Demise of a Hero Essay

The play Antigone is one of the known Greek tragedies. Written by Sophocles and performed in 441 BC, the play is considered, up to the present time one of the most recognized tragedies ever written. But then, what is a tragedy and what differentiates it from other forms? Aristotle, in his Poetics, defined tragedy as â€Å"the imitation of an action that is serious and also, as having magnitude, complete in itself.(Aristotle, VI.2)† Aside from such, tragedies also have the ability to instigate a feeling of pity and fear for the character. However, these feelings will be lost due to a catharsis or purging of such emotions caused by the tragic hero. There has been much debate as to who is the tragic hero in the play.   In Aristetolian definition , the tragic hero is doomed to fail and posseses a   tragic flaw, or fatal flaw. In the case of   Antigone, her tragic flaw, or misjudgement, that is hamartia is her higher laws of duty to the gods and one’s family. She is willing to do all things for the laws she strongly abides by and fight for the family whom she is devoted to. Creon ,   on the other hand, is quite the opposite. He disregards the directives from the gods. The characters’ tragic flaw takes the character down as the tragedy progresses. I quote from Antigone’s line â€Å"Gladly will I meet death in my sacred duty to the dead. Longer time have I to spend with them than with those who live upon the earth. Seek not to argue with me; nothing so terrible can come to me but that an honored death remains.†(Sophocles) Truly, Antigone is ready to face death to fulfill her duties. In Creon’s case, I quote, â€Å"Honoring the good and punishing the vile, as well beseems a ruler, I have assigned due funeral rites to Eteocles, who died fighting for the fatherland; but Polynices, who sought to make desolate with fire his native city and its gods, and who sought to glut himself with kindred blood and lead our citizens to slavery–to him shall no man give a tomb. Let the body lie mutilated, as a feast to dogs and birds. Therefore have I appointed watchers over his corpse, and do ye watch yourselves that no one disobey. Greed has often led men to their death.†(Sophocles) Aside from having a tragic flaw, Aristotle defines a tragic hero as having several other characteristics that invoke the emotions of the audience who are watching the tragedy. The tragic hero is characterized by four major attributes. The first, tragic flaw, or hubris has already been discussed in the earlier part. Another trait is that the character must be either born of noble blood, must posses nobility; or is born with a high degree of wisdom. In the case of Antigone, she is born of nobility. Antigone is Oedipus’ and Jocata’s daughter. Then again, Creon is also of noble origin since he is the current ruler at.that time. After such follows perepetia or a reversal of fortune which is caused by the aforementioned flaw. Antigone is emprisoned and starved to death, while Creon eventually loses all that he has. Creon’s anagorisris or realization of his mistakes came too late. When he consulted the prophet Teiresias, all of his family were dead and Antigone had already commited suicide. Antigone was written by Sophocles a known tragedian, it was written for Greek audience and was meant to be performed on a Greek stage. Antigone is One of the 3 Theban plays or Oedipus cycle. This set contains Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus and the aforementioned play, Antigone. The characters in the play are individuals who are part of Greek mythology. The play is set in the kingdom of Thebes at a time after the outbreak of a war in between armies led by the two sons of Oedipus. The main conflict of the play was presented in the beginning of the play. Since the beginning of the play, the conflict lies on the death of the two brothers who had apparently killed each other. Creon suggested that Polynices would not be given proper burial. He argues that since Polynices fought against the kingdom of Thebes, he cannot be buried with proper rights while Eteocles received full military honors in his burial. Having found out what had become of his brothers, Antigone defies Creon’s decree and decides to bury his brother. When Creon found out about this, he ordered for Polynices’ remains to be dug out. At this point, Antigone accepts to be punished by death for the action she has done. Ismene claims to be part of this incident but Antigone does not allow her to admit to such act. The Main characters in the play are: Antigone , Ismene, Antigone’s sister  Creon, Eurydice, Haemon and Teiresias. Antigone is a woman who adheres firmly to the law of the gods as well as the protection of her family. In the course of the play, we see that Antigone holds onto what she believes in up until her death. Ismene, as she goes into a dispute with her sister, showed her resilience and how Antigone’s ideas had greatly influenced her. Creon is Antigone’s uncle. But unlike Antigone, he is a firm believer of the laws of man. He is constrained by the ideas of simplicity and goos sense. Eurydice is Creon’s wife. She is silent but very significant since her suicide marked the total fall of Creon. Haemon is Antigone’s fiancà © and Creons son. He tries to convince his father to spare Antigone’s life. He was also responsible for speaking of the opinion of the people that Antigone’s decision was right. Teiresias is the blind prophet who spoke to tell Creon of his wrongdoings. Teriesias blindness and Eurydice’s silence tells us how significant the stillness can become.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In our modern age, there is still debate on who should be followed. Although most laws that are created adhere to the known laws of our religion, there is still conflict between the man-made and divine laws. At times, it is very difficult to decide which laws to put first, especially when there is no absolute right and wrong. However, as what had happened to Creon, it is very possible that we make a mistake and end up much like the tragedy that is in Antigone. Works Cited Aristotle, Poetics. Gregory, Justina, ed.. A Companion to Greek Tragedy, 2005 Segal, Charles, Tragedy and Civilization: An Interpretation of Sophocles (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1999, new edition). Sophocles. Three Theban Plays. Trans. Robert Fagles. New York: Penguin Books, 1986,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   p. 35   

The british invasion: musical movement of 1960s

The focal point of the paper is to analyze and evaluate the British Invasion or the musical movement of the mid-1960s composed of British rock-and-roll (â€Å"beat†) groups whose popularity spread rapidly throughout England and the United States. For the purpose it is important to understand the socio political equilibrium of the time. This is because the main factors in this movement are predominantly three fold. The first one is changing social pattern after the Great War. The second important factor is the aspect of cultural contacts and third aspect is the changing face of market and economy in UK and US.It could be mentioned in the initial stages that it was degeneration time. Imperialism had taken its tolls on the world, which was grilling on the last fires of the Second World War. The losses were too heavy, and the shocks, almost unbearable. People just lived through a test of the extent organized cruelty and purposeful ruthlessness could reach. As far as the future was concerned, the initial tremors of what would lead to a massive cross across the globe were being felt – the crack that broke it up into three distinctly different worlds, the first, the second and the third.In this context it would be relevant to mention that the generation was not finding their existence worth while or in other words they wanted more out of their life. This extra bit was searched everywhere and at every aspects of life and music was no different. The Beat movement came to this need of the hour with quite a few new faces budding with musical talents and a whole new genus of music called the rock ‘n’ roll. (Prawer, 221-5)It was regeneration time. Ideological conflicts and military interests were shaking civilization right up to its foundations. The doubts, dilemmas and confusions were gradually, quite slowly indeed, giving way to a new and unique cultural revolution. It was happening all across the United Kingdom and the United States. People sud denly seemed to realize that there was enough of political warfare to disgrace humanity. The prevailing standards suddenly seemed to be meaningless, and the insurgent youths wanted something different to happen.United Kingdom and its Beat Movement was no exception to this movement. As a matter of fact, it was one of the cores of it. The presence of a large number of African-Americans in the city was pushing it ahead to initiate the Civil Rights Movement. Something that had laid its roots in the human mind over a few millennia, apartheid that is, was gradually being uprooted by the new wave of what started being called the rock ‘n’ roll movement.   The existing musical trends, blues and country, did not suffice in expressing the protests and grievances of the new generation, which started looking at itself as a victim of political conspiracies. (Powell, 49-53)It could be stated that the focal point of this paper is realizing that what occurred in United Kingdom during the era of 1960s that was instrumental in giving the birth of rock n' roll. This was deeply influenced by the presence of the freshly migrated African American population in United Kingdom and influenced the musical development by a huge margin with musical forms that incorporated jazz meshing with country music.But the basic background of this movement started much earlier and it would be relevant to mention that the black community contributed hugely to this movement. African American history and the context in this case is the great migration during the mid 1900s. While looking into the matter it can primary be mentioned that migration is a subject that is studied on all levels when dealing with humanity and its idiosyncrasies. In order to understand migration we must understand the various components involved in migration, including internal migration, external migration, immigration and both refugees and Internally Displaced Persons. During the twentieth century, especially in the middle decades, it was found that the population of Southern UK with specification of African American origin has doubled within a span of 10 years after the Second World War.The population escalated to a high note and this time the immigrants were there in the region to put their hands on the industrial boom. This was obviously not at par with any single industry like Manchester but the cumulative sum total of the gross output became quite high and the settlements showed the white population of the area that there was more to music than usual traditional themes.These people use to gather around at the evening and presented their compositions to themselves. It was a leisurely approach but people like McCartney or Lennon soon found out that these rural touch of music can be polished and urbanized to develop into a new form of musical genera that was ultimately to be known as Rock ’n’ roll and as these people were from smaller towns and this part was to harvest most of the credit of this new form of music.   (Tyerman, 233-37)The life styles of the early 1960’s through the later 1960’s have emerged as fallout of the booming economy that is represented by the generation of ‘baby boomers’. The hardship during the days of the Second World War gave birth to the newest possible philosophies that state it is obvious to follow the trend of open market economy with all its perception of high yielding materialism. This hard cored materialism and pro life oriented attitude was previously known in the western world but now it came into a maximized form which sociologist refer as a pro active action against the mass destruction and insecurity of the last great war. The latest philosophy was to obtain as much as possible that life has to offer. Every social aspect changed with it and along with it changed the world around them.Plays and writer were no different. Colours became more vibrant and approach became more outrageous to k eep up with the society. Joe Orton's plays were a product of this period. UK and US was ready for this change and it only needed a spark to ignite its whole new musical genus. This was provided by the endowments of talented musicians like Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins, John Lennon and Elvis Presley. These people were to become the pride of the youth and the era soon came to be known as the cradle of Rock ‘n’ roll. (Manning, 279)The funny side of this approach was however different from the basic perception of the life styles of the early 1960’s through the later 1960 were a confluence of conflicting philosophies. As it was mentioned earlier that the idea of materialism was at its had hitting best but alternatively the simplicities of eastern philosophies, specifically Indian philosophies, were highly acclaimed though it was concentrated within a certain group of people. As a result, the poets and the writers, as least a section of them, who took their inspirations from life and society it self, inclined themselves towards the approach of simplistic formations of art forms.It is a well known fact and it has been shown time and again by many literary historians and researchers that the main targeted audience were the baby boomers who had all the opportunities to take all the advantages of almost any and every marketing gimmicks. UK and its music were not far behind in this era. The musicians of this time needed something more vibrant and colorful and Rock ’n’ Roll came out as the product of the time.   (Dollard, 116-7)It should be remembered that this was the era of the beginning of the ‘cold wars’ too and fascination of the authorities towards the space age race and nuclear future was overwhelming. So, it is obvious that the common demography of the country started mimicking the perception of the authorities taking the concept of space age right to their likings. As a result the musical designers coul d not be left far behind. They associated their music with the latest gizmos and presented the feature of Rock ’n’ Roll as new age revolution.The problem was that the new generation was unable to recognize themselves with the usual blues and other traditional forms. They wanted something exclusively that is easily identifiable to them. Rock ‘n’ Roll Music provided that element which included the latest approach to music with more flair and flamboyance. This music possessed more swings and action and this was what the generation of 1960’s wanted. The Beat movement provided this exact genus of music. (Knott, 188-9)The innovative and diversified methodology utilized between these two decades reflects a change in society’s considerations. The choice to change furniture styles reflects a great deal on the emotional status of the era and the need to recover from a series of devastating events. Those devastating events included World War II and a ve ry emotional roller coaster in the depression era which wrought havoc in many ways on the methods of production and the economic infrastructure of the United States and UK. The devastation involved during World War II provided impetus for the designers from various European countries to flee to the United States and UK for sanctuary and freedom of expression. This is where the innovation for the new modern style of music was managed.The 1950’s period was indeed a lively decade for arts and technology where many forces emerged influencing changes in musical design. The push of space travel, the defense industry and consumer booms provided impetus toward increased influences of fashion in lifestyle design. Cheap yet fashionable articles made to be thrown away afterwards became fashionable for household interiors. Youths of the era became a strong influence on this era of design by attacking the principles of tradition in many ways including interior design. Designers were intri gued and influenced by fantasy films, space travel and its mystique and more. Later this attitude was becoming more relevant with pop art culture, the Beatles, Woodstock, Peace, Love, Psycadelia and the Youth Force. (Kumar, 334)In conclusion it can well be stated that it is true that the movement of music in the form of Rock ‘n’ roll developed and reached at a great height but at the same time it is also a fact that it died out soon in its original form. However, the music of this era left a long standing legacy for generations to come in different forms and designs of music along with different issues to protest along with cultural homogeneous forms and changing socio economic and philosophical context, the basic causes of the development of this musical movement.Works Sited:Dollard, John; Zenith and Zero Points of History (New Haven and London: Yale University Press. 2004) pp 116-7Knott, P; Development of Analysis of US & UK Economy (Dhaka: Dasgupta & Chatterjee 2005) pp 188-9Kumar, H; Justice of Winners: Win Some, Lose None (Auckland: HBT & Brooks Ltd. 2005) pp 334Manning, C S; Principals and Practices of Hollywood Industry (Christchurch: National Book Trust. 2004) pp 279Powell, M; Anatomy of Modern Culture: Independence of Economy (Wellington: ABP Ltd 2001) pp 49-53Prawer, H A; The Kingdom of Rock’n’Roll (Dunedin: Allied Publishers 2004) pp 221-5Tyerman, J; Invention of the Musical Crusades (Dunedin: Allied Publications 2001) pp 233-37

How does Miller portray Proctor in this extract? Essay

The opening stage directions from this extract immediately show the mood of the play, and the extreme tension that the characters are under, â€Å"It is as though they are stood in a spinning world. It is beyond sorrow, above it.† This shows us that the play has reached the moment of crisis, and that the situation is now totally out of control. The metaphorical language Miller uses here emphasises the tension, and the huge emotion of the moment. The first speech in the extract is a conversation between Proctor and his wife. The speech has a superficial tension to it, as they discuss Elizabeth’s pregnancy, although from this tension we can see that there is an underlying intimacy. Miller achieves this effect by using short sentences and responses such as â€Å"The child?† and â€Å"It grows.† This emphasises the tension between the two although the topic is one of unity showing their intimacy. While Elizabeth is talking to her husband she is desperately trying to hold back the emotion that she is actually feeling. This can be seen as when asked whether she has seen her children she replies, â€Å"I have not. She catches a weakening in herself and downs it.† She is being non-committal towards Proctor in order to retain her nobility and not break down. Here Miller is emphasising Elizabeth’s goodness and dignity, and highlighting the gulf that Proctor sees between their moral standing. He does this as Proctor in this bit of dialogue is seeking Elizabeth’s approval so that he feels she has forgiven him for his adultery, and therefore be free to forgive himself. In response to this statement by Elizabeth Procter says, â€Å"You are a- marvel, Elizabeth.† His short dialogue and pause in mid sentence shows the nervousness he is feeling at trying to come to terms with the â€Å"spinning world† in which he finds himself, and also emphasises the respect that he has for his wife. As Proctor admits that he has been tortured Miller writes â€Å"Pause. She will not let herself be drowned in the sea which threatens her.† The metaphorical imagery he uses here conveys the great emotion that they are both feeling for one another, yet are not able to express due to their history. The lack of adjectives and sparseness of language shows the discomfort they are feeling in the situation. The dialogue finally changes from being sparse and brief when Rebecca’s fate is mentioned. As Proctor asks about her, Elizabeth replies â€Å"Not Rebecca. She is one foot in heaven now; naught may hurt her more.† The detail Miller goes into, the elaboration on Rebecca’s name, and the imagery of â€Å"one foot in Heaven† shows the importance to the audience of Proctor and Elizabeth’s respect for Rebecca. The dialogue then quickly retracts to the sparseness of the earlier piece as Elizabeth simply says, â€Å"Giles is dead.† The numbness of her emotion in this very factual sentence shows us that Death has become normality to her, and that she has to remain emotionally detached to avoid breaking down. Miller uses this to build the tension and emotion of his play to a climax, as Proctor decides what to do. The background for Proctor’s announcement to his wife that he is considering confessing is the sentence by Elizabeth â€Å"Aye he were a fearsome man, Giles Corey.† This image of physical strength contrasts with Proctor’s apparent weakness as he admits that â€Å"I have been thinking I would confess to them, Elizabeth.† Miller uses this to steer the audience into believing that this is a dishonourable path to take, and emphasises the enormity of the decision that he has to face. In reply to this, Elizabeth says, â€Å"I cannot judge you, John.† Elizabeth now has an air of tenderness towards Proctor, which contrasts with her earlier coldness. The stage directions Miller uses for Proctor’s next speech are â€Å"simply- a pure question.† The lack of anger, guilt or implicit judgement here shows that the couple now have a sense of unity, and that past problems are now forgotten. In this moment of great emotion and mental turmoil, Proctor a nd Elizabeth are brought together. Miller again steers the audience to see that Proctor will not confess when he gives the directions â€Å"pauses, then with a flailing of hope†. We are now led to believe that Proctor will be unable to bring himself to confess as he can see that it is morally incorrect behaviour. In the next speech by Proctor where he says, â€Å"I cannot mount the gibbet like a saint. It is fraud. I am not that man. She is silent. My honesty is broke Elizabeth; I am no good man.† Here Miller portrays Proctor as not being afraid of death, but that he does not feel that he is worthy to die alongside the likes of Rebecca as he is a sinful man. He is also slightly seeking justification to live. Throughout this extract it is clear that Miller is judging himself and here he is still under the impression that he is not worthy of greatness, although he is not sure as he is mentally battling with himself to come to some sort of conclusion.

The Sermon of the Mount Magna Carta of Christian Ethics Essay

The Sermon of the Mount Magna Carta of Christian Ethics - Essay Example There are two major interpretative approaches towards analyzing the 'Sermon of the Mount'. There is the structuralist approach that dissociates the work from the immediate socio-economic realities that produced it or to the problems of its application to the socio-economic realities of a different milieu.A problem with an interpretation of the Sermon of the Mount is that the ethical and the structural cannot be always clearly and simplistically isolated. Particularly because the Sermon of the Mount, as delivered in Matthew, is not an isolated and stand-alone set of ethical tenets with no parallel elsewhere, either within the Prophetic Laws or the Gospels, or the dominant Pagan philosophical trains of thought that were popular at that time. It does not, in essence, lie in isolation. Jesus, while delivering the Sermon, speaks very much from within an ethical and juridical tradition, and addresses these traditions with an acute consciousness of his own political and social reality. Even if we leave the immediate social and political implications that are expressed within the Sermon of the Mount, and close read it in a more strictly Formalist way, we still find that it operates from within a clear Prophetic and legal tradition, which is very clear from the beginning of the narrative itself. Meier states that ‘Matthew recast and combined two major liturgical and catechetical documents of his church: the gospel of Mark and a collection of Jesus’ sayings which scholars call â€Å"Q†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢.... This study will, therefore, start with a structuralist approach and then try and present an overview of the practical applicability of the Sermon as appropriated and adapted by the various interpretative schools of Jesusianity over the ages. Sermon of the Mount: Inter-text A problem with an interpretation of the Sermon of the Mount is that the ethical and the structural cannot be always clearly and simplistically isolated. Particularly because the Sermon of the Mount, as delivered in Matthew, is not an isolated and stand alone set of ethical tenets with no parallel elsewhere, either within the Prophetic Laws or the Gospels, or the dominant Pagan philosophical trains of thought that were popular at that time. It does not, in essence, lie in isolation. Jesus, while delivering the Sermon, speaks very much from within an ethical and juridical tradition, and addresses these traditions with an acute consciousness of his own political and social reality. Even if we leave the immediate social and political implications that are expressed within the Sermon of the Mount, and close read it in a more strictly Formalist way, we still find that it operates from within a clear Prophetic and legal tradition, which is very clear from the beginning of the narrative itse lf. Meier states that 'Matthew recast and combined two major liturgical and catechetical documents of his church: the gospel of Mark and a collection of Jesus' sayings which scholars call "Q"'. 1 B.W. Bacon undertakes a detailed discussion of Matthew's position within the structure of the Synoptic Bible, and talks about the commonalities between Mark and Matthew, as well as the Q Source, on which Matthew probably relied a lot. However, even

Film Report Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 3

Film Report - Movie Review Example The film’s theme follows a courtroom drama that involves a battle of argumentative wits between and among brilliant lawyers. The audience can see the theme initially when Manion’s wife, Laura, talked to Stewart over the phone and asked him to defend her husband. It then follows that Stewart met with Laura and Frederick in the jail, and Stewart decided to accept the case. The film used an element of legal objects and subjects, such as Stewart’s law books and the introduction of Manion’s murder case. 2) What were the choices made by the main characters and what were the consequences of those choices? First of all, when Stewart accepted to represent the defendant on court, he embarked on a tedious journey of courtroom arguments in order to defend well an accused murderer. Manion’s wife also proved to be a disadvantage on the part of the defense because of her flirty and happy-go-lucky aura. Moreover, Stewart faced some dubious statements both from Fred erick and Laura which make it harder to patch things together consistently. Stewart’s appearance on the courtroom also showcased his unique temperament which shifts from being reserved to a sudden emotional outburst and rage. Furthermore, the judge also made important decisions while the case is going on. There in that trial, tabooed words in the court were used, such as ‘panties,’ ‘slut,’ and ‘bitch’ (Brunson par. 1). Now, these words have been legally used in trial cases. Lastly, the judge’s decision in giving the victory to Stewart’s camp was prompted by Mary Pilant’s decision to give in to Stewart’s request to side with their camp and tell the court that she herself found the undergarment in their laundry room. Pilant’s decision to reveal her identity as Quill’s daughter in the court made a stunning and shocking effect on the prosecution. As a result of their collaboration, Manion was freed a nd was charged not guilty of murder. 3) What three or four sequences are most important in the film? Why? These important sequences in this movie happened during the courtroom procedure. However, the first scene that can be considered important was when Stewart visited Manion for the first time in jail which initially got Stewart his impression towards Manion. He also learned about his marriage with Laura. It then follows that Stewart was set for the murder trial because he found out a precedent for ‘irresistible impulse’ in a Michigan court decision, and he began a battle with the two prosecution lawyers. Stewart, in one of his arguments, insisted that Quill and Manion had troubles before the murder happened because the former might have a fondness for Laura, and that Manion murdered Quill out of irresistible impulse, meaning he did not deliberately kill Quill but did so because he was ‘forced to its execution by an impulse.’ The case was sealed after Mary Pilant agreed to lie in court and tell the jury that she found Laura’s underwear in their laundry room suggesting that Quill did rape Laura. 4) Did the ?lm surprise you with anything unusual in its story, style, technique, or implications? Although I have seen modern courtroom drama films, such as My Sister’s Keeper, Erin Brockovich and The Exorcism of Emily Rose, I can say that this movie surprises me

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Global Environmental Change - Assignment Example (Tollefson, 2009, p. 29) The arctic holds an important place in the debatable issue of maintaining life on earth in a sustainable way. However, this discussion centres on the Arctic region itself and more precisely on depleting population of the arctic Polar Bears rather than the chain effect of the susceptible artic on the rest of the world. The last hundred years have witnessed an increase in global temperature by 0.6 degree centigrade. (Jenssen, 2006, p. 78) Moreover from 1976 the rate is even higher and unmatchable by any time encompassing past thousand years. The effect of such rise in temperature is most visible through the extent of ice melting in the high and mid altitude area. In less than fifty years the snow has decreased by 10%. (Jenssen, 2006, p. 78) For the survival of a species, the survival of its habitat and food source is of utmost importance. With the rise in global temperature the extent of ice will decline in the Arctic and so will its duration of frozen state, resulting in less area for the seals to stay and breed. Seals are the most important food source of the polar bear; so any effect on their population will directly reduce the food basket of the polar bears. It has also been observed that for large mammals any change in global temperature affects the juvenile survival rate. From this point of v iew both the seal and the bear are equally exposed to risk. Therefore the bear suffers from two sides - reduced present and future food source and reduced juvenile survival rate. Again the polar bear hunts on ground (solid ice). Any reduction of ice extent will leave the bear with smaller ground to catch seals. (Jenssen, 2006, p. 78) In front of global climatic change the arctic ice plate has also undergone changes in terms of thickness and has become fractured in many places. Furthermore the ocean now freezes in later part of the year and all these in a cumulative way are depleting the habitat of polar bear. (O’Neill et al, 2008, p. 1650).

Managing Entrepreneurial Enterprises' Individual Entrepreneurship Essay

Managing Entrepreneurial Enterprises' Individual Entrepreneurship Interview - Essay Example I always like seeing things being done the right way and thus, I prefer employing myself in order to control my business my own way. In my business, I can make my own rules without consulting any person except my employees Charantimath, 2006, 23). Secondly, I like being independent with my own goals and objectives that I have set to achieve. Individuality is a characteristic that enables me to be to stand even when faced with challenges without expecting help form any person. Therefore, as an entrepreneur I can be totally independent without sharing profits or losses with anyone. How do you security in your business? I am a goal oriented person. Setting goals gives a person assurance and security at work since, when the goals are accomplished; it implies that it cannot fail at given time. An entrepreneur has to be focused at achieving his or her goals since; a business is driven by the goals (Eric, 2012, 12). Without goals, the employment security of the employer is at stake and can fail anytime. How do you manage to succeed in your business? First I am a disciplined person. I do not waste time on issues that might lead to failure of my business. I am also punctual in my work. I ensure that all my projects are completed within the speculated time. Discipline also helps me to keep deadlines and be serious with every part of the business (Bridge, 2010, 35). It is also a factor that helps me to ensure that there is no wastage of resources in the business. Therefore, as an entrepreneur, I have managed to succeed through ensuring that every line of work is well coordinated without taking any part for granted. How do you manage to keep your business running despite the stiff competition in the technology industry? The main strategy that I use is creativity and innovativeness. Entrepreneurship is all about generating of new and unique ideas in order to challenge those of competitors. For instance, in the technology industry I have to ensure that I am updated on all th e updated technology such as new brands of computers and laptops. I also have to innovate new ways of repairing different parts of the instruments. This helps me to attract new customers and provide them with quality services (Under30CEO, 2010, 65). One character trait that also helps me manage the competition is being a risk taker. As a risk taker, I can take advantage of different opportunities in life without fearing the possible losses. This way I can come up with quality features that can be used in building my business. For instance, purchasing laptops in bulk from foreign countries is extremely risky since; one is never certain if the laptops will be purchased by customers. However, as an entrepreneur, I have to take the risk since; that way I will increase my profits. This character is also supported by the fact that I am an opportunistic person. How do you ensure that, as an entrepreneur, opportunities do not pass you by? I take advantage of the different opportunities that my competitors may be ignoring. This way, my business can thrive above others since I will be equipped with unique ideas (Rex Bookstore, 2012, 45). I am also a thinker; I find my way out of the hard parts of the business that I may face. For instance, if a laptop has been repaired and it is not yet working, as an entrepreneur I have to think of the probable cause of the problem. Therefore, as an entrepreneur I cannot afford to run out of ideas at any one point in time. This has also helped to be above my competitors since; while other companies might tell

Cross Cultural Leadership Essay Example for Free

Cross Cultural Leadership Essay Leadership is the process of getting work done through others. A leader encourages and motivates others towards accomplishment of certain pre-defined organizational goals. The management maintains the status quo whereas the leadership is responsible for predicting fresh solutions and methodologies. The leadership is responsible for motivating people to bring out their best. The modern leader must be multicultural because corporate success, profit, and growth depend increasingly on the management of a diverse work force. Cross-cultural leadership is a term that identify the diversity of work culture, the fact that the leader (or leaders) may come from social, linguistic, ethnic, or cultural groups but work would be remain same for all. Working with people from different countries, conducting meeting, dealing with clients, entertaining, negotiating and corresponding with colleagues or clients can be a beneficial to the employee to understand the intercultural differences. Understanding intercultural difference ultimately breaks down the barrier and helps to build trust and increase good relationship which yields concrete results in terms of business success. Few key components of cross cultural leadership skill are: Attitudes towards time, Commitments, Success Status Authority Accountability Planning Negotiation Rewards Teamwork Personal boundaries and social interactions Effectively managing a multicultural business requires at least a basic knowledge of employee’s culture and traditions. Familiarity with both is essential because each has a bearing on an employees every day behavior. Whether we realize it or not, culture and tradition are powerful principles we always carry with us. Culture is always with people even though people are unaware of it.

Background Of Bhutanese Public And Private Sector Economics Essay

Background Of Bhutanese Public And Private Sector Economics Essay Introduction. The Bhutanese economy is considerably underdeveloped. The mountainous terrain and the rugged topography makes development activities complex. With an estimated population of 684,000 (2010), the country lacks work force and professionals in different departments. The country experienced an average GDP growth rate at 9% in the 10th FYP. The livelihood of the majority of the population of Bhutan still depends on agriculture and its allied group. The government has and will continue to play a lead role as Bhutanese economy undergoes major structural reform. Public sectors form the part of the companies and corporations that are owned by the government. The private sector includes all profit businesses that are not owned or operated by the government. The private sector in Bhutan is hampered by the size of the market, lack of infrastructure and financial instability which is why the public sector plays a dominant role for major economic operations. The operation of the Bhutanese economy is divided into three sectors namely primary sector, secondary sector and tertiary sector. Initially public sector was held responsible for the operation of all the three sectors but with the advent of modern Bhutanese economy, private sector plays a significant role in enhancing production and profitability. This paper briefs on the background of the public and private sectors in Bhutan, their contribution towards GDP, employment and social welfare. With the process of modernization, privatization is given more attention and government aims to strengthen the privatization strategy to generate more revenue, employment opportunities and expand the countrys economic operations. Background of Public and private sector. Public Sector. Public sector in Bhutan is the part of the economy controlled by the nation and is concerned with providing basic government services. Akin to majority of the developing countries, public sector in Bhutan includes education, health care, police, military, public roads, communication, etc. The public sector can be defined as: The public sector is that portion of society controlled by national, state or provincial, and local governments. (Investors word.com 2011) The Bhutanese economy is based on the unique development philosophy of Gross National Happiness initiated by the Forth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The Royal Government has played a leading role in the modern sector of Bhutans economy. The government has direct involvement in every developmental activity due to the shortage of local entrepreneurs and capital from the private entities in the country. The public sector overlaps with the private sector in producing or providing certain goods and services. In Bhutan almost every large organizations are under the ministries of the Royal Government. For instance: Ministry of Health, Education, Trade and Industry, Communications etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ are all public owned. Since the first Five Year Plan in 1961, the government has addressed the need for basic education other than monastic education. Education programmes were given boost in 1990 when the Asian Development Bank granted a US$7.13 million loan. Bhutans modern health care development accelerated with the establishment of the Department of Public Health in the 1960s and the opening of new hospitals and dispensaries throughout the country. Even today, Ministry of health is fully under public sector. Likewise, Agriculture sector, communications, major industries like Penden cement authority, Chhukha Hydro power corporations, Bhutan tourism Industry, Druk Air etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦which forms the highest revenue in the country till date the public are under the public sector. The Private sector. The role of private sector is gaining more importance in Bhutan and the world as a whole. The private sector can be defined as: Part of national economy made up of, and resources owned by, private enterprises. It includes the personal sector (households) and corporate sector (firms), and is responsible for allocating most of the resources within an economy. (Business dictionary.com, 2011) The Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a non-profit organization comprising of business community from all around the country. It was established in 1980 with the motto of developing and being responsible for private sector development. The BCCI provides linkages between the government and the private sector and works closely with all the government agencies, autonomous organizations, international organizations and donor agencies towards facilitations and promotion of trade and industrial development in the kingdom. (BCCI, n.d) Private sector development plays an important role in the economic development of the country. Various aspects of private sector development are addressed in different decision plans. During the 6th FYP, government adopted appropriate strategies and policies to recognize the role of private sectors. Government continued to promote an enabling environment (8th FYP, 2002) for the continual growth and to take greater share in the private sector during the 7th FYP. The 8th FYP general approach is toward privatization and private sector development. It mainly focuses on privatization of public sector activities by empowering various programmes like outright sale, partial minority ownership, management contracting, lease management and commercialization. (8th FYP, 2002). This will encourage private sector efficiency and profitability. The plan also focuses on enhancing the current level of activities and promoting new activities. Privatization was given due importance since the 7th FYP. Public enterprises were divested. The state trading corporation of Bhutan divested 49% of its shares, and the management of the company was given over to the private sector.(Development towards GHN, 2000.p. 28) Some of the examples of divesting programmes by the public sector to the private sector are as follows: Calcium carbide plant, gypsum, slate and coal mines was fully privatized. Sha slate mines in Wangdiphodrang, salt iodination plant in phuntsholing was also privatized. Tourism sector, hotels and transport sectors are successful private firms now. Public enterprises such as Druk Air, Hydro Power Plants, Bank of Bhutan, Bhutan Polythene corporation, Fruit Processing Unit in Paro etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦could not be sold to private sectors as they were not financially strong and most of them lacked interest. (8th FYP, 2002). Therefore public sector will remain to monitor the large industries in the country like Power Corporations, Dungsam cement project etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦because such projects are beyond the capacity of the private sector. Private sector also has a lead role to play in different ministries of the Royal government of Bhutan. For instances: Ministry of Agriculture private food processing units such as Agro-based industry in Samtse manufactures pickle, juice etc. Druk Seed Corporations has successfully been achieved. Ministry of Trade and Industry privatization of micro and mini hydel power plants. Ministry of communication- road constructions, postal services and forms of transportation like buses and taxis are privately owned. Ministry of Health- Private clinics are initiated to encourage doctors to work efficiently and maximize their earnings. Ministry of Education Private schools especially at pre-primary and degree level have become essential in shaping the countrys future. The main economic indicators of economic indicators in Bhutan are Gross Domestic Product, Gross National Income and International Trade. In table 1, the real GDP in 2011 increased to US$ 1500. The real GDP growth from US$ 125.3 million in 2006 to US$ 131.3 million in 2007 with the growth rate of 21.4 percent has also been recorded. With the average exchange rate of Nu.41.1 per 1 US$,(2010) Bhutans GDP is therefore estimated at Nu. 61650 in 2010. This mainly accounted to the revenues from hydro-power sector, tourism and construction of infrastructures in recent years development plans. The current account of balance of payment (% in GDP) is recorded at -4.3, 12.2, -2.2, -9.6, -7.2, -13.8 in the year 2006, 2007,2008,2009,2010 and 2011 respectively. The inflation rate based on implicit GDP deflator (base year 2000) decreased to 4.5% in 2010 compared to 8.0 in 2006. Public and private sectors contribution towards GDP of Bhutan. The public and private sectors work as the two hands of the Bhutanese economy. The contribution of both the sectors contributes to the nations capital formation. For instance, Public sector initiates various large economic activities like the hydro power which forms the major part of countrys GDP and the private sector take the responsibility in constructions of dams and micro, mini hydro power projects. Both public and private sectors are categorized into three sectors namely: From the above table 2, we can find that the tertiary sector has recorded the highest growth at 12.2 in 2009 followed by secondary sector at 4.1 and primary sector at 1.6. this is mainly because of the structural transformation and development in community and social services, communications and storage, construction and transport, manufacturing and financial service sector. The primary sector includes agriculture proper, livestock production, forestry and logging, mining and quarry. The overall performance of the agriculture, livestock, and forestry sectors improved during 2009. The forestry and logging sub-sector revived from its negative growth of 1.4% in 2008 to 3.9% in 2009. In 2009, primary sectors contribution contracted by 1.6% down from 2.5% in the previous year. Corresponding, its sectors contribution to real GDP growth declined 0.5% in 2008 to 0.3% in 2009. The secondary sectors share to nominal GDP also saw a slight decline from 20.7% in 2008 to 20.5% in 2009. This was mainly credited to the negative growth in mining and quarrying sector. The secondary sector includes manufacturing, electricity and construction. The real GDP in this sector declined from 5.5% in 2008 to 4.1% in 2009. This was mainly due to decline in manufacturing sector and electricity. The real growth in manufacturing sector dropped from 8.5% in 2008 to 6.9% in 2009. However, due to the construction of hydro-power and related infrastructures contributes, a positive growth rate of 16.1% in 2009 from 10.2% in 2008 was recorded. Bhutans tertiary sectors performance improved in 2009 with 12.2% growth compared to 4.8% in 2008. Correspondingly, this sectors share to nominal GDP expanded to 39.8% in 2009 from 38.4% in 2008. (RGoB, RMA 2011) Employment. Despite the endless developmental efforts by the public and private sector, unemployment has remained a burning issue in the Bhutanese economy. With the growing population and increasing literates, unemployment has become a fundamental problem in the country. About 50,000 school graduates and 19,000 migrants from rural to urban areas are expected to enter Bhutans labour market in 2002-2007, making employment generation, particularly in the private sector, an urgent need. (Bhutan country strategy paper, 2007). Most of the graduates look for government jobs in urban areas. This, coupled with the rural-urban migration, would mean that Bhutan will have to create around 14,000 jobs annually. The private sector will not be able to take all the job seekers. The limited entrepreneurial tradition and the high status accorded to government employment, together with generally inflated wage expectations (relative to the productivity level) make job creation a daunting task for such a small country. To meet this challenge, the Royal Government of Bhutan has set up many vocational training institutes to provide the job market with skilled workers in a wide range of trades. (Bhutan country strategy paper, 2007). Although share of primary sector in GDP is gradually decreasing, agriculture is still the predominant sector providing employment to around 65.37% (NSB, 2009) of the labour force. The private sector is emerging as the important sector generating employment opportunities for the rapidly increasing labour market. Although employment data is weak in Bhutan, it is estimated that around 60,000 people are employed in the formal sector. Of these, approximately 22, 0000 are employed in public sector institutions (of which 14, 258 are employed in the civil service). This implies that around 60 percent of total formal-sector jobs are in the private sector. However, of the total 60,000 formal sector jobs, it is estimated that 50 percent are held by non-nationals. As the share of non-nationals in public sector institutions is likely to be very small the majority of these 30,000 non-national workers are employed in the private sector. (Private sector survey.p. 9) There are assorted difficulties faced by the Public and private sector in the development process. Difficulties in development of private sector. The development of a financial market has a direct relationship to the growth of private sector. The private sector lacks capital. High rate of interest is charged on borrowings. Innovative forms of lending are limited and the existing collateral-based lending does not promote entrepreneurship. (Development towards GNH,p.86) Most private business is small and family owned but lack professional management. Job opportunities in private sector continue to be less attractive then the Royal Government despite the introduction of Chathrim for employment in the private sector. (Development towards GNH,p.86) Privatization is a new developmental phenomenon and requires a enabling environment. The pace of setting up a comprehensive and harmonious environment needs to be stepped up. Relatively small size of the local market. Lack of entrepreneurial expertise and experience. There is lack of entrepreneurial talent due to the very new nature of most private sector activities in Bhutan; Shortage of domestic skilled and unskilled labour. Lack of physical infrastructure and establishment site. Lack of competition. Difficulties in the development of the public sector. Bhutanese economy largely depends on foreign aids. The budgets for the development activities are received through grant, aid, debt and entire revenue of the country. The revenue of the country is very minimal to undertake developmental activities. Therefore, country is compelled to depend on public debts which in long run have to be paid with the interest and it affects the balance of payment. Bhutan has a rugged topography and her aim to maintain 60% of the area under forest cover makes regional development difficult. Rescheduling in undertaking the progress. The developmental activities in case of public sector are based on governments set of rules which leads to rescheduling and delay in progress. Lack of proper accounting and auditing in public sectors. There is no regular system and mechanism to provide public sector accountants with continuing professionals and training. Lack of skilled and unskilled labour. One-half of the population is considered literate with limited skills and experience. We have less number of technically trained professionals. Thus, the lack of adequate human resource has forced our private and public sector to remain technically backward leading to very slow space of progress. There should be improvement in the code of conduct amongst the civil servants. Procrastination is a common problem in various governmental agencies. There are neither updated reports nor specific data available. Proper working hour should be allotted and outcome should be studied for constant progress. Bhutans financial system is undeveloped and noncompetitive. It only offers very basic financial products and at a fairy high cost. Conclusion. The behavior of the public and the private sectors determine the success and failures of the Bhutanese economy. They are the pair of hands of the Bhutanese economy. Public sector is the part of the economy concerned with providing basic government services and private sector forms the part of national economy made up of, and resources owned by, private enterprises. Both the sector have shown rapid development progress in terms of economic and social welfare. Although at present the private sector in Bhutan is small and lacks absorptive power, the government places considerable emphasis on its role as the engine of Bhutans future growth. Huge employment opportunities are created due to new private firms and the existing markets in the public sectors. However, both the sectors are facing enormous problems in the development process. In order to improve the pace of development and to increase the GDP of the nation, it is recommended that the public and private sector work in harmony and frame policies such that private sector receives equal priority as the public sector. It is also recommended that the civil servants code of conduct be checked. Proper working hour should be allotted and outcome should be studied for constant progress. To improve the efficiency and the quality in the developmental activities, there should be more production of local professionals and skilled labour and implement ways to strengthen the existing sectors.

Clinico-histopathological Spectrum of Cutaneous Vasculitis

Clinico-histopathological Spectrum of Cutaneous Vasculitis Article Type: Original Title: Clinico-histopathological Spectrum of Cutaneous Vasculitis: A Retrospective Study of 62 cases Running Title: A Clinico-pathological study of Cutaneous vasculitis Authors: Nadia Shirazi*, Rashmi Jindal^, Neha Tyagi*, Samarjit Roy^, Meena Harsh,* Sohaib AhmadÇ‚ Affiliation: Department of *Pathology, ^Dermatology and Ç‚Internal Medicine, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences. SRH University. Jolly Grant. Dehradun. Uttarakhand. India Corresponding Author: Dr. Nadia Shirazi ABSTRACT Context: Cutaneous Vasculitis is the inflammation of vessel walls which leads to hemorrhagic or ischemic events. The histopathological classification of cutaneous vasculitis depends on the vessel size and the dominant immune cell mediating the inflammation. Object: We studied the etiological factors and clinico-pathological spectrum of patients with cutaneous vasculitis at a tertiary referral centre of north India. Design: Skin biopsies of all patients with clinically suspected cutaneous vasculitis presenting over 5 years , between 2009-2014 were reviewed. Cutaneous vasculitis was classified on the basis of etiology (primary or secondary), on the basis of size of vessel wall as well as on the dominant inflammatory cell infiltrating the vessels. Results: Over 5 years, 62 / 103 patients evaluated for vasculitic syndromes had histologically proven vasculitis. Clinically, vasculitis was primary (77.4%) or secondary (22.5%) to drugs, infections, underlying connective tissue diseases and malignancy. Neutrophilic (n=30), lymphocytic (n=18), eosinophilic (n=10), and granulomatous (n=4) vasculitis were the major histopathological groups. Small vessel involvement was seen in 97% cases. Conclusion: Skin biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing cutaneous vasculitis. Small vessel vasculitis is the most common type of cutaneous vasculitis with the dominant cell type being neutrophilic. Eosinophilic infiltrate was exclusively associated with primary vasculitis. Keywords: Cutaneous vasculitis, Small vessel vasculitis, Skin biopsy INTRODUCTION Cutaneous vasculitis (CV) is an inflammatory process of the vessels leading to the destruction of their wall with subsequent hemorrhagic features with or without ischemic necrosis.1 The incidence of cutaneous vasculitis ranges from 15.4 to 29.7 cases per million per year.2,3 The condition usually affects adults with a slight female predominance, however, all ages may be afflicted. CV is classified histo-morphologically on the basis of size of vessel affected (small or medium vessel vasculitis) and on the basis of the dominant cell mediating inflammation- neutrophilic/leukocytoclastic, lymphocytic, eosinophilic and granulomatous. On the basis of etiology, they are classified as primary/idiopathic or secondary to an underlying cause like drug induced, connective tissue disorders, infections, malignancy, etc. Vasculitis in a medium or large vessel is defined as presence of inflammatory cells within their walls, whereas in small vessels diapedesis of various leukocytes often take place and this criteria alone is not significant. It must be associated with signs of vessel damage, such as fibrin within the walls, thrombi or endothelial necrosis. Veins are involved more commonly than arterioles. Clinically, CV can present with a variety of signs and symptoms like urticaria, palpable purpura, ulcers, maculopapular rash, nodules, hemorrhagic vesicles, etc. It can be limited to skin or manifest in other organs like kidney, lungs and heart. Due to this myriad of presentations, CV can mimic a variety of other dermatological and systemic diseases. Skin biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis of cutaneous vasculitis complemented by clinical data and relevant haematological and immunological investigations. In this article, we will be presenting the histopathological spectrum of cutaneous vasc ulitis at a single centre of north India. MATERIALS AND METHODS All patients with clinical suspicion of cutaneous vasculitis attending the dermatology OPD between August 2009 and July 2014 at a single tertiary referral centre of north India were included. An informed consent was taken wherever possible in writing. Approval was obtained from the institute’s research committee for compiling the data from the hospital records. A punch biopsy, 4mm in depth was taken from the edge of the lesion. Though efforts were made to collect most of the biopsies within 48 hours of appearance of the suspected vasculitic lesion, a few patients presented as late as 1 -2 weeks. These biopsies were routinely processed and stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin (HE). Serial sections were taken in which no vasculitis was identified on initial section. Elastic tissue staining to assess the damage to the elastic lamina in muscular vessels was also performed. Simultaneously, a hemogram, ESR, kidney and liver functions, rheumatoid factor and immunological tests like AN A and ANCA were also carried out for assessment. Direct immunoflourescence (DIF) could not be undertaken in any case due to poor patient affordability and lack of infrastructure. Patients with thrombocytopenia ( RESULTS Over 5 years a total of 480 skin biopsies were studied out of which 103 cases were performed in those with clinically suspected vasculitis. However, 62 out of these 103 cases were histologically confirmed to have vasculitis; the remaining had unremarkable and non-specific histologic features. Those with positive histological features had a mean age of 44.5 years [range 6-83 years] with the male to female ratio of 1.1:1. The maximum number of patients (n=15) were seen in the age group 31-40 years followed by those in the second decade. Clinically vasculitis was primary (n=48, 77.4%) or secondary (n=14; 22.5%). (Table I) History of drug intake and presence of recent upper respiratory tract infection was seen in 7 and 3 patients respectively. The commonest offending drugs were antibiotics of ÃŽ ²-lactam group and analgesics followed by anti-histaminics. Connective tissue disorders (n=3) and malignancy (n=1) were also found to be the cause of secondary vasculitis. Clinically palpable purpura was the most common finding followed by maculopapular rash.(Figure I). Three-quarters of granulomatous vasculitis presented clinically with symptoms of allergic granulomatosis; 25% (n=4/17) of leukocytoclastic vasculitis presented clinically with features of microscopic polyangiitis. Among the haematological parameters, a raised ESR was the most consistent finding. (Tables II III). Most of these were small vessel (venules and arterioles) vasculitis (n=60, 97%). Only 2 cases showed medium vessel vasculitis particularly associated with panniculitis. Depending upon the dominant cell mediating inflammation, the dominant cell type was neutrophilic (n=30), lymphocytic (n=18), eosinophilic (n=10), and granulomatous (n=4). Histopathological evaluation in neutrophilic vasculitis showed transmural infiltration of vessel wall with neutrophils (Figure II). Fibrinoid necrosis, neutrophilic debris with or without extravasated red cells were features of leucocytoclastic vasculitis. Lymphocytic vasculitis is shown in Figure III. Epithelioid granulomas were seen surrounding and destroying the vessel wall in granulomatous vasculitis with transmural vessel wall infiltration by lymphocytes and polymorphs (Figure IV). Medium vessel vasculitis showed infiltration by neutrophils in vessel wall which was associated with septal panniculitis. (Figure V). Six of the 10 cases with urticarial vasculitis had an eosinophilic infiltrate; the remaining showed lymphocytes predominantly. Clinically most cases (n=8; 47%) of idiopathic vasculitis were of neutrophilic type. Drug reaction was the commonest cause of secondary vasculitis (n=7) and most of these (n=4, 57%) showed lymphocytic infiltrate (Table IV). DISCUSSION Cutaneous vasculitis presents as a mosaic of clinical and histological findings due to varied pathogenic mechanisms.3 Even in the presence of suggestive dermatological lesions, biopsy showed histological features in nearly 60% cases. We observed primary vasculitic syndromes leading to cutaneous histologic changes in 77% of all cases. Joint pain and swelling was the main presenting feature, palpable purpura and maculopapular rash were the predominant clinical cutaneous markers and raised ESR was a consistent feature. Mostly small vessels were affected and neutrophils predominated in infiltrates. However, there was a substantial overlap in the calibre of the vessel, the cellular infiltrate and the clinical diagnosis. Our observations corroborate with the case series of Carlson et al in terms of the dominance of primary vasculitis and lack of organ involvement.3 Raised ESR was also observed by Ekenstam et al and Gupta et al.4, 5 Arthralgia was the commonest systemic manifestation also observed by Gupta et al. 5 Neural and renal involvement was seen in 15 (24.1%) and 18 (29%) patients respectively in our series. Earlier studies showed visceral involvement is seen in 6, 7, 8 Fatal disease occurs in a minority (3, 8 Different therapeutic approaches are the main reason for sub-classifying vasculitis. Avoidance or treatment of the causative factor may cure or limit the activity of secondary vasculitis; whereas immunosuppressive therapy is the treatment of choice for primary vasculitis. Given this broad range of presentations of cutaneous vasculitis and the numerous disorders that can mimic vasculitis, it is not surprising that it is difficult to correctly and confidently classify these patients. 9 Currently the most widely adopted vasculitis classification system is that of Chapel Hill Consensus Conference (CHCC) which is based on pathologic criteria . 10 The other widely used system is that of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) which is based on clinical findings. 11-18 As yet, no ideal system of classification exists for vasculitis. 3, 19, 20 The most accepted classification is one which distinguishes between primary and secondary vasculitis, recognizes the dominant blood vessel size involved as well as incorporates patho-physiological markers such as direct immune-fluorescence (DIF) and ANCA.21,22 Therefore the classification of cutaneous vasculitis into specific syndromes is best first approached morphologically by determining vessel size and principal inflammatory response. 3 This is the first case series classifying cutaneous vasculitis based on the vessel calibre and histo-morphologic features from the north Indian state of Uttarakhand. Though, the referral centre caters to a million people, this data cannot be extrapolated to the general population as the people are treated in the periphery by practitioners, the data of which is non-existent. A major limitation of our study was the non-availability of direct immunofluorescence which is considered very important for delineating the immunoglubulin type. Nevertheless, since this facility is not available in most of the Indian subcontinent and there is a lack of expertise in the field of dermatopathology, our data merits attention. CONCLUSION Vasculitis occurs as a primary disorder or secondary to various medical conditions, the treatment differing accordingly. The severity may range from a self-limited condition to a life threatening disorder with multiple organ failure. Skin biopsy is an important tool in arriving at a definitive diagnosis duly complemented by clinical features, pertinent laboratory data, serological evaluation, ANCA with or without direct immunofluorescence. REFERENCES 1. Carlson JA, Cavaliere LE, Grant-Kels JM. Cutaneous Vasculitis: diagnosis and management. Clin Dermatol 2006; 24: 414-29. 2. Chen KR, Carlson JA. Clinical approach to cutaneous vasculitis. Am. J Clin Dermatol 2008; 9: 71-92. 3. Carlson JA, Ng BT, Chen KR. Cutaneous vasculitis update: diagnostic criteria, classification, epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, evaluation and prognosis. Am J Dermatopathol 2005; 27 (6): 504-28. 4. Ekenstam E, Callen JP. Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis-clinical and laboratory features of 82 patients seen in private practice. Arch Dermatol 1984;120: 484-9 5. Gupta S, Handa S, Kanwar AJ, Radotra BD, Minz RW. Cutaneous Vasculitides: Clinico-pathological correlation. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2009;75:356-62 6. Fiorentino DF. Cutaneous Vasculitis. J Am Acad Dermatol 2003; 48(3): 311-40 7. Carlson JA, Chen KR. Cutaneous vasculitis update: small vessel neutrophilic vasculitis syndromes. Am J Dermatopathol 2006; 28(6): 486-506 8. Tai YJ, Chang AH, Williams RA et al. Retrospective analysis of adult patients with cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Australas J Dermatol 2006; 47(2): 92-6 9. Carlson JA, Chen KR. Cutaneous pseudovasculitis. Am J Dermatopathol 2007; 29(1): 44-55. 10. Jennette JC, Falk RJ, Andrassy K et al. Nomenclature of systemic vasculitides: proposal of an international consensus conference. Arthritis Rheum 1990; 33 (8): 1135-6. 11. Fries JF, Hunder GG, Bloch DA et al. The American college of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for the classification of vasculitis: Summary. Arthritis Rheum 1990, 33(8):1135-6. 12. Leavitt Ry, Fauci AS, Bloch DA et al. The American college of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for the classification of wegener’s granulomatosis.1990;33(8):1101-7 13. Masi AT, Hunder GG, Lie JT, et al. The American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for the classification of Churg-Strauss Syndrome (allergic granulomatosis and angitis). Arthritis Rheum 1990; 33(8): 1094-100 14. Hunder GG, Bloch DA, et al. The American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for the classification of giant cell arteritis. Arthritis Rheum 1990; 33(8): 1122-8 15. Mills JA, Michel BA, Bloch DA et al. The American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for the classification of Henoch-Schonlein purpura. Arthritis Rheum 1990; 33(8): 1114-21. 16. Calabrese LH, Michel BA, Bloch DA et al. The American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for the classification of hypersensitivity vasculitis. Arthritis Rheum 1990; 33(8): 1108-13. 17. Lightfoot Jr RW, Michel BA, Bloch DA et al. The American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for the classification of polyarteritis nodosa. Arthritis Rheum 1990; 33(8): 1088-93. 18. Arend WP, Michel BA, Bloch DA et al. The American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for the classification of Takayasu arteritis. Arthritis Rheum 1990; 33(8): 1129-34. 19. Callen JP. Cutaneous vasculitis: what have we learned in the past 20 years? Arch Dermatol 1998;134(3):355-7 20. Jennette JC, Falk RJ. Do vasculitis categorization systems really matter? Curr Rheumatol Rep 2000; 2(5): 430-8 21. Sunderkotter C, Sindritaru A. Clinical classification of vasculitis. Eur J Dermatol 2006; 16(2):114-24. 22. Watts RA, Scott DG. Classification and epidemiology of the vasculitides. Baillieres Clin Rheumatol 1997; 11 (2): 191-217 Table I. Causes of vasculitis in our study (n=62) Causes Number (%) Histomorphology Primary 48 (77.4) Neutrophilic (n=22) Lymphocytic (n=13) Eosinophilic (n=10) Granulomatous (n=3) Secondary 14 (22.5) Drugs 7 (50) Neutrophilic (n=3) Lymphocytic (n=3) Eosinophilic (n=1) Infections 3 (21.4) Neutrophilic (n=2) Granulomatous (n=1) Connective tissue disorders 3 (21.4) Lymphocytic (n=3) Malignancy 1 (7.1) Neutrophilic (n=1) Table II: Clinical features of cases with histologically proven vasculitis Clinical feature Number (%) Arthralgia/ arthritis 45 (72.5) Palpable purpura 34 (54.8) Maculopapular rash 18 (29.0) Fever 15 (24.1) Urticaria 12 (19.3) Nodule 4 (6.4) Papule 4 (6.4) Ulcer 2 (3.2) Haematuria 1 (1.6) Table III: Laboratory parameters of patients of patients with histologically proven vasculitis Parameter Positive Negative Not done Anemia 12 30 20 Raised ESR 50 12 Leukocytosis with neutrophilia 11 31 20 Eosinophilia 4 38 20 Thrombocytopenia 8 42 12 Kidney function tests 4 58 ANA 12 22 28 Anti-ds DNA 6 28 28 ANCA 16 46 CRP 12 26 24 Anti HCV 5 57 ASO titre 8 15 39 Table IV: Association of histomorphological diagnosis with clinical impression HISTOPATHOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS Primary Small Vessel Vasculitis (n=48) Neutrophilic / Leukocytoclastic (n=22) Vasculitis(n=8) Pustular dermatosis (n=5) Microscopic polyangiitis (n=4) Rheumatoid vasculitis (n=2) Hypersensitivity vasculitis (n=1) Erythema Elevatun Diutinum (n=1) Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (n=1) Lymphocytic (n=13) Chronic Urticaria (n=4) Perniosis (n=3) Pityriasis Lichenoides (n=2) Atrophie Blanche (n=2) Erythema Annulare Centrifugum (n=1) Polymorphous Light Eruptions (n=1) Eosinophilic (n=10) Urticarial vasculitis (n=6) Prurigo nodularis (n=2) Hypersensitivity vasculitis (n=1) Granuloma faciale (n=1) Granulomatous (n=3) Allergic granulomatosis (n=2) Churg-Strauss Syndrome (n=1) Secondary Small Vessel Vasculitis (n= 12) Neutrophilic (n=6) Drug reaction (n=3) Behcet’s disease (n=1) Sweets syndrome (n=1) Acute neutrophilic dermatosis (n=1) Lymphocytic (n=5) Drug reaction (n=4) Discoid lupus erythematosis (n=1) Granulomatous (n=1) Wegener’s granulomatosis (n=1) Medium vessel vasculitis (n=2) Neutrophilic (n=2) Polyarteritis Nodosa (n=2) LEGENDS Figure I: Palpable purpura Figure II: H E (20x10X): Neutrophilic vasculitis Figure III: HE (10x10X): Lymphocytic vasculitis Figure IV: HE (20x 10X): Granulomatous vasculitis Figure V: HE (20x10X): Medium vessel vasculitis with panniculitis

George Orwells Nineteen Eighty-Four 1984 Essay -- essays research pa

The terrors of a totalitarian government presented in George Orwell’s 1984 apply not only to the Party, but also to the Stalinist Russia of the 1930’s. Frightening similarities exist between these two bodies which both started out as forms of government, and then mutated into life-controlling political organizations which â€Å"subordinated all institutions and classes under one supreme power† (Buckler 924). Orwell shows how such a system can impose its will on the people through manipulation of media, constant supervision as aided by technology, and the threat of pain, both physical and mental. Orwell also shows how the state has more subtle methods for imposing its authority, such as the manipulation of language and propaganda as they are used to achieve the goal of absolute power for the system. A key parallel between the Party and Stalin’s Communism is the use of technology and communication to control the economic, social, and personal aspects of life . Stalin and Big Brother achieved total control, not only of social and economic aspects of the state, but also of their people’s personal lives. They did this first and foremost by constantly observing the people. Both Stalin & "The Party" believed in total control over their "party members". The objectives of the Spies, the Ministry of Truth, Thought Police, and the telescreens in Oceania are mirrored in Stalin’s Russia by the actions of the KGB, and all the technologies they used to monitor people. Another way was by altering all forms of media. The Ministry of Truth worked to change the past in all forms of media, making Big Brother appear to have always been right. Stalin had books rewritten, histories revamped, and paintings altered to feature his presence. Although unlimited control could not be achieved in 1930’s Russia, Orwell gives Big Brother this power to demonstrate how, if ever attained, it would lead to the complete destr uction of individual freedom. Tangible similarities between the two leaders, Stalin and Big Brother, are also daunting. Joseph Stalin could easily fit the description of Big Brother in the novel. Stalin had his 5-year plan for the economy, just as references were made to the 3-year plans in 1984. The Party rejects and vilifies every principle for which the Socialist movement ever stood, and it chooses to do this in the nam... ... in two forms, mental and physical. "The only antidote to mental suffering is physical pain" (Marx). Both Stalin and Big Brother drew greatly from Marx. Adhering to this policy of physical pain to fix mental problems, torture was used in both societies. Every human has a breaking point, and fear, hate, and pain are more motivating than love, happiness, and privacy. Anti-capitalism Renowned internationally as a forthright speaker against Stalin, Orwell was, however, an ardent Socialist and was keen to distance himself from Russian totalitarianism. His Socialist beliefs, coupled with his experience in the Spanish Civil War as a member of the revolutionary militia, led him to realize the threat of fascist, or at least autocratic, rule. No other book has been known to inspire people with such a love of liberty and hatred of tyranny. The individual has a basic desire to be free from restraint and control, and Orwell recognized this. 1984 is an expression of Orwell’s irritation at many of the facets of English Socialism, as well as Russian Communism. It is also a reflection of his own ideas about the nature of political corruption and, to be specific, Stalinist Russia.

a piece of her mind :: essays research papers

Often our choices are based upon our basic needs and what makes us feel safe. Yet, there is always that minute doubt tangled within our gut, wondering what would have happened if we took the dangerous, the hesitant, and the more thrilling path. One of the most universal experiences human beings face as we begin to age is we start to look back upon our lives and wonder if we made the right choices. For some people, they experience a â€Å"mid life crisis† and choose to start all over again, desperately yearning for a different result. Others dwell in a sense of melancholy, saddened by their fantasies of what life could have been had they chosen â€Å"the other path.† What if I had married differently? What if I had chosen a different career? These â€Å"what ifs† begin to pile on top on one another, creating a disappointing mountain of uncertainty and speculation. Within Mrs. Dalloway, Virginia Woolf portrays Mrs. Clarissa Dalloway as a woman who is exploring the se questions in a single afternoon of her life. If Mrs. Dalloway were to have kept a diary during this one day in her life, the following is an excerpt of what I think she would have written in it. Dear Diary,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"As a cloud crossed the sun, silence falls on London: and falls on the mind. Effort ceases. Time flaps on the mast. There we stop; there we stand. Rigid, the skeleton of habit upholds the human frames.†(49) Earlier today, he just stood there in front of me, his failure figure seeming more daunting than ever before. As my eyes met his, drapes of memory began to unravel within my mind, uncovering the ancient sheds of abandoned feelings. It was too difficult to ignore the pulsating pain I felt when my eyes met hit. My eyes frantically searched for an escape outlet. As I passed through the gigantic wooden doors towards the small room, I was forced to confront the amber-stillness of a surprisingly placeless place. I scanned the room I had just finished cleaning nearly an hour earlier. While it all appeared to be in order and cleansed of any dust or untidiness, any slight disorder popped out at me. The tired shelves leaned to one side under the weight of abs ent books, now pushed to the floor perhaps by the wind. Faces were covering the wall, trapped in black and white cruelty of photographs and the muted murmur of faded laughter.

Functions of Mass Communication

Wright (1960) characterizes seven functions of mass communication that offer insight into its role in our lives. * Surveillance. The first function of mass communication is to serve as the eyes and ears for those of us seeking information about our world. When we want to find out the latest news about what’s happening, we can turn on the television, surf the internet, or read a newspaper or magazine. We rely on mass communication for news and information about our daily lives such as the weather, stock reports, or the start time for a game. What was one of the first things you did after you heard about the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center? More than likely, you were glued to the Internet or your television waiting for details about the disaster. In fact, your authors’ campus closed down to allow people to stay at home to collect information and be with loved ones, even though our campus is located on the other side of the country. * Correlation. Correlation addresses how the media present facts that we use to move through the world. The information we get through mass communication is not objective and without bias. The grandmother of a friend of your authors stated that the information she heard on the radio, â€Å"had to be true† because it was on the radio. This statement begs the question, how credible are the media? Can we consume media without questioning motive and agenda? Someone selects, arranges, interprets, edits, and critiques the information we see. A friend of your authors’ has a brother who edits for a major reality TV show. When asked if what we see if a fair representation of what really happens, the person who does the editing simply laughed and said â€Å"no. † * Sensationalization. There is an old saying in the news industry-â€Å"if it bleeds, it leads† that highlights the idea of sensationalization. Sensationalization is when the media puts forward the most sensational messages to titillate consumers. Elliot poses some interesting food for thought: â€Å"Media managers think in terms of consumers rather than citizens. Good journalism sells, but unfortunately, bad journalism sells as well. And, bad journalism-stories that simply repeat government claims or that reinforce what the public wants to hear instead of offering independent reporting -is cheaper and easier to produce† (2004, . 35). * Entertainment. Mass media provide us with an escape from daily routines and problems by entertaining us (Zillmann & Bryant, 1986, p. 303). Media like People Magazine and E-TV keep us up to date on the doings of our favorite celebrities. We watch sports on television, go to the movies, play video games, and listen to our ipods and radios. Most mass communication simultaneously entertains and informs. We often turn to media in our leisure time to provide an escape from our boredom and relief from the predictability of our everyday lives. We rely on media to take us places we could not afford to go or imagine, acquaint us with bits of culture, and make us laugh or cry. Entertainment can have the secondary effect of providing companionship and/or catharsis through the media we consume. * Transmission. Mass media is a vehicle to transmit cultural norms, values, rules, and habits. Consider how you learned about what is fashionable to wear or what music to listen to. Mass media plays a significant role in the socialization process. We look for role models to display appropriate cultural norms, but all too often, we do not recognize inappropriate or stereotypical behavior. We start shopping, dressing, smelling, walking, and talking like the person in the music video, commercial, or movies. Why would soft drink companies pay Christina Aguilera or Mariah Carey millions of dollars to sell their products? Have you ever bought a pair of shoes or changed your hairstyle because of something you encountered in the media? Obviously, culture, age, type of media, and other cultural variables factor into how mass communication influences how we learn and perceive our culture. * Mobilization. Mass communication functions to mobilize people during times of crisis (McQuail, 1994). Think back to 9/11. Regardless of your political preferences, we mourned as a nation and rallied around national pride and patriotism during this time of crisis. Using our earlier example, your authors’ campus decided to suspend classes to allow the campus community time to mourn the loss of fellow citizens. With instant access to media and information, we can collectively witness the same events taking place in real time somewhere else, thus mobilizing a large population of people around a particular event. The rising popularity of political websites such as moveon. rg is another key example of the use of mass communication to mobilize people for political action. * Validation. Mass communication functions to validate the status and norms of particular individuals, movements, organizations, or products. The validation of particular people or groups serves to enforce social norms (Lazarsfeld & Merton, 1971). If you think about most television dramas and sitcoms, who are the primary characters? What gender and ethnicity are the majority of the stars? What gender and ethnicity are those that play criminals or those considered abnormal? The media validates particular cultural norms while diminishing differences and variations from those norms. A great deal of criticism focuses on how certain groups are promoted, and others marginalized by how they are portrayed in mass media. Given the power of the various functions of mass communication, we need to be reflective about its presence in our lives (McLuhan & Fiore, 1967). We will now turn our attention to the study of mass communication by looking at what mass communication scholars study, and how they study it.

Augustine: Free Choices of Will Essay

St. Augustine’s On Free Choice of the Will elaborates on the relationship between God, free will, and evil. During the very beginning of Book One, he asks the question, â€Å"isn’t God the cause of evil† (Cahn 357). From this question, it can be ascertained that he searches for a connection between God and evil (sins), which inferred in the writing to be connected though free will. He believes that God does not create evil, but rather that evil is simply the lack of good, since God is completely good and, therefore, cannot create evil. God not being the source of evil is then further elaborated through his explanation of a crime and how it is caused by inordinate desires and human abuse of good things (Cahn 360). By explaining things this way, he shows that humans are responsible for evil, through their own wills. Of course, being that God is supposed to be in control, he further elaborates that God gives us free will in order to punish us righteously for this. He believes that God has given humans free will so that they would be able to sin and justifies God by writing that â€Å"the very fact that anyone who uses free will to sin is divinely punished show that free will was given to enable human beings to live rightly, for such punishment would be unjust if free will had been given both for living rightly and for sinning† (Cahn 361). Essentially, he is writing that God gives humans free will as a way to measure whether or not they can live righteously, while being tempted with ‘evil’ desires. I agree with Augustine’s logic regarding free will being the cause of evil, but there is a major fallacy which I will also explain. Augustine argues that â€Å"God is a cause of the second kind of evil, but in no way causes the first kind†¦ for there is no single cause of evil† (Cahn 357). While this statement is logical, since it can be said that God’s creations are the cause of evil and not God, it can also be somewhat interpreted as being flawed in the same sense. If God is the creator of everything, then does he not also have a hand in the creation of his creations? He is supposed to be the omnipotent being that has the master hand in every sense of life, so he should have more than just a secondhand blame for the creation of evil. However, since he is not directly the creator of evil and everything is inherently good, Augustine’s argument that God’s hands are ‘clean’ of evil is logically sound. Augustine’s assessment of free will being the cause of evil is also a logically sound argument. By providing an example of a mistreated slave killing his owner as a result of his innate desire (Cahn 360), he shows that it was through the slave’s ‘free will’ that evil was done. This shows that God, since he has given humans free will, had no part in said evil, since if he has indeed given the slave free will, then the creation of evil was entirely in the slave’s hands. If free will is indeed given to humans by God for the purpose of deciding if they can keep righteous through temptations, then it is clearly shown here that this is true. What a person manufactures in his mind is influenced by his surroundings and himself (multiple factors) and what he decides to do (free will) is completely in his hands. This logic shows that free will is the cause of evil. However, there is a major factor which I also disagree with and unravels much of the argument for me. The main issue is that God is omnipotent, but has given humans free will. That in itself is a huge contradiction, which Augustine attempts to answer by saying that â€Å"God foreknows this power [our will]†¦ since he whose foreknowledge never errs foreknows that I will have it† (Cahn 366-367). This sounds like he is simply speaking in circles about the subject. He tries to say that God knows about the future, but he knows about our free will, which will give us the power to decide things, but in the end is also foreknown by God. This is where I start to defer from his beliefs, since I believe that free will is the cause of evil, but that God should be taken out of the equation. While it can argued that God only knows of all the possibilities and not what will directly happen, which would make it so that he is providing free will and is part of a triangle relation between himself, free will, and evil, it is simply much more logical to believe that if there is a God, then there is no free will, and if that is such, God is the originator of evil. Augustine’s work is extremely logical and provides much evidence proving that free will is the cause of evil. He explains very clearly that evil is a result of human desire and their free will to do what they want. The most major flaw in his argument is that there is an omnipotent being that controls everything, yet doesn’t control everything, which would unravel his entire argument, resulting in evil being created by said being. Thus, the message that God exists would actually be detrimental to the argument that free will is the cause of evil. However, Augustine writes that â€Å"I hold by faith, not by something I see for myself† (Cahn 362), which means that God is not proven, so logically he doesn’t exist. Therefore, if God were to not exist, humans were innately given free will, and evil is not created from another source, it can be logically deduced that Augustine’s analysis of free will being the cause of evil is correct. Works Cited Cahn, Steven M. Classics of Western Philosophy. 7th ed. Indianapolis, IN: Hackett Pub. , 2006. Print.

Purpose And Functions Of Accounting Accounting Essay

Accounting has been around since the beginning of civilisation. Accountancy participated in the development of metropoliss, trade, and the constructs of wealth and Numberss. The importance of accounting can non be overemphasized. Equally of import are the criterions used to guild the application of accounting pattern. Without rules and criterions, fiscal coverage would non reasonably present the fiscal place of a company. Accounting has changed and evolved immensely over clip and continues to alter. In this assignment, I will specify accounting and the different procedures of accounting records. I will besides Distinguish between Financial Accounting and Management Accounting and sketch the advantages and disadvantages, with illustrations. The beginning of civilisation occurred during the passage from hunter-gatherer to farmer. Farming led to harvest excess and hence the demand to merchandise and barter. A Jericho, the oldest metropolis known to historiographers was the first known trading centre for excess goods. Personal wealth created the demand to maintain path of stock lists. Ancient bookkeepers used little clay balls called items to number and maintain path of bing wealth. These items were used as grounds of minutess. Over clip, the items were used to do feelings in clay along with images which represented the first efforts at accounting. These events took topographic point around 5000 B.C. ( Giroux ) Evidence suggests that dual entry clerking developed in Italy around 1200 B.C. The first book written on dual entry clerking was written by Luca Pacioli in 1494. ( Smith ) Pacioli was referred to as the male parent of accounting, but he did non really contrive the system he described. He merely wrote about the concern patterns used by merchandisers in Venice at the clip. Many of his Hagiographas were used for several centuries. With the development of engineering, wealth, and trade came the demand to adequately account for the complexness involved.2.0 What is accounting?AAccounting a subdivision of Accountancy. It is a service activity. Its map is to supply information, A chiefly fiscal in nature, about economic entities that is expected to be utile in doing economic determinations, in doing sound picks among alternate classs of action.A Accounting, is frequently called â€Å" The linguistic communication of Business † A statement of basic accounting theory defines accounting as the procedure of identifying, mensurating and pass oning economic information to license informed judgement and determination by users of the information. ( Evanson, Illinois: American Accounting Association,1966 ) A Accounting is the art of recording, sum uping, describing and analysing fiscal minutess. That is the systematical record of twenty-four hours to twenty-four hours events to cognize about net income, assets and liabilities. Accounting is about answerability. Most organisations are externally accountable In some manner for their actions and activities. They will bring forth studies on their activities that will reflect their aims and accomplishments to people to whom they are accountable.Purpose and Functions of Accounting.A To supply quantitative, fiscal information about economic entities to statement users so that they could do informed judgement and better decision.A2.1 UseRs of Accounting InformationAccounting is an information system that measures concern activities, processes information into studies and communicates the studies to determination shapers. A cardinal merchandise of this information system is a set of fiscal statements-the paperss that report fiscal information about agreeableness to determination shapers. These studies tell us how good an entity is executing in footings ofA net incomes and losingss and where it stands in fiscal footings. We have two types of users of accounting. That is internal users and external users. Some illustrations of users of accounting are as follows: – They use accounting figures to Suppliers – decide if they can give recognition installations to the house, when providing stuffs Creditors – -Short term ; find if the sum due by the house will be paid on clip and if more money can be given on recognition. -long term- determine if capital and involvement will be paid in due clip Bank and Financial Institutions will used accounting figures to make up one's mind on overdraft, loan or rental installations. Contractors-decide whether they will go on to work for the house and the possibility of more plants if the company is spread outing. Government – will make up one's mind on allotment of resources. If the activities have to be regulated and besides determine revenue enhancement policies. Customers – maintain themselves update about the company. That is if the house is traveling on good figures, they react to market demands. For case they might will develop new merchandises. Investors – to judge chances on their investing and make up one's mind what to make with their portions. That is selling them if he feels that the monetary value of his portion might fall due to hapless public presentation of the house, retain or purchase more if the stockholder feels that the company will go on to turn Potential investors – to make up one's mind if buying portions of that house will be fruitful or non Management reappraisal: – Short term solvency Long term solvency Activity ( effectual use ) Profitableness in relation to turnover Profitableness on investing Employees – to cognize the strength and prosperity of the company. To measure the capacity to pay wage, retirement benefits and employment chances. Tax Governments: measure the revenue enhancement liabilities of the endeavor Populace: find how the company will impact the vicinity, for case employment, local providers, tendencies or developments as per Corporate Social Responsibility.2.2 Branchs of AccountingGeneral Accounting or Financial AccountingA It is concerned with the entering ofA minutess for a concern or other economic unit and the periodic readying ofA statements from these records. AuditingA Is a service pattern who examines records, statements and show an sentiment sing their equity of histories. Cost AccountingA emphasizes the finding and the control of costs peculiarly the costs of fabrication procedures and of the manufactured merchandises. Management Accounting is concerned with the application of appropriate techniques and constructs in treating the historical and jutting economic information of an entity, to help direction in puting up sensible economic aims and in doing rational determinations towards the attainment of these aims. Tax Accounting includes the readying of revenue enhancement returns and the consideration of the revenue enhancement effects of proposed concern minutess. Accounting Systems is concerned with the creative activity of accounting and office processs for the accretion and the coverage of fiscal informations Budgetary Accounting represents the program of fiscal operations for a period and through histories and sum-ups, provides comparings of existent operations with the preset program Government AccountingA specializes in the minutess of political units with respects to the concern facet of public disposal. It chiefly focuses on the properA detention of authorities financess and their intents. Accounting Education is possibly the most obvious field of specialisation. In add-on to learning, many accounting professors engage in auditing, revenue enhancement accounting orA other countries of accounting. Internal AuditingA trades with finding the operational efficiency of the company sing protection of the company ‘s assets, truth and dependability of the accounting informations, and attachment to order managerial policies. International AccountingA include particular accounting for international minutess, comparings of accounting rules in different states, and harmonisation of diverse accounting criterions worldwide and revenue enhancement demands ofA all the states in which the company does concern. .Not-for-profit AccountingA trades with particular accounting for charitable organisations, A spiritual groups, governmental bureaus, schools and co-ops etc Though we have different subdivisions of accounting the two chief signifiers of accounting information are fiscal accounting and managerial accounting. We will discourse about these two subdivisions of accounting in the 2nd portion of this assignment.2.3 BASICS OF AccountingAccounting is based on maintaining records on sound accounting rules which are as follows: Systematic categorization and recordings in books of histories Book- maintaining ( entering of events and minutess ) Sum uping the records – test balance, ledger, net income and loss and balance sheet Interpreting the fiscal minutess2.4 Primary aims of AccountingThe primary aims are: Maintain Accounting records Calculate the consequences of operations Determine the fiscal place Communicate the information to users About all companies create end-of-year fiscal studies, and a new set of books is begun each twelvemonth. Depending on the nature of the company and its size, fiscal studies can be prepared at much more frequent ( even daily ) intervals.3.0 Procedures of accounting recordsThe procedures of accounting records are: Identifying Measuring Recording Classifying Sum uping Analyzing Interpreting Communicate the fiscal minutess and events The map of these procedures is to keep orderly records to set up fiscal public presentation and fiscal state of affairs, and to pass on the accounting information to the concerned parties to which the company is accountable.IdentifyingFirst traffics are identified and their needed paperss are collected. That is designation of minutess and economic events of a specific organic structure. It involves choosing the activities related to a Firm. Bills from providers or payment made to creditors are illustrations of economic events.MeasuringIn accounting every recorded dealing of the company needs to be measured in a common unit for case the state ‘s local currency. In Mauritius, many houses trades with abroad companies. However they have to utilize a unvarying pecuniary unit when mensurating minutess.RecordingDealingss are recorded to supply a history of the organisation ‘s fiscal activities. That is maintaining systematic record in proper books of histories. Recording is done on a regular basis and it enables the company to place all the traffics of the house.ClassifyingAfter minutess are recorded in history books, they are posted to the appropriate histories. That is rent in rents account, gross revenues in gross revenues account. Classifying is the analysis of concern minutess of similar nature..Sum upingAfter the above processes the information found in fiscal statements are analyzed make decisions about the profitableness and fiscal places of the concern. It will so decently presented harmonizing to Accounting Torahs ( Trial balance, trading and profit-and-loss history and balance sheet ) to do it apprehensible to internal and external users of the fiscal information.Analyzing and InterpretingThe trading and profit-and-loss history and balance sheet are analyzed to pull decisions on the fiscal strengths or the failings of the house. It besides helps to determind growing or lessening in gross revenues. These are achieved by ciphering assorted ratios and per centums or by using other techniques. The information is used for fixing the hereafter aims and methods for achieving such aims.CommunicatingThe accounting information is so communicated users or individual concerned. This is made by administering to the users the fiscal studies. It includes income statement, balance sheet and other extra information in the signifier of accounting ratios, graphs, diagrams etc. The consequences of analysis and reading must be communicated to the parties who are to do determinations or signifier judgements so that appropriate determinations may be taken at the right clip4.0 What is fiscal accounting and Managerial ACCOUNTING?Though we have different subdivisions of accounting the two chief signifiers of accounting information are fiscal accounting and managerial accounting. Talk of accounting, we besides need to advert Tax accounting. As the name itself, revenue enhancement accounting focuses on revenue enhancement issues. It provides revenue enhancement information to revenue enhancement governments.Fiscal AccountingFinancial and direction accounting are both of import tools for a concern, but serve different intents. A concern uses accounting to find operational programs in the hereafter, to reexamine past public presentation and to look into current concern maps. Management and fiscal accounting have different users, as investors are non normally involved in the daily operations of the concern but are concerned about their investing, whereas directors need information rapidly to do day-to-day concern determinations. Fiscal accounting is used to show the fiscal wellness of an organisation to its external stakeholders. Board of managers, shareholders, fiscal establishments and other investors are the audience for fiscal accounting studies. Fiscal accounting nowadayss a specific period of clip in the past and enables the users to see how the company has performed. Fiscal accounting studies must be filed on an one-year footing, and for publicly traded companies, the one-year study must be made portion of the populace record Fiscal Accounting is concerned with classifying, mensurating and entering the minutess of a concern. It is geared towards external users of accounting information. Fiscal accounting provides information that would be helpful in pulling capital. It shows the fiscal place of a concern at a peculiar point in clip and shows how a concern has performed over a specific period. The three chief fiscal statements that help to accomplish this purpose are the Profit & A ; Loss history, the Balance sheet and the Cash Flow Statement.Managerial AccountingOn the other manus, direction accounting is a system designed unambiguously for the company direction squad. It provides current and accurate information to directors of the company to do determinations refering the daily operations of a concern. It is non based on past public presentation, but on current and future tendencies. Because directors frequently have to do operation determinations in a short period of clip in a fluctuating environment, direction accounting relies chiefly on prediction of markets and tendencies. The information is used for planning of future ends of the company. It besides helps to measure internal public presentation of the company.4.1 Differences between Financial and Managerial accounting.The users of Financial accounting is chiefly external individuals as it describes the whole administration. For illustration stockholders, creditors, Banks and other fiscal establishments. A direction accounting system produces information that covers portion of the organisation or a specific section that is used within an organisation, by directors and employees for determination devising. Fiscal histories are supposed to be in specific format. This will simplify affairs when seeking to compare histories of different companies. On other manus there is no particular format for managerial accounting. Fiscal accounting helps in doing investing determination but Management Accounting helps directors to enter, program and control activities. Fiscal accounting focal points on history where as direction accounting focal points on past and existent public presentations every bit good as future. Fiscal histories are prepared by comptrollers but managerial accounting is prepared by officers of different sections. They coordinate informations and bring forth direction histories. Fiscal histories are for a particular and good defined period. For illustration yearly or semi yearly for big companies. However direction histories can be prepared whenever it is needed. It can be daily, hebdomadal or monthly. Fixing fiscal studies is compulsory for limited companies. It has to be filed with competent governments while there are no legal demands to fix studies on managerial accounting. Fiscal histories are largely concerned with pecuniary points but managerial histories can be both pecuniary and non pecuniary points. For illustration stock counts or end product.4.2 Aims of Financial Accounting versus Managerial aimsThe chief aim of fiscal accounting is to unwrap the concluding consequence of the house and place fiscal status of the concern on a peculiar day of the month. On the other manus the chief aim of managerial accounting is to assist direction by supplying to them information which they use to be after, measure and command the concern.4.3 Advantages and disadvantages of Financial Accounting.Access to InformationAmong the most important advantages of fiscal accounting is the information it reveals about a concern. This information is utile to non merely leaders who use informations about gross, disbursals, assets and equity to do determinations for the hereafter, but besides to investors who examine the consequences of fiscal accounting, known as fiscal state ments, to make up one's mind which concerns to put in. Financial accounting allows concern leaders to change their budgets and programs for the hereafter to turn to new fiscal jobs or take advantage of the fiscal strengths that accounting reveals to turn or derive competitory advantages within an industry.ConformityGovernment ordinances require concerns to execute fiscal accounting, which means that the procedures has the added advantage of maintaining a concern in line with regulative bureaus and free from mulcts or disciplinary action. Financial accounting information is an component of transparence and concern moralss, necessitating honest and accurate information for investors, rivals and market analysts to reexamine. Businesss besides need information from fiscal accounting, such as net incomes after disbursals and the value of tax-deductible disbursement, to finish their one-year concern income revenue enhancement returns.CostFiscal accounting is an expensive portion of making concern, particularly for big concerns. For a little concern, proprietors need to give clip to accounting, which takes off from the clip they can pass working with employees or giving their endowments to the concern ‘ merchandises and services straight. Large concerns employ accounting sections that consist of specializers who earn professional wages and necessitate benefits, offices and equipment to execute their occupations. This means that a concern demands to utilize the information it additions from fiscal accounting to its ain fiscal benefit or hazard losing money in the procedure.Timing ProblemsFiscal accounting besides can present disadvantages to a concern by interrupting the timing of its operations. This is peculiarly true when a concern chooses the incorrect type of accounting for its activities, or fails to update its accounting methods to maintain gait with its growing. For illustration, hard currency method accounting merely enters minutess once they are comple ted, which works good for little concerns but can non account for the outstanding payments and histories receivable that a big concern is likely to hold. A big concern that use hard currency method accounting alternatively of accrual method accounting hazards losing path of major constituents of its fiscal image, while a little concern that employs the accrual method takes on unneeded complication and disbursal.4.4 Advantages of Management AccountingSince it is focused on doing future determinations with the aid of past fiscal information, it is frontward looking and hence progressive in nature. Managerial histories are meant for internal users like direction and therefore it is non necessary that it is made by following rigorous guidelines which is the instance with fiscal accounting. It is flexible in nature and therefore it can be prepared anytime and they are non required to be made annually they can be made monthly or on hebdomadal footing. Management accounting takes all the i nformations and so show it in such a manner that a proper analysis about the feasibleness and profitableness of any concern determination can be made.4.5 Disadvantages of Management accounting It is dependent on cost accounting and fiscal histories and therefore the truth of it is besides dependent on how accurate that information is. This it is one of the restrictions every bit far as its serviceability is concerned. It can besides be affected by the prejudice of top direction and therefore it is likely that they may be pulled in such a manner so as to profit themselves instead than stockholders. Since it does non follow accounting rules, it can non be compared with other companies studies and therefore accurate rating about the direction may non be possible on the footing of direction accounting.5.0 DecisionAs we can clearly see accounting is really of import in every facets of life and corporate lives. Without accounting it will non be possible to acquire exact figures to analyze, comparison or even better. Accounting is based on several rules and ways to treat accounting informations. These accounting procedures are a concatenation of undertakings that needs to be done and respected during the accounting twelvemonth to acquire accurate and coveted consequences.