Monday, September 30, 2019

The Benetton Supply Chain

THE BENETTON SUPPLY CHAIN – CASE STUDY Retail operations – main objectives Benetton? s core business is in the manufacturing, production and sale of casual and sportswear, which accounts for 95% of total revenues (Camuffo et al, 2001: 47). The company has a market presence in over 120 countries and has consistently generated revenues exceeding $2 billion throughout this decade (Industry profile, 2007: 15). It has 5,000 retail outlets around the world, the vast majority of which are run by independent managers as part of a franchise arrangement whereby the licensee? of those outlets sell products which carry the Benetton brand name (Skjott-Larsen et al 2007: 94). A key objective of Benetton HQ (based in Treviso, Italy) has always been to retain overall control on every aspect of product sales, thereby ensuring that the Benetton â€Å"total look† is adhered to. The company is renowned for having a distinctive philosophy which is espoused through controversial adver tising techniques (Dapiran 1992:8).Its global network of sales agents each holds responsibility for their own geographic area. They work closely with franchise operators in the sale and distribution of its goods, as well as overseeing all aspects of merchandising (Camuffo et al 2001: 47). A global information system unites every link in the supply chain. Stiff competition has forced Benetton to radically change its retail strategy (Economist: 9 November 2004). To that end it has introduced over 100 „mega-stores? nd, whilst the majority remain under the franchise system, the company has decided to take direct ownership and control of a few as it seeks to form a closer relationship with its clientele; the logic being that this will facilitate a deeper understanding of customer preferences (Camuffo et al 2001:50). One expert has stated that Benetton – a former market leader – is lagging behind its competitors, not through any defects in its supply chain, but more be cause it is â€Å"less good at seeing the opportunity†, inferring that the franchise system is to blame because it creates a barrier between company and customer.Zara, on the other hand, is proving to be far more successful because of it has adopted „agile? supply chain practices (Cane 2007:1). Diversifying into new product ranges such as the sportswear market, as well as an added emphasis on its lifestyle branding is a key pillar of the new approach. Its Fabrica, Killer Loop and Playlife brands are all geared towards capturing a large slice of the youth market (FT: 9 May 2003). As the Managing Director explains, â€Å"we want the market to know that Benetton is about more than just colourful sweaters.It? s a lifestyle concept† (HargraveSilk 2003:1). The Asian markets are vital to Benetton? s future retail operations objectives, recording a 35% profit rise in Russia and 50% rise in India in 2007 (Women? s Wear Daily: 14 November 2007). Although Europe remains Ben etton? s largest market it has recently refocused its attention towards building brand awareness in the emerging markets of Asia, the Middle East and the Far East (Evans 2004:1).One insider sums up the Benetton retail philosophy, when (s)he states that â€Å"we do not want to start with high prices to attract people later on with high discounts, but we want our customers to appreciate every time of the year that there is the right ratio between quality and price† (Evans 2004:1). Physical distribution operation –main objectives The company describes itself as „vertically de-integrated? , meaning that its core functional activities such as design and global strategy are still centralized.Nonetheless it is willing to outsource those activities where it is unable to achieve in-house economies of scale. Its logistics operation has always been directly controlled, in large part owing to the integral part it plays to the companies overall success. Key to effectiveness i s the rapid flow of market intelligence between customer and factory. This is achieved through maximising the benefits of EDI technology which facilitates direct flow of communication between the agent networks representing the 5000 retail outlets.EDI information allows Benetton manufacturers to delay the dyeing process up until a clear understanding is reached on market requirements. This eliminates the build up of wasteful inventories, thereby reducing costs, slashing cycle times and maximising efficiencies. Once this information is relayed to the centre, Benetton is able to arrange bulk delivery of products from its regional distribution centres which are highly automated and thus able to cope with demand.The company describes their strong track record in distribution as being down to its „360 degree vision; in other words a recognition from the outset as to the strategic importance of logistics through integrating suppliers, manufacturers and retailers in a value chain tha t thrived on speed, efficiency and flexibility (Dapiran 1992:9-11). Factory & suppliers – main objectives Benetton? s manufacturing processes are characterised by strong upstream vertical integration which entails significant output at its own production entres (22 in Italy and 10 abroad), as well as outsourcing the more labourintensive tasks such as tailoring and ironing (Camuffo et al 2001:49). The Treviso HQ has overall control over design activities. CAD technology is fully utilised to maximise opportunities for the speedy bringing to market of mass produced garments. This is achieved through the effective usage of 500 subcontractors who work in the vicinity of the companies HQ and production base.The sub-contractor group, often themselves former Benetton managers, organise the second tier of small factories who undertake the labour-intensive processes (Skjott- Larsen et al 2007: 95-96). A pyramid analogy has been used to describe the hierarchical nature of this relations hip, with Benetton at the apex, the sub-contractors forming the second tier and the army of small workshops forming the bottom layer (Harrison 1993: 160) Benetton directly controls the supply of raw materials thereby achieving cost savings in supplier overheads.It has a very close relationship with the subcontractor base, thus ensuring that the factories under their control are able to satisfy market trends at short notice. This is a distinct advantage to their competitors who do not enjoy such flexibility and are hampered with fixedcost overheads (Skjott-Larsen et al 2007:97). Consider the following statistic: in 1990 90% of Benetton garments were produced in Italy. Now it is only 30% and within a few years it is expected to fall to only 10% (Economist: 8 February 2007).Such is the dramatic impact of globalisation. Benetton has responded by remaining true to its philosophy of tight central control by replicating its Treviso production model on a global basis. For instance Benetton Hungary has production oversight of 7 countries within the region (Camuffo et al 2001: 49). This is in keeping with the underlying company philosophy of creating global brands which transcend national boundaries. How well do these three interconnecting sets of operations fit together?For decades Benetton has consistently demonstrated that getting the right mix of the 3 supply chain functions is critical if market success is to be achieved. Its franchise network has proved to be adept at communicating critical market trend information via its EDI system to HQ who alerts the manufacturing side to the real-time needs of the market. Use of sophisticated CAD/ CAM technology has enabled Benetton to gain the upper hand on its competitors by being quick and flexible at this point in the production process (Dapiran 1992:9-10.Benetton has successfully exploited I. T. advantages from an early stage. Its Geis global integrated network has enabled agents to forward customer order details to the 500 sub-contractors based in the Veneto heartland where the company manufacturing capability has historically been located. Within days they are able to receive multiple orders from various country agents and rapidly set in motion the manufacturing work by fully exploiting the vast network of sub-contracted labour.The system is also connected to Benetton manufacturing plants worldwide (Johnston 1994: 2-3). Benetton is famous for using „postponement? tactics at the actual sequencing point of the production process, whereby dying of the garments is not completed until the agent network have provided market intelligence on what particular products are in demand in which locations. Tang points out the advantages of postponement when declaring that it has â€Å"proven to be a costeffective mass customisation tool to handle regular fluctuations under normal circumstances† (Tang 1996: 38).Camuffo has demonstrated that in recent years Benetton has successfully risen to a more c hallenging market environment by opting for a strategy that involved increasing its overall ownership and control of supply chain assets and only outsourcing those areas where the company was not in a position to achieve economies of scale. He points to the paradox of tighter centralized control over the whole supply chain, yet at the same time being able to achieve sufficient flexibility to rise to market challenges (Camuffo et al 2001: 52).There can be no doubt that Benetton prefers quite rigid control over processes, despite the tendency to opt for sub-contracting relationships with suppliers. It remains to be seen whether or not Benetton can sustain its competitive edge, particularly in the emerging markets of Asia, where much of its energy is now focused. The early signs are good, however it has been shown that competitors who are able to display more „agile? working practices can edge out established brands in a very short space of time. Zara is a case in point. SUPPLY C HAIN DIAGRAMHQ, Treviso Agent network EDI system Production hubs (32 worldwide; 22 in Italy) Outsourced factory production Global distribution system Franchise operators Mega stores 5000+ Retail outlets References Camuffo, A. , Romano, P and Vinelli, A (2001) „Back to the future: Benetton transforms its global network? , Sloan Management Review Volume 43(1) Cane, A. , „Agility: flexibility takes over from planning? Financial Times 20 November 2007. Available from http://ft. com [Accessed 15 February 2008 Dapiran, P. , (1992) „Benetton- Global logistics in action?International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Vol. 22, Issue 6 Available from: http://www. boku. ac. at [Accessed 16 February 2008] Evans, D. , „Benetton in Greater China push to build brand awareness? , Media: Asia's Media & Marketing Newspaper, 16 January 2004, Available from Business Source Premier [Accessed 15 February 2008] „Growth in India, Russia spurs Benetton profits? , Wom en’s Wear Daily, 14 November 2007, Vol 194, Issue 104. Available from: Business Source Premier [Accessed: 15 February 2008] Hargrave-Silk, A. „Benetton overhauls HK stores' strategy? , Media: Asia's Media & Marketing Newspaper,9th May 2003, Available from: Business Source Premier [Accessed: 14 February 2008] Harrison, B. , (1993) „The emergence of hierarchy within a district based production network: The United Colors of Benetton? in ‘The Italian industrial districts and the crisis of the cooperative reform: Part II’ European Planning Studies, Vol. 2, Issue 2 Infantswear industry profile: Italy, December 2007. Available from Business Source Premier [Accessed: 16 February 2008] Johnston, M. „Electronic commerce speeds Benetton business dealings Benetton Group SpA's use of General Electric Information Services' valueadded network services? Software Magazine, January 1994, Available from: http://www. //findarticles. com/ [Accessed: 15 February 2008 ] Skjott-Larsen T. , Schary P. B, Mikkola J. H & Kotzab H. , (2007) ‘Managing the Global Supply Chain’ Copenhagen Business School Press. Available online: http://www. google. com/books [Accessed 15 February 2008] Tang, C. S. (1996), „Robust strategies for mitigating supply chain disruptions?International Journal of Logistics: Research & Applications, Vol 9, Number 1 „The other colours? , Economist, 9th November 2004, Vol. 372, Issue 8392 Bibliography Benetton company website (Press release section) Available from: http://www. production. investis. com/ben_en/releases/2006-07-20/ [Accessed 15 February 2008] Kaiser, A. , „Benetton? s abrupt exists: CEO, CFO both depart, shares fall 8. 5 percent? , Women’s Wear Daily, 14 November 2006, Vol 192, Issue 102. Available from: Business Source Premier [Accessed: 15 February 2008] Kouvelis, P. Chambers C. , & Wang, H. , (2006) „Supply chain management research and productions operation management: re view, trends and opportunities? Production and Operations Management, Vol. 15, No. 3 „Material fitness? , Economist, 25 February 2006, Vol. 378, Issue 8466 Slack, N, Chambers, S. and Johnston, R. (2007) Operations Management, London, FT Prentice Hall Thomas, D. ,„Benetton takes lead on RFID? , Computer Weekly, 20th March 2003. Available from Business Source Premier [Accessed: 14 February 2008] END OF PAPER

Sunday, September 29, 2019

How does U.A.Fanthorpe create different personalities within the poems ‘Not My Best side’ and ‘Old Man, Old Man’? Essay

‘Not My Best Side’ and ‘Old Man, Old Man’, both by U.A.Fanthorpe, create different personalities and changes within these throughout the poems. Fanthorpe uses humour, different styles of language, imagery and stereotypes to put her point across. ‘Not My Best Side’ is based on Uccello’s painting from the Renaissance period, of St. George and the Dragon. Fanthorpe has in many ways reversed the personalities portrayed in the picture, and used modern stereotypes to show how hard it is to break out of stereotypes created by society. ‘Old Man, Old Man’ focuses more on change. It uses the stereotypes of an old man and a successful businessman. A narrator, who can be taken to be the old man’s daughter, tells the poem ‘Old Man, Old Man’. The poem uses imagery and different poetic techniques to strengthen the imagery and personalities. One of the main techniques used in both poems is enjambment. In ‘Not My Best Side’ it involves the reader and encourages them to guess what is about to happen. Alternatively, in ‘Old Man, Old Man’ it creates an element of confusion, giving the reader an in-sight into the old man’s feelings. ‘Now you ramble / In your talk around London districts, fretting / At how to find your way from Holborn to Soho.’ This highlights the confusion an old man is feeling as he begins to forget things that were once well known, and realises he is not as independent as he once was. The ‘insignificant’ memory lapse with use of enjambment persuades the reader to stop and feel empathy for the old man, similarly enjambment emphasises the word ‘fretting’. Enjambment also creates suspense in ‘Not My Best Side’, in the dragon’s case. ‘I don’t mind dying / Ritually, since I will always rise again,’ In ‘Old Man, Old Man’ Fanthorpe uses the change of pronoun to show the proximity between the old man and the narrator. Fanthorpe talks in the first half of the poem about the old man when he was younger. It is much less personal than in the second half, when he is an old man and their relationship has become much closer. ‘He was always/ A man who did-it-himself.’ We can tell this is less personal because Fanthorpe has used the pronoun ‘he’ whereas later in the poem, as the relationship is possibly closer, the narrator is talking directly to the old man and so uses ‘you’. ‘He’ is used to distinguish between past and present. It shows how the father – daughter relationship has become closer in the man’s old age because he actually needs his daughter. Fanthorpe proceeds to change the pronoun ‘he’ to ‘you’. This shows how the old man has altered, as well as reflecting the change in the relationship with his daughter. ‘He’, being less personal, also hints at how the daughter thinks of her father as a young man and her father now he is old as two completely different people when in reality they are the same. In ‘Not My Best Side’ if the change in the father’s personality was less important I expect Fanthorpe would have used ‘you wer e’. ‘When I left you tried not to cry’ Here the use of ‘you’ shows up the new, personal relationship between father and daughter. The daughter is talking directly to her father about who he has become. In the present, where ‘you’ is used, the father has become weaker and, even though he dislikes admitting it, needs his daughter’s help. Fanthorpe also uses the descriptions of objects in ‘Old Man, Old Man’ to hint at this new ‘weakness’. ‘recalcitrant / Things in bottles,’ describes not only disorderly things in bottles, but could also address the possible disobedience of his daughters, the memory loss and ageing which he cannot control either. In ‘Old Man, Old Man’ Fanthorpe used a variety of colloquial and poetic language. The poetic language is mainly towards the end of the poem and involves the reader as he tries to comprehend it, as well as show the old man’s confusion as he comes to terms with his amnesia. ‘So obdurate in your contracted world’ shows how the old man is still stubborn, selfish and too proud to be truly thankful for his daughter’s assistance. The more difficult poetic language conveys confusion, through the reader’s feelings towards the language, as well as the physical change in the old man. ‘I am only a cloud’ suggests he is going blind, so that his daughter is a cloud in his vision. The form of the poems varies totally. Both are free verse, therefore having no specific metre. ‘Not My Best Side’ particularly relies on the layout because of its significant three stanzas. There is no other way that this poem could be laid out without confusing the character’s points of view, or making the meaning of the poem unclear. If the stanzas were all ‘stuck’ together in one long verse, the characters still would not stand out and the appearance of the poem may be less appealing, looking more like a long mass of words. Humour is used in ‘Not My Best Side’ to make the poem more enjoyable while having a serious underlying point. The humour is successful because, although the poem is based on a medieval story, the language is very modern and gives the verses a comical twist. Fanthorpe refers to modern day issues, like acne, to give the poem humour, ‘I mean, / What was he like underneath all the hardware? / He might have acne, black heads or even / Bad breath for all I could tell,’ I find the tone of this statement humorous because looks are a definite issue today, and a medieval maiden thinking like that – is it normal?! The fact that looks, acne and bad breath are such big issues today, helps present the point that it is very difficult to break out of the stereotypes set by society, as well as making the characters seem real to the reader. These modern stereotypes allow the characters to break out of the stereotypes set by the painting and so, I think, Fanthorpe is trying to say that we should get to know the real person and not be judgmental and discriminatory. In the picture of St. George and the dragon there are three stereotypes – the evil dragon, the helpless maiden and the knight in shining armour. Fanthorpe has changed those in the picture to a new and modern, but equally stereotypical set. However the characters remain in the same situation: the maiden is still the captive, the dragon is still the captor and the knight is saving the maiden. Therefore Fanthorpe has merely changed their personalities, not the situation. ‘Why should my victim be so / unattractive as to be inedible,’ Shows how today the maiden is no longer considered beautiful, thus showing the change of perceptions, especially of the dragon. While changing the stereotypes set by the myth, the poem challenges them at the same time. In the poem the knight is vain and ladish, ‘You can’t / Do better than me at the moment’ and is not the ‘knight in shining armour’ as represented in the picture. The dragon comes across very differently in the poem, he appears to be shy and self-conscious shown in the first line by ‘Not my best side, I’m afraid’. The dragon is more of a victim than the maiden, being victimised by the knight (having killed him) and the artist (having cut off two of his legs!). However he seems to sympathise with the artist as he refers to him as ‘Poor chap’ perhaps because he also sees the artist as a victim due to his inability in painting. The dragon is actually a kind character and can not sympathise with the ostentatious people in society namely the knight, ‘Why, I asked myself, should my conqueror / Be so ostentatiously beardless,’ I think the dragon is also jealous of the knight and would rather be popular without having to fulfil history. The dragon knows his destiny, death, and knows there is no escape, however it is made clear that he would rather die after a fight and by a more dangerous looking knight. The maiden is also definitely not a victim, ‘It’s hard for a girl to be sure if / She wants to be rescued.’ She is very forward and knows her own mind and we can see that she didn’t really want to be rescued. She states how she ‘didn’t much fancy him’ (the knight) and preferred to know what equipment she was getting at a glance. Through this Fanthorpe is contrasting modern society and the traditional mythical roles. However, even though the maiden is against being rescued, Fanthorpe shows how, even though women are more dominant and opinionated than in the past, there is a certain conclusion: women still go back to the safety of a husband, ‘And a girl’s got to think of her future.’ This shows how, to some degree, women are still confined to their roles set by society. In comparison ‘Old Man, Old Man’ uses stereotyping much less. It confronts two common stereotypes in men – the powerful businessman, who does little for his family, and a forgetful old man, who is longing for the ‘good old days’ but is too stubborn to ask for the help and love he wants from his daughter who loves his helplessness. ‘I love / Your helplessness you who hate being helpless.’ Shows how the old man finds it extremely difficult to come to terms with the changes he has gone through. He wishes he were still as independent as he once was and dislikes his dependence on his daughter. However he still appears to be stubborn and proud as suggested in the final stanza by ‘Let me find your hammer. Let me / Walk with you o Drury Lane.’ It demonstrates how the daughter has to ask to be allowed to do anything to help him with ‘let’ showing the pleading in order to be allowed to do so. The stereotypical businessman contrasts with the allusion to his organisation, which is perhaps lost by age, ‘†¦as you forget / If you’ve smoked your timetabled cigarette?’ The old man was once well organised (also shown by the labelling of bottles) but has become frail and forgetful not even remembering the simple things which once ‘ruled’ his life. This transformation from businessman to old man explains the alterations in the man due to ageing. The relationship between the two characters in ‘Old Man, Old Man’, the man (old and young) and the narrator, who we can assume to be his daughter as she knows his past with disinherited children and failures with daughters unusually well, develops during the poem. Fanthorpe shows his incompetence produced by old age in the second half of the poem. ‘Let me find your hammer.’ sums up the relationship at the end of the poem between the father and daughter especially showing the old man’s helplessness – he can not even find his own hammer. At the start of the poem the old man, in his youth, is made out to have a bad relationship with his daughters, ‘not good with daughters’ and to be very caught up in his business. I have a feeling that the daughter may have been one of his disinherited children or not far off from being so. I think she was very frightened of him when he was younger and is still desperate to be accepted and/or forgiven by her father, which is why the word ‘let’ is repeated. Many of the characters in the two poems are similar. Comparisons can be made between the old man and the maiden and the knight due to situation and character (respectively). The knight and the old man in his youth relate to each other due to many similarities in character. I think it is hinted that the old man in his youth was self-centred, arrogant and powerful. The old man being described as ‘Lord’ shows us his power and control. ‘Lord once of shed, garage and garden,’ ‘Lord’ suggests that he was in control and looked up to by his employees, etc. which is similar to the knight’s character and situation. The knight is also respected by most people because of his profession and self-confidence (he does not care what other people think and in more ways than one). However with him boasting of his diplomas, etc. and wishes of becoming a hero, one could say that he is a typical lad, ‘So why be difficult? / Don’t you want to be killed and/or rescued / in the most contemporary way? He thinks that people can not do better than he can at the moment therefore he gets to make decisions for other people which of course are favoured by him. Fanthorpe also uses his character to relate to the issue of sexism. He assumes that all women should stick to the roles set by mythology and tradition, and obviously doesn’t look upon those who ‘break out of line’ kindly (Sara Cox being a modern day ladette). The old man is also similar to the maiden because of their mutual dislike of being helped. They are both intensely headstrong characters and only consented to the aid offered under serious circumstances. The old man grudgingly allows his daughter to help him because he is old and helpless. Likewise the maiden only allows the knight to rescue her once ‘The dragon got himself beaten by the boy’ and when she realised that ‘a girl’s got to think of her future.’ In the end both are forced to give in to their designated social roles and stereotypes. From closer examination we can see that the relationship of characters within the poems actually compare between the poems. In both poems we can see that one of the characters is competing against something in the poem and one comes out the victor. In ‘Not My Best Side’ the knight is competing against the dragon to see who will die, and in ‘Old Man, Old Man’ the daughter is competing with her father’s business for love and attention. In the end we see that the knight has won because he has killed the dragon and saved the maiden; in ‘Old Man, Old Man’ the daughter wins but by patience. As her father grows old, he needs his daughter’s help and can no longer run his own life, let alone a business, efficiently. The daughter has waited her whole life to be able to do something for her father and it is only in his old age she is allowed to do so. Within both poems there are many contrasts and comparisons between characters. I think Fanthorpe has managed to create the different characters extremely well through many different methods. She has incorporated poetic techniques to make characters and their feelings stand out, and language to show how personalities have developed. Humour is used to make ‘Not My Best Side’ enjoyable whilst putting across a serious point of view, and imagery to bring ‘Old Man, Old Man’ to life. As well as the different stereotypes employed, Fanthorpe has used the relationships between characters to create many strongly formed personalities within the poems. I think my favourite poem out of the two is ‘Not My Best Side’, purely because of the humour and the light-hearted way of conveying a serious point. I also feel I can identify better with it because it covers many common, modern day issues, which have affected me more than the effects of old age. I feel that Fanthorpe, in both poems, has made a lasting impression on the reader. The humour of ‘Not My Best Side, has certainly moved me, and I admire the ingenuity of taking a picture and changing the personalities of the characters. Fanthorpe adds depth to ‘Old Man, Old Man’ by subtly suggesting the old man’s confusion on a level below the everyday situations. In this way the poem conveys the difficult changes of ageing in a touching manner.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Family Environment and Delinquency Essay

When a child loses a parent through death, desertion, divorce, or long separation, some form of deprivation is bound to result. Where, as is generally the case, the male parent is missing, the child is placed under an obvious economic handicap. Absence of either parent may also cause a certain affectional loss for the child. In addition, the complementary control, example, and guidance given by both parents are wanting and complete socialization of the child is rendered more difficult. At the death of a parent no cultural opposition is imposed upon the situation. Rather, social and economic assistance both public and private is readily forthcoming. Furthermore, the acquisition of a stepparent through remarriage of the remaining parent may even reestablish something of a family norm for the bereaved child. But, in cases of desertion and divorce (and illegitimacy) we have an entirely different set of circumstances. Here we frequently find the child exposed to a highly emotionalized atmosphere of discontent and discord. The child most often remains with the mother only, financial support may be withheld by the father, or the parents may fight over the child’s custody. In case of desertion no new father may legally become part of the child’s home. And the subtle challenge of public disapproval of the family situation and the psychological impact of a seeming rejection by one’s parents may becloud the child’s outlook. Divorce in many cases is indeed simply a formal recognition or acknowledgement of an already socially broken home, and it is generally appreciated that the home in constant discord might cause the child more harm than if the parental relationship were severed. Such reasoning has merit, but, interestingly enough, this argument has been used to justify divorce rather than to plead for the rehabilitation or prevention of unhappy families. Such a viewpoint, it should also be noted, contradicts another social philosophy which holds that even a bad home is better than no home at all for the child. There are many varieties of broken homes and many correspondingly different kinds of family relationships involved. Even the social disparateness in family structure which results from long-term hospitalization, military service, or employment of the breadwinner away from home, may bring about some serious consequences for the members of a family. On the other hand, the conventional family structure may cloak a host of baneful influences or situations harmful to a child’s wholesome development. To say it in another way, all broken homes are not bad ones, and all conventional types are not good ones. This article is not concerned with a delineation of all possible types of homes and their effect on children, but rather it is restricted to a consideration of the more evident types of broken homes as they relate to children who are apprehended for committing delinquent acts. With the establishment of juvenile courts in the United States around 1900 and the compilation of social statistics on youth who were brought before these courts, observers were struck by the high proportion–40 to 50 percent–of all delinquent children who came from broken homes. Since it was far beyond normal expectancy that such a proportion of all youth was similarly disadvantaged, early writers saw broken homes to be an important, if not the greatest single proximate (causal) factor in understanding juvenile delinquency. There was no denial that the broken home was only one of a number of factors to take into account and that the age of the child and the quality of the home life, as well as the mere fact of a break, were important. A number of studies have shown, however, that abnormal or defective family relationships are much more prevalent among families of delinquent children than among families of comparable children who do not become delinquent. This aspect of the matter is a subject unto itself. Not counting the statistical tabulations of many juvenile courts over the years, dozens of studies have been made which deal with the broken home and juvenile delinquency or crime. Some of the early studies attempted to estimate the proportion of broken homes in the population at large from existing census data, to use for a comparison with their special groups of delinquent or institutionalized children. A common conclusion was that delinquent children had about twice the proportion of broken homes as did children in the general population. A few comparisons were made of boys in the same school or city area, revealing a greater prevalence of broken homes among the delinquent group; while one such comparison of several groups of children in 1918 suggested that more orphans were found in the delinquent group. The first major attempt at a controlled comparison was made by Slawson in 1923, using delinquent boys in four state institutions and boys in three New York City public schools, from which he concluded that there were over twice as many broken homes in his delinquent group.6 Concurrently, in England, Cyril Burt analyzed a group of misbehaving (â€Å"delinquent†) children and public school children of the same age and social class. Although his classification of â€Å"defective family relationships† included other factors besides the broken home, he, too, found the problem children to be doubly disfavored. And, in 1929, Mabel Elliott compared the family structure of her group of Sleighton Farm girls mostly sex offenders with that of a group of Philadelphia working-class continuation school girls, revealing the respective proportions of broken homes to be 52 and 22 percent. Even greater refinement was introduced into the question by Shaw and McKay when they compared boys against whom official delinquency petitions were filed in the juvenile court of Chicago in 1929, with other boys drawn from the public school population of the same city areas. They found that a rather high proportion (29 percent) of the school boys 10 to 17 years of age came from broken homes. After the school population data were carefully adjusted statistically for age and ethnic composition to make them comparable with the delinquent group, the proportion of broken homes rose to 36.1 percent for the school group, as compared to 42.5 percent for the delinquent boys. This result, as Shaw and McKay interpreted it, â€Å"suggests that the broken home, as such, is not an important factor in the case of delinquent boys in the Cook County juvenile court,† while other writers further interpreted the findings as showing that broken homes generally are â€Å"relatively insignificant in relation to delinquency.† Even accepting the above figures for Chicago, mathematical exception has been taken to such interpretations. From an over-all viewpoint it is well to remember that a large proportion of children from broken homes do not become delinquent, but this hardly refutes the inescapable fact that more children from broken homes, as compared to unbroken homes, become delinquent. Even among families having delinquents, siblings are more often delinquent in the broken family group. For the social analyst, the broken home may be regarded either as a symptom or as a consequence of a larger process, but for the child it becomes a social fact with which he has to abide. In a very real sense the abnormal structure of his family may impede his own normal adjustment and in some cases may bring him into conflict with the requirements of the larger society, more so than if he were surrounded by a conventional family milieu. That so many children surpass this handicap is an exemplification of their own resilience and a demonstration of the presence of other forces acting towards the child’s socialization in the community, rather than a proof of the unimportance of normal family life in the development of norms of conduct or the unimportance of the handicaps experienced by me child in the broken home. In former years when divorce was less common and desertion less apparent perhaps, broken homes were probably thought to be largely a result of the death of a parent. The material and other losses to such children may not have been readily perceived. How such a simple event as death could wreak enduring havoc with the child’s development was difficult to discern. Hence, disbelief in the importance of orphan hood as to delinquency causation, coupled with the very unsatisfactory nature of the early studies, no doubt led some sociologists to take exception to the prevailing beliefs and to question the whole relationship. A convergence of information from the other disciplines as to the deleterious effects of divorce and desertion or family separations upon the child, as well as a psychological appreciation of the different nature of these types of family disruption, brought a more unanimous acknowledgment of the importance of the socially broken home. In some quarters the recent â€Å"wave† of delinquency has been interpreted to be a result of the growth of divorce and separation. However, information on the particular family relationships of children in the community and those who become delinquent are generally lacking. We know that over the past 50 years there has been a lessening of orphan hood through improvement in life expectancy, and an upward rise in family dissolutions through desertion and divorce, until now there seems to have been a reversal in the relative importance of the two factors of death and social discord in the breaking up of a child’s family. Oddly enough, in spite of the change in the nature of broken homes the high over-all proportion of delinquent children from broken homes apparently has not changed significantly. One large minority in the population consistently shows twice the average rate of socially broken homes and twice the average rate of delinquency. Other groups with strong family cohesiveness show below average rates of delinquency. Such apparent associations cannot be dismissed as happenstance. On the whole very little disagreement has been expressed over the probable harmful influence of the socially broken home on the child. This does not gainsay, however, the deprivation consequent to the loss of a parent through death. Indeed, the same high proportions of delinquents were found to come from broken homes more than a generation ago when orphan hood loomed larger as the reason for family disruption. Of even more importance to the child than the nature of the break is the fact of a break in his home. All in all, the stability and continuity of family life stands out as a most important factor in the development of the child. It would seem, therefore, that the place of the home in the genesis of normal or delinquent patterns of behavior should receive greater practical recognition. The relationship is so strong that, if ways could be found to do it, a strengthening and preserving of family life, among the groups which need it most, could probably accomplish more in the amelioration and prevention of delinquency and other problems than any other single program yet devised. If delinquency is more likely to occur in a disorganized family than in a â€Å"normal† one, the family situation may somehow create the delinquency. But how? Perhaps a disorganized family tends to produce children with sick personalities, and sick personalities have unusual difficulty conforming to social rules. On some such assumptions consensus appeared possible on the causal connection between family disorganization and delinquency. Then Shaw and McKay suggested, after a comparison of the incidence of broken homes among Chicago schoolboys and male juvenile delinquents, â€Å". . . That the broken home as such [does not seem to be] a significant causal factor in cases of delinquent boys brought before Cook County Juvenile Court.† To many, this study seemed to imply that the family, an institution so important in the socialization process, was irrelevant to delinquency. The authors of the study did not draw so radical an inference from their data. Although the formal break in the family may not in itself be an important determining factor, it is probable that the conflicts, tensions, and attitudes which precipitate the disorganization may contribute materially to the development of the delinquency and the personality problems of the child. The actual divorce or separation of the parents may not be so important a factor in the life of the child as the emotional conflicts which have resulted in the break in the family relationships.

Friday, September 27, 2019

American History Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

American History - Research Paper Example o operate by a bottom-up philosophy by federally job creation and welfare benefits therefore forming a social affiliation with working class persons including labor unions and racial minorities or by deregulating businesses to supposedly allow them freedom to correct the economy by expanding thus producing more jobs which would, in turn, force money back into the economy. Contrary to popular opinion, the nation was not moving in a socialist direction.   The New Deal represented the existing capitalist societal structure culture. For example, its policies continued the already wide division between what are thought of as ‘worthy poor,’ mostly widows and their kids and the ‘unworthy poor,’ which included almost everyone else, who were disregarded. The main goal of the New Deal was to rescue American capitalism. Roosevelt sought the backing of business leaders in the fulfilling this undertaking. Roosevelt told the business magnates who were against his policies at first that the New Deal was economic protection for the ‘farsighted conservative.’   Some historians maintain that Roosevelt initially intended the government’s involvement in rebuilding the economy to be limited.   His purpose of the New Deal was not to encourage a communal undertaking which communist or socialist governments employed in Europe.   He wanted neither big business interests nor the quickly budding labor unions to become a puppet of the government or the other way around. Roosevelt did not arrive at the New Deal strategies on independent analysis but as the result of the many forces surrounding him. The economic conditions at that desperate time demanded that the solutions promote positive relations between the working class an d capitalist class, each of whom had contrasting interests. Within the working class were differing interests as well. â€Å"While labor unions lobbied for employers’ liability laws, social reformers worked for maximum hours for women workers, minimum

Thursday, September 26, 2019

MOTO car manufacturer Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 8000 words

MOTO car manufacturer - Assignment Example The new type of car to be offered changes the product entry dynamic. The new type of car should be seen as entering a new market. International institutions and home country governments are external forces that can also affect bargaining outcomes Eden, L., & Molot, M. (2002,). Such a phenomenon has a slow growth impact on profits. An over view of the different markets are summarized here. The industrial climate is under review. This is especially so for the mass production activity (Harris, R., & Buzzelli, M. (2005,). The uncertainty makes it necessary for them to protect the local auto manufacturer. MOTO Company is obviously a foreign company. The auto industry here has huge government backing. It is dominated by two top Japanese auto manufactures already. Both of the companies have a major share of the market. In addition they have huge research and development facilities there. The country has very little to say about environmental friendly cars. It seems as thought the country is interested in first saving foreign exchange. This has been achieved by the production of cars by these two major Japanese manufacturers. Their other apparent interest is in earning foreign exchanges. This can be seemed by the commitment of the tow major manufactures to produce not only cars but to also produce parts, both of which are in excess of what is needed for the Australian market. The excess production is expressly for the foreign market. A good example is that the cars produced are both right hand and left hand drive cars. This accommodates the two possible markets of the world. The government has just provided massive infusions of money. There is no stipulation for environmental type products. This is something that might bee considered in about five years. There is not likely hood it would be sooner. By then the USA market experience would have been working. It would be possible to see what if anything can be

Principles of Economics Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 7

Principles of Economics - Assignment Example This is because one will take more time looking for a parking space and the congestion in the parking area will create inconveniences. The opportunity cost is the cost of time taken to park that the students have to pay instead of engaging in other profitable activities. d) The opportunity cost of students with no employment is less than that of students with jobs earning 15 per hour. The students with no jobs are not forgoing any money as they take more time to park their cars as compared to before the price was lowered. To the contrary, those with jobs have to forgo the amount of cash they would have received if they worked those hours. b) The opportunity cost of 100 bats is 40 rackets that will be forgone if the country decides to add 100 bats more. Adding 100 bats will incorporate the resources that are usually used to produce the 40 rackets. The current resources can not be able to cater for the addition of 100 bats without decreasing the amount of rackets. Therefore, the rackets have to be produced less by 40. c) If the athletic country produces 300 bats and 300 rackets, the opportunity cost of additional 100 bats is 100 rackets. This is what is sacrificed to be able to produce the extra 100 bats. The resources will be reallocated to be used to produce the additional 100 bats. The resources have to be reallocated since they cannot cater for the additional bats. d) The additional production of 100 bats in part c will cause a greater trade off than the additional production of 100 bats in part b. This is because the opportunity cost increases as the goods produced increases. In b, 200 bats will be produced, while in c 400 bats will be produced. The gradient of the PPF becomes steeper as more bats are produced, showing a greater sacrifice in terms of rackets forgone. e) Suppose Athletic Country produces 200 bats and 200 rackets, 200

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Consideration and Intention to Create Legal Relation Essay

Consideration and Intention to Create Legal Relation - Essay Example This is a case of acceptance by conduct. Acceptance need not necessarily be in writing. In the case of Carlill v Carbolic Smoke Ball1, Miss Carlill demonstrated her acceptance of the offer by purchasing the smoke ball Another issue for determination is whether there was the intention by the parties to create a legally binding relationship. We will access the issue of promissory estoppels to access the existence of legal relationship between the parties. In England and Wales, Lord Denning interpreted promissory estoppels to be a promise that had been made by one party to another with the intention of creating legal relations2. The promise should be made with knowledge that it is going to be relied on by the other party. In the instance case, the bank approached Bubba with a promise to change the terms in the contract on how the loan was to be repaid following Bubba’s financial crisis. This promise was relied on by Bubba. The bank will therefore not be allowed to go back from it s promise. This is primarily owing to the fact that it had been acted upon by the recipient. After realizing that Bubba’s fortune had turned, the proposal to Bubba to revert to the old system of payment constituted an offer to Bubba which he was entitled to accept or reject. The bank now demands that Bubba should pay the lump sum for eight months as well as repay the loan within a period of three years as per the earlier agreement. The earlier agreement had been revoked upon the establishment of new terms by the bank that was accepted by Bubba. The facts in the high trees case, involved a situation at the beginning of Second World War where High Trees House had leased some flat in London from Central property. As a result of the war, occupancy rates drastically went down. The parties therefore made an agreement to cut down the rent that was payable by half. When the situation turned around after the war, Central London property sued for the full rent. The court held that they were entitled to full payment of rent. However, they could not recover the amount that they had agreed to cut down the rent by during the period of war Lord Denning based his decision in the previous case3 which held that if a party to a contract leads another person to believe that they will not enforce their legal rights, they cannot go back from this promise, especially if the other party had accepted the promise and altered his position in reliance on the promise. In the case of Smith v. Hughes4, the court held that for there to be a valid contract, there must be a meeting of the minds of two parties who intend to be legally bound. For there to be meeting of the minds, offeree must communicate his acceptance of the offer to the offeror. It is not necessary that acceptance should be communicated verbally. It can in some situations be inferred from the conduct of the parties. The court in the case of Brodgen v. Metropolitan Railway Company5 held that acceptance can be inferred fr om the conduct. In this case the plaintiff had been supplying the company with coals for some of years. The plaintiff thereafter came up with a suggestion that they needed to enter into a formal contract. Their respective agents met and engaged in some negotiations on the best agreement that they wanted to enter into. The company’s agent then drew up the contract which he sent to the plaintiff for approval. The court held that the company’s acceptance could be inferred from its conduct. By

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

How employers are dealing with the retirement of the baby boomers Research Paper

How employers are dealing with the retirement of the baby boomers - Research Paper Example However, it is important to note that knowledge is a concept that is multi-dimensional and its value can only be determined by circumstances, so employers are faced with a very complex problem in solving the problem (Datta, Guthrie, Basuil & Pandey, 2010). Management consultants have raised a number of concerns stating that baby boomers are presenting a very complicated problem to employers. Research studies reveal that employers are going to experience and impending mass exodus of employees and this will have a very serious effect on the operation of organizations than never before. The reality is that baby boomers have played an integral role in the success of organizations and they will be retiring in large numbers than never before. As baby boomers will are living their organizations, employers have been conducting careful examinations of the consequences of their exit and have formulate a number of necessary steps to ensure that there has been a smooth transition. By 2010, baby boomers were 48-66 years of age and were retiring from their employment positions. The consequence of the mass exodus was that the government’s entitlement programs and pension plans were strained. However, there was a sudden concern over vacant positions that were as a result of the mass retirements of baby boomers. In the United States, a recent research study revealed that more than 25 percent of businesses in the country have done very little with regards to planning for the effects of mass retirements of baby boomers. The study also predicted that it is expected that there will be significant changes in the workforce demographics of different industries (DeRue, Hollenbeck, Johnson. & Jundt, 2008). This is based on the fact that baby boomers are expected to retire in increasing numbers over the next twenty years. Researchers conducted a survey on 578 organizations in the United States and reported that only 33 percent of

Monday, September 23, 2019

Virtue Ethics and Mattel's Case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Virtue Ethics and Mattel's Case - Essay Example Truthfulness also means reporting regularly to the board of directors and top management, who at the beginning of GMP, were dedicated to realizing the virtues of their program. They wanted business ethics that had clear standards and measures, and Sethi et al. (2011) helped provide those necessities. The main concern with GMP is the clash between the truthfulness principle and actual reporting practices. After finding problems with one of Mexico’s Mattel plants, operational level managers greatly pressured MIMCO to change its draft report, and suggested that the council overreacted to â€Å"isolated instances† (Sethi et al., 2011, p. 497). MIMCO received a â€Å"list of changes in language† and were asked to include them in the draft report (Sethi et al., 2011, p. 497). This challenge shows the difference between operational managers’ and top management’s commitment to GMP. Apparently, commitment discrepancy exists between the top and operational ma nagers, which undermine the truthfulness of GMP. Courage is another virtue that does not depend sacrificing people’s lives, but on moral courage, where people are not afraid to know and to accept the truth, as well as to use the truth to do what is right (Harper, 2008, p. 197). Solomon (1993) argued that moral courage concerns a process of understanding the big picture, the mission and goals of the organization, and how the organization can attain the best intentions (p. 48). It refers to sticking to the best intentions, however difficult it might be. Being courageous can then be related to truthfulness, because the brave does not fear the truth. When Mattel asked Sethi to lead the...Justice is fundamental to Mattel because it affects GMP’s policies, procedures, and outcomes. Justice concerns being fair to others and responding to unjust policies, procedures, and outcomes. In business, justice refers to the rules and procedures that people use to attain justice, when m aking decisions . Justice concentrates on giving people what is due to them, by respecting their rights and fairly rewarding perceived performance in the workplace. To evaluate the fairness of ethical decisions, three kinds of justice are often used. Distributive justice is the first form of justice, and it pertains to evaluating the outcomes of business decisions and transactions. For Mattel, it seeks to promote distributive justice because it is concerned about the equity of its decision outcomes. The company promotes fair hiring and workplace conditions, for instance, that served workers’ interests. On the contrary, Mattel cannot attain distributive justice, when its licensees are concerned. GMP applied only to companies owned and/or managed by Mattel, which does not include licensees. Justice for all employees cannot be attained through selective auditing policies.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Solvency ratio indicates Essay Example for Free

Solvency ratio indicates Essay The solvency The solvency ratio indicates whether a company’s cash flow is sufficient to meet its short-term and long-term liabilities. The lower a companys solvency ratio, the greater the probability that it will default on its debt obligations. Current ratio The ratio is mainly used to give an idea of the companys ability to pay back its short-term liabilities (debt and payables) with its short-term assets (cash, inventory, receivables). The higher the current ratio, the more capable the company is of paying its obligations. A ratio under 1 suggests that the company would be unable to pay off its obligations if they came due at that point. While this shows the company is not in good financial health, it does not necessarily mean that it will go bankrupt as there are many ways to access financing but it is definitely not a good sign. Current ratios for Sports UK For year 2012 For year 2011 Acid test ratio A stringent indicator that determines whether a firm has enough short-term assets to cover its immediate liabilities without selling inventory. The acid-test ratio is far more strenuous than the working capital ratio, primarily because the working capital ratio allows for the inclusion of inventory assets. Acid test ratio for Sports UK For year 2012 For year 2011 Performance ratio Calculates a measure of a specific aspect of performance, which might involve things which you can attach a number to, or an indicator that something did or did not happen in the requited way. Ratios are very good way to measure them using only a financial record. This record bellows shows performance of sports UK. 2011 Stock turn over= 72215 = 3.05 times 23611 2012 Stock turn over= 23611 x 365 = 119.3 days 72215 2011 debt collection period = 9024 x 365 = 962 days 34212 2012 debt collection period = 9098 x 365 = 904 days 36696 2012 asset turnover= 153487 = 0.64 237028 2011 asset turnover= 159921 = 0.73 219013 Profitability ratios Measures that indicate how well a firm is performing in terms of its ability to generate profit. Those ratios measure financial metrics that are used to assess a businesss ability to generate earnings as compared to its expenses and other relevant costs incurred during a specific period of time. For most of these ratios, having a higher value relative to a competitors ratio or the same ratio from a previous period is indicative that the company is doing well. Profitability ratios of Sports UK for 2011 Gross profit margin =81272 x 100 =52.95 153487 Net profit percentage = 6741 x 100 = 43.9 153487 ROC E= 10753 x 100 = 21.9 49097 Profitability ratios of Sports UK for 2012 Gross profit margin =83199 x 100 =52.02 159921 Net profit percentage = 6742 x 100 = 39.0 159921 ROC E= 10310 x 100 = 20.9 49227

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Globalisation and the Global City

Globalisation and the Global City Introduction Globalization, it is not a new phenomenon (Stead, 2012) but has massive influenced in the late 20th century around the world, which has strongly affected on urban system in Europe, economics, political, cultural, environmental dimensions. People speculate and make hypothesis about globalization is related to competitiveness of cities with strong economic, innovative and creative ideas or structure on city planning. Most of researches about competitive city are premised on cities do compete to each other, however, few scholars do question about it. What is competitiveness? Is it comparison with others? What aim do they want to achieve? Definition of competitiveness The definition of competitiveness is different in several aspects. For companies, it is ability to produce products and service to meet the needs of customers and make maximum profit. For nations, it is degree to extend peoples income and maintain harmony of country with specific conditions within the world (OECD, 1994). For cities, it is an ability to generate better life, better goods, and better investment (Oyelaran-Oyenika, 2013). Competition is everywhere, but to what extent can be defined as competition between cities. It is hard to clearly contend and identify do cities or regions compete, in terms of different dimensions of definition in competition, and different contentions. The competition is between nations- states or cities and regions? It is hard to clarify which one is it, can the competition between cities be the one within states? London as a city usually presents as United Kingdom in global ranking. Such as in wealth of country ranking, technically, most of GDP are from London, which literally can present United Kingdom. This paper is to discover whether cities or regions compete to each other or not, and what do they compete for. Generally, there are two different criteria: economics aspect, and innovation or creativity. To question is global city can present competitive city? Some emerging challenges from globalization, technology changes, new economy, demographic density, and uncertainty for cities and regions. Cities compete? Very few studies have showed cities dont compete. Krugman (1995) contends that cities and regions do not compete to each other, they are fields for companies to compete for innovative and creative people and market.ÂÂ   Nevertheless, Porter (2016), has argued that cities compete to each other. Cities compete in different ways from state-nations, they dont compete to win trading or assert the territory, which nations-states do. Moreover, it is not like business competition, cities competition doesnt concentrate on any single object to make the maximum profit. They do compete funds from government, tourism, population of the city, wealth, employment, investment and good reputation across the country or within the world (Begg, 1999; Saez, 2015; Favero, 2016; Ratcliffe, 2006; Stewart, 1996). The prevailing urban policies are concentrated on social circumstances, affordable housing, for example, these are important for cities competitiveness (Porter, 1994). Such as, in UK, there was a competition for cities and towns, to elect the best city or town through notable feature, significantly regionally/nationally, historical features and forward looking attitude (UK gov., 2001). The title from the competition may lead lots of effects for the city. Competitiveness of city is deemed performance of city occasionally, and it can present quality of life (Begg, 1999; Rogerson, 1999). Production of city is dynamic measurement for citys competitiveness. The main key indicators of competitiveness: economics, technological innovation, environment, global linkages, government management, and social cohesion (Ni, 2013). However, most of researches intensify on economics. In Faveros (2016) paper, he referred that hard economics, such as, cost of labour and employment rate of city are the most common hard economics factors to be discussed in citys competitiveness. When employment rate is higher than others may mean that the city is more competitive. On the contrary, open urban climate may influence competitiveness and is more like soft economics in urban development. Porter (1998) has stated that environment does affect cities competitiveness, economic extension or development may be solution for city growth. In the past, cities could compe te for goods and services, due to the fast- changing environment, contemporary, people is crucial element. Florida (2002) has built 3Ts model, which includes technology, talent and tolerance, these three factors attract creative people flow into cities and lead citys growth. Additionally, Crossa (2016) has asserted that creative city is capable to attract all kinds of professional people turns to be more competitive in this world at present. Cities which are more diverse and innovative may lead inflow of population. Innovative and creative people are fundamental to cities and regions; they are implements to interest firms and investment, lead success and economics growth for the areas (Paas, 2012). However, major competition in cities and regions is unclear or be demonstrated, there are multi- objectives in different areas to compete for, conversely, firms have clear single objective in competition- profits (Porter, 2016). Consequence from competition. Globalization is one of trends in governments, cities are facing some challenges about financial pressure, national security, institutional relations and role of government changing, environmental degradation, cultural and social changing, and lead to borderless, increasing competition and cooperation within cities and regions (Ratcliffe, 2006). Cities can borrow successful ideas and practices from other cities through globalization (Stead, 2012). It may bring legislative and administrative changes of localized institutions and policies, and raise competitiveness in cities and regions. However, while competition is happening, cooperation is acting simultaneously, such as, INTERREG Programme; it is facilitated cooperation by the EU with planners around Europe for their common development. In addition, cooperation between cities and regions can developed by making sister cities to build networking and promote cultural notions. Brakman (2015) claims that cooperation by having twinning c ities can decrease transaction cost and significantly grow faster, which facilitate cities more competitive. Tosic (2007) also asserts that cooperation may lead stronger competitiveness and strategies of planning. Continuing from INTERREG Programme in Europe aids countries, cities, counties, or regions to address problems and derive experiences and apply new approaches from others, also cope with variety of things from different fields. B-Team, it is one of projects from INTERREG Programme which is about development of brownfield before greenfield land as a principle of continuous growth in Belfast, it was involved 14 partners from 11 different countries ran for three years to regenerate brownfield to be more efficient for communities and aimed to help partners to improve regeneration policies and developed integration of planning process. This project illustrates transferability by publishing to share with others who are interesting in it and may adopt it (B-Team, 2012). Significan tly, it has great influence on investment. The participatory urban planning is a method to attract investors, stakeholders and actors to charm their interest and find out innovative solutions and procedures. Cooperation in this project do affect in regeneration process, and learn wider range of implements and manners, additionally, raising competitive in the city. Once city is more competitive, it possesses advantageous position in competitions. Competition between cities and regions has successfully attracted government and investors with forcing local institutions and governance to develop and reform (Lever, 1999). Competitive city generates economic growth and wealth with extending local market, creating opportunities and jobs for commonality, allocating more funds for infrastructures and planning (Oyelaran-Oyenika, 2013). Being competitive attracts creative and innovative individuals and corporations gather. For example, in China, economic boom has been leading strongly influence on construction, which causes more competition between cities. Beijing and Shanghai, two colossal cities were competing the opera houses, which was designed by famous French architect. Contemporary, these constructions have successfully attracted attentions, also brought enormous influence for city (Wyne, 2006). It may lead tourism growth, and economic growth indirectly. The competition can arouse faithfulness and pride of residents and people m ay understand local authorities agenda better. Gospodini (2002) contends there are two parts of cities, which are opposite extremes in European urban system, metropolitan cities and smaller peripheral cities without indigenous resources for development. Rural regions may be more active to competition than urban regions, and try to stand out from it to get more opportunities for region and be more competitive to increase attention in certain competition. However, competition has driven by localized government and institutions, which may lead different results. The Three Sisters competition which is running within Southern Ireland- Waterford, Kilkenny and Wexford, competing the title of European Capital of Culture 2020. The title may bring tourism growth for the county, which lead economic growth in rural and urban area of Ireland. The competition is taking place in 2015 and 2016, which is a long-term form of planning, the result will be released in 2020. For years competing to each other, leading higher reputation and more well kn own, this title may bring growth of tourism and investment, having impact on economic growth. The reputation of the city would boom in the world, especially in Europe. City would have more funds from national government, retrieve local authorities with economic growth. In order to win the competition, local government may propose some policies for locuss development. There may be some special constructions or operations to stress on their characteristics, renewing heritages, or re-planning the place. However, there are some issues in rural area, three counties have limited fiscal resources and innovative ideas, which may cause passive operations on promoting. In Waterford city, for example, promotion flags of the competition are hung in city centre, but realistic situation is that few people have heard or weak understanding or confused about the aim of competition. There is no practical action to promote or implement it from localized government. This is a huge problem for regions o utside metropolitan area. It is important to courage and regenerate area through central authoritys support on centralized or decentralized planning. Global cities Global cities can be seen as competitive cities, which relate to different dimensions in economics, political, informative, cultural, societal, services concepts (Teece, 1990). The overall of global cities index in top 25 is assumption of business activity, human capital, information exchange, cultural experience and political engagement. The first bar chart below (Figure 1.1) displays that global elites are London, New York, and Paris which are hub of cultures, politics and economics with strong business activity and performance of labour, creativity (human capital). The top three have massive gap from last three in the ranking, in terms of strong business activities and performance of labour. Surprisingly, San Francisco and Boston take place in top 5 of good performance of city (Figure 1.2) based on personal well- being, economics, innovation, and governance. Nevertheless, it stands out from other cities may due to endeavour and implementation on innovation. Conversely, Houston instead of Paris or Tokyo squeezes into top 5; four out of five are cities from America, which can be presumed that America has advantageous position on economic and innovation in the world. These two bar charts prove that economic and innovation are the main reasons for city to be global city or competitive city. Figure 1.1 The Top 25 Global Cities Index, Rank and Score Source: A.T. Kearney, 2016 citied in Peterson, 2016, p2. Figure 1.2 The Top 25 Global Cities Outlook, Rank and Score Source: A.T. Kearney, 2016 citied in Peterson, 2016, p2. Evolving challenges Being ranked as a global city can be seen as a city with well competitiveness in environmental, political, spatial, social sites in order to further widen development. The competitive advantages have enormous influence on social welfare, politics position, public infrastructures, local services, financial support, media service, tourism planning, educational support and organization, international trading and may easily become headquarter of company or investment (Han 2005). Nevertheless, some issues and challenges have emerged, such as, new economy, technological changes, demographic density, urban design, and uncertainty (Ratcliffe, 2006). Globalization forces to transfer into new global economy, which may make different trends of competitiveness, politics, welfare, environment, investment and connectivity with others. To carter to sustain competitiveness, policies should be modified. Sometimes, planning policies hardly identify trends or require long-term periods to adapt it. While technological changes, informational functions are affected and implement of communication within cities and regions, progress equipment may influence progress and service. If city doesnt follow up technological changes, probably, it would lose competitive advantage in new era. Inflow of migrants is phenomenon of competitive city, extension of population strongly impacts on urban planning, affordable housing, work opportunities, criminal issues, transportation, greenfield, environmental problems, public infrastructures, education, and quality of life. Urban design and planning in competitive city consider about aesthetics objects, environme ntal dimension, political pressure, economic constraints, residential conditions. Approaches of planning are complex and uncertain, they suppose to adapt into dynamic changes, which means they should be creative and innovative strategies to prepare future changes. Evolving challenges from competition between cities and regions- Globalization is happening, transnational capital and international flows of labours are strongly influenced by it. Conclusion The competition between cities and regions do happen, meanwhile, so do cooperation. Both of them are crucial for cities to be global city. Many evidences demonstrate that cities and regions engage with competitiveness and cooperation (Tosic, 2007; Teece, 1990). The department of trade and industry of UK has published a report (2005) about the position in EU, and it clearly asserts that they do support the competition and open market in Europe in order to attract more creative people and investment, and reinforce on innovation and competition. The competition could encourage cities or regions have new ideas, moving forward, becoming different and better. There are more advantages than disadvantages in cities and regions competition, which brings diversity and implementation. If there is no competition between cities and regions, people dont want to move on, no motivation to improve or change themselves, and no city growth. Less opportunities for city, outflow of population, city will face recession. No one want to get better, city wont be better and wont catch the changing world and eventually, be deserted by the world.ÂÂ   With competitiveness, cities have proven more successful in long term. However, competition and cooperation are acting simultaneously, both are crucial for city growth, it is important to find the balance of them. The solution for evolving challenges may be decentralized in urban area. Localized authority should widen the concentration from centre, regenerating field, identifying role of authorities, following trends of globalization, cooperating with cities, more acquisition of knowledge from others. References Anonymous, 2001. UK Government: Fifteen cities compete for grant of a lord mayoralty. Press release, 25 October 2001. AK Kearney, 2016. Global Cities 2016.[Online] Available at: https://www.atkearney.com/research-studies/global-cities-index/current-research-detail> [Accessed 16 December 2016]. Begg, I., 1999. City and Competitiveness. Urban Studies, [e-journal] 36(5-6), 795-809. Available through: University College London Library website http://www.ucl.ac.uk/library> [Accessed 25 November 2016]. Brakman, S., Garretsen, H., Oumer, A., 2015. Town Twinning and German City Growth. Regional Studies, [e-journal] 50(8), pp.1420-1432. http://www-tandfonline-com.libproxy.ucl.ac.uk/doi/abs/10.1080/00343404.2015.1023282. Crossa, V., Moore, N., 2016. Innovating to Compete: Dublin as Smart and Creative City. Building Material, [e-journal] 18(1), 84-88. Available through: University College London Library website http://www.ucl.ac.uk/library> [Accessed 15 December 2016]. Department of Trade and Industry, 2005.Department of Trade and Industry Departmental Report 2005. 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Competitive City: Introduction to the Review. Urban Studies, [e-journal] 36(5-6), 791-793. Available through: University College London Library website http://www.ucl.ac.uk/library> [Accessed 16 November 2016]. Ni, P., Wei, J., 2013. Global Urban Sustainable Competitiveness: a comprehensive analysis. In: P. Ni, P. K. Kresel, W. Liu, ed. 2015. The Global Urban Competitiveness Report 2013. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Pub. Ltd. Ch.3. OECD, 1994. Trends in International Trade. OECD Economics Outlook, [e-journal] 56, 38-49. Available through: University College London Library website http://www.ucl.ac.uk/library> [Accessed 15 November 2016]. Oyelaran-Oyenika, B., 2013. Social and technological innovations in the competitiveness of cities. In: P. Ni, P. K. Kresel, W. Liu, ed. 2015. The Global Urban Competitiveness Report 2013.Cheltenham : Edward Elgar Pub. Ltd. Ch.9. Paas, T., Halapuu, V., 2012, Economic Growth in the Framework of Floridas 3T Model: Theoretical Considerations and Empirical Evidence, An Enterprise Odyssey. International Conference Proceedings. Europe, 13-16 June 2012. Zagreb: Croacia. Porter, M. E., 1994. A Competitive Advantages of Far Eastern Business: A Response. Asia Pacific Business Review, [e-journal] 1(2), 1-2. Available through: University College London Library website http://www.ucl.ac.uk/library> [Accessed 18 December 2016]. Porter, M. E., 1998. Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors. [e-book] New York: The Free Press. Available through: Scribd website https://www.scribd.com/> [Accessed 18 December 2016]. Porter, M. E., 2016. Inner-City Economic Development. Economic Development Quarterly, [e-journal] 30(2), 105-116. Available through: University College London Library website http://www.ucl.ac.uk/library> [Accessed 18 December 2016]. Ratcliffe, J., Kelly, R., Gannon, J., 2006. The Competitive Global City 2030: a Future Approach. Future Academy, [Online] Available at: http://arrow.dit.ie/futuresacart/> [Accessed 02 December 2016]. Rogerson, R. J., 1999. Quality of Life and City Competitiveness. Urban Studies, [e-journal] 36(5-6), 969-985. Available through: University College London Library website http://www.ucl.ac.uk/library> [Accessed 05 December 2016]. Saez, L., Perianez, I., 2015. Benchmarking urban competitiveness in Europe to attract investment. Cities, [e-journal] 36(5-6), 969-985. Available through: University College London Library website http://www.ucl.ac.uk/library> [Accessed 05 December 2016]. Stead, D., 2012. Best Practices and Policy Transfer in Spatial Planning. Planning Practice and Research, [e-journal] 27(1), 103-116. Available through: University College London Library website http://www.ucl.ac.uk/library> [Accessed 18 November 2016]. Stewart, M.,1996. Competition and competitiveness in urban policy. Public Money Management, [e-journal] 16(3), pp.21-26. http://www-tandfonline-com.libproxy.ucl.ac.uk/doi/pdf/10.1080/09540969609387929?needAccess=true. Teece, D. J., 1990. Competition, cooperation, and innovation: Organizational arrangements for regimes of rapid technological process. Economic Behaviour and Organization, [e-journal] 18(1), 1-25. Available through: University College London Library website http://www.ucl.ac.uk/library> [Accessed 15 December 2016]. Tosic, I., 2007. City-regions in Europe: The potentials and the realities. The Town Planning Review, [e-journal] 78(6), 775-795. Available through: University College London Library website http://www.ucl.ac.uk/library> [Accessed 17 December 2016]. Wyne. A., 2006. Chinese cities compete for dynamic opera houses. Architectural Record, [e-journal] 194(7), 38-38. Available through: University College London Library website http://www.ucl.ac.uk/library> [Accessed 16 December 2016].

Friday, September 20, 2019

All Quiet on the Western Front and the Horrors of War :: All Quiet on the Western Front Essays

The Horrors of War    Throughout their lives, people must deal with the horrific and violent side of humanity. The side of humanity is shown through the act of war.   This is shown in Erich Remarque’s novel, â€Å"All Quiet on the Western Front†.   War is by far the most horrible thing that the human race has to go through.   The participants in the war suffer irreversible damage by the atrocities they witness and the things they go through.    One of the worst things about war is the severity of carnage that it bestows upon mankind.   Men are killed by the millions in the worst ways imaginable.   Bodies are blown apart, limbs are cracked and torn and flesh is melted away from the bone.   Dying eyes watch as internal organs are spilled of empty cavities, naked torso are hung in trees and men are forced to run on stumps when their feet are blown off.   Along with the horrific deaths that accompany war, the injuries often outnumber dead men. As Paul Baumer witnessed in the hospital, the injuries were terrifying and often led to death.   His turmoil is expressed in the lines, â€Å"Day after day goes by with pain and fear, groans and death gurgles. Even the death room I no use anymore; it is too small.†Ã‚   The men who make it through the war take with them mental and physical scarification from their experiences.    People who have actually been through war know how horrible it is.   Society on the other hand, while it believes it knows the horrors of war, can never understand or sympathize with a soldier’s situation.   The only people who can understand war is those who have been through it so they can often feel alone if they are out of the military.   Paul cannot even give a straight answer to his own father about his dad’s inquiries about war.   Paul’s dad does not understand that people who have been in the war can in no way truly express the horrible things that that have seen and experienced.   Nor can Paul fit in with the society who does not understand him.   Paul and so many others were brought into the war so young that they know of nothing else other than war.   Paul held these views on society as he said, â€Å"We will be superfluous even to ourselves, we will grow older, a few will adapt themselves, some others will merely submit, and most will b e bewildered;-the years will pass by and in the end we shall fall in to ruin.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Death of a Salesman, by Arthur Miller Essay -- Death of a Salesman Ess

Death of A Salesman, written by Arthur Miller, is a play based on the turmoil within an average American family. Miller wrote Death of A Salesman easily showcasing the elements of drama. I was easily able to follow the plot, identify with his characters, and picture the setting. The main theme of the plot seemed to be Willy reaching for the "American Dream". Financial success, business success, outwardly perfect family, revered by your peers, and in general respected by all. Early on in the play two things are evident to the reader; Willy's questionable mental status, and his tumultuous relationship with his sons. Willy is apparently suffering from some sort of mental or emotional issues. These issues are causing him to conversations with his brother Ben, who has already passed away, and re-play past events in his mind. At times, Willy speaks aloud to his brother and even when re-living moments with Biff. Biff and Willy are obviously harboring ill feelings towards one another, but neither are willing to bring the reason into light. In Act II we discover Biff had discovered his father was having an extra-marital affair. Biff, already distraught over not graduating, was crushed. He idolized his father and could not believe he would do this to his mother. To spite his father, Biff did not finish school and Willy took this as spitting on him. Through the years the resentment grew to the point they had a non-existent relationship. Willy's relationship with his sons is a contributing point to both the plot and characterization. It seems neither one has lived up to the dreams he has for them. I believe he wanted to live through them and actually have them fulfill his dreams for himself. Since his ... ... Miller managed to create a play where his audience could truly feel emotion for the characters. Miller had wanted Willy's life to be held within a dream of possibility and for Willy to embrace his world of illusion (Bigsby 319). I feel he was able to do this with his wonderful ability to help the reader become emerged in the plot. His characterization made his characters seem tangible. The music and lighting descriptions helped to make the scene come alive. Works Cited Bigsby, C. W. E. â€Å"Death of a Salesman.† Arthur Miller: A Critical Study. New York: Cambridge UP, 2005. 100-123. Foll, Scott. "Conflict and Meaning" 2000 Web. http://aliscot.com/ensenanza/1302/conflict.htm Miller, Arthur. "Death of a Salesman." 1949. The Norton Anthology of American Literature. 8th ed. Vol. E. New York: W.W. Norton &ump;, 2012. 238-303. Print.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Personal Narative- Tough Girl :: Personal Narrative Writing

Personal Narative- Tough Girl She went to the land of Hollywood with a diamond wedding necklace hanging loosely from her neck like a noose before it gives its snapping goodbye. She went to the land of dreams with pride coloring her shadow; a haughty swing of her thick plait; and why not? Her name was Serina –she was named after a dream. Why not? I thought, though I cried the night before because she got the chance bestowed to her curvy hips, her white Colgate smile, her crystal blue eyes. And what about me? What about me. I have never had the smartness of a woman. I envied her from the day I realized that looking pretty was more important than being rough. I had always been good in games, in fighting, in being well†¦ rough. When we were much younger, I used to bully her so badly that she never joined in any of our games. She became a weak ghost, a girl who was just that†¦a girl. No more. Well I†¦ well; I was more of a boy, a fighter, someone who laughed when the mother advised the daughter to wash her hair with herbal shampoo to make it shiny and black as coal. I ran after kites and learned that slamming the flat of your hand into someone’s face is much more effective than curling that same hand into a fist. I learned that one should never box someone with the thumb hidden inside the white-knuckled clench of a fist. I learned that if someone digs at your eyes with two fingers, you could just bring your flattened hand vertically up at your nose, and whoever’s fingers however long, would never reach your eyes. I lear ned that being flat was more beneficial than being round. The day I discovered that I was turning round, that my legs could not carry me fast enough, that the boys I used to beat up now towered over me; anger glinted inside like a raised knife waiting to fall. From then on, I stopped fighting with boys and started fighting with girls instead. I could have died for my gang - a group of seven girls who knew that their only honor was their strength. One day my friend was walking down the road after a harvest party with a cup of alcohol made out of rice gurgling in her stomach. She bumped into an older woman with a baby clinging onto her hip; and the woman turned around and told her to watch where she was going, if she wanted so much to bump into somebody, why not pick on a boy and not a woman with child.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Educating Indian Peasants Essay

India is one country that is endowed with a rich culture that not only influences individuals but also social groupings and structures. Religion is one cultural aspect that is very influential and this paper seeks to shed light on its role in education as well as the forms of educational systems in India. The two basics forms of education are traditional education and elementary education. Traditional education can be defined as the passing of knowledge from a guru or spiritual leader to a student. The transmission of knowledge here is oral such that writing materials are not present. The venue in which this is done is known as a gurukul, which was usually the residential place of the leader or sage, and among the subjects taught were religion, Philosophy and mathematics. (Pomelil). This form of education was only accessible to certain castes that were higher that others. These castes were religious in nature where there also existed the untouchables who were mostly poor and oppressed by those of the higher castes. Traditional education was usually free but it is said that rich families gave tokens of appreciation to the gurus on completion of the studies. Discrimination and segregation are some of the characteristics that can be pegged on this education system. Religion comes in where it consoles those in the lower castes that after their death thy will re-incarnate to one of the high castes. Krishna, an Indian god is said to have reincarnated and gone through traditional education in his childhood. Robert,2003). Elementary education on the other is all inclusive and is carried out in schools. Castes do not have any importance because every one is given an equal opportunity to learn. In India those in lower castes were known as dalits and they were the main source of labor to those in higher castes. Elementary education was introduced so as to promote equal accessibility as well as universality to for everyone. Without elementary education the Indian peasants will only be revolving around the vicious cycle of poverty because of lack of empowerment that would enable them improve the standards of their own living. According to Robert, 2003, dalits were viewed and made to believe that they were not better than those in the higher castes but studies show that when dalits got into a competition with higher caste members, dalits only performed badly when their status was made obvious before the competition, while they even did better or scored same points when their social affiliation was not mentioned. Schools are available to all because they are not usually very far apart. Elementary education is the only way to empowering Indian peasants or Dalits because the World is rapidly changing and individuals are now rewarded by merit. Ascribed status is losing its popularity to a status that has been worked for or earned.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Adolf Hitler

Adolf Hitler was born on 20th April 1889 at the Gasthof zum Pommer, a hotel in Braunau am inn in Austria. He was the fourth child in the family of six children. Adolf Hitler had a very troubled relationship with his father but was close to his mother.His father, Alois Hitler, was an authoritarian figure who frequently beat his son. He is said to have told his secretary that he once resolved never to cry when his father whipped him. Hitler was a relatively poor student, a fact that he later attributed to his rebellious nature towards Alois. In his early years lived a life characterized by the love of intellectual and artistic tendencies.From 1905, Adolf led a bohemian lifestyle in Vienna, Austria. He applied twice in the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna but was rejected. The Academy cited that he was unfit to paint and was told to try architecture instead. Apparently, he had fascination for architecture. It was in Vienna that Adolf Hitler became an anti-Semite.Vienna had a large Jewish com munity among them Orthodox Jews who had fled Russia. It is said that those who may have influenced Hitler during his early years include politician Karl Lueger, anti-Semite ideologist Lanz von Liebenfels, Georg Ritter von Schonerer, and composer Richard Wagner. (Lukacs 110)First World WarAdolf Hitler served in the sixteenth Bavarian Regiment in Belgium and France in the First World War. By the end of the war he was the equivalent of American army private first class. A private first class, or a Gefreiter in German, was a runner and was frequently exposed to enemy fire. Though his position was dangerous, Hitler served in key battles on the Western Front. These include:First Battle of Ypres Battle of the Somme Battle of Arras Battle of Passchendaele The first Battle of Ypres gained the name Massacre of Innocent and about forty thousand men were killed in twenty days. Between October and December, Adolf’s company of two hundred and fifty men was reduced to forty two men. His bio grapher noted that the Battle of Ypres made Adolf withdrawn and aloof for the remainder of the war.He was however rewarded for his bravery by being awarded two decorations. He was awarded the Second Class Iron Cross in 1914. He also received the Iron Cross, First Class in the year 1918. This honor was rarely awarded to a private first class.The regimental staff though thought that he lacked leadership skills and was never promoted to the position of corporal. Another reason cited for lack of promotion was because his citizenry was in question. While at his regimental headquarters, Hitler found time to practice his artwork. He contributed to the army newspaper by drawing cartoons and instructional drawings.During the Battle of Somme, Hitler was wounded in the groin area. This was in 1916 but by 1917 he had returned to the front. Due to his injury, Hitler received a wound badge in 1917. Adolf Hitler was temporarily blinded following a mustard gas attack and was admitted to a field hos pital.Some people later suggested that Hitler was blinded as a result of a conversion disorder. According to him, the blindness experience led him to be convinced that his life’s purpose was to save to Germany. Some scholars indicate that his objective and intention to eliminate Jews in Europe was formed in his mind during this time. (Lukacs 118)PoliticsAdolf Hitler was a passionate German patriot and had admired Germany for a long time. He however became a citizen in 1932. He regarded war as his greatest experience and received many praises for his bravery from various commanding officers. Hitler was shocked and angered by Germany’s agreement to surrender in November 1918.What made him angrier was the fact that their army still held enemy territory. As a staunch nationalist, he believed in the ‘dagger stabbed legend’. The legend argued that the undefeated Germany army in the field had been betrayed (stabbed in the back) by Marxists and civilian leaders. T hese Marxists and civilian leaders were later branded November Criminals.The German capitulation deprived the nation a number of territories and demilitarized the Rhineland. The Treaty of Versailles also imposed economically damaging sanctions on Germany. The Versailles treaty restored Poland, a move considered an outrage even to a moderate German. It also criminalized Germany for all horrors experienced during the World War One.Since Germany was culpable, reparations were imposed on the nation. The Treaty of Versailles humiliated Germany in a number of ways. The German army for instance was almost fully demilitarized. They were not allowed to have submarines, an air force, armored vehicles, and were only allowed six battleships and an army of a hundred thousand people.The treaty played a significant role on Germany’s political and social conditions. It was an important basis on which the Nazis and Hitler sought power.Adolf Hitler remained in the army after the end of the Fir st World War. He went back to Munich and attended the funeral procession of the murdered Prime Minister Kurt Eisner. He was part of the ‘national thinking’ courses led by the Bavarian department of propaganda and education.Hitler and those of the same sentiments be regarded Germany woes to be as a result of international Jewry, politicians, Communists, and Marxists. In 1919, Adolf Hitler was appointed as a police spy of the Intelligence Commando of the Reichswehr.The Reichswehr was later formed the defense force of Germany. He was required to infiltrate the German Workers’ Party (a small party then) and influence other soldiers. The factors that impressed Hitler to join the party include: ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It was anti-Semitic ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It was nationalistic ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It was anti-capitalist ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It was anti-Marxist ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The party favor ed a strong and active administration ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The party advocated for   a non Jewish version of Socialism ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Solidarity for all members of the societyThe above beliefs and characteristics guided Adolf Hitler for the rest of his life and administration. Adolf Hitler was made the seventh member of the executive committee of Anton Drexler’s German Workers Party. This was mainly due to the fact that the party founder was impressed by his oratory skills. Hitler also met another founder of the party Dietrich Eckart who will become his mentor.Dietrich taught Hitler how to dress and speak exchanged ideas with him and introduced him to many people. So as to improve the party’s appeal, it was renamed the National Socialist German Workers Party. After being discharged of his military duties in 1920, Hitler together with his former superiors concentrated his efforts in the party’s activities. He became very effe ctive at speaking to large crowds. (Lukacs 110)Adolf Hitler was a gifted orator and used his talent to the maximum. In February 1921, he addressed nearly six thousand people assembled in Munich. He advertised the gathering using two truckloads filled with supporters holding swastikas and throwing leaflets. He used polemic and rowdy speeches to criticize the Treaty of Versailles, politicians, Marxists and Jews.His party was based in Munich (a German nationalist’s hotbed then) and was determined to undermine the Weimer republic party and end Marxism. Some of his party members considered him to be domineering. This group formed alliance with other socialists leading to the resignation of Adolf Hitler from the party in July 1921.The exit of Hitler meant the end of the party. He however declared his return if he was given the position of chairman of the party with unlimited powers. Some original members of the party were infuriated by Hitler’s decision. They wrote a pamphle t attacking Hitler as a traitor and criticizing him as power hungry and violent. Hitler sued for libel and was awarded a small settlement.The party members were later made to vote on Hitler’s demand. He won through landslide victory with five hundred and forty three votes against one. On July 29 1921, he was declared the Fuhrer of his party. This was the first time the term Fuhrer was used.He made enemies by attacking communists, capitalists, Jews, liberals, and reactionary monarchists. His initial followers include army captain Ernst Rohm, air force pilot Herman Goring, Rudolf Hess and wartime General Erich Ludendorff.Adolf Hitler together with his wartime general friend staged a coup on November 8 1983. Hitler and the NAZI paramilitary organization SA stormed a public meeting led by Kahr. The following day Hitler and party supporters marched from a large beer hall in Munich to the Bavarian War Ministry.Their intention was to overthrow the Bavarian government. This event is popularly known as the Beer Hall Putsch. They were however dispersed and sixteen party members killed. Some scholars indicate that Hitler contemplated suicide after the beer hall putsch event. Adolf Hitler was later arrested and charged with high treason. His trial transformed Hitler from a local Munich figure to a national figure.He used his unlimited time during the trial to voice his nationalistic sentiments in the defense speech. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment on 1st April 1924. The Bavarian Supreme Court handed Hitler an early release on 20th December 1924. He dedicated his time at Landsberg Prison writing an autobiography and explanation of his ideology titled Mein Kampf. It sold close to a quarter million copies between 1925 and 1934.Rise to powerHitler faced various obstacles in his efforts of rebuilding his party. Some of these obstacles included improved economy in Germany, collapse of the putsch and his ban on public speaking. He devised a new ‘legalâ⠂¬â„¢ strategy of gaining power. Hitler’s turning point came when Germany was hit by the Great Depression in 1930.The Centre Party of Chancellor Heinrich Bruning lacked majority in parliament leading to instability. The premature elections of 1930 saw the Nazis win unexpected 107 seats and eighteen percent of the vote. They rose from one of the smallest party in the parliament to the second largest.Hitler appealed to war veterans, the middle class, and German farmers. His niece Geli Raubal committed suicide using Hitler’s gun in September 1931. Geli, who was nineteen years younger than Hitler was believed to have been in a romantic relationship with him.This event was a source of intense and lasting pain to Adolf Hitler. After attaining citizenship in 1932, Hitler ran for president against the incumbent Paul von Hindenburg but came in second with a remarkable 35%. (Rees 62)After Bruning resigned in1932, the July election saw the Nazis become the largest party in the pa rliament with 230 seats. The parliament was later dissolved and new elections were called. The Nazis lost some seats but still remained the party with the majority seats. Through a power sharing deal, Adolf Hitler was appointed chancellor of the German government and sworn in on January 30th, 1933.On February 1933, the parliament building was set on fire leading to the government Reichstag Fire Decree. The Nazis used their paramilitary unit to spread violence against communists. The Enabling Act gave the Hitler administration legislative and executive powers.He used this position to suppress any remaining opposition and on July 14 1934, his party was declared as the only legal party in the nation. He used the SA paramilitary power to force for Hugenberg’s resignation and the abolition of state governments. After the death of the president, new elections were not held.His cabinet passed a law making the office dormant. Hitler transferred all the powers to himself and declared himself the Fuhrer and Reichskanzer or the leader and the chancellor. He therefore became the commander of the German armed forces.