Extemporaanous Writing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Extemporaanous Writing - Essay Example Should you approach it from all these angles, you will be effectively undermining the very notion of competitive advantage, that is, the unique advantage which each market/economy, has over others. Therefore, in order to guide you towards your decision, I will begin by highlighting China’s competitive advantages Just as I strongly recommend your entering the Chinese market as a manufacturer and exporter, I would similarly urge you not to consider importing to the Chinese market. At the present moment that would be a losing venture for the following reasons: The current state of the Chinese market is such that it is receptive to export but not to import. Added to that, the competitive advantages of the Chinese market lie in manufacturing and export but not in import and consumerism. In our meeting I was given to understand that you have been working in marble for the past three decades and that it is your family business. As you said, however, your quarries are rapidly depleting and the cost of production is continually escalating. Therefore, while the demand for marble remains high, the cost of production is cutting into your profit margins at an ever increasing rate. The solution to your problem lies in China. The country has a wealth of productive, high quality marble and rock quarries. Given that they are scattered across the vast geographical expanse which is China, this means that there is a wide variety of different types and designs. As you know, the design and color of marble derives from the nature of the quarries, the land, itself. When quarries are spread over a vast expanse, this means that the terrain itself, therefore, the type and design of the marble itself, differs. The implication here is, as you must have deduced by now, is that the country is not just a rich source of fine grain, high quality marble but, of different

Computer Information Specialist Essay Example for Free

Computer Information Specialist Essay Computer Information Specialist, Inc. (CIS) filed a protest of the award of a contract to Open Technology Group, Inc. (OTG). CIS responded to a request for proposals (RFP) No. NLM-030101/SAN by the Department of Health and Human Services for telecommunications support services at the agency’s Bethesda, Maryland facility. The solicitation specified a requirements contract with fixed hourly rates for a base year with four 1-year options. The agency intended to award the contract based on â€Å"best value† with several non-price criteria as the most heavily weighted factors. Proposals were to include fully-loaded, fixed hourly rates for labor categories. The agency received numerous proposals and established a competitive range of four firms after initial evaluation. The range included CIS as well as OTG the eventual awardee. Following the contract award to OTG; CIS underwent an agency debrief and subsequently filed a protest asserting that both its proposal and the proposal of OTG were misevaluated. Issues Agencies are required to evaluate proposals based solely on the evaluation factors identified in the solicitation. Furthermore, according to Federal Acquisition Regulations, they must adequately document the reasons for their evaluation conclusions (FAR § 15.308). GAO recommended to the agency was to, at a minimum reevaluate both proposals to ascertain if they were evaluated based on the evaluation factors and to determine if adequate rationale were articulated. Decisions (Holdings) Anthony H. Gamboa, General Counsel wrote the recommendation. The protest was sustained. Reasoning (Rationale)   GAO concluded that the Department of Health and Human Services misevaluated the proposals of both CIS and OTG, contract awardee. In addition, they found that the agency’s misevaluation was prejudicial to CIS, â€Å"since there is a reasonable possibility that, but for the agency’s errors, CIS might have been selected for award notwithstanding its higher price.† Separate Opinions No dissenting opinion was published with GAO’s decision. Analysis GAO analyzed the proposals from both CIS and OTG against the RFP’s stated evaluation criteria. The Department of Health and Human Services’ source selection team consisted of five evaluators. In the case of the proposal by CIS, the initial evaluation criticized the proposal for not offering personnel that met all of the solicitation minimum personnel experience requirements. CIS revised their proposal to cure this deficiency. In further evaluation, four of the five evaluators scored this area higher than the initial proposal. However, the fifth evaluator scored the proposal dramatically differently. In the first evaluation, only cursory notes were provided to support conclusions. In the second evaluation, most evaluators still provided limited support. However, the fifth evaluator provided comments. Many of the comments were either inaccurate or held not relation to evaluation criteria. With regard to the OTG proposal, GAO determined that the solicitation failed to meet two of the evaluation criteria and should not have been accepted in the competitive range. It was also recommended that the agency terminate the contract awarded to OTG for the convenience of the government and make award to the firm found to be in line for award. Furthermore CIS was to be reimbursed all costs associated with the protest to include legal fees.

Performance Issues Of Private Security Guards

Performance Issues Of Private Security Guards There is an ever increasing reliance on private security companies to take on the role of protecting both public and private facilities around the world. There are 852 Security Companies operating in Pakistan employing over 350,000 people and representing a business of over half a billion US dollars (Tyab, 2012). Private security business is flourishing day by day due to law and order situation in the country. Private security personnel are asked to be on the front line for any emergent contingency such as natural disasters, medical emergency or terrorist attack. However, evidence from print media strongly suggests that hiring private security has not proved to be a seamless security system. News items of armed robberies and violent attacks on private individuals and businesses abound in the local print and electronic media in Pakistan. Many a times these instances are attributed to poor ability and willingness of the security guards. Some news items even report deliberate negligence , either because of malafide intentions or extreme job dissatisfaction, on part of the security guards. A Security Guard or Security Officer is a person who is employed and paid to protect property, assets, or people. Generally security guards are civilian personnel. Often, security guards are in uniform and act to protect property by maintaining a high visibility presence to deter illegal and wrong actions, observing either directly, through patrols, or observing from alarm systems or close circuit television (CCTV) cameras, for any indication of offense, fire or confusion; then taking action and reporting incident to the authorities and emergency services as suitable. Exploited Worker can be referred to as an underpaid, overworked, long hours at work and the worker is still unable to provide basic needs e.g. food, housing and other survival items. It is also appropriate to mention that where business markets are under the control of capitalists, they exploit the workers more than anything one can think of. Due to ever increasing unemployment problem, people are queuing up to be exploited just to keep themselves alive. This factor should be kept in mind that this is not a natural system. With the knowledge and awareness each and every person can have their dignity. In this regard, it is must that not only government legislature should pass such laws and lay such standards, which should compel the employers to look after the interests of their employees. (Figlan, 2010) Security personnel enforce their companys rules and can act to protect lives and property. Besides basic deterrence, security officers are often trained to perform specialized tasks such as arrest and control (including handcuffing), write reports, perform first aid or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), operate emergency equipments, take notes, and perform other tasks as required by the client they are serving. Many security guards are required to go through additional training mandated by the state for the carrying of weapons such as batons, firearms, and pepper spray. Some guards are required to complete police certification for special duties. For security and police, training standards are identical with regards to firearms but do not place any formal requirements for other items carried, however training be provided should be documented. A number of security companies have become certified in giving training for use of Survielance Radars and training their officers to use them on protected properties in conjunction with lights/sirens, permiting them to legally implement traffic laws on private assets. Security officers may also operate access control at entrances of buildings and vehicle gates; ensuring that employees and visitors display proper passes or identification before entering the facility. Officers are often called upon to tackle the emergencies like lost persons, lockouts, dead vehicle batteries, etc. and to aid in serious emergencies by guiding emergency responders to the scene of the incident, and by writing what happened on an incident report. Armed security officers are often engaged to respond as law enforcement until situation at a location is under control or public authorities arrive on the scene. Pakistan is the 6th most populated country in the world having a population of 167 million as estimated by the Population Census Organization. The estimated labor force is 51.78 million. Labor force comprises all persons from 10 years of age and above, who fulfil the requirements for including among employed and unemployed. With independence, country nearly adopted all the laws of British India. Even afterwards country has sufficiently legislatated, covering the interests of labor force eg., Employees Oldage Benefits 1976; Industrial Realtions Act 2008; Industrial Commercial Employment Ordinance 1968; The Factories Act 1934 and Workmen Compensation Act 1923 etc. As a matter of fact corruption is widespread in Pakistan , above all the government and lower levels of police force are deeply indulged in this infection. This country has a consistently poor ranking at the Transparency Internationals Corruption Perceptions Index with ratings of 2.5 in 2011, 2.3 in 2010, and 2.5 in 2009 out of 10. In 2011, Pakistan ranked 134 on the index with 42 countries ranking worse. According to Transparency International, Pakistan has lost an unbelievably high amount, more than Rs. 8.5 trillion (US $94 billion), in corruption, tax evasion and bad governance during the last four years of Ex Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillanis tenure. An adviser of Transparency International acknowledged that Pakistan does not need even a single penny from others if it successfully checks the perils of corruption and ensures good governance. (Corruption_in_Pakistan) In Pakistan, Police authorities while investigateiing bank robberies expressed their doubt that some guards linkage to robberers and militants. Security guards were arrested on suspicion and interrogated, as a result government shut down 27 private security firms. Evidently such involvement of security gurdds show the rising trends in bank robberies. (Zia Ur Rehman, 2012); (Arshad Dogar, 2012); (Farooq, 2012); (Umar, 2012); (Author, 2012) 3. LITERATURE REVIEW Owing to the prevailing security conditions all over the world, there is a growing trend of hiring private security guards. Security industry is on boom. Due to the budgeting constraints the Governments are encouraging private sector to employee the security personnel of the private security companies for this vital need. This practice is asking increased requirement for regulating increased use of physical force. Private security industry is developing rapidly with the passage of time and distinction between detective and security agencies has become difficult. (Kontos, 2004) The history of the private industry is reviewed. The latest development in this profession is identified as the expansion by some agencies into the field of security services. This trend implies that the distinction between detective agencies and security companies is now mixing up, making it difficult to isolate the problems of the two functioning groups. Three main branches of the security industry are discussed: companies manufacturing locks and safes, secondly companies producing electronic alarm devices, and third type of companies providing guard services. Problems within the private security industry that are addressed include the possibility of criminals setting up their own firms, misuse of surveillance devices, the proliferation of weapons, and strained relationships between the public and private police. The interference of private security forces into society is a growing reality. The factual threat in the growth of such services lies in inadequate training and poor quali ty services of private security personnel. (Draper, 1978) Private Security Companies are flourishing since 1990s. It is currently one of the most important aspect of international relations. They provide necessary training to future security officers, assistance in installation of security gadgets, secured logistical support for business operations and threat compromising conditions etc. through education to combat. Their clients include governments, international organizations,corporations, humanitarian organizations, non profit organizations and private individuals. The contributions of the national and international experts analyze different types of private military and security company, its services and the circumstances that have promoted their boom. They discuss the advantages as well as disadvantages of their use and describe tools that could regulate the activities of these companies and strengthen controls. (Thomas Jager, 2007) In a quiet revolution the development of private security has set in motion in the worlds present business scenario and draws out some of the important changes for the legal system and its response to problems of order maintenance and social control. In a detailed analysis of the existing laws showing the powers of search and seizure of private security personnel and the legal status of these personnel is presented. The present policies and practices with respect to search and seizure are examined. The problems arising from these practices, and the relationship of the private and public criminal justice systems also received attention. Footnotes and a reference list are provided. Recommendations regarding peace officer status, relevant sections of the Criminal Code, regulations under Albertas Private Investigators and Security Guards Act, information on shoplifting detention statutes in the United States, and sample search provisions are contained in a collective agreement. (Stenning Shearing, 1979) Private Security Companies are a rapidly expanding industry. To examine the various aspects of private security, by taking into account the broad scope of their activities, and the necessity of examining the positive contributions as well as questions of minimal standards and need for adequate oversight and public control over these services. (Born Marina Cole, 19-3-2010) In general, privatization and public-private partnerships reflect market principles and together constitute a strategy for improving public management. Particular tools employed are contracts, franchises, public-private competition, vouchers, withdrawal, and voluntary action. Opposition to privatization is based on plentiful examples of poor management of the process as well as fundamental opposition to the idea on ideological grounds. (Schrecker, 1988) Historically, the concepts of self-help and self-protection are considered to the enforcement of law and strengthening of social order. Public safety and the policies behind it, whether it is private or public in design, are borne out of influence or environment. Like any other type of institution, an evolution over time occurs. These principles derived under English law and adapted to American jurisprudence, define what is socially justifiably acceptable in terms of private and communal protection of life and property. It was in the area of protection of ones property that English law first recognized the right of self-help. A mans home was indeed his castle, if he was fortunate enough to possess one, to protect his property and life, a person was entitled to use even deadly force. (Nemeth, 2005) Security officers legal powers can include being able to search people and property, forcibly eject people from private property, undertake intrusive surveillance and enforce rules which may involve the ability to apply sanctions (such as financial penalties for unauthorized parking). A few usually use their citizens right of arrest, which most members of the society do not. Despite popular misconceptions about their ineptitude and incompetence, in their own little ponds, security officers often have considerable power. (Button, 2007) To day, we live in an increasingly privatized world. Private companies offer services for every portion of life, including the security and military sector. Private security companies are also employed to secure the worlds oceans. In fact, in the last ten years an increasing number of private companies offering anti-piracy services have surfaced and expanded. Despite their growing numbers, there is a number of problems and controversies surrounding the services offered and the organization and characteristics of these companies. (Liss, 2009) Relations between security and development have been increasingly recognized, Security Sector Reform has become a central part of development policy. Following a traditional Weberian conception of the state, these programs are almost exclusively focused on the public security sector, neglecting the extent to which people in developing countries have come to rely on private security providers for their day-to-day security needs. However reforming of public security institutions is important, but a strict public/private distinction is a poor guide to security sector reform. Focusing on Sierra Leone and Kenya, bringing the private security in is crucial to a comprehensive understanding of the security situation in most countries and that any attempt to ensure better security for all must take account of private actors. Private security companies and their integration, not simply in terms of the maintenance of law and order, but also in terms of who has the access to security. It will ul timately bring legitimacy of social and political orders. (Williams, 2006) Interviews with employees and management staff reveal that property theft represents a minority share of the more common signs of employee defiance slow or sloppy workmanship, sick-leave abuse, alcohol and drug use at work, long coffee breaks, and coming late and leaving early. On the other hand in the literature, the authors establish that both property theft and counterproductive actions can best be explained by factors intrinsic, not extrinsic, to the work settings. Because dissatisfied employees are more often involved in property and production deviance, management should be sensitive to employees attitudes and perceptions and to the organizations manner of dealing with the behavioral values. Incorporating younger employees, who uttered more dissatisfaction and reported more deviance, into the company might be cost-effective in reducing theft and other forms of deviance. Since employees in general are more likely to steal if they do not perceive a chance of being checked, manag ement should apply a strict policy regarding theft to employees. Societal controls and not physical ones, are likely more useful in the long run the best deterrents. (Hollinger Clark, 1983) During the 1970s, occupational opportunities for women opened up for corrections were also a volatile one for prisons. Male guards, already threatened by changes imposed from without, were aggressive toward women coworkers. The attitudes of prison administrators, union leaders, male guards, and prisoners with regard to womens presence in mens prisons, the shapes that opposition to women takes and the ways in which this hostility figures the working lives of the feminine guards. Women usually resort to one of three strategies: perform a limited range of guard duties, avoiding inmate contact; work on all posts and obey all formal rules and procedures, but have no flexibility; and form alliances with the inmates. An assessment of female guards impact on prisons comments that, while no evidence exists that their presence has led to a decrease in security; most female guards are less willing and able to use physical force against inmates than males. (Zimmer, 1986) Post-communist processes through which fear of the state has been transformed into fear of crime and longing for a stronger state. The communist governing technology was buttressed by fear of the secret security complex and taboo-based management of the self. Risk had unequivocally negative connotations. The abrupt shift to a liberal-market ideology brought celebration of risk but also an escalating risk of crime. Two relevant developments are scrutinized: (1) the move from the state media (with their incessant good news propaganda), to the market-based bad news media; (2) The re-emergence of the former secret police as a new private security sector-the primary provider of risk definitions and risk management technologies. (Ã…Â OÃ…Å ¡, Post-communist fear of crime and the commercialization of security, 2002) Legislation was introduced in Spain during 1992 to regulate private security agencies. The private security sector played a key role in the development of this legislation. Second, some of the impacts that the legislation has had on the private security industry and further discuss how relationships between the state and the private security agencies evolved after the passing of the legislation. Finally, the process of exchanging information between the public and the private sector in the light of the framework developed. (Gimenez-salinas, New approaches regarding private / public Security, 2004) In a recent survey of 127 police officers and 109 security professionals in a Midwestern state in the USA, revealed interesting findings on the working relationship between public law enforcement and private security agencies. Overall, security professionals perceptions of their relationship with police departments were positive. However, most intriguingly, security professionals felt that police officers do not view working with private security positively, even though police officers indicate the contrary. Written comments from both sides provide insights on the issues that hamper an effective working relationship between them. Also, the findings reveal that both police officers and security professionals believe that they could probably do more to encourage a positive working relationship, thus leading us to conclude that mistaken perceptions and a lack of communication are hindrances as well. (Nalla Hummer, 1999) Now-a-days climate change is increasingly been called a security problem, and there has been speculation that climate change may increase the risk of violent conflict. It explains that climate change increasingly undermines human security in the present day, and will increasingly do so in the future, by reducing access to, and the quality of, natural resources that are important to sustain livelihoods. Climate change is also likely to undermine the capacity of states to provide the opportunities and services that help people to sustain their livelihoods. We argue that in certain circumstances these direct and indirect impacts of climate change on human security may in turn increase the risk of violent conflict. (Jon Barnett, 2007) The term gated communities assumes images of exclusive developments with fancy homes and fancy lifestyles. Much of the popular and academic literature on gated communities promotes this view. Yet the common perception of gated communities as privileged enclaves turns out to be only partly correct based on our analysis of the first ever census survey of these places. There are gated communities composed of mostly White homeowners with high incomes that have a secure main entry-the kind of classic gated community in the public mind. But there are also gated communities that are inhabited by minority renters with moderate incomes. Expectedly this dichotomy reflects a divide between gated communities, one based on status versus one motivated by concern for security. (Sanchez, Lang, Dhavale, 2012) World has become a global village, changing the circumstances, the structure, and the institutions of the states. The traditional core area of public security is being affected, and rationalities from business and the market are being introduced to the security field. The most recent security technologies build less on public authority and more on management and markets. The San Diego region of Southern California, a region thoroughly affected by globalization, illustrates this process through its introduction of management methods in police work and the growth of gated communities as a defensive technology. (Bislev, 2012) Policing is no longer, if it ever was the exclusive preserve of public law enforcement officials. Modern security and order maintenance is now undertaken not only by the people commonly referred to as the police, but also by a host of private personnel, security operatives, regulatory officials and community-based administrators. To discuss generally the frustrations researchers must confront in attempting to observe and define the phenomenon of private policing. It reviews the difficulties observers face in determining the nature, manifestations and size of private policing and security industries, and in predicting future trends. Despite these hurdles, this paper offers a new definition of private policing, and concludes by making a number of observations about preferred research agendas to further the quest for good data on, and a better understanding of, this most interesting modern social phenomenon. (Sarre, 2005) Incidents of verbal abuse and physical violence are being experienced by the staff employed to handle accidents and emergency events. To determine the frequency of verbal abuse and physical violence in accident and emergency departments and to discover the extent of provision of security measures and instructions for staff on how to deal with these problems. Staff within accident and emergency departments is regularly abused, both verbally and physically. Inner city departments appear to be most affected. Documentation is poor. Perpetrators are seldom convicted. There do appear to be actions which hospitals could undertake that might help to ameliorate these problems. (M G Jenkins,1988) With the development of private security, crime prevention, community safety, insurance, and, risk assessment, these call into question traditional modes of crime control and challenge existing criminal justice values. In an effort to control or minimize the crime, major changes are occurring within and outside the public sector. This asks what exactly is on offer when security stands as the justification for public and private action, to whom, and at what cost. It goes on to identify several significant paradoxes entailed in the pursuit of security, whose attendant costs need to be taken into account. Yet, whereas punishment provokes us to ask why, how, and in what measure the state may inflict pain upon its citizens, security has not been thought to require special justification because in many ways it seems preferable to punishment. The paper contends both that security is in need of special justification and that it is necessary to develop guiding principles in order to regulate its pursuit. This leads to the larger question of whether and in what manner it is possible to regulate the security society so as to ensure accountable, fair, and inclusive provision of protection. (Zedner, 2003) Many of the workers who work outside of Chinas state-owned industrial sector are victims of labor rights violations. Many of them are migrant workers from the countryside, who labor in the so-called township and village enterprises as well as the foreign-funded enterprises. They number not less than 144 million, forming a category as large as the urban state-enterprise workforce and the urban collective workers combined. They constitute Chinas peripheral flexible workforce in the new free labor market that has so often been hailed as the cornerstone of Chinas economic success. (Chan, 1998) Private Security Guards in Norway: Here security officers are called Vektere. There are two types of vektere firstly uniformed or civil-clothing officers who watch over private and semi-public properties and secondly government-hired vektere who work in public places like the Parliament. The law provides more enforcement powers to security officers in the Parliament than to private security officers. It is mandatory that security officers must undergo three weeks training and internship. However they are allowed to work for six months after one week of the introduction course. Its also possible to choose Security as a high school major, which requires two years of school and two years of trainee positions at private companies, resulting in a certificate from the government. This certificate makes it easier to get a job, with slightly higher pay. The certificate can also be obtained by private security officers who have had a minimum of 5 years working experience. In addition to normal vektere there is also a special branch for Ordensvakter who normally work as bouncers or security at concerts and similar types of events. Ordensvakter has to undergo an extra week of training to learn techniques on how to handle drunken people and people on various drugs. They also learn about the alcohol laws of Norway. The police in the local police district must approve each Ordensvakt. These special regulations arose after events in the 1990s when bouncers had a bad reputation, especially in Oslo for being brutal and rough with people. At that time, the police had no control over who worked as bouncers. After the government forced training and mandatory ID-cards for bouncers the problems have been reduced. The police of Oslo report that Ordensvakter are now helping the police to identify crimes that otherwise would not be reported. In 2007 several guards from the Securitas (Security Company) were arrested for brutality against a robber whom they apprehended on the main street of Oslo. The crime was captured with a mobile camera by pedestrians and created a public outcry, with many objecting to the way the security guards took the law in their own hands. Later, it came to light that the thief first attacked the security guards when they approached him, so the brutality charges were dropped. As a result of this episode, the police said that they would be more careful when conducting criminal background checks for security guards. Before 2007 security guards were checked when they applied for a job, but not while they were working. Security companies were also criticized for not checking criminal records sufficiently, in some cases but not at all. Now guards working in private security must be checked annually. The police have the authority to withdraw a companys license if the company does not submit lists of emp loyees to the police. The police in Norway were widely criticized for not checking guards properly, and even when they encounter an issue with a guard, the guard can still work for months before anything is done. The security company G4s, after being criticized by police for hiring criminals, stated that they cannot do anything about the problem, because only the police have the ability to check the guards criminal records. Today there are around 15,000 people working within private security in Norway. The police have around 10,000 employees in total. Notable companies operating in Norway are Securitas, G4S, NOKAS, Infratek, ISS A/S (formerly Personellsikring) and ProSec-Professional Security) While checking the exposure of high-risk individuals, it came up that In California, USA, work-related homicides widespread from 1979 through 1981. With the use of computer data, a search of the death certificates was made using three factors: injury at work, injury at a work location, and pertinent external-cause-of-death codes. Only 30 per cent of the 466 homicide deaths identified were also found in the logs of the state. The average annual rate of work-related homicides was 1.5 per 100,000 workers. The male-to-female-rate ratio was 4.2:1. Police and security guards and persons in occupations having frequent public contact involving exchange of money, particularly in late afternoon or evening hours, were at highest risk. Controlling exposure of high-risk individuals and developing strict standards for reducing such exposures might greatly reduce assaults and thus prevent senseless loss of life in the workplace. (Kraus, 1987) 4. RESEARCH QUESTION Owing to the prevailing security atmosphere in Pakistan a gap has been observed between the expected and actual performance of private security guards employed in corporate sector. There has been no formal research carried out in private security industry. However, a large body of evidence from print media supports this observation. This research intends to discover the reasons for failure of private security personnel in provision of on-site services to private individuals and businesses. This research purports to address the following: Task-specific factors that may lead to poor ability or inefficiency at work of the security personnel (Efficiency is the input-output ratio). Work-context factors that may lead to poor ability or inefficiency at work of the security personnel, e.g. pay, relationship with supervisors, supervisory quality. Work-context factors support the central task in the organization. 5. RESEARCH METHOD Primary data will be collected through personally administered questionnaires consisting of both semi-structured and open ended items. The questionnaire shall be administered to security guards, security company management and corporate clients employing security guards, in the district of Rawalpindi (Pakistan). Research will be focused in the district of Rawalpindi, Pakistan-a district in northern part of Punjab province with an area of 5,286 km2 and a population of 4,500,000 in 2010. Secondary data regarding instances of security lapses and its relationship to willingness and ability of security

One Tear That Meant the World :: essays research papers

I have always enjoyed having a best friend that was male. Whether we were swimming, jogging, fishing, or just talking for hours, I never got bored. We balance one another. I will never forget the day I lost that all. The day my best friend left ended up touching me the most.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When I stepped outside, the pavement felt like ice, yet the air had a warm breeze to it. It was a gorgeous August day. Not a single worry mingled in the air. The birds were chirping long, beautiful melodies. Melodies I had heard many mornings that summer. They sang when it was going to be a wondrous day. Nothing seemed wrong to anyone except to me. Today, my birthday, August first, my best friend was leaving for the Navy. He was going to serve our country. For six dreadful years, I’d have to live without him. The only communication would be a few cards and letters and one long distance call. This day reminded me of those long rainy days, the days where the clouds blocked out the suns bright rays of sunlight.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The clock finally struck four and it frightened me because the sweet sound of the clock seemed loud and harsh. It sounded kind of like I was in a horror movie. I dreaded walking across the street to say good bye to my dear friend, but I knew I had to go. As I walked across the street it seemed like a mile. My legs ached and my throat was dry. I could hear the pattering of my feet on the pavement and the thud of my heart racing about ninety miles a minute. I just wanted to run up to him and beg him to stay, but I knew I couldn’t do that. I finally walked up to him and started to cry. I cried as though I had lost someone close to me, but I hadn’t. There was a part of me that was dying. My heart was aching and I couldn’t stop it. I hugged him for five minutes, but it only seemed like seconds. My tears started to disappear. He let me know how much he’d miss me and how he couldn’t believe he was leaving. I could feel the tears starti ng to come again, but I kept them in. I knew there was something I wanted to say, but I couldn’t.

The Bad Influences of Television

Let’s admit it. We love watching television. In fact, we love it so much that we can spend hours just sitting in front of our small boxes just to get our dose of must-see TV. Television offers us all kinds of things to keep our eyes glued to the small screen such as late night talk shows, hit comedy sitcoms, and games shows that keep you guessing which briefcase contains a million dollars. With all the hours we spend on watching television, there is no doubt that somehow it has influenced us somehow. Although that it can influence attitudes of adults, older audiences can discard certain themes since we already have our own preferences.However, television can be a very dangerous influence to young children who are still developing their brains. This paper shall discuss the negative influences of television on children and how these problems can be solved. Sex is a common problem that parents encounter with television. Some shows usually have sexual themes that are not suitable for young audiences. These images may stay with the child as they grow up and lead them to become sexually active in a very early age. Since they do not have adequate information about sex in early ages, this can cause a child to become pregnant or get infected with STDs.Aside from seeing these images, television shows may also have scenes wherein the characters are discussing sex. This is just as dangerous as seeing these images for they can also affect the child by making them more curious about what the characters are talking about. To give you an idea how violence can be a great influence on children, American viewers see an average of â€Å"200,000 acts of violence before they reach the age of 18† (How TV affects your Child) and this can be a very serious problem in the future if it is not addressed properly.Violence on television causes some problems such as emulating the images they see, traumatic stress on the child, and loss of sympathy to those who are suffering. Pr otagonists in TV shows have great influence on children. Whenever children see their favorite superhero kicking or punching the â€Å"bad guy† and save eventually â€Å"saving the day† they will think that these actions are correct as long as the superhero does it. Aside from suggesting violent actions to children, children may imitate these actions for fun because they would imagine themselves as these superheroes.Aside from causing children to imitate violent actions, these images may also cause trauma to a child. Frightening images of monsters may have some traumatic side effects on children since they still cannot distinguish the difference between the real world and a fictional one. Finally, watching too much violence on television can lead to a loss of sympathy towards people who are suffering. Just like an antagonist who fails in the end of the show, children would think that those who are suffering deserve it since they have done something bad before.Finally ob esity is another problem that parents may face with television. TV can cause children to reduce their time to play and exercise since they will be sitting down for hours. Aside from becoming very passive, children usually tend to have snacks while watching due to the commercial of the famous brand potato chips they just saw. So not only will they lack exercise, children will also begin to eat kinds of food that do not have any nutritional value, which is a very important factor in growing up.Aside from obesity, television can also cause a child to become anti-social since they would usually spend more hours watching rather than interacting or playing with others. As we have seen in this paper, television can be a very dangerous influence on children. However, there are things that we can do solve this dilemma. First of all, parents need to always monitor what their children are watching. This will allow the parent to keep their child from watching shows that are inappropriate for th eir age.Parents should also be familiar with the shows that their children are watching so they could see immediately whether or not their child can watch the show. Parents should also reason out to the child whenever they are watching television. They need to explain to their child the images they see on television to prevent them from imitating these images or seeing them in the wrong light. Works Cited â€Å"How TV affects your child. † KidsHealth. org. 20 Sept. 2007 â€Å"Facts and Statistics. † Parentstv. org. 20 Sept. 2007

Treating Psychosocially Based Sexual Dysfunction

Treating Psychosocially Based Sexual Dysfunction There are various types of psychosocially-based sexual dysfunctions that people face. Some of these problems include premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, painful intercourse and lack of desire to engage in sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction is one psychosocially dysfunction that has affected men over the age of 40 year (American Psychological Association 2012, para. 2).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Treating Psychosocially Based Sexual Dysfunction specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is caused by abnormalities in the hormones, medications in psychological problems, vascular insufficiency and neurological diseases among other complexions. These dysfunctions cause psychological distress among men and therefore, require treatment to enable them recover from this anguish. Different kinds of treatment are administered to different categories of dysfunctions. Lack of sexual desire in men causes dist ress and problems in relationships, leading to psychological problems among the victims. To treat this problem, it requires multiple steps and processes (Schover et al. 2002, p. 2397). The first step towards its treatment is for the therapist to help the clients recognize their negative approach towards sex, and to stress the origins of the negative thoughts. They also help them to find alternative ways to think about sex, after which they focus on the behavior, whereby, clients may be required to keep track of their thoughts and imagination about sex (Schover et al. 2002, p. 2397). They may also be required to develop fantasies or watch movies that are erotic (American Psychological Association 2012, para. 2). The aim of exposing them to such movies is to make them begin to develop desire to engage in sexual intercourse. The clients are also taken through a one-on-one program whereby, relationship problems and issue are discussed. This conversation is aimed at making the client cha nge his perception about a bad encounter in relationship that might have affected his sexual desires. After sometime, the client is expected to develop desire towards opposite sex hence resulting to healing. Another psychosocial dysfunction is erectile dysfunction, whereby, the penis does not erect, rendering sexual intercourse impossible (American Psychological Association 2012, para. 2). This is normally caused by sicknesses such as diabetes or side effects due to medication and anxiety after first experience in intercourse. The treatment of this dysfunction is aimed at reducing anxiety and administering appropriate medication aimed at healing or correcting the dysfunction (American Psychological Association 2012, para. 2). The treatment of this dysfunction will basically depend on the cause of the problem. However, in most cases, the first step of action is to take PDE5 inhibitor drugs such as Viagra, which helps to stimulate the blood vessels causing a person to have an urge to engage in sexual intercourse (Schover et al. 2002, p. 2398). In other cases, treatment may involve administration of prostaglandin-type of tablets that are injected in the urethra in the penis.Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The penis can also be exposed to frequent exercise to make it strong and to increase its sexual fantasies (Schover et al. 2002, p. 2398). In cases where all these methods have failed to produce positive results, then surgery can be done. Here, a procedure is done on the prosthetic implants that result to insertion of certain types of rods in the penis to make it stronger to allow for penetration. Premature ejaculation is yet another psychosocial sexual dysfunction that occurs in men. This scenario causes an emotional stress to a man because it makes him feel incapable of sustaining his sexual desires and satisfying the partner sexually. In man y of the cases, women complain of such incidences and therefore, this tends to disturb men emotionally (Gregoire, 1999, p. 315). The cause of this dysfunction is not clearly known by researchers in the field. This dysfunction can be treated through observance of various measures. However, in most cases, therapists who provide medical treatment to such dysfunctions focus more on behavioral training. The client is required to seek assistance from his partner in piecemeal on how to withstand stimulation. After some period of time, the client learns how to control ejaculation for a longer period of time. This requires great psychological input on the man’s side to be able to sustain the stimulation. Furthermore, the woman can also help a man by reducing the level of stimulating through reduction of movement or thrashing. Another psychosocial sexual dysfunction is painful intercourse. This is also referred to as dyspareunia and normally causes persistent or recurrent pain in the g enitals of a man, which this causes problems in the relationship as well as distress (Gregoire, 1999, p. 315). This dysfunction affects both the partners but is more prevalent in men. The treatment is provided by a gynecologist or an urologist who carries out diagnosis and proposes a relevant medication to the problem. In women, the dysfunction is treated by putting a lot of emphasizes on the training on relaxation. Women are required to relax during sexual intercourse to avoid the pain. In conclusion, there are various psychosocial sexual dysfunctions as discussed in the paper. These dysfunctions cause emotional distress to the victims because of the fact that they hinder an individual from normal functioning. Most of the dysfunctions have treatments that if well followed and administered, can help the victims alleviate them. However, these treatments are not similar and therefore, appropriate treatment should be adopted for a particular dysfunction.Advertising We will writ e a custom research paper sample on Treating Psychosocially Based Sexual Dysfunction specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More References American Psychological Association, (2012). Treatment of sexual problems. Retrieved from: https://www.apa.org/topics/sex/treatment Gregoire, A. (1999). ABC of sexual health: assessing and managing male sexual problems. BMJ, 318:315. Schover, L., Fouladi, R., Warneke, C et al. (2002). The use of treatments for erectile dysfunction among survivors of prostate carcinoma. Cancer, 95:2397.

Compare the Representation of Women in Hamlet Essay Example

Compare the Representation of Women in Hamlet Essay Example Compare the Representation of Women in Hamlet Paper Compare the Representation of Women in Hamlet Paper The men completely misread the women and in Aphelia and Gertrude situation, the consequences are very tragic. In order to address this issue, it is necessary to explore the characters of Gertrude and Aphelia in Hamlet and the characters of Hero and Beatrice In Much Ado about Nothing, and In addition, how they are treated by other characters. This will then enable me to pass my own Judgment, as to how the women are represented in the two plays Hamlet and Much Ado about Nothing. Shakespearean Division of Experience by Marilyn French describes and examines gender roles in a way which is applicable to literature. This provides the theoretical framework from which the female characters in Much Ado About Nothing and Hamlet can be analyses. According to Marilyn French, men and women are most generally seen as two extremely different entities with diverse characteristics and Imposed roles within society. There are two different aspects of the feminine principle, the inlay and the outlaw. The inlay aspect, portrays natures benevolent side, which includes the ability to give birth, as well as compassion, while aiming to maintain the importance of community above that of the individual. On the other hand, the outlaw aspect represents natures malevolent side, as well as darkness, turmoil and sexuality. From the first glance, one could say that there are predominantly two inlay characters, Hero and Aphelia, and one main outlaw character, Gertrude. Conversely, it is possible to believe that Aphelia behaves in some ways like an outlaw character, rebelling and standing up for herself. Although Aphelia is not the focal character in Hamlet, the audience Is Intrigued by the subtleness and also complexity of her mind. Aphelia Is seen as an Innocent character In the play that Is denied the freedom of peach and forced to surrender to the domineering men in her life. Aphelions actions are derived from other characters advice and this inevitably supersedes her own self-assurance and confidence. Aphelia is a female character in a kingdom of controlling and overprotective and so Aphelia must define herself by male judgments that may be entirely misconstrued. From Aphelions first scene on stage, Alerts warns nerd Tanat Hamlet Is merely trilling Walt n nerd near Ana Tanat seen Is not AT a high enough rank to deserve his true affection. It becomes clear that although Alerts must love his sister, in my Judgment he does not have a very high opinion of her. Some have maintained that Aphelia is seen as an innocent character in the play that is denied the freedom of speech and forced to surrender to the domineering men in her life. Aphelia could be perceived as one of the weaker characters in the play, portrayed as a puppet of all other characters in the play. As David Leverage said, [Aphelia] is a play within a play, or a player trying to respond to several imperious directors at one. Everyone has used her; Polonium, to gain favor; Alerts, to belittle Hamlet; Claudia, to spy on Hamlet; Hamlet to express rage at Gertrude; and Hamlet again; to express his feigned madness with her as a decoy. She is valued only for the roles that further peoples plots. This quote certainly illustrates the weakness and frailty of Aphelia, which can be supported in parts throughout the play. One can suggest that Polonium has a reasonably low opinion of his daughter, Aphelia. The first aspect to point out is how Aphelia is treated by her father in Act I Scene Ill, in which Polonium assumes she is likely to lie about her relationship with Hamlet and in addition calls her a green girl and a baby. Polonium is so sure that he is always right and so forces his self assurance on Aphelia. He forbids Aphelia to see Hamlet again and has so browbeaten her that, as David Leverage has said, [Aphelia] has no choice but to say l shall obey my Lord. This supports the point that Aphelia is seen to give way to Polonium and also suggests that the women were expected to surrender to the men in their lives. In some respect, as women were deemed to be inferior, this meant that Aphelia was expected to comply with Polonium advice and end her relationship with Hamlet. As this was the norm for women in the medieval period, it would have been aberrant for Aphelia to disobey her father. It could be said that Aphelions actions are derived from other characters advice, for example Alerts warning her that Hamlet is merely trifling with her heart, and that this inevitably supersedes her own self assurance and confidence. Not allowed to love and unable to be false, David Leverage points out, Aphelia breaks. She goes mad rather than gets mad. Even in her madness she has no voice of her own, only a discord of other voices and expectations, customs gone awry. By the end of the play, Aphelions insanity has completely overcome her and it could be argued that this is caused by the overpowering advice of others that has such controlled her life. One may see that this continually breaks her down so that she is no longer a character able to deal with her own Judgments and thoughts, she is merely pawn commanded by the voices of others. Elaine Saltwater has reinforced this view in her essay Representing Aphelia: Women, Madness and the Responsibilities of Feminist criticism. According to Elaine, The mad Aphelions bawdy songs and verbal license, hill they give her access to an entirely different range of experience from what she is allowed as the dutiful daughter, seem to be her one sanctioned form of self- assertion as a woman, quickly followed, as in retribution, by her death. It may be said that this illustrates how the restrictions and limits of Aphelions life has resulted In nerd Insanity As panels mall source AT palace NAS Eden slain Day Hamlet, seen NAS lost her ability to reason, she is therefore drawn to madness as her life has now become a time where decisions are no longer made for her and insanity is her only option. Aphelia had for so long repressed her feelings and her life had become so chaotic that there was no escaping this, thus turning her mad, as her madness was the only way to express herself as a character. This can be referred to in David Leverage essay, in which he puts across his view that [Aphelions] history is an instance of how someone can be driven mad by having her inner feelings misrepresented, not responded to or acknowledged only through chastisement and repressions. Such is Aphelions case. The men (Hamlet, Alerts and Polonium) make assumptions and then they make demands based on those assumptions, but there is o way Aphelia can meet the demands because the underlying assumptions are flawed. The example of this is concerning Hamlet; he believes that he can involve Aphelia in his plans without her suffering, which inevitably, in the end, she does. Furthermore, Alerts and Polonium are sure that they can take control of Aphelions life and steer her in another direction that does not involve her with Hamlet, but this cannot be followed through as it can be perceived that Aphelia is very much in love with Hamlet. On the issue of Aphelions madness, one should consider the problem room another angle. As seen in Elaine Shelters quote above, one could view Aphelions madness from a different perspective; the fact that Polonium is forever keeping watch on Aphelia and trying to control her, may have resulted in her rebelling against her father in order to achieve some freedom, which she has been seen to accomplish in her madness. Polonium close watch on his daughter may have caused her to rebel in other ways also. One cannot deny that there is evidence in the play to suggest that Aphelia has had sexual relations with Hamlet. Take for example, he sexual comments made during Aphelions madness, including the line, before you tumbled me, you promised me to wed. However, we should remember that this quote was not recited directly to Hamlet so it may not be aimed at him, it could be directed to men in a more general sense. We could perhaps take this to mean that Aphelia has risen up against her father, which illustrates unquestionably that Aphelia has therefore not given way to Polonium. In Elaine Shelters words, we have had a feminist discourse which has offered a new perspective on Aphelions madness as protest and rebellion. For many feminist theorists, the madwoman is a heroin, a powerful figure who rebels against the family and the social order. This can be seen to agree with the view that Aphelia has not given way to Polonium and as such has remained in control. There is strong evidence in the text to suggest that Aphelia has committed suicide. Although Gertrude maintains that the branch broke and swept Aphelia down the river, the church denies her a Christian burial on the grounds that she killed herself. We are encouraged to believe that without a struggle, Aphelia surrendered to the water singing snatches of old tunes. More evidence to support Aphelions suicide can be found in Act V Scene l, Is she getting a Christian burial, even though she willfully took her own life? During the medieval era, suicide was a mortal sin in the eyes of the Church and those who committed suicide were prohibited from being buried on consecrated ground. Is Aphelia driven mad by her love for Hamlet, or is she the victim of a society that has created impossible expectations Tort Its women? En cannot any Tanat panel NAS no alternative out to throw herself into the river to drown. In the end, one can say that the issue of Aphelions death represents the action of Aphelia rising up against her father and other domineering men in the play by taking control of the one aspect she truly had power over; her life. While on the one hand it can be said that Aphelia can be portray both Inlay and outlaw aspects, Hero i s considered to portray the ultimate example of the inlay aspect of the feminine principle; she does not challenge the masculine principle in any particular way. Thus, she remains within the stipulated boundaries imposed on women by society, regarding the way the men believe women should behave. In this way, Hero can be linked to Aphelia in the way that they both conform to society and are controlled by the men in their lives. Hero dutifully accepts her role as an exemplary daughter to her father, Leona, by acting in accordance to his wishes and complying with every one of his requests: [Leona] Daughter, remember what I told you. If the Prince do Solicit you in that kind, you know the answer Therefore, her exemplary behavior, shown by the way in which she unquestioningly respects her fathers desires and attends to each of his requests, leads her to become the presentation of the ideal female behavior, which consequently heightens her fathers pride and reputation. In addition, this can be likened to the way Aphelia accepts her fathers request to send back Hamlets love letters and be used in his plan to become friendly with the King. It could be said the amount of lines a character has is directly related to how developed that character is. In this case, Hero comes across as being extremely shy, mainly due to the fact that she remains silent through most of the play, speaking only when she is spoken to. On the other hand, he has a very weak disposition, as she does not have the strength of character to stand up for and defend herself against the attacks and accusations. An example of this is Claudio accusation of her at their wedding, give not this rotten orange to your friend, implying that Hero is unchaste and therefore spoiled. This metaphor also leads the reader to explore how the men regarded the women in the play; as an object or a possession. This portrayal of women can be compared to courtly love, how lovers were expected to behave. Only when Claudio and the rest of the men have left, does she intend to explain her innocence to her father: They know that do accuse me. I know none. Oh my father. Prove you that any man with me conversed At hours unmet, or that I heightening Maintained the change of words with any creature, Refuse me, hate me, torture me to death! (V, l, 183) Even at the time when Hero should have put aside her courteousness in order to prevent her reputation from being tarnished, she maintains her submissive attitude towards men. I northbound ten play, mainly Owe to Herds lack AT presence Ana sell-assurance, nerd image is mould and built upon the opinions of the surrounding men, similar to the ay that Aphelia bases all her personal decisions on information she is told from the men around her. Therefore, although her personality is unchanging, as she will always act respectfully and submissively to men, her image varies as the plot unveils. At first she is regarded as the representation of the perfect wife and daughter, which suggests that she has a passive and caring nature. According to Jane Mills Womans Words, A Dictionary of words about women, wife specialized to mean a woman joined to a man by marriage Wife, I. E. A woman who belongs to a man. The evidence for this can be observed in the way she relates to and obeys the demands of men, always making use of courtly language, as expected: [Don Pedro] And you too, gentle Hero? Hero] I will do any modest office, my lord, to help my cousin too good husband (II, l, 343) We learn more about Heros notion of love from her conversation about Beatrice and Benedict than from her own thoughts about her marriage to Claudio. Hero seems to realize that in order to love another, one must sacrifice some self-love. She has rationalized that love is not about self-indulgence, but self-sacrifice, which explains mom of her willingness to love Claudio even after he has wronged her. In ab solute contrast to Hero and Aphelia, Beatrice personality could be said to belong to the outlaw part of the female principle. Although on the whole she accepts her condition of submission, it could be stated that she accepts formal but not true submission. This refers to the facts that she complies with the basic impositions resulting from her circumstance as a woman and yet does not refrain from taking advantage of any situation in which she has the possibility of taking control and expressing her opinion, within an acceptable scale. Therefore, regardless of her supposedly subdued condition, utterly unlike Hero and Aphelia, she does not hesitate to actively participate in discussions and conversations. It is important to take into account that Beatrice does not enjoy being confined into her subdued role as a woman and in turn she could be seen to try and be a part of the male principle. She firmly desired to gain as much independence and freedom of speech, opinion and thought as any man has. This is evident when she wants to seek revenge for what was done to her cousin: O that I were a man! O God that I were a man! I old eat his heart in the market-place. (lb, l, 309). Here, Beatrice desires to have the same power as men can be seen and she strives at any attempt within her reach to make herself respected. Beatrice constantly states that she will most surely remain an unmarried woman, as she has no intention of committing to a lasting relationship, in which her only role is to attend to the needs and respond to the orders of her husband. She believes that if she did marry, the implications of this would most probably force her into submission. Concurrently, she relentlessly discards all possible partners, as she does not seem o De Seattle Walt any particular type AT person Tort nerd NASDAQ. I Norton nerd indecisiveness at selecting any possible candidate, she undoubtedly displays the fact that she has no intention of marrying, consequently revolting against society and the role she has to play as a woman: [Beatrice] He that hath a beard is more than a youth, and he that hath no beard is less than a man; and he that is more than a youth is not for me, and he that is less than a man, I am not for him [Leona] Well, niece, I hope to see you one day fitted with a husband [Beatrice] Not till God make men of some other metal than Earth In Much Ado About Nothing it could be perceived that Beatrice contrasts other female characters in that play, in addition to the female characters of Aphelia and Gertrude. Whereas Hero is polite, gentle and respectful, Beatrice is feisty, cynical and witty. The play is transgression in that the female characters refuse to comply with stereotypical notions of femininity and thus do not conform to patriarchy. Consider Beatrice for example, as she is used in the play as a main character, and is consequently a more developed character than other the other females. This can be en immediately by looking at the differences in the amount of lines each of the female characters have. Beatrice behaves more like a modern woman of these times, refusing to marry and refusing to cave to the standards that society has set for her. But, even Beatrice lapses into the general female role when she is forced to ask Benedict for help in avenging her cousin. Although Aphelia can be seen as the major and more iconic character in Hamlet, one must also consider Gertrude and her behavior towards Claudia. Many views about Gertrude can be seen in the essay A Heart Cleft in Twain: The Dilemma of Shakespearean Gertrude by Rebecca Smith. According to Rebecca [Gertrude] has traditionally been played as a sensual deceitful woman. As Gertrude only appears in ten out of the twenty scenes in Hamlet, even in these scenes she speaks very little, it is difficult to come to a conclusion about her character. Some have maintained that Gertrude is a weak character, defined by her frailty, who, in addition, is blamed for causing much of the violence and conflict in the play. However, to elaborate or disagree with this point one need only refer to Rebecca Smiths point that Gertrude lives that quiet women best please men, and pleasing men is Gertrude main interest. Considering this, it is possible to believe that Gertrude major concern is to maintain a strong relationship with the two men, Claudia and Hamlet. However, another aspect to point out is that of Gertrude death. Gertrude refuses to comply with Claudia, King Gertrude, do not drink Queen- I will, my lord, I pray you pardon me It is richly ironic that the time that Gertrude chooses to assert herself the most, it happens at the most inconvenient time and in fact causes her death. In the words of Rebecca Smith, In fact, Gertrude death is symbolic of the internal disharmony cause by her divided loyalties, which illustrates Gertrude main concern is to please toners, Tort In order to mourn nerd son Hamlet, seen NAS to Loosely Clauses Tort ten first time. In some respect, one could suggest that this displays Gertrude contravening Claudia, therefore in this situation, she does not give way to him. Overall, Aphelia can, in many ways be seen to give way to Polonium. But taken as a whole, Aphelia can be seen to overcome Polonium by rebelling against him in her allegations with Hamlet. In Hamlet Aphelia is denied the freedom of speech and as such she cannot survive in the cruel world that Shakespeare has highlighted. Throughout the play Aphelia is represented by the floral motif; beautiful yet fragile. Being a female in a kingdom filled with chaos and deceptions, the innocent Aphelia is forced to keep silent and obey the domineering men in her life. Had she the license to think for herself, Aphelia might have reasoned through her dilemma, but, caught as she is between her fathers and brothers restrictive instructions and Hamlets rushing demands, she is trapped in a choice-less existence. In my opinion, both these characters, in some instances, overpower the men in their life and refuse to conform. However, the way these characters are driven towards their deaths are very different. In addition, the way they rebel against their men are dissimilar of each other. For example, Aphelia rebels against Polonium by in her madness and hysteria and again in her suicide. However, Gertrude opposes Claudia so they she can please her son and by disobeying him, this leads to her death.

Outkasts-Aquemini critique essays

Outkast's-Aquemini critique essays It is not typical that hip hop music is viewed to be a form of art. It has received a great deal of negative publicity since becoming mainstream in the early to mid 1980s. It is believed, by many, that the lyrical content of this type of music deals with only guns, alcohol, sex, violence, and crime. It is understandable for them to have these beliefs, because there was a period of time when that was true. Though there are still the artists whose lyrics say very little; recently, hip hop has become a form of expression with deeper meaning. It is my opinion that this type of rap has a large amount of artistic value. A song which blends rhythmically, significant lyrics and a beat that sets the mood, should certainly be considered a work of art. The group that I believe is most successful in accomplishing this feat is Outkast. Outkast is the duo of Andre Benjamin and Antwan Patton, more commonly know as Andre 3000 and Big Boi. The work I have chosen to critique is titled Aquemini. It is the fifth track off of their third album which is also titled Aquemini. The word Aquemini is the combination of Aquarius and Gemini; Big Boi being the Aquarius and Andre 3000 the Gemini. With this paper I am including lyrics printed off of the internet and a copy of this song. Please excuse the obscenities used in the songs. Aquemini starts with the chorus which leads to the beginning of the relaxing and slow tempo beat. The meaning of the chorus is summed up by the lines: nothing is for sure, nothing lasts forever. In the first verse Big Boi says, we prayed together through hard times and swung hard when it was fitting, but now we tappin the brakes from all them corners that we be bending in Volkswagons and Bonnevilles, Chevrolets and Coupe De Villes. Big Boi is talking about their hard times together; which I feel refers to their growing up in a poor neighborhood of downtown Atlanta. ...

Is there a danger of inflation in Greece Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Is there a danger of inflation in Greece - Essay Example Greece ultimately joined the Euro monetary area as its 12th member from January 1, 2001 after the European finance ministers' council decided on June 19, 2000 that the country had fulfilled all the convergence criteria and approved its accession (Micco et al, 61). Greece had a troublesome inflation history. In 1990, the performance of the Greek economy was very poor with the inflation reaching higher than 20% and the budget deficit exceeding 16% of the GDP. During that particular year, the growth rate was literally zero and the current account deficit was 4.3% of the GDP. The EMU project came as a blessing in disguise for Greece and throughout the 1990s, Greece implemented economic and political policies that were in tune with those of EMU (Greece in the European Union, 93). This paper discusses the inflation trends and theories in general, and explores the Greek economic scenario briefly in particular with a view to finding out whether there is a danger of high level of inflation in the coming days in the country. A deep analysis of the economic factors guiding the inflation trends in Greece suggests that the Government economic measures will certainly help reduce the inflation threat considerably. Body Part A (Inflation theories) Before we proceed to assess whether or not an impending threat of high level of inflation is emerging in Greece, there is need to study the essentials of inflation on how it is caused. In any country, inflation is basically caused through the emergence of two powerful but common scenarios. Factors of inflation The two factors from which inflation stems are an increase in demand for products, known as the demand pull inflation and an increase in the cost of factors of production, known as the cost push inflation. Monetarists, also known as the neo-classical theorists, point out that when there is a surge of money supply in a nation's economy, it leads to excess money on an aggregate level and creates more demand by increasing the spending capacity of the population. To put it simply, inflation is created when the spending power of the population exceeds the capacity of a country 3 to produce goods and services in enough quantities. This is a situation where prices of commodities go on increasing with the supply levels of goods and services lying below the supply levels of money in the country. As the inflation is caused through an increase in demand, it is called the 'demand pull inflation'. Higher volumes of money supply are generally pumped into the economy of a country when its Government prints more currency or indulges in heavy borrowings to meet budget deficits (Theories, Demand pull inflation). On the other hand, the non-monetarists, also known as the Keynesians, argue that when the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a country increases it does so with higher prices sending a message that the economy has passed the stages of full employment levels of output. This type of situation naturally raises the prices of various commodities. In the phenomenon of a cost push inflation, the cost of factors of production increases paving the way for higher prices of commodities. That leads to wage increase and in turn enhances the

Greenhouse Business Challenge and Carbon Footprint Assignment

Greenhouse Business Challenge and Carbon Footprint - Assignment Example This research will begin with the statement that it has been observed that about 100 percent of the temperature has increased over the last 50 years. This is due to the increase in the emission of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere of the earth. The concentration of gases like carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, etc has created a harmful layer over the ozone. The greenhouse gases act as a mirror of the earth. It reflects the heat waves of the sun back to the earth. This process increases the temperature of the earth causing global warming. As we can see in the paper, carbon dioxide (CO2) generated through fossil fuel such as kerosene, gas, petrol or oil has increased dramatically over the past 50 years.   The concentration of the CO2 has also increased due to the same. The temperature of Earth has increased by 3 to 5 percent in the year 2010. The sea level has also increased by 25 meters, i.e. about 82 feet above in 2010. Carbon footprint is nothing but the sum total of all the g reenhouse gases. The main cause that contributes to the increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is the household electricity, clothing, food, and transportation. All these factors are responsible for the release of huge amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. However, the good news is that there are ways to reduce emission and carbon footprints. The US government has not set any legal bindings or targets for the reduction of GHG emission in the past but President Barack Obama has introduced the policy of US to reduce the emission by 14 percent below 2005 levels by 2020. The US government is mainly focusing on the reduction of fuel emission by regularly reviewing the number of vehicle and the emission of GHG gases.

Economic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Economic - Essay Example Price is deterrent to consumers’ consumption spending but serves as a motivation for the producers and sellers at the same time. However, their behaviors tend to vary on the responsiveness to price changes or elasticity of the goods and services in question and can be influenced by several factors present in the economy. In the end, rationality will be the guiding principle for both the consumers and the producers in making economic decisions. This paper tries to examine the factors related to changes in price of beef and the behaviors of both consumers and suppliers of beef towards it. In analyzing price elasticity of the demand and supply of beef, discussions on market price, determinants of price elasticity of demand and supply were also made. Related articles on demand and supply of food and grains like corn are utilized to achieve the goal of producing an intelligent analysis of the issues reflected in the article. And for better understanding of some of these economic co ncepts, illustrated graphs were also used to help in serving the purpose. 3. Analysis A. Market Price One of the economic goals that are widely, if not accepted in our society and in many others is the price level stability (McConnell and Brue 1993). This goal aims to avoid the sizable upswings or downswings in the general price level. In a microeconomic perspective, this goal is reached when changes in the market prices are manageable and don’t hurt consumers and producers that much. As price is the quantity of money paid by the buyers or consumers and received by the sellers or producers for a unit of good or service, it is very important for it to be stable.We need to analyze market prices to extend our understanding of demand and supply and to see the relative efficiency of these in allocating resources. A rise or fall in market prices will have a corresponding effect or impact to the people in the economy. In the article, the rise in beef price inflicted by high corn pri ces, more exports to protein-hungry nations and the market forces of supply and demand, is causing a pain being felt by beef lovers nationwide. But since some customers like Beth Belling from Omaha are carnivore, they have to have their beef even if hurts them a little more. Retailers are also affected by the increasing beef price but they reported that they are absorbing some of the cost increases— as much as $1 a pound for many cuts of beef — to keep consumers buying. Ruth Comer, a spokeswoman for West Des Moines-based Hy-Vee Supermarkets, said that they try to flatten out the price curve as much as they can so the customers don’t experience sticker shock when they come in store. They also believe that passing price increases along is going to prompt customers to pull back and stop buying or look elsewhere. Restaurant operators also say that higher prices of beef squeeze their finances as they become reluctant to raise menu prices. B. Price Elasticity of Deman d and Supply The responsiveness of supply and demand to any change in price is measured by the price elasticity. It is expressed as the ratio of the percentage change in the quantity demanded and supplied to the percentage change in price. This value will help us determine the degree of elasticity that a product’s demand or supply can have. The degree of elasticity, classified as elastic, inelastic, or unit elastic, will tell us the nature of the product (McConnell and Brue 1993). 1. Price Elasticity

Research paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Research Paper Example The poor usually undergo a lot of stress, which lead to change of eating habits; they eat more while bored and angered. In conclusion, obesity can be reduced among the poor if better living conditions are provided and inflation rates brought down. Introduction Obesity refers to a situation in which a human body accumulates a lot of fats that end up with adverse effects. Obesity is measured using the body mass index (BMI). Therefore, individuals are considered to be overweight when their body mass index is between 25 and 30, but any person whose BMI is above 30 is said to be obese. Normally, obesity is associated with too much consumption of calories accompanied by little amount of exercise. Additionally, several other factors are to contribute to obesity, for example, age, gender, medication, health conditions, and environmental factors, emotional and physical activities. It is evident that when people grow older their metabolic rates reduce; therefore, they should take different kin ds of food. Young people have a lot of energy to break down the calories, which is why obesity cases are rare among them as compared to those in their 40s. In terms of gender, research shows that women are prone to obesity than men (Sutton 2005). This is because men burn up a lot of calories while resting. It has also been established that when women reach menopause, they tend to gain more weight because they experience a decrease in their metabolic rate. Research also indicates that genetic makeup of an individual can contribute to obesity. If a person’s biological mother or father is heavy, there is about 75% probability of the sibling being overweight. This is unavoidable because one is born with those genes. With the changing lifestyles, people tend to eat a lot of junk food leading to them being overweight. Working schedules have interfered with the normal functioning of human bodies because many people seat for longer hours in the office. Emotional issues influence eati ng habits; emotionally disturbed individuals tend to eat a lot hence poorly manage their weight. Anger and boredom also believed to cause too much eating. Ill health can also cause obesity because of hormonal changes, which slowdown metabolism (Sutton 2005). Depression and some mental diseases can also lead to too much consumption of food. While, under medication, some individual can gain weight because of the drugs they are subjected to, for example, antidepressants and steroids. Obesity can be treated through physical exercises, using foods with low fat content and high fiber; a balanced diet is emphasized. Changes in lifestyles and reduction of psychological disturbances, as well as, taking medications can reduce obesity. Several negative effects are associated with obesity for instance high blood pressure, diabetes and disease of the heart. Moreover, cancer has been associated with obesity; uterus, breast and gallbladder cancer in women while prostate cancer in men. Because a lo t of weight exerts stress on the joints, the hips and knees suffer. Many people view that obese individuals are not attractive; therefore, they undergo stress because of rejection and criticism. Recently, it has been found out that the poor get obese too. Therefore, this paper seeks to identify the reasons behind obesity among the poor (Sutton 2005). Body Over the years, poverty is said to a major factor towards obesity. Inflation and high food prices will

What is the value in having, as well as the disadvantages in relying Essay

What is the value in having, as well as the disadvantages in relying on the Rondas campesinas to provide an alternative justice system in highland Peru (Text, pp. 287-288) - Essay Example While on the other hand, one arm of the state attempted to co-opt them and their leaders were accused of taking over the functions of the police and the judiciary; they therefore faced criminal charges that often led to incarceration. At the beginning Rondas Campesinas was comprised of primarily autonomous farmers who were mestizo and Spanish; since they had no confidence in the police or the courts of being able, or enthusiastic to protect them from organized bunch of hooligans involved in theft of cattle and other violent crimes (Hancock, 2007). They supposed that the police were too slow and incompetent in responding to unlawful activities; moreover, they thought that more could have been done to manage the routes used to move the cattle out of the area and the centre where the stolen cattle were sold. In its composition, the Ronda consist of The General Assembly, made up of peasants who posses land in a particular ham let, elects the members of the Ronda committee. The committee is further divided into sub-sections; each sector is also organized by a delegate appointed by the Rondas. Men aged 18 to 60 are expected to serve in the Ronda patrols, in as much as women do not take part in the night patrols; they support the work of the Rondas by providing food and other additional services (Starn,1990). When a suspect has been found, the Rondas’ work is to hand him over to the General Assembly for further interrogation but not to the police. The General Assembly is assigned with the task of deciding whether the suspect has committed an illicit offence, and if that is the case, what punishment should be administered. Formerly, they were not allowed by the constitution to become directly involved in the administration of justice, but latter, the comunidad campesina performs jurisdictional functions. And in most cases they use physical punishment in order to re-establish

Pure Strategy Math Problem Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Pure Strategy - Math Problem Example Player A would prefer to have the largest value possible from those highlighted. In the diagram this can be seen to occur when the line V = 2 + 7X intersects with V= 6 - 3X which occurs at the point as determined below. Value of the game is as follows. The minimax criteria is to maximise the minimum values. To find the solution for B's strategy we need to identify and solve the 2 by 2 pay-off matrix associated with A's optimal strategy. In this case that will be the columns associated with the lines V= 2 + 7X and V= 6 - 3X. Hence 3 9 6 2 Q3. a) Solution: The transformation is as follows. Total Number of audience = 10000000 Total audience size as a pair in each matrix element = 100000 Total value of a pair in each matrix element = 10000000/100000 = 100 Subtracting half the total value of a pair as computed above from each element of the payoff matrix defined in the question. Half the total value = 50 Payoff Matrix SkyCast Historical Drama Comedy Contemporary Drama Variety Mini Series 60 - 50 58 - 50 49 - 50 52 - 50 RayTV Detective 55 - 50 52 - 50 54 - 50 59 - 50 Film 55 - 50 54 - 50 47 - 50 55 - 50 Variety 47 - 50 54 - 50 56 - 50 61 - 50 Transformed Matrix: SkyCast Historical Drama Comedy Contemporary Drama Variety Mini Series 10 8 -1 2 RayTV Detective 5 2 4 9 Film 5 4 -3 5 Variety -3 4 6 11 b) Solution: SkyCast Historical Drama Comedy Contemporary Drama Variety Mini Series 10 8 -1 2 RayTV Detective 5 2 4 9 Film 5 4 -3 5 Variety -3 4 6 11 Comparing fourth column with the third column 2 > -1, 9 > 4, 5 > -3...In the diagram this can be seen to occur when the line V = 2 + 7X intersects with V= 6 - 3X which occurs at the point as determined below. The minimax criteria is to maximise the minimum values. To find the solution for B's strategy we need to identify and solve the 2 by 2 pay-off matrix associated with A's optimal strategy. In this case that will be the columns associated with the lines V= 2 + 7X and V= 6 - 3X. Hence The value decides the type of the show to be put out in order to maximise the ratings over the coming TV season. The value against Detective has more gain (approximately 3.33) and hence it has to be put out in order to maximise the ratings.

Research paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Research Paper Example The poor usually undergo a lot of stress, which lead to change of eating habits; they eat more while bored and angered. In conclusion, obesity can be reduced among the poor if better living conditions are provided and inflation rates brought down. Introduction Obesity refers to a situation in which a human body accumulates a lot of fats that end up with adverse effects. Obesity is measured using the body mass index (BMI). Therefore, individuals are considered to be overweight when their body mass index is between 25 and 30, but any person whose BMI is above 30 is said to be obese. Normally, obesity is associated with too much consumption of calories accompanied by little amount of exercise. Additionally, several other factors are to contribute to obesity, for example, age, gender, medication, health conditions, and environmental factors, emotional and physical activities. It is evident that when people grow older their metabolic rates reduce; therefore, they should take different kin ds of food. Young people have a lot of energy to break down the calories, which is why obesity cases are rare among them as compared to those in their 40s. In terms of gender, research shows that women are prone to obesity than men (Sutton 2005). This is because men burn up a lot of calories while resting. It has also been established that when women reach menopause, they tend to gain more weight because they experience a decrease in their metabolic rate. Research also indicates that genetic makeup of an individual can contribute to obesity. If a person’s biological mother or father is heavy, there is about 75% probability of the sibling being overweight. This is unavoidable because one is born with those genes. With the changing lifestyles, people tend to eat a lot of junk food leading to them being overweight. Working schedules have interfered with the normal functioning of human bodies because many people seat for longer hours in the office. Emotional issues influence eati ng habits; emotionally disturbed individuals tend to eat a lot hence poorly manage their weight. Anger and boredom also believed to cause too much eating. Ill health can also cause obesity because of hormonal changes, which slowdown metabolism (Sutton 2005). Depression and some mental diseases can also lead to too much consumption of food. While, under medication, some individual can gain weight because of the drugs they are subjected to, for example, antidepressants and steroids. Obesity can be treated through physical exercises, using foods with low fat content and high fiber; a balanced diet is emphasized. Changes in lifestyles and reduction of psychological disturbances, as well as, taking medications can reduce obesity. Several negative effects are associated with obesity for instance high blood pressure, diabetes and disease of the heart. Moreover, cancer has been associated with obesity; uterus, breast and gallbladder cancer in women while prostate cancer in men. Because a lo t of weight exerts stress on the joints, the hips and knees suffer. Many people view that obese individuals are not attractive; therefore, they undergo stress because of rejection and criticism. Recently, it has been found out that the poor get obese too. Therefore, this paper seeks to identify the reasons behind obesity among the poor (Sutton 2005). Body Over the years, poverty is said to a major factor towards obesity. Inflation and high food prices will

Pure Strategy Math Problem Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Pure Strategy - Math Problem Example Player A would prefer to have the largest value possible from those highlighted. In the diagram this can be seen to occur when the line V = 2 + 7X intersects with V= 6 - 3X which occurs at the point as determined below. Value of the game is as follows. The minimax criteria is to maximise the minimum values. To find the solution for B's strategy we need to identify and solve the 2 by 2 pay-off matrix associated with A's optimal strategy. In this case that will be the columns associated with the lines V= 2 + 7X and V= 6 - 3X. Hence 3 9 6 2 Q3. a) Solution: The transformation is as follows. Total Number of audience = 10000000 Total audience size as a pair in each matrix element = 100000 Total value of a pair in each matrix element = 10000000/100000 = 100 Subtracting half the total value of a pair as computed above from each element of the payoff matrix defined in the question. Half the total value = 50 Payoff Matrix SkyCast Historical Drama Comedy Contemporary Drama Variety Mini Series 60 - 50 58 - 50 49 - 50 52 - 50 RayTV Detective 55 - 50 52 - 50 54 - 50 59 - 50 Film 55 - 50 54 - 50 47 - 50 55 - 50 Variety 47 - 50 54 - 50 56 - 50 61 - 50 Transformed Matrix: SkyCast Historical Drama Comedy Contemporary Drama Variety Mini Series 10 8 -1 2 RayTV Detective 5 2 4 9 Film 5 4 -3 5 Variety -3 4 6 11 b) Solution: SkyCast Historical Drama Comedy Contemporary Drama Variety Mini Series 10 8 -1 2 RayTV Detective 5 2 4 9 Film 5 4 -3 5 Variety -3 4 6 11 Comparing fourth column with the third column 2 > -1, 9 > 4, 5 > -3...In the diagram this can be seen to occur when the line V = 2 + 7X intersects with V= 6 - 3X which occurs at the point as determined below. The minimax criteria is to maximise the minimum values. To find the solution for B's strategy we need to identify and solve the 2 by 2 pay-off matrix associated with A's optimal strategy. In this case that will be the columns associated with the lines V= 2 + 7X and V= 6 - 3X. Hence The value decides the type of the show to be put out in order to maximise the ratings over the coming TV season. The value against Detective has more gain (approximately 3.33) and hence it has to be put out in order to maximise the ratings.

Myth’s Function in the Public World Essay Example for Free

Myth’s Function in the Public World Essay The four main objectives are more extensive than is necessary. From other research and revitalization projects, the main objectives include the commercial enterprise (vacancies) inventory and the communities and surrounding areas population ideal of the area. In fact, having a private investor interested in the area is better than most areas. Many central business districts had to give financial incentives, such as lower rent or tax breaks to get entrepreneurs into the area. In the case study, Williams Realty Corporation was readily taking the first step in the revitalization process. The main objects were really to get people back into the downtown area through creating an area of individual retailers, corporations, restaurants and entertainment facilities, and new residential projects that would be able to renovate the old building and create a trendy Mecca for the young adults in the area that wanted to be close to work and entertainment. The fact that William Realty Corporation had done all the planning and preparation and just wanted the data is exceptional. However the data is what seems to be lacking in most cases, but by focusing on the two main objectives, the plan could move forward (Duvoli, 2004; Faulk, 2006; Weiler, 2000). 2. Briefly outline a research proposal by listing the appropriate techniques for collection of these data. Based on other research of central business district development the focus of the study should be on the gaining of population to start using the area again. Through tax records and housing data a basic understanding of the district can show the number of vacancies and when the decline of the area began. With this information the survey of viable building and the occupancy rates along with a walking survey of those people who work and live in the central business district should be undertaken. This survey does not have to be on a grand scale, but needs to ask the important questions, such as what is missing from the area, what would need to be included to make the area more people friendly. For the most part, any revitalization project needs to look at the business that can use the existing stores and building for either residential or commercial prospects. Old warehouses can offer lofts in the upper areas while allow retail businesses on the ground level. Listening to the people and the area itself will help direct the project and help keep investment to a minimum for the city. Following these easily completed research techniques will allow the city to plan the revitalization easier than without this basic information. It does not have to be elaborate, but it does have to give the people what they want in a central business district (Duvoli, 2004; Faulk, 2006; Weiler, 2000). References Duvoli, J. (2004, March 8).One Hudson River city sees amazing downtown business growth. Hudson Valley Business Journal, 15(5), 3-3. Retrieved January 3, 2009, from Regional Business News database. Faulk, D. (2006, March). The Process and Practice of Downtown Revitalization. Review of Policy Research, 23(2), 625-645. Retrieved January 3, 2009, doi:10. 1111/j. 1541-1338. 2006. 00219. x Weiler, S. (2000, January). Pioneers and Settlers in Lo-Do Denver: Private Risk and Public Benefits in Urban Redevelopment. Urban Studies, 37(1), 167-179. Retrieved January 3, 2009, doi:10. 1080/0042098002348

Internal Auditing Concepts for Small and Medium Enterprises

Internal Auditing Concepts for Small and Medium Enterprises INTRODUCTION 1.0 Background Internal auditing is an independent appraisal function established within an organization to examine and evaluate its activities as a service to the organization. It helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes (IIA, 2007). It delivers greater value to an organization by championing good governance, supporting enterprise risk management rollout, consolidating compliance processes, and potentially coordinating various other corporate monitoring functions (Rick Todd, 2008). Corporate governance is a set of processes, controls, and structures generally performed within the organization by, or on behalf of, stakeholders (including the board or other body directly appointed by stakeholders, to ensure that their interests are protected and their goals are achieved (Norman, 2007). Over the past years, there has been a loud call for â€Å"good governance† of organizations (Zeleke, 2007). In the wake of corporate scandals, widespread unethical behavior, and illegal activity in some of the most respected organizations, corporate governance has become important in both public and private organizations (Tumuheki, 2007). These accounting scandals and legislation highlight the critical role the internal audit function plays in corporate governance (Deborah et al, 2008). It is therefore not surprising that the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) puts a lot of effort in guiding its members to become corporate governance specialists, capable to assist both management and the board (Jan, 2005). Uganda, like other transition economies, now increasingly recognizes that corporate governance is an essential tool for prosperity and economic growth. (Tumuheki, 2007). For Small and Medium Enterprises, especially those with a serious desire to grow and perhaps someday get stock exchange listings of their own, they should consider adopting key elements of corporate governance as this will help them gain access to information and resources for growth. The presence of proper accounting and bookkeeping practices increases confidence in SMEs and makes them less risky to invest or finance. According to Wee Teck (2003), there has been a recent growing call for the application of corporate governance to SMEs. They argue that, corporate governance has similar benefits to SMEs as to listed companies and therefore similar guidelines that apply to listed companies should also be applicable to SMEs. 2.0 Statement of the Problem Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are critical for Uganda because of their role in economic growth and poverty reduction. A dynamic and vibrant SME sector will provide sustainable growth, generate jobs and therefore reduce poverty levels .As companies globally face issues relating to transparency, accountability and timely disclosure of material information, the concept of corporate governance and business ethics in SMEs has gained significant importance (Shahnawaz, 2003). In Uganda, SMEs which form 90% of the private sector, lack organised in-house procedures to manage and supervise internal controls, risk management, business performance and cash flows. This has caused a high collapse rate, with 40 % failing within one year and 80 % within five years (Kasule, 2008) despite the high formation rate. This has prompted me to look at the relationship between internal audit proficiency and corporate governance in the small and medium scale enterprises in Uganda. 3.0 Purpose of the Study The purpose of the study seeks to evaluate the relationships between internal audit proficiency and internal controls; internal controls and corporate governance; internal audit proficiency and risk management; internal controls and risk management; and risk management and corporate governance in Ugandas SMEs. 4.0 Objectives of the Study The specific objectives of the study are stated below: i To establish the relationship between internal audit proficiency and internal controls in SMEs ii To establish the relationship between internal control systems and corporate governance in SMEs iii To establish the relationship between internal audit proficiency and risk management in SMEs iv To establish the relationship between internal controls and risk management in SMEs v To establish the relationship between risk management and corporate governance in SMEs. 5.0 Research Questions i) What are the causes of lack of internal audit proficiency in Ugandas SMEs? ii) What role can internal audit proficiency play to promote good corporate governance in Ugandas SMEs? 6.0 Scope of the Study The study will focus on internal audit proficiency, internal controls, risk management and corporate governance practices in Ugandas SMEs. It will be conducted within Kampala District since Kampala area has the largest number of SMEs in Uganda. The SMEs will be studied under the following categories; trade and commerce, service and manufacturing. 7.0 Significance of the Study The study will benefit the SME sector since it will highlight areas of emphasis that they should take advantage of. Scholars and academicians may be inspired to carry out further studies based on these findings. The study is expected to boost the literature gap on internal audit and corporate governance in the SME sector. Policy makers and other stakeholders will benefit from the findings of this research since they will be able to draw conclusions based on the findings. 8.0 Conceptual Framework The conceptual frame work draws upon the works of Faudziah et al, (2005), Laura Michael, (2002) and Tushabomwe (2006) with adjustments made to fit SMEs in Uganda. It explores the relationship between two variables; internal audit proficiency and corporate governance in Ugandas SMEs. According to Gerrit Ignace (2006), internal controls more specifically and risk management have been considered fundamental elements of organizational governance and that, it is the job of internal auditors to help organisations accomplish their objectives by bringing systematic and disciplined approaches to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes. Internal auditors have an important role in the corporate governance process (Jan, 2007) and therefore need to be out in front, leading organisations with regards to the internal control systems and also focusing on strategic business objectives. They also need to establish themselves as vital cogs in their organizations, rather than as observers who watch from the periphery and wait for events to impact them (Sawyer Vinten, 1996). Therefore their experience and skill in carrying out audit work is of great importance since constructive advice to the Board and management adds value to organizations. The following conceptual frame work will be used to guide the study.