Wednesday, July 31, 2019

A Brief History of the Jews of Brazil Essay

The history of Jews in Brazil is a unique case, because we do not know of many other countries in which they have been significantly present in the very first movements of that nationrsquos history, continuously participating in its economic and social development. In fact, since the ldquodiscoveryldquo of Brazil to the present time, the Jews, almost without interval, openly or disguised, have been integrated into the processes of formation of Brazilian nationality. My aim in this paper is to provide a summary of Jewish history in Brazil by highlighting four major historical periods The First Portuguese Period (1500-1630) The Dutch Period (1630 -1654) The Second Portuguese Period (1654-1822) and The Cosmopolitan Period (1822-1966). br / The First Portuguese Period (1500-1630)br / ?When Portugal was at the height of its expansion in the world, in 1500, Brazil was ldquodiscoveredrdquo by the kingdom. It was then simply military glory, coupled with the desire to enlarge the Catholic faith, that compelled the Portuguese to their grand maritime expeditions (Grinberg 15). But just these reasons alone would not have sufficed to promote the extraordinary expansion of Portugal. The great cycle of the Portuguese conquests would not have been achieved without the long period of scientific discoveries and improvements that preceded it, in which the Iberian Jews played such a key role. As a prime example of this involvement, in Henry the Navigatorrsquos quotNautical School of Sagresquot, the first Portuguese academy of navigation(founded in 1412), was employed one of the most famous cartographers of the fifteenth century, the Jewish Yehuda Cresques, whose main task was to teach Portuguese pilots the basics of navigation well as the production and handling of nautical instruments (Serebrenick and Lipiner 7). br / ?The Jewish contribution to the discovery of new routes and new lands to the Portuguese crown was not limited only to the scientific field, however, but also translated into direct participation in these dangerous travels, including the expedition that resulted in the discovery of Brazil. The fleet led by Pedro Alvares Cabral, included at least three Jewish advisers the astronomer Master John, Pedro Nunes the navigator, and Gaspar de Lemos, an interpreter and ship commander, rightly regarded by historians as partly responsible for the discovery of Brazil (Serebrenick and Lipiner 9). br / ?With increasing incentives of the Portuguese government towards the occupation and settlement of the Brazilian territory, more and more Iberic Jews began migrating to Brazil. Because the wealthier Portuguese and Spanish Jews sustained a lot of the territoryrsquos early economic progress, they were able enjoy considerable freedom of worship and custom (Grinberg 21). This panorama of tolerance contrasted sharply with the wave of hatred and discrimination that swept Portugal, where, like neighboring Spain, persecution was widespread. It is thus understandable that many Jews of 1 / 3 Portugal, affected by overwhelming religious persecution, felt compelled to try a new life in Brazil,which to them seemed like a safe haven where they could materialize their aspirations for peace and freedom. br / ? The Jewish community, thanks to strong immigration and natural growth, reached a reasonable proportion in comparison with the general population, enough to counter the risk of assimilation. Around 1570, however, things took a turn for the worse, as there began to appear signs of restrictions on freedom, which only grew with time (Serebrenick and Lipiner 12). The circumstances soon forced the Jews to return, much like those in the motherland, to a life of great caution and alertness. The first official manifestation of intolerance was found in 1573 in the city of Salvador, which installed an auto-de-fe. Paradoxically, but perhaps on purpose, the first victim was not a Jew, but a Frenchman who was accused of heresy, condemned and burned alive. In Bahia, the Inquisition remained (though inactive for many years) until 1593 (Grinberg 29). br /?In 1618, Bahia was the target of a new visitation of the Holy Office, during which time many Marranos were reported and pursued, among them many wealthy men of the sugar mills. This fact that prompted the first large wave of immigration of Jews within Brazil they left the Northeast in search of the more tolerant South, especially the captaincy of Satildeo Vicente (Satildeo Paulo), which was the most liberal region (Serebrenick and Lipiner 15). Because of the growing persecution of Jews in Portugal in the last decades of the sixteenth century, they began to emigrate not only to Brazil but also, inlarge numbers, to several countries of Western Europe, especially to Holland, where flourishing trade and religious tolerance prevailed (Grinberg 32). This allowed for the rapid formation of a large Jewish community, centered in the city of Amsterdam, rightly nicknamed the quotNew Jerusalemquot. The simultaneous emigration of Portuguese Jews to Brazil and the Netherlands, led to the establishment of a commercial and affective link between the Jews of Brazil and those of Holland (Serebrenick and Lipiner 15). br / The Dutch Period (1630-1654)br / ?The hope of the Brazilian Jews that their lot would improve due to some form of Dutch intervention did not fail. Through a series of attempts at the conquest of the Brazilian Northeast in the years 1624 to 1627, the Dutch finally succeeded on February 15, 1630. The city of Pernambuco was attacked by a powerful fleet of 70 ships, effectively beginning the occupation of the Northeast, which would last until 1654. The years of peaceful Dutch rule were few, but enough to enable the Jews to rapidly flourish economically, socially and culturally, building in Northeast Brazil one of the most thriving communities of the time (Grinberg 35). br / ?With the advent of the Dutch and the consequent deployment of a great religious tolerance, the landscape was changing. Uninterrupted waves of Jews flocked to Pernambuco from several countries, especially from Holland, bringing commercial experience and a wonderful spirit of achievement. These Jews from the Netherlands ndash who were largely former refugees from Portugal,Spain and France – had the further advantage of speaking several languages Spanish, French, Ladino, Dutch, besides the most important, Portuguese, which was the language spoken in Brazil (Grinberg 35). A great number of them served as interpreters for the thousands of men in the Dutch army and navy, consisting of mercenaries – Dutch, English, French, German, Polish and others – who did not speak Portuguese. From simple interpreters, they increasingly became businessmen, merchants and landowners, coming to, in effect, virtually control the economic life of Brazilrsquos New Holland. The main street of Recife (in Pernambuco) was known as quotStreet of the Jewsquot and the port was called quotpier of the Jewsquot (Serebrenick and Lipiner 17). br /. The Second Portuguese Period (1654-1822)br / ?With the fall of Recife and subsequent surrender of the Dutch, the Jewish community in northeastern Brazil became largely scattered. A small portion of the people resigned to staying in the country, dispersing through its territory, while the majority opted for emigration. Of these, one group – consisting of the richest and probably most connected in the Netherlands – decided to return to Holland, while most preferred to face the unknown, venturing into more distant stops throughout 2 / 3 the Americas – Guyana, West Indies and New Netherlands in the United States. Numerous Jewish settlements began to appear to the North, one of which would eventually lead to the extraordinary Jewish community of the United States of America (Grinberg 52). In North America, a group of 23 Jewswho left Recife immediately after its fall, camped on September 12, 1654, on the margins of the Hudson, in the village of New Amsterdam (now New York). br / ?As already mentioned, the exodus that took place after the expulsion of the Dutch did not cover the entire Jewish population of Northeast Brazil, since a good number of Marranos resolved to remain on the land they had learned to love. These remaining Jews eventually were able to peacefully spread throughout Brazil, including in areas of the Northeast itself, minimizing the appearance of their Jewish origin (Serebrenick and Lipiner 23). Unfortunately, the flames of persecution were to be once again fanned by the Inquisition. This new wave of terror unfolded for about 70 years, especially violent in the periods 1707 to 1711 and from 1729 to 1739, making the first half of the seventeenth century perhaps the darkest period of Jewish history in Brazil (Serebrenick and Lipiner 26). Only after 1770 would the conditions come to place that would forever eradicate the cancer of the Inquisition. To this day no one knows for sure how many Jews from Brazil fell victim to the Portuguese Inquisition. br / The Cosmopolitan Period (1822-1966)br / ?Once the country was made independent from the Portuguese crown, in 1822, full freedom of conscience was established. In the second half of the century, Jews from various countries of Western Europe – French, English, Austrians and Germans ndash began to come in force to Rio de Janeiro and its neighboring states, especially in Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais(Serebrenick and Lipiner 31). Another large group emigrated from Morocco to the Amazon region. The two settlements – the Amazon region and Rio de Janeiro – did not seem keep any significant relations and had, moreover, some different characteristics (Grinberg 61). The Amazon community was more stable, while in the South, the Jews originating in Western Europe came in order to flourish and then return to their country of origin, although many would end up staying in Brazil (Grinberg 61). br / ?In the last decade of the nineteenth century Jewish immigration grew, multiplying the diversity in countries of origin and also the in regions where immigrants came to settle. Whereas until then the Jewish immigrants came almost exclusively from North Africa and Western Europe, now there were waves of Jewish immigrants from the Eastern Mediterranean – Greece, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and Palestine – as well as Russia and neighboring countries. These settled mostly in the Southeast (Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais), but also spread out in smaller groups to many other states, both to the South and Northeast. br / ?Though the scope has been very limited and many details necessarily left out, I have sought to give a brief account of Jewish life in Brazilian history. The history of Jews in Brazil is a long and honorable history, dotted undoubtedly suffering, but also full of success, translated into positive and fundamental contributions to the development of the country and the training of its people ndash and that history that is still being written. /body /html POWERED BY TCPDF (WWW. TCPDF. ORG).

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Hmong Culture

Prior to writing this research paper on the Hmong culture, I did not know anything about their history or beliefs. The only time I had heard of Hmong people was in the movie â€Å"Gran Torino. † The movie revolves around a Hmong family living in Michigan and the cultural stereotypes and discrimination they face each day. After reading a few chapters in Anne Fadiman’s The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, I felt it was necessary to take a further look into the Hmong culture for a better understanding of their way of life. I.Hmong migration from China to various Southeast Asian countries The Hmong have not had the easiest or most simple life. After reading many different sources reporting their history, I couldn’t believe how many times they were forced to relocate. The Hmong originated as a culturally unique group from Asia. Their original homeland was Central Siberia which was where most of them lived. The first time the Hmong were forced out of their homelan d was in 2500 B. C. The Chinese and other Asian groups conquered Central Siberia and forced its people to flee south into northern China (Moua).Because of this, they resettled and started a new civilization on the banks of the Yellow River. Fortunately, their civilization was prosperous and successful until history repeated itself and the Han Chinese attacked them again for their fertile land along the Yellow River. The Hmong were faced with a decision to either fight or flee. They decided to fight for their land through a series of warfare but were outnumbered and therefore lost their land as well as many men. Consequently, the Hmong were forced to flee yet again.This time, they settled in the southern parts of China in today’s provinces known as Hepeh, Hunan, and Hubei (Xiong). â€Å"There are approximately 8 to 12 million Hmong still living in this region of China† (Quincy, 1988). Throughout history, the Hmong people continued to face hardship. During the Qing Dynas ty, three major wars pushed hundreds of thousands of Hmong even further into the Southeast Asian countries of Laos, Burma, Thailand, and Vietnam. The first war erupted in 1735, the second in 1795, and the third, the largest and longest in 1854-1873 (Xiong).II. Hmong migration to the USA In the early 1960’s during the Vietnam War, the Hmong in Laos were recruited and trained by the United States Central Intelligence Agency to assist the United States as a secret guerrilla force army. The Hmong fought directly against the North Vietnamese and Lao Communists. That same year, the American forces pulled out of Vietnam and in result, the Lao Communists came to power in Laos. The Hmong were forced to flee yet again. â€Å"As a result, hundreds of thousands of Hmong escaped the genocide of the Lao Communist Government.This time they settled in France, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, West Germany, the United States, and even Argentina as political refugees in order to continue their peaceful way of life. Statistically, the majority of the Hmong refugees (about 200,000) settled and restarted their new lives in the United States† (Teng Moua’s personal record, 1999). The states with the largest number of Hmong immigrants are California, Minnesota, and Wisconsin (Yau). III. Hmong religion The Hmong are a very spiritual group of people.They are animist/pantheist which means that they believe in a variety of natural and supernatural forces. Their world is inhabited by spirits and gods and they believe that their spiritual world has the capability to coexist with their physical world. Some of these spirits that influence their human life are ancestral, household, natural, and evil. If there is contact with a supernatural spirit, the Hmong believe that their life will be affected, either positively or negatively. Ritual ceremonies are performed to please ancestral spirits.If the spirits are pleased, they will protect the believer’s descendents from illness and natural disasters. To maintain communication with the spiritual world, the Hmong refer to the shaman, who is a healing practitioner who acts as an intermediary between the spirit and physical world. The shaman is the main communicator chosen by the spirits and performs the rituals (Tapp). â€Å"While there is no standardization in Hmong religious rituals and practices, Hmong rituals usually revolve around the practices that their ancestors passed onto them.Clan and lineage variations also are prevalent between and within individual clans as practices are traditional passed down from generation to generation through oral tradition† (Hmong Cultural and Resource Center of Minnesota). Hmong also believe in afterlife. With the guidance from Hmong musical performers during the rituals, the souls of the deceased will come back to their ancestors for reincarnation. IV. Hmong education and language Many Hmong have had no formal education. In Laos, public schooling was limi ted and in some areas, completely unavailable.Even after Laos achieved independence, ethnic minorities such as Hmong were still denied schooling. It was not until 1939 that the first village school was built. Even then, only students from the wealthiest class were admitted. Once the Hmong arrived in the United States where they were free people, education has become a main priority. The Hmong have their own language, called Hmoob (Hmong in English). It braches into two main dialects: White Hmong and Blue (or Green) Hmong. The colors represent the colors used in traditional clothing of the different groups in the different regions of China. The Hmong language is one of a group of closely related languages of Southeast Asia and Southern China often referred to as the Miao-Yao languages. Besides being spoken by Hmong people in Laos, Thailand, Burma, and Vietnam, the Hmong language is widely spoken by the Miao minority in Southern China. The Hmong language is also related to the Yao lan guages which include Iu Mien, spoken in Laos and Thailand as well as China, and five other languages spoken by minority groups in the larger region† (Vang).Because of the lack of education, for many centuries, the Hmong language was only an oral type of communication. There was no alphabet system, no written texts, and no literacy system. Culture and learning was passed down from one generation to the next from memory. Elders had the most knowledge, memories, skills, and abilities. Older Hmong residing in the United States often do not speak English and, because of the recent development of the written Hmong language in the 1950s, may be illiterate in the Hmong language (Helsel, 1993; Queensland Health, 2004; U. S.Census Bureau, 2000). Young Hmong may be literate in English, but may not be able to read Hmong or Lao, though there is an effort in the Hmong community to teach young people to speak and read their traditional language (Lipson et al. , 1996). V. Hmong beliefs about illness and curing individuals Hmong believe that an illness is caused when one’s soul is lost, captured by evil spirits, or by having offended an ancestral spirit. The shaman will discuss with ancestral spirits who may have been offended by the ill person and see what the spirits want to ask from the living.Shamans may bargain and struggle with wild spirits who have capture the patient’s soul or locate the lost soul and force it back into its body. When a shaman cures a sick person, he goes into a trance and veils his eyes with a black cloth to see the spirits. He sits on a bench and faces the altar. Then, he calls his teacher spirits to help cure the ill person (Lewis). Shamans differ in ability so when a shaman is unable to help the family, they will look for a more powerful one. VI. Hmong attitudes toward Western medicineAs previously mentioned, Hmong believe in natural and spiritual healing. Most older, traditional Hmong are opposed to Western medicine and practic es. Not only does it go against their beliefs, but they also fear that Western medicine may be too potent for Hmong bodies to handle. People of more recent generations, however, are becoming more and more accepting of Western medicine and surgery. Hmong are also using a combination of Western medicine and traditional techniques such as massage, acupuncture, and dermabrasion (Yau). Reading about Hmong culture has been extremely interesting.I was so surprised to find how spiritual they were. It saddened me to learn about the numerous times they were forced out of their homeland. It’s unfortunate that their people are so dispersed throughout the world, however, in a way it is neat that the Hmong culture is so prevalent in various cultures outside of China. Researching Hmong culture has been a big help in reading Anne Fadiman’s, The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down. Now, I have a much better sense of the Hmong way of life and can see a different perspective on their at titudes and beliefs.

Monday, July 29, 2019

Interactive Educational Tools Design for Children Essay

Interactive Educational Tools Design for Children - Essay Example The interactive tools available today include pre-designed course units in the form of VCDs, ipods, interactive toys and games. The design process for making these tools into effective products has now become a complex subject in itself. As USERS, they dictate the output specifications of the tool to be developed by generating desired functional aspects. There are generally two reasons for researchers to ask children to take on the role of technology user: (1) To test a general concept that may help future technology developers and (2) To better understand the process of learning which may contribute to future educational practices. As TESTERS, they are made to use the tools under observation by adults, peers and designers. This generates an empirical database regarding feedback and corrective measures. This data is then utilized for modifying the design, before it is released to the outside world for product realization and its end use. As INFORMANTS, the children play a major part in the design process. The input of the design shall take into consideration the children's' reaction to the existing technology by observation and asking questions. The testing and validation of the design shall involve the children, who should be asked questions before any technology is developed, the child may be observed with existing technologies, or they may be asked for input on paper sketches. Once the technology is developed, the child may again offer input and feedback. With this role, the child plays a part in the design process at various stages, based on when researchers believe they can be informed by children. As DESIGN PARTNERS, children are considered to be equal stakeholders in the design of new technology throughout the entire experience. As partners, children contribute to the process in ways appropriate for the children and the process (Allison Druin, Human computer Interaction lab, University of Maryland). Each role is used today by some portion of researchers and developers. Impact On Children's Lives: The net-centric generation of today values its abilities to use the web and other software technology to create a self-paced, customized learning path. Current interactive gadgets like web logs, VCDs and ipods, along with online access to various tools, facilitates the formation of learning communities. The other stakeholders like parents at home, social contacts as well as teachers in the school environment are naturally involved in a supporting role. This encourages a social networking environment where exchange and sharing of various tools is possible, thus extending the awareness and accessibility of such tools (Baird Derek E et al, V34n1 page 5-32 -2005-6, Journals of Education technology systems). New Research Methods: The basic approach for further development of technology needs to shed the earlier notions such as 'ALL KNOWING ADULTS' versus 'ALL LEARNING STUDENTS'. Recent papers such as 'interface design - a neglected issue in education software' presented by

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Family Member Interview Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Family Member Interview - Essay Example She went to the United States when she was twenty eight and grew up together with her siblings, which strengthened the family bond between them. They are so close that a day barely passes without the siblings meeting. My Aunts mother was born in Ouanaminthe which is a small town in the Northern part of Haiti, with an approximated population of Population while the father was born in Haà ¯tien  (Haitian Creole:  Okap or KapAyisyen, often referred to as  Le Cap. The town which is refferered to as Cape Haitian in English is a commune with a population of approximately 190,000 on the Northern Coast of Haiti. The maternal grandparents were born and raise din Quananminthe while the paternala grandparents were born and raised in Cap-Haà ¯tien. Dash, 2001) Being a Christian, my Aunt went to a private Christian school. Both my husband and children are also Christians with my husband who is also Haitian being very active in Church. Being a Sunday schoolteacher and a member of the choir, my Aunt attends church twice a week. She is strong in her religion that they have a daily bible study with the family. (Marcus, 2009) Just like other parts of Latin America, Haiti is predominantly inhabited by Christians with 16% members of Protestantism while approximately 80% are Roman Catholics. There are small group of the populace which are Hindus and Muslims mainly found in the Port-au-Prince. Another religion that is practice by Haitians is Vodou. The religion encompasses different unique traditions consisting of a mixture of Western and Central African, Native American and European. The practice has been embraced by the believers despite the associated negative stigma it’s associated with, both within and out of the country. Despite the fact that the exact number of practitioners of Vodou is not known, it is believed that a small group of people still practice the tradition besides their Christian faith. There are also few Christians who also

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Midterm Question Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Midterm Question - Assignment Example Administrative support involves technical support, professional staff and instructional design. An administrator can handle this area by ensuring that members of the organization receive all these services in record time. Training involves exposing and educating the staff to new ways of handling tasks. An administrator should therefore ensure timely training for members of the organization. Incentives on the other hand involves providing things like grants, leave time, promotions and stipend. This encourages employees to give better out-put at the workplace. Communication involves keeping members abreast with changes taking place or necessary information in the organization (Boyd, Grossman, Ing, Lankford, Loeb & Wyckoff, 2011). Communication ensures proper work co-ordination in the organization and the administrator has the mandate of maintaining proper communication channels. The cost of employing the trainer and the extra-curricular benefits it will have on the school students. I would also factor in the possibility of the school employing the trainer without any strain on the school’s budget and have a detailed conclusion on having an athletics trainer (Pettigrew, 2014). I would use a tool that measures the coach’s ability to improve both the students sporting and academic prowess. My evaluation tool will encompass the use of graphs and checklists in evaluating the coach’s success. In doing this, I will use a test tool that evaluates critical elements such as the effectiveness of the coach’s-student training manual, activity roaster, student sporting ability improvement charts and student academic progress (ONeill, Albin, Storey, Horner & Sprague, 2014). The tool will enable me determine the whether the coach is successful or not depending on the graph index produced by student academic performance in relation to extra-curricular activities such as sports. The key aspects of facility management are communication, emergency

Friday, July 26, 2019

Pricing strategy of Southwest airline in the US Essay

Pricing strategy of Southwest airline in the US - Essay Example Due to intense competition from other competitors, Southwest airline should project its image carefully such that it differentiates its services from those of the competitors (Simmons, 2008). It should position itself as a point to point short haul carrier. The airline should offer separate check-in areas that offer snacks, drinks, internet access, nap rooms and even showers. While on board, a seat should be a flat bed seat that can recline to 180 degrees- parallel to the floor and one that can guarantee good sleep. The passengers should be served with menus with wide choices. More so, they should consider offering pre-order services where one can place an order before flying. Entertainment for elite business class should also be exceptional probably with a television fixed to the passenger seat or passenger offered with DVD players at will. In addition, passengers should be availed with internet access such that they can still transact businesses even when on board. Considering that everyone is cost sensitive, Southwest airlines should embrace a pricing strategy that offers competitive prices for its target market. It should not only compete with other airlines, but also with other forms of transport. For instance, a wealthy business executive may have a number of options such as either board a hired aircraft, top of range motor vehicle, or use the airline; all offering similar services, but ends up using the airline after considering the cost factor. However, the airline should ensure that it offers the facilities needed.

Psalms Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Psalms - Essay Example This psalm describes the wedding banquet with Christ and His church, and Christ’s eternal kingdom. The psalm describes the setting around the time of the Feast of Tabernacles. During the feast the reading of the Law was given to the people. The psalm describes how we should be God fearing people and respect God’s Word. The psalm in verse 22 speaks of how God will tear you to pieces. Then, the psalms say he prepares the way. This psalm shows us the need for a savior that is Jesus Christ. God has shown His compassion by sending His son once and for all as a sacrifice for sin. The psalm describes the scene as a heavenly courtroom, with the Mighty One -- God -- as the judge. The Lord hands down an indictment against hypocrisy. The psalm indicts people who practice formalism in worship. However, Christ advises us to â€Å"worship in spirit and truth† (John 4:24). This psalm is Messianic in nature; the commentary describes the psalm as an imprecatory psalm. This psalm has become a popular psalm over the years. Verses 1 thru 18 of the psalm speak of the need for a Savior. This savior is The Messiah, Jesus Christ. David continues to discuss the Lord’s compassion and loving-kindness. Then, verses 19 thru 29 describe David’s vindication from his enemies. The psalm ends with praise and looks forward to the Messiah and the coming of his eternal kingdom. The prevailing Messianic tone was prayer for deliverance from suffering for the Lord’s sake. Therefore, Christ was seen as the one who was persecuted for doing God’s will. Psalm 72 refers to certain elements that will make up the millennial kingdom, where Christ will reign. The psalm goes on to explain how Christ will reign with righteousness throughout the whole world. This particular Messianic prophecy is seen in verse 1-3. Christ reigning with compassion is seen in verses 12-14. Furthermore, we see that the nation will prosper; this prophecy will be

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Enterprise Architecture Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Enterprise Architecture - Assignment Example n EA needs to be modified in order to react to opportunities in an agile way since EA ensure quick translation of strategic decision on both tactical and operational levels (EAI2N, Bernus, Doumeingts, Fox & IFIP World Computer Congress, 2010). EA frameworks offer a detailed description of the prevailing and future architecture and enable articulation of relations in discussion with executives, support staff and other EA stakeholders because each area in EA framework signifies a functional area within an enterprise (Bernard, 2012). In business, benefits of maintaining an EA include supporting the corporate governance through offering insight of the entire value chain and reflect reality of an acknowledged and organized extent (Land, 2009). Moreover, maintaining enterprise architecture offers an organization a competitive edge and shows the way the various components of the system fit together in effectively utilizing the enterprise systems and resources (Giachetti, 2010). The use of cloud computing in businesses is highly attractive because of its reduced operating costs, agility in service development and its ability to allow scalability. However, for an organization to achieve full functionality in cloud computing, enterprise applications need to be developed in a manner that is suitable for distributed environments using the correct EA (Raj, 2012). EAI2N 2010, Bernus, P., Doumeingts, G., Fox, M., & IFIP World Computer Congress. (2010).  Enterprise architecture, integration and interoperability: IFIP TC 5 International Conference, EAI2N 2010, held as part of WCC 2010, Brisbane, Australia, September 20-23, 2010 proceedings. Berlin:

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Cause-Effect Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Cause-Effect Analysis - Essay Example Mobile devices possess vulnerabilities that make them attractive and easy targets for exploitation. The first major cyber threat to mobile devices stems from the size and portability nature of these devices. Since these devices contain sensitive and large volumes of information, theft or loss of a mobile device can be a major problem to the user. These devices are packed with volumes of information related to the owner of the device. Unfortunately, people accidentally leave these devices in cars, airplanes and hotels (National Computer Board, 2011). In addition, it is easy for such devices to be stolen from one’s bag or pocket, especially in crowded places. If the device ends up the hands of criminals, critical information such as bank account numbers, emails, passwords and PINs can be accessed (US-CERT, 2010). With such information, the criminal is in a position to carry out various activities without the knowledge of the user. For example, the criminal may transfer a given sum of money from the victim’s account within a short period of time. Due to the portable nat ure and size of these devices, they can easily be misplaced or stolen. The loss of the device is not the only threat to these devices. Mobile devices are vulnerable to malware in similar ways to desktop computers. There are specific malware that have been targeted to these devices. These are usually transmitted when one downloads applications that contain malware. In many cases, mobile malware is contained in most of the applications available for free on the internet, and these usually masquerade as security software of games. For instance, in a paper by the US Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) (2010), the malware known as Ikee.B is discussed. These malware is an iPhone worm that is able to search and forward financial information that is stored on iPhones. Therefore, as the example shows, malware can also be used to

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Theological Inquiry Christological Heresies Essay

Theological Inquiry Christological Heresies - Essay Example Athanasius of Alexandria strongly opposed these teachings and emphasized that Jesus Christ was indeed fully divine. Arius argued with the bishop Alexandria stating that Jesus Christ was not immortal and that he was the first creation of God. Arius’ ideas had a huge impact on the definition of Orthodoxy following several creeds, for instance with Jehovah Witnesses who are considered present-day Arians. They present several Biblical arguments stating that Jesus Christ is not God (Fitzgerald 26-27). Arius being a presbyter insisted upon Jesus Christ’s inferiority to God and because Alexandria along with the Greek East was characterized by an intellectual climate, the argument widened and went on to reach Emperor Constantine. Both sides- the Christian church and the Arians did not let up leading Constantine to call for imperial attention and thus the Council of Nicaea was convened. At this meeting, the framework for the official Orthodox Christianity came into being as over 200 bishops argued out the theological and philosophical language. The Council of Nicaea came to be regarded as a major event as it brought about the explanation of spiritual reality as the question of both the dogmatic definition and theological language was raised. Notably, also, the relative authority of offices along with individuals, an assembly of bishops and independent bishops, the emperor along with the council, and the pope and the council was argued out. Subsequently, the issue of authority to define orthodoxy as well as heresy came to be associated at the outset with the issue of where authority was placed in the Christian community (Peters 39). It is crucial to note that Arius got his argument from studying under Lucian of Antioch who depicted Jesus Christ as a semi-divine intermediate being. Since Arius had plenty of friends some of whom were Asian bishops, they tolerated his ideology when he was ordained. This was how he started to raise a following that was spread o ut.  

Monday, July 22, 2019

Child and Young Person Development Essay Example for Free

Child and Young Person Development Essay †¢Schools/starting nursery is a part of everyday life the child/ young person will have to make this transition many times in their life. The transition that most children/ young people experience is moving from one school or care setting to another will happen a number of times over a child’s life for many different reasons and the challenges of the transition will change each time and will have to be handled in different way. †¢Toilet training is a big step for most children/ young people as they have to learn to read their own body signals and to understand what they should do at this point. †¢Sibling. It is common for children to have younger brothers and sister and they will have to learn to deal with the transition of having a baby in the house. †¢A parent starting a new job or doing more hours at work so the parent is not around when the child expects them to be or may not understand where the parent is going. †¢Moving house to accommodate a growing family or due to parent separation/ loss there are many other reason to move house also all of which with effect the transition progress of the child differently †¢ Separations/ divorce can be very difficult on children and young people of all ages as it can lead to many other transitions that take place moving house changing schools feeling of loss and confusion all of which can be very difficult for a young person to understand and cope with. †¢Puberty can be very difficult for some young people to cope with the mood swings, confident issues or low self -esteem, how the body changes, how it can affect their relationships with others and how others may see them. Children and young people mostly learn to cope with a number of different changes or transition in their life time and they will develop their own ways of dealing with the transitions, children and young people will still need to helped and guided

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Human Resource Management Business Impact

Human Resource Management Business Impact People are commonly considered to be an organisations greatest asset simply because they have the power as individuals to decide. They decide on strategic, tactical and operational levels to obtain the most favourable results from whatever situation arises. It is therefore extremely important to train and develop the human resources as it determines a companys success. Over the past few decades, a growing awareness of the importance of the HRM process has lead to continual improvements in the field; thus causing more competence. In order to create efficiency in communication, training and general management, individuals were put in charge especially to manage the people within an organisation. Slowly this progressed and became a common department in any common organisation. Human resource management is a particularly important area which transcends all primary activities. It is concerned with those activities involved in recruiting, managing, training, developing and rewarding people within the organisation The firm will need an overall workforce (or human resource) strategy. In achieving this, HRM will need to work closely with other departments to ensure the firm is employing people with the right skills and right time The HR plan contains an assessment of: National and local changes in the population, analysed by numbers, ages, skills and location An analysis of the current internal labour supply Consideration of any proposed developments in the companys organisation, location and structure. This information can be used to evaluate the likely effects on labour turnover, the implications for recruitment, expected training requirements for existing and anticipated new staff, and the probable effects on morale and labour relations. The main difficulty of creating a workforce plan is the problem of estimating future demand for labour. Demand will change as a result of the firm changing strategy (e.g. new markets opening up, existing market demand falling), and competitor actions. Organisation adopt a core and periphery approach, employing a core of highly trained full-time staff, which is supplemented by a periphery of part time- often temporary- employees. This can bring greater staffing flexibility, although part-time staff may lack motivation, and communication becomes more difficult. HRM emphasises that people are an organization key source due to their flexibility, creativity and commitment. Communication takes place within the organization and with outside agencies internal communication may flow down the hierarchy through the chain of command or may be more informal. External communication tends to be more formal, taking place with the major external stakeholders: suppliers, customer, shareholders, the government and public. 1.2: Assess the purpose of strategic human resource management activities in an organization. Internal scanning explains and documents the makeup of the current supply of the workforce and the human resources activities within an organization. It looks at the composition and diversity of the workforce, including what type of skills and jobs are available, what type of human resources policies and programs already exist, what is the culture and structure of the organization, and what are the trends in regard to tenure, turnover rates, etc. In addition, consideration should be given to such issues as prevailing personnel problems, managerial attitudes concerning human resources, etc. External scanning tracks trends and developments in the external environment, documenting their implications for human resources management and ensuring they receive attention in the human resources planning process. This assessment looks at: 1) how the economy is performing both locally and nationally, 2) how technology is expected to change and how these changes will influence the type and number of jobs available and the skills and education needed for these jobs, 3) what the current and future labor market looks like regarding the availability of certain occupations and the people necessary to fill them, 4) the requirements are for current or future government regulations, such as affirmative action and equal employment opportunity or regulations which influence agency-specific programs, 5) identifying the sources for competition in terms of attracting people (salary, benefit packages, etc.), and 6) what overall trends can be identified that could influence an organization such a s the movement towards decentralization and restructuring. Vetter (1967) defined human resource planning as the process by which management determines how the organization should move from its current manpower position to its desired position. Through planning, management strives to have the right number and the right kinds of people, at the right places, at the right time, doing things which result in both the organization and the individual receiving maximum long-run benefits. Contemporary human resource planning occurs within the broad context of organizational and strategic business planning. It involves forecasting the organizations future human resource needs and planning for how those needs will be met. It includes establishing objectives and then developing and implementing programs (staffing, appraising, compensating, and training) to ensure that people are available with the appropriate characteristics and skills when and where the organization needs them. It may also involve developing and implementing programs to improve employee performance or to increase employee satisfaction and involvement in order to boost organizational productivity, quality, or innovation (Mills, 1985b). Finally, human resource planning includes gathering data that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing programs and inform planners when revisions in their forecasts and programs are needed. 1.3: Evaluate the contribution of strategic human resource management to the achievement of an organisations objectives Functions of Human Resources Management (HRM) include various key activities important in business development. The HR Manager decides for the organizations staffing needs and then decides whether to employ by independent contractors or hire employee to fill these needs, recruiting and training the best employees. The HR Manager must ensure that these employees are high performers and deal with performance issues; and ensure that the personnel and management practices used conforms with various regulations Activities in HRM also include managing employee benefits and compensation, employee records and personnel policies. An organization must ensure that employees are aware of personnel policies which conform to the current organization regulations. These policies are often in the employee manuals, which all employees have. There are seven (7) major HRM processes namely: HR strategy, Recruiting, Assignment, Development, Reward, Protection, and Personnel administration. HR strategy is the strategic approach that the HR manager will undertake. This strategy is composed of objectives, goals and processes on how to attain the organizations business objectives and goals. Task 2 To: Etcetera Ltd From: Human resource manager Subject: Human Resources planning 2.1 Analyse the business factors that underpin human resource planning in an organisation. Human resource planning is a systematic series of continuing processes that determines the needs of an organisation and plans them accordingly (Bennison and Casson 1984). The reason human resources are planned is due to the simple need that any successful business needs efficiency. Planning eliminates wasted time and resources by preparation. The planning process is divided into several stages; analysing current human resource utilisation, forecasting the demand for human resources, forecasting the supply of human resources, developing action plans and evaluating the planning process. Human Resource Management (HRM) is a strategic and coherent approach in managing an organizations most valued assets- the individuals who are working collectively and contributes in achieving success of the objectives of the business. The terms human resource management (HRM) and human resources (HR) have largely replaced the term Personnel Management as a description of the processes involved in managing people in organizations 2.2 Assess the human resource requirements in a given situation With the development of technology, data collection and presentation has become much more sophisticated and efficient. HR planners can use computer technology very effectively to analyse data about the workforce. Information such as experience, length of service, qualifications, potential attendance, productivity, efficiency and personal data have all contributed to the accurate analysis of human resource utilisation. With the use of this data it has become easy and efficient to forecast possible situations regarding specifically HR demand. As mentioned above, the analysed data can be efficiently used to determine current conditions. It is especially important to forecast demand in time in a dynamic working environment where new products and premises are bound to increase. Corporate plans are also projected into a shared system to co-ordinate forecasting. In some cases however there is no data that can project future requirements; these cases would be linked to general economic, political or industrial change. Existing human resources classified by organisational demography, more specifically by department, occupation, skill level, status, age, gender, aptitudes, experience, qualifications, job history, length of service and ethnicity. Specific work history; absenteeism, commitment, involvement and disciplinary matters. Ensuring all personnel/HRM activities help to add value by helping the organisation achieve its objective. Motivating workers to achieve improved performance Action plans are based on a comparison of forecast demand and forecast supply. This will determine deficits and surpluses. Evaluation is suggested to be based on outputs rather than inputs. Storey and Sissons have a variety of techniques such as simple audits to conclude if targets have been met, how many vacancies have been filled and how much costs were reduced. 2.3 Develop a human resource plan for an organisation To develop a human resource plan for Electra this below Five Major Stages in workforce planning link the strategic and human resources planning processes. Collecting Data and Information Forecasting Reconciliation Action Plans Feedback and Evaluation 1. Collecting Data and Information: At the strategic planning level, an organization conducts a number of assessments to determine its long-range objectives, usually for up to five years. At this level, the human resources planning process assesses such issues as strategic plan implications, factors external to an organization, and the internal supply of employees over the long-run. Human resources collect data and information to analyze and assess these types of issues, but do not make detailed projections. Data and information are collected through scanning internal and external environments of an organization. 2. Forecasting: The strategic plan eventually breaks down into operational plans that state specific objectives an organization wants to accomplish over the next six months to one year. This will, in turn, forecast future human resource needs. The focus for human resources becomes forecasting the number of currently available employees with the appropriate skills and educational levels to meet operational plans. This information is drawn from internal and external assessments, but is further refined for these plans. The forecasting process highlights the supply and demand principle of the model. Strategic and operational plans determine the necessary human resource requirements (demand) needed, while the human resources planning process forecasts the availability (supply) of human resources. 3. Reconciliation: Reconciliation identifies those gaps that occur between supply and demand. This process focuses an organization on specific human resource issues that need to be addressed. This allows an organization to move forward with its operational plans. The process of reconciliation helps identify what the major gaps or sources of pain are in managing human resources. In addition, through reconciling an organization is able to develop a sense of urgency and build commitment to action regarding its sources of pain. 4. Action Plans: Action plans represent programs and policies needed to address the gaps identified in the reconciliation process. To be successful and ensure accountability, action plans must outline specific responsibilities, timelines, staff, and financial resources necessary to address those gaps. 5. Feedback and Evaluation: Feedback and evaluation are critical to the success and effectiveness of the workforce planning process. These two mechanisms are ways to retrieve information to evaluate and make adjustments to the process. Feedback: Feedback mechanisms should be designed to retrieve information so programs and policies can be evaluated to determine how well the process works. This provides input to update strategic or organizational plans. Inadequate feedback mechanisms or plans can cause small problems to grow into large problems that impede the overall process. Evaluation: In implementing evaluation mechanisms, it is important to first determine what is to be measured. Normally, human resources strategies are measured in terms of implementation or completion of actual programs. But to provide more meaningful information, measures have to be designed to determine the effect the action plans have had on the defined issues. Therefore, it is important to identify specific measures and target levels to be achieved and what the end results should be. 2.4 Critically evaluate how a human resource plan can contribute to meeting an organisations objectives. Human resource planning has traditionally been used by organizations to ensure that the right person is in the right job at the right time. Under past conditions of relative environmental certainty and stability, human resource planning focused on the short term and was dictated largely by line management concerns. Increasing environmental instability, demographic shifts, changes in technology, and heightened international competition are changing the need for and the nature of human resource planning in leading organizations. Planning is increasingly the product of the interaction between line management and planners. In addition, organizations are realizing that in order to adequately address human resource concerns, they must develop long-term as well as short term solutions. As human resource planners involve themselves in more programs to serve the needs of the business, and even influence the direction of the business, they face new and increased responsibilities and challenges 3.1 Explain the purpose of human resource management policies in organisations There are lot of purpose of human resource management policies was known to manage the employees within an organisation in many aspects; such as recruitment, selection, evaluation, motivation, general management and termination. One can argue that not much has changed and it is still the same as HRM, but from comparing the process over the past few decades, we can see that the process has actually evolved quite significantly. Human resource management, unlike personnel management, has become a process that is very closely linked with the other departments of an organisation. This helps the HRM department to foresee and prepare for possible circumstances; such as increased workloads and redundancies. Below is a table of perceived differences between Personnel Management and Human Resource Management (Beer and Spector, 1985): Strategic integration: HRM is integrated with the organisations strategic plans. High commitment: management of people ensures employees are genuinely pursuing the goals of the organisation. Flexibility: HRM policies are subject to change; meaning innovations and changes in the business fields will be anticipated by HRM and the policies thereby structured. High quality: the process of human resource management is done with high quality to ensure high quality results. This will eventually affect the quality of goods/services provided. 3.2 Analyse the impact of regulatory requirements on human resources policies in an organisation Human resources manager plays many varieties of roles in the organisations. Following are some of his/her role to carry out on daily basis. Guidance Role Directly involves with companys HR Policy making, and implementation those policies, Advisory role Offering specialist service to the employers and employees. Offering advice for line managers for changes in legislations, conducting appraisals, etc. For employees, advice about their rights, counselling, Etc. Service Role Carrying out various administrative tasks e.g. payroll, giving reference, and delivering of Human Resources Management Programs. (Recruitment, Selection, welfare so on) Control/auditing role Analysing personal indices. (Such as labour turn over, wage cost) monitoring performances carrying out bench marking Planning/organizing role Forecasting future man power needs, adopting new labour practices. Human resource planning: forecasting organisations future labour and skills requirements. Recruitment: Attracting more suitable applicant required by HR plan Selection: Selecting most suitable employees Retention: retaining staffs by promoting and motivating Exit Management: managing termination of the employment, retainment, dealing with grievance procedure. Task 3 To: Head of TESCO human resource department From: Independent human resource consultant Subject: Reviewing human resource department 4.1 Analyses the impact of an organisational structure on the management of human resource organization structure: The study of organizations includes a focus on optimizing organizational structure. According to management science, most human organizations fall roughly into four types: Pyramids or hierarchies Committees or juries Matrix organizations Ecologies An organizational structure is a mostly hierarchical concept of subordination of entities that collaborate and contribute to serve one common aim. Organizations are a number of clustered entities. The structure of an organization is usually set up in one of a variety of styles, dependent on their objectives and ambience. The structure of an organization will determine the modes in which it shall operate and will perform. Organizational structure allows the expressed allocation of responsibilities for different functions and processes to different entities. Ordinary description of such entities is as branch, site, department, work groups and single people. Contracting of individuals in an organizational structure normally is under timely limited work contracts or work orders or under timely unlimited employment contracts or program orders. (Robbins, S.F., Judge, T.A. (2007)) There are four formats of Tesco. They are Tesco, Tesco Extra, Tesco Metro and Tesco Express. Tesco Express is small in size and scale compare to other Tescos. So the decision making process is shorter and quicker which is important for an organisation of this nature. Tesco Express has a flat structure. There are four duty managers who get the ideas to how to handle the workload from the Site Manager. They run the shifts and they have team leaders working under them who take part in decision making to some extent. Stock controller and administrator also a major character in the organisation. They have to do specific task and also if they get time, they must help other colleagues work. On the last level of the organisation there are customer service assistants. They deal with the customers directly. They serve the customers on the tills and they do the shelf filling as well. They are the major part of our management team 4.2 Analyses the impact of organisational culture on the management of human resources Organizations are as individual as nations and societies. They have widely differing cultures, and these are reflected in their values, ideals and beliefs. The organizations culture is what gives meaning and purpose to the work lives of its members. An organization culture influences its strategy, its ways of doing business and they it responds to change. A strong culture will be beneficial if it focuses on need to change proactively. The culture of an organisation influence the way in which it operates, so it is necessary to understand the culture before deciding how people might contribute to the success or failure of the organisation. Put in simple terms, the culture of an organisation can be defined as: The Way We Do Things Here! Our organisation has a task culture. Task culture-It is very much a small team approach the network organisation small organisations co-operating together to deliver a project. The emphasis is on results and getting things done. Individuals empowered with discretion and control over their work is flexible and adaptable.'(Charles Handy, 1985). In our organisation, Tesco Express, we have team-based approach to perform any job. Team work plays the major role to achieve organizational objectives. The culture of our organization is working as a team, co-operating each other to achieve our goals and objectives. In the team all the staffs are empowered, so they feel motivated and important at work. All the staffs are empowered to make decisions to some extent and they are given responsibilities within the team. So the staffs feel valued and responsible for their jobs. In my work place has nearly 20 Staff. This staffs are from different ethical background and different countries, so various behaviours of team members mesh together in order to achieve objectives. We all work hard successfully in our team. Our manager guides us to do our work properly. 4.3 Examine how the effectiveness of human resources management is monitored in an organisation The Human resource department is the companys greatest asset; because without man power, everyday business functions could be completed. That is why it is important to maximize organizational effectiveness, human potential-individuals capabilities, time, and talents-must be managed. Human resource management works to ensure that employees are able to meet the organizations goals. Companys today are continuously changing. Organizational change has an impact not only the business but also its employees; the company at all time should be considerate to its entire employee. The company and employees should work together in harmony to remain productivity, and the HR manager is the bridge for the company and the employees to understand each other. Every organisation aims to keep a good staff retention record. However, retaining staff can be very time consuming and expensive. To retain staff is to give them reason to stay. This is normally done by giving employees incentives in addition to salary. These incentives normally take financial form; however, other psychological incentives work just as well. These psychological incentives can be as simple as verbal encouragement. This ultimately leads to motivation; therefore better performance. Other forms of psychological incentives include added responsibility and work challenges. Employees not only work for money, they work also to satisfy their psychological needs. As long as incentives are fair, employees will carry on working with more conviction. This will lead to good retention levels and result in lower costs in terms of recruitment. 4.4 Make justified recommendations to improve the effectiveness of human resources management in an organisation. HR manager it is my role to ensure that the organizations objectives and goals are followed by all personnel. Constant communication with the employees and evaluating their performance in their work will help me in this role. Problems in terms of the organizations work force must be immediately resolved in order to prevent unnecessary complexities. Our workforce is the organizations valued asset. It is my duty as HR manager to ensure that these assets will remain an asset for the organization; keeping our workforce productive and competitive in our business. The HR manager is a both a business and a strategic partner of the company. The HR manager contributes to the development and accomplishments of the companys business strategies and objectives. As a strategic partner, the HR manager designs the companys work positions: hiring, reward, recognition, and strategic pay; performance development and appraisal systems; career and succession planning; and employee development. As business partners, the HR manager have to think like business people, know finance and accounting, and be accountable and responsible for cost reductions and the measurement of all HR programs and processes. The HR manager can be considered as an employee sponsor or advocate, because of the integral role the HR manger plays in the company success due to his knowledge about and advocacy of the people. The expertise of the HR manager includes the managers expertise in creating a work environment in which people will be motivated to work, productive and happy in the co mpany. The HR manager provides employee development opportunities, assistance programs, gain sharing and profit-sharing strategies, due process approaches in solving corporate problems and schedule regular communication opportunities. The HR manager contributes to the company by constantly assessing and ensuring effective HR function. It is also the role of the HR manager to the companys mission, vision, values, goals, and action plan. Managers within the organization will help in handling our personnel. As a big organization with branches and different departments, it will be difficult to handle all the organizations personnel. Line managers can help in managing this problem. Line managers will be the one responsible in handling the personnel under their respective jurisdiction. They will be the one in charge to report to the HR manager all the progress and problems of an employee hey handle. The organizations HRM will be centralized, where the HR manager handles all the personnel through the line managers. By this means all problems in terms of the organizations personnel will be given enough attention and priority.

China and the Central African Republic

China and the Central African Republic I-Introduction Central African Republic is a landlocked country bordered in the south by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo, in the north by Chad, Sudan in the east and Cameroon in the west. It gained its independence in August 13th 1960 and Bangui is the capital. The two official languages are French and Sango. Francois is Yangonvouda-Bozize current the President took the power during a coup in March 2003 [The Economist US (2005)]. Since its independence, the Central African Republic has been destabilized and further impoverished due to a cycle of political-military uprisings and violence [HAC, (2011); UNICEF, (2008); The Economist, (2008)]. Constitutional order was restored in 2005[UNICEF, (2008)]; however, the overall situation until now in the country remains volatile, marked by tensions among and within political parties, a precarious socio-economic situation, deteriorating humanitarian conditions and insecurity in the north of the country due to activities of rebel and criminal groups [UNICEF, (2008)]. The United Nations implemented a Peace-building Office in the Central African Republic (BINUCA), in an attempt to promote peace and stability in the country and reduce cross-border insecurity [UNICEF, (2008)]; This was carried out to encourage national dialogue and reconciliation and furthermore to help the Central African Republic enact military reforms, implement human rights policies, train civilian police, and disarm, demobilize and reintegrate former fighters. Besides that, the CAR is surrounded by countries like Chad, Sudan and DRC, which have been destabilized for a long time by civil wars. These lead many refugees to seek for shelter in CAR [The Economist, (2005)].All those characteristics create a volatile political situation and an uncertain climate for foreign investment. The CAR is blessed with many natural resources such as diamonds, timber, uranium, oil, iron, gold and hydropower [Africa.com, (2008)].However, it is still rated among the poorest countries in the world. Its economy is disadvantaged due to its landlocked position, which isolates it from foreign suppliers and markets and contributes to high import prices. It has the potential to become a major agricultural product exporter. It also has hydroelectric potential that could be developed for export to neighboring countries that have power shortages. The relations between China and the CAR have evolved saw tooth since the early 60s. On several occasions, the CAR broke and re-established its ties with the People Republic of China. Since the arrival in power of President Bozize, it seems that the CAR and China are enjoying steady and smooth relations. Yet the country is still facing to challenges regarding to its socio-economic situation. Nothing is so much said nor written about China and the Central African Republic. What is really going on between the two countries? China has invested in it, especially in terms of infrastructure. Does the government gain from it? What about the population? Is CAR really benefited from that relation? In what extent China can help the CAR to come out from the cycle of poverty? II-Central African Republic (C.A.R): 2.1Facts and figures According to the United Nations Human Development Index, the CAR now ranks 172 out of 177 least developed countries in the world [UNDP,(2006)]. Two-thirds of the population live under the line of poverty, less than half are literate, and the average life expectancy hovers around 40 years, resulting in a very young population with almost fifty percent under the age of 18, and only four percent aged 60 and over[UNDP, (2006)]. The CAR is really affected by AIDS that is why the life expectancy is constantly falling and dropped below 40 according to the UNDP Report on Human Development 2006. Per capita income is USD 456. POPULATION 4,422,000 SIZE 622,984 km ² CAPITAL CITY Bangui LANGUAGES French and Sango (officials languages);TRIBAL LANGUAGES LARGEST CITIES Bangui and Bimbo RELIGION 35% Tribal beliefs, 25% Protestant, 25% Catholic, 15% Muslim MONETARY UNIT Franc NATURAL RESOURCES Diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, hydropower AGRICULTURE Cotton, coffee, tobacco, cassava, yams, millet, corn, banana; timber EXPORT COMMODITIES diamonds, timber, cotton, coffee, tobacco IMPORT COMMODITIES food, textiles, petroleum products, machinery, electrical equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals INDUSTRY Gold and diamond mining, logging, brewing, textiles, footwear, assembly of bicycles and motorcycles 2.2 Political and economic situations The CAR is blessed with natural resources to use and develop in order to come out of its cycle of poverty. However, three decades of mismanagement, from the 60s when it gained its independence until 1993 which seen the organization democratic elections for the first time, most of the time under military rule and one decade of chronic unrest and political fights (1993- 2003) led the country to bankruptcy [International Crisis Group, (2007)]. Francois Bozize gained the power in March 2003 by a coup and overthrown Ange-Felix Patasse [International Crisis Group, (2007)]. Due to the chronic instability since 10 years this makes very difficult for CARs governments to follow-up a long term economic development strategy that is why the country is currently facing a lack of modern transportation network which represents the chokepoint for the development of its economy. For instance, the length to reach Bangui the capital city is about 12 to 14 days of river transportation [CAR, (2009)]. Why is CARs economy always under threat of strangulation? Geographically, the CAR is trapped in an unstable triangle and surrounded by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan and Chad that which are destroyed by many years of civil wars [IMF, (2010); The Economist, (2008); UNHCR, (2000)]. Furthermore, shipment arrivals are often delayed or canceled because of rebels attacks [HAC, (2011)] that are causing so much trouble in the region. The nation of CAR is principally agrarian [International Crisis Group, (2007)]. In 2003, agriculture accounted for 60.8% of the countrys GDP [UNCTAD, (2005)]; crops primarily including cotton, food crops such as cassava, yams, bananas, maize; coffee and tobacco. In 2004, the agricultural labour force accounted for 69% [UNCTAD, (2005)]. The population of CAR is engaged in subsistence farming with 56% attributed to the agricultural sector in 2006. In 2002, timber accounted for about 30% of export earnings. The CAR is blessed with a huge unexploited natural resources in the form of uranium, gold, diamonds and others minerals [Investment Climate Report, (1995)]. In 2010, its main exports were diamonds, cotton, timber, coffee and tobacco. Diamonds are the main natural resources being currently developed [Investment Climate Report, (1995)]: in 2002, the CAR was able to export 50% of its diamonds earnings [Crisis Group Africa, (2010)]. In 2003 and 2006, industry contributed for respectively 24.9% and 15% for the latter of the countrys GDP; breweries, diamond mining and sawmill represent the bulk of the sector. Due to the oversized government bureaucracy and its landlocked position, services accounted only for 29% of GDP in 2006. The same year, its main importer of goods was France and represented for 17.6% and they mainly exports goods toward Belgium (40.4%) [Investment Climate Report, (1995); UNCTD. (2005)]. In 2000, the percentage of population with access to electricity accounted for 5% only [UNCTAD, (2005)]. The CAR really lack of electricity supply. The main and only hydroelectric plants are based in Boali. Mostly, fuel supplies are transported in via the Ubangui River or trucked through Cameroon, resulting in frequent shortages of gasoline, jet fuel and diesel. The countrys transportation and communication network is limited; it does not possess a railroad, however it has only 650 kilometers of paved road. It does not possess any domestic air service, except charters, so very limited internationally. Furthermore, commercial traffic on the Ubangui River is very rough even impossible from December to May or June, due to ongoing conflicts in the region that sometimes prevented shipments from moving between Kinshasa (capital of DRC) and Bangui. The telephone system functions, albeit imperfectly. The CAR possesses only one television station that has been built since the independence, an d four radio stationsare currently operating in the country. Numerous newspapers and pamphlets are published on a regular basis, and at least one company has begun providing Internet service. In terms of economic, the C.A.R. has made slow progress; its budget and external trade are deficiency due to many constraints like the poor infrastructure that it is facing, economic mismanagement and scarce private investment, as well as a limited tax base and adverse external conditions have led the country to a desperate situation. Its debt burden is considerable, as well as its per capita gross national product (GNP). The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have implemented some structural and interest-free credits as well to support investments in the agriculture, livestock, and transportation sectors, unfortunately these have had limited impact. The World Bank and IMF are now encouraging the government to concentrate exclusively on implementing much-needed economic reforms to jumpstart the economy and defining its fundamental priorities with the aim of alleviating poverty. As a result, many of the state-owned business entities have been privatized and limited e fforts have been made to standardize and simplify labor and investment codes and to address problems of corruption. The C.A.R. Government has adopted the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) Charter of Investment, and is in the process of adopting a new labor code. Furthermore the CAR received debt relief in June 2009 by the World Bank and the IMF [IMF, (2010)].It reached the final completion-point stage of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative [IMF, (2010)]. Since its independence, the CAR has been unstable and endured several coups; David Dacko ended the Bokassa era in a coup in 1979 [International Crisis Group, (2007)]. David Dacko was overthrown by a coup led by the General Andre Kolingba two years later. For the first time, he allowed multi-party presidential elections in 1993 and was defeated in the first round by his successor Ange-Felix Patasse. However, 1997 the discontent of unpaid soldiers resulted in a successive wave of strikes and uprisings from the latter [International Crisis Group, (2007)]. . The same year the French troop pulled out and Paris financed a group of French-speaking African countries to create a peacekeeping force. This leads to the creation of the UN Mission to the Central African Republic, or Minurca [International Crisis Group, (2008)]. In 1999 Ange-Felix Patasse won the elections a second time however there were allegations of electoral fraud. He went into exile in Togo after being overthrown in a coup in 2003 by General Bozize the current president of the CAR. The legacy of years of unrest has generated an illegal weapons proliferation across the CAR. Rebels armed groups are active in the volatile north. The unrest has displaced tens of thousands of Central Africans; many of them have crossed the border into Chad. Under Bozize era, some progress towards ending the conflict was made in 2008, when peace talks led to an agreement committing two of the main rebel groups to disarm [IMF,(2010)]. The process culminated with the creation of a national unity government incorporating two rebel leaders in early 2009. 2.3 A Modest recovery Since 2004 the Central African Republic has been able to achieve a modest economic growth [IMF, (2010)]; firstly, it gained full debt relief from the IMF and the World Bank in June 2009. Secondly it concluded a current Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility programme in June 2010. This successfully led to the achievement of a three-year programme with the IMF especially after the success of the Emergency Post-Conflict Assistance Programs. Furthermore, the CARs government implemented a macroeconomic management policies and necessary structural reforms that led to a modest recovery from the economic shock in 2009. The government worked hard to further strengthen the credibility of public financial management, enhance public infrastructure, and intensify foreign donors and the private sector investment climate [US department, (2010)] as well. Since President Bozize leads the CAR some encouraging result has been noticed by the Internationals institutions like IMF or World Bank. The CARs government understood that it was its priority to restore security and peace in the country. The government established what it called the â€Å"inclusive political dialogue† that gathered the political opposition and the government together to seek for security and peace for the country. That initiative was successful in the extent that it was part of the demobilization, the disarmament and reintegration program which led to the smooth conduct of the elections in 2010 [IMF, (2010)]. In terms of building infrastructure and climate investment the CARs government has a lot to do in order to unlock the countrys economic situation. The government has no other choice than on the one hand relying on foreign partners and on the other hand must engage coherent and filmy policies over the long term to come out of its cycle of poverty [IMF, (2010)]. III- Chinese engagement with the CAR 3.1- The political relations AT many occasions the CAR cut off and resumed its diplomatic relations with the PRC and Taiwan. The diplomatic ties between China and the Central African Republic experienced ups and downs: In 1962, the CAR recognized Taiwan as part of Chinas territory and established for the first time diplomatic ties with the island. Two years later, it broke off its diplomatic link with Taiwan and established diplomatic relations with China. The CAR resumed diplomatic ties Taiwan third times. Leaders of both side exchanged high levelcontacts. These underline the importance a state attaches to its relations with another. 3.2 Trade and Economic Relations In November 2000, China and Central Africa Republic signed an agreement on trade, economic and technical cooperation [Chinese Foreign Ministry, (2006)]. In August 2004, both countries signed a bilateral cooperation agreement in fields such as energy, infrastructure and agriculture[Holslag, (2006)]. Today, China is an important commercial partner for the CAR.In 2002, trade volume between both nations accounted for US$ 1.944 million with US$ 0.687 stemming from Chinas export and US$ 1.257 million from the Chinas import. The CAR mainly exports timber and cotton to China and imports principally footwear, textiles and electrical and mechanical products from China [Chinese Foreign Ministry, (2006)]. China has been an active investor in the Central African Republic, especially in construction, and has been involved in a number of joint cooperative ventures with the government, covering health, agriculture, stock-breeding, communications and trade .It undertook numerous projects in CAR and built for instance the Boali agricultural technological station, a training center for straw-bamboo weaving handcrafts, the new stadium, a clinic in the presidential house, the Bangui hospital and agricultural project, the extension work of the Pingpo Radio Transmitting Station, etc[Chinese Foreign Ministry, (2006)]. During his visit in China in 2009, President Francois Bozize called on China to invest in its country 3.3 Exchanges in other fields After signing a joint communiquà © in August 20th, China and the CAR signed in November 1976 an agreement on sending Chinese medical teams to Central Africa Republic. In June 1980 both countries signed an agreement on cultural cooperation and renewed it in June 1998 look for the number of students in China. Since 1997, China has begun to accept Central African students for study and on the job training. Today both parties acknowledge the necessity for the CAR to enhance its self-development ability as well as its local Human Resources training IV- China- CAR: Why the slow progress? One wonders what is happening in Central African Republic as the country is blessed with natural resources but still ranking as one the poorest in the world. International news portrays it as a â€Å"phantom state† [African report, (2007)]. Since the resuming of bilateral cooperation with China in 1998, the relation is experiencing smoothly and slowly evolution. In 2009, during a high level visit to China President Francois Bozize spoke to his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao and expressly called for Chinese investment in its country [BBC, (2009); AFP, (2009); China consulate, (2011)]. China is now an important economic partner for the CAR [BBC, (2009)]. However in an article published in 2009, the BBC wrote that the â€Å"CAR is a much less valuable economic partner to China†. Considering that statement one wonders whether China really considers the CAR as a less valuable partner. How the Chinese governments perceive the CAR? How does the CAR perceive the Chinese involvement in the country? The CARs government welcomes the Chinese aid in spite the political instability in the country, especially in the north [African Report, (2007)].However, China doesnt deter to invest in it by building the new 20.000 seats-stadium, schools, hospitals, etc. Regarding to that assistance, can it be stated that the CAR is â€Å"a much less valuable† for China? The CARs situation is peculiar and really needs from the scholars, journalist, central African leaders, the civil society, all the stakeholders as well, further attention.

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Black Boy :: essays research papers

Childhood is a time of sunny days. Sweet breezes blow friendly cloud shapes across the deep blue sky. The days are never-ending-joy—a black canvas to paint with beautiful memories - - unless your childhood was Richard Wright’s. His youth was a cold bleak existence, carved with hatred and overlaid with hunger. There seemed to be little hope for one born to such a lot. For it was not to the caring bosom of his family that Richard could turn. And the hard, unfeeling eyes of the world were turned away from him. It was a great feat that could struggle through life’s battles with his conscience unscathed. It was his experience that provided the color which enhanced the sketch of his personality he was given at birth. Richard’s family despaired of him. They believed him to only be on the wide path go hell as was evidence by the family confrontations Richard constantly found himself in. There was the time Aunt Addie punished an innocent Richard in school, and the fight raged on even once they were home. After pulling a knife on her and being thrown to the floor, eternal hate was born between the two relatives. He believed him to be devilish and would have nothing to do with him while Richard regarded her with untarnished enmity. He also fought with Uncle Tom. Richard pulled razor blades on Uncle because he was gong to be beaten for an unknown reason. This event constructed an impenetrable wall between the two that was never to come down. It was here Richard learned not to trust. For who would offer kindness towards him if family members did not. And finally, Richard fought with Granny over working on the Sabbath . She did not understand what he needed, reasoned Richard. That boy is a hopeles s case, felt Granny. They completely misunderstood one another, and each one’s pride was too great to do anything about the damaged relationship. So between Aunt Addie, Uncle Tom, and Granny, Richard existed in a place of hard and in indifferent stares which would cause him to search for brighter colors elsewhere. He first turned to the streets. He found no solace there but rather a malice between races that surpassed the hostility at home. He saw this when he was he was bitten by the brickyard owner’s dog. The man cared nothing for Richard and didn’t care if he lived or died because all blacks were trash in the white man’s eyes.

Friday, July 19, 2019

The Presentation of Jocelin in Chapter One Essay -- Dean Jocelin Willi

The Presentation of Jocelin in Chapter One Dean Jocelin is a priest at St Mary’s Cathedral in Salisbury. He has a vision that God has chosen him to erect a great spire on his cathedral. During Chapter 1 we see many different qualities of Jocelin. The first account we meet of him is a visual picture of a laughing man; this represents a joyful, exhilarant person. It shows that this is the beginning of his vision and everything is taking place before him. In the second sentence our view shifts and we see what he sees, the sunlight exploding through the glass, lifting up the images of Abraham, Isaac and God. Our sense of seeing through his eyes is strengthened with ‘additional spokes and wheel’. Each time the sunlight appears inside the cathedral Jocelin recreates his vision, and it reinforces the rightness of what he is doing. There is a various repetition of Jocelin ‘laughing chin up’, this begins to sound a little insane, however ‘chin up’ shows he is a very confident and proud man who thinks he has all authority over everybody else. He also thinks that St Mary’s Cathedral belongs to him, as he uses the repetition of ‘my’ this would signify, that it is his territory. ‘My place, my house, my people.’ The cathedral and the spire becomes an obsession to Jocelin as he describes it as a living, breathing building. He describes the building like a man lying on his back. ‘The nave was his legs placed together, the transepts on either side were his arms outspread. The choir was his body; and the Lady Chapel where now the services would be held, was in his head.’ He describes the spire as ‘the crown and the majesty.’ The great one of all! Jocelin seems to be a very religious man because when he enters the ... ...erson who Jocelin has great affection for is his ‘daughter in God’, Goody Pangall. Jocelin thinks that she ‘is entirely women’ and she is the one topic of conversation that he discusses with interest with Pangall. For example when Pangall is worried about the builders, the first question Jocelin asks is, ‘Is your good wife? Do they work too near her?’ and Pangall reply’s no, ‘Do they treat her as some men will treat women in the street? Call after her? Speak lewdly?’ In conclusion to this essay, Jocelin has become obsess ional over the spire because he has forgotten that the vision is from God and when he thanks God, it shows he is grateful that god has given this vision to him however it is not for Jocelin, it is for God. Jocelin also does not listen to anybody else’s comments. All he cares about is himself and how he looks rather than the cathedral.

Brand Name Clothes Essay -- Business Marketing

Brand Name Clothes Would you choose a friend based solely on their name? Of course not, the idea seems absurd. Is it possible, however, that we might use such a ridiculous method when selecting the type of clothing we wear? In my opinion, many of us do. Throughout my research, I will be testing the hypothesis that college students buy more brand name clothes than generic name clothes. In colleges especially, there seems to be an emphasis on appearances, so many students have a tendency to steer clear of clothing with generic names. Do they believe that generic name clothes are of less quality? This is another question I am hoping to answer through my research. In addition, I would like to determine the accuracy of my assumption that females are more inclined than males to buy brand name clothing. Nevertheless, I am a male yet I still tend to buy more brand name clothes. Regardless of our gender, we all must make decisions about clothing every day, even if the decision is only based on what smells clean. Because of this, I thought it would be interesting to find out the factors involved in the type of clothing we buy in the first place. What brands in particular do most college students prefer? Are we influenced by our family, friends, or the people we see on television? Are there any other reasons why we buy the brands we do such as their price, comfort, or popularity? If students really do buy more brand name clothing, is it because they are of better quality than generic name articles? In order to determine some answers to these questions, I have utilized three different research methods. First, I performed a survey of 20 students who are currently attending the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Our c... ... Feel brand names are of better quality 50% 60% Feel generic names are of better quality 50% 40% Buy these clothing brands: Abercrombie & Fitch 40% 10% Aeropostal 50% 10% American Eagle 60% 50% Banana Republic 20% 20% Gap 30% 10% Pacific Sunwear 10% 10% Ralph Lauren 10% 10% Wal-Mart 10% 30% 9.99 Stock Room 30% 30% Other brand names 60% 90% Other generic names 0% 10% Influenced by: Friends 50% 60% Family 40% 20% Famous People 10% 10% No One 40% 40% Girlfriend 10% 0% Why buy the brands they do: Availability 10% 10% Fit/Comfort 30% 10% Looks 90% 80% Popularity 30% 20% Price 30% 40% Quality 50% 60%

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Hannibal and the Battle of Cannae

HANNIBAL AND THE BATTLE OF CANNAE The battle of Cannae was a major battle of the Second Punic War near the town of Cannae, an ancient village in southern part of Italy. The battle took place between the outnumbered Carthaginian army under Hannibal against the Romans under the command of Lucius Aemilius Paullus and Gaius Terentius Varro. For the most part, the Romans were overpowered by the undermanned Carthaginian forces. Many historians agree that the battle of Cannae is one of the greatest strategic victories in military history.Numerous historians have examined the possible route Hannibal took from New Carthage to the Pyrenees and then over the Alps to Rome. Along with using scientific data, these historians and scientists allege that there are three possible routes Hannibal may have taken from New Carthage in Iberia across Europe to get to Italy. Scientists and historians do disagree on which route is most accurate do to the fact that the only historical accounts of Hannibal†™s journey are that of Livy and Polybius. Neither historian leaves a very detailed account of the surroundings for Hannibal and his troops.Through paleobotanical reconstruction, attempts have been made to more clearly identify if the places noted by Livy and Polybius resemble any of these places today1. Hannibal came from the very well-known Carthaginian Barca family. His father, Hamilcar Barca was the military leader of Carthage during the first Punic War. At the conclusion of the First Punic War, Carthage's mercenaries revolted and Rome took advantage of her rival's distraction and, in spite of the recent peace agreement, took control of Sardinia and Corsica and forced Carthage to pay a large indemnity2.Carthage finally won the mercenary war, but the loss of Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica left her economic empire crippled and reduced the area from which she could hire troops. After regaining control, the Carthaginians were forced to major war concessions. Of those concessions, Car thage was to pay a war indemnity to Rome and could no longer recruit Italian sailors. Carthage also sent Hamilcar Barca to Iberia to eliminate the Spaniards and build an empire in Spain. Unfortunately, Barca was killed in an ambush at Helice in 229 B. C. E. but not until after he had been able to take over control of the Iberian southern coast.In 226 BC, Hasdrubal reached an agreement with Rome that recognized the Ebro River in northeastern Spain as the northern limit of Carthaginian interest in the area. Five years later, Hasdrubal was assassinated, and Hamilcar's son Hannibal became the leader. At about that time, Rome began involving itself in the affairs of Saguntum, a city on the Mediterranean coast of Spain well south of the Ebro and therefore presumably in Carthaginian territory3. Hannibal viewed the Roman moves as an intervention similar to the ones that had touched off the first war.Hannibal laid siege to the town, which fell after eight months. Hannibal's strategic insight now became evident4. When Hannibal came to the head of the Carthaginian army he took it upon himself to rebuild Carthaginian fortunes by occupying Spain. The Romans had aligned themselves with Saguntum in an attempt to show strength and power against Carthage. Since Carthage's fleet was no longer a match for Rome's, the invasion of Italy would need to occur by land. To that end, Hannibal did his best to speak with tribes in his line of march well in advance of the arrival of conflicts.He also established alliances with various north Italian Celtic tribes that were traditional enemies of Rome. Hannibal's forces were the first civilized army to cross the Alps5. Exposure, desertion, accidents and fierce resistance by mountain tribes reduced his army from 40,000 to 26,000 during the trip, and most of the elephants accompanying the remarkable host also perished. Fortunately, once Italy was reached, the Celtic alliances provided replacements that brought the army back to its original str ength. The Carthaginian troops endured great hardship and suffered serious casualties.Shortly thereafter, Hannibal fought two battles that demonstrated his resolve as a field commander and his determination to destroy rather than merely defeat his enemy. At the Trebia River, only 10,000 Romans escaped an ambush out of 40,000 involved, and at Lake Trasimene, nearly an entire Roman force of 25,000 was killed or captured. From then on, the Romans were hesitant to fight a large-scale engagement. Hannibal was careful to treat prisoners from Rome's allied cities courteously, often freeing them without ransom to encourage dissatisfaction with Rome's cause6.Captured Roman citizens, on the other hand, were held for ransom used to pay Hannibal's men or were often sold into slavery. The Carthaginian army lived off the land causing as much damage to the economy as possible. After victory at Lake Trasimene, Hannibal moved his army to southern Italy in order to recruit additional troops7. This mo ving of troops by Hannibal and their subsequent looting forced the Romans to become more aggressive. Two now consuls, Gaius Terentius Varro and Lucius Aemilius Paulus, were given command of the combined legions of Rome with orders to make an end to the feared Carthaginian.Normally, the two consuls would have independent commands but, when their forces were combined, command of the whole alternated daily. Hannibal's effective intelligence organization soon informed him that Varro was the more rash and impulsive of his opponents, and so Hannibal decided to force an action on a day that Varro was in command of the Roman forces8. Hannibal seized a grain depot to lure the Romans to the site he had chosen for battle. The depot was located at the small village of Cannae, south of Rome.Dawn of that August morning in 216 BC found Hannibal, commander of Carthage's army in Italy, looking down at the plain separating his vantage point from the waters of the Adriatic Sea about three miles away9. The Roman enemy was already advancing with an army of more than 85,000 men, aligned in the standard offensive formation of the dreaded legions. Hannibal's force, some 56,000 in number, faced long odds. The Roman force available for battle was large by the standards of the day. Eight full legions of infantry, some 40,000 men, were improved by 40,000 allied infantrymen.About 2,000 Roman cavalry and 4,000 allied horses completed the army, for a total strength of 86,00010. In battle, the Roman infantry usually advanced on a wide front, with cavalry on the flank. The heavy infantry was led by skirmishers, who opened the fighting with the throwing of javelins. They would then fall to the rear of the formation and were able to pass through the Roman formation because deliberate gaps were left in each line. The basic fighting unit of the heavy infantry was the maniple of about 160 men divided into two centuries.Rather than forming a constant line, the two centuries were deployed one behind the other, leaving the gaps used by the skirmishers. At the point of attack or when in a defensive position, the rear centuries could be moved up to fill the gaps11. The Hastati made up the first line of heavy infantry of the Roman army. They were equipped with a heavy shield, a helmet, light and heavy javelins and a short, straight sword. The Princeps were the second line of heavy infantry. Although armed like the Hastati, the Princeps were omewhat older and more experienced and formed behind those of the Hastati, but were offset to block the gaps in the Hastati line. The third line, made up of the old veteran troops known as the Tritarii, had its centuries form behind the gaps in the second line, giving an overall checkerboard result to the formation. The Tritarii had a thrusting spear in place of the javelin of the first two lines12. In the hands of an experienced commander, the flexibility possible with this formation was useful, particularly against older military formation su ch as the phalanx.Unfortunately, the Roman method of appointing new consuls each year and rotating command daily made it unlikely that the top military talent would be allowed to pursue a logical plan. Roman courage, discipline and patriotism were rarely lacking, but the coming battle of Cannae would highlight the need for changes in the selection and responsibilities of army commander13. Aside from the top leaders, very few Carthaginians were present in Hannibal's army. His army at Cannae consisted of North African, Spanish and Celtic personnel. Perhaps the soundest foot soldiers available to Hannibal were the Libyan-Phoenician heavy infantry.The Phoenicians living in Libya were subject to Carthaginian military service and cleared themselves well. Originally armed like Greek hoplites, they now began equipping with Roman arms captured at the Trebia and Lake Trasimene. In addition to the infantry, 2,000 Spanish cavalry were at Hannibal’s disposal. They were heavily armed and u sed as heavy cavalry, but the outstanding quality of their horses allowed them to rival the speed of the Numidian cavalry14. About 25,000 Celtic infantry and 5,000 Celtic cavalry made up the remainder of Hannibal's force.These people lived for war, but without the guidance of a commander like Hannibal, their absence of discipline made them unpredictable. At the time of Cannae, Hannibal was arming these men with captured Roman weapons. He liked to use the Celts as troops that would cause disruption in enemy ranks prior to sending in his African infantry. At Cannae, the Romans were determined to crush Hannibal's center. They formed deep battle lines in order to bring pressure to stand against the middle of the Carthaginian line. On the Roman right, the legion cavalry, some 2,400 strong, faced Hannibal's Spaniards and Celts, totaling 7,000.The mismatch would prove a decisive element in the battle's surprising outcome. On the Roman left, the 4,000 allied cavalry faced an equal number of Numidians. Hannibal aligned his infantry in an unusual manner. The center of his position was curved, facing outward toward the advancing Romans. The flanks bent backward from the center. Alternating units of Spanish and Celtic swordsmen held this line, and they were greatly outnumbered by the approaching Romans. Hannibal positioned himself at the left end of the line, and his youngest brother Mago, held the right.Each end of the line was anchored by a dense square of African infantry, the location of which guaranteed that they would not be engaged until long after those at the center15. As the Romans advanced, a hot west wind blew dust in their faces and obscured their vision. At a range of about 35 yards, the Romans hurled their light javelins, causing casualties among the Spaniard and Celts. These javelins often caused problems even if they only pierced a man's shield, because the shaft was difficult to remove and weighed the shield down, making the man vulnerable to an onrushin g legionary.At closer range, the heavy javelin was thrown, and then the infantry lines collided, the swift Celts and athletic Spaniards against the disciplined Roman masses. In time, the weight of the Roman assault began to take effect on Hannibal's troops, and the center of the Carthaginian line retreated. As Hannibal's men were forced back, they found themselves slowly backing up a slope Due to the nature of the terrain, the Romans fought uphill as they advanced and at the same time were restricted into a narrowing front as their mass of men entered the ‘V. Although the Roman infantrymen did not know it, their fate was all but sealed by this time. Hannibal had planned for his cavalry to strike the decisive blows while his infantry fought a large-scale delay. As the battle opened, Hannibal launched the Spanish and Celtic cavalry on his left against the outnumbered Roman cavalry16. The consul Aemilius accompanied these cavalrymen but they could not endure the Carthaginian assa ult. Aemilius was wounded and the bulk of the Roman cavalry was driven from the field, exposing that flank of the Roman army.While this occurred on the Carthaginian left, the Numidians on the right had been engaged with the horsemen of Rome's allies17. The Carthaginian cavalry commander on the left, reorganized his units and proceeded to ride behind the Roman infantry to the far side of the battlefield, where the stalemated cavalry fight continued between the Numidians and Rome's allies. The allied horsemen now were taken by surprise and caught between the two Carthaginian forces. The allied cavalry fled the field, taking the consul Varro with them.At this point, Aemilius was dead or dying, and Varro, the other commander, no longer was with the Roman army. The Roman and allied cavalrymen had been killed, captured or driven from the field18. By that time, the Roman infantry had fought its way up the slope and into the enclosed end of the ‘V,' the point. As the men became more t ightly packed into a confined space, fewer of them could use their weapons effectively. Romans in the rear ranks continued to push forward, but found they had little room to maneuver.Hasdrubal, Hannibal’s younger brother, assaulted the Roman rear with his heavy cavalry, assisted by the Carthaginian light infantry. The encirclement was complete. Many Romans first discovered the danger when they realized they were being cut down and hamstrung by the Carthaginian troops. Historians have estimated that the fighting continued until evening and that approximately 600 Romans died per minute of the battle. Cannae represented the apex of Hannibal's career, although he has been criticized for not attempting to end the war by sacking Rome itself at that point.Hannibal remained in Italy for 13 more years, but the determination of the Romans to fight on, regardless of losses, eventually gave them the opportunity to defeat the great Carthaginian. The failure of Carthage to rebuild its flee t in order to challenge that of the Romans made Hannibal's task extremely tough. He attempted to reduce Rome's naval advantage by occupying the Italian coastal cities. If Hannibal had been able to hold them, the odds against the Carthaginian fleet would have improved, but his limited number of troops made it difficult for him to isolate enough garrisons to prevent Roman recapture of the port cities.For 15 years in all, from 218 to 203 BC, Hannibal occupied large areas of Italy. He fought and defeated the Romans on numerous occasions but could not break their spirit19. After Cannae, the Romans again became cautious about entering into full-scale battle against Hannibal, but their command of the sea and the decision to invade Spain, made reinforcement of Hannibal's army difficult. Slowly, the troops who had crossed the Alps with Hannibal decreased in number an in age. But Carthage's absence of naval power prevented Hannibal's alliances with Syracuse and Macedonia from becoming fruitfu l.The Roman navy captured a treaty between Hannibal and Philip V of Macedonia, and by the time the second received a copy and acted on it, the Roman fleet barred his troops from crossing to Italy. In spite of all the complications, Hannibal proved to be a gifted leader able to get the very best from his men. His army was made up of of mercenaries with no real obligation to the Carthaginian cause however no record shows any mutiny during the 5 years in Italy. The army did not more than just survive it maintained a high level of morale and fighting spirit.Spain was taken from Carthage and the Barcid family after Hannibal's brother Hasdrubal repeated a crossing of the Alps with a reinforcement that gave the Romans in Spain a free hand. Hasdrubal was incapable of uniting with Hannibal before being opposed by a strong Roman army in 207 BC. In the ensuing battle, Hasdrubal was defeated and killed20. In October of 203 BC, Publius Cornelius Scipio, the conqueror of Spain, invaded North Afri ca and forced Hannibal to defend Carthage. Hannibal's defeat at Zama at the hands of Scipio in the following spring, caused mostly because of a shortage of cavalry strength, ended the Second Punic War.Hannibal rose to the position of prominence in Carthage after the war and took steps that helped Carthage recover economically from the conflict. Rome viewed Carthage's revival with suspicion, and Hannibal was forced to flee to the east, where he committed suicide in 183 BC rather than fall into Roman hands. Hannibal Barca was one of history’s greatest generals and Rome’s greatest enemy. Although later Roman tradition belittled him, it respected his prowess as a great military commander. Had Hannibal not underestimated the strength of the Romans, he might have rewritten European history.NOTES Mahaney, M. C. ,â€Å"Hannibal’s Invasion Route: An Age-Old Question Revisited within a Geoarchaeological and Palaeobotanical Context. † (Archaeometry vol. 52 (6/2010), 1097 Marcel Le Glay, et al. ,A History of Rome. (Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell, 2009), 74 Ibid, 75 John Peddie, Hannibal’s War. (Gloucechesershire: Sutton, 1997), 9 Ibid, 21-26 G. P. Baker, Hannibal. (New York: Barnes & Nobles, Inc. , 1967), 101-104 Ibid, 100 Le Glay, A History of Rome Adrian Goldsworthy, Cannae, (London: Cassel & Co, 2001), 77-81 Ibid, 95Dexter Hoyos, Hannibal Rome’s Greatest Enemy, (Exeter, Bristol Phoenix Press, 2008), 57-59 Goldsworthy, Cannae, 96-99 Hoyos, Hannibal Rome’s Greatest Enemy, 60 Goldsworthy, Cannae, 108-109 Ibid, 111 Peddie, Hannibal’s War, 92-93 Ibid, 94 Theodore Ayrault Dodge, Hannibal, (Boston, Da Capo Press, 1891), 372 Le Glay, A History of Rome, 77 Dodge, Hannibal, 556 BIBLIOGRAPHY Ancient Greece & Rome: An Encyclopedia for Students, vol. 2. Hannibal Baker, G. P. Hannibal. New York: Barnes & Nobles, Inc. , 1967 Dodge, Theodore Ayrault. Hannibal.Boston: DaCapo Press, 1891 Goldsworthy, Adrian. Cannae. London: Cassel & C o, 2001 Hoyos, Dexter. Hannibal Rome’s Greatest Enemy. Exeter: Bristol Phoenix Press, 2008 Le Glay, et al. A History of Rome. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell, 2009 Mahaney, M. C. â€Å"Hannibal’s Invasion Route: An Age-Old Question Revisited within a Geoarchaeological and Palaeobotanical Context. † Archaeometry vol. 52 (6/2010): 1096-1109. Peddie, John. Hannibal’s War. Gloucechesershire: Sutton, 1997 Radice, Betty. Livy The War with Hannibal. Translated by Aubrey de Selincourt. Baltimore: Penguin, 1965