The Impact of an Inept Management Style on the Performance and Work Case Study - 1

The Impact of an Inept Management Style on the Performance and Working Style of the People Relating to a Hematology Department - Case Study Example The first parameter deals with the aptitude and skill of the individual in problem-solving activities and in providing prompt decisions. Secondly, the selection process also needs to evaluate the interpersonal and team building skills of the individuals relating to the process of influencing subordinates to a fulfillment of organizational goals. Thirdly, the selection process involves understanding or evaluation of an individual’s potential in handling controversial or confronting issues and to work harmoniously in a pressurized job setting. Similarly, in the fourth case, the selection process should also tend to evaluate the degree of innovation incorporated in rendering new initiatives in a proactive fashion by the managerial applicants in troubleshooting problems. Finally, the selection process of the supervisors should also tend to observe the agility in the management staffs to enhance their technical and process know-how through learning. Along with the above parameters, specific tools can be incorporated, like ‘Role Playing’ that in turn contributes to the reduction of the event of Role Ambiguity in the workplace. Similarly, apart from conducting ‘Personal Interviews’ scales can be adequately designed to rate the behavioral attributes of the different applicants based on ‘Behavioral Anchored Rating Scales’. The scales can be created on a Five Point basis from ‘Very Good’ to ‘Very Poor’ rating the different parameters like ‘Interpersonal Skills’, ‘Initiative’, ‘Working under Pressure’, ‘Leadership’, ‘Prompt Decision Making Potential’ and others to thereby present an effective assessment of the individual potencies involved in matching the requirements of the role set (Rice and Burnett, n.d., p.2-5). The selection process for the supervisors can be further  enhanced through the incorporation of the 360-degree appraisal program. Incorporation of the 360-degree appraisal contributes to the gaining of effective feedback from subordinates and peers of the applicants involved such that an effective selection procedure can be implemented.

Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 10

Strategic Management - Essay Example Cutting a niche in the market and expanding it will enable MC Industries Company to prepare for the competition in the industry. This will involve formulation of the strategies that will attract the customers into the company as opposed to the rival companies. It will entail performing a market research analysis to identify the brands which the target market appreciates and the need that should be addressed to the bridge the market gap. After that, the company will design products to suit the needs and preferences of the customers and then carry out advertisement of the products to inform the market of the availability of the new product in the market. The most important thing to note here is that the market share will be increased as the company is able to brand its products favorably compared to the rival companies. The company has set out strategies that will enable it to make competent adjustments in the market in order to facilitate expansion and increase future investment. The company has set out the objectives to maintain high standards of marketing and improve the secondary advertisements in order to expand the market share. The target is to earn 20% of the market share. To achieve this, several measures have been put in place. First, the company is organizing its operation in way to facilitate entry of the company into the market. Teams are formed and assigned corporate responsibilities which are mandated with different functions such as market survey formulate marketing strategies, choose target segmentation, branding of products for each target segment, market testing to evaluate the level of MC Industries Company competiveness, review of the brands and redesigning of the brands based on the information got from testing the market. This information will be used in the future investment of the company which will ensure tactful expansion into the wider market

College English Multimodal Teaching and Autonomic Learning

College English Multimodal Teaching and Autonomic Learning Study on the Relationship between College English Multimodal Teaching and Autonomic Learning Keywords: English, multi-modal teaching, English teaching, autonomous learning, relevance. Abstract. University English multi-modal teaching model is an important trend in college English teaching reform. With the development of multimedia technology, multi-modal teaching PPT presentation can give students a variety of modes of cognitive stimulation in the classroom. By teaching examples experimental classes and control classes, study the relationship between college English multi-modal teaching and student learning performance between. Experimental results show that multi-modal teaching model conforms to the development trend of college English teaching, to maintain students interest in learning English, improve their English proficiency and efficiency of memory are related. Teachers should utilize multi-modal teaching methods to inspire students to a variety of modes of interaction, multi-modal students reading ability. Multi-modal teaching model has changed the traditional classroom teaching English writing mainly to textbooks as the main teaching content teaching. Writ ing in College English teaching, teachers take full advantage of modern media, with pictures, video and other modes of physical activity, the rational organization of teaching content and students are encouraged to write in after-school training and self-learning multi-modal under. Practice has proved that this teaching model to enhance the college English classroom teaching also has a strong practical significance. Introduction With globalization, the current classroom teaching cannot meet the development needs of students teachers need to actively develop the means to acquire new knowledge and information, access to more learning resources. Modern science and technology and the development of multi-modal theory, there are many new presentation of learning resources and information, such as the construction of online teaching and learning platform, multi-modal learning courseware development will be translated into new teaching methods, also will be the new teaching mode, teaching and learning methods in foreign language teaching is becoming possible, this way, foreign language teaching in multi-modal become a necessity. Therefore, not only teachers can take advantage of new educational technologies to improve teaching effectiveness, students can also take advantage of modern science and technology to search for new information resources, multimedia platform for independent learning and innovative practice. Multi-modal in foreign language learning in the field of application, so that learners by accepting the information perception, understanding, encoding and storage, the resulting input information and knowledge stored polyethylene while providing protection for the unconscious and conscious language output, thereby make language learning the formation of a virtuous circle. However, in the multi-modal and information age, especially in the era of knowledge explosion, classroom teaching alone cannot meet the needs of students knowledge and capabilities, urgent need to develop self-learning and multi-modal network learning, teachers should learn how to new age guide or guide student learning. Multimodal Discourse theory emerged in the 1990s, Western countries, Western researchers in critical discourse analysis, based on the research results of social semiotics, functional grammar system and the traditional discourse analysis and other fields evolved. Study abroad from the point of view, R.Barthes is the first multi-modal discourse analysis linguist, major aspects of the relationship from the expression of pictures and words to explore the significance of discourse analysis. In the high-tech and computer network popular today, teaching methods should also be with the times. College English classes in order to teach a lively, in order to attract students interest and attention, teachers need to have a wide range of teaching methods and skills, and to make such an extensive collection of pictures, video, animation and other information, design the new form the PPT, and flexible integration of multi-modal teaching methods to inspire students to a variety of modes of interaction, multimodal students reading ability.   Ã‚   Figure.1 Multimodal Teaching The Proposed Methodology Multi-modal teaching concepts.Humans through the five senses to perceive the vastness of the world, the perception of these five channels produced five communication modes: visual modal, modal auditory, tactile mode, smell and taste modal. The so-called modal refers to the human sensory channel through interaction with the external environment, including the use of language, images, sounds, movements and other means and symbolic resources. Two or more single mode constitute multi-modal, such as traditional text-text is single-mode, film, television with images, charts books, magazines, newspapers and other materials compared with multi-modal, and or audio on your computer, video, and subtitles are multimodal texts. So, we can say that each modality are symbolic resources, together, constitute the overall meaning. For example, dogs sense of smell through modal perceive the world; mainly through the visual modality deaf to communicate with people; blind listening to music, reading Braille rely on auditory and tactile modality; children and illiterate primarily through auditory and visual modality learn their mother tongue and many more. We experience the world from a variety of channels and we also will be the integration of a variety of sensory coordination. Multi-modal teaching belongs to the scope of multi-modal discourse between teachers and students to communicate in five different modes of communication and symbolic resources. The role of multi-modal PPT.With the widespread use of multimedia classrooms in universities, multi-modal presentation of the PPT can arouse students interest in learning objectives from a variety of sensory and symbolic resources, various modal information Courseware text, image, audio, video, etc. carrier carrying a large amount of text, extensions rich information on all aspects of the field of vision, extra-curricular knowledge, group activities, etc., and its hypertext, hyperlinks feature can fully mobilize the students various senses, encourage students to expand thinking, to deepen the impression and strengthen memory the goal of. Excellent multi-modal PPT information should not be too much, there must be focus and difficulty, students thinking to leave room for discussion. Courseware to form simple, elegant, not too fancy, because too much emphasis on the external form but will reduce students text content and meaning of the note, which have a negative impact on language acquisition. Multi-modal teaching PPT presentation slide show mode is not simply, but the method of teaching courseware and teacher and student learning characteristics combine to attract students interest in learning, and ultimately improve student achievement. Multimodal Discourse domestic research has just begun, for multi-modal teaching research less. I tried teaching the following examples explore different modalities in teaching roles and the relationship between them, observe the relevant multi-modal teaching and student learning, as well as multi-modal teaching to enhance students memory Have a facilitating role. Multi-modal theory.In foreign multi-modal theory it has now been widely used in language teaching, and gradually formed a unique theoretical system and research methods. Multimodal refers to mankind through the senses (sight, hearing, touch, etc.) interact with the external environment (people, machines, objects, etc.) between. In the information age and these different modes of reproduction plays the same role in the level of significance. Multi-modal theory and foreign language teaching are closely linked. On the one hand, foreign language teaching reform to promote the multi-modal theory in foreign language teaching practice. On the other hand, multi-modal theory, in turn, to the development of foreign language teaching reform provided an opportunity. Therefore, the introduction of writing in English classroom teaching multi-modal teaching methods, for teachers and students before class, during, and after the exchange, learning provide multi-faceted communication platform, independent of time, space and distance and other factors constraints, closer through text, images, audio, video and other network resources the distance between teachers and students, their communication is unimpeded, between students can also explore the pros and cons of the process of teaching and learning experience from each other, to increase the writing course interest in the teaching process can be controlled in perfect order, flipped class room fully accessible, easy to achieve the established teaching plans and teaching goal setting, to achieve good teaching results. Autonomous Learning Ability.Writing is an important part of language teaching and learning, whether Chinese or English, teaching of writing have become an important part of language teaching, improve writing skills for their future application in the language class related work or engaged in related research is is particularly important in the actual language teaching and learning process, writing has always been a difficulty. Scholars believe that student lack proper training and learning guidance system resulting in many students writing skills are relatively low. Multi-modal teaching model, teachers in many ways photos, videos and physical activities to stimulate learners senses and create scenarios, make full use of Internet and other modern media to regulate the classroom atmosphere, enhance classroom effect to mobilize students cognitive senses, for example, teachers in the classroom writing multi-modal information is presented to the relevant images, text, sound and other stimuli, flexibility and control over the validity of learning resources, to maximize the students immersed in the establishment language scenario to attract the attention of students, to stimulate students cognitive and acceptance of writing tasks, so as to achieve the desired effect of teaching writing. Based on College English Writing Class multimodal learning environment, teachers should abandon the language taught in single-mode input methods, should through auditory, visual and other means of teaching methods of online media to create a multi-dimensional dynamic language learning environment the students brain is stimulated by external stimuli, resulting in a positive learning effect. Self-learning in the classroom should reflect the student-centered, independent learning by students ability to self-analysis, exploration, practice, creation, to achieve to achieve learning objectives. Multi-modal self-learning mode.College English Writing Mode Multimode state for Students interest in writing and the promotion of writing self-learning ability is obvious. Specifically, students can take advantage of multi-modal model and the teachers computer network to provide media, the students complete their own conscious or cognitive activities, play the role of language acquisition, to achieve the conversion of knowledge into skills. In the whole writing part of autonomous learning, teachers play a leading role, plays the main role of the student, multimedia computer network played a good supporting role. Visible, College English Writing Mode Multimode state has played both inside and outside the classroom to promote a virtuous circle beneficial role in promoting the students English writing from passive to active, play a student initiative and enthusiasm for learning, teaching and learning to promote common progress and develop together. Meanwhile, the multi-modal autonomous learning of teachers and students to promote the implementation of the emotions, reduce their writing anxiety, improve students interest in learning, teamwork to enhance their knowledge and ability of college student practical ability. In addition, the angle of teaching practice, the principle of multi-modal reflect individualized is to respect individual differences of learners in the understanding of individual learners in language ability, cognitive style, motivation, attitude and personality and other aspects of the differences on the basis of carried out of suitable teaching methods and teaching mode. Although college English writing, multi-modal network media teaching platform Teaching Writing Course pointed out the direction, but we must also soberly aware that, to the network platform for some of the potential pitfalls of teaching needs to be sufficient attention, also committed to encouraging students to implement effective self-learning in multi-modal under. Only in this way, the network media Teaching Resources under the multi-modal can really provide maximum supplementary language learning platform for teachers and students. Conclusion A variety of multi-modal teaching activities can motivate the student, the student group discussions in the classroom, English debate, role play reading, educational games, create their own little drama in English, see pictures retell stories inspired little English students enthusiasm, and strengthen the cooperative learning groups, students Multi-literacies further improved. The first phase of the transition from traditional English teaching to the second stage of the multi-modal English teaching, teaching effect has been significantly improved. At the same time, students can use in their spare College English autonomous learning system, increasing the modal auditory and visual input modes, search the Internet and organize learning materials relevant to the subject, and in the classroom with PPT displayed, to cultivate and improve their English autonomous learning ability, creative thinking and the ability of the integrated use of English plays an important role. The effectiveness of multi-modal college English teaching model has been verified in teaching practice. University English multi-modal teaching mode changes the rigid traditional language teaching, monotonous, dull teaching atmosphere in class is introduced, except language non-verbal symbols, a combination of non-verbal form of images, video, music and other multi-modal symbol for the development of multi-modal teaching provided a new impetus to creating a new language teaching education information age. Meanwhile, the lack of research, such as the number of samples used in experimental studies is too small and a relatively short cycle, I expect to have more researchers to be amended in the future and improve teaching practice, in order to promote college English teaching deepening reform. References 1. Lu, Lu. The Application of British Parliamentary Debate in College English Classroom from Multimodal Perspective. 2013 International Conference on Advanced ICT and Education (ICAICTE-13). Atlantis Press, 2013. 2. Wang, Qian. A Case Study on College English TeacherS Non-Verbal Behaviours under the Setting of Multimodality. International Journal of English Language Teaching 3.6 (2015): 21-31. 3. Dryer, Dylan B., et al. Revising FYC Outcomes for a Multimodal, Digitally Composed World: The WPA Outcomes Statement for First-Year Composition (Version 3.0). WPA: Writing Program Administration-Journal of the Council of Writing Program Administrators 38.1 (2014). 4. Yan, S. U. N. Multimodal Teaching of An Introduction to British and American CultureBased on the Theory of Constructivism. Journal of Nanyang Normal University 7 (2014): 019. 5. McKenzie, Cori, Michael Macaluso, and Kati Macaluso. Finding Footholds in a Construction Zone: Navigating the Discourses of English Language Arts with Pre-Service Teachers in the 21st Century. Innovations in English Language Arts Teacher Education. Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2017. 5-26.

Essay example --

Paternalism John Stuart Mills is wrong when it comes to his rejection of paternalism. Mills is taking a position that is in line with that of classical liberalism which in many ways is in opposition to paternalism. This ideology only acknowledges the individual and does not take in account the larger society. Many do not like to be told what is right when it deals with something that does not affect anyone but themselves. The issue with this is that individuals are part of something. They are part of a family, community, city and nation. The impact of those choices might be seen as insignificant and not have relevance outside of their own lives but it is a small picture view and forgets about the big picture. Mills is right that paternalism is taking away liberties but those liberties affect others in ways that a person might see. Society should act as a parent to its individuals because they could cause weakness or issues that go beyond the realm of one’s own household. According to the harm principle that Mills seems to be a supporter of, hard drug bans are justifiable because drug usage does effect more than just the user in many ways. Most drug bans are in response to some perceived negative that the lawmakers saw and wanted to prevent or stop. There are times in history the reason for the ban was less than just but as a holistic perspective most of the time the substances caused problems that had very negative effects on communities. Many times, the purchase of the product comes from an illegitimate source. South American drug cartels and the Mexican cartels that many times transport the product across the border in the United States undermine the rule of law and public safety in those nations including the Unite... ... not fundamentally different when looking at the larger perspective from banning drugs like cocaine. Cocaine addiction and the other issues in this essay are all issues that different groups of people say should be individual liberties but have real impact negatively on the society around them. The issues of paternalism is that could be abused and made into tyrannical regime as Mill fears but there is a large difference from telling a motorcycle rider to wear a helmet to telling people they cannot voice political opinion. The argument is guilty of the slippery slope fallacy. As long the system has stated rights that cannot be infringed like the constitution does the in the United States this that slide to tyranny should be prevented in a society that is rooted by the concept of rule of law. We do not just exist as individuals but also as parts of society.

Plastic Bags

Millions of disposable plastic bags are used and discarded in Washington each year. A beached grey whale was found in West Seattle in 2010 with 20 plastic bags in its stomach. Small pieces of plastic can absorb toxic pollutants like DDT and PCB. Scientists have found that fish are ingesting these toxins when they ingest plastic, concentrating the chemicals in the food chain. There is a good chance that we also absorb these pollutants when we eat fish. The good news is, Washingtonians are taking action to protect the Sound. In 2009, Edmonds became the first city in the state to ban plastic bags.In 2011, six other cities joined the effort. Bellingham, Mukilteo, Seattle, Bainbridge Island, Port Townsend, and Issaquah all banned the bag, significantly cutting down on the amount of plastic flowing into Puget Sound. Today, dozens more communities are considering similar legislation, including Olympia. Local bans have an immediate impact and are a great start—but we can’t stop until bags are banned statewide. When plastic bags are part of mixed recyclables, they get caught in machinery, shutting down recycling operations.Responding to an Environment Washington Research & Policy Center survey, 70 percent of Washington recycling companies want plastic bags out of the waste stream. Curbside recycling in some of Washington’s cities allows the inclusion of plastic bags in mixed recyclables but this actually causes problems in the recycling facilities. †¢ Over half of Washington’s recycling facilities do not even accept plastic bags. For those facilities, 83% reported that their recycling stream was contaminated with plastic bags and it was causing problems. When plastic bags pollute mixed recyclables, they get tangled in recyclers’ machinery, causing plants to shut down. †¢ Some recycling plants in Washington estimate spending 20 to 30 percent of their labor costs removing plastic bags from their Puget Sound is an irreplaceable treasure. It is central to Washington’s culture and our livelihood. Harbor seals play within our bays and thousands of salmon make their way through the Sound every year to spawn. Three endangered pods of resident orcas visit the Sound on a regular basis. Seabirds congregate on our beaches and in our arbors, belting out their familiar cries. And beneath the waves, the seafloor The problem is not limited to Puget Sound. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, every square mile of ocean contains 46,000 pieces of floating plastic, on average. 4 About one thousand miles off the Washington coast, more than 100 million tons of plastic garbage has concentrated in an area known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. 5 Churned by ocean currents, this toxic, plastic soup spans an area twice the size of Texas. 6 Within this area, plastic outweighs plankton by up to six times during certain imes of the day. 7 machinery – on the order of $1,000 per day. †¢ More tha n 70 percent of Washington recyclers want disposable plastic bags out of the waste system. China accepts more than half of all reclaimed plastic bags for recycling, and that number is rising. †¢ Plastic bag recycling plants in China expose workers to toxic fumes, create a haze that hangs over villages, and pollute groundwater sources. Consumers bring their own bags in many parts of the world. Washington can follow this example and ban bags. †¢ Nothing we use for a few minutes should end up contaminating our oceans for hundreds of years. Because recycling efforts have proven inadequate, Washington’s civic leaders should ban single-use plastic bags. Researchers at the University of Washington-Tacoma have found plastic pollution in every water sample they have taken from Puget Sound. At least 20 nations and 88 local governments have passed bans on distributing thin plastic or other types of disposable plastic bags, Approximately 26 nations and local communities have es tablished fee programs to reduce plastic bag use and/or increase the use of reusable alternatives, After Washington, D. C. , mplemented a much smaller 5-cent tax on plastic bags, the number of plastic bags distributed by food retailers fell from 22. 5 million per month to 3. 3 million per month. Edmonds was the first city in Washington to ban plastic bags, adopting a ban in 2009. †¢ More recently, Bellingham adopted a ban on thin-plastic carry-home bags and a 5 cents fee on paper bags in July 2011. †¢ Other cities, including Seattle, Lake Forest Park, and Mukilteo, are actively considering bag bans. To make a real impact, all Washington cities and counties should restrict the use of plastic bags, and dvocate for similar action at the state level Work Citation Krehbiel, Robb. â€Å"Report: Keep Plastic Out of Puget Sound. † A Solution Not in the Bag. Environment Washington Research & Policy Center, Jan. 2012. Web. 24 Feb. 2013. Krehbiel, Robb. â€Å"Report: Keep Pla stic Out of Puget Sound. † Keeping Plastic out of Puget Sound. Environment Washington Research & Policy Center, Nov. 2011. Web. 24 Feb. 2013. Krehbiel, Bobb. â€Å"News Release. † New Report: Recycling Cannot Solve Plastic Bag Problem. Environment Washington Research & Policy Center, 14 Feb. 2011. Web. 25 Feb. 2013.

A Look at Loblaws Companies

In 1919 the first Loblaw grocery store opened in Toronto. Theodore Pringle Loblaw and J. Milton Cork had a new idea of a grocery store, one which would be fully self- serve and would offer better quality foods at lower prices. In 1978, ‘No Name’ products were introduced into Loblaw stores. These products had distinct yellow packaging, and Loblaw stores experienced an outstanding customer feedback. In 1984, ‘President’s Choice’, one of Loblaw’s own brands made its first debut in stores. Consumer feedback and satisfaction for President’s Choice products was superb and â€Å"everything from toasters to train sets† were made. Loblaw Companies has now grown to over seventy locations in Ontario alone. (Loblaw Website, Main Page) The years 2005 to 2008 were very important for Loblaw, the company underwent expansion to ultimately ensure their mission to be â€Å"Canada’s best food, (Loblaw: First Store) health and home retailer by exceeding customer expectations through innovative products at great prices. † These expansions are still taking place today. â€Å"In 2005, Loblaw Companies Limited moved closer to completing one of the largest transformations in its history. They were challenged by the size and impact of the short term costs associated with executing certain elements of the transformation. † Working facilities merged, and there were major store renovations. A new head office and Store Support Centre was established in Brampton, Ontario; which now employs 2,000 Ontarians. However, these expansions caused some setbacks. Loblaw made changes to their national systems platform and supply chain. This change disrupted the flow of its inventory and had an overall negative effect on the sales and earnings for 2005. This simplified their distribution network which made the movement of inventory much less time consuming and lead to lower costs. A capital investment program exceeding $1 billion was used to continue the expansion of â€Å"The Real Canadian Superstore† in Ontario. This money was also used to convert specific conventional stores into much larger superstores, strategically choosing the stores that reflected a growing market. A new general merchandise warehouse and distribution centre for Eastern Canada was also established. This improved the overall speed of inventory and stock from the warehouse to grocery stores. As of 2005, the Company â€Å"believe that [they] are taking the significant steps required to ensure that Loblaw continue to grow, to succeed and to provide sustainable value in a changing landscape† (Annual Report 2005, pp. 5-6). The year 2008 was not as eventful as 2005. They struggled with more setbacks, and had the ideal thought of â€Å"Making Loblaw the Best Again†. As stated in their Annual Report, â€Å"[They] continue [their] efforts to simplify and sharpen Loblaw, fix the basics that matter to customers, restore innovation, and grow Loblaw through [their] ‘Formula for Growth’†. Strategies for success continued to be built upon from the past, including finding ways to make employees’ jobs easier. This implemented more cost-effective decisions, allowing Loblaw to introduce a more diverse product line, and ultimately managed their cash more effectively. However, Loblaw underwent some new expansions in 2008, such as revamping their supply chain and IT infrastructure. They also opened four new distribution centres which made service levels greater than the past. Loblaw had noticed this new IT infrastructure system cut-down and simplified high workloads and many errors. Loblaw adopted a new and improved pricing index management system, which is currently an important component of the organization. Overall, Loblaw is having a hard time being a consistent high performing company, however they have challenged themselves and are still â€Å"making Loblaw worth switching supermarkets for† (Annual Report 2008, pp. 3-8). Structure The above diagram represents the corporate structure of Loblaw Companies Limited. It demonstrates how each specific section of the Board of Directors and Officers communicate to one another through the company. This system is used because it is unreasonable to expect that all levels of employees are able to communicate easily with every other employee and this hierarchy of labor is what allows better communication through employees. Location When analyzing the 2008 Annual Report for Loblaw Companies it is noted that across Canada there are: -609 corporate and -427 franchised stores in every province and territory in Canada -21 banners across the country -21 company and -5 third-party-operated distribution centers services their stores These numbers are constantly on the rise and have only increased steadily over the years. (Annual Report 2008, p. ) Product, Price, Promotion, and Distribution Strategies In 2005, Loblaw’s main focus was on food, health, and nutrition. They introduced a large number of new No Name and President’s Choice products, including PC Blue Menu and PC Organics, to satisfy health-conscious customers. Additionally, they introduced new lines, such as PC Mobile and Joe Fresh Style. Their key strategy was to provide â€Å"innovation, quality, value, and focus on the consumer† (Annual Report 2005, pp. 5). To reach different markets, they had four store formats to cater to customers’ needs; hard discount, warehouse clubs, conventional stores, and superstores. Loblaw had been working on remodeling the store exterior, reformatting banners, updating decor, and changing signage to give the stores a new look that will attract more consumers. In their Annual Report, it is stated that â€Å"Loblaw has a proven ability to anticipate and respond to changing consumer preferences in an increasingly competitive landscape and is committed to meeting more of the food and everyday household needs of consumers from coast to coast (Annual Report 2005, p. 11)†. Through the strategy of relationship marketing, they hope to be able to keep the customer base they have built by meeting their needs (Annual Report 2005, pp. -11) By 2008, they had brought back their slogan: ‘Worth switching supermarkets for’. They hoped to meet the expectation in their slogan through quality, value, and innovation. Loblaw wanted to make (Loblaw Cashier) the stores already in place better, instead of building new ones. They also had a focus on freshness and style. Loblaw introduced and redesigned almost 2000 products during this year, including bringing back the yellow and black colours on No Name items. While increasing their products for the health-conscious consumer, they also have products and labels for those who are eco-friendly. They want their customers to have a choice on the type of store they shop at, so they still have the four store formats. One of their strategies was to â€Å"re-establish the value advantage in the minds of consumers, and providing products and services customers can’t find anywhere else† (Annual Report 2008, p. 9) They have changed food presentations, improved the quality of their sourcing, and have over 1000 price checks weekly. A television campaign for apple crisp was able to increase its sales by 1500%. Loblaw held marketing events, a program bringing back past foods, drastically increased the amount of clothing in Joe Fresh Style, and they began a Home section. In almost 400 stores, they had a program that guaranteed certain items to always be available. Eighteen stores in Toronto had an event called ‘Back to Best’, in which they had chefs with recipe demonstrations, more meat, seafood, and produce, and they also added new signage and displays (Annual Report 2008, pp. 8 – 14) As the market became more competitive, Loblaw reached for more strategies to improve their company. In 2005 they introduced various lines, whereas in 2008 it was their strategy to focus on improving what they already had. Much of their ideas in 2005 were related to creating a new image, whereas in 2008 they brought back many ideas that were once in place decades ago, such as the slogan, past foods, and black and white packaging for the No Name brand. Still focused on low prices, innovation, quality, and the consumers, what they want is still the same, although between 2005 and 2008 they have used different strategies to meet this goal. Target Customers â€Å"Loblaw’s mission is to be Canada’s best food, health and home retailer by exceeding customer expectations through innovative products at great prices. To reach our goal, we must become a centralized, market-led organization with an unrelenting focus on our customers, our products and our stores†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Annual Report 2008, p. 3). Loblaw Companies does not specifically target an age or sex. Their target customer would involve individuals of all ages as well as those individuals with particular preference of product. Loblaw is a superstore full of products that appeal to every person and their needs. However, it may be appropriate to say that this company would not seek out approval of young children living at home, there is still advertising that is created to capture the attention of the young and in turn manipulate them into thinking that what Loblaw’s sell is the best choice for their guardians to supply for them. Although Loblaw sells the average product for the typical consumer, they also supply the general population with specialized products which draw people to their store. Some of these products may include: â€Å"Green Products† for those who are environmentally friendly, â€Å"Organic† products for those who prefer chemical free and naturally grown, â€Å"Blue Menu† products for those who are health food conscience or perhaps have health problems, and finally the standard â€Å"Club Pack† size for those who buy in bulk. Overall, Loblaw seeks out to target the general population and not one specific type of individual. Loblaw’s mission statement makes it obvious as to what their goals are, which ultimately always benefits the customer. Financial Situation Loblaw Companies Limited enjoyed a healthy year of operations back in 2005. Sales were $27 801 (all figures in millions unless otherwise stated) and operating expenses totaled to $26 400. There were two new operating expense items that were included in the 2005 figures. First, a Restructuring and Other Charges of $86 (Annual Report 2005, p. 47), after completion of detailed assessment of the Loblaw supply chain network, management approved a comprehensive plan to restructure its supply chain operations nationally. This plan is expected to reduce future operating costs, provide a smoother flow of products, better service levels to stores, and further enable the company to achieve its target operating efficiencies. Second, a proposed assessment of $40 from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) related to GST on certain products was made (Annual Report 2005, p. 48). Approximately $15 was settled in the fourth quarter, with the remainder representing management’s best estimate for potential liabilities. After interest and tax calculations, net earnings were a very respectable $746 or $2. 72 per share (Annual Report 2005, p. 38). Retained earnings increased in 2005 by $472 to $4 694. Loblaw also ended the year with a higher inventory than in previous years; this is in line with growth of sales. Loblaw engaged in corporate expansion during 2005. This reflects their increased fixed assets on their balance sheet for the year ended. Land, Building, Equipment and fixtures were primarily the assets that contributed to this growth. It should be noted Other Assets account decreased in value by a significant amount of $104 (Annual Report 2005, p. 39), most of the difference can be accounted for in the specific account labeled Franchise investments and other receivables. Loblaw Companies Limited continued their growth through 2008. With a sales figure of $30 802 (Annual Report 2008, p. 82), it is evident the management team is focused on their long term strategy of sustainability and continued growth. Loblaw is not a company to make drastic changes to their business plan and they focus on their customers and their shareholders when considering growth opportunities. They also do a tremendous job communicating their action plans in their annual reports and provide in-depth calculations through their use graphs and charts. This helps shareholders visualize Loblaw’s efforts as well as provide comparability. Growth between 2005 and 2008 was planned and consistent. Sales increased from $27 627 to $30 802 and operational costs from $26 226 to $29 756. Net earnings were respectable at $545 in 2008, lower than the 2005 figure of $746. This is because between these years Loblaw has taken on capital investment projects that required effected net earnings for the shareholder on a per share basis, including a loss of $219 in 2006 (Annual Report 2008, p. 82). Net earnings are continuing to rise in large increments from year to year. This truly indicates management at Loblaw is well established in their industry and are making calculated, well thought out investments as well increasing company value and recognition. After examining the five year summary, Working capital stood out the most. In 2005 working capital account was $210 but in 2008 the number increased significantly to $730 (Annual Report 2008, p. 82). It should be noted dividends have remained constant at 84 cents per share between 2005 and 2008. Total assets have increased during this time period, and net debt has decreased again indicating better business management. Only one figure seems to go against all the positives that the company has experienced. However, the market price had dropped from $56. 37 to $ 35. 23 which seems to be the only noticeable decline. (Annual Report 2008, pp. 82) (Loblaw Co. Ltd. Stock price over the past 5 years) Management and Human Resources Loblaw’s management board had remained quite consistent from 2005 to 2008. However, a couple of prominent changes occurred within this timeframe. In April 2008, three major positions occurred in Loblaw’s management board. These changes were implemented to benefit the company and eventually achieve greater success. A new President, a new Chief Merchandising Officer, and new Chief Financial Officer were appointed, Allan Leighton, Dalton Philips, and Robert Vaux respectively. (Loblaw Website, Management) These changes â€Å"†¦ streamlined [Loblaw’s] reporting structure and provided greater clarity and focus to roles and accountabilities throughout the Company† (Annual Report 2008, p. 5). The Human Resources Department is lead by Judy McCrie, who holds the position as Executive Vice President of Human Resources in the company. Employees are considered the ‘greatest resource’ to Loblaw. Loblaw continues to strengthen and expand its own in-store programs, including ‘The Leadership Means Business’ program and ‘The Store Managers’ Council’. These programs breed and encourage in-store leadership through the improvement of communication, leadership development, and training courses for store workers. The Leadership Means Business program focuses on â€Å"†¦ eading and engaging the men and women on the Company’s front line. † Loblaw looks to its in-store employees before looking elsewhere to hire for management positions. The Store Managers’ Council attends the Company’s management conferences every year, as senior management from many regions come together and give feedback and recommendations through consulting fellow employees. Many other off-site leadership programs are offered to store personnel that will â€Å"†¦ provide a common approach to leadership coaching, program execution and business development at the store level. † (Annual Report 2005, p. ) Ethical and Corporate Social Responsibility Practices In 2005, Loblaw Companies Limited was passionate about their social responsibilities, both ethical and corporate. They have a President’s Choice Children’s Charity, which (President’s Choice Children’s Charity) helped hundreds of disabled children in 2005. Loblaw also supports the Imagine Campaign, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Food Banks, and more. In addition to helping people, they do their best to preserve our environment through efforts in packaging, energy efficiency, environmental awareness, waste management, and management. An example of this is their use of refrigerators and lighting that are energy efficient, and they are partners with multiple agencies to have better conservation of energy. Loblaw trained and educated the staff on environmental risks. According to the company’s Code of Business Conduct, they hold â€Å"high standards of ethical conduct and business practices† (Annual Report 2005, p. 18). Loblaw has a committee to ensure this code is put into practice, and they are continually finding ways to make it better (Annual Report 2005, pp. 6-18) By 2008, Loblaw had adopted the five pillars to achieving ethical and corporate social responsibility. These are, â€Å"respect the environment, source with integrity, make a positive difference in our community, reflect our nation’s diversity, and be a great place to work† (Annual Report 2008, p. 17) During this year, they opened their first environment-friendly store, dramatically reduced the number of plastic bags used, and introduced seafood certified by the Marine Stewardship Council. Loblaw continued to have success in its President’s Choice Children’s Charity, where they also participated in KidFest. Post-secondary scholarships were given out to employees, and there was a decline in injuries. There are now surveys for employees which allows staff to give feedback on their job, manager, and the company (Annual Report 2008, pp. 16-19) Between 2005 and 2008, Loblaw has continued to expand on their efforts toward their ethical and corporate social responsibilities. They simplified and organized their goals with the five pillars, and as society becomes increasingly more aware about protecting the environment, this is reflected in the changes from 2005 to 2008. It is apparent that they are expanding on the ideas of going green, helping society, and satisfying employees. Recent Developments Recently in 2009 Loblaw Companies Limited has been on the news for several creative and initiation reasons. Reported in a press release in September 14th 2009, Loblaw â€Å"†¦is combing the country for recent graduates with a passion for food to join the Company's grad (at) Loblaw program. This national program provides recent graduates with the opportunity to kick-start their careers in a structured and supportive environment† (Yahoo Finance, September 14th). Loblaw based this initiative effort based on information from Statistic Canada, which indicate teenagers and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24 experienced an unemployment rate of 16. 8% during August 2009 (Yahoo Finance, September 14th). This is highest rate of unemployment for Canadians in that age bracket since the statistics have been kept starting in 1977. The program is 18 months in length, and during this time graduates will rotate through three areas of the company; in the first stage they will be for working at a store location for six months; second step is working with the merchandising operations department for another 6 months, then in the final stage for nine months the â€Å"†¦graduate was hired for at the onset of the program, such as store management, marketing, merchandising, supply chain, information technology, human resources or finance, where the graduates are able to apply the information and experience gained in the previous rotations† (Yahoo Finance, September 14th). In October 2009, Loblaw was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. This prestigious recognition was granted for Loblaws â€Å"†¦efforts to attract and retain employees and create a great workplace environment. Loblaw is the only grocery retailer on the 2010 list†. Canada’s Top 100 Employers is an annual competition entering its 10th year. The competition determines which employers lead their industries in offering top work places for their employees, some of the criteria use during the evaluation process are; (1) Physical workplace, (2) Work and Atmosphere & Social, (3) Vacation & Time Off, (4) Performance (Canada’s Top 100 Employers) Management, (5)Training Skills & Development and a few others. (Yahoo Finance, October 9th). Recommendation and Conclusion Loblaw Companies Limited has received well deserved attention for their â€Å"Green† initiatives; this is a direct result of management’s effort to be perceived as a corporation that focuses on socially responsible causes. It would be very profitable for them in the long-term to maintain this. Loblaw has also been very success with the President’s Choice product’s advertisement campaign; they should definitely consider adding more product lines to their commercials. Loblaw carries a very diverse product mix, they organize their stores with many in store departments. They can reduce their costs for the short-term by opting against expansion on these. Loblaw identifies their most important resource as their employees, implementing new programs that enable them to grow their knowledge of products and company initiatives will make employees feel more connected to the Corporation and lead them to believe they have chosen the right place to work. Loblaw has grown in terms of their brand name and operational capabilities between 2005 and 2008. They are one of the leaders in their industry and continue to operate as a standard setter for customer satisfaction. A short trip to Loblaw will give any consumer the feeling that Loblaw operates very effectively and efficient, their employees are willing and able to meet customer questions and expectations and there is a sense of loyalty to the customers from management and employees. There is no doubt that Loblaw will continue its business well into the future and they will be looking to grow their business and further strengthen their influence in making the industry better as a whole.

Nike Case Essays

Nike Case Essays Nike Case Paper Nike Case Paper What is the WACC and why is it important to estimate a firm’s cost of capital? Do you agree with Joanna Cohen’s WACC calculation? Why or why not? WACC is the weighted average cost of capital. It can be calculated as: WACC = (Weight of funding source 1) x (Cost of funding source 1) + †¦ + (Weight of funding source n) x (Cost of funding source n) Usually this will be simply: WACC = (Percentage of debt) x (Cost of debt) + (Percentage of equity) x (Cost of equity) It is important to estimate a firm’s cost of capital for the appraisal of new projects; a project should only be undertaken if the return from it is greater than that of the capital required to fund it unless there are other compelling (strategic) reasons. A firm should also be aware of it’s own cost of capital and try to minimise this. We do not agree with Joann’s WACC calculation: ? Her funding source weightings are wrong ? There is an argument that all debt (including accounts payable etc) or net debt and a blended return on this should be used The debt figure will only ever be an estimate as the balance sheet is one day in the year ? Her analysis assumes Nike debt is trading at par – it is not ? Equity should be based on market value, not book value ? Hence total will be based on market cap. , not balance sheet ? Her debt cost is wrong ? She should use the current or projected cost rather than a historic one ? i. e. use a Bloomberg terminal (other term inals are available) to research yields on debt of the same credit rating as Nike ? It is unlikely Nike has a cost of debt lower than T bills Raising debt in a foreign currency (Jap Yen) either carries an associated hedging cost or exposes the borrower to FX risk, hence the coupon rate on the notes is not the actual cost of the debt ? Her assumed tax rate is probably wrong, if a firm is paying anywhere near the statutory tax rate they are not doing their job properly. We would expect their actual tax rate to be much lower, even though the case does not show this ? Her equity cost is only an estimate and she has not used all of the tools available to her ? The CAPM only provides an estimate. Her inputs are based on assumptions: We do not know whether 20 year T bills are the most appropriate measure of the risk free rate. If NorthPoint is planning a 20 year investment they might be but we need more information. Any proxy for the RFR will only ever be an estimate ? The market risk prem ium is even harder to estimate. Although the geometric mean is the better measure she has used numbers based very old data. Markets may well have changed since 1926 and hence a more recent or even anticipated premium should be used ? Nike’s Beta appears to be on a downward trend so an average might not be the best estimate. A forward looking Beta based on the outlook and expectations for the business would be better ? Because equity markets are forward looking (12 to 18 months) the current Beta is probably the best estimate ? Nike has been very volatile compared to the SP 500 so the historic Betas smooth reality ? By only considering the CAPM she ignores other methods for calculating the cost of equity and potentially makes a mistake ? A better approach would be to calculate the cost of equity using all available methods then make an estimate based on a larger range of data If you do not agree with Cohen’s analysis, calculate your own WACC for Nike and justify your assumptions [pic] Assumptions: ? Market value of debt ? Better reflection of actual value of source of funds ? We want to be forward looking, par is a historic number ? Running yield on bonds rather than YTM ? Quicker and easier to use ? Not much difference between them (7. 2 vs. 7. 0) o Capital gain on bond is small over life ? Any new debt would have an issue cost so YTM is not a true measure of funding cost ? Effective tax rate from 2001 The best proxy we have ? Still don’t like this number, feels too close to statutory rate. Interest is low so not much tax shield but what about capital allowances and general mitigation schemes? ? Most current equity market price ? Best information we have ? CAPM cost of equity ? See question 3 below for fuller description of methods ? CAPM is not perfect but: o Dividend Discount Model is too heavily dependent on a ‘black box’ nu mber for dividend growth – we have no understanding of this number o Capitalisation Ratio is quite a crude approach Calculate the costs of equity using CAPM, the dividend discount model, and the earnings capitalisation ratio. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each method? CAPM: [pic] Risk Free Rate is an average of 1, 5 and 10 year T bills. We assume this as a proxy for Nike’s actual debt profile. We use the current Beta because equity markets are forward looking. If we assume efficiency then all known information is in the current Beta. Betas will change over time so historic data is less relevant; we need to predict the future. Using regression our forecast Beta is 0. 0 so the results are very close. We use 9. 2% as a risk premium. It comes from Brealey Myers (2000) and is for the SP 500. It is the number that would have been available and appropriate for Kimi at the time. We may use a different number today based on our expectations of market returns although Brealey Myers argue that the best approach is to use as much data as possible to remove the effects of market fluctua tions. We have to ask ourselves whether market behaviour from 2008 onwards is the new paradigm. Advantages: ? Recognises return for risk Only considers risks that cannot be eliminated by diversification ? Is the most simple way of doing both of these ? Widely used so widely understood ? Does not rely on company financial projections Disadvantages: ? More of an art than a science. Includes estimates and assumptions for ? Risk free rate. Govt. bonds are not always the best proxy, i. e. some European debt. Also, RFR is probably not a real return due to inflation ? Expected market return. If we knew this number we would not be working for a living ? Beta. Decisions a company makes will change Beta. Depending on what the company is doing historic data may be worthless and hence we need to make our own estimate ? Assumes that Beta is the only reason equity prices move ? Assumes equity indices as proxies for movements in all asset values. This is a simplification of reality as many companies are privately owned ? The perceived required risk premium will change over time ? Investors will have different required rates of return for Nike depending on whether or not they hold it in a portfolio Dividend Discount Model: Problem:Dividends have been constant for the last 3 years. We are being asked to believe a growth story and perhaps an increase in dividend from that. We have no guidance on future dividend levels so the best we can do is use the Value Line Forecast of 5. 50%. Assuming constant growth and using the Gordon Model: Expected Return = Expected Dividend Yield + Expected Growth = 6. 6% Advantages: ? Very simple (in the constant growth form) ? Based on actual cashflows to shareholders Disadvantages: ? The simplified version of the equation we have used assumes the stock is in equilibrium ? Assumes a constant dividend growth rate, this is highly unlikely We do not have sufficient information to predict non-constant growth dividends to put into the full DDM ? Highly dependent on the expected growth rate which we actually have very little idea about ? Assumes we hold the stock in perpetuity. This is not likely for NorthPoint; as a value based fund they will sell at some point to realise a gain (hopefully! ) and re-invest in something they perceive to b e undervalued ? Assumes dividends grow with earnings. We could negate this by assuming dividend irrelevance and basing the analysis on earnings per share Earnings Capitalisation Ratio: Capitalisation Rate = Projected Earnings / Price Method used:Divide forecast free cashflows by current EV Take average Capitalisation Rate = 8. 6% Advantages: ? Quick and simple ? Can be used when no dividends are paid, hence payout ratio is irrelevant Disadvantages ? Relies on projections which are subjective and uncertain ? Compares future earnings to current EV ? Ignores the time value of money ? Solving the Corporation Valuation Model for WACC would be a better approach What should Kimi Ford recommend regarding an investment in Nike? Based on our WACC of 10. % Nike appears to be undervalued (using Joanna’s model, which we have not checked) so Kimi should recommend a buy. However, Kimi should consider the following: ? Do you really want to buy into a promised growth story? Earnings have been flat for a while; do you believe the growth projections? ? How does market price compare to intrinsic value? ? Is the market efficient? Have we really picked up something that no other analyst has or is everything in the price? ? Does the market even recognise fundamental value or is it driven by other things (fear and greed)? Competitors – we have only analysed one company. It is not possible to invest on this basis alone. The price of Nike must be compared to a suitable peer group ? Other investment appraisal methods should be used for comparison – P/E ratios etc ? Charting (investing technique) could also be considered ? Use her experience (of competitors etc) to estimate a Beta Final recommendation: Growth is uncertain and hence the value of the equity may fall further. This business has low levels of debt (low risk) paying 7% while the required equity return is 11%. Do not buy the equity. Set up an SPV, leverage this as highly as you can and buy the debt. Even if you can only achieve 50% leverage and 5% cost of borrowing (which should not be too ambitious) then you will achieve an 18% return on your equity in the SPV, all whilst invested in a far safer part of the Nike capital structure. Bibliography BREALEY, R. A. and MYERS, S. C. (2000) Principles of Corporate Finance. Sixth Edition. London: McGraw Hill BRIGHAM, E. F. and HOUSTON, J. F. (2009) Fundamentals of Financial Management. Twelfth Edition. Mason: Cengage

Origins and Exchanges along the Silk Roads

Origins and Exchanges along the Silk Roads Free Online Research Papers Almost no where in history can one find material and cultural exchange that rivals that which was present on the Silk Roads during their prime years of use. The scale of this exchange was so grand that the routes themselves spanned all the way from China to the Roman Empire, with branches even stretching into the north (Stockwell 14). With so much distance covered, many people of different ethnicities, religions and cultures were incorporated into this massive trade network. The trafficking of goods facilitated interaction between these groups of people, thus fostering cultural exchange as well. Along the Silk Roads, one could find amazing material trade and cultural mingling that connected civilizations thousands of miles apart, affecting those involved in dynamic ways. The exchanges along the Silk Roads gave China a valuable influx of new perspectives and cultures that it had never had access to before. The term â€Å"Silk Roads† was never used by the people who actually traveled the trade routes; it was in fact coined by a German geographer named Von Richthofen in the 19th century. He was the first westerner to realize the significance and interconnectedness of these ancient roads, and felt compelled to name them. He christened them for their most precious Chinese commodity, hence the now common name: the Silk Roads (Sinor 1). Although interactions between the East and West may have occurred on a minute scale previously, it wasn’t until the Northern Silk Road began to develop around 138 B.C.E. that trade really took off. This particular route started at present day Xi’an and traveled through the Western Corridor beyond the Yellow River before reaching Xingjian, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Iraq, where it finally met the western border of the Roman Empire. This route was the most heavily traveled at first, and it was utilized for over a thousand years (Stockwell 14) . A second trade route existed by sea, beginning at the ports of Xuwen and Hepu in southern China. After passing through the Malacca Strait, this course ended in Burma. Sea routes had some advantages over land routes because ships could carry much heavier loads and the trips were often quicker. However, ships had to beware pirate attacks and brutal storms at sea. This path was very significant, for it connected China to Japan, Korea and the Philippines. This sea route was used so often that the Chinese government even set up the Bureau of Merchant Shipping in the 8th century in order to monitor the imports and exports. Appointed officials used their discretion to regulate and tax imports in order to benefit the Chinese economy as well as to prevent the export of illicit materials (Stockwell 14). An important third branch of the Silk Roads existed in southwestern China. This branch sprouted from Chengdu in Sichuan Province and went through Yunnan, Burma, India, Afghanistan, and Russia. Here, it joined the Northern Silk Road at Mary in Turkmenistan. It was along this road that gold, silk, and precious stones were first traded between China, India, Burma, the Middle East, and Africa (Stockwell 15). These three branches of the Silk Roads provided the means for most of the trade that occurred in central Asia during this time period. Although these roads existed, and trade was occurring on a fairly large scale, China remained unaware of their existence. It wasn’t until 139 B.C.E., when the Han Emperor Wu Di sent Zhang Qian to the west, that a Chinese person came upon the Silk Roads. Until this point in time, China remained isolated from the outside world. Zhang’s journey to the west opened new doors for cultural exchange on a massive level that the Chinese had never experienced before. Zhang Qian was sent on a mission to contract an alliance with a nomadic tribe called the Yuezhi, but he failed. He was captured by the Xiongnu, long term enemies of the Chinese. As he roamed about with his captors, Zhang learned much about the lands neighboring China, and after he escaped he continued on his journey. His travels took him as far west as India, and he was amazed at what he found. Zhang Qian discovered merchants selling Chinese goods along these great routes in places that no Chinese person had ever bee n. Once he finally found the Yuezhi, they were not interested in forming an alliance, and upon his return journey, Zhang Qian was once again captured by the Xiongnu. He was eventually able to escape a second time and returned to China after thirteen years of traveling (Foltz 2). Wu Di was captivated by Zhang Qian’s tales of foreign lands and the extensive opportunity for trade. In only a few years, Chinese merchants were regularly following the Silk Roads west, and for nearly twenty years, this trade prospered under Wu Di (3). Once China discovered the Silk Roads’ existence, trade between East and West flourished on a whole new level. China began extensive trade once it first utilized the Silk Roads, but they really became a powerhouse when they took over the eastern portion of the trade routes. In 104 and 102 B.C.E., a Han general led expeditions to the Pamir Mountains to subdue the Ferghana, thus gaining lordship over the area. Those native to the area accepted Chinese rule because Chinese garrisons protected the trade routes from marauding bandits (Ebrey 61). With more control over the Silk Roads, Chinese trade with the West exploded. For the first time, China was right on the forefront of trade. New food substances brought to China by the Silk Roads included walnuts, pomegranates, sesame, and coriander (61). Other imports included dates, saffron powder, pistachio nuts, frankincense, aloes, myrrh, sandalwood, and even glass. China exported iron, spices, lacquer ware and porcelain, but silk was always its most valuable commodity (Stockwell 14). In fact, so much silk was purchased in Rome during the Augustan Age that Roman writers such as Pliny began to protest that Rome was spending far too much money on foreign imports. Some Romans even began to criticize women for their particular preference of silk over other clothes, proclaiming that silk was an immodest and excessive indulgence that would bankrupt the state (15). Without the Silk Roads, China would have remained relatively isolated for a much longer period of time, thus missing out on the beneficial material trade. Trade over the Northern Silk Road reached its greatest height during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.). The extent of trade that occurred during this time period was enormous; the imperial gardens of the Tang were said to be full of such exotic birds as rare herons, tufted ducks, peacocks, and hunting hawks, while the warehouses were full of ice to store the imported fruit (15). This trade was made possible by the use of the Bactrian camel. With its thick, coarse fur, it could withstand the frigid temperatures often encountered along the Silk Roads, and each camel could carry approximately 500 pounds (Ebrey 61). More than material goods were exchanged via the Silk Roads. Many cultural exchanges occurred as well. The imperial capital at Xi’an experienced a constant flow of foreign merchants, and ethnic minorities from some of these foreigners are still present in China today. These merchants brought with them new perspectives, music, art, and skills, thus enriching and diversifying Chinese culture. In the absence of the Silk Roads, China would have lost out on many significant additions to its culture (Stockwell 15). Another one of the largest cultural exchanges was that of language. It was through spoken language that people from different civilizations communicated their beliefs, ideas, and general viewpoints about the world. Therefore, language provided a vehicle for cultural mingling on a massive scale. An amazing variety of languages were used along the Silk Roads, with the total number soaring around seventeen (Sinor 3). According to Sinor, â€Å"The many multilingual inscriptions to be found in the lands crossed by the Silk Roads testify to the linguistic diversity of the peoples living along them and, at the same time, to the political or religious need to address them in their own tongue (6).† Although there were many people who became multilingual, most tradesmen, lacking the time or skills to learn other languages, made use of interpreters. Interpreters were of high value and paid handsomely for their skills. Many caravans would not travel without several linguists in their com pany (7). Arguably the most important exchange along the Silk Roads was not made in material goods or in language, but in religion, for it is was along the Silk Roads that Buddhism made its way into China. The two major Buddhist schools on the Silk Roads were Dharmaguptakas and Sarvastivadins, but Mahayana Buddhism gained strength in regions such as Khotan, and quickly replaced the others (Foltz 39). Buddhist monks probably reached Khotan on the southern loop of the Silk Roads skirting the Takla Makan desert in the first century, and the king of Khotan sponsored many Buddhist schools (Foltz 48). The kings of this time period recognized that spiritual acceptance would attract a greater number of people and therefore be beneficial for business and trade, so they were extremely tolerant of Buddhism. In the first half of the first century, the Han Dynasty pushed into central Asia in search of the fine horses bred there, and China gained control of the eastern part of the Silk Roads (49). Once the Chinese merchants came into contact with foreign merchants who practiced Buddhism along the Silk Roads, the base for Buddhism in China was born. Soon, central Asian and Chinese monks were translating Buddhist sutras from Sanskrit to Chinese (Ebrey 69). This massive translation spurred the spread of Buddhism throughout East Asia, including Korea and Japan (70). This spread of religion along the Silk Roads shows how, when different civilizations collide, ideas and beliefs are shared, and may even become deeply rooted in the cultures of each group. China today, for example, still has a large Buddhist population. Here, one can see that cultural exchange that occurred thousands of years ago still has an echo in modern times. It is almost inconceivable that thousands of years ago, people were engaging in trade on such a massive level, but the Silk Roads did in fact allow for huge amounts of cross-cultural trade. Of course, material goods were exchanged, but even more importantly, cultures interacted and influenced one another. Languages and religions were spread along with general understandings of other cultures. These amazing trade routes crossed thousands of miles and the huge continent of Asia, uniting civilizations that were worlds apart. The Silk Roads hold great significance for China. It was via these trade routes that China received its first massive flood of new material goods and cultural perspectives, thus breaking its isolation. Ebrey, Patricia Buckley, Anne Walthall, and James B. Palais. Pre-Modern East Asia: To 1800 A Cultural, Social, and Political History. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2006. Foltz, Richard C. Religions of the Silk Roads: Overland Trade and Cultural Exchange from Antiquity to the Fifteenth Century. New York: St. Martin’s Griffin, 1961. Sinor, Denis. â€Å"Language and Cultural Interchange along the Silk Roads.† Diogenes Fall 1995: 1-12. Stockwell, Foster. Westerners in China: A History of Exploration and Trade, Ancient Times through the Present. London: McFarland, 2003. Research Papers on Origins and Exchanges along the Silk RoadsDefinition of Export QuotasCanaanite Influence on the Early Israelite ReligionQuebec and CanadaAssess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 EuropePETSTEL analysis of India19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraBringing Democracy to AfricaWhere Wild and West MeetTwilight of the UAWAppeasement Policy Towards the Outbreak of World War 2

Collegial vs. Collegiate

Collegial vs. Collegiate Collegial vs. Collegiate Collegial vs. Collegiate By Mark Nichol What’s the difference between collegial and collegiate? Both words, and the root word college and the related term colleague, stem from the Latin word collega, meaning â€Å"colleague.† But for the most part, collegial refers to a state of mind, while collegiate is a more concrete adjective. A colleague is one with whom one works or interacts in a profession, a government office, or a religious environment, and though collegial can refer to the sharing of authority or power among colleagues in both religious and secular contexts, the primary connotation is a value-laden one of camaraderie. However, it is sometimes employed as a synonym for a specific sense of collegiate. That word’s primary usage is in reference to college students or their activities; sports contests between teams representing different colleges or universities, for example, are referred to as intercollegiate athletics. Collegiate, however, also refers to a certain type of religious entity mentioned below. College itself usually refers to an institution of higher learning, either in the sense of a building or a campus of buildings and other facilities or in the sense of its students, faculty, and administration. A college may be a traditional liberal arts institution or may specialize in professional, technical, or vocational subject areas, such as a business college. The term is also used to refer to a constituent part of a university, often consisting of multiple departments offering courses of study in the same general area, such as a college of sciences. Often, when colleges expand so much that they are subdivided for administrative and educational efficiency, they change their status to that of a university. (That word derives from the Latin term for universe; meanwhile, varsity, a shortening and alteration of university, is British English slang for university and refers in general to the primary squad on a school athletic team or, occasionally, in another competitive endeavor. Other uses of the term college are for a group of clergy members living and working together, for any body of people with the same interests or goals, or, most familiarly, in the phrase â€Å"electoral college,† referring to a group of people selected to elect a person for a political office. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Addressing A Letter to Two People20 Rules About Subject-Verb AgreementParataxis and Hypotaxis

SLP 3 OBT -Groups and Teams Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

SLP 3 OBT -Groups and Teams - Essay Example This usually motivates employees as their ideas are integrated or form a basis of operation in an organization. Allowing employees to make or contribute key decisions is another motivating factor. By making decisions employees feel appreciated and valued (Frey 12). Some leaders usually bear the burden of making key decisions alone. They forget that teamwork is key in any successful management. Some leaders cite that it is hard to make a team work together, and that inclusive decision making takes a lot of time. This is a fluke excuse. Teamwork brings to the table diverse ideas that can be integrated and used to further development strategies. Teams possess innate creativity that should be leveraged. Making employees work as a team brings out creative solutions to cumbersome problems. When employees work together, they learn new art and skills from each other. This brings out the best from individuals making them a better team. By working together and exchanging ideas, employees get motivated by learning diverse ideas that make them become better individuals at work (Frey 15-17). The employer should clearly define the vision and mission of the organization to the employees. Once the objectives get set, it becomes easy for employees to keep focus in achieving the set goals. Having a focus drives creativity and acts as a motivation to the employee because the employees work towards known target. Expectations and aims of the organization should be realistic and not far-fetched. The management or leaders should set standards and achievable expectations to the employees. Displaying trust and belief in the employees plays an important role in motivating them. After setting out clear objectives and goals, it is necessary to make the employees know that their capabilities get recognized. The recognition and belief of the employees capabilities gives them morale and inspiration to perform best. Leaders in an organization should encourage new

Health and Safety (Exposure to vibration ) Assignment

Health and Safety (Exposure to vibration ) - Assignment Example The oscillations may be regular or random, depending on the source. In determination of the health effects of vibration, overall pressure waves generated by the vibrating equipment must be measured. Vibration gets way into the body through the organ exposed to it. For example, vibration enters an operator of a chainsaw through the hands and arms. After prolonged use of the machine, the hands and arms get affected. Vibration is quantified by amplitude or intensity and frequency. Frequency is the number of cycles a vibrating object completes in a second, measured in hertz (Hz). Amplitude is the distance at which the object moves from a stationary position to the extreme position on either side, quantified in meters (m). Speed is used to determine the intensity of vibration and varies from zero to a maximum per cycle of vibration, quantified in meters per second (m/s). Acceleration measures the rate of change of speed with time, quantified in units of meters per second or meters per sec ond squared. It increases whenever a vibrating object moves further from its statutory position. Resonance also plays critical role in the impact of vibration on the human body. Since each organ has its own resonant frequency, when an employee’s body is exposed to a vibration of similar frequency to a body organ, risks are greatly increased. Types of Vibration Exposure to hazardous levels of vibration is linked to adverse health outcomes. Some of the health problems caused by vibration are back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and vascular disorders. Vibration injury is derived from outdoor activities such as farming, transportation, forestry, shipping and construction. Vibration exposure is divided into two categories: whole-body vibration (WBV) and segmental vibration or hand and arm vibration (HAV). Their sources differ as they affect different parts of the body, of different symptoms. a. Segmental vibration or hand-arm vibration This is a mechanical vibration transmitted to t he human being through part or segment of the body, mostly the hands or arms. Hand-arm vibration causes permanent adverse health effects collectively referred to as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and specific diseases like carpal tunnel syndrome. What is HAV? This term describes any kind of damage to blood vessels, nerves or muscles in the hands or arms caused by vibration from hand held tools or hand-guided machinery, or when employees hold materials under process by machinery. Most tools and processes vibrate at high levels that expose employees to risk of HAV. Some of these tools are concrete/road breakers, concrete pokers, sanders, disc cutters, hand held grinders and other rotary tools, hammer drills, jigsaws, polishers, sanders, chipping hammers, chainsaws, strimmers, brush cutters, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, mowers, scrabblers or needle guns, pressure washers, and wood machining equipment among others. Exposure to HAV depends on several factors. These are: The magnitud e and frequency of vibration, The duration called trigger time and frequency of use, Pattern of exposure, including rest breaks, Manner of handling of machines, i.e. magnitude of grip, Surface area of hand exposure to vibration, Environment of working condition like awkward posture, Temperature of exposure, and Individual susceptibility. How does HAV affect health? Employees are exposed to a number of incurable injuries to arms, hands and even damage to blood circulatory system (the so-called

Financial Analysis of St. Vincents hospital Essay

Financial Analysis of St. Vincents hospital - Essay Example The St. Vincent’s hospital was a major health providing institution within the Manhattan area and it had been serving the local community since being formed in the year 1849, besides the health care facility, a medical college was also on the offerings. St. Vincent’s hospital was closed on April 30, 2010 and it was found that the hospital owed billions of dollars; hence it had to file for bankruptcy. As of April 30th, the hospital had to sack 3000 employees because of its closure. This led to a huge hue and cry amongst the employees of the hospital as the 3000 employees had to face the grudging effect of the loan and that too in a very stiff economic environment where job cutting was a major feature (NY1 News, 2010). Many attempts were made to stop the closure of the hospital but all of these attempts went in vain. U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Jerrold Nadler were all involved in forwarding an application to the U.S. Department of Housi ng and Urban Development (HUD) so that the hospital could be saved from bankruptcy. This request was made to the HUD department because of the department’s ability to offer mortgage insurance. The senators along with the congressman explained that the hospital had a long history of offering major emergency and other health care services in that area and it would be difficult to diversify the emergency patients of St.

My spring break Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

My spring break - Essay Example Immediately after finishing my mathematics exam, I packed my books and other learning materials and rushed for my Friday prayers. I hurriedly changed my clothes and went to Melbourne Florida to visit my uncle. I was accompanied with my cousins who were also eager to go to Melbourne for their first time. My uncle is a very hospitable and likable man who would create time for young people and visiting him was a great opportunity for me to socialize with a wise man who has time for young people. I had not seen my uncle for the last 7 years and I was not sure how much he had changed in terms of physique and age because I understand that old people age very fast. I really love swimming and cycling. They are actually my favorite sports and hobby. However, listening to smooth songs especially RnB as well as some cultural music relaxes my mind. Every evening after studies and hard work, music usually soothes me and provides me with the perfect peace of mind. Moreover, I really like travelling because it makes me learn more in terms of cultures, technological improvements, and geographical features. I was therefore looking forward to enjoying myself to the fullest at my uncle’s place. He also loved music, riding and swimming during his free time. No wonder he looked younger than his age and stayed youthful. In Melbourne, we enjoyed staying with my uncle’s welcoming family and interacted a lot concerning world politics, Europe soccer and other wonderful things that made our stay enjoyable. We played games with my uncle’s children who later took us around the beautiful Melbourne region for the three days we spent in there afte r having a great time in their garden. My first day at uncle’s place in Melbourne, we went gardening with him after retiring from job. He told me gardening is one of the things he loves doing because of his passion towards

Reasons to Immigration to America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Reasons to Immigration to America - Essay Example Till date, one can find traces of both cultures in every nook and corner of the country. The case for this paper is that of America. As a country, America has been blessed with the great 'salad bowl' syndrome, wherein it enjoys a plethora of people who have come to the shores of this great country in search of opportunity. The basic reason for people migrating to a certain part of the world is the lure of opportunity as opposed to whatever threat might have met them in their home land. In this regard, the paper will discuss the work of Ronal Tataki, as he sets about describing the mindset of the Irish Americans who came to set up homes in America. Also, this paper will use the work of Jon Gjerde who has described the attitudes of the German Americans from the Strearn County. These works have been used in order to demonstrate the expectations of the people from various quarters like Scandinavia, Germany and Ireland, as they migrated to America. The quintessential 'land of opportunity' called America enjoyed the Irish as its oldest settlers when they came forth to call America their home during the traumatic 1840s. A simply set of people, they came under tremendous pressure due to the potato blights that started from the year 1840 only to gain momentum in 1847. The final blow was rendered to the Irish when the population began to dwindle and the remaining people began to succumb to various diseases like typhus and fever. (Hovi, 2001) The Irish, with their minimal skill sets and predominantly rural exposures owing to a similar background filled with farming and allied activities, settled mostly around areas New York, the Great Lakes, Mid West as well as San Francisco and New Orleans. (Hovi, 2001). These people took to growing urbanization that was found in most of the cities enumerated above, despite their rural experiences. Thus, they managed to attract some sort of culture, which in turn refined them and put them in a position to command more respect. This helped them develop into a business class with the growing opportunities that the civil war later presented. It was found that in the beginning, the Irish settled for jobs that involved high work load due to their inadequacy when it came to experience and training in arts that were fast becoming a part of the urban world. According to Tataki, in general these people came to America looking for prosperity and some amount of respect attached with the same which they more or less achieved by virtue of being one of the oldest settlers in the land. Scandinavians The Scandinavians are probably as old as their Irish counterparts when it comes to migration. Having come from further up north, these people had a tendency towards desiring the more simple things in life. The Scandinavians came in droves basically from Norway. According to records and other original documents, the years between 1825 and 1914 saw the highest number of immigrants coming in from any country in Europe, with 750,000 people migrating to America from Norway alone. (Hovi, 2001). The primary reasons for Scandinavians moving to America were economic in nature. As a country, Norway had suffered extreme economic crises in the 19th and 20th centuries. This propelled the people into a mood of despair and bitter feelings. With nowhere else to go, the only ray of hope came from America. This held true for Sweden and Finland as well, where the people

Lily's Perpective on racisim Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Lily's Perpective on racisim - Research Paper Example hin the protagonists life, this brief analysis will focus upon these compliments as a means of seeking to determine an underlying truth to the way in which the storyline an individual experience of Lilly came to be differentiated. Even though the Lilly did not suffer from abject levels of rule and spiteful racism, within the instances indicated from the film, she was impacted by it at each and every level and this tacit degree of racism ultimately restricted the perspective, hopes, dreams, and realities that she was able to engage for her own life. Firstly, Lilly’s perspective is fist indicated to be formed with regards to the fact that she is forced into a state of exile and must leave her home, leave her friends, and leave all that she knows due to the fact that pervasive levels of racism during this time to find the way in which life could be experienced and the certainty of living in one location guaranteed (Riley 10). However, more specifically, the pervasive elements of racism within society are indicated throughout the film and not only restricted to the interpersonal relationships that Lilly and/or any other individual have. For instance, the impact that racism has can be felt with regards to the fact that both the Lilly and her caretaker feel like they have somehow found the promised land when they spot a jar of honey that instead of having a white person’s face upon the emblem that decorates it, instead has a black Madonna. This tacit level of acceptance with regards to the fact that society is unfair a nd unavailable to African-Americans fundamentally shift the way in which the viewer comes to integrate with the plot. Rather than merely seeing this as a tale of an individual who moves from one place to another and begins a new life that is no longer constrained by racial politics and racism, the film itself points to the fact that the fundamental corresponding theme between all of the locations within this particular movie is the fact that pervasive

Reasons to Immigration to America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Reasons to Immigration to America - Essay Example Till date, one can find traces of both cultures in every nook and corner of the country. The case for this paper is that of America. As a country, America has been blessed with the great 'salad bowl' syndrome, wherein it enjoys a plethora of people who have come to the shores of this great country in search of opportunity. The basic reason for people migrating to a certain part of the world is the lure of opportunity as opposed to whatever threat might have met them in their home land. In this regard, the paper will discuss the work of Ronal Tataki, as he sets about describing the mindset of the Irish Americans who came to set up homes in America. Also, this paper will use the work of Jon Gjerde who has described the attitudes of the German Americans from the Strearn County. These works have been used in order to demonstrate the expectations of the people from various quarters like Scandinavia, Germany and Ireland, as they migrated to America. The quintessential 'land of opportunity' called America enjoyed the Irish as its oldest settlers when they came forth to call America their home during the traumatic 1840s. A simply set of people, they came under tremendous pressure due to the potato blights that started from the year 1840 only to gain momentum in 1847. The final blow was rendered to the Irish when the population began to dwindle and the remaining people began to succumb to various diseases like typhus and fever. (Hovi, 2001) The Irish, with their minimal skill sets and predominantly rural exposures owing to a similar background filled with farming and allied activities, settled mostly around areas New York, the Great Lakes, Mid West as well as San Francisco and New Orleans. (Hovi, 2001). These people took to growing urbanization that was found in most of the cities enumerated above, despite their rural experiences. Thus, they managed to attract some sort of culture, which in turn refined them and put them in a position to command more respect. This helped them develop into a business class with the growing opportunities that the civil war later presented. It was found that in the beginning, the Irish settled for jobs that involved high work load due to their inadequacy when it came to experience and training in arts that were fast becoming a part of the urban world. According to Tataki, in general these people came to America looking for prosperity and some amount of respect attached with the same which they more or less achieved by virtue of being one of the oldest settlers in the land. Scandinavians The Scandinavians are probably as old as their Irish counterparts when it comes to migration. Having come from further up north, these people had a tendency towards desiring the more simple things in life. The Scandinavians came in droves basically from Norway. According to records and other original documents, the years between 1825 and 1914 saw the highest number of immigrants coming in from any country in Europe, with 750,000 people migrating to America from Norway alone. (Hovi, 2001). The primary reasons for Scandinavians moving to America were economic in nature. As a country, Norway had suffered extreme economic crises in the 19th and 20th centuries. This propelled the people into a mood of despair and bitter feelings. With nowhere else to go, the only ray of hope came from America. This held true for Sweden and Finland as well, where the people

Summary of Running Observation Essay Example for Free

Summary of Running Observation Essay This observation was made at 11:30 am for 20 minutes while the kids were playing in the park. Observation was done on 3-4 year old children. The children were playing in the park under teacher’s supervision. There were two teachers present in the park. Some of the children were playing on the play structure: on slides, some on monkey bars. Children that did not want to play on the play structure were coloring. One of the boys was playing with the ball on the play structure. The teacher instructed him to play with the ball on the grass and another boy joined him too. They started playing catch on the grass. The teacher was keeping an eye on them. After some time a 3rd boy wanted to play ball. The teacher suggested that they make a triangle and play together. After some time one of the boys left to play on the play structure. After 10 minutes into the observation the teacher asked the children if they would like to eat apples. A 3rd teacher bought sliced apples and served them on the table on the side with water and small cups for water. A few kids went to eat apples. After they finished eating apples they wiped their hands with a tissue paper and received a small cup of water from the teacher and went back to play with their friends. While a few kids were eating apples there was a girl screaming and crying on the play structure as she had wet her pants. The teacher tried to console and calm her down but she wanted to be left alone and kept on crying and screaming. After a few minutes another teacher tried to calm her down. The child kept on crying and screaming, â€Å"My pants hurt, Ouchy Ouchy†, and started to pull her pants down. The teacher in a calm voice told the child to stop the tantrum, calm down and then she can help her in the classroom. After few minutes, the child calmed down, holding teachers hand went into the classroom. One of the teacher mentioned that the child’s mom had dropped her early to school and she had a change of schedule that day.

Universal declaration of human rights

Universal declaration of human rights INTRODUCTION Universal Declaration of Human Rights(UDHR) was adopted on 10th of December 1948 by General Assembly resolution 217(III).it includes civil and political rights, economic, social, Cultural and group rights. There are quests to transform the declaration to legally binding documents, United Nations eventually adopted the two covenants, that is International covenant on civil and political rights (ICCPR) and International covenant on economic, social and cultural rights (ICESCR) in two separate instruments. The reason for the separate covenants was clearer in different arguments by scholars. In the course of two streams of arguments on whether economic and social rights received United States and western allies support or not was highly polarised that US and Western allies advocated for two separate documents while the desire for single document for both economic and political rights were from USSR and developing counties and when there was need for agreement on both sides during the cold war, US therefore advocated for ‘signature of two separate covenants to allay many fear that division of the Covenant might prioritize civil and political rights over econ omic, social and cultural rights.It indicates that many countries were against proliferation of the covenants while US and allies supported the separation because a single document was then against its capitalist policy, federalism and US stakeholders support, the motion was moved by USA and its interest hold sway, the covenants were proliferated. As a result, human rights were classified into three sub division; the ‘first generation rights known as civil and political rights while the ‘second generation rights are economic, social and cultural rights and ‘group rights as ‘third generation rights.But USA till now has not incorporated the covenants in its national law. ICCPR and ICESCR will be adumbrated by juxtaposing them with other bill of rights. INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS (ICCPR) The preamble of the covenant which was adopted in 1966 but ratified and came into force in 1976 acknowledged that the state parties to the covenants consider principles in the charter of the UN and recognized the civil and political rights in Universal Declaration of Human Rights(UDHR) and duties of individual to other individuals and community.it can be said that this covenant has its foundation in Universal Declaration of Human Rights and UN charter .Currently, there are 165 state parties and 72 signatories to the ICCPR , 113   states are also parties to the First Optional Protocol to the ICCPR..The Second Optional Protocol on abolition of death penalty was adopted for ratification in 1989 and came into force in 1991 with 71 state parties. The Covenant can be divided into a preamble and six parts, Part I -III (Articles 1 to 28) constitutes civil and political rights comparable to European and American conventions on Human Rights and African Charter on Human and Peoples rights and majority of these are ‘negative rights and briefly they are, the right to self determination,the right to life ,freedom from torture ,degrading treatment freedom from slavery and slave trade ,right to liberty and security,the right of detained persons,freedom from imprisonment from debt, freedom of movement and choice of residence,freedom of aliens from arbitrary expulsion ,right to fair trial ,Prohibition against retroactivity of criminal law ,right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law ,right to privacy, right of freedom of thought, conscience and religion, right of opinion and expression ,prohibition of propaganda for war and of incitement to national, racial or religious hatred ,right to peaceful assembly, freedom of association ,right to marry and found a family,rights of the child, political rights,equality before the law,right of person belonging to the minorities.Part IV to VI(Articles 28 to 53) contains monitoring provisions, interpretation and final c lauses. The First optional protocol has 14 articles with nexus to procedures on individual complaints while second optional protocol basically amended the right to life in article 6 of ICCPR. A cursory look at the rights shows they were copied from UDHR in order to develop it from ‘soft law to ‘hard law even the ones without nexus to it could be traced to other regional human rights, for emphasis, civil and political rights are in UDHR articles 2 to 21 while Articles 22 to 27 contains economic, social and cultural rights .ICCPR unlike Article 17 UDHR and ECHR first protocol did not however cover ‘protection to the right to property, it also did not contain rights to nationality and asylum. UDHR is normative declaration and statement of guidance in observance of human rights universally while ICCPR and ICESCR are legally binding instrument on the basis of the principle of pacta ,sunt servanda .it confers obligation on the parties because it arises from treaty. The advantage of UDHR is that all human rights and covenants relied on it and copied copiously from it, for example civil and political rights copied from, articles 3,4,5,6,9,10 etc; economic and so cial rights also copied from articles 22,23,24,25,26,and 27,importantly, ICCPR is the most comprehensive and well established UN treaty on civil and political rights.ICCPR and UDHR both share similarity by setting universal standard with the use of word ‘everyone ‘no one ‘all people, ‘all human beings. ICCPR nature as a ‘general and universal human rights treaty, most of its rights apply to every human being. Article 2(1) of ICCPR disallow any discrimination in the application of the rights, however, some of the rights are applicable only to certain categories of people like Article 6(5) restriction on death penalty is applicable only to pregnant woman and under 18 years of age. Article 27 is applicable only to ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. Article 12 on freedom of movement is applicable to lawful residents and not illegal immigrant. Article 25 on political rights is exclusive to citizens; Article 13 on lawful redress against expression is for alien. Article 24 is for children. Political rights in article 25 ar e not for alien but for citizens. The benefit of Article 14(2) and (3) is for those charged with criminal offences. A keen observation shows that some rights are more detailed in the covenant while some are in general terms, for example Article 6,9,10, and 14(restriction) are detailed while   others are generally mentioned. Other treaties however provided detailed provisions of the generally termed rights in ICCPR, for example, UN Conventions on Discrimination against Women, the Convention on the Right of the Child, Convention against Genocide, Torture, Racial Discrimination and Declaration on Elimination of Belief or Religious Intolerance. Convention on the Rights of Person with Disabilities, International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance.All these have generated civil and political rights into details. Most importantly however, Section 40(4) enables Human Rights Committees to comment while transmitting its report and by this explain the meaning of the rights under the covenant. Importantly, Article 2(1) talked about ‘positive character of civil and political rights ‘it means, as in the case of economic, social and cultural rights, that states parties must take positive steps to give effect to the covenant rights and to enable individuals to enjoy their rights.Some covenants on human rights are not without enforcement mechanism which is common in report system; whereby state parties submit report on the implementation of the rights in the covenant.Human Right Committee (HRC) has the monitoring task ascribed to it by article 28 of ICCPR to ensure compliance of state parties to their obligations and examine state reports in accordance to Article 40.It has inter-state and individual complaints procedure and this the committee has developed ‘far beyond the narrow limit of their legal framework due to its independent membership. The committee however lack power of forceful enforcement but only has persuasive enforcement power in term of submission of reports per time by state parties since they have obligation under Art icle 2(1) to respect and observe the covenanted rights. ICCPR substantive rights can be analysed further and in relation to incorporation of same in states national laws, many state parties had incorporated ICCPR in their national law and allow its invocation in national courts save countries like Australia, Canada, UK , USA and few othershowever, that does not mean ICCPR is not binding on these countries. Right to life in Article 6 is about ‘arbitrary deprivation of life and not about ‘absolute prohibition of taking life.In Guerreno V Columbia, where national law authorized killing by police on national interest. HRC found that national legislation could not justify Columbian police action of taking life ‘arbitrarily. In regards to the Socio Economic aspects of Article 6, right to life must not be seen in narrow perspective, right to life can also be deprived by hunger, diseases, malnutrition and epidemics .HRC confirmed that article 6 has an aspects of socio economic rights and many people died of these than being kill ed, it is submitted that death can be a result of absence of implementation of social and economic interest in ICESR. It is encouraging that HRC has addressed ‘socio-economic aspects of Article 6 which optional protocol lack ‘mechanism for its redress. HRC cited war, armed conflict and abortion of foetus as threat to life. Article 7 disallows torture, inhuman and degrading treatment ,and complemented by Article 10 which disallow a lesser treatment than that disallowed in Article 7.The article was expanded in scope by UN Convention Against Torture(CAT)1984.The act must be ‘malevolent and required   public official as perpetrator of it by consent as CAT committee agreed with the author in Dzemajl et al V Yugoslavia as well as HRC in Francis V Jamaica.It is submitted that torture can be a result of social and economic deprivation like lack of   housing facilities and gainful employment can cause people to sleep on the floor under the bridge which constitute tortur e. Also, solitary imprisonments without medical attention constitute torture. Few of the  Ã‚   rights discussed though constitute civil and political rights, nevertheless has economic and social interest and this is applicable to almost all civil and political rights, therefore, concern must also be given to economic   and social rights as well. INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS The covenant was adopted alongside ICCPR to develop UDHR rights, it contains ‘second generation rights. it was opened for signature in 1966.it came into force in 1976 with 155 States as parties as at January 2007.During the cold war, western countries showed preference for political and civil rights while socialist states became sponsors of economic, Social and cultural rights.ICESR covenant with new optional protocol has preamble that is similar to ICCPR that is, ‘founded on the inherent dignity of the human person. it also has five parts, Part I of the covenant is solely on Article 1,which on right of all people to self determination with free right to pursue economic, social and cultural development and right to deal freely with their natural resources and wealth. Part II of the covenant in Article 2 to 5 states obligations and clauses that are applicable to Part III generally. Part III constitutes substantive provisions, what Cravens called ‘the heart of the covenant includes, the right to work,the right of fair condition of employment, the right to join and form trade unions, the right to social securities, the right to protection of family right to adequate standard of living, the right to health, right to education, and the right to culture and enjoyment of scientific progress .Part IV is about system of supervision by submission of periodic report to UN ,the reports which will be scrutinized by economic and social council of the UN (ECOSOC).The   part also contain ‘saving clause with intention of ensuring   developed states did not interfere excessively by means of the supervisory system in the utilization of natural resources within developing countries.Part V is on ratification ,process of amendment ,its application to federal ,states ‘without   any limitations or exceptionsand its entry into forceSome of the article of the covenant are recognised in other international convention like Convention on the Rights of Child(1989),Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination(1965) e.t.c. The supervision of the covenant by virtues of Articles 16 and 17 is by Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), one of the UN organs, states send their report to the Secretary General of UN, who will in turn transmit the report to ECOSOC for consideration. ECOSOC in 1985 created a new body to assist in report consideration, the body is the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, now the main supervisory body. ICCPR, ICESCR AND PROTECTION Preamble of both covenants indicates they are both Civil and Political rights as well as economic, social and cultural rights. The two covenants are like a coin with two sides. The 1993 Vienna declaration of programme of action recognised the ‘interdependence and interrelationship of both covenants. Both covenants contribute to the erga omnes principle and care must be taken trying to classify rights into ‘superior or ‘inferior, in hierarchical terms so as not to affect the credibility of human rights.Both covenant codified in treaty form the rights in UDHR. Parties can not terminates both covenants once ratified, it is an obligation that can not be denounced because they have no temporary nature.Both covenants believe in ‘collective right to self determination, the right allows ‘all people to freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural developmentand both instruments are legally binding and they are treaties that must be respected. Both instruments copied copiously from UDHR and both rights are product of cold war era between USSR and its allies and USA and its allies. Universa l language and terms are in the two covenants, UDHR shows the interdependency of the covenants before they were separated and made binding treaties. The compactness and interdependency still reflects in their articles, for example, rights to form Trade Union in ICESCR is recognised as freedom of association by ICCPR, Article 13 of ICESCR deal with education and liberty of parents to choose school for their children can be seen in Article 18 of ICCPR right of parents to choose religion and moral education of their child; Article 2 and 26 deal with prohibition of same discriminations and both recognise family They are interrelated to the extent that one will be miserable without the other covenant. The difference between the two covenants can first be seen in both covenants Artcle2 (1) of ICCPR is assertive while Article 2(1)   of ICESCR is passive .ICESCR is subject to the ‘maximum of its available resources and ‘with a view to achieving progressively while ICCPR put it that state parties ‘undertakes to respect and ensure compliance. The language in ICESR has been criticised ‘for devoid of meaningful content and only impose ‘programmatic obligations upon government. ‘The tenor of the economic covenant is promotional rather than mandatory, the covenant is designed to promote economic and social welfare, not to hinder it by placing states under obligations, that prevent widespread economic and social reformThe   enforcement machinery of ICESC is not as strong as that of ICCPR, State party under ICESC is to submit report every five years to the committee on economic, social and cultural rights(CESCR)with the aim of achieving same purpose as human right committee of ICCPR but of which the outcome of CESCR has been more ‘political than ‘legal exercisesUnlike ICCPR,ICESCR has no right of individual petition because the intention of ICESCR is not to interfere with ‘State Control over citizen and non citizen at the same pedigree as ICCPR.HRC according to article 40 of ICCPR, is the only mandatory monitoring procedure that the covenant established, it received report at the first year of its entry into force and subsequently in accordance to committee requests. Their report is publicly examined, the inter state procedure is not better than mediation and conciliation procedure and committee can only express its view on this basis which may not be accepted by state party, and Parties to First Optional Protocol had submitted themselves to the jurisdiction of Human Rights Committee, in ‘practice, a total of 844 individual communication relating to 59 states have so far been dealt with by the committee of which 248 were declared inadmissible and 308 were decided on their merits by so called final views under Article 5(4)of the optional protocol. ‘Decisions are neither legally binding nor politically enforceable and by implication, compliance are left at the mercy of relevant state organs for adoption of the committees recommendations which based its decisions on written submission of parties before it. SHOULD HUMAN RIGHTS BE PRIMARILY CIVIL AND POLITICAL ALONE? The two rights are sacrosanct to balanced protection of human rights since the two Covenants are interrelated; therefore one must not be neglected at the expense of the other. The juxtaposition of both covenants above shows that they are interwoven and interdependent, though this has been criticised as a compromise after the failure to equate ICESR with ICCPR which is not true. it is submitted that the foundation of both covenants made them equal but the cold war separated them and classified them into ‘generations of rights if ICESR had been considered with ICCPR as a single document, it would have been ‘ first generation rights as well, after all UDHR never desire the instrumental divorce. It has been argued at one extreme that economic and social rights are superior to civil and political in hierarchical standard of value, the argument well founded, for example, what essence is the political rights to an illiterate who doesnt know his right?   Economic and social right can correct this. Again, what essence is freedom of speech and expression to an hungry man? Economic and Social rights like right to work and right to food or standard of living can solve this. Displaced and homeless will only understand freedom of association as avenue for crime. it is therefore submitted that   total deficiency of social and economic interest will lead to counter productivity of civil and political freedom. if Social and economic   interest are deficient in mass and free civil or political will society, it will eventually hamper the latter. Hunger, Homelessness, economic frustration can cause violence and breach of civil and political rights, the civil and political problems in Rwanda, Somalia and Niger Delta in Nigeria were due to social and economic imbalance that ICESR can address for peace to reign. Economic and Social interest are instrumental to societal peace. Should human rights therefore be concerned primarily with protection of civil and political rights? The analysis above answers the question, the two covenants are contiguously related and where they are not, they complement each other. The argument of critics against economic and social interest can be summarised and dismissed as follow. That civil and political right has binding obligation language whereas economic and social right has passive and ‘progressive achievement.One may partially agree with this but law is not static, it has progressive formation of a binding nature, it only allow state party to have assessment of resources   for steady implementation. Another criticism is that to observe civil and political rights, state party has to abstain from doing act against the right s and these are ‘negative rights whereas state party has to intervene to observe economic and social rights and this makes it ‘positive rights. One may rightly say here that some civil and political rights required prompt intervention too like economic and social right. It has been argued that civil and political right are easier to implement because of little resources required while economic and social right required substantial resources for implementation. it is submitted that resources wasted in political right alone is enough to take care of economic and social interest, especially in developing countries, resources wasted on rigged election, bribery and corruption on political reasons and payment of political office holders is enough to fix economic and social interests. it is submitted that political rights in expression through democracy, is the most expensive rights in the world. ICESCR was criticised further that it lacked enforcement mechanism and that the co ntent of the right is not as authoritative as ICCPR. Argument premised on ICCPR Inter state and individual procedures of complaints while that of ICESCR is weak. This problem has received the attention of UN General Assembly when on 18 June 2008, HRC adopted Optional Protocol on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and   10 December 2008,UN adopted it, the optional protocol in its Article 2 provides for Inter State and Individual Complaint Procedure like ICCPR in economic, and social rights Complaints, Article 1 states that CESR can receive communication on breach of economic, social and cultural rights. The protocol was opened for signature in September 2009; this is a primary focus on economic and social interests. State membership and cooperation with International Organisations are making them to protect and promote indirectly and directly Economic, Social and Cultural rights, organisations   like UNDP, UNICEF and specialised agencies like IMF .ILO,UNESCO and few NGO in coop eration with chapter IX of UN charter. CONCLUSION The school of thought that believes that the two covenants are interrelated and interconnected is the best. Most Articles in ICCPR has economic and or social interest, Primary concern for civil and political rights only will collapse the rights itself. ICESCR is no longer weak in its enforcement with September 2009 open signature of its Optional Protocol. Giving primary attention to civil and political rights as opposed to economic interest is no longer in compliance with new World economic order, if States can fund political rights via democracy, they must be able to fund economic and social interest, many government of State parties that neglects economic and social interest do fail woefully in civil and political mandates, why? Because economic and political interest falls within primary values encompassing children and family interest and unit of family makes a state .it is high time States began to honour the covenant they entered into 33 years ago   (1976) with intention to b e bound   on pacta sunt servanda principle. The era of its gradual development is gone with 2009.Absence of war or conflict is not an assurance of peace and security but sincere determination in solving economic and social obstacles. Political and civil rights will only exist at the assurance of economic and social interest.