right or wrong from our point of view.. when we understand a person and think from that person’s shoes we may think otherwise.5) Most of the times, a woman doesn’t want a solution rather she wants a sympathetic ear, so men have to listen more and offer less solutions. Rather a sympathetic ear and small tokens of affection works. Women also need to understand a man’s need for his family and friends too. Its common knowledge that men form more die hard friendships then women and women need to understand that, when a man loves his parents or siblings or his friends and spends time with them too, it doesn’t mean he loves her less.6) However arguments and fights are natural. Both should understand that they are in a way healthy and most of the issues are mundane. Hence they should learn not to carry it to the future. It should be dropped there and then. Please remember that, if we hold on to the past, then we can’t move forward.7) If a relationship culminates in marriage, then the woman has to accept that like her parents and siblings are an inseparable part of her, so also are the boy’s parents and siblings are inseparable parts of him. Since parents belong to a different generation, there will be differences, but the solution doesn’t lie in d rifting apart. It lies in accepting them as they are and keeping communication clear with your spouse and with his help bridging that gap. There can also be closed room, open discussion between the boy and his father to find ways to close this gap.8) So also the boy has to understand that the girl’s parents mean the same to her and hence he shouldn’t unduly restrict her or interfere in regards to her parents. He should also respect her parents as he does his own but take caution that, they don’t interfere in their married life.9) Parents also on the other hand, need to be made to understand either through counseling or in open minded discussions to accept either son in law or daughter in law as they are, in order to keep peace in the family.â€Å"Expectation instead of acceptance leads to problems† is something needed to be understood by the couple as well as the parents. â€Å"Build bridges not walls† Finally after taking care of these basics, if still there are irreconcilable differences between a couple, which are a constant source of tension and is detrimental to mental peace and development, and the couple is finding it difficult to carry on, then its best to end the relationship or marriage amicably, rather than suffering continuously or mud slinging at each other. Remember â€Å"A momentary pain is better than a life long suffering†.

Strategic Human resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Strategic Human resource Management - Essay Example On similar lines, in our organization, performance of front line executives is measured on the basis of productivity and quality achieved. Although organizational values incorporate specific behavior, values and conduct expected from employees, these have minimal impact on their performance outcome. Measuring performance of front line employees on the basis of productivity and quality is more like following scientific management principles of Taylorism and Fordism, which are incongruent with contemporary management and organizational behavior as well as organizational requirements. Currently, performance management should focus on overall efficiency of the organization and a continuous sustainability. The ever-increasing competition in the products’ and services’ markets requires people to be more innovative in creating newer products, features, systems, and mechanisms of working. Innovation in types of services provided as well as improving profitability for organizati ons is also much required. Now that the number of employees at the front line is the maximum and these groups are directly into carrying out core operations of the organizations, maximum contribution towards innovation can be expected from this group. However, with no direction and returns, they will not be motivated to think out of the box and/or go extra mile to achieve the uncommon or untold tasks. Strong support from leadership at all levels and for all groups of employees is also required to encourage innovation and extended contribution from employees. This would also mean accountability from leadership perspective that can be measurable. Lack of such support and practices will only result in decreasing motivation and commitment from employees, which is the case presently in our organization. Area of improvement and reasons for the change: In order to address this aspect of performance management and employee behavior, it would be best to include a component of employee behavi or in performance management that can create accountability for the desired behavior besides encouraging specific behaviors that would be beneficial for the employee development as well as the organizational growth. Performance management is a process employed by organizations to continuously improve their employee performance, enhance employee motivation and look for opportunities to innovate or further improve in order to gain as well as sustain competitiveness. This is a complex and critical process that has been researched immensely and has resulted in different methods. Performance measurement has been a universally adopted method of performance management. Measurement of performance at every level and in every function is a distinct activity, and cannot be combined. Although the organizational goal remains unique and single, different activities need to be performed in order to achieve that goal by different people having distinct skills and capabilities. Because the nature of work performed by these people contributing to achievement of organizational goal is different, they have to be measured differently, that is accurate and appropriate, in order to help in achieving the desired results. Halachmi (2005) asserts that in order to advance performance there is a need to manage

List the characteristics of your network topology. Also identify why Essay

List the characteristics of your network topology. Also identify why other topologies would be inappropriate for the lab enviro - Essay Example Additionally, topology network failure does not affect failed device unless, the device connected to the other connectivity device is impaired. Thus, network topology means, network that is connected to circular method whereby, each node examines raw data send to a ring finally; it is send through directed address. Physical topology is known as physical layout of cable and connection of nodes between the cables. Another type of network is physical networks topologies are signals that are sending inform of networks. This type of network is associated with cost of doing the installation on a circuit telecommunications in which media can access the device. Where else, logical network topologies are signs that are used to send data to the media. These networks are further classified into star topology network, ring logical topology and bus physical topology. However, logical topology networks tend to be determined by protocols that cannot be acknowledged by physical network layout of wir es, which allows flow of electrical indicators. On the other hand, many computers in one area that are connected to a single switch can define star topology. This means that every computes is connected to its own wire and the switch, which is very essential to computers, in case one of them fails to operate or gets problems therefore, the other can not be affected. This is the most essential method that is used today. The reason why the so-called bus cables are connected to one cable is that, only one computer is only permitted to send data to server at a given time. Therefore, if several computers are connected to this network, then the operations will be interfered. This means that if there are many computers connected to network then the net work will tend to go down. It is important to differentiate between different types of networks that are available such as peer-to-peer. However, it is important to identify advantages and disadvantages that are associated with different netw ork. In a small offices and business networks are supposed to maintain peer- to –peer. It means that the main server is not involved. In network places that involves more than 10 operating computers might be very confusing, this is because the users may not have be using the same password. Therefore, the question is what will happen if the networks fail to connect for a period. The nodes play a great role in assuring that several servers act as one client. Additionally, peer-to-peer networks are installed to serve few computers. This is because if many computers are connected to one server to share single older then the system would be slowed down. Moreover, the server allows them to access network. This is made possible by use of internet cable that should be connected in the ports. The star topology is very important because it is scalable; it is faster to ease network connection for a big location. Another advantage is that if a single node fails to network, the entire sys tem is not affected. Finally, it is faster to unplug the nodes when the problem is discovered. On the other hand, star topology is associated with several disadvantages such as when the main server fails network also. Computers need to have security that is, the departments if information service should be responsible in management of all connected computers. This is done through connecting network devices, wiring the closest devices. In conclusion, in order to

Hospital Disaster Planning Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Hospital Disaster Planning - Research Paper Example Finally the purpose of a plan is to enable an organization reduce expenses which may occur at a future time. To begin with, every plan and project has to have goals and objectives to be met and therefore ample time ought to be invested so that all relevant information is table. In case of fire, some on the things to consider are how the fire outbreak can occur. In some instance, fire occurs outside the premises while in few instances inside the building. The major question then is how one will handle such a case in either case. There is therefore a need to have a plan. The initial step in designing a good plan for fire emergency is to contact personnel who have dealt with such cases, for they have a wide knowledge of past experience in disaster management and therefore they would be fundamental assets for a viable emergency management fire plan (Hanna, 2008). A good plan should define basin emergency terminologies and diagrammatically show any symbol associated with fire emergency and a clear definition of the symbol and its use and purpose. This is because the team that comes up with the plan may not be the same team that will put the plan into operation. The sequential steps and measures to pursue, incase of fire breakout, should be sequential enough and easy to implement. Furthermore, a good plan should have a list of appendix to give easy reference of information within the plan. In addition, a good plan should also be able to achieve its objectives perfectly well and also it should be subject to amendment. Assuming that fire outbreak from outside, some of the objectives many include one, to ensure that the larger mass of patients who possible could be outside are well controlled in order to avoid any casualty. Secondly, in case of fatalities, first aid ought to be administered instantaneously to avoid further complication. In addition to that, the medial care should come up with ways of ensuring that the available

Training and Development in the Companies Essay

Training and Development in the Companies - Essay Example The essay "Training and Development in the Companies" talks about the needs of the training modules, the retail chain initiates numerous measures to prepare the workforce in J Sainsbury, Plc, the renowned retail chain of the United Kingdom. Sainsbury has a dedicated system of review known as Performance Development Review. The Tesco company has implemented dedicated programs of training and development of its highly skilled work force so that it can align with the changing needs and dynamics of the business environment. The same is true for the other prominent retail chain of the country, J Sainsbury. The company is one of the closest competitors of Tesco and so was selected to be the other grocery chain to carry out the report. J Sainsbury, Plc has been the renowned retail chain of the United Kingdom. The organization is celebrating its 140th year of establishment this very year and therefore has come up with a whole lot of schemes and promotional offers to cater to the changing pur chasing needs of the customers. To ensure efficient and effective training sessions, at the outset it is important to identify the areas in which training is required. For the purpose, Sainsbury has a dedicated system of review known as Performance Development Review. Through the Performance Development Review, all the employees of the company discuss the issue of career development with the respective managers and also consider the progress made towards the double objective of organizational goal.

International Financial Management final Assignment

International Financial Management final - Assignment Example The Swiss franc’s value and euro’s value are expected to be $0.83 and $1.29 respectively, at the end this year. What are the expected dollar cash flows of Live Co? 6. Assuming the bid rate of a New Zealand dollar is $.36 while the ask rate is $.365 at Bank X. Assume the bid rate of the New Zealand dollar is $.33 while the ask rate is $.34 at Bank Y. Given this information, what would be your gain if you use $1,000,000 and execute locational arbitrage? That is, how much will you end up with over and above the $1,000,000 you started with? 7. Briefly explain the theory of interest rate parity. If interest rate parity holds what type of arbitrage is not feasible? You may wish to utilize a chart to explain when arbitrage opportunities exist and who can take advantage of the arbitrage. The theory of interest rate parity entails a situation where the difference of interest rates between two given countries is equal to the difference of spot exchange rate and the forward exchange rate. Thus, if the theory of interest rate parity holds, an arbitrage will not be feasible if the spot exchange rate and forward exchange rate markets are in state of equilibrium. In contrast, if the spot exchange rate and forward exchange rate markets are in state of equilibrium, the arbitrage will be feasible. 8. Assume that Mexico’s inflation rate is lower than the U.S. inflation rate. This will cause U.S. consumers to increase their imports from Mexico and Mexican consumers to reduce their imports from the U.S. According to purchasing power parity (PPP), this will result in a depreciation of the Mexico Peso. 9. The interest rate in the U.K. is 4%, while the interest rate in the U.S. is 5%. The spot rate for the British pound is $1.50. According to the international Fisher effect (IFE), the British pound should adjust to a new level of: The British

Impact of Industrial Revolution on American Society Essay

Impact of Industrial Revolution on American Society - Essay Example It is only after the Second Industrial Revolution (1870-1914) that a spurt in the development has occurred, resulting in rapid rise of industrial growth. Macro inventions which explored and discovered path breaking innovations in energy, materials, chemicals and medicine slowed down after 1825 which gave an impetus to advancement in research and the quest for acquiring new knowledge and technologies. This, in turn, has given rise to â€Å"micro inventions† (Mokyr, p.1) assisting the acceleration of production capabilities and infrastructure to sustain the industrial growth’. Thus, the society and lifestyles have undergone a sea change and humans became prosperous. This brought in luxuries and a lot of leisure that resulted in various developments in the world, and America in particular, in terms of economical prosperity, intellectual growth and cultural diversification. Modernization has thus become a powerhouse, dictating the world order. Several factors contributed to this newfound economical, intellectual and cultural upliftment. The first and foremost reason for any change or revolution to take shape is the idea which is nurtured by the intellectuals and thinkers who then analytically put forth their views. These slowly percolated and got assimilated into people’s mind. ... To him it said â€Å"Your diamonds are not in faraway mountains or in distant seas; they are in your own backyard if you will but dig for† (Conwell, p.7) the Prof. Joseph Carter, author of the Acres of Diamonds. Thus, the lecture caught the imagination of the American masses, making their belief strong in finding opportunities and avenues for self development and putting in hard efforts to tap the resources at their disposal. Another great work which swayed the minds of American masses was the poem, The New Colossos, by Emma Lazarus. The fourteen line poem was an ode written by Lazarus to the Statue of Liberty, which was engraved on the entrance door and the famous line ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free† (Emma Lazarus, The New Colossus, para.1) was enshrined for immortality on the pedestal of the statue. The poem became a beacon of welcome and the statue became an icon of paragon for thousands of immigrants coming from Eur ope and rest of the world. Besides, it became a sign of hope and opportunity in the new world. Another great inspirational work was by Andrew Carnegie known as the Gospel of Wealth. He was a poor Scottish migrant turned millionaire who became the symbol for social mobility, which also was known as ‘The American Dream’ The profits from his steel empire called the ‘ Carnegie Steel Corp.’ made him one of the wealthiest and influential men in American history. Also, he was a great philanthropist who donated more then $350 million to build public libraries and universities. In his essay, the Gospel of Wealth, Carnegie deals in depth with the wealthy and the responsibilities that come with it. On the other hand, how he symbolized the poor and why charity

To Watch the Faces of the Poor Essay Example for Free

To Watch the Faces of the Poor Essay Charles Cunningham, in â€Å"â€Å"To Watch the Faces of the Poor†: Life Magazine and the Mythology of Rural Poverty in the Great Depression (1999),† details how Life magazine describes the agrarian poverty in 1930’s due to Great depression, ridiculing the poor of whites by showing photographs without enough explanation of this poverty. Exclusion of explaining the cause of poverty in agriculture possibly leads to these â€Å"White poor† as â€Å"worthy† poor, who are not inherently inferior, but are victims of nature and geography. Tom Delph-Janiurek, in his article of â€Å"Sounding Gender(ed): Vocal Performances in English University Teaching Spaces,† states that gendered voices are performed through repeated stylization of bodies, having connection with gendered and sexualized identities. Also, he argues that voice have a geography shaped by how discourses change across different types of space. Both these authors discuss how pre-held notions construct the distorted bias of poverty in race and gendered voices respectively. According to Cunningham, by showing many pictures of poor white in U. S. rural regions such as Oklahoma, Montana, Arkansas, and Dakota, Life magazine effectively aroused sympathy from readers of Life magazine who subsequently thought their poor condition was mainly attributable to misfortune. This limited a reasonable explanation of poverty of â€Å"worthy poor. † The readers of this magazine only saw the pictures of untidiness, biological unfitness, and sloth of the poor white, so only consider that they were handicapped sufferer by geographical conditions. The direct factor of this economic crisis, capitalism itself, was never involved or even considered as the cause of the poor condition in Life magazine. Thus, the readers of Life did not expand themselves as unworthy to be poor, and think of becoming destitute as a result of economic crisis. In Delph-Janiurek’s discussion of voices, although gendered dualism of voices seems obvious having distinctive characteristics in a certain way, voices actually have geography with involving the production and interpretation of them in particular ways within different kinds of spaces. It means that voices have much more unique ways of interpretation than the vocal performance of roles and identities. Audiences themselves grasp the context of speaking according to specific interactional spaces and geography. The understanding of talk is not only related to binary gendered voices, but also to surroundings and desired narratives. For example, when performing in drama, students would be required to relinquish one kind of vocal and adopt another to alter unenthusiastic, unemotional voices of heterosexual masculinity to more emotional theatrical voices through a process called â€Å"drag. Along with dragged voices, lesbian and gay voices can be performed vocally in ways that mimic the gender dualism. Some gay men can use extreme versions of â€Å"women’s voices† to act â€Å"camp† identities, or vice versa. Taken together, mythology of poverty with hidden crucial factor of economical crisis and various forms of vocal performance would result in abs olutely different interpretation by readers or audiences.

Chemical Safety In Schools Environmental Sciences Essay

Chemical Safety In Schools Environmental Sciences Essay Chemistry plays an important role in human civilization. It enables us to formulate substances important for disease treatment, fertilize plants and provide fuel for transportation ( ). For many years, chemistry has been considered the central science due to its significant connections and overlap with other sciences. If a scientific discipline involves matter, chances are that chemistry plays an important role. Therefore, we will always need people who have a good knowledge of chemistry. As expressed by Beach and Stone (1988) chemistry education without laboratory is like painting without colors and canvas or learning how to ride a bike by reading its operating manual (Tezcan and Bilgin, 2004). The study of chemistry in schools equips students with knowledge in the classroom and skills of conducting experiments in laboratories during practical sessions that are scheduled once a week for a period of two to three hours (MOH, 2001). 2.1.2 Hazards Chemical in the School Experiments The teaching of chemistry at secondary school includes the use of hazardous chemical, which is essential for the understanding of chemistry fundamentals. Example of hazardous chemicals that are available at school chemistry laboratory are hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, acetic acid, natrium hydroxide, hydrogen sulfate, ammonium sulfate, hydrogen peroxide, ethanol, propanol and acetone (MOH, 2000). These chemicals are classified as hazardous chemicals to health under the Malaysia Occupational Safety and Health (Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemical Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000. In view of their hazardous characteristics, the government through the Department of Occupational Safety and Health regulates labelling and packaging of these chemicals. A specific law pertaining to these hazardous chemicals, the Occupational Safety and Health (Classification, Packaging Labelling of Hazardous Chemicals) Regulations 1997 (MDC, 2005), was established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514) later revised based on the Global Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals to enforce the regulation. The chemicals are classified as hazardous based on their physicochemical characteristics and toxicity to human. Oxidizing and flammable chemicals have the potential to cause fire while corrosive and toxic chemicals have the potential to cause external and internal body injuries. For example, volatile organic compound such as acetone, ethanol and formaldehyde have been suggested to cause a nervous system disorder experienced by workers known as solvent syndrome, due to prolonged exposure to organic solvents (Dalton et al., 1997; John Gary, 2001; Kiesswetter et al., 1994; Medinsky et al., 1995). Malaysian Occupational Safety Health (Act 514) and Occupational Safety Health Regulation 2000 (Use and Standard of Exposure to Chemicals Hazardous to Health) specify the permissible exposure level (PEL). The PEL is the maximum time-weighte d average concentration of hazardous chemicals in the air of working area that workers can be exposed without the need to wear personal protective equipment and the PEL for acetone, ethanol and formaldehyde are 1187.0, 1880.0 and 0.4 mg/m3, respectively (MDC, 2005). 2.1.3 Safety Precautions In view of the physical and health hazards of the chemicals, there is requires the implementation of safety precaution and hazard control to reduce the risk of exposure to the chemical hazards. Safety precaution differs based on the type of the chemical hazards. Safety precautions differ based on the type chemical hazards. General safety precaution is personal hygiene whereby the user as advice: To wash hand Wear lab coat No eating and drinking Wear covered shoes Wear eye protection (goggles) Example of additional safety precautions in 2.1.4 Responsibility of Chemistry Teachers The teacher is a key figure in implementing the teaching of chemical science because, without a teacher, students cannot carry out the science practicum well. These students would have had no scientific competence, no skill in conducting experiments, and they would not be able to make observations and analyze experimental data (Senior High School Chemistry Practice in Pekanbaru Riau, 2012). Schools very much rely on chemistry teachers and laboratory staff (laboratory assistants and technicians) in managing the chemistry laboratory. Their tasks include the inventory, storage, repackaging, preparation of experiment reagent, conducting practical curriculum, cleaning of the apparatus and waste collection. Therefore, they play a big role in the practice and regulation of chemical safety in the school chemistry laboratory. Furthermore, they must also provide information and training to the students at every stage of experiment planning and be there to observe, supervise, instruct, and corr ect during the experimentation (School Chemistry Laboratory Safety Guide, 2006). Teachers and teacher-aides should lead by example they should wear personal protective equipment, follow and enforce safety rules, procedures and practices, as well as demonstrated safe behavior and promote a culture of safety. They should be proactive in every aspect of laboratory safety and make, safety a priority. Figure 1 is a checklist for teachers that highlight essential information for working in a high school laboratory. This is a general safety checklist and should be periodically re-evaluated for updates (School Chemistry Laboratory safety Guide NIOSH, 2006). Upkeep of Laboratory and Equipment Recordkeeping Safety and Emergency Procedures Maintenance of Chemicals 2.1.5 Chemical Hazard Symbols (Pictograms) In referring to the Global Harmonized System regulation, each package of chemical and the respective storage place should be clearly labelled with the relevant hazard symbol (pictogram) to communicate the related hazard, subsequently to reduce risk of chemical exposure of the incident. The hazards pictograms or symbols have been standard would be in hygiene______ and ______ Hazard and risk warning signs (label) of chemicals are something that anyone entering into laboratories should understand and be familiar. They are commonly assigned to each chemical in order to draw the attention of users and to classify chemicals according to their characteristics. The knowledge of potential hazards and risks of chemicals and understanding their labels would help to make correct choices and safe utilization and handling of chemicals. These procedures, ultimately, would help to avoid chemical-related accidents on individuals and the environment. There are different approaches to assign hazard-warning signs (labels) to chemicals in order to communicate to the user for their safe handling in laboratories and design safety measures to avoid preventable hazards on users. These labels (warning sign) consist of different colors and pictures and intended to provide information about properties of chemicals such as flammability, toxicity, explosive, corrosive, oxidizing, ir ritating and harmfulness. Understanding or becoming familiar with the labels of these properties would help to avoid unwanted but preventable hazards of laboratory chemicals. Therefore, for safety reasons, individuals working in chemistry laboratories and in other laboratories that involve the use of chemicals are supposed to be aware of the potential hazards of laboratory chemicals and become familiar with the warning sign of each chemical in use. Chemical storage areas can be the most dangerous places in most facilities. Placing the correct warning signs and labels around chemicals is essential to maintaining workplace safety. Hazard symbols are designed to warn about hazardous materials or locations. The use of hazard symbols is regulated by law and directed by standards organizations. Table 1.2: Physical Hazards Hazard Symbol (Old) Symbol (New) Description Explosive C:UsersSONYDesktopex-l.gif Risk of Explosion by shock, friction, fire or other sources of ignition. Handle substance very carefully Do not smoke Keep away from all sources of ignition Oxidizing http://www.hse.gov.uk/chip/images/ox-l.gif May cause fire due to chemical reaction of Organic peroxides Keep substance tightly lidded when not in use Keep substance separate from other substances Extremely Flammable http://www.hse.gov.uk/chip/images/fire-l.gif Highly Flammable http://www.hse.gov.uk/chip/images/fire-l.gif Risk of fire Has a flashpoint of below 21oC Keep away from all sources of ignition Wear rubber soled shoes when using to avoid sparks from static electricity Do not smoke Keep substance tightly lidded in a suitable metal cabinet when not in use Flammable http://www.hse.gov.uk/chip/images/fire-l.gif Table 1.2: Health Hazards Hazard Symbol (Old) Symbol (New) Description Very Toxic http://www.hse.gov.uk/chip/images/skull-l.gif May cause irreversible health problems or even death if inhaled, ingested or if it enters the skin. Wear suitable toxic mask, gloves, eye face protection DO NOT breathe vapours, dusts or mists Avoid contact with skin eyes Toxic http://www.hse.gov.uk/chip/images/skull-l.gif Harmful http://www.hse.gov.uk/chip/images/x-l.gif Corrosive http://www.hse.gov.uk/chip/images/corro-l.gif Irritant http://www.hse.gov.uk/chip/images/x-l.gif Source: Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of chemicals, United Nations New York and Geneva, 2005. 2.1.6 Chemical Safety and Data Sheet Chemical Safety Data Sheet (CSDS) also known as (SDS), (MSDS) or (PSDS) is an important component of product stewardship and workplace safety. The CSDS, prepared by a product manufactured or distributed by a supplier, contains more information about the chemical than its label. A CSDS is a document that contains information on the potential health effects of exposure to chemicals, or other potentially dangerous substance, and on safe working procedures when handling a chemical product. It is an essential starting point for the development of a complete health and safety program. The document containing finding of the evaluations on the use, storage, handling and emergency procedures related to a specific chemical. The purpose is to communicate the hazards of the product, safe to use the product, possible consequences if the recommendations are not followed, actions to take if accidents occur, as well as symptoms of overexposure and steps to follow if such incidents occur. In Malaysia, as specified in Classification, Packaging Labelling Regulation 1997, chemical suppliers must supply MSDS as part of the requirement for a sale. The recent USECHH regulation 2000 also requires all chemical industry users to have each chemicals MSDS on hand prior to the usage of the chemical in their workplace. Therefore, an MSDS is a very useful source of safety and health information that will help create a safer practice when dealing with chemicals. The information in the CSDS is divided into sections as below: Product Identification Provide general identification of the chemicals. Example: Synonyms, CAS No., Molecular Weight, Chemical Formula, Product Codes (if applicable) Composition / Information on Ingredient Provide the percentage or concentration of the chemical. Some may provide additional hazard information such as PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit), TLV (Threshold Limit Value) etc. Therefore, the seriousness of the chemicals can be referred. Hazards Identification Provide the degree of hazard with reference to: Health rating Flammability rating Reactivity rating Contact rating Additional information may include the potential health effects and symptom through inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact, eye contact, chronic exposure aggravation of pre-existing conditions (if applicable) First Aid Measures To provide first aid attention prior to the arrival of the physician when accident takes place. The piece of information provided may refer to the chemical accident due to: Inhalation Ingestion Dermal Contact Eye Contact Fire Fighting Measures Provide details on the Flash point, Auto Ignition Temperature, Flammability of the chemical product and Explosion capability information. Additional information may include of the proper methods of using fire extinguishing media (dry chemical, foam, water or carbon dioxide) and type of suitable fire fighting protective clothing used during a fire emergency. Accidental Release Measures Provide some essential guideline to deal with for instance how to deal with chemical spillage, ventilation provision, contain and recover liquid when spilled etc. Handling Storage Provide detail to conduct, handling and storing at a safer way. These may include: How to protect the chemical? How to store the chemicals (environment factors consideration)? Is it compatible with other chemicals when stored together? How to use it at a safer way? Exposure Controls/ Personal Protection Provide details how to control the exposure of employees at the workplace when using such chemical, for example: Ventilation system PPE (Respirator, safety goggle, glove, SCBA, apron etc) for skin, eye and other bodily related protection Physical / Chemical Properties Provide detail of some of properties of chemical, for instance: Appearance (clear, colorless, milky etc) Odor (type of smell of product) Solubility (Water soluble, slight solubility etc) pH Boiling point, melting point (OC or F) Vapor density Vapor pressure Evaporation rate Stability Reactivity Provide some details on: Stability and reactivity of the chemical (e.g. during storage) Type of hazardous decomposition products (e.g. release of certain gases such as CO2 when heated) Compatibilities with other chemicals (for example acrylic acid is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents) Toxicological Information This section may refer to the toxicity of the chemical with reference to the LD 50 and LC 50. The lower the value of the LC the more hazardous will be the chemical Ecological Information Provide some detail on ecological impact of the chemical when it is used or discharged to the air, water or soil. Therefore, the user could take some precautious or probably engineering control when deal with this chemical Disposal Considerations Applied for the chemical that couldnt be recycled, saved or recovered and is considered as hazardous waste. (Must comply with local requirements) Transport Information Provide some detail on the identification during transportation of chemical for both domestic and international purposes Regulatory Information Provide some details of the regulatory information from different relevant countries. Additional item would be the inclusive of Hazchem Code from Australia Other Information Provide certain information on for example, NFPA rating in term of health, flammability and reactivity rating. Label hazard warning. (E.g. DANGER! MAY BE FATAL IF SWALLOWED) Label pre-cautious. (E.g. Do not breathe vapor or mist) Label of first aid. (E.g. Do not induce vomiting, give large plenty of water) Product use (if applicable) An example of the CSDS is describe in Appendix. Interactive Multimedia Courseware An information technology innovation that emerged drastically leads to an improvement of its uses in teaching and learning, hence allowing multimedia software to be a popular teacher and nowadays (Mona Masood Nor Azilah Ngah, 2003). Interactive multimedia roused in 1990 where innovative educators started to think of the implication of new media if being adapted to teaching and learning environment. This technological development leads on changes in every life sector consists of education, economy, social and others (G. Torrisi-Steele, 2005). Definition of multimedia The definitions of Interactive Multimedia described in published articles seem to vary between authors. Below are some of the definitions: Fenrich (1997) described multimedia as the exciting combination of computer hardware and software that allows users to integrate video, animation, audio, graphics, and test resources to develop effective presentations on an affordable desktop computer. Phillips (1997) characterized multimedia by the presence of text, pictures, sound, animation and video, some or all of which organized into a coherent program. Multimedia is a multi-sensory interactive user experience, which is defined as a combination of at least one continuous (i.e. sound and video) and one discrete (i.e. text and images) medium (Neo and Neo, 2004). Interactive Multimedia, as described by the encyclopedia Britannica Online, is defined as any computer-delivered electronic system that allows the user to control, combines, and manipulate different types of media, such as text, sound, video, computer graphics, and animation. Types of Multimedia The challenge of multimedia to humanity is thinking through the variety of multimedia artifacts and asking about the clusters of work that can be aggregated into categories such as Web hypermedia, Computer games, Digital Art and Multimedia Encyclopedia. Web hypermedia refers to a work created to explore the possibilities for hypertext and multimedia in education. Most commercially successful multimedia works are computer games. Games like Myst introduced consumers of all ages to the effective use of images, animations, and environmental sound to create a fictional world characterized by navigation and puzzle solving. Digital art has been using multimedia to create interactive installations that are controlled by computers and use multiple media. These playful works are exhibited in galleries and museums as works of art that bring multimedia into the traditions of art exhibition. A common form of educational and reference multimedia is the multimedia encyclopedia like the Encyclopedia Britannica Online and Microsofts Encarta (on CD-ROM). Components of Multimedia Courseware According to Fenrich (1997), media categories incorporated into an instructional multimedia package are as follows: The text is the most common medium of presenting information. It is also used to communicate a concept or an idea. It should effectively complement the other media. Factors that influence the textual communication are typeface, font and style, kerning, antialiasing, animation, special effects, special characters and hypertext. While dealing with text in a multimedia, it is very important to note that, it is not the only means of communication. In multimedia, text is most often used for titles, headlines, menus, navigation and content. Overcrowding of text on a single page should be avoided. Audio is another vital media in a multimedia presentation. Audio is available in different file formats and choosing the appropriate file format is important to maximize its performance on the multimedia. Sound editors play an important role in converting file formats and enhancing the quality of sound. In most cases, sound files are imported and edited for a multimedia application. Video in multimedia is an extremely useful communication tool for presentations. It illustrates ideas and concepts better than static two-dimensional pictures besides capturing real world events. Video files occupy enormous space and there are two recommendations: Use very short video clips (not exceeding a minute or two) Use highly compressed video files such as MPEG. One could also transform AVI files to MPEG files. Graphics are the most commonly used element of multimedia. The richness of multimedia and effective communication is achieved through graphic presentations. The attributes of color, texture, pattern and animation enrich a multimedia presentation. A very popular and a chief element of multimedia is animation. The key concepts of computer animation are key frames and tweening. Animation is a simulation of movement created by displaying a series of pictures or frames. Animation is strictly a visual illusion. It builds dynamism, energy and motion onto inanimate objects. It also adds the dimension of time to graphics. Computer animation is relevant to multimedia as all the presentations are developed on the computer. Multimedia Interactivity Barker (1994) defines interactivity in learning as a necessary and fundamental mechanism for knowledge acquisition and the development of both cognitive and physical skills. Scientific research shows that the process of remembering in the human brain is faster when people receive much emphasis in various forms for a short period. The concept of interactivity in multimedia helps the human brain to improve the process of learning (Application of multimedia Technology in University Teaching-4). Examination of 75 learning studies (Bosco, 1986; Fletcher, 1990) found that people learn faster and have better attitudes toward learning the material when they learn in an interactive instructional environment (, 2003). Thus, the interactivity is seen an important character for an effective multimedia courseware. Damarin (1982) identified a series of interactive options, which include watching, finding, doing, using, constructing, and creating. While Ambron and Hooper (1988) described interactivity as a state in which users are able to browse, annotate, link and elaborate within a rich, nonlinear database. Hence, interactivity is seen to boost motivation in learning. Motivation is another important factor that should be considered when designing multimedia courseware. Ideally, users should experience an intrinsic desire to engage in the presentation; being interested in completing the task for their own sake rather than because of any value attached to their completion. For meaningful learning to occur, it is important to design for intrinsic motivation on the part of its users (Biggs and Moore, 1993). Intervention Tool for Chemical Safety Education Multimedia enables a way for learners to experience simultaneous graphic, video and audio, rather than in a sequential manner. Moreover, multimedia can provide an enhanced or augmented learning experience at low cost per unit. The power of multimedia can be unleashed to provide long-term benefits to all. Multimedia enrich the learning experience through exploration and discovery. The process of learning can become more goals oriented, participatory, flexible in aspects of time and space, and tailored to individual learning styles. Multimedia allows learning to become fun and friendly, without fear of inadequacies or failure (, 2003). It uses natural information-processing abilities that we already possess. Our eyes and ears, in conjunction with our brain, form a formidable system for transforming meaningless data into information. Another advantage of multimedia courseware over the text-based variety is that the multimedia is visually more simulating. Even when the courseware include s only a few images of little pedagogical value, it at least provides relief from the screen of text and stimulates the eye. (, 2003). 2.3 Learning Aided by Instructional Design using Interactive Multimedia Courseware Instructional Design is a discipline of study and has evolved over the last forty years as a science. It is a young field inspired from areas of communication, psychology and media to form its own theory. Various authors have defined instructional design in their own way. McArdle (1991) defines Instructional Design simply as using a systematic process to understand a human performance problem, figuring out what to do about it and then doing something about it. Richey (1986) defines Instructional Design as the science of creating detailed specifications for the development, evaluation and maintenance situations that facilitate learning. Briggs (1977) defines Instructional Design as the entire process of analysis of learning needs and goals and the development of a delivery system to meet the needs. Learning is primarily the process through which we become the person we are, and it takes place through a variety of media, strategies, and processes, of which interactive multimedia are just one of them. Using these media and technologies, we internalize information and knowledge available in the external world to construct our own experiences (, 2004). Individuals learn, retain, and transfer information better through (Interactive Multimedia in Education and Training, 2004): Table 1.1: Principles that influence the effectiveness of multimedia as described by No. Principle Details 1 Multimedia principle When the instructional environment involves words and pictures alone 2 Modality principle When the instructional environment involves auditory narration and animation rather than on-screen text and animation 3 Redundancy principle When the instructional environment involves narration and animation rather than on-screen text, narration, and animation 4 Coherence principle When the instructional environment is free of extraneous words, pictures and sounds 5 Signalling principle When the instructional environment involves cueing, or signals, that guide an individuals attention and processing during a multimedia presentation 6 Contiguity principle Where words or narration and pictures or narration are presented simultaneously in time and space 7 Segmentation principle Where individuals experience concurrent narration and animation in short, user-controlled segments, rather than as a long continuous presentation

Consolidation of Democracy in Post-Soviet Russia :: Communism Soviet Union Russian History Essays

Consolidation of Democracy in Post-Soviet Russia The fall of the Communist regime in the Soviet Union was more than a political event. The powerful interaction and fusion between politics and economics that characterized the state socialist system created a situation that was unique for the successor states of the Soviet Union. The penetration of the Communist regime into every facet of life left the Russian people with little democratic traditions. Russia faces the seemingly impracticable task of economic liberalization and democratization. This is combined with a necessity to answer nationalist and ethnic questions that have plagued Russia for centuries. This paper addresses the problems of creating a stable democracy in Russia. The prospects for a stable democracy in Russia are limited at best. I will outline some of the concerns that academics have in the consolidation of Russian democracy. What is paramount to note is that a stable democracy must adequately address what Ken Jowitt calls the â€Å"developmental trinity†: nation-building; capitalism and democracy. The dilemma that is especially relevant to Russia it that these conditions are often contradictory. The often messy business of politically reconstructing a nation defies traditional democratic ideals. The establishment of democratic institutions can hinder the development of a market economy and, conversely, programs that are designed to enhance capitalist expansion often are antagonistic towards democratic goals (Jowitt 7). These seemingly endless Catch-22’s are at the heart of difficulties facing Russia in its attempt to create a stable democracy. The Process of Creating A Nation-State The question of who is the playing the game and what makes the playing field is an important one for the Russian Federation. Ethnic and nationalist questions plagued the Soviet Union and continue to stress the Russia Federation during its nascent period. The dynamics of center-periphery relations provides Moscow with some of the greatest challenges in establishing a stable democracy. Phillipe Smitter writes, â€Å"There is no simply democratic way of deciding what a nation and its corresponding political unit should be† (Smitter 66). Later in his article, he writes â€Å"those that have not yet resolved the dilemma of defining their national and territorial boundaries are unlikely to make much more progress in other domains† (Smitter 73). The dilemma facing the Russian Federation is that it finds itself with a charge of establishing and following democratic institutions, while at the same time facing secessionary pressures that seem to require extra-democratic means to preserve the integrity of the nation.

african Americans :: essays research papers

The Fight for Equal Rights: Black Soldiers in the Civil War Historical Background Once let the black man get upon his person the brass letter, U.S., let him get an eagle on his button, and a musket on his shoulder and bullets in his pocket, there is no power on earth that can deny that he has earned the right to citizenship. —Frederick Douglass The issues of emancipation and military service were intertwined from the onset of the Civil War. News from Fort Sumter set off a rush by free black men to enlist in U.S. military units. They were turned away, however, because a Federal law dating from 1792 barred Negroes from bearing arms for the U.S. army (although they had served in the American Revolution and in the War of 1812). In Boston disappointed would-be volunteers met and passed a resolution requesting that the Government modify its laws to permit their enlistment. The Lincoln administration wrestled with the idea of authorizing the recruitment of black troops, concerned that such a move would prompt the border states to secede. When Gen. John C. Frà ©mont (photo citation: 111-B-3756) in Missouri and Gen. David Hunter (photo citation: 111-B-3580) in South Carolina issued proclamations that emancipated slaves in their military regions and permitted them to enlist, their superiors sternly revoked their orders. By mid-1862, however, the escalating number of former slaves (contrabands), the declining number of white volunteers, and the increasingly pressing personnel needs of the Union Army pushed the Government into reconsidering the ban. As a result, on July 17, 1862, Congress passed the Second Confiscation and Militia Act, freeing slaves who had masters in the Confederate Army. Two days later, slavery was abolished in the territories of the United States, and on July 22 President Lincoln (photo citation: 111-B-2323) presented the preliminary draft of the Emancipation Proclamation to his Cabinet. After the Union Army turned back Lee's first invasion of the North at Antietam, MD, and the Emancipation Proclamation was subsequently announced, black recruitment was pursued in earnest. Volunteers from South Carolina, Tennessee, and Massachusetts filled the first authorized black regiments. Recruitment was slow until black leaders such as Frederick Douglass (photo citation: 200-FL-22) encouraged black men to become soldiers to ensure eventual full citizenship. (Two of Douglass's own sons contributed to the war effort.) Volunteers began to respond, and in May 1863 the Government established the Bureau of Colored Troops to m anage the burgeoning numbers of

Bringing It All Together :: essays research papers

The Epilogue of the Tempest by William Shakespeare is an excellent -- if not the best -- example of Shakespeare's brilliance. In 20 lines Shakespeare is able to write an excellent ending to his play, while speaking through his characters about Shakespeare's own life and career. Even more amazingly, he seemlessly ties the two together. In the context of the story Prospero's monologue makes perfect sense. He has lost his magical power, so his "charms are o'erthrown, and what strength [Prospero] have's [his] own, which is most faint." He is now "confined" on the Island, for his other choice would be to go to Naples and reclaim his dukedom, but he doesn't want to do that because he has already "pardoned the deceiver" who took his position many years ago. Prospero then says something a little strange, but it makes sense in the context of the story, he ask us to "release [him] from [his] bands with the help of your good hands." In other words, clap so that the sails of the boats his friends are riding in will be safely returned and Prospero can be "relieved by prayer" of the audience. All of what Prospero has said is very nice cute, but the most interesting part of this monologue is what Shakespeare himself is saying. "Now that my charms are all o'erthrown, and what strength I have's mine own" means, now my plays are over, and it's no longer my characters speaking. The "Island" or stage Shakespeare is on is now "bare" and it is time for "you" the audience to release Shakespeare and his actors from this play with the "help of [y]our good hands." Shakespeare was not only being released for the performance of the play, he was being release from his career as a playwright. But there are more reasons to clap besides the obvious reason that the play is over, Shakespeare could not allow his final play to be bad, his project "was to please." He reiterates this point by saying "and my ending is despair unless I be relieved by prayer", or the clapping of the audience and it frees "all faults" and allows Shakespeare to indulge the clapping and joy of the audience. Finally, after we seperate the two different perspectives, we can step back and see how Shakespeare magically works them together. The first such pun is on the word "faint", in the third line.

Marketing strategies Essay

The word â€Å"strategy† is derived from the Greek word â€Å"stratà §gos†; stratus (meaning army) and â€Å"ago† (meaning leading/moving). Strategy is an action that managers take to attain one or more of the organization’s goals. Strategy can also be defined as â€Å"A general direction set for the company and its various components to achieve a desired state in the future. Strategy results from the detailed strategic planning process†. A strategy is all about integrating organizational activities and utilizing and allocating the scarce resources within the organizational environment so as to meet the present objectives. While planning a strategy it is essential to consider that decisions are not taken in a vaccum and that any act taken by a firm is likely to be met by a reaction from those affected, competitors, customers, employees or suppliers. Strategy can also be defined as knowledge of the goals, the uncertainty of events and the need to take into consideration the likely or actual behavior of others. Strategy is the blueprint of decisions in an organization that shows its objectives and goals, reduces the key policies, and plans for achieving these goals, and defines the business the company is to carry on, the type of economic and human organization it wants to be, and the contribution it plans to make to its shareholders, customers and society at large. Features of strategic management Strategy relates the firm to its environment, particularly the external environ-ment in all actions whether objective setting, or actions and resources required for its achievement. This definition emphasizes on the systems approach of management and treats an organization as part of the society consequently affected by it. Strategy is the right combination of factors both external and internal. In relating an organization to its environment, the management must also consider the internal factors too, particularly its strengths and weaknesses, to take various courses of action. Strategy is relative combination of actions. The combination is to meet a particu-lar condition, to solve certain problems, or to attain a desirable objective. It may take any form; for every situation varies and, therefore, requires a somewhat different approach. Strategy may even involve contradictory action. Since strategic action depends on environmental variables, a manager may take an action today and revise or reverse his steps tomorrow depending on the situations. Strategy is forward looking. It has orientation towards the future. Strategic ac-tion is required in a new situation. Nothing-new requiring solutions can exist in the past, and so strategy is relevant only to the future. Process The strategic management process is more than just a set of rules to follow. It is a philosophical approach to business. Upper management must think strategically first, then apply that thought to a process. The strategic management process is best implemented when everyone within the business understands the strategy. The five stages of the process are goal-setting, analysis, strategy formation, strategy implementation and strategy monitoring. 1. Goal-Setting The purpose of goal-setting is to clarify the vision for your business. This stage consists of identifying three key facets: First, define both short- and long-term objectives. Second, identify the process of how to accomplish your objective. Finally, customize the process for your staff, give each person a task with which he can succeed. Keep in mind during this process your goals to be detailed, realistic and match the values of your vision. Typically, the final step in this stage is to write a mission statement that succinctly communicates your goals to both your shareholders and your staff. 2. Analysis Analysis is a key stage because the information gained in this stage will shape the next two stages. In this stage, gather as much information and data relevant to accomplishing your vision. The focus of the analysis should be on understanding the needs of the business as a sustainable entity, its strategic direction and identifying initiatives that will help your business grow. Examine any external or internal issues that can affect your goals and objectives. Make sure to identify both the strengths and weaknesses of your organization as well as any threats and opportunities that may arise along the path. 3. Strategy Formulation The first step in forming a strategy is to review the information gleaned from completing the analysis. Determine what resources the business currently has that can help reach the defined goals and objectives. Identify any areas of which the business must seek external resources. The issues facing the company should be prioritized by their importance to your success. Once prioritized, begin formulating the strategy. Because business and economic situations are fluid, it is critical in this stage to develop alternative approaches that target each step of the plan. 4. Strategy Implementation Successful strategy implementation is critical to the success of the business venture. This is the action stage of the strategic management process. If the overall strategy does not work with the business’ current structure, a new structure should be installed at the beginning of this stage. Everyone within the organization must be made clear of their responsibilities and duties, and how that fits in with the overall goal. Additionally, any resources or funding for the venture must be secured at this point. Once the funding is in place and the employees are ready, execute the plan. 5. Evaluation and Control Strategy evaluation and control actions include performance measurements, consistent review of internal and external issues and making corrective actions when necessary. Any successful evaluation of the strategy begins with defining the parameters to be measured. These parameters should mirror the goals set in Stage Types of strategic management 1. Functional strategies Functional strategy- selection of decision rules in each functional area. Thus, functional strategies in any organization, some (e.g., marketing strategy, financial strategy, etc.). It is desirable that they have been fixed in writing. In particular, functional strategies are as follows: Production strategy( â€Å"make or buy†) – defines what the company produces itself, and that purchases from suppliers or partners, that is, how far worked out the production chain. Financial Strategy- to select the main source of funding: the development of their own funds (depreciation, profit, the issue of shares, etc.) or through debt financing (bank loans, bonds, commodity suppliers’ credits, etc.). Organizational strategy- decision on the organization of the staff (choose the type of organizational structure, compensation system, etc.). May be allocated and other functional strategies, for example, the strategy for research and experimental development (R & D), investment strategy, etc. In addition, each of the functional strategies can be divided into components. For example, organizational strategy can be divided into three components: strategy of building organizations – to select the type of structure (divisional, functional, project, etc.); strategy to work with the staff – a way of training (mainly administrative staff), training of staff (in a business or educational institutions), career planning, etc.; Strategy wages (in the broader sense – rewards and penalties) – in particular, the approach to the compensation of senior managers (salary, bonuses, profit sharing, etc.). Organization for the implementation of the strategy at the functional area responsible senior specialist (Ch. Engineer, Director of Finance), at the enterprise level – the general director or director of the department, at the level of groups of companies – a collegiate body (management, board of directors). 2. Human resources Role in Strategy Formulation: HRM is in a unique position to supply competitive intelligence that may be useful in strategy formulation. Details regarding advanced incentive plans used by competitors, opinion survey data from employees, elicit information about customer complaints, information about pending legislation etc. can be provided by HRM. Unique HR capabilities serve as a driving force in strategy formulation. 3. Marketing strategies Marketing management is a business discipline which is focused on the practical application of marketing techniques and the management of a firm’s marketing resources and activities. Globalization has led firms to market beyond the borders of their home countries, making international marketinghighly significant and an integral part of a firm’s marketing strategy. Marketing managers are often responsible for influencing the level, timing, and composition of customer demand accepted definition of the term. In part, this is because the role of a marketing manager can vary significantly based on a business’s size, corporate culture, and industry context. For example, in a large consumer products company, the marketing manager may act as the overall general manager of his or her assigned product. To create an effective, cost-efficient marketing management strategy, firms must possess a detailed, objective understanding of their own business and the market in which they operate. In analyzing these issues, the discipline of marketing management often overlaps with the related discipline of strategic planning. To achieve the desired objectives, marketers typically identify one or more target customer segments which they intend to pursue. Customer segments are often selected as targets because they score highly on two dimensions: 1) The segment is attractive to serve because it is large, growing, makes frequent purchases, is not price sensitive (i.e. is willing to pay high prices), or other factors; and 2) The company has the resources and capabilities to compete for the segment’s business, can meet their needs better than the competition, and can do so profitably. [3] In fact, a commonly cited definition of marketing is simply â€Å"meeting needs profitably.† 4. Financial strategy To get the most out of your financial resources and achieve sustainability you’ll need to successfully manage all your funding and financing sources in an overarching strategy for your organisation. Many organisations manage income from a number of different funding and finance sources – from donations, grants, contracts and income generated from trading. A financial strategy enables your organisation to assess your financial needs and the sources of support required to meet your objectives and fulfil the organisational mission, whilst also planning for continued growth to enable stability. You’re financial strategy will derive from your mission. So the first step is to clearly define why you exist and you plan to achieve your mission before preparing any budgets. Cadbury History Birmingham 1824 John Cadbury was one of ten children of Richard Tapper Cadbury, a prominent Quaker who had moved to Birmingham, England from the West Country in 1794. In 1824, 22-year-old John Cadbury opened his first shop at 93 Bull Street, next to his father’s drapery and silk business in the then fashionable part of Birmingham. Apart from selling tea and coffee, John Cadbury sold hops, mustard and a new sideline – cocoa and drinking chocolate, which he prepared using a mortar and pestle. Cocoa and drinking chocolate had been introduced into England in the 1650s but remained a luxury enjoyed by the elite of English society. Customers at John Cadbury’s shop were amongst the most prosperous Birmingham families, the only ones who could afford the delicacy. Cocoa beans were imported from South and Central America and the West Indies. Experimenting with his mortar and pestle, John Cadbury produced a range of cocoa and chocolate drinks, the latter with added sugar. The products were sold in blocks: customers scraped a little off into a cup or saucepan and added hot milk or water. John Cadbury had a considerable flair for advertising and promotion. â€Å"John Cadbury is desirous of introducing to particular notice ‘Cocoa Nibs’, prepared by himself, an article affording a most nutritious beverage for breakfast,† announced his first advertisement in the Birmingham Gazette in March 1824. He soon established himself as one of the leading cocoa and drinking chocolate traders in Birmingham. The popularity and growing sales of John Cadbury’s cocoa and drinking chocolate of ‘superior quality’ determined the future direction of the business. In 1831, John Cadbury rented a small factory in Crooked Lane not far from his shop. He became a manufacturer of drinking chocolate and cocoa, laying the foundation for the Cadbury chocolate business. These early cocoa and drinking chocolates were balanced with potato starch and sago flour to counter the high cocoa butter content, while other ingredients were added to give healthy properties. By 1842, John Cadbury was selling sixteen lines of drinking chocolate and cocoa in cake and powder forms. The Quaker Influence The Cadbury family were prominent members of the Society of Friends or Quakers, one of the many nonconformist religious groups formed in the 17th century. Their strong beliefs carried into campaigns aimed at ending poverty and deprivation and many prominent Quaker-run businesses were part of reforms of social and industrial society in Victorian Britain. John Cadbury’s lifelong involvement with the Temperance Society influenced the direction of his business enterprise. By providing tea, coffee, cocoa and chocolate as an alternative to alcohol he felt he was helping to alleviate some of the alcolohol-related causes of poverty and deprivation amongst working people. He also incorporated some of these principles in his industrial relations philosophy. (See A Progressive Workplace) Cadbury Brothers of Birmingham John Cadbury As the enterprise prospered, in 1847 John Cadbury rented a larger factory in Bridge Street, off Broad Street, in the centre of Birmingham and went into partnership with his brother Benjamin – trading as Cadbury Brothers of Birmingham. The retail side of the business in Bull Street was passed to a nephew, Richard Cadbury Barrow in 1849. Barrow Stores, as it became, traded in Central Birmingham until the 1960s. A major turning point for the cocoa and chocolate industry came in the mid-1850s, when taxes on imported cocoa beans were reduced by Prime Minister William Gladstone. The previously prohibitive chocolate products were now within the reach of the wider population. Cadbury Brothers received their first Royal Warrant on February 4, 1854 as ‘manufacturers of cocoa and chocolate to Queen Victoria.’ The company continues to hold royal warrants of appointment. During the 1850s business began to decline. The partnership between the first Cadbury brothers was dissolved in 1860, a difficult time in the company’s history. John Cadbury’s sons Richard and George, who had joined the company in the 1850s, became the second Cadbury brothers to run the business when their father retired due to failing health in 1861. John Cadbury devoted the rest of his life to civic and social work in Birmingham until his death in 1889. Although they had worked in their father’s business for some years, the prospects for Richard. 25, and George, 21, were daunting. Their first five years were a period of unremitting toil with few customers, long hours and very frugal living. Both seriously considered taking up other vocations – Richard as a surveyor in England and George as a tea planter in India. George was focused on manufacturing, and Richard with sales, but in the early days both brothers went out and promoted their goods. Due to their dedication, sheer hard work and improvements in the quality of Cadbury cocoa products, the business survived and prospered. Technological Advancements Historic packaging Dissatisfied with the quality of cocoa products, including their own, the Cadbury brothers took a momentous step in 1866 that not only had a bearing on their business but revolutionised the whole of the British cocoa business. Until that time English cocoa had been heavily adulterated with starch substances like potato flour or sago to mask the excess cocoa butter. The cocoa drink, as described by George Cadbury himself, was a â€Å"comforting gruel†. Following a visit to the Van Houten factory in Holland to see their new cocoa press, the brothers introduced this new process to their Bridge Street factory. The press removed some of the cocoa butter from the beans, producing a less rich and more palatable cocoa essence – the forerunner of the cocoa we know today. There was no need to add flour and Cadbury’s new cocoa essence was advertised as ‘Absolutely pure†¦therefore Best’ At that time there was much concern in Parliament about the adulteration of food, including cocoa. The new unadulterated Cadbury’s cocoa essence was heralded as a major breakthrough and resulted in the passing of the Adulteration of Food Acts in 1872 and 1875. Cadbury received a remarkable amount of free publicity during this period and sales increased dramatically. The marketing of this cocoa essence helped turn a small business into a vast worldwide company. The introduction of cocoa essence was not the only innovation that improved the Cadbury Brothers’ trade. The plentiful supply of cocoa butter remaining after the cocoa was pressed made it possible to produce a wide variety of new kinds of ‘eating chocolate,’ leading to the development of the smooth creamy chocolate produced today. The quality of the chocolates made by the company following the introduction of the cocoa press was such that in the 1870s, Cadbury broke the monopoly which French producers had previously enjoyed in the British Market. Cadbury’s Chocolate Box A chocolate for eating had been produced at the Cadbury factory since 1849 but it was not, by today’s standards, a very palatable product. With the availability of cocoa butter a new chocolate recipe produced chocolate similar to that which we enjoy today. Refined plain chocolate was made for moulding into blocks or making bars and chocolate creams that with chocolate-covered fruit-flavoured centres. Cadbury’s â€Å"fancy chocolates†- or assortments as they are now called – were sold in decorated boxes, with small pictures that children could cut out to stick into scrapbooks. Richard Cadbury applied his considerable artistic talents to introduce more ambitious and attractive box designs from his own paintings, using his own children as models or depicting flowers and scenes from his travels. They were the first British-made fancy chocolate boxes and were very popular. Some of his original boxes still exist. Elaborate chocolate boxes were much prized as special gifts by the late Victorians as they could later be used as trinket or button boxes. Chocolate box designs ranged from superb velvet covered caskets with bevelled mirrors and silk lined jewel boxes to pretty boxes with pictures on the lid. The popularity of these splendid Cadbury boxes continued until their disappearance during the Second World War. Victorian and Edwardian chocolate boxes are now collector’s items. Cadbury Brothers Ltd The business became a private limited company – Cadbury Brothers Limited – in 1899 following Richard Cadbury’s sudden death at the age of 63. George Cadbury became chairman of the new board and his fellow directors were Barrow and William A. Cadbury, sons of Richard and two of his own sons, Edward and George Cadbury Junior. By 1899, the Bournville factory had trebled in size with more than 2,600 employees. With the formation of the limited company, Bournville entered a new era as the younger members of the Board introduced new ideas – analytical laboratories, advertising and cost offices, a sales department, works committee, medical department, pension funds, education and training for employees. The Bournville factory site became a series of factories within a factory, as everything needed for the business was produced on site, including tin box pressing plants, carton making units, a design studio and printing plant. This policy continued until well after the Second World War when the rationalisation of the business to mainstream activity – production and marketing of chocolate confectionery- led to the use of outside specialised suppliers for ancillary items. . Cadbury India began its operations in India in 1948 by importing chocolates. It now has manufacturing facilities in Thane, Induri (Pune) and Malanpur (Gwalior), Bangalore and Baddi (Himachal Pradesh) and sales offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. The corporate head office is inMumbai. Since 1965 Cadbury has also pioneered the development of cocoa cultivation in India. For over two decades, Cadbury has worked with theKerala Agricultural University to undertake cocoa research. Cadbury was incorporated in India on 19 July 1948. Currently, Cadbury India operates in five categories – Chocolate confectionery, Beverages, Biscuits, Gum and Candy. Some of the key brands are Cadbury Dairy Milk, Bournvita, 5 Star, Perk, Bournville, Celebrations, Gems, Halls, Éclairs, Bubbaloo, Tang and Oreo. Its products include Cadbury Dairy Milk, Dairy Milk Silk, Bournville, 5-Star, Perk, Gems (a version of M&M’s), Eclairs,Bournvita, Celebrations, Bilkul Cadbury Dairy Milk Shots, Toblerone, Halls, Tang and Oreo. It is the market leader in the chocolate confectionery business with a market share of over 70%. Products Major chocolate brands produced by Cadbury include the bars Dairy Milk, Crunchie, Caramel, Wispa, Boost, Picnic, Flake, Curly Wurly, Chomp, and Fudge; chocolate Buttons; the boxed chocolate brand Milk Tray; and the twist-wrapped chocolates Heroes. As well as Cadbury’s chocolate, the company also owns Maynards and Halls, and is associated with several types of confectionery including former Trebor and Bassett’s brands or products such as Liquorice Allsorts, Jelly Babies, Flumps, Mints, Black Jack chews, Trident gum, and Softmints. Notable product introductions include: 1866: Cocoa Essence 1875: Easter Eggs 1897: Milk Chocolate and Fingers 1905: Dairy Milk 1908: Bournville 1914: Fry’s Turkish Delight 1915: Milk Tray 1920: Flake 1923: Creme Egg (launched as Fry’s) 1926: Cadbury Dairy Milk Fruit & Nut 1929: Crunchie (launched as Fry’s) 1938: Roses 1948: Fudge 1958: Picnic 1960: Dairy Milk Buttons 1968: Aztec 1970: Curly Wurly 1974: Snack 1976: Double Decker 1981: Wispa (relaunched 2007) 1985: Boost 1987: Twirl 1992: Time Out 1995: Wispa Gold (relaunched 2009 and 2011) 1996: Fuse 2001: Brunch Bar, Dream and Flake Snow 2009: Dairy Milk Silk 2010: Dairy Milk Bliss 2011: Big Race oreo 2012: Marvellous Creations and Crispello. Advertising controversy In May 2011 the model Naomi Campbell described the new advertisement for the Bliss bar as ‘insulting and hurtful’. Reacting to the advertisement, which had the tag line Move over Naomi – there is a new diva in town, Campbell said, â€Å"I am shocked. It’s upsetting to be described as chocolate, not just for me, but for all black women and black people. I do not find any humour in this.† A spokesperson for the company insisted that the campaign was â€Å"a light-hearted take on the social pretensions of Cadbury Dairy Milk Bliss†. The campaign was, he later added, â€Å"no longer in circulation†¦ we have no plans to repeat the campaign.† Reacting to Campbell’s outburst, comedian Reginald D. Hunter, on the BBC television comedy quiz Have I Got News For You, suggested that it was complimentary for black people to be compared to chocolate, and that enjoyment of the Bliss bar might even be enhanced by a love of black people. Health and safety 2006 Salmonella scare On 19 January 2006, Cadbury Schweppes detected a rare strain of the Salmonella bacteria, affecting seven of its products, said to have been caused by a leaking pipe. The leak occurred at itsMarlbrook plant, in Herefordshire, which produces chocolate crumb mixture; the mixture is then transported to factories at Bournville and formerly Somerdale to be turned into milk chocolate. It was not until around six months after the leak was detected that Cadbury Schweppes officially notified the Food Standards Agency, shortly after which it recalled more than a million chocolate bars. In December 2006, the company announced that the cost of dealing with the contamination would reach  £30 million. In April 2007, Birmingham City Council announced that it would be prosecuting Cadbury Schweppes in relation to three alleged offences of breaching food safety legislation. At that time, theHealth Protection Agency identified 31 people who had been infected with Salmonella Montevideo. One of the alleged victims had to be kept on a hospital isolation ward for five days after eating a Cadbury’s caramel bar. An investigation being carried out at that time by Herefordshire Council led to a further six charges being brought. The company pleaded guilty to all nine charges, and was fined one million pounds at Birmingham Crown Court—the sentencing of both cases was brought together.[70] Analysts have said the fine is not material to the group, with mitigating factors limiting the fine being that the company quickly admitted its guilt and said it had been mistaken that the infection did not pose a threat to health. Head office Cadbury’s head office is the Cadbury House in the Uxbridge Business Park in Uxbridge, London Borough of Hillingdon, England. The building occupies 84,000 square feet (7,800 m2) of space inside Building 3 of the business park. Cadbury, which leases space in the building it occupies, had relocated from central London to its current head office. Cadbury’s previous head office was in 25 Berkeley Square in Mayfair, City of Westminster. In 1992 the company leased the space for  £55 per 1 square foot (0.093 m2). In 2002 the company agreed to pay  £68.75 per square foot. The Daily Telegraph reported in 2007 that the rent was expected to increase to a â€Å"three-figure sum. † In 2007 Cadbury Schweppes had announced that it was moving to Uxbridge to cut costs. As of that year the head office had 200 employees. After the Kraft Foods acquisition of Cadbury, Kraft announced that the Cadbury head office would remain the â€Å"Cadbury House.† Mission statement of cadbury. Cadbury’s mission statement says simply: ‘Cadbury means quality’; this is our promise. Our reputation is built upon quality; our commitment to continuous improvement will ensure that our promise is delivered’ . Vision The Vision into action (VIA) plan embodies all aspects of our strategy. Our governing objective is to deliver superior shareowner returns by realizing our vision to be the world’s biggest and best confectionery company. At the heart of our plan is our financial scorecard, judiciously reinforced by our priorities, commitments and culture . Management information strategy. A management information system (MIS) provides information that organizations require to manage themselves efficiently and effectively.[1] Management information systems are typically computer systems used for managing five primary components: 1.) Hardware, 2.) Software, 3.) Data (information for decision making), 4.) Procedures (design,development and documentation), and 5.) People (individuals, groups, or organizations). Management information systems are distinct from other information systems, in that they are used to analyze and facilitate strategic and operational activities.[2] Academically, the term is commonly used to refer to the study of how individuals, groups, and organizations evaluate, design, implement, manage, and utilize systems to generate information to improve efficiency and effectiveness of decision making, including systems termed decision support systems, expert systems, and executive information systems.[2] Most business schools (or colleges of business administration within universities) have an MIS department, alongside departments of accounting, finance, management, marketing, and sometimes others, and grant degrees (at undergrad, masters, and PhD levels) in MIS. Characteristics of management information strategies Strategic information management is a salient feature in the world of information technology (IT). In a nutshell, strategic information management helps businesses and organizations categorize, store, process and transfer the information they create and receive. It also offers tools for helping companies apply metrics and analytical tools to their information repositories, allowing them to recognize opportunities for growth and pinpoint ways to improve operational efficiency. Automation IT professionals design strategic information management systems to automate the management of incoming and outgoing information to the greatest possible degree. While each company has its own unique IT needs, strategic information management systems typically include built-in controls that filter, sort, categorize and store information in easy-to-manage categories. Customization Strategic information management systems are typically customized to meet the unique needs of each individual company. Incoming and outgoing data can be sorted and cross-referenced according to a wide range of individually specified controls and parameters, which include the company’s business verticals and horizontals, individual clients, demographics, geographic location and business function. Strategic information management systems are extensively categorized, allowing for an optimal level of organization. Access controls can be as strict or as lax as the client wants, allowing for company-wide access to information databases or limiting information accessibility to key personnel. User-specific controls can also be set, in case employees need access to certain information but management wants to limit their access to sensitive data. Benefits The benefits of strategic information management can be felt from the executive level right down to the functional staff level. It can help businesses expand their operations into new areas, set goals, measure performance and improve overall productivity. Risks Some of the risks involved with strategic information management systems include implementation challenges, incompatibility with client databases and human error. As with other IT management techniques, data protection and information security is also an ongoing concern. Conclusion Cadbury is one of the best known brands in the world today. It is a brand which is associated with high levels of quality and customer satisfaction. The ongoing growth of Cafà © Cadbury provides a flagship that further helps to enhance the reputation of the Cadbury Masterbrand. At the same time, it provides customers with the opportunity to indulge themselves in the enjoyment of high quality products in a welcoming environment.