Apple Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Apple - Research Paper Example It states that the company has done a very good job of marketing its sustainability efforts in order to increase the brand value of the company. Another good aspect about the firm’s sustainability efforts is that Apple has been an early adopter of new sustainability technology. Article 3: Sustainability Faceoff: Microsoft vs. Apple URL: http://www.fastcompany.com/1650270/sustainability-faceoff-microsoft-vs-apple The article provides a comparison of the sustainability efforts of Apple and Microsoft. Overall the author believes that the sustainability efforts of Microsoft are better, but he does mention a lot of good things that Apple is doing in terms of sustainability actions. â€Å"The company claims that the new iMac and MacBook computers are already free of the toxic substances.† (Schwartz, 2010). Article 4: Responsible Supply Chain Leadership: Should Apple Just Do It? URL: http://www.sustainablebrands.com/news_and_views/mar2012/responsible-supply-chain-leadership-sh ould-apple-just-do-it The author of this article discusses the steps that Apple has taken since 2005 to improve its sustainability program. In 2005 the company established a code of conduct outlining expectations for suppliers. During the next five years the company took steps to enforce compliance of its supply chain responsibilities, it incorporated an internal control system, and established worker empowerment training. Article 5: Apple Inc. Making Progress on Sustainability In China, Though Workers and the Environment Still Deserve Better URL: http://www.joshuawickerham.com/2011/10/11/apple-update/ The article focuses on Apple’s sustainability efforts from the perspective of the importance of establishing good stakeholder relationships, social causes, and environmental efforts. One of the good things about the sustainability efforts of the company is that Apple integrates them into its production processes. The company has improved a lot its sustainability program in the People’s Republic of China. Article 6: Apple: Sustainability, Child Labor, Bribes and Suicide URL: http://www.caelusgreenroom.com/2011/02/15/apple-sustainability-child-labor-bribes-and-suicide/ The purpose of this article is to discuss the results of Apple’s 2011 progress report for Apple supplier sustainability. â€Å"The report offers several examples of Apple improving worker conditions, employer practices, material sourcing, and other changes in its supply chain, including a 24.5% increase in the number of independent audits on work sites in that chain.† (Caelusgreenroom, 2011). The firm has increased the number of sustainability audits to 102 per year. Part II: Company’ efforts to improve/promote environmental sustainability Apple is truly committed towards the use of sustainability practices into its operations. The company has done a lot of good things to improve its sustainability program. The firm incorporates sustainability throughout its entire supply chain. â€Å"We've learned that about 98 percent of Apple’s carbon footprint is directly related to our  products. The remaining 2 percent is related to our facilities† (Apple, 2012). The company applies sustainability in its transportation efforts. The company designs products with less material, ships with smaller packages, and they are free of toxic

The Crucible would Essay Example for Free

The Crucible would Essay From your study of THE CRUCIBLE would you say that Miller intended there to be a hero and/or a villain? Justify your answer by close reference to the play.  I think Arthur Miller did mean there to be both a villain and a hero in his play. However the way he wrote his play made it so you would not have guessed some of their identities straight away.  I consider John Proctor to be the hero of this play and Abigail Williams to be the villain.   The characteristics that I think Miller believes a hero must have, beyond any other, is loyalty, and Proctor has that trait. He also must be brave and, in most respects, honest. He does not show these qualities when he appears in the beginning. At the start of the play Proctor shows little promise of heroism, he seems aggressive, violent, especially towards Mary Warren and Abigail, threatening to show you a great doin on you arse and asking if they look for a whippin?. However he has a reason to be angry with Mary Warren as she is his servant and she has disobeyed his orders.  We can tell that he does not mind threatening people that he believes are lower then him but he does not let people who believe that they are higher then him push him around. He stands up for himself and for what he believes in, even if it means going against authority, I like not the smell of this authority. He understands and admits what he had done wrong, even though he does not tell everyone until a point of crisis (when Abigail prays in the court: Whore!). He tries so hard to keep away from Abigail and temptation and tells her that We never touched and that he never give you hope to wait forhim.  As the play progresses we watch as he tries to save his wife and friends while trying to stop Abby. Even when he is offered his wifes freedom, by the judge Danforth, on the condition that he will drop this charge? he replies that he cannot, as that means he would have to forget about his friends, proving to us how deep his loyalty to his friends is especially when we realize that he is willing to doom his good name in order to prove his case against Abigail. He prefers to sacrifice what is most precious to him rather than leave his friends in the lurch. He gives up his reputation, that he tried to keep righteous and worthy, to save his wife and friends. He tells the judge that A man will not cast away his good name. He cast aside something that he felt was so important to him for the love for his wife, showing us how strong his emotions are and his sense of guilt.  But even though he admits to lechery with Abigail he cannot bear the thought of confessing to something that is a lie to save his life (Act 3). He could not bring himself to betray his friends so that he could live a liars life, for he believes that he is not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang!. He keeps his loyalty to his friends intact by dieing a heros death and his personal integrity. It is this that Miller stresses most: How may I live without my name? While Proctor is not the conventional hero he at least tries to help people instead of being like Abigail who seems to have no morals and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.  Although there are many people in this play that could be called a villain Abigail Williams stands out as the worst, at least in my opinion.  The former maid of the Proctor house, she was turned out when Elizabeth Proctor found out about the affair between John and Abigail. None of them told anyone about the relationship and because of that Abigail was able to use against Elizabeth and tells Parris she hates mefor I would not be her slave! In the first scene she acts as though she is an innocent in the crisis but she quickly shows herself to be manipulative and a liar, no one was naked!he saw you naked.  She is revealed through Betty to be capable of murder too- You drank a charm to kill Goody Proctor!; she hides this, understandably, from the authorities, but not from the girls that danced with her. She frightens them into submission and lets them know that if any of them breathes a word she will bring a pointy reckoning tat will shudder them. She proven to be violent, smashs up Betty ad is menacing toward the other girls and later on to Danforth, telling him to beware, Mr. Danforth. Think you be so mighty that the power of Hell may not turn your wits?, warning him not to cross her. She shows no remorse for anything she does and feels no guilt for accusing all those innocent people of witchcraft just so she can accuse Elizabeth Proctor.  She blames everything on someone else never taking the blame herself, She made me do it!.. when asked by Hale whether she had done magic in the forest. She betrays the man whom she claims to care about to save herself when Proctor is accused of witchcraft she does not say anything to help him (Act 3) Even though she claims to care for Proctor and love Betty (I would never hurt Betty. I love her dearly, she does not, she cares for no one but herself.  She is also a thief and a coward. After Proctor is arrested she no longer has anything keeping her in Salem and, as the judge no longer trust her, she and Mercy Lewis run away with thirty-one pounds stolen from Parriss safe.  In short Abigail is a lying, manipulative, murderous woman whom will do anything to achieve what she wants.  In conclusion I believe that Miller intended there to be many different characters that could be the villain or the hero but that Abigail and John stood out more than the others.

Greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change

Greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change Introduction Climate change is the consequence of any kind of adjustments in the climate system. Change in climate is caused by fluctuations in the factors that influence climatic patterns. This phenomenon has become one of the greatest environmental threats and risks that the world is facing. Persistent human activities such as driving cars, farming, deforestation, and industrialization result into production of greenhouse gases. These gases gather in the atmospheric space, and trap the heat from the sun. This is what causes climate change manifested through global warming and other processes. The effects of disruptive changes have led to catastrophic events like storms, droughts, rise in the sea levels, and floods (Kammen Casillas 2010, p. 1181). Climate change is majorly caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Most of the intervention efforts meant to mitigate the impacts of climate change thus target human activities that contribute to additional emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere (Letcher ScienceDirect 2009, p. 67). Therefore, renewable energy has been considered as one of the leading solutions to climate change. Provision of ‘carbon-neutral sources of power, heat, transport fuels and renewable energy options has been considered by environmental scientists as a great move in the right direction. The objective is to enact a transition from high to low carbon economy. Although the renewable energy sector is quickly changing, climate change crises dictate that the energy system be drastically transformed. This will help in combating the dangers that are associated with global warming that threatens to slump the global economy in the face of globalization and industrialization. Roggema (2009, p. 211) cited air pollution caused by transport and power sectors of the economy have been a great threat not only to the human health but have also shifted the climate systems. Prospective Interventions to Address Climate Change Crisis Climate change as an environmental problem is essentially a problem caused by the extreme utilization of fossil energy. Agriculture, changes in land use, cement production and use of chemicals all contribute to the emission of the greenhouse gases (Roggema 2009, p. 234). However, 70% of the global warming/climate change problems is caused by unsustainable use of fossil fuels. Therefore, in order to deal with the problems related to climate change, there has to be a shift from use of fossil fuels at home, in the industries, transport and generally the entire sectors of the economy (Roggema 2009, p. 203). In order to avert the challenges associated with climate change, saving of energy is essential. Electricity, automobiles and carbon emissions are the main causes of problems related to climate change. The regular incandescent light bulbs should thus be changed and replaced with the energy saving compact fluorescent bulbs which are more efficient and energy saving. The emissions that result from automobiles like motor vehicles, motorcycles should also be reduced (Letcher ScienceDirect 2009, p. 154). Climate change has been caused by human activities such as deforestation in search of more space for agricultural activities. Therefore carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere continues to rise. Being a greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide has contributed to the rise of global temperatures. Roggema (2009, p. 183) cited that human activities that encroach to the environment should thus be limited to prevent further crises associated with global warming. Traditional methods of conservation of forest ecosystems should be embraced to preserve the ecosystem and mitigate the effects of climate change (Tracy 2010, p.353). Therefore reforestation should be encouraged so that the greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are reduced from the atmosphere. Farming activities that promote environmental hazards such as soil erosion should thus be limited and replaced with farming approaches that are environmentally custodial. Industrialization is the major contributor to climate change. This is because of the emission of the greenhouse gases like Nitrous Oxide and Carbon dioxide (Tracy 2010, p. 354). In order to avert climate change challenges there should be focus on change in the energy used in the industries from the dirty to clean energy. Climate change scientists have advocated for the use of renewable energy as the solution to the climate change problems that are caused by the use of environmentally hazardous fuels like coal and nuclear energy in the industries in the global economy (Tracy 2010, p. 355). Climate Change and the options for Renewable Energy Human activities and natural environmental processes are all responsible for climate change. Natural causes include volcanic eruptions, ocean currents, changes in the earths orbit and solar variations. An eruption of volcanoes throws out great volumes of sulphur dioxide, water vapor, dust, and ash into the atmosphere (Wengenmayr 2008, p. 141). The large volumes of gases and ash have the ability to influence climatic patterns by increasing the planetary reflectivity leading to atmospheric cooling. The aerosols are produced by volcanoes also affects the purity of air in the atmosphere. These contribute greatly to climate change. The oceans currents are considered a great threat to the climate stability. The currents release great amounts of heat across the planet. Besides, the interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere can produce El Nino. The oceans determine the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide. This implies that changes in the ocean circulation greatly affects climate and significantly contributes to the climate (Wengenmayr 2008, p. 231). Climate change has been caused by human activities. MacZulak (2010, p. 9) cited that this is majorly through the burning of fossil fuels, changes in the land use, and industrialization. With industrial revolution of the 19th century, fossil fuels have been used to support industrial processes. Fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas have been great energy supplies for the industrialized economies. However, these sources of energy have contributed to great emissions of the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These are responsible for climate change (MacZulak 2010, p. 8). Carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere has increased because of human activities such as deforestation and agriculture. Methane is released through oil drilling, mining of coal, leaking gas pipelines, landfills and waste dumps (MacZulak 2010, p. 9). These greenhouse gases cause great increase in the climate change and are significantly responsible for global warming. The greatest cause of climate change and global warming however is the burning of the fossil fuels. These fuels cause emission of greenhouse gases into the earths atmosphere leading to depletion of the ozone layer and global warming (Twidell Weir 2006, p. 143). Options for Renewable Energy The term renewable energy is used in reference to the energy resources that occur naturally in the environment and can always be re-used after the initial function. Examples of this energy are the solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy.   Rivers, biomass and garbage are also considered as renewable energies (Abid, Crawford Davoudi 2009, p.167). Renewable energy is the future of the earths energy needs. However, in order to effectively combat climate change-related challenges, the global mean temperatures have to be kept below two degrees Celsius. This calls for prior planning and transformation of the industrial sectors use of energy. Renewable energy has the potential decreasing the use of fossil fuels that are to blame for most of the problems associated with climate change (Abid et al 2009, p. 169). Renewable energy sources such as wind energy, solar energy, and the bio-fuels are increasingly being used as energy alternatives. With the climate change and its crises, such form of energy has the advantage of energy security since the fossil fuels will be depleted as a result of climate change. Climate change is largely a consequence of anthropogenic activities such as burning of the fossil fuels, industrial processes, deforestation and the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. It is estimated that the power sector by itself contributes about 40% of the total carbon emissions (Abid et al 2009, p. 297). This can only be altered by shifting to the use of renewable energy. Climatic impacts such as tsunamis, droughts, wildfires, floods, storms, heat waves and tornados are consequences of climate change (MacZulak 2010, p. 8). However, according to the climate change specialists, clean air policy that includes use of renewable energy can substantially mitigate the negative impacts of climate change caused by fossil fuels. Renewable energy technologies are considered to be the most potential mitigation for greenhouse gases. In the steadily growing awareness on the importance of environmental protection priorities, renewable energy is considered appropriate in the mitigation of climate change effects (Chiras 2007, p. 67). Renewable energy is the alternative to the climate change crises since it does not produce greenhouse gas emissions and pollute the air as is the case with the fossil fuels. Chiras (2007, p. 17) indicated that biomass energy for example, has been used as an alternative for fossil fuels so as to conserve the environment. It is considered a greenhouse gas neutral since its combustion releases no more carbon dioxide than was absorbed during growth period of the organic material. Biomass fuel also contain little sulphur and low combustion temperatures. This limits the formation of nitrogen oxide which is a greenhouse gas dangerous to the environment (Abid et al 2009, p. 269). Responding to Climate Change The transport industry is driven mostly by petrol. This causes emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide combines with other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and cause global warming. In order to deal with this menace, there is need for countries to invest in energy efficient technologies like plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and new technologies such as hydrogen cars (Abid et al 2009, p. 297). This has the potential of reducing petroleum emissions of greenhouse gases into the air. Further, there is need to shift from air and truck transports to electric rail transport that reduces emissions significantly. Industries should shift from the fossil fuels to use of bio-fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel fuels should be used in the gasoline engines in the industrial economies. Abid et al (2009, p. 169) cited that electric vehicles can contribute into reduction of dangerous gases into the atmosphere especially if the energy is produced through the renewable energy sources. In order to deal with climate change and environmental crises associated with it, elimination of waste methane is required. Methane is considered to be one of the strongest greenhouse gases that are responsible for the climate change problems. Waste methane should thus be dealt with responsibly. This is through careful handling of oil wells, landfills, coal mines and the waste treatment plants (Chiras 2007, p. 17). This will provide a net greenhouse gas emission benefits. Biomass as a source of bio-energy can be used to capture carbon. Biomass traps carbon dioxide in the atmosphere through photosynthesis. When biomass is decomposed through combustion, carbon is released as carbon dioxide. This is the process involved in the carbon cycle. Biomass fuelled power plants result into a net-negative carbon dioxide emission. This implies that there will be less carbon in the atmosphere will be trapped through the technology and reduce greenhouse gases that are a threat to the environment (Abid et al 2009, p. 169). The adoption of renewable energy technologies is strategic in addressing the problems associated with climate change and global warming (Ehrfeld 2009, p. 113). From 1970s and 80s, development agencies have promoted small-scale renewable energy technologies. This includes the use of biogas, cooking stoves, the wind turbines and solar heaters in the industrializing countries. In the large scale developing countries have responded to climate change through the use of ethanol in the transport sector. This is especially the case in Brazil. In India, biogas is being used in households for lighting and cooking. Grid connected power in India and hydropower are being used in India and Nepal respectively as renewable sources of energy and safe energy for environmental conservation (Ehrfeld 2009, p. 119). Naturally Sustainable Renewable Energy As oil reservoirs and oil wells in the world run dry due to extensive exploitation and use in the energy sector, there is also an outcry in the environment that is caused by their consequences. Renewable energy sources include geothermal energy, solar, hydroelectric, biomass and wind energy (Chiras 2007, p. 233). These forms of energy have been considered to be the most environmental friendly because they dont produce high levels of greenhouse gases and other substances that are not environmentally friendly. The challenge that these forms of renewable energy have is sustainable use. Hydroelectric power uses the movement of falling water to run the turbines. Unlike other sources of energy, hydroelectricity does not depend on the fuels like natural gas or petrol to run the engines. This makes it more environmentally friendly. Besides, it is more sustainable with the sustainability of the environment so that water capacity of the dams is not interfered with. It uses the natural progression nature to generate electricity (Chiras 2007, p. 117). Hydroelectric power does not produce direct waste that pollutes the environment. It is thus considered to be environmentally sustainable (Ehrfeld 2009, p. 114). The carbon dioxide levels produced by hydroelectric power plants are considerably very low. This is however only produced during the construction stage of the plants and not in the operational phase of the plants making it environmentally friendly. As a renewable source of energy, hydroelectric power does not need the use of fuels to run the turbines. The use of petrol in the production of hydroelectric energy is not existent. This implies that when the price of the fossil fuels rises, the hydroelectric plants are often not affected. This makes it a sustainable and reliable source of energy when compared to other sources of energy (Ehrfeld 2009, p. 116). It also means that the consumer price of this form of renewable energy is fairly constant. In terms of sustainability, hydroelectric power stations last longer than the energy plant stations that are powered by fossil fuels. They are generally easy to maintain and pose no much threat to human life and property. Hydroelectric energy plants contribute to conservation of the environment. In the countries where great investments have been done in the hydropower such as Bhutan, environmental stewardship and custodianship is encouraged. Ehrfeld (2009, p. 119) cited that since it depends on water, a lot of forest conservation and reforestation is encouraged. This helps in the reduction of the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere. The human activities that contribute environmental degradation are also reduced through investment in the hydroelectric power plants. Climate change is caused by human activities that tamper with the environment. However, when a country invests in the hydroelectric plants, environmental conservations efforts are boosted. With the conservation of the water catchment areas and the forests, hydroelectricity becomes a very sustainable and reliable source of renewable energy. As it produces clean energy through environmentally friendly approaches, it also helps in the protection of Mother Nature (Ehrfeld 2009, p.121). International Agreements and Government Interventions in Climate Change Various intervention efforts have been made at the community and individual levels to combat climate change and to reduce the negative effects of human activities on the environment. However, much is still needed to be done especially at the inter-state and governmental level. One of the efforts that the governments from the industrialized countries are making in the mitigating climate change is through the Kyoto Protocol. The focus of the protocol is in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions especially from the industrialized countries by 2012. The developed countries have the responsibility to reduce their emission of greenhouse gases from their large industries. These gases contribute to global warming and climate change. The Kyoto Protocol intervention targets reduction of carbon in the atmosphere (Karlsson, Lund, Mathiesen 2010, p. 488). This is through emission trading, clean development mechanism and the joint implementation. These strategies target reductions of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The countries that are signatories are thus investing in renewable energy technology options in the industries. The UK government considers climate change as a priority. Its approaches include targeting households to help in energy saving and strengthen renewable energy adoption. Civil society, community and private organizations are also strengthened through grants to help in generation of renewable heat from the renewable sources (Ehrfeld 2009, p. 115). The industrialized countries are re-focusing investments towards generation of renewable energies that are environmentally friendly and are sustainable. There is thus need to encourage less use of fossil fuels and more investment in the bio-fuels. Improvement of energy efficiency is a good government strategy for dealing with the climate change problems. Reduced use of energy implies reduced production of carbon dioxide. Karlsson et al (2010 p. 501) cited that this calls for more efficient vehicles, motors, appliances and industrial processes. Besides, development of renewable energy sources such as solar, geothermal, hydroelectricity, and biomass should be encouraged to reduce the consequences of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The transport sector should reduce gasoline consumption. The trucks, cars and buses use almost half of the oil in the United States. There is therefore urgent need for investment in electric and fuel-celled vehicles so as to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide. Transport policies should also encourage less driving of single-passenger vehicles in order to reduce greenhouse emissions (Ehrfeld 2009, p. 115). Human activities that involve land use are largely to blame for destruction of the environment. Governments should focus on developing agricultural policies that discourage environmentally hazardous practices and activities such deforestation and other human activities that are dangerous to the environment. Climate change has negatively impacted on food security. In order to therefore fight poverty, climate change must be addressed through agricultural activities and policies that are environmentally friendly (Kammen Casillas 2010, p. 1181-1182). Conclusion Climate change is greatly caused by human activities more than the natural processes. Industrialization and agricultural activities are largely responsible for the production of greenhouse gases that promote global warming and other consequences. These threaten wildlife and human existence and as such should be addressed. Renewable energy is the potential rescue of the environment from the negative effects of human activities. Governments and countries thus need to use less of fossil fuels and invest more in renewable energy technology options. These include hydropower, geothermal, wind energy and other reliable sources of environmentally friendly renewable energy sources.

Henry IS :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It is evident that after reading The Red Badge of Courage, there are many different interpretations as to what kind of person Henry is. Some argue that Henry’s change at the end of the novel turned him into an honor earning, noble man. While one battle can change a man, there are always the underlying traits that will never fade away. The beginning of the novel is where Henry’s psychological background is set. Henry’s personality is brutally self-centered, the only person in his mind is himself, and that’s the way it always will be.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When Henry informed his mother that he was leaving to go to war, he was upset with her reaction. He expected a huge dramatic scene with his mother in tears and begging him to stay home. To his dismay, Henry received a stoic response, in which his mother told him to simply be careful. It was evident through the subtly of his mothers response that she was overly upset by her sons decision, and chose to support him as a good mother would. Henry was too busy worrying about the dissatisfying reaction from his mother to realize that she was hurt and distraught. This example is just a beginning to the selfish thoughts that pollute Henry’s mind.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Henry was overly obsessed with obtaining a high reputation on the battlefield. He hoped that an impressive performance during battles would immortalize him as a hero among the rest of the soldiers. Henry holds his head high throughout the entire beginning of the novel, and while he makes mistakes, he does not blame it on himself. Also, Henry ran away from battle, which ends up with one less person in line to fight. Henry was not thinking of the other soldiers he put at risk when he fled, but only his own fear and life. Although he was just one soldier, one soldier can make a difference. When Henry fled from battle, afterwards he blamed it on the other soldiers who did not follow in his footsteps. He found them to be fools for not protecting themselves from death as he did. In order to further increase his high self-image, he faked a wound. Getting hit in the head by the butt end of a rifle is not a hero like quality, so he went along with the lie of getting shot. Luckily, the unsuspecting soldiers believed that a bullet grazed his head, and the bump on his head wasn’t the only factor to how huge Henry’s head looked.

Benito Mussolini Essay Founding Father of Fascism

Name: * Teacher: * ENG2D1 27/05/2012 Benito Mussolini, Founding Father of Fascism Mussolini once stated that â€Å"It is humiliating to remain with our hands folded while others write history. It matters little who wins. To make a people great it is necessary to send them to battle even if you have to kick them in the pants. That is what I shall do. † As you would expect words like these from the mouth of Mussolini himself had been the inspirational backing to this dictator’s rain as sole leader of Italy in the Fascist party for nearly 24 years.Before the war, Mussolini formed the Fascist Party of Italy, by gathering the roaring support of many unemployed WWI veterans, like him. He proved to be the founder of Fascism and he had united Italy as one. During the war, Mussolini became power hungry, after joining forces with Hitler and the country of Japan. Hitler had influenced Mussolini to make many poor choices which would ultimately lead to the deaths of the both of them and the slaughtering of Fascism itself.After Mussolini’s fall from power, which occurred in the midst of WWII, Italy was thrown into chaos as the remaining Fascists fought against the partisans and the Italian army was left with no orders as to what they must do. As one may expect, this was just a temporary setback, and Italy once again formed its democracy. This essay will look at Benito Mussolini’s effect on Fascism and Italy before and during the war and after his fall from power. After WWI, Mussolini developed distaste for Socialism and had declared it to be a failure, he called for a new system to be formed, one that would revive the nation of Italy to its former Roman glory.Mussolini utilized a number of books and ideals to form the Fascist system. When discussing the Ideology behind Fascism, Mussolini affirmed that â€Å"Fascism, the more it considers and observes the future and the development of humanity, quite apart from political considerations of the mome nt, believes neither in the possibility nor the utility of perpetual peace. † In 1922, Mussolini had gained the support of a number of Italian war veterans, at this same time Italy was in complete political anarchy, with no real party in power.He had used this as leverage to gain power and eventually make himself the leader of Italy. The King handed over power to Mussolini by inviting him to form his own government. Soon, Mussolini’s Fascist movement had formed into the National Fascist Party. The Fascist party had gradually disassembled the democratic government and gained full support of the military, business class, and the liberals. By 1925, Mussolini’s Fascist party had taken control of Italy and he had given himself the title of ‘II Duce'. With such a title, he holds no responsibility to parliament and can only be removed by the king.He now set out to re-establish Italy as a major European power. In the years to come, Mussolini faced many assassinatio n attempts, one being from an Archaist, this lead to Mussolini outlawing all other parties, in 1926. He coordinated many illegal activities in order to keep himself in power, one such being cooperating with the Mafia to reduce violence in order to make it seem as if the Mafia was defeated. With Mussolini in power, surrounded by greed, and no opposition left standing, the living standard for the average Italian fell greatly.Mussolini knew he needed to do something to prevent uproar from the Italian people. In 1930, an economic depression hit Italy and Mussolini had to find some way to help recover the economy. By 1935, Mussolini had control over three quarters of all business in Italy. He made an attempt at creating government initiatives to combat the economic setbacks and unemployment levels. Most of these failed because they used up valuable resources. Mussolini made it seem as if all was well and these initiatives were working by the means of propaganda.To gain further control of the economy, he issued price and wage controls in 1938. He later attempted to make Italy self-sufficient by instituting high tariffs on trade against all countries except Germany. As one would expect, the whole of Mussolini’s rein, up to this point, had been an utter failure and all he had to defend himself with was propaganda. His first and most important priority was to brainwash the minds of the Italian peoples through careful monitoring and censorship of press, radio, education, and films.In conclusion, before the war, Mussolini had a negative effect on the quality of lives of the Italian people up to this point, and he also has so far proven that although it may have some sense in theory, Fascism when under the wrong leadership can go very bad. In 1939, the threat of war was approaching as tensions were growing in Europe; it was now up to Mussolini to decide which side to choose. It was clear to Mussolini that Nazi Germany had a strong chance of winning if war was to ar ise in Europe and that he would have to join with them now in order to secure Italy’s position as a global superpower in the near future.And so, in 1939, Italy and Germany agree to a military and political alliance, giving birth to the Axis. Soon after, in 1940, Japan joined the Axis. With the war in its beginning stages and Germany already showing strong favor, Italy joined the war. On 10 June 1940, Italy declared war on Britain and France. Many Italian people were very wiry about the joining of a major war at such a bad time for the economy, but their fears were tarnished by the quick takeover of France in just eleven days. Regardless, Italian soldiers were ill-equipped and poorly trained.These facts became exposed when Italy encountered failures in safeguarding their territory in Northern Africa and the Balkans. Mussolini’s defeated armies were sent to the Soviet Union to help Nazi Germany in their poorly planned invasion on the USSR. This proved to be a fatal choic e, as the thin numbers of the weak Italian army grew even thinner. It was clear that it Italy was to face invasion on its own soil then it would never have the power left to defend. That fact was clear to the allies, and so, in July 1943, the fighting came right to Italy’s doorstep with the invasion on Sicily by allied forces.Things were looking down for Italy, with a portion of southern Italy seized by the allies and a bombing occurring in Rome for the first time in history. Mussolini was losing confidence from his people. Mussolini had proven himself a failure in his handling of the war and he was soon removed from his position by the King. He was arrested almost immediately. With Mussolini powerless, and the nation split in half between the Nazi north and the Allies south, the nation was in anarchy. In time, the Fascist system was overrun and some of Italy changed sides. The Allied controlled south of Italy declared war on Germany on October 13, 1943.Mussolini was rescued from his imprisonment at the Hotel Campo Imperatore during the Gran Sasso Raid, two months after his arrest. Hitler assisted Mussolini in setting up a new regime (Italian Socialist Republic) and during his final two years, Mussolini lived in Northern Italy and spent much of his time writing his own autobiography. Soon, the war was over and the Fascist rein in Italy was over as well as the Nazi rein in Germany. Hitler found solution to this through suicide; Mussolini chose a different solution and decided to make an attempt at fleeing to Switzerland with the remaining members of the Italian Socialist Republic.Mussolini was caught and executed along with the other members of the Italian Socialist Republic which were with him at the time. In conclusion, during the war, Mussolini had had worsened the lives of the Italian people and had proven once and for all that Fascism simply does not work and will never function well enough to be a proper system of government. Mussolini was beaten, having failed the nation he swore to protect, his corpse was left hung upside-down on a meat hook for all of Italy to ease their worries.Following Mussolini’s fall from power, Italy was pushed into further distress. Italy was left without a proper leader and the aftereffects of Mussolini’s poor governing still remained a very real issue to Italians. Strung in poverty, fighting within the government and lack of leadership had tossed Italy into a war within its own borders. And so, in September of 1943, the Italian Civil War began. It was a fight between the remaining supporters of Mussolini (Fascists) and the Parisians. The Fascists still had the support of Nazi Germany and the Parisians had support of the Allies.This was a war within a war, a fight between Italians over governmental system and ultimately for basic freedoms. This war had dragged on until the demolition of Nazi Germany and the surrendering of the final Axis members. The Fascists had been defeated and a n ew system had to be put into place. It all started with elections just as it had nearly 30 years ago before Mussolini was in power. The first democratic vote made resulted in the dissolving of the monarchy, and soon a new prime minister was in place and Italians began to renew their trust in the democratic system.One may think that Mussolini’s legacy did not in fact live on in the governmental system or in the people of Italy, but in fact, it did. Successors of the recently banned National Fascist Party had formed their own parties, the most famous of which being the MSI (Movimento Sociale Italiano) which was dissolved in 1995. The MSI was later replaced with National Alliance which still exists today as a party that is in fact opposed to Fascism; its leader even once stated that Fascism is â€Å"an absolute evil†. In conclusion, afterMussolini had died, Italy had recovered very well, and now, thanks to Mussolini, we all know it’s wise to learn from history and never to return back to such an illogical system as Fascism. This essay has looked at Benito Mussolini’s effect on Fascism and Italy before and during the war and after his fall from power. Before the war, following WWI, Italy was in chaos, without a leader and with distrust in the democratic system, Italy had placed its trust in Mussolini and his newly invented Fascist System.During this time, Mussolini made Italians poor and had worsened their quality of lives and thus had been a poor leader. During the war, Mussolini had risked the lives of Italians through carless actions on his part. He allied with the evils of the Nazi Party and sent his men to wars they couldn’t fight when being so ill-equipped and poorly trained. After his death, Italy was once again in chaos, so much so that they entered into a civil war which finally put an end to the Fascist movement. His legacy still lived on in the parties that replaced his.Even though some may wish to forget, his legacy h as become the savior of many more innocent people due to the fact that he proved that Fascism is an evil system that shall never be used again. This report has concluded that Mussolini was an awful leader who divided the nation more then he united it and also that Fascism is too archaic for a sophisticated modern society, such as ours. Work Cited Trueman, C.. â€Å"Benito Mussolini. †Ã‚  History learning site. historylearningsite. co. uk, 2008. Web. 31 May 2012. . â€Å"Head of Government and Duce of Fascist: In Office. â€Å"Wikipedia. Google, 2011. Web. 31 May 2012. . unknown, . â€Å"Historic Figures: Benito Mussolini (1883-1945). †Ã‚  Bbc. co. uk. BBC History, 2011. Web. 31 May 2012. . Mussolini, . â€Å"Benito Mussolini Quotes . †Ã‚  Benito mussolini quotes. N. p. , 2001. Web. 31 May 2012.

The Root of Our Nation’s Struggle with Racism by Sarah Jaquez Professor Ramos Blog

The Root of Our Nation’s Struggle with Racism by Sarah Jaquez In The Souls of Black Folk, written by W.E.B. Du Bois in 1903, the very first chapter â€Å"Of Our Spiritual Strivings† Du Bois elaborates on the difficulties of being a Black- American during a time of extreme turmoil and confusion. This plight was caused by the newly announced emancipation of slaves throughout the United States. Which caused leading African American men, such as W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington, to seek answers to questions like: how do African Americans integrate into a caucasian dominated society? Both W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington strove to fight the cultural conflict of prejudice and racial inequality that are still prevalent in today’s society. Booker T. Washington had a much more passive views towards the cultural conflicts at hand than W.E.B. Du Bois had years later.   As expressed in a speech called the Atlanta Compromise, Washington believed that it was of vital importance for Black men to be respected in the workforce and have the same economical power as white men. This would   allow their basic rights, such as voting, to come later on. Shortly after his speech Booker T. Washington received praise from many respected individuals; however, that praise was short lived. After the dust of this victory settled and Booker T. Washington’s message could be fully understood it received much criticism, especially from W.E.B. Du Bois. Many of Washington’s critics, including Du Bois, believed that Washington’s approach to racial equality in a post slavery world was far too passive for the hateful and violent world that surrounded them. Du Bois wanted his natural rights protected as it states in the consti tution that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Nothing in this statement mentions race; therefore, to Du Bois, Black men should not be excluded from these unalienable rights. W.E.B. Du Bois seemed to see being Black as a much bigger burden than Booker T. Washington. In fact, Du Bois coined the well known term â€Å"double-consciousness† which is defined in the Stanford Encyclopedia as â€Å"those whose identity is divided into several facets.† This is a broader and more current definition of the term as it is still a relevant topic today. Du Bois’ definition of double-consciousness was primarily confined to describing Black Americans. He states his own experiences of his self proclaimed â€Å"twoness† as â€Å"a sense of looking at oneself through the eyes of others.† He sees being a Black and an American as â€Å"two unreconciled strivings,† or two different identities that can never be united peacefully. Double consciousness is caused by the separation of races in America, especially after the emancipation proclamation. In the eyes of society, especially at the time, the color of an African American’s ski n would forever represent the hardships they faced pre-civil war and the shame of those who inflicted those everlasting wounds. This causes racialized oppression and disapproval of being Black in a white dominated society. In modern America, this twoness is still prevalent today. In 2013, Barack Obama gave a speech in response to the Trayvon Martin verdict. He mentions that what happened to Trayvon could have easily happened to any Black man, including himself. Obama then notes that â€Å"in the African American community at least, there’s a lot of pain around what happened here, I think it’s important to recognize that the African American community is looking at this issue through a set of experiences and a history that doesn’t go away.† Obama shares that all Black men, including himself, experience the effects of double consciousness whether it be being followed in the grocery store or hearing cars be locked as they pass by. In this same speech, Obama recognizes that there   Ã¢â‚¬Å"is a history of racial disparities in the application of our criminal laws.† In comparing this speech with W.E.B. Du Bois The Souls of Black Folk, it easy to see that they are both figh ting for the same dream. That dream is to be respected as an equal in the eyes of the law and the United States political system. Although it may not have been simply natural rights that Obama is looking for, he was still striving for fairness on how the law is applied to Black men. For W.E.B. Du Bois’ 100th birthday Martin Luther King Jr gave a speech called â€Å"Honoring Du Bois.† In this speech King mentions the â€Å"twisted logic [that] if a Black man was inferior he was not oppressed,† because where a Black man stood in society was reasonable given his intellect. This is a common justification for the treatment of African Americans throughout the United States. This â€Å"twisted logic† justified acts of violence towards African Americans and reinforced the passage of Jim Crow laws among many other disgraceful acts. It can be said that the same justifications are made today. In the same speech for Trayvon given by President Barack Obama he states, â€Å"we need to spend some time in thinking about how do we bolster and reinforce our African American boys†¦ There are a lot of kids out there who need help who are getting a lot of negative reinforcement.† It seems likely that this negative reinforcement is due to the p rior twisted logic. These boys need to be bolsted due to generations of mistreatment and denial by the government and its people. Du Bois states, â€Å"he would not bleach his Negro soul in a flood of white Americanism, for he knows that Negro blood has a message for the world,† telling his African American readers that the hardships they faced are lesson for the world. The sentiment also suggest that if African Americans can   just be accepted by the white community it would be beneficial for the nation as a whole. While addressing the Trayvon Martin verdict Obama asks us to have conversations in homes, churches, workplaces and if we can ask ourselves or eachother, â€Å"Am I judging people as much as I can, based on not the color of their skin, but the content of their character?† because this stems the true root of our nation’s struggle with prejudice and racial inequality. Work Cited Du Bois, W. E. B. The Souls of Black Folk. Chicago: A.C. McClurg Co.; [Cambridge]: University Press John Wilson and Son, Cambridge, U.S.A., 1903; Bartleby.com, 1999. King, Martin Luther, Jr., 1929-1968. Honoring Dr. Du BoisW. E. B. Du Bois Papers (MS 312). Special Collections and University Archives, University of Massachusetts Amherst   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Libraries Obama, Barack. â€Å"Remarks by the President on Trayvon Martin.† National Archives and Records Administration, National Archives and Records Administration, obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2013/07/19/remarks-president-trayvon-m artin. Pittman, John P. â€Å"Double Consciousness.† Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Stanford University, 21 Mar. 2016, plato.stanford.edu/entries/double-consciousness/. Washington, Booker T. â€Å"Atlanta Compromise† Cotton States and International Exposition, 18 September 1895, Atlanta, Georgia.

Analysis Of Gangs Essays - Crime, Criminology, Urban Decay, Gangs

Analysis Of Gangs Essays - Crime, Criminology, Urban Decay, Gangs Analysis of Gangs Gangs are a violent reality that people have to deal with in today's cities. What has made these groups come about? Why do kids feel that being in a gang is both an acceptable and prestigious way to live? The long range answer to these questions can only be speculated upon, but in the short term the answers are much easier to find. On the surface, gangs are a direct result of human beings' personal wants and peer pressure. To determine how to effectively end gang violence we must find the way that these morals are given to the individual. Unfortunately, these can only be hypothesized. However, by looking at the way humans are influenced in society, I believe there is good evidence to point the blame at several institutions. These include the forces of the media, the government, theatre, drugs and our economic system. On the surface, gangs are caused by peer pressure and greed. Many teens in gangs will pressure peers into becoming part of a gang by making it all sound glamorous. Money is also an crucial factor. A kid (a 6-10 year old, who is not yet a member) is shown that s/he could make $200 to $400 for small part time gang jobs. Although these are important factors they are not strong enough to make kids do things that are strongly against their morals. One of the ways that kids morals are bent so that gang violence becomes more acceptable is the influence of television and movies. The average child spends more time at a TV than she/he spends in a classroom. Since nobody can completely turn off their minds, kids must be learning something while watching the TV. Very few hours of television watched by children are educational, so other ideas are being absorbed during this period of time. Many shows on television today are extremely violent and are often shown this from a gang's perspective. A normal adult can see that this is showing how foully that gangs are living. However, to a child this portrays a violent gang exiezce as acceptable. 'The Ends Justifies the Means' mentality is also taught through many shows where the "goody guy" captures the "bad guy" through violence and is then being commended. A young child sees this a perfectly acceptable because he knows that the "bad guy" was wrong but has no idea of what acceptable apprehension techniques are. Gore in television also takes a big part in influencing young minds. Children see gory scenes and are fascinated by these things that they have not seen before. Older viewers see gore and are not concerned with the blood but rather with the pain the victim must feel. A younger mind doesn't make this connection. Thus a gore fascination is formed, and has been seen in several of my peers. Unfortunately kids raised with this sort of television end up growing up with a stronger propensity to becoming a violent gang member or 'violent- acceptant' person. "Gangs bring the delinquent norms of society into intimate contact with the individual."1, (Marshall B Clinard, 1963). So, as you can see if TV leads a child to believe that violence is the norm this will manifest itself in the actions of the child quite, often in a gang situation. This is especially the case when parents don't spend a lot of time with their kids at the TV explaining what is right and what is wrong. Quite often newer books and some types of music will enforce this type of thought and ideas. Once this mentality is installed in youngsters they become increasingly prone to being easily pushed into a gang situation by any problem at home or elsewhere. For inezce, in poor families with many children or upper-middle class families where parents are always working, the children will often feel deprived of love. Parents can often feel that putting food on the table is enough love. Children of these families may often go to the gang firstly out of boredom and to belong somewhere. As time goes on, a form of love or kinship develops between the gang members and the child. It is then that the bond

Akutagawa essays

Akutagawa essays In all of Akutagawa fs rather dark themed short stories which were assigned, there was clearly a strong emphasis placed on the supernatural. In the conclusion of the first story,  gThe Clown fs Mask h, I got the impression that what initially seemed to be a harmless comic mask could possibly have been haunted and not of this world, and was eerily portrayed as the cause of the main character fs death. In  gThe Immortal h, images of the afterlife found in the Shrine of the Mountain Deity (e.g. the Assistant Prefect, the Little Devil) add to the story fs supernatural theme. However, most of all, the inclusion of the haggard old man who is actually not of this world, and this character fs act of turning the paper into silver and gold coins were rather strong symbols of Akutagawa fs focus on the mystical. In  gRasho Gate h, the man initially respects the corpses found inside the structure and sees the woman as a very evil person for disturbing the dead. It is not until the woman confesses that she must raid the corpses in order to survive that the man decides to rob the woman of her clothes. This greater respect for the dead rather than another human is a rather interesting aspect of the story. Finally, in the story  gWithin a Grove h, it should be mentioned that the account of incident in the grove given by the deceased husband is introduced with the title  gThe tale of the spirit as told through a medium h. As is mentioned in the book fs introduction, Akutagawa fs fascination with the macabre and ghost stories of the Edo Period since his childhood undoubtedly influenced his writing. Other than the assigned readings, the only other work of Akutagawa fs I fve had the chance to read has been  gThe Spider fs Thread h (Kumo no Ito). However, in this story as well, there is substantial emphasis placed on the supernatural. Akutagawa describes the afterlife, and especially hell in rather ghastly detail, even d...

Five factors of acceleration of globalisation Essay

Five factors of acceleration of globalisation - Essay Example These include market drivers, cost drivers, technological drivers, government or political drivers, and competitive drivers. Each of these will each be explained in detail in the following paragraphs (Campbell, Stonehouse, and Houston, 2002). There are two popular frameworks that cover the basic concepts of the drivers of globalisation. One of these is particularly relevant and will be covered here. One of the frameworks is Yip's Framework, and the other one of the frameworks is Porter's Framework. The one that will be covered in the context of this assignment is Yip's Framework, which covers four drivers of globalisation (Campbell, Stonehouse, and Houston, 2002). Yip did not believe in the two extremes that companies were either global or not global. Instead, he believed that all organizations were combinations of the two, each one being more of one than the other. His framework-or outline-allows an observer to determine specifically which parts of an organization are global and which parts have different aspects on a local level. If an organization wishes to evaluate their global strategy, analyzing Yip's Framework can play a crucial role (Campbell, Stonehouse, and Houston, 2002).. Yip argued that, "A global strategy will be global in many respects, but may also include features that are locally oriented. To achieve the benefits of globalization, the managers of a worldwide business need to recognize when industry conditions provide the opportunity to use global strategy levers (Campbell, Stonehouse, and Houston, 2002)." According to Yip, there are four drivers that that determine the extent of globalisation: market drivers, cost drivers, government drivers, and competitive drivers (Campbell, Stonehouse, and Houston, 2002). Market Globalisation Drivers The first driver of globalisation to take a look at is market drivers. "As domestic markets become more and more saturated, the opportunities for growth are limited and global expanding is a way most organizations choose to overcome this situation. Common customer needs and the opportunity to use global marketing channels and transfer marketing to some extent are also incentives to choose internationalization" (Bauernfeind, 2005, pg. 1). Market drivers have resulted in the convergence of per capita income among industrialized nations; take a look at the exchange rates across the globe for example. There has also been a convergence of lifestyles and tastes. People are demanding more high quality products and services than they ever have before, and they want them at the cheapest price, which seriously creates a problem for businesses that are attempting to make a profit. Organisations are beginning to behave as global customers. When organizations spread their operations to other countries, they have to look at finding suppliers in those areas in order to minimize their costs. There has been a notable increase in travel creating global consumers. This can perhaps be attributed to the astronomical increase in communication that came along with the growing popularity of the Internet. Regional and global channels have grown to astronomical proportions. This can be attributed once again to the growth in worldwide communication, as well as

Contemporary issues in marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Contemporary issues in marketing - Essay Example All the above phases mean that the strategy to be developed should effectively put the principles of the company closer to the needs of the specific consumers that the company targets. If a company puts the above in consideration then it will definitely develop unique strategies that make it competitive in the new market. This is addition to proper review and correction policies will determine the success of the adapted international marketing mix that Weny Trippes (fictional company) has developed. Weny Trippes has a really wide market appeal in the soft drink market in the United States. A company such as Weny Trippes has the ability to introduce new products that meet the demands and quality requirements of its consumers faster than any other company in the local scene. It has better consumer need responsiveness, better innovative skills, quality products and processes as well as higher efficiency that promotes its differentiation advantage in the United States market. This has ma de the company to consider developing marketing strategies that can ensure the success of its product line in other foreign markets such as those of Central America, East Africa, or Northern Europe, Chinese market and the Middle East markets. Different foreign markets have different needs and present unique different challenges that Weny Trippes has to form effective entry and marketing strategies on how to overcome them. ... Increasing competitiveness on a global ground has forced many industries to expand to foreign countries. Internationalisation, which is the process by virtue of which a firm moves from operating in its domestic market to international markets, has hence become an ongoing trend in the economy. But this however may have effects that are not evident in the domestic sector especially in terms of coping up with a foreign environment. The international market for many products is subject to many dynamic influences that can lead to changes in the volume, mix and distribution of demand and sources of competitiveness (Ofori 2000). Before this decision to venture into the market Weny Trippes only ventured the domestic market and never thought of expanding its business beyond the borders of its home country. The international penetration option for the companies is a means of expanding the profits and at the same time attempting to cash on the weakness and lack of creativity by the home compani es or firms that produce similar products (Akkaya 2006). Organizations are optimally entering into newer foreign markets mainly the onset of globalisation. â€Å"Globalisation is a process of interaction and integration among the people, companies, and governments of different nations, a process driven by international trade and investment †¦. This process has effects on the environment, on culture, on political systems...† (Rothenberg 2002, p1). Thus, its wish to make an impression in foreign markets is further driven by the globalization. In addition, Weny Trippes has a really diverse range of soft drink products and energy drinks that it intends to develop an international marketing strategy so as to promote them in several foreign markets.

Free or Abandon, the emergence of black ghetto Essay

Free or Abandon, the emergence of black ghetto - Essay Example Scope of the Author The author has broader and clear perception regarding the black community. He indicates that out of the forty-four existing settlers in Los Angeles, twenty-six were of African ancestry (Graaf 325). However, this number decreased rapidly following a census carried out in 1970. The results of the census disclosed that there were only twenty-two mulattoes out of a population of 150 individuals; however, a handful of Afro-Americans came to the city during the Spanish and Mexican era. Furthermore, the Afro-American element vanished virtually, although some present reports reveal that numerous famous landowners and political figures of California have African ancestry. Graaf continues to reveal that the first decades of American governance saw the influx of numerous families, particularly the family of Biddie Mason, into Los Angeles (Graaf 326). The Afro-American population grew from 12 to 102 families within the period of years between 1850 and 1880, which only transla tes into one percent of the general population of the state of California. Additionally, the land boom of 1888 led to the increase of the Afro-American population up to 1258 people. This translated into three percent of the general population of the state (Graaf 327). The land boom caused the increase of unemployment rate that stretched all over the state of California. ... Considering all the aforementioned factors Graaf argues that it is difficult to obtain any evidence that before 1900 there were any particular economical or other driving forces for African Americans to create ghetto-like urban areas within the black community. The employment setting of Afro-Americans contained signs of prejudice and starvation. Unemployment rate hit them hard and in 1893 they formed a body to guarantee jobs and land because the existing unions rejected their appeal for jobs. However, unemployment was not distinctive among the Afro-Americans and numerous factors lessened the aftermath of the Depression. However, Los Angeles felt the intensity of the panic in 1897. The majority of the Afro-Americans soon acquired service jobs and the inflow of whites generated a market for more jobs. Moreover, the depression neither discouraged the influx of other Afro-Americans into the city nor restricted the African Americans from expanding their businesses. Graaf also reveals that the racial hostility towards Afro-Americans declined abruptly. Los Angeles had desegregated its institutions and the state had incorporated a civil rights rule. Therefore, the Afro-American population enjoyed a spell of declining racial tension and a substantial degree of recognition. The number of Afro-Americans migrating to the state augmented abundantly between 1900 and 1920. This led to a multiplication of the Afro-American population with several migrants arriving from the Southern States. There were also intense efforts to increase the Afro-American population, such as Mass importation. Reports reveal that that the Pacific railroad conveyed almost 2000 Afro-Americans with an intention to end a

ETHICS MANAGEMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

ETHICS MANAGEMENT - Essay Example The individual scenarios illustrate the importance of ethics in management in their day to day activities. The CFA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct is used as a guideline in resolving each given problem. The Code and Standards  serves as the ethical yardstick of investment professionals all around the world, setting aside the aspects of job title or position, cultural differences, or local laws. The values of integrity, competence, diligence, respect, and in an ethical manner with the public, clients, prospective clients, employers, employees, colleagues in the investment profession, and other participants in the global capital markets are hereby applied in the sample problems in order to resolve the ethical issues presented in this paper. Keywords: ethics management, ethical dilemma, code of ethics, professional conduct, values, global investment ETHICAL MANAGEMENT This paper presents some of the common problems encountered in the professional environment by applying CFA In stitute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct to as a guide in order to resolve the ethical dilemmas. The CFA Code of Ethics emphasizes the values of integrity, competence, respect and how to maintain professional competence by placing the interests of the clients above individual interest. On the other hand, the CFA Standards of Professional Conduct highlights the values of professionalism, duties to clients, employers, colleagues, the integrity of capital markets, investment analysis and recommendations and conflicts of interest. Both are used as point of reference in resolving ethical dilemmas and ethical conflicts by applying ethical theories. Problems A & B As a sales representative, I am faced with the ethical dilemma of whether I should close the deal with Fortune 500 company even if I know that the other 2,000 computers will be delayed in delivery and I will earn a sizeable profit by receiving a big commission from such sale and will definitely boost the compa ny’s stock option. As a mother of two children, my kids are entitled to receive support from me, the money that I will be earning will help our family to defray our daily expenses. On the other hand, I will be in violation of the Code of Ethics as I should â€Å"act with integrity, competence, diligence and respect to my clients. I am expected to put the interest of client above my own personal interests†(CFA Code of Ethics 2010). One of my duties to my clients is to be fair in all my dealings with them. In this case, if I pursue with the sale with personal knowledge that the other computer units will not be delivered on time, I am guilty of putting my personal interest above the interest of my client. The long term effect of this sale to Fortune 500 would mean that their company will incur losses because of the failure of delivery on the part of our company. Our company will stand to lose a valuable client if I choose to close the deal without informing them that we c annot deliver on time and blame the delay to the manufacturer of computers. The short term effect will be advantageous on my part as I will receive a lucrative commission and the company will also benefit from the sale by receiving a boost in the company’s stock price and help our executives who want to exercise stock options. In the end, my final decision will be to forego with the deal even if our company will stand to lose a reasonable amount of profit and also if I lose the chance to earn personal gain. The Standards of Professional Conduct requires that in cases of â€Å"conflict of interest, I should make full and fair disclosure of all matters that could reasonably be expected to impair my independence and objectivity or interfere with respective duties to my clie

Formal Analysis of theVase, Bottle, and Fruit by Henri Matisse Essay

Formal Analysis of theVase, Bottle, and Fruit by Henri Matisse - Essay Example In 1906, Henri Matisse presented yet another still life masterpiece called ‘Vase, Bottle, and Fruit’. This painting made with oils on canvas reflects post-impressionist style of Fauvism, of which Matisse was crowned the King. As an innovation, Matisse did not place the various 2-D still life objects on top of the table. The still life objects seem to be floating within the painting, and absolutely merged in the atmosphere. Although, the subject matter is reality-based, that is various objects on a table yet we see that Matisse has not produced a slavish copy of reality. Instead of painting the still life objects and background to correspond with reality, he presents distorted images to work out pictorial harmony. In fact, the patterns and shapes in this painting successfully depict his surreal interpretation of the subject matter. He employs a dark palette for the background, combined with vibrant colors for the still life objects. This contrast focuses the audience†™s attention more on the objects than the gloomy, dark background. The interior is absolutely ambiguous, capturing greater attention as a viewer tries to identify the objects and make out the background. The contrasted flat areas do not only add harmony, but also an effect of space to the painting. The clear boundaries of the table combined with the darker colors around it establish the spatial coordinates of the interior. The interior is devoid of shadows and unlike the background is entirely filled with light. The fabric presented here, depicts both, the tablecloth and background, Matisse accentuated the two-dimensional picture surface, which is highlighted even more due to the lack of shadows. He has subjugated the ordinary subject matter to his own artistic desires by constantly evolving the colors and patterns in it. Undeniably this painting is a classic illustration of the rich interplay between forms and colors Paragraph 3: Pure colors and dynamic brushstrokes give life to the painting. He ignores details, and has used vibrant and bright colors and strong lines to produce a feeling of movement. Pattern is the basic philosophy behind the painting. His use of pattern is akin to his use of colors, aimed at in-depth representation of the subject matter, regardless of the elements being still life, figure, and interior. This painting is an evidence of Matisse’s dexterity in the use of bold colors, and organic kinds that is evocatively apparent in it. Essentially, these patterns of the toile de juoy bear resemblance to flora, fauna, and vegetables and are organic. Matisse has used textiles as symbolic depictions and later termed them as ‘signs’. The blue tablecloth presented in this painting is in fact based on a textile fabric, an early nineteenth century printed French fabric made of cotton and linen. Matisse admired this fabric and termed it as his ‘toile de Jouy’. In actual, the fabric comprised of a delft blue design ma de on a white backdrop; however, in the painting, Matisse transformed the white into an aqua and grey shades to enrich the overall harmony. The blue and cyan hues add a powerful and bold edge to the overall painting, yet not an overpowering element. His imaginative makeover of the real life theme prime has enabled him to create oriental fantasies based on patterns. This painting incorporates the decorative element of eastern art and also uses a vast array of colors like the French Impressionists. In addition, Matisse has employed fauvism in this painting, as is evident from the wild brush strokes, strident colours, simplified theme, and abstract interpretation of

Climate Change in the Context of Kuehne + Nagel Inc Coursework

Climate Change in the Context of Kuehne + Nagel Inc - Coursework Example From this paper it is clear that the trends in climatic changes are worsening with the increase in the occurrence of the unpredictable extreme events. Hence, the activities of Kuehne + Nagel Inc. are extremely affected by the negative change. Alongside, the adverse impacts trails of opportunities exist to market the firm due to its stability, and this increases the client bases. With the practical implementation of the recommendations, Kuehne + Nagel Inc. will overcome the inevitable catastrophes presented by the weather condition.   Ã‚  This essay discusses that  the current climate trends depict a long-term increasing inclination of the average temperature of the air. Precipitation is also in a dynamic pattern. However, it varies in a complicated manner. Climatologists predict that the trends will significantly pick up the pace in the future. A severely damaging concern caused by an elevation of temperature rates is the continually rising levels of the sea. From the year 1860, the level has increased by 0.2 meters as affirmed by satellite information. Scientists project that the temperature at the end of the 21st-century ranges between 1.0 to 3.7 degrees Celsius.  Additionally, the alteration in the conditions of climate may result in changes in duration, intensity, frequency, timing and spatial coverage of climate and weather extremes. These in turn can modify future climatic situations.

ETHICS MANAGEMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

ETHICS MANAGEMENT - Essay Example The individual scenarios illustrate the importance of ethics in management in their day to day activities. The CFA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct is used as a guideline in resolving each given problem. The Code and Standards  serves as the ethical yardstick of investment professionals all around the world, setting aside the aspects of job title or position, cultural differences, or local laws. The values of integrity, competence, diligence, respect, and in an ethical manner with the public, clients, prospective clients, employers, employees, colleagues in the investment profession, and other participants in the global capital markets are hereby applied in the sample problems in order to resolve the ethical issues presented in this paper. Keywords: ethics management, ethical dilemma, code of ethics, professional conduct, values, global investment ETHICAL MANAGEMENT This paper presents some of the common problems encountered in the professional environment by applying CFA In stitute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct to as a guide in order to resolve the ethical dilemmas. The CFA Code of Ethics emphasizes the values of integrity, competence, respect and how to maintain professional competence by placing the interests of the clients above individual interest. On the other hand, the CFA Standards of Professional Conduct highlights the values of professionalism, duties to clients, employers, colleagues, the integrity of capital markets, investment analysis and recommendations and conflicts of interest. Both are used as point of reference in resolving ethical dilemmas and ethical conflicts by applying ethical theories. Problems A & B As a sales representative, I am faced with the ethical dilemma of whether I should close the deal with Fortune 500 company even if I know that the other 2,000 computers will be delayed in delivery and I will earn a sizeable profit by receiving a big commission from such sale and will definitely boost the compa ny’s stock option. As a mother of two children, my kids are entitled to receive support from me, the money that I will be earning will help our family to defray our daily expenses. On the other hand, I will be in violation of the Code of Ethics as I should â€Å"act with integrity, competence, diligence and respect to my clients. I am expected to put the interest of client above my own personal interests†(CFA Code of Ethics 2010). One of my duties to my clients is to be fair in all my dealings with them. In this case, if I pursue with the sale with personal knowledge that the other computer units will not be delivered on time, I am guilty of putting my personal interest above the interest of my client. The long term effect of this sale to Fortune 500 would mean that their company will incur losses because of the failure of delivery on the part of our company. Our company will stand to lose a valuable client if I choose to close the deal without informing them that we c annot deliver on time and blame the delay to the manufacturer of computers. The short term effect will be advantageous on my part as I will receive a lucrative commission and the company will also benefit from the sale by receiving a boost in the company’s stock price and help our executives who want to exercise stock options. In the end, my final decision will be to forego with the deal even if our company will stand to lose a reasonable amount of profit and also if I lose the chance to earn personal gain. The Standards of Professional Conduct requires that in cases of â€Å"conflict of interest, I should make full and fair disclosure of all matters that could reasonably be expected to impair my independence and objectivity or interfere with respective duties to my clie

Climate Change in the Context of Kuehne + Nagel Inc Coursework

Climate Change in the Context of Kuehne + Nagel Inc - Coursework Example From this paper it is clear that the trends in climatic changes are worsening with the increase in the occurrence of the unpredictable extreme events. Hence, the activities of Kuehne + Nagel Inc. are extremely affected by the negative change. Alongside, the adverse impacts trails of opportunities exist to market the firm due to its stability, and this increases the client bases. With the practical implementation of the recommendations, Kuehne + Nagel Inc. will overcome the inevitable catastrophes presented by the weather condition.   Ã‚  This essay discusses that  the current climate trends depict a long-term increasing inclination of the average temperature of the air. Precipitation is also in a dynamic pattern. However, it varies in a complicated manner. Climatologists predict that the trends will significantly pick up the pace in the future. A severely damaging concern caused by an elevation of temperature rates is the continually rising levels of the sea. From the year 1860, the level has increased by 0.2 meters as affirmed by satellite information. Scientists project that the temperature at the end of the 21st-century ranges between 1.0 to 3.7 degrees Celsius.  Additionally, the alteration in the conditions of climate may result in changes in duration, intensity, frequency, timing and spatial coverage of climate and weather extremes. These in turn can modify future climatic situations.

The Village Essay Example for Free

The Village Essay Describe the opening scenes or sections of the text. Explain how the opening scenes or section helped you to understand what the texts were going to be about, using examples of visual and/or oral language features to support your ideas. The Village is an isolated community foundered in order to evade the corruption of the present day world. In an attempt to prohibit people from leaving, a cunning scheme to generate fear is put in place. Behind this pernicious act, is an innocent intention. These two ideas, of evil and innocence, can be depicted from the opening credits. The director, M.  Night Shyamalan cleverly intertwines intriguing camera angles, chilling images, and eerie, yet pure music to convey these themes. Composers often convey emotion through their music in the form of different instruments. Particular instruments are more suited to portraying certain emotions, and audiences can decipher what emotion is being portrayed depending on the instrument used. At the beginning of the opening credits, a flute, conveying innocence and naivety is used. The mellow, calming sound of the flute is later contrasted by a steady menacing drum beat that enters the piece of music as the title, â€Å"The Village† materialises. Slowly, the tempo of the piece accelerates causing a sense of uneasiness and tension within the audience. Gradually, the double bass is introduced into the music adding greater mystery, and apprehension. This music sequence highlights the idea that the content of â€Å"The Village† is supposedly meant to be pure and innocent but somehow encompasses a form of evil and hostility. The looming images of stark trees in dark lighting foreshadow the events that will follow. The dark images in the foreground of every shot are lit by the space in the background creating shadows and a spooky feel. The images are of lifeless trees. This is unsettling, and it makes the viewer feel intimidated, and insignificant. The austere branches are dappled in moonlight telling the viewer that it is night-time. The significance of this is that all strange and mysterious things seem to occur at night, reinforcing the suspicion that a dark theme will be involved in the film. Camera angles are used for a similar effect to music, in that they can help in portraying emotions. In â€Å"The Village†, the camera encircles the tree from a low angle engendering two effects. When the camera circles the trees, it creates the illusion that everything within the forest is haunted and live. This effect is complimented by the low angle shot as the low angle shot enables the tree branches to seem threatening and overwhelming. The camera also only reveals snippets of trees, and will not display a shot for very long. This makes the viewer feel uncomfortable and confused as they don’t quite understand what is happening, and they feel as if they can not control the situation. The feelings these techniques give the audience point towards something foreboding in the film, and really brace the audience for what they are about to watch.

Financial Performance of BRALIRWA

Financial Performance of BRALIRWA This chapter presents the theoretical framework used to evaluate the financial performance of BRALIRWA and the influence of corporate governance on the firm performance; and the research methodology followed throughout the research basing on the different aspects discussed in literature review. 3.1 INTRODUCTION As discussed in chapter one, the main focus for many companies is to create the best possible value for their owners and to secure excellent financial performance. The sound financial health of a company is one of its major goals and to maintain it, companies at one point of time have to look at the past and current performance to plan for future prospect. The most objective way to evaluate the financial performance of a company is through financial statement analysis. Financial analysis involves the assessment of a firms liquidity, its operating performance, its risk profile and its growth potential using financial ratios. Ratio analysis is an important and powerful analytical tool used for measuring the performance of a business entity (Van et Al., 2003). It helps stakeholders (shareholders, investors, creditors, managers, government etc) to make an evaluation about the profitability and financial soundness of the business entity (Bardia, 2008). Different types of investors expect different types of returns, if you are a stockholder, you expect an increase in the value of the stock you hold; if you have invested in a company with a history of paying dividends, you also expect a dividend; if you have loaned the firm money, you expect to receive interest and the return of loan principal. Although the types of returns they expect are different, equity investors and creditors both risk not receiving those returns. Therefore, both stockholders and creditors use financial statement analysis to predict their expected returns and assess the risks associated with those returns (Hongren, Sundem, Elliot and Phil brick, 2003). Analysis of financial performance allows comparison of practice performance from one year to the next, benchmarking of a practice against industry standards, and preparation of financial information for lending institutions or directors (Stallwood, 1996). The financial performance of a company can be influenced by many different aspects or factors and for the purpose of this study, corporate governance was taken into consideration and specifically the aspect of board characteristics. The board of directors is an important entity in a company creating a link between shareholders and managers and therefore playing an important role in the governance of the firm (Dehaene et al., 2007). Therefore, boards of directors are charged with the task of monitoring the performance and activities of top management to ensure that the latter acts in the best interests of the owners (Jensen and Meckling, 1976; quoted by OConnell and Cramer, 2010) 3.2 PROBLEM DEFINITION After the 1994 genocide many companies in Rwanda were destroyed and some of them have not recovered up to today. Among the companies affected by the genocide include manufacturing companies out of which some tried to recover and restart their activities progressively and the country is providing a good environment for business but this does not guarantee good performance on behalf of companies. Standard financial reports provide basic information on the current profit level of investment in assets but do not give information on whether profit is adequate, how efficiently the assets are being used to generate sales, how efficient the overall operation is, and whether there are short-term financial problems facing the business. Ratio analysis provides some answers to these questions by calculating the relationships between various figures on the balance sheet and the income statement and comparing the movements in these ratios over time and against industry averages can provide additional information about whether the organization is performing well or whether remedial action is needed (Stallwood, 1996). Ratio analysis is an important and powerful analytical tool for measuring the performance of a business entity. It helps stakeholders to make an evaluation about the profitability and financial soundness of the business entity (Van et al., 2003). Some key companies in the manufacturing sector do not have thorough financial analysis which makes it difficult for stakeholders to know how these companies are performing; BRALIRWA will be used as representative case study to exemplify the financial performance of companies in the sector and the way this performance is influenced by corporate governance. The way companies are directed and controlled can influence their performance (Berle Means, 1932), in some companies there is lack of consistency in reporting operating and financial activities as well as governance activities to shareholders in a fair, accurate, timely, reliable, relevant, complete and verifiable manner. Manufacturing companies in Rwanda contribute to the economic development of the country and hence a need to evaluate their performance in other to detect their likely future and take appropriate measures accordingly, as well as the influence of corporate governance on their performance. 3.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES This study has one general objective and five specific objectives. 3.3.1 General objective The general objective of this study is to assess the financial performance of BRALIRWA s.a (2005-2008) and the influence of its corporate governance on the performance 3.3.2 Specific objectives To analyze the operating efficiency and profitability of BRALIRWA to know its level of operating performance. To analyze the sales and earnings variability in order to measure the risk that BRALIRWA may be exposed to. To analyze the internal liquidity of BRALIRWA in order to measure its ability to meet financial obligations in the short-term. To assess the impact if any of BRALIRWA governance on its performance. To analyze the sustainable growth potential of BRALIRWA. 3.4 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK The theoretical framework adopted in this study was developed based on different literature on the analysis and evaluation of financial performance and literature on corporate governance and firm performance. 3.4.1 Dependent variable According to Jones, Wahba and Heijden (2007), the dependent variable is the one main research issue you are studying, on which other variables in theoretical framework are assumed to have an impact. Creswell (2002), defines dependent variables as the outcomes or results of the influence of the independent variables. For this study, financial performance stands for the dependent variable. Financial performance is usually measured by ROE and ROA, for this study financial analysis is used to analyze the financial performance of BRALIRWA and the analysis is conducted in three categories; the analysis of internal liquidity, operating performance and risk. When analyzing internal liquidity, the intention is to indicate the firms ability to meet its future short-term financial obligations, this may be an indication over a certain period of the likely performance of a company because if a firm is not able to meet its short-term financial obligations for a long period, definitely this will affect its performance but the analysis of this may help the organization take necessary actions. The analysis here is based on current ratio, quick ratio, cash ratio, receivables turnover and inventory turnover. The analysis of operating performance, examines how management uses its assets and capital by measuring the sales generated by various categories of assets or capital and analyzes the profits as a percentage of sales and as a percentage of the assets and capital employed (Brown and Reilly, 2009). The ratios used are the asset turnover, equity turnover, profit margins, return on equity and return on assets. Concerning the risk analysis, both business and financial risks are measured and analyzed, here the emphasis is on the sales variability, operating leverage which consists of the variability of a firms operating earnings and then the debt-equity ratio to measure the financial risk. 3.4.2 Independent variables Independent variables are the variables impacting on your main research problem. They are called independent in a sense that those variables are affecting the amount of dependent variables and do not affect each other, so they are independent of each other (Jones, Wahba and Heijden, 2007). Corporate governance stands for the independent variable for this study. Corporate governance is the mechanism by which a corporation is managed and monitored. It determines a power-sharing relationship between corporation executives and investors by providing structure through which the objectives are defined; policies and procedures are established to ensure achievement of these objectives; and activities, affairs, and performance are monitored (Rezaee, 2004). Based on this definition and other definitions of corporate governance, it can positively or negatively influence the performance of a company and for the purpose of this study, the influence will be analyzed based on board characteristics which are treated as the moderating variables in this study and considered as one of the aspects of corporate governance. 3.4.3 Moderating variables Moderating variables are included in the theoretical model to modify the way that the independent variables will affect the dependent variable. They might act as a catalyst of these relationships and strengthen them or perhaps they just inhibit the relationship and weaken it (Jones, Wahba and Heijden, 2007). For this study the moderating variables are the board characteristics, and the following characteristics were taken into consideration the board size, board composition, CEO duality, board diversity and frequency of board meetings. The board size is the number of members on the board and as boards are considered to be large decision-making groups, size can affect the decision-making process and effectiveness of the board (Dwivedi and Jain, 2005). Talking about the board composition, the board may be composed of directors who may be executive meaning that they are employees of the firm, or non-executive meaning they are not employees of the company; and this may have an effect on firm performance. CEO duality consists of having the same person holding both the board chairman and CEO positions or having the CEO and board chair positions separate, this also may have an impact on firm performance. When it comes to board diversity, the consideration is that there may be some diversification in the board members which may or may not have an influence on firm performance; diversity for this study is seen as gender diversity, racial diversity and experience/background diversity. Board meeting frequency consists of how frequently the board meetings are scheduled and the board activity is measured by the frequency of board meeting, this frequency may impact on the performance of the firm. Figure 3.1: Theoretical Framework Source: Research, 2010 3.4.4 Research assumptions Based on the various corporate scandals due to the manipulation of financial statements, the researcher made an assumption that the information provided in the audited financial statements of BRALIRWA for the period 2005-2008 are true and accurate. It was assumed that the respondents would be willing to fill the questionnaires and that the staff in the finance department of BRALIRWA would cooperate in providing any necessary information regarding the financial statements. 3.4.5 Research limitations The study uses BRALIRWA as a case study, which may provide little basis for generalization on the performance of other manufacturing companies The study only use a time-series analysis because there are no competitors in the industry to compare with The financial statements analyzed were the balance sheet and income statement because the company does not prepare cash flow statement The study only used board characteristics as the aspects of corporate governance due to time and logistics constraints the researcher could not use other aspects. The study was limited to a period of four years from 2005 to 2008 3.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONs To achieve the research objectives of this study; the study has to answer the following major and minor research questions. 3.5.1 Major research questions How is BRALIRWA financially performing for the period under study and what is the implication for future performance? How is BRALIRWA governance influencing its performance? 3.5.2 Minor research questions How well is the management of BRALIRWA doing to generate operating profits on companys assets? How well is BRALIRWA management using the capital invested? How is BRALIRWA financing its assets and how variable its earnings are? How well is BRALIRWA doing to meet its maturing financial obligations? The above mentioned research questions will help in analyzing the financial performance of BRALIRWA and the influence of its corporate governance on performance. 3.6 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.6.1 Research type This study is basically quantitative with a small portion of qualitative and descriptive in nature and is using a case study method. The study is using the computation of different ratios to analyze the financial performance of BRALIRWA and statistical measure like mean, standard deviation and correlation are also used; and it is also qualitative in the sense that it is looking at the perceptions of staff on the influence of corporate governance on the performance. The purpose of quantitative research is to determine the quantity or extent of some phenomenon in the form of numbers (Zikmund, 1994). 3.6.1.1 Case study methodology This study is using BRALIRWA as a case study representing other manufacturing companies in Rwanda. BRALIRWA was chosen as a case study because of its long stay in the business and as being one of the manufacturing companies that were operating before the 1994 Rwandan genocide and which has continued operating and the major motivation for the researcher to take it as a representative case study is that the manufacturing sector in Rwanda is mostly made of food and beverages companies where BRALIRWA is dominating. According to Robson (2002:178) cited by Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2007), a case study is a strategy for doing research which involves an empirical investigation of a particular contemporary phenomenon within its real life context using multiple sources of evidence. Yin (2009) defines a case study as an empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon in depth and within its real life context, especially when the boundaries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident. According to Yin (2009), the case study inquiry copes with the technically distinctive situation in which there will be many more variables of interest than data points, and one result; relies on multiple source of evidence, with data needing to converge in a triangulating fashion, and as another result; and benefits from the prior development of theoretical propositions to guide data collection and analysis. 3.6.1.2 Descriptive research This study is descriptive as it is describing and evaluating systematically how BRALIRWA has been performing for the period under study. According to Kumar (2005), a descriptive research attempts to describe systematically a situation, problem, phenomenon, service or program, or provides information about something or describes attitudes towards an issue. 3.6.1.3 Quantitative and qualitative research As discussed early, this study is a mix of quantitative and qualitative, it is evaluating the performance of BRALIRWA by quantifying it through different ratios to analyze the internal liquidity, operating performance and risk and most of the information is gathered using quantitative variables (through financial statements). On the other hand, the study is qualitative in the way that it has some variables which were analyzed without being quantified. The study is qualified as quantitative if one wants to quantify the variation in a phenomenon, situation, problem, or issue; if information gathered using predominantly quantitative variables; and if the analysis is geared to ascertain the magnitude of the variation. On the other hand, a study is qualified as qualitative if the purpose of the study is primary to describe a situation, phenomenon, problem or event; the information is gathered through the use of variables measured on nominal or ordinal scales; and if analysis is done to establish the variation in the situation, phenomenon or problem without quantifying it (Kumar, 2005). 3.6.2 Data collection instrument and source For the purpose of this study, both primary and secondary data were collected. To collect primary data questionnaires were distributed to the staff of BRALIRWA to know and analyze their perceptions on the influence of board characteristics on firm performance, the questionnaires were given to different staff but the most targeted were the managers and directors (management team) and heads of department and then some of the officers in different departments; interviews were also used with the staff in the finance department to get some clarifications on the content of the financial statements. And to collect secondary data, different literature on the evaluation of financial performance and those on the relationship between corporate governance (board characteristics) were reviewed through books, journals, articles and websites; and the financial statements of BRALIRWA for a period of 2005-2008 were consulted and analyzed through financial ratios. 3.6.3 Sampling methods Sampling is the process of selecting a few (a sample) from a bigger group (the sampling population) to become the basis for estimating or predicting the prevalence of an unknown piece of information, situation or outcome regarding the bigger group; a sample is a subgroup of the population one is interested in (Kumar, 2005). For the purpose of this study, judgmental sampling technique has been used to select the sample in order to collect primary data. Purposive or judgmental sampling enables you to use your judgment to select cases that will best enable you to answer your research question(s) and to meet your objectives. This form of sample is often used when working with very small samples such as in case study research and when you wish to select cases that are particularly informative (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2007 quoting Neuman, 2000). According to Kumar (2005), the primary consideration in purposive sampling is the judgment of the researcher as to who can provide the best information to achieve the objectives of the study; the researcher only goes to those people who in his/her opinion are likely to have the required information and be willing to share it. For the respondents to fill the questionnaire it required a certain degree of information about the board of directors and the judgmental sampling is the appropriate technique to this study. 3.6.4 Sample size A sample of 25 respondents was selected from the staff of BRALIRWA which is the population of the study; as stated early the sample was selected using judgmental sampling. The respondents were selected from different departments of the company and from top management to senior officers and the sample is the representative of the population. 3.6.4 Data analysis methods The study is based more on the secondary data as the evaluation of financial performance is based on the financial statements of the case company (BRALIRWA) and on primary data which were collected using a questionnaire to analyze the influence of the board characteristics on the financial performance of the company as perceived by the company employees. In the process of data analysis, the information from the financial statement were first presented according to the research objectives and research questions and based on the theoretical framework and literature review; then they were analyzed using appropriate ratios and the analysis was based on time series analysis, some statistics were used such as mean and standard deviation for the researcher to analyze the data and come up with conclusions and recommendations. To analyze the data collected from questionnaires, the following process was followed; first the data were edited, then coded and frequency distribution were used. To analyze, the open-ended questions, content analysis was used whereby different themes were identified from the answers given by the respondents and then verbatim responses were examined and discussed with reference to literature to come up with research findings, conclusion and recommendations. 3.7 CHAPTER SUMMARY This chapter discussed the research problem by highlighting that in Rwanda some key companies do not have thorough financial analysis and that the performance of companies may be influenced by the way they are managed and monitored where this may depend on the characteristics of the board. The chapter also discussed the theoretical framework that was used for this study and the dependent, independent and moderating variables were identified; financial performance is the dependent variable which is determined through the analysis of internal liquidity, operating performance and risk and the summarizing indicators of financial performance for the purpose of this study were identified as ROE and ROA. The chapter goes on discussing the research objectives, research questions, the assumptions and limitations of study. Then the chapter concludes with the discussion of the research methodology that was used to conduct the research and to achieve the research objectives and to answer the research questions that were put forward; the study is a mix of quantitative and qualitative, both secondary and primary were used and financial statements and other sources were used to collect secondary data and the questionnaire was used to collect primary and the questionnaires were sent to a sample of 25 respondents, the sample was selected using judgmental sampling.