Do You Agree or Disagree with the Following Statement

First, computers contain office software as well as recreational functions. If one is not self-disciplined, it is easy for them to lose track of time when they use the internet at home. The home environment is greatly conducive to lounging on a sofa watching T. V or cooking or calling friends over to play video games. You don't feel important and co-inhabitants do not take you seriously. How do you work and not go-to work? Take my friend Emily as an example, she is a columnist. Once she worked at a newspaper office.Chatting on line, watching movies or browsing irrelevant websites are not allowed during work time, so she has to just focus on her work. But this year she started to work at home. She writes articles at home and sends them to editors by e-mails. I thought this would be great as she doesn’t need to spend time on commute. However, she told me that at home she can’t help logging on msn and chatting with people or browsing irrelevant websites, sometimes she even plays computer games.As a result, she gradually became a procrastinator. These days she often starts to finish her tasks near deadlines. Second, working at home makes people isolated. Working in the office provides an opportunity to get along with colleagues. And sometimes colleagues can be good friends, which brings lots fun. Social interaction takes the form of group-energy in the workplace. Most people are extroverts and therefore need other people around to maintain motivation. My sister, Dorinda, is a introvert and nearly has no words.When some mistakes happens in her work and she is critized by boss, she is so depressed that has no energy and persistance to move on. But her colleagues find she is unusual and come to ask the reason. Then they encourage Dorinda and help her check, under all the colleagues’ help, she does better and is usually prasied by boss. Therefore, working with colleagues does better academically than their isolated counterparts. Finally, though usi ng the computer and the telephone at home can help finish some work, it reduced face-to-face interaction with other employees or supervisors.Sometimes, a complex problem can’t be solved only by words successfully, it needs discussions or even arguments that create innovative ideas and strategic decisions. Take me for instance, if I have some questions in my homework, I perfer asking teachers after class rahter than just call him. Through face-to- face interaction, I can see the method and the ways of solving the question and find where my mistakes are. Moreover, boss are more facinated with the traditional way of managing. He eeds to make sure everyone is concertrated on working. In order to make the communications more effective, working at office and face-to-face interaction is necessary. I have to admit that modern technology like computer and telephone does bring convenience to people’s life. They enable people to work at home and make schedules more freely. Howeve r, I still believe that the defects of working at home outweigh its merits since there is no guarantee that working at home enhance proficiency. Do You Agree or Disagree with the Following Statement? Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Playing computer games teaches us about life. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer With times changing, there are some newly released computer games designed not only for people to relax but also allows them to live in a virtual world. Some said that these games can expose people to latest innovations, improve their reactions, and do what they are forbidden to do in the real world. However, I disagree that playing computer games teaches us about life. In my opinion, this unreal world doesn’t teach us how to connect with others face-to-face, but it wastes our valuable time. What’s more, those games will bring some life problems. First of all, game players are attracted to these fresh and new games while playing computer games. This causes them to be addicted to the fantasized, unreal world unknowingly. Most of the computer games nowadays are added in on-line function so that they can communicate with game partners, and share the experience of what they played in games with other players. All their life is influenced by game scenes and exciting visual effects, which results in their frowziness and eventually, they are heading towards addiction. Meanwhile, with incorrect thoughts disturbing their minds, they gradually think that they are free to do anything as what the roles do in games. In that virtual world, game players come who from different places form a team, and develop a survival model by killing monsters and enemies with an avenging awareness. However, they would attempt to copy the experience from games to the real world engaging in hostilities in order to solve life problems. This elicits the situation of aggressive and illegal behavior when they suffer from the frustrations such as being blamed by parents, failing exams, having bad personal relationships. Finally, playing computer games for long hours does not teach players how to improve their living qualities, instead, it worsens their health condition. During the period of playing, they would prefer to save time by eating fast food rather than choice different variation of food often resulting in obesity. Also, as soon as they start to play the games, hardly can they stop to rest for a while. This usually causes high pressure. What’s worse, they are willing to sit up all night and continue playing computer games when they should take rest. As a result, it may trigger strokes. Although these computer games do really change the form of entertainments and display the innovations of technology, people currently do not realize that it would become disadvantageous to them when they are over-enjoying than fit relaxation. Therefore, playing computer games does not help people learn about life but lead people to forget the time passing, ignore the interpersonal relationships they have, even more damage their health.

Shawshank Redemption

Andy’s Changed Life In the film, Shawshank Redemption, directed by Frank Darabont, insight was given to the life of prisoners in bondage. Tim Robbins’ character Andy gave an excellent illustration on how new prisoners enter a world of unknown dangers and survive. Andy’s metamorphosis from â€Å"lanky new fish† to a man of prestige was definitely interesting. His change reflected on his fellow prisoners, the Prison staff, and himself as well during his sentence. Andy exemplified a man who could compromise with his surroundings and make the best of every moment.The story of Andy’s life in the Shawshank Redemption gave insight for every man beginning his prison journey. Upon the arrival of all new prisoners stood Andy, a man convicted of murder. Like any other, bets were placed on him to challenge how long he could last. Andy began his new life quiet and concrete. His fellow prisoners had no idea what type of man he would become. After being attacked a nd raped on numerous occasions Andy had to stand up for himself. As he gradually made friends with Morgan Freeman’s character, Redd, his network grew. He needed things and Redd got it for him.From that point on because of his attitude people grew interested. Andy became one of the most friendliest and dependable friends any of the prisoners ever had. The ways he carried himself and acted upon situations were accepted throughout the entire prison. Once he became well-known it was as if he was the leader of a new clan and the people enjoyed following him. He opened pathways for the men and fought for their education. Through him the prisoners were able to enjoy a library and earned opportunities to get their GED or anything else. Andy was definitely no longer a â€Å"lanky new fish† by the time he left Shawshank Prison.As for the Prison staff at Shawshank Prison, Andy’s attitude and persona took a toll on them as well. Andy was never one to cause trouble or engage in anything involving violence. After a bold act towards the head officer Andy became the accountant and tax preparer for almost the whole Prison Staff. He helped to set up college funds and savings for many of the officers. Andy’s work became so good that the warden himself used him as his personal accountant to maintain his dirty money. At this point Andy had gained respect throughout the entire prison and the officers often looked out for him.The Prison staff became dependable on Andy and his marvelous works. He handled and managed their money so they really had no choice but to trust him. I think it shocked every officer to see himself getting help from a prisoner. As Andy grew within the prison, it can be assumed that he became a prominent figure in maintain the prison itself. Therefore his role as a prisoner seemed to have disappeared and he was just a man. Officers may have feared him as a person because he grew with prestige but in the end they needed him. Every man can see a change in himself whether it is good or bad.Andy definitely saw his change from when he first entered to his last days standing on in the prison yard. When he entered prison he had no idea what he had actually done. After sitting around and living from day to day he was able to realize that life is entirely too short to sit and do nothing. He had been sentence to life on behalf of each murdered person and it was nothing he could to about. He compromised, made friends, and made the best out of every moment. He grew to recite his favorite line, â€Å"I’m innocent, isn’t everybody here? Andy noticed the life of others and knew that it wasn’t a life for him. People depended on the four walls that surrounded them, but Andy understood that they were only temporary. There was life beyond what Shawshank Prison offered. As he looked in the mirror and saw how he was aging his whole attitude changed and it reflected on in his walk and even his talk. Life is all about changing and living. Andy’s life definitely changed and he lived through each moment. His fellow prisoners had first hand experience of his life as an innocent man to a man who could and would take risk.As it shocked them, it shocked him as well. The Prison Staff didn’t clearly understand the type of man he was because he was one of a kind. I admire him because he took his surroundings and made life of it. He helped and changed people’s mind sets of life itself. Andy opened people’s hearts and minds and did it all out of his heart. I don’t believe that he needed prison to understand his purpose in life but it definitely helped him to find one. Works Cited Shawshank Redemption. Dir. Frank Darabont. Columbia Pictures, 1994. Videocassette

A Biography of Sidney Poitier

In 1967, a press conference with Sidney Poitier, at that time one of the most successful and popular American actors and certainly the most famous African-American actor, turned from his many roles on screen and stage and became something else entirely.Due to a rash of racial riots across the nation at that time, Poitier was asked pointed questions concerning whether or not he was in favor of the racial riots, his theories on segregation, and other racially oriented topics (Goudsouzian).It was at that point that something happened which changed the course of Poitier’s life as well as the role of African-Americans everywhere- rather than avoid the question, turn the focus back to his fame or storm off in a rage, Poitier came to the realization that it was impossible for him to separate his status as an entertainment icon from his obligation to use his fame to advance the cause of minority rights in America.   Since then, Poitier has done just that.This research will discuss A ram Goudsouzian’s pivotal 2004 biography of Sidney Poitier, not only as a review of this book, but also in an effort to try to better understand how and why Poitier has become one of the most influential African Americans since the end of Civil War.Author’s PurposeWhen gaining a better understanding of why Goudsouzian chose Poitier as the subject of his book, one not only gains an understanding of the author’s purpose in writing the book, but also a grasp of the major social and historical issues that are tackled through a book which is biographical at its core, but becomes much more expansive as it unfolds.First, one must realize that Goudsouzian is not a biographer by nature, but in fact is a history writer, which is why Poitier was chosen as the subject of the book.By choosing a pivotal historic African-American who bridges the gap between the faà §ade of Hollywood and the real world of the urban streets of the nation, Goudsouzian has been able to tell not o nly the story of the struggles of an ambitious African-American man coming of age in the racially charged 1950s and 1960s, but also of a man who parlayed his fame not into a mere vehicle for his own enrichment, but to try to aid and support his entire race.Goudsouzian’s Central ThemeEarlier, the point was made that Goudsouzian’s book is much more than biography or history, but is rather a powerful combination of the two.   Looking beyond this assertion, it is also interesting to explore the central theme of the book, which can fairly be identified in one word-perseverance.For Poitier, perseverance has meant the constant jumping of hurdles, placed in front of him by a society which still wrestles with the issue of equality for African-Americans, even decades after the strife which advanced African-Americans significantly, and almost a century and a half after a bloody Civil War which settled the issue of African-American freedom once and for all.   For African-Ameri cans in general, it would seem that Goudsouzian paints perseverance as a struggle to gain equal footing with the mainstream of America.This being said, however, a fair critique of Goudsouzian’s approach is in order.   It would seem that the author is too quick to always portray Poitier, and African-Americans as perpetual underdogs who never gain any significant ground.However, in truth, much progress has been made in cause of racial equality, while keeping in mind of course that there is much progress yet to come.   Goudsouzian could have presented a bit more of a balance in his contrast.

Educating Mobile Phone Users Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Educating Mobile Phone Users - Research Proposal Example Thus, the purpose of this analysis is to indirectly educate mobile phone users about the environs of mobile phone advertising. As a mobile phone user myself, I firmly believe that by systematically evaluating mobile phone advertising using two particular commercials, I can make users aware of the elements of mobile phone advertising. The audience of this study is expected to be fully aware of how fascinating elements of advertising can affect their decision in purchasing mobile phones. Thus, this will help them to be conscious of the psychological effects of advertising exaggerations and be more careful in purchasing mobile phones based only on their advertisements. Therefore, as a tentative thesis statement, it is expected that mobile phone advertisements dwell more on the enthrallment of owning a trendy mobile phone than on the people’s need to meet their multi-faceted needs via their mobile phone. (5) As this study aims to educate mobile phone users to be more careful in basing their decisions to purchase phones on advertisements, an editorial approach to this study is the most appropriate genre for this analysis. Some elements of writing a review may be used, as this will help the researcher to specifically focus on the two advertisements. However, an editorial will make this study relevant to mobile phone users as it will link the reviews of two advertisements on the aspects to consider in indulging one’s self to believe in mobile phone advertisements. Although the study will not be a sheer criticism, it will consist of the researcher’s view on the importance of mobile phone advertising awareness in order to effectively decide in purchasing mobile phones.

Business Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Business Plan - Essay Example In addition, the paper will analyze the initial and long term expenditures required for the successful running of this wonderful business, so that the services could be provided in an elegant way, and the business could win unflinching applause from all corners, and could observe a splendid expansion within some particular period of time. The service aims to focus on its clients and customers, which are the most important factor in the success or failure of any business. The report also makes suggestion to the AER food company an expansion business plan on the basis of which it would launch its business in other areas too, where it could be visited by the walking clients; and the workers, managers and personnel could take some light diet at noon, afternoon and night, and the public can also visit it with family and friends as an exquisite place of sitting as well as a gorgeous source of complete entertainment. AER will be a magnificent food service, which is going to launch its services with the aim of providing the people with swift and healthful food on economical rates under an environment, which is extremely calm, quiet and pleasing for sitting. And where one can have light chit chat, personal meeting or family gathering free from the noise and tension of the outer-world. Hence, the aim behind the establishment of such a food service that could give the message of peace and comfort to its clients at a walking distance from their workplace. To arrange a completely entertaining atmosphere, where the visitors could watch TV, read periodicals and newspapers, listen to the music and entertain themselves with the company of family and friends by taking delicious foods of various kinds Mission Statement: The mission statement established by the intellectual owner Miss Kanhnika is: â€Å"We present highly hygienic and extremely delicious fast food under such an elegant and restful atmosphere, where you can relax, rejoice, dine and discuss

Women infertility Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Women infertility - Research Paper Example ly people who can make diagnosis if a person has had sex for more than one year withoutconceivingfor a period of one year, while having sex without protection. Infertility remains a problem for many women and sometimes men too suffer problems of infertility. This paper highlights some of the pathogenesis, common symptoms and current conventional treatment. It further addresses the issue of nutritional protocol to include diet and supplements, not only for healing the disorder, but also for prevention. Explain why the diet and supplements suggest are appropriate for this particular illness. b) The controversies surrounding the infertility problem is associated with a range of emotional problems facing the couples. Such challenges affect mostly the childless couples. And some argue that having at least one child may cool the tempers regarding infertility. a) Fallopian tube blockages or damages: when fallopian tubes of a woman are damaged, there is little possibility for a woman to conceive. It is vital to note that the fallopian tubes play an important role of carrying the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus and when they are damaged, there is no possibility of contact between the egg and sperm. Fallopian damages create many other problems that contribute to female infertility such as: endometriosis, pelvic infections, pelvic surgeries that may lead to scar formation and fallopian tube blockages (Jorge, Walter, and Skerrett, 71). b) Cervical problems: a cervical causes a small number of women to suffer from cervical conditions that may cause issues when it comes to conception. Cervical conditions are likely to bur sperms from passing through the cervical canal. Nonetheless, this is a treatable problem and many gynecologists will always advice women that it can be treated and women to conceive. Many of such cases have successfully been addressed through intrauterine insemination. c) Hormonal causes: hormonal problem may cause female infertility because many women

Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation - Essay Example Besides, the motivation for a behavior may also be attributed to less-apparent reasons such as altruism or morality. According to Geen (1994), motivation refers to the initiation, direction, intensity and persistence of human behavior. In other words, motivation is a state of mind which is influenced by the environment, by those around and above all by us (Yates, 2002). Researchers have identified basically two kinds of motivation- the intrinsic and the extrinsic motivation. The main purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast extrinsic motivation and intrinsic motivation. Additionally it also examines the effectiveness of both types of motivation and discuss some of the personal views with respect to which process provides the most effective results and why. There are several researchers who have worked and continue to work on intrinsic and extrinsic types of motivation, and these studies have shed light on their impact on individuals on both developmental and educational practices (Ryan and Deci, 2000). In general, intrinsic motivation occurs when people are internally motivated to do something because it either brings them pleasure, they think it is important, or they feel that what they are learning is morally significant. For example, in a husband and wife relationship unless both are motivated to be faithful, happy and committed to each other or are intrinsically motivated, it is impossible for them to be happy. Another example is if a child is studying out of real interest in the subjects and his curiousness to learn about the subject, it can be said that the child is intrinsically motivated. On the other hand extrinsic motivation can be explained as if a person is motivated to take an action after gaining the knowledge of the rewards. In other words extrinsically motivated behaviors are actions that result in the accomplishment of externally administered rewards, such as pay, material possessions, status, and positive evaluations from others (Bateman and Crant, N.D.). For example, when a student is compelled to achieve distinction in his exams because of the prize announced by the teacher can be considered as extrinsic motivation. The student does not learn the subjects out of the real interest on the subjects but due to pressure. While it is debated that intrinsic motivation plays a major role in reflecting the natural human propensity to learn and assimilate, extrinsic motivation differs considerably in its relative autonomy and thus can either be a sign of external control or true self-regulation (Ryan and Deci, 2000). Motivation influences productivity, and I believe it is essential to understand what motivates people to reach peak performance. It is not an easy task to increase their motivation because they respond in different ways. Motivation among different category of people differs. For instance, a child of 2-3 years may differ from a school going child in motivation. A teenager may differ from the adult. An employee may differ from the business owner. Therefore in all these cases there are different intrinsic and extrinsic motivations and researchers have studied in depth on these issues. And most of them agree that motivation in general is something that energizes, direct, and sustains behaviors (fiu.edu, N.D.). If we take a look at the work of early researchers it can be seen that the extrinsic motivat

Advertising in the 21st century Unit 9 Project Essay

Advertising in the 21st century Unit 9 Project - Essay Example This piece of research work addresses the relevance of IMC in today’s business world and examines how this can be implemented as a strategic step for advertising campaign. This paper identifies three companies at different levels, one from the Fortune 500 lists, one form the INC lists and one from the major online shopping companies and describes how these companies can effectively use IMC as basic strategy for their marketing. Lamb, Hair and McDaniel (2004) described that integrated marketing communication is a careful combination of all promotional messages like traditional advertising, sales promotion, personal selling, event marketing, public relation, interactive marketing and so on so as to assure consistency in whatever messages being communicated to the targeted markets (p. 413). Belch and Belch (2007) emphasized that IMC is a marketing process of planning, designing and developing brand communication program with customers, employees and associates in order to build short term financial benefits and long term brand value (p. 11). Various communication tools are effectively coordinated based on company’s goal to reach different target market more effectively and thus to create short term profitability and long term brand equity and brand loyalty among the customers. IMC is a process in which companies accelerate its revenues and returns by aligning communication objectives with business goals (Schultz and Schultz, 2004, P. 3). Business goals normally include profitable operation as well successful marketing of goods or services being offered to the customers. IMC helps companies achieve their objectives by aligning and coordinating various elements of communication including advertising, sales promotion, direct selling, public relation etc. IMC has become relevant in today’s business because it not only

Do the questions below. ( every questions should be more than 200 Term Paper - 4

Do the questions below. ( every questions should be more than 200 words) - Term Paper Example If, however, the apple goes rotten, then the use value diminishes to almost nothing. Utility is defined differently from use-value because the utility of an object can change depending on its condition. Many modern economists confuse these terms because they are very similar in meaning. But Marx says that utility can change because of the relationship between a human and an object such as the apple. Unlike use-value, which defines the usefulness of an object, the exchange-value is defined in terms of price. Marx, however, was not referring to currency because the value of money can change dramatically. What Marx was alluding to was price in terms of the values of other commodities that can be traded in exchange for an item. When a trade takes place, the utility of the traded object is not gained, but rather the use-value of that object until such time when a person decides to gain the exchange-value of the item. No, Marx would not agree with this statement because the labor process contributes towards the production of an item of value. Every commodity ever produced has required some form of labor to help the product be ready for sale. Labor can be broken down into many forms, but commodities that have an exchange-value do have value in the form of labor. For example, to produce a wooden desk or a pen requires a labor process to make sure that they are produced of high quality. The labor processes for these two items are very different, yet they both require labor to give the object some value. The wooden desk needs to have wood cut, sanded, and put together in order to produce the final product. On the other hand, a pen does not require hard manual labor and in fact a machine can help to produce much of it. People make up much of the labor process (except for objects which can be produced by machines) and so they contribute value towards making the object. Without labor being counted as value, it would be difficult to define the value of an

The Refector Educator Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 7250 words

The Refector Educator - Essay Example The work of a teacher, his/her own human shortcomings, the current state of our society, and the present culture of the school environment also provide powerful distractions to me in truly realizing the potential of my vocation as a teacher - barriers that seem to prevent me from truly living the vision of education that I profess. I am often asked: Why teach when you could do something more profitable Isn't teaching beneath your skill and intelligence I need to answer this question and focus more directly on articulating and implementing my vision in order to be in harmony with myself and my vocation. For, if the vision is superficial or hazy, the effectiveness of the teaching as well as the vocation as teacher is in serious jeopardy. Vision can be better understood, more focused, and more concrete if one concentrates on the component parts and their interaction. If we imagine the vision graphically the outer border of the "construct" indicates the parameters of the vision since every vision has some limit of expansion. Setting the boundaries is important because the clearer the boundaries, the clearer the vision. If they are obscure, the vision will be vague and diffuse. The model can encompass three primary internal components of vision: energy, ideals, and values. Each of these internal components is pointed toward the center, the form of the vision. At this point we encounter the intrusion of "current reality," the other primary, but external, element of the "vision". Thus, "current reality" confronts or collides with the three other primary components. This produces either internal "conflict" or 'choices", i.e. the external expression of the resolution of the confrontation in some decisive way. When the teac her operates out of choices, he/she moves toward "current reality" with "vision". If the teacher fails to make a decisive choice, the inner conflict that one experiences usually results in delusion. The various essential components of the educator's vision and my as well are explained below. Energy is the first component. It is the most basic part of the human personality and may be described as an inner drive, impulse, desire, or personal ambition. Energy denotes psychological force or power, and it is considered to be the most primitive of the human personality functions. Ideals connect the individual to a "higher order." These include the part of the human personality that dictates rules and regulations and establishes ethical and moral thinking. In psychoanalytic theory, this would be referred to as the "super ego" with its two component parts: "conscience" (that which presents taboos and punishes) and "ego ideal" (that which offers sanctions and rewards). For Parker Palmer for example, an ideal for the teacher should include "creating a space in which obedience to truth is practiced" (1998, p.12). Ideals can sometimes conflict with energy desires, particularly in the area of moral decision-making. Values present the next component. They define what I most cherish about life and what I most treasure in my vocation as a teacher. Values can be inherited from parents, religious sources, culture, or personal growth. Values frequently include portions of ideas listed under energy and ideals yet values tend to be an entity in themselves. Values can include both tangible and intangible objects which symbolize personal fulfillment and gratification for the

Traditional and Modern Theories of TAM proof reading Essay

Traditional and Modern Theories of TAM proof reading - Essay Example Tense, aspect and mood are all features of verbs, which are words used to describe actions or states of being. Plato defined verbs as denoting action whereas Aristotle described them as having â€Å"a composite sound with a meaning, indicative of time† (Binnick, 1991: 3). Thus, tense is the foremost feature of verbs. There are also other features such as number, person, and voice, but attention in this study is given to tense, as well as aspect and mood. Traditional English grammar in general derives from classical Greek and Latin. Within this framework, each word is assigned to one of usually eight parts of speech, and numerous rules are learned for composing sentences. This was a popular approach for learning the language until fairly recently because its effectiveness has been questioned. Modern theories have shown many deficiencies of the traditional grammar approach, which is typically complex and highly prescriptive. In practice, "There are matters of style, matters of change (albeit extremely slow change) and matters of dialect" (Bauer, 2007). Furthermore, substitution frames for example, do not always help, and they can become cumbersome for structuralists to define for all instances of word occurrences. Moreover, differences between form and function can arise. Descriptive grammarians on the other hand attempt to describe the language as well as explain why it is the way it is, and various theoretical models are used for the purpose. In this regard, Chomskys work on transformational generative grammar was very significant in shaping modern linguistic theories. The modern discipline of generative linguistics made its appearance from the 1960s. However, as many linguists have experienced, modelling verb systems of many languages is a very complex affair. Bache et al., (1994) view the semantic complexity of language-specific categories as â€Å"the main problem in the analysis of any verb system†

Chinese thrilling economy Essay Example for Free

Chinese thrilling economy Essay One of my Chinese class-fellow persuaded me to accept that China is emerging as a world super-power. He tried to convince by proving arguments that were based on misconceived notions. He also provides certain facts about Chinese thrilling economy, military might, its geo-strategic location. He further told me that China is capturing the world markets and heavy investments from world over are pouring in to bring an industrial revolution in the world. Although he mentioned these facts but I was unconvinced as he was unable to provide figures. The most disappointing thing was that he only mentioned soft power and did not realize that hard power too helps in achieving the status of super-power. If could have provided me the growing influence of China in the international socio-economic affairs, then it could be a convincing persuasion. Further, the cultural influence of china could be another valid argument but he did not mention all these. So his persuasion was an utter failure. I watched and analyzed John F. Kennedy Moon Speech in Rice Stadium in 1962. Kennedy uses his body language in a subtle way that augments the emotional effect of his speech. His body language is embellished and his movements are appropriate. He stresses his point of view on certain points by use of hands only and looks around to get the full attention of his audience. This speech is based on emotional appeal but some elements of logic are also manifested here and there. Although he provides the motives for the space program and historical land on moon but these logics are little convincing but he skillfully utilizes the emotional appeal. He sums the history of million years into a century and consider the â€Å"moon landing† the most important event of this century. He messages were very specific and he used illustrative language to show the importance this historical event. His speech is not direct but it does not create any confusion as audience is well aware of the purpose of speech already. URL: http://www. space-video. info/speech/19620912-jfk-rice. html

The Life Of Sachin Tendulkar Essay

The Life Of Sachin Tendulkar Essay As said by the legend Amitabh Bachchan himself Sachin (Tendulkar) is the heartbeat of our nation. The country breathes every time he goes out to play and when he is out, the country stops breathing. Demi God, The Master Blaster, Bombay Bomber, the little master, Sach, slashin sachin, 4+6=10ulkar, 10ulkar, God of Cricket and so on and so forth . This is the presence of Sachin Tendulkar in the World Cricket. One sports personality who still remains uncorrupted and unassuming as ever. Champion in the Making Early life and beyond Sachin Tendulkar comes from a humble and cultured background of a middle-class family. His father, Prof. Ramesh Tendulkar was a poet and a professor of Marathi Literature. Prof Ramesh eldest son Nitin also became a literary and poet and was recognized by the state government for his first book. But it was not Nitin Tendular who needed constant vigilance; it was the familys youngest, the trouble maker MASTER SACHIN was. When young he played in the playground day and night without wanting to come back home for his afternoon meals and nap. Sometimes his grandmother or mother would have to tie up one of his legs to a wooden chair so that he does not go out playing yet again and then go back to their knittings. Sachin attended Sharadashram Vidyamandir (High School) and began his cricketing career under the guidance of his mentor and coach, Ramakant Achrekar. Sachin used to practice for hours in the nets. When he got tired his mentor would put a One Ruppee coin on the stumps, and the bowler who would be able to dismiss Sachin would get the coin. If on the other hand Sachin would pass the whole session without getting dismissed, the coach would give him the coin. Sachin today considers his 13 coins he had won, some of his most prized possessions. Humility and Credibility has always been in Sachins innate nature and his strongest of allies from his days of nobody to a super celebrity. In his early years also, as told by his elder brother, he has not once seen sachin behave in an insensitive or arrogant manner. Respect and Responsibility: A quality which is not replaceable is his respect for his elders. Before embarking on his tour he never forgets to take the blessings of his elders in the family. And also he never forgets to buy each of his family members something when he returns from the tour. There is another endearing quality that Sachin has, which is he never gets angry. He has no known enemy in the media circuit neither does he have any favorites. To those who have offended and criticized him by their writings, he has only one philosophy: Pressmen too are entitled to having their bad days. Sachin allows nothing to affect him. In the early years of his career, he understood his responsibility towards Environment and social responsibility. He had never endorsed any alcohol brand, cigarettes and pan masala, when other of his counter parts were endorsing the same. The Person: At the age when others play gully cricket,, Sachin was already shoulder to shoulder with names like Kapil Dev and Mohammed Azharuddin. There is unanimity that achievement and fame has not changed Sachin a bit even though he had started earning exceeding well very early in his career. And today also, apart from his passion for Luxury Cars and Fast Driving his interest still remains of a middle class person Family, Music, good food and Friends. Even though Sachin is a private person but he is not a hermit. He is frivolous and fun-loving when and where he wants to be. One more aspect is that sachin is very kind-hearted which is imprinted in him even today because of his upbringing and values given by his parents. His parents had always given their children liberty to do what they want and they made sure that this trust was never breached. Even when the decision of changing Sachins School came, sachins father spoke to him to know his feelings even at that young age. Sachin: The Patriot As noticed by photographer Pradeep Mandhani retells that when Sachin had landed in Johannesburg in 1992-1993 for a tour to South Africa, the team had to visit the Tolstoy Farm, Mahatma Gandhis first Satyagrah Movement, founded in 1910. The Indian player showed little interested as they wanted to rest first, but that did not stop the young inquisitive Sachin to stop his questions from the guide about our Father of the Nation. Still a teenager and hungry for information about Mahatma Gandhi showed his pride for the Nation. On his tour to Pakistan in the year 1997, Joseph Hoover, a journalist, suggested sachin about doing something for the underprivileged of the society. He immediately agreed and asked him his plans, and he had no plans as it was a casual remark. But within minutes he arranged for bats to be sent to Bangalore which the players would sign and later they will be auctioned. Man of his word: Sachin became the first overseas player to be a part of Yorkshire. He had assured his presence for the benefit. The coordinators were scared that it would be a huge blow if he will not turn up. But when called, he unworriedly told him that when he gives his word, he honors it. Sachin kept his word. Sachins standing and reputation is such that when he was wrongly accused of ball tampering the whole Nation rose protest the allegation. The sentiments of the masses were told by former BCCI president NKP Salve when he said that Sachin cannot cheat. He is to cricket what Gandhi Ji was to politics. It was clear discrimination in his opinion. The ICC (International Cricket Council) was enforced to explain that Sachins only mistake was to remove the grass of the ball without informing the umpire, which is not ball tampering. Even after being born and brought uo in a Marathi family, Sachin has never protested or shown any prejudice against North Indians like the Shiv Sena (political party in Maharashtra) who have unleashed an anti-north Indian campaign. Bal Thackeray ( party president) lasted his anger at Sachin, when he had quoted that Mumbai is a part of India and that how he sees it. He also said that he is a Maharashtraian and am extremely proud of that, but first he is an Indian. These remarks by Sachin were of a true Indian who does not belong to one particular state but a country first. A true Patriot à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. Inspirational: Sachin had failed in exams in Boards. At that time, it was considered shameful to fail in school, but that did not stop his love and passion for cricket. A persistent back problem flared up when Pakistan had come for a tour in India in 1999, and India lost a historic test series, despite a rough century by Sachin. Worse was to come when Sachins father, Prof. Ramesh Tendulkar passed away in the middle of 1999 Cricket World Cup. Sachin led India tour to Australia after being named the new captain, where they lost the series by the new world champions. Sachin gave up his captaincy and Sourav Ganguly took over as captain in 2000. Sachin had made 673 runs in 11 matches in the 2003 World Cup which led to India playing in final against the defending champions- Australia. While Australia reserved the trophy, sachin was awarded the Man of the Series. Sachin made his mark in the drawn series of India tour to Australia in 2003-2004 in the last test series where he made a double century. In 2004, eyebrows were raised again when Sachin injured his elbow, leaving him out of sight for almost a year, coming back only for a test series with Austalia in India. He did play his part in Indias win in the Mumbai Test but the series went to Austalia in 2004. After his tour to England in 2006, the news of his shoulder operation raised more question of his longevity in cricket.And today he is the worlds best, and the highest earning cricketer. His attitude towards life and the game is what should inspire us. Dedication: In the year 1998-1999, Australian Cricket Team was scheduled to tour India for a Test Match and Tri Series. Although the Australian team had great players like Steve Waugh, Mark Taylor, Mark Waugh and Ian Harley, there was this one guy who had made ripples in the cricket world that was Shane Warne. Even though the Indian team were good against spinners but this guy had it in him to swindle the Indians in their home ground. Preceding the test series the Australian Team was scheduled to play a warm up match with Mumbai Ranji Trophy Team in Mumbai. Sachin was also to feature in that game for Mumbai. Sachin was aware of the hazard which Shane Warne could pose and hence about one month before the Australian Team arrived in Mumbai, he had sent a SOS to Laxman Shivaramakrishnan (a former Indian Leg spinner). Sachin arranged for him to come to Mumbai so that he could practise against various leg spinners as Shivaram was a good exponent of the googly and flipper. Sachin practised along with him everyday for 5-6 hours in the heat for around 20 days before the Australian Team arrived in Mumbai. They say God helps those who help themselves and Patience is the key to Success. And so it was in case of Sachin Tendulkar. In this warm up game, sachin smashed Shane Warne and the fellow Australians and scored a glorious 204 and the rest is history. Later on he played Shane Warne with no difficulty Practise is the simplest thing which we should focus for instead we move around for other things which never guarantee success and even if it would have given success, it would be short term nature. Sachin is a person who gives a lot of attention to values and things that matters to him, be it how small they are from others perspective. Like many sports personalities, Sachin also has his own superstitions and mementos which he holds a special place in his life. As an example, Sachin was gifted with a pair of pads by his cricket hero Sunil Gavaskar when he was a school. And when he made his Test debut for India against Pakistan aged just 16-years old in 1989 wearing those very pads Lessons from his Journey: Dedication and Commitment His hard work at the nets is just an example of how dedicated Sachin Tendulkar is to the game of cricket. He has in the process not only mastered the techniques of shot making but also has invented shots which bear his signature. An aspiring speaker should also be dedicated to his art, he should spend long hours researching, preparing and rehearsing his speeches. He should become sound in his understanding of the art. Passion and Drive to Excel If he fails at batting, youll see him make up for it in the field. Either hell get some crucial wickets or take brilliant catches or make extra effort in preventing runs from being scored. If nothing of this happens, hell be there with a right piece of strategy for the captain. The bottom line is simple: He has a great passion for the game. And he pushes himself to excel each time he goes out to play. An aspiring speaker should show great passion for public speaking. He should be driven by the quest for excellence and never settle for mediocrity. Enjoying the Game As you watch Sachin Tendulkar play, youll never have a feel that he is at work. He is always at play, enjoying the game. That is perhaps the greatest secret of success. Enjoying what you do in life. Most speakers look at their given assignments with dread. This is a defeatist attitude. Instead, if the speaker can learn to enjoy his time on stage, hell come up with better performances. Hell then engage the audience with some cherished moments of inspiring integration of words and action; thought and emotion, style and substance. The Audience Factor Sachin Tendulkar will be remembered not just for the volume of runs or the number of centuries he made. Instead hell be remembered most for the way in which he played the game. How he entertained, how he mesmerized, how he took the battle to the opposition often single-handedly, how he wrote poetry with his foot movements, balance, poise and delicate touches with the bat. In short, he entertained. Aspiring speakers can learn something from him in this regard. It is not just delivering some words committed to memory that counts, but how you can entertain the crowd. That is how lively and interesting your presentation was to the audience. Planning and Pacing the Innings None of Sachins great innings happened by chance. Instead it was careful planning and precise execution of it that helped him achieve success. Life too is an innings that we play. We need to learn how to pace our innings. There are times to go slow; there are times to accelerate. There are moments to be still and there are times to cut loose. An aspiring speaker should note that great speeches have a cadence of their own. There is music and rhythm in it. There is occasional rise and fall. Sometimes the delivery of the speech sounds like a hurricane; and at other times it soothes like still soft music. Effective is the man who has learned to keep his performance within his allotted time. Raising the Level of the Game Great champions need great opposition to bring out the best in them. Sachin Tendulkar is no exception. His ability to raise the level of his game during demanding situations has often been proved. When that happens there is a different quality to his game. There is something different, something that cant be defined, and something that seems out of the ordinary in his game. Great speakers too raise their level of performance when the mood, the occasion and the content of their speech demand it of them. Like how Tendulkar makes his batting look so much easy because he hides his art in it. So also a speaker should lay hold of his art in such a way so as to make it look so easy. It is at such moments great art is witnessed and heard by the audience. Consistency and Perseverance Sachin Tendulkar has had his moments of failure. Those moments prove to us beyond doubt that he is an ordinary human being just like one of us. But what makes him different is his ability to be patient when his critics cry out for his blood. Instead of speaking he lets his bat do the talking. And his long and illustrious career has been one long string of achievements that has shut the mouths of his critics. His averages in both versions of the game are testimony to his consistency and perseverance. Speakers need to be consistent. They should earn a reputation by consistently delivering well. At the same time they should also learn to persevere when bad days come. The secret is to keep on doing what youre good at and maintain the confident belief that if you had done well in the past you can do better in future. ACHIEVEMENTS: Sachin is broadly regarded as one of the greatest batmen in the history of world cricket. He holds the world record for the most number of Man of the Match (MoM) and Man of the Series (MoS) awards in ODI matches. Sachin Tendulkar is the most inexhaustible run scorer in one-day internationals with 17,598 runs. With a current aggregate of 13447 Test runs, he exceeded Brian Laras previous record count of 11,953 runs as the highest run scorer in the test matches in 2008 in Mohali, India. Sachin regarded this as one of his biggest achievements in the 19 years of career. He also holds the record of highest number of centuries in ODI cricket (46) as well as Test (48). Sachin has scored over 1000 runs seven times in a calendar year in ODIs, and he scored 1894 runs in 1998, easily the highest record for the runs scored by any player in a single calendar year for one day internationals. Sachin became the first player ever to reach 10,000-11,000-12,000-13,000-14,000-15,000, 16,000 and 17,000 ODI runs Official Awards Arjuna Award, for achievements in Cricket in 1994. Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1997 Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Indias highest sporting honor 1997/1998 Indias fourth highest civilian award- Padma Shri in 1999 Indias second highest civilian award: Padma Vibhushan in 2008 Sachin has become a mentor for the youth with his dedication, love and passion for the game and his country. He is an inspiration to every individual in India and the world.

Including children with autism in early childhood settings

Including children with autism in early childhood settings There is no denial that children with autism can be challenging for early childhood educators. Educators might feel perplexed, frustrated or even hurt in spite of their concerted efforts. This essay sets out to discuss the prevalence of autism in New Zealand/Aotearoa, its manifestation and identification, and some basic strategies for educators to successfully include children with autism in the early childhood settings. What is autism? Autism is short for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Autism New Zealand Inc. (2005) gives the following definition: An Autism Spectrum Disorders is a life-long developmental disability affecting social and communication skills. It is defined by New Mexico Public Education Department [NMPED] (2004) as a neurobehavioral syndrome characterized by onset prior to age 3. Characteristics include severe differences in interaction with other people, communication deficits, as well as restricted and stereotyped patterns of interest and behaviours. (p.8). Due to the different severity and manifestation, autism is used to describe all the diagnosis sharing the common characteristics of autism, including Asperger syndrome (difficulty in understanding non-verbal signal but might with normal language development and cognitive development) (Autism New Zealand Inc., 2005). In Aotearoa, 1 person in 100 has autism, including Asperger syndrome. That is an estimation population of 40,000 people. Boys are more likely to have autism 4 times than girls (Autism New Zealand Inc., 2005). Large-scale survey conducted in United States and England suggests autism affect 4.5 out of 1,000 children. Recent estimation even goes up to as high as  ¼% to  ½% of the population. According to epidemiological survey, the latest figure for people with autism worldwide is 1 in every 150 children and 1 in every 83 boys (Autism-world, 2007). Despite the prevalence of autism, its cause remains much unknown. Current research worldwide has identified biological or neurological differences in the brain for the cause of autism, but has not found the explanation for such differences yet (NMPED, 2004). In some cases, the various conditions affecting the brains such as maternal rubella, tuberous sclerosis and encephalitis cause the autism (Autism New Zealand Inc., 2005). However, it is 100 % certain that autism is not caused by bad parenting, mental illness, or poorly behaved children (NMPED, 2004, p.8), nor family income, lifestyle and educational levels (Massachusetts Department of Education [MDoE], 1998). More and more researches have attested to the effectiveness of intensive early intervention for the children with autism (Dawson Osterling, 1997, cited in Woods Wetherby, 2003). It is indicated by researches worldwide that intervention provided in the first three years are most effective (Harris Handleman, 2000, cited in Woods Weatherby, 2003). As more and more children are attending early childhood services, it is imperative for early childhood educators to identify the early signs for autism in children and refer them to special services for thorough and comprehensive diagnosis (NWPED, 2004). Most children with autism have significant social communication/ language delays (NWPED, 2004). Early childhood educators are to be aware of the following early warning signs in the communication areas: no babbling, pointing or gesturing by 12 months; no single words by 16 months; no 2 word spontaneous phrases by 24 months; no response to name; ANY loss of language or social skills at any age (NWPED, 2004; Woods Wetherby, 2003). It is strongly suggested by a multidisciplinary consensus panel endorsed by the American Academy of Neurology and Child Neurology Society and nine professional organisations (Filipek et al., 1999, cited in Woods Wetherby, 2003) that educators resort to immediate further evaluation if they notice any of the mentioned signs in children. Wetherby et al. (2000, cited in Woods Wetherby, 2003)) suggest that parents and professionals need to be conscious especially when children seem to show deficits in joint attention and symbolic communication. Deficits in joint attention means children have difficulties in coordinating attention between people and objects. Signs to look for are identified as below: children have problem in responding to a social partner; children cant shift gaze between people and objects; there is no sharing of affect or emotions with other people; children fail to follow others gaze, point or draw others attention to share experiences. Deficits in symbolic use are characterised by problems in (a) using conventional gestures, (b) understanding and using conventional meanings for words, and (c) using objects functionally and in symbolic play (Woods Wetherby, 2003, p. 181). Children with autism dont use much of conventional gestures, such as waving, showing or pointing as discussed in the deficits of joint attention, nor symbolic gestures like head nodding or miming actions. Instead, idiosyncratic, unconventional or inappropriate behaviours might be detected in them, such as they might be aggressive and throwing tantrums all the time or they might hurt themselves. Children with autism are found to use significantly more syllables with atypical phonation, such as squeals, growls, and yells (Sheinkopf, Mundy, Oller, Steffens, 2000, cited in Woods Wetherby, 2003). For those children with autism who does learn to talk, echolalia that is imitating others speech is often found. Children with autism also show noticeable deficits in make-believe and functional play (Woods Wetherby, 2003). It should be noted children with autism are characterised by a constellation of the above mentioned symptoms: impairments in social and communication skills, limited or lack of joint attention and symbol use. Due to the different developmental ability of each child, the symptoms or diagnostic features might be different from one another. Most importantly, these signs are only significant indicators rather than the decisive factor for the diagnosis (Woods Wetherby, 2003; NWPED, 2004). By now, there is no medical test to diagnose autism, but referral should be made to a paediatrician, a child development service, or specialised early intervention service provider (Ministries of Health and Education, 2008) by the concerned educators after gaining parental consent (New Zealand Tertiary College, 2010). To successfully engage children with autism in early childhood settings, it is pivotal for educators to acknowledge their rights to be included in a supportive environment where they can grow and learn side by side with their peers (Vakil, Welton, OConnor, Kline, 2009, p.322). On the legislation and policy level, Education Act 1989 and Human Rights Act 1993 mandate equal rights for all children with diverse needs, and make it unlawful to discriminate or treat unfairly the children with diverse needs because of their varied needs. In the early childhood sector, it is clearly expressed and stressed in the curriculum framework Te WhÄ riki (Ministry of Education [MoE], 1996) and Quality in Action: Implementing the Revised Statement of Desirable Objectives and Practices (MoE, 1998) that there should be equal learning opportunities for all children irrespective of their ability. In 2000, New Zealand government developed Special Education 2000 to advocate inclusion of children with diverse needs and increasing opportunities for them in the early childhood and school sector (NZTC, 2010). On the personal level, it is the educators responsibility to meet different childrens varied needs when choosing to work with children. To successfully include children with autism begins with educators commitments to inclusion. Children with autism deserve and have the same right as every other child to be included in the early childhood settings. When acknowledging children with autisms rights to be included in the early childhood settings, it is also essential to recognise the challenges and difficulties faced by the educators. Some basic strategies are suggested here to help educators to successfully engage children with autism in their centres. First and foremost, it is crucial for educators to learn about autism and how it affects the childrens thinking, behaviour and learning (Mells, 2002). Children with autism think differently from most of other children. Due to limited comprehension skills, they might find it hard to adjust to changes of environment or activity as they cant predict what might happen next. To enable children with autism to cope with change, educators can devise a set of rules about how things happen focusing on a piece of detail information rather than focusing on the bigger picture (Mells, 2002). Children with autism have greater skills in visual processing than auditory (Friend, 2008, cited in Vakil et al., 2009). Educators can better inform and support them with visual cues (Ganz Flores, 2010). Different children with autism have different intolerable things, or even different intolerable levels to the same thing. Some of them might be highly sensitive to the scrap sound of the chair or the smell of lunch box. It is pivotal for educators to follow childrens leads, get to know them in person and tune in to their individual needs. Educators can find out more about the children with autism referring to the books, relevant guidelines, and websites. It is also wise practice to talk to family and carer who already know a great deal about the individual childs preferences (Mells, 2002; NMPED, 2004). Working in teams and parental involvement are fundamental to the success of the inclusion. Educators need to work in teams with anyone who contribute to the childs programme, such as family/whanau, specialist teachers, specialist service providers (e.g. MoE/GSE staff, special needs specialists), speech-language therapist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist and the teacher aide to share each others expertise and apply consistent strategies for the childs best benefit. The Individual Educational Plan meeting is a great resource for educators. During the meetings, educators can have access to the other specialists information about the individual child and helpful strategies to interact with him/her successfully. Educators can also express his/her concerns and get them sorted out within the team. Meanwhile, educators can share how the child is doing in the early childhood setting to facilitate decision-making within the team (Moltzen, 2005). Another essential element in the success ful inclusion is to work in collaboration with parents/ caregivers, and whanau. It is highly stressed by Mells (2002), Fraser (2005) and Vakil et al., (2009) the importance of parental involvement for the best outcomes of the child. To work in collaboration with parents and family/whanau, educators are to understand and respect their feelings, and to value their voices and choices. Parents go through a range of emotions when they learn about the childs special needs: shock, denial, anger, sadness, detachment, reorganisation and adaptation (Fraser, 2005, p.134). It is important to acknowledge and show understandings to their feelings. Collaboration with parents enables mutual exchange of support and information about the child between educators and parents (Fraser, 2005). Vakil et al., (2009) indicate that educators need to apply family-centred practices: familys concerns, preferences should be valued and attended to; familys involvement should be secured and actively seek to. When interacting with children with autism, it is advocated that educators apply evidence- based practices and developmentally appropriate practices (Vakil et. al., 2009). Evidence-based practices are practices that have been attested by research and can better inform educators what to do to achieve desired outcomes, such as Universal Design for Learning, informal and formal assessments relating to learning, differentiated instruction, and direct explicit instruction (Dunst, Trivett, Cutspec, 2002, cited in Vakil et al., 2009). To successfully engage children with autism, educators need to provide accommodation and modifications, merging special education and general practices to adjust to their needs. It is also vital to apply developmental appropriate practices to make the children feel accepted, cared for, and supported. Children with autism are characterised by triad of impairment in ability to communicate, socialise and think or imagine (Mells, 2002). Irrespective of their ability, children with autism deserve the same right to be included in the early childhood setting with the educators support. Educators need to be aware of the early signs and symptoms, and refer them to relevant services for a thorough and comprehensive diagnosis after discussing the concern with parents. To successfully include children with autism, educators need to commit to inclusive teaching, work in collaboration with other professionals, parents and whanau. Most importantly, educators need to learn about the child in person, and to proactively learn more about effective practice to include the child referring to relevant helpful resources on the ongoing basis.

Death Of A Salesman: Symbols :: essays research papers

Death of a Salesman: Symbols Many symbols are incorporated into the play "Death of a Sales man" and they in turn relate to both character and theme. The hose, tape recorder and the seeds are some of these symbols. The hose in Miller's drama directly relates to the theme of d eath. The hose is a line attached to the gas main in Willy's house which allows him to snif f the gas. This action can be seen as Willy's suicide wish, and escape from the realities of life. As seen in the loss of his job and his failure to succeed. The hose also represents grief and deception. For when Linda, Willy's wife, finds the hose, she is distraught over its in tended purpose. The deceptive nature of the hose is apparent when Willy is confronted about it by Biff his son and Willy denies its existence. A similar denial is also evident when Willy is confronted with the tape recorder in Howard's office. The tape recorder signifies the change in Willy's life throug h the advancement of technology. It also represents the end of Willy's career. This is brought about when Howard, Willy's boss and godson, shows the tape recorder to Willy and appe ars to be more interested in the sound and technology of the machine instead of Willy, who i s fighting for his job. Howard no longer need s Willy's services and without concern fires him. This , to Willy, was like, "eating the orange and throwing away the peel". However, Willy is partly to blame, as he does not accept change and wants to remain in the pas t. This is foreshadowed in the scene where Willy is left alone with the tape recorder and is unable to shut it off. Willy believes in using his old techniques and style to succeed. Nevertheless, in his job, it is not what you know, but it is who you know. Willy is not up to date with the business nor technology. Yet, Willy still has hope, and wishes to leave some fo rm of support behind for his family as illustrated in his planting of the seeds. Willy feels that he must leave something behind something for Biff. In Willy's imaginary world he wants Biff to be magnificent and he symbolically plants seeds in his garden. In spite of such an action he is doomed to fail. Willy sta rts planting the seeds at night, but at night there is no sun shining and this seems

Labor and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Essay -- Business Economi

Labor and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Seven years of trade negotiations at last gave birth to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995, the U.S. labor movement was one of its leading skeptics. A world trade organization, labor supporters argued, would only accelerate the headlong rush to laissez-faire by dismantling national regulations. It would overwhelm attempts by nations to defend living standards and the ability of unions to fight for wages and health and safety laws—and it would make it harder for nations to defend the rights of workers to join unions. Labor lobbied hard against the WTO. But now, ironically, the WTO could become a critical venue for advancing workers' rights worldwide. For the WTO has the power to review nations' domestic laws that create unfair trade advantages including, potentially, labor laws. The WTO could define fair trade to include labor standards. Such linkage would be a historic change in the world's trading regime, and labor's stake in it. The idea of linking labor rights with trade policy has been around since shortly after World War II when efforts to create an international trading regime began in earnest. However, the WTO represents the first opportunity since 1948 to give the issue serious attention. Proponents of linking labor rights to trade rules build on the conventional case for free trade. For international commerce to be free, markets within countries must not be rigged to encourage exports and discourage imports. This is the fundamental principle of free trade and it is the central precept of the WTO. Labor markets are a special case, because they are not conventional free markets. Minimum-wage laws and guarantees of free collective bargaining change the wages that market... ...ost marginalized people in Third World countries. Bibliography Reference: The WTO and the Battle Over Labor Standards" by Martin Khor, Third World Network published by Third World Network Features January 13, 1997 http://www.wto.org/ Handbook of WTO/GATT Dispute Settlement (Pierre Pescatore, William J. Davey & Andreas Lowenfeld eds., Transnational Publishers, 1991- )(ISBN: 1-57105-032-9). Includes full text of WTO/GATT panel reports. Kept up-to-date by looseleaf supplements. The International Trade Law Reports (London : Cameron May, 1996- )(ISSN: 1364-9205). Looseleaf including decisions of the World Trade Organization panels and the Appellate Body. Law and Practice of the World Trade Organization (Joseph F. Dennin ed., New York: Oceana Publications, 1996- )(ISBN: 0379213583). Looseleaf service includes Dispute Resolution binders containing WTO panel reports).

Regional development in France Essay

Regional development in France Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The conventional approach to regional development was assumed by central governments using the levers of infrastructure, subsidies to firms, and the setting of public sector operations. Regional development policies has been superseded by a fashionable approach characterized by decentralized intervention based on integrated regional development plans and strategies, delivered and designed by partnerships of local and regional actors. Regional policy has been in existence for over fifty places especially in Western Europe. Regional policy existed in countries that were affected by the Great Depression of 1930. It became famous part of social policy intervention and widening economic undertaken by all Western European countries from 1950 to 1970. The regional policy began to change in the mid 1970s due to slow economic development and new political policies. The European Union created its regional policy with more and more resources devoted to social and economic cohesion (Funck & Pizzati, 2003).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The present economic crisis led the French government to develop measures to accelerate implementation of the operational programs with respect to digital infrastructure, sustainable development, and energy efficiency for housing. Consecutively, some regional authorities included additional measured especially in environment and innovation. The rate of implementation of operational programs is somewhat low among all regions. The differences between regions to an extent depend on the cooperation level between regional and central government. The implementation rate is lowest in sustainable development and highest in the knowledge economy. Annual implementation reports maintain that the crisis between central and regional governments had a negative impact on implementation mainly because enterprises are slow in launching projects. Analysis of regional development is difficult due to lack of comparability of the indicators and homogeneity. In addition, it poses difficult to identify achievements in comparison to the objectives (Lopriore, 2001).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is in the policy part ‘knowledge economy’ that the key results and outputs originate: the   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   SRI; R&D equipment and infrastructure, and collaborative R&D projects in relation   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   pà ´les de compà ©titività © and poles of excellence and to regional filià ¨res.The SRI program implemented in 2009 has possibly played a affirmative function, jointly with the crisis in support of the execution of improvement support policies. There are fewer consequences for more customary policies such as support to knowledge transfer organizations and to communal actions of enterprises. United regions have focused their labors on intensifying their human resources and research potential that corresponds to a recognized need.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The second policy is accessibility and transport and is evaluated in terms of results and outputs with investment in urban transport and railways in addition to broadband infrastructure. Results and outputs in the ‘sustainable development and environment’ policy part are fairly incomplete because of prevalence of management capacity and small projects being less in comparison to creativity. The key achievements are in renewable energies and energy efficiency. In ‘territorial development’, predicaments in some urban parts are being tackled via calls for proposals, which have resulted to creation of the first concrete projects, in addition to sport, tourism, and cultural activities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Territorial Cooperation review on operating programs reveals that there is a general equilibrium between results and outputs in the ‘knowledge economy’ and ‘sustainable development’ policy areas. SRIs have indisputably armored the obligation of officials and politicians at regional point to improvement support strategies, taking part to improve the innovation supremacy scheme, and had a patent effect in escalating wakefulness of the significance of an extra demand-oriented plan and putting more focus to non-technological innovation, service innovation as well as financial engineering. Successively, joint R&D projects have played part in nurturing customs and practice of partnership in both academic community and industry (Funck & Pizzati, 2003).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The traditions and practice of appraisal has made noteworthy development in France in the last few years at state as well as regional rank, moderately under the demands of innovative institutional, the Commission and policy system. However, the approaches remain comparatively customary, as shown in the state appraisal of pà ´les de compà ©titività ©. In comparison to the 2005 concluding assessments of SPDs and ERDF, the latest appraisals concentrate on scrutinizing the effects, pointing to key issues and essential re-orientations further than the plain evaluation of the execution of the programs and strategies assessed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The most remarkable assessments are the national evaluation of the pà ´les de compà ©titività © (2008) and various regional assessments which focus to specific problems that are serious in France such as the allotment of capabilities and the synchronization between the national and regional systems. They primarily focus on the ‘knowledge economy’ policy part and they in broad highlight once more that it is obligatory to take enhanced account of the exact features of areas or sub-regions, to perk up the authority system, to focus more on the account of non-technological improvement and service innovation , and to incorporate SMEs more efficiently. Regional development also recommends a shift from procedures behind knowledge transfer organizations to dealings supporting joint R&D projects. This is established by the evaluation of the regional improvement systems set up in the SRIs (â€Å"Regional Policy†, 2010).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The five regions that exist in France include Ile de France which is the capital region, Western regions, Rhone-Alpes, Changing or the outermost regions and the Southern regions. Ile de France takes a unique position because it accommodates headquarters of huge companies and it is highly concentrated with government offices. Capital region is also highly populated with active and young people with a life-long education at an outstanding level. Its performance is high in regard to all indicators such as competent work-force, private and public R&D expenditure as well as higher education. Ile de France contributes an approximate of 28% of national value-added. Research findings reveal that over the last decade, the capital region is slowly being undertaken by Western and Southern regions in terms of growth of GDP per capita, national value-added and research potential.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Rhone-Alpes is the second largest region in regard to GDP and population. Its national value added has slightly increased from 9.4% in 1990 to 9.6% in year 2002. The unemployment rate in Rhone-Alpes region is lower than the national average rate. It has a multifaceted structure with service center such as Lyon, banking, industrial, manufacturing spots, and a world rank R&D monopoly in Grenoble. Southern regions have a higher than average ratio of R&D expenditure to GDP. The Southern regions draw immigrants from Northern and capital regions. It has a young population with a high unemployment rate which drastically fell until 2008. There are strong intra-regional differences because of concentration of research and services in the capital cities and the contrasting significance of mountain and rural areas. Southern regions gain from pensions of retiring generations and the unemployed who move to the â€Å"sun belt†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Western regions continue to experience high growth in terms of competent people and their cities are amongst the most gorgeous in France. The unemployment rate in Western regions is also below that of the country in general. In addition some regions do not have special features in terms of R&D, higher education and competent personnel. Low unemployment level in some regions may be caused by emigration of active generation while others have old industrial base; where despite increased labor, they still experience slow growth and high unemployment rate. French outermost regions undergo various challenges such as cost of access, remoteness, high dependence on the metropole, lack of critical mass and environment challenges. The business sector hugely depends on the government and tourism sector. The ration of minimum income support in French outermost regions is six times compared to the mainland France. There is extremely high unemployment ra te as compared to the national average. France outermost regions comprises of micro-enterprises and service-related SMEs, which are mostly family owned and neither innovation nor export oriented.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Information from statistical data on GDP per capita and population reveals some of the key transforms that have occurred in various regional groups. The Western and Southern regions had the highest population growth from 1999 to 2007. The increase in population in these regions can be associated to migration from capital and other French regions. Region Population growth (%) Corsica +15 Languedoc-Roussillon +11.6 Midi- Pyrà ©nà ©es+10.1 Aquitaine +8.3 Pays de la Loire +8.1 Provence-Alpes-Cà ´te-d’Azur +8 Bretagne +7.4 Rhà ´ne-Alpes +7.4   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The capital region had population growth of 5.9%. The areas with lower population growth were either rural areas such as Bourgogne, Auvergne, Champagne-Ardenne, and Picardie or old industrial regions such as Lorraine, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, and Haute-Normandie. Region Population growth (%) Champagne-Ardenne -0.2 Nord-Pas-de-Calais +0.6 Lorraine +1.3 Bourgogne +1.5 Haute-Normandie +2.1 Picardie +2.3 Auvergne, +2.3   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The situation in the French outermost regions various immensely with growth of 12.4% in La Reunion and Quasi-stability in Guadeloupe, however there was high growth of 35.5% in Guyane due to high birth rate and immigration.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Demographic changes in most French regions raise concerns about the future prospects of France. There is low population growth in most French regions because of low fertility. These regions have an ongoing trend of population ageing and this is expected to have profound implications across French both regionally or nationally. Low fertility rates will lead to low population of working generation to support the aged people, high percentage of aged people, and reduction in number of students in education. Elderly people will require additional healthcare, infrastructure and adapted housing. The structural demographic changes will have an impact on French capacity to balance their funds, provide enough health services and pensions, and raising tax revenue (Laurent et al, 2009).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Population ageing and decline are the most demanding trends for future prospects of a country. Immigration is also a very significant factor of population growth in some French regions especially Southern region which attracts immigrants from Capital and Northern regions. Great variations in demographic patterns between French regions rely on various socio-economic aspects. Regions in the rural and peripheral places and the mountain and customary industrial areas are prevalent to de-population. The demographic rend in French regions have significant policy and socio-economic implications because they influence growth and productivity, shortage of workers, urban-rural imbalances in populations, and provision of healthcare and social services.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Demographic change is a major aspect that place concerns in levels of intervention and policy areas, which include employment plans, rural and urban planning, integration and immigration policies, social infrastructures and communication, family and gender equality policies and social protection systems. Research evidence on population trend in economic crisis reveals that recession resulted to decrease in fertility rates and birth rates (Funck & Pizzati, 2003).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Industrial structure in French regions reveals major disparities in regard to the significance of diverse operations within non-financial business economies. Regions such as capital region are highly populated with active and young generation. The population in urban and capital regions has an outstanding level of education level. Industrial structure depends on the infrastructure, availability of resources, skilled workers as well as topographic and climatic regions. Urbanization rate in France is high since people migrate from rural to urban areas seeking for employment. The urban areas also attract people from other regions; for example, western region is among the beautiful cities in France.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are high unemployment rates in most regions which might be caused by lack of skilled personnel, continuing trend of ageing population. There is great improvement in some regions which emphasize on ICT and related services since advanced technology is also a cause of unemployment. High population is another cause of unemployment. The global crisis during the great depression also caused unemployment. GDP per capita is high in capital and urban regions which attract tourism and with skilled workers. GDP is low in rural and customary industrial regions. In other regions low GDP is caused by high number of aged people who are unproductive. Capital regions have active, educated and young generation who are productive, thus they have high GDP per capita.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The growth of the GDP per capita since 1990 to 2008 gives significant views to complement the demographic data. The highest GDP growth is experienced in Western and Southern regions. Region Growth in GDP per capita (%) Bretagne 33.4 Pays de la Loire 30.1 Poitou-Charentes 26.3 Midi-pyrenees26.7 Aquitaine 26.6 PACA 25.9   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The GDP growth in Rhone-Alpes and Ile de France was 20.5% and 22.9% respectively. These two regions had a slightly lower GDP growth as compared to the national average of 22.9%. The GDP growth in Alsace was only 11.8%. Alsace is famous as the fourth most thriving French region. The other regions with low GDP per capita growth include Lorraine (17.3 % and Franche-Comte (15.2%), which are regions with customary industries. Other areas with low GDP per capita growth were mostly rural areas such as Centre (15.4%), and Picardie (13.2%). The French outermost regions had a significant contribution with a GDP per capita growth of 29.9% since 1990 up to 2008. The overseas area GDP per capita growth is lower as compared to the national average (22.8%). In addition, high unemployment still persists in these outermost regions such as Guadeloupe, La Reunion and Guyane.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Recent research findings brings out a paradox since the less productive regions had immense development in regard to population, employment, income and welfare, while poverty still exist in some of the most thriving regions. This implies that there is an increasing trend of discrepancy between logic of progress and logic of growth. In other instances, some regions such as southern regions depend on pension transfers which hinder them from global competition. The productive regions are the main providers of taxes and engines of French development. For example Paris metropolitan region which accounts for 30% of national GPD, but whose households only receive 22.5% of the national household income. A policy debate has led to concerns regarding strengthening of Ile de France region in terms with the concept of â€Å"Grand Paris†. This might be a classical occurrence in other European countries, but this French system is different becaus e of immigration to Southern regions, and to some extent the Western regions. The immigration has prevailed for more than 20 years and has greatly affected the distribution of wealth and income in France (Lopriore, 2001).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The regional development policy has not been affected by the macroeconomic context. The French government failed to abide by the policies of the stability and Growth pact regarding public debt and budget deficits until 2010. The overall government investment and expenditure has exceeded EU average, there is also low than average yearly GDP growth rate, in addition, because of high investment in regional and local authorities as well as decentralization. Regional development policies have died down from being chief policies over the last few years. At operational stage, regional development policy has basically resulted from amalgamation of operational programs and contrats de plan Etat-region programs with slightly larger plans. At policy-making stage, regional development policies focus on particular areas with an aim of mountain areas, coastal and rural areas and areas with hardships in cities. Cluster policy was developed at the end of 1990, resulting to general program â€Å"Pà ´les de compà ©titività ©Ã¢â‚¬ . Recently, Pà ´les de compà ©titività © is regarded as the most evident tool of a state policy of regional development. The other policy is Prime d’Amenagement du Territoire (PAT), which is a grant plan for business creating jobs. Pat was founded in 1996 and was evaluated in 2006.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The comparative lack of regional development policy has been substituted by investement in infrastructure such as high-speed railway system. The railway network favored the Western and Southern Mediterranean parts. The existing crisis has not affected the general structure of the regions. However, manufacturing regions has been greatly affected. The crisis has intensified social differences with outcomes for poverty in urban regions associated to high unemployment levels. The crisis has greatly raised concerns regarding the prospect of investment and expenditure in the regional and national levels. Research findings reveal that GDP declined by 0.2% in 2008 and significantly declined by 2.6% in 2009. The French government increased their investment and expenditure resulting to deficit and debts in public sector. French regions have struggled to sustain the level of investment, however local authorities are anticipated to face cut off in fin ancial transfers from the state. A reduction in social benefits will have short-term effects on the regions subjugated by public-residential economy as well as urban predicaments.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In other instances, some regions have overcome the execution of their European Regional Development Fund operational programs in reaction to the crisis. The regional development policy based on the competitiveness and convergence regions can be evaluated through three policy document namely: the contrats se projet Etat-Region, Regional Schemes for Economic Development and the European Regional Development fund operational programs. The explanation of SRDE in every region is based on the review of 2003 Constitution and 2004 Parliament Act famous as â€Å"Decentralization Acte II† that gave French regions new competencies in the area of economic development. Documents from SRDE are basically policy proposals that do not involve financial obligations of the regional authorities. European Regional Development Fund favor for regional progress is fairly coherent with national policy because there is a solid relationship between the ERDF o perating programs and CPER. The coherence between the regional development policy and CPER/ERDF operating programs can be analyzed through appraisal of SRDE. Generally there are no principal differences between CPER/ERDF operating programs and SRDE.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Schà ©mas Rà ©gionaux de Dà ©veloppement Economique (SRDE) outlines the significance of training, education and employment in regard to the anticipation of social and economic change as well as internalization. European Regional Development Fund is complementary to area expansion policy and does not include latest priorities. French regions have given priority axis to innovation and research, competitiveness, fight against greenhouse effect and sustainable development. Accessibility and transport are other priority axis emphasized by the regions. Terriotorial development is another aspect found in the regions priority axis either as a common policy theme occasionally connected to accessibility, cohesion and attractiveness or focusing on particular fields. Aquitaine is the only region that supports ICT. ICT is also supported by other large-scale projects in Languedoc-Roussillon. Lorraine and PACA fully support competitiveness and innovat ion while Rhode-Alpes support accessibility. Guyane and Martinique support social cohesion and health, La Reunion focus on human resource development while Auvergne is the only region which supports financial engineering (Ockwell, 2002).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is also vital to recognize other priority axis emphasized by other regions such as European and international dimension. This includes international environment and competitiveness found in Pays de la Laoire and La Reunion. In regard to financial obligation, competitiveness and the knowledge economy seem as the first policy area, while sustainable development and environment takes the second position. In some instances, some aspects of transport policy and territorial development can be linked to sustainable development. There are some discrepancies between convergence and convergence and employment and competitiveness regions. Convergence regions emphasize on the significance of human resource and education development via the ERDF, they also have priorities focused to the reparation for the structural handicaps and ultra-peripherality. In contrast, competitiveness and knowledge economy regions get minimal share of allocation (â€Å"R egional Policy†, 2010).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It must be highlighted that all regions incorporate support to poles in the proximity axes devoted to competitiveness and knowledge economy. Poles de competitivite are regarded as part of primary structure of regional development. French region incorporate territorial cooperation operational programs with faintly analogous priorities. The global economic crisis begun to have significant effect on the French economy in 2008. The crisis had distinct impacts depending on the French regions and their economic configuration. For example, Midi-Pyrenees was not greatly hit because it specialized in space industry and aeronautics, while customary industrial regions such as Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Lorraine suffered adversely. The French Government incorporated various measures to combat the crisis especially the implementation of European Regional Development Fund operational programs as component of its â€Å"plan de reliance†, in particular to speed up the execution of the operating programs, and focus on ‘Lisbon’ priorities, digital infrastructure, and energy efficiency for housing as well as sustainable development. Other regions incorporated additional strategies to combat recession; for instance, PACA included vocational training, social watch and economic strategies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There is discrepancy between the original and newest allocation of ERDF financing in the five regions, corresponding to changes which were vital in the initial programming stage. There is reduction of initial allocations in Poitou-Charentes and Bourgogne. The reason behind reduction of allocation was the fact that the procedures were not adequately attractive, and, for sustainable non-road transport in Poitou-Charentes and the need of undertaking preliminary technical and feasibility studies. In Lorraine, Pays de la Loire and Franche-Comte, some priority axes have been cut short while others are improved with a depressing net impact.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The implementation rate in the convergence regions such as Guadeloupe, Guyane and Martinique is approximately 5-7% and 11.9% in La Reunion. The higher implementation in La Reunion is due to existence of shared strategic vision among its members in addition to solid partnerships. Generally the priority measures and axes dedicated to economy, competitiveness and innovation have a comparatively higher execution rate compared to other policy areas, except in La Reunion where the highest execution rates are in transport and accessibility and sustainable development. In the employment and competitiveness regions the execution rate is highest for the priority axes devoted to the innovation, knowledge and competitiveness of enterprises in regions such as Limousin, Centre, Alsace, Haute-Normandie, Auvergne, Aquitaine, Champagne-Ardenne, Provence-Alpes-Cote-d’Azur, Languedoc-Roussillon, Midi-Pyrenees, and Pays de la Loire. The situation of th e regions may differ greatly since in some regions, it is innovation and knowledge economy that have high implementation rate, while in others is financial engineering or competitiveness of enterprises. In most regions, implementation rate ranges from 8 to 14 percent.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On standard, the priority axes devoted to environment, sustainable environment and energy have a lower implementation rate. Nine regions had an implementation rate between 2 to 5 percent and nine other regions in a 7-10 range while Bourgogne had the highest implementation rate of 15.4 percent. The priority axes devoted to transport and accessibility, including ICT, has the highest implementation rate in Bretagne. Bretagne has an implementation of 14.5% associated to the construction of the high-speed railway. Generally, the regions have a lower implementation rate as compared to the priority axes devoted to the innovation, competitiveness and economy. The regions devoted to particular aspects such as territorial development have lower implementation rate in general except Franche-Comte. Franche-Comte has an implementation rate of 24.8% which dedicated its efforts at balancing intra-regional development. The intra-regional development invol ves expansion of the mountainous region of the Jura. The discrepancies in the implementation rates between different priority axes can be explained using various factors. Implementation rate in energy and environment policy area is mainly affected by the existence of less established agencies and administrations. The region also experienced a tricky reorganization in the foundation of the Directions regionales de I’environnement, de I’ amenagement et du lodgement (DREAL), in addition to involvements with undersized projects (â€Å"Regional Policy†, 2010).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The innovation, knowledge economy and competitiveness policy area have a relatively high implementation rate because these regions experience a well-established administration, strong links with enterprises, good relations with the SRI, amd from the emphasis and momentum on innovation. In some instances, new measures have not impacted full impact such as the Grenelle de I’ Environnement in comparison with the mantra on knowledge economy and innovation caused by the Lisbon plan, and reinforced in France by the (SRI) Regional Innovation Strategies, which were implemented in all French regions in 2009. The implementation rate in transport and accessibility policy areas is influenced by the need to carry out a lot of feasibility and preliminary studies before construction work sets off.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Apart from the crisis issue, the implementation of operation programs had to deal with some organizational and institutional problems. For example, Franche-Comte implemented 2007-2013 operating programs together with final step of 2000 to 2006 SPD. The economic actors and administrative staff had to understand guidelines and objectives in order to cope with the implementation process. The implementation procedure lacked knowledge of officials and adequate time particularly while undertaking innovative projects in Alsace as well as highly technical issues such as high-speed railway network in Bretagne. Other projects were abandoned because they were too complex and would take long duration to be implemented. An example of such project is innovation company creation in Languedoc and Rhone-Alpes regions. In addition some parts of ERDF policies were problematic to some regions; for example income-generating projects in Article 55. The general implementation rate might be low, but commitment rate gives a clear elaboration. France lags behind in ERDF commitment in competitiveness region at the end of 2009. ERDF commitment rates EU27 France Employment and competitiveness objective 30.4% 27.6% Convergence objective 25.2% 26.1%   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The convergence regions had a commitment which is relatively higher than EU27 convergence average and relatively lower than the competitiveness and employment regions. This implies that local and state regions have made efforts in managing structural funds, regardless of the customary problems encountered in the overseas areas, even if most of the EU27 regions are in the EU12 with inadequate knowledge of executing cohesion policy schemes. France has devoted efforts in innovation support for SMEs, risk and environment prevention as well as transport. On the other hand, EU devoted its efforts in ICT and related fields. There is a shift in strategy priorities towards innovation and the environment. There is relatively high commitment rate for innovation support for SMEs is somewhat noteworthy since it has posed difficult to implement projects of this type in French overseas regions. They have placed more emphasis on innovation. ERDF commitment rate EU27 (%) France (%) Enterprise environment 32.6 17.1 ICT and related services 32.3 32.9 Innovation support for SMES 20.7 32.9 Human resources 17.5 38.3 Transport 22.3 35.2 Energy and environment 16.1 37.9 Energy infrastructure 12.1 18.5 Risk prevention and environment 16.8 39.5 Territorial development 32.9 20.7   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The commitment rate in the competitiveness regions is lower than the EU27 average as regards territorial development and transport because urban and transport projects are indulge long schemes before work begins. ERDF commitment rate EU27 (%) France (%) Enterprise environment 33.8 30.5 ICT and related services 24.1 42.4 Innovation support for SMEs 29.2 18.4 Other investments in firms 54.7 42 RTDI and associated activities 32.2 36.3 Human resources 17.7 37.5 Transport 27.8 22.8 Energy and environment 20.2 22.2 Energy infrastructure 18.5 27.1 Risk prevention and environment 21.3 18.8 Territorial development 34.8 28.3   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Commitment rates are high in enterprise support where the rates are particularly high for other investment firms and ICT and related services. The crisis greatly affected commitment rate of innovation support for SMEs. High commitment rate in innovation, knowledge economy and competitiveness signifies existence of competent administration and reluctant emphasis on innovation. Lower commitment rate in energy and environment signify lack of technical skills in agencies and administrations in addition to investment in large number of undersized projects as well as complex procedure of reorganization.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is not easy to highlight the achievements from the programs because of the difference between initial and programmed objectives. Research reveals that only a few projects have been implemented due to time required for implementation process. Annual Implmentation reports of 2009 reveal that first achievements are beginning to be realized and this is an explanation why AIRs place more emphasis on the programmed projects rather than the achieved programs. In other instances, various indicators in AIRs make comparison efforts very difficult. Regional indicators might be emphasized by some regions, while neglecting EU and national indicators. In some regions, there are no reports or mentioning of the indicators. Comparison might also be difficult because of the likelihood of inappropriate naming of the indicators. In addition, the approaches and the sources used while reporting the indicators continue being imprecise in various regions (â₠¬Å"Regional Policy†, 2010)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The major achievement across French regions prevails in 2009 Regional innovation strategies. Generally, the highest rates and achievements are very crucial in large majority of regions. Urban problems are solved by improving urban transport in cities such as Limousin, Nord-Pas-de Calais. The regions with geographic handicaps develop high speed railway to improve access. There is also improvement of energy and renewable energy in rural areas as well as Southern regions. The evaluation carried on sustainable development and innovation reveals that policies devoted to sustainable development did not consider social issues. Regional innovation strategies have contributed immensely amongst all French regions to the improvement of innovation authority system, expansion of culture of innovation in regional and state administrations, and homogenization of interest in innovation. SRIs emphasize on non-technological innovation and service innovation in addition to financial engineering (Laurent et al, 2009).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In conclusion, regional development is very vital since it will ensure equitable distribution of resources among all regions. Regional development mainly focuses on sustainable development, energy efficiency for housing as well as digital infrastructure. The main regions in France include Ile de France, Southern regions, Western regions, outermost regions and Rhà ´ne-Alpes. The central region holds an exceptional place since it is concentrated with governmental offices and headquarters of large companies. The major differences in these regions reveal themselves in terms of unemployment rate, population and GDP per capita. French outermost regions face a lot of problems such as cost of access, remoteness, geographical handicap, high dependence on metropole, lack of critical mass and environmental challenges. High population in some regions is because of high birth rate and immigration. Regions with lower GDP are either rural areas or regio ns with customary industries. Research reveal that only a few projects have been implemented since some of the projects are very complex and will take long time to implement them. It is also to identify the achievement of the implemented projects because there is difference between initial and programmed objectives. Regional development was greatly affected by the Global crisis, organizational and institutional issues. Regional development efforts were also affected by lack of time and competent officials especially when handling highly technical issues. References France., & France. (2006). Spatial planning and sustainable development policy in France. Paris: MinisteÌ€re des affaires eÃŒ trangeÌ€res. Funck,  B., & Pizzati,  L. (2003). European Integration, Regional Policy and Growth. Washington, DC: World Bank. Laurent,  H., Mignolet,  M., & Meunier,  O. (2009). Regional policy: What is the most efficient instrument? Papers in Regional Science, 43, 260. doi:10.1111/j.1435-5957.2008.00214.x Lopriore,  M. (2001). A critical view of the 2nd Social and Economic Cohesion Report and the future of regional policies after 2006. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2002). Impact of transport infrastructure investment on regional development. Paris, France: Author. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2007). Linking regions and central governments: Contracts for regional development. Paris, France: OECD. Regional Policy. (2010, November 10). Retrieved  October  24, 2014, from http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/evaluation/pdf/eval2007/country_reports/france.pdf Source document