School Does Not Prepare You for Life

It is argued that school is designed to teach individuals how to teach themselves, but many scholars who study the state of academia would argue this is not the case. It is a common belief that the western private schools and universities are industrialized markets more focused on their profit margins, and pleasing parents, than preparing their students for the real world. The public school system is even worse off in that their infrastructure and supplies are largely dependent on the average income tax of their local communities, which in most urban areas barely makes the grade. Not often considered to be a home for organizations, the schooling industry in the United Kingdom has become a major source of profitable income. A national curriculum is mandatory in all state schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and for virtually every student up to the age of 16. It is organized by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and its partner authorities, the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales and the Northern Ireland Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) (HayGroup, 2006). The main aim of the national curriculum is to raise standards, making sure all children have a broad and balanced education up to the age of 16. In the past, many students dropped important subjects like modern language or science at 13 or 14 (Boone, 2006). If these mergers become successful, no different from major corporations, they mean expanded profit margins for whoever holds the asset. These schools are already considered financial assets, through the increase in property value around them, whether the property is owned by the government or privately owned (Boone, 2006). This is not a major issue for public schools, but when you consider privately owned schools, or Universities, the profitability of these corporations pedaling degrees must be realized. More often than not, these Universities are considered to be doing a common good, and therefore held in the charitable status tax bracket, where they are to very minimally taxed. This leads to more profit gains, and less reason to complicate the curriculum even if it fails to serve its purpose. In her essay, From Social Class and the Hidden Curriculum of Work Jean Anyon identifies the hypocrisies in the education system. One of her major points is that in the higher income classrooms the majority of the students’ parents are executives, and only 10% are minorities. A common finding in her research is that the working class schools lack the necessary materials, or faculty, to be considered equal with the other school systems. Anyon also argues that the curriculums are different. students in different social-class backgrounds are rewarded for classroom behaviors that correspond to personality traits allegedly rewarded in the different occupational strata – the working classes for docility and obedience, the managerial classes for initiative and personal assertiveness. (Anyon, 1980) The defining line of the difference between what Anyon considers to be the executive curriculum and the working class is that the use of efficient learning methods verses inefficient forms. Historically, the most efficient form of learning used in the west, more so than textbooks, is the field trip; this is also known as project based learning (B. I. E. , 2002). It is also a very expensive learning tool, which is why most lower class curriculums are deprived of it. Project based learning has a long lived tradition of learning through the use of field trips, labs, investigations and other projects. It is considered to be a substantial method of teaching. The belief that drives this form of instructions revolves around the idea that students will be more liable to gain interest in curriculum that they can connect to their surroundings. Just studying the work in a text can grow to be mundane. When she analyzes elementary and secondary classroom curriculums, she finds a methodology very different from what is inherent in Project based education. Anyon discovers that the majority of contemporary textbook instruction is designed for the working class. PBL programs are usually not supported in public schools because they are too expensive. This difference is usually applicable to public schools and whether one is located near high income housing or low income housing. In sum, the school system in the U. K. suffers from capitalist interests, so much so that it fails to prepare its students for the real world. A lack of project based learning in lower income schools deprives the majority of the U. K. population of having real life instruction. Likewise, the upper class institutions that Anyon refers to, while they prepare students for executive positions, they handicap the students from ever being able to handle manual labor in the real world (Anyon, 1980). The end result is a generation of students that are socioeconomically segregated and that lack the necessary resourcefulness to survive on their own. School systems today produce students who are reliant on major corporations to employ them for skills they were predisposed to having.

Effectiveness of Double Entry Accounting System Essay

Giving examples, evaluate the effectiveness of the controls in the double entry system of accounting in ensuring the accuracy of the accounts. As well as examining the controls, your evaluation should consider errors that do not affect the balancing of the trial balance. Double entry accounting system was invented in 15th century and still being in use until today, this is quite an interesting fact; however it indicates that there is something about the system, thus making it so effective and irreplaceable. To evaluate the effectiveness of the controls in the double entry system, we should first question ourselves why is double entry book keeping system is still being used until today. Double entry book keeping is very useful because it can help spotting a lot of errors that accountants make every day. The fact of the matter is, that every transaction is being entered twice, which can eliminate some of the errors, that otherwise could have been missed out. For example, an accountant has debited ? 1409 P. Vasiljev’s account instead of ? 490, however because he had to credit the bank account as well, he looked at the transaction again, and spotted the error. Furthermore this system helps us to find errors using trial balance. As the trial balance will eventually be produced, it will identify whether or not, total of debit will equal to credit, if not, it indicates that errors has been made. Despite the fact, there are errors that double entry accounting will be unable to reveal, which will be shown below. (http://www. canhamrogers. com, 2011) Complete Reversal of Entries A payment of ? 16 to V. Putin, a supplier, was debited in the cash book and credited to V. Putin’s account. Compensating Error The bank account is under cast by ? 3000. The salaries account is also under casts by the same amount. Error of Omission The sale of products, ? 100 (plus VAT) to G. Bush, has been completely omitted from the books. Error of Commission A purchase of stock, ? 305 from D. Johnson was miss entered in J. Cena’s account. Error of Principle The purchase of a new office table, ? 150, is debited by mistake to the purchases account instead of equipment account. Error of Original Entry Rent of ? 96 paid by cash was entered in the both accounts as ? 69. Control Accounts A control account is a summary account in the general ledger. The details that support the balance in the summary account are contained in a subsidiary ledger – a ledger outside of the general ledger. The purpose of the control account is to keep the general ledger free of details, yet have the correct balance for the financial statements. For example, the Accounts Receivable account in the general ledger could be a control account. If it were a control account, the company would merely update the account with a few amounts, such as total collections for the day, total sales on account for the day, total returns and allowances for the day, etc. The details on each customer and each transaction would not be recorded in the Accounts Receivable control account in the general ledger. Rather, these details of the accounts receivable activity will be in the Accounts Receivable Subsidiary Ledger. This works well because the employees working with the general ledger probably do not need to see the details for every sale or every collection transaction. However, the sales manager and the credit manager will need to know detailed information on individual customers, including whether a customer recently reduced their account balance. The company can provide these individuals with access to the Accounts Receivable Subsidiary Ledger and can keep the general ledger free of a tremendous amount of detail. (accountingcoach. com, 2011) Explain the importance of accurate accounting records in meeting the needs of the business and its stakeholders. Accounting is a very important tool in order to keep track of quantifiable factors of the business. The accounts are often used to demonstrate the flow of the money within the organisation. They are also made to organise financial information of the business in order for it to be analysed to see how well the business is doing, how much it is worth, and how much profit it is making. Accounting is making it easier to then demonstrate the outcomes and results of the business. With that being said, it is very clear that it is crucial for the accounts to be accurate. For the business it is important for the various reasons. First of all the business wants to see how well it is doing every year, that includes it’s gross and net profit, the worth of its assets and liabilities, etc. The accuracy of this information is vital, as the organisation’s leadership can then analyse this information and make decisions according to the outcomes. Second of all if the accounts are being produced inaccurate or incorrect, the organisation will most likely make wrong decisions, which may lead it to the loss of money or even bankruptcy. Secondly accurate accounts will help the day-to-day operations of the business. However stakeholders are also interested in the accuracy of the accounts for the various reasons presented below: Employees Employees of the business rely on accounts to receive the wages and salaries they have earned, this means that if accounts of the organisation are made inaccurately it may lead to employees receiving wrong amount of money, which is dreadful for various reasons. If the wages are overpaid, it means that the organisation has lost funds it shouldn’t have, whereas if they are underpaid it may lead to serious circumstances such as legal claims. Investors Investors that plan to invest funds into the organisation would look into accounts of the business in order to find whether it is profitable to put their money into the company. The accounts of the organisation will often be analysed, this means that the decision they make, will be dependent on the accounts, which is why it is vital for them, that the accounts are accurate. Board o Directors Board of directors, or the owner of the business, is analysing the accounts on the regular basis, whether it is monthly or annually. The decisions that the organisation is making regarding strategy, approach, etc. are dependent on the accounts. This is why it is critical that the accounts made are accurate, as if they aren’t wrong decision could be made, which may lead the company to huge financial losses. Government As all the businesses accounts must be submitted to the government, usually annually, it means that government would need accounts to be accurate. This is due to the fact that government would need to overlook the accounts in order to see whether all the taxes are being paid, and that everything remains under the law. Suppliers After producing â€Å"T accounts† and making few errors myself, it is now clearly seen that suppliers want accurate accounts in order to receive right amounts of money, once they’ve sold goods on credit to the company. If some of the entries within â€Å"T accounts† are entered inaccurately, the payment may be made to different supplier. Adding to that the business may underpay the supplier, which is not acceptable by any means.

White-collar Crime Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

White-collar Crime - Essay Example White-collar crimes normally take place within a business and can involve embezzlement, lying, cheating, fraud, or blackmail. The individual uses resources that their business has to offer to allow them to achieve whatever their crime is, though they mainly involve money or stealing items or services to sell illegally to others. However, there are also instances of white-collar crime that consists of a high social class, respected individual committing a crime someplace other than their place of employment. Examples of this would be an individual attempting to fraud a bank, becoming involved in racketeering, or even a person using someone else’s position in business for personal gain (Wand, 2009). What sets white-collar crimes apart from other crimes, such as street crimes, is not so much the individual committing the crime, but the crime itself. White-collar crimes tend to be sophisticated in nature, as well as less violent. A street criminal would hold up a convenience store at gunpoint to obtain money, yet a white-collar criminal would fraud a bank or counterfeit money. A street criminal may harm someone in the process of his robbery, but this is uncommon in white-collar crime, though it still has the chance of happening. Reference Wand, K. (2009). White-collar crime. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale Cengage Learning.

Incidence of ill effects from exposure to the radio frequency Essay

Incidence of ill effects from exposure to the radio frequency emissions emitted from wireless cell phones - Essay Example It is also generally believed that children are at a greater risk of being effected from the RFR since they are in the process of growth. Research has also shown that the Radio Frequency Radiation could also be dangerous for the unborn child during pregnancy. Since mobile phones are a new technique, there is a need to study the long-term ill effects caused by the RF emitted from the mobile phones. Further study in this field is also needed to clarify certain inconclusive research. Over the past few years, there has been a rapid growth in the use of the mobile phones, wireless local area networks (WLANs) and other wireless devices all over the world. Such wireless devices emit Radio Frequency/ Electromagnetic waves that, under certain conditions, can have undesirable effects on human health. Different individuals, in particular, use cell phones in different ways. Some people use the mobile phones for an extended period of time due to which their head is exposed to radiation. However, people seem to ignore the safety measures due to the lack of awareness of the ill effects caused by exposure to such radiation. There has been no conclusive research published on the ill effects caused by exposure to Radio Frequency emitted from wireless cell phones. Still in various countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, the governments have made it necessary that the cell phones carry a health warning about their ill effects. Although no possible links have been found of the relationship between the RFR emitted from the wireless cell phones and the major ill effects. However some research carried out in this field has shown that the RFR emitted from wireless cell phones could interfere with the pacemakers, could effect the blood brain barrier, could damage the DNA which could lead to abnormal genetic changes. Research has also shown that the radio frequency could also

Anthem case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Anthem - Case Study Example lth identification numbers, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, employment information and income data had been illegally accessed by an unauthorised party (Humer, 2015). This is a major crisis for the company as 78.8 million people including minors had their information compromised (Abelson & Goldstein, 2015). This therefore, exposed just how vulnerable the company is to cyber attacks, thus necessitating the strengthening of its IT system security. Being the among the largest health insurance companies in the United States, this situation received immense media attention. The media attention was also great as this is considered to be the worst cyber attack to have hit a health insurance company in the US. Different media companies such as the Forbes, Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, Reuters and NBC, among others highlighted this issue. The stakeholders of Anthem include its employees, current customers, past enrolees, suppliers, Independent Blue Cross, Blue Shield, shareholders, the public, the government and media. The fact that this company has many stakeholders implies that this data breach affected many parties. Strong growth in revenues: Over the years, Anthem has experienced an increase in its revenues. For instance, since 2000, it is estimated that the revenues of Anthem have grown at a compound rate of about 24.1%. In 2003, Anthem experienced an increase of $3,486.6 million in its revenue; and this was an increase of 26.8% as compared to 2002. Strong focus on technology: Anthem is highly focused on IT leading to a reduction in its processing time and saving on costs. Anthem reduced its cost of claim processing per claim from $2.50 to 14 cents. Additionally, Anthem collaborated with Accenture to develop a digital pen technology that would aid digital capturing and sending of medical claim information (Anthem Health Insurance, 2015). Strong brand association: Anthem is closely associated with

Th_ Correlation B_tw__n Attendance Patterns And Math Scores of 10th Dissertation

Th_ Correlation B_tw__n Attendance Patterns And Math Scores of 10th grade High School Students In New York - Dissertation Example Likewise, for Grade 10 mathematics specific to New York State. This study will take two main methodological approaches, first, the correlative method and second, a regression analysis. Both methods will approach the connection between the two variables in question in order to determine whether or not the effect of absenteeism has the same impact as it does on other disciplines and at other grade levels. Both the correlative method and the regressive analysis will also be applied to a number of variables associated with absenteeism. Can it be said that the causes of absenteeism are the very same for low academic results? Likewise, which among the variables can be said to be the most significant among the different correlations related to absenteeism. Is there one variable which stands out amongst all of the others? This question too will be addressed through the correlative method alongside a regression analysis. In the second half of this analysis, this study will look at some of the limitations of the study. It will be argued that OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the following is to establish a methodology in order to determine whether there is a correlation between attendance and achievement in Grade 10 mathematics among students in New York State. ... The following will outline the basic methods for investigation which will be the correlation method – that is, a correlation between achievement and absenteeism. Second, the main methodological approach will be a regression analysis. This will take into consideration further variables including those which contribute to absenteeism. Finally, this analysis will turn to some of the limitations of the proposed study. It will be maintained that some of the main problems with the study in question, concerns some ethical considerations around race and ethnicity, and in turn, the consequences of the study. It will be maintained that while the approach to the study is fairly straight forward in methodological terms, there are some limitations in regard to the subject matter and how the very sensitive issue of race and ethnicity is dealt with in the analysis. METHODOLOGY. CORRELATIVE METHOD: Correlation is the linear relationship that defines two succinct variables, and the coefficient is the measure or relationship between the two variables expressed in a numerical term. In the present study, the main variables to consider as correlates are 'attendance' and 'achievement' in the subject of mathematics. The value of such a correlation coefficient lies somewhere between the integers of +1 and -1 which are positive and negative coefficients respectively, and they both represent a perfect positive or negative coefficient. That is, a coefficient of -1 is a perfect negative correlation and +1 is a perfect positive correlation [Cohen, Manion & Morrison, 2005 p. 193]. Phrased in different terms, if an analysis produces either coefficient there is a conclusive relationship defined by the coefficients in question,

Information Security Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6000 words

Information Security Management - Essay Example There is a need for ensuring an appraisal of the operations of the information system at Hewlett-Packard in a bid to consolidate an organized arrangement in the prevention of danger. In view of the rise in the level of an insecure system within the operation systems of Hewlett Packard, there is a need to come up with various measures that can curb the danger that the company is exporting. In addition, there is also need for addressing the possibility of the occurrence of disasters like fire that may end up damaging property within the company. Presently, the operating system the staff is using is susceptible to threats outside and within the company. There is need for a safe operating system that the staff uses in order to ensure confidentiality of information within the organization. This report comes up with the appropriate recommendations that have to be considered to ensure safety of the entire operating system. There were complaints raised regarding the access of computers without the knowledge of the users of the computers. The report looks at the provision of the use of passwords and various data storage devices within the organization. This research was conducted through investigation and filling of questionnaires by the staff members. A number of 250 questionnaires were distributed to the employees, and they were filled based on the scales that surround that security and confidentiality of the jobs that they do. The survey concentrated purely on the security of the work being done rather than the individual details in the environment. The staff members who took part in the survey were volunteers and their details were anonymous. The management having been briefed of the challenges being faced within the firm, they decided to appoint a team of IT experts led by the IT systems administrator to look into the situation and address the matter amicably before it got out of

Business Financing and the Capital Structure Essay - 6

Business Financing and the Capital Structure - Essay Example Raising finance through friends and family members is the least expensive way to access funds since it avoids high interest loans. Friends and family members are more patient than lenders, such as banks. The major disadvantage is that the owners must give out approximately 50% of their business to the outsiders. This puts the venture in danger of losing their business fully. Some of them may over expect the amount of profits. This brings misunderstandings because they expect more than can be afforded. Investments from family and friends require a good explanation about the impact of the venture. The financial arrangements should all be business-like. Formal business processes should be followed regardless of the relationship between the lender and the borrower. The details of the borrowed money should be outlined. This involves the means of payment, and what would happen in case the business does not prosper (Wolff, 2000). The borrower should not accept more money than the investor could afford to lose. It may render the company bankrupt. Finally, a written contract should be availed for the business owner, friends, and family. The business should treat the money as bridge financing to the next financing level (Boa and Edmans, 2007). Any payment schedule developed should suit the entrepreneur and the lender. An exit plan should be available describing how the investors will cash out the investments. Debt capital is loan obtained that must be returned with interest. Debt capital form of financing has higher interest rate than loans given to small companies since they have higher risks of return trade off than bigger corporate consumers do. The entrepreneurs maintain complete ownership of the business. Borrowed capital is a liability on the balance sheet. The major advantage of debt financing is that the lender cannot own the business. Those who lend capital only require interest on the loan given. Debt financing cost

Development of LED Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Development of LED - Research Paper Example The light-emitting diode produces light that is uniformly dispersed, and the output of the light is equally dispersed over the lens that makes them brighter than the lamps of incandescent. Light-emitting diodes are efficient in energy and can produce a light output of up to ninety percent while producing very little heat while the bulbs of incandescent generate heat by using ninety percent of there energy. An additional loss of energy is experienced in the lamps of incandescent when it comes to its use in the traffic signal. This is so as it only produces white light which has to be filtered for a traffic signal. On the other hand, light-emitting diode produces light that are colored, therefore, dose not need any filtering out. All the energy produced is intense around one colored band, and no energy is wasted on colors that are undesired. The need for finding a way to the reduction of the energy consumption and reduction in the global warming is the drive for the development of energy saving electrical device. The innovation of the light-emitting diode has greatly contributed to energy conservation. However, the little problem face by the device is that it dose not operate efficiently in regions that experience snow and in the very cold environment. However, the technologies in developing heat sink which will transfer heat that is produced at the junction to the recommended areas of the light fixture the problem will be solved. The device will work well in all the climatic condition (Gu, Alex and Nadarajah, pg 1-10). Light emitting diodes are p-n junction devices that are constructed using semiconductors such as gallium phosphide, gallium arsenide, or gallium arsenide phosphide emitting light in the far IR (940m), red or yellow and red or green regions respectively. In a light-emitting diode, the light color depends on the semiconductors used band gap, as the gap increases, the light changes from red, orange, yellow,

Cleopatras hand Essay Example for Free

Cleopatras hand Essay After listening to Cleopatras poor advice he then flees the battle to follow her, his heart. Once Antony has recovered from the embarrassment of fleeing battle he regains the upper hand in a violent scene with a messenger from Caesar who has kissed Cleopatras hand. This scene parallels a similar scene between Cleopatra and a messenger when she found out about Antonys marriage to Octavia. Throughout the argument there are recurrent references to food, love and the supernatural. The hyperbolic language is an open expression of their excessive love and passion for each other. Antony shouts and makes a lot of noise throughout the argument as he is trying to regain his once respected position. He is totally aware of the fact he is loosing power to Cleopatra this is why he is acting in such an arrogant manner toward the messenger and his lover. In Act three scenes eight, nine and ten the battle of Actium is about to begin and there is fierce fighting and violence in the next three scenes but the audience would not see this as it is set offshore. In Act four Scene twelve Antony is infuriated as the Egyptian fleet has surrendered and he feels Cleopatra has betrayed him. He takes a very Roman view of Cleopatra and refers to her as a witch. Antony foresees his own demise and this is delivered to us through imagery in his speech; Osun, thy uprise shall I see no more. This is suggesting Antonys thoughts about his suicide. The two lovers have a bitter quarrel in which Antony uses very graphic imagery for example; Octavia plough they visage up/ With her prepared nails! Cleopatra flees in terror and goes to her monument. The uses of hyperbolical and simple language throughout this scene show the contrast between the two main characters in their struggle for power. At the end of this scene Antony has the upper hand as Cleopatra has left, but she soon regains power over him. Act four Scene fourteen shows Antony at a remarkably low point. Mardian, a messenger from Cleopatra brings news of her death and Antony decides it must be the end for him too. But Cleopatra is not actually dead. Even in Antonys low times his soldiers would rather die than kill him as we find out when Eros kills himself. Even as Antony falls on his sword he is making reference to love and sex: A bridegroom in my death and run intot / As to a lovers bed. Cleopatras power over him it at its most evident when he kills himself because of her death. Whilst he is bleeding to death he finds out that she is not dead and has a very unusual reaction. It shows his great love for her yet again, even thought she had lead him to make the most flawed decision possible, killing himself. Even in Act four Scene fifteen, Antonys death scene, we are aware of Cleopatras power over Antony. She takes control and wants to speak even though Antony is dying, interrupting his dying words; No, let me speak Cleopatra says this so she can have the final word, though this is not intended as she does love him. As Antony is dying he speaks about himself in the third person, giving himself a regal address to prove he has achieved honour even if it is in death. Not Caesars valour hath oerthrown Antony,/But Antonys hath triumphd on itself. Cleopatra changes her tone considerably after Antonys death. She becomes very subdued and dignified which leads to a restrained end to a tempestuous scene. Cleopatra ends the play in Act five with all the power, as Antony is dead and she still has the final scene to herself which is very unusual as a female character is never given the final scene. She has achieved power over Antony in his life and his death proving she is a domineering and ingenious woman, much to the Romans disapproval. In conclusion, Shakespeares handling of the balance of power is wonderfully documented through the plot of the play and through his use of language. The lifestyle enjoyed by Antony and Cleopatra is shown through the hyperbolical poetry.

An Analysis Of Shanghai Volkswagen

An Analysis Of Shanghai Volkswagen Shanghai Volkswagen is one of the largest single foreign-invested projects ever conceived in China and has proven to be a successful development. Com- pared with Beijing Jeeps course, the German ventures progress was steady and smooth. In 1997 Shanghai Volkswagen headed the list of the top 500 foreign-funded enterprises operating in China. It is a joint venture between Volkswagen of Germany and Shanghai Automobile Industry Corporation. It posted a 21.3-percent rise in sales of its Santana model for the first seven months of 1997 in comparison to the same period in 1996 and reported a 10- percent increase in net profits for 1997 to 472.6 million renminbi. This will further the ventures reputation as the most successful partnership in Chinas car industry (Woodard 2002, p 39). Volkswagen has an aim as part of its global competition strategy to build up a business base in the Far East that will limit the dominance of Japanese firms. Its strategy is for China to become a big export base for the whole of Southeast Asia. In the year 2003 Volkswagen wants to be able to go to Japan with German-engineered cars that are produced in China. Officially, the company plans to produce nearly 700,000 cars by 2000 (Ball McCulloch 2005, p 77). However, the vision calls for at least a million cars. Shanghai Volkswagen was built on a more solid mutual foundation than the Jeep venture. In October 1984 a joint-venture agreement was signed between Volkswagen AG (VW AG) and a consortium of Chinese partners led by the Shanghai Automotive Industrial Corporation (SAIC), the Bank of China, and the Chinese National Automotive Industrial Corporation (CNAIC). Literature Review The agreement, valued at I billion renminbi, established a twenty-five-year Sino- German partnership with 50-percent equity provided by VW AG, 25 percent by SAIC, 15 percent by the Bank of China, and 10 percent by CNAIC. Initial equity from the partnership was used to finance the renovation of production facilities, to import production lines from Brazil, and to import the Santana completely knocked-down kits (CKDs). The new joint venture was christened Shanghai Volkswagen (Raveed Renforth 2007, p 49). Over the previous five-year period, the Chinese consortium had negotiated with more than eight international automobile manufactures before opting for a partnership with Shanghai Volkswagens German parent. As the second automobile joint venture in China after Beijing Jeep, the joint venture planned to manufacture automobiles and engines and was granted a special tax relief under Chinese guidelines for advanced technology partnerships: a standard two-year tax holiday and a special six- year reduced tax rate exclusive to Shanghai Volkswagen, all in exchange for promised technology transfer (Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive Ltd. 2004, p 23). West German experiences with Socialist East Germany have contributed to an understanding of command economies and their shortcomings (Raveed Renforth 2007, p 48). Therefore, Volkswagen representatives already knew what and how to negotiate with the Chinese partners. The contract they negotiated with the Chinese was notable for attention to detail, and for its ability to predict future difficulties. On one part of the contract, the Germans insisted on the assembly of imported CKD kits (The Economist 1990, p 16). Other parts of the contract also demonstrated Volkswagens foresight. Anticipating the problem of paying for imported kits with Chinese renminbi remittances, the contract allowed Shanghai Volkswagen to convert RMB into German marks at the prevailing official exchange rate until the venture had produced 89,000 cars (Bates et al. 2008, p 6-7). Such a clause would help protect the company against foreign exchange shortage that could possibly occur within the venture. The contract took into account the need to localize the Santana model. According to the agreement, however, responsibility for providing quality parts made in China rested squarely with the Chinese; Volkswagen had no obligation to hasten the process (Woodard 2002, p 41). To help balance the foreign exchange flowing out of China to pay for kit imports, the contract called for the venture to purchase engines produced in Shanghai to be used in cars manufactured in Europe (Hook 2001, p 10). The earnings generated from such exports would support the use of foreign currency by Shanghai Volkswagen for importing the kits and later the foreign components used for assembly in China. In addition, the price Volkswagen would pay for each engine was predetermined. The primary concern was the possibility for localization. Localization was planned to start immediately in order to reduce the foreign exchange expense of importing the Santana kits from Germany. It was planned to reach a local content of 20 percent in 1988, 32 percent in 1989, and 84 percent in 1990 (Frisbie 2003, p 4). The negative factors were poor local supply, the Chinese partners existing technical capability, and foreign exchange. Volkswagen also worried about the effect poor-quality products would have on the companys reputation. At this time China was not known for its ability to manufacture complex products with dependable quality. The industrial infrastructure in the auto- mobile industry was poor. Components were imported because local suppliers could not manufacture them to the requisite quality standards. Imported components faced high import tariffs of 25 to 40 percent (The Economist 1990, p 16). The technical standards of Chinese automobile-component suppliers in 1986 were nearly thirty years behind component manufacturers of Europe, Japan, and the United States. Even some simple materials, such as sandpaper for polishing cars and major items such as batteries, had to be imported. Although an automobile industry did exist in China, quality parts were hard to find (Raveed Renforth 2007, p 47). The problem was the development of local suppliers who could make components to Western standards. Furthermore, Volkswagens technical staff found it difficult to communicate Volkswagens concept of quality to the Chinese autoparts manufacturers. Since Shanghai is the most developed industrial area in China, it was expected that car components could be locally made there in the near future (Hofstede 2006, p 25). Local supply was therefore expected to improve, but it would take time. In fact, the development of local capabilities was incredibly important to their ability to compete in the market and has proven to be the most troublesome feature of Shanghai Volkswagens short history. In order to increase the value of an automobile from China-based factories, and to prove that the Chinese automotive industry could indeed compete with foreign suppliers, Volkswagen worked with their European parts manufacturers to encourage their entry into China. Volkswagens technical staff sup- ported the m by assisting with the identification of possible Chinese partners for the various parts to be manufactured. Also, Shanghai Volkswagen encouraged Chinese suppliers to forge cooperative relations with peer parts makers from abroad. From Volkswagens supplier group, suitable partners were chosen by Chinese suppliers and formal joint-venture relations between foreign and domestic supplier firms were signed. In order to assure quality improvement, Shanghai Volkswagen rated its suppliers (Woodard 2002, p 43). The joint-venture contract specifically charged the Chinese with responsibility for providing parts of acceptable quality. It categorized its suppliers into A, B, or C classes: A suppliers produced parts of export standard, B suppliers produced parts used for the domestic market that were not yet of export quality, and C suppliers produced parts below even first-rate domestic standards (Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive Ltd. 2004, p 45). Because of Shanghai Volkswagens strict quality control and demands, it rewarded its suppliers handsomely. This reward would provide an incentive to the supplie rs so that they would maintain their quality standards. Shanghai Volkswagen promised to pay its suppliers a purchase price capped at the price of a similar import, in addition to custom duties (Ball McCulloch 2005, p 112). It guaranteed a profit for every manufacturer in its parts-supplier network. Furthermore, Shanghai Volkswagen organized their suppliers into the Santana Localization Community. The community served to forge closer ties between Shanghai Volkswagen and its suppliers, and more important, among the suppliers themselves. The organizing principle behind the localization community was the relentless pursuit of quality (U.S. China Business Council 2008, p 5). Throughout the barrage of Chinese criticism over localization levels, the Germans refrained from making their problems public. Volkswagen officials patiently allowed the Chinese to find a solution to problems. On the Chinese side, the government granted some incentive for the Germans to increase local content. After 40 percent of parts were localized, the imported parts were no longer considered CKD kits and were then taxed at a lower rate. Similar tax reductions were made once the 60- and 80-percent localization barriers were crossed. Although there were some components and tasks that were still impossible to source in China, the progress of localization did quite well (Hofstede 2006, p 8). Research Questions And Objectives To prove that German patience paid off in the long run. Local content was 70 percent after the engine and gearbox were localized in 1991. The company reached its goal of 80- percent local content in 1993 (Bates et al. 2008, p 8). By the end of 1995, 90 percent of the components were locally sourced. In the Changchun plant, local content was 40 percent for Audi and 60 percent for Jetta. The company had strong, reliable dealer and supplier networks in place. Shanghai Volkswagen made a profit largely because they were able to provide a substitute for imports from Japan, and because they were assisted by the high import tariff set by the Chinese government (Hofstede 2006, p 23). To prove the logistical importance of the Guangdong factory. It initially appeared to be a logical site for the new factory. The province had one of the highest standards of living in the country and had acquired extensive experience with joint-venture projects. Moreover, with Guangdong far from Beijings watchful eye, Peugeot officials anticipated a greater degree of managerial autonomy than a plant in northern China might enjoy. Local government support for the joint venture also seemed strong. Yet these apparent advantages could not shield the Sino-French joint venture from its share of difficulties (United Nations Centre on Transnational Corporations 2009, p 11). During the set-up phase, for example, Peugeot discovered that GPAC workers-formerly employed at the GAM bus and truck factory-had inadequate skills. Consequently, Peugeot had to spend more than anticipated, both on training PRC workers in Europe and sending French managers to the PRC. Commitments to localize parts production posed additional stumbling blocks for GPAC (United Nations Centre on Transnational Corporations 2009, p 6). Though the joint-venture contract called for GPAC vehicles to reach a 90-percent Chinese content level within five years of start-up, the French partner found few suppliers of quality parts in Guangdong and was prohibited by Guangzhou officials from sourcing from other regions in China. Peugeot, for its part, was slow to establish its own joint-venture parts manufacturers, a key to Volkswagen AGs success in Shanghai (Hook 2001, p 6). GPAC thus had to assemble automobiles largely from imported parts, which proved costly when the French franc appreciated some 110 percent against the renminbi in the late 1980s. The resulting rise in prices of imported parts, together with PRC localization and consumption taxes totaling more than 45,000 yuan ($12,000, based on the 1989 exchange rate) per vehicle, substantially raised the final prices of finished vehicles. In early 1990, for example, the companys model 505 station wagon sold for 200,000 yuan ($54,000), while Shanghai Volkswagen Co. Ltd.s Santana, which was subject to similar taxes, sold for 180,000 yuan ($49,000). GPACs growth slowed as a result (Ball McCulloch 2005, p 34). Stiff Competition GPACs troubles were aggravated by such stiff competition from Shanghai Volkswagen. The Santana had achieved 75-percent local content by 1992, and thus was able to keep production costs and sales prices relatively low. Though GPAC had reached similar levels of domestic content by 1994, its least expensive station wagon (in the year 1997) costs 170,000 yuan ($21,000, based on the 1997 exchange rate), compared with 135,000 yuan ($16,000) for the least expensive Santana model. Moreover, the quality of both GPAC parts and finished vehicles remained poor. Because the local government objected to sourcing from plants outside Guangzhou, GPAC was forced to use local parts that often failed to meet international standards. Some of Peugeots management decisions also contributed to GPACs competitive weaknesses. The company reportedly repatriated most of its profits and made relatively few changes to its 1980s era products, whereas Volkswagen reinvested profits and refined its production, introducing a new ÊÂ »Santana 2000ÊÂ » model in the mid-1990s. The GPAC sedan also had problems finding a market niche, as its large engines high fuel consumption precluded the cars use as a taxi, and its outdated design failed to attract Chinese buyers. When com- pared with the Audi 100, made in Changchun by a joint venture between Audi AG, a subsidiary of Volkswagen, and Chinas First Automobile Works (Group) Corp., the GPAC sedan lacked the prestige that status-conscious private or government consumers sought in a vehicle (Hofstede Bond 2010, p 12). GPAC also was not as high a political priority for Guangzhou officials as the Volkswagen plant was for the Shanghai government (Bates et al. 2008, p 10). While the Shanghai municipality invested 5 to 6 billion yuan ($600-$700 million) to aid Volkswagens endeavor, Guangzhou officials only contributed about 1 billion yuan ($120 million) to help GPAC (Sender 2007, p 90). Further, because of Guangzhous laissez-faire approach to production and consumption, city leaders were reluctant to urge government officials or ente rprises into purchasing GPACs vehicles. In Shanghai, by contrast, the citys taxi company was one of the largest purchasers of Volkswagen Santanas. Further, 1996 Shanghai municipal rules on engine size for taxis effectively eliminated Volkswagens competitor in the city, the Tianjin Charade, from the taxi business (Hofstede 2006, p 23). Ironically, while GPACs remoteness from Beijing protected it from central-government interference, the southern China venture also did not rank high on Beijings planning agenda. And the lack of a central-government partner meant PRC leaders did little to forestall the joint ventures decline. Many MNCs are approaching China as a long-term strategic market, and they are investing large sums of money to help build sustainable long- term positions. This can be a rational strategy. MNCs that do not consider exploring Chinas vast market with its emerging consumer base could be missing a tremendous growth opportunity. But some MNCs take the long-term argument too far. The traditional belief that a firm has to be around a long time to get results is not necessarily right in all cases. Long-term success is best achieved through measurable short-term results (Sender 2007, p 91). It is true that Shanghai Volkswagen, Matsushitas TV tube factory, Charoen Pokphands animal-feed ventures, and Otiss elevator plant are all early entrants that are growing at double-digit rates. But Peugeot entered the Chinese market at the same time as Volkswagen, and it has lost tens of millions of dollars each year since 1995. Kraft entered China more than ten years ago, and all of its plants are now rep orted to be losing money (Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive Ltd. 2004, p 66). In a volatile market such as Chinas, sustainable long-term positions are necessarily built on a series of successful short-term moves. Short-term results can help build brand recognition, attract local talent, and secure support from the parent company. They can create a virtuous cycle (Frisbie 2003, p 4). By contrast, when MNCs see no positive short-term results, a vicious cycle could arise. Rather than revise the companys strategy, managers typically justify poor performance with the argument that China is a long-term market. Patience and longevity are not enough. In fact, many MNCs accomplished great short-term success. For instance, Ericsson, the Swedish telecom company, acquired 40 percent of the cellular handset market, worth $4 billion, in only three years. Kodak gained a 15-percent share of the $500-million film market in less than two years. Tingyi built a $500-million instant-noodle business from nothing in just four years (Daniels Radebaugh 2004, p 45); its average operat ing margin over that period was more than 20 percent. Many of these successes can be attributed to recent moves these companies have made, not to how long they have been in China. These examples show how MNCs can plan for success by making smart short-term moves, thereby helping to establish new rules for the game (Karp 2002, p 74). Their successes are also founded on their continuous learning in the market and their ability to react correctly to changing dynamics. Performance is driven by an adaptive strategy that can be implemented rapidly. In this respect, recent developments in the cellular handset market are particularly instructive. Continuous learning and adaptability is essential to manage the vastness of the market and the rapid rate of change (Hofstede Bond 2010, p 52). This is difficult in an environment like China, where Western managers face exceptional language and cultural differences, and doubly difficult because consumer demographics and tastes are constantly changing. Krafts Tang was successful at the start, but carbonated drinks and fruit juices were quickly substituted for it. Motorola was very successful with male consumers, but Ericsson took advantage of the demo- graphic shift in the cellular handset market toward women (Daniels Radebaugh 2004, p 62). As Ericssons success dramatically sh ows, in an emerging market, effective learning is essential. Although Peugeot and Volkswagen entered the Chinese automobile market at roughly the same time, their performances have differed dramatically. Volkswagens revenues have grown at a compounded annual rate of 77 percent since 1985. Sales exceeded $2 billion by 1995. Today Volkswagen has expanded its capacity to 300,000 cars; the company produces close to 200,000 cars per year. It enjoys more than a 50-percent share of the passenger car market and earns a double-digit after-tax profit. By contrast, Peugeot built a 90,000-car capacity and sold only 2,000 cars in 1996 (Bates et al. 2008, p 9). Research Plan Perspective The factors are labeled as political, legal, cultural, economic, historical and geographic. This paper addresses the six environmental factors as they apply to IJVs in the Peoples Republic of China. Examples are drawn from an active IJV in Shanghai. Much of the information on this IJV was gathered during a research visit to the manufacturing facility during spring. Data gathering techniques included an on-site interview in Shanghai and material secured from corporation and government agencies (Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive Ltd. 2004, p 2). Why have scholars avoided looking closely at the Chinese bureaucracy? First, the Chinese system has, until recently, been quite difficult to penetrate. Chinese citizens were to avoid divulging state secrets to foreigners (Manguno 2003, p 8); even general communication with such outsiders was discouraged. Much of the relevant information, then, was found in statements of the top leaders, published in newspapers or journals or broadcast over the radio. Foreign researchers in the 1960s and 1970s found that exiles and migrants from southern China to Hong Kong were also good sources, but the scarcity of central government bureaucrats among their numbers made many types of focused, in-depth interview research nearly impossible (Sender 2007, p 90). Data Collection Methods, Access and Sampling Strategy Although China remains a relatively secretive society, the amount of personal contact allowed with foreigners has vastly increased. The requirement for efficient functioning of economic transactions forces the Chinese to be more open in publicizing their bureaucratic procedures. In other words, even in the face of the June 1989 crackdown on dissent, it is now easier to gain access to the lower levels of power than in the years preceding the economic opening to the outside world (Frisbie 2003, p 4). Lins conclusions included lists of the positive and negative factors Americans faced in choosing to invest in China. He also made some comparison of Chinese and American attitudes toward the joint ventures. He omitted, though, focus on misperceived and misunderstood actions related to divergence in the long-term goals of the two sides (Manguno 2003, p 7). Ball and McCulloch, (2005) analyzed cultural expectations in conducting business in China. 20 He investigated Chinese feelings toward various nationalities, and used these results to predict the future success of some eighteen different nations and regions in trade relations with China. Although this work was useful for examining the Chinese attitudes toward the outside world, no comparison was made of foreign perceptions of and approaches to the Chinese side. Business journals present a further source of empirical data. Publications such as The China Business Review and business school magazines feature articles tailored to potential future investors. Availability of space and the general scope of these journals, however, tend to prohibit a fully developed theoretical analysis of Chinese industrial development (Hofstede 2000, p 32). Earlier studies also failed to employ Jerviss ideas of misperception. Considering the great differences in culture and past practices of the Chinese and foreign automotive representatives, it would be surprising if misunderstandings did not cloud the stimuli foreigners exerted on the Chinese policy makers. To further utilize Jerviss work, one should also consider the influence of misperception between higher and lower levels of the Chinese political system. Finally, the motivational elements of wishful thinking may also distort the policy process at many levels of the Chinese bureaucracy (Daniels Radebaugh 2004, p 12). My own approach seeks to build on the theoretical framework of Sender and Hook and the analysis of Hofstede on, while adding new empirical data in a different industrial sector, that of the automobile industry. In doing so, this thesis will take into account several variables that shaped both the political and the economic development of the Chinese automotive sector (Hofstede 2000, p 32). Four case studies look at the stimuli of domestic and foreign economic forces, and discuss their effect on the Chinese central government (Hofstede Bond 2010, p 11). The empirical parts will also examine the bargaining that took place between central and local politicians, and the misperception that affected the policy process. Finally, the studies shall note the differing policy outcomes for the four automotive ventures, and try to make projections of their future progress based on past experiences. Ethical Considerations Peugeots poor performance appears to have been caused by its repeated inability to learn in, and adapt to, a rapidly changing environment. As Volkswagens success demonstrates, the Chinese automotive industry is attractive, and Peugeot began its operations in China with plenty of advantages (Mowery 2008, p 3). Its joint venture was set up in the wealthy south, which has a more entrepreneurial culture because of its proximity to Hong Kong and because of the early promotion of the reform policies of the late Deng Xiaoping. By contrast, Volkswagens joint venture was established in the more conservative Shanghai region. Until the mid-1990s Shanghais economy was dominated by loss-making state-owned enterprises, and the city was not allowed to implement aggressive reform policies (Hofstede 2006, p 13). Yet Peugeot was not able to exploit its advantageous position in the south and did not learn how to succeed with commercial customers. In the 1980s automobile industry experts predicted that growth would be driven by consumer wealth and consumer demand. But the market in China remained commercial (U.S. China Business Council 2008, p 12). Even now, the vast majority of Chinese consumers cannot afford to own cars: More than 70 percent of cars in China are purchased by commercial companies. Volkswagen was quick to adjust its assumptions and operating paradigms; Peugeot was not. To serve the commercial market, Volkswagen built an aggressive distributor network and sales force (Hook 2001, p 32). Conclusion The company recognized that commercial buyers were less price sensitive than other consumers, given that they needed and were willing to pay for high-quality after-sales servicing. Volkswagen was able to push volume through its distributors and achieve critical mass. This growing volume allowed Volkswagen to realize considerable scale economies, thereby allowing it to drive down prices. Because Peugeot never man- aged to develop an effective approach for commercial buyers, it never generated the prices and profits needed to motivate distributors (Woodard 2002, p 2). Without this high-channel profit, it was unable to attract capable and aggressive distributors and could not develop a reasonable service network. Peugeot also failed to learn other important lessons. An understanding of the development of down- stream industries, for example, was crucial in identifying and promoting potential demand. Volkswagens partner lobbied the government to support the establishment of taxi companie s in Shanghai. Although consumers could not afford to buy private cars, their demand for taxi services supported the growth of taxi companies, which did buy cars from Volkswagen. Peugeot did not follow a similar strategy. The company was unable to secure a dominant position in its home province in China. Hence, it never achieved critical mass and a competitive cost position to grow its operations to a national scale. Losses piled up, and after a twelve-year stay in China, Peugeot exited the market.

Kate Chopins The Awakening Essay -- Chopin Awakening Essays

During the late nineteenth century, the time of protagonist Edna Pontellier, a woman's place in society was confined to worshipping her children and submitting to her husband. Kate Chopin's novel, The Awakening, encompasses the frustrations and the triumphs in a woman's life as she attempts to cope with these strict cultural demands. Defying the stereotype of a "mother-woman," Edna battles the pressures of 1899 that command her to be a subdued and devoted housewife. Although Edna's ultimate suicide is a waste of her struggles against an oppressive society, The Awakening supports and encourages feminism as a way for women to obtain sexual freedom, financial independence, and individual identity. Feminism is commonly thought of as a tool for educating society on the rights of women. It teaches that a woman is equal to a man in every civil and societal accord. Realizing this is not always the case, Charlotte Bunch, a noted lesbian feminist of the 1970s also defined feminism as "a way of looking at the world - a questioning of power [and] domination issues" (WIE). Many feminists attempt to bulrush the ideals of stereotypical women and push them away from those who believe in these standards. "Feminist scholars also seek to question and transform androcentric [sic] systems of thought which position the male as the norm," says Barbara McManus. They strive to find, examine, and eliminate biases in a world encumbered with intolerant men who see women as thoughtless objects and most certainly not equals. Other women announce their impressive intellect, economic well-being, and individual personalities to the people who oppose them. "A woman should always present herself and explain her forthcoming jaunts into Feminists, like Edna, howe... ...Barbara F. "Characteristics of a Feminist Approach." December 8, 2001. http://www.cnr.edu/home/bmcmanus/femcharacteristics.html. Showalter, Elaine. The Female Malady: Women, Madness, and English Culture, 1830-1980. New York, NY: Pantheon Books, November 1985. Ward, Jennifer A. "Deconstruction or Feminist Critique?" December 9, 2001. http://www.geocities.com/athens/acropolis.6998/chopin2.html. Wear, Delese and Nixon, Lois LaCivita. Literary Anatomies: Women's Bodies and Health in Literature. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 1994. Women's Information Exchange. "Feminism Defined." December 7, 2001. http://electrapages.com/FEMINIST.htm Wood, Ann Douglas. "'The Fashionable Diseases': Women's Complaints and Their Treatment in Nineteenth-Century America." Women and Health in America. Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Press, Ltd., 1984.

The North American Continent :: History

The North American Continent There is tremendous difference in the way the native Indians used to live off the land and the way American Settlers are destroying the land even as we speak for the purpose of profit. The author of this story is trying to convey the damage and destruction wrought on by the Europeans in the relatively few years of habitation of the lands of America. The difference is not only cultural but also spiritual. While Native Indians viewed the land on which they lived as sacred, the European settlers arrived with the aim of exploitation, not only of the land but also of the native people. When you think about the creation the continents, beginning with Pangaea, how the landscape must have been very beautiful in its most natural setting. Imagine the great mountain ranges and the incredible forests and natural hillsides and plains and prairies that make up the countryside. It must have been breathtaking to be able to see the landscape of present day America in its natural state. As the water table began to recede, the first humans began to cross the Bering Straight to inhabit North America and South America. Travel to South America was made possible thought the Isthmus of Panama. Only now are we beginning to appreciate what the Native Indians were trying to convey to us. Native Indians have been living off the land and had not desire for industry or great wealth. They did not have a significant impact on the landscape. Europeans consumed the land away from the Indians starting with gold and silver. Vegetables such as potatoes and squash and tomatoes found their way back to Europe as did plants for medicines. Some of the more impressive aspects of the native Indians were the creation of many languages and many cultures. They expressed their creativity in their poetry and dance and rituals and ceremonies. Some rituals could last for days. The first Europeans had to be amazed to witness the exotic rituals that had never been seen before. Some Indians had tried diplomatic approaches to the intruding Europeans. One had formally spoken to the United States senate and another had negotiated with the French and the British. The significance is that the Indians lived off the land where there is no industry, no air pollution, no water pollution, and no deforestation. On the contrary, the Europeans came to establish colonies for the purpose of exploiting the land and people too.

James Joyces Araby and Eveline Essay -- Araby, Eveline Essays

James Joyce's "Araby" and "Eveline" In 'Araby' and 'Eveline' Joyce uses religious symbols to show the importance of the Catholic religion in both of the main characters' lives. Both of these stories take place in Dublin, Ireland, a place that is very strong in its belief in the Catholic religion. In 'Araby,' the imagery of the infamous 'Fall' is presented to the reader within the second paragraph to indicate its importance. The themes of religious masses can be found in 'Eveline.' The concept of the Catholic Ash Wednesday is presented throughout both 'Araby' and 'Eveline.'   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The second paragraph of ?Araby? presents the idea of the Adam and Eve story known as ?The Fall.? ?The wild garden behind the house contained a central apple tree and a few straggling bushes under one of which I found the late tenant?s rusty bicycle pump.? (21/14-17). In the Catholic religion, the Adam and Eve story is thought to be the time when sin became present in the world. It is the time in Catholicism when the innocent life that Adam and Eve shared in the beautiful garden, violently changed into a life of responsibility, pain, heartbreak, suffering, and most important in the Catholic religion, separation from God. This transformation can not only be seen in the story of Adam and Eve, but in the change from the innocent life of a child to the turbulent life of an adult. The latter change is the one that the main character of ?Araby? is going through. Joyce is trying to show how important this theme was by repeating the word ?fall? throughout the entire story. Catholic religion plays an important role in the main character?s life, because the Catholic religion gives specific standards for believers to follow. This religion, along with its rules and regulations, is the one that the main character was raised by, and he feels obligated to follow them, even through the very tough time of adolescence. In the story, the boy becomes infatuated with a girl. This crush on Mangan?s sister is very tough on the main character for many reasons. The first being that she does not share the love he has for her, and secondly, his crush conflicts with his strict religion. He becomes obsessed with her, watching her every move. The girl has taken over his every thought, which is why the crush conflicts with the Catholic religion. Catholicism is the worship of a single, all-powerful God. When ... ...hooses to live the life of duty and responsibility, proving that her belief in the Catholic religion is indeed something she thinks is important; and also when she gives up her chance to escape to a carefree life, she gives up something else important to her, Frank.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The above examples come together to show that the Catholic religion plays a major role in the lives of Joyce?s main characters. He uses repeated words and religious symbols to show just how important Catholicism is to the lives of the population of Dublin, Ireland. Joyce intentionally uses religion as the main conflict in the situations in both of the stories. James Joyce believes Catholicism is important, and he uses the religion to affect the characters? lives. Without having the Catholic background both Eveline and the main character in ?Araby? have, their choices concerning their life would have been less difficult. Instead of having to decide between their religion and their desires, they would only have to consider their desires. Joyce believes that the Catholic religion affects the characters and their situations, which is the reason why he writes in religious symbols throughout ?Araby? and ?Eveline.? James Joyce's Araby and Eveline Essay -- Araby, Eveline Essays James Joyce's "Araby" and "Eveline" In 'Araby' and 'Eveline' Joyce uses religious symbols to show the importance of the Catholic religion in both of the main characters' lives. Both of these stories take place in Dublin, Ireland, a place that is very strong in its belief in the Catholic religion. In 'Araby,' the imagery of the infamous 'Fall' is presented to the reader within the second paragraph to indicate its importance. The themes of religious masses can be found in 'Eveline.' The concept of the Catholic Ash Wednesday is presented throughout both 'Araby' and 'Eveline.'   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The second paragraph of ?Araby? presents the idea of the Adam and Eve story known as ?The Fall.? ?The wild garden behind the house contained a central apple tree and a few straggling bushes under one of which I found the late tenant?s rusty bicycle pump.? (21/14-17). In the Catholic religion, the Adam and Eve story is thought to be the time when sin became present in the world. It is the time in Catholicism when the innocent life that Adam and Eve shared in the beautiful garden, violently changed into a life of responsibility, pain, heartbreak, suffering, and most important in the Catholic religion, separation from God. This transformation can not only be seen in the story of Adam and Eve, but in the change from the innocent life of a child to the turbulent life of an adult. The latter change is the one that the main character of ?Araby? is going through. Joyce is trying to show how important this theme was by repeating the word ?fall? throughout the entire story. Catholic religion plays an important role in the main character?s life, because the Catholic religion gives specific standards for believers to follow. This religion, along with its rules and regulations, is the one that the main character was raised by, and he feels obligated to follow them, even through the very tough time of adolescence. In the story, the boy becomes infatuated with a girl. This crush on Mangan?s sister is very tough on the main character for many reasons. The first being that she does not share the love he has for her, and secondly, his crush conflicts with his strict religion. He becomes obsessed with her, watching her every move. The girl has taken over his every thought, which is why the crush conflicts with the Catholic religion. Catholicism is the worship of a single, all-powerful God. When ... ...hooses to live the life of duty and responsibility, proving that her belief in the Catholic religion is indeed something she thinks is important; and also when she gives up her chance to escape to a carefree life, she gives up something else important to her, Frank.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The above examples come together to show that the Catholic religion plays a major role in the lives of Joyce?s main characters. He uses repeated words and religious symbols to show just how important Catholicism is to the lives of the population of Dublin, Ireland. Joyce intentionally uses religion as the main conflict in the situations in both of the stories. James Joyce believes Catholicism is important, and he uses the religion to affect the characters? lives. Without having the Catholic background both Eveline and the main character in ?Araby? have, their choices concerning their life would have been less difficult. Instead of having to decide between their religion and their desires, they would only have to consider their desires. Joyce believes that the Catholic religion affects the characters and their situations, which is the reason why he writes in religious symbols throughout ?Araby? and ?Eveline.?

Evaluate the usefulness of the documents in the interview pack for a given organisation Essay

Justify actions a business might take when experiencing cash flow problems? At first ,the owners of business need to start a cash flow analysis for current month and the future.The owners should know and find out what’s wrong with the company and check which areas result the most money to get out of their company.However, the receivables are always a big problem.Because the owners are busy with their business so that they forget to send the money for a long time . Secondly, they can use loan to solve the cash flow problem,they can borrow a great deal of money from the bank or other personal organizations, they can just give these organizations little interest per month but they get a pretty long-term support for the whole business.They should have their own line of credit, regardless of business or personal ,it’s function is similar with the credit cards.The company can have a source of emergency funds in the future as long as it pays long-term attention on building the credit line , which can solve the cash flow problems as well. Finally, it is important for the business owners to make some changes n operations ,For example ,the loans can not solve the fundamental problem because this situation is serious.The operator should reduce the time between a transaction and when receive the money . The business needs to accelerate the speed of sending it’s produces as well as invoices.In addition to that, the company can use the discount to attract the customer to pay early and enforce the punishment for late payment.If the customers pay by cash , then they will have cash discount and the point of transactions.Absolutely, the business won’t penalize those people who pay by card and credit card. How to prevent the situation for cash flow problems As a formal business ,the operator should have a detailed financial book which keep up-to date records on the transaction between business ,customers as well as the suppliers.The company should stop selling if the customer often gives money late or has an outstanding balance. Evaluate the financial performance and position of a business using ratio analysis? There are Profitability ratio which is looking about the profit of the company ,Liquidity ratio is the amount of cash that the business has available to use and Capital structure ratio which is about the shares and loans of the business .By using the ration analysis,company can see the  ratio in the past few year.This can show the business whether improved or worsen .For example,the gross profit margin in the 2011 is 44.5%,2012 it is 42.1% and 2013 is 40.9%.Compare the gross profit margin ,we can see that the business performance is getting worse.As a result business should start to investigate why business performance getting worse. For Gross Profit Mark-up ratio is show in every $100 of cost ,how much was added to arrive at Sales price.The mark up ratio and gross profit margin ratio are reflect to each other.Both of them can show the business current financial performance and position .Also, there is expense in relation to revenue ,if the business revenue increase over time,owner will expect the ratio fall. For example in 2011,it is 21.3% .In 2012 it is 20.5% and 2013 ,it 19.9%. This ratio can show the business financial performance and position is improved.Lower percentage will showing improvement of business.there is current ratio business is willing to reach 2:1.The business have to make sure it does not increase above 2:1 as this may not be an efficient use of resources.For the acid test ratio,this ratio can let the business know if he ratio is too low,they will have difficulty meeting request from the supplier to make payment .However,if the ratio is too high ,this will cause the business has too much cash or trade receivable.This can reflect the cash flow of the business at the current financial state. The ratio can indicate which part of business doing well while which part of business are going to face problem .

Syllabus: Rational Number and Gwalior Glory High

Write laws of powers & exponents (along with one example) in an AY Size sheet. Puzzle solving based on Rational Nose. Science l- Explore your refrigerator or storage cupboard and list 8-10 food items that are preserved using preservatives. Find out about the mode of action of each preservative record the data in a given tabular format. Al- Product Name Method of packaging Expiry date Method of (sealed bag, bottle, can, carton etc. ) (best before) preservation You can take help from pig. 18 of your science book. Or To make a wind chem.. (Hint : Use 4-6 pieces of hollow metal tubes of different lengths – paint them in different colors.Hang them on a cardboard so that they swing and strike each other) Social Studies l- Collect pictures of some resources you use in your house and classroom and make a collage in your copy with the pictures. Al- Write the Preamble of the Indian Constitution in your copy. Ill- Visit a museum and find out the various sources of information of modern h istory. Paste the pictures and label them in your copy. Computer Prepare a file or a chart explaining the types of networks.Write laws of exponents along with one example on AY Size Sheet. Q. 2 Solve the puzzle based on rational numbers. Read the given clues Smallest set of numbers which is closed under subtraction. A number of the form p where p, q are integers and q 0 q 7 A number divisible by Related to an operation on rational number which gives same result even when the number change places. Opposite of the word negative Additive identity for rational numbers A prime number which is sum of an even number and a prime number.

Personal Reflection Essay

This reflection will discuss personal diffidence and how it has influenced my academic studies, including my practice within placement settings. Gibbs reflective cycle (Gibbs, 1998) has been utilised as it illustrates a clear structure for the process of reflection. To conclude this reflection will draw together the themes which have emerged and highlight a clear action for future learning that will be used in order to enhance my future practice. Within my previous occupation as a health care assistant I was subject to workplace bulling which was allowed to continue for an extensive period of time due to ineffective management of the situation. Vartia (2001, p. 68) suggests that one of the consequences for the targets of workplace bulling is a feeling of low self confidence. This is indeed true of myself; although this occurred prior to commencement of university, I perceive that I am diffident stemming from this experience. This diffidence has influenced my academic studies and my practice upon placement. Feelings: I feel that I find it challenging to settle down within new groups of people. Whilst on placement I feel it takes a significant amount of time to work within my fullest capacity within the team. Spouse (2008, p. 21) state that entering a new placement area can be a daunting experience; suggesting this may be because you are joining a team of strangers who already know each other. However I feel that my previous experience has heightened my apprehension and indeed Bach and Grant (2009) suggest past experience contributes to our attitudes and values and affects what we notice about other peoples behaviour and how we interpret it. Therefore I may unintentionally be vigilant for behaviour that represents past experience. I feel I become emotive when conflict arises both upon placement and within the university environment; therefore I have a tendency to avoid sources of conflict. Furthermore; although I am aware of the need to challenge poor practice witnessed and have done so within the past; it is something that I find particularly challenging and uncomfortable to deal with. I find it uncomfortable to challenge people because I perceive this as a negative source of conflict. I am somewhat afraid of the reactions this may evoke and the impact this could have on my working relationships within the team I am placed. Within my academic studies in the university learning environment specifically; this diffidence has manifested as an apprehension of speaking within groups. This is especially apparent when it is required to perform group presentations. Although my one to one communication and communication within familiar groups is of good quality, communication within unfamiliar groups can be hindered by this diffidence. I am concerned that if allowed to continue; diffidence could be detrimental to my future practice as a nurse. Hagbaghery et (2004) qualitative research findings suggest that nurses perceive competence and self confidence as the most important personal factors influencing nurses clinical decision making, therefore in order to enhance my future practice I feel that it is imperative that I overcome this. Evaluation: Upon evaluation of these feelings I perceive I have progressed and gained confidence thus far, however there is still margin for improvement. I feel that upon a recent eight week placement period whereby I moved across four placement settings; I had an abundance of practice within adapting and participating within new teams. Although I felt that transition across four settings somewhat hindered myself working to my fullest capacity; the positive aspect of this was that it facilitated gain in self confidence. Nash, Lemcke and Sacre (2008) suggest that initially when encountering a new workplace culture trying to be accepted within this new culture can be uncomforting and lead to feelings of inadequacy; however by the end of this eight week period I feel I gained a significant amount of self confidence and I felt confident with my ability to integrate into new teams effectively. Communication is the interaction with people and is at the core of nursing according to McCabe and Timmins (2006, p. 4), therefore I acknowledge that in order to work to my fullest capacity within the nursing profession it is imperative I overcome this apprehension of speaking within groups and performing presentations. I have reflected upon previous experiences within university; contrasting performing our first group presentation to a recent group presentation experience. I perceive a vast improvement however again there is still margin for improvement and gain in confidence. Brankenbridge and Blows (2008, p. 216) have highlighted that there are different ways in which you can challenge, constructive and destructive. Constructive challenges highlight alternatives and leave the person with something of which they can reflect upon, build upon and change. Destructive challenges are delivered in an unskilful fashion leaving the person who has been challenged feeling put down and bad and potentially could be a source of conflict and negative feeling. This is why in the past I have perceived challenging people in practice as a negative action, possibly due to lacking differentiation between destructive and constructive criticism. Analysis: Although I perceive myself as diffident upon analysis I am unaware of how others may perceive my self. According to Barber, McLaughlin and Wood (2009, p. 76) The Johari Window; Luft and Ingham (1955) can show us aspects of ourselves that we believe is how others perceive us, however they further suggest that these aspects may only be a small part of our ‘personality’ as a whole and not necessarily how others perceive ourselves. Which means although I perceive myself as diffident; others may not necessarily perceive my self in this manner and it is essentially necessary that I develop further self awareness. Barber, McLaughlin and Wood (2009, p. 76) perceive development of self awareness as crucial in highlighting how we view and respond to others and in turn how they view and respond to us. The National Health Service (NHS) Modernisation Agency Leadership Centre (2005) have corroborated this view by suggesting self awareness can assist with understanding ones own emotions and the impact of one’s behaviour on others. Therefore one of the many benefits of self awareness for myself may be understanding my colleagues, learning to relax, identifying my strengths and weaknesses and indentifying my own learning needs, Burnard (1997). I perceive assertiveness of which Siviter (2008, p. 116) defines as respecting the rights and feelings of others whilst standing up for yourself and your own rights as a necessary skill which will further facilitate a gain in self confidence. In order to be assertive it is necessary to possess the ability to express your feelings in a direct, open, honest and appropriate manner. Breckenbridge and Blows (2008, p. 217) further suggest that assertive communication is the key to successful relationships for patients, family, nurses and colleagues alike; therefore further development of my assertive communication skills will enhance my future practice and communication with staff, family and patients alike. Development of assertive communication skills may aid when and if the need arises in future practice to challenge colleague’s actions or the actions of people in general. Indeed Breckenridge and Blows (2008, p. 17) suggest assertiveness is a key feature within effective challenging and therefore is an essential skill of which is required to be developed. Assertiveness aids conveyance of important messages and helps individuals stand up for the rights of themselves and others; one example of such being advocacy. Advocacy is reflected within The code in full (Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2008) who state that nurses must act as an advocate for those within their care. Therefore learning to be assertive is not a choice, it is a must if I am to live up to what is expected of me within my role as a student and future nurse. Conclusion and Action Plan: The challenge for the future is that I totally overcome this diffidence. I envisage being able to achieve by developing self awareness. I could develop self awareness by using a tool such as The Johari Window. Academically the challenge is to overcome apprehension regarding communication with unfamiliar groups of colleagues. I anticipate achieving this by taking more time to consider what I am going to before I begin and being prepared for situations where I am required to speak. With regard to performing presentations I will be prepared and rehearse what I am going to say in advance.

Biomedical Approach

Introduction Since the time of Enlightenment, Western ideas of health have been dominated by the biomedical approach. The basis on which these opinions are founded is that an individual is not responsible for their illness and that the mind and body work separately from each other. Health, in the eyes of this approach can be deemed as simply the absence of disease. Part of the reason this vision of health has dominated so much, is that it’s practiced by the majority of the health professionals and is the staple of the care received in hospitals. The aim of this assignment is to demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of this system, and to suggest the advantages that using a social model to view health could bring. Discussion Health, is a word that carries a broad spectrum of meanings, it is defined differently in all walks of life. Biomedical health although being the most recognised is not the only approach and has been called by Naidoo and Wills (200, p. 9) â€Å"a narrow view of health†. The social Model contrasts this approach. It focuses on the social and economic factors regarding health and looks at ways to prevent illness before it occurs. Even in the most affluent countries, people who are less well off have substantially shorter life expectancies (Marmot and Wilkinson, 2003), a social view on health would take this information into account, placing emphasis on improving the quality of life to increase life expectancy. Contrastingly the Biomedical method would look at a patient and prescribe necessary medication, although usually being effective in the short term, this would do nothing to stop the person getting ill again as they would return to the same unhealthy lifestyle or environment. This could be seen as impersonal, but this scientific approach can be useful in many scenarios as it has been said by Pearson, Vaughan and FitzGerald(2005, p54) that â€Å"the overriding concern for the patient is for cure and control of his or her disease, and this model gives clear direction in this respect†. The Biomedical Model has strengths in the sense that illnesses are not always caused by environmental or lifestyle related factors. Rather than trying to explain the illness, it searches for a cure. Biomedical science can give instant relief to people who are suffering or in pain, for people involved in accidents and emergency situations this approach is second to none. It accepts accidents are sometimes unavoidable and concentrates on restoring the individual to health in a direct manner. Discarding freak accidents the social model could prove useful. Wilkinson and Marmot(2005, p24) state â€Å"individuals turn to alcohol drugs and tobacco, suffer from their use, but it is influenced by the wider social setting† . Upon taking this statement into account, it could be argued that the social model would have a greater effect in reducing the number of people turning to drugs or alcohol. The biomedical approach would examine the physiology of the situation in an attempt to understand why an individual might become dependent on a drug. The treatment might consist of giving the patient another drug to help them come off the substance they are using, but the social method would encourage support groups or the 12 step method that was first practiced by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This method was originally brought about in the 70’s and involves patients admitting they are powerless to alcohol and coming to believe that a greater power can restore them to health. Although it had much success, it didn’t take account for those who did not believe in religion. Since then non twelve step programs have been brought about that focus on counselling patients on how to take control of their lives. Many centres that practice this method such as the Narconon Freedom Centre(NFC) claim to have a 70% success rate. It is apparent that both biomedical and social models have their place in treating addicts and biomedical science could definitely benefit from the use of techniques from the social model in this case. Because the term health is subjective it can be defined differently. The Biomedical approach may deem someone who is disabled as unhealthy. The way they would aim to treat, for instance someone who has lost the use of their legs is to give them a wheelchair, if the person then became depressed they might give them medication to alleviate the symptoms of depression. This scientific model is supported by evidence and does work in the sense that disabled people can get medication to decrease pain or equipment to make day to day life easier. The social model however approaches disability in an entirely different manner and Smart (2006-2007)states that â€Å"much of the prejudice and discrimination experienced by people with disabilities occurs not in spite of the Biomedical Model, but because of the Biomedical Model†. It known that disabled people can often be the target of discrimination and stereotyping, perhaps this has something to do with the picture of disability that has een painted by biomedical science. Because the biomedical approach has been at the forefront of health it is understandable that people are disposed to think in accordance of its views, but this doesn’t mean that they are always right. â€Å"The profession of medicine has, for centuries, been based on the two outcome paradigm of cure or death and vestiges of t his paradigm are reflected in payment systems. Therefore, after medical stabilization, much of the funding is withdrawn, not taking into consideration the individual’s greatest needs (Yelin, 1992). This quote reiterates the point that the biomedical view may not always be right. The social model in this case would take into account the full recovery of a person so they could return to a desirable quality of life. This is because the social model recognises the fact that if a person is affected by something it can impact on their life socially and economically, which in turn can cause numerous problems such as depression, effect on relationships, stress, and anxiety etc. To see a person as healthy as soon as there condition is stable is a very biomedical approach to the issue, it is possibly unwise to think that as soon as the patient is deemed stable they can return to a normal lifestyle. The possible repercussions of this approach are that many patients will likely return and need more treatment soon after they have left. A potential benefit of using the health model when viewing a situation like the one previously mentioned, is that the patient might be able to receive services like marriage counselling. This is because the social model takes more account of the effects ill health can have on the patients’ social life. If a patient is depressed this might also have an effect on the health of their friends and family meaning that they too may need healthcare for example a depressed patient may take their anger out by being abusive or violent to those around them. This is obviously not good for the family’s health so In the grand scheme of things a social approach may also help in keeping the patients family in good health. â€Å"The cultural identification of the individual is often ignored because the Biomedical Model is based only on biological, organic needs. Psychiatric disabilities, which are highly dependent upon the environment of the individual, are not well-funded. Such environmental accommodations could render the individual highly functional (Wright, 1991). For people with psychiatric disabilities the biomedical approach may help to calm them down or nullify the effects of their illness. However little is done to improve their quality of life and this, it could be argued, seems almost de-humanizing. The model of health would prove useful in this situation by simply creating a nicer environment that will greatly assist the person to return to health. If a return to health is not possible, this improvement in environment would still give the person a much more fulfilling life and help to put the families of patients’ minds at ease. Conclusion On reviewing and comparing the biomedical and social models of health, it can be seen that both models have strengths and weaknesses. Because the biomedical approach has been at the forefront of health people trust it because it’s what they are used too.. This approach is supported by a wealth of scientific evidence and knowledge and it can efficiently cure a wide range of illnesses or diseases. However the biomedical model takes little into account for the environment of patients and how this can affect their health. The social model realises that health can be defined in ways other than simply â€Å"the absence of disease†. It also takes into account that all patients’ ideas of health are different and require different treatments. On conclusion it is clear that both models are invaluable and the best means for keeping people healthy and administering care would be through using a combination of both methods. Exact word count:1490 References Alcoholics Anonymous, n. d. The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. [online] Available at:< http://www. aa. org/en_pdfs/smf-121_en. pdf > [Accessed 18 December 2010] Barker, R. Kirk, J. and Munday, R. J. , 1988. Narrative analysis. 3rd ed. Bloomington: Indiana University Press. Marmot, M. G. And Wilkinson, R. G. , 2006 Social Detirminants of Health: the Solid Facts 2nd ed, Oxford, Oxford University Press. Naidoo, J. And Wills, J. ,2009 Health Promotion: Foundations for practice 2nd ed. London, Balliere Tindall Narconon Freedom Centre, n. d. [online] Available at:< http://www. freedomdrugrehab. om>[Accessed 17 december 2010]. Pearson, A. Vaughan, B. and FitzGerald, M. , 2005. Nursing Models for Practice. 3rd ed. Oxford : Butterworth-Heinemann. Smart, J. , 2006-2007. Challenges to the Biomedical Model of Disability. Advances in Medical Psychotherapy & Psychodiagnosis, Volume 12,. p1 Wright, B. A. (1991). Labeling: The need for greater person-environment individuation. In C. R. Snyder & D. R. Forsythe (Eds. ), H andbook of social and clinical pyschology (pp. 469-487). Elmsford, NY: Pergamon Yelin, E. H. (1992). Disability and the displaced worker. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University

Question 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Question 3 - Essay Example The frontal plane divides the human body into two halves, the front and the back. However, despite this division, the exercises involved consider side-to-side rather than front-to-back exercises. The exercises that involve the frontal plane are lateral dumbbell raises, side bends, side shuffling, lateral lunges and lateral band steps. These exercises are important in preparing the body for daily body movements. One should balance the frontal plane exercises for the upper, lower and core parts of the human body (Coulson, 2007). The transverse plane divides the human body into upper and lower halves, or top and bottom halves. It is involved in exercises that are done by twisting the body. The rotational movements move all or part of your body around the head-to-toe axis. Common exercises are rotating lunges, rotating chest presses, cable twists, rotating rows and medicine ball twists. The transverse exercises are very essential in preparing the body for movements in this plane. Including them in a regular exercising routine helps one avoid injuries that occur in this plane. These exercises are, however, not common in many workout routines. Overlooking them results in injuries such as ACL

Dq-Terence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Dq-Terence - Essay Example lem and proceed towards the research questions, then the collection of data, followed by data analysis and later on the research report generation (Seidman, 2012). Both the studies also explore various types of qualitative and quantitative approaches with an aim to extract the exact information about a certain phenomenon. The data collection techniques in both approaches are similar since they all employ the use of questionnaires, interviews, audiovisual materials and many other types of techniques for obtaining the information (Silverman, 2013). In terms of focus, Phenomenological research is mainly aimed at comprehending the purpose of the occurrence of existence of a certain phenomenon while case studies focus to develop a conclusive analysis and description of a particular case that may be individual or in multiple forms (Creswell, 2013). In terms of the type of Problem suited for design, Phenomenological research mainly handles the importance of existence of a phenomenon that already exists in the real world while Case Studies mainly seeks to provide an understanding of a particular case or various multiple cases (Creswell, 2013). In terms of background of the discipline phenomenological research is mainly applied in education, philosophy and psychology while case studies is widely applicable in the fields of medicine, psychology, political science and law (Creswell, 2013). In relation to Unit of Analysis, Phenomenological research relies on the study of similar experiences shared by various individuals while case studies analyses a specific event, an activity, a program and it incorporates more than one individual (Creswell, 2013). In relation to the data collection forms, phenomenological research the primary data collection tools and techniques adopted are individual interviews. However, art, observations and secondary sources such as documentations may also be used. Case Studies In terms of strategies of data analysis Phenomenological research, data

Asian Culture On Music Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Asian Culture On Music - Essay Example Asian music is also accompanied by percussion instruments such as kettledrums, frame drums and tambourines. Another common musical instrument common in Asia, especially among the Inner Asian pastoralist communities is the Choor, which is a reed or wooden end-blown flute of different lengths but of four to five holes. This instrument has different names in different cultures with Mongolians calling it Tsuur while Kazakhstanis call it Sybyzghy. The other instruments with which the Inner Asian pastoralist music is associated are Dayra (a frame drum with jingles found in Central Asia and played by both men and women and Dombra, which is a class of two-stringed, long-necked lutes, regarded Kazakhstan's national instrument. Unfortunately for Asian music culture, there has been a lot of erosion of Asian music due to globalisation, more so the westernization of Asian music, which has led to increased calls and efforts to preserve the Asian musical heritage. An example of the efforts or initiatives that seek to preserve the Asian music culture is the Aga Khan Trust established in 2000 to especially assist in preserving the musical heritage of Central Asia. This initiative referred to as the Aga Khan Music Initiative in Central Asia (AKMICA) works with other tradition and cultural heritage stakeholders throughout Asian to ensure that the region’s musical traditions are carried from one generation of artists and audiences to the next. Additionally, the initiative seeks to popularize Central Asia musical culture to other regions by sponsoring music tours and festivals besides documenting and disseminating Asia’s musical culture. This paper explores the characteristic, cultural specificity, and t he local and global significance of Asian music and its interaction with other music cultures. In addition, the effect of globalisation on Asian music is discussed with respect to Asian pop cultures such as Korean pop. The Significance of Music in the Asian Society That Asian culture is quite beautiful and luring is an undeniable fact. Of greater and unparalleled beauty and significance are the recorded and cherished Asian cultures, which are handed down from one generation to the other. These cultural aspects of Asia are not only rich with evidences of past and current cultural struggles but also show the triumphs of Asian cultures over natural forces that would otherwise erode these cultures at the slightest opportunities (Philip & Wong, 1997). Like in other regions, Asians store and chronicle their stories of struggle and triumph in music, which is in turn carried from one generation to the next. This music document and preserve the events, cultures and the feelings of the people of Asia. Thus, Asian music is more that the strumming of strings and the beating of drums that one hears when music is played. There is more to every musical culture as what one hears in Tokyo