Oedipus the King as a Tragic Hero Essay

In its simplest definition, a tragic hero is the main protagonist in a tragedy who commits an error or a mistake that subsequently leads to his or her downfall. Although historically, there have been a lot of plays with tragic heroes, possibly the most notable among them is Oedipus the King. In the play Oedipus the King, the protagonist exemplifies traits that a tragic hero possesses as shown in his various actions throughout the plot. One of the traits that make Oedipus a tragic hero is his good nature, his social position, and his true to life consistency. As shown in the play, Oedipus is someone of royal lineage and has helped a lot of people by solving the riddle of the Sphinx. This is further attested by the chorus in the play which said â€Å"People of Thebes, my countrymen, look on Oedipus. He solved the famous riddle with his brilliance, he rose to power, a man beyond all power. Who could behold his greatness without envy† (Johnston n. p. )? These traits are in accordance with the definition of a tragic hero. However, it is his predetermined fate coupled with the error in his actions that prove why he is a true tragic hero. In the play, he unknowingly kills his biological father, Laius, and marries his biological mother, Jocasta, thereby fulfilling the prophecy of the Oracle at Delphi. Upon realizing the reality of his actions, he stabs his own eyes and forced himself into exile, which signifies his fall from grace and fortune. His erroneous action is mainly his excessive pride, which made him initially ignorant of the fact that he killed his own mother and father. However, the true tragedy in Oedipus life is that his fate was seemingly predetermined for him as he did not know that the person he killed on the way to Thebes was his father, and the woman he married is his mother. In other words, he was not in control of his own fate which makes him truly a tragic hero. Works Cited Johnston, Ian. â€Å"Sophocles, Oedipus the King. † 2009. Malaspina University College. 6 May 2009 .

Humanities Today Paper Essay

Humanities is the academic discipline that study human culture , incorporating methods that are critical, analytical and hypothetical that also have important historic components, acclaimed from the approaches from natural science. Humanities consist of philosophy, performing arts, modern and ancient languages, literature, religion and visual. Social sciences such as history, anthropology, area studies, communications studies, cultural studies, linguistics and law are also viewed as segments of humanities. In this meaning the key point for identifying humanities from other modes of individual query is the point that humanities depends on traditional and significant presentation rather than concept and reasoning. Humanities consult about the human’s presentation of his or her environment. The queries come from the common inhabitants or an individuals own concept of the reaction to traditional events and the way that it is indicated by way of art, technology, politics, literature music, structure, and religious beliefs. Other modes of individual query are centered off of confirmed information and scientific concepts. Music Music has changed drastically since the 90’s .Walkman’s and tape players were what were used to listen to music and today technology has change and enables you to listen and access music from the internet such as Pandora, ITunes and you tube, and cell phones such as smart phones and IPod’s. Music has an influence on politics and political movements. Songs such as the national Anthem, patriotic songs and political campaign jingles are all apart of music with in politics these songs are called topical songs (Goodman, 2013). A powerful connection between the art and politics, particularly between various types of art and power, occurs across traditional epochs and societies. As they reply to coexisting events and state politics, art takes on governmental as well as public measurements, becoming themselves a target of debate and even a power of governmental as well as social transformations. Art A great number of colleges offer classes such as computer science, engineering, electronic music and digital art. These classes enable an individual to create and design is through technology. In regards to components, architecture has to do with the preparing, developing and building form, room and atmosphere that indicate efficient, specialized, social, ecological, and visual concerns (Thagard, 2013). It requires the artistic adjustment and synchronization of material, engineering, light and darkness. Architecture involves the realistic aspects of recognizing components, such as arranging, cost effectiveness and development management as certification produced by designers, sketches, plans and specialized requirements, framework and actions of a building or any other kind of system that is to be or has been constructed. Philosophy Philosophy and politics are generally linked together. As both talk about the query of what is excellent and how individuals should remain. From olden days, and well beyond them, the origins of justified reason for governmental power were certainly linked with outlooks on individual instinct (Thagard 2008). In The Republic, Plato provided the discussion that the perfect community would be run by authorities of philosopher-kings, since those best at viewpoint are best able to recognize the excellent. John Dewey, Martin Heidegger, Herbert Marcuse, and Gunther Arendt are outstanding philosophers from the 20th century that seen technology as a pathway to the modern life. One of the attributes the people liked about our new president is that he would end wars. Today he is out in a position to where he is going to have to start a war or end one. According to Shapiro his philosophy is â€Å"Those regimes that break the rules must be held accountable,† he said in 2009, while accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway (Shapiro, 2013). Conclusion Implied in many of these justifications supporting the humanities are the components of arguments against community assistance of humanities. John Carroll claims that we reside in a changing world, a world in which â€Å"cultural capital† is being changed with â€Å"scientific literacy† and in which the loving idea of an early humanities student is outdated ( Thagard 2013).

The Vietnam War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

The Vietnam War - Essay Example It was an expensive war in terms of men, material, and armaments, with consequent long-lasting damage to the environment due to the use of defoliants to deprive the enemy of forest cover which was well-suited in guerrilla war. This was the only war that America lost. This paper is a re-examination of perhaps one of the reasons why America lost in Vietnam due to the ROE and grossly inflated body counts (Moss, 2010, p. 383). Discussion The Cold War started during the term of Pres. Dwight Eisenhower as a competition of two contrasting ideologies – democracy (and capitalism) against communism (and central planning). American involvement in Vietnam was initially kept secret and utilized military advisers without any direct fighting by American soldiers. However, things soon got out of hand and escalated to the point that thousands of American soldiers were eventually involved and fighting a war many had thought is not America's war but a war between the Vietnamese people themselves . Former Pres. John F. Kennedy was against direct American involvement, but when his successor, Lyndon B. Johnson, became the president, the full-scale war began. Assumptions – one of the most controversial aspects of the Vietnam War was a concept known as rules of engagement (ROE). This particular set of rules placed several constraints on many soldiers fighting the enemy; it is like fighting a boxing match with one hand tied behind the back. In essence, the ROE required American soldiers to observe rules of conduct when fighting in order to comply with international humanitarian laws pertaining to combat. This includes the idea of avoiding collateral damage or, in plain language, civilian casualties. When this is enforced, it is a difficult job of fighting the Vietcong because these guerrilla warriors hide among the people. It frustrated a lot of American soldiers that they cannot go after their enemy hiding in the populace. Individual soldier (infantry in the field) â€⠀œ the ROE prevents him from pursuing enemies in the heat of battle, enemies who retreat and hide in the village. This was one source of great frustration in which an enemy could have been neutralized or captured but the ROE does not allow it. This same enemy survives for another day and could possibly be able to kill him tomorrow. The ROE put unnecessary limits when prosecuting a war that was unconventional in its nature. Battalion commander – his primary concern is carrying out his orders, which are almost always mission-specific in terms of objectives – for example, attacking an identified enemy area. This ROE ensured that discipline is always maintained despite the chaos on the battleground and kept in touch with the higher-ups in the chain of command. ROE focused the battalion commander on his mission order and nothing more than that; there was hardly any room for discretion. Division commander – the ROE reminded the commander of the larger objectives of it s war in Vietnam, especially of the political aspects of the effect of warfare on the local populace. It put him on the defensive at times, because the Vietnamese people could be offended. Gen. William Westmoreland – as the direct overall commander of the entire theater of a war, it was incumbent on him to ensure victory. However, despite superiority in war materials, it was a war that was bound to be lost,

Criminal Justice and Deviance Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Criminal Justice and Deviance - Coursework Example Political influence for material leads to bribery, extortion, and kickbacks in the society. For instance, the Watergate scandal in America history illustrated the web of affairs between the political class and organized crime in addition to dirty politics affects citizens’ welfare. In view of this, public funds were lost through unscrupulous payment, for instance in the Watergate scandal, President Reagan ex-GSA appointee and his associates received a total of 2.3 million dollars through the sale of tax credits for a HUD-sponsored project (Simon, 2008). The interrelationship between the political elite with political clout is a fundamental constituent in upholding deviance, in that corporation persuade law makers to make certain that their actions escape criminalization and rigorous sanctions. The use of unfair means to gain and maintain power is also synonymous to political clout because, both distort democracy by disrupting, national unity in addition to destroying freedom. Political power is meant for national building (Bharathi, 1998). 2. Chapters 7 & 9 of Elite Deviance explore many type of political deviance in the US. What can be done to curtail the many types of deviance discussed? Political policing is one of the methods, which can be used to curtail political deviance. Civil societies have undertaken the role of political policing in the government for many years in American and across the globe, by advocating for citizens civil engagement in issues affecting their existence, such as allocation of funds and social equality. The political deviance of secrecy, lying and deception bestowed to politicians especially presidents and vice presidents through executive powers can be curtailed through cutback of executive privileges and immunity to president on leaving office or while in office. This is because presidential immunity allows presidents and other high-ranking politicians to withhold crucial information from the public, the court system, and the legislature such as Congress and senate, which may be crucial to national security. For example, General M. Taylor refused to appear before the House Subcommittee on Defense Application to give information regarding the Bay of Pigs offensive in 1963 (Simon, 2008). Other political deviances like abuse of power by government agencies, war crimes, official violence, political prisoners, and international crimes can be curtailed through imprisonment of the culprits after their rein in power or impeachment of sitting presidents (Hodge & Nolan, 2007). 3. If marijuana were to be legalized in the US with 3 years, would a stigma be associated with its use? Legalization of marijuana would not attract stigma in its users, because its current use in America is widespread despite being illegal. Statistics indicate that marijuana is the most commonly used illegal substance under the illicit drugs category. In addition, the drug is relatively socially acceptable as compared to other illicit d rugs such as cocaine and heroin (Husak & De Marneffe, 2005). The social stigma associated with marijuana use would be curtailed by the fact that, at present some states in America have legalized its use for medicinal purpose, hence a marijuana user would support his or her use through the medical facts currently offered. A cultural movement of cannabis enthusiastic called 420 has made cannabis smoking relatively social

Design development report Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Design development report - Assignment Example It guides design goals in order to meet the least significant detail or challenge up to the most important requirement for a more holistic result. Choices are guided by these principles for costs, economics, functionality, ergonomics, re-design methods or changes to meet goals such as elegant, modern, or stylish looks (Holm, 2006). Design approaches include user-centred which focuses on the requirement and limitations of the user, use-centred which is guided by the function of the artefact, the TIMTOWDI approach or â€Å"there is more than one way to do it† approach that follows multiple approaches, and keep it simple or KISS approach that minimises process and content without sacrificing aesthetics (Holm, 2006). Methods used in the design process may apply the following: Exploration of possibilities that encompass definition of problem and research. This may be used for existing facilities, products or services or even for creating new ones. This process also includes brainst orming where all stakeholders involved contribute to the goals and outcomes. Redefinition is the development and improvement of traditional specifications and guidelines to arrive at better options, solutions, and goals applicable n many fields of design. Management is the process of a continues approach to defining, exploring and creating new designs Prototyping is the production of possible products that improves traditional or existing designs Trend-spotting is the approach towards development of emerging or new products in order to achieve innovation (Getlein, 2008). Design in business has occupied a major role from a previously minor one. There was a time when industrialists hire designers to develop appearances of products or incorporate aesthetics on functional and already existing products. Today, even enterprises need to be designed in such a way as achieve a desired structure and external, visible properties as influenced by the environment and relationships (Giachetti, 20 10) Translation of the design brief into an outcome The design development process adopts fitting systems that meet the goals of the stakeholders. The design development involves defined scope of activities, understands the user and user needs, adopts ways to meet user needs, evaluates the solution, and finally implement the design. In a more streamlined approach, it involves: Identification of need Brief-building Concept generation Concept development Concept presentation Prototyping and testing Manufacturing (Presentation). Under the concept generation and development, solution centred approach is adopted where various factors meet on the centre. These include the various aspects of the design with consideration to target audience or market, final outcome of the materials, moral responsibility, the design, legislation, and raw materials. Each of these aspects encompass a wider concept that contributes to the whole: the audience are influenced to become aware of the brand and value of the product; the outcome needs to address functionality, safety, durability and longevity; under the moral responsibility is the firm’s commitment to its workers and the community of users;

The Effects of Patriarchy on the Lives of the Women Essay

The Effects of Patriarchy on the Lives of the Women - Essay Example Maxine Hong’s tale, ‘No Name Woman’, has an even more glaring depiction of the Chinese patriarchal culture’s expectations of women. Hong, at one point, states that her pregnant aunt, whom nobody ever mentioned by name, could not possibly have been the sole woman to choose to give up everything for some sexual intimacy. Hong states that it is more likely that some strange man simply commanded her to do so; and she had no right to refuse him because she was brought up to have no will of her own (Hong, 3). This is a startling revelation that shows how women were socialized to be virtual slaves to the whims of men. China’s patriarchal system did not allow its women to develop any sense of individuality. In Isabel Allende’s ‘An Act of Vengeance’, it is Senator Anselmo Orellano himself, who, through his thoughts, when being attacked, reveal the dark strain of misogyny that can only be supported by a patriarchal society that views women as the property of men. When he first sees the rabblerousers coming, Senator Orellano locks his daughter Dulce Rosa in the furthest room on the patio. This effectively stops her from hiding in secret places where she may have suspected the men would not know to check. When near death, Senator Orellano then begins to imagine that, once they are finished with him, the attackers will proceed to the room where his child is hidden and â€Å"carry out their duties† (Zapata, 18).

Business Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Business Strategy - Essay Example The vast existing literature based on strategic management reflects both these perspectives from the firm’s point of view. The traditional economic theories embrace the firm’s resource position while conceptualizing strategies to be adopted by the firm (Andrews, 1971). On the other hand, a majority of the formal tools used in economics nowadays emphasize upon the product-market facet of a firm. Although these are two different perspectives of studying a firm’s resource position and its market activities, these are both focused on the role of resources used by the firm in determining its strategic decisions. Hence, one might expect to yield the same insight on following either of these two perspectives of the resource based view of a corporate organization. However, these insights might arrive with differing levels of ease, depending on which perspective the analyst has chosen. Literature review Economists traditionally consider economic units (firms) in terms of the resource endowments each firm has. These resource endowments are typically confined to three factors, namely, land, labour and capital. Authors that espouse the resource based perspective of the firm accredit Edith Tilton Penrose for laying the building blocks of this theory (Rugman and Verbeke, 2002). Penrose (1959) has made direct contributions to develop the modern view of resource based management. She has as well indirectly influenced the proposition by contributing further into these theories; the theory of creating competitive advantage, theory of sustaining the competitive advantage for the firm and the relationship between economic rents and competitive advantage (Penrose, 1959). There are debates regarding the work by Penrose. Rugman and Verbeke (2002) have put forth the argument that Penrose’s work was not aimed at providing strategy prescriptions for the creation of a sustainable flow of rents. The ideas put forth by Penrose have been used by several scholars as the foundation for models depicting the relationship between rents and competitive advantage of firms and they emphasise that this relationship plays a significant role in the achievement of sustainable competitive advantage. However, the argument against the espousing of the resource-based view (RBV) of Penrose by these scholars, is that, she had given a rigorous description of the growth process of firms in her works and did not intend to build up a strategy prescription for firms (Rugman and Verbeke, 2002). Till 1984, when Wernerfelt presented his work ‘A resource-based view of the Firm’ this perspective of looking at firms did not become well accustomed with economists and analysts. While other papers did not yet receive much formal attention, the paper by Penrose (1959) had received wide acclamation from contemporary and modern economists. According to Wernerfelt (1984), some of the resources used in firms have certain properties that are unpleasant and unhelpfu l for modelling purposes. Due to this reason economists might not have considered these resources as a good measure for strategizing competitive advantage of firms’. While products of a firm are easy to identify and the characteristics of their production and sales can be categorised and measured easily, a firm’

The three stages of Law Enforcement in Texas (State, Local, and Essay

The three stages of Law Enforcement in Texas (State, Local, and Federal) - Essay Example The Constitution allows that the state can come up with any laws they wish, provided they do not violate the constitution. Federal organization normally works within the jurisdiction, which is within the limits of a given country. Federal law enforcement agency may not enforce the law within the smaller jurisdiction, such as a state, as well as, a country, though they can help other organizations by giving out information to them. As a common rule, federal law enforcement organization have the mandate to act when federal laws are not adhered, the federal asset is involved, or when the federal law gives federal agents own mandate to act in a specific legal area or field. At the same time, it is possible for federal organization to enforce state or local laws. They, therefore, exercise their mandate everywhere in the United States when need arises. The responsibilities of federal agency differ from one country to another. These tasks include the response to policing of airports, fraud against the country, the protection of designated national infrastructure, immigration as well as border control regarding individuals and assets, the investigation of currency counterfeiting, national security and guarding the country’s head of state, as well as, other significant dignitaries.... They do not implement their jurisdiction at divisional level. However, they can exercise this when exceptional arrangements between federal and divisional governing bodies are organized. An example of such a federal organization is the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Another body is the Federal Protective Service (FPS), which is one of the organizations found in the U.S. Division of Homeland Security. The Division is responsible for law enforcement and the security of about 9,000 federal owned buildings, courthouses and assets. The FPS is deployed for national security events on terrorist attacks, as well as, natural disaster management in the U.S. The U.S. has a well-organized system of law enforcement, and it is reflected in its federal organizations. Federal agencies normally enforce laws that lie within their jurisdictions and areas of duty; therefore, they have limited police tasks. This means certain federal agencies deal with crimes, no matter the place they have occurr ed. For instance, the FBI that has its own primary investigative functions deal with kidnapping cases in the U.S. The agency is the largest of all federal law enforcement organizations (Carter 116). The agency has divided its investigation into several programs, which include domestic and international terrorism, foreign counterintelligence, public corruption, civil right, cyber, organized crime drugs, white-collar crime, applicant matters and violent crimes. A good number of FBI findings are carried out in collaboration with several other law enforcement agencies. The FBI has always believed that working with other agencies is the main tool for effective law enforcement. They usually cooperate and work

Early Modern Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Early Modern Philosophy - Essay Example Ultimately, he concludes that even with these occurrences, he can be certain he exists, because in the process of doubting his existence he is thinking and thinking necessitates existence – I think, therefore I am. It’s necessary that Descartes’ ‘Cogito Ergo Sum’ argument be understood from the first person perspective because the argument throughout Descartes’ philosophy is precisely that senses cannot determine the validity of existence (Frost 1962). Descartes’ Cogito Ergo Sum, therefore, only proves that the individual who is thinking exists. As discussed, the essence of the argument is that one’s thoughts directly determine the validity of one’s existence, so that an outside individual cannot determine another exists simply by listening to another. It is entirely from the first person perspective that the cogito is founded. Descartes differed from earlier philosophers on a number of levels. During the Middle Ages philosophy became highly related to theology and god and the supernatural were the predominant concerns of thinkers. In this regard, Descartes’ introduced a higher awareness of skepticism, although he offered viable and logically derived solutions for these questions. Considering Descartes’ difference from the pre-Socratic philosophers, one is drawn to the nature by which knowledge is believed to be founded and attained. The pre-Socratic philosophers, while promoting the natural sciences and other such intellectually rigorous propositions, founded their philosophic and scientific assumptions on the primacy of the senses. Descartes’ was skeptical of the senses and sought a more rigorous understanding of knowledge through his rationalist philosophy (Waterfield 2009). Descartes if known as the father of modern philosophy as his main philosophical ideas, most notably the cogito ergo sum, were foundational elements in the development of modern philosophical thought and

Theater Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 6

Theater - Essay Example In addition, the scene where the daughter of Lear, Cordelia dies is still engraved in my mind (National Theatre Live, n.d.). When the film with the same screenplay on silver screen is being compared with that of the play on theatre one could really find that, it did not appeal the minds as the live play did. Actually, the most important dynamics of a live theatre is the relative aspect of the theatre. It is through this relative aspect that audiences are able to watch the actors cry, laugh, run before their eyes but does not transport the audiences into a utopian land. On the contrary, the audiences are able to form a strong discourse, which relates the awareness of the audiences watching live actors performing on stage with the impromptu performance of the actors of the live theatre (Live Theatre, 2014). Notably, there is a huge scope to display and develop a vivid spectacle and visual panorama on stage through music, light, sound, stagecraft and most importantly, through the live performance of the actors. The experience of a live theatre is always spectacular (Reason, 2004). Correspondingly, as I strongly believe with my experience, an important facet is its relative aspect, which could be attained in live theatres through the liveliness of the performing

Professional Ethics of Detectives Essay Example for Free

Professional Ethics of Detectives Essay Criminal Justice Careers can be very exciting but also a risky job. Detective is one that interests me more. Detective went through intensive trainings. The profession requires Diplomas from high school institution they came from. It is also required that they take courses in English, Science, Mathematics, Social Sciences and Physical Education. Skills in foreign languages, journalism, and typing are also essential. Many of the police departments require one or two years of college coursework particularly in law, criminology and police science. Most police detectives were trained for six weeks up to several months, depending on the program they are attending. Those who successfully completed the training program will probably be assigned to detective’s duty permanently. They may be asked to take refresher courses consecutively to update their abilities and techniques. Since many private detectives were former police detectives, almost their education, skill and training requirements are similar to police detectives. Private detectives also acquired skills on the job from experienced private detectives. In some states, private detectives are required to have valid license and participate in specially systematized intensive training programs. Each state asks for a firearm permit. Detective is in charge for crime investigations and prevention. He is also trained to solve crimes against people and their properties. He can work for police departments or choose to be employed by a business firm and institution. Detectives can perform well through their highly specialized techniques and communication apparatuses that are technologys products. Detectives in any Police Departments are tasks to observe criminals actions, produce sources of information, and be in assistance in arresting criminals. They often work in civilian clothes, black robes, sunglasses, wearing huts to undercover themselves and also for protection of their lives. When on duty, they go to locations or places where the criminal often stay for the purpose of getting enough information of the suspects activities, people who mingle with him and his moves. For example, detective that is assigned in a gambling case spend his time at the suspects favorite clubs and bars, he acts as if he is also gambler and tries to learn as much as possible about the case. A detective may also find informers also witnesses from the neighborhood who might have information about the suspect. After gathering substantial evidences against the suspect, the detectives can now arrest the criminal with the help of police force. Other detectives who work for private agencies or individual client are often former police officers. Some of them were trained by the private agencies themselves. Private investigators collect information from police sources. They observe suspects and interview witnesses but they cannot arrest. Detectives work may be very rewarding, routine, safe or dangerous, depend on their assignments. For example, a police detective who investigates in drugs scandals may be exposed to the threat of physical violence or even death. Detectives often work in unstable hours and they even work during night, weekends and holidays. Their salaries differ from another; depend on locations, experiences, and the assigned responsibilities or tasks. In 2004, the median wage of a private detective is $32,110 per year while a police detective is $53,990 per year. Experienced detectives have special benefits such as pensions, life and health insurance, and payments during their leave or vacation. Lawyers and other private companies hire detectives to search information for court trials and to investigations including the passing of bad checks, and other illegal matters. Many insurance institutions also hire private detective to investigate insurance claims and dilemmas. Parents may hire them to search for their lost children. On the other hand, Private detective work as bodyguard for people who are in personal danger particularly special witnesses and politicians as well. Store detectives are in charge to investigate against customer shoplifting and dishonest employees. A bouncer ensures that order is served in restaurants, night bars, and other places of entertainment. House detectives, also known as hotel detectives are task to protect patrons from unexpected troubles and troublemakers. Detectives have their own Code of Ethics to follow. This Code is highly based in our Moral Rights and Conducts. Honesty and Integrity is its center. They have to give their full fidelity and sincerity to their client. All investigations should be legal, moral and professionally ethical. Preserving their clients confidence in all circumstances is also their duty as long as it is not contrary to criminal law. They must counsel their clients against any unethical and illegal course of action. A detective should also cooperate with the government and make sure that all their employees adhere to their code of ethics. He must retain his good reputation as well as his fellow investigators and professional associates. Some Ethical dilemmas are the officers misuse of his official position for expected or even actual incentive or gain, including opportunities and engaging in different forms of occupational deviance. Two of the most unique ethical standards of a detective are his honesty and good reputation. Cheating is one potential ethnical dilemma specific to this line of work that the code of ethics is meant to discourage. Since nobody is assigned to watch detectives’ operations they tend to move slow in order to take gain from their clients. As a result, some of the criminal cases are hanged. Another dilemma is distortion of truth when ask to testify in a court. Some hold special evidences to prove the suspect guilty. For, example, if the detective investigates someone who is politically powerful, this influential person can pay the detective to hide the truth. They also sometimes use brutality in acquisition of goods, money and even power. As an economic man, people tend to do their job better when given money as their reward. Detectives should firmly stand as saviors and source of truths of the people and the government. The unethical activities of one detective might cause the public to condemn other investigative agencies and other detectives. This would be a false generalization. Huge majority of private investigators or private detective agencies operate with utmost respect for the law and strict in abiding the code of ethics. In a study entitled Perceptions of Ethical Dilemmas made by a group of people including Dr. McGrath, stated through a survey the twenty unethical behaviors of a professional found in the field of Criminal Justice.   The study showed that many detectives sleep during their working hours. Instead of searching information and watching for the every move of the criminal, they spend their time in entertainments. The conclusion of this study stated clearly that police officers views on unethical behaviors are related to their rank and length of time in the service. Those that are considered pioneers are more into disobeying the code. This data is somewhat intertwined into corruption. It is also possible that this can highly affect serious judgments of greater emphasis on ethical issues that now occurs in police training. Nevertheless, these study also emphasized that there is a need for strict implementation of the Code of Ethics from this high level positions.   Any career from criminal justice requires true and reliable professional. This will largely determine how clean one’s government is. They are also a great help in maintaining the order and peace in the society. Any disobedience in the Code of Ethics can immediately affect the society’s stability of good morale. Those who are in highest ranks must be loyal to the code and stand as models to their associates. References Woody, Todd. (May 29, 2000), DNA Detectives, retrieved on February 7, 2008,   from http://www.theindustrystandard.com Bufill, Jose A. (November 28, 2003), Ethical Dilemmas at the Beginning of Death, retrieved on February 7, 2008), from http://www.illinoisrighttolife.org/EthicalDilemmasDefiningDeath.htm Huon, Gail F., Hesketh, Beryl L., Frank, Mark G.,Frank, McConkey, Kevin M., and Dr McGrath, G. M. (1995), PERCEPTIONS OF ETHICAL DILEMMAS, retrieved on February 7, 2008, from http://www.acpr.gov.au/pdf/ACPR125_1.pdf

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations | Analysis

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations | Analysis CDM 2007 – An Analysis Abstract This paper discusses the CDM 2007 regulations promulgated by the UK government that came into effect in April 2007. The new regulations made several changes to the CDM regulations of 1994, however it can still be debated if these will be able to bring about a radical change to the health and safety condition in the UK construction industry, and this is specifically the question under discussion in this paper. Keywords: Construction, CDM, UK 1.  Introduction The construction industry in United Kingdom employs about 7% of the country’s total workforce, but accounts for over 25% of fatal injuries and 16% of the major accidents (Bennett and Gilbertson, 2007). This makes improvements in health and safety conditions at the work place a priority for the government and the industry both. Health and safety requirements at construction sites are specified by the Council Directive 1992/57/EEC. Its management requirements were enforced in the UK through the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994 (CDM 94) and its practical health, safety and welfare measures mainly by the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996 (CHSW). Despite the enforcement of CDM 1994, there have been concerns that the regulations were only promoting wasteful bureaucracy and red-tape that put unnecessary burden on businesses and were actually failing to deliver on ensuring effective health and safety management. Several non-legislative rem edies such as informal guidance from the Chief Inspector of Construction (through Nattrass Letter, 1995) and revision of CDM 94’s supporting approved code of practice in 2001 by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) were used to rectify the situation but did not proved very useful (Anderson, 2007). In 2002, the industry’s attitude to the health and safety regime was gauged through a major consultative exercise. The feedback from the industry showed support for the principles of CDM 94 but revealed wide-spread dissatisfaction with their implementation procedures in the regulations which were perceived as difficult to understand and inflexible (Mann, 2007). The consultation identified the need of making the duties of clients more proportionate to their level of influence and argued that the role of Planning Supervisor has been ineffective in ensuring health and safety at the construction sites. It was acknowledged that the health and safety record of the industry was nei ther morally acceptable nor economically viable. The consultation stressed on taking the ownership and providing leadership along with setting ambitious targets from improvement. HSE promised to play its role by re-examining the legislation and its approach towards enforcing regulation to make sure that they reflected the objectives (Murphy, 2007). The following conclusions were drawn from the industry’s response on these issues: Earlier initiatives had not achieved the desired change in the industry’s approach; The CDM principles were generally supported, but the paperwork burden needed to be reduced as a lot of compliance effort was being wasted; and There was a desire for a set of clear, simple, unambiguous and practical legislation (and supporting guidance) for the industry, which should remain focused on the underlying objective of saving life, avoiding injuries and maintaining health (Bennett and Gilbertson, 2007). In the light of these findings, proposals were developed to improve the CDM 94 regulations over a period of 3 years by HSE and an industry-working group established under the Health and Safety Commission’s (HSC) Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC). Widespread consultations were made and over 300 responses were taken into consideration to the formal discussion document issues in 2002 along with the HSE’s experience with the existing Regulations. 400 responses were also considered during the public consultation that occurred over 4 months during summer 2005 (Murphy, 2007). Following public consultation, the revised proposals were finally approved by CONIAC and by the HSC. These bodies represent all stakeholders including employer, employee and other interests (Anderson, 2007). Relevant Government Departments for example Prime Minister’s Panel on Regulatory Accountability were also consulted throughout and their agreement to the proposals was obtained by early 2005. New CDM regulations were therefore drafted together with the supporting Approved Code of Practice (ACoP), developed in line with Better Regulation principles. These aim to reduce construction accidents and ill health by: Being flexible and accommodating the wide range of contractual arrangements to be found in the construction industry; Emphasising the need to plan and manage work rather than the bureaucracy associated with it; Emphasising the communication and co-ordination advantages of duty holders working in integrated teams; and Simplifying the way duty holders assess competence (Murphy, 2007). The new CDM regulations, known as CDM 2007 were enforced on April 6, 2007. The following section discusses they changes they brought to the CDM 94. It will be followed by the evaluation of their costs and benefits while the last section will conclude the paper. 2.  CDM 2007 In April 2007, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (also known as the CDM Regulations 2007) replaced CDM Regulation 1994. The new regulations were applied to all construction and property contracts/projects held after 6th April 2007 and started impacting the major health and safety issues and rules in construction (Manion, 2007). Some of the major insinuations for companies in property and construction business include: For ongoing projects few transitional provisions will be introduced. All the construction clients will be required to do such arrangements which insure health and safety. For all projects starting after 6th April 2007 clients’ agent will not be allowed. Clients will make a declaration the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of how long contractors will be given to plan and prepare for construction work; â€Å"CDM co-ordinators will replace planning supervisors The Client will be known as the principal contractor or CDM co-ordinator for time in which appointments have not been made of another person. Clients and duty holders will have more responsibilities (Manion, 2007). Here we discuss the key constituents of the CDM 2007 regulations and the changes these have brought to the Health and Safety and the role and responsibilities it assigns to different stakeholders. 2.1  Notifiable or non-Notifiable projects The differentiation between â€Å"notifiable and non- notifiable construction projects still exist in CDM Regulations 2007. For all Notifiable projects HSE should receive a notice of the project. In new regulation there is slight change in criteria for notification of a project.According to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 a modifiable project is one which is involve more than 30 days and 500 person days of construction work. The current change is applicable on projects that will involve this amount of work however more marginal/smaller construction projects are subject to the full range of duties (Bennett and Gilbertson, 2007). Another important point is that if a construction project has already been notified to HSE under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994, there is no need to give another notice under 2007 Regulations. The 2007 CDM Regulations also list the duties that apply to all projects, and additional duties that only apply to Notifiable projects. 2.2  Duty holders In the new CDM 2007 Regulations the duty holders will remain the same. The stakeholders will be: Contractors or sub-contractors for construction projects. Clients, this includes commercial purchasers of constriction, people involved in engineering works and other construction services. Designers, the people who prepare and modify the construction designs. Principal Contractors, normally the main contractors of construction project. CDM co-ordinators, previously known as planning supervisors (formerly planning supervisors) (Manion, 2007). In some construction and building projects, it is possible that one duty holder performs more than one role e.g. design and build contractor can be the principal contractor, or a designer, or a CDM co-ordinator, or a commercial purchases. 2.3  General Duties Each stakeholder in a construction project require to follow a specific duty however the core duty of every party is to co-operate and co-ordinate with each other. Generally in relation to health and safety issues, every person involved in a particular project will co-operate with other duty holders involved in construction work on same or adjacent sites. In 2007 CDM Regulations the requirements of co-operating with duty holders working on adjoining sites are new and some time can be difficult to achieve. However the results expected are very good, therefore these should be follow (Anderson, 2007). According to CDM 2007 each duty holder involved in a construction project is required to co-ordinate their activates from a health and safety perspective. At all duty sites, duty holders will be required to take into consideration the general principal of prevention. These principles include evaluating and battling risks at source, avoiding risks, adapting technical progress and giving collective protective measures priority over individual measures (Manion, 2007). The general duties of each duty holder at construction site are: 2.3.1  The Clients Duties New CDM Regulation 2007 has increased the emphasis on the client to ensure health and safety compliance. In many construction projects clients will use experience professional to help them perform their duties. Under the CDM Regulations 1994, clients were allowed to hand over their duties to an agent, however they will not be able to use the services any such agents for all new projects after 6th April 2007. However if there is a construction site where a client is using agent to perform these services, under the transitional provisions/period, agents will still be allowed to continue in that role for existing projects until 5 April 2012 if the agent agrees to assume the duties of a client under the CDM Regulations 2007.However it is important that clients check all arrangements with their agents (Anderson, 2007). Many developers have many subsidiary companies or do joint ventures with their partners or funders. In such cases there can be more than one duty holder fitting the description of client. According to new CDM 2007 Regulations one client should be nominated to fulfil the client duties and the nominee must meet the new requirements. These duties include: In-place the project management arrangements for health and safety. Check that for workers enough welfare facilities are in-place. Ensure that adequate time is given to the principal contractor to plan and prepare for work. Provide all the information related to health and safety in its possession. Ensure that the health and safety files and any information that should be kept under the asbestos regulation are revised regularly. To ensure that before the work starts the CDM Regulations complies with principal contractor construction phase plan. This replaces the health and safety plan (Topping, 2007). According to new CDM 2007 regulations, whenever a building is sold client must provide health and safety file to the purchaser and ensure that purchases knows the nature of the purpose of the file. The health and safety files can relate to more than one project, site or structure, and is subject to the condition that the information relevant to each part project, site or structure can be easily identified (Manion, 2007). 2.3.2  The Client Appointments As soon as client knows sufficient about project to select a suitable person, and a feasible initial design or other preparation work has been commenced, the key responsibility of Client now is to appoint a CDM co-ordinator. This appointment should be in-writing and until the time these appointments are made the client is believed to fulfil this role. At many construction sites the planning supervisors are appointed much earlier than CDM co-ordinators. Clients also have responsibility to take reasonable steps to ensure that parties they appoint are competent enough to comply with the relevant duties (HOL, 2007). There are detailed guidance in ACOP for assessing competence. No party it ought to accept an appointment unless it is competent to handle it. In existing construction projects the planning supervisor will automatically become the CDM co-ordinator and the principal contractor remain in place unless different appointments are made. To comply with Construction (Design and Manage ment) Regulations 2007 clients got time till 5th April 2008 to check the capability of CDM co-ordinator and principal contractor and CDM co-ordinators and principal contractors also got the same time to ensure and improve their own competence in this field (Topping, 2007). 2.3.3  The CDM co-ordinator The CDM 2007 places the CDM Co-ordinator at the heart of the project to help to ensure co-operation and co-ordination and that all duty holders share the information required by the CDM Regulations. It is also responsible to advice and assist the client to discharge the clients duties (e.g. advice on assessing competence and on the project management arrangements to be put in place). The CDM co-ordinator is responsible for preparing (if not done), reviewing and updating the health and safety file and submitting notices of the project to the HSE. It will be interesting to watch the interactions between the project manager and the CDM co-ordinator in terms of how each role is carried out in practice as the role of CDM co-ordinator is introduced only recently in the CDM 2007 regulations (Webb, 2008). 2.3.4  Designers The CDM 2007 does not radically change the scope of duties of the designers but expresses them in clearer terms.The role of designers is emphasised by HSE because they are involved in the project from early to final stages and their initial decision affect the health and safety during the construction phase and for end use of the structure. The main duty assigned to designer is to ensure avoidance of foreseeable risks to health and safety of any person carrying out construction work or using the structure/building post completion. If designers appointed on a British project are foreign residents, the person commissioning the design is responsible for ensuring compliance with designers duties. Careful consideration should be given as to how to manage this risk when appointing a foreign designer or off-shoring design work (Dunne, 2007). 2.3. 5 Principal contractors and contractors As far as the contractors are concerned, the feedback obtained at the consultation sessions suggested that the principal contractor and contractor provisions worked well under the CDM regulations 1994, therefore HSE did not seek to radically depart from them.The regulations make principal contractor responsible for the health and safety during the construction phase of the project.This requires the principal contractor to co-operate and co-ordinate with others, provide welfare facilities, direct its contractors and to check that suitable site inductions, information and training is given to workers. The principal contractor is also obliged to inform its contractors of the minimum time which will be given for planning and preparation for construction work. The contractors duties largely complement those of the principal contractor so that health and safety requirements are observed throughout the contractual chain. The provisions requiring worker engagement in relation to health and s afety matters are also increased in scope (Coulter, 2007). The changes in the roles and responsibilities of all concerned have been discussed above, however the main focus in the CDM 2007 is to make those with the greatest control and influence over a project, namely the project team and the client, responsible for health and safety. The regulations also introduce a new role of co-ordinator in place of the planning supervisor who will be appointed by the client. The co-ordinator will be required to identify and extract all information required to secure the health and safety of anyone engaged in construction work. The other big change is that ultimate responsibility and consequently, liability for health and safety rests with the client for all construction projects. While the client can delegate the duties under the regulations, for example to the co-ordinator, it nonetheless retains liability for complying with the regulations (Anderson, 2008). 3. Discussion The costs and benefits of enforcing new regulations need to be seen in the context of their social and economic effect on the society. In a Regulatory Impact Assessment done by HAS, the costs and benefits of CDM 2007 were discussed by examining the previous 10 years of accident data. The accident records of the industry are the basic unit used to benchmark the cost and benefits (Topping, 2007). Table 1: Number of fatal injuries to workers and members of the public 1996/97 to 2004/05 (Topping, 2007) Table 2: Number of major injuries to workers and non-fatal injuries to members of the  public 1996/97 to 2004/05 (Topping, 2007) The construction industry in UK is highly fragmented, has no entry threshold, itinerant and casualised. As mentioned before, the industry employs 7% of the working population and accounts for 8% of UK GDP, but accounts for 25% of fatal injuries and 16% of the major accidents. Construction work is inherently hazardous and the risks associated with these hazards are difficult to manage due to the constantly changing nature of the working environment. Tables 1 and 2 provide the number of fatal and non-fatal but major injuries in the industry from 1996 to 2005. The data is broken up by employees, self-employed and members of public affected by the incidents. The total present value cost of injuries and ill-health, including minor and non-injury accidents in the construction sector is estimated at  £13.8 billion to  £17.7 billion over the 10 year appraisal period (Topping, 2007). This means that any reduction in the number of incidents has direct impact on not only human but also on e conomic cost. Strict economic cost benefit analysis would however consider the savings gained through implementing CDM 2007 (by reducing the accidents) minus the costs incurred on enforcing/implementing CDM 2007 regulations. Here we therefore look into the costs associated with implementing CDM 2007 and the overall savings due to reduction in accidents (Webb, 2008). The compliance with changed duties essentially requires two sets of costs to be incurred. Firstly, there will be a cost associated with familiarisation with the changed duties. Secondly, there will be costs associated with the carrying out of the changed duties (Thame, 2007). There are four main groups that will be required to familiarise themselves with the proposed Regulations: contractors, designers, co-ordinators and clients. However the whole exercise is intended to reduce the chances for accidents. The data gathered from various pilot projects where CDM 2007 was implemented demonstrated the pilot projects were: More predictable in terms of cost and time; More productive than the industry average; Safer; Had less impact on the environment; and Achieved higher customer satisfaction (Dunne, 2007). If the whole construction industry (including non-notifiable projects) achieves the same results as the pilot projects then project costs could potentially fall by 6%. Improved client leadership, respect for people, measurement and monitoring of performance and greater supply chain integration are all key themes of the revised CDM 2007 package, and it is therefore likely that some of the productivity gains shown on the demonstration projects would be expected to accrue from the proposed changes in the Regulations. There is not an exact match between the changes in the Regulations and those trialled at the demonstration projects, and therefore it is not appropriate to assume that the full 6% productivity gains would flow from the changes. If it is assumed that implementation of the proposed Regulations leads to a 3% reduction in project costs for projects where there is currently insufficient attention by clients, designers and contractors to planning, managing and monitoring then th e present value cost saving from reduced project costs for all projects over the 10 year appraisal period is between  £1.0 billion and  £2.9 billion over the 10 year appraisal period. It is therefore quite clear that even by the measure of strict economic parameters, the benefits of CDM 2007 far out weigh its costs (Topping, 2007). Therefore the CDM 2007 regulations have been well received by most stakeholders. The industry professional bodies, employees unions, employers, concerned government departments and general public (Brindley, 2007). Industry experts see it as a major change in health and safety regulations since 1994, as John Malins, associate at law firm Davies Arnold Cooper puts it: †¦ (They are) the most radical change to construction health and safety legislation since 1994, the year when the existing CDM regulations came into effect, he further adds: Contractors, employers and designers would be wise to review their obligations now, warns Malins. Any projects straddling the April 2007 effective date will be subject to the new regulations, which apply to all construction projects lasting more than 30 days or involving more than 500 person days of construction work. Another expert in construction law, Ken Salmon of Mace Jones also suggests that new regulations have radically changed the way Health and Safety Executive decides who is responsible for the safe procurement and management of building projects and for accidents. The new regulations thus aim to reduce the number of accidents on building sites from around 4,700 currently per year. The biggest impact of the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2007 is on companies or individuals (the clients) who commission new buildings, even if they have no direct role in the work. Before CDM 2007, if an accident happened, such as a crane toppling over on a building site, it was considered contractors, designers or managers responsibility, however with the new regulations, those who pay for the building works will also be in the frame (Anderson, 2008). Many companies may mistakenly believe there is not much new in these revised regulations but they would be wrong. Everything is different the definition of construction, for instance, will change to include demolition and dismantling†¦. and most importantly, a client will not be able to hide behind its agent if something goes wrong. If he knows or should have known of deficiencies in the procurement, design, management or construction process, he will have a duty to do something about it and be at risk if he fails. Failing to comply or breaches of Health Safety Welfare law is punishable following a conviction in the Crown Court with unlimited fine and up to two years imprisonment (Brindley, 2007). Deansgate Law firm Pannone’s partner in the construction team, Sean McCay highlighted the costs of complying with CDM 2007, however he also believes that new regulations make it much more dangerous for the project team to start work without ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations and it therefore is a welcome change from the situation in the past: Such enhanced regulation, and presumably scrutiny, is highly likely to come at a price leading to increased project costs as a consequence of, for example, the necessary legal and other professional support required to ensure the correct application and implementation of the Regulations. Under the new regulations the end-user client has many more responsibilities which cannot be delegated, and the practice of starting work prior to full planning, resourcing and documentation could become legally as well as physically dangerous for all concerned. (Dunne, 2007) However, despite its intended benefits, there has been some criticism on CDM 2007 as well as the whole approach of the government and society towards the health and safety at construction sites. It is argued that despite providing very comprehensive health and safety systems and referring to good codes of practice, CDM regulations have â€Å"sucked† the feeling of responsibility away from individuals. The responsibility for ensuring health and safety should not be something imposed by the government, rather it should be something that all members of the society support and share as they all want to be able to about all aspects of their lives safely and productively. It therefore should even be important when no body is around to monitor. The Health and Safety Executive therefore should work more on creating awareness among the stakeholders and in general public and try to change the culture rather than producing plethora of documents on the issue. This point of view therefore emphasises on the change in culture where health and safety is not only seen as complying a code of conduct but is actually taken as a personal responsibility and of great human benefit (Coulter, 2007). Another criticism is that the new regulations with enhanced responsibilities on client may take the focus away from the contractors. According to this argument the safety in construction begins and ends on site, and it is entirely the responsibility of the contractors’ management, therefore the designers should not be restrained by petty regulations.The kind of issues involved in safety on site such as falls from heights, adequate means of access, safe working platforms, tidiness, traffic and machine management, falling objects and so on, need not to be compromised by another impenetrable layer of bureaucracy and mountain of paper. The site safety adviser should spend 95% of his or her time on site, not form filling (Brindley, 2007; Coulter, 2007). There are also some question marks on the actual implementation of regulations. The effective enforcement of the legislation on construction health and safety issues is as important as the law itself. It is perfectly obvious that it is of little worth having laws that no one knows about and that no one enforces. It might be a little less obvious that if the law is too complex, difficult to understand or even incomprehensible in layman’s terms then it might be, in effect, ignored. In occupational health and safety terms the one and only objective of any health and safety legislation is the prevention of accidents and cases of ill health within the work environment, and to that end there has to be good law backed up with effective, sensible and accountable enforcement (Anderson, 2008). The critics therefore suggest that despite changes in the law itself and to the process of its implementation, no changes have been made in the way it will be enforced and therefore some attention must also be given on ensuring that it is enforced across the board literally and in spirit. 4.  Conclusion The paper reviewed the changes to the CDM regulations with specific focus on changes to the Health and Safety regulations. It can be learnt from the above discussion that the changes in the policy include: simplified trigger for formal appointments and preparation of plans; clarification of designer duties; Remittances for Developing Countries | Research Proposal Remittances for Developing Countries | Research Proposal Background Remittance is a major source of external funding for developing nations. It has been an important source of migrant workers in countries suffering from labour shortage, and it also helps these countries in building up their foreign exchange reserve that help them to meet the balance of payments and help stabilize the value of the local currency against the US dollar. It is almost inflow from developed to developing countries have received great attention among academician and policymakers, because that transfers in form of remittances undertaken by migrant workers to their countries of origin increased substantially in the last decades. The data had reported by World Bank in 2012, remittances flows to developing countries have more than quadrupled since 2000. Global remittances, including those to high-income countries, are estimated to have reached $529 billion in 2012, compared to $132 billion in 2000. Developing countries is the largest share of remittances receiving. In year 2012 , developing countries to receive it over 400 billion US dollar, an increase of 5.3% over the previous year and are expected to increase at an annual average rate of 8.8 percent in the next three years. They are also forecast to reach $468 billion in 2014 and $515 billion in 2015 of all flow to developing countries. Remittances generally reduce the level and severity of poverty, typically leading to: higher human capital accumulation; greater health and education expenditures; better access to information and communication technologies; improved access to formal financial sector services; enhanced  small business  investment; more entrepreneurship; better preparedness for adverse shocks such as droughts, flooding, earthquakes and cyclones; and essentially reduced child labor. International labor organization had estimated that remittances sent home by migrants to developing countries are equivalent to more than three times the size of official development assistance and can have profound implications for development and human welfare. Remittances can contribute to lowering poverty and building human and financial capital for the poor. However the enormous amount of matter, amount of money that migrant workers sent home is only 13% of the income of such workers receive. This means that the in come of the remaining 87% of migrant workers to remain in the host country. It is approximately 1 trillion, so that migrant workers have greatly helped boost the economy of the destination country. Asian countries is the most important source of migrant workers, because most of countries are in the rank of top remittance recipients countries in the world (by the top recipients of officially recorded remittances in 2012) show that: India has become the largest recipient of global remittances, received $70 billion, and then China $66 billion, the Philippines $24 billion, Pakistan $14 billion, Bangladesh $14 billion, Vietnam $10 billion, and Lebanon $7 billion. However, as a share of GDP, remittances were larger in smaller and lower income countries; top recipients relative to GDP in Asian countries were Tajikistan (47%), Kyrgyz Republic (29%) and Nepal (22%). Research problem During the last three decades, remittances have become an important source of economic growth in many developing countries, especially in Asian countries. However, there are lots of literatures on how remittances impact to economic growth of receiving countries, but the result of them studies are conflicting. For instance, some academicians believe that workers’ remittances have positive effect on economic growth of recipient countries (de Haas. 2005; Pradhan, et al. 2008; Fayissa Nsiah. 2010; 2011; Khan, et al. 2012). Adding more scholars to explain that why remittances have positive effect on economic growth. There are lots of studies to explain that remittances help households move out ofpoverty (Adams,2003), lower mortalityrates (Kanaiaupuni,1998)and increase educationaland housing spending (Adams, 2005). Moreover, empirical studies show that remittances can stimulate economic activity and motivate entrepreneurial communities (Durand et al, 1996 and Woodruff and Zenteno, 2007). According to Buch et al (2002), remittances can influence economic growth directly orindirectly. However, the degree of the latter channel strongly depends on supporting governmental policies and a supporting economic environment for investment activities. There are some recent empirical studies that have analyzed the relation between workers’ remittances and growth. Giuliano and Ruiz-Arranz (2005) find a positive effect of remittances on growth, specifically for countries with lowerfinancial development. Ziesemer (2007) proposes a savings channel that relates remittances with growth. He finds that remittances have a positive impact on growth, due to the ability to increase saving rates in countries with a per capita income of less than US $1200. On the other hand, other scholars highlight that workers’ remittances have also negative impact on economic growth of origin countries (Jongwanich, 2007; Karagoz, 2009; Barajas, et al. 2009; Ahmed, 2010; Edwards, 2010; Rao Hassan, 2011). For these scholars, there is no causal relationship between remittances and economic growth of developing economies. The reason why those workers’ remittances have no a positive effect on economic growth, these finding may lie in the difficulty of disentangling the complicated links between remittances and economic growth. According to a study covers up to 113 countries over the period 1970-1998. This empirical had studied by Chami et al (2005) found that international remittances actually have a negative and significant effect on economic growth. Because of remittances do not serve as capital for economic development, but rather as a type of compensation for countries with poor economic outcome. However, in a similar study covering up to 101 countries for the period 1970-2003 had studied by Spatafara (2005). The author found that cautions that identifying the impact of remittances on these and other outcomes may be complicated by the problem of reverse causation, that is, remittances may both influence and be influenced themselves by economic growth, investment and education. In the literature it is sometimes argued that international remittances may harm economic growth by leading to real currency appreciation and a loss of competitiveness in tradable goods. This empirical had studied b Lopez et al (2007), the result show that’s large scale remittances do lead to significant real exchange rate appreciation, which means that a 1% increase in the remittances to GDP ratio would lead to a real effective exchange rate appreciation of between 18 and 24 percent. As discussed above, previous studies have propounded different results based upon different theoretical and empirical setups. However, in the same empirical study there is also different in the result, even though using the same theories. Like the empirical evidence from Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka had studied by Siddque et al (2010), they found that growth in remittances does lead to economic growth in Bangladesh; In India, there seems to be no causal relationship between growth in remittances and economic growth; but in Sri Lanka the result show that economic growth influences growth in remittances and likewise. So, it is difficult for one to conclude on the growth effects of remittances, especially in a region like Asian countries. This paper focuses on the impact of remittances on economic growth in Asian countries. There is a need to examine the growth effect of remittances and answer the research question that follows: â€Å"How do remittances impact to economic growth of some selected sending countries in Asia?† Hypothesis of the study To investigate that how remittances impact to economic growth of recipient countries in Asia? I determine some of hypothesis to guide in this study follows: Remittances have a positive impact on economic growth while a positive and statistically significant coefficient of remittances. This means that an increase in the amounts of remittances will result in increased to economic growth. Remittances have a negative impact on economic growth while the statistical value has a negative and significant coefficient of remittances. This means that an increase in remittances will result in lower economic growth. A statistically insignificant coefficient of remittances indicates that remittances do not have significant direct growth effect. Otherwise, each the positive or negative impact of remittances on economic growth will be depressed. Significant of the research According to the previous studies of remittances, there are many scholars have been studied on the relationship between remittances and economic growth in developing countries in general, especially in Asian countries, has not been enough studied. Because most of researchers have not been only studied in Asian countries, there are some mix together between Asian countries and the other countries. Fayissa Nsiah (2011) estimated the macroeconomic impact of remittances and some control variables such as openness of the economy, capital/labor ratio, and economic freedom on the economic growth of African, Asian, and Latin American-Caribbean countries. Although Abdullaev (2011) investigated the potential impact of workers’ remittances on long-term economic growth of recipient countries in selected Asian and Former Soviet Union countries. Some of empirical had studied specific only one country in Asia. For instance, Khan et al. (2012) investigated the impact of worker remittance on economic growth of Pakistan while Cooray (2012) examined the impact of migrant remittances on economic growth in south Asia. Very little has been done in the empirical studies analyze the workers’ remittances in Asian countries, but the goal of them studies on relationship between remittances are different. The reason that is, Asia is a region that is characteristic in its. There are different on migration and remittances inflow patterns. Some of the available literatures on remittance in Asian countries is not fully focused on the growth effect of remittances. Jongwanich (2007) analyzed the impact of workers’ remittances on poverty in developing Asia and the pacific countries while Katsushi et al (2011) analyzed of remittances, growth and poverty evidence from Asian countries. Vargas Silva et al (2009) examined the potential of remittances for promoting economic growth and reducing poverty in Asian countries. Limited research has been undertaken from with this in consideration hence, previous literature has developed some theoretical and empirical understanding in this regards by considering the individual link between remittances and growth respectively. This paper intends to combine these two channels in a single framework and try to examine the relationship between remittances and economic growth in Asian countries by employing panel data estimation tools and methodology distinguish it from prior studies that had challenges in handling endogeneity between remittances and economic growth of period from 1990-2011 in 12 countries namely Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand and Yemen Republic. Because these countries have remained an important source of expatriate worker and the number of expatriate has increased significantly over the years. Thus, these 12 countries offer a unique opportunity to examine the linkages between remittances and economic growth. Structure of the research The organization of the paper is as follows. Chapter 2 provides a review of selected literature on the growth effect and remittances; Chapter 3 describes a background for the countries of interested; Chapter 4 specifies of the research methodology, data and model specification while Chapter 5 presents empirical analysis for both the fixed and random effects regression accounting for both the country and time effects and some of diagnostic test results; and the final Chapter conclusion of research finding.

Background Of Online Banking In Vietnam Marketing Essay

Background Of Online Banking In Vietnam Marketing Essay Introduction The explosion of Internet technology has revolutionized todays economic globally. The changes and innovation of technology has altered the way banking industry can offer its services to customers. A makeable online banking has emerged as the most important online transaction platform for e-commerce, e-shopping, internet stock trading or online auction (Lee, 2009). Internet banking is utilized as a medium with faster transaction speed and lower handling fees (Kalakota and Whinston, 1997). Furthermore, there is no additional software needed when customers conducting transactions on websites (Polasik and Wisniewski, 2009). With the improved online security, customers not only can check their balances on banks websites; online banking allows conducting transactions that are more complicated such as transferring funds, paying bills or even writing checks. Their trustworthiness on online has nevertheless increased (Tan amd Teo, 2000). Banking industry has initiated a paradigm shift from traditional brick and mortal branches to online. In banks websites, customers serve themselves without the need of frontline staff. To this, banks benefited from staff reduction, lesser branch sizes, and paper-related works (Tan and Teo, 2000; Compaq, 2001). According to Burham (1996), the establishment of website consumes less than US$25,000 in which the website maintenance also costs less than US$25,000 annually a big different as compared to maintain a branch. For the customer point of view, convenience and efficiency are the great motivation for them to use online banking (Bruno, 2003). Customers do not need to go to bank, queue up, waiting or constrained by banks operating hours. It offers customers anytime, anywhere banking facilities (Lassar et al., 2005). There is a rapid growth of customers in using online banking services. The report of International Data Corporation (IDC) report shows that the online banking users has surpassed a total of one hundred million by 2004 (Maenpaa et al., 2008). The importance and advantages of online banking has prompted banking industry to rethink their strategy and for long-term survival, most of the banks go online (Tan and Teo, 2000). To stay competitive in the global market, developing countries like Malaysia and Vietnam have tentatively launched their online banking. Malaysia has actively developed e-banking since the mid of 2000 (Poon, 2008). Vietnam Government emphasis strongly on telecommunication development and has implemented internet in order to increase e-commerce usage (Chong et al., 2010). Although Malaysia and Vietnam are from the Southeast Asia region, elements like legal, cultural, social, political, and technical influence among both countries are different. The different elements ad d further the complexity in using online applications (Tarasewich et al., 2002). The degree of different cultural context in both nations will influence the typical ways on how online applications are applied in an online banking system (Zakaria and Stanton, 2003). Beyond the recognition diverse in cultural aspects on consumer behaviors, there is a need to improve the conceptual underpinning the similarities and differences across both countries by understanding the factors that predict customers intention in using online banking. To attract more customers engaging in online banking, it is crucial for banks to develop channel characteristics that are preferable by customers. This paper analyzes the customers attitude towards online banking in both Malaysia and Vietnam context and their preference factors in accepting online banking channel. An in-depth understanding of consumer perceptions and behavior are needed to be understood in order to enhance online banking functionality. For early adopter countries like Malaysia and Vietnam, the ultimate success of online banking still depended on customers willingness to use online banking. Thus, it is important to identify the antecedents of customer acceptance towards online banking. Comprehending what are essentials enticing customers to use online banking will provide management great insight in developing effective strategies to remain competitive in the industry and hold market share. In our research, we rely on the technology acceptance model (TAM), in particular perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use in linking with behavioral intention to use online banking. The framework is then synthesized with other antecedents such as trust to study customers confidence in their decision to try a new technology; and government e-readiness factor in both nations of Malaysia and Vietnam. We begin the paper by exploring the background of online banking in both countries. Following by examining the theoretical used and hypothesis developed. After that, description on methodology and analysis is provided. We performed results, discussions on findings, limitations of the study, implications of study, and finally, conclusions. Background of Online Banking in Malaysia In Malaysia, the advancement in ICT has embarked a wide range E-business implementation in many companies. By launching Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) as a mean to facilitate businesses through a host of privileges that entail world class services and infrastructure as well as financial incentives, Malaysia has captured a total revenue of US$383.5 million from E-commerce in 2000 and the figure boosted up to US$9336.2 million in 2005 (MDC, 2003). Banking institutions have actively exploited the opportunities that arise from these developments. Since 2000, many banks anticipated in developing Internet banking (Poon, 2008). The electronic revolution in Malaysian banking sector has historically started by introducing Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) by 1981, which provide customers the extending banking hours beyond office hours (Jawahitha et al., 2003). This computerized telecommunication device provides customers the convenient to access to financial transactions in a wider geographical locations. After that, another service channel was introduced in the early of 1990s, namely tele-banking. This service is eventually connected with Automated Voice Response (AVR) technology. However, Malaysian banks showed little interest as public showed a relatively low interest of response rate (Jawahitha et al., 2003). With the strong emphasis and encouragement by government in the usage and adoption of personal computer, banking environment has undergone a more drastic revolution by offering online banking services through their interactive company websites in 2000. Maybank is the first bank that provides online banking services in Malaysia through www.maybank2U.com portal. It was then followed by Hong Leong Bank, Southern Bank and Multi-Purpose Bank. (Suganthi et al., 2001). At present, there are 24 banks offering online banking facilities. Online banking is getting its popularity in Malaysia. It has received overwhelming responses from customers due to its convenience and has proven advantage in reducing costs. The number of online banking subscribers has increased from 3.2 million in 2006 to 7.5 million in 2009, with the population penetration rate from 11.6% (2006) to 25.9% (2009) (www.bnm.gov.my). Apparently, this positive sign has enlighten the banks to continuous seeking ways to enhance the use of electronic applications more comprehensive and effectively. Nevertheless, consumers are demanding for better transparency, integrity and communication of online banking services. Therefore, it is important to investigate the factors that influence the use of online banking. The strength and capability of financial institutions to harness appropriate ICT strategies is crucial to continue to position themselves for better success in this new era through customer retention and growth in the market share. Background of Online Banking in Vietnam In the mid-1980s, the Communist Party of Vietnam formally ended its centralized planned economy and began to adopt economic reform program, widely known as doi moi or Renovation, as a mean to open itself to the world. Since that, Vietnam has started to appear as one of the important economy emergence in Asia Pacific area (Phan, 2008). The first entry of Internet was in November 1997. Given this opportunity, Vietnamese companies have increased their emphasis to implement computerized system and IT facilities in their daily business operations. However, most of the commercial websites are mainly used for promotion purposes instead of real existent of online transactions. (Huang and Swierczek, 2008). Vietnams industrialization has led to rapid ICT growth. Under the Overall Plan on Developing E-Commerce, Vietnamese Government encourages more companies to implement e-commerce in their business operations (Peoples Daily, 2006). In order to stay competitive in the challenging marketplace, companies encode e-commerce implementation as a vital element in their business strategy. As of 2000, the Internet penetration rate has reached 0.3 percent (0.2 million users) of the population. In 2009, the Internet users have surged to a total of 22 million, presented a 25.7 percent of total population (Internet World Stats, 2009). Vietnam Government started to focus on service sector by realizing its feasibility and effective impact on the overall business. The Government aims to stimulate efficient e-commerce development by encouraging people to use it (Chong et al., 2010). With that, online banking is viewed as an important tool or medium to leverage the success of e-commerce implementation. Vietnamese banks have made efforts to establish inter-bank networks to support online payments. The system processing of commercial banks have been improved and banks applied more advanced software and application programs (english.vietnamnet.vn). However, there is a lack of integrated technical system between organizations and banks to provide customers a more structured and systematic payment system. Furthermore, the lack of law and regulations establishment regarded to online banking issues still remained undefined which have led to many difficulties in dispute settlement. As online banking in Vietnam is getting popul ar and offer banks better cost-effective solution, therefore this study aims to examine factors that influence the acceptance of online banking in the country. Technology Adoption Model It has been found that users attitudes and behavior towards acceptance of a new information system indicated a critical impact towards the successful technology adoption (Davis, 1989; Venkatesh and Davis, 1996; Succi and Walter, 1999). This is due to the fact that, the more users accept new information system, the more they will try and start to use it (Succi and Walter, 1999). Given these, researchers have been trying to find factors that influence individual in accepting new technology. One of the most popular and utilized model of technology adoption is the technology acceptance model (TAM) (Davis et al, 1989; Davis and Venkatesh, 1996; Al-Gahtani, 2001). As online banking is one type of technology innovation (Lin and Lee, 2005), we propose the technology acceptance model (TAM) as the theoretical foundation in this study to predict users online banking usage and preference, which in turn, determined users beliefs towards the online banking system (Joaquin et al, 2009). There are two important components in TAM, which are perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU). The first determinant refers to the degree to which a person believes that using a particular system would enhance his or her job performance (Davis et al., 1989). In the context of online banking, it refers to the degree on how effective an online banking system assists in productivity, work, and cost-saving (Rao, 2003). Perceived ease of use is the degree to which the prospective adopters expect new technology adopted to be free effort regarding its transfer and utilization (Davis et al., 1989). In this context, the easier adopters find it to learn and use online banking system, the higher the potential he or she will adopt it (Chong et al., 2010). Although many studies showed TAM is a useful, valid and reliable model (Jeyaraj et al., 2006), many researchers have extended the model by adding different variables based on the types of information system or technology they studied. A critical review from Legris et al. (2003) revealed that there is a need to include other components in order to have better explanations and broader view in new technology adoption. In this cross-cultural study, trust and government e-readiness components are added in order to have better picture in their decision on online banking adoption. The two additional components can be varied as they posit different cultural backgrounds within these both countries. Perceived Usefulness In the model of TAM, perceived usefulness is a significant factor affecting in the acceptance of information system (Davis et al., 1989). It is also has been found to have direct effect towards online banking adoption (Eriksson et al., 2005; Pikkarainen et al., 2004). Similarly, Numerous papers have been studied about perceived usefulness on online banking. For example, Wong et al. (2003) explored that perceived usefulness has positive significant effect on behavioral intention towards online banking in Taiwan context. The study concluded that Taiwanese exploit online banking systems as they find the system is useful and comfortable to use. Pikkarainen et al. (2004) further indicated that perceived usefulness was found to be the most influential driver in online banking service. The findings explained that users choose to use online banking because of it anticipates better advantages as compared to other delivery channels. In Thailand, perceived usefulness is significant among Thai consumers intention to use and it has became a prominent encouragement for them to use online banking services (Jaruwachirathanakul and Fink, 2005). In this research context, perceived usefulness refers to consumers perceptions in using Internet as a financial transaction medium in order to enhance their banking experiences. These perceptions will influence consumers attitude toward online banking and their intention to use it. The main reason users start to use online banking services as they find the systems are useful and convenient during their transactions. Therefore, we test the following hypothesis: H1. Perceived usefulness has a positive association with consumers intention to adopt the online banking. Perceived Ease of Use Besides perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use is found as one of the important influential in adopting new technology (Davis et al., 1989). Perceived usefulness is the extend on how effective Internet and its applications in assisting consumers to accomplish tasks; on the other hand, perceived ease of use is the degree on how easy to use Internet as a medium to complete tasks (Toà ±ita et al., 2004). The beliefs of a person on the difficulty to use online systems will affect his or her intention to continue to use a technology (Davis, 1989). In the words, the complexity of certain online applications will tend to discourage or slow down technology adoption (Rogers, 1995). Various studies have offered insights on the significant effect of perceived ease of use on behavioral intention. According to Moon and Kim (2001), information systems not only should be easy to use, it should also stress on user friendly features. With that, users will feel less threatening and have more confident when using it. Eventually, this implies that perceived ease of use will affect the users perceived credibility during their interaction and exchanges on Internet. In a subsequent study, Wang et al (2003) documented that perceived ease of use had a significant effect on behavioral intention. This is highly related to users that have higher self-efficacy towards computer usage. The finding indicated that Taiwanese views interfaces and applications on banks websites are understandable and online banking is easy to apply and use. In a later study, Amin et al (2008) also revealed that there is a positive relationship between perceived ease of use and mobile banking adoption. By understanding that perceived ease of use will affect consumers attitude and intention, therefore it is important to identify the latent dimensions of this construct in online banking. Thus, we hypothesized that: H2. Perceived ease of use has a positive effect on consumers intention to adopt the online banking. Trust Trust is a crucial factor in many transactional relationships. Trust exists when one party is confident with anothers reliability and credibility (Morgan and Hunt, 1994; Ranaweera and Phrabu, 2003). According to Eriksson et al. (2005), trust is defined as the perceptions towards security and reliability of online banking system from the perspective of customers. The issue of online banking is more critical in comparing to offline banking (Al-Somali et al., 2008). As online banking transactions required sensitive information and access to critical files which transferred via Internet (Alsojjan and Dennis, 2006; Suh and Han, 2002). Therefore, it adds further the complexity to examine online banking trust as the interpersonal trust not only relying between banks and customers, but also between customers and information system (McKnight and Chervany, 2001-2002). To this, Grà ¶nroos (2001) concluded that the professionalism in the aspects on intelligent systems and operations is importan t in building customers trust. Collectively, customers have doubts on the overall security policies in online banking. Especially new adopters in developing nations like Malaysia and Vietnam have found to have less confident in trying online banking due to security reason (Gerrard and Cunnningham, 2003). In many banking websites, security technology like encryption, password, identifiers, or inactivity automatically logs users off the account are implemented to reduce the overall risk during transaction process and the same time increase customers trustworthiness in using the system (Hutichinson and Warren, 2003). In Malaysia, a total number of 500 respondents from different banks customers have been investigated and found that security factor showed the highest Cronbach alpha score. This indicates that security and trust towards online systems are ultimately important in order to encourage customers to start to use online applications. Therefore, the major concern for banks to implement online banking falls on the extent to how customers perceived trustworthiness of a particular system (Poon, 2008). In the study of Al-Somali et al (2008), trust has found to have significant impact in influencing customer attitudes towards online banking usage in Saudi Arabia community. Whereby, Sathyes (1999) identified security and privacy as the biggest obstacles towards the adoption of online banking in Australia. Thus, it is clear that without trust, customers will avoid making any transactions in virtual online environment. Although the consequence of trust in business-customer relationship has been established, the trust construct in virtual online banking is still in a somewhat ambivalent manner, especially in developing countries context. Thus, we proposed the following hypothesis: H3. Trust will have a positive effect on consumers intention to adopt the online banking. Government Support Government plays a vital role in creating institutional environment to encourage the nation to adopt online banking services. In the efforts of government by investing heavily in the aspects of availability and quality of labor, technical infrastructure, policy, work force training and maintaining have nevertheless prepared banks a better platform to foster online banking service (Gibbs et al., 2003). It has been observed and verified in the previous studies that governmental support either in projects funding or adoption schemes have leveraged technology diffusion in a shorter period of time (Tan, 2000). For example Tan and Teo (2000) mentioned in their study that Singapore Government has successfully promoted the adoption of electronic data interchange (EDI) through educational program (Burn, 1995). In Malaysia, with the launch of Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) which is fully supported by government in 1996 has prepared Malaysia a great advancement into the thriving of ICT world. One of the key efforts of MSC is to provide the necessary facilities and technical skills for local and foreign businesses through its flagship applications and business services. With the implementations of electronic government, multi-purpose identification card, smart schools and telemedicine, government have tentatively encouraged the citizens to conduct transaction online. Vietnam, an emergence fast growing economy country has started to invest and improve its ICT infrastructure throughout the country. Rahn Wood, a senior executive of Techcombank, said that, although online baking remains unfamiliar in Vietnam, but it has foreseen to be potentially welcomed by Vietnamese people (VietnamNet, 2009). Although most of the people in Vietnam still prefer offline banking, there have seen an overwhelming increased usage in online banking, mobile banking, home banking, phone banking and other card and e-payment services. This phenomenon is particularly significant in the Ho Chi Minh capital (VietnamNet, 2009). Government should play the role to encourage citizens in order to increase the usage rate in online banking. Thus, we hypothesized that: H4. Government support has a positive effect on consumers intention to adopt the online banking.

Attack by Siegfried Sassoon; Anthem for Doomed Youth by Wilfred :: English Literature

Attack by Siegfried Sassoon; Anthem for Doomed Youth by Wilfred Owen; Belfast Confetti by Ciaran Carson; No More Hiroshima's by James Kirkup Compare and contrast the attitudes to conflict shown in three or four of these poems, pointing out how the poets use language to explore their ideas and emotions. Two of the poems listed above, attack and anthem for doomed youth are to do with things that happened during world war 1. Both Wilfrid Owen and Siegfried Sassoon were involved with this war, fighting for their country. The poems that they wrote about the war told of their experiences and in attack some of the terrible things Sassoon saw and was made to do. Anthem for doomed youth is more about what happened to the people at home and what they had to go through when they realised their men weren't coming home. I think that the authors of these poems wrote about the war because they wanted people to realise that war wasn't a good thing, all it brought about was pain, suffering and it killed a lot of people unnecessarily. Belfast Confetti is written about the troubles in Northern Ireland. In it the poet Ciaran Carson describes his route through the troubled streets. the poem talks of home-made bombs, firing guns and other missiles. It mentions some of the street names that he goes through all of which are the names of battles in various wars. When reading the poem you imagine that it should be said very fast almost imitating the gun shots spoken about by the author. The last poem I'll be writing about is No More Hiroshima's by James Kirkup. This poem is all about what remains of the city of Hiroshima after an atomic bomb was dropped on it at the end of world war 2. Kirkup describes his first impressions of Hiroshima as he passes through and other things he saw there that made him upset. I think that he decided to write this poem because what he saw affected him greatly and in some way he was almost angry when he saw some of the inhabitants attempts at trying to once again reconstruct a normal life for themselves. The bomb itself which was the first atomic bomb ever to be used in warfare was dropped on August 6th 1945. Over 130, 000 people were killed or severely injured by the bomb and its after effects. This means that Kirkup had nothing at all to do with Hiroshima itself as the bomb was dropped before his time. Also he wasn't Japanese. The first poem that I have decided to write about in full is attack by