Thursday, October 31, 2019
To what extent is the enterpreneurship activity the domain of small Essay
To what extent is the enterpreneurship activity the domain of small businesses - Essay Example It is in this appetite for spotting the opportunity and taking the risk that makes small businesses more flexible and versatile in nature and thus good enough to make them capable to convert a business idea into the process of business creation thus innovativeness and creativity are two landmarks of the people who run the small businesses. 1 The term small business is very loosely described and discussed. One idea suggests that a small business is any business which is not large and has very small number of employees. Though the requirement for the number of employees may vary from country to country according to the legal framework of that country however the European Union standards suggest that any business with less than 50 employees is categorized as small business. (Wikipedia, 2008). Generally these businesses are privately owned sole proprietorships or partnership firms. The nature of these firms may be limited to an institution which is limited to the management of the owner or partner of the firm and there is no separation of the ownership and the firm thus the entrepreneurs who run the show at the show at these small businesses are at highest risk of personal liability.(Osborn,1951). Entrepreneurship and Small Businesses Previously, it was believed that since entrepreneurship denotes the creation of some contribution that did not previously exist, entrepreneurship therefore was largely equated with the small business, ownership and management. Due to this overleaping of the concepts entrepreneurship is often interlinked with the small businesses. (Carland et al, 1984).In this essay, we will also use the entrepreneurship and small businesses interchangeably. Further, this essay will look into some of the factors which allow the owners of these small businesses to tap the opportunities and convert them into
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Disability in the Workplace Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words
Disability in the Workplace - Research Paper Example People living with disabilities have been cited as the most disadvantaged in employment and this paper focuses on discrimination against people with disabilities in the workplace. The legislation against this form of discrimination, particularly the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA would be evaluated and compared to its revised version referred to as the ADA Amendments Act, ADAAA which sought to clarify contentious issues in its predecessor. Treatment of people unfairly in particular respects amounts to discrimination and would happen because of people’s prejudiced or stereotypical beliefs about other persons based on their attributes or personal characteristics. Chou and Choi further define workplace discrimination as the variation in treatment pegged on an individual’s characteristics â€Å"which impairs or nulliï ¬ es fairness of treatment or opportunity in the workplace†(1052). Repa (253) gives examples of illegal discrimination as discriminations based on race, skin color, religious beliefs and nationality. Robin (2) points out at sexual harassment as a rampant form of discrimination especially in workplaces. Other recent forms of discrimination considered to be illegal include discrimination based on one’s HIV/AIDS status, pregnancy, being divorced, lesbian or gay. Some other forms of workplace discrimination prohibited by the Americans with Disabilities Act include discrimination ba sed on mental or physical disability, job applicant’s present and past medical conditions and creation of worksites that pose physical barriers to movement of the physically handicapped (Goodman-Delahunty & Foote 27). Treating everyone equally also amounts to discrimination. However, there are exemptions for discrimination such that they do not amount to being illegal, but only if for a specific purpose. These exemptions allow for employers to recruit from a particular race, sex or age when these
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Tactics And Targets Of Revolutionary Terrorism Politics Essay
Tactics And Targets Of Revolutionary Terrorism Politics Essay Revolutionary terrorism is a phenomenon that has affected much of the world since the beginning of the 20th century. This essay will argue that revolutionary terrorism has its roots in revolutionary socialist theory. It is this framework that provides the justifications and rationales for revolutionary terrorist activity. I will begin with an outline of the key concepts of revolutionary thought, as described in the writings of Marx and Engels. Furthermore it will be shown that other key figures, including Vladimir Lenin, Mao Tse-Tung and Marighella have influenced the evolution of revolutionary terrorism in the 20th Century. Secondly, I will outline the tactics employed by revolutionary terrorist groups and the groups and individuals that constitute their targets. They argue that the use of terrorist tactics with the aim of replacing exploitive capitalist governments with an equitable socialist society is in keeping with the fundamental aims of revolutionary socialism. In order to il lustrate the influence of the theory discussed, I will examine the cases of the Italian Red Brigade and the Japanese Red Army. These groups underwent a campaing of terror to facilitate this change. By opting to use terrorism they sought to undermine the legitimacy of their respective governments and agitate for a popular uprising. In order to understand the justficications that revolutionary terrorists have had for the use of terrorist activity, it is necessary to look at a series of events that took place in the 20th century. The writings of Marx and Engels are key. Marxist thought holds that the great inequalities that exist in the world in terms of the uneven distribution of wealth, power and land are due to the oppression of the working classes by the wealthy bourgeoise. Marx contends that a fundamental change of government must occur to achieve social, economic and political equality. His vision of an equitable socialist society will take place only after the advent of revolution, the overthrow of the bourgeoise by the proletariat. Central to Marxist thought is a call to arms of the masses. It is this call to arms that is central in revolutionary terrorists rationales for the use of political violence. Although Marx was personally opposed to terrorist violence as a means of achieving his socialist vison, further developments of the 20th century can be seen as instrumental in the evolution of revolutionary terrorist rationale. 1917 saw the Russian revolution and the succesful creation of a communist government. The progression of the socialist cause in other countries around the world however stagnated. This was partly due to the repression of leftist movements in liberal states around the world. Soviet Leader of the time Vladimir Lenin criticised socialist leadership for their passivity and their lack of militancy in bringing about revolution. Lenins solution to the problem came in the form of the concept of the Vanguard. He proposed the creation of an elite militant group to create the circumstances in which a popular uprising could occur. Mao Tse-Tungs use of guerilla warfare in his fight against the Chinese nationalists was inspired greatly by Leninist thought. The Chinese Red Army acted as the vanguard of the socialist cause and succesfully radicalised the population, which was key to their eventual victory and ascent to power. By the 1960s The lack of success once again in bringing about the revolution led to leftist thinkers turning to even more violent and militant means to achieve their political aims. The contribution of Brazilian marxist and writer at this point in time was undeniable. In his most famous work the Minimanual of the Urban Guerrilla of 1969, he provides advice on how to overthrow an authoritarian regime to bring about revolution. Among the key messages of his writings is that of armed propoganda. He argues that the use of violence and terrorism is an important tool for those seeking to achieve socialism. In his book he describes terrorism as a weapon the revolutionary can never relinquish. The use of terrorist tactics in conflicts in South America became a source of inspiration for leftist groups in Europe and other parts of the world. During the 1960s and 1970s the vast majority of developed countries experienced attacks from revolutio nary terrorists. Thus, the inherent inequality that exists in a capitalist society can be seen as the primary justification that revolutionary terrorists have for the use of terrorist acts to achieve their goal of a socialist society. Among the most well known and most fatal revolutionary terrorist groups was that of the Italian Red Brigade. Founded in 1970 by far left-wing students, the Red Brigades considered the Italian government of the 1960s and 1970s to be a contemporary version of the Fascist Italy of the 1940s. The members were particularly critical of the political and economic institutions of the Italian state. In their 1975 manifesto they state their goal as a concentrated strike against the heart of the state, becasuse the state is an imperialist collection of multinational corporations. The Red Brigades aimed to replicate the socialism of Lenins Soviet Union. They justified their violent acts arguing that they operated within a coherent intellectual tradition and considered themselves the vanguard of the Italian proletariat. The militant leftist group of the Japanese Red Army were established in 1969 and advocated imminent socialist revolution. They differed from their Italian counterparts in their en gaging in terrorist activity primarily on foreign soil. This was due mainly to the fact that the autocratic Japanese regime was very effective in stamping out leftist dissidence. The stated aims of the JRA were to overthrow the Japanese government and monarch and start a world revoloution. Often cooperating with other international leftists groups, the JRA were a well organised and methodical terrorist group. Tactics The tactics utilised by revolutionary terrorist groups are in keeping with the fundamental aims of revolutionary socialist theory. Among the tactics adopted by such groups include; armed robbery to gain resources and weapons for their cause, kidnappings, assasinations, indiscriminate attacks of civilians in public places, hijacking and the taking of hostages. Revolutionary terroists have two key aims that they wish to achieve through their use of terrorist tactics. The first of these is to undermine the legitimacy of the existing regime. By undertaking a series of terrorist acts against both civilian and official targets, revolutionary terrorist groups hope to upset the societal framework on which civilans depend and trust. A successful campaign of terrorist acts will call into question the competence of the government which fails to complete its fundamental responsibility of protecting its people. It is hoped that the resulting decrease of legitimacy in the eyes of the people will b ring about popular discontent and a desire for political change. In this situation the dissidents would have the opportunity to inherit power and implement political, social and economic changes. The second main aim of dissidents is to provoke governments to be repressive. This approach is rooted in the concepts developed by Italian Marxist Antonio Gramsci. Gramsci contendeds that capitalist states engage in deliberate deception of their working classes in order to preserve the status quo. His concept of hegemonic false consciousness holds that states deliberately hide their repressive and authoritarian nature and distract the population to prevent it from taking part in revolutionary activity. In the process of attempting to deal with the threat of terrorist activity and counter the destabalising effects on society, a government will tend to decrease the rights of the population. In doing so the true nature of the state would be revealed and would be opposed by the people. This str ategy of agitational terror was utilised to great effect by the Italian Red Brigades. The Red Brigades also performed a number of bank robberies, which served both to fund their cause. Undertook kidnappings of key political and business leaders. Another method they employed to attack the system was that of kneecapping, which involved shooting both knees of a target in order to cripple them. In the 1977 trial of captured Red Brigade members disrupted proceedings by assasinating a judge and members of Given the Japanese Red Armys inability to operate within Japan, the group Hopes of terrorists is that they will provoke the government to be repressive. In its attempts to deal with the threat of terrorists, government will become more repressive, they will restrict the rights of the population. this repression will make the masses see the true colours of the regime, this will then spark a popular revolt, or at least undermine popular support for the regime. This provocation of hope to destabilise the state, because if the government is unable to deal with the threat of terrorists and support its people, the support for the government will dissappear. The competence of the government is called into question, and thus its legitimacy. Popular discontent could then bring about change, and in this situation the dissidents would have the opportunity to gain power and then implement changes. The intended effect of terrorist strategies include armed robbery: to gain weapons and resources for the cause. kidnapping, assasinations, indiscriminate attacks in public places. kidnapping for the purpose of coercive bargaining. hijacking of aeroplanes, taking hostages. revolutionary terrorists advertise their cause. Carlos Marighella: concept of coercive bargaining. kidnapping of businessmen or prominent figures, demand the settlement of labour disputes or distribution of goods to the poor, or demanding release of political prisoners. Assassinaton: by snipers, letter bombs, car bombs etc. undertake campaigns of assassinations. sometimes also coordinate this with industrial action.. Indiscriminate attacks in public places: Firing randomly of machine guns into crowds of Israeli civilians in 1972 at Lydda Airport by Japanese group sponsored by Palestinian radical exiles. Targets Distinction between audience and the targets of the attacks themselves. The value of terrorism to revolutionary groups lies in its pyschological effectiveness. The intention is to generate a psychological response among the people, which varies from fear to sympathy or admiration of the cause. It is the hope that these emotional responses will influence political behaviour and further the chances of success for the revolution. The main audience is therefore the civilian population. targets are selected often as they are symbols, or represent something. Terrorism affects the social structure as well as the individual; it upsets the framework of precepts and images which members of society depend on and trust. Since no one longer knows what sort of behaviour to expect from other members of society, the system is disoriented. hopes to destabilise the ruling power as its people dont have faith in its ability to protect them, thus diminishing their legitimacy in the eyes of the people. (Thornton, revolutionary terrorism expert) Revolutionary terrorists are not pshychopaths, they are dedicated individuals operating within a coherent intellectual tradition. They do not have the capability to meet established military forces head on in battle, use terrorist tactics The red brigades -Drew on Marxist/Leninist writings. What are the elements/features of socialist thought which have provided terrorists with justifications for terrorist action? What are the ethical justifications for terrorism within revolutionary socialist thought? terrorism as a means/vehicle to overcoming exploitive, repressive capitalist societies. The appeal of marxism in the past is clear. Class inequality, vision of the creation of a communist utopia. Seeking a more equitable distribution of power and wealth. concept of armed propoganda by Carlos Marighella. The terrorists were to bring about the circumstances in which the popular uprising would occur catalysts for change agitational terror. premeditated political strategy. Brainstorming/ notes. In order to understand the justifications of revolutionary terrorism it is necessary to investigate the Marxist ideas in which revolutionary violence is based. Social and political change. Marxist concept of class inequality needs to be rectified. Marxist vision of a communist state/ society, in which there is social, economic and political equality. (economic inequality, inequitable access of resources) Struggle between classes Struggle driven by ownership of means of production End point of history/ goal is communism The generator of this social change is class struggle (tyranny of bourgeoise). The bourgeoise (the owners of means of production) and the proletariat (workers). Marx predicts the eventual clash of these classes, with the prediction that the proletariat will be the victors. An appealing/ utopian political vision, something worth fighting for. The communist manifesto (conveys basic ideas of communism, simply written to appeal to proletariat). à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. So who is going to bring about this change? Who is going to be the vehicle for change? Communists openly declare their aims: The communists disdain to conceal their views and aims. They openly declare that their aims can be attained only by the forcible overthrow of all existing social conditions. Let the ruling classes tremble at a communist revolution. The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. They have a world to win. Proletarians of all countries, unite! (Marx and Engels 1848). Key message is that in order to make this transition happen, proletariat needs to fight. Lenin: wrote pamphlet What is to be done, as overthrow of bourgeoise had not yet been achieved as predicted by Marx. Came up with concept of the Vanguard. Aimed to accelerate revolution. Blamed the lack of change on the passivity of the leadership, that socialist leaders had been to compromising in their dealings with liberal states. He criticised the passivity of the masses. Solution: the vanguard. the creation of a committed and militant group, who would forge ahead, even if the conditions arent yet perfect for revolution, accelerating history to bring about the dictatorship of the proletariat and an eventual communist society. (from lecture slides). Because of the success of the Russian revolution of 1917, liberal democracies were able to prevent this happening again in their own countries. Different tactic had to be adopted in order for communism to be realised. Must be a more militant approach, an army needs to be built to liberate the proletariat. (good example of maoist china. Utilised guerrilla warfare to bring about revolution. Maos book on guerrilla warfare. For mao, guerrilla warfare is means of radicalising the population. Won hearts and minds of people. A move from a political vanguard to a guerrilla vanguard. Eventually to terrorist vanguard. Concept of the vanguard was central to the thinking of revolutionary terrorists of the 1960s and 1970s. Problem of the 1960s was that revolution seemed to stall againà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ explanation for this was false consciousness. The reason that the proletariat had not yet risen up to bring about the revolution. Antonio Gramsci, Italian Marxist. False consciousness argument is that through media, advertising, books, novels etc.. the bourgeoisie class convince the oppressed proletariat that their life is not so bad. They distract the people from realising that their real place is in revolution. Introduces concept of hegemonic false consciousness, makes people desire what is not really in their interests. The way to educate the masses, to neutralise the hegemonic discourses which seduced and distracted the people, is to shock them. Arguments of Carlos Marighellas: (wrote The minimanual of the urban guerrilla). That terrorism is an important tool for revolutionaries. Armed propaganda, using violence to gain attention to the cause. A way of cutting through false consciousness. Provokes the liberal state to be repressive and thus expose its true face as a fascist dictator. Terrorism is used as a means of mobilising the masses to act. Armed propaganda. Role is to fight, to keep up the cause, to remind people that communism is still a realisable dream. Keeping alive the revolutionary dream. (marighellas argument). Examples: Japanese Red Army, pro Palestinian Red Army Faction. Italian Red Brigades: Antonio Negri. Definition revolutionary terrorism: Revolutionary terrorism is a part of insurgent strategy in the context of internal warfare or revolution: the attempt to seize political power from the established regime of a state, if successful causing fundamental political and social change.
Friday, October 25, 2019
Business Analysis of 20th Century Insurance Essay -- Insurance Compani
Business Analysis of 20th Century Insurance Table of Contents History, Position, Targeted Market, Goals                         Page 3 Northridge Earthquake, Crisis                              Page 4 Comeback Kid, Results of PR Campaign                         Page 6 Developing a Crisis Plan,                                   Page 7 Crisis Team, Milestones for Communication                         Page 8 Issues                                                  Page 9 Plan Approval, Anticipated competitive responses                    Page 11 Recommended press release                                   Page 14 References                                             Page 15 Appendix A                                             Page 16 History 20th Century Insurance was established in 1958 and was the first company of its kind to sell automobile insurance without a middleman, known in the industry as a broker or agent. This direct sales approach allowed 20th to offer insurance at a much lower premium than its competitors. To date, 20th Century Insurance is still recognized as one of the most economical full service automobile insurers in the California market. Position In terms of market share, 20th Century is the fifth-largest car insurer in the state. The company's credit rating was recently upgraded from a B- to BBB+ and its stock is being traded around $21.50. 20th Century is also among the Valley's (headquarters office location) largest firms in both market capitalization and employees. The company currently employs in over 2,000 people. Targeted market For the first 30 years of the company's existence it enjoyed huge profits from selling only automobile insurance. These large profits were achieved, due in part, to its targeted market which are generally people in the age range of 30-60 who are classified as a low risk "good drivers". The company's structure of selling insurance directly to the customer while providing excellent customer service is also a driving force to its success.      In 1982 the company began offering homeowner's insurance and this venture also proved to be financially successful for the company. The vast majority of the homes insured by 20th Century are located in the Valley cites and at one time the homeowner's insurance made up about 10% of the company's business, however, to date it onl... ... business.                     References      Gross, A. (1998). Catastrophe planning: An essential part of comprehensive risk management. Insurance Advocate Kamer, L. (1997). Crisis planning's most important implement: The Drill. Communication World Littlejohn, F. Robert (1983). Crisis Management a Team Approach New York: AMA Management Briefing.      Newsom, D., Turk-Vanslyke, J., & Druckeberg, D. (1996). This is PR: The realities of public relations 6ed. United States: Wadsworth Publishing      Sanders, E. (1994). Some hard lessons in survival: Insurer faces own problems during quake. Daily News Schnaible, R. (1994) 20th Century Times: Earthquake!, January Shinkman, R. (1996) 20th Century bounces back to solid profitability:Insurer's 1996 net income may hit $100 million., Los Angeles Business Journal April 29-May 5      Sparks, D. (1995) On the Road Again. Financial World, December 5 Stavro, B. (1995) 20th Century on the Rebound After Settling Quake Claims. Los Angles Times September 12 Sullivan, B.(1999) Daily News: Comeback for 20th Century Insurance, January 13 Yoshitake, D. 20th Century puts quake trials behind. Daily News          Â
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Comparing Pride and Prejudice to Macbeth
In the first few chapters of ‘Pride and Prejudice’, Jane Austen portrays Fitzwilliam Darcy as: â€Å"so high and conceited†, â€Å"a most disagreeable man†and possessed of â€Å"shocking madness†. This is conveyed to the audience through Elizabeth Bennet’s eavesdropping and the Bennet family’s first impression of Darcy. At the start of ‘Macbeth’ however, the central character, Macbeth, is portrayed by William Shakespeare as a hero. In Scotland he is loved, trusted and admired: â€Å"Oh valiant cousin, worthy gentleman†, â€Å"brave Macbeth†.Nevertheless by the end of both works, the audience’s own opinion of each character has changed to the complete opposite. Their opinion has been altered by the authors who try to confute the audience’s initial understanding of both characters. Many characters throughout ‘Pride and Prejudice’ change in one way or another. They especially change ot her people’s impressions of them. A good example of this is Mr Wickham. When Wickham is first introduced into the novel, he is portrayed as a good, kind man who was unfortunate enough to have lived with Darcy: â€Å"Wickham was the happy man towards whom almost every female eye was turned†¦ As the novel progresses Elizabeth begins to find out about his true characteristics. The way in which Jane Austen changes our opinion of Wickham is initially through the letter that Darcy sends to Elizabeth after she has declined his first offer of marriage. The letter she receives explains why Darcy dislikes Wickham. It tells her of the ungentleman like things that Wickham has done in the past. It explains how he became a â€Å"wild one†as one of Darcy’s housemaids told Elizabeth when she made a visit to Pemberley.On the other hand in ‘Macbeth’, the character who undergoes the most change throughout the play is in fact Macbeth himself. At first, he was a very honourable and noble man, both on and off the battlefields of Scotland. This is shown we he is appointed to becoming Thane of Cawdor: â€Å"He bade me, from him, call thee Thane of Cawdor†. Macbeth however, was a very ambitious man as well, and this was part of the reason for his change of character and downfall: â€Å"I have no spur†¦but only vaulting ambition which o’erleaps itself†.It was Shakespeare’s portrayal of Macbeth’s ambition that allowed him to have the ability to change the audience’s opinion of Macbeth completely. Pushed by the idea that he could become king, his growing ambition and misplace confidence in the prophecies and Lady Macbeth, Macbeth begins to become an evil, murderous tyrant lacking any sense of mind. Another way in which Jane Austen changes ideas and characters in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is through the actions and words of Mr Bennet. Mr Bennet undergoes one of the most significant changes thr oughout the course of the novel.When he is first introduced he is one of the primary characters offering comic relief and as the beginning of the story progresses, we see that his primary characteristics revolve around poking fun at his wife; â€Å"I have the utmost respect for your nerves. They've been my constant companion these twenty years. †He also stays aloof from his daughters, and does not care about serious matters of love. As the novel progresses, most especially after Lydia's elopement and arranged marriage, we see Mr. Bennet's character begin to change.The weight of his careless attitude finally sits heavy enough on his shoulders that he can no longer ignore it. While he still pokes fun at his wife, he understands that his daughters need a firm father if they are to curb their wild natures. With Lydia, it was too late, but he wasted no time in turning on Kitty and immediately laying down the law of his house: â€Å" This shows the audience that he realises that he hasn’t brought up his daughters how he wanted to and her wants to change that with kitty.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Wish You Well by David Baldacci
Character development is an important part of all novels. A character's mindset can change throughout the story as they go through events that may change there mindset. In Wish You Well by David Baldacci, Oz's personality and attitude change from the beginning to the end of the novel. His point of view alone effects the story. As the book starts off Oz is a little immature boy. He is not self efficient and relies completely on his mother Amanda and his older sister Lou. â€Å"Fortunately, his fearful cries would be replaced by a smile when Oz would at last focused on her, and she would want to hold her son always, keep him safe always. (Baldacci p. 4) Amanda had protected Oz his entire life and made him feel a sense of attachment. He never had to make his own decisions or face an event where his hope or faith was challenged. Until the car accident, his mother was severely injured and his father was killed. â€Å"Oz reached for his mother, incomprehension the only thing between the little boy and possibly fatal panic. †(Baldacci p. 14) This was the first and only time in the story that we see Oz in panic. Lou being older feels she understood more about the world and life than Oz. She had loved her father but clearly did not have the same type of relationship with her mother. After the accident and her father was dead, Lou seemed to get a negative outlook. She never once had a positive thought that possibly her mother could might get better and regain consciousness. Oz on the other hand never lost his faith. He always though positively. Throughout the novel Oz makes comment to his grandmother, diamond, and Lou that his mother could and was getting better. His love for her was so strong that even though deep down he knew the reality of her healing was not likely, he would do whatever he could to make it possibly come true. Oz thinks that wishing for his mother to regain her health at the wishing well will make her better. â€Å"I wish that my mother will wake up and love me again. He paused and then added solemnly, And Lou too. †(Baldacci p. 131) Oz truly cared about his mother and sister and risked his fear to try and make them all happy again. He was truly a caring character who changes from being a shy innocent boy. Into a caring self confident young man. Lou and Oz both loved each other and there mother. However, each characters point of view was different regarding the citation. Lou was kind of angry and tried to think about things realistic. She knew the odds of her mother getting well and there family going back to normal was limited. She realized it and tried to move on. As opposed to Oz who hoped and wished that his mother and Lou would get better and things could go back to the way they were. In the end even though both character's points of view where vastly different, they each helped each other get through some tragic events in the novel together, through love and perseverance.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)