Beyond Rivalry Essay

During childhood, sisters and brothers are a major part of each other’s lives, for better or for worse. As adults they may drift apart as they become involved in their own careers, marriages and families. But in later life, with retirement, an empty nest, and parents and sometimes spouses gone, brothers and sisters often turn back to each other for a special affinity and link to the past. â€Å"In the stressful, fast- paced world we live in, the sibling relationship becomes for many the only intimate connection that seems to last,† says psychologist Michael Kahn of the University of Hartford. Friends and neighbors may move away, former coworkers are forgotten, marriages break up, but no matter what, our sisters and brothers remain our sisters and brothers. This late- life bond may be especially important to the â€Å"Baby Boom† generation now in adulthood, who average about two or three sibling apiece. High divorce rates and the decision by many couples to have only one or no children will force members of this generation to look to their brothers and sisters for support in old age. And, as psychologist Deborah Gold of the Duke Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development points out, â€Å"Since people are living longer and are healthier longer, they will be more capable of giving help. † Critical events can bring siblings together or deepen an existing rift, according to a study by psychologists Helgola Ross and Joel Milgram of the University of Cincinnati. Parental sickness or death is a prime example. Ross and Milgram found that siblings immersed in rivalry and conflict were even more torn apart by the death or sickness of a parent. Those siblings who had been close since childhood became closer. In a study of older people with sisters and brothers, Gold found that about 20 percent said they were either hostile or indifferent toward their siblings. Reasons for the rifts ranged from inheritance disputes to animosity between spouses. But many of those who had poor relationship felt guilt and remorse. A man who hadn’t spoken with his sister in 20 years described their estrangement as a â€Å"festering sore. Although most people in Ross and Milgram’s study admitted to some lingering rivalry, it was rarely strong enough to end the relationship. Only 4 out of the 55 people they interviewed had completely broken with their siblings and only 1 of the 4 felt comfortable with the break, leaving the researchers to ask, â€Å"Is it psychologically impossible to disassociate oneself from one’s siblings in the way one can forget old friends or even former mates? † As brothers and sisters advance into old age, â€Å"closeness increases and rivalry diminishes,† explains Victor Cicirelli, a psychologist at Purdue University. Most of the elderly people he interviewed said they had supportive and friendly dealings and got along well or very well with their brothers and sisters. Only 4 percent got along poorly. Gold found that as people age they often become more involved with and interested in their siblings. Fifty- three percent of those she interviewed said that contact with their sisters and brothers increased in late adulthood. With family and career obligations reduced, many said they had more time for each other. Others said that they felt it was â€Å"time to heal wounds. A man who had recently reconciled with his brother told Gold, â€Å"There’s something that lets older people put aside the bad deeds of the past and focus a little on what we need now†¦especially when it’s brothers and sisters. † Another reason for increased contact was anxiety about a sister’s or brother’s declining health. Many would call more often to â€Å"check in† and see how the other was doing. Men especially reported feeling increased responsibility for a sibling; women were more likely to cite emotional motivation such as feelings of empathy and security. Siblings also assume special importance as other sources of contact and support dwindle. Each of us moves through life with a â€Å"convoy† of people who supply comfort and nurturance, says psychologist Toni C. Antonucci of the University of Michigan. As we age, the size of the convoy gradually declines because of death, sickness or moving. â€Å"Brothers and sisters who may not have been important convoy members earlier in life can become so in old age,† Gold says. And they do more than fill in gaps. Many people told Gold that the loneliness they felt could not be satisfied by just anyone. They wanted a specific type of relationship, one that only someone who had shared their past could provide. This far- reaching link to the past is a powerful bond between siblings in later life. â€Å"There’s a review process we all go through in old age to resolve whether we are pleased with our lives,† Gold explains. â€Å"A sibling can help retrieve a memory and validate our experiences. People have said to me, â€Å"I can remember some with my spouse or with friends. But they only person who goes all the way back is my sister and brother. † Cicirelli agrees that reviewing the past together is a rewarding activity. â€Å"Siblings have a very important role in maintaining a connection to early life,† he says. â€Å"Discussing the past evokes the warmth of early family life. In validates and clarifies events of the early years. † Furthermore, he has found that encouraging depressed older people to reminisce with a sister or brother can improve their morale. Some of the factors that affect how much contact siblings will have, such as how near they live, are obvious. Others are more unexpected-for example. Whether there is a sister in the clan. Cicirelli found that elderly people most often feel closet to a sister and are more likely to keep in touch through her. According to Gold, sisters, by tradition, often assume a caretaking and kin- keeping role, especially after the death of their mother. â€Å"In many situations you see two brothers who don’t talk to each other that much but keep track of each other through their sisters,† she says. Researchers have found that the bond between sisters is strongest, followed by the one between sisters and brothers and, last, between brothers. Sisters and brothers who live near each other will, as a matter of course, see more of each other. But Cicirelli says that proximity is not crucial to a strong relationship later in life. â€Å"Because of multiple chronic illnesses, people in their 80s and 90s can’t get together that easily. Even so, the sibling seems to evoke positive feelings based on the images of feelings inside. † Gold’s finding support this assertion. During a two- year period, contact among her respondents decreaed slightly, but positive feelings increased. Just the idea that the sibling is alive, that ‘there is someone I can call,’ is comforting. † Although older people may find solace in the thought that their siblings are there if they need them, rarely do they call each other for help or offer each other instrumental support, such as loaning money, running errands of performing favors. â€Å"Even though you find siblings saying that they’d be glad to help each other and saying they would ask for help if necessary, rarely do they ask,† Cicirelli points out. Gold believes that there are several reasons siblings don’t turn to each other more for instrumental help. First, since they are usually about the same age, they may be equally needy or frail. Another reason is that many people consider their siblings safety nets who will save them after everything else has failed. A son or daughter will almost always be turned to first. It’s more acceptable in our society to look up or down the family ladder for help than sideways. Finally, siblings may not turn to each other for help because of latent rivalry. They may believe that if they need to call on a brother or sister they are admitting that the other person is a success and â€Å"I am a failure. † Almost all of the people in Gold’s study said they would rather continue on their own than ask their sister or brother for help. But she found that a crisis beyond control would inspire â€Å"a ‘rallying’ of some or all siblings around the brother or sister in need. † Despite the quarreling and competition many people associate with the mere mention of their sisters and brothers, most of us, Gold says, will find â€Å"unexpected strengths in this relationship in later life. †

Farewell Speech Essay

A Journey by Train A journey by train is the cheapest, comfortable and safe. Last Sunday I went to see my uncle at Rawalpindi. I got up early in the morning. I hired a rickshaw and reached the station. I bought a ticket. There was great rush at the platform. Every body was in a hurry. The train reached in time. I hurriedly boarded the train. Fortunately, I got comfortable seat near the window. The guard whistled and the train moved at 5 a. m. The train passed through the green fields, barren areas and mountains. Trees, buildings and mountains looked running backward. I saw different sights and landscapes. The train crossed many rivers and canals. At last, it arrived at 11 a. m. at Rawalpindi Railway Station. My uncle and cousin were present there to receive me. It was a good experience. My Country The name of my country is Pakistan. It is my home land. It is a Muslim country. It is founded by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. It came into existence on August 14, 1947. it has four provinces. Punjab, Sindh, Frontier and Baluchistan. Every province has its own culture. The people of every province are recognized by their language and dress. But being Pakistanis, they all are one nation. Its national language is Urdu. The official language is still English. Its population is about 16 crore. It is an agricultural country. There are many rivers in it which irrigate its crops. Its main food crops are wheat, maize and rice. Its main cash crops are cotton, tobacco, and seeds. Its area is 310403 square miles. There are high mountains, vast plains and deep sea in it. India China and Afganistan are its neighbouring countries. There are many universities, colleges, and schools in it. It is making progress in industry quickly. May God keep my country in running condition! My village A.B.C is my village. It is situated on Lahore Faisalabad main road. It is 35 kilometers from Faisalabad. It is a large and big village. Its population is about 22,000. Most of the villagers are farmers. Some are factory workers. Some are government servants. The others do their own business. All the villagers are hardworking. They earn well. All are well to do. There are left only some kacha houses. The people of my village are very fond of learning. Except some, all the boys and girls go to school and colleges. There are two high schools in my village one for boys and one for girls. There are six shops in my village. There is a post office, a patwar-khana, an office of the union council and a dispensary in it. The agricultural land of my village is very fertile and rich. My village produces big crops every year. It is an important and beautiful village. SCHOOL SHOKEEPER OR OUR TUCK-SHOP We have a nice, little tuck-shop in our school. It is run by Mr. Nazir. He is about 45. He is a gentleman. He is very polite to polite the students. Most of the students are known to him. He sells fruit, sweets, eggs, milk, tea and other edibles. We can buy cold drinks of many kinds and some stationary. Sometimes the students borrow things. He writes their names with date and amount in a register. He charges the reasonable prices. He sells the pure and No.1 things. The headmaster often tests and checks his things. He advises him to keep his things clean, fresh and pure. It is always a pleasure to pay a visit to it. Rich students frequently visit the shop while the poor now and then. Because it needs some money to visit his shop recess is the rush time of this shop. The shop keeper opens it before the school opens and closes it after the school time. A FARMER A farmer is the most important member of our society. He grows food and corn for us. He gets up with the first crow of the cock. He goes to the cattle shed. He feeds his cattle and milks the buffaloes. Then he says the morning prayers. He takes his breakfast and goes to fields. He works there till noon. Now he ploughs the fields. Then he sows the crops. At another time, he waters the fields. At noon, his wife brings his lunch. After the lunch, he takes some rest, after about two hours, he is again busy with his work. He returns home in the evening. My Father Father is a blessing of Allah. But a kind and generous father is the greatest blessing of Allah. M. Riaz is my dear father. He is an M.A in English and teaches in local High School. He is about 30. He is tall and strong. He is clean shave. He has a graceful personality. He is a true Muslim. He says his prayers regularly. He recites the Holy Quran daily. He awakes us early in the morning and takes us to the masjid. He makes us to live according to the Sunnah. He never lets us go astray. He does his duty honestly. He teaches us to be honest to our work. The Telephone. The telephone was one of the most important inventions of the nineteenth century. It was invented by Alenander Graham Bell. Since then, the telephone changed many forms, shapes and sizes. Later, mobile phones were produced. Their use is that they can be carried anywhere, as they are very small. The telephone works in the way that it converts our sound into electric impulses. These impulses then travel through wires and cables and reach the receiver as sound. At first the telephone was present in only the big cities. In small towns and villages, it was not present. But then, as development of towns and villages took place, the telephone was provided over there as well. Also, international calls could not be made directly, People had to go to exchanges to make international calls. But now you can dial international number sitting in your house. Now-a-days, you can even make phone calls through the computer. Telephone is a great facility for the people of all around the world to connect them one another. Television What a wonderful feat the scientists have done by invented a television! They have provided us with a source of recreation. It is a boon for the people. In the twenty first century, science is progressing by leaps and bounds. It has caused many inventions. The television is one of the wonders of this age. It has made our life easier and more pleasant. We are very fortunate that we are born in the modern scientific age. The television is a symbol of the wonderful progress. It is manufactured by a large number of firms. It has become very common now-a-days. We can say, it has become a part of modern life. We enjoy many facilities as the ancient people could not even dream of it. We are indebted to that benefactor of humanity who invented it. Bit scientists are always busy in inventing such things as many lessen the troubles of human beings and give them comfort. A village Fair There was time when the amusements enjoyed by the villagers were quite different from that of the people living in cities. They took part in the sports, Kabaddi matches and listened to folk songs. With the passage of time, we find no difference between the amusements of the villagers and those of the citizen. Construction of roads has connected the villages to the cities. Electricity has been supplied to most of the villages. Every village has a television set and refrigerator in his home. That entertains his guests with pepsi cola and other cold drinks. Besides sports and kabaddi matches a village fair is also poplar recreation for the village folk. Farmers work hard all the year in their fields. They need some hours of relief and relaxation from boring life. A fair provides them a good entertainment after a harvest. It provides them an opportunity to enjoy to their heart’s content. They forget their cares, worries and laborious work. They put a few hours in the fun and frolic of the fair. Fairs are associated with seasons. In Lahore Mela Cheraghan is held in the last week of March. Mela Naulakha Hazrari is held at Shahkot (Sheikhupura) on 23rd March every year. It is celebrated in memory of a saint. Villagers come from far and near to enjoy the fair. It continues for three day. They attend the fair in groups. They shout, laugh and dance at the beat of drums. There are stalls and shops of toys and sweets, which have a good sale. Fair the most popular form of entertainment for the villagers. It provides them relief from the year long hard work. Mobile Mobile is a mini device through which people talk with one another. It is the latest invention of this era. There was a time when telephone had great important in business fields and in houses to keep the people in touch with one another. But with the advent of mobile, houses look bare with telephones even offices as well. Mobile is a mini device without wires. Mobile is not only a means of talking to others but also it does many other activities of people. The latest mobiles work like a computer. We can watch movies stored in its memory. We can draw a lot of pictures through its camera. We can watch many live programmes on its mini screen if it has the facility of internet in its functions. Using internet, we can employ facebook , google, youtube and many more websites that we need. Mobile is a sort of mini computer. A latest mobile does all the activities which a computer does. It always remains with us and helps us when we are in trouble. A traveling person does not have any difficulty to reach his goal. A business man always feels a helplessness if he does not have any mobile. Mobile has become the dire need of human life.

An Overview of Population Growth in Vietnam and New Zealand

In this essay, I would make some comparison and contrast of population growth rates between Vietnam and New Zealand since 2000s as well as give reasons for rise or decline in population. Besides that, population growth has effects on the economy and society of two countries will be discussed. There are differences in the population growth in Vietnam and New Zealand. Overall, the rates look dissimilar in two countries. It is evident from both graphs about the population growth rate in New Zealand and Vietnam of CIA World Factbook, New Zealand is the country with low population growth rate while Vietnam has high population growth rate. As can be seen from the graph of New Zealand (CIA World Factbook) , the rate fluctuated mildly. The highest rate in 2000 reached 1. 17% whereas the lowest one in 2011 accounted for 0. 88%. Between 2000 and 2007 the population growth rate dropped steadily from 1. 17% to 0. 95% then rose slightly to 0. 97% in 2008. From 2008 to 2011, it declined gradually to 0. 88%. It is noticeable from the graph of Vietnam (CIA World Factbook), the population growth rate fluctuated widely. The highest rate in 2000 made up 1. 49 but the lowest one stood at 0. 98% in 2009. From 2000 to 2003, the number of population growth has a sharp fall from 1. 49% to 1. 29% then increased slightly to 1. 3% in 2004. Between 2004 and 2009 the rate dropped dramatically to 0. 98% afterward had a minimal rise to 1. 1% in 2010. Then it went down gradually to 1. 08% by 2011. Similarly, both the population growth rates in Vietnam and New Zealand declined in some periods, 2000-2007, 2008-2009, 2010-2011. However, a comparison of population growth rates in two countries reveals several similarities but the great deal number of differences. In stages 2003-2004 and 2009-2010, while the number of population growth increased in Vietnam, it decreased in New Zealand. From 2007 to 2008, the population growth rate went up in New Zealand whereas went down in Vietnam. Second, the reason for the rise or the decline in population in New Zealand is completely different from that in Vietnam. While the main reasons in New Zealand are emigration and low birth rate, in Vietnam those are high population structure and low awareness of women living in rural areas. The main reason to explain the decrease in population in New Zealand is emigration. According to the ABS and Statistics New Zealand, it is estimated about 14% New Zealanders emigrate to other countries each year. Of these, over three-fourths emigrate to Australia. Other communities of New Zealanders abroad are concentrated in other English-speaking countries, specifically the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, with smaller numbers located elsewhere. The low birth rates also affect the decrease in population in New Zealand. As professor Natalie Jackson from Waikato University’s National Institute of Demographic and Economic Analysis mentioned New Zealanders’ birth rates have declined over the past several decades. People are living longer because of increased access to immunization, primary health care and disease eradication programs. Many parents are realizing that as health conditions improve, more of their children are likely to survive, so they are choosing to have fewer babies. In addition, with greater access to education and jobs, more women in New Zealand are starting their families later and are having fewer, healthier children (Study to find solutions to population decline, www. waikato. ac. nz). It is said that Vietnam is the third most densely populated country in Southeast Asia behind Singapore and Philippines. The main argument to explain the rise in population in Vietnam is high population structure. According to UN’s article in Vietnam, the population growth rate in Vietnam went down recently because the country has experienced a decrease in the total fertility rate. Even when the total fertility drops below replacement level, the absolute number of people will continue to increase due to population momentum . The continued population growth is the legacy of earlier years of high fertility rates and cannot be avoided. So each year population in Vietnam increased reaching an average of one million people (Vietnam’s population keeps growing despite decrease in total fertility rate, http://www. un. org. vn). Another convincing reason is low awareness of women living rural areas. There were 60,410,101 people (70. 4% total population of the country) living in rural areas. Of these, three-fourth women especially in high land central provinces married before the age of 20, with a woman on an average bearing four or more than four children. However, later the legal marriage age for women was set at 22 but this law met serious opposition in those areas. As the Vietnamese believed in â€Å"falling in love early and getting married early† (Vietnam Population, http://www. asiarooms. com). Changes in population have both positive and negative impacts on the society and economy. In Vietnam, increased population growth generally represents problems for country- it means increased need for food, infrastructure, services, jobs†¦ In addition, the population growth also provides a huge amount of labor force, the potential for rapid economic development is certainly there (Population Growth  Rates, www. geography. about. com). In contrast, New Zealand’s government is facing a considerable loss of gray matter because of emigration. Nearly one quarter of New Zealand’s highly-skilled workers live overseas, mostly in Australia and Britain, more than any other developed nation. That will cause a serious damage on its economy (Demographics of New Zealand, http://en. wikipedia. org). In conclusion, population growth rate varies from country to country. Even though Vietnam and New Zealand seem similar in many features of population growth rates since 2000s, the causes of declining or increasing population and the effects on economy and society of two countries are totally different. Besides that, Vietnam’s government should have strict population policies, education programs for women to control population growth and New Zealand’s is expected to have more investments to prevent skillful workers from emigrating as well as improve the birth rates. An Overview of Population Growth in Vietnam and New Zealand In this essay, I would make some comparison and contrast of population growth rates between Vietnam and New Zealand since 2000s as well as give reasons for rise or decline in population. Besides that, population growth has effects on the economy and society of two countries will be discussed. There are differences in the population growth in Vietnam and New Zealand. Overall, the rates look dissimilar in two countries. It is evident from both graphs about the population growth rate in New Zealand and Vietnam of CIA World Factbook, New Zealand is the country with low population growth rate while Vietnam has high population growth rate. As can be seen from the graph of New Zealand (CIA World Factbook) , the rate fluctuated mildly. The highest rate in 2000 reached 1. 17% whereas the lowest one in 2011 accounted for 0. 88%. Between 2000 and 2007 the population growth rate dropped steadily from 1. 17% to 0. 95% then rose slightly to 0. 97% in 2008. From 2008 to 2011, it declined gradually to 0. 88%. It is noticeable from the graph of Vietnam (CIA World Factbook), the population growth rate fluctuated widely. The highest rate in 2000 made up 1. 49 but the lowest one stood at 0. 98% in 2009. From 2000 to 2003, the number of population growth has a sharp fall from 1. 49% to 1. 29% then increased slightly to 1. 3% in 2004. Between 2004 and 2009 the rate dropped dramatically to 0. 98% afterward had a minimal rise to 1. 1% in 2010. Then it went down gradually to 1. 08% by 2011. Similarly, both the population growth rates in Vietnam and New Zealand declined in some periods, 2000-2007, 2008-2009, 2010-2011. However, a comparison of population growth rates in two countries reveals several similarities but the great deal number of differences. In stages 2003-2004 and 2009-2010, while the number of population growth increased in Vietnam, it decreased in New Zealand. From 2007 to 2008, the population growth rate went up in New Zealand whereas went down in Vietnam. Second, the reason for the rise or the decline in population in New Zealand is completely different from that in Vietnam. While the main reasons in New Zealand are emigration and low birth rate, in Vietnam those are high population structure and low awareness of women living in rural areas. The main reason to explain the decrease in population in New Zealand is emigration. According to the ABS and Statistics New Zealand, it is estimated about 14% New Zealanders emigrate to other countries each year. Of these, over three-fourths emigrate to Australia. Other communities of New Zealanders abroad are concentrated in other English-speaking countries, specifically the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, with smaller numbers located elsewhere. The low birth rates also affect the decrease in population in New Zealand. As professor Natalie Jackson from Waikato University’s National Institute of Demographic and Economic Analysis mentioned New Zealanders’ birth rates have declined over the past several decades. People are living longer because of increased access to immunization, primary health care and disease eradication programs. Many parents are realizing that as health conditions improve, more of their children are likely to survive, so they are choosing to have fewer babies. In addition, with greater access to education and jobs, more women in New Zealand are starting their families later and are having fewer, healthier children (Study to find solutions to population decline, www. waikato. ac. nz). It is said that Vietnam is the third most densely populated country in Southeast Asia behind Singapore and Philippines. The main argument to explain the rise in population in Vietnam is high population structure. According to UN’s article in Vietnam, the population growth rate in Vietnam went down recently because the country has experienced a decrease in the total fertility rate. Even when the total fertility drops below replacement level, the absolute number of people will continue to increase due to population momentum . The continued population growth is the legacy of earlier years of high fertility rates and cannot be avoided. So each year population in Vietnam increased reaching an average of one million people (Vietnam’s population keeps growing despite decrease in total fertility rate, http://www. un. org. vn). Another convincing reason is low awareness of women living rural areas. There were 60,410,101 people (70. 4% total population of the country) living in rural areas. Of these, three-fourth women especially in high land central provinces married before the age of 20, with a woman on an average bearing four or more than four children. However, later the legal marriage age for women was set at 22 but this law met serious opposition in those areas. As the Vietnamese believed in â€Å"falling in love early and getting married early† (Vietnam Population, http://www. asiarooms. com). Changes in population have both positive and negative impacts on the society and economy. In Vietnam, increased population growth generally represents problems for country- it means increased need for food, infrastructure, services, jobs†¦ In addition, the population growth also provides a huge amount of labor force, the potential for rapid economic development is certainly there (Population Growth  Rates, www. geography. about. com). In contrast, New Zealand’s government is facing a considerable loss of gray matter because of emigration. Nearly one quarter of New Zealand’s highly-skilled workers live overseas, mostly in Australia and Britain, more than any other developed nation. That will cause a serious damage on its economy (Demographics of New Zealand, http://en. wikipedia. org). In conclusion, population growth rate varies from country to country. Even though Vietnam and New Zealand seem similar in many features of population growth rates since 2000s, the causes of declining or increasing population and the effects on economy and society of two countries are totally different. Besides that, Vietnam’s government should have strict population policies, education programs for women to control population growth and New Zealand’s is expected to have more investments to prevent skillful workers from emigrating as well as improve the birth rates.

Business environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Business environment - Essay Example IKEA has more than 1,500 suppliers spread around 50 plus countries, and it uses online and mail order selling tactics. The company’s success lies in resourcing the right manufacturer for a precise product. The suppliers and designers pose a threat of customizing some of IKEA’s products to sell them for a better price in the market due to IKEA’s cost-cutting strategies and low profit margins. The company, however, has been enjoying steady growth in sales each year due to its store expansion and continuous price cut strategies, despite a maximum of 10% operating profit in home furnishings (Jones, 2008). Coca-Cola Coca-Cola is one of the world’s top notch organisations offering refreshing soft-drinks in the non-alcoholic beverage category. Four of the world’s top five brands in soft-drinks belong to The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC). These brands are Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Fanta and Sprite. It also licenses a number of other brands and drinks for sale, amoun ting up to 3,500 in more than 200 countries. More than one billion carbonated drinks produced by TCCC are consumed each day. The formula for Coke was invented in 1886, primarily for the purpose of medicinal usage, by pharmacist John Pemberton of Atlanta (Hoovers, 2012) To analyze the business environment and variations in the market, we need to use the PESTLE method. PESTLE is short form for Political, Economic, Sociological, Technological, Legal and Environmental, all of which determine the ever fluctuating market (Morrison, 2007). PESTLE Analysis of IKEA and Coca-Cola Political Political analysis studies the existing and possible effects of political pressures. IKEA is an organisation that is successful in both international and domestic business. It is a Swedish based company that has set world-wide brand recognition, and has gained popularity by retailing Scandinavian design furniture with flat packaging and â€Å"do-it-yourself† trend (Analysis on IKEA, 2010). Government plays a vital part in the operation of manufacturing Coca-Cola as it is a non-alcoholic beverage falling under FDA. If the company does not meet the regulation requirements laid out by the government, then the government has the authority to impose fines on such companies. The changes in laws and regulations may also affect the organisation’s entry in another country. In order to enter the emerging and developing countries, the company needs to study its political conditions and changes, with respect to the government and internal markets, as it affects the penetration ability of the company. Both Coca-Cola and IKEA endlessly watch and observe the regulations and policies laid out by the government (Analysis on Coca Cola, 2009). Economic Economic analysis studies consist of both the national and local economy, and its impact on the world. This also comprises of the inflation rates and issues related to recession. In order to own customer loyalty, different strategies are bei ng adopted by IKEA, keeping in view the current trends and economic changes. IKEA also adopted other styles in its furniture product category, such as dinnerware and rugs, in order to compete with the changing economic conditions and boost market performance. The company needs to analyze key issues involved in the economic conditions and every aspect of business, in order to spawn high performance (Analysis on IKEA

Media use forecast Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Media use forecast - Assignment Example Before I sleep I browse internet in private and go through my Facebook page where I interact with friends and share personal experiences with various friends. In regard to the media content I focus on, I comment positively on various health-related issues on Facebook. I also comment on public debate by sending messages through twitter to the television network viewers and hosts. My media diet has helped me keep friends and official links that are of much socio-economic gain in my life (Johnson 43). The issues I focus on in media keeps me updated on latest healthcare research findings and emerging technology which is relevant for the contemporary competitive infection-ridden society. My experience with the violent and sexual explicit media content in some programmes in television, magazines and Facebook began to absorb me and nearly cost me my job. I had become addicted and realized that besides losing my job I was also deviating from acceptable moral standards. I therefore decided to reconsider my media diet which has significantly improved my knowledge and moral

Catastrophes, cultures,and the angry earth assigment Essay

Catastrophes, cultures,and the angry earth assigment - Essay Example It was a leap backwards to history. An earthquake took the imperial Japan to a century back! No buildings stood high in Tokyo’s frightened streets. No one held their heads high there either. Even the gloomy sky was full of dark monstrous smoke clouds. Everything stood on its head after a monster from deep beneath Izu Oshima Island in Sagami Bay paid its deadly visit to the mainland Japan. The invisible waves simply took nearly hundred and fifty thousands human lives with it. The human might that built the great cities of post-World War I was no match for the mighty shake of the earth. Tokyo and Yokohama were no more cities but piles of rambles. The temblor stole the all-life labour of millions of toiling masses. Even the wealth of royals and the elites were not spared. The fire which spread from house to house sucked up everything in its way. Capitalists and labourers went together along the line of fire. Even the pet dogs ended up with a small meek voice. September 1, 1923 ma rked the end of Japan’s deeply entrenched romance with wooden houses. Two million homeless people shivered on the streets as did their houses earlier in the day. Death and destruction triumphed over the wreckage. Displacement was at its zenith; of people, statues, landscapes, railway tracks, buildings and so on. There was no one remaining without cursing their fate. There was no one remaining not fearing the wrath of mother earth. ... Slabs of plaster left the ceilings and fell about our ears, filling the air with a blinding, smothering fog of dust†. The monster that came as invisible waves from under the earth swallowed whatever existed over the earth. After the frightening ten minutes, to add oil to the fire, there were more than two hundred after shocks. And, another three hundred aftershocks in the next couple of days. The catastrophe did not end with earthquakes, fires and tsunami. At many places, the earth was literally lifted high. The shape of the shorelines changed. The ground was dramatically uplifted and depressed. Hundreds of landslides gulped scores of villages. An immense mudslide simply buried a village called Nebukawa in Idu province besides killing hundreds of people. The conflagration that followed the earthquake was not easy to contain. The victims who trapped in the rabbles were buried alive by the fire. Both the cities of Yokohama and Tokyo were under fire for next two days. Coal and cha rcoal stoves, which then were widely used, provided the necessary link for fire from one house to another. The fire was coupled with the improperly stored chemicals and fuels. More than forty thousand refugees were killed by the skyline fire at the Military Clothing Depot in Honjo Ward alone. Fire and wind played hand in glove and neighbourhood after neighbourhood fell like dominoes for the flames. Especially in Yokohama, the fire was more villainous than the earthquake in taking the tolls. Nearly seven hundred thousand houses were fully or partially destroyed. After the earthquake, the water shortage spread like wildfire, leaving the possibility of fighting fire in complete vein. Moreover, telephone and telegraph communication

Can Kuwait save the GCC Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Can Kuwait save the GCC - Assignment Example The states that make up the GCC feel that Qatar is not honoring its part of the agreement in relation to regional security. In response to this, Bahrain, the UAF and Saudi Arabia have opted to withdraw their ambassadors from the country (2). The GCC member states are calling on Qatar to honor the November 2013 accord that calls for severing ties with the Muslim Brotherhood, greatly restrict the movement of Iranian operatives within the zone, and stop all privileges enjoyed by Sheikh Yusef al-Qaradawi, an Egyptian Scholar, to make public broadcasts (2). In this respect, the GCC member states are requesting Qatar to disallow Sheikh Yusef from making broadcasts, severe ties with the Muslim Brotherhood, and stop facilitating the movement of those considered to be Iranian operatives within the GCC zone. While the GCC countries feel that Qatar is interfering in the zone’s security matters that are enshrined in their accord and uniting agreements, Qatar feels that the move to withdraw ambassadors by other GCC states from Doha has no relation to do with the stability, security and interests of nationals of the GCC (3). Instead it was linked to a difference opinions regarding issues that are external to the GCC (3). By allowing Iranian operatives into the GCC zone, the U.S. and its affiliates will find cause to severe ties with GCC member states on the premise that they are supporting Iran’s aggressive activities and stance toward developing nuclear weapons.

Discuss the learning environment on reggio emilia, steiner and Essay

Discuss the learning environment on reggio emilia, steiner and montessori early years settings - Essay Example It is only unique to Reggio Emilia as there are no international colleges to train someone to become a Reggio Emilia teacher whatsoever. The organization of the learning environment for Reggio Emilia is very critical to the early childhood program. It is often known as the childs third teacher. The major aims that are involved in the design of the new spaces or learning environment and the remodeling of the ones which are old usually includes a combination of each classroom with the rest of the school, and the surrounding community that is adjacent to the school. The importance of this learning environment lies with the feeling that all children can come up with the best meaning and make sense of the world through learning environments which support involving, varicolored, sustained, and the changing relationships among people, the experience in the world, ideas and the numerous ways of showing ideas. The preschools are specifically filled with elements such as indoor plants and vines with the natural light evident. The classrooms are open to a center piazza while the kitchens are open to the general view. Additionally, the access to the surrounding communities is all but assured through windows that are almost wall-size. The entries are the ones that mainly capture the attention of the children and the grownups through the mirrors that are on the walls and ceilings. Other important features of this learning environment include the abundant space that is available for the supplies. They are often rearranged in order to draw the attention that is related to their beautiful features. There are studio spaces in each classroom which are in the form of an ample anterior that is centrally located. In the school, there are significant efforts of creating opportunities for children interaction. Waldorf schools are based on the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, who is a philosopher based in Austria. Rudolfs feelings on

Inner City Violence Article Critique Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Inner City Violence Article Critique - Essay Example It rules out the popularly held belief that girls, owing to their gender, do not get involved in incidents of violence in the inner cities. Most of the ethnographic literature written hitherto on the concept of inner city violence has focussed mainly, if not only, on the experiences of distressed men and boys in inner city neighbourhoods. But the fact is that girls are not simply exempted of such treatment owing to their gender. Jones’ article attempts to reveal the impact of the interplay of â€Å"reputation, respect and retaliation† on the poor, urban girls and women (Jones, 2008, p.63). It also aims at exploring the role of gender in shaping up the experiences of urban and ethnically marginalised girls with inner city violence. It thus helps in establishing the complicated though much-needed relationship between gender and violence in the urban US. The author establishes her view on the basis of her analysis of interviews with several adolescents who had been involved in inner city violence. All the respondents approached in this study belonged to the age group 12 to 24 years. They were all African-Americans who were enrolled in a city-hospital-based intervention for checking violence in the city. These individuals who had voluntarily enrolled for this violence intervention program had been involved in recent activities of racial violence and ran the risk of getting involved in similar incidents in their near future. The author’s fieldwork for this study extended over a period of three years (2001-03) and in three distinct phases. The first phase of research was characterised by a discussion with the intervention counsellors who had the first-hand experience of interacting with the teenagers. It was complemented by a participant observation of the teenaged youth who were enrolled in the program and interviews with their peers, family and relatives. This was followed by the second phase in which 24

Pakistan's need for economic growth focusing on solar energy and Research Paper

Pakistan's need for economic growth focusing on solar energy and working water filtration plants - Research Paper Example Energy is required to operate any institution in the modern world. On the other hand, the management of energy and its efficient use can reduce the demand of energy. Energy efficient devices and appliances save a lot of electrical units. Electrical energy is mostly generated by utilizing the fossil fuel resources. With the passage of time, the fossil fuel resources are becoming short due to the depletion in the fossil fuel reservoirs. As, the supply is becoming short the demand of the fossil fuel resources is rising and thus the value of the fuel resources is increasing. It is a general concept that fossil fuel based generated power is considered the costliest power as compared to hydro power or solar or wind. A research designed to evaluate the water shortage in the world depicts that about 1.3 billion people worldwide suffer from water shortage. People, in the underdeveloped and developing regions of the world, are more likely to catch the diseases that are transferred from contami nated water. Water contamination kills more people in underdeveloped regions than cancer, aids and other such diseases. People are less aware of water filtration and treatment. Small scale water filtration plants can solve the problem and prevent diseased water from entering the human body. Low energy consuming filtration plants based on solar distillation, RO filtration or other water purification methods can be utilized that consume less energy and still maintain the acceptable quality of water. Pakistan shows the similar conditions as other under developed countries due to the lack of the clean drinking water, lack of electrical energy, lack of heath services and lack of economic stability. A deep study depicts that the cost of electrical energy in Pakistan is 13 times the cost of electrical energy in Saudi Arabia. There is a need to develop a small or a large scale power generation units by utilizing the solar energy in Pakistan to bring economic stability. On the other hand, it is equally important o provide people with safe drinking water by utilizing the small scale water filtration plants. Research Questions Can solar energy and small working water filtration plants bring economic stability is Pakistan and how women can play their part in he economic stability of the Country? Body of the Paper The maintenance cost of the fossil fuel based power plant is considerably high. Moreover, a fossil fuel based power plant can be only 40% efficient, as the major part of the fuel converts to waste heat. Besides the environmental perspective, it is also economically less feasible to utilize coal, oil or gas for power generation. On the other hand, in future the fuel will cost more than the current price due to its short supply in the future. The need of the time is to utilize the alternate resources for the generation of energy1. Solar and wind energy have more potential than our current needs. Solar energy can be utilized to generate power directly by utilizing t he solar photovoltaic panels. It can be adopted individually or on a large scale. It is an efficient way to generate energy. Economic Evaluation of Solar energy Solar energy converts solar radiation into electrical energy. Solar energy has two contents; one is light energy and other content is thermal energy. Solar Photovoltaic cells are capable of converting solar light into electrical energy that can be stored in batteries and can be utilized in night. Solar energy can be harnessed for individual as well as industrial demand. Solar PV panels only consume sun radiations to generate energy. Solar light is free of cost and it will remain till the solar system remains2. The

Summary of Professional Ethics Module Essay Example for Free

Summary of Professional Ethics Module Essay Ethics is a branch of philosophy that studies the difference between right and wrong. As professional accountants, you will have many opportunities to choose between right and wrong. And as you have seen in the business press, making the wrong choice can lead to serious consequences including corporate failure, loss of reputation, fines, and even jail sentences. The objective of this unit is to introduce you to different branches of ethics, in order to help you understand that people approach the topic with different points of view. You will learn about different ways of thinking through an ethical question. This will help you identify the way that you make decisions so that you can recognise your own personal ethics in any professional ethical problem that you may be faced with. In this way, you can mitigate any detrimental impact of your own personal ethics, with a view to a more objective approach. Perspectives on ethics In very broad terms, there are three ways of looking at ethics that have developed over time: rules conformance, good intentions, and competence. One way of thinking about ethics is in terms of conformity to rules. From this perspective, ethics is understood as a list of things to do and to not do. Sometimes the list gets very long and complicated and needs to be interpreted by a whole institution of people. The ethical person, from this perspective, is the one who conforms to the rules. A second way of thinking about ethics is in terms of good intentions. From this perspective, a behaviour is considered ethical if it is based on good intentions. Good behaviour then follows from good thinking. The third perspective thinks of ethics in terms of competence. From this perspective, the ethical person is one who can make decisions based on principles and then act on them. This perspective is thought of as looking at competence, because ethics is thought of in terms of an ability rather than an attitude our duty to others One way to think about ethics is to acknowledge that there are things that someone just does not do, as part of a duty to others. A limitation of this principle is that you have to decide what those things are that someone should not do. At least one philosopher (Immanuel Kant) has defined those duties by saying ‘act according to principles that everyone could follow. ’ For example, if you disobey traffic lights, you should consider what would happen if everyone did so. The point is that we should recognise everyone as equals, and not assume that the rules are any different for ourselves than they are for other people. As an accounting example, a professional accountant would not deliberately issue false or inaccurate financial statements. If everyone did so, no statements could be trusted and as a consequence not only would the profession be brought into disrepute, but all financial statements would have no value to their users. Ultimately the need for accountants and for financial reports would be called into question. Consequences Another way of thinking about ethics is based on thinking about the consequences to different people. Briefly, consequentialism encourages you to make decisions based on the consequences — both positive and negative — for those involved. This category of thinking is the branch of ethics known as utilitarianism. This states that an action is right if it leads to the most good outcomes and the least bad outcomes for the greatest number of people. One limitation of thinking about ethics in terms of consequences is that you have to agree on what sorts of consequences matter: for example, should you be trying to promote pleasure and avoid causing pain, or should you instead focus on promoting people’s actual well-being, regardless of whether doing so makes them happy? A modern application of this point of view is the cost-benefit analysis, which involves assigning monetary values to the costs and benefits of an action and seeing how they add up. This practice is often used in evaluating new projects. As an accounting example, an accountant thinking in terms of consequences would prepare ‘true and fair’ financial statements because doing so would bring the most benefit to the greatest number of people. In other words, stakeholders inside and outside the organisation would be able to make more informed decisions as a result. Virtue theory  In virtue theory, the emphasis is on deciding what sort of person one should try to be, and to define the virtues such a person would embody. You decide what makes a good person, instead of what makes a good action, and act accordingly. One limitation of this way of thinking is that what constitutes a virtue must be agreed upon, and it can vary by culture and over time. For example, the qualities of good financial reports were once considered to be completeness, historical accuracy, reliability and strict adherence to the legal form in disclosing business transactions. More recently, the qualities of good financial reports have come to be relevance for decision-making, reference to a wider conceptual framework, and presenting the economic substance of business transactions. As an accounting example of the use of virtue theory, in deciding whether to agree to a client’s request to use a questionable method for valuing inventory, an accountant would ask, ‘What would a conscientious accountant do in such a situation? What would one of my respected mentors do? ’ Social contract theory  The social contract theory of ethics advises you to think about ethics as embodying a set of rules agreed upon by reasonable people to bring order to social living. So when making an ethical decision you ask yourself, ‘What rule would reasonable, unbiased people agree to? ’ You then follow such rules, regardless of whether they benefit you in particular situations. One criticism of this theory points out that the agreement referred to by social contract theory is entirely imaginary. Why consider yourself bound by an agreement that never happened? An accounting example of social contract thinking might be seen in a situation where an accountant has to decide between loyalty to a client and candid assessment of financial statements. Both of those options involve important social values. Thinking in social contract terms, the accountant might ask, ‘What sort of rule for balancing these values would unbiased people agree to? ’ Confucian ethics Confucian ethics seeks to provide harmonious relationships within society, the family, and the individual. Looking within yourself and learning from experienced people are seen as the main roads to wisdom and self-harmony. The emphasis on experience leads to respect and reverence for the past, the aged, and for one’s ancestors. One of the criticisms of this model is that in a society where relationships are considered more important than the laws themselves, corruption and nepotism may be tolerated. As an accounting example, in deciding whether to agree to a client’s request to use a questionable method for valuing inventory, an accountant thinking in Confucian terms might consider agreeing to it because doing so would cause harmony with the client. Rules of thumb In addition to scholarly branches of philosophy, some other ways of looking at right and wrong have developed. The golden rule The classic golden rule is to ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you. ’ In other words, ‘I will not cheat that person because I do not want them to cheat me. ’ The golden rule is a simple and useful tool, but it does have some limitations. We don’t really know how babies or animals want to be treated, for example, so the golden rule can’t tell us much about how to treat them. Also, the whole rule is based on your own feelings of how you yourself would want to be treated. But your own needs and preferences might not be typical. For example, the fact that you personally do not value privacy does not mean that you don’t owe others an obligation to respect their privacy. As an accounting example, this rule of thumb could be applied to mean that you disclose all information that may be relevant in financial reports because, if you were the reader of those financial statements, you would expect to receive all the information, and disregard any that is not relevant to you. Mirror Test Another rule of thumb is the mirror test. This is a quick way to evaluate a decision that you are about to make, and reinforces the notion that you are responsible for your own actions. Imagine you’re looking in a mirror and ask yourself: Is it legal? If it is not legal, dont do it. What will others think? Others meaning a friend, a parent, a spouse, a child, a manager, the media, or someone else whose opinion is particularly important to you. As an accounting example, in deciding whether to agree to a client’s request to use a questionable method for valuing inventory, an accountant thinking in terms of this rule of thumb would consider how a story about this action would look on the front page of the local newspaper. Justice and care based approach What this quiz actually does is help you identify whether you lean towards a justice and rule-based approach or whether you lean towards a care-based approach. The justice and rules-based approach says that the rules should be applied equally to everyone and that justice and fairness are most important. Some researchers have suggested that this is a more masculine approach to the world. The care-based approach says that care, rather than justice, is most important and that we should act responsibly to people in need. Some researchers have suggested that this is a more feminine approach to the world. You can see why this research is controversial, and why you may disagree with the results. However it is interesting to consider whether gender could influence ethical positions. It may also help you when discussing issues with colleagues from other countries. Generally, in North American and European groups, men have been found to have, on average, higher ‘justice’ scores and women have been found to have, on average, higher ‘care’ scores. The significance of these statistical findings is a topic of ongoing debate among scholars. It is important to know how you approach an ethical question, and to recognise that other people may approach it a different way, irrespective of gender.

Laboratory Report Essay Example for Free

Laboratory Report Essay The object of this experiment is to measure the effect of the concentration of the enzyme, amylase, on the rate of degradation of the starch and the effect of the chloride ion concentration in the solvent on enzyme activity. Also, the other object is to discuss the comparison between starch and cellulose digestion. Introduction: Starch is a polysaccharide and it is the major storage carbohydrate in plants where it is found in the plastids. It is made up of two types of polymers. One is amylose, the smaller linear and helical polymer, made up of many glucose molecules joined by ? 1 4 glycosidic bonds. The other larger polymer is amylopectin. It has a branched structure with many ? 1 4 glycosidic bonds between glucose molecules and ? 1 6 glycosidic bonds at branch points. Pure starch is in the form of a white powder which is tasteless and has no odor. It is insoluble in cold water. (Brown, W. H. Poon, T, 2005) Cellulose is another polysaccharide found in the cell walls of plants. It is made up of hundreds of linear chains of glucose molecules linked by ? 1 4 glycosidic bonds. Cellulose is a straight chain structure because the ? 1 4 linkage causes the glucose molecule to rotate 180 degrees. The many chains of cellulose are packed closely together by the hydrogen bonds existing between the hydroxyl groups of glucose molecules. These bonds contribute to the strength of the molecule. Cellulose is also odorless and tasteless and is insoluble in water (Young, Raymond ,1986). Starch is a major component of the human diet. For the digestion of starch, the enzyme amylase is needed which is present in the saliva and is also present in pancreatic secretions. This amylase breaks down starch into maltose, glucose, and limit dextrin. This enzyme works at an optimum pH of 6. 7-7. 0. Like for other enzymes, the greater the concentration of amylase present, the faster the digestion of starch would be. Also, chloride ions are coenzymes for this reaction and act as the allosteric activators of this enzyme. This means that the digestion of starch by amylase will only work in the presence of chloride ions (Thomas J. A. , Spradlin J. E. , Dygert S,1971). This experiment shows how the digestion of starch is carried out in the digestive tract by amylase and the conditions that are required for this reaction to take place. Method: to be inserted by the Results: a) This is a graph of the amount of the enzyme amylase in ml against the rate of reaction, taken as the reciprocal of the reaction time. Here, a linear relationship is seen and as the amount of the enzyme increases, so does the rate of the reaction. b) This is a graph of the chloride ion concentration in ? mol/tube against the rate of the reaction, taken as the reciprocal of the reaction time. This shows that as the concentration of chloride ions present increases, the rate of the reaction also increases. c) The ratio of the rates of digestion of these polysaccharides by salivary enzymes to bacterial enzymes can be approximately 10:1. This is because of the differences in the structures of starch and cellulose. Starch has just simple covalent bonds in its structure while cellulose has covalent as well as the stronger hydrogen bonds present to stabilize it. This is why it takes a longer time for bacterial enzymes to degrade cellulose compared to the time required to degrade starch. Discussion: The relationship that should exist between the rate of a reaction and the concentration of an enzyme should be a linear relation. This means that as the concentration of the enzyme increases, more active sites are present for the reaction to take place on, and so the overall reaction proceeds at a faster rate. The graph that we obtained from this experiment justifies this hypothesis because in it, there is a similar linear relation between the concentration of amylase and the rate of the reaction. After comparing the graph I obtained with two other students I realized that the enzyme that I used for my experiment was less active than the enzymes others used. It can be seen that when using the same amount of enzyme as the other students, the rate of my reaction is comparatively slower. For example, when using 5ml of enzyme solution of the same concentration, my reaction rate was around 0. 25 and others got a rate of around 0. 6 or more. That is greater than two times the difference in reaction rates. However, an error could have occurred if some of the enzymes supplied for the reaction were already denatured. In my graph of chloride concentration against the reaction rate, the shape of the curve is somewhat like this. In the beginning there is a great increase in the rate of reaction for a small increase in chloride concentration. However, as the concentration is further increased, the rate does not increase as much and the curve later flattens out. This means that a Vmax is reached and no matter how much the concentration is increased, there will be no more increase in the rate (Thomas J. A. , Spradlin J. E. , Dygert S,1971). This is because all the binding sites on the enzyme for chloride ions get occupied and addition of more chloride ions will have no effect. For example, in my graph, there is a greater difference in the rate of reaction between the initial change in concentration from 0 to 0. 2 ml than between the change in concentration between 1 and 2 ml. The digestion of starch takes place in the presence of oxygen while the digestion of cellulose is an anaerobic process carried out by bacteria in the stomach of ruminants. Also, ruminants have to regurgitate their food back into the mouth to chew and break down the cellulose further. However, breakdown of starch is not that complex and can be done just once in the mouth. Due to the anaerobic degradation of cellulose, methane gas is produced in these ruminants (Van Soest, Peter J,1994). There is no methane gas produced by animals feeding on starch. Also, the activity levels of animals feeding on starch is greater because the digestion process requires a shorter time, while in ruminants, the digestion takes a long time. Conclusion: Therefore, the rate of the reaction is directly proportional to the enzyme concentration and also increases in proportion to the concentration of its coenzymes to an extent. References: †¢ Brown, W. H. Poon, T. (2005). Introduction to organic chemistry (3rd ed. ). Wiley †¢ Young, Raymond (1986). Cellulose structure modification and hydrolysis. New

Project Management Challenges In Construction Of Emirates Stadium Construction Essay

Project Management Challenges In Construction Of Emirates Stadium Construction Essay The PMI defines project management as the art of directing and coordinating human and material resources through the life of a project by using modern management techniques to achieve pre-determined goals of scope, cost, time, quality and participant satisfaction (Smith 2002) Through the project management process, business needs and requirements are transformed into deliverables or outputs the project will provide to meet; this transformation process is made up application of constraints such as time, cost, quality, motivation and application of project management tools and technique.(APM 2002) According to Dinsmore, and Cabanis-Brewin (2006), project management processes are grouped into the following areas: they are initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling and closing. A good project manager must be skilled in applying this knowledge and be able to integrate these activities as the project moves through its life cycle. The aim of this report is to critically evaluate the project management challenges and the management approaches in the construction of Emirate Stadium described in the groups presentation. Some of the challenges identified in group discussions includes; time constraints, planning approval, design and site constraints, procurement path, organizational/stakeholders management..This report compares some of the identified challenges with the established best practice in project management. The second part of the report is develop guideline for the 2012 Olympic Stadium which will include an overview of the difference between managing a single, simple project and a project that is part of a large complex programme of work, also to outline the project management challenges of the 2012 Olympic Stadium. 2.0 The Emirates Stadium 2.1 Background of the Emirate Stadium complex The need to generate additional revenue from the football event and also to provide a state- of the- art facilities for the fans is identified as the requirement for a new football stadium to replace the existing one .by Arsenal Football Club The Emirate Stadium is located in Holloway in London Borough of Islington town. The stadium is located in a high density residential area therefore restricting feasibility of increase capacity. Over 2000 new homes were built in Islington as part of the project. Two of the key points in the club brief to design team were for the pitch to be as good as Highbury, and to create an exhilarating stadium atmosphere through the design. Over 2,500 legal documents were signed in order to give the project full clearance. The overall project put at about 390million pounds. . It was opened in July 2006, with seated capacity of 60,432 making it the fifth largest football stadium in the UK (Source www.arsenal .com/emirates stadium.) Fig 2.1 emirates stadium under construction Source www.arsenal .com/emirates stadium.) Main Project management challenges identified by different groups Based on the group presentations some of the main project management challenges identified include: Time constraints, Planning and consent approval, Design and site constraints, Procurement path, Organizational/stakeholders management Document control Some of the management approaches considered by the group include; Involving contractor in early stage of the process Design and Build contract Site investigation Collaborating planning and possible overlap during construction to meet deadline Several procurement path Involvement of the stakeholders Redesigning to suit the shape of the site Understanding of the scope of the project. Evaluation of project management challenges and approach in the group work 2.4.1. Involving contractor in early stage of the process. This can help in integrating the contractors idea and expertise in the planning and design process, although, Austin, Baldwin and Wasket (2000) identified that it might result in uneven design workload while they wait for consultant and other contractors to develop their own design, this result in the client paying for retainer while the project is yet to start, thereby increasing the cost of the project. Therefore it might be beneficial to delay the introduction of contractor early 2.4.2 Time constraints It can be seen that in the case of Emirate stadium, delivering the project on time is very crucial; to enable the club to meet up with football season, Harrison and Lock (2004) stated that delivery a project on time is an extremely important objective to client as well as avoiding the risk of being skimped in respect of quality and reliability of being close to the budget but most time all the objective of the project cannot be met. 2.4.3 Planning and consent approval. Two sets of people are involved in planning; they the client and the contractor .Obtaining the consent approval and satisfying planning requirement as well as defining the project goals, ensure availability of funds and selecting the design is the primary responsibility of the owner, this is one aspect that group presentations did not consider. On the side of the contractor, proper planning and scheduling contributed to their delivering the project on time. 2.4.4 Contract /procurement strategy The contract strategy used in the construction of Emirate Stadium is identified as Design and Build. The type of contract is assumed to be the best when time constraint is considered, Rowlison and McDermontt (1999) reported that Design and Build approach involving overlapping of design and construction phases leads to economics and fast project, though the client has to limit the variation to minimum , finds evaluation difficult and also have to make early decisions. However, Aritua, Bower and Turner (2006) reported that Design and Build procurement options has been criticized for being cost rather than design quality driven. Chan and Yu-Ann 2005 identified design liability as the most important practical problem encounters in design and build system. 2.5 Best practice in project management The best practices in project management are those practices that are generally agreed that their application in the project has shown to enhance the chances of success over a wide range of projects. (PMBOK, 2004) Atkinson (1999) queried, if successful project management means doing something right, that result in a project which was implemented on time, within cost and to a quality parameters requested, but which is not used by the customers, not liked by the sponsors and does not seem to provide either improved effectiveness or efficiency for the organization Kerzner (2006) affirmed that best practices in project management are those actions or activities undertaken by the company or individual that led to a sustained competitive advantage, it can be learned from both failure and success. Defining project objective at the outset and establishing relative importance of these objectives is crucial (Smith 2002). The Primary objectives of the project are usually measured in terms of time cost and quality, whilst it may be possible to meet one or two of the objectives, meeting all three of them is almost impossible. (Smith, 2002). However, the general knowledge, skills and processes described in general agreement documents of project management should not always be apply uniformly to all projects, the project manager and the team is responsible for determining the appropriate process and tailored it down to suit the specific project, because every project is unique on its own. (PMBOK, 2004) 3.0 The 2012 Olympic Stadium complex Fig .3.0 Olympic Stadium complex under construction 3.1 The background of the 2010 London Olympic Stadium. The 2010 London Olympic Stadium is located at the south of Olympic park Stratford, East London. The EDAW consortium working with Arup and Atkins was appointed by Olympic delivery Authority (ODA) to develop the master plan and the design of the Olympic Park, while the design of the Olympic venue or the Athletes Village was tendered separately. In 2007, The Olympic Delivery Authority Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the consortium known as Team Stadium to design and build the Olympic Stadium. The consortium is made up the designer, Hoks sport. Main contractor Sir Robert McAlphine, structural engineer Burro Happold, service engineer and landscape designer. The project was estimated at 498miliion pound. The stadium consists of a lower tier of 25000 permanent. Seats set into the landscape with an upper tier of 55000 temporary seats. The sunken bowl built into the ground will contain the field of play and lower permanent seating. However, facilities for athletes within the Stadium include changing rooms, medical support facilities and an 80m warm-up track. Spectator services, refreshments and merchandise outlets will be located outside the venue on a podium that will surround the Stadium, rather than being located within the Stadium itself. Constructions began three months ahead of schedule and it is expected to be completed by 2011. In addition, construction works in other parts of the Olympic village is still on-going, while some are close to completion, others are yet to start. This is based on the planned milestone schedule set out by the Olympic Delivery Authority., According to the chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority, some completion date has been moved further, this is to avoid the venue been completed and standing idle in the years before Olympic, as this call for additional cost of maintenance. (Culled from official site of 2012 Olympic). 3.2. The outline of the Olympic Stadium People will be able to see with their own eyes a stadium which is designed to be different: an innovative and sustainable design which uses temporary elements to meet a complex brief, a stadium built for both Games and legacy.(Olympic Delivery Authority Chairman John Armitt). The design of London 2012 Olympic Stadium is much more than dazzling or out of this world Architectural structure that is norm of modern day Olympic stadium. The emphasis in the design has been on minimizing the quantity of material, whilst still producing the required performance, ensuring the sustainability of the stadium after the games give rise for incorporation of some temporary structures. However, design and construction of such large and complex project need effective and efficient management to deliver the agreed scope of the project. The management approach in multi-projects is generally different from single project. Flexibility management process with explicitly define rules and procedure can be a source of success with large complex project. (Dietrich and Lehtonen 2005). Baccarni (1996) defined project complexity as project that consists of varied interrelated parts and be operationalised in terms of differentiation and interdependency .On the hand Coffman believed that complex project comprises of subset of project that are composed of so many different facets that no individual or small team possesses all of the knowledge, experience, or skills required to design and implement them. Considering 2012 Olympic Stadium as a part of Olympic park which consists of interrelated and multidisciplinary projects that demand exceptional level of management and system approach which will be described to be inappropriate for a single project Looking at the technical and organizational complexity of the Olympic park, it is clear that it requires involvement of lots of multi-disciplinary contractors, sub contractors, supply chain, trade, different technology and specialties. Williams (1999) sees technical complexity as a three-fold concept: the variety of task as the degree of interdependencies within these tasks, and the instability of the assumptions upon which the Tasks are based. Complex project requires proper structuring and scheduling in terms of Work Break down Structure and further down into related bid package for the qualified construction firms .to bid .For effective organizational management, the services of a planner, scheduler, contract administrator, legal advis er, procurement engineer, accountant will be require in a complex project unlike a single project where all the task will be handle by the project management.. Moreover, managing a large, multi-projects environment or complex projects is refers by some author as programme management, Fern(1991), stated that the common theme of programme management can be identified as the co-ordination of projects to gain benefits that it would not be possible to obtain were the projects managed independently. He also defined programme management as the coordinated support, planning, prioritization and monitoring of projects to meet changing business needs. Pellegrinelli(1997) pointed out that programme management is not same as multi-project management, that the nature and practice of program management are much more than resource management though management of scares resources or the establishment of appropriate information system is identified as core elements of programme management. Fern (1991), proposed single objective programme model as one of the generic models to describe how organizations define and practice programme management. According to Fe rn (1991), programme with single objective are often called macro-project or simple project which consists of large numbers of project which run concurrently, often employ large numbers of contractors and can benefit from programme management techniques. Furthermore, the differences between managing a simple project and a project that is part of a large complex programme, can be identify in the description of project and program by Pellegrinelli(1997) and Fern (1991), which states that project is a group of related task(activities) which together satisfy one or more objectives, while programme is a frame work for grouping existing projects (or defining new projects) and for focusing all the activities required to achieve a set of major benefits. Some of features of managing a simple single project include project manager been responsible for directing and coordinating human and material resources throughout the life of a project by using modern management techniques to achieve predetermined objectives, while a large complex programme involves having a programme manager facilitates the interaction of other managers and team manager responsible for work package. In addition, a single simple project have a set objective and self dependent for delivery, which entails, ensuring that trade-offs between scope, quality, time and cost are satisfactory and acceptable(Wideman,1990), while multi-project is interrelated and interdependent with other project in the programme. Significant increase in the number and independence of element between disparate project within a programme raise structural complexity to a level higher than that of single projects (Blismas et al 2004) A single project has a linear life cycle and fixed duration in which performance of the project is measured; while in multi-project duration depends on the delivery of the entire project in the programme Single project involves one main contractor with few sub contractors while multi-project involves large number of contractor, sub contractors and supply chain. Other features of a single project includes managing risk and uncertainties in line with the project scope and objectives, abbreviated planning process and Single client management In addition, scheduling and resources allocated is more complex than that of a single project the need and priority of a particular project is considered, detailed communication, organization and strategic management, multi-stakeholders management, development of software for project planning/scheduling and system control. 3.3. GUIDELINES FOR 2012 OLYMPIC STADIUM The purpose of these guidelines is to help in organizing, planning and control 2012 Olympic Stadium to achieve the project objectives. The guideline covers the life cycle of the project from initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling and closure of the project. 3.3.1 Initiation This is the beginning of the planning phase, the need is identified, resources, preliminary drawing and block diagram is produce, analysis including budget estimation, project charter including cost, task, and deliverable schedule, scope is defined and impact assessment initiated, conceptual design created followed by detailed design and planning 3.3.2 Project planning This include developing management Plan, scope planning and definition, creating a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), activity definition and sequencing, Resource estimating and allocation, Estimating budget and cost control, activity duration estimating, schedule development, human resource and communication planning, risk management planning, contracting, purchases plan (PMBOK, 2004) Management Plan: is necessary for the development of preliminary project scope statement, project management processes, environmental factors and organizational process assets. (PMBOK, 2004) Scope planning and definition is essential for creating project scope management plan that documents how the project scope will be defined, verified and controlled and also the creation and definition of WBS. Secondly development of detailed scope statement as basis for future project decisions. (PMBOK, 2004) Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): Developing WBS with a corresponding project organizations and functional responsibility chart (Wideman,1990) Establishing the programme work breakdown structure and breaking it into work package for contract purposes. (Wideman,1990) Activity definition and sequencing is crucial in identifying specific activities that needs to be performed to achieve project deliverable and also identifying and documenting dependencies among schedule activities. It contains the activity list and attributes, milestone list, requested change and approved change requests project schedule network diagram. (PMBOK, 2004) Resource estimating and allocation is important in estimating the type and quantities of resources required by each work package Estimating budget and cost control: Each work package is treated essentially as a separate and autonomous effort requiring resources and input from variety of source (Clough et al, 2000).At the earliest possible time, an acceptable program budget breakdown must be established, which properly reflects the best estimate of the work required to achieve the overall project objectives. This will form the basis for regular cost monitoring and reporting (Wideman, 1990) Contracting, purchases plan: Laws and regulations will require public bidding procedure in the government owned project. Advertisements of the project are required to ensure that all contractors who might have interest are offered equal opportunity to bid. A number of work packages may be assembled into a contract package for procurement purposes(Wideman,1990) Type of contract strategy and procurement route to be use and allocation of risk of project is identified Human resource and communication planning: this is necessary in identifying and documenting roles and responsibilities and reporting relationships, secondly. Information and communication needs of the projects stakeholders are determined. (PMBOK, 2004) Risk management: The purpose of risk management process is to make effective project management decisions about what happens on the project in future. This consist of risk source identification, risk impact assessment and analysis and managerial response to risk in the context of the project (Smith, Merna, Jobling, 2006) 3.3.3 Execution stage This involves coordinating people and resources, integrating and performing other project activities. Some of the activities of this stage include Directing and managing project execution, performing quality assurance, acquiring and developing project team, information distribution. Selection of consultant, supply chain contractors and sub contractors. (PMBOK, 2004) Directing and managing project execution. This process is necessary for directing the various technical and organizational interfaces that exist in the project to execute the work defined in the project management plan. Some of the activities here consist of approving corrective and preventive actions, approving change request and defect repair, validating defect repair, administrative closure procedure. (PMBOK, 2004) Acquiring and developing project team: this is essential for obtaining human resources needed to deliver the project and also for improving the competencies and interaction of team members to enhance project performance. (PMBOK, 2004) Information distribution: design and foster intensive, open and timely communication within the project stakeholders. Employ multiple channels and mediums, in particular modern information technology and extensive face-to face interactions. Prepare systems that prescribe for most processes simple and brief procedures for flexibility of details. Restrict optimization to the essential. Selection of consultant, supply chain contractors and sub contractors. This process is essential for reviewing bids and proposal, selecting from among the potential contractors and negotiating a written contract, it also entail risk allocation between the client and the contractor. (PMBOK, 2004) 3.3.4 Monitoring and controlling This process is crucial for collecting, measuring and dissemination performance information, and assessing measurements and trends to effect process improvement Integration and ongoing progress is monitored against agreed milestones, results reported in accordance with mechanisms identified in the communication plan.Secondly monitoring changes and recommending preventive action in anticipation of possible problem is an important element of monitoring and controlling (PMBOK, 2004) 3.3.5 Health and safety and environment Maintenance of health and safety on the site is vital for a successful project delivery. Mandatory personal protective equipment for all the workers on site is necessary Also all the site machine and equipment should be working properly. Workers should be properly trained to use the equipments. 3.3.6 Project closure: this involves closing of project and contract closure. It is necessary for finalizing all activities, completing and settling each contract, including the resolution of any open items and closing each contract applicable to the project. (PMBOK, 2004 3.4 Outline of Project Management Challenges 2012 Olympic Stadium Some of the project management challenges: Design constraints: This involves getting an aesthetics design which depicts legacy of modern day and world class Olympics, as well as being iconic, environmentally friendly and sustainable in terms of future use and maintenance. Time constraints; Meeting deadline for the project for the Olympics events is very crucial and one is of the major indicator of measuring success or failure of the project. Site constraints The soil/site ground is poor from engineering and environmental viewpoint. Owing to past use of the site which resulted in uneven settlement that can only support very light construction. Site is located between two branches of River Lea an old embankment containing sewage artery. The above constraints call for redesigning to suit the site location and environment. Complexity of the project The multi-project nature of the project involves managing large numbers of subcontractors and supply chain. The construction of the stadium is just one component in the Olympic park, Resource allocation and scheduling Efficient allocation of resources in multi-project environment is a major challenge facing the programme manager, as this can lead to success or failure of the projects. Global recession and price inflation The world economic crisis of 2009 is a major challenge for the project, as this will cause price inflation for goods and services required for the project. The initial project estimate will no longer be feasible. Stakeholders management The project has different level of stakeholder. They include the financier, the host community, the supporters, the critics, the press and the general public. Project Co-ordination and document control.. The complexity of the project comprises large number of document which might have minor and major changes from the initial design that need to be communicated to people involve with the project. Logistics Challenges Transportation of huge numbers of workers and materials to the site using the existing means of transportation, amid the busy city of London. Health and Safety Maintaining safety in the site is a major challenge in construction site with large number of workers and ensuring that all contractors adhere to the health and safety rule in the site. 3.5 Conclusion ` The facts remains that projects are distinctive and unique in their own way. Project life-cycle as well as their requirements is different from each other. What worked for one organization in a particular project might not work for another; it all depends on the organizational culture and values, project environment, interpersonal skill, etc. The general guideline as contained in the Project Management Body of knowledge is only to serve as a guide that needs to be tailored down to suit a particular project. Also it can be seen that project management is more of a practical discipline than theoretical, this can be deduce from the uniqueness of every projects, because change is inherent in any project. There must be a change from the laid down planned and schedule strategy, change therefore cannot be eliminated, most especially in construction because of the project uncertainty, it is expected that plan must change. The ability of the project manager to apply the principles of risk management and improve effective change management will determine result of the project.

Analysis of The Man He Killed, Reconciliation, and Dreamers Essay

Analysis of The Man He Killed, Reconciliation, and Dreamers In the chosen poems, Thomas Hardy, Walt Whitman, and Sigfried Sassoon each have a common viewpoint: war brings out the worst in man, a feeling buried deep inside the heart. Even with this clotting of the mind due to the twisting ways of war, a flicker of remorse, a dream of someplace, something else still exists within the rational thought. These poems express hope, the hope that war will not be necessary. They show that man only kills because he must, not because of some inbred passion for death. These three authors express this viewpoint in their own ways in their poems: "The Man He Killed", "Reconciliation", and "Dreamers". In The Man He Killed, Hardy speaks about the absurdity of war. He gives a narrative of how he kills a "foe", and that this "foe" could be a friend if they met "by some old ancient inn", instead of the battlefield. Hardy says "...quaint and curious war is...you shoot a fellow down you'd treat if met where any bar is..." In this Hardy speaks how war twists the mind, and also makes you kill people you have no personal vendetta against. In Reconciliation, Whitman shows the devastation of war. In a war, you kill someone and even if you win, you lose. Whitman describes a man mourning over the death of his foe. He rejoices over the ultimate death of war "Beautiful that war and all its deeds of carnage must...be utterly lost." He also feels great remorse over his so called e...

Jerry Springer versus Oprah Winfrey Show :: Daytime Television TV

In the world of entertainment, TV talk shows have undoubtedly flooded every inch of space on daytime television. Many of us have seen and heard the often recycled topics found on such veteran shows as Geraldo and Sally Jessy Raphael. And anyone who watches talk shows on a regular basis knows that each one varies in style and format. One might enjoy watching the sometimes trashy subject matter found on Jenny Jones, while someone else might prefer the more serious and light hearted feel of the Maury Povich show. But no two shows are more profoundly opposite in content, while at the same time standing out above the rest, than the Jerry Springer and the Oprah Winfrey show. Jerry Springer could easily be considered the king of "trash talk." The topics on his show are as shocking as they get. For example, the show takes the ever common talk show themes of love, lust, sex, sexuality, adultery, cheating, guilt, hate, conflict and morality to a different level. In a vintage Springer show, one finds women who cheated on their boyfriends and are ready to confess. But the boyfriends are in for a bigger surprise. As it turns out that all the women haven't been secretly seeing other guys, but seeing other women, who also happen to be waiting backstage. Another episode tells of a John Wayne Bobbit type case, but with a more twisted plot. A male cuts off his own manhood because he claimed that his homosexual neighbor was stalking him. Shocking, indeed, but the list of talk material goes on from dangerous love triangles, broken homes, pregnant strippers, teenage prostitutes, adult film stars, devil worshippers and the ever popular talk show regulars, the members of the Ku Klux Klan. Clearly, the Jerry Springer show is a display and exploitation of societies moral catastrophes, yet people are willing to eat up the intriguing predicaments of other peoples lives. Oprah Winfrey was once a follower of the trash TV format, but her long running popular TV talk show has since been reformed. Like Jerry Springer, the Oprah Winfrey show takes talk TV to its extreme, but Oprah goes in the opposite direction. Oprah is probably the most immaculate talk show there is. It is unlikely that you will find guest on Oprah that have committed adultery, have sold their souls to the devil, or are part of a racist hate group. Instead, the show focuses on the improvement of society and an individuals quality of life. Topics range from teaching your children responsibility, managing your work week, proper etiquette, getting to know your neighbors and entertaining interviews with Jerry Springer versus Oprah Winfrey Show :: Daytime Television TV In the world of entertainment, TV talk shows have undoubtedly flooded every inch of space on daytime television. Many of us have seen and heard the often recycled topics found on such veteran shows as Geraldo and Sally Jessy Raphael. And anyone who watches talk shows on a regular basis knows that each one varies in style and format. One might enjoy watching the sometimes trashy subject matter found on Jenny Jones, while someone else might prefer the more serious and light hearted feel of the Maury Povich show. But no two shows are more profoundly opposite in content, while at the same time standing out above the rest, than the Jerry Springer and the Oprah Winfrey show. Jerry Springer could easily be considered the king of "trash talk." The topics on his show are as shocking as they get. For example, the show takes the ever common talk show themes of love, lust, sex, sexuality, adultery, cheating, guilt, hate, conflict and morality to a different level. In a vintage Springer show, one finds women who cheated on their boyfriends and are ready to confess. But the boyfriends are in for a bigger surprise. As it turns out that all the women haven't been secretly seeing other guys, but seeing other women, who also happen to be waiting backstage. Another episode tells of a John Wayne Bobbit type case, but with a more twisted plot. A male cuts off his own manhood because he claimed that his homosexual neighbor was stalking him. Shocking, indeed, but the list of talk material goes on from dangerous love triangles, broken homes, pregnant strippers, teenage prostitutes, adult film stars, devil worshippers and the ever popular talk show regulars, the members of the Ku Klux Klan. Clearly, the Jerry Springer show is a display and exploitation of societies moral catastrophes, yet people are willing to eat up the intriguing predicaments of other peoples lives. Oprah Winfrey was once a follower of the trash TV format, but her long running popular TV talk show has since been reformed. Like Jerry Springer, the Oprah Winfrey show takes talk TV to its extreme, but Oprah goes in the opposite direction. Oprah is probably the most immaculate talk show there is. It is unlikely that you will find guest on Oprah that have committed adultery, have sold their souls to the devil, or are part of a racist hate group. Instead, the show focuses on the improvement of society and an individuals quality of life. Topics range from teaching your children responsibility, managing your work week, proper etiquette, getting to know your neighbors and entertaining interviews with

Persepolis: Changing Western Perceptions of Muslim Women Essay

Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel, Persepolis, makes important strides toward altering how Western audiences perceive Iranian women. Satrapi endeavors to display the intersection of the lives of some Westerners with her life as an Iranian, who spent some time in the West. Satrapi, dissatisfied with representations she saw of Iranian women in France, decided to challenge them. In her words, â€Å"From the time I came to France in 1994, I was always telling stories about life in Iran to my friends. We’d see pieces about Iran on television, but they didn’t represent my experience at all. I had to keep saying, ‘No, it’s not like that there.’ I’ve been justifying why it isn’t negative to be an Iranian for almost twenty years. How strange when it isn’t something I did or chose to be?† (Satrapi, â€Å"Why I Wrote Persepolis† 10). In acknowledging both Eastern and Western feminism, Satrapi’s novel humanizes the female Iranian perspective in a way that can easily digested by Western audiences. This novel acts as an autoethnographic text, a term coined by Mary Louise Pratt, in which Persepolis acts as â€Å"a text in which people undertake to describe themselves in ways that engage with representations others have made of them† (Pratt 35). This novel, which depicts her life so far, demonstrates a mastery of the spaces of representation. As one theorist has argued, â€Å"In discussing Persepolis in relation to the theme of women and space, we will draw upon a framework suggested by Pollock for reading the work of women artists†¦Pollock refers to three spatial registers: first, the locations represented by the work (and, in particular, the division between public and private space); second, the spatial order within the work itself (concerning, for example, angl... ... and changed Western perceptions in doing so. Works Cited Gà ¶karÄ ±ksel, Banu and Anna Secor. The Veil, Desire, and the Gaze: Turning the Inside Out. Signs, 40, 1 (Autumn 2014): 177-200. Miller, Ann. â€Å"Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis: Eluding the Frames.† Johns Hopkins University Press: L’Espirit Createur, Vol. 51, No. 1, Spring 2011: 38-52. Nnaemeka, Obioma. â€Å"Nego†Feminism: Theorizing, Practicing, and Pruning Africa’s Way.† Signs, Vol. 29, No. 2, Winter 2004, 357-385. Online. Satrapi, Marjane. The Complete Perspolis. New York: Pantheon Books, 2004. Print Satrapi, Marjane. â€Å"Why I wrote Persepolis: a graphical novel memoir: writer Marjane Satrapi faced the challenges of life in post-revolutionary Iran. She used the graphic novel format to tell her unique story.† Marjane Satrapi. Writing!, Nov-Dec, 2003, Vol.. 26(3), p. 9(5) Cengage Learning Inc.