Friday, November 29, 2019

Twenty-One Year Old Drinking LawsOld Enough To Serve, Old Enough To B

Twenty-One Year Old Drinking Laws:Old Enough To Serve, Old Enough To Be Served The American government states that a person must be at least twenty-one years of age to consume alcoholic beverages. However, it is in fact legal for someone to serve alcohol at age eighteen. The purpose of this paper is to research whether or not it is just for these laws to exist. The prevailing question is how can the government allow people between the ages of eighteen and twenty years old serve alcohol to people twenty-one and over when they are not allowed to consume it themselves? When faced with writing this paper, I pondered many things. Such as: If an eighteen year old is permitted to do just about anything they desire, why are they not permitted to consume alcoholic beverages? Does the twenty-one year old drinking law encourage irresponsible drinking habits? Are there any alternatives to the twenty-one year old drinking law? Is this law prevalent in other countries around the world? And finally, I questioned my own feelings on the topic. When one turns eighteen, he or she is then presented with a plethora of responsibilities. An eighteen year old is allowed to purchase cigarettes, vote for government positions, join the armed forces, handle guns and other ammunition in the military, and make other major adult decisions. It is legal for a person to have sexual intercourse with another adult, which in turn can lead to bringing another life into this world. At eighteen years old, a person can no longer be charged as a minor. They are seen as mature adults in the eyes of the legal system. All of these responsibilities are bestowed upon a person when they turn eighteen. However, they are not allowed to consume alcoholic beverages. The minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) of twenty one in the United States is commonly seen as a highly successful public health measure (Hornseth, 428). It does, however encourage excessive drinking and possible alcohol abuse in teenagers. Most teenagers go through a rebellious stage where they want to do everything they possibly can to rebel against authority. Many teens want to go against the norms and laws of society and give into peer pressure. Most underage drinkers obtain, fake id's which is a form of photo id that states they are in fact twenty-one years old. Many bars and connivance stores are aware of the fact that these ids are not legitimate. However, in the hopes of better business, they allow the teenager to purchase alcohol. Several of my friends have already turned twenty-one. They tell me that in some cases, the thrill is gone. When it's perfectly legal to consume alcohol, they are not doing anything wrong, thus taking away the fear of getting caught and the excitement of getting away with it. In Europe, there is no legal drinking age. A friend of mine is baffled by American teenager's fascination of, getting wasted. American teenagers engage in the practice of, binge drinking, whereas they drink for the sole purpose of getting drunk. This activity can lead to alcoholism, aggression, and alcohol poisoning. If parents taught their children how to drink responsibly, this problem would not be as prevalent. If underage drinking were not considered a social more, it would most likely seem less exciting to teenagers. In an article regarding lowering the current minimum legal drinking age, Elizabeth Wheeler stated, Prohibiting the sale of liquor to responsible young adults creates an atmosphere where binge drinking and alcohol abuse have become a problem (Wheelan, 14). She educates her daughter in the dangers of alcohol and how important it is to drink responsibly. She stresses the risk her daughter takes every time she drinks. There are date-rape drugs out on the market now that are easily slipped into a drink. These drugs are colorless, odorless, and tasteless, they make a person feel as if they are drunk, however, the next morning that person cannot recollect anything that happen the evening before. By her daughter knowing that she supports her, it makes her daughter less likely to engage in excessive alcohol consumption. The chancellor of the University of Colorado at boulder noticed that trying to cease underage drinking had

Monday, November 25, 2019

argentiian Culture essays

argentiian Culture essays The Significance of the Restoration Movement This article discussed the Restoration Movement and the stipulations and events that were involved with the movement. It was brought about in large part by Barton W. Stone and Alexander Campbell in the early 19th century. The first main topic discussed was the Biblical movement. This gave examples of how there are many people out there who consider something to be a Biblical movement because it has something to do with the Bible or an interpretation of a passage in the Bible etc. I really liked what Stone said about it being better to have one Book and enter into heaven than to have many and enter into hell. We just have to remember that we are called to preach the gospel. I loved how the article discussed preaching the gospel. That is the number one thing that should be preached even today. The article also had a lot of good stuff to say about the Holy Spirit and faith and opinion, but what I really want to get into is the last section, which was on the New Testament church. The article talked about how some people are confusing what this New Testament church is all about. Some people think that it means basically getting rid of the Old Testament. However, that isnt the case at all. The New Testament church simply means that you have a church nowadays that is based on the first century church. I personally think this is the best plan yet. The funny thing is that I had never even heard of it until I came to this school. In theology we learned about covenant, and now were learning about how to follow the first century churchs example. This makes a lot of sense to me because these were the first Christian people ever to exist on earth. Therefore, God was obviously involved in their church, and He even gave people like Paul the right words to help lead these churches. It seems obvious to me that this is the way God wanted churches to function. ...

Friday, November 22, 2019

The Cinema of Attractions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Cinema of Attractions - Essay Example Still, the cinema of attractions is a way of the audience identification and the reflection of the needs of the society of nineteenth and early twentieth century. In case the cinema was able to show something, it was considered to be a good cinema. The early cinema is of the exhibitionist nature. The audience is targeted by the specific images they want to see. Gunning claims that it was very important the way camera interacted with the eyes of an actor. In such a way, the audience had a chance to feel an interaction with heroes on the screen. Both of them were watchers (Diiorio, 2003). The attention of a spectator was very important for the directors of early cinema. This aspect was specially supervised. That is why they were really concerned about visual contact between the viewers and the actors. Only images, which were shown to the audience, were important for them. We can illustrate this claim by the film directed by Edwin Porter â€Å"The Great Train Robbery† in 1903. In this film the bandit looks at the audience and makes a shot. The viewers are able to see the smoke of the gun. This scene happens in the beginning of the film and the audience catches its breath in a foretaste of further events or images. This move is referred by Gunning as exhibitionist move showing the views what will happen next. Gunning claims that: â€Å"the cinema of attractions does not disappear with the dominance of narrative, but rather goes underground, both into certain avant-garde practices and as a component of narrative films, more evident in some genres than in others†. If not images are practiced as the tools to exert influence on the audience, then music is often used by the directors of the later films. (after 1906). In the film directed by Victor Fleming â€Å"The Wizard of Oz† (1939), the events are surrounded by music (Faden, 2001). We can see the way the main characters show their inner states. This technique is used by the directors in order to make them understand further development of events. Therefore, the narrative is supported by music and there is a lack of exhibitionist strategy in it. Viewers obtain help from the directors in order to perceive what is going on the screen correctly. Thus, attractions in the early films were used as tools to grasp attention of the audience and in later films director’s techniques were used to understand moods of the cinema’s characters (Brewster & Jacobs, 1997). According to Gunning, â€Å"This is not to say that narrative films are entirely separate to the world of the cinema of attraction. On the contrary, narratives will often incorporate this form of cinema into their development. However, since this method of cinema does tend to disrupt the realistic illusion created by the audience’s lack of self-awareness, incorporating it usually has a result of slowing down the progression of the narrative† (Gunning, 2000). Therefore, the cinema of attractions c omprises films before 1906 and avant-garde films, but nowadays many directors use these techniques as well. Modern Hollywood films are also based on the techniques of attraction, when the audience can see the face of the main character clearly and feel with him or understand him better. The exhibitionist nature of the cinema of attractions was mainly used for creation of a special atmosphere on the screen. There are special concepts of attraction in

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Gay Marriage Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Gay Marriage - Research Paper Example As the essay stresses everybody is equal in the eyes of God and in the eyes of law; it is man who has created discrimination. The opponents of same sex marriages use their personal interpretation of the Bible to condemn homosexuality. Homosexuality is not something you adopt, it is biological. If God was against homosexuality than why did He create such people? Same sex marriage is a right; just as heterosexual couples have the right to celebrate their union so do gay and lesbian people. People opposed interracial marriages too in the beginning but now interracial marriages are frequent. Man is becoming progressive and the institution of marriage is being revisited; it is no longer a union between a man and a woman it is about two people who love each other and want to spend their lives with each other. As the paper states legalizing same sex marriages and giving them support by extending marriage benefits and laws does not harm straight marriages nor does it encroach upon their rights so why this vehement opposition to a bond between two same sex people who love each other. Same sex marriage does not threaten the institution of marriage; if the real definition of marriage is the union between a man and a woman to procreate than why several heterosexual couples are choosing careers ahead of having children. Same sex marriage is a lie; a deception man has coined to satisfy his/her gratifications.

Monday, November 18, 2019

Internet business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Internet business - Essay Example This instant connectivity has not been lost on business. As quickly as consumers are buying personal computers and accessing the Internet through modems or cable boxes, businesses are building and implementing web sites on the Internet, sensing the great potential in sales, advertising, and customer service. For some businesses, using the Internet is not just an extension ÃŽ ¿f their normal business, it is a matter ÃŽ ¿f survival. Without a web site, many businesses would not able to compete within their marketplace. However, in the frenzy to secure a "presence" on the Net, many businesses have not properly evaluated the risks they face when expanding activities to the Internet. Some businesses simply have not considered whether this new sales and advertising "tool" creates new exposures for them. Others have regarded their activity on the Internet to be merely an extension ÃŽ ¿f their normal functions, creating no new risks for them. Unfortunately, this mindset could lead to major uncovered losses for businesses. Somewhat in the same manner, insurance professionals have not thoroughly examined the exposures created by doing business on the Internet. There has been little review ÃŽ ¿f existing policies to determine if they provide adequate coverage for Internet sales or advertising, and not much has been done to identify any "new" or "unique" risks that have originated with e-commerce. This truly is the information age, and one ÃŽ ¿f the easiest sources ÃŽ ¿f information to access is the Internet. Everyone seems to be headed for the Internet in one way or another. It has become a primary vehicle for communication, replacing the telephone, regular mail service, as the way to communicate effectively in business and personal life. Business has flocked to the Internet for several reasons. Some 'f these are the same reasons that have driven the general public to the Internet--ease 'f communication and the ability to get information and conduct research quickly and efficiently from the comfort 'f one's office or home. But business also recognizes the huge potential the Internet provides for advertising, sales, and cost reduction--driving more dollars to the bottom line. The objective 'f this article is to evaluate the risks businesses face by using the Internet in sales, advertising, and other online activities. These risks will then be analyzed in view 'f several standard commercial insurance policies: ISO's Building and Personal Property Coverage Form (CP 00 10 06 95(*)), the Business Income (and Extra Expense) Coverage Form (CP 00 30 06 95*), and the Commercial General Liability Policy (CG 00 01 01 96(*)). The analysis will review the perceived exposures 'f a business with a web site to determine whether these standard coverage forms protect the business from anticipated losses. The analysis will identify exposures that do not appear to be covered under these forms. In particular, the analysis will attempt to identify risks unique to the Internet. This article will

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Buckling Experiments Laboratory Report

Buckling Experiments Laboratory Report BUCKLING EXPERIMENT The experiment entails subjecting loads to a strut along its centroidal axis. The effects of length, shape, material and fixing conditions on buckling were observed. An analysis was then done basing on the results obtained and graphs drawn to establish various relationships measured and calculated. The buckling load was also determined theoretically for all the struts basing on the geometry and material properties. This was then compared to those found experimentally. Buckling is an instability of a material when subjected to loading which eventually leads to failure. It is characterized by sudden sideways deflection of the structural member. When load is applied on a material, it will become large causing it to become unstable and consequently causing change in shape and this can be said to have buckled. This can happen even when the stress subjected on the material is below that needed to cause failure. Bending and buckling can cause change in shape but the difference comes in the method of applying the load. For the bending case, the load is applied perpendicular to the centroidal axis while in buckling, the load is applied axially causing compressive stress and eventual sideways failure. This feature can be measured as the buckling load. Materials having different properties have different buckling loads which is a function of the length of the column and the second moment of area of its cross section. Buckling loads can be determined experimentally or by way of a prediction without actually loading the material to critical load. Southwell plot is a chart of used to experimentally determine the critical load of a structure without subjecting it to its critical load. It is a non-destructive testing method for buckling. Southwell plot is a graphical representation of deflection(y) against deflection by load applied(y/L). This should in return show a linear relationship and a slight curvature at low values of deflection. Further analysis can be done to obtain buckling load. Critical loads can thus be obtained without actually buckling the load itself reducing risk of damaging the strut. The intercept represents the total eccentricity of the strut which is the eccentricity within the equipment and the strut together with the imposed eccentricity. To compare the theoretical and experimental buckling loads of struts in order to test the theory and show its limits. To show how to use the Southwell plot to find the buckling load and eccentricity of a strut. The potential hazards was assessed and it was observed to be majorly from the experiment   handling of the strut in loading and unloading. This has a potential harm to the colleagues and the staff in the laboratory. This hazard was considered by performing the experiment heavily. Plastic inserts were also used to reduce the adverse possible reaction of the strut on loading. The load was applied slowly with full concentration on the reaction of the material under loading so as not to exceed the buckling limits. The strut was also released by unloading swiftly. Experiment 1 The Load Display was connected and switched on. It was then given some few minutes for the display and the load cell to warm up. The load measuring end was tapped to remove any effects of friction and the display zeroed. The digital calipers was then used to obtain the dimensions of the 750 mm steel strut and its second moment of area calculated. The strut was then fit into the rig with the pinned ends condition. Plastic inserts were then inserted in the channels adjacent to the center of the strut such that when load was applied the strut would not come into contact with the inserts. The large hand wheel was used to load the strut slowly. As the wheel was turning, the load reading and the deflection of the strut was observed heavily. The plastic insert was used to ensure that the strut does not buckle further than 15mm.The peak load on the display was recorded and the hand wheel turned to release the load. This is the reading for buckling on its natural direction. A light load was then applied and gently pushed on the center to force it to buckle in the opposite direction. The load was then increased until the strut buckled end the peak load recorded. The load was then released. The mean of the two buckling loads was thereafter calculated. The procedure was repeated for the other steel struts No 2 to No 6. And for one strut made from a different material and the other shape. For strut No 4, the experiment was repeated with a fixed to pinned end condition and strut No 3 with fixed to fixed end conditions. The curve of length against average experimental buckling load was plotted for steel struts 1 6. Theoretical buckling load was then calculated for each length and then plotted on the graph. Comments on the effect of length, end conditions, material and 2nd moment of area on the buckling loads were then made. Experiment 2 The Load Display was connected and switched on. It was then given some few minutes for the display and the load cell to warm up. The load measuring end was tapped to remove any effects of friction and the display zeroed. The 750 mm steel strut was obtained. The strut was then fixed on the pinned ends condition. The deflection gauge was then fitted at the midspan of the strut while ensuring that there is 15mm of travel in the natural buckling direction. The strut was then tested in the natural buckling direction while recording the load at deflection intervals of 0.5mm. The table of results was then filled. The Eccentric End fittings were then fitted to strut number 2 with both fittings set to give the smallest eccentricity (5mm) Strut number 2 was fitted and the position of the deflection indicator adjusted to allow for the offset. The test was then repeated with the same strut. The end fittings at both ends of the strut were reversed to give larger eccentricity. The indicator was adjusted and the test repeated. A chart was then created showing load on the vertical axis against deflection on the horizontal axis. The results from each strut was added to the chart. A chart for a Southwell plot was created, deflection (y) against (y/P) where P is the load. The results from each strut was then added to this chart and further analysis done RESULTS AND CALCULATIONS Experiment 1 Theoretical buckling load (N) 174.70 240.40 306.10 280.52 397.56 339.33 332.99 826.75 304.39 359.29 Average Peak buckling load(N) 189.5 198 236 257 286.5 327 283 279 559 1068 Peak buckling load 2(N) 212 204 251 251 288 334 294 292 579 1187 Peak buckling load 1(N) 167 192 221 263 285 320 272 266 539 949 Strut Details 2nd Moment of area 48.103 57.649 63.311 53.636 70.055 50.244 180.746 170.974 53.636 63.311 d 3.11 3.20 3.41 3.23 3.54 3.15 4.84 6.46 3.23 3.41 b 19.19 19.25 19.16 19.10 19.44 19.39 19.13 _ 19.10 19.16 K value 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0.7 0.5 Fixing conditions P-P P-P P-P P-P P-P P-P P-P P-P P-F F-F Youngs modulus (N/mm2) 207000 207000 207000 207000 207000 207000 105000 207000 207000 207000 Material Steel Steel Steel Steel Steel Steel Brass Steel Steel Steel Shape Rect Rect Rect Rect Rect Rect Rect Round Rect Rect Working length 750 700 650 625 600 550 750 650 600 600 Strut no 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 J 4 3 Experiment 2 Deflection (mm) Eccentricity=0 Eccentricity=5mm Eccentricity=7.5mm Load (N) Defl/Ave Load Load (N) Defl/Ave Load Load (N) Defl/Ave Load 0 0 _ 0 _ 0 _ 0.5 50 0.0100 21 0.0238 8 0.0625 1 74 0.0135 27 0.0370 17 0.0588 1.5 95 0.0158 40 0.0375 24 0.0625 2 108 0.0185 48 0.0417 30 0.0667 2.5 116 0.0216 55 0.0455 35 0.0714 3 125 0.0240 53 0.0566 40 0.0750 3.5 131 0.0267 66 0.0530 45 0.0778 4 135 0.0296 71 0.0563 49 0.0816 4.5 139 0.0324 75 0.0600 54 0.0833 5 141 0.0355 81 0.0617 58 0.0862 5.5 144 0.0382 82 0.0671 59 0.0932 6 147 0.0408 88 0.0682 65 0.0923 6.5 149 0.0436 90 0.0722 69 0.0942 7 150 0.0467 92 0.0761 72 0.0972 7.5 152 0.0493 96 0.0781 73 0.1027 8 153 0.0523 97 0.0825 77 0.1039 8.5 154 0.0552 98 0.0867 80 0.1063 9 156 0.0577 103 0.0874 82 0.1098 9.5 157 0.0605 107 0.0888 84 0.1131 10 158 0.0633 107 0.0935 86 0.1163 10.5 159 0.0660 112 0.0938 89 0.1180 11 160 0.0688 113 0.0973 91 0.1209 11.5 160 0.0719 115 0.1000 93 0.1237 12 161 0.0745 117 0.1026 94 0.1277 12.5 161 0.0776 119 0.1050 96 0.1302 13 162 0.0802 120 0.1083 98 0.1327 13.5 162 0.0833 122 0.1107 100 0.1350 14 163 0.0859 123 0.1138 101 0.1386 14.5 163 0.0890 124 0.1169 103 0.1408 15 164 0.0915 125 0.1200 104 0.1442 Moment of inertia (I) of a circle and rectangle were obtained using the formula; DISCUSSION Below is the graph of working length against buckling load for the first experiment. It is observed that as the working length was increasing, the buckling load was decreasing. For the second experiment, A graph drawn for load against deflection shows a nonlinear relationship between the load applied and the deflection of the beam.   The second graph is of deflection(y) against (y/P) where P is the load. This is the Southwell plot for the beam used. A line of best fit drawn in the Southwell Plot indicates that the points obtained are having an almost linear relationship except at low values of deflection which has a small curvature. The slopes of the graphs, Euler buckling load, were obtained for different eccentricities together with the points of intersection with the y axis which indicates the eccentricity of loading. This represents the imperfection of the strut and the equipment used plus the imposed eccentricity. Southwell plot results Eccentricity (mm) Gradient y-intercept 0 178.18 -1.301 5 164.32 -5.0783 7.5 170.12 -9.6389 Southwell plot; The experiment was a success as the strut was subjected to different loads to determine the buckling load. The effect of material, length of the specimen, shape and fixing conditions were observed. Different graphs were drawn from the results obtained which enhanced further analysis. The Southwell graph was also drawn which was used to obtain eccentricity values and the struts theoretical/Euler buckling load. Wang, C.M., Zhang, Y.Y., Ramesh, S.S. and Kitipornchai, S., 2006. Buckling analysis of micro-and nano-rods/tubes based on nonlocal Timoshenko beam theory. Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, 39(17), p.3904. Akgà ¶z, B. and Civalek, -., 2011. Strain gradient elasticity and modified couple stress models for buckling analysis of axially loaded micro-scaled beams. International Journal of Engineering Science, 49(11), pp.1268-1280. Roorda, J., 1967. Some thoughts on the Southwell plot. Journal of the Engineering Mechanics Division, 93(6), pp.37-48. Mandal, P. and Calladine, C.R., 2002. Lateral-torsional buckling of beams and the Southwell plot. International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 44(12), pp.2557-2571. Singer, J., 1989. On the applicability of the Southwell plot to plastic buckling. Experimental Mechanics, 29(2), pp.205-208. Cowper, G.R., 1966, June. The shear coefficient in Timoshenkos beam theory. ASME.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Launching The New Engineered Jeans Essay -- Business and Management St

Launching The New Engineered Jeans 2.1 Introduction The outline bellows gives an overview of the new engineered jean that Levis will be launching Product A top-end Jean in straight cut that is fits snugly and is flattering, well cut using the engineered technology Price  £90 Target Segment Fashion conscious female 18-35yrs 2.2 Objectives of the Launch ============================ * Break into Womenswear Market * Re-launch Engineered technology to emphasise fit * Make consumer aware of new product * Increase sales of engineered Jeans 2.3 The Marketing mix 2.3.1 Segment The Women’s market has been the by far the strongest sector in terms of increased sales since Jeans sales began to boom in 2001 (see appendix E), this trend is expected to continue into 2007 (Mintel, 2003). After the Male orientated anti-fit campaign, now is a good time for Levis to turn their attention to the female market. The number of 15-24 year olds in Britain has already increased dramatically and is expected to grow by around 7% by 2007 (Mintel, 2003 See Appendix D). At present Levi’s do not have our having problems reaching the younger female customer (Foster, 03/2004). If Levi’s can break into this market it will generate a significant increase in sales. 2.3.2 Product In a recent poll on hanbag.com the †Denim Diva† look, Jeans teamed with a sexy top and high heels, was voted the most popular by the women who voted (www.wgsn.co.uk, 10/1...

Monday, November 11, 2019

Antigone as an Epitome of Female Heroism in Ancient Greeks Essay

It is believed among ancient Greeks that women are seemly to remain at home and not out of the confines of their houses and men should devote themselves to the outdoor pursuits. Otherwise, the opposite of this convention will be considered disgraceful. This illustrates that it is a commonplace in ancient Athens and in many part of the ancient Greece that female citizens are excluded from participation in public affairs. However, there is also a commonplace exception to this, that is, women have a full participation in the religious practices in all levels during the time such as participating in religious rituals. As a matter of fact, the female has the same status as that of men in the religious arena. For instance, the role of priestess was the only public office open to women because there is a belief that women have close intimate connections to divine women. However, despite this, women are still debarred entirely from political and public debate (Blundell et al. , 1998). According to Friedrich Jacobs in his essay entitled The History of the Female Sex, women’s position in Greece were regarded as demeaned with characteristics that are associated and similar to that of the barbarians. It is also interpreted and believed that housewives are little esteemed and loved except that of the hetaeras. This group of females enjoys a high status in the society because of their opportunity to education (Katz,1995). However, for the most part, ordinary women that are secluded and uneducated were regarded in contempt. They are considered as not free and not equal to their male counterparts. Jacobs argues that this is because of the restrictions to home and domestic life was a custom among the Greeks. This is attested in Thucydides, which says that we have limited evidence on women’s education primarily because they are silenced. It is believed that young girls’ education was for the most part entrusted to their mothers. This education would also be restricted to instructions in the domestic arts and womanly wisdom. Furthermore, this so called education will then be continued by the husband. In this sense, Jacobs insists that the ancient Greeks woman’s intelligence and moral sensibility is for the most part developed to be the object of the husband’s contempt. For instance, in the poems of Homer, it is revealed that he intended it that women were regarded as little and secluded (Katz, 1995). Moreover, accordingly there have been several positions Greek women have in the eyes of men. Majority of the scholars think that women is seen by men as a species of slavery. The women were regarded as lower order of beings. When compared to men, they are neglected both in intellectual and emotional capacity. The woman as already reiterated is also incapable of pursuing a public endeavor. They are also considered as prone to doing and influencing evil doings and thoughts reason why they should be kept in the house. The province of the wife is the management of the entire household, and the nurturing of children. The only roles that they have are to propagate the species by reproduction and gratifying the desires and sensual appetites of men. In other words, the only value of women during that time was equal to that of a faithful slave (Katz, 1995). Likewise, in literature and classical Greek theatre, the scenery consists of a building with entrances and exits. The setting of the play is important in making a distinction as to whether the characters were inside or outside the buildings. The stage was a paradigm of the household in the ancient Greeks. Women are supposed to stay inside the building. However, the whole political and city life happened outside. Thus, in the stage alone, the status of women in ancient Greeks is pretty much revealed. Tragic playwrights dramatized that there are two important principles in drama during the classical age. First, women should remain inside the house and should not speak in public. For instance, Aeschylus had authorized the King of Thebes to command that the affairs outside the domestic sphere were the domain of men and women should be kept inside their houses (Tetlow, 2005). As a matter of fact, in the play Antigone by Aeschylus, there is a scene where Antigone herself was permitted by her mother to watch the battle between her brothers. When she was seen by her old teacher, she was chided because this is considered improper. The teacher contends that Antigone should not be seen by any male citizen because it would certainly result to a scandal. Even when there are no men during that time, the teacher still implored Antigone to get out of the roof. Most especially when he saw groups of women approaching the palace, Antigone should already come down because by the women seeing her there, it would create gossips which are in a sense prohibited or suppressed among women. This is because gossip yields pleasure among them and pleasure is at the same time prohibited for them (Tetlow, 2005). Another example would be that of the stories by Euripides where Agamemnon lamented that a man should keep ones wife inside the house because that is where she is useful and would not get into trouble. If a man cannot do this, he should not marry at all. Also, his daughter Elektra was highly criticized because she goes outside often to talk to men (Tetlow, 2005). These examples illustrate that in literature women are portrayed by ancient playwrights in the sense that it upholds the custom of seclusion among them. In Homer’s The Iliad, Andromache described herself as a perfect wife for Hector because she keeps her reputation and honor intact by avoiding any behavior that would make people criticize her. As a matter of fact, she does not go out of the house nor let anyone visit her in their house (Tetlow, 2005). Antigone as Defiance to the Position of Women in Ancient Greece Antigone is a play written by Aeschylus as a part of the Thebes tragedy. According to German philosopher Hegel, it is â€Å"one of the most sublime, and in every respect most consummate, work or art human effort ever produced†. The protagonist of the play is Antigone himself, daughter of Oedipus Rex. When Thebes was ruled by Creon, the two sons of Oedipus namely Eteocles and Polynices fought with each other during a civil war. They were leading the two opposite sides because of each desire to rule Thebes. However, both of them died in the war. Creon then decided that Eteocles should be buried in an honorable manner. On one hand, Polynices should not be buried and his body should be left in the battle field until it rots. It should be fed to scavengers. This is because he was considered a rebel to Thebes. Every dead person during that time who will not be given a decent burial is considered to be disgrace. Moreover, it is considered even by the gods as the most severe punishment existed (Sophocles, 2003). Antigone and Ismene are the sisters of both warriors. When Antigone found out that his other brother’s corpse are left in the battlefield, she decided to bury it herself. She does not want her brother to suffer the disgrace of not being to be accepted by Hades. She implored her other sister Ismene to help her bury their brother but Ismene was afraid to esuffer the consequences. So Antigone buried Polynices by herself. When Creon knew about this, she commanded that the culprit should be brought to him and be punished. When Antigone was apprehended, she did not deny the accusations. Instead she admitted it. She was even willing to accept the punishment of death. However, her sister beseeched Creon that if he is going to kill her sister, she should die with her, too. Antigone in her part pleaded to Creon that Ismene should be spared because she did not help her in the burial of their brother. Creon was unable to decide so he dismissed them for the mean time (Sophocles, 2003). Creon then decided to punish Antigone and spare Ismene. His verdict is to bury her in a cave alive. However, this did not happen without Antigone defending her rights and her actions. In this case, her loyalty to her brother and to her family was one of the most remarkable and noble rationale that she was able to produce. The Chorus expressed their sorrow for her execution but still this did not happen (Sophocles, 2003). A prophet in the name of Tiresias prophesied that Antigone is supported by the gods. The execution would bring about bad fate to Creon and his family. In particular, he would lose one child. The Greeks and the gods will loathe him to the point that no offerings could ever heal their anger and scorn. The Chorus pleaded Creon to honor the prophesy of Tiresias. He was eventually convinced and decided to spare Antigone of her death (Sophocles, 2003). After this decision, a series of messenger came to inform him that his son Haemon killed himself. In addition to this, Antigone also committed suicide. Furthermore, another messenger came along to inform him that Eurydice, his wife also killed himself. She is blaming and cursing him for the death of their son. Creon then started to blame himself for what has happened. He has become very unfortunate that he only had his servants to help him on things. He is still the King but he has lost everything that he values in his life. The lesson that the Chorus emphasized at the end of the play is that the gods will have to punish anyone that has done wrong against them and to their fellow individual. However, despite this, punishment will bring nothing but wisdom to strengthen the character of those who are punished (Sophocles, 2003). The most notable part of the play would be the character of Antigone. She rebels against the law of the state by performing funeral rites for her dead brother. When King Creon declared that he will not be given a decent burial because he has been a traitor to the kingdom, she still pursued the burial. Furthermore, she was even more than willing to face the direst consequences imposed. Even when her sister Ismene implored that they cannot stand against men, she still persisted. â€Å"Remember we are women,/ we’re not born to contend with men (Sophocles, 2003)†. Creon in his part declared that women should not triumph in any way: â€Å"We must defend the men who live by law,/ never let some woman triumph over us (Sophocles, 2003)†. In this manner, even though Antigone has practiced the traditional roles that are imposed in women during that time such mourning the dead and defending the interest of the family, she is asserting another facet of her personality. In this case, she is asserting herself in a masculine fashion that even threat Creon. As a matter of fact, Creon felt that his own manhood was being attacked and he has already conceded with the strength and esteem of Antigone. Because of this she was condemned to death. Even when her execution has not happened, she lead a life of a living dead where she was locked up and walled in an underground vault (Blundell, 1995). Moreover, another reassertion of her power would be her suicide. When she was walled and led to live a life of a prisoner, she did not in any way showed weakness to anyone. Aside from facing the consequences of her actions, she was consistently defending herself. This is something that is deviant to what should a woman be and how should a woman act during that period. As a matter of fact, she was successful in defending herself that made Creon difficult to decide on what to do with her. When she was already in control of Creon and the law, she did not let them take her life. She stood up and let them know that she is willing to spare her life for the sake of her loyalty to the brother she loved. She was actually the one who killed herself. This suggests that even when she is under the custody of the law and under the control of Creon, they were not successful in seizing her life away from her. As a matter of fact, aside from the imprisonment, there is no other instance where Creon took control of Antigone. Her suicide is the final bold assertion of her masculinity and her defiance over the norm that women should not in any way stand up against men in the society. This is also a contradiction on the perceived notion that heroism is the domain of men. It is noticed that almost all of the Greek heroes are men such as Achilles, Odysseus, Hercules, Agamemnon, and Virgil among others. However, Antigone’s heroism breaks this stereotype. She proved that like just anybody else, a female can actually be a hero and serve a purpose other than reproduction and nurturing. Her heroism is one of the most noble because it was driven by love for the family. Accordingly, her heroism is considered as the â€Å"noblest, and the most profoundly tender embodiment of a woman’s heroism which ancient literature can show (qtd. in Gibbons et al. , 2003)†. Moreover, she is also considered an exemplar hero who holds her integrity bravely and her spirit in isolation. She towers above all the characters in the play as she shares the harshness and intransigence of any Sophoclean character. Because of her nobility and integrity, she brought a terrible suffering to herself but she did not run away from it. She faced all the consequences of her actions boldly and bravely (Gibbons et al. , 2003). In the end, we see Antigone as a dutiful daughter and sister who died for her convictions. Scholars laud her because of her selflessness and grand emotional gesture. She surpassed all kinds of heroism because she do not only acted selflessly towards the sake of her family but also gave up her life for her convictions and her loyalty. Conclusion Women in ancient Greeks are portrayed in roles that are not only demeaning but also impairing to their growth and the realization of their potentials. However, there is always an exception in every case. That would be Antigone. This woman has proven not only to the ancient Greeks but also to the rest of the world that women can be heroes in themselves. The key point to achieving this would be selfless conviction and will power to give up everything—including one’s life for the sake of love and loyalty. References Blundell, S. and Williamson, M. (1998). The sacred and the feminine in ancient Greece. Oxford: Routledge. Blundell, S. (1995). Women in Ancient Greece. USA: Harvard UP. Gibbons, R. and Segal, C. (2003). Antigone. Oxford: Oxford UP. Kantz, (1995). â€Å"Ideology and the ‘status of women’†. Women in Antiquity: New Assessments. Oxford: Routledge. Sophocles. (2003). Antigone. Oxford: Oxford university Press. Tetlow, E. M. (2005). Women, Crime, and Punishment in Ancient Law and Society: Ancient Greece. London: Continuum.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

buy custom Fascinating Argumentative Essay Sample on Approving Religious Denomination

buy custom Fascinating Argumentative Essay Sample on Approving Religious Denomination Argumentative Essay Sample on Approving Religious Denomination Approving Religious Diversity to Sustain Intercultural Dialogue The USA is a country with a biggest number of different churches, denominations, sects, and cults. Almost all world religious denominations are represented here. Religious pluralism, which is inherent to the USA, is the outcome of the historical development of the country. The reason for that is the fact that the number of its population gradually increased for account of emigrants from Europe, Asia, and Africa, who profess different religions. As a rule, in the USA, dozens of new religious organizations, new denominations, and religious sects appear annually. Some of these organizations are not even registered. This religious diversity has gradually increased due to the emergence of new denominations or their split. Present social situation demands conducting intercultural dialogue on all levels; in order to make it effective, it is vitally important to get approval of religious diversity meaning the adherents of various religious groups.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Derivation Principle of Revenue Allocation in Nigeria The WritePass Journal

Derivation Principle of Revenue Allocation in Nigeria 1. CHAPTER ONE Derivation Principle of Revenue Allocation in Nigeria 1. CHAPTER ONEINTRODUCTION2. CHAPTER TWO2.1.   INTRODUCTION2.2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Brief History About the Principle of Derivation in Nigeria2.3. What is Expected3. CHAPTER THREE3.1.   Current Percentage Derivation3.2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Problems and Dissatisfaction with the Current System4. CHAPTER FOUR4.1.   Advantages and Challenges4.2.   Advantages4.2.1.  Ã‚   Economic Diversification4.2.2.  Ã‚   Human Capacity Development4.2.3.  Ã‚   Investment and Job Creation4.2.4.  Ã‚   Proper Development4.2.5.   Reduction of Hostility4.3.   Challenges4.3.1. Political and Capacity Problems4.3.2.  Ã‚   High Dependence on Oil Proceeds  Ã‚      4.3.3.  Ã‚   Legal Regimes4.3.4.    The Game with Fiscal Federalism in Nigeria5. CHAPTER FIVE5.1.   CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATIONSBIBLIOGRAPHYRelated 1. CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION Revenue allocation in Nigeria has been one of the most intractable and controversial issues. Particularly, the `principle of derivation’ has been highly contentious in the country’s fiscal federalism since oil discovery in 1958. The derivation principle seeks to allocate natural resource (say oil and gas) revenues accruable to the federation’s account[1] on the basis that is perceived to be equitable, given particular consideration to the resource-producing states and regions. Since the introduction of the principle by the then colonial administration, the formula underlying it has undergone numerous retrogressive alterations, following a pattern that has concentrated revenues with the central (federal) government. The percentage revenue due to producing states has declined from the initial 50% share to 1% in the 1990’s, and subsequently was increased again to a currently 13% share which does not reflect full offshore derived revenues. This has been considered unfair and unacceptable by the producing states especially Akwa-Ibom and Ondo states whose oil is virtually 100% offshore, which technically limits their benefits from the principle of derivation. This has resulted to the continuously seen agitations by these states for equitable share of her God given natural endowment for its effective development. The equitability proposed by the derivation principle in its original sense is of great importance because it is an instrument that can promote diversification of revenue generation streams for the country and support economic development as well as reduce the hostility in the Niger Delta and any other resource rich region in the future. States and regions with natural resource endowments other than oil and gas will now be compelled to develop these natural resource(s) and hence, benefit from the principle. Unfortunately, the principle has been highly compromised by various political and ethnocentric factors, leaving the producing states (minority) with very low percentage derivation. This paper seeks to explore this interesting subject as it analysis the derivation principle with respect to the actual expectations from it, and then present the advantages and challenges. . Chapter two defines and explains the derivation principle and the expectations that are associated with it; Chapter three presents the problems and dissatisfaction of the current derivation percentage; Chapter four presents the advantages and challenges (including the Peruvian example) of the actual principle, and Chapter five concludes. 2. CHAPTER TWO 2.1.   INTRODUCTION The principle of derivation is a component of fiscal federalism and ensures that a region or state retains a certain percentage from oil tax revenues derived from the exploitation and extraction of natural resources (like oil and gas) in its territory. This revenue is calculated based on the direct contributions from a natural resource state. As it was originally practiced, after deduction of the percentage derivation, the remainder is sent to the federation’s account for onward sharing among all states. Unfortunately, today the case is different. 2.2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Brief History About the Principle of Derivation in Nigeria The principle was first open to discussion in 1946 by the Phillipson commission who regarded it as a way of making regions with natural resources benefit from their God given endowment based on contribution to the central revenue pot (Adebayo, 1988). The principle of derivation became the major basis of revenue allocation between 1954 and 1957 due to the dominance of Nigerian’s export market by the three main ethnic groups[2] especially with cocoa from the West (Anugwom, 2001). From the period of oil discovery in 1958, the percentage derivation due for mineral producing states began to decline. This trend called for concern when recommendations made by the Binns commission of 1964 rejected the principle as part of the revenue allocation formula. When the military took over power in 1966, it set up an interim committee (Dina committee) that again recommended the derivation principle due to its relevance. The committee argued that the rent from the onshore oil exploration be fully given to the state from which the extraction was made, while 10% of the royalties be shared on derivation (Ekpo, 2004). However, the military government rejected the committee’s recommendations and then enacted Decree 13 of 1970, which adopted a revenue allocation formula on the basis of 50% on equality of states and 50% on population, retaining derivation only on onshore exploration. This favoured the non-oil producing states (majority) than the producing minority. By this t ime oil contributed about 70% of the total revenue accruing to the federation’s account. The principle has continued to undergo retrogressive changes as different administrations took over power. 2.3. What is Expected Considering the evolution of the principle of derivation and the rationale behind its applicability prior to the discovery of oil in Nigeria, it is expected in a fair sense, and in the absence of true federalism in Nigeria that the principle bequeathed to us by the founding fathers be maintained. Different bodies and groups have continued to call for the original 50% derivation used in the era when groundnut from the North and cocoa from the West dominated the country’s export market. For Example, The Kaiama declaration[3] of 1998 lamented the declining trend of the percentage derivation since the discovery of oil in the Niger Delta, and called for a reverse of the principle. This is what the oil rich Niger Delta region continues to ask for, since federalism in Nigeria has become a politically manipulated practice by the power dominant majority, creating a serious barrier to the resource control agitators. The expected percentage derivation should be able to reflect positively on the citizenry under normal circumstances (checks and balances). 3. CHAPTER THREE 3.1.   Current Percentage Derivation Fiscal federalism in Nigeria is a system that is practically shallow compared to the actuality of the system. When juxtaposed with practices in some federal states like Canada, Australia, USA etc, it can be rightly said that the Nigerian Practice is far from rigorous. In the above mentioned states, constituent tiers of government have exclusive (full) control over natural resources in their respective territories, but pay necessary taxes to their central (federal) governments. However, Nigeria has adopted a system many now refer to as fiscal centralism (where revenue allocation and fiscal policies are left to the central government) and not the fiscal federalism (decentralised and devolved revenue allocation and fiscal policies) it so claims to practice. Despite Nigeria’s developing state, it would have been possible to maintain the expected principle, especially now that the local work force has improved. However, political sentiments have been applied in administering the percentage derivation due to natural resource producing states. This practice has indeed fall short of its expectation due to this political manoeuvring of reaping revenues to the central government; where the ethnic majority and non-oil producing states have higher control of power, and in return providing the minority and oil rich states with a token of compensation for playing host to the central government’s joint ventures with oil companies. This has become possible b ecause the 1976 constitution vest all mineral rights exclusively to the control of the federal government. The application of the principle since the country’s independence has failed to encourage and attract the development of other abundant natural resources other than oil and natural gas, as percentage derivation due to mineral producing states continue to decline. Currently, it is set at 13%, which is still insignificant, unfair and unacceptable to the agitators of resource control (Niger Delta). Although, there is an increase compared to the immediate past 1% derivation. 3.2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Problems and Dissatisfaction with the Current System A vital problem with the present percentage derivation is the lack of sound technical basis or traceable mathematical derivation formula. Rather, it is a politically imposed type of compromise between ethnocentric parties. For Example, the current 13% derivation is a mean agreed value of a political negotiation in a constitutional conference held in 1995 between propositions by dominant 8% and opposing 18% parties (Ikpatt and Ibanga, 2003). Another problem with the current percentage derivation is a constitutional one, and can be traced back to the Supreme Court ruling in 2002, where the federal government filed a suit against the littoral states at the Court requesting a resolution of the seaward margin of a littoral state within the federal republic of Nigeria for the purpose of calculating the amount of revenue accruing to the federal account directly from any natural resource obtained from that state in pursuant to Section 162(2)[4] of the 1999 constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria. In its ruling, the apex court did sustain the plaintiff’s submission, declaring that for the purpose of calculating revenue accruing to the federal account directly from any natural resource obtained from a littoral state pursuant to section 162(2) of the 1999 constitution, the seaward margin will be the low-water mark of the land surface thereof or in specific cases (like in Cross River State) with archipelago of Island s, the seaward margin will be that of the inland waters within the state. This judgement created a total dissatisfaction to the littoral states of the Niger Delta region especially Akwa-Ibom and Ondo states whose oil resources are virtually 100% offshore (probably beyond the low-water margin and inland waters within the state), thereby tactically sidelining them from offshore derivation benefits accruable to the federation’s account. However, a Bill abolishing the offshore/onshore dichotomy ruling of the Supreme Court was signed into law by then President Obasanjo in 2004 after approval from the National Assembly. As this controversial magnanimity created applauses to the president from many Niger Delta political elites, some activists and professionals raised possible concerns about the new law (still in place). For Example, Ledum Mitee, president of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni people (MOSOP), considers the law as a scratch on the surface of the numerous problems facing the oil-rich region, as core issues like environmental degradation, marginalization and the right of self determination and natural resource control has failed to be addressed by the new law. Furthermore, the Executive Director of the Environmental Rights Action (ERA), Mr Douglas Oronto called for clarification on the meaning of the 200 meters depth Isobaths provided by the law as the new seaward margin for a littoral state. In the sam e vein, a onetime president of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr O. C. J. okocha (SAN) questioned the ambiguity of the new margin and in his view; it may likely make no difference from the earlier judgment of the Supreme Court in 2002 as it concerns offshore derivation to littoral states.   Finally, Professor Ben Nwabueze, one of the country’s leading authority in constitutional law faulted the new law, saying what was (and is still) needed was (and is) a constitutional amendment, not an Act of parliament (Ojameruave, 2004). Another salient dissatisfaction is the too much concentration of revenues at the central level with no positive impacts on the citizenry. Since the country gained independence in 1960, revenue allocation has continued to skew in favour of the federal tier of government, which has benefited as high as about 60% and as low as 40% of oil dominated revenue shared among the three tiers of government. This high concentration has promoted wasteful spending and encouraged corruption by the politically privileged elites at the central level. In Nigeria, the federal government has hijacked responsibilities traditionally should have been under the state control, all with the aim of concentrating greater revenues at its control. Examples include responsibilities like the police, public transport, etc. Unlike Nigeria, in the Australian federation, responsibilities are well shared with the federal level responsible for taxation, defence, foreign affairs, postal and communication and the powers to make laws over states/territories. It remains a fact that the federal government of Nigeria lacks basic plans for transforming resources into meaningful developments. This explains the reasons for its political system being classified as a â€Å"do or die affair† (Awolaja, 2011). The gap between the federal government and the citizens is a major barrier on citizen’s demands for concrete development. In addition the weak and corrupt representation both in national and state levels exacerbate the condition. Increasing state derivation may help reduce dependence on the federal government’s monthly allocation; an exercise now considered a ritual that must be done. This change could likely increase the chances of accountability as government will be closer to the people, who in turn will stop at nothing to ensure their resources are rightfully channelled for equitable and meaningful development.    4. CHAPTER FOUR 4.1.   Advantages and Challenges    4.2.   Advantages There exist numerous benefits both to the federal and state tiers of government as well as local governments when the principle of derivation is implemented in its original sense. In the previous chapters, I have been able to highlight on some of the advantages. However, the expected principle may lead to: 4.2.1.  Ã‚   Economic Diversification It is an obvious fact that the principle of derivation will encourage diversification of the country’s economic activities and increase revenue generation as well as reduce the prevailing revenue sharing ritual that has eating deep into the fabrics of the Nigerian system. This will only be possible when percentage derivation to mineral producing states become attractive. This could also compel non-oil producing states that are now highly dependent on the Niger Delta wealth for sustenance to develop the natural resources within its territory. 4.2.2.  Ã‚   Human Capacity Development The cornerstone of a country’s economic success depends on how developed is the human wherewithal and competence. An economic diversification powered by the expected principle of derivation can fuel the development of human capacity of a nation, as the training and exposure of skilled professionals in the various industries which are technology driven and highly challenging, will become a necessity. 4.2.3.  Ã‚   Investment and Job Creation Also, rapid diversification will undoubtedly lead to investment opportunities and the creation of jobs for the increasingly high rate of unemployed Nigerian youths and possibly reduce crime level in the society. 4.2.4.  Ã‚   Proper Development The present percentage derivation has failed to reflect the needs of the local people and its governance. State and local governments should be able to handle development according to their felt needs and priorities, and not being constrained by lack of finances. Applying the derivation principle in its original sense may increase the chances of implementing programmes according to the needs and priorities of the people. For example, the Niger Delta region has continued to call for the remediation of its polluted environment whose damage came as a result of oil exploration; rather, the federal government has invested in what is not considered top priority. 4.2.5.   Reduction of Hostility Despite the fact that the oil producing Niger Delta region has long been agitating for resource control, a fair percentage derivation will reduce the agitation turned hostility especially on oil installations in the region and any other region in the future. 4.3.   Challenges Despite these numerous advantages, there exist various challenges to the actualization of a favourable percentage derivation. Some are: 4.3.1. Political and Capacity Problems The highly competitive but fragmented political system in Nigerian (like in Peru) coupled with the lack of checks and balances pose a major challenge to the implementation of the expected derivation principle. In terms of capacity, we believe Nigeria has come of age, but the influence of the former tends to weaken the latter. Today, we have seen some sub-national governments performing well above average in Nigeria. This is possible because these governments decided to invest in human capacity development in order to strengthen their local labour force. Unlike Nigeria, the Peruvian fiscal decentralization policy based on the system of automatic transfers to mineral producing areas failed because it never took into consideration the strength of its human capacity at the local level before implementing the policy.   Despite its longer period in the mining business, conflicts with neighbouring countries on territorial issues and political interests at the local level, and short-term p olicies contributed to the failure of this fiscal policy. 4.3.2.  Ã‚   High Dependence on Oil Proceeds  Ã‚      It is a well known fact that oil contributes over 90% of Nigeria’s foreign earnings, and also its national budgets are predicated on the basis of yearly crude oil production and price. These dependences continues to sustain its importance and attract high political actors and interests, and also explains why oil is considered now in the country as a natural resource for all unlike the periods when groundnuts and cocoa dominated the export market. In other words, upholding the expected percentage derivation may be perceived as unleashing financial threats on the federal government and the non-oil producing states. 4.3.3.  Ã‚   Legal Regimes The challenge posed by the country’s legal regime which is under the federal government’s control is indeed worrisome. For instance, the 1976 constitution vests mineral rights exclusively to the federal government’s control, the land use Act of 1978 and 1993, and the petroleum Act of 1969 are also legal regimes in favour of the federal government as it concerns natural resources. Repealing these repugnant laws has been faced with political manipulations from the federal government. This has always given the federal government the greater powers when it comes to the percentage derivation issue. Correcting these anomalies is highly necessary. This could explain why violence and hostility seems to be a favourable option. 4.3.4.    The Game with Fiscal Federalism in Nigeria If true federalism that reflects on fiscal policies is allowed to thrive in the Nigerian polity, the problem of unfair or too much derivation as conceived by both the dominant and opposing parties will be a thing of history. This is a major challenge facing the country at this stage of its development, and correcting this will mean reducing developmental barriers and increasing the chances of attaining sustainable economic stability. 5. CHAPTER FIVE 5.1.   CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATIONS    The research has been able to establish the derivation principle currently in operation, and that which existed during the periods when groundnut from the North and cocoa from the West were the main sources of foreign earnings for Nigeria. It was found that the principle has been under the influence of political and ethnocentric factors, creating the much seen problems and dissatisfactions in the system. Also, analysis of various revenue allocation commissions’ recommendations prior to oil discovery in the Niger Delta indicated 50% as percentage derivation to natural resource producing regions and states. Unfortunately, this declined to a languishing 1% in the early 90’s, and currently stands at 13%. The major problem with the current system is the lack of technical base or any form of mathematical calculation. The paper has also been able to present some of the advantages and challenges of the expected percentage using Peru as an example. Finally, I consider the expected derivation principle (as opposed to resource control) as not presenting the best option for Nigeria’s economic success, but however, provides an opportunity or a pathway to getting there, especially as it can support developments in non-oil producing states and not turning them into a dependent variable as can be seen today. In order to reduce this dependence, the government should apply for a start (say 3 to 5 year term) a derivation of not less than 25% of direct revenues gotten from the exploration and the exploitation of natural resources of a producing state, with no first line charge of any kind from the federal government. At the expiration of the proposed term, a review can be made to ascertain the level of success achieved before further steps are taking. However, the country’s main focus should be on establishing a true federalism that reflects fiscal autonomy and independence of the constituent tiers of government, while the federal government concentrates more on its tax functions. This I believe will open the doors for rapid economic development in Nigeria.    BIBLIOGRAPHY PRIMARY SOURCES 1976 and 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria SECONDARY SOURCES BOOKS Adebayo, A. G; (1988) â€Å"Revenue allocation: A Historical Analysis of the Nigerian Experience† In: Olaniyan, R. O; (ed) Federalism in a Changing World (Nigeria). (Lagos, Nigeria: The Presidency)    INTERNET SOURCES Aluko, M. E; (2002) â€Å"Revenue Allocation and the Nigerian State: Of Derivation, Dichotomy and Debt Issues† at dawodu.com/aluko16.htm (last Visited on 28th June, 2011) Anugwom, E. E; (2001) â€Å"Federalism, Fiscal Centralism and the Realities of Democratisation in Nigeria: The Case of the Niger Delta† at unesco.org/most/crossroadsedl.htm (last visited on 28th June, 2011) Arellano-Yanguas, J; (2008) â€Å"A Thorough Modern Resource Curse? The New Natural Resource Policy Agenda and the Mining Revival in Peru at ids.ac.uk/files/Wp300.pdf (last visited on 25th July, 2011) Arowolo, D; (2011) â€Å"Fiscal Federalism in [emailprotected] Theory and Dimension† at http://onlineresearchjournals.com/aajoss/art/64.pdf (last visited on 28th June, 2011) Awolaja, A; (2011) â€Å"Nigeria and Challenges of Fiscal Federalism, In: Nigerian Tribune of 19th May, 2011† at http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/politics/22172-nigeria-and-challenges-of-fiscal-federalism (last visited on 28th June, 2011) Centre for the Future State; â€Å"How do Natural Resource Revenues Affect the Quality of Public Spending in Developing Countries? at dfid.gov.uk/r4d/PDF/Outputs/FutureState/CFS_resource_revenues_and_fiscal_governance.pdf (last visited on 24th July, 2011) Ejobowah, J. B; (2000) â€Å"Who Owns the Oil? The Politics of Ethnicity in the Niger Delta of Nigeria† at jstor.org/pss/4187306 (last visited 27th June, 2011) Ekpo, A. H; (2004) â€Å"Intergovernmental Fiscal Relations: The Nigerian Experience† at ffc.co.za/conf/papers/nigeria-igfr.pdf (last visited on 29th June, 2011) Ikpatt, C; and Ibanga, N. H; (2003) â€Å"Nigeria’s Mineral Resources: A Case for Resource Control†Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   at nigerdeltacongress.com/narticles/nigeria_mineral_resources_a_case.htm (last visited on 1st July, 2011)    Ojameruaye, E; (2004) â€Å"The Offshore/Onshore Oil Dichotomy Abolition Act- Matters Arising† at nigerdeltacongress.com/oarticles/offshoreonshore_oil_dichotomy_ab.htm (last visited on 27th June, 2011) Ojo, E. O; (2010) ‘The Politics of Revenue Allocation and Resource Control in Nigeria: Implications for Federal Stability’ at http://scholar.googleusercontent.com/scholar?q=cache:fVOo0BDFwDMJ:scholar.google.com/+The+Politics+of+Revenue+Allocation+and+Resource+Control+in+Nigeria:+Implications+for+Federal+Stability%E2%80%99hl=enas_sdt=0,5as_vis=1 (last visited on 29th June, 2011) Tuodolo, F; and Kaiser-Wilhelm, T. O; (1998) â€Å"The Kaiama Declaration† at unitedijawstates.com/kaiama.html (last visited on 14th July, 2011) Uche, C. U; and Uche, O. 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Monday, November 4, 2019

Human Resource Management in its Environment Essay - 2

Human Resource Management in its Environment - Essay Example These are based on opposing views of human nature and managerial control strategies. Employers have been accepting a range of ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ people-centered practices associated with human resource management (Cunningham & Hyman, 1999). HRM can thus be interpreted as a ‘soft’, developmental humanist approach or a ‘hard’, situational contingent approach (Kane, Crawford & Grant, 1999). Storey distinguishes between hard and soft forms of HRM, typified by the Michigan and Harvard models respectively (HRM Guide, 1997). The Harvard model of HRM or hard HRM by Beer et al focuses on the resource side of human resources and the control lies in the hands of the management. It is quantitative and costs are calculated in the form of headcount. In this approach, contend Truss et al, the human resource practices and policies are closely related to the strategic objectives of the organization (external fit) but are also coherent among themselves (internal fit). The soft model proposed by the Michigan School is a strategic approach and endorses management’s views (Gill, 1999). The soft HRM thus deals with the ‘human’ aspect of HRM and is concerned with communication and motivation. It deals with the utilization of individual talents and McGregor’s Theory Y perspective on individuals, which means developmental humanism (Truss et al). This is based on the assumption that people should be led rather than managed. This implies that people should be so motivated that commitment springs from within. The behavior becomes self-regulated rather than be controlled or imposed. Hence people do not work under external pressures and there is an environment of mutual trust within the organization. Soft HRM is also associated with goals of flexibility and adaptability where communication plays a great role. The soft version assumes that employees will work best when they are committed to the organization. They would not

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Management Techniques Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Management Techniques - Research Paper Example Without increasing employee productivity, it is impossible for a company to achieve required goals and objectives in the given time frame. According to Kimball and Nink (2006), employee productivity and engagement are imperative for the success of companies. That is the reason why managers of almost all companies give extreme importance to increase employee productivity and efficiency. Managers use effective management techniques not only to improve their productivity at the workplace but also to motivate them to do their best for the benefit of the company. Let us now discuss some of the common management techniques that managers of most of the companies use to improve overall functioning of their companies in competitive environments. Some of the most common management techniques being used by the managers all over the world include building effective workforce, growth management, incentives and bonuses, and increasing the use of technology. Let us now discuss all of these management techniques to get a better understanding of how managers use these techniques for the growth of their companies. One of the main management techniques used by most of the managers is to build an effective workforce that can help the company achieve its goals and objectives successfully. According to Mabey and Ramirez (2005), managing development greatly contributes to improved firm performance. Managers usually undergo a complete human resource recruitment process for selecting talented individuals whose job competency matches with the requirements of the jobs being offered. They create job descriptions for all of the jobs that they plan to advertise and post them in famous newspapers and magazines. Upon receiving the applications, they analyze each of those and select only those applicants who possess the required set of skills, abilities, and qualification. Once the mangers are done