Should be banned or not smoking in the sociery Essay

Should be banned or not smoking in the sociery - Essay Example Some of these arguments are seen to include. Why Smoking should not be banned in Society Proponents of smoking point out that most societies accept that adults can be able to decide to cause some form of harm to their individual selves as long as such harm is not seen to extend to other individuals. As such, the imposition of smoking bans in public places is not essentially valid as passive smokers who do not wish to involuntarily inhale tobacco smoke should naturally avoid going to places where smoking has been allowed. Proponents of smoking point out that as a result of its being legal for individuals to be allowed to smoke, it is essentially not within the rights of governments to try and cause people to desist from smoking. Smokers are not a liability to anyone as they are able to find their own healthcare via the relatively high taxes that they happen to pay on tobacco and in any case, any efforts by the government to try and dissuade smokers from smoking would be extremely diff icult as heavy smokers are normally seen to be addicted to nicotine and cannot be able to give up on smoking easily. It is also pointed out that any attempts to ban smoking in public spaces would have the involuntary effect of driving most clubs, bars and pubs out of business as smokers would avoid going to such places. These businesses would also be seen to run the risk of generating less revenue by any bans on tobacco sales (Whittingdale 130). In most places, pubs are seen to be social communal centers that aid in bringing the members of a given community together and in addition to this function, they also provide ample job opportunities for individuals that might happen to be having relatively few job skills. As opposed to attempting to place a ban on smoking, pubs should be encouraged to set up non-smoking bars to cater for the needs of the non-smoking patrons. There is a relatively large number of non-smokers who are seen to be working in smoky environments and do not seem to mind it. Most individuals are of the view that it is better for them to be working in the smoky job environment as opposed to the unenviable option of not having any job at all. In the event that an organization happens to employ a large number of non-smokers, it is possible for the company to invest in the installation of ventilation fans to help in removing the smoke from the office. Why Smoking should be banned in Society Scientists have been able to show that smoking is fraught with a number of dangers as it can lead to cancer, heart disease and stroke. According to Hong, the use of tobacco is largely considered to be the single largest cause of cases of preventable cancer deaths across the world. Cigarette smoking is estimated to account for an approximated over 1 million cancer deaths in the world each year, with a staggering ninety percent of lung cancer incidents and mortality cases being attributed to smoking (386). In addition to this menace, smoking has been shown to not only harm the smokers, but also any people who might happen to be near the smoking individual in what is commonly referred to as passive smoking. Although the smoker makes the active decision to engage in smoking, the people around the smoker essentially do not make the decision to smoke in a passive manner and as such, a complete ban on smoking in society should be effected so as to effectively protect such individuals. The enforcement of a ban on smoking would serve to encourage smokers

Starbucks Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Starbucks - Assignment Example Secondly, before one leaves the premises there is a paper available for leaving opinions (Coffeehouse, n.d.). This way, the company is able to track its clientele’s needs and meet them accordingly. Starbucks organizes its shop as per the customer needs. Once inside, there are various seating spaces for persons ranging from one to five. Additionally, one is able to order for a drink from anywhere by simply pressing a button on the table. Starbucks has managed to maintain its competitive edge judging by the number of its ever-increasing clients despite the emergence of other players in the industry. Nonetheless, Starbucks ought to venture into sale of Mcfood in other countries and States. This is in a bid to fend off competition which could cause problems in the future if competitors capitalize on the company’s weaknesses. At Starbucks managerial control was not witnessed save for one case where the person in charge seemed to have say in almost everything. As to whether this company can maintain its profitability a time like this, the answer would be in affirmative. This is because many of its stores are doing well. Moreover, the invention by its top executive has enabled it to withstand tough competition from Costa coffee. Finally, the company has set high ethical standards where firstly, the staffs are prohibited against any undiplomatic to clients. Secondly, customer complaints are handled in a professional way without any arguments whatsoever (Coffeehouse,

Overview Of The Mona Lisa Art Essay

Overview Of The Mona Lisa Art Essay Mona Lisa is a 16th century painting made from oil and popular wood. Due to the paintings mystique and technical mystery, it is one of the worlds most famous paintings. Mona Lisa also known as La Joconde or La Giocondo was made by a Renaissance Man, an Italian artist known as Leonardo da Vinci (Sassoon, 2002).The painting was later bought by the France King at that time King Francois. Mona Lisa presently hangs in the museum in Musee de Louvre, Paris and is currently a French Government property. Many theories have been brought up regarding the woman sitting on the painting and the painting itself. The painting has been reproduced and can be found at almost every museum. Leonardo da Vinci started painting Mona Lisa in 1503.According to Vasari Leonardo fist took four years to make the painting after which he set it aside. He thereafter moved to France to paint at Clos Luc à © upon King Francoise request. Where he resumed working on the Mona Lisa. It took Leonardo three more years to complete the painting. The painting is said to have been commissioned by Francesco Del Giocondo, a wealthy silk merchant and his wife Lisa. In spite of the continuous debate, many people believe that the woman in the painting is Lisa del Giocondo. The couple requested the painting at the birth of their second child since they wanted it for their home (Van Dyke, 2008). A contrasting theory suggests Da Vinci did not paint a picture of a woman but his own portrait in feminine clothing. Mona Lisa painting shows a woman whose facial expression is enigmatic. The half-length portrait shows a woman who is gazing at the viewer with a smile. The smile has raised a lot of questions with many people arguing that the smile has a hidden mystery. Most people who had seen the portrait say that her eyes follow someone across the room if you gaze at her. The painting has been an object of continual fascination due to ambiguous expression of the woman, the half-figure composition monumentality, the atmospheric illusionism and the subtle modeling forms (Sassoon, 2002). Da Vinci used a rare design of a pyramid to place Mona Lisa calmly and simply in the paintings space. On the front corner of the pyramid, he placed the form of her folded hands. Lighting was well used as her neck, breast and face glow with similar light as the one that models her hands. Da Vinci used the formula used for the image of seated Madonna that was popular at that time to create the seated female figure. He used a modification of this formula whereby he created a distance between the observer and the seated woman through visual impression. Mona Lisa and the viewer are divided using the armrest of the chair. Mona Lisa shows a reserved posture as she sits markedly upright her arms folded across the chest. She welcomes a silent communication to the observer through her gaze which is constantly fixed to the viewer. The viewer is greatly attracted to Mona Lisas face by the brightly lit face that is framed practically by darker elements of the veil, hair and the shadows. Da Vinci created Mona Lisa in such a way that her composition will evoke an ambiguous effect to the observer. The painting shows a divine creature with a lot of mystery (Farago, 1999). The observer is attracted to her but her divinity and mystery creates a distance. The painting depicts no kind of dialogue between the woman and the observer. Da Vinci through the Mona Lisa painting became the first painter to use aerial perspective to depict a sitter before an imaginary landscape in a portrait. The enigmatic and mysterious woman is seated on an open loggia as the picture portrays each side of the picture containing dark pillar bases. There is a vast landscape that seems to be receding to the icy mountains behind her. Human presence in this environment is portrayed by a distant bridge and winding paths. The womans clothing and hair create a series of sensuous curves through sfumato that echo in to the rivers and the undulating imaginary varies behind her. Da Vinci is a creative painter as his calmness and style is characterized in the paintings graceful figure, outlines, light and dark dramatic contrast and the overall feeling portrayed by Monalisa. Since Mona Lisas painting does not represent a real woman but an ideal woman, many people argue that it should be considered a traditional portrait (Barolsky, 1987).Mona Lisa p ainting depicts harmony in painting as it connects and links nature with humanity through the faint smile. The Mona Lisa face has no visible hair neither eyelashes nor eyebrows. Research shows that during her time, facial hair was considered unsightly and most genteel women used to pluck them out. According to modern viewers the semi-abstract quality of the face is slightly added by the missing eyebrows. One of the controversies of Mona Lisas painting is the Originality of the pictures content. A large number of art historians believe that King Francois trimmed the original picture after the death of da Vinci. Some scholars dispute the theory and insist that on either side of the Mona Lisa there were columns. The female figure is said to have a duplicate copy at Dulwich picture Gallery after its trimming (Van Dyke, 2008). The painting was moved to Louvre after the French revolution. The mystique feminine figure was not very popular until mid 19th century due to Symbolist movement. The Mona Lisa painting was stolen in 1911 from the Musee de Louvre under the hands of the French government. Eduardo de Valfierno an employee at the Louvre was said to be the mastermind behind the crime. Eduardo was aiming to create several copies of Mona Lisa and then attempt to sell them as the original paintings later. He stole the painting after the museum was closed and hid it under his jacket while walking outside through the front door. He was later arrested while trying to sell the original Mona Lisa in Florence in 1913 when a genuine art director discovered. Although Mona Lisas main home was at Musee de Louvre; it has several other homes during its lifetime. Until the French Revolution it used to hang on the French royal palaces wall. While it was on Louvre it was removed twice, once when Napoleon requested the painting to be placed on his bedrooms walls because he liked it. The second time was during World War II when it was transported to secret hiding place among other Fr ench Government priceless works for safe keeping. It was also stolen once in 1911 making it the third time. In conclusion, Mona Lisa was one of Da Vincis numerous works which is a masterpiece to marvel at to date. Mona Lisa which hangs on the walls of Musee de Louvre currently depicts a feminine mystique of a mysterious woman. Although controversies have risen over the identity of the woman on the painting and the significance of the painting, many art historians and scholars have appreciated Mona Lisas enormous success. People from all over the world often gaze and wonder at the mysterious and smiling painting of Mona Lisa. Mona Lisa also means Lisa, of bare eyebrow. The picture of Mona Lisa has also been used to grace many magazines, objects such as cups and souvenirs among others.

Exemplification Essay: Bulimia Nervosa :: Expository Exemplification Essays

People with bulimia nervosa consume large amounts of food and then rid their bodies of the excess calories by vomiting, abusing laxatives or diuretics, taking enemas, or exercising obsessively. Some use a combination of all these forms of purging. Because many individuals with bulimia "binge and purge" in secret and maintain normal or above normal body weight, they can often successfully hide their problem from others for years. Lisa developed bulimia nervosa at 18. Like Deborah, her strange eating behavior began when she started to diet. She too dieted and exercised to lose weight, but unlike Deborah, she regularly ate huge amounts of food and maintained her normal weight by forcing herself to vomit. Lisa often felt like an emotional powder keg--angry, frightened, and depressed. Unable to understand her own behavior, she thought no one else would either. She felt isolated and lonely. Typically, when things were not going well, she would be overcome with an uncontrollable desire for sweets. She would eat pounds of candy and cake at a time, and often not stop until she was exhausted or in severe pain. Then, overwhelmed with guilt and disgust, she would make herself vomit. Her eating habits so embarrassed her that she kept them secret until, depressed by her mounting problems, she attempted suicide. Fortunately, she didn't succeed. While recuperating in the hospital, she was referred to an eating disorders clinic where she became involved in group therapy. There she received medications to treat the illness and the understanding and help she so desperately needed from others who had the same problem. Family, friends, and physicians may have difficulty detecting bulimia in someone they know. Many individuals with the disorder remain at normal body weight or above because of their frequent binges an purges, which can range from once or twice a week to several times a day.

Plato and Aristotle: An Analysis Essay

Determining the best form of political association was important to the ancient Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle, and each of them expressed his opinion in important works such as the Republic and Politics. In explaining, comparing, and contrasting the political philosophies of Plato and Aristotle, it is evident that each of them shared the same goal of identifying and promoting the best form of political government. They also shared in common the same philosophy regarding the origins of a political state. The State arises, Plato says through Socrates in the Republic, â€Å"out of the needs of mankind. † (Plato) Aristotle agrees, and declares that the state is a political partnership that exists for purposes of self-sufficiency as well as for the sake of living well. In other words, the State exists in order to provide for the well-being of its citizens. Aristotle expresses this in Politics when he argues, â€Å"the good life is the purpose of the city-state. † (Aristotle) Furthermore, both Aristotle and Plato agreed that Man is by nature a political animal, because he has the ability to express his thoughts about justice. Their respective analyses reflected their respect for justice, and their elevation of it to the highest priority. In the Republic, Plato defines just political rule as a system in which each interest is satisfied to the proper extent and everyone has what is theirs. The philosophers have the knowledge they want; the warriors have the honors they want; and the commoners have the goods and pleasures they want, under the enlightened guidance of philosophers and warriors. The methods of Aristotle and Plato were similar in many ways. They both utilized logic, evaluations of contemporary politics, and lengthy comparisons of various types of political rule to arrive at their conclusions. As citizens of ancient Greece, they both shared much the same outlook on society, religion, morality, and politics. They also shared similar historical perspectives, and their perceptions of contemporary events were formed through the same philosophical context. One of the contrasts between their methods is that Plato used analogies to make his points. He examined a political state by comparing the state with the human soul. Unlike Aristotle, he also used a style of approach in which he made his points through dialogues involving Socrates. He also designed an ideal state run by people he referred to as â€Å"The Guardians† which differed from Aristotle’s approach in Politics, in which style and form more closely resembled an essay or monologue. In Politics, Aristotle emphasized that correct political rule involves pursuing policies which are to the common advantage of the most people. Aristotle reasoned that rulers who placed their own interests above everyone else’s had no political legitimacy, for their tyranny brought suffering upon their own people. Aristotle described the best forms of political rule as kingship, aristocracy and polity, and described the worst forms as tyranny, oligarchy and democracy. Plato was also harshly critical of tyranny, and described it in the Republic as, â€Å"not a matter of minor theft and violence, but of wholesale plunder, sacred and profane, private or public. † (Plato) Both men’s methods involved a comprehensive analysis of the consequences of each form of rule. Aristotle criticized Democracy because its consequences were rule by the multitude, which causes injustice. He criticized Oligarchy because its consequences were rule by the wealthy, which also causes injustice; and he criticized Tyranny because its consequences were dictatorship, which again causes injustice. In terms of the merits of the citizenry, Aristotle notes that the people may collectively be the best judges of certain things, so it is justified for them to take part in deliberations. But like Plato, he feels that the common people are not qualified to share in the highest offices. Both Plato and Aristotle also agree that laws need to be made in accordance with the regime, and agree that the more just a ruler is, the more just the laws will be. Essentially, both Aristotle and Plato asserted that the goal of politics should be justice. One difference between them is that Plato believed that the best claim to rule was education and virtue, although he conceded that there is also a claim to rule based on wealth and on numbers. Another difference is that Aristotle emphasized that the most important task for a leader was to be a lawgiver, and to frame the appropriate constitution for the city-state. In Aristotle’s system, it was the leader’s duty to provide enduring laws, customs, and institutions for the citizens. According to Aristotle, once the constitution was in place, the ruler needed to take the necessary steps to maintain it, to implement reforms when he considered them necessary, and to guard against any subversion of the political system. Aristotle’s emphasis on a constitution sets him apart from Plato, who considered philosopher kingship the best form of political rule. Aristotle described a constitution as â€Å"a certain ordering of the inhabitants of the city-state,† and as â€Å"the way of life† of the citizens. (Aristotle) He also speaks of the constitution of a community as â€Å"the form of the compound† and argues that whether the community is the same over time depends on whether it has the same constitution. (Aristotle) It should be noted that despite the fact that Aristotle’s political views were influenced by Plato, he was very critical of the ideal city-state set forth in Plato’s Republic. He based his criticism on the grounds that Plato’s ideal city-state overvalued political unity, embraced a system of communism that was impractical and inimical to human nature, and neglected the happiness of the individual citizens. In contrast, in Aristotle’s view of the ideal State each and every citizen would possess moral virtue and the equipment to carry it out in practice, and thereby attain a life of excellence and complete happiness. All of the citizens would hold political office and possess private property because â€Å"one should call the city-state happy not by looking at a part of it but at all the citizens. † (Aristotle) In conclusion, the ancient Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle were both concerned with identifying and promoting the best form of political association. In works such as the Republic and Politics, they used similar methods of analysis to evaluate the best form of political rule. For Aristotle, the best form of political rule corresponded to the best way of life for a human being. Since the best way of life is living nobly and according to virtue, the best political form of rule is the one which promotes this kind of life. For Plato, the best form of political rule was Aristocracy, for it involves rule by the best people in the political community. Bibliography Aristotle. Politics. New York: Dover Publications, 2000. Plato. Republic. New York: Viking Press, 1955.

Environment Coursework Essay

CO2 (Carbon dioxide) is a compound composed of two carbons and one oxygen, It is a colorless and odorless gas produced both naturally and through human activities like the burning of gasoline, coal, oil, and wood. People exhale or breathe out Carbon dioxide which releases it into the air. Carbon dioxide are higher in areas with heavier industrial activities due to many factors. Factors such as the number of people present the amount of outdoor fresh air entering the area and whether combustion by-products are contaminating the indoor. are just a few of the many carbon dioxide releasers. Carbon Dioxide is a gas used by plants during photosynthesis for the production of sugars which may either be re-consumed in respiration or used as raw materials to produce polysaccharides such as starch and cellulose, proteins and other organic compounds needed for plant growth and development. Plants role is photosynthesis is extremely important because it remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and uses it to produce oxygen. Deforestation cuts down many plants, trees and forest and reduces the trees available to absorb the carbon dioxide from our planet. CO (Carbon Monoxide) is a molecule that contains one carbon atom covalently bonded to one oxygen atom and is produced from partial oxidation of carbon compounds such as in internal combustion engines. Carbon monoxide burning in air with a characteristic blue flame will produce carbon dioxide. It is extremely toxic but plays a useful role in modern technology. Carbon monoxide, with the chemical formula CO, is a colorless, odorless and tasteless, yet highly toxic gas. Its molecules consist of one carbon atom covalently bonded to one oxygen atom. It is the simplest oxocarbon, and can be viewed as the anhydride of formic acid. There are two covalent bonds and a coordinate covalent bond between the oxygen and carbon atoms. In urban areas, carbon monoxide reacts photochemically with aldehydes to produce a peroxy radical which reacts with nitrogen oxide to increase ratio of NO2 to NO, thus reducing the quality of NO to available to react with ozone. It is a constituent of tobacco smoking. Through natural processes in the atmosphere, it is eventually oxidized to carbon dioxide. Carbon monoxide concentrations are both short-lived in the atmosphere and spatially variable. CH4 is known as methane, a chemical compound that is also the simplest alkane and the principal component of natural gas. Methane is known to be a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential of 72 averaged over a period of 20 years. Methane is oxidized in the atmosphere thus, producing carbon dioxide and water. The Earth’s crust contains huge amounts of methane. Large amounts of methane are produced anaerobically by methanogenesis. Other sources include mud volcanoes, which are connected with deep geological faults, and livestock, primarily cows. Methane is used for electrical generations by being burned as a fuel in a gas turbine or steam boiler. Methane is also used as a vehicle fuel in the form of compressed natural gas and is claimed to be more environmentally friendly that fossil fuels such as gasoline and petroleum. Answer 2: Area =1000 1000 x 0. 625 gallon/inch x 0. 3 inch = 187. 5 gallons/ Rain = 0. 3 inches 0. 625 gallon/inch Answer 3: Ecosystem services are fundamental to human life. They not only help promote economic benefits but offer the protection of human health and safety. One ecosystem service essential for human life is fresh water. Fresh water is a source of supply that does not have technological substitute for at this time. There may be some water purification processes but it does not replace the need for replenishment of fresh water. The key to maintaining water purification services is to protect and restore the ecosystems that provide these services. The economic cost of this service is priceless in terms of money. Answer 4: Biogeochemical cycles are often disrupted by human activities such as cultivation of land to grow annual crops disrupts the nutrient balance in the soil. This results in the nutrients being removed from the area as the plants are being shipped off for food and the straw is removed for other purposes. Plant material then breaks down and farmers replenish the removed nutrients by adding fertilizer to the soil – further disrupting the biogeochemical cycle. Logging is another way that disrupts biological chemical by reducing the amount of oxygen in the air and allow gave room for the buildup of carbon monoxide. When logging occurs, what happen is that millions of trees and plants are removed from the earth’s atmosphere making them unable to convert the carbon monoxide in the air into oxygen, thus, allowing carbon monoxide build up as well as reducing the overall amount of oxygen in the atmosphere. In order to help stop this disruption, we must find a way to protect the few natural land that we have left from the destruction of farming and logging by not being wasteful of the resources that are available to us and to make it a responsibility to recycling paper product as a part of our lifestyle. References: Raven, Peter H. , & Johnson, George B. (2002). Biology. Boston. McGraw Hill.

City of Glass by Paul Auster essays

City of Glass by Paul Auster essays The novel "City of Glass" depicts the story of Daniel Quinn, a man who lost his wife and son and now has become attached to a detective case that brings new people into his life because of one phone call that he had picked up. Throughout the story the question remains in the readers head as to why does Daniel Quinn decide to take on this detective case. Paul Auster writes the story in a way that gets the reader to make many assumptions but one that many can agree upon is that losing any kind of family member is a horrible incident and can change the way one acts and thinks for the remainder of their life. The realization of being lonely plays a huge role throughout the novel within the connections between Daniel Quinn and the characters he now associates himself with. In the novel "City of Glass", Auster portrays Daniel Quinn as a character with lost emotions and a psychological state that is shown by his actions of impersonating other people. A recurring theme throughout "City of Glass" is the changes of Daniel Quinn's identity. Early on while reading this novel it is portrayed that Quinn goes through a depressed state and tries to forget about his family. "Quinn did not think about his son very much anymore and only recently he had removed the photograph of his wife from the wall" (Auster 6). This seems to be a reaction to his depressed state and shows that Quinn wants to move on with his life and in someway start over with a new identification. Auster states that it had been five years since the death of his son and wife had occurred, and in Quinn's mind the best way to move on was to clear them out of his head. "It was the first time in more than five years that he had put his own name in one of his notebooks" (Karasik and Mazzucchelli 36). Five years can be a long time for someone to dwell on something but when it comes to family death there should no time table. "A part of him had died, he told his friends, and he did not wan...

Writing for a Cause Supplementing Income with Grant Writing

Writing for a Cause Supplementing Income with Grant Writing As far back as I can remember, I have wanted to be a writer in some capacity. In the 90s, when I graduated from college and before the internet of things, I had no idea how to make that happen. I became a social worker. Working for  Big Brothers Big Sisters  was very rewarding, but the pay was low and the hours were long. To supplement my income, I presented at seminars and wrote occasional grants. I had no formal grant writing experience, and I’m not even sure that we won any of the grants, but I made extra cash. Twenty years later, content writing comprises a little more than half my income. Although I was aware of  grants available to writers, I had not touched a grant since the 90s. One morning, I received a phone call. A one-year-old, local non-profit agency needed a grant writer, and a friend recommended me. Regardless of my limited experience with grant writing, I was hired. Apparently local grant writers are difficult to find, especially for a new agency. I believed in the organization and wanted to help, but I had no idea how lucrative it would become. How It Works Initially, I agreed to a â€Å"per project† fee, to ensure a good fit for everyone. We were awarded the very first grant I wrote, and my fee was $500. The grant took me about four hours to write, so I was very excited for the next proposal. After a month, the Board of Directors approved me as a permanent grant writer and the agreement looks like this: A retainer  of $500/month for one year, subject to an increase with a 50 percent award rate. Bonuses paid for awarded grants equal to five percent of the award amount. Researching and recommending grants each month is part of the job. Over the past few months, I have tracked hours spent researching and writing grants, as well as time spent on planning calls with the Executive Director. On average, I spend twelve hours per month on this job. My average monthly income to date is $1200, or $83/hour. This amount will increase, as I am on track to write nearly one million dollars in grants this year. My monthly hours will increase as I write larger, more complex grant proposals. If my award average is 50 percent or higher, my estimated income will be $37,000 for the year, equating to well over $100/hour, even with increased hours. A Few Words About Ethics Most  grantwriter associations  have determined that commissions based on percentages of awarded grants is unethical. And, more importantly, grants rarely allow funds to be used to pay a grantwriter. Agencies must fundraise to cover operations expenses, such as grantwriting. In my case, the agency budget includes my retainer, which compensates me for hours spent, even if a grant is not awarded. The budget also includes bonus money to be paid out for awarded grants. The percentage is used as a bonus guideline; however, my grantwriting fees are never paid directly from a grant. When I dreamed of being a writer, I did not dream of blog and grant proposal writing. Writing opportunities can pop up everywhere. Even though my writing career hasn’t included bestselling novels and coast to coast book tours, I am influencing the world with words. The income has been great and it feels good to know that my writing skills are helping to fund an important cause.

Civil Rights Movement Timeline From 1960 to 1964

Civil Rights Movement Timeline From 1960 to 1964 This civil rights movement timeline chronicles important dates during the struggles second chapter, the early 1960s. While the fight for racial equality began in the 1950s, the non-violent techniques the movement embraced began to pay off during the following decade. Civil rights activists and students across the South challenged segregation, and the relatively new technology of television allowed Americans to witness the often brutal response to these protests. President Lyndon B. Johnson  successfully pushed through the historic Civil Rights Act of 1964, and a number of other groundbreaking events unfolded  between 1960 and 1964, the span covered by this timeline. 1960 Civil Rights Sit-In at John A Brown Company. Oklahoma Historical Society / Getty Images On Feb. 1, four young African American men, students at North Carolina Agriculture and Technical College, go to a Woolworth in Greensboro, N.C., and sit down at a whites-only lunch counter. They order coffee. Despite being denied service, they sit silently and politely at the lunch counter until closing time. Their action marks the start of the Greensboro sit-ins, which sparks similar protests all over the South.On April 15, the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee holds its first meeting.On July 25, the downtown Greensboro Woolworth desegregates its lunch counter after six months of sit-ins.On Oct. 19, Martin Luther King Jr.  joins a student sit-in at a whites-only restaurant inside of an Atlanta department store, Richs. He is arrested along with 51 other protesters on the charge of trespassing. On probation for driving without a valid Georgia license (he had an Alabama license), a Dekalb County judge sentences King to four months in prison doing hard labor. Presidential con tender John F. Kennedy phones Kings wife, Coretta, to offer encouragement, while the candidates brother, Robert Kennedy, convinces the judge to release King on bail. This phone call convinces many African Americans to support the Democratic ticket. On Dec. 5, the Supreme Court hands down a 7-2 decision in the Boynton v. Virginia case, ruling that segregation on vehicles traveling between states is unlawful because it violates the Interstate Commerce Act. 1961 Policemen await to arrest Freedom Riders. Bettmann Archive / Getty Images On May 4, the Freedom Riders, composed of seven African American and six white activists, leave Washington, D.C., for the rigidly segregated Deep South. Organized by the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), their goal is to test Boynton v. Virginia.On May 14, Freedom Riders, now traveling in two separate groups, are attacked outside Anniston, Ala. and in Birmingham, Ala. A mob throws a firebomb onto the bus in which the group near Anniston is riding. Members of the Ku Klux Klan attack the second group in Birmingham after making an arrangement with the local police to allow them 15 minutes alone with the bus.On May 15, the Birmingham group of Freedom Riders is prepared to continue their trip down south, but no bus will agree to take them. They fly to New Orleans instead.On May 17, a new group of young activists join two of the original Freedom Riders to complete the trip. They are placed under arrest in Montgomery, Ala.On May 29, President Kennedy announces that he has ordered the Inte rstate Commerce Commission to enact stricter regulations and fines for buses and facilities that refuse to integrate. Young white and black activists continue to make Freedom Rides. In November, civil rights activists participate in a series of protests, marches, and meetings in Albany, Ga., that come to be known as the Albany Movement.In December, King comes to Albany and joins the protesters, staying in Albany for another nine months. 1962 James Meredith Registering at the University of Mississippi. Bettmann Archive / Getty Images On Aug. 10, King announces that he is leaving Albany. The Albany Movement is considered a failure in terms of effecting change, but what King learns in Albany allows him to be successful in Birmingham.On Sept. 10, the Supreme Court rules that the University of Mississippi must admit African American student and veteran James Meredith.On Sept. 26, the governor of Mississippi, Ross Barnett, orders state troopers to prevent Meredith from entering Ole Misss campus.Between Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, riots erupt over Merediths enrollment at the University of Mississippi, or Ole Miss.On Oct. 1, Meredith becomes the first African American student at Ole Miss after President Kennedy orders U.S. marshals to Mississippi to ensure his safety. 1963 Bettmann Archive / Getty Images King, SNCC and the  Southern Christian Leadership Conference  (SCLC) organize a series of 1963 civil rights demonstrations and protests to challenge segregation in Birmingham.On April 12, Birmingham police arrest King for demonstrating without a city permit.On April 16, King writes his famous Letter from a Birmingham Jail in which he responds to eight white Alabama ministers who urged him to end the protests and be patient with the judicial process of overturning segregation.On June 11, President Kennedy delivers a speech on civil rights from the Oval Office, specifically explaining why he sent the National Guard to allow the admittance of two African American students into the University of Alabama.On June 12, Byron De La Beckwith assassinates  Medgar Evers, the first field secretary for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Mississippi.On Aug. 18, James Meredith graduates from Ole Miss.On Aug. 28, the  March on Washington for Jobs and Fre edom  is held in D.C. Around 250,000 people participate, and King delivers his legendary  I Have a Dream speech. On Sept. 15, the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham is bombed. Four young girls are killed.On Nov. 22,  Kennedy is assassinated, but his successor, Lyndon B. Johnson, uses the nations anger to push through civil rights legislation in Kennedys memory. 1964 President Lyndon Johnson Signs Civil Rights Act. PhotoQuest / Getty Images On March 12,  Malcolm X  leaves the Nation of Islam. Among his reasons for the break is Elijah Muhammads ban on protesting for Nation of Islam adherents.Between June and August, SNCC organizes a voter registration drive in Mississippi known as Freedom Summer.On June 21,  three Freedom Summer workersMichael Schwerner, James Chaney, and Andrew Goodmandisappear.On Aug. 4, the bodies of Schwerner, Chaney, and Goodman are found in a dam. All three had been shot, and the African American activist, Chaney, had also been badly beaten.On June 24, Malcolm X  founds  the Organization of Afro-American Unity along with John Henrik Clarke. Its aim is to unite all Americans of African descent against discrimination.On July 2, Congress passes the  Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bans discrimination in employment and public places.In July and August, riots break out in Harlem and Rochester, N.Y.On Aug. 27, the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDM), which formed to challenge the segr egated state Democratic Party, sends a delegation to the  National Democratic Convention in Atlantic City, N.J.  They ask to represent Mississippi at the convention.  Activist Fannie Lou Hamer, spoke publicly and her speech was broadcast nationally by media outlets.  Offered two nonvoting seats at the  convention, in turn, the MFDM delegates reject the proposal. Yet all was not lost. By the 1968 election, a clause was adopted requiring equal representation from all state delegations. On Dec. 10, the Nobel Foundation awards King the  Nobel Peace Prize. Updated by African-American History Expert, Femi Lewis.

Reconstruction and Race Relations Paper Research

Reconstruction and Race Relations - Research Paper Example Another law was also passed which is the Disenfranchisement Law that deprived Afro Americans of their right to vote. The passage of the segregation law and disenfranchisement law meant the white and the black cannot be together on public places and public transportation. These oppressive laws were then implemented in various states and municipality mandating the segregation of the blacks and the whites not only on public transportation but also in other aspects of public life that include, schools, hospitals, parks, movie houses, hotels and even restrooms. The Disfranchisement Law as the name implies, remove the right of the Negro to exercise his civil liberty to vote by despite the guarantee of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments. This was evident with the exclusion of the blacks from the list of those who can vote in 1870 and made it more difficult for blacks to vote (if they can) by passing the poll tax law. Ridiculous as it may sound but a literacy requirement was also enacte d in 1890 that if a black person is allowed to vote, he or she must satisfy the â€Å"understanding clause† that they understood the constitution before the state registrar. Naturally, the determination of the black person’s fitness to vote became arbitrary that deprived many of them of their right to vote. Voting restrictions were also imposed to make it difficult for black people by stating deadlines of poll tax payment and voter registration unannounced. All of these were designed to make it difficult, if not impossible for a black person to vote. The Reconstruction and beyond The end of the civil war marked the reconstruction period in the South. There are many accounts and interpretation why the Reconstruction became a splendid failure but it converged on the idea that it did not achieve what it intended to achieve. One its failure was failure was the attempt to provide some civil rights such as the right to vote for African Americans (Fitzgerald, 2008). This was evident in the Dred Scott decision which the Supreme Court ruled that blacks â€Å"had no rights which a white man was bound to respect; and that the Negro might justly and lawfully be reduced to slavery for his benefit† (Freerepublic.com). In 1876 however, a change in political tide was seen when the Republicans gained control in Congress. From the repressive regime of the Democrats, the Republicans passed the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution where several civil rights bills were introduced which will give every Americans equal protection before the law (Cornell University Law School, nd). One of the laws that were also passed was the granting of the right to vote among African Americans. In effect, this would have also given the African Americans some civil rights and the benefit of equal protection before the law except that it was blocked in every way of its application. One particular right, of the four civil rights that was passed in Congress that was circumvented in its application was the protection of right to vote as expressed in the Fourteenth Amendment. The Democrats device several political implements to block the application of the African American right to vote which included imposition of poll taxes, literacy tests, grandfather clauses and Gerrymandering. The imposition of

Marxism Leninism and National Democratic Revolution in South Africa Article

Marxism Leninism and National Democratic Revolution in South Africa - Article Example But such examples are few and far in between. On the other hand, most of the democratic nations have been known to follow the rule of law, and if at any point of time, variations are noticed, the system provides enough rights to the citizens to take up the matter and bring the matter into the notice of appropriate authority. Youth is supposed to play a crucial role in the nation building. There are plenty of opportunities for the youth to grow in a democracy. While taking up professional positions in companies and organization, the young worker prepares a ground for the economic development. Similarly, when the youth takes up leadership skills in right perspective, the society is bound to benefit. The ideology propagated by Karl Marx (1818-1883) and Friedrich Engels (1820-1895) is known as Marxism or Scientific Socialism. Marxism calls for the equal opportunity to all young hands and the ideology firmly believes that the working class should never be oppressed for the well being of the state. Leninism, developed by the Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin, is a dominant branch of Marxism. Lenin made the fullest use of the Marxism/ Leninism policies during the Bolshevik revolution. Handing over power back to the people, remained the mainstay of this Russian revolution. In South Africa the trail of struggle for democracy can be traced back to May 1910, when the two republics and the British colonies of the Cape and Natal formed the Union of South Africa, a self-governing dominion of the British Empire. But the country saw a long-troubled period. During these troubled times, the non-white majority of South Africans were denied basic rights of citizenship (Funke 2007). It was in 1997 when President Mandela signed the newly negotiated constitution that South Africa began to experience the real democracy.  

Annotated Bibliography& Academic Criticism Research Paper

Annotated Bibliography& Academic Criticism - Research Paper Example Such well-constructed annotations make all the difference when they are attached to a scholarly research paper. The skills required for such concise exposition has to be developed in a measured manner. A well-chosen annotated bibliography can raise the value of the research work and inform the reader of its reliability at the same time. Developing annotated biography demands greater intellectual and analytical skills. In order to achieve such skills of the higher order, greater efforts are needed and working on annotated bibliography equip the researcher with such finer skills besides familiarising them with formatting and other such aspects of creating annotated bibliography. In brief, the paper aims at developing the appropriate skills required to construct annotated bibliography which is well-directed, without compromising the refinement that it demands. Introduction The feedback received from peers and tutor can be summarised as below. The format of an annotated bibliography is s ignificant and its concise style holds the key. It has to be pithy and condensed. A forceful and uninterrupted progression of the thought stripped of all the details is an essential ingredient. Furthermore, a lucid style can retain the interest of the reader and convey the message or theme straightaway. It is worthwhile to keep in mind that the reader has greater importance than anybody else and therefore a narrative style that focuses on the theme and interest the reader has to be maintained throughout. Next up, the annotation must present the central argument vividly and convincingly. Listing the content is not the task on hand; the central recurring theme and the authority of the author are to be established beyond any doubt. It is always good to appraise and analyse the source content critically and evaluate its merit commenting on the author’s approach and way of presentation. In short, annotations are critical, concise and evaluative. Ebegbulem, J. C.(11June 2012).Corru ption and leadership crisis in Africa: Nigeria in focus. International Journal of Business and Social Science, 3 (11): 221-227. The paper by Ebogbulem throws light on the rampant corruption and inept leadership that plague post-independent Africa especially Nigeria. A country rich in natural resources bear the brunt of illiteracy, unemployment, malnutrition and poverty. Ebegbulem (2012) discuses in detail the factors that have contributed to the present crisis in Nigeria, that has brought democracy and economic growth to a standstill. Economic mismanagement and fraudulent misappropriation by people in power has spelled economic disaster, causing abject poverty for the people. The author further argues that the leadership crisis has been triggered by corruption. The paper categorically states that the leadership, both democratic and military, has ever inflicted untold miseries on the Nigerians, robbing public wealth. Ebegbulem goes on to examine how the democratic stability and econo mic growth are affected when corruption and its resultant bad governance strikes. Ebegbulem concludes that a strong leadership committed to the welfare of the people alone can reverse the trend. In the context of Nigeria the author drives home the point that corruption and bad governance destabilising the democracy and economy are entwined. The paper brings into limelight the stark realities haunting Nigeria. The narrative style is straightforward and objective. Obo,U. B &Obo E. B. (7 July 2013). Public Policies and the Crisis of Underdevelopment in Nigeria: A Critical

Culture and globalisation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Culture and globalisation - Essay Example Benjamin Barber is one of the proponents of the idea that the notion of globalization is destructive for it threatens morals and religious values of people, the distinctiveness of cultures and can turn the world into one big market. There are four main points in Barbers argumentation. First of all, he presents the notion of â€Å"theme parking† which is â€Å"a kind of diversity but it is the diversity of a theme park† (â€Å"Globalization and Culture† 9). By this, he means that even though there is a diversity, it is simulated, artificial, and, in fact, is far from authenticity. Secondly, Barber argues that globalization is homogenization and standardization of culture that affects peoples cultural and aesthetic values, such as eating fast food instead of spending time with family at a dinner table. Also, the opponent of globalization states that more powerful markets, such as the American one, tend to master and destroy the weaker markets and, consequently, inf luence other cultures. Finally, Barber says that globalization is a threat not only to aesthetic but to religious and moral values of people, especially of the representatives of cultures that differ a lot from â€Å"McWorld†, such as Islamic, Hindu, and Judaic cultures, and that to some extent this threat gives rise to terrorism. Tyler Cowan, in his turn, believes that globalization is the positive trend in the development of the modern society and the entire world. He agues that â€Å"markets support diversity and freedom of choice, and trade gives a greater opportunity for artists to express their creative inspiration (â€Å"Glibalization and Culture† 8). In addition to this, Cowan claims that globalization does tend to increase difference between cultures, and at the same time it frees difference from geographical location. Tyler Cowan also refutes four arguments presented by Benjamin

School Shootings and Focus Group Research Paper

School Shootings and Focus Group - Research Paper Example A scrutiny of the circumstances adjacent to the matter is then conducted to get the big picture: evaluating the condition while paying attention to risk or perceived risk, technical intricacy, jurisdiction, character of the conflict, intensity of the conflict, region extent and interests, geographic precincts, pecuniary allusions, media concerns, and the current public consultations. Problem definition: authentication or adjustment of the fundamental nature, progressive precision of the preliminary definition. There is an important need to comprehend and to take account of various viewpoints of all stakeholders in order to express their concerns. The principle of â€Å"it is better to be roughly correct than precisely incorrect† dominates this phase so as to determine overall priority for this problem. In the last 20 years, public policy elites and professors have been faced up to an option to adopt the customary positivist approach which is based on ratio ­nality, impartiality, and money matters e.g. Weimer and Vining (2004), or a post-positivist approach based on politics, partisanship, and egalitarianism e.g. Ander ­son (2006). In their book Public Policy Praxis: A Case Approach for Understanding Policy and Analysis Clemons & McBeth (2009), adopted a mixed approach, based on the improvement and training of cases. My argument is that; while the attitudes of the post-positivist of the facilitators are informative, have noticed the most imperative deficit in the growth of the policy sciences, and have put into account that ways to triumph over the market prejudice of the behavioral forms that remain greatly uninvestigated in the policy sciences, there has been little information on handle the conflicts posed by the two viewpoints which in some point contradict each other. Surveys presuppose that individuals be acquainted a well laid out knowledge of how they feel an assumption that

Direct Flower Delivery. Analysis Of The Website Assignment

Direct Flower Delivery. Analysis Of The Website - Assignment Example This Web site report details both front and back end capabilities. In inclusion with technical details, this report also consists of the customer interaction specifications. DFD, Direct Flower Delivery is a web based Florist to cater the growing Flower needs of people of United Kingdom. There are a large number of companies in UK delivering flowers to their customer’s home. People often send flowers, whether it is a birthday, wedding and some other special occasions. Many places such as restaurants, hotels, offices and many houses use flower to decorate the place. Not only flowers are used for specific occasions, there are many people changing their flowers at home once a week. To simplify the ordering procedure of these needs, DFD has evolved and is committed to serve the best to its customers. Currently, DFD is serving its customers with its web site. DFD offers wide range of choices to its customers. Through its site, DFD offers whole lot of features to its customer such as the freedom of ordering flowers online, Secured payment transactions, Track the delivery of ordered items and also a reminder service with important dates. The highlight of this web based company is that the customers have the advantage of designing their own style, pattern and of course flowers that are be delivered, apart from selecting from the pre-defined templates. 2. Website Objectives The objectives of this web-based florist are to offer features that will permit and promote the following: Ordering flowers with just a click of a mouse. Easy browsing and searching for various regular & seasonal flowers. Web tools which enable secured online payments. Easier accessing of information and help generally. Web tools to foster community relationship and cater their needs. In Simple, to make it easy and offer choices for their customers 3. Description of Target Audience The customers will be anyone in UK who looking for flowers to be sent to someone or themselves, whether for special occasions or to decorate their houses. The company will have a web site which design to make shopping for flowers on the internet quicker and easier. If such availability exists, the company will deliver flowers to the address on the date which has been requested by customers to be sent to. Customers can individually create their own design in flowers over the website and the flower which they create will be send to the address that they request. Customer will be able to track down their deliveries. The company will provide the information on the process of delivery for each individual customer, in order for customers to be able to track down their deliveries. 4. Business Constraints 4.1 Negative Constraints: 4.1.1 As it's a Web-based company, the competition is severe and to handle this aspect the web site and the company has to be on toes 24hours. 4.1.2 It's very hard to predict the volume of business the next day. The customer may be literally from anywhere on this world. If it's Florist on the

School Shootings and Focus Group Research Paper

School Shootings and Focus Group - Research Paper Example A scrutiny of the circumstances adjacent to the matter is then conducted to get the big picture: evaluating the condition while paying attention to risk or perceived risk, technical intricacy, jurisdiction, character of the conflict, intensity of the conflict, region extent and interests, geographic precincts, pecuniary allusions, media concerns, and the current public consultations. Problem definition: authentication or adjustment of the fundamental nature, progressive precision of the preliminary definition. There is an important need to comprehend and to take account of various viewpoints of all stakeholders in order to express their concerns. The principle of â€Å"it is better to be roughly correct than precisely incorrect† dominates this phase so as to determine overall priority for this problem. In the last 20 years, public policy elites and professors have been faced up to an option to adopt the customary positivist approach which is based on ratio ­nality, impartiality, and money matters e.g. Weimer and Vining (2004), or a post-positivist approach based on politics, partisanship, and egalitarianism e.g. Ander ­son (2006). In their book Public Policy Praxis: A Case Approach for Understanding Policy and Analysis Clemons & McBeth (2009), adopted a mixed approach, based on the improvement and training of cases. My argument is that; while the attitudes of the post-positivist of the facilitators are informative, have noticed the most imperative deficit in the growth of the policy sciences, and have put into account that ways to triumph over the market prejudice of the behavioral forms that remain greatly uninvestigated in the policy sciences, there has been little information on handle the conflicts posed by the two viewpoints which in some point contradict each other. Surveys presuppose that individuals be acquainted a well laid out knowledge of how they feel an assumption that

Ownership and Control as Important Aspect of the Media Essay Example for Free

Ownership and Control as Important Aspect of the Media Essay Discuss two contrasting theories and relevant studies to explain the extent to which ownership and control is an important aspect of the media. The term mass media is essentially information which is targeted at a large audience. The Mass media is a global industry which has played a major role in shaping society over the 20th century. As technology has developed and created the opportunity to communicate with huge numbers of people, the mass media has developed and with it the media’s impact on society. Over the last fifty years the media has changed its shape yet again to fit in with our increasingly technological society; various forms of new media have appeared: smartphones, laptops, internet and ipods. The general aim of these new mediums is to allow greater flexibility to the user and access media while mobile, also they are not physical forms of media but electronic, which has its own advantages and disadvantages. There have also been major changes in ownership and control of the media; it has become both increasingly concentrated and transnational. An example would be the controversial Mr. Murdoch. His News International group owns over one third of newspapers in Britain, Two other companies, Mirror Group Newspapers and United Newspapers own another 40 per cent between them. This clearly shows that the bulk of the power is held by only a few individuals, this creates very serious political and economical implications. Murdoch’s paper has been partially responsible for getting each government elected over the past fifty years; every party he has supported over the years has won. Two main sociological theories are used to explain ownership and control of the mass media: Pluralist theory and Marxist theory. Each have there own interpretations of the issues and subsequent strengths and weaknesses which I shall now discuss. Pluralist theory is all about power in society. They believe that no one group or elite dominates society. It is essentially a functionalist view. Instead Pluralists believe that there is a range of interest groups who share power. Pluralists argue that the mass media reflect such a range of interests. They argue that the mass media simply reflect what we, the public, want. If it is biased it is because that is the view people want to hear, it simply reflects the publics opinion rather than trying to make people think a particular way. For example the British press is generally conservative; Pluralists argue this is because British society is generally conservative. Pluralists would also say that the mass media provides a wide and diverse choice for the consumer. Therefore there is no single dominant ideology but a genuine choice for the consumer. Minority views are expressed just the same as the dominant views. Because of this Pluralists argue that the mass media has little or no influence on the views of the masses. At most it simply reinforces what people already believe. Pluralism recognizes the ability of the individuals to make up there own mind about key issues. For example, in the general elections of 1997 and 2001 viweing figures dropped sharply during the campaign, suggesting most people had decided who to support before the campaign even started. Furthermore in the 1992 elections the swing to the conservatives was just as great from the neutral Independent as is was from those who read pro-conservative tabloids. Even readers of The Sun, which was strongly against a conservative government, indicated in election polls that they had voted conservative. The Pluralist perspective is criticized for ignoring clear evidence of bias, mainly political bias and the influence it can have on society. For example, the political party supported by Rupert Murdoch’s papers has won every election since 1979. When he decided to switch from Labour to Conservative in 1997, there was a 15 per cent swing to Labour amongst readers of The Sun. This clear evidence of bias due to the views of a single man is ignored by the Pluralist perspective. The impact of the mass media is obviously key to election campaigns and has a massive impact on society as a whole. Arguably Rupert Murdoch alone has been responsible, in part, for getting each government elected since 1979. This clearly is very undemocratic and bad for the country. The Marxist conflict theory views the mass media as a means of not only influencing people, but also controlling them. It is used as a tool by the ruling class to maintain control and power through transmitting a conformist conservative view of the world. Sociologist have created two general views within Marxism, Manipulative Marxism – which places emphasis on the mass media as a form of economic capitalism and Hegemonic Marxism – which emphasises the mass media as a means whereby the ruling class project a culture which reflects their own norms and values, to the exclusion of all others. The concentration of ownership increases such control. Marxists also argue that the ruling class use the media as a filter through which information is passed to the mass of the population. In emphasizing the acceptance of the status quo, the media resists change and therefore works against the interests of the working class. The media therefore will project capitalism positively, creating a false class consciousness to the proletariat to prevent them realizing their exploitation and thus overthrow capitalism. Because of the established media moguls such as Rupert Murdoch it is difficult for small firms and individuals to gain much credit and fame. The Marxist perspective is seen as strong in analyzing the mass media from a conflict perspective. In doing so it helps to explain the mass media as a source of inequality within capitalist society. It also helps to explain the perceived bias within the media. For Marxists this is particularly important in a political and economical context. Marxism identifies and analyses political bias within the media, for example the consumerism culture that the newspapers promote. However, the Marxist theory is criticized for underestimating the ability of individuals to absorb information and make up there own minds about what they agree with or disagree with. Critics argue that people are not like robots who passively accept what they are told, rather they critically judge a variety of issues and make up there own mind using what they have been told and their own individual experience with the issue. James Curran, in Mass Media and Democracy: A reppraisal (1991), argues that the growth of commercial radio and television re-affirms the view that there is a widespread choice with a core public sector combined with an expanding private sector. Thus, the impact of ownership and control is negligible given the real and diverse choice that exists. Currans study supports the Pluralist perspective. Studies such as Curran’s are strong in recognizing the changing nature of British industry and how it applies to the mass media. Such conclusions are supported by the reality of the mass media that, despite a concentration of ownership, is run by a diverse range of individuals from different social backgrounds, through joint stock companies. However, this tends to ignore the fact that the largest proportion of shares in any public liability company is owned by either wealthy individuals or large institutional shareholders. From a Marxist perspective the ruling class is seen as an agent of ideological control in modern society, used by the ruling class to establish and impose its values on the working class. This is a view taking by Miliband in The State in Capitalist Society (1973). Miliband argues that the mass media is an agent of capitalist control, rejecting the pluralist theory that there is genuine choice.

Global Financial Crisis: Aviation Industry Impact

Global Financial Crisis: Aviation Industry Impact Abstract The basic aim behind to conduct a research analysis on the affects of the global financial crisis with specific to the aviation industry. The research will help to actually analyze the after affects of the financial crisis. As we all know that aviation is one of the most important pillars of the global economy of the world. And also this sector provides millions of jobs globally and contributed heavily in the global GDP. This sector is also the most important and the most efficient mode of transportation. It provides the transportation services all over the world. So as the global financial crisis which was born due to the failure of the major financial institutions caused the drastic impacts on the world economy. And as the aviation is the important part it also got affected heavily by the crisis. Due to which this aviation sector which is one the fastest growing industry has to face negative growth rate. Also the aviation sector has to face huge losses. Some aviation companies was able to bare such huge losses but there is a big number of those aviation companies who do have capacity to bare such huge losses so they go bankrupt after the global financial crisis. CHAPTER 1: Introduction Introduction 1.1 Overview The global financial crisis was triggered in 2007 8 mainly in developed countries like United States of America. After that the crisis entered in the European countries and after a few days the crisis just take the whole of the world under its impact. Almost all of the countries in the world got affected by this financial crisis directly or indirectly. This financial crisis was born due to the failure of the major financial institution of these developed countries. These financial institutions include banks like Lehman Brothers, Bear Steams and etc. These main financial institutions of the United States are the main reason behind the financial crisis. Te global financial crisis caused impacts on almost each and every industry of the world. The key businesses which were showing good positions and were experiencing good growth experienced negative growth because of the financial crisis. Also the consumer wealth faces the billions of dollars loss due to the financial crisis. That is wh y this global Financial Crisis is thought to be the worst financial crisis after the great Depression of twentieth century. The main reason behind the failure of the financial institutions was the artificial bubble of the housing sector of U.S.A. This artificial bubble got height in 2006 and suddenly it burst in year 2007 8 and caused the values of the securities which were tied to the Americas real estate to massive decline. This caused the miss balance in the financial institutions of U.S.A as around 50% of their advances were given on the housing sector. As the value of the real estate falls and so do the financial institutions. And as result of which these financial institutions has bare losses of around $2.3 trillion. This is also the main reason that the most strongest financial institutions go bankrupt after baring such huge losses. As aviation is one of the most important pillars of the global economy of the world. And also this sector provides millions of jobs globally and contributed heavily in the global GDP. This sector is also the most important and the most efficient mode of transportation. It provides the transportation services all over the world. So as the global financial crisis which was born due to the failure of the major financial institutions caused the drastic impacts on the world economy. And as the aviation is the important part it also got affected heavily by the crisis. Due to which this aviation sector which is one the fastest growing industry has to face negative growth rate. . Also the aviation sector has to face huge losses. Some aviation companies was able to bare such huge losses but there is a big number of those aviation companies who do have capacity to bare such huge losses so they go bankrupt after the global financial crisis. 1.2 Background Information The global financial crisis hit the world economy in 2008 and left drastic affects on the world economy, especially the growing industries. The crisis arose first in U.S.A and Europe due to the failures of the main financial institutions. This failure of some financial institutions, lead to the biggest financial crisis after the great depression. The main reason behind the failure of the financial institutions was the artificial bubble of the housing sector of U.S.A. This artificial bubble got height in 2006 and suddenly it burst in year 2007 8 and caused the values of the securities which were tied to the Americas real estate to massive decline. This caused the miss balance in the financial institutions of U.S.A as around 50% of their advances were given on the housing sector. As the value of the real estate falls and so do the financial institutions. And as result of which these financial institutions has bare losses of around $2.3 trillion. This is also the main reason that the m ost strongest financial institutions go bankrupt after baring such huge losses. Impact on Aviation sector As the global economy was disturbed due to this financial crisis of 2008 so Aviation being as one of the main pillars of global economy, it also got affected. As aviation is the main source of transportation throughout the world. The crisis had deeply struck this growing industry. Due to global financial crisis the aviation industry had experienced the negative growth. The impact of the crisis was so huge that a big number of airline companies go bankrupt and those who survived still had to face huge losses. Importance With Respect To The World The global financial crisis is of great importance to the global economy as it has caused drastic impacts on the global economy. Most of the economies of the developed nations are heavily affected by the crisis. It causes the negative impact on almost all of the global businesses. The global financial crisis, brewing for a while, really started to show its effects in the middle of 2007 and into 2008. Around the world stock markets have fallen, large financial institutions have collapsed or been bought out, and governments in even the wealthiest nations have had to come up with rescue packages to bail out their financial system The aviation throughout the world faces the losses in their revenue because of the increasing oil prices and the global financial crisis. Many of the small airlines as well as some big airlines companies go bankrupt. Importance With Respect To Pakistan The Pakistani economy is not as badly affected as that of other countries by the global recession of 2007-2008. The global financial crisis that hit the world very severely has not left many impacts on the economy of Pakistan. Just as the economy has remained safe from getting adverse impacts, the Pakistan International Airline has not been affected that badly either. However, the year 2008 failed to bring any crucial improvements in the overall and financial performance of Pakistan International Airlines. The conundrums, the issues and the problems of the previous years remained and hindered the progress. These similar problems led to further loss and at the end, the company had to bear a higher net loss than the previous year. A short study of the year 2007 shows that during that year, the company went through several unpleasant experiences. It had to face a number of financial, marketing and operational problems. Operating restrictions which were imposed by the European Union duri ng the first few months of the year, led to great disruption in the Pakistan International Airlines schedules and also caused great curtailment in the capacity. During all this, the Pakistan International Airline lost market share. This made the conditions even more difficult for the Pakistan International Airlines. The tremendous increase in the oil prices, which had never been seen before, put adverse effects on the PIAs bottom line. PIA was left with no other choice but to bear the load and burden of paying for the expensive fuel. Moreover, the increase in the salaries if certain categories of personnel and depreciation of the rupee towards the end of the year, both aggravated the situation. 1.4 Research Question There are many reasons that I have chosen this topic of Impact assessment of global financial crisi on the aviation industry. First of all since child the air planes really used to fascinate. It was my dream to become a pilot but I couldnt make to that. But I want to join aviation sector after my studies as I am trying to get admission in Emirates School of Aviation to do MBA in aviation management. That is why I have chosen this specific topic to do research. I think that I have find and learn a lot of new things, facts and figures about aviation industry. So I really want to know about the ups and down in aviation sector. The scope of the research is basically to focus on how the global financial crisis has cause impacts on aviation industry or how GFC has affected the aviation sector specifically. And also to analyze different factors involve in affecting this fastest growing sector of the world. Bay basic Research Question is How the global financial crisis has cause impact on AVIATION INDUSTRY. CHAPTER 2: Literature Review Literature Review The literature review will focus on the issues and the reasons that how the Global financial Crisis has affected the Aviation Industry as a whole, it will mainly be focusing on the different factors involved that affect the aviation. 1 Peter Morrell in his articles Can long haul low cost Airlines be successful talks about low cost airlines. Author says an important task is to determine if LCC business model which is largely short haul can work over long haul sectors or not. This paper examines the advantages of LCCs including the cost and it also appraises how far they can be applied to long haul sectors. The author says that it is seen that the cost advantages might be much lower than approximately 50-60% on short hauls. He also says that the factors such as the implementation and acceptance of some LCC features by network airlines and their anticipated response, the limited potential for market stimulation, the need for dense markets and feed traffic all cast doubt on the prevailing establishment of the business model for long-haul fights. 2 Jacob Denaro in his article Aviation says that due to the worlds energy crisis, there has been as increase in the cost of fuel which has affected U.S. international air carriers adversely. According to the author, the cost of fuel on international air routes increased up to three times than that of domestic jet fuel because it was not under the influence of federal price controls. This aroused the need for subsidies to cover these high fuel bills since Nov,1973. The airlines position was approved by the Chairman of the Civil Aeronautics Board. While the issue stayed unsettled, Pan Am asked the Board for the right to arbitrate the consolidation of trans-Atlantic services on the basis that the rapidly increasing fuel prices had plunged it into a financial crisis. Pan Am also asked for the permission to discuss with TWA the possible consolidation of operations, coordinated services and sharing of revenues on trans-Atlantic routes. TWA approved of his position before the Board and filed a petition of its own. The Justice Department stated that the proposition would decrease competition and would prove to be detrimental to the public. The Departments Anti-Trust Division mentioned that pooling would not make the financial impact of the fuel situation any less acute, international air travelers are provided better sevice because of the system of competition which is there, and that the pooling arrangements decrease the incentives to provide both economical and efficient services. These and some other reasons were behind the opposition to the airlines request. 3 Dr. Geraint Harvey Professor Turnbull in their report The Impact of the Financial Crisis on Labor of the Civil Aviation Industry say that civil Aviation is an important and indispensable part of the world economy. It affects activities from every sphere of life and provides employment to a great number of people. This industry provides 31.9 million jobs all around the world. At first, the industry suffered greatly at the hands of the attacks of Sept11,2001 and is now adversely affected because of the global financial crisis. The financial crisis hit the employment in the airline industry as many people have lost their jobs. Managerial authorities believe that it may take years to restore the industry to its normal condition. The study discusses the ways in which the job losses have been taken care of or dealt with. 4 Novie John Prof. Peter Jones in their article The Impact of Economic Downturn in the Flight Catering Industry say that the number of air passengers has greatly decreased which has led to different flights being cancelled. Customers have turned to more economical and cheaper alternatives. So, different companies are compelled to lessen the fares while providing the same standard services. Buying approach has changed. People now try to find cheaper alternatives and solutions. Some people say that all the sectors are equally affected by the present recession. The number of the business class passengers has reduced which has left a great impact on the scheduled airlines. Effects are felt differently of the current recession in the different parts of the world. American economy and the European economy have suffered the most in the recent crisis. Many people believe that the impact of the crisis will only remain for a short time whereas some believe that it may take as long as 5 years. 5 Markus Franke and Florian John in their article What Comes Next After Recession? Airline Industry Scenarios and Potential End Games say that the economic crisis of 2008 has proved to be more severe than that of 2001/2003. Airlines tried their best to minimize their operating costs and operating expenses but still they failed to bypass the effects of the global recession. Also, the process of recovery in profits has been very slow in various airlines. Although a decrease in demand was expected, the crisis caused many other effects that were not expected by any of the experts. During the recession of 2008, the fuel prices rose dramatically which reduced the profits extensively. This recession led to a huge decline in the demand for air travel. Most airlines around the world reacted immediately in 2008 as they reduced their capacity in the short run. And also many of the small airlines have to close down their operations and also go bankrupt as well. 6 Muhammad Usman in his article Global Financial Crisis: Its Impact On Developing Countries And Lessons For Pakistan says that the recession of 2008 was the worst financial crisis ever experienced after the Great Depression of 1930s. This financial crisis arose due to the failure of the major financial institutions of the United States of America including the leading banks like Lehman Brothers. The impact of this financial crisis also caused drastic impacts on the European economy resulting in the downward trends in the stock exchange and also a significant impact on the value of different subprime mortgages at the same time. The recent financial crisis also caused negative impacts on the world economy as a whole. Almost each and every aspect of the global economy got affected by the financial crisis. Economy of Pakistan being part of the global economy also got affected by the global financial crisis. But as Pakistani economy is already facing so many problems do get that much affect ed by the financial crisis. 7 A Google Book Aviation Industry Performance says that the aviation industry had to face many challenges during the year 2008. Many passengers even changed their preferences and demands which worsened the condition. Operating costs also increased due to increase in the fuel prices. Both , the increase in oil prices and the recession led to service terminations and many bankruptcies. After the recession of 2008, different companies took steps to cope with the situation. They achieved the target of improving the economic conditions by cutting costs and increasing the fares. The number of domestic scheduled flights was reduced. The airlines that used small air crafts were forced to eradicate them or minimize their number. Soon, reduction in the number of scheduled flights was seen and the companies reduced the fares to increase the demand until new capacity cuts were introduced. (Elizabeth Tinoco director ILO Sectoral Activities Department) Aviation industry supports 31.9 million jobs globally. Markus Frank and Florian John (2010). Before financial crisis Aviation industry had an annual growth rate of 7 % to 9%. Markus Frank and Florian John (2010). In Oil Crisis of 1979-80 and Asian Financial Crisis the Aviation industry grew at least 2% annually. Markus Frank and Florian John (2010). Only three times the Aviation industry have seen the negative growth. Neil Dias Karunaratne (2009) Global financial Crisis deeply effect the Aviation Industry. Markus Frank and Florian John (2010). Drop of 6.1%of overall air traffic was recorded in 2009 CHAPTER 3: Methodology Methodology The topic of my research is Impact Assessment Of Global Financial Crisis On Aviation Industry. The methodology will tell us as to what models to apply and on the basis of that results will be formulated and interpreted and the most affecting variable will be verified. Research Type: The type of research which I will be conducting is quantitative in nature. As the data of my research is mainly secondary and mostly its in numbers so qualitative does not suite my research topic. As there are lots of numeric data involved in my research so I have to run different statistical models which are only possible in quantitative type of research. Data Type and Research Period: Data used in my research will be secondary in nature. The data could in form of time series data gathered from various databases. The reference period of data used in my research is of five years ranging from 2005 to 2009. Sources of Data: Data for my research will be most likely taken from several databases and related websites. The major sources of data collection are the reports, working papers and actual facts of Air Carrier Traffic Statistics, IATA, WDI, ILO, JSTOR etc. data of oil prices will be taken from OPEC web site. Data on tourism will be taken from WDI and data on GDP will also be taken from WDI and different economic surveys. Data on unemployment, less travel demand and couriers will also be gathered. Theoretical Framework Operational Definitions: Aviation: means science and technology of flight through air i.e. airlines 9/11: attack on the world trade centre. GFC: Global Financial Crisis. SARS: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. GDP: Gross Domestic Product. Financial Markets: is a mechanism that allows people to buy and sell (trade) financial securities (stocks and bonds), commodities (precious metals) and other fungible items of value at low transaction cost. Asian financial crisis: The Asian Financial Crisis was a period of financial crisis that gripped much of Asia beginning in July 1997, and raised fears of a worldwide economic meltdown due to financial contagion. RPK: Revenue Passenger kilometer (RPK) is a measure of a passenger traffic for an airline flight, bus, or train calculated by multiplying the total number of revenue-paying passengers aboard the vehicle by the distance traveled measured in miles Techniques: The technique to be carried out for research will be Regression analysis. Regression analysis is a statistical technique which is used to determine the relationships between variables. It involves modeling and analyzing variables relationships between one dependent variable and several independent variables. Data Analysis: The statistical softwares to be employed for research purpose are Minitab, Statgraphics and EViews. Regression for each variable will be run. The research will also use graphs and tables for illustration. RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS H0: Global Financial Crisis has not cause significant impacts on Aviation Industry. HA: Global Financial Crisis cause significant impacts on Aviation Industry. H0: Crude Oil Prices has not significant effect on Aviation Industry. HA: Crude Oil Prices have significant effect on Aviation Industry. H0: GDP growth has not significant effect on Aviation Industry. HA: GDP growth has any significant effect on Aviation Industry. H0: Inflation rate has not significant effect on Aviation Industry. HA: Inflation rate have any significant effect on Aviation Industry. H0: Unemployment rate has not significant effect on Aviation Industry. HA: Unemployment rate have any significant effect on Aviation Industry. CHAPTER 4: Results and Analysis Results and Analysis RESULTS Multiple Regression Analysis Dependent variable: Registered Carrier Departures Standard T Parameter Estimate Error Statistic P-Value CONSTANT 1.17957E7 1.17689E6 10.0227 0.0000 Crude Oil Prices 36212.5 6652.45 5.44348 0.0001 GDP Growth % -50451.8 93127.7 -0.541749 0.5959 Inflation annual % -541064.0 104745.0 -5.16555 0.0001 Unemployment % -547932.0 133271.0 -4.11141 0.0009 - Analysis of Variance Source Sum of Squares Df Mean Square F-Ratio P-Value Model 2.10578E13 4 5.26444E12 22.98 0.000 Residual 3.4357E12 15 2.29047E11 Total (Corr.) 2.44935E13 19 R-squared = 85.973 percent R-squared (adjusted for d.f.) = 82.2325 percent Standard Error of Est. = 478588.0 Mean absolute error = 323221.0 Durbin-Watson statistic = 1.67531 The StatAdvisor The output shows the results of fitting a multiple linear regression model to describe the relationship between Registered Carrier Departures and 4 independent variables. The equation of the fitted model is Registered Carrier Departures = 1.17957E7 50451.8*GDP Growth % -541064.0*Inflation 36212.5*Oil Prices 547932.0*Unemployment % Since the P-value in the ANOVA table is less than 0.01, there is a statistically significant relationship between the variables at the 99% confidence level. The R-Squared statistic indicates that the model as fitted explains 85.973% of the variability in Registered Carrier Departures. The adjusted R-squared statistic, which is more suitable for comparing models with different numbers of independent variables, is 82.2325%. The standard error of the estimate shows the standard deviation of the residuals to be 478588.0. This value can be used to construct prediction limits for new observations by selecting the Reports option from the text menu. The mean absolute error (MAE) of 323221.0 is the average value of the residuals. The Durbin-Watson (DW) statistic tests the residuals to determine if there is any significant correlation based on the order in which they occur in your data file. Since the DW value is greater than 1.4, there is probably not any serious autocorrelation in the residuals. In determining whether the model can be simplified, notice that the highest P-value on the independent variables is 0.5959, belonging to unemployment. Since the P-value is greater or equal to 0.10, that term is not statistically significant at the 90% or higher confidence level. Consequently, you should consider removing GDP Growth % from the model. Regression Analysis Crude Oil Prices: H0: ÃŽÂ ² à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¥ 0 HA: ÃŽÂ ² à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¤ 0 ÃŽÂ ± =0.01, Çâ‚ ¬test statÇâ‚ ¬ > tc tc = 2.539 t-stat=5.4438 >2.539 Sign of t-stat is not the same as expected. We do not reject Ho as the coefficient of the crude oil prices is not coming out to be significant at 1% level of significance. GDP Growth %: H0: ÃŽÂ ² à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¤ 0 HA: ÃŽÂ ² à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¥ 0 ÃŽÂ ± =0.01 tc = 2.539 Çâ‚ ¬test statÇâ‚ ¬ Çâ‚ ¬o.541749Çâ‚ ¬ Sign of GDP Growth % is not the same as expected. We do not reject H0, as the GDP Growth is not coming out to be significant at 1% level of significance. Inflation % H0: ÃŽÂ ² à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¥ 0 HA: ÃŽÂ ² à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¤ 0 ÃŽÂ ± =0.01 tc = 2.539 Çâ‚ ¬test statÇâ‚ ¬ > tc Çâ‚ ¬-5.16555Çâ‚ ¬ > 2.539 Sign of tstat is the same as the expected sign of HA We reject H0, as annual inflation is coming out to be significant at 1 % level of signifance. Unemployment H0: ÃŽÂ ² à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¥ 0 HA: ÃŽÂ ² à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¤ 0 ÃŽÂ ± =0.01 tc = 2.539 Çâ‚ ¬test statÇâ‚ ¬ > tc Çâ‚ ¬-4.11141Çâ‚ ¬ > 2.539 Sign of tstat is the same as the expected sign of HA We reject H0 as unemployment rate % is coming out to be significant at 1 % level. Interpretation of the Variables: The no of registered carrier departure will be equal to 11795000, if all other independent variables are equal to zero. The Coefficient of the crude oil prices is coming to be positive, which is not true. This could be because of some unobserved factors that are causing positive biasness in crude oil prices variable. Crude Oil If crude oil prices will increase by $1 then the number registered carrier departures will increase by 36212.5, keeping all other variables constant. GDP growth % If GDP growth will go up by 1%, the no. of registered carrier departure will decrease by 504.518 departures, keeping all other variables constant. Inflation % If the inflation in the US economy will increase by 1%, then the number of registered carrier departures will decrease by 5410.64 number of flights, keeping all other variables constant. Unemployment rate % If the unemployment rate in the us economy will increase by 1 % the registered carrier will decrease by 5479.32 number of flights, keeping all other variables constant. R square The simpler commonly used measure of fit is the coefficient of determination, R2. The coefficient of determination is explained sum of squares to the total sum of squares. R2= The higher the R2, the closer the closer the estimated regression equation fits the sample data. Measures of this type are called goodness of fit measures. The goodness of fit explains the variation of Y around Ã…Â ¶. R-squared = 85.973 percent R-squared (adjusted for d.f.) = 82.2325 percent The R-squares of this regression is 85.973 percent which is really good. Conclusion The global financial crisis was triggered in 2007 8 mainly in developed countries like United States of America. After that the crisis entered in the European countries and after a few days the crisis just take the whole of the world under its impact. Almost all of the countries in the world got affected by this financial crisis directly or indirectly. This financial crisis was born due to the failure of the major financial institution of these developed countries. These financial institutions include banks like Lehman Brothers, Bear Steams and etc. These main financial institutions of the United States are the main reason behind the financial crisis. Te global financial crisis caused impacts on almost each and every industry of the world. The key businesses which were showing good positions and were experiencing good growth experienced negative growth because of the financial crisis. Also the consumer wealth faces the billions of dollars loss due to the financial crisis. That is wh y this global Financial Crisis is thought to be the worst financial crisis after the great Depression of twentieth century. As aviation is one of the most important pillars of the global economy of the world. And also this sector provides millions of jobs globally and contributed heavily in the global GDP. This sector is also the most important and the most efficient mode of transportation. It provides the transportation services all over the world. So as the global financial crisis which was born due to the failure of the major financial institutions caused the drastic impacts on the world economy. And as the aviation is the important part it also got affected heavily by the crisis. Due to which this aviation sector which is one the fastest growing industry has to face negative growth rate. . Also the aviation sector has to face huge losses. Some aviation companies was able to bare such huge losses but there is a big number of those aviation companies who do have capacity to bare such huge losses so they go bankrupt after the global financial crisis. Ethical Issue: Refusal of Treatment Ethical Issue: Refusal of Treatment Introduction The broad scope of nursing practice demands familiarity with the all of the ethical, professional and legal issues relating to clinical practice. The Nursing and Midwifery Council standards of conduct, performance and ethics require that nurses provide high standards of practice and have a duty of care to all patients (NMC 2007). This paper discusses the case of Alastair and explores the ethical, professional and legal issues which are of relevance to clinical nursing practice in this particular case. Ethical, professional and legal issues Autonomy is defined as the right to determine what happens to one’s own body. As stated by Mill (1982): â€Å"the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilised community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant. He cannot rightfully be compelled to do or forbear because it will be better for him to do so, because it will make him happier, because, in the opinion of others to do so would be wise, or even right†. Every individual has a right to self-determination and patient autonomy forms part of that right and is protected by law (Hyland 2002). The principle of respect for autonomy forms a key component of nursing ethics (van Thiel and van Delden 2001). The nurse has an obligation to promote autonomy in the patient and work to empower the patient to make autonomous decisions where possible (Hewitt 2002). The Human Rights Act (1988) enables individuals to take action against a health authority that has failed to uphold their right to respect (OPSI 1998). Proot et al. (2002) described a study conducted in 27 health care providers from three different nursing homes, who were interviewed about autonomy issues relating to stroke patients in rehabilitation and nurses’ perceptions of patient autonomy. Study findings showed that self determination, independence and self care were all associated with the process of patients regaining their autonomy. In Alastair’s case, he was no longer independent and able to care for himself following his stroke, and had to rely on others for help with everyday activities. The nurse must therefore decide whether Alastair is capable of making a fully autonomous decision. If they believe this is not the case, they may be able to work with other members of the multidisciplinary care team to increase Alistair’s autonomy and empower him to make the best choices regarding his care. Advocacy forms an integral part of a nurse’s role and is a mandatory activity within the ethical code of all professional nurses. Advocacy involves a professional responsibility to support the patient’s needs and wishes through active involvement in a process of analysis, counselling, responding, shielding and whistle blowing (Hyland 2002; Vaartio et al. 2006). There is a therefore a relationship between nurse advocacy and patient autonomy (Hyland 2002). If nurses are to demonstrate paternalism and/or empower patients to make decisions regarding their care, they themselves must be empowered, particularly as nurses have increasingly greater accountability for their actions (Hewitt 2002; Christensen and Hewitt-Taylor 2006). The United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing Midwifery and Health Visiting states that â€Å"If the nurse does not feel that sufficient information has been given in terms readily understandable to the patient so as to enable him to make a truly informed decision, it is for her to state this opinion and seek to have the situation remedied † (UKCC 1989). It is also suggested that advocacy may place the nurse in situations of conflict, since there may be differences between nurse’s and doctor’s perceptions of autonomy at times (Mallik 2007). Supporting Alastair’s wishes and his decisions regarding his care requires the nurse to possess knowledge of his condition and the likely consequence s of discontinuing treatment. Through this empowerment, the nurse is ideally placed to educate and support Alistair in their role as advocate. Beneficence (doing good) is central to nursing philosophy, but achieving a balance between this and non-maleficence (avoiding harm) can present a challenge for nurses and the two principles may be viewed as separate ends of one continuum (Bartter 2001). In Alistair’s case, the nurse must consider the benefits and risks associated with treatment and with discontinuing treatment, and explain these to Alistair, thereby allowing him to make informed decisions. In situations where the patient is unable to make an autonomous decision, the nurse has a duty of beneficence to act in the patient’s best interests, while also respecting the patient as an individual. This would apply if Alistair was deemed not to be of sound mind and decisions regarding his treatment had to made by his care team. Veracity, or truth telling, is closely associated with informed decision making and is an important component of a trusting nurse-patient relationship. Veracity may present a dilemma for the nurse since there are times when telling the truth may cause harm to an individual (non-maleficence). Conversely there may be situations where telling a lie may actually do good (beneficence), although this goes against the principle of veracity (Ellis and Hartley 2003). The nurse has a duty to tell Alistair the truth about his condition and treatment to ensure that he is fully informed when making decisions regarding whether or not to continue with treatment/rehabilitation. Justice as fairness in nursing refers to the need for nurses to treat people equally, although this does not necessarily mean treating them in the same way (Staunton and Chiarella 2005). Nurses must acknowledge cultural, social and educational diversity and adopt appropriate strategies to achieve equal treatment for all patients. Clinical governance demands the provision of high-quality, patient-centred care and Alistair’s individual situation and specific health needs must be taken into account by the nurse during his care. All nurses, including those practicing within the community, have a duty to maintain confidentiality, although it should be acknowledged that there may be certain situations where confidentiality may be breached (Dimond 2000). Confidentiality is regarded as a critical component of good nursing care and reflects the professional responsibility of the nurse to respect a patient’s rights. The Data Protection Act 1998 also governs the protection of patients’ information (OPSI 1998). The nurse should therefore maintain Alistair’s confidentiality unless there is good reason not to do so. Consent to treatment is central to the nurse-patient relationship and it is the patient’s decision alone as to whether they accept or reject treatment. As nurses broaden their scope of practice, issues surrounding patient consent to treatment are becoming increasingly important (Anon 1997). It is a principle of UK law that a competent adult who has passes the Re C test may refuse treatment even if his life depends on it (Dimond 2004). The Court of Appeal has stated that provided the patient has the necessary mental capacity (assessed in relation to the decision that has to me made), they can refuse to give consent with or without a reason for doing so. In UK law, the court protects the right of the individual in this regard. This was illustrated in a case where the court ruled that â€Å"It is established that the principle of self-determination requires that respect must be given to the wishes of the patient, so that, if an adult patient of sound mind refuses, however unreasonably, to consent to treatment or care by which his life would or might be prolonged, the doctors responsible for his care must give effect to his wishes, eventhough they do not consider it to be in his best interests to do so† (Airedale NHS Trust v Bland [1993] AC 789). More recently was a case in which a woman paralysed from the neck down refused treatment in order to end her life. The woman was assessed to be of sound mind. The Court of Appeal ruling allowed a ventilator keeping the woman alive to be switched off, re-enforcing the duty of the healthcare professional to respect the wishes of a competed patient (Re B v NHS Trust [2002]). [Client: this case is similar to that of Alistair in that the patient was of sound mind and refused treatment. I was unable to find any cases relating to refusal of medical treatment in older adults of sound mind following stroke] In the case of Alistair, he initially was receiving medical treatment but took a subsequent decision to refuse further treatment. An assessment should be made to determine whether Alistair is of sound mind and is capable of making informed decisions regarding his care. If he is indeed competent, the nurse should work to promote Alistair’s autonomy through education and other methods, taking into account the ethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, veracity and justice, to ensure that he possesses adequate knowledge to make the best decisions on his care. At present, Alistair’s health is reasonably good; however, his decision not to continue with treatment and rehabilitation is likely to have a negative impact on his health and well-being in the longer term. Both of the case laws described above are applicable to the case of Alistair, since, should this case reach the Court of Appeal and he is assessed as competent, the judge is likely to rule that Alistair ’s wishes must be respected and his can continue to refuse treatment (based on the patient information provided in the scenario alone). Conclusions This paper has discussed the ethical, professional and legal issues relating to a specific patient case. It can be seen that these issues are inextricably linked and should all be taken into account in the provision of high-quality, patient-centred nursing care. In this case, self-determination, respecting the patient’s right to autonomy, and nurse advocacy are of particular importance, given that the patient is competent and capable of making informed decisions regarding his care. Other ethical principles including beneficence, non-maleficence, veracity and justice also play a key role in nurses’ ethical decision-making. References Anon 1997, ‘The legal and ethical implication of consent to nursing procedure’, British Journal of Nursing, vol. 6., no. 15, pp. 885–8. Airedale NHS Trust v Bland [1993] AC 789. Retrieved 30th November 2008 from:  http://www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKHL/1992/5.html Bartter, K. 2001, Ethical issues in advanced nursing practice, Butterworth – Heinemann, Oxford. Christensen, M. Hewitt-Taylor, J. 2006, ‘Empowerment in nursing: paternalism or maternalism?’, British Journal of Nursing, vol. 15, no. 13, pp. 695–9. 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Vaartio, H., Leino-Kilpi, H., Salantera, S., Suominen, T. 2006, ‘Nursing advocacy: how is it defined by patients and nurses, what does it involve and how is it experienced?’, Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 181–92. van Thiel, G. J. van Delden, J. J. 2001, ‘The principle of respect for autonomy in the case of nursing home residents’, Nursing Ethics, vol. 8, no. 5, pp. 419–31. UKCC 1989, Exercising accountability – a framework to assist nurses, midwives and health visitors to consider ethical aspects of professional practice. Retrieved 30th November from:  http://www.bristol-inquiry.org.uk/final_report/annex_a/chapter_17_7.htm#1029984