What Is Community Work

What Is Community Work? Through this essay I will try to create a greater understanding of the term ‘community work’. I will begin with a short summary from two studies which help define the term on a broad basis. I will follow this by an explanation of the various approaches which can be used in community work. I will highlight the importance the community and voluntary sector have in social partnership in Ireland today. I will also discuss how funding, or a lack of it, impacts on essential services. Whether or not volunteers are an essential part of community work.I will also discuss the possible consequence of losing some of these organisations as a result of cuts in funding. Finally by looking at the work of ‘Community Platform’ I will show how, through a shared vision they hope to create a better Ireland through their work in the community. To understand what community work is it is first necessary to understand the various definitions of community. Whi le this may seem apparent initially, upon closer inspection one will discover that there is no clear consensus.What we do know is that as Hillery, a sociologist working in the 1950s pointed out, all 94 definitions of community referred to people (Mayo 1994). Varley (1988) defines these more concisely into three categories. ?Communities defined in purely special or geographical term. ?Communities defined as relationships that occur within a specific locality. ?Communities defined as relationships which may occur within or transcend conventional geographical boundaries. Working within these categories community workers seek to empower individuals and groups of people by providing them with the skills they need to effect change in their own communities.We will look at detailed examples of this later. I will first explain my understanding of the five main strands or approaches identified by David A Thomas (1993) in his study of community work in the early 1980s: Community Action: this r equires people from a community to come together, recognising the problems that their community faces and taking action to reduce these problems. This approach can have a range of benefits. It helps those individuals involved to develop skills and claim ownership of the outcome. An example of this is when residents come together to campaign for speed bumps or lower speed limits in the area.Community Development: this requires people coming together to develop a range of practices to help improve local conditions, especially for people in disadvantaged situations. It helps people to participate in public decision making and thus achieve greater control of their circumstances. An example of this is when residents turn an area that was once used for anti-social behaviour into a playground for children. This creates a safer environment for local people. Social Planning: this is a process that is carried out through identifying strengths and weaknesses in a community.This is done by desi gning and implementing programmes, which help to improve the quality of life in that community. It usually involves the action of a political, legal, or recognized voluntary body. An example of this is when an area is identified as having a very large increase in children. This information is acted on and a new school is built in the area. Community Organisation involves various community or welfare agencies working with or without the involvement of statutory authorities, supporting joint initiatives.An example of this is when organisations connect through managing, sponsoring and improving the work of various bodies. This may be carried out at a local, regional or national level. Community Care primarily focuses on the area of healthcare for the disabled, the elderly and the very young. It is a model that encourages members of the community to be active participants in helping themselves. In some cases community care may use professionals in conjunction with volunteers. In other c ases volunteers may manage projects with little or no involvement from professionals.Now that we have an understanding of the various definitions of community and have explored the different approaches of community work, we will now look at the how this work is structured in Ireland today with the help of social partnership. Social partnership was set up in Ireland in 1987. Its membership was initially limited to the government, businesses, trade unions and farmers. Organisations representing the unemployed and those experiencing poverty and inequality protested that their members did not benefit from the agreements and so began to lobby to be included in the 1996 negotiations.It was decided in 2000, by the Fianna Fail government, that inclusion of community and voluntary organisations was the way forward. Eight organisations were successful in their efforts when they were selected by the Government to become the Community & Voluntary Pillar – the fourth social partnership pi llar. It is now made up of seventeen representative organisations. This pillar represents huge progress for marginalised people. Although it is important to remember that in order to make a sustainable difference the voice these organisations have been give, must be listened to.While in theory social partners can be involved in both policy making and implementation of such policy, it is argued ( Meade 2005) that because community and voluntary organisations lack economic clout, they have been granted only marginal influence over the substance of policy decisions. Popples theory in â€Å"Analysing community Work† (1995) states â€Å"Most practitioners are employed in one way or another by the state therefore acting with particular instructions or authority, so that they could be considered to be a subordinate branch of the dominant ‘organic’ intellectuals.Whilst on the other hand the fact that they can be at odds with the dominant ideology and are encouraging ind ividuals and groups to articulate their own discourse means that they do not fully agree with the dominant system. † While it is important that the government is involved and provides subsidises to the voluntary and community sector at a national and community level, it is also fair to say that participation by volunteers in the local community is equally important as they understand what the community requires at a grass roots level.As the Mayfield Community Development Project in Cork advocates, it is fundamental to ask the local people what they need, to encourage as much participation as possible. Cullen (1989) observes that participative community development projects counterbalance the bigness and the bureaucracy of state run welfare agencies. In other words, if the recipients of these services are involved, these agencies become less intimidating and more user-friendly. This approach empowers people to be involved in identifying and meeting their own needs.Although part icipation from volunteers in the local community is vital, problems can surface when local communities come to rely heavily on the support provided by these volunteers. An example of this occurred when an introduction of community care policies led to reductions in the provision of state sponsored residential care and thus increased the demands on already pressured carers. This issue is particularly relevant today due to the current economic climate. The government is seeking to cut their expenditure in many areas, including the community and voluntary sectors.An Bord Snip Nua’s proposed cuts in funding for community and voluntary organisations will effectively amount to a huge reduction in funding for essential public services. The proposed cut of 64% in the allocation for community and voluntary sector supports, will weaken community and voluntary organisation's capacity to deliver essential services to the most vulnerable people in society. Which raises the following quest ions, ? Is the government relying on volunteers too heavily? ? Is lack of funding going to break down the fabric of the community work network in Ireland? ? What are the potential consequences of the proposed cuts?Only in time, will we discover the true answers to these questions but for now let us look at the evidence that is available to us today. Undoubtedly the Governments reliance on volunteers within the community is very apparent. It is important to remember that very often we would not have these volunteers, without the recruitment strategies that are put in place by professionals. It is also crucial volunteers are monitored and get the support they need to carry out their work effectively. Without the funded professional element in community work, it is possible that the quality of service may be compromised.This may result in volunteers becoming over worked by carrying out the duties of the paid professionals. This can lead to volunteers being under too much pressure to ca rry out their vital work. A consequence of this may be the closure of much needed services, which will impact greatly on society in general. This may lead to a more segregated community with an increased level of problems such as anti-social behaviour and mental health issues to name just two. This is why in my opinion, it is essential to have both professional and voluntary workers in the community for a cohesive approach to the various issues.It is important at this point to examine the vital community work that may be affected by these cuts. I am using the organisation Community Platform as an example. This is an organisation which facilitates both community and voluntary organisations to come together through one voice at a national level. Publishing its pre-budget submission (2010), the Community Platform said that making the poor poorer in order to try to balance the books made absolutely no sense and would have disastrous and costly social consequences.Community platform curr ently has 29 members that work together to address poverty, social exclusion and inequality. Funding is provided to the Community Platform by the Department of Community, Rural ; Gaeltacht Affairs. The vision of the Community Platform is an Ireland that is inclusive, sustainable and equal. Working closely with all of its members it aims to develop and promote this vision through shared analysis. The following groups are just a small example of the essential services that come under the community platform umbrella: ?Age Action Ireland. Rape Crises Network Ireland. ?Simon Communities of Ireland. ?Womens Aid. ?Community Workers’ Co-operative. By looking at some of the essential services that Community Platform facilitate we can see just how important this community work is and the key services that may suffer because of these cuts. As a result of my studies I have ascertained that community work appears to be many things to many people. It can be a rewarding experience to both t he facilitator and the beneficiary. It can bring people together in the hope of improving circumstances for themselves or others.It can help people to achieve their goals for their community by coming together through one voice. It may be a carried out by a paid professional or a volunteer. Both of which have their own merit. Government support and funding are imperative to sustain the level of help that is needed in the community. However it is evident that when both professionals and volunteers work together, greater results can be achieved. Community work is essential in society to help improve living conditions. With an emphasis on improving the conditions of marginalised, vulnerable people. Bibliography

The Godfather and the Meaning of Family

The Godfather A family is a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, and is considered a group, whether they reside together or not; the traditional family, which usually consists of family values and beliefs. In American literature family serves as a base in our society which can be shaped and molded into many different forms. Mario Puzo’s The Godfather demonstrates family as a successful business, with strict and traditional Italian roots. The story is focuses on the Corleone family, a very close knit traditional Italian-American family, who all live on the same cul de sac and are neighbors to each other.Their business is based on the family’s mafia operations. They live their lives in the midst of crime. Some takes the law into their own hands, by avenging a crime to protect the weak while others use it to rise into a position of wealth and power. The executive or head of the Corleone family is the decision maker or â€Å"shot caller;† he is like the â€Å"Robin Hood† of the Sicilians people. To all those who have proven their loyalties to him are entitled to help from their â€Å"Godfather. † He is willing to help anyone who calls them his friend; because he believes that â€Å"Friendship is everything.Friendship is more than talent. It is more than the government. It is almost the equal of family† (Puzo 38). The executive or head of the Corleone family is Don Vito and after his death, Michael; his youngest son, who later takes the role. In a sense, both in the novel and film begin and ends with â€Å"the Godfather† and some may call him â€Å"the Don. † Through they both have very different experiences, they are believed to be â€Å"infinitely more intelligent and less obviously corrupt than any of the other characters† developed in the story (Williams 77).Both are willing to accommodate their competitors, take a step back, and not get involved unless necessary, for they beli eve to never hate your enemies because it affects your judgment and to keep their friends close and their enemies closer However, they are considered to be the most powerful organized crime family in the United States. â€Å"Great men are not born great, they grow great, and so it was with Vito Corleone. †¦ Vito Corleone made the final step from a quite ordinary, somewhat ruthless businessman to a great Don in the world of criminal enterprise.It did not happen in a day, it did not happen in a year, but by the end of the Prohibition period and the start of the Great Depression, Vito Corleone had become the Godfather, the Don, Don Corleone† (Puzo 213). A family of organized crime that is sometimes portrayed as so caring and helpful, that we don’t always think of them as bad guys per say. They have respect and are behaved in a way that is very elegant. But of course there are times when they must take action upon themselves even if it is against the law.It is a known that the main focus of a stereotypical Mafia family is centered around the use of violence. For instance, in both the novel and film, Connie Corleone; the daughter of the Don Vito gets married to an abusive and gets beaten down while pregnant, which later becomes one of the reasons for his death. Aside from that we also see many deaths cause by the vengeance and business. Another example is the opening of the movie, when Bonasera states â€Å"I believe in America. America has made my fortune. And I raised my daughter in the American fashion.I gave her freedom, but — I taught her never to dishonor her family† as he tells Don Vito, his grief about what had happen to his daughter (The Godfather). The family is cruel yet respectable, violent yet sophisticated and heartless, but not without rules. We as a viewer or a reader can overlook the evil and come to sympathize with the Corleone family. The Godfather permits an audience to support the mafia lifestyle and the sins th ey’ve commit. We overlook what is supposed to be right and sympathize with the lifestyle of these mobsters.We side with Corleone’s crime because of such quotes like â€Å"A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man,† when Don Vito Corleone says this, we as the audience find ourselves liking a character they might not otherwise like. In America we tend to sympathize with people who are compassionate and are family oriented. Those who make their family priority number one, who shows and express true respect and defines a man by the amount of time he spends with those he loves. The Godfather narrative was able to supply the idea of a â€Å"strong and benevolent father to take care of both family and an unimpeded business life,† as stated in the MELUS Article, â€Å"The Godfather and American Culture: How the Corleones Became ‘Our Gang’† by Mary Ann Mannino. This simple image of a genuine family value allows for anyone to relate and understand the character even though at times the character may be immoral. Towards the end, Michael states â€Å"if I can die saying, â€Å"Life is so beautiful,† then nothing else is important.If I can believe in myself that much, nothing else matters. He would follow his father. He would care for his children, his family, his world. But his children would grow in a different world. They would be doctors, artists, scientists. Governors. Presidents. Anything at all. He would see to it that they joined the general family of humanity, but he, as a powerful and prudent parent would most certainly keep a wary eye on that general family† when family again is reconfirmed (Puzo 411). Works Cited Mannino, Mary Ann. The Godfather and American Culture: How the Corleones Became ‘Our Gang. ‘. † MELUS 28. 3 (2003): 218-232. Literature Resource Center. Web. 16 Nov. 2012. Puzo, Mario. â€Å"The Godfather. † Greenwich: Fawecett, 1969 . Print. Simon, William. â€Å"Analysis of the Structure of The Godfather, Part One. † Studies in the Literary Imagination 16. 1 (1983): 75-90. Rpt. in Contemporary Literary Criticism Select. Detroit: Gale, 2008. Literature Resource Center. Web. 14 Nov. 2012. The Godfather. Dir. Francis Ford Coppola. Perf. Marlon Brando and Al Pacino. Paramount Pictures. 1972. DVD.

Britain Between the Wars Essay

The armistice came into effect at 11.00am on 11th November 1918 and effectively brought the fighting on the Western Front to a close. In more than four years of war Britain and the Empire had lost more than 750,000 dead in France and Flanders, with many times that wounded and sick. The political and social life were ruined not only by the war, but also by the severe crises and by the dividing of the society into classes. The 1920’s and 1930’s were unhappy decades for most of the people in Britain. The Liberal Lloyd George enjoyed wide support by the Conservative party and duly formed a new coalition government. He immediately transformed the British war effort, taking firm control of both military and domestic policy. A general election the first for 8 years was held in December 1918. This election was often called â€Å"the coupon election†. Conservative leader Bonar Law identified candidates who agreed to support them with a letter of endorsement, signed by both, and known as a â€Å"coupon†. Coupons were issued to 159 Liberal candidates and 364 Conservatives though in some cases, they were rejected. This election are also considered the first universal elections in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, in which for the first time the majority of poorer British and Catholic Irish adults were allowed to vote for Parliament. The decision of Lloyd George to create a coalition between the Liberal and Conservative party hardened the divisions within the Liberal party and after the election the division of the Liberal party was even deepened. In 1920’s the Labour party succeeded in overtaking the Liberal party and establishing itself as one of the country’s two main political parties. By the end of 1921 unemployment has risen beyond 2 million. There were several reasons for the decline in industry after the First World War. Structural weaknesses in the British economy meant a disproportionate number of jobs were in the traditional industries. A lack of pre-war technological developments and post war competition damaged the economy and the new industries which emerged employed fewer people. At the same time Britain began to lose her overseas markets due to strong foreign competition. A committee on unemployment was set up in 1920 and recommended public works schemes to ease unemployment, this led to the establishment of the Unemployment Grants Committee. The government wished, also, to return to the gold standard, a move which would have required cuts in public spending. In Unemployment Insurance Act 1920 extended unemployment benefits to cover all workers who earned less than  £250. The â€Å"Seeking Work Test† was introduced in 1921, it stated to receive full unemployment benefit there had to be evidence the recipient was looking for work. The Addison Act after Dr. Christopher Addison, the then Minister for Housing was passed to allow the building of new houses after the First World War, and marked the start of a long 20th century tradition of state-owned housing, which would much later evolve into council estates. Education Act or know as Fisher Act was enacted in the 1918, it extended educational provision, increased the powers and duties of the Board of Education, raised the school leaving age from 12 to 14 and gave all young workers right of access to day release education. (The raising of the leaving age was not immediately implemented, however, and had to wait until the 1921 Act). Other features of the 1918 Education Act included the provision of ancillary services (medical inspection, nursery schools, centres for pupils with special needs, etc.).

Simple rules Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Simple rules - Assignment Example nds metrics, eliminating differences, establishing formal alliance management systems and structures and managing external relationships with partners. The companies should also put more emphasis on;- developing the right working relationship, creating means metrics, embracing differences, enabling collaborative behavior and managing your own internal stake holders. Solving of differences in the company should be given the highest priority. Because spending a lot of time and retention on reaching agreement sends the message that differences are bad, tends to drive conflict underground. In the solving of the difference Hp exhibited the following strengths; - General expertise related to complex-solution selling to enterprise customers, tends to focus on long term objectives and opportunities, good at minimizing risk in complex situations through careful analysis, in difficult circumstances, it is likely to find the creative solution that others might miss and it is good at understanding and focusing on customer needs and building close durable relationships. On the other hand Microsoft’s strengths were; - technical and support knowledge about exchange, which is essential to successful enterprise solution sales, it has disciplined focus on short term objectives where the objectives could have taken much time to get accomplished, good at capitalizing on opportunities by making decisions quickly, it is unlikely to waste time and effort when the standard answer or solution provides the optimal balance of performance and value and lastly it was good at identifying and responding to competitive threats. From the above scenario we need to look critically at the advice that executives get in relation to their companies. It is the time that the executives realized that alliance management is facing a crisis. In the recent past, companies have been forming alliances and relying on them solely for their growth. What is discouraging is that more than half of them fail.

History of East Asia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

History of East Asia - Essay Example ruthless, despite the clarity indicating that civilization is a force that Japan or any other country cannot fight, it has not taken root in Japan as it should have since there are some quarters of resistance. Therefore, it is Fukuzilwa Yukichis argument that Japan must simply fight for civilization since the present world is a world of competition. The western civilization has spread virtually everywhere through the help of the existing communication facilities, such that its wind is being felt everywhere in the East. However, the western civilization did not take effect in Japan with the speed that would have been anticipated. This is because; despite the fact that people gradually understood the importance of embracing civilization and started to accept it, the political structure in Japan did not favor civilization. Thus, as much as the people would struggle to adapt the characteristics of western civilization, â€Å"there lay on the road of progress an old-fashioned government†3. Civilization is, in fact, vast, such that a country can no longer consider its own independence from the concept of civilization. This is because; â€Å"the question of a country’s independence from foreign countries is no more than one small part in a complete theory of civilization†4. Civilization is also very intrusive, suc h that it has permeated into almost every aspect and endeavor of the human spirit, so much so that it becomes difficult for people to dissociate with it. It is not only Japan that has some political and custom factors that acts as barriers to civilization, but also the other countries of East Asia. Japan is neighbored by China and Korea, and the two countries have also resisted civilization by clinging to their old customs. Nevertheless, the fact remains that civilization cannot be avoided, owing to the fact that even though China and Korea have stuck to their old customs, â€Å"they are not cut off from seeing and hearing of civilization.

Response Connections to Current Events Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Response Connections to Current Events - Essay Example Zakaria goes on to say that, "The Bill of Rights, after all, is a list of things that the government may not do, regardless of the wishes of the majority. Of America's three branches of government, The Supreme Court is headed by nine unelected men and women with life tenure." Zakaria has a point that the men and women in charge of one of America's highest offices must be elected. It is too much to expect the elected representatives to handle offices of the land that count among the best not only in the United States but among the best in the world. At least the election process of these gentlemen and ladies in the United States' Supreme Court must be more broad based that what it is today. Fareed Zakaria quotes specific instances and relates them to the illiberal way they are handled in democratic setup. His favorite democratic setups are the United States and Western Europe. His arguments have their due weight. Too much democracy becomes a punishment rather than a remedy. If democracy has to operate in a liberal environment, then it must per se allow its populace the maximum liberty which also provides security and choice. But Zakaria has said that "the tension between constitutional liberalism and democracy centers on the scope of governmental authority. Constitutional liberalism is about the limitation of power, democracy is about its accumulation and use." The contradiction is clear. Just like there is no such thing like a free lunch, there is such an issue begging notice that democracy is not the glittering gold that it is being offered as. Even in times of election the party offering maximum benefits quite often wins the show. The process of democracy is a tragedy being played out day in and out, and nobody is there to attempt to correct, modify or stop the show. If the process of democracy cannot work in places like Pakistan and Afghanistan, it is a telling commentary about the frailty of democracy as a system (US, UK express concern over terror safe haven in Pak, Afghanistan). Zakaria may not have offered feasible remedies to the malaise. However, he has pointed out anomalies that exist in the most democratic societies in the world. What's more He has pointed out that ironically democracy exists because of these anomalies. Evidence to support my argument First of all, let me make it clear I am not making common cause with Fareed Zakaria. I wish democracy all the best and hope it prospers wherever it exists. But just take a look at what is happening in some of the best democratic countries in the world. Let us take a look at the United States. President Obama and Vice President Biden have the issues of combating employment discrimination, expand hate crimes statutes, end deceptive voting practices, end racial profiling, reduce crime recidivism by providing ex-offender support, eliminate sentencing disparities, and expand use of drug courts (Civil Rights). I do not wish to denigrate the United States.

Genetic problems , down syndrome, hurlintong disease, diabetes, and Research Paper

Genetic problems , down syndrome, hurlintong disease, diabetes, and turner syndrome - Research Paper Example Sometimes errors can occur in the transmission of genetic material from parents to offspring or in the structure of the genetic material causing serious disorders in human beings. Structural chromosomal abnormalities arise when different enzymes are not able to repair several breaks in the pattern of chromosomes or even if they are able to do so these repairs are not specific enough to avoid the abnormality. These can be caused by chemicals, radiations, viruses, or any other type of abnormal event. These structural abnormalities are classified into four main classes respectively. These are Deletions, Translocations, Inversions and Ring Chromosome (Langman & Sadler 2006; Robbins et al 2005). Other names of deletion are gene deletion and deficiency mutation. Deletion is that type of genetic abnormality in which a sequence of DNA is absent in the chromosome or a part of chromosome is absent. It results in the loss of the genetic material from the chromosome. Translocation is also genetic aberration which occurs due to the rearrangement of the different parts of chromosome with nonhomologous chromosomes. Translocations are of two types that are reciprocal translocations and Robertsonian translocations. Reciprocal translocation is the translocation of genetic material between nonhomologous chromosome. These type of chromosomal translocations are harmless. When the two acrocentric chromosome fuse near the centromere resulting in loss of the short arm, this type of translocation is called Robertsonian translocation. In Robertsonian translocation the resulting karyotype in humans is 45 chromosomes. Inversion is that type of chromosomal abnormality in which a part of chromosome is split and introduced back to the same chromosome. Inversion is basically the aberration in a single chromosome itself and is not associated to other homologous or nonhomologous chromosome. Inversions are of two types paracentric and pericentric.

Castle bingo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Castle bingo - Essay Example CRM integrates marketing, service and supply-chain functions in order to achieve greater efficiency in delivering greater value to discriminating customers. Consequently, CRM improves customer services, facilitates better integration of marketing tools, increases organisation revenues and reduces costs associated with customer services by a significant level (Richards & Jones, 2008). Castle Bingo and Benefits of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) The three primary elements of CRM have been described hereunder. Operational CRM Operational CRM consists of software packages that are used to efficiently arrange inbound and outbound customers interactions. Operational CRM aid in processes related with sales, customer service, marketing and automating communications. Service automation helps an organisation to manage service operations delivered through web, contact centre and face to face. Some of the significant benefits of operational CRM to Castle Bingo may include: Sales Force Aut omation Enterprise marketing Automation Customer Service and Support (Bhatnagar, 2012). Analytical CRM Analytical CRM involves analysing customer vital information in order to effectively meet the marketing and customer service goals and deliver appropriate message to the right customer at right time through appropriate channel. The significant benefit of Analytical CRM to Castle Bingo may involve Customer retention Segmentation and targeting Development of new products according to the customer’s specifications (Bhatnagar, 2012). Collaborative CRM Collaborative CRM comprises the system that facilitates customers to perform various services on their own through variety of interaction channels. It renders people process as well as data together and further facilities in channelling the data along with customer related information for ensuring proactive decision making. It ensures timely sharing of information and results in enhanced customer services. The major benefits of Col laborative CRM to Castle Bingo may involve: Providing effective customer communication across different channels, Increases the efficiency of online services and help in reducing customers service costs associated with offline services and Facilitate in better access to customers data during the time of interaction with customers (Bhatnagar, 2012). The Principles of Big Data and Metrics The data driven decision-making is currently being widely recognized and is viewed to be an increasing enthusiastic aspect related with the notion of ‘Big Data.’ Big Data refers to traditional enterprise data which comprises valuable information regarding the nature of the customers that is ascertained through CRM systems, web store transactions, ERP data as well as general ledger data. Furthermore, it also includes social data such as customers’ feedback streams, micro blogging internet sites like Twitter and social media like Facebook (Dijcks, 2012). The perception of Big Data c an primarily be attributed with four principles that have been discussed below. More Granular Information or Micro Segmentation The principle of micro segmentation can be

The American revolution 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The American revolution 2 - Essay Example Americans were outraged. They were not given ample representation on the matter. They called it as "taxation without representation." This ignited different forms of opposition from the Americans like stopping the importage of British goods. Some even reacted violently by barricading a house where the stamps are stored and destroying it. A group called Sons of Liberty was formed and these lead the plea to repeal the law. Although the law was repealed, the parliament passed a Declaratory Act that affirmed the British's right to legislate laws that it wanted for its colonies. This was followed by the passage of the Tea Act to save the East India Company from bankruptcy. The law removes all duties imposed on British tea exported to America and these gave unfair advantage on other tea imports. Again, they resisted this law and it led to the infamous Boston Tea Party wherein some members of the Sons of Liberty boarded a British ship and threw off the imported tea to the sea. A few years later, the British parliament passed a number of laws, which are deemed unfair for the Americans. This prompted all colonies except Georgia to convene for the first time as the First Continental Congress to create a unified stand against unfair British policies and laws. Violence erupted elsewhere which were met by British forces. One of these events was the Boston Massacre wherein they fired into a mob. The confrontations escalated into a military conflict to the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first of the battles between the British and Americans. These battles prom pted all of the thirteen colonies to again convene as the Second Continental Congress to direct the American war efforts and they appointed George Washington to lead and organize the army and finally on the 4th of July, they declared the independence of America. The Continental Congress provided the venue for different personalities coming from the colonies to pursue their own interests. But in the end, they were able to see that they have common interests and saw themselves as one people. During the First Continental Congress, they tried to push for reforms and the repealing of the laws but they were neglected. Situations worsen and it went to a full-scale rebellion against Great Britain. Eventually, they saw that they cannot pursue these interests as different colonies but should act as one and it was only through independence from British rule that it can be achieved. It was their inevitable choice. This was further strengthened by the framing of the Articles of Confederation by the Continental Congress and became as the first charter of the government. Although it wasn't until 1891 when all of the 13 colonies approved it, it was one step ahead of creating the United States of America. The Continental Congress also faced a lot of setbacks. One of these was due to the differences of the colonies interests, it cannot be avoided that they present different views and proposals. An example was the option to just reconcile with Great Britain and propose reforms. But because the war is ongoing and it really stirred American patriotism, only a few supported this stance and still opted to continue the war and eventually declaring their independence. 2. Discuss the costs and benefits of the American Revolution Who had the most to gain The most to lose Was the American

Marketing Financial Services Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Marketing Financial Services - Essay Example This paper will deal with in detail the issues and challenges faced by Barclays Bank as well as a clear and well drawn out SWOT analysis of the company. The paper will first provide an overview of the company and will also discuss in detail the reasons for choice of the bank. Overview of Company Barclays Banks has been one of the trusted and well known banks across almost 50 countries. The bank has been able to cater to the markets and provide the customers with excellent banking facilities for over three hundred years. Spread across fifty countries, the company employees around 145,000 employees and services almost 48 million customers worldwide. The company deals with several different activities and services like â€Å"retail banking, credit cards, corporate banking, investment banking, wealth management and investment management services with an extensive international presence in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia† (Barclays Bank, 2011). The bank is made of two main cl usters, i.e. Global Retail Banking and Corporate and Investment Banking and Wealth Management. Each of these clusters has a number of individual business units as well. Another major part of the company is the Group Center. The company is head by Group Chairman Marcus Agius and the Chief Executive is Robert E. Diamond, Jr. The company is headquartered in Churchill Place in London. It however caters to the markets across the world both for its products and services (Barclays Business, 2011). Reasons for Choice Barclay’s Bank has been recognised for its international nature and the bank has built its image across Asia, America, Europe and Africa. The company’s brand name and image that it has created allows it to become a name for every home. Also, Barclay has been extremely successful in marketing itself over the years (Barclays Sustainability, 2011). The bank has developed a strong brand image across the globe. Also, Barclay’s overall strategies and corporate fo cus is also an excellent example to study and analyse the SWOT. Hence this company proves to be an excellent example to study here. Barclay’s Strategy and Principles As in the case of every bank, the main aim of the company is to provide credit to businesses and households, to help improve their growth and jobs. Barclay has also constantly focused on improving its business by diversifying into different areas (Barclays Bank, 2011). A major attempt of the company is to increase its presence in the markets and segments, and this has clearly been achieved by means of innovative products and services for customers across the world (Barclay Card, 2011). All strategies of the company are based on three main aspects i.e. â€Å"Earn, Invest and Grow† (Barclays Bank, 2011). The group’s ambition and the overall commitment have grown the company to become a part of the universal banks. Barclays also has set down four main strategic priorities which include, a) To be able t o build the best bank in UK, accelerated and increased global growth, development of both retail as well as commercial activities across selected countries outside of the United Kingdom and last but not the least operational excellence (Barclays

Ocean Carriers Essay Example for Free

Ocean Carriers Essay Iron ore and coal imports will most probably decrease the upcoming year With the increasing supply of vessels should result in a market surplus By creating this surplus, prices will be driven down, since we will have limited demand and suppliers competing Average daily rates, based on historical numbers, have a direct relationship with the number of shipments. Only Accept the project if we sell after 25 years in a tax free environment Reject all of the following; sell after 15 years in both a tax and tax free environment, also after 25 years with a tax environment The longer the wait to sell; the better How Long Should Vessels Operate? The company’s current policy is to not operate ships older then 15 years old If Ocean Carrier operates for 25 years the NPV will be higher then if they operate for 15 years and sell the scrap metal (,368,557 vs. $2,238,411) The present value of the future cash flows exceeds the value of selling the scrap metal 10 years earlier. Hence there is greater value operating the vessel for an additional 10 years/ Iron and coal’s demand is expected to increase annually and the charter rates are expected to increase by annually for the life of the vessel. The company can generate more income if they decide to operate the ship for an additional 10 years.

Micronutrient Chart Essay Example for Free

Micronutrient Chart Essay Complete the table below. For each micronutrient listed, describe its function and identify common food sources. Then, review your Personal One-Day Intake Log and identify foods that provide substantial amounts of micronutrients. You do not need to identify every micronutrient found in every piece of food. List those foods in the My Food Choices column corresponding to the micronutrients they contain. Please answer each of the following questions with a maximum of 200 words. 1. What micronutrients are missing from your diet? What foods, that you enjoy, could you eat to supply these nutrients? 2. Micronutrient deficiencies can have many negative effects on your health. What long-term effects can you anticipate if your current deficiencies continue? General Questions General General Questions Resources: iProfile and WileyPLUS ® Read the instructions in the University of Phoenix Material: Micronutrient and Fast Food Presentation located on the student website to complete this assignment.   If you are having trouble making friends on campus, get involved in a club or two. Find any organized activity that you are interested in, and you will automatically be spending time with other students who share at least one of your passions. It can be helpful to have friends who are fellow students but not your immediate classmates. This archive file of SCI 220 Micronutrient Chart comprises: Complete the table below. For each micronutrient listed, describe its function and identify common food sources. Then, review your Personal One-Day Intake Log and identify foods that provide substantial amounts of  micronutrients. You do not need to identify every micronutrient found in every piece of food. List those foods in the My Food Choices column corresponding to the micr Click this link Now for Complete Course https://bitly.com/12C5XsD If you are having trouble making friends on campus, get involved in a club or two. Find any organized activity that you are interested in, and you will automatically be spending time with other students who share at least one of your passions. It can be helpful to have friends who are fellow students but not your immediate classmates. General Questions General General Questions Resources: iProfile and WileyPLUS ® Read the instructions in the University of Phoenix Material: Micronutrient and Fast Food Presentation located on the student website to complete this assignment.

Facilitating Change In Health And Social Care Social Work Essay

Facilitating Change In Health And Social Care Social Work Essay Change is a process of transitioning  from a current situation to a desired future condition. Whether we like change or not, we are all caught up in a never-ending cycle of change in our organizations. Some people welcome change and enjoy the uncertainty it often brings, thinking that it offers a new challenges and opportunities at work. Others are cautious about change, fearing that something valued will be altered or lost or that risk brings unnecessary stress. In care, health and social care services are essentially about people, both those who need to use services and those who provide services. People are sensitive to the impact of change and as a manager I have a particular responsibility to take care over how changes in services that are intended to deliver care within the organization. One of the reasons why change seems to be constant is that there are many potential stimuli for change and there are several factors driving change. The stimulus for change may come from inside an organization but it is more usual for it to come from outside. Change initiated within the organization is often a response to a force outside the organization that triggered the change. For example, factors that have a significant impact on health and social care services include government legislations and policies. Many aspects of health and social care are subject to legislation. New legal requirements emerge constantly as government seek to improve health and social care, often through introduction of systems to set standards and to control or modify service provision. Like the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, this was enacted because of increasing numbers of accidents and incidents that happened in the past related to work. Its main purpose is to protect and minimize people from ha rm. It places a general duty on employers to ensure health, safety and welfare of all employees as far as is reasonably practicable. This legislation situates an impact not only on health care industry but all kinds of work. That is why until now it was expanded its scope, clarified responsibilities and responded to new circumstances as they have arisen without changing the overall principles of the original Act. Legislation also affects service provision though legislation relating to employment, health and safety, use of public funding and through related services including education and housing. Recently, the government commence key modification which affects the eligibility of all non-EU workers who wants to work in the UK. Those individuals must earn a minimum number of points. The new rules state the less points will be given for employees earning lower salaries in UK and no points to those who are paid less  £20,000 per annum compare to the old rules that give a minimum points for those workers having  £17,000 salary per year. It means the employer will have to pay new workers at least  £20,000. In addition, the care providers were enormously concerned about the present government removing the senior carers from shortage status because it might cause damage on the quality of care and in the business. Moreover, new technology is also a reason that is why change arises in health care setting. One great example is the development of internet. It change the way of sending information to the multi-disciplinary team through e-mail. Making it easier for senior staff to send and receive relevant information from GPs and other professionals and vice versa regarding service users condition while promoting privacy and confidentiality. It also change our ways of using records and libraries. Staffs in health and care services have access to an increasing range of information that is available to practitioners in health and social care. Service users expect us to make use of evidence in making decisions and database of best practice models are increasingly available. In my workplace, the management use the internet to provide trainings for staff which is more suitable and can be done in our own convenient time. For residence and relatives, its a fact that most of the relatives of our service u sers are far away from each other. However with the utilization of the internet, distance is not a big deal anymore. For relatives and services user who have personal computers or laptops can make conversation and see each other with the use of webcam and chat rooms through the internet. Service delivery is also influence by use of new developments in equipments. Like the new equipment acquired by Barts and The London NHS Trust the two state-of-the-art Lifeport organ transporters. It endow with a valuable sustenance for patients needing a kidney transplant. It stores healthy kidneys after they are removed from the donor before being transplanted into the recipient. This is a critical period for ensuring that the organ does not deteriorate and become unusable. Unlike before that they rely on ice to conserve the kidney, the new equipment maintains the organ in a fluid rich in nutrients and oxygen, which significantly extends the storage period. For the new equipments, it does change the old method to a new way that allows hope for more patients to have successful kidney transplants. In care home settings, the acquisition of new equipments like the air pressure mattress is indispensable equipment for anyone at high risk of developing pressure ulcers or who have existing pressure ulcers. The alternating pressure of the mattress depends on the weight of the service user allowing relieved on a regular basis and trim down the number of times a person needs to be turned, greatly enhancing the comfort of the very poorly or terminally ill. In addition, economic factors also drive change. These factors include the general prosperity of the country and its neighbourhood, the rate of unemployment, areas of poverty, the level of inflation and exchange rates in relationships involving other countries and currencies. The state of the economy affects the level of demand for goods and services, the prosperity of communities and the availability and cost of raw materials and labours. The economy tends to move in cycles, but these are not easy to predict. All services, whether public services, private services or charity provision, are affected by changes in the economy. At present, there were lots of changes in the health and social care sector due to the recent financial crisis that affects the economy of United Kingdom. As a result, the coalition government have wasted no time to save money in reshaping parts of the health services. According to the health secretary, the popular NHS direct services will be substitute with cheaper alternative. Under the governments plans, some strategic health authorities and hundreds of primary care trust are to be abolished affecting thousands of employees and service users. Examples of recent cost-cutting measures cited by professionals are hospital bed closures, pressure to give patients cheaper, slower-acting drugs, cuts to occupational health support, and reductions in community health services. Furthermore, according to a study, it make known that for the most part of job losses it involved frontline staff as patient services are withdrawn. Along with mounting numbers of patients are being deprived of treatm ent for conditions such as loss of sight, arthritis and infertility as the  NHS  increasingly rations healthcare in order to save money. But, the spending cuts done by the government does not only affect the health and social care sector but the life of Britons as a whole. It affects the sick, the disabled and Britains poorest families. Among the biggest cuts are only allowing claimants to have the replacement for Incapacity Benefit, the Employment and Support Allowance for one year, Cutting Disability Allowance for those people in care. Cutting Council Tax benefit by 10%. Reductions in the help given for childcare to working families, and slashing housing benefit for the under-35s by paying them the shared room rate instead of enough to live on their own etc., To be able to facilitate change in health and social care, as a manager I need to be able to understand the principles of change management. According to John Kotter, an authority of leadership and change, change has both an emotional and situational components and methods for managing each are expressed in his 8 step model. To value his model, as a managers there must be an understanding about the suppression and to cause employees emotion. During any period of change, a manager must deal with feelings of complacency, anger, false pride, arrogance, panic, exhaustion and anxiety among staffs. These are all emotions that can challenge and undermine attempts at promoting change. As managers I need to be able to turn these negative feelings into positive and proactive feelings such as faith, trusts urgency, hope, passion and enthusiasm which are emotions that promote change. On the first phase the model explained the phase of creating a climate for change. As a manager, there is need to develop a sense of urgency to staff. That action is needed regarding a foreseen difficulty. This can be done during meetings by explaining the situation through showing related videos and sharing stories. As the urgency grows among the staffs, as a manager, there is necessity to develop a guiding team that guide the change throughout the remaining steps. Members of the guiding team could be unit managers, senior carers or persons who have a relevant knowledge about the changes that occur in the organization, the ability to establish credibility and trusts to peers, the formal authority associated with managerial skill and the leadership. With the manager, alongside with the guiding team, must develop a vision expressed in a clear, concise statement about the direction in which the organization is headed. Engaging and enabling the whole organization is the second phase of Kotters model. Here, anxiety, anger, panic, among staff will rise because the manager or guiding team announces the impending change. Whenever, change is about to take place, people begin to wonder. That is why the guiding team needs to communicate to the individual or groups that are to be affected by change. And need to address these feelings and help staff to think and act in accordance with the new direction. An effective way to communicate the vision is to develop an engaging story that catches the attention of the change initiates. If there is a resistance to the staff at certain point, a dialogue between the guiding team and staff initiates a question and answer session. Staffs displays understanding when they realized the advantage, rewards and perquisites that they will gain once the change is completed. As the pathways to change are cleared, staffs must need to carefully choose and complete tasks that clear ly show that the change is succeeding. Tasks completed provide further urgency and momentum among the organization and lessen the impact of negative comments. At the final phase, the action plan is implemented fully allowing staff not to let up of the change. Collaboration occurs when staffs are willing to endorse or stand behind the change and displays commitment. As managers, at this phase, should sustain the change. It is done when a new way of operating has been shown to staff to succeed over the some minimum period of time Staffs at this point, displays advocacy that maintains the attitudes and behaviours supporting the change.. To relate this in my work, in my care home, there are recent changes that were implemented due staffs failing to do proper documentation. Firsts, the home manager scheduled a meeting and consultation to all the unit managers. At the meeting, to develop a sense of urgency among staff, she used a video based scenario regarding right documentation. The video shows the positive and negative effect of proper documentation to staffs, residents and management. In the meeting, everyone was asked about the ways to improve the situation. Then, decided that every staff should be knowledgeable and competent enough to do appropriate documentation at work through trainings and observations to make sure that they have the awareness, understanding and collaboration about the agenda of the meeting. On the other hand, the unit managers are to be the guiding team to lead, direct and show the proper way of documentation to unit staffs. Before the meeting ends, she makes sure that everyone understands ab out the directions in which the organization is headed and there would be recognition as the best unit that could implement the change. Finally, now every staff is confident regarding answering the forms in the care plans of every resident and certain to do the right documentation. The as proposed the guiding team use appraisal and supervision to measure the change. Plus the home manager monitored the change by evaluating the care plans of the residents with the help of a unit manager every end of the month for this change to become a culture in the care home.

Anglo-Saxon Ideal Code of Conduct :: Beowulf Epic Poems Anglo-Saxon Literature Essays

Anglo-Saxon Ideal Code of Conduct The epic poem of â€Å"Beowulf† presents the characteristics of two heroes, Beowulf and Hrothgar. During this Anglo-Saxon time period, Hrothgar rules as the king of his Danish lands. However, this king faces many problems due to the disturbances of a monster known as Grendel. As an Anglo-Saxon warrior of the time, Beowulf hears of this creature and journeys through the hero's path to kill Grendel. Through this journey, Hrothgar and Beowulf reconstruct the code of conduct of an ideal Anglo-Saxon king and warrior. The Danish lands of the time are ruled by Hrothgar, a respected and generous king. These qualities of character were admired by the people of his time and place. All people of Hrothgar's kingdom respected this king, and they all accepted his â€Å"very word far and wide as a command.† The people also give him great titles such as the â€Å"Lord of the Mighty Danes,† â€Å"guardian of the Scyldings,† and â€Å"protector of warriors.† Much of these people's respect come in response to Hrothgar's generosity to everyone. This generosity can be seen towards Beowulf, when the king gives his thanks for the heroic deeds of the warrior. Hrothgar rewards Beowulf with priceless material as he says to the warrior, â€Å"You shall lack no earthly riches I can offer you.† The people of the land also trust their king, who holds a strong belief in God. In the scene where Hrothgar celebrates Grendel's death, he holds the monsters hand as he says, â€Å"Let us give thanks at once to God Almighty for this sight.† The followers of the king both respect and trust their ruler, and through his generosity and strong trust in good, Hrothgar displays the ideal code of conduct for an Anglo- Saxon king. Another epic hero that has qualities that follow the Anglo-Saxon code of conduct is Beowulf. This warrior, known to be the â€Å"strongest man alive,† leaves for a heroic journey when he hears of the evil Grendel. He first shows his strength and bravery when he sets sail to assist Hrothgar in defeating Grendel after hearing news of the creature in his own land. Beowulf is constantly referred to as brave, such as when he defeats Grendel, and Hrothgar must reward him for his heroics. As the â€Å"brave man moved forward until he stood immediately before the Danish lord,† Hrothgar says, â€Å"I will reward this brave man with treasures.† The unbeatable strength of Beowulf shows during his confrontation with Grendel, when the monster instantly realizes that â€Å"never had he met any man

Christmas As I Know It :: Personal Narrative Religion Papers

Christmas As I Know It Christmas used to be a tradition in my family — or at least I thought so. I had always associated Christmas with Storyland, and since we are Jewish, that always pleased my father. I think he felt comfortable labeling his children Jewish, and as long as that didn’t upset my mother, he would take us to Storyland to help us forget Christmas. But we still got to go to Storyland. Storyland was always closed in December. We drove by my favorite summertime childhood experience, and I watched as we sped by, wondering why I couldn't hear about Mother Gooses children. "Storyland is closed now, honey," my mom said as she glanced in my fathers direction. He seemed to hide behind the steering wheel, almost ashamed of telling me where I thought we were going. But I know that deep down, he was satisfied that for at least the rest of the day, I wouldnt ask him about Christmas. Instead, the real purpose of the drive was to go to the Christmas Farm Inn, a quiet, quaint inn in Jackson, New Hampshire. I think I was four years old when my family started coming to the Christmas Farm Inn. I still dont understand why my father agreed to go each year, but I guess it was only fair to my mom. My mom came from a Lutheran household where Christmas trees and Sunday services were the norm. She agreed to give up part of her past to raise my sister and I Jewish, but the Christmas Farm Inn was her way of celebrating Christmas. We may not have had a family tree, but we still woke up on Christmas morning with presents awaiting us. I remember I loved Christmas Eve dinner. But I also remember how I loved it too much. There was turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, you name it (its funny how I only eat that type of meal once a year on Thanksgiving, while most of my friends have it on Christmas and Easter as well). After dinner, my family went to a party with all the Inns guests, and I made sure I was the first to sit on Santas lap when it was time to read The Night Before Christmas. A tall, blond-haired man who looked like my elementary school principal read the story out loud and I spent my time listening attentively.

Essay --

When I was in upper form in secondary school, numbers were a nightmare to me. Additional mathematics was the major reason of this worse thing that could ever happened to me. Until one day, I got offer from MARA Professional College of Beranang to do a Diploma in Accountancy. It is totally a right one as I am able to get pointer 4.0 for every final semester examination. As time passes, I am sure that numbers are major concern but in a positive side now. The most interesting part of doing accounting is the feeling of being able to solve the problems, to get the correct figure and to get the Statement of Financial Position balanced is such a satisfaction for me. My academic achievement have always make me smile and sometimes cry also. For a person who is phobia of numbers, I managed to get excellent result for my final examination. Of course it required a lot of hard works but after all, no pain no gain. Today, I am glad and proud to say that I love accounting. During my college years, I was members of the Students' Representative Council holding the responsibilities of Exco of Arts an...

American Revolution – Essay 12

Carly Zeravica American Revolution Essay Period 3 9/20/11 When did the American Revolution start? Some historians say that it began after the French and Indian War ended in 1763 and others say that it began when the colonists first came to North America in 1607. Regardless, the colonists achieved separation from the changeless ways in Britain and created new ideas for the â€Å"new world. † After years of ignorance from Britain, the colonies began to form their own identity as a whole. They now had a vision of their future, but were restrained in numerous ways by the British. However, the colonists refused to tolerate British limitations. The American Revolution was a product of colonial rejection to Britain’s attempts at taxation, legislation, and economic control. Britain’s triumph in the Seven Years’ War came with a price. Britain acquired a large amount of land from the defeated empires of France and Spain, accompanied by a large amount of debt. About half of this debt was a result of defending the American colonies. Therefore, the British government began taxing the colonies in order to pay off their substantial monetary obligation. Americans became infuriated, especially with officials such as Prime Minister George Grenville, who imposed The Sugar Act. This placed a tax on foreign sugar imported from the West Indies. The British viewed taxation as colonial compensation for protection. The Sugar Act excitement settled after the duty was lowered, but it was soon followed by more taxing. Charles Townshend, a British politician, influenced Parliament to pass the Townshend Acts. These acts placed an import tax on items such as glass, paper, and tea. Colonists rebelled once again, creating nonimportation agreements against the Townshend Acts. Although colonists were primarily angry with the tax on tea, they ignored the duties and began smuggling. Ultimately, taxation was a British effort to abuse the rights of the Americans. Taxes, along with Parliamentary legislations and economy, eventually built up, intensified, and led to the American Revolution. Throughout the seventeenth century, the American colonies argued with Britain about the level of freedom they deserved. Britain believed that the colonists had too much freedom, while they claimed there wasn’t enough. Britain took action by passing a series of laws and acts, restricting the thirteen colonies further. London government started their restrictions by issuing the Proclamation of 1763. This document stated that the colonists could not settle land beyond the Appalachian Mountains. The Proclamation was viewed as an â€Å"oppression† by Americans, particularly land speculators. They felt that their right to progress west was being taken from them, and were thoroughly angered at this. However, British government wouldn’t stop here. Until 1763, Navigation Laws were faintly enforced, allowing products to be shipped to the colonies without going through British vessels or the country itself. Then, Prime Minister George Grenville demanded that the British navy strictly impose the laws. The Americans wanted to have control of their â€Å"new world†, and saw no logic in confinement to British rule. Nonetheless, more policies were issued, including the infamous Intolerable Acts. These rules were placed on Massachusetts, Boston specifically, taking away the rights of the colonists living there. As a part of the Intolerable Acts, the Quebec Act was passed, expanding the Quebec borders to the Ohio River and granting French Canadians exclusive rights. Bitterness continued to brew in the colonies because these acts proved inequality within America. There was no colonial government whatsoever, and the British policies were strongly enforced. All that was left in the hands of the colonists was the growth of their economy, or so they thought. Wealth was power in the eyes of mercantilists, and wealth was determined by the amount of gold or silver a country possessed. The thirteen colonies were used essentially as a factory by London government, producing what was necessary to fulfill their mercantilist goals. They were solely meant to generate goods for Britain, who saw their aspiration to have an independent economy as a unrealistic. All gold and silver was going straight to Britain, and the Americans soon ran out of funds. Consequently, they were required to print and utilize paper currency. Parliament banned this, shutting down this step towards economic self-sufficiency. Colonial production was only beneficial to the mother country and when Americans grasped this, it was the inal straw of toleration. Upon departure from Britain in 1607, settlers were guaranteed the â€Å"rights of Englishmen†. Following their arrival, these promised rights were rapidly being taken away from Americans. As the colonies tried to stand on their own, Britain strived to maintain power. Restrictions and regulations began to infest the colonies, and quickly be came unbearable to the liberated Americans. Taking action against British smothering, the colonists revolted. The American Revolution was a product of colonial rejection to Britain’s attempts at taxation, legislation, and economic control.

Sample Memo for Company Team Building

Memo that informs: Corporate Team Building in Alberta. You are the coordinator of staff development for Imperial Oil. It has been recently announced that Imperial Oil is moving its headquarters from Toronto to Calgary. The news has been greeted positively by employees, but a few are unhappy while others already working in the Calgary office are unsure how well the amalgamation of the two offices with their different cultures will go.Recognizing the feeling of uncertainty, you decide to hold a series of corporate team-building retreats shortly after the headquarters move to Calgary. The retreat will be led by the Great Canadian Adventure Company. Employees will meet in downtown Calgary at 8:00 a. m. and buses will pick them up and take them to the Sylvan Lake area. There, they will spend the day on team-building like map-reading exercises that will require employee teams to find their way through a wooded area to a â€Å"home base† where lunch will be served.The group will retu rn to downtown to Calgary by 7:00 p. m. Your task. As the coordinator of staff development, write a memo to all employees announcing the retreat. You recognize the fact that there may be some friction between the â€Å"new† people from Toronto and the long-time Calgary employees. Draft: To: All Employees of Imperial Oil From: Coordinator of Staff Development Date: October 22, 2012Subject: Corporate Team building in Alberta This is to inform all employees about the company retreat being held by the Great Canadian Adventure Company. Employees will meet in downtown Calgary at 8:00 a. m.Buses will pick them up and take to the Sylvan Lake area.Group will return downtown Calgary at 7:00 p. m.This retreat is being held to recognized the feeling of uncertainty from the two offices after moving of headquarters to Calgary.

Skin

Identity and Belonging Karen Ford May 14, 2012 Skin – directed by Anthony Fabian Skin has so much power on so many levels. It is both empowering and disabling. Protagonist Sandra Laing proves to be a survivor, but at what cost? She is alienated from her family, her home and her identity because of South Africa’s ‘‘Population Regeneration Act’’. For a long time xenophobia, fear and racism have been enmeshed and hidden within government policy. The issues explored in Skin are no different to those sometimes raised in connection with British settlement of Australia, the stolen generation and Australia’s asylum seeker policies.More specifically, a court case last year in which commentator Andrew Bolt was accused of racial vilification touched on attitudes reflected in Skin. Mr Bolt’s comments regarding ‘‘fair-skinned Aboriginal people’’ were found to be in breach of the Racial Discrimination Act. A theme in b oth the Bolt case and Skin is the way skin colour is used as a weapon against individuals and their rights as human beings. One of the ‘‘disabling’’ elements of Skin is that so much of the South African landscape looks so much like the Australian outback.It is ironic that the beauty of the landscape is countered by the ugliness of racism where the rights of individuals to belong are less valued than the fear of those powerful few. Is the landscape the only aspect we have in common? Sandra’s question — What did I do wrong? — could also be the question posed by any person rejected and isolated on the basis of ‘‘difference’’. Sandra is neither white nor black, and as a result is denied a happy life. Though the film traces her life over 30 years, with legislative change along the way, a more entrenched culture of discrimination remains.Though the end of the film brings happiness to Sandra, with her tuck shop, doesn ’t the fact that her two brothers refuse to have contact with her suggest a lamentation for true equality and the existence of persecution? In some ways, Skin is more about Sandra’s father than it is about her. He is a very complex character who insists justice be pursued. But what kind of justice is it that is based on denial? Abraham’s insistence on having Sandra reclassified ‘‘white’’ is not so much for her benefit. He admits he is doing it ‘‘for all of us’’.To have the young Sandra attend a white school and be subjected to furious media inquiries and to drag her to face a courtroom does not suggest an understanding of her needs as much as his pursuit of legal justice. Abraham needs her to be ‘‘white’’ to assuage his own ‘‘black genes’’ and racist philosophy. Working with the Text Skin is all about identity. Sandra is ‘‘born’’ one thing but ‘‘taught’’ she is another. Throughout the film she is ‘‘punished’’ for committing a crime — that of being neither black nor white.Perhaps the greatest tragedy is that her own family rejects her because she does not conform to the ‘‘Afrikaans’’ ways inherent in the National Party to which her family belongs. The nature-nurture divide is reinforced throughout the film and the idea that ‘‘without connection to others there is no me’’ (2011 VCAA English Exam) can be linked to the film in many ways. It is skin that causes tension with her father; it is skin that causes her to be humiliated in school and to gravitate towards the black workers on her farm.It is skin that forms an attachment to Petrus, the black employee and first male to show her any sense of happiness and comfort; it is skin that ultimately causes her to be abused by her husband and which made her a ref erence point for the multiracial elections of 1994 and the victory by Mandela’s African National Congress. Living among the black community, Sandra is confronted with racism from within — a racism created by racism. After the Government Issue destruction of the homes, Sandra and Petrus are exiled into the bush along with the many others exiled on the basis of their skin.One can understand Petrus’ frustration and malaise as he rejects Sandra because she is white. There is truth in his alcohol-infused dirge: ‘‘They treat us like animals †¦ and we’re supposed to believe we’re human †¦ ’’ The audience must wonder how anyone is this predicament would feel a sense of belonging. Indeed, several instances in the film reinforce Sandra’s literal and metaphorical nomadism. She is shown coming to and leaving an environment; she is shown walking over the country and back again to find a place where she can belong.Sandr a is constantly moving or being moved to find a ‘‘home’’. Even at the end of the film, when Sandra is shown happily working inside her rainbow-coloured tuck shop, it is a makeshift add-on to her brick unit. So where does that leave the text and the prompt? What does Sandra have connection with? How does the film reflect the idea of connection and identity? Sandra wants only to connect. It is those around her who prevent her connection — hence preventing her happiness and sense of belonging.Prejudice and bigotry — even from her own family — are endemic in those who believe there is something wrong in being different, something to scorn and deride. Throughout the film, though, there is one place where Sandra finds a connection, and that is with other women. Sandra is supported and empowered by the women in the film, including the black workers on the family property. The bond of motherhood connects them and, regardless of location, women find support in other women. The women pass on her letters.It is her mother who struggles to maintain a relationship with her; it is Petrus’ mother who supports and cuddles her during their exile and it is her mother she seeks out following her abuse. It is the women who reflect the importance of belonging through kindness, compassion and nurturing. The power of women to override the political and cultural divide, and embrace connection, is the empowering force in Skin. In the end, the film confirms that connection does not have to mean a physical or even emotional connection. It can be a spiritual one, and this is what Skin celebrates.Sandra’s struggle is less about skin colour than it is about knowing that where we find happiness is where we belong. And for Sandra, that is a simple life helping, caring and supporting those less fortunate from her Rainbow Tuck Shop. Identity and Belonging – Sample prompts * Conflicts can strengthen our understanding of where we belong. * Belonging enriches and challenges identity. * Choosing not to belong may be detrimental but rewarding. ‘Identity and Belonging’ quotations list An identity would seem to be arrived at by the way in which the person faces nd uses his experience. (James Baldwin – Actor)) From the beginning each human embryo has its own genetic identity. (Robert Casey) The value of identity is that so often with it comes purpose. (Richard Grant – US writer) We all need a past – that’s where our sense of identity comes from. (Penelope Lively – English writer) I think history is inextricably linked to identity. If you don’t know your history, if you don’t know your family, who are you? (Mary Pipher) We are shaped by our thoughts, we become what we think. (Buddha)You can’t change the past but you can change the way you view it. (Anon) To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greates t achievement. Ralph Waldo Emerson What a man can be he must be. Abraham Maslow Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. Kenyan Proverb Yes, your home is your castle, but it is also your identity and your possibility to open to others. David Soul – US writer We may have different religions, different languages, different coloured skin, but we all belong to the human race. Kofi Annan – ex President of the United NationsBeing human signifies, for each one of us, belonging to a class, a society, a country, a continent and a civilization. Claude Levi-Strauss Man is made by his belief. As he believes, so he is. Baghavid Gita The value of identity is that it so often with it comes purpose. Richard R. Grant Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds. George Eliot Topic ‘Sometimes we learn more about ourselves from our enemies than from our friends. ’ ‘When you know who you are, you know where you belong. ’ ‘Without connection to other s there is no me. ’ ‘Having a sense of being different makes it difficult to belong. ’

Girls Education Essay

It is one the basic necessities to be educated for human, as world is full of competition, where one needs certain amount of skills to survive and be a threat to others. Education gives an insight to the person to differentiate between good and bad. Both men and women are part of our society so we need education for the females as well as for the males. In India despite of all the plans measures, initiatives and tall claims by the government and various voluntary organizations, a vast majority of the girls are yet illiterate in India. During the last four decades since independence, many schools and colleges are founded for girls. Education of girls is one of the basic features of the government plans. The female education is important for the society as mothers are the first teachers of the children. They are the first teachers of the future citizens of the country. It is being increasingly recognized that educated wives and mothers are an asset to a nation. Educated girls are working in banks, private firms, hospitals and government offices and supporting their families as well as contributing to the development of the country. Educated girls have an honored position in society. They have secured their rights from the reluctant men but all this is confined chiefly to the urban areas. Indians are conservative by nature. So, their blind faith and age old superstition stood against the female education. In rural areas most of the people are still against girls’ education. So much needs to be done yet. Special legislation should be enacted to deal with parents who neglect the education of their daughters. There are many villages where schools for girls do not exist. Every village must have a girl’ schools, or if that is not possible owing to lack of funds, parents should be persuaded to admit their daughters to the schools providing co-education. In recent years situation has improved considerably. People have felt the virtue of female education. Now in India we find women professors, lady doctors, lady scientists, lady politicians and lady ministers. Girls should be educated in the interest of our national progress. India is now optimistic in the field of female education. We had the female philosophers like Gargi, in the Vedic age. We had Mirabai, Ahalyabi and Laxmibai in the days of history. They were all learned. Hence, we had a great tradition during the days of our degeneration. Now, we have revived. So, we will certainly revive the female education in India.

Anne Frank Essays - Women In World War II, Stateless People

Anne Frank Audrey Strickland On June 12, 1929, at 7:30 A.M. a baby girl was born in Frankfurt, Germany. No one realized that this infant, who was Jewish, was destined to become one of the world?s most famous victims of World War II. Her name was Anne Frank, and her parents were Edith Frank Hollandar and Otto Frank. She had one sister, Margot, who was three years older than she was. Anne led a happy and normal childhood, and on her 13th birthday she received a diary from her parents. It became special to her as years went by. It is through this diary that much about World War II and Anne?s life has been learned. In 1933, her and her family left Frankfurt, a large Jewish community, and settled in Amsterdam. Her father foresaw that Hitler?s power boded disaster for the Jews. In May 1940, the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands took place, which cast a shadow on Anne?s happy childhood. The situation became worse with the restrictions placed on the Jews. One restriction was that Jewish children were only allowed at Jewish schools. Anne went to the Jewish school called The Jewish Lyceum. In July 1942, Anne?s family went into hiding in the Prinsengracht building. Anne?s family called it the ?Secret Annex?. During these times people they knew like, Miep and Jan Gies and many others, brought the family?s food. You would have to be very brave to take on a job like that because, if you got caught you could be killed. Life in the Annex was not easy at all. Anne had to wake up at 6:45 A.M. every morning. Nobody could go outside. No one could turn on lights at night. Anne mostly read books or wrote stories. Much of Anne?s diary was written while in hiding. Most of the families got separated, but Anne?s family never was. For this, they were lucky. In 1944, their hiding place was revealed, and they were taken into custody. The day after their arrest they were transferred to the Huis Van Bewaring, a prison on Weteringschans. On Aug. 8, they were transported from the main railroad station in Amsterdam to the Westerbork detention camp. For a month, the Franks were kept in the ?disciplinary barracks?, not as ordinary prisoners, but inmates convicted of a crime. The crime was hiding. On September 3, 1944, aboard the last transport to leave the Netherlands, Anne?s family and those who were with them, were brought to the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp. By then more than 100,000 Dutch Jews had been deported. This last transport held 498 men, 442 women, and 79 children a total of 1,019 people. This transport arrived in Aushwitz during the night of September 5. Right after they got there, men and women were separated. The following day, 549 people from this last transport, among them all the children less than 15 years of age, were sent to the gas chambers, where they would be killed. Women who had not been selected for extinction had to walk to the Birkenau women?s camp. Edith Frank and her daughters were among them. This camp was known as a ?death camp?. They had a goal to get rid of all the Jews and Gypsies. By September 1944, almost two million people had been gassed. After the arrival of the last transport from Westerbork, there were about 39,000 people in the women?s camp. Margot and Anne stayed there for almost two months. They were then to be shipped to Bergen-Belsen. Mrs. Frank didn?t want to leave her daughters, so she stayed with them until they were shipped away. On January 6, 1945, Edith Frank died in Aushwitz-Birkenau of grief and exhaustion. Anne and Margot were sent to Bergen-Belsen on October 28. Margot and Anne died within days of each other, of the disease typhus. Bergen-Belsen was liberated by the British shortly after, on April 15, 1945. Of the last transport, with 1,019 people, that left Westerbork on September 3, 1944 for Aushwitz, 45 men and 82 women survived. Anne?s father lived on for many years and made sure that Anne?s diary was published. Her diary was published in 1947 and was then made into a film. This diary helps people remember what the Jews went

For most people, working is simply a means to pay the bills, it has no Essay - 1

For most people, working is simply a means to pay the bills, it has no intrinsic worth. Discuss - Essay Example But the real truth is that regardless of whether one is a caveman or a city dweller, he or she has to make some effort to put food on his table, even if he does not have bills to pay. We work basically to feed our bellies. But is that enough? No, one might say, the glittering world of materialism makes us work towards buying a new set of sofas, a Plasma TV, a shiny new car and God knows what else all in the name of ‘necessity.’ The relationship between work, money and maintaining a lifestyle has corrupted us to such an extent that we have to work to keep up with the Joneses or have our name high up in society. In this essay, I am going to argue that work cannot simply be understood as the means to pay the bills – it has a far deeper meaning for individuals in our society than simply providing for wages or salary. However this does not necessarily mean that it has any intrinsic worth to the individual. Section One of my essay will discuss the readings of Jackson and Carter (2000) and O’Doherty (2006), whereby I shall explore the strong and deep connections between work and an individual’s sense of self- indeed, the search for a secure personal identity. In Section Two subsequently drawing upon the work of Rosen (1988) and others I will show how the managers of modern corporations are explicitly encouraged to design the workplace and motivate employees, so that these employees connect their sense of self with the organizations they work for. But even this does not adequately explain the whole meaning of work for individuals. In Section Three I will discuss the viewpoints made by Jackall (1988), Knights and Roberts (1982), and Morgan (2006) that show the anxiety, subordination and domination that may also describe the unfortunate experience of work for both managerial and non-managerial employees. In conclusion, I will reiterate that work for most of us today is more t han just the means to pay bills - however this does not necessarily mean

BrandMaker Company Issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

BrandMaker Company Issues - Essay Example Power is the capacity to inï ¬â€šuence other people, that it is conferred by the control of resources (positive and negative outcomes, rewards and costs, information, etc.) that are desired, valued or needed by others and which make them dependent upon the inï ¬â€šuencing agent for the satisfaction of their needs or reaching their goals. Different types of resources confer different types of power leading to different kinds of inï ¬â€šuence (Turner, 2005). Power can also be defined as social process by which results can be obtained (Perkins & Arvinen-Muondo, 2013). The extent of power is also an important factor which depends largely on the level of need of those who are dependent upon the authority that possesses the control of resources. The greater the dependency of people on a specific resource, the greater is the influence of those who.  In BrandMaker’s CIM division’s case the power struggle can harm the business coming to CIM since Carlos’s loyalty lie s with EAD and his vision about CIM does not involve qualitative data. It is based only on quantitative data, figures and analysis of cost cuttings, expansion of BrandMaker business by providing EAD services to ‘big ticket’ clients that are with CIM. Carlos is of the opinion that growth is only possible if both EAD and CIM are allowed an equal chance considering them a part of the same field of work. Carlos believes in strengthening EAD by bringing in CIM rather than realizing these two as separate field of work and growing them accordingly.

Language in Copley's Gibraltar Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Language in Copley's Gibraltar - Essay Example Dadaism â€Å"unbound† language and played with its potential. I also want to â€Å"unbind† â€Å"language† as a concept by relating it to one of John Singleton Copley's paintings, The Siege and Relief of Gibraltar. I selected the word â€Å"language,† because it has a large role in several defining experiences of my college life. In this essay, I describe painting as a â€Å"language† in itself that can be directly experienced, struggled with, and enjoyed, which is like learning a second â€Å"language.† A painting has a â€Å"language† that can be directly experienced, when the audience try to interpret its implied stories and meanings. The Siege and Relief of Gibraltar tells the story of the battle between two old superpowers, Spain and Great Britain, a battle that can be related to the struggles of learning a second language. The painting asks the audience to see the Battle at Gibraltar in splendid action and drama with definitive winners and losers. It is neatly divided into two planes of the two groups. The British are depicted as an orderly and coordinated team. General Sir George Eliott leads his men through giving orders on how to float the Spanish flotillas or floating batteries. The Spaniards witness their flotillas sinking along with their crew. They are portrayed, not only as the losers, but also as barely human beings, because of the lack of details in how they were painted. I look at this painting and it teases my imagination, as I think about Eliott's ingenuity in planning always three steps ahead. I can feel the experience of the action in the battlefield. I designate myself as an impassioned observer, but amazed at the military tactics and technologies used during these times. General Sir George Eliott has planned everything so well that his men hardly had to do anything, while the Spaniards, in sharp contrast, resemble cats who are at their ninth life. They will try everything to survive. The S iege and Relief of Gibraltar has embedded meanings and implications that â€Å"language† can dismantle. This visual reading is similar to learning a second â€Å"language,† where I also have to make sense of the arbitrary symbols the English â€Å"language.† I find it perplexing to no longer see my native â€Å"language† as arbitrary, because I have grown with it. It is part of my breathing already. Yet this other â€Å"language† loses its natural character and becomes emerged into arbitrariness, transforming it into an alien code that I have to learn and decipher. I understand now why Dadaism undermined the linguistic sign. A foreign â€Å"language† can take a psychophysiological eidetic experience, one that can be broken apart and played with (Rumold 77). In addition, Copley's painting fits what Keats describes as the ability of a work of art to become a â€Å"made† entity that catch the audience by â€Å"teasing [them] out of thou ght† (cited in Behrendt 37). Truly, reading a painting can bring the audience to an â€Å"imaginative alternative reality† (Behrendt 38). Furthermore, the painting, as an experience, pushes the audience to attack the works through reflecting on the process that it is perceived and assessed (Behrendt 38). Learning a second â€Å"language† also invited me to be critical of this perception process. How do I see English as a â€Å"

Importance of Inspirational Leaders, Well-Organised Human Resource Research Paper

Importance of Inspirational Leaders, Well-Organised Human Resource Serves in a Company - Research Paper Example Corporate culture is the ultimate power to greatness and only companies with a strong and cohesive culture succeed, such as Apple, Google, Hewlett - Packard (HP) among others. According to Alice Branch (2003), Corporate culture can be sliced and diced and be understood: the easier it is for culture to be signed, the healthier the culture and consequently, the stronger the company’s business performance. A good example of this principle is McDonald’s. Corporate culture involves the main aims of an organization, the strategies that will be employed in meeting those aims and the way the stakeholders should behave while striving to achieve those aims. It takes the effort of the top management to maintain its culture; this is by interacting a lot and communicating effectively, especially to employees of what is expected of them (Auxillium West, 2008). Corporate behavior is affected by effective leadership. The culture can be either weak or strong. Weak is where the employees fail to identify with the values of the organization hence need to be pushed to carry out tasks from the organization’s point of view. While the converse is true for strong cultures as people tend to think as a group on the direction to be taken during decision making. Various methods have been employed in grouping cultural change. The David Francis innovation model insists that an appropriate culture must be adopted, developed and maintained over time. Th e culture of an organization must not only be supportive but also demanding. He further emphasized that for a culture to be right, the workforce must be given selective empowerment, high enrolment in the innovation and creativity process and deliberate encouragement for involvement in innovation.

The Cold War and the Concept of American Citizenship Essay

The Cold War and the Concept of American Citizenship - Essay Example At the same time, the growth in power of the Stalinist USSR and the concerns with respect to the future of the world order after the decline of old European powers (Britain included) led the U.S. to intervene much more actively in the internal affairs of their partner (and satellite) states, contributing to the rise of anti-imperialist and anti-militarist mentality among the wide sectors of the American population. These two developments led directly to the transformation of the concept of American citizenship, which was now considered to be both a sign of super-power entitlement and a stigma connected with the U.S. ‘imperialist’ designs. In general, the end of WWII was met with immense jubilation by the U.S. public, as it was believed that the end of hostilities would bring about the new prosperity. However, already in 1946, the Fulton Speech by British statesmen Winston Churchill signified that the Western powers were to confront the Soviet opposition in the post-WWII settlement of the globe. Thus a picture of the new global rift emerged that pitted the USA against the allegedly ‘merciless’ Soviet communists. This generally Manichean worldview found its most visible expression in the McCarthyist campaign of anti-communist hysteria that was accompanied with veritable persecution of all alleged supporters of the Communist Party of the USA. Within a McCarthyist discourse, such individuals were regarded as traitors to not only the U.S. Federal government, but to a very ‘American Way of Life’ that was to be considered sacrosanct by all citizens. This inherently conservative interpretation focused on such symbols as private property, freedom of religion and free enterprise to rally the opponents of Soviet Communism around the visage of the American national identity. In this way, the American civic patriotism became increasingly associated with the notions of economic liberalism and social and political conservatism, which wer e now to co-exist in a potentially uneasy synthesis. It is characteristic that McCarthyist paid specific attention to the notions of citizenship, as disloyal elements, potentially of European migrant descent, were to be deprived of their American citizenship, if considered ‘un-American’. The activities of a famed House Committee for Un-American Activities (HUAC) may be considered an epitome of McCarthyist efforts to bring about such an outcome for their ideological opponents. Nevertheless, the McCarthyist project for the revamping of the American cultural and civic identity, with the subsequent de-liberalization of the American political culture, was bound to failure, as the significant segments of the American political elite were loath to allow the conservatives to monopolize the political agenda of the nation. The dismissal of McCarthy and the discrediting of his supporters meant that the U.S. elite were to move in direction of the socially liberal policies that were tried in the New Deal period. Both Eisenhower and Kennedy may be regarded as the consistent promoters of such a course, notwithstanding all understandable differences in their internal and foreign policies. The late 1950s saw the gradual de-emphasizing of the geo-political confrontation with the USSR, as the level of anxiety and concern with the Soviet threat began to subside after the death of Stalin and especially after the effective end of the Korean War. These two developments, together with the end of the post-WWII economic reconstruction and the definite beginning of an era of consumer spending and individual prosperity that was not seen and even imaginable in previous decades, helped re-define the concept of American citizens

Cybersecurity Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 7

Cybersecurity - Coursework Example This is because it is distinctive to a message, small changes to a message causes a different has, therefore, warning of interference. Symmetric methods may be the most suitable for securing movie videos from unlawful viewing while kept on servers in the cloud. A sender may use a key to program a message into cipher text. The receiver may employ the identical key to decipher it. This will permit only individuals who have authorization to the movie videos to view them. (Delfs & Knebl, 2007). Yes. The American government can employ a cloud-based model to enhance its operations. This is because applications of cloud technology do not rely on on-site staff or agency servers. A cloud-based computing model is beneficial in several ways. One, it will reduce governmental cost. Payments are made incrementally. Two, the government can save more information than on private systems. Third, government officials can access data from any place. Fourth, government agencies can collaborate and communicate efficiently (Rabkin & Zaharia, 2010). Community cloud model should be utilized for inter-agency connections. This is because this model shares resource among a number of organizations from an area with mutual interests, for example, jurisdiction, compliance, and security, whether managed by a third-party or internally and hosted outwardly or inwardly. The expenses are shared among less people than a public cloud (Zittrain, 2008). Meaning, only certain cost savings ability of cloud computing are fulfilled. Hybrid Cloud should be utilized for the public-private partnership critical infrastructure. A hybrid cloud entails a blend of a private and public cloud that work together, but remain sole units. This provides the advantage of numerous deployment models. Public-private partnerships are able to get levels of locally immediate usability and fault tolerance without depending on the connectivity of the internet when they use hybrid cloud for its critical