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The Story of Samson in the Monk’s Tale in The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer

Introduction

Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales feature a short story titles The Monk’s Tale. In this story, a host demands a merry tale from a monk, who instead narrates several tragedies dealing with how fortune plays a role in the life of a man. The Monk is sure to catalogue the changeability of fortune and the role it has in life using a series of tales about individuals such as Adam, Lucifer, Samson, Hercules, Nero, and others. A common factor for all these individuals is that they initially had favor on their side until fortunes changed and their stories ended in tragedy. In his definition, the Monk offers a detailed description of a tragedy as story regarding an individual in high degree with great prosperity who falls into misery and ends up wretched. In the story of Samson, the Monk advises men to refrain from blindly trusting prosperity and always remember that fortunes change in an instant.

Summary of Samson’s Story from The Monk’s Tale

Samson, the mighty warrior who could rip a huge beast apart with his bare hands, is the subject of the Monk’s next tale. Samson is presented as a strong warrior, one with extraordinary strength. He is said to have been so strong that he could fend off an entire army with a only one finger. This ability was God-given, with the condition that he could not cut his hair. He was able to meet this condition for a majority of his life, garnering success as a mighty warrior. Everyone was awed by his incredible strength making him a respectable member of the society. This was until he fell in love with Delilah, a spy. Samson’s story is developed further, with the author describing how he fell from grace after confessing his secret to his wife, who then betrayed him to his enemies and took up with another man. In one night, Samson slew a thousand men with a jawbone from a donkey and then prayed to God to quench his hunger. The tooth of the jawbone sprouted a well, and the well grew. Without telling Delilah, he would have been able to conquer the world if he had not revealed to her that his strength came from his refusal to cut his hair. As a result of Samson’s lack of strength, his enemies were able to cut out his eyes and imprison him. His detractors subjected him to abuse and ridicule. He was invited to a temple banquet where he was tasked with performing a series of impressive feats. He destroyed two pillars in the temple where Samson was imprisoned, killing himself and everyone else in the temple as a result of the destruction. Despite his success in killing his enemies, Samson lost his own life, his success, and his own ability as a warrior. He fell from grace as fortunes turned against him. He was not only deprived of his strength but also his ability to see and function as a man. His ego was bruised repeatedly and was used as a form of entertainment for his enemies. His story is purely that of a tragedy, beginning on a significant high when he was fighting off armies alone to being a blind prisoner eating only when his masters pleased. His story is a depiction of how a man should be too trusting because the events of the future rely on present actions. The Monk concludes by emphasizing that the tragedy serves as a warning to husbands/men to avoid confiding life-threatening secrets to their wives.

Analysis of Related Themes in Samson’s Story

Powerful People Fall

The Monk’s story has an obvious moral that fortune takeovers the mighty and powerful. Samson comes to his dejected and tragic end because of a woman, essentially it can mean because of trusting the wrong person. This highlights the first theme, that anyone can fall from a mighty and high place to the worst conditions. The majority of people have experienced total ruin and various losses at some point in their lives. The term “everything” means something different to different people; it is completely subjective. It could mean one’s career, material possessions, relationships. health, or wealth, as well as personal reputation, among other things. In the Monk’s story about Samson, the description reveals how he lost all of these elements. He lost his career, material possessions, relationships. health, or wealth, as well as personal reputation. While it is common for people to rise and fall in a short period of time, Samson’s rise and fall story was too tragic for human comprehension. His choices led to actions that brought about his fall. He forgot that even the strongest would fall at some point for various reasons. His strength made him oblivious to the point that even weak people have strong brains that could lead to an individual’s downfall. For example, Delilah would have been no match for the mighty Samson, yet she was able to single-handedly weaken him by getting him to trust him. Samson’s fell from being a mighty and fearful warrior to an amusement for his captors, locked in a cage for years to be humiliated and reminded daily that he was nothing. Despite being a soldier and a fighter with extraordinary strength, he could not prevent his own downfall. He rapidly fell from his high societal position to that of the lowest members of the community.

Trust and Relationships

The story also reveals another theme that trust often comes at an extremely high cost, usually in the form of betrayal. Stories involving significant triumph or tragedy have always included elements of trust and relationships. In some cases, spies have renounced their nations for the sake of a foreign philosophy, or even for the sake of money and other personal reasons. The Monk uses the story of Samson to encourage people to be wary of strangers who ask for personal information. Warnings are all over the internet and in print these days about con artists who call or knock on a person’s door asking for personal information in exchange for plans or programs that may be of use to their target audience. Most people only realize that they have been conned when it is too late and there is already remarkable losses in different parts of life. The Monk uses Samson to show how trust in relationships can lead to immense individual losses. Trusting the wrong person is such a huge life mistake that the consequences are dire. For Samson, trusting a foreign spy with personal information regarding his strength led to loss of strength, end of their relationship, loss of his personal reputation and status in the society, loss of personal possessions, and a loss of his career as a leader in the community. By completely trusting his newly wedded wife, he confided in her regarding the source of his extraordinary help. He was betrayed as others learnt of the same secret. Trust and betrayal are dominant themes in the Monk’s Tale as he emphasizes the need to understand that fortunes change and favor turns, bringing with it negative outcomes, especially for people who are too trusting. The Monk advises men to refrain from blindly trusting prosperity, in this case the prosperity of a god relationship.

Rhyme Scheme and Meter

In the Monk’s Tale, the metrical form is very complex following an 8-line stanza that has a ABABBCBC rhyme scheme. The metrical form also has an existing syntactical connection between the 4th and 5th lines, that serves the role of bridging the stanza to avoid breaking it into two. The metrical style used in the Monk’s Tale provides a spacious and elevated tone, despite the use of simple as well as direct language except in the points where conclusions about Fortune or God are made where vocabularies are heavier. The rhythm used is very consistent all through the story. By repeating the “b” line quite often, Chaucer brings the entire story together. The following quote shows this relationship:

“MONK there was, one of the finest sort,

An outrider; hunting was his sport;

A manly man, to be an abbot able.

Very many excellent horses had he in stable” – Geoffrey Chaucer

However, the story gains a drowning effect due to the repetitive rhythm and meter used. A possible result of the drowning effect is the excessive repetition of a tragic ending for the main characters, leading to the listener (Host) cutting the Monk short and demanding merrier tales to break the monotony.

Conclusion

To sum up, the story of Samson as told by the Monk in the Monk’s Tale is a friendly reminder on the aforementioned themes. It retells of the consequences of blind trust and the need to always remember that no matter how high one climbs, there is always a chance of falling. Samson’s rise to glory comes with his huge tumble and losses leading to his own death amidst misery and frustrations. In this discussion, the story and how it is told come together to show how the Monk’s Tale is effective as an English tool.

Works Cited

Chaucer, Geoffrey. The canterbury tales. Broadview Press, 2012.

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A Review of the Rocky Horror Show

The Rocky horror show first premièred four decades ago, however, it remains a cultural, cult classic and freak show amongst its audiences to date. It mainly concerns the adventures that Janet Weiss and Barry Bostwick undergo in an extraordinary mansion. They happened to come across this particular mansion on a rainy night when their car stalled. Their car broke down in the woods just after they had confessed their love to each other in a vivid song. Upon pondering on what to do next, they sought refuge in a touring bastion near the road. A ghastly battler christened Riff Raff greeted them at the door. He introduces the couple to a group of partygoers that were dressed in attires that seemed to stem from a kind of interplanetary thrift shop (Borntreger Web).

Most of the people in the touring castle were dressed up in lingerie. They included Dr, Frank Furter, a crazy scientist that claimed to be from a different planet. Frank revealed his most recent creation; a figure enclosed in gauze and inundated in a tank as his assistants Magenta and Columbia obseved. With extra colored eyes and backing from the weather, he brought to life a light-colored young beef cake who was wearing skimpy shorts. In his first few seconds in life, the lad bursts into a song. When Janet and Frank thought that the strange part of the entire ordeal was over, a Biker explodes on the scene to repossess his ex girlfriend Columbia (Borntreger Web).

As soon as Frank kills the Biker, it becomes apparent that Janet and Brad would be his guest for this particular night. It is also feasible that they could be next on his list; however, it is not certain to them whether this would be for carnal delights or murder. An interesting style makes up this film. Janet Weiss is exposed to a very different perspective on sexuality in Frank’s castle. At the dismay of Frank, she gets infatuated by Rocky Horror. Even though she was not comfortable when she first entered Frank’s castle, she starts feeling much at home as the night progresses. Dr. Everest Scott, who formerly taught Janet and Brad, is a rival scientist who had been investigating Dr. Frank for some time. He coincidentally picked this very night to act, a decision that endangered Brad and Janet’s lives (Borntreger Web).

Magenta and Riff Raff terrorize Peter Hinwood, who plays a creation of Rocky Horror at the onset of the film. Janet tempts him while Frank comes after him with sexual intentions. Rocky who is totally confused in this entire ordeal just wants to flee far away from it. The audiences love this creation of the 70s and are particularly attached to the casts Halloween costumes. The fact that they are allowed to participate in the movie makes it even more amazing for them. In the extended pauses that appear between dialogues, the audiences are used to yelling back lines to the screen. The phenomenon in which audiences participate in the film has been witnessed since 1975. People get dressed up in the casts’ costumes and even act out the movie. They also throw up props at various instances in the course of the film. They do this because they realize that Rocky Horror is not essentially a horror film, rather it is a mix up of rock musical setting with old science fiction and some horror films (Borntreger Web).

Works Cited

Borntreger Andrew. The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Houtsnede Maatschapji. (2005). Web.

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Introduction

E-business is the most recent trend in business, and most organizations have been forced to take their businesses online so as to increase their market share, as well as, the sale of their goods and services (Hall and Rosenberg 5). With e-business, organizations are forced to undergo various changes with regards to marketing of their products online. Because e-business has forced companies to eliminate direct contact with customers, organizations have to device new ways of reaching out to their customers. Essentially, business organizations have adopted social media as a marketing tool and strategy for the promotion of sales and increasing income for the business organization (Anderson 2).

Proposed Research Topic

This paper proposes a situational analysis of the application of social media as a business strategy for firms and organizations. Social media has been credited with surpassing traditional marketing strategies, hence making it the best business strategy for organizations. Accordingly, this study is aimed at investigating the significance of applying social media as a business strategy, specifically for small businesses an firms.

Purpose and Objectives

The overall goal of this study is to examine the application of social media as a business strategy in organizations and firms. However, this goal has been broken down into the following sub-objectives

To examine how social media improves customer relationship management.

To investigate how social media encourages demand of products and services.

To examine how social media allows the monitoring of competitor activities.

To identify the various ways in which social media can be used for the creation of a strong brand.

Background

Since the introduction of social media in the business industry, business organizations have been forced to consider the possibility of taking it up as a business strategy for their organizations. Companies that have been able to, successfully, implement social media as a business strategy have testified to the improvement of business operations hence profitability. However, the actual success of applying social media as a business strategy has been the center of debate in both academic circles and the business environment. Researchers cannot determine whether social media is responsible for company success on its own, or it is the combination of social media with other business strategies. This research study is, therefore, aimed at finding out the degree to which social media can ensure organizational success and competitive advantage in their respective business environment.

Significance

Examining the application of social media as a business strategy in the organization will assist small businesses in comprehending the importance of social media for their businesses. Specifically, this study will assist business organizations in discovering the various ways through which they can link their customer relationship management strategies to the organization’s marketing strategies. Businesses will also gain awareness on how to use social media to stimulate demand, as well as, monitor competitor activities for the benefit of organizations. Conclusively, this study is significant because it will encourage awareness on how social media can be used to build brands.

Research Description

Various types of research will be conducted to complete the research study. Research studies to be carried out will include both qualitative and quantitative research studies on the application of social media as a business strategy. Specifically, the research carried out will incorporate internet research, library research, interviews, as well as, industry surveys. These research studies will help readers understand the degree to which social media has been utilized in the industry, as well as, the implications of its application to business organizations.

Methodology

Five organizations that have successfully applied social media as their business strategy will be selected for this study. Another five organizations that have not taken up social media in their business strategies will also be identified to provide a comparison of the impact of social media to the organizations. A situational analysis of the application of social media in these organizations with, therefore, be carried out to determine the degree of application and lack of application of social media as a business strategy for the organizations. This analysis will be carried out though observation, as well as, interviews with the members of staff in the chosen organizations. In addition to organizational interviews, a survey will be carried out on a randomly selected sample population, to identify their thoughts and perceptions regarding social media.

Limitations

Because social media cannot be applied as a business strategy on its own, the study will be unable to differentiate the successful impacts of social media, as opposed to, other business strategies. Additionally, the time period for the research may not be sufficient enough to determine the overall impacts of the application of social media to the organization. For that reason, the study will be forced to rely on information from employees in the organization, which may be biased and untrue. Conclusively, because the teams involved with the research study will be outsiders to the organization, organizations may not reveal all the information regarding the application of social media as a strategy for fear of competition.

Work Cited

Anderson, Eric. Social Media Marketing: Game Theory and the Emergence of Collaboration.

New York: Springer, 2010.

Hall, Starr and Rosenberg, Chadd. Get Connected: The Social Networking Toolkit for Business.

New York: Entrepreneur Press, 2009. Print.

Kaplan, Andreas M. and Haenlein, Michael. Users of the World, Unite! The Challenges and

Opportunities of Social Media. Business Horizons 53.1 (2010): 59–68.

Pickren, Marc. “Social Media Marketing vs Traditional Marketing”. Marc 2 Market, 22 February

2010. Web. 16 November 2011.

Qualman, Erik. Socialnomics: How Social Media Transforms the Way We Live and Do Business.

New York: John Wiley and Sons, 2010. Print.

A REVIEW ON LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE US’S CURRENT DIPLOMATIC RELATIONSHIP WITH IRAQ FROM 2003

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Table of Content

Abstract……………………………………………………………………..3

Chapter I: introduction………………………………………………………4

Background…………………………………………………………………4

Statement of the Problem……………………………………………………5

Chapter II: Literature Review………………………………………………7

Chapter III: Research Methodology………………………………………..15

Research Design……………………………………………………………15

Data Collection……………………………………………………………..17

Reporting……………………………………………………………………18

Data Management and Ethical Consideration……………………..………18

Reliability and Validity of the data analysis Instruments………….…….….18

Chapter Summary…………………………………………………………..19

Chapter IV: Research Findings and Analysis………………………………20

Conclusion………………………………………………………………….27

References………………………………………………………………….28

Abstract

The relationship between Iraq and the United States serves as a lesson on different diplomatic ideas and the underlying socio-economic and political ideologies. Various scholars have in the past shed light on the sociological aspects of the existing relationship after the decade long invasion and occupancy of Iraq by United States. Theoretical concepts of international relations will be explored to unveil the true picture of U.S – Iraq interaction aftermath. In the interest of researchers, academia and political science, it is imperative that this case is given critical assessment. This issue presents an avenue of intellectual discourse concerning the diverse disciplines that discuss international relations. In view of the social structure, economic policies and political strategies, this debate covers substantial research ideas that are important to ascertain the validity and credibility of existing knowledge.

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

Background

The United States’ stay in Iraq has been on the global spotlight for over a decade. The question that scholars keep asking is the consequences this has on their relations. According to Lake, apart from Iraq, United States interest in the Middle East has raised eyebrows leading to in-depth research on various dimensions (2009:19-20). The Geopolitics of Middle East has been a significant contributor to its overall influence in the global economy. However, its socio-economic policies and political system has been the subject of discussion. Iraq wields a lot of power in the region, and its political ideologies were being seen as a threat by the west. It is not a matter of retelling the chronology of the United States’ invasion of Iraq, but the impacts this has on the global socio-economic and political position America occupy. According to Christol, diverse acts of atrocities under the guise of setting the new global order of democracy was met with mixed reactions by Middle East countries and Iraq in particular (2004: 47-9). In this research, it is paramount to note that the raging debate on the theoretical concepts surrounding diplomatic relations is the center stage for international peace agreements.

According to Tate, the traditional mentality that international relations were limited to particular disciplines is ruled out (2010: 128-9). This explains the need to break away from the confines of philosophy, sociology and economics as the only relevant disciplines exploring diplomatic ties. International relations theories should equally not be misconstrued as solely for academia. This means it should be given much attention as it plays a critical role in mutual understandings in, cross boundary relationships especially in this wake of open economies. The current relationship between United States and Iraq offers a lot of lessons on the feasibility of tested theories concerning international relations. It reflects the complex international interactions that are characterized by divergent socio-economic and political ideologies. Kenneth N. Waltz is one of the scholars who assert the fact that diplomatic history has been marred with elitist decision making.

Statement of the Problem

Waltz roots for empirical testability of the existing knowledge and on falsifications as a methodological ideal, which, as he admits, can have only a limited application in international relations. The case of US attack on Saddam Hussein and subsequent changes in approaches of managing Iraq indicates two sides of international relations theories. These include realism and idealism key in defining the relations among states and U.S – Iraq in particular. A realist theory can be seen as a tradition of speculation about the society or states. However, Ikenberry, et al. claims that in international relations the realist theory is based on emphasizing the constraints imposed on politics by the nature of human beings (2009: 93-4). The realists belief that national self-interest mandate nations to constantly demand power for the purpose of security and existence.

Hans Morgenthau is of the opinion that power is the undisputable feature which determines states policy on both foreign and domestic policies. The realist theory is also known as the power or traditional theory which is centered on power politics. It is concerned with an explanation of what happened, how it happened which is used to predict the trend of what to happen in the future. The lessons observable from the case of the U.S – Iraq relationship triggers further research into the theories that must be discussed to boost the increasing need for an International Corporation.

According to Brennan, United States wield political and economic power and therefore play a central role in making decisions on global issues (2013: 139-40). The capitalism ideology has seen the America make several attempts sink the communism, and this was the disguised intention of America. Military intervention by the U.S in most of its operation in the Middle East has significantly tainted its image in the international platform. Fingers point at neoconservatives who were well connected as the key architects behind the Iraq war. In regard to Guney, there was a political motive behind the lobbying with economic strategies (2007: 64-7). It is worth to note the involvement of many U.S presidents during their long stay of U.S military operatives in Iraq. The intertwining realism versus idealism approach dictates the perception of various people towards the U.S on how they handled Iraq.

CHAPTER II: LITERATURE REVIEW

In respect of all facts towards the US relationship with Iraq, a lot of historical statistics can be established. Considering the deteriorating power of the U.S in 1972 as it was losing the battle to the Vietnam, the same may hold for the case of Iraq. The ensuing scenario compelled President Richard Nixon to create an entente which was meant to deal with Soviet Union using China. Although this approach worked, concerns were raised over U.S alliance with such a genocidal Chinese government. In the words of Ryan & Kiely, this case is an equivalence of the U.S strategy of using neighbouring countries to Iraq like Iran to manage it (2009:351-2). This was a case of idealism approach that actually cost the U.S as the global view of the unfolding event was that of using military power to prove a point. All the above cases presented a dilemma to the United States. The attempt to reconcile morals with ideals was difficult. Political scientists noted that it was prudent for U.S to form an alliance with China, Russia or Britain, but this was likely to taint d’etre raison for the administration of U.S. The other side of the argument fronted for moral regime would only be available when the regime itself was existing. This event exposed the diverse strategies of the U.S to defend its socio-economic and political position in the world against the rising influence of Nazi and the existing Soviet Union. The case of Saddam’s increasing influence in the 1990’s, in the Middle East had begun to shake U.S in a similar way, and this must have been initiated sensitivity towards Iraq.

Another school of thought refers to United States past records in international relations like in the case of Soviet Union, Britain and china. It is apparent that US had to manage Iraq with allied support of some countries in the Middle East. The ironical twist over this incident was that such allied states are always morally incongruent with U.S. This is the underlying truth in the case of Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in boosting operation of U.S. against the AL Qaeda. On this basis, Iraqi problem was seen as normal and justified. Critical evaluation of the arguments registered by various entities to this effect leaves one clear indication that Iraq invasion by United States was valid. Feldman believes that there was an extension of the discussion that Middle East democracy would only be achieved through the United States approach (2003: 41-4). The finite nature of American power necessitated the support by other countries in its attempt to eliminate Jihadists. This is a supportive idea to the fact that foreign engagement in some cases depending on the circumstance may require back up by other states. The Muslim Radicals in Iraq were many and neighbouring states input is required in terms of military training ground, strategic planning and intelligence services.

One lesson that was learnt from this incident is United States’ inability to overthrow regimes while at the same time courting alliance. Idealism approach assertion that a country cannot continue its moral policies while pursuing economic and physical security is trivial. In some circumstances, security demands power which is always entangled in corruption. Besides, seeking justice without sufficient force may turn tables against the country. All these facts indicate that American must just have its military force in its fingertips and use it when situations arise. In this respect, U.S involvement in the Middle East was likely to be interrupted with poor democracy in Iraq hence its use of military force. After all, in the socio-political history, there are claims that sometimes war can come to an individual even without igniting it. The situation of America in Iraq exposed it to two mandatory moral losses i.e. annihilation or an opportunistic corruption.

Meernik asserts that the political leadership does not offer the luxury of thinking about fair decision making (2004: 120-3). Even not taking action is considered a decision in the political sense. A critical assessment of the respective regimes of George Washington, Franklin Roosevelt, and Richard Nixon to Barrack Obama only explores one doctrine. Long term goals are the best for sustainable political principle otherwise short term is coupled with a lot of compromises. United States has been a leading campaigner for capitalism and past wars like with Vietnam was pursued to this effect. Such have been its strategic plan of imposing new world order and suspected threat is to be smashed by dialogue or war. It is, therefore, no strange that Iraq was headed the wrong way hence its collision with U.S. Some historians point out that if idealism approach had been used by United States, Adolf Hitler would have triumphed in World War II. It is, therefore, critical for the U.S government to understand that seeking democracy beyond its political resources and military endowment, threatens strength of democracy. This idea complimented with the observed relationship existing between US and Iraq reveals that, in some circumstances, national interest’s defense justifies individual interest’s protection.

The moral argument in respect of United States involvement in the war with Iraq, in a show of fighting for democracy stands out excellent. There is a good moral rationale against U.S setting up a military base in Saudi Arabia and provoking the Al Qaeda. According to McCormick, one reality that United States has to contend with is that it has many enemies against few allied forces that it can use to pursue its will in the Middle East (2010: 102-5). Just like the case of the cold war and World War II, moral policies must be preceded by splitting and crashing the enemy. In respect to Middle East, United States had to use divide and rule strategy to strengthen its presence in the region against the opposition of Saddam Hussein and Al Qaeda militia. This was evident with Bush’s pragmatic approach in Iraq. Martin puts it that the realism theory of politics resurfaces equally in the debate of U.S – Iraq relationship (2003:51-3). This concept disposes morality as it can compromise the security of the country. It is common knowledge that United States attack of Iraq was not authorized by United Nations for obvious reasons. While UN relies on proving guilt, U.S move indicated that they were investigating innocence on matters of nuclear weapons. However, from the perspective of Americans, pursuing moral discourse would disadvantage their interest of gaining influence in the Middle East hence compromise their long term economic and political schemes. The pretense of invading Iraq in search for weapons of mass destruction was not approved by the UN Security Council. The realists argue that the foreign policy understates the significance of morality. In this respect, America pursued its individual interest in Iraq through military intervention in a show of absolute power thereby evoking rebellion from most of the Arab states like Iran and other Muslim radical entities like al Qaeda. Realists champion for strong military power as a platform for international political deals. America had tried this in Vietnam and Iraq with less care about the feeling of other countries. Crusade for capitalism has been its priority and cannot be interrupted by any force lest they issue military reinforcement. This means heavy spending on the military by citizens’ tax. The recent withdrawal of U.S military personnel from Iraq by Obama has nothing to show in terms of gain to American citizens since their invasion.

United States applied different strategies to tame Iraq and restore what they termed as political sanity. This means that, in some instances, mixed policies were employed. In that respect, President Bush was seen as beginning to pursue realism and liberalism. In this case, multilateral ties with other countries make it difficult to wage war in a foreign land in an attempt to solve a problem. With the increasing international pressure from the allies of U.S particularly the Middle East countries in regard to how it was handling Iraq, it had to bring in liberalism approach. As Amstutz explains, the Middle East holds a significant position in the global trade but their strong geopolitical unity and congruent religious doctrines had begun to threaten U.S actions in Iraq (2013: 87-9). To minimize on any potential loss of track on its mission in Middle East and keep its diplomatic ties intact, it masterminded evicting Saddam Hussein from power and planned a democratic process of coming up with a new president. This is an approach of the complex independence which required America to push for internal acceptance by the Iraqi citizens. To achieve this, they installed a president who would consent to most of their policies while lobbying for peace in the public. International relations proved indispensable to the U.S, and this culminated to the commencement of withdrawing troops. The United States had substantial trade and socio-political policy disagreements with some of its Middle East allies like Israel, but was not easy to use military intervention to bring a solution. In such scenarios, United States used economic incentives to press for their interests.

Past political records identify President Clinton as the only leader who effectively blended realism with idealism in the process of promoting human rights. Brutal actions of United States in Iraq were carried out at the height of Bush leadership. He was a strict idealist who inadvertently ignored the public talk against U.S invasion of Iraq. It did not matter to him what the outcome would be provided the mission was focused on meeting the demands of America. A lot of corruption, deceit and propaganda misinformed the actions of Bush and he completely considered Saddam Hussein a tyrant who needed elimination. The picture painted all over in the entire military operation including the capture and execution of Saddam Hussein is an explicit show of absolute idealism. There is a tricky policy yoke in which Obama found himself. In view of Kaufman, the progressive withdrawal of U.S troops from Iraqi has placed his presidency under some question mark (2013: 123-4). The ongoing policy reforms in Iraqi portray him as a realist, but there is an information gap here since these are mere implementation of Bush’s plans. While Obama was campaigning in 2004 for the presidency, the issue of Iraq was coming out more prominently, and that tag has always remained controversial in the wake of his recent past foreign policies. The eminent lose that United States had begun to foresee made the congress push for withdrawal from Iraq. From 2003 United States had begun to apply diplomacy in handling the Iraqi situation.

There are many effects that U.S invasion of Iraq has caused within the tenets of its socio-economic and political landscape. There has been internal rebellion against western policies by a section of Muslim radicals that has made Iraqi a place of frequent bombing. Initially, a Muslim dominated country; there has been a gradual shift in socio-cultural behaviour which U.S wanted to use as a medium of infiltrating the society (Fernández, & Smith, 2005: 123). A lot of reported U.S led atrocities caused emotional pain to many citizens especially during 2003. The pursuit of Saddam Hussein and subsequent execution was coupled with mass infrastructural destruction, and this significantly affected the economic progress of Iraq. It is worth to note that Iraq owns a significant proportion of OPEC supply share, but this was affected by the explosion of many oil fields over the 1991 gulf war period ignited by the United States. It is worth noting that misrepresentation of facts by media and the underlying realities all worked against the United State in respect to their foreign ties with Arab League Nations (Rabasa, 2004: 156). Mass destruction meted on Iraqi people was considered to create more instability as Iraqi was forced to retaliate against U.S sympathizers like Kuwait (Ikenberry, & Moon, 2008: 89-90). Iraqi was seen as the epicenter of Muslim extremists’ groups like Al Qaeda, which has put the citizens under perennial fear of explosives. On the political front, destruction of Saddam attracted mixed feelings of the Iraqi people but the majority had a taste of a democratic election.

Multi-dimensional analysis of post invasion in Iraqi put the USA at the losing end. This perceived failure by United States significantly affected its standing in the UN council. Its unauthorized invasion of the Iraqi raised the question on its voting rights within the UN. The Security Council had to lobby for adoption of more friendly foreign policies in respect to the United States dwindling relationship with Iraq. The new turn of events from 2003 exposed the vulnerability of U.S if it was to continue with its brutal attack on Iraq. In this regard, a more favourable international relations approach that would conform to the growing pressure of globalization was proposed (Mccormick, 2010: 187). The theory of complex interdependency requires a more diplomatic approach towards international disagreements. United States presence in Iraq was slowly increasing the tension in Middle East, and this even sucked in other influential states in the region like Iran (Lebow, 2008: 56). It was out of this growing multilateral trade ties that forced United State to begin a journey into diplomacy. This theory is referred to as liberalism and comes between traditional idealism and realism.

Outright declaration of war without UN Security Council was becoming more challenging to the U.S, and this prompted Obama administration to start pulling out troops as a way of showing commitment towards new international policies. Although the complex link between realism and idealism political ideologies has not been exhausted, liberalism came in handy for the U.S as a potential power broker in this era of globalization.

CHAPTER III: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Introduction

This chapter outlines the research design which offers an explanation into what type of research this study is. It also defines the population of the study and the particular sampling technique used. The process of data collection is carefully detailed, and the method of data analysis explained. As Maoz points, the event that has taken place in Iraq is recorded in various items that include publications and other sources (2004:57-8). The mode of data search and analysis in this definitely constituted critical assessment of the past records. In the opinion of Harvey, the print and electronic media has been at the forefront of covering a series of activities that took place in Iraqi, and they have been a consistent supplier of relevant information although thorough verification is important in this case (2012:67-9). In the words of Blight, political analysts give opinion on the observed behavior of the general majority and therefore most of the journals featuring in newspapers and magazines are a fertile ground for quality evidence in support of the underlying facts of the subject matter (2012:70-2).

Research Design

Research design is considered as a “blueprint” for research, dealing with at least four problems: which questions to study, which data are relevant, what data to collect, and how to analyze the results. In this case, several organizations and secondary data collection approach would be appropriate. According to White, the best design depends on the research question as well as the orientation of the researcher (2010:77-8). The study will adopt descriptive survey as a method of collecting information by using a standardized form of interview schedule and administering a questionnaire to a sample of individuals and institutions. In the opinion of Lake, this method is most appropriate for the analytical study of the existing relationship of the United States and Iraq from different perspectives (2009:57-8). Both the secondary and primary data will be used in the analysis. As Maxwell puts it, Partial quantitative data included the graphical representation of the economic trends through the period of Invasion which sets avenue for analytical search of relevant facts (2005:81-2). Thompson claims that the United States was seen as having applied the three theories of international relations across the decade, and this must have resulted to different economic growth and development trend in Iraq (2009:12-5). The current reconstruction in progress is seen to be facing various intrinsic challenges and hence need for comparative analysis of the past development records and present. According to Thompson, Lange, & Peltason, the design is also suitable because it gives an in-depth description of the phenomena in their existing setting (2010:58-9). Descriptive survey is also preferred because it is economical in collecting data from over a large sample with high data turn over.

The study will use both qualitative and quantitative approaches since the research will need to survey Iraqi and American Scholars, expectation and citizens’ understanding in using the prevailing international relationship between the two countries. As asserted by Laurel, this will be an appropriate variable in collecting and summarizing data that will be used in analyzing the researchers, political leaders, economic analysts and the civilian community’s expectations and understanding in the theories applicable in United States attach in Iraq (2003:67-8). According to Thompson, this research strategy has been considered necessary because of its ability to view comprehensively and in detail the major questions raised in the discussion (2009:87-8). The proposed research will be divided into 2 stages. The first stage will mainly focus on inspecting existing sources to uncover usage figures any information that will be useful during the study. The second stage will include qualitative research to provide in-depth information regarding theoretical view and expectation of the society. In the agreement with Maoz, the recent emergence of globalization is attached to the liberalism theory of international relationships (2004:72-4). It is, therefore, important to note that the various schools of thoughts are represented by different scholars and are derived from their level of efficiency learnt from past experiences.

Data Collection

This is a qualitative research that focuses on the relationship between United States and Iraq. It is, therefore, important to note that much attention will be accorded the secondary data. As Harvey puts it, critical information can be attained through extensive literature review of past information (2012:64-8). In most cases, the cost against time factor is taken into consideration when settling on a particular source of data. Qualitative data may not take much time in analysis but requires extensive verification for the validity, reliability and relevance. According to Blight, the subject under study is a mixture of history, politics economics and sociology and therefore needs diverse sources that would be brought together (2012:74-5). Parts of the study were analyzed through a well-structured questionnaire that was assigned to top socio-economic and political opinion leaders. White says that this includes United Nations agencies particularly the Security Council as the topic under consideration requires the input of its administrative perspectives (2010:79).

Reporting

Following the qualitative and qualitative nature of the proposed study, an interim presentation-report was reported. This was be followed by a meeting with the sponsors of the research to discuss the next of the research. An outline PowerPoint presentation was created for the interim presentation. Once the sponsors had given the go ahead, there was a formal presentation of the entire findings, together will the conclusions drawn. Two copies of the research summarizing the results of all phases of the research were then submitted to the necessary stakeholders.

Data Management and Ethical Consideration

The collected data is largely qualitative and therefore a descriptive analysis various journals, books and other secondary data from the historic archives was used. Besides, Microsoft management systems e.g. excel and access could not be significant in managing and controlling qualitative research outcomes.

Reliability and Validity of the data analysis Instruments

The information attained from past records was tested for reliability, and it emerges that the scholars or authors have deep academic background with long standing experience thereby boosting the verification of the issued information.

Chapter Summary

The chapter has largely outlined the research design; the survey method was selected because the study focuses more than one case in the population. The population was divided into strata from which the sample size was selected. The chapter then proceeded to outline the procedure for data collection and outlined the process for data analysis.

CHAPTER IV: RESEARCH FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS

Evaluation, analysis and interpretation of this topics finding needs clear cut definition of qualitative and quantitative research. It is important to note that the sources of data for this subject are primarily secondary and more of quantitative. It is, therefore, imperative that the emphasis is put on relating the learnt internal relations theories with the practical implication on the relationship between United States and Iraq. In view of Kaufman, there are several findings that can be discussed in the US invasion of Iraq, its consequences with particular focus on their relationship (2013: 125-7). Initially, Iraq was seen as the center stage of streamlining Middle East by the Western powers as it was very strong and influential in the region. The aftermath of the decade long presence of United States in Iraq has severely weakened it, and its political voice in the region is virtually missing. All these are attributed to the United States efforts to use Iraq in propagating its agenda in the Middle East. The overthrowing and execution of Saddam Hussein was received by mixed reactions across the country and the Arab world at large. It can be noted that narratives of the past events in Iraq remained polarized since the socio-economic policies of US in Iraq significantly affected the Middle East. He internal socio-economic and political changes in Iraq have resonated in outside its borders due to many observed factors that include a shift in political mechanisms.

According to Cohen, the emergence of elected government in which political elites from the majority Shia was empowered coupled with the formal recognition of Kurdish regional autonomy and the widespread sectarian violence significantly contributed to instability in the region (2003: 67-9). These facts lead to a contested debate by the Iraqi scholars, researchers, and common citizens to hold divergent views concerning the United States foreign policy and its consequences in the world socio-economic and political order. Martin says it is evident from the research that United States shift of attention towards areas of emerging dynamics of change which includes Arab world uprisings experienced in Iran and Syria evoked Iraqis emotions on perceived negligence by the western policy makers (2003:56-8). Statistics still indicated that Iraq was United States bargaining point in the Middle East due to its geostrategic centrality within the region. Critical evaluation and analysis of the situation in Iraq was seen to be the indicator of predicted future of the entire Arab world. This meant that the United States initiated political crisis in Iraq was seen as a catalytic to the future socio-economic development challenges beyond the borders. The report on the Unites States relationship with Iraq brought out many perspectives of its socio-economic and political future since its inversion. This is closely discussed in relation to the different theories of international relations applicable in the scenario. It began with an overview of the political changes experienced since United States launched their operations in Iraq with much focus on political violence, economic conflicts and the campaign on nation-state coupled with a complex transition of political power from dictatorship to democratic outfit. The research findings related to the relationship between the two countries of diametrically opposite cultures emphasizes the implication of Iraq’s domestic politics, its foreign policies and subsequent relationship with Middle East and international powers. According to Feldman, this constitutes the impact of regime changes on the public understanding of democracy (2003:87-9). Other vari

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A Speech on the Effects of Excessive Consumption of Alcohol

“The Guest of Honor, invitees, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon? It is my humble submission today to share on one of the most contentious and extensively spoken issues in our society. Alcohol consumption is a subject with several impacts. The fact that alcohol consumption is widely discussed implies that it bears weight not only in our social-economic lives, but also in our daily practices of nation-building. Therefore, we need to find a way of moderating the effects of excessive consumption of alcohol.

To begin with, I will take you through the various effects of excessive alcohol consumption on your body and life. Alcohol is a drug which alters your physiologic ability to think, see things clearly and act accordingly. There are numerous health disorders associated with excessive alcohol consumption; the hazards are either short-term or chronic. The CDC has enumerated some of these effects in its websites (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1).

Among the short term health hazards associated with alcohol include unintentional injuries such as traffic injuries caused by impaired sight. A number of road accidents have been linked to excessive alcohol consumption. In 2006 alone, the National Highway Traffic Administration approximated 17, 941 deaths related to alcohol abuse and close to 275,000 injuries caused by collisions from alcohol use. These figures represent close to 40% of the total deaths in the USA (McGovern and White 86).

There is increased violence resulting from alcohol use. Most of these cases involve close family members or friends. According to CDC, alcohol is among the leading causes of child-mistreatment and neglect. About 35% of violence victims report that the abuses occur when the perpetrators are intoxicated. According to TAADAS, a woman is assaulted every 15 seconds in the USA, by a boyfriend, live-in partner or a husband. Women within the age bracket of 15-44 years are mostly vulnerable to domestic violence. While national statistics on violence are sourced from the FBI, or emergency reports, most women report violence cases to friends, churches, mosques or synagogues. Sexual assault is another form of violence ((TAADAS 1).

Excessive alcohol consumption in pregnant women can lead to abortion or fetal alcohol syndrome. CDC states that miscarriages and stillbirths are common happenings in pregnant women who consume excessive quantities of alcohol. Alcohol has the power to cross the placenta into the developing fetus. The fetus, therefore, develops a pattern of mental and physical deficiencies. In the USA and Europe, the prevalence rate for fetal alcohol syndrome is approximately 0.2-2 for every 1000 live births (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1).

The effects of excessive alcohol are quite many. Chronic alcohol use is even more fatal than short-term use. It results to the development of many chronic disorders, neurotoxicity, as well as social problems. Heavy drinking is implicated in decreased number of red blood cells that responsible for carrying oxygen around the body. This will in turn lead to anemia, which can aggravate a number of symptoms such as fatigue, lightheadedness, dyspnea (shortness of breath), et cetera (Dawson, Grant and Li 902-908).

Various researchers have linked heavy and consistent drinking to the development of cancer. Some of you may be surprised, but their rationale is very logical. When a person consumes alcohol, the body converts that alcohol to acetaldehyde, a potent carcinogenic molecule. Various cancer sites in the body have been linked to alcohol use. They include; the mouth, throat, colorectal region, breasts, and so on. The incidences of cancer are much greater in alcoholics who smoke than those who don’t.

Chronic alcohol use can lead to clumping of platelets, the blood cells implicated in blood clotting. Since platelets are found within blood vessels, when they clump, they form a blood clot. A blood clot within the heart vessels may cause heart disorders. The heart muscles can deteriorate causing a heart attack or any other fibrillating condition. If the clot happens in the brain vessels, the victim is likely to develop stroke.

The liver is mainly responsible for eliminating alcohol from the body. If there is consistent alcohol consumption, the liver may fail to eliminate the alcohol. In the process, it becomes scarred and eventually hardens. Liver cirrhosis, the hardening of the entire liver develops. A person with liver cirrhosis is unable to carry out any metabolic activity. A lot of toxic metabolites accumulate and death is inevitable. Alcohol use may also affect the gastrointestinal tract, aggravating a variety of disorders (Dawson, Grant and Li 902-908).

Alcohol is responsible for over 80,000 deaths yearly in the USA, according to CDC. This makes alcohol the third largest lifestyle related cause of mortality in the US. The cases of excessive consumption handled by physicians rose from 1.2 million in 2006, to the current figure of 2.7 million cases. Furthermore, CDC reported that, in 2006, the economic burden related to alcohol consumption was approximately $223.5 billion! (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1).

Ladies and gentlemen, with such whooping figures, we cannot just sit and watch the nation turn into a drinking den. Alcohol claims both lives and economic resources. We need to come out strongly and agitate against excessive alcohol consumption if we need to forge ahead as a nation. That responsibility lies with each one of us. Thank you for being patient and finding the time to listen to me.”

Works Cited

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). HYPERLINK “http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/DACH_ARDI/Default/Default.aspx” Alcohol-Related Disease Impact (ARDI).

Atlanta, GA: CDC. Retrieved from h HYPERLINK “ttp://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-u” ttp://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm on December 11, 2013

Dawson, DA, Grant, BF, and Li, TK. “Quantifying the Risks Associated with Exceeding

Recommended Drinking Limits.” Alcohol Clin Exp Res, 2005; Vol. 29: pp. 902-908.

McGovern, TF, & White, WL. Alcohol Problems in the United States: Twenty years of

Treatment Perspectives. Routledge, 2003.

Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug and Other Addiction Services (TAADAS). Domestic

Violence and Substance Abuse. Retrieved from HYPERLINK “http://www.taadas.org/factsheets/DVFacts.htm” http://www.taadas.org/factsheets/DVFacts.htm, on December 12, 2013.

The Statue of Augustus of Prima Porta

The Statue of Augustus of Prima Porta was found in 1863 in Rome in the suburb of Prima Porta. The figure measures 7 ft. (2.08 m) tall. The statue is made up of marble and adopts features from a Greek athletic statue from the fifth century B.C., the Doryphoros of Polykleitos.

The construction of the face renders a youthful emperor with a broad cranium and a narrow mouth, sharply ridged eyebrows, an aquiline nose, and a rounded mouth. The hairs are arranged in a comma shape, and the neck is broad and short. The cuirass is covered with figures which commemorate Augustus’ victory over the Parthians. The hand shows a domineering posture, emphasizing the image of Augustus as a powerful ruler of Rome.

The robe is an enhancement of Augustus’ sanctity and also an indication of the close connection to Caesar and the divine world. The Cupid and Dolphin emphasize Augustus’ claim to the divine lineage of the Julian family to Aeneas, the founder of Italy, and Venus. The dolphin refers to the birth of Venus, who emerged from the sea and also depicted Augustus’ naval victory. Finally, the pose of the statue represents bare legs, which is an illustration of the notion of Augustus’ divinity.

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The stereotype that Males are better Doctors than Females

Men are supposed to work while women have to do their homes and take care of the children. It is a cultural stereotype that still exists in the people’s minds up to today. The issue still exists regarding female doctors that they are inferior to their male counterparts who tend to overpower the medicine field. It is a threat to the society as it is a kind of gender inequality where people take it that males are doctors while females are supposed to be nurses and not more than that. It is assumed that women will spend fewer hours working and dedicate the rest to bringing up children and do other chores related to the entire family. The segregation goes to a further extent that inequality is perceived even when it comes to payment and job offers. In this discussion, the stereotype that exists in the society regarding males making better physicians than female is discussed to a profound extent in consideration of how the gender inequality ridicule women.

Who said that female could not do as better as men in the medical field? The old-school myths still exist in the modern society with some beliefs that feminine gender is slow in taking up and carrying out activities related to medicine. They are therefore discouraged to take the involving courses in the healthcare as well as specializing in fields such as Anesthesiologists and Cardiologists among other surgery sectors. It is disgusting that the stereotypes still exist up to the 21 century where patients do not respect doctors in their work just because they are women. Male dominance is there in the medical field as according to the statistics and research did, the most trending personnel in this particular career are the middle-aged men who are believed to offer the best services in the nation and worldwide (Francisco, page 720). It is not that females have not majored in healthcare, but the victimization they face and people’s mentality cannot grant them chances to appear in such a list. Some prominent female doctors have done great things and offer excellent services in their career, but the public diminishes them for the simple reason of portraying feminine characteristics.

Why do there exist differences between the male and female doctors up to today? It is clear evidence that the feminine prejudice is still there in the society and not about to end soon unless appropriate efforts are put in place to eliminate the discrimination. Does it mean that men physicians work many hours that their female counterparts? It is not true as in ordinary days the tradition believes that women have to be concerned about home affairs have been eradicated and they are seen working even late house to save the lives of their patients as well as sharpening their skills. People have to accept the natural role that feminine have to bear children and take the responsibility of breastfeeding and bringing up the tender children. It is right that they have to devote some time for the family and their children as well by living the place of work earlier than the male workmates who have their wives and other house helpers who attend the housework. However, this does not mean that women be degraded when it comes to salary as it does not only pull them back financially but also demoralize them which results in minimum dedication to their careers (Fassiotto et al. page 293).

It does not mean that women should pay less than males just because at any instance or another have to undertake a maternity leave hence end up working for few hours in that particular period. In fact, they should be appreciated for accepting the call of nature of bringing us into being and sacrificing all their time to bring us up as well as providing education which shapes one’s destiny. Where do men get time to stay with their children and family in general? All people regardless of the gender have social cognitive and sense of belonging as it is humane to devote time for the family as well as leisure (Philip, page 497). Furthermore, not all women that go for these maternity leaves or spend much of their time with the family. They dedicate all their efforts and time to the career as doctors who work for many hours during the day and night hence they are available to serve their clients at any time.

Female chauvinism should end as it does not only affect women doctors who are qualified and in the field but also the young people who are striving to major in medicine at the college and other lower education levels. Women are said to be slow in taking up the content related to medicine are well as putting the skills in practice which is not the reality. They end up being discouraged following a physician career as well as specializing in the multiple medicine sectors, and they end up being nurses who work under the doctors’ instructions or be there to assist the physicians (Carr et al. page 191). Speed and accuracy are personal traits that differ from one individual to another, and they are improved and efficient regarding the knowledge, practice as well as experience that one has. Indeed, some females are faster than men and can perfectly offer healthcare services better and faster than their male counterparts. Therefore, it is not justified to discriminate or put boundaries that are gender biased thus preventing young female perusing their potential career that will enable them to be more productive in the society.

According to the discussion above, it is evident that stereotypes that female are not better doctors than male still exist in the society today and it is a prejudice that ridicule women as they are capable of offering excellent services in the medical field. Change is unavoidable and must be accepted to enhance societal development where there are gender equality and freedom of specializing in an area that one desires and have the potentiality. In recent days, change has been seen in the historical context where many females are enrolled in medicine related schools nationwide than males. The government, as well as the public at the individual level, have to take the responsibility of empowering women doctors and encouraging many young females to venture into medicine related causes as they have the capability.

References

Carr, P. L., Gunn, C. M., Kaplan, S. A., Raj, A., & Freund, K. M. (2015). Inadequate progress for women in academic medicine: findings from the National Faculty Study. Journal of women’s health, 24(3), 190-199.

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jwh.2014.4848

Fassiotto, Magali, et al. “Women in academic medicine: measuring stereotype threat among junior faculty.” Journal of Women’s Health 25.3 (2016): 292-298.

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jwh.2015.5380Francisco Juan Jose Viola. International Brazilian Journal of Urology, 01 December 2014, Vol.40 (6), pp.719-721

http://discover.linccweb.org/primo_library/libweb/action/dlSearch.do?vid=FLCC2800&institution=FLCC2800&search_scope=FLCC2800&query=any,contains,medicine+stereotypes

Philip, Susan P. Social science & medicine (1982), August 1997, Vol.45 (3), pp.497-9

http://discover.linccweb.org/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?vl(freeText0)=+Medicine+&vl(351305893UI0)=sub&vl(479130667UI1)=all_items&vl(1UIStartWith0)=exact&fn=search&tab=default_tab&mode=Basic&vid=FLCC2800&scp.scps=scope%3a(FLCC2800 sfx)%2cscope%3a(FLCC2800)%2cscope%3a(FLCC0100)%2cscope%3a(oai_fcla_fof)%2cprimo_central_multiple_fe

A Risk Control Model For The Execution Of Construction In Public Housing Sector Projects In Trinidad And Tobago

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Introduction

Trinidad and Tobago is an archipelagic state that is located in south of Caribbean. The state is one of the developed nations when it comes to housing and infrastructure. Housing sector and mostly in the three mayor cities of Trinidad and Tobago do range from apartments that are luxurious. The buildings also have got waterfronts and build with high class ceramics. There are other buildings that lack indoor plumbing as well as enough access to motor vehicle parking’s. The housing development corporation of Trinidad and Tobago was in the past faced with procurement scandal that involved some malpractices in its rules, regulations and procedures on award of tenders. A commission of enquiry was formed to investigate all procurement practices in the housing and construction sectors whereby it gave its report recommending that, a procurement process in the construction sector should be fair and free. Integrity as well as transparency in the process should be properly ensured at very highest levels. Tender rules, procedures, regulations as well as processes of the successful contractor in all procurement practices related to construction contracts should be in compliance with the rules and regulations of the housing development corporation body of the Trinidad and Tobago and the same processes should be applied in other contracts with similar contracts. A model on risk analysis should be carried out effectively to control cost overruns as well as other economic trends that may arise in the future. Risk analysis model on utilization of costs and minimizing contractual claims in the housing sector should be strategically structured.

Literature review

Risk analysis model helps to curb any malpractices in the housing and construction sector. In the practices of procurement, it should be carried out efficiently to prevent any corrupt deals from interfering with the process of procurement practices. The model also helps in utilizing costs and minimizing economical trends as well as contractual claims and variations. If procurement of the materials of the public construction sector is interfered with corrupt dealings then there is possibility of illegal matters arising in future. Fraud in tendering can also be witnessed and this if discovered can lead cancellation of building contract that was on the process. Trinidad and Tobago was affected by the procurement scandal involving tenders in the public construction field. This led to formation of a commission of enquiry to investigate all malpractices that were involved in the process.

A clear stated policy on public procurement processes should be developed and those in authority maintain its efficiency in effectiveness to ensure that any malpractices that may bring illegal measures are prevented. A model of risks should be structured to prevent any misusage of funds and other costs. Risks should also be taken effectively after proper planning to ensure that all developments of infrastructure in Trinidad and Tobago succeed without any downfall. The impact of using prime costs on the nominated suppliers as well as contractors in public sector contracts should be controlled. There should be also control over all the prime cost sums and provisional sums at all sectors related to construction, housing projects as well as infrastructure in Trinidad and Tobago. An issue of uncompleted designs, poor administration and supervision, design variations and poor management of resources, costs as well as delivery of housing and building projects led to rise of contractual claims in the state of Trinidad and Tobago. The state should draw an effective administration and supervision model of the projects whereby all employees part of the contract will understand who to report to. This will make communication easier and everyone will be able to understand his or her own duties well. A strategy on the management of funds should be developed and be adhered to by all staff responsible for financial matters. Mismanagement of the project costs and poor delivery can result to malpractices in the process of the construction contracts and this later may lead to rise of contractual claims that can make the state using more other resources to defend itself over the legal case.

The state of Trinidad and Tobago should come up with a good consideration plan on the performance of the local contractors and construction consultant’s as well international contractors and consultants. Tendering of those contractors should be carried upon good performance. The consideration of quality work and low cost should be strictly ensured when the state is awarding the construction contracts. Awarding tender to a company that develops infrastructure of poor quality after completion of the project may also bring contractual claims in the future. A strategic model on local and international tendering should be clearly structured to prevent any contractual malpractices from interfering with the projects after completion. In 2009, the housing sector of the Trinidad and Tobago state was hit by a corruption scandal due to use of turnkey approach and which is commonly referred to as design build approach in delivering housing projects on the public sector. This approach was used with an intention of moving from traditional and old designs of tender approaches. There were claims of some malpractices been involved in the process of using the turnkey approach and which also led to rise of contractual claims and later was one of the main aspects that was been investigated by the commission of enquiry. The public sector on housing should consider using an approach of tendering that is suitable for the project concerned and all legal aspects and requirements on tendering should be considered by the industry employer and the client. The issue of cost overruns, work delays and workmanship that was so defective on construction projects also led to contractual claims in Trinidad and Tobago. Some contractors use workmanship in their projects and if the personnel are not well trained on the work they are carrying on, this can lead poor quality projects. The government of the state should have come up with a risk analysis model on control of the finances to control any cost overruns. It should also not take risks by awarding tenders to contractors who may not seem to come up with quality projects irrespective of their low costs. The state can also improve the public housing sector by developing risk analysis model that combats any existence of price gouging as well high profiteering. This, if ensured will control any rise of contractual claims from the public.

In the procurement process of the public construction projects, the state should ensure that the taxpayers get adequate value for money. Any housing project that may not lead to or add value of money to the public sector should be avoided since it can bring contractual claims in the future. A risk analysis model should be carried out to determine the costs that will be used in the construction project and compare it with the value of the project to the state as well as to the general public. The government of Trinidad and Tobago should also come up with a strategic risk analysis model on the control of the projects delivery and achievable standard of workmanship. The analysis should structure on how quality workmanship of the highest standard will be maintained and achieved as well as how projects will be delivered. This is to prevent any arising risks due to failure to deliver or poor workmanship.

The procurement process of the housing and construction sector should be exercised in an environment that is free from corruption and where fair competition is ensured to the satisfaction of all bodies involved. High integrity as well as transparency in the award of contract tenders should also be ensured because it helps to prevent contractual matters arising from other contracting bodies, the public or from any other body. The government of Trinidad and Tobago was affected by the project of clever heights development houses whereby some procurement malpractices were found between the housing development authority and the company called NH international limited.

The tender rules, procedures, regulations as well as processes of the successful contractor should be in compliance with the rules and regulations of the housing development corporation body of the Trinidad and Tobago and the same processes should be applied in other contracts with similar contracts. Variance that may exist between price that was negotiated and the actual price for the contract should be compared and if any malpractices which may contribute to such variances should be brought forward before the start of the project. Developing a risk analysis model that provides metrics for effective utilization of construction costs will help in implementation and improvement of various public housing projects as well as minimization of contractual claims and arising of variation changes that can affect housing projects in Trinidad and Tobago.

Conclusion

The state of Trinidad and Tobago is one of the wealthiest states on infrastructure. The housing and construction sector was hit by a procurement scandal after the housing development corporation awarded a tender to NH international company on the construction of 408 houses (clever heights development project) whereby some processes were found to be full of malpractices therefore leading to formation of enquiry for further investigation to the matter. The commission of enquiry also investigated other procurement practices pertaining to the public housing and construction sectors. Practicing fair competition in a procurement environment helps in utilizing the construction costs as well as minimizing contractual claims and variations that may arise in the future.

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Name

Course

Date

A Roman Slave Market

When anyone gets ownership of a human being so as to have the right to use the individual as he chooses, then that man is in an approved manner referred to as a slave. This statement presents a provocative glimpse into the world of Roman slave sale and the process of enslavement in the late third and early centuries. This case in point, put forward central questions of logistics, for example, where was the slave market at Rome, what did the market building look like, and what did the market process look like. Even more, the basic questions gaze at the slaves and how human beings familiarized themselves within a system that defined them as ‘human property’. In the strict meaning of slave origin in Rome, it is prudent to say that it is no different from that in any other place. Slaves could be inherited or presented as gifts. In order for the slave society to endure, legal definitions had to become social realities. Discussed herein are the views of people towards slave and slave trade.

Discussion

Free persons entered slavery through sale, an action that gave concrete expression of their definition as fungible chattel. Research on the Roman slave trade has identified places of slave sale, the self-representation of slave traders and their low, dishonored status within their communities, the architectural configuration of buildings identified with sale, the probable size of the slave population, or at least the recorded numbers of those enslaved (Phillips 70). The architectural configuration of buildings, however, cannot tell what the interaction of slave and buyer looked like, or how the audience at a slave sale reacted to the human merchandise, or how the slaves responded to his or her purchase or enslavement, or when and in what circumstances a free person began to acquiesce in his or her enslavement. Understanding the experience of the slave sale requires exploring not only what the slave society did to the slave but to what extent or conditions were the slaves sold.

Institutionally, a consideration of slave sales informs about the supply of slaves: They could also be victims of privacy, sold into slavery, or abandoned children found on q street corner, rescued and raised as slaves. Some were enslaved in punishment for certain crimes, others for debts they were unable to repay. The process of sale itself turned human beings into human property. Ultimately, the slave sale stage is central to the institution of chattel slavery: the slave is fungible, that is, exchangeable, replaceable, and suitable like cash. Marcus or of Lucius slaves were known as Marcipor and Lucipor (houseboy). They were sometimes born and raised in their masters’ households. But the enormous numbers of slaves in Rome and Italy since the 3rd century B.C. in ancient history mostly enslaved war prisoners. This was as a result of a series of successful campaigns starting with the Samnite Wars and the symbolic ending reaction at any rate. The Italian and Roman economies must have been suffering from a severe shortage of manpower; there is no other explanation for the absorption of thousands of slaves in towns and country alike. A central slave market was established on the Island of Delos (Joshel (63).

As regards the society’s view on slave trade and slavery, there is little approximation to a settlement of the question whether slavery is right or wrong. To most people in the society, there is a perfect propriety in carrying the appeal against slave and slave trade. The slave woman, for example, needs to know why she is sold and what her new master wants. She receives a generic exhortation to obedience and then a sexual innuendo, after which the scene of the immediate effects of slave trade develops not in terms of the young woman’s tears but in a series of jokes about sex Jones (Peter and Keith 76). Within this setting, female vulnerability made great entertainment. If slavery is in accordance with the principle of humanity, and is the best thing for society, there is then an increasingly large part of the world that is neglecting to avail itself of the advantages which might be derived from the institutions, and that is falling into dangerous error on a great question of morals for there can be no doubt that there is a growing conviction in the world that the institution is not one in which it is desirable to perpetuate for promoting the welfare of mankind.

Conclusion

In light of the above, despite the fact that some people had ownership of other human beings as they choose, slave and slave trade was a total disrespect to human beings. Free persons entered slavery through sale, an action that gave concrete expression of their definition as fungible chattel. The process of sale itself turned human beings into human property. Knowing where the slaves are, and in what kinds of groups they were owned, illuminates some of the key questions which arise from demographic modeling of the slave population (Walsh 54).

Works Cited

Jones, Peter V, and Keith C. Sidwell. The World of Rome: An Introduction to Roman Culture. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1997. Print.

Joshel, Sandra R. Slavery in the Roman World. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2010. Print.

Phillips, William D. Slavery from Roman Times to the Early Transatlantic Trade. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2000. Print.

Walsh, Ben. Empires and Citizens: Book 1. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes, 2003. Print.

Atalie Delapaz

Professor

English 1302

18 March 2019

The story “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne was based during the puritan era. The narrator describes that Goodman brown went on a journey into the forest, he believe he saw many members of his community out in the forest. He believed the people in his community including his wife faith were attending the “devils” ceremony. The narrator implies that Brown may have been sleeping, though the experience was real.