How Far Was the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905?

How far was the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, responsible for the outbreak of the 1905 Revolution? The Russo- Japanese War, although an important rationale for the outbreak of the 1905 Revolution , was caused by many other problems which made a foundation for the War as well as the Revolution. Due to the War the economy suffered, adding on to the problems that Russia was already facing from a lack of preceding modernization, making this very important as the majority were affected causing them to revolt.Furthermore, Russia lost against Japan in the War portraying the Tsar as weaker compared to how he was already viewed by the population, making this another very important factor as the Russians felt they needed a stronger leader and in distress turned to extremist political parties. In addition another important factor is, the extremist parties in particular, felt that the autocratic rule of the Tsar was causing Russia to suffer, seeing that the people were not being heard resulti ng in them gaining extremist views and rebel.The Russo- Japanese War was a short term factor, which was only partly responsible for the outbreak of the Revolution. The Russian military lost miserably to the Japanese and this was a huge blow to the Russians as due to censorship, they had always conceived the Japanese to be inferior and weaker, making them certain that they would win. The defeat was seen as national humiliation, helping to cause unrest towards the Government and making the Tsar look weak, giving encouragement to the revolutionaries.In addition the overall cost of the War was very high, meaning that the already suffering Russian economy was plummeted further into trouble resulting in the tarnishing of the state finances made by Witte. However, it mainly helped to prolong the Revolution as many of the events of the war took place after the Revolution had begun. Long before the Russo-Japanese War had begun, Russia was still facing Economic turbulences and this is one of the main contributors to the outbreak of the Revolution.A revolt by the Peasants who were discontent due to only small individual plots for each family being distributed and bad harvests meant that there was massive industrial growth, resulting in an economy boom and building expectations of a better life for peasants . An industrial ‘slump’ caused social discontent of economic misfortune as Russian peasants and workers forced the uncertainty of poverty and poor living conditions. This caused major resentment to the Tsar both in industry and agriculture with his social and economic regime.In addition, due to Russia being backwards, even under Witte the Russian economy had failed to reach or exceed the output in production of goods as the other Great Powers although being the largest continuous land Empire. The low production in goods meant that Russia’s trade also suffered. The overall state of the economy meant many problems which were causing much unrest such a s poor living conditions were left unresolved and the resentment towards the Tsar continued to grow. Russia was under autocratic rule and this is also one of the main contributors to the outbreak of the 1905 Revolution.Autocratic rule was disliked by many as many people believed that under the Autocratic rule Russia was suffering and there needed to be a change in the way the country was led in order for the country to progress. This caused many political groups to gain extremist views. The extremist groups such as the Social Revolutionaries became very popular as they wanted to give political power to the peasants, who made up 80% of the total population and solving their problems would mean that the whole of Russia would benefit greatly.This shows that the groups were becoming more organized and strategic in the way they worked as they were targeting the biggest problems, in addition in order to gain publicity and get their message and views across, political groups were responsib le for over 2000 assassinations which included the Interior Minister, Plehve and the Tsars Uncle, Grand Duke Sergei, the Governor of Moscow.Furthermore, the demand for political reform continued growing as just like the Russian economy, Russian politics was also backwards and unlike other European states, Russia had elected bodies being the Zemstva, instead of an elected national parliament. This meant that the Russian population had no say in how the country was run which angered many and in turn meant that they supported extremist political groups in an attempt to force political change. Alexander ii’s reforms were also partly responsible for the outbreak of the War.Although the Emancipation of Serfs Act was passed in 1861,the peasants were still not completely free as they could not leave their villages without permission from the elders. The fact that they also had to pay redemption payments for 49 years added to their animosity towards the Tsar. In addition, landowners h ad to sell their land to the Government, meaning that they were in great debt and like the peasants their resentment towards the Tsar continued to grow. Due to Russia’s economical state many of these problems continued to grow as did the resentment.The weaknesses of Nicholas ii, although not as important as the other factors such as economic and political, also influenced the outbreak of the Revolution. As Russia was under autocratic rule, the majority needed to be under his control. This was very hard for Nicholas as he was very shy and timid, not qualities the Russians admired in their leader. His image was also affected by events such as the Russo-Japanese War as the result meant that Russia’s pride was damaged. Bloody Sunday also affected how he was viewed by his Country as he had been accused on turning against his own people.It was also said that he had no political knowledge, which many people blamed for Russia’s turbulences. Therefore people saw him unfi t to rule. Bloody Sunday was only minutely responsible for the outbreak of the Revolution as it was merely a spark. Although it was only a short term cause it had a damaging effects that angered many. Although the Tsar was not present at the time it still harmed his popularity as he was no longer the ‘Little Father’ who was on their side and would listen to them if they petitioned.He had destroyed the trust causing them to revolt. In conclusion, the Russo- Japanese War, although important as it highlighted and added to many of the issues already present in Russia, was merely a factor that prolonged the Revolution. The most important factors were the Economical and Political, as they showed Russia’s latent issues whereas the War made people more aware. The Russo- Japanese War itself was a problem that helped merely to prolong a revolution that would have occurred even without it.

Fancy Versus Fact: A Study of Two of Dicken’s Characters Essay

Charles Dicken’s novel Hard Times is a commentary on the shortcomings of the Mid-Nineteenth Century England’s Industrialization Era, which favored the development of human beings into machines, without having any emotions or imagination. The characters in this novel have allegorical shades and represent two different ‘types’ of people; two different kinds of products of the industrial age. For instance, Thomas Gradgrind is the main character of the novel and represents ‘facts’. In contrast, Cecilia Jupe aka Sissy’s character stands for ‘fancy’ or imagination. Thus, both these characters represent two different philosophies or lifestyles. Through these characters, Dickens has tried to question how fact differs from fancy and why fancy and imagination form an important part of one’s personality and development as a human being. Gradgrind is an educationist and represents a faulty educational system comprising only factual knowledge and measurable information. As a member of the parliament of Coketown, he is using this educational system to mass produce slaves for the town’s factories. The pursuit of facts served an ideal purpose to the human beings in the Utilitarian society of the Mid-Nineteenth Century England. Gradgrind sees Sissy as an unpromising and unfit pupil due to her inability to respond to factual knowledge and refers to her merely through her roll number. Although being a part of such an educational system, Sissy refuses to be defined or influenced by it. Her strong personality, imagination, and compassion make it possible for her to not only to rise above the system but to lead a meaningful life and to reach out to others around her in their hour of need. For instance, she is able to help Louisa realize what is missing in her life all along; she helps Tom too in his time of need and also takes care of the other younger children of Gradgrind. Thus, her character has a pronounced redemptive, motherly quality, although she was abandoned as a child by her father. According to Leavis, Sissy’s character is the embodiment of ‘fancy’ and has a special part to play in the fable and she â€Å"is wholly convincing in the function Dickens assigns to her† (235). In an age of industrialization, where schools are acting like factories and churning out pupil who are duplicates of one another and are no better than machines, Sissy represents a gentle but firm assertion of morals, values, and compassion. By the end of the novel, her happy and peaceful life in contrast to Gradgrind’s own children’s unhappy lives makes him realize how wrong he has been about her and everything else. He then abandons his pursuit and belief in facts and tries to seek solace in values like Faith, Hope, and Charity instead. The learned thus becomes the learner.

Leadership and Organizational

I. Introduction The Housing Authority was created to provide safe and sanitary housing for low income families. The position of an area clerk is to provide administrative support to the property manager and maintenance staff so that their focus would be on the development and the residents. The lack of maintenance professions motivation and effort to complete work assignments efficiently has caused issues in our developments. Public housing was established through the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Public housing comes in all sizes and types, from scattered single family houses to high-rise apartments for elderly families. There are approximately 1.3 million households living in public housing units, managed by some 3,300 HAs. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers Federal aid to local housing agencies (HAs) that manage the housing for low-income residents at rents they can afford. HUD furnishes technical and professional assistance in planning, developing and managing these developments. II. How can we motivate our Maintenance professionals? Maintenance professionals are not completing their assignments efficiently. They are not organized and detailed when handing in work orders. Our backlog is always over 200 days old and is causing our development to be looked at by upper-management. We are not maintaining the property as well as providing sanitary housing to our residents. III. Analysis of the Problem? The lack of management to supervise and maintain regular performance meetings with maintenance so that they will no what they are needed to complete on a daily basis. The lack of performance appraisals and updates on performance has caused maintenance to feel that their work performance was not an important role in the organization. IV. Leadership and Organization behavior Concepts We as an organization need to learn how to be effective managers and leaders. â€Å"Leadership is a process by which a person influences others to accomplish and objective and directs the organization in a way that makes it more cohesive and coherent†. (Don Clark, 2010) In order for us to recognize the differences in our organization we have to become effective team leaders. We have to recognize that having a team with a diverse group of people we gain information. Stated in our class text, â€Å"†¦Membership diversity offers a rich pool of information, talent, and varied perspectives that can improve team problem solving and increased creativity.† (John Wiley & Sons, 2008) Leading to the increase in employee productivity and the increase in employee morale. V. Solutions and Alternatives to the Problem There are three possible solutions that Jane may choose to implement in the organization. They are employee recognition programs, Incentive programs, and Weekly team meetings. We chose to use Employee recognition programs to further motivate our maintenance professionals. We will implement an employee newsletter stating the employees that are receiving recognition for efforts about the job. Also, there will be award ceremonies where employees will be given awards for the best development or most improved development. VI. Reflection An organization can only develop a group if their team of employees’ work hard. We all play a role in the organization. Everything is handled by maintenance they manage the site and now what is going on with our residents. They are ones outside dealing with everything without them we will have no source of the issues we face with our residents (crime, sub leasing, etc.) We should recognize their efforts and bring their morale up so that they could be motivated to do their job and we can work as a more cohesive team. Reference http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/leader/leadcon.html

Critical Thinking And Decision Making Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Critical Thinking And Decision Making - Essay Example The way my grandmother narrated her story allowed me to catch a glimpse of her past, which somehow reflected the pathos of the speech. It’s difficult to separate my emotional attachment with her and the pathos of her story, but I remember not feeling any form of pain or suffering from her speech; what I felt was sympathy. The logos, meanwhile, consisted of some information about the past and present states of education in the country. It was not widely different from what I had seen on books, newspapers, and news programs. She presented generally accepted truths about education instead of making logical connections among different premises. The speech had strengths and possessed several areas which can be improved. The main rhetorical component which made the speech persuasive was the ethos. My grandmother lives a very successful life which mirrors her values and beliefs about education. In addition, our emotional connection highlighted the otherwise absent pathos in the speech. My grandmother did not express any form of emotional appeal but I subtly sympathized with her experience. I think the logos could have functioned better if my grandmother drew logical conclusions from her experience with good education. A dramatic experience, meanwhile, could have firmly established the pathos of the speech. Assessing my grandmother’s speech improved my understanding of the three rhetorical components. A speech can be persuasive even if it stands on only one component (i.e. ethos in the case of my grandmother) but it would be more effective if it draws on the strengths of the other two components. I also realized that pathos need not be established as long as the speaker is emotionally connected with the

How do you evaluate a stock Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

How do you evaluate a stock - Essay Example The P/E ratios are compared only in organizations within the same market or industry. The price to sales ratio (PSR) should be near one. It is computed through dividing market capitalization by revenue of the most recent trading period. It is most suitable for analyzing stocks in the same sector. The Return on Equity (ROE) illustrates the returns for shareholder’s equity. It should appropriately be more than 10%. The ratio illustrated the effectiveness of the company in generating profit per equity unit. The earnings growth should be a minimum of 10% higher than the previous year. This trend should be illustrated in several years. The higher the growth, the more investments returns. The debt to asset ratio illustrates that debts should be equal to or less than 50% of the assets. This ensures appropriate levels of leverage across several companies. The greater the ratio, the leverage degree is higher hence results to financial risks. The returns on assets for Wal-Mart and Costco in the trading period ended 2014 are; 7.86% and 6.50% respectively. The performance of Wal-Mart is thus higher due to the greater returns on assets. The returns on equity for Wal-Mart in 2014 are 21%, and that for Costco in the same period is 17.79%, thus Wal-Mart illustrates the most appropriate value. Risk identification is very important in ensuring higher investment returns. The investors and fund managers usually quantify the forecasted losses of the stock investments and then adopt appropriate actions in relation to risk tolerance and also investment approaches. The risk assessment involves the study of several factors in relation to growth, profitability, low valuation, and the fiscal strength. A stock possessing all the illustrated characteristics is the most appropriate for investments (Horcher 3). The risk management techniques ensure successful stock trading. The trading profits can be safeguarded through simple strategies like; trade planning, take-profit points,

Power and Politics in Leadership Group Paper Essay

Power and Politics in Leadership Group Paper - Essay Example Some examples of entrepreneurial and powerful leaders include: Bill Gates, Tony Horton, Ann Eliza, and Hitler among others. The reason as to why these leaders have been noted in history is very simple. Even though each leader has their own style of leading, all these leaders have been blessed with both charisma and a vision (Lesinski, 2006). This paper will focus on Bill Gates and Ann Eliza, Jennings of Swain Island (American Samoa) Bill Gates is the chairman, co-founder and chief executive officer of Microsoft Corporation which is the leading software provider for personal computers in the world. Bill Gates has accomplished and earned various titles as a well known manager. He was given a â€Å"Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire† title by Queen Elizabeth. Bill Gates was also contracted by the IBM for the development and establishment of their first personal computer. He is referred to as an American Business Magnate and emerged the richest person according to the survey completed in 2008. Bill Gates has used various leadership styles in his management of the Microsoft Company. For instance the autocratic style; he has a nature of control in his practice of management. He is obsessed with checking up and detail. Bill Gates is trying to have the whole world monopolized in form of World Wide Web software market. He has had some few legal problems with the justice department. He through Mic rosoft restricted other internet partners’ ability to deal with its rivals (Lesinski, 2006). Bill Gates does not like complaints. Another leadership style he uses is the delegate style; Bill Gates had skills of choosing suitable employees for recruitment and retention of the best talent ever in the industry of software. He strongly believed that recruiting talented software engineers is one of the major critical elements in

BUSINESS MODEL INTERROGATION & DEVELOPMENT Case Study

BUSINESS MODEL INTERROGATION & DEVELOPMENT - Case Study Example The company owns four business subsidiaries, Enterprise Solutions Group (ESG), End User computing (EUC), Dell Services and Dell Software. The EUC unit caters to the end users with laptops, notebooks, tablets and third party software applications along with other computer equipments and peripherals (Marketline, 2014). The rapid growth of technology over the past two decades has opened up prospective business opportunities for the company. The usage of computer devises in the global perspective has increased exponentially over the years and is likely to increase further in the coming five years (Census Bureau, 2013).The global revenue generated from the personal computer industry has increased to $427.12billion as of 2013 from $410.04 billion in 2012 (Morningstar, 2014). This indicates that the overall personal computer market is likely to grow in the near future. Over the years, the computing devices have evolved and the advent of mobile computing devices has changed the global usage of computers. Therefore, Dell has changed its product development strategies and has focused on laptops and tablets. The stock prices of Dell over the last 10 years suggest that the company has been quite profitable till 2008. However, the decline of stock prices started to accelerate after 2008. The stock price took a deep down turn in the first quarter of 2009 and again in the last quarter of 2012 (Google, 2015). After the last decline in the share prices, Dell has managed to restore its business, thereby increasing its share prices. The decline in the stock prices was mostly due to the increasing competition in the personal computer market. The growing usage of computing devices has attracted a lot of player in the market like Lenovo, Asus, HP, etc. This as a result had drastically increased the challenge for Dell, thereby degrading its sales volume which in turn decreased its share prices (Statista, 2014a; Myers, 1977). The organizational structure is characterized by a

Artist and manager Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Artist and manager - Essay Example A year later, he worked in partnership with rapper B.o.B on Nothin’ on You and core-wrote Travis McCoy’s Billionaire. These two debut hit songs were Top Ten hits. Bruno turned this impetus in his favor launching a solo profession with his debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans. I met Bruno Mars by booking a hotel room where the he was staying (Bruno Mars 1). Being a musician tremendous, it is virtually felony that people are permitted to ply music for a living. But like felony, music does not normally pay. To get the gigs that pay, and keep getting them, musicians require to exude a high level of professionalism that is frequently a lot less alluring than the sexy life of a celebrity. Bruno Mars follows directions well Since most musicians make a living playing music for other people, they have to excel at what those individuals want. Whether the artist is hired to play a wedding, be studio musician, they have to excel at taking directions. More often than not, those directi ons are defectively communicated by individuals that do not understand music, but an expert musician understands how to translate any sort of instruction rapidly, without getting frustrated, and make the patron satisfied and happy. Bruno Mars is well organized In a nutshell, a professional musician keeps a calendar and learns how to tell time. There is nothing more annoying that tardiness. Furthermore, an artist possibly needs to keep track of huge quantity of material. Many sidemen play in manifold bands and have to learn unique music by song-composers than hire them, and cover for concerts. Bruno Mars has good communication skills When handling with individuals that do not understand anything about music and not much about the trade, an artist should be capable to lead most of the conversation. Offers recommendations, draw up contracts, and understand how to say what they want without coming off as impatient or greedy (Allen 13-21) SWOT analysis for music industry The beginning of just about every marketing strategy is history begins with what is understood s a SWOT Analysis. Even if I don’t always do it properly, a SWOT analysis is the best way to deal with Bruno Mars’ current status in a market and what the next steps must be. Having one in handle will assist me to establish what the steps of my client’s marketing plan must be and how best to approach the 2-3 months of marketing for Mars’ brand. SWOT analyses are separated into two classifications: internal and external. The strengths and weakness of Bruno Mars brand are things the band can regulate and the chances and threats are things that are outside my control. It is essential to acknowledge this fact when attempting to decide which steps to take moving forward. As Bruno Mar’s manager I like to utilize the SWOT analysis to take a hard look at a band’s present status. The analysis does not to have to be long, but I want to understand that real strengths, weakne sses, opportunities, and threats the musician has. This specific SWOT analysis is done based on Bruno Mars’ new album release (Macy 23-45). Strengths Twitter following: 17, 374, 406 YouTube view count of 100, 000 views each video release for the last 2 months Local press has positively covered the artist in the past Weaknesses The artist has not tour sponsors Not sufficient money to pay for national publicity campaign Live performances have not been set up in a touring route. This makes

Gun control policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Gun control policy - Essay Example The government should control the usage of guns; license policy for guns should be strictly implemented. Drug addicts, mentally challenged people etc are the fundamental reasons to control the usage of guns. Gun Control policies: The production and licensing of the Guns should be controlled: Usually governments use to increase the budgets for the purpose of buying weapons and for defense purpose. The main motive of that policy is to ensure the defense and security of the country. But they are forgetting the main facts, these weapons could be misused by criminals, terrorists etc. For example, we can take the situation in United States. â€Å"A school going kid brings gun to school, and he showed his friends† (The Messenger-Gazette 2011). Some kids tried to sell the gun inside the school compound. This is the best instance showing us that the guns and fire arms are reaching in the wrong hands. Proper licensing and strict laws should be implemented to prevent this danger situatio n. In countries like Pakistan, there are Gun selling streets and shops; anybody can buy guns and other weapons from those shops with out license. â€Å"The market is made up of a warren of small barren brick factories; where upwards of 1,000 guns are manufactured every day, mostly by hand† (Pasternack 2011). All this would lead to dangerous situation and uncertainty. The government should take maximum effort to control the manufacturing and buying of guns.

Act Violations in Afghanistan Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Act Violations in Afghanistan - Assignment Example I also found it interesting that despite USA’s great investment in establishing peace in former war-torn Sudan (Sudan and South Sudan), there has never been any penalty as a result of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations in that country. Last but not least, the ability of the interactive map to provide information about FCPA violations penalties in both numerical and visual item such as color and boxes was quite captivating and fun to me. I was very surprised by the magnitude of fines associated with FCPA violations in the Consulting sector. This figure was the largest among all the sectors which recorder payment of the penalties. I was also amazed that the Health & Pharmacy sector highly contributed to bribery in South America which is a continent adversely affected by poor health systems and status. Bribes increase the cost of operations and thus, bribery costs must have increased cost of health care in South America. This is quite a surprising and a saddening statistic. I agree with Linda about fictitious revenues. They are simply revenues reported that never occurred. This means that they could be inflated revenues or just fakes revenues. To add on her exhaustive post, I would like to add on the ways in which these fictitious revenues can be identified. One of the major red flags is an unusual increase in assets aimed at concealing these non-existent revenues. Contact details of customers such as physical addresses and phone numbers also become unavailable. Lastly, fictitious revenues can be detected by drastic changes in ratio patterns due to fictitious revenues. On the other hand, I disagree with Adrienne’s post.

Moral Living Synoptic Question Essay Example for Free

Moral Living Synoptic Question Essay In this essay it is my intention to examine the theme of moral living within the Old Testament and the Celtic Church. Morality refers to ethical issues. It is the quality of being in accord with standards of right or good conduct. It is a system of ideas of right and wrong conduct. There are two interlinked themes of religious morality and social morality under moral living. The foundation of moral living within the Old Testament is the Sinai Covenant. Whereas, the basis of morality in Celtic Church is Saint Patrick; his moral base was always routed in his scriptural beliefs. Moses, for example, made a covenant with Yahweh on Mount Sinai, the principles from which are the foundation for the Judah Christian faith today, where he received the Ethical Decalogue (10 Commandments). As Drane states, â€Å"the commands were essentially moral requirements. Honesty, truth and justice were more important to Yahweh than the performance of religious rites.† Love of God and Love of Neighbour were the two commandments at the core of the Ethical Decalogue. The first three commandments central religious morality however, the last seven focus on Love of Neighbour and Social Morality. Winward states, â€Å"no man could be in a right relationship with God who was not in a right relationship with his fellow men.† The people of Israel had an obligation as the chosen people to obey the Ethical Decalogue. Abraham was called by God to give up his polytheistic ways. God promised Abraham that he would never give up on him. As Heinsch states, â€Å"he had to journey to a foreign land alone trusting in God’s guidance.† If Abraham fulfilled this request God promised him three things, Great Nation, Land (which was Canaan) and Protection. At this time, Abraham worshipped the popular moon god, â€Å"sin† and was to break with idolatry and become monotheistic. Epstein stated that, â€Å"Abraham turned to the service of the one and only God whom he recognised as the creator of heaven and earth.† Abraham’s love of the one true God and his change from idolatry reflects similarities with Saint Patrick. Patrick arrived in Ireland to a pagan country. The people of Ireland were idolaters in that they worshipped as many as 400 gods, with the main god being the Dagda (the father). The Celts held such things as the sun, trees, groves, water and birds to be sacred. Joyce states that they had the tendency to â€Å"find the divine in all of created nature.† Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland to transform the pagan people to monotheism. He wanted them to worship and love the one true God. Patrick adopted pagan practice to Christian tradition, for example, he changed the worship of the â€Å"sun† to the â€Å"son.† Patrick wanted the people to become monks and virgins for Christ. He advocated that true worship of God required to be newly baptised (converted from paganism to Christianity.) Patrick wanted the people to convert freely; they were never forced as the decision to become a Christian had to come from the heart. When Patrick left a place he made sure he left a building (church) to be used for communal worship. Like the Old Testament prophets, Patrick expected his ordained to be good role models to the people. Unfortunately in the Old Testament the religious leaders did not always do this. Ezekiel, for example, was to inform the people that God was going to hold the religious leaders responsible as they had led the people astray instead of encouraging them to worship only Yahweh. God told Ezekiel to prophesy to the leaders, â€Å"shepherds have been feeding themselves, should not, you the shepherds feed the sheep.† In tandem with this, the prophet Elijah also had to deal with the people of Israel’s idolatry. He was aware that there was a lack of steadfast love due to the people worshipping both Yahweh and Baal (god of fertility.) Elijah challenged the people about this saying, â€Å"how long will you go limping with two different opinions?† The people needed to stop worshipping both Yahweh and Baal and were to only worship the one true God, Yahweh. Elijah had little sympathy for the people worshipping both Gods. He challenged King Ahab to a contest on Mount Carmel between Yahweh and Baal to determine who the true God is. Elijah had a great victory as Yahweh won, usually this would be celebrated but instead, Elijah went to Mount Horeb as he knew the people’s change of heart of Yahweh as the one true God was temporary and this was not good enough. True love of God was required. In line with this, Patrick also challenged the pagan people’s ways through their worship of Dagda and Lugh. It took a long time for the pagan people to convert to truly worshipping one God. Paganism continued to exist alongside early Christianity 100 years after Patrick. Amos spoke out about social injustices, he stated, â€Å"let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.† Amos spoke about respect for marriage, something which King David lacked. He had an affair with Bathsheba and committed the sins of lust, adultery and murder. He was punished for this as Yahweh was to â€Å"raise up evil against you out of your own house.† David’s son died as a result of his sins. Similarly, Patrick also showed a respect for life. He spoke out about injustices such as slavery and condemnation of wealth in his letter to Coroticus. Patrick respected women and this was reflected in the Letter to Coroticus. In L19 Patrick expresses his concern for women. The women were taken as captives, to be distributed â€Å"as prizes.† Patrick makes it clear that the fate of Coroticus and his men is to be â€Å"lorded over† for all eternity by those whom they regarded to be â€Å"barbarian Irish.† In L4, Patrick also speaks up against murder and slavery – he grieves for those captured and killed and calls the perpetrators themselves â€Å"captives of Satan† the punishment met out to them will be â€Å"external life in hell.† To conclude, Christianity is now one of the leading world religions and therefore the mission of both the prophets and Patrick was successful. There will always be a call for people to repent and convert to Christianity with a return to a moral life.

Aggregate Demand and Supply Models Essay Example for Free

Aggregate Demand and Supply Models Essay As it stands currently the existing effect of the economic factors on aggregate demand and supply are: unemployment, consumer income, and interest rates. In this paper we identify the existing effect of the economic factors on aggregate demand and supply. The American people have little to no income when unemployed, this in turn causes a decrease in demand for the economy. This type of event causes the aggregate demand to curve to the left. One of the main reasons unemployment remains high to this day is the lack of demand. A shortfall in aggregate demand is precisely the type of issue that can be addressed by monetary policy, however, to do so we need continuous monetary stimulus to progress toward maximum employment stability. The crash of the housing market has set tremendous limitation on consumer and their spending. Sternness on behalf of the government to a certain extent has decreased aggregate demand during this recovery period. These actions have directly impacted growth. What this means to us is that lower government spending and higher taxes call for disposable income for consumers, work for government contractors diminishing, and a decrease in government payroll. Another factor that has had great effect and impact are the levels of uncertainty. The events leading to this state have yet to be resolved which in turn have caused a lack of willingness and confidence within consumers. In the beginning the levels of uncertainty reflected the force of influence the recession had on us as consumers . This is something that had not been experienced in several years which made it difficult for us to handle or even find a way to get by in a more successful demeanor. After extensive research and analysis it is safe to say the supply-side considerations explain some of the rise in unemployment, which once again confirm the lack of demand as well as the fact that the economy is suffering first and foremost of a weak demand rather than a shortage of supply. References Williams, J. C. (2013, February 25). The Economy and Fed Policy: Follow the Demand. Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Retrieved from http://www.frbsf.org/economic-research/publications/economic-letter/2013/february/economy-fed-policy-follow-demand/ Thoma, M. (2012, March 28). Demand, not supply, is restraining the economy. CBS News. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505123_162-57405230/demand-not-supply-is-restraining-the-economy/

The business strategy of talent management

The business strategy of talent management In todays world when the global economy is striving to recover and re-stabilise the growth, many of the organisations are hit by a major crisis in the area of talent management. In an attempt to save them from being subjected to huge debts and liquidation, many of the organisations made quick moves in removing their employees on a large scale from the rolls during the peak of recession. There were no set criteria for terminating many of them. In some cases, certain employees were terminated for the reason that they were too costly for the organisation to maintain them in rolls. Many of those organisations hardly recalled the great work those employees had done, in contributing to the success of those organisations in the past before recession was hit. At least few among those organisations decided to forget the fact that those highly paid employees are the master architects in their organisations. Had they been retained, those organisations might have recovered from recession much qu icker. This is where the talent management would play its role to strategically retain the highly potential and key employees, recruit new competitive talents and remove those employees who were adding no value to their organisations. Talent management would be the key business strategy in such a scenario. INTRODUCTION Talent management has been a prevalent concept in the administration of organisations since many decades. However, in the recent past this concept has changed its dimension from being merely observed from the point of recruitment, to an array of areas like organizational capability, business success, individual development, performance enhancement, succession planning, leadership accountability and more. It has developed as a business strategy in todays highly competitive world. In many organisations Talent management has become the top priority for the management and HR today. According to Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the forces driving Talent management are the external issues and internal demands which include but are not limited to highly aggressive global markets, demographic trends, shortage of skills, corporate governance and business strategy(CIPD, 2010). Every industry needs to recruit and retain the right kind of people with the right set of skil ls. This is where each organisation should strategise their approach on talent management in line with the industry in order to ensure that their employees are delivering the best performance. Organisations want to ensure the value for money by evaluating the talent invested by the work-force and managing their talent pool consistently. Lawler states that, for a talent management system to be effective, the fit between the employee and the employer has to be right, and mere recruitment and introduction of highly qualified people to the organisation alone does not add much value (Lawler .E.E ,2008). Many of the huge multinational companies feel the need to advance their talent mix rapidly and more effectively as they do realise the need to take their organisation a step further ahead along with the continuously changing business environment around them. DEFINTION In simple terms Talent Management is getting the right people with the right skills into the right jobs. CIPD defines talent management as the systematic attraction, identification, development, engagement/ retention and deployment of those individuals who are of particular value to an organisation, either in view of their high potential for the future or because they are fulfilling business/operation-critical roles (CIPD,2010). It is also told that talent management should begin with the identification of key positions that delivers sustainable competitive advantage to the organisation. This way there has to be more differentiation in the roles within an organisation which would create an exceptional impact by those individuals who would deliver sustainable competitive advantage to an organisation against the average backups. These people are important for the successful continuity of the organisation. A highly efficient HR structure has to be in place to fill in the key positions w ith these highly talented key people. Once these steps are taken, appropriate HR policies should be deployed to ensure that the individuals who hold the key positions in an organisation are supported with key HR policies for them to deliver results successfully (Human Resource Management Review, 2009). TALENT MANAGEMENT: EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES If an organisation has a strong talent management plan, which is aligned parallel to their business strategy, then there are higher chances that they would achieve their business success. Talent management and business strategies of an organisation can further be strengthened together through several small but regular events that happen in an organisation, laying attention on talent enhancement and through constant interaction of senior leaders with the employees. This way, management could keep the employees informed of where they are heading towards as an organisation, how they want the organisation to stage their performance and finally what the organisation expects from the employees, to take their firm to success. Talent reviews are conducted in depth while organisations use strategic workforce planning. They also re-position talent to different levels to achieve future needs, try to come up with a mix of the available internal talent pool along with the new hires from the external talent pool. They always make a deliberate attempt to retain the critical talent the organisation possesses and at the same they ensure that business strategy is on same page with the human capital strategy. Talent management strategies should be aligned to the strategic business objectives with the support from the management, co-ordination between departments, through the resources made available to the employees, performance review mechanisms and a common platform to share (The Conference Board, 2010). Different departments have to adopt different strategies which suit their functioning within an organisation. FEATURES OF TALENT MANAGEMENT STRATEGY According to CIPD, following are the key features of talent management strategy. i. Aligned to Corporate Strategy Talent management strategy should always be closely aligned to corporate strategy. It is necessary to take into consideration both internal and external factors while a talent strategy is designed. As mentioned earlier talent management strategy varies from industry to industry. Hence, the HR management team should have a clear picture of the strategic analysis from the business perspective to create a talent management strategy that suits its industry. ii. Narrow and Broad Approaches Some organisations decide to focus on developing talent according to the current situation and need. In such cases it can be noticed that the attention is laid only on certain departments or specific positions or some particular processes and projects. On the other hand there are certain organisations which prefer to take a holistic approach to talent management where in they try to spread the focus on the entire workforce in an organisation. There is nothing right or wrong about either of these approaches. It just matters on which approach suits their organisation the best for the time being. However, it is imperative to ensure that fairness and consistency are the key ingredients of all talent management processes. To enable the organisation to draw talent from all the possible sources, talent management processes should be highly diverse. iii. Involving the right people 1. Human Resources Team HR team provides the basic structure and design to develop the pathway to talent management strategy that would encompass the requirements of an organisation. An HR team can play an active role in this process only by directly coordinating with all the other groups involved in this design. 2. Senior Management Team The key senior managers and directors in an organisation have a major role in this process, as they represent all the functions, departments and aspects of an organisation. They work closely with the HR team to set the direction to the talent management strategy. 3. Line Managers Line managers also play crucial roles in almost every phase of this process, as they are immediately responsible for the management of performance and identification, development and retention of talents within their teams. Emphasis has to be laid to convince the line managers to view talent as a corporate resource and not just as a local resource limited only to a particular frame. 4. Employees They are the participants and they play a major role in this process. It is their talent which is managed through this process. Hence, it is vital to seek for their feedback in designing the developmental process. Their feedbacks are of great value for the talent managers and organisation to continue, improve or if required re-design the organisations talent management strategy. ROLES OF SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND HR The management of talent within an organisation should ideally start from the senior management level. A good amount of their time and focus has to be spent on talent management. The emphasis they give on talent management varies from industry to industry. According to Lawler, senior managers need to focus 30-50 percent of their time on talent management, and may be even more would be essential if the organisation is a professional service firm (Lawler .E.E, 2008). The adequate planning they carry out on human capital allows the senior management to assess the impact, the qualified talent available in their organisation make on business strategies, performance and success. In todays highly competitive environment, business leaders can no longer have a notion that, it is the responsibility of the Human Resources Department alone to assess, filter, encourage and retain the talent in an organisation. Senior leaders need to stay focused continually on bringing in and retaining the talent which would lead the organisation to the success in the midst of constant changes in the market. Management and the human resources department of an organisation should have transparent discussions in terms of human capital to have a clear understanding of organisations direction. Such discussions enable them to gauge the depth of the qualified talent pool available in their organisation and what their requirements might be in the future (The Conference Board, 2010). MANAGING TALENT ON DEMAND Peter Cappelli through his book Talent on demand presented the four principles of managing talent on demand. According to Cappelli, Talent management has some failures. The mismatch between people (supply) and skills (demand) is one among them. This literally means that there is a very huge pool of employees on one side, because of which there is recruitment, layoffs and restructuring happening. On the other side there is very limited talent and skills available that could hardly fit into the need. This mismatch is posing a big threat to the organisations. Cappelli suggested a new approach which has a clear goal in place as the first step. This approach describes the goal of talent management as a pathway which leads the organisation to achieve their objectives, which is the business success. Achievement of objectives is made possible through the recognition, quick response and resolution of the problems that organisations face. These problems mainly arise through the rapid change in the markets and the highly aggressive global environment. In response to these rapid changes, organisations make quick changes in operations, strategies and structures. These decisions are not always made with a clear strategy in place. However, a delay in response in taking a decision might prove it quite costly too. As mentioned earlier major risks in talent management are 1) the mismatch between the employees (supply) and skills (demand) and 2) cost of losing organisations investment in talents, when an employee cannot be retained in an organisation. Cappelli states that the basic aspect of the new model is that it accepts uncertainty as an eternal element in the business world that could react and adjust to the changes. The new model is built on the techniques used in Operations Research, Supply chain management and Business forecasting. Keeping in mind uncertainty as the biggest challenge, Cappelli has formulated four principles of managing talent. (Cappelli.P, 2008). Principle 1: Make and Buy to manage demand According to Cappelli, there are two different aspects for risk. One is the unpredictable nature of the outcome of a risk and the other is the cost of the outcome. Managing risk by evaluating the costs of various outcomes is easier than trying to reduce the uncertainty. Bringing this to the context of talent management, it is possible to estimate the loss, that could be caused when an internally developed talent leaves an organization. This loss outweighs the cost of recruiting a new talent from the market. Cappelli explains that the costs of the uncertainty in this case could be dealt either by developing the internal talent (making) or by hiring talent from outside (buying). This way through the internal development and external hiring, the risks and related expenditure could be minimised. Principle 2: Reduce the uncertainty in the talent development This principle revolves around the means to minimise the uncertainty linked to the prediction of demand for talent. The business forecasting techniques are less advanced to handle these predictions in the fast changing and highly competitive environment. Predicting those positions which would be vacant in a long term and finding a people internally to fill those vacancies may not be the right approach. It is almost impossible to predict such business situations ahead. It is better to develop a larger talent pool with a wider spectrum of competencies that can fit into the new vacancies that come up, with the help of basic training and coaching. Cappelli suggests that shorter forecasts are better than longer ones as they are easier to be predicted and tackled. Hence, training a group of employees, keeping in mind a set of developments which would occur in the next couple of years may not produce the desired result as the prediction cannot be accurate. However, training a group of emplo yees for a shorter term would benefit more, as that training would be functionally specific to the current context. New trainees could also be added to the group if someone leaves. Principle 3: Earn a Return on Investments in Developing Employees The recovery of investments in talent is tough, when the need for their skills over a longer period of time is not predictable. It can also happen so, that the employee acquires numerous skills from an organisation and leaves them abruptly. According to Cappelli, it is wiser to recruit smaller groups of employees for a shorter period of time than recruiting a larger group as it is easier to forecast the need for talent required for a shorter period. Getting the employees share the costs also is a means to recover the investments. Employees could be given options to take up talent development programs voluntarily, which they could attend after their regular work hours. This skill enhancement would benefit the employees and the organisation and at the same time would save the regular working hours of the organisation as well. Yet another approach to develop employees, concentrates more on the benefits, the organisation would gain than the cost factor, through the contributions received from the employees by getting them onboard quicker. Principle 4: Balance Employee Interests by Using an Internal Market Earlier employees were not given the option to choose their career decisions within an organisation. This approach lead organisations to trouble as the talented employees left them and found opportunities in other organisations with ease. To retain their employees, many organisations have introduced the approach of internal job boards which provides flexibility to an employee to change jobs internally. With the introduction of internal job boards, employers have left the concept of career planning for their employees. The drawback noticed in this approach is that the employer doesnt possess much control over their internal talent (Cappelli, 2008). Cappellis concept of talent management focuses on the objectives of the organisation. It has a unique way of managing the risks posed by talents that has risen from the unpredictable nature of the business demand and high volatility of the competitive global markets. This approach of talent management throws light upon the ways to recover the investments made on employees and also the importance of internal job movement which retains the talents within the organisation itself. CONCLUSION As seen throughout the essay, talent management has been always regarded as a strategic element in the functioning of an organisation. In the earlier days it was viewed more from the perspective of recruitment, and HR was the only team involved in talent management. However, this trend has changed over years and talent management is open to a wider spectrum of people today, positioned at the different levels of the hierarchy and multiple areas of an organisation which includes the key senior management, line managers and the participants apart from the HR. Further looking into the latest trends and approaches which are introduced in the talent management strategy, it is absolutely evident that Talent Management has evolved as a business strategy over years and it is no longer considered as an approach to HR that will help companies implement business strategy. Every talent management strategy discussed in the modern context relates directly to the growth of an organisation in a highl y competitive world. Today, Human capital is considered to be the most valuable asset of an organisation which controls its growth. In such a scenario there is no wonder that Talent management has evolved as a strong business strategy.

Effectiveness of Signals Intelligence :: essays research papers fc

EFFECTIVENESS OF SIGNALS INTELLIGENCE Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) has access to many traditional and non-traditional dynamic elements that provide superior capabilities to collect and monitor visual, seismic, and acoustic signatures of motorized vehicles. SIGINT is the only system that can be operational and maintainable in any type of climate and terrain, which provides an advantage over the United States’ (U.S.) adversaries. The process of obtaining the intelligence starts with the collection of any type of signal, whether it be infrared, electro-optical, or electronic. After the signals are collected, analysts encounter the tasks of cryptanalysis, transcription, traffic analysis, and translations of the enemy information systems; analyst then determine size, location, distance, and terrain features. The data is usually processed in overlays and graphic displays within the United States. End products are then populated into National databases for the use of the Intelligence Community. The increasing utilizatio n of computers, the internet, satellites, sophisticated encryption, and cellular telephones have streamlined effective and accurate Human Intelligence (HUMINT); implementation of Signals Intelligence has became an important role to maintain superiority over adversaries. There are many agencies that have the ability to perform Signals Intelligence, electronic reconnaissance and most of all signals intelligence from all available sources inducive to the environment. The United States Army uses the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) as its main entity for signals collection. The Joint STARS platform was designed to provide a highly effective, real-time, collection tool to the ground task force commanders during battlefield engagements, but for the past ten years, the sensor has been used for peacekeeping missions. Army analysts can predict the enemy’s behavior by identifying choke points, potential avenues of approach and operating patterns such as supply routes and logistical points. The analysis gives the ground commander a more complete view of the enemy’s weaknesses. The United States Air Force employs the Joint STARS in a different mission than the Army. The Air Force uses Joint STARS as a battlefield managem ent tool versus a collection tool as used for by the Army. The Air Force uses the platform to provide immediate and direct support to the Air Component Commander and continue to observe the enemy’s movement from a far distance in the sky. Providing essential data to commanders such as size, direction, and speed of the adversaries, with minimum casualties while under battlefield conditions, makes the Joint STARS an extremely effective tool. The Air Force also employs the Predator vehicles, which are unmanned aerial vehicles that are used for reconnaissance.

A Comparison of The Rape of Lock and The Eve of St. Agnes :: comparison compare contrast essays

A Comparison of The Rape of Lock and The Eve of St. Agnes    The differences between eighteenth-century literature and romantic poems, with respect to history is seen through the works of John Keats and Alexander Pope.   Two important works are, "The Rape of Lock" and "The Eve of St. Agnes."   Alexander Pope takes his readers on a hatred filled epic.   A robust piece of literature and love induced psychoses in, "The Rape of Lock."   On the other hand, "The Eve of St. Agnes" told a tale of life, love, death, and eternal fate in heaven.   These two brilliant writers have given two magnificent poems.   Pope exhibits many characteristics of a narcissistic human being.   His independence in life shows through his writings in fiction.   Which inevitably portray his deeper feelings of life.   Popes' efforts here are of outstanding quality.   However, his poem did fail to convince Arabella to rà ©sumà © her engagement to Lord Petre.   Most of Pope's efforts here were written with time.   Now, Keats has romantically serenaded his reader with descriptive lust and desire, which can be compared with popes' efforts by the difference in eighteenth century literature and romantic poems, their descriptive natures and ideas they portray to the reader through their writing.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pope has written an eighteenth-century poem which he calls, "An Hero- Comical Poem."   This poem has exalted an over all sense of worthlessness for common rules.   The mentioning of Achilles and the ever-popular Aeneas, are symbols of Pope's Gothic style.   Pope speaks (almost) G-D like throughout, "The Rape of Lock."   Contrary to Keats, who is more down-to-earth with his sense of realism in his writings.   In the beginning of Keats romantic premise to life in St. Agnes, all is cold.   The opening sequence brings a sense of realism to this bitter cold scene.   Cold owls, rabbit's, and numb fingers on a holy, "Beads man."   The Beads man symbolizes the sense of age and spirit.   Much of this poem is a test of Keats inner soul or spirit.   He has lead himself to St. Agnes for his own personal account of life in a time long gone.   Keats' romantic style has brought visionary raw emotion to the aching hearts of all his readers.   Then,

Death And Corruption In Hamlet Essay -- Corruption in Hamlet

Harold Blume said it best when he said, â€Å"Hamlet is deaths ambassador to us.† Throughout Hamlet, we have the images of death, decay, rottenness, and corruption pressed upon us. The imagery corresponds with the plot of the play perfectly, all culminating with the gravedigger scene. The corruption images illuminate the actions of the people in Claudius’ court, beginning with Claudius’ own actions. The beginning of the play lets us know that it is winter with Fransisco’s statement that it is â€Å"bitter cold† (1.1.6) This may be an allusion to death in itself – things are dead in winter. The guards speak of the ghost and we know right away that we have a supernatural theme, as well as a theme of death. In act 1 scene 2 we get the impression that King Hamlet has been gone for a while. Gertrude is already re-married and is happily out of mourning clothes. Gertrude even tells Hamlet, who is in full black mourning clothes, to cheer up. Good Hamlet, cast thy nightly colour off, And let thine eye look like a friend on Denmark. Do not for ever with thy vailed lids Seek for thy noble father in the dust: Thou know'st 'tis common; all that lives must die, Passing through nature to eternity.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  (1.2.68-73) Hamlet does not feel that it is time for him to shed his wretchedness just yet. The impression given is that it has been a long time scince the death of the old king and only Hamlet still clings to his memories and grief. After everyone leaves, however, we find out all the sordid details about the new King and Hamlet’s mother. Hamlet begins the rottenness imagery right away when he compares the world to â€Å"an unweeded garden that grows to seed; things rank and gross in nature posses it merely.† (1.2.135-6) He is utterly despondent and blames his mother and uncle for not feeling the way he does. He is the one who points out that the old King, his father, has not been dead long at all – only a month in fact. He rails over the fact that his mother could be so fickle, marrying again so soon. The affront is ground even more sharply into his frail sensibilities when she marries his father’s brother, his uncle. The fact that the two of them could be so jolly s o soon after the death of his father just staggers him. He predicts t... ...ferences to death are true references and not just imagery.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Alexander died, Alexander was buried, Alexander returneth into dust; the dust is earth; of earth we make loam; and why of that loam, whereto he was converted, might they not stop a beer-barrel? Imperious Caesar, dead and turn'd to clay, Might stop a hole to keep the wind away:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  (5.1.192-7) Hamlet is coming to terms with his own mortality and realizing the true physical destiny. He finds irony in the fact that a king could become a meal for a peasant, a seal for a beer-barrel, or a patch to keep wind out of a dwelling. Hamlet shows us that life is to be viewed without prejudice. It does no good to go about life with only your own interests in mind. He saw the rottenness and corruption that comes of that and it broke him. He loved his father and to see him so maligned was heartbreaking, especially coming from those who should have loved him most. That revelation shattered Hamlets ideal view of the world.

How Far Had the Bolsheviks Created a ‘Totalitarian State’ by 1924?

A totalitarian state, is a where the central government of a state does not tolerate any parties with opposing views and exercises complete dictatorial rule over all or most aspects of life. Lenin, the leader of the Bolsheviks, took many measures in an attempt to create a totalitarian state, including the dissolution of Constituent Assembly, the use of decrees and the establishment of a secret police group called the Cheka. However there were also some ways in which he failed to achieve full totalitarianism.The most basic characteristics of a Totalitarian state, are lack of free speech and state control over the media. This is important to establish social control over the state. Lenin's described free speech as ‘bourgeois prejudice', and thus ensured strict control over the media and speech. Understanding the role of propaganda to strengthen his rule, he established the Pravda. The Pravda controlled what media was available to the public and who could utilize it.The Bolsheviks were in reality the only group aloud to publish propaganda, and groups such as the Mensheviks, were not aloud to publish. These rules meant that no negative material about the Bolsheviks could legally be published, and all the public would ever see, would be positive Bolshevik propaganda, increasing their support. This is a key characteristic of a Totalitarian state, and thus is evidence that the Bolsheviks had successfully created a Totalitarian state. Another common aspect of a totalitarian state, is the establishment of a secret police force.Lenin had created a terror police force called the Cheka. Shortly after the establishment of the Bolshevik government, a period knows as the ‘Red Terror' saw mass killings, torture and oppression conducted by the Cheka under orders of the Bolsheviks. This force meant that Lenin could assert his physical authority over the people and counter any opposition. To supplement the secret police, Lenin also established a system of Gulags and L abour camps, specifically aimed at the opponents of the regime. These would house and contain any ‘enemies' of the Bolshevik rule.The creation of the secret police and the establishment of the gulags and labour camps, are signs that Lenin had created a successful totalitarian state, and could assert physical control over the people. The introduction of War Communism during the Russian Civil War, is evidence of Russian moving towards a Totalitarian State. Many aspects of War communism were totalitarian in nature. For instance the creation of a Supreme Economic Council, formed to take complete control over the Russian highlights the central control over the most vital aspect of the state, that the Bolsheviks enforced.Other measures include the requisitioning of excess grain from the Peasants. Many of these policies were met with opposition, particularly among the agricultural peasants. This opposition was in turn met with brutal force, which was another example of the nature of complete state authority. War communism continued on until the end of the Civil war, by which time the Bolshevik forces had succeeded in crushing all opposition. The success of the red forces meant that Russia was a step closer in becoming a Totalitarian state, as they were now the most powerful party in Russia, with complete control over all its territory.Upon the creation of the USSR, Lenin introduced new rule that would ensure greater totalitarian control. Only communists would be able to stand for the soviets, and so this meant that the communist party had the true control over the government. Lenin had also created a ban on internal political factions, during the NEP. He called this ‘democratic centralism'. This ensured that Lenin and the Bolsheviks had strict control over all communists.Alongside the ban on other political parties, these measures are extremely totalitarian in nature, and centralised government control and authority to a high degree, ensuring Lenin and th e Bolsheviks had complete political control over the country. There were however many limits to the Bolshevik control over the country. The totalitarian control that the Government enjoyed with its ‘War communism', was lost by Lenin. The introduction of the NEP, showed Lenin was prepared for loosening economic control in favour of growth to save the economy.The abandoning of ‘War communism and the introduction of the NEP, shows the Bolsheviks losing control over the economy, and capitalist control emerging. Corruption was thus aloud to prosper, as many took advantage of the loser controls. The failures of the NEP and the corruption it introduced offers evidence of the Bolsheviks failing to create a complete totalitarian state. An important factor when considering Bolshevik totalitarian control are the events of the Kronstadt Rebellion. The naval base at Kronstadt were among Lenin's most loyal supporters, and home of the revolutionary Baltic fleet.However they had become disillusioned with Lenin's rule, and made certain demands, notably the end of the special position of the communists and the restoration of free speech. Consequently the base rebelled. The loss of authority over an entire base, and dangerously close to Petrograd, the capital, is a severe sign that the Bolsheviks did not maintain complete totalitarian control over the state. It could be argued that Lenin lost much totalitarian control, because of the weakening of his Leadership. In 1922, Lenin faced his first serious illness, that affected his leadership.An example of his weakening leadership, can be found when examining Joseph Stalin, the General Sectary. Up until Lenin's illness, Stalin had been a strong supporter of Lenin, and did not significantly oppose or cross him. Lenin highlighted his loyalty when describing as ‘that brilliant Georgian'. However when Lenin began to fall ill, Stalin began to oppose many of Lenin's policies. Accompanying this were divisions within the pa rty that grew stronger when Lenin fell ill. This highlights the loss of control that Lenin had due to his illness, and thus is evidence that he had not created a true Totalitarian state.The Bolsheviks under Lenin's leadership had indeed taken steps to create a Totalitarian state. The removal of all and any opposition from the political ‘arena', the establishment of the Cheka and Gulags all helped to strengthen the central control of government over the state. However aspects of the NEP, political divisions, and rebellions from apparently his most loyal supporters, showed how certain aspects were not completely controlled by the state, and thus that Lenin and the Bolsheviks had not created an entirely Totalitarian state.

Advantages and Disadvatages of Modern Technology

Today’s society is heavily influenced and affected by technology. My paper will explain and highlight many advantages and disadvantages of technology on society. It will discuss some ways it can hinder reputations and how private matters can become public property because of technology. My paper will also reveal how technology can bring people closer together, although many people may beg to differ. Today’s society is driven and greatly influenced by technology. This can be a beneficial fact, and it can also be detrimental and yield major problems. Whether one is using a digital camera in order to snap a photo of a precious moment, or whether one is sneaking and videotaping an embarrassing video that will last forever, these are components of technology that effect society because it effects people. It is in the eye of the beholder of whether technology has more or less advantages than disadvantages on society. My paper will discuss some advantages and disadvantages of technology on society. There are many advantages of technology. Technology allows people to email, text, talk on the telephone, mow the lawn, vacuum carpets, blend food, straighten hair, add numbers, and the beneficial list goes on. Without technology, people would not be able to keep in touch with loved ones as easily; they would have to physically walk and talk face-to-face because cars would not even exist to deliver letters. We wouldn’t be able to cook many of the foods that we enjoy and that are nutritional. Mothers-to-be wouldn’t be able to see digital images of her baby nor hear its little heart beat without the power of technology. Many jobs, such as graphic†¦

The Canterbury Tales

There are many characters in the poem The Canterbury Tales, and some of them are more important than others. The Prioress, The Wife of Bath, and the Pardoner are some of the most important characters. They have some similarities and some differences, though they all have a purpose in the story. The Prioress is a bashful, sensitive, emotional woman. She overreacts over any small tragedy such as the death of a small animal. She is compassionate and proper. The Prioress wears a broach with the inscription All things are subject unto love. She is foolishly sentimental and pays harsh attention to manners. She struggles to be well mannered and sophisticated but it is all phony. Chaucer describes her as the image of absolute beauty and righteousness of the day. She is a gentlewoman with a simple and coy smile (91). Her nose was elegant, her eyes glass-gray, her mouth small, soft and red, and her forehead fair of spread (93). She likes to eat, and she will not let any morsel go untouched. She speaks French very well, has perfect table manners, and likes being proper. The Prioress s behavior is scarcely nun-like, although it is not evil or exactly disobedient. She maintains some of the vainness of her pre-convent days, but this is because she is such a well-bred young women. The Wife of Bath is the most flamboyant of the travelers and she thinks very highly of herself. She was a plump, elaborate, jolly, bold, lusty, and voluptuous woman. She symbolizes Chaucer s grandmother. The Wife of Bath ahs been married five times and is looking for her next husband. She is a weaver and makes fine cloth. She wears bright red clothing of different variations, meant to catch the attention of others. The Wife of Bath is opinionated and energetic. She is the most noteworthy of the travelers low on the social scale. Chaucer indicates that she is quite promiscuous. The Wife of Bath shows off her body, mainly her legs. She displays her Sunday clothes with immense pride and makes sure to announce herself conceitedly. She speaks of ten of the upper hand a woman must maintain in marriage, and claims to know the remedies of love, or the rules of the game (100). The Wife of Bath appears to be a controlling wife, who wants nothing but authority over all men. She is a very envious woman, who desires only a few simple things in life. The Wife of Bath desires the obvious in life, but what she most desires above all is being more powerful than her man, her spouse, and her lover. The Pardoner is an audaciously dishonest man. He is extremely self-loathing yet loyal to his task of swindling people of their money by making them believe that they have sinned and need to buy pardons. Chaucer compares him to a gelding or a mare (104). Chaucer makes it clear that it is difficult to tell if the Pardoner is a man or a woman. He could not grow a beard, he did not wear a hat, and his hair was fairly long. He is a hypocrite. He tells people they have sinned and need to purchase a pardon from him, while the whole time he is sinning. He is one of the worst and disrespectable of all the travelers. He was very graceful and in church he was a noble ecclesiast (104). He liked to sing and he would sometimes get tips for it so he sang a lot more. These three characters do not act like they are suppose to. The Prioress does not keep her vowels of the convent well, the Wife of Bath does not keep her commitment to her husbands, and the Pardoner does not keep his vowel to do justice. They are all self-centered and don t care about anyone else. The Wife of Bath and the Pardoner are worried about having money and being in control (power). The Wife of Bath and the Pardoner are evil and do wrong things. The Prioress and the Wife of Bath both want a man, though the Prioress isn t allowed to have one. The Prioress is quieter than the Wife of Bath and the Pardoner. She also is has not done bad things like the other two have. The Wife of Bath is more controlling than the other two because she wants to be in control of everything. The Pardoner tries to get money out of people by lying to them about their sins. Although these three characters have a lot in common, they have differences too. Though they are some of the lowest in society, they are some of the most important characters in this poem. The Canterbury Tales This affect of creating characters who are unaware of how they are perceived by others is expertly shown in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. The narrator of the story establishes that he too is also a character. In his book, even though he calls himself Chaucer, the reader should be cautious to take his words as his own opinion. In the Prologue the narrator depicts himself as an amicable character, but then he is blamed to be sullen. Relying on his memory, the narrator describes his impressions of the other pilgrims based on whether or not he likes them, and what specifically he chooses to remember, or not to remember. This method is referred to as a unreliable narrator. In the case of the â€Å"Pardoner† Chaucer's narrator is a very unreliable character. Proving this, the Pardoner sings â€Å"Com hider, love, to me! a ballad with which is accompanied by the Summoner, degrading his already questionable virtue of a man that works with the Church. Presenting himself as a man of ambiguous sexual nature, the Pardoner further challenges the social normalcy of the the Church. The Pardoner also takes with him on his journey to Canterbury the tools of his trade, which are objects that are used to deceive others in to thinking they are worth more than they appear, like the other pilgrims on the trip. The Pardoner finds out that special relics are valued on this pilgrimage, and he wishes to make a profit any way he can by selling materials to the other pilgrims whether it be pieces of paper with promises to forgive their sins or animal bones to ward off evil. Furthermore, the Pardoner preaches a sermon on greed that illustrates his own hypocrisy. The narrator is unable to see how the Pardoner deceives those around him, and fails to see who he really is thus showing the reader how the narrator of the story cannot always be trusted, but provides the reader with an interesting angle.

Financial Crises Essay

I have literally found a solution for all Americans struggling to mitigate their personal financial crises this day. They cannot just sit back expecting the government and business to work wonders. It is time for them to take personal responsibility for the economic downturn. Orwell (1945) was correct when he wrote that â€Å"All animals are created equal but some animals are more equal than others,† actually referring to human beings whom scientists refer to as animals. Throughout the history of humanity, people have generally known that they were created equal. And yet, there have been separations, discriminations, dissimilarities, and inequalities, for the reason that God, Nature or Evolution – depending on what we choose to believe in – did not grant equal abilities, talents, and gifts to all human beings. Some men are richer and more intelligent than the others. Some are born deaf, dumb, and blind. And, some must rely on income support because they just cannot beat poverty on their own. Then there are those who neither care that others remain poor nor hold themselves back from buying things they may or may never actually use – simply because it is fashionable in our consumer society to purchase unnecessary things as these objects make the individual who purchases them appear as though he or she belongs to a high socioeconomic class (Twitchell). As though this is not ridiculous enough, our consumer society enjoys humorous advertisements about products rather than people as the source of all personal satisfaction (Kilbourne). No wonder the divorce rate is high, compounding personal misery during the current economic recession. Undoubtedly, advertising is a hallmark of capitalism. In other words, it is a representative of Mammon. We generally assume that we cannot imagine a world without advertisements because ads represent the human need to enjoy life to the fullest with the best of food, clothing, etc. But, Kilbourne’s article, â€Å"Jesus is a Brand of Jeans,† reminds us that this need does not have to exist beyond our changeable minds. Yes, it is possible to imagine a world where publicity is meaningless. In this view of the world, everybody must be satisfied, without some of the people envying others, some others enjoying chocolate cake, while the rest grieve because they did not get a piece. Most importantly, in a perfect world we would not have to hoard in order to appear rich and famous to the others. Rather, we would be content with ourselves without feeling the need to impress others with our higher incomes, statuses, etc. If we are able to change our mindsets in our consumer society, we would not even have to save up to attend classes in â€Å"happiness institutes† (Schumaker). This would definitely lighten our personal financial burdens through this economic mess confronting our nation. Moreover, regardless of what we possess at present – if we honestly long to get through our personal financial crises – what if we try to share the little that remains with us, be it our skills or funds, with those that are less fortunate? This seems like yet another scientific technique to change the mindset of the consumer society. It is all possible, after all. This is America. Let us get through our personal difficulties with the American Dream formula! It has worked. It still works. It would always work. Sincerely, Name References Kilbourne, J. Jesus is a Brand of Jeans. Chapter 11: Consumer Society. Orwell, G. (1945). Animal Farm. London: Secker and Warburg. Schumaker, J. F. The Happiness Conspiracy: What does it mean to be happy in a modern consumer society? Chapter 11: Consumer Society. Twitchell, J. B. Needing the Unnecessary. Chapter 11: Consumer Society.

American Education Is Better Than Chinese

Online Education Online education has a lot of benefits to get a credit or a degree for the college students. There is a lot of uniqueness of online education, which are flexibility of timing and providing a comfortable environment and so on. Most of college students are working (Kingkade, 2013). It means that their time is pretty much limited, so the flexible timing online classes are really helpful to progress their education (Open Education Database, 2012). And also online education might give†¦ models which are Chinese education and American education. Some people have the same experience around me are often used to compare these two educational models. Then I am prepared to express my views from my personal experience. In china, many people think that American education is more developed than Chinese Education, because American education is more freedom and more emphasis on integrated education. Although these are the advantages of American Education, Chinese education still has unique†¦ Reading this book was an enriching experience. I had initially thought that the West was generally better than the East because westerners would have learned from prior experiences, such as the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and the slavery. Prior to reading this book, I was infused with the idea that westward expansion was one of the greatest occurrences in America’s history. After finishing this book, however, I realized that although the West significantly contributed to America’s history,†¦ helps us decide what is important and what is not, what we have time for and what we do not. However, having too much order can lead to too much focus on planning rather than on the experience. There is one thing everyone has to have order in their lives to achieve: the American Dream. The American Dream of living fuller and better than before can only be achieved through three parts: reaching financial stability, maintaining healthy relationships, and having financial mobility. Steve Jobs had some of†¦ desegregated Chinese public schools, and reassigned students to other schools. At the time, Asian parents protested the move, because in the Asian schools, students could learn about their cultural heritage. The early 70s built on the political gains from the 60s with the election of Norman Minetta as mayor of San Jose, California, and Marion Lacadia Obera became the first Filipina American to be appointed judge to the Los Angeles bench. In 1974, March Fong Eu became the first Asian American woman ever†¦ I am a student who comes from China, so I observed Chinese education and American education. During this time, I found the differences and similarities between Chinese and American college are how the relationship between students and instructors determines the classroom environment, exam, tuition and the activities in our spare time. The relationship between students and instructors determines the classroom environment. In China, teaching in the classroom is the most respected career. Students†¦ Taking Good Action in Different Societies Obviously, I am more of a Chinese than an American, but since I spent most of my past five years in a high school in Alabama, I understand a lot more about Alabaman society than about Chinese society. Therefore, it is no surprise that every time, when I return to Shenzhen, China, for summer holiday, I will be surprised by almost everything. I believe this is due to both the rapid development of this young city and of myself toward maturity, which enables†¦ Today, education is an essential part of life. Education is seen by many cultures as the single most influential factor to success. The country with the largest population in the world, China, has a culture that sees the great importance of education. Many Chinese families decide that the best way to get education for their children is to pack up and move to a new country, like the United States. The availability of education to all in America is one of the main allures to Chinese immigrants. The†¦ believe that the development of education is very fast. Moreover, education became the most important thing people must get, if they want to get a job opportunity in this globalization era. However, what is the meaning of education? It is â€Å"the knowledge or skill obtained or developed by a learning process† (The Free Dictionary, 2014). People can get an education wherever and whenever they are such as family or school education. As we know, the highest level of education in the school followed by people†¦ For decades now people have been saying that the U.S. education isn’t good enough; it is continuing to fall lower and lower, but who is blaming the education system, the government, to take away from the â€Å"bigger picture†. American government needs to stop blaming one group of people, and hold everyone in America at fault for what is happening in the global market; it unmotivates the people by blaming the workers it makes them want to work less, the same goes for students if a teacher fails to hold†¦

Curruption in Indonesia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Curruption in Indonesia - Essay Example Even reducing poverty to a more substantial extent would be an accomplishment. But the slow pace of getting out being free from corruption at a higher level would require addressing deeper issues that Indonesians themselves must know and realize as they face the problem. This paper will provide a more thorough discussion to these claims. One cannot separate the issue of corruption to political and economic liberation. Indonesians have fought corruption as evil towards their march to liberation. First, they had their political independence after World War II from the Dutch (Crouch, 1985) leading to democracy that would empower them politically and economically but the march seems to be slower than desired. Eradication of corruption levels, which are considered high using the standard used by the Transparency International is something that the vast majority of Indonesians themselves want to happen as they see corruption as an evil (World Bank, 2003). With the proposition that that corruption can the affect the ability of a nation or state to deliver basic public goods to its citizens, there is good reason to stop corruption if Indonesians are to enjoy the benefits of their acquired political freedom. If these people cannot get the essential services and the rules that allow their society to function successfully, they would always remain in an economic condition that is less comparable to developed ones. It would mean failing in the very purpose of their government by making a few to have good life but making many of the poor to suffer. If left uneradicated or not reduced to manageable level, corruption is expected to tax most the poor and the vulnerable Indonesia’s greater majority by creating high macro-economic risks. To illustrate, this would result to government not being able to collect the correct taxes that are due from its citizens and failure to do so could affect

Corporate Finance Investment Banker Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Corporate Finance Investment Banker - Essay Example The age of globalization has also opened up new paths for this career. My multi-lingual abilities can prove invaluable in the area of foreign investment when dealing with contractors and clients in differing areas of the world. My interest in the cultures of other countries will aid me in researching the policies, laws, and business traditions necessary to cooperate anywhere on the globe. These talents will be especially valuable as I become involved with international mergers and acquisitions. The dynamic market conditions of China make it particularly suitable as an environment to do business in and I plan to expand with it in the coming years. I hope to become a point of contact for the mutual cooperation between Chinese corporations and industries from around the world. Being a Corporate Investment Banker also has a more pragmatic side that lends itself to the ability to work well with other people. Decisions are often based on consensus and it is important to enlist the support of all participating parties. I possess the insight required to bring together differing viewpoints and am able to offer unique solutions that satisfy the requirements of the interests of everyone involved. This is important when trying to balance the client's requests with the fiscal responsibility you have to senior officials. A failure to accommodate all concerns can result in a poorly budgeted project or missing a deadline for a key decision. It requires the thorough examination of the various facets of the problem to be able to offer a unique solution to a complicated problem in a timely fashion. The talent to solve problems is centered on my talent for paying attention to the details and being thoroughly organized. I meticulously plan projects and anticipate any possible problems or areas that may place the outcome in jeopardy.

PERSONAL STATEMENT FOR UNI IN THE UK Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

PERSONAL STATEMENT FOR UNI IN THE UK - Essay Example I have had my education in different countries such as Emirates International School in Dubai, British School Of Muscat in Oman; SABIS in Lebanon, and Brooklands Collage, Weybridge in UK. I have achieved the ability to speak fluent languages both oral and written. The languages are English and Arabic. I also understand little Armenian and French. In addition to education and employment, I am involved in extracurricular activities such as basketball and football. I was a team captain of the basketball team. I have also had an opportunity to work with The Royal family of Kuwait as a Personal Assistance in London. This has been of great benefit to understand the business concepts and political influence in the international environment. In 2008, I had a chance to work with ATV Mechanic, Yamaha in Muscat, Oman. I have also had an opportunity to work in a hospitality industry as a waiter. I am an independent individual and self motivated and dedicated to my studies. I have been eager to learn new things since I was 10 years. I have been able to work hard in my academic level to be able to contribute to developing the society. My education in Brooklands Collage has benefited me with knowledge of the UK political system and the desire to contribute to in real life activities. During my years in collage, I have taken part in social and economic conferences. I have been able to contribute and share ideas on the current affairs in both the political and economic aspect. Politics and economics has been an obsession of mine from the time when I was 13 years. My insight of politics and economics grew when I had the opportunity to travel to some parts of the world. I have come to understand that the world is not a compilation of state but it is a society that is diverse from the culture and beliefs (Frantzich et al. 2009, p.109). The economic recession

Comparison between Confucius and Lao Tzu Research Paper

Comparison between Confucius and Lao Tzu - Research Paper Example The teachings associated with Confucius can be considered as concepts of human activities and they contain five fundamental messages. The initial message demonstrates two key components which are Zen and li. The concept of Zen points toward humanity and benevolence while li addresses rules and decorum. According to Confucius, li was the greatest manifestation of Zen despite the fact that Zen is attained through li. This means that the capability to abide by rules and decorum was the most favorable way to display respect and regard to the authority figure and the environment inhabited by individuals. The second message associated with the teachings states that an individual who is honest and decent should obey the authority and avails a set of morals for people in authority. These two mechanisms demonstrated the opinions held by Confucius concerning the framework of the state as well as the manner in which the community is organized socially. The third message carries Confuciusâ€℠¢ warning to human beings against possessing anything that will make their characters become extreme. Confucius perceives the center as being the most favorable position for an individual. The fourth message addresses issues of power and Confucius considers that it should be based on the ideology of justice. In essence, he blended the ideas of power and justice into one concrete formation. The final message argues that the human beings have to be completely involved and realistic to the religion they confess.

A fundamental concept of modern architecture Essay

A fundamental concept of modern architecture - Essay Example e architecture in the modern period not only created house and public buildings that combine beauty and technical aspect of social efficiency, they also ensured the buildings were economical in all ways the architecture operating in the modern period were successfully blending technology with expressive style, history with science, beauty with practicality. These are elements that completely changed the building environment in ways that are still discernible today. This is an historical argument paper about the modern architecture. It is based on the definition architecture according to Siegfried Giedion and the development of the space, time and architecture concepts. The definition of modernist architecture is still an issue of debate between the art historians and other critiques. In Space, Time and architecture, Giedion argues that there is an apparent chaos in the state of culture that has been brought about by contradictory tendencies between the enormous technological and industrial development and peoples values. There is a need to feel the gap between the advances in the humanity in the realm of thought and realm of feelings. The emergence of the modern architecture in the early 20th century has been a matter of debates and arguments among different architecture historians and other critics. It is believed that the modern architecture and movement emerged in the late nineteenth century and was completely formed in the 1920s, just before the World War one began. Modernism has been understood differently by different authors and critics in architecture history.2modern architecture has been reflected by such publications as The international style by Hitchcock and Johnsons that was published in 1932 and 1995.Pevners works titles Pioneers of modern design of 1936 and Space time and Architecture that was published in the 1941 and 1982. The contemporary accounts of the modern movement provide a contrasting view. These more architectural historians

Criminal justice Mini study Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Criminal justice Mini study - Research Paper Example The research problem in this context can be recognized as the conduct of graffiti by gangs in community such as in schools. Conceptually, graffiti refers to certain writings or drawings made on the walls of the communities asserting messages of threat. In various cities of the nations like in the case of New York, the police officers have been assigned to look after this issue. Thus, in this regard, graffiti in the community is the research problem to be identified (Maxfiled and Babbie 237-238). Reviewing the prior research. Prior research refers to the study of the current situation of the problem of graffiti with reference to the available data. This step of planning gives more attention on the selection of data collection method and also gives a clear view of the measures to be taken for solving the problem. Relating to this aspect, the notion of units of analysis specifies on the identification of the problem through the conduct of researches based upon primary along with secondary data (Maxfiled and Babbie 237-238). Research findings of content analysis of graffiti in community. Research findings will contain the implications of the problem i.e. conduct of graffiti in the community. This provides much attention on the goals and the rationales of the study conducted on graffiti in the community. The other aspect concerning the formation of content analysis require to be taken into concern is that the study must not be too limited towards manifest content and also not much extended towards latent analysis. Manifest analysis gives more importance to the goal of the study, whereas latent analysis focuses upon seeking independent evidences. With regards to the problem of graffiti, it can be affirmed that this problem must not only be identified, rather proper solutions to eradicate this must be found out and implemented (Maxfiled and Babbie 237-238). Planning of coding system for the study. This planning step focuses upon the establishment of

Project management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Project management - Essay Example There will also be constraints if sponsor has not described all the details required for the development of the system. It will therefore mean that more rework will be done which will cause further delay to the project. Constraints will be experienced if key-decision makers will be difficult to contact when issues arise in the project. This will cause time wastage in the project execution. It is expected that these decision-makers will be reachable at any time and in all the development phases of the project. Another constraint that might arise is if the project members will be new to the environment and may take time to learn the new developing environment. This will cause the delay to be experienced in the project execution. Project management services. (2009). Project management process inputs, tools and techniques, amd outputs organized by process groups. Retrieved Febuaryr 25, 2012, from Project management services: