Conflict in the Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis Essay example -- essay

Action and reaction are the actually threads that make up the fabric of our universe, conflicting forces that wage state of war against each other in hopes of gaining the upper hand and overcoming the other. Virtue versus desire, faith versus logic, tradition versus change, light versus darkness, (Republi brooks versus Democrats,) and thoroughly versus evil-all opposing facets of their respective fields that switch out control in a never-ending dance of push and pull. We witness one of these never-ending dances first hand in C.S. Lewis novel, The Screwtape Letters, as a high-ranked giant named Screwtape advises his nave and inexperienced nephew on the best methods to use in corrupting his assigned ?Patient? and preventing the ?Enemy? from gaining the ?Patient? for himself. But though it may travel along from the evil perspective of an expert demon, the piece is really a reflection of the internal struggle in humans between good and evil, Lord and Satan, on a small, subtle, and discreet level. The conflict portrayed in this novel addresses the everyday sins and mindsets that more often than not lead to the downfall of a seemingly good and righteous person (unlike the focus on absolute evils such as outright dishonesty and murder common in other works on morality). The main character?s struggle plays out this idea that it is the little things a person does that have the biggest impact in his or her life, an idea that can be applied not only to the salvation of our spiritual immortality, but also to the value of our mortal lives as well.We learn from Screwtape?s many garner of advice to his nephew Wormwood (thirty-one letters to be exact) the many strategies that evil spirits and demons employ in order to secure human spiritual morality. Contrary... ...dentify our mistakes and learn from them in order for us to reap any benefit from those mistakes, unfortunately for us it is the small mistakes that are the most dangerous and the hardest to identify and correct. Lucky for us, Screwtape didn?t do a very good job of hiding his letters to his nephew because it means less work for us and more trouble for all demon-kind. ?It does not matter how small the sins are provided that their cumulative effect is to edge the man away from the Light and out into the Nothing. Murder is no better than cards if cards can do the trick. and so the safest road to Hell is the gradual one?the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts,?Your affectionate uncle Screwtape (Lewis 60-61).Cited Sources?Lewis, Clive S. The Screwtape Letters. San Francisco HarperCollins, Inc., 2001.

Franklin Essay -- essays research papers

A Prominent IndividualBenjamin Franklin was a very prominent figure in shaping our nation. Many people look at him as a role model or just as an amazing individual. He had his faults just like incessantlyy human being had, and he shouldnt be discredited because of a few minor glitches to his character. As being the only person that had signed The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and the Treaty of Paris, this immediately separates him from both others. One of the things that he wrote about in Benjamin Franklin The Autobiography and Other Writings, was trying to be the ideal person, and even made a list of virtues to put out by. His virtues were very important to his lifestyle, and he followed them to a great extent. One of his important virtues was humility. It was simply stated Imitate Jesus and Socrates. From the beginning of Franklins life, when he went to grammar civilise he was always interested in learning. His father took him from grammar school and his next move was to be an apprentice to his brother as a printer. With undying passionateness for knowledge he continued to learn how to read and write well. From a child I was fond of reading, and all the little m whizzy that came into my hands was ever laid out in withstands (Franklin 13). He continually got books from other print shops and stores to read on the side of working. One of the writings that touched him the most was the Socratic dialogue that he read in the back of a grammar book that he borrowed. He continued his research on Socrates, and therefore the Socratic system became a driving force in his beliefs. That is why he states that we should Imitate Jesus and Socrates. Their views must have slightly basis in common in order for him to look up to them that much. My intentions were to acquire the Habitude of all these virtues, I judgd it would be well not to distract my attention by attempting the whole at once, but to fix it one of them at a time, and when I should be ma ster of that, then proceed to another, and so on till I should have gone thro the thirteen (Franklin 93). He recollects that if he masters all of these virtues that he will become the perfect individual. If humility is the thirteenth one, than it must be the most important one in his life, or at least a closure to a perfect lifestyle. He made a book in which he allotte... ...t. Franklin learned very much in his life, maybe even more than he taught to others. Franklin has a method of teaching that I believe is a proper way of getting ideas across. Do as I say, not as I do. I feel that this statement alone solely defeats the characterization of Franklin being a hypocrite. The flaws in Franklins character should not be analyzed as closely as some look at them. It is all part of a learning process, which he has passed on to us as readers. Many of the setbacks that Ben Franklin has had in his life are looked at by some people to be considered flaws that contribute to hypocrisy. He was a great individual, maybe not perfect, but he did many things for the well being of our nation. He is one of the frontrunners of modern society with his inventions and discoveries. His experiments go beyond the major things such as electricity, every thing that he has done in his life was an experiment. He tried and true to be the perfect individual and a teacher of perfection. I think he did a very good job of accomplishing his goals and we should look up to him as being not only a down to earth person, but also a person that has risen to supremacy.

Chinese Cuisine - The Food of China Essay examples -- essays research

Chinese Cuisine - The Food of ChinaChinas food is very unique and traditional. Grains are the main(prenominal) food in China. Rice is the favorite grain among the people in the South. In the north, people prefer wheat, which they make in to bread and noodles. Corn millet, and genus Sorghum are also eaten. Vegetables, especially cabbage and Tofu rank second in Chinese diet. Roasted sweet potatoes are a popular sharpness eaten by the Chinese. Pork and poultry are the favorite meats in China. The people also like eggs, fish, fruit, and shellfish. Chop Suey originated in China. Chop sticks and soup spoons are served as the onlyutensils at a Chinese meal. Tea is the traditional Chinese beverage. Ice-cream has gainedpopularity in China. Food from the East and Southeast coastal areas includes fi...

Hulk Smash Essay -- Art

Throughout history, the pictorial form has been used as a means of conveying teaching of many forms such as story, words of warning, or even propaganda ( vanguard Meter). In its more recent shape, the modern comic, the graphic solve was often treated as a lowly form of art suitable primarily for adolescents and children seeking entertainment (Cengage). This mindset about comics continued until the mid 1980s, at which point it was shattered by the arrival of Maus a graphic novel that documented the experiences of a Holocaust survivor (Spiegelman). After winning the Pulitzer Prize in 1992, Spiegelmans work opened the door to a whole world of possibilities for the graphic form in scholarly pursuits. Though this event brought about the birth of countless graphic narratives, each responsible for shedding light on modern historical travesties, it is my conviction that prior to the onset of graphic reportage comics held a more grand socio-political relevance. While less explicit wi th their messages, early comics such as The Hulk gave valuable insight into society by giving a direct count into pop-culture of the time, utilizing symbolism to convey public opinion, and spreading propaganda.When a work is created with the intent of being graphic reportage the author becomes painfully aware of the fact that they willing be find and scrutinized under this context, however when an entirely fictitious comic withstand is created its author is relieved from the constraints of this awareness of observation. Put more eloquently, comic book authors that create works of graphic reportage are vulnerable to a psychological phenomenon known as the Hawthorne Effect, which states that individuals that are aware that they are being observed will b... ...Works CitedCengage, Gale. eNotes.com. 2004. 22 April 2012 .Conroy, Mike. The True Origin of The unthinkable Hulk. N/A Marvel Comics, 2008.Gale, E.A.M. The Hawthorne studiesa fable for our times? . QJM (2004) 439-449.Lee, S tan-Writer Kirby, Jack -Penciller Reinman, Paul-Inker Simek,Art-Letters. The Incredible Hulk. The Incredible Hulk 1. Marvel Comics, May 1962.Rocchi, James. X-Meta An Outsiders Guide to Symbolism in Superhero Cinema (wonder woman mention). May 2006. 22 April 2012 .Spiegelman, Art. Maus A Survivors Tale. New York Pantheon Books, 1986.Van Meter, Justine. History Of Graphic Novels. Orange, CA, February 2012.

The Cayman Islands :: essays research papers

Part I - The QuestionWhen I was 18, my family took a trip to Cancun for Spring Break. I absolutely loved the beaches and palm trees, the duster sand, hot sunniness and blue waves. Ever since then I have had a real passion for equatorial islands. My favorite and perhaps the most resplendent Islands Ive looked are the Cayman Islands. Ive only seen pictures and heard stories but Ive al ushery decided thats where I am getting married. I still however, bustt know anything almost the islands. My love for these islands and my thirst for knowledge on the topic has driven me to do more research and light upon out the annals behind the Cayman Islands. I want to know everything somewhat them, so far the only thing I know is that at that place are three islands, Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little cayman. I would like to know more. I am hoping to learn round the early development of the islands, the people, growth, tropical climate and environment. I am doing this purely for my own reference and curiosity.Part II - ResearchI began researching for this paper online because it was easy for me to use and a grant faster than aspect up information in text books, and its a lot more accurate and up-to-date. Immediately I form about a ascorbic acid web sites worth printing. After scrolling through page after page, site after site I realized I had but scratched the surface, so I decided to pick the ones with the most promising titles and print them all. Then I began the tedious task of sifting through all those paper until I represent the high hat ones. I think I ended up with about six different sites, all on different things about the islands. One of the best ones was about the history of the Cayman Islands, I found this to be the most factual. Another good one mostly was about the geographics and Geology of the islands. The rest of them were in the first place about visiting the islands, the discovery of the islands, touring the islands and comparing an d contrasting the three islands.After this I went to the Jackson Community College Learning Center and read through books and Encyclopedias about Cayman Islands but I found most of these to have the same information as my web sites, but not as good. I found a few pictures and maps that were helpful in my own understanding of the islands, unfortunately they wouldnt be much help with my paper.The Cayman Islands essays research papers Part I - The QuestionWhen I was 18, my family took a trip to Cancun for Spring Break. I absolutely loved the beaches and palm trees, the white sand, hot sun and blue waves. Ever since then I have had a real passion for tropical islands. My favorite and perhaps the most beautiful Islands Ive researched are the Cayman Islands. Ive only seen pictures and heard stories but Ive already decided thats where I am getting married. I still however, dont know anything about the islands. My love for these islands and my thirst for knowledge on the topic has driven me to do more research and find out the history behind the Cayman Islands. I want to know everything about them, so far the only thing I know is that there are three islands, Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little cayman. I would like to know more. I am hoping to learn about the early development of the islands, the people, growth, tropical climate and environment. I am doing this purely for my own reference and curiosity.Part II - ResearchI began researching for this paper online because it was easy for me to use and a lot faster than looking up information in text books, and its a lot more accurate and up-to-date. Immediately I found about a hundred web sites worth printing. After scrolling through page after page, site after site I realized I had barely scratched the surface, so I decided to pick the ones with the most promising titles and print them all. Then I began the tedious task of sifting through all those papers until I found the best ones. I think I ended up with about s ix different sites, all on different things about the islands. One of the best ones was about the history of the Cayman Islands, I found this to be the most factual. Another good one mostly was about the Geography and Geology of the islands. The rest of them were mainly about visiting the islands, the discovery of the islands, touring the islands and comparing and contrasting the three islands.After this I went to the Jackson Community College Learning Center and read through books and Encyclopedias about Cayman Islands but I found most of these to have the same information as my web sites, but not as good. I found a few pictures and maps that were helpful in my own understanding of the islands, unfortunately they wouldnt be much help with my paper.

The Cayman Islands :: essays research papers

Part I - The QuestionWhen I was 18, my family took a trip to Cancun for Spring Break. I absolutely love the beaches and palm trees, the pureness sand, hot sun and blue waves. Ever since then I have had a real passion for equatorial islands. My favorite and maybe the most good-looking Islands Ive researched are the Cayman Islands. Ive only seen pictures and heard stories and Ive al tapey decided thats where I am getting married. I still however, dont know anything nearly the islands. My love for these islands and my thirst for knowledge on the topic has driven me to do more research and define out the history behind the Cayman Islands. I want to know everything most them, so far the only thing I know is that at that place are three islands, Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little cayman. I would like to know more. I am hoping to learn about the earlyish development of the islands, the people, growth, tropical climate and environment. I am doing this purely for my own referen ce and curiosity.Part II - ResearchI began researching for this paper online beca recitation it was easy for me to use and a atomic pile faster than looking up information in text books, and its a lot more accurate and up-to-date. Immediately I found about a hundred web sites worth printing. After scrolling by dint of page after page, site after site I realise I had just now scratched the surface, so I decided to pick the ones with the most promising titles and print them all. Then I began the tedious task of sifting through all those document until I found the best ones. I think I ended up with about six different sites, all on different things about the islands. One of the best ones was about the history of the Cayman Islands, I found this to be the most factual. Another good one more often than not was about the geographics and Geology of the islands. The rest of them were mainly about visiting the islands, the discovery of the islands, touring the islands and comparing and contrasting the three islands.After this I went to the Jackson Community College information Center and read through books and Encyclopedias about Cayman Islands but I found most of these to have the same information as my web sites, but not as good. I found a few pictures and maps that were easeful in my own understanding of the islands, unfortunately they wouldnt be much help with my paper.The Cayman Islands essays research papers Part I - The QuestionWhen I was 18, my family took a trip to Cancun for Spring Break. I absolutely loved the beaches and palm trees, the white sand, hot sun and blue waves. Ever since then I have had a real passion for tropical islands. My favorite and perhaps the most beautiful Islands Ive researched are the Cayman Islands. Ive only seen pictures and heard stories but Ive already decided thats where I am getting married. I still however, dont know anything about the islands. My love for these islands and my thirst for knowledge on the topic has dr iven me to do more research and find out the history behind the Cayman Islands. I want to know everything about them, so far the only thing I know is that there are three islands, Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little cayman. I would like to know more. I am hoping to learn about the early development of the islands, the people, growth, tropical climate and environment. I am doing this purely for my own reference and curiosity.Part II - ResearchI began researching for this paper online because it was easy for me to use and a lot faster than looking up information in text books, and its a lot more accurate and up-to-date. Immediately I found about a hundred web sites worth printing. After scrolling through page after page, site after site I realized I had barely scratched the surface, so I decided to pick the ones with the most promising titles and print them all. Then I began the tedious task of sifting through all those papers until I found the best ones. I think I ended up with abo ut six different sites, all on different things about the islands. One of the best ones was about the history of the Cayman Islands, I found this to be the most factual. Another good one mostly was about the Geography and Geology of the islands. The rest of them were mainly about visiting the islands, the discovery of the islands, touring the islands and comparing and contrasting the three islands.After this I went to the Jackson Community College Learning Center and read through books and Encyclopedias about Cayman Islands but I found most of these to have the same information as my web sites, but not as good. I found a few pictures and maps that were helpful in my own understanding of the islands, unfortunately they wouldnt be much help with my paper.

Comparative Analysis

Pony and Identify 3 things that have changed and 3 things that have not changed. In the five (5) take of the Nation Addresses (Jonas) delivered by President Benson S. Aquinas Ill before the Joint Session of the House of Representatives and the Senate from 2010-2014, there are several issues that are common or consistent with all Jonas. However, for purposes of highlighting the most obvious ones, we could enumerate it according to its prominent appearance in the SOON speeches.These are the following 1. The issue on rice importation and ice sufficiency as part of the governments overall campaign on agricultural modernization and food production to make the realm a rice exporting and rice self-sufficient nation. 2. The implementation of the APS or the Pantywaist Paying Filipino Program also known as the conditional Cash Transfer Program intended to augment the financial capability of poor families to send their students to school. 3.The Armed Forces of the Philippines (APP) Modernizat ion Program that will ensure the countrys extraneous security needs by providing war materials and military equipment hence upgrading and bolstering our countrys military capability. In the aspect that highlights each Sonars uniqueness and distinctiveness, it is worth noting that there are at least 3 items in each particular SOON that shows its differences with other SOON speeches delivered from 2010-2014.

Algerian War

Most of the Afri hatful countries bring on at one(a) time of a nonher been engaged into viefarefare, either as a manage for liberation from the colonialism or as a response from the bad governance which has characterized most parts of this continent. I cogitate that few of these struggles are justified since they guide to liberation of the masses. For example the fight to draw away the colonialist was a noble cause since it brought indep demolitionence in this region. The colonial queens were only up to satisfy their avid appetite for resources from Africa leaving the continent bare with depleted resources.They were determined to milk Africa dry and perhaps this explains why they clung to the colonies for so long such that they had to be throw away either through armed struggles or through inter republical pressure. Some of the colonies were determined to make African countries their overseas territories so that they can strain oppressing the Africans. One such rule was the french regime which precious to extend their unwel germ stay in Algeria culminating into a struggle which had bulky effects or so of which are still matte today.One of the countries in Africa where the struggle for independency was quite remarkable and leave behind for ever be in the history books is Algeria. In this theme I volition attempt to explore the causes of this war that brought hope to the Algerian pot and changed the mark of their history forever. I will explain the course of the war analyzing the events which took place, and finally look at the effects of this struggle both in Algeria and France. (Windrow, M and Chappell 1997 5) This rude was colonized by the cut who occupied it for since early 1830s. They command this country for close to one nose candy and fifty years.By 1954 the Algerians had become tired, weary and fed up by this occupation. They hand had enough and they were ready to liberate themselves. In 1954 they waged a war which went d give to the history as one of the fiercest in the history of independence struggle. This was the end of their aggression and humiliation they had undergone for the last one hundred years. They were so determined such that nothing would claim turned them top. The forces were ready, they enjoyed massive support determine the inter kingdomal bodies more so from their Arab neighbor who to a fault wanted to see one of their neighbor redeemed from the chains of colony.This conflict erupted exactly fifty years ago, despite being an independence struggle a war is a war, roughthing which leads to loss of life and destruction of property. It was an pitiable war that dominated the world press to almost the akin extent as other wars that gull been fought in the world in the recent past. (Windrow, M and Chappell, M 1997 p3) The war ended with a win for the French billet but the situation in Algeria had changed, despite the win they had to grant the people of Algeria the freedom they had bee n yearning.A apparent motion crops up, what could wealthy person happened if the Algerians won the war? Would they have tried to extend their territory beyond the slew borders? These are pertinent issues whose answers can not be form. For one it would have been almost impossible for the Algerian freedom fighters to win given the level of the armies for the ii sides. The French ha d a well coordinated force while Algerians only depended on reservess who were not properly coordinated. Again the issue of weapons comes up the French had access to modern and sophisticated weapons which Algerians could only have dreamed of.This war had m whatever unique features it was a three- and finally four-edged struggle between the French government, the European colonists and the Algerian nationalists and finally Charles de Gaulle. All these parties to the contest were pursuing different interests. The war left Algeria deeply bruised as a nation. It had some serious consequence that no one co uld have imagined, its effect were not only mat up in this North African country but likewise way back in France. (Shields,J 2007 27) Causes of the WarTo understand the real causes of this conflict it is important that we try to get a real situation of Algeria at that moment and in the past. This information will shed some light on why the Algerian people wanted to be free. Windrow and Chappell argue that the conflict was purely economical and social some seventy five percent of the Muslims population were illiterate and they suffered chronic unemploymentp3. Therefore for these people to be liberated from the serious problems they were facing they had to get rid of the forces which they felt up that were undermining their efforts to lead a better life.By the time the war was erupting Algeria had been under French occupation for close to a century where the territory was being reoffered to as a French overseas province. Windrow and Cappell observed that only a small percentage of the Muslims population in this country enjoyed the French citizenry rights where one was privileged to own property. By this time the Muslims population had rose to eight millions. This population could not have survived under the conditions that prevailed in Algeria where the economy was not performing well and indeed their condition was not all that good.This level of poverty which has been described as abject greatly contributed to this conflict. I believe that when a society is subjected to conditions which are merciless they will rise up and demand what is rightfully theirs. This is exactly what happened in Algeria. The people were generally tired of being subjected to suffering by foreigners, they wanted to run low a decent life, though they wanted to solve things in a peaceful manner conflict could not have been avoided since the French government was relentless and they wanted to continue with the occupation of this resource rich country.(Shields, J 2007 28) The Algerian s were dissatisfied with the treatment by the French government as second class citizens. They felt that this being country and they had e precise(prenominal) right to live in it and more so like any other person. In my research I have gathered that this is a problem that existed in all the African colonies where African faced serious discrimination. They were treated badly and subjected to unimaginable sufferings. Most of these people did not enjoy the privileges which the other races were entitled to.They were regarded as low class who should be civilized though the process of assimilation. When people are treated in such a horrible manner as happened in Algeria, eventually they will be fed with the situation and demand what is rightfully their. This is what the Algerians did they were tired of such an environment where they could not enjoy full rights like anybody else. They had to look for a way to solve their problem, they did not foresee a situation where for the French colo nial government would grant them independence through a silver platter.They were determined to go all the way and ensure their freedom. Algerians were determined to pursue their independence it is in this struggle that nationalism and its elements are shown. The Algerian War was started mainly revolting Algerian mobilization which sought freedom on the premises of bad polices which segregated the people especially those cultures which did not speak in French. (Nehma, A and Zeleza, P 2008 56) During the Second World War, Algerians were actively involved both local and those of the European descent, they fought for France.In return they were suppositional to be handsomely rewarded for their efforts. This is a promise that the French government never kept. These world war soldiers were disoriented since when the colonial government did not keep its promise. They felt betrayed they had to find alternatives so that they can survive the hard time that ensued. They were easy target for th e recruits because of their hostility to the government that never kept its promise. These soldiers were actively involved in the freedom struggle for Algeria, perhaps to punish the French colonial government for neglecting them.This something that happened all over the continent, Africans were enrolled to fight for foreign countries and in the return they were to get some favors from the colonial governments. In Kenya the freedom fighters who were popularly known as the Mau Mau were mostly soldiers who had been recruited to fight for British overseas. On return they were supposed to be given land. serious like the French counterparts in Algeria the British colonial government did not honor its promise. The soldiers formed the crowd to fight for the freedom in that country and also to teach the colonial government a lesson (Windrow, M and Chappell 1997 5)My argument is that nationalism played a big reference in the struggle for independence in this country. The Algerians were mot ivated by their desire to maintain cultural freedom and also reversion of the state to the rightful owners, who were the Algerian people. When the French people set their rump in this land they were determined to get this country. they used all manner of evasive actions to subject the indigenous people to their rule. Rapes, kills and many other barbaric acts were act to the Algerians in the name of conquered the country. The French army burned harvests emptied granaries and many other unfortunate things.This caused great resentment between the two conferences, this hate grew reaching climax during the freedom struggle. Algerian resistance was vigorous though it was only for a short time they were not prepared to fight foreign forces who wanted to soak up what is rightfully theirs. When it came to the freedom struggle they had learnt their lessons and were more determined than ever to ensure they were left free to rule their country as they wished. From the resistance which was mounted during the colonization period an insurgency which will later come to liberate the country was born.There arose some cultural tension between the Muslims and the French people a fibre of resentment that lasted until this period and later came to yield to the type of aggression witnessed during the independence war. (Nehma, A and Zeleza, P 2008 58) Course of the war In the wee hours of 1st November 1954 the group called National Liberation Front was ready to start the liberation struggle, they launched massive struggles in different areas of Algeria They targeted the military and police posts, public areas among other crucial areas accountantled by the colonial government.The group called on all the Muslims in Algeria to rise up against a regime that was oppressive and bring back sanity own their country where all people especially the indigenous Africans could be treated with respect. What would have happened if the people of Algeria did not rally behind this call to lib erate themselves? I believe that the colonial government was very much determined to retain this country. Once it is rich in oil resources among other minerals. Therefore by granting independence or ceasing power would transfer control of these resources to the Africans.Settlers would not have liked the idea since they had grown to, like the country and what they were getting from here. (Williams, N et al 2007 78) The government responded with massive force against this insurgency from the people who were labeled as holy terrorists. Would people who were fighting to liberate the masses be labeled as terrorist? In my opinion the FLA fighters were not terrorists rather they were group of people who were responding to an oppressive regime. Many leaders have been labeled as terrorists but times have proved them right.One such leaders was the former freedom fighter from southbound Africa who later became the President and one of the most popular and respected men in the world. Nelson M andela was a terrorist according to the apartheid rulers of South Africa but to his people he was a hero. The same case applies the freedom fighter in Algeria the French government declared these people as terror agents but to the Algerians they were heroes who can be relied on to make their motherland free once more. (Williams, N et al 2007 79)As the FLN spread their activities across the country, many European farmers in the country side were forced to sell their farms and belonging and shifted to the capital where they sought refuge. Here they pressured the government to take a stern action against the militias. The colons started organizing their own form of retaliation where they grouped some militias whom would attack the FLN members allover the country especially in Algiers. The Europeans called on the government to declare a state of emergency so that it can deal with the situation properly.(Williams, N et al 2007 78) The war took an ugly twist when the FLN fighters started to attack the civilians. This happened way back in August 1955,a great mass murder of the civilian was reported near Phillippeville,the attack was carried out by the freedom fighters. Intially the group had an operation tactic where it was only targeting the military and government properties. Now with the direct target of the people they were supposed to be fighting for complicated the matter. Perhaps this happens in every war. The civilians who in most cases are innocent get bruised.This killing was largely condemned and it prompted the French government to step up its effort on the war. Innocent lives had been lost including those who were not involved inn the war, the children and women. In response to this attack the government claimed to have killed more than one thousand guerillas. FLN gave some conflicting reports by claiming that more than twelve thousand Muslims died on retaliatory attacks coming from the French colonial government and the colon vigilante groups. (Alexand ar, M and Keiger, J 2002 78)By 1956 it is estimated that the French government had already commission more than 400,000 troops to help crush the resistance that was mounting in this colony. They realized that it would not be an easy task to fight the groups that were coming up more so when they were using guerilla tactic and applying terrorism methods to fight the French government and its supporters. In the freedom fight there were Algerians who supporting the government . There were close to one hundred and cardinal Muslim Algerians who were in the French forces and most of them were fighting as volunteers.In my opinion I believe that these people were supporting the government because they wanted the status quo to remain. They were already benefiting from the system and changes where freedom will be granted their normal lives will be affected. Most of these volunteers have been assimilated into the French system and have been accorded full French citizenship. To them they were f ighting for their country but to the rest of the Algerians they were traitors, who had betrayed the noble cause to liberate the country. In 1956 and 1957 the violence escalated, it took a complete new dimension where the civilians were not spared by two warring sides.The military arm of the FLN used the tactics of hit and run where they recorded huge success. They avoided direct attacks or confrontation with the French troops. I believe that the group did this to avoid a situation where they would be overwhelmed by the French might. It is a known fact that the French troops had superior weapons than the militia groups. The war was proving to be complicated affairs for the French troops since the adoption of the hit and run tactics. It was becoming hard for the forces to get them since they were mixing with the civilians once they have launched an attack.This tactic has been used by many fighters who believe that the enemy has the power and the might to defeat them. To their advantag e they rely on the expertise of their fighters training them on the tactics which can be described as terrorist like where they attack the enemy in the areas where attacks are least expected. Kidnapping was also used, those commonly targeted were the collaborators especially the officials and those civilian who refused to support the revolutionary movement were not spared either, they were murdered. (Alexandar, M and Keiger, J 2002 79)The fact that the revolutionary group was forcing people to support them understandably shows that not all the Algerians supported the war as a means to get what they wanted. They are those who believed that there are other avenues which could have been employed and the ugly situation that prevailed at the moment could have been avoided. To some extent I tend to agree with this group which preferred peaceful means to the struggle against freedom, puritythorn be the destruction that was being witnessed at this moment would have been avoided. So many li ves had been lost and yet freedom had not come by this year.Would it have been possible for the French government to enter into the negotiation with the so called militias? Perhaps this seemed like a mirage but eventually this happened later. The use of coercive methods on the fellow traveler countrymen shows that the group had not inspired the whole Muslim population to rally behind them in the course. The group continued to gain ground by having control over region which were previously government controlled. In these regions they instituted some temporary authorities where they were able to collect taxes and also recruit fighters. The groups had to do this so that it can get some revenue to support itself .This was very vital for their survival. (Alistair, H 2006 18) French troops were forced to go back to the drawing board and come up with the new methods of fighting. In 1957 French General instituted a system where the country was divided into the sectors. Each sector was allo cated a troop which had a role of suppressing the rebels activities. This method proved to be effective since the revolutionaries activities were greatly reduced in some of the areas. Barriers were also placed in the borders so that the fighters who were coming from the neighboring countries could not gain access.Morocco and Tunisia being close neighbors to this North African country were hosting some of the fighters and even helping the revolutionary groups finacially. This type of help has been common in every part of Africa. There are wars which are financed by the neighboring countries when they have some vested interest. For these two countries they were obliged to help since a friendly Muslim corporation needed liberation. (Alistair, H 2006 18) The French military started to ruthlessly attack those areas that they thought had been supporting the rebels.They applied the principle of collective responsibility where all the villages cooperating with guerillas in any way whether sheltering or paying taxes to them were bombed. Those villages which were unreachable remote areas were raided through the air. A supervisory system where these villages were put on all time surveillance was instituted. This was to forestall the villagers from helping the rebels inn whatever way. There were areas especially in the mountainous region of Algeria where close to two million people were removed and transferred to the plains.This shows the determination these forces had to totally finish the revolutionary movement. If the French government was so determined to see to it that resistance has been crashed would they have used less time and resources negotiating with the so called rebel group? I believe this is an option that they were not ready to explore since they wanted to continue calling the shots in this country and again they would have been seen as a weak country entering into negotiation with a weak group-so they thought. In my observation France was afraid of rep eating the same mistake as was in the Indochina war.They did not want to be seen as a though they were losing their grip and hence their position in the world political arena. They had to fight this war till the end and losing to them was not an option. (Yasher,F 1989 98) Back fundament in France there was a feeling that the situation has to be brought in to contol. Many were calling for the return of Charles de Guella return to power so that he can sort out the situation to the favor of his motherland and avoid a humiliation that will bruise the image of this correctly nation. (Hurd,E 2007 55).Charles was seen as the only figure that would rally the nation and give it the proper direction. Indeed his return was greeted by many as a good bespeak where the hostilities would be ended. His return was perhaps greeted with almost the same jubilation Americas president elect Barrack Obama got when he was elected the forty forth occupant of the white house. The Muslims in Algeria were n ow tired of this warfare which had destroyed most of what they had. They wanted a break from this ugly situation. And the man occupying the top seat in France was the consequence to their problem.(Yasher, F 1989 98) By the 1958 the rebels had been pushed to the wall, the French army was gaining grounds. They had won the military control in almost all the regions in the country. In the preceding years pressure was mounting on France to grant Algeria its independence. Charles was determined towards this course but he was getting some opposition from the settlers who felt that he had betrayed them. They even essay unsuccessfully to topple him. Talks with rebels were instituted paving way for a free nation. The aftermathAlgerias people dream to be an independent nation was finally granted. But I would ask was it worth this much? Many people had died in the course of this war. Both sides suffered heavy casualties. This is a situation that could have been avoided if men and women had le t priming to prevail but man being a selfish animal who is determined to destroy had to do all that he can to ensure he is not humiliated. France was fighting for her position in the global politics,on the same hand Algeria was fighting for recogniton in the world map as a sovereign nation.Their course was the same only that one was being denied by the other a chance to fulfill its course. (Hurd,E 2007 55) One conflict gave rise to another,it is funny how we solve one problem and in the process antoher crops. No wonder one philosopher said man lives to solve problems without them life has no meaning. The problem in Algeria was deepened by the crisis which engulfed the movement that was very vocal in the freedom struggle. Ahmed Bella was becoming very popular and in the process he wa challenging the leadership of the prime quantity minsiter Ben Khedda.He later came to be elected the premier in an electionwhich was described as one sided. He announced that Algeria was not going to support any side as far as the world politics were concerned. He make friendship with Kennedy,Castro and many other leaders. This was in the an aim of consolidating his power and at the same time make Algeria a daring to those countries who could have provided aid. In an African style he did not last long he was desposed and put in a house arrest. This dispostiton was masterminded by the elements who were not happy with the Algerias progress.They are the vestigial elements that were left by the colonialist. Most of the problems being experienced in this nation can be traced way back to the algerian war and colonisation. The determination of the FLN government to hold on power and the oppositon mounting fromm the muslim fundamentalst groups have made this nation to be at war. (Hurd,E 2007 55) William ,N et al(2007) describe the Algerian war as nastier than the vietnam independence war(p44). Algeria as a french department had a lot instake. It was home to milions of settlers from euro pe who wanted to protect their intersts at all the cost.They felt betrayed by the man many thought would bring a tooth root to the algerian problem. They were not ready to enter in to the negotiation or yield to any demands made by the Algerians. French government which has beeen described in many occasssions as half hearted reform did not convinvce the people of Algeria otherwise. The analysis of the situation indicate that algerians were more determined than ever,the repression directed to them by the french forces only gave them more aptitude to continue with the struggle. The situation in Algeria threatened to break France as anation .A couple was planned where a regime that was seen as incapable of handling the situation was to be replaced. The situation was saved by Charles de Guella who was called upon to rescue the nation. French positon in the global positon was in an all time low. (William ,N et al 2007She has been humiliated again,she was losing her colonies in a very h orrible way. Her ego had been seriously bruised. This greatly affectred the nation pride,even Charles government was not soared either despite his popularity. He was facing more problem than one could have imagined.He was losing colonies,immigration and unemployment was rising. Voilent strikes broke out in paris,this was a common thing from know on. These events can be traced back to the aftermath of the Algerian war which left the nation image seruios injured. Perhaps this was more serios than the defeat frace suffered during the Pro-Russian wars. (Hurd,E 2007 55) Conclusion The Algerian war represents the African struggle from the oppressive colonial regime but a question crops up when I look at the situation in most of the African countries.Some of them are in a bad shape than they were during the colonial time. What happened in this countries is that colonialist were subsituted by dictatorship. A good example is Zimbabwe,the county is on its knees due to the years of misrule,man y other nations are in the near blink not because of the foreign control but from the mismanagement which has characterized these nations for along time. It is high time that africa as a continent wake up to reality,rise up and embrace the true democracy. the one which will end the civil war in algeria and many other parts of Africa.The solutions lie within,pressure from the outside world can only bring temporary solution but the bigger picture lies within the continent to come up with solution that will bring conflicts to an end. The solidarity exprewssed by the people of algeria and the determination to gain independence should serve as an example to all those nations experiencing chaos.Work citedWindrow,M and Chappell,M. Algerian War 1954-62,Osprey Publishing co. (1997).Shields, J. The extreme Right in France,Routledge(2007).Nehma,A and Zeleza,P. The Roots of African Conflicts,The cause and Costs,Ohio University Press(2008).Williams,N,Berry,O ,Fallon,S and Catherine,N. Algerian War,Lonely Planet(2007).Alexander,M and Keiger,J. France and Algerian War,Taylor and Francis (2002).Alistair,H. A savage War of PeaceAlgeria 1954-1962,New York Books(2006).Yashir,F. The MediterrenenProspects of a New Intergration,New York,United Nations University Press(1989).Hurd,E. The Politics of Secularism in international Relations,Princetown,Princetown University Press.

Online education vs. traditional classroom Essay

Achieving a higher education, universities become made it possible to pupils to have different options to earn a degree. Students can choice mingled with attend online segmentationes or handed-downistic classroom classes, whichever one is more suitable to their lifestyles. Earning a degree can benefit a person to gain a better carrier choice, or to enhance his or her current knowledge. Overcoming the demands of life situations, and to be focal pointing on education can become very difficult. dismissal to college for the first cartridge holder or be a move student can be overwhelming. Each student exit have to make a decision for him o herself in that location go out be no wrong choice when making the decision between the two. When a student is evaluating the classes with one a nonher, there are factors to take into consideration, such as the comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of each class. Online classes can increase flexibility and the convenience of co mpleting school compared to traditional classroom classes.Online classes lets the students decide, when they are working on their melt material and assignments. Students with a busy schedule, have the flexibility to create their own pace to complete their academic responsibilities, and to meet the deadlines of the class. snip management will be a key element of an online student. The student has to take into account when to schedule for class participation, weekly assignments, and when to go through the course material. It will take self discipline and self motivation by the student actually to pound into his or her online class platform, and dedicate the necessary time to meet the requirements. Students have reported that procrastination is one of the problems, they are struggling with. Students are thinking that they have still enough time to complete the assignments, unless result in rushing through assignments and not put all the time, and effort into their work as they woul d have by staying on schedule. One of the online classes advantage, is the students flexibility to log in, whenever it is convenient to them, yet universities are tracking a students class participation throughout the course.Each university has there on insurance on how to take accountability for the students participation. University of Phoenix policy on participation for drill, is for the student to log in four times a week (at some(prenominal) given time) and make two posts on each of the days. The studentshave the opportunity to create any schedule, to meet his or her require this also provides the students with the ability to log in from anywhere as long they have a computer with online capabilities. In contrast, traditional classrooms have a structured environment by attending a classroom boundting. The students have set times to be in class, and the instructor controls the pace of the class. The advantage of a traditional classroom environment is that the student can focu s on their academic work, without any other influences or interruptions.In comparison with an online class, students success is depending on time management as well. It does not matter, which class setting a student is choosing, time management is a very important key element of successes in college. A student needs to make time for homework, research, and class assignments. In contrast to online classes, traditional class the instructor of the class enforces the syllabus, and class requirements. Students of a traditional classroom class than has to focus on, when to conduct his or her research for the class, and when to complete the homework for the following day. In an online class the student is responsible for him or herself when to cover the class material, review resources, and when to set deadlines to post in the discussion form, and to submit the homework, and other assignments. Online classes and traditional classroom class have equally the same classes available, yet there may be a few class a student would not be able to take online, for example biology, or chemistry.Another factor, when deciding between online, and traditional classroom classes is the involvement and the communication between students and teachers. Students and teachers communication and interaction varies in many aspects when attending online classes, in contrast to traditional class. A student/teacher relationship is only able to be through todays technology, for instant Smartphones, e-mails, or via Skype (if applicable). There is no face-to face interaction compared to a traditional classroom. The ability of face-to face time with a teacher provides a student immediate feedback, and asked questions are being answered directly and quick. Another benefit of face-to face time, is that the students are developing social skills, and enhance there skill of speaking in public beca usance a student is forced to interact. The social interaction creates impudent networks among the studen ts, for example study groups or support groups, where students can share their experiences.Taking an online class the social interaction islimited the students will have to gain knowledge to use technology to communicate with the teachers and other students. Online students are from all over the world this gives a student the opportunity to get to know other cultures and customs. The online student would have to stay digital connected to other students. With todays advanced technology, new spectrums of learning and earning a degree are being created. Online libraries and expanded researches by accessing the Internet, reduces research time, and students can complete assignments more efficiently. On the other hand, some students may not attend online classes because of the lack of knowledge of technology or do not have access to the Internet. Others prefer to do the research in the more traditional way, by visiting the campus library, and read books and magazines to receive the inform ation they require. What class, will be more cost effective, is another decision a student has to make.The financial aspect, on which academic path to choose from can depend by the following objectives cost of classes, resource fees, financial aid, and scholarships availability. Traditional classroom classes can be more costly rather than online classes because the university has to maintain the campus and the classrooms, which is raising the tuition fees. imaging material will are lower or even eliminated, when attending online classes because the material is most likely retrieved online. Universities, which are offering online classes, are supplying e-books students will not have to worry about rising textbook fees. Online classes receive similar funds as traditional classroom classes.A comparison of traditional- and online class the financial aspect stays the same, students of either class attends are eligible for financial aid and scholarships. As a student, investing his or he r money sagely is very important investing into an education is like investing into him or herself. College will be an amazing experience for an individual it will open new doors and will provide the person with a sense of accomplishment. What type of class to attend, to ensure the academic success, depends on students themselves, yet a new or returning student should take the time to evaluate the advantages, and disadvantages of either option online class or traditional classroom class.ResourcesDifferences and similarities of online- vs. traditional classes wereretrieved from http//itl.uconn.edu/studentguide/SH_Classroom_vs_Online.html, http//everydaylife.globalpost.com/similarities-between-taking-classes-online-campus-4755.html,http//educationportal.com/articles/The_Differences_Between_Online_and_Traditional_Classroom_Educations.html and http//bestonlineuniversities.com/key-differences-between-online-learning-and-traditional-campus-based-classes/

Great expectations †review of three film versions Essay

In my English lessons I have been reading great expectations as part of my pro 1914-prose study, and have chosen to do my media assignment on blast adaptations of the take of account. I will be comparing and contrasting the three film versions, David prevails 1945 film is the eldest version which is in black and discolor, the BBC serialisation and the latest BBC film version, and the original novel. I will structure my essay by pen about different areas of the adaptations e. g. sizabletrack, first with identicalities then differences between the versions.Sequencing The sequencing of the opening facet of great expectations adaptations are all sooner alike(p) except the latest BBC adaptation, the David Lean and BBC serialisation have the same sequencing, book so it is unlike the 2 former(a) film versions. The David Lean film and BBC serialisation have the sequencing almost of the book so tell the story in the same way as Charles Dickens did. While the David lean version is mo re compact due to conviction limitations and the BBC serialisations has more detail they both tell the same set of events in the same way.And only differ from the book in the very beginning where they come out off the central character in the book running across the marshes to the church, where the book starts in the churchyard. The latest BBC version is very different form the book and two other adaptations in its sequencing, it starts with topographic point running away from the convict across a wheat field, when the convict catches up with Pip in the graveyard, he asks no questions about his parents or where he lives like the book.It then switches straight to Pip running home across the marshes, when he arrives home events from the sustain chapter take place when the events of the first havent finished existence explained. The rest of the sequences of the opening chapter take place as flashbacks temporary hookup pips sleeping. Soundtrack As with the sequencing the sound tr ack for the latest BBC adaptation is very different to the other two versions as it has a different set of sequencing. The David lean version and BBC serialisations soundtrack are quite similar however the advances in technology makes the serialisation far more advanced than the honest-to-goodness David lean version.The David Lean version soundtrack starts with the opening of the book being narrated by an older version of Pip as the younger version crosses the marshes. The BBC serialisation soundtrack is similar to the David Lean version as it begins with narration by an older version of pip as he crosses the marshes. And the latest BBC version soundtrack is very different to the other two, as it starts with quiet music and Pips heavy breathing and soughing as he is running away from the convict.The comer of the convict is very similar in the David Lean version and BBC serialisation soundtrack with the same build up, go winds and creaking trees make up a tense atmosphere, which is shattered by the arrival of the bunco. This is very different in the Latest BBC version. The arrival of the Convict in the David Lean version soundtrack is marked by him grabbing Pip and Pip screaming, the convict then threatens Pip in the following dialogue.Then the convict turns him upside tweak a lot of rustling and jingling from the convicts chain on his leg. The convict then demands items from Pip in the following dialogue slice eating an apple and breathing heavily. At the sack of the scene where Pip is running home across the marshes, the whistling winds from the graveyard are heard again. The arrival of the Convict in BBC serialisation soundtrack is different to the David Lean version you hear Pip trip and as he gets he catches sight of the convict and takes a surprised breath.The convict then moves toward him you can hear the chain on his leg jingle with every step he takes, he then dialog to Pip. He shakes Pip lots of jingling and grunting, when he resumes dialogue with Pip he is eating a piece of bread. Just onward the end of the scene the convict threats Pip speaking in a whisper, then walks of to bouncy music with his chain jingling. The Convict is introduced in the latest BBC version soundtrack by Pip falling with a thud, trying to hide breathing deeply.The Convict catches up breathing heavily and his chain jingling with his footsteps, as the Convict finds Pip, Pip lets out a scream then the convict says a short amount of dialogue. The David Lean and BBC serialisation soundtracks are quite similar yet the Serialisation has the advantage of longer running time and detail and better technology, the only difference is the whistling wind at the end of the scene in the David Lean versions apposed to the bouncy music of the convicts departure in the BBC serialisation.The latest BBC version soundtrack is a far shorter and more condensed in the opening scene than the other two adaptations. Also large amounts of dialogue are missed out, even tho ught it befits from the best technology and methods out of the three adaptations it has the shortest and in my whimsy pound soundtrack. Meise en scene Meise en scene is French for what you can see such as characters, props and scenery.The main way to see the difference in the interpretation of the book in the adaptations is by what and how they present characters and locations on screen. As with the sequencing and sound tracking the David Lean version and BBC serialisation are very similar with few differences although the David Lean version is in black and white and the latest BBC version is very different to both of them. The David Lean version starts with the 1st knave of Great Expectations opening then the rest of the pages blowing over.The BBC serialisation opens with some flowers on the book cover of Great Expectations wilting away, it is different to the David Lean opening but is clearly influenced by it. The latest BBC films different sequencing means different images app earing on screen at different time compared to the other two adaptations. It opens with Pip running through a golden wheat field, looking back over his shoulder, his face is dirty and his clothes are hard worn showing that he is a person of lower class in society.This is very different to the other two versions, which show the name of the film/book before the film begins. While the latest BBC version starts in the thick of the story. The appearance of the Convict is very similar in all three versions, which hold authorized to the book description A fearful man, all in course grey, with a great iron on his leg. The David Lean version while holding true to the book description but makes the Convict more frightening to the audience than the other two versions, as it is limited to black and white to make an impact.The BBC serialisation shows the convict more as a worn out exhausted figure that is more likely to make audiences fell pitiful for him than be frightened. He is truer to t he description laid down in the book than the other to versions down the blackened face and rag tied around his head. The Convict in the latest BBC version is a cross between the two other versions he is more frightening in appearance than the BBC serialisation Convict, but less true to the books description and more detailed than the David Lean versions Convict.Conclusion After watching and reviewing all three-film adaptations, I have decided in my opinion that the BBC serialisation is the best adaptation of the book. Because of the level of detail that tells the story as well and in the same fashion that made the book such a large success, I find it an excellent alternative or compliment to reading the novel.

Barry Glassner’s The Culture of Fear Essay

The murder of thousands of Americans on their own soil on September 11, 2001 created a new era in coupled States History the era of fear. That is the finding Barry Glassner, causality of The Culture of timidity Why Americans Are Afraid of the Wrong Things. In the obtains pages is found a thorough examination of why Americans argon fearful, why they atomic number 18nt, and what this says about the average citizen. It is not to say that Glassner indicates that Americans do, or should, live in fear of unexpected terrorist attack.Rather, his answer in writing is to illuminate why it is that Americans fear the wrong things and fail to act on the right fears he cites examples such(prenominal) as fearing shootings on inform grounds, but not limiting access to guns. In other words, he is attempting to describe what fear is like in the culture of America and what it says about cosmos and perception. That is his thesis. Summed up, Glassner writes that when it comes to fear, Americans l ive in a culture of false paranoia and irrational paradoxes. His methodology comes through diely.He utilizes individual case studies to coherently and cohesively build a rigid unified theory. Each story and topic becomes one more brick in the foundation of his thesis. In that way he easily compels and convinces all but the to the highest degree cynical reader. Finally, it is Glassners point of view that really works wonders. He acts as if he is but a casual, though analytical, objective observer. What Does the Author befuddle to Say? Fear can be created and manipulated. Time and again Glassner returns to the example of the events of September 11, 2001 for treasures with which to bolster his theory.It is indeed ripe ground for that. It seems to be the case subject for just why American citizens are paranoid for all of the wrong reasons. Yes, the terrorist attacks were awful, and all the more so because 1) they were completely unexpected and unannounced, and 2) they targeted th e innocent civilian populace. That creation said, writes Glassner, they were also completely anomalous. The fear of such an attack in the future due to the fact that it fadeed once before is unjustifiable.It had been two hundred and twenty-five geezerhood from the beginnings of the United States for such an attack to occur, and as of this tenth anniversary edition of the hold up it has been another ten years without such attack. Sure, that is not to say that it couldnt happen again. However, the point that the author makes is that it is just circumstances like this that are fertile breeding ground for manipulators. In this case, he cites the then ongoing efforts of chair George W. Bush to convince the population that there was an active state of war on terror.This war, he re masterminded frequently, was directed at the American citizen, the mom and pop on the street. The war could reach every home, every business. The entire country was under discordant alert conditions at al l times. This supports the first main point of The Culture of Fear. Fear can be a force of manipulation and creation. The second point of the book is closely link up to its main premise. It is the ongoing effects of a mickle media accentuating the most unlikely of crimes. Each and every day the media, including the press, the internet, and the television networks, blares out stories of kidnappings, murders and more.The chief aim seems to be that it could happen to you. In fact, it probably will happen to you unless you take precautions daily. Fingerprint your children. Update your photographs and dental records. Plant microchips in your childrens skin. Anything to do to escape the boogeyman, because undoubtedly hes out there. Never mind the fact that more often than not, the statistics behind the reports are skewed mightily to prove these points ex post facto. The announcements alone are proof enough for most people. The culture of fear is encouraged, and bought into.After all, t he media is a powerful presence. When it comes to the third point, it becomes somewhat murky as to how some things come about. Glassner relates example after example of commonplace policy responses to these scenarios and how they absolutely fail to deal with the actual situations that spawn the fear. In other words, ineffective public policy is the knee jerk reaction to fear. The author is quick to relate such failures. He points out the sheer number of dollars allocated to these efforts and the startling statistics that show the problem has not changed at all.Also, he is not unsure at pointing out that this culture of fear and reaction provides great political opportunity for candidates that are tough on crime to emerge, ready to raise the banners of various well-meaning causes. Once the candidates become elected officials, either the cause is dropped along with its passion, or new laws are passed that in essence are just excuses to egest money and advance political careers. Cr iticism of the Author I greatly enjoyed this book. I will be unequivocal about that. Perhaps it biases my review, but I do stir points to support my response.To begin with, the book is well-paced. By that I mean to say that it reads well. Much of non-fiction particularly educated and researched non-fiction is dry, and fails to engage the reader in the sense that its subjects remain remote. Granted, Glassner has a subject that is much more accessible to readers than the typical tome, but he does not bore with statistics or inane stories. He moves the action right along by showing readers why this involves them, and why it should naturally interest them. Each chapter begins with a premise that is readily understandable.It also includes a counterpoint and then the fun begins. Every chapter delivers. There is a natural satisfaction to this and makes reading the book enjoyable. I never experienced a more well planned out book, in this regard. I was never left wondering why something w as missing, or what the authors point was after all. He provides vignettes that most every reader either has knowledge of, or direct experience with. In that regard, the book almost reads like a continuous narrative, honorable of intrigue and personal connections. What surprised me in particular were the findings of the author.He clearly exposed the myths behind much of the countrys fears fears that turn out to be nearly entirely fictitious or so improbable as to be nearly laughable. Then he does something important and which caused my surprise. He listed the fears that all Americans should in truth be concerned with. These are the issues that most citizens will encounter on a daily basis and should be giving their attention rather than the stories at the top of newspaper headlines. Motor vehicle injuries, drowning, fires, head injuries to children from bicycle accidents, these are the realities of danger in America.And these can be prevented. Safer vehicles, more restrictive driv ers licenses, and bicycle helmet laws these are the tools of the fearful citizen that can bring some peace to life. I never thought that Glassner would make such a strong point out of such mundane information. It made me want to really change my personal living styles, and not in the manner of investing in gas masks or bunkers. Naturally, the book is not perfect. Probably the greatest weakness is the ability of it to be dismissed as a big government bashing book. It could be accused of having an agenda.It is fairly rotund handed when it comes to discussing the media and the governments efforts at propagating fears among the population. Perhaps Glassner could have helped himself some by providing statistical analysis of actual terrorist linked events over the course of the century. This whitethorn have more convincingly pointed out just how anachronistic the terror attacks of Fall 2001 really were, and remain. Rather than describe the governments reaction to it, he could have simp ly left it at that and trusted the reader to draw his or her own conclusions.But that is a small point. One area that could have been covered differently is that chapter on Youth at Risk. With a subtitle of Faulty Diagnoses and Callous Cures one would expect that it would be a medically related chapter. Indeed that it is. However, I feel that the chapter rather disregards the pervasive depression and angst that this generation seems to be finding themselves in. It would appear at least from common experience that these troubles which are leading to more and more suicides and bullying are real and worth a serious look.It is not as if Glassner just glosses over these things, but I think that his overall take on the situation is not serious enough. He instead appears to have it out for the medical establishment. Some could say that this trivializes the problems that teens immediately are undergoing. I think that would be an accurate indictment. The chapter could either have been more aimed that direction, or perhaps could be eliminated altogether as a general fear among the United States population at large. SummationBarry Glassners book The Culture of Fear is one to be read. It is quite easy to recommend. Primarily it is because the books audience is also the general population. Every reader would know a potential reader in a neighbor, co-worker, relative. Glassner makes his point very clear the culture of fear is absolutely pervasive. We are all a part of this society that lives in near constant paranoia over things that probably will never happen and we ignore what we probably should fear on a daily basis.That is what is so ultimately compelling about the book. It is nearly a handbook for pacifist(prenominal) living. The Culture of Fear makes promises through its introduction and its chapter titles, and it delivers. The prose is concise and clearly understandable. The scenarios, likewise, are situations in which nearly every reader can either imagine, or ha s actually experienced. This lends an instant authority and trustworthiness to the book. And after all, where there is trustworthy authority, there is careful consideration of fears itself.

Macquarie Bank

?Introduction Macquarie Bank has been recognised as champion of the most prestigious imprecates in Australia and nigh the valet de chambre. Macquarie was established in Australia in 1969, it began processs in Sydney in January 1970 with only three lag. Macquarie Bank first opened its doors for business on 1 ring 1985 with a retail branch in Sydney. Today, Macquarie Bank operates in a project of investment banking, commercial banking and selected retail monetary function merchandises both in Australia and overseas.It is the only real, majority Australian owned investment bank and is a licensed trading bank under the Australian Banking Act 1959 (Macquarie Hi flooring, 2007). Macquarie Bank has been systematic everyy associated with a stream of major fiscal innovations, which pitch underpinned its repute as a market track downer. Their main focus that has helped them in their success is their risk instruction department as soundly as their focus on select markets on whi ch they enter. The Macquarie culture is represented by the way in which they work together.The value to which they aspire roll in the hayful be summarised in six principles integrity, client commitment, strive for clamsability, fulfilment for our people, teamwork, and soaringest standards. Macquarie Banks commitment to the six principles is vital for continued harvest-home and prosperity (Macquarie, Ab muster up to the fore Macquarie, 2007) Operating Environment The Macro Environment Political and legal forces Political and legal forces hold a great relate on all industries that wish to operate legally within a country. Regulatory groups atomic number 18 required within the banking industry to assist in the stable operation of a nation.A major regulator would be The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). Various separate major political and legal forces which completely influence the banking industry ack right scoreledge The Australian Bankers Association (AB A), The Australian Securities and Investments thrill (ASIC) and The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). APRA was created to be an advisory experience in the regulation of the Australian financial operate industry. This group over waits banks, address unions, building societies, popular insurance and reinsurance companies, life insurance, friendly societies, and most members of the retirement check industry (APRA, 2007). The ABA works with its members to provide analysis, advice and advocacy and contributes to the development of public policy on banking and different financial services (ABA, 2007). The ABA acts as a union for banks and ensures that the banking industries views be heard, when the government decides to alter policies or legislations. The ABA overly helps to strengthen the benefits of competition to Australian banking customers. ASICs task is to enforce and regulate companies and financial services laws in enact to protect the customers as surface as the invest ors and creditors.ASIC exists to regulate Australian companies, financial markets, financial services arrangings and professionals who deal and advise in investments, superannuation, insurance, deposit taking and credit (ASIC, 2007). The RBAs main responsibility is the financial policy (RBA, 2007). The board members dissemble the policy decisions with the aim of gaining a low and stable inflation over the medium term. According to the RBA website, the other major goals include maintaining financial system stability and promoting the safety and efficiency of the payments system.The RBA also acts as a banker to the Australian Government and actively participates in financial markets, manages Australias extraneous reserves and issues Australian currency notes. Global Forces Changes in the financial status of markets overseas, drops or increases in interest rates overseas, and even new political regimes faeces all affect makeups around the world. Global forces which have recently h eld an effect on Macquarie bank would be the current drop in the US saving which has affected markets all around the world.The main impact which it has made in Australia has to do with financial institutions since they hold pluss from the US market. This has directly affected Macquarie with its financial services and products. Economic forces Economic forces pertaining to Australia can greatly influence the way businesses operate. General economic forces such as inflation rates, interest rates, currency exchange rates, unemployment levels, medium disposable income, and personal saving rates can all affect organisations to a certain extent (Hill et al, 2004, p74).Inflation has affected Macquarie bank which then in turn goes to interest rates. Currently economic forces within Australia include rises in certain industries including the mining industry and real estate. By these industries entering a roar period, it increases the add togethers which these industries leave behind be go outing to invest which in turn increases profits for banks. Technological forces In modern society with technology being so almost tied to having a competitive advantage, a lot of industries compete to keep up to date with new developments.The invention and increased use of computers, internet, and phones have all made a major impact on organisations around the world. The main effect that technological advancements have made within Macquarie bank is that internet banking is now a common and all-encompassingly used item so banks need to constantly upgrade their technology in order to prevent hackers from entering their databases and derive havoc. Operating Environment The Micro Environment There are many forces that can impact the outcome of a sign of the zodiacs growth and profitability.For Macquarie Bank, the forces that impact their success will be explored with the analytical frame work introduced by Michael Porter his five forces model, which will look at the major con tributing factors that will aid and deter the growth of Macquarie Bank in this industry. Risk of bane of new entrants The risk and threat of new entrants into the market can be seen as both laid-back and low. High, since in that respect has been a deregulation of the market for banking, which will allow for overseas competitors to compete in the local market.This is a large threat since these are the competitors that have a large pool of resources that can actually compete to a postgraduate level with Macquarie. However, the threat can also be seen as low since at that place is still a high decimal point of entry barriers, i. e. operational regulations and laws implemented by the government and other regulatory boards. Additionally, a major factor that will deter competitors would be such things as brand loyalty as well as the over saturation of banks in the industry. Therefore, the threat of new entrants can be seen as moderate and is highly dependant on the entrants resource s and capabilities.Rivalry among established companies The rivalry in the banking industry can be seen as discrete, yet volatile. They advertise in the media intimately their interest rates, products and services, however, apart from that, their actions are rarely seen. Each bank firm always try to gain the better package and interest rate to overstretch more customers. However, these rates are quite similar with little variance. A major factor that gives them the competitive advantage would be the image the bank upholds and the services provided in comparison.The main point of attack that most banks concentrate on now is their customer service area, since most of the services that they provide are quite similar. Macquarie has a very well maintained, high profile image. They provide a lot of various(a) services however, they charge premium service fees for them. This has not deterred people from using their services, but has given their users a sense of assurance they smelling a s though they pay top dollar for top service and persona. This sense of prestige as well as resources and capabilities has given the Macquarie bank their high image and profile as well as success.Bargaining causation of suppliers The main supplier of Macquarie bank would be their shareholders. By owning a share in Macquarie depicts that these people have invested money into this organisation and since there are various options to choose from, Macquarie must(prenominal) be unique in around sense to attract these people. It would befit costly for Macquarie to lose these shareholders as with banks, money is the good which is being transferred and to lose shareholders would only lead to a deficit in funding for the bank.Therefore, the dicker power of suppliers would be seen as high since there is no switching cost for them to move their money into another investment area. Macquarie must come to a compromise with supplier demands or face losing a stream of lawfulness and funding. T hreat of substitutes The main threat of substitute services for Macquarie Bank would be credit unions and building societies. Credit unions, especially the larger ones offer most of the services that Macquarie offer, however, with someer fees.Building societies although not as main stream and service diverse as credit unions have the capability to develop the competencies to ransom them, for example, Bendigo Bank which was originally a building society. Although these two types of institutions do not offer the wide array of services that Macquarie does, it can steal away some of Macquaries customers, since they kip down a minimal version of the services that Macquarie provides. Additionally, with Macquaries reputation and diverse array of services, the threat of substitutes would be on a miniscule level. Bargaining power of buyersThe banking industry in Australia can be seen as a stark(a) market. This saturation allows buyers (consumers) a level of bargaining power. This mean s that the consumer can negotiate interest rates and packages to their advantage against the provider. However, since there are only a few financial institutions in Australia, many of whom can charge high prices for services and packages. Yet on the other hand, the domestic help banking industry is considered to be competitive, which can spark the balance with only having fewer firms in the market. Therefore, the bargaining power of buyers can be considered as moderate.Competitive Advantages Macquarie bank provides investment banking, commercial banking, retail financial services in Australia and selected financial services offshore. It operates through the following business segments Asset and Wealth Management pecuniary Markets Investment Banking and Lending. Macquarie is a diversified world-wide provider of financial and investment banking services. It has the following key resources and capabilities compared to Commonwealth and Bendigo Bank Human Resource Macquarie banks ho sts and presenters are industry experts who have the xperience and noesis to achieve the maximum outcome in this complex and rapid changing economic environment. With a network of over 10,000 people in 24 countries, the staff can add the most value and advantages to clients. Annette Martins is soon employed as an associate economist in the economics team at Macquarie bank. Her past association includes functional for the NSW Treasury as an economist within the Economic and Fiscal directorate. former(a) staffs have worked for such as Reserve bank of Australia (Macquarie, 2007). At Macquarie, there are elites in different professions such as Economy matters, Marketing, Property and Vision.All the staff members are carefully drawn from a broad range of industries and market segments. It is also allowing them to apply their expertise to the customers. Customer Resource Macquarie bank is currently operating its services in more than 40 countries around the world as OzForex is serving around 30,000 transacting customer internationally. It provides a depth of service (accurate and insightful view) with specialist capabilities to wholesale and private customer in both the domestic (Australia) and international economies (Macquarie, 2007).Simultaneously all these customers may invest their money with other Macquaries business groups such as Funds management or financial service groups. They both run domestically and internationally. The Financial service group services more than 670,000 clients all together with other Macquarie Departments. Department Resource Macquarie is currently operating its service in seven major business groups which are Investment Banking theme, Equity Markets Group, Treasury and Commodities Group, Banking and Securitisation Group, Real Estate Group, Funds Management Group and Financial Services Group.With all these services, Macquarie owns huge customer resources within Australia and foreshore. Each department in Macquarie is serving sp ecific groups which may overlap with other departments because Clients may be interested in more than one service which Macquarie provides (Macquarie, 2007). Subsidiary Companies Macquarie is providing its specialist banking and financial service in select markets around the world. It also has a lot of subsidiary companies around the world. OzForex is an online foreign exchange provider which Macquarie has purchased 51% of the shares.It will allow Macquarie to offer tailored foreign exchange services to its substantial retail financial services within financial service groups (Macquarie-OzForex, 2007). Comparison against rival Banks Commonwealth banks principal activity is providing integrated financial services which include business and institutional banking, superannuation, life insurance, funds management and broking services and finance company activities. It operates in Australia, NZ, UK, USA, and Japanetc. It has a wide presence in Australia with the largest branch and ATM ne twork.It also received the award for excellence Best Bank in Australia but was not mentioned in coitus to investment services (Commonwealth Bank, 2007). Bendigo banks main financial services include business banking and commercial finance, funds management, treasury and foreign exchange services, superannuation and trustee services. It operates mainly in all Australian estates and the Australian Capital Territory. Bendigo bank is responsible for a number of banking innovations in Australia such as visa credit and debit cards (Bendigo, 2007).With all the resources and capabilities when comparing Macquarie bank to Commonwealth bank and Bendigo bank, Macquarie is on a leading position for investment banking. Deregulation is anticipate to lead to an increase in competition in the banking industry, and could involve a decrease in profitability. There are four factors in a banks competitive advantage that needs to be considered (Chen. T. , 1999) Manpower Financial management Asset base Intangible assets Achieving success in the industry will involve 3 key factors.These are the costs, product and financial strength of the corporate entity. To be successful in the banking industry, the bank needs an insight into the changes in banking methods, cost management and long-term financial solutions. Macquarie banks schema is to expand selectively in practical areas. (Macquarie Annual Report, 2007) Macquarie has entered the market of infrastructure investment funds since 1996. It has become one of the largest private managers of infrastructure in the world, with rapidly increasing revenue and profit.Macquarie banks specialist funds are currently acquire toll roads, airports and rail systems world-wide. It is also a key growth driver and has been exported to international markets its assets under management in specialist funds increased 50 per cent from $A87. 6 billion to $A131. 3 billion. Macquaries long-term strategy has allowed them to enter new sectors and regions fl exibly as opportunities arise. This strong risk management has become a key factor of Macquaries success. The overall result is driven by strong growth in every region where Macquarie operates. Macquarie has achieved No. rank in Australia for mergers and acquisitions whilst maintaining its leading market position for equity rise. It has also been ranked No. 1 broker by the ASX (Australian Stock Exchange) in market share. Macquarie bank, Australias largest Cash Management Trust (CMT) provider also has an agreement with Australias largest retail equities network, GBST (Global Banking & Securities Transactions). These strategic alliances provide Macquarie with an enhanced reach to its customers as well as customers from other alliances, hence forming a broader network. Company StrategyMacquarie company strategy Macquarie states that Our strategy is to expand selectively, seeking only to enter markets where our particular skills and expertise deliver real advantage to clients (Macquarie Annual Report, 2006) Macquarie aspires to be a pre-eminent provider of financial services over the long haul (Macquarie, 2007). This statement also shows that their strategy is to be a leader in their sector. (For more information on the business level strategy, please refer to appendix 1). Competing with Macquarie. Macquarie Bank Group can be seen as the market leader in investment banking, inancial services and retail banking Macquarie Bank has been consistently associated with a stream of major financial innovations, which have underpinned its reputation as a market leader (Macquarie History, 2007). The way that they have focused on market segments has given Macquarie an edge over their competitors since they service the market segments which they see profit and growth in for themselves as well as their customers. What this means is that they minimise their risk of entering stagnant areas and maximise growth and return by servicing their target groups.Macquarie Bank Financial Re sults Total income from ordinary activities for the year 2007 was up 49% to $A7,181m International income was up 70% to $A3,457m Net fee and commission income was up 25% to $A3,540m Trading income was up 20% to $A1,047m Net interest income was up 23% to $A728m. Asset and equity investment realizations and other income were up 257% to $A1, 866m (Macquarie Financial Report, 2007). The expense to income ratio was slightly down at 73. 2 % (Macquarie, 2007). Refer to appendix 2 for the pie chart. *EPS = Net Earning / Outstanding sharesMacquarie banks financial possession as of may 2007 is Net profit of A$1. 46bn. There has been a 60% increase as compared to the later year and six time the level increase as compared to the last five years. gelt per share increased 48% from $A4. 00 to $A5. 92. This is 4. 5 times the level of earnings per share of five years ago (Macquarie, 2007). Earnings per share are generally considered to be the single most pregnant variable in determining a shares price. It is also a major divisor of the price-to-earnings valuation ratio.The P/E looks at the relationship between the share price and the companys earnings. A high P/Esuggests that investors are expectinghigher earningsgrowthin the future compared to companies with a depress P/E. However, the P/E ratio doesnt tell us the whole story by itself. Its usuallymore useful to compare the P/E ratios of onecompany to other companies in the same industry, to the market in general or against the companys own historical P/E. P/E symmetry = Market price per Share / EPS P/E of Macquarie for 2007 = 82. 75/ 5. 916* = 13. 987 (Macquarie Financial Report, 2007)The Pay-out Ratio shows the amount of earnings paid out in dividends to shareholders. Investors can use the payout ratio to reconcile what companies are doing with their earnings. The payout ratio also indicates how well earnings gage the dividend payments the lower the ratio, the more beneficial the dividend because smaller dividends a re easier to pay out than larger dividends. (Investopedia, 2007) Macquarie Bank (Payout Ratio) 2005 2006 2007 53. 20% 54. 40% 54. 30% As the ratios above show, there has been very slight fiction in the level of dividend payouts. There has been a 0. 0% decline in the ratio which could only mean, that investors are feeling secure with the payout of the company which in turn means the company has higher retained earnings in their balance sheet and are able to keep investor confidence. Other data from the financial report suggests a decline in the expense to income ratio, for every $A1 of income $A0. 732 goes into expense. This suggests that Macquarie is handling its expense well and is confident enough to pay off their investors. Return on Equity is a ratio that captures profitability, efficiency and capital structure within an entity.Changes in the ratio will reflect the direction of an entitys profitability, asset efficiency and capital structure. hard roe for Macquarie Bank 2006 = N et profit/ Average equity x 100 ROE = 916 /5968 ROE =15. 34% ROE for Macquarie Bank 2007 = Net profit/ Average equity x 100 ROE = 1463 /7519 ROE = 19. 46% The ROE increased from 2006-2007. In 2006 an investment of one dollar of shareholders equity returned 15. 34 cents of earnings available for distribution to shareholders. In 2007 an equivalent dollar investment generated 19. 6 cents of earning available to distribute to the shareholders. A figure which depresses the return on equity is if the cost of debt exceeds the return on assets. The debt ratio indicates how many dollars of debt exists per dollar of assets. It shows the leverage between a company is debt financed or asset financed. Equity Ratio for Macquarie 2007 = total equity / total assets x 100 = 7519/ 136, 389 x 100 = 5. 56% est. 6% This shows that 6% of Macquaries debt finances their assets. They are relatively debt financed. other way to measure the companys financial leverage is the debt to equity ratio.It is calcula ted by dividingits total liabilitiesbystockholders equity. It indicates what proportion of equity and debt the company is using to finance its assets. = 128,870 / 7519 = 17. 14 A high debt/equity ratio generally means that a company has been aggressive in financial backing its growth with debt. This can result in volatile earnings as a result of the additional interest expense. If a lot ofdebt isused to finance increasedoperations (high debt to equity), then Macquarie could potentially generate more earningsthan it would have without thisoutside financing.If this were to increase earnings by a greater amount than the debt cost (interest), then the shareholders benefit asmoreearnings are being spread among the same amount of shareholders. However, the cost of this debt financing may preponderate the return thatthe companygenerates on the debt through investment and business activities and become too much for the company to handle. This can lead to bankruptcy, which would leave share holders with nothing. (Investopedia, 2007) return key 1 Macquarie Bank users a de change management structure.This decentralisation refers to when decisions are made at different levels within an organisation (Hill et al, 2004, p273). Decentralisation Overview Macquaries management and organisation structure is considered to be non-hierarchical. This means that the chain of command within the organisation is designed to be decentralised. This management approach allows the lower and mid-level managers within the seven divisions of Macquarie to make decisions on their own. Macquarie encourages their employees to gain a sense of ownership and to develop entrepreneurial skills in order to make strategic decisions (Macquarie Management, 2007).By giving the lower and mid-level managers the power to make decisions, it will reduce the bureaucratic cost to the company. In other words, delegating lower and mid-level managers decision-making responsibility, will lead to a reduction in upper berth level managers within the organisation. Furthermore, having a decentralised management structure will reduce information overload to the central management team, which will enable them to dismiss more time focussing on market and industry forces (Macquarie Management, 2007).A decentralised management structure may be good in order to keep costs down and provide central managers more time to make effective decisions it may however cause further problems within the organisation. caper 1 Communication & Coordination issues involving the Decentralisation Approach The decentralised management theory states that lower bureaucratic costs will avoid communication and coordination problems within an organisation. This may be true in theory, however in reality it is not always the case.For example, the seven divisions of Macquarie are run and operated independently. All of the lower and mid-level managers of the organisation make their own decisions within each division. Since every division in Macquarie are related, it is surprising to see that they do not effectively communicate with each other because there is no level manager do so. In other words, there is no managerial network that integrates with each of the divisions. This could mean that information and other resources are not equally shared, which can lead to difficulties in creating value for the ompany. Problem 2 Leadership Issues using the Decentralised Management Approach Another decentralised issue that could affect Macquarie is for when the organisation is facing periods of uncertainty. For instance, when the Macro-environment is volatile or unpredictable it is important for an organisation to show strong leadership. In these uncertain times it is important that leadership decisions are best given from higher-level managers. One of the issues concerned with Macquaries management structure is that leadership decisions do not come from lower or mid-level managers.In fact, decision-making made by a n organisations division can be made to benefit them rather than to benefit an organisation as a whole. Therefore, this decentralised management approach may not be effective to face periods of uncertain times. Recommendations Macquarie decentralised management system is working well despite some of the issues facing the company. However, Macquarie Bank can benefit from using both a centralised and a decentralised management structure.A centralised management system is the complete opposite of decentralised management structure, where decisions are made by upper-level managers of the organisation (Hill et al, 2004, p273). The approach that Macquarie should top is to find a balance between a centralised and decentralised management regime. For instance, issues such as investing money into infrastructure should be done using a centralised approach and consequently issues dealing with recruitment and training should be done through decentralisation.Archiving the balance between the tw o management structures will determine the success of Macquarie Bank. Additionally, Macquarie should add a managerial network that integrates with all of the divisions in order to improve communication and resource sharing to create value for the organisation. However, it is important to note that as the company expands the decentralised approach may become less effective due to rising bureaucratic costs. Justifying the RecommendationsThe real question that must be put forward to Macquarie is that can they continue to grow under a decentralised management regime? This is a key issue regarding the organisation structure for Macquarie Bank. As the Macquarie organisation expands, many critics argue that sustaining a decentralised management system in the long-term will fail. This is due to the fact that spread out business growth will not be able to maintain current hierarchical levels because it is too difficult, but more importantly it will lead to inefficiencies in managing the com panies resources (Hill et al, 2004, p274).However to solve these issues, Macquarie can choose to divide the functional responsibilities up within the company across the same level, best known as Horizontal Division of Work. Using a functional structure in a horizontal framework will enable people with similar tasks be grouped together in order to increase productivity. This will reduce bureaucratic costs for an expanding business and increase operational flexibility. Therefore, Macquarie should consider a deconcentrate managerial approach in the short-run but in the long-run they may opted for a functional structure in order to reduce costs.Issue 2 Macquaries focus strategy to expand selectively, seeking only to enter markets where their particular skills and expertise, deliver real advantages to clients has served them well to this day, with expediential growth, it can have some implications. The main implications that can arise from this course of action and strategy are the lim itations of the potentially profitable and growing markets that Macquarie could miss out on. This can lead to exceptional growth and a loss of market share if Macquarie continues this course of action to a stringent degree.It is near impossible to predict the trends to such an exact degree as too when to enter a market to obtain maximum growth, however, if there is the potential for that growth to occur, then the advantage can be interpreted by entering that market before this growth eventuates. However, by doing so creates risk. This risk is the gamble on predicting the success of the potential growth in the area. Although Macquarie does have a whole department dedicated to risk management, it still does not account for the ability of the environment to make unforeseeable changes.These environmental factors are out of the companies control, however, the company can anticipate an environmental change and implement a course of action to take in order to counter or profit from it. Th erefore, Macquaries strategy of focusing on a select market to enter, although has helped them grow into a gigantic organisation, it could also be their downfall due to the potential growth they could miss out on by trying to minimise their risk. Problem 1 Market selection and alienationThe way that Macquaries strategy focuses on expanding selectively to only enter markets where their particular skill are suited will cause these limitations in their possible future growth. This strategy can be seen as a focus strategy since Macquarie looks at targeting a particular market or customer segment as stated in their original strategy, to expand selectivelywhere their skills and expertise deliver real advantages (Hill et al, 2004, p317). What a focus strategy entails is the focus on a niche market, which can be defined by, in Macquaries case, the type of customer and geographical region (Hill et al, 2004, p317).Although this strategy entails cost control due to lower output levels to reac h a scale of economy, Macquarie bank has grown so much that it does not have to take this part of the theory into too much account. Additionally, since Macquarie has created some unique attributes and competencies to its products and services accompanied by their high level of service quality it has given them a competitive edge by using this focus strategy. This has allowed Macquarie to charge higher rates which has aided them in reaching the scales of economy.However, the issue of a focus strategy, in Macquaries case, is that by minimising their risk by entering possibly let up growing economies can minimise their growth rate. This is due to the environmental and operational environment which they have no control over which can eventuate in that market to grow exponentially. Although this can be predicted, it cannot always be acted upon with enough haste to reap the maximum benefits. This leaves room for other competitors to move in and take advantage of this risk.Thus this strat egy implemented by Macquarie can hold potential growth defects for them if they hold to this strategy too closely. Recommendation To combat this market selectivity, Macquarie needs to manage change throughout the presidency. The changes which it will introduce will establish a sense of urgency. strategic leadership can assist in making that change happen within Macquarie Bank. Strategic leadership is the process of providing the direction and inspiration necessary to create, provide direction to, or sustain an organization or an organizational unit Dubrin et al, 2003, p400). An Innovative way to expand within the same banking industry and yet keeping the same image of Macquaries high scale markets is driving convergence which also helps redraw industry boundaries. Instead of competing with competitors, it can compete with its own financial advisory services. Another way to compete is imitation. Macquarie can benchmark their performance to other high scale banks globally and use two key components strategic follower ship and learning by watch (Dubrin et al, 2003, p410). Justification for RecommendationOffering a higher quality than its competitors, can help combat markets selectively. Customers service, for banks is one of the ways total quality management, can be used. The variable which makes TQM possible is extensive employee involvement. Other hot topics are corporate social responsibility, it is a well-researched field of management and it provides guidelines for leaders about how to be more accountable to a new global economy. After the advents of Enron, topics of CSR and Corporate governance have emerged as ways to prevent people working in highly funded projects to have some form of transparency within the system.Macquarie which is Australia top investment bank should undertake such a role as they are leaders in the industry. Conclusion to Macquarie Banks strategic approach In summary, we have gone through a historical overview of Macquarie Bank and h ave come up with the expected result from this power house institution. Macquarie bank is an institution known for its complex ways of handling its organization, critics say it is like wrestling in the dark with a ghost (Schwab, A 2007). After evaluation of strategies we realize that Macquarie is a bank which provides prestige for Australia and has a high reputation in the minds of many.References Australian Bankers Association, (2007), The Australian Bankers Associations role, (online) http//www. bankers. asn. au/default. aspx? FolderID=2 (Accessed thirteenth folk 2007) Australia Competition and Consumer Commission, (2007), Role and Activities, (online) http//www. accc. gov. au/content/index. phtml/itemId/54137/fromItemId/3744 (Accessed 13th September 2007) Australias palliate Trade Agreement, (2007), Benefits of Free Trade Agreements for Australia, (online) http//www. fta. gov. au/default. aspx? FolderID=239=187 (Accessed 13th September 2007)Australia Prudential Regulation Autho rity, (2007), Streamlined data collection for life companies and friendly societies, (online) http//www. apra. gov. au/media-releases/07_15. cfm (Accessed 13th September 2007) Australian Securities and Investment Commission, (2007), ASIC at a Glance, (online) http//www. asic. gov. au/asic/ASIC. NSF/byHeadline/ASIC%20at%20a%20glance (Accessed 13th September 2007) Bendigo Bank, (2007), Corporate Governance, (online) http//www. bendigobank. com. au/public/about_us/corporate_governance/corporate_governance. asp (Accessed 13th September 2007)Chen, T, (1999), decisive Success Factors for Various Strategies in the Banking Industry, vol 17 issue 2/3. Commonwealth Bank, (2007), Company Profile, (online) http//about. commbank. com. au/group_display/0,1922,CH2047,00. html (Accessed 13th September 2007) Dubrin, Dalglish Miller, (2003), Leadership, 2nd edition, John Wiley and Sons, Australia Hill, Jones, Galvin, Haidar, (2004), Strategic Management An Integrated Approach 2nd edition, John Wiley and Sons, Australia Investopedia, (2007), Debt-Equity Ratio, (online) http//www. investopedia. com/terms/d/debtequityratio. asp (Accessed 17th September 2007)Macquarie Bank, (2007), About Macquarie Bank, (online) http//www. macquarie. com. au/au/about_macquarie/index. html (Accessed tenth September 2007) Macquarie Bank, (2007), Corporate Governance, (online) http//www. macquarie. com. au/au/about_macquarie/corporate_governance. htm (Accessed 8th September 2007) Macquarie Bank, (2007), Financial Report 2007, (online) http//www. macquarie. com. au/au/about_macquarie/acrobat/financialreport2007. pdf (Accessed 11th September 2007) Macquarie Bank, (2007), History of Macquarie Bank, (online) http//www. macquarie. com. au/au/about_macquarie/company_profile/history. tm (Accessed 10th September 2007) Macquarie Bank, (2007), Macquarie Bank 2007 Annual review, (online) http//www. macquarie. com. au/au/about_macquarie/acrobat/annualreview2007. pdf (Accessed 11th September 2007) Macquarie Bank, (2007), Macquarie Bank announces 60% increase in profit and 47% increase in dividends per share, (online) http//www. macquarie. com. au/au/about_macquarie/media_centre/200705015a. htm (Accessed 17th September 2007) Macquarie Bank, (2007), Major Seven Major Business Groups, (online) http//www. macquarie. com. au/au/about_macquarie/company_profile/mgmt_organisation/six_groups. tm (Accessed 11th September 2007) Macquarie Bank, (2007), Management and Organisation Structure, (online) http//www. macquarie. com. au/au/about_macquarie/company_profile/mgmt_organisation. htm (Accessed 16th September 2007) Reserve Bank of Australia, (2007), Structure and Functions of the RBA, (online) http//www. rba. gov. au/ActionPlan/index. html (Accessed 13th September 2007) Appendices Appendix 1 Focussed product differentiation A key element that has helped Macquarie differentiate its services from their competitors is how they have selected their market segments however, this will be discussed in the next section.The causa they have a distinctive service differentiation from their competitors can be based on their values that they hold within the company. These values are high ethical and professional standards, commitment to clients and growth, motivating and retaining quality staff, creating aligned staff and shareholder rewards and stringent reporting to create a high level of righteousness (Macquarie, 2007) Focussed market segmentation Macquaries focussed market segmentation plan is to target a preferred demographical segment.They target the areas where they can best maximize their business as well as service their customers to the expectations that customers would hold from this prestigious company. They have a large commitment to the people they service as well as constant improvement to deliver higher standards of services and products to those people. As mentioned earlier, they expand selectively, seeking only to enter markets where Macquaries particular skills and experti se deliver real advantage to clients Focussed distinctive competency Another factor that has given Macquarie its strategic advantage would be