Convention Rights Persons With Disabilities Health And Social Care Essay

Peoples with disablements exist in every age group, every societal sector, every category and every cultural and spiritual community. They frequently do non hold a voice of their ain in issues that affect their lives. It is of import to understand the causes of disablement and the favoritism intended for the handicapped, and steps that need to be taken to guarantee the equal enjoyment of human rights for individuals with disablements. Societies must work as a whole to incorporate handicapped individuals into the life of society and supply them with equal chances in schools, the workplace and the planetary community. A December 13, 2006 the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ( CRPD ) was implemented. Presently 99 states have approved the Convention and there are 147 members. A high figure of developing states are included in subscribing the Convention. It is to probably those developing states will be inquiring development histrions for support after O.K.ing the convention in the execution of the rules and adhering duties. Around 650 million people, 10 % of the universe ‘s population live with a disablement. Harmonizing to the UN Development Program ( UNDP ) 80 % of individuals with disablements live in developing states ( â€Å" Rights and self-respect, † 2011 ) . Estimated by the World Bank 20 % of the universe ‘s poorest people are handicapped and are regarded as the most disadvantaged in their ain communities ( Takamin, 2004 ) . The term individuals with disablements is applied to all people with disablements. It includes people who have long term mental, physical, rational or centripetal damages. These disablements can impact their engagement in society. â€Å" Impairment is a functional restriction caused by physical, mental or centripetal harm and a disablement can be defined as a loss or decrease of chances to take portion in the mundane life of the community on an equal degree † ( Yeo, 2003 ) . â€Å" It is of import to observe that a individual with a disablement may be viewed as a individual with a disablement in one society or scene, but non in another, depending on the function that the individual is anticipated to take in his or her community. † â€Å" The convention recognizes that disablement is an germinating construct and that statute law may accommodate to reflect positive alterations within society. † ( â€Å" Country profile: Thailand, † 2010 ) . The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities consists of an article on international cooperation, indicating out the spread between developed and developing states. Issues such as human rights misdemeanors, poorness, and societal exclusion are overmastering and have prevented the planetary South to hold important betterment. Article 32 in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities insist that there be international cooperation for the support of the CRPD in developing states, one time a state has ratified the convention they become required to prosecute in international cooperation. The of import inquiry to maintain in head is how can international partnership be efficaciously put into action in developing counties. With the aid of official giver bureaus and non-governmental organisations ( NGOs ) which represent individuals with disablements and the households in developing states the CRPD can be applied. Thailand is one state that has had the aid of four major NGOs working with individuals with disablements and official giver bureaus from developed counties such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan ( â€Å" Thailand homo rights, † 2011 ) . Thailand approved the CRPD in July 2008 along with Australia. Thailand symbolize the typical issues developing states face, such as poorness. Thai individuals with disablements are challenged with poorness. NGOs in Thailand in comparing to other developing counties are good recognized, the representatives of NGOs in Thailand are strongly taking portion in the development of the policy on disablement on a national degree ( â€Å" Thailand homo rights, † 2011 ) . More attending has been given to the world of individuals with disablements among the deprived people in developing states. International Organizations such as the World Bank province that individuals with disablements are the poorest of the hapless. Harmonizing to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific about 160 million individuals with disablements which are over 40 % of the entire figure of individuals with disablements are populating in poorness ( Takamine, 2003 ) . Around 100 million people in developing states have a medical status due to malnutrition and hapless sanitation ( Takamin, 2004 ) . Social exclusion helps to clearly grok the association between poorness and disablement. In developing states, individuals with disablements are more likely to see different types of societal segregation including: limited societal contact, exclusion from formal/informal instruction and employment, the community has low outlooks from them and they hold low outlooks for themselves, exclusion from the political/legal procedure, exclusion from basic health care, the lowest precedence for any limited resources such as nutrient, clean H2O, and heritage, and deficiency of support for the high disbursals straight linked with the damage such as dearly-won medical interventions ( Yeo, 2003 ) . All of these factors take away the chance for individuals with disablements to do an income, puting them in the absence of province support. Damage may be caused by malnutrition and hapless wellness that is a consequence of hapless people being deprived of health care and healthy nutrient. Poor people a re frequently oppressed and sent to work in unsafe conditions, which generates hazard of accidents and physical damage. â€Å" Poverty and disablement are reciprocally reenforcing, as individuals with disablements are socially excluded and equal societal services are non provided † ( United Nations, 2007 ) . In developing states we see a big sum of people who are handicapped and life in poorness. To better the fortunes, individuals with disablements in these developing states should be involved in all the development attempts of their states, and an inclusive development attack should be put in topographic point to cover with the different signifiers of societal exclusion. Disability is a major issue that requires strong support and partnerships from different participants. The procedure to outline the CRPD began in 2001, and in 2002 the United Nations Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons adopted a set of policy guidelines known as the â€Å" Biwako Millennium Framework for Action to Promote an Inclusive, Barrier-free and Rights-based Society for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific † ( United Nations, 2007 ) . In the Framework, the rights-based attack is suggested for the formation of national disablement policies and assistance plans in the Asia-Pacific part ( United Nations, 2007 ) . This guarantees that individuals with disablements benefit from all the rights which other citizens enjoy. In developing states human rights tools promote the quality of life of people ; it is questioned whether the Declaration of the Right to Development would be better guaranteed by UN and international NGOs instead than single state provinces ( Dean, 2008 ) . International assistance organisations in some developing states have been the chief organic structure for promoting societal policy associated to individuals with disablements and supplying pertinent comfortss. Refering this Article 32 clarifies that international cooperation is â€Å" in support of national attempts for the realisation of the intent and aims of the present Convention † ( â€Å" Convention on the, † 2011 ) . UK, Australia and Japan are three developed states that have been involved in international development plans refering disablement and have set up policies on development cooperation. The UK has one functionary giver bureau that deals with disablement that has been playing a primary function in development assistance called the Department for International Development ( DFID ) . DFID works in association with NGOs and accentuates the rhythm of disablement and poorness and the authorization of individuals with disablements. Stating that â€Å" cut downing poorness by undertaking societal exclusion is a DFID ‘s policy † and â€Å" disablement is about favoritism and exclusion – cardinal facets of DFID ‘s work – † DFID is dedicated to turn toing issues of disablement in its development plans throughout the universe † ( â€Å" Dfid section for, † 2011 ) . In Australia the Australian Agency for International Development ( AusAID ) has besides made an attempt to â€Å" set up Australian leading on disablement † . Since early 2008 AusAID formed a unit of NGOs and other stakeholders to make new disablement scheme for the Australian assistance plan for 2009-2014, titled â€Å" Development for All † . Effective international leading on disablement and development is one of the chief aims of the scheme which is in confederation with CRPD Article 23 ( Saunders, 2007 ) . In 2003 the Japan International Cooperation Agency ( JICA ) in confederation with Nipponese experts and NGO representatives developed its policy paper on â€Å" support for individuals with disablements † ( â€Å" Nipponese abroad cooperation, † 2011 ) . Hundreds of voluntaries and professional are sent out yearly by JICA to both governmental and non-governmental organisations for support to work in particular instruction, physical therapy, vocational preparation, and many others. It has besides helped a figure of disability-related undertakings carried out by the authoritiess of developing states. ( â€Å" Nipponese abroad cooperation, † 2011 ) . The population of Thailand in mid-2007 recorded by the United Nations is about 62,829,000 million, with 5.7 million life in Bangkok the capital metropolis. The National Statistical Office ‘s Disability Survey in 2002 found that 1.7 % of the people dwelling of 1.8 % male and 0.9 % female had disablements. The rate among the rural population was twice that of the urban population harmonizing to the study. The Northeast 2.4 % , the South 1.9 % , and the North 1.8 % had higher rates of disablement, while Bangkok and the Central part had 0.7 % and 1 % ( â€Å" Thailand – asia-pacific, † 2011 ) . These statistics prove that rural parts have a higher bulk than the cardinal parts of hapless people, and more individuals with disablements live in these hapless parts. In 2007 1.9 million of the population had a disablement and the proportion of individuals with disablements to entire population was 2.9 % . ( â€Å" Thailand – asia-pacific, † 2011 ) . The Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons Act of 1991 and the united Ministerial Regulations which had been the chief legal instruments, was replaced by the Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Act which was enforced in 2007 ( â€Å" Persons with disablements, † 2007 ) . The Rehabilitation Act of 1991 set the footing for the rights of individuals with disablements to profit from public services. Other Acts besides involve rights for individuals with disablements such as the Social Security Act which gives registered individuals with disablements an allowance of 500 tical which is approximately 15 US dollars each month ( Camfield, 2009 ) . The National Education Act is besides in topographic point, which defends the rights of individuals with disablements to get instruction. However, compared to the current criterion of populating the survival allowance and other support are rather minimum, the day-to-day minimal pay of 2007 was 120 tical in Thailand. The National Office for Empo werment of Persons with Disabilities has been launched and works in coaction with other authorities bureaus and NGOs. These Acts guarantee that Thai individuals with disablements are given employment support and fiscal assistance, every bit good as educational, medical, rehabilitative, and services. District Public Welfare Offices and Health Centers offer aid to individuals with disablements, and Provincial Special Education Centers are responsible for educational services for kids with disablements ( Glassman, 2008 ) . The Thai authorities now has a more hands-on place on human rights. For illustration, the Thai diplomatic mission provinces that: â€Å" The state has increasingly striven to advance human rights consciousness through human rights instruction and to beef up legal models to advance and protect human rights in line with UN Conventions, in peculiar with respect to the rights of vulnerable groups † ( â€Å" The royal Thai, † 2008 ) . Furthermore, â€Å" Thailand has a long-standing committedness to heightening cooperation to elate the quality of life of adult females, kids and individuals with disablements every bit good as to guarantee their rights † ( â€Å" The royal Thai, † 2008 ) .Thailand ‘s confirmation of the CRPD was one of the earliest in Asia. The Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Act of 2007 is renowned as the first Thai jurisprudence to prohibit discriminatory and colored Acts of the Apostless against individuals with disablements and to penalize anyone that does non stay by the jurisprudence. Besides, the Act has expanded the rights for Thai individuals with disablements and explained these rights in more item. Most significantly the Thai authorities has confirmed its support for the CRPD by seting the domestic statute law to suit the CRPD ( â€Å" The royal Thai, † 2008 ) . There are four major NGOs which are involved in a broad scope of activities and influence on the Thai disablement policy which include: Thailand Association of the Blind ( TAB ) , the Redemptorist Foundation for People with Disabilities, the Association of Parents for Thai Persons with Autism under the Thai Autism Foundation, and the National Association of the Deaf in Thailand ( NADT ) . These NGOs epitomize individuals with disablements every bit good as their households ( Delcore, 2003 ) . Within the last few old ages in Thailand, all four NGOs acknowledge the Empowerment Act as an advanced legal device that has improved the legal and policy development, in footings of penalizing favoritism against those with disablements. They agree that even with an active disablement association and recent promotions at the national degree, the state of affairs of individuals with disablements has non been much improved in the rural countries due to poverty and countless societal exclusions. Many with disablements are still denied from instruction and employment. The private sector is in demand of more employment chances for individuals with disablements due to hapless apprehension and support of the employers. Furthermore, the quality of instruction and other related services for individuals with disablements requires more betterment in Thailand. Many individuals with disablements are have HIV/AIDS due to deficiency of instruction of it, and some individuals with disablements large ly deaf people are below the belt treated when it comes to legal instances due to incomplete gestural linguistic communication reading. Young adult females with disablements easy become victims of different developments, such as those with hearing damages or rational disablements are really weak and socially cut off and make non have sufficient instruction ( Delcore, 2003 ) . With the formation of the CRPD and the Thai Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Act betterments have been made at the national degree, nevertheless non much of a alteration has been made at the lowest degree in Thailand and other developing states. Stating that handicapped individuals have rights is of import although it may non be plenty to convey about a existent accommodation for handicapped individuals. All local leaders should be knowing about the rights of those with disablements every bit good as an duty to protect their rights. Another benefit is to hold local leaders with disablements that can function for the authorization and be an illustration to those with disablements in their community. This will recommend the demand to authorise individuals with disablements and educate local people on disablement issues. It is evident that the apprehension of the Thai public scope is limited refering the rights of individuals with disablements, and there is trouble in the transport ing out of the Empowerment Act and publicity of the CRPD in the authorities. They face many issues such as hapless apprehension, policies adopted by the cardinal authorities are non expressed in local authoritiess decently, and hence the apprehension of the rights of individuals with disablements at the local degree is really restricted. It is important to raise awareness through public instruction ( Delcore, 2003 ) . The Thai disablement policy is traveling on the right class. It is in a transitional period by following the international motions. The Thai disablement policy needs farther rating to hold existent execution. It is stressed that the appraisal and monitoring of policy execution are critical but presently missing. The future NGOs should be more involved in monitoring and rating. NGOs in Thailand and their representatives with disablements have been late really much involved in the formation of the national policy in comparing to the yesteryear every bit good as the environing developing states. While some people with disablements are asked to take part at the national degree, merely a little figure of individuals with disablements are take parting at the local degree. More local leaders with disablements and local self-help groups need to take part in the policy formation and force these plans at the local degree. More efforts should be made for authorising individuals with disablement s particularly in the rural countries ; the difference of the state of affairs of individuals with disablements between Bangkok and other parts has been increasing. The execution of Thai disablement policy should be farther dispersed in the hereafter by bettering local plans ( Delcore, 2003 ) . The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has raised cardinal cognition of the rights of individuals with disablements in the developing states and has besides influenced the formations of their disablement policy. Thailand is a underdeveloped nation-state ; it has already ratified the CRPD and has launched an anti-discrimination jurisprudence for individuals with disablements. Article 32 on international cooperation in the CRPD states that â€Å" international cooperation is necessary to back up national attempts † . Through NGOs and civil society, and a state ‘s authorities, have the chief duty to back up and support the rights of its citizens with disablements and achieve international cooperation. Organizations of individuals with disablements and other NGOs have been the most active and have started the publicity of rights through their local webs. In Thailand, local leaders with disablements have great possible in distributing the ends of the CRPD a t the community degree. UK, Australia and Japan ‘s international giver bureaus have been involved for old ages, in helping the development for individuals with disablements. Distinguishing the relationship between poorness and disablement, these bureaus attempt to take in individuals with disablements and include them in their international development plans. Therefore, it is apparent that major giver bureaus are ready for the executing of CRPD Article 32 if they remain committed to achieve effectual execution. In add-on, their coaction with different associations that deal with individuals with disablements and other NGOs are turning, which will enrich plans of these bureaus.

Economic Developments Essay

The current system of the world economy has emerged as a result of the historical trends and economic developments that occurred in the past particularly during the periods of World War I, World War II and the Cold War. To a significant extent, the current world order and the capitalist and industrial prosperity that is being experienced today are products of historical economic developments. This paper examines the economic developments from 1913 to the present including the history of self-determination in the world economy in relation to the current world economy. Consequently, the role of the United States from being an isolationist to an economic hegemon is analyzed. Economic Developments from 1913-Present The period from Post World War I up to the present can be considered to be a see-saw of economic prosperity and economic crises for most countries. For countries like the United States the war had brought about economic development but it also caused the economic downturn for countries like France and Germany. Capitalism began to ensue and trading had been more active. Hence, the period from 1920-1929 signaled the massive economic progress in the world economy- industries were established and the percentage of industries to agriculture rose. After this massive growth however, the unemployment rate and poverty that ensued from the period of 1929-1941 had led to the Great Depression- interest rates were high, hyperinflation ensued and the rise in debt had led to stock market collapse. The world economy had experienced a systemic recession leading the collapse of markets worldwide. In this era, the GDP and GNP of nations dropped and poverty ensued as world trade had been inactive. After the Great Depression, the World War II had created another economic era- post World War II had been considered to be a golden era for capitalism worldwide. This is because of the rapid rise in industries, the technological advancement, the prospering and stabilization of world trade, domestic and international institutions had been established in order to facilitate the world economy. Consequently, the World Trade Organization, the World Bank and the IMF were established in order to aid countries needing economic lift in order to aid in their industrialization. Backed by capitalism and foreign direct investments, this era can be considered the time when the world economy had boomed. However, after this period the time between 1970s-1980s, inflation and interest rates grew up and the fixed interest rates were deregulated in order to let the world economy repair itself. This era had however, contributed in terms of the massive plan to reorganize domestic economies through fiscal policies. The post Cold War on the other hand, marked the era when the US became the sole hegemon after the downfall of Russia. Before the Cold War, democratic countries can only trade with democratic countries and communist countries are only limited to trade with communist countries- the downfall of Russia opened the doors for all countries to be participants in the world economy. Hence, during the period of 1990 and up to the present times, despite some economic fluctuations, the world economy can be considered as stable and progressive. While there are ups and downs, the stability of the world economy in the present times cannot easily succumb to another depression. Self-Determination and in the World Economy Self-determination started after the World War I as a result of the Treaty of Versailles- it declared that the sovereignty of the states should take charge of the whole population. World War I led to the breakup of the Hapsburg and Ottoman empires and the birth of a new generation of nation-states. At Versailles, U. S. President Woodrow Wilson’s famous Fourteen Points–the fifth of which declared that sovereignty should take full account of the interests of the populations concerned–formed the basis for the treaty ending the war. After World Wars One and Two, self-determination inspired the demolition of empires and the formation of new sovereign states; the concept being thus extended in the 1940s and 1950s to apply in the context of the decolonisation process. In the 1960s and 1970s, the principle of self-determination clashes with the principle of territorial integrity and global leaders are increasingly seeing this angle to the problem. In fact, even the UN resolution 1514 adopted in 1960 which elevated the status of self-determination, had also emphasized territorial integrity: any attempt aimed at the partial or total disruption of national unity and territorial integrity of a country is incompatible with the Purposes and Principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The international system was caught up in the contradiction and had exhibited some degree of ambivalence at least after the post-war decolonisation. It can be observed that the further extension of the principle today, as it inspires the surge of ethnic politics and threatens the break-up of the established post-colonial order. The United States as the World’s Political and Economic Hegemon The United States before World War I cannot be considered to be an economic or a political superpower, it derived its wealth from World War I from selling ammunitions and exploiting the economic opportunities caused by the war. However, in World War II, the US emerged as one of the more powerful countries not only in terms of technology but also politically and economically after surviving the Great Depression. The Post World War II established the United States from a country in the middle to that of a global hegemon. For one, post World War I saw the US to be involved in trade, the importation and exportation of goods as well as in searching for new territories to expand its power and industries. Post World War II saw the United States cementing its economic and political hegemony- it had established itself as one of the most prosperous and progressive countries not only through its GDP and GNP but also in terms of its ability to impose upon other countries. The United States during this time served as one of the economic powers together with countries in Europe, Japan and the USSR. Upon entering the Cold War, the world became a division of the US and the USSR or democracy versus communism. During this era, the United States served as an international role model for democracies as well as the patron of democratic countries. The fall of the USSR catapulted the US to its role today as a global hegemon- except for North Korea, there had been no real threat to the supremacy of democracy and hence, the United States. During this time until the present times, the United States had been a major player in sanctioning countries that do not abide by international laws and regulations as well as being a forerunner in providing foreign aids as well as regulating trade activities. To be a partner with the US would be tantamount to economic growth. The power held by the US both politically and economically can be considered to spawn countries even in Asia and Third World countries. Needless to say, the United States can be considered to be the most important international player today.

Does Economical Crisis Effect Consumer Behavior Dissertation

Does Economical Crisis Effect Consumer Behavior - Dissertation Example This study will greatly benefit different parties for instance; current investors, potential investors, scholars, the government and consumers themselves. The current players in these industries will be able to gain knowledge on how their products are faring in the market and with this they are able to develop strategies on how to improve their position. To scholars, this study will enable them to gain knowledge as well as understanding as to why luxury brands are still being purchased despite the economic crisis. The government will also gain a better understanding of the standards of living and with this develop suitable policies. For the potential investors, they are well-equipped to make decisions concerning venturing into such industries. Lastly, the study will also provide essential data.The ImpactAccording to Smith (2009), as most consumers struggle to fit in the economic crisis, most companies have realized the opportunity for capturing the changing consumers’ profile. This is by offering lower priced products, a strategy for continuity and winning consumers. Sullivane (2008) informs that new products should enter the market at low prices and be promoted through special offers or free samples. Not very long ago, luxury was beyond most people’s reach and it was mostly available to the elite. For example, Louis Vuitton was once renowned for making products solely for European aristocrats. Compare this to the current situation where its logo-ridden products are worn the world-over by teenagers.

Childhood Obesity, the parent's role in prevention Research Paper

Childhood Obesity, the parent's role in prevention - Research Paper Example With the changing trends and lifestyle, obesity in children is increasing day by day. Traditionally kids were more involved in outdoor activities which would require physical effort and strength. But the introduction of various video games, internet, children movies and other technological advances has made children couch potatoes. With lesser amount of physical activity comes more weight gain and lethargy among children. Statistics show that about 15% of children between 6-11 years and adolescence between 12-19 years are overweight in the United States. These statistics are set to grow as children indulge in unhealthy eating habits and lesser physical activity. Obesity is one of the greatest health challenges and brings many risks to a child life. Apart from looking out of shape, obese children face many health issues from early ages as compared to their lean friends. â€Å"In the short term, overweight and obese children are more likely to develop certain gastrointestinal, cardiov ascular, endocrine and orthopaedic problems than their lean peers that may exacerbate in the long run.† (Hills, King, and Byrne, 2007) The problem of obesity in children is difficult to handle. For a child, strict diet is not an option for weight loss because he needs all food sources and appropriate nourishment for his body. Another problem that hinders obesity management is the lack of data available for obese children. Very few countries publish data showing obesity in children and thus there is a lack of public and strategic health programs in schools reinforcing a healthy lifestyle. Looking at some of the available figures for childhood obesity gives us an idea of the overall health level for children. â€Å"The figures presented here are based on the latest and most reliable available, some of which were previously published in 2006 by Wang and Lobstein: Table 1.1 Estimated prevalence of excess body weight in school-age children in 2010 Region Obese Overweight (includin g obese) America 15% 48% Middle east & N. Africa 12% 42% Europe & Former USSR 10% 38% West Pacific 7% 27% South East Asia 5% 23% Africa Less than 1% Less than 5% Countries in each region are according to World Health Organization Source: Wang & Lobstein† (Waters, Swinburn, & Seidel, 2010) The causes of obesity in children are wide and debatable. Some attribute the childhood obesity to pure genetic behaviour say that childhood obesity s transformed from one generation to the other and there is not much prevention in this case. According to the people who label childhood obesity as genetic phenomenon, a child cannot escape from gathering excess fat in his body because of his genetic tendency and metabolism rate. However, there are people who believe that obesity comes from the way of life that is built up in the very early ages of a child’s development. According to them if a child is made to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet, he can not only overcome the g enetic label of weight gain associated with his family but also remain fit and healthy avoiding many diseases associated with weight gain. The group of people, who are of the opinion that the child’s way of living is the major reason for the excessive weight gain, argue that at many times you will see lean and fit parents having overweight and obese kids. In that case one can see that overweight is not inherited but acquired through a poor and unhealthy lifestyle.

Business Intelligence Dashboards in a Learning Organization Research Proposal

Business Intelligence Dashboards in a Learning Organization - Research Proposal Example The finest of business decisions are data driven. A learning organization has data coming from all departments, processes and employees. Business intelligence comprises of complex methods to convert organizational data into useful information and then converts this information into knowledge. Based on this knowledge the organization-wide decisions can be made after thorough analysis (Atre, 2011). Thus busdata-drivenligence improves the decision process of an organization. The top learning organizations have a deep-rooted implementation of business intelligence and analytics in their organizational design. Data mining tools such as data marts, data warehouses, dashboards, etc. mine large amounts of data to extract the useful information. These tools are used to improve the efficiency of the business intelligence processes (Nittaya and Kittisak, 2007). 1.1. Business Intelligence Dashboards Performance control is a vital aspect of organizational management. The efficiency and performanc e of an organization can only be increased through the cooperation of all its departments. When the organization is small, the management is straight forward and easy. Management becomes complex in large organizations comprising of numerous branches, departments and hundreds of employees. And sometimes these departments may even be located miles apart. Visiting them in person takes time. And if visited, the data becomes out-of-date by the end of the visit. The solution for management of big organizations is business intelligence dashboards which consolidate the management information for the entire company in one place. Business intelligence dashboard is an effective data visualization tool that uses metrics and the key performance indicators to display the current status of an entire organization’s performance against some predefined goals (Atre, 2011). In learning organizations, the culture is such that the information is shared and is accessible to all employees alongside the managers and executives. The employees are encouraged to try new ideas and make decisions (Hagen, 2011). So in a learning organization, the requirement of business intelligence penetrates deeper than merely the organization’s frontline i.e. the managers and executives (Gonzales, 2013). And therefore business intelligence dashboards can benefit everyone at an organization i.e. the employees too. 1.2. Constructing Usage Specific Dashboard Dashboards do not have the same role in all learning organizations. They can be customized. They can be constructed for specific executive roles e.g. CEO, CIO or they may display metrics targeting specific point of view or a department for the managers or they can give a high level as well as a detailed view of the organization’s performance based on its data which all the committed employees can gain benefit from. Based on the type of information presented by dashboards and how they are used, they can be classified into a variety o f categories. However, the three most common usage types are strategic, operational and tactical.

LAW OF SUCCESSION - CASE HISTORY FOR ASSIGNMENT

LAW OF SUCCESSION - CASE HISTORY FOR - Assignment Example it was held that the test of mental competence is whether the testator had a ‘sound and disposing mind and memory’, that required the testator to have ‘an understanding of the nature of the business in which he is engaged, a recollection of the property he means to dispose of, of the persons who are the objects of his bounty, and the manner in which it is to be distributed between them.’4 Therefore, this includes the testator appreciating all the moral claims upon him, that is, he should be able to recollect all the persons that he is morally bound to provide taking into consideration the testator’s relationship to the person, even if he is not going to benefit them.5 The burden of proof lies with the propounder of the will, which must satisfy the court on the balance of probabilities, that the testator was mentally competent to make the will. However, if the will on the face of it is rational, then a presumption arises that the testator was mentally competent to make the will. In Symes v Green,6it was held that, if the party opposing the will rebuts the said presumption by producing evidence to the contrary, the burden of proof shifts back to the propounder. In light of the above discussions, David has the capacity to make a will, because he was an adult at the time he made all the wills. The issue of the deceased’s soundness of mind can only arise when a beneficiary wishes to challenge the validity of the will. 2. Whether the will was made voluntarily without any duress, undue influence or by mistake. A testator must be conversant and assent the substance of their will. A testator assents to the terms of the will if he executes it in those terms on his own volition and without any coercion or undue influence by a third party.7In order to make a valid...The later will must also have been validly executed pursuant to the Wills Act. In the Goods of Hodgkinson,12 it was held that originally revoked, say X will remains revok ed if the revoking will, Y, is itself revoked by Z. in this case, X cannot be revived. Finally, a will can be revoked, under section 20, by some writing declaring the intention to revoke it. In the Goods of Durance, 13 it was held that it can be a letter signed by the testator and witnessed as required o...

Network monitoring and analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Network monitoring and analysis - Assignment Example 214). Indiscriminate requests for entry into the network at such a rate that the servers fail to respond in a timely manner leading to congestion formation is one of the characteristic features of Denial of Service action. Tear Dropping and peer to peer attacks are commonly known actions and activities that are entailed in the domain of DoS attacks on the networks. Different actions may be undertaken as counter measures against DoS. The installation of an effective firewall is one possible solution against this menace. Firewall allows sequential entry of traffic and requests and subsequently prevents the system from overflow and flooding of requests. Other possible options of security include techniques such as Black holding, or simply use of switches as an alternate. The technique of Internet Based Prevention System is also an option against the DoS activity which allows running a smooth operational

The case of John du point Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The case of John du point - Essay Example Upon arrival at Schultz’s residence, he found Schultz training at the wrestling facilities that du Pont had set up in his estate. Schultz greeted his boss from where du Pont returned by asking him whether he had any problem with him. After this brief exchange, it is reported that du Pont pointed his 44-caliber revolver towards Schultz and shot him thrice, once at the arm and twice at his chest. This resulted in the instant death of David Schultz. A key witness to this act was Schultz wife, Nancy Schultz, who rushed out of the house upon hearing the first gun shot and upon arrival at the scene, she saw du Pont trigger his last shot at the already lying Schultz. It is also reported that du Pont also pointed the gun at her as well as at his bodyguard, Patrick Goodale after the shoot-out (Fersch, 2005, p. 151). After John du Pont had completed the act, he retreated to his large mansion where he spent the next 48 hours in an attempt to avoid being caught by the police. Inside his mansion, he had access to his large gun collection and other armories that he had acquired over his powerful years. The two-day standoff at his â€Å"Foxcatcher Farm† ended after he was lured outside by the police in order to make amends to the houses heating system which had tactically been switched off by the police. John du Pont was finally apprehended on 28 January, 1996, and his case opened in order to pave a way for investigations and subsequent trial. The case implicating John du Pont to the murder of David Schultz started on 9 February, 1996 after the trial court ordered a competency examination of the appellant. The competency examination was completed on 9 September 1996 concluding that John du Pont was incompetent to proceed with the trial. This resulted in John du Pont being remanded to the Norristown State Hospital where he underwent treatment. John du Pont was found to be competent for procession to trial in December, 1996, and thus his trial

Kantian Ethics Essay Example for Free

Kantian Ethics Essay

Ancient history Essay Example for Free

Ancient history Essay Lebanon   French: Republique libanaise), is a country on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east, and Israel to the south. Lebanons location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Basin and the Arabian hinterland has dictated its rich history, and shaped a cultural identity of religious and ethnic diversity. [8] The earliest evidence of civilization in Lebanon dates back more than 7,000 years—predating recorded history. [9] Lebanon was the home of the Phoenicians, a maritime culture that flourished for nearly 2,500 years (3000–539 BC). Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I, the five provinces that comprise modern Lebanon were mandated to France. The French expanded the borders of Mount Lebanon, which was mostly populated by Maronite Catholics and Druze, to include more Muslims. Lebanon gained independence in 1943, and established a unique political system, known as confessionalism, a power-sharing mechanism based on religious communities. French troops withdrew in 1946. Before the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990), the country experienced a period of relative calm and prosperity, driven by tourism, agriculture, and banking. [10] Because of its financial power and diversity, Lebanon was known in its heyday as the Switzerland of the East. [11] It attracted large numbers of tourists,[12] such that the capital Beirut was referred to as Paris of the Middle East. At the end of the war, there were extensive efforts to revive the economy and rebuild national infrastructure. [13] Until July 2006, Lebanon enjoyed considerable stability, Beiruts reconstruction was almost complete,[14] and increasing numbers of tourists poured into the nations resorts. [12] Then, the month-long 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah caused significant civilian death and heavy damage to Lebanons civil infrastructure. However, due to its tightly regulated financial system, Lebanese banks have largely avoided the financial crisis of 2007–2010. In 2009, despite a global recession, Lebanon enjoyed 9% economic growth and hosted the largest number of tourists in its history. Etymology The name Lebanon comes from the Semitic root lbn, meaning white, likely a reference to the snow-capped Mount Lebanon. [15] Occurrences of the name have been found in texts from the library of Ebla,[16] which date to the third millennium BC, nearly 70 times in the Hebrew Bible, and three of the twelve tablets of the Epic of Gilgamesh (perhaps as early as 2100 BC)[17]. The name is recorded in Ancient Egyptian as Rmnn, where R stood for Canaanite L. [18] Ancient history Main article: History of ancient Lebanon Evidence of the earliest known settlements in Lebanon was found in Byblos, which is considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world,[9] and date back to earlier than 5000 BC. Archaeologists discovered remnants of prehistoric huts with crushed limestone floors, primitive weapons, and burial jars left by the Neolithic and Chalcolithic fishing communities who lived on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea over 7,000 years ago. [19] Lebanon was the homeland of the Phoenicians, a seafaring people that spread across the Mediterranean before the rise of Cyrus the Great. [20] After two centuries of Persian rule, Macedonian ruler Alexander the Great attacked and burned Tyre, the most prominent Phoenician city. Throughout the subsequent centuries leading up to recent times, the country became part of numerous succeeding empires, among them Persian, Assyrian, Hellenistic, Roman, Eastern Roman, Arab, Seljuk, Mamluk, Crusader, and the Ottoman Empire.

Theatre Essay: Site Specific Performance

Theatre Essay: Site Specific Performance Site Specific Performance: How has the nature of site-specific performance as a hybrid art-form influenced approaches tosite-specific work in Britain over the last decade? SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION Site-specific performance emerged out of the radicalartistic milieu of the late 1960s and early 1970s that also gave birth tosite-specific work generally. It represents perhaps the most ambitious andrevolutionary re-interpretation of theatre and performance devised in thetwenty-first century. Site-specific performance has influenced site-specificwork in Britain in the past ten years in many ways. This dissertation examinesthree especially strong influences: (1) site-specific performance and its useof audience (2) site-specific performance and its internal debate as to whethersite-specific art is site-exclusive or site generic, and (3) site-specific practitionerstheory of the selection of sites. Before these three principal investigations arediscussed the dissertation briefly reviews the history and origins ofsite-specific performance and its key practitioners. The first major section of this dissertation investigatesand analyses the relationship between site-specific performance and itsaudience. The questions and debates that have arisen from the novel andintimate participation between site-specific performers and their audienceshave had considerable influence upon site-specific work as a whole. Site-specificperformance understands the audience as a vital element of the total productionand not merely as paying members of the public who are isolated from thecreative process. Many performances depend intimately upon the energy andmutual fascination of the subject that exists between performers and audience.Often the audience are part of the performance itself. This intimacy points toa basic philosophical and professional principle of site-specific performancethat reacts against the perceived coldness, frigidity and eliteness oftraditional theatre buildings and instead maintains that theatre andperformance ought to be a socially-levelling ent erprise. The dissertation thereforeasks the prominent questions: Can audience self-identity be altered by aperformance? And: Can original and multiple spectator identities be created bysite-specific performances? The answers to these questions have beeninfluential throughout the whole of the site-specific world. The second-subsection of this section explores therelationship between site-specific performance and the community from which itsaudience is drawn. The success of site-specific performance theorists andpractitioners in showing the great extent to which the community in which aperformance is situated affects the ambiance and attitude of the audienceechoes throughout the site-specific world and informs it of vital lessons. Thisinvestigation of community and audience also highlights how site-specific performancecan work to bring theatre to the masses in an inclusive format that protestsagainst the elitist forms of the past. The final sub-section of this sectionreviews some of the problems variability and limitations of audience forinstance experienced by site-specific performers with respect to audienceand then suggests how these may teach valuable lessons to the rest of thesite-specific world. The second major section of the dissertation examines thekey debate in the literature of site-specific performance as to whether suchperformances should be site-specific or site-generic. That is, whether suchperformances should be free to tour and travel or not? The answers anddiscoveries furnished for this question by site-specific performers arerelevant and influential upon this same debate which penetrates the whole ofthe site-specific community. This debate reaches to the philosophical centre ofsite-specific performance and threatens to bring about a fundamental changewithin the genre. At the heart of the issue is the question of whether aparticular performance, conditioned as it is by the particular environment inwhich it is created, can be moved either physically or spiritually to anothersite. Vehement arguments have been made on both sides of the debate, with manypro-tour performers refuting Richard Serras famous dictum that to removethe work is to destroy it.The dissertation considers as one solution the theoretical postulate of apure model of site-specific performance from which various performancesdeviate in healthily diverse ways. The dissertation then considers in depth theproposal of Wrights Sites whether that the solution to this dilemma mightdepend upon a change in terminology and vocabulary of site-specificperformance. Such a shift of terminology provides site-specific performancewith a greater subtlety of definition and self-identity and therefore overcomesthe apparent impasse suggested by the site-specific site-generic dispute. The final major sub-section of the dissertation considersthe use of space by recent site-specific performers and the influences ofthis use upon site-specific work as a whole. The space within which atheatrical performance may take place was given its most radical revision andprogressive drive in the twentieth- century by the practitioners ofsite-specific performance. Space, in terms of performance, had before theadvent of site-specific theatre been confined near exclusively to traditionaltheatre buildings and to their conventional shapes. The outstanding achievementof site-specific performance has been to vastly extend the range and types of spaceand venue in which a theatrical performance can take place. The dissertationconsiders the implications for performance of such a radical break with thepast, as well as looking at the notions of uninhabitable space and culturalspace. The discoveries made about space by site-specific performers arerelevant for the whole of site-specific work i n Britain. The dissertation concludes with an evaluation and summing-upof all the previous discussion and with an analysis of the future influence ofsite-specific performance upon site-specific work as a whole. SECTION 2: SITE-SPECIFICPERFORMANCE HISTORY It is important to know something of the history ofsite-specific performance when seeking to determine its influence uponsite-specific work in the past decade in Britain. Such a glance at the historyilluminates the evolution of ideas within the genre and shows how they came totake their present form in the twenty-first century. Site-specific performance originated as an outgrowth ofsite-specific artwork movement that began in the late 1960s and early 1970s.Site-specific artwork was a form of art that was created to exist in a certainspace and was conditioned in form by the environment and space of that place.At the centre of the site-specific artwork movement was an attempt to take artout of what was perceived to be the affected and pretentious atmospheres of thegalleries and theatre buildings and to transpose them upon a wider variety ofoutdoor and indoor venues. One useful definition of site-specific performanceis that of the Dictionary of Video Art which states Locations andenvironments may have some kind of drama or meaning for ordinary people butthis has no significance for the bourgeoisie until interpreted by theheightened sensibilities of the director.In other words, the purpose of site-specific performance and its reason forexistence is to make the public aware of the artistic merits of ordinarybuil dings and spaces that have always been of interest to ordinary men butpassed over by the elitist and institutionalised artists of the past. Site-specificperformance often involves a (more or less) political decision to workagainst the dominant discourse of London, its theatre buildings, and itstheatre tradition.Site-specific performance is about a fundamental reorientation of space awayfrom its traditional understanding in British theatre. Site-specific performance has emerged out of this generalartistic milieu in the works of artists and directors such as Peter Brook,Ariane Mnouchkine, Deborah Warner, Gof Brith, Janet Cardiff and in festivals orproduction companies such as Grid Iron, Wrights Sites and the EdinburghFestival. Other recent practitioners include Mac Wellman, Meredith Monk andAnne Hamburger. From the first list two names in particular have been pivotalto the development of site-specific theatre: Peter Brook and Deborah Warner. PeterBrook was one of Britains greatest theatre directors and much of thisgreatness came from his radical style and use of stage both of which are seenas pre-cursors of modern site-specific performance. Brook was deeply influencedby the Theatre of Cruelty by Antonin Artaud and this lead to dramaticproductions such as Jean Genets The Screens in 1964 and Peter Weisss Marat/Sadein 1964 a huge success after its sharp and revolutionary break withtheatre style to that time. Brook brough t a new philosophy to the theatre thatimbued it with a new sense of potential and manipulation of space andenvironment shown well in his productions of Senecas Oedipus and TheEmpty Space. More recently, Deborah Warner has made further developed theseearly origins of site-specific performance with radically different productionssuch as Titus Andronicus (1987), Richard II (1995) and JuliusCaesar (2005). SECTION 3: SITE-SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE: AUDIENCE (A) Audience: General Perhaps the singlegreatest contribution of site-specific performance as a hybrid art-form tosite-specific work as a whole has been the radical transformation andre-constitution of the concept of audience and of how audiences experience liveperformance. When site-specific art first emerged in the late 1960s it appealedto audiences primarily because of the novelty of the form and the novelty ofthe viewing experience. Nonetheless, site-specific art, whilst novel in itself,did not go make any profoundly novel contributions to the nature, identity andconstitution of its audiences. Site-specific work had no yet developed asite-specific critique or paradigm, and this was left in large measure to thepioneers of site-specific performance. The great advantage and breakthroughachieved by modern site-specific performance is that it draws the audience ofinto an intimate participation with that performance; the audience become anessential part of the performance itself. Notable historical examples haveincluded Sirens Crossings Trace and Flight (2000), Wrights SitesThe Quay Thing (1998), Anne Marie Culhanes Night Sky (1997) and TheWhalley Range All Stars Day of the Dummy (1999). Consequently, withsite-specific performance, both performers and spectators reach a profounderdepth of empathy and understanding with the performance that they havewitnessed, than with traditional theatre and even from site-specific work as awhole. In this sense, site-specific performance represents an evolution of thegeneral site-specific art-form towards a level of greater spectator-involvementand identity.The philosophy and theory that underpins this evolution has much to do with areaction against the perceived coldness and unnaturalness of the traditionaltheatre (where the audience are always separated from the performers) and itstendency to promote the values and aims of elite members of society above theaspirations of the ordinary citizen. Site-specific performance however can besaid to be an equalizing art-form: it holds as a basic philosophicalprinciple the belief that the members of the audience are of equal importanceand significance for the meaning and successful execution of a particularperformance as the performers themselves. As such, site-specific theatre andperformance have taught and continue to teach practitioners of site-specificwork generally be it site-specific conceptual art, community art,installation art, public art etc., that the greater the participation andsense of involvement of the audience, the greater will be the efficacy of thatperformance upon both performer and viewer. Site-specific work therefore hasmuch to learn from the techniques, literary interpretations, scene-designs andso on of site-specific performers. This use of audienceby site-specific performers has achieved for the first time, according to FionaWilkie, the sense of a collective audience identity, a knowing audiencethat constructs itself appropriately as an interpretative body via a cumulativeframework of contemporary framework experiences.Thus, site-specific performance asks of the audience members themselves certainbasic existential and artistic questions. For instance: how is an audiencessense of self forged? How and in what ways is an audiences purpose decided?The extent to which site-specific performance achieves this intensive audienceself-interrogation is perhaps unrivalled in all twentieth-century performance art-formsand promises to be one of the few genuinely unique artistic discoveries ofrecent years. Traditional theatremaintains a clear space between audience and performer no matter how elatedor ecstatic a spectator may feel during a traditional performance he is alwaysnonetheless still a mere spectator with no direct influence upon the directionor outcome of the performance. Site-specific performance radically reverses theaudience situation and role and instead makes them central actors in theperformance itself. Site-specific performance also raises the questions of: Canaudience self-identity be altered by a performance? And: Can original andmultiple spectator identities be created by site-specific performances?On the first question it is noted by authors such as Williams and Kwon that theunique process of audience participation in site-specific performance oftenleaves the audience with changed perceptions of identity once the performanceis completed. On the second question, it is also clear from the growingliterature that now surrounds site-specific performance that the form ha s thepotential to create new audience identities as well as to leave differentgroups of the audience with different identity perceptions at the end.From these various observations of audience participation in site-specificperformance it is evident that site-specific work has benefited and learnt anenormous amount about the role of audience and its possible stages oftransformation. Moreover, the far more diverse nature of members ofsite-specific performances alters the mood and atmosphere and perceptions ofthat audience. Rather than being an elite experience attended by only one classof people with, broadly speaking, a single artistic attitude and expectation,the audience is instead a diverse melting-pot of different classes andprofessions of people. (B) Audience Community Site-specificperformance has also raised for general site-specific art the notion of theimportance of the community in which a particular performance or art exhibittakes place. One particular site-specific performance company, The Olimpias,base their work upon questions of site ownership and in line with the theme ofdisability. According to Petra Kuppers, company director, site-specificperformance ought to be attentive to the local community and its ways of inhabitingits environment the company (The Olimpias) work with the community to takenew forms of site, re-interpret the site, keep its history and presence alive.Community then is a crucial extension of the audience and the site factorsinvolved in a site-specific performance. It is the community about a specificwork that is most intimately affected by a performance since that performancethrows new light on and reinterprets that communitys existence in a particularway. Site-specific performance can help to re-invigorate and breathe life intoa community by making it more aware and perceptive of the sites that itoccupies. So too the site-specific performances of Wrights Sitesis interested in the place and in the people who meet us in this place. Thecompany Welfare State International have also expressed a commitment todrawing in local energies and leaving behind a residue of skills and confidenceafter the companys withdrawal .For many companies then site-specific theatre is a performance that takes placein the living space of a particular community and is enacted alongside andwithin the working life of the community. Thus there is an experientialauthenticity that is unique to site-specific theatre. (C) Issues WithAudience Nonetheless, somewriters such as Jan Cohen-Cruzhave argued that taking theatre from established buildings in specific placesto a specific-site does not necessarily create a more intimate audienceenvironment or sense of identity or multiple identities. On this Cohen-Cruzstates: Space is always controlled by someone and exists somewhere, so itis inevitably marked by a particular class or race and not equally accessibleto everyone. one must question whether access to a broader audience really isa difference between performance site-specific and in theatre buildings.Cohen-Cruzs quotation is useful because it sounds a note of caution tosite-specific performers who automatically assume that by merely creatingsite-specific performance of any sort they will immediately achieve a deeper ormore profound sense of audience participation and diversity than would be foundin a traditional theatre. Site-specific performance is a relatively newart-form that is treading into new territory especially with respect to theunderstanding of audience participation and identity. It is therefore to beexpected that a certain exuberance and robust enthusiasm amongst its performersmay sometimes lead to idealizations of the potential of the art-form; that is,a tendency to assume that site-specific performance is a panacea for all limitationsexperienced by traditional-theatre audiences in past centuries. It is prudenttherefore to agree with writers such as Fiona Wilkie that the potentialaudience range and diversity of a site-specific performance is decided not byonly by the nature of the genre itself but by the particular features of thesite itself. Access to such site-specific performances depends nearly entirelyupon the location and type of site chosen for a particular performance.If, for instance, the site chosen for a particular performance is an abandonedwarehouse or factory floor close to several housing estates or residentialareas then it is likely that that performance will be accessible to many peoplewho would be traditionally excluded from a theatre experience. If, however, asite-specific performance is held in a country-estate or at the top of acommercial tower-block then it is far less likely that the audience thatattends will be as diverse and kaleidoscopic as at the performance of in theabandoned factory or warehouse. For instance, the site-specific performancecompany K neehigh Theatrehave reflected how their performance of Hells Mouth in the ClayDistrict of Cornwall a poor and dilapidated area encouraged a far broadersection of the community to attend than would have done the traditionaltheatre. In Kneehighs words: In Hells Mouth last summer, bikers from thearea performed the English/Cornish skirmishes in the Mad Max style Cornwall ofthe future. This theme and reasonable ticket prices, encouraged a stronglocal percentage of audience, who would not normally see the companys work ortheatre of any sort.So too the breadth of the audience of any site-specific work will be determinedalso by the theme and nature of the performance. A site-specific performancethat deals with an esoteric or abstruse subject will not guarantee for itself abroad audience simply by virtue of the fact that it is a site-specific performance. Several site-specificperformance companies have sought to maintain the diversity of their audiencesin the following ways. The Lions Part company, for instance, seek to escapethe bureaucracy of the theatre buildingby providing free access to all performances and free financially also. InFiona Wilkies eloquent phrase: The notion of the performance moves away from thehigh-brow associations of the theatre and closer to reaching a publicwell-versed in the popular culture of gigs, festivals and celebrations. Itemphasizes the significance of the spatial encounter and is conceived as awhole experience for the spectator Wilkie here identifiesa key strength of site-specific performance: its ability and capacity tosynthesize myriad different forms of contemporary art, culture and society andto fuse them into a relevant and meaningful whole. Moreover, site-specificperformance has the unique advantage of being able to manipulate space inwhatever way it likes. A traditional theatre is severely limited in the sensethat its performance can only take place within the predetermined and setdimensions of the theatre building; these dimensions remain the same for everynew production no matter how different such productions might be from eachother. The space and dimensions of a site-specific performance are howeverdetermined and limited only by the space and dimensions of the site itself andthey therefore have a far greater range and flexibility than traditionaltheatre. For instance: a windmill, an abandoned factory, a coffee shop, adoctors surgery, a former nuclear silo all offer different and uniqueexperiences of space for the audience. So too, a site-specific performance mayeven have two separate audiences: one that pays admission and is conscious ofthe performance and another that attends the event for free and is an integralpart of the performance itself. To take an example: when Grid Iron held thesite-specific performance Decky Does a Broncoin numerous childrens playgrounds some audience members bought tickets whilstthe children (attending free) that played in the playground were urged tocontinue their activities and so became part of the setting and the performanceitself. Ben Harrison, director of Decky Does a Bronco, recalls howchildren came to and fro different parts of the performance depending upon thelevel of excitement raised for them by a particular moment or scene from thatperformance; when bored the children would retire to the quieter parts of thepark. In Harrisons useful phrase, this double audience adds to thecomplexity of the event. SECTION 4: SITE-SPECIFICPERFORMANCE: SITE-SPECIFIC ORSITE-GENERIC? Site-specificperformance has contributed significantly to the site-specific as a whole onthe pressing question of whether site specific art should be site-specific or sitegeneric. That is, whether site-specific work should remain rooted in at theexact site of its creation or whether the idea created in a particular site maybe transferred to other similar sites. This question is perhaps the mostvociferously argued debate in site-specific work at present. At stake is thephilosophical and intellectual basis of the movement itself. Site-specific workemerged in the late 1960s as an art-form that made a unique use of site andsite features to influence the shape and form of the design: these sites wereusually highly different or unique from all others and so each sculpture,art-work or performance had its own unique characteristics. Traditionalsite-specific artists of this old-school therefore refute the idea that theidiosyncratic features of a particular site can simply be uprooted andtrans ferred to another site no matter how similar to the original. In RichardSerras famous phrase to remove the work is to destroy the work.In other words: once a site-specific art-piece has been torn from its originalcontext it loses the one thing that made it powerful and unique. Nonetheless,in recent decades such notions of the immovability from and inseparability of asite-specific work from its original setting have been assailed by artistsdriven by market forces and institutional changes in attitude. In one criticswords: Site specificity has become a complex cipher of unstablerelationships between locations an identities in the era of late capitalism.Miwon Kwons work One Place After Another: Site-Specific Art and LocationIdentityis of enormous importance in elucidating the contours and features of thisshift in the direction of site-specific art. The internal movementsof site-specific performance have done much to inform and influence the widersite-specific art of the last decade. In site-specific performance the keyquestion of recent years has been: Can site-specific performance travel? Or:Does Site-specificity mean site-exclusivity? Within the site-specificperformance community this debate as to exclusivity of site has been arguedwith near equal tenacity by both opponents and supporters. Thus, in many ways,the debate appeared recently to have come to a standstill. One way found by site-specificperformers to step beyond this impasse has been to define levels ofsite-specificity. For instance the company Red Earthhas stated: Someprojects are completely site-specific, i.e., they could not take place anywhereelse without losing a strong thread of meaning and connection; while other moreflexible projects may work around a certain sense of place, i.e., the spirit orconcept at the heart of the project would work in several but not all -locations. This quotation then suggests that the term site-specifichas a degree of inherent relativity and flexibility. At one end of thespectrum, the term stands for certain performances that are absolutely rootedin the exact and unique site and community features in which they are set; forsuch performances there is no possibility of moving their ideas to differentsites. At the other end of the spectrum, certain performances can be moved fromsite to site if they preserve or enhance the spirit or primary idea thatbegan the original performance. Between these two poles are various types ofsite-specific performance whose transferability rests upon ambiguous or dubiousprinciples. Justin McKeown of the Whalley Range All Stars suggests that thisrelativity should be defined in terms of site-specific performances that are directlyderived from a chosen siteand therefore have to remain at that site indefinitely, and on the other handbetween performances that can be transferred since they acknowledge and expandupon the inherent meanings within a site. Paul Pinson, of Boilerhouse,has argued further that the relativity of site-specific performance isconditioned by the way that the company engages with the space that it occupiesat a particular site. Pinson suggests further that a performance can bepartially site-specific and partially of another genre and that this hybridity thereforejustifies a company to tour its performances. Pinson states: You canrecreate a work in response to a number of different sites, which is totallyvalid in itself and is an element of site-specificity but is different frommaking a piece of work in response to one specific site. The site-specific or site-generic debate and is plethora ofinterpretations have raised questions about the present purity ofsite-specific performance. Above all: is it possible for theoreticians andpractitioners of site-specific performance to find or derive a pure model ofsite-specific performance, against which hybrid forms of this model might becompared? That is: can one set up construct an ideal paradigm of site-specificperformance and then show how variations of this paradigm are beneficial intheir individual ways? Miwon Kwon has suggested that one definition of thispure model might be To make a truly site-specific piece means it sitswholly in that site in both its content and form, otherwise if moveable, itbecomes more about the site as a vehicle.Variations from this pure model are healthy natural growths from themother-model; the work of site-specific theoreticians is to define thesevariations and to ascribe to each of them independent areas of operation. An alternative to this model of deriving variations ofsite-specific art from a pure or perfect model is to invent a new terminologyfor the art-form. Wrights Siteshave suggested that the terms In theatre building, Outside theatre,Site-Sympathetic, Site-Generic and Site-Specific beused to describe the various degrees of theatre performance. The first two ofthese are clearly beyond the pale of any generally accepted definition ofsite-specific performance. Interestingly however Wrights Sites propose athree-fold division of the genre of site-specific performance. The advantage ofsuch a hierarchy is that it allows greater freedom and subtlety of descriptionwhen deciding to which exact genre a performance of site-specific work belongs.The term site-specific is accordingly reserved for performances that have aprofound and absolute relationship with the specific site in which theperformance is prepared and enacted. Such performances work only at one site,never tour or travel, and do not use pre-existing props or scripts.Nonetheless, one major problem of such a terminology is the difficulty ofassigning the large number of performances that seem to fall between thecategories of site-generic and site-specific. These disputes about definitions and terminology that havearisen in the particular field of site-specific performance are or considerablerelevance and have been of considerable influence upon similar disputes insite-specific work generally. The central question of the debate cansite-specific performance tour is equally relevant to all others types ofsite-specific work, be it sculpture, community art, painting and so on. Byadopting a similar terminology to that of site-specific performancesite-specific work generally might clear up many of its own internal disputes. SECTION 5: SITE-SPECIFIC:TYPES OF SITE Internal debates within the literature of site-specificperformance as to what kind of site to select for its performances hashad considerable influence over similar decisions within site-specific workgenerally. What then can site-specific work generally learn fromsite-specific performance? Above all, perhaps, is the extensive andcomprehensive analysis and exploration of the medium of space undertaken byleading site-specific performers. Richard Schechnerhas stated that theatre places are maps of the cultures where they existand Hetheringtonthat Certain spaces act as sites for the performance of identity. Artisticmanipulation of space is vital to successful site-specific performance, and theunique development in this quest has been the exploration of alternatives typesof space and site in which to perform site-specific theatre. Theatre had forcenturies been largely confined to theatre buildings of one sort or another;the advent of site-specific theatre saw the use of a plethora of differentvenues for performance from coal mines, to hospital wards, to libraries, tocoffee shops and so on ad infinitum. These ventures into alternativesites for performance raised amongst scholars of site-specific performance thekey questions: What are the consequences of such diverse selection of sites?What association will each site bring to the site-specific genre? What are thecommon themes that bind such eclectic choices of venue? On the last question,some attempts have been made by figures such as Hetheringtonto classify these venues in groups: for instance, parks and childrens playareas can be classed with beaches as public spaces. Cohen-Cruzhas argued that such spaces allow site-specific performers to use space that isnormally thought of as publicly inhabitable to entice passers-by to attendthe performance therefore symbolising for the performers the theme of makingperformance accessible. The spaces found in venues such as museums, churchesand galleries are used somewhat differently however. In contrast to p

The Grand Essay About Reconstruction :: essays research papers

The Civil War was inevitable and regardless of the outcome on the fields of battle, the reconstruction of the nation was equally inevitable because as much as the North and the South had irrevocable differences, it was in the mutual interest of the North, the South and the West to maintain a relationship based on symbiosis. The Civil War and the reconstruction of the nation were bound to happen. There was a great diversity throughout the nation within the three sections. Differences in opinions and rules in slavery, economic and civilization differences are all examples of causes of the Civil War. However, the reconstruction of the nation was necessary, because the three sections needed each other to survive.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Civil war was inevitable. Because of the great diversity between the North and the South, the Civil War was bound to happen. Slavery was one of the many causes of the Civil War. It presented a moral issue, since it dealt with human beings and invaded individual freedom and democratic ideals. Slavery greatly distinguished the South from the North, and was the major issue dividing the two sections. The differences in economy also added to the cause of the Civil War. The South had become agricultural, and the North had become industrial. These economic differences led to sectional rivalry on issues such as slavery and the protective tariff. The interpretation of the federal Union differed between the two sections as well. The South insisted that the federal Union was created by the states; therefore, any state had the right to secede. The North thought otherwise; they believed that people created the Union and no state had the right to secede. The South favored, and the North opposed the extension of slavery into the West. Most of the West became tied economically to the North by a network of railroads and trade. Southerners realized that Western lands were not suitable for cotton culture, and realized that they were losing Western support, and the South would remain a minority section in the Union. The North and the South had differences in civilization. A small aristocracy of influential planter families dominated the Southern civilization, compared to the more dynamic and democratic Northern civilization. This difference in civilizations made understanding each other’s point of view difficult, which added to the causes of the war. Lastly, people in both the North and the South exaggerated differences.

Sickle Cell Anemia :: Health, Medicine, Cells

Sickle cell anemia primarily affects people with African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian ancestry (Learn genetics, 2010; NHLBI, n.d.; Vorvick et al., 2010). Sickle cell anemia occurs when a person inherits two sickle cell gene, one from each parent, that cause the red blood cells to change and become crescent shaped. The underlying problem involves hemoglobin, a component of the red blood cells. Hemoglobin is a protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs (Nabili, 2008, para. 1). In sickle cell anemia, the hemoglobin is flawed. As a result, the cells become sickle shaped and can’t travel as easily through blood vessels. Sickle cell anemia is an illness which has one primary cause, but a variety of symptoms and treatments. Like most illnesses, sickle cell anemia has one primary cause. In order for sickle cell anemia to occur, a sickle cell gene must be inherited from both the mother and the father, so that the child has two sickle cell genes (Shiel, 2006, para. 3). The sickle cell gene causes the body to make abnormal hemoglobin. As mentioned above, hemoglobin is a protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs (Nabili, 2008, para. 1). A person with normal red blood cell will have hemoglobin A, however a person with sickle cell disease will have hemoglobin S (Sickle cell Disease Association of America, Inc.,2005, para 3). Normal red blood cells are usually round and soft and travel easily through small vessels; however sickle cells are abnormally shaped and stiff, thus causing them to have difficulty travelling through small vessels. Sickle cells can clog vessels depriving tissues of oxygen. A s spoken of in two articles, sickle cells have a shorter life span than normal red blood cells. Normal red blood cells can live 120 days compared to sickle cells that only last 10 to 20 days, resulting in anemia. (Learn genetics, 2010 & Nabili, 2008) Sickle cell anemia does not only have one primary cause, but also has a variety of symptoms. Sickle cell anemia has various symptoms that may vary upon every individual. All the symptoms that a person may experience are basically the direct result of the abnormal shaped blood cells. These cells deprive tissues of oxygen and in time the lack of oxygen to the tissues damages the organs and leads to pain.

Attachment Report Bsc Hon Comp Science (Afrosoft Holdings Limited) Essay

This report serves to provide the reader with a summary of the third year industrial attachment showing the work and research done in the field of software engineering whilst at Afrosoft Holdings (Ltd. ). It also highlights the experience gained during this same time. This is a report on the one-year industrial attachment program held in the third -year of study as part of the 4-year Bachelor Of Science Honors degree in Computer Science program at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), starting 2nd of July 2012 at Afrosoft Corporation. In the first chapter of this report, an introduction to Afrosoft as a corporation is made, giving the organizational structure of the company, and the company’s product brand. The services provided by the company are also noted in this chapter. The second chapter focuses upon the methodologies settled upon by Afrosoft, and focus is made on the Microsoft Solutions framework which the company uses extensively. The following chapter then gives an insight on the three-tier software architecture that Afrosoft has concentrated upon. A brief discussion of other types of architectures is also given. Technologies used most at the company are discussed next in the fourth chapter. These include technologies used in the past, and technologies being used in newer projects. Following this chapter is one on data access components and Microsoft SQL server, which are used by Afrosoft in almost all of its products. After this is a chapter on the projects that the author participated in at the company, detailing the responsibilities assigned and the technologies learnt from each of them. Beyond that, the remaining chapters discuss what was learnt during the attachment period and an overall outlook on the experience gained. Acknowledgements Great thanks go to all the staff at Afrosoft Corporation, and especially to the Software Development Department. I wish to extend my sincerest gratitude to the noted persons, the Software Development immediate manager Mr. Movement Musasiwa, for your motivation, support, patience and mentoring. Software Developers in the department, Tanyaradzwa Chamarime, Brighton Chaparadza, Gerry Vhera, Edson Jengwa, Joseph Bodzo and Kurai Mombeshora. My learning from you will surely be a cornerstone for my success and achievement in the IT field and in all facets of life, your support and team spirit remains a debt to me . Indeed I owe you my heartfelt gratitude. Thank you team!!! .Also special thanks to my family who always showed their love and support through-out this period. Many thanks are also extended to all fellow students on attachment. I also express gratitude to Mr. K. Sibanda and Mrs. S. S. Dube, my industrial attachment co-ordinaters. Last but not least of all praise and thanks be to God the Almighty for his protection and loving guidance. Thank you all. List of Tables Table 2. 1:Models under Microsoft solutions Framework21 List of Figures Figure 1. 1: Organizational structure5 Figure 1. 2: Product Brand9 Figure 1. 3: Older AfroPACK Products11 Figure 1.

Benjamin R. Barber’s “America Skips School” Essay

The scary truth behind Benjamin R. Barber’s â€Å"America Skips School† is shocking. In an attempt to change society, Barber informs us of the hopeless struggle many indignant youths are facing today, and where they will end up tomorrow. He also stresses the responsibility of teachers and how important their roles are, not only for the future of their students but for the future of the nation as well. The stories are real and Americans should quit ignoring the truth and finally make an effort to end the struggle that their predecessors cannot ignore. Our children need us to moderator them by improving education such as raising teachers’ salaries, extending the school year to year-around, or more importantly just taking responsibility. Logically speaking, parents entrust their children’s teachers a role they, the parents, were not trained for. Realistically, not only do teachers baby-sit many of their students, they are weighed down with responsibilities no lawyer or engineer will have to endure. Family and friends and teachers will influence the path a youth takes in life. He provides the fuel (determination) and the directions (knowledge) so the student can reach his destination. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2002-03 Edition, preparing students for the future workforce is the major stimulus generating the changes in education, and teachers provide the tools and environment for their students to develop these skills. These are the kinds of teachers we are looking for, but if we want more highly certified teachers, then there must be a change in the rate of pay because higher salaries lead to more applicants, and more applicants mean more quality teachers. During the summer vacation, most students began to either forget what they’ve learned or how to apply it, that is until school starts up again. But as the level of difficulty gets harder, this process will not work as efficiently. Having an all year-around school gives teachers more time to teach and more time for students to absorb what is being taught. When teachers spend individual time tutoring students it is less likely for those students to fail the course. Of course there is summer school, but in many cases the fee for class during the summer is costly for students who attend  inner-city schools. In today’s society, the majority of families have both adults away from the home while the children are left alone. While the kids are at school, they have the teachers to accompany them, but when they come home, and mom and dad are not there to regulate their activities, then the house is no longer a home but merely a place to come and go. A good connection between the parent and child usually keeps a healthy environment around the house, but outside the house scenarios change as well as the people the child is associating with. It’s another role of the parent to know where his child is at, at all times, who his child’s friends are, and to set a time as to when the kid most come home. Finally, the parent and child should get together and set a schedule up weekly that involves plenty of studying time, playtime and communication within the family. No matter what arguments arise either within the school or home, our children need us. Many kids have to be forced to their studies or to participate in class because they do not think as far ahead in the future as we, the parents and teachers, do. Higher salaries for teachers will lead to a better, qualified faculty, extended school to year-around will theoretically give more time for students to learn and absorb what is being taught in school, and the role of the parents to provide  their child the love and attention he needs as a guide in his road to success, are all of which Barber has emphasized as being important to a better academic system. We have yearned for a system that would work, but we just were not committed enough to do something about it. So until we do something about it, our children, America’s future, will continue to drown in this fast, growing society.

Book Analysis on “New York Burning” Essay

New York Burning is a book written by Jill Lepore narrating a story about parts of history in New York City. The book implies as to how single sort of slavery made such type of liberty in New York during 18th century, as NY was considered a dazzling city as the people will see such paved streets with parks and beech trees shading like of parasol with good oysters as there can be miserable truth of having no freedom. As the author of the book mentions that the city of New York has become city of slavery as it happened and having two hundred slaves being alleged of conspiring to blaze each structure and assassination of the whites as the book mentions that there were men and women being sold into slavery in the Caribbean and the alleged ringleaders were hanged and pardoned. Thus, there were enslaved men and women being conspired that involved deep indication of evidence as there is worth of survival and excavation as the conspiracy of the slaves will imply the casting of violent shadow as it parallels to the political scene. Slavery was then a political issue but, what occurred in New York suggests that there was exertion of authoritative influence dealing to the political existence as the slaves were being suspected of conspiracy as the book describes in the first two chapters. There was emergence of political parties but there are also those critical months of having political antagonism by means of burning black men in a sudden motion. The readers of New York Burning will be able to learn such immense situations concerning the politically-inclined ruthless English immigrant, by the name of Daniel Horsmanden as the court justice at the New York Supreme Court as Daniel played a crucial role for the transmutation of sequences relating to robberies as well as disbelieving fires and Horsmanden has shaped the past memory of terrible and not known incidence. EVALUATION The author of the book, Jill Lepore then rescue Horsmanden from darkness and places him on trial in the horrible burnings as well as hangings carried out through justice in Lepore’s creative retelling of catastrophic events as Lepore saw New York’s unstable political days and certain ideas informed as it is crucial for the understanding of the plot jolt as Lepore believes that what transpired during the year 1741 was clear in light of continuing the discussion regarding freedom and slavery that originated in 18th-century English political civilization in New York City. The parallelism amid the challenge over the accurate to utter opinion in publishes and desire of slaves to expand personal liberty that was outstanding to the people. Amicably, Lepore succeeded in persuading her readers about the flow of logical sanctions in looking at the city of New York as there was the presence of the enslaved blacks determined to be heard as there supposition of political adversary as frightening as it was. There was Lepore’s expedition into the characteristics of New York City that includes such wellbeing and hygiene issues as well as the job routine of imprisoned men. The author of New York Burning demonstrated a well-developed communications system having the major node at Comfort’s glowing joined by discrete slaves mutually. Whether the country’s blacks were being far connected than the whites had think of as there ever conspired in committing the actions as emotional that remain unlock question. In the book, Horsmanden was being keen to provide credibility to assumption that mayhem was intended and subtly unlikely acknowledgment of the African Americans who were frantic to set aside the value of life but, such possible criminals in view as to whom Horsmanden had documented as the well-known individual Catholics have twisted in obliterating as there was the alleged evidence of Catholic scheme as personified in person of John Ury, another arbitrator that allocated responsibility for disaster in New York into overarching Catholic scheme. Moreover, Jill Lepore discerns diverse plots of unlike degree of likelihood as Lepore train her interests on plots that encouraged the New Yorkers to agree in placing of bereavement of many slaves and deport of others and there downplays the position of non-Catholic emotion within catastrophe that occurred. Thus, Lepore’s New York Burning has done a marvelous post of demystifying Horsmanden’s powerful manuscript and changes how the people believe about years in the history of New York as one important theme that Lepore pursues, is the unsafe lawful events that positioned stern limitations on civil liberties of the black defendants as they had nix right to have guidance and if Horsmanden is envoy, there can be ridiculed evidence as disliked. Moreover, in the book, Lepore had discovered certain religious timbre as the author noted that few slaves like for instance, the Portuguese-influenced Angola and Kongo had come across the presence of Christianity in African region. Henceforth, Jill Lepore explained and discussed the labor of Anglican catechist and has portrayed how several Protestants opposed the initiation of slaves because of fear that it can impudent the belief for freedom. Furthermore, Lepore seems to float along with unreeling story of scheme as can be partially true and adding up the drama as Lepore merge her voice with the witnesses. Aside, Lepore reported on rules and made criminals of priests ingoing the settlement of terror in New York of a lurking offshore. Amazingly, Lepore offers no clear conclusion about whether there was really a plot of Horsmanden’s diary having approval but still there is less doubt that the action case was bogus as the author of the book has also shed grave hesitation on veracity among confessions in viewing that prosecutors have urge admission as best way for accused in run off for his finish. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the book was well-written and thoroughly researched that has a gripping account of proceedings that led to the bonfires of the Negroes as the author’s description is vibrant and challenging and has evoke New York in its ethical and corporeal scruffiness within vision of freedom. Upon its ending, there were thirteen slaves being burned and seventeen being dangled and hundreds were locked up as Lepore writes the prison is like the hull slave craft and argued that some slaves were plotting alongside masters of Masonic ceremonies and masquerade priests. In New York Burning, Jill Lepore describe theatrical events with better breaking study as there explores the social climate of epoch but, Lepore noticeably show how danger of black revolt had united the white pluralities of cultural panic and aggression. Thus, Lepore’s meticulous research confronted the reader with dreadful ending as the respected citizens will permit to death of humans as the author, Lepore provide the reader with better milieu on approaches of New York whites headed for slaves and Lepore has done magnificent job of past investigation and understanding and straddling better column amid accepted work and works of educational account. Therefore, Jill Lepore’s use of the position and instance is motivating and Lepore’s account of New York Burning has brought useful awareness behind the beautiful story it has given to the readers of history. New York Burning by Jill Lepore was really an eye-catching book endowed by masterpiece encircles with lush mind’s eye in exceptional blend that is phenomenal learning and terrific writing as Lepore implies that the. New York Burning informs a matter of terrible story in city which was bloody than Salem along the pursuits of slavery with development of actions that surrounds the American Revolution denoting a serious instances from within the book content. I agree that New York Burning was an exceptional book by Jill Lepore that has exposed the dismay of slavery as the book describes in immense facet of independence in lieu to slavery realities in New York. Then, Lepore pointed out the fear of slave rebellion as a reliable theme all throughout the days within colonies. Reference: Lepore, J. (2005). New York Burning: Liberty, Slavery and Conspiracy in Eighteenth-Century Manhattan About the Author Jill Lepore is a Professor of History at Harvard University and also the author of The Name of War: King Philip’s War and the Origins of American Identity both won the Bancroft Prize and Phi Beta Kappa’s Ralph Waldo Emerson Award. Jill Lepore is contributor to The New Yorker and resides in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Ethical Dimension of Private Corporations: Products and Danger and the Media Essay

Communication is the bedrock of any successful relationship. This doesn’t only apply to individuals as social beings but also groups both formal and informal. A breakdown in sound communication is often the source of many conflicts and at times crisis. Brad Fitch concurs with this in his book, the Media Relations Handbook of Public for Agencies, Associations, Nonprofits and Congress, when he states that communication is the conveying of message between two people. And that in public relations the message is conveyed through various vehicles, which are otherwise referred to as the public relations practitioner’s tools. These tools may vary from one organization to another but there are some basic tools that are common to most public relations shops. (23) In our contemporary world, the most reliable mode of conveying information is unarguably the media. This is because the media has diversified its mode of communication making itself accessible to audiences even in the most remote places. Above all, the media enjoys the trust of the public because it serves not only as the watch dog but also the mouth piece of the society. Alison Theaker also agrees with this fact when he alludes in his book, The Public Relations Handbook, which one of the reason public relations practitioners use media relations to get their message across is that the media plays crucial role in the forming public opinion. (Chapter 10) Subsequently, any media outlet worth its salt would utterly desist from engaging in any practice that would bring their dignity in question, and particularly so in the eyes of the public. One such practice is hinging their trust on a skewed public relation practice as the source of their news. It is thus prudent for any public relations practitioners of any organization to observe integrity in the course of their duty. This will boast the image of the organization in the perception of its various publics and more particularly the media. An organization has a lot to reap by presenting itself as a reliable source of news to the media. In any case, one of the most objective ways a media outlet can report on an organization is when they get the information through its public relations practitioners. Therefore how an organization uses the media to communicate to its other publics is of utmost importance. This not only determines the willingness of the media to cooperate but also how the targeted publics will respond. What then are the criteria an organization can employ to positively and effectively use or work with the media to reach out to its publics? Media Relations Defined The line delineating both media relation and public relations is not fine. Journalists often use the two terms interchangeably. But for starters, it is important to find out how the two terms marry and even differ. In Media Relations: Issues and Strategies, Jane Johnston argues that media relation is much more than just using the media to reach out to the targeted publics through writing press releases, and fielding media conferences. Indeed, the tenets of media relation consist of an insight on why we make communication choices and put them into practice. Therefore, a concrete theoretical underpinning is crucial for media relation, which in essence covers a broad spectrum of public relations. (28) However Johnston points out that before media relation can be theorized, it is important to get to the knowledge base of what consists of mass media itself and also what incorporate a deep understanding of the Fourth Estate, as it is often referred to and ultimately, the question of media ownership. (28) This is important in the sense that the ownership of a media outlet goes a long way to affects its objectivity or subjectivity on certain issues, especially political. In turn, this determines the audiences that will continue using that media channel as a source of news and information. And in cases a media outlet takes a radical, even controversial stand, it definitely scares away some of its audiences that don’t necessarily buy their opinion. A public relation practitioner using such a media outlet to convey its message should bear in mind that he/she is likely to miss reaching to the target audiences effectively as some, especially those contesting the media house stand may not be looking at it as a reliable source of news and information, leave alone using it. Sriramesh and Vercic agree with this in their book, The Global Public Relations Handbook: Theory, Research, and Practice. They claim that maintaining effective media relations demand that the public relations professionals understand the people who control the media outlet and whether such control does extend into editorial content. This is because some media houses operate free from the control of their people who own the outlets whereas others are only partly free. (13) Effective Application of Media Relations Every organization has communication needs by the virtue of having publics that it needs to communicate with. This could be during the launch of a certain new product or publicizing the details of an ensuing crisis. The media, though it is one of an organization’s public acts as a crucial bridge between an organization and its other publics. How well the media is used to reach out to the other publics by an organization goes a long way to determine the success of the public relations practice. For starters, the public relations department needs to come up with a campaign. This could either be to correct the image of the organization, which could be dwindling in the eyes of the public or it could be explain the features and advantages of the new product in the market. Alison Theaker points out in his book, Public Relations Handbook that to ensure the success of any such campaign, the first step that a public relations practitioner must take is to get their issue(s) into the media agenda. This is crucial because the media influence how people think. Therefore, if the public cannot buy the organization’s point of view, they will inevitably rely on the media’s point of view, even though it could be a garbled account. Often the media report inaccurately in cases where there is a crisis in an organization and there is limited news available from the public relations department. In the modern world, the ease with which varied points of views of a certain crisis reach people has increased considerably with the advancement of technology, the internet being the major source. However, most people still get most information through the media. Therefore, if the public relations practitioner of an organization is the main source of information on a subject, for instance, the launching of a new product or the fall out between the employees and the establishment, it is possible for them to shape the tone of debate about the product. The effort of getting commanding the media agenda is what Brad refers to as pitching a story. He points out that public relations practitioner of any organization has an agenda and wants the media houses to promote his/her messages. And if one wants to advance the goals of his/her organization then he/she must expend ample time by pitching story ideas to journalists. This demands preparations, the extent of which depends on the complexity of the story. The steps involved in pitching a story include: first narrowing the topic. Second is organizing and compiling the documents that may be needed to supplement the story: this could be previous reports, the organization’ in-house publications, information by the experts from a particular department in the organization. Then follows the development of talking points on the most news worthy aspects of the story; they need to be jotted down in advance and confirmed as valid arguments by the relevant experts in the organization. Then after determining the necessity of interviewing the management is when the news people can be called. Worth noting is that, it is imperative that the public relations practitioner succeed to get the attention of the media in order for him/her to get into their agenda. Apart from demonstrating themselves as credible sources of news, the public relations practitioners have to adequately prepare the message that they intend to bring to the public domain. The media is in business and wouldn’t work on any information that doesn’t fall within their criterion of news worthiness. The public relations practitioners should therefore not present to the media any message that is outside their definition of news. Such messages won’t be publicized by the media. The process of message development is one of the most difficult aspects of a public relations practitioner’s job because it demands savvy political skills, coordination among diverse interests within an organization and most importantly creativity. Developing a message and communication plan is the tangible beginning of the partnership between a public relation office and the media. 49) In order for an appropriate message to be created, the specific characteristics of the targeted public should be borne in mind, without forgetting their specific communication needs like language appropriateness and the media channel. The advantages of taking into consideration the above requirements before setting out to design a message cannot be overlooked. The failure to address them in a message means that a campaign will most definitely fail to achieve its goals. A message, according to Brad Fisch’s definition is a precise elaboration of an idea or a vision with the intent of bringing out a broad theme or to mobilize people to carry out a specific action. A good message, therefore, must be short and clear as this enables easy comprehension; it must also bear a value based image: this enhances its reception to the targeted audience. And ultimately it must connect with the targeted audience in a meaningful way. In a market place, Brad points out; a slogan sums up a product’s image. The message development does vary on the basis of the particular type of organization under which it is being crafted. The way a manufacturing company designs it message is not the way a communication company will design their. This is because the publics of the two organizations do vary, hence the particular channel and language to reach them effectively. There are two categories of messages which Brad outlines. This he defines as strategic and campaign messages. Strategic messages are broad in themes, they also bear ideas, which guide and shape all communication processes. Such messages are composed of general ideas. To add on that, they do not have a clearly measurable outcome and their goals may or may not fit into a limited time period. Strategic messages come in the form of company marketing or branding in a commercial set up; whereas, in a public affairs environment, the strategic message is tied to the overall, long-term mission of the organization. (Media Relations Handbook, 50) Campaign message on the other hand, consists of messages that predominantly intend to mobilize publics towards carrying out a certain activity. For instance, a telephone organization could be losing oodles of money through vandals who are stealing cables and booths. This heinous work is definitely interrupting the operations of the company and even affection its various publics. Using the media, the public relations office of the company can come up with a message soliciting help from the public to stop the vandalism. This message could consist of a passionate appeal to the public to forward any such vandals, with a promise of a reward and protection. The message could also outline the effects of vandalism to the public at large, one of which is the interruption of communication. In sum, a campaign message is a subset of a strategic message. This is due to the fact that its composition is made up of specific ideas. To add on that, it has a definite time limit or in other words, a particular practical result, which usually is a measurable outcome. A campaign message often results in legislations to curb a vice or legalize an idea. (51) Through the interactions between an organization and the media, the public relation facilitates a central part in presenting words and images to society which in turn shapes perceptions. Due to that, one fact that should be taken into account during the development of the message it is important that the public relations practitioner be in the know of how news is manufactured. He /she must be conversant with the qualities that add up to a news story: press men won’t get interested with a story that contains no news. These qualities include prominence, proximity, timeliness, impact, conflict, novelty, money and human interest. These news values frame an event and render it comprehensible to the public in terms of ideological system. They form the basis on which reporters use to select what makes news or not. ( Johnston, Media Relations, 29) After developing the message, the next stage is reaching out to the media which will in turn pass it over to the other publics. One way this is done is through press releases. Brad argues that press release is the fundamental tool in public relations. One of the benefits of press releases is that they form short, clear, historical records and policy positions, announcements and events of an organization. The sole goal of a press release is to convince journalists to do a story from its contents. Previously the main audience of press releases was the journalists. But technology, particularly the use of the website has nowadays expanded audiences of press release beyond journalists. In order to quickly get the attention of journalists the press release precisely proves that it’s worth their pursuit. In this case, the wording of the headline and the intro are of utmost importance. (25) The other ways through which the message can be sent out to the publics is through letters to the editor in newspapers and magazines, op-eds, advertorials or press conferences. In this discuss, we won’t focus on them for they in essence seem to play a peripheral role as the modes of communication in media relations. The successful development of the message is the threshold of successful communication. Nonetheless, far from creating a punchy message that is acceptable with the media and sending it out, it advantageous for the public relations practitioner to have an in-depth knowledge about the media industry itself. Contrary to what it seems, the news media isn’t only made up of one established conglomerate. It is rather made up of a range of different elements, and within them are many individual workers who work as independent thinkers. Thus, the news media should be considered in the context of individual news worker. This will enable a public relations practitioner to adequately developing and enhancing professional relationships with media practitioners. ( Johnston, Media Relations 42) Getting to know press men as individuals does create a fertile ground for the prosperity of media relations. For one, once a cordial relationship is established between the two, a public relation practitioner will not be trying to reach out to a stranger to get help communicate with the publics of his/her organization. Neither will he/she be having an opportunity to compromise the professionalism of his/her work or that of the press people. He/she will be enjoying an opportunity to be explained to the public through media ‘friends’ who are willing to relay his/her point of view about the product or crisis in question. Another way to enhance a robust media relation in an organization is by creating a clear cut structure of the public relations department. This will involve the job description of each and every personnel in the department. Besides erasing the duplication of duties, such an arrangement grants the onus of communicating to the media to only one person. This helps to improve consistency in the message that is reaching the publics through the media; this personnel is what Brad refers to a principal. He argues that in any public affairs-related operation there should a person who should be the leader and thus the spokes person of the organization. Much of the communication that an organization is responsible for creating will therefore have to flow through him/her. It is recommended that that principal be conversant with almost all the activities of the organization and even know the people in charge at all levels of the organization. (Brad, Media Relations Handbook, 5) Johnston posits that media relations are mostly considered not a complex issue as management; or as urgent an issue as crisis management; neither as personal as community relations nor as specialized as financial relations but rather a ‘soft’ part of public relations. However, since media relations plays a crucial in each of the areas of public relations , it is more useful to regard it as providing important access point and avenues for the industry as a whole. Subsequently, a strong working relationship with the media translates into smoother practices right across the spectrum of public relations activities and functions. The value of media relations can hardly be overlooked. The media have come to define themselves as a site where politics and public life are played out. Due to that any issue that is not validated by the media is considered less important, as not having any significance on the public agenda. The media, therefore, helps to position a person, issue, event or organization within the context of public life. Consequently, the value of media relations lies in tapping the media’s radar and ultimately the media’s agenda. (Jane Johnston, Media Relations: Issues and Strategies, 11)