The end of the free market

Introduction Having experience in the political and economic fields for many years, Ian Bremmer can be considered to have strong evidence in his extensive research on global economy. In this book, he tries to address the current economic crisis by answering questions such as; can state capitalist compete with free market? Does capitalism still exist or is it going to extinct? Are we still in an economic cold war? His key players are the Men and women who govern Russia, China, Arab, and the United States (Bremmer IV).Advertising We will write a custom book review sample on The end of the free market specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More About the book In the first half, the writer is devoted to explain what capitalism is. He describes the birth of capitalism as a replacement of fallen communism regimes of China and Russia. He discusses how today this model has become an attractive package to countries such as China, Russia, US, Saudi Ar abia, Algeria, Ukraine, India, and the United Arab Emirates. The second half gives a detailed support and effects of state capitalism on market economies. Although he really convinces the reader that he is not against state capitalism, he actually cautions about it. According to Bremmer, the power in politics controls this type of economy. Instead of formulation of policies that are based on the needs of the people, the decisions are approved and implemented politically. Recommendations Overall, Bremmer’s engagement is excellent. He is clear on his advantages and disadvantages of state capitalism and creates a good understanding of world politics. From a review, the test rating and analysis of this book can be addressed by the following recommendations. The book can be highly recommendable to even persons without knowledge about economies .Ian’s coverage is realistic, simple, broad, lucid, and well judged. The book does not leave behind any unanswered questions on glob alization. Its briefing is excellent and narrates the sequence of events from the rise and fall of communism to the effects of capitalism. According to Bremmer, capitalism is a disguised monster in the free markets whose goal is to have political gain. He argues that the cause of all these selfish gains is globalization that acts as a catalyst to international politics and markets. He notes that capitalization has different forms distinguished by their own interests and the degree of government support. First, he talks about the free market capitalism (Bremmer 13). In this type of economy, involved parties use wealth to build more wealth. The state enables generation of wealth through enacting contracts that are limited to moral weaknesses. In contrast, he talks about the state capitalist economies. This type of regime is dominated by politics and the choice of the principal consumer.Advertising Looking for book review on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get y our first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Book report With the fall of the soviets in the nineties, political and economic analyst proclaimed victory over communism to create a new free market economy. However, Bremmer admits that no liberation has followed yet. It is just that the system has incanted. Capitalism is not new in the world as admitted by Bremmer and traces its root back to 1896.He references this year from the speech made by Wilhelm Liebknecht, the leader of the social democratic party in Germany. He looks upon the state capitalism as an extremely huge threat to the economy of the United States. This is one point that we can all agree on. Notably, there is a huge similarity between what the writer tries to explain as state capitalism and the history of the US economy. Nevertheless, does it mean the US government grew out of selfishness and greed? Many tend to oppose this but it is what Bremmer is trying to explain. Countries that used state capitalism take up th e larger section of the pie in the global market. Among them are the European Union and the US. According to Bremmers report, they actively applied state capitalism during their development. The approach is a real threat to the global economy since it is really making the extinction of free market policies (Bremmer 54). However, the political greed of these governments has left the citizens of the countries at the mercy of international investors. Bremmer goes ahead to show how wide capitalism is. All that makes it take different forms is the degree of government involvement. Other forms include the free market capitalism, mixed economy, and the social market economy. To expound on his research, Ian points out Adam smith who is the man behind the development of capitalism in the world. According to Adams, in pure capitalism, everyone does what is best for him or her.The government too minds its own business and never enforces laws. He compares it with a football game that has no ref eree or a game with players playing with no specific goal. Adams creates the theory of the ‘invisible hand’ to explain the balancing force in economies. In reference to the theory, the hand is operational. No interference from the government and leaves it to the market to take its own decisions in the free market system. Bremmer sees this as a potential threat not just to his government but also to the world. However, his exceptions to this threat are given for India, China, and Russia (Bremmer 103). However much Bremmer confesses not to be against state capitalism, his opinions about this kind of economy is very negative through out the chapters. He reflects this type of economy as a project whose goal is to have selfish gains. Here the ‘invisible hand’ is the government and takes control of all economic activities and only few returns are made. Bremmer describes it as â€Å"various types of state owned companies are incorporated by the government to mana ge the resources, create, and maintain jobs.†Advertising We will write a custom book review sample on The end of the free market specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, the secret behind this selection is that the chosen companies are privately owned companies. These privately owned companies dominate the economic sectors. In all the above situations, the state uses markets to deliver wealth to the political officials. Moreover, their mission is not seen as to maximize growth, but to use state crown jewels to maximize power and chances of survival in the leadership positions that they take. We could comment that this book is carefully written in an effort to inform us on the existence of another category of communism that is evolving in the third category. Despite the effects of cold war being experienced 20 years ago, Bremmer still thinks that we are unfortunate when we face the same, but in a manner that very few can fe el or witness. He goes ahead to put down quotes such as the Wen Jiabao quote from a CNN interview. Wen illustrates that â€Å"the formulation of economic policies can only be derived by having a fair and full play to the forces that control the market.† Moreover, government regulation and macroeconomic guidance should act as the key players in resource allocation. On the contrary, the main agenda for most of the state controls is to create political power through exploitation of economic resources. However, do not misjudge the author of this book; his main agenda is not to oppose state capitalism. For instance, he commends China and Russia for presenting their policies in a transparent manner. All that Bremmer wants is simply to show the weaknesses and strengths of this type of economy and its effects on us. He warns on embracing imported elements of the economy saying that capitalism is unique and ought to be governed by the particular resources and needs of the specific cou ntry. The workforce in China is well developed. On the contrary, Russia is rich in natural resource, which gives it an added advantage. The Middle East is really blessed with oil though the country is challenged by demographics. Bremmer has a major concern over China as he continually mentions of its economic status. This book makes sense to China’s economy and the dominance of state capitalism. For instance, it is not until you go over the book that you realize that Exxon Mobil is the 15th in revenues. Top multinationals account for just 3% of reserves and 10% of the global revenue, the rest is driven by the state. The China-US trade has drastically increased from 2.4 billion USD to 400 billion USD in the year 2008 alone. This was the year that China had more than 200 billion dollars in form of investments under the sovereign funds. This is depicted in an interview with China’s finance president, Gao Xiqing. He portrays China and Russia as the leading practitioners ha ving abandoned communism.Advertising Looking for book review on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More He commends China by depicting how powerful it is and capable of controlling the worlds economy. This is because they repaired what was in the state capitalism in accordance with the new era. However, their failure is only in the usage of money. They earn very much on exports compared to the US, but put very little in economic development. Much is returned back to the US in form of purchases of sovereign funds. China would be far much ahead if it focused on economic development rather than investment if they wanted to. However, what would happen to the US if China stopped these investments? Infusion of earnings in exports would lead to inflation, the reason why China has to balance its markets and income. Bremmer gives an example of Greece financial crises. He adds that these China policies were intelligently selected since the purchase of these sovereign wealth funds acts as an economic back up in times of crisis. China does not have to apply for the monetary funds. Diverting from state capitalism is the mercantilism. People tend to confuse this type of economy with state capitalism. However, Bremmer argues that it is completely different from the rest. Their policies tend to rhyme, but what differs is the financial interest. Mercantilism protects its citizens from international exploitation by controlling imports. The interest of this type of economy is to make riches and rule the world. China would be a mercantilist country if it were selfish in sharing its surplus finance with other economies. If all these finances went to the improvement of the economy, China would be today a mercantilist country. However, China does not do that. In spite of being ranked as the top in terms of economic status, it has an average of about 5,000 USD as compared to the US, which has over 40,000 USD in terms of employee salary. It is very ironical for a US citizen to think of living in an economy that resembles state capitalism and that they are putting to an end the free mark et economy. However, this is the major concern of mister Bremmer. As the title suggest, the writer thinks that the free market is ending. In a report revealed by Bremmer in 2005 alone, corporations were the largest forms of economies, taking top 51. The report had General Motor of Denmark taking on the lead and Mitsubishi dominating over in Indonesia. Here comes China with its purchase of sovereign wealth funds and owning corporations in large-numbers. There is the emergence of multinationals, which exploit citizens. The chain continues to a point where a foreign country can own almost up to half of another in terms of investment. This is how easy a state can dominate the whole world and many thought that they were joking when they commented that they were ‘taking over the world.’ The writer completely disagrees with these corporations. His reasons are that they have a hidden agenda, which is greed and ruthlessness. They tend to widen the gap between the poor and the ri ch, drive infant industries into extinction and give room for exploitation by limiting competition. Bremmer talks of immigration and its effects. He comments that this is what has made some of the countries rich. They draw knowledge from American to levels as high as PhD, utilize the American resources, and take back to their countries. However, this idea is not that much convincing because if we took the example of China, US still needs cheap China goods whereas China needs the US for educational resources. What if we have a mixture of state capitalism and free market economy? It can be practically applicable only in situations where private owners own free corporations while the government is in control. The ‘invisible hand’ would balance everything automatically and bring out a balanced economy. Throat competition among countries and corporations would be cut down .Exports and imports would be balanced without any underflow or overflow. This system appears ideal, but may be this is what Bremmer believed and would want to see. Other recommendations that Bremmer gives are; be friendly to foreign workers, choose the right fights, keep markets open, and investment in hard power. Conclusion In conclusion, we can say that this book is a professional guidebook that leaves the reader informed about real economic facts. The writer presents a wide history on capitalism and its influence on the free market, offering examples from different regimes in the world. His chapters are supported by strong evidence revealing the negativity of regulated free markets in the name of state capitalism. There are also clear economic procedures and solutions in which the United States can live in harmony with the rest of the world and still defend its future competitive advantage. However, it is important to recommend capitalism because this has been the root of development in most countries. This just how brief the book is though not very exciting to read, one can easil y connect ideas. Works Cited Bremmer Ian. The End of the Free Market: Who Wins the War Between States and Corporations? New York, NY: Penguin Books Limited, 2011. Print. This book review on The end of the free market was written and submitted by user Layla Russo to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Argument Essay on Education Essays

Argument Essay on Education Essays Argument Essay on Education Essay Argument Essay on Education Essay Argument Essay Many graduates from post secondary acquire their career with a graduate degree. Students build their credentials and portfolio through educations and programs they receive from post secondary, and seek to target a specific labor field or institutions to work for. With the help of graduate degree that increases students value in labor market, it is easier to pin point in a career pursue. A national strategy that promotes and supports the post-secondary into labor field loud bring success for both students and nations, however, because many nations such as Canada lacks to recognize the national strategy, the nation is unique in its failure to develop success in universities and colleges. A national strategy is a strategy that clarifies what the country expects from the institutions creating its next generation of leaders and skilled workers. The objective of the strategy promotes students to make use of their credentials well in right economy at the right time. For this to happen, a national strategy offers students to achieve flexible transaction to different institutions, by allowing credentials from different institutions as an applicable source. With the ability to make full use of sources of their own and be able to apply it, students wouldnt suffer from being troubled with not being able to get into desired institution. Ability to make use of credential anywhere, it may bring harm instead of benefit to postsecondary education. Because national strategy allows one to be able to make their credentials worth in NY level of institution, but without it, it will only lead talents or passionate students to waste. For example , a college students had its admission denied into JIBE law school because of his college credential; based on his stellar LAST score , he went off to Oxford instead. Because there was a barrier that alienated students from being able to determine their ability due to lack of opportunity that is offered , instead it could lead alternate route since Canada does not offer any alternate route of applying to an institution. In conclusion, national strategy brings benefit to postsecondary environment, it will lead a nation to right direction in building many successes in future as each generation will be able to seed its growth into the labor market. For nation to maximize its efficiency in productivity resources in its nation , not only is it recommended but I believe that its a pre requisite course of action to take in order to build best of world for theory-based , hands on , and Job friendly university education passionate students.

Health Campaign Part 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Health Campaign Part 2 - Essay Example you identified in Part I; (3) to describe the target population’s incidence, prevalence, and mortality differences between the national and state level; (4) to explain the community-based response to the issue, including community-based planning, needs assessments, and selection of locally identified objectives; (5) to compare institutional and community leadership roles in responding to these targeted health objectives; (6) to describe any economic factors and funding intervention strategies that will address the issue; and (7) to describe the role of social marketing in promoting public health related to the issue of obesity. The issue of addressing obesity has been specifically identified as a national agenda in Healthy People 2010. Its relevance and priority to focus on this chronic illness and to seek ways to address it are possible through epidemiology surveillance systems and tools implemented both in the local and state levels. Several local agencies working in conjunction with national health organizations have outlined strategies and measurements to prevent obesity in their specific areas. When collated, the data form part of the national statistics which inform the public of the updates on this chronic illness. The numerous local and state agencies within the country give authoritative data, facts, and statistics; as well as goals, projected outcomes, and recommendations to assist the public afflicted with obesity. Likewise, professionals, both in local and state agencies, are ready to assist individuals in ensuring that an effective successful long term weight loss is achieved. In this regard, this essay is written to further expound and proffer the relevant issues surrounding obesity, as a national agenda specifically identified in Healthy People 2010, with the following specifically defined goals, to wit: (1) to describe how the target population is defined at the national level and compare how these data may differ in the defined community,

Education System in the United Kingdom Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Education System in the United Kingdom - Essay Example The United Kingdom, like many other countries, has compulsory education laws. These laws mandate school attendance from age 5 to age 16. Secondary school continues on until the age of 18, but many students leave school at age 16 and move into the workforce. Although compulsory education begins at age five, many three and four year olds attend nursery schools. Currently approximately two thirds of youngsters in the United Kingdom attend nursery school. Attending nursery school socializes children at a younger age and prepares them for compulsory education at age five. The education system in the United Kingdom provides a free education to students in three stages. The first two levels are primary and secondary education which falls under local government control. The United Kingdom has a mandated a national curriculum that is used country wide to ensure that all students in the public school system receive the same standardized education. Tertiary education offers a university level education. Tertiary education falls under central government control and consists of colleges and universities that provide education and training such as vocational education and teacher's training. . Secondary education can include vocational education designed to prepare the student for national vocational certifications. Primary school in the United Kingdom is very much like primary school in other countries. Children are taught by one teacher. This teacher teaches several subjects to his/her students. At about age eleven children move on to secondary school and are taught by a number of teachers. These teachers teach specific subjects. At age sixteen compulsory education ends and students may choose to stay on or leave school. Many students choose to leave school and join the workforce. The United Kingdom does give their youth another choice. This choice is an apprenticeship program. (Steedman, 2001). Students that choose an apprenticeship as a route to a career are tasked with finding an employer that offers an apprenticeship. This can be done by looking for advertisements or through their Local Training and Enterprise Councils (TEC). Most apprenticeships are begun by being directed to a training provider (Steedman, 2001) who trains the student and then directs the student to possible employers. Other parts of the United Kingdom prepare their youth a little differently for higher education. But, in the end all have the same qualifications to move on to higher education. This includes Wales, Ireland, and Scotland. The students who choose to stay on have several options. They can attend to sixth form, choose to attend vocational training, or enter an apprenticeship programme. The apprenticeship programmes and vocational training prepare the students to obtain certification through the National Vocational Qualification Programme. Educational Shortfalls in the United Kingdom The United Kingdom's "main area of weakness is the comparatively large number of school dropouts at the age of 16"(RocSearch, 2006). The low staying on rate at age 16 causes these students to enter the work world with little or no vocational education. These students end up in low paying jobs. There are not enough students staying in school, primarily in vocational education, to train for vocational job in the United Kingdom. Businesses in the United Kingdom require a workforce that is trained and ready to work. The United Kingdom

Robert Browning Essay Example for Free

Robert Browning Essay The dramatic monologue form which is now widely used, allows the author to engage his reader more directly by placing him in the role of listener. Often they are to interpret about a dramatic event or experience they are reading about. This allows the reader to become more intimate with the writer and the characters while being able to understand the speakers changing thoughts and feelings. This is almost like being inside the mind of the speaker not the writer though. The speech is delivered by a character in a play allowing the imagination of the reader to remain open. Many poets have used some type of dramatic monologue forms in their poetry but none as much or as skilled as the Victorian poet Robert Browning. Even though some believe the works of Robert Browning in fact did not invent the dramatic monologue form and argue that dramatic monologue was used in poetry preceding Browning I believe he set the standard for the form. Robert Browning is considered the master of the dramatic monologue because Browning’s use of dramatic monologue changed post romantic poetry and the dramatic monologue technique. Browning’s dramatic monologue writings were the first to achieve its distinction. I think initially some believed that some dramatic lyrical poems took the form of dramatic monologue it was more of reading the views of the poet and putting the reader into the mind of the actual poet verses putting the reader into the mind of the character. They key to dramatic monologue is the poet is telling a story through the characters of the story and the views of the characters are not the same views the poet would have if it were written in a different form. It wasn’t until realizing that these other poems in fact did not follow the same techniques of Robert Browning’s work that Browning received the recognition for being the inventor of dramatic monologue poetic form. Browning is now considered the master of the dramatic monologue. One of his most recognized dramatic monologue form poems is My Last Duchess. His careful choice in words, skillful technique and ability to leave some information up to the reader to interpret gave him his distinction and effectively named him the master of the dramatic monologue form. The poem My Last Duchess is about a powerful Duke and his beautiful deceased wife. The poem is based during the Renaissance years, in Italy, and revolves around the Duke of Ferrara. The Duke has either a visitor or servant that he is talking to. It is believed that he is planning his next marriage and discussing this with his guest. They pass a portrait of his previous wife that is painted on the wall and he stops to reminisce. The Duke appeared to truly love his duchess and this was evident by having her memory displayed as a portrait on his wall for all to see. The poem begins with him mourning her loss and I believe ends with the justification of her death. The Duke felt she behaved in a manner that was unbecoming of a duchess. The Duke believed that she was a cheater and this caused him embarrassment and anger. He stated she was a kind hearted and a joyful woman, the same qualities that initially attracted the Duke to the Duchess. The Duke stated that her smiling and flirting with other men and the fact that she was not trying to hide what she was doing was unacceptable and shameful. These same qualities would eventually lead to her demise The Duke was furious and Browning’s use of dramatic monologue shows us it’s not exactly what the Duke says to the visitor about his Duchesses death but what he indirectly reveals by not telling the whole story and leaving it up to the reader to decide. The fact that there is a lot not said in this story I believe shows his fury, the way he spoke of her could lead one to believe that he either killed her or had her killed. It seems back in those days it was common for wives to be killed as divorce was not accepted. This is just one small sample of Browning’s work. Browning’s fame today rests mainly on his dramatic monologues, in which the words not only convey setting and action but also reveal the speaker’s character.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1 SUMMARY  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  3 AN ARCHETYPICAL ENTRY AND CONTRACTING PROCESS  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  5 LAWLER’S ENTRY AND CONTRACTING PROCESS  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  9 ASSESSING LAWLER’S ENTRY AND CONTRACTING PROCESS  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  11  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   WHAT WOULD I HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  14 THEORIES AND MODELS TO MAKE SENSE OUT OF THE DIAGNOSTIC DATA  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  17 ORGANIZING THE INFORMATION FOR FEEDBACK  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  22 CARRYING OUT THE FEEDBACK PROCESS  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  23 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THAT COULD BE COLLECTED  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  25 CONCLUSION  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  28 BIBLIOGRAPHY  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  29 APPENDICES  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  30 B.R. RICHARDSON TIMBER PRODUCTS CORPORATION INTRODUCTION   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Organizational Development (OD) is concerned with the performance, development, and effectiveness of human organizations. OD is directed at bringing about planned change to increase an organization’s effectiveness and capacity. It is an applied behavioural science that is focused on the organization as a system, and among other issues is concerned with the health of the organization, its effectiveness, its capacity to solve problems, its ability to adapt, change or of self renewal, and its ability to create a high quality of life for its employees. An organization is defined as two or more people brought together by one or more shared goals. OD promotes the notion that a successful change is a planned change. Monitoring of both internal and external influences needs to be conducted on a continuous basis. To understand how change can be managed, OD draws knowledge and concepts from other disciplines (notably behavioural science, psychology, organization theory). One of the early approaches to organizational change was provided by Kurt Lewin and his associates. It starts from the premise that targets of change and the social processes underlying them are relatively stable, when forces driving for change are roughly equal to forces resisting the change. To change this status quo requires a three-step process: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  unfreezing 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  movement 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  refreezing Unfreezing underscores the need to assess the present situation before change is contemplated. It examines the driving and restraining forces in the change situation that maintains the status quo. This information is essential for unfreezing the current situation and creating a readiness for change among organization members. Movement involves intervening in the situation to change it. This addresses organizational issues such as human processes, strategic choices, work designs and structures. It shifts the behaviours, attitudes and values of the organization, department and individuals to new levels. Refreezing stabilizes the organization at a new equilibrium state. If this step is ignored the organization reverts to its previous state. Refreezing rebalances the driving and restraining forces in the changed situation so it remains stable. Output of change is highly dependent on how the change process unfolds, and the change process will need to be facilitated. The OD process is a recurring cycle (Appendix II).

Fiction and Australian Identity Essay

The novel Cloudstreet, by Tim Winton resonates the idea of engaging readers through its focus on optimism despite hardship throughout the narrative. The text has the ability to be appreciated and understood through its textual integrity and realism, making it an inspirationally driven text for those engaged readers. A cultural perspective of the novel highlights how the characters in the novel overcome hardships and gain that sense of optimism, which is a true acknowledgment of the sentiment of the stereotypical â€Å"Australian† character. Winton’s focus on the overcoming of segregation in the novel, thoroughly emphasizes this notion of how after hardship, comes optimism, as once the family unites, there is this strong sense of optimism felt in the text. These ideas engage the reader to an extent of realisation that this text is one full of inspiration and encouragement, despite the hardship present at times. The cultural perspective of the novel incorporates the acknowledgment of the Australian identity, making the readers engage and relate with the various characters who posses similar traits. Sam Pickle’s lifestyle, focusing on vices and addiction, causes a great deal of hardship for himself and those around him. The influence gambling has on his life is shown in the quote, â€Å"He loved to gamble, for it was another way of finding water, a divination that sent his whole body sparking. † Comparing Sam’s gambling addiction to that of water allows for realisation of the importance of gambling in his life, as water is a necessity for life. This also creates a distinct connection between Sam and Fish, as Fish’s character thrives for water, bringing happiness and satisfaction to his life, as it is a â€Å"divination†. This creates the parallel that Sam may see gambling in this necessary way. It is known throughout the novel of the importance of water, and this quote portrays Sam’s view on gambling, thoroughly reflecting on its influence on his life. The hardships depicted in the novel are a realistic truth that creates textual integrity; recognizing the Australian identity, as a way to accept the hardships and move on with life, as Sam does throughout the novel. The significance of the inclusion of the Australian identity, is key in the characterization of the various characters, each bringing their own flaws and qualities to the narrative, giving it its engaging effect. The cultural perspective give the hardships faced in the novel a sense of realism, and relatability. Rose’s character is one that signifies the overcoming of these hardships, as she arguably faces the most significant adversities throughout her life. Rose’s private feelings regarding the impact of her parents’ vices is expressed in how, â€Å"There was too much shame, too much cowering under the neighbours’ eyes, too much agonizing embarrassment going to school with a black eye †¦Ã¢â‚¬  The repetition of â€Å"too much† evokes empathy for her circumstances as she is compelled to suffer not only neglect but physical abuse from her mother as well. The obvious physical pain, as well as her lowered moral shown throughout the novel, seem to entice the idea of the negativity hardship can have on ones life. It forces Rose to want to breakaway from her family ideas and values, and explore the world, looking for that sense of optimism. Her character proves the underlying attributes in the Australian identity; attributes that focus on pursuing happiness, to gain a greater perspective of life. The narrative allows for the idea of segregation to act as an aspect of the hardship faced by the characters. It distinguishes the differences between those who are separated, identifying their different lifestyles and values as factors, which has caused this disconnection. The segregation and major personality differences between the two families are highlighted in the quote, â€Å"Sometimes they squared off at one another like opposing platoons. † The metaphor of comparing the two sets of children to â€Å"platoon†, a word commonly used in war, parallels the separation caused by the war. This emphasizes a key aspect of the contextual features of the storyline, as the war has a major impact on the lives of the characters. This also exaggerates the level of separation between the two families, suggesting they have a war-like standing against each other, caused by different views and opinions. The notion of segregation between the families is an obvious cause of hardship, as the two families share so much, whilst being completely different. There is strong symbolism throughout Cloud Street that parallels this idea of segregation. The end of the novel signifies the overcoming of these symbols, in order to unite. The divided backyard is achieved through â€Å"old signs patched together,† symbolizing the patching together’ of lives after the previous hardships faced. The families of Cloudstreet are very different, one who works hard for their own benefit and the other strongly focused on taking life in its stride, letting luck decide life’s path. Winton tends to favour the Lamb families determination, as the constant reliance on luck is not always dependable, as it causes much disruption and conflict between members of the Pickle family. Representatives of the different families work collaboratively in removing both the physical and emotional barriers. â€Å"A square little woman unpegged and folded a tent another woman stepped forward, tottering a little. She crossed the long gash where yesterday there’d been a fence, and took a corner of the tent herself. † The families are literally brought together by the folding of the tent. Corner to corner, their lives are intertwined in a fashion that shows overcoming the hardships created by segregation, allowing for a united nature to be founded in Cloudstreet due to the determination of two family representatives overcoming mutual prejudices. Tim Winton’s novel Cloudstreet is inspirational in the sense that the realism that is created through the narrative, makes the text relatable and appreciated for different contexts. This enables for the reader to be engaged with the storyline, which acknowledges key features such as the Australian identity, and the overcoming of segregation.