Formal System to Control the Flow of Materials

Case Study – Big D Company TASK 1 1. 1 In order to advise the management on the installation of a more formal system to control the flow of materials and goods from supplier through stores and production to dispatch we must first summarize the current problem areas confronted by the Big D. †¢ Problem areas in Big D Company are presented in the order shown in the paragraph o On the highly standard material sizes, more than enough for one order might be purchased and in most cases full lengths would be ordered rather than the exact fraction needed. Some of the ordered exceeds the immediate requirements resulting in the purchasing of the same material without verifying the available stock. o Molded plastics were sometimes bought in excess of immediate needs and the quantities shown on the bill of materials were note amended. o Materials brought in from the supplier were not crossed checked with the Big D records and taken directly to the production or assembly. o Shop works were not scheduled and machines were idle and the foreman worked on any order. o No formal purchasing system Completed jobs were not recorded and sometimes units were assembled in advance of the completion of the entire lot. o The sales and production records indicated frequent early deliveries or o Quite a few times completed orders were kept in storage room †¦ which caused lost orders. o The superintendent usually allowed himself more time than was necessary for ordering, machining and assembly. Again this caused loss of order. o The company had not formal inventory control system. o Not records were kept of raw materials. o An Informal tabulation of finished goods was used. o Job were frequently sold even before completion A second lots were started before the first was finished, o No formal production planning and inventory control activity. †¢ The Proposed for Appropriate Structure for the Purchasing Function Purchasing department is considered the backbone of any org anization. One role of the purchasing department is to procure all necessary materials needed for production or daily operation of the company. For a manufacturing company, this might include raw materials such as iron, steel, aluminum or plastics, but it also might include tools, machinery, delivery trucks or even the office supplies needed for the secretaries and sales team.The purchasing department also makes sure there is always sufficient product on the shelves to keep the customers happy and keep the store well-stocked. It is especially important to keep inventory ordering at a reasonable level; investing large amounts of capital in excess stock could result in storage problems and in a shortage of capital for other expenditures such as advertising or research and development. Purchasing also oversees all of the vendors that supply a company with the items it needs to operate properly. Couple of conclusions was made after studying the problems noted above.First, it is quite cl ear that a formal structure must be put in place. Secondly, a formal inventory control system & production planning must be introduced. Having these in place, the company will avoid losing orders and in time will solve all the above problems. It is proposed here that the purchasing function to be structured in a CENTRALIZED way. Centralized purchasing structures are characterized by all purchases, being managed by a central purchasing group. In this approach, the operating units are consulted but are not fully responsible for their own buying.Centralized purchasing provides the firm with a single, collective sourcing and buying power. This model captures a large part of the potential corporate purchasing synergies, but there is little user control and responsiveness to local needs. The primary advantage of centralized purchasing is to realize a favorable price due to accumulated volumes. With centralized purchasing, the actual ordering process is centralized. The purchasing function will be organized by the superintendent in a manner intended to help meet the purchasing goals of the board.The purchasing function includes the following responsibilities: †¢ making purchases for all departments in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, including, board policy, the superintendent’s directives, good purchasing practices and ethical principles; †¢ establishing and enforcing a system for approving the accounting for purchases and for receiving all materials; †¢ Establishing a practical degree of standardization of equipment, supplies and materials with sufficient flexibility to meet unique needs of the company Purchasing ProcessThere are many reasons why a formal process must be followed including the prevention of fraud, cost saving, compliance with regulations, management of risk and control. Approved Suppliers Approval Process and Segregation of Responsibilities Audit Trail Accounting Automation Purchasing Process Flowchart [pic] Th ere is sometimes a significant amount of effort required to ensure that a supplier is appropriate for a particular category of goods or services. They should be able to supply goods and services that meet requirements of quality and fit for purpose.They should be reliable financially sound and not present a commercial or reputation risk and their prices should be competitive. It makes no sense to perform the relevant research on a supplier each time goods or services are required. By developing preferred suppliers, longer term sustainable relationships can be developed that deliver a better value for money. Approval Process and Segregation of Responsibilities The principles of approval and segregation of responsibilities provides an organization with a control to reduce the risk of fraud.The requirement for the approval of a purchase requisition prevents inappropriate purchases being made and the separation of responsibilities to unconnected parts of the buying organization helps to reduce the risk of collusion. Audit Trail A formal purchasing process that records a predefined set of processes allows the path of events to be examined retrospectively to identify errors or deliberate breaches of policy. Accounting The organization has a legal responsibility to account for their finances including for the goods and services that they procure.It is important therefore that proper records are maintained e. g. to record dates, prices and department details as well as to categorize goods and services appropriately to distinguish between capital goods and expenses for example. This can have a crucial bearing on how the finances of the organization are described which in turn can have a tax and profitability impact. Automation A standard process allows for automation and the use of technology which reduces the cost of the process. 1. 2 A Purchasing system is defined in investopedia as a method used by the organization to buy products and/or services.A purchasing system manages the entire acquisition process, from requisition, to purchase order, to product receipt, to payment. Purchasing systems are a key component of effective inventory management in that they monitor existing stock and help companies determine what to buy, how much to buy and when to buy it. A popular purchasing system is based on economic order quantity models. Purchasing systems makes the purchasing process more efficient and helps the organization reduce supply costs.Computerized purchasing systems can cut companies’ administrative costs, shorten the length of the purchase cycle and reduce human error, thereby minimizing shortages. They can also simplify order tracking and make it easier to manage purchasing budgets by quickly creating expenditure reports. Ways to improve Purchasing system 1. Make past-performance evaluations more meaningful. As long as neither outstanding nor mediocre performance is significantly differentiated, past-performance reports will not provi de a meaningful incentive for anyone.For large supplies, bring in interviewers trained in eliciting differentiated information to guide evaluators through report cards. 2. Reward suppliers for recommending cost-saving ideas. Before issuing a request for proposals, give potential bidders an opportunity to suggest requirements changes that would result in big cost savings with little performance penalty. 4. Use contests as a procurement technique. 5. Make successful supply management experience a promotion criterion for staff.Purchasing System could also be improved through performance management and benchmarking. Performance measurement is a tool to help managers control the outcomes of their organizations. It enables them to be the driver rather than a passenger on their organizational journey. PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT At the strategic level, we use a three-stage top down approach, which takes into account the conflicting interests of different groups of stakeholder. Key performance areas covering the whole spectrum of stakeholder requirements are defined.Elements to measure in each of the key performance areas are identified. One or more performance indicators for each element to measure are considered. The following diagram summarises the approach: [pic] The performance measurement system should be: Complete – The set of performance indicators should measure whether all stakeholder requirements are being met. Each indicator should be operationally and economically feasible to measure. Consistent – All major actions that can be taken by an organisation should affect an indicator and hence be subject to measurement.Effective – Each indicator should be a measure of current performance that is amenable to management action to change its value in the future. The set of indicators should encourage the necessary behaviour to bring about significant and continuous improvement for all stakeholders. Transparent – Whenever possible, indicator s should be developed to allow comparisons to be made and benchmarking to be undertaken. As summarized blow, the set-up and continuous improvement of the management system resides in â€Å"Plan†, â€Å"Check† and â€Å"Act. [pic] 1. 3 Staff Responsible for goods & services and their respective roles: At present only the following staffs have either direct or indirect responsibility for goods: |Staff Member |Roles | |Purchasing Manager |Purchase of materials. Obtain casting, materials and parts | | |indicated. |Foreman |Work on manufacturing orders. Keep staff & machines busy. Also | | |responsible to meet the estimated completion dates. Check off each| | |part of the quantity | |Superintendent |Ordering material, machining and assembly of goods. |Superintendent’s Secretary |Updates the traffic function | |Superintendent’s employees |Receiving & warehousing materials | Based on the proposed structure, the following is the recommended procurement function: |Position |Responsibilities | |Procurement Director |Major duties include oversight of all procurement functions. |Senior Procurement Analyst |Responsible for contributing to and continually improving an efficient and | | |cost-effective process designed to assist Institution staff in their procurement of | | |goods and services through an integrated procurement process of Accounts Payable, | | |Purchasing and Receiving, in compliance with Institutional policies and government | | |regulations.As a contributing member of the Procurement Team, is committed to the | | |common purpose, performance goals and approach for which team members hold themselves | | |mutually accountable. Performance evaluation is based on a combination of team success| | |and individual accomplishment. | | | |Senior Administrative Assistant   II |Responsible for general office management, Procurement help desk, training | | |presentations, processing major bid documents, maintaining  auditable records of | | |procurement files, data input into ERP system for Payables activity   | | | | |Procurement Systems Assistant |Responsible for invoices related to purchase orders, stock room orders and | | |sub-contracts and non-po related invoices. | | | |Procurement Systems Coordinator |The Coordinator handles and coordinates all aspects of the Procurement System/Process;| | |ensures system integrity, process assurance, analysis/testing and continuous | | |operations. Serves as Supervisor for   the payables team and payables processing for | | |the institution. The Position has an interest in owning and improving current | | |administrative systems necessary to the success of the organization. |Procurement Representative |Responsible for purchasing and payable of all items and Contract for services | | |. Responsible for purchasing and payable of all items. | |Senior Procurement Representative |Responsible for assisting the Operations group in developing procurement | | |specifications, selecting supplier markets, maintaining appropriate business | | |relationships with the Institution's vendor base and processing procurement | | |documentation including bids, Purchase Orders and Accounts Payable certificates. | |Additionally, will also assist  in all major contract development; and will act as the | | |Procurement staff supervisor in the absence of the Director. | |Reimbursement Facilitator I |Shared responsibility for the audit & data entry of all Request for Payments. | |Assistant Coordinator |Assists in ordering and stockroom operations. | |Stockroom Coordinator |Manages stockroom operations. | 1. 4 Supply chain management (SCM) is concerned with the flow of products and information between supply chain members' organizations.Recent development in technologies enables the organization to avail information easily in their premises. These technologies are helpful to coordinates the activities to manage the supply chain. The cost of information is decreased due to the increasing rate of technologies. In the integrated supply chain model as shown below bi-directional arrow reflect the accommodation of reverse materials and information feedback flows. Manager needs to understand that information technology is more than just computers. Except computer data recognition equipment, communication technologies, factory automation and other hardware and services are included. [pic]The importance of information in an integrated supply chain management environment: IT infrastructure capabilities provides a competitive positioning of business initiatives like cycle time reduction, implementation, implementing redesigned cross-functional processes. 1. Satisfying customer has become something of a corporate obsession. Serving the customer in the best, most efficient and effective manner has become critical. 2. Information is a crucial factor in the managers' abilities to reduce inventory and human resource requirement to a competitive level. Information flows plays a crucial role in strategic planning. Supply chain organizational dynamics:Big D participating in supply chain management initiatives accept a specific role to perform. It also shares the joint belief that it and all other supply chain participants will be better off because of this collaborative effort. Power within the supply chain is a central issue. It has been identified that there are five basic levels of participation of individual firms with in the interorganizational system. 1. Remote Input/Output mode: In this case the member participates from a remote location within the application system supported by one or more higher-level participants. 2. Application processing node: In this case a member develops and shares a single application such as an inventory query or order processing system. 3.Multi participant exchange node : In this case the member develops and shares a network interlinking itself and any number of lower level participants with whom it has an e stablished business relationship. 4. Network control node: In this case the member develops and shares a network with diverse application that may be used by many different types of lower level participants. 5. Integrating network node: In this case the member literally becomes a data communications/data processing utility that integrates any number of lower level participants and applications in real times. Information and Technology: Application of SCM: In the development and maintenance of Supply chain's information systems both software and hardware must be addressed. Hardware includes computer's input/output devices and storage media.Software includes the entire system and application programme used for processing transactions management control, decision-making and strategic planning. Recent development in Supply chain management software is: 1. A software programme which is useful for computing freight costs, compares transportation mode rates, analyse cost and service effect iveness of carrier. 2. A Supply Chain planning software programme which is used for demand forecasting, replenishment & manufacturing tools for accurate planning and scheduling of activities. 3. A software system called Transportation Network can be used for optimization and streamlining the bidding and award process. . There is a software programme to provide a programme capable managing the entire supply chain. Electronic Data Interchange: Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) refers to computer-to-computer exchange of business documents in a standard format. EDI describe both the capability and practice of communicating information between two organizations electronically instead of traditional form of mail, courier, & fax. The benefits of EDI are: 1. Quick process to information. 2. Better customer service. 3. Reduced paper work. 4. Increased productivity. 5. Improved tracing and expediting. 6. Cost efficiency. 7. Competitive advantage. 8. Improved billing.Though the use of EDI supp ly chain partners can overcome the distortions and exaggeration in supply and demand information by improving technologies to facilitate real time sharing of actual demand and supply information. Data warehouse: Data warehouse is a consolidated database maintained separately from an organization's production system database. Big D can used a multiple databases. A data warehouse is organized around informational subjects rather than specific business processes. Data held in data warehouses are time dependent, historical data may also be aggregated. Communication Improvement Information technology can improve the flow of communication within the workplace. Electronic communication methods used in the workplace include email, voicemail, videoconferences, online newsletters, instant messages and the Intranet.The Intranet, a company exclusive website, can be a great way for you, as a manager, to obtain feedback from your workers. Task 2 2. 1 The negotiation process has become a more impo rtant element in the supply chain process as companies look to reduce their expenditure whilst increasing their purchasing power. This means that purchasing manager must negotiate increasingly better rates with suppliers whilst maintaining or increasing quality and service. So Far Big D has been on the losing of this exercise. In other words, Big D has been paying more than it should have and it goes without saying that the quality and services have been going south as well.Purchasing manager should enter all negotiations with clearly defined objectives. Without having objectives, the possibility for the purchasing manager to compromise price and the quality or service is significantly raised. The Purchasing manager should enter strong into discussions to negotiate with the vendor with precise objectives that they wish to achieve for their company. The objective should not be absolute and should allow for some flexibility. However, the manager should also ensure that they do not dev iate from the objectives and allow themselves to negotiate on areas that were not part of the discussion. Negotiation is an important part of the role of the purchasing Manager.It is a skill that is learnt and training can help purchasing staff in understanding what is needed when negotiating with vendors. 2. 2 Big D’s distribution channels is in complete mess and need a face-lift. Without distribution even the best product or service fails. It is believed that Big D must undergo two levels: 1) To organise communication, which was discussed earlier and 2) To organise exchange through distribution. Distribution is important because: A. it affects sales – if it's not available it can't be sold. Most customers won't wait. As it’s the case in Big D B. distribution affects profits and competitiveness since it can contribute up to 50% of the final selling price of some goods.This affects cost competitiveness as well as profits since margins are squeezed by distributio n costs C. delivery is seen as part of the product influencing customer satisfaction. Distribution and its associated customer service play a big part in relationship marketing. Decisions about physical distribution are key strategic decisions. Channels change throughout a product's life cycle. Changing lifestyles, aspirations and expectations along with the IT explosion offer new opportunities of using distribution to create a competitive edge. Controlling the flow of products and services from producer to customer requires careful consideration. It can determine success or failure in the market place.Decisions about levels of stock, minimum order quantities, delivery methods, delivery frequency and warehouse locations have major cash flow implications as well as customer satisfaction implications. Distribution Strategy Distribution strategy is influenced by the market structure, the firm's objectives, its resources and of course its overall marketing strategy. a) The first strateg ic decision proposed here is that the distribution is to be: Intensive and mass distribution into all outlets for all the small simple fittings. In addition, Exclusive restricted distribution for all the large flow meters weighting upto 70 KG. b) The next strategic decision clarifies the number of levels within a channel such as agents, distributors, wholesalers, retailers. In some Japanese markets there are many, many intermediaries involved. [pic] 3.The current situation in Big D’s in terms of security of goods is not quite what it ought to be in company with years of operations. A lot of security issues exist. Sales had been lost to competitors and other sales had been lost due to setting estimate. No company had no formal inventory control system, hence, no records was kept of raw materials, purchased parts or manufactured parts on hand. There were no records kept on accumulated parts and even worst, the parts were stored in bins in the assembly department. The following are some recommendation on Production & Operation of Stocks and ways to reduce loss and theft of goods: There are three types of stock that a business can hold: Stocks of raw materials (inputs brought from suppliers waiting to be used in the production process) †¢ Work in progress (incomplete products still in the process of being made) †¢ Stocks of finished products (finished goods of acceptable quality waiting to be sold to customers) The aim of stock control is to minimise the cost of holding these stocks whilst ensuring that there are enough materials for production to continue and be able to meet customer demand. The marketing department should be able to provide sales forecasts for the coming weeks or months and so allow stock control managers to judge the type, quantity and timing of stocks needed.It is the purchasing department’s responsibility to order the correct quantity and quality of these inputs, at a competitive price and from a reliable supplier who will deliver on time. As it is difficult to ensure that a business has exactly the correct amount of stock at any one time, Big D should hold buffer or safe stock. Big D must introduce effectiveness and efficiency as essential factors in internal control in the management of its operation. †¢Inventory management: Big D will have an inventory clerk assigned to the requisition and/or the distribution of items. It could add inventory management to the job description of one of the workers.As the theft of any item is a loss to any company, managers must implement inventory procedures that ensure the smooth requisition and dissemination of items while ensuring that items are accounted for. †¢Separation of accounts payable and receivable: Avoid theft and fraud by one or more employees by separating the accounts payable and receivable duties. It’s best if Big D introduces segregation of duties in the Accounting Dept. and the management must continuously monitor the account ing records. Big D must ensure that internal control is deep in its organization. Employees may steal for different reasons but good internal control measures should reduce theft.Big D can implement inventory management systems, to reduce the likelihood of employee theft. REFERENCES Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operations, Second Edition by Sunil Chopra and Peter Meindl (May 1, 2003) Purchasing and Supply Chain Management by Robert M. Monczka, Robert B. Handfield, Larry C. Giunipero and James L. Patterson (Mar 8, 2011) 5th Edition South-Western College/West; 5 edition (March 8, 2011) ISBN-13: 978-0538476423 Purchasing and Supply Chain Management: Analysis, Strategy, Planning and Practice by A. J. van Weele (Dec 9, 2009) ———————– Case Study – Big D Company Purchasing (BUS441/20762P) [Prepared by Mohammed] [13th May 2012]

The Exploration of the Rite of Spring Costumes

Greenshields #1 The research for this paper was based off a question that came to, while re-visiting the history and celebrating the one hundredth anniversary of Vaslav Nijinsky’s creation of Le Sacre du Printemps, The Right of Spring that premiered in 1913. This question in mind has many dimensions when asked, to compare the relationship between the costumes of Nijinsky’s The Right of Spring and Pina Bausch interpretation of the score.When researching both ballets in relationship to the costumes that were represented in each version it becomes unclear of the real reasons behind the choices that Nijinsky and Bausch made to develop the style, design and visual effect of the costumes; Questioning whether there was a specific initial inspiration for the designs or perhaps it was the style in the time period when both individual ballets premiered and was influenced by fashion and society.Beginning to study where it all began in the early 1900’s with Nijinsky’s development of The Right of Spring the focus is on the involvement of individuals who took part in the creation and development process of the original costumes. This can be narrowed down to Nicholas Roerich as the designer, Igor Stravinsky who potentially provided inspiration for Roerich’s designs and finally Nijinsky himself.To look at and discover how Roerich was inspired and where the root of his designs developed from other than Nijinsky’s vision, if any, brings this piece of writing one step closer to clearly answering the question of not only where the costumes initiated from but also how they compare to later ballet costume creations. Speaking of other ballet costumes, there will be research done on Pina Bausch’s 1975 interpretation of The Right of Spring with regard to her costumes in comparison to Nijinsky’sGreenshields #2 costumes. The hopes are to gain a strong visual and rational understanding of the development the styles have gone through and the reasons for the advancement in ballet costumes. Having the opportunity to explore such a uniquely creative woman like Bausch, who had such an impact on the dance and choreography world, will allow this paper to go beyond a simple comparison between the costumes themselves but will allow further exploration of questions concerning how and why they developed into what they did.The suggestion of the time period potentially having an influence in the designs of Nijinsky’s and Roerich costumes also implies to Bausch’s costumes as well, which will coincide with the overall change that the performance ware came to since the early 1900’s to 1975. Exploring the relationship between Nijinsky’s in The Rite of Spring costumes in 1913, to Pina Bausch costumes in 1975 it is visually clear to pin point the different aspects each costume possesses.The challenging part of this piece of writing is going to be discussing how multiple costume creations come about fro m the same score, how such opposite but equally meaningful costumes can represent a similar story line in different eras, and overall where the inspiration came from, if inspired from anything or anyone at all for the costume designs in both Nijinsky’s and Bausch’s versions of The Right of Spring. Nijinsky hired Nicholas Roerich to help with the creations and designs for his costumes due to his outstanding and miraculous art work and the international reputation he had developed for himself over the previous years.They began their collaboration for The Right of Spring in the early 1900’s, a few years before the 1913 premier. Roerich was faced with a big commitment when he was asked to create and design the costumes that would make or break Nijinsky’s piece Greenshields #3 of artistic work. Roerich accepted this task and immediately began consulting with Stravinsky, Diaghilev and of course Nijinsky to create what would soon to be the most unappealing cost umes during this time for the future world renowned ballet.Other ballets being produced during the early 1900’s began to present their dancers in more modern day ballet attire; â€Å"Clothes began to be more simple, leotards were worn and eventually the tutu† (Wagner). Nijinsky’s vision and Roerich’s designs completely went against the modern ballet look with the use of unflattering over sized material that covered the dancers shape and alignment, some even referred to them looking like â€Å"potato sacks† or â€Å"taters† (â€Å"essortment Your Source for Knowledge † ).One aspect of early 19th century ballet costumes that Nijinsky and Roerich grasped was the ability to use a variety of color and designs in the creation of the costumes, which they did very well. Roerich’s costumes were very unique in the way he used intricate patterns mixed with a variety of shapes and colors. H is designs were said to be inspired by Stravinsky ’s brilliant and century marking score he developed specifically for Nijinsky’s ballet and backed up by The Princess Maria Tenisheva’s collection that also helped initiate Roerich’s work.In the case of Roerich’s costume designs, the initial inspirations become evident yet we are still left with uncertainty as to why such foreign and unpleasant costumes came from such experienced, intelligent artists. In 1975, Pina Bausch the legendary dancer and choreographer had completed choreographing and premiering her own interpretation of Stravinsky’s score and Nijinsky’s story line to produce her own The Rite of Spring.Bausch was known for her elaborate and far fetch setting and images one sees on stage and in fact her interpretation of the Rite of Spring involved Greenshields #4 the dancers performing with a layer of dirt over the stage making the movement and choreography more difficult to perform as the piece progresses (Mackrell). Comparing Bausch costumes that were designed by Rolf Borzik to Nijinsky and Roerich designs it is evident that Bausch incorporated some aspects of the original costumes but developed them into a more modern day look.Bausch kept the lengthiness of the costumes but used a lighter material on the females and had the males dance shirtless to allow the dancer’s body and alignment to be visible. The material that Bausch had the females wear was so thin that as the dancers became more vigorous the material became damp with remnants of soil ground in. This making the costumes and choreography appeal more earthier and grounded in a natural way as opposed to Nijinsky`s, where he used thick, busy yet clean material with long braided head dresses to portray that earthy look.Bausch also eliminated color for all the other performers’ costumes except the virgin, who wore red to signify the importance of the sacrifice. This was well thought out on her part for there was more focus on the virgi n during the initial scene of the sacrifice and portrayed the characters in a modern day light with having the red dress be the focal point with shades of beige white and black subtly surrounding the red.While researching Pina Bausch and the creation of her costumes it became clear as to why she made changes from Nijinsky`s original costumes while producing her own. She evidently made the costumes more appealing to modern day society; â€Å"Russian Ballet had a wide effect, a remarkable influence on fashion† (Spencer 149-162), which happened to correspond and enhance the look of the movement and choreography on the dancer’s body.Unfortunately there lacked evidence on what or who inspired Bausch or Borzik to create these modern day costumes, Greenshields #5 which interfered in answering where the costume designs were inspired from but helped with the overall understanding of the relationship between Nijinsky`s and Bausch`s The Right of Spring costumes. This may be a rea lization for some that artists in a developing world are capable of adapting to the changes and progress in society.Taking a moment to step back and look at both the costumes from an outside perspective it is noticeable that each design gives off a completely different vibe from one another by the use of unique fabric, colors, shapes and patterns. There has been an enormous evolution in the dance wear from the 1900’s until now, and both Nijinsky’s and Bausch’s versions of the ballet are just two examples of the development it experienced in the 1900’s alone. After this period, costumes and dance wear in general continued on this path of development and grew into an enormous selection and an endless variety of designs to base any genera of costumes off of.One feature of costumes in general that continued through the decades of development is the ability to incorporate meaning and significance into the design of the outfit. Both ballets previously talked ab out in this essay present significance within their costumes through the shapes and intricate patterns inspired by Stravinsky that Roerich used on Nijinsky’s costumes and the use of a single solid color signifying the significance of the sacrificial virgin in Bausch’s interpretation. â€Å"Some of the figures thus formed came to have symbolical meanings† (Royce 192-212).This is a tactic still used in the performing arts today to help the audience fully understand the directors vision and or to signify something of importance that may influence how one sees the performance. The research for this piece of writing has uncovered many discoveries’ regarding a costume comparison between Nijinsky’s and Pina Bausch’s versions of The Right of Spring. It Greenshields #6 has looked deeper into pin pointing inspirations that have influenced the design and creativity of the costumes, as well as etermining the significance that stage costumes portray. Thi s essay also spends a great deal of time picking apart and examining the relationship between Nijinsky’s 1913 ballet with Bausch’s interpretation done in 1975. It looks at the development of The Right of Spring costume designs during 1913-1975 and discusses the continual development it had to today’s generation as it continues to expand. As a student of Social Work with dance as a minor, the research inquiries in this essay have aspects that will help me in both of my career options.What triggers my attention the most is the idea of a constantly developing world that will influence any individual practicing their profession in today’s society. This information is most helpful to me in the dance stream, as any artist would know that it is extremely important to keep others and more importantly yourself in tune with modern day aspects of the dance world. Although not every performance or piece of artistic work needs to incorporate current day trends, it is crucial to learn about the developments that have happened or that are taking place to expand your knowledge and create the best work available to you.Not only will this be useful to me throughout my dance life, it has also taught me to be aware of the developments and changes that are taking place day to day which will enhance my role as a critical social worker. Another important aspect of the research I uncovered that will be beneficial to me as a dance student is the overall background knowledge I gained on Vaslav Nijinsky, Nicolas Roerich and Pina Bausch.Nijinsky and Bausch especially, as I could now comfortable educate others on their separate versions of The Right of Spring focusing on the history and creations of the Greenshields #7 costumes. Having focused on two very inspirational dancers and choreographers who impacted the dance world in one way or another it will help me in whatever career path I choose from the initial information gathered or whether it be from the mess ages behind the facts there will always be useful information to me as an individual who studied dance.Bibliography 1. Right of Spring by Igor Stravinsky. † essortment Your Source for Knowledge . 2011: n. page. Print. . 2. Kant, Marion. The Cambridge Companion to Ballet. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007. 3. Kelly, Thomas. â€Å"Milestones of the Millennium. † Milestones of the Millennium. (1999): n. page. Print. http://www. npr. org/programs/specials/milestones/991110. motm. riteofspring. html>. 4. Kirstein, Lincoln. Four Centuries of Ballet: Fifty Masterworks.New York: Dover Publications, 1984. 5. Mackrell, Judith. â€Å"The Guardian. † Guardian. (2008): n. page. Print. . 6. Rerikh, Nikolai? Konstantinovich, and Cordier & Ekstrom. Nicholas Roerich: Decors and Costumes for Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, and Russian Operas. New York: Cordier ; Ekstrom, 1974. 7. Royce, Anya Peterson. The Anthropology of Dance. Canada : Fitzhenry ; Whiteside Limited, 1977. 1 92-212. Print. 8. Spencer, Charles. The World of Serge Diaghilev. England: Paul Elek, London, Limited , 1974. 49-162. Print. 9. Taruskin, Richard. Stravinsky and the Russian Traditions: A Biography of the Works Through Mavra. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1996. 10. Thomas, Michael. â€Å"A Riotous Premiere: Igor Stravinsky The Rite of Spring. † San Francisco symphony Keeping Score . N. p. , n. d. Web. http://www. keepingscore. org/sites/default/files/swf/stravinsky/full;. 11. Wagner, Christopher. â€Å"Historical Bo'ys Clothing. † Historical Bo'ys Clothing. (2002): n. page. Print. . 4. Kirstein, Lincoln. Four Centuries of Ballet: Fifty Masterworks.New York: Dover Publications, 1984. 5. Mackrell, Judith. â€Å"The Guardian. † Guardian. (2008): n. page. Print. . 6. Rerikh, Nikolai? Konstantinovich, and Cordier & Ekstrom. Nicholas Roerich: Decors and Costumes for Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, and Russian Operas. New York: Cordier ; Ekstrom, 1974. 7. Royce , Anya Peterson. The Anthropology of Dance. Canada : Fitzhenry ; Whiteside Limited, 1977. 192-212. Print. 8. Spencer, Charles. The World of Serge Diaghilev. England: Paul Elek, London, Limited , 1974. 49-162. Print. 9. Taruskin, Richard. Stravinsky and the Russian Traditions: A Biography of the Works Through Mavra. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1996. 10. Thomas, Michael. â€Å"A Riotous Premiere: Igor Stravinsky The Rite of Spring. † San Francisco symphony Keeping Score . N. p. , n. d. Web. http://www. keepingscore. org/sites/default/files/swf/stravinsky/full;. 11. Wagner, Christopher. â€Å"Historical Bo'ys Clothing. † Historical Bo'ys Clothing. (2002): n. page. Print.

The Holy One of Israel in Isaiah

The Holy One of Israel This essay concerns about the meaning of the divine title ‘The Holy One of Israel’ in the Book of Isaiah. It is going to state clearly the study approach before going into the discussion. Approach of this essay The book of Isaiah had been studied through different approaches of which three are quite distinctive[1]. (1)A pre-critical, or traditional, understanding, still found in some conservative scholars. They keep the entire book of Isaiah connected to the prophet Isaiah of the eighth century B. C. E. There is nothing intrinsically impossible as the approach is ‘prophecy’. With the rise of ‘historical criticism’, such an approach has been commonly rejected in the interpretive world. (2)A critical understanding of the book of Isaiah is reflective of the intellectual world of the West in the 18th and 19th centuries that focused on historical issues. The dominant idea of this approach is the division of the book of Isaiah into, with short hand references, First Isaiah, Second Isaiah and Third Isaiah. However, the ‘three Isaiah’ only exist as an editorial convenience, but without integral connection to each other. 3)The canonical study of the book of Isaiah recognizes that the book is a literary complexity. It is a literary approach, draws upon historical-critical gains but moves beyond them toward theological interpretation. The last approach is used in this essay. Introduction The Holy One of Israel, as a description of God is a distinctive feature of the Book of Isaiah. The name appeared in the Old Testament 32 times, 26 times in Isaiah. The other six times in Jeremiah (50:29; 51:5), Ezekiel (39:7) and Psalms (71:22, 78:41, 89:18). It is hardly coincidence that in his vision in Chapter 6 Isaiah himself has heard the seraphim proclaiming â€Å"Holy, holy, holy is Almighty YHWH†, the whole book works out the implications of that vision. In chapters 1-12, and then 13-27, 28-39, 40-55 and at last 56-66, the message of this vision spreads in ever widening circles. Each part leads to the next, but each also relates to that key awareness that YHWH is The Holy One of Israel. The table below shows The Holy One of Israel appeared in the book of Isaiah at different periods of history with related scriptures. Part |Chapters |Motif |Historical Events[2] |Scriptures | | |1 |Prologue |In the days of 4 kings of Judah |1:4 | |1 |2-12 |Sign of Immanuel |Challenge to Judah: Time of Ahaz |5:19, 24; 10:17, 20; 12:6 | |2 |13-27 |Fall of a Great City |Calamity and Hope for the Nations |17:7 | |3 |28-39 |Siege of Jerusalem |Challenge to Judah: Time of Hezekiah |29:19, 23; 30:11, 12, 15; 31:1; 37:23 | |4 |40-55 |Light to the Nat ions |Comfort in Babylon |41:14, 16, 20; 43:3, 14; 45:11; 47:4; | | | | | |48:17; 49:7; 54:5; 55:5 | |5 |56-66 |Return of the Prodigal Son |Challenge to Judah after Exile |60:9, 14 | The Meaning of Holiness The Hebrew word for holiness is qodes (Greek: hagios). It is used for what is set apart from a common to a sacred use[3], as the utensils and ministers of the sanctuary, and certain days (Ex 20:8; 30:31; 31:10; Lev 21:7; Num 5:17; Ne 8:9; Zech 14:21); for what is separated from ceremonial defilement (Ex 22:31; Lev 20:26) or immorality (2Cor 7:1; 1Thes 4:7) including false worship and heathen practices (Lev 20:6, 7: 21:6). In a larger sense God is holy, for He is separated from all other beings by His infinite perfections, by His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justices, goodness, and truth, the glory of which fills the earth (Isa 6:3). Israel acquires holiness by being obedient to God’s commandments and faithful to His covenant (Lev 11:44; Deut 28:9)[4]. The concept of holiness permeates the life of Israel. Even the land occupied by the people is considered holy (Zech 2:12). The capital city Jerusalem is designated as the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High (Ps 46:4). The Holy One of Israel The term ‘The Holy One of Israel’ reflects the dialectical relation between ‘The Holy One’ and ‘Israel’. It is a relation with the Holy One with a non-holy entity[5]. The Holy One requires Israel to be holy. ‘Be holy because I, the Lord Your God, am holy’ (Lev 19:2). The separate one becomes the attached one. Their relation is bound by covenant. The challenge of the relation is Israel’s unfaithfulness in worshipping other god’s. The most notable example is the imposition of Baal worship on the northern kingdom by Ahab’s marriage to Jezebel. Both the northern and the southern kingdoms suffered captivity. Any ‘rebellious’ from Israel side causes ‘discipline’ from The Holy One side. Exile’ from Israel causes ‘In the midst’ from the other, ‘punishment’ causes ‘redemption’, ‘go astray’ causes ‘teaches and leads’ etc. In the Book of Isaiah, the Holy One is the Lord, God. The Lord has passion. He is angry at Israel who rejects His laws (5:24; 31:1) but His compassion is good news more directly for the powerless (29:19). He is the Creator of Israel (43:15), the Maker of this nation (17:7; 45:11; 54:5). He is called the Holy One of Israel, and is in relation with Israel, like Husband and wife (54:5), Father and son (45:11; 63:16; 64:8). The Holy One of Israel is in the midst of the people of Israel (12:6), they will stay upon the Lord (10:20). The harmonious covenant relation between the Holy One and Israel is being challenged by the rebellious Israel. The people have forsaken the Lord, they have contemned The Holy One of Israel (1:4; 5:19, 24; 30:12; 37:23), they are turned away backward and they reject the law of the Lord (5:24). The people have been warned but they do not look unto The Holy One of Israel (31:1). Israel is being punished and exiled. This is the way that the Lord teaches and leads Israel (48:17) to restore the covenant relation. The Holy One of Israel, their Redeemer and Savior (41:14; 43:3, 14; 47:4; 48:17; 49:7; 54:5) rescues the people from exile so that they will understand the work of the Lord (29:23; 41:20), they will rejoice in the Lord and they will sanctify The Holy One of Israel (29:23; 41:16). He Himself works for Israel (43:14), through the redeeming work of the Lord, He has glorified Israel (55:5; 60:9, 14). YHWH’s majesty and authority is over Judah and other nations (49:7). On that day shall a man regard his Maker, and his eyes shall look to The Holy One of Israel (17:7). This is a sketch of a thread sewing The Holy One of Israel throughout the Book of Isaiah. It is discussed in more details below. Prologue (Chapter 1) Israel is called to be a holy nation (Exodus 19:6), now becomes a sinful nation (1:4). A people laden with iniquity, a people being the seed of Abraham become a seed of evildoers. They have despised The Holy One of Israel. The degenerated children have forsaken the Lord, their father. Nothing in human life is more tragic than an unsuccessful upbringing. God’s children rebel against God. ‘The ox knows his owner, and the ass his master’s crib, but Israel does not know, my people does not consider’ (1:3). The knowledge to The Holy One of Israel is even worse than ox and ass to their master. The rod of the Holy One is upon Israel, like the Holy Father disciplining His son (Hebrew 12:4-11). One day, Judah will be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city, Zion will be redeemed by justice, and those in her repent by righteousness (1:26, 27). Israel is like the prodigal son who returns to his father. Part 1 (Chapters 2-12) Sign of Immanuel Judah turns their back to God, the people think that the wealth is built by their power and might, they do not look up to their God, The Holy One of Israel, and they despise His words. They do not even know who they are before the Holy One of Israel. What a rebellious nation who tests and tries The Holy One of Israel. ‘Let Him make speed, let Him hasten His work, that we may see it and let the counsel of The Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it’ (5:19). The people do not know themselves before the Holy One. Even do they not seek the Holy One of Israel, nor do they lift up their eyes on God, but rather they have taunted and blasphemed the Lord (37:23). The sinful nation is called the rejecter of the law of the Lord and despiser of the Word of God (5:24). They forget the laws of the Lord, those holy decrees, laws and regulations that the Lord established on Mount Sinai. (Lev 26:46). For that reason the fire of judgment would descend on them like fire that devours the stubble, and they would burn like chaff. The wicked are perished in the judgment. They are like trees with rotten roots and blossom torn off by the wind. They fly away like dust (5:24). His hand is raised and strikes them down. His hand is still upraised (5:25). At the time of King Ahaz, a sign of Immanuel is given to the people of Judah. No matter how unfavorable the circumstances is, The Holy One of Israel is with them when Damascus and Samaria are punished, and also God will be with them when Assyria comes up to destroy like razor (7:10-20). Part 2 (Chapters 13-28) Fall of a Great City: Calamity and Hope for the Nation YHWH’s punishment comes. ‘The fortress will disappear from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus’ (17:3a). Israel’s trouble comes from looking away from YHWH and disregarding YHWH’s governance and requirements. They have been excessively preoccupied with their own achievements and mesmerized by their own religious assurances. But now Israel would refocus their eyes back to ‘The Holy One of Israel’ (17:7). The theme is repentance and return to YHWH. Part 3 (Chapters 28-39) Siege of Jerusalem The Holy One of Israel is a Protector but the people of Judah do not seek Him. God has spoken to the leaders of Israel not to depend on Egypt, nor to return to Egypt to acquire more horses (Deut 17:16). However they opposed Him and turned their back on Him. ‘Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many and in horsemen, because they are exceeding mighty; but they look not unto The Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord! ’ (31:1) They are rebellious people, faithless children, who do not listen the instruction of the Lord (30:9). They do not like the true prophesy (31:10), nor the right path, nor listening to The Holy One of Israel (31:11). Therefore, the punishment of The Holy One of Israel is upon them, like a break in a high wall, bulging out, and about to collapse, whose crash come suddenly (31:13) its breaking is like a smashing potter’s vessel (31:14). The Holy One of Israel urged His people to return and rest (30:15), to be quiet like a weaned child at its mother’s breast, and to surrender trustingly to their father, to have childlike faith. However, Judah is constantly in fear, surrounding by enemies. The wicked man has no peace but grief. Judah does not have the love of God to cast out fear. They were nervous and ran to and fro without any accomplishment. They focused not on The Holy One of Israel but wrongly on Egypt’s chariots and horses. The city of Jerusalem finally falls down. The people become captives, being exiled to Babylon. Part 4 (Chapters 40-55): Light to the Nation During the period of exile, The Holy One of Israel is a Comforter. ‘Fear not! ’ the Lord speaks to Jacob three times in 41:10-14. That is indeed necessary because the poor exiles fear so many things. But the Lord, the faithful covenant God, uses all kinds of motives and inducements to comfort His people. In the exile, Jacob looks like worm, insect, dead man. The Lord’s comfort gives light to this nation. ‘Fear not, for I am with you, do not be afraid for I am your God. I will strengthen you, and I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. (41:10) ‘For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, â€Å"Do not fear, I will help you†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢(41:13). ‘Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you insect Israel! I will help you, says the lord; your redeemer is The Holy One of Israel’ (41:14). The Lord will hel p Jacob with His right hand. He will make Jacob a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth, to thresh, strike, punish and crush the mountains and hills, so that they are blown away as chaff before the wind. On that day Jacob will rejoice in the Lord, they will glory in The Holy One of Israel. Lord’s comfort brings hope to the nation. The desert people know what it meant to suffer thirst. The exile experiences are like the poor and needy seeking water. The Lord has heard their voices. He will not forsake them. To those perishing with thirst, much water supply was the most impressive metaphor of rich blessings. This abundance is described as the breaking forth of streams, even on the plateaus. Trees will come up in former deserts. On that day, they may see and know and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this, and The Holy One of Israel has created it. Redeemer and Creator (43:1-15) The Holy One of Israel is a Redeemer of Jacob. He has given Egypt as Jacob’s ransom, Ethiopia and Sheba in exchange for Jacob. Why? Because the Lord is the creator of Israel, for he will redeem His people (43:1). The Lord calls Jacob by name, showing intimate relationship between the covenant God and Israel. Israel was precious in God’s sight and honored, and God loved Israel. He gave people in return for Israel, nations in exchange for their life. Also, the Lord is their God, The Holy One of Israel, their Savior. He will protect them. The fire constantly purifies Israel, but it never consumes her; the water cleanses her, but it could never swallow up the Jews. ‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; The flames will not set you ablaze. ’ (43:2) For the sake of Jacob, The Holy One of Israel will punish Babylon, He will bring down all of them as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships of their shouting, because The Holy One of Israel is their Redeemer, their Creator, their King (43:15), their Maker and Husband (54:5). Part 5 (Chapters 56-66) Return of the Prodigal Son The Holy One of Israel participates in the Return of Jacob to Jerusalem. 60:9 and 60:14 mentions ‘The Holy One of Israel’. It is a scene of return of Jacob to Jerusalem from Babylon. In 60:9, ‘to bring your children from far away, their silver and gold with them, for the name of the Lord your God’ refers to the return of Israel with the herald of the King Cyrus of Persia (Ezra 1:1-4). Verse 14 referred to the help of the Lord, Jerusalem is called the City of the Lord, the Zion of The Holy One of Israel. In the exposition of Chapter 60, Harry Bultema[6] writes that ‘some attempted to explain this divine oracle concerning the blessedness of the Israelites as taking place after the return from Babylon; others explained them wholly spiritually of the prosperity, growth and extension of the Christian Church during the days of the New Testament’. Bulterma further quotes the expositor Van der Palm statement ‘the former explanation must of necessity weaken the intended meaning of the words, and the latter violates all sound literal biblical exegesis. ’ Since it has been stated in the beginning that the approach of this essay is canonical literary one, it is not agree to take the traditional view here. From the structure of Chapter 60, it refers to the return from Babylon. -5Glory of the Lord is upon Jerusalem. 6-12Gold and frankincense and all the riches are brought to Jerusalem by sea and by land. 13-18Those who oppressed Israel shall come bending low to Israel. T hey would know this is the work of the Lord, He is their savior, Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. 19-22God was the glory of Zion. One more discussion: Is Jesus The Holy One of Israel? From the above discussion, we can see that The Holy One of Israel is God who bears the following titles: Redeemer, Savior,Comforter,Protector,King, Creator,Maker,Husband,Father There are two questions arise. First, ‘Is The Holy One of Israel referring to Jesus and never in any way beyond Jesus? Second, ‘Is The Holy One of Israel referring to Jesus? ’ In response to the first question, Harry Bultema states that it refers to our Lord Jesus, ‘who is constantly indicated and further defined as the One who created and formed Israel and who one day shall deliver, protect, and glorify it as the Savior. ’[7] It is not agree with Bultema for two reasons, though The Holy One of Israel bears the above titles in the book of Isaiah. (1)In Isaiah, The Holy One of Israel is also refe rred to as a Father (45:11), which is contradict to the title of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. 2) The promise applies to Israel. The church should not rob the glory of the Jews. Da Costa complained once – our country, our cities, our glorious name and the church had robbed us of our promises. Did this not concern you, O Christians. ’ In response to the second question, the title is originally referring to God who comforts, redeems, creates, etc in the Old Testament time. It is very closed referring to Jesus, except for the title of ‘Father’ whose name exists in the triune God. Conclusion With the approach of the canonical study of the book of Isaiah, it is found that the Holy One is the Lord, God. He is the Creator of Israel, the Maker of this nation. He is the Father of this people. The following few lines summarize this essay. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, Immanuel is Your name. Woe to those who despise Your Words, The Holy One of Israel they know not. Woe to those who seek help from Egypt, Protector, Comforter, Savior, Redeemer, they ask not. Your rod from Assyria is upon them, but You are in the midst of them. On that day, their eyes are upon You, They will see You are the Deliverer, the Maker of this Nation. On that day, the Creator will hear, Your are my Father, we are Your children. Bibliography 1. Walter Brueggemann, Isaiah 1 – 39 (Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville) 1998. 2. Walter Brueggemann, Isaiah 40 – 66 (Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville) 1998. 3. John Goldingay, New International Biblical Commentary: Isaiah, (Hendrickson Publishers, Massachusetts) 2001. 4. John D. Davis, Davis dictionary of the Bible, 4th edn (Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan) 1975. 5. Johannes B. Bauer, Encyclopedia of Biblical Theology Vol 1, (Sheed and Ward, London) 1970. 6. Stephen Lee, Lecture Notes on BSN304: Understanding Isaiah: An Exploration on the Spirituality of Exile, 2010. 7. Gordon C. I. Wong, The Road to Peace: Pastoral Reflections on Isaiah 1-12, (Genesis Book, Singapore) 2009. 8. Geoffrey W. Bromiley, The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Volume II:E-J, (Grand Rapids, Michigan) 1982 ———————– 1] Walter Brueggemann, Isaiah 1 – 39, (Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville) 1998, 3-5. [2] John Goldingay, New International Biblical Commentary: Isaiah, (Hendrickson Publishers, Massachusetts) 2001, 8. [3] John D. Davis, Davis dictionary of the Bible, 4th edn (Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan) 1975, 334. [4] Geoffrey W. Bromiley, The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Volume II:E-J, (Grand Rapids, Michigan) 1982, 725-726. [5] John Goldingay, New International Biblical Commentary: Isaiah, 15. [6] Harry Bultema, Commentary on Isaiah, (Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, Michigan) 1981, 584. [7] Harry Bultema, Commentary on Isaiah, 20-22.

Racial Conflicts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Racial Conflicts - Essay Example These racial conflicts have brought the societies to a different level, and seem to be rising day by day. With the existence of the racial conflicts, the history has shown how immensely they have affected the world economy and the standard of living. Although it is a global issue, it has been seen that each society has been adversely hit by the problem resulting in the impact on their quality of life. The world is one place which has to be protected and our species given the right to live freely. Unfortunately, due to the value of life, conflicts arise constantly crossing the ideas of religion, social class, and appearances. Although it can be assessed that most of us can live with at least one, but for most of us, it is a critical point (Levine 128). As an effect, the political leaders feel constantly pressurized as to the influence of these racial groups. And thus, while making necessary decisions, they might as well feel partial or biased. Their choices tend to reflect the whole world. This is because control of one country affects the surrounding countries as well and impacts the racial groups throughout the globe, if of the same kind. The other countries thus act as a chain of reactions that may be brought in one country. In many ways, it has been assessed that the racial conflicts are not the result of few, but of many. And it does not only affect one of the aspects but affects the whole globe collectively. These racial conflicts have been affecting the various factors of the globe. On one hand, it affects the psychological growth of the racial group as they have to suffer criticisms, unfairness, and inequality in the society at the hands of the majorities.  Ã‚  

Is citizen journalism the saviour of a free press Discuss the Essay

Is citizen journalism the saviour of a free press Discuss the opportunities and challenges raised by this new form of media, production with reference to specific examples - Essay Example This is what is commonly known as citizen journalism and has taken toll in social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. The world by being connected by the internet has made news transmission faster and easier to obtain from all corners of the world. In the event of major news events, some influential people in the social media platform tend to have large crowds of people that follow them and believe in everything that they say (Wall 2012, p.42). Nowadays, majority of people receive breaking news via this platform from the so called citizen journalists rather than the official news media. Citizen journalism has provided the chance for the mass to receive firsthand information from those at the scene of events rather than getting them from the news anchors who are secondary respondents to the event scenes. Take for instance a case of a fire in a major building in your town, if a neighbor is on twitter or Facebook, he or she can take pictures of the burning building and warn friends living in the area. Such news will spread like wildfire as a response team swing action (Allan 2009, p.34). All in all, when compared to a news anchor who will arrive hours later at the crime scene, indicates that the citizen journalist was the first respondent and the most useful in this case. The disadvantage of citizen journalist is that they may sometimes spread lies that can lead to defamation of others. Take for instance a citizen journalist spreading news that Jay Z is dead through the social media (Croft 2014). Such information would cause a lot of stir and even make major news companies to look up for the truth behind the news. Therefore, people have to be careful on the kind of news which they can believe and those which they believe. It is estimated that 50% of the news produced by citizen journalist are false; therefore care has to be taken before trusting the news source (William 2008, p.67). Citizen journalists are

Cellular Phone Usage While Operating Motor Vehicle Essay - 1

Cellular Phone Usage While Operating Motor Vehicle - Essay Example as per a study published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) (Utter, 2001 cited by Tseng, Nguyen, Liebowitz, & Agresti, 2005). The use of cellular phones while driving has been established as the major cause of driver inattention. The Harvard Center for Risk Analysis found that use of cell phones while driving caused 330,000 moderate to severe injuries and approximately 2,600 deaths each year (Sundeen, 2003 cited by Tseng et al., 2005). At the same time, according to Brookhuis, de Vries, & de Waard (1991), while talking on the cell phone drivers demonstrated decreased lane deviations (cited by Horrey & Wickens, 2004). Despite these inconsistencies, a total ban of cellular phone usage while operating a motor vehicle may drastically reduce road accidents. Driver distraction can be classified into two types (internal distraction and external stimuli) and four categories – visual, cognitive, auditory and biomechanical distraction. Of these, auditory distraction is associated with cell phone usage (Tseng et al., 2005). This is more likely in case of hand-held phones but other studies demonstrate that primary cause of inattention is cognitive, which implies that even hands-free phones are equally dangerous (Horrey & Wickens). Several studies have been conducted and on an average, it has been found that drivers talking on the mobile phones while driving have higher risks in car accidents compared to non-mobile phone users (Laberge-Nadeau et al., 2003; Wilson et al., 2003; Redelmeier and Tibshirani, 1997; Strayer and Drews, 2004 cited Tseng et al.). Use of mobile phones while driving increases the risk of collisions by four times, which is also confirmed by Redelmeier and Tibshirani (1997). In addition, frequent mobile phone users had relatively higher risk than rare-users. Being engaged on the cell phone while driving, is definitely more risky than listening to the radio or talking to other passengers while driving. Horrey & Wickens,

Describe in detail the realist perspective of world politics, and Essay

Describe in detail the realist perspective of world politics, and contrast its assumptions with the perspectives of liberalism a - Essay Example Nevertheless, there are political theories that naturally whither away because of trivial foundation, formulation or simply not supported by strong evidence. On the other hand, there are political theories that were able to withstand time and develop itself in the course of history. These theories were proven and tested as accurate and viable and in the process were enriched by different theoreticians and philosophers, thus subsequently branched out and influenced vast ideologies, policies and programs. Among these theories include the realist perspective, liberalism and perhaps the newest inclusion is the world- systems analysis. This paper will lay out the basic principle of these political theories in comparison to each other. However, this document will principally establish the dominance of the concept of political realism in the process of discussing its historical development. This will also present the significant aspects of political realism that influence the different fiel d of political science and world history. Three Major Political Perspectives The liberal perspective Liberalism is a political theory that banks on the significance of equal rights and liberty. Liberal ideology popularized the concepts of constitutionalism, right to suffrage, and human rights. It was born out from the repressive rules of the monarchy and the Divine Right of the Kings. Liberalism used the concept of natural rights and the social contract to confront authoritarianism and absolutism. Liberalists stand by the rule of law and the responsibility of the leaders to subject themselves to the majority of the people and the assertion of the fundamental rights to life, liberty and property of every individual for the full emancipation of humanity. The world-analysis systems perspective The world-analysis system asserts that the capitalist-world economy is a particular historical system. This theory believes that the best possible means to ascertain the mode of function of the c apitalist-world economy is to look at the profound historical evolution of the said system (Wallerstein, World-Systems Analysis An Introduction). The development of the capitalist-world economy in Europe was explained by the world system analysis theory by looking at the continent in tandem with the incorporation of regions through power and colonization and the conclusion in an international division of labor and an interstate system was derived (Wallerstein, Unthinking Social Science, Second Edition). The world-analysis system is a knowledge movement that search to surpass the structures of knowledge from the 19th century. The realist perspective Understanding and grasping the objective laws governing the society in the only way that it can be improve. This is what political realism asserts. Realism considers the objectivity of the laws in the process that in politics, truth and opinion is being distinguished, and truth can only be ascertained through supporting evidence and clari fied by reason. One-sided judgment must be eliminated from the facts so that the society can clearly drive out the laws objectively and rationally. For the realists, discovering truth from the facts by providing meaning through reason is what theory is all about. For example, realism presumes that a foreign policy’s character can only be distinguished through exhaustive examination of the combined effort of the performed political acts and the

Compare and Contrast Research Methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Compare and Contrast Research Methods - Essay Example These research methods are applied in almost every field of study but their implementation in the field of business management and marketing is slightly more. For testing and analyzing quality measures, this research method plays a vital role and its significance holds a prestigious supremacy. In research methods, qualitative measures provide essential information which eventually helps in the formation of hypothesis. It has given a new sphere and horizon to the field of business management and development process in refining these techniques more is taking place (Hair, Celsi and Page, 2011). Following are some of the renowned qualitative research method approaches along with the comparison and debate with projective techniques. Their significance in business administration and usage is discussed with a conclusion to get an exact idea about the implementation and implication of these research methods and projective techniques in the mode of studies. Focus Groups To examine the impact of a product or service in the market, a focus group session is the most recognized technique. Focus group is basically a qualitative set of methodology in which people from diverse backgrounds are invited and a discussion session takes place. The discussion session is controlled by a moderator. ... (Blumberg & Schindler, 2008). (Lewis & Saunders, 2009) demonstrate that the implication of this research method is widely done in almost all major modes of studies. This gives a horizon that what actually people think. Focus group participants can vary from research to research. For instance to check out the performance of a car, focus group discussion takes place. The panel members in this discussion would be product manufacturing engineers, consumers, analysts, journalist, market guru’s and future potential customers. Their depiction of thoughts will be the quintessence of this discussion. Moderator will ask certain focused research based questions from the panel members. Members upon their respective turn will present their views. The proposition of this tactic is mostly done in the subject of psychology, sociology, marketing and its sub branches, human resources management etc. Market Surveys To get the concrete picture about the thinking of consumers, market surveys act a s the backbone. It has vast implication and is done in approximately research work. Market surveys provide the various ideas of people about a product, service or any other issue. People from diverse backgrounds provide their review about a certain product or service. They also bluntly demonstrate that what are the shortcomings and plus points of the product. Their representation of non fragmented thoughts makes this research technique powerful. Literate, illiterate- all consumers present their ideas clearly (Eriksson & Kovalainen, 2008). Market surveys are done in all the capacities to check out the positioning of a product or service. For instance to check out the impact of a certain mobile phone among users and customers, cell phone market survey will be done

Emily Dickinson a unique voice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Emily Dickinson a unique voice - Essay Example She becomes more of a life force than a person and can see and experience almost anything. She shows that even the smallest things around us—a grain of sand, a pismire, a cow—contain an enormous history and an enormous power. A mouse is capable of inspiring the awe of an entire religion (Blake 56). Most significantly, she seems to believe, like Whitman, that â€Å"the narrowest hinge in my hand puts to scorn all machinery.† This is a celebration of all that has gone into creating the world and how deeply it can inspire us—like the best romantic poetry. Once again nature is an enormous canvas which is all interlinked and inspires great beauty. The bee is â€Å"kinsman† to the grass, and all the things of the world are â€Å"sweet litigants for life.† And on top of these sentiments, the bee is â€Å"sovereign.† These emphasis on nature shows how unique she is. Two important elements of romanticism are the individual versus society and a reliance on human emotion over cold rationality. Both of these principles can be seen in effect in Rousseau’s Confessions and Emily Dickinsons poetry (Knapp 102). Rousseau’s long autobiography Confessions constantly points out how different and apart he is from other people. "I am not made like any of those I have seen; I venture to believe that I am not made like any of those who are in existence. If I am not better, at least I am different" (Rousseau 23). This is a central theme of romanticism. The person who lives truly, understanding himself and nature, in tune with his emotions, is a person apart. The romantic is often portrayed as alone and sensitive—either ostracized by others because of his uniqueness or choosing like a hermit to be free of the conformist and corrupting world of society. This book also celebrates the power and centrality to life of emotion. He writes that, â₠¬Å"If I had ever, a single time in my

Liberation Movements for Minority Groups in the 1960s Article

Liberation Movements for Minority Groups in the 1960s - Article Example Blacks had long been accorded numerous rights during the Emancipation of Proclamation, but those rights were yet to be implemented in the practical sense (Foner 49). After the Second World War, veteran soldiers of black origin and other like-minded social activists like Martin Luther King Jr. joined hands in a fight against oppression. Black civil rights movement continued through the 1950s and early 1960s, after which African Americans gained their constitutional rights to vote and own property. Women Liberation Movement After successful civil rights movement by the minority blacks in the US, other groups were to build their basis on strategies used by the African Americans in demanding other equal recognition. In this context, we will evaluate the feminist liberation movement and establish the manner in which the black civil rights struggle influenced women in their feminism campaigns. Prior to the 1960s, women in America enjoyed limited to no economic opportunities as compared to their male counterparts. Society operated with the philosophy that women should remain at home taking care of children while men go to work. With respect to social aspects, women were branded symbols of sex and beauty. American society advocated for charm and physical attractiveness as the only qualities used to define women’s worth (Weisner and William 34). With respect to political context, most women, especially from the black and other minority groups were not counted as eligible voters. They could neither parti cipate in general elections nor vie for political positions.

Language and its relation with apes Essay Example for Free

Language and its relation with apes Essay When we talk about language it means the language that we use for communication. Humans have used different types of language in past for communication and the language that we speak today has been eventually achieved after lots of changes. It has been said that using language for communication has differentiated humans from other animals on this earth. Talking about language includes sign language, spoken language and other languages used for communication. Language should be differentiated with speech because speech involves production of sound from the voice box whereas anguage means a way commonly used for communication and to express one with each other in society. All animals use some form of communication or other but researchers don’t classify it as language. But it has been seen that some of the animals like dolphins, apes, chimpanzees etc. can communicate using the language used by humans. Dolphins are even found calling each other by names. As far as apes are concerned great ape language has even evolved by the researchers while teaching gorillas, orangutans and chimpanzees. It is seen that they communicate with each other using sign language or physical tokens. These usages of different types of tools to communicate indicate their ability to use language. When we go back into the past we find that in the beginning the language was not related to speech and can be said to be a type of sign language. Many researchers have made studies and have come to the conclusion that apes can understand sign language and can easily communicate with humans if trained to do so. A chimpanzee was caught in the wild and was named Washoe. When she was ten months old, she was handed over to a husband and wife involved with the researcher’s team. It is a fact that chimpanzees are fully dependent till two years of age and semi dependent up to four years of age. They made the environment like a deaf parent would make for their child and then started experiment on Washoe. There was at least one of the researchers with her when she was awake and tried a lot of techniques in order to teach her sign language and how to communicate with humans. Before project Washoe, attempts to teach animals the voice language had failed so the researchers tried to teach her the American Sign language in which they succeeded to a far extent. While teaching Washoe, when she used to learn any language properly she was rewarded so that it encouraged her and initially she was even taught to bring her hands together and touch her fingertips. Then the couple started teaching her to be more precise with her hands’ movements. In the first couple of years the couple were not sure whether she was really catching the language or not because sometimes she did not react to that but when she was shown the object she would make the correct sign for that. It was also seen that some of the things she used to name in her own way and continuously did the same. This also shows that chimpanzees applied their own wish and brain and not just copied what they were taught. It was concluded by the researchers that when humans started to communicate with the help of speech, their vocal tract developed and it eventually brought changes in the human brain too. The language that we use today to communicate can be found back 200,000 years ago where we find similarities in the language. But it was almost 50,000 years back from when sophistication of language started. The first step must have been the use of grammar in the language and the basis of today’s language must have eveloped. But it is still a matter of debate whether it developed gradually or suddenly because researchers have no proof for any of the two. Language is said to be unique human quality and researchers have found evidence that suggests that a sudden change took place somewhere in Africa around 50,000 years back. This brought some changes in human brain and some of the scientists have concluded that a group of Africans left and proceeded to colonize other parts of the world. This way similar language pattern spread and is now found in most parts of the world. There are ome researchers who believe that the language of today has eventually been achieved and has gone through different stages and the modern linguistics must have evolved since late eighteenth century. It depends upon the circumstances and surroundings and it has been proved by the researchers that chimpanzees when kept in supporting environment can learn and communicate in sign language with humans. The richness of our language for communication is considered as distinctive achievement because it provides us with the ways to express our feelings and emotions to others. Each and every achievement of umans can be credited to language because without it nothing could have been possible in the field of science and technology, philosophy, art and culture or any of the fields. There is language diversity found in this world and even market of language technology is also growing. Language has helped a lot in expanding different types of businesses throughout the world. Exchange of ideas and views become very important when it comes to business or any field that is concerned with the whole world. The use of computer and Internet has also brought the whole world quite close and even the diversity f languages can be bridged with the help of latest technology. Translations are done with the help of software and although they are less accurate than the work done by humans, they are cheap and easily accessible. It can almost be considered as revolution and this has been spreading widely through the help of computer. Initially language was thought to be a unique human quality and that must be because it gave every human to articulate and communicate easily with each other. Understand each other in a better way, which was a great achievement for humans and this helped them to ravel and know about different cultures and livings. Language is the base of all the developments and achievements in this world. If there were no collectiveness due to common language, there would have been nothing possible. All the developments either technical or in the art world are seen and enjoyed today just because a group of people were able to communicate and discuss on some point and then after a lot of studies and experiments were able to reach where we are today. Communication has also helped to pass on the ideas of one generation to other and in this way development has eventually eached and is further heading in future. The most important thing needed for communication is language as it is the base and without which it would have not been possible to communicate. It happens at many levels and in various ways but need of language is must. Language becomes the means that helps to communicate within the working team and thus helps achieve targets and success. Man is a social animal and he needs to communicate in order to remain attached to the society and every member of the society has his or her share in its development. Many scholars have given instances and tried to explain the importance of communication and its relation with language. Just to prove the significance of language there had been so many projects to teach languages to animals and men have succeeded in it. Some of the animals can understand and communicate in sign languages if taught in perfect age like chimpanzees and some can even speak too like parrots if taught at an early age can communicate with vocal expressions. Dolphins are found to call each other by names and they also communicate with their human companions and understand their instructions. Dolphins are found to respond to music too. Language is an organized form of communication, which can be conveyed through voice, signals, and gestures or written symbols. But just communication or its ways are not considered as language and this is the reason why the communication of animals is not considered as language. Humans speak and write language as a system of symbols and grammars or rules with the help of which the symbols are manipulated. Most of humans use sounds or gestures as communication tools and language is considered to be exclusively as mode of communication for humans only.

World Trade bombing Essay Example for Free

World Trade bombing Essay The battle against terrorism has been centered on the Middle East where top terrorist group Al Qaeda – perpetrators of the World Trade bombing – has been formed and operated under Osama Bin Laden’s leadership. Evidences such as videotapes of Al Qaeda members being trained in the camps as well as reading scriptures from the Quran have been seen by the public concluding a message that this a group acting in the name of religion, on behalf of Islam and of their God, Allah. Terrorist groups have risen out of different events in history where Muslims consistently suffered under the hands of their western conquerors. One of these events is the declaration of the Israeli state displacing a lot of Muslim Palestinians, thus, resulting into a full blown civil war which still occurs today. The alliance of the powerful United States with the Israeli Jews and the invasion of the said country to Afghanistan (Osama’s home country), and Iraq for oil purposes; urged a call for all Muslims to fight against the United States and its allies. Allah, the God of Islam, is seen as a god that does not tolerate injustice and seen as a leader who is the protector of the oppressed and punish non-believers. Seeing the damages that the war in Israel and in Afghanistan brought to the Muslim, Osama has taken the lead in calling for the Muslim people to uphold Allah’s laws and fight off the injustice deeds of the powerful conquerors. His message boxed the compass: kick out the foreign armies occupying Muslim lands, defend the pure poor from the corrupt rich, upend the high and mighty, inspire youth by one’s own selflessness†¦His effrontery against the odds acted as a powerful magnet. (Randal, 2005, p. 46) By carrying out the trait of Allah as the warrior of the oppressed people, the message of Osama and the success of the bombings in Lebanon strengthen the aim to form terrorist factions in order to spread Islam and abolish all kinds of religions. Martyrdom The goal of fighting off non-Islamic factions has instilled an image of a ruthless oppressor due to the Muslims’ experience under the hands of western groups that has a completely different belief from them. As terrorist groups have been established, members are always being reminded about their purpose through indoctrination. Leaders of the group would often read the scriptures from the Quran, retells the heroic acts of the Islamic wars; and most importantly if they are to prepare for a suicide mission, the leaders reminds them Allah’s will of self-sacrifice and the rewards that awaits them in paradise after death (Bongar, Brown, Beutler, Bongar, Zimbardo, 2007, p. 110). Martyrdom is not a duty to be followed, it is embraced by the members wholeheartedly and waiting for it with anticipation. The act of a suicide attack is a manifestation of the martyrdom. For the Muslim terrorists, achieving martyrdom by means of suicide is a way of cleansing the sins and a form of reward. Mortal life is a life encompassed with sin. From the Christian perspective, people are destined to either go to heaven or to hell depending on the sins that have been committed and repented during his or her mortal life. On the other hand, the Islam teaches that through martyrdom, a sinner can redeem himself or herself from the sins that have been done. Participating in a suicide mission is a method to reach self-purification and to be clean from all the sins which will make an individual worthy of the eternal paradise (Pedahzur, 2005, p. 37). Aside from the promise of self-redemption, martyrdom is also use to pose as a reward not just the after-life paradise with Allah but also for family members of the terrorist. One such reward can include a change in the family’s social status (Pedahzur, p.37) where a terrorist coming from the lowest class will be granted a heroic honor for his or her death thus, earning social acceptance and a higher lifestyle from the accumulated financial or material compensation. The family of a martyr terrorist is given a â€Å"certificate of martyrdom† which they can show to avail of privileges in buying food, clothing, and gaining access to social events (Reuter Ragg-Kirkby, 2004, p. 45). Martyrdom is encompassed by the Islamic belief system of ‘jihad’ where the very word has been defined as ‘struggle’ (Habeck, 2006, p. 4). This definition within the context of martyrdom can be said that by means of suicide, to momentarily struggle the pain of inflicting pain or death to the physical body is the path towards eternal happiness. It is a motivation to conclude someone’s life which serves a purpose for the greater good of the Muslim people and for bringing Islam to the top of political power. The Other Purpose of Suicide Terrorism Aside from the strong ideology provided by religion, terrorist groups opted to perform suicide attacks because of practical reasons. Suicide Terrorism has basically became a trend in the new millennium when it comes to attacking opponents. Bruce Hoffman (who specialized in terrorism research stated that suicide attacks are low cost, effective, and cause public attraction (cited in Purpura, 2007, p. 56). Since most of the terrorist factions came from the poverty-stricken countries, if an organization is not supported by an independent financer, suicide attack is a priority to use. Most of the bombs that are attached to the suicide bomber are custom made out of inexpensive materials and to perform a suicide attack, it takes little training since the bomber mixed anonymously with the ordinary citizens (Nikonov, 2007, p.30). Another important aspect of the reference in using suicide attacks, it is because due to the fact that it cost little money and training but it guarantee media coverage (Purpura, p. 56). To be publicized is an essential part so that the group can relay its message to the enemies and at the same time to gain recognition. Recognition in a sense that, when a group member committed a suicide attack it legitimizes the group. The death of a member contributes to the sense of legitimacy and dramatic community investment in a cause. The message is that there is no going back. Some groups engage in glorification of the act, deliberately hyping a â€Å"culture of martyrdom† lionizing the attacker. This celebrity can be powerfully attractive to potential recruits, and with the suicide often comes greater general attention as well to the motivation for the act. (Linden, 2003, p. 83) Lastly perhaps the most important practical usage of suicide attack is that upon the death of the bomber, it is already a clean break. Just like Hoffman stated that there is no need for an escape plan (Purpura, p. 56) and the information with regards to the terrorist organization is left as a mystery. Impact of Suicide Attack to Society Since most of the suicide attackers are left unknown, some researchers have estimated profile of suicide bomber. This includes recruits which have an age range from 16-23 years old comprised of mostly single male while female attackers only made up of a small number; and normally members come from different social classes, with the educated leading the faction (Bongar, et al. , p. 106). It is a pattern that those who have attained education are the ones who organized the group into trainings and launching terrorist activities. From the preceding discussion, the well-publicized feedback that the suicide terrorism receives entails to induce fear not just to its specific targets but to the whole sector of the community. Unlike the conventional wars of the past, the soldiers are the ones who are assured of being killed but for suicide terrorism, it encapsulates the whole society in danger. The unknown identity of the attackers and the massive casualties it caused make people revel into a never ending insecurity. The trust within the structure of the society disappears as anyone can be the victim and anyone can be the suspect. According to Christopher Reuter and Helena Ragg-Kirkby (2004): Suicide attacks affect us profoundly and powerfully. They remind us that there are people who consider their struggle – whatever the cause – to be more important than their own lives. They annihilate the entire logic of power, since no credible threat can be made against someone who has no desire to survive. (p. 2) This form of terrorism of leaves the society in paralyzed fear with no direction of counter measures to fight against it. It is likened to a battle where one is fully armed however; darkness blinded the vision to properly defeat it. Suicide terrorism does not choose its victims any longer. The main concern refers to how huge it inflicts damage and to convey its power by materializing fear in the form of bloodshed. Perhaps this is the biggest challenge that the modern generation may have encounter, the unknown face of terror is one hard to beat. References Battin, M. P. (2005). Ending Life. New York: Oxford University Press. Bongar, B. M. , Bongar, B. , Brown, L. M. , Beutler, L. E. , Zimbardo, P. G. (2007). Psychology of Terrorism. New York: Oxford University Press.

Indias Private Defence Companies

Indias Private Defence Companies Our endeavour must be to meet the twin imperatives of technological relevance and cost effective delivery. Given the expansion of our private sector, both in technical and financial terms, we are at the threshold of a future in which the private sector contributes to the national cause of high technology defence. There is need for a new institutional framework to involve the private sector, to ensure continuous dialogue as well as to provide incentives for risk taking. We should encourage substantial investment in production capabilities and also in defence related RDs.  [1]   Manmohan Singh, PM of India Introduction The history of involvement of private industry in defence production in India goes back to 1991  [2]  which was followed by government initiatives in 1998 to establish close interaction of MoD and services with the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). The constitution of Group of Ministers  [3]   committee tasked to examine the Kargil debacle, the policy reforms implemented by the government since 2001  [4]  and the constitution of Kelkar committee in 2004  [5]  , were primarily aimed at overhauling the acquisition process and promoting indigenous development to achieve 70% defence requirements from indigenous sources by 2010. The major fall out of these was the Defence Procurement Procedures, DPP 2002, DPP 2004, DPP 2006 and DPP 2008  [6]  . The dramatic differences between technologies used in commercial and military systems in the past have narrowed down with the changing pace of the scientific innovation in the commercial sector especially in the fields of nano-technology, robotics, computer simulation, and stealth technology. As a result, military organizations in developed countries have turned to commercial sector for dual-use technologies and new breakthrough scientific discoveries especially with the decline in the defence spending in post Cold-War era for reasons economic as well as political. Emerging Private Sector In the last two decades, the Private Sector has expanded immensely  [7]  with the DPSUs outsourcing more than 30% and OFs outsourcing 80%. The private sector can produce much more efficiently in a much less time frame and hence their role in Indian defence industry cannot be underestimated despite their constraints. Various private sector companies have ventured into the defence sector and have been issued license by the government. These companies have already taken up production of defence equipment by entering into joint venture (JV) with many foreign companies. Some of these are  [8]  :- Mahindra Mahindra Ltd, New Delhi. Larsen Toubro Ltd, Mumbai. Max Aerospace Aviation Ltd, Mumbai. HBL Power Systems Ltd, Hyderabad. Ramoss India, New Delhi. Tata Motors Ltd, Mumbai. Alpha Phazotron Radar Equipment Systems Pvt Ltd, Bangalore EADSs helicopter subsidiary Eurocopter is associated with HAL since 1962, manufacturing more than 600 Alouette 3 and Lama (known as Cheetah and Chetak locally) helicopters. EADS has plans to set up pilot training facilities in India for the civil and military segments and plans to invest $7-8 billion ($9.5-11 billion) over the next 10 years. In Nov 2009, Mahindra Group created Mahindra Defence Systems in India  [9]  which is a JV with BAE Systems. Mahindra Group has simultaneously acquired majority stakes in two Australian defence companies, Aerostaff Australia and Gippsland Aeronautics, signalling its entry into the defence and aerospace business. Tata has entered into JV with AgustaWestland to assemble the AW119 in India. Honeywell Aerospace  [10]  , which provides integrated avionics, engines, systems and service products for the aerospace industry, is one example. The US Company has a design and development centre in India that it hopes to expand in the coming years. Airbus has set up the Airbus Engineering Centre India in Bangalore where local engineers help develop capabilities in modelling and simulation, covering areas such as flight management systems and aerodynamics, to help in the design and production of aircraft such as the A380 and the A350. It is also working with Indian IT firms such as CADES, HCL, Infosys, Quest and Satyam to offer support across various aircraft programmes. India has an inherent edge over several other nations because of higher skills and lower costs of production. This makes India an ideal contender for joint ventures. HAL has entered into joint ventures with many overseas aviation system companies to undertake design and development of new systems in India. Some of these are the BaeHAL, HAL Edgewood, HELBIT etc. Many other software and hardware giants involved in the aviation hardware and software development especially in the embedded and real time system domain have also established their facilities in Bangalore. Some of these are GE Intelligent Systems, Honeywell, etc. Given their rapid growth over the last decade, it is perhaps no surprise that Indian software companies such as HCL, Infosys, Infotech, Tata Consultancy Services and Wipro have been active in the aerospace industry for several years. Increasingly, they are benefiting from the engineering services outsourcing programmes. This will help India evolve from IT and low-end business process outsourcing work to high-end design services. Overseas companies view the Indian companies as long-term partners and not as mere suppliers/vendors  [11]  . Initiatives The initiatives undertaken by government towards promoting involvement of private sector industries towards high end defence requirements are:- Opening up of defence sector (in 2001) for 100% participation by Indian private sector and upto 26% FDI. Provision of the offset clause in DPP for any procurement from a foreign vendor beyond 300 crores. Introduction of a procurement clause Buy and Make (Indian).This clause is expected to create a positive impact on the private sector industry and could encourage formation of joint ventures or alliances for co-production with Indian companies. Issue of RFP to Indian private sector and the companies having a greater say in negotiations, in obtaining technology from foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) as well as in co-production. Sharing of information on long term perspective plan with the Indian industry and the involvement of the domestic industry in acquisition planning. Funding RD cost to the extent of 80 per cent by the Government. Non starters Inspite of the various measures taken, there has been no remarkable change in the current state of indigenisation. Only a few of Indias top private sector companies are involved in certain small value defence contracts. It needs to be realised that the goal of self reliance would remain a pipe dream if it is to be achieved by just banking on public sector alone. The involvement of private sector is mandatory to harness the best technology available and reduce imports. Considering the measures taken over the last two decades, India presently is far from achieving the indigenous figure of 70%. Equipment worth $50 billion has been bought from foreign suppliers in the last decade with the expenditure likely to touch $100 billion in the coming decade. The reasons to these are:- A number of defence-industry seminars, conferences and exhibitions have been held in the recent years but old mindsets, complex procurement procedures and clout wielded by the public sector have been acting as major deterrents to any meaningful participation of the private sector. Inspite of policy reforms of 2001, at the Defence-Expo 2010 the foreign defence majors were still lined up to display their wares. Hence, the efficacy of the initiatives of 26% FDI needs to be given a relook. While we trust foreign suppliers (essentially because there are few alternatives) governed as they are by their respective national laws that have in-built sanction mechanisms to restrict supplies in various situations, we have not extended the same trust quotient to Indian Industry. As on date the private sector is at a distinct disadvantage as against OFs and DPSUs. The OFs and DPSUs have a non-competitive edge, because of its close proximity to the MoD. In all deals under TOT, default agency that receives the benefit is always a DPSU, even if a private sector company is better placed in terms of know-how to absorb the technology and the available infrastructure. The private sector is also inhibited by technical limitations primarily due to its late entry into the defence industry and needs to institutionalise joint ventures with established foreign defence majors. However, the FDI cap of 26% is an impediment. Way Ahead The role of the Department of Defence Production thus needs to be drastically retooled to evaluate Indias requirements not in a public sector context but a larger India paradigm. Essentially the initiatives needed are:- De-licensing. The licensing system needs to be given a relook or done away with for manufacturing of defence equipment by private companies except for very critical products. Foreign Direct Investment. FDI limits should be enhanced to 49% for all defence production with sensitive content and in non-sensitive areas raised to 76 or even 100 per cent. This would obviate the need for government to defray 80 per cent of the RD costs. Private Equity Participation Government must seriously consider private equity participation in the defence-related public sector to unlock their potential and maximise returns on sovereign investment over the decades Developmental Partners. During development phase suitable industrial entities needs to be identified to participate in the activity as developmental partners. Limited Series Production (LSP). After joint development, the industry partners needs to be co-opted for execution of LSP that can meet the service requirement. Bulk Production Bulk of production needs to be outsourced to private players in a phased manner over several years. This could ease the problem of available OFs and DPSUs while at the same time utilise the resources available in these public establishments. Spin-offs The spin-offs from the defence technology need to be exploited in the commercial domain by effecting required repackaging/modification. Marketing. Scope also exists for industry to seek potential market for these products in India/Abroad with due approvals. Also the collaboration of private companies needs to be exploited for marketing of the products. Tax benefits. The government needs to provide a level playing field to private industry in terms of excise and custom exemptions for imports of certain components to be utilised in defence equipment. Promoting Interactions. DRDO has been actively promoting private industries participation in its entire gamut of activities by regularly interacting with the interested players as well as with organizations such as CII, FICCI, ASOCHAM. DRDO has organized several DRDO-Industry meets to appraise industry veterans about opportunities awaiting them in Defence RD. This would defineitely help in exploiting the available expertise in industry. Sponsored Research. Government needs to look into orient the fresh brains in the IITs, NITs and other educational institutions in India towards RD of the projects in hand as well as perspective projects. This can be taken up through Sponsored Research as well as industrial consultancy. Public Private Partnership. There is a need to promote public private partnership as the public sector has excellent infrastructure, manufacturing facilities and a highly experienced task force. It will be a waste of national resources if these assets are duplicated by the private sector. The private sector, on the other hand, can bring in latest technology, managerial practices, marketing skills and financial management. Therefore, a well-blended fusion of both will result in synergising of their strengths through economies of scale and prove mutually beneficial. Joint Ventures. The Brahmos project, which is the governmental level collaboration between the GOI (Bharat) and Russia (Moscow), is one good example of implementing organisational level change. The same needs to be followed up in other projects in pipeline.