Wimax free essay sample

1. INTRODUCTION Wateen Telecom is the first company in the world to roll-out a WiMAX network at a country-wide scale. WiMAX is a standards-based technology enabling the delivery of last mile wireless broadband access as an alternative to wired broadband like cable and DSL. With globally renowned partners such as Motorola, Cisco, and Intel, the stage is set to revolutionize the way you use technology! With Wateens WiMAX network, you get access to: †¢ Broadband Internet with up to 2Mbps dedicated speeds †¢ Telephony with over 40 value added features, and Fully secure high-speed data networks Subscribers can use advanced telephony, surf the Internet at super-fast speeds, make video calls, and watch IP-TV through the comfort and ease afforded by a single connection. 1. 1 Packages: Package A Free CPE with 512Kbps Internet and ‘EverGreen Unlimited Telephony †¢ Option 1 Pay once: Rs. 17,999 †¢ Option 2 Upfront payment: Rs. We will write a custom essay sample on Wimax or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 2,999 plus 1st monthly charge. Submit 11 post-dated cheques of Rs. 1,350 each Package B Free CPE choose your own Internet Telephony tariff †¢ Option 1 Upfront payment: Rs. 8,499 plus 1st monthly charge. Submit 11 post-dated cheques for monthly charges †¢ Option 2 Upfront payment: Rs. 2,999 plus 1st monthly charge. Submit 11 post-dated cheques of Rs. 499 plus monthly charges 1. 2 Research Objectives: †¢ To determine overall customer satisfaction level of Wateen Wimax †¢ Determine the customer profile of Wateen Wimax users and the values they seek while choosing an internet connection †¢ To determine their reason for switching to Wimax †¢ How satisfied are the customers with different features of Wateen Wimax such as speed, connectivity, price and customer service 1. 3 Research Design The Research was based on a questionnaire that consisted of questions designed to achieve the desired research objectives. The questionnaire consisted of nineteen questions with a mix of open ended, close ended and scaled responses. The chosen sample was fifty people who are users of Wateen telecom so that we can find out what they feel about its services. These fifty interviews included field surveys and telephonic interviews. 2. USER PROFILE As far as the profile of wateen Wimax users is concerned it can only be afforded by socio economic classes A and B because the initial and monthly charges are fairly high. Wateen Wimax users that we interviewed belong to different segments, use it for different purposes, they are using the service from different time periods and they are also using variable packages. These all dimensions of selected users are explained in detail as follows. 2. 1 User Profession: According to our research findings based on interviews from 50 respondents 19 of the users are employees of different organizations, 17 users have their own businesses, 11 are students, 2 are housewives and 1 is a doctor. Findings are also shown in fig. . 1 in which jobs people, business men and students are three big sectors respectively. [pic] 2. 2 User type: Out of 50 users that we interviewed 20 are using WiMax in their offices while 30 are home users. This is also shown in figure 1. 2 as 60% of users are home users while 40% are office users. 2. 3 Usage Period: The users we interviewed have been using the WiMax service for different periods as shown in figure 1. 3. Out of 50 respondents 10 users are such who are using the service since the launch of WiMax in Pakistan. 8 users are using the service for last 3 months, 17 for 2 months and 5 for 1 month. [pic] 2. 4 Package: Wateen Wimax provides different packages with different speeds and download volumes. If we compare the use of packages on the base of different speeds most of the users use the package with speed of 512 kbps. According to our findings 39 of 50 users use 512kbps package while 7 respondents use 256kbps package, 3 respondents use 1MB and only one respondent uses 2 MB package. 2. 5 Reasons to switch: Many customers of Wateen Wimax were previously users of Broadband/DSL, dialup and Local Area Network. Out of the taken sample previously 29% users were on dialup, 42% were using DSL and 29% were using Local Area Network to access the internet. There were different reasons given by customers for switching to Wateen Wimax. 25% switched because of poor customer service, 10% switched because they were attracted by the availability of wireless connection feature, 27% switched because they were having speed issues, and onnectivity was found to be the major issue with 37% of people saying that they switched to Wateen Wimax because of connectivity issues. 1% said that they were having other issues such as they did not have PTCL landlines. 2. 6 Importance of features: [pic] Different customers value different attributes of an internet connection while choosing which one to get. The attributes of internet connections for which importance to customers was measured are wireless connectivity, spe ed, price, and customer service. Connectivity and Speed were found to be the two attributes that were most valued by customers with 90% of the sample regarding connectivity as very important and 86% regarding speed as very important. None consider speed and connectivity as not important. Price was not important for 12% of the sample, 48% said it is important and 40% say it is very important. 16% say customer service is not important, 38% say it is important and 46% say it is very important. 3. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION OF WATEEN WIMAX 3. 1 Likeability of features: Upon asking what feature of Wateen Wimax’s service people like the most, there were variable responses. 2% of the people said that the attribute about Wateen Wimax that they like the most is the wireless connectivity, 28% like the speed, only 6% like the prices being offered and 4% like its customer service. This shows that a high number of people like the wireless connectivity feature which is a new concept in Pakistan. 3. 2 Satisfaction levels: We hav e measured the satisfaction level of Wateen WiMax users on four criterions namely connectivity, speed, price and customer service. The satisfaction scale was divided into five levels; very dissatisfied, dissatisfied, neutral, satisfied and very satisfied. According to the findings no WiMax user was very satisfied with the connectivity while out of 50 respondents 5 users were very dissatisfied with the connectivity, 19 were dissatisfied, 10 were neutral while 16 were satisfied with the connectivity. As shown in the fig 68% of the respondents were either not happy with the connectivity or did not find it to be up to the mark. Speed relatively scored better then the connectivity. Out of 50 respondents 4 were very satisfied with the speed, 18 were satisfied, 10 were neutral, 12 respondents were dissatisfied with the speed while 6 were very dissatisfied. respondents do not consider Wateen is charging appropriate prices for the WiMax and were very dissatisfied. 12 were dissatisfied, 17 thought it to be just right, only 15 respondents out of 50 perceived the prices to be appropriate and were satisfied while 1 respondent was very satisfied with the prices. Wateen customer service received a mix response. Out of 50 respondents 16 were very di ssatisfied with the customer service, 8 were dissatisfied, and 10 were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. 16 respondents rate the customer service to be satisfied while none of them were very satisfied. RATING |CONNECTIVITY |CONNECTIVITY % |SPEED |SPEED % |PRICE |PRICE % |C. S |C. S % | |VERY DISSATISFIED |5 |10% |6 |12% |5 |10% |16 |32% | |DISSATISFIED |19 |38% |12 |24% |12 |24% |8 |16% | |NEUTRAL |10 |20% |10 |20% |17 |34% |10 |20% | |SATISFIED |16 |32% |18 |36% |15 |30% |16 |32% | |VERT SATISFIED |0 |0% |4 |8% |1 |2% |0 |0% | |Total |50 | |50 | |50 | |50 | | | 3. 3 Rating Scale: [pic] According to our findings overall performance of Wateen WiMax was an average one. Out of 50 respondents 29 gave it an overall score of 5 or below as depicted in the fig. Out of the remaining 21 respondents 5 gave it a score of 6, 7 respondents gave it a score of 7, 6 respondent gave it a score of 8, 2 respondents viewed Wateen WiMax to be performing well and gave it a score of 9 and only 1 rare respondent was completely satisfied with Wateen WiMax and gave it a score of 10. The average score was thus found to be 5. 3 which means the overall satisfaction level of Wateen is neither very good nor very poor or alarming. But this means that they certainly need to improve on it. 3. 4 Comments: The comments from Wimax users are: 42% of users made no comment about Wateen and its Wimax service †¢ 6 % of users said that unlimited download services should be introduced by Wateen and volume based packages should be finished †¢ 12 % said that the Wateen services are not up to expectation †¢ 10 % users said that the routers placed by Wateen should be of good quality and more routers should be placed because currently the routers are either placed a way from some localities and signals are weak in those areas †¢ Few users are so disappointed by Wateen services that they said that the Wateen offices should burnt down 4. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS †¢ Wateen needs innovative service offerings — currently it doesn’t even offer bundles or server which provides entertainment channels. †¢ Overall Wateen still behaves as a monopoly it has to change its attitude. At a minimum, avoiding billing errors and providing competent and courteous service to its customers is essential if Wateen wants to show that it is transforming itself to a competitive company which cares for its customers †¢ As Wateen is using Warid towers so due to load of cellular services the signals of Wateen got weak. So they need to separate there towers so improve here performance †¢ The router provided by Wateen should be of good quality. Or more than one router should be given by them so the signal problem should be resolved. †¢ People are not satisfied with the call centers and the customer service. The response from call centers should be positive and valid which results in satisfied customers . †¢ For its success Wateen will have to do more than just depend upon its wireless connectivity feature. 5. APPENDIX Primary Information †¢ http://www. wateen. com/ †¢ Survey (Questionnaire) Secondary Information (Blogs, User Comments) †¢ http://sarfarazsoomro. logspot. com/2008/01/on-fly-with-wimax. html †¢ http://www3. fuzedbulb. com/fuzedblog/wateen-experience. html †¢ http://www. blogcatalog. com/blogs/the-tech-turtle/posts/tag/wateen/ †¢ http://techlahore. wordpress. com/2007/12/21/pakistan%E2%80%99s-wateen-launches-godzilla-sized-wimax-network/ Fig (C) usage period Fig (J) Comments Fig (I) Satisfaction Level Table (A) Satisfaction Level Fig (H) Satisfaction Levels Fig (G) Likeability of Features Fig (F) Importance of Features Fig (E) Reasons to Switch Fig (D) Packages Fig (B) user type Fig (A) user profession

Why Men Should Consider Becoming a Nurse

Why Men Should Consider Becoming a Nurse Nurses have always been in high demand. That’s as true today as it always was, and the number and scope of nursing jobs is expanding every day. Nurses are more critical to the health care process then ever, and there is currently a shortage of qualified nurses! (And a shortage of primary care physicians†¦ so nurses are even more in constant demand!) As health care demands continue to increase- along with costs- nursing will become even more crucial. In the past, a career in nursing hasn’t been on the radars of many professional men, as it is a career more traditionally filled by women. But really, why not even consider an entire booming career path, one with opportunity for great compensation, job security, and other benefits that might increase your quality of life?Here are some good reasons why men should roll up the sleeves of their scrubs and get involved.Why not?Would you tell your kid to overlook an entire in-demand and lucrative, rewarding career path just b ecause it’s traditionally been a field for one gender or the other? Of course not. So why would you overlook it? The biggest obstacle you’d have to clear as a dude entering the profession would be your own gender stereotypes. Nursing is a highly valued and very sturdy career choice. Why let tired gender stereotypes keep this work only for the ladies?If you’re reading this and considering nursing, congrats! You’re already over that hump! If you can be mentored and trained by highly competent women in a highly technical and demanding field, then you’re good to go.Show you’re an enlightened guy and join this under-appreciated field. Then join an organization like the American Assembly of Men in Nursing for extra support while you break into your new career.You can specialize.Whatever picture you have in your head for what a nurse’s job is like, you’re probably wrong. But probably you also didn’t realize just how wide the op tions are for specialization in the field. Try any number of fields, such as anesthesia, flight, emergency, trauma nursing. Even middle management, nursing education, nurse practitioner work, oncology, psychiatry, pediatrics, and administration.Find your interest, claim your niche, and pursue whichever part of this wide-ranging profession that interests you. Don’t get us wrong- you of course will have to start with the basics and build a solid foundation. But once you do, you have the freedom (and opportunity!) to make it your own.You will likely be well-compensated.Like in most professions, male nurses tend to out-earn female nurses.Hey, this might not be fair, but it’s true. Right out of the gate, you’re more likely to be compensated (more) fairly for your time and work. It’s a consistent and reliable career choice wherein you have a financial leg up. Just be sure once you get hired, you start fighting for fair pay for your female colleagues. After all, they’re just as qualified and overworked as you will be.

Leontyne Price, New York Met Opera Star

Leontyne Price, New York Met Opera Star Known for:  New York Metropolitan Opera soprano 1960 – 1985; one of the most popular opera sopranos of recent history, known as the first black American-born prima donna; she was the first black opera singer on televisionOccupation:  opera singerDates:  February 10, 1927 -Also known as: Mary Violet Leontyne Price Background, Family Mother: Kate Baker Price, a midwife, and singer in the church choirFather: James Price, a carpenter who also sang in the church choirHusband: William C. Warfield (married August 31, 1952, divorced 1973; opera singer) Education Central State College (formerly the College of Education and Industrial Arts), Wilberforce, Ohio.  BA, 1949Juilliard School of Music, 1949 - 1952Voice with Florence Page Kimball Leontyne Price Biography A native of Laurel, Mississippi, Mary Violet Leontyne Price pursued a singing career after graduation from college with a B.A. in 1948, where she had studied to be a music teacher. She had been inspired first to pursue singing  upon hearing a Marian Anderson concert when she was nine years old. Her parents encouraged her to learn piano and to sing in the church choir. So after graduating from college, Leontyne Price went to New York, where she studied at the Juilliard School of Music, with Florence Page Kimball guiding her as she would continue to do. Her full scholarship at Juilliard was supplemented by a generous family friend, Elizabeth Chisholm, who covered most of the living expenses. After Juilliard, she had her 1952 debut on Broadway in Virgil Thomson’s revival of Four Saints in Three Acts. Ira Gershwin, based on that performance, chose Price as Bess in a revival of  Porgy and Bess  that played New York City 1952-54 and then toured both nationally and internationally.  She married her co-star, William Warfield who played Porgy to her Bess on the tour, but they separated and later divorced. In 1955, Leontyne Price was chosen to sing the title role in a television production of  Tosca, becoming the first black singer on a television opera production. NBC invited her back for more telecasts of operas in 1956, 1957 and 1960. In 1957, she debuted in her first stage opera, the American premiere of  Dialogues of the Carmelites  by Poulenc. She performed primarily in San Francisco until 1960, appearing in Vienna in 1958 and Milan in 1960.  It was in San Francisco that she first performed in Aida which was to become a signature role; she also played that role in her second Viennese performance.  She also performed with the Chicago Lyric Opera and the American Opera Theater. Returning from a successful international tour, her debut at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York in January 1961, was as Leonora in  Il Trovatore.  The standing ovation lasted 42 minutes. Quickly becoming a leading soprano there, Leontyne Price made the Met her primary base until her retirement in 1985.  She was the fifth black singer in the Met’s opera company, and the first to really achieve stardom there. Associated especially with Verdi and Barber, Leontyne Price sang the role of  Cleopatra, which Barber created for her, at the opening of the new Lincoln Center home for the Met. Between 1961 and 1969, she appeared in 118 productions at the Metropolitan. After that, she began to say â€Å"no† to many appearances at the Metropolitan and elsewhere, her selectivity earning her a reputation as arrogant, though she said she did it to avoid overexposure. She also performed at recitals, especially in the 1970s, and was prolific in her recordings. Many of her recordings were with RCA, with whom she had an exclusive contract for two decades. After her retirement from the Met, she continued to give recitals. Books About Leontyne Price Aida: Leontyne Price, illustrated by Diane and Leo Dillon. Trade Paperback, 1997. Price retells the story of the Ethiopian princess who is sold into slavery in Egypt.Leontyne Price: Opera Superstar  (Library of Famous Women): Richard Steins, Library Binding, 1993.

Whatever you choose Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Whatever you choose - Essay Example The step will aim at raising the morale of the workers. Consequently, the department will take an evaluation of the prevailing prices in the market. The step will explain whether the company is receiving the inputs at the best worth in order to determine the level of profitability (Ronchi, 2011). Other short goals will include the review of the accounting details in order to determine the working period of deliveries and the payment periods. The method wills enhance efficiency and more swift deliveries and payment from the accounts department. All of the above goals are to set to be the objectives that attribute the third quarter of the year. The department entails on becoming the most outstanding department in the Toyota Company in the next four years. The department will seek economical procurements and timely deliveries. The department will also develop the careers of the employees in conjunction with the human resource department in the next five years. The fact will make sure that the quality of services in the Toyota Company improves. The department will not experience rearrangement since the act may cause mayhem within the various departments. However, there will be specific evaluations of the employees, and any rewards will have a basis of excellence. Any rearrangement will result to lack of performance or prior misplacements in the current positions. The department is focusing on interacting with the various departments in the Toyota Company for resource trades within the Company. The production section will give the specifications of items that characterize the procurement department for use in the production process. The accounts department will tend to provide timely payments for commodities in order to ensure time sensitiveness. Similarly, the unit will cooperate with the information and technology sector in researching for the economical prices for

Abstract Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 5

Abstract - Essay Example Modern management will have to adapt to the challenges of the present as well as the future, according to change brought in by rapidly evolving technologies such as the internet. The conventions and rules created by theorists back in the 20th century, although redundant and inefficient, still continue to drive the management strategies of almost all business organizations. Hamel asserts that management is now out of date because there have been no great breakthroughs in management practices that have revolutionary impact on business. It is not the operating or the business model but its management model that limits the performance of a business. Innovation in management practices has the potential of generating long-term advantages for a business. Thus, it is concluded that business organizations have to rework their management practices in line with the changing demands of the 21st century and with the current technological and economic

Social Policy - Putting People First Essay Example for Free

Social Policy Putting People First Essay For this assignment l have been asked to identify and examine a social policy and to make reference to a political ideology of welfare, discuss the contributions of social work, service user and carer’s experiences to the policy document. To achieve this l will discuss ‘Pettigrew’s model of strategic change’ which will help to summarise the key elements considered when looking at any specific policy. (Public Administration Management, 1999, pp. 494-507) Firstly to discuss the context, the governmental approach with New Labours/Third Way philosophy behind the policy â€Å"Putting People First†, the principles and why it was implemented, how this fits with what we know about New Labours commitment to finding solutions to societal issues from a socialist type theorist view. Also to discuss the Process, how it was put together and implemented. But most crucially l will discuss the Content, the implications to service user’s and carer’s experiences to the policy and its impact, in conjunction with the social work contribution to the policy and its own implications to welfare provision. Old age, seen as a burden viewed by governments as a cost to society, a value of each person has been imposed by way of what a local authority is willing to pay, â€Å"Older people are seen as past their best, no longer productive, no longer contributing to the economy and therefore a burden, a drain on the states resources† (Thompson, 2006, p.100). Demography along with increased expectations, put demands on an already faltering, aged service, people living longer with complex needs due to new technology, plus services out of touch with the needs and expectations of today. A well educated generation with the aptitude to convey their requirements, rather than the acceptance of being grateful for whatever they can get. In an age of 60 being the new 40, people wanting, expecting and hoping for a new type of consideration in regard to any help they may need. Using these arguments government issued statements that social care as it stands could not possibly continue and if not redressed, would not survive; something had to change. Driven by figures forecast that social care costs in the future were to rise and by â€Å"2022, 20% of the English population will be over 65 and by 2027, the number of over 85yr olds will have increased by 60%†(Department of Health, 2008,p.1). â€Å"Intolerance of inequality was the prevailing mood and New Labour policies reflected this†(Blakemore Griggs,2007, p.274), rethinking the aged Old Labour ideology of state provision and a well-known system of need, assessment, criteria and services provisioned on the outcome of eligibility, and provisioned by a limited statutory service were not reflecting good practice in terms of equality. In recognition of the rising cost of old age, New Labour in 2007 introduced the Putting People First policy as a â€Å"shared vision and commitment to the transformation of adult social care† and stated that it was to â€Å"set the new direction for adult social care for the next ten years or more† (DH) (2008), and has even been suggested by Alcock 2008 as being the most sweeping transformation of adult social care since the 1990’s community care act. Putting People First superseded the government white paper â€Å"our health, our care, our say – a new direction for community services (Department of Health, 2006), which gave an insight of what was to come and shared with it some of the radical thinking behind the governments new ‘third way’ philosophy. Putting People First was designed to implement a new way of delivering services through commissioning, personal budgets, recognising and utilising alternative methods of care provision such as family care, community support groups, voluntary sector and partnership working. These commissioned services can be partly funded via alternative funding streams such as lottery, voluntary and charities so reducing the states contribution. â€Å"Ultimately every locality should seek to have a single community based support system focussed on the health and wellbeing of the local population. Binding together local Government, primary care, community based health provision, public health, social care and the wider issues of housing, employment, benefits advice and education/training† (Department of Health, 2008, p.2), working collectively in four areas; â€Å"Universal Services, Early Intervention Prevention, Social Capital, Choice Control†(Department of Health, 2008 p.17). To illustrate where this policy fits with New Labour/Third Way, we can return to â€Å"early academic development of social policy and where Britain was closely allied to the political development of Fabianism† (Alcock, 2008, p.2). Fabians were â€Å"politicians and academics† who concerned themselves with â€Å"influencing governments† through â€Å"academic research and analysis† into how this should influence welfare reforms whilst pertaining the government’s responsibility (Alcock, 2008, p.2). Labour following WWII introduced much Fabian inspired reform’s using academic knowledge and research on social problems, closely followed by the Beveridge report and substantial change within state provision. Going against right wing critics who argued against state provision, and the New Right/Neo Liberalism who said that â€Å"state intervention merely drove up the cost of public expenditure†, furthermore developed a country who had â€Å"no incentive to protect themselves† consequently become totally reliant on government meeting all need (Alcock, 2008,p.9). Tony Blair became labour party leader in 1994, and continued along a political path instigated by the previous party leader John Smith who had â€Å"commissioned a review on social justice to look at past approaches to social policy†, where three methods became apparent: â€Å"The deregulators who favoured private markets over public provision†; â€Å"The levellers – supporters of old style social democratic justice† but the favoured style of social policy were the; â€Å"Investors who linked social justice to economic growth within a market economy† (Alcock, 2008, p.190). The â€Å"investor approach became central to the third way rhetoric† (Alcock, 2008, p.190) and won an election in 1997 for a New Labour who had discarded many of the state welfare commitments of â€Å"Old Labour approach of tax and spend in dealing with public services†(Blakemore Griggs, 2007,p.266). This third way was to recognise the more â€Å"complex make-up of modern societies†, from this â€Å"What Counts is What Works† was drawn from work by Anthony Giddens â€Å"a close advisor to Blair† (Alcock, 2008, p.10). â€Å"Giddens views about social policy involved a reformulation of the goal of equality in terms of exclusion and inclusion† two terms used widely by New Labour, both driving home some suggestion of concern with â€Å"citizenship, community† and â€Å"poverty†. (Alcock, Daly Griggs, 2008, p.205) Alcock (2008) suggests the Third Way or middle way rhetoric was a common sense way of keeping all political theorist’s happy. But continues on to say that some key themes are apparent such as shifting welfare towards an activist style of provision, sharing responsibility, improved choice using alternatively funded providers, â€Å"extending the conservatives strategy of building a market in welfare provision† (Blakemore Griggs, p.268), but â€Å"rather than being a distinctive path between different trajectories, is instead a pick-and-mix assortment of different ideas†(ed Ellison Pierson 2003, p.73). Both Blair and Giddens disputed this middle ground ideology of pleasing all, but rather a response to a â€Å"changed world† with â€Å"traditional values† (Hudson Lowe, 2004, p.44) New Labour continued with the ideology of â€Å"service user participation, community based care, and a mixed economy of provision delivered via social care makers† as the way forward, with an emphasis on â€Å"accountability and performance whilst encouraging â€Å"participation† and â€Å"choice† for purchasers of services (Blakemore Griggs,2007, p.276/77), and â€Å"invested considerable faith in the value of more informed approach to policy making, viewing it as central to improving the quality of public services†(Hudson Lowe, 2004, p.222). This rethink of â€Å"community care towards social care† (Blakemore Griggs, 2007,p.232) from central government produced a set of guidance to every local authority to assess and procure their own individual responses on how to implement the titanic changes required in changing the face of service delivery long-term to â€Å"fit services around not people round services† (Alcock, Daly Griggs, 2008 p.279). There were huge expectations on individual councils to develop ways of implementing service user and carer involvement more than ever before; their vision being, that service users and carers were to be empowered to contribute at the earliest stages of the way services were best delivered within local authorities. On the back of Putting People First came a grant allocation and background papers with guidance to be considered when implementing the policy were all produced to steer the implementation of service delivery, one being, â€Å"Personalisation†(Department of Health, 2008), which took the idea of Putting People First further, and brought together Primary Care Trusts and social care into jointly funding a ‘personal budgets’ or ‘individual budgets’ with a â€Å"full range of relevant local statutory, voluntary and private sector organisations to be fully engaged†(Department of Health, 2007). Putting People First and Personalisation policies are intended to take people with needs through a hugely diverse process of self assessment, where the social worker is led by the citizen, recognised as a lead player in establishing their own person centred plan of care, where â€Å"the individual is best placed to know what they need and how needs are best met† (Carr, 2008, p.3). Having been fortunate to experience implementation of direct payments for many years first hand, l can only praise the opportunities it has created within a learning disabilities team. Initial concerns regarding any security experienced within old fashioned service style was soon forgotten as the person emerged with newly found control over their lives, fortunately with few drawbacks; administration being one, reduced by regular reviews along with some form of Brokerage system. Also providing continuity and matching people in terms of personalities, with the assurance of knowing who will come into their home and at time to suit the person, not the care provider. As for Personalisation l can only imagine how positive this next stage can be devoid of issues with institutionalised social workers, deskilled and pressurised to be inventive with huge funding panel limitations. Individual budgets present a Resource Allocation Process, from a combination of funding streams, allocated via self assessment and support plan with assistance from a professional. This optimistically changes the role of social work from being a gatekeeper and provider of services to a broker, navigator, designer and risk assessor who advocates a person’s wishes from a resource allocation process (Carr, 2008, p.17), enabled to find â€Å"new collaborative ways of workingtailored specifically to meet individual needs† compared to the sticky plaster approach (Carr, 2008, p.3). Putting People First is seen by some as an â€Å"opportunity to return to the traditional social work, of enabling people to achieve potential† (Carr, 2008, p.16). Social work has to be diverse in its approach as this impacts, which ever political party is in power, which ever political ideology is favoured at any one time the social worker â€Å"moves backwards and forwards like some never ending contest between two evenly matched tug-of-war teams†, however this does not suggest that the social worker remains â€Å"power-neutral†, for a social workers powers are exercised on behalf of the state they â€Å"reflect a view which are fundamentally political in their determination† (Drakeford, 2010, p.304). We may consider whether all wish to be empowered in this way, changing the way services have been provisioned could we be taking away the proverbial security blanket. It is recognised that â€Å"families provide a far greater proportion of care and emotional and financial support† (Hill Irving, 2009, p.262) and it is for the â€Å"social worker to recognise and support carers in their role, and help with enabling maintenance of a life beyond caring†(Carr, 2008, p.3), PPF recognises this by delivering the tools to ensure a carer is â€Å"encouraged to play an active part† by being in control of what works best for them not prescribed by local authorities (Barton, 2010, p.410). Beveridge â€Å"didn’t anticipate the tumultuous decline in heavy industry† and the subsequent â€Å"rise in paid women’s work† (Hill Irving, 2009, p.265), sadly informal care continues to be â€Å"seen at the top of this mixed economy of welfare† (Hill Irving, 2009, p.190). It is vital in recognising the â€Å"power differential between carers and professionals, meaning the carer’s perspective can easily be overlooked†, â€Å"in addition to their motivation being driven by love, duty and a sense of enduring commitment but are sometimes compelled to take on this role against their wishes (Barton, 2010, p.410/13). All this puts further strain on carers, trying to juggle a life other than caring; Putting People First seems to have acknowledged this by including the ‘individual budgets’ to carers. By looking after the carer, valuing their expertise, and offering alternative solutions, thus prevents hospital admissions and residential care, both of which come at a much higher cost to the economy. We have taken a look at the impact of a political ideology, how this is developed into policies which impact on society, but also how the changes in societal discourses forces governments into making sweeping changes across provision. For me ‘sharing responsibility’ basically sums up the Putting People First policy, for those who receive help to be considered active, valued and empowered citizens, accredited with the ability to take responsibility of amalgamating services to meet individual needs. This new commissioning type of services by local authorities will inevitably force its way into social work, consequently social workers being privatised and commissioned by local authorities, again taking responsibility away from the state. However we have to be sceptical regards the costs – both in financial terms and the personal impact of this direction, as funding is reduced, how much of this shared responsibility will actually fall on the unpaid carers. And to reflect Hudson Lowe’s (2004) argument around â€Å"rational choice theory† and whether a society is able to develop a â€Å"collective action† due to a self-absorbed nation and what â€Å"sense of duty† is evident in â€Å"society to exist at all† (Hudson Lowe, 2004, p190), this may become apparent as we move towards a society who can make best use of social capital. References Alcock, C, Daly, G Griggs, E (2008): â€Å"Introducing social policy†, 2nd ed. Essex: Pearson Education ltd Alcock, P, (2008): â€Å"Social Policy in Britain† 3rd ed. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan Barton, R. (2010): â€Å"The carers perspective† in Davies, M. (ed.) The Blackwell Blakemore, K Griggs, E, (2007): â€Å"Social policy an introduction†, 3rd ed. Berkshire: open university press Drakeford, M. (2010): â€Å"Social work and politics† in Davies, M. (ed.) The Blackwell Carr, S. (2008) personalisation : a rough guide (ed) social care institute for excellence, London Companion to Social Work. Oxford: Blackwell publishing Ltd Ellison, N Pearson, C, (2003): â€Å"Developments in British policy 2†, London: Palgrave Macmillan Hill, M Irving, Z, (2009): â€Å"Understanding social policy†, 8th ed. West Sussex: Blackwell publishing Hudson, J Lowe, S, (2004): â€Å"Understanding the policy process†, Bristol: The Policy Press Department of health Think Local Act Personal – Debbie’s story HM Government (2008)[online]. London: National Health Service. [Accessed15.03.2011]. Available at: http://www.thinklocalactpersonal.org.uk . Department of health Putting people First A shared vision and commitment to the transformation of Adult Social Care. HM Government (2008)[online]. London: National Health Service. [Accessed15.03.2011]. Available at: . Department of health Think Local Act Personal- social care transformation. HM Government (2008)[online]. London: National Health Service. [Accessed15.03.2011]. Available at: http://www.thinklocalactpersonal.org.uk . Department of Health (October 2008) Putting People First Transforming Adult Care [online]. London: National Health Service. [Accessed 15.03.2011]. Available at: . Department of health Putting people First – Working to make it happen. HM Government (2008)[online]. London: National Health Service. [Accessed15.03.2011]. Available at: . Department of Health (January 2006) Our health, our care, our say: a new direction for community services[online]. London: National Health Service. [Accessed 15.03.2011]. Available at: . Public Administration Management: An Interactive Journal(1999) 4, 4, pp. 494-507 Thompson, N. (2006) Anti-discriminatory Practice.4th ed., Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Step into my Parlor… : Perceptions of Cultural Survival among the Kyapo and Yanomani :: Essays Papers

Step into my Parlor†¦ : Perceptions of Cultural Survival among the Kyapo and Yanomani When caught in the web of global media, the â€Å"cultural survival† of indigenous communities becomes a potent international issue. As affirmed in a 1997 UN declaration, international communities receive, â€Å"with gratitude, the message of harmony and respect for all life brought to us by ancient [indigenous] people whose culture may†¦make a worthy contribution to the world community† (Neizen 2). With the â€Å"politics of shame† winnowing away at the public integrity of Brazil, the two cultures of the Kayapo and Yanomami are strategically set in the international web as endangered peoples suffering â€Å"onslaught of civilization†, yet still worth some â€Å"contribution to the world†. Yet to what degree is their â€Å"worthy contribution† qualified by dominant international definitions of their ‘culture’? The global reception of "threatened" indigenous cultures is colored with pre-existing values and assumptions. In contrast to the dominant consumerist culture pulsing in global politics, indigenous groups are seen to offer elements of fantasy rather than diplomacy, and provide a kick-back to the â€Å"primitive† ideology of early man. As the general public enjoys indigenous romanticism like a favorite Hollywood movie, romanticizing indigenous cultures through media is quite common. Yet, romanticism creates an indigenous cultural dichotomy. Sustained interaction with governments broker change among indigenous people and elements of culture assimilate. Interaction provokes Kayapo demands for goods â€Å"from fish hooks to cooking pots† (Rabben 48). The Kayapo became dependent on whites â€Å"for goods they wanted but had no way of producing themselves† (47). Dominant society assumes that â€Å"cultural survival† is only achieved by preserving a static and untransformed people. To safe guard indigenous authenticity and exotic appeal, the common assumption is such that native ways of life must not be influenced or changed in anyway. However, to survive as a people in the modern world, indigenous cultures must be aware of their civil rights, for negotiations with imperialistic governments are essential. In 1981, the Kayapo were cheated out of 99.99% of their mining profits because they did not know â€Å"enough arithmetic to perceive the trick† in the white man’s contract (71). Only after years of litigation were they able to win 5% profit. The Yanomami are constantly pressured to â€Å"assimilate into Brazilian society as the poorest of the poor† rather than remain a fractioned culture (86). â€Å"Cultural survival† thus becomes a question of protecting the collective rights of an indigenous people from governmental abuse, while educating the people to the extent that they people may choose and protect their own future in a world of inescapable influence.

Pen Biography

The Pen Mortality is a fact of life for everyone and has been since Creation. As humans, we have the intelligence to realize and understand this because we possess the ability to reason and to learn. This ability, when combined with the presence of Life that keeps us in existence, beckons us to secure the future in some way and for some reason(s). We need not only the chance at life beyond our own which comes with the birth of our children, but also to leave our own names, our own ideas and beliefs secured onto something more solid than the spoken word yet not as heavy as stone tablets.In he arid, desert climates this came in the form of parchment . In locations with more water and vegetation, it came from the papyrus plant. But in either climate, something was needed to stain the language onto this new device. That something was the first pen. The Dawn of Pen-kind As early as 2,800 years before Christ, the pen was beginning to appear as a writing implement in the world. Its first fo rm was that of a dried reed, its tip cut at an angle so to create a line of ink instead off blot. To write with it, simply dip the cut tip of the reed into an ink supply, then gently press the dipped tip against the paper .This was a simple meaner of writing that required raw materials ample in the environment. The degree of technology it used can be seen as only slightly higher than the scientific concept of the sharpened wedge (blade) used to cut an angle on the reed tip. The small effort needed to build a pen was far less than that of the ink needed. Nature grew the reed, humans merely plucked it from the ground and sliced off its bottom tip. During this period of Antiquity, the Egyptians had also constructed the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx.By no meaner was the pen as physically large and omelet a creation as the wonders of the world, which were constructed with the sole purpose of being the final resting-place of the Pharaoh. However, the reed pen had a much more profound, a m uch greater effect on the world and the path our present-day history took. There are no records to indicate any one person or group as the inventors of the pen. Rather, it is was a creation made to assist in the posterity of an Empire, and on that would effect all empires the earth would ever see.Israel, people of the Great WHY, the Creator, God, and one of the fiercest fighting people of the contemporary world, Egan their ascendancy into History by two stone tablets, engraved with the Ten Commandments by the hand of God. God can use stone without any trouble at all. He's all-powerful. To us humans, however, stone can get both heavy and impractical. We have no omnipotent powers to create and create and create whole encyclopedias from stone by sheer thought. We have to sit down and chisel away for hours and ideal thing for humanity to use as a writing implement.Along the same lines of uselessness, Papyrus, though very much lighter and easier to store away, was really just some plant strips without the use of the pen. Thanks to the pen, however, the Israelites, as well as the rest of the writing world, have secured themselves with ink on the pages of History. This is evident in the nightstand drawer of Just about every motel room in America. The prime of life for the reed pen lasted until around the 6th century AD, where the earliest recorded reference to quill pens was made by Spanish theologian SST. Isadora of Seville . The quill is a flight feather off bird.It is made ready for writing by, like the reed pen, slicing of the tip at an angle so as to have a point for ink to bleed onto papyrus or parchment. Before the cutting, however, the quill must first be hardened y heating it or simply letting it dry. A special penknife was usually used in cutting the tip, but any sharp blade could do the Job. Writers using the quill often had to recur the tip so to maintain its edge. Though there is no rule depicting any species mandatory as the origin of the feather, goose , swan, crow, and (later) turkey were preferred because of both the size of the feathers and the abundance of birds to obtain them from.This new pen was the main writing utensil used in Europe for the next 1,300 years. Its affordability was great, and its use was limited only by the spread of literacy. (Incarnate 98) As writing increased, commerce began creating more documentation than the Church. Hence, so to save money and time, new, more durable writing tools were sought after. Horn, tortoiseshell, and even gemstones were tested, but steel was ultimately used as a replacement for the quill tip. (Incarnate 98) Such a precise steel structure as a pen was not easily manufactured.They did not become popular until about the 19th century when free public education for children became prevalent. (Incarnate 98) Through the years as civilization developed and education became noticed for the potential that it gives humanity. Writing, a prerequisite to any complex civilization, became emph asized in education, and the popularity of the skill of quill cutting began a speedy decline. In 1803, English engineer Bryan Domain became the first person to patent a steel pen. (Incarnate 98) This patenting marked the entry of the pen into commercialism as a product for sale.We, as materialistic beings, decided that it would be best for us to profit from the pen rather than from the education available with the use of it. In 1884, a New York insurance salesman, Lewis Waterman, patented the first fountain pen with its own internal reserve of ink. He fountain pen would gradually become the prominent writing instrument until it was replaced by the ballpoint pen Just after World War II. (Incarnate 98) In our unending human efforts to improve upon old ideas, the ballpoint pen was developed.This new device had several advantages over the other pens that had The ink was waterproof and almost unarguable; the pen could write on many more kinds of surfaces and could be held in almost any p osition for writing, and the pressure required to feed the ink was ideal for making carbon copies. The advent of this new device has had an incredible effect on the writing of history. When we look at what a rudimentary part of everyday life the pen plays in society, it's hard to imagine life without it. Think about how often you pick up a pen and write something.Or, if you only type, consider that without a pen, the inventor would not have been able to put his thoughts for a typewriter, word processor or computer into a drawn plan, and, therefore, none would exist today. The same can be said for Just about every invention since the industrial revolution! Even as far back as Leonardo Dad Vinci, the pen had been used as a tool to expand the mind as well as secure the past. Inventors and dreamers scribbled away at drawings of such preposterous ideas to their contemporaries that we could not know of their attempts were it not for the pen.Dad Vine's drawing of man, his helicopter, and o ther ideas of his could never have been know were it not for the pen. Likewise, computers today have their own version of the pen. The stylus and light pen have been used as interface systems to input information into computers for years. The pen is due thanks for that. If you want to say, â€Å"well, what about the pencil? † FORGET IT! The pencil wasn't invented until around 1795 AD . The pen had already been around for centuries.In fact, it's not unthinkable to imagine today's world using much the same stone tablets as The Flintiness. The bottom line is this: without a written language that could easily be used to transmit information across both space and time, our society, our world, being the complex civilization that it is, would not have developed. Cities, schools, and everything we take for granted in or society would not exist. At best, we would be engraving cave walls with pictures or some basic language. We would not be the ever-increasing global community we are t oday.

Dalit Empowerment in India Essay

Dalits movement for empowerment started way back during second half of the nineteenth century with reformatory efforts to uplift the backward groups of Indian society, especially ‘Dalits’. Later on, it turned into seeking state intervention and generating the idea of paying special attention to Dalits/untouchables. Dalits/Untouchables have been described as â€Å"The oppressed of the oppressed and lowest of the low†, who have not been benefited from the opening up of modern economic, social, political and cultural opportunities. It is said say that at present, millions of people, belonging to Dalit community have been the victims of discrimination, violence, exploitation, untouchability, poverty, illiteracy, ignorance, other hate crimes and consequential disabilities for a very long time. They are treated as lesser human beings. Dalit’s movement for empowerment was initiated by non-Brahmins of South India. It had economic and social thrusts. It demanded education and land for backwards and freedom from caste rigidities. Some economically strong but educationally backward non-Brahmins groups resisted the hold of Brahmins on land, wealth, jobs in government and education. Access of modern education to all and spree of Reform Movements of early 19th century led anti Brahmin currents to gain momentum. By the end of the 19th century, it turned into a political movement. Non-Brahmin leaders, supported by other backward communities – Muslims, Indian Christians, untouchables and tribals, desired to secure a place for themselves in modern callings, to obtain legal rights and position of power through govt.’s intervention. They succeeded in fixing up quotas for them in the state Government jobs. During 1874 and 1885, Mysore state reserved 20% of middle and lower level jobs in the police department for Brahmins and 80% for Muslims, Non-Brahmins Hindus and Indian Christians. From Government jobs, it spread to educational field too, in order to prepare non-Brahmins for Government jobs. Around 1909, for the first time, the lowest strata of non-Brahmin Community or the service class, earlier known as Shudras, was conceptualized politically under the name of untouchables, when the Census Commissioner suggested excluding untouchables (comprising of about 24% of the Hindu Population and 16% of the total population at that time) from Hindu fold for forthcoming 1911 Census. The proposal had divided non-Brahmin Community into two Backwards and untouchables. Also, it had immediately increased the importance of untouchables in political circle, in social circle, and in their own eyes too. It had also made numbers important in taking political decisions. The suggestion to exclude untouchables from Hindu population was not acceptable to prominent National Hindu leaders at any cost, for whom continuous decline of the number of Hindu population had already been a matter of concern. Granting special electorate to Muslims had already weakened the National movement of Independence. They were concerned that such a proposal was made intentionally to divide Indians. That was a crucial point. Since then, the assertion of Dalit leaders has travelled a long distance and has passed through various stages. The whole of 20th century, especially the first and last two decades have been especially important for political empowerment of Untouchables/Dalits. Different terms have been used for Dalits at different points of time. Each one assumed importance, as Dalit movement has passed through various stages – ‘Shudras’, ‘Outcasts’ and ‘Panchamas’: Till the beginning of 20th Century, the lowest strata of Hindu Community were known as Shudras, Panchamas or outcastes. Existence of Shudras (at present referred as untouchables/Dalits) was recognized, as early as, Pre Mauryan Period (6th century BC to 3rd century BC). Though given a lower status, they were always an integral part of Hindu society. In ancient India, Shudras performed essential social and economic tasks as well as in agricultural sector. Segregation of lower castes in Hindu Society was not based on economic status or their incapability to do any intellectual work, but on cultural grounds – unclean habits, in-disciplined life style, speaking foul and abusive language etc. Conquered groups or individuals, groups engaged in menial or unclean occupations, groups clinging to the practices, which were not considered respectable, persons born illegitimately or the groups engaged in anti-social activities were treated as Shudras and were given lowest status in the society. Breaking the caste rules meant loss of caste, meaning complete ostracism or having no place in the society. Permanent loss of caste – out-caste- was considered to be the greatest catastrophe for an individual, short of death penalty. By the beginning of Christian era, the out-castes themselves developed caste hierarchy and had their own out-castes. In Western and Southern parts of India, they were kept outside the four Varnas. In the Northern and Eastern parts of India, they were very much belonged to fourth Varna â€Å"Shudra†, which was divided into two parts pure or non-excluded and excluded or untouchables. In ancient India all the social groups were placed more or less as a series of vertical parallels. All of the people living in a local area, whether high or low were bound together by economic and social ties and had a strong bond of mutual dependence. They cared and supported each other in fulfilling different kind of their needs. Socially, Shudras were supposed to do all sorts of menial work and serving the upper castes of the three Varnas. Respect to a person or group was never given on the basis of material success or control of power. There was hardly any room for any section of society to consider itself, as being placed in greater or lesser disadvantageous position with reference to another. Concept of forwards or backwards or feeling of exploitation of lower strata by upper castes was almost non-existent at that time. Many studies have shown that Hindu system always kept masses reconciled, if not contended in the past. Hindu Dharma taught the people that instead of holding others responsible, for all their sufferings, exploitation and miseries it was their own â€Å"Adharma† (immoral behaviour), â€Å"Alasya† (laziness) and Agyan (ignorance) which were to be blamed. It never prevented Shudras or others to rise in the scale of society or to earn respect of the society. In many parts of the country, people belonging to lower strata held position of power/superior status or earned respect of Hindu society. Many warrior kings of Shudra and tribal origin sought Brahmins’ help to acquire Kshatriyas status for themselves. Many Shudras were accepted and revered as philosophers or spiritual teachers. All troubles of lower strata of society started after the downfall of Hindu Raj and old Hindus values. Continuous invasions by Turks, Afghans and Mughals who earlier drained out the wealth of the nation to foreign lands and afterwards made India their homeland and ruled the country for centuries. Feudalistic attitude, extravagance and luxurious life style of rulers and those at the helm of authority, increased the disparity between the rulers and the ruled. Therefore, it can be said that it was not out of malice, but the circumstances, which has pushed Shudras away from the mainstream. The low status and sufferings of Shudras or their exclusion from the mainstream for centuries has gradually stopped growth of their personality and made them completely dependent on others for their livelihood. Centuries old enslavement, ignorance, suppression and ostracism shook their confidence, deteriorated severely their condition and made them to suffer inhuman treatment by other sections of the society. Depressed Class: During the nineteenth Century, in official circles lower castes were addressed as ‘Depressed classes or ‘Exterior classes. British government in India regarded these people as ‘Oppressed of the oppressed and lowest of the low’. Missionaries were trying to convert this section of society into Christianity. British rulers passed many Legislative regulations and administrative orders and declared denial of access to untouchables to schools, well, roads and public places as illegal. Till now, untouchable activities were combined with the intermediate castes’ non- Brahmin movement. But now all these developments inspired them to enter into the political arena under the name of â€Å"depressed class† and desired to a share in political power separately in India. Harijans: The attempt of British rulers in 1911 to exclude untouchables from Hindu population and continuous decline of number of Hindus cautioned the national leaders. In order to retain their Hindu identity, Gandhiji and his followers called them Harijans meaning the â€Å"people belonging to god†. On one hand, Gandhiji tried to create compassion in the hearts of forward communities for Harijans and on the other he appealed to Harijans to observe cleaner habits, so that they could mix up freely with other sections of society. Dalit leaders did not like the word Harijan as it symbolized a meek and helpless person, at the mercy and benevolence of others, and not the proud and independent human being that they were. During this period, the attention of humanitarians and reformers was also drawn towards the pathetic condition of untouchables. They took the path of Sankritisation to elevate them. In order to prevent alienation of untouchables from Hindu community, they drew the attention of forward communities towards inhuman condition of lower strata of society and tried to create compassion in their hearts for downtrodden. They gave top most priority to the abolition of untouchability. They tried to clarify that Untouchability was neither an integral part of Hinduism nor an outcome of Varna/caste system, nor have any religious sanctity, but an external impurity and sinful blot on Hinduism. They laid emphasis on education, moral regeneration and philanthropic uplift. They also appealed to untouchables to observe cleaner habits, so that they could mix up with other sections freely and become proud and independent human beings, which they were. Untouchables By 1909, the lowest strata of Indian society came to be known as untouchables. Emergence of Dr.Ambedkar on the political scene provided the leadership and stimulus to untouchable movement. He insisted to address untouchables just as untouchables. He regarded the terms ‘Depressed classes’, ‘Dalits’, ‘Harijans’ either confusing or degrading and contemptuous. Dr.Ambedkar made it abundantly clear, ‘It was through political power that untouchables were to find their solution, not through acceptance by Hindus’. He gave untouchable movement a national character and a distinct identity during late twenties and early thirties. Other prominent Dalit leaders like Mahatma Phule, Ambedkar or Gopal Ganesh vehemently criticized Hindu hierarchical structure and regarded untouchability as an inevitable concomitant of Varna/caste system. They taught the lower castes to get united and make eradication of caste system their major plank as it engaged them to forced labour or unsavory jobs, imposed many restrictions on them and prevented them from joining the mainstream of the society. According to them, Hindus treated lower castes as lesser human beings, meek and helpless persons, who should always remain at the mercy and benevolence of upper castes. They tried to find the solution of their problems through political power, not through acceptance by Hindus. By 1920’s, numerous caste organizations, especially in the South and West, organized themselves into larger collectiveness by keeping contacts and alliances with their counterparts at other places; formed associations and federations at local and regional levels and emerged as a powerful political force. Together, they demanded special legal protection and share in politics and administration on the basis of caste. In 1928, Simon Commission established their separate identity at national level, independent of intermediate castes as untouchables. It readily accepted their demands through Communal Award of 1932. Gandhiji along with other National leaders regarded it as the â€Å"Unkindest cut of all†, which would create a permanent split in Hindu Society, perpetuate casteism and make impossible the assimilation of untouchables in mainstream. Dr.Rajendra Prasad said, â€Å"The principle of dividing population into communal groups, which had been adopted in the Minto Morely Reforms, had been considerably extended, even beyond what had been done by Montagu Chelmsford Reforms†¦.The electorate in 1919 was broken up into ten parts, now it is fragmented into seventeen unequal bits†¦ Giving separate representations to Schedule Castes further weakened Hindu community†¦ Th e British introduced every possible cross-division†. Untouchables in Independent India: After Second World War emergence of the concept of ‘welfare state’ swept the whole world. Independent India, as a civilized democratic society, considered it its humanitarian obligation to uplift and empower the submerged sections of society. The overwhelming poverty of millions belonging to lower strata of society and their near absence in echelons of power at the time of Independence has led the government to of India to intervene. The Constitution of India has directed the Government to promote social justice and educational, economic and other interests of the weaker sections with special care. It instructed the Government to remove the poverty and reduce inequalities of income and wealth and provide adequate representation to the downtrodden in power echelons through Affirmative Action Program/Reservation Policy. Public facilities, which were denied to untouchables so far, should be made accessible to them. The successive governments both at national as well as provincial levels initiated various Welfare Plans and Policies for employment generation and their social, economic and political growth from time to time. Dalits: Dalit, a Marathi word means suppressed. The term was chosen and used proudly by Ambedkar’s followers under the banner of various factions of Republican Party of India (Formed in 1956). The Mahars of Bombay (8%), Jatavs of UP (Half of the SC Population in UP) and Nadars and Thevars of Southern TN being numerically significant, played a decisive role in taking forward Dalit movement. Maharashtra Dalit movement has a longest and richest experience. In 1972, a distinct political party, in the name of Dalit Panther was formed in Maharashtra. It organized the lower castes under the banner of ‘Dalit’ throughout India. One of the founders of Dalit Panther, Mr.Namdeo Dhasal widened the scope of Dalit by including SC, tribes, neo-Buddhists, landless labour and economically exploited people. Its orientation was primarily militant and rebellious. Dalit Sahitya Movement legitimized and reinforced the use of the term Dalit. Since then, this term is very popular amongst the unto uchables. Earlier, a few leaders of untouchables had at least some regard for the cultural tradition of India. They did not reject Vedic literature or the foundations of Hinduism, out-rightly. Dr.Ambedkar accepted that all parts of Manusmiriti were not condemnable. Gopal Baba Walangkar had said that Vedas did not support untouchability. Kisan Fagoi, another Mahar leader of pre-Ambedkar era had joined Prarthna Samaj. But present Dalit leaders are vehemently against cultural traditions of India, which according to them, are based on inequality and exploitation. There is always a fear of upper caste or intermediate caste backlash. In mid sixties, an aggressive Dalit movement started under the banner of Shoshit Samaj Dal in Central Bihar, which has, presently, become a major center of Naxalite movement. Dal was founded by Jagdeo Mahto, who began to mobilize the lower castes against economic repression and exploitation of women by upper caste feudal elements. The new phase of Dalit assertion is most prominent in the most populous state of UP, where the upper caste domination has been challenged by BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) formed in 1984 under the leadership of Kanshi Ram and Mayavati. They redefined Dalit politics especially in north India. Their approach to Dalit issues was more socio-political rather than economic. BSP has started pursuing power with militancy since 1990. Of late, BSP has made significant inroads in UP, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh. BSP has borrowed all their phraseology from Dalit Panthers. Most of their utterances are arrogant, revengeful and opportunistic. Political and economic vested interests of its leaders have aroused militancy among discontented youths of different castes and communities all over the nation. They care only for rights and pay scant attention to their duties. There started a cutthroat competition for scarce positions of power and prestige. Once again, the tendency of ‘divide and rule’, as was there during British domination, has emerged in national scenario. The growing desire of Dalits to rule has made them very sure of their friends and foes. Dalit leaders, even after so many years of Independence has identified Upper Castes as their enemy and intermediate castes sometimes as their friends and sometimes as their enemies. Kanshi Ram, a BSP leader initiated a formula of DS4, meaning Dalit Shoshit Samaj Sangarsh Samiti, taking into its fold untouchables, STs, Muslims and OBCs. OBC leaders also know that Dalit parties now control a large vote bank. Therefore, from time to time, they try to please Dalits leaders in order to increase their own political strength. But Dalits are in no mood to play a second fiddle to other national political parties. They are aware of their growing influence and crucial role as a kink-maker in today’s highly competitive and unstable political atmosphere. All the three major national political formations – Congress’s UPA BJP’s NDA and National Front – are wooing frantically Dalit leaders and competing with each other to have a pre or post poll alliance with them. Instead of demanding a share in power structure, equity or social justice, Dalits now want to reverse the power equation and to transform the society by capturing all political power. Their aim is to get hold over the posts of PM-CM (Political Power) through electoral politics and control over administrative authority – the bureaucracy – through Reservations/Affirmative Action Program. There is an elite section amongst Dalits, which protects its turf under the banner of Dalits at the cost of poorest of Dalits. It does not care much to bring Dalit masses into the mainstream. For some, presence and miseries of large number of Dalits is a recipe for Dalit vote-bank, for others enjoying all the benefits of affirmative action programs initiated and implemented by the Government of India and other concessions given to them. Whatever might be the condition of Dalit masses, but the political power and arrogance of Dalit leaders and intellectuals are at rise. And here lies the crux of Dalit politics. Dalits at International platform Dalits are not satisfied even after having growing influence in ballot-box politics and attaining enough places in the government jobs. Since 2001, these activists have been pushing the cause internationally arguing that Indian Dalits are like blacks in US till 1950. They faced problems in workplace, at school and in temples. In 2005, some Dalit leaders belonging to All India Confederation have sought intervention USA, UN and the British and EU Parliaments on the issues of ‘untouchability’. UN recognizes religion, race, language and gender as main causes of inequality in the world. Dalit activists want caste to be included too in this category. They desire to have Global alliance, global involvement and intervention of the international community to put pressure on the government of India to address the problem Dalit marginalization. They feel that globalization and privatization has made it difficult for Dalits, tribals and OBC’s to compete on equal footing or fi nd enough space in the job market within the country or abroad. At the behest of the Republican Congressman from New Jersey, Chris Smith, the US Congress had held a hearing on 6.10. 05 on the subject. A resolution on the issue – â€Å" India’s unfinished Agenda: Equality and Justice for 200 million victims of the caste system† was prepared by the house committee on International Relations and US Human Rights to be tabled in the US Congress. â€Å"Despite the Indian government’s extensive affirmative action policies, which aim to open government service and education to Dalits and tribes, most have been left behind by India’s increasing prosperity†¦. Much much more remains to be done.† The resolution says, â€Å"It is in the interest of US to address the problem of the treatment of groups outside the caste system†¦ in the republic of India in order to better meet our mutual economic and security goals†¦.† So far, intensive lobbying by Dalit groups including followers of Ravidass sect succeeded in getting passed the Equity Bill on March 24, 2010 in the House of Lords. It empowered the government to include ‘caste’ within the definition of ‘race’. In 2001, India was able in keeping caste out of the resolution adopted at 2001 Durban Conference. Along with it, staunch supporters of Human Rights, some Scandinavian countries, Church organisations around the world and Lutheran World Federation have shown interest and expressed their solidarity with Dalits. Recently the comment of UN Commissioner for human rights, Navipillay asking India that â€Å"time has come to eradicate the shameful concept of caste† and proposals of UN Human Rights Council’s or US based Human Rights Watch (HRW) to recognise caste as a form of discrimination ‘based on descent and birth’ appear not to be based on rational understanding of caste system. Their opinion about untouchability is greatly influenced by the lobbying of powerful/influential Dalit leaders and Dalit intelligentsia. No one knows where the Dalit assertion will lead the nation to? It is not the paternalistic policies, (which have failed to yield so far the desired results) that are required for the upliftment and empowerment of submerged sections of society, but there is need to educate, make them aware of their rights and duties, provide enough employment opportunities and other civic facilities like health etc at the grass root level for the sustainable growth of backward communities.

Definition of Canon in Fiction and Literature

Definition of Canon in Fiction and Literature In fiction and literature, the canon is the collection of works considered representative of a period or genre. The collected works of William Shakespeare, for instance, would be part of the canon of western literature, since his writing and writing style has had a significant impact on nearly all aspects of that genre. How the Canon Changes The accepted body of work that comprises the canon of Western literature has evolved and changed over the years, however. For centuries, it was populated primarily by white men and was not representative of Western culture as a whole.   Over time, some works become less pertinent in the canon as theyre replaced by more modern counterparts. For instance, the works of Shakespeare and Chaucer are still considered significant.  But lesser-known writers of the past, such as William Blake and Matthew Arnold, have faded in relevance, replaced by modern counterparts like Ernest Hemingway (The Sun Also Rises), Langston Hughes (Harlem ), and Toni Morrison (Beloved). Origin of the Word Canon In religious terms, a canon is a standard of judgment or a text containing those views, such as the Bible or the Koran. Sometimes within religious traditions, as views evolve or change, some formerly canonical texts become apocryphal, meaning outside the realm of whats considered representative. Some apocryphal works are never granted formal  acceptance but are influential nevertheless. An example of an apocryphal text in Christianity would be the Gospel of Mary Magdelene. This is a highly controversial text not widely recognized in the Church - but it is believed to be the words of one of Jesus closest companions.   Cultural Significance and Canon Literature People of color have become more prominent parts of the canon as a past emphasis on Eurocentrism has waned. For example, contemporary writers such as Louise Erdrich (The Round House), Amy Tan (The Joy Luck Club), and James Baldwin (Notes of a Native Son) are representative of entire subgenres of African-American, Asian-American, and Native American styles of writing.   Posthumous Additions Some writers and artists work is not as well appreciated in their time, and their writing becomes part of the canon many years after their deaths. This is especially true of female writers such as Charlotte Bronte (Jane Eyre), Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice), Emily Dickinson (Because I Could Not Stop for Death), and Virginia Woolf (A Room of Ones Own). The Evolving Canon Literary Definition Many teachers and schools rely on the canon to teach students about literature, so its crucial that it includes works that are representative of society, providing a snapshot of a given point in time. This, of course, has led to many disputes among literary scholars over the years. Arguments about which works are worthy of further examination and study are likely to continue as cultural norms and mores shift and evolve.   By studying canonical works of the past, we gain a new appreciation for them from a modern perspective. For instance, Walt Whitmans epic poem Song of Myself is now viewed as a seminal work of gay literature. During Whitmans lifetime, it was not necessarily read within that context.

Rollo the Walker - Scandinavian Founder of Normandy

Rollo the Walker - Scandinavian Founder of Normandy Rollo of Normandy was also known as Rolf, Hrolf or Rou; in French, Rollon. He was sometimes called Robert and was also known as Rollo the Viking.  It was said Rollo was too tall to ride a horse without his feet reaching the ground, and it was for this reason he was known as Rollo the Walker or Rollo the Gangler or Ganger.   What Was Rollo of Normandy Known for? Founding the duchy of Normandy in France. Although Rollo is sometimes called the first Duke of Normandy, this is somewhat misleading; he never held the title of duke during his lifetime. Occupations RulerMilitary Leader Places of Residence and Influence FranceScandinavia Important Dates Born: c.  860Died:  c. 932 About Rollo of Normandy Leaving Norway to embark on pirating expeditions and raid England, Scotland, and Flanders, Rollo headed into France around 911 and settled along the Seine, besieging Paris. Charles III (the Simple) of France was able to hold Rollo off for a while, but he eventually negotiated a treaty to stop him. The treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte gave Rollo part of Nuestria in return for his agreement that he and his fellow Vikings would stop pillaging any further in France. It is believed that he and his men may have converted to Christianity, and it is recorded that he was baptized in 912; however, the available sources conflict and one states that Rollo died a pagan. Because the region was settled by Northmen or Normans, the territory took on the name Normandy, and Rouen became its capital. Before Rollo died he turned over the governance of the duchy to his son, William I (Longsword). A rather questionable biography of Rollo and other dukes of Normandy was written in the eleventh century by Dudo of St. Quentin. Three Sources on the Ravages of the Northmen in Frankland, c. 843 - 912includes information on Rollo from the Chronicle of St. Denis; at Paul Halsalls Medieval Sourcebook.

Techniques in Enhancing the Effectiveness of Meetings Term Paper

Techniques in Enhancing the Effectiveness of Meetings - Term Paper Example These signs indicate that companies must reform their strategies in dealing with important matters through meeting. This paper aims to discuss the techniques that companies must employ in improving the effectiveness of meetings. Techniques to Improve Meetings Use Meetings to Fit the Purpose Henkel asserts that the purpose of the meeting defines what types of the meeting to be used, managed, or developed. Meetings could have different purposes such as reporting, presentation, problem-solving, and decision-making. The decision whether to use nominal groups, brainstorming, or technology depends on the leader after the identification of the purpose. Nominal group is intended for encouraging the involvement of participants in the meeting. Each participant writes suggestions, idea, and opinion on the subject of discussion. Then, the ideas are discussed within the group. Moreover, comments are also shared to determine other points. However, the limitation of this structured meeting is only applicable when the topic is a general idea, which every person can relate or contribute valuable information (Henkel 33). Brainstorming is another type of meeting wherein people convene to gather suggestions and comments in facilitating discussion. Brainstorming is necessary when dealing with a complex situation or issue that needs analytical, creative, and practical ideas. This type of meeting also encourages individuals to speak up and defend their ideas (Henkel 34). Technology aids companies in communicating information and concerns with employees. Email ensures that participants have the time to think and analyze the question before answering. This provides convenience for companies with a huge number of employees because email can send message one at a time. Aside from email, companies use online group message and instant messaging in conducting a meeting so that members can share their thoughts, opinions, and suggestions. Moreover, virtual meeting serves as an option for lead ers who prefer the flexibility. They can reach various people in different locations and motivate cooperation among members (Henkel 35-39). Setting of Goals and Objectives/Agenda During the pre-preparation of meeting, leaders have acknowledged the importance of setting agenda to direct the flow of the meeting. This is essential in ensuring the effectiveness of the meeting because it lists action points that must be covered. Based on Shessel, clear goals and objectives are the reasons for achieving success in meetings. Meetings take time, so developing agenda avoids too much spending on similar subject with no sense of direction. Furthermore, the goals and objectives serve as marking points to determine the efficacy and efficiency of meetings (Streibel 16). Indicate People, Time, and Place It is notable that meeting incorporates the exchanges of ideas, feedback, or suggestion; hence, it needs knowledgeable and appropriate people who can give insights and opinions. Meeting does not me an that leaders will just call for participants who are available, but its techniques also evolve in choosing the right workforce. Henkel affirms that people have a â€Å"direct impact on what happens and how much is accomplished† (45). Thus, if the leader secures the attendance of inappropriate people, the