Maniac Magee: Summary Essay

Characters’ Name: Jeffery Lionel Magee- (Maniac Magee), Amanda Beale, Mars Bar Thompson, John McNab, Piper McNab, Russell McNab, Earl Grayson, Mrs. Beale, Hester, Lester. Personalty Traits: Maniac Magee, the main character, has very kind and a nice personality. He is also brave, and trusted and very athletic. Physical Features: Jeffery’s parents died by a car accident when he was 3 years old. andout Questions: Title of the book: Maniac Magee Author: Jerry Spinelli Number of pages: 1-184 Name of the main characters: Full Name: (Jeffery Lionel Magee)- Maniac Magee Genre of the story: Fiction Plot: Maniac Magee, lived with his parents until he was 3 years old. His parents died in a car accident. Then he lived with his uncle Dan, and aunt Dot. He left his uncle and aunt when they were annoying in the school auditorium. He went to far away, after he left. He wanted to find a home that will be best for him. There he faced many challenges that he overcame, such as a race running backwards. Maniac is very athletic, he is also nice. He met a lot of people that liked him of his kindness. All he wanted is a home where it would be best for him. He made the west end (white side) and the east end (black side) be together. Climax: Maniac needs a new home. Resolution: Maniac finds a home, the Beale’s family said he can stay with them. Maniac also made the east side and the west side be together. Would you change anything about the story: I would change the part where Grayson dies because Grayson loved Maniac as much as maniac loved Grayson. It feels like that Grayson felt as a grandfather to Maniac. Opinion: The best part I like about the book is that when Maniac won the race against Mars Bar by running backwards. The least I liked about this book is that when Maniac’s parents died, and when Grayson died. The part that truly got attention is when they died, and it feels like something worse is going to happen when is parents died. I visualized this book well because this book was really interesting, and even though this book is faction it sounds real. I would recommend this book to students that are in 5th to 8th graders because it teaches you about how difficult it can be when you are an orphan and how the west side and the east side came together.

Ap Nsl

ap nslChapter 18: Reading Questions 1. Read the handout on incorporation doctrine and write a definition of incorporation clarifying the concept of incorporation in your own words as well as explaining the role of the 14th Amendment in incorporation. I will cover this in class! 2. What are the three reasons why the liberties claimed by some people become major issues? Give one or two examples for each reason. 3. Explain briefly how the Supreme Court has interpreted the Free Exercise and Establishment clauses. 4.What are the difficulties in using the â€Å"wall of separation† principle? 5. List and explain the circumstances when the Supreme Court has ruled that freedom of speech may be limited. 6. Define the â€Å"clear-and-present-danger test,† libel, preferred position, prior restraint, imminent danger, and symbolic speech. You may just want to put these straight onto your flashcards 7. Summarize the Supreme Court’s changing interpretations of how to protect bot h the due process rights of accused criminals and to preserve the safety of the community.Define the exclusionary rule and the â€Å"good faith exception. †. Chapter 19 Reading Outline 1. What does the book say is the pertinent question regarding civil rights? 2. What were the strategies that black leaders followed in order to obtain civil rights? Once basic rights such as voting and integration had been obtained, what issues did civil rights leaders focus on? 3. Briefly outline the steps in the NAACP’s strategy in the fight against segregated schools and indicate the success they had in the courts and in implementing desegregation. . What was the issue concerning desegregation vs. integration? How has this issue been resolved? 5. What were the four developments that made it possible to pass civil rights bills? 6. What accounts for the change in attitude in Congress towards civil rights issues from the 1960s to the present? 7. How has the Supreme Court changed in its a ttitudes towards equal rights for women from the early 20th century to today? 8. What are the two standards the Court uses today to in considering sex discrimination cases? What is the debate between those who support â€Å"equality of result† and those who support â€Å"equality of opportunity†? 9. What are the criteria that the Supreme Court has adapted in defining strict scrutiny of any law involving racial preferences? 10. Briefly summarize the highlights of the government’s response to abortion. 11. How did activists for the disabled manage to get The Americans with Disabilities Act passed? 12. Briefly summarize what is included in the law and the objections that some have had to the law.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport Project To Report To The Project Board And Critical Reflections On The Role Of Being A Project Manager

Recommendations have also been made to seek to ensure the ongoing success of the project and to seek to ensure that these types of issues do not arise again. 1. Introduction This report has been compiled to seek to inform the project board of how our stakeholders may be perceiving delays which have arisen during the Brandenburg Airport project (BBC, 2013). In recent news coverage (BBC, 2013; Local, 2013) it has become apparent that a number of stakeholders have become critical of the project delays, therefore it may be necessary to engage with these groups to seek to positively influence their options in regards to this project (Atkinson, 1999). 2. Stakeholder Perception of repeated delays A number of dissatisfied stakeholders have been identified through recent news reports (BBC, 2013; Local, 2013). This is concerning as to ensure that the project is an ongoing success (Wang and Huang, 2006) it is important that we seek to positively influence their opinions (Bourne, 2005). Each of these stakeholders has to varying degrees expressed concerns over the delays (BBC, 2013; Local, 2013). Therefore, we must seek to enhance their opinion, though as these groups are so diverse a number of means will need to be utilised (Bourne and Walker, 2008), suggestion solutions for the Project Board to consider are outlined in Table 1. StakeholderDefinition of their RoleStakeholder GoalsStakeholder concerns The proposed effective means of engagement with timescales for implementationReferences Potential PassengersPotential passengers arriving or departing or transferring through the new airportMove quickly through the airport Be able to plan flights from the new airport in advanceAirport will not be ready to receive them when they have planned to fly through therePress releases which may encourage potential passenger to not worry about the delays to date on the project. This should be implemented by the end of this week by the new project manager.(Upham 2003; Rhoades et al. 2000; Neufville Odoni 2003) Possible Air carriersNational and international organisations planning to be based from the airportMaximise planning for future passenger and traffic volumes Maximize planning for the number of destinations served and the frequencies of those servicesThe delays in the project have affected the carriers’ ability to plan ahead to reach their goals.Meetings should be arranged with the project team to discuss the delays and to share the new project programme. This should be planned an implemented within the next six weeks.(Upham 2003; Rhoades et al. 2000; Neufville Odoni 2003; Sarkis Talluri 2004) Potential Aviation usersAir Taxis and Corporate or Business Aviation SuppliersMaximise planning for future passenger and traffic volumes Maximise planning for the number of destinations served and the frequencies of those servicesThe delays in the project have affected the aviation user’s ability to plan ahead to reach their goals.Meetings should be arranged with the project team to discuss the delays and to share the new project programme. This should be planned an implemented within the next six weeks(Rhoades et al. 2000) Airport Operations/ OrganisationStaff responsible for the management and operations of the airportPlan to achieve high security and safety Plan revenue streams Plan for passenger numbers Ensure service infrastructure is sufficient The delays in the project have affected the operations and organisational teams ability to plan ahead to reach their goals.Meetings should be arranged with the project team to discuss the delays and to share the new project programme. This should be planned an implemented within the next three months.(Upham 2003; Rhoades et al. 2000; Sarkis Talluri 2004) Investors in the developmentIndividuals, organisations or credit ratings agenciesTo optimise the financial returns on their investment The delays in the project have affected how quickly investors will see a return and the extent to which profits can be made due to the increased costs of the project.Meetings should be arranged with the project team to discuss the delays and to share the new project programme. This should be planned an implemented within the next weeks(Neufville Odoni 2003) Potential franchises or concessionary ownersOperators of passenger services in the airport Plan for services for passenger to generate revenue streamsThe delays in the project have affected the teams ability to plan ahead to reach their goalsMeetings should be arranged with the project team to discuss the delays and to share the new project programme. This should be planned an implemented within the next eight weeks(Rhoades et al. 2000; Neufville Odoni 2003) Potential service providersProviders of services to air carriers, such as fuelPlan to maximise traffic volumes and turnaround of services for aviation users and air carriersThe delays in the project have affected the service providers ability to plan ahead to reach their goalsMeetings should be arranged with the project team to discuss the delays and to share the new project programme. This should be planned an implemented within the next eight weeks(Upham 2003; Rhoades et al. 2000; Neufville Odoni 2003) Federal governmentPlanning consents, planner whom operates operator of air traffic control and security, and system regulator.Plan and monitor airport development and growth Make ensure all safety and security and efficiency measures are met. The delays in the project have affected the government’s ability to plan operations to reach their goalsMeetings should be arranged with the project team to discuss the delays and to share the new project programme. This should be planned an implemented within the next four weeks(Upham 2003; Neufville Odoni 2003; Sarkis Talluri 2004) Local officials or political organisationsLocal entities Maximise financial gains Minimise impacts on local populations The delays in the project have affected the financial planning and negatively impacted upon local residents due to the increased construction timeline.Meetings should be arranged with the project team to discuss the delays and to share the new project programme. This should be planned an implemented within the next six weeks(Upham 2003; Neufville Odoni 2003; Sarkis Talluri 2004) Local communities affected by the developmentResidents near the airportMaximise economic gains. Minimise noise and emissionsThe delays in the project have affected the financial planning and negatively impacted upon local residentsMeetings should be arranged with the project team to discuss the delays. This should be planned an implemented within six weeks(Upham 2003) Table 1. Identified stakeholders, their goals and how and when each group should be engaged. This plan should be considered and approved by the Project Board as soon as possible (Hillman and Keim, 2001; Karsen et.al. 2008). 3. Lessons Learnt A number of lessons may be learnt from the implementation of this project (BBC, 2013; Local, 2013). It’s important the Project Board reviews what has gone well, what could have gone better and how things may be undertaken differently in the future (Kerzner, 2012).. This will help to ensure that the project is implemented in light of the lessons which have been learnt far. The most important lessons which have been learned so far should be considered at the next Project Board meeting. These have been identified by reviewing the project’s progress to date (BBC, 2013; Local, 2013). Therefore the lessons that need to be considered are: The importance of maintaining ongoing communication with all stakeholders (Wang and Huang, 2006). The importance of contingency planning (Anderson and Grude, 2009). The importance of feasibility studies and the appraisal of various management systems e.g. for fire safety or for baggage transportation (Kerzner, 2012) (based on BBC, 2013; Local, 2013). At the next Project Board meeting each of these three factors should be considered, as each one has had a detrimental effect on the project to date (BBC, 2013; Local, 2013). The Board should consider how ongoing communication is managed with stakeholders, as to date the project failures have been widely published (BBC, 2013; Local, 2013). This has led to concerns being raised over the project’s implementation and the capabilities of the project team (BBC, 2013; Local, 2013). It’s well documented that stakeholder engagement is a key factor which may affect a project’s success or failure (see as an example; Phillips et.al. 2012; Wang and Huang, 2006; Yuan et.al. 2009). Therefore, it is imperative that the Board considers the ongoing stakeholder engagement and seek to learn from our recent experiences. Additionally, another important factor that the Board should consider is the implementation of contingency planning for the remainder of the project. To date, a number of technical issues have arisen, however due to the lack of contingency planning in the early stages of the project the costs have now risen and the delivery timeline has increased (BBC, 2013; Local, 2013). If contingency planning was utilised in the early stages of this project it is more likely that it could have been delivered (Thamhain, 1986) in line with the programme and on budget with the required quality standards (Anderson and Grude, 2009). Furthermore, another important lesson that the Board should consider is the importance of undertaking feasibility studies (Soderlund, 2002) and the appraisal of various management systems e.g. for fire safety or for baggage transportation. To date, the delays in this project have stemmed from critical systems failures (Kerzner, 2012). The importance of undertaking meaningful feasibility studies to achieve project success is well documented (see as an example: Mackenzie and Cusworth, 2007; McNulty, 2004). Therefore, to ensure that these problems do not arise again, it is imperative that the Project Board seeks to review and plan how feasibility studies will be conducted for the remaining duration of this project. Each of these factors and the impacts that they have had on the project’s implementation to date (BBC, 2013; Local, 2013) must be considered by the Project Board at their next meeting (Anderson and Grude, 2009). If these issues are considered, discussed and plans are implemented to seek to redress these (in line with the recommendations that have been outlined for each one above) it is possible that the project will be delivered within the revised programme, to budget whilst meeting the quality standards that are necessary (Mackenzie and Cusworth, 2007; McNulty, 2004). This is imperative to seek to ensure that no more delays are caused by the project team and to ensure that the costs and project programme do not need to be increased further (Thamhain, 1986), as this will have a detrimental impact on how our stakeholders view the project. 4. Critical Reflections of the Role of a Project Manager Project managers need to have a variety of skills in order to successfully implement projects in a variety of settings. The key skills that are pertinent to them being able to attain success are as follows: Be organised (Frame, 1999) Be able to multi-task (Kerzner, 2013) Being able to prioritise (Atkinson, 1999) Be able to disseminate information clearly (El-Sabaa, 2001) Be a leader of people (Pinto and Trailer, 1998) Be able to foresee issues and seek to mitigate them (Kerzner, 2003) Be able to understand costs and predict when these may increase. Be able to plan a project and manage its programme (Brown, 2000) Be able to engage stakeholders positively (Verma, 1996) Understand and communicate priorities so that the project team delivers on time (El-Sabaa, 2001). Be aware of quality standards and ensured that they are adhered to throughout the project (Atkinson, 1999) Each of these factors affects the successful implementation of projects (Kerzner, 2013). To date, many of these skills have been learnt from practically implementing projects, as project manager’s gain experience through undertaking these their skills improve (El-Sabaa, 2001). Through my experience, I have already gained many of these skills. However, it is necessary for me to improve my communication and engagement skills as most of the work that I have undertaken has been away from relevant stakeholders or insider my project team. Therefore, it would be useful to engage with some external stakeholders so that I could enhance my communication and engagement skills in practice (Brown, 2000). 5.Conclusion In conclusion, this report was compiled to seek to inform the project board of how our stakeholders may be perceiving delays which have arisen during the Brandenburg Airport project (BBC, 2013). A number of solutions have been provided for the Project Board to consider. It is hoped that the implementation of these will enable the project to be completed to quality standards, on time and to budget. 6. References Andersen, E. S., Grude, K. (2009). Goal directed project management: effective techniques and strategies. Kogan Page. Atkinson, R. (1999). Project management: cost, time and quality, two best guesses and a phenomenon, its time to accept other success criteria. International journal of project management, 17(6), 337-342. BBC (2013) Troubled Berlin airport opening delayed yet again. Available from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20936798.(Accessed 05/05/2013) Bourne, L., Walker, D. H. (2005). Visualising and mapping stakeholder influence. Management Decision, 43(5), 649-660. Bourne, L., Walker, D. H. (2008). Project relationship management and the Stakeholder Circleâ„ ¢. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 1(1), 125-130. Brown, K. A. (2000). Developing project management skills: A service learning approach. Project Management Journal, 31(4), 53-58. El-Sabaa, S. (2001). The skills and career path of an effective project manager. International journal of project management, 19(1), 1-7. Frame, J. D. (1999). Project management competence: Building key skills for individuals, teams, and organizations (p. 232). Jossey-Bass. Hillman, A. J., Keim, G. D. (2001). Shareholder value, stakeholder management, and social issues: what’s the bottom lineStrategic management journal, 22(2), 125-139. Karlsen, J. T., Gr?e, K., Massaoud, M. J. (2008). Building trust in project-stakeholder relationships. Baltic Journal of Management, 3(1), 7-22. Kerzner, H. (2003). Advanced project management: Best practices on implementation. Wiley. Kerzner, H. (2012). Project management case studies. Wiley. Kerzner, H. (2013). Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling. Wiley. The Local (2013) Now Berlin Airport won’t open before 2015. Available from http://www.thelocal.de/national/20130117-47393.html#.UYXds7WTiio (Accessed 05/05/2013) Mackenzie, W., Cusworth, N. (2007, June). The use and abuse of feasibility studies. In Proceedings of the Project Evaluation Conference (pp. 1-12). McNulty, T. P. (2004). Minimization of delays in plant start-ups. In Improving and Optimizing Operations: Things That Actually Work! Plant Operators’ Forum 2004 (pp. 113-120). Neufville, R.D. Odoni, A.R., (2003). Airport systems, McGraw-Hill Professional. Phillips, J. J., Bothell, T. W., Snead, G. L. (2012). The project management scorecard. Routledge. Rhoades, D.L., Jr, B.W. Young, S., (2000). Developing a quality index for US airports. Managing Service Quality, 10(4), 257 – 262. Sarkis, J., (2000). An analysis of the operational efficiency of major airports in the United States. Journal of Operations Management, 18(3), 335-351. Sarkis, J. Talluri, S., (2004). Performance based clustering for benchmarking of US airports. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 38(5), 329-346. Soderlund, J. (2004). Building theories of project management: past research, questions for the future. International journal of project management, 22(3), 183-191. Thamhain, H. J., Wilemon, D. L. (1986). Criteria for controlling projects according to plan. Project Management Journal. PN11. Drexcll Hill. PA. Upham, P.J., (2003). Towards sustainable aviation, Earthscan. Verma, V. (1996, January). The human aspects of project management: human resource skills for the project manager, volume two. Project Management Institute. Wang, X., Huang, J. (2006). The relationships between key stakeholders’ project performance and project success: Perceptions of Chinese construction supervising engineers. International Journal of Project Management, 24(3), 253-260. Yuan, J., Skibniewski, M. J., Li, Q., Zheng, L. (2009). Performance objectives selection model in public-private partnership projects based on the perspective of stakeholders. Journal of Management in Engineering, 26(2), 89-104. Berlin Brandenburg Airport Project To Report To The Project Board And Critical Reflections On The Role Of Being A Project Manager Recommendations have also been made to seek to ensure the ongoing success of the project and to seek to ensure that these types of issues do not arise again. 1. Introduction This report has been compiled to seek to inform the project board of how our stakeholders may be perceiving delays which have arisen during the Brandenburg Airport project (BBC, 2013). In recent news coverage (BBC, 2013; Local, 2013) it has become apparent that a number of stakeholders have become critical of the project delays, therefore it may be necessary to engage with these groups to seek to positively influence their options in regards to this project (Atkinson, 1999). 2. Stakeholder Perception of repeated delays A number of dissatisfied stakeholders have been identified through recent news reports (BBC, 2013; Local, 2013). This is concerning as to ensure that the project is an ongoing success (Wang and Huang, 2006) it is important that we seek to positively influence their opinions (Bourne, 2005). Each of these stakeholders has to varying degrees expressed concerns over the delays (BBC, 2013; Local, 2013). Therefore, we must seek to enhance their opinion, though as these groups are so diverse a number of means will need to be utilised (Bourne and Walker, 2008), suggestion solutions for the Project Board to consider are outlined in Table 1. StakeholderDefinition of their RoleStakeholder GoalsStakeholder concerns The proposed effective means of engagement with timescales for implementationReferences Potential PassengersPotential passengers arriving or departing or transferring through the new airportMove quickly through the airport Be able to plan flights from the new airport in advanceAirport will not be ready to receive them when they have planned to fly through therePress releases which may encourage potential passenger to not worry about the delays to date on the project. This should be implemented by the end of this week by the new project manager.(Upham 2003; Rhoades et al. 2000; Neufville Odoni 2003) Possible Air carriersNational and international organisations planning to be based from the airportMaximise planning for future passenger and traffic volumes Maximize planning for the number of destinations served and the frequencies of those servicesThe delays in the project have affected the carriers’ ability to plan ahead to reach their goals.Meetings should be arranged with the project team to discuss the delays and to share the new project programme. This should be planned an implemented within the next six weeks.(Upham 2003; Rhoades et al. 2000; Neufville Odoni 2003; Sarkis Talluri 2004) Potential Aviation usersAir Taxis and Corporate or Business Aviation SuppliersMaximise planning for future passenger and traffic volumes Maximise planning for the number of destinations served and the frequencies of those servicesThe delays in the project have affected the aviation user’s ability to plan ahead to reach their goals.Meetings should be arranged with the project team to discuss the delays and to share the new project programme. This should be planned an implemented within the next six weeks(Rhoades et al. 2000) Airport Operations/ OrganisationStaff responsible for the management and operations of the airportPlan to achieve high security and safety Plan revenue streams Plan for passenger numbers Ensure service infrastructure is sufficient The delays in the project have affected the operations and organisational teams ability to plan ahead to reach their goals.Meetings should be arranged with the project team to discuss the delays and to share the new project programme. This should be planned an implemented within the next three months.(Upham 2003; Rhoades et al. 2000; Sarkis Talluri 2004) Investors in the developmentIndividuals, organisations or credit ratings agenciesTo optimise the financial returns on their investment The delays in the project have affected how quickly investors will see a return and the extent to which profits can be made due to the increased costs of the project.Meetings should be arranged with the project team to discuss the delays and to share the new project programme. This should be planned an implemented within the next weeks(Neufville Odoni 2003) Potential franchises or concessionary ownersOperators of passenger services in the airport Plan for services for passenger to generate revenue streamsThe delays in the project have affected the teams ability to plan ahead to reach their goalsMeetings should be arranged with the project team to discuss the delays and to share the new project programme. This should be planned an implemented within the next eight weeks(Rhoades et al. 2000; Neufville Odoni 2003) Potential service providersProviders of services to air carriers, such as fuelPlan to maximise traffic volumes and turnaround of services for aviation users and air carriersThe delays in the project have affected the service providers ability to plan ahead to reach their goalsMeetings should be arranged with the project team to discuss the delays and to share the new project programme. This should be planned an implemented within the next eight weeks(Upham 2003; Rhoades et al. 2000; Neufville Odoni 2003) Federal governmentPlanning consents, planner whom operates operator of air traffic control and security, and system regulator.Plan and monitor airport development and growth Make ensure all safety and security and efficiency measures are met. The delays in the project have affected the government’s ability to plan operations to reach their goalsMeetings should be arranged with the project team to discuss the delays and to share the new project programme. This should be planned an implemented within the next four weeks(Upham 2003; Neufville Odoni 2003; Sarkis Talluri 2004) Local officials or political organisationsLocal entities Maximise financial gains Minimise impacts on local populations The delays in the project have affected the financial planning and negatively impacted upon local residents due to the increased construction timeline.Meetings should be arranged with the project team to discuss the delays and to share the new project programme. This should be planned an implemented within the next six weeks(Upham 2003; Neufville Odoni 2003; Sarkis Talluri 2004) Local communities affected by the developmentResidents near the airportMaximise economic gains. Minimise noise and emissionsThe delays in the project have affected the financial planning and negatively impacted upon local residentsMeetings should be arranged with the project team to discuss the delays. This should be planned an implemented within six weeks(Upham 2003) Table 1. Identified stakeholders, their goals and how and when each group should be engaged. This plan should be considered and approved by the Project Board as soon as possible (Hillman and Keim, 2001; Karsen et.al. 2008). 3. Lessons Learnt A number of lessons may be learnt from the implementation of this project (BBC, 2013; Local, 2013). It’s important the Project Board reviews what has gone well, what could have gone better and how things may be undertaken differently in the future (Kerzner, 2012).. This will help to ensure that the project is implemented in light of the lessons which have been learnt far. The most important lessons which have been learned so far should be considered at the next Project Board meeting. These have been identified by reviewing the project’s progress to date (BBC, 2013; Local, 2013). Therefore the lessons that need to be considered are: The importance of maintaining ongoing communication with all stakeholders (Wang and Huang, 2006). The importance of contingency planning (Anderson and Grude, 2009). The importance of feasibility studies and the appraisal of various management systems e.g. for fire safety or for baggage transportation (Kerzner, 2012) (based on BBC, 2013; Local, 2013). At the next Project Board meeting each of these three factors should be considered, as each one has had a detrimental effect on the project to date (BBC, 2013; Local, 2013). The Board should consider how ongoing communication is managed with stakeholders, as to date the project failures have been widely published (BBC, 2013; Local, 2013). This has led to concerns being raised over the project’s implementation and the capabilities of the project team (BBC, 2013; Local, 2013). It’s well documented that stakeholder engagement is a key factor which may affect a project’s success or failure (see as an example; Phillips et.al. 2012; Wang and Huang, 2006; Yuan et.al. 2009). Therefore, it is imperative that the Board considers the ongoing stakeholder engagement and seek to learn from our recent experiences. Additionally, another important factor that the Board should consider is the implementation of contingency planning for the remainder of the project. To date, a number of technical issues have arisen, however due to the lack of contingency planning in the early stages of the project the costs have now risen and the delivery timeline has increased (BBC, 2013; Local, 2013). If contingency planning was utilised in the early stages of this project it is more likely that it could have been delivered (Thamhain, 1986) in line with the programme and on budget with the required quality standards (Anderson and Grude, 2009). Furthermore, another important lesson that the Board should consider is the importance of undertaking feasibility studies (Soderlund, 2002) and the appraisal of various management systems e.g. for fire safety or for baggage transportation. To date, the delays in this project have stemmed from critical systems failures (Kerzner, 2012). The importance of undertaking meaningful feasibility studies to achieve project success is well documented (see as an example: Mackenzie and Cusworth, 2007; McNulty, 2004). Therefore, to ensure that these problems do not arise again, it is imperative that the Project Board seeks to review and plan how feasibility studies will be conducted for the remaining duration of this project. Each of these factors and the impacts that they have had on the project’s implementation to date (BBC, 2013; Local, 2013) must be considered by the Project Board at their next meeting (Anderson and Grude, 2009). If these issues are considered, discussed and plans are implemented to seek to redress these (in line with the recommendations that have been outlined for each one above) it is possible that the project will be delivered within the revised programme, to budget whilst meeting the quality standards that are necessary (Mackenzie and Cusworth, 2007; McNulty, 2004). This is imperative to seek to ensure that no more delays are caused by the project team and to ensure that the costs and project programme do not need to be increased further (Thamhain, 1986), as this will have a detrimental impact on how our stakeholders view the project. 4. Critical Reflections of the Role of a Project Manager Project managers need to have a variety of skills in order to successfully implement projects in a variety of settings. The key skills that are pertinent to them being able to attain success are as follows: Be organised (Frame, 1999) Be able to multi-task (Kerzner, 2013) Being able to prioritise (Atkinson, 1999) Be able to disseminate information clearly (El-Sabaa, 2001) Be a leader of people (Pinto and Trailer, 1998) Be able to foresee issues and seek to mitigate them (Kerzner, 2003) Be able to understand costs and predict when these may increase. Be able to plan a project and manage its programme (Brown, 2000) Be able to engage stakeholders positively (Verma, 1996) Understand and communicate priorities so that the project team delivers on time (El-Sabaa, 2001). Be aware of quality standards and ensured that they are adhered to throughout the project (Atkinson, 1999) Each of these factors affects the successful implementation of projects (Kerzner, 2013). To date, many of these skills have been learnt from practically implementing projects, as project manager’s gain experience through undertaking these their skills improve (El-Sabaa, 2001). Through my experience, I have already gained many of these skills. However, it is necessary for me to improve my communication and engagement skills as most of the work that I have undertaken has been away from relevant stakeholders or insider my project team. Therefore, it would be useful to engage with some external stakeholders so that I could enhance my communication and engagement skills in practice (Brown, 2000). 5.Conclusion In conclusion, this report was compiled to seek to inform the project board of how our stakeholders may be perceiving delays which have arisen during the Brandenburg Airport project (BBC, 2013). A number of solutions have been provided for the Project Board to consider. It is hoped that the implementation of these will enable the project to be completed to quality standards, on time and to budget. 6. References Andersen, E. S., Grude, K. (2009). Goal directed project management: effective techniques and strategies. Kogan Page. Atkinson, R. (1999). Project management: cost, time and quality, two best guesses and a phenomenon, its time to accept other success criteria. International journal of project management, 17(6), 337-342. BBC (2013) Troubled Berlin airport opening delayed yet again. Available from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20936798.(Accessed 05/05/2013) Bourne, L., Walker, D. H. (2005). Visualising and mapping stakeholder influence. Management Decision, 43(5), 649-660. Bourne, L., Walker, D. H. (2008). Project relationship management and the Stakeholder Circleâ„ ¢. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 1(1), 125-130. Brown, K. A. (2000). Developing project management skills: A service learning approach. Project Management Journal, 31(4), 53-58. El-Sabaa, S. (2001). The skills and career path of an effective project manager. International journal of project management, 19(1), 1-7. Frame, J. D. (1999). Project management competence: Building key skills for individuals, teams, and organizations (p. 232). Jossey-Bass. Hillman, A. J., Keim, G. D. (2001). Shareholder value, stakeholder management, and social issues: what’s the bottom lineStrategic management journal, 22(2), 125-139. Karlsen, J. T., Gr?e, K., Massaoud, M. J. (2008). Building trust in project-stakeholder relationships. Baltic Journal of Management, 3(1), 7-22. Kerzner, H. (2003). Advanced project management: Best practices on implementation. Wiley. Kerzner, H. (2012). Project management case studies. Wiley. Kerzner, H. (2013). Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling. Wiley. The Local (2013) Now Berlin Airport won’t open before 2015. Available from http://www.thelocal.de/national/20130117-47393.html#.UYXds7WTiio (Accessed 05/05/2013) Mackenzie, W., Cusworth, N. (2007, June). The use and abuse of feasibility studies. In Proceedings of the Project Evaluation Conference (pp. 1-12). McNulty, T. P. (2004). Minimization of delays in plant start-ups. In Improving and Optimizing Operations: Things That Actually Work! Plant Operators’ Forum 2004 (pp. 113-120). Neufville, R.D. Odoni, A.R., (2003). Airport systems, McGraw-Hill Professional. Phillips, J. J., Bothell, T. W., Snead, G. L. (2012). 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CONFIDENTIALITY IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

CONFIDENTIALITY IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE - Essay Example Confidentiality in health care is covered in Data Protection Act 1998 in force from March 1, 2000 covering ‘all social services and health records.’ (Beech, 2007) It’s important for patient to know that personal information won’t be disclosed or used without permission. However, in certain situations there is an ethical dilemma between the need to preserve confidentiality and disclose personal information for specific purposes. The breach in patient’s confidentiality can be possible if it concerns public interests. Although protecting confidentiality in health care is usually paramount, the legal obligation to maintain confidentiality is not absolute (McHale 2000 in Beech, 2007). Under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 healthcare staff can disclose personal information in case of severe crimes or terrorism or in case when identification of people involved in traffic accidents is needed. The information can be disclosed also to assist the police to prevent murder, rape and kidnapping. So disclosure happens in situations when an individual is at risk of being seriously harmed when the information is not disclosed. (Beech, 2007). Personal information can be revealed in cases of certain infectious diseases when the law requires health providers to inform public health authorities. When it concerns public interest the breach of confidence is justified according to a common law justification. For example, when a nurse is aware of threat to public safety like in case when a person with epilepsy rides a motorbike, one is entitled to notify driving medical authorities. The same is true in case of communicable disease or sexually transmitted infections. It’s appropriate for the health care professional to inform a partner of the infected person of the possible threat. The breach of confidence here is justified on the basis of harm prevention. (Clinical Confidentiality, 2005) The laws

GM Financial Analysis and Planning of the Collapse Essay

GM Financial Analysis and Planning of the Collapse - Essay Example The debt kept rising and the conditions worsened for GM in 2008. (Henderson, 2008) The earnings per share in 2005 were $ (5.93) which lead to the fall in the value of the shares. (General Motors Financial report, 2005). In 2007, the earnings per share further decreased to $ (76.16). However, in 2008, there was a slight improvement. The earnings per share were $ (53.47). (General Motors Annual Report 2010) In 2007, GM made the biggest loss in automobile industry. It made a loss of $ 38.7 billion. GM had to sell Allison Transmission for 5.6 billion dollars to Onex Corporation and Carlyle Group. Then, the gas prices increased in 2008 and GM had to close its sports utility vehicle and pick up factories. 8350 people became unemployed. By the end of 2008, it had to ask the government for protection. It had to ask Congress for $18 billion to pay its debts and to remain afloat. The Congress gave him $13.4 billion. However, the loss made was huge. It made an annual loss of $30.9 billion and i ts debt was accumulating. In 2009, it declared that it needs $ 30 billion to survive. On the other hand, its unit in Sweden filed for bankruptcy. This was another blow to General Motors. It presented a survival plan and a restructuring plan to US Government in which it mentioned that they close all their units except Saturn by 2011. However, the possibility was it will lose of its brands and the retailers or other potential companies might buy them. The Government was not satisfied with the restructuring plan and gave them another chance to make an aggressive plan and do aggressive cuts. Then, it used another scheme it asked 90% of its bondholders to accept a share of equity in return for debt. This will enable the company to reduce its debt by $24 billion. It decided to issue 62 billion new shares and end Pontiac. Also, it decided to end its contract with 1100 dealers. But the debt exchange offer as named by General Motors failed. Bankruptcy seemed evident. Government gave more loa ns to GM and it rose to $19.4 billion. GM came up with a new idea. It decided to give 10% of the company to bondholders and another 15% stake to reduce the debt by $27 billion. Also, it decided to build cars in US instead of China. These decisions led to the fall in share price. The share price went below $1. 54% of its bondholders agreed to the new scheme given my General Motors. Thus, it enabled GM to ask for bankruptcy protection from the court. The bankruptcy protection was granted to GM. (GM-History of an Automaker, 2009) The state protection was one of the milestones in General Motors history. It not only enabled it to recover from losses but it set a new beginning for General Motors. July 2009, was the period in which it started recovering from bankruptcy. At this time, it started off with only four brands. Most of the GM was now owned by the state. GM then sold its shares of Opel to a Russian company and started its restructuring. GM then announces a $3.5 billion deal for Am eriCredit. This was the step taken by GM to get support for the floatation of stock and later it started preparations for IPO. From the IPO, it was able to raise almost $20 billion. It was a comeback and a great achievement for GM. The share price also increased from $26 to $33.(General Motore-Timeline of trills and spills, 2011) In 2011, GM achieved a profit and recovered well from the bankruptcy. It gained a profit of $7.6 billion which was 62% higher than the

Personal Security and The Internet Research Paper

Personal Security and The Internet - Research Paper Example The 20th century technological breakthroughs could never have been complete without the internet because it has played a significant role in changing the lives of people within this generation. It has enabled people to apply information with ease, to study without difficulty and communicate effortlessly. Apparently, the internet has made it possible to access huge and diverse amount of information without making many efforts as was required in the past. It also facilitates faster intake and processing of information However, the internet has its own setbacks as well. Some of these setbacks are so harmful and have the potential of causing many risks to users of the internet. As compared to two decades ago, today the world faces unique security and privacy issues that were not there before the introduction of the internet. With the escalation of the internet, such entities as advertising firms and spammers that are associated with it have emerged as well. Apparently, the internet has s everal applications such as data compilation, use of tracking and other techniques. The application of these has brought in more weird behaviors like hacking of some sites in the internet. The result is that people have developed some behaviors that are detrimental to the security and privacy of the internet users worldwide (Gralla, 2006). How the Internet influences our livesIt is true that the internet has changed the lives of people who are living in this generation almost completely. Through the internet, communications have become easier as it has facilitated efficiency in communication. Even without a physical television, one can still watch TV online and be able to get faster news. The internet has also made it easier to connect with people from whichever part of the world that they are in. through, emails, text messaging, video charts and the use of the social media like face book and twitter, it is now possible to share ideas, information, pictures, events and videos throug h the internet. In the past, somebody had to write a letter that could take ages to reach its destinations. Besides, the existence of Skype, messenger chats and other applications like Whatsapp has enabled people to have casual conversations with one another. Young people are the most

Urban Planning Perspectives Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Urban Planning Perspectives - Essay Example Urban Planning Perspectives As the notion of new urbanism in relative to up to designated day architecture and built-up planning?" Consequently, I discovered the causes of scholarly texts, and meetings with present localized practices to support my study on comprehending the New Urbanism utilized in up to date practice. However, when an individual conceives of all the components that make up the town, village, abruptly noise perplexing - and it is.Until then, the town has developed up very often, because they were required, and surrounding land has easily been absorbed. London, Paris, Tokyo - no one of these towns were much built-up planning, and even now, locations and roads in their older parts can bewilder even the locals. Discussion Urban planning and became well liked because of the increasing require for manufacturer employees in a wholesome environment, rather than stuffing them into a blaze trick buildings. With the advent of trade unions, solicitors who work to assist impel for better lodgings conditions. Thus, the "mill village" and "villages have been" leapt in large-scale cities. Currently, built-up planning wrappings all facets of the town into account. It encompasses designs for security, aesthetics and position general sense of everything from dwellings to factories. Parents manage no t desire their young children playing beside the remedy vegetation water, for demonstration, built-up planning, and assists eliminate these problems. Architecture appealing goals for structures in the town have been put in location and a pleasing green space is planned. Good built-up planning gets schools in localities where they are most required, rather than of the clinic in a centralized position, permits you to evolve designs for streets, respectively. Perhaps a good built-up planning is most apparent in the well designed street in the city. Anticipating traffic development and demand in the large-scale town is crucial. Planners should address how future development will sway traffic and seeking to correct difficulties before they become a problem. Even the setting up of sewerage and drainage is an absolutely crucial component of built-up planning, (Hebbert 1983) a far less glamorous. Planners should address the position, groundwater, and numerous other characteristics of the co untryside of the town to design amply for this need. Because so numerous disciplines are a broader notion of built-up planning, an assembly of planners can have very distinct degrees: municipal technology, architecture, botany, countryside architecture, electric technology, enterprise management, and so on. Planners who are adept, that they are very treasured by the municipal authorities. If built-up planning is utilized competently, the town more appealing and assist its people to better their potential. Over the last 20 years we have skilled the restructure action in perform that the new urbanism. Some architects and designers, new urbanism has been influential in up to date architecture and urbanism. Other practitioners manage not share this outlook and believe the new urbanism had no important result on metropolitan towns and more prosperous suburban areas. This study will analyze how the notion of new urbanism assisted to the present performs of architecture. For this reason, t his study will contrast and compare investigations and individual anecdotes considering the notion of new urbanism (Goodchild 2004). The study will analyze the influence of new urbanism to the common measures of built-up development, for example community development, multi-residential, transport, learning, public relatives, defense of countryside’s and financial enterprises. Electronic explorations of databases associated to

Ethics, Virtue and Moral Agency Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Ethics, Virtue and Moral Agency - Assignment Example Virtues are the good behavior and morals aimed at promoting good and peaceful coexistence between people and doing good both to oneself and others (David, 77). I prefer that ethics is a real requirement for living in life since without it, the human actions are random and useless. There would be no way to choose between a good goal and a wrong one if there will be none to choose upon. I personally view myself as believing in having virtues to be very important in life. This is because moral goodness is important for peaceful coexistence amongst people in the society. An example is the importance of the virtue of chastity especially among women in my community (David, 34). This will create peace in the community. Another example is the importance of the virtue of patience in society. Moral agency is also important to me very much. It is good to act properly in accordance to the community’s notion. Since everyone has the freedom of choosing what to do, I am always for the choice of doing the right just to avoid problems in

Arab Spring Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Arab Spring - Essay Example One of the obvious the arguments that could have caused the Arab Spring is the citizens’ anger with the old and dictatorial government regimes. Those who argue on these bases claim that the Middle East and North Africa world has a long history of a scuffle for political change, from leftist factions to Islamist radicals. But the Arab Spring that started in 2011 could never have evolved if things were better then. The revolution could not have turned into a mass phenomenon that has produced about quarter a million loss of lives and millions of refugees had it not been for the widespread dissatisfaction with a dictatorial regime(Haas et al, 56). The argument can be advanced by the fact that the economic crisis which was one of the causes of the uprising could have stabilized over time under a credible and competent government, but by late 20th century, most Arab dictatorships led by Muammar al-Qaddafi, Hosni Mubarak, Ben Ali were utterly bankrupt both morally and ideologically. When the Arab Spring occurred in 2011, Muammar al-Qaddafi had been in power in Libya for 42 years, Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak had been in power for 1980 while Tunisia’s Ben Ali from 1987. Furthermore, the leaders did not upload any human right that continuously angered the citizens for years basing on the way they even took power in the first place. For instance, Al-Kaddafi and Hosni Mubarak who were some of the oldest leaders in the world prior to the Arab Spring ruled through dictatorship.

Science applied to adult nursing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Science applied to adult nursing - Essay Example Whenever he consumed alcohol, he would take huge amount at a time, despite advice from his family doctor to take alcohol in moderation. In the emergency room, he was found to be pale and dehydrated. He had tachycardia (heart rate 120 per minute), high blood pressure (150/110mmHg), diaphoresis and tenderness and gaurding in the epigastric and left hypochondriac region. Respiratory rate was mildly elevated (26 per minute), but there was no breathlessness. Oxygen saturation was normal. A diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was made and patient was shifted to medical intensive care unit for further management. In this essay, the life science patho-physiology of acute pancreatitis will be discussed along with behavioural science as applied to the care-taking nursing staff, including breaking bad news, with reference to the patient. Sam is diagnosed to have acute pancreatitis. Inflammation of the organ pancreas is known as acute pancreatitis. Pancreas is an important gland located in the left upper and posterior aspect of the abdomen. It is both an endocrine and exocrine gland. As an exocrine organ, it produces various digestive enzymes essential for the digestion of protein, fat and carbohydrates. As an endocrine gland, it secretes the hormone insulin essential for glucose metabolism. While 80 percent of the organ is involved in exocrine function, only 20 percent is responsible for endocrine function (Gardner and Berk, 2010). According to Al-Omran et al (2010), "acute pancreatitis is a common hypermetabolic, hyperdynamic disease process of variable severity that has multiple etiologies and creates a catabolic stress state promoting a systemic inflammatory response and nutritional deterioration." Any injury to acinar cells and impairment of secretion of zymogen granules can result in acute pancreatitis. Factors which contribute to acinar damage are gall stones, alcohol abuse and intake of drugs toxic to pancreas. Though it is unclear as to what mechanism triggers the

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Summary Essay Example for Free

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Summary Essay The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is often considered Twains greatest masterpiece. Combining his raw humor and startlingly mature material, Twain developed a novel that directly attacked many of the traditions the South held dear at the time of its publication. Huckleberry Finn is the main character, and through his eyes, the reader sees and judges the South, its faults, and its redeeming qualities. Hucks companion Jim, a runaway slave, provides friendship and protection while the two journey along the Mississippi on their raft. The novel opens with Huck telling his story. Briefly, he describes what he has experienced since, The Adventures ofTom Sawyer, which preceded this novel. After Huck and Tom discovered twelve thousand dollars in treasure, Judge Thatcher invested the money for them. Huck was adopted by the Widow Douglasand Miss Watson, both of whom took pains to raise him properly. Dissatisfied with his new life, and wishing for the simplicity he used to know, Huck runs away. Tom Sawyer searches him out and convinces him to return home by promising to start a band of robbers. All the local young boys join Toms band, using a hidden cave for their hideout and meeting place. However, many soon grow bored with their make-believe battles, and the band falls apart. Soon thereafter, Huck discovers footprints in the snow and recognizes them as his violent, abusive Paps. Huck realizes Pap, who Huck hasnt seen in a very long time, has returned to claim the money Huck found, and he quickly runs to Judge Thatcher to sell his share of the money for a consideration of a dollar. Pap catches Huck after leaving Judge Thatcher, forces him to hand over the dollar, and threatens to beat Huck if he ever goes to school again. Upon Paps return, Judge Thatcher and the Widow try to gain court custody of Huck, but a new judge in town refuses to separate Huck from his father. Pap steals Huck away from the Widows house and takes him to a log cabin. At first Huck enjoys the cabin life, but after receiving frequent beatings, he decides to escape. When Pap goes into town, Huck seizes the opportunity. He saws his way out of the log cabin, kills a pig, spreads the blood as if it were his own, takes a canoe, and floats downstream to Jacksons Island. Once there, he sets up camp and hides out. A few days after arriving on the island, Huck stumbles upon a still smoldering campfire. Although slightly frightened, Huck decides to seek out his fellow inhabitant. The next day, he discovers Miss Watsons slave, Jim, is living on the island. After overhearing the Widows plan to sell him to a slave trader, Jim ran away. Jim, along with the rest of the townspeople, thought Huck was dead and is frightened upon seeing him. Soon, the two share their escape stories and are happy to have a companion. While Huck and Jim live on the island, the river rises significantly. At one point, an entire house floats past them as they stand near the shore. Huck and Jim climb aboard to see what they can salvage and find a dead man lying in the corner of the house. Jim goes over to inspect the body and realizes it is Pap, Hucks father. Jim keeps this information a secret. Soon afterwards, Huck returns to the town disguised as a girl in order to gather some news. While talking with a woman, he learns that both Jim and Pap are suspects in his murder. The woman then tells Huck that she believes Jim is hiding out on Jacksons Island. Upon hearing her suspicions, Huck immediately returns to Jim and together they flee the island to avoid discovery. Using a large raft, they float downstream during the nights and hide along the shore during the days. In the middle of a strong thunderstorm, they see a steamboat that has crashed, and Huck convinces Jim to land on the boat. Together, they climb aboard and discover there are three thieves on the wreck, two of whom are debating whether to kill the third. Huck overhears this conversation, and he and Jim try to escape, only to find that their raft has come undone from its makeshift mooring. They manage to find the robbers skiff and immediately take off. Within a short time, they see the wrecked steamship floating downstream, far enough below the water-line to have drowned everyone on board. Subsequently, they reclaim their original raft, and continue down the river with both the raft and the canoe. As Jim and Huck continue floating downstream, they become close friends. Their goal is to reach Cairo, where they can take a steamship up the Ohio River and into the free states. However, during a dense fog, with Huck in the canoe and Jim in the raft, they are separated. When they find each other in the morning, it soon becomes clear that in the midst of the fog, they passed Cairo. A few nights later, a steamboat runs over the raft, and forces Huck and Jim to jump overboard. Again, they are separated as they swim for their lives. Huck finds the shore and is immediately surrounded by dogs. After managing to escape, he is invited to live with a family called the Grangerfords. At the Grangerford home, Huck is treated well and discovers that Jim is hiding in a nearby swamp. Everything is peaceful until an old family feud between the Grangerfords and the Shepherdsons is rekindled. Within one day all the men in the Grangerford family are killed, including Hucks new best friend, Buck. Amid the chaos, Huck runs back to Jim, and together they start downriver again. Further downstream, Huck rescues two humbugs known as the Duke and the King. Immediately, the two men take control of the raft and start to travel downstream, making money by cheating people in the various towns along the river. The Duke and the King develop a scam they call the Royal Nonesuch, which earns them over four hundred dollars. The scam involves getting all the men in the town to come to a show with promises of great entertainment. In the show, the King parades around naked for a few minutes. The men are too ashamed to admit to wasting their money, and tell everyone else that the show was phenomenal, thus making the following nights performance a success. On the third night, everyone returns plotting revenge, but the Duke and King manage to escape with all their ill gotten gains. Further downriver, the two con men learn about a large inheritance meant for three recently orphaned girls. To steal the money, the men pretend to be the girls British uncles. The girls are so happy to see their uncles that they do not realize they are being swindled. Meanwhile, the girls treat Huck so nicely that he vows to protect them from the con mens scheme. Huck sneaks into the Kings room and steals the large bag of gold from the inheritance. He hides the gold in Peter Wilkss (the girls father) coffin. Meanwhile, the humbugs spend their time liquidating the Wilks family property. At one point, Huck finds Mary Jane Wilks, the eldest of the girls, and sees that she is crying. He confesses the entire story to her. She is infuriated, but agrees to leave the house for a few days so Huck can escape. Right after Mary Jane leaves, the real Wilks uncles arrive in town. However, because they lost their baggage on their voyage, they are unable to prove their identities. Thus, the town lawyer gathers all four men to determine who is lying. The King and the Duke fake their roles so well that there is no way to determine the truth. Finally, one of the real uncles says his brother Peter had a tattoo on his chest and challenges the King to identify it. In order to determine the truth, the townspeople decide to exhume the body. Upon digging up the grave, the townspeople discover the missing money Huck hid in the coffin. In the ensuing chaos, Huck runs straight back to the raft and he and Jim push off into the river. The Duke and King also escape and catch up to rejoin the raft. Farther down the river, the King and Duke sell Jim into slavery, claiming he is a runaway slave from New Orleans. Huck decides to rescue Jim, and daringly walks up to the house where Jim is being kept. Luckily, the house is owned by none other than Tom Sawyers Aunt Sally. Huck immediately pretends to be Tom. When the real Tom arrives, he pretends to be his younger brother, Sid Sawyer. Together, he and Huck contrive a plan to help Jim escape from his prison, an outdoor shed. Tom, always the troublemaker, also makes Jims life difficult by putting snakes and spiders into his room. After a great deal of planning, the boys convince the town that a group of thieves is planning to steal Jim. That night, they collect Jim and start to run away. The local farmers follow them, shooting as they run after them. Huck, Jim, and Tom manage to escape, but Tom is shot in the leg. Huck returns to town to fetch a doctor, whom he sends to Tom and Jims hiding place. The doctor returns with Tom on a stretcher and Jim in chains. Jim is treated badly until the doctor describes how Jim helped him take care of the boy. When Tom awakens, he demands that they let Jim go free. At this point, Aunt Polly appears, having traveled all the way down the river. She realized something was very wrong after her sister wrote to her that both Tom and Sid had arrived. Aunt Polly tells them that Jim is indeed a free man, because the Widow had passed away and freed him in her will. Huck and Tom give Jim forty dollars for being such a good prisoner and letting them free him, while in fact he had been free for quite some time. After this revelation, Jim tells Huck to stop worrying about his Pap and reveals that the dead man in the floating house was in fact Hucks father. Aunt Sally offers to adopt Huck, but he refuses on the grounds that he had tried that sort of lifestyle once before, and it didnt suit him. Huck concludes the novel stating he would never have undertaken the task of writing out his story in a book, had he known it would take so long to complete.

Oprah Winfrey Essay Example for Free

Oprah Winfrey Essay Oprah Gail Winfrey is one of the most influential people today despite coming from a broken family and being a rebellious teen in her adolescence (Mowbray 2003). Oprah remains as a symbol of success in the United States and all over the globe as she has been included in the richest African Americans of the 20th century (Noon 2007) and as one of the most philanthropic African American of all time. Oprah started the Angel Network in the year 1998, a program that encourages other people to help those who are underprivileged. To this day, Oprah’s Angel Network has raised over 51,000,000 dollars. 100 percent of the funds generated go directly to various charity programs as Oprah takes care of administrative costs in running the charity. As mentioned earlier, Oprah was included in the list for America’s 50 most generous philanthropists as she has contributed about 250 million dollars to several charities and fundraising programs including a 10 million dollar donation to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Oprah even visited South Africa in order to raise the people’s awareness regarding the plight of children afflicted with AIDS and stricken with poverty through her show Oprah’s Christmas Kindness. She appealed to televiewers to donate for these children and people around the globe heeded her call and donated over 7,000,000 dollars. Oprah also invested her time and money for the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in Johannesburg, South Africa which initially started as Oprah’s promise to Nelson Mandela. The academy aims to provide little girls with a safe place to nurture their dreams allow them to be equipped with the necessary education they would need to succeed. Oprah is certainly considered as a god sent to our society as she exemplifies genuine kindness and concern for the underprivileged people and does not hesitate to lend her time and effort to make a positive change in other people’s lives.

Innovative Practices For The Coworking Movement Sociology Essay

Innovative Practices For The Coworking Movement Sociology Essay One of the grimmest predictions about the future was described by Robert Putnam in his work on social capital. He envisaged low likelihood of participation in community life, smaller groups of friends, even less happiness, and lower perceived quality of life (Putnam, 1995). Furthermore, the enthusiasts of globalization and internet predicted that since people do not have to be together in order to work together, so simply they will not be (Florida, 2003). Both of these statements are deemed fallacious when recent innovative developments like coworking spaces are considered. Instead of dividing people and further rupturing community life, they reintroduce collaboration and community building through establishing an innovative office design that is being implemented worldwide. This paper will be based on theoretical definition of social movement by Mario Diani (2000). The reasoning why this definition is the most useful will be presented in following sections. Then, Dianis (2000) defining attributes will be applied to coworking as a movement, and from this analysis, the conclusion will naturally flow that the following thesis is supported: coworking can be seen as a social movement because it satisfies its definitional elements i.e. networks of informal integration, shared beliefs and solidarity, and collective action. For the analysis of coworking, mixed methodology will be used: informal observation and interviews at three coworking spaces: betahaus Berlin, Hub Amsterdam, Coworking Cologne, and one emerging coworking space Hub Berlin. Additionally, available secondary sources will be analyzed: research and case studies present in literature, internet network data, websites, and forums. The focus will be, however, on the internet sources due to the novel ty and continuous transformations of the movement. Coworking has been present for centuries, but the first forms of collaboration appeared in the beginning of the 20th century. Artists from around the world gathered in Paris to live and work. One of the establishments, La Ruche, was created by Alfred Boucher to accommodate live/work space for artists. The place became a community and was centred on work of its residents (Jones, Sundsted, Bacigalupo, 2009). Bizzarri (2010) mentions associated offices that appeared in United States of America during the crisis of 1929. These offices gathered workers from the same or various professions working in one office as a cost-cutting strategy. She links the crisis of 1929 to the recession of 2008 as a catalyst of bourgeoning coworking spaces around the world (Bizzarri, 2010). The term coworking was first used by Bernie DeKoven in 1999 to describe virtual connectivity i.e. online tools of collaboration (DeKoven, 2000). In a context of a physical space, it was used by Brad Neuberg in 2005 (Alas, 2010) even though coworking spaces, in fact, already existed before that time. The vigorous spread of coworking did not start until the already mentioned crisis of 2008. Nowadays, it is extremely hard to assess the size of the movement with different incarnations of coworking emerging. For example, Centre for Social Innovation in Toronto was launched in 2004 and merges both coworking philosophy and multi-tenant nonprofit centre principles (Centre for Social Innovation, 2010). What exactly is coworking? It can be used in three different ways as Jones, Sundsted, and Bacigalupo (2009) state: [As] a proper noun to describe a movement the core values of coworking are A verb to describe an activity Im coworking with my friends at local cafe. An adjective to describe a space Souk is a coworking space in Portland' (p. 8). Movement Coworking movement has many principles that are shared between its members. The main value is that coworking spaces are about social connectedness, gathering, sharing, and collaborating. There are, however, a number of conditions that must be satisfied, in order for a viable coworking space to operate. Jones, Sundsted, and Bacigalupo (2009) describe it as a coworking recipe: Start with community. Blend like-minded people of different backgrounds together thoroughly. Add openness. Share ideas, thoughts, knowledge and problems in equal parts. Sprinkle collaboration on top. Ingredients will meld together to create new flavour. Add healthy amounts of sustainability. This will help maintain the recipes structure and prevent it from falling apart. Wrap in accessibility. Make sure all ingredients are given proper opportunity to interact. Enjoy! (p. 15) The movement build on such principles also is directed against isolation that streams from the type of work the coworkers are performing. Usually, it is some form of knowledge creation, data transformation, or a creative industry-related work. Sometimes, the members of the movement express unacceptability of corporate culture and its work structure (typical 9-5 jobs in artificially separated cubicles). Coworking as a movement has either outspoken or implied social change as a value. First of all, it is changing work/live relationship, and leads to sustainability in many ways. Second, the coworking members work often on projects related to social innovation and change. The honourable mention of social change-related coworking spaces is network of the Hubs (Centre for Social Innovation, 2010)Â  [2]Â  . Bizzarri (2010) underlines that one of the innovative factors of coworking is the sociality of the work and the value of relations face to face (p. 204). This aspect is crucial in coworking movement, because its enthusiasts aim at creating a thriving community rather than simply a workplace. Activity As previously mentioned, coworking incorporates individuals with mostly knowledge creation type of work and designers or artists. In most cases, they are not employed by the same organization, but sometimes small businesses are a part of a coworking space. Additionally, there is a high degree of independent work involved, but there is also a collaboration factor. People from different professions and types of work engage in dialogue, exchange ideas, and add an interesting perspective to problems defined by others, in order to create innovative ideas and become more productive. Coworking space becomes a place where unlimited intellectual resources are stored, and it multiplies ones network of professional and informal connections which is beneficial to individual work life and mental health. Various individuals have different patterns of use of coworking spaces. Freelancers sometimes need only a desk with internet connection and a telephone. Artists might need bigger space and flexibility. Some might use coworking spaces on a full-time or part-time basis, and some only for once in a while drop-in sessions. These offices also target people (so called nomad workers) who travel and frequently change their place of living so they cannot maintain an office. This initiative has also a myriad of occupations, and they include professionals from diverse sectors. Additionally, they come from different organizational structures: start-ups that cannot afford and office yet, small businesses that choose not to have own office, non-profits, freelancers, sometimes individuals that work for large companies as consultants, etc. Space The organization of the shared working environment is very important for a proper operation of a coworking office. Hibbert, Kimble, and White (2010) from the School of Architecture and Design at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee wrote an engaging manual on designing a coworking space with a number of technical pointers. In general, it should be flexible and have an open design, so it can accommodate many different events and activities through moving furniture, and separators that play a role of walls. Additionally, coworkers should have access to it at any time of day or night which sometimes is not possible due to security concerns. Coworking spaces usually have following amenities: internet, photocopy and printing, fax machines, mailbox, kitchen facilities, meeting rooms, coffee/tea machines, storage, and sometimes audio-visual equipment. Spaces at different stages of development might not have all of mentioned amenities or have more advance office equipment. Coworking spaces can accommodate members by offering them private storage place, or sometimes offer them separate office depending on the characteristics of the space. Different patterns of use mean different level of financial contribution for the maintenance of the office. Coworking spaces have a tiered system depending on the amount of time spent at the office, and sometimes the area needed for operations. Usually, coworking spaces do not make a profit, and at times they can run only with the help of grants and subsidies. Social Movement Definition A lot of social and political phenomena have been called social movements in the past, many of them not rightfully. There are so many theories that it is very difficult to pinpoint the exact definition of a social movement. Theoretical frameworks like collective behaviour, relative deprivation, resource mobilization, rational choice, political opportunity structure, new social movement, political process, and framing, all of them define social movements in diverse ways and focus on their different facets (Pickvance, 2003). Many buzz words surround the term social movement: collective action, social change, status quo, and social conflict among others. These terms are themselves difficult to define. Therefore, the plethora of ambiguities allows for calling numerous phenomena social movements, when they are really not. Mario Diani (2000) in his paper The concept of social movement analyzes four different theories in order to find a common thread between them and to arrive at all-encompassing, but yet detailed definition of the notion. The author bases his definition of collective behaviour perspective (Ralph Turner and Lewis Killian), resource mobilization theory (John McCarthy and Mayer Zald), political process approach (Charles Tilly), and new social movements theory (Alain Tourraine and Alberto Melucci). Some of these theories are contradictory in their assumptions and definitional elements. For example, Charles Tillys definition is very constrictive while it focuses on the excluded as the ones trying to get access to established polity and political process (Tilly, 1978 cited in Diani, 2000) which would be only one type of social movement according to other theories. Melluci (1977, cited in Diani, 2000), conversely, sees them as not always concurrent with political conflict, but that they might be dormant and engaged in cultural production. Diani (2000) posits that all of these theories focus on different aspects of social movements; resource mobilization theory and the political process approach look at their development rather than the causes of their emergence. New social movement theory tries to place social movements within larger structural and cultural changes (Diani, 2000). Even though these four theories might be different in certain aspects, Diani finds four common threads that all of the theories emphasize: Networks of informal interaction Shared beliefs and solidarity Collective action on conflictual issues Action which displays largely outside the institutional sphere and the routine procedures of social life (p.162) The last factor, lack of institutionalization, is disputed by Diani, who believes that some degree of institutionalism might play a role in social movements development while some movement begin in institutionalized organization or maintain the movement in a dormant stage under auspices of an institution still exerting social change and cultural production. Therefore, it is not included in the final definition. Diani presents a caveat that the institutionalization is a factor that should be closely observed because it might overpower the influence of a social movement. Additionally, an important distinction is made: while Sierra Club might be a part of an environmental social movement, itself it is not social movement and should not be regarded as such. Furthermore, political parties fulfill the requirements of Dianis definition, but he underlines that they act at the level of interest representation, and this functional level does not let them to be regarded as social movements. Fro m the discussion on these aspects and other implications of theoretical boundaries, Diani (2000) arrives at following definition: Social movements consist in networks of informal interaction between a plurality of individuals, groups and organizations, engaged in a political and/or cultural conflict, on the basis of a shared collective identity (p. 168). Diani (2000) disregards a number of characteristics in his definition that are usually associated with social movements i.e. extra-institutional tactics, civil unrest, disruptive political protests, use of power, etc. He claims that these aspects are simply characteristics of the varieties of social movements, and should not be included in the main and all-encompassing definition. Similar to Diani, definition of Goodwin and Jasper (2009) sees longevity of a movement more important than protests or riots: Social movements are conscious, concerted, and sustained efforts by ordinary people to change some aspect of their society by using extra-institutional means. They are more conscious and organized than fads and fashions. They last longer than a single protest or riot. There is more to them than formal organizations, although such organizations usually play a part. They are composed mainly of ordinary people as opposed to army officers, politicians, or economic elites. They are protesting against something. (Goodwin Jasper, 2009, p. 3) Therefore, the definitions are comparable and do not invalidate other theorists claims. In some degree, Goodwin and Jasper (2009) put more importance on extra-institutional means, protests, and riots; however, this does not make Dianis claims (2000) unsound, but further strengthens its validity and all-encompassing nature; in effect, this theoretical basis will be used to analyze coworking as a social movement. Urban Social Movements Urban social movements are a type of social movements that focus on structural transformation of the urban system and space (Castells, 1977 cited in Pickvance, 2003). Interest in this type of movements has been quite strong, but partially separated from the main discourse on social movements. As Pickvance (2003) discusses, urban social movements theories place emphasis on the effects rather than mobilization factors or the interaction between social movement and political systems. The intrinsic focus of urban social movements theories is the effects of various events, protests, and exposure to given principles and values. Castells (1977, cited in Pickvance, 2003) elaborates that the effects are rather seen in their potential rather than real outcomes. In other words, immediate consequences might be limited and not identifiable; however, changes in consciousness among participants and potential future support may be favourable to the viability of a social movement and the actual long term social changes. For this reason, writing on urban social movements was developing separately from the mainstream discussion on social movements, even though the main influence that contributed to its development was the rise of interest in new social movements. Pickvance (2003) elaborates: Although some writers have classed urban movements as new social movements, more usually urban movements have been categorized as an old social movement like the labour movement, because of the allegedly material character of their demands (p. 106) This typological distinction is quite important for the theoretical basis against which social movement might be tested against. It shows that social movements theories are diverse and that they describe approaches that result in dissimilar definitions. This predicament is important when discussing a given social movement that might fulfill the definitional elements of one theory and not the other. It also demonstrates that some social movement theories are developing outside the mainstream theoretical discussion, and a collective attempt at deriving a uniform definition is simply not present or still in very preliminary stages. Using Dianis definition (2000) presents a number of dangerous predicaments. It might seem too broad and all-encompassing. It puts emphasis on the common threads of the four main theories and presents relatively detailed boundaries of its definitional elements, however, there is still a degree of uncertainty and vulnerability in its possible use. Additionally, there is a tendency to use certain theories for movements with which we agree and different ones with which we disagree. In case of Diani, his definition is general, and different nuances are not accounted for in it, therefore, it might be quite unproblematic to recognize any movement or trend that resembles social movement as one of them. Application of the theoretical framework Common elements found by Dianis (2000) in the four main theories of social movements are to be examined in this section and applied to coworking as a potential social movement. Definitional nuances and evidence how coworking serves these elements are to be presented in an organized manner. First, coworking is recognized as built on the basis of networks of informal interaction. Second, shared beliefs of coworking as a movement are discussed: what they are and how they are implemented. Third, it will be shown to that extent social movements partake in collective action on conflictual issues and potential conflicts and adversaries will be identified. Finally, the relationship of the movement with institutional aspect and routine procedures of social life will be examined. Even though this last theme is not included in the final definition presented by Diani (2000), its evaluation is essential while it helps assessing coworking as a social movement against the theories that value lack o f institutionalization as an important feature of the definition. Networks of informal interaction First element of the definition concerns the relationship between its members: [it] is a network of informal interactions between a plurality of individuals, groups, and/or organizations (Diani, 2000, p. 8). All thinkers in Dianis analysis realize the importance of networks. Also Goodwin and Jasper (2009) and Castells (1977, cited in Pickvance, 2003) recognize informal interaction between people as an important requirement for a social movement. Especially, McCarthy and Zald (1977, cited in Diani, 2000) talk about different categories that characterize the organization of social movements: they mention social movement organizations, constituents, adherents, and bystander publics, all of them important members adding to the social movement. Diani (2000) characterizes this element as: Tightly clustered networks which promote the circulation of essential resources for an action (information, expertise, material resources) as well as of broader systems of meaning. Thus, networks contribute both to creating the preconditions for mobilisation and to providing the proper setting for the elaboration of specific world-views and life-styles (p. 163). Theorists in the recent time were discussing a lot about information flows in a network society. Castells (2001, cited in Bizzarri, 2010) pointed to the information and communication technologies as changing the relation between discretion and control in the organization of working. The most focus is placed on the value of knowledge, the role of knowledge as capacity of action, the openness, the mobility, the collaboration, the accumulation of social and cultural capital, the flexibility of workers to adapt their skills to different situations and jobs (Bizzarri, 2010, p. 198). Many pointed this innovativeness and its importance in workplaces. This notion is recently present everywhere, governments switch to network governance, participatory decision making, and horizontal collaboration. In this organizational setup, people from different sectors, organizations, occupations, and departments work together (citation needed somewhere here). A lot of these collaboration methods are cente red on the abilities of information and communication technologies. Coworking is based on this idea. It brings people with different experiences to a common space to work and socialize, but the technology is only a tool not a mean in coworking space. Centre for Social Innovation (2010) in the booklet Emergence stresses the importance of relying on a network as a strategy of well operating coworking space. The organizational design is structured on production, distribution, and access of information, all of the members of the space are supposed to learn from each other. It resembles a bit wikipidia model, or open-source software, where all of the interested individual contribute to create and accomplish bigger projects. Coworkers work on individual work assignments, and such an open structure of their work is simply not possible, however, there exists possibility to constantly consult with other and collaborate on each others project. People coexist in a physical space and that aspect is very important. Similarly to government-made horizontal collaboration, coworking spaces have usually flat organizational structure (Bizzarri, 2010), therefore there is no decision makers, all of the decisions are made communally. In some spaces, the governance structure might be rather heterarchycal, and it will have some members overseeing certain aspects of a coworking space, so, for example, there will be a person dealing with administrative side of coworking space operations, there might be a communications person, technical maintenance, cleanliness, etc. However, these positions are not introduced in order to create a hierarchy with some people in power or not, but is done to ensure adequate operations of a space. Many of the changes that are happening in organization theory come from a bigger movement of industrial changes that call for a networked interaction. Wilson (1995) underlines that the geography of a new competitive model is more flexible than mass production and involes creation of netoworks which is so important to innovation diffusion (p. 646). In fact, industrial districts that aggregate small and medium sizes enterprises are perfectly able to compete with large commercial firms (Wilson, 1995). This is due to their network character and sharing resources. Even though those firms might be centred in a given geographical region, they are still open for the global influences. Wilson (1995) mentions endogenous development approach which emphasizes the unique factors of the spatial milieu in which the activity occurs, while at the same time recognising the embeddedness in the larger structures (p. 649). Coworking is a space that does not enclose the members because their work focuses on external environments: clients, companies they work for, families, and friends. It is a system that brings them together and creates a community that shares many things. Coworking is not only about working in a shared space; it has also a social element to it. Endogenous development must include non-economic values a behavioural and socio-psychological change from homo economicus to homo sociales. John Friedman (1988) reflects the same idea when he calls for a transcendence of the division between life space and economic space (Wilson, 1995, p. 650). This is very important for people at coworking spaces. Coworking space is not only a place to work at and collaborate, it is also a place where people become socially involved with each other on a higher level than usual work places. Many coworking spaces have once or twice a week common meals, some of them even introduce that custom daily. This has profound effect on their relations. Addionally, coworking spaces introduce workshops and events that are not targeted at professional development only. They are also open to the community; so for example, they will invite a yoga instructor, or will have workshops on mental health, leadership, good food and living. In some degree, this agrees with Wilson (1995) discussion of regulationist writing that shows that the wage and strength of the union will decrease and more pressure will be focused on human development and less tangible factors than productivity: behaviour, cultural and social changes. In short, it is the beginning of change fr om the mechanistic and deterministic to holistic and interconnected (Wilson, 1995, pp. 653-654). Coworking spaces have this idea embedded in them. They are not workspaces anymore; they are a way of life. Shared beliefs and solidarity Social movements are characterized by the fact that its members share beliefs and a sense of belongingness which is definitely visible in coworking spaces. The boundaries of coworking spaces are not defined by the physical borders of the office, but by the collective identity shared by people who are members, visitors or simply supporters of a coworking space. Diani (2000) describes this aspect as: Collective identity is both a matter of self- and external definition. Actors must define themselves as part of a broader movement and, at the same time, be perceived as such, by those within the same movement, and by opponents and/or external observers. (p. 164) Collective identity helps to define the boundaries of the movement, but does not mean that the movement is homogenous. There is still a plethora of ideas, orientation, opinions, and perspectives in the coworking movement that can come from the shear fact that coworkers come from different occupations and are exposed to different theories, experiences, and perspectives. Citizen Space is one of the first coworking spaces. It was created in San Franscisco by the movement leaders Tara Hunt, Chris Messina and Brad Neuberg. Its website has a section entitled Our Philosophy and it contains Collaboration: One of the great benefits of working in a coworking space is that you will meet all sorts of people with all sorts of knowledge. Openness: We believe in transparency and openness. In a world where people are free, but ideas are not, only a few benefit. When ideas are free, everyone benefits. Therefore, we encourage open spaces and discussions. Sorry, no NDAs allowed.Community: We thrive on connections and mutual support here. It is important that everyone give into as well as benefit from the strong (international) community coworking has become. Accessibility: In order to be fully open, we must make the effort to be accessible to all. This means that we endeavor to create both a financially and a physically accessible space. We are committed to this prin ciple and welcome feedback on how we can make it even more accessible. All of those values are shared between other members of the coworking movement. These are basic principles that spring from the model work that is present in the coworking spaces. Collaboration cannot be closed; it always has an open model. As Wilson (1995) named future innovations as a new sense of purpose and process on a local level (p. 645), this is in fact what joins those people together in a relatively uniform and with minimum conflict. The people that surround the movement are mostly creative workers that are new leaders in todays economy. They are mostly self-employed people, nonprofits, innovation searching individuals who in turn advance urban movements and economies (Schreck, 2006). This class of people, knowledge creators, Florida (2003) calls the creative class. They drive innovation and current global economic growth trends (Hibbert, Kimble, White, 2010). They are employed in many professions, but their main purpose is to create new ideas, technology and creative cont ent. In addition to changing the landscape of the economy, knowledge creators seek new ways to configure their work environment to promote individuality and allow for more flexibility. They demand the autonomy of working anywhere and the social interaction of a traditional office. (Hibbert, Kimble, White, 2010, p. 43) In general, it is the members of creative class who are the most prone to join the coworking movement. Additionally there is a degree of entrepreneurship present in coworking spaces. A lot of members are entrepreneurs, some of them focus on social change. It was the most visible in Hub Amsterdam where the wall of members highlighted the social change focus of its members. Coworking itself is entrepreneurial initiative, and therefore it characterizes its members. Diani (2000) puts a pressure on the entrepreneurial aspects of social movements by citing Gusfield (1981): Social movements condition and help constitute new orientations on existing issues, in so far as they contribute to the existence of a vocabulary and an opening of ideas and actions which in the past was either unknown of unthinkable (Gusfield, 1981, p. 325 cited in Diani, 2000, p. 9) Conclusion Paragraph of this section Collective action on conflitual issues Diani (2000) finds that all four theories share also an aspect of collective action on conflictual issues. He writes: Social movement actors are engaged in political and /or cultural conflicts, meant to promote or propose social change either at the systemic or non-systemic level (Diani, 2000, p. 166) This factor consists of two parts: collective action and conflictual issues and theorists differ in what exactly this means. Some theorists put a specific emphasis on conflict situation as a fundamental element of the concept (Turaine, Melucci, Tilly). Other look at the social movement as leading to social change and that is, according to them, the main aspect of the concept (Turner and Killian, McCarthy and Zald, Pickvance and Castells). There is a number of ways we can understand conflict. It can be a conflict on political, social, or cultural sphere, but it does not necessarily have to engage in an open conflict, protests, and active dispute at the systemic level. It might be also conflict with political decision makers, civil rights dispute, etc., but Diani (2000) also mentions: Several authors maintain that the true bulk of social movement experience has to be found in the cultural sphere; what is challenged is not only the uneven distribution of power and/or economic goods, but socially shared meaning s as well, that is the ways of defining and interpreting reality. Social movements tend to focus more and more on self-transformation. (p. 165) Therefore, social movements focus as well on conflicts that arise in a private sphere, on the individual level. It attacks the way we think about ourselves, our self-definition, and lifestyle choices. The second part of the actor is collective action which can be understood as some sort of activity that leads to achievement of a goal or a set of goals by more than one person, in this case, a social movement. Diani (2000) does not address the issue whether the activity should be overt and proclaimed. Dormant social movements might not actively engage in open collective action, but might affect individuals in a more covert way, similarly to how Pickvance (2003) describes the effects of urban social movements. This might not be an issue for Diani (2000) however; some caution will be taken when a favourable judgement is granted in the absence of full evidence. In regards to conflict and collective action, coworking as a social movement has not, in some degree, openly proc

Allegory in Forsters The Other Side of the Hedge Essay -- Forster Oth

Allegory in Forster's The Other Side of the Hedge After reading the first few paragraphs, The Other Side of the Hedge, by E. M. Forster, seems to be nothing more than a story about a man walking down a long road. The narrator's decision to go through the hedge transforms the story into an allegory that is full of symbols representing Forster's view of the journey of life. The author develops the allegory through the use of several different symbols including the long road, the hedge and the water. The allegory is about man's life journey toward the ultimate goal of heaven. When the reader interprets the story on a literal level, it seems somewhat realistic, but he quickly senses a double meaning. In the story, the narrator travels on a long, dusty road that seems to have no end. He tells about the other people of the road, discussing the possessions that they attempt to carry with them. Some of these people abandon their journey, leaving their possessions behind to gather dust. The target of E.M. Forster's allegory is the transition from life on earth to life in heaven. Forster's many symbols in the story portray his view of life. One important symbol that Forster mentions several times is the long, dusty road. The seemingly endless road represents the long, difficult journey of life. The people in the story must travel on the road even though it never ends and leads them nowhere. At first, they carry as many possessions with them as possible, but they eventually leave them behind, as he journey becomes more difficult. The narrator says, "The road behind was strewn with the things we had all dropped." Eventually, the people of ... ... falls into the water, it cleanses his body physically, but it also cleanses his soul symbolically. His body is no longer covered with dust from his journey on the road. The water also causes the main character's pedometer to stop working. This further indicates that all links to the narrator's past life have been destroyed. He has moved on to a different stage in life, and there is no turning back. E.M. Forster's use of allegory and symbolism in The Other Side of the Hedge helps present his belief that the journey toward heaven is easier when one has fewer possessions and does good deeds for others. When the main character strays from the road, he begins a symbolic journey into heaven. The hedge strips him of his worldly possessions, while the water cleanses him spiritually, preparing him for the life to come.