Monday, September 30, 2019

Cold Comfort Farm Essay

Stella Gibbons’ Cold Comfort Farm is a story of a young woman named Flora Poste, and the result of her life after the death of her parents. She begins her new life living with Mary from the rich aristocratic side of London. However, rather than getting a job and working, she decides that she would like to live in the â€Å"real† world for her upcoming novel she plans to write within the next thirty years. In order to do so, Flora Poste decides she wants to live with relatives that are not necessarily wealthy but rather interesting in a literary perspective for experience. Through this decision, she declines marriage, as well as living with wealthy cousins, and leaves for Cold Comfort Farm to live among her first cousin, Judith Starkadder. Cold Comfort Farm is an old cursed farm inhabited by pessimistic hard-working poor individuals. Flora Poste’s arrival is barely welcomed as she learns to understand and adapt to the new miserable culture of Cold Comfort Farm. She learns of how her father had committed a terrible sin that no one speaks of, for which she wants to atone for her father’s wrongdoing. She learns of her Great Aunt Ada Doom, who has secluded herself from society and lives in her room alone due to the sin she had seen Robert Poste commit at youth. However even through all these downfalls, Flora Poste keeps a high head up and attempts to change life on Cold Comfort Farm. Flora Poste’s character is shown through her interaction with the people of Cold Comfort Farm. An example of this is when Flora Poste meets Miriam who is in labor, and explains to her how her situation can be resolved through protection and explains her knowledge of family planning to her. Flora Poste shows her sincerity when she interacts with Rubin. After making tea for him, he angrily tells Flora Poste how she cannot do the jobs that Rubin can. Rubin is worried, however Flora Poste explains how she does not want the farm, and how she would leave the farm to people who know how to handle it, such as Rubin, which makes him think twice. Slowly, Flora Poste is â€Å"tidying up† Cold Comfort Farm. Flora Poste’s interference on Cold Comfort Farm society turns into a positive influence. She grows with her relatives and aids them with their conflicts. Flora Poste aids her preaching cousin through a magazine ad of a Ford vehicle; she aids Adam with his cleaning and helping him with his personal issues. However, the one person she cannot seem to get through to is her Great Aunt Ada Doom, who refuses to listen, and consistently tells Robert Poste’s child that she saw something nasty in the woodshed. At a family meeting, every individual has explained the positive influence and changes in their lives thanks to Flora Poste. The only person that is not happy with this is Great Aunt Ada Doom. Even after a conflict arises, Flora Poste’s positivity brings happiness with everyone. It is learned that every member of the family was miserable and trapped, always aiding Aunt Ada Doom and never being truly happy. Aunt Ada Doom feels that everyone has left her and betrayed her. Flora Poste then aids Seth with becoming a movie star by bringing by Mr. Neck, who is looking for upcoming English movie stars and chooses Seth with no questions asked. Even when Great Aunt Ada forbids Seth from leaving, he leaves anyway. Towards the end of the story, Aunt Ada Doom and Flora Poste have a long conversation together, which results in a new change. At Flora Poste’s cousin’s wedding, Aunt Ada Doom arrives in fancy clothing and explains that although the wedding did not go the way she wanted it to, she has learned to be optimistic and is very happy at the wedding and compliments the bride and groom on how beautiful they look together. Aunt Ada Doom then talks about her great niece, Flora Poste, and how her influence has changed her life. It is essential to say that a smile appears out of Aunt Ada Doom’s lips. The influence that Flora Poste has on Cold Comfort Farm ends up changing the mood of the society. Her relatives end up pursuing their dreams and in return find true happiness. Originally these people, were trapped under the influence of Aunt Ada Doom, who saw something nasty in the woodshed, Whatever it was she had seen ruined the mood of everyone in Cold Comfort Farm, due to her isolation, and lack of respect for anyone, including herself. Flora Poste brings out everyone’s inner respect by giving respect primarily, she never brought herself down and always kept her head up, making her influence that much stronger.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Night World : Spellbinder Chapter 9

I he shoe was so incongruous that for an instant Thea thought her eyes must be playing tricks on her. It was the atmosphere here-the dim, echoing room with all its macabre booths. If she looked away and then looked back†¦ It was still there. I should wait, I should call somebody. This could be something terrible. There are human authorities; I should at least wait for Eric†¦. Thea found herself moving in dreamlike, slow speed. She took the edge of the oilcloth between finger and thumb and lifted it just an inch or so. There was a leg attached to the shoe. A blue-jeaned leg. Not part of a dummy. And another shoe. Horror and adrenaline washed over Thea. And, strangely, that helped. Her first thought was. It's a person and she may be hurt. She went into emergency mode, slamming a wall between herself and her fear. Hang on, are you okay, just let me see†¦ She pulled the rest of the oilcloth off, tugging to get it free. She saw legs, a body, curled fingers clutching the sleeve of a black-dressed witch dummy†¦ Then she saw the head and she reeled backward, both hands pressed over her mouth. She'd only gotten a glimpse, but the picture was burned into her mind. Blue-gray face, hideously swollen. Grotesquely bulging eyes. Tongue like a sausage protruding from between black lips†¦ Thea's knees gave out. She'd seen the dead before. She'd been to leave-taking ceremonies where the mortal remains of witches were returned to the earth. But those had been natural deaths, and the corpses had been peaceful. While this†¦ I think it was a boy. It had short hair and a flat chest. But there was no way to recognize the face. It was so distorted-didn't even look human†¦. He died violently. May his spirit be released; not held here by the need for revenge. Oh, Sekhmet, lion-headed goddess of Egypt; Mistress of Death, Opener of Ways, Sekhmet Who Reduceth to Silence†¦ Her disjointed thoughts were interrupted as sunlight fanned into the room. At the door, Eric shouted, â€Å"I'm back!† Thea stood up. Her legs wanted to cave again. She opened her mouth, but what came out was a whisper. â€Å"Eric-â€Å" He was hurrying toward her. â€Å"What's wrong? Thea?† â€Å"It's somebody dead.† She saw his eyes widen in absolute disbelief-and then he looked past her. He took a step toward the thing on the floor, stopped, crouched, and stared for a second. Then he whirled back and grabbed her as if he could somehow protect her from what he'd seen. â€Å"Don't look at it; don't look over there,† he gasped. â€Å"Oh, God, it's bad.† * â€Å"I know. I saw it.† â€Å"It's bad; it's so bad†¦.† They were both holding on to each other. It was the only safety in this nightmare. â€Å"He's dead. That guy is dead,† Eric said. It was obvious, but Thea understood the need to babble. â€Å"There's nothing we can do for him. Oh, God, Thea, I think it's Kevin Imamura.† â€Å"Kevin?† Black dots danced in front of Thea's eyes. â€Å"No, it can't be-â€Å" â€Å"I've seen him wearing that shirt before. And the hair†¦ And he's on the committee to decorate this place. He must have been setting up that dummy.† Thea's mind showed her a terrible picture. A crusted dark line on that bloated face-like the wound made by a slashing razor. And the soft black hair†¦ Yes, it could have been Kevin. And that meant- Blaise. â€Å"Come on,† Eric was saying, his voice dazed and quenched. â€Å"We've got to tell the office.† Numbly, Thea let him guide her. Her mind was in another place. Blaise. Did Blaise know†¦ could Blaise have†¦ She didn't want to form the thought even to herself, but she couldn't help it. †¦ finally gone all the way? Not just spilled blood, but taken a life? It was forbidden to witches. But the Harmans were part lamia, and vampires sometimes killed for power. Could Blaise have gone that far into the darkness? After they got to the office, things happened fast, but Thea couldn't really take it in. Activity whirled around her. The secretaries. The principal. The police. She was grateful for Eric, who kept telling the story over and over so she didn't have to. I need to find Blaise. They were back at the gym. The police were cordoning off the whole building with yellow tape. A throng of students and teachers was watching. Thea's eyes skimmed the crowd, but she didn't see Blaise anywhere. Voices rose around her. â€Å"I heard it was Kevin Imamura.† â€Å"Somebody said that guy from the dance came back and got him.† â€Å"Eric! Eric, did you really see him?† Then one voice outshouted the others. â€Å"Hey, Mrs. Cheng, what about the Halloween party? Is the gym gonna be open by then?† The principal, who had been huddled with a couple of police officers, turned around. Black hair riffling over her forehead in the breeze, she addressed the entire crowd. â€Å"I don't know what is going to happen with the gym. There's been a tragedy, and now there's going to be an investigation. We'll just have to wait and see what comes of that. Now, I want everybody to go back to their classes. Teachers, please take your students back to your classrooms.† â€Å"I can't go back,† Thea whispered. She and Eric were standing at a little distance from the thinning crowd. Everyone seemed to have forgotten about them. â€Å"I'll take you home,† Eric said immediately. â€Å"No-I need to find Blaise. I have some things to ask her.† She tried to make her stupefied brain work. â€Å"Eric, I should have told you this before. You've got to be careful.† â€Å"Of what?† â€Å"Of Blaise.† He looked incredulous. â€Å"Thea†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He glanced at the old gym. â€Å"You can't think she had anything to do with-what happened to Kevin.† â€Å"I don't know. She could have had somebody do it-or made him do it himself.† Thea kept her voice low. She looked straight into Eric's face, willing him to believe her. â€Å"Eric, I know you don't understand, but it's like I told you before. She's like Aphrodite. Or Medea. She laughs when she destroys things. Especially when she gets mad†¦ and she's mad at you.† â€Å"Why?† â€Å"Because you picked me instead of her-because I like you-lots of things. That doesn't matter. The point is that she may come after you. She may try to†¦ seduce you. And†-Thea glanced at the bobbing yellow tape surrounding the old gym-â€Å"she may try to hurt you. So will you just be careful if you see her? Will you promise me that?† Eric looked windblown and bewildered, but he nodded slowly. â€Å"I promise.† â€Å"Then I'll see you later. We still have things to talk about-but I have to find Blaise first.† She walked toward the crowd, leaving Eric standing there in the wind. She knew he was watching her. . A waving hand caught Thea's eye. It was Dani, her face full of sympathy and concern. â€Å"Thea, are you all right?† â€Å"Sort of.† Thea gave a laugh she didn't recognize. â€Å"Have you seen Blaise around?† Dani's soft little hand crept into hers. â€Å"She and Vivienne went home-I mean, to your place. I'll go back with you, if you want. You shouldn't be alone.† Thea squeezed her hand. â€Å"Thanks. I'd appreciate it.† She was grateful-and relieved that Dani didn't hate her. â€Å"Dani-about the way I acted earlier†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Forget it. I don't know what I said, but I didn't mean to make you mad.† She added gently, â€Å"Thea, are you really okay? Really? Because I don't want to upset you more†¦.† â€Å"Why?† And then: â€Å"What, Dani?† â€Å"Your grandma's sick. That's why Blaise and Vivienne went home-Vivienne's mom paged her. She's a healer-Vivienne's mom, I mean-and I think she's taking your grandma to her house.† Thea was disturbed. Gran hadn't moved to Las Vegas for the same reason other Night People did. Lamia and made vampires came because so many of the humans here were transients-the kind that wouldn't be missed if they disappeared. Other witches came because of the power vortexes in the desert. But Gran had come because of the warm, dry climate. Her lungs had been bad since she was a kid. Please don't let it be serious, Thea kept thinking as Dani drove her home. She felt as if her skin had been rubbed too thin all over her body. When they got to the shop, Gran was already gone. Tobias and Vivienne were downstairs. â€Å"Is she okay?† Thea asked. â€Å"Is it something bad?† â€Å"Not too bad,† Tobias said. â€Å"She just kept getting dizzy today, and then she had a coughing fit and couldn't stop. She finally decided maybe she'd better get somebody to sing it out. So she called Ms. Morrigan.† Oh, great-chanting. Just what Gran loved. But she must have been really sick to ask to have it done. â€Å"Can I call her?† â€Å"I wouldn't,† Vivienne put in. Her green eyes were kind, her voice reassuring. â€Å"I'm sure Mom's working on her by now, and when she does a singing, it takes all night. You shouldn't disturb them. But don't worry, Thea-my mom's really good.† â€Å"Yes-it's not that I'm worried about.† Thea looked around distractedly, finally coming back to Vivienne's face. â€Å"Did you hear about what happened at school?† â€Å"No.† Vivienne looked mildly curious. â€Å"What happened?† Instead of answering, Thea said, â€Å"Where's Blaise?† â€Å"Upstairs packing. She's going to stay overnight at ray house. You can come, too-Thea?† Thea was already racing up the stairs. She burst into the bedroom she and Blaise shared. Blaise had a small suitcase open on her bed. Thea didn't waste words. â€Å"Did you kill Kevin Imamura?† Blaise dropped a black silk teddy. â€Å"Did I what? What are you talking about?† â€Å"He's dead.† â€Å"And you thought I did it? Thanks a lot, but it's not him I want to kill.† Blaise narrowed her eyes and Thea felt cold. Then she tilted her head. â€Å"So how did he die?† â€Å"He was strangled. Somebody murdered him.† Blaise just raised her eyebrows and murmured, â€Å"Hm. I wonder where Randy is?† She held a shirt up, considered it, and added, â€Å"Do you want to come stay at Viv's with me? It's better than staying here by yourself.† â€Å"I don't know. Do I have to watch you to make sure Eric doesn't end up like Kevin?† Blaise gave her a scorching look. â€Å"When I go after a boy, I get him first. I don't strangle him before the fun begins.† She slammed her suitcase closed and stalked out. Thea sat on the bed. In spite of her sharp words, Thea now knew Blaise hadn't done it. Her cousin had been genuinely surprised. And Randy? I suppose it could have been, if he somehow got out of wherever they've taken him. He had a reason to hate Kevin. But†¦ The alternate explanation slid into place so quickly that Thea realized it must have been in her mind all along. The spirit. She sat there for an endless time, trying to think. It was like trying to find her way through a thick fog. Gran's gone†¦ and if she's sick I can't bother her anyway†¦ of course, Blaise won't help†¦ but I need to trust somebody†¦. Dani gently pushed the door open. â€Å"Can I come in?† When Thea nodded, she walked in and sat down on Blaise's bed. â€Å"They left. I told Tobias to go too-he had a girlfriend he wanted to see. I'll stay here tonight, if you want.† Thea took a shaky breath. â€Å"Thanks, Dani.† â€Å"Look, Thea, I don't want to pry, but†¦ are you okay? I mean, you're as pale as a corpse-† Dani bit her lip. â€Å"Sorry, bad choice of words. But I am your friend, and if there's anything I can do, I'd like to help.† Another breath. Then Thea made her decision. â€Å"I worked a forbidden spell.† Dani looked shocked, but not appalled. â€Å"Which one?† â€Å"Calling back the spirits.† When Dani didn't scream or faint, Thea told the whole story. All about her summoning-everything except why she'd been doing it. â€Å"And now I'm scared,† she finished. â€Å"I let something out yesterday, and today Kevin gets murdered. Blaise didn't kill him. She thinks Randy may be involved, but†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Thea shook her head. â€Å"But, Thea, be logical. Why should it have anything to do with your spell?† Dani's rational voice was soothing. â€Å"You let someone out, not something. The elders summon the ancestors all the time without anything bad happening. You just feel guilty because you know you weren't supposed to be doing it.† â€Å"No. Dani, I can't explain it, but the thing I let out-it wasn't friendly. It knocked Blaise and me down. None of the spirits I saw the elders summon ever did that.† â€Å"Well†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Dani looked doubtful. â€Å"But why would one of the ancestors went to murder a human?† â€Å"I don't know.† Somehow talking about it had cleared Thea's mind. She said slowly, â€Å"But†¦ maybe the book would tell us.† Ten minutes later, they were sitting side by side on Thea's bed, with the iron chest on the floor and the book between them. â€Å"First, could you tell anything about the amulet that fell in the fire?† Dani asked in scientific tones. â€Å"Like, if the hair was gray, it could mean-â€Å" â€Å"The witch was old.† Thea caught on immediately. â€Å"No, it wasn't gray or white. It was dark-sort of like mahogany.† She closed her eyes, trying to remember. â€Å"It all happened so fast-but I think it was long. It was doubled up lots of times in the clay.† â€Å"So maybe a woman.† â€Å"Yes.† Thea read for several minutes. â€Å"Wait a minute. Look at this.† † ‘Suzanne Blanchet,' † Dani read with difficulty. † ‘Bom sixteen thirty-four in Esgavans on the day that they made bonfires for the peace between France and Spain. Tried sixteen fifty-three at Ron-chain, prisoner at the court of Rieux.' â€Å" â€Å"And listen to the charges,† Thea said grimly. † ‘Bewitching men's corn, killing cattle, bringing hunger into the country, and strangling babies at night with her long hair.' â€Å" â€Å"Strangling,† Dani breathed. â€Å"She denied it, so they tortured her. Listen: ‘Being a little stretched on the rack, she screamed ceaselessly that she was not a witch, but being more tightly stretched, said that it was true.' â€Å" â€Å"And then they tortured her family,† Dani said, her finger skimming the lines. â€Å"Oh, Isis, look at this. She had a ten-year-old brother named Clement and a six-year-old sister named Lucienne. They tortured them both.† â€Å"And burned them.† Thea had begun to tremble involuntarily. The room wasn't cold, but she had a feeling like ice deep inside her. â€Å"Look. ‘The children having been promised the mercy of being strangled before burning, but the executioner not having been paid, they were committed alive to the flames†¦'.† She couldn't finish. † ‘†¦ before the eyes of their sister,' † Dani whispered. She was shaking, too, and huddling close to Thea. â€Å"How could they do that?† â€Å"I don't know,† Thea said flatly. â€Å"I mean, no wonder Night World laws are so strict. No wonder we have to keep ourselves a secret-look at what they do to us when they find out.† | Thea swallowed-she didn't want to think about Night World rules. â€Å"And then they burned Suzanne,† she said quietly, keeping her eyes on the book. † ‘Being consigned to the fire, she uttered several exclamations, crying out upon revenge.' â€Å" â€Å"I would too,† Dani said, her soft voice threaded with steel. â€Å"I'd come back and kill them.† She stopped and she and Thea looked at each other. â€Å"And maybe that's just what she did,† Thea said slowly. â€Å"Only she couldn't get to her torturers. But she found something that looked similar-a reproduction torture chamber. And there was Kevin, doing something to a witch dummy-hanging it, maybe. Maybe treating it in some way that reminded her of†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Thea nodded toward the book. â€Å"Anyway, doing something that made her lose it.† â€Å"And kill him. By strangling him-what she'd been accused of doing. Thea?† Dani grimaced, then went on. â€Å"When you saw Kevin's body-was there anything around his neck?† Thea stared at the window curtains, trying to remember. That awful bloated face†¦ the protruding tongue†¦ and dark bruises on the throat. â€Å"No,† she said softly. â€Å"There were marks-but whatever strangled him was gone.† â€Å"She took it with her.† Dani shivered, then put both hands on the book. â€Å"Or maybe not. Look, Thea, this may make a great bonfire story, but, really, it's all speculation.† Thea was staring at the yellowed page beneath Dani's fingers. â€Å"I don't think so,† she said quietly. â€Å"See this symbol by Suzanne Blanchet's name? I recognize it. I saw it for just a second-on the amulet in the fire.† â€Å"You're sure?† Thea looked away. â€Å"Yeah. It's her, Dani. And it's my fault. I let her out†¦ and now she's killing people. Because of me, somebody's dead.† It was only when she said it that the full realization hit-as if forming the words had somehow made it true. Kevin was dead. He wasn't going to school anymore, he wasn't going to get a chance to repair his Porsche. He wouldn't ever smile at a girl again. He'd lost everything a person had to lose. â€Å"And I just-I just feel so bad,† Thea said. The ache in her throat rose up in a sort of spasm, as if she were going to be sick. But what came out was tears. Dani held her while she sobbed. And at last, when Thea was crying more quietly, she said, â€Å"You didn't know. You didn't mean to do anything bad. You were just playing around and it went wrong. You didn't know.† â€Å"It doesn't matter.† Thea wiped her face on her sleeve, sitting up. The ache in her chest was duller now, and she was slowly realizing that something else was there, something that felt hot and bright. A need to act. â€Å"It doesn't matter,† she said again. â€Å"I still made it happen. But I'll tell you one thing-I'm not going to let it keep happening. I've got to stop her. Which means I've got to send her back.† â€Å"I'm with you there,† Dani said, her small jaw set in determination. â€Å"But how?† Thea stared at the wall a moment, then said, â€Å"I have an idea.†

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Pediatric Palliative Care

Pediatric Palliative Care Ana M. Gehan Thomas Edison State College Pediatric Palliative Care In modern society, children are expected to outlive their parents. However, for children living with life threatening illnesses, palliative care is an approach to care that enhances quality of life for both the child and the grieving parents. In the article, â€Å"Pediatric Palliative Care: The Time is Now! † the authors stress how important it is to start and/or continue pediatric palliative care programs. Worldwide, an estimated 7 million children and their families could benefit from hospice care (Rushton, January-February 2002, p. 7). In the United States alone, 1 million children are very serious ill (Rushton, January-February 2002, p. 57). Pediatric palliative care has become an increasing discussion in the health care world. Palliative care was first introduced in 1990 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is currently defined as â€Å"an approach to care which improves qu ality of life of patients and their families facing life-threatening illness through prevention, assessment and treatment of pain and other physical, psychological, and spiritual problems â€Å"(Morgan, March-April, p. 7). Pediatric palliative care is an area of the patient care that can be one of the most emotionally challenging areas of practice. In the article, â€Å"Caring for Dying Children: Assessing the Needs of the Pediatric Palliative Care Nurse† the author outlines how stressful the job of taking care of a dying child can be on the nurse. Health care workers may experience emotions such as helplessness, anger, sadness, and anxiety while providing care to dying children (Morgan, March-April, p. 86). These emotions may quickly lead to â€Å"nurse burnout† and increase nurse burnout in hospital settings. It is not uncommon for health care workers to perceive the death of a child as a â€Å"triple† failure: first, because they did not have the means, skills or abilities to save a life; second, because in their social role as adults, they were unable to protect the child from harm; and, third, because they â€Å"betrayed† parents who trusted them with the most valuable being in their life (Morgan, March-April, p. 87). The nurse’s role in caring and supporting children and their families require special coping skills which are essential to providing the most positive outcome for all that are involved in the palliative process. The aim of pediatric palliative care is to keep the child comfortable while supporting the parents in caring for their child according to their wishes and beliefs. From the diagnosis, parents are already grieving the loss of their child. Grieving not only affects the family but has a huge emotional impact on health care providers as well. When a child’s life ends, families need intense and long-term psychosocial and bereavement services (Rushton, January-February 2002, p. 57). Psychosocial and bereavement resources and support for health care professionals who care for these children are virtually nonexistent or minimally supported in the current cost constrained health care environment (Rushton, January-February 2002, p. 57). The medical world and Congress have taken an important first step to support the need for pediatric palliative care services. In 1999, CHI successfully advocated for bipartisan congressional appropriations for demonstration model program to address the unique needs of children with life threatening conditions (Rushton, January-February 2002, p. 59). There is so much to that nursing has to do in the future to make sure that pediatric palliative is out there in every hospital, institute and every setting that a child is at. We all must increase the awareness of pediatric palliative care programs and the special needs of the nurses who care for these dying children. A child’s death may seem like a long, scary pathway. Nurses have the power to create a brighter journey for these patients and their families, as well as for themselves. References Morgan, D. (March-April). Caring for Dying Children: Assessing the Needs of the Pediatric Palliative Care Nurse. Pediatric Nursing, 35(2), 86-90. Rushton, C. H. (January-February 2002). Pediatric Palliative Care: The Time is Now! Pediatric Nursing, 28(1), 57-70.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Leader Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Leader - Essay Example - one of the most critical of all. During the game, we had been steadily falling further and further behind our opponents, and as their score continued to rise with ours to no avail, the spirit of the team began to drop. It was painfully obvious that the mood was changing from one of hope and passion to that of upset and frustration. I knew that we could not give up, and began to push my team. I tried to raise spirits, and get everyone motivated, using my personal motivation to inspire the others. I knew how critical this game was, and this is what drove me most of all. I knew I had to step it up myself before anyone else would, and so I began playing harder and stronger. I became more aggressive, and my actions wore off on the others; they saw how motivated I was, and how unwilling I was to just give up, and it seemed to give them that enthusiasm which they had needed so crucially. I was actually surprised at how quickly the effects were seen, it was as though immediately the mood changed, and the team began playing better. As an end result, we won at last. A leader is literally considered to be "a person who rules or guides or inspires others." ("Wordnet", n.d.). I believe that on this occasion not only did I rule, guide, and inspire others, but I also earnestly learned what it meant to be a leader.

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Safety Tents and Other Non Permanant Buildings Essay

Safety Tents and Other Non Permanant Buildings - Essay Example These shelters take numerous forms, including a traditional tentlike structure. One of the main advantages of these protective structures is that they are incredibly strong in relation to the weight of their components. Therefore, they can be rapidly deployed by two to four people. Kevlar’s superiority stems from its minimal â€Å"vibration transfer† (Kayak Terapad). It can be molded and shaped, yet maintains its structural integrity. Therefore, it enhances the user’s safety in numerous stress and impact scenarios. One of the military uses for such shelters is the Chemical Biological Protected Shelter System (CBPSS) (Business Wire 1997). They are intended for battlefield use against biological or chemical weapons assault. A company called Chemfab has developed the Kevlar-based fabric. The shelter also reduces lingering air contamination following a chemical or ballistic explosion. Homeland Security is using such a device in dirty bomb control. This variation is called a Universal Containment System, and it was developed by Vanguard Response Sytems in Canada (Popular Mechanics 2004). The ballistic resistant tent contains a foam that suppresses the detonation blast. At present, the system can only suppress a bomb the size of a book bag. The technology will be developed to contain a truck bomb, like the one deployed at the World Trade Center in 1993. A similar application is called the Chemical Biological Explosives Containment System (CBECS). It consists of a seven foot inflatable tent that contains a water-based foam, which not only contains the explosion, but it also puts out any chemically-based fires that may ignite (Patent Storm 2007). The whole structure can cover an explosive device, which is then deployed relatively safely (DOD Tech Match). These tents are now being made for the general public by Zumro, Inc. The Chemical/Biological Counterterrorism

Week 8 discussion posts 6500 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Week 8 discussion posts 6500 - Assignment Example You can introduce this idea to your preceptor and if it is viable you can implement it, I hope it will be a solution to one of your challenges. Your post on this week’s discussion topic is great and inspiring. It is encouraging to learn that your objectives were achieved as early as you started working on your project. I have great interest in reading your posts because I believe your project; â€Å"Reducing Acting-Out Behavior with Therapeutic Communication† is based on a very important subject in the medical world. On your challenges, I believe that you already have a solution, you will be able to attract a willing audience once you utilize the knowledge you have which you have mentioned in your post. â€Å"It requires me to not only think about what I am teaching, but also how students are perceiving what I am teaching†¦ no one group of learners is going to all learn†¦ requires a variety of strategies in order to be effective (Billings & Halstead, 2012).† I believe if become more diverse such as changing the environment or using different activities such as games to educate the learners you will be able to finish the rest of the project. I enjoyed reading your post and I believe your project is on the right track as you near the end. Reading your post, made me realize that you are really enjoying your practicum project. This is the first step towards success, as you get to do ‘your best at your best’. It is always important to plan about the project evaluation early as this is a very important step in realizing your objectives. I understand that you have already come up with the â€Å"clinical evaluation tool† that you will use during evaluation; similar to my project, I have also adopted by creating my own evaluation tools. This gives you ample time to go through it with your preceptor and eliminate any errors. Simulation, is the next best thing to real practice, my advice would be to take it positively and see yourself in the

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Servicescape Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Servicescape - Essay Example The amplified significance of providing exceptional service is obvious in service marketing contents. This report presents the fundamentals of servicescape in the Emirates and their influence on customers’ viewpoints based on Bitner model (Bitner, 1992).Emirates   airways was set up in 1946 with a starting fleet of 138 aircrafts. It is currently a huge airline based in Qatar operating 172 destinations in 39 countries providing passenger and cargo services. The servivescape elements found on Emirates Airlines include ambient conditions, colour, lighting, physical designs, background music, artefacts, functionality, and signs. The service the paper will deal with is air transport with special consideration with Emirates airlines.Introduction and Research QuestionsIn the past couple of years, researchers and marketing managers have identified with the features of servicescape terming them as useful in the attraction and retaining of consumers particularly in the service industr y. This research purposes to answer one major question and that is there any impact of servicescapes on marketing? The research seeks to identify the effect of this environment on five employees and five consumers. The study will analyse the relationship between the use of servicescapes and the increase in clientele in Emirates Airlines. It will also show the effect of the environment in the Emirates on five customers and employees (Barsky & Nash, 2003). In this chapter, the methodology of the research consisted of four sections.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Does Standardized Testing Work Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Does Standardized Testing Work - Research Paper Example Different studies have revealed that ‘standardized tests’ are bias in nature as they are favorable for students coming from affluent family background. A ‘standardized test’ is called ‘standardized’ because it is assumed that it treats every student equally and gives everyone an equal opportunity to do well in the tests. The foundation of the ‘standardized tests’ is the fair and equal opportunity to everyone. However, with bias in its design, the foundation of standardized test has proved to be extremely weak and hence, the standardized test fails to work. The nature of standardized tests The intention of ‘standardized tests’ is to measure the learning curve and the academic progress of students. A ‘test’ is called ‘standardized’ when it is designed with a ‘standard’ format and is conducted under ‘standard conditions’ (FairTest, 2007, para.2). Hence, students giving st andardized tests have to give tests under same test conditions, with same questions and same scoring way (FairTest, 2007, para.2). This assures uniformity and objectivity in testing. Moreover, standardized tests have become a decisive factor in the process of getting admissions in schools and colleges and hence, have become extremely significant in the life of a student (and parents) (FairTest, 2007, para.2). It will not be wrong to say that ‘standardized test’ is a matter of life and ‘death’ as far as the education and professional prospects of students are concerned. Hence, it is natural for educators and parents to expect that ‘standardized test’ is designed in such a way that it measures the ‘natural’ potential of a student and not the superficial skills, which can be improved with the aid of resources available outside the school. However, it has been found that standardized test inclines in favor of students coming from afflu ent and advantageous family backgrounds and hence, proves fatal to the education system of the country (FairTest, 2007, para.5). Education has a potential to offer unconditional love, understanding, appreciation and unbiased treatment to children. Right education has the power to shape the future of the world by producing intelligent, mature and confident human beings. However, it has been found that the quality of the education is declining due to the effort in winning the race of scoring well in ‘standardized tests’ (Kohn, 2000, para.14). It has been observed that instead of measuring the natural skills like genuine understanding and intelligence, the standardized test measures the temporary skills of acquisition of facts, copying the answers and â€Å"skill of test-taking itself† (Kohn, 2000, para.14). Hence, what the tests measure is nothing but superficial skill set which does not contribute in improving the quality of learning and education in any way. Unfo rtunately, this fact also applies to the tests like SAT, MAT, CAT, CTBS and ITBS. The measurement criteria People have given importance to tests because they think that tests measure the quality of learning, teaching, intelligence and thinking ability. However, it has been found that non-referenced tests like SAT, MAT, CAT, ITBS and CTBS were designed to give ‘ranking’ to the students and not to measure the quali

Monday, September 23, 2019

The Prince of Los Cocuyos Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Prince of Los Cocuyos - Essay Example He is presented as a father, an older brother and domineering Abuela. All these personalities in real sense appeared to be part of me as a freshman. This was largely due to cultural diversity and above all naivety. Secondly, social-cultural mischief has been additional experience in the college as a freshman. Uncultured behaviors such as homosexuality, heterosexuality and lesbianism are some of the major experiences in colleges common to freshmen such as myself. The Prince of Los Cocuyos portrays all these vices through Riqui. Naturally, through this book, Riqui’s homosexuality greatly affected his personality. As a freshman, this book could not have been any better concerning its explanation of tolerance to different personalities we meet in this life. College life is an extremely challenging though enjoyable. For instances, in the college, I meet various personalities, which I must liberally scrutinize to be socially and psychologically upright throughout the entire college

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Red, White, and Black Essay Example for Free

Red, White, and Black Essay By combining they were a stronger force against the colonists. Native American Relations in the first settlements: Relations characterized by resistance to the expansion of English settlement, submission into praying towns, and devastation through war and disease. Many of the Massachusetts Indians sought protection from Winthrop by selling their land and surrendering their independence. Pequot War: So-called war consisting of clumsy plundering by Massachusetts troops and raids by Pequots in 1637. The colonists eventually won the alliance of rival tribes and waged a ruthless campaign. The war tipped the balance of military power to the English, opening the way to New England’s settlement. King Phillips War: War between the Native American tribes of New England and British colonists that took place from 1675-1676. The war was the result of tension caused by encroaching white settlers. The chief of the Wampanoags, King Philip lead the natives. The war ended Indian resistance in New England and left a hatred of whites. Tuscaroras and Yamasees: Two opposing Indians tribes whose disunity lead both to destruction. The Tuscaroran people were defeated by the colonists with the help of the Yamasees in 1713, and the Yamasees were themselves defeated around 1715. Both tribes were scattered and soon disappeared. praying towns: Towns set up by puritan missionaries for Indian converts to spread puritan Christianity, the first of which, Natick, was founded in 1651. As the Indian population in the east waned, assimilation as Praying Indians became the only option besides retreating farther west. Beaver Wars: Wars that resulted from furious trading and hunting of Beaver pelts by the Dutch, the French, and the New Netherlands. The Overhunting of Beavers sent prices so high in 1742 that the Dutch armed the Iroquois and what resulted was bloody battles against Pro-French tribes. Slavery Begins: Followed the exploration of the African coast and the establishment of a slave trade Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries. The slave trade then moved in to America as the development of a plantation system in Virginia offered a market for slavery and the first slaves arrived there in 1619. Slavery remained small among the colonies, however because it was not yet profitable for slavery under the conditions. As trade and agriculture grew and a plantation system grew so did slavery. Barbados Code: Code adopted by Carolina in 1696 to control slaves at the will of their masters. It was often noted as an inhumane code but the society revolved around slaves, so laws like this were created in order to keep control in the society. White owners relied on force and fear to control the growing black majority in the Carolinas. Maryland Slave Code, 1661: The first actual definition by the colonies of slavery as a lifelong, inheritable, racial status. It was issued by Maryland in 1661 in order to set up a distinct place for the slaves in the society. Out of the Maryland Slave Code of 1661 came the establishing of other slave codes that set up strict legal codes. Stono Rebellion: Slave uprising in South Carolina in 1739, in which twenty slaves robbed guns and ammunition from the Stono River Bridge along with killing civilians. Officials suppressed the rebellion and stopped any more chaos and damage. I t was a significant encounter because it caused white

Saturday, September 21, 2019

First Order Change In Organizational System

First Order Change In Organizational System This study discusses the impact of change in the organization towards management and the challenges that the company have to face. This study used two main methodologies, namely: case study and interviews. A case study was used to study on the change of the organization which is based on first-order change. In addition, an interview was used to study the perception of the management towards decision making on changing. In order to achieve this objective, in-depth interviews were conducted with Assistant General Manager and the Marketing Executive of the Company. The change of organization can be seen through changing system in multi-level marketing to single-level marketing. The result from this study has been analyzed using observational method, structured interviews, and analysis of documents, in order to identify the impact from change system. It is expected that the findings of this study will give a clear understanding and awareness of the various challenges in managing effectiv e management towards change system. Keywords: First-order Change, Challenges In Changing Introduction This research project was conducted at Era Edar Marketing Sdn. Bhd. (EEMSB), a Bumiputera owned company that markets health products produced by a network company named as Kumpulan Syarikat Doktor Azizan (KUSDA) situated in Jitra, Kedah. EEMSB is also one of a company under KUSDA apart from other support companies such as Homeopathic Laboratories (M) Sdn. Bhd. (HOMEOLAB), also the producer of most of the products of EEMSB, KUSKAMEI the producer of spices, Printing Era PDA (PEPDA) producing printed materials, Centre for Homeopathic Medicine Biochemistry PDA (PPHB) which is based on the homeopathic treatment clinic and biochemistry, College of Homeopathy Chamber of institutions in the field of alternative medicine and homeopathy and biochemical UNA Beauty House of Beauty Care Centers Face. Found by the late Prof Dr Azizan Bin Ismail, mainly focused to market health products developed by him which based on homeopathic medicine known as Biochemistry Schuessler, Herbalisme and Aromatherapy. Products marketed by EEMSB are based on the concept of Halalan Toyyiba which is a part of Islamic halal products and good for health. They have received many compliments because of its effectiveness is being proven successful. ListenRead phonetically   Dictionary View detailed dictionary By using the image of Prof. Dr Azizan as a trade mark and immortalize him on the products logo, EEMSB is now widely known throughout Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam. Even though the company was established in 2001 but actually the business had started since 30 years ago when the founder has marketed the products through his clinic which was operated in Jitra, Kedah. Later in 1985, he had made a stepping stone to appoint one of the companys based in Kuala Lumpur to be his distributor. This joint-venture business has carried out until 1989, when the late Prof. Dr Azizan had set up Sistem Era Edar Sdn. Bhd. known as SEE on the same year. At that time SEE was the company which deal the business located at Bandar Darul Aman which was known as Tanah Merah, Jitra. The business was conducted in conventional method and the distributor was appointed to distribute the products to certain areas or locations. This direct selling business has started when SEE is formed only on July 18th in 1991. In 1998, during the economic crisis, the company had no profit and faced loss because of the situation, which lead to retrenchment of some of the workers. Nevertheless, with the remain workers, the business is still active whereby, Prof. Dr Azizan , has formed a company name as Era Edar Marketing Sdn. Bhd. (EEMSB) on the April 1st in 2001. EEMSB is placed as the headquarters for the Group Companies of Dr Azizan (KUSDA), now consists of 125 workers from the KUSDA and from the nine service centres in Malaysia by the concepts of multi level marketing. Literature review Change defined as an effort that consists of actual physical changes to operations and different emotional stimulation (Bernerth, 2004) is painful in the workplace, going from what is certain and known to the otherwise. So, organizational change is typically conceptualized as moving from the status quo to a new, desired, configuration to better match the environment. Change therefore can be seen as a departure from the norm or alternatively as normal and simply a natural response to environmental and internal conditions (Bernerth, 2004). Change is about adaptation and resiliency while maintenance is about continuing activities, structure and function. However the change of the organization might be first-order change or second-order change and this paper attempts to reveal the change of organizational is based on first-order change. First-order incremental change may involve adjustment in system, processes or structures but it does not involve fundamental change in strategy, core values or corporate identity (Palmer, 2009). Comparing with second-order change that is more radically transform. For Era Edar Marketing Sdn. Bhd. the first-order change that they have being made is based on a few factors that we will be revealed. 3.0 Research Methodology Data collection involved interviewing with General Assistant Manager, Dr. (H) Mazelan Bin Ismail and Marketing Executive by Dr. (H) Che Normawan Bt Idris. All these data collection techniques have used observational methods, structured interviews, and analysis of documents. A qualitative design and Open Question was used in the interview. The research question was: why company makes a decision to change their system and how they cope with the challenges that came from company itself, members and distributors. Based on the questions, objective for the research was developed to create a clear understanding towards this research. It is related to three parts: perception from the organization change, impact from the organization change, implementation of organizational change. Objective 1: why they choose the system (Single Level Marketing) and how the members perception from the change? Objective 2: aimed to enquire to what extent the impact of the organization change and how the member and distributor accept the change? Objective 3: what is the strategy they used to implement the organization change? During interview, we conducted semi structured and audio-taped interviews with an average duration of 60 minutes. Two different interview questionnaires were used one interview questionnaire for General Assistant Manager that is more to the managerial question, the other one was for Executive marketing which is more to outside challenges. Topics covered in both interview questionnaires were the same with few different questions for each group of interviewees. Open-ended questions were carefully worded to be as neutral as possible without creating awkward situation or offending interviewees. Interview questionnaires for both interviewees were pilot tested to check whether there is any ambiguity or confusion of questions. 4. 0 Research Findings 4.1 Multi level marketing concepts Prior to this, when Era Edar Marketing Sdn. Bhd. (EEMSB) used multi level marketing as their operation system, it is more to the head hunting concepts which is finding the person or agent or down line people to expand the business. If there is no one join, the company cannot growth well because of the strength of the program lies in the number of new members who join in and not totally depends on the product itself. However, repeat purchase will occur if the featured products have a quality and useful towards customers. The concepts of multi level marketing can be seen as:Read phonetically  Dictionary View detailed dictionaryRead phonetically  Dictionary View detailed dictionar The Company will take or appoint an individual as a member of the company or being as distributor to distribute the goods. Member or distributor concerned will appoint another individual (down line) to form their own network to sell a company products. Recruitment of new members or new distributors can be continued until its reach a certain level. Each member or distributors will get commissions / bonuses / incentives from private sales and the sales or distributors in the network (over-riding bonus). Figure 1: Multi Level Marketing Member 1 COMPANY Era Edar Marketing Sdn. Bhd Supplier / Distributor Member 2 Member 3 Member 1 Member 2 Member 3 Supplier / Distributor Multi Level Marketing In this strategy, the seller recruits other distributors or sales people, and also receives commissions and bonuses on the sales they make. Down liners are necessary to increase the sales force, and thus generate a huge number of sales. 4.2 Single-level marketing concepts For the new system that EEMSB implementing now is known as single level marketing. Single Level Marketing (SLM) is a compensation plan for direct selling in which sales associates are paid only for their own personal sales activity. They do not recruit other sales representative and derive income from them as in a multi-level marketing (MLM) organization. The concepts of single level marketing can be seen as:Read phonetically  Dictionary View detailed dictionaryRead phonetically  Dictionary View detailed dictionar The company will appoint a sales representative or the sales agent and pay salaries or commissions or by the combination of salary and commission from the sale made. Sales representatives / sales agents were not allowed to nominate or sponsor sales representative and agent of the other sales. Figure 2: Single Level Marketing COMPANY Era Edar Marketing Sdn.Bhd Supplier / Distributor member Retailer Single level marketing- rewards the sellers for their personal sales activity. They do not sponsor any other member or distributorship or sales personal. Income from the business based on commission or bonus after sale of the products. 4.3 Change system and challenges Various aspects needs to be taken into consideration in assuming that types of organizational changes can be neatly categorized as small, adaptive, and incremental compared to those that are large and transformational. Mental frameworks, individual perspectives, the extent to which a change is directly relevant to a person and his or her activities, and the degree to which he or she accepts the need for change will all influence how the change is viewed. Here we choose to view from the management and members of the company. In view of the changes made by the company of Era Edar Marketing Sdn. Bhd., Multi Level Marketing (MLM) changed to Single Level Marketing (SLM), an aspect of similarity by both are subject to the same Direct Sales Act 1993 in which this Act is to make provision for the licensing of those who carry out direct selling business, the regulation of direct sales and for other matters connected therewith. The concept of direct selling is where individuals were trained to understand their role not only on sales or sponsorship, but also it provides a unique channel to customers and consumers in accordance with the requirements at the time. Therefore, sellers are more alert and focused to meet the needs of users in the process of purchasing and selecting products. Advantages to members or distributors in direct selling activities are that they can become leaders to themselves, manage their own time, getting paid or the income of their own efforts, close ties and expand the number of their contacts. For the concept of MLM, the activities carried out require a lot of documentation. The three main purposes in this concept are to use, sell and sponsor. The management is only required to provide information and guidance to the major distributors to market the product. Distributors need to find and appoint down liners to market the product. This method not only promotes the growth of the company to grow in terms of membership but also users of the products. In MLM system, the bonus is based on sales made due and payable each month. It is in the form of incentives on sales made by down liners. For this method, the dealer does not have to work hard to get rewards. In this case the product will not change. Compared with SLM system, it involves three stages, using, selling and sponsoring. For SLM method, all levels, whether distributors or down liners should make one for the benefits and returns that can be redeemed immediately. Returns or benefits provided in the form of discounts or points. For this method, the distributor or down liners are equal. Business through the SLM method is simpler, easier, and does not involve down liners. It encourages more people to trade and indirectly over the companies and product output.ListenRead phoneticall   Dictionary View detailed dictionary Listen Read phonetically Dictionary View detailed dictionary Translate any website Nord-Cinema-France News.de-Germany El Confidencial-Spain Tom.com-China Spiegel Online-Germany Venezuela Tuya-Spanish Focus Online-Germany Onet.pl-Polish Pà ºblico.es-Spain à §Ã¢â‚¬ ºÃ¢â‚¬  Ãƒ ¦Ã‚  Ã‚ ½-Japan NouvelObs-France Sueddeutsche.de-Germany Do more with Google Translate Listen Read phonetically Dictionary View detailed dictionary Translate any website Nord-Cinema-France News.de-Germany El Confidencial-Spain Tom.com-China Spiegel Online-Germany Venezuela Tuya-Spanish Focus Online-Germany Onet.pl-Polish Pà ºblico.es-Spain à §Ã¢â‚¬ ºÃ¢â‚¬  Ãƒ ¦Ã‚  Ã‚ ½-Japan NouvelObs-France Sueddeutsche.de-Germany Do more with Google Translate Recently used: Malay > English English > Malay Malay > Malay Detect language Afrikaans Albanian Arabic Armenian Azerbaijani Basque Belarusian Bulgarian Catalan Chinese Croatian Czech Danish Dutch English Estonian Filipino Finnish French Galician Georgian German Greek Haitian Creole Hebrew Hindi Hungarian Icelandic Indonesian Irish Italian Japanese Korean Latvian Lithuanian Macedonian Malay Maltese Norwegian Persian Polish Portuguese Romanian Russian Serbian Slovak Slovenian Spanish Swahili Swedish Thai Turkish Ukrainian Urdu Vietnamese Welsh Yiddish Listen Read phonetically Dictionary View detailed dictionary Translate any website Nord-Cinema-France News.de-Germany El Confidencial-Spain Tom.com-China Spiegel Online-Germany Venezuela Tuya-Spanish Focus Online-Germany Onet.pl-Polish Pà ºblico.es-Spain à §Ã¢â‚¬ ºÃ¢â‚¬  Ãƒ ¦Ã‚  Ã‚ ½-Japan NouvelObs-France Sueddeutsche.de-Germany Do more with Google Translate 4.4 Management Implementation In making this change, the management has set a strategy of gradual and prudent so as not to dramatically affect the distributor, down liners, workers and goods sold. The management provides a period of one year to dealers to make changes in terms of incentives and the income derived from the proceeds of the sale. Typically, the bonus will be paid once a month but the new system, bonuses and incentives are given immediately. The main purpose of the changes made was to make the business carried on is based on the characteristics of Islamic business and non-conventional. Revenue earned income is more beneficial and all parties share profits and earn rewards and benefits equally. An important aspect of the researchers model is the concept of the order or magnitude of change. First-order change is change that is consistent with prevailing values and norms, meets with general agreement, and can be implemented using peoples existing knowledge and skills. A change becomes second-order when it is not obvious how it will make things better, it requires people to learn new approaches, or it conflicts with prevailing values and norms. Second-order changes require leaders to work far more deeply with staff and the business community. They can disrupt peoples sense of well-being and the co-operation and cohesion of the business community. They may confront and challenge expertise and competencies and throw people into states of conscious incompetence. Different perceptions about the implications of change mean that a change that appears to be a solution to one person can appear to be a problem for another. To the degree that individuals and/or stakeholder groups in the company or company system hold conflicting values, seek different norms, have different knowledge, or operate with varying mental models of business strategy, a proposed change might represent a first-order change for some and a second-order change for others (Waters, Marzano, and McNulty, 2003). Change and improvement of this sort takes conscious effort that is focused on clear outcomes, it takes the right set of conditions in the professional learning context, and it takes time. We cannot assume that because people appear to have learned, it follows that they will change their practice or that because they have changed their practice, it follows that every outcomes will improve. The company faces challenges in which not all distributors who received the positive changes made. Some of them have ceased to be a distributor because the feel there is an injustice towards those who have been longer in the business. The new system requires them to work together with down liners and equally be rewarded, where else the distributor feels they are pioneer and deserve more attention and privileges. In applying the SLM system, the management should augment its efforts to educate and provide information on all targets for this system is accepted and fully utilized. Objectives are to provide convenience to all parties. While, the use of the old system, the company need to only provide training and information to the distributor against the new system at all levels who are involved. Accordingly, companies should be more active and require more aggressive actions in order to provide training strategies and to be more detailed in explanations pertaining to systems and effective use of skills through wider media. Educators at all levels of the system need to test the impact of changed practices on the diverse learners for whom they are responsible, using inquiry skills to judge when their practice possesses the desired outcomes and when it is not necessary and need to be changed. When such evidence-based practices are firmly embedded, they can generate their own momentum. Each view of change described above reflects the fact that changes in beliefs and understanding are the foundation of achieving lasting reform (Fullan, 2007). However, Understanding can follow action (Spillane et al., 2002). Learning may be deeper when it follows attempts to try out new practices, and so both practices and beliefs need to be addressed through a continuous cycle of inquiry within and between educators communities of practice. In our cognitive framework, the nature of the changes sought by policy makers is also important because some changes involve more complex cognitive transformations for implementing agents than others. Focusing on the balance between continuity, growth, and loss, Marris (1975) identifies three levels of social change. The first level is incremental change, which requires little or no alteration of the extant purposes or expectations of the people undertaking the change. Such change can be incorporated into existing schemas and frameworks rather than undermining them. The second level requires changes in the growth of some of the changes worked, but still have goals and hopes to remain intact the changes sought by an innovation, the greater the extent to which existing schemes must be restructured to form coherent understandings of the new ideas. (Spillane et al., 2002). The third level of change represents loss for the implementing agent, in that it necessitates the discrediting of existing schemes and frameworks. This level of social change is the most difficult to achieve (Marris, 1975). For example, change the way of incentives and bonuses based on any particular sale or points earned during the period that is does not require changes in goals and expectations of the company itself. From the interviews conducted, we found that effective communication played a significant role in ensuring the system successfully operated. This, in turn impacted on the products volume and the number increased of the distributors. Communication is important among management and employees or distributors, and also in sustaining relationship among employees. Most of the interviewed employees concurred that listening skills, as part of effective communication, is one of the key competencies that the management ought to possess at all times. Before, during and after the implementation of change, management should listen to their employees and distributors opinions and understand their perspective and feelings on the imposed changes. This would further help management to introduce future organizational change. 5.0 suggestions This research has revealed suggestions for management in the direct selling industry recognized as volatile and vulnerable businesses to external environment as to take what actions in order to smoothly implement organizational change. Emphasis on action orientated implications is to ensure that all issues and concerns are acted upon immediately without procrastination. When a decision to apply organizational change occurs in the direct selling industry, managers as being responsible for the success of organizational change should pay attention to their communication approach with employees or distributors, distributors attitude, perception of managers actions, distributors motivation and continuous improvement of the working environment. Consequently, the following actions are suggested: Action 1: Realize the value of effective employees and distributors cooperation and collaboration, motivation in the workplace. Before implementing a change in the system, managers should understand that different individuals hold dissimilar opinions about change. Also, not all employees, distributors and member are outspoken and willing to be honest with their managers or up line that is management. Therefore, managers should have the initiative to interact with employees and keep them informed about any organizational change. By maintaining communication and listening to employees, and distributor managers can understand their unfulfilled needs and resistance to change. Thats where, in the unfreezing Lewins stage (Levasseur, 2001) the communication should be improved between managers, employees and distributors. Action 2: During the implementation of organizational change, which is the moving Lewins stage (Levasseur, 2001), managers should be able to understand employees and distributors attitudes, but also they should keep in mind Conners (1998) stages of human cycle of negative response in related industry, such as stability, immobilization and denial. As leaders, managers should guide and direct employees along the organizational change process, be aware of importance of employees motivation to proceed with change, and be receptive to new ideas that come from employees. Listening and explaining to employees is a necessary process to convince them about the projected benefits that are expected from the introduced change. Action 3: As soon as the change is implemented, which is the refreezing Lewins stage (Levasseur, 2001) managers should continue to communicate with employees about the change implemented. This will promote an open exchange of ideas and information among all parties. By being attentive, managers can discover to what extent change affects employees especially distributors and take corrective actions immediately to support them. For example, managers should be aware that although organizational change impacts that bring positive results into the related industry do not necessarily bring positive outcome to their distributors. Change of a working system especially in selling and marketing the product may increase employees income with extra workload creating fatigue and low spirits. To distributors this is such a challenge for them to work hard than the old days just sponsoring the down liners to get benefits. We can conclude that, before the change occurs it seems important for managers to have thorough analysis of the implementation of organizational change to enable to determine at extent the change is beneficial to both management performance and employees. Since the direct selling industry requires a high labour input, management should pay attention to different kinds of impacts imposed on employees. They should, in particularly, keep in mind employees motivation create an environment that encourages employees to accept change and sustain the companys product competitiveness. 6.0 Summary Research has been done in Era Edar Marketing Sdn. Bhd., we identified that observational method, structured interview and analysis of document is used in research. We found the company is using first order change. Hence we recommend three action plans should be implemented in order to enhance the development of the Company. Methods are as employees motivation, accept change and sustain product competitiveness. As a conclusion, this study was done successfully and had achieved its objectives to study on how SLM works in the company. We found that effective communication played a significant role in ensuring the system successfully operated. Communication is important among management and employees or distributors, and also in sustaining relationship among employees. Understanding the people involve and communication are part of effectiveness of the implementation the system. 7. Acknowledgements We would like to thank Era Edar Marketing Sdn. Bhd. (EEMSB), for their support and permission in providing the research grant for us to study about the change in organization in order to complete our research and achieve the objective of this course.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Non State Actors In International Security

Non State Actors In International Security 1. In the process of state transformation, such as the emergence of new political spaces beyond the territorial nation state, relocation of politics from the state to international and sub-national organizations, diffusion of political power from public authorities to semi-public and private actors, and de-legitimization of the state (crisis of the welfare state, state failures, lack of performance), the old paradigm of top-down, state-led, command control ways of steering the states has been replaced by the new forms of governance and policy instruments: network-like arrangements of public and private actors, self-regulation by business organizations, public-private and civic-private partnerships, etc have emerged (Arts, 2005, p. 2). Many scholars refer to this as a shift from government to governance which is generally referred to as global governance in the study of international relations (Ibid.,p 3). This new concept of global governance invariably includes the relevance of non -state actors (NSAs) for governing global issues. 2. With the proliferation of non-state actors in International Politics,..the traditional Westphalian nation-state is experiencing an erosion of power and sovereignty (Non-state actors, 2010). This eventually undermines the states monopoly of the use of force as well as the monopoly on raising taxes and revenues which seriously restrict the effective performance of basic functions of the sovereign nation state.  [1]  This would not only lead to additional humanitarian disasters, but create tangible security problems and governance failures at the local, regional and at the global level. 3. Non-State Actors have emerged in international relations as important actors. They are limiting the authorities being enjoyed by sovereign nation-state under state-centric international relations based on principles of Westaphalian system.  [2]  By weakening states, NSAs are establishing themselves at domestic as well as international level. 4. At present world order, international security seems to be influenced by NSAs at unprecedented level. The diverse range of non-state actors plays a unique role in the changing dominion of international security in different manner, either positively or negatively. Certainly the various types of non-state actors like Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs), Non Governmental Organizations (NGO), Multinational Corporations (MNCs) and private security firms, and Violent Non-State Actors (VNSAs) may exert their energy in different manner in order to influence the international relations of 21st century there by affecting the international security as a whole. In order to understand the degree, nature, and gravity of influence, the major NSAs have been exerting on international security, their role in international relations need to be explored. METHODOLOGY Statement of the problem 3. To understand and explore the degree, nature, and gravity of influence, the major non-state actors have been exerting on international security. Hypothesis 4. The NSAs are the important players of international relations and they influence international security to a greater extent. The degree and nature of influence exerted by various non-state actors is not same. It is basically depend on the intention and capability of the individual non-state actor. Justification of The Study 5. In post cold war era, international security seems to be influenced by NSAs at an unprecedented level. The role that the NSAs play in the international security arena has come to the notice of many only after the attacks of September 11th. The non-state actors come in various shapes and sizes ranging from Intergovernmental organization, non governmental organization, Transnational companies, terrorist and various criminal organizations etc. This diverse collection of NSAs, with different intentions and capabilities, each plays different and unique role in the international relations. This study will try to explore the role of NSAs in international relations in order to understand the degree, nature, and gravity of influence that the major NSAs have been exerting on international security. Scope 6. Every study and research will not be free from some weakness and drawbacks. The study is limited to certain boundaries for which future new researcher will try to find out the fact in more detail. The scope of the study is limited to the exploration of the influence of major NSAs on international security. NSAs, most active as well as with the strategic influence on international relations have been selected for the study. In this study, international security has been discussed from the traditional security point of view. The traditional security concept refers to the realist construct of security in which the referent object of security is the state. Research Methodology 7. Due to the nature of the subject matter the research is based on the documentary sources. Published materials in the form of books, journal article, dissertations, and reports mainly collected from electronic sources, mostly internet, have been used as secondary sources for this research. Organization of the Dissertation 8. It is proposed to study the subject in the following manner: (a) Chapter I: Introduction. The subject would be introduced broadly. Similarly the necessity to carry out the research and the objective to be achieved from the study would be highlighted. This chapter also includes the limitation of the study, methods followed and the preview of the study. (b) Chapter II:Non State Actors and International Security. The detailed Concept of non-state actors and its role at present day world order will be highlighted. Brief background of non-state actors, its relevance at present day context and the diverse assortment of non-state entities will also be briefly brought out. Finally the most influential non-state actors in international relations in framing the international security will be identified for further discussion. (c) Chapter III: Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) as Non State Actors. This part would bring out various important intergovernmental organizations presently active in the world politics. Arguments would be made to qualify these intergovernmental organizations as non-state actors and at the end their contribution in international security will be brought out in detail. (d) Chapter IV: Violent Non State Actors (VNSAs) and International Security. This part will highlight the role and significance of the violent non-state actors in international security. In doing so firstly the violent non-state actors are clearly defined and out of many violent non-state actors only relevant and most influential violent non-state actors would be selected for further discussion. (e) Chapter V: International Nongovernmental Organizations (INGOs) and Multinational Corporation (MNCs) as International Players. In this portion the argument would be made to analyze importance of the International Nongovernmental Organizations and Multinational Corporations in driving the international relations of 21st century. Finally some conclusions will be drawn regarding the role being played by International Nongovernmental Organizations and Multinational Corporations in shaping the international security. (e) Chapter VI: Conclusion. Based on the arguments made in the various chapters a logical conclusion would be drawn in identifying the degree, nature, and gravity of influence, the major non-state actors have been exerting on international security. CHAPTER II NON STATE ACTORS AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY 9. According to Wikipedia, online encyclopedia, Non-State Actors, in international relations, are actors on the international level which are not states. (Non-state actors, 2010). In Bas Arts definition, they ..are all those actors that are not (representatives of) states, yet that operate at the international level and that are potentially relevant to international relations (2005, p. 4). Citing Josselin Wallace (2001), Joanna Szalachas defines NSA as ..an organization largely autonomous from central government funding and control, it acts between the modern states within the networks, which extends across many borders (n.d., p. 3). 10. First two of above mentioned definitions are simple and believe that only an actor, essentially not a state, active as well as influential at international level, could be a NSA. Szalacha seems to be accepting that a transnational actor focused to a state could also be a NSA. Saying largely autonomous from central government, she does not negate the possibility of some link between NSA and state. Abram Paley is concerned about the strategic role or effect of an actor to qualify itself as a NSA. After discussing several definitions, he summarizes an inclusive definition of strategic NSA with two vital components: (a) any actor that participates on the international stage or affects international interaction, but is not part of the domestic state structure, and (b) an actor-not an issue-that has the common attributes with which all actors in Common game-theoretic models are endowed-i.e. preferences, beliefs, strategies, etc. (Paley, 2008, p. 33). 11. From these different definitions of NSAs, following could be concluded: NSAs are autonomous from states or do not represent the states or governments but may have some link with certain state(s). NSAs operate at international or minimum transnational level. NSAs strategically influence international relations. 12. There are different classifications of NSAs; Table 1 shows three of them by Paley (2008, p. 29), Ataman (2003, p. 45) and Arts (2005, p. 4). Although, there are great similarities in all these three classifications, all writers mention that their classification is not the complete one. Paley says his classification is out of some common example and NSAs are not limited to them, whereas Atamans list of five NGOs is the ones which he believes are of more effective types. 13. There are varieties of actors other than state and it is difficult to find one of such actors without some sort of international or transnational connection in present context of globalization. Therefore, one may come up with more types of NSA than that is mentioned here. For example, Wikipedia in its classification of NSAs, apart from these common ones, has also included the international media, and transnational Diaspora communities (Violent non-state actors, 2010). It has grouped NSAs using violence as Violent NSA but not included IGOs. Regarding, VNSA, it is a common practice to address all NSAs which use illegal violence as their means. There is a lack of consensus on the issue of IGOs; one school of thought believes that an organization formed and collectively participated by the states cannot be termed as a NSA.  [3]  As per the definition and degree as well as gravity of their strategic influence on international relations, one can draw the conclusion that the major N SAs could be classified into four groups, namely IGOs, VNSAs, INGOs, and MNCs. Abram W Paley Muhittin Ataman Bas Arts International Terrorist Organizations. International Criminal Organizations. Nongovernmental Organizations and Grassroots Activists. International Institutions and Inter-governmental Organizations. Multi-national Corporations. Individual Actors. International Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs). Transnational or International Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs). Multinational Corporations (MNCs). National Liberation Movements (NLMs). Epistemic Communities. Religious and Humanitarian Organizations. Terrorist Groups and Drug Traffickers (Narco-Terrorists). Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs). International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs). Corporate Interest Groups (CIGs) and Transnational Corporations (TNCs), Epistemic Communities (ECs). a remainder category (including terrorist networks, professional organizations, scouts, churches, etc.). Table 1: Different Classifications of NSAs 14. NSAs appeared at international level as a group of social actors since 1980s and by 1990s, those organizations have gained power and increased influence on public institutions and different states agendas (Szalacha, n.d., p. 3). But NSAs are not completely new phenomena; ..the Hanseatic League monopolized trade on the Baltic Sea between the 13th and 17th centuries, the highly powerful East India Company was founded in 1600, European haute finance was a major contributor to the relative peace of the 19th century, and the Red Cross dates to the 1860s (NIC, 2007). According to Ataman, The proliferation of non-state actors has recently led some observers of international relations to conclude that states are declining in importance and that non-state actors are gaining status and influence (2003, p. 42). Quoting Miller, Ataman further says, The growth of so many kinds of non-state actors challenges and even weakens the state-centric concept of international politics and replaces it w ith a transnational system in which relationships are more complex. These organizations changed the international environment (Ibid.). A report says, A globalization-fueled diffusion of finance and technology has enabled non-state actors to encroach upon functions traditionally performed by nation-states, facilitating their evolution into forms unheard of even a few years ago (NIC, 2007). 15. The NSAs have emerged in international relations as equal as the nation-states. It may compel states to adopt more complex transnational system but in reality, NSAs rise has greater impact in international relations. NSAs have changed the overall traditional concept of international relations, based on the principles of Westphalian system of sovereign states, as Schwartz writes, The influence of non-state actors in this globalized world is unquestionably stronger than at any point since the Westphalia system of state sovereignty was established in 1648 (n.d.). 16. International security is the most influenced aspect of the changing trend of international relations due to the rise of NSAs. Under the traditional concept of international relations, international security is maintained through two types of organizations: classical collective security organization and defensive security organization. The first type of organization is designed to promote international security through regulating the behavior of its member states, whereas defensive security organization is to protect a group of states from threats emanating from a challenging state or group of states. (Gleason Shaihutdinov, 2005, p. 274). In present context, the role of traditional collective security organizations has expanded, if not changed; those organizations have been transformed into NSAs as intergovernmental organizations. Similarly, defensive security organizations have lost their appeal in present unipolar world order; but threat of violent NSAs for them has replaced t hat of formidable rival state or group of states. 17. Non-State Actors have emerged in international relations as important actors. They are limiting the authorities being enjoyed by sovereign nation-state under state-centric international relations based on principles of Westaphalian system. By weakening states, NSAs are establishing themselves at domestic as well as international level and they influence the international security to a greater extent. The degree and nature of influence may vary from one NSA to other; it could be positive or negative as well as at large or small scale. Whatever role the major NSAs are playing in international relations, needs to be studied in order to explore their influence in international security. CHAPTER III INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS AS NSAs Defining IGOs 18. The term official web page of Harvard University defines IGOs as an entity created by treaty, involving two or more nations, to work in good faith, on issues of common interest. In the absence of a treaty an IGO does not exist in the legal sense. For example, the G8 is a group of eight nations that have annual economic and political summits. IGOs that are formed by treaties are more advantageous than a mere grouping of nations because they are subject to international law and have the ability to enter into enforceable agreements among themselves or with states. (Harvard Law School 2010, Intergovernmental Organizations) 19. The main purposes of IGOs were to create a mechanism for the worlds inhabitants to work more successfully together in the areas of peace and security, and also to deal with economic and social questions. In this current era of increasing globalization and interdependence of nations, IGOs have come to play a very significant role in international political systems and global governance. 20. The number of IGOs is difficult to determine, but estimates range from 270 to more than 1000. They cover multiple issues and involve governments from every region of the world. Among the oldest IGOs are the United Nations, which replaced the League of Nations, the Universal Postal Union, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Other well-known IGOs are the European Union (EU), the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the African Development Bank (ADB) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). 21. Since the creation of the UN and NATO, IGOs have become essential actors in the international security. IGOs, such as the UN and the EU, have the ability to make rules and exercise power within their member countries, their global impact continues to increase. 22. Ataman cites Miller to define IGOs as ..voluntary associations of sovereign states established to pursue many objectives for which states want to cooperate through sort of formal structure and to which states are unable to realize by themselves (Ataman, 2003, p. 43). Sovereign states establish IGOs through a treaty  [4]  and accept its authority to make decisions regarding particular problems for common benefit. In other words, the states voluntarily give up sovereignty to an IGO in order to achieve common security, cooperation for collective goods, economic rearwards and political influence. 23. In Atamans view IGOs could be classified by their scope (global and regional) or by their function (political, economic, social and environmental) (Ibid.). Wikipedia has classified them as worldwide global organizations, regional organizations, Cultural, linguistic, ethnic, religious, or historical organizations, Economic organizations, organizations for collective security or mutual defense provisions (Intergovernmental organization, 2010). Among these organizations United Nations (UN) and its specialized agencies as well as some regional organizations such as European Union (EU) and collective security organization such as NATO play significant role in international security (Ibid.). Types of IGOs 24. IGOs are typically organized by their membership and by their purpose. For example, the UN is called a global organization because all countries are allowed membership. There are currently 192 member states in the UN. Some IGOs are regional and limit their membership to states within the designated regions. Other IGOs are referred to as selective organizations because they base their membership on criteria other than geography. The Organization of the Islamic Conference, for example, bases its membership on religious affiliation. OPEC, on the other hand, is comprised only of countries that produce oil. Specialized IGOs, such as NATO, limit their activities to a particular field. General IGOs have expertise on a wide variety of topics. The UN is also a general IGO as it is involved in a wide range of issues, including security, poverty reduction, health, telecommunications, international criminal justice, human rights, economic development, and environmental protection (Ibid.). Role in International Relations and Effects on International Security 25. Quoting several constructivist views, Susan Park writes. IGOs ..are norm diffusers or transmitters within the international realm; teaching states their interests (Park, 2004). They ..do this through establishing regimes, forming international agendas, constructing discourse, enforcing rules, and mediating between states (Ibid.) Park believes that these important roles ..show the significance of these organizations as the glue of the international state system, binding states together in various regimes (Ibid.). She argues that the IGOs .. act as official gate-keepers, determining which non-state actors and groups within civil society are deemed legitimate, thus de-legitimizing others, thereby shutting the latter out of the global governance structure (Ibid.). 26. IGOs are the main tools of global governance in true sense; and they are legitimate NSAs. They are responsible for collective security and defense, and they have been contributing a lot for the maintenance of international security. IGOs, formed out of common interests of the member states, maintain international security or stability by keeping member states united. On the other hand, especially collective defense oriented IGOs maintain balance with rival state or group of states. 27. UN is the key player of international relations in present context. The primary mission of UN is to maintain international peace and security.  [5]  To fulfill its mission UN has a strong mandate which it exercises through the Security Council. Since its inception, UN has continuously been trying to prevent conflicts, keep and enforce peace, and disarmament as well as proliferation of WMDs. 28. Regional organizations are also taking big steps, especially on the field of Human Security. EU is unifying entire Europe, which now is unlikely to spark other Great War. Unified Europe can maintain a balance with any other power which may emerge in future. However, regional alliances for comprehensive security are replacing the traditional military alliances; NATO is still effective. NATO, the only remaining major defense organization after the disintegration of former Soviet Union and demise of rival Warsaw Pact, is no more concerned for balance of power, but it is still significant for US and its allies for their defense. NATO is instrumental for US led War on Terror in Afghanistan. Criticism 29. The role played by IGOs at the international level is not out of controversy. There is always a question mark over their effectiveness. Some scholars argue that there problem lies on the fundamental structure and changed role of IGOs, mainly security organizations; according to Gleason Shaihutdinov, Throughout the world, the major inter-state security organizations continue to be essentially Westphalian in nature. They assume the primacy of state actors. While collective security organizations have re-focused to their objectives to confront challenges emanating from below the level of the nation-state, they have not yet reorganized their operational programs to achieve these goals. (2005, pp. 274-275) 30. IGOs like UN have been blamed as tool for powerful countries to impose their principle on the weak countries. ..the UN Security Council cannot accept any decision against the interests of the five permanent members and those of their allies, i.e., the UN Security Council decisions on the Palestinian question against Israel have often been vetoed by the United States (Ataman, 2003, pp. 44-45). The stability achieved on the cost of a states principles could not be long lasting; since it creates discontent and hatred among the people, which could be the seed of a future conflict. 31. Other IGOs, such as WTO and IMF, have been criticized for their role in globalization. Many people believe that globalization further weakens the weaker nation-states whereas strong states take maximum benefit out of it. The increasing gap between powerful states and weak states can gradually lead them to a conflict, jeopardizing international security. Overview 32. Security always puts its stakeholders under a dilemma; states need to think rationally while joining organizations or alliances. Barry Buzan portrays a picture of such dilemma in following words: Security cannot be achieved by either individuals or states acting solely on their own behalf. Some collective measures are necessary among the members of the system if each is to achieve security. Just as security cannot be achieved by individual actors, neither can it be created by concentrating all powers and responsibility at the upper levels. When such concentration happens, as we have seen in the case of individuals and the states, the collective institution becomes major source of threat to those smaller actors it was supposed to protect. (1987, p. 253) 33. Schwartzs following view on UN reflects importance of such IGOs amid their own drawbacks, While the UN is certainly not the ideal institution for international security simply because it is the sum of its parts, states the world would undoubtedly be far more insecure without it. There is no other forum in the world in which every state that wishes can participate. The implication of this should not be underestimated. Communication is essential for averting crises. And there is no other organization in the world with as broad and sweeping a mandate as the UN (Schwartz, n.d.). 34. The criticism of IGOs, exposed drawbacks and their likely consequences are not baseless accusations, but these needs be sorted out through reforms. As the key actors of global governance, IGOs play most significant role on regulating international relations and make huge positive contribution to the maintenance of international security. CHAPTER IV VIOLENT NON-STATE ACTORS AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY General 35. Even a cursory global survey suggests that violent non-state actors (VNSA s) have become a pervasive challenge to nation-states. In the 21st century, the state monopoly of the use of force is increasingly being reduced to a convenient fiction. No nation state is free of VNSAs. Relatively few of the sovereign states can truly claim a monopoly of force within their territorial borders. 36. One of the most striking features of VNSAs is their sheer variety. This suggests that there is some danger in lumping them together under a single rubric. Yet, it is clear from the preceding analysis that they do have certain things in common: they all emerge in response to inadequacies, deficiencies or shortcomings in many states and to one degree or another seek to compensate for those shortcomings. At the same time, there are important differences in motivation, purpose, power structures and the like. One of the dangers, however, is that they will increasingly form alliances with one another. There are certainly examples of linkages between organized crime and terrorist networks. Identifying VNSAs 37. VNSAs are those NSAs which use illegitimate violence as their means, they might be having some links with a state(s), and their objective could be political or economic. In Ulrich Schneckeners view VNSAs armed non-state actors willing and able to use violence for pursuing their objectives, and not integrated into formalized state institutions (Schneckener, 2006, p. 25). Following statement portrays a detail picture of VNSAs: VNSA are a distinct form of non-state actor, which distinguishes them from police forces and militaries. It is their use of collective violence that most clearly distinguishes Sendero from Starbucks, but their goals and methods also contribute to their illegitimacy. They are illegitimate vis-à  -vis the classical state system in part because the essence of being a state is having a monopoly on the legitimate use of violence. By definition, VNSA resort not only to random or opportunistic aggression, but to collective violence as a tool to achieve goals. Collective violence is really an extension of collective action, which is coordinated action by the members of the group in pursuit of common ends. (Bartolomei, Casebeer, Thomas, 2004) 38. Williams says One of the most striking features of VNSA s is their sheer variety. This suggests that there is some danger in lumping them together under a single rubric (2008, p. 17). VNSAs could be found being treated separately or as a group on the study of NSAs. Table 2 shows two different groupings of VNSAs by Ulrich Schneckener (Schneckener, 2006) and Phil Wiiliams (2008). However, there is no significant difference between these two groupings; on the basis of degree of activity as well as impact at international level, only terrorist organizations, insurgents, organized criminal groups, and private security agencies or private military companies (PMCs) could be considered as major VNSA for this study. Ulrich Schneckener Phil Williams Rebels or guerrilla fighters Militias or paramilitaries Clan chiefs or big men Warlords Terrorists Criminals Mercenaries and private security companies Marauders Warlords Militias Paramilitary forces Insurgencies Terrorist organizations Criminal organizations and youth gangs Table 2: Different Classifications of VNSAs The functions VNSAs fulfill for members and supporting constituencies 39. A key part of this is the extent to which the VNSA becomes an alternative form of governance and fulfils functions normally the responsibility of the state. It is important to determine what kinds of capacity gaps and functional holes are filled by VNSAs. These can include the provision of state functions such as imposing and maintaining security and order and can extend to what might be described as paternalistic forms of social welfare. Indeed, for VNSAs filling functional spaces is often even more important than filling territorial spaces. This analytical framework is helpful in considering a wide variety of VNSAs. These include warlords, terrorist organizations, organized crime groups both domestic and transnational, transnational youth gangs, militias and insurgencies. VNSAs in International Relations as Security Threats 40. VNSAs directly challenge and affect individual nation-state or number of states through networking of violent operations. According to Fraiman, they ..pose significant challenges to the administration of states, mainly by threatening their internal monopoly on the use of force. However, at times, these groups can also present considerable external security threats to other states in the international system (2009, p. 1). The most of the modern major conflicts are betwee