Critical evaluation of about 4 pages on the Accenture article on the Essay - 1

Critical evaluation of about 4 pages on the Accenture article on the Innovation Death Spiral - Essay Example According to the CEO of Apple Inc Tim Cook, innovation may create new market share and new customers for the organization. In order to fulfil such views, the organization created a new invention named Apple i-pad. This proved extremely effective for the organization in the age of recession in order to amplify its profit margin and productivity. However, after a very small period of time, the organizational performance started declining significantly thereby reducing its image and reliability in the market among other rival players as presented by the below figure. Therefore, as per Mr. Tim Cook, the organization of Apple Inc became trapped in the process of ‘Innovation death spiral’. According to this process, the organization develops new products with the desire that it might present high results but yields up with disappointing results. However, in order to balance such a phenomenon, Tim Cook, implemented balancing innovation strategy in order to rectify such trouble, as innovation is considered as an engine. In order to retain the portfolio and reputation of the organization, Tim Cook decided to offer higher concentration over the field of research and development. Only then, the organization might analyse and evaluate the demands and preferences of the customers in an effective way (Innovation management, 2011). So that, after developing and launching the products, it might offer high-ended results to the organization of Apple Inc that might amplify its net income and market share. In order to do so, the CEO, Tim Cook developed varied types of products such as I-pad mini, iphone 5, iMac and many others. By inventing a series of above mentioned products, the total sales of the organization of Apple Inc increased by almost 50 percent in the period of recession as well as compared to other rival players such as Microsoft (Mysticdots, 2012). Apart from this, in order to save the organization from falling in the

Use of Information Technology to Support the Drive E-Business in Research Paper

Use of Information Technology to Support the Drive E-Business in Organizations - Research Paper Example When introducing changes to the business model, staff must be retrained and the work culture managed to ensure successful implementation of a new system. Challenges in the integration of new information systems into business processes and information needs of an organization are inevitable. These challenges include training, outsourcing expertise and selecting appropriate systems. Therefore, it is important for organizational managers to identify these challenges and overcome them so that the advantages of applying information systems in business processes are achieved. Information systems and their incorporation in business functions enhance business activities. Through e-commerce for example, web based information systems are able to increase efficiency and effectiveness in transactions, communication, collaboration and information sharing within the supply chain. Information system adoption and implementation is the most viable business solution for organizations especially those which are experiencing increased growth. It is through the information systems that management is enhanced and efficiency in transactions is achieved via e-business. On deciding to use information technology, the organizations must develop a system that will help integrate all the activities involved in the flow of goods from the suppliers to the customer. The system developed should be web-based given that e-commerce is conducted in distributed networks and must assure all the user of the security of the transactions. This is enforced by use of various components of an IT system. Given the dynamic nature of technology, the system needs to be periodically upgraded and therefore the organization must develop strategies to ensure smooth transitions. Businesses seeking to integrate their operations and processes should use competitive intelligence systems which gather i nformation from all the components of the supply chain thereby guiding the innovation process in a company. However, there are challenges which organizations face in their attempt to integrate new information systems into business processes and information needs. These challenges include deciding on the right information system as presented by vendors to the management. An ideal information system must be in line with business needs and processes including congruency to the goals and objectives of the organization. Organizations also face a challenge f training users to integrate and apply new systems especially when such organizations are large. Outsourcing of technical staff is another challenge in integration because the outsourced companies may not be familiar with the culture, goals and objectives of an organization when integrating the new system. Use of IT to integrate the sales and supply chain management (a) System Requirements To enhance supply chain management which will help companies integrate their relationship with customers and suppliers, there is need to ensure that the system meets some certain requirements. Supply

Sub-Saharan Africa Essay Example for Free

Sub-Saharan Africa Essay A â€Å"little more than a hundred years ago much of Africa was a vast unknown† (Gestrin xix). It is different and has many untapped natural resources such as cobalt, gold, chrome, platinum, and uranium. The most significant turning point in Africa’s history is the G8 plan. The G8 plan, Leaders of the Group of Eight, signed an agreement with African leaders to support development. Economic growth there is credited to 80 percent of poverty reduction. Each Sub-Saharan Africa country has its own native language; however, there are usually other secondary languages. â€Å"Lingua franca† is a language that is systematically used to communicate with those not speaking the native language. Sub-Saharan Africa is comprised of forty-eight countries with a population of more than 500 million (Gestrin xx). The population has been doubling every twenty-four years; â€Å"more than half of the population in most sub-Saharan countries is under the age of fifteen† (Gestrin 57). So, one can say that sub-Saharan Africa is very â€Å"developed† in that way. The region of Sahel stretches â€Å"from Mauritamia and Senegal in the west across Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, northern Nigeria, and Chad in the east† (Gestrin 185). Cultural differences among the Muslims and Christians cause political divisions and military conflicts. There has also been a long history of drought, famine, and depopulation. Thus, people are involved in farming and food processing to ease the situation. The same cultural differences existed in Nigeria. As a result, the country was governed as two separate ones. In 1997, Nigeria was named â€Å"the most corrupt country to do business in† since many Nigerians were known as con artists and hustlers (Gestrin 178). Ethnic turmoil in Rwanda resulted from conflicts from the Hutu and the Tutsi peoples. The Hutus were cultivators and comprised 85 percent of the population; the Tutsis were herders and were the remaining 14 percent. Both groups are Catholic, spoke the same language, and shared customs. Both the German and Belgian colonialists allowed the Tutsis to rule over the Hutus; the Hutus resented them because of their wealth (Gestrin 15). Apartheid began in 1948 in South Africa as a means of political separation. People were classified into four racial groups: black, white, coloured (mixed races), and Indian or Asian. Resistance to apartheid began in 1974 when Portugal withdrew forces from Mozambique and, Angola. Anti-apartheid movements were happening in the United States and Europe; the countries began boycotts against South Africa. An election was held on April 27, 1994. As a result, Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s president on May 10, 1994. As of January 15, 2009, there are 11 million refugees in Africa; Congo, Somalia, and Sudan are the worst cases. Many of these refugees are driven from their homes due to ethnic conflicts and civil war (2). In 2007, 75 percent of all AIDS deaths occurred in Sub-Saharan Africa. Unprotected anal sex between men is the biggest reason for the majority of AIDS cases. In addition, condom use is rare among heterosexual couples. About 90 percent of couples say that they do not use condoms. Sharing infected drug needles also spreads the disease (3). Sex work is also common. Unfortunately, â€Å"health services in many countries are swamped by the need to care for increasing numbers of infected and sick people† (Gestrin 69). Only the affluent can afford the medications. Works Cited Gestrin, Phyllis and Yale Richmond. Into Africa: Intercultural Insights. Yarmouth: Intercultural Press, Inc. , 1998. Peacekeeping: Eleven Million African Refugees (2009). Retrieved June 23, 2009 from http://www. strategypage. com. Sub-Saharan Africa: 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic. Retrieved June 15 2009 from http://www. inaids. org.

How Does Pick n Pay Address Inclusivity?

How Does Pick n Pay Address Inclusivity? What social responsibility activities does Pick N Pay take part in? Introduction: For businesses studies this year we have been given the task of choosing companies we are going to evaluate on their corporate social responsibility and ethical behavior. This secondary research project will analyse the corporate governance that the JSE (private) companies uphold. All companies are part of a larger holding group and abide by certain codes, rules and ethics. Our aim is to decide which company between the two we have chosen is better governed. Abstract: This task requires us to choose and consider the corporate governance that the JSE listed companies uphold. Research and evidence will be collected to prove our investigation. A conclusion will be made as to what extent and which of the two companies is better governed overall. Methodology: This project required a lot of research and therefore lots of time was spent on the internet looking up all the necessary information. My main information came from the internet sites of the two companies, Spur and Pick n Pay. Both website pages were very useful and provided me with their mission and vision. I also visited a Pick n Pay store and more information was collected there. I also used my own knowledge of the two companies as I have grown up being aware of both Spur and Pick n Pay and as a family we often shop at Pick n Pay stores. Choice of Companies: Pick n Pay: Choosing Pick n Pay as the general retailer I would focus on for this project was very easy. Everyday families buy products from different retail stores namely Checkers, Spar, Woolworths and Pick n Pay. Because we are so involved in these shops and have such a limited choice of retail food stores I thought it would be interesting to see their contribution to corporate social responsibility. A lot of consumers are unaware of a businesses behind the scene ethical practices and I think it is important one realises the significance of large groups like The Pick n Pay Holdings limited group to give back to the community and contribute to sustainable projects. Because of such a wide range of socio-economical issues in Africa businesses need to focus on them and be able to sustain that project. I have heard a lot about Pick n Pay contributions to society and often are exposed to it by visiting their shops (bandanas for sale for the sunflower fund). CSR has a huge impact on the businesses p ublic image and I wanted to investigate why people would or would not want to support Pick n Pay as their grocery store. Introduction into businesss micro environment: A sound mission: We serve With our hearts we create a great place to be With our minds we create an excellent place to shop Key values: We nurture leadership and vision, and reward innovation We are passionate about our customers and will fight for their rights We care for, and respect each other We take individual responsibility We support and participate in our communities We are all accountable We live by honesty and integrity (Anonymous n.d) The Pick n Pay Store limited board runs on a flat organisational structure and has the overall responsibility of all the stores. The board consists of eight non-executive directors and five executive directors. Operational responsibility is divided up into three main groups: The Pick n Pay retail division, the Group enterprises division and the Franklin division. Each division has its own management board and they, as the board members believe this structure allows local operations to make decisions, be accountable for their actions and grow personally. Flat organisational structure: Some people in the lower levels are given more responsibility and fewer managers are needed Senior manager Middle managers Workers The company also believes in decentralisation and this means each store is responsible for everything they do, including budgets, marketing and operations. Each business is responsible for everything they do but run overall by the board of the Pick n Pay Holding limited group The board is assisted by groups of specialised people, one of which is the corporate governance group which ensures all the correct structures are in line with both national and international standards and are appropriate and effective Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability: Definition: Corporate social responsibility: CSR is about how companies manage the business processes to produce an overall positive impact on society. (Baker n.d.) Since 2005 Pick n Pay have published an annual report to give to suppliers, customers and employees. This focuses and is dedicated solely to their Corporate Social responsibility and sustainability plans as well as the increasing attention customers are placing on companies to be socially responsibility. Pick n Pay has a dedicated General Manger, Tessa Chamberlin whose specific task is to ensure that their sustainable strategies reach their full potential. In conjunction with this Pick N Pay, in 1990 launched their green range of products AND completed its first environmental inspection. Not only do Pick n Pay focus on outreach and community involvement, they are concerned about the sustainability of where there food products and ingredients come from. Pick n Pay are also involved and are one of the main sponsors in the carbon disclosure project which is aimed at growing and processing organic products. In 2007 Pick n Pay contributed R47 million on social initiatives. Pick N Pay stri ve to be practical on there approach to there responsibility to their consumers and communities in which they operate. Pick n Pay aims: Formulating a vision and action plan that is sustainable Appointing a General Manager that promotes sustainable development R30 million over the next 3 years to encourage broad-based black economic empowerment Investments in promoting staff training and development Looking into some of there other CSR which includes (Broader social responsibility): Activities to reduce our impact on the environment: Projects to conserve energy and water consumption A waste, energy and water assessment study . Initiatives to decrease the impacts of transportation All coolants containing CFCs have been stopped. Investigating further packaging to decrease waste produced Alternative locally produced, and more environmentally friendly Green Bag shopping bags are made available to shoppers. Corporate social investment: Total expenditure on CSI : R46 million Focusing on education and literacy; entrepreneurial development; access to primary health care; assistance to the disabled, street children, Aids sufferers; HIV/Aids prevention and support programmes; road safety; housing; feeding schemes; and sponsoring various sporting events. (Marketing division of Pick n Pay n.d.) Campaigns like the Sunflower Fund for the bone marrow registry, the Kids in Parks initiative; and the Pick n Pay School Club programme. The Board of directors, management and all employees are committed to a high standard of corporate governance. Pick n Pay take pride in moral and ethical business standards. The Pick n Pay Holdings Limited group is committed to transparent business practices. The Board is committed to complying in all material respects with the principles contained in the King II report, as well as to the additional requirements for good corporate governance stipulated in the JSE SRI Index. (Marketing division of Pick n Pay n.d.) King II Report on Corporate Governance King II states: The Board is responsible for the total process of risk management, as well as for forming an opinion on the effectiveness of the process; The Board should set the risk strategy policies in liaison with executive directors, and senior management; The Board must decide the companys appetite or tolerance for risk; The Board should make use of generally recognised risk management and internal control models and frameworks in order to maintain a sound system of risk management and internal control to provide reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of organisational objectives; and The Board is responsible for ensuring a systematic, documented assessment of the processes and outcomes surrounding key risks is undertaken, at least annually, for the purpose of making its public statement. (Marketing division of Pick n Pay n.d.) Is it Sustainable? Although a lot of Pick n Pays CSR is contributing money towards various charities and organisations, I think they are also very involved in the community. They do many projects that run once in a year for example the kids in parks project mentioned above, the Sunflower Fund for the bone marrow registry, the Quadriplegic Association of South Africa (QASA) and the Pick n Pay School Club programme. However all these projects are with -standing and are all still functioning today in society. Socio- Economic issues and strategies used: Although Pick n Pay do a lot of CSR I have decided to focus on one specific project. Pick n Pay are very involved in corporate social responsibility and address almost all socio-economic issues including education, poverty, the environment, sponsorship for sporting events and diseases like cancer (sunflower fund) I have chosen a project called Kids in Parks which Pick n Pay has been involved in and a sponsor of for 5years. This project entails both environmental and local community social responsibility and therefore addresses both environmental and underprivileged children/poverty issues. The Kids in Parks initiative uses money from plastic bag sales at Pick n Pay. R1 from every R5 bag sold is donated to a special environmental fund which is now the financial support for the Kids in Parks project. Because of the 2003 legislation put in place by government people now have to buy plastic bags. Consumers are more aware of the importance of keeping bags to re-use and therefore this has had a huge reduction in the number of plastic bags in circulation and litter in the environment. The sale of over 9 million Pick n Pay Green Bags made it possible for them to make available resources for over 20 000 children to participate in this project. Sixteen national parks are used and Pick n Pay has purchased 3 60 seater buses to transport the underprivileged children from the local community to and from the parks. Pick n Pay also sponsor meals, T- Shirts, goodie bags and equipment needed for the fun day. The children stay overnight in dorms and are provided with all the necessary learning equipment. The Kids in Parks Programme provides a unique opportunity for learners and their educators to visit a national park and learn a lot about natural and cultural heritage. The three-day programme allows for loads of discovery, learning and fun for kids.(South African National Parks 2010) The programme shows the importance of national parks to children from an underprivileged background. The children learn to identify, name and describe different fauna and flora. The children learn about biodiversity and how to sustain and look after our environment. Activities make learners aware of water conservation and also allow children to look into different environmental careers that are available. The Kids in Parks initiative is being phased in over a period of three years. Each year five different parks will welcome ten groups of 50 learners and 2 teachers. This means that eventually a total of 7 500 learners, 300 educators from 150 primary schools will have visited 15 parks. The programme is a partnership between SANParks, Pick n Pay and the departments of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) and Education (DoE) (South African National Parks 2010) Code of Ethics Pick n Pay ensures that all employees act with the top level of honesty and respect. Pick n Pay was one of the first companies to make a real commitment to corporate social responsibility and they do this by acting in a manner which portrays good corporate governance. They are unbending in their view of their code of Ethics and ensure that all employees follow these rules. New employees are trained and are sensitive to their CSR involvement. Pick n Pay take pride in having in depth knowledge of every aspect of their business, be it operations, interaction with society, environmental involvement and customer satisfaction. This knowledge is always communicated through their comprehensive training schemes in an ethical, honest and respectful manner, whether it is with employees or suppliers, customers and the general public at large. The maintenance and on going development of their code of ethics coupled with their CSR programs is constantly monitored by their board of directors. Any d eviations from their code of ethics are addressed through their disciplinary review procedures. Choice of companies: Spur: I chose Spur because it is a well known, well established brand and therefore should be doing corporate social responsibility. Spur has international outlets and are aware of international standards of corporate governance. Spur South Africa has achieved huge growth this year with turnover increasing to over R2.2 billion, is an increase in corporate social responsibility and governance programs responsible for this growth? Spur targets the fast growing middle class population group in South Africa in the family sit down restaurant market. They are in an ideal position to capatalise on this market although there is huge competition in this sector. They should therefore execute social responsibility programs and show good corporate governance to keep their market share. Introduction into businesss micro environment: The Spur Corporation listed on the JSE in 1986 and currently has 240 franchised spur steak ranches The Spur Corporation assists all their franchisees both before and after opening. The well-trained operations team provides consistent back up and support to all franchises. The Spur corporation are very involved in all there franchise companies. This team ensures Spur upholds the brand name and quality food they are expected to provide. The board comprises of one independent non-executive director, three non-executive directors and six executive directors. The board meets twice annually, the non-executive directors can have direct access to management without the directors being present. This allows problems, if they do occur to be sorted out. Spur corporation is centralised as: Marketing- dedicated marketing team that come up with new ideas for all franchises to use such as promotions and flyers Procurement and manufacturing- there is a manufacturing facility which is responsible for the testing of products Training- dedicated team of trainers who ensure that the franchisees and employees have the necessary skills These divisions are headed up at the head office. Because Spur steak ranches is a franchise the board requires all franchisees to remain at the same standard, these operations named above are headed-up at the head office to ensure this does happen. This structure will minimize duplication of effort and documents. Head office Franchisees: Spur Panarottis John Dorys Vision and Mission Our vision is to be the best family sit-down restaurant in the markets in which we trade. Our mission is to be dedicated at all times to our customers andÂÂ  employees to provide a taste for life for our customers and be a great place to work for our employees. (Spur Corporation,2003) Other micro- environment challenges which Spur has faced in the current year are high rentals, increased costs of electricity rates and taxes, reduced disposable income of customers, high food price inflation and increased wage demands. Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability: Spur Corporation is committed to achieving high standards of corporate governance to protect the interests of the company and its shareholders The group endorses the Code of Corporate Practices and Conduct as exemplified in the King Committee report on Corporate Governance( King 2) Governance structures are continually enhanced to take account of changes within the group and ongoing developments within corporate governance (Spur Corporation,2003) Spur is very conscious and committed to improving the lives of disadvantaged people in South African through the use of there brand. The Spur Corporation assists in the upliftment of the communities focusing mainly on people development through sport. Corporate social responsibility is an essential part of Spur. Spur has established many community-focused events for disadvantaged children. Funds generated from these events are used for a feeding initiative in rural schools. The Spur Corporation in conjunction with Joint Aid Management (Non profit organisation) provides meals to 350000 throughout SA daily. Sport and recreational events: Spur soccer Masidlale (lets play) is a series of one-day soccer learning clinics. National Schools Mountain Biking league receive continued support for the development of young cyclists Spur adventure provides a fun day for the family Rugby development- Spur is committed to transformation at a schools level partnering with FNB to present classic clashes on TV. Spur also sponsor disadvantaged rugby playing schools Annual charity golf tour- raised over R300 000 for the development of underprivileged potential players and food for many schemes HIV/AIDS: an AIDS awareness campaign has been established for the past seven years Spur, because of their adventure image have used sport as their corporate social responsibility outlet. Is it sustainable? These projects are definitely sustainable as they have long term aims of continuing the projects established. . Through sport disadvantaged children are being taught valuable life skills including team work and personal gain. Children will be able to use the skills they learn throughout their lives and will get much enjoyment out of playing sport. Often disadvantaged children are depressed and unhappy and sport can be a recreational outlet for them to enjoy. Socio- Economic issues and strategies used: Spur is very limited in the socio-economic issues they address however I decided to focus on the Spur Soccer Masidlale initiative which uses soccer as a bases to integrate children from all walks of life. This initiative is part of Spur Corporations corporate social investment (CSI) This experience is a fun and interactive. Properly qualified coaches conduct the standardised drill sessions which are followed by a mini-tournament. The Spur Corporation sponsors lunch for all players, soccer kit, equipment as well as the coaches. Every child involved will receive their own soccer ball. Last year the theme of the initiative was Self discipline which is being followed up this year with the theme of Follow your leader This programme ensures the coaches revisit the schools regularly, enforcing the learning experience. Spur has collaborated once again with Joint Aid Management to feed less fortunate children which will also experience the Spur Soccer Masidlale clinics. The aim: To ensure the youth of South Africa maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. This is why Spur has partnered with the Supersport initiative, Lets Play which aims to get children into the outdoors and enjoying the fresh air. Together, with the same direction in mind they want to get children off the streets and playing sport. This project can contribute towards decreasing crime to self esteem issues. Children need a good basis of moral education and programmes like this one can provide this. Sport is fun and one has to work in a team to achieve a common goal. This program encourages children to follow their dream and introduces them to soccer at a young age. This will help them to find their own identity and promote a life free of alcohol and drugs. A participant enjoying a Spur hamburger A team wearing the sponsored soccer kit Eating a Spur hamburger Eating a Spur hamburgerCode of Ethics Spur requires all their employees to maintain the highest moral and ethical standards with all stakeholders including 1) relationships with other collegues 2) interaction with suppliers in order to meet stringent supply and food safety requirements 3) Bond with customers 4) enhanced interaction with corporate governance structures and NGO groups 5) establishment of remuneration committees as part of their corporate governance program 6) interaction with employee groups for example labour unions, environmental interest groups and disadvantaged In dealing with all stakeholders Spur adheres to the principles contained in their code of Ethics, these principles are : integrity, honesty and good faith, impartiality, transparency and openness, accountability and responsibility(Spur Corporation,2003) This code of Ethics does not mention CSR but does detail how they go about dealing with society in an ethical, moral manner. Analysis of information, comparison and opinion Pick n Pay and Spur: The outlook for Spur is very positive. There financial performance is underpinned by a sound, well thought out corporate governance program, which includes: an audit committee, remuneration committee, risk committee, nominations committee and operational committee. These groups ensure the running of the company is smooth and the public can then be reassured the company is practicing ethical behavior and good governance. This linked with there proposed restaurant growth in South Africa coupled with the 2010 Fifa world Cup will mean that the potential for Spur to become more involved in CSR is there (more money to contribute and make use of) I think Spur need to make the public more aware of their CSR to boost their public image and therefore, becoming more involved will be an advantage and not seen as money spent without return on investment (ROI) However, the spur corporation as a hole focuses on growth and customers and needs to become aware of the need for the businesses to get more involved in CSR. Pick n Pay are very involved in CSR and show a real interest in giving back and doing good in the community. They show this by doing a broad range of CSR that help many different socio-economic problems. Pick n Pay are involved in projects that are not just once off and require a commitment form the business to be sustainable. The Pick n Pay holdings limited group are encouraging good corporate governance across all stores and this is proven in their code of ethics and CSR programmes. VS Discussion and Conclusion Definition: Corporate governance is the set of processes, customs, laws and institutions affecting the way a corporation (or company) is directed, administrated or controlled. Corporate governance also includes the relationships among the many stakeholders involved and the goals for which the corporation is governed. The principle stakeholders are the shareholders, management, and the board of directors. Other stakeholders include employees, customers, creditors, suppliers, and the community at large. Looking at the evidence presented above Pick n Pay is better governed. Although both companies have corporate governance programs in place one can see that Pick n Pay are more committed to their ethical behavior/ corporate governance and CSR. Spur corporations only uses sport to promote CSR where as Pick n Pay has a comprehensive list of different CSR programs they are involved in. Pick n Pay addresses a range of socio-economic issues like education, poverty, the environment and diseases, Spur focuses on the upliftment of children in South Africa. Pick n pay uses there involvement in so many CSR programmes to promote their positive image to the public and therefore having a good effect on sales. Pick n Pay have an extensive view and plan on promoting both broad based and primary bases social responsibility. They have put together a code to develop the Pick n Pay employees (as seen under the corporate social responsibility and sustainability heading). By being corporate social respons ible Pick n Pay are giving back to the society and the environment and at the same time promoting there good corporate governance. Looking at Pick n Pays social involvement and promoting the well being of their own employees who are encouraged to be ethical and work with integrity Pick n Pay does uphold corporate governance.

Richard Wrights The Man Who Was Almost a Man Essay -- Richard Wright

Richard Wright's The Man Who Was Almost a Man The Man Who Was Almost a Man is a fictitious short story about an uneducated black boy's quest to become a man. Growing up in the early 1900's was a very hard task for most black people. The lack of education was one of the hardest hills they had to overcome to make it in a world dominated by whites. The story centers upon one 17-year boy who has very low self-esteem caused by his peers. He believes that owning a gun will gain him respect with others and thus make him a man. The title of this short story has several different ways of being interpreted because the time and atmosphere in which it was written. The short story was written in first person narrative, which gives a graphic account of the personality of the character Dave. The short story is also written in a dialect of an uneducated black boy which gives the reader the feel of what is was like to be that young man back in the early 1900's. The stories title The Man Who Was Almost a Man holds many different meanings to how Dave must have felt back in those times. Dave's struggle was man versus society in an era where his skin color meant more than his actions. He was unable to interact with the white society and was outcast by his peers because of his age. He believed at this time in his life that being a man was the more important than life itself. Buying a gun and learning to shoot was his solution to becoming a man. This was not the case though. The first time he fired the gun it numbed his hands and fell to the ground. He also shot Mr. Hawkin's mule, which he was unable to cover up. Now everyone would know what he had done which would give his peers a bad impression of him. He would not gain their respect, nor... ... a man. Life was hard back then and being accepted played a big role in all blacks searching for that one thing that would make them accepted within their society. Works Cited Blau, Eleanor. "The Works of Richard Wright, This Time Published as Written." The New York Times 28 Aug. 1991, final ed., sec. B: 1-2. Brignano, Russell Carl. An Introduction to the Man and His Works. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1970. Fabre, Michel. The World of Richard Wright. Jackson: University Press of Mississippi, 1985. Hannon, Charles. "Teaching the conflicts as a temporary Instructor." College Literature 6 (1997): 126-141. Joyce, Joyce Ann. Richard Wright's Art of Tragedy. Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, 1986. Walker, Margaret. Richard Wright, Daemonic Genius: A Portrait of the Man, a Critical Look at His Work. New York: Warner Books, 1988.

Environment and Governmental Policies :: Politics, Daoism

As humanity begins to use nature to fulfill their need for resources, they tend to create negative consequences to the environment that surrounds them. There are only a few governmental policies that ultimately lean towards a conservationist stand view, since this may be an economically unappealing concept, but there are some moral stances that promote the preservation of nature. In some cases, though, governments are able to support their ecological and economic issues together. It is stated that the â€Å"government has done nothing effective with its forests† and â€Å"the laws... provide neither for the protection of the timber from destruction nor for it’s use where it is most needed† (Doc. 5). This proposal supports the idea that the government’s policies do not advocate the safekeeping of our surroundings appropriately. The destruction of our environment is not decreasing because as our technology expands it becomes easier to â€Å"rule over [nature] without difficulty† (Doc. 4). Taking this into account, we must realize that â€Å"although development is vital...bio-diversity† is something that even humanity can’t live without (Doc. 8). Native American, Chief Seattle, responds to the government in 1852 saying that â€Å"to harm the earth† is something that is considered disrespectful to â€Å"its creator† (Doc. 6). From our own ethical conceptions, humanity is mostly in favor of the safeguarding of wildlife. Daoism, an early chinese concept, conforms to the conservation of nature in that they believe they shouldn’t â€Å"try to change the world by force† because it can cause â€Å"damage to [themselves]† (Doc. 1). From a Buddhist point of view, perpetuating the environment seems to be an important factor in their religion as they wish â€Å"all [creatures to] be blessed with peace always† (Doc. 2). In the Book of Genesis it states that we should â€Å"have dominion† over the creatures yet still â€Å"replenish the earth† (Doc. 3). As the environment is here for our uses, we still must keep it in a state that we can continue to use it. â€Å"Ethical criteria† of the earth may be defined that something is â€Å"right... when it preserve[s] the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community† (Doc. 7). In a point of view that is m erely based on morals, conservation of nature is a good and a necessary abstraction. On the other hand, the way we go about environmentalism is something that the human race has come to focus on and improve in the years past.

Planning a catch-up party Essay

I have not seen my friends for a long time. Only the way we can find out what we are doing is phone call, face book message etc. Last night when we were on chat on face book we decide to have a small catch up party. All though we plan for it , we were not sure whether all our friend will be available for the party. Then we decided to send message to our friend about the party. We send message for more than 20 of our friends but only 10 can make it. The main challenging thing was venue. Where we can have a party. We plan to make it at public park then we have to cancel it because of weather and public access. Finally we decided to make it at my place because we have a big backyard. Before that I said that I have to conform to my house owner and other roommate and make sure that my neighbour are not disturb as there will be lots of sound. Then we start to calculate the budget and ask each other how much each can invest. In the beginning we decided to buy all the things that are required for the party then we find that there will be difficulties for just two of us to arrange a party which will cost a lot for us. Then we start to calculate the budget and ask each other how much each can invest. We also decided that me and my friend will buy the all the glossaries and share the bill. It’s little bit difficult. At the end we come to conclusion that everyone will invest equal amount. So finally it will be $60 per head. So our budget will be $900.Everyone agree to transfer $60 into my account by this week. Second week * give ring and ask for permission with roommate and owner * send text to all the friends about the party * send text of bank account to every one