Economics of Canadian Immigration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Economics of Canadian Immigration - Essay Example In describing the political culture of Canada, certain recent happenings never fail to feature prominently. The Quebec separatist movement and the emergence of conservatism especially in the west are some of the issues that have had great impacts on the Canadian political culture especially in the last two decades (Little 112-125). The propositions in the Quebec agenda and the differences in these policies in relation to the federal policies that define the rest of Canada are indeed topical issues that greatly define the political culture in Canada. The Quebec separatists’ need to secede from the greater Canada was an issue that did not go down well with the Canadian government (Wiley 32). The fundamental concept that arises in the Canadian political analysis is the concept of immigration to Canada and its effects in shaping the political culture in Canada. Most Canadians, unlike Americans, strongly feel that their government should be involved in the political and economic aspects of life in the country (Jameson 78). This support of the government arises out of the historical experiences that marked the Canadian evolvement. Unlike the US, the resistance of republicanism in Canada created a culture of less individualism and more support for government activities (Russell 11). The adoption of British parliamentary and legal systems coupled with loyalist conservatism is certainly the idea behind the Canadians’ obsession with better forms of governance and good politics (Bond 34-42). Such a mindset has been very instrumental in creating a unique political identity in Canada. On the contrary, it has been noticed that most Canadians are never very keen in paying att ention and learning the overall history of their country and its effects on their present lives (Ballack 89). They instead focus majorly on the history of specific regions or the history of a specific people in Canada. Such an analysis does not inundate one with the very pertinent

Child development Essay Example for Free

Child development Essay The following essay will examine factors that affect a child’s learning and development. All children are distinctive individuals and differ in pattern and timing of maturation, as well as individual personality, learning style, cultural and family background. Each child has its own varying strengths, weaknesses, specific needs and skills. The age of a child is an effective indicator to the sequence of stages of development; however, it is only an estimation of maturation, as the mentioned independent factors will differ from child to child. The stages of development in children aged one to five years include the prenatal period, infancy, toddler stage, and early childhood and cover a plethora of progress in all areas of development. Expected changes in growth take place in all areas of development, particularly in the early years, and these include physical, intellectual, language, emotional, and social development. The first five years of life are crucial for expanding the foundations for learning and development. Research has shown that the developing child is learning to discover, communicate, and extend ideas about how things work. Read more: Factors that influence child development essay The successful progress of these abilities and skills depend largely on a child’s early environment. Parents, teachers, and care providers promote development and learning when they provide experiences that build on and extend the child’s capabilities. However, it is clear from evidence on both sides of the argument that development and learning result from a contribution of both biological factors and environmental factors. Empiricists believe environmental influences shape learning and development, while nativists emphasise inborn, genetic characteristics influence development (Bee, 2006b). Development could be described as an interactive relationship between the inherited qualities of an individual and the external environment. A child’s emotional and social development is shaped by internal influences, for example, a child may be inherently shy or outgoing, however the environment will also influence the child’s social and emotional development, such as successful first relationships, cultural values and how family and peers interact with the child, i. e. the child’s immediate social environment. Cognitive development could be influenced by internal factors. Research has shown that teratogens (legal or illegal drugs), smoking, alcohol consumption can have adverse affects on cognitive development (Bee, 2006 a). A study by Monuteaux, (2006) shows the negative effects of smoking on the development of a child, and there is speculative study that maternal diet and smoking could be causal factors of ADHD (Bakker, 2003). Scarr (1983) summarises the internal and external influences on children’s development, â€Å"Both genes and environments are constituents in the developmental system, but they have different roles. Genes direct the course of human experience, but experiential opportunities are also necessary for development to occur† (Scarr, 1983, pp. 433). It is interesting to consider cognitive development in children and the subsequent affect on learning and behaviour. Piaget was an influential Swiss psychologist who researched cognitive development. Piaget believes cognitive development transpires through a combination of direct experience from one’s environment and an instinctive structure of biological maturation. Piaget suggested individuals are born with intellect to serve as a basic function that assists adaptation to their environment (Shaffer, 1989). His theory proposes that development proceeds through a set of four stages from infancy to adulthood. Piaget believed that the first stage of cognitive development is the sensorimotor stage; this occurs in the first two years of a child’s life and involves infants using motor skills and all the senses, sight, smell, touch etc to explore and gain an understanding of the environment. Preoperational stage progresses from the sensorimotor stage and includes the use of language to understand the environment, images and symbols are also used to represent the environment; this is from two to seven years of age. Piaget believed language is egocentric at this stage. The next stage is termed concrete operations and children begin to use logical thought processes to further their understanding and occurs from ages seven to eleven. Formal Operation is the last stage Piaget believes takes place in cognitive development and it involves the ability to use abstract thought processes. This is from eleven onwards (Shaffer, 1989). The central idea of Piaget’s cognitive theory is the attainment of schemas, and further assimilation and accommodation of these schemas constantly return the child to a state of equilibrium. A schema is any thought or object that one may have experienced and is then organised to aid coherence. Assimilation is the process of adding new information to enhance the understanding of an existing schema, and thus producing a new schema. Accommodation is the adjustment of an existing schema in order to include new information. Equilibration is the term Piaget uses to describe the balance a child reaches when it satisfied with a schema, new information places the child in a state of disequilibrium or imbalance, until, assimilation and accommodation allow equilibration to take place. As with all theories, Piaget was criticised for placing too much emphasis on environment and not considering social interaction as an impacting force (Cohen, 1993). It has also been suggested that children appear to have existing understanding of basic principles, e. g. a study by Gibson and Walk, used a ‘visual cliff’ where a checkerboard pattern continued several feet below a glass table. The test showed that infants as young as 5 months were able to perceive depth, and would not proceed when they reached the end of the ‘cliff’ (Bee, 2006b). This shows that many foundations of cognitive ability are already present and further learning will increase cognitive development. Vygotsky is another central figure in the domain of constructivist theory; however, he differs from Piaget in that Vygotsky places more emphasis on social learning and its effect on cognitive development. His theory focuses on a term he called ‘zone of proximal development’ and defined it as â€Å"the distance between the actual developmental level as determined by independent problem solving and the level of potential development as determined through problem solving under adult guidance, or in collaboration with more capable peers† (Vygotsky, 1978, p. 86). Vygotsky believed that learning takes place in this zone. The idea of ZPD suggests that cognitive development is established by social learning with capable peers or adults and cooperative analytical skills. In contrast to Piaget, Vygotsky stated that development was an intricate lifelong process that could not be defined into stages, but instead is to be examined as a means of development rather than an end. Vygotsky’s theory reflects correlation between learning and development. Newborn children are constantly learning from their experiences and they form understanding from theses experiences, Vygotsky, believes this learning is directly linked to sociocultural perspective. As they grow older, infants readily learn from observation and cooperative learning with peers and adults (Moyles, Miller) The psychodynamic approach addresses children’s learning by focusing on internal mechanisms, such as instincts, conflicts and unconscious forces. A familiar idea of this theory is that unconscious as well as conscious forces regulate behaviour. Freud suggested three intuitive drives for survival, the sexual drive to reproduce the human race, hunger and pain trigger the instinct to preserve one’s life and aggressive drives are the third force. Freud’s theory is criticised on many accounts, mostly that he suggests the main underlying cause of problems are sexually related, and secondly it is scientifically difficult to measure the hidden unconscious of a being. Freud’s theory implies that children learn behaviour through the progress of three stages. The newborn and infant are driven by what he termed the id; this is an inborn instinct, which demands instant gratification. As the child grows older, it learns that it cannot achieve instant gratification all the time, and the ego develops as an intermediary pacifier, which takes social contexts into consideration and delays gratification. The superego is the higher form of moral reasoning and is often considered as a parental restrictor, this last stage develops much later in development (Bee, 2006b). It can be seen how Freud’s theory affects social and emotional development and behaviour in the first five years, as most children at this age are controlled by the id and the developing ego. Erikson’s theory is often viewed as an extension of Freud’s psychosexual theory of Development. Erikson suggests that development progresses over a lifespan and he portrays this in his theory of the eight stages of psychosocial development. His theory proposes that each stage has a conflict within it that must be resolved before proceeding to the next stage; each stage presents the opportunity for success or failure. The first three stages are relevant in the first five years of a child’s life and include emotional, social and cognitive development on behaviour acquisition. The first stage is trust versus mistrust and takes place in the period of the first two years of infancy; this stage propounds an emotional crisis in which the child must successfully develop trust and security and emotional well-being. If the care provider does not reciprocate emotional care positively the child becomes mistrustful. Once the child has learned trust, it advances to the next stage of autonomy versus shame, and approximately takes place in early childhood. This stage concentrates on the child’s ability to develop confidence and a sense of independence. Children at this age (approximately two to four years) begin to manage small parts of their lives, and Erikson suggests toilet training is a huge feat in establishing independence in a child. It also consists of decision-making and choice over things like food, clothes etc, if a child is unsuccessful in this stage then it leads to shame and a feeling of inadequacy. The third stage occurs from about three to five years of age, and incorporates the child’s ability to play and develop social skills of leadership or subordination, power and a sense of self. If the child cannot overcome the crisis then inhibition, fear and a prolonged development are the result. The successful child proceeds to the next stage and so forth (Brain 2005) The humanistic perspective argues that behaviour is subjective as individuals determine and control their own thoughts and actions. Maslow hypothesised a hierarchy of need, in which each level of the hierarchy had to be satisfied before the human need moved on to the next level. For example, according to Maslow’s hierarchy it is not perceived that an individual would desire the comfort of a spouse or children, if basic physiological needs such as food and water were not satisfied (Bee 2006a). Children develop and learn most productively in the environment of a community where they are safe and valued, and their emotional and physiological needs fulfilled. If physical nourishment is transpiring then Maslow’s theory depicts emotional well-being as an important factor, certainly all aspects of development are influenced by successfully accomplishing positive first relationships. This provides the constructive foundation for effective social and emotional development, which will inadvertently affect cognitive development as well. Skinner constructed a theory he termed operant conditioning, and based it on the notion that learning is a means of behaviour modification. His experiments show how he conditioned rats to pull a lever to release food, the incentive for the rats was the food and the required behaviour was pulling the lever. The theory illustrates that changes in behaviour are the consequences of an individual’s reaction to incentives that occur in any given environment; subsequently the reaction will produce an outcome. When a specific response is reinforced, behaviour is conditioned, and the individual will respond to a stimulus to achieve its incentive; the result will be consistent each time. The crucial aspect of Skinner’s model is reinforcement, a particular behaviour can be acquired through reward, and certain behaviours prevented through punishment (Brain, 2005). Skinner’s theory belongs to the Behaviourist approach and is effective in explaining some of the causes and modifications of behaviour; it is often used in schools to elicit particular behaviours from children (usually in the form of sweets or stickers). Social learning theory clarifies behaviour in terms of consistent equal correlation between cognitive, behavioural, and environmental influences. Social learning theory has four main components, attention, retention, motor reproduction and motivation, which cover physical, cognitive and behavioural development. Attention requires concentration so that the events are observed accurately. Retention includes the intellectual organization of information in order to store it effectively in the memory and remember the correct processes of events. Motor reproduction includes the physical ability to imitate the behaviour, for example, a human is not physically able to fly like superman. Motivation involves the child to be willing and motivated to imitate the behaviour. The observed consequences of a particular behaviour (whether punished or rewarded) may influence a child’s decision to imitate or not, Bandura called this modeling (Brain 205) One of the famous experiments conducted by Albert Bandura, known as the ‘Bobo doll’ experiment revealed that children imitated aggressive physical and verbal behaviour towards the dolls, exactly as they had observed, whereas the children who observed non-aggressive behaviour displayed practically no aggressive behaviour (Shaffer, 1989). Bandura suggests that social behaviour is learned primarily by observing and imitating the actions of others. Children are often observed imitating adults in role-play. Punishment and reward are also influences on behavioural development as mentioned in Skinner’s theory, for example, a child may observe a peer being rewarded with a sticker for tidying up and then learn that to obtain a sticker s/he must also tidy up. This theory facilitates an understanding of how behaviour is acquired and how it may be modified. John Bowlby developed attachment theory and he suggested that first relationships are the basis for young childrens development, predominantly their social and emotional development. Bowlby (1979: 129) states â€Å" attachment behaviour is held to characterize human beings from the cradle to the grave†; much of Bowlby’s work was on the maternal bond that develops with a child. He believed that the connection between mother and child, or caregiver and child has a basic gentle and evolutionary basis, in order for the child to receive appropriate care, protection and nourishment; it has a tendency to maintain nearness to the main caregiver. Bowlby maintained that a child displays attachment behaviour when separated from the main care provider, first as protest, then despair and finally as detachment. First relationships can be summarised as â€Å"a deeply rooted motivational system that ensures close contact between babies and adult caregivers who can protect, nurture, and guide their development† (Shonkoff, 2000, p 230). Bowlby expanded and utilised various research to support his theory, one of his early works included research on delinquent adolescents and discovered maternal deprivation to be a recurring matter. Michael Rutter (1981) criticized Bowlby’s theory, and suggested that early experiences cannot be held as direct underlying causes for later emotional distress, Rutter believed it is more significant how children are looked after in the period of severance not the actual severance itself (Cowie, 2002). Bowlby introduced three stages of attachment, during the first pre-attachment phase (0-2 months) babies do not develop a particular attachment, and are content to be cared for by anyone. In the second phase (2-7 months) babies show a firm attachment to the main caregiver and cling to this figure when in the presence of a stranger, Bowlby termed this ‘stranger fear’. The last phase is around two years of age and is labelled separation anxiety, the infant is confident to move away from the main caregiver provided they remain physically present for the child to return to Brain (2005). Bowlby suggested that constant loving care and nurturing was essential during the crucial phase between approximately 6 months and 3 years of age, maternal deprivation or separation from the primary caregiver would result in considerable detrimental effects on social and emotional development of the child (Cowie, 2002). Harlow and Harlow’s famous experiment on Rhesus monkeys provided support to Bowlby’s theory (Bowlby, 1973). In these experiments, young monkeys were separated from their mother shortly after birth. Two wire monkeys were substituted as artificial surrogate mothers. The first monkey was made of wire mesh and provided food; however, the second monkey was covered with foam and cloth and only provided comfort. The young monkeys nursed at the wire monkey but sought contact with the cloth monkey. The experiment showed that infants need a mother’s love and comfort, and it proved that infants prefer proximity and comfort from a mother, rather than just using the mother for nourishment. The young monkeys clutched to the soft cloth doll and explored more when in the presence of the soft cloth doll, and the doll seemed to provide them with a sense of security. Infants reared without normal social interaction with other monkeys, displayed either fearful or aggressive behaviour and the effects were apparent from two years of age, well into adulthood (Brain 2005). The experiment portrayed the importance of warmth, love and comfort that a nurturing mother or primary carer provides is essential for intellectual, social and emotional development. Mary Ainsworth’s research was based on an experiment to observe attachment behaviour between a child and the primary caregiver (usually the mother) the experiment is known as the strange situation. The procedure involves a child playing in a room, meanwhile the caregiver and stranger alternately enter and leave the room, the child’s play behaviour and responses to caregiver and stranger are observed. The experiment placed children in four categories of attachment, secure, insecure-avoidant, insecure-resistant and disorganized. Attachment theorists are realizing that children differ from birth, but individual personalities and development are influenced by social experience, environment, and the attachment relationship is affected by the characteristics of both child and caregiver (Parkes, 1993) Cultural differences in child-rearing practices have various implications and meanings across cultures. Culture defines a set of beliefs and patterns of behaviour; this can be in a social, religious, societal or ethnic context. Culture clearly has an influence on the development of children, Edwards and Gandini (1989) point out that culture organises and translates children’s behaviour and development (Hinde, 1993). â€Å"To understand development we must come to terms with the ways in which individuals, in developing their own self-concepts and participating in social relationships, both shape and are shaped by their social and cultural environment† (Hinde, 1993). In a research paper Reebye, (2006) found various studies on cultural differences in child rearing and the impact this had on child development. Chen et al. (1998) studied reticent behaviour in Chinese and Canadian children and the child-rearing attitudes of the relative mothers. The results showed that Chinese babies were significantly more withdrawn and shy than their Canadian counterparts, and the underlying cause of this behaviour difference lay in parental styles and attitudes. Taciturn behaviour was positively associated with the Chinese mother’s approval, whereas the Canadian mothers negatively received it, which implies a variation of the connotation of behaviour inhibition across both cultures (Reebye, 2006). Another example Reebye (2006) presents is a study conducted by Marcovitchet al (1997) which assessed the development, attachment and behavioural problems in adopted Romanian orphans between three to five years of age. The study revealed that children who had spent less time I institutional car displayed better development outcomes and more securely attached compared to the group of children who had spent more than six months in institutional care. The latter group were insecurely attached and scored less on development outcomes. The disadvantage of cross-cultural studies is the limitations of the range of studies in measuring attitudes, beliefs, cultural practices etc. Reebye (2006) continues to describe the importance of relationship development and its effects on affective, cognitive, social development and moral and ethical attitudes. Child-rearing practices and attachment directly influence these developmental factors, and it is important to remember that parenting practices are in turn influenced by social and cultural traditions. †The factors such as parental intuition, parental attitudes, attributions and beliefs, learned parenting skills, accepted cultural and societal parenting norms, family factors, and environmental factors such as extended family support, poverty or unemployment are the most influential ones. Each of these or all collectively, can be considered from a cross-cultural perspective. † (Reebye 2006). In today’s modern and often changing world, many cultures also change and adapt, from generation to generation. Changes in societal norms, immigration and such alike affect child-rearing practice considerably, such single parenting is a common family structure, yet in the Victorian times was extremely rare and frowned upon, other changes include inter-racial adoptions, parenting by same sex couples, use of surrogate mothers etc. It can be suggested that children’s social, emotional and cognitive development is indisputably influenced by environmental factors, genetic compositions, attachment and first relationship, cultural traditions and this is reflected in their unique personalities and behaviour. â€Å"In general, there is a need to understand multiple outcomes of child development (cognitive, physical, social, and emotional) within the context of multiple factors (social, economic, cultural, and community-level)† (The National Institute of Health, 2006). The first five years are important to understand the influences and causal links of child development in the early years. This may facilitate children’s well-being and ensure that government policies regarding children are reflective of child development needs, in particular families living in poverty or deprived areas. For example, quality of schools and education will affect cognitive development, and racial, gender, and religious integration will have positive effects on social development. It can be inferred that positive emotional development underpins all other areas of development, and if emotional development is defective then it will be replicated across other areas of development. In essence, all areas of development are interwoven and interdependent. The first five years are crucial for positive development, basic needs such as food, sleep and safety ensures good physical development, providing love, comfort and positive first relationships and attachments is essential to assist emotional development, which will also helps social development, and the correct stimulation and interaction ensures healthy cognitive development. REFERENCES Bakker, S. C. Van Der Meulen, E. M. Buitelaar, J. K. Sandkuijl, L. A. Pauls, D. L. Monsuur, A. J. Vant Slot, R. Minderaa. R. B. Gunning, W. B. Pearson, P. L. Sinke, R. J. (2003) â€Å"A Whole-Genome Scan in 164 Dutch Sib Pairs with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Suggestive Evidence for Linkage on Chromosomes 7p and 15q† American Journal of Human Genetics, Vol. 72, pp. 1251-1260 Bee, H. (2006a) Lifespan Development, Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc Bee, H. (2006b) The Developing Child, Boston, MA: Parson Education, Inc Bowlby, J. (1973) Separation: Anxiety Anger. Vol. 2 of Attachment and loss London: Hogarth Press; New York: Basic Books; Harmondsworth: Penguin Brain, C and Mukherjee, P. (2005) Understanding Child Psychology, Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes Ltd Cohen, D. (1993) The Development of Play, 2nd edition. London: Routledge Cowie, H. (2002) ‘Child Care and Attachment’ in Barnes, P (Ed), Personal, Social and Emotional Development of Children Milton Keynes: Blackwell Publishers Ltd Hinde, R and Hinde, J. (1993) ‘Perspectives on Attachment’ in Parkes, C. M. (Editor), Attachment Across the Life Cycle, Florence, KY, USA: Routledge http://site. ebrary. com/lib/uclan Monuteaux, M. C. Blacker, D. Biederman, J. Fitzmaurice, G and Buka, S. L. (2006) â€Å"Maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring overt and covert conduct problems: a longitudinal study† Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Vol. 47, No. 9, pp. 883–890 National Institute of Health. (2006) The science and Ecology Of Early Development (SEED), http://grants. nih. gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-04-113. html Reebye, P. N, Ross. S. E and Jamieson. K (2006) A Literature review of the child-Parent/ Caregiver attachment theory and Cross-Cultural Practices influencing attachment, www. attachmentacrosscultures. org/research/#1: accessed on 19/12/2006 Scarr, S. , K. McCartney. (1983) ‘How people make their own environments: A theory of genotype-environment effects’, Child Development, Vol. 54, pp 425-35. Shaffer, D. R. (1989) Developmental Psychology, Childhood and Adolescence, 2nd Edition, California: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company. Shonkoff, J. P. (2000) From Neurons to Neighbourhoods: The Science of Early Childhood Development. Washington, DC, USA: National Academy Press, http://site. ebrary. com/lib/uclan/ Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind and society: The development of higher mental processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

The Democracy And Non Democracy Politics Essay

The Democracy And Non Democracy Politics Essay This paper gives brief ideas about democratic and non-democratic systems in modern world. The definitions of democracies and non-democracies vary from person to person. Furthermore, there are variety of explanations and democratic models, such as direct democracy and representative democracy (Heywood, 2007). Just the term of democracy can change into diverse ideas. For the term of non-democracy, it may be easier for people to understand, but in fact it has indistinct divisions between some non-democratic regimes. Besides the definitions of these two terms, this paper will explores the dissimilitude between democracies and non-democracies. And it includes necessary examples for the comparison. Introduction Nowadays, democratic system is popular around the world. No matter Western or Asian countries, people praise democratic systems highly and believe this is nearly the perfect political system in the world. But there still have non-democratic systems in the world. What is non-democracy? And what are differences between democracies and non-democracies? Different political scientists have different explanations for the meanings of democracies and non-democracies. Moreover, non-democracies are different from democracies in theories and practices. This paper aims at introducing the ideas about the definition of non-democratic systems and focuses on three dissimilarities between democracies and non-democracies. Definition of democracies and non-democracies Before comparing democratic and non-democratic systems, we first need to define the terms democracy and non-democracy. Democracy has a wide range of meanings and applications. Heywood (2007) defined democracy as rule by people; democracy implies both popular participation and government in the public interest, and can take a wide variety of forms (p.448). According to McLean and McMillan (2012), democracy as a descriptive term is synonymous with majority rule (democracy). In the democratic systems, election or voting is the way to apply the principle of majority. Simply speaking, democracy is a political system that enables ordinary citizens to participate and influence in the politics. In this paper, democracy is referred to the liberal democracy which is the broadest accepted form of democracy (Heywood, 2007). Liberal democracy is a form of indirect, representative democracy and is based on competitive election. It also divides the state and social community clearly (Heywood, 2007) . The term of non-democracy is rarely seen in political dictionaries, but it can be easily understood by just reversing its meaning with democracy. Non-democracy is a system of rule by individual or a small group of people, not all people. Contrary to democracy, people are ruled by minority in non-democracies. Totalitarianism, dictatorship, authoritarianism, Fascism and other political systems are all included in non-democratic systems. Modern people view non-democracies as autocracy, savageness and cruelty (Ezrow and Frantz, 2011). Some non-democratic countries, like Singapore and Malaysia, seem like democracy (Ezrow and Frantz, 2011). So, a well-defined definition is important. In this paper, non-democracy is defined as the system of rule by a person, a party or a small group of people which means non-democracies imply that little mass mobilization and limited pluralism (Ezrow and Frantz, 2011). And Sliwinski (2012a) suggested that there are three types of non-democratic regimes: dic tatorship, authoritarianism and totalitarianism. In order to simplify the situation, this paper mainly focuses on these three kinds of non-democratic systems. Robertson (2004) gave a clear definition to dictatorship is a form of government in which one person has sole and complete political power (p.145). McLean and McMillan pointed out totalitarianism (2012) regulates every aspect of state and private behavior (totalitarianism) and Robertson said that how to decide totalitarianism is the way to use the powers. Robertson shared the same idea with McLean and McMillan in the concept of authoritarianism, he pointed out that authoritarian ignores public opinion and uses forceful ways to rule over the country. McLean and McMillan even pointed out that the existence of dictators is one of the main elements for totalitarian regimes in the twentieth century (dictatorship), like Stalins Russia and Hitlers Germany. However, Robertsons view (2004) is differed from that of McLean and McMillan. He stated that dictatorship, authoritarianism and totalitarianism do not have required relationship, Authoritarianism needs not, strictly speaking, be a dictatorship and well not be totalitarian (p.33). Although Robertson disagreed with the idea that dictatorship, authoritarianism and totalitarianism have some kind of connections, we cannot deny that these three political systems are, in some extent, similar to each other. Authoritarianism and totalitarianism also limit peoples political rights, but the latter one even control the private lives of its people. Moreover, as these three kinds of political regimes restrict peoples political rights, sometimes it is difficult to distinguish them. But anyhow the comparison in this paper is: the comparison between liberal democracy and dictatorship, authoritarianism and totalitarianism. Comparison between democracies and non-democracies Separation of powers V.S. Domination of powers One of the main differences between democracy and non-democracy is the control of power. The democratic regimes separate the government powers; divide it into legislation, execution and adjudication. However, for the non-democratic regimes, the powers are only held by the ruler which means the ruler is the legislator, the executive and the judge of the state. The democratic system needs checks and balances to prevent the abuse of power, so it makes use of the separation of powers. The legislature controls the legislative power, the administrative holds the executive power and the judiciary controls the jurisdiction. These three powers are to make and change laws, to put laws into action and to make judgments on laws respectively (Sliwinski, 2012b, slide 22). These three political institutions can then mutually supervise and contain each other which can efficiently limit the power of the government. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, if one holds all the powers in his own hands, he will use the power to maximize his interests and ignore others interests and rights. The modern political thinkers John Locke and Montesquieu then believed that the power of the government should be restricted in order to avoid the appearance of tyranny and the corruption of powers. Locke suggested in order to protect peoples rights, there should be checks and balances. And Montesquieu was the first political thinker suggesting the idea of separation of powers. He believed that every government should divide its powers into three and this is largely influenced the American constitution and the Western political systems (Gingell, Little Winch, 2000). For the non-democratic regimes, they centralize the powers in their own hands. Non-democracies dominate the powers and through the monopolistic power, they fully exercise their authorities without limitations. Even though some of the regimes establish some resembling institutions to create an illusion of the separation of powers, the powers are actually combined in the regimes hands. The most efficient way to fulfill their aim -stabilizing the regimes status and power is to monopolize the powers. In The Prince, Machiavelli suggested the rulers should hold the absolute power with any way to preserve his power and regime (Gingell, Little Winch; Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2009). Thus, non-democracies can be seen as the embodiment of Machiavellis idea the use of absolute power. However, we should be aware that the maximization of powers is for the safe of the state, not for the ruler. And the non-democratic systems are contorting this point: they abuse the power just for the ir own interests, but not for their states and people. Here are some examples. The best model for the separation of powers in modern democracies is the system in United States. The separation of powers is clearly stated in the United States Constitution. The Congress only has the legislative power; the President of the United States holds the executive power and the Supreme Court enforces the judicial power. They are divisible and their powers do not overlap the power of one another. This practices the idea of mutual restraint on power. Therefore, the American political system embodies the idea of the checks and balances (Heywood, 2007). For the non-democracies, Soviet Union is a good instance. It was established in 1922 and ended in 1991. Soviet Union did not separate the powers, so that there were no limitations of powers for the party and the state. The Communist Party of the Soviet Union centralized three powers together and controlled the society and state tightly. Political equality V.S. Political inequality In the democratic countries, people have the chance to participate in the politics, this mainly presents by votes and elections. But for the non-democracies, they have lots of limitations in political participation which their people cannot actually involve in the political activities. The elections represent the political equality between people. From the view of liberal democracy, this means that the value of everyones vote is equal; no one will have a higher value of vote then the others (Heywood, 2007). Through the elections, it embodies the idea of political equality because the citizens do have the chance to express their views to the government by their own votes. It has no doubt that elections are important. According to Heywood, elections give the public the opportunity to affect the political process and decisions. In liberal democratic system, there is regular election within several years. People can take this chance to show their satisfaction towards the governments administration in past few years and also influence the political scene in the next several years. The most significant thing is that all the citizens do have the vote in their hands; no matter they are males or females, wealth or poverty or they are blacks or whites. From this perspective, people are equal politically and even socially (Heywood, 2007). Democratic countries, like the United States, the United Kingdom and France, have regular election system for their citizens to involve in politics and to express their political aspects. Therefore, the political equality also implies the widespread political participation. However, in the non-democratic regimes, it is usual to apply political inequalities. Not all the people in the regime can get the right to vote and only a small group of people control the political powers. This means some people are more influential in politics than the others. Even the non-democracies introduce elections to their citizens, the regimes secretly manipulate the elections in order to repress the opposition parties. For example, in Egypt, the economic elites are more political influential after 1984. Egypt is a single-party regime which is ruled under the National Democratic Party (NDP). In 1984, the businessmen supported the NDP and the ruler Mubarak; since then, they gain more political power by joining the party (King, 2009). The poverty, who is mainly the Egyptian workers and peasants, lost the opportunity to participate in the political activities (King, 2009). Even though Egypt has the electoral system, it still regards as non-democracy because the electoral syste m is dominated by the NDP (King, 2009; Ezrow Frantz, 2011). According to King, the NDP do not let the opposition parties to grow in strength and most important is that the party is able to allot the votes of labors and peasants. Not only in Egypt, other non-democracies, like China, Burma and Iran, do not have political equality and wide political participation. Freedom V.S. Constraint Another main difference between the democracies and non-democracies is the freedom of the citizens. In a democratic society, people enjoy the freedoms under the laws which mean their freedoms are protected by laws. Nevertheless, the non-democratic regimes usually restrict the freedoms of the people. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) regulates all people in the world have the rights to enjoy their freedoms. Freedom House, which is non-governmental organization, conducts researches on the countries degree of freedom and its annual report can be deemed as democratic report. Many political scientists use the report as the ratings of democracy. This implies that freedom is one of the fundamental elements in modern democracy. Most of the democratic countries have high rates of freedom, according to the Freedom in the World in 2012, like the countries in the Western Europe, which adopt the electoral democracies, all enjoy the rating of Free in the report. People in democratic countries enjoy their freedoms and rights because democracy is to protect all peoples interests both majority and minority. However, it is wrong to say that there is freedom, then there is democracy. Undoubtedly, it needs a certain degree of freedoms to form democracy. As the participation in polit ics do implies the freedoms of opinion and expression, speech and assembly, it is impossible for a democratic country works without the enjoyment of freedoms (Hovde, 1949). On the contrary, people under the non-democratic regimes normally do not enjoy most of the freedoms because the regimes disregard peoples rights and freedoms. Most of the regimes repress the freedom of speech, assembly and freedom of the press. Why do non-democracies constrain these freedoms? It is because they need to unite their peoples thought and ideology together with the regimes in order to prevent rebellion. North Korea, the totalitarian regime nowadays, is the best-suited example. The mass media in North Korea is fully controlled by the government and the media compliment blindly on the regime and the Kim family. The thought and daily lives of North Koreans are strictly controlled by the government. The North Koreans cannot leave the country; otherwise they will be regarded as traitors. Therefore, they do not enjoy any freedoms at all. Another Asian country Singapore also restrains citizens freedoms (Burton, 2010). The Singaporean government repressed the freedom of the pres s in the country by enforcing the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act (the Press Act) in 1974 (Rajah, 2012). And in the recent Press Freedom Index, Singapore was ranked a very low score 135 out of 179 countries. According to Rajah, the Singaporean government also carried out the Religious Harmony Act and the Public Order Act in order to restrict the freedom of religion and freedom of assembly of its citizens. Conclusion The definitions of democracies and non-democracies are wide and diversified, by narrowing their definitions, we can explore some main differences with them. There are three main differences between democratic and non-democratic regimes include: the control of power, the degree of participation in politics and the rate of freedom. The democracies separate its power into three (legislation, execution and adjudication), achieve political equality and carry out broad political participation, and let their citizens enjoy freedoms. On the contrary, the non-democracies monopolize the powers, limit the political participation within their supporters and imply political inequality, and repress the freedoms of their people. The studies about democratic and non-democratic regimes need to continue from time to time, in order to explore more possibility and rationality about them.

Making Decisions Today For Health Care Tomorow Essay -- Medicine Paper

Making Decisions Today For Health Care Tomorow Today, 80-85% of Americans die in medical institutions. Of those, 70% require decisions about whether to apply, withhold, or withdraw medical treatment (Makar 58). Due to this ever increasing number, the right to die is one of the most popular and controversial topics in medicine today. The issue comes down to personal beliefs and ethics and the fact that there is so little clear-cut legislation on this topic confuses it even more. Advance Directives provide, in theory, for self-determination and put the patients mind at ease with the knowledge that they have decided for themselves the extent of health care that they wish to receive. Also, for the family, the process of watching their loved one suffer through unwanted medical treatment is eliminated. In practice, however, there are a lot of inconsistencies and legal barriers that place limits on their usefulness. Some would argue that there is a limit to the amount of self-determination a patient retains even with an advance directive. They would say that a part of self-determination is that the patient makes an active, mental decision about his/her health care, and that advance directives dont fulfill this requirement. Regardless, it is clear that it is better than having no voice whatsoever in the decision. Also, in regard to attitudes toward self-determination today, many people waive this right either because they dont know that they have a choice or because they feel that they dont have a right to question a doctor or make medical decisions themselves (report Abram et al. 49-50). Alan Lieberson, author of the Living Will Handbook, describes a progression that our society has taken that has led to the necessity of ad... ...1982. ---. Making Health Care Decisions (Report) Washington D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1983. Alexander Law Firm. Medicare and Advance Directives. U.S.. Government Printing Office, 1993. Available: http:/www.seamless.com/alexanderlaw. Arnitage, Matt. Opus Communications Health Wave. 1996. Available:http://www.opuscomm.com/nls/samples/balsample.html. Lieberson, Alan D. The Living Will Handbook: The right to decide your own fate. Mamaroneck, New York: Hastings House, 1992. Makar, Marjorie Conner, BSN. Consent and Right to Die. CME Resource Sacramento, CA: 1994. Peer Review Systems. Health Care Quality Improvement Program Advance Directives Final Report. December 1995. Available http://cme-1.med.ohio-state.edu/prs/adv-fnl.htm. Right to Life of Michigan. Living Wills and Durable Power of Attorney. Available:http://www.rtl.org/lwpda.htm.

Movie Review on “The Promise” Essay

The movie entitled â€Å"The Promise† by Chen Kaige is a depiction of love and truth that lies beneath different circumstances of the characters. The promise is love where two people will unite as one in the end as they unravel their past. The main characters in the story are general Guangming, Qingcheng, and Wuhuan. These characters mould the story into an enthusiastic construction that leads to tremendous ending. This movie has been recognized in the whole country of China as well as the different parts of the world. Its recognition became remarkable for it brought cultural tradition to the heritage of China with the concept of true love and fate.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The movie created huge effects for it shows the historical situation of China where territories are being built and dynasties are being produced. Though this movie is fictional, it shows the character of Chinese culture as it embodies the life of its people and the way how leaders utilize their powers and richness towards their region. This movie also shows that a man will fight in the battle to save his woman despite of all the risk and troubles that he may encounter.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Based on my understanding in this movie, I have seen that along with other Chinese movies, this movie discussed how love prevails in any circumstance of life. It is somehow the opposite in today’s culture when men and women have no time to love one another because of their social equality. From the time when women became recognized in their country, they wanted to hasten their richness and become powerful but they already forgotten their traditional values about love and how it justified their being and essence as Chinese. However, the movie showcased great talents and effects as well as technicalities as it depicts the social realm of China during the year of dynastical love. Reference Kaige, C. The Promise.

Becoming an Optimist

I woke up early, finished the reports I was supposed to submit during the day drove to the office and I was not late. Then, my boss hands me the memo and says that I am given until tomorrow to submit a written explanation. I mumble incoherently but feel crushed and almost in tears and angry at my boss. Belief I am not a good worker, I am always tardy and hence I have become a liability to my department. I do not have any place in this office anymore. I have no choice but to resign.Consequence I am depressed and angry and hurt. Disputation I am not a bad worker, I have met deadlines, I have been innovative at my work and I give my best in every task I am assigned to. I have had high performance evaluation ratings for the last 4 years in this job. My reaction to the memo was overreacting; of course it is company policy to call the attention of employees who had been late for work a number of times to make sure that they can do something about it.I was late a couple of times but that di d not mean I am a lousy employee, even my boss comes to the office late at times. I had been working two jobs and going to school at the same time and it means that I am tired and exhausted thus if I wake up late in some mornings it is understandable because my body has to rest at some point. Thinking that I am a bad employee and that I have to resign is not really doing me anything good, instead of checking my behavior; I felt utterly depressed and had to miss work in the afternoon.It does not do anything good to think these thoughts. Energization I decided that I can prove to myself that I can be punctual everyday, thus I have made a contract with myself saying that I will never be late for work anymore, starting today! Being optimistic is related to motivation because it gives that extra boost to the person who is faced with challenges and difficulties (Seligman, 1991). Optimism is a state of mind and heart, that is, to think positively about the outcome of the situation or event .When a person thinks that a problem is a challenge, and then he/she would face it head on and believe that he/she can overcome it, if a person thinks that a problem is a punishment, then he/she would not do anything at all since he/she has already accepted defeat. References Kady, L. (2006). Being an optimist. Retrieved December 11, 2006, from http://www. articlejuice. com/Article/Being-an-Optimist—Part-1/200 Seligman, M. E. (1991). Learned Optimism. Alfred A. Knopf Inc.

Mystery Writing Contest for Unpublished Novelists

Mystery Writing Contest for Unpublished Novelists Mystery Writing Contest for Unpublished Novelists Mystery Writing Contest for Unpublished Novelists By Maeve Maddox The Debut Dagger is a crime writing competition sponsored by the Crime Writers Association. According to Liz Evans, contest chair, 18 Dagger entrants have landed publishing contracts since the annual competition began in 1998. The bad news: If youve already had a novel published commerciallyin any genreyou cant enter. The good news: If your entry makes the short list, youll receive a professional assessment of your entry, even if you dont win. First prize is  £500, tickets to the CWA Daggers Awards and a nights stay in a top London hotel. The entry fee of  £25 is payable by credit card or PayPal. The deadline is February 6, 2010. Even if you are not eligible to enter, you may want to check out the CWA site. It offers a lot of useful writing tips. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Fiction Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:100 Exquisite Adjectives55 Boxing Idioms10 Tips for Clean, Clear Writing

Halford Mackinder essays

Halford Mackinder essays Halford Mackinder created what is now known as "geopolitics," which relates international political power to the physical setting (Gray 4). Ultimately, Mackinder recognized recurring patterns in the power of landed countries, and he predicted the world's most powerful nations would be those with the most land. Seapower also plays a role in conquest, but not as great as those with superior landpower do. Great Britain, long known for its command of naval prowess, refused to recognize Mackinder's theories, and so, they left themselves wide open to land attack from Germany in the beginnings of World War II. Mackinder proved his theories by looking back in history at the most successful powers in European and Asian conquest. "According to Mackinder, the history of Eurasia is a history of the competition between security communities preeminent in seapower and those preeminent in landpower" (Gray 5). While seapower dominated much of early conquest and colonialism, Mackinder recognized there were many areas of Eurasia that were simply inaccessible by any sea force. He called this the "Heartland," or the "Geographical Pivot of History," and he began to warn nations that whoever dominated this pivotal area of Eurasia, whether it was Russia, Germany, China, or even Japan, would someday be in a position to dominate the world's political processes. This came to be when Germany attacked Poland, and began World War II. Mackinder wanted to create a "cordon sanitaire" as a buffer that would separate Germany and Russia, thus helped to diffuse the Heartland's power, but his recommendation was ignored. After the end of World War II, Mackinder's theories were reexamined, and his worry that the U.S.S.R. would come out of the war as a dominant world superpower proved to be correct. Ultimately, Mackinder urged an Atlantic alliance of the United States, Great Britain, and France, to try t...

Assignment 1 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

1 - Assignment Example Dell states, in their SEC Form 10-K, that their business strategy â€Å"combines its direct customer mood with a highly efficient manufacturing and supply chain management organization and an emphasis on standard-based technologies. This strategy enables Dell to provide customers with superior value; high-quality, relevant technology; customized systems; superior service and support; and products and services that are easy to buy and use.† From just looking at the business strategy it shows that Dell, Inc. is a business which thrives off customer intimacy with the ability to make the right product for the customer, and the customer alone. As with any company there are risks that will threaten their ability to appease their stockholders. Some of these risks include: drops in the economy which affect net revenue; drop in international sales; infrastructure failures; loss of government contracts; wars, terrorism, natural disasters, and public health scares. There are controls out there for every one of these situations. Keeping prices reasonable here and overseas will make sure that even a dip in the global economy will not affect the sales too terribly bad. Furthermore, evaluations of personnel, equipment, and property will also ensure that there are no infrastructure failures. For government contracts, keep your bids a little lower than the competitors, this will also help out when wars, terrorism, natural disasters, and public health scares threaten profits. The SOX Act of 2002 definitely affects every major corporation basically stating that everybody on the board is held accountable with the CEO, Chairman of the Board signing off on the finalized SEC 10-K Forms each year. This affects the disclosures by telling Dell that they must report accurately since a third party will audit the records to see if they are off. Furthermore, it affects the disclosures by making sure that Dell keeps everything on the

Nokia Finacial problems and its possible solutions Essay

Nokia Finacial problems and its possible solutions - Essay Example In 1994, Nokia Tune was launched, which gave new technology to the cell phone industry. In 1994, the company introduced the world’s first satellite phone technology and made the first call using this technology. In 1997, the game Snake was put onto a cell phone for the first time. This was one of the first phones to feature a video game, which was a significant development at the time. In 1998, Nokia took over as the worldwide leader in cell phone sales. This is a significant feat because it was originally such a small company from such a small country. Furthering the technology that it had produced, Nokia brought out N-Gage, which is a multiplayer mobile gaming unit. In 2005, the billionth Nokia phone was sold, while global mobile phone subscriptions passed the two billion mark. Currently, the President and CEO of the company is Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, while Jorma Ollila remains the Chairman of the Board. Currently, Nokia has taken a bit of a hit on its public relations side. Troubles with the networks equipment division of the company made it necessary for it to streamline that division. This led to layoffs and organizational restructuring, which hurt the company’s image in Finland, leading to a number of court cases against the company and even a documentary television show that portrays the company in a negative manner. Despite this, however, the company has grown a phenomenal amount since its beginning and also since its move into the cell phone business. On June 19, 2006, Nokia announced that it and Siements AG would merge their mobile and LAN line phone networks in order to create one of the world’s largest networks. Under this agreement, each company would have a 50% share of the new company, which would have its head office in Helsinki, Finland and would be called Nokia Siemens Networks. This new company expect annual sales to reach â‚ ¬16 billion and

How to Write a Criminal Investigative Report Essay

How to Write a Criminal Investigative Report - Essay Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that the criminal investigative report must contain a narrative for the events that occur. In constructing this investigative report the main challenge was the conflicting information given by different witnesses. Upon arriving at the scene of the murder at the home there was a collection of witnesses that were at the location during the shooting. While the forensic evidence had not been collected, the witnesses provided a number of opposing accounts. The first individual the author interviewed indicated that the shooting occurred as a result of a drunken accident. His claim was that the deceased and another individual were playing with the loaded gun and as a result of one individual falling the gun discharged and the bullet lodged in the individual’s forehead. The second witness that was spoken to indicated that while he did not witness the actual shooting, he had overheard the two individuals arguing in a fight that grew increasingl y loud before gunshots went off. The final witness was the individual involved in the actual incident who stated the deceased shot himself with the gun not knowing there was ammunition in the chamber. While the exact incidence of the shooting is not known, it’s believed that the first witness, who is also the brother of the individual that was involved in the shooting, is covering for his brother. It’s believed the second witness is being accurate in his description of the conflict that occurred before the shooting. Finally, believed that the individual involved in the shooting is lying to cover his involvement in the crime.

MANAGING ORGANIZATIONS & LEADING PEOPLE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

MANAGING ORGANIZATIONS & LEADING PEOPLE - Essay Example Among them are golf clubs, fine dining, and boating. It also provides parasailing, yacht charters, luxury lodging and unmatched concierge services. All the hotels under Shangri-la are branded five-star Shangri-la and four-star Traders. The hotel was founded in Singapore by a Malaysian-Chinese tycoon named Robert Kuok. Its growth is also attributed from quick differentiation that management of the company engaged in, distancing it from the competition. Differentiation enabled Shangri-la Company to provide distinctive Asian standards of hospitality and services. After some time in service, the company garnered popularity and recognition internationally. It received awards and recognition from prestigious publications and industry partners. By the year 2006, the hotel had expanded its jurisdictions to hotel ownership and operations. It accommodated property development, and hotel management services. Rapid expansion of the companies began in the 1980s in Asia. By the year 1999, Shangri- la had 35 hotels across Asia. In the year 2000, Shangri-la began expanding its territories of operation beyond Asia. In 2003, the Traders Hotel Dubai established Shangri-la in United Arab Emirates. It was also established in Sydney, Australia, North America, and Europe. In order to achieve expansively and effectiveness, Shangri-la used a 5- level organizational design. Each level had separate guidelines and discretion. The name Shangri-la was adapted do reflect the company philosophy for hospitality for caring people. The theory is strongly supported in every branch of the company and all employees of the company from top most-senior employees to the junior employees. The Shangri-la hotel primary leaders act to change rather than direct. Normally, the primary leader is involved in influencing others so that they can all work together. Shangri-la advocates for their functions to maintain three functional pillars (Martin, 2006). The functional pillars are the leadership

Homeworrk Questions Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Homeworrk Questions - Assignment Example The birthright citizenship principle entails getting the citizenship of the United States through circumstances involving birth. Birthright citizenship is provided due to the jus soli. The United States citizenship is given directly to any individual who is born within the country, and is under the authority of jurisdiction of the United States. The US jurisdiction additionally covers the US Virgin Islands, Marianas and Puerto Rico. The birthright citizenship is also granted to children born outside the US to US citizens. Immigrant acculturation entails the aspects of cultural and social change that develops after contact between several cultures. The interaction cultures leads to the changes in cultures, social organizations and customs. Effective immigrant acculturation results into improved health conditions; mainly due to enhanced nutrition and healthcare access. The media is very instrumental in driving cultural integration, hence improves acculturation. Cultural integration is improved through the media’s capabilities of information and ideas exchanges; for examples, the exchanges in the performing arts like poetry or

Appraise the impact of Post-Latham and Egan report initiatives on Essay

Appraise the impact of Post-Latham and Egan report initiatives on procurement pathways and ways of working within the construction industry - Essay Example 1. The government, including public sector organisations such as local authorities and health authorities, should become a best practice client. Clients should remain at the centre of the procurement process and work together to bring value in their projects and promote excellence in design. 4. Although the construction industry is likely to have an output equivalent to approximately 10 per cent of the GDP, the industry’s in-house research and development capital has fallen by 80 per cent since 1981. Investment in research and development is required. 6. In order to achieve 10 per cent annual reduction in construction costs and 20 per cent reduction of defects, radical changes are needed to the processes through which the project develops. These processes need to be explicit and transparent to the industry and its clients. Initially the government (being the sponsoring side) and the key player within the construction industry responded well to both the reports. The drive for change originated from procurement and contractual areas in the UK construction industry. Later years witnessed considerable changes in UK construction industry, which impacted the way projects were managed and reviewed. The construction process at all levels experienced the benefits of collaboration, and ultimately the way of working in the construction industry changed. The main responsible agencies within the government i.e. The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and The Office of Government Commerce, along with the key players in construction industry attempted to improve the performance of departments and Contractors. The report ‘Mordenising Construction’ by the Controller and Auditor General (2001) mentions that, government and key players within the construction industry took several steps to implement the key principles highlighted in the reports. These include: 3.

MANAGING ORGANIZATIONS & LEADING PEOPLE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

MANAGING ORGANIZATIONS & LEADING PEOPLE - Essay Example Among them are golf clubs, fine dining, and boating. It also provides parasailing, yacht charters, luxury lodging and unmatched concierge services. All the hotels under Shangri-la are branded five-star Shangri-la and four-star Traders. The hotel was founded in Singapore by a Malaysian-Chinese tycoon named Robert Kuok. Its growth is also attributed from quick differentiation that management of the company engaged in, distancing it from the competition. Differentiation enabled Shangri-la Company to provide distinctive Asian standards of hospitality and services. After some time in service, the company garnered popularity and recognition internationally. It received awards and recognition from prestigious publications and industry partners. By the year 2006, the hotel had expanded its jurisdictions to hotel ownership and operations. It accommodated property development, and hotel management services. Rapid expansion of the companies began in the 1980s in Asia. By the year 1999, Shangri- la had 35 hotels across Asia. In the year 2000, Shangri-la began expanding its territories of operation beyond Asia. In 2003, the Traders Hotel Dubai established Shangri-la in United Arab Emirates. It was also established in Sydney, Australia, North America, and Europe. In order to achieve expansively and effectiveness, Shangri-la used a 5- level organizational design. Each level had separate guidelines and discretion. The name Shangri-la was adapted do reflect the company philosophy for hospitality for caring people. The theory is strongly supported in every branch of the company and all employees of the company from top most-senior employees to the junior employees. The Shangri-la hotel primary leaders act to change rather than direct. Normally, the primary leader is involved in influencing others so that they can all work together. Shangri-la advocates for their functions to maintain three functional pillars (Martin, 2006). The functional pillars are the leadership

Appraise the impact of Post-Latham and Egan report initiatives on Essay

Appraise the impact of Post-Latham and Egan report initiatives on procurement pathways and ways of working within the construction industry - Essay Example 1. The government, including public sector organisations such as local authorities and health authorities, should become a best practice client. Clients should remain at the centre of the procurement process and work together to bring value in their projects and promote excellence in design. 4. Although the construction industry is likely to have an output equivalent to approximately 10 per cent of the GDP, the industry’s in-house research and development capital has fallen by 80 per cent since 1981. Investment in research and development is required. 6. In order to achieve 10 per cent annual reduction in construction costs and 20 per cent reduction of defects, radical changes are needed to the processes through which the project develops. These processes need to be explicit and transparent to the industry and its clients. Initially the government (being the sponsoring side) and the key player within the construction industry responded well to both the reports. The drive for change originated from procurement and contractual areas in the UK construction industry. Later years witnessed considerable changes in UK construction industry, which impacted the way projects were managed and reviewed. The construction process at all levels experienced the benefits of collaboration, and ultimately the way of working in the construction industry changed. The main responsible agencies within the government i.e. The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and The Office of Government Commerce, along with the key players in construction industry attempted to improve the performance of departments and Contractors. The report ‘Mordenising Construction’ by the Controller and Auditor General (2001) mentions that, government and key players within the construction industry took several steps to implement the key principles highlighted in the reports. These include: 3.

WorldCom Essay Example for Free

WorldCom Essay This paper explores the Accounting fraud that took place at WorldCom. Three aspects of the corporate culture are discussed including WorldCom’s harsh top-down management approach, the lack of written rules or a code of conduct, and the inaccessibility of many of WorldCom’s departments. The CEO’s desire to be the #1 stock on Wall Street is also discussed. WorldCom’s inappropriate booking and releasing of accruals is explored and proper accrual accounting procedures are stated. Three aspects of whistleblowing are discussed, including saving a company from a destructive end, facing public reprisal, and potential legal effects. Arthur Andersen is then used to explore the credibility of the Accounting profession when corporate fraud is unveiled. Keywords: WorldCom, fraud, accruals, whistleblowing WorldCom The corporate culture at WorldCom was one that was very loose. Although several factors contributed to the loose and unhealthy environment at WorldCom, one of the greatest downfalls of the corporate culture was the harsh top-down management approach. Employees were advised to do as they were told without questioning management. In addition, CEO Bernard Ebbers and CFO Scott Sullivan dabbled in too many affairs that should have been handled by lower-level management. Too often they ordered overrides of basic procedures that resulted in the downfall of WorldCom. Orders were issued that resulted in the override of accounting procedures. This greatly contributed to the fraud. Another factor that contributed to the unhealthy corporate culture at WorldCom was the fact that no written rules or code of conduct existed. The CEO himself thought it was a waste of time. This paired with the harsh top-down management approach seemed to create a lack of internal control as well. There were no real company rules and managers were completely capable of overriding any rules that may have existed. The inaccessibility of other departments may have contributed to the fraud as well. With so many corporate headquarters, key personnel who may have detected the fraud sooner were not able to confirm that anything wrong was taking place. If a key manager from the finance department in Mississippi, a key manager from the human resources department in Florida, a key manager from the legal department in Washington, D. C. , and a key manager from the network operations department in Texas been together at any point in time, worked together in the same building, or even had the appropriate means to communicate (cell phones were not a hot commodity like they are today and e-mail was just starting to take flight), it is possible that WorldCom could have been saved from its fraudulent end. The CEO’s desire to be the #1 stock on Wall Street was the main source of the fraud. He was so driven to be on top that he ordered managers to engage in inappropriate accounting procedures that included maintaining a certain expense-to-revenue ratio at all costs, releasing accruals, and capitalizing expenses. Furthermore, his top leadership instructed employees about what information could and could not be disclosed with the external auditors. Employees were cursed and threatened if they disclosed anything that was perceived to be a threat to his plan of being the #1 stock on Wall Street. According to Beresford, Katzenbach, and Rogers, Jr. 2003), â€Å"WorldCom manipulated the process of adjusting accruals in three ways. First, in some cases accruals were released without any apparent analysis of whether the Company actually had excess accruals in its accounts. Thus, reported line costs were reduced (and pre-tax income increased) without any proper basis. Second, even when WorldCom had excess accruals, the Company often did not release them in the period in which they were identified. Instead, certain line cost accruals were kept as rainy day funds and released to improve reported results when managers felt they were needed. Third, WorldCom reduced reported line costs by releasing accruals that had been established for other purposes— in violation of the accounting principle that reserves created for one expense type cannot be used to offset another expense† (p. 69). According to Investopedia, â€Å"†¦economic events are recognized by matching revenues to expenses (the matching principle) at the time in which the transaction occurs rather than when payment is made (or received)† (para. 1). Thus, accruals are booked when transactions occur. Accruals are released when either payment is made or when they are evaluated and deemed to be in excess of the actual accrual. Accruals of one type should never be released to offset another type. Accruals should also be released in the period they are identified. While whistleblowing may seem like a relatively easy concept to some, it really is not. The decision between doing the easy thing and doing the right thing usually is not easy. For instance, a person could report fraudulent activity that is taking place within an organization, whether it is due to corruption, misappropriation of assets, financial statement fraud, or another type of fraud. However, such a decision could carry a great price tag. Not only could it lead to the complete destruction of a company, but it could cost other employees their benefits, their retirements, and their jobs. One of the pros of whistleblowing is the fact that a company could be saved from certain destruction, as in the case of WorldCom. It is possible that the sooner fraudulent activity is reported, the less negative the outcome could be. However, whistleblowers are often perceived as tattle tales and snitches and sometimes face public reprisal, as was the case with WorldCom’s Cynthia Cooper. Another downside is the potential legal effects of whistleblowing. According to Wikipedia, â€Å"†¦most whistleblower protection laws provide for limited make whole remedies or damages for employment losses if whistleblower retaliation is proven. However, many whistleblowers report there exists a widespread shoot the messenger mentality by corporations or government agencies accused of misconduct and in some cases whistleblowers have been subjected to criminal prosecution in reprisal for reporting wrongdoing† (Common Reactions section, 4). The consequences of whistleblowing may prove to be steep. The credibility of the Accounting profession is put in jeopardy when corporate fraud is unveiled. As a result of the WorldCom fraud, Arthur Andersen was ordered to cease practicing before the Security and Exchange Commission by August 31, 2002. According to Wikipedia, â€Å"†¦the damage to the Andersen name was so severe that as of 2010[update], it has not returned as a viable business even on a limited scale. There are over 100 civil suits pending against the firm related to its audits of Enron and other companies. In addition, its reputation was so badly tarnished that no company wanted Andersens name on an audit. Even before voluntarily surrendering its right to practice before the SEC, it had many of its state licenses revoked† (Demise section, 1). As stated by Charles Niemeier (2001), â€Å"A loss of confidence can cause even a company with solid core operations to fail. That is because the negative impact of a lack of credibility can be far greater than the sum of the misstatements in the financials† (The Dangers of Smoothing section, 7). References http://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/accrualaccounting.asp http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Andersen http://fl1.findlaw.com/news.findlaw.com/wsj/docs/worldcom/bdspcomm60903rpt.pdf http://www.sec.gov/news/speech/spch529.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whistleblower

Online Reservation For Car Service Information Technology Essay

Online Reservation For Car Service Information Technology Essay The Project of Online Reservation for Car Service is needed for the country as technology grows fast in the world. The purpose to develop this project is to provide better solution to the problems that the customers faces. This website will provide customers to reserve their car services from their home or from office. For moment, there is non- availability such reservation system in Malaysia. Customer feels hard to send their car for service, either they need to reserve using telephony system or walk in to send their car for service. At the end of these project, a prototype of justified system will develop which will provide a solution for the identify problem to improve the organizations revenue and performance. This system will be web based system where it is able to conduct an overall process of online registration and bookings too. The data will be stored in keep as privacy for each customer who has register. Finally, the proposed system will save time for the customers who have to wait the queue for those who walk in and telephone reservation. Project objective The main objective of this system is to provide customers with a much convenient and better way of booking their car services. It is an online system for car services reservation and users will have to sign up through the registration page so theyll be able to view the various car services provided by the car services centre. This way of reservation is unique in Malaysia as it has been already implemented in other countries. This system is created to manage the reservation processes through online where the previous older ways were done manually. This system would be a productive solution for users and the car services centre. It will also reduce the work process of the admin while the data will be kept securely. Project scope The scope of this online reservation for car services system covers various functions. Firstly, it covers the services information. This is when the users can view the services provided by the specified service centre. Secondly, it covers on identifying the location. Users can view on the location and images of the car services centre. This creates a better trust and understanding of the recognised service centre. Thirdly, the system covers the operating hours of the service centres. This helps the users to familiarise themselves on the operating hours of the particular centre. Fourthly, the system provides a log-in authority. This system provides access to members. This is where user who wants to send their car for services would have to register their details and car details online. Non-members can only view the basic interface of the online system. Fifthly, this system covers the frequently asked questions (FAQ). This will certainly help the users to clarify any doubts that they have regarding the car services. Sixthly, the system covers the report of the online processes. In this system, a report section where only specific authorized person are allowed to generate a report about the processes and data recorded. Seventhly, the system covers on online feedbacks. The registered user may send their feedback to the admin staff online. Finally, in order to achieve the scope of this project, various researches will be conducted through observation, questionnaire, books, journals, Internet and etc. A vast idea will be identified to complete this project to make its process go on swiftly throughout. Project deliverables The proposed system in the project will produce various plus points as being a web-based system. First is the security. This consist user/Admin login accounts, automated user ID for Admin and registered user, and a secured database. Second is a paperless work. This consists of an online record keeping which is web-based and registration can be made online at anytime and anywhere. Third is the reduction of human error. This is when the report will be generated in various forms such as PDF, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel which will provide a much accurate calculation. Fourth is test cases and actual testing and finally would be the documentation of this project with appropriate implementation of the system and can be made as a use manual too. Target Audience This system is targeted on car owners regardless of age, and occupation. Moreover, administrative staff in the services centre are targeted too because the proposed system will be more useful for them in the sense of reducing paper work and manual way of data keeping. Functionality of the system There are two types of functionality, which is internal functionality and External Functionality. The internal functionality are consists of administrator and the external functionality consists of user toft her system. Administration The proposed functionality of the system is to enhance a better reservation system to increase a better result in terms of accuracy of the cash flow and service management. The online reservation system will provide with Username and Password to enhance a better login security for the administrator. These is to manage the service authentication to check who has been reserved their service day by day. Therefore, the managers are able to get results to be summarized and to close the monthly transaction each every month. The accounts will be kept in a web based server to monitor and to keep track of daily operations to be determined in the future when it is necessary. User The user can register for free to use this reservation system. The login system enable user to update the current profile. Users are able to select their preferred time and date for their services. In conjunction, user able to select the pick-up and delivery service if there are interested and there are few monthly promotion can be selected. At the end of reservation, users are able to check out by selecting the payment methods. The web server will update at the back office and the management will get the updates of the particular reservation. Company Background Michelin BS Services Centre Sdn. Bhd. Source: Google Images On year 1998, Michelin has established its Representative Office while on the year 2002; Michelin Malaysia Sdn Bhd has established its headquarters in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Currently Michelin Malaysia has made its mark in the local tyre industry. Michelin has a professional and ever growing distribution network easily recognized with a standardized store-front signage, and force strategically positioned and located at key market centres. BS Service Centre Sdn Bhd is based on Michelin sponsorship to sponsor those car centre and service centre to develop their business entire Malaysia. These service centres have 2 branches in Kuala Lumpur and another in Petaling Jaya itself. These companies will emerge more sponsorship to give opportunity to those who wants to establish their own car centre. As dated on 17 August 2012, Michelin is globally ranked 1,473,231 and ranked 11,155 in Malaysia (alexa.com). Castrol Golden Tyre Car Centre Source: Google Images Charles Cheers Wakefield established an oil company in England on the 19th March 1899. He produced a new lubricant that reform transport in the first half of the 20th century after ten years later. He named the new oil as Castrol. To this day, the name Castrol is equal to premium quality, high performance and a leading edge technology in motor oils and automotive lubricants. The headquarters for Castrol Industrial Malaysia is located in Kuala Lumpur. This company played a leading role in product technology and provides value added services to improve customers manufacturing process. Today, Castrol sponsorship has grown rapidly due to more car service centre which enables the company to give work opportunity for those are needed. One of the sponsorship companies were known as Golden Tyre Car Centre which is located in Bukit Jalil and they also have another main centre in Kota Kemunig, Shah Alam. As dated on 17 August 2012, Castrol is globally ranked 23,989,089 (alexa.com). Appendix http://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/michelin.com.my# Castrol

Thomas Jefferson: A Man of Two Faces Essay -- American America Histor

Thomas Jefferson: A Man of Two Faces THESIS: Thomas Jefferson was a wealthy plantation owner and politician that would speak out about slavery on a regular basis but would still employ slaves for his own use. "We are told by his biographers, and apologists, that he hated slavery with a passion. But since he participated fully in the plantation slavery system, buying and selling slaves on occasion, and because he could not bring himself to free his own slaves, who often numbered upward of 200-250 on his plantations, one has to either question the verity of this passion or speculate that it was merely the abstract idea of slavery that he hated." (Smedley 189) Thomas Jefferson was always aware of the fact that slavery would soon one day be abolished but he made no efforts during his lifetime to accelerate the process. Jefferson was a wealthy plantation owner and politician that would speak out about slavery on a regular basis but would still employ slaves for his own use. Thomas Jefferson was a plantation owner, politician, and verbal defender of slaves who would continuou...

Comparing Truth in The Education of Children, Paradise Lost and Hamlet

Nature of Truth in The Education of Children, Paradise Lost and Hamlet      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   To some, truth is something that is absolute and unchanging. To others, truth is volatile and inconstant. In the 16th and 17th century, the foundations of civilization itself had been shaken. Many of the ideas which were thought to be absolutely true had been plunged into the depths of uncertainty. The cosmological, geographical, and religious revolutions called into question the nature of truth itself. It is no wonder, then, that some of the great writers at the time included within their works a treatise on the ways in which truth is constructed. Because of the major ideological revolutions that shaped their world, Milton, Montaigne, and Shakespeare all used characters and theatrical devices to create their own ideas on the construction of truth.    As a result of Milton's failed political aspirations, he believes that individuals do not construct truth, or decide for themselves what the truth is; instead, individuals receive the truth directly or indirectly from God. Conversely, deception comes from Satan. In Paradise Lost, Milton sets up this idea by forcing good to result only from obedience to God's will and evil to result whenever God is disobeyed. Dr. Evans' argument that Milton's ultimate point in all this is to express a moral position that is very extreme, that no quality or action can be innately good or evil, is firmly rooted in this model. What determines the morality of anything we do is in whose service we do it. Since Raphael was sent from God, his warning is true and divine. Since Satan disobeyed God, his ideas are all false lies. Part of Milton's ideology may have come from his own life experiences. After the restorat... ...FCS, 2000.    Brentano, Franz, The Origin of our Knowledge of Right and Wrong, trans. Cecil Hague (London: Constable, 1902).    Fish, Stanley Eugene. Surprised by Sin: The Reader in Paradise Lost. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1967.    Milton, John. Paradise Lost. Ed. Roy Flannagan. New York: Macmillan, 1993.    Patrides, C.A. Milton and The Christian Tradition. (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1966)    Montaigne, Michel de. The Complete Essays of Montaigne. Trans. DonaldM. Frame. Stanford: Stanford UP, 1958.    Moore, G. E., Review of The Origin of our Knowledge of Right and Wrong by Fritz Brentano, International Journal of Ethics, vol. 14 (1903), pp. 123-8. -----, 'Nature of Truth', Mind, vol. 16 ns, no. 62 (April 1907), pp. 229-35.    Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. 1600? Ed. Sylvan Barnet. New York: Signet Classic, 1998.

Work in a Business Enviornment

UNIT 203:Work in a business Enviornment. 203. 1:Understand how to respect other people at work. 1. 1 Describe what is meant by diversity and why it should be valued? It is about valuing variety and individual differences and creating a culture, environment and practices which respect and value differences for the benefit of society, organisations and individuals. A diverse workforce is important because the organisation can offer a wider range of resources, skills, ideas and energy to the business, providing a competitive edge.Organisations who embrace diversity will reap the benefits of resourcing from a wider pool of talent, broaden their market, improve productivity and raise their profile in the community. 1. 2Describe how to treat other people in a way that is sensitive to their needs 1. One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself 2. One should not treat others in ways that one would not like to be treated. Keeping the above as a thumb of rule we can treat other people in a way that is sensitive to their needs. . 3 Describe how to treat other people in a way that respects their abilities, background, values, customs and beliefs . Every individual's needs have to be taken into account and respected when sorting out disagreements. Also we need to listen to people's needs and support them through and that way they will feel valued. Different people will have different standards and levels of understanding, so we need to use the appropriate language and respect confidentiality 1. Describe ways in which it is possible to learn from others at work. Different people follow different strategies to solve difficult situations. So, it is good to take that opportunity to learn from co-workers and sharpen the skills. Pay attention to see how your colleagues act and react,ask for demonstration ,guidance from the experienced hands and developing strong networks of relationships to be successful. 203. 2: Understand how to maintain security and confid entiality at work and deal with concerns. 2. Outline the purpose and benefits of maintaining security and confidentiality at work Information / Data security means protecting all the data and information from unauthorised access.. Information security is a business requirement and also a legal requirement. There would be highly sensitive informations at the workplace which should be held secured and confidential. Confidentiality maintenance also relates to professionalism of the organisation. So employees must make sure they maintain a professional attitude and not share / disclose any sensitive information without authorisation from the organisation. . 2 Outline requirements for security and confidentiality in an organisation. Confidentiality and information security are the key aspects for an organisation. All information have to be original and true, and should be free from any errors. An organisation has to be ready at all times to give access to the systems that store, process and deliver information to the right people at the right time. All companies have and should have their own policies and procedures regarding security and confidentiality. 2. Outline legal requirements for security and confidentiality as required Every organisation should be careful of how they handle and respect data that passes through their hands. Data Protection Act 1998;Human Rights Act 1998;Common Law of Confidentiality gives us a clear picture of the legal requirement and the best practices for confidentiality and security within an organization. For confidential handling of material share only what is essential and alert them to the company guidance ;Think before taking the information out of the office i. e. via memory stick or paper.If information has to be released ensure that it is only as much as is required for the purpose required and that the recipient is aware of their responsibilities with regard to the information being received; Ensure safe disposal of data mater ial; Inform senior staff if you have any concerns regarding security or confidentiality. For security within an organization Access Rights to Data: Limited to admin support and directors only. Only directors or other authorised staff can transport data. Network Protection: make sure you have all computers have fire walls and antivirus protection.Data carrying devices: Make sure that USB memory stick and external hard drive are all encrypted. 2. 4 Describe procedures for dealing with concerns about security and confidentiality in an organisation. Every employee should be made aware of the rules and regulations of the organisation. Following are the procedures to be followed for dealing with concerns about security and confidentiality in an organisation. 1) Identify potential problems 2) Identify potential loss due to each problem 3) Determine possible preventative measures 203. 3: Understand the purpose and procedures for keeping waste to a minimum in a business environment. . 1 Expl ain the purpose of keeping waste to a minimum It is important to keep waste to a minimum in the work place. The more you waste, the more money it is going to cost the company. Companies have procedures like recycling which helps to keep your workplace tidy whilst saving money 3. 2 Describe the main causes of waste that may occur in a business environment When leaving the room or office, one has to make sure that lights that are no longer in use should be switched off, Most of the time we tend to forget about them and leave them on, thereby causing more expenses for the organisation and destroying the ecosystem. . 3 Describe ways of keeping waste to a minimum. As our organization is much related to electronics, the lion portion of waste composed of electronic waste which cannot be easily disposed off. but the organistion had a perfect knowledge and knowhow in minimizing waste. A specialised parts harvesting and component level repair teams working rigorously everyday to keep the wast e minimum under the non renewable category. 3. 4 Identify ways of using technology to reduce waste All machines have a period within which it has to be serviced and certified as good enough to be used.When these checks are performed regularly on a schedule the equipments run longer and therefore it minimises the chances of buying new machines before the life time of the machine already in hand. This saves money for the organisation. Maintaining the machines also helps consume less power, and less expenses on repairing and replacement of parts. 3. 5 Outline the purpose and benefits of recycling Recycling helps resource conservation of energies (renewable and non-renewable), solid waste reduction thereby conserving the ecosystem, environmental protection e. g trees and other living things and also helps ith the social and economic development. Recycling †¢Saves the Earth †¢Saves Energy †¢Helps reduce Global Warming and Pollution †¢Reduces Waste Products in Landfill s saving the earth and ecosystem †¢Helps you Save Money. 3. 6 Describe organisational procedures for recycling materials Our organization maintains the procedures for recycling strictly to do the business in eco friendly ambience. As a part of it waste bins located at different locations and helps to sort the renewable waste. And a specialised parts harvesting and component level repair teams working rigorously everyday to keep the waste minimum under the non renewable category.

The Hunnic Empire in 434 A.D.

Atilla, leader of the Hunnic Empire in 434 A. D. , is most famous for sacking many towns in Eastern Europe, and in Rome particularly. He was a fierce fighter, and was known to be as savage as they get. He was a constant nuisance to Rome never leaving them completely alone in his thirst for money, and power. It seemed as if Attila could not be satisfied with any amount of money, and was definitely never satisfied with the state of his empire always wanting more expansion. Attila saw his first taste to power in 434 A.D. after the death of his uncle Rugila (â€Å"Heritage History†). He and his brother, Bleda, were both next in line to control the Hun tribes. Attila’s men were scattered, and a few disagreeing nobles fled to Rome to seek refuge. Attila’s first important move as a leader was the negotiation for his men back. Bargaining with the Eastern Roman Emperor Attila received his men back, 350 Roman pounds, and open trade with Roman merchants. The deal was looked at as an early success for Attila (â€Å"Heritage History†).I think that the first deal between Attila and Theodosius II was a mistake on the Roman Emperors part. I think that this gracious and kind act on the part of the Romans opens the door for Attila’s greed and hunger. Theodosius should have recognized the death of the Hunnish empires leader, been stern with Attila, and maybe even threaten to wipe him out. After all they were in disarray, were not truly unified, and would have been an easy target to take out at the time. Instead he helped the Hun’s have an opportunity to grow, and come back wanting more.Theodosius obviously did recognize the Huns to be a threat, because when the Huns did recede, as a part of the treaty, he began reinforcing his walls as if he was getting ready for an attack (â€Å"Heritage History†). The Romans did not see the Huns for about five years, and then in 440 A. D. , after being defeated in Armenia, Attila set his eyes to Rome. First he laid waste to the merchants that had been setup as a part of the treaty, and then he began attacking forts alongside the river of Danube (â€Å"Heritage History†). Attila broke the first treaty between him and Theodosius, and it actually ended up working out better for Attila.Soon after Attila began pillaging through Eastern Rome the Vandals began an attack on Carthage, the wealthiest city in Rome. Troops were called away to help stop the attack in Carthage, leaving a big void for Attila and his brother to run through in 441 A. D (Gordon). In 442 A. D. Theodosius recalled his troops from Sicily, believing that he could stop Attila and beat the Huns. Theodosius had a chance to reason with Attila before he sent all his troops to oppose him, but his pride forced him to refuse Attila’s demands (Gordon).It would have looked better for him if he would have just met the demands, because he was defeated by Attila twice just outside of Constantinople. Attila neve r actually breached the walls at Constantinople, but he did come very close. The city was well guarded with two sets of walls around it. Theodosius admitted his defeat around 443 A. D. and had to meet the harsh demands of Attila. Attila received roughly 6,000 pounds of gold from the Romans, and charged them a yearly tribute (Gordon). To say that Attila was a problem for the Romans is to say the least, he was very close to overrunning them and ending their existence.Attila, satisfied with what the treaty had brought him, withdrew himself back into the heart of his empire to plot more about how to take over the Romans. It was during this time, around 445 A. D. , that his brother Bleda is mysteriously murdered (â€Å"Heritage History†). Not much is recorded as to the actual cause of death, but it is a well-accepted notion that Attila had him killed so that he could have absolute power. Attila, having all the power to himself now, began another campaign against Rome in 447 A. D. He would face a former adversary Arnegisclus in the Battle of Utus.Even though Attila had beaten Arnegisclus in the 443 campaign, the Battle of Utus was a fierce and bloody one for both sides (â€Å"Heritage History†). Severe losses took place on both sides, however the Huns came out victorious. Arnegisclus was knocked down from his horse, and was eventually killed while on foot. Attila in 450 A. D. decides to make and alliance with Valentinian III, a Western Roman Emperor, and attack the Visgoths. Attila had be diplomatically bribed towards the alliance, and he had a good relationship with one of the emperor’s general Aetius (â€Å"Heritage History†).Things looked to finally be smoothed out between Attila and the Romans, but then Valentinian’s sister ruined it all. Honoria was the name of Valentinina’s sister, and when she was displeased with her arranged marriage, she called out for Attila to take her hand in marriage. Attila took the proposal ve ry seriously and accepted, and was angered when Valentinian told him that his sister was not being genuine (â€Å"Heritage History†). Attila began making his way through the Roman Empire sacking cities on his way. Aetius began drawing his army to make a stand against Attila, and they met sound where around Orleans for the Battle of Cataluanum.This battle is said to be one of the most important battle in the history of Europe and Christianity, because if Attila would have clearly won then he could have annihilated Roman culture, and Christianity could have been lost (Gordon). In the battle both sides suffer heavy losses, but the Huns are said to be the victors even though it wasn’t much of a victory. The damage done was enough to slow Attila and his army down from making their way to France. Attila, still wanting to claim his bride, sets for Italy (Gordon). There are a few different stories as to why Attila did not end up attacking Italy.One is that Bishop of Rome Leo I met personally with Attila asking him to withdraw his army from Italy. What I think was the most reasonable answer for the withdrawal was the fact that Attila had suffered major losses, and it was said that his armies were suffering from disease and starvation (â€Å"Heritage History†). Whichever story is true Attila withdrew either way vowing to return. On his way home from Italy, Attila marries a young girl named Iidko, and on the morning after his wedding he is found dead, in a bed of blood.The story is that Attila after a night of drinking suffered a massive nosebleed while lying down in his bed, and he drowned in his own blood. There are more theories on the actual cause of death of Attila. Some think that there was foul play, and that his newly wed wife killed him in his sleep, and some think he had a massive hemorrhage causing internal bleeding. After the death of Attila the Hunnic Empire was passed onto his sons, but there was much arguing over who had the most power . After a year or two the Huns were no longer an empire, and were blended into Germanic tribes across Europe.Attila the Hun took the Hunnic Empire farther than it ever dreamed to go, and thankfully, to us Christians, he was stopped eventually. Gordon, Richard. â€Å"STOPPING ATTILA The Battle Of Chalons. † Military History 20. 5 (2003): 34. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 11 Oct. 2012. â€Å"Victory Secrets Of Attila The Hun. † Success 40. 2 (1993): 42. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 11 Oct. 2012. â€Å"Battle of Chalons: Attila the Hun versus Flavius Aetius. † Military History. (2006): n. page. Web. 11 Oct. 2012. . â€Å"Attile the Hun. † Heritage History. Heritage History, 2007. Web. 11 Oct 2012. .