Historical Development of Nursing Timeline Essay

The science of nursing has come a long way since the days of when the art of nursing was passed on to other nurses through education of skills and tasks. Through the development of nursing theories, the science of nursing has changed and grown. Nursing theories were developed to help standardize care and to help create a base of knowledge so that nursing would be recognized as a profession. There have been many theorists who have played an integral part in the growth of the profession of nursing, which include, Florence Nightingale, Hildegard Peplau, Virginia Henderson, Dorothea Orem, and Jean Watson to name a few. As theories developed, it helped to shape nursing as a profession as well. As the profession continued to evolve and grow, it received many influences from other disciplines as well, such as philosophy, social science, religion, education, and anthropology. The history of nursing began with Florence Nightingale and the way she viewed nursing and nurses. She was a pioneer f or nursing theories. According to George (2011), Nightingale created the first theory, which was created in 1859 by her book Notes on Nursing, by understanding how the environment of the patient and their health were affected by that environment. She believed that the environment was important for people to heal, and that manipulation of that environment was important. George (2011), states that Nightingale focused on people’s nutrition, the proper way to dispose of sewage, and how the lighting and ventilation would help people. This was just the beginning of how theories began. For many decades, Nightingale’s theory guided nursing practice. Not until the 1950s at the Columbia University, where the students there were developing nursing theories, was there a shift in nursing theories. Some of the theorists during this time were Peplau, Henderson, Hall, and Abdellah. According to George (2011), many of the  theories of this time were based on the biomedical model, and were focused on what the nurse and what they do. This sparked the need to have nurses more highly educated. This also led to the next wave of nursing education. Alligood (2014) states that towards the 1950s the diploma nurse began to phase out and that more nursing programs were opening in colleges and universities, which had more research and curriculum focus. By having higher educated nurses, it showed that research became the way to increase nursing knowledge. The 1960s continued to demonstrate how nursing theories were changing. According to George (2011), the nurse and patient relationship became more the focus of theoretical thinking as opposed to the problem and need of the patient way of thinking. George (2011) also states that the same theorists from the 1950s that were developing theories went to Yale school to become staff there. This decade also showed a change in the education of nursing. George (2011) continues on to state that the American Nurses Association recommended that there be two levels of education, the baccalaureate level, and the associate level nurses. During this decade the theorists to note were, Henderson, Orlando, and Wiedenbach. According to George (2011), Henderson â€Å"defined nursing as doing for others what they lack the strength, will, or knowledge to do for themselves† (p. 25). This shows how nursing began, and continues today. Walker and Avant (2011) state that Orlando and Widenbach’s theories focused on the nurse-patient relationship. In the next decade, according to George (2011), is when many nursing theories were presented and revised, and that this is when the National League for Nursing first implemented the requirement for nursing schools to have conceptual framework to be even accredited. Alligood (2014) states that this decade is when doctoral degrees for nurses should actually be in nursing. Rogers, Orem, and Watson are some of the theorists that contributed to the science of nursing in this decade. According to George (2011), Rogers believed that a person and the environment are integral to each other, and the person is seen as the whole instead of the collection of the parts. George (2011) states that Orem had identified three areas of self-deficit in patients and that nursing were able to provide fully, partially, or supportive in the three areas that the patient needed. Lastly George (2011) describes Watson’s theory and how nursing is viewed as taking care of people through science. The 1980s and 1990s continued to show growth and development of nursing theories. Many of the theories of the 1980s were being revised. According to George (2011) in the 1990s is when middle theories began to guide nursing and the introduction of evidence-based practice. This paved the way to how research helps to guide nursing in the science. Nursing has grown since Nightingale first introduced her theory. It has evolved from an art and discipline, into a science and a profession. Barrett (2002) states that the best efforts toward discovering the truth, best represents science and scientific knowledge, and that it is evolving, subject to revision, is open-ended, and creates changes in ideas. Barrett (2002) goes on to state, â€Å"research is how we create science.† This goes to show that nursing is a profession, in that nursing is in a constant state of research and using that research to create better outcomes. According to Barrett (2002), the knowledge that is gained for nursing science is done through nursing research. Alligood (2014) states that in order for new knowledge to be obtained in nursing, it is paramount that theories and research continue to be important. It is through the continuous creation and revision of theories, and evidence through research that continue to shape nursing as a profession. The nursing profession is one that draws many influences from other disciplines as well, such as philosophy, religion, education, anthropology, the social sciences and psychology. Nurses use philosophy almost on a daily basis, the quest for more wisdom. The nurse’s desire to want to understand patients and how their environment, social interactions, and choices affect their health. Wanting to understand more and grow nursing, theorist use the basis of philosophy to gain more knowledge. Religion is another influence in nursing that allows nurses to connect with patients on a spiritual level and to help guide ethical choices and to be a patient advocate. Nursing places nurses in the lifelong student position as well. It is a profession where education is continuous, and it allows nurses to become educators as well. Anthropology and nursing are intertwined and have much in common due to both fields focus on the health and illness of human beings (DeSantis, 1994). Nursing is influenced by social science and psychology as well. It is through social science that  nurses can deliver culturally competent care, from the understanding of people and society. Psychology helps guide nurses in to better understanding the human psyche, and how the mind and behavior affect people and their health. The nursing profession has grown since Nightingale first introduced her theory. Since then, nursing theorist have been working on providing evidence-based practice to help guide the profession of nursing through research and studies. It is through the creation of these theories that helped pave the way for nursing science to become a profession. In addition, the influence of the many different sciences and their disciplines also contributed to the science of nursing. References Alligood, M. R. (2014). Nursing theory: Utilization & application. Maryland Heights, MO: Mosby-Elsevier. Barrett, E. A. (2002). What is nursing science? Nursing Science Quarterly, 15(1), 51-60. DeSantis, L. (1994). Making anthropology clinically relevant to nursing care. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 20(0), 707-715. George, J. B. (2011). Nursing theories the base for professional nursing practice (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Karnick, P. M. (2014). The elusive profession called nursing. Nursing Science Quarterly, 27(4), 292-293. doi:10.1177/0894318414546422 Walker, L. O., & Avant, K. C. (2011). Strategies for theory construction in nursing (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Cirque Du Solleil- Strategic Management Essay

Executive Summary Cirque du Soleil is an entertainment firm from Montrà ©al, Canada and was founded in 1984. The company started as a small business and gradually grew into a successful organisation with an established presence in the entertainment industry. This report deals with the ways in which the organisation became successful. Therefore, it is necessary to analyse different factors. The first part enumerates the stakeholders which contribute profits for Cirque du Soleil. Conversely, this section will cover the considerations the organisation must take into account for the welfare of its stakeholders. The second part illustrates the organisation’s uniqueness and how they differ from their competitors, which is a result of several innovations and business strategy. In the last part, the mission statement will be illustrated and discussed. Analysis of the mission statement will show the principles, philosophy, and beliefs that take high priority for their business. Furthermore, suggestions for the future will be listed. 1.Stakeholders & the success of Cirque du Soleil A stakeholder is a person or a group who has an input in an organisation. It can affect the achievement of company’s objectives, activities and the behaviour of its member. (Mullins, 2005:163) 1.1.Cirque du Soleil’s stakeholders Cirque du Soleil, like all other organisations, has many stakeholders which include managers, employees, customers, government, etc. Every stakeholder has its particular interests to support an organisation. 1.1.1.Managers Managers have particular interests in an organisation e.g. in job security, size and growth of the organisation or prestige. (Mullins, 2005: 164) Additionally, the managers achieve a self fulfilment because they have career prospects due to the variety of jobs e.g. in environment issues. (Cirque du Soleil, 2012) Hence, the managers are able to learn different stages of work and also have job possibilities in non-circus work. 1.1.2.Employees Like managers, employees have interests in job security and in learning because the shows are always differentiated. Therefore, employees can also experience a self fulfilment. It is believed that employee’s salary is above the average circus industry salary because the shows are upscale and successful. Thus, employees can build up a reputation and also expand career options e.g. by retraining for a second career or by changing the industry like transitioning to musical theatre for example. (Cirque du Soleil, 2012) 1.1.3.Customers The customers of Cirque du Soleil are the audiences and they are of prime importance for the organisation. The benefit that Cirque du Soleil gives to the audience is an escape from the stress of their daily lives. In other words, they can get away from it all for a short while. The audience gets a unique experience from the spectacular performance. Due to the multiple shows, customers may come frequently which brings travel possibilities because the organization is touring around the world. An adult experience can be fulfilled due to the fact that the show is more elegant and rich than loud like in a traditional circus. (Pawar, 2007: 8-10) 1.1.4.Government The government’s purpose in helping the organisation might be to enhance their image. Especially for tourism, the organisation enlarge government’s cultural offering. Therefore, a new target group can be achieved e.g. those who are not interested in historical sights. As a result, this benefit supports the local industry due to taxes. Hence, the city can pursue other projects like the construction of parks as public service. Cirque du Soleil has an agreement with the Government of Canada to serve 25 years with entertainment to support the cultural program in Canada. (Canadian Heritage, 2010) 1.1.5.Suppliers & Distributors Suppliers and distributors are committed in long term relationships with Cirque du Soleil and bring prestige to the stakeholders due to frequent orders and demand. It may also be possible that the stakeholder gets new customer groups due to references. 1.1.6.Investors & Sponsors For these groups, cooperating with Cirque du Soleil brings a prestige to the  locals. In the case of Arab investors, the cooperation brings business in tourism, regional development and support for the local industry. Dubai firms bought 20% of Cirque du Soleil which brought profit. Last year 10000 visitors watched Cirque du Soleil’s performances and the company owns a stake in casinos where Cirque’s shows are shown. (The star, 2008) Sponsors want to enhance their image and in addition, get new target groups. Besides, return on investment is a benefit for sponsors. Nevertheless, sponsors are a low key stakeholder because they also use the event for fundraising opportunities. (De Wit, 2004: 931) 1.1.7.Community The province of Quebec and its community share almost the same interests as the government. Quebec wants to enhance their image and enlarge their cultural offering and in doing so, hope to achieve new target markets. The global community looks for funding and developing e.g. for projects like charity. Cirque du Mond is a special project for youth who have HIV or victims of sexual violence. Cirque offer them workshops to express themselves. (Cirque du Soleil, 2012) 1.2.Stakeholders & financial performance The aforementioned stakeholders bring their expectations to the organisation and the organisation tries to fulfil their expectations which may simultaneously lead to the organisation accomplishing its own goals. If the requirements and expectations are reached, high performance can be achieved. (Manowong, 2010: 131) 1.2.1.Superior financial performance through serving stakeholders’ interests In the interests of the stakeholder, managers will be rewarded for their performance. When expectations are met, managers build commitment and loyalty and thus, cause a positive contribution from each member of the organisation. This in turn, lowers the cost for recruitment and training. Satisfied employees provide inputs for creativity for new shows. If they perform excellently they can bring more possibilities in creating new and spectacular acts. Hence, better shows can be offered. As a result more tickets can be sold for high prices which lead to high turnover and profits. Furthermore, new target groups can be tapped into by attracting those who  are watching the shows for the first time out of curiosity. By giving the audience unique experiences of its shows, Cirque may receive frequent and repeated business. As a result, and similar to the effect that employees have on the organisation, the audience brings the organisation turnover and profit due to high ticket sales. (Kim, 2005: 15) The government supports the organisation. One example can be given from 1985 where Cirque du Soleil was in debt. The Quebec government granted funds to the organisation to sustain their business which brought the organisation slowly back into a stable condition. (Pawar, 2007: 4) Due to long-term relationships to suppliers, the stakeholders build trust after a long collaboration. As a result, the stakeholder supports the organisation with lower and better prices. Concerning investors, they support Cirque du Soleil with projects for example. Therefore, Cirque du Soleil has lower financing costs and has a better financial reputation and position. Cirque du Soleil attracts investors and thus, they have a financial backup. (TheStar, 2008) Through the community, Cirque du Soleil achieves a reputation e.g. by giving tickets to charitable organisations. Having a positive impact on the greater community and society in general can help Cirque boost their ticket sales. (Pawar, 2007: 9) Corporate social responsibility became important where companies take responsibility towards community and environment and operate in social and ecological aspects. As a result, the organisation may increase customer retention, enhance relationships (customer, supplier) and differentiate from competitors. (Sims, 2003: 43-44) 1.3.Serving stakeholders’ interests through superior financial performance Good financial performance of Cirque enables the organisation to better serve the stakeholders in more ways than simply revenues and profit. As a consequence of superior financial performance, a further aspect is important to how Cirque du Soleil satisfies their stakeholders. Due to the high  turnover and profit in business, better shows are offered where the expenditure is spent on modern technology or venues. Suppliers are charged with new tasks and build trust. Besides, the bigger the company size, the bigger the orders because the company may have the ability to manage the delivery. Hence, the studios get seller’s attention. (Hollensen, 2005: 296-297) Additionally, better training can be provided for employees in circus school and career transition program support artists when they step out of the organisation. Furthermore, Cirque du Soleil offers their employees health benefits like medical plan and travel benefits due to shows in different countries. (Cirque du Soleil, 2012) Communities can be provided with new projects beside environment issues like environmental pollution. According to Cirque du Mond Cirque du Soleil can provide new projects. So besides Africa and Australia they could also operate in Asia. (Cirque du Soleil) 2.Operational innovations at Ciruqe du Soleil Operational innovation is about creating new ways in business e.g. in new projects or providing customer service to achieve success. Consequently, success is not only based on the working performance of a company. (Hammer, 2004) 2.1.Operational innovations & the unique Cirque experience Cirque du Soleil distinguishes themselves from traditional circuses by eliminating and adding factors. (Kim, 2005: 36) Eliminate Star performance Animal shows Aisle concession sales Multiple show arenas 3 ringsRaise Unique venue + Touring location Reduce Fun and humour Thrill and dangerCreate Theme + Multiple shows Refines environment Multiple productions Artistic music and dance Music first than shows Production e.g. film, TV, retail, corporate shows Unique combination of performing act Table 1 Eliminate- Reduce- Raise- Create Grid (Source by Kim, 2005: supplemented by author) Furthermore, it is said that less successful companies followed usual strategic logic and successful companies used value innovation. Value innovation differs from the basic strategy and does not focus on rivals. It focuses more on the values customers have in common and new processes. (Kim, 1998: 25-26) Moreover, by eliminating certain elements, costs can be reduced e.g. by reducing advertising because value innovation causes word-of-mouth. Thus, a part of differentiation is also value at a lower cost. (Kim, 1998: 28-30) As illustrated below (see Figure 1), the key factors for the value curve are focus, divergence and a compelling tagline to achieve and exceed the value for both buyers and the organisation which Cirque du Soleil manages to do. Evidently, it is shown in Strategy Canvas that Cirque du Soleil differs from other competitors. The Circus Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Value Curves are similar to a traditional circus and Cirque du Soleil is the total opposite of it thr ough alternatives with new factors. (Kim, 2005: 37-41) Proceeding on the assumption, the operational innovation leads to value innovation and as a result, those unique strategies such as new concepts and process create unique experiences. (Waltz, 2003: 86) For example they attract audiences with lighting effects, original music and new and appealing costumes. (Pawar, 2007: 4) In general, a mature industry has a greater chance of success and rewards than industries which appear profitable because mature industries have a  greater creativity in business and higher level of innovation. Customers are especially attracted by the creativity of industries which can cause unique experiences. These industries are also difficult to compete because of the market niche they create. (Baden- Fuller, 1992: 18) These criteria fit Cirque du Soleil’s business model and is carried out by its Blue Ocean strategy in which the organisation builds a new and uncontested market which made the competition irrelevant due to creative innovations. (Kim, 2005: 4&18) 2.2.The influence of operational innovations on the financial dynamics of Cirque du Soleil Financial dynamics reflect results of an organisation’s decisions which are important for the cash flow. Increasing the productivity means not reducing costs. Nevertheless, it creates options which may lead to turnovers. The effect of increasing output or input may enhance profit for the business. (Yu- Lee, 2002: 136&138) In general the circus industry comprises high costs and most of the circuses incur increasing costs without rising revenues. (Kim, 2005: 13) Based on the innovation in 2.1 the author identifies the reducing cost and the turnover due to the organisation’s elimination and addition of elements which lead to profit. 2.2.1.Turnover Cirque du Soleil has various factors which attract customers and leads to turnover. For example, they have unique venues with comfortable seats instead of hard benches like in traditional circus. (Kim, 2005: 15) Cirque du Soleil started to perform in different continents like Asia and Europe and people all over the world have the chance to take part in the events. Moreover, the organisation creates themes which have impressive storylines and multiple shows with new acts. Additionally, artistic dance and music make it more unique. A special feature of the shows is how they create music first and then adapt the acts to the music. All in all, the unique entertainment created a new form of entertainment and combined circus art with theatre and ballet. (Pawar, 2007: 3-6) This generates turnover because creativity causes a great ambience and introduces an intellectual element into the shows which impress audiences and increase demand. (Kim, 2005: 15) In general, Cirque’s shows are sold out or well frequented with occupancy of  85-95%. (Williamson, 2004: 931) By other ventures like audio, videos, t-shirts and masks Cirque can increase their revenue. (Pawar, 2007: 3) In addition, less than 10% of revenues come from concessions at shows. Nothing is sold inside the tent and also not during performances. Therefore, Cirque du Soleil offers VIP packages which include food in a separate tent. Hence, the customer can get better beverages for a higher price. (Williamson, 2004: 931) 2.2.2.Reducing Cost Reducing costs are achieved by significantly eliminating elements. By eliminating circus animals reduce one of the most expensive expenditures. This consists of training, insurance, medical care and transportation, and transportation expenses are especially costly because Cirque du Soleil tours around the world. Moreover, star performances in traditional circuses are expensive and Cirque does not include these performers in its programs. Instead of three-ring venues Cirque reduces it into one which reduces e.g. the effort of decoration costs. (Kim, 2005: 14) Besides touring shows they have permanent shows which take place in Las Vegas, Orlando and Walt Disney World. (Pawar, 2007: 3) 2.2.3.Profit In terms of profit, operational innovations develop improvement for better market performance. It enables Strategic, Marketplace and Operational benefits. (Hammer, 2004) The results of Cirque du Soleil’s innovations can be gathered from â€Å"A Powerful Weapon† (see appendix: table 2). Applicable to Cirque du Soleil, they achieved strategic benefits which lead to higher customer retention, ability to execute strategies and to enter new markets due to their new entertainment business. Their marketplace benefits are based on greater customer satisfaction, differentiated offerings and stronger relationships due to offering unique experiences. Operational benefits are acquired with lower direct costs and more added values. 3.Cirque du Soleil’s corporate mission The corporate mission is an element of the organisation’s business plan. It is a function for the strategic planning which gives a specific direction to the business process. Therefore, the organisation has a purpose and business principles to form the firm’s identity. (Bierce, 2004: 592) 3.1.Components  of the corporate mission The corporate mission consists of three elements. First of all, in organisational beliefs the members have the same strategic beliefs and share a common understanding which makes decision making easier in business processes. It results in a more confident and driven group. (Bierce, 2004: 592) Secondly, the organisational values guide the actions in a business and are an integral part of the company but each person has her own value in what they believe to be good. Therefore, by sharing common values e.g. in ethical behaviour or worthwhile activities, reaching aims can be supported. Lastly, an organisation has a specific business definition which creates a direction for the organisation to follow and thereby attain success. Through this guideline, members focus on opportunities and efforts to expand their business. (Bierce, 2004: 593) 3.1.1.Business definition According to the mission, Cirque du Soleil places high importance on artistic performances and creative productions. (Cirque du Soleil, 2012) Based on the research of the author, their mission is not a precise business definition of Cirque du Soleil because there is no clear direction how they want to develop. For example, they do not define themselves as a traditional circus. Not having a business definition points to a weakness in the organisation. On the other hand, not having a definition is a strength because there is no other organisation which is similar with Cirque du Soleil’s business (exemplified in 2.1.). 3.1.2.Organisational purpose Cirque du Soleil’s purpose â€Å"[..] is to invoke the imagination, to provoke the senses and to evoke the emotions of people around the world.† (Cirque du Soleil, 2012) The organisation is trying to do everything to impress their customers but to fulfil their needs they do not use market research for their shows. By following trends the organisation will lose their unique presence. Instead, the organisation’s culture is to create new shows to update previous shows. (Pawar, 2007:8-9) 3.1.3.Organisational beliefs Cirque du Soleil is breaking the market boundaries of circus and theatre (Kim, 2005: 14) which points to a new form of live entertainment with a  combination of circus art, ballet and theatre. (Pawar, 2007: 3) Coherent with this finding, the non-existent business definition is contradictory because it is said that Cirque du Soleil tried from the beginning to differentiate itself from the traditional circus in business perspectives. (Pawar, 2007: 6-7) Moreover, to achieve this belief by breaking market boundaries, innovations enabled steps to be taken in a specific direction. 3.1.4.Organisational values The value of this organisation is to keep their creativity in business and try to exceed their limits. In addition, the organisation tries to empower its people and promote the youth. Furthermore, every member of the organisation respects every contribution of one person. (Cirque du Soleil, 2012) 3.2.Mission function & statement The mission functions devote strategic measures for the future and thus, represent the purpose of a unit. Moreover, a mission statement defines customers, products and services. (Entrepreneur Media, 2012) 3.2.1.The future development of the business & mission of Cirque du Soleil For the future, Cirque du Soleil is planning to build more entertainment complexes in major cities like Sydney, London and New York. The complexes would include art galleries, nightclubs and restaurants for people to dine. In addition, Cirque wants to include hotels in which artists perform in the waiting area and clowns are doing the room services. (Pawar, 2007: 10) Based on the mission of Cirque du Soleil, the author analyses the factors of mission. The aforementioned organisational values are definite such as the purpose has a clear understanding of what the organisation wants to offer their customer. In contrast to the business definition, there is an indistinct clarification. In particular, Cirque’s intentions for the future blur the business identity and make it even more vague than it already is. A suggestion would be to take preference and choose between the hospitality or entertainment industry and commit resources accordingly. Thus, they can also assure stakeholders of what specific business they are partaking in and the stakeholders have a clear understanding what purpose the organisation is. 3.2.2.Renewed mission statement To modify the mission statement the author extracts parts of the exciting mission of Cirque du Soleil (see appendix: Figure 2) and adds purposes: â€Å"Cirque du Soleil is an international organization and puts a high value on creation, production and performance of artistic work which will impress the audience to evoke the emotions. The organisation will torch people over the world with unique experiences of their performance which differentiate from other entertainment. â€Å" In the modified mission, value on creativity like production will be retained because it highlights the features of Cirque’s business. Furthermore, members of the organisation have a clearer understanding of their aim or purpose. Moreover, Cirque du Soleil should expand in more countries so that everyone, even people in developing countries, can take part in the unique experiences. Cirque could design smaller shows because the usual tickets are expensive. The mission clearly states that they differentiate from others and still hold their accurate business in the background. In summary, audiences might show a continued curiosity with promises. Strategic BenefitsïÆ'ËœHigher customer retention Greater market share Ability to execute strategies Ability to enter new markets Marketplace benefitsïÆ'ËœLower prices Greater customer satisfaction Differentiated offerings Stronger customer relationship Greater agility Operational benefitsïÆ'ËœLower direct costs Better use of assets Faster cycle time Increased accuracy Greater customization or precision More added value Simplifies processes Table 2 A Powerful Weapon (Source: Harvard Business School Publishing Corporation, 2004) â€Å"Cirque du Soleil is an international organization founded in Quebec dedicated to the creation, production and performance of artistic works whose mission is to invoke the imagination, to provoke the sense and to evoke the emotions of people around the world.† Figure 2 Mission (Source: Cirque du Soleil 2012, online) Bibliography Baden- Fuller, C. (1992). Rejuvenating the Mature Business: The Competitive Challenge. Routledge Bierce, A. (2004). Strategy: Process, Content, Context. Cengage Learning Emea Hollensen, S. (2010). Marketing Management- A Relaitionship Approach 2nd ed. Pearson Education Limited Kim, C. (2005). Blue Ocean Strategy. Harvard Business School Publishing Corporation Kim, C. (1998). Harvard Business Review on Strategies for Growth. Harvard Business School Publishing Corportation Manowong, E. ( 2010). Construction Stakeholder Management. Blackwell Publishing Ltd Mullins, L. (2007). Management and organisational behaviour 7th ed. Prentice Hall Pawar, M. (2007). Innovation at Cirque du Soleil. ICMR Center for Management Research Sims, R. (2003). Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility: Why Giants Fall Waltz, E. (2003). Knowledge Management in the Intelligence Enterprise. Artech House Inc. Williamson, M. (2004). Strategy: Process, Content, Context. Cengage Learning Emea Yu- Lee, R. (2002). Es sentials of Capacity Management. John Wiley & Sons Online Resource Hammer, M. (2004): Deep Change: How Operational Innovation Can Transform Your Company. Online: URL: http://hbr.org/2004/04/deep-change-how-operational-innovation-can-transform-your-company/ar/1 [25th June 2012] Cirque due Soleil (2012): Mission, Goal and Values. Online: URL: http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/about/global-citizenship/introduction/mission.aspx [26th June 2012] Cirque du Soleil (2012): Career Transition.Online: URL: http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/jobs/casting/work/career-transition.aspx [26th June 2012] Cirque du Soleil (2012): Social Circus. Online : URL : http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/about/global-citizenship/default.aspx [26th June 2012] Canadian Heritage (2010): Government of Canada and Cirque du Soleil Announce Canada’s Cultural Program for Expo 2010 in Shanghai. Online: URL: http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Government-Canada-Cirque-du-Soleil-Announce-Canadas-Cultural-Program-Expo-2010-Shanghai-1100427.htm [26th June 2012] Entrepreneur Media (2012). Online: URL: http://www.entrepreneur.com/encyclopedia/term/82494.html [1st July 2012] The Star (2008). Dubai firms buy 20% of Cirque du Soleil. Online : URL : http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/473172–dubai-firms-buy-20-of-cirque-du-soleil [4th July 2012]

Advantages And Disadvantages Relying On Field Notes English Language Essay

Advantages And Disadvantages Relying On Field Notes English Language Essay At the first step of this assessment I have to answer what the advantages and disadvantages are of relying solely on field notes, in comparison with producing a transcription of an audio or video recording. During the second half of the twentieth century, there was a huge growth in the amount of educational research and the emergence of a substantial methodological literature on how best to pursue it. The educational research became quite diverse, not only in the topics examined but also in the methodological and theoretical approaches that are used. â€Å"Perhaps not surprisingly, disagreement is closely associated with such diversity, and there are even differences of opinion over what is and is not research, and what is and is not educational research†(E891 Educational Enquiry, Study Guide, p. 63). Field notes or transcription of an audio or video recording are characteristics of reflective practice and of what is often referred to as action research. Nevertheless, a great deal of educational enquiry is carried out as a separate task from educational practice, even when it is designed to inform practice directly. In this matter, the researchers may not be educational practitioners themselves, although they frequently are (E891 Educational Enquiry, Study Guide, p. 63). Concerning the range of strategies that can be used to pursue educational research it is a wide range of issues such as laboratory and classroom experiments, large-scale surveys of the behaviour, attitude, etc. The results of the research, i.e. the data may be the product of direct observation on the part of the researcher or it may be produced by others, and can take a variety of forms, such as answering questionnaires by ticking in boxes on interview or observational schedules, numbers as recorded in published statistics, text from published or unpublished documents or from field notes written by the researcher during the course of observations or interviews, audio-or video-recordings and transcripts of these(Research Methods in Education, Handbook, p.26). A common way of conceptualizing this diversity is the distinction between quantitative and qualitative approaches and it is necessary, however, to emphasize that it is a very crude distinction and one that is potentially misleading. The most obvious distinction between the two sorts of research is that the former deals with numbers whereas the latter does not or does to a minor degree. Going back to the main point of the question I have to deal with the qualitative research since field notes or audio – video recording are within this category. As interview transcripts are made and field notes of observation compiled the researcher continuously examines the data, by highlighting certain points in the text or making comments in the margins. The important points are identified by the researcher noting contradictions and inconsistencies, comparisons and contrasts with other data and so on. At this point the researcher is not just collecting data, but thinking about it and interacting with it. Much of these first attempts at speculative analysis will probably be discarded, but some ideas will no doubt take shape as data collection and analysis proceed. Much of this early activity may appear chaotic and uncoordinated, but such `chaos’ is a prolific seed-bed for ideas (Research Methods in Education, Handbook, p. 68).

Does the process of Globalization help or hinder wealth creation in Essay

Does the process of Globalization help or hinder wealth creation in developing countries - Essay Example This is a group that favours activities of by such international institution as the World Bank, IMF and WTO that are seen as creating a level ground for all countries in the world to take part in international trade. However, there is an opposing group of critics of globalization that asserts developed countries have had an unprecedented benefits compared to developing countries. This essay explores how globalization has contributed to the process of wealth creation in developing world by analysis arguments by both proponents and opponents of globalization in order to determine whether globalization has helped or hindered wealth creation. There are a number of areas in which proponents of globalization argue that developing counties have benefited due to wealth creation accrued from doing business with other countries and multinationals. Due to the interconnectedness of the global economy, demand has been created for goods from developing countries therefore increasing the volume of trade. The increased trade has benefited the Newly Industrialized Economies from Asia that have been able to export their manufactured goods. These countries started off as developing countries but it is the access to international markets that resulted creation of wealth from capital inflow into their economies resulting in economic growth. The wealth created from international business has been used to reduce poverty levels by contributing to welfare state in these countries (Lechner, 2009). The level of knowledge and technological exchange that has been brought about by globalization is also an aspect emphasised by proponents of globalization. It is argued by proponents that the benefits of globalization to developing countries are not only in the area of direct foreign investments but the phenomenon has also led to the sharing of technical innovation between developed and

Textual analysis about What Every Soldier Should Know Essay

Textual analysis about What Every Soldier Should Know - Essay Example The atmosphere that the reader gets into at first is the ever-present threat of death and the psychologically torturing situations of the American soldiers on their daily life.In this text, Brian Turner uses figurative language, clichà © and other textual strategies to capture the attention of the reader and make the poem more meaningful as well as clear. I will analyze these strategies and the emotions they present to the reader. In the first stanzas, the author narrates about some common practices, which according to the title of this poem is something that every soldier should know about it. In addition, this inspires the reader to feel that these instructions are a way of showing respect to the Arabic culture and that the soldiers must be familiar with this culture as well as the optimum techniques to deal with it. According to the writer â€Å"If you hear gunfire on a Thursday afternoon, it could be for a wedding, or it could be for you.† (Turner, 609).The author mentions some Arabic practices that are present in the Arabic world such as use of gunfire celebration in the wedding, which the foreigners may misunderstand and act in the wrong way, in the process causing serious problems to the American soldiers. This stanza represents the Arab culture in general and every soldier should know about it.The atmosphere that the readers create when they read this stanza, is that there are some common cultu ral practices that the soldiers should know about the Arabic world which normally are not acknowledged. Since they are so close to the Arabic cultural practices daily, the American soldiers must know that they are strangers to this world and they ought to deal with these practices in a proper way to avoid any severe consequences. My take here is that the American soldiers ought to learn this atmosphere and respect others. The author uses some words to represent a common phrase, which help the soldiers to be in the safe side in the Arabic world. Furthermore, this

The case for diversifying across residential properties in London Coursework

The case for diversifying across residential properties in London - Coursework Example Average return as the percentage of the total returns is computed as (103.58/1243*100) = 8.33%. To calculate the percentage deviation from mean, you subtract the average return from the monthly returns for example in 2000, the total returns was $1404, the average return was $117. The month of january generated $100. To calculate the deviation, we subtract $117 from $100 to get a negative deviatio of $17 (-17). The percentage deviation is therefore calculated as (-17/1404*100) = -1.210826211% to 2 decimal places I get -1.21%. Note that: average return is only used to calculate the deviation in terms of returns but to calculate the % deviation, we devide the deviation return by the total returns then multiply by 100. Alternatively, we can calculate the average return as the percentage of total return as (117/1404*100) = 8.33% and take for example month of january, calculate its percentage of the total return as (100/1404*100) = 7.12% therefore, the % deviation is calculated as (7.21% - 8.33%) = -1.21% this is computed for the rest of the months to get the percentage deviations. Expected risk SD is = 0.5*0.35%+ 0.5*0.12 = 0.235%. This is the expected loss from the investment of choice. Therefore, whether an investor invests in Holland or south ken, the loss will be 0.235% of the total returns From the above data, that we have the same returns 8.33% but different risk level. Portfolios with more risk than others markets so invest in less risky investments (Baum & Hartzell, 2011). For instance, an investor can invest in south ken and Fulham. From the analysis, Chelsea residential market has the highest returns (profits) averagely $120 per month closely followed by ken/Holland with average return of $117 per month, then south ken with $104 per month then lastly Fulham with $103.58. on the other hand, Chelsea registered the highest possibility of a loss which is 0.51% of the total returns. Ken/Holland

Establishing Money Exchange and Transfer Business Research Proposal

Establishing Money Exchange and Transfer Business - Research Proposal Example UAE has an extensive record of the money changers who are involved in exchange of foreign currencies and remittance. The process of remittances took place in the form of a third party money payment system, where the person may pass on the currency to the second party located within or outside the country. This service was utilized heavily by the emigrants in UAE. In the other countries money changers are prohibited, while in UAE and the other Gulf countries they are regulated, licensed, and supervised by the central bank. The money exchange and transfer industry in UAE comprises of more than 212 offices. These money changers utilize the banks, exchange houses, and even agents to take and receive remittances. Â  This system might appear to be informal, but they are formal contractual agreements, and their business is legal and well-established in UAE. The currency of UAE is Dirhams which is linked to the US Dollar. However, Dirham has remained constant more than a period of 20 years (Campbell, 2007, p. 354). Even the foreign exchange market in UAE is not centrally controlled by specific exchange. It is mainly run by the bank through ‘over-the counter’ and by the companies who trade in currencies. The currency brokers are there in the market to offer good deal in foreign exchange because the exchange rate is not the same. There are different prices on which currency is traded depending on the rates offered by the banks or companies into trading and fund transferring business.

Cultural film analysis Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Cultural film analysis - Movie Review Example lls on the early years of culture and education leading to establishment of parochial, monastic and cathedral schools as well as universities of the Middle Ages (Daniel-Rops 5). In the movie, Johanna was the third child of a village priest and a converted heathen wife. The opening scene immediately showed anti-feminist bias, as the father angrily refused herbal medicine to alleviate his wife’s birth pains due to his belief that â€Å"in sorrow, thou (woman) shall give birth.† As she grew up, Johanna was not allowed education since only boys were taught reading and writing. Through self-learning, however, the intellectually gifted Johanna not only showed skill in reading and writing, but in interpreting Latin Bible verses as well. Catching her reading a Greek manuscript, Johanna’s father meted her a brutal lashing, even as he had once grossly raped his wife for teaching Johanna some heathen methods of natural healing. Upon recommendation of an admiring traveling schoolmaster, Johanna gained unprecedented admission to study in the bishop’s schoolhouse for boys. Gerald, a knight in the bishop’s court, provided her a home until she grew to maidenhood, resulting in the jealous wife of Gerald arranging Johanna’s betrothal to a young man against her will. The wedding was cut short by an attack by Norsemen bandits. Historical research shows that the event is reasonable, since there are historical accounts of pagan Norsemen pillaging territories in Frankish empire to add to the disorder of the times (Boak, Slosson and Anderson 180-181). Johanna escaped death by the plundering Norsemen, although she had to disguise herself as a man in order to gain entry in a monastery. As a monk, she saved villagers from an epidemic but had to again escape to avoid disclosure of her disguise by fellow monks. She was cared for by villagers, but not wanting to be tied down to a village life, Johanna to ok a pilgrimage to Rome again disguised as a man. In Rome

Depression Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 4

Depression - Essay Example More detailed definitions of the term give a little more sense of the depth of emotion the term indicates. Another Merriam-Webster definition goes deeper by describing depression as â€Å"a psychoneurotic or psychotic disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies† (2009). The tendency to define the condition based on how it makes a person feels is echoed in Medline but Medline adds that these feelings must be experienced for an extended period of time. But everyone has a tendency to feel some or even all of these feelings at some point during their day or week, so what makes the depressed person different from everyone else? Trying to understand what is really meant by the term depression becomes more confusing when it is understood that there are several different types of depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, there are at least five different types of depression. Major depressive disorder, or major depression, is what is commonly defined in the dictionary in terms of the symptoms a person might experience. More than just sadness, though, â€Å"major depression is disabling and prevents a person from functioning normally† (NIMH, 2009). The other kinds of depression all fall under the heading of dysthymic disorder which is not considered to be disabling, but is considered long-term, which NIMH defines as two years or more. These include psychotic depression, postpartum depression and seasonal affective disorder. Psychotic depression is like regular depression but includes the person developing hallucinations, delusions or breaking from reality. Postpartum depression ha ppens within the first month after giving birth and seasonal affective disorder occurs during the winter months when there is less

Corporate Scandal Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Corporate Scandal - Assignment Example The firm initially started its operations by trading penny stocks, i.e. stocks of small companies which have less market capitalization and trade below $5 in the USA market. Penny stocks are very volatile and thus very risky for the investors who investors who invest in order to reap windfall gains. Madoff’s firm did not trade on the floor of the NYSE and rather traded in the OTC market. That is Madoff’s firms helped retail brokers trade directly with each other without intervention of an exchange. Thus it helped the stock traders maintain anonymity. Initially Madoff used the quotes available through National quotation Bureau’s stock quotes. But in order to compete in a better way with the firms that traded on the floor of New York Stock Exchange the firm developed a computer application that they used to distribute information of its quotes. This technology was later used to form NASDAQ. The firm commanded a good position in the market and at one time it was the largest market maker of NASDAQ and was the 6th largest in Wall Street among the market makers. The firm also had an investment management division that was not well published. The investment management arm also did advisory functions. His firm had several of his family members on board including his brother, brother’s daughter and his two sons. Mardoff and his firm was regarded as one of the masters in the third market with their average volume of trades equaling about 9% of the volumes traded by NYSE. Besides running his legitimate business Madoff investment securities LLC in 1960 which dealt with OTC trading of securities without the involvement of stock exchanges, Madoff also run an investment management firm named Ascot Partners. Through its investment management firm Madoff sought investments from various class of investors including celebrities, common man, banks, and other fund houses and promised them of steady returns. Madoff said that he was able to generate steady

Morning Bike ride Essay Example for Free

Morning  Bike ride Essay Go to the sports centre and first do a certain sport like badminton, racket ball or swimming etc as this will work on the aerobic system. After doing this go to the gym and do whichever circuit you have been given by the trainer. Should hopefully work on aerobic/cardiovascular system, muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility.  Evening  Nothing: go and play with your friends or just rest! Week 5: Fifth week  Thursday  Morning  Paper round: As this is my job, I kind of have to do this. The cycling helps to build up the leg muscles and improves the aerobic system. Could do time trials when on the way there and back and try to improve my time each day. Bike ride: aim to do 3 hours bike ride around Froyle, Bentley, Binsted etc (suggestions only) and pace yourself to reach the 3 hours. Dont worry about getting up to early because its a Saturday and your next activity is at 14:30; but dont forget lunch!  Afternoon  Go to the park to play football or basketball at the park. This way you can enjoy yourself whilst doing an aerobic activity with some anaerobic working (sprints etc) could also go and find the boat and go rowing down the river and work on your upper body strength so undercuts will be easier to save. Row down to Binsted or further. Could also go cycling. Aim to be working for at least 5 hours. Evening  Weights: Firstly do 150 bicep curls, 15 sets of 10 reps as this will help with me stick and glove save. Next do 40 quad thrusts (I think thats what theyre called!) as this will help with my kick in hockey and let me clear the ball further and faster. Afterwards do 90 (9 sets of 10 reps) sit-ups with the 22 lb dumbbells as this will help keep the correct head, knee, tip-toe position throughout the whole match. Lastly do 50 (5 sets of 10 reps) press-ups as this will help with muscles around the arms and the arm muscles. Friday  Morning  Paper round: as this is my job I kind of have to do this. The cycling helps to build up the leg muscles and improves the aerobic system. Could do time trials when on the way there and back and try to improve my time each day.  Afternoon  Go to the sports centre and first do a certain sport like badminton, racket ball or swimming etc as this will work on the aerobic system. After doing this go to the gym and do whichever circuit you have been given by the trainer. Should hopefully work on aerobic/cardiovascular system, muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility. Evening  Nothing: go and play with your friends or just rest!  Saturday  Morning  Bike ride: aim to do 3 hours bike ride around Froyle, Bentley, Binsted etc (suggestions only) and pace yourself to reach the 3 hours. Dont worry about getting up to early because its a Saturday and your next activity is at 14:30; but dont forget lunch! Afternoon  Go to the park to play football or basketball at the park. This way you can enjoy yourself whilst doing an aerobic activity with some anaerobic working (sprints etc) could also go and find the boat and go rowing down the river and work on your upper body strength so undercuts will be easier to save. Row down to Binsted or further. Could also go cycling. Aim to be working for at least 5 hours. Evening   Weights: Firstly do 150 bicep curls, 15 sets of 10 reps as this will help with me stick and glove save. Next do 40 quad thrusts (I think thats what theyre called!) as this will help with my kick in hockey and let me clear the ball further and faster. Afterwards do 90 (9 sets of 10 reps) sit-ups with the 22 lb dumbbells as this will help keep the correct head, knee, tip-toe position throughout the whole match. Lastly do 50 (5 sets of 10 reps) press-ups as this will help with muscles around the arms and the arm muscles. Sunday  Morning  Nothing to do! Stay in bed or get up and do whatever.  Afternoon  Go to the sports centre and first do a certain sport like badminton, racket ball or swimming etc as this will work on the aerobic system. After doing this go to the gym and do whichever circuit you have been given by the trainer. Should hopefully work on aerobic/cardiovascular system, muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility. Evening  Nothing: go and play with your friends or just rest!  Monday  Morning  Paper round: as this is my job I kind of have to do this. The cycling helps to build up the leg muscles and improves the aerobic system. Could do time trials when on the way there and back and try to improve my time each day.  Big Bike ride: get a few friends together, a packed lunch and bikes to go on a 10 hour bike ride (Inc lunch)! Try not to have to many rests but also dont over exert yourself though! Afternoon  Big Bike ride: get a few friends together, a packed lunch and bikes to go on a 10 hour bike ride (Inc lunch)! Try not to have to many rests but also dont over exert yourself though!  Evening  Weights: Firstly do 150 bicep curls, 15 sets of 10 reps as this will help with me stick and glove save. Next do 40 quad thrusts (I think thats what theyre called!) as this will help with my kick in hockey and let me clear the ball further and faster. Afterwards do 90 (9 sets of 10 reps) sit-ups with the 22 lb dumbbells as this will help keep the correct head, knee, tip-toe position throughout the whole match. Lastly do 50 (5 sets of 10 reps) press-ups as this will help with muscles around the arms and the arm muscles.

Differences in Competencies between ADN vs. BSN Essay Example for Free

Differences in Competencies between ADN vs. BSN Essay According to the society of Human Resources Management, competency means the knowledge and skills required to perform a job, which all contributes a positive outcome. Even though the competency among ADN and BSN are almost similar, there are slight variations based on the departments where the nurse work, such as management level of care and neonatal department. Good start of an introduction. Consider a topic sentence here that states: this paper will describe†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. An Associate Degree Nurse is one who completed the 2 year program or 3 year diploma this is not true, these 2 are different course by a school of nursing, community, or junior college. They demonstrate competencies in various aspect of patient care. ADNs are competent to perform assessment by collection of patient’s health history, including past medical and surgical history. They perform the physical assessment by gathering information, such as height and weight, vital signs, and head to foot assessment, including all body system. They are also competent to perform cognitive, psychosocial, spiritual, and functional level assessment. After assessing the patient, they find out the nursing diagnosis using their knowledge, skills, and experience. The ADN analyzes the patient’s condition using their age, cultural diversity, and risk factor. He/she then formulates and plans the care by prioritizing the patient’s need based on Maslow’s hierarchy needs, in which patient’s safety is the first importance. They formulate the plan of care by critical thinking, reflection, and problem solving skills. Before they implement the treatment regimen, they let the patient make health care choices by providing accurate and reliable information. The ADN are competent to delegate the patient care to other authorized health care personnel by giving relevant instructions and supervisions. They implement the treatment within his/her accepted professional nursing practice in a different clinical setting. They also make sure to give teaching about the treatment, which includes the effects and side effects of drugs and expected outcome. These all help the patient to alleviate their anxiety about the health status. Finally, they evaluate the outcome and effectiveness by reassessing and continuous monitoring. Moreover, ADNs provide physical competencies like gross and motor skills, strength, and mobility by moving and positioning the patient by using proper body mechanism. Their sensory perception provides a safe environment. They are competent in life saving practices, such as cardiac monitoring and airway management. They provide patient care by giving I.V, oral medications, blood transfusions and wound care. They demonstrate care and respectful behavior towards the patient, family, and other co-workers. Need to reference data within the text Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing is a 4 year bachelor program accredited by a college or university. A BSN has the same medicalbedside nursing skills of an ADN. He/she provides the same patient care by assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. They also have physical competencies and sensory perception. Apart from that, they do their clinical judgment by using their critical and analytic thinking, which they earned through researches and evidence based practices. They have sufficient emotional stability to be responsible and accountable during a highly stressful event. They know how to deal with unexpected and changing environment. They show interpersonal skills and communication skills by interacting positively with patient, family, and large communities both in verbal and written form. Their logical and analytic thinking in patient management will help them to acquire higher education. Moreover, they creatively respond to continuously changing health system. Good review of BSN competencies. Again, need to reference within the text. An ADN acquired knowledge and skills from years of experience in clinical practice. They work with patients in a relatively short time. However, a BSN has knowledge and skills based on their researches, evidence based practice, leadership, and management. Their skills help them to provide a better patient care in a short time period. For an ADN, the nursing is a job and have little commitment to the work. Without considering the long term results, they move from one job to another. However, BSN is a career, which is a life time dedication that requires development and on-going learning. They can function at high intellectual levels and carry a strong professional identity and follow code of ethics. They are more accountable, independent, and responsible. Nursing care and approaches to decision-making are different based upon the educational preparations. For example, we had a 50 year old patient in our floor that came with left hip fracture. The patient underwent an open reduction and internal fixation of left hip. After 4 hours of post anesthesia care, the patient came to the floor. The ADN, who is the primary care nurse, assesses the patient and carried out all post-op orders. The patient was drowsy and was on morphine PCA. After 2 hours, the patient suddenly woke-up with pain in the left hip. The ADN gave more pain medicine and monitored the respiratory status. All of a sudden patient complained of shortness of breath. The nurse found the patient’s oxygen saturation dropped to 82 percent. She stopped the PCA pump and put the patient on 2 liters of oxygen yet the patient was complaining about severe pain in her hip. Apparently, the patient continued to complained of chest pain and her oxygen level continued the same. The RN called the charge nurse, who is a BSN. She assessed the patient and went through the patient history. Suddenly, she called the rapid response team; meanwhile, she ordered a stat chest x-ray by thinking that patient had a pulmonary embolism and transferred the patient to ICU. Later, we came to know the patient had pulmonary embolism. In this situation, the RN gave the basic treatments according to the knowledge from her experience. On the other hand, the BSN treated the patient from her critical thinking and high level of knowledge, which saved the patient’s life. Good patient care scenario The ADN can handle the critical patient situation very minimally by using her basic knowledge, skills, and experience with the help of other person. However, the BSN can handle the same situation independently with his/her critical thinking. Different level nurses have different roles in a hospital, even though they have same preliminary education about providing forthe patient care. The job expectations, patient interactions and contact are different in perspective of the RN’s and BSN’s duty. Good conclusion . . References Catalano, J.T. (2003).Nursing now: Today’s issues, tomorrow’s trends. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis. Need to put title into italics Competencies and Performance Standards Essential for Nursing Practice.( 2011) St Louis University. Retrieved from http://www.slu.edu/x19905.xml Hollis, Forster, RN (2011) ADN vs. BSN Retrieved from need to include date of retrieval http://nursinglink.monster.com/education/articles/3842-adn-vs-bsn

Contemporary Indian Theatre And Habib Tanvirs

Contemporary Indian Theatre And Habib Tanvirs Habib Tanvir and Naya Theatre are two inseparable names which will always be remembered in the modern theatrical scenario in India. Its been a year since the death of Habib Tanvir, one of the most popular Indian Hindi, Urdu playwrights, a poet, a theatre director, and an actor, but still the majority of theatergoers in India remember his famous artworks like Agra Bazar and Charandas Chor. The country will always recall this man as the founding father of contemporary theatre of India. But before we go into his life and work details we will have a quick understanding of the evolution of contemporary theatre in India. The traditional theatre, The classical or Sanskrit theatre and The Modern theatre. Contemporary Indian theatre, as we know it today, has been widely influenced by the change in the political scenario in India. During the 200 years of British rule Indian theatre came in direct contact with western theatre. With the union of power by the British Raj in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Bengal, it was in the metropolises of Bombay, Madras and Calcutta that they first introduced their style of theatre, primarily based on London concept. This genre of theatre began to expand in the 1850s as more enthusiasts started to perform their own play on different languages based on western style. Due to the growth of this new form of the theatre the other conventional form of theatre felt the heat. Theatre started being ticketed from the 1870s. By the 20th century and First World War, it became a product for sale and was restricted into the auditorium. As the Indian freedom movement picked momentum, the creative side of the theatre took a setback. In 1922, the Indian Communist Party was founded and along with it came the Indian People`s Theatre Association (IPTA), which worked as its cultural wing. They took the initiative of portable theatre and these were based on various political agenda primarily against the British Rule. Indian theatre was turning out as a medium of social and political change that would be more concerned about reaching out to the common people. Post-Independence, Indian theatre got a fresh and broader outlook from appropriate mixing of various styles from medieval, Sanskrit, and western theatre. This newly found entity was further enhanced by the formation of Sangeet Natak Academy in Jan 1953 and the National School of Drama, New Delhi under Ebrahim Alkazi in 1959. This dramatic revival brought many pioneers in the theatrical front among which Habib Tanvir was one of the most popular theatre playwright-director in Hindi and Urdu. Along with B.V. Karanth (1928-2002), Ibrahim Alkazi (born 1923), Utpal Dutt (1929-1993) Satyadev Dubey (born 1936), Tanvir shaped the structure of modern theatre in India. The individuality in Tanvirs form of theatre was that it showed how Indian theatre could be simultaneously blended with traditional and contemporary aspects. His theater was not fixed to any one form as a whole. His works reaped the skills, energies of folk performance and made them relevant to the secular and democratic perspective. The effect was that his artwork was as challenging as it was entertaining. During the five decades of his stint in theatre, Tanvir gave such memorable productions as Agra Bazar[1954], Mitti ki Gari[1958], Gaon ka Naam Sasural Mor Naam Damaad[1973], Charandas Chor[1975], Jis Lahore Ni Dekhya[1990], and Rajrakt[2006], of which many are renowned as classics of the contemporary Indian stage. In popular culture, the name of Habib Tanvir is closely related to the concept of the folk theatre. However, Habib Tanvirs appeal with the folk was motivated by the folk performers who brought their own styles along with them. Habib Tanvir plays involved actors who can sing and dance. His project from the start had been to utilize elements of folk as an instrument to produce theater to appeal general masses. Habib Ahmed Khan was born in Raipur, Chhattisgarh to Hafiz Ahmed Khan, who belonged to Peshawar. Tanvir was a pen-name he took later when he started writing poetry. Raipur, during that time was a small town surrounded by villages. As a child, Tanvir too had many opportunities to visit villages, interact with the residents and listen to the songs of the locals. He was so attracted by those melodies that he even memorized some of them. Tanvir completed his schooling from Laurie Municipal High School in Raipur and his BA from Morris College Nagpur in 1944. After pursuing his Masters for 1 year at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Tanvir moved to Bombay in 1945 and joined All India Radio (AIR). He also joined the PWA (Progressive Writers Association) and became an essential part of IPTA (Indian Peoples Theatre Association) as an actor. When the Communist Party of India was banned many IPTA members were jailed or went underground. From 1948-50, Habib solely handled the responsibility of running the organization. In 1954, Tanvir moved to Delhi, and worked with Hindustani Theatre formed by Qudsia Zaidi and authored many plays. It was in this period he met Moneeka Mishra, also an actor-director, whom he later married. In the same year, he produced Agra Bazar, based on the times of the 18-th-century Urdu poet, Nazir Akbarabadi, an older poet in the generation of Mirza Ghalib. He used students of Jamia Millia Islamia and local residents and folk artists from Okhla village and created an ambience never seen before in Indian theatre. The play was not staged in a restricted space, but in a bazaar, a marketplace. Later, On a Govt of India scholarship, Tanvir went to England in 1956. He received training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and the British Drama League, and having exposure to Western drama and production styles. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, watching theatre. In 1956 he spent about 8 months in Berlin and saw numerous productions by Bertolt Brecht. Being Tanvirs first experience with the German playwright-directors work he was quickly influenced by it. Simplicity and directness were the benchmark of Berliner Ensemble productions, and Tanvir was reminded of Sanskrit drama, about its simplicity in technique and presentation. By the time he got back to India, he was determined to unlearn much of what he had learnt at RADA. Thus following a path of development opposite to that followed by other Indian directors trained in Britain. Soon after returning from Europe, he worked with some folk artists of Chhattisgarh and tried to understand their forms and techniques. His first production, Mitti ki Gadi, included 6 folk actors from Chhattisgarh in the cast. Besides, to give a distinct Indian form and style, he used the conventions and techniques of folk stage. This play though is now performed entirely by village artists, but it is still considered as one of the best modern portrayal of the classic. Tanvir and his wife Moneeka Misra founded Naya Theatre in 1959. During this stage of career, Tanvirs interest in the folk traditions and performers continued to grow. But, it was not until the early 1970s that this association reached a new and more sustained phase. Tanvir wasnt entirely satisfied with the working of folk actors. He identified two faults in his approach to tackle them. Firstly, the problem with the rural artists was they not only could read or write but couldnt even remember what way they needed to move in the stage. So, it wasnt wise enough to pre-define their movements in advance. Secondly, making these people speak standard Hindi in Hindustani plays created a severe handicap for them and restricted their freedom of expression and creativity in performance. To improvise on these faults, the folk actors were allowed to speak in their native Chhattisgarhi dialect. He also worked intensively with rural performers in their language delivery and style of performance. Also, to make them feel stage worthy, he allowed them their own portion of delivery in their own traditional way. The second breakthrough came when Tanvir conducted a nacha workshop in Raipur in 1972 where more than a hundred folk participants were involved in a month-long exercise. During this workshop, three different traditional comedies were selected and combined to form a full length play. Further improvisations linked them up to a full story, leading to a stage play called Gaon ka Naam Sasural, Mor Naam Damaad. This play marked a turning point in Tanvirs career, not only because the play was a grand success in Delhi but that he finally found the form and style he was searching since his directorial debut. Since then, he continued his construction and casting of play through improvisations. Through this method, at that time he produced his best work Charandas Chor(1975). This play is still the evergreen favorite for most theatre goers. Tanvirs Naya Theatre worked almost entirely with folk actors. But, his occasional productions with other theatre groups were also marked by the style he developed through his work with folk artists. But, this newly developed style was not folk theatre by any sense. He was still an urban artist with sensibility, modern outlook and strong sense of history and politics. His unique style and content in theatre always reflected his commitment to common people and their causes, primarily due to his involvement with the leftist cultural movement in early years. Tanvirs fascination with the folk was motivated by the fact that he believed there is a huge artistic and creative energy inherent in these traditions. He always borrowed techniques, music and themes from these traditions as and when required. His theatre never belonged to any one form or tradition wholly. His plays, from the beginning, have been utilizing elements of folk traditions as a tool and make them give new, contemporary meanings, and to create an art form which has that touch of soil in it. The performance styles of the actors were always in their conventional nacha background, but the plays were not original nacha productions. While the number of actors in a nacha play is usually 2 or 3, the rest being background dancers and singers, Tanvirs plays used to involve a whole casting of actors, some of whom could sing and dance. His productions always had a structure which one doesnt associate with the original form of the nacha. Another significant difference is that while the nacha songs are mostly used as intermediate musical delays, in Tanvirs plays they were closely embedded as an important part of the theme of the play. This is best displayed in some his adaptations like The Good Woman of Szechwan (Shaajapur ki Shantibai) and A Midsummers Night Dream (Kamdeo Ka Apna, Basant Ritu Ka Sapna). Tanvir not only gave his poetic compositions the freshness of the original but has also used his words to fit native tunes with ease and skill. However, Tanvir was always conscious not to create a difference between his own educated minds over the uneducated creative mind of his actors. An example of this approach is the way Tanvir mixed his poetry to the traditional tribal and folk music, retaining its own imaginative power without in any way less valuing the latter. Another example is the way he allowed his actors and their skills to be projected by less complicating the lighting stage design. Therefore in contrast to the stylish genre of drama on one side and the traditional theatre on the other, Habib Tanvir, with his own blend of tradition, folk creativity and critical consciousness, offered a fresh and innovative model of field of dramatics. It is this rich blend which made his art so memorable. Even after Tanvirs death, his innovative art form and style is still being carried forward through newer productions of Naya Theatre. Seeing recent performance of Naya Theatre actors in movie Peepli Live we can probably comment that Tanvirs art form is gradually crossing the barriers of contemporary theatre and exploring newer towards mainstream cinema.

The Anarchist Journal, Mother Earth :: Mother Earth Essays

"This version of Mother Earth was an anarchist periodical aimed at bringing up progressive issues, and discuss these. It was in circulation among people in the radical community in the United States from 1933 - 1934." -- Wikipedia Repeatedly in history, conceptions of nature have served as ideological justifications for political theory. The most obvious example is the Hobbesian state of nature against which even the most oppressive government appears perfectly legitimate. Whereas in most cases of political theory, nature looks like an incompetent savage or unreliable tramp, some anarchist lines of argument instead offer versions of nature as infinite, loving, or otherwise better than the artifices to which it is implicitly opposed. Whether for or against nature, depictions of the natural world in political theory consider it in cultural units of m eaning, a combination of icons and stereotypes that change not only our understanding of nature, but also of the units of meaning being referenced. In the early twentieth century journal Mother Earth, a construction of nature comes together, in a publication interested mostly in anarchist and feminist goals, that worshipped nature as a huge, consuming, feminine super being. Certain traits in the construction of nature in this journal form an account of nature as a particular type of femininity to be admired, a move laden both with direct strategic value and creeping implications for the idealizations of womanhood. In order to establish the desirability of the journal’s goal of a world without artificial systems of control, the opposition of nature and artifice is a crucial first step.

Analysis Of The Scarlet Letter :: essays research papers

The Scarlet Letter is a story that illustrates intricate pieces of the Puritan lifestyle. Centered first on a sin committed by Hester Prynne and her secret lover before the story ever begins, the novel details how sin affects the lives of the people involved. For Hester, the sin forces her into isolation from society and even from herself. Her qualities that Hawthorne describes at the opening of the book, her pale beauty, womanly qualities, and passion are, after a time, eclipsed by the ‘A’ she is forced to wear. An example of this is her hair. Long hair is something in this time period that is a symbol of a woman. At the beginning of the story, Hawthorne tells of Hester’s long flowing hair. After she wears the scarlet letter for a time, he paints a picture of her with her hair out of site under a cap, and all the womanliness gone from her. Yet, even with her true eclipsed behind the letter, of the three main characters affected, Hester has the easiest time because her sin is out in the open. More than a tale of sin, the Scarlet Letter is also an intense love story that shows itself in the forest scene between Hester and the minister Arthur Dimmesdale. With plans to run away with each, Arthur and Hester show that their love has surpassed distance and time away from each other. This love also explains why Hester would not reveal the identity of her fellow sinner when asked on the scaffolding. Roger Chillingworth is the most affected by the sin, though he was not around when the sin took place. Demented by his thoughts of revenge and hate, Hawthorne shows Mr. Chillingworth to be a devil or as a man with an evil nature. He himself commits one of the   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‚  Quinn 2 seven deadly sins with his wrath. By the end of the tale that surpasses seven years, Hester is respected and revered by the community as a doer of good works, and the minister is worshipped for his service in the church. Only Mr. Chillingsworth is looked upon badly by the townspeople although no one knows why. Through it all, Hawthorne illustrates that even sin can produce purity, and that purity came in the form of the sprightly Pearl. Though she is isolated with her mother, Pearl finds her company and joy in the nature that surrounds her.

Rossetts Model Essay -- Instructional Design Rossett Essays

Rossett's Model Overview Organizations are constantly faced with finding solutions to their problems. Often times they demand training to act as a quick fix to their problems; thus, trainers need to make needs assessment an essential part of their instructional design process. Otherwise, according to Zemke (1998), trainers "could very well end up doing a marvelous job of solving the wrong problems". Therefore, the trainer's challenge is to find the problem and to understand it sufficiently so that it can be solved (Rossett, 1987). "Analysis or needs assessment is the basis for wise recommendation about instruction and supporting organizational strategies" (Rossett 1992). The terms used may vary. Some may refer it to front-end analysis; others may site a need to gather information, while some are planning, studying or scoping (Rossett 1990). No matter what it is called, Rossett (1987) believes trainers must make professional and convincing cases for analysis prior to particular solutions. This paper will focus on Rossett's Model and look at how each component of the model helps identify an organization's needs in order to provide possible solutions. Purpose of Needs Assessment According to Rossett (1995), needs assessment is the "initial pursuit of information about a situation" (pg. 183) in order to provide trainers insight into "what is needed to improve performance" (pg. 184). Conducted at the beginning of any training or development process, needs assessments are intended to identify gaps between what should be happening and what is actually happening (Rossett, 1987). In her needs assessment model, Rossett states five purposes of the needs assessment process (Rossett, 1987). This process is i... ...rocess. It is at this stage that all of the future actions of any project are planned. The bottom line is that a thorough needs assessment will save time and money in the development process by targeting the cause(s) of the problem in order to prescribe the correct interventions. References: Rossett, A. (1995). Needs assessment. In G.J. Anglin (Ed.), Instructional technology: Past, present, future (2nd ed.). (pp. 183-196). Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited, Inc. Rossett, A. (1992). Performance technology for instructional technologist: Comparisons and possibilities. Performance and Instruction, 31(10), 6-10. Rossett, A. (1987). Training Needs Assessment, Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Educational Technology Publications. Zemke, R. (1998). How to do a needs assessment when you think you don't have time. Training, 35(3), 38-44

Economic Factors Essay

The GDP (Gross Domestic Product) or The Gross Domestic Income (GDI) is defined as the gross total market value of all the final . products (goods and services) produced by a country in a given period of time more specifically a calendar year. Gross Domestic Products can also be considered as the sum of all value added at every stage of production of all the final goods and services produced in a country and are always given a money value(kuznets,1932) Since the GDP is a measure of national income and output it is always equal to the total government spending, the total consumer spending and the total investments in a country. It can be calculated using the formula below; Gross Domestic Product= Total Consumption +Gross Investment + Government Spending+ (Exports – Imports) or it ca n be as GDP=C+I+G(X-M) Inflation can be described as the general rise in the level of prices of goods and services in a country over a specific period of time. It is the rise in prices of all goods and services and a rise in the price of one good or service cannot be referred to as inflation. Inflation mostly involves the decrease in value of a countries currency, and measured as a percentage rate of change of prices. This is mostly caused by high rates of money supply in a country without significant increase in the economy. (Kuzneta,1932) There are different factors in a country that are blamed for high rates of inflation in the product markets, these factors sometimes vary from markets to markets and from country to country. The factors are mostly determined and controlled by the level of a country’s performance in the international stock markets and money markets. The factors are as fluctuations in the real demand for goods and services or scarcity of goods and services and sometimes the change in the supply or the real demand for money. These two factors have brought a lot of controversies among the monetarists and Keynesians. The inflation in a country can be easily determined by measuring the different price indices and analyzing how these affects different people, these indices are the consumer price index which is used to measure individual consumer prices and the GDP deflator which measures the price associated with domestic production of goods and services. (kuznets,1932) History and records made shows that the United States has never seriously recorded high level of inflation, as it was in the 1970’s. This was recorded; inflation of the 1970’s was a marked deviation from America’s typical peacetime historical pattern as a hard-money country. We should expect America to continue to be a hard-money–low inflation–country in the future, at least in peacetime. (http://www. j-bradford-delong. net/Econ_Articles/woodstock/woodstock4. html ) The low rate of future inflation that we thus forecast changes the balance of macroeconomic risks and opportunities, the risk of debt-deflation-mediated recessions is somewhat higher because a low trend rate of goods-and-services price index inflation somewhat increases the chances of deflation. But it does not raise such risks as much as one might think. The failure of the Fisher effect to hold empirically means that a low inflation era will in all likelihood is a high real interest rate era. But such high real interest rates do not appear to significantly discourage investment or growth. The burst of inflation that struck the United States in the 1970s shapes much American thought about macroeconomic policy. The decade of the 1970s saw GDP-deflator inflation rates peak at nearly ten percent per year. It saw consumer price inflation rates peak at three or four percent higher. ( Because of the inflation experiences America has had a long war and strong policies to significantly inflation and to increase the GDP, this has been because hampered in the last five years, this has been because of the Iraq invasion five years ago, in economic terms, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan now cost $275 million each and every day. Nearly half a trillion dollars has been spent so far. That’s $4,100 for every household in America. According to a recent Congressional Research Service (CRS) report, the average monthly cost reached $10. 3 billion in 2007, up from $4. 4 billion in 2004. By the end of 2009, the cost of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars could reach $1 trillion. ( http://www. marxist. com/usa/war-economy-elections. htm) The cost of the war even in a country as wealthy as the United States cannot endure this drain forever. Every dollar spent on the war is a dollar not spent here at home on health care, education, affordable housing, jobs, or repairing the country’s decaying infrastructure. The effects of the war are directly felt here at home. And this is during a so-called economic boom. The war has had a big effect on the US economy(http://www. marxist. com/usa/war-economy-elections. htm) The official declaration that the country has entered a recession usually doesn’t come until months after it actually begins, as the analysts from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) look back over the facts and figures. But top economists from major Wall Street firms such as Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs think a tipping point into recession has already been reached. Even the number of unemployment rose sharply in December 2007 to 5. 0 percent, up from the cyclical low of 4. 4 percent in March. Also, the economy slowed dramatically in the fourth quarter of 2007, growing by just 0. 6 percent, with total growth for the year at just 2. 2 percent, the worst figure since 2002. Never in the last 60 years has such a sharp rise in unemployment, combined with such low growth, not led to a recession. (http://www. marxist. com/usa/war-economy-elections. htm) The housing and credit crisis has begun to spread to the broader economy. Defaults for adjustable rate loans issued in 2007 hit 11. 2 percent in November. This is twice the default rate for 2006. Most worrying is that none of these loans had yet â€Å"re-set† to the higher rate. This represents some 300,000 households, yet more people who will almost certainly lose their homes as a result of this crisis. Spending on new housing projects fell in 2007 by 16. 9 percent, the worst fall in 25 years. And as reported by Reuters, the services sector, which accounts for over two-thirds of U. S. economic activity, fell sharply in January, to levels not seen since the 2001 recession. The Reuters/University of Michigan index of consumer sentiment fell to 69. 6 in February from 78. 4 in January, the lowest reading since February 1992. The index has only been this low during the recessions of the mid 1970s, the early 1980s and the early 1990s. The Institute for Supply Management’s index for the non-manufacturing sector plummeted to 41. 9 from 54. 4 in December: a reading below 50 indicates contraction. The employment index fell to 43. 9 from 51. 8, corroborating the late January U. S. payrolls report, which showed the first net monthly contraction in the labor market in more than four years. While it is impossible to say exactly when or how deep or how long the slump will come, it already feels like it to millions of American workers (. http://www. marxist. com/usa/war-economy-elections. htm) This has already led to decreasing government revenues, and still Bush proposes a budget that tops $3 trillion for the first time in U. S. history. By Bush’s own estimates, it will lead to deficits of $410 billion in 2008 and $407 billion in 2009, bringing the overall Federal deficit to $5. 9 trillion, up from $3. 3 trillion when he took office. $2. 3 trillion of this debt is held by foreign banks and investors. ( http://www. marxist. com/usa/war-economy-elections. htm) The proposed American Budget would dramatically increase spending on the military and military aid to â€Å"key allies† around the world, in other words, countries that are actively repressing their own people to defend U. S. corporate interests. To pay for all of this, the government will have to further cut already depleted domestic programs such as Medicare and abolishing dozens of other social services programs. ( http://www. marxist. com/usa/war-economy-elections. htm ) Not surprisingly, the budget allocates $515 billion to the Defense Department, not including a separate request for billions more for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Adjusted for inflation, this will be the largest military budget since World War II. This is a true â€Å"guns before butter† budget, an open declaration of increased militarism abroad and a further relentless attack on workers here at home. The American ruling class will expect more of the same ruthless cuts from the next Republican or Democrat to sit in the Oval Office. ( http://www. marxist. com/usa/war-economy-elections. htm) During such hard times for and at appoint in history that America is high in politics and this being an election year there are many people looking for an electoral solution to the serious and growing problems they face. While the Iraq War is still high on voters’ lists of concerns, the economy is now number one for voters of both main parties. Many youth in particular are looking to the Democrats, and especially to Barrack Obama. The Republicans’ almost-certain candidate John McCain has staked his entire political future on continuing the war in Iraq. But do the Democrats’ candidates offer anything even closely approximating the majority of Americans’ demand to bring the troops home now? (http://www. marxist. com/usa/war-economy-elections. htm) It is at this point in time that we live the whole life and the economic future of America in the sound political policies that will be fronted by the candidates. We believe we can change America. REFFERENCES Bradford DeLong and Etal (1999), America’s Historical Experience with Low Inflation http://www. j-bradford-delong. net/Econ_Articles/woodstock/woodstock4. html http://www. marxist. com/usa/war-economy-elections. htm retrieved on the 2nd June 2008 Kuznets Simon, (1934). â€Å"National Income, 1929-1932†. 73rd US Congress, 2d session, Senate document no. 124, page 7. http://library. bea. gov/u? /NI_reports,539

History of Israel Essay

For thousands of years, the small land of Israel has been the site of countless wars between people who claim, for many different reasons, the land as their own. The struggle persists up to this day, and blood continues to spill over what the world considers its Holy Land. Israel’s Biblical Past When one wishes to look at Israel’s history, it is important to study Israel’s Biblical account. This precious volume recounts Israel’s roots, her period of slavery in Egypt, her beginnings as separate tribes in the Promised Land, and the uniting of these tribes under a monarchy. Wood, 1986, p. 3) Fortunately, Biblical accounts of Israel are supported by archaeological data, which makes the information in the Bible historically valid and reliable. Israel is the chosen land for the chosen people. From the Bible, we see that this land was promised by God as reward for Abraham’s faithfulness and obedience to His word. Abraham is considered the Father of the Jewish Nation, and his descendants were the direct beneficiary of God’s covenant with him. However, the journey to the Promised Land would not be easy; it was wrought with so much pain and sacrifices. For quite a long time, the descendants of Abraham were slaves to the Egyptians. Still, they held on to God’s word, and when they were finally freed from slavery by Moses, they began their exodus from Egypt into the Canaan, the land that God has chosen for them. After a generation of wandering, the Jews finally arrived at Canaan. There, they settled as separate tribes, but was eventually unified under one king. Israel’s first king was Saul, but his greatest king was David. After a succession of kings, Israel was banished by God because of their sins. Muslims came to invade the land claiming it as their spiritual land as well. Thus, the Jewish nation lost their Promised Land once again. The Diaspora Since the time that the Jews lost Israel, they have been scattered all over the world. This dispersion is called the Diaspora, and has deeper meanings than mere physical separation or migration to other places. This Diaspora is meant to remind the Jews that they are meant to be together in Israel as God intended them to be. Thus the desire to return to their spiritual land abides even after thousands of years of Diaspora. This longing to return to Israel is made more acute by the persecution of Jews in almost every place they go. While there were isolated pockets of stability, the attempt to settle elsewhere was generally a failure, and they took this as a sign that it is time to return home. The Homecoming A hundred years after the crusades, Jews began to return to Israel in small trickles. Israel then was under Muslim rule, as it has stood when the Crusades failed to retake the land from them. During this time Israel was called Palestine to make the distinction between Jewish Israel. For hundreds of years the Jews made their slow excruciating homecoming, strengthened only by their faith in God that He shall soon restore them to their land. Slowly over many generations, the number of Jews continued to grow. This Jewish homecoming was encouraged by the internal rift within the Ottoman Empire. On one side, the Ottoman Empire was fighting the rebellious Bedouins, while fending off challenges to the legitimacy of the Ottoman State. (Lewis, 1996, p. 333) Gradually, these internal conflicts weakened the once mighty empire. Within the first decade of the twentieth century, the empire lost all of its territories, including Israel, their crown jewel. Thus, the Ottoman Empire was no more. Finally by the end of the nineteenth century, the population of Jews in Palestine was big enough to exert some pressure over Palestine. In 1897, the First Zionist Congress was convened. This Congress formally declared the intention to establish a Jewish state within Palestine that will be recognized by the international community. This move was supported by Britain and the United States, who declared their favor over the creation of an independent Jewish state. However, the declaration did not find steam as the influx of Jews slowed down in the early twentieth century. The resurgence came in the 1940’s when the Holocaust killed millions of Jews in Europe. This unspeakable horror wrought upon the Jews solidified their resolve to build their own country and galvanized support from the international community. After World War II, the United Nations declared that Palestine be split in two, one for the Arabs and one for the Jews. As expected, the Arab world raised their objections against the division. Violence erupted immediately after this announcement and continued unabated until David Ben-Gurion, in accordance with the UN Partition Plan, declared independence for the Jewish nation and the creation of the State of Israel in May 14, 1948. The Holy Wars Right after the creation of the Israeli state, neighboring Arab countries surrounded Israel and attacked them from all sides. With sheer resolve to defend their homeland, the fledgling nation with an inexperienced army was able to repel the invading forces. In fact, the Jewish army went so far as advancing their forces, and occupying territories outside their mandated boundaries; this includes most of the land allocated for the Arabs under the Partition Plan, and half of Jerusalem which was supposed to be a UN-controlled city. A ceasefire was successfully negotiated with current occupation defining the new boundaries of Israel. As a result of the Arab invasion, Israel now straddles a land much bigger than what was given to them in the UN Partition Plan. Hundreds of thousands of refugees from both fronts resulted from this war of Israeli independence. The Jewish refugees who have been expelled from Arab lands continue to flock to Israel, while Arab refugees displaced by the Israeli territory continue to settle along the border in UN-sanctioned refugee camps. Even up to this day, Jews and Arabs trapped in the conflict pray for safe passage. The Promise of Israel Arabs and Jews stare at each other across the border in an uneasy truce. Even up to this day, lasting peace is an elusive dream as extremists from both sides threaten war at any time. Israel has created a deep and far-reaching conflict that affects the entire world. Arab terrorists attack the United States and Britain for being staunch allies of Israel, and the United States, in retaliation, is now holding a war in Iraq. And the violence goes on. That the Holy Land of Israel shall be the site of such violence is indeed mankind’s collective tragedy. Where the story of Israel shall take us, we can never know, but this much I am sure of: the war over the Holy Land will never stop until we find it in our hearts to forgive and accept one another. Perhaps it is the fate of a Chosen Land to never find peace until humanity makes peace with each another. The promise of the Holy Land is the promise of peace, and it is incumbent upon us to bring that promise to its final fulfillment.