Would I Have Quit free essay sample

When you go camping on a weekend trip, you never realize how many luxuries you brought with you such as food, water, clothing, and shelter. Once you run out of everything, no more food, clothes are all torn and dirty, you head out and leave, right? Well that’s not the story in the year 1776, when General George Washington was leading the rebel army into the Revolutionary War. He and his inexperienced militia set up a winter camp at a place called Valley Forge in Pennsylvania, but just a few miles away was General Howe who was in charge of the British army in Philadelphia. While the British army is healthy and warm, the rebel army is freezing to death with no clothing and very little food. Most of the men have only enlisted for six to nine months. The only thing is, a question remains; should I reenlist? For the sake of my well being and health, I shall not reenlist due to three main reasons; illness, lack of basic needs, and the difficulties I’ll face if I reenlist. We will write a custom essay sample on Would I Have Quit? or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page By February 1, 1778, about half of the 8000 soldiers who enlisted were ill because of the flu or smallpox. 1800 to 2500 are the death estimates due to illness during encampment. (Doc. A) Soon enough, half of the soldiers will be wiped out by the end of this harsh winter. My chances for surviving are not very high because of the lack of clothing during the harsh winter, the tiny,dirty huts, and the nasty food; all these factors give me a better chance of becoming very ill and dying. All the fatigues that have hit Valley Forge have made many people grow sickly and as for me, I wouldn’t want to be around wheezing, coughing men. (Doc. C) The basic needs that everyone should have a chance to endure are found nowhere near Valley Forge. There is nasty food of only grose water mixed with flour. Vomit and smoke is at every corner of the camp making it hard to even take a small breath without letting in the rotting smell of vomit and harsh smoke. (Doc. C) There is barely any clothing for us to wear and the shelters are just a bunch of small spread out huts housing eight to ten cold,hungry men. Because of these conditions, I will most likely get sick and die or I will grow too sick to train for the war or even fight so there’s no point in even reenlisting. The melancholy sound of people chanting â€Å"No meat! , no meat! †, would make me shudder and wonder, what would we eat?

Performance Appraisal System free essay sample

Performance Appraisal System Antronette S. Hancock Axia College of University of Phoenix A performance appraisal system is a very important part of any successful organization. Both employees and organizational management and leaders benefit from a well-structured performance appraisal system. These systems offer feedback and rewards to employees who perform well, while at the same time holding employees accountable for their performance. The following report will describe the purpose, benefits, and elements of a good performance appraisal system, and outline a unique performace appraisal system for a human service organization. The purpose of a performance appraisal system is to provide an evaluation and feedback on an employees performance. Most organizations perform appraisals yearly and may call the appraisal by other terms-such as a review. Even if appraisals are performed annually, management should have weekly consultations or meetings with staff to ensure each employee is kept up-to-date with policies and each employee knows what is expected of him or her. We will write a custom essay sample on Performance Appraisal System or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page A manager should not wait until the end of a year to let an employee know that there has been a performance problem for the last eight months. Problems should be addressed as they arise to prevent any surprises during the appraisal process. The evaluation portion of an appraisal system is normally performed by management. During this portion, management evaluates an employees performance to determine if there are any areas that need improvement. Ideally, all employees should be meeting or exceeding organizational standards. If an employee is not meeting standards, or has not met standards at some point within the previous year, his or her appraisal may have suggestions for improvement or there may be other consequences as a result of poor performace. The feedback portion of an appraisal system normally takes place between management and the employee who is being appraised. According to Caruth and Humphreys, appraisals should be formalized according to organizational procedure (2008). Feedback should be conducted in a private setting to ensure that the information being passed on is confidential. The manager should thoroughly explain the employees appraisal and encourage the employee to ask questions. The manager should also be attentive to what the employee says so the the employee does not feel like his or her comments or concerns are not important. From an employee viewpoint, the purpose of a performace appraisal is very different than that of the organization. According to Cash, the employee wants to know four things: what do you want me to do, how well have I done it, how can I improve my performance, and reward me for doing well (1993). These are the questions and expectations an employees need to know in order to perform his or her job well. Managers should make sure employees are aware of expectations each and every day while working. From the organizational viewpoint, one of the main purposes of an employee appraisal system is accountability. Employees need to be held accountable for their performance at all times. A good appraisal system outlines each employees responsibilities and performance rates to show accountability. This is especially important in organizations that have areas with overlapping responsibilities. Each employee needs to know specifically what he or she is held accountable for. There are many benefits of a good performance appraisal system. One of the benefits is that the appraisal process allows managers to have one-on-one time with employees that they may not get to have on a daily basis. Another benefit is that any existing problems can be addressed and, hopefully, solutions can be made so that the problem can be corrected. Appraisals also encourage employees to perform better in the future so that the next appraisal will be positive. Consider the following unique appraisal system for a human service organization. Each employee will be evaluated yearly. The evaluation will be based on three areas: work performance, attendance, and innovation. Work performace will acquire the biggest portion of the appraisal score because there are many factors involved. Work performance will be based on organizational standards, accuracy rates, timeliness standards, and customer satisfaction. Attendance scores will be based on the employees attendance history for the previous year. And Innovation scores will be given based on any ideas the employee has come up with to improve organizational processes or cut organizational costs. Once the scores are determined, a final appraisal score is given to the employee. Employees can compare these scores from year to year to see if his or her performance is acceptable for the organization. Employee appraisal systems are very beneficial for both employees and the organization. Appraisals provide feedback to employees concerning their performance and also holds each employee accountable.

Learn 10 Facts About Sochi Russia

Learn 10 Facts About Sochi Russia Sochi is a resort city located in the Russian Federal Subject of Krasnodar Krai. It is north of Russias border with Georgia along the Black Sea near the Caucasus Mountains. Greater Sochi stretches 90 miles (145 km) along the sea and is considered one of the longest cities in Europe. The City of Sochi covers a total area of 1,352 square miles (3,502 sq km). Geographic Facts About Sochi The following is a list of the ten most important geographic facts to know about Sochi, Russia: 1) Sochi has a long history that dates back to Ancient Greek and Roman times when the area was inhabited by the Zygii people. From the 6th to the 11th centuries though, Sochi belonged to Georgias kingdoms of Egrisi and Abkhazia. 2) After the 15th century, the region making up Sochi was known as Ubykhia and was controlled by local mountaineer clans. In 1829,  however, the coastline region was ceded to Russia after the Caucasian and Russo-Turkish Wars. 3) In 1838, Russia founded the Fort of Alexandria (which was renamed Navaginsky) at the mouth of the Sochi River. In 1864, the final battle of the Caucasian War took place and on March 25 a new fort Dakhovsky was established where Navaginsky had been. 4) Throughout the early 1900s, Sochi grew as a popular Russian resort city and in 1914, it was granted municipal rights. Sochis popularity grew further during Joseph Stalins control of Russia as Sochi as he had a vacation home, or dacha, built in the city. Since its founding, Sochi has also been the served as the location where various treaties have been signed. 5) As of 2002, Sochi had a population of 334,282 people and a population density of 200 people per square mile (95 per sq km). 6) Sochis topography is varied. The city itself lies along the Black Sea and is at a lower elevation than surrounding areas. However, it is not flat and has clear views of the Caucasus Mountains. 7) The climate of Sochi is considered humid subtropical at its lower elevations and its winter low temperatures rarely dip below freezing for long periods. The average January temperature in Sochi is 43 °F (6 °C). Sochis summers are warm and temperatures range from 77 °F to 82 °F (25 °C-28 °C). Sochis receives about 59 inches (1,500 mm) of precipitation yearly. 8) Sochi is known for its various vegetation types (many of which are palms), parks, monuments and extravagant architecture. Around two million people travel to Greater Sochi during the summer months. 9) In addition to its status as a resort city, Sochi is known for its sports facilities. For example, tennis schools in the city have trained such athletes as Maria Sharapova and Yevgeny Kafelnikov. 10) Due to its popularity among tourists, historic characteristics, sports venues and proximity to the Caucasus Mountains, the International Olympic Committee selected Sochi as the site of the 2014 Winter Olympics on July 4, 2007. Sources: Wikipedia. Sochi. Wikipedia- the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sochi

Free Essays on Summer Paradise

SUMMER PARADISE When I was young the thing I remember most is the summers. I remember the excitement and the thought of the fun to be had. It was an escape from the everyday. I have been lucky enough to do this my entire childhood. When I think about our vacations to my cottage, I can almost feel its harmony and peacefulness come over me, not to say it wasn’t exciting also. After an incredibly long journey, we would come to a sandy, dirt road full of potholes and surrounded by tall dark trees. While traveling up the road, you could see a few shimmers and sparkles on the water. As you get closer you could see that the water was clean and clear. The hot and dry mid-afternoon sun would beat down on me as I peered into the cool waters that mirrored my anxious face. The sky would take a different appearance because we were so far north. It was bright light and aqua blue, speckled with a few white, fluffy clouds. The wind gently blew causing ripples on the water, and the poised bending of the branches over the lake. The captivating forests that held these trees seemed to magically entice me to venture through them, running and skipping with my cousins trying to find new places we had never been. Some days we would go on secret adventures. These mystical forests were intriguingly different than those around our homes, and therefore sparked our curiosity. It seemed like millions of pinecones would munch under our feet as we ran and giant evergreen trees seemed to reach toward the endless sky as we stared up at them astonished at their beauty. Wild animals, which knew nothing of the danger of humans, would play scurry out in front of us. Once I watched two squirrels enthusiastically chase one and other up a white birch tree. On another occasion, from the banks of the shore, I watched a hawk swoop into the water to catch a large fish. The hawk then flew high above the treetops with the fish hanging from his mouth. ... Free Essays on Summer Paradise Free Essays on Summer Paradise SUMMER PARADISE When I was young the thing I remember most is the summers. I remember the excitement and the thought of the fun to be had. It was an escape from the everyday. I have been lucky enough to do this my entire childhood. When I think about our vacations to my cottage, I can almost feel its harmony and peacefulness come over me, not to say it wasn’t exciting also. After an incredibly long journey, we would come to a sandy, dirt road full of potholes and surrounded by tall dark trees. While traveling up the road, you could see a few shimmers and sparkles on the water. As you get closer you could see that the water was clean and clear. The hot and dry mid-afternoon sun would beat down on me as I peered into the cool waters that mirrored my anxious face. The sky would take a different appearance because we were so far north. It was bright light and aqua blue, speckled with a few white, fluffy clouds. The wind gently blew causing ripples on the water, and the poised bending of the branches over the lake. The captivating forests that held these trees seemed to magically entice me to venture through them, running and skipping with my cousins trying to find new places we had never been. Some days we would go on secret adventures. These mystical forests were intriguingly different than those around our homes, and therefore sparked our curiosity. It seemed like millions of pinecones would munch under our feet as we ran and giant evergreen trees seemed to reach toward the endless sky as we stared up at them astonished at their beauty. Wild animals, which knew nothing of the danger of humans, would play scurry out in front of us. Once I watched two squirrels enthusiastically chase one and other up a white birch tree. On another occasion, from the banks of the shore, I watched a hawk swoop into the water to catch a large fish. The hawk then flew high above the treetops with the fish hanging from his mouth. ...

Education in Japan Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Education in Japan - Research Paper Example In some cases, reformers have explicitly pointed to education system to have an important link to the creation of more efficient and effective learning environments. However, some of these studies also point towards an increase in psychological problems and many societal issues among Japanese children today. Numbers of studies have proved strong relation between extraordinary high standard of education system and activities of private schools and psychological problems in students of elementary schools in Japan. (Fullan, 35) As long as a child is in Junior High School in Japan, he can only attend the school which is located near their home. (Stevenson, Azuma and Hakuta, 210) Though, senior high schools can be attended anywhere within a city: this leads to a competition between schools, every student becomes willing to go to the best school and every school looks to get the best students of the city. More than 25% of senior high schools in Japanese cities are owned privately, that shows the degree of the competition at higher levels schooling in Japan. This is the time, when Japanese parents are ready to pay substantial amounts of money to make their children get admission in the best school. According to a survey, 1,073 students of private schools of Japan were observed. Out of them about 67% studied visual and arts subjects such as music, painting, abacus and calligraphy. About 25% of these students attended 3-4 times/ week, and rest of the students about 18% attended these classes 5 or more times in a week. Results showed that increasing attendance of these classes produced dizziness, alteration in sleep pattern and several other psycho physiological problems. Such results warn educationalists and parents both of adverse effects of these extracurricular activities. (Matsumoto, K. Kaku, R. Nakagawa, K and Kaneko,

The Characteristics of Expository Essays Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Characteristics of Expository Essays - Essay Example An expository essay is usually a ‘how-to’ essay or one that analyzes an event or an object. The two essays under consideration ‘Dinner Party Table Settings’ and ‘Cochlear Implants’ qualify to be categorized as expository because the former tells us how to host a formal dinner party while the latter provides information on the features of cochlear implants and their usefulness. Both the essays contain detailed informative processes explaining such things as the differences between traditional hearing aids and cochlear implants or the preparation of frosted fruit. The functions of time and space have an important role to play in an expository essay. The author of the second essay at first wonders whether she should go for a cochlear implant and with the passage of time, in the light of certain experiences, she establishes how the thought of getting an implant herself occupied her mind more and more. In the other essay, space settings dominate the content, giving the reader a detailed picture of the position of seats, plates, forks, glasses and even candles. The organizational choice is obvious in both because, the cochlear implant being a recent advance in science, the chronology is important in differentiating it from the earlier solutions devised for the deaf, while for the host of a party, the first concern is ‘right arrangements’ having to do with ‘where is what’. This is responsible for another difference between the two essays: the tense used. Present tense is more common in the expository type unless due to the ‘time’ order, the past tense becomes inevitable here and there. So we see past tense has no use in the essay at a dinner party.

What was the most important factor behind Saladin's series of Essay

What was the most important factor behind Saladin's series of successes - Essay Example Saladin was one of the important warriors in the history of Islamic world who has great influence on the West also. Due to his successes in crusades, Saladin has remained one of the important historical figures for West to study and explore specially the reasons and key factors behind his success. He was a Kurdish Muslim who became the first Ayyubid ruler of Egypt and Syria and also the major force behind the recapturing of the Jerusalem from the European crusaders. It was mostly because of this reason that he is a very well known figure in Islamic history and is considered as one of those individuals who could muster the courage and strength to recapture Jerusalem. (Hamblin)1 A closer analysis of his successes however, would reveal many important facets of his rise to the power and glory. His success against the crusaders in Jerusalem is mostly attributed to the internal conflict between the Crusader States. Further, his own ambitions to create an alternative Ayyubid dynasty in Arab world and use of Jihad as a tool to gain military power are other important reasons which could be considered as the key reasons behind his rise to the success. The lack of interest by the Franks as well as the failure of the agreements with the Byzantines can also be considered as the different factors which provided Saladin a perfect environment to establish his own authority and might. This paper will attempt to discuss the key success factors behind the success of Saladin and his rise to the power Saladin’s rise to Power It is important to discuss briefly as to how Saladin actually rose to the power in Arab world and became the force which actually defeated the Crusader States. Saladin’s father, Ayyub, was in military services for the Turkish Military Leader Zangi who was controlling Aleppo and Mosul. At the early age, Saladin joined his father and uncle in the army at Aleppo which was at that time controlled by Zangi’s son Nur al-Din who also emerged as on e of the strongest personality within Muslim world to successfully challenge the threat posed by the Crusaders. (Davenport)2 Saladin’s real chance for success came when Nur al-Din sent army to Egypt when the Fatimid Empire in Egypt was weakening due to the internal conflicts as well as the constant invasions from the Frankish States. It was during this campaign that Saladin’s uncle, Shirkuh, leader of Army, died and Saladin started to take control. He was first appointed as the Vizier in Egypt and than subsequently overtook the Egyptian government in the name of Nur al-Din. (Lane-Poole). 3This episode is also considered as the starting point of the rising conflicts between Nur al-Din and Saladin and on the death of Nur al-Din, Saladin went on to capture the Syria from the heirs of Nur al-Din also. (Meri and Bacharach)4 This brief recapture of Saladin’s rise to the power indicates that he actually attempted to take advantage of the internal conflicts which were e xisting within Muslim dynasties at that time. Fatimid Empire weakened not only due to the internal strife within the empire but from the constant invasions and threats posed by the Frankish States. This not only weakened the State but also allowed alternative forces like Saladin to take make their move to the throne. It is also important to note that Saladin’s rise to become the Vizier of Egypt was also based upon the fact he was Sunni Muslim and due to his age and family background, he was preferred over others as it was considered that he was too weak to pose a significant challenge. His rise to this position is also considered as a political maneuvering by the existing regime to undermine other stronger forces within the Muslim Empire. It was during his tenure as a Vizier in Egypt that Saladin started to use religion as one of his weapons to start consolidating his power. (Azzam)5 It is also important to note that Nur al-Din also emerged as one of the strongest forces agai nst the Crusader States and also help widening the conflict between the Crusader Stat

Global enterprise and innovation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Global enterprise and innovation - Essay Example Because of the extensive trade in goods and services, and because of the flow of capital and technology, the markets have become interdependent. This new structure, as a consequence of globalization is the result of the control measures and dominance adopted by the MNCs. Globalization has brought about tremendous changes in the ways that MNCs operate. Through innovation in various fields they have been able to generate new opportunities and challenges for the developing world. Globalization and Internationalization While globalization and internationalization are interchangeably used, they are distinctly different. Globalization is a worldwide process which implies that tastes, needs and wants become standardized across cultures. This occurs as technology, migration, and education become globally dispersed (McCabe, 2001). This suggests that globalization is the process of uniting the nations as members of one world, as the world shrinks. Internationalization, on the other hand, invol ves information of particular countries which in turn impacts the development of relationships in several sectors. These sectors include business, education, and social and cultural relationships. The concept of One World or globalization has driven innovation as companies like McDonald's have been accused of Macdonaldization of societies. While they export products and services, they are actually exporting American cultural identities. Economies are rapidly evolving and the effects of globalization are clearly visible; globalization is inevitable. Malaysia’s economic policy Among all the developing economies, Malaysia’s economic policy is considered worth emulating (Ritchie, 2005). The economic policies of Malaysia were liberal as it served to attract FDI. This drove a technological change, facilitated specialization and gave the nation comparative advantage. As the Malaysian policies liberalized, it helped in the reallocation and restructuring of resources in differe nt forms of labor, capital and technology which also facilitated FDI-led growth. FDI is a special form of capital flow which is expected to generate tangible assets and brings with it technology to the developing countries (Michi, Cagatay & Koska, 2004). Intangible assets like managerial skills also come with FDI which is a necessity for the developing nations. FDI is also the transfer of organizational knowledge from one country to another (Zhang, Zhang & Liu, 2007). FDI motivation and risks The motivation for the MNCs to invest in a developing economy would include the local and the global factors (Albuquerque, Loayza & Serven, 2005). The local factors include the benefits from location and the cost factors while the global factors explain the dynamics of the cross-section of the FDI. By investing in developing countries, MNCs can take advantage of their marketing and technical know-how, and managerial expertise (Athukorala, 2009). FDI is based on long-term profit considerations a nd carries with it the advantage of influence and control. Nations must be able to offer comparative advantage when they attract FDI. The MNCs would like to achieve economies of scale when they decide on the location for FDI. However, FDI in developing economies is beset with risks and the MNCs must have the capabilities to mitigate these risks. MNCs can face significant adjustment costs but prior experience helps to overcome this (Goerzen, 2005). Economic uncertainties can pose

FAMILY UNIT. FUNCTION, SHAPE AND IT'S PRESENT ROLE IN SOCIETY Essay

FAMILY UNIT. FUNCTION, SHAPE AND IT'S PRESENT ROLE IN SOCIETY - Essay Example In other words the size of the family was larger earlier whereas at present it becomes lesser and lesser. Nuclear families and single parent families are gaining popularity at present because of the changing perceptions about life philosophies. Family relationships were stronger earlier; but these relationships are getting weaker and weaker as the time passes. People became more selfish and current generation sees fewer roles of family in their social life. This paper briefly analyses the function, shape and role of family in the present society. Most of the current families consist of only the parents and their children. The concept of larger families has given way for nuclear families. In a larger family the commitments of the family members would be more compared to that of the members of a nuclear family. The concepts of nuclear family evolved because of the changing trends in social life. People started to migrate to distant places in search of better opportunities and settled t here. Thus, their contacts with family members started to decrease which resulted in feeble relationships with the family members. Pearl S. Buck criticized current system of family on part of emotional security aspects. He said "The lack of emotional security of our American young people is due, I believe, to their isolation from the larger family unit. No two people - no mere father and mother - as I have often said, are enough to provide emotional security for a child. He needs to feel himself one in a world of kinfolk, persons of variety in age and temperament, and yet allied to himself by an indissoluble bond which he cannot break if he could, for nature has welded him into it before he was born (Jay) In a larger family, people get more support from others in solving their problems. For example, in larger family consisting of grandparents, children will get immense benefits from the advices of their grandparents. Grandparents have already faced many of the challenging life situa tions and they can streamline the junior members in the family in the right tract when problems occur. The nuclear family members may not get the services of the grandparents. â€Å"Being a daughter implies that there is a mother or father. A daughter or son reasonably expects physical care and emotional support to a certain age, and parents might expect increasing domestic responsibility and self-direction with their child's physical maturation† (Family Roles - Role Expectations And Demands). The above concept was a traditional one as far as a family is concerned. However, current families are not much bothered about such concepts. It is not necessary that a daughter or son may get the support of both the father and mother in their family at present. Single parent families are more common everywhere at present. The increased divorce rate prevents children from enjoying the support of both father and mother nowadays. The current generation is too much focused on their profess ion and they are giving less importance to family needs. For example, lots of working women leave their infants in day care centers before entering their office. These infants are deprived from getting the much needed care and love for their emotional developments. Such children develop fewer relationships with their parents and in future they may create lot of problems in the family. They will never obey their parents and do things as they like. It is quite possible that children who failed to get adequate

Career Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Career Plan - Essay Example The quote emphasizes the fact that a proper career plan is needed for any student to achieve success in any field of study. From childhood every individual holds a dream deep down in his heart, to achieve some goal that completes or rather summarizes the meaning of success for him/her. But when faced with the harsh realities of the very real world his dreams are susceptible to change with a view to obtain a better life ,to make the world a better place to live. He/She now nurtures his/her dreams based on practical grounds. His/Her search to achieve and fulfill his wants leads him to take up a career option that will provide him/her with both job satisfaction and a better living . This is a choice that each individual should be allowed to make on his/her own, probably with a bit of useful guidance from parents/teachers as once a choice is made one cannot rethink and change it in most circumstances. A wrong choice might rob one’s life of ‘all the lovely things’ tha t he/she deserved. I made a choice for myself, a choice I still stand by . I chose Mechanical Engineering as my field of study . The obvious question that the read must be being haunted with is a broad ‘Why?’ .Well, as I grew up I felt sincere inclination towards maths and papers relating to natural sciences. There is an urge to discover, an urge to know the intricacies relating to force, power and momentum which makes me want to take up Mechanical Engineering as my field of study. Engines always had a lot of appeal to me . I wanted to know more about the ways they function, their utility which makes life so much easy for all of us in this big world. Over and above all, a need to serve mankind, a need to make life more comfortable, a need to satisfy my hunger for knowing the intricacies of the mechanical world propelled me to take up the challenging career of a Mechanical Engineer . A career as a civil Engineer, however, stands fine for me but as a second choice ofcours e . A Brief on what Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering are all about . Mechanical engineering plays a dominant role in enhancing economic vitality, safety and overall quality of life. Mechanical engineers are concerned with the principles of force, energy and motion. They are professionals with expert knowledge of the design and manufacture of mechanical systems, thermal devices and processes. Products and processes developed by mechanical engineers include engines and control systems for automobiles and aircraft, electric power generation plants, lifesaving medical devices and consumer products ranging from air conditioners to personal computers and athletic equipment. They also design the machines that mass-produce these products. Virtually every aspect of life is touched by mechanical engineering. If something moves or uses energy, a mechanical engineer was probably involved in its design or production. Civil engineers design and supervise the construction of roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and water supply and sewage systems. They must consider many factors in the design process, from the construction costs and expected lifetime of a project to government regulations and potential environmental hazards such as earthquakes and hurricanes. Civil engineering, considered one of the oldest engineering disciplines, encompasses many specialties. The major ones are structural, water resources, construction, environmental, transportation, and geotechnical engineering. Many civil engineers hold supervisory or administrative positions, from supervisor of a construction site to city engineer. Others may work in design,

Victor Emmanuel Ii King Of Sardinia History Essay

Victor Emmanuel Ii King Of Sardinia History Essay Victor Emmanuel II king of Sardinia was affirmed King of Italy in 1861 when the country turned into a nation-state. The 1930s was a tense period for the peace which was achieved in 1919. This was the time when Benito Mussolini established his fascist party. A crucial factor during this period and which this assignment will analyse is Italys quest in Abyssinia taken by the lead of Mussolini. This paper is going to give prominence to Italy after WWI and some interests which came along with the Cold War period which remain consistent in Italys foreign policy nowadays. Of course one cannot miss out stating that Italy was a member with NATO and one of the six founders of the EEC which led Italy for integration economically and politically. As a conclusion I will conclude by stating the imminent problems Italy faces such as illegal immigration, unemployment, low standards of living in the South compared to the industrialised North. Unification of Italy Despite the setbacks of 1848-49, these lead the way to the Italian unification. The factors which mainly united Italy were its Italian language, religion and its geographic position as it is a peninsula in the centre of the Mediterranean. Italys unification came along through wars such as the war with Austria (1859), Garibaldi and the 1000 redshirts frightened more Cavour as Garibaldis popularity would put the position of Victor Emmanuel II a risk, the annexation of Venetia (1866) and the conquest of Rome (1870). Napoleon conquered the Italian peninsula and created the puppet King of Italy in 1792. He combined the smaller Italian city-states into larger units to make his rule more efficient but opposition to him as a foreign ruler stimulated Italian nationalism. The defence of Rome created the hero Giuseppe Garibaldi considered as the sword of the unification. He joined the Young Italy movement and was commander in the conflicts of the Risorgimento. He was a friend of Giuseppe Mazzini the soul of the unification who was a Carbonaro. Mazzini was the first influential revolutionary of the Risorgimento as the movement had dissatisfaction with the re-establishment of the old monarchies. Meanwhile Camillo Benso di Cavour was the brain of the unification and founder of a political journal The Resurgence. Within a few years he transformed Piedmont into modern state by removing duties, built railways. Finally he also reorganised the army. Cavour was aware that Piedmont needed strong allies against Au stria. In 1854, when the Crimean war broke out he was asked by Britain and France to send troops because Austria needed assurance that if she joined the allies, Piedmont would not take advantage of the situation. During the Paris Peace Conference in 1856, Cavour drew the attention on grievance of the Italians and pointed to Austria as their main cause. During the following two years, the relationship between France and Sardinia-Piedmont improved since Napoleon III had long-standing sympathies towards the Italians. Cavour always supported the interests of people struggling to be free. Hence he knew that a military campaign against Austria in Italy would mean following his uncles footsteps. Alliances and Alignments The Dual Alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary was defensive in nature. This was Bismarcks reaction to Russias implied threat in the aftermath of the Berlin Congress. However, this alliance should not be regarded as Bismarcks final choice between Austria and Russia but their affiliation was for Austrians who escaped from the diplomatic isolation. On the other hand the triple alliance (1882) was made between Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy. Consequently through these alliances, Bismarck managed to isolate France completely from the other powers. While Britain never bothered to form an alliance with any of the other powers since it followed the policy of the splendid isolation. For that reason by the Mancini Declaration Italy would not be drawn in an alliance which would work against Britain. The Scramble for Africa Mussolini wanted glory and conquest: his style of leadership needed military victories. He had often promoted the idea of restoring the glory of the Roman Empire. In fact Richards states that: Italy was desperately anxious to fill her pockets and vindicate her claim to be a major power by acquiring colonies  [1]  . Mussolini was intent on avenging the humiliation the Italians had suffered back in 1896 against the Abyssinians. The dispute over territory between Abyssinian soldiers and Italians over the incident in Wal-Wal was Mussolinis main excuse for invading Abyssinia in 1935. In 1933 the Four Power Pact was signed and committed states to cooperation for a period of 10 years. On 7th January 1935, the Franco-Italian agreement was signed to counteract what they perceived to be an increasing German threat to their national security. The Italians still anti-German at this time, welcomed this alliance with the French  [2]  . Britain and France failed to take Mussolinis threat of invading Abyssinia seriously. In 1935 France, Britain and Italy signed the Stresa Pact to resist any German attempt to alter the Versailles Treaty by force. During this meeting they didnt even raise the question of Abyssinia so Mussolini took it for granted that he had a free hand in Colonial Expansion  [3]  . After 8 months the League finally put forward a plan which would give Mussolini some of Abyssinia. He rejected it.  [4]   Mussolini conquered Abyssinia: the last independent African Nation. At this point the Covenant of the League made it clear that sanctions had to be introduced against the aggressor as this was a clear case of a large state attacking a weaker one. However, they were not too effective as oil was not banned and also the Suez Canal was not closed to Mussolinis supply ships  [5]  . The Canal was the Italian main supply route to Abyssinia both Britain and France were afraid that closing the canal could result in war with Italy  [6]  . This decision was fatal for Abyssinia. Mussolini was astonished at the League sanctions: Frances and Britains silence at Stresa over Abyssinia had led Mussolini to think that they would not take his adventures in Abyssinia negatively. Mussolini considered the sanctions a front of conservation, of selfishness and of hypocrisy  [7]  . During this period the Hoare-Laval Plan, a secret dealing between Britain and France was trying to solve this crisis. These two Foreign Ministers aimed to give Mussolini 2/3 of Abyssinia in return for his calling off the invasion. Laval threatened Britain that if they didnt agree to the plan then France would no longer support sanctions against Italy. While Britain activated modest economic sanctions against Italy, Laval promised Mussolini that Italys access to oil would not be disrupted. This policy came to be known as all sanctions short of war  [8]  . When Italys conquest of Abyssinia was completed by May 1936, Haile-Selassie made a last appeal to the League of Nations: It is not merely a question of settlement in the matter of Italian aggression. It is a question of collective security; of the trust placed by States in international treaties; of the value of promises made to small states that their integrity and their independence shall be respected and assured. It is a choice between the principle of equality of States and the imposition upon small Powers of the bonds of vassalage  [9]  . On 9th May 1936, Abyssinia was annexed collective security had been shown as an empty promise. It was evident that Italy could not pursue its interests at Abyssinia and Spain and at the same time guard its security in central Europe, that is why it opted for an alliance with Germany. After 1935 Europe experienced a collapse of Balance of Power and signed the Rome-Berlin axis in November 1936. Italy after WWI By the formation of military alliances, Europe was divided into two groups of alliances. At first these alliances were formed to prevent war and were meant to keep the balance of power in Europe. Leaders believed that if one nation had more power than the other, war could be avoided but the threat of war grew in spite of these alliances. In fact Bismarcks balance of power collapsed. Italy was united in 1870 but there was a serious division between North and South since the North was industrial while the South was still agricultural. After WWI a gap still existed between the rich and the poor. As a result socialism became very strong and popular in Italy. The Italo-Turkish war purpose was to add colonies in North Africa. This war revealed the weakness within Italy which failed an expansionist policy. After the war, Trieste and Trentino were handed over to Italy as part of compensation for her involvement in the war. This left Italy dissatisfied since the government had expected to receive parts of the Dalmatian Coast. As a result Italy became known as a have not country. By the Treaty of Versailles signed at the end of WWI the Italians believed that it treated them badly. Italy had not been given the land promised at the Secret Treaty of London in 1915 and as a consequence Italys foreign Minister Orlando left the Commission humiliated. Benito Mussolini set up the Fascist Party and promised to solve Italys problems. He came to power in 1922 and was appointed Prime Minister by King Victor Emmanuel to prevent a Communist revolution in Italy. Accordingly in 1922 the March on Rome established Mussolini and the Fascist Party as the most important party of Italy. By the late 1920 there was a more expansionist and aggressive foreign policy. Mussolinis notion reflected imperialist ambitions even before WWI during the Abyssinian crisis. Mussolini saw and adopted aggressive foreign policy (1933-39) as a destruction of domestic problems of a country. Italy and the Cold War Despite the inability to agree on various national interests there still remained some interests in Italys foreign policy which remained consistent. Starting with the Truman Doctrine introduced by USA was a policy to contain communism with financial aid to the West of Europe and to support the communist political party in Italy. It had the tendency to have a more equidistant approach in foreign policy. Internationally Italy has a long welcoming relationship with USA. This is due to the fact that both countries worked together in areas such as the Atlantic alliance (NATO), within the UN and promote prosperity and peace. Important to note is that USAs thousands of military troops are based in Italy which is a sign of cooperation between both countries for the cause of avoiding terrorism. Communism formed in Italy by the Partito Comunista Italiano (PCI) by breaking away from the Socialist Party. The PCI fought against Nazi in WWII and after war it became a contributor to the Italian constitution while supported by many voters. But PCI was replaced in 1991 by the Partito Democratico della Sinistra (PDS). Italy guarded the equidistance policy (1933-36) with Britain and France while authorizing German revisionism of the Treaty of Versailles without committing herself to either bloc. Mussolini dreamed of promoting his Italy in his Mare Nostrum. In fact Italy acknowledges the role as one of the strongest country in the Mediterranean. Italys policy nowadays, is an image of the rights and responsibility in regards to regionality in the Mediterranean. The notion of opportunism in foreign policy seized opportunity in national interests especially in post-Cold War and Cold War period as it initiated multilateral agreements. It saw instances available for its infrastructure, benefits and economic recovery and therefore an extension of switching alliances. The notion of opportunism hence let Italy paving the way for EU integration. Italys influence in EU integration was by Altiero Spinelli with his Ventetone Manifesto (1941) from where he had long been advocating the notion of US of Europe. Peace and stability in EU was by federalising European states. In terms of reputation, Italy benefited more, guaranteeing the best situations for society and making the best out of its circumstances. Priorities in Italys Foreign Policy There is an overlapping level of importance in Italys Foreign Policy considering that the Right wing is more ready to give priority to US while the Left wing tends to be more prone to give EU greater role in its foreign policy. But the three main priorities which are still present in foreign policy are the relations with USA, the EU, and the Mediterranean. So it is clear enough to say that after the end of the Cold War there was a more active foreign policy. As I have been mentioning before the Mediterranean is crucial in Italys foreign policy. The notion of Mare Nostrum or Italian opportunism put the Mediterranean in the sphere of influence and with an obligation to take more responsibility in the region. This in fact entails cooperation agreements, in tackling the North-South divide issue. On a multilateral basis there are initiatives within the transatlantic relationship which almost brought 50years of peace in Europe and in the rest of the world to prevent another conflict. In 1961 with the fall of Berlin Wall strife between the Western and Eastern blocs faded and brought the Balkan area together. This is also what happened in post 9/11 with the ominous warning of clash of civilisations where if freedom and respect for humanity dont exist there is no expectation for peace. In this state of affairs the West set the goals for integration within the EU. But the countries which enhanced most and label themselves in the Atlantic bond must take action in catastrophe where humanity is in danger. Italys contributions in regards to culture and history are a melting pot to Europe: Take the art works of Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, . add the architecture of Venice, Florence and Rome and you have just a fraction of Italys treasures from over the centuries  [10]  . Italy an EU member, being the 7th largest economy in international affairs today has the worlds 6th highest export, a strong member of G8 industrialised nations and G20 especially when it comes to role with USA, China and EU. Italy is also the 5th major tourist destination where revenues which enter from the tourism sector are profitable enough. The Italian peninsula at the centre of the Mediterranean is a major destination for migrants who reach the Italian shores. This cause brings a challenge to the Republic of Italy. Hence immigration in Italy turned to be a political dialogue tackling migration as a security issue and fulfilling policies particularly having connotations to human rights. Roberto Maroni stated My concern as interior minister is to guarantee the highest possible levels of security, first and foremost by combating clandestine immigration  [11]  . One of the reasons to which Italy can adopt a more developed role is within its domestic politics. Italian politics is generally considered a complex and puzzling affair, steeped in clientelism, corruption, excessive party influence, a byzantine bureaucracy, and last but not least, mysterious conspiracies as well as bloody episodes of political violence  [12]  . September 11 coincided with Berlusconi coming in office in May 2001. But in 2006 the LUnione led by Romano Prodi formed the government of the time but resigned after 9 months after a policy about operation troops in Afghanistan and US expansion military base failed. He focused on the importance of making Italy important in the special relationship with USA on the same lines of Britain since the latter was a US ally. In this way Italy will have these benefits and translate to energy and oil resources. One can notice that USA is still one of the benchmarks in Italys policy. Prodi was again criticised in 2008 when the UDEUR party left his coalition. All this caused turmoil because Parliament was diffused and elections were held in April. But Berlusconi won his 3rd term in 2008 and so the party is dominated by the centre-right politics. When Berlusconi came to power in 2008 a law was passed giving him immunity from prosecution while being in office. Consequently in November 2008, Italy was affirmed in recession. Nevertheless the main shock experienced by the earthquake in Aquila in 2009 left several people homeless and towns heavily damaged. Conclusion Undoubtedly in my opinion I strongly agree with the quote of Michael Clark Gli italiani non si sono mai messi daccordo riguardo a dove si trovino i loro interessi nazionali. This is due to the fact that one of the problems that characterise Italys foreign policy is the notion of inability to agree on various national interests. Everyday examples include the division between the industrialised North and the poor South. In fact the Italians in the North want to form part of Austria and France since they speak their languages. Certain zones in the north as Venice, Turin are the richest of Europe while the Sothern part is the opposite with few industries and few job opportunities for youths. On administration level, Berlusconi though went through several mistakes in his administration he always sought his aims and succeeded.

Actplan Limited: Fleet Management Engineering Functions

Actplan Limited: Fleet Management Engineering Functions By Nassim Bouhbal The centralization of Actplan limited  fleet management engineering functions The world of organizations has always been confronted with major changes. These changes, varied, can take several recurring forms and are generally known as reorganization, restructuring or even revitalization. In this perspective, the company Actplan is faced with an internal problem mainly in the logistics, which creates loss and waste of resources. This is compounded by conflict and ignorance of the staff who no longer know what role to play. Thereby, the report that follows provides a general solution to the change required by the new CEO, which is to centralize the system VFMS into the corporate headquarter, and to dismiss some of the staff. Thus, the method of change of Kurt Lewin will be used for this case and the plan will be mainly oriented towards communication, analysis as well as the training. Further that, since a change manager will not be able to do this plan on his own, the creation of a team and a new change manager have been approved. Thus, the analysis made on the different behaviour required of the individuals. Allowed us to compose this team using the method of Belbin team roles. Thereby, the new change manager will be a Coordinator, while the team will consist of a Plan, a Monitor evaluator, a Resource investigator, and an implementer. I. Change management : I.1. Reason for change: Actplan is a multinational engineering company with a divisional structure specialized in the manufacture of electrical components for domestic and industrial use. The company is divided into several districts that have full control over their geographic area and are headed by division managers. These ones manage the technical, marketing, financial and commercial aspects, and are directly responsible to the general manager in the corporate headquarters. There is thus both a great autonomy of the different districts and a strong centralization of the powers around the divisional managers. Figure 1: Actplan company organisation The main mission of each division is the distribution and marketing and maintenance of the different products in their respective regions while managing the administrative aspects proper to them. However, after the former CEO retired and the set up a new CEO has been done, this one has processes to an evaluation of the entire company, so the financial reports showed gaps in the resulting division resulting in the waste of resources and loose of money. With particular intent on the logistics side where resources are used randomly and without control. I.2.Type and Scope of change: Since the ideas are initiated by the hierarchical summit organizing and planning the process of innovation. We can conclude that the process of change is of the top down type. In this case, the CEO will take the steps and promulgate measures to obtain the participation of the actors concerned. Figure 2: Top down diagram In this perspective, in order to share his vision of the situation as well as the purpose of change, the meeting that brought together the CEO and the different managers of the DHQ and CHQ concluded that the main changes will be: Full stakeholders benefits with transparent streamlined business Centralisation of a new VFMS and fleet acquisitions and removing the old system. Transfer of functions from DHQs to CHQ. 2 years change transition. I. 3. The change management approach: Being designate for change, the first step before starting the change process itself, must be an interrogation on the definition of the goals and the relevance of the change. Why change? What ambition to aim for? This step of observation concerns the preliminary analysis of the situation, with briefings with the project manager or the CEO, or We will seek to determine what we want to change and how far the change must go, how This is likely to solve the problems found and to improve the degree of adaptation and efficiency of the organization These aspects relate in particular to the organizational diagnosis. According to Autissier and Moutot (2003) there are two criteria for characterizing changes, so they consider that change is defined according to its intentionality and rhythm: the criterion of intentionality (voluntary vs. imposed) the criterion of temporality (brutal vs progressive) The meeting of the axes progressive / brutal and imposed / voluntary allows to identify 4 types of change that we can see in this matrix.    Table 1: Type of change matrix Thus, taking into account the situation of our study case, the change will be prescribed, in the sense that it is imposed by the CEO and progressive over a period of 2 years. Also. According to Kurt Lewin, the whole process of change follows roughly a progression that can be described in three main phases (Figure 3), this tool will be used for the change management process in this case of study. Figure 3: Kurt Lewin change process The keywords and the main process for each step are: Unfreeze: Helping actors understand change and its causes; Informing about objectives and issues. Expect a resistance. Transition: Help actors to change: listen, understand, support, encourage, accompany, debate and respond. Put in place the necessary training facilities. Refreeze: Supporting individuals in their new roles. Encourage reflection on learning and change. Celebrating Success and Behaviours. I .4. Change management process: a-The unfreeze: The first stage of the unfreeze, begins with a large communication campaign plan (Annex 1), for this purpose, each DHQ and CHQ manager has the task of communicating the current events for his team, the purpose of this manoeuvre is to reduce mistrust and stress regarding the new CEO in a way where it remains a new unknown person for the staff of the company, unlike managers who collaborate with them longer. During these communication sessions, we handed out to managers a survey for all employees of the organization. This self-administered survey is composed of closed-ended questions, with a cover letter, providing the necessary recommendations for responding, including anonymity and confidentiality. The survey consists of five parts (Annex 2): the first one looks at the working environment; The second on changes, and the third on general issues related to the workplace; The results of these survey will be counted and treated later to find points of the old system failure and to see emotions as well as to detect possible resistance. In addition to meeting the reality of the environment, several meetings took place with the union and the members of the committee. These meetings aimed at ensuring consistency between the survey and the organizational reality. b- Transition: The transition stage is the most delicate step of the change, in the way where it is here that the communication plan put in place will be implemented. Following the CEOs recommendation, the first change was to centralize the VFMS system, thus controlling the logistics fleet will be supervised by the CHQ with the mission of tracking different lorries, as well as support for maintenance operations, by installing GPS tag and a GSM Diagnostic System in each truck. However, this change will greatly alter the way the engineers works in each DHQ. The biggest fear is the use of a centralized system for people who have been working independently for a long time. The manipulation of this system leads to fears for both good and bad engineers especially that we are in a transition phase where the worst engineers are afraid because they will be controlled and the best are afraid of the new technology. Even for the staff of the CHQ where the new system will be installed, it will bring a new unknown task to all, which will generate fear, stress and the anguish of spending more hours to work. At this level of the transition and before starting the training of the new system, forms of resistance can be imposed and creates conflicts, especially with the potential for the imminent dismissal of the staff. Thus, the brief observation phase that will follow in collaboration with the human resources of each division will bring to light the disruptive elements that will totally contradict the new system. This denial will be mainly in the form of absenteeism and refusal of collaboration; those will have to be decommissioned according to the CEOs recommendations, the idea is that the training of these elements will be a waste of money and time. On the other hand, the development of an early retirement formula for employees aged 50 and over with at least 20 years of seniority will be negotiated with the union so that we will save time as the training of older people will take longer. Having the field clear, the training phase on the new VFMS system and the accompaniment of the staff will begin. Training the most important step in change projects because this brings knowledge about the current change in the project, technology that come with it and understanding to the future role, so the methodology of training needs to be adapted to peoples, their roles and their functions. Thus, E-learning or distance learning, maybe a technological opportunity for this project. In fact, this method brings, many advantages: -It adapts to the constraints of time and the organization of each one. -It allows to work autonomously and independently. -It develops the spirit of curiosity and research. -The cost of training is reduced (booking class rooms, traveling trainers). -It avoids transport costs due to geographical distance. c- Refreeze: During this stage, new practices become natural. They integrate in the person and in the context. Now is the time to make adjustments so that residual problems do not compromise the results obtained. The aim here is to reinforce the changes made and to make them resistant to possible changes or regressions. In conducting change, observing these phases ensures better chances of achievement and is part of a rather participatory mode of change. It makes it possible to target the actions undertaken according to the stage in which we are located. Thus, the template in Annex 3 summarise the change management plan and the new company organisation will be as shown in the following figure. Figure 4: New Actplan organisation A change manager cannot plan change by himself. In order to achieve this transformation, the manager has to be surrounded with the necessary resources throughout this phase, thus creating a team that will help and support change is mandatory. Moreover, in this case being close to the withdrawal of the current manager, a new replacement has to be set up in order to continue the procedures after the departure of the enclosure In this circumstance, it is necessary from the outset to work closely with the human resource department and the Belbins methodology, with one main aim being to detect leadership. II.1. The definition of a leader The leader is the one who possesses a strong potential who can be subjected to experiments to develop this potential. It has its own specificities that appears during the evolution within the company. Thus, the leader is the one who opens the way for individuals to make major changes. It is the who influences others through his credibility, ability and commitment. In our case study, the task of a leader is to produce the change. this task goes beyond the control, recruitment and problem solving; It is about meeting the challenges in order to ensure growth, performance and learning, and he will be called upon to bring those around him to communicate change, adjust their values, modify their perspectives and to acquire new habits. To do so, he must detect opportunities and locate existing skills. II.2. Defining the new change manager: Following the definition above and following the Belbins team roles (Figure 5), the new change manager within the company will be designed following the test, the proper role for manager in this should be a coordinator, Thus the choice will be made among the potential leadership that will have the most concordance in this role by the test observer. Moreover. This new change manager will be designed at the early stage of the process change, to let him have all the knowledge about every step before the retirement. II.3. The establishment of a change management team At the start of the project, the manager will set up a change management team, which will be different from the functional team in charge of managing the project itself. The aim is to create a multidisciplinary and motivated team with the skills and competences to manage the change process over its entire duration: group work capacity, degree of mastery of the project management culture, capacity of animation and especially negotiation. The creation of the change management team can only be done with internal resources, but the use of external providers is often necessary because external resources can be a guarantee of objectivity and neutrality, and they have skills, Methods, and communication techniques that do not have internal resources. Thus, following the Belbin test, we should find resources can be useful in communication actions because they know the structure, can identify the right people, or be informed more quickly of possible obstacles. Finally, the typical change management team roles will be: A Plan, a Monitor evaluator, a Resource investigator, and an implementer. With this configuration, we will have two cerebral roles for the planning and the monitoring and a one people orientated role for the investigation, and finally one action orientated roles for the execution. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¨Figure 5: Belbins team roles The Communication Plan: (Template source: https://www.smartsheet.com/free-change-management-templates) The survey Sample: (Template source: http://www.hr-survey.com/EmployeeSurveyQuestions.htm) Change management plan: (Template source: https://www.smartsheet.com/free-change-management-templates)      Ã‚  

Game Theory in Nature :: essays research papers

Game Theory in Nature: Biologists observe that animals and even lower organisms often behave altruistically. Such behavior is obviously beneficial for the species as a whole. Although it is difficult to measure how an animal’s altruistic behaviour affects its chances for survival and reproduction, theoretical research is starting to fill in the picture of how cooperation may survive natural selection. Some of the most illuminating ideas are coming from game theory, the field of mathematics that studies strategic behavior in competitive situations. For decades, game theorists' basic paradigm for the puzzle of cooperation has been the scenario called the prisoner's dilemma, in which each player has a powerful incentive to exploit the other. The game is set up so that cooperation is best for the group, but each player individually does better by taking advantage of the other. TIT FOR TAT: Things look rosier for cooperation in situations where a participant plays the prisoner's dilemma repeatedly with the same opponent and learns from previous games. After all, it can be risky to exploit someone you know you're going to encounter again. A player using the tit-for-tat strategy cooperates in the first round and then in each subsequent round mimics the opponent's behavior in the previous round. In a population containing a mix of defectors and tit-for-tat players, the latter generally do better, provided there are enough of them. When they meet another tit-for-tat player, both cooperate and get a high payoff. When they meet a defector, they get suckered once, but only once. If repeatedly losing the game translates into low fitness, often the defectors do so poorly that they eventually die out, leaving an entirely cooperative population. Ultimately, a better understanding of the interplay between cooperation and exploitation could help explain the emergence not just of cooperation but also of life itself. After all, life owes its origins to primeval acts of inanimate cooperation, in which RNA, proteins, and other molecules banded together to form cells. Game Theory in Nature :: essays research papers Game Theory in Nature: Biologists observe that animals and even lower organisms often behave altruistically. Such behavior is obviously beneficial for the species as a whole. Although it is difficult to measure how an animal’s altruistic behaviour affects its chances for survival and reproduction, theoretical research is starting to fill in the picture of how cooperation may survive natural selection. Some of the most illuminating ideas are coming from game theory, the field of mathematics that studies strategic behavior in competitive situations. For decades, game theorists' basic paradigm for the puzzle of cooperation has been the scenario called the prisoner's dilemma, in which each player has a powerful incentive to exploit the other. The game is set up so that cooperation is best for the group, but each player individually does better by taking advantage of the other. TIT FOR TAT: Things look rosier for cooperation in situations where a participant plays the prisoner's dilemma repeatedly with the same opponent and learns from previous games. After all, it can be risky to exploit someone you know you're going to encounter again. A player using the tit-for-tat strategy cooperates in the first round and then in each subsequent round mimics the opponent's behavior in the previous round. In a population containing a mix of defectors and tit-for-tat players, the latter generally do better, provided there are enough of them. When they meet another tit-for-tat player, both cooperate and get a high payoff. When they meet a defector, they get suckered once, but only once. If repeatedly losing the game translates into low fitness, often the defectors do so poorly that they eventually die out, leaving an entirely cooperative population. Ultimately, a better understanding of the interplay between cooperation and exploitation could help explain the emergence not just of cooperation but also of life itself. After all, life owes its origins to primeval acts of inanimate cooperation, in which RNA, proteins, and other molecules banded together to form cells.

Cassie Talaga :: essays research papers

Cassie, Do you honestly think I have no right to be angry or frustrated? For the past 3 frickin' years, I've stayed up all nights some nights thinking about you and us; and, working my ass off to show you that, though there's distance between us, that you can bet your life that my love is there and strong for you. I know what you feel when you say that you need someone and something to touch. I've finally gotten in touch with you in a way that I can hear your voice. Just as I was saying in my last email, there will be some fucking hard ass times, and then there will be worse ones. This is one of those times that is going to be hard, and I believe if there was any love there for me, you wouldn't just give up. I've always been skeptical about how you felt, that's just how I am, but then finally, in one email, after I called you for the first time you said, and I quote, "...before we had our talk, I mean.. yeah.. I liked you ALOT...". But then you went on to say that you finally knew in your heart that you truly loved me. I'm beginning to think you were just caught up in the moment. And to think, that was exactly a month ago. One frickin' month ago, you said you were sure, and now you aren't. I know for a fact that love is something you cannot all of a sudden gain, or lose. It will take time as in more than a couple weeks, but more like a couple months or years. I want you to know that, yes, I'm mad. But I am also mad about you. I feel like crying just like I did the night before you left. I had a dream a couple days ago, that ended with a phrase from no particular person saying, "Soon, your love will go through trials and tribulations, and intelligence and patience will fade as your frustration takes over; but, do not falter. Persevere in your true ways, and light will shine again!" I memorized that as I wrote that down after I woke up. That scared the shit out of me, because I spent that whole day thinking it was, in fact talking about you. I see now, maybe it is. Cassie Talaga :: essays research papers Cassie, Do you honestly think I have no right to be angry or frustrated? For the past 3 frickin' years, I've stayed up all nights some nights thinking about you and us; and, working my ass off to show you that, though there's distance between us, that you can bet your life that my love is there and strong for you. I know what you feel when you say that you need someone and something to touch. I've finally gotten in touch with you in a way that I can hear your voice. Just as I was saying in my last email, there will be some fucking hard ass times, and then there will be worse ones. This is one of those times that is going to be hard, and I believe if there was any love there for me, you wouldn't just give up. I've always been skeptical about how you felt, that's just how I am, but then finally, in one email, after I called you for the first time you said, and I quote, "...before we had our talk, I mean.. yeah.. I liked you ALOT...". But then you went on to say that you finally knew in your heart that you truly loved me. I'm beginning to think you were just caught up in the moment. And to think, that was exactly a month ago. One frickin' month ago, you said you were sure, and now you aren't. I know for a fact that love is something you cannot all of a sudden gain, or lose. It will take time as in more than a couple weeks, but more like a couple months or years. I want you to know that, yes, I'm mad. But I am also mad about you. I feel like crying just like I did the night before you left. I had a dream a couple days ago, that ended with a phrase from no particular person saying, "Soon, your love will go through trials and tribulations, and intelligence and patience will fade as your frustration takes over; but, do not falter. Persevere in your true ways, and light will shine again!" I memorized that as I wrote that down after I woke up. That scared the shit out of me, because I spent that whole day thinking it was, in fact talking about you. I see now, maybe it is.

Police and Justice Professionals Roles

What is the role of a criminal justice professional? There are numerous amounts of roles that a criminal justice practitioner plays. Depending on which section of the criminal justice system you are certified in, your studies ensures your specialty in your career field. In this particular essay, we will focus on the key social issues contributing to the service of the criminal justice practitioners, the role of the criminal justice professionals serving needs, and how the key social issues impact the role of the criminal justice professionals along with examples.There are numerous amounts of key social issues contributing to the need for criminal justice practitioners. The three main issues that we are going to discuss are sex offenders, drug abuse, and gun control. The first key social problem is sex offenders. When you are a sex offender, the law in the state you reside in requires you to be registered in the system and allow the public to know where you live and what kind of offen se you made (Perlam 2006. ). An example of a sex offender is someone such as an adult, adolescent, or toddler having consensual or nonconsensual sex with someone under the age of eighteen or in better words a minor.Having a sex offender living in your community might not appear to be a good thing for your schools and home, but with individuals being registered allows people in the community to be aware of them. This effects the community as a whole and the offender as an individual. The next key social problem that world has to regret is drug abuse. Drug abuse is an issue that causes a need for a criminal justice practitioner in several different ways. This subject can be very broad, therefore, we will discuss this as a whole.Drug abuse is a major social problem and it is a physical pain that a person inflicts upon themselves intentionally and unintentionally while under the influence. Drug abuse leads to life threatening addictions and can also potentially kill a person, which ther efore causes for a need of a criminal justice professional in this particular category to promote abstinence of narcotics and prevent these individuals from serving the rest of their lives behind bars. When a person abuses drugs, they do not see their problem as an issue. A criminal justice professional roles comes in place and help drug abusers in many differenceways such as, sending them to rehabilitation centers or helping them seek medical treatments. Drug abuse influence violence and others to become addicts as well in our communities. The last key social problem is gun control. In the United States Constitution, the Second Amendment states, â€Å"The right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringes. † Therefore we all have a right to bear arms when we are of the right age and are licensed to do so (Reuters 2013. ) Not everyone with a gun is a criminal, yet there are people out there that are not responsible with handling a gun.The Second Amendment is of ten violated and abused based on the sum of suicides, homicides, and other crimes that involved the use of a fire arm. Criminal justice professionals roles are strongly needed to influence gun control. According to Henderson from USA Today, they are to stop violence and help the society feel safe when people use guns responsibly. The role of the criminal justice professional is serving individuals personal needs as well as a societies needs as a whole. Criminal justice professionals are responsible for defending and helping American nations while punishing and rehabilitating offenders (Cook, 2006.) As far as a professional serving an individual matter, an attorney is to prosecute or defend an offender. The attorney is to find the truth for their client, help place the right person in prison, and fortunately set innocent people free. When society is being represented by a professional, they are committed to promoting safety and protecting communities regarding to fire arm control. Ho w do problems impact the roles of a criminal justice professional? Depending on the type of circumstance, not having enough evidence, the lack of witnesses, and police corruption can influence a professional in a variety of ways to affect their duty.In reference to Captain Dean Harper of Meridian, Mississippi police department, â€Å"It's really hard to work an investigation when people will not come forward and speak to the police. † As a result, the guilty are terrorizing our neighborhoods and justice is not served. Also the lack of evidence is parallel to not having a witness regarding to the role of the criminal justice profession. Evidence may take the form of having reliable DNA, a witness testimony, or even a trail of sufficient elements that may be reliable to a judge and jury.Lack of evidence can unfortunately terminate a person's legal case, resulting in a motion to dismiss due to the party of opposition being unable to prove their half (Conjecture Corporation. ) Al so authority abuse is a major factor for criminal justice profession success. As a result, police corruption lose the trust of the community and influence citizens’ retaliation. According to the California Innocence Project, police corruption could be police harshness, deceit, deception, compulsion, and sexual misconduct. All of these examples can cause for a mistrial, wrongful conviction, and shows the world that our judicial system cannot be trusted.In conclusion, the role of a criminal justice practitioner have many different obligations in serving the nation. With all of the issues that they have to deal with, they are needed to help protect society and maintain law. In order to do their duty as a professional, every job comes with obstacles that impact their personal affairs as well as their morals. Their role is significant and will be needed forever. Throughout this essay we’ve discussed the roles of a criminal justice professional and how social and individual issues impact their role as ambassadors of the law.

Chemistry Extra Credit

Tim Bruce The subject that I will be focusing on through the course of this extra credit paper, is one about the combination of Aerospace Engineering and Chemistry. Chose this particular topic because of my future life goals. Which include getting a degree in aerospace engineering. Also became interested while researching for this paper in a particular sub topic of the TV which is called aerodynamicist's.Aerodynamicist's is the study of gases which takes into account the effect of motion, heat, and chemical changes. Which is important to the field of aerospace engineering in the fact that aerospace engineers design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. In addition, they test prototypes to make sure that they function according to design. So you can see how the two connect. But exactly what kind of chemistry is involved?Obviously chemistry is deep rooted into Aerospace technology. Aerodynamicist's primarily focuses on molecular interactions at typically high Mach Numbers, su ch as that seen in a combustion chamber of a rocket or that of a reentry vehicle. So although aerospace engineering is typically design and building oriented you would absolutely need a chemists back round when thinking about these types of things. Anything involving materials and processes also involves chemistry.Examples include, failure analysis of microcircuit packaging contaminant analysis, corrosion problems, electroplating and conversion coating problems, paint adhesion problems, thermoses polymer failures, evaluation of urological and thermal properties of prepares, adhesives, laminates and Adair absorbing coatings, soldering problems, firing pin failures, surface cleaning, alloy analysis, and process tank analysis. All of which are inside the aerospace field.But these are only a small amount of connections that Aerospace engineering and chemistry have together. But as stated before in the examples we see that included was a lot of rockets and when you think of rockets many will tend to think about NASA- Now NASA has been synonymous with space travel since its creation. But few tend to recognize he men behind the scene, when they see a space shuttle take off into orbit.The men and women of Aerospace engineering need to take into account not only the rocket but also the astronauts that pilot the space craft. When designing these machines, biological and chemical actions that will take place in the astronauts bodies. For instance what kind of chemical changes might happen to our bodies while piloting this space craft or how to limit the amount of g force put on the pilots as they take off and many many more factors.This diagram, although very simple to what aerospace engineers use, gives you a look into how many factors such as altitude, angle, speed, and maneuver time effects g force. So as you can see chemistry is deeply involved in the field of aerospace engineering. But not only that chemistry is involved in everything we do. It is everything, and ev erywhere.

Darkness and Night

Both Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost use elements such as point of view, imagery, and structure to portray the significance of dark and night in their poems. Although the poems differ in many ways they share a common theme of loneliness. They also use darkness as a symbol of their feelings. In the two poems â€Å"We Grow Accustomed to the Night† and â€Å"Acquainted with the Night† the authors use figurative language, sentence fluency and rhythms, and their word choice to reflect their similar views on the darkness of night symbolizing life experiences everyone has to face throughout life. Emily Dickinson uses the structure to create elements of imagery, and describe an obstacle that everyone has to face. Dickinson uses dashes to represent pauses and makes it difficult to read to symbolize her difficult life. The dashes make the reader’s minds pause and understand what they are reading line by line. The dashes are used to effectively and deliberately make the reader reflect on the darkness. She also uses the dashes to create mental pictures. For example, she states â€Å"When not a Moon disclose a sign- Or Star- come out- within-† which creates the image of total darkness because of the lack of a moon and the stars. Dickinson writes her poem in first person so the average person can relate to her feelings. She understands the darkness to be something natural. Basically she uses the darkness to symbolize something everyone goes through. In her poem darkness describes the loss of a loved one. Unlike Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost doesn’t use dashes. Instead he emphasizes his complete isolation by using the first- person term â€Å"I† at the beginning of the first five lines of the poem. He uses the anaphora â€Å"I have†¦Ã¢â‚¬  to show he has become â€Å"Acquainted with the night† through different experiences. Throughout the poem the narrator is walking symbolizing persistence. This becomes a extended metaphor. It’s a long lonely walk at night that doesn’t seem to be easy, but he continues although he is unhappy. â€Å"I have stood still and stopped the sounds of feet† is an example of an alliteration he uses to create the sound of feet with the â€Å"st† sound. He continues to portray the narrator as a persistent and lonely. In conclusion, Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost use the darkness to symbolize life experiences.

Commemorative Speech-My Father Essay

Over the years his real job has come with many different titles. For 50 years he has been a son and brother, for 31 he has been a loving father, for 26 he has been a dedicated husband, for 5 he has been a grandfather, and for 18 years and counting he has been and will always be my mentor. Today I would like to honor my father John Zachary Smith, and explain to you how and why he has become my mentor. Standing at exactly 6 feet tall, sporting dark black hair and tan skin, being loud, extremely talkative and radiating with energy, are just a few characteristics that can be attributed to his Italian heritage. When introducing himself to someone new, he reaches out his rough and calloused hand giving them a firm handshake and replies â€Å"My name’s John Smith, really honest†. My father has the ability to make friends with anyone because he is truly a real joy to be around. He sparks conversations with people and it would seem that were best friends. My father never lets an opportunity pass to teach his children. Being a father alone is difficult, but finding the time to impact each and every life of those seven children is a completely different rigorous task. Dad has taken this as a challenge and a life-long goal. My dad has taught me lots of things there is to know about many different subjects. Because of him I have learned to change tires on a car, because of him I have learned how to respect my siblings, because of him I have learned to cherish the moments in everyday life, because of him I have learned to have more confidence in myself. Moving away from home and being in college, I look back on my years at home with a little bit of sadness and tad bit of regret. I realize that I took my father for granted. When I would complain about how much homework a teacher had given me, I never once heard him complain about staying late after work. When I would complain about not having the latest outfit, I never once heard him complain about the worn out jeans and shoes he always wore. When I would complain about being tired, I never once heard my father say how exhausted he was from working long hours. My father was the hardest worker I know. My father and mother together have raised seven children. While my mom stayed at home taking care of the young ones, my father would be working to provide for his young family. When the children reached schooling age, my parents were smart with the money my father diligently worked for. When sending their children to a local public school would be easy and cost much less.

Free Essays on Massachusettes And Virginia Colonies

The colonies of Massachusetts and Virginia differed both socially and economically. The Massachusetts Bay Colony was established on a foundation of strict Puritan religious principles and created an economy that relied on agriculture, hunting, fishing, and trade. However, the Virginia economy depended heavily on the cultivation and exportation of tobacco and organized its society according to the hierarchy of the Anglican Church. Virginia's economy relied overwhelmingly upon agriculture and more specifically tobacco. The combination of a warm climate and sufficient rainfall created optimal conditions for cultivation of this staple crop. Charles I stated that the Virginia colony was â€Å"founded upon smoke† (pg. 115.) By 1619 tobacco production had reached 20,000 pounds, and by 1688 the amount had increased 900 times to approximately 18 million pounds of tobacco. Settlers who planted tobacco quickly found out that it exhausted the soil, giving an advantage to those planters who had more land and could afford to leave some of their field uncultivated Indentured servants and slaves planted, harvested, and tended to tobacco and other crops, while planters profited from their labor. many of the laborers in Virginia’s fields were African slaves, but not all laborers were African. Many of the workers were indentured servants or criminals from England. The indentured servants accounted for over half of the white settlers in Virginia; these indentured usually lasted between four and seven years. After serving their terms, they were released and given money, tools, clothing, food, and, sometimes, land. However, many servants died before completing their indentures, and many who survived their service remained poor. Criminals from England had the option of being hanged or serving the rest of their lives as slaves in the colonies. African slaves first arrived in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619. Some of the first Africans were treated as indentu... Free Essays on Massachusettes And Virginia Colonies Free Essays on Massachusettes And Virginia Colonies The colonies of Massachusetts and Virginia differed both socially and economically. The Massachusetts Bay Colony was established on a foundation of strict Puritan religious principles and created an economy that relied on agriculture, hunting, fishing, and trade. However, the Virginia economy depended heavily on the cultivation and exportation of tobacco and organized its society according to the hierarchy of the Anglican Church. Virginia's economy relied overwhelmingly upon agriculture and more specifically tobacco. The combination of a warm climate and sufficient rainfall created optimal conditions for cultivation of this staple crop. Charles I stated that the Virginia colony was â€Å"founded upon smoke† (pg. 115.) By 1619 tobacco production had reached 20,000 pounds, and by 1688 the amount had increased 900 times to approximately 18 million pounds of tobacco. Settlers who planted tobacco quickly found out that it exhausted the soil, giving an advantage to those planters who had more land and could afford to leave some of their field uncultivated Indentured servants and slaves planted, harvested, and tended to tobacco and other crops, while planters profited from their labor. many of the laborers in Virginia’s fields were African slaves, but not all laborers were African. Many of the workers were indentured servants or criminals from England. The indentured servants accounted for over half of the white settlers in Virginia; these indentured usually lasted between four and seven years. After serving their terms, they were released and given money, tools, clothing, food, and, sometimes, land. However, many servants died before completing their indentures, and many who survived their service remained poor. Criminals from England had the option of being hanged or serving the rest of their lives as slaves in the colonies. African slaves first arrived in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619. Some of the first Africans were treated as indentu...

ADHD (spanish!!!) essays

ADHD (spanish!!!) essays Las diferencias en ni ocurre alrededor de ellos. Entonces hay otros dà ­as cuando estos ni Esto puede plantear un problema para los jvenes afectados mientras que conduce otros a pensar que los nicilmente estos comportamientos. ADHD no discrimina. De hecho con la agitacin constante en sus vidas, estos nitnica y los fondos culturales de los nin de este desorden y sus comportamientos. Asà ­ como tambin afecta cualquier opcin del tratamiento que pudiera ser buscada, porqu todos los nin y del tratamiento disponible en sociedad de hoy. Los nin psiquitrica crnica llamada desorden de la hiperactividad del dficit de atencin, conocida como ADHD. Las estimaciones sugieren que este desorden est afectando el 3% a el 5% de los ni haciendo a casi 5 millones de nirmino de lujo para lo que llamarà ­an los padres a los nin, reconocida en aficit de la atencin, disfuncin mà ­nima del cerebro, dan mdica seria, que se piensa que es causada por niveles...

Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 32

Personal Statement Example My love for science placed me in a good position in class as an excellent student with high levels of innovativeness. I have participated in a number of conferences, workshops, and symposiums to further my knowledge in the field and create networks with other professionals. Based on the fact that I’m greatly motivated and inspired to develop and grow as a professional mechanical engineer, it has become necessary for me to further my skills. A master’s degree will give more competitiveness and place me in a better position in the professional. From my experiences at China Southern Airline, I noticed that there is a deficiency in aviation mechanics in regard to the manner in which inspections are carried out. Given an opportunity to further my skills in this field, I would like to venture further into this field and provide possible solutions that will improve the industry. The University of Washington is a reputable institution of higher learning known for its competitiv e graduate. In particular, the University’s Mechanical Engineering Department is one of the leading faculties in the institution. It has about 235 students taking various courses whereby 153 of them are full-time students while the rest are part-time students. The institution is known for its engagement in vigorous research and student’s career development. Based on these positive attributes of the institution, it remains my most preferred institution for taking my master’s degree program in mechanical engineering.

Holding On as an Act of Resistance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Holding On as an Act of Resistance - Essay Example I think this reaction on Alfred's part is justifiable by the fact that he had developed a sense of love for their language and their culture. And this only confirms that holding on to one's beliefs and practices builds a certain barrier around a person that would make him reject the unfamiliar. However, his grandmother corrected this behavior, stating that to cling to your culture does not necessarily mean you have to envelope yourself so as not to absorb others' way of life. Sometimes, one only needs to learn to appreciate every new learning, while maintaining a keener and a deeper loyalty to his own ethnicity. But is it possible to surpass the tendency of being eaten whole by the new standards brought about by the new cultureAlfred expressed his opinion on the issue regarding whether to fight back or not to fight back the bullying menaces of the white society. He states that fighting back brings on conflict; but to not fight back brings on a different type of tension within oneself (Alfred, 2004). I think what he means by the bullies are the whole of the Settler Society and that, according to him, fighting back and staying still are two equally courageous things. However, resistance still proves to gather more audacity and, in the end, establishes a stronger stand. This does not only give the people more sense of dignity, but more freedom in enjoying the culture they were brought up in. If, however, economic progress goes with staying still, would these people still choose to exhibit valor The Different Warrior Older people tend to have more attachment and tighter bonds with tradition and cultural practices. Their passion and loyalty to their culture have been developed throughout their lives and this drives them to want to extend and pass on their tradition to the following generations. And as Alfred's grandmother left him the urges to fight and insist on gaining honor and respect, he takes on the challenge of being a different, or THE different warrior, and stand up for the forgotten values. I believe this warrior, in the end, will prove to be the most audacious of all since his mission is not one that only involves physical combat. His is a mission which seeks to save a dying culture, and restore values that are vital to the survival of their future generations. But the question of whether his battle for this mission will serve worthy in the end still hangs. An Independent Culture Long existent has been the debate over whether to break free from tradition in order to survive global evolution or risk facing the manifestations of greedy colonization by remaining isolated and intact. Alfred argued that the Onkwehonwe have been too dependent on and influenced by the white culture that they have already lost their freedom and integrity. Their continuous submission to the colonizers' rules and way of life is slowly wiping away their identity. The whites have imposed political and social power over the people that they deem their own lands, inaccessible. These people should, however, understand that the white society's governance is tainted with their vested interest and this interest usually includes expanding colonization and more damage in the Onkwehonwe culture. Now, what's left for these people to do is to decide. Should they embrace the settlers' imposing powers on them and over them Or should they strive for self-sufficiency and freedom by overcoming the oppre ssors and revive the culture they have lost or are losing A Continuing Challenge The issue of breaking free from oppressors is not something new to the world. As Alfred explains, materialism is continuously

FRANCE RECOVERY FROM THE MILITARY DEFEAT OF 1870 AND THE INTERNAL Essay

FRANCE RECOVERY FROM THE MILITARY DEFEAT OF 1870 AND THE INTERNAL STRIFE OF THE PARIS COMMUNE - Essay Example The Franco – Prussian war of 1870-71 and the humiliating defeat at Sedan marked an end of French dominance on the continent, a position that the country had enjoyed since the mid seventeenth century. The republic that was born out of defeat and of the internal strife of the Paris Commune was one of the longest of all the republics, living in peace with its neighbors until the outbreak of war in 1914 and lasting until Nazi occupation and the fall of France in 1940. This period saw the buildup of the greatest empire France had ever possessed, conquering territories such as Indo-China, Madagascar and much of West and North Africa. By the year 1914, France was the second largest colonial power in the World and the most dominant in Africa. The Third Republic saw the development of the arts movement, which was unrivalled in any other era of French history, a period known as the Belle Époque. There were wide ranging educational and political reforms, centralization of the state, the emergence of a mass media culture and success in engineering, electrical and chemical industries. Despite the endurance of the Republic, it is regarded as a period of great instability and from its very beginnings was plagued with problems. Governments ‘appeared to fall and be replaced with monotonous regularity’ and as various scandals consumed it, the Republic was threatened by deep- rooted political divisions between the left and right that seemed to control events for many years.The Paris Commune although eventually crushed by Thiers (a man who, along with his government exhibited a clear mistrust of the social and political unrest that Paris symbolized) defined working class culture for years to come. and created a new fervour for socialist ideals in France, posing a threat to the traditional Monarchist ideals. By addressing the various scandals, issues and concerns that followed the defeat of France and the Paris Commune, we will examine how effectively France recovered from these events. How well did the new Republic deal with the threats it faced after the de feat, and how did the explosion of growth in working-class political activity during the commune affect the country in the subsequent years? Are the criticisms of the Republic truly justified, or did France manage to recover from these events remarkably well considering the multitude of political struggles that she faced? The military decline of France in the Franco- Prussian war was indeed disappointing and devastating to France and its citizens. The war had resulted to loss of material resources and caused many deaths and injuries in addition to bruising France’s pride and ending the continent’s dominance that France had enjoyed since the mid- Seventeenth century. Therefore, from the outset of the defeat, the emphasis in France was on recovering from the defeat. The Paris Commune was without doubt a landmark in modern European History. It was seen by Karl Marx as the first determined attempt by the proletariat to overthrow the forces of capitalism. The extent to whic h the commune was socialist has however been a matter of much controversy (Fortescue, 2000, p 16) and seen by many at the time as much of a move of patriotism as it was a revolutionary act (Gluckstein, 2011, p. 55). The Commune represented patriotism, republicanism, anti-clericalism and a commitment to the working class along with their fervor for direct democracy. Majority of the French people embraced Paris Commune since most of them were working class compared to the anarchists who were opposed to it. However, the conditions under which it formed, its decrees that were mostly controversial, and the violent end that it had, made its