The building of Greek State after the 1821 revolution

March 25, 1821, was the day of the Annunciation of the Theotokos of the Greek Orthodox. It was also the day of Greek rebellion and declaration of independence which was actually achieved in 1829. This paper examines the events, some issues, and prominent figures who contributed in building the Greek State which started in 1821. The influences of the Great Powers (Great Britain, France and Russia) The Greeks were suppressed and controlled by Turks under Ottoman Empire resulting to the death of 25,000 Greeks on the island of Chios and 15,000 Greeks and 40,000 Turks in the Peloponessos.The Greeks started to revolt in 1821. The Philiki Etairian leaders wanted to foster consciousness and resistance against the oppression of the Turks. Its leadership was first offered to Ioannis Kapodistrias of Corfu, who refused to accept due to misguided venture and a wrong timing, but it was accepted by Alexander Ipsiladis, a Phanariot, in 1820. Kapodistrias was assassinated after a few years. The Great Powers (France, Russia, and Great Britain) ruled Greece with the leadership of King Ludwig I of Bavaria who imposed monarchy but he was eventually voted out by the Greek Parliament.George I of Denmark took over after Ludwig I. Before 1824 has ended, the Peloponnese, including 2000 Egyptian army lead by Papaflesas was invaded by Sultan Mahmoud II and Ibrahim with 6000 Turks. They attacked and killed around 600 Greeks in Maniaki on the 20th day of May 1825. The Great Powers, favored the Greeks, initiated direct military intervention in July 1827, and mediated the quarrel between the Turks and the Greeks. Russia maintained the significance of Orthodox Christianity while France showed strong sympathy towards the Greek volunteers.The Orthodox Church was the basis of people’s cultural and economic life and it also hindered the stated from rapid change towards development since its ideas and teachings were opposed to those of the western nations. The Allied forces proposed an armis tice in order to conclude the battle. Greece accepted it but Turkey refused to reconcile. As a result, the Allied fleet was set to sail off the west coast of the Peloponnese through Navarino on October 20, 1827 under Admiral Codrington to support Greece.The Ottoman fleet fought against the Allied forces but it failed. In September 1829, Demetrios Ypsilanti, the brother of Alexander Ypsilanti, defeated the Turkish force in the border between Thebes and Livadia. This was the last engagement of the Turks and the time when Greek independence was achieved through the attainment of Peace of Adrianople between Russia and Turkey. People who contributed in the success of Greek revolution The attainment of freedom in Greece was realized due to the contribution of prominent figures that fought for freedom.Five among them were: (1) Theodoros Kolokotronis (1770 – 1834), a local hero, who lead in defeating Mahmud Dramali's army in 1822 of the Ottoman Empire as well the siege of Tripolis, w hich eventually surrendered and it marked the success of the Greek revolution for the first time; (2) Georgios Karaiskakis (1782 – 1827) was a military genius appointed as chief marshal of Eastern Greece and the first one to take part in the Greek revolution whose two victories at Arachova and Distomo made him famous; (3) Constantinos Kanaris (1793 – 1877) from Psara was successful in destroying Turkish fleets at Chios, Tenedos, Mytilene, Samos, and Alexandrian port to prevent Mehmet Ali's war preparations, for example; (4) Gregorios Dikaios (1788 – 1825), also named Papaflesas, was born at Messinia and became a monk in his teens. He was forced by the Turks to leave Greece due to his revolutionary character so he reached Constantinople and joined â€Å"Filiki Etairia†.Ypsilantis ordered him to return to Peloponnesos where he and started recruiting people for the revolution. He courageously fought against Ibrahim with 6000 Turks on 20 May 1825 until he die d; and (5) Nikitaras, head of the pallikars band, had successfully fought Kiaya Bey at Kaki Scala in March and April 1822 at Ayia Marina under Odysseus rule and was given a nickname of Tourkophagos when he killed 3,000 Turks in the battle. The diaspora and the building of the new State The Ottoman Empire had paralyzed the Greeks who had not undergone Renaissance, Reformation, and Enlightenment which resulted to slow progress and development of the lies of people in rural communities.The proponents of modernization brought western culture and parliamentary government, bureaucracy, and educational institutions to keep the nation in tact but its counterparts wanted to maintain their relationship with the motherland, which hindered modernization. The number of Greek migrants has increased with their aspirations for economic freedom and improvement. Romanticism became apparent through Lord Byron who supported the Greek revolutionaries and died in 1824. In 1828, Greece embraced a republic an constitution and the Turkish troops who occupied Acropolis left when the Allied Forces turned Greece into a monarchial democratic State in which the government’s political and judicial affairs are ruled of a Royal leader.They were interested in sovereign, the head of the State with the will of the people through election as the only source of the head’s power. The Greeks, including the ethnic group were able to expand its boundaries and conquered European territories. Many of them succeed, became leaders, and gained support from other nations. This diaspora has led to the building of the modern Greek State in 1830. The new State: Identities, political issues, and other problems Greeks who were living outside their motherland hoped for an independent State similar to the European model with a centralized constitution, army and navy, and diplomatic representatives. It was only realized under the leadership of King Otho of Bavaria.In 1831, the Allied Powers conducted a conference in London regarding the establishment of the new State and issued a protocol on February 23, 1832. One significant problem of the new State was that it is filled with Russian leaders. Otho was only seventeen years old when he was offered for the throne, but it was in 1833 when he arrived at Nauplia. However, it was not extremely disadvantageous they aimed to support the building the Greek State. Alexander Mavrokordatos was a National Assembly civilian leader who supporting the mission of Orlandos and Louriottis. He became a Secretary-General of the Executive Council (1823), Greece Prime Minister (1831, 1841, 1844, 1854-5), and a President of the legislative Senate. In 1835, King Otho ruled Athens.He neglected the promised National Assembly as the basis of the Constitution despite the earnest advice of Lord Palmerston and Sir Robert Peel. As a consequence, German influence developed a feeling of discontent and led to another revolt in 1841. On 15th September 1843, the peo ple dismissed Otho due to his failure in creating a constitutional regime. Finally, Greece attained freedom from foreign domination. Its liberation brought economic and intellectual progress. For instance, the University of Athens was established in 1837, which served as the center for propagation and preservation of Hellenic culture as well as in producing competitive professions.While others were not open to transformation and new opportunities, many Greeks accepted modernization, created a Western-liberal identity, entered the commercial world, and explored the ideas of the Enlightenment and Reason. The triple alliance supported the revolution and the upbringing of the new state but it faced many challenges such as: Greek’s debt incurred during the war; the oppressive taxation that resulted to brigandage; the free press and rights to express opinion; and the disputes between the members of Council of Regency. In spite of the difficulties, the Allied Powers remained morally responsible in building the State. Synthesis Greece was under the control of the Turks during the Ottoman Empire.Greece started the revolution in 1821 and its initiative to promote peace won the sympathy of the Allied Forces that helped won the battle in 1829. The building of the newly freed State in the early 1830s, however, was ruled mostly by Russian nationals. The Allied Forces encountered oppositions and obstacles in addition to public contempt of its oppressive and unfavorable political system. It was early in 1840s that Greece was totally liberated from foreign control. It was the diaspora, which started before the revolution and continued until 1830s that led to the transformation of the Greek state. It was the time when many Greek who crossed borders became successful in their life in the West.They were recognized by other European nations because of their exceptional talents, knowledge, skills ad the ability to succeed outside their native land. Indeed, education has brou ght light and true freedom to the Greek community. Bibliography 2005. â€Å"Greece,† Architectural Science Review 8(4). Crawley, C. W. The Question of Greek Independence: A Study of British Policy in the Near East, 1821-1833. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 1930. Forster, Edward S. A Short History of Modern Greece, 1821-1956. London: Methuen, 1958. Glencross, Michael, â€Å"Greece Restored: Greece and the Greek War of Independence in French Romantic Historiography 1821-1830.† Journal of European Studies 27(1) (1997). Kaloudis, George, 2006. â€Å"Greeks of the Diaspora: Modernizers or an Obstacle to Progress?. † International Journal on World Peace 23(2). Kolokotronis, Theodoros. Encyclop? dia Britannica. (2007) Encyclop? dia Britannica Online, http://www. britannica. com/eb/article-9045950. Nostos, â€Å"Greek Revolution 1821 – 1829. † nostos. com (2005), http://www. nostos. com/greekrev/ Schofield, Philip, and Jonathan Harris, eds . Legislator of the World: Writings on Codification, Law, and Education. Oxford, England: Clarendon Press, 1998. Van Steen, Gonda, 2000. Venom in Verse: Aristophanes in Modern Greece. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

Immanuel Kant Essay

1 Introduction Have you ever watched a group debate an ethical decision given a particular case study with several different variations to the story? It is fascinating to watch. Some of the individuals feel so strongly about being â€Å"right† they will argue until they get their point across. Others waffle and try to look at the situation from a variety of perspectives. Given a particular Case Study based on terms of confidentiality, this paper compares the basis of morality under two alternative ethical systems — Utilitarianism and Kantianism. We will explore the theory behind each ethical system, describe the facts of the Case, and interpret a course of ethical action using both ethical systems, and the significance of this dilemma. I chose to examine the Utilitarianism and Kantianism ethical systems because at times they seem diabolically opposed based on the theoretical reasoning behind choosing a particular action. Yet, in many cases the chosen action is the same. For this particular case on confidentiality, a personal relationship attempts to complicate how to determine the morally correct action. I explore this correlation by comparing Utilitarianism and Kantianism. Utilitarianism uses a relatively straightforward cost-benefit analysis where the calculation is â€Å"indifferent to persons and relationships (Dombrowski 2000:248). † Consequently, when using a Utilitarian system to examine what ethical action is appropriate everyone is â€Å"on equal footing (Dombrowski 2000:248). † This is somewhat of a simplistic view of how individuals make decisions; however, it is a simple view that allows you to make a somewhat unbiased decision. A decision not based on â€Å"rank, status, wealth, race, gender, or personal relationship (Dombrowski 2 2000:248). â€Å"Similar to Utilitarianism, Kantianism would also negate the significance of any personal relationships. The Kantian would do unto others, as they would consent to treating you. The one universal way to act should carry from person to person regardless of your personal relationship to that person. Let us explore the similarities and differences between these two ethical theories. Next, we will take a close look at the facts of one particular Case Study where personal relationships do come into play. Then, we will compare how a Utilitarian and a Kantian might act and why. What motivates the decision-makers under each moral system? 2 Comparing Theory 2. 1 Theory: Utilitarianism 2. 1. 1 Pleasure versus Pain: Utilitarianism is a somewhat general term for a variety of perspectives that all generally fall under the guise of this theoretical stance. In any case, I will attempt to summarize the major theoretical viewpoints of this ethical system. For the most part, Utilitarianism recognizes two absolutes in the world: pain and pleasure. Moral law follows the Principle of Utility, in other words, what motivates human beings. They found that Good has priority over the Right (Justice) (Griffin 2005, personal communication) and they make ethical decisions by determining â€Å"the greatest useful goodness for the greatest number of people (Dombrowski 2000:54). † Good equals happiness (pleasure) and alternatively bad equals pain or displeasure and has no value. Utilitarianism determines the right or correct action based on a formula that shows which action results in maximized good (happiness/pleasure). Maximized good takes into account all those individuals affected by the actions under consideration. 2. 1. 2 Cost-Benefit Analysis: Utilitarianism simplifies moral law to a quantitative calculation that determines ethical choice: Total Pleasure – Total Pain = Total Utility (Griffin 2005: personal communication). Utilitarianism uses a cost-benefit analysis to decide whether we tell or do not tell. We determine what is ethically 3 correct through an objective and quantitative measure of utilitarian goodness. â€Å"measure it for the appropriate number of people, compare it to measures of ill effects for the remaining people, plug it all into an algorithm, and calculate the solution (Dombrowski 2000). † Utilitarianism, born out of the technological and scientific revolution, uses a scientific approach to ethics. Theoretically, Utilitarianism does not take into account whose happiness is at stake and the action with the highest total utility is the correct action. 2. 2 Theory: Kantianism 2. 2. 1 Sense of Duty: A sense of duty is the guiding principle to Kantian theory. Ethics does not come from a higher authority nor does it rely on the individual to weigh the competing interests of the participants in an ethical dilemma. Unlike Utilitarianism, Kant’s ethical system represents a universal categorical imperative rule of ethics. The Categorical imperative is an expression of the moral law. The imperative is the correct, right, or good action taken in a particular situation. A categorical imperative â€Å"denotes an absolute, unconditional requirement that allows no exceptions, and is both required and justified as an end in itself, not as a means to some other end; the opposite of a hypothetical imperative (www. wikipedia. org). † In Kant’s Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals, he outlines the Categorical Imperative in three different ways (www. wikipedia. org): 2. 2. 1. 1 Universal Law formulation: â€Å"Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law. † 2. 2. 1. 2 Humanity or End in Itself formulation: â€Å"Act in such a way that you always treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never simply as a means, but always at the same time as an end. † 2. 2. 1. 3 Kingdom of Ends formulation: â€Å"All maxims as proceeding from 4 our own [hypothetical] making of law ought to harmonize with a possible kingdom of ends. † 2. 2. 2 Reason versus Happiness: Kantianism recognizes Reason, not happiness or pleasure, is the foundation of moral law. Reason is the faculty of humans, which enables us to choose the principle, or rule on which we act (Griffin 2005, personal communication). The categorical imperative is an underlying moral system based on Reason, the integral link independent of a particular context — it is universal. To understand the basis of morality (the existence of a moral law) you must look for it in the capacity for reason and not in the capacity for pleasure and pain. The very foundation of Kantianism is that you must treat people the way they would consent to you treating them the same way. Your act is universal with no contradictions. Kant considers immorality as the product of individuals trying to create a different standard for themselves compared to the rest of humanity. Immorality ignores the categorical imperative. The Right comes before the Good (happiness); in other words, there are moral constraints on what one may do to promote happiness. One has a duty to obey the moral law, and the moral law is not determined by figuring out what promotes happiness (Griffin 2005, personal communication). You cannot reduce humans to meer means — treating someone is a way in which they would not consent. 3 Case Study Facts 3. 1 Case Study Overview: â€Å"You are employed as a technical communicator by Caduceus Company, a major provider of software systems for the health care industry. Currently, you are working on help-desk instructions for a new software system that operates from a database accumulated from all the records of all the hospitals, clinics, HMOs, laboratories, and physicians in your state. These records carry a good deal of highly personal information on patients and are, of course, private and confidential. The revelation of some of this information to the wrong people could be seriously damaging for those patients. Improper release of this information could, for example, limit their employability, damage their reputations, or restrict their access to health 5 insurance at affordable rates. Part of your job, in fact is to ensure that confidentiality is maintained by all who use the system while preventing access to those who might misuse it. Just yesterday, you learned of some shocking information. While observing the typical daily operation of the help-desk staff in resolving users’ questions, you recognized the name of one of the clients called up on a screen. It is the name of your cousin’s fiance, and the entry indicates that he has tested positive for HIV and has received counseling about HIV and AIDS from a local clinic. You and your cousin are very close, and you are certain that she is unaware that her intended spouse has tested positive for HIV. The marriage is only a few weeks away. She would be highly endangered after marriage but also in their current relations without this knowledge. Do you reveal this information to your cousin but violate the privacy and confidentiality that you have sworn yourself to and are legally obliged to maintain? Or do you keep the information to yourself but jeopardize the health and life of your cousin by preserving the deception by her fiance (Dombrowsky 2000:238). † 3. 2 Choices or Ethical Action: As I understand the case, there are really only three different courses of action to choose from. 3. 2. 1 Do not say anything at all 3. 2. 2 Reveal the truth to your cousin 3. 1. 1. 2. 1 Talk to your cousin 3. 1. 1. 2. 2 Write an anonymous letter to your cousin 3. 2. 3 Confront the potential fiance 3. 1. 1. 3. 1 Talk to the fiance and explain why he needs to tell your cousin 3. 1. 1. 3. 2 Threaten fiance — if you do not tell my cousin I will tell 4 Comparing the Application between Ethical Systems 4. 1 To compare the moral significance of the above stated fact, I will look at the theory behind Utilitarianism and Kantianism to determine which action is the correct action. 4. 1. 1 Application: Utilitarianism 4. 1. 1. 1 According to Dombrowski (2000), he suggests Utilitarianism is the most reasonable ethical approach to take due to the simplistic nature of the principles of the Utilitarian moral law. However, he also recognizes how it is hard to apply measurable, objective costs to the loss of the technician’s job, professional reputation, â€Å"pain, suffering, violated trust, and a broken relationship (Dombrowski 2000:248). † In any case, I attempt to illustrate through the following Table (Table 1) what the Utilitarian application may look like. Table 1. Utilitarianism Cost-Benefit Analysis Choices TOTAL PLEASURE – TOTAL PAIN = TOTAL UTILITY 1. Do not say anything at all Keep job Cousin gets HIV and dies Cousin’s kids get HIV Cousin’s marriage dissolves Lots of pain by cousin = low utility 2. Reveal the truth to your cousin Cousin does not contract HIV and lives Lose job Company loses credibility You can not get a job Lots of pain by technical communicator but cousin does not die = medium to high utility 3. Confront the potential fiance Keep job Cousin does not contract HIV. Fiance is upset by having to discuss with cousin Happiness for technical communicator and cousin, a little pain for fiance = high utility 4. 1. 1. 2 Examining the Table, you can see I have outlined three separate 6 choices, determined the total pleasure, total pain, and total utility. I was unable to determine an objective, absolute number to measure each factor, however, I did rank the total utility by low, medium, and high. As you can see, if the technical communicator chooses not to say anything at all, she would keep her job, but her cousin would most definitely contract HIV and her cousin could die from it or one of her kids could contract the disease. In any case, the cousins’ marriage is most definitely going to dissolve once she finds out that her husband was not open with her from the beginning. Consequently, I ranked the total utility to LOW UTILITY due to the extensive pain the cousin would ultimately endure. The second choice was for the technical communicator to reveal the truth to her cousin either directly or anonymously. The pleasure obtained from this decision would result in the technical communicator’s cousin not contracting HIV and living (as a result of this situation). However, the technical communicator would probably lose her job, the company could lose its credibility and that could effect the jobs of other company employees, and the technical communicator may not be able to find another job because she breached her trust with the client and her company. The total utility, therefore, results in a lot of pain for the technical communicator. Fortunately, the cousin would not contract HIV and increase her risk of dying. Due to the nature of the utility — death versus life, I ranked this decision at MEDIUM to HIHGH UTILITY because the cousin would experience a great deal of happiness that would far exceed the unequal but opposite pain of the technical communicator. The third choice, confront the potential fiance, would result in 7 pleasure for the technical communicator because she could keep her job. In addition, the cousin is able to protect herself from contracting HIV. In contrast, the fiance would be upset by having to discuss this difficult issue with his new wife. Due to these circumstances, I ranked this choice as having VERY HIGH UTILITY. The technical communicator is happy, keeps her job, and does not lose her cousin. Her cousin does not contract a life threatening disease. Yet, the fiance experiences discomfort with having to discuss this relatively important issue with his new wife. Consequently, a Utilitarianist would find this last choice to be the best and most ethically correct choice. Dombrowski (pg. 248) points out how difficult it is to reduce this case to a simple cost-benefit utility analysis for a number of reasons. Yet, the most poignant reason is the inability to neutralize the scenario and avoid the personal relationship the technician has with her cousin. Theoretically, the entire cost-benefit ratio should be the same no matter the personal relationship. However, I suspect your ethical action would tilt in a different direction should your motivations be driven by the patient’s partner. If you do not know the patient’s partner why would you risk your job, home life, and economic security for someone you do not even know. Is it really for the greater good? If so, why not find out everyone who has AIDS and post it on street corners? I am baffled by this strict compliance with the Utilitarian perspective. 4. 1. 2 Application: Kant 4. 1. 2. 1 Kant would argue that we â€Å"should act as we would expect others to act toward us and in way that should have universal applicability (pg. 247). † You must treat people the way they would consent to you treating them the same way. Given that this decision could 8 result in a life-threatening situation, Dombrowski argues that of course the cousin would want to know and would consent to treating them the same way. Dombrowski suggests that this is quite probably a universal ethical law. Yet, Dombrowski also recognizes that â€Å"most people probably would agree that the seriousness of the stakes so heavily tip the ethical scales against the side of blind compliance with the law that the ethical judgement to disclose should be binding on all people in such situations (pg.247). † In this interpretation, the seriousness and/or life threatening properties of the case motivate the Kantian. This interpretation suggests that the Kantian is obligated to the cousin and not to the patient — not because the cousin is a relative or has a special personal relationship to the technician. The technician is obligated to the moral universal law and would tell anyone should they find out. However, Kantian Moral law also says a promise should be kept. So then, the technician’s promise to her profession could take precedence over what appears to be the obvious categorical imperative. Kant might also agree with an ethical course of action where the technician approaches the potential fiance and makes it clear that if he does not tell, she will tell her cousin. In this variation, the categorical imperative recognizes that revealing this information to the cousin is in clear violation with the law. By approaching the potential fiance it also reduces the possible consequences because the outcome will ultimately result in your cousin finding out — but not through you. As a result, the Kantian does not violate the law but also does what is ethically correct. 9 5 Conclusion To summarize, Utilitarianism is an ethical system that proposes that â€Å"the greatest useful goodness for the greatest number of people† should be our guiding principle when making ethical decisions. In contrast, Kantianism suggests that the morally correct action is † an absolute, unconditional requirement that allows no exceptions, and is both required and justified as an end in itself, not as a means to some other end (www. wikipedia. org). † In the Case of Confidentiality, both Utilitarianism and Kantianism found that the best and most correct choice was to confront the fiance. In this scenario, â€Å"the presumed authority for methods & solutions is the profession meaning that personal ethics & religion do not have prima facie authority. † Yet, for the Kantian I think it is hard to figure out how to prioritize the relationships between competing duties (expression of law) — professional promise versus an individual ethics. I also wonder how your promise to your family to protect them and keep them safe plays into this account. However, the Utilitarianism cost-benefit analysis revealed how this ethical tradition takes into account all who are affected by the actions under consideration. As for the Kantian conclusion, the choice represented a universal expression of moral law. In both cases, the personal relationship did not and should not come into play as a significant fact. But I wonder, how this could possibly ever be the case. REFERENCES 2000 Dombrowski, Paul. Ethics in Technical Communication. The Allyn & Bacon Series in Technical Communication: Boston & London. 2005 Griffin, Chris (friendly neighbor Professor of Philosophy). Gratefully summarized Utilitarianism and Kantianism one night at the dinner table. 2005 www. wikipedia. org. Discussions posted on July 25, 2005. 10.

Introduction to Negotiation

Introduction to Negotiation Negotiation is and activity that every individual caries out in his everyday life. We are constantly negotiation with ourselves, our family, friends, business, etc. Every activity that happens is the result of a negotiation – â€Å"Pros and Cons†. And thus negotiation can be defined as; â€Å"The means by which people deal with their differences† Negotiation is a continuous and an evolving process especially in a supply chain environment. A company cannot meet the expectation of its customers or shareholders single handed and thus there is lot of negotiation is involved and it is a continuous process.It is a process that emerges when there is a difference and it cannot be settled single handed without a negotiation. Negotiation is not necessarily a win-loose process, but a good negotiation process is where both parties accept a mutually beneficial or amicable solution. A Negotiation can be distributive or integrative depending on how i t been conducted. A negotiation which involves hard bargaining and is mostly concentrated on one topic where usually the winner takes all is a distributive negotiation. There is little or no attention paid to relationship, consideration or sharing of information and are very aggressive.On the contrary an integrative negotiation is a process in which all parties cooperate to maximize the benefit to all parties and is commonly referred to as expanding the pie. There is lot of understanding among the parties and importance is paid to how more value can be generated in a continuing partnership. Sometimes depending on the topic a negotiation can get very complex. It could get into a Multi Phase Negotiation stage where one negotiation could lead into another negotiation with the complexity increasing at each stage.It could also get into a Multiparty Negotiation where the needs and want of other parties will require to be explored and will be included into further negotiations. Though ther e are many types or causes of negotiation, it is always important for an effective negotiation to underline once BATNA (Best Alternative To A Negotiated Agreement) and their Reservation Point. A BATNA is something which every negotiator should have, and is completely under his control. With this he should be able to set up his reservation point, something beyond which he should not negotiate.Once these are clearly understood and negotiated up on, we can at most of the time identify the ZOPA (Zone of Potential Agreement), which in most of the times overlaps both parties’ reservation points. Apart from the above other main elements that plays an important role in a negotiation and the most important is listening. Both parties should pay attention, listen and acknowledge the other parties BATNA and Reservation Points. This will not only improve relationships and achieve in establishing a ZOPA, but could also be beneficial to other departments or other entities that could have c onnection with your unit or industry.There should also be lot of preparation involved prior to a negotiation and preparation should focus on all areas. While a negotiation can be very effective, it could have several barriers. Therefore it is always important that some level of effort is put in in prior and during the negotiation. It is important to respect all parties and acknowledge their interests and concerns. Finding areas of common interests and sharing same, providing a comfort zone for negotiation, talking about past experiences, etc. , are some of the few ways to unwind before going into a negotiation process directly.Similarly it is important that during negotiation a process is clearly followed. The point around which discussion is taking places is well identifies and not deviated from and a clear time line is established. It is also important that the right persons are involved during the negotiation and the points negotiated upon is justifiable There should be room for flexibility all barriers like lack of trust, excessive bargaining, being reluctant to share information, structural impediments in putting inappropriate people at the discussion, cultural and gender difference any inds of spoilers should not be used and the language used should be simple and understanding to all parties. Mental barriers like Escalation, Partisan Perception, Irrational Expectation, Override confidence caused by ego, having shifting BATNA, not having a clear breakpoint, not understanding the other person, not sharing problem and understanding viewpoint, feeling invincible, etc. and should not be used during a negotiation process. While there are no rights or wrongs, style also matters in a negotiation. This often reflects on the kind of person one is always best to consider how to proceed.There are 5 different styles and each can be detailed as below; Avoiding style is when you hates conflicts and try to avoid them at all cost. It is often associated with trying to wi thdraw from situation or try to pass the decision to someone else and hence very difficult to arrive at a conclusion. This kind of style can be used if the issue, relationship, decision is of less importance, but can cause problems if the relationship or issue is of importance. Using this too often can have a negative feeling. Accommodating is when trying to use relationship to solve a conflict.On the contrary if the other person is not accommodating and takes advantage there is nothing returned in the negotiation process a negotiation can be accommodating when no much importance is paid to the issue or when there are not arguments on one’s side of the table. This can often create problem if the outcome is going to be shared at it could show that other are taking advantage of your position. Competing is like trying to win and take control of the situation or considers a negotiation as wining and loosing.There is no attempt made on collaboration, or cooperation from others and if used often shall loose self-respect eventually. A competing strategy can be during a negotiation if there is an emergency and a decision is imminent. It could also be that one side is confident that they are right and have all the supporting’s and the situation is under their control Compromising negotiation often tries to find something amicable. This often results in giving and taking with moderate satisfaction to both parties. This could create problem while negotiation on very creative problem and could be used the working together s important with limited resources A good solution is often considered as a bottleneck and any collaboration is considered as forcing something on. Collaborating is more a problem solving style of negotiating. They are very imaginative who think about win-win situation and thing of expanding the pie. Issues and relationship are both given importance along with being cooperative and creative. All concerns are well addressed and as a result w ill not be able to exercise if time frame is too short. It is also not applicable the issues are trivial or no much preparation or rehearsing time.A negotiation can also be different when negotiation for yourself or for others. When negotiation for yourself you often tend to negotiate what is most beneficial to your whereas on the other hand when negotiation for a third party there is often a personal gain side that is looked at especially is cases where negotiating for a property via a real estate agent. However a third party negotiator can bring with him lots of experience that could also be very beneficial and will assist in a negotiation process. Thus for a negotiation it is important to understand one own style and to determine the other persons style as well.This will avoid unpleasant surprises during a negotiation. and will assist in the effective preparation of BATNA and reservation points We can thus understand that the process of negotiation is continuous and needs to be c onstantly improved. It is a process that needs to be understood and required to be planned and monitored using various strategies and resources. As part of continuous improvement it is important to create a process, train all participants to follow and monitor the process. This process can be improved by learning and summarizing from reflection after a negotiation.It is also important to consider that every negotiation must have a preparation process where goals and expectation are clarified. A clear BATNA have to be defined which everyone in the team is well aware off. Any smart suggestions need to be recognized and suitably rewarded. Develop a process that works best for oneself and use it to evaluate what works best and willingness to follow the process. And the most important to remember that all negotiations cannot be won and not to be abandon just because we are not able to achieve what we perceived. Introduction to Negotiation Introduction to Negotiation Negotiation is and activity that every individual caries out in his everyday life. We are constantly negotiation with ourselves, our family, friends, business, etc. Every activity that happens is the result of a negotiation – â€Å"Pros and Cons†. And thus negotiation can be defined as; â€Å"The means by which people deal with their differences† Negotiation is a continuous and an evolving process especially in a supply chain environment. A company cannot meet the expectation of its customers or shareholders single handed and thus there is lot of negotiation is involved and it is a continuous process.It is a process that emerges when there is a difference and it cannot be settled single handed without a negotiation. Negotiation is not necessarily a win-loose process, but a good negotiation process is where both parties accept a mutually beneficial or amicable solution. A Negotiation can be distributive or integrative depending on how i t been conducted. A negotiation which involves hard bargaining and is mostly concentrated on one topic where usually the winner takes all is a distributive negotiation. There is little or no attention paid to relationship, consideration or sharing of information and are very aggressive.On the contrary an integrative negotiation is a process in which all parties cooperate to maximize the benefit to all parties and is commonly referred to as expanding the pie. There is lot of understanding among the parties and importance is paid to how more value can be generated in a continuing partnership. Sometimes depending on the topic a negotiation can get very complex. It could get into a Multi Phase Negotiation stage where one negotiation could lead into another negotiation with the complexity increasing at each stage.It could also get into a Multiparty Negotiation where the needs and want of other parties will require to be explored and will be included into further negotiations. Though ther e are many types or causes of negotiation, it is always important for an effective negotiation to underline once BATNA (Best Alternative To A Negotiated Agreement) and their Reservation Point. A BATNA is something which every negotiator should have, and is completely under his control. With this he should be able to set up his reservation point, something beyond which he should not negotiate.Once these are clearly understood and negotiated up on, we can at most of the time identify the ZOPA (Zone of Potential Agreement), which in most of the times overlaps both parties’ reservation points. Apart from the above other main elements that plays an important role in a negotiation and the most important is listening. Both parties should pay attention, listen and acknowledge the other parties BATNA and Reservation Points. This will not only improve relationships and achieve in establishing a ZOPA, but could also be beneficial to other departments or other entities that could have c onnection with your unit or industry.There should also be lot of preparation involved prior to a negotiation and preparation should focus on all areas. While a negotiation can be very effective, it could have several barriers. Therefore it is always important that some level of effort is put in in prior and during the negotiation. It is important to respect all parties and acknowledge their interests and concerns. Finding areas of common interests and sharing same, providing a comfort zone for negotiation, talking about past experiences, etc. , are some of the few ways to unwind before going into a negotiation process directly.Similarly it is important that during negotiation a process is clearly followed. The point around which discussion is taking places is well identifies and not deviated from and a clear time line is established. It is also important that the right persons are involved during the negotiation and the points negotiated upon is justifiable There should be room for flexibility all barriers like lack of trust, excessive bargaining, being reluctant to share information, structural impediments in putting inappropriate people at the discussion, cultural and gender difference any inds of spoilers should not be used and the language used should be simple and understanding to all parties. Mental barriers like Escalation, Partisan Perception, Irrational Expectation, Override confidence caused by ego, having shifting BATNA, not having a clear breakpoint, not understanding the other person, not sharing problem and understanding viewpoint, feeling invincible, etc. and should not be used during a negotiation process. While there are no rights or wrongs, style also matters in a negotiation. This often reflects on the kind of person one is always best to consider how to proceed.There are 5 different styles and each can be detailed as below; Avoiding style is when you hates conflicts and try to avoid them at all cost. It is often associated with trying to wi thdraw from situation or try to pass the decision to someone else and hence very difficult to arrive at a conclusion. This kind of style can be used if the issue, relationship, decision is of less importance, but can cause problems if the relationship or issue is of importance. Using this too often can have a negative feeling. Accommodating is when trying to use relationship to solve a conflict.On the contrary if the other person is not accommodating and takes advantage there is nothing returned in the negotiation process a negotiation can be accommodating when no much importance is paid to the issue or when there are not arguments on one’s side of the table. This can often create problem if the outcome is going to be shared at it could show that other are taking advantage of your position. Competing is like trying to win and take control of the situation or considers a negotiation as wining and loosing.There is no attempt made on collaboration, or cooperation from others and if used often shall loose self-respect eventually. A competing strategy can be during a negotiation if there is an emergency and a decision is imminent. It could also be that one side is confident that they are right and have all the supporting’s and the situation is under their control Compromising negotiation often tries to find something amicable. This often results in giving and taking with moderate satisfaction to both parties. This could create problem while negotiation on very creative problem and could be used the working together s important with limited resources A good solution is often considered as a bottleneck and any collaboration is considered as forcing something on. Collaborating is more a problem solving style of negotiating. They are very imaginative who think about win-win situation and thing of expanding the pie. Issues and relationship are both given importance along with being cooperative and creative. All concerns are well addressed and as a result w ill not be able to exercise if time frame is too short. It is also not applicable the issues are trivial or no much preparation or rehearsing time.A negotiation can also be different when negotiation for yourself or for others. When negotiation for yourself you often tend to negotiate what is most beneficial to your whereas on the other hand when negotiation for a third party there is often a personal gain side that is looked at especially is cases where negotiating for a property via a real estate agent. However a third party negotiator can bring with him lots of experience that could also be very beneficial and will assist in a negotiation process. Thus for a negotiation it is important to understand one own style and to determine the other persons style as well.This will avoid unpleasant surprises during a negotiation. and will assist in the effective preparation of BATNA and reservation points We can thus understand that the process of negotiation is continuous and needs to be c onstantly improved. It is a process that needs to be understood and required to be planned and monitored using various strategies and resources. As part of continuous improvement it is important to create a process, train all participants to follow and monitor the process. This process can be improved by learning and summarizing from reflection after a negotiation.It is also important to consider that every negotiation must have a preparation process where goals and expectation are clarified. A clear BATNA have to be defined which everyone in the team is well aware off. Any smart suggestions need to be recognized and suitably rewarded. Develop a process that works best for oneself and use it to evaluate what works best and willingness to follow the process. And the most important to remember that all negotiations cannot be won and not to be abandon just because we are not able to achieve what we perceived.

Forensic Accounting Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Forensic Accounting - Assignment Example There has also been growth in the demand for the services of forensic accountants as there is increase in the success rates of investigations that are conducted by forensic accounting (Zimbelman, 2012). There are many engagements of forensic accountants’ services. Computer forensic investigation has trended with an expected of 83% great demand in the next years with the mean anticipated to have a mean of 20% increase (Taylor, 2011). In misinterpretation of financial statements, there have been engagements of forensic accountants or recognition of revenue and valuation of assets carried out at a fair value. Latest events in the field are the increase in demand both in regional and international basis has pushed for more education focusing on the field. The demand has currently led to hiring of consultants from the other countries to detect and prevent fraud. Forensic accounting is a career and employment generation filed due to the activities that are performed in the field. The field is a carrier as the activities that are performed are those that are related to accounting career and forensic science (Zimbelman, 2012). The types of services that are performed such as financial data analysis, business valuation, maintaining documents and damage assessment make the field a career

Indian development Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Indian development - Assignment Example The business groups had rankings on top twenty frameworks and each group was competing for such rankings. The large business groups were a threat to the Indian government as they were fiercely competitive to accumulate the as large amount as possible to control the economic power of India. The government thus focused on analyzing the effects of the concentration of private wealth on economic development in India. The Indian government therefore tried to operate the economic policies framework that had aimed at curbing the tendency of these large business groups to concentrate economic power. The growth of this group was perceived as analogous to the wealth accumulation and concentration, making these dominant business groups to be the prominent entities for these restrictive policies designed by the government. Therefore, the government ushered in a number of restrictive policies. In 1951, the government introduced the Industries (Development and Regulation). Subsequently, the government brought the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices (MRTP) Act in 1969. The policies projected at pegging obstacles and barriers to the expansion and growth of such dominant business groupings. However, the Act never played any outstanding role in towards meeting its objectives. These groups persisted and continued to accumulate as much wealth and economic power as ever before culminating in the repeal of such acts in 1991. The policy intervention driven by the Acts seemed less productive in breaking up the concentration of economic power in India as compared to the economic liberalization and expanded competition. These reformations became evident in 1990s following the realization of looming weak economic performance in India with the existence of such Acts. These dominant business groups enormously expanded between 1951 and 1969 with the growth being halted between 1970 and 1990 with 1991 seeing a dwindling growth of these business groups. The government

Nursing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

Nursing - Assignment Example The nurse failed to follow the 6 rights prior to the administration of a medication. This went against the required nursing practice. The consequence of this act put the patient’s life at risk because the patient had a negative effect from the dosage administered. The nurse went ahead and ignored filling out the incident report. The physician and the supervisor get information from filled incident reports. Failing to fill implied that the nurse was concealing certain crucial information. The nurse’s act to ignore the incident report violated rules of practice in caregiving. It further put the patient’s life at risk which is opposite to what nurses should do. Patents are entitles to a healthy life, and the caregivers should do their best to see this done. However, the nurse’s actions did not match this requirement. Failing to fill out the incident report did not depict an aspect of duty to care, since it encompasses all that is required of the nurse. The nurse who failed to verify the correct dosage as a witness is also implicated in the failure to fulfill duty to care. This is a procedure carried out in order to ensure that the patient’s life is not endangered, given the practices undertaken by the nurses. This nurse ignores her duty and the result is a negative effect on the patient. This does not only raise concerns in the care giving institutions, but also externally, since patients have a right to proper treatment and administration of medication. Concealing what had unfolded during shift change would complicate the matter even further. During shift report, the nurse had already presented what had happened, evidenced by the fact that the patient was in ICU. Contradiction of information between that presented during shift report and the one the nurse is to present by filling out the incident report would require that investigation into the matter be undertaken. Nursing ethics require transparency and accountability (Ginny, 2009).

Financial Markets and Bank Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Financial Markets and Bank Management - Essay Example We understand that you wish to expand your business operations and therefore, your fund requirement has increased. Our observations on your firm’s balance sheet are as per the following. The current ratio of the firm has declined in the year just completed though it still stays above 1.0; however, the quick ratio appears to be under strain. We notice that the acid-test ratio has gone down below 0.50 in the latest financial year. Net margin has also declined from 2.5 percent in year 2013 to 2.1 percent in the latest fiscal. Moreover, the net interest cover of the firm has also declined from 3.0 times to 2.7 times that provides marginal safety net for the firm in the current sluggish business environment. The declining stock turnover (in days) year after year is a good sign. In fact, it also establishes the declining needs of the working capital for your business. We have worked out the working capital requirement for your firm based on the information provided by you. The increased working capital requirement for the projected sales of  £1,550,000 is likely to be  £167,000 (working in annexure A). Considering the strength of your balance sheet and increased worki ng capital requirement, our bank increases existing overdraft limit from  £90,000 to  £180,000 and that should be adequate to meet your requirements. Our bank is in receipt of your loan request to increase the overdraft facility to  £10,000. We understand that you have to meet some essential expenses such as school fees for your son. Kindly find our detailed reply to your loan application in the following paragraphs. We extend overdraft facility to our valued customers essentially to meet some contingencies and sort out temporary cash flow issues when you fail to receive your dues in time. Though you started with initial overdraft of  £2,000 it has steadily increased and has reached to  £3,600. We notice

In regards to gender Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

In regards to gender - Assignment Example ry works like To Penhurst, Leviathan, and From Slaves Deus Rex Judaeorum by renowned authors like Ben Jonson, Thomas Hobbes, and Aemilia Lanyer respectively. Being one of the first female writers to be printed in English, Aemilia wrote ‘Eve’s apology in defense of women.’ Lanyer offers a different interpretation of this story, shifting some blame on Adam, the supposed stronger of the two. The superiority of men is acknowledged in this instance, and Eve’s betrayal is constantly used to ‘keep her in place. ’ Jonson’s Penhurst recognizes the significant role of human decency to social contracts. Hobbes’ Leviathan echoes this concept as he highlights a contract as the basis for collective moral order as well as all social organizations. To this end, both the two latter authors agree that despite having equal rights to all things, human beings must give up some of their rights in favor of

Ethical Theories of Utilitarianism and Kantianism Essay

Ethical Theories of Utilitarianism and Kantianism - Essay Example According to the paper the manager Michael has faced an ethical situation in his family’s business of metal components. The current economic crisis has created strong challenges to Michael in sustaining his family business. On the other hand, one of his unskilled, but loyal workers, John, who started working for the company even at a time when Michael’s grandfather was running the business, has developed some unhealthy behaviors at the workplace which caused Michael lot of headaches. Michael knows that John’s wife and only son died in a car crash a year ago and that, to cope with his loss, John has taken to drinking alcohol. Michael has repeatedly talked with John about this problem but this has not changed John’s behavior. Even though Michael decided to cut down all the unproductive sectors including the unproductive problematic employees also, he decided to keep John on. This paper briefly analyses Michael’s decision to keep John on the basis of e thical theories of utilitarianism and Kantianism. This study outlines that the main ethical issue involved in this case was about John’s future. He has started his career even when Michael’s grandfather was running the business and moreover John has spent majority of his healthy periods for the company and worked hard for the company as a loyal worker. Right now he is rapidly approaching the end of period of his life both as a worker and a human being. Is it right to fire a worker who spent majority of his life for the wellbeing of a company during a period when he was about to retire? Another ethical issue involved in the above case was that John has lost his entire family in an accident and left alone in this world by destiny. Apart from his family, the company was the second entity in which John was constantly interacting. Is it right for the company to fire such a loyal worker when he was left alone in this world, especially when considering his earlier services to the organization?

Enterprise Systems Assessment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Enterprise Systems Assessment - Essay Example 89). In order to understand the correlation between Argos as a company and how it functions as an enterprise system, we will have to define some few terms and concepts. It is important to point out that SAP is constantly changing the SRM framework. More often than not it is introducing innovative concepts that are useful in arranging the components of SRM. Basically, there are three core concepts that we have to understand. They include, supply process, business scenarios within each key process, and fundamental technology constituents that are useful in enabling the business processes. It is worth noting that Argos have implemented each business scenario, with one or two SAP elements and there third party applications as they maybe required. An example is the Supplier Enablement scenario is through empowering it with a number of underlying technological components. These components include, Supplier Self Service (SUS), Biller Direct, Enterprise Portal, and inventory Collaboration Hu b (ICH). Argos stores all over the UK have achieved in implementing this business scenario (SAP.COM, 2013, p.1). Production Process at Argos SAP has defined three key supply processes that are involved in purchasing. These processes will jointly constitute the SAP SRM solutions. They include; operational procurement, strategic sourcing, and supplier enablement. Operational Procurement In this section, we will be looking at the various business scenarios that Argos has been successful in implementing. We start with the self service procurement. When it comes to indirect procurement, it allows ones employees to create and manage their own obligation requests. This has been key in relieving it’s purchasing department the huge administrative burden while ensuring at the same time that the procurement processing are faster and responsive. The next scenario is the plan driven procurement also known as the direct procurement. This has been great at automating and streamlining the or dering processes for regularly needed important materials (SAP.COM, 2013, p.1). It is a known fact that SAP SRM has been integrated with planning, designing and the order processing systems. This has made it possible for Argos to link its procurement process with their plan driven strategy. This ensures that they get the materials they need for their key business while at the same time processing and delivering their clients request. Direct procurement does integrate flawlessly with most back end systems like enterprise planning and production. This scenario has given Argos procurement division a chance to integrate operational procurement with their existing supply chain management solution. The last scenario is the service procurement or as it is commonly known as the E-procurement. It has created many opportunities for Argos to save cots in their purchasing process. They have gone the extra mile of extending their cost saving measures like services given that this account for ove r 50 percent of their annual purchasing volumes. This scenario has provided services that have led to a reduction in labor costs, consulting, and maintenance and facility management. Strategic Sourcing After the 2008 world economic crisis, it is estimated that sourcing makes up for 75 percent of one saving on

Market plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Market plan - Essay Example Thus, all in all, the Masafi Group has come up with a winner in the shape of the Masafi Natural Mineral Water. The Masafi Water Company is now trying to launch ABC aftershave company, for which they need to perform a step by step marketing plan, since it would assist them in knowing the need of this product, and assess it with respect to the environment in which the industry is thriving at this point in time. (Kerin, 2004) A market plan is basically an outline of the various environmental factors as well as the marketing dynamics that will be associated with the product, which is yet to be launched. (Larsen, 1997) It helps the organization to get an aerial view of the viability of the product idea that they have, with respect to the company itself, the target customers, the competitors present, the collaborators and the climate. The SWOT analysis also plays a vital role in telling the company about its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The market plan becomes further refined when portions for market segmentation, alternative marketing strategies and selected marketing strategy are added. (Luther, 2001) The Masafi group now plans to launch an aftershave company. Aftershaves are a health and beauty product and come under the sub-category of fragrances and perfumes. The aftershave market is quite saturated with many big perfume brands doing brand extensions into aftershaves, using their known and established brand names. Whether or not Masafi water should plan to invest their time, resources and energy in launching an aftershave company would be better decided if a marketing plan is made, and critically analyzed. (Stapleton, 1998) The marketing plan would consist of the following components: The SWOT analysis involves the analysis of the internal strengths and weaknesses of the company as well as the external opportunities and threats that the company is

University education Essay Example for Free

University education Essay Topic: Universal education (should all higher education be free) Archer, W. (2011, September 16). Negative Effects of Tuition Expenses. Other Essay. Retrieved September 27, 2014, from http://www. booksie. com/other/essay/wilmarie_archer/negative-effects-of-tuition-expe nses Summary: This website told us some negative effects of tuition expenses, especially the university expenses. There are three sentences he said I think are reasonable and make me feel sad about the phenomenon. â€Å"Many individuals within society have dreams, even minority students. However, one major factor that prevents them from  accomplishing their goals is money. â€Å"Money isn`t everything, but in this century, without it, you can`t survive,† stated Eric Banshee. † It is sad that we are missing some geniuses or and the people who have a beautiful dream, but because they cannot afford the university tuition, they have to give up. The author thought that the low –income family should get help to let them have the opportunities to accomplish their goals. Should higher education should be offered to all for free?. (n. d. ). The Premier Online Debate Website. Retrieved September 28, 2014, from http://www. debate.org/opinions/should-higher-education-should-be-offered-to-all-for- free Summary: This website is very interesting because I can see not only the benefits of free education, but also the shortcomings of it by many people. Some people think it is necessary to have free education because knowledge should not come with a price tag and people should all have the opportunity to attend the university. However, some people think it is unpractical because some tuition is gave to the professors and free education may make the education quality become lower because people might not value the opportunity of studying then.

Pros And Cons Of Capital Budgeting Measures Finance Essay

Pros And Cons Of Capital Budgeting Measures Finance Essay Capital budgeting refers to the process in which a firm determines whether a project or investment is worth pursuing. More often than not, the process involves a long term assessment of the cash inflow and outflows to determine if the returns generated meet the investment appraisal. The most common methods used are the net present value (NPV) where evaluation of the project is based on the amount by which its value is maximized. Other measures or tools used in decision making include: the internal rate of return (IRR), a version of the IRR known as the modified internal rate of return (MIRR), the discounted payback period (DPB), a profitability index method (PI) and the traditional payback method. Regardless of the demerits presented by each, most firms or financial managers tend to stick to a certain method of capital budgeting. This discourse explores each of the measure as they apply to real world process of project approval. The discourse comprehensively reviews and evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of each of these measures with regards to their effectiveness, project size and long term/ future returns. Based on review of recent literature in business related journals, the discussion primarily sought to determine which version of capital budgeting method is most suitable for big and small businesses. The findings of the discourse indicate that capital budgeting decision is a unique investment decision making tool to macro or micro enterprises and there is no one size fits all solution. As a matter of fact, certain methods of capital budgeting are identified with the level of project, size of firms and innovation levels. The discourse also established that while most chief executive officers or managers have distinct capital budgeting models, not all yield the same results for a company or even meet listed project or investment expectations. Introduction Capital budgeting involves a series of identifying, evaluating and implementing long term investment opportunities in a firm or business venture. Depending on the measure or technique employed, firms seek to identify investments that will increase their shareholder wealth. The decisions involved largely target or aim at assessing a project that demand large upfront investment coupled with a series of small cash inflows. The most commonly used measures of capital budgeting are NPV, IRR, MIRR and DPB methods. Distinct as they are in approach, each presents its strengths and weaknesses when it pertains to project evaluation or capital budgeting. Internal rate of return (IRR) According to recent budgetary surveys, the internal rate of return has received more preference for project evaluation than other techniques (Rousse, 2008, p. 2). The IRR presents analysts with an avenue through which rates of return are quantified in an investment and according to Kelleher MacCormack (2004, par. 4), managers opt to finance projects with high IRR based on their selection of the project value but at the same time destroy shareholder wealth in the investment. IRR can generate different values for the same project when future cash flows switch from negative to positive and back. More often than not, the IRR is expressed as a percentage thereby making small projects appear attractive and large ones great (Kelleher MacCormack, 2004, par. 4). As evident in most IRR projects, the general rule dictates that where the measure is greater than the opportunity cost of capital, all investments remain acceptable. Strengths and Weaknesses As one of the most commonly employed measures in capital budgeting, the IRR draws its popularity from the fact that it is based on a discounted cash flow. When used effectively, the IRR method provides viable or feasible options on a project value. On the flip side however, internal rate of return has numerous risks that outweigh its merits. The method is essentially inconsistent and exposes shareholders wealth at risks minimizing their objective (Rousse, 2008, p. 1). The IRR may exhibit multiple rates of return when cash flows shift from negative to positive multiple times (Kierulff, 2008, p. 327). If managers and analysts are to continue using IRR, then major adjustments are to be made over the measures critical assumption: that interim cash flows will be reinvested at the same high rates as the returns (Kelleher MacCormack, 2004, par. 5). Even more disturbing is the practice that practitioners frequently employ in interpreting the IRR; when computing the IRR, practitioners usuall y equate the measure with return on a given investment. Net present value (NPV) The net present value of a capital project or an investment is the aggregation of the present values of all benefits (in cash) by deducting the present value of all cash (Elumilade, Asaolu Ologunde, 2006, p. 145). The NPV basically involves evaluation of the amount by which the value of a given project is maximized. As the name suggests, the basic premise for the net present value is the assumption that monetary value of a currency today is worth more than its future value. According to Rudolf (2008, p. 1), the logic behind the premise is that present cash can be invested and generate interest. Profitability is determined by evaluating the return on the invested capital whose net present value is zero. Negative NPV implies that the project is not desirable while a positive NPV means the project is viable. Theoretically, all estimations made in the NPV involve measuring the projects future net cash flows such that they are discounted at appropriate cost of capital to procure their pr esent value (Elumilade et al., 2006, p 145). Strengths and Weaknesses The net present value method is effective for both the assessment of new investments and comparison of investment alternatives (Rudolf, 2008, p. 2); the investment with the higher NPV becomes a more viable alternative. Based on its additive process, the net present values of different investments with different discount rates can be added up. A notable strength of the NPV is that it recognizes the risks associated with future monetary value using the money concept. Another strength of the NPV method is that it is an arithmetically simple procedure that when computed presents easy interpretation as the capital value is expressed in monetary units. In addition, the NPV offers managers with the possibility of adapting the discount rates for different periods (Rudolf, 2008, p. 2). In line with the IRR, the net present value has several drawbacks much as it is popular in capital budgeting. For one thing, the NPV lacks visibility of a time frame on which a project is expected to generate positive values given the simplicity in calculations. While the NPVs basic premise is to accept all investment greater than zero, the measure is however not clear of when the positive values are achieved. In cases where a new project has higher risks than a companys cost of capital, its cash flow should be discounted at a higher rate to mirror that risk. But if they are, the reinvestment rate becomes detached from the cost of capital such that the investment rate for the new product introduction is way above the normal cost of capital (Kierulff, 2008, p. 323). Hypothetically, the NPV tends to generalize and assume that at any given time, the capital is always abundant and thereby no capital rationing. Supposing the resources are scarce, practitioners have to do some critical exa mination of not just the measure, but each and every available project and size of investment. Modified internal rate of return The modified internal rate of returns is a derivative of the IRR with the exclusion of the aforementioned drawbacks. Compared to the internal rate of return, it provides a more accurate percentage measure of financial attractiveness (Kierulff, 2008, p. 322). Based on existing literature, the MIRR method has not received much attention. Within a sample of 15 significant and highly respected finance textbooks, nearly all have ignored the MIRR (Kierulff, 2008, p. 322). Given the widespread use of NPV and IRR, financial institutions across the globe overlook the importance of the modified internal rate of return method. The main idea behind MIRR is simple computation that may seem challenging in practice because of the need to estimate reinvestment rates (Kierulff, 2008, p. 326). The modified IRR involves three basic procedures that when utilized effectively present the best measure of capital budgeting. The first step involves discounting investment funds committed to the project back to present at a rate that fairly reflects the investment risk. Two, with the exclusion of investment, the free cash flow is compounded forward within a time frame and a chosen reinvestment rate. It is worth noting that the reinvestment rate represents projected future opportunities with risks equal to investment risk. The final step involves calculation of the internal rate of return. Strengths and Weaknesses There are several reasons why firms should ditch the traditional IRR and embrace the modified version. While the former exudes rigidity in changing the reinvestment rate and assessing impacts, the MIRR function permits both a finance and reinvestment rate to be associated with the stream of cash outflows and inflows in investment evaluation (Block Bell, 2009, par. 14). Unlike the IRR or NPV, a company is able to tell whether an investment increases its value through MIRR. With MIRR, risks of future cash flows, time value of money and cash flows of the project are considered. Both NPV and IRR share significant drawbacks in that both of them have problems of size, timing and ranking. Moreover, NPV and IRR renders management locked into assumptions about how free cash flows will be reinvested by giving unrealistic view of investments actual potential (Kierulff, 2008, p. 328). Of the three, MIRR is the most effective considering its capability in dealing with the mentioned problems. Like the other decision tools, the modified internal rate of return has its share of weaknesses in capital budgeting. Some of the techniques in MIRR require adjustments for effective functioning in practice. For instance, the method requires an estimate of the cost of capital for one to make a decision and when used to compare mutually exclusive projects, the measure may fail to produce value-maximizing choices. Discounted payback method (DPB) The discounted payback method simply measures the period it takes to recover the initial investment using discounted cash flows. In DPB, projects with the shortest payback periods are ranked highest or considered the most viable. Unlike NPV, IRR and MIRR, the criterion used in discounted payback method centers more on profitability rather than liquidity. This method has many advantages over other measures. The discounted payback period is simple to understand and easy to compute. Additionally, the method offers a more conservative measure of the relative liquidity of an investment than the traditional payback method (Bhandari, 2009, p. 3). The DPB function allows for a better gauge of the economic breakeven point and can be interpreted as a period beyond which a project generates economic profit (Bhandari, 2009, p 3). Even so, the methods efficiency is reduced in cases where cash flows beyond it are overlooked. Another of its weakness is that it requires an estimate of the cost of ca pital for one to compute the payback and exudes a part whole bias in special cases such as assessing or valuing long term projects. Profitability Index (PI) Profitability index is also known as the cost-benefits ratio as it involves ratio of the present value of future cash benefits at the required rate of return to the initial cash outlay of an investment (Elumilade et al., 2006, p 146). The PI is another capital budgeting methods used by entrepreneurs in choosing among countless causes of action. The monetary cost of a project is ascertained and compared with its expected benefits in monetary term. The profitability index computes the present value of benefits to that of the cost such that when PI is greater than 1, the project is termed as acceptable. By comparison, the PI method is a slight modification of the NPV only that this time, the PI evaluates project using a return element. Its close relation with the net present value may lead to identical decisions in project evaluation. The PI method is easier to understand and tends to communicate more easily than the NPV. For firms initiating smaller or larger projects, the PI acts as an effective tool regardless of the project size. On the flipside however, the values obtained in profitability index may not be as accurate as the ones in IRR. Conclusion The survival, growth and development of a firm is heavily dependent on constant flow of ideas for new products and ways to make existing ones better. Capital budgeting is one of the most important factors in the process of corporate decision-making. The whole process of capital budgeting calls for a series of stages in which the project is evaluated and feasible options employed. For a firm to make rational decisions, specific objectives must be included to maximize profits with one eye on the projected long term return (Elumilade et al., 2006, p. 141). Identifying and evaluating possible projects and alternatives makes the all essence of capital budgeting and this fundamentally implies that a firm has to find a measure that is uniquely in congruence with its short term or long term objectives. The existent body of literature, primarily those included in this discourse, identify NPV and IRR as the most popularly used by firms. Whether this is a testament of their superiority in pract ice is still debatable as each of them has its own drawbacks. It is difficult to find one measure that would work for every organizations.

Food And Wine Harmony History Essay

Food And Wine Harmony History Essay Italy is a unitary legislative state in Southern Europe. It is the fifth most populated country in Europe, and the 23rd most populated in the world. Rome, the capital of Italy, has for periods been an administrative and religious centre of Western society as the capital of the Roman Empire and place of the Holy Sea. Modern Italy is an independent republic. It has been graded as the worlds 24th most-developed nation and its Quality-of-life Index has been graded in the worlds first ten in 2005.Italy delight in a very high standard of existing, and has a great GDP per capita. History The terrestrial known as Italy today has been the structure of European cultures and peoples, such as the Etruscans and the Romans. Italys capital, Rome, was for periods the administrative centre of Western society, as the capital of the Roman Empire. After its failure, Italy would endure numerous assaults by foreign peoples, from Germanic societies such as the Lombards and Ostrogoths, to the Normans and later, the Byzantines, among others. Times later, Italy would become the origin of the Renaissance, an immensely fruitful intelligent movement that would prove to be essential in shaping the following course of European thought. Through much of its post-Roman past, Italy was split into numerous kingdoms and city-states but was united in 1861, a unrestrained period in past known as the Risorgimento. In the late 19th era, through World War I, and to World War II, Italy controlled a colonial empire, which extended its law to Libya, Eritrea, Italian Somaliland, Ethiopia, Albania, Rhodes, the Dodecanese and a franchise in Tianjin, China. Culture Italy did not occur as a state until the countrys association in 1861. Due to this relatively late association, and the historical independence of the regions that include the Italian Peninsula, many societies and customs that are now predictable as distinctly Italian can be recognized by their districts of origin. Despite the governmental and social distinction of these areas, Italys contributions to the national and historical legacy of Europe and the world remain massive. Italy is home to the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites to date, and has vast collections of art, culture and writings from many different eras. The country has had a comprehensive cultural impact worldwide, also because frequent Italians migrate to other places during the Italian movement. The country has, generally, an estimated 100,000 monuments Climate The climate differs significantly from the north to the south of Italy. In the north of the country the area in the middle of the Alps and the Tuscan-Milan Apennines the climate is tough, with very cold winters and very hot, mainly humid summers. In central Italy the temperature is milder, with a smaller difference in temperature between summer and winter and a smaller and less powerful cold season than in the north; summers are longer, but the sultriness of the northern metropolises is moderated by the sea. In southern Italy and the islands wintertime are never particularly tough, and spring and autumn climate are similar to those reached in the summer in other areas of Italy. Geography Italy is situated in Southern Europe and consist of the boot-shaped Italian Peninsula and a number of islands together with the two largest, Sicily and Sardinia. The Apennine Highlands form the peninsulas backbone and the Alps form its northern borderline, where Italys highest peak is positioned on Mont Blanc. The Po, Italys longest river, runs from the Alps on the western boundary with France and crosses the Padan plain on its manner to the Adriatic Sea. The country is located at the meeting point of the Eurasian Plate and the African Plate, primary to extensive seismic and volcanic movement. There are 14 volcanoes in Italy, four of which are energetic. Soil Soil differs throughout the world, and Italy has territory like no other. Both acidic and limy, Italian soils are used to harvest everything from vineyard grapes to routine herbs such as rosemary. Italy is renowned for wines due to its range of soil. Different grapes have need of different soils. Tuscany has such a various range of soil substances, together with volcanic rock and sandstone, that it is one of the finest places in Italy to catch fine wine vineyards. Marsala History In the 6th period to Justinians Empire, in this historical, the town was marked by dysentery, disregard of Bisanzio and the attacks of pirates. Arabic-Berbers arrival at the nearby Granitola mount in the 8th century involved the reopening of commerce and the start of the return of the town, which was retitled Marsa Ê ¿AlÄ « Ê ¿AlÄ «s harbour located near Punta dAlga or also Marsa Allah, namely Gods harbour, whence the existing name. There is the philosophy that Marsala comes from mare salis Salt ponds by the sea. At the end of era 1700, an appearance from the sea reformed again the upcoming of the town: the arrival of the English John Woodhouse who created the wine marsala. Geography Extreme western point of Sicily, the town was originated on Lilibeo cape, from where Aegadian Islands can be implicit. The territory of Marsala, extensive 241 km ² , has got a rich cultural and landscape legacy; its zone include the Stagnone Lagoon, where Mozia is situated. Marsala town till the end of 1970 was inhabited by about 86 thousand people. The part of Marsala is classified in seismic zone. In the last 200 years three earthquakes of medium-high strength were measured : 18 May 1828 magnitude 5.17 (about 6 ° Mercalli scale) 15 January 1968 Belice earthquake which in Marsala reached 7 ° Mercalli scale. 7 June 1981 magnitudo 4.60 (4/5 ° scala Mercalli scale) with epicentre in Borgo Elefante in Mazara del Vallo, far about 20 km from the town-centre of Marsala. Marsala wine Marsala wine is Italys most well-known type of fortified wine, addressing from Italys sunny southern area. Marsala is a upper alcohol fortified wine (usually about 17- 20%) that is existing in both sweet or dry variants. How is Marsala Wine Made? Marsala is complete from native, natural white grapes like Catarratto, The ruby-colored Marsalas hail from any mixture of three native red grapes. The fermentation of Marsala is frozen by the addition of a grape brandy when the remaining sugar satisfied reaches the pre-determined stages according to the sweet/dry style the creator is shooting for.   Alike to the system  of mixing various vintages of Sherry, Marsala often goes complete a perpetual system, where a sequence of vintage mixing takes place. Marsala Color Classifications: Ambra (Amber colored)   made with white grapes. Oro (Gold hues)   made with white grapes. Rubino (Ruby colored)   made with red grapes, like Pignatello. White grapes Chardonnay: This Burgundy diversity is so useful and commercially practical at the same time, that it was widely presented throughout Italy after the phylloxera defeated most Italian vineyards at the end of the nineteenth century. Produced in many flavours all over the country. Grillo: Full-bodied white used in Marsala and Alcamo blends between others. Zibibbo: Italian name for Muscat, or Moscato dAlessandria. Juicer, less fresh and more fermented than Moscato Bianco, it is best recognized for the passito wines from pantelleria, a small island off the western coast of Sicily. Sauvignon: Homonym of the French Sauvignon Blanc, it is completed into a number of variations throughout Italy. Catarratto Bianco Comune: Though it is found only in Sicily, this selection accounts for the most-planted white grape in all of Italy. Though it is usually used in variations of Marsala blends, it can be used to make pleasing, low-acid, dry wines. Red grapes Cabernet Sauvignon: Firstly from France, this grape is extensively grown all over Italy and has become the base for some of the most respected and luxurious Italian red wines. Similar to other unique French grapes such as Merlot and Cabernet Franc, it was widely established throughout Italy after phylloxera wiped out maximum of northern Italys vineyards at the end of the nineteenth century. Pinot Nero: The Italian variety of Pinot Noir is at its best in Piedmont, Oltrepà ² Pavese, plus Alto Adige wines. Sangiovese: Considered Italys most honourable red grape, it is the base for several prize-winning wines counting Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello di Montalcino, Morellino di Scansano and, last but not least, the gradually known Sangiovese di Romagna. It is measured a native wild vine that was major domesticated by the Etruscans in the Tuscan Emilian Apennines. It has a typical black cherry fragrance with scents of wood smoke. Nero dAvola: Also called Calabrese, is the most important red grape in Sicily. It is verified into dark, thick, flavourful reds reminiscent of the best Australian Shiraz. Gamay: Grown widely throughout Italy, it is vinified as Colli Del Trasimeno DOC varietal in Umbria Popular wineries in Marsala Alvis Rallo: A fine maker of Marsala wine, Alvis Rallo was started in 1860 by the Rallo family. The wine aged area has a capacity of around 13,000 hectolitres in oak casks having between 20 and 450 hectolitres each. Buffa Winery: The Buffa winery was started in 1931, the year in which the current owners father began to produce and trade Marsala wine in bottles, casks and bottles. Donnafugata: Donnafugata makes a range of wines counting Lighea Contessa Entellina D.O.C, Opera Unica Marsala Superiore Riserva D.O.C., Tancredi, and Vigna di Gabri Contessa Entellina D.O.Ces in Marsala Marsala wine Red wines include Nero DAvola: Nero DAvola is one of the ancient ethnic grapes and Marsala wine-makers are justly proud of the acknowledgment that this variety is now getting. Syrah: anyone aware with the southern hemisphere wines will have recognised plenty of Syrah and the weather and territory of Marsala are particularly suited to this tasty grape. Etna Rosso: a mixture of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Mantellato this is the wine born on the rich, productive volcanic inclines of Mount Etna. Cerasuolo di Vittoria: a mixture of Frappato and Calabrese with the conceivable addition of some Grossonero or Nerello Mascalese, this is the well-known wine of the province of Ragusa. White wines include Bianco DAlcamo: a mixture of Cataratto Grecanico, Damaschino and Trebbiano, this outstanding white can be found all over Sicily, but can only be created in the rich area among Alcamo and Trapani. Wines prepared from Grillo, Inzolia, Cataratto, Grecanico and Chardonnay are made in purezza or mixed together by all the big wine creators, and some are truly excellent. Aperitif wines includeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ The sugar content of the grapes and the drying abilities of the sun mean that Marsala gives itself well to manufacture of dessert wines. The best known of these are: Marsala: the famous fortified wine first created by the Englishman John Woodhouse in 1773 is a mixture of Grillo, Cataratto, Ansonia and Damaschino with the adding of distilled alcohol. Though it has a status as a sweet wine, there are also some outstanding dry aperitif varieties. Passito di Pantelleria: prepared from Zibbibo grapes which have been dehydrated in the sun to increase the sugar absorption. Passito di Noto: 100% Passito Bianco grapes for a pleasant sweetish wine, with sugar-coated hints. Viticulture Is the science, manufacture and study of grapes which contracts with the series of events that occur in the vineyard. As soon as the grapes are used for winemaking, it is also known as viniculture. It is a division of the science of horticulture. Duties of the viticulturist include: observing and directing pests and diseases, fertilizing, irrigation, shelter management, monitoring fruit growth and appearances, deciding when to harvest and vine cropping during the winter months. Vinification Winemaking, or vinification, is the manufacture of wine, starting with collection of the grapes or other food and ending with bottling the finished wine. While most wine is made from grapes, it may also be prepared from other fruits or plants. Mead is a wine that is prepared with honey being the primary ingredient after water. Winemaking can be distributed into two categories: still wine manufacture (without carbonation) and sparkling wine manufacture (with carbonation natural or injected).The science of wine and winemaking is known as oenology. A person who creates wine is usually called a winemaker or vintner. Food pairing The three most important rules when it comes to wine-and-food pairing are: 1. Drink and Eat What You Like Pick out a wine that you would need to drink by it, rather than hoping a food match will progress a wine made in a grace you dont like. That way, even if the pairing isnt good, you will still appreciate what youre drinking. 2. Look for Balance Study the weight-or body, or productivity-of both the food and the wine. The wine and the dish should be equal partners, with neither overpowering the other. If you stability the two by weight, you raise the odds intensely that the pairing will be successful. This is the secret behind many classic wine-and-food matches. Theres a fair quantity of character to this. Hearty food needs a hearty wine. Cabernet Sauvignon accompaniments grilled lamb chops because theyre equally strong. 3. Match the Wine to the Most Prominent Element in the Dish This is serious to fine-tuning wine pairings. Identify the main character more often it is the sauce, flavours or cooking method, rather than the main element. Consider two different chicken dishes: Chicken Marsala, with its browned exterior and a sauce of dark wine and mushrooms, against a chicken breast poached in a creamy lemon sauce. The browned, earthy flavors of the earlier tilt it toward a soft, supple red, while the simplicity and citrus flavors of the latter call for a fresh white. Examples of food with wine: Pinot Grigios are good with citric based foods like lemon chicken or light and floral soups or stews. If youre consuming a desert wine that is actual sweet, have a nice biscotti or torte. The wine should constantly be just as sugary, or sweeter Seafood does not constantly have to be matching with white wine. Chianti is such a assorted wine with a dry-body that it will not destruction and hide the flavors of the sea. Mix it up a bit and discover the flavors. Some shellfish, like oysters are outstanding with sparkling wine.

Commincation Today :: Essays Papers

Commincation Today The business world today is more challenging than it ever has been. Effective communication is one of the many qualities one must have to succeed. It helps one present ideas, manage employees, and handle customers. Presenting ideas is what makes businesses grow and evolve. An idea, being a formulated thought or opinion, is hard to put into words at times. Knowing how to transfer one’s thoughts into words can become the most effective aspect in communication. For example, if one was to stumble over words and fill sentences with long pauses during a business proposal, that person is not as likely to close the deal as one who speaks fluently with a steady flow of thoughts and words. Communication also helps one to manage employees. Today’s work environment is filled with many types of people. One must know how to adapt to different races, languages, and cultures to effectively communicate. If an employee were deaf, it would be necessary to communicate using sign language so that person could fully comprehend the directions given. In addition to helping manage employees, communication also helps one to deal with customers. Customers vary in ways more than employees. Customers are not in a controlled environment and are accustomed to one adapting to their specific needs and wants. Depending on the specific wants at the time, some customers may be extremely irate or hostile. One must handle this type of customer with care and know that a different approach must be taken. Doing things such as talking in a soft voice may calm the customer down, thus enabling the customer to be more reasonable. Knowing simple things such as using a calmer voice enables one to effectively take control of the situation.

Comparing Dreams in Catcher in the Rye, Night, and Their Eyes Were Watc

Dreams in Catcher in the Rye, Night, and Their Eyes Were Watching God   Ã‚  Ã‚   Throughout the novels Catcher in the Rye, Night, and Their Eyes Were Watching God, the main characters seem to have a dream. In their stories, Holden, Elie, and Janie tell the reader whether or not their dream was successful.    In Catcher in the Rye, Holden's dream is to be the catcher in the rye, meaning he wants to stop children or anything that may still be innocent from falling over the edge. This basically means he wants to preserve the innocence. That's why he likes Phoebe so much, because she's still young and youthful, and most importantly innocent.      Ã‚  Ã‚   The novel charts Holden's experiences over a long period of time. It starts on a Saturday in December just before school closes for Christmas break. He has been informed of his expulsion from Pencey Prep School. What worries him most about being kicked out of school is his parents' reaction, for he has already been expelled from other educational institutions. Soon, Holden decides to go to New York. Holden encounters a large number of people as he travels the city of New York and goes into nightclubs.    Holden looks for some amount of understanding and acceptance from all the characters he encounters, even taxi drivers, but he is denied his needs. As a result, Holden feels dislocated, as though he does not belong anywhere, and he is right. It becomes obvious through his meetings that he is in an entirely different path than the rest of the world. Each time Holden opens up himself, he is rewarded with rejection, until he is finally driven to almost a schizophrenic condition. With his mental health deteriorating, Holden returns to his parents' home,... ...cts herself by firing a rifle at him. She is then tried for his murder.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In spite of the tragic circumstances and the hurricane and Tea Cake's death, the novel has a happy ending, for Janie is found innocent of murder and given a chance to run her life and find out who she really is. In telling her tale, it is obvious that she feels like a satisfied woman who has recognized love and has precious memories to surround her.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   If Janie's soul were to come out and see life, it would, unlike the others, be very pleased to see that her hearts desires were fulfilled.    Those were the dreams of Holden Caulfield, Elie Wiesel, and Janie Crawford-Woods.    Sources Hurston, Zora Neale. Their Eyes Were Watching God. New York: Harper & Row, 1937. Salinger, J.D. The Catcher In The Rye. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1951.   

Civilizations

Renaissance is a word which means â€Å"rebirth† in French. In Italian, it means â€Å"Rinascimento†. Renaissance is a cultural revolution in Europe, particularly in Italy which occurred during the latter part of the Middle Ages from 14th century to 17th century. It is the period when great developments and progress in arts and science occurred. It is believed that Renaissance flourished because of the so-called â€Å"Black Death†. People shift their ideas from spiritual life to their lives spent here on Earth. Florence gave way to the birth of renaissance. It is where great men of arts like Da Vinci, Michelangelo and even Boticelli spawned. Renaissance introduced concepts of sciences and arts which until today last. Humanism which is a process of learning was used by renaissance scholars. This method study original texts and review it using reasoning as well as empirical evidences. In arts, artists develop very sensible linear perspective. Painters also considered study of lighting, silhouette and anatomy to improve their works. Architects of renaissance combined mathematics with architecture. Classical style flourished. Dome shaped infrastructures, which seemed impossible to do was achieved. Science experienced â€Å"scientific revolution† in which the scientific method, which is based on empirical evidences, was introduced. This gave rise to development in different branches of science. During renaissance, people have changed the way they see God and man. It results to debates which questioned the Christianity. Aztecs and Incas Aztec was a Mesoamerican empire which exists from 14th to 16th century. Aztecs have rich culture and traditions. Aztecs have human sacrifices to their gods, thus, wars continued in order to have human sacrifices. Army men do not kill their enemies; instead they held them as captives which will be their human sacrifices. When there are no wars, warriors participate into gladiatorial battle. In terms of agriculture, Aztecs are famous for their Hanging Garden. They were very much into gardening. In politics, the king of every city is an appointed judge. The magistrates were elected. People who committed huge crimes will be sacrificed while those who committed lesser crimes will become slaves. On the other hand, the Inca Empire employs strict administration of bureaucracy. The emperor marries her sister to maintain the lineage pure. This civilization also believes in human sacrifices. But it is not always the case, because sometimes they sacrifice animals instead of humans. Other royalties hold administrative designations. Military activities are not common, only in times of troubles like wars and rebellions. There are no records of agricultural activities during the Inca Empire (Tankard, 2006). Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates Abbasids were able to solidify and unify Islamic leadership. On the other hand, Umayyad had the biggest unitary state during their rule.   They are Sunni Muslims. Abbasid were from the youngest uncle of Muhammad in contrast with the Umayyad were descendants of Umayya who is from another clan. Conflict rise between the two because Abbasid caliphate they are the true descendant of Muhammad. The Umayyad military was used mainly for the expansion of their religious territory while the Abbasid army called the Mameluk was established to prevent the collapse of their rule. In terms of politics, the Abbasid caliph rule with coordination from non-Arab Muslims which contributed to the unification of Islam during their rule. Umayyad was believed to shift from a religious institution to a dynastic body. Tropical People The factors which caused social and cultural changes in the lives of tropical people are architecture, religion, gender and learning. Expansion of Islam results to new architectural styles. Style from the Middle East and locality are fused. In learning, Islam made people from Africa use Arabic. Spread of Islam also introduced the study of Islamic Laws and knowledge about science, mathematics including medicine. Social change occurred when discrepancy between the elites and the poor increased. In Africa and India, slavery became common. Slaves are tasked to do tedious works like mining, while women slaves are asked to do household chores, they also served as entertainers. Women in the tropics were trained to do house chores which includes child rearing, cooking and some farm works. Records do not have clear accounts on the implication of Islamic rule to women in the tropics, but it is known that in some places, women did not practice veiling and seclusion. REFERENCES: Renaissance. Retrieved April 29, 2007 . Tankard, Keith. (2006). â€Å"Aztec and Inca Empire†. Retrieved April 29, 2007 from http://www.knowledge4africa.co.za/worldhistory/inca13.htm