Barabas’ Role in the Jew of Malta Essay

Christopher Marlow was born in 1564, as William Shakespeare. This play was probably written in 1589; however, it was not actually published until 1633, after Marlowe’s death in 1593 when he was just 29 years old. This play was performed for many years and had a great influence on Shakespeare’s The Venice Merchant. †¢1. Summary of the play The play is set on the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. Calymath (the Turkish prince) arrives to exact Malta’s tribute which has been accumulated to a considerable sum. Ferneze (Maltese governor) cannot pay the tribute immediately, but he promises to pay within a month. After the Turks leave, Ferneze decides to collect the needed money from the Jews of Malta: each Jew must give up half of his fortune. Barabas complains strongly, so his full fortune is confiscated. The Jew tries to keep part of his fortune which was hided in his mansion. Having confessed falsely, Abigail was admitted in the nunnery (formerly Barabas’ mansion) and recovered her father’s hidden fortune. Meanwhile, the Spanish Martin Del Bosco convinces Ferneze to break Malta’s agreement with Turkey, promising to write the Spanish king for military help. Del Bosco also sells Ferneze his slaves, and Barabas ends up buying the Turkish slave Ithamore at the marketplace. At the marketplace, Barabas also runs into Mathias and Lodowick. Each young man desires to see Abigail, and Barabas promises his favours to each, but at the same time, Barabas is planning their death helped by Ithamore. Broken by his father’s selfishness and the death of her lover Mathias, Abigail on her own decides to enter the nunnery once again. Barabas, afraid that Abigail will betray him, poisons all the nuns included her own daughter Abigail who is the last to die. Before this, she manages to give friar Barnardino a written confession of her father’s crimes. Barnardino in companion with the friar Jacomo get to face Barabas and insinuate they know about the Jew’s crimes. In response, Barabas says that he would like to repent and become a Christian. Naturally, he will donate his huge fortune to whichever monastery he enters. The two friars, being from different monasteries, fight to win Barabas’ favour, each hoping to benefit from the Jew’s considerable fortune. Barabas once again has set a trap; he will kill both of the friars without arousing suspicion. Ithamore knows plenty of incriminating information. Once he is seduced by the courtesan Bellamira, Ithamore begins to blackmail Barabas with threats to confess if the Jew does not send him gold. In the last scene of the fourth act, Barabas arrives at Bellamira’s house in the disguise of a French musician and poisons his blackmailers. Meanwhile, the Turkish Bashaws have arrived. In response to Ferneze’s refusal to pay, they declare war on Malta. In the final act, Ferneze prepares to defend Malta against the Turks. Ithamore, Bellamira, and her attendant Pilia Borza enter and all play their parts in revealing Barabas’ crimes, but the Jew’s poison takes effect and they all fall dead. Barabas meanwhile has been captured, but he pretends he is dead through the effect of a drug. He finds himself left outside the city walls. The Jew betrays Malta and leads the Turks into the city. He takes position as governor but he decides to return Malta to help Ferneze to massacre the Turkish forces. The Turkish troops also believed the Jew’s trick. But Ferneze turns the tables on Barabas at the last moment, and Barabas dies. Ferneze takes Calymath as a prisoner in order to ensure Malta’s future safety. †¢2. About Barabas Barabas in the Jew of Malta is an extremely revengeful and ambitious character. He challenges the power with a great cunning. The accumulated tributes, Malta has to pay to the Turks, are more than this country can afford, that is why the governor of Malta is determined to ally to the Catholic Spain if this huge European power keep at bay to the Turks. Spain would take advantage of the sales of Turkish slaves in Malta and many other advantages in business. Malta wouldn’t have to pay the tribute to Turkey and could keep the money collected among its Jew population. This selfishness characterizes all the agreements between the Mediterranean governments. The word that designates these actions is â€Å"politics† and the Jew, Barabas, perceives this selfishness is the ruler’s main principle: â€Å"I, policie? That’s their profession, /and not simplicity as their suggest. † Besides, the rulers speak frankly about this, as we can see when Del Bosco is asked â€Å"what wind drives you in thus into Malta Rhode? And one of his Bashaws answered: â€Å"the wind that bloweth all the world besides, /desires of gold. † In this world in which each nation an d each man take care only of their own self-interest, the Jew of Malta appears at the beginning of the play as victim. Ferneze states Malta as the unique priority and states this:† to save the ruine of a multitude: /and better one want for a common good, then many perish for a private man†. But actually, their taxes on the Jews are hugely unfair. Moreover, Farneze, expect to keep the confiscated fortunes, once the alliance with Spain lets Malta to avoid the tributes that owes to the Turks. These unfair circumstances give Barabas the opportunity to create eloquent speeches against intolerance. He reproaches the Christians for using the scriptures to confirm the measures which go against the Jews: â€Å"What? Bring your scripture to confirm your wrongs? / Preach me not out of my possessions. /some Iewes are wicked, as all Christians are: / but say the tribe I descended of were all in general cast away for sinne, / shall I be tried by their transgression? / the man that dealeth righteously shall lieu: /and which of your can charge me otherwise? † The references to the bible in this extract emphasize how piteous he shows himself in this moment. Barabas is right when he calls â€Å"theft† and not â€Å"taxes† to the requisition of his wealth, and we cannot avoid feeling affected by his sad situation. The funny thing is that, as a Marlowe’s dramatic and moral strategy, in the prologue Barabas has been presented as the same Machiavelli and the Devil’s son, and Machiavelli in the prologue states this: †I count religion but a childish toy, /And hold there is no sinne but Ignorance†. At the very beginning, Barabas is shown as a unbelievable wealthy man and extremely shrewd and interested just in his own contentment. He is determined to let the Turks to invade Malta and slaughter everyone, he confesses in a soliloquy, if he would have the opportunity to get away with the situation. † I’le helpe to slay their children and their wiues, /to fire the churches, pull their houses downe. /take my goods too, and seize upon my lands. † He is completely decided to cheat on the others Jews; he also turns his back on his daughter when she abandons her loyalty to him. Later on we realize that his former speech about the sad situation of the Jews is just a theatrical trick created for the situation and refused in his soliloquies, he is a Jew because he was brought up as a Jew, but he is mainly a Maquiavelli and an immoral figure of vice. This vicious identity is clearer and clearer along the play, thus the Jew of Malta is developed more by disclosure of character than by change of personality. Barabas does not change but we progressively discover how he really is. Maybe the persecution ordered by Ferneze wakes in Barabas a desire of revenge, but he has always hated everyone and has always looked for his own benefit and survival using any means. His plan for kidnapping to her daughter and recovering his money hidden in his house, at that moment turned into a nunnery, results comprehensible and in fact Abigail shows herself decided to help him. However, when Barabas ignores Abigail happiness conspiring against her Christian lover Ludowick, just because he is the governor’s son and against Mathias, uses several strategies as the usury, extortion and persuasion which makes him an evil person even before the unfair tax of Farneze. Barabas boasts of his acts as we can read in the following line â€Å"Slew friend and enemy with my stratagems. † He considers Ithamore as one of his friends because: â€Å"why this is something: make account of me/ as of thy fellow; we are villainies both: Both circumcised, we hate Christian both† Here the dichotomy of motivation and unmotivated evil (a Samuel Tylor Coleridge’s expression) is evident in this combination of Judaism and pure evilness. Barabas’ vicious evilness is more and more present in his behaviour. Instead of sad laments, we can hear the satisfied laughter of Barabas who wants to solve skilfully all his plans. Abigail, who finds herself forgotten and rejected by her father; embraces Christian faith as she states â€Å"but I perceive there is no love on earth/ pitty in Iews, nor piety in Turkes. † As a punishment Barabas poisons every nun in the nunnery included her daughter. Barabas also cheats on the friar community taking advantage of their corruptness Barabas is a hypocrisy and disguise master, and he is surrounded by a group of thugs and courtesans that turn against him as the same time that he turns against them. His achievements in conspiracy and politics drives him to rule Malta, making agreements firstly with the Turks and then with Farneze. Brabas’ evilness is more persistent than even his own life as he lets us know: â€Å"Stand close, for here they come: why, is not this/ a kingly kinde of trade of purchase Townes/ by treachery, and sell ‘em by deceit? /Now tell me, worldlings, underneath the sunne, / If greater falsehood ever has bin doneâ€Å". Even in the moment of his death, when he is finally betrayed by Ferneze, he yearns for longing his wealth and domination and contemplating his Empire once more as we also saw in Faustus. †and had I but scap’d this stratagem, /I would have brought confusion on you all, / Damn Christians, dogges, and Turkish Infidels. † It is interesting how Marlowe gets Brabas’ huge ambition wakes in the readers a great admiration. There is no doubt that Barabas received a severe punishment when, at the end, he falls inside a caldron made by himself; he fell in his own trap and died shouting boastings and challenges. Anyway, this is an appropriate punishment for a life full of crimes. However, it is difficult to contemplate his end from an instructive and moral point of view because, Ferneze, his nemesis, is neither seen as virtuous character. Although he wants to look pious, (â€Å"No, Barabas, to staine our hands with blood / is farre from us and our profession†) he believes in his own policy, which has overcome Barabas evilness. He defeats Barabas by betraying him and then attributes his victory to God. This is an act typical of Maquiavelli’s disciple, who assigns the highest value to the State survival and uses religion as a mean for shaping the public opinion. If Farneze is an important figure in this play, is not because of his Christian virtue but because of his Maquiavellic virtue Maybe, Marlowe is inviting us to admire this shrewd governor whose policy ensures Malta’s survival and Barabas’ destruction. Marlowe destroys Barabas just for showing the strength of a really Maquiavellic strategist. Marlowe presents to his Elizabethan audiences a proposal which completely disagrees with any religious doctrine.

Rickshaw and Tenant

Relationship between an owner of the asset and his tenant. Introduction: This case study revolves around a man who is working as an auto rickshaw driver in the city of Lahore, Pakistan. He belongs to a poor family. So he has chosen to drive auto rickshaw in the suburbs of the city. He is actually working as a tenant for his owner. His owner has given him his asset and requires a fixed amount of money in return on daily basis. The name of the auto rickshaw driver is Mohammad Slam. He is 38 years old. He is basically a driver by profession. He has been driving an auto rickshaw from the last two years.Before coming into this field, he was working as a chauffeur for a family. He was quite happy working there but unfortunately he had to dismiss that Job as that family had moved abroad. Since he had no other work related to his field, so he decided to drive auto rickshaw in the main city. He lives in a rented house in the area of Model town, Lahore. He is married and has three children. He has to feed four persons in his family. Problems/Challenges of the tenant: According to M. Slam, he is surviving from hand to mouth. Whatever he earns, he spends it too quickly. He doesn't have any savings with him.He has four dependents that he has to look after. He said that his family is happy with him but he is not satisfied with his Job. He earns quite less as far as his expectations are concerned. He wants to start his own business. He believes that he can stay happy and earn more only if he does his own business. By working under this profession, he earns less. Sometimes he can't pay off his children's school fees. So this also creates a lot of problems for the tenant. He also complained that he has to bear all the expenses of the vehicle. All the repairing and maintenance charges are borne by the tenant.In case of any loss or accident, the tenant has to pay for those expenses. The petrol and C. N. G costs are also borne by the tenant. If expenses exceed RSI. 500 then the ow ner has to pay for that. There is also no written agreement or contact between the tenant and his owner. The owner trusted this guy and handed over his vehicle to him. There is only a verbal agreement between the two parties. Opinion of the owner: The owner of the asset is quite satisfied with the tenant because he gets RSI. 300 on daily basis. He earns RSI. 9000 from his auto rickshaw on monthly basis.He doesn't eave to worry much because he has to get his fixed amount from his tenant whether he has earned or not. Business outcomes: The tenant is not happy with this contract as he earns less. The owner is happy because he gets paid whether there is any earning or not. There is also no written contract between the two parties. There is no evidence available of this contract. There can be many learning outcomes derived out of this case study. In order to make this owner-tenant relationship better and strong, there should be a proper written agreement or a contract between the two par ties.Both the parties should eave evidence in writing. In case of any mishap or loss, they could show the written evidence to the respective authorities. Also, the owner should understand the nature of work of the tenant. He should show some leniency towards his tenant. The fixed amount of money should be less and it should be agreed upon the two parties. The tenant should be happy with the agreed amount as well the owner. Both the parties should be happy with this contract. The relationship between the two parties can be improved more if the owner takes the security of the tenant. He should minimize the rental amount.He should understand the problems faced by the tenant. He should support his tenant in every possible way. Finance facilities should be provided to the tenant so that he faces less problems in his life. Banks and specialized institutions should provide micro financing facilities to such tenants so that they can enjoy working in their profession. Owners are happy in thi s relationship but the tenants are not happy. They can remain happy if their financial burden is minimized. So the government should really consider this point as the number of tenants are increasing day by day in our country.Case Study no. 2 Relationship between an owner and a female tenant. This case study is about a woman, Near Bibb, who is working as a tenant. She is of 50 years of age. She has been working as a tenant for about six years. Her work is to sit on a permitted ground and sell roasted grams and beards. She is authorized to sit on that area and the permission is granted by her owner. She is married and has six children, four daughters and two sons. Two of her elder daughters and a son is married. She has to feed her three younger children. Her husband doesn't cooperate with her and doesn't give her any money.He is involved in drugs so she has left him. She works independently and feed hers three children. Her married son also doesn't give her any money. She is the sol e earner in her house at the moment. She comes from the Karol Road and lives in a rented house. Problems/Challenges faced by the tenant: She has to travel from her home to her work daily and gives RSI. 40 for one trip. That meaner she has to bear a total of RSI. 80 of the traveling expenses on a daily basis. She pays his owner RSI. 200 per day which makes RSI. 6000 a month. She is surviving from hand to mouth.She is the only person who is earning for her family. His husband doesn't support her at all as he is involved in drugs and bad vices. Near Bibb is not well physically. She had undergone a surgery. She said that all the medicines expenditure is also borne by her. She spends RSI. 2500 monthly on her medicines. Woman. She comes at 9 0 clock in the morning and goes back around at 6 pm in the evening. Her Job is really tough but still she has to do it as there is no other source of income. She also said that the workers working in her nearby are all good people and they've never te ased or disturbed her ever.She also said that she wanted to go broad and live there happily as she earned less here in Pakistan. The owner is quite happy with this contract because he gets paid on a fixed amount on daily basis. He earns RSI. 6000 from this agreement in a month. He is satisfied with his tenant because she is an honest working woman. He is very lenient with his tenant. Even if she has not earned much, he agrees to take less amount as well. He is very cooperative. Business Outcomes: The owner is happy with this relationship but the tenant is not happy. She faces a lot of financial problems. Her expenses exceed her income.She has to pay for her medical expenses as well. She feed three of her children. She has no one to support in her family. But she is satisfied with her owner because even if she doesn't earn Upton the agreed amount, her owner doesn't say her anything and agrees to take whatever she has earned in a day. Learning Outcomes: There should be a written contr act between the owner and his tenant. There should be written evidence. The owner should understand the problems of his tenant. Both the parties should agree upon a fixed amount which is accepted by the tenant. There should be no work load on the tenant.The tenant has chosen to work in a busy area here she can get more customers. So this could also be a learning point. She did not work near her residential area but she chose to work in a more commercial area in order to get more customers. She hardly manages to pay RSI. 80 as her traveling expense daily so that she can work in an area where she could earn more. Case Study no. 3: The relationship between owner of the asset and his tenant. This case study is about a young tenant who is twenty four years old. His name is Shaded. He is driving an auto rickshaw on rental basis. He has been into this profession since the last six months.He is Just a starter. When we interviewed him, we came to know that he has come from a very poor backgr ound. His parent couldn't afford education for him. That's why he had no other choice left and he thought of is into a contract with his owner since the last six months. He lives with his family and is not married yet. Thus he has to take responsibility of his parent's and siblings only. Problems faced by the tenant: Shaded said that he earns around more than RSI. 8000 in a month. His owner acquires a rent of RSI. 300 daily from him. That meaner he has to pay his owner a total of around RSI. 9000 per month whether he earns or not.The owner will acquire this amount from him at any cost. The tenant also claimed that if he fails to pay him the required amount, his owner wouldn't show any leniency. Rather he might throw him out of this contract. The tenant complained that his earnings were less according to his salary expectations. He doesn't earn much. He has to feed six member of his family and has to look after their wants and needs as well. It is really difficult to even provide two meals per day to his family members. He is surviving in his life from hand to mouth. The tenant protested that his Job is really tough.He works more than ten hours in a day. He also said that there are no fixed timings in this Job. Sometimes he has to drive the auto rickshaw day and night. But still he is not happy with his Job. He has to bear all the repairs and maintenance cost of the vehicle as well. He also has to bear all the petrol and gasoline expenses. The owner of the asset is happy and satisfied as long as he is receiving the rent on time. The owner doesn't have any problems with his tenant. He says that his tenant's behavior is quite good. His relationship can improve with his tenant only if he gives rent to him on time.If we give a deep insight into this contract, we come to see that the owner is quite happy with this relationship but the tenant is not happy at all. Tenant is earning less according to his expectations. He doesn't have any savings at all. Whatever he ear ns spends it. Thus we can say that the tenant is not happy with this contract. He is not at all excited when he goes to work. This Job serves as a compulsion for him as he has no other option. The owner of the asset is happy because he is earning good. But the tenant is not happy. The basic learning outcome that comes out be is that the owner should show mom leniency to the tenant.If the tenant cannot pay the required amount to his owner on time due to some problem, the owner shouldn't threaten him that he would fire him from the Job. Instead the owner should understand the problems of the tenant. If the tenant asks for some leniency from his owner's side, he should show it. If the tenant cannot pay the required rent or if he earns less in a day, the owner should take whatever he gets from him. He shouldn't argue with his tenant in this matter. The government also shouldn't charge any amount from the rickshaw drivers charges should be borne by the owner himself.There should be a wri tten agreement between the two parties so that they possess some evidence of this contract. Case Study no. 4: The relationship between an owner of the asset and a tenant. This case study revolves around a man named Hosannas who is working as a tenant and drives wagon on rental basis. He is thirty three years old. He has been into this profession from the last two years. His monthly earnings vary from time to time. Sometimes he earn more and sometimes less. He doesn't have a fixed salary. But he said that he earns more than eight thousand rupees in a month. He is a citizen ofLahore and has a house of himself. He is happily married and has one kid. He said that he has only two dependents in his family. He doesn't have much burden on his shoulders as he has to feed only two family members. This case study was a bit different and interesting as the tenant was quite satisfied with his Job. He earned well and said that his earnings matched up to his expectations. He has to work for more t han ten hours in a day. He also said that his job is tough but he still finds it interesting. He said that this Job is the only source of earnings for him so he has to work with full interest.He is very excited when he goes to work daily. The only problem he faced in his profession was the toughness of his job. His relationship with his owner is also good. His owner treats him fairly. His owner is happy with him if he pays the rent on time. The tenant is happy sometimes with the way his Job is going. He also manages easily with his current salary. The owner of the asset is satisfied with the tenant. The tenant behaves with him in a very polite manner. They never argue with each other. The owner is happy with this Both the owner and the tenant are quite satisfied with this contract.Their needs and wants are being fulfilled to an extent. They can improvise this relationship even more if they remain in good terms and behave with each other properly. Both the parties should understand e ach other's problems and support in business matters. The owner should remain lenient with his tenant. He should understand his nature of Job and its related problems as well. He shouldn't put a burden on him. He shouldn't be strict with him. He should let his tenant work with ease. This case study order to strengthen this relationship, both the parties should sign a written agreement of this contract.

Discuss How Different Approaches to Learning Can Affect Student Success in Higher Education Essay

It utilized a questionnaire based on an academic text, gathering some students, asking them to read the text then answer the questionnaire. Two distinctive groups were formed: students with high levels of understanding and perfect answers, named deep approach learners, and another with lower level, referred to as surface approach learners (Ramsden, 2003). Later, another approach was discovered and named as the strategic approach to learning (Chin, 2000). This essay recommends the deep approach to learning to be followed as a key of success in higher education, arguing particularly about the advantages and disadvantages of both deep and surface approaches to learning. Advantages of surface approach: The expression of the word surface means â€Å"the top layer of something† (Cambridge, 2009). Students who are surface learners are characterized by mechanical memorization (Chin, 2000), which stands for memorizing facts without understanding their objectives. These students learn only to pass exams or to meet a demand. Surface approach has only a lone advantage which can only benefit some students and not all. It is applicable particularly for the students who work while they are studying or who suffer from work loads such as preparing for academic assignments and doing extensive homework. This can fulfill their need of acquiring a time saving approach that enables them to succeed in their studies. Disadvantages of surface approach: In contrast, surface approach has many disadvantages. Some of these disadvantages can be summarized in five main ways. First, the students who follow this route of learning can not demonstrate the new ideas learnt thoroughly, neither can they relate them with other fields (Ramsden, 2003). Second, it directs the student to be a dependent learner. For instance, if a chemistry instructor asked his students to prove an experiment practically, then the surface learners will depend on their peers’ idea to verify the experiment. If they do not, then they will easily give up and this can be considered as a third disadvantage. The forth disadvantage is that it makes them easily ignore the points that they do not understand. As in the first example, those students neglect and forget about the ideas that were not helpful in doing their experiment. Finally, it brings the learner to forget the knowledge learnt easily and fast (Johansson, n. d). Advantages of deep approach: The expression of the word deep means â€Å"being a long way down from the top or surface to the bottom† (Cambridge, 2009). So, deep learners are the students who search for the full of meaning of the subjects they learn by following strategic ways to achieve that. Deep learners, unlike surface learner, use memorization when necessary but not always. There are many advantages related to deep approach. First of all, deep approach encourages the students to become more interested in their subjects and to have the curiosity to learn further. The second is that it assists the students to predict new information by analyzing recent ideas and connecting them with their prior experience and with other fields, as a result forming a complete image of the task required (Chin, 2000). Thirdly, it enables the students to have high quality outcomes in higher education (Johansson, n. d. ). The last is that it encourages the students to be independent learners (Entwistle, 1990). Disadvantages of deep approach: However, there is only one disadvantage of deep approach, which can be described as the obsession and passion that the student may follow in order to learn everything about the subject being learnt (Johansson, n. d). This can waste time and cause irregularity for other subject timetables. For instance, many deep learners like to know the whole idea about everything they learn, however they are not supposed to know everything, but this obsession leads them to waste time unconsciously. This situation can occur sometimes within the period of final exams revision, which can drive the student to have lower marks than expected for a deep learner. Conclusion: After the classification of the students into deep and surface learners, many universities recommended their students to follow the deep rather than the surface approach to learning owing to its benefits that their students are going to obtain. Perhaps the surface approach is applicable for some students but not all. Nevertheless, the advantages of deep approach to learning are more than surface approach; in addition the disadvantages of the deep approach are much less than the surface approaches. Therefore, by following the deep approaches to learning, students’ success in higher education will be advantageous. References: . Cambridge University Press (Ed. ). (2009). Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (3rded. ). Edinbrugh: Cambridge University Press. 2. Chin, C. & Brown, D. (2000). Learning in Science: A Comparison of Deep and Surface approaches. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 37(2), (pp. 109-138). 3. Entwistle, N. & Tait, H. (1990). Approaches to learning, evaluations of teaching, and preferences of contrasting academic environments. Higher Education, (19), (pp. 169-194). Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers. 4. Johansson, J. et al. (n. d). Experiences of learning student accounts linked with theory. Denmark: CDIO. 5. Ramsden, P. (Ed. ). (2003). Learning to Teaching in Higher Education. (2nded. ). USA: RoutledgeFalmer. Bibliography: 1. Beckwith, J. B. (1991). Approaches to learning, their context and relationship to assessment performance. Higher Education, 22, (pp. 17-30). Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers. 2. Cuthbert, P. (2005). The Student Learning Process: Learning Styles or Learning Approaches? Teaching in Higher Education, 10(2), (pp. 235-249). United Kingdom: Manchester. 3. Entwistle, N. (1991). Approaches to learning and perceptions of the learning environment. Higher education, 22 (pp. 201-204). Edinbrugh: University of Edinbrugh. . Entwistle, N. (2000). Promoting deep learning through teaching and assessment: Conceptual frameworks and educational contexts. In: the TLRP Conference, Leicester, November 2000. 5. Fowler, J. & Wilson, K. (2005). Assessing the impact of learning environments on students’ approaches to learning: Comparing conventional and action learning desig ns. Assessing & Evaluation in Higher Education, 30(1), pp. 87-101. 6. Fox, J. & Bartholomae, S. (1999). Student learning style and educational outcomes: evidence from a family financial management course. Financial Services Review, 8(4), (pp. 235-251). 7. Iran-Nejad, A. (1990). Active and dynamic self-regulation of learning processes. Review of Educational Research, 60(4), (pp. 573-602). USA: University of Albama. 8. Kolb, A. & Kolb, D. (2005). Learning Styles and Learning Spaces: Enhancing Experiential Learning in Higher Education. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 4(2), (pp. 193-212). 9. Prosser, M. & Trigwell, K. (1999). Understanding Learning and Teaching: The Experience in Higher Education. Buckingham: Open University Press. 10. Ramburuth, P. & McCormick, J. (2001). Learning diversity in higher education: a comparative study of Asian international and Australian Students. Higher Education, 42, (pp. 333-350). Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers. 11. Scouller, K. (1998). The influence of assessment method on students’ learning approaches: Multiple choice question examination versus assignment essay. Higher Education, 35, (pp. 453-472). Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers. 12. Xu, R. (2004). Chinese Mainland Students’ Experiences of Teaching and Learning at a Chinese University: Some Emerging Findings. In: the BERA 2004 Conference, UMIST, Manchester, 15th-18th, September 2004. Edinbrugh: University of Edinbrugh.

Lesson plan for special education Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Lesson plan for special education - Assignment Example Integrate of a wide scope of methods of instructions that are suited to learner’s distinct styles of learning. This is aimed at creating an intended program for Tom success in tertiary institution preparatory curriculums Stress on the need to ensure that Tom fits in the school curriculums and with co-joined traditional aspects of the school such as co-curricular activities. Tom will be to pursue his core based courses as well as take part in other classes, co-curricular activities like athletics together with the rest of learners in the school This lesson plan seeks to explore Tom, a 10 year old kid in the 5th. He will be engaged in a handy activity aimed at helping him distinguish different conditions that act as trigger factors to asthma. Tom will be engaged in research of various ways to prevent these conditions and also on possible methods of treatment. Through internet sources and a Brain POP utility, Tom is to develop from them, research skills (Dawson, 1989). The research activities will involve finding, compiling, and summarizing information regarding asthma. It will uplift awareness not only on asthma but also of other possible ill health. Lastly, Tom will also get to learn on ways to uplift awareness in his community regarding the conditions of ill health (Dawson, 1989). He will be able to indulge in a related activity or engage in charity work geared towards the same. 1. Give cards, with conditions that trigger Asthma, to the students to cut them apart. Begin with a related activity and challenge Tom to work in groups. Let the group members classify cards provided in a criterion that is comfortable to them. In case the members are not able to classify a few of the cards allow a quick research on the internet through a computer. This is to ensure that the students, especially Tom, come up with solutions of their own. 2. Lead a discussion to help the students to compare and contrast. At this point they can be made familiar on the condition

Literary Criticism on The Star by H.G. Wells Research Paper

Literary Criticism on The Star by H.G. Wells - Research Paper Example They made a mysterious and previously inaccessible world of space friendly and interesting for everyone. They gave people the stars and heavenly heights. The two greatest world fantasy writers were H.G. Wells and Arthur C. Clarke. Who was not absorbed in the childhood by their exciting novels and short stories? Both of them along with Jules Verne and Hugo Gernsback, have been referred to as "The Fathers of Science Fiction". They have always been at the forefront of scientific thinking, they challenged the traditional and conservative views of many people who rejected the advanced and innovative research ideas and stubbornly followed old, outdated conceptions of the universe, the origin of man and the so-called â€Å"higher divine power.† In this work we will make at attempt to reflect the points of view of the both writers to the power of human thought, the role of science in the modern world, as well as the growing conflict between traditional religious beliefs and progressiv e scientific views. The objects of this essay are the novels â€Å"The Star† by H.G. Wells and â€Å"The Star† by Arthur C. Clarke. â€Å"The Star† by H.G. Wells is an apocalyptic short story written in 1897. ... A famous master mathematician publishes his calculations according to which â€Å"the star would either hit Earth or pass by at close proximity, which would lead to apocalyptic ecological consequences† (Wells). The terrible prognoses come true and soon the whole planet is overwhelmed with earthquakes, ice-melting, floods, tsunamis causing â€Å"the devastation across the world. Most of human population perishes, and its works remain unusable, cities, cathedrals, farms, etc. and when it seems that nothing can save the humanity the killing star suddenly slightly changes its orbit about the Earth to a more distant one† (Wells). According to Martian astronomers the Earth’s survival was a real miracle â€Å"despite the huge havoc that has been brought upon its surface† (Wells). The star did much hard to the planet and the humanity: Extensive areas of Greenland lost its ice cover and turned green and favorable for inhabiting, the Earth’s climate has great ly changed and now people have to settle close to poles where it is much warmer than in other regions. The author underlines that these significant and terrible changes which caused millions of deaths all around the world, were just a small and minor event for the Universe where thousands of planets and stars perish every day â€Å"Which only shows how small the vastest of human catastrophes may seem, at a distance of a few million miles†(Wells). Another strong idea placed in the center of this story is non-divine nature of the universe in general and our planet in particular. The author vividly shows that all the events occurring in the world whether it is death of a civilization or some minor accidents can be scientifically grounded and

The adventure of sherlock holmes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The adventure of sherlock holmes - Essay Example Components such as plot, character and narrator make understanding of the stories quite easy. While a number of publications do not have all the components, others employ all for the purpose of drawing meaning. Doyle uses plot, narrative and character to help simplify the stories and ensure clear understanding of the stories (Doyle, 3). In the ‘Adventure of Red Headed League’, Doyle uses plot, narrator and character to help open up the story to the reader for a better consumption (Doyle, 45). With respect to plot, the sequence of events from one issue to another helps the reader to connect the dots and relate the content of the story. This is what brings an understanding to the reader. For instance, Holmes and Watson are vastly mentioned in the adventure. In the plot, the lines reveal multiple sides of Holmes while being silent on Watson. The plot of the story is choreographed in such a way that Holmes is portrayed as all knowing and tries to jargon through a number of issues. Through this, Doyle makes the story to be understood through the interactions between Watson and Holmes. Holmes as in the story has a character that is questionable (Doyle, 65). Throughout the story, the reader is left pondering on how Holmes is to behave in the next coming lines. Flipping over the pages is eminent as the readerà ¢â‚¬â„¢s attention is drawn to the events. The plot of the story makes it possible to understand the wellbeing of the individuals in the adventure to the extent that it becomes easy to understand the essence of everyone’s role and background. Consequently, in the Red-Headed League, there are events that are characteristics of the use of a plot (Doyle, 80). Mr. Holmes in the story is met by a man disturbed man whose descriptions in the definition of a joke. His concern is to get to the bottom of the messages going about claiming that he is a joker. From this point, his search for the truth makes him to move from one step to the other with Holmes being

Condition monitoring - fault detection and diagnosis Dissertation

Condition monitoring - fault detection and diagnosis - Dissertation Example The use of condition monitoring can be seen as a development from preventive maintenance, which itself developed from break down maintenance. Modern process requirements demand greater availability and reliability of machines which can only be provided through accurate monitoring of machine health. This allows maintenance personnel to determine the best possible course of action based on knowledge available from condition monitoring (Mahamad, 2010). Condition monitoring has found greater favour in maintenance circles based on savings and system simplification provided by it. Not only does condition monitoring allow the operator to make correct and on time maintenance decisions, it also allows a reduction in maintenance costs. The improvements offered in terms of greater system availability also provide direct financial benefit to processes that cannot afford to have significant maintenance delays. Overall a sizable reduction in maintenance costs and direct fiscal benefits offered by more reliable machines has pushed condition monitoring to the forefront of maintenance globally (Fuqing, 2011). Background Condition monitoring can be carried out in a number of different ways ranging from the manual tabulation of manually measured variables to more complex and intelligent systems that offer diagnosed causes for machine wear. Over the years, condition monitoring has evolved significantly given the need to diagnose faults in larger and more dynamic industrial systems. There has been an increase in the use of artificial intelligence and a number of mathematical techniques, such as principal component analysis (PCA), in order to isolate faults and offer diagnosis for industrial systems. Need for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Applications in Condition Monitoring AI techniques have been applied to a number of different industrial systems including condition monitoring. It must be recognised that the application of conventional techniques such as time domain, frequency do main and envelope analysis do not always yield satisfactory fault detection. In order to drive up the reliability of the fault detection mechanisms, AI and PCA are applied. More notably, neural networks and fuzzy logic have found pervasive application in condition monitoring systems. The application of AI for condition monitoring is required in areas where analytical knowledge is difficult to come across. The use of AI allows creation of new knowledge from existing knowledge and input data from monitored variables (Shi, 2004). The use of AI and PCA techniques is required since vibration data sets contain a lot of data which results in the creation of a large set of features. Optimal feature selection is only achievable through the application of IA and PCA. A comparison of IA and PCA application versus conventional methods such as time domain, frequency domain and envelope analysis reveals that the former results in greater efficiency and savings. The application of conventional me thods requires human resources with the right expertise as well as significant time that cost the maintenance establishment significantly. In contrast, the application of IA and PCA techniques allows for much faster and more reliable fault detection without the hassle of added costs. However, it has to be kept in mind that variables measured

Canadian Imperal Bank of Commerce Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Canadian Imperal Bank of Commerce - Essay Example It also has a business segment offering financial services to its customers. Wal-Mart Canada is one of the international divisions of Wal-Mart Inc. in USA. It is considered to be the largest retail group in the world and offers wide range of products and services to its clients through its retail stores. Different cost management practices followed by these three companies have been studied here. All the three companies have been observed to follow expansion strategies. It results in the growth of sales at a higher pace than the increase in operating expenses of the companies. CIBC and Canadian Tire have been following the Activity Based Costing (ABC) system. JIT, wage management strategy while Wal-Mart has also effectively implemented other cost minimization strategies. Following these management accounting practices, all the three companies are expected to have a sustainable growth in future. Table of Contents Table of Contents 3 Introduction 4 Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (C IBC) 4 Canadian Tire 6 Wal-Mart Canada 7 Conclusion 8 References 10 Introduction Accounting relates to a process of recording of business transactions carried out by an organization. The information related to the business activities followed by an organization are first identified, evaluated and then communicated to the various users in order to facilitate the decision making process. Accounting can be divided into three parts, namely cost accounting, financial accounting and management accounting. Management accounting refers to those accounting information which is utilized by the managers of the company to perform their managerial activities within the organization (Khan, & Jain, 2006, p.1.3). Hence, management accounting is an integral part of any organization. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), Canadian Tire and Wal-Mart Canada are three of the large organizations operating their business activities in Canada. Some of the key management accounting practices followed by these three companies has been discussed in this study. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) CIBC is involved in the business of providing different kinds of financial services to various individuals, corporate, etc. in Canada and outside. It has in offer both retail and wholesale banking products for its clients. CIBC is headquartered at Toronto and was founded in the year 1867. There has been a recent change in the organizational structure of CIBC in the year 2011. As of now CIBC has three Strategic Business Units (SBUs), namely Retail Banking, Wholesale Banking and Wealth Management. Each of these SBUs is considered to be the profit centers of the company. The treasury activities associated with each of these SBUs have an impact on its financial performance. The revenue performance of each of the SBUs are affected because of the policy of using cost of funds based on market prices adopted by the company's management. Transfer pricing system is also prevalent in CIBC (CIBC, 2012, p.41). If we look at the overall cost structure of CIBC, it can be found that it has both interest and non-interest expenses. The interest expenses of the company mostly include interest on deposits. On the other hand its non-interest expenses include employee benefits and compensation, occupancy costs, advertising costs etc. In addition to this the company has a provision for credit losses. The provision for cre

Genetics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Genetics - Essay Example If the F1 generation is further paired among itself by a yet another monohybrid cross than an F2 generation of plants will be produced. The expected phenotype of F2 generation would be 75% tall plants and 25% short plants. In F2 generation 25% of plants would be tall but would be homozygous for their trait of tallness. Another 50% of plants would also be tall but would be heterozygous for their trait of tallness while the remaining 25% of would be short and would be recessive for their trait. Dihybrid cross: A dihybrid cross is a cross between two individuals that involves two pairs of contrasting characteristics. If two plants that are pure bred (homozygous) for two contrasting traits for example one plant that is tall and produce yellow seeds (both dominant traits) and the other plant that is short and produces green seeds (both recessive traits) are crossed with other, than the F1 generation produced would be all heterozygous for both characteristics. But only dominant trait would appear in the phenotype of F1 generation and all plants of this generation would appear tall and would produce yellow seeds. If the members of this F1 generation are further crossed with each other than an F2 generation would produced which would have different types of plants: tall plants producing yellow seeds, tall plants producing green seeds, short plants producing yellow seeds, short plants producing green seeds in a ratio of 9:3:3:1 b) If a boar that is homozygous for lop ears and spotted skin is sow that is homozygous for pricked ears and unspotted skin than the F1 generation produced will all have pricked ear and spotted skin, as these two traits are dominant. The genotype of F1 generation would be PpSs. (Key: P= pricked ears, p=lop ears, S=spotted skin, s-unspotted skin). However the phenotype and genotype of F2 generation produced is shown as follows The Punnett Square

Field Study Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Field Study - Assignment Example The climate here is extremely similar to that in the coastal areas a long Mediterranean. Even though, temperatures are comparatively constant, there exist two distinct seasons, which are wet and dry with more than three quarters of yearly precipitation occurring between the month of November and March. Possibly the most outstanding characteristic of the typical weather is the banks of mist that can roll in off the ocean, covering several parts of the city within a short time and disappearing again quickly (Seiffert, 23). The fog is remarkably regular on summer mornings, arising from the cooler ocean and backing up adjacent to the hills, though it may also come from the colder local areas throughout the winter. The fog influences various elevations in different amounts, covering San Francisco in complex prototype of fog and sunshine. The latitude as well as longitude of San Francisco in California is 37Â ° 46' 30" N / 122Â ° 25' 5" W. It covers an area of 47 square miles (2000). Its elevation is 155 feet above the sea level. The average temperatures range between January, 52.3Â °F, August, 62.4Â ° F and an annual average of 58.6Â ° F. The average annual precipitation is also22.1 inches. The Sun is in the North facing slopes. According to my observation, in summer the circulation of temperature around the surface is determined in most of the areas by the result of degree of difference in heating between both land and water surfaces. The temperatures vary between coastal ocean water as well as land surfaces. Land surfaces, which are 15 to 20 miles, inland gets to 350F and even more on several afternoons. During the night, this contrast normally reduces to less than 100. During winter, the mean temperature maxima as well as minima reverse the summer one in that during the day the variations are exceedingly small. At the same time, mean minimum, temperatures reflect large variation and strong gradients. The sheltered valley has coldest temperatures, meaning str ong radiation inversions as well as inadequate vertical diffusion. There is evidence of the effects of wind such as the trees shapes and sand dunes. The trees are not straight in shape. The drifting sand caused by wind has created a number of dune lakes, of which Lake Merced is the largest. In addition, there are water bodies surrounding the San Francisco. The water temperature is warmer than the surrounding air. These temperatures differences are based on water depth. The deeper the water body, the higher the temperatures, and the shallow the water body the lower the temperatures. The city of San Francisco has several geographic features, which include the main landforms of coastal lands, deserts, mountains, as well as, the central valley. The San Francisco Bay is characterized by complex terrain comprising of, the coastal mountain, ranges, inland valleys as well as bays. The elevations of 1500 feet are usually common in the higher grounds of this area. It can obviously be seen tha t normal wind move, over the bay would be radically interrupted in the lowest areas. This is true when the air mass is constant, and velocity of wind is not strong. When winds flowing over the area are strong and unstable air masses, this distortion is lowered. The distortion is higher when there are low-level inversions present with the surface air, under the inversion, moving without the air above the inversion (Borzak 111). This condition is much common during the

Organizational Change Models Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Organizational Change Models - Research Paper Example In any of the cases, better management is the key to achieving the desired goal. Organization development aims at increasing the effectiveness and productivity of a business through the employment of different strategies (Nelson, 2011). This will include the different techniques that help workers and the organization as a whole to cope with the changing environment for a better performance of the institution. This will thus enable firms to achieve their goals and meet the laid objectives faster. The importance of transformation in the modern environment practically assures that organizations which do not transform will rapidly becomeâ€Å"corporate dinosaurs†, headed for destruction since they no longer fit the current environment (Kates & Galbraith, 2007). To manage the change, leadership, worker involvement and incentives that aid to overcome resistance to change are the key focus. The concept of organizational change is one of the key elements that determine whether businesses survive and strive well in the market. The world is increasingly changing and this calls for firms to employ measures to easily cope with the changing environment. There are those short term and long term measures that need to be employed for effective change to be witnessed by an organization. It is a three phase model that was invented by Kurt Lewin. The Lewin’s Three-step Change Model functions as a short term strategy to cope with the changing market. It focuses on three major steps: unfreezing- moving and refreezing as shown in the figure below. In this stage, the organization is prepared for change. It involves identifying any resisting forces for the change ready to be implemented. This will be helpful according to the Lewin’s model in identifying mechanisms for change which will strive even with the resistance (Miner, 2011). Unless there is motivation for change in an organization, development would not take its

International Organisations and their role in environmental protection Essay Example for Free

International Organisations and their role in environmental protection Essay Our planet has become a risk society; being exposed to the disastrous efforts as a result of the harm caused by humans. There are several risks with varying magnitude and severity such as the natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunami, tornado etc. and man-made disasters such as biological weapons, nuclear programme and so forth. Ulrich Beck, the German anthropologist intimates that the above mentioned factors indicate a world risk society. Natural hazards are existential threats to the entire human lives. Rising or falling sea level can remold the world’s coastlines and seashores and most of the densely populated areas on earth will be affected as a result. There is a drastic change in the behavior and rhythm of the sea that the uniformity of the sea which was found previously is terribly missing now. The living beings in these coastal areas would be going for a task; it affects the agricultural fields and extends to a level of causing great damage to cities across the coastal areas. As per the reports of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the coastal regions inclusive of mangroves, reefs and several other regions are on high risk. Another alarming effect is the greenhouse effect. The role of Carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and hydrogen nitride are proportionately high when relatively compared to the other greenhouse gases. Reports from IPCC confirm an anticipated response in proportion to the rapid increase in greenhouse gases. The overall effect is observed to increase the temperature of atmosphere, precipitation and evaporation rates. Rising ocean levels and relative changes in the atmosphere are additional effects. Another relevant effect which is thrown in lime light is global warming- a rapid increase in the temperature of earths atmosphere (in simple words the air we breathe) due to the blockage of the earths radiation, that reflects back from the surface of the earth, caused by the formation of a blanket like layer from the excessive emission of hazardous gases such as Carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen nitride. This is also the reason for acid rain; due to the hazardous contamination of clouds with these gases the rain gets polluted and returns to the earth in the form of nitric acid, sulfuric acid, carbonic acid and so on. All the above mentioned effects have led to the depletion of a huge diameter of ozone especially in Australia and according to the reports it continues to expand. The practice of nuclear energy testing and the dumping of nuclear waste has led to change in the demographic position of tectonic plates which was the main reason for tsunami and earthquakes in India, Indonesia and the other coastal regions. It is important to be reminded that the disaster has caused a huge death toll. In addition to the existing hazards, there are so many pandemic diseases such as SARS, bird flu, swine flu and other diseases that have targeted several countries, leading to a significant death toll. International Organisations Every individual has started giving a thought about the environmental protection and preservation of energy. They are worried that the next generation would be left empty with nothing in reserve for survival. Environmental protection has become every countrys concern in todays world. In their attempt to preserve environment from further deterioration of environment, the states push off the economical cost to be borne by someone or the other, walking away with whatever benefit that could be incurred in the attempt. We are running on high risk with clear evidences such as hole in the Ozone layer, fast melting of icebergs, global warming and many natural havocs which are a result of exceeded exploitation of nature by human. The forthcoming natural hazards would be even worse beyond the imagination of human brain. Many International organisations such as World Meteorological Organisation, UNEP, UNDP and IPCC have played a major role in the protection of environment. UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (shortly recognized as DOALAS) is the secretariat of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). DOALAS in coordination with UNCLOS assists, advices and submits reports on the marine resources, ecosystem and environment. Similarly the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) established in 1902; an International Organisation attributed to the protection and preservation of the living beings and to maintain a check on the ecological balance of the North Atlantic Sea. The report also includes the rate of contamination and the source of contamination. This guides them to decide on the steps to curtail preventable contamination if any. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) an association formed to create awareness on the issues of environmental hazards, the causes of the environmental hazards and eventually to raise voice against the industrial sectors or individual accountable for environmental degradation. When the depletion of ozone layer was brought into limelight by the American scientists, UNEP and few NGOs volunteered to make a consolidated effort to build awareness among public through public awareness programmes. In response to the bourgeoning harmful effects of climate change, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) came up with a group that would focus entirely on various scientific and socio-economic contributions geared towards understanding environmental and resource degradation brought about by climate change. This notable body was called Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Its main objective is to get the perspective of different scientists and other professionals from all over the world in order to touch all facets of causes and effects of climate change. Through this way, concrete actions could be taken based on the reports released by the intergovernmental body. According to the Global Environment Outlook 1 (UNEP Report, 1997), there has been a remarkable progress with regards to the implementation of biodiversity, climate and desertification conventions; however, there is still a visible lack of urgency present from across the globe. These reports which consist of environmental issues would be nothing if the society continuously fails to recognize the implications of their actions towards nature. Environmental progress in an international level could only be met if strong governmental structure and environmental unity would be strictly imposed on all regions of economic development. European Environmental Agency was established in 1990; aimed at consistent development and record maintenance on the improvements in Europes environment. They conduct periodical meeting and exchange information on the report submitted to know the real condition of the environment. They also established European environment information and observation network (Eionet) to provide a coordinated effort towards the protection of environment and preservation of resources. They form a group of 27 EU member countries which is inclusive of Turkey, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland and Norway Just recently, the European Environmental Agency (EEA) released their report entitled â€Å"Signals 2009† which highlights the primary environmental issues confronting Europe. One of the most impacting challenges of Europe is the sustenance of water in certain regions experiencing the blow of climate change. Some of the regions such as Cyprus and Turkey have been experiencing calamitous drought over the past few years which is why the water demand continuous to increase in an annual basis. In response to this trend, EEA recommends the need for adaptation and climate change mitigation in order to lessen the emissions of greenhouse gases within Europe. Governmental policies on adaptation also call for concrete projects that would tap the necessary resources in order to store and supply enough water for the people (Signals, 2009, p. 11). Nevertheless, the Signals 2009 Report covered fascinating yet informative depictions of what will become of our planet if none of these highly suggested plans of action were realized by the end of this year. Another enlightening and results-driven undertaking rose in October 2008 and it was managed by the International Human Dimensions Programme on Global Environmental Change (IHDP). This program wanted to veer away from the regional impact of climate change. It would rather focus on building an all-in-one package that would support the way nations govern their society as well as incorporate earth friendly systems in their future developmental plans. The scheme deemed necessary to build the Earth System Governance Project which aims â€Å"to engage more and more actors who seek to strengthen the current architecture of institutions and networks at local and global level† (Earth System Governance Organization, 2008, p. ). More so, this project finds it important to concentrate on five specific aspects that would form the structure and content of their science plan, and these are: architecture, agency, adaptiveness, accountability and allocation and access. All the same, they have integrated the themes of power, knowledge, norms and scale into their agenda in order to strengthen the formulation and implementation of their analysis on massive environmental pr oblems hitting our planet today. Though it is a politically-driven concept, it aspires, nonetheless, to create a globally regarded research network where every country can benefit from the projects and breakthroughs done by concerned scientists. The Role of United Nations UNEP conducted an international conference in Washington in 1977 with the issuance of World plan of Action for the Ozone layer and an Ad Hoc working party was formed to be in charge of the issue. The working party was constituted of environmental experts from 22 countries, eventually they submit a report of all the negotiations at the end of the ever year. The Toronto Group (IO formed by USA, Canada and Scandinavian countries) pinpointed the increased release of CFC from EU. EU refused to agree to reduce the production of CFC by using the lapse that there was no evidence to prove the connection between ozone depletion and CFC. Eventually in 1985, Vienna convention was established. It is an agreement signed by most of the European countries and the objective is to acknowledge the efforts to protect ozone layer and to cooperate to protect the layer. The UNEP along with the Toronto Group conducted marathons for public awareness and various conferences to insist the reduction of CFC by a significant proportion say 95%, but the EU agreed to reduce it only by 50% in 1999 due to the pressure from Germany. Yet the developing countries and small countries were under tremendous pressure as the reduced production of CFC would affect their growth, eventually they agreed to reduce it to a great extent as much as 300 grams per capita. In 2000, EU joined 81 states and showed an active participation in ban the production of CFC. The developing countries were guaranteed financial aids to assist the reduced production of CFC. The USA and Japan was slowly backing out with its slowing of the process whereas EU was very concerned and it continued till 2004, until the issues were resolved and the countries agreed to stop the production of CFC completely. There were a number of treaties such as Vienna convention of 1985, the Montreal Protocol of 1987, the Amendments of London (1990), Copenhagen(1992), Vienna(1995), Montreal (1997) and Beijing (1999) (www. nep. org/ozone/index. asp) regarding the fund allocation and technical assistance. World Bank, UNEP and UNDP played a major role in allocation of funds to execute Montreal Protocol. In the context of dealing with transboundary environmental issues, UNEP and WMO (World Meteorological Organisation) played a major role in the formation of Coordinating committee on the Ozone Layer (CCOL). The objective of the committee was to create awareness and to spread the pros an d cons of Ozone depletion. Later with the help of the scientists they were able to discover the fact that the reduced production of CFC will contribute towards the decelerated depletion of Ozone perhaps would not stop the depletion completely. The Ozone was measured by the US space agency NASA, the connection between the CFC emancipation and the depletion in the Ozone layer was also proved. Conclusion Global environmental issues have always been an issue of concern since there were no coordinated efforts from the International organisations. As a result, the continued efforts to preserve Mother Nature from the industrialist countries and developing countries have not been successful down the years. The industrialised countries were concerned about their growth and in the process failed to realise hazardous effect that was caused in turn. The most prudent effort of an International organisation purely depends on the way it deals with the political and technical accords. Several times their attempt to convince the developing countries and capitalistic countries was in vain. Most of the times the International Organisations are driven by the politics of the global economy and that is the major cause for a biased decision making. Nations which follow the ideologies of capitalism and socialism, both followed paths to develop their countries at the cost of exploiting the environment and causing maximum utilization of available resources. The major reason for such an unorganised work style, according to liberalists, is due to the lack of global governance.

Effect of EU Employment Policy on Management

Effect of EU Employment Policy on Management EU Legal Regulations in the Areas of Employment and Social Policy and How These Have Impacted Managers/Organisations Introduction/Background The influence of the European Union has been pervasive, and this is particularly true of developments in the areas of employment law and associated social policies. These policies have been aimed at augmenting the employment rights of workers within organisations, as well as improving their working conditions. Intersection points between social policy and employment regulations are a nuanced and complex subject area and this topic is an ideal focal point for the researcher interested in how European policies have impacted the roles and responsibilities of managers in the United Kingdom. The areas of employment policy regulations and social policy regulations are often symbiotic in nature. Therefore if one decides to embark upon a research initiative investigating the situation of workers within organisations within the European Union, it is difficult to conduct credible research without considering the areas of employment and social policy simultaneously. The writer proposes to examine how managers and other actors in similar roles have responded to this arguably more onerous and paternalistic conception of their duties[1]. A particular focus will be taken in the research and this will be health and safety legislation. This is a concept which has been influenced by both legal regulatory efforts within the European Union. Health and safety legislation also reflects the wider social policy goals of the European Union. Indeed as Randall ((2000) p34) has noted: ‘Promoting safety at work and protecting and improving the health of workers appear among the fundamental objectives for which the EC†¦.[2]’. Therefore, the theoretical research objectives of this project are twofold. Firstly, the role of the European Union in terms of social policy and employment regulation will be looked at, and at a more micro level the area of health and safety at work will be looked at in terms of the role played my managers at operationalisi ng European policies in the area of health and safety within organisations. The Research Question Therefore to recap the main thrust of the proposal for research; the writer feels that a good focal point for this project will be where social policy and employment regulation intersect. Therefore, the question of health and safety at work in the European Union will be the specific focus of the project, but this research focus will be contextualised with a wider examination of the role of the European Union in terms of social and employment policy. The literature review will focus on these two levels of analysis, and this will be used as a platform to introduce an original primary research orientated study on the impact of EU health and safety regulatory initiatives on managers within organisations. The research question will build upon this analysis by surveying the views of mangers in British corporate organisations in an effort to gauge how successful the EU have been in operationalising their social policy objectives in the area of health and safety employment policy. Other acto rs with expertise in this area will also be consulted. A key question here will be what effect the operation of the doctrine of supremacy has had upon the effectiveness of EU oversight of health and safety at work. Therefore one of the central research questions will be aimed at finding out whether the centralisation of control of health and safety policy (with the European Commission) has impacted upon the effectiveness of its implementation within member states such as the United Kingdom. This will enable the writer to principally gauge the opinions of those charged with the day to day implementation of health and safety employment policies, and to in doing so to identify any systemic or policy failures that may serve to reduce the overall effectiveness of health and safety employment policy. This will allow the writer to formulate a model of recommendations which may be able to address any specific failures in the implementation of health and safety employment policy and make suggestions as to how the system may be improved. Literature Review The literatures which will be used are those which will provide instruction on the development of the EU’s role in the implementation of social and employment policy, with a particular emphasis on the development of health and safety employment policy. These texts have been chosen as they will provide a comprehensive background to the study, adding depth and structure. Roberts and Springer ((2001) p152) have made the following comment upon the role of the European Union in terms of social policy and the regulation of workers in the workplace: ‘As the European Union prepares for the twenty-first century, it has a social policy adapted to the prevailing conditions and expectations of its citizens†¦..social policy no longer has an important advocate in Brussels or an ambitious agenda†¦.It is an interactive policy in which diverse actors participate in all aspects of it. The EU operates as a regulatory state and shares its roles in policymaking and policy implementation with numerous actors in a process best described as multilevel governance. Traditional European social values blended with the market values†¦.[3]’. Therefore, it is clear that the European Union recognises the importance of formulating an approach to social policy which is co-operative and aims not to thwart business and corporate actors in the European Union setting. This is a rationale which is clear also, at a micro level in terms of the implementation and regulation of health and safety employment policy at European Union level. A more in depth analysis of this topic and how it has evolved historically will follow below, in order to explain this rationale more fully. Article 3e (Title 1) of the ECSC Treaty contained the first indications that the health and safety of European Union workers was to be a concern dealt with at European Union level. These measures were incorporated into the Treaty of Rome and this incorporation invested the European Commission with specific competencies in the determination of the European Union’s approach to health and safety policy. The EURATOM Treaty, which was ratified in 1957 created the first initiative which was aimed at protecting the health and safety of workers uniformly at European Union level. Article 118 of the Treaty of Rome advocated co-operation between member states on the subject of health and safety legislation, and the role of the European Union was to facilitate partnerships between various actors responsible for health and safety policy. These actors included trade unions, governments, employers and international organisations. Randall ((2000) p34) has explained the rationale of the European Union in this consultative process: ‘The architects of the European Community (EC), not just contemporary Commission historians, had concluded that one of the principal requirements for developing a multinational agreement on health and safety†¦.was the presentation of proposals strongly endorsed by expert opinion. While the ECSC had sought, for some time, to draw experts into its work to reduce accidents in the mineral-extracting industries the High Authority (forerunner to the European Commission) had also learnt how important it was to work with the grain of member state opinion†¦.†¦.[4]’. In a more contemporary setting, the European Union continues to regulate the health and safety of workers at European Union level, however this regulation is now directed in a more centralised setting, as the European Commission grows in power and influence. Arguably, therefore the emphasis on consultation which (as we have seen explained above) was historically such a central tenet of heath and safety policy at European level, has become a less popular method of building consensus among member states and corporate actors. The area of health and safety at work is also governed by legislation at domestic level, within each member state. In Britain the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 mainly requires employers to carry out risk assessments and to appoint qualified and competent individuals to oversee health and safety in the workplace. Emergency procedures must be implemented at individual organisation level and these must be communicated to staff in a clear manner. Staff must also receive health and safety training[5]. The next section will look at how a research design may be implemented to evaluate both the effectiveness of the EU’s role in terms of formulating social policy and to evaluate how those whose responsibility it is to implement these policies at grassroots level (i.e. within organisations) have responded to increased EU regulation in this area. A Research Design The research design will involve a methodologically pluralistic design. This essentially means that both qualitative and quantitative methods will be used to facilitate the gathering of information[6]. A semi structured interview usually involves the trading of information on a two way basis, and this method will be relied upon as the main method of research. The main reason for this particular choice of method is that this subject is one that lends itself to qualitative discussion. This method will be complemented by the use of a survey which will add depth and a degree of perspective to the methodology. The writer decided to rely on the semi structured interview as the main method of qualitative enquiry as opposed to the focus group for example, for practical reasons. Within corporate organisations such as the targeted publics of this research proposal, confidentiality is a primary concern. The success of the writer’s project will be contingent upon the ability of particular individuals to be frank and open about their views, and this is not always possible in a focus group setting. Also, there is the practical consideration of where the focus groups might have been carried out, given the fact that the writer’s proposed research will involve a consultation of a diverse range of actors within differing locations within the UK. Therefore, semi structured interviews and surveys are the best way for an individual to solicit the viewpoints of those managers or other actors who are responsible for the implementation health and safety policies within corporate organisations. The writer will also approach organisations, such as trade unions and employers organisations such as the Confederation of British Industry to gather information which may be used to formulate a detailed chronology or EU interventions in terms of health and safety policy, and this can be used to compliment the literature which will form the theoretical basis of the study. A survey of mangers within organisations will be used to firstly gauge the views of managers and other actors responsible for the implementation of health and safety employment policy as to how successful European Interventions have been in the area of heath and safety employment policy and secondly, to gather a body of opinion on how health and safety legislation may be improved. These results will enable the writer to form views, for example on whether the role of the European Commission in the oversight of health and safety legislation has been an effective one. The next section will detail a breakdown of the implementation of this research design. A GANNT chart for Project Management and Discussion of Implementation Outline of Chapter Headings Introduction: EU Employment and Social Policy: The Role of the Commission Literature Review: Case Study: Health and Safety at Work; The Impact of EU Measures on British Corporate Organisations Methods Conclusion and Recommendations Evaluation: Possible Problems and Barriers to Completion Limited resources will possibly be a barrier to completion; however the writer intends to address this by adherence to a strictly organised and pre-planned research plan. The writer anticipates that this will also allow for cost minimising strategies to be implemented (for example letters will be sent out inviting respondents to interview, rather than reliance on telephone communication which is more expensive). Another possible problem and barrier to completion is that the respondents interviewed may not be necessarily representative of the entire body of corporate actors who implement health and safety employment policy. This problem will be addressed by the writer in two ways. Firstly, it is anticipated that appropriate planning will allow for the body of respondents to be selected in such a way as to allow an equal number of men and women, and an appropriate distribution of respondents in terms of race and age to be included in the study. Also, the writer feels that it may be necessary to travel to more than one location for the purposes of conducting interviews. The writer is also aware that health and safety legislation is implemented by a number of actors, not just corporate actors. However, these limitations will be justified throughout the research and as long as the writer does not attempt to make unjustified generalisations, and as long as the writer acknowledges the limitations that the research encountered, problems and barriers to research should not negate the importance and relevance of the proposed project. In conclusion this project intends to evaluate the effectiveness of the European Union as an overseer of health and safety employment legislation. It will be targeted at gathering the views of actors who implement health and safety employment policy, and it will also be aimed at gathering the viewpoints of those individuals such as trade associations and employers who have first hand experience of implementing the social policy objectives of the EU. This will enable the writer to critically examine how the system of health and safety employment policy operates and to suggest possible improvements. Bibliography Books Buse. K., Fustukian, S. and Lee, K. (2002) Health Policy in a Globalising World. Publisher: Cambridge University Press. Place of Publication: Cambridge, England. Frankfort-Nachmias, C. and Nachmias, D. (1996) Research Methods in the Social Sciences. Publisher: Arnold Publishers. Place of Publication; London. Randall, E. (2000) The European Union and Health Policy. Publisher: St. Martins Press. Place of Publication: New York. Roberts, I. and Springer, B. (2001) Social Policy in the European Union: Between Harmonization and National Autonomy. Publisher: Lynne Rienner. Place of Publication: Boulder, CO. Article Health and Safety Executive (2003) Health and Safety Regulation. Available at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hsc13.pdf >>. 1 Footnotes [1] P3. Buse. K., Fustukian, S. and Lee, K. (2002) Health Policy in a Globalising World. Publisher: Cambridge University Press. Place of Publication: Cambridge, England. [2] P34. Randall, E. (2000) The European Union and Health Policy. Publisher: St. Martins Press. Place of Publication: New York. [3] P151. Roberts, I. and Springer, B. (2001) Social Policy in the European Union: Between Harmonization and National Autonomy. Publisher: Lynne Rienner. Place of Publication: Boulder, CO. [4] P34. Randall, E. (2000) The European Union and Health Policy. Publisher: St. Martins Press. Place of Publication: New York. [5] P1. Health and Safety Executive (2003) Health and Safety Regulation. Available at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hsc13.pdf >>. [6] See Chapters One and Two of: Frankfort-Nachmias, C. and Nachmias, D. (1996) Research Methods in the Social Sciences. Publisher: Arnold Publishers. Place of Publication; London.

Gender Construction of Roles and Social Learning Theory

Gender Construction of Roles and Social Learning Theory Contextualizing- Gender and Social Background to the Private and Public livelihoods of African women in the Diaspora (Case study -Gothenburg, Sweden). Introduction People in every community are ascribed to gendered attributes that shape and impact their life styles. Darly and Rake (2003) contend that such gendered attributes involve sex relations encompassing resources, social roles and power relations. Hence, the perception and doing of gender is very subjective and much so inferred according to social contexts and history (Gruber and Stefanov, 2002). The implication here is that the significance and consequence of gender construction and the way it is practiced is discrete upon background and contextual factors. The baffle often comes when individuals and groups of people settle on willful or involuntary choices to relocate to new places that have distinctive gender constructions and practices. How are they likely to cope; are their interpretations likely to change and embrace new ones-thereby turning out to be totally transformed? Would their gender norms be inflexibly maintained? Or would people consolidate and get lost between different cu ltures? Gendered research into migration demonstrates that migrant women (particularly those who originate from the developing world) as a rule experience troubles grappling with their changed gender roles as they settle in other countries (Gavanas, 2010; Sawyer,2008; Deacon, 2009). This is on the account that gender roles in the diaspora tend to differ from those of their original nations. This is especially so in the Western World where these tend to give more autonomy, self-determination and freedom (Deacon, 2009). This study sought to examine and clarify how the gender divisions of roles influence the status and position of a group of African women (living in Gothenburg) inside their families as well as their general participation in the Swedish society. The research was conducted between January to June 2012, as part of the fullfullment for my master study at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. The main research question was; How does the gender division of roles affect the s tatus and position of a group of African women (living in Gothenburg), within and outside their families? The current report will discuss the analysis outcome of three interviews with African women. The process of analysis Analysis can take various approaches including, literal; interpretive; and reflexive (Welsh, 2002; Miles and Huberman,1994). Miles and Huberman (1994) identify three types of activities that make up the analysis process. First, is data reduction. This refers to the process of selecting, focusing, simplifying, abstracting and transforming the data that appear in written-up field notes or transcriptions (Miles and Huberman 1994, p.10). This procedure may likewise be known as data familialisation (Fielding Lee,1991), indicating a process of condensing and consolidating of the data to make it sensible. The second activity is data display.This refers to an organised, compressed assembly of information that permits conclusion drawing and action (Miles and Huberman 1994, p.11). This includes transforming expanded writings into instantly available, minimal frames of reference so that the researcher can perceive what is occurring and either reach defended determinations or proceed onward to the following phase of investigation.This can als be known as the decriptive (Fielding Lee,1991) stage of data analysis. The final activity of data analysis is conclusion drawing and verification. Drawing conclusions relates to deciding on the actual meaning of phenomenon, in otherwards data is explained. On the other hand, verification means testing meaning for their plausibility, their sturdiness, and their confirmability (Miles and Huberman 1994, p.11). These procedures happen persistently and iteratively and feed into each other, for the entire duration of the research. Advantages and disadvantages of Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS). There are different software packages ranging from text retrievers, code and retrieve packages as well as theory building software (Gibbs, Friese and Mungabeira, 2002; Fielding Lee,1991). This section discusses the importance and shortcomings of using CAQDAS sduch as Nvivo. Utilizing CAQDAS can save time and energy of a qualitative researcher. This is mainly because CAQDAS can help with the mechanical aspects of qualitative data analysis which include marking up the highlighted text with the codes, generating reports, searching the text for key terms (Gibbs, Friese and Mungabeira, 2002) which would be time consuming, inconvenient and fatiguing (Lee and Fielding, 1995) for the researcher. Besides, this also decreases the mistakes which could lead to some aspects of data being ignored by the researcher perhaps due to some bias or omission. Despite this though, the art and interpretation depends on the individual researcher. As Gibbs, Friese and Mungabeira (2002) have argued that conceptual aspects of the analysis such as reading the text, interpreting it, creating coding schemes and identifying useful searches and reports all depend on human art ( p.4). CAQDAS can enable teamwork and exchange of ideas throughout the whole analysis process which can thus reduce on delays and also help with member checking as ideas develop. The research team does so by uploading all filed notes into the software and these may be easily shared among them electronically (Lee and Fielding, 1995). The only challenge with this way of working is that attention paid to issue salience or uniqueness of cases and situations may be reduced as teams try to share ideas. CAQDAS such as NVivo decreases boredom which might be experienced in the repetitive procedure of transcribing and creating codes all through to the report writing stage. This is possible because other than the ordinary style working with just plain texts, these programs allow for incorporation of rich text, audio, videos and any multimedia data (Gibbs, Friese and Mungabeira, 2002) which can make the entire process of analysis interactive and engaging for researchers. The risk associated with this is ambiguity because as researchers attempt to deal with a blend of information, consideration might be moved to videos and the richness of content might be ignored. This may lessen the sort of depth of interpretation which they can give to any of the material. Aside from that, the software is not free, one may likewise require extra training in order to have the capacity to utilize it effectively. CAQDAS can also help to make the analysis process more effective and transparent more than the manual method. This helps to improve the quality of the research that is produced. Gibbs, Friese and Mungabeira (2002 ) argue that while in quantitative research there can be techniques for checking authenticity, this might be hard for qualitative researchers.The counter contention by Welsh (2002) is that validity and reliability difficulties still exist notwithstanding when the analysis is done using a software, as a result of the fluid and creative routes through which the themes emerge; suggesting that the human analysist is especially vital and cannot be separated from this process. Additionally, the theoretical lens through which the researcher uses to approach the phenomena, the strategies that the researcher uses to collect and construct data and his or her epistemological understandings about what might be relevant in answering the questions are all analytic process and influence da ta (Thorne 2000, p.68). Hence, the analytic process may not be entirely distinguishable from the actual data produced (Thorne, 2000). That said, we cannot deny the fact that CAQDAS provides an efficient and smarter way of sorting and organizing data for proper management and analysis; much as it is critical to reflect on how much the software can be able to do. The software is not capable of undertaking the intellectual and conceptual procedures which are necessary for transforming data into useful research (Welsh, 2002; Thorne, 2000; Fielding Lee,1991). Process of analysis First, I uploaded the transcripts into NVivo 11 software. After that, I started developing general codes according to the study goals (Bazeley Richards,2000). However, as I read the transcripts over and over again, new nodes kept on emerging. With a full list of numerous nodes, I realised that some nodes actually expressed the same idea and could be merged, so I categorised and classified the related nodes, cut and pasted them into the parent nodes and came up with broader and expanded nodes. Bazeley Richards (2000) assert that codes can are essential for identifying topics, themes or issues and unite the data segments. Categorising the nodes helped me to get rid of the redundant nodes. And actually a few redundant nodes which I had formulated earlier on, have been excluded from the analysis since they could not add up to any thick description of the data. This exercise involved an iterative and reflective process of working back and forth through the transcripts so as to avoid mer ging nodes that expressed different ideas. I also made descriptions and memos as I coded which helped me to reflect on the nodes afterwards. This was also important in developing a deeper analysis of the data. Interview transcripts were analyzed through induction following a phenomenological approach. An analytic induction explores patterns and relationships in the data and uses such to generate tentative hypotheses or ideas so as to develop general conclusions or theory.I will borrow a few features from Grounded theory approach advanced by Strauss and Corbin (1990) and Miller (2000). The grounded theory approach allows for continuous and repetitive working with the findings in order to develop themes which can be built into models arising from the data. mechanisms of women towards addressing their health needs. The grounded theory approach was useful to draw comparisons (Thorne, 2000) between married women and the single woman. Thus, much as there are elements of grounded theory within my analytical approach, my research took a more inductive and phenomenological approach. All interview data were be analyzed using a phenomenological approach done in stages as proposed by (Hycner 1985,p.28 0-293). Firstly, Interview were transcibed verbatim and literally in the way it was it will be presented by respondents. In addition, all nonverbal and para- linguistic communications (Hycner, 1985) from the interviews were noted so as to draw meaning from them.Secondly, I engaged in bracketing and phenomenological reduction. Bracketing involves suspension of the researchers meanings and interpretations and entering into the unique world of the individual who was interviewed while (Hycner 1985). , Keen (1975, p.38 in Hycner 1985) alludes that: The phenomenological reduction is a conscious, effortful, opening of ourselves to the phenomenon as a phenomenon. And since, I already had the transcripts,I read through them with openness to derive meaning.The third stage involves listening to the interview or reading the transcription several times to get a sense of the whole. Hycner 1985 states that as you listen or read, its imporatnt to make memos; which aid in delineating the units of general mea ning. This fourth stage is about crystallization and condensation of the what the respondents said leading to a unit of general meaning while referring to the reseacrh question (p.282).This involves paying attention to the actual content of the findings while referring to the initial research question to see if the collected data is relevant and at this point irrelevant findings might be excluded from the analysis. Next is to have independent judges to verify the units of relevant meaning to see if the findings are authentic, then redundancies are taken out, depending on both the literal content and looking at the number of times and the way meanings were mentioned. The other step is clustering units of relevant meaning. This is an iterative process of working through the units of meaning through examining their essence. This also depends on the context under which a unit was mentioned. Next is to determine central themes from these clusters of meaning. This also involves interrogating the clusters as well as working through the segments of the transcript. After this, next a summary of individual interviews is done while trying to incorporate the themes, this also gives a sense of the whole. After this, Hycner recommends to do validity check with our interviewees to see if what we have actually represents what they tried to bring forward. In my research this process will be done retrospectively, that is, immediately after interviewing. After this then, themes are modified and then general and unique themes are identified for all the interviews. This step looks out for common themes in all the interviews as well as individual variations or uniqueness and these clustered under general themes. This step requires patience so as not to merge themes that do not match or are somewhat unique without which the significance of some themes may be lost. Finally, is the contextualization of themes. This step requires that all the general and unique themes from the rigorous process are placed back into the initial contexts from which they developed so as to get a deeper understanding of the phenomenon under investigation. As such the analysis is presented with evidence from the actual words of the interviewees. Hycner (1985) alludes that the process takes fourteen steps but in this research, some of these were done simultaneously as the research progressed. The phenomenological approach is not without limitations. For example, phenomenological analysis is associated with of the following challenges; Phenomenological analysis may be very exhausting if you are dealing with large amounts of data and since it is suitable for few cases, the data may be difficult to generalise. This holds water but does not eliminate the value of the findings since these usually represent the experience of individuals which is itself unique and informative (Hycner 1985). Secondly, there is the issue of randonmness and the subjective influence of the resaercher. The citisim is that respondents are selected because of who they are, or depending on their experienece with the phenomena. As result there might be subjective influence in both interviewing and in analysing data. The women were chosen purposefully to provide their experince, but the analysis has undergone a thoruogh process. Findings Gender and gender role formation Gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviours, activities, and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for men and women (WHO, 2017). Gender categorization portrays cultural values and norms and is therefore an outcome of extensive interactions between individual socialization processes inside families and broader social-cultural order (Becker-Schmidt 1993, cited in Gruber and Stefanov, 2002). Buckingham-Hatfield (2000, p. 67) contends that the gender identity that individuals acquire over time infers two types of connections, that between the two genders and that between gender and society Gender roles thus allude to the degree to which standards and practices are social and patterned for women and men (Darly and Rake, 2003). The data shows that women mainly predominate in the traditional gender roles like cooking, taking care of children, doing laundry work and making their homes neat. I dont even relax in the evening, I come back directly in the kitchen, starts cooking and then we eat around six oclock then we see homework and what happened at school and then you prepare them for bed (Married woman) Womanly in my view, I mean taking care of the home, having meals done and checking on the childrens work and following up to see that their home works are done, (Single woman) In addition, all the women indicated that they are bread winners. Contrastingly, the married women work mainly to supplement their husbands income but not necessarily to enhance their positions. As such, the married women take on part time work so that they can balance that with home assignments while the single woman labours to sustain her family. Kunovich and Kunovich (2008) contrasts that married women have less egalitarian attitudes toward housework and childcare compared with single women; that even in nations with more noteworthy gender equality (like Sweden) only have more libertarian attitudes toward separate spheres of work, yet not toward housework or childcare. On this account, Gavanas (2010) demonstrates that in European settings, care and household labor have been traditionally viewed as womens domaincarriedout for free as a labor of love. Determinants of womens roles The Swedish values and laws emerged as some of the factors that determine womens roles. According to the Swedish Ministry of Integration and Gender Equality (2009), the Swedish gender equality policy is aimed at fighting and changing systems that preserve the sex-based appropriation of power and resources in society; and, guaranteeing that women and men appreciate similar power and chances to shape their own lives. Such impacts however usually stream less to the immigrants henceforth Swedens gender equality discourse is dominated by various leveled classification of the population into Swedes and immigrants with representations of gender unequal immigrants being eminent(Towns 2002, p.157). Additionally, numerous migrant women are utilized in the informal economy, especially as domestic workers, mind specialists, nurses or entertainers- henceforth, reinforcing conventional gender segregation and inequalities in the labor market (Anja and Andrea 2010, p.48). None the less, Brettell (20 08) has put light to the new changes which happen in family and kinship patterns as an outcome of migration and highlighted the feeling of control that women gain as immigrants. To some extent, the women I interviewed have adopted the Swedish values of equality in their homes. This is partially because they are married to Swedish partners who are used to the values of equality and thus, occasionally accept to take on household chores flexibility. Yeah thats something special for Sweden. And also then taking paternity leave, its very special for Sweden because also a dad participates (Married woman) he earns more than me and he makes more decisions than me but also being in Sweden and being married to a Swedish person, they are very much about equality (Married woman) Further on, women have adopted equality values because of the demands on women. Women have familial roles yet they also have to work outside the home. Metz-Gckel (1993) and Becker-Schmidt and Knapp (1995) contended that the structural significance of gender is attached to the dual role of women in society from one perspective in the private reproductive sphere controlled by patriarchal power structures and then again in the market initiated societal sphere under the control of the profit-oriented organization of the productive sphere (cited in Gruber and Stefanov 2002, p. 3). Yeah its because I have changed, I have changed. I came to understand that its very important to help each other especially in this, this Europe. (Married woman) Aside from demands, the women have also been influenced by the Swedish women whom they see as autonomous and independent in the way they live their lives. These relationships have made African women to reflect on their positions within their families. Again being here and looking at Swedish women here, the way they are independent, the relationships between a man and a woman (Married woman) Yeah in one way I think, I have friends, I have Swedish friends and you see how people live, and you see them in the homes, how things are done, when I talk to my friends they say I did this, and it can a little bit yeah it can help you out (Married woman) The challenge however is that because of the hierarchical gender relationship, male dominance controls the private and public spheres (Gruber and Stefanov, 2002; LeVine, 1966). Despite that, adopting the Swedish values of equality has empowered the women to be able to discuss their grievances with their husbands. Norms also determine what women do inside their families and in general society circles. Each of the respondents battled that there are specific obligations which should be for women and others for men. In their view, the light tasks and those which are less stressful like dealing with the little things in the house are feminine. Male duties are those that need skill like fixing bulbs and those that require monetary assets like dealing with bills. This was alluded to irrespective of marital status. For stance, the single woman was content with the freedom she has-being the major decision maker for her children and family yet communicated trouble with taking care of bills. I think Im comfortable, they are moments when I sit and I think, now I think I need a husband in my life who is going to pay for the rent, I dont want to pay rent, I mean there are times, when I really have this mind that I need to turn down and also feel like a woman (Single woman) once my mother called and then she asked me where I was and I said ok- Im in the living room watching TV, and your husband? I said he is in the kitchen doing dishes so my mother was very hungry on the phone. What! You are sitting and your husband is in the kitchen doing dishes, I didnt teach you that. I was like ok, mama, this is Europe. Yeah its Europe but you are not European (Married woman) Social role theory deduces that people occupy positions in social structures associated with roles that may either be attributed or achieved (Payne, 1997). The model clarifies that the societal division of work produces diffuse gender roles for specific genders and in this way confers broad expectations depending on each gender (Diekman and Schneider, 2010). This sort of development implies that men and women take part in different household assignments to demonstrate and reaffirm their gendered selves as expected of them by others. Personality also emerged as an imperative component that determines womens roles and workload inside their families. For example, one woman insinuated the way she appreciates doing the family tasks yet for some, they are perfectionists trusting that they know best what is useful for their families. All these decide the workload of women and additionally whether they are ready to request for support from their partners and friends. But I sometimes feel that I take too much also and that way Patrick balances me and he tells me I dont think you need to do this, although you have made a commitment here and there. Its personality. (Married woman) I would say that I as a person Im a strong person who would really like to take on what Im not unable to do (Single woman) On the other hand, personality decides womens engagement in the public sphere. Women who are open and ready to connect with the wider society say, through welcoming friends to their homes really have a bigger network or social contacts and a number of social activities to engaged in. I mean naturally Im born, Im a social person. So I easily create social contacts and through that I see that Im reaching out more to others So in that way I have more activities than I really want. (Single woman) like I said, Swedes are very cold people, very difficult to have, its hard to have a relationship with a Swede, I remember I really worked on it because I wanted to meet them. I remember I was calling, inviting people home and all the friends we have now are from me, I mean from my efforts. I did really effort to have them (Married woman) Socialisation is the other factor that determines womens roles. Women implied the way they were raised and indicated pride for their social childhood. The Social learningtheory explains how gender roles are produced in everyday lives particularly in childhood depending on the setting. The model is grounded on three main concepts including, observational learning, imitation, and modeling (Ormrod, 1999). This theory deduces that behavior is acquired through re-enforcements and modeling; however, in the absence of these, social learning may occur through observation and imitation of others (Golombok and Fivush 1994, p.76). Subsequently, gender role practices are acquired through the same procedures as every other conduct (Bandura, 1977, cited in Golombok and Fivush 1994, p.76).Miller (2011) demonstrates that the interplay between cognitive, affective, biological, and socio structural aspects influence the process of gender role development. Many women alluded to their childhood and the qualities they saw and learnt as children. I think its me. I think its also has to do with African upbringing and being the eldest. (Married woman) You have to help your parents. Because I remember when my dad told us about that. We were there not to just lay back and sleep but we were there to help our mum (Married woman) Interestingly these women are married to Swedish partners but one of them maintained that her Swedish partner emphasised the patriarchal structure through encouraging her to maintain her African thing. Now this is not known if this particular husband is really happy with the so called African thing or if it is a strategy for him to relax as the woman takes on the donkey work. Like I said from the beginning my husband is more African than- I mean more Congolese than me, he says to me E, I feel you are losing that African thing when I tell him my husband help me he says that E, men in Africa are not in the kitchen. (Married woman) In the African tradition, family and kinship are the most imperative institutions and social life is mainly structured on norms (Therborn, 2004); thus gender is generally a collective classification with regard to general norms and values (Adkins and Lury 1995, in Gruber and Stefanov, 2002). Therborn (2004, p.118) alludes that African custom is for male control of women and that wifely subordination is still a major phenomenon of African social life. Spirituality is likewise critical in determining what roles women take on as well as the decisions they make for themselves and their families. All the women said that they are Christians and that God is an essential figure in whatever they do. As one of them described, Of course Prayer is the foundation that builds a home. Indeed, they all specified congregational activities as a major aspect of the social activities they take an interest in. One of them recounted, I devoted my life ever since I came to Sweden to do Gods work and that I can do, normally when you are doing dishes, you dont clash with any one. When you are doing your cleaning or dishes (Single woman) These responses mirror Foucaults elucidation of the social distribution of roles by referring to nature. He alludes that gods directly prepared the womans nature for indoor works and the man for works of the open air. Thus, the natural oppositeness of man and woman and the specificity of their aptitudes are indissociably tied to the good order; and inversely, order demands them as obligations (Foucault 1984, in p.158-159). Impact of roles on the status of women One of the effects of gender roles on women has to do with sacrifice. The dual role of women, makes it is inevitable for women to make sacrifices. They need to negotiate between seeking after their careers or to tend to their families. For instance, all the women perceived the significance of education and actually disclosed that they had enrolled for training courses. However, this meant negotiations on the priorities, they felt that they needed to deal with their family demands to start with, before they could consider undertaking courses or even pursue careers. Moreover, women do take on part time jobs as a sacrifice for their families particularly when they have little children. The less priority which women ascribe to activities outside the family further suggests that in the meantime, they forfeit their own economic progress. Family reasons, I mean my children are still young and I had to settle down in my job and I mean, somehow have a base in my working life and also balance it with the children at home, because now being a single mother in Sweden, it takes up all the energy and everything that I have so then I havent been able to take on extra studies beyond what I can do on a normal day. (Single woman) I dont work full time. From the beginning we decided with my husband that I will not do full time. He did- doing full time. We felt like I was needed home (Married woman) These discoveries are not unique to these women. Research elsewhere demonstrates that women are more committed to the private sphere as moms, carers and domestic workers while men are more concentrated in the public circles (Buckingham-Hatfield, 2000; Donato et al, 2006). For instance, in a survey of European women, it was discovered that 90 percent of women valued the family as the most significant sphere of their life (Gruber and Stefanov 2002, p.21). Besides, women are also not completely accepted in the public arena but are rather permitted to participate there just on sufferance (Buckingham-Hatfield, 2000). Thus, for majority of partnerships in Central Europe, housework and caring for children are undertakings performed principally by women while fathers primarily play and only share their leisure activities with the children; yet women who struggle to be productive need to sacrifice child care and much more house work to the formal paid employment (Esping-Andersen, 2009; Grube r and Stefanov, 2002). Finally, power developed as one of the advantages that women derive from the sort of roles they undertake. Because women take care of the homes and children, they are more required in basic leadership and decision making particularly in matters regarding household welfare. This is for both the married and the single woman. In any case, the reasons behind this control are distinctive. The single woman derives her power from the reality that she is the sole provider in the home; whereas for the married women, it is mostly in light of the fact that their spouses tend to distance themselves from family unit matters. I have freedom of independence that at times I feel in myself and say thank you Lord, Im able to make decisions on my own whether I make wrong decisions I come back to myself and say I did that wrongà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Independent in every way economic, social, independent woman, very powerful. (single woman) Keeping in mind the end goal to see how gender roles, impinge on the societal position and prosperity of women in the private and open circles; it is reasonable to consider the measure of assets at womens disposal and also power relations (Sen, 2001). Such viewpoints explain the agency aspects (like, womens earning power, ability to act, economic role outside the family, literacy and education, property rights) which exceptionally contribute to womens voice, independence and empowerment (Sen ,2001). For example, working outside the home and acquiring an autonomous wage enhances and upgr