Maxim’s Group Structure

Divisional structure is an organization design made up of self-contained units or divisions. Positions are grouped into departments based on similar products, regions or customer groups. Hong Kong Maxim's Group has grown into the largest catering company in Hong Kong, while serving more than 540,000 people every day. Nowadays, Hong Kong has built up many store, each store need human’s development. The Group invests a lot of resources in the development of talent to support its rapid growth. The Group also provides career incentives for potential employees such as promotions, role transfers, and new business management. Last but not the least, we prepare an â€Å"Individual Development Plan† for employees so that they can adapt to their new roles in a short time span. The food and beverage industry requires a people-oriented culture and focuses in recruiting strong human capital. Therefore, Maxim has set up comprehensive training and development programs for employees at varying levels. Through the programs, employees can develop their working skills as well as improve other aspects. As the Job Category, staff can be divided as Front Line Catering Service, Catering Ambassador,Catering Manager. Maxim’s Group has a matrix structure. Matrix structure is comprised of specialists from functional departments who are assigned to work on one or more projects led by a project manager. Combines product departmentalization and functional departmentalization. Also, matrix structure is advantages of work specialization and has high accountability. Maxim’s Group is a combines leading by a project manager, there are many different department in a larger organization. Differ from department have work specialization, faultless inside preference structure and having a high accountability and corporate social responsibility. Actually, Maxim’s Group is a diversify structure. Maxim’s Group has many group businesses as Chinese cuisine, quick service restaurant. Maxim’s cakes, festive products etc. Maxim’s Strategic and Business Development Department is always on the lookout for new business opportunities, including franchises, strategic partnerships and mergers and acquisitions.

The Yellow Wolf: The Strong and Wise Cheyenne Indian

The Indian Frontier of the American West tells a story of the different Indian tribes and whites from 1846 to 1890. This period of time is very famous in American history. It produced some of the most widely heard of names in the battles between Indians and whites. These names include Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce tribe, Sitting Bull of the Oglala Sioux, Cochise, Geronimo, and Mangas Coloradas, and John Ross of the Cherokee Nation. These names are still very respected among historians and are seen throughout history books used in schools across the nation. These names were involved in many battles with whites in the middle of the nineteenth century. In this book, Robert Utley describes how many different Indian cultures survived between 1846 and 1890. Utley also spent some time in discussing how Americans felt about Indians. This book also talked about how the American government was run, and how they dealt with the different Indian cultures. This book had a couple of interesting stories in it also. The dozens of cultures depicted in this book really made it somewhat interesting to read. One story that I truly liked in the book was that of Yellow Wolf. Yellow Wolf was an extremely strong and wise Cheyenne Indian. He was a man that was known for his leadership in battles with the Utes, Pawnees, Kiowas, and Comanches. Yellow Wolf also played an important role in helping William Bent, also known as â€Å"Little White Man†, as to where to set up his trading post along the river. After Bent had set up his fort, Yellow Wolf traveled there in the summer. He watched as tens of thousands of white men move in and through the Indian country. This made him worry about the future of his people, something no other Cheyenne leader would even consider for years. In discussing his fears with an army officer he talks of how his people and the buffalo are disappearing. He also says that his people will become extinct unless they change and adopt the habits of white people. Yellow Wolf lived for eighteen years amongst the white man. In his final year of his life, Yellow Wolf watched his worst fears come true. Through all of this, he continued to believe that the only hope his people had was if they learned from the white man. On November 29, 1864, a white man from General Stephen Watts Kearney†s army gunned down Yellow Wolf. He was 85 years old. Another part of the book that I truly enjoyed reading was the section on Grant†s Peace Policy. While Grant served as General in Chief of the United State Army a group of Quakers, know as the Friends, urged him to adopt a new peace policy. This policy was to be founded on Christianity and peace, rather than on force of arms. The policy also called for men of religious conviction to be appointed to agency posts. Grant quickly embraced this idea and pretty soon Grant†s Peace Policy was adopted. Grant didn†t hold any strong convictions about Indians, but he did indicate that: â€Å"Those who do not accept this policy will find the new administration ready for a sharp and severe war policy. † Throughout the entire process, Grant remained as open minded as possible about the peace treaty. The policy wasn†t carefully crafted. It actually came together on its own, and as it took shape it began to have direction and definition. One of the strongest forces guiding Grant was Colonel Ely S. Parker. He had betrayed his racial origins and become a fixture in both the white and Indian worlds. He served as chief of the Senecas and Grand Sachem of the Iroquois Confederacy, and as lawyer, engineer, and soldier for the United States. Prior to the election, Grant relied on Parker more than anyone else when it came to Indian matters. Parker made detailed plans of Indian management that Congress supported and he also served on various commissions and conducted numerous investigations. Parker was so involved and was so respected that after Grant was elected he appointed Ely Commissioner of Indian Affairs. The wars that broke out in light of the peace policy really grabbed my attention. As with all peace treaties there usually will be some drawbacks. The point of the policy was to place all Indians on reservations, where they could be kept away from the settlements and travel routes and where they could be civilized. Indians, on the other hand, did not feel this way. Almost every major battle was fought to force Indians back to their reservations, or to force them on to newly created ones. The combination of battles and diminishing support it once had made the Peace Policy all but forgotten. These wars became somewhat of a regular fixture. Whites wanted all Indians to live on reservations and learn to live like white people. Indians refused to adapt to these new rules so they fought for what they believed in. Overall, I found this book to be less than interesting. My family tree dates back to the Cherokee Indian so I was interested in reading about what Indians actually went through. Robert Utley did a very good job with all of the various illustrations and maps. I especially was intrigued as to the many different pictures of Indians as well as the whites. In reading this book, I learned of yet another race that whites attempted to take over or confine to certain areas. Being a minority helps me keep an open mind to what went on in the past as well as what goes on in today†s society. The struggle that Indians endured in the 1800†³s symbolizes the struggle that some Indians still go through today. Although we do not live in a country where people are forced to live in certain areas, there are some American Indians that still live on reservations because they feel society will not accept them. I did not particularly care to read about all of the whites during that period of time, but I would not have gotten a full understanding unless they were included. I would recommend anyone wanting to learn a good deal about the struggle of the Indian people to read this book.

In what way is American TV culture satirised in The Simpsons TV Violence?

Satire is an extensive form of mockery. The Simpsons uses exaggeration and comedy to mock the TV culture of America. In America, at the moment most children tend to go home from school and spend the rest of the night watching TV. This episode is trying to show that TV is killing children's imagination and influencing them negatively. When the children stop liking the cartoons they start going out and playing traditional games like hopscotch, marbles and fishing. In this episode Maggie is influenced negatively by the Itchy and Scratchy cartoons, Marge realises and starts protesting to get them banned. The children then find the new style of the cartoons boring and they go out to play rubbing their eyes, as they are not use to playing outside. The producers use parody, as a form of satire by copying the Psycho scene when Janet Leigh is killed. In the episode, Maggie is watching violent cartoons that influence her. The cartoon shows a mouse and a cat that are endlessly beating each other up. The opening song is catchy, â€Å"We fight, we bite, we fight, we bite, we fight†. In the episode of Itchy and Scratchy, the characters are hitting each other over the heads with mallets. Immediately after she goes down to the basement were Homer is doing some DIY, picks up a mallet and hits Homer with it. This proves that the Itchy and Scratchy Show is influencing the children. The producers of The Simpsons use parody as a technique to satirise the TV culture of America by including the Psycho scene. When Maggie attacks Homer for the first time the directors include the same music and camera angles. This is because Psycho is a well-known horror film, which is easily recognised. From then on, every time Maggie goes to attack Homer they include the same music as if to say she's about to do something evil. This is satire as you just laugh at the thought of a little baby beating her over weight father up and trying to kill him. The Simpsons copies many techniques to parody the Psycho scene but the two most noticeable are the music and camera angles. It uses the same kind of camera angles during the attack to try and make it more dramatic. There is a close up of Homer's mouth just as he realises that Maggie is about to hit him, this is the same as when Janet Leigh is just about to be killed. Also the directors copy the overhead shot of the plug which is faded out to become the eye once the victim had been hit. The music is easily recognisable, as most of the audience have seen the film or would recognise that it is out of a horror film. The audience will hear the music and think that something bad is about to happen. This is because the music is quite slow and quiet, and when there is a quick sudden movement it makes you jump. These techniques combine to make the scene recognisable and easy to relate to. Although it does this, it manages to put its point across in a humorous way. This means that if you were just watching you probably wouldn't think about the meaning behind it, as you know what kind of programme The Simpsons is so would just laugh which is the designed effect. In the second episode of Itchy and Scratchy, the cat and mouse are still trying to beat each other up and so are still influencing in a negative way. Itchy is trying to stab Scratchy and kill him. Immediately afterwards Maggie picks up a pencil and walks over to Homer, Marge spots this and stops her. She looks over at the TV and realises that the cartoon is what is influencing her and wants to do something about it. Marge writes a letter to the producers of Itchy and Scratchy telling them she wants the cartoons changed. In return she receives a letter calling her a â€Å"screwball† and that â€Å"one person cannot make a difference†. This is ironic as America is meant to be a democracy where everyone has freedom of speech and expression. She starts protesting and is invited onto a chat show. The title of the show was â€Å"Are cartoons to violent for children?† which the host replied to by saying, â€Å"of course not, what sort of stupid question is that†. Her they are using parody to satirise talk shows. The host is meant to be neutral but this host is obviously more one sided in the argument. She is given nine seconds to put her point across. So she is not aloud substantial time in order to put her point across. She ends up winning though and the cartoons are changed. The cartoon now begins with the song, â€Å"We love, we share, we love, we share, we care†. The Itchy and Scratchy cartoons are now about happy things and in the one Maggie is watching they are sharing the lemonade. Maggie is once again influenced and she goes over to Homer to give him a glass of lemonade. At first he doesn't know what she is doing and backs off and then he realises that her intentions are good and only wants to give her dad a drink. This shows that she is still being influenced but this time for the better. Once the cartoons have changed the kids do not like them and start going out to play. The music slows down and changes into a piece of happy classical music by Beethoven. The children started playing traditional games such as hopscotch, dancing round the maypoles and used their imagination and spirits to make them fun. Homer referred to this time as â€Å"the golden age† and told Marge that she had â€Å"changed the world for the better†. The children ate their dinner with manners and were polite to their parents. This shows that when children don't spend as much time watching TV they spend their time doing positive, worthwhile thing and are more obedient as TV is no longer poisoning their minds. At the end of the episode Marge lost the argument and the TV went back to having lots of violence. This was because the people did not understand how she could be â€Å"for one form of expression, but not for another†. She didn't feel that anything was wrong with Michel Anglos David, where as the other women in the town felt nudity was evil. The cartoons went back to being more violent than ever and all the children went back inside leaving the playground empty and the music becomes slower and less cheerful. Maggie was again influenced by the cartoons and picked up a toy gun and shoot it at a picture of Homer. In conclusion The Simpsons uses many ways to satirise the TV culture. They use music, parody, and exaggeration. They try to do it in a comic way and get their point across well. It could be argued that the September 11th attack could also have been caused by violence on TV. It may be that the attackers would never have got the ideas if it wasn't for films such as Independence Day. Although The Simpsons is only a cartoon it highlights the influence TV has on the actions of people.

Provide topic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Provide topic - Essay Example Obviously, they had no idea, but I think my father knew it. He never said a word and told my mother to let men handle men business. At the time, I was confused and angry with myself, but it soon dawned on me that things, from that time would change. The fishing trip was a jarring moment in my life, but as Elizabeth Bishop claims, â€Å"Think of the long trip home. Should we have stayed home and thought of here? Where should we be today?† (Bishop 6). While I wished at the time that I had never taken this trip, I now realize that it was essential to my growing up. Setting and Profile of Self The fishing trip was on a hot humid Saturday morning. My father and brothers had done this numerous times before and were ready with their fishing rods. As the youngest in the family, eleven at the time to be exact, I had only done this thrice with my father. Normally, when I accompanied my brothers, they only let me unhook the fish and pack them. My mother was not very hot on me joining my father and brothers on this trip, though. You see my father was a hard man, a serious man who did not take particularly well to my spending hours around my mother. The fishing trip was his idea, and he gave me no chance to say no, despite having planned for a toad trapping expedition with my friends. In my family, everyone, except my mother was expected to be a man since I had no sister. My mother was the only feminine soul I intimately knew. Being different to my raucous brothers and aloof father, I preferred her company. The trip changed my worldview from that point. The Event Smearing the sun block my mother had lovingly packed besides my snack box, I mentally prepared for what lay ahead. Fishing had never been my forte, and I had always looked admiringly at my brothers as they brought in fish with my mother’s congratulations ringing in my ears. Now, here I stood, ready to clear the hurdle I felt stood between manhood and me. Even at eleven, I felt that my strapping, ragge d body was ready for any obstacle that the vast body of water threw my way. I felt apologetic for the fish that had to bear the demonstration of manhood that I was just about to put up. So absorbed in this initiation was I that the journey to my father’s favorite fishing spot was but a fleeting moment. The sudden splutter of the fishing boat’s engine as my eldest brother brought it to a stop brought me back to reality. I fumbled along the floor of the boat for my fishing rod, mistakenly picking my father’s rod. â€Å"Son that is for the big fish† he laughed as my brothers joined. I would show them what I was now. As I let out my line into the water and sat back waiting for the unfortunate fish that would define my manhood to attack the bait, I said a Hail Mary, borrowing from my favorite movie, the Godfather. As if she had heard me, then it struck, and I lurched to my feet. Adrenalin flooded my veins as the strength I had believed in so much began to drai n against the vicious thrashing of the fish. At the time, I was beginning to contemplate surrender and my claims to manhood; the fish did me a great favor. It leapt from the surface of the water, magnificently gleaming in the sun surrounded by breathtaking surf spray. In this moment, I saw the fish transformed from an unlucky victim of my manhood aspirations to a brilliant life specimen, and I longed to possess it. Maybe it was the boy in me, but the man had

Environmental Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

Environmental Law - Essay Example These are all very crucial points that are focused on in the body of this research. There is the utilization of many books and journal articles to bring a scholarly interpretation into the idea of developing nuclear energy. The conclusion that is evidently reached is split 50/50 as there are pro's and con's to a conceptualization such as this. Until the entire known obstacles can be minimized and proper ways for the disposal of left over nuclear waste can be correctly implemented then it is not something that the world considers very ideal and useful. However, the final points this research discovered was that, the many adversities posed by this technology have not prevented a percentage of countries from continuing their studies in turning uranium and other radioactive materials to energy. In fact, it showed some countries are on the verge of fine tuning this very type of energy, but is it in the best interest of the world The idea of nuclear power capabilities has been being experimented with for a number of years now. Nevertheless, even through all of the experimentations that have been done and the nuclear power plants that have been properly constructed there have been adverse elements that have placed numerous negative theories, which have been overshadowing the positive possibility of a flourishment in nuclear energy for many countries spanning out across the globe. There are many countries though that do have a slight use of nuclear energy yet, it is very minute compared to the traditional forms of energy that are produced. Nevertheless, there are countries that continue to dabble in nuclear energy as they state it is the cleanest source of energy there is. Even so, there still leaves the problem of disposing of the remnants of nuclear waste which has been a major concern of this form of energy regardless of whether it is more economical or not. However there are pro's and con's to be found in this type of ideology. In past years there have been countries who have suffered due to misjudgement in control of nuclear energy facilities. For example, going back in history we find that in 1986, within the Russian town of 1Chernobyl there was an incident where a nuclear reactor at a nearby plant exploded. Although the death toll from this was minimal, it was not and is not the only concern medical experts and nuclear specialists were pessimistic about, and possibly to this day are still feeling the repercussions from. Matter of factly, this one small occurrence placed fear in millions of people all around the globe, and many believed that it would put the thought of attempting to develop nuclear energy to rest because the risks were far too great. For awhile it did because the points were made that nuclear technology is extremely dangerous and it only takes one small incorrect twist of a bolt here or there to set the stage for a nuclear explosion. Chernobyl was only one example of what can happen when mistakes are made, whether by accident or not. When working with nuclear materials there is no room for accidents, which is one of the major issues surrounding the concept of adapting to the possibility of nuclear energy. However, at this same time there are those who claim Environmental law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 12 Environmental law - Essay Example The principle of good neighborliness indicates that it is the duty of a state to inform and discuss with other states, when it intends to engage in a programme such as construction of a power plant, which is likely to harm the neighboring states environment. In addition, it advocates for each state to encourage international co-operation by exchange of scientific knowledge and technology (Hunter et al, 1997). The principle of due diligence or due care-the obligation to protect rights of other states, with respect to the environment and natural resources is one of the basic principles of environmental protection and preservation law. Apart from steady monitoring there is an increasing emphasis on the duty of states, to take protective actions to maintain the environment. The principle requires states not to use the lack of full scientific certainty as a basis for postponing procedures to forestall ecological deprivation in situations where there are threats of grave damage (Hunter et al, 1997). Conventionally, natural resources located wholly within national boundaries have been considered to be within the national law, but resources shared by different nations such as rivers or migratory wildlife there is a need for international guidelines. A state has complete sovereignty over resources within its borders, but when resources do not fall entirely within the territorial control of one State, but overlap common political border, the concept governing collective resources is the universal obligation for equitable exploitation of such resources (Hunter et al, 1997). In conclusion, much of international environmental law relates to an obligation to cooperate are more specific duties relating, for example, the exchange of information and the requirement to coordinate international scientific research. Thus, the duty to inform and cooperate promotes a swap of information. Periodic reporting requirements are one of the

Developing Effective Employment Relationships Essay - 2

Developing Effective Employment Relationships - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that businesses today face a lot of challenges, ranging from international competition growth to changes in the technology market that impact business direction. One of the most fundamental challenges is establishing effective employment relationships, both in a recessionary environment and in a more conducive and stable economic climate. To build effective employee/manager relationships, there are several leadership models that provide valuable human resources-based outcomes. These include transformational leadership, laissez-faire leadership, and transactional leadership. All three of these models have differing approaches to building successful employment relationships, either focusing on autonomy, inspiration and vision iteration, or establishing effective rewards for meeting performance targets. Whatever model utilized in the organizational environment, there are opportunities and challenges associated with how employees will respond i n a recessionary environment and when economic conditions are more favorable for business growth and development. During a recession, employees begin to find personal concern about their employment security. Job security, under respected models of psychology, is a fundamental need that must be fulfilled before the employee can achieve self-esteem, a sense of social belonging, or achieve full self-actualization; the process of reaching the pinnacle of motivation and self-expansion. When employees feel that their jobs are in jeopardy, they will be more resistant to enacting change processes and will be de-motivated toward meeting performance expectations. When employees feel that their job positions are in jeopardy due to economic recession or business slowdowns occurring as a result of the macro-level economic environment, they are less motivated to perform under Expectancy Theory. Under this theory, employees choose a certain behavior based on the perceived desirability of the outco me of this behavior. Economic recessions often lead to internal job reductions through layoffs, thus consolidating job roles until the recession has run its life cycle and business returns back to expected levels of profitability. Employees that have remained behind and witnessed job losses with important reference group colleagues and associates, issues of job security are fresh on the minds of the employee.

Aids and hiv Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Aids and hiv - Essay Example HIV infection occurs by the person to person transfer of semen, blood vaginal discharge, pre-semen or breast milk. Major sources of disease transmission are unsafe sex, used needles, breast milk and transmission from mother to baby at birth (Weiss, 1993) (Douek et. al., 2009). Governments and pharmaceutical companies around the world are taking measures to fight against HIV infection. We will specifically emphasize on the role of government & pharmaceutical companies in African countries towards prevention and eradication of HIV/AIDS from masses. Heavy health budgets, quality of life and growth of economy are few of many factors that push governments around the world to invest and legislate to fight against spread of HIV infection. Corporate responsibility, social welfare and philanthropic programs are some of the incentives that drive pharmaceutical companies to push for comprehensive AIDS prevention agenda. Government & pharmaceutical companies use legislation, research grants, dru g control, awareness campaigns and enforcement strategies as tools to counter the spread of AIDS. Pharmaceutical companies and government agencies in developed world are very efficient at promoting the understanding of drug use that leads to HIV infection. Research is being done into how social behaviors promote drug-use that eventually helps in spreading AIDS due to bodily fluid transfer (Williams et. al., 2000). African countries on the other hand generally lack pro-active approach in terms of educating masses regarding the spread of HIV infection. While there are success stories in Africa that include â€Å"The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria†, â€Å"The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief† (PEPFAR), Senegal and Uganda governmental initiatives to fight AIDS, there are also problems faced in countering the spread of AIDS. These problems include Prevalent corruption in governmental regulatory bodies Lack of political will in most of African leadership Social taboos and norms Lack of institutions and infrastructure Pharmaceutical companies trying to gain profits rather than penetration in African market With lesser amount of money and resources put into fight against AIDS due to factors stated above, a general lack of awareness prevails in most Africa nations. South African health minister, an ardent proponent of alternative medicine therapy for AIDS has been able to convince his followers into avoiding anti-retroviral drugs (an accepted primary source of AIDS treatment). Instead people lacking awareness regarding the treatment of the disease were lured to the false claims of using improved diet, or cheap generic vitamin pills as a simple and relatively inexpensive way to marginally delay the need to start HIV medication. A detailed study by Ben Goldacre, published in his book in 2009, reads out the following lines â€Å"†¦ Alternative therapists like to suggest that their treatments and ideas have not been sufficiently researched. †¦ research had indeed been done, with results that were far from promising.† (Goldacre, 2009, pp.187 – 188) Among the success stories, driven by governmental steps to eradicate the causes of HIV infection, the most noteworthy are the steps taken by Senegal and Uganda governments (UNAIDS, 1999). These include Problems regarding AIDS infection were recognized at promptly. Adequate funding was provided to fight HIV/AIDS. Difficult political decisions were taken to cater for

What i lern from class Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

What i lern from class - Essay Example Mentally, the sport has made me alert. I always used to be lazy but I found that to play well one must have one-pointed concentration. There has to be hand-eye coordination which demands concentration on what you are doing. Thus it has improved my concentration power. Another thing I realized is that since the total concentration is on the game, the mind is not free to think or worry. Perhaps this is the reason that one feels relaxed after playing the game, as during the period one is engaged in the game, the mind is free of anxieties. Concentration on the game being played has another advantage. The mind has no time to think whether I will win or lose. One just plays. This means the work is done without thinking of the results. If the mind if diverted even for a second, we can make a mistake in striking, thereby spoiling the game. The game has also helped me gain confidence in talking and interacting with others. I used to be very shy but since I have started taking lessons, we have to mix with others and play together. This game promotes interpersonal relations and it has helped me develop confidence in my abilities. I did not know that I possess certain abilities such as the ability to get along with others. Now, I look forward to playing Table Tennis as it is a great leisure activity. However, it demands stamina, strength and one has to be agile. To undertake even the training lessons, one needs strength because the different strokes that one has to play is like a workout where all the limbs receive full exercise. Another major advantage with Table Tennis is that it is an indoor game and one can play whenever one wants. It is not dependent on the weather and all it requires is just another partner. In fact, to train and learn, one can even play alone. I have been so motivated by the numerous benefits of the game and fascinated by the game itself

Survey Results and Scores Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Survey Results and Scores - Research Proposal Example According to Coffman (2000), organizations need to have clear definitions of the work expectations from the employees. The author argues that while the explicit tasks are clearly spelled out, the implicit tasks must also be defined clearly. If these functions and tasks are not defined clearly, then it leads to a de-motivating gap between expectancy and performance. So while the employee feels that the work done has been as required, the manager or supervisor may have expected something more and this leads to statements such as 'I expected you to this also and not wait for my request". This is a somewhat favorable response to have gotten. The next question got a rating of 3.7 and the result can be interpreted on the lower level of Agree. Daly (1985) has emphasized the importance of having the right materials, at the right time and with the right people. The researcher had conducted extensive reviews about the productivity norms between German and British manufacturing firms and the conclusion was that the German industries were far ahead in productivity than the British forms. The main reason was that the proper tools and materials were provided to the workers on time and this lead to optimum use of the workforce. The same logic can be used for RBN and the rather lower score suggests that improvement needs to be done with regards to the availability of software tools and testing systems. The third question received a low score of 2.9 and the score is interpreted as Somewhat Agree. Singh (1994) has argued that fresh recruits, typically who are fresh out of college or who have put in a couple of years of service come with preconceived notions of a high profile challenging work and they come with a mission to change the world. When such recruits are faced with a rather sedate and regular works that may not involve very high level of work, the recruits face a type of disillusionment, which gradually builds into resentment. They feel that they are capable of doing a much higher level of work. After some interval of time of the new joiners do not see any change in their work content, they tend to look for other openings. While organizations cannot change their work processes to suit the likes of their employees, they need to bring in measures such as job rotation that will offer some kind of a change in the lives of the employees. The fourth question got a pretty low score, and that is not to be taken as a good sign for the company. It has been given a low score of 2.9 and the score is interpreted as Somewhat Agree. The low score shows that there is discontent over what the employees feel about rewards and recognition. Bishop (1987) has given details about a survey in which 150 HR employees ranging from executives to hourly employees from some of the nation's 1,000 largest companies were surveyed to understand how the employees rate the work satisfaction. In the survey, 47 percent said that recognition and praise were very important for job satisfaction. Next came promotions that ranked 26 percent and then came perks at 7 percent. The author concludes that employees are most worried about recognition from the managers and praise for a job well done. There is some dispute about the concept of a job well done and employees may raise complaints about the partisan attitude of managers when it comes to recognizing

The effect of stress among college students Research Paper

The effect of stress among college students - Research Paper Example Undoubtedly, as the study intent, effects of stress observed on college students, presents a multidimensional, complex and wide ranging event. Thus, to obtain a specific direction and understand the effects caused by stress on college students, the discussion henceforth emphasizes three themes; viz. (i) Physical and Psychological effects caused by stress among college students, (ii) Unhealthy habits in effect of stress on college students, and (iii) Increased drop-out rates as effects of stress on college students. Scholars have often argued sleep disorders, and psychological effects such as anxiety and negative mood fluctuations as associated with education stress among college students. Assessing the same notion through a quantitative model, findings obtained by Wong, Lau, Wan, Cheung, Hui & MOK (2013), revealed a higher scale of daytime sleepiness, depression or negative anxiety and reduced self-esteem interlinked with the academic functioning of the college students. This particular inference was justified in the study made by Elhai, Miller, Ford, Biehn, Palmieri & Frueh (2012), demonstrating greater rates of physical and psychological impairments among college students in terms of negatively reactivity, avoidance, negative cognitive alterations and hyper-arousal among others (refer to table 1 in appendix). Nonetheless, stress is found to be perceived by the students, which further results into anxiety and sleeping disorders among them, further causing physical health deterioration (Duan, Ho, Siu, Li & Zhang, 2015). In contrast, however, Wong et al. (2013) depicted an interlinkage between the factors stated; the relationship tested was more inclined towards testing the psychological effects on the educational merits of the students and not the vice-versa. A rather more insightful explanation was provided by Read, Ouimette, White, Colder & Farrow (2011), wherein the study revealed a strong association of posttraumatic

Assess in what way you think Emmanuel Kant may claim to have overcome Essay

Assess in what way you think Emmanuel Kant may claim to have overcome David Humes skepticism - Essay Example Besides the circle of practical epistemological interests are closely adjoined with questions of gnosiology, or the theory of knowledge. In history of epistemology there are two main schools concerning what makes the main means of knowledge. Rationalism allocates this role to reason. The empiricism allocates this role to experience, feelings strengthened by tools. For rationalists a paradigm of knowledge is the mathematics and logic where the necessary truth is made by intuition or conclusion. For empiricists a paradigm of knowledge is natural science But for both directions of epistemology the central question is the question, whether we can trust that way of knowledge which they prefer. The skeptical arguments show, that we cannot accept everything simply, without checking. So, the answer to the skeptical call represents one of the ways of epistemological understanding. In the epistemological sense Hume was an empiricist for whom only two kinds of knowledge (science) existed. The first kind is based on the experience (finally on sensual perception), the second - on the rules of interrelation of concepts established on the agreement (according to empiricism interpretations, such knowledge is inherent for mathematics and logic). We cannot have any knowledge besides these two kinds. We not know the things which are not given to us in experience.This empiricistic epistemology leads to the results, important not only for theology and ethics, but also for the understanding of experimental sciences. From this point of view, in natural sciences there is no certain undoubtful kernel. Further we shall see that Kant paid much attention to this item and tried to deny it.

Functions of packaging Essay Example for Free

Functions of packaging Essay The functions of packaging range from safety, information to its aesthetic aspects. Bill Stewart, (1996) has defined basic functions of packaging as follows: â€Å"product packaging must contain the product, protect the product from degradation, and identify its contents†. Stanley Sacharow, (1982) state that ‘although new dimensions of packaging are being investigated but until about 1900, a package had to perform only two functions: (1) To ensure safe delivery of the product to the consumer, and (2) To protect the product and ensure its shelf life. Apart from its functional attributes several researchers have explored the distinct roles of packaging and its growing importance is demanding to investigate its potential power in greater detail. (Thomas Hine, 1995) suggests Packaging as a tool for simplifying and speeding consumer buying decisions as packages promise, and usually deliver predictability. (Herbert M. Meyers and Murray J. Lubliner, 1998) sustain packaging functions that contribute to product differentiation, brand identification, appealing presentation, information, and enhancement. A package must literally shout attention to the product (James Pilditch, 1973). Forming an overall personality of the product is an integrated function stated by (Herbert Meyers and Richard Gerstman, 2005). â€Å"†¦.. Offered one example of the importance of package Colour. When 40 consumers were shown the same yogurt product in both an attractive blue cup and in an unattractive brown cup, only one consumer said the yogurt in the brown cup was superior to the same product in the blue cup. Those selecting the blue cup preferred it because it was sweeter, softer, definitely the best, Caron reported (Orloski, 1999) Packaging is no doubt an integral part of the offering of any organization to its consumers and stakeholders. It has to perform basic functions relevant to its attributes like size, Colour, graphics and shape. Various product strategies, designing and technologies can be used to achieve competitive advantage out of it. I. i. a. Components of Packaging Packaging is important component of the product business world. There are various factors which are important while making packaging decisions. With regard to main components of packaging, many different points of view have been expressed (Sonsino, 1990; Vidales Giovannetti, 1995; Hine, 1995; Underwood et al. , 2001; Cervera Fantoni, 2003). Generally speaking, a distinction is made between two blocks of components: (1) Graphic Components: Colour, Typography, Shapes/ Pictures (2) Structural Components: Shape, Size, Material (Olga Ampuero and Natalia Vila, 2006) In an article appeared in The Birmingham Post. (2005) have following lines which indicate the importance of packaging in the promotion and communication part of the business as well. â€Å"The bottle blends vintage and modern elements, while the packaging uses Williamsons signature Colour combinations of delicious pink and purple. † In other newspaper a product in children’s category has been mentioned. Here packaging is also mentioned as one of the importantly features of the product offering. â€Å"It is made with the gentlest ingredients for childrens sensitive skin, and has a delicate aroma of chamomile tea and baby powder. Included in the range is a shampoo and shower gel at pounds 15, body lotion pounds 17. 50, set of animal shaped soaps pounds 14, and a fragrance without alcohol pounds 25. The packaging is cute, decorated with drawings of animals. † (Sunday Mirror 1997) I. i. b. Multi-Faceted Dimension of Packaging Role of packaging is multifaceted. It functions to protect the product. It provides information like manufacturing date, expiry date, cautions and many others depending on the product. It is important for the storage and inventory management. Packaging plays a multi-functional role in the marketing of different products. Packaging not only protects the content of the product during physical distribution and storage in supply chain but also displays the product on the shelf in order to grab customer attention to make a choice among many competing products. Hence, packaging mainly plays a role of a silent salesman. (Sara, 1990). Designs of packaging have become one of the most important aspects of the product and it has been challenge for designers to develop packaging which can have all the attributes required. Numbers of products are sold in outlets where self service is practiced. According to Sonsino (1990) who has studied the buying behaviour and pattern within self service retail outlets, â€Å"Self-service has transferred the role of informing the customer from the sales assistant to advertising and to packaging. In an average supermarket the typical shopper passes about 300 items per minute. So it is quite obvious that a customer would be willing to pay little more for the convenience and prestige of better package. Therefore, packaging provides manufacturers with the last opportunity to persuade possible buyers before brand selection (McDaniel and Baker, 1977). This becomes even more important as nine out of ten purchasers, at least occasionally; buy on impulse (Welles, 1986). Sara (1990 p. 30) argues that â€Å"it is consumer’s subjective perspective that counts in his or her purchasing decision, not the product’s objective reality, and this in fact highlights the importance of packaging in the marketing mix. Consumers assess all the benefits of a product or supplier before making the final choice. The fact is that 95% of all retail purchased are made at prices higher than lowest possible†. (Bo Rundh, 2005) The point of purchase and impulsive shopping increases with good packaging strategies. Importance of packaging in the product mix can not be ignored for various reasons from the basic needs it fulfils safety and security of the product to the appeal and presentation of it. Greenman (2003) explains his expectations about buying behaviour. â€Å"it was my hope that their chosen treats would not only be to their liking, but would also have the creative packaging, Colours, patterns, shapes and attractive font that would make an interesting composition. † There is a need to understand consumer attitude and behaviour towards the packaging on special occasions will be investigated in greater detail. Understanding of the factors influencing consumers during special occasions will help marketer to serve target market effectively. I. ii. Cultural Implication on Packaging The increasing internationalization and globalization of business has forced many firms to reconsider different aspects of packaging that contributes to their competitive advantage. For some companies the package can make the difference example a superior design of a bottle like the export success of absolute Vodka (cap, seal, text and form of the bottle), which has become the second largest brand in the Vodka market (Bo Rundh, 2005, p. 670). An innovative packaging can even change product perception and create a new market position. Pringles potato chips are such an example whose innovative packaging differs from most competitive packages. I. ii. a. Culture Culture has been defined and described differently by various researchers, anthropologists and sociologists. The findings related to various cultures have been inputs for the business and economics sector in order to serve the mass with the products and services of their choices. Any business organization before investing or starting its business operations to any particular area within its country or other nations studies the socio-cultural background of that area. There is various definition of culture. Some of the definitions are discussed below: Culture has been defined as the collective programming of the mind which distinguishes the members of one human group from another by Hofstede G. H. (1980), whereas Van Maanen J. and Schein E. H. (1979) defined culture as values, beliefs and expectations that members come to share. According to Kroeber A. L. and Kluckhohn C. (1952) culture is defined as transmitted patterns of values, ideas and other symbolic systems that shape behaviour, while Hall E. T. and Hall M. R. (1987) defines culture as a primary system for creating, sending, storing and processing information. (Lisa Hoecklin, 1995, p. 28) In researchers view, there is a commonality reflecting in the views of all these different authors that- culture is a set of values, beliefs, customs, behaviours and expectations which is shared by members of a society and is passed on from generation to generation. Values and beliefs of an individual develops through his family background, social set ups and his own level of understandings. Individual follows customs and rituals which have passed to him from generations to generations. His behaviour is a result of the combination of his personality, customs, believes and value systems. There are certain levels of expectations from each and every individual in the society. These expectations can be personal to the individual or family or society’s expectations to him. The result of the collective behaviour of people comes in the form of culture. Culture is something where the past of the society have impact on its present. As rightly stated: Culture can neither be separated from individual and nor from the historical context. Its importance to society is equivalent to the importance of memory to an individual. As said by (Grunert, S. C. ) language, time and place help define culture. (Mooij and Marieke K. de, 2004, p. 26) I. ii. b. Hofstede’s Five Dimensions of Culture A Dutch cultural anthropologist, Geert Hofstede has developed a model of five dimensions of national culture that helps to understand basic value differences. Figure II. 2 HOFSTEDE’S FIVE DIMENSIONS OF CULTURE †¢ Power Power within a society plays vital role in its culture. Different culture has different frameworks for power and it has different implications as well. As described in Mooij and Marieke K. de (2004, p. 33) Power distance can be defined as â€Å"the extent to which less powerful members of a society accept and expect that power is distributed unequally. † Different countries can be divided by the power distance it has within its society. The high power society countries have centralized and top-down control while in the countries with low power societies are more independent and equal distribution of powers. For example: Japan can be described as high power distance cultures. Japanese people accept and give authority. Various factors constitute power within the society form the age of a person specific to the status and ownership. Within a family there are strong dependency relationships between parents and children. In the organizations bosses and subordinates show the distinct relationship due to the power. In the educational institute, professors and students share different relationship. Japanese people are least likely to change their job due to values they have developed and culture it has. On the other hand western countries have low power distance cultures. For instance Denmark people stress on equality of rights and opportunity. Within a family parents support their children to be independent at a young age. Dependency within the members of the culture is least. †¢ Self Approach of people can be different from each other from culture to culture. Within a society when majority of people are self conscious and think about their own interest first it is called individualism. People want to differentiate themselves from each other in such societies. They have private opinion about all the issues and problems and for them self actualization becomes an integral part of their life. In such cultures people are â€Å"I† conscious. Individual decisions are higher valued than group decisions. Most of the western countries display individualism culture where people are universalistic, share more explicit views and open communication and think about themselves first. On the other hand Asian and Latin American countries’ cultures show altogether different culture. This culture is known as collectivism. People are â€Å"we† conscious and think about their society or social network for each of their decisions. People have harmony among them and their cultural identity depends on the social network they belong.

Arte Povera Movements in Modern Art

Arte Povera Movements in Modern Art The movement Arte Povera began in late 1960s the key artists were; Giovanni Anselmo, Jannis Kounellis, Alighiero Boetti, Luciano Fabro, Mario Merz, Marisa Merz, Pier Paolo Calzolari, Giulio Paolini, Giuseppe Penone, Pino Pascali and Michelangelo Pistoletto. Arte Povera translated, means poor art but this does not refer to the quality or types of materials used alone. The artists involved produced sculpture, photography installation and performance. There were also other types of art practice that had an affinity to Arte Povera; Land art, antiform, postminimalism and conceptual art. The artists within this movement were concerned with that point at which art and life, nature and culture, intersect (Christov-Bakargie 1999: 17). Arte Povera found significance within physical forces present in every day life, such as gravity and electricity. Art that merely represented life and acted as a go between art and life was not considered by Arte Povera, experiencing a real life situation was the focus. Along with involving physical forces Arte Povera engaged with aspects of human nature. The objects and materials that the artists used to evoke aspects of human nature stirred the senses allowing the viewer to experience the work. For example Jannis Kounellis wanted the viewer to use their sense of smell he did this by using coffee within his work. The use of texture is applied within Arte Povera, suggesting that the viewer touch the work. The use of text was also popular with Arte Povera, the words were largely handwritten so would come across more personal. In terms of location the artists tend to work indoors however have worked in site-specific places. They have created installations, sculpture, film, and performa nce the artists also worked with ideas of the permanent and temporary. The scale is often determined by the dimensions of the human body, its physical presence and behaviour (Christov-Bakargie 1999: 19) this is demonstrated in Fabros piece in-cubo which consisted of a cloth cube that was big enough for just one person. Kounellis also stated that I cant exceed the height of a man (Bellini 2007: 114). Arte Povera was an outlet for artists at the time to rebel against what they considered an oppressive society both economically and culturally. They believed both these things were trapped within traditions and focused heavily upon consumerism devised to control rather than liberate (Christov-Bakargie 1999: 20). Many other things came under attack at this time such as education, sexuality and religion. The Arte Povera artists questioned all traditional materials, scale, form and concept. A key concept for the artists was to reduce the intellectual control and make the experience more important. Jean-Chrisophe Ammann gave a definition of Arte Povera: Arte Povera designates a kind of art which, in contrast to the technologized world around it, seeks to achieve a poetic statement with the simplest of means. This return to simple materials, revealing laws and processes deriving from the power of the imagination, is an examination of the artists own conduct in an industrialized society [] A way of dropping out which is by no means a denial of society, but which instead asserts a moral claim: the subjectified in its objectified authenticity reflects a natural recollection of environmental phenomena, both universal and individual (Christov-Bakargie 1999: 20). The text Art Povera Notes for a Guerrilla War written by Germano Celant begins by describing a type of art that follows the system First came man, then the system. That is the way it used to be. Now society produces, and man consumes (Celant 1967: 119). This system demands that the art produced by an artist has to follow a certain route; they must conform to the art they have made in the past. The artist makes objects that suit the system, they cannot create an object just for it to be an object they must justify the art and then make it fit for distribution: Turning himself as an artist into a substitute for an assembly line. No longer a stimulator, technician, or specialist of discovery, he becomes a cog in a mechanism. His behaviour is conditioned into never offering more than a correction to the world, perfecting its social structures but never modifying or revolutionizing them (Celant 1967: 119). Marcel Duchamp is mentioned as an opposing example to this type of art, he was never interested in pleasing the system and instead made art that did not follow a linear path. Celant describes that art has two directions one being using existing structures and the other the choice is to make a free art which allows for progression within the work. Celant believes the first choice of using the existing structure is a complex art and the second choice, a free art is a poor art due to it involving unforeseen events and working within the present. Over there a complex art, over here a poor art. Committed to contingency, to events, to the non-historical, to the present (Celant 1967: 119). Arte Povera artists rejected societies system, the artist wanted to be free to grow from the ability to move in any direction with their art to produce art that is unpredictable The artist, who was exploited before, now becomes a guerrilla warrior (Celant, 1967: 119). In a world where the system is well and truly cemented within society Arte Povera exists by not committing itself to any one system. This art is controlled by the practical objective to liberate art. Not to add ideas or art objects in to the world, which could fall in to the system: Hence it does away with categorical positions to focus on gestures that do not add anything to our well-educated perception, that do not oppose themselves to life as art or lead to the creation of separate levels for the ego and the world, but exist as social gestures in and of themselves, as formative and compositive liberations which aim at the identification between man and the world ( Celant, 1967: 119). Celant later wrote another text on Arte Povera in 1969, within this text he reiterates that the artist is renewing events that happen in nature. He compares the artist to an alchemist, having the ability like nature does to create magical things. The artist does not intend to represent these natural processes Like a simple-structured organism, the artist mingles with the environment, he camouflages himself with it (Celant quoted in Christov-Bakargie 1999: 198). Consequently the artist does not aim to change the world or influence it anyway, instead wishes to appreciate natural processes that occur and then experience them through making art. Celant identifies that Arte Povera involves the abolishment of following trends within your work and what you are expected to create as an artist and instead allow the work to organically progress. He abolishes his role as artist, intellectual, painter and sculptor. He learns again to perceive, to feel, to breathe, to walk, to understand, to use himself as a man. Naturally, learning to move or rediscovering ones own existence does not mean playing a new role or making movements, but using oneself as a continuously mouldable material (Celant quoted in Christov-Bakargie1999: 198). In 1968 Marisa Volpi wrote American Art and Italian Art: New directions, within this text she explores what is primary or minimal art. She defines this type of art as devoid of complicated form and absent from traditional aestheticism ( Volpi quoted in Christov-Bakargie 1999: 196). She also writes that these types of artists tend to be sculptors, as they believe that painting is limited in its two dimensionality, which restricts its capabilities of illusionism. Their focus is on involving the viewers in their presence and prompting isolated and particularized sensations, rather than on making them reflect, think and exercise judgement ( Volpi quoted in Christov-Bakargie 1999: 196). Volpi states that the distinctive feature at the time the text was written between European artists and others differed by their intellectual understatements within their art. Volpi describes what the Arte Povera artists produced They work on that perceptual fabric which comes before our logical-historical relations with the world (Volpi quoted in Christov-Bakargie 1999: 196). This quote is expressing similar ideas written by Celant, that Arte Povera is a rejection of producing work that follows a pattern and instead works with human nature as content. She describes many different themes within Arte Povera one being the use of ordinary processes such as filling up, covering up, opening, rolling up, lighting etc (Volpi quoted in Christov-Bakargie 1999: 196). Volpi ends her essay by writing that the Arte Povera artists intended to change the way that art was traditionally perceived. Chapter 2 part 2 This section of the chapter will explore several artists work who were involve within the Arte Povera Movement. Looking back at the question, what is Relational Aesthetics relationship to Arte Povera? Does Arte Povera include social interactions as part of the practice in the same way as Relational Aesthetics? Considering artist practices and how they use interaction and participation within their art. The artist Michelangelo Pistoletto (2001) said about his work: I am interested in the passage between objects more than in the objects themselves. I am interested in the perceptive faculty, in the sensitisation of the individual. Objects, the state of things, human movements accepted in their conventional appearance, do not contribute in any way to the profound stimulus of man, the full use of his cerebral capacities (Pistoletto quoted in 2001: 7). He is saying here that the object is not the most important part of the object but the channels between objects. He is interested in the interaction of the individual with the work and the awareness the viewer has of the work by way of their senses. Looking at objects in their normal capacity will not motivate people to use their full intellectual abilities. Pistoletto was recognized as a key artist of Arte Povera, his most famous pieces are Mirror Paintings and his series Minus Objects. Mirror Paintings consisted of human scaled images applied to reflective steel. The use of steel and the reflections from the viewers of the work meant the paintings were breaking with traditions of figurative painting. The involvement of the viewer within the art evoked a link between art and life. Minus objects was a series of sculptures that offered psychological and physical experiences (Tate 2001:..). One sculpture Lunch Painting 1965 is a cross between a picnic table and chairs, a painting and a sculpture thus questioning traditions of painting and not creating objects as commodities. In an interview with Paola Noe Can Art still Save Our Souls? 2008 Pistoletto identifies the beginnings of his Mirror Paintings: The figure of a man seemed to come forward, as if alive, in the space of the gallery: but the true protagonist was the relationship of instantaneousness that was created between the spectator, his own reflection and the painted figure, in an ever-present movement that concentrated the past and the figure in itself to such an extent as to cause one to call their very existence into doubt: it was the dimension of time itself (Noe 2008: 64). Pistoletto distinguishes that the central theme of the work is the interactivity between the artwork and the spectator. He explains there are two different types of present the one of the reflections and the time the image was captured, the image captured is also in the past as a memory. Past, present and future are all involved in the piece in different combinations, the future being the continuation of visitors to the gallery. Noe considers Pistolettos Minus Objects foretold Bourriauds theory Relational Aesthetics. Pistoletto responded in agreement suggesting the theory was born from Minus Objects with which I moved from the diversity of objects to the diversity of people (Noe 2008: 67). He states by taking his work outside the gallery it opened up art to a wider audience and to the unconventional. However Bourriaud states that relational art is not a re-interpretation or revival of any art movement. Relational artists do not use social interaction because it is the trend at the time or as an accompaniment to their practice. The social interaction is the subject matter of their work, and also the outcome. Bourriaud contends that previous use of participation in art specifically in the 60s was concerned with the definition of art as its focus and not social interactivity. Bourriaud also comments that art in this period was creating utopian ideas of society unlike Relational Aesthetics that created existing spaces. Giovanni Anselmo is another artist from Arte Povera who worked with nature and phenomena, one example is his use of the physical force, gravity. These things play the part of content as well as material within his work. At the centre of his art which integrates nature, perception and philosophy stands the human being (Werd and Watkins 2005: 106). The human being is an integral part of Anselmos work, as the gallery goer is transformed into a participant. For example his work Invisible 1971 involved a projected light, if anyone came into contact with the light it would then project on to his or her body making the light visible. Anselmos work of the 1960s and 1970s is an exploration of the obvious connection between art and the difficulty of understanding the world around us. In relation to the important aspects of Arte Povera mentioned earlier in this chapter Anselmo tries to break traditions for example having his materials created by someone else removing the workmanship and the traditional idea of processes like stone carving. He makes the experience of the work more important rather than the intellect in the work. Anselmo is re-inventing things within nature and phenomenon whilst keeping the work simple and bridging the gap between art and life however not representing it. Anselmo states he tries to be real, noting how he finds it incredible to be on earth, walking about and lookingit is magic just to be here. And often one forgets that (Anselmo quoted in Werd and Watkins 2005: 112). Anselmo (1969) writes that he does not fix situations but keeps them open, as situations in real life are not fixed; they are in a constant state of change. Because energy exists in all guises and in all situations, to work with energy requires total freedom in choosing and using materials (Anselmo quoted in Christov-Bakargie 1999: 233). Jannis Kounellis was also an artist that was associated with Arte Povera, Kounellis questioned conventions and traditions within art and also made art that cannot be sold. He did this by using live animals within his work, such as parrots, horses and goldfish. When asked what it was that defined Arte Povera Kounellis responded by saying that there was little planning or rigidity involved, Not having any dogmatic paranoia, not starting from a manifesto, the acceptance of contradictions (Bellini 2007: 114). In his work Opposite (1967) Kounellis placed a variety of objects that contrasted within the gallery space, by doing this he created a theatrical environment in which visitors became more than viewers and instead were transformed into actors. Kounellis also created an installation Untitled (12 horses) the use of twelve horses was not just to contest consumer society, but also referenced historical painting and were seen to represent power and energy. The human senses were also impor tant to the Arte Povera artists in Kounelliss case he used smell. Nature as a theme is also included within his work, he often places fire within the work from quite aggressive jets of fire to a more intimate use of fire in candles. In an interview with Marisa Volpi (1968) and Kounellis discuss whether chance is a determinate factor with his work. Kounellis states that When you have a plan, there is the fixed idea of development. When you plan, you eliminate openness. (Kounellis quoted in Christov-Bakargie 1999: 248). Kounellis (1968 a) also reiterates an important aspect within Arte Povera and that is the intention to unite art and life. He demonstrates this unity through the transformation of the gallery into a theatre where real life and fiction merge (Tate). Kounellis (1968 b) explains that art should strive towards authenticity and by using this term he means an art that does not categorize itself within a product or tradition that it doesnt want to shed. He states the work should be defiant towards conventionality the artist then becomes a permanent disturbance (Kounellis quoted in Christov-Bakargie 1999: 248). It is also important however that the viewer also sees the work in this way they must react t o them as signs of otherness and as indications of unconventionality (Kounellis quoted in Christov-Bakargie 1999: 248). In an interview with Andrea Bellini, Kounellis speaks about several topics the first one explored is drama. Drama is a fundamental part in his work and this is because drama is the basis of his culture. Kounellis is asked to explain what drama is and replies, In Italy, wherever there is drama, there is a new perspective; everything new is dramatically new, the rest is not actually new (Bellini 2007: 112). Language is also referred to Kounellis feels the most important gesture he has ever made was when he broke away from the canvas and started to work outside of it, this allowed him realize more this gesture opened a world for me (Bellini 2007: 113). The approaches made by Kounellis and others within the Arte Povera movement have lead to the rethinking of the gallery space or as Kounellis (2007) states by considering intervention within the gallery has changed the rules of the game. For example the piece where he placed a mass of carbon in the corner of a room as a gesture showed a d ifferent way to use the gallery. He strongly believes that the gallery is not a place to purchase artwork. The artist must make work that is socially relevant and make a declaration at the same time.

Critical Reflection On Corporate Social Responsibility Projects Accounting Essay

Critical Reflection On Corporate Social Responsibility Projects Accounting Essay The aim of this paper is to provide a critical reflection considering the ethical point of view of the CSR projects which companies are increasingly launching with the global emerging trend of corporate social responsibility in the business world today. The purpose is to evaluate the objectives of these campaigns, comparing if they are rather actions targeting profits or/and better corporate image or if they are truly altruistic actions driven by the increase of the concern involving the global issues nowadays. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A CORPORATION? Indubitably, this question has been widely discussed for many years, as great theorists show different point of views, arguing that either the primary objective of an organization is to maximize value or to be devoted to its mission and essentially satisfy the stakeholders needs. Basically there are two main theories: shareholder value theory and stakeholder theory. The first one argues that the only objective of a company is to maximize profit and generate value to its shareholders. At the other extreme is the stakeholder theory, which suggests that the organization not only should make profits and create value to the shareholders but also please their stakeholders, such as customers, employees, suppliers, local communities, and society at large. (Morgan Stanley, 2008) One of the earliest precursors of the shareholder value theory is Milton Friedman that emphasized once: So the question is, do corporate executives, provided they stay within the law, have responsibilities in their business activities other than to make as much money for their stockholders as possible? And my answer to that is, no they do not. (Friedman, 1974) On the other hand, Dave Packard the co-founder of the Hewlett Packard proposed a distinctive cause for company existence: I think many people assume, wrongly, that a company exists simply to make money. While this is an important result of a companys existence, we have to go deeper and find the real reason for our being. As we investigate this, we inevitably come to the conclusion that a group of people get together and exist as an institution that we call a company so that they are able to accomplish something collectively that they could not accomplish separatelythey make a contribution to society, a phrase which sounds trite but is fundamental. (Packard, 2002) The ground of the stakeholder theory is not far from the corporate responsibility concept or trend, which undeniably attract much attention in the last years. As the theory, CSR objective is to determine all the stakeholders and pursue a balance between the main concerns and goals of each one of those (Morgan Stanley, 2008). While Friedmans and Packards points of views represent extremes opinions, others have promoted a mid-term approach. Peter Drucker, for example argued that a middle ground is essential for one business to be considered successful as illustrated on the statement bellow: A business that does not show a profit at least equal to its cost of capital is socially irresponsible; it wastes societys resources. Economic profit performance is the base without which business cannot discharge any other responsibilities, cannot be a good employer, a good citizen, a good neighbor. But economic performance is not the only responsibility of a business Every organization must assume responsibility for its impact on employees, the environment, customers, and whomever and whatever it touches. That is social responsibility. (Drucker, 1954) All in all, the fact is that there are many diverse opinions among specialists and executives. Therefore, in my opinion the CSR of one company is influenced mainly according to the beliefs and values of its leaders, especially the CEO, rather than the mission statements of the organization. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IS INCREASING AS A TREND BUT DECREASING WITHIN COMPANIES Before analyzing more extensively the corporate social responsibility as a trend within the companies, I truly believed that the CSR practices were substantially increasing. However after reading the 2008 Morgan Stanley publication about the topic, I was surprised with the results. Considering the methodology utilized by Morgan Stanley, It seems that the overall real concern of CSR is decreasing over the last 15 years. Although the organizations might be investing more in CSR projects, the damage/harmfulness caused by the companies is increasing on larger scale. So, this means that the negative actions are not being covered by CSR practices. Instead, the careless with CSR is increasing much more than the projects as could be analyzed in the table below. KLD defines a set of potential strengths (for example, charitable giving) and a set of potential concerns (e.g., hazardous waste). For each company, KLD assigns a value of 1 if the strength or concern exists and a 0 otherwise. (Morgan Stanley, 2008) In conclusion, besides the strengths are increasing, the concerns are rising more rapidly and the net value of the strengths minus concerns is decreasing each year. Evidently, that the result presented could be argued and probably other studies with different methodologies could show diverse outcomes. However, I personally like the methodology because not only shows what companies are doing well but also consider what they are doing wrong. Nevertheless, in my opinion does not matter if they are investing more if they are depreciating even more. Even though, companies are not emphasizing CSR as I would expected so, unquestionably the trend is increasing within the society, followed by the pressure for new management practices and concerns with the environment. A good evidence to illustrate that hypothesis is the rise of the relevance and coverage of this topic at the universities. One study conducted by Lisa Jones Christensen in 2007, aimed to further investigate the importance of CSR, Ethics and Sustainability at the top 50 global MBA programs. The results showed that 84% of the schools that responded oblige students to take courses of one or all of these subjects. Even more 25% represented a stand-alone course. Comparing with The Ethics Resource Center study conducted in 1988, when 75% of Ethics, CSR, and Sustainability Education were a required part of the program and only 5% of the MBA programs required a separate course on ethics. (Christensen, Peirce, Hartman, Hoffman, Carrier, 2007) Summarizing, in my point of view CSR is a relevant subject and it is an increasing trend among the society, however companies are not giving the importance they should to these practices. Moreover, as will be presented on the next section, companies could gain more profits with a different approach of CSR. COMPANIES INVEST IN CSR AS MEANS TO MAXIMIZING VALUE OR TO DO THE RIGHT THING AS AN END ITSELF? As Michael Jensen discuss in the article Value Maximization, Stakeholder Theory, and the Corporate Objective Function, published by the Journal of Applied Corporate Finance in 2001, there are two alternative reasons for organizations to finance CSR initiatives. The first one is known as the moral theory, which CSR considers organizations as good corporate citizens by losing profits when necessary to serve other stakeholders, including society at large (Jensen, 2001). Above all, corporations have responsibilities to their customers, employees, and communities that should be given at least equal priority with their economic goals for their shareholders. On the other hand, the economic theory for CSR suggests it as a positive-NPV investment. More simply, presume CSR as the same as any business investment decision: Invest in all essential stakeholders if there are expected returns, at least equivalent to the cost of capital. (Morgan Stanley, 2008) Nevertheless, the main question to address is why companies are investing in CSR? For economic reasons, expecting returns, or they are really concerned and are investing with moral arguments? To answer that question, once again I will reference the Morgan Stanley study. The article states the premise that corporations that are more disposed to reduce shareholder returns for stakeholders would probably invest not only to increase their CSR strengths but also to decrease their CSR concerns. In other words, those organizations would adopt the idea of First, do not harm. Therefore, such companies would make efforts both to increase their CSR strengths and reduce their CSR concerns. In contrast, companies concerned with the returns of the investment in CSR would give priority on building their strengths, as many of them do it to make a public demonstration of ones progress, instead of focusing their efforts to address the weaknesses. Especially because usually is very costly to eliminate many CSR concerns. As I predicted, the results shows that companies invest on CSR projects primarily to maximize value rather than endorse stakeholder commitments as an end in itself. This means that businesses are financing CSR to strengthen their attributes instead of eliminating the CSR concerns. However, the most interesting factor is that the same research found that companies with more CSR strengths or fewer CSR weaknesses presented higher returns. This suggests that financing CSR initiatives generates profit and long-term value maximization, as could be observed in the graph below. Even more, companies which focus on reducing the concerns and thinks primarily on the stakeholders rather than profits, in a long run makes better results that corporations which allocate resources on strengthen their CSR attributes and have the economic approach. In other words, being ethic and altruistic considering the investments is more profitable! (Morgan Stanley, 2008) (Morgan Stanley, 2008)

Something Wicked This Way Comes Essay -- Essays Papers

Something Wicked This Way Comes Throughout Something Wicked This Way Comes there is an ongoing battle between good and evil, and many problems dealing with greed. In most stories good prevails, but things happen differently this time. The characters have problems with greed and evil thoughts, which will bring them misfortune throughout the story. During the story the author often uses foreshadowing to give hints to the reader of things that will happen in the future. When the story starts, a storm is coming on a late October night. The storm symbolizes the evil approaching the town. Usually it seems a storm would resemble something dark and evil, because a stormy night is always a classic setting for something evil. At the climax of the story, Charles Halloway reads a passage ...

Organ Donation Saves Lives Essay -- Persuasive, Argumentative, Argumen

About seventy-Four people a day receive an organ transplant, however an average of seventeen people die each day waiting for transplants. Did you know that more than 88,000 men, women and children currently await life-saving transplants? Every 12 minutes another name is added to the national transplant waiting list. Of those 88,000 waiting, 61,000 of them are waiting for a kidney. How many of you reading this are organ donors? I use to feel that I didn't want a doctor taking anything from me after I have passed, even knowing that two of my family members, an uncle and cousin, had severe kidney disease. It wasn't until after they had passed away that I really thought seriously about organ donation. I'm not proud of my prior ignorance or ambivalence on the subject of organ donation. However, I am now more knowledgeable on the subject. I have a bumper sticker on my car that reads, "Don't take your organs to Heaven, Heaven knows we need them here" and how true that is. When yo u hear something like that it tends to make you think about your decision not to donate. But in all honesty I wasn't completely sure about just giving my organs away, I had to do my research on organ donation, I had questions, and I wanted answers. Questions like: How are organs distributed? Can I agree to donate some organs or tissue and not others? If I sign a donor card or indicate my donation preferences on my driver's license, will my wishes be carried out? And Can I change my mind? These are some of the questions I will answer for you today along with giving you a brief description about what life is like waiting on a donor list. The first successful kidney transplant was in 1954 and is the most common transplant today. The primary f... ...donate some organs or tissue and not others? Yes. You can specify which organs you would wish to donate. If I sign a donor card or indicate my donation preferences on my driver's license, will my wishes be carried out? Even if you sign a donor card it is essential that your family knows your wishes. Your family may be asked to sign a consent form in order for your donation to occur. Can I change my mind? Yes, and you have that right to do so. You can change your mind at any time. In conclusion, people of all races, all nationalities, and all ages, depending on the cause of death, die and take with them very valuable organs that can help to fulfill a healthy life for someone who desperately needs them. What if that someone was sitting next to you? What if it was me? Or what if it was you? Don't take your organs to heaven, heaven knows we need them here.

Nuclear Energy Essay example -- essays research papers fc

Some may ask what is nuclear energy the dictionary defines this as: nuclear energy n. 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The energy released by a nuclear reaction, especially by fission or fusion. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Nuclear energy regarded as a source of power. Also called atomic energy Nuclear power was first known to be researched in the early 1900's, and by the world war; it reached its greatest peak by demonstrating to the world its power to destroy. Nuclear energy can be good or bad, depending on how the person works with this material; it is used for both sides good and bad. Scientists were unsure from the beginning of how it was possible to get energy from the material called Uranium. They were sure that with its uniqueness it would be able to transform itself into different elements. So they were unsure of it for many years, until Albert Einstein he explored the world of nuclear energy. In 1905 he released his theory of the famous equation e=mc2 with this he knew that uranium was able to create masses of electricity. A few years later, scientists found out the great power of the atomic energy. Since then, both scientist and the public were unable to find the best fit for nuclear energy in our society. We have put it into power plants, but the government and public were disappointed by accidents. We have put it into war, and with it we have caused great damages. So the question is where can this energy go?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Even though it has been discovered to be the greatest power source of the world today, nobody is willing to cooperate with it because of these accidents and accomplishments. I am not sure if my findings are accurate but by source tells me that today there are a total of 432 nuclear power plants and the amount keeps on lowering everyday. Most of the US and Europe power plants have been shut down completely. The Asian power plant has kept its production going, and it is predicted that Asia might become the biggest energy producer of the world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Nuclear waste has sometimes been called the Achilles' heel of the nuclear power industry; much of the controversy over nuclear power concentrates on the lack of a disposal system for the radioactive spent fuel that must be regularly removed from operating reactors. Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 and 1987 amendments, the Dep... ...ick. The 'dome' is designed to withstand earthquakes or a direct hit by a crashing jumbo jet. There is also a large number of sensors that pick up increases in radiation or humidity. An increase in radiation or humidity could mean there is a leak. There are systems that control and stop the chain reaction if necessary. An Emergency Cooling System for the core ensures that in the event of an accident there is enough cooling water to cool the reactor. Bibliography-website (http://members.iinet.net.au/~ando1/nuke/pro_nuke.htm) Cons on Nuclear Energy: Reliability One disadvantage of uranium mining is that it leaves 'mill tailings', the residues from chemical processing of the ore, which leads to radon exposure to the public. These effects are over-compensated for by the fact that mining uranium out of the ground reduces future radon exposures. Coal burning leaves ashes that will increase future radon exposures. The estimates of radon effects are very much in favor of nuclear plants. Mining of the fuel required to operate a nuclear plant for one year will avert a few hundred deaths, while the ashes from a coal-burning plant will cause 300 death.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Arya Samaj

CHAPTER-III THE ARYA SAMAJ AS A MOVEMENT Every religious movement aims at not only initiating a spiritual awakening but also reforming the contemporary society by trying to remove ignorance,superstitions,doubts and dogmas from the minds of people,thus ushering in a new kind of religious renaissance. In this respect,the Arya Samaj,as a religious movement,did not fall far behind,as it made a dynamic impact upon the Indians,forming a interesting and conspicuous chapter in the modern Hindu thought.Through the preaching of Vedic ideals,it succeeded to a great extent,in reforming the then Indian society,inculcating in the people the moral values of life. In this chapter,we shall attempt to throw light on how the Arya Samaj as a movement was able to achieve its desired goalof revitalising the Indians from their stupor of lethargy and ignorance,initiating them to learn the invaluable greatness of the Vedic ideals and making them understand and accept these ideals as a way of life.To be preci se,the Arya Samaj tried its best to remove the social ills such as untouchability,cow-slaughter,forced widowhood,child-marriage and bringing above reforms through female educastion,permission for going abroad for higher learning,reconversion to Hinduism,and many other philanthropic work to inject a new life and vigour into the then morbid socio-religious enviromentof the Indian society. The major thrust of the movement was in the field of religion. The religious scene among the Hindus in the nineteenth century had become morbid.Many religious beliefs and practices prevailed among the Hindu society which were not an essential inseparable part of true Hinduism. The puranik Hinduism had practically usurpesd the rightful place of the Vedas and the Upanishads. Hinduism had evolved many sects like Saivism,Vaisnavism,Saktism,Tantrism,the Swaminarayan and others. Religion degenerated intothe performance of religious worship of idol and rigid rituals and its spiritualism began to be clouded and confused.Religion began to be equated with temple going ,the observance of shradha ceremony,pilgrimage to the holy places,observance of vratas and fasts in the expectation of fantastic earthly rewards,and beliefs in astrology. They did not know much about their holy books. They believed that anything written in Sanskrit was sacred. They often read books in Sanskrit which were not really good,only a few of them read Gita which was supposed to be composed by Lord Krishna:some read the Ramayana and the Mahabharata,the two great epics of India;but very few of them knew anything about the four Vedas,the sacred books of Hindus.As a matter of fact the so called religious leaders of Hinduism,the members of the preistly class,upported by the pandits of Banaras,were interested in keeping the established order of things unchanged,as it brought them pecuinary gains and rewards in the form of charity and religious fees. Apart from the internal disease in the form of priestly domination,there were Christian missionaries,who with the tactit backing of European officials,were reaping a rich harvest by the religious conversions of the lower classes of Hindus.In the religious sphere,the Arya Samaj has vigorously campainged for the freedom of thought. Earlier all the words uttered by a Holy person were regarded as authoritative. None dared to criticise the interpolated Sanskrit verses and non-Vedic teachings of the orthodox schools. It was the Arya Samaj that revolutionised the religious thought and ideas of the people. The Arya Samaj taught the people to think rationally. They were asked to determine the value of a percept in terms of the degree of truth it contained. They were urged to use their intellect and to reason out things for themselves before accepting them.The scientific truths and the laws that govern nature were given their rightful place in religion. Dayananda wasd inspired by his Vedic knowledge and his deeo study of the Shastras to reform Hinduism and make i t free all vices. He was of the opinion that in order to appreciate religious truth in its proper perspective,one should absolutely be free from prejudices and superstitions. He was of the view that human beings had the capacity to follow the path of truth which was the essence of religion, but were prevented from so doing by selfishness,ego,greed and avarice.The Arya Samaj is not a new religion. It preaches the doctrines of the Vedas revealed to mankind by God in the beginning of the universe. It attemps at rehabilitating and reviving the Vedic truths which mankind had forgotten through ignorance and the advent of puranic literature, which blurred our vision and sent the vedic culture into the background. The Arya Samaj has dug out the Vedas down from the debris of the puranas,and installed them on the high pedestal of morality and infallibility they deserve. The Arta Samaj teaches the unity and oneness of God,the brotherhood pf God:the conception f the God head-given in the vedas is the loftiest. It is this conception which the Arya Samaj has put forth before the world. It does not believe in idol worship,reincarnation of God,shradhas,satisfaction of the departed souls by offerings in their name. It believes in the transmigration of the souls and the beginningless and endlessness of God,soul and matter. It believes in the return of the soulin the form of Mukti,a state of beautitude and immense happiness for a long period. There is no place in the Arya Samaj for the hereditary priest or for an ecclesiastical authority over the people.It does not accept the innumerable rituals and ceremonies which choke the spirit and mock the religion. They interpreted the Vedas to justify the puranic mythology and thus they tried to give the present degenerate popular Hindu religion a Vedic sanction. Dayananda tried to interpret the Vedas on the basis of original texts without being influenced by the works of the commentators of the later age. In the book Satyarth Prakash Sw ami Dayananda tries to establish the thesis that the Vedic religion was absolutely monotheistic in nature.In the Vedas there are hymns which assert the unity of God. In the words of Benjamin Walker,â€Å"Whereas Rammohan Roy had been attracted by the Upanishads and Vivekananda by the Vedanta,Dayananda went straight to the source of both these systems,the Vedas. He regarded the Vedas as the eternal,inaffiable,perfect and complete revelation of God,given to the world one hundred billion years ago. †Rishi Aurobindo accepts that,â€Å"There is then nothing fantastic in Dayananda’s idea that Veda contains truth of science as well as truth of religion. †Lastly Rishi Aurobindo says:Dayananda will be honored as the first who discovered the right clues,amidst the chaos and obscurity of ignorance and age-long misunderstanding. His was the eye of direct vision that pierced to the truth and fastened on that which was essential. He found the keys of the doors that time had c losed and rent asunder the seals of the imprisoned fountains. His lion like roaring voice ‘Back to Vedas’ appealed highly to the contemporary Indian sensitibility groping since long In the dark. It was the origin of this Arya Dharma advancing with the motto:- We are Aryans’and our religion is ‘Veda’ ‘Om’ is our God and Truth the duty. We would establish the Arya Samaja’s’ i. e the societies of the noble men,throughout The world and teach all and sundry to practice all the true principles of course,having practiced them first ourselves. The Arya Samaj is nort a religious sect as it does not believe in the human representation of God in the form of prophet,mediator or savior or Avatar(incarnation). Every man is directly connected with the supreme being and the worship of God means the holding of direct spiritual communion with Him.Thus the Arya Samaj is deadly against all kinds of fetish-worship,idolatory,image-worship,tree-w orship,river-worship,mountain-worship,star-worship,cow-worship,bird-worship or even man-worship. The worshiper’s heart is the real temple of God,and meditation on the attributes of God is the true worship. Swami Dayananda has prescribed a simple mode of worship called prarthana or prayer consisting of eight Veda mantras and sandhya or worship which consists o the recitation of some Vedic mantras which speak of the attributes of God and seeking His blessings of one’s efforts. It included yogic pranayam,that is the breath exercise.All this does not take more than 15 to 20 mins a day. In the last quarter of the nineteenth century,the Arya Samaj movement was perhaps the most powerful of socio-revival movements,which gave a new,more dynamic and concrete dimension to the social and religious regeneration movement in the country. The Arya Samaj has had a greater dynamic impact on Indians over several generations than any other religious or social reform movement has in modern times. It is the most conspicuous movement of the tim,es and one of the most important and interesting chapters of modern Hindu thought.Not only did it want to bring about spiritual regeneration of India by purifying Hindu religion and Indian society,but also it tried to reestablish the pristine glory of Vedas and the Vedic religion. It was a crusade against socio-religious superstitions and prejudices like idolatory,child-marriage,rituals,etc,it upheld supremacy and the infallibility of the Vedas and the vedic knowledge. It was a part of the nineteenth century renaissance movement,that believed in Hindu revivalism and back to the Vedas was its call to the people. A number of social thoughts and practices were operating as erious obstacles to the growth and development of the nation’s economy and traditions;to the state of ridicule and scorn of the western educated men and women. Some of these social evils were :untouchability,child-marriage,enforced widowhood,the denial of equality to women in religions and education,the ban on crossing the seas,the forced extravagance on marriage and death events,the compulsory use of fireworks in the public,the dowry system,the barter system in girls marraige and several other social ills,the Hindu society of the period suffered.These evil customs were regarded as ordained by God and,therefore,they were as inseparable essential part of Hinduism. The Arya Samaj struggled hard to cure the society of this malady and make it socially healthy and culturally strong. Its contribution in the social fiels was so singular and distinct that even if it had done nothing else,it would still have a place of pioneer in the social reformation movement of this period. It aimed at establishing a universal religion and purifying the Indian society of its evils.Lala Lajpat Rai says:The social ideals of the Arya Samaj are the ideals of the ancient Rishis of India. They were based on :- (1) The father of God and the brotherhood of men. (2 ) The equality of sexes. (3) Absolute justice and fair play between men and men and nations and nations. Equal oppurtunities to all according to their nature,karma and merit. (4) Love and charity towards all. The stigma that had darkened the name of the Hindu was the practice of untouchability,which was an off-shoot of the pernicious caste system. Dayananda had farsighted vision to see that the caste is the greater curse on India.Based on a wrong interpretation of the well known purushsa-sukta,it had been working for the disruption of the Hindu society. Dayanada first thought to exorcise the obnoxious spell of untouchability. He vehemently opposed the practice of untouchability and worked for the upliftment of the oppressed and the so-called low castes of the society. Dayananda quoted the Vedas to prove that the varna of a person was determined by his character,good deeds and his sanskar. Truthfulness,self-sacrifice,knowledge of God and the Vedas can enable a sudra to enter into a h igher varna.Similarly,due to bad conduct,evil deeds,selfishness,a person belonging to the higher varna,may be degraded to a lower one in the social hierarchy. A person may be born of Brahmin parents,but he may become a sudra if he acts like one. Swami Dayananda preached the equality of mankind. He did not believe in any kind of distinctions between high and the low,the high-caste and the low-caste. He taught the people to love one another and root out all thoughts of hate from the heart. Love was highest religion. One could win over enemies by Love.Nut Love should not be confined to Human beings;even animals should be loved. It was cruel to inflict any kind of pain to them. The temples of the Arya Samaj are ever open to all the depressed classes. Many missionaries sacrificed their lives to secure equal social and religious status for the so called untouchables. They were not only declared for the first time eligible to study Sanskrit and the Vedas,but many of them became the preache rs and teachers of Vedas in the Aryan Samaj. In many Arya Samaj temples there were preists who were born in the tso called untouchables castes.They now performed sacramental rituals such as marriage,sacred thread ceremonial havans and other rituals,which were formerly performed exclusively by Brahamans. The Arya Samaj took up the cudgels for the people of the Hindu society,who were the victims of the then prevailing social ills as of child marriage and old marriage resulting in increased number of young widows,women who were ignorant of the world around them and they had turned widows at a tender age. The young widow’s life was intolerable in the Hindu society.She was held responsible for all the misfortune of the family and was treated worse than a servant. Generally she was not allowed to marry again,and sometimes she was forced to burn herself to death with her husband. Swami Dayananda began his tirade in favour of wodow-remarraige and favoured the institution of Niyoga,as Niyoga was in vogue in ancient times. In 1856,Pt Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar’s praise-worthy advocacy was successful in getting the widow-remarriage Act passed. But it was rotting in the shelves of the lawyers as public prejudices were too strong to drive benefits from the law.The Arya Samaj took the masses and succeeded in popularizing widow-remarraige. In bringing out reforms to the life to these young widows Sir Gangaram Trust has done a notable work. The trust has opened many Vidhwa-Ashrams in the northeren parts of India. Thousands of widows for whom life was truly a living hell were leading a pourposeful and meaningful lives under the roofs of these Ashrams. Today,of course,marriage of the widows has become an acceptable fact in the Hindu society. Another evil was the child marriage and the Arya Samaj did not leg behindin its attempts to remove this social evil.Child-marriage was introduced into the Hindu society when the hordes of invaders began to pour into India at abo ut the beginning of the Christian era,and the honour and chastity of women became unsafe. The Arya Samaj carried on a velement crusade against this institution,and may be congratulated on the success it has met with in rallying public opinion in favour of its view. As regards the age of marriage,Swami Dayananda says in the 4th chapter of the Satya Prakashâ€Å"the best time of for the marriage of girls is from sixteen to twenty-four years of age.The lo0west age for a girls for marriage is sixteen and for a man twenty-five. †He was aware of the evil if after impacts of child marriage,hence he suggested that there should be legislation to stop this evil practice. Social legislations sponsored by the Arya Samajists were passed as Acts in the central legislature. The Child Marriage Act known designed by prominent Arya Samajist were milestones on the road of the Indian Society. In the nineteenth century,among the orthodox Hindu,there was a strong prejudice against the education of girls.They thought they should not be sent to school,as they believed that if women learnt to read and write they would come to grief and as a result they were married illiterate. The old saying was accepted Stei-Shudras-Nadhiyetam which meant women and low castes should never be taught. The custom of child marriage erected further barrier to the education of girls. Swami Dayananda pleaded for the equality of men and women and laid emphasis on the education for girls. He argued that an uneducated wife will be a liability to her husband and will also fail to discharge the real duties of a mother.He condemned the economic and social injustice to which women were subjected. 50 years ago,all female education was under the direct management of the Arya Samaj. The Arya Samaj educational institutions were the first to open special and separate institutions for girls,where they were taught Sanskrit and Vedas,for which they were not eligible according to the orthodox Hindus. Besides learnin g Sankrit and Vedas,girls were declared entitled to wear the sacred thread like the boys. Noe female education has become so common that the people of his generation can’t imagine what formidable opposition Arya Samaj had to encounter even for such a simple thing ,as it now appears. Then also an unhealthy system was in full force which forbade the women to expose their face to the view of the males. as a result her face,was kept practically covered both indoors and outdoors during the day. Hence the Arya Samaj tried its best to remove the purdah system,following the line of the great ancient Indian tradition. In the nineteenth century,for some reason,the orthodox Hinduism had turned its head resolutely against the indulgence of foreign travel by its members.Crossing a sea outside the country was considered to be a veritable sin,the dire consequences for which was the out-casting of such culprits. This tended to cut off the contact of the Hindus with the outside world which ma de their thoughts and practices in various fielsd of life-culture,religion,social educational and politics narrow and stale. Dayananda’s repudiation of the Hindu taboo against foreign travel was also motivated with similar concern for the welfare of the and the prosperity of the country.Rejecting the popular Hindu belief that to go abroad is aginst Hindu religion,he said: This is all nonsense and propagated by ignorant and foolish people. Formerly people Aryavarta(India) used to go outside country for trade,state affairs and even as tourists,Now-a-days the fear of losing caste and religion is wrongly spread. Those who do not hesitate to visit different countries and Islands come in contact with different kinds of people and learn their customs and ways of living thus help the progress and better relations of their country.They develop fearlessness and bravery. They adopt whatever is good in other countries and shun what is not good and thus achieve prosperity. Another,bold st ep undertaken by the Arya Samaj was to initiate the process of reconversion to Hinduism despite the stiff resisitance of the orthodox religionists. Vedic religion is meant for all,it is universal in its teachings thus the Arya Samaj opens the door of the Vedic Dharma to all non-Hindus,to-what-so ever religion they may belong. For centuries the Hindus have been the victimsof religious fantacism and proselytization by Muslim and Christian preachers.In the Shuddhi Movement,Maharshi Dayananda introduced one revolutionary item in the programme of the Arya Samaj. He believed that ‘lost’Hindus,that is the Hindus converted to other religions,should be brought back within the process known as the Shuddhi Movement. With Vedic liberalism and rationalism,he believed that the door of Hinduism should not remain closed to those who once had left it for some reason or other. In the years before World War I Shuddhi campaign was conducted among various untouchable groups in the northwest :On June 23,1911 at Allahabad,the all India Shuddhi Sabha was founded by Ram Bhaj Dutta.The Arya Samaj had developed Shuddhi as a weapon of defence fom the conversion threaht posed by both Christianity and Islam. Keeping in line the sentiment of the Hindus,the Arya Samaj also took up the cause of the protection of the cows. ’Goraksha’ or protection of the cow was an integral part of Swami Dayananda’s teachings and work. He was the first great man who raised his voice against cow-slaughter. Wherever he went,he vigorously preached against it,not on religious grounds,but for purely utilitarian,humanitarian and economic considerations.It is because cow’s milk is so essential for the sustenance and the well-being for human life physically,intellectually,mentally and spiritually that he so strongly pleaded for cow protection and condemned their slaughter. He appealed to high British administrative officials wherever he met them,for instance,at Ajmer to Col. Bro oke,the Agent Governor for Rajputana,at Farukhabad to Mr. Muri Lt. Governor of the Northwest province to abolish the slaughter of cows explaining to them the material benefits the cow yields to mankind.Later,he wrote ‘Gokaunanudhi’,fully showing the harm that the slaughter of cows was doing,and recounting the benefits that man derived from the cows. He even preached a memorial to ne signed by two or three crores of people from all over the country including the Indian Princes,to be submitted to Queen Victoria and the British Parliament asking for the abolition of cow slaughter in India. Lakhs of signatures were obtained those of several ruling princes such as their Highness Moharana of udaipur,Maharaja of Jodhpur and Maharaja of Bundi.His premature death,however,put a stop to the movement. In India,the land of Gods,because of their innocence and implicit faith in the supernatural,the people were victims of a number of superstitions. People believed in planetary influenc e like astrolgy,omens,evil spirits and ghosts. They tried to satisfy the deities for the fullfilment of their desires and believed in miracles. The Arya Samaj is the institution which strove hard to fight against the superstitions in India and abroad. Superstitious beliefs are responsible for the degradation of a nation.Untill and unless these beliefs are not wiped out no nation can progress. Arya Samaj deserves credit for this revolutionary action. It will be curious to note that even the Bhagabat Purana deprecates superstitious beliefs and hypocrisy. The Arya Samaj was the first body to denounce these malpractrices. The Arya Samaj engages in philanthropic work on a large scale. Outside Christian circle it was the first purely Indian Association to organize orphanages and widow homes. The first Hindu orphanage was established in Ferozepur,on Punjab in the lifetime of the founder of the Samaj.It still retains its position as the premier Hindu orphanage in India,has splendid ans comm odius buildings,all erected by private charity,and maintains schools and workshops for the training of boys and girls,There are a number of other orphanages on similar lines in Northern India,controlled by the Arya Samaj;besides these,many Hindu institutions and orphanages apread over India bear the impress and influence of the Arya Samaj. The Arya Samaj has also organised relief in the times of distress caused by natural calamities like famine,flood and earthquake. During the famine of 1897-98,1900,1902,1907-08.The Arya Samaj provided reliefs to the people affected by the calamities in effected areas in India. It was a very commendable service rendered by the Arya Samaj in organising reliefs operations for the famine stricken people. An important episode in the history of the Arya Samaj concerns its educational programme. In the 19th century India had come under the british rule and the conduct with the west began in a direct and more powerful and effective way. The social renaissa nce movement in the country opened up new vistas inder the impact of the spread of western education.There was introduction of English education in India. Indian youths lost their cultural moorings and national pride about glorious ancient cultural heritage. Though in body and colour of their skin,they remained Indians,yet in everything else;in dress,in mode of living,in opinion,in habits,in manners,in values,in attitude they became Englishmen,Disintegration set in,communalism went deep into the Indian mind and education didn’t help for the enlightenment,character,social change,national integration,but it became a tool for getting jobs as clerks in government offices or as subordinate