Gemini Electronics Essay

1. What was the business model of Gemini? The business model was to produce TV’s on a just-in-time basis to pass on most of the distribution savings to the consumers. He planned to cater to the big box retailers such as Best Buy and Walmart to name a few, who wanted to cut down their supply chains by sourcing TV’s in North America. By shortening the supply chain you increase reliability making it easier to address uncertainties as well as building lean production to eliminate waste to reduce production time and cost. a. What were the key success factors that determined its past profitability? The key factors that determined its profitability was the reputation for having excellent quality at affordable prices below the competition. b. What are the risks Gemini is facing now? The risk Gemini is facing now is the recessions, the Korean and Japanese competitors lowering their prices, technological trends emerging such as the 3D TVs and video phone capabilities, and difficu lty trying to convince major retailers to carry their product. In order for those products to be carried, retailers pressed for more generous credit terms and no interest on overdue accounts. 2. What is your assessment of the company’s recent performance and current position in the marketplace? Gemini has been grown and holds the U.S. market share at 35% proven itself to be a strong contender in this industry. Through the years 2005-2008 net income increase substantially which could mean that there was sales growth and improved or reduced cost in operating efficiency. With a continuing increase in net income, there are potential opportunities for stock price and market cap increases. This will in turn make Gemini a favorable company for potential investors. In 2009 the net income decrease but that could have been due to the recession occurring in that time frame. Consumers probably didn’t have the money to splurge on TV’s and electronics. There was also the threat of the Sony 3D television and video phone capabilities. Maybe the consumers were more attracted to what was new and trending at that time. 3. Does Gemini need to establish operations outside the U.S. or can it  survive as a domestic company? It doesn’t need to because at this moment the company is very profitable domestically. That would definitely be something to consider in the future after first branding its products as â€Å"made in the USA†. I also agree with Wang in strategically planning to develop Gemini’s product line to be able to complete internally with competitors such as Sony and LG. a. What operational issues is Gemini likely to face if it expends internationally? Issues Gemini could face would be the existing competition, regulations, financial risk such as the exchange rate between currencies could lead to disappointing return on investments. There may be issues with accessibility to supplies needed when dealing with tariffs and fees to ship products in. 4. What is your assessment of Gemini and what strategies do you recommend Gemini to follow. My assessment of Gemini is that the company is operating in a capacity to where, it can generate revenue, cut operational and distributional cost, and still offer savings to consumers without decreasing the price of the units sold or quantity for certain products indicating that the company is continually growing despite the 2009 occurrences. I recommend that they rebrand themselves as a â€Å"made in USA† product and continue to become innovative and technology savvy to develop their product line in order to compete with other big name competitors.

Discuss the Effect of Islam upon West Africa Essay

Change Over Time Essay Assignment #1The camel, with its ability to travel long distances without water and carry heavy loads, facilitated trans-Saharan communication. During the seventh and eighth centuries CE, Islamic conquerors had added North Africa to the dar al-Islam. By the end of the eighth century CE, Muslim merchants had crossed the Sahara and initiated commercial relations with Sub-Saharan West Africa and by the beginning of the second millennium, Islam had become entrenched in West African life. Islam dramatically changed West Africa culturally, politically, and economically in the time period between 1000 CE and 1750 CE, but many staples of West African society remained the same. Economically, Islam ushered a new era of economic prosperity into West Africa. The adoption of Islam by West African states provided them with common ground upon which states such as Mali greatly expanded their gold trade to encompass Arab and Mediterranean nations. Established Muslim trade routes facilitated the huge increase in the volume of African trade. Commercial cities sprung up across West Africa, with commerce increasing Timbuktu’s population to 100,000. In the twelfth century, Muslim merchants introduced cotton, rice, and citrus fruits to West Africa; by the sixteenth century cotton was the main textile produced in West Africa. European demand for cotton textiles ensured that West Africa would remain economically prosperous. Islamic merchants expanded the African slave trade to a continental level, providing Europeans with a framework upon which to build the catastrophic Atlantic slave trade, replacing small scale tribal slavery with huge state economies built entirely around capturing slaves and selling them to foreign nations. However, despite these huge changes in economic methods and volume, West African states relied heavily upon trade as the principle form of economic support throughout periods of Islamic influence. The increase in trade with Islamic merchants between 1000 and 1750 led to the permeation of Islamic culture among West African peoples. Islamic rulers built large mosques and universities where people could learn about Islam, as well as other areas of knowledge. These universities spread literacy within West African society. Islam was generally tolerant of traditional values, such as polygamy. This allowed it greater popularity than  Christianity, and decreased resistance to conversion. Islam was not forced upon citizens by their kings, but rather was voluntarily encouraged. Despite this, many people adopted Islam, especially those who interacted with Muslim merchants. However, many of those who adopted Islam did not adopt Islam in its original form, but rather combined it with traditional religious beliefs to create a syncretic religion. There was much social turmoil among purists, such as the Fulani, and those who practiced syncretic Islam. Despite the large Islamic influence in the area, many chose not to adopt a syncretic faith and rather kept their traditional beliefs. The integration of Islamic culture into West Africa, as well as the economic prosperity that Islamic trade brought West Africa, led to the creation of large centralized states. As opposed to the small kingdoms, such as the kingdom of Ghana, that the first Islamic merchants encountered in West Africa, by the fifteenth century two large centralized empires had emerged. Islamic influence played a large part in the creation of these large empires. Firstly, the revenue created by integration of West Africa into Islamic trade allowed West African rulers to create and support large standing armies. These armies ensured that these empires could protect their peoples and sources of income, as well as exert their influence. Secondly, Islamic law, known as Shari’a, introduced to West Africa allowed for unified rule. Previously, varying tribal laws had caused disorder and fragmentation, as well as discontent. Islamic law facilitated and demanded the creation of large centralized empires. However, Islam itself did not necessarily become the exclusive religion of these empires; many, indeed most, citizens of these empires clung to and practiced their traditional pagan religious beliefs. Following the collapse of these two empires, West African political structure returned to the small regional kingdoms that had been West African norm before Muslim merchants crossed the Sahara. Overall, the Islam greatly, sometimes even completely, changed cultural, political, and economic environments in West Africa between 1000 CE and 1750 CE. Examples of this change include the introduction of centralized kingdoms, trans-Saharan trade, and Muslim values. Despite this great change, many elements of West African society, such as popular religion, dependence  on trade, and basic values remained the same despite Islamic influence up through 1750 CE. Near the end of that period, Africa began to be colonized by European nations, and fell under European influence.

Man's Search for meaning by Viktor Frankl Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Man's Search for meaning by Viktor Frankl - Essay Example The experience of Viktor in the Nazi camp taught him that the main drive in life is hope. Life is driven mainly by hope and not pleasure. Depression in individuals is a way of telling the world that something is wrong and needs to change (Viktor E Frankl 20). Depression makes individuals become aware of their mortality and it will change their general perspective towards life. There are different challenges in life and the manner that different individuals handle it gives a deep meaning to life. Viktor argued that individuals have to choose their own attitude in any circumstance and choose the right way. Viktor observed that human beings combine a certain modesty and tolerance of individual weakness. The combination of modesty and tolerance comes with a tendency of strict judgement of morals (Viktor E Frankl 29). Viktor illustrates that life has responsibilities and individuals have to find the right answer to the problems of life. The importance of life is to find the main purpose that makes it worth living. He illustrates that the possibilities of acquiring the meaning of life through individual suffering is

Market Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Market Research - Essay Example For any new business to know about the market to be ventured into, it is necessary to conduct primary and secondary researches so as to collect qualitative and quantitative data to use in guiding its operations. It is advisable for a new entrant into the market to carry out a marketing research. This can be of great benefit to them. First, it will provide them with all the necessary information about the customers and whatever expectations they have about the new product. Besides, it can enable the investor to acquire much information about the market situations. Meaning, they will know about the available supplementary and complementary commodities, their prices, supply and demand. This will make it easier for the business to ascertain the level of competition existing in the market. By conducting a well organized and coordinated marketing research, the business will reap a lot of benefits from it such as knowing about the necessary steps to segment the available market based on the clients’ geographical, social, political, cultural, demographic, gender and age factors. This will be instrumental in knowing how to effectively utilize the available market without leaving any chance. Once the market is properly segmented, it will be easier to come up with strategies on how to satisfy each of their dynamic demands on the business’ products. The other important contribution of a market research to a business is that it can enable the management to conduct a SWOT analysis so as to be privy with the organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Indeed, these are very important areas which should be adequately looked into before making the right decision on how to conquer the market. By ascertaining its threats, the organization will have to come up with creative and innovative strategies like sales promotion, quality improvement and implementing favorable pricing policies. These can put the business in a

Federal Trade Commission and Merger - Arbitron, Nielsen Research Paper

Federal Trade Commission and Merger - Arbitron, Nielsen - Research Paper Example This implies that for any merger to be acceptable it must comply with the business laws as provided by the government. For example, in US, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is an agency that has been established by the government to ensure unfair business practices are avoided. Additionally, FTC is responsible for prevention of fraudulent business strategies that would jeopardize not only the shareholders investments but also the consumer’s money. Another notable function of FTC is to create a competitive business atmosphere. In this way, the negativities of monopoly as well as price discriminative policies are addressed. During the merging and acquisition processes, it is imperative for managers and directors to engage all the stakeholders that include the shareholders, creditors, auditors and other investors. This paper aims at discussing the merger between Arbitron, and Nielsen companies and the implications of FTC on the merger. Nielsen Holdings is an American based firm that deals in providing its local and global clients with information regarding the behaviors of their consumers in the market. With its headquarters based in New York and in Netherlands, the company operates in more than 100 countries in various regions world wide. In this regard, the company enjoys wide market segment that places it at a competitive position. Key people who oversee the operations of the company includes David Calhoun and Rick Kash, the CEO and the vice chair respectively. Other individuals in the management team include Brian West, Steve Hasker, Mary Liz, Mitchell Habib and Itzhak Fisher among others. One of the notable aspects that have contributed to the success of the company is the establishment of quality services that are highly demanded by companies that are focused at facing off the various challenges in the local and international markets. The three key products by Nielsen include provision of consumer information, market measurement as well as consumer resea rch. Nielsen has been involved in a number of business strategies that have not only positive impact on its capital base but also in its marketing strategies. These include strategic alliances, mergers as well as acquisitions. Some of the companies that the company has either acquired or formed a merger with include WPP Group, VNU, Buzzmetrics, Blackstone Group, IAG Research, The Cambridge Group and more recently Arbitron among others1. Arbitron is a US based firm with its headquarters in Columbia, Maryland. Having been founded in 1949 by Jim Seiler, the company original services included collection of television ratings that it adopted during the research process2. Just like Nielsen Holdings, Arbitron is engaged in a number of mergers immediately after it was established. Some of the notable companies that the company has merged with include Cooper, Clay and Coffin. In a deal that was aimed at making the company more competitive in the global market, Arbitron merged with Nielsen Ho ldings in 2012 resulting into change of names to Nielsen Audio. Key person who oversee the acquisition process was Sean Creamer, the company chief executive officer. Summary about the merger between Arbitron and Nielsen Arbitron and Nielsen Companies have for a long time been used by firms to provide with information regarding the consumption of their brands. Based on the need for two firms to improve their market

Scottish & Southern Energy plc Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Scottish & Southern Energy plc - Case Study Example "SSE's strategy is to deliver sustained real growth in the dividend payable to shareholders through the efficient operation of, and investment in, a balanced range of regulated and non-regulated energy-related businesses. The successful implementation of this strategy in 2006/07 delivered another year of excellent financial performance, with profit before tax exceeding 1 billion for the first time, and strong operational performance, with our policy of responsible pricing helping us to gain more than one million additional customers" (Miranda.com, 2007). "We are committed to offering customers a combination of price, service and products which will enable us to achieve further growth during the rest of the financial year and beyond" (Ian Marchant, as quoted by Hamish Rutherford, The Scotsman, 2007). Scottish and Southern Energy plc, believe that the company's rapid growth has been due to a consistent and continuing focus on four essential areas: the maintenance and investment in present energy networks; continued investment in SSE's "leading-edge portfolio" (Annual Review, 2006, p.1); increasing and developing energy supply; and through the development of a strong presence in businesses such as gas storage, contracting connections, and telecoms. As a result of the achievements and progress made within these central goals, the company's 2006 reported its financial performance, with adjusted profit before tax, as being at approximately 858.2 million (Annual Review, 2006). Scottish and Southern Energy was formed in 1998, following the no-premium merger of Southern Electric and Scottish Hydro Electric, and required Connect South West contracting business just a year later. Following this Scottish Hydro Electric Contracting was launched, while by 2000, the company had acquired the energy supply business, SWALEC, it had completed its 50% investments into the Seabank 2 gas-fired power station, and the number of customers had exceeded more than four million. Then, in 2001, SSE began operating Cuilieg, the corporation's hydro election power station - it's first in forty years - and in 2002, the company's Annual Report showed profits of some 597.2 million (Annual Report, 2002). SSE's growth continued in 2003, the year in which the company acquired Neos Telecom, and customers passed the five million mark. It was also during this period that Scottish and Southern Energy announced its plans to construct the Glendoe hydro-electric power station, while also acquiring the balance of equity for the

Dickens's Treatment of Education and Social Mobility in Hard Times Essay

Dickens's Treatment of Education and Social Mobility in Hard Times - Essay Example Utilitarianism was the brainchild of Jeremy Bentham ( 1748-1832), a personally eccentric philosopher and social reformer, who held that virtue was a matter of utility: an action was good if it helped to bring about the greatest happiness of the greatest number. Promulgation of that happiness was the function of the State, and education of the populace and extension of political franchise were fundamental tenets of Benthamism. Political Economy, on the other hand, was a socio-economic system deriving from Adam Smith ( 1723-90) and David Ricardo ( 1772- 1823), whose disciples taught that the distribution of wealth was governed by immutable laws of nature. National prosperity depended on the profits of industrialists, and the wages of workers could not rise without jeopardizing economic harmony, to the detriment of workers and industrialists alike. Because the pursuit of individual self-interest was held to promote the general welfare, the duty of the state was to adopt a policy of lais sez-faire, in order to allow that inevitable process to operate freely, without interference. ( Dickens, Schilicke, 1989) Dickens was vociferous against these theories and as he wrote to Charles Knight, he directed his satire " against those who see figures and averages and nothing else----the representatives of the wickedest and the most enormous vice of this time." (30 December 1854, Letters, 7: 492). Dickens was above all a humanist, and he deeply resented the reduction of human beings, their activities and perceptions to bare facts and figures, without emotion, feeling, or imagination. Having already written books like Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickleby, he had realised that his satire and criticism hit home, and thus deliberately set out to write a novel in the background of industrialisation and its resultant severe inequalities of wealth, social class and education. 2.0. Coketown: the emblem of Dickens' message In the course of the novel, Dickens' fictional Coketown, loosely based on towns like Manchester in Northern England and the Lancashire town of Preston, becomes emblematic of Dickens' perception of the connections between industrialisation, utilitarianism, education and the Victorian society. In Chapter 5 he describes Coketown: "It was a town of red brick, or of brick that would have been red if the smoke and ashes had allowed it; but as matters stood, it was a town of unnatural red and black like the painted face of a savage. It was a town of machinery and tall chimneys, out of which interminable serpents of smoke trailed themselves for ever and ever, and never got uncoiled. It had a black canal in it, and a river that ran purple with ill-smelling dye, and vast piles of building full of windows where there was a rattling and a trembling all day long, and where the piston of the steam-engine worked monotonously up and down, like the head of an elephant in a state of melancholy madness. Dickens paints the picture of an unnatural, defaced, polluted town filled with the noise and stench of machines at work, which is "savage". All public inscriptions in the town which are essentially its voice, are written in "black and white", in effect colourless, banal, with no identity of their own. It is the antithesis of individuality and personal freedom of expression, which are so essential to human happiness and virtue. It pays no tribute to civilisation, culture or refinement, everything in it is "severely workful" and utilitarian. This starves the human craving

Public Relation (Proposal) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Public Relation (Proposal) - Essay Example When looking at Draco Corp, an electronic store, it can be seen that specific changes need to be made with the website to begin altering the ways in which it is able to grow. The website can be enhanced to reflect the brand identity of the business while creating a sense of press relations through interactions, image and the presentation of the business. Examining the best approaches that Draco Corp can use for enhancing the website for larger consumer interactions, brand loyalty and trust will begin to change the associations which this business has for online transactions. Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦4 1.1 Problem Statement†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢ € ¦.4 1.2 Aims and Objectives†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..5 2.0 Strategy†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..6 2.1 Redeveloping and Redesigning the Site†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦6 2.2 Web Site Content†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...7 2.3 Security and IT†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...8 2.4 Promotional Plan†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã ¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦9 2.5 Comparison to Competitors†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.11 3.0 Conclusion and Recommendations†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..12 4.0 References†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦14 1.0 Introduction The ability to have a strong web presence is one which is able to provide a difference in functioning to businesses. The expansion into a global market and the legitimacy of a professional company is one which is specifically based on the alternatives to build an online portal where indi viduals can determine what is needed. When looking at various companies, it can be seen that there isn’t the ability to create the right image, leaving to a lack of representation with the online company. Draco Corp is an example of a company which has several branches and business interests worldwide. It works as a multinational company that is able to product and sell consumer electronics to a global market. However, the lack of a website is one which is creating difficulties when working against competitors and into an international field. Finding a different way to manage and change the online presence will also make a change in the functions of Draco Corp while allowing their global presence to move forward internationally. 1.1 Problem Statement Draco Corp is known internationally for selling consumer products with the focus of electronics. However, the world is now turning to technology and online portals to gather information, order from portals and to define what is n eeded from a business. It is now known that the basic business dynamics are located and expanding to move online, specifically because of the consumer demand to find the level of legitimacy of a company and to evaluate the products which are used from those that are online. At the same time, most consumers are aware of the needed elements of a website to ensure the proper growth and to understand what the reputation of a company is. If the right standards aren’t met, then most consumers will continue browsing to another website for the same products (Neumark, Zhang, Wall, 2006: p. 79). 1.2 Aims and Objectives For Draco Corp to keep up with the competition and to find the needs of the consumer awareness and growth there is also the need to expand the website so it is able to

Fair Work Act 2009 based on the pluralist frame of reference Essay

Fair Work Act 2009 based on the pluralist frame of reference - Essay Example Firms have also faced with a growing need for emphasizing more on the alignment between commercial objectives and employment practices in the organization. The research identifies the logics of managerial authority and also its legitimacy; and the way value systems and personal assumptions held by managers can predispose them to perceive workplace relations and characteristics of work in particular ways. The paper researches on some of the contemporary theories within the domain of such systems. It analyzes the way judgments made about the worth of these theories are shaped by the value systems and the set of assumptions that people hold towards the workplaces. The analysis works as a guide towards evaluating one’s own value systems and assumptions by application of practical theories to the real world concepts. The discussion revolves around the concepts identified by Alan Fox (1966, 1974) as a means of classifying the various assumptions that people hold towards workplaces. The three frames of references which he refers to in his arguments are the unitarist, pluralist and radical (Marxist) assumptions. The project brings forth arguments for the Fair Works Act 2009 being significantly grounded on the pluralist frame of reference. The specific clauses within the act which supports the argument are identified and put forth (Abbott, p.187-189). Frames of Reference Every individual have different manners of opinions regarding the events that they witness in their day to day lives. These opinions are largely shaped by their families, friends and also circumstances such as the jobs they carry out in their respective fields, churches and clubs that they patronize, the communities they belong to etc. Because of the fact that that works is an essential part of people’s lives, its characteristics and nature is regarded as an important social phenomenon which evokes passionate debates. These debates are popularly framed in terms of the values and assumption s that individuals use as reference points while perceiving their governance and nature of works. This has generated the term ‘frame of reference’ by Alan Fox (1966, 1974) as a way of categorizing the various opinions and propositions put forth by people towards these issues (Abbott, p.191). Fox has claimed that these frames of references capture the recent opinions which he defined with regards to the credentials of the unitarist, pluralist and Marxist approaches. The idea is to understand that two different interpret two different situations differently and arise at two different conclusions from the very same phenomenon. The meaning that Fox applied to his frames of references is that differences in values and assumptions about workplace relations, nature of works and conflicts at the workplace generate differing theoretical explanations and conclusions about the matter. The popular theories which have generated out of these are unitarist, pluralist and Marxist conce pts (Abbott, p.191). The unitarist views begin from the values and assumptions which say that conflicts are not considered an inevitable characteristic of relationships between employees and managers. It is possible for conflicts to arise on periodic basis. However, such occurrences are regarded to be aberrations in relationships which are inherently tended to be cooperative. People with this perspective perceive managers and employees as having the same interests in the

Ralph Waldo Emerson Essay Example for Free

Ralph Waldo Emerson Essay Ralph Waldo Emerson was born into a pre-determined life. His father was a minister, so he was already set to become a minister. However, Emerson didn’t believe in organized religion. This was the reason that he became a transcendentalist and wrote his essay â€Å"Self Reliance†. In 1817, Emerson attended Harvard College where he first began to formulate his ideas that were portrayed in his most famous essay. In his essay, Emerson uses two main strategies to persuade his readers. These strategies were anecdotal stories and reasons supported by evidence. Throughout his essay, Emerson uses anecdotes as his main strategy for persuasion. For example, he tells an anecdote about when he was a child. When he was a child, he expressed his true beliefs to a close adult. When asked how he knows that his beliefs aren’t from the devil, Emerson responds by saying, â€Å"They do not seem to me to be such; but if I am the Devil’s child, I will live then from the Devil. † In this response he is saying even if his beliefs are from the Devil, it doesn’t matter. This is what he believes in and nothing can change that. This idea was Emerson’s main virtue that he lived by and wanted others to live by: trust thyself. Emerson’s anecdotes prove to be a very effective way to persuade his readers to believe in his ideas. The anecdotes in this essay are so effective because the reader is able to connect with him, and place themselves in his shoes. The anecdotes are also effective because they are a portal into Emerson’s life. Instead of just listing facts and statistics, Emerson chooses to tell stories about his life. This allows his readers to connect with him on a personal level and the readers develop a stronger emotional connection with Emerson. Another strategy that Emerson uses is reasons supported by evidence. This strategy is also effective because it gives the reader a reason why they should trust themselves, and then supports the reason with evidence to show why the reason is true. For example, he says that if people don’t trust themselves, then they will feel guilty and ashamed. This is the reason Emerson gives of why people need to trust themselves, and then he supports the reason with evidence by saying that it is a waste of time to want what thers want and â€Å"envy is ignorance; imitation is suicide†. He also says that to be truly happy, a man must accept himself for better and for worse. This evidence supports the reason that people should be happy with themselves the way they are. Emerson’s strategy of reasons supported by evidence is very effective because it gives the reader concrete evidence. The evidence supports the reason, and the reason supports the overall claim. The reasons and evidence are logical appeals which appeal to the reader’s good sense; this also makes the strategy effective. It is hard to argue when Emerson gives many concrete reasons to support his claim and then backs it up with even more evidence. Although Emerson’s essay â€Å"Self Reliance† has many good strategies and qualities, it also has some weaknesses. The essay is aimed at a small audience, educated white males. If he were to open the essay up to a broader audience, he would be able to spread his idea more effectively. For example if women were also targeted in the essay, then Emerson’s ideas would be spread to almost twice as many people. Another weakness in the essay is the overall claim. He says that people should trust themselves. This claim has no qualifiers; therefore Emerson is saying that people should trust themselves, always. This is not always true. Yet another weakness in the essay is that Emerson uses mostly anecdotal evidence. Although the anecdotes prove to be effective, the evidence inside of them is not all that concrete. The claims he makes in these anecdotes are not as strong as they could be if he had more of a variety of strategies to support his claims. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay â€Å"Self Reliance† tells its readers to trust themselves. He says that every heart vibrates to this iron string. Emerson uses many strategies in his essay; however the two main strategies are anecdotes and reasons supported by evidence. Both of these strategies prove to be very effective on the reader. The anecdotes allow the reader to connect with Emerson, and have strong emotional appeals on the reader. While the reasons supported by evidence apply the reader’s logic and give concrete examples that support his claim. â€Å"Self-Reliance† is a well written essay that persuades its readers to listen and trust themselves.

A Concept Analysis of Advanced Nursing Practice

A Concept Analysis of Advanced Nursing Practice Introduction The idea of advanced practice in nursing presents a challenge to the general nurse in terms of exploring scope of practice and potential professional development (An Bord Altranais, 2000; Thompson and Watson, 2003). There appears to be a lack of clarity in defining the concept of advanced practice (Thompson and Watson, 2003), with terms such as specialist practice, consultant nursing roles and the like clouding the waters of the debate, suggesting a need to perhaps amalgamate and standardise roles (An Bord Altranais, 2000;) . This author, as a Community General Nurse in Ireland, is aware of two advanced practice roles within her own practice area: one within the Accident and Emergency Department, an acute care facility, and one within Education, which straddles the academic/practice divide. However, the changing and developing role of the nurse and rapid changes towards higher levels of practice (NMC, 2002; Thompson and Watson, 2003; Lorentzon and Hooker, 2006) seems to suggest that advanced practice may be an integral part of career progression within nursing (An Bord Altranais, 2000), which leads to a need to clarify the concept and map its components and meanings. Concept analysis and conceptual clarification form an identifiable genre within the nursing literature (Paley, 1996). This essay will follow one model of concept analysis to map the concept and explore the implications for practice through an exemplar model case. Concept Analysis Concepts and theories within science are strongly linked (Paley, 1996), and both seem to be interdependent. Concept analysis enables the definition of a concept and allows the critical reader to differentiate between similar and dissimilar concepts (McKenna, 1997). Achieving conceptual clarity is an important task for both research and practice (Walker, 2006). There are a range of concept analyses that have been used within scientific and nursing literature. Morse (1995) suggests that techniques to map concepts should relate to the maturity of the concept concerned. In this case, Advanced Practice is an extant concept which demands clarification in relation to specific areas of nursing activity. Therefore there is a need to determine a means of concept delineation and clarification (Morse, 1995). There is also a need to identify an appropriate means of clarifying the concept, for example whether or not to utilise qualitative or quantitative methods (Morse et al, 1996.) In this instance, a qualitative approach based on Rodgers (1989; 1991;1993) model of concept analysis will be utilised. This particular model has been chosen because of its firm grounding in research traditions of sociology and nursing (McKenzie, 2000). The Rodgers’ approach has already been utilised to map evolving phenomena (Walker, 2006) and so is particularly applicable to a still developing topic area. As Rodgers’ approach is an inductive, cyclical approach (Walker, 2006), it is a more creative endeavour suitable to the generation of new ideas and definitions. A literature review will be carried out, in a targeted manner, utilising a structured approach (see Table 1). Table 1 Framework for concept analysis Identify concept of interest List published literature relevant to the topic and select papers to be included in the sample Identify surrogate terms and relevant uses of the concept. Identify and select appropriate sample for data collection. Identify the attributes of the concept Identify the references, antecedents and consequences of the concept. Identify concepts that are related to the concept of interest Identify a model case of the concept. The Process of Analysis. Concept of interest McKenna (1997) suggests that when choosing a concept, it is best to select a concept that represents phenomena of interest to the researcher. McKenna and Cutcliffe (2005) also suggest that there should be some confusion or lack of consensus about the concepts’ meaning, but the scope should not be too broad. The concept of interest is advanced nursing practice in community general nursing, which is related to the author’s own area of practice and experience of practice delivery. This concept also meets McKenna’s (1997) stipulation that the concept should also be abstract enough o retain its meaning when removed from specific situations. Therefore, the concept of advanced nursing practice is being analysed, with reference to one specific area of practice but not limited by that practice. Surrogate Terms Higher Level of Practice Specialist nursing practice Role of the Specialist nurse and consultant nurse Professional Development in Nursing Community nursing practice Sample Please see Appendix for the audit trail of sample selection. Attributes of the Concept The concept of advanced practice is not a new one (Carroll, 2002). Clinical nurse specialists have been cited since the 1940s (Carroll, 2002). It is a nursing concept (Carroll, 2002) despite being associated with advanced practices traditionally carried out by the medical profession (Mantzoukas and Watkinson, 2007). The literature is in agreement that the concept of advanced nursing practice lacks agreement on the core characteristics and roles of such a practitioner (Mantzoukas and Watkinson, 2007). The concept is related to specialism (Mantsoukas and Watkinson, 2007) suggesting that the role emerges as a unique expression of need within a distinct area of practice (Gardner and Gardner, 2005). Hamric (1996) links advanced nursing practice to practical, theoretical and research based interventions within a specific clinical area linked to the larger discipline of nursing. However, it can also be a more general theoretical construct of any form of nursing which progresses to an advanced level of practice (Mantzoukas and Watkinson, 2007). Evidence does seem to suggest that similarities between specialist nurses and clinical nurse specialist roles and between nurse practitioner and advanced nursing practice roles (Carnwell and Daly, 2003). Therefore it would appear that an eclectic set of role schema have emerged from the general stew of advances in nursing practice. Bryant-Lukosius et al (2004) further define the term advanced nursing practice as referring to the work, or to what n urses actually do in their roles, but also makes reference to the multi-dimensional scope and mandate of the concept. Specific attributes of the concept include the ability to discover, innovate and expand the nursing profession by employing multiple types of knowledge and skills, support by research evidence and academic thinking processes (Mantzoukas and Watkinson, 2007). Other attributes are: the use of the knowledge in practice; critical thinking and analytical skills; clinical judgement and decision-making skills; professional leadership and clinical inquiry; research skills; mentoring skills; and the ability to change practice (Mantzoukas and Watkinson, 2007). Furlong and Smith (2005), analysing the edicts of the National Council in Ireland, describe the core concepts of advanced nursing practice as: autonomy in clinical practice; clinical and professional leadership; and expert practitioner and researcher. All of these appear to relate meaningfully to nursing as a profession but do not address the application of the role to patient outcomes and clinical effectiveness. However, Benner et al (1 999) relate critical thinking to active thinking in practice, the application here being evident. This would then relate to clinical judgement, but the question arises of acceptability of nurses undertaking clinical decision making in the current NHS climate. References, antecedents and consequences of the concept Antecedents or prefixes to the concept include the notion of education and individual roles, historical development of the profession (Carroll, 2002), and advanced roles as part of the development process of the nursing profession (Mantzoukas and Watkinson, 2007). In order for the advanced nursing role to exist, there must be an identified need for such a role in specific areas of nursing practice (Caroll, 2002; Mantzoukas and Watkinson, 2007). In particular, the need to perform specific nursing tasks, interventions and clinical monitoring for individual conditions may be viewed as an antecedent (Gardner et al, 2004). Specialist preparation and legislative/professional evolution are also antecedents (Mantzoukas and Watkinson, 2007). Education for advanced nursing practitioners is linked to research-derived curricula and learning defined by clinical practice (Gardner et al, 2004). However, education and specialist preparation of the advanced practitioner in nursing could also be viewe d as a consequence, as specific programmes of education have had to be developed in response to the developments of these nursing roles (Gardner et al, 2004). Consequences include lack of role clarity (Carroll, 2002; Griffin and Melby, 2006) and the notion of the mini-doctor role which leads to nursing practice being carried out within a medical model rather than the optimal holistic nursing model (Carroll, 2002). This would have an impact on nurses themselves and their professional self concept, and on the client/patient, affecting the type and perhaps quality of their care. It might also lead to the erosion of general nursing roles in favour of specialisation, again following a medical model of professional development (Mantzoukas and Watkinson, 2007). However, other literature sees advanced nursing practitioners as being a result of recent health care policies, the role having developed to meet the complex demands of health care systems (Carnwell and Daly, 2003). Another professional consequence of the concept is the need for regulation and supervision (NMC, 2002). In relation to this is the development and evolution of professional nursing autonomy (Mantzoukas and Watkinson, 2007). The expansion of advanced roles can also be seen as a consequence of the concept, whereby established areas of advanced practice pave the way for its implementation in a range of specific clinical areas (Mantzoukas and Watkinson, 2007). This may be related to practice development ensuring that nursing remains responsive to the changing needs of patients and clients (Thompson and Watson, 2003). This related to another consequence of advanced practice, ongoing change in clinical practice (Mantzoukas and Watkinson, 2007). However, it could be argued that practice development is an antecedent to the concept of advanced nursing practice as well, echoing the blurred nature of the concept from a range of perspectives. Autonomy could also be viewed as a consequence (Wade, 1999). The fact that advanced nursing practice is valued within the healthcare arena is also an important factor (Dunn, 1997; Griffin and Melby, 2006), and makes its most important consequence improvement in patient outcomes and the associated improvements in healthcare and reduced demand on resources (Coster et al, 2006: Gardner and Gardner, 2005). Concepts related to the main concept One concept related to advanced nursing practice is fitness for practice (Thompson and Watson, 2003; NMC, 2002). Another is that of barriers and resistance to advanced practice, particularly in relation to the current NHS climate (Thompson and Watson, 2003). Systems and processes must be in place and be effective for advanced practice to establish itself and its efficacy (Gardner and Gardner, 2005). Policy background and political drive are also related to this particular practice development (Carnwell and Daly, 2003). The international or global scope of the concept is also evident from the literature sampled here (Bryant-Lukosius et al, 2004; Sutton and Smith, 1995). Nurse prescribing and authority in pharmacological intervention is another related concept (Lorentzon and Hooker, 2006). Model Case. Patient K, a 65 year old woman had been referred to the author (a community RGN), due to a recurrent, chronic leg ulcer on the left ankle. This ulcer had been treated for some years with topical preparations and dressings, including antibiotic treatment and a variety of therapeutic dressings, and the involvement of other professionals such as dietician and physiotherapist had attempted to address potential underlying causes of failure to heal, such as lack of mobility and poor diet. However, after some deterioration in the condition of the ulcer, increased haemoserous loss and offensive odour, K attended the GP and was referred by the practice nurse to the wound specialist clinic at the local outpatient department. The clinical wound specialist nurse reviewed K’s case, identified the ulcer as a venous ulcer and prescribed four-layer pressure bandaging to treat the wound, based on her own awareness of the research evidence that demonstrated the efficacy of this intervention. The four-layer bandaging technique improves venous return in the lower extremity by providing a gradient of pressure from the bottom of the lower limb towards the knee. The specialist nurse engaged K in a degree of learning about her condition and its treatment, in order to ensure compliance. The four-layer bandages are left on for two to three days at a time, then removed to dress the ulcer, then replaced with clean four-layer bandages. They can be uncomfortable, and so patient compliance is important in the success of treatment. The specialist nurse spent time with the client, informed her of the rationale and evidence base, and then further contacted this author, her community general nurse, to ensure that those treating K were fully competent in the four-layer bandaging technique. She also advised K to return to her for regular review of her condition. Within 12 weeks the ulcer was healed, which greatly pleased K and allowed her discharge from nursing care. This case demonstrates many of the features defined by the concept analysis of advanced nursing practice. The advanced practice developed out of a defined need for a specialist wound clinic staffed by specifically trained and experienced staff. The specialist nurse occupies a senior role with a large degree of autonomy. She has been educated in her specialism, utilises evidence-based practice, and engages in an educative role with clients and with non-specialist nurses, demonstrating the components of expert practice but also advancing the expertise of those around her (Benner, 1994). Conclusion Professionalizing forces in nursing, clinical need and extension and changes in primary health care appear to have combined to create new roles for nurses in the NHS (Lorentzon and Hooker, 2006). These roles appear to have functional bases defined by gaps within service provision and focus on client need. Therefore, given this concept analysis, it would appear that advanced nursing practice is a needs-driven development of specialist nursing management to provide optimum clinical outcomes for client and service provider. Such practice is evidence based and provided by a trained, competent clinician with the academic and experiential authority required to implement theory into practice, bridging the theory-practice gap through exemplary implementation of clinical judgement (Upton, 1996). It can also be viewed as a logical outcome of continuing professional development within nursing. This author’s role within the community nursing team encompasses a range of nursing challenges, one of which has been described here. It is through liaison with such specialists that the community nurse can facilitate evidence-based practice and bridge the theory-practice divide which continues to challenge the achievement of best practice in every clinical situation. However, it is also evident that there is a need for further clarification and consensus around such roles and better awareness of the scope of advanced nursing practice both within individual specialisms and in the wider realm of NHS nursing care. This author can see that the role of the community general nurse itself could be further developed into an advanced nursing role, drawing on the successes of such roles in other areas, but this would need policy, systems and ideological change to achieve. Ultimately, if the results are demonstrable improvements in patient outcomes, it would be well worth the challenge. 2,500 words. References An Bord Altranais (2007) http://www.nursingboard.ie. Accessed 13-4-07. Benner, P., Hooper-Kyriakidis, P. Stannard, D. (1999) Clinical Wisdom: Interventions in Critical Care WB Saunders: Philadelphia. Benner, P. (1984) From Novice to Expert California: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company. Bryant-Lukosius, D., DiCenso, A., Browne, G. Pinelli, J. (2004). Advanced practice nursing roles: development, implementation and evaluation. Journal of Advanced Nursing 48 (5) 519-529. Carnwell, R. Daly, W.M. (2003) Advanced nursing practitioners in primary care settings: an exploration of the developing roles. Journal of Clinical Nursing 12 (5) 630-642. Carroll, M. (2002) Advanced Nursing Practice. Nursing Standard 16 (29) 33-35. Castledine, G. McGee, P. (eds) (1998) Advanced and Specialist Nursing Practice Oxford: Blackwell Science. Coster, S., Redfern, S. Wilso-Barnett, J. et al. (2006) Impact of the role of nurse, midwife and health visitor consultant. Journal of Advanced Nursing 55 93) 352-363. Cutcliffe, J.R. McKenna, H.P. (13005) The Essential Concepts of Nursing Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. Dunn, L. (1997). A literature review of advanced clinical nursing practice in the United States of America. Journal of Advanced Nursing 25 (4) 814-819. Furlong, E. and Smith, R. (2005) Advanced nursing practice: policy, education and role development. Journal of Clinical Nursing 14 (9) 1059-1066. Gardner, A. and Gardner, G. (2005) A trial of nurse practitioner scope of practice. Journal of Advanced Nursing 49 (2) 135-145. Gardner, G., Gardner, A. Proctor, M. (2004) Nurse practitioner education: a research-based curriculum structure. Journal of Advanced Nursing 47 (2) 143-152. Griffin, M. Melby, V. (2006) Developing and advanced nurse practitioner service in emergency care: attitudes of nurses and doctors. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 56 (3) 292-301. Hamric, A.B. (1996) A definition of advanced nursing practice. In Hamric, A.B., Spross, J.A. and Handson, C.M. (eds) Advanced Nursing Practice: An Integrated Approach Philadelphia: WB Saunders. Lorentzon, M. Hooker, J.C. (2006) Nurse Practitioners, practice nurses and nurse specialists: what’s in a name? Journal of Advanced Nursing. Mantzoukas, S. Watkinson, S. (2007). Review of advanced nursing practice: the international literature and developing the gneric feature. Journal of Clinical Nursing 16 (1) 28-37. McKenna, H. (1997) Nursing Theories and Models London: Routledge. McKenzie, N. (2000) Review of Concept Analysis. Graduate Research in Nursing www.graduateresearch.com Accessed 13-4-07. Morse, J.M. (1995) Exploring the theoretical basis of nursing using advanced techniques of concept analysis. Advances in Nursing Science 17 (3) 31-46. Morse, J.M., Hupcey, J.E., Mitcham, C. Lenz, E.R. (1996) Concept analysis in nursing research: a critical appraisal. Scholarly Inquiry in Nursing Practice 10 (3) 253-277. Nursing and Midwifery Council (2002) Higher Level Practice www.nmc-uk.org Accessed 13-4-07. Paley, J. (1996) How not to clarify concepts in nursing Journal of Advanced Nursing 24 (3) 572-578. Rodgers, B.L. (1989) Concepts, analysis and the development of nursing knowledge: the evolutionary cycle. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 14 330-335. Rodgers, B.L. (1991) Using concept analysis to enhance clinical practice and research. Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing 10 28-34. Rodgers, B.L. (1993) Concept analysis: An evolutionary view. In: Rodgers, B.L. Knafl, K.A. (Eds.) Concept Development in Nursing: Foundations, Techniques and Applications Philadelphia: WB Saunders. Sutton, F. Smith, C. (1995) Advanced nursing practice: new ideas and new perspectives. Journal of Advanced Nursing 21 (6) 1037-1043. Thompson, D. Watson, R. (2003) Advanced nursing practice: what is it? International Journal of Nursing Practice 9 (3) 129-130. Wade, G.H. (1999) Professional nurse autonomy: concept analysis and application to nursing education. Journal of Advanced Nursing 30 (2) 310-218. Walker, W.M. (2006) Witnessed resuscitation: a concept analysis. International Journal of Nursing Studies 43 (3) 377-387. Appendix Audit Trail The search engine/gateway British Nursing Index was accessed and searches were carried out utilising the following keywords with their associated hits: Advanced Nursing Practice Higher Level of Practice Specialist nursing practice Role of the Specialist nurse and consultant nurse Professional Development in Nursing Community nursing practice The list of returned citations was further limited by defining parameters as follows: Full text English Language Nursing. Peer-reviewed Research Original Articles. The express aim was to review 20% of the returned citations, leaving the author with a targeted sample of articles from a range of nursing journals including Journal of Advanced Nursing; Journal of Clinical Nursing; Advances in Nursing Science; International Journal of Nursing Practice; Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing; International Journal of Nursing Studies; Nursing Standard; Graduate Research in Nursing. The focus of the concept analysis being Advanced Nursing Practice, only those articles which deal specifically with this concept were included in the sample.

The Roots of Babylon. :: essays papers

The Roots of Babylon. "We know where we're going We know where we're from We Leaving Babylon- We goin to our Father's Land....." The concept of Babylon plays a central role in Rastafarian Ideology: There is only one other word Rastafarians use with more frequency and passion, and that is the name of their Majestic Ruler, Haile Selassie. People who have even a mild interest in reggae understand what"Babylon"means, yet the roots of the word"Babylon"remain unknown to the masses. To gain a better understanding of this term, it is necessary know the full history of Babylon, which starts 6000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia. The popular use of the word"Babylon"can be difinitively traced to Marcus Garvey's teachings, which liken the Afro-Caribs in the West to the Jews Exile into Babylon. The institution of slavery created tremendous suffering for those that were enslavedin both of these cases. Many people in Jamiaca are still suffering, due to the successor of slavery, which is racism and poverty. The Bible contains many stories of slavery that describe the hardship that was endured in acncient times, as well as the eventual emancipation from the hardship. Rastas have found much applicable meaning from within the Bible, and it is only natural that they identify with the Jews in Babylon, who faced much of the same obstacles that they themselves face. By labeling the source of their own oppression as"Babylon", the Rastas shed more light on the fact that opression is in fact taking place. This definitive name gives the oppression that they face a center, or a heart, which can be targeted easier. Instead of s aying"Injustice must fall","Poverty must be alleviated", or"Jamaican legislation must represent its people", a Rasta need only say"Babylon must fall". When this centralized, encompassing word is used, it provides the Rasta with a target to be passionately against, and increases his sense of unity with his people. The word Babylon is by no means an arbritary word that is used to describe oppression. Babylon was one of the first cities to ever stand on Earth. It is quite clear that there is much to be learned about this mythical city that will help us to better understand the modern"Babylon system". I believe that the modern definition of Babylon describes a type of mentality that is common to all the institutions that are labeled as being"Babylon". However, the essence of what this midframe is can be most closely encountered through the study of the real Babylon as it grew, prospered and fell thousands of years ago.

Lakota Woman Essay -- American History Native Americans Essays

Lakota Woman Mary was born with the name Mary Brave Bird. She was a Sioux from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. She belonged to the "Burned Thigh," the Brule Tribe, the Sicangu. The Brules are part of the Seven Sacred Campfires, the seven tribes of the Western Sioux known collectively as the Lakota. The Brule rode horses and were great warriors. Between 1870 and 1880 all Sioux were driven into reservations, fenced in and forced to give up everything. Her family settled in on the reservation in a small place called He-Dog. Her grandpa was a He-Dog and told about the Wounded Knee massacre. Almost three hundred Sioux men, women, and children were killed by white soldiers. Mary was called a iyeska, a breed which the white kids called her. She had white peoples blood in her. Her face was very Indian, but her skin was light. She hated being "white" and loved the summer because she would tan and make her look more Indian. She had a husband from the Crow Dogs which were full-bloods. They were the Sioux of the Sioux. Her people had very strong family ties and everyone cared for everyone. Still even though the white man has ruined their close family ties they have many traditions which keep the intermediate family closely tied together. The whites however completely destroyed the tiyospaye, which is the extended family like the grandparents, uncles and aunts, in-laws and cousins. The government tore the tiyospaye apart and forced the Sioux into the kind of relationship now called the nuclear family. Those who refused to be ruined by the government were pushed back in the country and into isolation and starvation. Her father, Bill Moore, was only part Indian and mostly white. He left almost immediately after Mary was born becaus... ...eonard returned home the entire town came to welcome him. When Leonard returned home the entire tribe came to welcome him. They had a big feast and Mary too was honored. Mary got a new name, Ohitika Win, Brave Woman. She was very honored and proud to have a True Indian name. Both Leonard and Mary had to get used to the changes they both endured over the time Leonard was in jail. Mary was no longer a shy Sioux woman walking with downcast eyes in the footsteps of some man. Mary and her sister were apart for a long time and grew far apart. They no longer viewed things as they used to. Mary Promised herself that she would Sun Dance for four years straight. She started to dance by making flesh offerings for those brothers and sisters who had died. "It was at that moment that I, a white-educated half blood, became wholly Indian. I experienced a great rush of happiness."

A Liberal Education Makes an Educated Man or Woman :: Teaching Education Essays

A Liberal Education Makes an Educated Man or Woman The idea of a liberal education is what universities are moving towards. A liberally educated person is someone whom is educated in many different areas other than their major area of study. Colleges encompass a liberal education in their curriculum by including a liberal studies program. A liberal studies program requires certain courses, and various electives outside a student’s major. The reason for these required classes is to broaden the minds of the students, so they can tolerate different views and understand the behaviors of different people they may encounter in their lives. The first year of college for me, has been productive in starting to become liberally educated. I have taken four classes outside of my major, which is hotel and restaurant management. The outside classes I have taken are math, biology, and two English courses. I feel that taking these classes is going to help me in my career and in life. For example I want to be a chef, chefs have to know how to use math properly. If a chef does not have proper math skills and he needs to increase, or reduce a recipe the food will not turn out as it should be. This in turn would limit his ability to perform his job properly. This example is just one a many reasons why being liberally educated is a necessity in today’s world. The extra classes that I have taken thus far are certainly not enough for me to be liberally educated. I need to learn as much as I possibly can while I am at college, to consider myself a liberally educated person. The next step for me to become liberally educated is next semester, I am going to take public speaking. Public speaking will help me in everything I ever do, because people skills are the most important skill to have. A couple semesters down the road I know that I will be taking a Shakespeare course because being able to understand Shakespeare will greatly improve my ability to read and understand literature. Another step I am going to take in becoming liberally educated will be taking psychology courses. Understanding human nature and the human brain are very important in communicating properly with people who have different views and beliefs than I do.

Lost Names

True Identity There cornes a point In time In an Individual's life In which their name truly becomes a part of their identity. A name is more than just a title to differentiate people; It Is d part of the person. In Lost Names: Scenes from d Korean Boyhood by Richard E. Kim, names play a major role on the characters identities. The absence and importance of the names in the story make the story rich with detail and identity through something as simple as the name of a character. Names are a slgnlflcant actor affecting the story and the characters throughout the novel Lost Names.When the Koreans are forced to change their family names to Japanese ones, their Korean identity is weakened. Going through this traumatizing experience is extremely hard for the Korean people because their family name is everything to them. To the Koreans, the family name Is â€Å"the only legacy we hand down to the next generation and the next and the next' (113). Taking away their family name takes away th eir culture and attempts to convert them to the Japanese way of living, The family does ot react well to the situation, as their true names must be erased forever.The day that this takes place Is known as a day of mourning among all of the Koreans. They maln characters experiences this loss first had with his grandfather and father both grieving. â€Å"Lowering their faces, their tears flowing now unchecked, their foreheads and snow-covered hair touching the snow on the ground. l, too, let my face fall and touch the snow' (1 11). The family name is a big deal in the Korean culture, and being forced to change this completely devastates the entire family.A name gives people so much about themselves, and being stripped ot It can cause many Issues. Similarly, not even having a name can suggest some comparable issues. The way that the characters do not have any names suggests that they are â€Å"lost†. Richard Kim refers to the characters as Student-of-the-Day, Teacher-of-the-Day , Japanese teacher, Principal, and many more titles throughout the entire novel. He defines each character by their position. Calling a character by their position suggests that that is the only thing ot importance related to them.The way that they are not given specific names shows their Importance and Identity. â€Å"l call the names of one of my friends You take charge while I am gone† (130). â€Å"The principal tells the policeman who I am, the son of (130). Kim does not specifically refer to d person In the class, Instead any â€Å"one†, He refuses to write out the tathers name. The main character's name is never given either. Not giving specific names to each and every character of the story makes the reader wonder what the most essential part of a story missing really means.Each character is portrayed as a general position and nothing more. All of these characters must have the same general or stereotypical personality ds the rest of their â€Å"group† i n which they are categorized. The importance ot a name is the underlying identity ot the character. Along with unidentified characters. the title of this novel also portrays the Importance of names. The title of this book relates to many aspects of the story. Lost Names alludes to the fact that the names of the characters in the story are lost.It corresponds to the Identity crisis that most of the characters In the story go that are forced under the Japanese occupation. The conservation of the main character's name makes readers ponder upon the significance of the title of the book; the lost name of this story is this lost identity of the Korean population living under tyranny. In the subtitle Scenes from a Korean Boyhood, the author does not state the novel to be his boyhood, but rather suggests a boyhood. Kim chooses to leave this pronoun out in order to prove a more generalized view of humanity.The readers ould be forced to make these characters a general idea so that a concluded common idea for them is The people of Korea are having their identity stolen. The rights of the Korean people are not being granted. Their culture is all together being stolen. A similar thing is happening in America today. The National Security Agency, which is a part of the United States federal government, is monitoring many United States citizens' personal matters. The agency has the power to access any information that they feel necessary including Internet searches, text messages, and hone calls.

Angels Demons Chapter 36-38

36 The Office of the Swiss Guard. Langdon stood in the doorway, surveying the collision of centuries before them. Mixed media. The room was a lushly adorned Renaissance library complete with inlaid bookshelves, oriental carpets, and colorful tapestries†¦ and yet the room bristled with high-tech gear – banks of computers, faxes, electronic maps of the Vatican complex, and televisions tuned to CNN. Men in colorful pantaloons typed feverishly on computers and listened intently in futuristic headphones. â€Å"Wait here,† the guard said. Langdon and Vittoria waited as the guard crossed the room to an exceptionally tall, wiry man in a dark blue military uniform. He was talking on a cellular phone and stood so straight he was almost bent backward. The guard said something to him, and the man shot a glance over at Langdon and Vittoria. He nodded, then turned his back on them and continued his phone call. The guard returned. â€Å"Commander Olivetti will be with you in a moment.† â€Å"Thank you.† The guard left and headed back up the stairs. Langdon studied Commander Olivetti across the room, realizing he was actually the Commander in Chief of the armed forces of an entire country. Vittoria and Langdon waited, observing the action before them. Brightly dressed guards bustled about yelling orders in Italian. â€Å"Continua cercando!† one yelled into a telephone. â€Å"Probasti il museo?† another asked. Langdon did not need fluent Italian to discern that the security center was currently in intense search mode. This was the good news. The bad news was that they obviously had not yet found the antimatter. â€Å"You okay?† Langdon asked Vittoria. She shrugged, offering a tired smile. When the commander finally clicked off his phone and approached across the room, he seemed to grow with each step. Langdon was tall himself and not accustomed to looking up at many people, but Commander Olivetti demanded it. Langdon sensed immediately that the commander was a man who had weathered tempests, his face hale and steeled. His dark hair was cropped in a military buzz cut, and his eyes burned with the kind of hardened determination only attainable through years of intense training. He moved with ramrod exactness, the earpiece hidden discreetly behind one ear making him look more like U.S. Secret Service than Swiss Guard. The commander addressed them in accented English. His voice was startlingly quiet for such a large man, barely a whisper. It bit with a tight, military efficiency. â€Å"Good afternoon,† he said. â€Å"I am Commander Olivetti – Comandante Principale of the Swiss Guard. I'm the one who called your director.† Vittoria gazed upward. â€Å"Thank you for seeing us, sir.† The commander did not respond. He motioned for them to follow and led them through the tangle of electronics to a door in the side wall of the chamber. â€Å"Enter,† he said, holding the door for them. Langdon and Vittoria walked through and found themselves in a darkened control room where a wall of video monitors was cycling lazily through a series of black-and-white images of the complex. A young guard sat watching the images intently. â€Å"Fuori,† Olivetti said. The guard packed up and left. Olivetti walked over to one of the screens and pointed to it. Then he turned toward his guests. â€Å"This image is from a remote camera hidden somewhere inside Vatican City. I'd like an explanation.† Langdon and Vittoria looked at the screen and inhaled in unison. The image was absolute. No doubt. It was CERN's antimatter canister. Inside, a shimmering droplet of metallic liquid hung ominously in the air, lit by the rhythmic blinking of the LED digital clock. Eerily, the area around the canister was almost entirely dark, as if the antimatter were in a closet or darkened room. At the top of the monitor flashed superimposed text: Live Feed – Camera #86. Vittoria looked at the time remaining on the flashing indicator on the canister. â€Å"Under six hours,† she whispered to Langdon, her face tense. Langdon checked his watch. â€Å"So we have until†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He stopped, a knot tightening in his stomach. â€Å"Midnight,† Vittoria said, with a withering look. Midnight, Langdon thought. A flair for the dramatic. Apparently whoever stole the canister last night had timed it perfectly. A stark foreboding set in as he realized he was currently sitting at ground zero. Olivetti's whisper now sounded more like a hiss. â€Å"Does this object belong to your facility?† Vittoria nodded. â€Å"Yes, sir. It was stolen from us. It contains an extremely combustible substance called antimatter.† Olivetti looked unmoved. â€Å"I am quite familiar with incendiaries, Ms. Vetra. I have not heard of antimatter.† â€Å"It's new technology. We need to locate it immediately or evacuate Vatican City.† Olivetti closed his eyes slowly and reopened them, as if refocusing on Vittoria might change what he just heard. â€Å"Evacuate? Are you aware what is going on here this evening?† â€Å"Yes, sir. And the lives of your cardinals are in danger. We have about six hours. Have you made any headway locating the canister?† Olivetti shook his head. â€Å"We haven't started looking.† Vittoria choked. â€Å"What? But we expressly heard your guards talking about searching the – â€Å" â€Å"Searching, yes,† Olivetti said, â€Å"but not for your canister. My men are looking for something else that does not concern you.† Vittoria's voice cracked. â€Å"You haven't even begun looking for this canister?† Olivetti's pupils seemed to recede into his head. He had the passionless look of an insect. â€Å"Ms. Vetra, is it? Let me explain something to you. The director of your facility refused to share any details about this object with me over the phone except to say that I needed to find it immediately. We are exceptionally busy, and I do not have the luxury of dedicating manpower to a situation until I get some facts.† â€Å"There is only one relevant fact at this moment, sir,† Vittoria said, â€Å"that being that in six hours that device is going to vaporize this entire complex.† Olivetti stood motionless. â€Å"Ms. Vetra, there is something you need to know.† His tone hinted at patronizing. â€Å"Despite the archaic appearance of Vatican City, every single entrance, both public and private, is equipped with the most advanced sensing equipment known to man. If someone tried to enter with any sort of incendiary device it would be detected instantly. We have radioactive isotope scanners, olfactory filters designed by the American DEA to detect the faintest chemical signatures of combustibles and toxins. We also use the most advanced metal detectors and X-ray scanners available.† â€Å"Very impressive,† Vittoria said, matching Olivetti's cool. â€Å"Unfortunately, antimatter is nonradioactive, its chemical signature is that of pure hydrogen, and the canister is plastic. None of those devices would have detected it.† â€Å"But the device has an energy source,† Olivetti said, motioning to the blinking LED. â€Å"Even the smallest trace of nickel-cadmium would register as – â€Å" â€Å"The batteries are also plastic.† Olivetti's patience was clearly starting to wane. â€Å"Plastic batteries?† â€Å"Polymer gel electrolyte with Teflon.† Olivetti leaned toward her, as if to accentuate his height advantage. â€Å"Signorina, the Vatican is the target of dozens of bomb threats a month. I personally train every Swiss Guard in modern explosive technology. I am well aware that there is no substance on earth powerful enough to do what you are describing unless you are talking about a nuclear warhead with a fuel core the size of a baseball.† Vittoria framed him with a fervent stare. â€Å"Nature has many mysteries yet to unveil.† Olivetti leaned closer. â€Å"Might I ask exactly who you are? What is your position at CERN?† â€Å"I am a senior member of the research staff and appointed liaison to the Vatican for this crisis.† â€Å"Excuse me for being rude, but if this is indeed a crisis, why am I dealing with you and not your director? And what disrespect do you intend by coming into Vatican City in short pants?† Langdon groaned. He couldn't believe that under the circumstances the man was being a stickler for dress code. Then again, he realized, if stone penises could induce lustful thoughts in Vatican residents, Vittoria Vetra in shorts could certainly be a threat to national security. â€Å"Commander Olivetti,† Langdon intervened, trying to diffuse what looked like a second bomb about to explode. â€Å"My name is Robert Langdon. I'm a professor of religious studies in the U.S. and unaffiliated with CERN. I have seen an antimatter demonstration and will vouch for Ms. Vetra's claim that it is exceptionally dangerous. We have reason to believe it was placed inside your complex by an antireligious cult hoping to disrupt your conclave.† Olivetti turned, peering down at Langdon. â€Å"I have a woman in shorts telling me that a droplet of liquid is going to blow up Vatican City, and I have an American professor telling me we are being targeted by some antireligious cult. What exactly is it you expect me to do?† â€Å"Find the canister,† Vittoria said. â€Å"Right away.† â€Å"Impossible. That device could be anywhere. Vatican City is enormous.† â€Å"Your cameras don't have GPS locators on them?† â€Å"They are not generally stolen. This missing camera will take days to locate.† â€Å"We don't have days,† Vittoria said adamantly. â€Å"We have six hours.† â€Å"Six hours until what, Ms. Vetra?† Olivetti's voice grew louder suddenly. He pointed to the image on the screen. â€Å"Until these numbers count down? Until Vatican City disappears? Believe me, I do not take kindly to people tampering with my security system. Nor do I like mechanical contraptions appearing mysteriously inside my walls. I am concerned. It is my job to be concerned. But what you have told me here is unacceptable.† Langdon spoke before he could stop himself. â€Å"Have you heard of the Illuminati?† The commander's icy exterior cracked. His eyes went white, like a shark about to attack. â€Å"I am warning you. I do not have time for this.† â€Å"So you have heard of the Illuminati?† Olivetti's eyes stabbed like bayonets. â€Å"I am a sworn defendant of the Catholic Church. Of course I have heard of the Illuminati. They have been dead for decades.† Langdon reached in his pocket and pulled out the fax image of Leonardo Vetra's branded body. He handed it to Olivetti. â€Å"I am an Illuminati scholar,† Langdon said as Olivetti studied the picture. â€Å"I am having a difficult time accepting that the Illuminati are still active, and yet the appearance of this brand combined with the fact that the Illuminati have a well-known covenant against Vatican City has changed my mind.† â€Å"A computer-generated hoax.† Olivetti handed the fax back to Langdon. Langdon stared, incredulous. â€Å"Hoax? Look at the symmetry! You of all people should realize the authenticity of – â€Å" â€Å"Authenticity is precisely what you lack. Perhaps Ms. Vetra has not informed you, but CERN scientists have been criticizing Vatican policies for decades. They regularly petition us for retraction of Creationist theory, formal apologies for Galileo and Copernicus, repeal of our criticism against dangerous or immoral research. What scenario seems more likely to you – that a four-hundred-year-old satanic cult has resurfaced with an advanced weapon of mass destruction, or that some prankster at CERN is trying to disrupt a sacred Vatican event with a well-executed fraud?† â€Å"That photo,† Vittoria said, her voice like boiling lava, â€Å"is of my father. Murdered. You think this is my idea of a joke?† â€Å"I don't know, Ms. Vetra. But I do know until I get some answers that make sense, there is no way I will raise any sort of alarm. Vigilance and discretion are my duty†¦ such that spiritual matters can take place here with clarity of mind. Today of all days.† Langdon said, â€Å"At least postpone the event.† â€Å"Postpone?† Olivetti's jaw dropped. â€Å"Such arrogance! A conclave is not some American baseball game you call on account of rain. This is a sacred event with a strict code and process. Never mind that one billion Catholics in the world are waiting for a leader. Never mind that the world media is outside. The protocols for this event are holy – not subject to modification. Since 1179, conclaves have survived earthquakes, famines, and even the plague. Believe me, it is not about to be canceled on account of a murdered scientist and a droplet of God knows what.† â€Å"Take me to the person in charge,† Vittoria demanded. Olivetti glared. â€Å"You've got him.† â€Å"No,† she said. â€Å"Someone in the clergy.† The veins on Olivetti's brow began to show. â€Å"The clergy has gone. With the exception of the Swiss Guard, the only ones present in Vatican City at this time are the College of Cardinals. And they are inside the Sistine Chapel.† â€Å"How about the chamberlain?† Langdon stated flatly. â€Å"Who?† â€Å"The late Pope's chamberlain.† Langdon repeated the word self-assuredly, praying his memory served him. He recalled reading once about the curious arrangement of Vatican authority following the death of a Pope. If Langdon was correct, during the interim between Popes, complete autonomous power shifted temporarily to the late Pope's personal assistant – his chamberlain – a secretarial underling who oversaw conclave until the cardinals chose the new Holy Father. â€Å"I believe the chamberlain is the man in charge at the moment.† â€Å"Il camerlegno?† Olivetti scowled. â€Å"The camerlegno is only a priest here. He is not even canonized. He is the late Pope's hand servant.† â€Å"But he is here. And you answer to him.† Olivetti crossed his arms. â€Å"Mr. Langdon, it is true that Vatican rule dictates the camerlegno assume chief executive office during conclave, but it is only because his lack of eligibility for the papacy ensures an unbiased election. It is as if your president died, and one of his aides temporarily sat in the oval office. The camerlegno is young, and his understanding of security, or anything else for that matter, is extremely limited. For all intents and purposes, I am in charge here.† â€Å"Take us to him,† Vittoria said. â€Å"Impossible. Conclave begins in forty minutes. The camerlegno is in the Office of the Pope preparing. I have no intention of disturbing him with matters of security.† Vittoria opened her mouth to respond but was interrupted by a knocking at the door. Olivetti opened it. A guard in full regalia stood outside, pointing to his watch. â€Å"ee l'ora, comandante.† Olivetti checked his own watch and nodded. He turned back to Langdon and Vittoria like a judge pondering their fate. â€Å"Follow me.† He led them out of the monitoring room across the security center to a small clear cubicle against the rear wall. â€Å"My office.† Olivetti ushered them inside. The room was unspecial – a cluttered desk, file cabinets, folding chairs, a water cooler. â€Å"I will be back in ten minutes. I suggest you use the time to decide how you would like to proceed.† Vittoria wheeled. â€Å"You can't just leave! That canister is – â€Å" â€Å"I do not have time for this,† Olivetti seethed. â€Å"Perhaps I should detain you until after the conclave when I do have time.† â€Å"Signore,† the guard urged, pointing to his watch again. â€Å"Spazzare di capella.† Olivetti nodded and started to leave. â€Å"Spazzare di capella?† Vittoria demanded. â€Å"You're leaving to sweep the chapel?† Olivetti turned, his eyes boring through her. â€Å"We sweep for electronic bugs, Miss Vetra – a matter of discretion.† He motioned to her legs. â€Å"Not something I would expect you to understand.† With that he slammed the door, rattling the heavy glass. In one fluid motion he produced a key, inserted it, and twisted. A heavy deadbolt slid into place. â€Å"Idita!† Vittoria yelled. â€Å"You can't keep us in here!† Through the glass, Langdon could see Olivetti say something to the guard. The sentinel nodded. As Olivetti strode out of the room, the guard spun and faced them on the other side of the glass, arms crossed, a large sidearm visible on his hip. Perfect, Langdon thought. Just bloody perfect. 37 Vittoria glared at the Swiss Guard standing outside Olivetti's locked door. The sentinel glared back, his colorful costume belying his decidedly ominous air. â€Å"Che fiasco,† Vittoria thought. Held hostage by an armed man in pajamas. Langdon had fallen silent, and Vittoria hoped he was using that Harvard brain of his to think them out of this. She sensed, however, from the look on his face, that he was more in shock than in thought. She regretted getting him so involved. Vittoria's first instinct was to pull out her cell phone and call Kohler, but she knew it was foolish. First, the guard would probably walk in and take her phone. Second, if Kohler's episode ran its usual course, he was probably still incapacitated. Not that it mattered†¦ Olivetti seemed unlikely to take anybody's word on anything at the moment. Remember! she told herself. Remember the solution to this test! Remembrance was a Buddhist philosopher's trick. Rather than asking her mind to search for a solution to a potentially impossible challenge, Vittoria asked her mind simply to remember it. The presupposition that one once knew the answer created the mindset that the answer must exist†¦ thus eliminating the crippling conception of hopelessness. Vittoria often used the process to solve scientific quandaries†¦ those that most people thought had no solution. At the moment, however, her remembrance trick was drawing a major blank. So she measured her options†¦ her needs. She needed to warn someone. Someone at the Vatican needed to take her seriously. But who? The camerlegno? How? She was in a glass box with one exit. Tools, she told herself. There are always tools. Reevaluate your environment. Instinctively she lowered her shoulders, relaxed her eyes, and took three deep breaths into her lungs. She sensed her heart rate slow and her muscles soften. The chaotic panic in her mind dissolved. Okay, she thought, let your mind be free. What makes this situation positive? What are my assets? The analytical mind of Vittoria Vetra, once calmed, was a powerful force. Within seconds she realized their incarceration was actually their key to escape. â€Å"I'm making a phone call,† she said suddenly. Langdon looked up. â€Å"I was about to suggest you call Kohler, but – â€Å" â€Å"Not Kohler. Someone else.† â€Å"Who?† â€Å"The camerlegno.† Langdon looked totally lost. â€Å"You're calling the chamberlain? How?† â€Å"Olivetti said the camerlegno was in the Pope's office.† â€Å"Okay. You know the Pope's private number?† â€Å"No. But I'm not calling on my phone.† She nodded to a high-tech phone system on Olivetti's desk. It was riddled with speed dial buttons. â€Å"The head of security must have a direct line to the Pope's office.† â€Å"He also has a weight lifter with a gun planted six feet away.† â€Å"And we're locked in.† â€Å"I was actually aware of that.† â€Å"I mean the guard is locked out. This is Olivetti's private office. I doubt anyone else has a key.† Langdon looked out at the guard. â€Å"This is pretty thin glass, and that's a pretty big gun.† â€Å"What's he going to do, shoot me for using the phone?† â€Å"Who the hell knows! This is a pretty strange place, and the way things are going – â€Å" â€Å"Either that,† Vittoria said, â€Å"or we can spend the next five hours and forty-eight minutes in Vatican Prison. At least we'll have a front-row seat when the antimatter goes off.† Langdon paled. â€Å"But the guard will get Olivetti the second you pick up that phone. Besides, there are twenty buttons on there. And I don't see any identification. You going to try them all and hope to get lucky?† â€Å"Nope,† she said, striding to the phone. â€Å"Just one.† Vittoria picked up the phone and pressed the top button. â€Å"Number one. I bet you one of those Illuminati U.S. dollars you have in your pocket that this is the Pope's office. What else would take primary importance for a Swiss Guard commander?† Langdon did not have time to respond. The guard outside the door started rapping on the glass with the butt of his gun. He motioned for her to set down the phone. Vittoria winked at him. The guard seemed to inflate with rage. Langdon moved away from the door and turned back to Vittoria. â€Å"You damn well better be right, 'cause this guy does not look amused!† â€Å"Damn!† she said, listening to the receiver. â€Å"A recording.† â€Å"Recording?† Langdon demanded. â€Å"The Pope has an answering machine?† â€Å"It wasn't the Pope's office,† Vittoria said, hanging up. â€Å"It was the damn weekly menu for the Vatican commissary.† Langdon offered a weak smile to the guard outside who was now glaring angrily though the glass while he hailed Olivetti on his walkie-talkie. 38 The Vatican switchboard is located in the Ufficio di Communicazione behind the Vatican post office. It is a relatively small room containing an eight-line Corelco 141 switchboard. The office handles over 2,000 calls a day, most routed automatically to the recording information system. Tonight, the sole communications operator on duty sat quietly sipping a cup of caffeinated tea. He felt proud to be one of only a handful of employees still allowed inside Vatican City tonight. Of course the honor was tainted somewhat by the presence of the Swiss Guards hovering outside his door. An escort to the bathroom, the operator thought. Ah, the indignities we endure in the name of Holy Conclave. Fortunately, the calls this evening had been light. Or maybe it was not so fortunate, he thought. World interest in Vatican events seemed to have dwindled in the last few years. The number of press calls had thinned, and even the crazies weren't calling as often. The press office had hoped tonight's event would have more of a festive buzz about it. Sadly, though, despite St. Peter's Square being filled with press trucks, the vans looked to be mostly standard Italian and Euro press. Only a handful of global cover-all networks were there†¦ no doubt having sent their giornalisti secundari. The operator gripped his mug and wondered how long tonight would last. Midnight or so, he guessed. Nowadays, most insiders already knew who was favored to become Pope well before conclave convened, so the process was more of a three – or four-hour ritual than an actual election. Of course, last-minute dissension in the ranks could prolong the ceremony through dawn†¦ or beyond. The conclave of 1831 had lasted fifty-four days. Not tonight, he told himself; rumor was this conclave would be a â€Å"smoke-watch.† The operator's thoughts evaporated with the buzz of an inside line on his switchboard. He looked at the blinking red light and scratched his head. That's odd, he thought. The zero-line. Who on the inside would be calling operator information tonight? Who is even inside? â€Å"Citta del Vaticano, prego?† he said, picking up the phone. The voice on the line spoke in rapid Italian. The operator vaguely recognized the accent as that common to Swiss Guards – fluent Italian tainted by the Franco-Swiss influence. This caller, however, was most definitely not Swiss Guard. On hearing the woman's voice, the operator stood suddenly, almost spilling his tea. He shot a look back down at the line. He had not been mistaken. An internal extension. The call was from the inside. There must be some mistake! he thought. A woman inside Vatican City? Tonight? The woman was speaking fast and furiously. The operator had spent enough years on the phones to know when he was dealing with a pazzo. This woman did not sound crazy. She was urgent but rational. Calm and efficient. He listened to her request, bewildered. â€Å"Il camerlegno?† the operator said, still trying to figure out where the hell the call was coming from. â€Å"I cannot possibly connect†¦ yes, I am aware he is in the Pope's office but†¦ who are you again?†¦ and you want to warn him of†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He listened, more and more unnerved. Everyone is in danger? How? And where are you calling from? â€Å"Perhaps I should contact the Swiss†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The operator stopped short. â€Å"You say you're where? Where?† He listened in shock, then made a decision. â€Å"Hold, please,† he said, putting the woman on hold before she could respond. Then he called Commander Olivetti's direct line. There is no way that woman is really – The line picked up instantly. â€Å"Per l'amore di Dio!† a familiar woman's voice shouted at him. â€Å"Place the damn call!† The door of the Swiss Guards' security center hissed open. The guards parted as Commander Olivetti entered the room like a rocket. Turning the corner to his office, Olivetti confirmed what his guard on the walkie-talkie had just told him; Vittoria Vetra was standing at his desk talking on the commander's private telephone. Che coglioni che ha questa! he thought. The balls on this one! Livid, he strode to the door and rammed the key into the lock. He pulled open the door and demanded, â€Å"What are you doing?† Vittoria ignored him. â€Å"Yes,† she was saying into the phone. â€Å"And I must warn – â€Å" Olivetti ripped the receiver from her hand, and raised it to his ear. â€Å"Who the hell is this?† For the tiniest of an instant, Olivetti's inelastic posture slumped. â€Å"Yes, camerlegno†¦Ã¢â‚¬  he said. â€Å"Correct, signore†¦ but questions of security demand†¦ of course not†¦ I am holding her here for†¦ certainly, but†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He listened. â€Å"Yes, sir,† he said finally. â€Å"I will bring them up immediately.†

Important Dates in American History Essay

Mayflower Compact When the pilgrims first arrived to America, the Mayflower Compact, as it is known now, was created. This was the foundation for the Plymouth colonies. To establish colonies, they would first need to obtain a patent from the King of England. However, the need to maintain a society was of great importance, therefore, the Mayflower Compact was established as a social contract. It was signed by all 41 men on the Mayflower. Revolutionary war The revolutionary war is a story that surrounds America’s founding concept; freedom. America, from 1775 – 1783, fought a vicious battle against England. The English sought to control America; they did everything they could to weaken America, such as placing soldiers in their homes and expecting them to provide for him. Eventually, the war broke out. However, after a fierce battle, we were granted our freedom, and our forefathers tale and sacrifice is one that we acknowledge with pride. WWI World War I started as a spark and ended as an explosion like no other. After the assassination of Arch-duke Franz Ferdinand, Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria declared a strike against Serbia. However, sticking with the theme of American History, America did not enter the war until later when Germany began sinking American submarines. the U.S. Congress declared war on the sixth of April, 1917. The Great Depression On October of 1929, the stock market crashed, devastating 40% of the value of common stock. The stock market continued to fall until people lost their jobs and life-savings. During this period, Franklin Roosevelt took the lead as president and introduce the policy known as the ‘New Deal’. This policy created intuitive legislative ideas and helped production of goods and prices, however, this was not enough to end the depression. The WPA was created in order to provide jobs; 9 million people gained positions from this program, and later, the Social Security Act of 1935. Both the New Deal and WWII are ideas of how the Great Depression came to a halt. McCarthyism McCarthyism is a shameful period of American History. A fear of the spread of communism led to blackmail. During the 1940’s, McCarthy, a senator, claimed to know the names of over 200 card-carrying communist in the U.S.. This began a hunt for infiltrators. Writers were often named communist sympathizers and were often unable to continue working. However, in more serious cases, some were jailed for refusing to give the names of communists. The media could not stand-up to McCarthy in fear that they, like three-hundred others, would be blacklisted. Resources: Plymouth.org – Mayflower Compact CIA.gov – Revolutionary War PBS.org – WWI Historylearningsite.co.uk – America and WWI

Mass medias and their political role Essay

 « Medias  » comes from the latin  « media  » that designs all means of communication ; such as printing press, radio, television, Internet. There has been a mediatic revolution in Europe, and specially en France, since the end of the XIX th century, which accompanied the birth of the Republic and its main political crisis, at is allowed the expression of the public opinion. In June 29th, 1881, the Law on the Freedom of the Press allowed the liberty of expression though settling its limits such as the prohibition of defamation, against the press offences, incitements to racial hatred or attainment on other’s property and public security. This law permitted a greater involvement of the public opinion in major political crisis that happened in France since the end of the XIXth century, such as the following ones I am going to present : the Dreyfus Affair, the Vichy France and the elections of June 2002. The Dreyfus Affair : This political crisis illustrates the major role of printing press. At that time, the Jules ferry Laws had increased alphabetisation, so the press became much more accessible to lower classes of society. More newspapers were printed and sold at a far cheaper price ; it was a democratisation of the press. At the time of the Dreyfus Affair, there was a huge debate about secularism (â€Å"Laicità ©Ã¢â‚¬ ), in which the press involved itself by expressing the public opinion. L’Humanità © was more biased on a socialist point of view whereas La Croix belonged to the right wing of the political life, though it is really with the Dreyfus Case that the politicisation took place. In November 1rst, 1894, the far right-wing and antisemit newspaper La Libre Parole, accused Captain Alfred Dreyfus, of jewish confession, of having betrayed France by being a spy for Germany. Dreyfus was sentenced to death. But the public opinion was vehemently divided and represented through the press.There was the pro-Army, nationalists Anti-Dreyfusards and the  pro-Republicans, also called Dreyfusards, who led a ferocious battle against the other camp. The term â€Å"intellectual† was created at that time to design journalists that committed themselves in the affair. For exemples : – Emile Zola, a naturalist writer, publishes in January 13th, 1898, his false letter/pamphlet â€Å"J’accuse† in L’Aurore, asking for more justice from the President, and so for Dreyfus’ commutation. It was the very first engagement of intellectuals in the press. – Jean Jaurà ©s also demonstrated cleverly the innocence of Dreyfus in â€Å"Les preuves† published in La Rà ©publique. We have then an example of a bipolarised press reflecting a bipolarised public opinion. The expression of diverse voices greatly influenced the release and rehabilitation of Dreyfus in 1906, just one year after the victory of the secularism laws. WWII : The French State or Vichy France : In 1940, with the creation of the French collaborating and antisemit State, there has been a significant division of medias : – The official press became marechalist (newspaper Je suis partout), proclaiming the need for collaboration, denouciations†¦; – A clandestine, illegal press appeared (Libà ©ration) supporting the Resistance movement, in which people were encouraged to resist and to make life harder to the Occupier (sabotages, hidding illegal peole†¦.). The press had a serious influence on the behaviours of the French State’s people. But radio too took a major role in this event : – Radio Paris was tightly controlled by the governement since the first public diffusion by the radio in 1921. – Radio Londres (written this way on the internet) on the contrary did not support the german occupation so that it allowed De Gaulle to communicate with France and deliver his famous speech in June 18th, 1940, in which he encouraged French soldie rs and workers to continue fighting against the collaborators and occupiers and the inhabitants of the French State to resist. Radio was also used a well as leaflets, to improve the organisation of resistant actions. The Algerian War (1954-1962) : At the beginning of the war, the medias took great interest in this new political crisis that the government had trouble in solving. â€Å"L’Algà ©rie, c’est la France !† declares Franà §ois Mitterand, then Minister of the Interior at the TV/Radio. In fact, after the loss of Indochina, France could not afford to lose Algeria as well according to many state members. But different opinions were debated over in the press mainly (France Soir, Le Parisien Libà ©rà ©, Le Figaro†¦), by the four main radios representing round 38 millions of listeners, and the emerging but still very elitist television. When the government sent the contigent in 1956, the jounalists were very much involved in illustrating the public opinion and the Ifop (an institute of survey and opinion polls) revealed that the polls mainly revealed a global wish for negociations rather than fightings. But the government did not want to lose its credibility and censored the press, getting hold o f some (L’Express), and arrested some of the most vehement journalists. But some newspapers (L’Express and La France-Observateur) and authors (Franà §ois Mauriac) denonced the political measures and repression to make it transparent to the public. There was no more stability in the French government and DeGaulle was asked to come back to power in 1958, which he did, at the price that a new Constitution should be put into office and that the fifth Republic shall be claimed. De Gaulle used as he did a few years before, the power of medias as a tool to communicate with the French people, mainly using the ORTF, The Office de Radiodiffusion Tà ©là ©vision Franà §aise, which monopolised Frenc TV emissions and allowed him to put forward his own opinion. This allowed him to avoid the putsch of the generals in April 1961 (they wanted to take power in Alger in order to maintain the French Algeria against De Gaulle’s policy of negociations) by directly talking to the called in order to discourage them from helping the generals. Finally Algeria became independent with the Evian Accords in 1962. But a few years later, with May 1968 it clearly appeared that the government controlled no longer the medias, which became more and more  independent and were less used as an influencial tool of the government, but only as a mean to express opinions or to give more information (ex : the presidential elections of June 2002, when the Internet, newspapers and televion altogether permitted a mobilisation of the voters against Jean-Marie Le Pen.)