Could Cold War Have Been Avoided?

Could Cold War have been avoided? No, I strongly believe that the Cold War could not have been avoided because Russia and America were natural enemies of the Soviet Union. The United States and Russia were just too different countries with two completely different leaders who never managed to see eye to eye which may have been the biggest reason the war was unavoidable. The other reason was that they had different ideologies and system of government. Also molotov plans n marshal planb. Truman and Stalin were two different leaders with two different ambitions and wants for their countries and time as leaders. The other reason for the Cold War being such a dispute was because of Truman's ignorance and greed. He more often than not went back on what he said and made exceptionally high demands. The United States and the Soviet Union represent two opposing systems of government. In the United States, the government is elected by free elections. The people can form political parties to voice their political opinions. They also possess the right of assembly, of speech and of the press. In the Soviet Union, the government is formed by the Communist Party. The people do not have the right to form their own political parties. They do not enjoy the right of assembly, of speech and of the press. Since these two systems of government are diametrically opposed to one another, there can be little compromise between the United States and the Soviet Union. In the end, the Cold War buckles down to three main three reason. Truman and Stalin had different thoughts and ambitions, they had different ideologies and system of government, and . The war could have been avoided is if Truman and Stalin had not gotten into so many arguments. The nuclear resources of the United States and the Soviet Union are larger, better equipped, and deadlier than at any other time in history. This incisive book contends that the superpowers, while exhibiting enormous ingenuity in the area of arms development, have shown only a minimal interest toward the containment of arms. This is a carefully documented evaluation of how both superpowers, and of their failure to contain the nuclear arms race despite their involvement in the process for over a quarter of a century. Only the superpowers can reduce the proliferation of nuclear arms and in the process lessen likelihood of nuclear war through accident, fault or crisis escalation.

An Investigation Into the Factors Influencing the Implementation

Chapter One Introduction 1. Introduction This chapter will cover the background of the research problem, purpose of study, hypotheses, importance of the study, and the scope of the study. The chapter introduces the major concepts of the study of strategic alliances and agent banking models. 1. 1. Background 1. 1. 1 Strategic Management Process Although most can agree that a firm’s ability to survive and prosper depends on choosing and implementing a good strategy, there is less agreement about what constitutes a good strategy (Barney, 2008).However, there seems to be an agreement as to what a strategy really means: a firm’s theory about how to gain competitive advantage. The strategic management process is a sequential set of analyses and choices that can increase the likelihood that a firm will choose a strategy that generates competitive advantage (Hesterly, 2008). The first step is mission (long term purpose) definition, followed by setting of objectives, that is, sp ecific measurable targets that a firm uses to evaluate the extent to which it is realizing its mission.The next phase are the internal and external analyses, where a critical evaluation of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats is done in regard to both the internal and external environments. Once a firm establishes a sound balance between internal capabilities and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats, the management is in an informed position to select strategies that presents the best way possible to achieve the firm’s objectives. Barney (2008) categorizes strategy choices into business level strategies and corporate level strategies.Business-level strategies are actions a firm takes to gain competitive advantage in a single market and includes cost leadership, differentiation and focus. Corporate level strategies are actions a firm takes to gain competitive advantage in multiple markets and includes vertical integration strategies, strategic all iances, mergers and acquisitions. This study draws its subject on strategic alliances as a corporate-level strategy a firm may choose to achieve its broad objectives. 1. 1. 2 Strategic AlliancesA strategic alliance exists whenever two or more independent organizations cooperate in the development, manufacture, or sale of products or services. These alliances can be groped into three broad categories: nonequity alliances, equity alliances, and joint ventures (Barney, 2008). In a nonequity alliance, the cooperative relations are managed through the use of various contracts: licensing agreements, supply agreements, and distribution agreements. For instance, in the banking industry, agent banking falls under distribution agreements since agents are contracted by banks to offer banking services on behalf of the banks (C.G. A. P, 2009). 1. 1. 3 Agent Banking In a growing number of countries, banks and other commercial financial service providers are finding new ways to make money and deli ver financial services to unbanked people (Lyman, 2009). Rather than using bank branches and their own field officers, they offer banking and payment services through third parties. For poor people, â€Å"branchless banking† through retail agents may be far more convenient and efficient than going to a bank branch (C. G. A. P, 2009).For many poor customers, it will be the first time they have access to any formal financial services—and formal services are usually significantly safer and cheaper than informal alternatives. Two models of branchless banking through retail agents are emerging: one led by banks, the other by non-bank commercial actors (Lyman, 2009). Both use information and communication technologies, such as cell phones, debit and prepaid cards, and card readers to transmit transaction details from the retail agent or customer to the bank (C. G. A. P, 2009).Branchless banking through retail agents appeals to policymakers and regulators because it has the p otential to extend financial services to unbanked and marginalized communities. But it also challenges them to ask: What are the risks of these new approaches, and are they different from those of conventional branch-based banking? How should banks respond to these risks, so as to permit branchless banking with retail agents to operate safely and expand access to finance (C. G. A. P, 2009). Agency banking can be understood by examining the experience of five ioneering countries— Brazil, India, South Africa, the Philippines, and Kenya—where agent-assisted branchless banking that targets poor customers is already a reality (Kumar, 2009). Some models of branchless banking—for example, Internet banking and automatic teller machines (ATMs)—can be seen as modest extensions of conventional branch-based banking. Other models offer a distinct alternative to conventional branch-based banking in that customers conduct financial transactions at a whole range of retai l agents instead of at bank branches or through bank employees (Staschen, 2009).Agent-assisted branchless banking is relatively new. Among the countries studied, the phenomenon ranges in age from only a few months (in the case of Kenya), to a few years (in the case of Brazil and some services in India). Outside of Brazil and the Philippines, branchless banking through retail agents reaches relatively few customers with a limited range of financial services (C. G. A. P, 2009). As compared with conventional branch-based banking, both models of agent-assisted branchless banking touch on issues that lie at the heart of traditional bank regulation and supervision.One set of issues, common to both models, arises from the outsourcing of substantially all direct customer contact to a potentially infinite array of different types of retail agents (Lyman, 2009). According to F. S. D/Kenya, key issues to be considered are: authorization of agent network managers, establishment of a register of agents, review of agent licensing requirements, competition & agent exclusivity, and need for consumer protection arrangements covering agents.Coupled with the risks associated with new operational platforms, these issues are likely to be of major concern to commercial banks and may indeed hamper the implementation of agent banking. 1. 2 Problem Statement In the year 2009, C. B. K became one of the founding members of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (A. F. I) in September 2009. Through A. F. I, C. B. K conducted a study tour of Brazil and Colombia to gain an understanding of Agent Banking. This model introduced through the Finance Act, 2009 entail the use of third parties by banks to extend their outreach cost effectively.The National Financial Access Survey released in 2009 indicates that 32% of Kenya’s bankable population remains totally excluded from any form of financial services. The Central Bank has therefore continued to promote policy solutions geared towards en hancing financial inclusion, with the introduction of agent banking being one of the initiatives. In a growing number of countries, banks are finding new ways of delivering financial services to unbanked people. The introduction of agent banking is intended to enable institutions to provide banking services in a more cost effective way which is equally cheaper to the customers (C.G. A. P, 2009). It is further intended to enhance financial access especially for those people who are currently unbanked, while giving banks an opportunity to increase their market shares (F. S. D/Kenya, 2009). Despite the strong presence of retail outlets showing interest to work with banks as agents, the adoption of this model is rather slow. Since the coming into operations of the Guidelines on Agent Banking, only six banks have applied to the C. B. K for Agent Network approval (C. B. K, 2010).Of these, only two applications had been granted approval by end of September 2010, while the other four were s till in the early stages of review. As at 30th September 2010, CBK had approved 5,892 agents of which 4,392 of these agents are telecom related with 1,500 comprising other types of enterprises. In addition, 66% of the approved agents are in the rural areas while the rest are in urban areas. (C. B. K, 2010). This study therefore seeks to find out the factors influencing the implementation of agent-banking by commercial banks in Kenya. 1. 3 PurposeThis study aims at discovering the factors behind the sluggish pace of agent banking implementation in Kenya, with emphasis on the position taken by commercial banks in Kenya towards agent-assisted banking models. The results of the study will include comprehensive recommendations to both commercial banks and the industry regulator on possible strategies of making agent banking, as an alternative service delivery channel, a success in bringing financial services closer to the poor and currently unbanked population. 1. 4 Objectives of the stu dy 1. 4. 1 General objectiveThe general objective of the study is to determine factors influencing the implementation of agent banking in the Kenyan Financial Services Sector. 1. 4. 2 Specific objectives The study aims to achieve the following specific objectives; i. To determine how consumer protection influences the implementation of agent banking by commercial banks in Kenya ii. To determine how laws and regulations influences the implementation of agent banking by commercial banks in Kenya iii. To determine how risk appetite affects the implementation of agent banking by commercial banks in Kenya iv.To find out the effect of overall business strategy on the implementation of agent banking by commercial banks in Kenya. 1. 5 Hypotheses Table 1. 1 Hypotheses sets |Set |H0 |HA | |1 |Consumer protection requirements influence the |Consumer protection requirements have no influence on the | | |implementation of agent banking by commercial banks in |implementation of agent banking by c ommercial banks in | | |Kenya. Kenya. | |2 |Unfavorable legal and regulatory guidelines on agent |Legal and regulatory guidelines on agent networks have no | | |networks affect the implementation of agent banking by |effect on the implementation of agent banking by commercial | | |commercial banks in Kenya. |banks in Kenya. | |3 |Low risk appetite influences the operationalization of |Low risk appetite has no effect on the operationalization of| | |agent banking by commercial banks in Kenya. |agent banking by commercial banks in Kenya. |4 |Lack of an elaborate business strategy on agent banking|Business strategies have no effect on the adoption of agent | | |affects the adoption of agent banking models among |banking models among commercial banks in Kenya | | |commercial banks in Kenya | | 1. 6 Scope The study will cover duly registered commercial banks in Kenya, with information being gathered preferably from the headquarters of the institutions.Respondents will be individuals hold ing managerial position related to retail banking, channels management, risk management and marketing or strategy functions. All aspects of service delivery by third party agents will form the main subject of the study. 1. 7 Significance of the study 1. 7. 1 To regulatory authorities The study will be of major use to the CBK, Central government and other oversight bodies as it will give insights on the unique attributes of the Kenyan banking sector and identification of potential problem areas in the quest of increasing financial inclusion through alternative channels.This will go along pay in guiding policy decisions that can be exploited to make banking services conveniently available all segments of the population. 1. 7. 2 To commercial Banks The study is important to Commercial bank managers since it will help them appreciate the magnitude of potential loss of business opportunities to their competitors due to lack of flexible strategic planning. The report will also produce val uable industry data that can be used by commercial banks to develop comprehensive business strategies on agent banking as key potential problem areas in the banking model will be identified and quantified. . 7. 3 To academicians and researchers The study will be a source of reference material for future researchers on related topics; it will also help other academicians who undertake the same topic in their studies. The study will highlight important relationships that require further research; this may be in the areas of relationships between firm’s performance and delivery channels’ dynamics. 1. 8 Limitations of the study This study will be confined to the headquarters of 12 Commercial Banks in Kenya.The responses given might be inadequate to make generalizations for the whole banking sector. This problem will however be averted by stratifying the population into three categories based on asset book size and market reach, and in line with the classification provided by the industry regulator, followed by random sampling. This will ensure that the sample will indeed be a true representative of the population. 1. 9 Assumptions The study assumes that consumer protection requirements, low risk appetite, cumbersome regulations and restrictive business strategies have a negative influence on the adoption of agent banking models in Kenya.The study further assumes that middle and top level bank managers in the areas of retail banking, marketing, strategy and risk management are conversant with the subject of service delivery through third party agents. 1. 10 Definitions Strategy- a firm’s theory about how to gain competitive advantage Strategic management process – sequential set of analyses and choices that can increase the likelihood that a firm will choose a strategy that generates competitive advantage Strategic alliances – arrangements where two or more independent organizations cooperate in the development, manufacture, or sa le of products or servicesAgent banking – a banking model where commercial banks offer their core services through third party intermediaries Consumer protection – set of guidelines a firm/industry employs to cover its customers from any form of exploitation due to their vulnerable position in a business transaction Risk appetite – the amount of loss a firm is ready to absorb due to risk events Risk – uncertainty in the occurrence of loss or gain Reputation risk – risk of loss resulting from compromised external opinion towards a firm Operational risk – risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems, or from external eventsLiquidity risk – risk that an imbalance between cash inflows and outflows will result in insufficient cash reserves to meet all demands of the depositors. Chapter Two Literature Review 2. 0 Introduction This chapter presents the literature review and theories, and conceptual framework adopted in the study of strategic alliances and more specifically, the evolution of agent banking. In addition, an empirical work has been reviewed with the final presentation of conceptual and operational frameworks of the study. 2. 1 Theoretical Literature ReviewThe sections analyses current theories related to strategic management process, strategic choice, strategic alliance threats and opportunities, and their relevance in the agent banking models. Research gaps and theoretical weaknesses have also been identified. 2. 1. 1 Strategic Management Process Although most can agree that a firm’s ability to survive and prosper depends on choosing and implementing a good strategy, there is less agreement about what constitutes a good strategy (Barney, 2008). However, there seems to be an agreement as to what a strategy really means: a firm’s theory about how to gain competitive advantage.The strategic management process is a sequential set of analyses and choices that can increase the likelihood that a firm will choose a strategy that generates competitive advantage (Hesterly, 2008). The first step is mission (long term purpose) definition, followed by setting of objectives, that is, specific measurable targets that a firm uses to evaluate the extent to which it is realizing its mission. The next phase are the internal and external analyses, where a critical evaluation of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats is done in regard to both the internal and external environments.Once a firm establishes a sound balance between internal capabilities and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats, the management is in an informed position to select strategies that presents the best way possible to achieve the firm’s objectives. Barney (2008) categorizes strategy choices into business level strategies and corporate level strategies. Business-level strategies are actions a firm takes to gain competitive advantage in a sin gle market and includes cost leadership, differentiation and focus.Corporate level strategies are actions a firm takes to gain competitive advantage in multiple markets and includes vertical integration strategies, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions. This study draws its subject on strategic alliances as a corporate-level strategy a firm may choose to achieve its broad objectives. One major weakness of this framework is that it presents strategic management in a form of series while in real sense, management decisions are made within a network of closely interwoven and interrelated activities. For instance, S. W. O.T analysis is done at every stage in the strategic management process 2. 1. 2 Strategic Alliances A strategic alliance exists whenever two or more independent organizations cooperate in the development, manufacture, or sale of products or services. These alliances can be groped into three broad categories: nonequity alliances, equity alliances, and joint ventur es (Barney, 2008). In a nonequity alliance, cooperating firms agree to work together to develop, manufacture, or sell products or services, but they do not take equity positions in each other or form an independent organizational unit to manage their cooperative efforts.Rather, these cooperative relations are managed through the use of various contracts: licensing agreements, supply agreements, and distribution agreements. For instance, in the banking industry, agent banking falls under distribution agreements as agents are contracted by banks to offer banking services on behalf of the banks (C. G. A. P, 2008). The classification according to Barney (2008) is in agreement with that given by Day (1990) and gives a clear distinction between strategic alliances and mergers and acquisitions.However, other writers have questioned this classification as merger could be indeed be a form of strategic alliances involving capital. 2. 1. 3 Strategic Alliance Opportunities Strategic alliances c reate value by exploiting opportunities and neutralizing threats facing a firm. Opportunities associated with strategic alliances fall into three large categories. First, these alliances can be used to improve performance of a firm’s current operations. Second, alliances can be used to create a competitive environment favorable to superior firm performance.Finally, they can be used to facilitate a firm’s entry into or exit from new markets or industries (Hesterly, 2008). Indeed, the major reason why most firms cooperate is to increase efficiencies and open more avenues of improving firms’ performance. However, Hesterly (2008) has not clearly whether opportunities of strategic alliances attract firms or it is the business needs that compel firms to initiate alliances in the market. 2. 1. 4 Strategic Alliance Threats Just as there are incentives to cooperate in strategic alliances, there are also incentives to cheat on these cooperative agreements.Indeed, research shows that as many as one-third of all strategic alliances do not meet the expectations of at least one alliance partner (Barney, 2008). In the case of distributor agreements (nonequity alliance), the producers often evaluate the threats of the alliance using a framework of risk. The risk based approach has particularly been adopted in the financial services contracting in countries like Brazil and Mexico. (C. G. A. P, 2006) Hesterly (2008) has highlighted four issues of concern to forming strategic alliances: consumer protection, legal / regulatory implications, competitive networks, Reputational and operational risks.In addition, an organization needs to have an overall business strategy that is open to strategic linkages with other entities. Lyman (2009) has brought these threats into perspective while studying the branchless banking model in Brazil, Kenya and the Philippines. 2. 1. 4. 1 Consumer Protection And Resolution Of Grievances According to Lyman (2009), any of the foreg oing categories of risk triggers consumer protection concerns if the resulting loss falls on customers. Use of retail agents may also increase the risk that customers will be unable to understand their rights and press claims when aggrieved.Customers are protected against fraud by laws and regulations in the countries studied. But it is not always clear to customers how they will be protected against fraud when they use retail agents to conduct financial transactions. 2. 1. 4. 2 Legal / Regulatory Risks Since industry regulators have had little experience with agent banking models and are still adjusting existing rules to address them (or had yet to begin this process), some level of legal and regulatory uncertainty and ambiguity for both the banks and nonbanks (and to a lesser extent also for retail agents) has remained.Once a model becomes widely used in a country, these uncertainties and ambiguities could take on a systemic dimension if, for example, several banks with significan t operations conducted through retail agents suddenly face an unfavorable interpretation that challenges their authority to transact business through retail agents or the enforceability of related legal agreements (Lyman, 2009) 2. 1. 4. 3 Operational Risk Operational risk refers to potential losses resulting from â€Å"inadequate or failed internal processes, people and systems or from external events. For banks and nonbanks that use retail agents and rely on electronic communications to settle transactions, a variety of potential operational risks arise. For example, customers or retail agents could commit fraud, or a bank’s equipment or other property could be stolen from a retail agent’s premises. Financial loss for banks or nonbanks (and also potentially for customers) can also occur from data leaks or data loss from hacker attacks, inadequate physical or electronic security, or poor backup systems (Lyman, 2009). 2. 1. 4. 4 Reputation Risk When retail agents under perform or are robbed, banks’ public image may suffer.Many operational risks mentioned (such as the loss of customer records or the leakage of confidential customer data) also can cause reputational risk, as can liquidity shortfalls in the retail agent’s cash drawer. Moreover, reputation risk can spread from one bank or nonbank to another and take on systemic dimensions (Lyman, 2009) 2. 1. 4. 5 Liquidity Risk Retail agents, especially those that are relatively small, unsophisticated, and remote, may not have enough cash to meet customers’ requests for withdrawals and may lack experience in the more complex liquidity management required for offering financial services.To manage liquidity effectively, retail agents must balance several variables, including turnover of cash, ease of access to the retail agent’s bank account, and processing time of transactions, among others (C. G. A. P, 2008). 2. 1. 4. 6 Business Strategy Although most can agree that a firm ’s ability to survive and prosper depends on choosing and implementing a good strategy, there is less agreement about what constitutes a good strategy (Barney, 2008). According to Aaker (1998), t is usually very difficult to predict how competition in an industry will evolve, and so it is rarely possible to know for sure that a firm is choosing the right strategy and this is why a firm’s strategy is almost always a theory. However, this theory sets the tone at which competition evolution is handled in the future. For a firm to make the choice of making strategic alliances, the overall business strategy must be open to the formation of strategic linkages with other entities.This fact has been acknowledged by the Central Bank of Kenya which has directed that for any commercial bank to be allowed to offer services through third party agents, it must have an elaborate business strategy on agent banking (CBK guidelines on Agent Banking, 2010). In summary, the classification of threats in agent banking models as given by Lyman (2009) appears to be widely accepted by industry players as the framework was drawn from case studies done in the banking industry in the pioneering countries.However, the framework fails to suggest possible avenues of avoiding or at least neutralizing these threats to be used as a guideline by financial institutions which are interested in agent banking models. More research is indeed required to meet this gap if agency banking is to be the new frontier of increasing financial inclusion. 2. 2 Empirical Review The concept of agent banking has only taken momentum in the twenty first century, with Brazil being a success story of branch-less banking. Other countries where the banking approach has been implemented are South Africa, India, Mexico, Kenya and the Philippines.In Kenya, the idea of agent banking evolved from the innovations of the mobile telecommunications company, Safaricom Ltd, with its innovative and transformative mon ey transfer service, ‘M-PESA’. In 2009, the Banking Act was amended to allow commercial banks use agents in their outreach to extend the formal financial services access frontier. Three organizations have been instrumental in studying agent banking models and their contribution to the universal goal of raising financial inclusion among the poor. These organizations are F. S.D/K (Financial Sector Deepening, Kenya), C. B. K (Central Bank of Kenya) and C. G. A. P (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor). In an effort to promote financial access by the majority of Kenyans, the Central Bank and the banking sector continued with initiatives to put in place a credit information sharing mechanism which would enable individuals to use their information capital as â€Å"collateral† to access bank services. Further, the amendment of the Banking Act to permit banks to use agents in their outreach would also extend the formal financial services access frontier.In 2009, banks p ursued revenue growth strategies based on their ability to acquire new customers and cross-selling more products and services to existing customers by leveraging on technology (C. B. K, 2010). In a growing number of countries, banks and other financial service providers are finding new ways to make money and deliver financial services to unbanked people (C. G. A. P, 2009). Rather than using bank branches and their own field officers, they offer banking and payment services through third parties.For many poor customers, it would be the first time they have access to any formal financial services—and formal services were usually significantly safer and cheaper than informal alternatives. Two models of branchless banking through retail agents have emerged: one led by banks, the other by non-bank commercial actors (Lyman, 2009). Both use information and communication technologies, such as cell phones, debit and prepaid cards, and card readers to transmit transaction details from the retail agent or customer to the bank (C. G. A. P, 2009).For example, customers of Caixa Economica Federal, a Brazilian state-owned bank, could open and deposit money in a current account, make person-to-person transfers, and get loans—all using simple bankcards and card readers at over 12,000 lottery outlets, supermarkets, and even butcher shops (Lyman, 2009). In Kenya Customers could use their phone to send and receive â€Å"M-PESA,† make payments to other people and shops, and store money for future use (F. S. D/K, 2010). Branchless banking through retail agents appeals to policymakers and regulators because it has the potential to extend financial services to unbanked and marginalized communities.But it also challenges them to ask: What are the risks of these new approaches, and are they different from those of conventional branch-based banking? How should banks respond to these risks (C. G. A. P, 2009) F. S. D/Kenya and C. G. A. P have done immense research and advocacy on agent banking. Agency banking can be understood by examining the experience of five pioneering countries— Brazil, India, South Africa, the Philippines, and Kenya—where agent-assisted branchless banking that targets poor customers is already a reality (Kumar, 2009).Branchless banking represents a new distribution channel that allows financial institutions and other commercial actors to offer financial services outside traditional bank premises. Lyman (2009) has outlined two models of agent banking. One model of branchless banking—for example, Internet banking and automatic teller machines (ATMs)—can be seen as modest extensions of conventional branch-based banking. Other models offer a distinct alternative to conventional branch-based banking in that customers conduct financial transactions at a whole range of retail agents instead of at bank branches or through bank employees (C. G. A.P, 2009). This concept has introduced new risks and other regulatory issues in the industry. For regulators, the task is not to try to eliminate these risks, but to balance them appropriately with the benefits of branchless banking—including expanded outreach of financial services. Of the countries so far studied, Kenya may best reflect the situation of most developing and transition countries (F. S. D Kenya, 2010). Policymakers and regulators have greeted branchless banking with a mixture of great enthusiasm for its potential to expand access and real concern about new risks for vulnerable customers and the financial system.The case for accepting bank agents in Kenya has already been accepted by policy makers and regulators in Kenya; the question is how to regulate and supervise this (FSD Kenya. 2010). In addition, it is left to the individual banks to decide whether they will use the model to meet their strategic objectives. The Central Bank of Kenya has indeed placed a requirement for an elaborate business strategy on agent banki ng before any approval is given for agent networks. Section 2. 3. 2. f CBK guidelines on agent banking approval requires the applying institution to have a delivery channel strategy and how agents fit in the strategy, feasibility study of the global view of future operations and development of the agent business for a minimum period of three years and a business strategy for agent banking (C. B. K, 2010). According to FSD-Kenya, key issues to be considered are: review of agent licensing requirements, risk management, and need for consumer protection arrangements covering agents.These issues are likely to be of major concern to commercial banks and may indeed hamper the implementation of agent banking. The threats associated with agent banking have not gone unnoticed. Indeed most commercial banks are taking a rather conservative position regarding the implementation of agent banking model. Like F. S. D/K, C. G. A. P (2009), has identified three issues that agent banking, as a strateg ic alliance orientation, poses to both the regulator and the market players: reputational and operational risks, consumer protection, regulatory framework and business strategies at the institutional level. On its part, C. B.K has alluded that any bank wishing to operate through agents must have an elaborate business strategy on agent banking before any approval is given. 2. 3. 1 Conceptual Framework [pic] Independent Variables Dependent Variable Figure 2. 1: Conceptual framework Source: (Author, 2010) 2. 3. 2. Operational Framework: [pic] Dependent variable Independent variables Parameters Figure 2. 2: Operational framework Source: (Author, 2010) Chapter Three Research Methodology 3. 0 Introduction This chapter presents the methodology that will be used to carry out this study.Research methodology is defined as an operational framework within which the facts are placed so that their meaning may be seen more clearly. The task that follows the definition of the research problem is th e preparation of the design. The methodology of this research includes the research design, population to be studied and sampling strategy, the data collection process, the instruments to be used for gathering data, and how data will be analyzed and presented. 3. 1 Research Design In this study a survey design will be used. This research problem can best be studied through the use of a survey.This method portrays an accurate profile of persons, events, or situations. Surveys allow the collection of large amount of data from a sizable population in a highly economical way. It allows one to collect quantitative data, which can be analyzed quantitatively using descriptive and/or inferential statistics. 3. 2 Population The population of study will consist of 46 commercial banks in Kenya. Target population in statistics is the specific population about which information is desired. A population is a well defined set of people, services, elements, and events, group of things or households that are being investigated.This definition ensures that population of interest is homogeneous. Population studies, also called census are more representative because everyone has equal chance to be included in the final sample that is drawn. The target population of this study will be all the 46 commercial banks in Kenya registered under the banking act. The study will focus on the headquarters of the banks, especially risk, marketing, strategy and retail divisions since they are the most conversant with the strategic directions of the banks in regard to the subject of the study. Table 3. 1 Target Population Class |Net Assets |Population |Percentage % | | |(‘000,000’ KES) |(Frequency) | | |Large Banks |> 15,000 |19 |42 | |Medium Banks |5,000 – 14,999 |14 |32 | |Small Banks |< 5,000 |12 |26 | |Total | |45 |100 | Source: (C. B. K, 2010) 3. 3 Sample size The sample size in this study will consist of 12 commercial banks in Kenya. The researcher will involve the mar keting managers, retail banking managers, and risk/compliance managers (preferably two managers from each of the mentioned functional areas) from each bank.This means that the total respondents in this study will be 72 in number. 3. 4 Sampling technique The researcher will use stratified random sampling to select 12 commercial banks out of 46 banks. The researcher will in this case consider all the commercial banks and choose 12 of them in a manner that will make the sample a true representative of the population. The population will be stratified into three categories according to the market shares and in line with the CBK classification of financial institutions. In each class, the researcher will select a random sample so that each item in the population has the same probability of being selected as part of the sample as any other item. Table 3. 2: Sample size Classes |Respondents |Target Population (2/Bank)|Sample size (2 |percentage | | | | |respondents * 4 | | | | | |banks per class) | | |Large |Marketing/strategy Managers |38 |8 |21% | | |Retail-Banking Managers |38 |8 |21% | | |Risk/Compliance managers |38 |8 |21% | |Medium |Marketing/strategy Managers |28 |8 |28% | | |Retail-Banking Managers |28 |8 |28% | | |Risk/Compliance managers |28 |8 |28% | |Small |Marketing/strategy Managers |24 |8 |33% | | |Retail-Banking Managers |24 |8 |33% | | |Risk/Compliance managers |24 |8 |33% | Source:(Author, 2010. ) 3. 5Instruments. The researcher will use primary data (questionnaires) to carry out the study. The questionnaires will include structured (close-ended) and unstructured (open-ended) questions. The structured questions will be used in an effort to conserve time and money as well as to facilitate in easier analysis as they are in immediate usable form; while the unstructured questions will be used so as to encourage the respondent to give an in-depth and felt response without feeling held back in revealing any information.With unstructured questions, a resp ondent’s response may give an insight to his feelings, background, hidden motivation, interests and decisions and give as much information as possible without holding back. 3. 6 Validity and Reliability The questionnaires to be used are estimated to be reliable as sets of questions measuring a single concept have been groped together, resulting in a high degree of internal consistency. In addition, the instruments will be subjected to a test-retest procedure before being distributed to the main respondents. The variables have been operationalized into parameters that represent issues which are handled on a day to day basis under normal business activities in the industry being studied.Besides, the selected respondents have been drawn from personalities with knowledge, experience and influence on matters forming the subject. This will ensure that the instrument actually measures the true situation, opinions and predictions on agent banking in Kenya. A survey designed will be u sed in this study because of its strength associated with collecting data in a real life situation. In addition, the sampling technique (random stratified) and the proposition of drawing respondents from relevant divisions in the head offices of commercial banks will increase the external validity as the results could be generalized to the entire banking sector in Kenya. 3. Data Collection Data will be collected using the drop and pick method. The method is deemed appropriate as all respondents are expected to be found within a small geographical area, that is, the city of Nairobi. This is coupled by the possibility of face to face interaction with the respondents which is likely to increase the response rate. 3. 8 Data Processing and Analysis Once the completed questionnaires have been received, the raw data will be edited to ensure accuracy, completeness and consistency as well as identifying cases where a respondent may give more than one response in a question that would otherwi se generate a single answer.A codebook of questionnaire items will then be developed and used to enter responses into a computer spreadsheet which would then be imported by S. P. S. S. Data will be analyzed using a multiple regression model. This will enable the researcher to make possible predictions about the study. A multivariate regression model will be applied to determine the relative importance of each of the three variables with respect to the implementation of agent banking by commercial banks in Kenya. The regression model will be as follows: y = ? 0+ ? 1X1 + ? 2X2 + ? 3X3 + ? 4X4 + ? Where: Y = Implementation of agent banking ?0 = Constant Term ?1, ? 2, ? 3, ? 4 = Regression coefficients associated with consumer protection, risk appetite, laws & regulations and restrictive business strategy respectivelyX1= consumer protection X2= risk appetite X3= laws and regulations X4= Restrictive Business strategy. 3. 9 Presentation of Findings The findings will be presented using tab les and charts. Tables will be used to summarize responses for further analysis and facilitate comparison. This will generate quantitative reports through tabulations, percentages, and measures of central tendency. Cooper and Schindler (2003) notes that the use of percentages is important for two reasons; first they simplify data by reducing all the numbers to range between 0 and 100. Second, they translate the data into standard form with a base of 100 for relative comparisons.References Aaker, D. (1998), Strategic Market Management, Chichester, Wiley. Voll 13 pp 14 – 26 Achrol, R. S. and Kotler, P. (1999), â€Å"Marketing in a networked economy†, Journal of Marketing, (special issue). Aliouat, Boualem. (2006). â€Å"Effects of change paradigms on strategic Alliance† Montreal: pp, 26 – 84. Barney, J. B. and Hesterly, W. S. (2008), â€Å"Strategic Management and Competitive Advantage†. New Jersy, Prentice-Hall. Banking in Brazil. † World Bank Working Paper No. 85. Washington, D. C. : World Bank. http://siteresources. worldbank. org/inttopconf3/resources/363980retail0p101official0use0only1. pdf. Bengtsson, Maria & Kock, Soren. (2000). Competition in Business Networks- to cooperate and compete simultaneously†. Industrial Marketing Management Vol. 29 No. 5 pp. 411-426. Elsevier Science. Calori, R. et al. (1989). Strategic Action. Paris: Organisation Editions. Cravens, D. W. (1998), â€Å"Examining the impact of market-based strategy paradigms on marketing strategy†, Journal of Strategic Marketing. Vol. 45 No. 11 pp. 312-367. Central Bank of Kenya. (2009). Banking Supervision Annual Report, 2009: http://www. centralbank. go. ke/downloads/acts_publications/banking supervisionannualreport_2009. pdf Central Bank of Kenya. (2010). Banking Supervision Quarterly Repor, third quartert, 2010http://www. centralbank. go. e/downloads/acts_publications/banking supervisionthirdquarterreport_2010. pdf Central Bank of Kenya. (2010). Guidelines on Agent Banking, 2010 : http://www. centralbank. go. ke/downloads/acts_publications/banking agentbankingguidelines_2010. pdf Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP). (2009). Financial Access: Measuring Access to Financial Services around the World. http://www. cgap. org/financialindicators. Davis, S. M. (1984), Managing Corporate Culture, Cambridge, MA Ballinger Publishing Company. Vol. 15 No. 11. Day, G. S. (1990), Market Driven Strategy: Processes for Creating Value, The Free Press, New York, NY. The Free Press. Voll 9 No 2 Doyle, P. 1998), Marketing Management and Strategy, London Prentice-Hall Europe, Hemel Hempstead. Voll. 13 pp 42 – 48 Drew, S. A. W. (2001), â€Å"What really drives a fast company? †, Journal of Management. Vol. 65 No. 79 pp. 651-926. Elsevier Science. Financial Sector Deepening, Kenya. (2010). Regulation and Supervision of Bank Channels: Policy Options for Kenya : http://www. fsdk. com/downloads/acts_publications/ Regula tion and Supervision of Bank Channels,2010. pdf Hax, A. C. and Wilde, D. L. (2001), The Delta Project: Discovering New Sources of Profitability in a Networked Economy, Palgrave, Basingstoke. Vol. 10 No. 2, pp. 4-14. Johnson, G. and Scholes, K. (1997), Exploring Corporate Strategy,Prentice-Hall Europe, Hemel Hempstead. Vol. 7 No. 6, pp. 343-56. Lyman, Staschen, Kumar, Anjali, Ajai Nair, Adam Parsons, and Eduardo Urdapilleta. 2008. â€Å"Expanding Bank Outreach through Retail Partnerships: Correspondent Mas, Ignacio & Hannah Siedek. (2009). .Banking through networks of agents CGAP Focus Note 47. Ndungu, N. (2010). Banking Supervision Annual Report, CBK Focus Note 2009. Porter, M. (1980), Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors, The Free Press, New York, NY. Pp 26 – 31 Porter, M. (1985), Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance, The Free Press, New York, NY. Pp 46 – 53 Slater, S. F. nd Narver, J. C. (1998), â⠂¬Å"Customer-led and market-oriented: let’s not confuse the two†, Strategic Management Journal. Vol. 59, July, pp. 63-74 ———————– Consumer protection Regulatory issues Risk appetite Business strategy Agent Banking Implementation Grievance Handling Information Confidentiality Fraud & employee theft Reputational risk Operational risk Liquidity Risk Agent Registration Agent control & monitoring Conflict resolution Channel strategy Feasibility studies Technical Expertise Consumer Protection Risk Appetite Laws & Regulations Restrictive &'e†#(2CUVCO > business strategy Agent Banking Implementation (Number of banks)

Discuss the basic communication skills that are prerequistites for the Essay

Discuss the basic communication skills that are prerequistites for the helping relationship - Essay Example Every person needs communication and contacts establishing. From one side, it is a necessity to get new impressions, feelings and knowledge, and from the other side it is a wish to share thoughts and opinion. So, communication is a process of information exchange. This process helps to enrich experience of the person who communicates. Education of every human goes through communication which is one of the main experience sources. In the process of personality development the communication development gets the social-selective character. The universal character of communication becomes apparent in â€Å"confess† nessecity: to share thoughts and problems.ï€ ª Communication necessity is always connected with the self-communication. Some people have a well-developed habit of self-comnmunication. The reasons for this are hidden in personality or society he/she lives in. It is a fact that active interpersonal attitudes cause self-comnmunication necessity. Usually people are tired of the information they don’t need and this becomes the reason for self-communication. It is worth admitting that the skills of self-communication are very important for soluting the problems and analyzing difficulties. So, communication is an integral part of human existing and important prerequisite for social human formation, and also it is a prerequisite for society development. The process of communication helps to organize, to regulate and to unite people, it helps to develop emotional and intellectual interaction between people. Analysing personality as a social-psychological phenomenon we can see that society correlation is not an interrelation of two isolated systems: personality researching is always connected with society researching and on the contrary. A personality should be always analysed at the contest of social relationship. The matter and level of relationship between people are various:

Bacterium Capsule Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Bacterium Capsule - Research Proposal Example It is a layer that lies outside the cell wall of bacteria, it is well organized and it is not easily washed off. This makes it diffuse through the tracheal system. Its slime layer diffuses into the surrounding medium as a loosen-demarcated secretion. The capsule usually consists of polysaccharides and is water soluble thus dissolves in the moisturize tracheae through the spiracles. Thus they are difficult to stain using standard stains as they do not adhere to the capsule (Chapman, 2004). Since the capsule remains pale and colorless, it is difficult to be detected and appears as a ring around the cell. The tracheae are water filled as they consist of a permeable membrane of the surrounding tissues which make the capsule soluble since it is water soluble. The water level, however, retracts due to the increase in the concentration of lactic acid found in the muscle cells during the respiration system. The capsule contains external chemical sensors which therefore detects the concentration of lactic acid, lowering the water potential in the system which is then drawn back into the cells through osmosis process while the capsule gets closer to the muscle cells. While the diffusion pathway is reduced as a result, the capsule can then be transferred more easily through the tracheal. The bacterium capsule is typically stimulated for easy movement throughout the system. The neurosecretory cells made in the cell body consist of the prothoracic gland which acts as circulatory s ystem storage gland and hormonal control of insect molting (Ulrich, 2009).

Neo-Confucianism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Neo-Confucianism - Research Paper Example Neo-Confucianism was developed as a response to Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism. Due to the mystical and superstitious influence of Daoism and Buddhism on a huge portion of Confucianism, neo-Confucianism set out to generate a more rationalist and secular version of Confucianism. Chu Hsi, who is believed to be the first pioneer of neo-Confucianism, wanted a belief system that played more on an ethical philosophy then spiritual development or religious enlightenment. Dunyi accomplished this by completely abandoning the mystical characteristics that Confucianism had originally adopted from Daoism and Buddhism, thus creating neo-Confucianism. However, despite rejecting Daoism and Buddhism beliefs, neo-Confucianism still borrowed terminology and concepts from the two spiritual paths. The greatest characteristic of neo-Confucianism was the total rejection Taoism and Buddhism, which contained beliefs that were prevalent in Confucianism. The main principle of neo-Confucianism, which can be categorized as rationalistic and humanistic, is that â€Å"it was up to man to create a harmonious relationship between the universe and the individual (Craig 552).† Furthermore, there were also two primary schools of thought: Cheng-Zhu and Yangmingism. Cheng-Zhu school taught that human nature is good, but is not considered to be pure unless action is taken to purify one’s life. Yangmingism taught that the best place for an individual to seek is within themselves, as opposed to an outside force or deity. The most noticeable impact of neo-Confucianism on Chinese civilization was that it was established as state ideology, bumping Buddhism out of place as the dominant

Book report(Francis Crick Discoverer of the Genetic Code) Essay

Book report(Francis Crick Discoverer of the Genetic Code) - Essay Example A number of renowned writers are being currently commissioned by the Eminent Live series of short biographies to write and arrange the biographies of the famous persons. For this excellent biography of Francis Crick, this has worked considerably well. Francis Crick's significant scientific contributions and importantly his personality are being presented to the readers by this work of Ridley. He expressed that it was quite difficult to discuss about Francis with certainty as he was a bit private person and didn't usually shared his gossips, moods and biases or his detailed daily life in his writing or work. Even then he wasn't an unfriendly introvert, as he always enjoyed the company of his close friends, colleges and practices a healthy social life when he wasn't in the laboratory. But he ignored fashionable attention and icon as crude and excruciating to hold. He usually kept himself isolated as his close circle was limited to those intellectual personalities the company of whom he perceived as vital for his own learning. This behavior was quite consistent over his entire life and being referred as "dyadic pairing" by Ridley. Very essentially, this habit enabled him to bounce suggestions from his close companion the opinion and judgment of whom he considered trustable. His immediate reference board was Georg Kreisel and a prominent student Wittgenstein. Jim Watson when in 1950s they explored the detailed arrangement of the DNA. While many of the theoretical underpinnings of molecular biology and especially the nature of genetic code Sydney Brenner followed in the 1960s. Later on when Crick shifted to the California's Salk Institute, he due to his dyadic pairing, and as he moved his concentration to neurobiology stuck up with Christ of Koch. His career actually began as a physicist. He was sent to work at the Admiralty and therefore pulled out from school quite early, as he was made to investigate he functioning and detection of mines during the years of war. Specifically, he discovered methods in which the acoustic and magnetic mines provided strong resistance to the ships passing by. Later he decided never make efforts in the field of nuclear weaponry when the atomic bombs were dropped at the Nagasaki and Hiroshima. There afterwards he began his PhD, just before the war, on the tackiness of water. But later when the war was over he again shifted and moved on to the life sciences as he wanted to apply his knowledge of physics and whatever he possessed to be applied to the principles of life. He therefore chose the x-ray diffraction and as in those days most of the scientists perceived the proteins as the likely genie material, he was requested to study the structure of protein, specially the hemoglobin. He was introduced to Watson in the 1950s. After their meeting they immediately shifted to the DNA as according to Watson thought it was quite necessary for the further study of the gene. A very excellent job is being performed by Ridley while describing that how they worked it and why Franklin, Wilkins and Pauling failed to do so. In order to deal with the coding problems Crick spent next ten years if his life. The importance

Corporation Tax, Income Taxes, and Capital Gains Tax at the United Essay

Corporation Tax, Income Taxes, and Capital Gains Tax at the United Kingdom - Essay Example A limited amount of companies must pay corporation tax. The self-employed do not. However, in almost all circumstances, cooperatives, housing associations, members' clubs, and trade associations must pay corporation tax (Wikipedia, 2007). Companies that are obligated to pay corporation taxes on their profits are required to perform certain activities. First of all, they are required to notify HM Revenue and Customs that they indeed are in operation at that they are among those required to pay corporate taxes. Then, the company must file a self-assessment Company Tax Return without being assessed by the HMRC, similar to individuals who are required to file their own income taxes without first being assessed by the IRS. Lastly, this requires that accurate records of all financial dealings that contribute to the information submitted to the HMRC be kept at all times. In order for corporations that must pay corporation tax to avoid fines, they must know their statutory filing date and their normal due date. Each company must hold full responsibility for calculating its own corporation taxes and paying the amount due before the deadline. If a company fails to do so, they will owe a penalty. According to Business Link, "A company can send in its Company Tax Return at any time after the end of its accounting period but must do so no later than the statutory filing date. This is later of (a) 12 months after the end of your company's accounting period [or] (b) three months after your company receives a "notice to deliver a Company Tax Return form CT600" from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)" (2007). Companies who do not send their returns on time receive penalties. Companies who regularly submit their returns late enjoy increasingly higher penalties. Penalties can also be assessed for returns that are incorrect or for companies who fail to tell HMRC that they are liable to pay corporate taxes. Business Link claims that "Payment of the corporation tax itself is due exactly nine months and one day after what is called your normal due date. For most companies, the normal due date is the last day of the accounting period. So if a company's tax return covers the accounting period 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2004, then the corporation tax should be paid no later than 1 October 2005" (2007).

Philosophy questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Philosophy questions - Essay Example The other key responsibility of a CFO is to come out with such financial statements that accurately and in a transparent way reflect on the financial health of the firm (Korey 72). Though, the drafting of the financial reports happens to be the responsibility of all the executives, it is the CFO who has the eventual determining influence on such financial reports. So, while drafting such financial reports, I will always try not to be influenced by any other concern and be above board and professional in the discharge of my duties. One serious responsibility that I will be required to perform will be to honestly and accurately detail the board, if I feel that the CEO tends to differ with me regarding any reporting protocol, and one’s views are misplaced and faulty. No doubt, the board and the investors will look up to me for facts, and not basing my reporting on facts will amount to being unethical on my

Augustus foreign policy Essay Example for Free

Augustus foreign policy Essay After the battle of Actium at 31 BC Augustus had the full control over the legions of Rome and there was no one left to oppose him. However, his long absence from Rome made his position subtle and he needed to maintain high public profile within the city in order to restore the republic and strengthen his regime. Thus, in the years between 31 BC and 23 BC the possibility of foreign campaign seemed unreasonable and unnecessary. With the second settlement of 23 BC Augustus was granted maius proconsulare, which literary made him supreme commander of all legions and unlike before the senate and people of Rome forced him in this position. Indeed, the military status of Augustus at 23 BC is the same he had at 31 BC, but the important difference was in the image it created. Now, Caesars heir was more than everything a supervisor of the order and protector of the republic. Having such responsibility he decided to strengthen the existing borders of the Empire before expanding them. Evidence for this is Augustus saying in Res Gestae that he stationed more than 300,000 soldiers in the provinces as a way to protect the Empire against dangers. It is interesting that Augustus reduces the size of the army from almost 50 legions to 28 (Res Gestae 3). This is a clear indication that he did not consider the possibility of a great campaign in the east or north to expand the Empire. This actually is in accordance with his image of Pax Augusta. After the battle of Actium, Caesars heir came to power with the promise of prolonged peace. He even restored one of the forgotten republican traditions the closing of the Gates of Janus Quirinus when Rome was not at war (Res Gestae 13). It is also possible that Augustus felt temptation for a prolonged foreign campaign but he never found the right time to start one. As a mentioned earlier, after 31 BC the Princeps received the responsibility to restore the republic and after 23 BC he had to reorganise the provinces and create a system of defence. The years after 23 BC were marked by private and public calamities: the death of Marcellus and Agrippa was followed by the death of Gaius and Lucius and then a disastrous marriage between Julia and Tiberius. At the same time a serious revolt occurred in Pannonia in AD Â  and in Germany three legions under the command of Varus were wiped out in AD 9(Suetonius 23. And given all this it is not quite true that Augustus felt no temptation for foreign war. Indeed, he commanded the armies directly only in two foreign wars (compared to five civil wars) according to Suetonius 20, but many other wars were led by Romes generals under his auspices (listed in Suetonius 21). Drussus and Tiberius fought the Germans off the the river Elba which had to become the new northern border but this aim vanished after the massacre of Varus legions. Parthia, the big Roman enemy, was still very weak in 20s BC but Augustus never started a war with them. However, he threatened to begin one in order to get back the Roman standards lost by Crassus in 53 BC. Truly, fighting Parthia was expensive and dangerous but leaving the peace to the caprice of the Eastern king was unreasonable. Here Augustus came with the brilliant idea of creating buffer states which would defend the borders of the Empire. The most important of these was Armenia and Augustus often intervened there to strengthen the government as proven by Res Gestae 27. In conclusion, it is difficult whether Augustus did not feel temptation for foreign war or did not have the opportunity to start one. The Empire was so big that there were few territories worth fighting for and with the creation of buffer states there were even fewer. Augustus major responsibility was to build firm and lasting foundations for the commonwealth (Suetonius 28) and that is what he did. But war-lover or not, the Empire under Augustus was bigger than even before and for first time definite border were defined.

Drivers License for Illegal Immigrants Essay Example for Free

Drivers License for Illegal Immigrants Essay Should illegal immigrants be given a driver`s license in California? In the Sacramento Bee article â€Å"License battle resurfaces† by Jim Sanders on February 26, 2012, the author informs that Assemblyman Gil Cedillo tried again to grant driver`s licenses to undocumented immigrants which were vetoed by Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger years ago, but now Gil Cedillo wants to work with Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown on this issue that can â€Å"pass muster† because Latinos played a key role to help Brown get elected in 2010. In 2011, Brown signed the dream act to expand college financial aid for undocumented immigrants who have lived in California for years, so many Latinos cheered him. As a voter and California resident, I am strongly against this legislation. I have a question. Do you know the meaning of undocumented immigrants? I think it means illegal. I am in favor of Assemblyman Jim Nielsen, R-Gerber`s points that â€Å"You should not legitimize a fundamentally illegal act. † America is an immigrant country. We welcome all immigrants, and we are expecting them to abide by immigrants` laws and enter the country legally. I am opposed to Gil Cedillo`s issue that California allows undocumented immigrants to be licensed, tested, and insured. What if potential terrorists take advantage of this issue to obtain driver`s licenses easily? Because in years past, the issue has caused fierce debate over what security measures should be required if current law is changed. Another thought is what if other immigrants know this issue, then they just enter the country with no documents, no worry. Simply use this issue. Besides the above, if this issue could help the government make more money on driver`s licenses, car insurance and taxes, etc, why couldn`t the government figure out the proper way to make money instead? As American citizens, everybody knows what a driver`s license means—to them it means they are legal in America since that moment they got their driver licenses. They can apply for bank cards, social security cards and passports, and they can travel in and out of America freely. They have all the rights that American citizens should have. Giving someone here illegally a driver`s license is much more than giving them the privilege of driving. It`s giving them the key to the kingdom. According to the article, the veteran GOP lawmaker said â€Å"Bad ideas seem to die slowly in the Capital. † I agree that the issue â€Å"Granting driver`s licenses to undocumented immigrants† is a bad idea. However, the issue supporters agree that California should allow undocumented immigrants to be licensed, tested, and insured. According to the article â€Å"Supporters say undocumented immigrants should be able to drive to work or take their children to school without fear of having their vehicles confiscated if they are stopped by police. A lot of undocumented immigrants have lived in California for years. Their kids were born in America. They need a job to make a living, feed their family, and educate their kids. In America, no matter where you go, you need a car, so you have to drive every day. â€Å"Many undocumented immigrants drive now, but without licenses, insurance or state testing to ensure competence. † Therefore, Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck told Los Angeles Times on last Wednesday that he is in favor of granting driver`s licenses to illegal immigrants. If this issue passes, all the illegal immigrants will need to get their driver`s licenses, buy their own cars, buy car insurance etc, so then that will not only help the American economy but also make our highways safer. All of the legal American citizens will worry less when they are involved in a car accident on the road. Then all undocumented immigrants are becoming documented immigrants. They will live in America happily forever. Therefore, granting driver`s licenses to undocumented immigrants is a win-win-win issue. At last, granting driver`s licenses to undocumented immigrants is not a key issue for the illegal immigrants. If the government can figure out a better way to legitimize an illegal act, especially for the illegal immigrants who have lived in California for years and their children were born and raised here, that is going to be a fundamentally key issue to solve the illegal immigrants’ problem. It is not about the safety issue on the road or making more money for the state. For a better America, a safer security system, and a peaceful country, every American citizen should use their judgments wisely. Legitimizing a fundamentally illegal act should not ever be allowed! Let good ideas live strongly in the Capital!

Administrate Procedure within the Childcare Settings

Administrate Procedure within the Childcare Settings There are 8 principals principles of the Data Protection Act 1998 these can range from accurate of personal data to personal data being processed in accordance with the rights of data protection act. This question will look at four of the main principals. personal data shall be accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date.( This fourth principal of the data protection act is about keeping up to date with personal information and the accuracy of it. When implementing this principal into everyday business it is not always the easiest thing to do. However this principal of the act would help employers to help employer to store information as accurately as possible. When adopting this principal within a child care setting accuracy plays a big part for example, much of the information recorded by the child care provider may be required by HMRC to claim benefits for children in their care by parents. This information is needed by the parent in order for them to provide information to receive the correct amount of benefits. HMRC will calculate how much money can be provided to assist parent to receive care for their children. Not only is this information beneficial to parents but is beneficial for the child care provider this will help the m to calculate business tax. If the child care provider is self employed and is working on a private basis, this information would be useful to complete self assessment tax return. Child minders, are encouraged to complete accounts which detail every financial transaction that is made. Good point. Accuracy is also important to ensure the children are kept safe. Personal data processed for any purpose or purposes shall not be kept for longer than is necessary for that purpose or those purpose. (This principle contains commonly asked guidance as to how long data should be kept for before it is destroyed. The act is not specific about the length of time data should be held for, but gives guidance on good practice so that organisations are better informed to write their own policies. A child care setting must be aware of this principal and comply by making sure that records are kept only for its purpose and no longer than deemed. Personal data shall be obtained only for one or more specified and lawful purposes, and shall not be further processed in any manner incompatible with that purpose or those purposes.( A child care provider should be specific about the reasons fir requiring the information to be gathered, and what they are going to use it for. If, after collection the data, it is decided to use the information for another purposes, consideration, should, be given as to whether this is fair to the individual. if you wish to use data for an additional purpose, further consents should be obtaining from the individual and securely held. Personal data shall be adequate, relevant and not excessive in relation to the purposes or purposes for which they are processed.( Childcare providers must ensure that they uphold this principal by ensuring that all data stored on individual i.e. staff, parents, children is relevant to serve its purpose. For example the provider should not hold information on individuals where not deemed necessary for business or other purposes. Evaluate the need for accurate, legible and up to date record keeping, and indentify the consequences for non-compliance. An integral part of a successful child care setting is its administration department. Administration and records should be kept in a logical and protected manner and should be clear and formatted and easy to understand. In regards to a child care setting there will be several different types of information which will be needed and stored. The main purpose of the child care provision is the safe guarding of children. Sometimes this information would need to be accessed by outside agencies. As mentioned above accuracy plays a big part in the data protection act and also in the running of a successful child care setting. Not only does accurate information help parents to provide information to HMRC to receive benefits but also, to aid the business in tax and other financial responsibilities. if this information was not accurate and precise parents claiming benefits could receive the wrong amount of money to receive childcare and also the business could be affected by wrong taxable incom e. Health and safety records must also be accurate and precise when considering a child care environment. For example the listing of medication and allergies of children is integral if this information is correctly and accurately documented staff and other members would be aware of the Childs need. The correct dosage of medication would be administered and allergies to certain products could be avoided. If this information was incorrect and not documented children could fall ill and be put in a medical dangerous position. All special requirements regarding children should be adhered to at all levels avoiding mistakes and inaccuracy. legible records are essential from a safety perspective. Scruffy or illegible writing is dangerous, particularly if the information is written on a medical or child information record, and is not clear. Legibility is also important from a financial perspective, to ensure that correct information is submitted to the HMRC for tax purposes. In a child care setting where there is more than one worker or staff member it is vital that all recorded information is legible and accurate. This is to avoid mistakes and ensure that children information is documented in a clear manner, for example child journals and where food and medication are documented. If this information was not legible it would increase the risk of safety of children being breached and could result in accidents such as a child receiving a double dosage of medication. There are some general rules of some that should be considered concerning legible information: Where possible, Information should be recorded in black ink. It is considered that black ink is more legible, and is clearer to read if it is photocopied. Handwriting should be legible. Changes to documentation, such as the child medication form, should be signed and dated. it is good practice not to use white correction fluid when amending records as they should be transparent according to the Data Protection Act, and not covered up with a physical barrier. Mistakes should be crossed through with a line so that they still. Up-to-date information is particularly important with regard to medication changes, food requirements and particular needs that a child may have. Having up to date contact information is highly important, for example if in case of an emergency of a child not being able to contact parents due to mobile numbers being not in use is the worst case scenario. Explain the different ways of recording digital and paper records in the child care setting. Digital data can be a very unpredictable way of storing data as computers are unpredictable. Adequate methods should be adopted when using digital record keeping this is to ensure in case of computer malfunction digital records could be safe guarded to ensure that filed can be retrieved from the system. There are several methods available for doing this. Save on to portable hard drive Backing up data on a regular basis All portable hard drives should be stored safely and securely The data is stored on the computer should be protected by a password. When you switch a computer on, the settings allow a desktop password to be employed. This should be used so that if the laptop is ever stolen, the data contained within it will be safe. If the use of desktops is permitted for children within the childcare setting it is beneficial to have a separate pc which allows them to do this separate from pc holding records and personal information. This prohibits children from accessing personal data or information which is private and confidential and reducing the risk of deleting files and records. This simple rule will also ensure confidential to data stored in the PC. Paper records in some respects require a different type of storage to digital media. Paper records are general more accessible and so should be stored safely and securely depending of the type of information that is recorded. For example records which contain information regarding a child's medication or special requirements should be easily accessible. However such information regarding financial information of staff payments etc should be stored in a locked cupboard. Where paper records are concerned safe storage should be considered especially to avoided and damp area as this would destroy the information recorded and stored. If keeping paper records as opposed to digital records the child care provider should consider storing records and documentation in a lock filing cabinet. this will ensure that they are in their own dedicated area and having an added security feature. If working in a home child cares getting it would be advantageous to purchase a filing cabinet which wou ld resemble furniture. There are two main types of primary data storage, one being digital and the other being paper. There are many ways in which digital records can be stored and secured such as: Laptops USB Portable Hard drives PDA Mobile Phones All these devices can be a useful tool to store information in a business child care setting. However many of these if not all are susceptible to theft. Many of these devices can be password locked which is a useful tool as it prevents people who should not have access from accessing personal data, Records and files which are stored using a digital format could be backed up and secured within the device and multiple storage devices could be obtained. With the sue of password and pin this acts a good security feature. However paper records would not have the same benefits. Storing of paper records could be bulky and unsecure if not locked away in a secure filing cabinet or cupboard, data could be easily accessible. Not only is the security of paper records not as efficient as digital records but also be inefficient in backing up. For example with a digital device a small USB stick would hold many record and files, however, if multiple copies of records are needed when using paper format this would result in many pages needing large amount of storage space. Another thing to consider regarding paper records is damage/ Paper records could easily be destroyed in fires and water damage, which would result in a lot of work in order to retrieve the files. Whereas if you using a digital method of storage this could be easily done with minimum destruction and effort. If working in a child care setting this is useful to record and maintain a file and personal data in a digital format. This would be easier, more secure and easy to back up.

Altruism: Our Desire to Help Others Essay -- Psychology

Over the endless cycles of generations, human life has lived up to its fundamental purpose of survival. Not only have we survived as a species, but we have evolved into the most complicated species on earth. Creatures riddled with mystery, emotion, morality; we have outdone ourselves in overcoming our basic reset function of survival. We originated in the mindset of survive and reproduce only to morph into a race rooted in emotion and intricate thought. Darwin’s theory, survival of the fittest, calculates that humans basic goal and reason of life is to survive, and reproduce; to have only ones self in mind. But why then, if natural selection filters us down to survival of the fittest, might one creature stick its neck out for another? Regardless of Darwin’s theory, we have evolved into a species in which our fundamentals are ‘good’ in nature; significantly outweighing our instinct of selfish survival. Over the years, science has been able to put the human selfish instinct to the test, and divulge the truth on why we help others. A method of selflessness called altruism is the belief in complete lack of selfishness in exchange for genuine concern for the well being of others. One of the most famous and haunting stories of a person engulfing themselves in this way of life is George Price. Throughout his life, George Price was a fluctuating and ever changing scientist. Accepted to Harvard and the University of Chicago, he eventually obtained a doctorate degree in chemistry. Price worked on the Manhattan project, a program during World War I focusing on building an atomic bomb. He later went on to work in various fields such as computer science, psychology, politics, and eventually moved to London where he discovered his love for e... ... Web. 22 May 2012. James Marshall attended Bristol College and is currently teaching at Sheffield College. He earned a Doctorate in Evolutionary studies, as well as has substantial experience with computer related studies. His quote further describes the Price Equation and its affiliation with genes themselves. Weintraub, Stanley. Silent Night: The Story of the WWI Christmas Truce. New York: The Free Press, 2001. Print. Stanley Weintraub is a professor, historian, and biographer. He spent many months in Korea, during the Korean War with first hand experience on the hardships of war. He began writing after the bombing of Pear Harbor. His telling of the events of the Christmas Truce on the western front is both enlightening and accurate. The way he phrases things causes a realization that this moment was fleeting. After all, it was in the middle of a war.

Analysis of the Television Show, Girlfriends Essay -- Girlfriends Medi

Analysis of the Television Show, Girlfriends The T.V show " Girlfriends" is very eye catching for young women between the ages of 16-35. It deals with girl related issues, for example: what am i going to wear on my first date, or do i look fat? These are some of the topics friends talk about. The show is based on four African American women who have been friends since early childhood, it takes place now in the present. The girls are in there mid-20's-early 30's. The characters names are Jone, Tony, Mya, and Lin. Some of the topics which they talk about include marrige, finnancial problems, legal issues, children, and fashion. Jone is a highly known attourney, Mya is Jone's secretary, Tony is a real estate agent, and Lin is a free soul. In the show Tony and Jone are having relationship problems, and Mya is envious of the new secretary that Jone has because she misses the relationship that her and Jone use to have between each other. Mya also loves the gossip in which her and Jone used to share, they share it now and then but not as frequent as they used to. Tony and her husband are having finnancial problems because her husband has gotten into a huge debt due to the fact that she is a very high matenance type of woman. Her wedding ring alone cost fifty thousand dollars, she believes that if he is poor then they cannot be together because she cannot live a poor life. After she finds out that they are very deep in debt she wants to file for a divorse. He makes her re...

The Principle

Legal moralism has been a principle that prohibits people from acting or engaging in things which are detrimental to the society with the use of laws and its enforcements. This includes laws which prohibit certain actions that can lead to several problems that may affect the whole social fabric. Such laws include those that prohibit the use of illegal drugs, prostitution and abortion. This actions or engagement in this type of acts may most likely affect the citizens in a rather negative matter that could destroy not only the participating individual’s life but also the lives of the people around him. In line with this principle is a principle that shall limit a person’s liberty through the use of customary rules prescribed by the society in which the person lives. It differs from the principle of legal moralism in the sense of â€Å"formality†. Restriction of Liberty While legal moralism is concerned about constitutional laws, this principle is more likely inclined to the limiting effect of customary moral rules which are more effective than legal laws. This principle shall from this point onwards be referred to as customary moralism principle. This type of principle acts in the same manner that legal moralism does. However, as stated above, traditional moralism is more effective than legal moralism. Its effectiveness lies on the way that it has been formulated. Compare and Contrast Unlike most legal laws which determines the right and wrong inscribed as laws of the society, customary rules and traditions determines the right and wrong principles which lies in the culture of a society. These rules have been tested through time and generation by the whole society. This is the reason why these laws are easier to understand. People find it efficient since it was directed and made through the use of actual and practical experiences. Unlike legal laws which are mostly hypothetical and less pragmatic. Legal laws are made by an assembly of men that shall represent the whole society in a conference or convention. Customary rules are prescribed mostly by elders, who have more experience than the present generation. Since these rules are based and may differ in experience, they are not implemented in the society in a forceful manner. Instead, society shall pick what rules are still beneficial and applicable in the situation. Thus, customary rules undergo practicality checks, every time the rules are being implemented or are being followed. Society: Laws versus Tradition It evolves with the society. It represents the society. People are more inclined to follow this principle not because of its force but because of customs and traditions. For instance, the introduction and the success of organizations such as the Cosa Nostra which is more popularly known as Mafia, prevails even after there have been several legal precautions and actions taken. The Mafia is an organization which is generally against the fascist regime that dominates the Italian region. Since it is an organization, it has several guiding principles and rules that enable the group to grow and survive. Accordingly, the Mafia acts as a second government in areas such as Sicily. The rules that were constructed or enforced by the Mafia are followed more religiously than the laws enforced by the government. Omerta, a favorite law in Mafia is the law of absolute silence that denotes an individual could not say anything that would expose the Mafia. Even, if it means that they could be incarcerated, tortured or even convicted, it was believed that the Sicilians would not tell a word or would deny anything he knows. Legitimate Traditional   Actions Actions which this principle might consider as legitimate are mainly actions which are traditionally been accepted by the general public that were made legal. In some country, prostitution is legal since it has been traditional. In the Netherlands, the use of â€Å"marijuana† is legalized. There are also some countries that legalize abortion if the fetus is not more than three months. These types of prohibitions by the law rooted from certain traditional beliefs and customs of the people. Traditional moral principles which have legal counterparts could be interfered by the law. However, there are certain traditional beliefs such as burning of animals for sacrifices wherein authority and law has no right to intervene. Commonly, traditional rules which are considered as legitimate are those which promotes the welfare of the society. This are the societal norms which are approved by the government and are thus legalize. Thus, the legitimacy of any traditional action depends on which government or country an action was made. Traditional Moralism versus Harm Principle and Paternalism Traditional also to fraternities are hazing ceremonials and rumbles. If Traditional moralism would be used, this type of action would be normal. However, of course, this would create problems in the legal realm. In such case this kind of actions shall be controlled by the proper authorities such that this would not cause death or other mass violence. This action would either fall in the harm principle or paternalism. It falls in the harm principle since it must be controlled or even not permitted if it induces harm to other people. It falls under paternal principle because there are laws which prohibit fraternity violence in able to protect the members of the fraternity from injuries by refusing to recognize fraternities who are recorded to conduct delinquently. While legal moralism is against actions such as gambling and prostitution, traditional moralism permits them. In this regard, traditional moralism could be seen to fall under the harm principle. Traditional moralism could also fall under paternalism in the sense that it is a guide for action through rules set by the majority of the society in able to control certain actions that would negatively affect the society. Defense of Traditional Moralism I believe that traditional moralism could effectively restrict freedom in able to promote the welfare of a society since it is constructed through convention by the society. It is more likely to be more effective since it commonly involves the norm within the society. Although this might create several factions in the society that might create their own traditions and customs, this kind of interferences might not be able to make it through the main stream culture. Failing to do so, these actions would be considered as deviant by the society in which their actions are not permitted. Traditional Moralism can also be viewed as a principle that acknowledge and encourage liberty, more than restricts it. This is not arguable and may in fact be true, more likely when the legal rules is composed of laws which is not suitable and is not agreeable with the society. Such as laws which are imposed only by the government or by another government in a particular country. This could best be demonstrated on colonized countries or in war-stricken country such as Iraq. The laws that the American government may not be suitable or efficient in the society such as in Iraq; in such case traditional moralism would be more beneficial and applicable than legal moralism. Reference Leighton, P. (2007). Paternalism and Legal Moralism. Retrieved on November 14, 2007. Retrieved from: http://www.paulsjusticepage.com/cjethics/2-limitsoflaw/harmprinciple.htm

How Does John Stienbeck Create Tension in Chapter 2 Essay

Chapter two consists with George and Lennie starting work at a new farm. They meet the other ranch workers and the boss’s aggressive son Curley, and also his wife who comes into the bunk house and flirts with George an Lennie. As soon as Lennie glances at Curley’s wife, he is instantly attracted to her and George is worried by this. George makes Lennie promise to meet him by the pool if there is any trouble. For example , in weed when Lennie felt the little girls dress. Another character they meet is slim, he is in charge of the horses and also he is a man with natural authority. There are two separate styles of writing in of mice and men; descriptive style and dialogue. The dialogue in ‘Of Mice and Men’ is very realistic. Steinbeck tried to imitate the way the ranch workers spoke. He could have had George say (page35)’ I have seen women like this before, but I have never seen one as worse as a woman that has been put in jail.’ As it is , he h as George say ‘ I seen’ em poison before , but I never seen no piece of jail bait worse than her.’ The language of Steinbeck’s characters is written down in a way that allows you almost to hear the characters speaking and also their actions. Steinbeck spells words that reflects how illiterate some of the characters are. He also spells words like that, to reflect how they sound in the mouths of ordinary people not how the words appear in a dictionary. One of the techniques Steinbeck used was to leave the beginning and end off words. For example Steinbeck writes â€Å"an† for â€Å"and†, â€Å"jus† for â€Å"just†, â€Å"gonna† for â€Å"going to do something..† Steinbeck tends to start a chapter in a descriptive style, he often incorporates the natural beauty of the setting and the fertility of the land. (chapter 1) ‘ a few miles south of Soledad, the Salinas River drops in close to hillside bank.’ whereas in this chapter, a description of the bunk house is given, it lacks comfort. ‘ Inside the walls were whitewash ed and the floor unpainted.’ This is a starch contrast with the previous scene. The detailed description of the setting is always the place in which the action happens. In the novel tension is created through a series of ominous signs. I have noticed a particular order in which it is created in . Anger , then a calmer atmosphere which is then broken by anger , rage or confusion. Tension, anxiety and rage is created when Curley ( the boss’s son) enters the room. ‘he glanced coldly’ this suggests that he is unfriendly and a threat. ‘ he stiffened his fists†¦his glance was at once calculating and pugnacious.’ when Curley stiffened his firsts, this showed that he was looking for a fight , the readers already know that he is an aggressive character and confronts people with this. ‘ He hates big guys. He’s alla time picking scraps with big guys. Kind of like he’s mad at’em because he aint a big guy.’ The readers suddenly realise that there would be a future problem with Lennie and Curley, further on in the novel. Curley seems set on proving that he is a big man, in all but size. His success in the past as a boxer is an obsession, so every person Curley meets is a possible opponent. He sees life and everyone he faces as a competition. Curley’s authority on the ranch triggers tension as most of the ranch hands are frightened of him and do not want to confront him as there would be trouble. During chapter two, my sympathy fell towards the stable buck, Crook. He is a victim of racial prejudice. the way Candy gossiped about Crook to George and Lennie was unjust ,they would normally refer to Crook as ‘the nigger’. Nowadays that is a racial offence. They way Candy said that Crook has no respect he was the lowest of the low. ‘Nice fella too. Got a crooked back where a horse kicked him. The boss gives him hell when he’s mad. But the stable buck don’t give a damn about that.’ Despite Crook being discriminated against, he is a proud, independent and intelligent as he reads a lot. But none of these admirable features stop the boss from giving him ‘hell’. As he is not a respected character and he has no authority.

Gallery Review †Nancy Lang Essay

Today, the 9th of March, I have heard of the Pyo Gallery, and as soon as I heard that it was in Wangjing, I changed my plan from going to the Dashanzi District to trying the new place. It was hidden in several other galleries. I was lucky to get there before the exhibition time was over. The owner was a Korean, who kindly explained some paintings for me. I was glad to find out that they currently had an exhibition of Nancy Lang’s art. I have always wanted to find out more about Nancy Lang ever since I have seen her in person at the art fare I have been to, in Korea last summer. There was her trademark series of ‘Taboo Yogini’ paintings of which I have seen one piece of it before. Among all of the paintings that looked similar in overall size and image, I preferred this particular painting the most. Nancy Lang is an American born-Korean Pop artist who is very young and innovative. This piece of her is named the ‘Taboo Yogini, Swinger’ and has an enormous size of 210 x 175 cm. She used mixed media on canvas to create this huge piece. This painting was finished in the year 2006, when she was 27. On this humungous canvas, there is a big character in the middle which has the body of a robot and a head of a girl with some abstract and obscure figures as legs. The subject has a basket full of tennis balls in its right hand. The light-blue background is solid with no value. The most interesting aspect about this art piece is the mysterious figure placed in the center holding the viewers attention. This piece looks more like a collage than a painting with images attached on the screen. The positive space is the one and only subject on the canvas. The body, which appears to be a robot, contains the three primary colors with a considerable amount of white. These colors together form a fancy image of a child’s robot toy, attracting the viewers’ eyes to the center of the figure, which is where the head is placed. An image of the head of a human girl is used, juxtaposing the robot body. In the figure’s right hand there is a basket of lime green tennis balls. In the lower part of the art piece, as the legs of the main subject there are two obscure figures that could be hardly described. On the left side there is a fan shaped quadrilateral printed on a shiny material, and on the right side there is a figure that seems like a mixture of blood vessels and bones. The objects do not seem to have any connection between them, but as a whole they get together very well forming one huge body. The negative space is painted in one tone of light-blue, which helps the subject to stand out. Unlike its visual texture the actual texture of the piece is very smooth just like a painting. Nancy Lang is famous for her mysterious art pieces and unconventional performances. She is a multi-talented young woman who wants to be famous and rich, according to her own words. She actually has played a violin in the middle of a street wearing Victoria Secret lingerie and red high heels with kabuki style makeup. In her series of Taboo Yogini, she mixes up diverse icons to create a sort of cyborg that she declares to be the ironical face of the democracies we live in. According to her, this character Yogini, which originally means a yoga trainee, points to an existence between an angel and devil. So the name of her series ‘Taboo Yogini’ is in a way representing both good and bad. I think the half-robots that appear on her pieces also represent Nancy Lang herself and the various different sides of her. Nancy Lang’s paintings are very obscure and difficult to understand. When I first looked at this piece, I was totally blown away by the innovative design of the image. However, I could never see the ironical face of the democracies before I read the explanation. These mystical figures, which look almost like monsters, keep appearing on her canvases expanding the viewer’s imagination and interpretation of them. Still, I think they are insufficient to clearly deliver the author’s true intention of creating such images. Nevertheless, it is impossible for one to see through the genuine mind of an author. I really like Nancy Lang and her innovative spirit. She is afraid of nothing, even the awkward stare of others.

Cultural experience Essay

In preparation for this reflection, I began by thinking about what cultural event I would most like to attend, what would work for the assignment and what would also benefit me in my personal life by actually forcing me out of my comfort zone to experience things I never have before. Because Christianity is such a huge part of my life I immediately thought I would want to do something based on another religion since I’ve never really gone out of my religious comfort zone, but for this assignment I chose to go to a gay bar. The reason I chose to do this was because I have been raised as a Christian, I grew up in a very conservative town and while I support gay rights being around gay people is still something that is foreign and a little bit uncomfortable for me. My roommate also chose to use going to the gay bar for an assignment for her human sexuality class, so while knowing that I would have my roommate going with me made me a little bit more comfortable I still knew that t his would be something that pushed me way out of my comfort zone. We both live in Elkhart, Indiana so while we were home for spring break a gay friend of my roommates offered to take us to a club called â€Å"Metro† which is an 18 plus gay bar located in Kalamazoo, Michigan which is about 45 minutes away. Before going to the gay bar I was so nervous. As mentioned before, while I support gay rights I have not necessarily ever been exposed to them and I wasn’t sure at all what to expect. The bar that we went too isn’t strictly a gay bar so there would most likely be other straight people there but I had no idea how exactly to prepare myself for the situation. Because we were going with my roommate’s friend, who is gay, I knew I would feel a little more comfortable since we weren’t just walking in completely unprepared. I was worried what people would think of me when I went, if they would assume that I was gay. I didn’t know if it was normal for gay’s to take straight  friends with them, I was worried about how people would judge me. As I began to get ready for the night I wasn’t really too worried about what to wear, I just wore something that I would normally wear to go out but mentally I was less prepared than ever. I had no idea how I was supposed to act, what if it was awkward once I got there. Before we went my roommate and I met up with her gay friend and several of his friends. His friend group contained a mix of both gay and straight men and women who would be going to the bar with us so I immediately felt more comfortable, knowing that I wouldn’t be the only straight one other than my roommate. I expected the ride there to be awkward, considering I didn’t know anyone other than my roommate and she didn’t know anyone other than the one guy and me, but instead they were all so friendly and told us not to be nervous. Because we were going on a Saturday night they explained to us that there would probably be more gay’s there than the other nights of the week/weekend but that didn’t mean they would assume we were gay, and people were usually pretty good about asking before they hit on you. After the 45 minute drive there we finally arrived and walked in. As we walked in a realized that it wasn’t any different than any other bar would be (not that I’ve been in that many since I’m only 19) full of people, d ancing, music and drinking. The inside of the building was pretty big and there was plenty of room. Almost everybody there was dancing. The people we came with were all over 21 so they all went and got drinks while my roommate and I just hung out. It was a little overwhelming at first. There were definitely a lot of gay people around, dancing together, standing at the bar flirting, and just hanging out with groups of people. Eventually we started to loosen up a little bit, while I didn’t really talk and get to know a lot of gay people I was complimented by a lot of them. During our time there we pretty much just hung out and danced in the group that we came with. A few of the people that we came with went off and danced with other people, but because I still felt a little uncomfortable and awkward we didn’t really venture to far apart from our group and go dance with anyone else or anything. I think it would have a been a very different experience if we had gone when w e were 21 and could drink at the bar, I think it would have changed the experience a little bit. We arrived at the bar at a little bit after 10 which is when the dance floor opened and stayed until around 1 in the morning. Examine The part of this experience that was the most compelling to me was almost the sense of community that I felt was just there between the gay community. Like there were a lot of groups of people there that night that didn’t even know each other, but you would never guess that by the way they acted like they had been friends for years. Even towards me and my roommate who they didn’t know, was just some straight stranger walking in and â€Å"observing† them they were so nice and accepting. They were willing to let us into their environment, knowing that we were not a part of it and I felt no judgment or anything. My fears that I had felt earlier in the day before going were put to rest, while some people were unusually friendly to me no girls really tried to hit on me, which was really relieving. As mentioned above, the most shocking thing I noticed was the community, or the way they socialized with and accepted themselves and each other. I think that at the roots of everything its amazing how well they have a grasp on who they are, and who they want others to see them. Because being gay is looked down upon in many parts of our society that makes them part of an oppressed group. Not only are gay’s an oppressed group but I also saw varying degrees of sexism. Because the gay community also includes transgender people as well. This forced me to think past my original understanding of gender. On page 318 of the book it talks about how gender is a social construct, meaning that gender is something that society defines which was really different when you read about it and see it in person. In person seeing someone who doesn’t associate with the â€Å"gender† they are born with is something that you don’t really understand until you experience it in person. Articulate Learning By attending this event I learned a lot more about the gay community than I could ever learn from a textbook. They really are a very close knit community. Their community is a lot different than what we observe in our day to day life. In normal everyday life when we see members of the gay community on the street they are treated differently, they are looked out as outcasts and they are oppressed but seeing them in this environment gave me an entirely differently outlook on them and made me respect them a lot more. The reason this matters is because I am certain that there are other people just like me who feel uncomfortable, uneasy and unsure around people that they haven’t really been around before. Because of the way I was raised I was taught to believe being gay was wrong, so I was never really around them very often so I was unexposed and uneducated about them entirely. I think it was really good for me to experience this because it made me realize that they really aren’t that different than everyone else. The most important thing I took away from this experience was that contrary to what I personally have been taught to believe, what society has forced us to think they are not horrible awful people. They are people just like me who have been oppressed and faced many challenges to get to where they’re at now and they still don’t receive the respect and benefits that they deserve in our country. I took away that it is important for me to for that very reason it is important for me to form my own beliefs and not just go off of what everyone around me has told me. References Adams, M. (2007). Introduction. In Adams M., Blumenfeld W.J., Castaà ±eda C.R., Hackman H.W., Peters M.L., & Zà ºÃƒ ±iga X., Readings for Diversity and Social Justice. New York: Routledge.