Local, national and European economies impact on Vauxhall Motors and JD Wetherspoon Essays

Local, national and European economies impact on Vauxhall Motors and JD Wetherspoon Essays Local, national and European economies impact on Vauxhall Motors and JD Wetherspoon Essay Local, national and European economies impact on Vauxhall Motors and JD Wetherspoon Essay In investigating to what extent local, national and European economies impact on two contrasting organisations within the UK, Vauxhall Motors and JD Wetherspoon provide a interesting and informative perspective to base this on. An organisation has traditionally been defined as a group of people with a common purpose. According to this view, the organisation is a distinct entity separate from its environment. This means that if the organisations environment changes the organisations has to adapt. So in looking at economics, which is essentially an organisations environment, you need to understand what exactly economics are. The fact is economics affect our daily lives. Continually we are being made aware of local, national and international economic problems, and continually we are faced with economic problems and decisions of our own. Basically economics is essentially about money. This is measured by how much money people are paid, how much they spend, what it is costs to buy various items, how much moneys firms earn and how much money there is in total in the economy. But despite the large number of areas in which our lives are concerned with money, economics is more than just the study of money. There are many areas such as the production and consumption of goods, demand and supply, which affect organisations. With this is mine two UK companies which have been affected heavily in recent years buy local, national and European Economies are Vauxhall Motors and JD Wetherspoon. They have been affected in very different ways and this report will try and demonstrate the ways in which these companies have been affected. Vauxhall Motors Firstly Vauxhall Motors is one of the longest established motor manufacturers in the world, and part of the worlds largest corporation General Motors. Founded in 1903 the company now employs 7,000 people directly, and supports an estimated 30,000 further jobs in the UK. It is estimated that approximately 100,000 people are employed throughout the entire supply chain to support Vauxhalls presence in the UK from raw material suppliers to dealership staff. One major manufacturing facility, UK parts warehouse and headquarters are located in the Luton area. The second major manufacturing facility where the Astra is produced was opened in Ellesmere Port in 1963, and in 1992 a major engine facility was added, exporting V6 engines and components throughout the world. Latest Position During 2001 car production continued at both the UK sites. As part of Europe-wide restructuring to stem losses and return GMs European operations to profitability, 2000 ended with the difficult announcement that car production at the Luton plant would cease in 2002. Throughout the year the manufacturing plant developed and implemented a strategy for a dignified end of production, scheduled for the end of March 2002. For a look at its current position please see appendix A. On the same site is Vauxhall Powertrain, which produces V6 engines for GM-Fiat Powertrain customers around the world. With increased sales volumes in 2001 the company became the leading supplier of UK-produced vehicles to the domestic market, and Vauxhall also boasts the widest range of UK-manufactured cars and vans, including Astra, Astravan Frontera, Vectra and Vivaro. Vauxhalls average total employment for the year was 8,362, excluding some 500 staff transferred to GM Fiat powertrain and purchasing joint ventures during 2001. With the plant at Ellesmere Port, Vauxhall is the largest private employer in Cheshire. Also for employees, Vauxhall have enhanced Family Friendly policies, offering a new industry-leading maternity and paternity benefit programme. Retail operations are provided by 507 franchised retailers throughout the UK. From looking at Vauxhall current position you can see its main aim to get back to profitability. (See appendix B) JD Wetherspoon JD Wetherspoon on the other hand is a fairly new company and has an organic growth in process. A 24-year-old law student named Tim Martin acquired his first ever pub in North London in December 1979, but he could never have envisaged how popular his style of operation was to prove. He is said to have been spurred on by the lack of good quality pubs in the area where he was living, he decided to take action by purchasing the outlet he drank in, which he named Wetherspoons. His first pub offered a good range of cask-conditioned beers in a music-free environment. Twenty years on, the range of beers and the absence of any music, form the twin cornerstones of the companys pubs, together with their all-day food and non-smoking areas. In the formative years of the company, Wetherspoon pubs were all located in North London. But, as the company grew, it began to open pubs across London and in the Home Counties. Following its successful Stock Market floatation in 1992, Wetherspoon began to expand rapidly. In 1994 it opened its first pub in the Midlands, The Square Peg in Birmingham, followed by others in major cities, including Bristol, Liverpool and Manchester. (See appendix C) Latest Position There are now more than 435 Wetherspoon outlets throughout the UK. The company aims to continue opening new pubs for the foreseeable future. Wetherspoon Chairman Tim Martin said: in the past 20 years Wetherspoon has grown from a single pub to a national company. However our commitment to comfortable, music-free pubs offering excellent beer, all-day food and first-class service has remained consistent, regardless of the size of the company. Wetherspoon is set to open approximately 80 new Pubs and Lloyds No.1 bars during the next 12 months as it builds on a record-breaking year. In the financial year ended July 28 2002, the companys turnover and pre-tax profits were at their highest levels ever. A total of 87 outlets opened across the UK in the year, including unprecedented numbers of Lloyds bars and Wetherspoon Lodges. (Please see appendix D) Types of Organisations There are many ways of classifying organisations: large, medium or small; local, national or international; primary, secondary or tertiary. However for the purpose of this report the best way to define them is either private, public, charitable and voluntary. Both Vauxhall Motors and JD Wetherspoon are Private organisations. Vauxhall is a larger company than JD Wetherspoon. Vauxhall has international links where JD Wetherspoon is UK based. Essentially both companies provide a service to its customers and would be considered large companies. The service they provide is very different and they dont have any link, or hopefully they shouldnt. The main thing to remember between the two from there latest positions are one is in decline (Vauxhall Motors) and the other is growing rapidly (JD Wetherspoon). Organisations Purpose, Aims and Objectives Organisations need to have aims and objectives to be able to focus on the clear direction needed for success in the modern business world. The aim is the overarching goal for the organisation, which can be broken down into a subset of objectives to achieve the aim. Business organisations aims usually relate to profit, market share, return on capital employed, sales, growth, levels of service and customer/user perception. In the case of both Vauxhall Motors and JD Wetherspoon this is no different. Vauxhall Motors In 2000 reported that the main economic challenge for Vauxhall was returning to profitability. Although economic performance in 2001 went some way to reversing the losses witnessed in 2000, a return to profitability remains the overriding economic challenge for the company. Following the launch of a record four new products in 2000, a further four new vehicles were launched in 2001 (Vivaro, Combo, Corsavan and Astra convertible) assisting sales through the year, and with the launch of New Vectra in 2002 and extensive cost saving and revenue building programmes in place, Vauxhall aims to break even in 2002 and return to sustained profitability in 2003. So using initiative and new ideas is an objective of Vauxhall to get back to profitability. But essential Vauxhall have much the same objectives as of any other company. JD Wetherspoon The organisation owns and operates pubs throughout the UK. Without the gimmies of profit, market share etc. The company aims to provide customers with good-quality food and drink, served by well-trained and friendly staff, at reasonable prices (See appendix E). The pubs are individually designed and excellently maintained. This has been an underpinning aim of JD Wetherspoon as they look to such areas of customer loyalty as a method of increasing profits. Some companies, especially pubs, have not had this in mine and there is not enough emphasis on customer service. JD Wetherspoon is said to be always committed to quality, choice and value. JD Wetherspoon has taken a simple idea that people go to pubs for good beer, food and service, in a clean and friendly environment and turned it into a major success story; one which is growing by two new openings each week. JD Wetherspoon is said to give as much back to our people as possible and have one of the best benefits packages in the business. The other major aim is to continue its rapid growth this is proving the country with jobs. Essential Vauxhall are trying to claw its way back where as JD Wetherspoon is onwards and upwards with its aims and objectives. Responsibilities Organisations have a range of responsibilities to their stakeholders. Both these organisations have many responsibilities. Social During 2001 Vauxhall developed an umbrella social policy, which summarises a number of existing policies into a single document. The aim of the policy is to communicate better with employees and the wider public on key issues to Vauxhall, including health and safety, human rights, equal opportunities, community involvement and supplier conduct. A look at the Vauxhalls social highlight and challenge can be seen in appendices F and G. Environmental Responsibility for environmental issues is delegated throughout the company, from the Managing Director, who is the main board environmental champion, to the shop floor. Corporate issues are discussed and agreed by the Environmental Issues Team, which comprises individuals with environmental responsibilities from various parts of the company. So essentially Vauxhall are meeting their responsibilities in designing schemes and methods to measure this. Vauxhall have also won many awards in this area (See appendix H).A look at the Vauxhalls environmental challenge can be seen in appendix I. JD Wetherspoon has more social responsibilities due to the area of the pub business. This is in the sense of the area of alcohol, which is not socially responsible in the first place. JD Wetherspoon is meeting its responsibilities by been profitable and providing excellent quality of service.

The Different Types of Domestic Abuse

The Different Types of Domestic Abuse Domestic abuse is a growing problem that affects millions of people in all kinds of relationships including traditional marriages, same-sex partnerships, and even relationships where there is no sexual intimacy involved. While physical violence is the most blatant form of domestic abuse, sometimes called intimate partner violence,  it  not the only form of domestic abuse. The Main Types of Abuse Domestic abuse can be emotional, physical, sexual, emotional,  psychological and  financial. It is harm inflicted by a current or former spouse or partner. Emotional Abuse Emotional abuse involves actions designed to destroy a persons sense of self-respect or self-worth. It includes constant, an unrelenting verbal onslaught of insults and  criticisms  designed to humiliate and belittle the victim. It is often combined with other forms of abuse and used as a method to gain control over the victim. Although there are no physical scars, the emotional scars can be debilitating to victims. Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse  not only includes rape and sexual assault, but it also includes demeaning behavior like exposing a partners body to friends, forcing a partner into posing for pornography, secretly videotaping a partner while engaging in sex, or forcing a partner to have sex without using protection. Reproductive coercion, which is forcing a partner into having an abortion is a form of domestic sexual abuse. Another form of domestic sexual abuse is sexually assaulting someone who is unable to refuse due to disability, illness, intimidation or the influence of alcohol or other drugs.   There are three main categories of sexual abuse: Using physical force to compel someone to have sex against their will, whether the act is completed or not.Attempting or having sex with someone who is unable to understand the nature of the act or unable to decline participation or is unable to communicate their unwillingness.Abusive sexual contact of any kind. Physical Abuse Physical abuse involves injuring, disabling or killing  the victim. Physical abuse can be performed with a weapon or restraint or merely using body, size or strength to harm another person. The injury from the abuse does not have to major. For example, an abuser could forcefully shake the victim in anger. While the victim may not require medical treatment, the shaking would still be a form of physical abuse. Physical violence can include burning, biting, choking, grabbing, pinching, punching, pushing, throwing, scratching, shoving, shaking, or slapping. Threats of Violence Violent threats involve the use of words, gestures, motions, looks or weapons to communicate a threat to frighten, harm, injure, disable, rape or kill. The act does not have to be carried out for it to be abusive behavior. Psychological Abuse Psychological abuse is a broad term that includes acts, threats of acts or coercive tactics to cause someone fear and trauma. If there has been previous physical or sexual abuse in the relationship, any further threat of abuse is considered psychological violence. Psychological abuse can include: HumiliationControlling what the victim can and cannot do.Withholding information.Diminishing or embarrassing the victim.Isolating the victim from friends and family. Financial Abuse Financial abuse is one of the most common forms of domestic abuse and also the difficult to recognize, even for the victims. It can involve a partner denying the victim access to money or other resources. Refusing to allow a spouse to work or get an education is also a form of financial abuse. It is often seen in homes where an abuser forces the victim into isolation by limiting when they can communicate with family and friends. Isolation makes it more difficult for a victim to have any form of financial freedom. Get Help Immediately Research shows that domestic violence usually gets progressively worse. Rarely does it stop because the abuser promises that it will never happen again. If you are in an abusive relationship, there are many resources available to help. You do not have to stay with an abusive partner. It is important to seek help immediately.

Leadership Behavioral Analysis. Evaluation of the Research Methodology Essay

Leadership Behavioral Analysis. Evaluation of the Research Methodology - Essay Example The study entailed statistical as well as qualitative surveys conducted on a sample of project managers. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used to analyze how the managers used situational leadership in project management. Johnson, Onwuegbuzie and Turner (2007) consider Concurrent Triangulation Mixed Method Design as appropriate research method since it enables the researcher to collect qualitative and quantitative data simultaneously. Moreover, the researcher is able to use qualitative data in validating the quantitative data resulting in reliable findings (Driscoll, Appiah-Yeboah, Salib, & Rupert, 2007). Appropriateness of the Data Collection and Analysis Methods Used For the Study The research study used both qualitative and quantitative research methodology (hybrid) and what the author refers as Concurrent Triangulation Mixed Methods Design. This entailed more than two methods in collection and analysis of data. Although qualitative and quantitative research methodo logies are considered different in terms of epistemology and ontology, they ensure completeness and validness in data collection and analysis. ... Blending qualitative and quantitative data collection technique is advantageous since results obtained using one of the methods can be triangulated using the other method. By using quantitative techniques, the researcher was able to obtain data that was used to test the research hypotheses. The data collected through qualitative techniques was used open the study since it provided insights on the other aspects interconnected in the study (Driscoll, Appiah-Yeboah, Salib, & Rupert, 2007). Scaling, which was used for quantitative data collection, was disadvantageous since it could not have reflect diverse observations of the data. By using open-ended surveys, which is a qualitative methodology, the researcher was able to explore situational leadership and project success. The above aspects are quite complex hence hard to explore using quantitative techniques. This is because it is hard to measure leadership and project success quantitatively since such aspects are better explained in de tails other than numeric. Such explanations constitute qualitative analysis (Lee, 2010). Using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies was a great idea. Quantitative method is the major method used for data analysis. However, qualitative data is used to support the quantitative data. In some instances, data collected using qualitative strategies such as open surveys is likely to be biased. However, collecting more data using quantitative methodology and analyzing it can enable the researcher to determine the credibility of the data. For example, in Lee (2010) study, the answers obtained from the open interviews showed that most manager interviewed had used situational leadership techniques. However, the data collected

Data, information, and Organizational knowledge Essay

Data, information, and Organizational knowledge - Essay Example Knowledge is one the leading, if not the only, principal factor, which makes organizational, personal, as well as societal intelligent performance possible. Data refers to facts that are precise and timely, specific and planned for a reason, offered within a context that gives it significance and relevance, and can enhance understanding and reduce uncertainty. Information is priceless because it can influence behavior, a choice, or result. For instance, if a manager is informed that his/her company's net profit declined in the past month, he/she might use this information as a motive to cut financial expenses for the following month. A piece of information is regarded valueless if, after getting it, things still remain unchanged (Leonard & Swap, 2005). People can refer to information as data, particularly when it is in the form of statistics or facts that they can analyze. In the American English dictionary, data is normally a plural noun. The knowledge-based theory of the organizati on regards knowledge as the most tactically significant resource of the organization (Levinson, 2007). Its proponents quarrel that since knowledge-based resources are socially complex and difficult to imitate, diverse capabilities and knowledge bases among organizations are the key determinants of sustained competitive advantage, in addition to superior corporate performance. This knowledge is entrenched and carried through numerous entities comprising of organizational culture and identity, routines, policies, documents, employees and systems. Initiating from the strategic organization literature, this viewpoint builds upon and goes beyond the resource-based view of the organization (RBV) originally endorsed by Penrose (1959) and later lengthened by the likes of (Barney 1991, Wernerfelt 1984, Conner 1991) (Levinson, 2007). Even though, the resource-based view of the organization recognizes the significant role of knowledge in organizations that accomplish a competitive advantage, s upporters of the knowledge-based view quarrel that the resource-based perception does not go far enough. Particularly, the RBV regards knowledge as a common resource, instead of having unique traits. It, hence, does not differentiate between different kinds of knowledge-based competences (Levinson, 2007). Information technologies can play a significant role in the knowledge-based view of the organization in that information systems can be utilized to enhance, synthesize, and speed up large-scale inter- and intra-organization knowledge management. Not all information is significant. Hence, it is up to individual organizations to decide what information meets the criteria of knowledge-based and intellectual assets (Leonard & Swap, 2005). In general, nevertheless, knowledge-based and intellectual assets fit into one of two categories: tacit or explicit. They are incorporated among the former assets such as trademarks, patents, business plans, customer lists and marketing research. As a universal rule of thumb, explicit knowledge takes in anything, which can be archived, documented and codified, frequently with the help of IT. More complex to understand is the perception of tacit knowledge, or the expertise contained in an individual’s minds. The dispute inherent with tacit knowledge is finding out how to generate, recognize, share and run it (Wiig, 2009). While information technology in the form of a groupware, e-mail, instant messaging and correlated

Understanding Identities of Students Essay Example for Free

Understanding Identities of Students Essay In this paper, Carlo’s story is the focus discussion. Emigrating from Texas to Corpo Christi, Carlo with his grandmother, younger sister and brother left for the U. S. in search for better opportunities in career, freedom to choose religion, and attain a better, social status in life. However, Carlo and his family is having a hard time with their social adjustment and acculturation of the norms in the society and school, making new friends, and adjusting in the existing policy of stopping the usage of their Spanish native language (Ovando, 2006, p. 1). The Importance of Understanding Identities of Students It is very important for teachers to understand their students in their multicultural classroom. Since every student deserves to receive quality education in school, they deserve adequate supervision and guidance of the school personnel to ensure the children’s needs. Further, the parents entrust their children to the school personnel to help their children reach their full potentials, increase their knowledge, and develop their physical, mental, and socio-emotional development. So, it is important that the teachers fulfill their role in integrating the diverse-cultured students and mingle them with the mainstream of the majority students. To avoid the feeling of depersonalization, teachers and peers should help each other build a community open for diverse culture, ethnicity, and religion to protect all the children from emotional maladjustments and to hinder what is blocking every student’s learning. Conclusion Learning would be effective and much easier for students if they feel comfortable in their school setting. The school environment is next best place to home so the teachers and school personnel should ensure the safety and well-being of all their students. Thus, school personnel, teachers, and peers should help in stopping discrimination and rather attend to the needs and help the adjustment of the foreign students or immigrants. References Ovando, C. J. , Combs, M. C. , Collier, V. P. (2006). Bilingual and ESL classrooms: Teaching in multicultural contexts. (4th ed. ). Boston: McGraw Hill.

Capital Punishment :: essays research papers

There are five basic reasons that society uses when imposing the â€Å"punishment† that I’ve been able to conclude from my readings. I will discuss these societal concepts and show that the death penalty does not serve to further them. Deterrence   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Deterrence is basically defined as â€Å"the punishment should fit the crime.† Under this concept, the individual committing the crime and society are prevented from committing this action again. In the case of the death penalty, an individual kills another human and he is â€Å"punished† for it by death. Punishment is supposed to be a temporary penalization for a wrongful action. Death is far from temporary. One is to learn from one’s mistakes. How can the person learn if they are paying for their mistakes with their life? By imposing the death penalty the individual does not learn from their mistakes and neither does society. Economy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Under this concept, punishment should be economical. There are specific costs associated with keeping an inmate on death row such as specially built prison blocks, the need for maximum security, and costing the courts much money through many, many appeals. These costs clearly out weigh the regualr costs incurred to house a regular inmate. Deterrence is clearly not served by imposing the death penalty. Restitution   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Society demands that the punishment should fix the harm it has done. By sentencing a person to death no harm has been fixed. You can not bring the murdered person back by taking the prisoner’s life. Punishment is not intended to revenge, offset, or compensate for the victims suffering or to be measured by it. Retribution The community demands that justice be served. Would justice not equally be served and in fact may be better served by life imprisonment? I believe tit would be a worse punishment to go through a life sentence in prison. The individual is deprived of liberty. He will then suffer and live the rest of his or her life within three lonely walls and a set of bars.

A Background on Non-Governmental Organizations

According to the World Bank, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the diversity of NGOs may hurt even the simplest definition that may be attributed to it because they include numerous groups and different institutions that are either entirely or largely independent to the government and have humanitarian objectives rather than commercial. They are private groups in industrial countries that support international development. NGOs include religious associations, charitable groups, independent cooperatives, different associations, women’s groups, among others.Non-Governmental Organizations were built primarily by private individuals or group of individuals and does not have any representations from the government. They are largely independent, in terms of its functions and how it executes its main objectives and how it handles its funds for its various projects. As much as possible, no person from the government can join or handle any NGO to maintain its non-partisan stance a nd to retain its objectivity in the execution its mission. Individuals who bring about the existence of NGOs believe in certain common social principles that act as their framework in executing their activities to bring about the development of communities they give service to. Furthermore, they also assist in empowering the civil societyThere are numerous types of organizations, as mentioned by the World Bank. NGOs is often used as an alternative term with that of an independent sector, civil society, volunteer sector, grassroots, social movements and non-state actors. They play a pivotal part in forming the development of a nation or a state and the betterment of the lives of the people. Their method of executing and attaining its objectives varies: some NGOs acts as lobbyist to promote their causes while some conducts various programs to solicit support and funds. Most of the time they find the need to maintain healthy relationships with the public if they wish to attain their ma in goal. Although there may be some interest groups that plays an important role in politics, this is mainly because of its ability to influence both social and political outcomes.As the world move further in internationalizing its different facets, NGOs, like any other group, manages itself in different forms. Most of the existing organization in the world uses two management types: (1) the diversity management; and, (2) the participatory management. The first type of management deals with different cultures within the organization. It is the type of management being used to avoid intercultural problems and difficulties. On the other hand, the participatory management style is used in most NGOs, regardless of what their objectives are or its primary location. This type of management is associated with the concept that all people within an organization are perceived to be sources of knowledge and skills.For its funding, they get their money through various means and major sources in clude the following: (1) its membership dues; (2) sale of goods and services; and, (3) grants from international private institutions. However, even if NGOs are supposedly independent from governments, there are a number of NGOs that heavily depends for their funding. And this is where their non-partisan stance is most of the time being questioned. This sometimes causes confusion to people whether these NGOs are still free to decide on its own without any influence from government. Independence from any group with vested interest and the government is still the best solution to this dilemma, to allow NGOs a respectable position in the society.NGO’s as Unaccountable, Ineffective and a Mechanism of the Elite: A Sweeping GeneralizationThere are an alarming number of criticisms about NGOs, this may be borne out of the fact that they have been actively engaging in different causes and have been cooperating more with the government in pursuing their objectives. They have also been cooperating and negotiating with the group of elites that have been very helpful in pushing for their advocacies. On the account that NGOs are unaccountable, ineffective and a mechanism of elite capture, I refuse to accept this as a general fact, for various reasons.For one, an NGO, as it has been said many times over, is any non-profit, voluntary groups that are organized in either a local, national or international level. Most of the people who work with these NGOs are task driven and goal oriented people with one common interest. They perform various humanitarian services and acts as the voice of the common people to their government. They likewise advocate and monitor different laws and policies and provide information to people as a way to encourage them to participate in the politics of their own government.NGOs are accountable for their own actions, as they represent a number of people who believe in their advocacies. They are accountable to the people who believe and support them because these people are one of the reasons for their existence. They share common beliefs and they share common interests, without these people, NGOs will not function the way it is designed to function. NGOs work hand in hand with the Civil Society and most of these NGOs try hard enough to maintain harmonious relationship with the society. However, they are not accountable to the government as they independently and for as long as they remain non-partisan and independent, they are not and should be held accountable to the government. Due to this argument, I stand by not agreeing that NGOs are unaccountable.On the other hand, the effectivity of any organization, just like the government, is relative to how it executes its different goals and interests. NGOs have different methods in going about its main goals. For example, what may be an effective way of promoting and representing people from the grassroots may not be an effective way for an NGO who are working for the womenà ¢â‚¬â„¢s rights. Although both are NGOs, they have different needs and they address these using different methods. For this alone, I do not agree that NGOs are ineffective.Although it is true that NGOs has to maintain a certain amount of relationship with the civil society, NGOs still maintains a respectable amount of distance. Donations from individuals, specifically the elite, may be seen as a chance for these groups of people to manipulate the ongoing of a NGO. While it is true that a large portion of the funds that the NGO receive may have come, most of the time, from individuals coming from the elite group, it should not be generalized that they are the ones making the decisions for the people who manages the NGO. Again, NGOs are non-profit groups and whatever that keeps them going are funds being donated by those people who believe in what the NGO is standing for. It is therefore more appropriate to think that NGOs work with the civil society than to think that it is a mechani sm of the elite, or the chosen few.The existence of NGOs is born about the many changes in the world today. These have been brought about by the need to have a unilateral voice that would stand up for the people. Whether it is effective or not is relative to how it executes its own programs or advocacies or mission and objectives. However, to generalize that all NGOs are unaccountable and is a mechanism of the elite to be able to have an advantage in promoting their own interest may be a harsh generalization and needs to be pondered upon.ConclusionIn conclusion, NGOs have been existing for so many years, maybe even before civilization has began. NGOs main existence is not to jeopardize the relationship between the people and the government but rather to stand as a medium to bridge the gap between them. They act as the voice of the people to different issues and concerns, like women’s rights, environment issues, and peace advocacy, among others. They are to be seen as a cataly st for change, for the betterment of a place where people and government live harmoniously.NGOs should remain non-partisan so that it would be able to maintain its independence from the influence of either the government or the elite. This will enable them to carry out their objectives and goals without having to give in to the dictates of these powerful groups. This will also help in ensuring that they will be more effective in promoting their own programs. Although a friendly and harmonious relationship with the government will give them more benefits than loss, for this will allow them to be heard.On the other hand, it is best to keep a very good and healthy relationship with the civil society, which stands as their main client. This will allow them to properly voice their concerns to the proper authorities and will enable them to address each issue with objectivity. The civil society is one of the major stakeholders of NGOs and it is but proper to continue a healthy relationship with them. They are accountable to these people, as the represent them and not any other vested interest.NGOs should remain committed to the root causes of the societal problems to enable them to help in trying to better the quality of the lives of people, especially the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized in certain areas of the world.Although NGOs are often seen as a group that works in the international level, with the presence of the United Nations, there are numerous NGOs within countries, and they work on a national level. They work hand in hand with the civil society, as well as the government, to promote the good of the majority and to help in attaining a better world to live in and a better life for each person. The both NGOs and governments represent the people, they should continue to work hand in hand, rather than against each other, for in the long run, it is the people who will benefit from all the positive results of a peaceful and harmonious co-existence.REFERE NCES1.)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Bebbington, Anthony., Hickey, Samuel., & Mitin, Diana C. 2008. Can NGOs Make a Difference?: The Challenge of Development Alternatives2.)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Mendelson, Sarah E., & Glenn, John K. 2002. The Power and Limits of NGOs3.)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Ebrahim, Alnoor. 2005. NGOs and Organizational Change: Discourse, Reporting, and Learning4.)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Edwards, Michael., Jordan, Lisa., & Tuijl, Peter van. 2006. NGO Accountability: Politics, Principles and Innovations5.)  Ã‚  Ã‚   DeMars, William E. 2005. NGOs and Transnational Network: Wild Cards in World Politics6.)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Carey, Henry F. 2003. Mitigating Conflict: The Role of NGOs (The Cass Series on Peacekeeping)7.)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Doh, Jonathan P., & Teegen, Hildy. 2003. Globalization and NGOs: Transforming Business, Government, and Society8.)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Church, Cheyanne. 2004. NGOs at the Table: Strategies for Influencing Policy in Areas of Conflict9.)  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dodd, Felix., Betsill, Michele M.,   Corell, Elisab eth. 2007. NGO Diplomacy: The Influence of Non-Governmental Organizations in International Environment Negotiations10.)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Goel, S.L. 2004. Administration and Management of NGOs11.)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Earle, Lucy. 2004. Creativity and Constraint (NGO Management and Policy)12.)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Abraham, Anita. 2004. Formation and Management of NGOs A Background on Non-Governmental Organizations According to the World Bank, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the diversity of NGOs may hurt even the simplest definition that may be attributed to it because they include numerous groups and different institutions that are either entirely or largely independent to the government and have humanitarian objectives rather than commercial. They are private groups in industrial countries that support international development. NGOs include religious associations, charitable groups, independent cooperatives, different associations, women’s groups, among others.Non-Governmental Organizations were built primarily by private individuals or group of individuals and does not have any representations from the government. They are largely independent, in terms of its functions and how it executes its main objectives and how it handles its funds for its various projects. As much as possible, no person from the government can join or handle any NGO to maintain its non-partisan stance a nd to retain its objectivity in the execution its mission. Individuals who bring about the existence of NGOs believe in certain common social principles that act as their framework in executing their activities to bring about the development of communities they give service to. Furthermore, they also assist in empowering the civil societyThere are numerous types of organizations, as mentioned by the World Bank. NGOs is often used as an alternative term with that of an independent sector, civil society, volunteer sector, grassroots, social movements and non-state actors. They play a pivotal part in forming the development of a nation or a state and the betterment of the lives of the people. Their method of executing and attaining its objectives varies: some NGOs acts as lobbyist to promote their causes while some conducts various programs to solicit support and funds. Most of the time they find the need to maintain healthy relationships with the public if they wish to attain their ma in goal. Although there may be some interest groups that plays an important role in politics, this is mainly because of its ability to influence both social and political outcomes.As the world move further in internationalizing its different facets, NGOs, like any other group, manages itself in different forms. Most of the existing organization in the world uses two management types: (1) the diversity management; and, (2) the participatory management. The first type of management deals with different cultures within the organization. It is the type of management being used to avoid intercultural problems and difficulties. On the other hand, the participatory management style is used in most NGOs, regardless of what their objectives are or its primary location. This type of management is associated with the concept that all people within an organization are perceived to be sources of knowledge and skills.For its funding, they get their money through various means and major sources in clude the following: (1) its membership dues; (2) sale of goods and services; and, (3) grants from international private institutions. However, even if NGOs are supposedly independent from governments, there are a number of NGOs that heavily depends for their funding. And this is where their non-partisan stance is most of the time being questioned. This sometimes causes confusion to people whether these NGOs are still free to decide on its own without any influence from government. Independence from any group with vested interest and the government is still the best solution to this dilemma, to allow NGOs a respectable position in the society.NGO’s as Unaccountable, Ineffective and a Mechanism of the Elite: A Sweeping GeneralizationThere are an alarming number of criticisms about NGOs, this may be borne out of the fact that they have been actively engaging in different causes and have been cooperating more with the government in pursuing their objectives. They have also been cooperating and negotiating with the group of elites that have been very helpful in pushing for their advocacies. On the account that NGOs are unaccountable, ineffective and a mechanism of elite capture, I refuse to accept this as a general fact, for various reasons. For one, an NGO, as it has been said many times over, is any non-profit, voluntary groups that are organized in either a local, national or international level. Most of the people who work with these NGOs are task driven and goal oriented people with one common interest. They perform various humanitarian services and acts as the voice of the common people to their government. They likewise advocate and monitor different laws and policies and provide information to people as a way to encourage them to participate in the politics of their own government.NGOs are accountable for their own actions, as they represent a number of people who believe in their advocacies. They are accountable to the people who believe and suppor t them because these people are one of the reasons for their existence. They share common beliefs and they share common interests, without these people, NGOs will not function the way it is designed to function. NGOs work hand in hand with the Civil Society and most of these NGOs try hard enough to maintain harmonious relationship with the society. However, they are not accountable to the government as they independently and for as long as they remain non-partisan and independent, they are not and should be held accountable to the government. Due to this argument, I stand by not agreeing that NGOs are unaccountable.On the other hand, the effectivity of any organization, just like the government, is relative to how it executes its different goals and interests. NGOs have different methods in going about its main goals. For example, what may be an effective way of promoting and representing people from the grassroots may not be an effective way for an NGO who are working for the women ’s rights. Although both are NGOs, they have different needs and they address these using different methods. For this alone, I do not agree that NGOs are ineffective.Although it is true that NGOs has to maintain a certain amount of relationship with the civil society, NGOs still maintains a respectable amount of distance. Donations from individuals, specifically the elite, may be seen as a chance for these groups of people to manipulate the ongoing of a NGO. While it is true that a large portion of the funds that the NGO receive may have come, most of the time, from individuals coming from the elite group, it should not be generalized that they are the ones making the decisions for the people who manages the NGO. Again, NGOs are non-profit groups and whatever that keeps them going are funds being donated by those people who believe in what the NGO is standing for. It is therefore more appropriate to think that NGOs work with the civil society than to think that it is a mechan ism of the elite, or the chosen few.The existence of NGOs is born about the many changes in the world today. These have been brought about by the need to have a unilateral voice that would stand up for the people. Whether it is effective or not is relative to how it executes its own programs or advocacies or mission and objectives. However, to generalize that all NGOs are unaccountable and is a mechanism of the elite to be able to have an advantage in promoting their own interest may be a harsh generalization and needs to be pondered upon.ConclusionIn conclusion, NGOs have been existing for so many years, maybe even before civilization has began. NGOs main existence is not to jeopardize the relationship between the people and the government but rather to stand as a medium to bridge the gap between them. They act as the voice of the people to different issues and concerns, like women’s rights, environment issues, and peace advocacy, among others. They are to be seen as a catal yst for change, for the betterment of a place where people and government live harmoniously.NGOs should remain non-partisan so that it would be able to maintain its independence from the influence of either the government or the elite. This will enable them to carry out their objectives and goals without having to give in to the dictates of these powerful groups. This will also help in ensuring that they will be more effective in promoting their own programs. Although a friendly and harmonious relationship with the government will give them more benefits than loss, for this will allow them to be heard.On the other hand, it is best to keep a very good and healthy relationship with the civil society, which stands as their main client. This will allow them to properly voice their concerns to the proper authorities and will enable them to address each issue with objectivity. The civil society is one of the major stakeholders of NGOs and it is but proper to continue a healthy relationshi p with them. They are accountable to these people, as the represent them and not any other vested interest.NGOs should remain committed to the root causes of the societal problems to enable them to help in trying to better the quality of the lives of people, especially the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized in certain areas of the world.Although NGOs are often seen as a group that works in the international level, with the presence of the United Nations, there are numerous NGOs within countries, and they work on a national level. They work hand in hand with the civil society, as well as the government, to promote the good of the majority and to help in attaining a better world to live in and a better life for each person. The both NGOs and governments represent the people, they should continue to work hand in hand, rather than against each other, for in the long run, it is the people who will benefit from all the positive results of a peaceful and harmonious co-existence.REFER ENCES  Bebbington, Anthony., Hickey, Samuel., & Mitin, Diana C. 2008. Can NGOs Make a Difference?: The Challenge of Development AlternativesMendelson, Sarah E., & Glenn, John K. 2002. The Power and Limits of NGOs  Ebrahim, Alnoor. 2005. NGOs and Organizational Change: Discourse, Reporting, and LearningEdwards, Michael., Jordan, Lisa., & Tuijl, Peter van. 2006. NGO Accountability: Politics, Principles and InnovationsDeMars, William E. 2005. NGOs and Transnational Network: Wild Cards in World PoliticsCarey, Henry F. 2003. Mitigating Conflict: The Role of NGOs (The Cass Series on Peacekeeping)Doh, Jonathan P., & Teegen, Hildy. 2003. Globalization and NGOs: Transforming Business, Government, and SocietyChurch, Cheyanne. 2004. NGOs at the Table: Strategies for Influencing Policy in Areas of ConflictDodd, Felix., Betsill, Michele M.,   Corell, Elisabeth. 2007. NGO Diplomacy: The Influence of Non-Governmental Organizations in International Environment NegotiationsGoel, S.L. 2004. Adm inistration and Management of NGOsAbraham, Anita. 2004. Formation and Management of NGOs

Locke: Founder of British Empiricist

John Locke had a number of major influences on society in general, but his influences on education have stood the taste of time. His idea of Tabula Rasa, his introduction of empiricism, and idea of the use of all senses are all objectives that are used in schools today. The idea of Tabula Rasa is basically defined as a â€Å"blank slate.† Locke believed that everyone is born with a clean mind, a supposed condition that he attributed to the human mind before ideas have been imprinted on it by the reaction of the senses to the exterior world. â€Å"Thus the first capacity of human intellect is that the mind is fitted to receive the impressions made on it; either through the senses by outward objects; or by its own operations when it reflects on them. This is the first step a man makes towards the discovery of anything†¦Ã¢â‚¬  -John Locke (On Ideas as the Materials of All Our Knowledge) Locke considers the new mind as white paper or wax. It is to be moulded and formed as one pleases. It is up to the teacher to insure that it is formed the correct way and that there is no inate knowledge. This is incorporated into education the grade system. Children start out in kindergarten or pre-school with a blank slate; we start teaching the very basics as if they know nothing. The more information and experience they gather, the further they move along the grade continuum. Locke was considered the founder of British empiricist. He believed that all knowledge comes to us through experience. â€Å"No man's knowledge here can go beyond his experience.† Basically, all knowledge has its origin and end in experience, or perception using the senses. He says, â€Å"Experience is twofold, sensation and reflection. From both sources we obtain ideas.† Sensation is the perception of external phenomena and reflection is the perception of the operations of the mind itself. This view of empirical thinking is widely used in schools today, especially in the science fields. Concepts and skills are much easier to learn if you can experience them. The empirical way of teaching has brought about the use of the scientific method. First, students must observe a situation and decide if there is a problem. Secondly, make an educated guess, or hypothesis, of what will happen. Next, test this hypothesis. If it is true then draw a conclusion. If not, make a new hypothesis and test again. This is a very valuable way to learn. The students get to experience the whole situation and will in tern retain and understand this information better. Along with using empirical methods of learning, Locke insisted that all the senses be used when learning. It is not enough for a teacher to just stand in front of a classroom and lecture; students are only using one sense (hearing) to try to comprehend the material. Locke feels that you must hear, feel, see, smell, taste everything in order to get the full potential knowledge. This is very relative to today's teachings because we, as teachers, need to appeal to all learning styles. Some students learn better visually, others orally and so on, so we have to hit all area in order to give all students an equal chance to learn. In closing, John Locke was a very significant figure on how we educate children today. He gave us the idea of starting students with a clean slate, the use of the scientific method, and the essential use of all the senses. All these ideas are important aspects of today†s classroom and will most assuredly be a continued use in the future.

Capture of Fort Ticonderoga in the American Revolution

Capture of Fort Ticonderoga in the American Revolution The Capture of Fort Ticonderoga took place May 10, 1775, during the American Revolution (1775-1783). In the early days of the conflict, multiple American commanders recognized the strategic importance of Fort Ticonderoga. Located on Lake Champlain, it provided an important link between New York and Canada as well as held a treasure trove of badly-needed artillery. Moving forward in early May, less than a month after war started, forces led by Colonels Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold advanced on the forts small garrison. Storming the fort on May 10, they met minimal resistance and quickly captured it. Fort Ticonderoga served as a launching point for the American invasion of Canada in 1775 and its guns were later removed for use in ending the Siege of Boston. Gibraltar of America Built in 1755 by the French as Fort Carillon, Fort Ticonderoga controlled the southern part of Lake Champlain and guarded the northern approaches to the Hudson Valley. Attacked by the British in 1758 during the Battle of Carillon, the forts garrison, led by Major General Louis-Joseph de Montcalm and the Chevalier de Levis, successfully turned back Major General James Abercrombies army. The fort fell into British hands the following year when a force commanded by Lieutenant General Jeffrey Amherst secured the post and it remained under their control for the rest of the French Indian War. With the end of the conflict, Fort Ticonderogas importance diminished as the French were forced to cede Canada to the British. Though still known as the Gibraltar of America, the fort soon fell into disrepair and its garrison was greatly reduced. The state of the fort continued to decline and in 1774 was described by Colonel  Frederick Haldimand as being in ruinous condition. In 1775, the fort was held by 48 men from the 26th Regiment of Foot, several of which were classified as invalids, led by Captain William Delaplace. A New War With the beginning of the American Revolution in April 1775, Fort Ticonderogas significance returned. Recognizing its importance as a logistical and communications link along the route between New York and Canada, the British commander at Boston, General Thomas Gage, issued orders to the Governor of Canada, Sir Guy Carleton, that Ticonderoga and Crown Point be repaired and reinforced. Unfortunately for the British, Carleton did not receive this letter until May 19. As the Siege of Boston commenced, American leaders became concerned that the fort afforded the British in Canada with a route for attacking their rear. Governor Sir Guy Carleton. Photograph Courtesy of the National Archives of Canada Voicing this, Benedict Arnold appealed to the Connecticut Committee of Correspondence for men and money to mount an expedition to capture Fort Ticonderoga and its large store of artillery. This was granted and recruiters commenced attempting to raise the forces required. Moving north, Arnold made a similar plea to the Massachusetts Committee of Safety. This too was approved and he received a commission as a colonel with orders to raise 400 men to attack the fort. In addition, he was given munitions, supplies, and horses for the expedition. Major General Benedict Arnold. Photograph Courtesy of the National Archives Records Administration Two Expeditions While Arnold began planning his expedition and recruiting men, Ethan Allen and militia forces in the New Hampshire Grants (Vermont) began plotting their own strike against Fort Ticonderoga. Known as the Green Mountain Boys, Allens militia gathered at Bennington before marching on to Castleton. To the south, Arnold moved north with Captains Eleazer Oswald and Jonathan Brown. Crossing into the Grants on May 6, Arnold learned of Allens intentions. Riding ahead of his troops, he reached Bennington the next day. There he was informed that Allen was at Castleton awaiting additional supplies and men. Pressing on, he rode into the Green Mountain Boys camp before they departed for Ticonderoga. Meeting with Allen, who had been elected colonel, Arnold argued that he should lead the attack against the fort and cited his orders from the Massachusetts Committee of Safety. This proved problematic as the majority of the Green Mountain Boys refused to serve under any commander except Allen. After extensive discussions, Allen and Arnold decided to share command. Moving Forward While these talks were ongoing, elements of Allens command were already moving towards Skenesboro and Panton to secure boats for crossing the lake. Additional intelligence was provided by Captain Noah Phelps who had reconnoitered Fort Ticonderoga in disguise. He confirmed that the forts walls were in poor condition, the garrisons gunpowder was wet, and that reinforcements were expected shortly. Assessing this information and the overall situation, Allen and Arnold decided to attack Fort Ticonderoga at dawn on May 10. Assembling their men at Hands Cove (Shoreham, VT) late on May 9, the two commanders were disappointed to find that an insufficient number of boats had been assembled.  As a result, they embarked with around half the command (83 men) and slowly crossed the lake. Arriving on the western shore, they became concerned that dawn would arrive before the rest of the men could make the journey. As a result, they resolved to attack immediately. Forces Commanders Americans Colonel Ethan AllenColonel Benedict Arnoldapprox. 170 men British Captain William Delaplaceapprox. 80 men Storming the Fort Approaching the south gate of Fort Ticonderoga, Allen and Arnold led their men forward. Charging, they caused the sole sentry to abandon his post and swept into the fort. Entering the barracks, the Americans awakened the stunned British soldiers and took their weapons. Moving through the fort, Allen and Arnold made their way to the officers quarters to compel Delaplaces surrender. Reaching the door, they were challenged by Lieutenant Jocelyn Feltham who demanded to know on whose authority they had entered the fort. In reply, Allen reportedly stated, In the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress! (Allen later claimed to have said this to Delaplace). Roused from his bed, Delaplace quickly dressed before formally surrendering to the Americans. Securing the Fort Taking possession of the fort, Arnold was horrified when Allens men began to plunder and raid its liquor stores. Though he tried to stop these activities, the Green Mountain Boys refused to adhere to his orders. Frustrated, Arnold retired to Delaplaces quarters to await his men and wrote back to Massachusetts expressing concern that Allens men were  governing by whim and caprice.  He further commented that he believed the plan to strip Fort Ticonderoga and ship its guns to Boston was in threat. As additional American forces occupied Fort Ticonderoga, Lieutenant Seth Warner sailed north to Fort Crown Point. Lightly garrisoned, it fell the next day. Following the arrival of his men from Connecticut and Massachusetts, Arnold began conducting operations on Lake Champlain which culminated with a raid on Fort Saint-Jean on May 18. While Arnold established a base at Crown Point, Allens men began to drift away from Fort Ticonderoga and back to their land in the Grants. Aftermath In the operations against Fort Ticonderoga, one American was injured while British casualties amounted to the capture of the garrison. Later that year, Colonel Henry Knox arrived from Boston to transport the forts guns back to the siege lines. These were later emplaced on Dorchester Heights and compelled the British to abandon the city on March 17, 1776. The fort also served as a springboard for the 1775 American invasion of Canada as well as protected the northern frontier. Major General Henry Knox. Photograph Source: Public Domain In 1776, the American army in Canada was thrown back by the British and forced to retreat back down Lake Champlain. Encamping at Fort Ticonderoga, they aided Arnold in building a scratch fleet which fought a successful delaying action at Valcour Island that October. The following year, Major General John Burgoyne launched a major invasion down the lake. This campaign saw the British re-take the fort. Following their defeat at Saratoga that fall, the British largely abandoned Fort Ticonderoga for the remainder of the war.

Lystrosaurus Facts and Figures

Lystrosaurus Facts and Figures Name: Lystrosaurus (Greek for shovel lizard); pronounced LISS-tro-SORE-us Habitat: Plains (or swamps) of Antarctica, South Africa, and Asia Historical Period: Late Permian-Early Triassic (260-240 million years ago) Size and Weight: About three feet long and 100-200 pounds Diet: Plants Distinguishing Characteristics: Short legs; barrel-shaped body; relatively large lungs; narrow nostrils About Lystrosaurus About the size and weight of a smallish pig, Lystrosaurus was a classic example of a dicynodont (two dog toothed) therapsid- that is, one of the mammal-like reptiles of the late Permian and early Triassic periods that preceded the dinosaurs, lived alongside the archosaurs (the dinosaurs true ancestors), and eventually evolved into the earliest mammals of the Mesozoic Era. As therapsids go, though, Lystrosaurus was on the much less mammal-like end of the scale: its unlikely that this reptile possessed either fur or a warm-blooded metabolism, putting it in stark contrast to near contemporaries like Cynognathus and Thrinaxodon. The most impressive thing about Lystrosaurus is how widespread it was. The remains of this Triassic reptile have been unearthed in India, South Africa and even Antarctica (these three continents were once merged together into the giant continent of Pangea), and its fossils are so numerous that they account for a whopping 95 percent of the bones recovered at some fossil beds. No less an authority than the famous evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins has called Lystrosaurus the Noah of the Permian/Triassic boundary, being one of the few creatures to survive this little-known global extinction event 250 million years ago that killed 95 percent of marine animals and 70 percent of terrestrial ones. Why was Lystrosaurus so successful when so many other genera went extinct? No one knows for sure, but there are a few theories. Perhaps the unusually large lungs of Lystrosaurus allowed it to cope with plunging oxygen levels at the Permian-Triassic boundary; perhaps Lystrosaurus was somehow spared thanks to its presumed semi-aquatic lifestyle (the same way crocodiles managed to survive the K/T Extinction tens of millions of years later); or perhaps Lystrosaurus was so plain vanilla and unspecialized compared to other therapsids (not to mention so petitely built) that it managed to endure environmental stresses that rendered its fellow reptiles kaput. (Refusing to subscribe to the second theory, some paleontologists believe that Lystrosaurus actually thrived in the hot, arid, oxygen-starved environments that prevailed during the first few million years of the Triassic period.) There are over 20 identified species of Lystrosaurus, four of them from the Karoo Basin in South Africa, the most productive source of Lystrosaurus fossils in the entire world. By the way, this unprepossessing reptile made a cameo appearance in the late 19th century Bone Wars: an amateur fossil-hunter described a skull to the American paleontologist Othniel C. Marsh, but when Marsh didnt express any interest, the skull was forwarded instead to his arch-rival Edward Drinker Cope, who coined the name Lystrosaurus. Oddly, a short time later, Marsh purchased the skull for his own collection, perhaps wishing to examine it more closely for any mistakes Cope may have made!

Trade mark and Copy right Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Trade mark and Copy right - Essay Example Trade marks are registrable at state level and federal level in the U.S. Whenever any one wants to claim some thing as a trademark, he can use the words" TM" next to the trade mark to serve public or competitor as notice of his right over the same whether registered or not. Unregistered trademark is called common law trade mark giving right to the user who is manufacturer or seller by virtue of its use. If it is registered with the U.S. patent and Trademark Office, the symbol can be used beside the trademark and not while the application for trade mark reiteration is pending. Benefits of registering with federal agency are 1) it serves as a constructive notice throughout the country, 2) evidence that it is owned by the user, 3) invocation of federal courts jurisdictions, 4) it can be used for registration in foreign countries, and 5) if registration is field with U.S.customs which will be used for preventing entry of foreign goods infringing trademarks. (FindLaw) The legal basis of Tempur-Basic is that ComfortStep used by Real Man Boot Company is similar to their brand name 'Comfort-step' in their goods. Though it is not registered, they are alleged to be the first ever users of the said name. However close scrutiny of the names reveals that they are not similar. There is a hyphen between the word comfort and step in the claimant's trade mark where as there is no hyphen in the defendant's trade mark. More over goods are also not the same. Whereas the claimant is using it on casual wears, defendants are using it on work boots though both are foot wears. Position would be different had the claimant registered the trade mark stating that they are using in all their goods including boots. The right over the trade mark registered or not is perpetual. Hence claimant can not succeed in their claim. Question 2 A Describe the general duties of a director of a corporation, and the standards that a director is expected to meet in fulfilling those duties. Also describe what factors or interests you can consider in making decisions as a director. Originally, a director was expected to act only in the interest of share holders of the corporation. But of late, it is the acting in the best interest of the corporation that has to be taken into account before considering interest of the share holders. By virtue of section 302 A.251, subd 5, other stake holders' interests have also to be kept in mind by the director. The other stake holders are corporation's bankers, creditors, Government bodies, employees, and environment. The director should be loyal to the corporation by not competing with the corporation's business. Any thing that the director is accessible to in the affairs of the corporation should not be used by the director for self-serving personal enrichment. He is expected neither to use for personal gain nor disclose matters that are confidential to outsiders and rivals. The director must notify any conflicting interest he may be involved on which the company board must decide for the director to continue with or drop i t before taking director ship or before assuming any new role during his directorship. The director has the power to appoint or dismiss the CEO of the corporation and also decide his salaries. The director is responsible to declare dividends, work out strategies, and can restructure corporation's capital structure including class of share

Review paper for electron portal imaging system Article

Review paper for electron portal imaging system - Article Example this outcome is supported by mathematical computations and evaluations of the results. The paper also outlines and identifies potential advancements in the field such as the implementation of aSi-based EPIDs that can play a critical role in developing and aiding EPI systems in the near future. 1. Introduction The treatment of cancer by the means of radiation or exposure to a radioactive element requires further research to allow for the achievement and enhancement of pivotal objectives behind radiotherapy. According to Kirby and Glendinning (2006: pS50) advancements in radiotherapy must occur to explore solutions through which the dose that is aimed towards the target volume is enhanced such that the impact of high radiation on adjoining tissue, which is in a healthy state is lessened to a substantial extent. Pouliot et al. (2003: p862) state that in determining the exact location of the target volume the electron beams must be pointed in a precise direction to satisfy the requiremen ts of a consistent dosimetric exposure. Piermattei et al. (2006) have presented a procedure which allows for the in vivo determination of the focal point of radiation that is tested on the target volume of pelvic regions. With regards to the accomplishment of aforementioned objectives and aims, enhancements in electronic portal imaging systems can play a critical role. Portal imaging essentially assists the geometric substantiation of field position (Kirby and Glendinning 2006: pS50) thereby, diminishing the possibility of geometric ambiguity (Pouliot et al. 2003: p862). According to Pouliot et al. (2003), the process of portal imaging aims to employ the assistance of bony landmarks to establish the placement and setup of the patient that is relative to the focal point of radiation, however, further considerations into the subject are required to direct researchers into the application and implementation of portal imaging systems in radiotherapy when discussing target volumes in sof t tissue tumors of the prostate. The paper aims to discuss the advancements in portal imaging systems over the decades by assessing comprehensive literatures presented by Kirby and Glendinning (2006), Pouliot et al. (2003), Baker et al. (2005) and Piermattie et al. (2006), the primary focus of this assessment rests upon evaluating the technological innovations and developments in electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs). Dedicated sections in the paper also discuss the use of radiopaque markers in the accurate visualization of the prostate via portal imaging to depict the accuracy of its placement throughout the procedure of radiotherapy by the means of a study conducted on a sample size of 11 patients. In conclusion the paper reviews and appraises the advancements in the development of electronic portal imaging systems by assessing the literature under review and stating that the developments in e