Managed Care System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Managed Care System - Essay Example Till 1980’s there was only a trifle between the public and private players of health care. But, the overall payment system concentrated on fee for service basis. Accordingly, each visit was counted as an episode. The physician had the liberty to administer treatment according to his diagnosis. As private insurance mostly dominated the scene, the physicians, to fulfill their selfish ends, could also recommend for unwanted tests, hospital stays and drugs. Patient safety was their only cap and they could re-jig monetary considerations underneath this consideration. The insurers also never complained as major bill payment was a responsibility of the employers. But, employers understanding this disadvantage started to backlash on the reasons of uncapped expenditure and over utilization of resources. This of course was a valid point. As more and more are getting enrolled into the health care, fee for service model has become outdated giving way for Managed Care Organizations (MCO’s). (Christensen. C., Grossman. J., Hwang. J. 2009) As accountability comes into picture, unnecessary expenditure gets curbed automatically. From past 30 years, MCO’s have been well placed and growing in the market. The main postulates of their existence are: Lowered rates of hospital admission, in patient treatment, procedural expenditure. This has resulted in a mixed result of outcomes that some patients were treated satisfactorily while many did not have that contentment about care practices. Development of state insurance sector commensurate to private players. Giving an inevitable choice to the employer and employees to be enrolled into those organizations for reduced health costs. (Anonymous., 2010). All these recommendations by the bill only point out that the MCO’s are here to stay for some more time. If not for them, accountability and cost reduction for the insurer’s purpose fulfillment would never be possible. In short, the arrangement seeks to reduce the health

The Effect of Titanic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Effect of Titanic - Essay Example Titanic was a ship people dreamed to sail in. Being able to sail in Titanic was an experience cherished much. Yet, had the people known what they were destined to end in, nobody would have boarded it in the first place.A particular scene in Titanic changed me as a person. It was when Rose’s fiancà © offers the officer money to be allowed to sit in the boat, and the officer smashes the money at the fiance’s face saying it is of no use. I learned that life cannot be priced.To make the most out of my life, I derive happiness by helping and caring for others. The lesson I derive is that we should never take pride in anything in life. Everything belongs to God and He can take it from us anytime. A particular scene in Titanic changed me as a person. It was when Rose’s fiancà © offers the officer money to be allowed to sit in the boat, and the officer smashes the money at the fiance’s face saying it is of no use. I learned that life cannot be priced.  

In depth study on IKEA

In depth study on IKEA The scope of this paper is to conduct in-depth study on IKEA, the global home furnishing retailer from different perspectives. The report consists of IKEA corporate and business strategies in global markets, the firm previous experience in US and business model IKEA applied in Asian countries. 1.2 Objectives The objective of this paper is to produce a comprehensive report to CEO with the aim of determine IKEA strategic position in the future. The report critically assesses IKEA current market positioning and challenges IKEA have to overcome in order to sustain the competitive advantages. SWOT analysis is used to provide clearer picture regarding the firm internal performances in term of strengths and weaknesses, as well as the external opportunities and threats. Meanwhile, macro environment issues will be evaluate by using PESTEL analysis to capture IKEA potential growth and firm competitiveness. Recommendation to promote IKEA future growth will be provide base on strategies review. 2.0 Company Background 2.1 Industry and Company Background In 1943, a Swedish entrepreneur Ingvar Kamprad established IKEA. The name of IKEA came from its founder name Ingvar Kamprad, the farm Elmtaryd and home country Agunnardy where Ingvar Kamprad grew up. IKEA has developed rapidly as a global home products retailer. The corporate structure mainly divided into two divisions which are operation and franchising. Operation covered the management of majority stores, design, purchasing, supply functions and manufacture of furniture, which manage by a private profit Dutch company, INGKA Holding. In 1982, Kamprad established Stichting Ingka Foundation, a non-profit foundation that control over INGKA Holding. Ingka Foundation chaired by Kamprad and five executive committees which included her wife. The IKEA trademark and concept is owned by separate Dutch firm, the Inter IKEA Systems based in Luxembourg. Every IKEA stores pay 3% of sales to Inter IKEA as a franchise fees. IKEA consumers are mainly distributed into four different geographic region s, Europe, America, Middle East and Asia. The vision of IKEA is to provide a better living solution which is affordable and its mission statement is to offer functional and stylish low price furniture which everyone could afford. 2.2 Company Product and Services IKEA seized retailer chain that sells flat pack furniture, kitchen and bathroom accessories across the world. The furniture designed to be self assembled in order to reduce transportation cost. Besides, the company include traditional Swedish food restaurant in their stores, which serving Swedish meatballs, smoked salmon, lingo berry tarts and cream source. Additionally, thoughtful part of IKEA is many stores have play area for children named Smaland, where parents able to drop their children to playground while shopping and pick them up at another entrance. 2.3 Corporate and Business Strategies The impressive growth of IKEA lies on the distinctive corporate and business strategies. IKEA employ marketing mix strategy to position its brand identity in the market. Armstrong et al. (2006) explains that marketing mix strategy is a business model tools that focus on product, price, place and promotion. IKEA provide wide range of product selection. Although the product functional category is same, IKEA designed it in different features. For example, IKEA laptop stand act user friendly like a small table allow customers to use their laptop while lying on sofa. In term of pricing, IKEA flat pack furniture able to reduce transportation cost which resulted in price saving. Moreover, IKEA tend to locate in suburban area. This factor helps cut operational cost and able to provide more parking spaces for customers. Besides, Armstrong et al. (2006) also mentions that promotion is a marketing communication that consists of advertising, personal selling, sales promotion and public relations . IKEA promote their products by mail order service and free distribution of catalogue which enables IKEA cut cost in furniture storage. To improve competitiveness, IKEA modified the value chain strategy. Bartol et al. (1993, p.211) explains that Porter argues a business able to improving and value adding by focus on the key internal activities in the value chain. However, the independent (1994, p.9) states that IKEA integrate the value chain by create a two directional value adding system between customers and suppliers. On the other hand, IKEA used to expand by franchising method in their globalization strategy. Currently, IKEA has further explored their globalization strategy by joint venture. Evans et al. (2000) states IKEA joint venture strategy enable the firm minimizes the financial risk, expand the expertise network and get to know local market better. 2.4 IKEA Performances According to IKEA group fiscal year 2010 report, the independent (2010) states that IKEA currently opened 280 stores in 26 countries. The total sales archived 23.1 billion euro by 2010, raise 7.7% compare to its 21.4 billion sales in 2009. The net profit increased 6.1% at 2.7 billion euro. The IKEA market share mainly distributed in Europe which is 79%, North America 15%, Asia and Australia 6%. The distribution of purchasing per region is Europe 62%, Asia 34% and North America 4%. In term of growth perspective, IKEA demonstrated sustainable sales improvement which was average 21.9 billion euro in the past three years, 21.2 billion euro in 2008, 21.4 billion euro in 2009 and 23.1 billion euro sales by year 2010. 2.5 SWOT Analysis of IKEA 2.5.1 Strengths IKEAs distinct strategies have successfully shaped it strengths in competitive furnishing environment. The strengths comprise of strong global brand recognition that able to retain group of customers. Another strength is distinctive business strategies allow IKEA control over the products design, low pricing and global sourcing materials. Backward integration is one of the strength as well that permit IKEA enjoys economies of scale. 2.5.2. Weaknesses The weaknesses of IKEA derive into few elements. IKEA niche markets concept did not work in every country. Another potential barrier is IKEA over emphasis low price products may lead to their customers doubtful in products safety. Furthermore, IKEA has limited manufacturing capabilities by its own due to global sourcing strategy. 2.5.3 Opportunities An outstanding corporate realized that encounter weakness is the key of opportunity. The firm has foreseen the great opportunities in developing countries where IKEA may put more concentration on outsource his business in some developing Asia countries which is potential because of low cost manufacturing for example Cambodia. Meanwhile, India high population rates also one of the huge markets for IKEA expansion. IKEA may improve the existing its customers network by promote more online shopping. 2.5.4 Threats IKEA facing extreme environmental threats among competitors, some of the new entry companies adapted IKEA low cost strategy and imitated its flat pack furniture concept in the markets. On the other hand, global economy recession may reduce consumers buying power in emergent markets. Likewise, political instability may influence IKEA business performance. Chapter 3: Main Body 3.1 Assessment on IKEA Current Strategic and Distinctive Competitiveness In order to archive competitive advantages among competitors, IKEA adopted Porters generic strategy which comprise of differentiation strategy, differentiation focus, cost leader and cost focus which enable IKEA differentiate their brand identity among competitors. IKEA uphold its differentiation concept by offering high quality and low cost products to archive competitive advantages. Porter (1985) states that differentiation aims at deliver products and services that are different from the product mix of their competitors at a premium cost. The company provides functional style of self assembly furniture which material used is source globally to reduce the cost. Guardian (2005) describes that IKEA able to cut their prices at an average of 2% to 3% each year to compete in some markets segment. To sustain the differentiation strategy, IKEA may focus in adding more additional features into different products and keep the products user friendly. Adoption of differentiation focus allows IKEA to focus on particular segmentation market. Porter (1985) illustrates that differentiation focus means of differentiating its product within smaller number of target market segment. Recent years, IKEA concentrate its segmentation markets by opening trading office globally to serve customers better. Venorika (2006) states that IKEA opened 46 trading offices in 32 countries by 2006 where the suppliers need to fulfill IWAY code of conduct in supplying materials. To fulfill variety of local demands, IKEA should ensure the suppliers and designers constantly customize some of their products to provide range of choices. The advantage of being cost leader in market is able to draw attention and attract customers in long run business. Guardian (2005) illustrates that IKEA attain cost leaders by working together with its suppliers, provide technology and consultation. Likewise, cost focus can be mutual benefits for manufacturer and consumers where manufacturer save its cost of production and consumers enjoy the cost saving harvest. For example, the benefits of global sourcing where Captell (2005, newspaper) states that one of the IKEA best selling products Klippan sofas price was $354, by 2006 the price has drop to 202. To sustain cost focus, IKEA should critically examine some suppliers and further diversify its major suppliers for their materials. For example, Map of The World (2006) states that Canada, Russia and United States are top timber producing countries. 3.2 Organizational Gaps to Date Increasingly globalization is an enormous challenge for IKEA. To sustain, IKEA should further integrate their management by letting its independent business group has greater managerial decisions to effectively implement business process and boost quicker respond during crisis occur. Carrillat et al (2004) illustrates management that market driving is described to be outstanding in implementing unique business process, figuring market structure and value adding to their organization. Secondly, a company that provides professional service able to retain customer loyalty. Rowley (2005, pg 574-578) states customers loyally are company business core assets in the competitive market environment which add value to a business future. IKEA may review their service policy while dealing with customers flow during weekends. It can be archived by retraining their staffs to handle more customers efficiently. Alternately, the company can increase their manpower by hiring part time workers which is lower cost. Development of information technology has increase convenience in searching broad information. Brent (2005, pg 2) explain that a comprehensive information system allows company strategic core to be flexible, scalable and effectively operating in a high stress and limited resource environment. Hence, IKEA should utilize the information technology resource by promotes online shopping to resolve weekend customers flow issue. 3.3 Performances of Current IKEA Strategy 3.3.1 Analysis on IKEA challenges in US market. IKEA in United States In the mid of 1980s, IKEA entered United States to challenge an entirely different culture. IKEA success in United States doesnt come easily. Although the low price products always preferences of consumers but IKEA still faced difficulties at the beginning stage. Measurement standard and size of furniture were the major issues to IKEA. Nordin study (2002) illustrates one of the customer feedbacks emphasized they were drinking out of vases to refer the size obstacle. In order to delight American markets, IKEA realized the importance of modify its products design to suit local needs. By the mid 1990s, the independent (2003) states that IKEA has successfully increased the revenue from USD 600 million to USD 1.3 billion and became IKEA third largest markets after Britain and Germany by 2002. PESTEL analysis for United States I. Political Factors The research by Wayne et al. (2006, p.101) states that United States exercise constitutional republic in their political system for decision making process. The government promotes equality of laws which is fair to all everyone, therefore the policy has resulted equal opportunity to enhance trade freedom. However, governments tax policies play important role that impact business competitiveness during economy recession. For example, the independent (2009) states tax reform act enacted on 1986, the incentive has benefits individual but loaded burden to corporate. II. Economic Factors The United States gained steady growth of GDP in the past decade. Wright et al. (2007, P.185) illustrates that the capitalist mixed economy result in well developed infrastructure and high productivity that lead United States become the world largest economy. Nevertheless, the saving and loan crisis during 1980s and 1990s has great impact to United States business and financial system. Timothy et al. (2000) states from 1985 to 1995 United States insured thrift institutional deficit from 3,234 to 1,645 has resulted raise in interest rates. III. Social Factors United States is one of the largest countries with highest populations in the world. Adam et al. (2001) illustrates that United States society consists of multicultural immigrants and vary in ethnical diversification. Understand different levels of American culture are a challenge as well as opportunity to overcome barrier in order to compete with local markets. For example, IKEA strategy of niche markets has failed due to American cultural preference in bigger size products. IV. Technological Factors The science and technology advancement have shaped American success in various aspects including economic, education system, infrastructure and legal institutions. Rapid growth of technology provides job opportunities and promotes growth in business markets. In addition, the facilities and expertise available has encouraged foreign investments. Linda et al. (1991) describes that technological advancement is essential for economic growth. Porters Five Forces Model Analysis for IKEA I. Rivalry The competitors try to adapt IKEA strategy by offer low price and functional furniture products. In low end market, Wal-Mart tends to cut price and do promotion on their furniture products. Conversely, Ethan Allen aims for high end market by offer functional quality products with comfort shopping atmosphere. Tewary (2002) states the furniture markets in United States are highly fragmented, the top ten furniture retailers were just stand 14.2% of total markets share. However, IKEAs strength to deliver brand identity in both ends allows the company to develop in coming future. II. Substitutes Currently, IKEA effective global sourcing strategy and unique supply chain management has allows the firm leading without threats of substitute. Moreover, IKEA innovation designs at all time able to satisfy trend of consumers demand. John Leland (2002) states typical Americans shopper like new things, travel abroad, take challenges and functional technology. Thus, IKEA consistently revise the fashion design style of furniture able to tag along consumers trend. Power of Buyers Consumers have limited choice on selection by specific retailer, due to particular retailer focus in certain perspective for example, design, quality, service and pricing. IKEA stands advantage on all. Therefore, the bargaining power is little for consumers. Nordin study (2002) illustrates that customer visit to IKEA able to find good design and low pricing products. Therefore, in IKEA internal perspective, the consumers bargaining power is little. New Entrants Most of the IKEA stores are located outside the cities to avoid massive traffic and provide bigger parking space. IKEA did not expand the markets in metropolitan areas, so there is potential for another furniture retailer to offer low price products to compete IKEA markets share. Tewary study (2003) shows that United Stated furniture reported USD 67 million sales by 2002 and keep on growing. Hence, some of the retailers may seize opportunity in sharing the furniture markets. Power of Suppliers IKEA has high demand in timber for their products. The supplier needs to bids contracts for supply raw material to IKEA. Meanwhile, IKEA will provide consultation in term of technology and training to ensure the consistency of material quality. Hence, the supplier bargaining power is low. Due to green environmental issues, it can impact the timber supply. Knight study (1998) shows that more than 200 million hectares of forests vanished due to development became the barriers of supply raw materials, Green Agreement of Tariffs has signed allows corporation to seek more profitable forest. Factors to Consider in Assessing Industry Attractiveness. Factors High Impact Low Impact Description Ref 3.3.2 Growth Potential and Competitive Advantage IKEA Secure in China IKEA in China In 1998, IKEA opened its first furniture store in Beijing, China. The company core target customers are the middle class young people which are around 30 years old. IKEA realized that different strategy need to be use while entry a new market. Lee et al (1998) states that China has numerous differences in culture, political, economic and business models compare to Sweden. Among the challenges, Trompenaars et al. (2004) illustrates that as a new business entry, language is one of the main barriers for IKEA enter China market. To win Chinese customers heart, IKEA has the Chinese translation named of Yi Jia which means comfortable and family. PESTEL analysis for china PESTEL analysis critically evaluates IKEA potential growth and present arguments on its competitive advantage to secure in China. I. Political Factors China exercise communism in their political system. In China, the government controls all the resource activities. Capdevielle study (2007) states that China enacted reform and opening up policy that opened its market to attract foreign investment in 1978. The policy provided opportunity for many multinational companies to expand their business in China. However, government tax polices influence markets growth. A study of Li et al. (2007, p.26-27) illustrates that 70% of foreign investment enterprise reported loss due to the transfer pricing measure enacted by China in 1990s to control the wealth out of their nation but China has slowly loosen the trade policy to promote business growth. Presently, IKEA adapted joint venture strategy to share risk of losses as well as dealing with government policy to archive competitive advantage. II. Economic Factors The joined of China into World Trade Organization (WTO) has result the country economy growth rapidly. Phang et al. (2010) describes that China is the second largest world economy after United States by 2010 with the GDP of $1.337 trillion. The strong economy growth has raised China people purchasing power toward the housing demand which can be a huge potential for furniture industry. Wang (2003, p.121-143) states that housing investment annual rates has increased by 20% which is currently urban Chinese most important property. Nevertheless, IKEA facing competitive challenges in China local markets due to government weak control on intellectual property. Imitation of brand pattern which offer in very low price often found in China markets. Therefore, IKEA global sourcing strategy and supply chain management effectiveness which constantly offer low price products determine the company growth. III. Social Factors China has the world largest population. A study by Judith et al. (2010, p.4) illustrates that population of china has risen approximately to 1.35 billion by 2010, the world largest population and estimate to be peak during 2030 which is 1.5 billion. From the social point of view, that is a great opportunity for foreign investor to fight against the business markets share. However, the population aging issue and the one child government policy in China should be taking into consideration due to IKEA targeting young middle class people. Bloom et al. (2008, p.40) states that China population aging and low fertility rates could result impact on future economic growth. IV. Technological Factors Over the past decade, China has archive significant improvement in their science and technology development. The rapid improvement in research and development drive manufacturing industry expansion and create more jobs opportunity. Wang (2007) illustrates that china government implement policy to raise the ratio of RD to GDP, resulted sustainable growth which reported 1.4% by 1996 compare to 0.7% of GDP in RD during 1987. Nonetheless, lack of local core technology may increase foreign company cost in buying the technology license and import to China. For example, the independent (2006) states due to the lack of core technology, local company paying 20% to 40% of price for each computerized numerical control machine. Yet, IKEA stand advantage with the unique value chain management in providing technology consultation for their suppliers to maintain long term business relationships. 3.3.3 IKEA Current Strategy on Market Diversification (China) IKEA Diversification in China Globalization is the current trend for most of the companies nowadays. However, Brooks et al. (2004, P.233) illustrates that there is certain level of risk to invest in foreign country. To gain market share in new entry countries especially Asia, IKEA corporate and business strategies determine its sustainability and competitive advantage among competitors in future. For example, IKEA globalization strategy in Asia country, China, comprise of joint venture, localization and pricing strategies. Joint Venture First of all, IKEA decided to joint venture with local companies in China due to one of the macro-environmental element which was China government policy. Capdevielle et al (2007) elucidates that China practice joint venture policy to gain mutual benefits and principal of equality for their nation. Dealing with entirely different culture, IKEA adapted passed experience in globalization to analyze China market. Joint venture strategies add value to IKEA by sharing risk of losses. Bragssington et al. (2003, p.106) points out that full analysis should be conduct in order to informed the expansion decision to contribute the success in investment. Localization To continually growth IKEA business after joint venture, the firm adapted localization strategy to suit local Chinese culture. For example, the independent (2005) illustrates that IKEA localization strategy consists of offer wide range of Chinese market products that tailor customers preference as well as the design of showroom is constructed accordance to Chinese style. Despite of it, IKEA also focus on Chinese sub-culture to lure the local customers. Copeland et al. (1986) states that Chinese preference on decoration in red color during Chinese New Year which means good luck and fortune. Recent years, one of the most exclusively IKEA localization effort was during Chinese New Year. In 2006 Chinese New Year, many IKEA products designed with red rooster to welcome the Chinese year of rooster. Pricing Strategies IKEA based on its low price strategy in offering wide range of quality products to consumers. Usunier (2000) elucidates that product price is always a vital communication element between buyers and sellers. To compete with local furniture retailers, IKEA has dramatically slashed their products price and outsourced locally to reduce cost. Song (2005) points out that currently 70% of IKEA selling products are made in china and certain products has slunk 70% of its original price. For example, the tray BAGN for eating on bed purposes cost RMB 29 in 2007 compare to its price RMB 89 during 2000. Chapter 4: Recommendation To survive in the changing environment, IKEA have to constantly adapt changes and aware on customers preference trend. Several elements IKEA may focus to improve its value proposition as well as to maintain competitive advantages. 4.1 Justification on IKEA diversify strategy in China Joint venture strategy in China has improved IKEA operational network and culture understanding. Jonsson (2008) states that IKEA react more responsive to the local Chinese demands due to the sharing knowledge of Chinese culture with joint venture partners. Recent years, Capdevielle (2007) points out that IKEA has currently offer typical Chinese furniture such as Chinese kitchen wares. IKEA pricing strategies in China have significant progress throughout the years. Wei (2007) illustrates that by 2002 IKEA overall products price drop 12% and sales increase by 35% in 2003 compare to year 2002. Despite of it, IKEA move further to improve their customers service. Wei (2007) also mentions that IKEA started to provide delivery service with a little charge and even free of charge for deliver their products for those area are near. 4.2 IKEA Diversification on New Asia Country As the global business operational costs increase for example labor cost. IKEA may look for alternative opportunity to source its business from developing country. Cambodia can be IKEA potential business expansion due to the broad agriculture activity and strong GDP growth in recent years. Mohan (2005, p.10) points out that there is potential growth in future for Cambodia as an agriculture dependent country due to the labor cost advantage. Furthermore, Purcell et al. (2010, p.9) states the opened policy of Cambodia government in joining the ASEAN and WTO has increased the GDP 9.6% by 2007. The political and economic factors are vital elements IKEA should consider while entering into a new market. 4.3 Continue Focus on Innovation Innovation is a key in adding value to development of organization. Drucker (2002, p.95-103) states that capability to be innovative in an organization is the key to endure business grow. IKEA has a very different innovation perspective compare to others organization. Victoria et al. (2007, p.46) illustrate that IKEA posses unique forms of innovation in introducing new technology, widening the low cost products design range to maintain long term suppliers and consumers relationship. Victoria et al. (2007, p.46) also mentions IKEA focused on technological innovation by online products provision and supply chain management which contributed to the growth of its business. The critical factors to continue IKEA success in innovations are all level of consumer centric innovation, further analyzes the segmentation markets by research and innovative marketing campaign to match local preference. 4.4 Reviews on Strategy Competitiveness For IKEA to lead furniture industry as a market driver, the firm should periodically review and enhance the existing strategies. Adaption of blue ocean strategy enables IKEA to seek the value of innovation by cost reduction and differentiate it products to meet customer needs. Kim (2005, p.4) explains that blue ocean strategy enable corporate to create new customer value and provide lasting core competitiveness. Moreover, blue ocean strategy challenges the traditional business concept in breaking market competition and growing organization brand identity. Continually review the business strategy provides bigger picture and direction for an organization to attain growth in future.

The Truman Show :: essays research papers

<a href="http://www.geocities.com/vaksam/">Sam Vaknin's Psychology, Philosophy, Economics and Foreign Affairs Web Sites â€Å"The Truman Show† is a profoundly disturbing movie. On the surface, it deals with the worn out issue of the intermingling of life and the media. Examples for such incestuous relationships abound: Ronald Reagan, the cinematic president was also a presidential movie star. In another movie (â€Å"The Philadelphia Experiment†) a defrosted Rip Van Winkle exclaims upon seeing Reagan on television (40 years after his forced hibernation started): â€Å"I know this guy, he used to play Cowboys in the movies†. Candid cameras monitor the lives of webmasters (website owners) almost 24 hours a day. The resulting images are continuously posted on the Web and are available to anyone with a computer. The last decade witnessed a spate of films, all concerned with the confusion between life and the imitations of life, the media. The ingenious â€Å"Capitan Fracasse†, â€Å"Capricorn One†, â€Å"Sliver†, â€Å"Wag the Dog† and many lesser films have all tried to tackle this (un)fortunate state of things and its moral and practical implications. The blurring line between life and its representation in the arts is arguably the main theme of â€Å"The Truman Show†. The hero, Truman, lives in an artificial world, constructed especially for him. He was born and raised there. He knows no other place. The people around him – unbeknownst to him – are all actors. His life is monitored by 5000 cameras and broadcast live to the world, 24 hours a day, every day. He is spontaneous and funny because he is unaware of the monstrosity of which he is the main cogwheel. But Peter Weir, the movie’s director, takes this issue one step further by perpetrating a massive act of immorality on screen. Truman is lied to, cheated, deprived of his ability to make choices, controlled and manipulated by sinister, half-mad Shylocks. As I said, he is unwittingly the only spontaneous, non-scripted, â€Å"actor† in the on-going soaper of his own life. All the other figures in his life, including his parents, are actors. Hundreds of millions of viewers and voyeurs plug in to take a peep, to intrude upon what Truman innocently and honestly believes to be his privacy. They are shown responding to various dramatic or anti-climactic events in Truman’s life. That we are the moral equivalent of these viewers-voyeurs, accomplices to the same crimes, comes as a shocking realization to us. We are (live) viewers and they are (celluloid) viewers.

Effects of Reality Shows on Society

EFFCTS OF REALITY SHOWS ON SOCIETY Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the award of the Degree of Master of Business Administration in M&E (2011 – 2013) By NEENA MALVIYA 112516026 Manipal University Bangalore Campus Bangalore December 2012 EFFCTS OF REALITY SHOWS ON SOCIETY Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the award of the Degree of Master of Business Administration in Media and Entertainment By NEENA MALVIYA Department of Media and Entertainment Manipal University Bangalore Campus Bangalore 19-11-2012 DeclarationI hereby declare that this dissertation titled ‘EFFCTS OF REALITY SHOWS ON SOCIETY’. Submitted in the partial fulfillments of the requirements of the Degree of Master of Business and Administration in Media and Entertainment of Manipal University Bangalore Campus, has been written under the guidance and supervision of Prof. Sachin. s. Tantri. This dissertation or any part thereof is not submitted for any purpose to any other U niversity. Bangalore Abhijeet Gangoli Date: Prof. Shinu Abhi Prof. Sachin.S. Tantri (Head of the Department) CERTIFICATE This is to certify that this dissertation titled‘ EFFCTS OF REALITY SHOWS ON SOCIETY’’. submitted by Neena Malviya the partial fulfillments of the requirements of the Degree of Master of Business and Administration in Media and Entertainment of Manipal University Bangalore Campus, is based on the research work carried under the guidance and supervision. This dissertation or any part thereof is not submitted for any purpose to any other University.Bangalore Date: Prof. Sachin. S. Tantri ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I would like to acknowledge everyone who helped me complete my dissertation. I would like to express my gratitude towards Prof Sachin. S. Tantri for their excellent guidance and timely advice. I would like to thank the respondents who patiently answered questionnaire that formed the crux of my research topic, Industry professionals who gave me w onderful insights during the in-depth interviews and my friends and family for their continued support.I would also like to thank our Head of the Dept. Prof. Shinu Abhi for training us in the concepts of Research Methodology. Table of contents Title page Declaration by the student team Acknowledgement from the student team Table of contents List of tables Executive summary Chapter 1: General Introduction I. Introduction to the study II. Background to the study Chapter 2: Introduction to the problem I. Title of the Study II. Statement of the problem III. Objectives of the study IV. Scope of the study V. Limitations of the study Chapter 3: Industry / Company profileI. Industry Profile. II. Products/services profile. Chapter 4: Review of Literature Introduction I. Literature review II. Theories applicable to the study Chapter 5: Research methodology I. Research design II. Hypothesis if applicable, III. Sampling IV. Tools for data collection V. Field work VI. Methods of data analysis Ch apter 6: Data Analysis I. Data analysis tools. II. Simple tabulation, cross tabulations, descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing and Qualitative Analysis. Chapter 7: Summary of finding, suggestions and recommendations Chapter 8: ConclusionExecutive summary: India is the world’s third largest TV market with almost 138 million is growing optimism in the industry. There will be great demand TV Households (HHs) next to China and USA. The television and broadcasting industry has grown tremendously could be tapped for further growth of the medium over the last two decades, with an average growth rate in double digits. The industry added almost 100 million viewers in 2010 to reach 600 million viewers and crossed the 550 channel mark from 460 in 2009. The report analyses on reality television shows.It identifies that the popularity of these shows among networks and marketers are due to monetary opportunities and brand awareness. These shows have psychological, social, cultural and personal effects on consumer behavior has they learn and relate to the contestants situations and problems. This behavior affects trends and patterns in retail buying power and the right viewers exercise in showing reaction has they are empowered to participate in the shows. It also puts forward the cultural, political and social factors as reality TV concepts are not readily adaptable and require modification.After immense success of these shows, viewer’s arte contended as its entertaining even when it lacks realism. Finally it concludes that these shows are more interested in profit making than entertaining viewers. The report also recommends for media to accept responsible journalism and focus on ethics and moral to target social problems. chapter 1: General Introduction 1. 1 Introduction to the study â€Å"A reality show is the live telecast of the performance or the activity of the person who may be the expert or non expert of the respective field in unpredictable envi ronment &in unscripted manner†.

Eight O’ Clock

Eight O’Clock What happens when the church bell tolls your final hour? Does your party dress turn to rags and your beautiful carriage revert back into a pumpkin? What do you do when your last sixty minutes are up? Many people pray to their God for salvation, and many others wish to go back and correct the wrongs in their lives. Many, though, await death’s embrace by cursing fate and dreading their moment of death, just as the man in A. E. Housman’s poem, â€Å"Eight O’Clock† does. The man in the poem is on death’s row and, rather than repenting and hoping for forgiveness from on high he laments his fate and angrily awaits his doom.It is apparent that the man awaits death because he is â€Å"strapped, noosed, [and] nighing his house. † To be strapped means that there is no way out, presumably from his situation, and he most certainly is for his situation is quite dire, and at this point he has no real chance of survival. To be noosed me ans one has a noose – a rope for hanging – tied around one’s neck so that he may be hanged which only adds to the fact that he’s certainly strapped. To nigh one’s hour means to near it, and the man must be nearing his final hour for he is certainly ready for his hanging and he continues to count down until his doom.Time is emphasized several times in the poem, showing just how close to death the man is. â€Å"[He] heard the steeple sprinkle the quarters on the morning town,† which is to say, he heard the bell toll each quarter of an hour as though it were raining down upon him just to mock him. The man counted them one-by-one until, on the final ring before he met his fate, â€Å"the clock collected in the tower its strength, and struck†. The clock’s strength refers most probably to how heavily it must ring. To the man, on that final quarter hour toll, it must have sounded as heavily as he had ever heard it.For, truly, it would be the last time he ever heard it. Rather than accepting his fate, the man sits and curses it instead. To accept what is happening to him would be to admit that what he did to deserve his fate was wrong, that he was truly guilty of sin. To feel that guilt, to repent for what he had done, would be to ask forgiveness, which in all rights is the smarter path to follow. Yet, for some reason, the man asks not for forgiveness, but for the wrath of God. The man does this because it is most likely he has committed no actual crime, his fate is not deserving of the punishment bestowed upon him.He has either been framed, or the punishment placed upon him much more severe than his transgression would merit, why else would he not ask forgiveness for what he had done? It is easy to curse one’s fate. It is easy to blame others for what has occurred. It is easier, still, to believe oneself innocent even when he is not. It is not easy, however, to stand and wait for death to arrive knowing t hat the path one chose should not have lead them there, that he should not be on his way out.

The Value Of The Modern Management Accounting System

The Value Of The Modern Management Accounting System Free Online Research Papers Today, because of revolution in management accounting, both smallest corner store and largest multinational organization start their own innovation on their accounting perspective. They were successful by applying new cost accounting model such as ABC systems and JIT system to improving the cost accounting system. Their Sociological perspective can be understood as a point of view that focuses not on individuals but their group or society, this is another concept that can be improve the value of modern management accounting system. Nowadays, most successful organization are more and more concentrate on the management accounting system innovation, by using both technical model and sociological/behavioral perspectives to improve the value in their management accounting system. The following essay will discuss the organizations how to apply the management control system to improve the working performance, and guide the employees achieving the goals. Introduction Simon (1995, p5) states that management control system as â€Å"the formal information-based routines and procedures managers use to maintain or alter patterns in organizational activities†. Management control system plays an important role in management accounting, it helps the directors to make decisions in daily operation and give good strategies of the business. In general, this system collects and uses information to aid and coordinate the planning and control decision. Moreover, the main point of management control system is to guide the behavior of the managers and employees to achieve the goal. In addition, management control system collects both financial and non-financial information inside and outside of the company. Management control system could depart as formal and informal control system. However, according to Simons’ definition of management control system the formal management control system much more helpful to aid the company achieve the goal. Becaus e to the formal management control system itself, it includes the explicit rules, procedures, performance measures and incentive plans so that it could guide the behavior of its managers and employees. The formal management control system consists of some systems and management accounting is one of the formal systems that provide information about revenue, cost and income, and according to this information. The manager could create the strategies and improve the working performance. This kind of system referred as a technical control system. However, only the technical control system is not good enough to guide the manager and employees achieving the goal. Hence, human resource system becomes another formal management control system which prepares the information on recruiting, training, absenteeism and accidents. It also supports a quality system that provides the information on scarp, defects, rework and late deliveries to customers. This kind of system is facing to the public whi ch is referred as a sociological control system. The main function of management control system is to sufficiently combine these two system so that to help the business improve the performance and achieve the goal more effectively. (Horngren, et al, 2003, p754) Technical control system As management accounting system is one of the formal management control system, and planning is one of the management process phase. Planning is used by management to develop the organization’s objective or goal, and set a plan that how to achieve it. For example, one organization set its objective to increase the market share by 10% and introduce its new product. The organization might decide to three actions to achieve it, increased advertising budget, open a new sales territory, and increase the research and development budget. Strategic planning is one kind of planning which is used by management to develop long-run courses of action to achieve the goal. Usually, a strategic planning involves a period’s cove five or ten years. Therefore, the plan serves as the basis for the long-term commitment of organizational resources. A strategic plan is approved by senior management level; it should integrate all aspects of the enterprise’s operations to achieve the lon g-term objective. Strategic plan should be periodically reviewed and revised, because it could be changed by environment during the operating period. Furthermore, in the short-term, operational planning is a short-run planning for achieving the operational goal. The objective of the operational plan should absolutely support all strategic planning of the enterprise. Thus, operational plan sets a period from a week or a month to several years. (Robin Copper, Regine Slagmulder, 1998, p.16) Operational plans are typically designed to achieve quality goal such as customer satisfaction, production and cost. In management accounting system, budget is a good tool for planning and achieving the operational objective. Budget is a process of translating the planning and programming decisions into specific projected financial plans for short-run. It is a segment of action programs adopted that set out planned and estimate the resources to be applied for the budget periods in order to attain the accomplishments. It also includes financial and non-financial aspects of the plan and the blueprint of the company in the upcoming years. As a management accountant, usually spend a lot of time in preparing and analyzing the budgets. The reason is that the manager could get some advantages from budget. The first advantage is strategic planning and implementation of plans. The managers could set its effective strategic planning access budget and match its marketplace and its opportunities to accomplish the goal. In addition, framework for judging performance is also an advantage of budget. Budget can overcome two limitations of using past performance as a basis for actual result. The third advantage is motivat ing managers and employees. A lot of research shows that budgets could challenge to improve the working performance. Because if the company can not achieve the budget number, it is viewed as a fail operation. Most managers and employees will work hard to avoid the failure and try the best to achieve the goal. That means the budget could push the managers and employees to achieve the goal more active. (Horngren, et al, 2003, p176) However, a successful of a business is not enough to be created by a good budget. Control is an important and necessary tool to meet the budget. It monitors the result between budget and actual to determine if the budget result is achieved or not. (Battistutta and Duncan, 1998, p355) When the managers have planned the goals and directed the actions, there comes the need to assess how well the plan is working. â€Å"Control is taking actions that implement the planning decisions and deciding how to evaluate performance and what feedback to provide that will help future decision making.† (Horngren, et al, 2003, p6) Controlling monitoring the operating results of implemented plans and comparing the actual results with the expected results. This feedback allows manager to isolate significant departures from plan for further investigation and possible remedial action. It may also lead to a revision of future plans. This philosophy of controlling is sometimes referred to as management by exception. For example, if actual department costs incurred in maintaining a process significantly exceed expected costs, then an investigation may be conducted to determine the cause of the difference so that corrective action may be taken. (Robin Copper, Regine Slagmulder, 199 8, p.17) Today many industries are reaching capacity levels and enjoying increase the sales and profits, the most significant change for manufacturing environment is â€Å"by increased automation and computerization, reduced levels of direct labor and inventory, increased attention to product and production planning, and shorter product life cycles.† (Anonymous, 2004). Such these manufacturing philosophies were along with the changing technologies, and as for the traditional cost accounting model, it can not be matched. Because the traditional costing accounting gives too little attention to internal and cost controls and cost controls, matches revenue and expenses improperly. Thus an alternative to these suggested solutions is for the accounting system to adopt for new method of accounting for product costs under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). â€Å"Activity-base costing, technology, and JIT (Just-In-Time) system have been developed to update the traditional account ing model so it adequately reflects today’s manufacturing environment.† (Seed, Allen H, 1990) These methods focus on cost control and the elimination of the overhead allocation problems therefore to improving the value of management accounting system. The later paragraph will discussed in more detail below to show why and how the traditional cost accounting model should be changed. Activity-base costing â€Å"Activity-base costing Accounting accumulates product cost and other financial and operational information based on the activities required to manufacture the product or achieve a financial or operational goal.† (Dilts, David M; Grabski, Severn V., 1990) Today’s management accountants are not allocating overhead to production solely on the basis of direct labor rather than before. The first step in activity-base costing is to identify the products that are the chosen cost objects. Such as the company make the men’s shoes named M-47. Then the direct costs should be identified next, after they developed the all cost account, all the cost should be allocated to activities. For example, the machine costs are allocated on the machine hours, and the direct labor costs are allocated on the direct labor hours. The left steps for ABC system is select the cost allocation bases to use for allocating indirect cost to the products, and identify the indirect cost associat e with cost allocation base. The last step is to compute the rate per unit and indirect cost allocated to the products. This method of allocation relates products costs directly to the resources used to produce them, comparing with the traditional model, they found that â€Å"overhead costs applied to their products could be as little as one-fifth or as much as 20 times the amounts applied under the traditional model.† (Dilts, David M; Grabski, Severn V., 1990) Controls also are strengthened under activity accounting because costs are controlled at the activity level where they are being incurred. The traditional model emphasizes cost control at the finished product level after the goods have been produced and the costs have been incurred. Therefore, activity base costing can be improved the management accounting by the stage of cost allocating and controls. Just-In-Time System The concept of JIT was defined of reducing inventories by working closely with supplies to co-ordinate delivery of materials just before their use in the manufacturing or supply process. This means JIT can minimize the inventory by supplying material and components to the production line directly before placement in to the product. Furthermore, in the ultimate JIT system, inventory is constant from year to year means that the cost of goods sold equals the cost of goods manufactured. However, normally, costs of goods, includes raw materials, work in process, finished goods inventory and cost of good sold. If cost of goods sold equals the cost of goods manufactured, then cost of goods sold will disappear, lead ending inventories to be immaterial. On the other hand, JIT profoundly affect the unit cost concept. â€Å"A successful JIT system requires the just in time supply of defect-free inventories to all stages of production.† (Anthony A. Atkinson,CMA 1998)This is means to improving the productivity by reducing the waste and the production costs. Sociological control system It is not good enough for the company to achieve the goal for using technical system. Sociological control system could assist the company and achieve the goal easily. People may have problems from the planning and controlling. Of course, budgeting will bring a lot of benefits for operating the company in the future. However, budgeting could bring the stress to all employees to achieve the goal at the same time. For example, in order to be effective, budgeting need to built â€Å"honest† relationships been the lower-level managers and high-level managers even their bosses. Because the lower-level managers want to keep successful and they may give the wrong number to higher-level managers and their bosses. â€Å"Empowerment is the most recent management initiative aimed at getting more effort, commitment involvement, and output from employees throughout the organization.† (Macintosh, 1994, P1) Thomas Johnson is a proponent of employee empowerment person. He believes that the problem can be solute by lower-level employees. Because they deep understand of production processes and customer concerns so that they could use the accounting information to aid the organization achieve their objective.(Macintosh, 1994, P1) Johnson also argued that there was a problem by using â€Å"remote control management† in the past couple of years. He said, Attention of management at all levels focused on costs, profit, ROI, leverage, and other financial results. Not shop floor organization and satisfaction of customer wants. Managers began to manipulate processes to achieve accounting results, instead of monitoring well-run processes by occasionally checking accounting results. Process management-intuitively understood by most managers before the 1950s-was quickly replaced by â€Å"managing by the number†. Worse, top managers increasingly identified and defined â€Å"process† in term of whatever it took to achieve desired accounting result. And that view of things was telegraphed throughout every level of almost every business in the nation. (Johnson, was cited by Macintosh, 1994, p10) Johnson also believed that â€Å"remote control system misleads managers into chasing false imperatives†¦always sustain output at a level to cover all costs, and always persuade customers to buy output at prices high enough to earn the market’s required rate of return† (Johnson, was cited by Macintosh, 1994, p10). Remote control by the numbers merely encourages lower-level managers â€Å"to manipulate (or tamper with) processes in order to achieve accounting cost and revenue targets dictated by â€Å"top down† command and control information† (Johnson, was cited by Macintosh, 1994, p10). Such actions are the opposite of the responsiveness and flexibility needed in today’s global markets.† In fact, this kind of higher-level manager does not understand how to satisfy customers’ needs and wants at all. More disturbing is they did not care the employees who actually produce and market the products. In summary, beside strategic management, many organizations are in order to gain and keep the competitiveness and they focus on their basic resources and employees. The competitiveness of the marketplace has placed a premium on productivity, quality and creativity. However, higher level of productivity and quality cannot be achieved by the employees who are alienated and disinterred. (Aryee, 1993, p227) Analysis As a result of buttered by intense level of competition under globalization of the marketplace. Most organizations need to apply an effective management system to create a committed workforce. Hence, management control system links socialization practices to the business strategy so that it can improve the working performance and aid the employees achieve the goals. Posneret al. (1985, p. 294) cited Watson (the legendary head) of IBM as saying: I believe the real difference between success and failure in a corporation (can very) often is traced to the question of how well the organization brings out great energies and talents of its people. What does it do to help these people find common cause with each other? I think you will find that it owns resiliency†¦to the power of what call beliefs and the appeal these beliefs have for its people. In other words, the basic philosophy, spirit and drive of an organization have far more to do with its relative achievements than to technological or economic resources, organizational structure, innovation and timing. (Posneret, was cited by Aryee, 1993, p229) â€Å"Human resource management can help a firm obtain competitive advantage lowering costs, by increasing sources of product and service differentiation or by both†. (Posneret, was cited by Aryee, 1993, p229) For example, human resource management should make their own employees happy so that the employees could work harder to help the firm achieve the goal. Active working behavior could improve the working performance, and it must reduce the costs and increase the sources of products and services. Oppositely, if the employees lost the commit and then, a negative working behavior will exist at the same time. It will cumber the development of the firm. Therefore, â€Å"Strategic human resource management posits that organizations select human resource management practices that stimulate and reinforce specific employee behaviors required to successfully implement organizational strategy.† (Collins, was cited by Aryee, 1993, p234) For example, the strategic human resource management could include that the company could set a bonus to encourage the employees who did good job. This action could motivate the employee working harder. Conclusion The two parts, one is improving the value of management accounting system by technical model, and the other is sociological/behavioral perspectives. In the technical model, it was mainly talked about the ABC system, JIT system, and technology accounting as the tool to improve the value of the management accounting systems and practice. Furthermore, Sociological and behavioral also can lead the management accounting system value improve, based on their external and internal environment. Try to be more concentrate on the customers, as much as lower the input price, to get more competitive advantages, therefore, to improving the productivity and lower the production costs by applying the technical method, as a results to improving the value of the management accounting system. Therefore in conclusion, move to the successful organization, the group need to be brave in innovation, although the financial technical such as costing accounting system but some other perspectives like non finan cial perspectives sociological and behavioral is also important for an organization to move to successful. The main function of management control system is to combine technical method and sociological method, and aid the working performance lead to guide the employees achieving the objective. References List Anonymous (Apr 2004) â€Å"10 Tactics That Foster Most Effective Change In Accounting Depts.† Accounting Department Management Report. New York: Vol.04-04 pg.1 Anthony A. Atkinson, CMA ( Nov 1998) â€Å" The Exchange† Management Innovation And Cost Accounting , Vol.62, Iss.9; pg.14 Aryee. S., (1993), Creating a committed workforce: linking socialisation practices to business strategy, Issues in strategic management accounting. Sydney. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. 1993. 297 p. p 227-239 Battistutta, S and Duncan?S, (1998) Accounting For Non-accountants, Nelson Australia Pty Limited, South Melbourne. Dilts, David M; Grabski, Severn V. (Feb 1990) â€Å"Advanced manufacturing Technologies: What They Can Offer Management Accountants† Management Accounting; 71, 8; ABI/INFORM Global pg.50 Horngren, C., Foster, G. and Datar, S, (2003), Cost Accounting: A Managerial Emphasis, 11th ed, Prentice-Hall International USA. Macintosh, N. (1994), ‘Employee Accounting Systems’ in Management Accounting and Control System: An Organizational and Behavioral Approach, J Wiley, New York, p245-256. Robbins, Stephen P., Bergman, Rolf, Stagg, Ian and Coulter, Mary, (2003), Foundations of Management, Pearson Education Australia, Sydney. Seed, Allen H (Feb 1990), â€Å"Improving cost management†, Management Accounting; 71, 8; ABI/INFORM Global pg.27 Simons, R. (1995) Levers of Control, Harvard Business School Press: Boston MA. Research Papers on The Value Of The Modern Management Accounting SystemThe Project Managment Office SystemBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of SelfIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalDefinition of Export QuotasOpen Architechture a white paperNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NiceMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductTwilight of the UAWThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationStandardized Testing

The flypaper effect examines the impact of intergovernmental grants on local governments’ spending behaviour. The WritePass Journal

The flypaper effect examines the impact of intergovernmental grants on local governments’ spending behaviour. Introduction The flypaper effect examines the impact of intergovernmental grants on local governments’ spending behaviour. IntroductionReferencesRelated Introduction The flypaper effect examines the impact of intergovernmental grants on local governments’ spending behaviour. Where one level of government is unable to provide public goods and services for another level of government it transfers money to that government to finance its own provision. The transfer of funds is usually from a higher level of government to lower levels. These intergovernmental grants are flows of money from federal or central government to local state governments. These grants change the income distribution and spending patterns of the local government. The flypaper effect is the concept of money from the central government to the local authorities sticking where it hits. Grants to the local government will be spent on goods and services in the local public economy and not be used somewhere else. When the local government receives a grant, it can choose to either spend it on increasing provision of public goods without increasing. Or cut taxes of its residents w hich increases their incomes. The effect the grant and tax cuts will have on local spending is dependent on the income elasticity of demand. Theory predicts that the effect of a lump sum grant on local spending will be equivalent to the effect of an increase in income from distributing the grant directly to local residents or indirectly through tax cuts. However this   theory has been disconfirmed by a number of empirical studies which is why the flypaper effect is considered as an anomaly inconsistent with economic theory[3]. A study by Gramlich (1977) found evidence which goes against the occurrence of this America. The studies show that the grant induces greater local spending than an equivalent cut in taxes does which is considered to be an anomaly. A 100$ increase in citizens’ income from a cut in taxes raises local governments spending by $5-$10, while lump sum grant on the other hand raises spending by $40-100$. The grant stimulates higher local spending than an equivalent increase in income from a cut in taxes would. Spending is stimulated by more than theory predicts. A number of researchers[4] have carr ied out studies to estimate the effect additional grants will have on local government spending. Even though all these studies were carried out in different ways they all report some degree of flypaper effects. The results from these studies show that an additional dollar increase in the grant can increases local government spending by anywhere around 25 to 106% of the additional dollar. Studies have been conducted to estimate the actual effect of different types of grants to the local governments. The magnitude of the flypaper effect will vary depending on the nature of the grant received as this influences the spending pattern of the local government. An open-ended matching grant which is a form of subsidy given to the local government has a larger effect on local spending as it induces both an income and substitution; as compared to an unconditional grant which the local government can spend grant any way it chooses to, or specific grants which are given with strings attached such as having to spend the grant on specific programmes such as on education. These have a smaller increase on local governments on spending. General and specific lump sum grants have the same effects on local government spending as they induce only an income effect. A lump sum grant also results in a smaller increase in local spending than an equivalent matching grant would. Where there are misspecifications on the type of grant received, this can create flypaper. Moffitt (1984) proved that taking the type of grant into consideration when estimating the flypaper effects avoids creating an upward bias and could eliminate the flypaper effect. Different explanations have been given as to why we observe these flypaper effects. One argument that has been made is that it is due to fiscal illusion. Some sources of government revenue are unobserved or partially unobserved by citizens who benefit when incomes from these sources are spent and increase their support for the government. Because these income sources are unknown to the citizens, they do not have to pay higher taxes or forego tax cuts for the increased expenditure on public goods and services to be financed. The government will have an incentive to increase spending of revenue from these unobserved sources which are subject to fiscal illusion to increase their support. This allows the local government to spend a higher amounts of grants resulting in the flypaper effect of money sticking where it hits. Oates’s model is based on the assumption of fiscal illusion with lack of full information on the part of citizens. When the local government receives a grant, this could be passed onto residents to increase incomes who increase their spending on public goods. The local government could instead decide to supply the good at a lower price which results in a greater increase in spending than that which results from the increased income. Residents are made to believe that the cost of the service is less that its actual cost. This makes the effects of the lump-sum grant is greater than that from increased incomes. The magnitude of the flypaper effect depends on the relative sizes of the income and price elasticities of demand. Oates estimation of these elasticities results in flypaper effects on local spending as an increase in income causes a 0.1 marginal increase and an increase in intergovernmental grant leads to a 0.4 increase. Because of information asymmetry citizens may confu se marginal and average price effects of grants which results in flypaper effects. The use of average instead of marginal prices can create an illusion that results in flypaper effects. The role of bureaucracy has also been given as another explanation for the flypaper effect. Self interested bureaucrats and politicians who aim to maximise the size of their budget are not acting it the interests the local citizens. However there is information asymmetry where the bureaucrats have more information than those in power which they take advantage on when requesting a budget to finance public expenditure. This allows the bureaucrats to spend additional grants received from the central government. To maximise the budget size they request a budget where the cost of provision is equal to benefit of consumption to residents. A specific matching grant to the local government reduces the cost of provision and the cost (price) of the good or service to citizens. According to King (1984) the increase in the bureau’s budget is greater than the amount of grant. For this to explain the flypaper effect the increase in income causes a smaller increase in the budget, and the gra nt should have a higher effect on local spending than the increase in income does. The Romer-Rosenthal model is built in an attempt to explain the role of bureaucrats in the occurrence of flypaper effects where local government spending may differ from what the traditional model predicts (increase in income and a grant having the same effect on spending). In their model increased income leaves local spending levels unchanged. This explains the flypaper effect as an equivalent increase in residents income will increase size of the budget by less than increased spending does. The flypaper effect is seen as an outcome of politics. The econometrics used in the estimations of the flypaper effect is given another reason as to why we observe the effects. Some omitted variables may result in an upward bias of the effect on a grant on local spending. It is argued that altering the variables and parameters used in the estimations should eliminate these effects. Becker (1996) substituted the commonly used linear equation with the logarithmic form which eliminates the evidence of flypaper effects. Other studies conducted altering these estimations still showed evidence of some degree of flypaper effects. Hamilton (1983) explained a significant proportion of the flypaper effects with the inclusion of relevant variables. Wyckoff(1991: 30) study argues that â€Å".. the flypaper effect is unlikely to fade away with the inclusion of these omitted variables†. Other relevant variables excluded include local government’s savings ration and residents expenditure on private sector alternatives. Another argument is the misspecification of the expenditure function due to the exclusion of some variables in the estimates of the flypaper effects such as not taking differing characteristics of localities and government behaviour into account. Or the use of inappropriate variables can result in flypaper effects. However even after taking these factor into account studies still showed evidence of flypaper effects. Not taking into account some of the biases created can also result in flypaper effects. Bruce Hamilton (1983) added to this argument that the underestimation of the propensity to spend on public goods from individual’s private income is also a reason why we observe flypaper effects. Additional explanations as to why the flypaper effects may occur can be due caution from local authorities. Where the local government is unsure about future intergovernmental grants, they would rather spend grants on local public expenditure rather than on tax cuts which may not occur in future years causing voter discontent. Because of the high transaction costs from tax changes, the government finds it more efficient to use the grant to increase local expenditure rather than to increase residents income via tax cuts, which could create a flypaper effect. Conflict between the interests of local citizens and bureaucrats can create flypaper effects.   Flypaper effects may occur because the local government believes that maintaining a high level of public expenditure will result in receiving additional grants. With differences in the estimations of the effect of grants from a number of empirical studies, this may suggest that some of these results overestimate the actual size of the flypaper effect. Where there are errors in the empirical studies, the reliability of the existence of flypaper effects and its size becomes biased. Empirical studies which prove the occurrence of flypaper effects reject the traditional theory of a grant and increased income having the same stimulatory effect on local spending . These empirical results however are flawed due to some statistical or specification error which leads to an overestimation of flypaper effects. There are a number of explanations given for why we observe flypaper effects, but none of these offer a full explanation of this giving only a part explanation of the flypaper effect. Further research into the flypaper effect is required to give a full explanation on it. References Bailey, S. and Connolly, S. The flypaper effect: Identifying areas for further research, Department of Economics, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, U.K., Accepted 31 October 1997. Becker, E. (1996). The Illusion of Fiscal Illusion: Unsticking the Flypaper Effect, Public Choice 86, 1-2, 85-102. Cullis, J and Jones, P. Public Finance and Public Choice, 2nd Edition, Oxford University Press. Dahlberg, M. et al. Local Taxes and spending: Estimating the Flypaper Effect Using a Discontinuous Grant Rule. Inman, R. The Flypaper Effect. Lalvani, M. The Flypaper Effect: Evidence from India. University of Mumbai, Economics. Public Budgeting and Finance, vol 22. Pp 67-88, 200. Mueller, D. Public Choice 3. Cambridge University Press.

6 To-Do List Styles to Get Your Life in Order

6 To-Do List Styles to Get Your Life in Order Do you find the idea of making a to-do list strangely daunting? If you’re one of those people who don’t naturally tend to the to-do list, you might need a little help or inspiration to get you started. Here are some of the best templates, options, and styles for you to try.The Old School ListGo the simple route and simply handwrite your list. If you get a random thought and aren’t near your computer, just jot it down! You can always add it to a more high-tech list later on. You might find this method less distracting when you’re in a working groove. If you have a hard time conceptualizing how to organize your list, there are tons of printable templates in .doc or PDF. Just print ‘em out and fill ‘em in!Bullet JournalingEverybody’s talking about Bullet journaling. Read up on this new technique, described as â€Å"a customizable and forgiving organization system†- an all-in-one â€Å"to-do list, sketchbook, notebook, and diary.â₠¬  It helps you keep your lists manageable in size and keep items from overwhelming you while making sure more of them actually get done. So go to the website and see whether or not the Kool-Aid is right for you!Breaking It DownSet yourself one big goal for the day, then break it into actionable chunks. The smaller tasks will feel more manageable than the larger goal, and you’ll find you chip away at them quickly. Once you build momentum, you’ll be surprised at how fast you knock out your ultimate goal and consider that day a success.Use Your CloudUse the cloud calendar function already on your laptop or your phone. They’ll merge effortlessly together so you can update from either device and have your to-do list with you at all times. And it can help you visualize how much time you have for each segment of your day. Try out the Google â€Å"Goals† feature along with this method for your long-term wish list of goals.Prioritize Your TasksCheck out Wunderli st, Todosit, or iDoneThis, or the thousands of apps like them, to sort your to-dos by priority level. You’ll also earn reward â€Å"points† for every task completed, which is just fun enough to make you feel really good about yourself. If you want a version with fewer bells and whistles, try Template.net which sorts your tasks into columns like â€Å"to do, to get, to call,† etc. Or TidyForms, which lets you schedule out two full days instead of one.Do It For CupcakesNo, honestly, that’s the name of the template. Design Eat Repeat created an adorable weekly organizing template called DO IT FOR THE CUPCAKES that lets you identify six goals per day. If you finish all your tasks in that week, you get cupcakes! Well, you’re strongly encouraged to get them.

PESTEL analysis of the automotive industry in United Kingdom Essay

PESTEL analysis of the automotive industry in United Kingdom - Essay Example It elaborates the macroeconomic factors that are used to scan the environment before taking any strategic decision in an organisation (Mercer, 2008). PESTEL stands for: P- Political; E- Economic; S- Social; T- Technological; E-Environmental; L- Legal. The few constituents of PESTEL of the automotive industry are as follows: The firms should be aware of the political factors like the trading policies, governmental changes in rules and regulations of the production of cars which includes safety standards and fuel emissions. Economic factors influencing business includes taxation policies, economies and trends, trade cycles and exchange rate and interest rate changes (Thompson, 2001). Cars are the polluting agents which pollute the environment to such an extent that it can be dangerous to the society and large emission of harmful gases can even lead to diseases. Cars manufactures are introducing Alternative Energy Vehicles that use only electricity and has rechargeable battery (Booz, 20 08). The challenges that are faced by the automotive industry are that it is very expensive and this will be the solution for lowering pollutants. Environmental pollutants have been the basic challenge for this industry which is threatening the automotive industry worldwide and thus they should pay attention to the alternative energy vehicle (Ferrel, 2012). The firm should always comply with all rules and regulations that are levied on car manufacturing , such as safety and standard issues, gas emission laws, vehicles regulations, etc (Mercer, 2008). 2. Trend forecast for 2016 Fords Motor Company, an automobile giant has it’s headquarter in United States. It has expanded its market in many countries like Japan, India etc. Ford has been suffering from many hurdles which are affecting the business. The challenges are coming from the macroeconomic environment and it has threatened their existence. PESTEL analysis has been done to identify the factors that are affecting the exist ence of the automotive company (Craik, 2013). The following are the challenges that are faced by Ford and their future planning till 2016 so that they can overcome the challenges: 1) The rising price of oil has made customers less automotive friendly (Ferrel, 2012). Ford has been doing technological adjustment which is helping them build a modern standard in the present outline. By 2016 it will reach its destination by creating such technologies which can even give the solution for using expensive oils. In many countries, the financer of the organisation has been playing a crucial role in the development and the progress of the organisation (Ferrel, 2012). 2) Accelerating growth in the developing countries is very difficult and thus attaining customers is near to impossible. But Ford has targeted a potential market to penetrate with its motors and thus give them a changed phase by the year 2016. 3) The sale of Ford was also affected by the types of motors that are being used by the people. But when the income of the mass is elevated to that position that they can pay attention to own a luxury car the sale of Ford has increased (Burrow, 2011). For the future development Ford concentrate on developing low priced cars so that it can be afforded by the mass (Sturgeon and Biesebroeck, 2010). 4) Consumer preferences changes from time to time (Miller, 2012). Their taste and likings are not stagnant for all time. They try to experience new brands and that affects the sales of the

Predictability of Foreign Exchange Rates Dissertation

Predictability of Foreign Exchange Rates - Dissertation Example I am also much obliged to my supervisors who guided me with their timely advice, feedbacks and suggestions which aided me in attaining the expected standard of work and keeping me punctual as per the scheduled deliveries of dissertation chapters. Table of Contents Serial no. Topic Page no. I Introduction, Aims & objectives and Research Questions 6 I.1 Introduction 6 I.2 Aims 6 I.3 Objectives 6 I.4 Research Questions 7 II Literature Review 8 III Research Methodology 15 IV Findings Analysis and Discussion 19 V Conclusion and Recommendations for future Research 33 VI References 40 List of Tables Table no. Topic Page no. 1a Regression Results of Equation (1a) 22 1b Regression Results of Equation (1b) 23 2a Regression Results of Equation (2a) 25 2b Regression Results of Equation (2b) 26 3a Regression Results of Equation (3a) 28 3b Regression Results of Equation (3b) 29 List of Tables in Appendix Serial no. Topic Page no. ... on: The collapse of the Bretton Woods System of fixed exchange rate in 1978 ushered in the new era of flexible exchange rate that aimed for the betterment of trade relations between countries. Free and floating exchange rate were assumed to be the solution to the barriers to free trade and hence, the newly acquired ideals of globalization. What remained uncalculated was the instability and lack of predictability associated with flexible exchange rates. In the aftermath of the Global Crisis of 2007, the predictability of exchange rates has evolved as one of the most relevant issues and pleads minute scrutiny and analysis. I.2 Aims: The objective of this research is to examine the depreciations, appreciations and devaluations in the value of the US Dollar relative to other major currencies and based on this analysis; draw a general conclusion on the degree of predictability of exchange rates in recent times. Furthermore, it attempts to identify the main factors responsible for the vola tility of exchange rates following the collapse of the Bretton Woods System and thus, offer a clear insight into the various mechanisms existent in the context of exchange rate predictability. I.3 Objectives: The main objectives of the research are: To compare the differences in the stability and predictability of exchange rates before and after the collapse of the Bretton Woods System of fixed Exchange rates. To study the variations in the value of exchange rate of US, with respect to other major currencies and based on this, gauge the relative increase or decrease in the stability and predictability of exchange rates. To identify the reasons for the changing degree of predictability in exchange rates. To study the implications of the varying degrees of predictability of exchange rates, in

S6W4PAPER1 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

S6W4PAPER1 - Research Paper Example This unilateral French military intervention, though not directly under instructions of the UN Security Council, has been seen as a reprieve not only by the Malians but a majority of global nations. However, it is worth noting that this foreign military intervention had little to do with the ethnic grievances of the Tuaregs. Instead, there are a number of underlying factors, forces and groups that orchestrated the intervention. In this research paper, I seek to find out the sources of the recent military intervention in Mali. Special attention is given to the main issues of the conflict that include conflict management and security. To begin with, one major reason for global military intervention is linked to the vulnerability of the transitional Malian government. After the coup, the government in place had the duty to oversee the developments of the country in efforts to regain normalcy. Unfortunately, the civilian-led government based at the capital city, Bamako, has been made ineffective by internal conflicts and military interference. In addition, corruption that has been deep-rooted in most of the state institution has weakened the structures in place to ensure that the government is running efficiently and effectively. Whereas all this was taking place, the simmering ethnic battles in the northern Mali saw over 350,000 people displaced resulting in serious human and political crises. The people who were leading the rebellions were mostly the Tuaregs who were returning back to their country after the revolution against Muammar Gaddafi in Libya. Most of them were serving in the Gaddafi army and as such car ried alongside with them an assortment of arms. Also, since they had just returned from a revolutionary war in Libya, these returnees were still motivated by their combative instincts to propagate the same war in Mali3. The Malian government, as well as the

Do Children Learn Better in Boys-only and Girls-only School Research Paper

Do Children Learn Better in Boys-only and Girls-only School - Research Paper Example According to the essay findings  various arguments have been leveled for and against the reasons for separating boys and girls from learning together and the basis for the arguments are based on opinions rather than facts. It is important to give the opinions for those who reason for separating boys and girls in different learning environments.   One reason, for encouraging separation of the girls and boys during the learning process, is based on the argument of negative morality. Advocates of this thought argue that through separation we are able to bring up a generation of upright and moral individuals.   It is debated that most of the societal evils like fornication begins at very early stage of growth.   By separating boys from girls by taking them to different schools, may to a greater extend lower the cases and encourage a morally upright society.As the discussion highlights  the advocates for the separation of boys and girls claim that at school environment the stude nts are mostly alone, and these situations provide an opportunity for developing morals particularly when boys are mixed with girls. Education should introduce students to different cultures and thought processes that they could not be exposed to otherwise. Achieving the goals of education according to the advocates is actively to develop structures that individually assist the students of various genders but avoid mixing the students during the learning process.

Immigration Policy Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Immigration Policy - Term Paper Example This paper seeks to analyze the changes in immigration policy in the lights of broad and diverse academic resources. From essay written by Lars Von Torne, it is apparent that the Canadian immigrant policy was evolved and adopted in order to foster and support cultural diversity. The writer has discussed the Taylor-Bouchard Commission, which concentrates on dealing with the issues related to immigration and their integration. The main aim of this commission was to offer an open channel for public in order to introduce and develop new ideas to deal with the issues related to immigrants. Furthermore, the commission concentrated on dealing with "already simmering debate and turn it into a nationwide discussion which quickly spread all over Canada as well as holding a few very interesting lessons for Germany (Trne, 555)." In order to avoid such issues, Canada had developed and implemented immigration policy, which based on equality and differed from the U.S policy. The Canadian immigrant policy concentrated on protecting the identities of the immigrants. However, immigrants are still engaged in lower j obs even though they are highly qualified. From the research conducted by Derek Hum and Wayne Simpson, it was concluded that immigrants were most likely to receive less training as compared to their counterparts, who were born in Canada. ... From the research conducted by Derek Hum and Wayne Simpson, it was concluded that immigrants were most likely to receive less training as compared to their counterparts, who were born in Canada. They recommended that a policy should be directed towards the immigrants, which would concentrate on improving their accessibility to training. They also concluded that special provisions should be introduced for both male and female immigrants, in order to ensure that they both have equal access to training. An immigrant training policy concentrates on improving and changing the job conditions for immigrants. It concentrates on polishing their skills as well as it would help them to assimilate in the workplace. From the research paper of Reed, it is evident that certain organizations have employed temporary foreign worker programs as a method of regulation, which is preferred by the government. The Canadian government has adopted the policy of temporary worker programs in order to provide training to immigrant workers and to maintain the Canadian custom of acknowledging and accepting immigrants on basis of economic and monetary benefits (Reed, 471). The temporary program provides ample opportunities, depending on the condition of the Canadian market (Reed, 484). However, such programs have several negative impacts. It is responsible for giving rise to neocolonial association, which created partialities and inequalities among countries. It also creates a distinction in the labor market, in which the skill level is used to determine citizenship and labor rights. Three Perspectives Structural Functional Theory From the structural functionalism, the society is considered to be system. From this perspective, a society is divided into different groups, which are mutually

Social And Economic Justice Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Social And Economic Justice Theory - Essay Example The thesis gains importance because present day Governments and Judicial systems should adopt the best available social and economic justice theory in their efforts to ensure fairness in justice delivery. Justice in this context does not confine to justice delivered in courts alone but also concerns the justice a common man is entitled in his day to day life. Courts are concerned with rule of law alone. The courts are expected to delver judgments tempered with economic and social justice to iron out differences due to unjust inequalities among people. If a law is unfair, courts are sometimes unable to reverse it because of the supremacy of law making power of the elected body. Courts can still guide the law making body to ensure observing the principles of economic and social justice while enacting laws. It is the law makers who are more concerned about how far the rules are socially and economically justifiable. Seemingly perfect law may not be really so if it is deeply gone into for which exercise knowledge of theories of justice is necessary. Not only is the law maker should know but also the members of the society so that if they are affected in toto or a particular section of the society is affected by an unfair practice or law, they can voice their concern. The three theories of justice that one must be concerned with are Utilitarianism, Justice as fairness, and Libertarianism in one's effort to find answer to the questions raised here. That is whether an individual is entitled to justice in direct proportion to his individual efforts. Utilitarianism theory posits that a society should have laws and institutions aimed to bring about general satisfaction for its constituents. As there is no instrument to measure the satisfaction, the utilitarianism finds it indirectly through the propositions of what is good for the members and what are the means to achieve it. Firstly the basic needs of human being such as food, shelter, protection should be satisfied. Aristotle laid the foundation of this utilitarian concept by holding that human actions actions are driven by their rational choices in order to realize their basic needs. Hence basic needs realization is the reflection of the utilitarian theory which satisfies the above said conditions of human good for overall happiness of the society's members. John Stuart Mill, Jeremy Bentham and Henry Sidgwick were the Utilitarians of the 19th century. John Stuart Mill held on the lines of Aristotle that human happiness depended upon liberties in speech and action as well as economic prosperity. He insisted wealth was indispensable to realize the human expectations. Utilitarians therefore wanted free education funded by public money through levy of taxes, both capitalist and mixed economy, protection of all kinds of liberties and a democratically elected form of Government. An objection to this was made by John Rawls in his A Theory of Justice 1971(pp.23-4) since institutions envisaged can turn out to be unjust. Because when the analogy of an individual's sacrificing for his future gains is applied to the society's sacrifice for the present for future benefits as can happen in the utilitarian way of

Immigration Policy Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Immigration Policy - Term Paper Example This paper seeks to analyze the changes in immigration policy in the lights of broad and diverse academic resources. From essay written by Lars Von Torne, it is apparent that the Canadian immigrant policy was evolved and adopted in order to foster and support cultural diversity. The writer has discussed the Taylor-Bouchard Commission, which concentrates on dealing with the issues related to immigration and their integration. The main aim of this commission was to offer an open channel for public in order to introduce and develop new ideas to deal with the issues related to immigrants. Furthermore, the commission concentrated on dealing with "already simmering debate and turn it into a nationwide discussion which quickly spread all over Canada as well as holding a few very interesting lessons for Germany (Trne, 555)." In order to avoid such issues, Canada had developed and implemented immigration policy, which based on equality and differed from the U.S policy. The Canadian immigrant policy concentrated on protecting the identities of the immigrants. However, immigrants are still engaged in lower j obs even though they are highly qualified. From the research conducted by Derek Hum and Wayne Simpson, it was concluded that immigrants were most likely to receive less training as compared to their counterparts, who were born in Canada. ... From the research conducted by Derek Hum and Wayne Simpson, it was concluded that immigrants were most likely to receive less training as compared to their counterparts, who were born in Canada. They recommended that a policy should be directed towards the immigrants, which would concentrate on improving their accessibility to training. They also concluded that special provisions should be introduced for both male and female immigrants, in order to ensure that they both have equal access to training. An immigrant training policy concentrates on improving and changing the job conditions for immigrants. It concentrates on polishing their skills as well as it would help them to assimilate in the workplace. From the research paper of Reed, it is evident that certain organizations have employed temporary foreign worker programs as a method of regulation, which is preferred by the government. The Canadian government has adopted the policy of temporary worker programs in order to provide training to immigrant workers and to maintain the Canadian custom of acknowledging and accepting immigrants on basis of economic and monetary benefits (Reed, 471). The temporary program provides ample opportunities, depending on the condition of the Canadian market (Reed, 484). However, such programs have several negative impacts. It is responsible for giving rise to neocolonial association, which created partialities and inequalities among countries. It also creates a distinction in the labor market, in which the skill level is used to determine citizenship and labor rights. Three Perspectives Structural Functional Theory From the structural functionalism, the society is considered to be system. From this perspective, a society is divided into different groups, which are mutually

Pulling the Wool Essay Example for Free

Pulling the Wool Essay Abstract   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The sharp contrast between William Smith’s Lectures on the Philosophy and Practice of Slavery and Frederick Douglass’s Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave leads to important conclusions about the vast differences in perception between those who owned and those who were owned in the period of American slavery. Smith’s work implores his fellow White landowners to practice what he sees as a just treatment of African slaves. However, his contempt for abolitionists and belief that Northerners are off the mark in understanding the state of slavery in the South show his belief that the institution itself is appropriate, even God-driven, and that only a minority of slave owners may require correction. Moreover, what drives Smith’s philosophy—the very religion from which Douglass saw the greatest brutality spring forth—causes him to assert and reassert the necessity of slavery for both White landowner and African slave. One cannot help but be struck by the stark contrast Smith’s work shows to the real-life experiences of the ex-slave Frederick Douglass as he recounts a life in which all of Smith’s proposals are brutally and routinely disregarded.                  William Smith’s Lectures on the Philosophy and Practice of Slavery and Frederick Douglass’s Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave offer a stark contrast between the two men’s views on American slavery. Smith, a White proponent of slavery, outlines what he believes to be a proper and just relationship between master and slave, and disparages those slave owners who do not follow the tenets of this relationship. However, he never hesitates in stating his full support for the institution itself. Douglass, who bears the burden of slavery firsthand, reveals to the reader a world vastly different from the â€Å"fat, sleek, and cheerful, and long-lived† (Smith, 1856, p. 291) slaves of some of Smith’s observances. His own journey from slavery to freedom affords the reader a view into a brilliant mind in contrast to what Smith (1856) believes can only be the equivalent of â€Å"minors, imbeciles, and uncivilized persons† (p. 282). It is Douglass’s account of his awakening, from a young slave ignorant of the reasons for his bondage to a learned man of inalienable self-respect, which topples the entire premise of Smith’s philosophy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Smith believes the teachings of the Christian Bible dictate the proper relationship between master and servant. Smith (1856) also details what he sees as a moral imperative on the part of White landowners to have â€Å"guardianship† (p. 277) over â€Å"God’s poor, committed to [the benevolent White master]† (p. 309), believing that they must â€Å"control and protect them for their profit as well as work them for [the slave and slave owner’s] mutual profit.† (309). In Smith’s estimation, slavery is proper and just because he assumes White intellectual and moral superiority over the African slave. He never confuses his call for benevolent treatment of slaves with the idea that the institution itself may be unjust.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Smith lays out what he believes are the rights of slaves according to both Christian doctrine and the law of men in his society. He divides the duties of the master into 3 main categories: â€Å"the duty of masters to their slaves considered as ‘their money’, their duty to their slaves considered as social beings, and their duty to their slaves considered as religious beings† (Smith, 1856, p. 283). In the first part, concerning slaves considered as masters’ money, Smith includes all of the physical needs of the slave. Working conditions, food, clothing and bedding, sleep and rest, housing, and free time are all detailed according to what Smith sees as ideal treatment. Woven into the framework of these requirements is a Christian code that reminds the master that he, too, will have a master in heaven. (p. 277). Smith begins by discussing the rights of the slave in regard to labor. Interestingly, Smith (1856) first focuses on what he calls a known â€Å"idleness† (p. 284) among slaves and warns slave owners to be dutiful in making their slaves accountable for their labor. He weaves a pattern that not only offers a sense of Christian duty on the part of the slave owner, but of the slave as well. It is Smith’s insistence upon the righteousness of slavery as a Christian imperative that continues to inform and guide his philosophy. Likewise, in all of the other physical comforts he asks the slave owner to provide the slave, he asks the slave owner to â€Å"give unto your servant that which is just and equal, knowing that ye also have a master in heaven† (Smith, 1856, pp. 278-279). While Smith admonishes those he believes violate the Christian mandate, he shows some confidence that there is not a crisis in the treatment of slaves. In condemnation of the attitudes of Northern abolitionists, he says that â€Å"A most fanatical spirit is abroad in the land on the subject of domestic slavery. The inhumanity of masters at the South is greatly exaggerated† (Smith, 1856, p. 278). He goes on to compare the treatment of Southern slaves as equivalent to that of hired help in the North. Smith seems on one hand to implore the White master to better the circumstances of his slaves in order to save his very soul from damnation, while on the other to denounce the efforts of the Northern advocates of freedom. He truly believes in a system of slavery wherein the slave is completely satisfied with his lot in life, and the landowner finds himself a benevolent overseer who will profit in life and in heaven. The other two sections of Smith’s call to righteous treatment of slaves follow a vein similar to the first. He repeatedly denounces those masters who violate his ideal image of slavery while insisting on the justness and necessity of the institution itself.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   While Smith’s ideal slavery leads the reader to envision sunny pastures with young Black slave children frolicking and elders laughing and singing merrily, Douglass’s account of real slave life offers a startling contrast. All of the Christian mandates of Smith’s slavery are turned asunder, and, in fact, it is the very observance of the religion which causes some of the harshest abuses to occur. Born a slave on a Maryland plantation, Douglass witnesses repeated acts of brutality upon the adult slaves in his company. The rumored son of the master, Douglass is given some favor in his early years, although he is never fed or clothed enough. Held up to Smith’s view of slavery, Douglass’s constant hunger and discomfort seem all the more intolerable. If one compares the specifics, Smith’s work calls for slaves to be offered a variety of the plantation’s food, cooked well and prepared ahead of time so that slaves may enjoy good nutrition and take two-hour lunches to properly digest their meal. Douglass’s reality, a measly monthly supply of pork or fish and corn meal doled out uncooked, makes Smith’s (1856) vision of the â€Å"early roasting ear, the ripe fruit, the melons, the potatoes, the fat stock†(pp. 297-298) seem like paradise for a slave. In contrast, Douglass, in chapter 3, describes a large and plentiful garden that slaves were routinely whipped for stealing from. Later, living with another master, Edward Covey, Douglass and his fellow slaves are afforded 5 minutes to eat before returning to the field to work until midnight.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Douglass’s account of his years in bondage read like a response to Smith at every turn. Douglass recounts continual starvation and discomfort, a world wherein his only clothing as a child was a linen shirt. While Smith talks of coats, hats, and shoes, Douglass speaks of children from 7 to ten years old running naked in winter for lack of clothing. While Smith discusses the necessity for comfortable beds and encourages the master to set up separate quarters to encourage fidelity and morality among slaves he believes are less geared toward fidelity than Whites, Douglass speaks with disgust of unrelated groups of people huddled together on dirt floors sharing a blanket in winter. Douglass’s journey lands him in completely different circumstances when he is taken to live in Baltimore with family members of his master, and he shows a different side of slave life in the city. However, perhaps the greatest indictment against Smith’s Christian ideal comes when the mistress of the house changes her demeanor from warm, humane, and welcoming to harsh and cruel under the â€Å"fatal poison of irresponsible power† (Douglass, 1845, p 18). Douglass (1845) notes that â€Å"the cheerful eye, under the influence of slavery, soon became red with rage† (p. 18). Douglass shows how, no matter what steps one may take to set a proper course for slavery, to offer the best of worlds for all involved, the premise cannot but collapse under the weight of its injustice. Setting a proper course for slavery is suddenly seen as being as impossible as setting a proper and just course for murder or betrayal. In Douglass’s experience, the inhumanity of slavery leads to dead souls performing hideous acts upon their subjects. There is no room for benevolent treatment in a reality based on the subjugation and demoralization of others. Perhaps the most striking difference between the two men’s view comes in the story of Douglass’s outcast grandmother. He describes how, after raising generations of a plantation owner’s family as well as her own, she is left alone in the woods in a hovel to fend for herself, far from the care of her extended family. Smith asks the reader why it should be difficult to afford the elderly the soothing hand of relatives in his or her final days, and he implores the master to see that the older slaves are given the respect and care they have a right to. There is a grave sadness in the story of Douglass’s grandmother who, treated like chattel, is offered no such comfort.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   If Douglass’s account leaves the reader with anything, it is the impression that religion and the benefit of being on the fortunate side of a brutal reality have pulled the wool over Smith’s eyes. It is hard to imagine that Smith’s reflections are a mere cover for his undying support for slavery; he truly seems to believe that Christian charity, manifest destiny, and the rights of everyone involved can merge to form an ideal state of slavery. It is his undying belief in the inferiority of the African slave that ultimately makes him comfortable with the situation. One sees, however, that it is no secret to even the least experienced master that â€Å"if you teach [a slave] how to read, there would be no keeping him† (Douglass, 1845, p. 20). That one fear alone—educating the slave—would not be a fear if the slave were truly the inferior creature described in Smith’s accounts. And Douglass, who eventually does just what the White master fears, provides evidence that there can exist no happy bondage, Christian or other, among human beings. References Douglass, Frederick (1845). Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. Boston: The Antislavery Office. Smith, William A. (1856). Lectures on the Philosophy and Practice of Slavery. Nashville: Stevenson and Evans.