Hip-Hop’s Betrayal of Black Women Essay

According to Jennifer Mclune, a writer, activist, and librarian, sexism, and homophobia saturate hip-hop culture and any deviation from these forms of bigotry is made marginal to its most dominant and lucrative expressions. In her article â€Å"Hip hops betrayal of black women† Published on first of July 2006, Mclune is informing and trying to persuade her audience of this generation of teenagers and young adults, also seen as millennials, that hip-hop songs that have these elements of woman-hating, sexism, and homophobia, are basically a normal thing and it should not be because it causes an influence and makes the actions seem like it’s okay to commit rather than seeing it as something offensive. She claims that â€Å"Hip-hop owes its success to the ideology of woman-hating† By this, she means that it creates, perpetuates, and reaps the rewards of objectification. I strongly agree with Mclune she feels that the hip-hop world has degraded women and it became the †norm† so people became blinded so, now it’s time to fight back. To help support my claim, Mclune uses real-life evidence/examples such as song lyrics, another article similar to her topic, and language. First off Mclune starts off addressing Kevin Powell’s ’’ notes of hip-hop heads ’’ and he states how poverty breeds into sexism and that hip-hop is saturated with the past and homophobia. Mclune feels that that’s a way to silence the feminist critiques of the culture. Mclune also states how Powell forgets to mention the fact that women too were raised in the violent and poor environments as men too. Basically, it shouldn’t excuse the fact that men are degrading women through the hip-hop culture. When we as black females need to stand up and gain knowledge on how the hip-hop world participates in women-hating. You have men writing songs about black women pain, but have rappers such as jay-z who has lyrics such as I pimp hard on a trick. In particularly this article written by Sharpley Whiting called †Pimp Up, Ho’s Down† Whiting argues that hip hop’s commercial success is heavily dependent upon young black women. Creating both, this masculine and misogynistic gap in understanding the real complexities of young black women in hip hop’s commercial art. The color prejudice and sexually charged lyrics in a dominated culture, hip-hop. Whiting also states how the millennium generation has grown into the wake of the hip-hop culture, blinded by their unconscious participation, they fail to connect the destruction of feminism in hip-hop, this statement is similar to what Mclune has been saying throughout her article. It is not hip hop itself that has made the uniqueness of its own culture, but it is hip-hop itself that normalizes it. It’s very understandable that the hip-hop world bases their lyrics on real-life situations but the things that are said about such as †gold diggers,† † chicken heads† about women shouldn’t be motioned because it doesn’t do anything but make those situations become the norm. In an article written by Dr. Johnnetta Cole argues in her article that there is a â€Å"war between the sexes†. Also, that hip-hop plays a significant influence on is battle that has been going on since the 60’s. We as black women need to stand our ground for something that we believe in, which is treating us with respect and not degrading us in hip hops music. The sense of impudence toward the woman is being noticed by boys and girls at an early age. Therefore, to them it seems that what is being said and demonstrated in videos is okay. The ruthless and tyrannical gender talk in today’s hip-hop music must be put to rest, but to do that we must chan ge the way we put out our message. Words can be very motivating and inspiring, but you can’t influence someone by humiliating others.

Becoming a Teacher Essay

Never has it crossed my mind’s eye to become a teacher. I would choose any other field or career except it. In fact, after my high schooling, I was so undecided of what course to take, of which way to go as if I was in the crossroad Robert Frost is pertaining to in his poem, â€Å"The Road Not Taken†. I was definitely certain I never wanted to be one; I would not get myself involved with it, not even in my wildest dream! But, should I say fortunately or unfortunately, because my relatives who are educators said I must be like them, and that I should follow their steps. According to them, there was no better profession for me other than teaching. Woe to me! My life seemed to be driven by my family’s beliefs. I had to obey. I had no choice. So I had a plan. I would go against the current, regardless of my kin. They would be the ones to provide for my allowance and miscellaneous fee. I was by then a scholar, a grant my relative also worked out. At first, I was just planning to finish the first semester and then I would shift to another course but I never had the chance because they didn’t allow me to. I finished the degree with recognition though I never really liked it. For me, it’s better than not having a degree at all. After graduation, I took the examination not because of the excitement to be a â€Å"professional teacher† but because it is the expectation from all the education graduates. I was so blessed to pass it at once. I had my license but I still got no plan to teach. I was working as a cashier in a gasoline station while my classmates were already teaching as PARA teachers. Whenever they see me, they would always ask when I plan to apply for ranking. I would only smile and say â€Å"I’m waiting for the right time.† Yet, at the back of my mind, was the fear of handling the obligation. Yes, I fear the responsibility of they say the noblest profession. I’ve seen it from m y auntie. She was coming home late in the afternoon. She was staying up late at night because of lesson plan and some paper works to be done. I didn’t want to experience the same. Those were the reasons why I never wanted the course. But, I was reprimanded. That was the only time I was moved. I decided to process my application. So happy I was, because I topped the ranking and was immediately hired as a regular-permanent by the government, and I was summoned to practice my teaching craft and skills at Sotero Baluyot Elementary School. Teaching there was never easy for me. I had to travel for a couple of hours to come to school so I get home only during weekends. It was the first time I left home for days and to think that it would be for years, I felt even sadder. I did the works at my best though. I have to like it I know. I became friends to the parents and to the students and I started to love the job. There, I had a student who was visually impaired. Her classmates used to tease her â€Å"bardo† which is an Ilocano term for â€Å"duling†. Because of that, she became a true loner. She rarely participated in class discussion though I’ve seen a real potential in her. I said to myself I had to help her. I trained her to join the quiz bee. She got second place in the district level and became one of the participants in the division level. After that event, she became active in our class. Her classmates started to befriend her. Other teachers begun to notice her and became one of the best in their subjects. Pupils never tease her again. In the graduation day, she was an awardee. After the ceremony she and her mother came and thanked me. I had two more graduations when I decided to apply for transfer to my home base. Luckily, it was granted quickly. When the parents and the students knew that I would be leaving soon they approached me and asked if I could stay for some more years. Though they know that somebody was coming as my replacement, they say they would always prefer me. I was happy for their sincerity. I wanted to stay but my parents want me to be with them too. That night, was the only time I felt I AM A PROFESSIONAL TEACHER. Thoughts came back to my mind. The moments with the parents†¦The experiences with the children..happiness..struggles..Somehow I made a difference in them and I know I am a professional. Yes! I have become a mother to lonely children, a doctor to those ill, a guidance counsellor to the erring pupils and a very jolly peer but , I am a professional teacher. I shape the lives of the young and impressionable children, inculcate values in them. I practice differentiated teaching styles so that students are learning best. I setup and design classroom to get and keep learners’ attention. I control emotions in most stressful situations. I am accountable to teaching profession, to the pupils, my co-workers and the society. I have never dreamt of this path but with this responsibility comes great pride and joy because I am a teacher..a professional teacher.

Haroon Siddiqui

The pages human history daubed in bloodshed of violence in the name of religion, territorial gains etc. are asking the crying question. How to make this Planet Earth heaven-like? The answer is simple and direct. Eyes full of understanding, heart full of love and the life that refuses conflicts—enough! These alone are enough! In the recorded history of humanity in the last five thousand years, politicians, kings, military generals, religious leaders have miserably failed to solve the important question of achieving peace for mankind. Most of them have acted like proverbial Tom.The teacher asked, â€Å"Tom, why are you answering every question with another question? † â€Å"Why not? † was Tom’s reply—again a question! If the purpose of the book is to tender some facts related to the Muslim population of the world in the light of the post 9/11 calamity, it has achieved some success. In terms of contribution to cementing understanding between other comm unities and the Muslims, it has failed. On issues related to Faith, arguments and counter-arguments have not solved and will never solve the differences. The root cause of deep misunderstanding lies elsewhere.Haroon begins the book with a complaint. He writes, â€Å"The approximately 27 million Muslims living in Western Nations have been targeted in other ways. They have been victims of social profiling and frequent identity mix-ups at air-ports and border crossing, where they may be harassed and sometimes detained. Monitored by both the secret services, and the media, they must be careful about what they say in e-mails, phone conversations in public. †(Siddiqui, 2006, p, 11) This complaint doesn’t carry much weight. These are normal procedures in cases of emergency, in war-like situations, and even during normal times.The 9/11 attack was an extraordinary, war-like act. There is no doubt, the perpetrators of this dastardly act are Muslims—to which terrorist outf it they belonged, is altogether a different issue. In such situations this has happened with all the communities in the world and any student of history can quote examples in abundance in support. Statistics convenient to his view point are presented by Haroon and his language is grudging and full of malice. His opinions are sometimes comparable to that of a fanatic Muslim Preacher sermonizing during the Friday prayers at the mosque but Haroon is talented and educated.The first 2 chapters contain anti-American and anti-Jew propaganda. It is pure political stuff, no literature. Haroon should have no complaints about his childhood. (Most of the Muslim children have). He hailed from an affluent family. He was born in Hyderabad, India, where Muslims very well know the meaning of living in peace and brotherhood. He enjoyed the career in journalism, in an environment of totally free press in a democratic country. He migrated to Canada in 1967, and the authentic start to his international journalistic career began when he joined the Toronto Star, as the foreign affairs analyst.Soon, he was one of Canada’s most honored journalists. He is a human rights specialist, has covered important events like hostage crisis in Iran, Iran-Iraq War, and has traveled to 35 countries. He has interviewed top political leaders of the world. To draw the readers to his point of view, Haroon provides in the book the listing of historical events that angered Muslims and continue to anger them. He reminds the readers that Muslims are 1/5th of the population of the world. He harps on the demerits of the Iraq War, and the psychological and physical tortures of Muslims in USA.To substantiate his claims, he cites serious cases of individual injustice. He writes, â€Å" The administration also fingerprinted and questioned 50,000 Muslims from or associated with Syria, Libya, Iran, Iraq and Sudan†¦Among those arrested was James Lee, a 1990 West Point Military Academy graduate and a Mu slim who was appointed the Muslim Chaplin at Gyantanama Bay. He was hounded because he had warned against mishandling of Muslim prisoners there. In September 2003, he was thrown into solitary confinement and charged with mutiny, sedition, espionage and aiding the enemy. † (Siddiqui, 2006, p. 16)From the academic perspective, this is a good book for the debate class, as it has the potentialities for endless and hot discussions. The contents of the book, like Politics, European Muslims, The Faith, Women, Jihad and terrorism, and the Future provide an array of topics for arguments and counter-arguments. To be fair to Haroon, he condemns with equal vehemence the Islamic fundamentalists, for fanning flames of Islamophobia. He defends the tenets of Islam—and that is what is expected of a good Muslim. He blames the local cultural traditions for the poor conditions and backwardness of the Muslim women, not the Islamic teachings.He advocates for rapid economic reformations of th e Muslims and advocates their rehabilitation, the need to protect their essential dignity and honor. He pleads to go into the root causes of Muslim-misery. He describes with objectivity and depth, what it is to live in post 9/11 America if one is a Muslim. Haroon’s interpretation and comments on Jihad will startle any Realized Soul. Such is his deep understanding of the Jihad concept. Jihad is a struggle, a crusade, he says. From the pure perspective of Muslim religion, it is to strive on the path of God by observing the five essentials of Islam.It is striving to live as a good human being. Haroon talks about the jihad against oneself, ipso facto, the Self-Realization mentioned in the Hindu Scriptures. Jihad is understood in terms of war by most of the Westerners. The common Muslim also understands the concept of Jihad as per this connotation. Actually it is something different says, Haroon. According to him, the jihad is the struggle against the ego, the devil, the jihad of the tongue (propagating the religious tenets of Islam) to spread the word of Islam, of charity, of the pen to spread of knowledge. Viewed from this angle, Jihad seems to be the most benevolent word.When the Westerner thinks about the word jihad, he mostly thinks about as the blood-dripping sword for the cause of spreading Islam and for the destruction of other faiths. But Haroon convinces one that it is the fragrant rose spreading peace on all counts. So bi it! But Muslims as well as non-Muslims need proper counseling about the correct connotation of the word Jihad in the light of explanations given by Haroon. So, Jihad against cleanliness, Jihad for literacy, Jihad against corruption, Jihad against drugs, Jihad against atrocities against women, Jihad against child-labor—why not!Muslims praying five times a day seems an unnecessary exercise for many. But the actual significance of namaz is highlighted by Haroon thus: â€Å"Prayers are designed to raise God-consciousness five times a day, throughout one’s life. Prayers also provide regular exercise – like yoga or Tai Chi or Qigong built into the day – and serve as a calming retreat from the daily demands of life. Muslims thus learn to balance deeni wa dunyavi (the spiritual and the worldly). They can’t abandon one for the other; that’s the essence of their faith. †(Siddiqui, 2006, p. 121) Conclusion:Haroon Siddiqui is a mind-level intellectual and any literary work by such individuals stop at the mind-barrier. But the Truth they are desperately trying to reach is available not for knowing, but for experiencing once one transcends the mind. All the fights, misunderstandings between the Politicians, Preachers of different faiths, Scholars are related to the level of reason. The thought processes of an individual change not by the repetition of scriptural revelations, not by reading or studying more and more books. Experiencing is the ultimate spirituality.It is the lesson beyond all lessons, when the thought processes of an individual change. When the thought processes change, the action process will also change. Misunderstanding of all types will vanish. Such changed action processes will change the society whether it is the Muslim society or the Western Society. Haroon, on many issues elucidated in the book, knocks desperately at the last barrier of the mind, but he is unable to cross it. ============= Works Cited: Siddiqui, Haroon: Book: Being Muslim Hardcover: 144 pages Publisher: Groundwood Books (Aug 17 2006) Language: English ISBN-10: 088899785X ISBN-13: 978-0888997852

Case study tale of two culture Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Tale of two culture - Case Study Example There are surely other factors that could account for increasing incidences of divorce, crime, drug abuse, etc. Immediately pointing the finger at globalization shows a lack of understanding of the issues involved. Globalization has given poorer countries many great things, but at the same time there have been some negative influences. I just dont think that people can pin the blame on globalization for all of these things. Because Western culture is more confrontational, the only thing that globalization has done is open peoples eyes to the fact that the social issues are occur. Previously they were just swept under the carpet and everyone would pretend that they did not exist. Globalization is a good thing because it forces people to see their society for what it really is. 3. Broadly defined, Asia comprises more than 60 percent of the worlds population—a population that practices Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, and numerous other religions. Thus, do you think it is possible to carry on a valid discussion of "Asian" values? Why or why not? I think it is possible to carry on a valid discussion of "Asian" values. The reason is that culture is always changing and yet it never changes in some regards. People who view culture as something that is static are outdated because they do not realize the globalized world that we live in today. It is possible to conform to "Asian" values yet also be open to Western ideas too. In this way, a hybrid culture is almost created whereby it attempts to take the best aspects from two very different cultures and create a new culture. Indian call center workers might have to change their lives drastically, such as speaking with an American accent, wearing American clothes, and dating boyfriends, but the fact remains that they are still Indian despite all of this. It is possible to "have a hand" in both

Key Challenge Created By Contemporary Employee Relations Issues Essay

Key Challenge Created By Contemporary Employee Relations Issues - Essay Example The notion is defined as the employer-employee relationship in which the employee work under specific project terms with employees of same and/or different organisations, where responsibilities in regard to performances as well as for health and safety of the employee are not defined in clear manner or situations where â€Å"organisations other than the employer† are involved (Rollinson and Dundon, 2007, p.4; Edwards, 2003, p.1). Employee relationship and business organisations: According to Budd and Bhave (2006), employee relations were previously known as industrial relations and currently referred as human resources. It is a multidisciplinary field of study covering the different dimensions of work and employment associations. However â€Å"understanding the employment relationship, corporate human resource management practices, labor union strategies and work-related public policies and laws requires understanding how values and assumptions form the ideologies and frames of reference used by scholars, practitioners, and policymakers† (Budd and Bhave, 2006, p.5-1). Employees are considered as the most critical part of the employment relationship. There are various theories which describe the association between the manager and the employee. The pluralist perspective describes the fact that different values as well as assumptions under the employee relations are highly significant. An egoist perspective reveals the fact that when people regard the fact that perfectly competitive labour markets are optimal, then labour unions and different government regulations become detrimental to employees. A unitarist perspective assumes that employee relations are not needed to be defined when employees and employer possess the same interests in the business domain. Again according to a critical perspective these relations are regarded as insufficient when one person views that employment relationship represents imbalanced power relations which are embedded in higher level of social as well as political inequalities (Budd and Bhave, 2006, pp.5-1-5-2). There are various aspects which an employee would like to get from his work. One of the most important requirements is survival and income which is generated from working under employer. People work for the purpose of survival. Ancient people used basic tools made off stones to butcher animals and to cut firewood as well as to build primary shelters for themselves almost 2.5 million years back. In modern societies, salary income and wages represent means of purchasing basic products and services or to satisfy basic needs for life. Adam Smith (1776) as well as Karl Marx (1844) have hypothesized that income and wages for common labourers would fall to the level that will be consistent just to support subsistence level of consumption, so individuals would end up working for simply survival only. Along with income attainment for higher level of equity and greater voice is also required by em ployees (Budd and Bhave, 2006, 5-5-5-6). According to Budd and Bhave, (2006) experts in human resource management and psychologists dealing with corporate or industry related issues often opine that justice is an important aspect of employment. Adam’s equity theory is applicable in this context to such aspects. When an employee starts feeling that he is made to work more than others for the same pay, they are more than likely to reduce work efforts. Justice and

The Formation of a Valid Business Contract Essay - 6

The Formation of a Valid Business Contract - Essay Example The essential element of the contract is an offer. It is an important ingredient because it defines the relationship and key issues in the contract. In order for the offer to stand as a legal entity, communication is a vital factor. The parties must communicate and accept the offer in the best terms available. Effective communication is essential in order to facilitate the receiving party with knowledge of whether to agree or reject the offer (Stevens 2004). In the case a person signs a contract without reading the terms of the contract, he is liable to the effects of miscommunication. A valid offer must be supported by certainty and validity on precise terms. The terms are considered definite in a situation where a reasonable person understands the terms. The clarity of the terms is reviewed basing the review on four pillars which are parties to the contract, duration of time for performance, value and subject matter/scope of services (Stevens 2004). A contract is considered enforceable when if the parties to the contract engage in an exchange of valuable price. Consideration is a consideration when there is mutuality. That is to mean that the parties to the contract must have valuable prices in exchange. The price is not only restricted to money but any other valuable consideration (Stevens 2004). There are many types of contracts, and all the types have an impact on the parties. There are those contracts that create an impact on the basis of creation. For example, express contracts. Words spoken or written make the contract. Another example is implied contracts where the contract is dependent on the conduct of a person or rather the circumstances under a particular case (Stevens 2004).  

Why should we stop worrying and learn to love WK3 assignment Essay - 1

Why should we stop worrying and learn to love WK3 assignment - Essay Example How could our police force be so lax as to not have been able to identify such problem people in the crowd of faces in the mall or in schools? The answer is simple. Nobody was watching. Our perimeters were not secure because constant monitoring and surveillance of people still cannot be accomplished without a court order. Although surveillance cameras are already planted in strategic areas of cities, its scope and use is still limited by law and therefore, hinders its ability to protect the population the way that it potentially could. Keeping these events of innocent bloodshed in mind, I cannot help but agree with James Stacey Taylor and his explanation of the need to embrace Big Brother in our daily lives as he describes it in his essay â€Å"In Praise of Big Brother: Why We Should Learn to Stop Worrying and Love (Some) Government Surveillance†. With the proper safeguards in place, the Orwellian nightmare that most people predict shall not happen because just like everything else pertaining to a persons right to privacy, the government may have access to certain information about you, but they do not have the legal grounds to blackmail or use the information they gathered against a person if it does not relate to a judicial proceeding. Our Fourth Amendment Rights and Wrongful Seizure Rights as protected by the Supreme Court rulings have made sure of that. As our population continues to become more and more comfortable with the way social media such as Twitter and Facebook has made our every move available to people in a wide-scale basis. I believe that the fear pertaining to the misuse of surveillance information will also fade into the background over time. That is because the events that happen in our daily lives, that show the efficiency and need for the constant surveillance is of the utmost importance in protecting the population will eventually push the people to clamor for more government

Impact of Emergence of Global Competitors on EU Essay

Impact of Emergence of Global Competitors on EU - Essay Example The European Union needs to restructure its economic policy in order to have an interest driven approach. The Chinese are willing to work with the emerging economies unlike Europe which is keen on majorly working with United States of America. Europe suffers from internal divisions, giving the Chinese a better competitive chance. The poor coordination between the member states of EU benefits Beijing directly. The euro zone does not depend on the European central bank when it comes to the bonds issue. Rather, it is dependent on various governments. The rise of emerging economies like China and India has an implication to the competitiveness of the EU. The union must have internally robust structures and engage the rising economies in a meaningful way in order to remain relevant. Regional competitiveness is defined as the ability of a locality to generate sustainable environment and attractive conditions to local residents and firms. Europe was perceived as a source of inspiration by the traditional Chinese revolutionaries. The post revolutionary generation has been looking to United States for the same. The economic interaction between China and Europe has been expanding from 2004. In 2011, the European foreign investment in China reached â‚ ¬17 billion. This was an all time high. The European exports to the Chinese economy are increasingly overtaking imports. In 2009 and 2011, the Chinese investments in Europe tripled to reach â‚ ¬7 billion. The growth was experienced in multiple sectors of the European Union economy. The debt crisis has caused the Chinese to turn to European bonds for investment. This paper discusses the emergence of global competitors and threat to the economic competitiveness of EU. The development of the china-EU relationship The bilateral trade structure There is a lack of a comprehensive reorientation in the way China approaches Europe. This attitude began after the fall of communism (Alon 2009). There is a lack of specific knowledge among the small countries in the EU. This means that some countries do not appreciate their role in the EU and EU-Sino relationships (Crossick & Reuter 2007). The weak or non-existent structures in the EU-China relationships have caused Germany and China to enjoy more trade compared to other European countries. Beijing has found it difficult to develop foreign policy towards Europe (Luo 2010). This is because of the parochial misapprehension and a bilateral trade structure that has suffered to from extreme weaknesses in the previous decades. Research shows a lack of mutual comprehension between China and Europe (Crossick & Reuter 2007). The European products are increasingly gaining access to China. China continues to view Europe as a zone for instability. The member states mu st assent to any agreements between Europe and China. This means that over 20 countries can influence such decisions through committees. This structure has made the bilateral ties slower to implement. The individual states of European Union come together under the policies on international affairs, human rights and liberalization (Wiessala et al 2009). London has been specifically vocal. A third of the budget of the European Union is spent trying to help China achieve the world trade organization standards (Wiessala et

Continue American Airlines Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Continue American Airlines - Essay Example 352). The airline industry is gravely affected by the rising fuel costs in the global market, rapid evolution of the internet, and other technological factors. 2. Competitive Forces of the Airline Industry Competition in the airline industry is becoming more aggressive since the â€Å"world is experiencing massive expansion of both domestic and international air travel† (Williams, 2009, p. 80). However, the industry has been shakedown by highly dynamic environment that influenced the industry’s competitive forces which include entry of competitors; threat of substitutes; bargaining power of suppliers; bargaining power of buyers; and rivalry among the existing players (Hubbard, 2004). The entry of competitors is determined by the existing barriers that include intense competition, differentiation and the high capital costs of entry. However, when the market is deregulated the liberalized the industry is becoming saturated with new entrants like the LCCs. In terms of thre at of substitutes, customers can also use other carriers such as train, bus or cruise lines in order to reach the desired destination. Furthermore, the bargaining power of buyers and suppliers is among the critical competitive forces of the airline industry because of its direct impact on prices, volume, and profit (Porter, 1998, p. 45). Air travel carriers particularly those that are sharing the same routes need to have their own effective strategies in order to attract travelers, considering that the industry is centered on Boeing and Airbus suppliers. Lastly, competitive rivalry in the airline industry is high because of its low-cost nature; high fixed costs and competitive pricing make the industry grow at a very slow rate. 3. Airlines Firm Competes Today In the history, the airline industry is heavily regulated wherein almost all of the firm’s activities are highly supervised. This isolated manner of competition had initiated in the U.S.; however, it has been remodeled a nd â€Å"for the first time of history of commercial aviation, an open market situation in which competitive market pricing was to be the norm, and market entry was to become legally open to new airlines† (Williams, 2009, p. 78). The fact that U.S. is one of the highest performing countries in the world, and the reform strategy has been effective in the country, then the other countries are encouraged to adopt the diverse market deregulation. Today, airline firms are competing based on their sizes, assets count, competitive pricing and technological advancement. 1. Firm Competitiveness: Their Key Strengths and Weaknesses AA is one of the world’s largest air freight carriers, and they remain to be competitive despite of the existence of LCCs because they believe on their strengths from the principles of low costs, valued customers, cooperation, and strong financial condition (Subbarao & Murthy, 2005, p. 75). AA’s key strengths include 621 passenger fleet in more than 251 destinations in 41 countries, its alliances and partnerships with American Eagle and AmericanConnection (regional affiliates), Oneworld Airline Alliance, and trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific joint business agreement. All these activities are realized by AA because of their strong relations with the government. Their key weaknesses include unstable financial position because of on-going economic crisis, high operating expenses and

Medical tourism in Thailand Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Medical tourism in Thailand - Essay Example The term dictates the travelling across the borders for quality healthcare. A number of countries of the world are working in this field for economic benefits. Thailand has developed medical tourism as her national industry. This industry has now turned up as a major revenue generation industry for Thailand. Thailand has quality tourist medical hospitals in and around fascinating tourist resorts. These hospitals and care centres offer treatment for number of health problems both for male and female (Corness 63). Tourist hospitals mainly offer cheap but quality treatment in the fields of breast cancer, dentistry, cardiac problems, orthopaedic, infertility, cosmetic surgery and abortion related issues (Andrews and Siengthai 128). Massage centres are also famous for attracting medical tourists in Thailand. Bangkok, Pattaya, Hoa Hin, Chiang Mai, Samui and Phuket are the destinations attracting millions of tourists annually (Woodman 72). The question arises, why Thailand is chosen by medi cal tourists as healthcare destination. Well, there are a number of factors and those would be highlighted in the paper. Apart from quality treatment, luxuries and accommodation offered by medical tourist destinations there are number of risks and challenges, which a tourist may face while travelling abroad for medical treatment. These challenges include language problems, legal issues and certain ethical issues. Infectious diseases and travel problems also pose challenge of recovery for a medical tourist (Berger 54). Medical tourists also face the problem in knowing the right hospital for their specific health issues. Access to classified specialists for special treatment is also a problem due to lack of knowledge about a new place and care centres (Woodman 74). Few treatment centres prefer making money than providing satisfactory treatment to patients. Different sorts of spas are available in Thailand for massage. Medical tourists also visit spas for massage of the body and differ ent organs. Traditional massage, massage for beauty and massage for health are the main categories of massage centres. Chiva-som is the most visited destination spa in Thailand. Medical tourists from different countries of the world visit this spa for relaxing their body muscles. Spas available in hotels and restaurants are known as hotel spas (Cohen 228). People in and around Bangkok visit Numbers of hotel spas. Day’s spas are located in the centre of major towns and cities. These really help busy people to feel relieved. The businesspersons mostly visit these after sparing time from their busy business schedules. Hideaway spa in Phuket is very famous in local businesspersons (Evans 142). Businesspersons from other parts of the world also frequently visit this spa for quality of massage and then it provides ideal environment for relaxation. Cruise ship spas are mostly used by the old aged medical tourists during the period of recovery (Corness 66). Tourist travel in the boat s and ships for fresh air and sea food is also served during the journey. Dentistry is one of the areas where Thailand got is recognized globally for curing all sorts of dental issues. Dental department in Thailand is committed to provide treatment for the issues like teeth bleaching, dental bridges, dental implants and dental surgery. Medical tourism for dental problems is known as dental tourism in the world. Silom dental clinic Bangkok of Thailand provides all dental treatments to

Leadership and Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Leadership and Management - Essay Example It is true that earlier organizations concentrated in organization structures that concentrated on limited approaches. This has been a challenge and it is time that organization and management went on a broader front. This can and only is doable by doing a comparison of the available different approaches of organization and management available alongside a thorough study of different types of organizations, their structures and management styles employed (Jones & George, 2011). The identification of the organization type is something that is of utmost fundamental. In earnest organizations exists in four major types, which defines the culture and structure to be employed by an organization. Organization type is determined using Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI), which measures organization type based on ratio vs. flexibility and internal vs. external ratios. In this context, we have hierarchical organizations, which are majorly bureaucratic in nature and quite effect ive in relatively stable environments. Then exists a market organization is applicable in highly competitive environments and adopts task culture. The third is a family organization; this form is family based, employs professional bureaucracy, teamwork, and advocates for norms and values. We also have the adhocracy, which is a form developed out of inventions and innovation, its outstanding character is a combination of both task and personal cultures (Jones & George, 2011). For the organization to function properly, the structure in place should be supportive of the type of organization. Organization structures are the established patterns of relationships of the components and aspects of the organization. Tasks are done in relation to controls, coordination and motivation of employees in the formal systems (Jones & George, 2011). Good organization structures results into outputs of the organization hence achievements of the aims and goals of the organization. Therefore, organizati on culture can be compared to the skeleton in the human body. Organization type, combined within the right structure and crowned with the relevant management style is a complete and successful organization. There are varieties of management styles that can be employed in any form of formal organization. They range from autocratic all the way to the participative and democratic styles, which are the most applicable in today’s organizations (Jones & George, 2011). There are many ways of categorizing approaches to organization; the earliest with limited variety of options is the classical approach. Others approaches would entail, human relations, systems and contingency approaches, apart from these, other like decision making, social action and postmodernism are also given consideration. In this case, we would look at the classical approach; this approach simply views an organization in terms of the purpose and the formal structure of the organization. This form of approach look s at an organization in strict senses in terms of work being planned, organizational technical requirements, the principles of management developed and applied and finally the assumptions that are based on logics and rationality in behavior of the stakeholders. The reason for the formation of an organization is the core towards understanding how an organization works; it again helps in understanding the components of the organiza

American Meat Industry Writing Assignment Essay Example for Free

American Meat Industry Writing Assignment Essay Three main reasons why my feelings towards meat have changed is that I now know that the meat that is supposed to be ‘better for you, isn’t really better, the animals we eat are treated so badly before they are slaughtered, and that we are depleting our resources. For a long time I thought that eating grass-fed beef was a healthy alternative to eating feed-lot beef, which according to the article â€Å"What are Feedlot Beef, Organic Beef, and Grass-fed Beef’s† explanation in the section â€Å"What is Feedlot Beef†, treats the animals badly and gives them growth hormones and antibiotics. Eating grass-fed beef, which normally doesn’t use antibiotics and treats their animals better, still isn’t a good replacement though. It takes up too much land and causes around 50% more greenhouse gases according to â€Å"What’s Wrong with Grass-Fed Beef† in the section â€Å"Land Use† and â€Å"50% more Greenhouse Gases. Now that I know that there isn’t a healthy, safe type of meat, I no longer think eating it meat is a good idea. Another reason I now believe meat isn’t a wise choice is that animals are put in such awful conditions just so people can eat meat. The article â€Å"Factory Farming Facts† says â€Å"A majority of the animals that are raised for food live miserable lives in intensive confinement in dark, overcrowded facilities† in its first paragraph. In the paragraph â€Å"Broiler Chickens† it talks about how chickens are put in things called factory farms that do gruesome things like cut off chickens beaks in toes. The article â€Å"Factory Farming† even said that 99% of animals we eat come from factory farms. After hearing that most of our meat could have been treated like that, I don’t think eating meat is worth hurting so many animals. The third reason my opinion on meat has changed is that I learned how much our animals are being killed for meat. We are depleting the world of so many animals by eating meat. The article â€Å"What’s Wrong With Eating Fish† in the section â€Å"Overfishing†, said that by 2048 we may have completely ran out of seafood because of overfishing. They also talked about the Chesapeake Bay and how its oyster population is depleted and that has affected the Bay’s health overall. Learning that really changed my mind about eating meat and seafood because the Chesapeake Bay is something that can actually affect me and hits close to home. I used to think that eating farmed animals was normal and completely okay. I never knew any better so I never questioned it, until I learned about what I was eating. When I learned that I was hurting the environment and my body, hurting animals, and hurting animal’s populations, my opinions on meat changed drastically. Now I know to not eat as much meat, if any, and to be much more aware of any meat that I do eat.

Human Resource Managements Distinctive Employment Approach Commerce Essay

Human Resource Managements Distinctive Employment Approach Commerce Essay Human resource management is a distinctive approach to employment management which seeks to obtain competitive advantage through the strategic deployment of a highly committed and skilled workforce, using an array of cultural, structural and personnel techniques. (Storey, 1995). Thus, HRM is mainly a set of policies that are created aiming to obtain the organizational goal through the successful implementation of corporate strategy considering the human resource of the company as the driving force that can make the difference or in other words give the company its most needed competitive advantage. Company needs to balance the aspirations of its people as well as its strategic demands towards making HRM policies. There have been many models to explain the concept Human Resource Management. One of the important models is Harvard model. The Harvard Framework preferred to see the whole process of HRM from the General Managers point of view (Armstrong, 2003). How they want to see the consequences of every step recognizing the importance of trade-offs between owners, employees and various interest groups (Armstrong, 2003). Here, the HR gets some outcomes as the direct affect of its policy choices and those outcomes brings the consequences that meet the stakeholders interests. It suggests that the general managers should develop a viewpoint, as they provide the strategic vision, of how they wish to see the employee involvement in achieving the goals. Another important model is Warwick model. As Harvard model is developed in the American context it reflects the American style and way of managing HR but Warwick model reflects the European style (Loosemore et al., 2003). Unlike Harvard model it focuses on external and internal both context and explores how both the internal and external environment influence the HR decisions (Bratton and Gold, 1999). From Personnel to HRM: The concept of HRM started getting shape in the early stage of industrial revolution (Bratton and Gold, 2001). Emerging concern of employee rights and the growth of trade union, changing reactions of the workforce and employers towards the public policy, implementation of strict health and safety regulations, increased demands of specialised personnel in the work force along with the technological innovations, scientific and sophisticated approach to managing employees and the ever ending competition in the market played vital role in the emergence of the concept Human Resource Management (Bratton and Gold, 2001). Though the concept is old but the title HRM was given to it only couple of decades back. Before that it was known as Personnel Management. Some scholars say that there is no actual difference between Personnel Management and HRM except the two different names (Storey, 2007; Armstrong, 2003; Torrington et al., 2008). Along with the emergence of the new economic order in 80s and 90s of last century the approach towards people management changed and the preference of treating personnel moved to individual rather then collective in order to ensure that the highly skilled and loyal employees will give the organization a competitive advantage (Bratton and Gold, 2001). Thus, changing the title is also an approach to give the people management a new image to fit to the changing environment. Torrington and Hall (1991, cited in Armstrong, 2003) sees the distinction as, Personnel Management is workforce centred and therefore directs itself to employees, on the other hand HRM is resource centred concerns itself with the overall human resource needs of the organization. Storey (2007) shows the detailed differences between Personal Management and HRM in his twenty seven points of differences where he categorized the elements into four-part basic outlines. These are; Beliefs and assumptions, Strategic Aspects, Line Management and Key levers (Storey, 2007). Miller (1998) integrated Storeys twenty seven points into six main points that focuses on the major points of distinction between Personnel Management and Human Resource Management. Dimension Personnel HRM Nature of relations Pluralist Unitarist Speed of decision Slow Fast Key managers Personnel General/line Pay Job evaluation Performance related Job categories Many Few Communication Restricted Increased Table: Personnel Management vs Human Resource Management (Miller, 1998) So, the distinction between personnel and HR is clear. The biggest change probably is focus. The focus has now shifted from overall performance to individuals. Employee involvement through personal development is now not only highly encouraged but also to ensure it the companies are undertaking different training and development programmes. An early example of this change was set by Ford when it announced its change initiatives that contain statement like employee involvement is our way of life (Storey, 2007). The Characteristics of HRM: The attempt of HRM is to manage the people, the most valuable asset of a company, to achieve its goals and objectives. Thus, the typical characteristics of HRM include both the welfare of the company and the welfare of its employee. Armstrong (2003) pointed out some characteristics of HRM, these are; It integrates the HR and business strategies and emphasizes the need for all strategic fit. It is commitment oriented as it emphasizes on gaining the committed goals and mission of the organisation. It attaches diversified cultures and values together and brings harmony in the workplace. It identifies the potentials of the employee and appoints the task accordingly to ensure the maximum benefits. It manages and harnesses the potentials of the personnel and brings the best out of them. It ensures both the happiness of the personnel and happiness of the stakeholders. The Functions HRM: The basic HR functions according to Armstrong (2003) and Torrington et al (1991) are: Human Resource Planning The management determines the types and the number of human resources it needs to accomplish a task or reach the goal. In this case the management has to consider the financial support available to it. Recruitment and selection; Proper recruitment and selection procedure needs to be followed in order to meet the demand of required skills. In this case the necessary skills can be tested through written or oral test or a combination of both. Reward systems; Reward systems are structured and measured by the company to keep the employee motivated. It may include direct, indirect or psychological reward. Employment legislation; Terms and conditions, policies and opportunities for both parties should be open and written in order to avoid confusion. The HR department has to clearly mention the company policies in the employment contract. Management of diversity; As the business is now global the companies need to ensure an environment where employees from different cultural, religious and ethnic groups are treated equal. Again, Fords early realisation prompted them apply policies such as our doors are open to men and women alike without discrimination and without regard to ethnic origin or personal beliefs (Storey, 2007). Training and development; To make the employees more efficient and prepare them for higher level of responsibilities the HRM department needs to have a continuous training and development process. Along with the routine process the companies also train their employees during a sudden demand such as an addition of new software or hardware. Grievance and discipline; To ensure time keeping, good employee relations, proper behaviour and professional attitudes the HR department formulate company procedures. Termination of employment relation; As part of disciplinary action, end of the contract, the part of an employment cut or the relocation of the employee the HRM takes all the necessary actions. Strategic HRM: Human resource management is no more limited to managing people, recruiting, selecting, training and all other conventional administrative duties. As the people are the core competitive advantage in todays business, they are evaluated as the brainpower of the company rather than manpower. The way of business competition has become knowledge based (storey et al, 2009). Thus, the human resource department plays a more strategic role today. Apart from all the administrative works Strategic HR participates on planning corporate strategy. It plans out the necessary skills and required effort needed for a particular task to be carried out in future. SHRM also indicates a planned HR policy that integrates the business goal and may encompasses a number of HR strategies to improve the individual, thus business, performance to make the reward system more effective (CIPD , 2010). Miller (1998) says if a company be able to establish an appropriate fit between strategy and HRM it can be considered as practising strategic HRM. The business strategy and the strategic human resource management run in parallel, both are informative and communicative. Information available to SHRM about how people are motivated deployed and the availability of skills and knowledge might determine the business strategy, on the other hand when business strategy requires the improvement of customer service this will probably shape the training plans and performance improvement plans (CIPD, 2010). Approaches to SHRM: Strategic HRM is mainly a resource based philosophy and this encompasses three possible approaches (Armstrong, 2003). These are explained bellow: Resource based SHRM: Resource based HRM strategy focuses on the performance of the employee and compare the productivity of its people with the competitors. In this approach learning is highly encouraged and the intellectual capital is developed and nurtured. High-performance management approach: By developing the skills of the employees and improving the self management capacity and team performance the HR department can actually enhance the overall productivity and ensure customer satisfaction. Here, the quality leadership, vision, benchmarking and decentralization are suggested in order to have greater success (Stevens, 1998; cited in Armstrong, 2003). High performance approach also require to have a rigorous recruitment and selection procedure, a proper learning and development process and merit pay and profit sharing to encourage high performance (Armstrong, 2003). High involvement management: This approach says employees are to be treated as partners, their interests should be respected and their equal involvement in decision making should be encouraged. A very good communication between the managers and the employees that gives clear understanding of organizational vision, values and the expectation of both parties can achieve the organization its expected productivity. Characteristics of SHRM: There are some characteristics of SHRM can be drawn from the writing of Salaman et al (2005) and Armstrong (2003). These are discussed below: It connects the whole process to the business strategy and plays a proactive role rather than reactive. Instead of waiting for the instruction and complaints strategic HR managers take proactive steps and plans out the future outcome. SHRM is output driven. It takes all strategic steps to improve the performance of the employees and achieve the overall competitive advantage. It is more preventive than corrective and thus it value employees who are multi-skilled, cross-functional and team players. It expects people to do the things write the first attempt. It provides the guidance to other sections of the organization on what to measure, how to measure and how to report the outcomes of the measurement CIPD (2010) Dave Ulrich (1997) suggested four strategic roles in order to be able to create real value to the business. These are: Strategic partner: Here, the HR manger help the company turn the strategy into result. He will evaluate the existing strategy and figure out whether there is any strategic change needed. Change agent: HRM helps the change happen and it happens faster. Also make sure human resource understand and cope up with the change. Employee champion: managing and evaluating talents or the intellectual capital and Administrative expert: Ensuring the all the human resource related jobs are done and they are done in a way that helps the business. Effect of Globalization: Globalization is shortening the trade barriers, making the market more open and thus more competitive. It is a very influencing source that fuelling the changes faster. Toyota, one of the largest car producers in the world, was the hundredth Japanese company when it decided to locate their first UK based manufacturing facility in Derby (Storey, 2007). But it took fifteen years, from 1972-87, for the first fifty Japanese companies to arrive in UK and the next fifty companies arrived in following two years time (Storey, 1992, p. 12). The challenges that globalization has brought to Human Resource Management and the they should be faced are: Restructuring: Business is expanding in one way or other. Either two or more firms of same industry are merging together or one is acquiring the other. As a direct result of this the company eliminate layers of managers, closes facilities and cut jobs. HR managers are facing challenges in managing people who worked in different company cultures and some whom withdraw their loyalty. Even sometimes when the companies from different countries of different time zones merge than language and cultures become the main concern (CIPD, 2011). In this regard the HR professionals need work in co-operation with other organizational sections. Need to understand different organizational management policy and take the professional through smooth transition process. Management of diversity: As an effect of globalisation people from different cultures, ethnic groups and religion come in one place and work together and they require a mutual understanding that make the way to productivity smooth. Here, the HR department needs to ensure a working environment that offers equal opportunity and respect to the people from all background (CIPD, 2010). They need to understand different cultural and religious values. Technological innovation: Continuous innovation of new technology put pressure on HR department of the company to ensure a continuous training and development programme. Also, the technologies are reducing HR tasks that create the chance of HR job cuts. HR professionals need to make themselves equipped with latest technological knowledge. They need to diversify themselves and be useful in participating other organizational tasks. Outsourcing: Outsourcing concept has come up along with the globalization. Organizations are now outsourcing some of their task to other companies that may be located some other part of the world. Thus, some of the HR functions now to be done by the line managers (Kumar, 2011). Along with other qualifications the line managers need to have the proper understanding of Human Resource Management. On the other hand the HR managers need to outline and monitor the HR task of the line managers. Economic and political change: Economic changes such as global recession, change in government policy as a result of the shift in political power force the companies to close facilities and decrease production cost. As a direct result of this organizations decrease the size of HR body and put pressure on the remaining to be more productive (Kumar, 2011). Through the effective training and development process the HR managers need to ensure top level productivity of the human capital that will reduce production cost and make the organization more sustainable. Conclusion: Human Resource Management has come through different changes and challenges over the recent years. Though, the innovation of technologies is reducing some of the HR tasks but these affecting the HR roles very less. Also, outsourcing is also happening in a number of cases thus it is not affecting HR roles significantly (CIPD, 2006). Yet outsourcing may reduce the HR task of an organization but it is shifting those tasks to some other companies. The cost of running a HR department may go up and down but at the end it repay with the improved productivity it brings to the human resource of the company. The human resource still remains the competitive advantage factor and it will remain so in the future. Different market boundaries are falling apart and forming one single global market. In this marketplace different companies of an industry are experimenting all possible and available resources to achieve the competitive advantage. But it is human resource that can offer additional featur es to a business through a continuous development process. Thus, the task of people management is not limiting rather its expanding. A dynamic human resource management body can attract the best bunches of talent by designing and offering exceptional reward and career opportunity package and at the same time it can improve the productivity of its existing resource to the highest level by planning, developing and implementing an effective training and development programme. For instance, Microsoft and Google both have search engines. The number of users using a search engine determines its business success. Now, people will use the search engine that consists of highest number of resources and that offer additional features that carry the better value then the others. The human resources are bringing all the features and widening business opportunities in these both cases. And it is the HRM department that recruits those professionals through an effective selection and recruitment pr ocess, offering them their dream package of reward and compensation, and later on it brings those professionals to this level through a proper training and development. Thus, the Human Resource Management is crucial for organizational survival in todays marketplace.

Airlines In Aviation Industry Of Malaysia Marketing Essay

Airlines In Aviation Industry Of Malaysia Marketing Essay Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is the government-owned flag carrier of Malaysia. It is the largest and last long airlines in aviation industry of Malaysia. There are two factors that are affecting the performance of MAS which are Macro and Micro Business Environment. Macro environment factors will be the beginning. Firstly, the political environment are newly set or amended by the government. Malaysia has a Civil Aviation Act 1969 [Act 3]  [1]  that makes better provision in the law relating to Civil Aviation and for matters connected therewith and ancillary to it. Secondly is the social cultural environment. The social and cultural dimensions of the environment consist of customs, lifestyles, and values that characterize the society in which the firm operates. MAS have take action to fulfill their social responsibility to participate in the carbon offset program and the Kyoto Protocol. Carbon offset program is one of the efforts made by people to slow down global warming and Kyoto Protocol is to stabilized the atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations at an appropriate level, thus preventing severe damage of climate change on human. Next will be the technological environment. MAS airline had advanced their technology to meet their customer needs in information technology such as provide online services. Demographic play an important role in affecting sales of MAS. As the population increase, the number of potential customers will also increase. The last one will be the economic environment. MAS have many connections throughout the world and it will give a big impact to the company if there are any changes in economy level. Second main factors will be the micro environment factors. Competitors are the main issue in the highly competitive market, thus MAS keep an eye on their competitors and try to predict their likely next moves in order to survive. Other than that, customers are the main resources of revenue to the airlines. MAS have to be able to find out the customers needs on the flight services. The quality of employees services has been upgraded to a different level by having the training program and academy the provided by MAS. Besides, the intermediaries are also playing an important role. Access to effective intermediaries can be decisive for marketing success. MAS got their own intermediaries to help them sell the flight tickets. The media helps MAS to create awareness to the public about the MAS and its activities or promotions. We have undertaken SWOT analysis to identify the company strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Our recommendations had been based upon the analysis. Business Environment in Malaysia According to World Bank, Malaysia ranks 24th in the Ease of doing business. Malaysia is an excellent destination to do business. Malaysia has a favorable demographic structure and geographically advantages. Meanwhile, the economy condition is stable at the moment. Malaysia government are welcoming foreign investment in Malaysia and establish legal requirement to guide and protect foreign investment  [2]  .  (Malaysia Business Environment, 2010) The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Malaysia expanded at an annual rate of 2.40 percent in the second quarter of 2010 from the previous quarter. From 2000 until 2010, Malaysias average quarterly GDP Growth was 1.18 percent reaching an historical high of 5.70 percent in September of 2009 and a record low of -7.80 percent in March of 2009 (Refer appendix 1.1). The inflation rate in Malaysia was last reported at 1.90 percent in July of 2010. From 2005 until 2010, the average inflation rate in Malaysia was 2.77 percent reaching an historical high of 8.50 percent in July of 2008 and a record low of -2.40 percent in July of 2009. Inflation rate refers to a general rise in prices measured against a standard level of purchasing power  [3]  (Refer appendix 1.2). (Trading Economics, 2010) Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Malaysia is set up following the holding of at least 10% of the total equity in a resident company by a non-resident investor.  Malaysia has been one of the most successful Southeast Asian countries in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).  Malaysia has been an encouraging economy to foreign investors. The FDI movement is derived from financial institutions and non transaction factors like foreign exchanges, price changes, and other changes during the reference period  [4]  . (Trade Chakra Website, 2010) Foreign envoys have commended Malaysias Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), an action plan that will see the country becoming a high-income economy by 2020.The comprehensive ETP, which was launched on 25 October, has 131 entry-point projects (EPPs), 12 reporting labs and 60 business opportunities, which will eventually create some 3.3 million new jobs  [5]  . (MIDA Official Website, 2010) The unemployment rate in Malaysia was last reported at 3.70 percent in March of 2010. From 1998 until 2010, Malaysias Unemployment Rate averaged 3.43 percent reaching an historical high of 4.50 percent in March of 1999 and a record low of 2.90 percent in March of 1998  [6]  (Refer appendix 1.3).  (Trading Economics, 2010) Malaysia is now moving-up the value chain and is currently focusing on attracting high-technology, high value-added, knowledge-based and skills intensive industries, incorporating activities such as design and development and research and development. The last decade has seen a deepening and widening of Malaysias industrial base as well as the further development of its services sector. As such, a strong foundation has been laid for the economy to move forward into the new globalised environment. Company Background Malaysian Airline System Berhad, also known as Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is the government-owned flag carrier of Malaysia. Malaysia Airlines operates flights from its home base, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and its secondary hub in Kota Kinabalu. It has its headquarters on the grounds of Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, Selangor. Malaysia Airlines had its humble beginning in the golden age of travel. A joint initiative of the Ocean Steamship Company of Liverpool, the Straits Steamship of Singapore and Imperial Airways led to a proposal to the government of the Colonial Straits Settlement to run an air service between Penang and Singapore. The result was the incorporation of Malayan Airways Limited (MAL) on 12 October 1937. On 2 April 1947, MAL took to the skies with its first commercial flight as the national airline. Fuelled by a young and dynamic team of visionaries, the domestic carrier turned into an international airline in less than a decade. With the formation of Malaysia in 1963, the airline changed its name to Malaysian Airlines Limited and soon after, Borneo Airways was incorporated into MAL. Within 20 years, MAL grew from a single aircraft operator into a company with 2,400 employees and a fleet operator using the then latest Comet IV jet aircraft, 6 F27s, 8 DCs and 2 Pioneers. In 1965, with the separation of Singapore from Malaysia, MAL became a bi-national airline and was renamed Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA). A new logo was introduced and the airline grew exponentially with new services to Perth, Taipei, Rome and London. However, in 1973, the partners went separate ways; Malaysia introduced Malaysian Airline Limited, which was subsequently renamed Malaysian Airline System, or simply known as Malaysia Airlines. Today, Malaysia Airlines flies nearly 50,000 passengers daily to some 100 destinations worldwide.   The airline holds a lengthy record of service and best practices excellence, having received more than 100 awards in the last 10 years. The most notable ones include being the first airline with the Worlds Best Cabin Crew by Skytrax UK consecutively from 2001 until 2004, 5-star Airline in 2005 and 2006, as well as No.1 for Economy Class Onboard Excellence 2006 also by Skytrax UK. It is one of only six airlines to be given a 5-star status airline by Skytrax (the other 5 are Asiana Airlines from South Korea, Cathay Pacific from Hong Kong, Qatar Airways from Qatar, Singapore Airlines from Singapore and Kingfisher Airlines from India).  [7]  (Malaysia Airlines Home Page, 2010) Macro Environment Political and legal environment The political environment is one of the less predictable elements in an organizations business environment. Political environment has a great impact on the opportunity and threats of Malaysia Airlines. The ASEAN open sky agreement took effect in December 2008 and is scheduled to be fully implemented by 2015  [8]  (Wikipedia, 2010). The agreement will allow regional air carriers to make unlimited flights to all 10 ASEAN member states. According to Minister of Transport Malaysia Dato Seri Kong Cho Ha, the agreement will further expand and open cities in ASEAN member nations and from all routes, and he also believes that it will bring regions positive development of the aviation industry. This development plan is including flight liberalization, aviation safety, air traffic management, aviation technology, aviation environmental protection, air management framework and human resources development. As the biggest government owned flag carrier of Malaysia, MAS also be protected and to consolidate its international image in the ASEAN. The Malaysian government has never had a clear written commercial air transport policy. The national carrier MAS was asked to operate both domestic and international services but in the early years, more emphasis was placed on domestic services. The case of the emergence of AirAsias approval to operate low-fare services both for domestic and international services cause a ridiculous situation where MAS had to compete with AirAsia which was charging low fares, being a low-cost carrier as MAS fares and rates were controlled by the government. However, since 2007, MAS has been allowed to charge its own domestic fares. By this, MAS can meet the demand of the public for low fares with a fair and balanced consideration  [9]  . (The Malay Mail Homepage, 2010) Besides, the policy of the other countries will also affect MAS performance. For example, the airport tax of Changi Airport in Singapore will be rise in 2011. The airlines and travelers using Changi Airport will have to pay more start from April next year. The travelers subjected to a passenger service charge and a security service charge which will be added to the price of the air ticket. This will result in budget travelers also paying more. This might reduce the number of customers to take flight with MAS to go to Singapore as they need to pay more on the tickets price  [10]  . (Airport Charge Website, 2010) The legal environment serves to define what organizations can and cannot do at a particular point in time. Normally acts and regulations are not directly affected MAS daily operation; it is only a way to decease the criminal. The following are Aviation Acts and Regulations: Civil Aviation Act 1969 [Act 3] An act to make better provision in the law relating to Civil Aviation and for matters connected therewith and ancillary to it. Carriage By Air Act 1974 [Act 148] An act to give effect to certain Conventions relating to carriage by air and to provide for matters connected therewith and ancillary thereto. Civil Aviation Offences Act 1984 [Act 307] An act to give effect to the Convention on Offences and Certain other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft signed at Tokyo on 14 September 1963, the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft signed at The Hague on 16 December 1970, the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation signed at Montreal on 23 September 1971, and the Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts of Violence at Airports Serving International Civil Aviation, concluded at Montreal on 24 February 1988 and for purposes connected therewith. Airport and Aviation Services (Operating Company) Act 1991 [Act 467] An act to provide for the vesting of property, rights and liabilities of the Government of Malaysia relating to civil aviation in a company, to make financial arrangements for that company, to provide for matters relating to staff and for other matters connected therewith. International Interest In Mobile Equipment (Aircraft) Act 2006 [Act 659] An Act to implement the Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment and the Protocol to the Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment on Matters Specific to Aircraft Equipment. Social and cultural environment The social and cultural dimensions of the environment consist of customs, lifestyles, and values that characterize the society in which the firm operates. Social and cultural components of the environment influence the ability of the firm to obtain resources, make its goods and services, and function within the society. Social and cultural factors include anything within the context of society that has the potential to affect an organization. Population demographics, rising educational levels, norms and values, and attitudes toward social responsibility are examples of Social and cultural variables. MAS airline are not only do their business on Malaysia and also on other countries, especially Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, Middle East and on the Kangaroo Route between Europe and Australasia. Every social and cultural factor of those countries may affect MAS airlines operation. MAS airline are trying many way to match all different cultural and social factors to gain their profit. And now MAS airline was co-operation with 31 airlines those from different countries to know more about the local cultural and social. As we know MAS airline has more 50 years doing their business in Malaysia, so they are always no forget the Malaysia people. We can know that from their uniform, female flight attendants are wearing Sarong Kebaya which are superimposed on the kelarai motif is a mixture of Malaysian flora, such as the cempaka, jasmine and the leaves of the hibiscus. Recently, MAS airline was launched some new services and promotions for their lovely Malaysia local people. Such as Balik Kampung, it means going back to hometown, the super low fares are also perfect for customer business and holiday trips with 5-star airline come standard at no extra charge. MAS have take action to fulfill their social responsibility to participate in the carbon offset program and the Kyoto Protocol. Carbon offset program is one of the efforts made by people to slow down global warming  [11]  (Refer appendix 2.1). With this environmentally friendly manner, MAS calculates the required economic cost to offset these carbon dioxide emissions, and then contribute to the specialized enterprises or institutions after aware that 2% of the worlds carbon emissions of greenhouse gases are contributed by the aviation industry. (Wikipedia, 2010) The purpose of the Kyoto Protocol is stabilized the atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations at an appropriate level, thus preventing severe damage of climate change on human  [12]  . Malaysia as one of the signatories, MAS also has an obligation to perform their responsibilities to restore the harsh environment of earth. Besides that, MAS also implement the Green Plan Concept in their operation and management that consist of Reduce, Recycle, and Re-use. The plan not only focuses to reduce material and energy consumption, reduce emissions of harmful substances, but also concerned in make products and components to facilitate the separate collection and recycling or re-use. (Wikipedia, 2010) Technology environment Technology is another aspect of the environment a firm should consider in developing strategic plans. Changing technology may affect the demand for a firms products and services, its production processes, and raw materials. Technological changes may create new opportunities for the firm, or threaten the survival of a product, firm, or industry. Technological innovation continues to move at an increasingly rapid rate. MAS airline had advanced their technology to meet their customer needs in information technology such as provide online services (tickets selling) that able to reserve the seats their needs (Refer appendix 2.2). MAS airline was providing e-ticketing, its an easy way for their customer to purchase ticket but only can allow a party of 9 passengers and below in a single booking. There is a 6 alphanumeric character given during booking and also printed on your E-Ticket. It is also referred to as Booking Reference, Reloc MH etc. This information technology has a certain role in promoting the number of airline passenger. MAS continue to improve airport facilities technology such as airport construction and equipment installation, new energy and environmental technologies airport, airport lighting, airport barrier-free facilities and technology, airport construction steel, ground support equipment and services etc to promote the development of the airport and increase the satisfaction of passengers. Most of Malaysia Airlines aircraft are made by Boeing Company (Refer appendix 2.3); Boeing Company is the world leader in the aerospace industry company and the worlds largest manufacturer of civil and military aircraft. It also increases the confidence of passengers on MAS airplanes. In addition, the rotor design and manufacture, electronic systems and advanced information and communications systems of Boeing aircraft are effective in helping Malaysia Airlines to provide the best in-flight services. Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is considering an additional aircraft type for its new fleet plan- the A350, B787 Dreamliner or Boeings latest B777 variant, B777-300. MAS already have three B737-800s on lease. The airline, in an effort to lock in its financing costs early, has also issued out request for financing proposals to cover its deliveries until 2012. MAS plan to receive 14 B737-800s, eight A330-300s and five A380s by the end of 2012. Economy environment Economic factors refer to the character and direction of the economic system within which the firm operates. Economic factors include the balance of payments, the state of the business cycle, the distribution of income within the population, and governmental monetary and fiscal policies. The impact of economic factors may also differ between industries. From the perspective of the world economy, world trade growth will slow down; the U.S. subprime mortgage crisis has caused turmoil in international financial markets and the slowing U.S. economy, and to some degree of drag on the global economic growth. This also affected the MAS must holding a conservative approach in decision making to reduce the risk. But according to optimistic forecasts by senior economist at HSBC Global Research, economic growth in Malaysia is expected up 7.3% this year supported by the strong rebound in exports and soaring commodity prices. The overall level of consumer prices rise about 8% and domestic economic development will benefit the entire aviation industry. As one of the company airlines, MAS airline has many connections throughout the world and it will give a big impact to the company if there are any changes in economy level. As we know economy of Malaysia are growing slightly, people purchasing power are growing slightly also. More and more people are spending their money for travelling either out of Malaysia or in Malaysia. Normally, people will purchase more during some season especially the school holiday. MAS was providing some promotion to increase their revenue, such as ASEAN Pass, Balik Kampung, MAS Holidays Packages, etc. Demographic Environment The population growth has a great impact on the sales of Malaysia Airlines. The population in Malaysia was increasing from 23,274,690 (2000) to 28,306,700 (2009)(Refer appendix 2.4). The increasing numbers of population in Malaysia will affect MAS sales indirectly. As the population increase, the number of potential customers will also increase. At the same time, the demand for MAS services and products will also increase. Due to this reason, MAS should satisfy the needs of the future customers in order to increase the sales. Based on the statistic, the population of East Malaysia in year 2009 is 5,793,700 and the population of West Malaysia in year 2009 is 22,513,000 (Refer appendix 2.4). This shows that the population of West Malaysia is more than East Malaysia. Therefore, MAS should pay more attention to the West Malaysia because there has a higher opportunity and faster growth for MAS. Micro Environment There are some factors or elements in an organizations immediate area of operations that affect its performance and decision making freedom. These factors include competitors, customers, intermediaries, employees, media and shareholders. Competitors Competitors exist in all the industry. In airlines industry, MAS have many competitors such as Air Asia, Tiger airway, Jetstar and others. The major competitor for MAS is Air Asia. In this highly competitive market, MAS should keep an eye on their competitors and try to predict their likely next moves. Air Asia offers a device called e-player that allow customers to select and switch between movies, tv shows, music and games by pressing the screen (Refer appendix 3.1). Due to this, MAS also offer customers their very own 10.4 LCD touch screen monitor to watch any one of 12 video channels of their choice in their personal space (Refer appendix 3.2). The screen monitor also becomes a video game console if the customer needs extra excitement  [13]  . (The business environment 6th edition ,Adrian Palmer Bob Hartley 1.3.4 ,pg15) Although they have many competitors, but MAS also can outstanding. This is because MAS use the non-price decision strategy. They use this strategy to remove themselves from the price competition. MAS competes their competitors by providing the best services to the customers. For examples, MAS provides a comfortable seat (versatile new flat bed seat) to their customer (Refer appendix 3.3). Besides that, MAS and their competitors also got provide the online services like purchase tickets or check the schedule of the flight to the customers (Refer appendix 2.2). But MAS always upgrade their website to ensure the customers can browse their website faster and not waste the consumer time. At the other sides, MAS also provide the high quality of food and drinks to the customers. All the food that they provide is clean and healthy. Customers Malaysia Airline System (MAS) is the largest airline in Malaysia. The target market for MAS is frequent travelers, businessmen, families with young children and new marriage couples. The airline industry is full of operators that fly to many locations form many other locations. Therefore it is possible for a customer wanting to travel to be able to select from a whole range of companies. No one company has a monopoly on flights to a country. This means that the customer will have a lot of power and be able to select when they want to fly at the price that they are willing to pay. Hence, MAS should pay attention on the behaviors and demand of the customers. Businessmen always travel around the world to do businesses. There is a statistic shows that businessmen are the most frequent people that taking flight. It is important for MAS to do research about the businessmens demand on flight services as businessmen are the biggest group of customers for them. MAS introduce a frequent flyer program called Enrich by Malaysia Airlines (Refer appendix 3.4). This program is for frequent travelers that comprises a variety of airlines, banks, credit-card issuers, hotels and lifestyle retailers around the world. Therefore, the businessmens demand can be fulfilled by this program. Additionally, research shows that the number of teenagers taking flight is increasing. Nowadays, teenagers are doing everything online include buying stuff, checking for information and so on. Since teenagers are the future potential customer, thus, MAS provide online services such as online tickets booking, online schedule checking, tickets price checking, hotel booking and so on (Refer appendix 2.2). Intermediaries Access to effective intermediaries can be decisive for marketing success. MAS got their own intermediaries to help them sell the flight tickets. Travel agency is one of the intermediaries of MAS. The travel agency provides many packages of tour to customers and the ticket of MAS. Travel agency introduced some tour packages with flight tickets. Most customers will buy the whole packages include the tickets from the travel agency directly because the price of the tickets are cheaper. This can also helps the customers to save their time to go book or buy tickets online. Besides that, MAS also established the ticket office in many place. The ticket office will help MAS to sell the tickets to customers. It will convenient the customer that live far away from the airport. Other than that, hotel also considers as an intermediary for MAS. MAS also provided hotel booking services to the customers for their convenient and benefits them such as will get cash refund with term and condition (Refer appendix 3.5). Transportation service is also provided in the packages to customers between airport and hotel when they reach their destination. At the other sides, MAS also hire the agents to help them sell the tickets. The agents will sell the ticket in Matta Travel Fair and others. Many customers will buy the tickets from agents because it is cheaper and easy to get. Employees An employee contribution to an organization is very important. Employees are one of the main reasons for MAS to obtain the achievement for today. Employing the right staff and keeping these staff motivated is a necessary move for an organization. MAS give academy for the employees to provide the training program to their employees and train their employee become professional (Refer appendix 3.6). The academy includes operations management, business and finance, people and technology, jeppesen training, service training and so on. Like this, the customers will get the professional services from the employees of MAS. And MAS can gain competitive advantages from doing this  [14]  . (Malaysia Airlines Homepage, 2010) Besides that, MAS also provide many offers to their employees. They will give free tickets to their employees and travel to other country. On the other hands, MAS also will give more discounts to the family members of their employees. MAS also give the high salary and allowance to their employees. At the other sides, MAS also give high bonus to their employees. Like this, their employees will more hardworking to work and also provide the best services to the consumers. Media Malaysia Airlines (MAS) advertising campaign designed to create awareness to public about the MAS and its activities or promotions. The media is use to improve the communication between MAS and public. MAS internet website is update frequently in order to update customer knowledge about MAS services and activities.MAS also hired advertising agency to design a series of ads to promote their flight plans and catches the attention of customers (Refer appendix 3.7). MAS also advertise on the television to emphasize the quality of services provided by the crew cabin on the plane. This strategy can increase interest of the customers to take a flight with MAS. MAS were on television to promote their Air Bus A380 one kind of their airplane to their customers to build confidence on five-star air services. SWOT Analysis SWOT stand for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. SWOT analysis is an instrumental for examining the overall strategic position of a business and its environment. In other words, SWOT analysis is use to analyze the Strengths and Weaknesses of your organization, as well as the Opportunities and Threats revealed by the information you have gathered on the external environment. Strengths MAS Has World Class Image Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is a well-known government-owned flag carrier of Malaysia. It is the pride of a nation, their success is important to the country. This means that they are funded by the government. Based on the statistic from Sep 15, 2010 through Nov 15, 2010, the current on-time performance of MAS is 96% which is one of the highest in worldwide (Refer appendix 4.1). MAS have an average delay of 11.0 minutes and it is a better performance than other flights (Refer appendix 4.1). Unless there is terrorism or disease burst out, otherwise MAS market prospects are better with growth of tourism and increase in disposable incomes. The benefits can only be easily gained if both Changi and KL International Airport maintain similar facilities and procedures. Besides, Malaysia Airlines is being ranked as the worlds top 10 airlines. And it is also one of the only six airlines to be given a 5-star status airline by Skytrax  [15]  . (Flight Stats Website) MAS Has Good Facilities MAS have invested a large amount of money on IT and they use this IT to the benefits of satisfied their customers needs and enhanced their overall performance. MAS provide comfortable seats, safeties, and food and beverage supplies. The versatile new flat bed seat that MAS provide allow the customers to enjoy the comfort afforded by several preset positions accessible just at the touch of a button (Refer appendix 3.3). The headrest is adjustable and the massage elements provide maximum comfort to customers. In addition, the best part about MAS versatile new flat bed seat was that each chair had a liquid crystal display television (Refer appendix 3.2). The 10.4 LCD touch screen monitor had video game console and it allows customers to watch any one of 12 video channels of your choice in your personal

Admissions Essay - I Will Not Be Stopped :: Medicine College Admissions Essays

Admissions Essay -  I Will Not Be Stopped    It is a late summer night and I have just gotten home from work. I work at a meat packing plant where I load tractor-trailers. Since my dad is permanently disabled as a result of a heart attack that occurred two years ago, I feel fortunate to have the job. I've been there three years now and have grown tremendously as a result.    The guys I work with are typical blue-collar workers in that they are poorly educated and lower middle class. Because I am an aspiring physician, many of them share their problems and anxieties with me. Through many interactions, I feel that have become very sensitive, compassionate and understanding. My job is very fulfilling because men of all ages look to me for support and as a role model for their own children.    I relate to the guys at work so well because I was raised in a lower middle class neighborhood and my dad was a blue-collar worker. Most of my neighborhood friends are now unemployed, doing manual labor, or in trouble with the law. I was fortunate to have parents who knew the value of an education and were willing to sacrifice to send me to excellent catholic schools. In retrospect, this was a turning point in my life because I was introduced to a new group of people of different races and different socio-economic backgrounds. Eventually, I became aware of the limitations that my background imposed and I was determined to overcome and far exceed those limitations.    I became interested in medicine through my grandfather who was an unlicensed veterinarian. He had no formal education and relied solely on practical experience; nevertheless, he was quite competent. I would go with him as a young boy to treat animals in our small community. The relief my grandfather provided and the subsequent gratification has left a lasting impression on me. Since his death nearly four years ago, I find myself with a profound desire to vindicate the educational shortcomings that so often frustrated him.    In the summer of 1983, before my college matriculation, I attended Xavier's Stress On Analytical Reasoning (SOAR) Program. The Program's main objective was to prepare students for college level math and science courses. One of the moderators was my cousin who is a Xavier graduate and now a senior at Louisiana State University Medical School.

Songs of Innocence and Experience by William Blake :: essays research papers

Songs of Innocence and Experience. (1794) by William Blake Songs of Innocence Introduction Piping down the valleys wild Piping songs of pleasant glee, On a cloud I saw a child, And he laughing said to me: Pipe a song about a Lamb: So I piped with merry chear. Piper, pipe that song again - So I piped: he wept to hear. Drop thy pipe, thy happy pipe, Sing thy songs of happy chear: So I sung the same again, While he wept with joy to hear. Piper, sit thee down and write In a book that all may read - So he vanish’d from my sight And I pluck’d a hollow reed, And I made a rural pen And I stain’d the water clear And I wrote my happy songs, Every child may joy to hear. The Shepherd How sweet is the Shepherd's sweet lot! From the morn to the evening he strays; He shall follow his sheep all the day And his tongue shall be filled with praise. For he hears the lambs innocent call, And he hears the ewes tender reply. He is watchful while they are in peace, For they know when their Shepherd is nigh. The Ecchoing Green The Sun does arise And make happy the skies, The merry bells ring To welcome the Spring: The skylark and thrush The birds of the bush Sing louder around To the bells' chearful sound, While our sports shall be seen On the Ecchoing Green. Old John with white hair Does laugh away care Sitting under the oak Among the old folk. They laugh at our play, And soon they all say: Such, such were the joys When we all girls & boys In our youth-time were seen On the Ecchoing Green Till the little ones weary No more can be merry, The sun does descend, And our sports have an end: Round the laps of their mothers Many sisters and brothers, Like birds in their nest, Are ready for rest: And sport no more seen On the darkening Green. The Lamb Little Lamb, who made thee? Dost thou know who made thee? Gave thee life & bid thee feed By the stream & o'er the mead: Gave thee clothing of delight, Softest clothing, woolly, bright: Gave thee such a tender voice, Making all the vales rejoice: Little Lamb, who made thee, Dost thou know who made thee? Little Lamb, I'll tell thee, Little Lamb, I'll tell thee: He is called by thy name For he calls himself a Lamb. He is meek & he is mild, He became a little child: I a child & thou a lamb, We are called by his name: Little Lamb god bless thee, Little Lamb god bless thee! The Little Black Boy My mother bore me in the southern wild,

Han vs Mauryan

The Chinese Han Dynasty vs. The Indian Mauryan/Gupta Empire The Han Dynasty of China and the Mauryan/Gupta Empire of India in 206 B. C. E to 550 C. E had many social and cultural differences which made them unique societies, but their political structure and form of government seemed to borrow ideas from each other. The social aspects of both empires had a lot in common because gender-roles, family and relationships were looked at in the same way. During the Mauryan/Gupta as well as the Han Dynasty, women were subservient to men and families relied on patriarchs.In both empires there were close knit villages, landowners had power and merchants took second role in the social system. However, the two had their differences. The Mauryan/Gupta Empire put emphasis on caste while the Han Dynasty was based on a social structure. The Mauryan/Gupta Empire’s caste system was an important social bond and a crucial part of the political structure. At the top of the system were the priests, then the warriors and rulers, followed by the merchants, skilled traders and minor officials, after that were the unskilled workers and finally the â€Å"untouchables†, who were outcastes and barely considered as people.The strict caste system provided a network of rules by which people could regulate their lives and activities and also promoted public order which helped politically. The caste system was so strictly enforced that no one could intermarry or be moved up a class so it determined where you would be for all your life. The caste system also played a role in religion which encouraged the use of a caste system rather than people look down upon it. On the other hand, the Han Dynasty relied on a highly structured system of classes.The most powerful was the emperor, the nobles and the military officers, who made up the first class. Next came the farmers and peasants who made up the second tier. Lastly, the third class was made up of merchants, commoners and servants. T his system differed greatly from the Mauryan/Gupta Empire because it was far less definite; the assigned social class for each person dictated their social status but not their wealth or power. This Chinese structure also stressed on level of education rather than where you were socially unlike the Indian system.Even though many of their values were mostly the same, the development and transformation of social structures made them completely different. The Han Dynasty and Mauryan/Gupta Empire were developing similarly in science and technology during this time period. Advances in astronomy and medicine in both civilizations included the calculation of the motion of planets, bone setting, plastic surgery and personal hygiene. Studies in mathematics also came about in the Han and Mauryan/Gupta Empire. In spite of the fact that they were sharing technological advances, the belief systems, philosophies and religions differed greatly between the two.The Mauryan/Gupta Empire had lively ar t, which included many epic poems, and primary religions that suggested unpractical, otherworldly beliefs. The practice of Buddhism and Hinduism flourished during this time because the great ruler, Ashoka, spread Buddhist values and accepted and honored Hindu principles. These religions had practices that could be considered out of this world because of the belief that there are divine forces and beings. On the contrary, the Han Dynasty had restrained art, and separate, more practical belief systems.These belief systems did not have a belief in any supernatural or godly forces but served as lifestyle guides. Confucianism, a philosophical system from the teachings of Confucius, spread because it focused on righteousness and morals rather than gods. Belief systems in the Han Dynasty were formed based on the needs and views of the people. Whereas, the belief systems formed in the Mauryan/Gupta Empire were made to unite humans with the divine. The political structure and forms of govern ment of the Han Dynasty and Mauryan/Gupta Empire shared many of the same ideas.Both had bureaucracies with groups of specialized officials and a centralized government. They were also the same because they had a form of autocratic rule so there was government by a single person that had authority over all others. The two were also the same when it came to expansion; they both expanded their borders during this period. Though there was one big difference, the Mauryan/Gupta had large, strong armies and utilized them while the Han Dynasty had a small army and didn’t feel it was necessary to even have armed forces.Although their ruling styles were very similar, the militaristic values set them apart. The Chinese Han Dynasty and Indian Mauryan/Gupta Empire borrowed government direction and approach from each other but did not influence each other socially or change their cultural identities. During the time period of 206 B. C. E to 550 C. E, the Persian Empire was also taking form . Similarly, this empire had bureaucracy, supported and formed religions and expanded territory. Today, China and India both have heavy influence on the world due to their cultural and technological exchanges connecting them to all parts of the world.