Should Gay Marriage Be Legal Defense And Education Fund...

Elizabeth Schroeder’s book, Taking Sides, looks at opposing views on controversial issues, one of which is legalizing same-sex marriage. In their article, â€Å"Talking About the Freedom to Marry: Why Same-Sex Couples Should Have Equality in Marriage,† the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund supports same-sex marriage. An opposing view, is given by Robert P. George, a Princeton University professor. In his article, â€Å"The 28th Amendment: It Is Time to Protect Marriage, and Democracy, in America,† he explains why he is against same-sex marriage. The Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund concludes that allowing same-sex marriage will not diminish the value of heterosexual marriage, and that changing the Constitution to legally deny same-sex couples to marry would be discrimination. They contend that same-sex couples are only seeking the same choices, rights, and benefits that heterosexual couples have. Referring to a court case from less than 40 years ago, Loving v, Virginia, the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund remind us that, at one time, it was illegal for different races to marry. In 1967, the United States Supreme Court ruled that denying interracial marriage was discrimination and against the law. People have raised some concerns regarding same-sex marriage. The Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund has responded to some of these issues. Some people feel that marriage is a traditional union and that same-sex marriages would â€Å"ruin† the tradition. The LambdaShow MoreRelatedThe Controversy of Same Sex Marriages Essay1160 Words   |  5 PagesThe Controversy of Same Sex Marriages Imagine you have fallen in love with the person of your dreams, and the two of you have discussed it and have decided to get married. Now imagine that the person you wish to marry is of a different race. It wouldnt be a big deal, right? Well, if this situation had occurred about 50 years ago, it would have been a huge deal. Just a generation ago, many states banned mixed marriages. Seems absurd, doesnt it? Discriminating against an individualRead MoreThe Disadvantages of Allowing Same Sex Marriages745 Words   |  3 Pages Same sex marriage is hotly debated for its legality as it is against the natural law. The ramifications are vast and we are seeing the effects of homosexual legal rights affecting housing, education, the work place, medicine, the armed forces, adoption, religion, etc. (http://carm.org/gay-marriage-harm). Although some believe that same sex marriage should be allowed as denying same sex marriage is a form of minority discrimination, same sex marriag e does no harm to society and it is an acceptedRead MoreThe Issue Of Same Sex Marriage1376 Words   |  6 PagesNovember 19, 2014 I†¦My chosen topic is Gay Rights- more specifically marriage equality. Public opinion in the U.S. shows the majority support for the legal recognition of same-sex marriages. This issue is more likely to be supported by women and people under 50. My thesis is that marriage equality a civil right, rights we are born with as a citizen of the U.S. which the government cannot interfere with or suppress. (Lecture Notes 8/27). Over the past decade, marriage equality has become an even largerRead MoreSame Sex Marriage Should Be Allowed2932 Words   |  12 Pages Gay Marriage Abstract This paper discusses homosexuality in our society, particularly in granting homosexual couples a right to marry. The pros and the cons throw out a ton of arguments supporting their position. This issue, whether or not the same-sex marriage should be allowed, is extremely controversial and the debates never end. In this paper, I take the pro side by providing strong both qualitative and quantitative data, how the homosexual marriage can benefit society, how far they have foughtRead MoreSame Sex Marriage And The Catholic Church2254 Words   |  10 Pagesgender, the rest of the country continues to forbid same-sex couples to marry (Ahuja) and in doing so, infringe upon one of the most basic freedoms we are allowed. Arguments for same-sex marriage, despite being backed up with hard legal evidence and Supreme Court rulings, continue to face opposition on the grounds of religious beliefs and personal values. Same-Sex Marriage and the Catholic Church Often cited by Catholics is an interpretation of marriage as being â€Å"a promise made to God† and â€Å"a holy sacrament†Read MoreSame Sex Marriage in the Philippines2330 Words   |  10 PagesPRO Gay Marriage Same-sex couples should be allowed to publicly celebrate their commitment in the same way as heterosexual couples. [40] The Human Rights Campaign Foundation states that many same-sex couples want the right to legally marry [and] honor their relationship in the greatest way our society has to offer... Same-sex couples should have access to the same benefits enjoyed by heterosexual married couples. Many benefits are only available to married couples, such as hospital visitationRead MoreBlack Athlete5745 Words   |  23 PagesVirginia Studies in Women and Gender Program This article addresses the effects of heterosexist bias in social welfare policy frameworks on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals and families in the United States. It discusses the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), federal deï ¬ nitions of family and household, and stereotypes about LGBT individuals. It argues that poor LGBT individuals and families lackRead MoreThe Civil Rigthts Movement, A List of Related Activities1289 Words   |  5 Pages Little public support for racial equality, ontegration, civil rights movement B. Progress depended on 1. Fondong more white allies or 2. Shifting policy-making arenas C. Civil rights movement followed both strategies 1. Broadened base by publicizong grievances 2. Moved legal struggle from Congress to courts III. campaign on courts A. Ambiguities on Fourteenth Amendment 1. Broad onterpretation: Constitution color-blond 2. Narrow onterpretation: equal legal rights 3. SupremeRead MoreGay Adoption Policy Analysis3047 Words   |  13 Pagesabout family life have undergone profound changes in recent decades. While public acceptance of homosexuality remains a deeply decisive issue, adoption by gays and lesbians has become increasingly acceptable, with 46% of the national population favoring gay adoption. (Pew Research Center, 2006) In New York State, statutes developed to permit gays to adopt are among the most permissive in the nation. New York Adoption Code 18 NYCRR 421.16 (h)(2) (2004) states that applicants shall not be rejectedRead MoreSexism And Discrimination Against Women2482 Words   |  10 Pagesdo not enthusiastically endorse gay marriage are branded as bigots, disqualified from high-profile business positions, and generally dismissed as ignorant hicks whose views are outside of the scope of acceptable thought†(Hobbes). This is a statement made by Adam Hobbes, a U.S citizen publicly expressing his opinion regarding transgender rights. Although this point of view is not entirely wrong, it’s a view that some people choose not to have. â€Å"To those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual,or transgender-let

Racism on College Campuses - 4582 Words

Abstract: The main aim of this research paper is to directly observe and examine the way American College students perceive the notion of race on college campuses and how they believe it can be used to a persons advantage or disadvantage. I used two different kinds of research in this paper; interviews among 4 students from 4 different universities across the United States to provide a deep and personal understanding of the topic and by surveying in an open-ended questionnaire 10 American students from Auburn University in Alabama to provide a more general and statistical analysis. These two methods supported my thesis with strong evidence and background information. I found that all the interviewees unanimously believed in the figurative†¦show more content†¦This image therefore suggests that Obama is reckless in the way he ‘uses’ race. He ‘cashes it in’ when he feels like he can use his race to his advantage. The irony of this is that both the connotations of a con and a Mastercard are associated with a powerful and strong type of person. Although Obama may ‘play the race card’ or use it recklessly, he is never the less dominant and powerful. Overall, this image holds a negative perception or viewpoint of Obama, and therefore by extension any racial person, especially one whom ‘uses the race card’. Similarly, my research has led me to a website called Controversial Cards (www.controversialcards.com), where people can buy a ‘race card’ for personal use. I became accustomed to this website when an interviewee explained that while at a party, somebody pulled out this card as a ‘joke’ or ‘party favor’. The image is shown in Figure 2. The website claims â€Å"The ‘race card’ was created to open eyes, spark conversation and break down race barriers in America. It pokes fun of those who try to use the card for unfair advantage. It also helps to expose the shameless race-baiters and professional victims who see racial problems under every rock.† This highlights the ‘unfair advantage’ that being racially or ethnically diverse can ‘allow’ somebody an advantage, which is parallel to the thoughts and feelings of many people that I have interviewed on this topic. Like the card in FigureShow MoreRelatedIs W ord Policing Ruining College?1275 Words   |  6 PagesIs Word Policing Ruining College? If you keep a close eye on the news, you have heard of situations dealing with the issue of free speech on college campuses. This topic has been a hot button issue throughout recent years. Numerous institutions have become more politically correct in an effort to make their students feel safer on campus. Many people, however, claim that â€Å"word policing†, or telling students that they are not allowed to use certain vocabulary, is a violation of their right to freeRead MoreRacism Is Still A Heavy Issue Of The High College Experience Across The United States1718 Words   |  7 Pagesneglect of racism defines power†. The quote explains how that when students are at war, there is no reliable source of help to assist them to conquer. Throughout America racism is still a heavy issue that is becoming a part of the average college experience across the United States. In recent events, similar to ones that happened in the Civil Rights Era, students of color fear their lives and are concerned for their safety, while trying to do what they are able, to make their campuses â€Å"equality friendly†Read MoreRacial Hostility : Is The Effort From College Administrators Towards Racial Incidents Effective? Essay1409 Words   |  6 PagesRacial Hostility: Is the Effort from College Administrators Towards Racial Incidents Effective? In modern days, there have been many reports on African-Americans who claim that they are unfairly treated at universities and that there isn’t any administrative responsiveness. Additionally, some say that the effort administrators are giving isn’t effective. Other students on these campuses say that the African-Americans are just overacting and that the incidents aren’t that serious. In contrast, administratorsRead MoreThe Debate Over Gun Concealment Should Be Allowed On College Campuses Essay1233 Words   |  5 Pageseverywhere we go in today’s society. There is no way out and no way to escape it. Going to college, does not make you feel any safer than being outside of college. Mass shootings this year have increased, especially in school all over the United States. Even though, the shootings have been in most high schools, they can be on college campuses just as well. Gun concealment should be allowed on college campuses. We deserve the right to prote ct ourselves. We deserve to feel safe anywhere we go withoutRead More Affirmative Action and Racial Tension Essay1691 Words   |  7 Pageswas racist, most agreed with the need of affirmative action in college admissions and in the workplace. Society needed an active law that enforced equality during a period when civil rights bills were only effective in ink. With so much of America ¹s work force spawned from integrated schools now, some may question whether racism really is the problem anymore, and many college students might answer yes. They see it on college campuses today, and they are not sure why. Subconscious prejudicesRead MoreDoes Joining A Minority Organization Affect The Social, Mental, And Psychological Being Of Minority Students On Predominantly928 Words   |  4 Pagespsychological being of minority students on predominantly white campuses? In today’s society, Predominately white institutions and campus climate can contribute and play a key role to the success and achievement of minority students. In the twenty-first century, African American (black) students will continue to enroll in predominantly white institutions (PWIs) at greater rates than black students enrolling at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs); yet, if this current trend continuesRead MoreMicroaggressions and Racism1729 Words   |  7 Pagesracist†, but you benefit from racism. There are certain privileges and opportunities you have that you do not even realize because you have not been deprived in certain ways. Racism, institutional and otherwise, does not always manifest itself in a way that makes it readily identifiable to onlookers, victims, or perpetrators; it is not always the outward aggression typically associated with being a hate crime. Racial microaggressions are a type of perceived racism. They are more subtle and ambiguousRead MoreThe Issue Of Simmering California904 Words   |  4 Pagesdifficult time for immigrants in California. Many came in search of prosperity and instead found a place full of rules and regulations specifically designed to place them at a disadvantage. The many Chinese immigrants arriving at this time faced extreme racism. insert lisa see quote here Many Chinese miners had to pay unbelievable foreign mining taxes on top of having to mine mostly in abandoned mining grounds. To make ends meet they took on jobs as cooks, launders, and other jobs. They were paid low wagesRead MoreFour Political Theories Essay912 Words   |  4 Pagesagency dominates politics. The pluralist theory has the biggest affect on education. Pluralism plays a huge part in education. The pluralistic view is shared widely among the united states school system. It is taught from Pre-kindergarten through college. Pre-kindergarten exhibits the pluralistic theory. As early as the age of four and five, we teach them how to look at America. In 1989 Barbara Thomson instructed a class of four and five years old to â€Å"look beyond physical appearances†. ThompsonRead MoreThe Linguistics Of Color Blind Racism1262 Words   |  6 PagesEduardo Bonilla-Silva is a professor of sociology. He has written multiple books about color racism. The linguistics of color blind racism: how to talk nasty about blacks without sounding â€Å"racist† is one of the works that incudes color racism that I will be discussing. This title describes how other races that are racists are trying to hide so they find ways to speak about the blacks trying to not sound racist. I am in agreement with Silva’s work because I have witnessed instances where semantic

Potential Cyberattack On Automated Vehicle -Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Potential Cyberattack On Automated Vehicle? Answer: Introducation A driverless car, which is also known as self-driving car or robotic car or an automated car, is one highly intelligent automobile, which has the capacity of perceiving nearby settings and moving devoid of human intervention (Goodall, 2014). These automobiles utilize techniques, such as GPS, radar and laser light to detect its surroundings (Price et al., 2017). Moreover, these automobiles use sensory data to avoid hurdles and trace proper navigation paths. The following essay aims at critically analyzing the probable factors that must be taken into account while implementing driverless automobiles on the tracks of Singapore. Discussion Car accidents (and resultant casualties and expenses), caused by human follies, such as, prolonged reaction time, and variegated distractions during driving are supposed to be significantly lessened (Petit Shladover, 2015). Automated cars are capable of decreasing work costs; relieve travelers from driving and route errands, subsequently providing more time for recreation or work; and furthermore would provide more seats, messaging while at the same time driving could be availed. Automatic vehicles could give improved mobility for the youthful, the elderly, handicapped individuals, and low-wage nationals. The evacuation of the steering wheelalongside the rest of the driver boundary and the necessity for any passenger to accept a front aligned posturewould render the inner side of the automobile more prominent ergonomic adaptability. Extra advantages include greater velocity limits; comfortable rides; and stretched thoroughfare capability; and negligible traffic snarls, owing to redu ced requisite for security gaps and greater speed ("Driverless vehicles: A vision for Singapores transport | Ministry of Transport, Singapore", 2018). These augmentations in expressway capability is likely to have a noteworthy effect in traffic clog, especially in metropolitan spheres, and also successfully end main road blockage in certain spaces. The capacity of establishments to administer traffic is likely to rise, provided the additional information and steering conduct predictability, coalesced with fewer requirements for traffic police and also road signs. Greater protected driving is anticipated to minimize the costs of car indemnity. Minimal amount of movement blockage and smoother traffic flow, owing to broad utilization of self driving automobiles will likewise give rise to better fuel efficiency. By decreasing the expense of portability as a service, self driving automobiles are likely to lower the number of automobiles that are individually possessed, by supplanting cab and supplementary automobile sharing services. This is likely to considerably diminish the prerequisite for parking spot, providing additional space for different employments. This is likely to significantly compress the car generation industry, alongwith ecological and monetary impacts (YONG, 2018). Moreover, effective automated car movement can free space for variegated uses, for instance, enhanced aid for people on foot and cycles. The vehicles' stretched out awareness is likely to aid the law upkeepers by giving an account of unlawful conduct of traveler, while indulging in different violations, for instance, purposely crashing another automobile or an individual on foot. One pressing effect of limitless reception of automatic cars is the loss of driving associated occupations. A resistance from proficient drivers and unions who can probably be debilitated by work losses, is likely to surface. Similarly, there could be loss of jobs, in the public travel services and automobile renovation shops. The car insurance business may bear losses as the advances makes several parts of this activity invalid ("Infocom Media Development Authority", 2018). Privacy could be an alarming problem while comprising the vehicle's sphere and location incorporated into an interface which can be accessed by other individuals. Furthermore, there exists the danger of hacking cars through data sharing, in the course of V2V (Vehicle to Vehicle) and V2I (Vehicle to Infrastructure) protocols. Additionally the danger of terrorist assaults exists. Robotic automobiles could possibly be filled with explosives and made to work as grenades. The lack of laborious steering, more beneficial time amidst the outing, and the prospective reserve funds in progression time and expense are likely act as an impetus to reside away from urban areas [where space is cheap] and toil in city's center, subsequently expanding travel expanse and actuating additional urban extension, more use of fuel and increasing pollution. Ethical thinking comes into question when designing the product that determines what act the automobile indulges into, in an inevitable collision; whether the self-ruling car will crash a transport, slaying individuals within; or veer off someplace else, murdering its own passengers or several passer-by. The morals of self-driving vehicles is still under observation and might even lead to controversy. Conclusion Autonomous vehicles possess the capability to improve street limit by moving in a programmed way. They can likewise provide noteworthy availability to long distance travel. Operational trials for shared self-governing vehicles are likely to start soon and hit the roads by the year 2020. Driverless innovation might then turn into the backbone of Singapore's open transport framework, provided the vision of Land Transport Authority's (LTA) turn into reality. References Driverless vehicles: A vision for Singapores transport | Ministry of Transport, Singapore. (2018).Mot.gov.sg. Retrieved 29 January 2018, from https://www.mot.gov.sg/Transport-Matters/Motoring/Driverless-vehicles--A-vision-for-Singapore-s-transport Goodall, N. J. (2014). Machine ethics and automated vehicles. InRoad vehicle automation(pp. 93-102). Springer, Cham. Infocom Media Development Authority. (2018).Imda.gov.sg. Retrieved 29 January 2018, from https://www.imda.gov.sg/infocomm-and-media-news/whats-trending/2017/2/driverless-cars-picking-up-speed-in-singapore Petit, J., Shladover, S. E. (2015). Potential cyberattacks on automated vehicles.IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems,16(2), 546-556. Price, M., Lee, J., Dinparastdjadid, A., Toyoda, H., Domeyer, J. (2017). EFFECT OF VEHICLE CONTROL ALGORITHMS ON EYE BEHAVIOR IN HIGHLY AUTOMATED VEHICLES. YONG, J. (2018).Can driverless cars survive Singaporean road users?.The Straits Times. Retrieved 29 January 2018, from https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/can-driverless-cars-survive-singaporean-road-users

Report on Marketing Management of Telstra Corporation Limited

Question: Discuss about theMarketing Management of Telstra Corporation Limited. Answer: Introduction Marketing Management is a process that defines overseeing and planning new development for products, advertising, sales and promotion (Cant, M, Strydom, J and Jooste, C, 2009). It means to create an advertising plan and implement the same. The heart of a business lies in its marketing plan (Kotler, P, 2013). Without marketing it becomes difficult for the company to survive in the market, sales may crash and the company may have to stop its business activities (Kotler, P and Keller, K, 2016). This report is based on Telstra Corporation Limited and its Marketing Management Strategies. It is Australias largest telecommunication company. It has an image of a dominant player in the market due to its marketing and branding strategies. In the report it clearly defines the importance of marketing management and the way to implement such marketing strategies. Telstra adopted Defensive marketing to be its management strategy due to which they were able to predict the potential consumers and their wants (Roberts, J, 2005). This strategy is the most effective one as the company was able to establish defensive plans before any other rival industry could do that. Current Market Position of Telstras Telecommunication services The current market position of Telstras products and services is strongly dominating in the market; it is dominating the entire Australian market of telecommunication and holds over 62% market shares by revenue (Lancaster, H and Harpur, P, 2015). The market share of the company is though declining in the broadband sector; still the company has been able to retain its dominance in various other sectors such as in mobile voice and data related segments. Currently, they have invested in network upgrades and are the first launcher of mobile data services. They are the first player in the market for the launch of such services and are easily being able to reap the advantages by performing well and reaching to attract more customers. The services of telecommunication offered by Telstra are based on a robust, ubiquitous and affordable infrastructure that can help the company to move to next stage. We know that the world is very brave in accepting the internet media. The company is leading in the industrial sector by adopting innovation and taking up new business opportunities. Telstra is not only financially strong but also has a well position in the digital and network market. The company is successful in transforming itself into a full service ICT company. It is considered as the most superior service provider in the market. SWOT Analysis of Telstra Corporation Limited Telstras SWOT Analysis provides a strategic plan of the companys business and operations. (Ferrell, O and Hartline, M, 2010). The SWOT analysis gives an overview of the position of the company (Pahl, N and Richter, A, 2009). The view of the companys strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats has been mentioned below: Strengths: Telstra is successful in reducing the labour cost. It has a dominate position in the market because of its high profitability and revenue (Zhao, Fang, 2006). It has no barriers of market entry because the name of the company has earned a good reputation in the market in the past years. This reduces the barriers to entry in a new market. The existing distribution process is an efficient one and customers shows high satisfaction for the services that has been availed through such distribution channels. The company can manage to increase the value of the money of their customers. It has been able to install their website and having stores throughout the globe. Telstra is carrying out many promotional programs and events to maintain the loyalty of the customers to attract more customers. Telstra communications is a strong platform of trained personnel who are successful in delivering the financial base in such a way that the company can meet its long and short term liabilities . The telecommunication services that Telstra provides, ensures sustainability due to the strong values that is integrated in the rules and regulations of the company. Company ensures initiatives in improving their telecommunication services to meet the wide variety needs of the customers. Weaknesses: Telecommunication market is strongly a competitive market in Australia. There are many network providers; it is basically conducting its business activities in a highly competitive market. Telstra has to invest a lot of money in conducting research and developments. The company has set a high price for its services as compared to its rivalry businesses such as Optus and Vodafone. The population residing in capital cities and regional town centres are still not being able to enjoy the 4G services. The marketing strategies of Telstra are totally focusing only the Australian customers. It is necessary to make aggressive moves so that they can broaden their services worldwide. Opportunities: Telstra Corporation Limited positively participates in conducting surveys and tries to develop new opportunities by producing new products and services. The company takes the full advantage of its partner Hutchinson and is trying to make full controls over the 4G services. Due to the advanced services of 3G and 4G, the company is making a huge profit throughout the year. Telstra is managing their 4G services by spreading it to cover almost 80 regions in Australia (Strang, K, 2010). The company has come up with the new advertisement to represent the diversity of its customers. Threats: The major threats faced by Telstra are that in Australia the tax rates keeps changing. It becomes difficult for the company to calculate the amount of tax to be paid. Along with the tax issues there is an increasing rate of interest for the loan availed by the company. Telstra keeps changing the price of the services and products that it offers. This makes the customers confused and they are now making complaints for the same. Telstra is a dominant telecommunication service provider and hence keeps a high cost for their services; this can be a major threat. Although the country is leading in the technology and communication market, the rival companies are not less; they are not so far in achieving the same advantages. Due to the constant economic change in the world the company may require to revise their plans and prices to attract new customers. The company is facing some challenges from the management in the process of recruiting as the managers of Telstra are not being t ransparent adequately. This is a major setback for those people who are interested in making some investment in the shares of the company. As a result of this there is political involvement in the services that company offers. Objectives and Values of Telstra Telstra is experiencing enormous growth and the digital technology is changing the globe. Telstra is the heart of such change as its objective is to help in making this happen by connecting everyone with everything. Telstra works to connect the future for everyone in a brilliant way. Telstras main purpose is to handle the responsibility of creation. It is obvious that the world cannot connect to the brilliant future on its own. It needs delivery and Telstra can bring together the required parts to create it. The company looks forward for a connected future as its aspiration. It is the responsibility of the company to take such things seriously; to fulfil the needs of the customer. The company wants to serve everyone. It is understood by the company that change cannot be possible by choosing only a few customers. Transformation is the result only when enough people can access the technology that ultimately creates economical, social and cultural changes. According to Telstra a purpose is not enough on its own. They need values to express their objectives and what they stand for. The main value of the company is to align everything that they do. The five core values of Telstra is that they want to show the care, work better and collectively, deliver trust, make complex issues into simple and find courage (Telstra.com.au, 2016). These values can be fulfilled by the company only when it willingly takes it as their responsibility and holds desire to learn. The company should have courage to challenge themselves to meet these values. Marketing Strategy of Telstra In order to improve the telecommunication services that company is engaged in providing for the needs of the customer, the company developed a strategy so as to respond to the market needs (Mullin, R, 2006). The company follows a defensive marketing strategy (Roberts, J, 2005). The scientific and technological change in the telecommunication process should be a continuous one. The main strategy related to the pricing, distribution and promotion should be that the cost incurred in delivering telecommunication services to the customers must not exceed the expected returns. The marketing strategy of Telstra Corporation Limited in improving and enhancing their telecommunication services is discussed below. Product: There are mainly three products available under Telstra, such as- broadband, mobile tablets and mobile broadband. The home broadband line is basically called as BigPond. They offer internet connection through ADSL as well as through a cable. As far as mobile broadband is concerned the customers has the option to choose among BigPond post paid services or Telstras pre-paid services. It has four types of tablets with various plans. They are Apple I-Pad, Motrola Xoom, Acer Iconia and Acer Netbook. Price: In Telstra the price varies from one plan to another plan. It totally depends upon the services that the customer wants to avail from them. The company mainly aims at keeping the price of their services comparatively high as compared to its competitors (Brown, A, 1996). There are various plans available by Telstra such as its cheapest plan starts from $29 and the most expensive plan is at $89. The company is trying to cut down its prices to keep customers (Crozier, R, 2010). Place and Distribution: Place is a geographic designation that helps in marketing (Valenzuela, F, 2013). It also means how the product is brought to the knowledge of the customers (Ferraioli, T, 2016).The channels that the company uses to make available the services to the customer helps in lessening the final cost. In order to beat all its competitors the company ensures that their telecommunication services are made available to the entire Australian population. Except for this, Telstra builds more vending machines that can allow an access to the customers to add credit or to pay bills. Promotion: In this type of marketing strategy the company has to tell everything that it does to make the customers attracted towards their product and services (Solomon, M, et al., 2013). Through promotion we send the information about the products and services to the customers. Telstra manages it promotion strategy by rewarding their customers for being so loyal and also avails them a certain amount of discount whenever they use the services offered by the company. The company is making deals with other companies as well to offer contests to attract more customers. Telstra is distributing CD-ROMS in the areas having high traffic to educate and aware the general public regarding their new 3G and 4G plans and improvement in telecommunication services. Communication Mix Strategy of Telstra Communication Mix refers to that specific process used by the company to promote their products and services in the targeted market. It is essential for every business to plan an effective communication mix strategy to achieve the desired goals of the company (Pride, W, et al., 2012). Communication mix includes advertising, sales promotion; direct marketing and public relations, etc (Koekemoer, L and Bird, S, 2004). Through this strategy the company can make aware about the existence of their product and services to the general public who can desire to make use of such offered products and services. It is basically to create attention and awareness among the potential customers. Telstra is not focused on traditional form of advertising for fixed line products and services; rather it believes to spend more in the advertising of new products and services that they offer. Such as, the company firmly believes that advertising telecommunication network will bring more revenue to the company. This is possible as the company monopolizes the landlines and people will still continue to avail services of fixed line services. The company aims at doing so in the future as well to spend more in marketing of new services. This will help in meeting the needs of the emerging market. The promotion in Telstra is generally done through media. For example the promotion of Telstras telecommunication services is done by making the use of humour and celebrities in their advertisements. Electronic billboards are also used by this company along with an advertisement on trams. Company keeps updating their website to advertise their new products. Product bundling is used very often by Telstra to attract more customers so that they can sign up for the products and services at a lower price. Despite of having a strong communication mix strategy, Telstra is not being able to aware the public about the newly features included in their telecommunication services as this is only being advertised through the website of the company. Consumers are not really aware about the uses of such newly developed technologies and their benefits. Benefits of Marketing Management We know that in the present business world it becomes very difficult for the companies to survive in the competitive market (Mudie, P and Pirrie, A, 2012). To maintain stability in the activities and conduct of the business it is essential to know the advantages and importance of marketing management (Walker, O, 2015). It helps Telstra in learning about the behaviour of customers and also helps in deciding the market place. The business will only succeed when the company can manage the motivated customers and offer them useful services. Marketing management helps in determining the ideal customers and their needs and motives (Lovelock, C, 2011). Even if Telstra is offering useful product the company cannot make profits without an effective management strategy. The company should develop an effective promotional strategy to gain competitive advantage over its rival competitors. Interaction with customers is also a part of management plan. Conclusion Telstra is one of the leading telecommunication service providers in Australia and this has been possible only because of competitive strategic plans. The marketing mix strategy of Telstra is strongly an effective one. The company has adopted a market based management system so as to provide better products and services to the customers. The company is trying to make their services available to the entire population of Australia because the company thinks that a transformation is possible when it is available to all. For the company to improve and develop their telecommunication services it becomes essential that efficient tools of marketing are employed. Growth in an organization is must to maintain sustainability in its activities. The company has been able to increase its revenue due to increased sale. We know that all the marketing efforts do not bring profitability but it can contribute in customer retention and loyalty. The company measures the return that is achieved from marketing strategies to relate them to their goals and costs. Advertising plays an important role in making the customers of Telstra aware about the new technological advancements that the company initiates. Due to the commitment made by Telstra the population of Australia can connect themselves with the future projects. The company has a brand marketing program that provides ongoing activations. The aim is to give Australians an experience of how the connected future would be like. The company wants the people to support them to bring a change in the world collectively. References Brown, A. (1996). Reform And Regulation Of Australia Telecommunications, The Economic Society of Australia, pg 38-56. Cant, M, Strydom, J and Jooste, C. (2009). Marketing Management. Juta and Company Ltd. Crozier, R. (2010). [Online]. Testra promises to cut prices to keep customers. Viewed 10 October 2016 from https://www.crn.com.au/news/telstra-promises-to-cut-prices-to-keep-customers-224378 Farraioli, T. (2016). [Online]. What is Marketing Mix? Viewed 10 October 2016 from https://smallbusiness.chron.com/marketing-mix-638.html Ferrell, O and Hartline, M. (2010). Marketing Strategy. Cengage Leraning. Koekemoer, L and Bird, S. (2004). Marketing Communications. Juta and Company Ltd. Kotler, P and Keller, K. (2016). Marketing Management. Pearson. Kotler, P, Keller, K, Ang, S, Leong, S and Tan, C. (2013). Marketing Management: An Asian Perspective, 6/E. Pearson Education South Asia Pte Limited. Lancaster, H and Harpur, P. (2015). [Online]. Australia Telco Company Profiles Telstra, Optus and Vodafone Publication Overview. Viewed 10 October 2016 from https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Australia-Telco-Company-Profiles-Telstra-Optus-and-Vodafone Lovelock, C. (2011). Services Marketing. Pearson Education. Mudie, P and Pirrie, A. (2012). Services Marketing Management. Routledge. Mullin, R. (2006). Creating A Marketing Strategy [Marketing Development]. Engineering Management, pg 40-41. Pahl, N and Richter, A. (2009). SWOT Analysis- Idea Methodology and a Practical Approach. GRIN Verlag. Pride, W, Ferrell, O, Lukas,B, Schembri, S and Niininen, O. (2012). Marketing Principles. Cengage Learning. Roberts, J. (2005). Defensive Marketing How a Strong Incumbent Can Protect Its Position, Harvard Business Review, pg. 150-152. Solomon, M, Hughes, A, Chitty, B, Marshall, G and Stuart E. (2013). Marketing: Real Choices. Pearson Higher Education AU. Strang, K. (2010). Comparing Learning and Knowledge Management Theories in an Australian Telecommunications Practice. Asian Journal of Management Cases, pg 33-54. Telstra.com.au. (2016). [Online]. Purpose Value. Viewed 10 October 2016 from https://www.telstra.com.au/aboutus/our-company/present/purpose-values Valenzuela, F. (2013). Marketing: A Snapshot. Pearson Higher Education AU. Walker, O. (2015). Marketing Strategy: A Decision-Based Approach. McGraw-Hill Education Australia. Zhao, Fang. (2006). Entrepreneurship and Innovations in E-Business: An Integrative Perspective. Idea Group Inc.

A Proposal For Gender Mainstreaming In Company Xyz Social Work Essay Essays

A Proposal For Gender Mainstreaming In Company Xyz Social Work Essay Essays A Proposal For Gender Mainstreaming In Company Xyz Social Work Essay Essay A Proposal For Gender Mainstreaming In Company Xyz Social Work Essay Essay Economic growing is a cardinal engine of development and important to cut downing poorness UNIFEM, 2009. Promoting womens engagement in the labour force and increasing adult females s incomes hold a critical potency for poorness decrease and economic growing, including constructing an independent and feasible Palestinian State. Most of the clip, adult females s economic chances are much less than their capablenesss, in economic footings, this is inefficient, because increased adult females s employment reduces poorness and contributes to faster economic growing. Women themselves gain from their employment chances and so do work forces, kids, and the society as a whole. Higher income for adult females improves the state of affairs of their households ; taking to greater passing on household public assistance, nutrition, and instruction ( UNIFEM, 2009 ) . Investings in gender equality and adult females s authorization have a multiplier consequence on the develop ment advancement of a state, but unluckily, the mechanisms disadvantaging adult females s engagement are deep-rooted in most of our local establishments and organisations. I believe that gender inequalities and favoritism exist in cardinal establishments such as household, community, authorities and markets, and it is most seeable in political relations and employment. This papers comes to function the constitution of a baseline for gender mainstreaming in our company, it provides recommendations to steer future action in developing and implementing a comprehensive vision for this company. This papers will seek to clear up the importance of heightening gender mainstreaming in our state in general and company in peculiar. It will seek to give some thoughts about how this can be achieved and what are the long and short term consequences. It besides aims to supply an attack to research, preparation, action and protagonism to accomplish an apprehension of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women ( CEDAW ) which is used as a tool to beef up adult females s staff rights in this establishment. Introduction Power exists and works at different degrees including political, institutional, family and single degree. Unfortunately, adult females most of the clip are non given this power, therefore they are far from determination devising procedures and entree to resources within all the above mentioned degrees. Furthermore, there are still cases where the human rights of adult females are non acknowledged in Torahs, societal patterns and sometimes national policies. As portion of the uninterrupted attempts to progress rules of equality and non-discrimination and fight misdemeanors of the human rights of adult females that are widespread in different establishments, this papers comes to function the betterment of our capacity to mainstream gender, the recommendations contained in this papers are intended to help our company in developing a scheme which includes gender mainstreaming as a agency to accomplish our vision, mission, equal chances and 50/50 balance at all degrees by twelvemonth 2011 . From an organisational position, our company should be committed to being an equal chance employer, but the managerial indorsement is a requirement for accomplishing this mission. This proposal is designed based on CEDAW Convention which is one of the most widely ratified human rights pacts ; it is a comprehensive measure of rights for adult females. It is based on the rule of equality between work forces and adult females and on the impression that adult females experience peculiar signifiers of favoritism because of their gender, it sets the construct of equality of chance and consequences. The CEDAW Convention recognizes that despite legal rights being granted to adult females in many states where favoritism persists. It acknowledges that adult females s entree to legal rights is frequently limited by the denial of adult females s human rights to economic and societal development. Hence, the Convention bridges the traditional division between civil and political rights, and societal and economic rights, and mandates both legal and policy steps to vouch the human rights of adult females ( UNIFEM, 2009 ) . CEDAW Convention focuses on systems, political orient ations and establishments that perpetuate favoritism. It acknowledges that public histrions such as the State and its establishments, every bit good as private histrions such as communities and corporations, can go against adult females s human rights and deny adult females s entree to chances. It besides recognizes that inequalities adult females face are socially constructed, and that societal, customary and cultural patterns which are based on the thought of the lower status or the high quality of either sex, have a negative impact ( UNIFEM, 2009 ) . Aims and Definitions The United Nations Economic and Social Council ( ECOSOC ) define gender mainstreaming as aˆÂ ¦the procedure of measuring the deductions for adult females and work forces of any planned action, including statute law, policies or programmes, in all countries, at all degrees. It is a scheme for doing adult females s every bit good as work forces s concerns and experiences an built-in dimension of the design, execution, monitoring and rating of policies and programmes in all political, economic and social domains so that adult females and work forces benefit every bit and inequality is non perpetuated. ( ECOSOC 1997 ) . Most of the clip, gender is non good understood as a construct, it is frequently confused with sex or it is taken to intend women s issues . However, sex refers to biological classs ( male, female and neuter ) while gender refers to a set of qualities and behaviours expected from a female or male by society ( Engender Development, 2000 ) . Gender functions are learned and are affected by instruction, civilization, faith and economic sciences. While an person s sex does non of course change, functions associated with gender are socially determined and can germinate over clip ( Notes from the talk by Dr. Baboun, 2009 ) . Gender functions and outlooks are considered obstructions to the equal rights and position of adult females that affect their lives, households, socioeconomic position and wellness ( UNIFEM, 2009 ) . On the other manus, gender equality refers to the construct that all human existences, both work forces and adult females, are free to develop their personalities and do picks without the restrictions set by stereotypes, stiff gender functions or biass ( Engender Development, 2000 ) . Gender equality means that the different behaviours, aims and demands of adult females and work forces are considered and valued every bit without any favour. Gender equality does non intend that work forces and adult females have to go the same, but instead that their rights, duties and chances will non depend on whether they are born male or female ( Notes from talks by Dr. Vera Baboun, 2009 ) . Therefore, adult females s authorization as a construct includes: geting cognition, apprehension of gender dealingss and the ways in which these dealingss may be changed ; developing a sense of dignity, a belief in one s ability to procure desirable alterations and the right to command one s life ; deriving the ability to bring forth picks and exerting dickering power ; developing the ability to form and act upon the way of societal alteration to make a more merely societal a nd economic order, nationally and internationally. ( Compiled from different UN information webs ) . What is the current company s position in gender mainstreaming? From the preliminary research that I have conducted, I believe that the company lacks a clear vision of the gender mainstreaming ; it lacks capacities in gender issues where both adult females and work forces require consciousness ; besides most of the adult females staff are unable to act upon of import decision-making procedures in add-on to unequal entree to resources and services. This is due to the deficiency of cognition and apprehension of rights, unaccessible and irrelevant Torahs and ordinances both on the company and the state degrees. It is critical to understand that gender mainstreaming requires: Strengthening gender equality at work ; Supporting adult females s engagement in decision-making ; Strengthening adult females s staff through capacity edifice ; Targeting work forces with activities for the intent of gender equality ; Enhancing and increasing adult females s voice at all degrees ; Increasing adult females s chance to obtain nice and productive work ; Bettering adult females entree to protection and justness. To accomplish organizational gender equality, means to do certain that adult female and work forces are every bit represented at all the degrees of our organisation and bask equal chances in footings of calling growing, professional and personal development. It is of import to take into consideration, that gender equality is non merely 50/50 balance, but it is to hold staff on board, both adult females and work forces, whom are cognizant and supportive to the construct. From here, I would wish to ask for our direction to take the lead and act strongly to pattern a coveted direction civilization towards mainstreaming gender across this company. What should be done? I would wish to suggest the undermentioned points in order to mainstream gender in this company at all degrees: Through an external adviser, conduct an internal self-assessment through: I ) a questionnaire that is distributed among all staff ; two ) participatory follow-up focal point group treatments ; and iii ) semi structured interviews. In this manner we assess and examine the internal institutional civilization of our company. Afterwards, we must back the gender appraisal and findings by the company s senior direction and staff. This includes airing of the completed gender appraisal every bit good as understanding on the intercessions prioritized by fixing an action program. Along with this, is the demand for understanding on institutional agreements and resource deductions every bit good as monitoring and rating procedures. Strengthen the company s internal capacity for gender mainstreaming through engaging a gender focal point. The gender focal point must be at a sufficient degree of influence to guarantee the company s gender mainstreaming policy is operational. Her or his cardinal undertakings might be: I ) carry frontward the recommendations of the appraisal ; two ) provide ongoing capacity to staff ; three ) set up and develop a cognition base on gender equality ; four ) set up and develop a working relationship on gender equality and adult females s authorization ; V ) develop a adult females s authorization programme and place possible funders and resources ; six ) build capacity to supervise and measure the gender position and often describe to direction. Develop guidelines to clear up the company s gender policy to guarantee the full acknowledgment, enjoyment and exercising of rights contained in the CEDAW Convention ; take stairss to reprobate and take necessary actions to rectify misdemeanors. Guidelines must guarantee that the rules of gender equality and a rights-based model, as embodied in CEDAW and other relevant international instruments, are mainstreamed into the policy and activities of the company. It should exemplify the company s gender mainstreaming policy and what it means ; it should hold sufficient information about gender inequalities in Palestine in relation to our forte and in general. Besides, it should be reader friendly including definitions of cardinal footings and the know-how to incorporate gender mainstreaming into everyday processs and operations. The company s policy requires dedicated resources for adult females s authorization. Cardinal intercessions in this regard should include: capacity edifice for ge nder mainstreaming and the development of a cognition base that facilitate planning in relation to gender. Review and revise operational processs peculiarly in relation to human resources and procurance. Behavior for human resources a gender appraisal and take action to turn to inequalities. The human resources must reexamine the places of all employees in relation to rate, wage ; preparation, publicity position and a set of recommendations should be proposed and endorsed by direction. Such a survey will assist us to place abnormalities, unfairnesss and take actions to rectify them. The publicity and interview panels should be 50/50 work forces and adult females in all places to guarantee that the company becomes an equal chance employer. Procurement unit should take stairss to carry its spouses to go equal chance employers. Besides the company s direction should back the debut and publicity of initiation period and classs. Therefore human resources must put aside 4 or 5 yearss to let new recruits to finish the compulsory preparations and to familiarise themselves with our policy. We must guarantee that gender is reflected in the footings of mention, occupation descriptions and in the interview procedure. The thorough survey for all the human resources Torahs and ordinances will assist us to place the cause of the misdemeanors or favoritisms. There might be certain places and classs within the company that are gender biased either in favour of work forces such as ( drivers and security staff ) or adult females such as ( administrative places and janitors ) , besides there might be indicants that work forces are graded higher than adult females for similar work and have a faster path to publicity. We must guarantee that the company s enlisting and publicity board has equal representation of work forces and adult females. Such reappraisals will assist us to amendment Torahs that are inconsistent with commissariats of the CEDAW Convention in add-on to the discriminatory applications. Form an in-house gender support group that work with employees that might be abused or harassed, such group can move as internal hearers for gender that define term of mention, provide reding services, protection, medical aid and legal assistance. Supply ongoing orientation on gender for staff through some obligatory preparation classs for the both the current and new comers employees. Ensure that the compulsory preparation classs are taken under supervised conditions by all employees and preparation records are reviewed and easy accessed. A gender analysis should be made to place who is profiting from preparation and stairss should be taken to guarantee that work forces and adult females have equal entree at all degrees. There should be compulsory exercisings within the organisation that covers the subjects of sexual torment, gender mainstreaming, adult females empowerment, communicating accomplishments, etcaˆÂ ¦ Such preparations will reenforce one another, better gender dealingss in the workplace and aid set uping good working patterns between work forces and adult females. In add-on to heightening accomplishments, there should be processs and mechanisms in topographic point together that support and reflect gender in mundane work. The Public Relations section should work with the media to do certain that our vision and attempts in gender mainstreaming is seeable. Our company s policy could be used by other organisations and establishments as a theoretical account. Design particular activities for work forces, it is indispensable for adult females s authorization to guarantee that the work forces co-workers accept adult females as equal spouses. Supply some services that are considered critical for adult females such as supplying quality twenty-four hours care services with low-cost costs, increase their entree to preparations, portion clip work policy, adjust the length of pregnancy and paternity paid leave in add-on to supplying transit. Long and short term impacts of gender mainstreaming Through gender mainstreaming we demonstrate our committedness to advancing adult females s human rights. We will be a existent protagonist for national mechanisms in gender mainstreaming and adult females empowerment and we will be one of the innovator companies that supported the promotion of gender equality and the publicity of human rights, we will be a theoretical account and we can carry on preparations and presentations about our experience. We will supply chance to bring forth greater consciousness of the CEDAW Convention at the organisation degree and promote greater coherency in the Palestinian National Authority policy and action in this field. Obstacles and restrictions During our work in gender mainstreaming and gender equality, we might confront opposition by some employees that might decline to collaborate. Human resources records might be hard to entree and some employees might be threatened in this exercising ; they might fear that they will lose their occupations. Therefore, our attempt should be gradual with uninterrupted updating to employees to cut down the tenseness and anxiety. We might confront some fiscal jobs due to the figure of preparations, classs, workshops, transit, gender adviser and other related costs. But this can be easy solved, since we can raise financess to carry through these undertakings, particularly that there are many international organisations and UN organic structures that are willing to back up such attempts. Decision Gender favoritism remains relentless in many dimensions of life. The nature and extent of favoritism vary across parts, provinces and establishments. But the form is striking, where no part in the underdeveloped universe are adult females equal to work forces in legal, societal, and economic rights. The spreads are immense in entree to and command of resources, economic chances and commanding power ( Engender Development, 2000 ) . It is of import to cognize that adult females should hold equality in chances, equality to entree chances, and equality in consequences. All establishments must extinguish any favoritism, exclude and curtail the actions that contribute to the glass ceiling for their development and impede their attempts. It is of import for all establishments, including our company, to see maximising the potencies of CEDAW, this should be done in ways that promote adult females s functions in the human rights arena by supplying them with chances to actively originate and re commend for their ain rights in systematic ways. All establishments must be cognizant of certain issues to guarantee strategic usage of CEDAW, including the demand to develop normative criterions of rights, promote consciousness among employees that will reflect ethical issues that push our company and even our province frontward. It is critical to reform establishments, including our company, to set up rights and chances for adult females and work forces. Reforming economic establishments is necessary to set up foundations of equal rights and chances for adult females and work forces because the domestic jurisprudence uninterrupted to give unequal rights in different facets of life including employment and economic chances ( Engender Development, 2000 ) .

Heres why youre never too old for a career change

Heres why youre never too old for a career change It’s always scary to change jobs. But it can seem downright terrifying if you have given years (or decades!) to traveling one career path and want to make a complete switch. Don’t let fear hold you back- sometimes, circumstances call for bold strokes. Whether you have a goal your current position won’t allow you to reach, a list of regrets, or simply are bored and want to make a change, you can do it. Here are a few reasons why it’s never too late for you to get the job (and the career) you’ve always wanted. Making a change might involve hard work and risk, but if you focus and really want it, change is attainable at any age.Your skills can transfer.You’ve already spent time in the working world, which means you’ve acquired two sets of skills: general soft skills that apply to any job  (think time management, communication, office etiquette) and skills specific to your chosen industry. The former will serve you well no matter where y ou land.What you don’t know, you can learn with time and hard work. And what you do know can easily be transferred into another field, position, industry, or path. Your job-specific skills might even bring a fresh element to your new career that would make you an attractive candidate.You’ve earned enough to float.At this point in your career, you’re probably comfortable enough to have provided yourself a nice cushion for taking a pay cut to do what you love. That doesn’t mean you should go into debt or work for less than you are worth- just consider it not the end of the world to make less for a little while. Weigh your happiness against the salary loss and see what comes out on top.You will NOT seem flaky.Just because you picked a field in your early twenties doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it for good. Wanting a change, even a major one, doesn’t make you fickle or indecisive. It just means you’ve grown up and identified your p references. Good news! You’re supposed to grow! Ignore people who say you don’t know what you want to do with your life. The opposite is true: you  do know, and you’re actively pursuing it.Your passion will be infectious.Wouldn’t you rather be bright, shiny, and positive about something again? If you’re waking up every morning dreading your work day, it might be time for you to consider a change. Life’s too short and you’re running out of time! Make the changes you need to live the life you want. Your drive and excitement will bleed into everything you do inside and outside of work.It’s never too late to start something new, so don’t hold yourself back because you think it’s inappropriate. Keep in mind: you might have to start slowly, which is fine! You’ll need to assess the gaps you might have in your skills or education, and then work to fill them before you become an attractive candidate. But if you th ink there is a way, you should probably go for it.  You’ll never know until you try.

HR Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

HR - Coursework Example They include cost savings, increased globalization of the economy and labour market, potential to reduce adverse impact of protected groups, and to improve efficiency of hiring system (Chapman & Webster 2003). Additionally, human resource endeavours in selecting the most qualified person. However, the method of selecting such person has been shown to differ around the world. As a result, this is likely to reduce the performance of the human recruitment practices. The method of uniform selection of personnel remains disputed around the world. The article argue that what is best is to first understand the resemblance and dissimilarity of existing hiring practices in different nations (Huo, Huang & Napier 2002). This would help the human resource manager’s researchers to gain some insight. The article intention is to establish the differences that exist among nations in terms of general use of hiring practices. The article argues that few expects human resource managers all over the world to recruit employees in a similar. However, this is not the case as different approaches are used by organization of various nationalities (Huo et al. 2002). Moreover, the article argument is whether there are universally acceptable criteria that can be used universally by human resource for recruiting new employees. Moreover, the human resource managers are faced by challenges of expatriate selection. This has resulted from rise of cosmopolitan corporations. As a result, there has been increased awareness of the use of expatriate personnel and the importance of managing such a group. This uniqueness is in the government, private, and non-government sector. The article focus is on similarities or differences in expatriate’s management practices of organizations in these sectors. This is done with respect to the selection, preparation, management or support while overseas, and repatriation, of

Make up your own topic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Make up your own topic - Essay Example In this regard, the article would be critiqued focusing on logical presentation of contentions in the most balanced and objective way. The essay hereby aims to proffer the effectiveness of the author’s discourse using appropriate critical analysis techniques, as required. To analyze the essay in a logical form, one needs to clearly set the meaning of a critical analysis. One’s academic background and learning from various modules on critical thinking recognizes the involvement of rational and logical thinking skills in closely evaluating the effectiveness of a discourse to determine if the specified objective is achieved. Using these explanations, the article initially started with an introductory paragraph that provided some background information on the author’s rationale for pursuing music as an academic major. However, introductory paragraphs need to establish the general overview of the discourse and stipulate the author’s aim and thesis statement as well. In this article, the introductory paragraph did not contain the author’s purpose nor the thesis statement, as required; thereby failing to comply with the general requirement of an academic essay. The author proceeded with a narrative discourse of how people wrongly perceived music courses, in general. While indicating that the perceptions are false, the author did not support the statement but instead, diverted the discussion to presenting some approach to seek respite from the demands of the course. Further, the structure and arguments that are supposed to prove that music is not an easier path was not effectively and logically presented. For example, the paragraph that is supposed to discuss that long hours of practice cut homework time in core and other courses did not support this contention in any way; but instead, opted to discuss the challenges posed by taking a diction course for vocal performance majors. The general arguments that

Picasso and the Camera Exhibition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Picasso and the Camera Exhibition - Essay Example The essay "Picasso and the Camera Exhibition" explores the exhibition called "Picasso and the Camera". Gagosian gallery provides a one of a kind experience. Art can be expressed in many forms including paints and sculptures. The uniqueness of Picasso in utilizing the camera to express art in completely new dimensions has made his collection one of a kind at the Gagosian collection. The message and inspirations remain the same but the nature of execution remains unique. The collections will be the center of discussion through the paper and focus will be on how it transformed the manner in which individuals interpret art. The collection provides an aspect of cultural coexistence. The exhibition accounts various aspects of culture both locally and internationally. The aim of the exhibition was to provide a picture of the earth from various angles. Culture is an essential component in art and various forms of entertainment. When one focused on the ‘Picasso and the Camera’ ex hibition the unique aspect is that the photographer focused more on the cultures that are perceived new to his immediate surroundings. Promotion of cultures is what art is all about, nature shapes individuals but culture absorbs and nurture people to attain certain goals and societal expectations. ‘Picasso and the Camera’ exhibition is an example of what culture may provide. The artwork has provided room for many individual from different parts of the world to assemble and share the multicultural exhibitions experience.

Ultrasound-guided Interscalene Block for Dislocated Shoulder

Ultrasound-guided Interscalene Block for Dislocated Shoulder Preliminary results of ultrasound-guided interscalene block for dislocated shoulder: Abstract Background Traditionally, patients with a dislocated shoulder joint will be subjected to general anesthesia for closed reduction, if this procedure cannot be managed with light intravenous sedation and opioid analgesia. Successful interscalene blockade of the brachial plexus allows painfree reduction of the dislocated shoulder. However, the interscalene blockade for a dislocated shoulder is usually performed in the emergency room and to optimize patient safety it is desirable to minimize the dose of local anesthetic using ultrasound-guidance. The objective of this cohort study was to determine the clinical feasibility of ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus blockade using a safe dose of just 10 mL of lidocaine 1% in producing sufficient and effective muscle relaxation, allowing painfree reduction of a dislocated glenohumeral joint. Methods We performed ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus blockade with 10 mL of lidocaine 1% in a cohort of 10 patients with dislocated glenohumeral joints presenting in the emergency room, where the shoulder could not be reduced following intravenous sedation and analgesia. Results The success rate of closed reduction of the dislocated shoulders was 100% with complete pain control and muscle relaxation during the reducting procedure. Median patient satisfaction (VAS, Visual Analogue Scale 0-10) after completion of the procedure was 10 (range 8-10). Conclusion Ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus blockade using merely 10 mL of lidocaine 1% effectively produces muscle relaxation allowing pain free reduction of the dislocated glenohumeral joint with a success rate of 100% and high patient satisfaction. Keywords dislocation, shoulder, glenohumeral joint, ultrasound Introduction Dislocation of the gleno-humeral joint is associated with severe pain and is frequently presented in the emergency room (ER). Reduction of a shoulderdislocationrequiresalleviation of the pain and musclerelaxation. Traditionally, this is obtained using general anesthesia (GA) with rapid sequence induction, when initial attempts of reduction using light oral and/or intravenous sedation and opioid analgesia are not successful. However, GA is associated with the risk of aspiration and requires an anesthetist, access to the operating theatre and postoperative observation in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). Interscalene blockade (ISB) of the brachial plexus (BP) will achieve the desired effect of muscle relaxation and pain alleviation and eliminates the risks of GA cost-effectively. ISB of the BP usingelicitation of paresthesia to locate the target nerves wasemployedalready in 1973 to obtainanalgesia and musclerelaxationallowingreduction of a dislocatedshoulder joint 1. ISB of the BP using electrical nerve stimulation to allow reduction of a dislocated shoulder joint was later reported 2, 3. However, the motor response due to the electrical stimulation can be very painful in patients with dislocated shoulder joints. Some authors have reported location of the BP using ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia instead of electrical nerve stimulation 4, 5. Blaivas and Lyon (2006) used in-plane (IP) approach and 30 mL of either lidocaine 1% or bupivacaine 0.25%. The success rate of pain free joint reduction was 100% in four patients. Bhoi et al. (2010) used out-of-plane approach and 6-15 mLlidocaine 2% and had a success rate of a 100% in three patients. The current report describes an ultrasound-guided approach to ISB of the BP using IP approach and 10 mL of lidocaine 1% for reduction of the gleno-humeral joint in a preliminary cohort of patients with dislocated shoulder where reduction in the ER had been attempted with light sedation and analgesia without success. Methods The requirement for approval of the protocol and for written informed consent, was waived by the Central Denmark Regional Committees on Biomedical Research Ethics,due to the fact that the ultrasound-guided ISB of the BP for reduction of dislocated shoulders is an established method in our departments. Following informed consent 10 consecutive patients scheduled for reduction of dislocated gleno-humeral joint were included in the study (Table 1). We have only included patients with dislocation of the gleno-humeral joint where reduction has been attempted in the ER without success. Following establishment of venous access, the patient was placed in the supine position with the head turned contralateral to the side to be blocked. Vital signs monitoring was opted out during the procedure in the ER provided that all of the following criteria were fulfilled: (1) the block was performed by a consultant anesthetist who performs ultrasound guided peripheral nerve blocks on a daily basis and ( 2) the block was performed with uninterrupted, direct real time visualization of the needle tip during the entire procedure and (3) using parasagittal from-posterior-to-anterior IP approach and (4) with visualization of the spread of a 1 mL test dose of saline alongside the nerve roots of C5-C6 prior to injection of lidocaine and (5) real time visualization of the spread of lidocaine during the entire injection and (6) no supplementary lidocaine in addition to 100 mg was injected (7) in a fully awake and alert patient. If the above criteria 1-7 were not fulfilled, then the procedure was aborted immediately and not resumed until full vital signs monitorering had been applied. . Needle path and injection of local anesthetics Using an aseptic technique the needle was inserted from the posterior end of the ultrasound transducer and thereafter advanced IP in an anterior direction until the needle tip was seen in close proximity to the C5 and C6 nerve roots (Fig. 1). Hydrolocation was per formed with 1 mL of saline confirming the appropriate location of the needle tip and the spread of the injectate prior to injection of local anesthetic (10 mL of lidocaine 1%). The endpoint of the injection manoeuvre was to observe that the local anesthetic spread alongside the C5 and C6 nerve roots as assessed by real-time ultrasound. The dose of lidocaine was injected incrementally with intermittent aspiration. If the spread of local anesthetic was deemed inadequate the needle tip was repositioned as necessary with direct real time visualization using solely ultrasonographic guidance. Equipment The ultrasound scanning was performed with an M-Turbo ultrasound machine (Sonosite, Bothell, WA) using a 6-13 MHz linear transducer (HFL38, Sonosite ®, Bothell, WA, USA) covered by a sterile sleeve. Definition of successful ISB Successful ISB was defined as reduction of the dislocated shoulder joint with no need for conversion to general anesthesia. Study design and data collection The study was planned as a prospective cohort study to determine the clinical feasibility of the low-dose IP ISB to allow reduction of a dislocated shoulder joint . Thus, no formal power analysis or statistical test analysis was performed. Results A total of 10 patients were enrolled. Nine patients had an anterior dislocation of the gleno-humeral joint and one had a posterior dislocation. Demographic data are presented in table 1. The success rate of reduction of the dislocated shoulders was 100% with complete pain control and muscle relaxation during the reducting procedure. Median patient satisfaction (VAS, Visual Analogue Scale 0-10) after completion of the procedure was 10 (range 8-10). Median time from completed block performance to shoulder reduction was five minutes (range 3-10 minutes). The median pain VAS score immediately prior to the performance of the interscalene block was 10 (range 7-10), and all patients were awake and fully alert during the procedure. All procedures were completed in accordance with the criteria 1-7 (see Methods). Outcome data are presented in table 2. Discussion Our preliminary data demonstrate that a dislocated shoulder can be reduced effectively without pain, and with good muscle relaxation using ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus blockade with a small dose of lidocaine. By application of this technique, deep sedation and opioids and/or general anesthesia with fast track induction is avoided in a population of typically non-fasting patients. Ultrasound-guided ISB of the BP is applicable also in patients with severe cardiac co-morbidity, where GA would not be attractive. Ultrasound-guided ISB of the BP is also a simple and low-cost technique compared to general anesthesia and does not occupy the capacity of the surgical ward or the PACU. Application of a safe and innocuous dose of a local anesthetic with a broad therapeutic range is critically important, when peripheral nerve blocks are performed in the ER outside the primary venue of anesthesia. The standard dose of 100 mg lidocaine optimizes patient safety, as accidental intra venous injection of this magnitude of lidocaine would be virtually harmless. However, intravenous injection using ultrasound-guidance is practically impossible when appropriately performed in accordance with the criteria listed in the Methods section. The theoretical risk of an accidental intraarterial or intraspinal injection is considered non-existent obeying the above mentioned criteria 1-7. Resuscitation equipment is readily accessible in the settings of the ER. However, any dose of any local anesthetic employed for peripheral nerve blocks without full vital signs monitoring remains a controversial issue. If the reader cannot honour all the criteria 1-7, the advice of the authors is to apply full vital signs monitoring during and after the performance of the nerve block even when using a small dose of a local anesthetic with a broad therapeutic range. Our preliminary data suggest that the patients experience maximum satisfaction with this technique (median VAS score 10). We hav e no data to compare patient satisfaction to nerve stimulation guidance for interscalene blockade or general anesthesia. There are some important limitations to our study. First, the study is non-randomized, un-blinded and it does not include a control group. Second, the sensory and motor quality of the interscalene blocks was not tested and the effect was just documented by clinical success. Third, lidocaine pharmacokinetics was not calculated and serum-lidocaine was not measured. Fourth, the choice of dose of local anesthetic was arbitrary and not based on titration. Fifth, the study included only a small sample of patients. However, the clinical success rate of reduction was 100% and the patient satisfaction very high despite the fact that our data were sampled in a population of patients where the primary attempt for a closed reduction of the dislocated shoulder supported by sedatives and opioids failed. This strongly indicates the feasibility of the described technique and reduced dosing of local anesthetic. Future randomized controlled trials have to clarify the usefulness of a broader indication for ultrasound guided interscalene nerve blockade for patients with dislocated shoulders. Conclusion This preliminary cohort study demonstrates that ultrasound guided interscalene BP blockade using merely 10 mL of lidocaine 1% effectively produces muscle relaxation allowing pain free reduction of the dislocated glenohumeral joint with a success rate of 100% and maximum patient satisfaction.

Mercedes Lackey :: Free Essay Writer

Mercedes Lackey Dear Mercedes Lackey, You probably get letters from people everyday who say what I’m gonna say, but oh well. See, I am a huge fan of your work, and just recently got told to write a LAL (Letters about Literature) for one of my favorite books, and since I didn’t feel like writing to the judges on your Dragons Bane Trilogy, I decided I would write my letter as if talking to you. As I said before, we have to write a letter explaining our favorite book, so, to explain the Dragons Bane book , I guess I should tell what made it the best. First, of course, it was written by you, my all time favorite author, and also it’s fantasy, which is my favorite genre, but it goes deeper than that, too. It deals with the characters, all of them. I can relate to them so well it’s amazing. I mean with the main girl, let’s say Lila’s her name , godz, we could be twins, except my ears don’t point in the slightest and I don’t have green eyes, but that’s besides the point. In mind, we are practically one in the same. We both are extremely determined and rebellious at times and quite curious all the time. We also both hold a love for animals that is almost second to nothing else. And we’re both tremendously loyal to most of our family. Now, she can mindspeak which I can’t, and she also has magic abilities, which of course I don’t, and I’m real, and she’s not, but you get the point. In essence we are related I guess is what I’m saying. There’s also her â€Å"older brother†, ( I’ll call him Jeff since I can’t remember his name either) the dragon who raised her. It seems as if I’m related to him, too. He’s definitely got a knack with animals, which I’ve already said I have. He also is kind, to everyone, and amazingly enough, that’s another trait I try (key word here; try) to possess since reading this book. But he’s not as close to me as the girl, I have no idea why, except maybe because he’s a he, or he’s a dragon, or he’s not the main character or whatever else differs between them, but he could really be an older brother to me. Then of course, you can’t have a brother without a sister, and you provide one of those, too, one that fits my little sister exactly, actually.

Adolescent Sexuality and Risk Factors Essay

Adolescence is that period between childhood and adulthood, when the adolescent is discovering his or her own identity and dealing with the transition. It is also a time of becoming more aware of sexuality and establishing patterns for future relationships. Those identifying as nonheterosexual i.e. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender (LGBT), face even more challenges than their heterosexual counterparts. One challenge is their health. Russell and Consolacion (2003) conducted a study on the topic of romance and emotional health of adolescents. The authors concluded that youth who had same-sex attractions and who were not in relationships showed increased measures of anxiety and depression. They also had more suicidal ideation than heterosexual youth. The dangers of smoking are well researched and documented. Easton, Jackson, Mowery, Comeau and Sell (2008) in their study concluded that same-sex and bisexual youth are at greater risk for tobacco use. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) notes that increased stress level, mental health and other physical health problems are common among LGBT youth (CDC, 2011). Ray (2006) in a study of homelessness among LGBT youth notes that they face a number of problems in additional to being homeless. They are at increased risk of mental health issues, high risk sexual behaviour to support themselves, substance abuse and victimisation. Education is important and LGBT adolescents face challenges in this area. Many of them are likely to be runaways so their education suffers as they are absent from school for long periods. Himmelstein & Brà ¼ckner (2011) noted that these young people were also at risk for being more severely punished at school and in the justice system. They are also victims of violence and discrimination at school, often being bullied, teased and harassed (â€Å"LGBT bullying† n.d.). Counsellors working with adolescents who are LBGT must be sensitive to the feelings of uncertainty, rejection and fear that these young people are experiencing.

Institutions and Politics

Institutions and Politics Introduction Politics is an integral aspect of every community in the contemporary world. It helps communities to determine the system of governance that suits their needs. Additionally, it helps communities to regulate their governments in order to achieve social, political, and economic objectives.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Institutions and Politics specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Generally, engaging in politics involves articulating the governance issues that a country is grappling with (Crick, 2005, pp. 5-11). In this regard, the citizens and their leaders must actively participate in politics. This participation normally occurs through various institutions of politics. The focus of this paper will be the institutions that facilitate politics. In particular, it will answer the question: what sorts of institutions make politics successful? The answer to this question will be based on the premise that the ef ficacy of governance and politics depends on the quality of political institutions. The first part of the paper will define political institutions and various concepts of governance. The second part will discuss the roles of the institutions that facilitate politics. This discussion will lead to a conclusion concerning the influence of institutions on the success of politics. Definition of Key Terms Institutions of politics refer to the organizations whose roles include, but not limited to creation and implementation of laws; conflict resolution; formulation and implementation of governmental policies; and representation of the public (Hague Harrop, 2010, pp. 45-67). The main political institutions include the executive, legislature, bureaucracy, experts, political parties, and various types of regimes (governments). The executive is the organ of the government that has the authority and responsibility of executing the administrative functions of the state. The legislature refers t o a deliberative assembly that normally consists of elected members whose constitutional mandate includes making, amending, and repealing a country’s laws. Concisely, the parliament or the congress is the legislature. Bureaucracy refers to a professional body of skilled officials who serve in the public sector in a non-political capacity. Unlike politicians, bureaucrats are fulltime employees with permanent contracts. Experts are independent intellectuals with vast knowledge in specific fields such as law, political science, and development. These intellectuals are normally the main source of expert opinion. Political parties refer to organizations whose members have the same political ideologies or objectives, and strive to shape public policy by sponsoring the election of a candidate to a public office. The members of these parties include politicians and their followers or supporters. Finally, government or regime refers to the administrative organization that has been emp owered to regulate the public affairs of a country. The aforementioned institutions normally collaborate in order to achieve the socio-political objectives of a country.Advertising Looking for essay on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Roles of Political Institutions Regime Types There are three main functions of the government. First, the government consolidates the funds that are usually spent on basic needs. In this regard, the government uses the consolidated funds to provide services such as healthcare, education, and security among others. Second, the government collects funds from the public and uses them to provide social insurance services. These services include unemployment benefits, food aid, and old age pension. Finally, the government formulates and enforces the laws that guide the relationships between individuals and institutions (Hague Harrop, 2010, pp. 15-22). The aim of this function is to promote fairness, equity, and harmony in the society. Executing these functions is a political process that heavily depends on the type of regime that is in charge of a country’s public affairs. In a totalitarian regime, the government has absolute authority over the populace. It controls nearly all aspects of public affairs and the private lives of the citizens. In this regard, a totalitarian regime is a threat to politics because it limits the participation of the public in decision-making. In most cases, a totalitarian regime influences the attitudes, values, and beliefs of the public in order to avert the tensions and dissent that might arise due to government failure. However, this strategy leads to sameness of opinion and infringement of the right to expression, thereby discouraging progressive politics. In an authoritarian regime, power is concentrated in the hands of the ruling elite. The leaders maintain their authority through political repression and sidelining potential challengers. This discourages political development and achievement of objectives such as transparency, accountability, and fulfilling the needs of the public (Crick, 2005, pp. 10-18). Election rigging is a common characteristic of an authoritarian regime. Furthermore, authoritarian leaders tend to disregard the law and pay little attention to public concerns. Political competition tends to be low or nonexistent in an authoritarian regime because the ruler has an indefinite political tenure. In a constitutional regime, the country’s laws limit the powers of the governors. Generally, the constitution defines the scope of good governance and politics. In this regard, politics is likely to be successful since the constitution protects the citizens’ right to expression and compels the government to execute its mandate. A democratic regime is associated with widespread participation in public affairs. The citizens have the right to choose their leaders and representatives at regular intervals, thereby promoting competitive politics.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Institutions and Politics specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Democracy promotes progressive politics because citizens have the right to question their leaders. Besides, the government is accountable to the parliament, which has the authority to accept or reject proposed laws, decisions, and policies. One element of a democratic regime that promotes good politics is protection of civil rights (Crick, 2005, pp. 40-50). In particular, the leaders must operate within the law by making political decisions that conform to the constitution. The state cannot take away the citizens’ rights such as freedom of association, expression, and access to basic services. The politicians too have a right to express their opinions freely, to criticize the government, and to hold their campaigns without intimidation. H ence, democratic governments are likely to be more effective than totalitarian and constitutional regimes. Furthermore, a democratic regime provides the best environment for political development. The Executive The executive organizes the structures of authority that facilitate execution of the functions of the government. In most countries, the executive is responsible for the formation of the government by appointing members of the cabinet and holders of key positions in the public sector. The executive also plays an integral role in decision-making by issuing specific and general instructions concerning an existing or an imminent problem (Crick, 2005, pp. 7-17). Other roles of the executive include commanding the armed forces, representing the country in international functions, and pardoning offenders among others. The quality and the characteristics of the executive determine the success of politics. An authoritative executive is likely to discourage political development by ex cluding key stakeholders in the decision-making process. In authoritarian regimes, the executives hardly consult the opposition parties on national issues. Additionally, they use their excessive authority and state machinery to avert any form of political opposition. For example, President Mubarak used the emergency law in Egypt to reduce political competition. This law facilitated the detention and torture of anyone who opposed the government. Similarly, President Mursi has since acquired unlimited powers in order to control every aspect of Egyptians’ lives. Even though his performance as the executive falls short of the expectations of his citizens, he continues to use the police force to discourage expression of dissent. Democratic executives usually strive to ensure political inclusion. Furthermore, they have to serve the interest of the polity in order to be reelected. This implies that a democratic executive is likely to promote progressive politics. Charismatic leaders (executives) usually have great influence on the nature and evolution of politics. These leaders normally enjoy a lot of support in parliament. Hence, their political decisions are likely to sail through the approval process in parliament without much scrutiny. This leads to the adoption of ineffective policies and enforcement of laws that might serve the interest of the executive at the expense of the public (Hague Harrop, 2010, pp. 100-150).Advertising Looking for essay on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In some countries, the executives depend on corruption, as well as, divide and rule tactics to perpetuate their political ideologies and leadership. For example, in most African countries the executives normally appoint politicians to cabinet positions in exchange of unconditional support in parliament and during elections. Hence, progressive politics have little or no chance of success in a regime that is led by a corrupt executive. The Bureaucracy The bureaucracy consists of civil servants whose main responsibility is to implement the decisions of the executive or the government. The roles of the bureaucracy include the following. To begin with, the bureaucracy participates in policy formulation. Traditionally, this function was the sole responsibility of the executive (Hague Harrop, 2010, pp. 30-70). However, in the contemporary society the bureaucracy helps in policy formulation due to two reasons. First, most executives are armatures with little or no technical skills. Consequ ently, they cannot design effective policies on their own. In this regard, the executives have to obtain expert advice from the bureaucracy. Second, the executive and politicians normally entrust the bureaucracy with some aspects of the policy formulation process in order to enhance efficiency. Concisely, seeking help from the bureaucracy helps politicians to save time and resources in the process of policy formulation. The bureaucracy also executes some legislative functions. For example, a department of the government can make sub-laws, but within the scope of existing Acts of Parliament. The roles of the bureaucracy have significant impacts on politics. Concisely, the effectiveness of the bureaucracy in policy formulation and implementation determines the success of political processes such as elections. A bureaucracy whose members possess advanced skills is likely to help the executive to make informed political decisions. One factor that usually leads to government failure is p oliticization of the bureaucracy. In developing countries with poor governance systems, civil servants are usually appointed through nepotism and corruption rather than merit. In this case, the bureaucracy tends to lack the expertise that it needs in order to achieve its mandate. A politicized bureaucracy usually serves the political interests of the executive rather than the public. For instance, the bureaucracy can be instructed by the executive to implement a given development project in order to please the public. However, the project might not be beneficial to the public. A malpractice of this nature normally prompts political activism and debate among opposition leaders in a democratic regime (Crick, 2005, pp. 40-52). However, the opposition leaders in a totalitarian regime might not question such malpractices for fear of political repressions. One of the major strengths of the bureaucracy is that its members have permanent employment contracts. This ensures continuity in the implementation of policies. For example, the bureaucracy often continues to run the government after the dissolution of the parliament and the cabinet, thereby sustaining on-going political processes. In this regard, it ensures that newly elected regimes adopt the policies of their predecessors. Nonetheless, the bureaucracy cannot succeed without the support of the politicians. This is because its members are not elected. Thus, they are hardly aware of the needs and aspirations of the public. The legislature The legislature is one of the most important institutions since it facilitates politics at the grassroots and the national level. The first role of the legislature is to represent the public. Hence, the public channels its complaints and concerns to the government through this institution. The legislature is the best political institution for articulating the concerns of the public because of its diverse membership. The second role of the legislature is making laws. This role is important because it facilitates adoption of laws that encourage healthy politics and fulfillment of the citizens’ needs (Hague Harrop, 2010, pp. 160-200). Finally, the legislature provides oversight on the operations of the government. This involves monitoring the operations of the executive for efficiency, integrity, and commitment. The ability of the legislature to promote political development depends on the following factors. First, the formal powers of the legislature determine the extent to which it can facilitate politics. A legislature with an absolute authority to enact laws directly is likely to facilitate progressive politics. On the contrary, the success of politics is limited in a regime whose legislature is controlled by the executive. In this case, the legislature will merely act as a rubber stamp whose responsibility is to endorse decisions or choices made by various arms of the government. Second, the capacity of the legislature to use its formal powers de termines its contribution to politics. The legislature is likely to promote political development if its members have the capacity to manage parliamentary activities such as scheduling debates and drafting laws. The effectiveness of parliamentary committees, availability of expertise and members’ ability to make decisions also determine the extent to which the legislature contributes to politics. In weak democracies, parliamentary committees tend to be ineffective since the members lack the technical skills that are necessary in decision-making. In some cases, the committee members accept bribes in order to support or reject certain policies and recommendations. Third, the available political space determines the effectiveness of the legislature. Authoritarian regimes provide little political space, thereby jeopardizing the legislature’s efforts to perform its oversight and lawmaking functions. A democratic system usually provides adequate political space (Crick, 2005, pp. 41-50). This enables the legislature to be very assertive and independent. The resulting improvement in the effectiveness of the legislature facilitates political processes such as policy formulation, lawmaking, and articulation of the citizens’ problems. The Experts In modern democracies, experts operate as independent political actors. They work in collaboration with civil societies, interest groups, and social movements among others. Experts are think tanks whose main role is to help the government to make sound decisions (Crick, 2005, pp. 19-36). They participate in policy formulation by providing expert advice on technical issues. For example, most countries usually hire independent consultants to spearhead the process of drafting new constitutions. Experts also play an important role in the provision of civic education and articulation of social and political problems. In this regard, they discuss the issues that the country is grappling with and present policy rec ommendations to the government for action. The quality of the experts in terms of their skills and knowledge determines the extent to which they can influence politics. Possession of adequate skills and knowledge enables the experts to make positive contributions to political development. The capacity of the experts to utilize their skills and knowledge is also important. Experts who are empowered to express their opinions without fear of political repression normally improve the politics of their country. Concisely, they generate new political ideas and empower their fellow citizens to focus on progressive politics. Political Parties A well functioning political system must have effective parties. In the contemporary society, availability of adequate political parties is a necessary requirement for the formation of a democratic system of governance (Crick, 2005, pp. 40-50). The parties mobilize the citizens and facilitate their participation in political processes. In this regard, they socialize and educate the electorate on issues such as the functioning of the electoral system. They also obtain opinions from the public and channel it to the government. In most cases, the political parties aggregate and articulate the concerns of their members before contacting the government for help. Finally, political parties recruit and train candidates who compete for elective positions in general elections. A political party can only perform these functions if it has effective organizational structures. The party must have different levels of management that are responsible for the execution of various tasks. The party can only make meaningful contributions to politics if its leaders are able to create and implement effective manifestos. It is apparent that parties with corrupt leaders cannot encourage progressive politics. The party must have adequate funds in order to make positive contributions in politics. For example, parties cannot sponsor political campaigns and voter education if they have inadequate funds. Conclusion Politics is facilitated by various institutions, which include the executive, legislature, bureaucracy, experts, and political parties among others (Crick, 2005, pp. 5-16). Each of these institutions focuses on specific aspects of various political processes. For example, the executive formulates policies, whereas the legislature provides oversight on the implementation process. The effectiveness of these institutions is determined by their qualities. These qualities include the integrity of the members, the capacity of the institution to execute its mandate, availability of resources, and the vision of the institution among others. The existence of these qualities enables an institution to make positive contributions to political development. This leads to the conclusion that the efficacy of governance and politics depends on the quality of political institutions. References Crick, B. (2005). In Defence of Politics. London: Continuum. Hague, R., Harrop, M. (2010). Political Science: A Comparative Introduction. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.