Aims and Objectives for Teaching and Learning Essay

The successful teacher is the armed teacher. Lessons’ plans and repertoire of activities are our arms. In order to achieve genuine communication in the classroom, every lesson should be wisely planned and perfectly provided having balanced variety of activities. The teacher of ESOL must manage the class involving all the students all the time to make them active learners. First of all, the teacher is to create a comfortable atmosphere in the classroom according to TESOL general principles. They are: 1. â€Å"Look after your students. 2. Be a caring person. 3. Raise students’ self-esteem. 4. Give deserved praise. 5. Be yourself.† Every lesson should start with friendly chatting with students in a natural way to give them the opportunity to act in real life and to show them the teacher interest. E.g. Ask them about last weekend at the week beginning. It is absolutely important to pronounce the students names correctly. When having difficulties, we may involve the students in learning their names asking them to explain the name meaning and to correct our pronunciation. Paying attention to every student is a clue to a genuine communication. So, we are to look at all the students in the class. The caring teacher moves around the class as a ‘prowling lion’ to make the students feel encouraged, and changes their focus at the moment the subject of learning is changing. E.g. When talking about nature, move to the window and ask some student to describe the sky, another student to talk about the trees behind the window, and so on. We must care about the seating model of the classroom. Facing with standard rows we need to rearrange the furniture to circle or semi-circle/horseshoe to create the most comfortable communication. If rearranging is impossible the teacher may ask the students to walk around the class to find partners for pair/group work. Also, we can make groups asking one pair to turn round to another pair when seating in rows. We may see the separate tables for groups in some schools. This model is also appropriate as allows the teacher to move around the class prompting and explaining something to the table groups. The furniture arrangement may be dynamic, changing every lesson according to the activities. As to a groupwork, it is one of the best techniques of involving the students into communication. The preferred number of students for the group is five to have the opportunity to of major view because of an odd number. The group of five students is big enough to participate in communicative activities (e.g. role-plays, information/opinion gaps and collaborative work), and small enough for effective interaction. However, we may divide the students into smaller or bigger groups, pairs, and teams according to the activities. When organizing a pairwork/groupwork we should take into account some aspects: †¢ friendship. People in the group are to be pleasant to each other. We can make it clear asking the students to write the confidential lists of their preferences and dislikes; †¢ nationality. Teaching multi-lingual classes we shouldn’t put into groups the students of the same nationality to avoid the using of the mother tongue. †¢ streaming. Weak and strong students are to be mixed in pairs and groups to make cooperative work to be effective and helpful. †¢ gender and status. According to some contexts, we can’t put men and women into one group. Also, teaching business English, we should know the status of our students to be sure in the appropriateness of putting people together. We must always remember about L.T.T.T. as we want to achieve genuine communication. The more students speak, the more they learn how to do it. So, we should decrease our talking to increase the talking of our students. E.g. Explaining the grammar involve the students asking them for their examples of the point. Using the white/black board we must write clearly. It’s possible to print something if keeping a board in order is difficult. The white/black board is quite appropriate instrument for various activities as table filling, games, errors’ correction, etc. Encouragement is the cornerstone of communication in class. ‘No!† may discourage everyone. That’s why we should use the more kind intonation as ‘No, but†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ Frequent use of ‘good’ is also appropriate, as in ‘Good, but†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ Giving a puzzled expression to encourage a student to reformulate the sentence is good practice to keep high level of motivation to communicate. Grammar terminology needs to be minimized as it possible. Bur the teacher must know the grammar to keep the credibility. Encouraging students to learn English outside the classroom develops their receptive and productive skills. As for extensive listening, we can find various authentic materials on the Internet. E.g. news reports, radio podcasts, TEFL listening materials, TV shows, songs, etc. To develop the extensive reading we can build up a library of suitable books in our SAC. We can create the website to involve students in writing their blogs for informal communication. And we can go outside the classroom for speaking in an informal environment. Agency gives students the opportunity to make some decisions about the learning process and keeps them encouraged. Learning journals brings much sense helping the students to communicate freely and creating the dialogue between teacher and student. Questions are very popular in a communicative approach. But we should remember some rules: †¢ don’t address the question to keep the attention; †¢ use ‘wait time’ to encourage; †¢ don’t ask students in fixed order, be unpredictable; †¢ ask everyone equally. Two types of questions, i.e. closed and open-ended, help to activate students’ mind in various ways. The open question is appropriate for the lesson starting to focus the students’ attention on the topic. To manage the students successfully we must differentiate their work according to the abilities by task, by support, or my homework. We must be armed at all points to manage interruptions. For example, to have extra copies of textbooks, pencils, and rubbers in the case they may be forgotten; don’t wait for coming-late people; give an extra explanation for lost-on-point students; deal with personal problems outside class time. To help students to process information we should use a VAK presentation that allows different types of learners to accept the point using their best way, i.e visual, auditory or kinesthetic. Creating the successful classroom let us avoid the problem behavior of the students. Engaged and successful students with raised self-esteem have no t ime and purpose to behave badly.

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Sport Obermeyer Ltd. To: Wally Obermeyer From: 341 Consulting Group Date: Re: Production Process Problem Sport Obermeyer Ltd has quite a few problems at the moment that stem from a lack of streamlining of its operations. One of the problems that the skiwear manufacturer currently faces is demand uncertainty and how to measure it considering the disparate forecasts the buying committee members have come up with. In addition, the long lead-times for the production process makes forecasting even more difficult. The second issue for Sport Obermeyer is determining how to allocate production between the factories in Hong Kong and China. Conclusion and Recommendation Inaccurate forecasting is a major problem facing Sport Obermeyer, which has been addressed in Appendices A and B. Appendix A shows how much should be produced in Hong Kong given the assumption that there is no limit to the capacity; however, we have been asked to comment only on the initial order quantity, and not the reorder quantity. In keeping with this constraint, and using the forecasts given by all the committee members, we believe that Appendix B is an accurate representation of the amount of each style that should be produced in Hong Kong. It should be noted that this is only a short-term solution to the problem and the model itself must be looked at. For more consistent, accurate forecasts, a weighted average method should be used to give those committee members who have been most accurate in the past more importance, instead of using a simple moving average. As long lead times contribute to the difficulty in forecasting demand, Sport Obermeyer should attempt to reduce lead times for its production. One of the root issues causing the length of lead time is the number of SKUs, as well as the variety of components used in their production. Simplifying the product line would involve stopping production of those products with the least demand, reducing suppliers as well as altering designs so that they share as many of the same components as possible. Using the demand forecast for the 10 women’s parkas in Appendix B, there are three products, which have forecasted demands of less than 357, after which the demand spikes up. By removing the bottommost products, Stephanie, Teri, Isis would be deleted, which would allow for a shorter lead time. Sport Obermeyer should also introduce an integrated computerized system connecting all the different supply chain links. This would help reduce the time spent processing orders and make more efficient use of the raw materials. A combination of actions mentioned above can help make a significant change in the forecasting process and will allow Sport Obermeyer to make full use of its existing capacity. The company plans to source products roughly 50% from China and the other 50% from Hong Kong factories this year is attainable. However, our recommendation is to assign products to Hong Kong and China factories based on quality and design. According to Appendix C, the cost difference when comparing 19 parkas produced at both factories is not significant; but the Hong Kong factory is much more efficient. The products in Hong Kong are of a higher quality, require lower repair rates, and are produced twice as fast as those produced in the Chinese factory. Another advantage to the factory in Hong Kong is the minimum order quantity of 600 units, which provides the management with more flexibility in terms of determining their initial production requests. Lower quality products should be produced in the Chinese factory to take advantage of their low labor costs. Evaluation Criteria The main goal of the recommendations is to streamline Sport Obermeyer’s business processes. One of the most important criteria is the speed of the planning and production cycle. Any alternative that can reduce this time, from its current threshold of approximately two years, should be strongly considered. With regards to market share, Columbia Sportswear is gaining market share by providing lower-priced, higher-volume-per-style products. Sport Obermeyer needs to try and cut costs, and streamline its number of SKUs to achieve market dominance. It positions itself as a middle to high end producer, and the quality level should continue to be taken into consideration when looking to cut costs. Alternatives With regards to the inaccurate forecasts, Obermeyer could analyze the demand for its products based on an advanced showing prior to the one in Vegas and compare it with actual purchases. While this alternative can potentially be implemented, its effectiveness and reliability would be unknown. Simplifying the product lines would have a more direct and immediate impact on the lead times. Another possible alternative would be to start producing the products with the most predictable demand in advance. However, before implementing this change, Sport Obermeyer should focus on making overall accurate demand forecasts based on the newly recommended weighted average method. Implementation. Our implementation process will begin immediately with Wendy Hemphill researching the specifications for an integrated computerized system that match the supply chain structure of the company. Because of the complex nature of such a project, Sport Obermeyer would have to invest in such a project in November 1992, to begin use in February of the year of completion. In January 1993, the Buying Committee should implement the weighted-average forecasting method to analyze product demand. Since this is not a large change form the simple moving average, it should be used to find the forecasted demand for 1993. The following month, the SKUs should be reviewed based on the forecast created to consider which product lines to drop. This will be a gradual process, beginning with the deletion of a minimum number of products. In May 1993, the Buying Committee should allocate different product styles between Hong Kong and China based on quality. This can be seen in Appendix D.

Analysis of the Old Love Tradition Illustrated In Poems by Chaucer

Analysis of the Old Love Tradition Illustrated In Poems by Chaucer Courtly Love in Chaucer’s poetry Chaucer’s literature was spread across many different spheres of interest throughout his life, often focussing on society and religion. An observer of his own social group, he wrote satirical interpretations of those surrounding him, subverting the traditional writing styles of Beowulf (900AD-1100AD), Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (14th century) and even Petrarch (1304-1374), into something that was almost similar to social commentary. Chaucer’s relationship with the courtly love tradition is interesting to examine because of its fluctuating nature; his attitude to courtly love in his earlier writing is very different to the presentation of courtly love in The Canterbury Tales . The woman presented in A Complaint to his Lady is very different for instance to the woman of The Miller’s Tale (who arguably is not so much a heroine of courtly love) in that she is very distant, and rebuts his advances, whilst Alison in The Miller’s Tale is open to the men†™s proposals to gain her affections. Therefore one can assume Chaucer’s intentions in writing the poem are ambiguous at best; it is challenging to decide whether Chaucer uses a satirical presentation of courtly love, or whether he is genuinely adhering to the concept of both courtly love and the chivalric tradition. The tradition of courtly love is based around five elements, which define the relationship between the two participants. The love was primarily a relationship between aristocratic men and women, and was often adulterous. The relationship would be conducted in secret and would often involve the ritualistic exchange of gifts. The final defining element of the affair was the flouting of rigid courtly marriage, which was often only formed for political and financial reasons. Glorification of this kind of extramarital affair was found in songs of gallant knights and their fair ladies, and led to the spread of this kind of relationship in the fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The poem itself represents the prescribed courtly love heroine; however its adherence to the protocol of the tradition is variable. The portrait of the traditional courtly love heroine can be found in Prologue of The Canterbury Tales In the description of the prioress, we are told her ‘nose was elegant, her eyes glass-grey; Her mouth was very small, but soft and red, Her forehead, certainly, was fair of spread†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢. This represents her noble features, and her eyes are a metaphor for her treatment of her lover; the courtly love heroine rarely acknowledged the advances of her lover and instead, gives only the merest hint that she shares his feelings. The ‘glassy’ nature of the heroine’s eyes shows a degree of superficiality in the relationship between the man and woman; perhaps even an emptiness of character, even a lack of personality where the heroine becomes a mechanism for the man to project his idealistic feelings upon. A Complaint to his Lady is a poem written from a man directly to a woman whom he clearly adores, detailing his struggle for her affections, and how she is causing him a considerable amount of torment. For example the line ‘so desepaired I am from alle bliss,’ shows an almost self-pitying lamentation that continues until the beginning of part III. The third part of the poem sees the narrator confessing that ‘I can but love hir best, my swete fo;’ which symbolises a sweetness previously absent, a sweetness connected to his love for her, which changes the tone of the poem. The poem takes the form of a monologue; whilst he appears to be talking to his lady, it becomes obvious that she is not there, or is at least unresponsive, and therefore one can presume he is alone. The main element of the poem is distance and suffering, created by this woman, regardless of his devotion to her. Chaucer here represents love as a kind of poison, shown by his statement ‘Th us am I slayn with Loves fyry dart!’, and subsequently leaving the protagonist unable to understand her treatment of him; ‘love hath taught me no more of his art’. The perspective of the protagonist changes as the poem progresses, beginning with establishing the circumstances in which he is in love with her, and then moving on to describe the manner in which she treats him. The quotation ‘The more I love, the more she doth me smerte’ represents the paradoxical effect of the courtly love; the woman will appear to grow more distant. At the beginning of part III, the protagonist describes his woman as ‘Faire Rewtheless’; this is revealing about her mannerisms and ‘Rewtheless’ represents a cold attitude, is very similar to the eyes of the prioress which are described as ‘eyes glass-grey’. The fourth section of the poem is the longest, and represents the efforts of the protagonist to glean some kind of response from his woman. He compares his own shortcomings with her ‘gentileness and debonairtee’, and almost sarcastically states that he is not worthy of her service. Chaucer states tha t ‘Thogh that I be unconnyng and unmete, to serve, as I coude best, ay your hynesse,’ says that even though he is uncouth and unkempt, he would serve the woman as best as he could. This over exaggerated display of emotion implies that the poem could be satirical; however because there is no comparative character, or change of theme, one cannot be sure of Chaucer’s intention regarding the poem. It is interesting that he refers to the lady as a queen, therefore of higher status than himself reinforcing the idea that she has become almost demigod-like, given it is likely that they would have belonged to the same social strata. Part of the attraction of courtly love was the extravagance and exaggeration of action; for women of this period, they would have been repressed for most of their lives, constantly adhering to rules enforced by the crown, or perhaps their own family, and this affair was a rebellion against normality for them, almost a liberating experience. Th e final stanza of the poem, the protagonist proposes an ultimatum of sorts; to grant him some kind of pity, (i.e. respond in some way to his advances), otherwise nothing, no bliss, nor hope will dwell in his troubled heart. From a modern day point of view, the poem becomes repetitive, and the concept appears false; however at the time of writing, this level of extravagance was not uncommon and therefore from a historical perspective, the poem is likely to be a good example of typical courtly love poetry, such as that of Petrarch and Boccaccio. The presentation of the heroine in this poem is comparable with other courtly love heroines in Chaucer’s tales, in particular Alison, from the Miller’s Tale, Pertelote, The Nun’s Priests Tale, The Prioress, The Prologue and Criseyde, Troilus and Criseyde. Criseyde is very similar to the Prioress in many ways; however is assertive in her role as a courtly love heroine, playing an active part in the poem, demonstrated by book III, verse 115. She states ‘Alas, I would have though, whoever told, such tales of me, my sweetheart would not hold, Me false so easily’, showing perhaps a more effective, realistic heroine than the woman in A Complaint to his Lady. In contrast, courtly heroes often use hyperbole to attempt to convey the depth of the affection they feel towards their women, for example when Chaucer’s protagonist says ‘But I, my lyf and deeth, to yow obeye’ (My life and death, to you obey). This essentially states that she has total control over his heart; a fairly typical declaration within courtly love poetry; Boccaccio used many similar assertions in his novel Elegia di Madonna Fiammetta . The courtly love hero is often of a noble disposition, as demonstrated by book I, verse 27 of Troilus and Criseyde. The knightly element of courtly love can be exemplified by earlier literature, such as the description of King Arthur in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, written in the fourteenth century, around the same time as A Complaint to his Lady. The nobleness of the courtly gentleman is described in Lines 85-88 of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, when the author describes Arthur himself, as ‘Bot Arthure wolde not ete til al were served, He was so joly of his joyfness and sumquat childgered, His lif liked hym light, he lovied the lass’ (Line 85-88). Paraphrased, the above means â€Å"But Arthur would not eat until all were served. He was so youthfully gay and somewhat boyish, he liked an active life .† The general sense of courtly love therefore is a noble relationship outside convention, between a lady and gentleman; the woman is typically more distant while the man ritualistically tries to ‘woo’ her, using any means necessary, and in the case of A Complaint to his Lady, suffers immensely due to the depth of his love for her. Throughout A Complaint to his Lady, the protagonist changes his opinion concerning who is to be blamed for his affliction; in the first two stanzas, he blames himself for becoming so attached, but then unsatisfied with this, blames the emotion of love itself for his sadness. Eventually however he reaches the conclusion that it is her ruthlessness, described as ‘thogh ye never wil upon me rewe, I moste yow love and been ever as trewe’, that causes him so much pain. Chaucer here portrays a hero who will eagerly fall in ‘love’ with a woman, however will be unable to control his own emotions. This degree of instability coupled with obvious exaggeration of his feelings causes us to question whether he is a satirical figure, but also if the nature of this love is genuine as opposed to merely a whim. His status as a courtly love hero is also questionable, because he is portrayed as an ineffectual character as opposed to a gallant, noble member of the court. Assuming there are five main elements of courtly love, many of those should be found in the poem. The most prominent element of courtly love in the poem is the aspect of aristocracy, presented by the protagonist’s placement of himself in servitude to the woman. On numerous occasions he places himself below her, begging her not to ‘from your service dryve’. There is very little in the way of ritualism in the poem to suggest that the couple share gifts or even any kind of relationship at all; Chaucer uses language in such a way that it infers she barely is aware of his existence. This presents the reader with a quandary especially regarding the purpose of the poem. Secrecy of their affair is not alluded to at any point in the poem; this perhaps represents the ambiguity of what has thus far occurred between them, and perhaps therefore it does not follow the tradition in that the relationship (if it can be defined as such) is not adulterous, as far as we can tell. In order to establish this, it may be useful to examine Chaucer’s own life, and his personal situation at this point . In 1368, Chaucer was married to Philippa Roet, a lady in waiting to the Queen, and was an esquire to the house of Edward III. He had also had a son, named Thomas, born in 1367. This information is useful in terms of a biographical perspective on the poem. Chaucer was still a young man at the point of writing A Complaint to his Lady (aged 24) and it is conceivable that the poem was written on a personal basis, detailing some kind of affair he himself was having at the time. This knowledge is useful, because therefore if the poem is autobiographical, the lady he is speaking of is obviously not his wife, thus fulfilling the extramarital nature of a courtly love relationship as presented in the poem. Without any biographical knowledge however there is no mention of any other relationship, which causes the reader to question the very essence of ‘fine love’ in that we can find very little evidence for it from the poem alone. There are however some isolated elements of the trad ition found in the poem, however whether they culminate in a traditional courtly love ritual poem is dubious. The structure of the poem is revealing in terms of the intention behind its writing; the changing forms, and inconsistency present the reader with an almost unfinished poem, sufficiently unrefined to justify this assertion. There are three main changes of form; parts I and II are written in rhyme royal. Part II however does not strictly adhere to the concept of rhyme royal and contains elements of terza rima. Part III sees the complete transition from rhyme royal to terza rima; iambic tercets make the poem sound more rhythmic than it had been previously. After part III however the form of the poem turns into decasyllabic lines, with stanzas being largely ten lines long, with the exception of stanzas eight and nine, which are nine and eight lines long respectively. The final part of the poem is the least rigidly formatted, and has an irregular rhyme scheme. One of the main rhyme patterns of the final section is AABAABCDDC, however not all stanzas follows this pattern. This inconsisten cy therefore is important in ascertaining the writer’s literary capability, almost the level of sophistication his work had reached at the time he’d written the poem. If one were only to examine the structural cohesion of the poem, then one could conclude he was still very much a developing poet. The rhyme scheme of parts I-III is fairly regular because it adheres to two poetic forms, rhyme royal and terza rima . The use of rhyme royal was a fairly common pattern to use during this period, and often was used in less sophisticated rhyming poetry of the time. Chaucer’s use of terza rima however allows the reader insight into the influence of the courtly love tradition on the poem in that in order to use the form, Chaucer would have had to be exposed to it, in its original format by its patrons, at some point during his missions to Europe. In Italy at this point, Petrarch and Boccaccio especially were writing poetry that was very heavily focussed on the tradition of courtly love, experimenting with terza rima; exposure to this may have prompted Chaucer to write A Complaint to his Lady, and to view the poem as an experiment would add credibility to the idea that Chaucer was still developing as a poet, and therefore his ideas were still unrefined, thus explaining the poemâ €™s content. Why Chaucer did not choose to finish the poem in this manner is unknown. There was usually no prescribed rhyme scheme used in the courtly love tradition, except the obvious assumption that it should rhyme. From the composition of the poem one can assume that Chaucer’s influences were mixed; his travels to Italy influenced his work, as demonstrated by the use of terza rima and the protocols he follows when addressing his lady. Another influence of folklore becomes apparent through the emotions he claims to feel regarding her, and the influence of the knightly tales as demonstrated by the noble tone of ‘For neither pitee, mercy, neither grace’. The structure of this poem in comparison with later works shows more of an experimental motivation; for instance, in The Miller’s Tale the structure is simple; rhyming couplets and one long, extended stanza. This structure therefore adds far more focus to the plot as opposed to the intricacies of rhyme. The Canterbury Tales were also intended for an audience, to be performed verbally; wheth er A Complaint to his Lady was intended for public consumption may affect whether the tradition of courtly love actually forms the basis of the poem, because usually, poems written for personal courtship would not be shared with the wider public. The lack of aural consideration in the poem creates the impression that the poem was not supposed to be performed for the general public, even though the concept of ‘fine love’ was very popular in folklore of the time. The Canterbury Tales were however written to be performed verbally; several paintings of Chaucer performing his poetry exist, including â€Å"Chaucer at the Court of Edward III† . Graphological interpretation of the poem is difficult because by modern standards, it is fragmented and inconsistent; however, there are some features of the poem that define certain elements. For example, Chaucer frequently uses commas, which adds to the internal monologue effect he uses, causing the reader to feel as though we are entering conversation with him. This presents a paradox in terms of stylistic quality because the reader almost feels intrusive, whilst being ‘spoken’ to at the same time. ‘This hevy lif I lede, lo, For your sake’ for example is paradoxical because Chaucer is apparently addressing his lady, and yet appears to be addressing the reader in a simplistic sense because of the use of the second person, personal pronoun of ‘you’. There are also several questions used in the poem, which again engages the reader, making it more accessible to an audience. An example of this is ‘Allas, whan shal that harde wit amende?†™ which is a kind of ponderous question. It includes no specific address however invites the reader to respond in some way. In terms of language and lexical choices, the poem is far easier to comprehend than when considering grammar. Broadly, the poem uses three semantic fields; that evolving around the tradition of courtly love, beauty and other such finery, one of religion based ideas, and one of servitude and self deprecation. These are of course very broad spectrums. The field of courtly love is the central theme of the poem, as demonstrated the assertion of ‘gentilnesse and your debonairtee?’ The language used is obviously connected to the overriding theme of the poem. The use of religious imagery is perhaps more interesting; it represents a deep rooted relationship with the social values of the period and perhaps the element of Christianity that was undoubtedly present in the courtly love tradition. The demigod-like presentation of the woman only serves to enhance the enchanting aura that appears to surround the woman in Chaucer’s poem, and because of the depth of religious focus at the time, this was a very powerful feeling to manipulate within poetry itself. The comparison however with the godlike features of the woman, such as his idealisation of her, as in â€Å"Myn hertes lady and hool my lyves queen†, with the position of servitude he finds himself in is bizarre because from a historical point of view, a man is wholly authoritative over a woman. In modern literature, the woman is often seen rejecting the idealisation of the opposite sex due to love, and instead is becoming more internally directed by her own thoughts and emotions. The semantic field of servitude is one common across much of the courtly love poetry experienced; Petrarch, for example regularly wrote so that the role of the man and the woman were reversed; servitude moved from the role of the woman to that of the man, thus subverting tradition and therefore making the concept almost strange to read, if one is in the contextual mindset as the poem demands. The significance of connotation is surprisingly small in this poem because Chaucer was not a great user of metaphor, especially in his earlier poetry; the emergence of figurative language emerged during the age of prescriptivism, from around 1450, some years after his death. Chaucer does use figurative language in some of The Canterbury Tales, however in terms of The Nun’s Priests Tale, the idea of anthropomorphism is more prevalent than metaphor per se. Chaucer’s meaning is very much found at face value; there are wider implications of what he says, however there is little linguistic subtext, in comparison for example with William Shakespeare. There is however much more contextual connotation, in his exploration of the woman and her role in his life, and the religious connections this has. Overall, the poem follows many aspects of the tradition of courtly love, however investigations into form and Chaucer’s personal life may be more revealing about the motivations of the poem; whether the poem was intended for public consumption is unclear, however since the poem appears to be intensely personal, it seems unlikely. Contextually however, rambling tombs of poems dedicated to one’s ‘true love’ were not uncommon; exaggerated gestures of undying love were commonplace particularly in the aristocratic circles in which Chaucer placed himself, and therefore he may have been persuaded to write in this manner by a variety of ‘peer pressure’. The differences between the tradition of courtly love and the poem will be further explored in Part Two, as well as Chaucer’s personal life which may have influenced the degree to which the poem adheres to tradition, and how far it diverges in comparison with The Canterbury Tales.

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Toy Sales - Essay Example It does not take long for parents to realize that the toy bought a few weeks ago has become an unwanted and useless thing. Most of these toys are in perfect shape and can be taken for toys that arrive fresh from the factory. Toys R US can open such schemes where parents can return used toys and be compensated at one-third of the original price while Toys R US can still do good and ethical business with even them by selling them at half or three-quarters of the original price. The biggest value customers find in a retailer is cost-saving. Toys R US has already built a reputation of a low-cost toy seller, but being in competition with Costco and Wal-Mart with such strategy means that costs are not sufficiently low enough. Toys R US should find out ways to reduce the cost of toys even more which may be through outsourcing toy-manufacturing services or reducing the profit margin. One way Toys R US can maintain the profitability without losing to Costco and Wal-Mart is by opening lottery schemes for the kids. Offering good quality, durable, and well-proportioned toys in lottery prizes through lucky draws every few weeks is not a huge cost to pay for sustaining the business amidst such powerful competitors as Costco and Wal-Mart. Clientelling is a very fruitful strategy that Toys R US can employ making optimal use of the technology at hand. High-end businesses employ clientelling as a strategy to pair their customer with representatives that log every action or purchase made by the customers into a database so that future services can be customized accordingly. Clientelling helps retailers build long-term relationships with their customers and build their loyalty. Toys R US can inform the customers of the arrival of toys preferred by them whenever the fresh stock of toys is received at the stores. Staff members and representatives of a retailer play a very important role in fostering its relationship with the

Not requried, it depends on you Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Not requried, it depends on you - Essay Example The analysis of the individual performance, the work environment and the managerial and employee traits are discussed in the study. The problems faced by the company with regard to the employee and management are also referred to understand the cause of failure. Moreover, the relevant solution to the problem which would help the management to accomplish its objectives is considered for the long run profitability of the company. In the book by Dewar, it has been highlighted that the management style used by Ford in the earlier stage was not providing the required yield because of a lack of motivation among the workers. The improper management style had a negative impact on the employees and the management objective to gain profitability. The convertor line technique used by the company was not delivering proper efficient result. The main reason behind the incessant constraints was a lack of motivation among the workers along with job satisfaction. With the implementation of proper man agement style and motivational factors the leader was able to derive the required output from the employees. The change in the leadership style along with maintaining proper relation, valuing the employee in Ford helped to increase the level of production and efficiency. The proper control of management on the employees helps in sustaining the business and increasing profitability. INTRODUCTION â€Å"The Savage Factory: An Eyewitness Account of the Auto Industry’s Self-Destruction† is a book that reflects the story of a giant automotive, which was losing its competitive market to the smaller and weaker competitors because of the implemented organizational behavior approaches. The organizational behavior exhibits the influence that the individuals, groups and structure have on the human behavior within the organization. The performance of the people within an organization is affected by the behavior of the organization. The behavior within an organization is considered by the interaction among the people, the technology implemented by the management and the external environment. The working environment provided to the individuals or group affects the productivity of the company. The management style and the theory are of great importance when analyzing the performance of the company. The behavior between the employee and the management reflects the concept of organizational behavior. The narration presented in ‘savage factory’ exactly demonstrates the relation among the hourly line workers, factory foremen and the management. It gives an inside look at the incompetency of the management with regard to managing the labor forces, which caused the automobile industry to suffer. The loss faced by the Ford was due to the improper management style and the behavior within the organization. The book gives an insight to the importance of behavior among the worker, management and the structure of the organization (Dewar 1-10; Mcshane, Glinow an d Sharma 1-10). THESIS STATEMENT This study intends to reflect the significance of the organizational behavior among the workers and the management for a better working environment. The issues regarding the leadership style, the motivational factors and the working environment are the main determinants which are discussed. The approaches regarding the behavior to mitigate the issues and increase the productivity are reflected through the paper. IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROBLEM The author Robert J. Dewar joined the Ford

Reaction Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Reaction Paper - Essay Example For example, an increase in revenues translates to the decline in the average unemployment rate. Next, the economic environment indicates an increase in the employment statistics translates to higher demand for houses, raising the average price of houses. Two take-aways. I have gained a firm inside on the economic principle of supply and demand. As the demand for the company’s products increase, the company can hire additional employees to fill the needs of the growing customers. As the employment increases, there is a corresponding increase in the demand for several goods and services. To supply the increasing demand, more news companies crop up. Further, my thoughts focus on the economic principle of supply and demand. To set up a business, I must first find a demand. Next, I will supply the products or services that will fill the customers’ requests. As the sales catapult to more profitable levels, I have to hire more workers to fill the increasing customers’ needs and wants. This is the essence of the economic supply and demand theory. A company that does not generate profits will be forced to close shop. Consequently, the retrenched employees will join the current long line of unemployment list. Reading 2: Shelley Kimelberg, â€Å"Inside the growth Machine: Real Estate Professionals on the Perceived Challenges of Urban Development Shelley McDonough Kimelberg , City & Community, 20 (2011): p 76-99 Reference Summary. The above article states that the growth machine framework proposes that the cooperative efforts of the elites significantly contribute implementation of policies and processes that contribute to the local community’s economic growth. The research focused on the real estate professionals. The findings include some constraints to full economic development. The constraints include reelection of the local politicians, municipal development officers’ economic priorities,

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

Week 3 Forum - Assignment Example mericans in general did not see the need for the US to be involved in the war but were still enrolled because it was an opportunity to prove they were just as capable as their white counterparts. They opted to fight under their French allies because they supported racial equality and gave them the recognition that their own countrymen did not. At this time, the US government did not want African Americans to serve in the war because they believed they did not have the same capabilities as their white counterparts. Despite that, over 400,000 African Americans were in the army, hence, this prompted the white population to view this as a threat and not a contribution resulting in them to not be actively used when the war was over (Rucker and James 89). The early great migration of African Americans from the south was of great significance to date due to the broken promises of reconstruction and a corrupt criminal justice system from the US government. The African American community left their farms and sort greener pastures in northern states because they were more industrialized. They also experienced great loss of their crops due to a severe weevil outbreak. The peak of this movement was between 1915 to 1920 with New York, Chicago and Detroit being most noticeably awfully hit. The northern states were in great need of labor and so their wages were higher than those of the South. The ascent of the Ku Klux Clan likewise served as a real explanation behind the relocation in light of the fact that they were against African American rights and butchered numerous African

RESEARCH PAPER Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

RESEARCH PAPER - Essay Example One of the authors who wrote on the mistakes that happened in the war is Bill Fawcett. In his book, How to Lose WWII: Bad Mistakes of the Good War, he highlighted facts and in a very interesting way. According to Fawcett, the outbreak of war was ignited by Germany’s invasion of Poland in September 1939 which could have been avoided if not for poor judgement (8). The Treaty of Versailles which was imposed on Germany by Orlando of Italy, Georges Clemenceau of France, Lloyd George of England and Woodrow Wilson of the US discussed the punishment they had to give Germany for starting World War I. Woodrow Wilson formulated a 14-point-plan which he believed would bring peace to Europe but Clemenceaue wanted revenge on Germany. Georges agreed with Wilson but the public sided with France. The Germans were expecting a treaty based on Wilson’s 14 points but ended being disappointed. Instead, they had no choice but to take the very harsh agreement. They had to accept the blame for starting World War I, were forced to pay ?6.6 billion for war damages and were only allowed to have a small army. Moreover, Rhineland would be de-militarized. Some of Germany’s territories were given to other countries and union with Austria was also forbidden. Imposing a cold-hearted punishment like this to a poor and starving war struck country made many very unhappy. Germany looked for a saviour and found one, Adolf Hitler. He promised to tear down the treaty. As soon as he was elected Chancellor in January 1933, he wasted no time in building his army in secret. This was no secret for the French and Britain. They did not pay much attention thinking that the actions of Hitler would prevent the expansion of Communism to the West. They were wrong. By 1936, Germany had an army but it was not that strong. In the dawn of March 7, 1936, Hitler ordered his troops to enter Rhineland. At this point, thousands of France soldiers were also at the Franco-German border, yet they did not do anything, a great mistake. One of Hitler’s general, Heinz Guderian, stated that if the French had intervened in Rhineland in 1936, they could have defeated Hitler there and then. Later, it was also revealed that Hitler privately admitted: â€Å"The forty-eight hours after the march into the Rhineland were the most nerve-racking in my life. If the French had then marched into the Rhineland we would have had to withdraw with our tails between our legs, for the military resources at our disposal would have been wholly inadequate for even a moderate resistance† (Bullock 135). If only the French or Britain made an action and put aside their fear, World War II could have been avoided at that point. In 1936, Italy and Japan allied with Germany. After these alliances Hitler started taking back German lands. They started with Austria in 1938, which was a direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles. Hitler promised that Anschluss, union with Germany, would be the end of his expansion and he did not want to risk war. Six months later, Hitler invaded Sudetenland and eventually the whole of Czechoslovakia and yet again no one dared to stop Germany. The British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, thought that pressing military pressure from France and Britain would scare Germany from invading Poland. Chamberlain was wrong. In September 1, 1939, Germany attacked and occupied Poland, World War II officially started. Hitler also made one crucial mistake in 1941 when he declared war on Russia while

Business Strategic Management Executive Summary of Starbucks Essay

Business Strategic Management Executive Summary of Starbucks - Essay Example The existing specialty shops to serve as a threat. However, outlets outside would have existent players who understand the cultural aspect better, thereby posing a threat. Starbucks can deal with these mild threats by including other beverages in its menu (which it already does, but add variety to the non caffeine products being catered) and by entering into agreements with few large suppliers to seal the cost of inputs. Based on the SWOT analysis, we can say that diversification (outlets in USA and in many countries outside) is a positive aspect in Starbucks but if the process is not synchronized and planned well it may act as a deterrent to the image. The group also believes in introducing newer products in shorter duration of time, this helps retain customers, but may cause confusion in the customer’s mind. The price paid is higher than its competitors, but the elite ambience helps negate the price difference. Starbucks has a unique way of treating its employees and care for all its employees as partners in the company, with every employee having the option to stocks and health insurance; thereby, keeping the employee turnover rate higher at 70% (industry standard 30%).The structure is not driven by the hierarchy instead every employee is given the power to enhance the decision process. Employees are also given training before they start administering their work to assure quality of service. Starbucks is also well paced with the current trends of e-marketing which makes it more accessible. Lastly, the research and development team is very active constantly forming new products to introduce to the menu list. Starbucks can take either (1) sustain the aggressive growth plan and harness the services provided at the existing outlets (2) invest the proposed $40 million annually to help achieve higher customer satisfaction (3) modify the products on offer, based on the demographic position of the outlet (4) continue with

Teenage Pregnancy Essay Example for Free

Teenage Pregnancy Essay One of the societal problems that our country encounters is the teenage pregnancy or the early pregnancy. Many Teenagers are involve in premarital sex. This also lead to other societal problem like overpopulation and poverty. The sexual revolution has ushered in a period in which the average adolescent experiences tremendous pressures to have sexual experiences of all kinds. Filipino teens get a higher exposure to sex from the Internet, magazines, TV shows, movies and other media than decades ago, yet without any corresponding increase in information on how to handle the input. So kids are pretty much left to other kids for opinions and value formation when it comes to sex. Sexual misinformation is therefore equally shared in the group. Parents at home and teachers in school feel equally inadequate or uneasy to discuss the topic of sex with youngsters. The problem mounts because the barkada (gang) has a more profound influence than parents do and they exert pressure and expect the adolescent to conform to the rest of them. In the Philippines, according to the 2002 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study by the University of the Philippines Population Institute (Uppi) and the Demographic Research and Development Foundation, 26 percent of our Filipino youth nationwide from ages 15 to 25 admitted to having a premarital sex experience. What?s worse is that 38 percent of our youth are already in a live-in arrangement. In fact, female adolescents whose friends engage in sexual behavior were found to be more likely to do the same compared to those who do not associate with such peers. If the teen perceives her peers to look negatively at premarital sex, she was more likely to start sex at a later age. Teenage mothers tend to have poor eating habits and are less likely to take recommended daily multivitamins to maintain adequate nutritio n during pregnancy. They are also more likely to smoke, drink or take drugs during pregnancy, which can cause health problems for the baby. Unplanned pregnancies lead to a higher rate of abortions. In the Philippines, although abortion is illegal, it would shock you to know that we even have a higher abortion rate (25/1,000 women) .For sure, there are more abortions that happen in our country that are not even reported. Backdoor abortions are resorted to with untrained ?hilots? with questionable sterility procedures, increasing the possibility for tetanus poisoning and other complications. Even though there are many ways to stop this problem, there will always be the lak of discipline of the teenagers.That is why there is the controversial RH Bill which will solve the problem or maybe it cannot.

Is Race A Major Issue In US Today Politics Essay

Is Race A Major Issue In US Today Politics Essay Historically, the problem of racism persisted in the US. In fact, racism in the United States has existed since the founding of the state.  Society, founded by white men, differing in their national and religious grounds, was very different with their attitude towards other groups.  Victims of racism were non-white indigenous population Indians and black slaves. Significant progress in overcoming racism in the U.S. has been in the 1960s, when the success of the movement of the struggle for civil rights there were taken considerable political and socio-economic measures to ensure equality and overcoming age-old gulf that separates African American, Native American and other minority groups from  mainstream of American life.  However, racism still remains one of the hottest topics in American public life. Although the race problems take significant place in the life of the people in the United States, there are examples of the improvement of the situation. Imagined differences are built into the main quality and turn into a hostile psychological attitudes towards some ethnic group, the unit that separates people psychologically, and then theoretically justifies a policy of discrimination. Race is a major issue in the United States today but it is important to place emphasis on the fact that, today, race issues tend to change although the problem of racism has not been eliminated yet. Definition of racism In order to understand the current situation in the US concerning race issues, it is necessary to dwell upon the definition of the concept of racism. At this point, it is worth mentioning the fact that the concept of racism is closely intertwined with the concept of discrimination because racism implies the discrimination on the ground of race of an individual. At the same time, the concept of racism can be defined as the violation of basic rights and liberties of individuals because of their race. In this regard, racism can have different manifestations, including the oppression of racial minorities and their discrimination. In the past, cases of racism occurred frequently and racial minorities suffered from the severe oppression from the part of the dominant white majority. As the matter of fact, racism can exist in any multiracial societies. Therefore, the emergence of racism in the US can be viewed as a natural effect of the domination of racial group over others. On the other hand, it is worth mentioning the fact that the concept of racism changed and evolved in the course of time. In the past, racism was taken for granted and the violation of rights of non-white Americans was a norm. For instance, it is possible to refer to numerous cases of lynching of African Americans in the beginning of the 20th century. By the mid-20th century, the attitude of Americans has changed under the impact of the growing Civil Rights movement and effective work of civil rights activists. The Civil Rights movement of the 1950s 1960s contributed to the consistent change in racial relations in the US but the Civil Rights movement still failed to solve the problem of racism in the US. In spite of consistent legislative and social changes, race issues and the problem of racism persisted in the US in the second half and late 20th century. Race issues still involved the problem of discrimination and unequal opportunities for white and non-white Americans. The problem persisted and, today, this problem needs the effective solution. Modern perception of racism In actuality, the modern perception of racism has changed consistently compared to the past. At this point, it is necessary to dwell upon the changes that have occurred in the society to understand the essence of the change of the perception of racism in the modern society. First of all, it has been already mentioned above that, in the past, racism was taken for granted, it was a sort of norm. Cases of violence and murders of representatives of minorities were frequent. Steadily, the attitude to racism changed. Today, the problem of racism is viewed from a bit different angle. To put it more precisely, today, racism refers to the field of the under-representation of certain racial groups in the political life of the US. In addition, many representatives of racial minorities suffer from discrimination in the workplace, when they fail to obtain equal job opportunities. At the same time, today, socioeconomic position of people and their job opportunities as well as their participation in the political life of the country depend on their educational background. At this point, it is important to place emphasis on the fact that the access to education and opportunities to receive higher education are crucial in the modern society. As a result, education, being unavailable to certain racial groups, to minorities, becomes one of the most important issues provoking tension between representatives of different racial groups in the US. The role of education in the life of the modern society can hardly be underestimated because the modern technology keeps progressing and people should come prepared to use new technology to succeed in their professional life and to play an active part in the social, political and economic life of the country. For instance, the emergence of mass media and new telecommunication technologies contribute to the consistent growth of the speed of spreading information. In this regard, many specialists indicate to the fast spread of information The Boyfriends Death (Brunvand, 78) story by J.H. Brunvand. The information is spread nationwide fast that naturally affects consistently race issues. To put it more precisely, the fast spread of information can affect consistently the public opinion, including cases when information refers to race issues. In this respect, it is possible to refer to some cases of violence from the part of white police officers in regard to African Americans and other minorities. The information being spread fast nationwide evoke strong opposition within the society to cases of racial discrimination. Discrimination In actuality, the problem of racial discrimination persists and the President of the US, Barak Obama does recognize this problem. At the same time, he attempts to unite the nation and eliminate racial differences: We the people, in order to form a more perfect union. (Obama, 304). In actuality, race issues have changed consistently but the problem of racism persists in the American society: And yet words on a parchment would not be enough to deliver slaves from bondage, or provide men and women of every color and creed their full rights and obligations as citizens of the United States. What would be needed were Americans in successive generations who were willing to do their part through protests and struggle, on the streets and in the courts, through a civil war and civil disobedience and always at great risk to narrow that gap between the promise of our ideals and the reality of their time. (Obama, 305). In fact, the US society still suffers from wide gaps between the dominant racial group, i.e. white Americans, and minorities, i.e. non-white Americans. In such a situation, the development of new, effective solutions to the problem of racism, racial inequality, racial discrimination and other race issues is essential. At this point, it is very important that the US policy makers, namely the US President, are conscious of the importance of solution of the problem of race issues: unless we perfect our union by understanding that we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction towards a better future for of children and our grandchildren. (Obama, 306). Hence, the union of the nation is the ultimate goal of current policies of the US government but it is still important to find effective tools, which can help to solve the problem of racism and other racial issues. Current issues and limitations In actuality, it is possible to single out new, emerging racial issues, which aggravate the problem of racism and make relations between different racial groups extremely complicated. At this point, it is possible to refer to the speech delivered by Barak Obama, who stated: At various stages in the campaign, some commentators have deemed me either too black or not black enough. We saw racial tensions bubble to the surface during the week before the South Carolina primary. The press has scoured every exit poll for the latest evidence of racial polarization, not just in terms of white and black, but black and brown as well. (Obama, 307). At this point, it is possible to raise the problem of the the growing racial diversity and emergence of new racial tensions, including tension between minorities. What is meant here is the fact that today racial issues refer not only to relations between the white majority and non-white minorities but also to relations between non-white minorities. In fact, the aforementioned problem can lead to the radicalization of the US society: expressed a profoundly distorted view of this country a view that sees white racism as endemic, and that elevates what is wrong with America above all that we know is right with America; a view that sees the conflicts in the Middle East as rooted primarily in the actions of stalwart allies like Israel, instead of emanating from the perverse and hateful ideologies of radical Islam. (Obama, 308). The radicalization of the society will lead to the consistent deterioration of the socioeconomic and political situation in the US and it may undermine the existing social order. Hence, the solution of the problem of race issues is essential for the stability of the existing social order in the US. Future directions In such a context, the US authorities should define clearly the major priorities and strategies that can help the US to solve the problem of racism and race issues. In this regard, Barak Obama argues that: by investing in our schools and our communities; by enforcing our civil rights laws and ensuring fairness in our criminal justice system; by providing this generation with ladders of opportunity that were unavailable for previous generations. (Obama, 310). In fact, Obama indicates to one of the possible ways to improve the current situation in the US society and to solve, at least partially, the problem of the tension between different racial groups. The President suggests the complex solution, which focuses on key areas, where race issues arise, including, education, justice system, civil rights protection, and others. In such a situation, Obama gives insight toward the ultimate goal of the suggested changes may be defined as follows: a country that has made it possible for one of his own members to run for the highest office in the land and build a coalition of white and black; Latino and Asian, rich and poor, young and old is still irrevocably bound to a tragic past. But what we know what we have seen is that America can change. That is true genius of this nation. What we have already achieved gives us hope the audacity to hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow. (Obama, 309). Obviously, this is an optimistic forecast for the future elimination of existing problems related to race issues. Nevertheless, the strategy is defined clearly but still the US lacks effective tools with the help of which the problem of racism and race issues can be eliminated. Conclusion Thus, taking into account all above mentioned, it is possible to conclude that the problem of racism and race-related issues persists. Although officially a race cannot be identified as a major issue problem in the United States, there are still many issues and details considering the race issue. All in all, the race still remains one of the major problems in the United States, which is still not solved. In fact, this means that the US still suffers from the discrimination and oppression of minorities. In this respect, the US authorities are conscious of the fact that race issues may pose a number of serious problems and, what is more, they may lead to the radicalization of the US society. Therefore, the solution of this problem becomes strategically important for the US authorities. In actuality, the US authorities, namely the President of the US, defined the major priorities in the development of their policies to tackle the problem of racial discrimination and other race issues. Obviously, the unity of the entire country is of the utmost importance and the unity of all Americans, regardless of their race, can unite the nation. However, it is still unclear how the President of the US is going to unite the nation and to eliminate wide gaps that persist between different racial groups. As long as these gaps exist, the US will deal with race issues.

Strategic Alliances: Reasons and Types

Strategic Alliances: Reasons and Types Introduction Strategic alliances and why are they formed Strategic alliances can be seen as one of the fastest growing trends for business today; Alliances are sweeping through nearly every industry and are becoming an essential driver for their super growth. A strategic alliance, by definition, is a form of affiliation that involves a mutual sharing of resources for the benefit of all of the strategic partners. â€Å"Mutuality† is key (Beavers 2001). The business consideration is whether both alliance partners need each other. Strategic alliances range in size and scope from informal business relationships based on simple contracts to joint venture agreements, some times where corporations are set up to manage the alliance. According to Vyas et al (1995) strategic alliances are cropping up across the global arena mainly due to the maturation of several trends of the 1980s, such as: intensified foreign competition, shortened product life cycles, soaring cost of capital, including the cost of research and development, and ever-growin g demand for new technologies. However, strategic alliances can be tricky. Partnerships foster mutual benefits, but the alliances exist only as long as they are advantageous to both parties. Research indicates that a high proportion of strategic alliances fail (Forbes 2002; Lorange and Roos 1991; Day 1995). This essay explores concept of strategic alliances drawing from Mintzberg et als schools of strategy and then critically identifies the main factors that determine the design and delivery of effective co-operative strategies. It does so by using the case study that pertains to Avebe and Noveon Alliance. Why? For many multinational firms, strategic alliances have become increasingly important tools for ensuring speed and flexibility in carrying out multinational strategies. A typical example is SEVEL (Societa Europea Veicoli Leggeri), the 1978 strategic alliance between Fiat and Peugeot for the production of a new light van named Ducato. Both parties were short on resources and saved time and energy by combining their RD and manufacturing efforts (Lorange and Roos 1991). Strategic alliances can be effective ways to diffuse new technologies rapidly, to enter a new market, to bypass governmental restrictions expeditiously, and/or to learn quickly from the leading firms in a given field Mintzberg et als Schools of Strategy Strategic alliance is an agreement between two or more individuals, or entities, or organisations to cooperate in a specific business activity, so that each benefit from the strength of other and gains competitive advantage. The formulation of strategic alliance has been seen as a response to the globalisation and increasing uncertainty and complexity in the business environment. Strategic alliances involve the sharing of knowledge and expertise between the partners as well as in reducing the risk and costs in areas like relationship with the supplier and the development of new products and technologies. Strategic alliances usually make sense when the parties involved have complimentary strengths. Its unlike full-scale acquisition, an alliance does not give a firm total control over its partners. Avebe and Noveon Alliance Case Study. Avebe, a Dutch company, established in 1919 as a joint sales organisation for the greater part of the Dutch independent potato starch industry. Through research and development, joint ventures and acquisition in Netherlands, Europe and Worldwide, Avebe now plays a major role in the global sales, marketing, production and development of potato starch and starch specialities used in food, pharmaceuticals, animal feed, textile, paper and adhesives. Avebes specialities are used by the textile industry for obtaining good weaving efficiency, to obtain smooth fabrics, and for sharp and durable printing of fabrics. Noveon, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio with regional centers in Belgium and Hong-Kong, is a leading global producer and marketer of technology advanced speciality chemicals for a broad range consumer and industrial application. Noveon was recognised as leading producer of polymers. It was also acknowledged as the largest producer acrylic acid for synthetic polymer. Reason for cooperation Avebe Avebe was outstanding in printing thickeners but not yet in reactive dye printing market. It was not possible for Avebe to enter into this market as it was purely a starch based industry. Only a combination of starch and synthetic polymer could help them enter this market. For this Avebe had two options- Noveon and Alloid Colloids (under ICI Corporation, England). Combination of Avebes and Noveons products in laboratory test showed excellent printing thickness for reactive printing dye market. The final selection was based on four considerations, namely- Noveon had the same synthetic polymer as that of ICI in dry form and Avebe was expert in dry blending. Dry blends resulted in more efficiency both in space and cost compared to liquid one. Noveons synthetic was proved the best when combined with Avebe than any other. Noveon had excellent market expertise in the US, which Avebe lacked. Combination of Avebe and Noveons expertise expected around 25% of the new market to either company. Reasons for cooperation Noveon Noveons alliance with Avebe started by an accident. Noveon acquired QSI in South Carolina in 1994. QSI used to purchase natural starches from Avebe for its operation. This was the start of their joint venture. Synthetic polymer Noveon had was fairly expensive; while Avebes natural starch was relatively cheap. They expected that blending of these two would result in better quality at reasonable price. Noveon expected that the price of synthetic and natural thickener blends would increase in US and Europe, due to the demand for high quality products. Combination of synthetic and natural thickeners could reduce the cost of dye stuff and chemicals. The saving was estimated to be around $ 1 million per year. Noveon selected Avebe for their technology. Far East and Europe preferred Avebe as their best choice. Initial agreement The agreement was signed by both the companies on 24th March 1995. After two year, to anticipate competition, both the companies formulated a marketing agreement for their joint product. The agreement was as follows- Division of the world market. As per this agreement, Noveon agreed market their product in America and the Caribbean. Avebe agreed to market its product in Europe, Asia- pacific and Russia. China and India was open for both. Restriction on sale of each others product. As per this agreement Avebe was forbidden to sell Noveons product and Noveon agreed not to sell Avebes products to any other company without a prior consent of other. 3) Information exchange/ training. Both Avebe and Noveon agreed for a meeting once in six months to exchange development, manufacturing and technical service information relating to their joint venture. Reasons for alliance 1) Alliances assist the firms learning and diversification into new areas of activities. Alliances help to extend a firms competitive advantage in several ways. A firm enters into strategic alliance because this can potentially provide benefits that are not possible through either internal development or external acquisition. This helps the company to acquire benefit by reducing the cost rather than taking it all by itself. An alliance stand as an intermediate to help the allies enter into new industry and markets. 2) Alliance provide useful platform to test their products in new markets. Alliances help in extending and renewing their sources of competitive advantage while expanding globally. This helps the new companies to enter into new market with little market knowledge. By this these companies learn how to compete in the global market. Working together helps in overcoming the economic obstacles too. 3)  Design School of strategic management- Henry Mintzberg This prescriptive school of Mintzberg see strategy formulation as a process of conception which is responsible for the development of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the organisation (SWOT). In this school the strengths and weaknesses are of the company are mapped along with the opportunities and threat in the market place. This is implemented in order to formulate clear and unique strategies in a deliberate process. In this the internal environment is matched to the external environment. This school mainly helps in reducing ambiguity and is mainly used in stable environments. It supports strong and visionary leadership. The main drawback of the design school is that it is weak in a fast moving environment and there are risks of resistance. It also has many variables and is inherently complex and also inflexible. Types of strategic alliances Strategic alliances can be classified into three main types: Shared- supply alliance Shared- supply alliance bring together companies which join forces to achieve economies of scale on a given component or on an individual stage in the production process. The shared elements are further incorporated in products that are further incorporated in products that remain specific to each other and that competes directly in the market. This type of alliance is formed when the minimum efficient size at a particular stage in the production process is much greater than for the entire product, and when neither of the partner produce large enough to achieve the critical size. Shared- supply alliance are usually formed between partners of comparable size. This alliance primarily involves research and development (RD) and manufacturing activities. Coordination of research activities between the partners makes it possible to optimize the use or resources. These alliances are usually formed by firms operating in the same zone. In this case of shared supply alliance the assets and ski lls that the partner companies bring to the joint project are similar in nature and their goal is to benefit from increased economies of scale. Quasi- concentration alliance This alliance brings together companies that develop, produce and market a joint product. There is no open competition in quasi- concentration alliance. Quasi- concentration alliances are primarily characterized by transactions between the consortium of allies and the market. Transactions between the companies are also carried out within the alliance. This alliance covers all the main functions involved in carrying out an activity, that is, research and development, manufacturing, and marketing. Marketing and sales are either split between the partners on the basis of geographic presence or carried out jointly. Complementary alliance. Complimentary alliances bring together companies which contribute assets and skills of different natures to bring up a combined project. Here one manufactures the product, which is marketed by others distribution channels. There is no competition within the allies. This type of an alliance is mainly formed by only two parties.

Operation Barbarossa Essay -- essays research papers

OPERATION BARBAROSSA The invasion of Russia was the largest military campaign of the Second World War. Operation Barbarossa, as it was known, was launched on 22 June 1941 and completely took Russia by surprise. The widening war raging in Africa and eastern Europe were key distractions for Hitler from his ultimate goal of attacking Russia. Although the British army remained undefeated in the west, Hitler’s goal proved an urgency for him to begin moving on the east. Whilst planning was made throughout 1940 for the invasion of Russia, time was favorable towards the Russians and they continued to mobilize their resources and strengthen their defense forces. The invasion of the Germans was a complete surprise as Russian dictator, Josef Stalin, had failed to acknowledge the increasing German troop concentrations on the border and he had also ignored British intelligence reports stating that Germany had intended to attack. Hitler once again used the Blitzkrieg technique with German tanks and air power leading the attack. There were three powerful German armies, made up of over 3 million men which moved into Russia. As one army group headed north towards Leningrad, a center group headed towards Moscow and a southern group moved to capture the food producing area of the Ukraine. By now, the Germans were thrilled with their fast advancements and initial success, including the fact that they had captured over 400 000 Russian soldiers. In late July, the advance on Leningrad and Mosco... Operation Barbarossa Essay -- essays research papers OPERATION BARBAROSSA The invasion of Russia was the largest military campaign of the Second World War. Operation Barbarossa, as it was known, was launched on 22 June 1941 and completely took Russia by surprise. The widening war raging in Africa and eastern Europe were key distractions for Hitler from his ultimate goal of attacking Russia. Although the British army remained undefeated in the west, Hitler’s goal proved an urgency for him to begin moving on the east. Whilst planning was made throughout 1940 for the invasion of Russia, time was favorable towards the Russians and they continued to mobilize their resources and strengthen their defense forces. The invasion of the Germans was a complete surprise as Russian dictator, Josef Stalin, had failed to acknowledge the increasing German troop concentrations on the border and he had also ignored British intelligence reports stating that Germany had intended to attack. Hitler once again used the Blitzkrieg technique with German tanks and air power leading the attack. There were three powerful German armies, made up of over 3 million men which moved into Russia. As one army group headed north towards Leningrad, a center group headed towards Moscow and a southern group moved to capture the food producing area of the Ukraine. By now, the Germans were thrilled with their fast advancements and initial success, including the fact that they had captured over 400 000 Russian soldiers. In late July, the advance on Leningrad and Mosco...

Doubling in Kyds The Spanish Tragedy :: Spanish Tragedy Essays

Doubling in Kyd's The Spanish Tragedy      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The World's Classics version of Kyd's the Spanish Tragedy has more than fifty-three roles*. This number can go much higher depending on the exact number of plural parts the director decided to allot. In other words, the script may read simply "nobles," or "attendants" and the reader can not be completely sure of the number of people referred to. If the performing company was limited in players, there may be only two "knights" but if the director had a large cast he may send in six. This means, after working on the doubling possibilities for three weeks, I can not be one hundred percent sure of which characters were played by whom because I do not know exactly how many parts I am trying to fill. Add that to the fact that there are some parts which only show up once in the whole play and share the stage with only one person. These particular roles can be played by almost anyone in the cast. Therefore, I paired up as many roles as I thought were necessary and left the r est to find an available player to take them.    In order to pair up some of the parts, the minimum number of players needed to be known. This will determine how many cast members had to be available not just for doubling but for staging the scene with the most roles at one time. This would be scene four in Act one. There is a minimum of twenty-two roles that need to be filled. Minimum because there are three plural roles: Spanish nobles, Trumpeters, and Attendants (Kyd, 2), which means at least two of each, and sixteen roles with individual titles. Thirty-one roles were then left to be divided amongst the cast as double parts and, in some cases, triple parts.    These remaining roles can not just be handed out randomly though. There are two basic guidelines used to determine who gets what parts: (1) An actor must play the same role throughout the entirety of the play and, (2) Two characters meeting in a scene can not be played by the same actor since it is impossible for one player to be in two different places at the same time. (unixg.ubc.ca) The attached chart shows all the meetings of characters in The Spanish Tragedy.

Medea and Lysistrata Essay -- World Literature Gender Inequalities Ess

Medea and Lysistrata Medea and Lysistrata are two Greek literatures that depict the power which women are driven to achieve in an aim to defy gender inequality. In The Medea, Medea is battling against her husband Jason whom she hates. On the other hand, in Aristophanes' Lysistrata, the protagonist Lysistrata plotted to convince and organize the female gender to protest against the stubbornness of men. In terms of defining the purpose of these two literatures, it is apparent that Euripedes and Aristophanes created characters that demonstrate resistance against the domination of men in the society. Despite the contrast in the characters of Euripedes' Medea and Aristophanes' Lysistrata, the two playwrights depicted how gender inequality can start a fire. As with Medea and Jason, the battle between the two lead to former's madness, leading to the death of the enemies she considered, and, unfortunately, leading as well to the death of her own children. Medea felt betrayed and left behind by her husband Jason, as well as continuously aggravated by Creon despite the fact that i...

Globalization in the hospitality industry Essay

1: Educating workers around the world: Due to globalization, managers and employees of hospitality industry are able to learn about the different cultures, people, religions and other different prospects of life. Globalization also helps them to understand what importance of humanity is. Racism is still a part of some people but due to globalization it is getting hidden. 2: Multilingual services: Due to globalization more and more people from different parts of the world are traveling around the world. Hotels got benefit by these modernization but to maintain this traveling many hotels hire people who know different languages so that their customers feel comfortable and safe. 3: More knowledge about different cultures: So,e years back, people are not use to travel internationally and due to this many people were not aware of different cultures and traditions around the world but now people do travel and this increases the knowledge of people to understand about various cultures For example: When In India, I see tourist coming from Africa and they wear their traditional clothes and speak different language. This way I understand their culture and their heritage. 4: Increasing knowledge about different variety of foods: Due to this vast trend of globalization, more and more restaurants and hotels have different variety of food because you never know which people are coming from which part of the world. Everybody love food and when they see their own food somewhere they feel so relaxed. For example: Chinese tourist travels all around the world and so all big cities have â€Å"China Town†. These things attract Chinese people go and visit these places which are far from China but yet very similar Chinese tradition. 5: Increase in trade agreements: Globalization increase trade agreements between two countries as It is good for the economy of both countries as well as for the benefit of people who wants to understand other country’s culture and heritage, For example: Canada and China have very strong trade relations as China is the second largest trading partner. These relations are maintained because of this increasing multiculturalism. 6: Increase in equality among people and language and cultural barriers reduced: When people travel and work in different parts of world, this reduce language and cultural barriers and increase equality among people as they all feel comfortable with working with different people. This is one the major advantage of globalization because non equality and racism are biggest enemy of humanity. Now people have to be more knowledgeable to take any actions against any culture or race

Justifications for the Institution of Slavery during the Antebellum Era Essay

In Chapter 11, it was stated that â€Å"Slavery is primarily a labor system intended to produce wealth for landowners†¦It increasingly became a capitalistic enterprise intended to maximize profits. As such, it was tied to a growing international web of economic relations. † By 1820, the South became the world’s largest producer of cotton. Cotton required continuous development, land, labor demand and a global system of trade. As such, it depended increasingly on the slave-based economy. However, the Upper South was experiencing a long depression and it affected prices. To survive, either the planters move or stay and diversify. Diversification meant shifting to grains and to selling slaves. Soon, the internal slave trade became a multi-million dollar industry. Until the 1830’s, slavery was explained as a â€Å"necessary evil. † However, the call for abolition of slavery was becoming stronger and they had to change their justification for maintaining slaves to make it more acceptable. The Southerners started to label slavery as â€Å"a positive good. † They based their justifications on five sources – the bible, history, the Constitution, science and sociology. The biblical justification makes reference to the curse imposed upon Ham, Noah’s son and the various verses from both the Old and New Testament reprimanding servants to always obey their masters. For its historical justification, they pointed out that all ancient civilizations were based on it and most likely even the current civilization depended â€Å"on the servitude of the blacks in America. † The Constitution was their reference to its legal justification which refused to abolish slavery and various laws passed protecting it such as the overseas slave trade and mandate for returning slaves to rightful owners. They also turned to science and twisted the data an conclusions to justify that blacks were an inferior race based on the cranial shape and size and must, therefore, submit to their destiny â€Å"to work for the superior Caucasians. † Lastly, the sociological justification was made more clear by the paternalistic statement as advocated by George Fitzhugh that the â€Å"’Negro is but a grown child and must be governed as a child’ and so needed the paternal guidance, restraint and protection of a white master. † Be that as it may, to free the blacks would mean â€Å"giving up our beautiful country to the ravages of the black race and amalgamation of the savages. † On the humanitarian side, they said that it would be heartless to release them especially after seeing that the blacks can only be industrial laborers working like slaves for meager pay from which they will have to use to pay for shelter, food and clothing. They will be a burden to the white people who have to compete for the same job and a burden to themselves for having to fend for themselves without the nurturing protection of a master. These justifications were had to be well-thought of so that it would not run contrary to the prevailing ideological directions of the American society at that time which espoused â€Å"individual liberty, mobility, economic opportunity and democratic political participation. † Moreover, they cannot afford to antagonize the probably envious non-slave owning whites that they had to emphasize â€Å"white superiority regardless of class. † The truth of the matter is that behind all these justifications, the real motive is money. By 1860, the crop per value of a slave is $125. Enslaved women increase their value whenever they give birth to healthy children. A prime field worker which sold for $600 in 1844 can go as high as $1800 following a cotton boom. All things told, what mattered most is that slavery is profitable.

My childhood memory that still occurs today Essay

I don’t know why I’m surprised about this as it’s happened before and still is today. Looking back at it now has made me a lot more confident and I feel a lot stronger than I was before. This all happened 10 years back from now how I had an operation on my eyes that didn’t go to plan and left me with bad results to my eyes as one was squint and the other was just normal. Knowing I had to go to school with these effects was terrifying, nerve-racking, scary, and I had this gut feeling that I wasn’t going to be good enough for anyone. Every day that went by was emotional and upsetting to not only me but to my mum too as she knew what it felt like to be bullied. Each day I came home from school with tears streaming down my face, she knew something was wrong and as I was so young she had no idea what to do but to comfort me and sometimes it wasn’t always like that†¦ she would sometimes and sit there and cry because she wanted to help and also the fact she hated seeing her children cry/ be upset. From day one I was given a nickname which was named 4- eyed Katherine and now growing up it has came to me that my new nickname is cock-eyed Katherine. As it’s been so long ago that this all started I can actually still remember an incident that happened due to the disaffect in my eyes. The school bell rang for home time, I was so happy to be going home. I remember running to the door with my big heavy schoolbag that was twice the size of me. I waved all the teachers goodbye and opened the door to see a few guys I knew that were in my class standing just outside to the left of the school door†¦I hated each and every one of them that were there. One of the boys within the group said hello so I just ignored him and walked on by then I heard someone shout from the group â€Å"oi, Katherine come here†, I didn’t want to go as I just wanted to get home so I ignored them again was halfway down the playground. After having been ignored twice they decided to come over to me, they all circled around me. Next thing I knew I was thrown to the ground; they all spat on me and called me 4-eyes. I seen that they had on roller-blades, they started kicking me with them†¦it hurt me like mad. By this time I was crying and screaming for help. I could hear someone from the far end of the playground shouting â€Å"leave her aloneâ € , the boys all ran off and I was left in pain, I couldn’t feel parts of my body. One of the teachers came over and helped me up also took me back to the school to get me cleaned up. My mum was called  and was told about what had happened to me .thinking about it gives me butterflies in my tummy. Reflecting back 10 years from now is a huge difference but more to the fact that all the bullying hasn’t stopped as it still proceeds today, just like it has for the past 10 years. As I grew up I learnt that not everyone was perfect; everyone has their own flaws and opinions. Looking back from 10 years to now has mostly not affected me as much as it did before but in reality it’s hard to hold back feelings. As it still happens today I don’t really bother about it as basically I’m used to it but sometimes it can go abit too far and it will eventually get to me. There are times that someone has said something either about me or to me and I just simply walk away as people have their own opinions. I don’t understand why they bully me because if it had happened to them they wouldn’t like it. I still have the nickname of cock-eyed Katherine today, I had to wear glasses ever since I had the operation so it would help my eyes get better but every tim e I took them off everyone just stared at me and laughed and I knew from then that I was going to get bullied and be an easy target. Ever since I had theses glasses everyone kept asking me to take them off just so they could see my eyes and laugh at me. My friends stick by me today and they have for a long time, they have seen me at my worst when all this gets to me and they understand how I’m feeling as they also have been through that stage but not as long as I have though. There is an incident that happened in 1st year where it was in P.E and we were doing swimming, as I can’t really see without my glasses I had to wear them. I jumped into the water and when I rose to the top I noticed I wasn’t wearing my glasses, they must have fallen off and sunk to the bottom of the pool. I turned around to find everyone in my class staring at me and laughing. One pupil had to swim to the bottom and collect them and from that day in high school I was bullied as everyone knew the me under the glasses. I mean there are also times when I am walking in the corridor of school and people just walk by me and say â€Å"look there’s cock-eyed Katherine†, I just don’t listen and just keep on walking. In my own opinion I feel like everyone should be treated equally and fairly, we all came in this world the same way so we should all go out that way too. I would like for all the bullying to stop as I’m fed up of it and it just isnâ€℠¢t fair on me that I’m being picked on when they wouldn’t like it if I were doing it to them.

Paul’s Missionary Journey Essay

The Apostle Paul was the great leader in the momentous transition which characterized the apostolic age, the transition from a prevailingly Jewish to a prevailingly gentile Christianity. Under his guidance Christianity was saved from atrophy’ and death, which threatened it if it remained confined in Palestine. At the same time, by reason of his insight into the truth of the Gospel and fidelity to it, as well as by his devotion to the Old Testament and loyalty to the highest Jewish ideals in which he had been reared, he saved Christianity from the moral and religious degeneracy to which it would surely have been brought if it had broken with its past, and had tried to stand alone and helpless amid the whirl of Greek religious movements of the first and second Christian centuries. In Paul a great force of onward movement and a profound and conscious radicalism were combined with fundamentally conservative principles. Paul appears to have been born at not far from the same time as Jesus Christ. According to Acts, Paul was born in Tarsus (Acts 9:11; etc. ), received the double name Saul/Paul (13:9), and through his family possessed Tarsian and Roman citizenship (22:25-29 (Murphy-O’Connor 32-33). Overall, Paul can be described as an able and thoroughly trained Jew, who had gained from his residence in a Greek city that degree of Greek education which complete familiarity with the Greek language and the habitual use of the Greek translation of the Scriptures could bring. At bottom he ever remained the Jew, in his feelings, his background of ideas, and his mode of thought, but he knew how to make tolerably intelligible to Greek readers the truths in which, as lie came to believe, lay the satisfaction of their deepest needs. At Jerusalem Paul entered ardently into the pursuit of the Pharisaic ideal of complete conformity in every particular to the Law. He was, he tells us, â€Å"found blameless† (to every eye but that of his own conscience), and, he says, â€Å"I advanced in the Jews’ religion beyond many of mine own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers†. With fiery passion he entered into the persecution of the Christian sect, was present and took a kind of part at the murder of Stephen, and undertook to carry on the work of suppression outside of Palestine at Damascus, whither he journeyed for this purpose with letters of introduction from the authorities at Jerusalem (Murphy-O’Connor 52-57). At this time took place his conversion. That he was converted, and at or near Damascus, his own words leave no doubt. â€Å"I persecuted,† he says in writing to the Galatians, â€Å"the Church of God. . . But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me, even from my mother’s womb, and called me through his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the gentiles; straightway I conferred not with flesh and blood: neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me: but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned unto Damascus† (Gal i. 13-17). The change evidently presented itself to Paul’s mind as a direct divine interposition in his life. It came to him in a revelation of Jesus Christ, whereby (and through no human intermediary) he received the Gospel which he preached, and the commission to be an apostle. He refers to it as to a single event and an absolute change of direction, not a gradual process and development; the two parts of his life stood sharply contrasted, he did not conceive that he had slid by imperceptible stages from one to the other. â€Å"What things [i. e. his advantages of birth and Jewish attainment] were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ . . . or whom I suffered† — as if in a single moment —†the loss of all things† (Phil. iii. 7. 8). From Paul’s own words, then, we know that he was converted from a persecutor to a Christian, at a definite time and at or near Damascus, by what he considered to be the direct interposition of God; and it seems to be this experience of which he thought as a vision of the risen Christ (Hubbard 176-77). After Paul’s conversion, which took place in the latter part of the reign of Tiberius (14-37 a. d. ), about fifteen years passed before the missionary career began of which we have knowledge from Acts and from Paul’s own epistles. During this time Paul was first in Arabia, that is in some part of the empire of which Damascus was the most famous city, then in Damascus, and later, after a brief visit to Jerusalem, in Cilicia, doubtless at his old home Tarsus. In this period we may suppose that he was adjusting his whole system of thought to the new centre which had established itself in his mind, the Messiahship of Jesus. With the new basis in mind every part of his intellectual world must have been thought through. Especially, we may believe, will he have studied the relation of Christian faith to the old dispensation and to the ideas of the prophets. The fruit of these years we have in the matured thought of the epistles. They show a steadiness of view and a readiness of resource in the use of the Old Testament, which testify to through work in the time of preparation. Epistles written years apart, like Galatians, Romans and Philippians, surprise us by their uniformity of thought and unstrained similarity of language, in spite of the richness and vivacity of Paul’s thought and style. So, for the most part, the characteristic ideas even of Epliesians and Colossians are found suggested in germ in Corinthians and the earlier epistles. Paul’s epistles represent the literary flowering of a mind prepared by years of study and reflection (Murphy-O’Connor 90-95). At Paul’s missionary journey and the beginning then made of churches in Asia Minor we have already looked in a previous chapter. After his return to Antioch followed that great and pivotal occasion of early Christian history, the so-called Council, or Conference, at Jerusalem, described in the fifteenth chapter of Acts and by Paul in the second chapter of Galatians. At that time Paul established his right to carry on the work of Christian missions in accordance with his own principles and his own understanding of the Christian religion. His relation with the Twelve Apostles seems then and at all times to have been cordial. His difficulties came from others in the Jewish Church. To this we know of only one exception, apparently somewhat later than the Conference, the occasion at Antioch when Peter under pressure from Jerusalem withdrew from fellowship with the gentile brethren, and called out from Paul the severe rebuke of which we read in Galatians. There is reason to believe that the rebuke accomplished its purpose. At any rate, at a later time there is no evidence of a continued breach. The idea of missionary travel had evidently taken possession of Paul, for after returning from Jerusalem to Antioch he soon started out again, and was incessantly occupied with missionary work from now until the moment of his arrest at Jerusalem. Leaving Antioch on his second journey he and his companions hurried across Asia Minor, stopping only, it would appear, to revisit and inspect churches previously established. They were led by the Holy Spirit, as the writer of Acts believed, to direct their course westward as rapidly as possible to Greece, which was to be the next stage in the path to the capital of the world. In Macedonia and Achaia Paul and his companions worked with varying success at Philippi, Thessalonica, Ber? a, Athens, Corinth. At Corinth, the chief commercial city of Greece, the Christians arrived in the late autumn. The work opened well, and Paul remained at that important centre until a year from the following spring. The date of his arrival cannot be exactly determined, but is probably one of the five years between 49 and 53 a. d. While at Corinth he wrote the First and (if it is genuine) the Second Epistle to the Thessalonians. Somewhere about this time, perhaps before leaving Antioch for this journey, the Epistle to the Galatians was written. The churches of Galatia, to which it is addressed, were probably the churches known to us in Acts as Pisithan Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. After a flying trip to Syria and perhaps to Jerusalem Paul returned to Ephesus in Asia Minor, where he settled down for a stay of three years. A few incidents of this period have been recorded in the Book of Acts, and are among the most striking and realistic that we have. They include a remarkable number of points of contact with facts known to us from archeological discoveries, and in no chapters of Acts is our confidence more fully reassured in the contemporary knowledge and the trustworthiness of the writer of the book. While at Ephesus Paul had much communication with Corinth, and wrote I Corinthians, which had clearly been preceded by another letter. There are indications in II Corinthians that after this he found the difficulties in the church at Corinth such that he wrote them at least one letter which has been lost, and made a short, and in its outcome exceedingly painful, trip to Corinth and back to Ephesus. Finally he was impelled by danger to his life to leave Ephesus, and went through Macedonia to Corinth. On the way he wrote, to prepare for his own presence, the epistle we call II Corinthians. Arriving at Corinth in the early winter he stayed until spring. His literary impulse continued active, and to this winter we owe the Epistle to the Romans. Earlier letters had been’ called out by special need in one or another church; in Romans Paul comes nearer to a systematic exposition of his theology than in any of his earlier writings. He knew the importance that would surely belong to the Christian Church of Rome. He had made up his mind to go there. But first he must go to Jerusalem, and there were dangers both from the risks of travel and from hostile men. Of each hind his life had had many examples. Accordingly he provided for the Roman Christians a clear statement of his main position, together with a reply to several of the chief objections brought against it, notably the allegations that his presentation of Christianity involves the abrogation of God’s promises to his chosen people, and that it opened the way to moral laxity. This letter Paul sent as an earnest of his own visit to Rome. He had been for a year or more supervising the collection by the churches of Asia Minor and Europe of a contribution for the poor Christians at Jerusalem; the gentile churches should thus make a repayment in carnal things to those who had made them to be partakers of their spiritual things. This contribution was now ready, and Paul himself with a group of representatives of the chief churches took ship at Philippi and Troas for Jerusalem. The voyage is narrated in detail in Acts, evidently by one who was a member of the company. At last Paul reached Jerusalem, and was well received by the church; but, followed as he was by the hatred of Jews from the Dispersion who had recognized the menace to the Jewish religion proceeding from the new sect, he was set upon by a mob, rescued only by being taken in custody by the Roman authorities, and after a series of exciting adventures which will be found admirably told in the Book of Acts, was brought to C`sarea. There he stayed a prisoner for two years and more until on the occasion of a change of Roman Governor his case was brought up for trial, when he exercised the right of a Roman citizen to appeal from the jurisdiction of the Governor to that of the imperial court at Rome. It was late autumn, but he was dispatched with a companion whom we may well believe to be Luke the beloved physician, and from whom our account certainly comes. The narrative of Paul’s voyage and shipwreck, of the winter on the island of Malta, and the final arrival at Rome early in one of the years between 58 and 62 a. d. is familiar. It is the most important document that antiquity has left us for an understanding of the mode of working an ancient ship, while the picture which it gives of Paul as a practical man is a delightful supplement to our other knowledge of him(Murphy-O’Connor 324). In Rome, while under guard awaiting trial, Paul probably wrote Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, and the circular letter, seemingly intended for churches in Asia Minor, known to us as Ephesians. They show some new development of ideas long present with him, and some new thoughts to which his other writings give no parallel, and the style of some of them has changed a bit from the freshness of Galatians and Romans; but these are not sufficient reasons for denying that Paul wrote the letters. They are, indeed, as it seems to me, beyond reasonable doubt genuine. The Book of Acts ends with the words, â€Å"And he [Paul] abode two whole years in his own hired dwelling, and received all that went in unto him, preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, none forbidding him. † This period of two years is sufficient to include the composition of the four epistles to which reference has just been made, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, and Epliesians, the so-called Epistles of the Captivity. What happened at the expiration of the period? Apparently Paul’s case, long postponed, then came to trial. Did it result in his release or his execution? The evidence is meager and conflicting, and opinions differ. It is perhaps a little more likely that he was released, and entered on further missionary work, probably carrying out his original purpose of pushing on with the proclamation of his Gospel to the west, and establishing it in Spain; but of this period there is no narrative. If after two years Paul’s imprisonment at Rome ended with his release, as the absence of well-founded charges against him would lead us to expect, he must have been later again apprehended, probably in connection with the persecution artfully turned against the Christians at the time of Nero’s fire in July of the year 64. It is probable that he was beheaded, to which privilege his Roman citizenship entitled him, and that he was ultimately buried on the Ostian Way at the spot where now stands the splendid basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.