Financial Aid Appeal Letter

This is in response to the official letter that I received from your office regarding the suspension of my financial aid. I am writing to present a request to have the privilege of receiving financial aid again. During my last semester, year, including the months leading up to my suspension for credits at Howard posed a challenging point in my academic career. With the external pressures and stress conditions faced at the time prevented me from meeting my set goals for academic progress.The long strenuous hours at work, the displacement that my Mother and sister faced by moving to Boston from Miami, then back to Miami, then later to Pittsburgh and then now back to Miami. The worries of what I was going to have to sacrifice in order to send money to my immediate family, as well as other less fortunate family members in Haiti, all took an unbearably heavy toll on me thus spilling over and effecting both my attitude and efforts placed towards my classes. It forced me to readjust and rep rioritize things causing school and my studies to be placed on the back-burner.I found myself at work, working on days I had schedule classes. I wasn’t putting forth any real effort in any of my difficult classes primarily because I was so distracted with stresses outside of school. I was sort of just going through the motions. During that moment in my life I was fatigued end exhausted with school life. I had arrived at a point where I forgot why I initially came to Howard, which was to be the first person in my immediate family to attend college and earn a quality education. I came to Howard to earn a bachelors degree and work in a field, still to this day, I’m most passionate about.Without the required financial aid, it would be difficult for me to take the amount of courses I need to take in the next academic semester. I am aware that my performance during my last attendance at Howard University does not give any reason for faith in my abilities to do better but I a m in a position to ensure that I am going to take strict steps to ensure that my academic work will be more successful in the future. I have, for one, found a better stable job, working for a great security company, which allows me the flexibility to cut back on the number of work hours ensuring that I get more time to devote to my academics.I have made myself familiar with and established a network of tutors on and off campus that I will utilize for classes that I find most difficult. I also plan on establishing and maintaining close contact with my adviser in the School of Business, Accounting department, regarding measures I can take to stay ahead of the academic demands of college. Without financial aid this will be impossible. I am a good student as my records from earlier academic performances would show you and I intend to get back on track as my education is of prime importance to me.

Incident of the French Camp

Incident of the French Camp Reference to Context Introduction These lines have been extracted from the poem Incident of the French Camp written by Robert Browning. The poem describes an act of chivalry, gallantry, patriotism and sacrifice on the part of a young French Soldier. The French Army had attacked the German city of Ratisbon. After they had achieved triumph, the news of the victory was conveyed to the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte by that young soldier who was brimming with pride and glory although he was on the verge of death. Thereafter, the wounded soldier breathed his last.Lines YOU KNOW, WE FRENCH STORMED RATISBON: A MILE OR SO AWAY, ON A LITTLE MOUND, NAPOLEON STOOD ON OUR STORMING DAY; WITH NECK OUT-THRUST, YOU FANCY HOW, LEGS WIDE, ARMS LOCKED BEHIND, AS IF TO BALANCE THE PRONE BROW OPPRESSIVE WITH ITS MIND. Explanation In the lines given for explanation, the poet is describing the scene of the French attack on the German city of Ratisbon. Marshal Lannes led the French a ggression in the year 1783. On that occasion, the French emperor Napoleon stood on a hillock just a mile away from the scene of the onslaught.He appeared to be in a pensive mood. He had his neck sticking out and his legs were wide apart. He had his arms joined behind his bark and a cloud on his brow was quite visible. It seemed that something very important was weighing upon his mind and he was perhaps working out his future strategy and line of action. Lines JUST AS PERHAPS HE MUSED, MY PLANS THAT SOAR, TO EARTH MAY FALL, LET ONCE MY ARMY. LEADER LANNES WAVER AT YONDER WALL,’- OUT ’TWIST THE BATTERY SMOKES THERE FLEW A RIDER, BOUND ON BOUND FULL-GALLOPING; NOR BRIDLE DREW UNTIL HE REACHED THE MOUND. ExplanationThese lines bring to light the contemplative nature of Napoleon, and the courage and enthusiasm of the young soldier who was heading towards him to convey the good news of victory. Napoleon was lost in his thoughts pondering over the events of the days to come. All his future planning depended upon his success at Ratisbon. He was eagerly waiting to see the French flag flutter over the German City. As he concentrated upon his future strategy, he observed a young French soldier rushing towards him, riding at top speed. The rider pierced through the blanket of smoke.He came straight to the place where Napoleon was standing and was waiting to receive the good tidings. Lines THEN OFF THERE FLUNG IN SMILING JOY, AND HELD HIMSELF ERECT BY JUST HIS HORSE’S MANE, A BOY: YOU HARDLY COULD SUSPECT – (SO TIGHT HE KEPT HIS LIPS COMPRESSED, SCARCE ANY BLOOD CAME THROUGH) YOU LOOKED TWICE ERE YOU SAW HIS BREAST WAS ALL BUT SHOT IN TWO. Explanation In the given lines, the poet appreciated the heroic behaviour of the young soldier. Although he was fatally wounded, he displayed extraordinary courage, confidence and self-control. He jumped off his horse and stood at attention before his chief.His mouth was full of blood but he had his lips so ti ghtly sealed that not a drop of blood oozed out of it. He maintained his cool and composure, and with confidence and chivalry, conveyed the cheerful news of victory. One could never realize that the young soldier’s breast was shot into two unless one has very keen and observant eye on him. Lines ‘WELL, CRIED HE, ‘EMPEROR, BY GOD’S GRACE WE’VE GOT YOU RATISBON! THE MARSHAL’S IN THE MARKET-PLACE, AND YOU’LL BE THERE ANON TO SEE YOUR FLAG-BIRD FLAP HIS VANS WHERE I, TO HEART’S DESIRE, PERCHED HIM! ’ THE CHIEF’S EYE FLASHED; HIS PLANSSOARED UP AGAIN LIKE FIRE. Explanation In the lines given for explanation, the poet is describing the way in which the young soldier informed Napoleon of their success and the reaction of the Emperor to this good news. Although the young man was in intense pain and suffering, he finally opened his lips, and with a great sense of pleasure and personal pride, informed Napoleon of the annexati on of the German City. Napoleon was delighted to learn that Marshall Lannes had reached the heart of the city and the emperor was eagerly awaited by the triumphant forces.The soldier felt a special kind of joy and pride in the fact that he, with his own hands, had flown the French flag over Ratisbon. The flag had the figure of a bird on it. Thus when the flag fluttered in the air, it seemed as though the bird on it. Thus when the flag fluttered in the air, it seemed as though the bird was flapping its wings. No sooner did Napoleon get the news of victory, a sparkle of joy and satisfaction came to his eyes. He once again started thinking about his future strategy. Lines THE CHIEF’S EYE FLASHED; BUT PRESENTLYSOFTENED ITSELF, AS SHEATHES A FILM THE MOTER-EAGLE’S EYE WHEN HER BRUISED EAGLET BREATHES: ‘YOU’RE WOUNDED! , ‘NAY’, HIS SOLDIER’S PRIDE TOUCHED TO THE QUICK, HE SAID: ‘I’M KILLED, SIRE! † AND HIS CHIEF BESIDE, SMI LING, THE BOY FELL DEAD. Explanation These lines bring to light Napoleon’s loving and affectionate behaviour towards the young soldier who was about to breathe his last. The good news of success had brought to Napoleon’s eyes a special kind of glitter which faded away no sooner had he noticed that the soldier was fatally wounded.The feelings of Napoleon at that moment were just like those of the mother eagle who gets confused when she finds her young ones badly bruised and on the verge of death. She fails to understand how to save their lives. Similarly, that maternal affection surged up in Napoleon’s heart and he inquired whether the boy was wounded. The soldier proudly declared that he felt joy and thrill in giving his life for his country. There was a smile of pride and satisfaction on the young soldier’s lips as he fell dead near his emperor’s feet.

My personal Philosophy of Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

My personal Philosophy of Education - Essay Example Angels exist and thus form one of the fundamental beliefs. The angels have the mandate to worship God and God alone. The angels are also powerful but tend to obey the almighty and act only to his command. The most famous angel is angel Gabriel, who is the messenger God sent to bring the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. There are books that God gave to his messengers. The books tend to be a proof of the existence of god and the blueprint that guides the behavior of humankind. One of the books is the Quran that is the most vital book in the religion of Islam. There is a provision that God demands the Quran be kept away from destruction through corruption and distortion. Consequently, Muslims are of the perspective that all prophets were human beings with no supernatural abilities. The only difference is that they found favor in the eyes of Allah. The term refers to a divine destiny that is a belief by the Muslims. The belief in the divine destiny does not restrict human beings from exploding their freewill. Correspondingly, Muslims are of the belief that god gave human beings the freedom to freewill. Therefore, the making of choices, whether good or bad, belongs solely to human beings and God does not intervene in the process. In addition, the divine destiny has various composite beliefs (Hamid, August 2003). There is the belief in that God is omniscient. There is also the belief of keeping records of all happenings and the belief in that the will of God always takes part. Moreover, there is the belief that the Almighty is the maker of all creatures plus everything that is in the universe. Values shape up the character of an individual. The main origin of the values is as put forward by Islam. The Islam religion requires that every Muslim should worship the only true God, Allah. Every Muslim should always be kind and humble as well as be honorable to his or her parents. No one should engage in killings that have the label of mercy killings

Electronic Commerce Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Electronic Commerce - Essay Example This dissertation will overview a software architecture based on use of Web Services for dynamically binding data in Business-to-Business (B2B) software applications known as Service Oriented Architecture (SOA). It will carry out analysis of productivity issues for major components of Web Services that consist of four technologies in combination that provide an implementation of SOA: HTTP as the primary network protocol, SOAP/XML for the payload format, UDDI for service registry, and WSDL to describe the service interfaces. Partitioning ability directly enables the creation of application partitions. These partitions are created to enable a more targeted use of back end data, requiring less throw-away caching and improved write capacity to databases. While partitioning will not realize the claims surrounding performance and availability on its own, it is able to establish the foundation upon which these benefits are achieved. Multithreading is used to process multiple units of work asynchronously from a single Web service call. Multiple threads can be executed in parallel on many computer systems. Multithreading generally occurs by time slicing where a single processor switches between different threads, or by multiprocessing where threads are executed on separate processors. Cashing raises productiveness of computing ... Clustered Web systems are typically composed of two or more individual systems coupled together via a network. Clustering provides high-availability by moving applications between nodes (computers in the cluster) if a node fails. Asymmetric clustering has one node active and the other monitoring and waiting while symmetric clustering has all nodes active, able to take one more programs if one fails. Also suggestion for performance measure for software applications such as CRM, ERP, WMS, etc built on Service Oriented Architecture will be given. Contribution of the Project The project addresses the need for a more productive communications framework to allow any company to extend its existing legacy applications with minimal overheads that is especially important for developing countries. Service Oriented Architecture can address many of the industry failings allowing a developer to dynamically connect to Web service A and maybe later switch to Web Service C, without intervention. This work allows a Web Service to provide a more productive mechanism to connect users, vendors, and applications regardless of the technology or devices they use or their location. Based on industry standard protocols and universal vendor support that can leverage the internet for low cost communications as well as other offerings for mobile devices, allowing loosely coupled messaging, multiple connectivity and information sharing scenarios via services that are self describing and can be automatically discovered. This advancement will allow for a common uniform interface to build on their Web Services and deploy them in the UDDI registries for other companies to find them,

Product Sales Plan for iPhone Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Product Sales Plan for iPhone - Research Paper Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that prior to the development of the iPhone, the mobile industry had a rough journey in terms of sales. There is a clear dependence on the network providers. Mobile phones were even viewed then as a tool to achieve services from the said mobile network. In the said view, mobile phones were cheap and the features were limited. In 2006, there had been a rapid increase in the number of mobile users and subscribers estimated at 2 billion all over the world. Another trend that started in the same period is the sales of mobile phones based on the technology or the features which became the onset for the development of technologies related to mobile cameras, wireless capabilities, memory capacities and other concepts that became weapons of competitive advantage. Basically, the development of the iPhone took advantage of the said trends and developments in the mobile industry. The technology presented by the iPhone also considered by authorities as a wave that enabled the mobile phone companies to dictate sales on the basis of the product capabilities rather than the services that the mobile networks are offering. The product iPhone is from Apple Inc., a company known for product innovation and product exclusiveness which enable the company to set a price different from competitors. Apple Inc. is recognized for products such as the Mac computer, iPod, iTunes, and the latest innovation iPad.

Marketing Plan for Starbucks Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Marketing Plan for Starbucks - Research Paper Example A representative of the Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union. Tadesse Meskela argues that Starbucks sells its coffee in the market for $14 per pound whereas; it buys coffee for only $1.20 per pound which is even lower than production cost (Hot News, 2010). Such concerns are being discussed at the political and national level. Coffee producing nations can also impact the operations of the company and can threaten the United States to stop the trade of coffee. For the Ethiopian farmer's trademarking has become very important, therefore, Ethiopian government asked Starbucks to sign an agreement of ownership in Coffee, however, Starbucks refused to sign it (Oromoindex, 2009). Such concerns can directly influence the operations of a company. Increasing inflation has increased the cost of coffee, thereby, affected the revenues of coffee companies. Starbucks’ first-quarter sales increased by 2.9 percent because of higher coffee prices (Singh, 2009). The growing demand for energy and other beverages and food can influence the demand of coffee in the U.S. According to 2009 trends, consumption of coffee remained consistent at 54 percent of the total adult population partaking (National Coffee Association of USA, 2009). Discretionary spending in the U.S. for the year 2010 is $1.39 trillion and 38 percent out of total spending. Around $844 billion was spent on security and $553 billion was spent on agriculture ($25 billion) (Amadeo, 2010). Technological developments have also enhanced the capability of Starbucks to increase its green practices. For example, at several stores of Starbucks, the company is experimenting with compact fluorescent lights and energy saving fixtures (Allison, 2008). Environmental protection programs and practices are very important for the companies operating in the United States.

Jazz Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Jazz - Article Example The fundamental nature of jazz lies in improvisation, defined as the art of making music through the spur-of-the-moment invention of ideas. Jazz relies upon the artist/performer to create music that is neither written nor practiced, but shaped from the heart and soul for that at that particular moment in time. Through this method, Jazz has proven to be the type of music that evokes thought and emotions through a shared experience between the artist/performer and listener/audience. As a function of this, the following analysis will seek to discuss, analyze, and draw inference from a particular jazz concert that was visited by this particular student. I was privileged to have an old friend of mine invite me to a Jazz concert on March 26th at ‘Lucy’s 51’ in Toluca Lake. Toluca Lake is a district that lies 12 miles to the northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The first thing I noticed as I walked in was the electronic and acoustic instruments, as well as the formal attir e that the performers adorned. The group consisted of a total of three players and the instruments ranged from an electric guitar, drum and the bass. This was of course somewhat different than I was used to do to the fact that many of the concerts that I’ve been to previously were performed by either a string quartet or a full symphony orchestra. This of course helps to integrate the understanding that the form of music that I was about to experience was necessarily modern and did not rely upon the acoustic power that the instrument in an of itself could generate. These aspects were creatively woven to produce a magnificent concert that incorporated a series of four different songs that were performed beautifully.   John Pisano was on the guitar, Jamie Findlay was acting as the guest guitarist, while John Belzaguy was on the bass, and lastly but not least was Tim Pleasant on the drums. Each of the selection of songs that were played could be classified as jazz even though e ach piece employed its own specific and unique sound. This further helps to demonstrate the broad range of musical style as well as musicianship that is exhibited within the jazz genre of music. This was somewhat surprising to me due to the fact that jazz has only been able to develop and evolve over a relatively short period of time. As compared to classical music, that is had many centuries to develop different styles and forms a musicianship, Jazz ultimately reached its peak levels of popularity and development within what can be considered a short period of time. The crowd was generally dressed casually and had a wide variety of listeners, ranging from young people to much older ones. What I quickly noticed was that the environment was not as quiet as I had expected it would be. I had done a bit of research into Jazz music prior to the concert and I expected the audience to be dead quiet and listening attentively to the music. This was not the case as part of the crowd was unbea rably noisy as compared to other concerts I have been to. This select part of the crowd did not seem to appreciate the truly beautiful music that was being performed. In past concerts I have been in, loud conversations and disruptive noises were not allowed as this was seen to be distracting the performers as well as the audience who were listening attenti

Legal research skills Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Legal research skills - Essay Example 8. Which documents must be obtained before conducting a charitable collection and from which bodies a) The promoters of the charitable collection must hold a public collections certificate obtained from the Commission (S 52 (1)), and b) A permit issued by the local authority in whose area it is conducted (S 59 (1)) 9. What types of financial assistance may a Minister give to a charity Financial assistance may be given by way of: (a) grants, (b) loans, (c) guarantees, or (d) incurring expenditure for the benefit of the person assisted. (S 70 (2)) 10. What is the maximum period a person can be a member of the Charity Commission Membership in a Charity Commission is only for a maximum of 3 years. (Schedule 1A, S3(1)) Task 2: Statutory Instruments (SIs) Chosen statutory instrument (SI): Cattle Identification Regulations 2007 (SI 2007/529) 1. When did the regulations come into force The regulation came into effect on the 6th April 2007 (S 1) 2. What is a "holding" under the regulations A "holding" means any establishment, construction or, in the case of an open-air farm, any place in which cattle are held, kept or handled (S 2(1)(c)) 3. When must ear tags be applied to ears of bison The keeper must apply both tags when the calves are separated from their dams or within nine months of the birth, whichever is the sooner. (Schedule 1, 1(3)(c)) 4. A farmer discovers that his cow has lost her ear tag. She was born on 1 February 2007 in Somerset. What must the farmer do and by when He must, within 28 days of the discovery, replace it with another ear tag bearing the same number (which must be a primary tag if the original was primary or a primary or secondary tag if the original tag...(S 18) c) the need for the charity (or the receiving charity in the case of a transfer) to have purposes which are suitable and effective in the light of current social and economic circumstances (S18) He must, within 28 days of the discovery, replace it with another ear tag bearing the same number (which must be a primary tag if the original was primary or a primary or secondary tag if the original tag was secondary) and failure to do is an offence. (Schedule 1, (4)(2)) In the case of a dairy herd, the second ear tag is applied within 20 days from the birth of the calf (Schedule 1, 3 (c)). From the time the Farmer or keeper applies that 2nd tag, he must within 7days register the calf (Schedule 2, 3(1)). The judges in the case were Lord Brown-Wilkinson, Lord Lloyd of Berwick, Lord Hoffman, Lord Hope of Craighead, and Lord Clyde (House of Lords Judgments - Alan Wibberly Building Limited v. Insley / Session 1998-99/ 29 April 1999) Lord Hoffman gave the leading judgment contained in paragraphs 3-24 of the Opinions of the Lords of Appeal, 29 April 1999. The other judges expressed their affirmation to Lord Hoffman's judgment (paragraphs 1, 2, 25 and 31) a.

Open Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Open - Research Paper Example Qualifications wise the board is a mix of innovators and researchers. The board comprises two PhD holders and key personalities like Robert A. Iger the current CEO and president of The Walt Disney Company (Apple Inc., 2013b). The combination of innovation and research gives Apple’s Board the leadership qualities that are needed for consumer electronics business. Research provides Apple with access to the latest technology while innovation provides the company’s products with the competitive edge over its rivals. The board can take decisions based on both technology and innovation. 2. Committees the board sits on: The board at Apple Inc. sits on three committees: Audit and Finance, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance. The Audit and Finance committee is responsible for maintaining the financial matters of the company. Moreover the committee looks after the audit system, performs risk management and also looks after the security of the data. Financial matt ers are of great importance to Apple Inc. and to make sure that the committee functions at optimum efficiency the members of the committee are some of the brilliant minds of the leading companies in the world (Apple Inc., 2011a). The second committee is Compensation committee whose main purpose is to design incentive plans for the company. In addition to designing the Committee can also review and modify any incentive plan as it sees fit. The committee has three members with Andrea Jung being the chairperson for the Committee (Apple Inc., 2013a). The third Committee is Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee whose sole responsibility is to nominate candidates for the Board of Directors at Apple Inc. In addition the committee can advise the Board of Directors regarding matters of governance. The committee comprises three members and William V. Campbell is appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee (Apple Inc., 2011). 3. Management at Apple Inc: Most of the individuals workin g for Apple have been working with the company since its formation. There are a few who joined shortly after Steve Jobs was made the CEO at Apple Inc. in 1997 (Apple Inc., 2013d). The management team is a relatively experienced one with people who have worked with some of the greatest companies in the world. One such example is Craig Federighi the Senior Vice President at the company. Federighi worked for NeXT Inc. and Ariba before working for Apple in 2009. NeXT Inc. and Ariba were one of the most popular IT companies of their time. Federighi is just one example of the many experienced individuals working for the management of Apple Inc. (Lowensohn, 2011). 4. Board’s Philosophy on Executive Compensation: Executive compensation at Apple Incorporation is determined by the Compensation Committee which comprises 4 non-employee directors of the company. As per the â€Å"Definitive Proxy Statement†, the executive compensation program of the company includes awarding Restric ted Stock Units (RSU) to all executive members of the company (Apple Inc., 2013d). However, the RSUs were not awarded to one executive member, Timothy Cook, who was promoted to the CEO of the company. In addition, the Compensation committee also has established a sound basis for determining the remuneration and bonuses for executive members of the company. As for instance, the Committee considers a number of factors while evaluating the remuneration and bonuses of the executive members, which include: Competitive Market

Air Traffic Management Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Air Traffic Management Paper - Essay Example The law puts in place common necessities to ensure that air transport services are provided in a safe, efficient, incessant, and interoperable basis in all communities. It initiates a harmonized system to certify pilots and establishes rules for assigning service providers (Haanappel, 2003). The national supervisory systems must ensure suitable supervision of the pertaining of the rule, especially in line with the requirements of the regulation. Common requirements for air navigation provisions must include: Operational and technical suitability and competencies, processes and systems for security and quality administration, quality of services, reporting systems, insurance and liability. This act seeks to increase the capacity of air traffic control, enhance the addition of military systems into the association of air traffic control, and to make it possible to introduce new technology. According to this act, in order to support plans both on a regional and on the functional airspace level, the air traffic administration network functions will permit maximum use of airspace and see to it that airspace users can run preferred routes, while allowing optimum access to air navigation and airspace services. The Air Commerce Act of 1926 gave a responsibility to the Commerce Department to issue and enforce air traffic rules, certify aircraft, license pilots, establish airways, and operate grants for air navigation (Haanappel, 2003). These are slope indicators that usually entail a single light unit reflecting a two-color visual arrival path into the ultimate approach surface upon which the runaway indicator is established. The on glide route sign is a steady white light, with the red light slightly below the glide route. If the aircraft alights further below the glide route, the red light pulsates first. The rate of pulsating increases as the aircraft moves below or further than the glide

Economics Essay Example for Free

Economics Essay The study of construction, allocation, and expenditure of goods and services has been incorporated in the social science that has been referred as Economics. In the year 1932, one of the economists Lionel Robbins presented a definition of economics that has been appreciated by a number of economic organizations around the globe. Under this definition, the ends and limited means create a connection with each other, which has been observed as a human behavior. Such behavior is studied by a branch of science that has been referred as economics. A notion has been accepted by almost all the economists around the world that the wants and needs of humans cannot be satisfied by the available resources that are scarce as compared with the needs of the human race. However, available resources can be used alternatively, which can result in the reduction and elimination of economic problems. In this regard, when the different choices available to human race for the fulfillment of the wants and demands are studied, the process has been recognized as economics. In addition, various types have been created during the classification of economics, which are as follows: Microeconomics and Macroeconomics †¢ Constructive economics and Normative economics †¢ Conventional economics and Unorthodox economics Our society entails different processes, actors, and relationships that work together for the proper functioning of the economic system, in order to create equilibrium in the demand and supply of the products and services around the globe. Nowadays, religion, politics, law, education, sociology, etc. have incorporated the economic analysis in its fields too, which has changed the perspective of role of economics in present world. Economy As earlier mentioned in the paper, the diverse processes of production, substitution, distribution, and utilization of goods and services results in the conception of a comprehended system of human activities, that has been referred as economy of a particular country or region. In addition, a number of factors are responsible for the composition of economy in a particular country. In this regard, some of the related factors are the scientific advancement that has changed the perspective of an economy. Nowadays, social organizations with respect to geography and ecology have integrated the utilization of economic policies and theories in its activities. In terms of products and services, the progress of a particular country is represented by its economy, which is indicated by its gross domestic product, rate of unemployment, inflation, and several other factors that are associated with the economy. (Parkin, 2004) Greek were the first ones to integrate the word economy in their daily household activities. In economic perspective, the management of economic affairs was referred as economy in the year 1440. Until the nineteenth or twentieth century, concept of a separate economic system of a particular country was not developed, as it is used currently in most parts of the world. Macroeconomics When the study of performance, structure, and behavior of economy and economical factors is considered on a national or regional level, such study has been referred as macroeconomics. The study of macroeconomics has been considered one of the major studies in terms of understanding the economy of a country along with microeconomics that considers the study of similar factors, but on an individual scale. As earlier mentioned, different economy-related functions, such as unemployment rates, GDP, price inflation, etc. are studied aggregately by the macroeconomists. (Wilson, 2003) Moreover, the abovementioned factors create relationships that are explained by the development of different models by the macroeconomists. Some of the detailed factors that are analyzed by the macroeconomists other than usual factors like GDP, unemployment rate, etc. are the international finance, international trade, consumption, national output, etc. On the contrary, the actions and activities of individual persons are primarily focused by the microeconomics. Some of the examples of considered individuals are firms, consumers, etc. (Bofinger, 2001) While there is a broad range of studies in the branch of macroeconomics, the discipline has been represented by two major areas of research. These two areas are quite contrary to each other, as one considers the short-run fluctuations in the national income, and endeavors to understand and analyze the different causes and consequences of the same. On the other hand, the second area has considered the study of economic growth based on long-run fluctuations. In this regard, macroeconomics plays a vital and crucial role in facilitating governments, as well as, large companies to understand the economic flexibility for the investors, as well as, for the different forecasts that result in the fluctuations of the exchange market. Policies In order to stabilize the economy of a county, different economic policies are considered by the government that are implemented and adjusted according to the requirements of a country. By the successful implementation of such policies, different economic shocks like the great depression, inflation, deficit budget, etc. are avoided and reduced by the government. It has been believed by most of the governments that economic stability and growth is continued and maintained by the successful adjustments of these policies. In this regard, two types of strategic policies have been observed for the economic management of a country. The two types of such policies are fiscal policy and the monetary policy. In this paper, we will try to define, discuss, and analyze the role of monetary policy in the economic growth and stability of a country. Moreover, we will try to determine the effects of monetary policy on the different macroeconomic factors that have already been mentioned in the paper. Monetary Policy Since the beginning of economic system in the United States, the monetary policy has played a vital role and crucial role in the sustained growth of economic factors in the country. In the past, gold and tobacco were considered as some of the valuable assets for the barter trade. Subsequently, technological evolution resulted in the value of debit and credit cards that are now being used in different parts of the globe. It has been observed that different sectors associated with human lives have developed with the help of effective policies in the United States. In the past, paper currencies were introduced in the country by the Continental Congress, which was quite an innovative step in the advancement of the monetary system of the country. Moreover, coinage was also introduced in the country by the policymakers that modified the perspective of economic system of the United States. (Clapham, 2007) As earlier mentioned in the paper that significant improvement and advancement has been shown by the monetary system of the United States, which has been possible due to the endeavors of different policymakers responsible for the creation of effective monetary policy in the country. However, the historical facts have shown that the creation of monetary policies has confronted a number of controversies during the early years that used to portray the monetary system as a decentralized system. On the other hand, the monetary system of the United States has now present itself as a more centralized system with some of the very effective monetary policies of all the time. Moreover, some of the other factors are responsible for the slow development of economic system is the specifications of banking power that created many doubts due to monetary policies that used to present a decentralized perspective of the system. Specifically, federal government has played a critical role in the reduction and elimination of abovementioned doubts and confrontations that has lead to the sustained growth of the monetary system of the United States. (Rabin, 2002) Alternatively, the beginning years of the economic system of the United States have been contributed prominently by the critical and vital role of gold. However, the policymakers of monetary policy are giving less significance to the gold assets that used to be one of the major components of the monetary policy in the country. Specifically, the non-existence of gold in the exchange market has resulted in the reduction of its importance. In the previous decades, gold was used as a medium of exchange that has been taken by the credit cards and paper money. In this regard, the functioning of gold in the creation of monetary policies has altered at a greater extent due to the modern and complex economy in the country. In the earlier economic years of the United States, economists were very confused and perplexed in the decision-making related to the creation of different economic policies in the country. At this moment, the framers of the U. S. Constitution played a significant role in the reduction of this confusion. However, some of the framers resulted in arguments that provided little difficulties to these framers. It was observed that the federal government was preferred as the deserving candidate for the monitoring of fiscal and monetary policies, as well as, their implementation in the economic system of the country. Therefore, creation of a centralized system with the abovementioned authority to the federal government was preferred by most of the economists. In this regard, the policymakers considered the creation of a national currency, as well as, a chartered bank that may be the authoritative body for the distribution of such currency in different states of the country. On the other hand, the creation of monetary policy and development of an effective monetary system was slowed down due to some members of policymakers that supported a decentralized monetary system including the provision of powers to individual states in the country. During this period, a wave of argument and rejection was flowed in the country that tensed the situation. However, the majority of the economists and policymakers advocated the Federal government as the only authoritative body for the issuance of paper money in the country, as well as, the only monitoring body related to the implementation of fiscal and monetary policies in the country. (Walsh, 2003) During the Revolutionary War, the mainstream of the policymakers opposed the utilization and supply of paper money in the country. One of the reasons of such arguments was the awful experiences during this war that were confronted by the government. Subsequently, this argument accelerated into higher distress to the government during the year 1775, as the war expenses were out of the reach of government’s budget. In addition, the obstructions by the British forces added the difficulties and limited the alternative ways of controlling the economic condition of the country. In the result, a modification in the monetary policy resulted in the step of Continental Congress that issued around two million dollars of Continental currency in different parts of the country. In detail, more than two hundred million dollars of such currency was issued by the Congress in the short period of only twelve years. (Brue, 2005) During this period, the holders of the abovementioned currency were assured that exchange of gold or silver will be appropriately arranged by the government. However, the government assets were not equipped with such high amount of gold reserves, which resulted in the adverse effects on the economy of the country. (Ursprung, 2004) In the result, the colonies confronted high rate of inflation due to the lack of planning of the Congress during the issuance of the currency. Consequently, destabilization of the economy was observed in the country, and abrupt reduction was observed in the currency. During this phase, situation of uncertainty in the currency was facilitated by the policymakers that advised the declaration of notification of crime, when the exchange of Continental currency was refused by any individual or bank in the country. Subsequently, the policymakers came to a decision that preferred the establishment of Bank of the United States. Once again, some of the policymakers and economists argued the authority of the Congress in terms of allowing the creation of a chartered bank or the issuance and supply of paper money in the country. In the result, the concept of creation of chartered banks took a long time, as long debates were observed in this respect. Conversely, the supply of national currency by the chartered bank of the Federal government was proposed by one of the prominent economists and policy makers, Alexander Hamilton. In the end, Justice John Marhsall declared the legal establishment of the Second Bank of the United States. (Dickinson, 2002) In the year 1913, the Federal Reserve System was established that increased the effectiveness of role of the monetary policies in the country. The reserve banks in different states of the United States were monitored by the abovementioned system. In the result, the Federal Reserve was able to maintain the supply of elastic money in the country. The changing economic conditions of the country created a comparative relationship with the money that has been one of the reasons of its referral as elastic money. In the year 1914, gold certificates, as well as, gold reserves were utilized during the World War I that consequently reduced the value of gold in the country. However, still, many banks in different parts of the globe facilitate international transactions in an effective manner due to the utilization of gold reserves and assets. (Wessels, 2006) As earlier discussed in the paper, gold has not been largely involved in the creation of modern monetary policy in the country. In the year 1968, promise of repayment in gold was cancelled by the United States, which resulted in the controlling of money supply by the Federal Reserve, which was responsible for the creation and adjustments of monetary policy in the country. Relevant measures of money supply have been a usual part of economic debates. Nowadays, money supply has become easy and convenient due to the different options of savings account, credit cards, etc. Moreover, monetary policymakers have provided the opportunities of mutual funds, term deposits, etc. in the broader money supply in the country. Still, implementation and different effects of monetary policy on the macroeconomic factors are considered by the policymakers. It has been observed that considerable effectiveness has been shown by the introduction of restrictive monetary policy. On the other hand, an economic downturn, as well as, reduction in the inflation was observed due to the implementation of monetary brakes during the high inflation period in the 1980s. Therefore, different components of monetary policy play a crucial role in the growth and stability of the economy. In addition, the activities of domestic, as well as, foreign investors are the result of effective monetary policy in the country. Currently, the effective implementation of different monetary policies has played a vital role in the accomplishment of a healthy economic system in the United States. It was discussed in the paper that the policymakers of monetary policy confronted a number of difficulties during the creation of a centralized monetary system in the country. In the past, the paper discussed that gold and silver played a crucial role in the different economic transactions and creation of monetary policies. However, the money supply and the incorporation of central banking has resulted in the low unemployment rate, high gross domestic product, which has created an effective monetary system and continued monetary development in the country. Conclusively, the paper has discussed and analyzed the historical evolution of monetary system of the United States effectively.

Measuring Consistency Among Management of Employees

Measuring Consistency Among Management of Employees Conceptualisation, Measurement And Effects Introduction Of The Research Problem And Research Questions This research project focuses on the development and validation of a method for measuring consistency among practices in the management of employees, a field often referred to as Human Resource Management (HRM). With the increasing importance of the ‘human factor in modern organizations, HR-issues have become more salient to organizations that believe that people are their most important asset in achieving organizational goals. Different streams of HR-consistency research can be identified, often divided in the categories ‘external consistency and ‘internal consistency. Both streams of research are in development because of the notion that in the case of external consistency the alignment of HRM practices (e.g. selection, training, pay, appraisal, job security, participation) with business strategy results in positive outcomes. This research project focuses on the concept of ‘internal consistency. The idea central to internal consistency is the positive outcomes generated by consistent combinations of multiple HRM practices, where the effect of the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Many authors already outline the idea that sets of consistent HRM practices can reinforce employee attitudes and behaviour (e.g. Wright McMahan, 1992; Ichniowski et al., 1996; Guest, 1997, Baron Kreps, 1999; Ostroff Bowen, 2000, Boselie, 2002), but also that inconsistent combinations can be ‘deadly (Becker, Huselid, Pickus Spratt, 1997) or create ‘double binds that drive people crazy (Schneider, 1999). Baron Kreps (1999) describe the desirability of internal consistency in terms of the desirability of messages sent out to employees being simple (by following the same principles) and supportive of the same theme. By HRM practices being internally consistent, employees know what is expected of them and what they can expect in turn. Academic research on the effects of multiple HRM practices often proclaims to study internal consistency by defining sets of congruent HRM practices as a system. More specifically, it is suggested that systems of ‘high commitment practices increase organizational effectiveness by creating conditions where employees become highly involved in the organization and work hard to accomplish the organizations goals (Arthur, 1994; MacDuffie, 1995; Whitener, 2000). However, with the exception of Whitener (2000), researchers study the effects of high commitment HR systems on measures of organizational effectiveness without investigating the relationship between high commitment HRM practices and aspects of employee commitment. Stated is that very little is known about how and through which processes HRM practices influences organizational performance (Guest, 1997; Becker, Huselid, Pickus Spratt, 1997; Ostroff Bowen, 2000). Intermediate processes that ultimately affect performance outcomes are referred to as the ‘black box of the HRM-outcome link (e.g. Wright Gardner, 2003). Unlocking the ‘black box means identifying HR-objects that are relevant to employee performance. Ostroff Bowen (2000) state that an HR system is believed to be a complex set of practices that is designed to influence employees attributes that are purported to be the mediating mechanism that links HRM practices and performance outcomes. This proposal identifies the employee attributes of development, wellbeing and motivation to be general goals of HRM activities in creating employee commitment to the organization. Following Guest (1997) and Ostroff Bowen (2000), it is expected that within the variety of HRM practices that an organization holds, different ‘bundles of HRM practices or configurations of internal consistent HRM practices are reinforcing and complementary towards these three different objects that link HRM and outcomes.: Well-being Performance Internal Consistent HR- configurations Motivation Development Another focus of the research project is the conceptualisation of   different configurations of internal consistent HRM practices towards employee development, well-being and motivation. In search for a clear rationale or clear rationales for the way any one practice reinforces the effectiveness of others, no explicit theories for the combined effect of HRM practices are present. Much of the effort done to identify internal consistent practices is by seeking statistical justification for fitting practices afterwards (Guest, 1997; Youndt, Snell, Dean Lepak, 1996; Huselid, 1995). The statistical justification however raises questions on what the explanation of effects of internal consistency is. This study will concentrate on constructing a theory-driven framework for HR-consistency. Finally, the measurement of consistent HRM practices is still discussed in recent literature. Wright Gardner (2003) argue that regarding the level of analysis of HRM practices, most research has concentrated on identifying sets of HRM practices at the organizational level by using single-respondent measures of sets of HRM practices. But the assumption that HRM practices are invariable across large groups of jobs within organizations is not feasible, as Lepak Snell (2002) pointed out. This suggests that lowering the level of analysis could give a more accurate insight in the variation of sets of HRM practices within organizations and across job groups or (business) units. Additionally, gathering data by using single-responses of HR-managers on which HRM practices are in place, probably gives no accurate reflection of reality. Such single-respondent measures of sets of HRM practices are subject to, for instance, the respondents degree of accurate information. Therefore, Guest (1999) and Wright and Gardner (2003) have proposed to measure HRM practices through individual employee perceptions, since employees are the focal unit HRM practices aim at. As such, the research project will focus on the perception op employees on HRM practices. Taken together, this research project aims at the development and validation of a theory-driven method for measuring internal HR-consistency towards employee outcomes as development, well-being and motivation. Further, it examines the contribution of consistency among HRM practices to employee performance. With the notion there is little agreement among researchers on (1) what theoretical basis can be given for consistent combinations of HRM practices (MacDuffie, 1995; Guest, 1997; Ostroff Bowen, 2000), (2) also very little has been done to test internal consistency (Purcell, 1999), and (3) little is known on which consistent HRM practices lead to which outcomes (Dyer and Reeves, 1995; Becker Gerhart, 1996), this leads to the following research questions: Research Problem The research problems central to this proposal are: Which different theoretical approaches to different configurations of internal consistent HRM practices can be identified and what are the implications for the conceptualisation of HR-consistency? How to measure the consistency among HRM practices? What is the effect of internally consistent HRM practices on employee outcomes and organizational performance? Elaboration Of The Research Problems Working towards the development of an instrument for measuring   consistency among HRM practices, three studies involve conceptualisation, a pilot study and the main study testing the effect of HR consistency on performance outcomes. These studies are reviewed below. Conceptualisation Of Internal Hrconsistency Background In defining which consistent configurations of HRM practices are related to the specific objects of development, well-being and motivation, different theoretical approaches can be taken. Working towards a conceptualisation of HR-consistency, some theoretical insights with respect to the combination of HRM practices that already have been made, are described in short here. First, Guest (1997; 2001) refers to the variants of expectancy theory (e.g. Vroom, 1964) as a useful theory with respect to explaining the effects of HRM practices on employee outcomes through the enhancement of motivation. Variants of expectancy theory agree on the proposition that high performance at the individual level, depends on the motivation plus possession of the necessary skills and abilities and an appropriate role and the understanding of that role (Guest, 1997, p. 268). For the consistent combination of HRM practices Guest states there is a case for building on the variants of expectancy theory to combine three sets of practices concerned with competence (e.g. training and development practices or staffing practices), motivation (for example job security, individualized reward systems) and role utilization (for example involvement practices, job design practices). Second, Tsui, Pearce, Porter Tripoli (1997) and Tsui Wang (2002) treat several HRM practices as ‘inducements provided by the employer for expected contributions by the employee in four employment relationships approaches. For the primary conceptual foundation for the employment relationship framework Tsui et al. (1997) use exchange theories (e.g. Blau, 1964). Based on these theories HRM practices could be divided in job-focused and organization-focused HRM practices. Job-focused HRM practices (e.g. pay and short-term investments as job-related training) are consistent in a way they resemble an economic exchange that focuses employee attention on the work unit by formal goal setting, and rewarding unit performance. Organization-focused HRM practices (e.g. job security, participation, and career planning) are consistent in a way they resemble a more social exchange indicating the employers investment in employees and in return investments of employees (e.g. learning new skills, investing in social relationships, flexibility) in the organization. This shows that by building on expectancy theory or exchange theory different bundles of consistent HRM practices arise towards different objects. For the development of an instrument, more insight in different theoretical approaches is required. To review the work already done in this field, this study provides an inventory of different theoretical approaches towards HRM and its outcomes. The aim is to conceptualise this inventory of consistent HRM practices towards employee development, well-being and motivation. Methodology To determine the conceptual structure of the concept of internal consistency we make use of facet analysis. Based on different theoretical approaches, this analysis is conducted to screen topics concerning HR and work practices and their relation with development, well-being, motivation within existing (empirical) literature and instruments. For an extensive screening the following guidelines are used: Literature and instruments are used within the field of organization of labour, Human Resource Management, social policy, work governance models. Literature and instruments can also concern other aspects than only HRM practices The instruments can range from questionnaires, interview methods, to checklists For each theoretical concept of internal consistency towards the three separate objects, HRM practices listed in the various instruments will be identified. Finally, in this qualitative research consistent sets of HRM practices and measures are clustered. Product A product of this study is a first review article on the concept of consistency: Conceptualizing Consistency Among Hrm Practices Conceptual Model Study Well-being Internal Consistent HR- configurations Motivation Development Facet 2 Facet 3 Facet 1 Facet X Pilot Project: Measuring Internal Consistency Background After study 1 proposes which HRM practices theoretically constitute consistent sets of HRM practices towards employee development, well-being motivation, the focus of study 2 is on the measurement of internal HR-consistency. As noted above, consistency among HRM practices towards objects as employee development, well-being and motivation could serve as theoretical framework for identifying the link between consistency and performance outcomes. But how do we measure the different HRM practices? Do employees perceive the same HRM practices to be consistent towards these three objects? Testing the reliability of different internal HR-consistency configurations towards these three objects of consistency is the main focus for the development of a measure for consistency among HRM practices. This study contains a pilot project concerned with the development and testing the reliability of an instrument and procedure to empirically grasp the concept of HR-consistency as perceived by one of the stakeholders, namely the employees affected by them. Methodology A pilot study will be conducted to develop a reliable instrument and validate the measurement of the concept of internal HR-consistency set out in study. Through self-reports, a sample of 300 employees will be studied on their perception of HRM practices in their organization. To ensure that the instrument will be applicable to a wide range of employees, we will use a stratified sample, stratified according to sex, age, job level, company size and working for a profit or non-profit organization. Employees are selected within this sampling frame. Also the objects of development, well-being and motivation at an individual level will be studied by using commonly accepted scales. When possible, these first data will be collected through data collection within master thesis projects. Internal consistency will be measured both directly and indirectly. Indirectly, by examining if theory-driven consistent configurations of HRM practices promote the objects of development, well-being and motivation. Directly, by asking employees which consistency among HRM practices promote the three proposed employee outcomes. Both methods are used to strengthen the concept of consistency. Product Measuring Internal Consistency: A Pilot Project Conceptual Model Study Well-being Internal Consistent HR- configurations Motivation Development Effects Of Internal Consistency On Employee Performance Background The final step within this PhD project focuses on the performance outcomes of the way human resource practices coexist in a consistent or inconsistent manner. Predicted is that individual performance is promoted by HRM practices being consistent towards the three objects that mediate this relationship. A major question still remaining in HRM research is how HRM practices relate to performance outcomes (Ostroff Bowen, 2000; Guest, 1997). As noted earlier it is suggested that different theoretical mechanisms could serve as indicators of consistency among HRM practices that in turn affect different objects. The relationship between three HR-configurations towards development, well-being and motivation on the one hand and individual performance on the other hand will be tested to validate effective configurations of internal consistency examined in study. Methodology Results from the pilot study will be used to validate the instrument and further develop the instrument. For the main testing of effects of HR-consistency configurations on outcomes employee development, well-being, motivation and ultimately performance, two case-organizations, one profit and one nonprofit, will be selected to participate. To ensure that individual performance can be measured, the two organizations are selected on the basis of the use of formal job appraisals. In each of the selected organizations a sample 200 employees will be studied. The expectation is that by participating in the development of an instrument that can be used for own purposes concerning HR-decisionmaking, financial resources for his project could be ensured through mutual interest. The instrument could serve as a HRM scan for organizations and, as such, improve their employee policies by giving insight in the mechanism and effects of their HRM practices. Another goal is to establish long-term collaborations with interested organizations to keep track of the effectiveness of the instrument. Results Relevance The most important result of the research project is a dissertation consisting of four academic articles. The practical and societal relevance of the project is mainly to establish evidence for the importance of HR-consistency and insight in how that affects the employees as well as the organization. In this way conceptualising HR-processes and visualising their effects make a contribution. The relevance of this study lies in extending the literature on internal consistency by also taking the consistency-well-being link and the consistency-development link into account. Also relevant is linking the changing tenure to more performance-based practices to outcomes for wellbeing and development of employees. Another relevant aspect is handing out HR-professionals a theory-driven framework and instrument to asses their internal HR-policy. Other stakeholders such as unions or work councils could benefit while negotiating wages and benefits in the light of consistency with other HRM practices already present. A final point of relevance concerns the contribution to the research program of the department of Human Resource Studies (PEW) by providing tools for further research by the department. References Arthur, J.B. (1994). Effects of human resource systems on manufacturing performance and turn-over. Academy of management journal, 37, p.670-687. Baron , J.N. Kreps, D.M. (1999). Strategic Human Resources. New York: Wiley Sons. Becker, B. Gerhart,B. (1996). The impact of Human Resource Management on organizational Performance: Progress Prospects. Academy of Management Journal, 39, p.779-801 Becker, B., Huselid, M., Pickus P. Spratt, M. (1997). HR as a source of shareholder value: research and recommendations. Human Resource Management, 36, p.39-47 Blau, P. (1964). Exchange and Power in Social Life. New York: Wiley. Boselie, P. (2002). Human resource management, work systems and performance : a theoretical-empirical approach. Amsterdam: Thela Thesis (dissertation). Dyer, L. Reeves, T. (1995). HR strategies and firm performance: what do we know and where do we need to go. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 6, p.656-670 Guest, D.E. (1997). Human resource management and performance. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 8 (3), 263-275. Guest, D.E. (1999). Human resource management: The Workers Verdict. Human Resource Management Journal, 9 (3), 5-25 Guest, D.E. (2001). Human resource management: When research confronts theory. International Journal Human Resource Management, 12 (7), 10-25 Huselid, M.A. (1995). The impact of human resource management practices on turn-over, productivity, and corporate financial performance. Academy of management journal, 38, 635-672. Lepak, D.P. Snell, S.A. (2002). Examining the Human Resource Architecture: The relations among Human Capital, Employment and Human Resource Configurations. Journal of Management, 28 (4), 517-543. MacDuffie, J.P. (1995). Human Resource Bundles and Manufacturing Performance. Industrial and Labor Relations Review, 48 (2), 197-221 Ostroff, C., Bowen, D. E. (2000). Moving HR to a higher level: HR practices and organizational effectiveness. In K. J. Klein S. W. J. Koslowski (Eds.), Multilevel theory, research, and methods in organizations. Tsui, A.S., Pearce, J.L., Porter, L.W., Tripoli, A.M. (1997). Alternative approaches to employee-organizational relationship: Does investment in employees pay off? Academy of management journal, 40 (5), 1089-1121 Tsui, A.S., Wang (2002). Employment relationships from the employers perspective: Current Research and Future Directions. International Review of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, 17, 77-114 Vroom, V. (1964). Work and Motivation. New York: John Wiley and Sons Whitener, E.M. (2001). Do â€Å"high commitment† human resource practices affect employee commitment? A cross-level analysis using hierarchical linear modeling. Journal of Management, 27, p.515-535. Wright, P.M. McMahan, G.C. (1992). Theoretical perspectives for strategic human resource management. Journal of Management, 18, 195-320. Wright, P.M. Gardner, T.M. (2003) The Human Resource-Firm Performance relationship: Methodological and Theoretical Challenges in Holman, D., Wall, T.D, Clegg, C.W., Sparrow, P. Howard, A. (Eds.) The New Workplace: A guide to the human impact of modern working practices.

Regions and Regionalism in Global Politics

Regions and Regionalism in Global Politics Introduction – One View The concept of Regionalism has continued to grow, we can now unite and unify regions together to improve their political and economic agreements, the overall effect of this is to strengthen and stabilize globalization. The revival of old regionalists and the creation of new ones allows us to divide a state into smaller nations, this then gives us a better picture and greater transparency. Not everyone has the same ideology, views, values and beliefs and if we were to leave a state as a whole nation it could give rise to allegations of misconduct and corruption, but unity also isn’t guaranteed if you were to split the state into smaller sections. But there is the increased likelihood of unequal parity and rising tensions as there are so many smaller states within the nation that want to be heard and they all have different views and opinions on how they would like things to be handled. It is a fine balancing act to bring together so many people with different views and needs to be handled sensitively and diplomatically. Africa – Regional Economic Organization The African Economic Community (AEC) As a regional organization the AEC wants to enhance their economic development, based on their own rules, standards and principles, but they need to be capable of making their regionalism globalized if they wish to be successful and seen as a major contender in global politics, although the AEC is pivotal part of Africa’s regional integration; global progress has been slow as continued issues in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia have made democratic consolidation and sustained communications globally very fragile. Africa’s international economic trade agreements remain steady but they are pushing for better internal integration over global integration; their governments are backing more and more regional organizations with the aim to first better the country, their democratic roots and institutions from within before branching out internationally. Africa – Regional Security Organization The Eastern Africa Standby Force By 2015 EASF aims to have finalized the operations for an integrated regional and continental security standby force that will be able to respond to a wide range of crisis within African continent. As a regional organization they have the member states best interests at heart and can work closely with them to gain a better understanding of any situation that arises. With them only being regionalized they will only respond to the African nations conflicts and issues, African leaders felt it necessary to regionalize this African organization as they felt that there were complex challenges threatening the stability and security of their continent, and they didn’t want outside nations challenging their decisions and operations and risking the security and safety of their people. Their impact on global politics is a positive move towards cohesive crisis management not only in Africa but across the other continents. This is one of many regional organizations unlike the AEC that I think should remain regional as it will work with greater effect rather than globalizing the organization and spreading its resources to thinly that they can’t do what they were conceived to do, and in retaining their regionalism it means that they don’t figure on the global political scale, but the other continents can see what they are doing and achieving and work with them to develop their own security task force. Asia – Regional Economic Organization The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) The success of the ECO is dependent on their member states, whilst the status and power of the ECO is improving their member states are struggling economically as they lack the basic and correct geographical factors like appropriate infrastructures, sustainable land, and economic factors like poor intra-regional trade agreements and the full cooperation of some regional and international organizations which they need to be able to make greater use of the resources and materials they have, and promote better regional and international relations. To allow political and economic integration of this regional organization to a global scale they need to be able to be able to show that they have good governance, improved education reform, investing in social improvements, and extensive knowledge of the economy, but the ECO has some very powerful member states, Turkmenistan possess the worlds fourth-largest reserves of natural gas and substantial oil resources (About Turkmenistan, ) and Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have gas fields and a pipe line that connects with China. Continued issues with Afghanistan and the Wests mistrust of Iran has prevented outside people investing in economically struggling areas. Political tension with nations states outside of the ECO are causing strained relations within the political field, this doesn’t necessarily have to impact on the ECO but improving those relations could lead to more members joining the ECO and forging better international relations. Asia – Regional Security Organization ASEAN Regional Forum(ARF) The ARF uses a process of official and non-official diplomacy, this make it unique as an international organization because they then have a two pronged approach to the regional political issues and the security issues and their developments. The associated members have the resources via a forum to discuss current security concerns and work together to enhance the overall security and peace within the region. This organization has a massive impact on global politics and the overall unity of the world; in participating its members have the opportunity to discuss ways to resolve situations without unwanted interference, armed or otherwise, from others, this allows for a greater chance of resolving any security issues through political dialogue and without force being used. To date no armed confrontation has occurred since the ARF was established over 30 years ago. If security issues can be resolved through medication and without the need for conflict management then that country will have increased power within the political world as they will show that they are willing to discuss and negotiate for a peaceful solution. Positive or Negative Regionalism can segregate nations and regions, and can cause unhealthy corrupt alliances, but by allowing the unilateral presence of nation state organizations to prosper they can create a positive and productive playing field that will raise their affectivity in Global politics field. In my opinion, the ever changing and expending world of politics means that, the more regions that are integrated into regional organization then the greater the chance we have of globally and politically effecting change. The more alliances a country can have the more prospects and opportunities it will gain. I see regionalism as neither positive or negative as there are aspects to regionalism that can fall into both categories and most out way the others. International politics is a finely balanced game of whom you can win as allies and who you can succeed as enemies. Our world is constantly changing and unlikely nations are forming alliances in the hope of achieving global sustenance within the international community, only time will tell if these alliances will be able to work effectively or whether new groups will form and break away from our current international field and attempt to create their own One World Government. References About Turkmenistan. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.dragonoil.com/our-operations/turkmenistan/about-turkmenistan/

To Dam, or Not To Dam Essay -- Marc Reisner Ecology Environmental Essa

To Dam, or Not To Dam â€Å"The River, slightly milky from glacial sediment, tumbles down rocky chutes, boils through tight canyons, and glides across beds of agatelike stones. In the distance, poking through storm clouds, are plunging slopes dense with virgin hemlock and fir†¦Intruding into this primeval scene are two decrepit dams† (Reisner, 382). In this essay by Marc Reisner, his standpoint on the issue of dams is very well seen. Reisner talks of the ecological damages that dams create. The debate over dams has been heated in recent years, their harmful effects and overall abundance is the topic for such debates. But are dams as bad as everyone says they are, do dams do more harm than good, or more good than harm? Emphasis should be placed on comparing the ecological effects verses the economical benefits. There are many pros and cons for the ecological side of this debate. One pro is that dams help areas that would otherwise be waterless and barren support life. Taken from a pamphlet prepared by the Committee on Public Awareness and Education, â€Å"Water is the vital resource to support all forms of life on earth. Unfortunately, it is not evenly distributed over the world by season or location. Some parts of the world are prone to drought making water a scarce and precious commodity, while in other parts of the world it appears in raging torrents causing floods and loss of life and property. Throughout the history of the world, dams and reservoirs have been successfully in collecting, storing and managing water needed to sustain civilization† (CPAE, 1). This is a major benefit to the ecology of the world, as the quote stated water is the basis of life, the human body depends on water for survival. Although ther... ...to benefit the United States. Even those who oppose dams benefit from them in one way or another, destroying them would give our nation’s economic system a detrimental blow. Finally for the solution for this dilemma, I don’t believe there is an general solution. Each dam should be looked at individually, if the costs outweigh the benefits, then it should be destroyed, and vice versa. The issue of dams will not be easily solved. Ever since the first dam was built there has been controversy, and as long as one stands so will the debate. References McKibben, Bill. Daybreak. In A Forest of Voices: Conversations in Ecology – 2nd Edition (pp. 156-169). Mayfield Publishing Company. Committee on Public Awareness and Education. (1997, May). Benefits and Concerns About Dams – an Argumentaire. Retrieved March 3, 2003, from http://www.icold-cigb.org/BandC.PDF

Early Erectus Tools Found in China :: essays papers

Early Erectus Tools Found in China In the January/February issue of Archaeology magazine, the article "Early Homo erectus Tools in China" holds additional, yet questionable information about the foundations of the genus Homo. After recent findings of stone tools and animal bones at Renzidong (Renzi Cave) in Anhui Province, eastern China, Chinese scientists have concluded that Homo erectus may have been established there 400,000 years earlier than formerly believed, almost 2.25 million years ago. Besides this site being one of the oldest for findings of early hominins, it has fueled, "[†¦] a debate on the origins of our genus Homo, with some Chinese scientists proposing an evolution of H. erectus in China parallel to that [†¦] in Africa"(14). A limestone cave at Longgupo ("Dragon Hill") in Sichuan Province is also in the spotlight for the "[†¦] East-West debate [†¦]", over Homo origins (14). This cave has produced a 2 million year old mandible fragments with features supporting both ideas of origins from the Chinese and West, not yielding to a single, simple explanation. As to where these apes made their signature development onto the open, flat land is debated indefinitely. Approximately 1.7 million years ago, Homo erectus arose in Africa and shortly thereafter spread to other continents, as most scientists believe. As they expanded their range and increased in population, H. erectus may have exterminated H. habilis. Then transition from H. erectus to H. sapiens occurred about 400,000 years ago, and the dispute is over the place of origin of modern humans. "There is considerable controversy among scientists as to whether the transition to H. sapiens took place only in Africa, or the evolution of modern humans occurred simultaneously on three continents" (Purves 515). With little information that we have now, a strong, clear hypothesis with support is lacking. But these newly recovered fosiils and tools in Renzidong may change things around. The "out of Africa" hypothesis suggests a single origin in Africa followed by several dispersal’s. The "multiregional" hypothesis, in contrast, proposes parallel origins of Homo in different regions of Europe, Africa, and Asia. But the Chinese believe in the "Asian Hypothesis", or Asian origins of the genus. Both sides agree that plate tectonic movements caused climatic changes from East Africa to East Asia. The weather tended to be more "[†¦] seasonal and arid", instigating arboreal apes to move onto the savannah and evolve into upright hominins (Ciochon 15).

An Analysis of Thucydides Views on the Melian Dialogue Essay -- Ancie

An Analysis of Thucydides' Views on the Melian Dialogue The Melian Dialogue is a debate between Melian and Athenian representatives concerning the sovereignty of Melos. The debate did not really occur-the arguments given by each side were of Thucydides own creation. Thus it is reasonable to assume that we can tease out Thucydides' own beliefs. In this paper, I will first extract Thucydides views from the Melian Dialogue and then analyze whether or not these views are well founded. Thucydides believed that the Athenians had the stronger argument. Proof of this lies in the way Thucydides picked the arguments for each side. For the moment, we will disregard the actual content of the arguments, and look at argumentation forms and the flow of the debate. The Melians argued using consequences of an Athenian take over. In section 110, the Melians threatened that if their allies the Lacedaemonians were provoked by the takeover of Melos, they might attack Athens itself: "...the Cretan sea is a large place; and the masters of the sea will have more difficulty in overtaking vessels which want to escape than the pursued in escaping. If the attempt should fail they may invade Attica itself, and find their way to allies of yours whom Brasidas did not reach: and then you will have to fight, not for the conquest of a land in which you have no concern, but nearer home, for the preservation of your confederacy and of your own territory." In addition, the Melians complained that they would be thought of as cowards if they surrendered, and they warned the Athenians that hostility would turn other neutral city-states against them. The Melians offered mere speculation. Their arguments sound like the work of a weak and desperate g... ...ust have had more of the things that the gods cared about. The Melians would have been hard pressed to argue that they had more favor amongst the gods than the Athenians, because anything of virtue that they could claim to have had, the Athenians could claimed to have had but more or better. The Melian argument then that they were favored by the gods and therefore must remain free is inconsistent. If Athens and Melos went to battle against each other, the gods, if they favored anyone, would favor Athens. We have now examined Thucydides' strongest arguments for Athenian rule. It is clear that Athens had a stronger claim to rule than the Melians had to remain sovereign. We also know that Athens' claims hold up when we examine them for validity. Thucydides beliefs in Athens' claims were therefore well founded. Works Cited: The Melian Dialogue, Thucydides

Save the Girl Child

In older days the birth of a girl child was considered as auspicious. As per an Indian proverb, â€Å"A home without a daughter is like a body without soul†. The birth of a daughter in the house was compared with the advent of Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth and Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of Kno People generally ask this question that girl child is a curse & blessing . But I think it as a stupid question. How can a girl be a curse. A girl is always blessing. Girl is a devi. Woman are the pillars of society. How can they be a curse.Girl is a mother who take can her children in every part of l That's because there are only 927 girls for every 1,000 boys under the age of 6. And most of these 927 girls are taken out of school early so that they can help in the fields or work as child labour to support the family. Isn’t it time that we put an end to this barbaric discrimination and gave gi These days gender imbalance is becoming a grave problem especially in India. Girls are either aborted from mother’s womb or killed after birth. This gives rise to crimes like rape and killing.Nearly half of India’s children are girls. However, the girl child is considered a lesser child in our society. Irrespective of class, caste and economic conditions, she is discriminated against and neglected at all the levels. This result in the denial of basic services required for her surviv Daughter is the knot that ties the family together†. â€Å"A baby girl.. one of the most beautiful miracles in life, one of the greatest joys we can ever know,& one of the reasons why there is a extra sunshine, laughter and happiness in our life today.† In many traditional cultures, fathers and moth Tears of a girl child- How can we make a difference? This story is older than the time, a girl still die, killer still commit the crime. Why there is a smile in the face of a family when a boy is born and not when a girl is born? I don’t see a reason why everyone wants a boy and The role of women is vital to all spheres and facets of life.Thus investment on a girl child is a smarter way to the overall development of a family. Education is one of the many vital fields  where girl children remains a victim of disparity and is neglected as compared to the other sex. But it is p Girl Child in India By Rajni Seth Ads by Google UNICEF India – Donate Now DonateToUnicef. org/Donation 9,00,000 children die every year Your Rs. 750 a month can save lives Embryo Adoption -Donation www. EmbryosAlive. com Embryos in Cryostorage? Adoptors Are Waiting- Donors Choose Are You a Fresher? NIIT. com/IT-Training Join Placement Oriented 4 Month IT Course Designed for Fresh Grads A world of the girl child is full of love, warmth and concern.She is the procreator and the mother of tomorrow. She is the one who shapes the destiny of civilization and imparts values and virtues to the future. Unfortunately this beautiful world is gloomy and filled with despair. The color of innocence is ironically transforming into color of suppression. This beautiful creation of God has become the gravest concern today. Her world is filled with despair and she is left alone on a barren land searching for a warm touch, mother's love and father's lullaby.Traditions and rituals are outlining the survival of the girl child in India. Even though the country has made remarkable growth in various fields, it is tragically representing the lowest sex ratio. Patriarchal norms, low status of women and son idolism are the primary reasons that cause bias against girl child in India. The shocking decline of girl-boy ratio has alarmed future of India. The Census report indicates a highly skewed gender ratio that fell from 976 girls born every 1000 boys to 927 girls every 1000 boys in 2001.In various parts of the country like Rajasthan, Haryana and Rajasthan the ratio has even declined to 800:1000. Not only female feticide and infanticide, a series of other discrepancy like lack of girl education, lack of nutrition, early marriage and absence of basic necessities are also attached to the gravest concern of humanity. Lack of education holds the girl child to a low standard of living and provides inability to expose her skills and knowledge. Educating a girl is education a whole family†¦

Queen Elizabeth: Golden Age

Elizabeth’s Golden Age Elizabeth was Queen of England from 1558-1603. During that time England was a strong country and she was a successful queen. Many people thought Elizabeth would not last long without a powerful husband but they were proved wrong. In fact Elizabeth was very clever in not choosing a husband. She didn’t choose a husband because she didn’t want anybody taking over her throne. There were four men that she could have married but said no to. The first man was Philip of Spain. Philip of Spain had married Elizabeth’s sister Mary and was expecting Elizabeth to say yes to his proposal.Elizabeth turned him down though because she didn’t want to marry the same man as her sister and also Philip was a devout Catholic. The English didn’t like foreigners and hated Catholic ones even more. There had been a rebellion when Mary had married Philip. This was another reason why Elizabeth decided not to marry Philip. Another man whom Elizabeth could have married was Charles of Austria. She decided against him as well though because she thought that he would use England to fight his own wars and she didn’t want England to get caught up in other countries squabbles.Elizabeth could have also married a wealthy nobleman from a powerful English family but decided against him too as if she had married him then the other noblemen could have got jealous and started a rebellion. She was also clever in not marrying a nobleman because if she kept them all guessing then they would all remain loyal as they would all think that they had a chance to get some wealth and power. The last man of which she turned down was Robert Dudley who was a good looking man and whose wife had just passed away. Elizabeth turned him down too though as she thought that he might take the chance to steal her throne away from her.Even though Elizabeth was very clever in not choosing a husband that would take over all her power, some sexist historians w ill argue that although Elizabeth didn’t have a husband she had excellent Male advisors who helped and supported her throughout her reign. One of these men was William Cecil or Lord Burghley. During his time, William Cecil helped Elizabeth through her reign and was always there for her. He served her as secretary, served her as position of Lord Treasurer and together with the help of Sir Francis Walsingham devised an intricate spy network that helped uncover the Babington Plot.He was also instrumental in having Mary Queen of Scots executed and even when he had lost his hearing at the age of seventy, continued to serve Elizabeth who looked upon him as a father figure. He carried on serving Elizabeth all the way until his death in 1598. One of her greatest challenges was to hold England together despite the religious divisions amongst her people. Elizabeth did this by setting a middle road. Elizabeth wanted England to have peace and not be divided over religion. She tried to fi nd ways which both the Catholic and Protestant sides would accept and be happy.She made Protestantism the official religion in England. She did not call herself the Head of the Church of England, instead she was known as the Supreme Governor of the English Church. To please the Protestants she made all churches use the prayer book in English that Edward had used and allowed the priests once again to marry. To please the Catholics she made some changes to some words in the prayer book and also let priests were special vestments. She did not give way to extremists though and would punish them. Even though she would punish Protestants and Catholics she would always punish Catholics more severely.If a protestant extremist wrote a book saying anything bad or wrong about Elizabeth’s decisions to divide the country peacefully would have their writing hand chopped off to stop them writing any more books. But if a Catholic extremist was caught trying to convert someone to Catholicism then they would be arrested, tortured and then eventually hanged. Elizabeth’s treatment of the extremists may have seemed horrible but it got the message across and England ended up much better than it had started off. Elizabeth dealt with opposition from inside the country effectively.She didn’t only deal with extremists but also dealt with Mary, Queen of Scots. Mary returned to Scotland after her first husband’s death. She married again to her first cousin, Henry Stuart (Lord Darnley) four years later but their union was unhappy and in February 1567 there was a big explosion at their house and Darnley was found dead in the garden, apparently strangled. She soon married James Hepburn who was actually the main murder suspect for Lord Darnley’s murder. But soon after, following an uprising against the couple, Mary was imprisoned in a castle.After an unsuccessful attempt to reclaim the throne, Mary fled to England to seek protection from her first cousin, o nce removed, Elizabeth. Elizabeth had Mary arrested though as soon as she was in the country. This was because of the threat that Mary presented, who had previously claimed the throne to be her own. Mary spent nineteen years in custody, guarded in castles and manor houses across England until she was tried and executed by Elizabeth for her involvement in the Babington plot, a plot to assassinate Elizabeth.Elizabeth’s treatment of Mary not just helped stop the Babington plot but helped Elizabeth’s control of England too. This is because Elizabeth had executed one of the head Catholics which make the others think again and had also helped her since Mary would have been the next in line to the throne after Elizabeth. A successful ruler needs to keep her country safe. Elizabeth did this by defeating the Spanish Armada. Philip of Spain thought Elizabeth as an illegitimate ruler of England. Elizabeth had also helped the Dutch in the Dutch revolt against Spain.As retaliation, Philip sent out a fleet of ships, Armada, to invade and conquer England. The fleet set out with 22 warships and an intention of sailing through the English Channel. Philip’s plan was going well and the Armada had reached its first goal, to anchor at the coastal border area between France and the Spanish Netherlands. While awaiting communications from the army that would invade the South East of England, it was driven from its anchorage by an English fire ship attack. England had already defeated many of the Spanish ships so the Spanish fleet decided regroup and withdraw north.A return voyage to Spain was plotted and the fleet sailed into the Atlantic, past Ireland but severe storms disrupted the fleet’s course. More than 24 vessels were wrecked insuring that England had victory. There was one thing that got the Englishmen ready and motivated and that was Elizabeth’s speech. During her speech she said â€Å" I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, bu t I have the heart and soul of a King, and a Kind of England too! † Throughout her reign Elizabeth saw the importance of maintaining an image.She got artists to paint portraits of her throughout her life. But she didn’t just have normal portraits painted, she had them painted with significant things in. An example of this is that she would be wearing very expensive clothes to show she had wealth. During her paintings she could also have a bible in her hand to show that she held power over the religions, she could have a map in her hand to show that she ruled over the world and in one of her portraits she had Elizabeth Regina (Elizabeth Queen) written behind her.She is also clever in one of these photos as if you look at the top of the portrait you see the Spanish Armada sailing out to invade England on the left, Elizabeth herself is in the middle and then you have the wrecks of the Spanish Armada on the right. If we look for one single thing that made Elizabeth successf ul it must be her intelligence. I have chosen this because she was clever in not choosing a husband, she sorted out the religious divisions, she defeated an Armada with a single speech and also maintained a perfect image throughout. This is why, even today, her reign is known as The Golden Age. By Joe Tapper.

Abnormal Psychology- Schizophrenia

Abnormal Psychology – Schizophrenia Introduction There are a number of problems with defining psychological abnormality. They include problems with cultural relativity and social norms, what is normal within one culture or society may be considered abnormal within another. There are also problems with statistics as some abnormalities have too few or too many statistics to compare and the statistics may not always be reliable. Under the medical model all psychological disorders are considered illnesses. There are two classification systems to diagnose different disorders.These are the International Classification of Diseases & Health Related Problems (ICD) and Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The most up to date editions currently in use are ICD-10 and DSM-IV although DSM-V is due to be released in May 2013. (Jabr, F (2013)) Schizophrenia According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) schizophrenia is a severe form of mental illness. It is a treatabl e psychological condition that affects 24 million people worldwide. It mainly affects 15-35 year olds and is more likely to occur in males but anyone of any age or gender, can develop the condition.It affects thinking, perceptions and language and causes the patient to hear voices and to have hallucinations and delusions. Symptoms ICD-10 diagnostic criteria †¢ At least one of: o Thought echo, thought insertion/withdrawal/broadcast o Passivity, delusional perception o   Third person auditory hallucination, running commentary o Persistent bizarre delusions †¢ or two or more of: o Persistent hallucinations o Thought disorder o Catatonic behaviour o Negative symptoms o Significant behaviour change †¢ Duration o    More than 1 month †¢ Exclusion criteria o Mood disorders, schizoaffective disorder Overt brain disease o Drug intoxication or withdrawal (Wing, J. K. & Agrawal, N. (2009)) Behavioural Explanations and Therapies The behavioural approach suggests that sch izophrenia is simply learned behaviour learned through operant conditioning. Sammons (2008) suggests that the reason schizophrenia tends to run in families is due to children learning the behaviour from their parents. Social learning theory also suggests that although there may be some symptoms present once a patient is around others with schizophrenia they learn symptoms by seeing others demonstrate them.It is difficult to explain how the hallucinations and delusions suffered by a schizophrenic can be explained as learned behaviour; true behaviourists think this is irrelevant as they are only concerned with the physical behaviours not what is happening in the mind. Paul and Lentz (1977) carried out a study into operant conditioning as a treatment for schizophrenia. They set up a token economy on a hospital ward where they rewarded patients for appropriate behaviour by giving them tokens that they could exchange for luxury items.It was found that only 11% of the patients in the test group continued to require drugs for their symptoms compared to 100% of the control group. (AQA, (2010)) This demonstrates that operant conditioning as a treatment is very effective; however behaviourists do not care whether the patient is still hearing voices as long as they behave like they are not. In the Paul and Lentz study the patients may still hear voices but have simply learned that if they behave as though they are not they will be rewarded. This means that the schizophrenia has not actually been cured. Biological Explanations and TherapiesThere have been a number of studies conducted that suggest there is a biological cause for schizophrenia. Through family resemblance studies it has been discovered that a normal person with no family history of schizophrenia has around a 0. 2-2% chance of developing the condition, whereas a person with one schizophrenic parent has a 13% chance of developing it. The chances increase to 46% if both parents have the condition. (Head, P (20 12)) This information may not be reliable as it was based on information from records and memories and memories can easily be distorted or misinterpreted.The Copenhagen High –risk study looked at children aged 10-18 and classified them into low risk, of developing schizophrenia, and high risk groups. They removed the risk of environmental factors that could distort the results by grouping the children by age, gender, residence and economic status. This made the study highly reliable as it meant the only factor that should affect results was genetics. The study found that only 1. 9% of children in the low risk group developed schizophrenia whereas 16. 2% of the high risk children did.This shows support for the genetic explanation for schizophrenia. Iverson (1979) carried out post-mortem studies. He found that there are high levels of dopamine in brains of schizophrenics. It is suggested that schizophrenia is caused by high levels of dopamine in the brain or more dopamine recep tors in their brains. This is supported by the success of chlorpromazine drugs as a treatment for the condition. There are however problems with this explanation. One problem is that there is no evidence that excess dopamine causes schizophrenia.It could be that schizophrenia causes excess dopamine. (AQA, 2010) Biological treatments for schizophrenia are anti psychotic drugs and chlorpromazine which blocks dopamine receptors in the brain. These drugs have been proven to work as they reduce the number of patients spending a long time in hospital; however drugs are not a cure. They only control the symptoms if a patient stops taking these drugs the symptoms will soon return. This is known as the ‘revolving door syndrome. ’ There can be a number of reasons for this to happen; firstly a patient may ave a fear of getting well. The patient may find it difficult to imagine life without schizophrenia or enjoy some part of it. Another reason is that the patient may stop taking t he drugs they are prescribed due to side effects. (Fritscher, L (2012)) The side effects of these drugs can include drowsiness, dizziness, disturbed vision, weight gain, blood clots and tremors. (Net doctor (2012)) Patients may feel that the side effects are worse than the original illness and stop taking the prescribed medication which then starts the cycle again. Psychodynamic Explanations and TherapiesThe psychodynamic explanation for schizophrenia is that the Ego is being over taken by either the Id or Superego. Freudians would suggest that there has been a problem in childhood, most likely a problem with the mother, the ego doesn’t develop as well as it should which means the id can easily take control. (Sammons (2008)) The Ego looses control and the patient will enter a child like state, known as ‘primary narcissism’, which causes fantasy to be confused with reality and delusions of self importance which cause the patient to be highly demanding similar to a baby.Hallucinations and delusions are caused by the Ego trying to regain control and reality. There are problems with the psychodynamic approach; firstly there is no scientific evidence to support the explanations. Secondly it has generally been regarded that since anti psychotic drugs work to treat the symptoms that the biological explanation is more reliable. (Sammons (2008)) Freud did not see any point in treating schizophrenics as he believed that it had been caused by the broken ego which is the part of the psyche that he would engage with, as this was so badly damaged he believed there was no way to cure schizophrenia.More recently the main psychodynamic treatment for schizophrenia has been psychotherapy. Rosen (1946) brought patients into a child like state to be able to then nurture them to redevelop a strong ego and ultimately rebalance the psyche. There have been problems with this form of treatment as it is out of date and the results that were found by Rosen are less li kely to be effective today as the definition of schizophrenia has changed and the cases Rosen treated would not be considered to be schizophrenic today. Also Drake & Sederer (1986) actually found that his form of therapy could worsen symptoms and prolong the patients stay in hospital. Cognitive Explanations and Therapies The cognitive approach agrees with the biological evidence that there is a high genetic contribution to schizophrenia but realises that there must also be other causes and it is important to take these into account. The cognitive model suggests that although genes can create a disposition to develop schizophrenia it only actually develops as a response to stresses such as trauma or infections.Cognitive psychologists fail to take environmental factors such as family and lifestyle into account. Cognitive psychologists believe that the faulty thought patterns are what cause schizophrenia and not a result of the condition. It is suggested that there is a fault with the way in which schizophrenics process information and that it is difficult for them to filter out irrelevant information. Hemsley (1993) suggested that schizophrenics have problems processing information in their memories and new information coming in. It is also suggested that there is a problem with the functioning of the in built schemas.Hemsley explains that the reason schizophrenics hear voices is because they do not realise that their thoughts come from memories and therefore believe them to be voices. There is however very little evidence to support Hemsley’s ideas except for some research on animals which cannot be directly compared with human behaviour. Frith (1992) suggested that people with schizophrenia find it difficult to distinguish whether the information is coming from an internal or external source. He believed that most of the symptoms of schizophrenia can be explained by problems in three different cognitive processes.The first is the inability to generate w illed action. The second is the inability to monitor willed action, and the third is the inability to monitor the beliefs and intentions of others. Frith suggests that these problems come from faulty wiring in the brain. There is evidence to support this from his study where he gave specific tasks to schizophrenics and monitored the cerebral blood flow. He found that this was different to what he would expect to see in a person without schizophrenia. The cognitive explanation of schizophrenia is very popular in terms of helping ordinary eople understand the condition. It is also made more reliable by the fact that they take into account other factors such as genetics as well as psychological factors. The cognitive approach also has limitations as although it does well to explain the symptoms of schizophrenia it cannot explain the causes alone without looking at the biological model. PAGE 13-14 Conclusions In conclusion there are a wide range of explanations for schizophrenia includi ng genetics, environment and traumatic experiences. There are also a wide range of treatments including drugs, psycho therapy and behavioural therapy.All of these explanations and therapies have credit on their own but also have limitations. The best way to treat schizophrenia is through a combination of treatments such as drugs used with cognitive-behavioural therapy. Most people with schizophrenia are managed through treatments however many people will relapse. This would then trigger a new round of treatments. Continued support even after recovery helps to reduce the chances of relapse. (NHS choices (2012)) References o AQA, (2010) schizophrenia: Explanations and treatments [online] available from: www. aqabpsychology. co. k/2010/07/schizophrenia-explanations-and-treatments [accessed 5. 2. 2013] o Fritscher, L (2012) Revolving Door Syndrome [online] available from http://phobias. about. com/od/glossary/g/Revolving-Door-Syndrome. htm [accessed 11. 2. 2013] o Head, P (2012) Biologi cal Explanations of Schizophrenia [online] available from: http://www. springwood. norfolk. sch. uk/Downloads/Psychology/BIOLOGICAL%20EXPLANATIONS%20OF%20SCHIZOPHRENIA. pdf [Accessed 6. 2. 2013] o Jabr, F (2013) The Newest Edition of Psychiatry’s â€Å"Bible,† the DSM-5, Is Complete [Online] available from: http://www. scientificamerican. om/article. cfm? id=dsm-5-update [Accessed on 11. 2. 2013] o Net Doctor (2012) Chlorpromazine – Side Effects [online] available from: http://www. netdoctor. co. uk/brain-and-nervous-system/medicines/chlorpromazine. html. [Accessed 11. 2. 2013] o NHS Choices (2012) Schizophrenia – Living with [online] available from: http://www. nhs. uk/Conditions/Schizophrenia/Pages/living-with. aspx [accessed 6. 2. 2013] o Sammons (2008) Schizophrenia [online] available from: http://www. psychlotron. org. uk/resources/abnormal/A2_AQB_abnormal_schizophreniaPsyBehActivity. pdf [accessed 5. 2. 2013] Wing, J. K & Agrawal, N. (2009) Concepts of Schizophrenia [online] Available from: (http://www. health. am/psy/more/icd-10-and-dsm-iv-concepts-of-schizophrenia/ [accessed: 2. 2. 2013] Bibliography o Mcleod, S. (2008) Abnormal Psychology [online] available from; www. simplypsychology. org/abnormal-psychology. html [accessed 5. 2. 2013] o WHO (2012) Mental Health – Schizophrenia [online] available from: www. who. int/mental_health/management/schizophrenia/en/ [accessed 5. 2. 2013] http://alevelpsychologynotes. blogspot. co. uk/2007/10/schizophrenia. html by TAZMANIAN_DEVIL a 2007