New Age spiritualities

Introduction For a long time in human history, organized religions have put a lot of emphasis on the forms of worship and discipline on their followers. Lack of a room for questioning has lead to what can be described as blind following.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on New Age spiritualities specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Most of the worshippers do not understand the essence of what is being worshipped (Wuthnow, 2004, p. 160).people`s religious or spiritual code of beliefs and the evidenced rites are observable reflection of the personal true or perceived right faith. The result of this is the emergence of a sectarian perception (Walker 2007, p. 219. This kind of thinking poses a great danger of religious violence and sectarian wars. It is becoming essentially vital for all the faiths to be reconciled top reduce the variance in the religious views across the globe. Despite the justification for the dif ferent faiths, human living in harmony with one another is an essential path that all beings would like to pursue. The major challenge though is how to harmonize the diversity. Religion Religion has and continues to play a crucial role as far as human development and civilization is concerned (Clark, 2006, p. 443). The exists differences in dimensions in human spirituality and other aspects such as the metaphysical speculative line of thought, the practice of the rituals and rites, the modern philosophical mode of ethics and the existing myths of imaginations that have taken the lead in the history of mankind. In its role as a myth elaborator and a foundation of ethical and social norms, Religion could be said to be the bedrock upon which all human civilizations are built (Bloom, 2005, p 77). Religious beliefs, theories and practices have acted as the fabric that binds the society together. It has also given man tools to live orderly and ethically. It acts like a framework that help s humans to make meaning out of life (Enroth, 2005, p. 135). Religion and New Age All over the world and particularly in western countries; Christians often come into contact with varied aspects of the â€Å"New Age† phenomenon. Majority of the people feel the need to understand how best to approach situations which at times is so alluring, complicated, elusive and even, disturbing. In so doing Christians attempt to address two objectives.Advertising Looking for research paper on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More These generally give some pointers to the aspects of the new age developments that may be considered to be inconsistent with the fundamental elements of the Christian life or the Christianity as the religion in principle. It is agreeable that the differences are very clear and it is essential to address the variance that arise so that the religious foundations is streamlined and maintained to serve the fundamental purpose in human history. The following discussion is in support of the notion that New Age spiritualities are more suited to contemporary western life than the established, collective religions. The argument agrees to the fact that New Age approach is well-suited to the modern society, as it enables people to practice spirituality while avoiding the collective bondages imposed by the great world religions. Culture and the â€Å"New Age† â€Å"New Age† has been indicated as a very coherent current of thought. Also as a deliberate challenge to modern culture. It has also being argued to capture the diverse structure that includes the many diverse elements that human life is made up with. This is believed to be able to allow the individuals to share their interests with those who would be interested in subscribing to their views in various aspects of life. The degrees of commitments to various faiths are also seen to vary from one individual to anot her and across the various classes of people. New Age† religion can be viewed as a response to people’s religious concerns, needs and queries. This is an attempt of people to discover and rediscover a spiritual dimension in their lives. The New age religion takes into account the differences in people character, and genuine opinion about many things in life. Especially when it comes to the search of meaning and purpose of life , it is believed that many people are still struggling to make the very sense of existence and the new age religion aims at addressing such discrepancies. There is also very clear distinction between religion and spirituality in this line of thought. In many occasions, organized religion has been rejected on the basis that it has failed in their judgment to answer their needs. As a result they have sought to find spirituality elsewhere. At the core perceptions of â€Å"New Age† is the belief is the belief that some religious perceptions hav e been overtaken by time the time so that reference to it as a religion would be self-defeating to its own self-understanding. New-Age, However, can be considered in the broader context of esoteric religiousness, whose appeal continues to grow (Jelen, 2006, p. 343).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on New Age spiritualities specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The New Age movement is considered as an amorphous association of people who not most feel that â€Å"humanity is at the dawn of entering into a new form of consciousness†. Those who adhere and also associate with the â€Å"new age† have similar characteristics that may encompass the type of spiritual syncretism and there will to seek what they believe to be truth and the peace. Although a difficult spiritual development concept to understand and portray, as a religion of co modification (Bowman, 2008, p 156). With it merges with several med ical or psychological methods meditation, such as acupuncture, homeopathy,aromatherapy, astrology, environmentalism, Hermetic practice, Esoteric Christianity and Goddess Worship. this protean mix of nuance and the bizarre, the New Age itself remains among the more difficult of contemporary spiritual developments to comprehend and portray, but as a â€Å"religion of commoditization,† it parlays with any number of alternative medical or psychological methods ranging from (Campbell 2007, p. 255) . Campbell (2007, p. 278) adds that beneath the popular image of New Age, are antecedents derived from venerable aspects, called â€Å"cultic milieu.† . New Age arises from these settings. The concept inherits practice of channeling spirits from other dimensions’ it is also characterized by belief which associates illness and poverty as either illusions or diseases of the mind. It also borrows the understandings of karma and reincarnation (Tucker, 2007, p. 239). The â€Å" cultic milieu† incorporates esoteric and non-mainstream ideas borrowed from the East and blended with occult and pagan from the western countries Why Secularism? Secularism can be regarded as the foundation of modern civilization. Secularism goes beyond separating religion from state institutions (Karner, 2004, p. 30). In general terms, the concept is cognizant of the fact the affairs affecting a state are too important to be pegged upon the whims of ancient myths and superstitions (Geoffroy, 2004, p. 35). History acknowledges that, technological advancement is owed to the concept of secularism. Scientific development, which has led to all technical and economic benefits, is a product of increasing secularism. Geoffrey ( 2004, p. 36) further observes that secularism was the proven solution to centuries of religious conflict in Europe. Secularism has brought far reaching benefits. However, Tucker (2007, p. 238) asserts that this legacy seems to have been forgotten and suggests the need for learning. These days are long gone, but the sectarian consequences of our over indulgence of religious schools will be felt well into the future. Religious strictness has also acted as the major hindrance to economic growth of some economies across the globe and this has resulted in economic backwardness. Based on this premise, Ataturk, the victorious general at Gallipoli, abolished the Caliphate in favour of secularism on Turkey.Advertising Looking for research paper on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Provisions in the Turkish constitution, strongly mandates secularism while excluding any religious influence on legislation (Johnston, 2007, p. 39). Coincidentally, such countries don’t seem to have. In most cases, the religious laws cannot be amended by the elected law makers. In this case, democracy is elusive. It is no wonder efforts to establish democracy in Iraq has proved an exercise in futility. With such laws in place, Iraq is doomed to sectarian strife, oppression and endless economic and social deprivation. Apart from Iraq, politicians in many other parts of the world seem to be advancing their religious credentials. They seem to ignore the realization that populations have become less religious. The answer to this paradox is embedded in the nature of globalization and multiculturalism which has played a key role resolving conflicts among Judaism, Christianity and Islam (Marler, 2002, p. 297). Abandoning of secularism, especially amongst political elites, may b infl uenced by complex causes, but the outcomes are unbearable. Religion and religiousness would not have been contentious issues, if societies were more culturally homogenous (Kellner, 2002, p. 150). There would be no threat to cultural sensitivities. However, the world and even countries have become more ethnically diverse. , The ethos of multiculturalism is therefore necessary to achieve a sustainable tolerance and to support development of the minorities (Secor, 2002, p. 122). Social cohesion is realized through acceptance cultural diversity. Nevertheless, multiculturalism tends to undermine religions-considered as the cultural phenomena. Multi-cultureless has placed religious cultural effects beyond question. The result is that, religion has been shielded from the rational assessment as it was in the past. Conclusion Despite the many beliefs that quickly be placed under the general fabric of â€Å"New Age,† as a religious perspective, New Age is regarded as a shared attempt t o understand what constitutes the world, humanity and the supernatural and the relationships between them in ways that give meaning to participants’ lives and help them determine what is valuable within some sort of workable framework. The driving force behind New Age is the increasing awareness in today’s world of individual difference and cultural multiplicity which recognizes that religious choice is a personal decision. It is also worth mentioning that religious truth is no longer the monopoly of private elites or esoteric cabals, New Age religion may be said to represent a democratization of spirituality within the emergent. References Bloom, William, ed. Holistic Revolution, 2005.: The Essential New Age Reader. London: Allen Lane/Penguin. Bowman, Robert M., Jr. Orthodoxy and Heresy: A Biblical Guide to Doctrinal Discernment. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2008. Explains simply, for those with no theological background, the importance of discerning orthodox from heretical t eaching and sets forth a broad evangelical approach to doing so. Campbell, Colin B. â€Å"The Cult, the Cultic Milieu and Secularization.† In Michael Hill, ed. A Sociological Yearbook of Religion in Britain 5. London: SCM Press, 2007, 119–36. Clark, Peter B., ed. Encyclopedia of New Religious Movements. New York: Routledge, 2006. 700-page secular academic reference work. Enroth, Ron, ed. A Guide to New Religious Movements. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2005. Brief, up-to-date chapters on JWs, Mormons, Unification Church, Hinduism, the New Age movement, the Dalai Lama, Neopaganism, Baha’i, and the Nation of Islam Geoffroy, Martin 2004. ‘Theorizing Religion in the Global Age: A Typological Analysis’. International Journal of Politics, Culture and Society, 18(1):33-46. Jelen, Ted G. 2006. ‘Religion and politics in the United States: Persistence, limitations and the prophetic voice.’ Social Compass, 53(3): 329-43. Johnston, Jerry. Similarities and Differences of Non-Christian Belief Systems. Overland Park, KS: Jerry Johnston Publishing, 2007. Megachurch pastor provides information and analysis of heretical Christian sects, world religions, and other movements. Karner, Christian Aldridge, Alan 2004. ‘Theorizing Religion in a Globalizing World’. International Journal of Politics, Culture and Society, 18(1):5-32. Kellner, Douglas 2002. ‘September 11, Social Theory and Democratic Politics’. Theory-Culture-Society, 19(4): 147-159. Marler, Penny Long and C. Kirk Hadaway 2002. â€Å"‘Being religious’ or ‘being spiritual’ in America: a zero-sum proposition?† Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 41(2):289-300. Secor, Anna 2002. ‘Islamist politics: Antisystemic or post-modern movements?’ Geopolitics, 6 (3):117-34. Tucker, Ruth A. Another Gospel: Alternative Religions and the New Age Movement. Grand Rapids: Zondervan—Academie, 2007. Evangelical historian’s textbook is strongest on historical exposition of the origins and people involved in each religion Walker, James K., with the staff of Watchman Fellowship. The Concise Guide to Today’s Religions and Spirituality. Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 2007. Short definitions or descriptions for some 1600 entries of groups, authors, practices, doctrines, Wuthnow, Robert 2004. ‘Presidential address 2003: The challenge of diversity.’ Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 43(2):159-70. This research paper on New Age spiritualities was written and submitted by user Ashton Marsh to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. 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POLICE SUBCULTURE essays Police officers are people the society should normally look up to as epitomes of discipline and protectors of law and order, however police behavior in recent years has been anything but exemplary thus rising rise to extreme resentment and distrust in the public. The public no longer trusts or respects police officers levying all sorts of charges against them. Police behavior is indeed despicable in some cases especially where When we delve deeper into the anthropological and psychological causes of this kind of behavior, we notice that police is influenced by a flawed subculture that profound affects the attitude and behavior of most police officers. On the one hand, this subculture teaches them certain values and beliefs and on the other, it turns the entire police community into a cohesive group that is essentially alienated from the general public. According to Adler, Mueller, and Laufer (1994) police subculture is a "set of norms and values that govern police behavior, brought about by stressful working conditions plus daily interaction with an often hostile public." Police subculture is responsible for giving officers a unique working attitude and mindset. Their character and personality is profoundly altered by the views and values that they learn from existing in this subculture. The one most important thing we notice about this subculture is the idea of insiders and outsiders that lies at the core of all its values. Police officers are constantly reminded of their role as protectors of peace and order which turns them against the general public as they view everyone outside the police department as a potential criminal or suspect. Police culture is also essentially characterized by violence as research indicates that, "Many officers are exposed to a subculture of violence in which they encounter death almost daily. The average citizen generally does not witness in a lifetime ...

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Comparison of Positivist and Phenomenological Methods Describe, compare, contrast, and critically evaluate the effectiveness of both positivist and phenomenological methodology adopted when studying society. Sociology is the study of human society, including both social action and organisation. Sociologists use scientific research methods and theories, and study social life in a wide variety of settings, this offers not only information but also a distinctive way of looking at the world and the position humans play in it. Whereas most people try to explain events by analyzing the motives of those involved, sociologists encourage a look beyond individual psychology to many recurring attitudes, actions and how these patterns vary across time, cultures and social groups. To look at the different ways people act and behave in society, it has to be seen from a sociological perspective. Within sociology there is no single method, but many. 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Positivism contains the underlying philosophical assumptions of research in the most pure and applied sciences, physics, chemistry and biology, based on ideas of the objective reality of the physical world, scientific method and empiricism. Just as positivism arose out of rejecting speculation an alternative view has arisen out of rejecting the view that scientific empiricism can be applied to the social world. There is no one philosophical basis, but phenomenology, which can be seen as the basis for what is the assumption that society can only really be understood through personal actions such as language, feelings and emotions. As stated by Kirby, Kidd, Koubel, Barter, Hope, Kirton, Madry, Manning and Triggs, (2000), that although not perfect the link between the methodologies is that the structuralist-minded sociologists tended to adopt a positivist approach and social action based sociologists tend to adopt a phenomenological approach. The positivist versus the phenomenological approach to the study of man and society is considered in terms of one of the major debates in social science research. Many of the founding fathers of sociology such as Marx (1818-1883), Comte (1798-1857) and Durkheim (1858-1917) believed that it would be possible to create a science of society based on the same principles and procedures as natural sciences. Positivist theorists believed that this approach would reveal that the evolution of society followed invariable laws and that it would show that the behaviour of man was governed by principles of cause and effect which are just as invariable as the subject of natural sciences. Kirby et al, (2000) states that positivists believe that only by adopting a position of total objectivity towards the subject matter or phenomena can unbiased knowledge or theories be produced. Comte believed in the hierarchy of science and that each study of science is dependent upon another. His theory ranged from the simplest to the more complex forms of science and that sciences above rely on sciences below stating that sociology was more abstract and difficult than other sciences. Originating from his hierarchy of science, as stated in Haralambos and Holborn, (2004), Comte widely believed that industrialization and the growth of scientific knowledge would lead to secularization, therefore devising his contribution to the study of social dynamics in that, the rule of societies passing through three stages defined by their social relationships. Theological law was a belief in superhuman or divine powers, Metaphysical, a belief in the powers of the individual human mind and the positive law was based on truth produced by collaborative, quantitative and scientific work. An appeal of the positivist approach is that scientific knowledge does not contradict or surprise the ex perience of the everyday world. It argues that factors, which are not directly observable, such as meanings feelings and purposes, are not particularly important and can be misleading, they therefore, form, reliable quantitative data. Phenomenological theorists such as Simmel (1858-1918) and Weber (1864-1920) propose that the consciousness is the proper area of study, for its study will reveal meaning. They seek to sense reality and describe in words rather than numbers, trying to produce convincing descriptions of what they experience rather than explanations and causes. Weber disagreed with Comtes theory, he believed there could be as many sciences as needed, Quantitative and empirical studies cannot tell people what to do, and it is important to go beyond simply recording events and to explain the reasons behind them. When referring to Webers idea of puritanism, a case study in the empirical construction of the protestant ethic, Weber, as cited by Ghosh (2003), clearly states that empirical sources are not tablets of stone, eternally available to the truth seeking historian; rather they have a history of their own. Weber believed that values play a crucial role before during and after research and that social a ction is governed by the dynamic of individual needs. Weber was committed to the study of causality, the probability that an event would be followed by another event not necessarily of a similar nature. In addition to this Weber also analysed the levels to which rationality was becoming institutionally embedded in modern industrialised societies. Marxs view of bureaucracy was according to Weber a form of organisation superior to all others, Weber wrote in one of his many books, that without this form of social technology the industrialised countries could not have reached the wealth and extravagance that they currently enjoy, (Weber, 1928) as cited in Haralambos and Holborn, (2004). He believed that this capacity for social order would lead to the evolution of the iron cage, and as a result, a society that was technically ordered, rigid and dehumanized. As stated by Giddens (1997) Weber sought to understand social change. He was influenced by Marx but was also strongly critical of s ome of Marxs major views, rejected the materialistic conception of history and saw class conflict as less significant than Marx. From a positivist stance, Marx believed that ideas were expressions of public interest and that they served as weapons in the struggle between classes and political parties. Class for Marx, is defined as a social relationship rather than a position or rank in society. Class struggle and owners of production determined economic order. In Marxs view, classes are defined and structured by work, labour, possessions, production, and the class structures of capitalism consisted of class struggle, political power and the development of a classless society. Marxs theory of society consisted of two categories of class and that economic order was determined by the two; Bourgeoisie, the capitalist class, the hierarchy, the wealthy, the employers and the Proletariat, who are the workers or the lower class. His view was that as the bourgeoisie employed the proletariat, who has to fulfill his basic needs, the capitalist class could not exist without them. As cited by Haralambos and Holborn (1995), Marxism has sometimes been regarded as a positivist approach since it can be argued that it sees human behaviour as a reaction to the stimulus of the economic infrastructure. Although Weber agreed with Marx in part, that as methods of the organisation increased efficiency and effectiveness of production, Marxs theory threatened to dehumanise society. Webers theories, stratification and views on economic behaviour were rooted from Marxs view on the economics of a society. Another positivist view came from Emile Durkheim, whose impression of society was of structures that function apart from human purpose and will. While he considered society to be composed of individuals, his theory was that it is not individuals behaviours, thoughts and actions that construct society, but that society has a structure and existence of its own. His thought was, that society was to have developed from traditional to modern society, through the expansion and development of the division of labour, of course, it is individuals who act, but they do not act on a purely individual basis, they have obligations and duties and are strongly influenced by structure, tradition and the roles of our forefathers. Durkheim considered himself with the issue of social order and how modern society holds together, given that society is composed of many individuals each acting in an individual and autonomous manner. Durkheims classic study of suicide, (1970, first published in 1897), as cit ed in Haralambos and Holborn, (2004) is often seen as a model of positivist research and it does indeed follow many of the methodological procedures of positivism. Although supporting the two different methodologies of sociology, Durkheim was heavily influenced by Weber, who defined sociology as the study of social action between individuals. In contrast to Durkheims impression of society and view that society has an existence of its own apart from the individuals in it and so proceeds a proper object of study. As argued by Haralambos and Holborn (1995) where Marx was pessimistic about the division of labour in society, Durkheim was cautiously optimistic. Marx saw the specialised divisions of labour trapping workers in their occupational role, Durkheim saw problems arising from specialisation in industrial society, but believed the promise of the division of labour far outweighed the problems. While Simmel is generally not regarded as being as influential in sociology as were Marx, Weber and Durkheim, Simmels theories, had some similarities to Durkheims theory of problems of individuality and society, Webers dynamic of individual interests and Marxs theory of class structure. Simmel considered society to be an association of free individuals and that society could not be studied in the same way as the physical world for example, sociology is more than the discovery of natural laws that govern human interaction. His theory was that society is made up of the interactions between and among individuals and that, sociologists should study the patterns and forms of these associations rather that look for social laws. By defining sociology in this way, Simmel avoids the conflict about the nature of science whether it should be concerned with timeless, universal laws, instead, there are always multiple ways in which we can look at things. He argued that society was made up of soc ial facts, and these social facts coerce and shape the actions of individuals. He argued that in traditional societies, solidarity binds together individuals in order to allow society to operate. Social facts only come into being in an interaction, and do not exist within an individual consciousness. Durkheim (1970) as cited in Haralambos and Holborn (2004), stated that the determining cause of a social fact should be sought among the social facts preceding it and not among the states of individual consciousness, the causes of variations in suicide rates were to be found in social facts and in society rather than the individual. Therefore, social groups represent. He argued that societies that functioned well were societies that held a consensus sway over individuals; society, therefore, was something outside and inside individuals. As stated by Haralambos and Holborn (1995) to phenomenology, it is impossible to measure objectively any aspect of human behaviour, through language humans distinguish between different types of events, actions, objects and people. The process of categorisation is subjective; it depends upon the opinions of the observer. Statistics are simply the product of the opinions of those who produce them. The distinction between positivist and phenomenological approaches is not as clear-cut as this assignment implies. There is a considerable debate over whether or not a particular theory should be labelled positivist or phenomenological. Often many of the theorists lie somewhere in between, some taking views from either side. Haralambos and Holborn (1995) argue that in terms of sociology, the positivist approach makes the following assumptions; the behaviour of humans, like the behaviour of matter, can be objectively measured, just as the behaviour of matter can be quantified by measures such as weight, temperature and pressure. Methods of objective measurement can be devised for human behaviour, such measurement is essential to explain behaviour. Early Positivists such as Comte, and Durkheim argued that objectivity was attainable by adopting a scientific methodology. Marx also believed that his sociology was objective and scientific, although he saw society very differently. Weber did not think complete value freedom was possible, but he did believe that once a topic for research had been chosen, the researcher could be objective. He argued that sociologists should not make value judgments, that is, they should not state what aspects of society they found desirable or undesirable. It is plainly nonsensical to throw into one big pot labelled sociology all those researches which could have been satisfactorily conducted by national economy, history of civilisation, philosophy, political science, statistics, demography and ethics. That gives us a new name, but no new knowledge. Simmel, G (1858), cited in American Journal of Sociology [online]) (1898) Reference List Ghosh, P, (2003), Max Webers Idea of Puritanism: A Case Study In The Empirical Construction Of The Protestant Ethic, History of European Ideas, [online], 29;2, 183-221, Available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL_udi=B6V9C-48D2RD7-1_user=10_rdoc=1_fmt=_orig=search_sort=dview=c_acct=C000050221_version=1_urlVersion=0_userid=10md5=10803212fe05d9a06d9a7ce5cfaec919 [Accessed November 21, 2008] Giddens, A, (1997) Sociology, 3rd Edition, Polity Press, Cambridge Haralambos, M, Holborn, M, (1995), Sociology, Themes and Perspectives, 4th Edition, Collins Educational, London Haralambos, M, Holborn, M, (2004), Sociology, Themes and Perspectives, 6th Edition, Collins Educational, London Kirby, M, Kidd, W, Koubel, F, Barter, J, Hope, T, Kirton, A, Madry, N, Manning, P, Triggs, K, (2000), Sociology in Perspective, Heinemann Educational, Oxford Simmel, G (1898) The Persistence of Social Groups, American Journal of Sociology, [online], 5; 3, 662-663. Available at: http://www.brocku.ca/MeadProject/Simmel/Simmel_1897a.html [Accessed November 11th 2008]

Designing Agile Organisations Essay -- Enterprise integration modellin

Abstract: We investigate the management system of the enterprise as an agent maintaining a system of objectives. We then analyse the organisation as a set of individual autonomous co-operating agents so that agenthood of the entire enterprise becomes an emergent property of the organisation. Important questions include: under what condition can agenthood emerge? how to create such an organisation?, and how to guarantee that change preserves agenthood?. Introduction It is increasingly important to devise faster and more reliable ways of designing purposeful, agile organisations (Bernus et al, 1997). We use the definition of the organisation as the human component of the enterprise, forming the human-organisational architecture (Williams, 1994). An enterprise can be thought of as consisting of an operational and a decisional system (Doumeingts et al, 1998), each implemented partly by humans and partly by machines (Bernus and Nemes, 1994). We borrow the definition of the 'planning agent' from artificial intelligence to describe the desired quality of the organisation. We demonstrate necessary conditions for the enterprise to behave as an agent, and also show the relationship of this view to concepts such as the fractal factory, holonic manufacturing, and others. The organisation as an agent Two crucial questions in organisational design are: 1) how to design the task structure of the enterprise to form a co-ordinated whole? and 2) what tasks allocation to humans (or groups) ensures that the enterprise will act to satisfy its objectives? The second question is typically not asked in business process engineering: it is assumed that the organisation will to what it is told to. An organisation should conduct a system of activities managed and controlled to satisfy a set of organisational objectives. This requires purposeful behaviour so that the organisation can be characterised as a planning agent. A planning agent determines a course of action to achieve its set of objectives. This course of action, or plan, is constrained by the agent's resources as well as the agent's own functional capabilities. The organisation follows, or appears to be following this plan while monitoring the effectiveness of the actions to actually satisfy the objectives for which the plan was made. If the plan fails in some way, then the plan or the objectives are m... ...319-332 Koestler,A.. (1989) The ghost in the machine. Arkana Books Tharumarajah, A., Wells,J., Nemes,L., (1996) Comparison of the bionic, fractal and holonic manufacturing systems concepts. Int. J. on Computer Integrated Manuf. (3) pp.217-226 Uppington,G., Bernus,P., Assessing the Necessity of Enterprise Change: Pre-feasibility and Feasibility Studies in Enterprise Integration. Int. J. of CIM, 1998 11(5) pp 430-447 Valckenaers,P., VanBrussel,H., Bongaerts,L., Wyns,J. (1997) IMS test case 5: holonic manufacturing systems. Journal of Integrated Computer-Aided Engineering, 4(3), pp191-201. VanHouten,D.R. (1990) The political economy and technical control of work humanization in Sweden during the 1970s and 1980s. Work and Occupations, 14, pp483-513. Warnecke, H.J. (1993) The Fractal Company. Berlin: Springer. Williams,T.J., (1994) The Purdue Enterprise Reference Architecture. Computers in Industry, 24 (2-3) pp141-158 Williams,T.J., Bernus,P., Brosvic,J., Chen,D., Doumeingts,G., Nemes,L., Nevins,J.L., Vallespir,B., Vlietstra,J., Zoetekouw,D., (1994) Architectures for integrating manufacturing activities and enterprises. Computers in Industry, 24(2-3) pp111-140

Evils of War Essay

There is no doubt that war is an evil one. It is the greatest catastrophe that can befall human beings. It brings death and destruction, merciless slaughter and butchery, disease and starvation, poverty and ruin in its wake. A particularly disturbing side of modern wars is that they tend to become global so that they may engulf the entire world. But though war is an evil, we must recognize the fact that it is a necessary, inescapable evil. A glance at the past history of the world will show war has been a recurrent phenomenon in the history of nations. We have had wars of all types wars lasting for a year or so and a war lasting for hundred years. Clashes of arms have always occurred. In a world war has ways been waged. War has indeed, been such a marked feature of every age and period. This has come to be regarded as part of The normal life of nations. Poet and prophets have dreamt of a millennium – an utopia in which war will not exist and eternal peace will reign on earth, but these dreams have not been fulfilled. The occurrence the Second World War however, conclusively proved that to think of an unbroken peace’s to be unrealistic and that no institution or assembly can ever ensure the presence of peace. The United Nations Organisation, with all the good work that it has seen doing, is not proving as effective as was desired. A large number of wars, The most recent ones behind the one in Vietnam, the other between India and Pakistan, or Ind-China war, Iran-Iraq war or Arab Isreal war. The fact of the matter is that, fighting is a natural instinct in peace. It is, indeed, too much to exact so many nations to live in a state of eternal peace. Besides, there will always be wide differences of option between various nations, different angle of looking at matters that have an international importance, radical difference in policy and ideology and they cannot be settled by mere discussion so that resort to war becomes very necessary in these cases.

Lamb to the Slaughter Essay

Rohal Dahl’s short story, ‘Lamb to the Slaughter’, set in the early 20th century, isn’t your typical crime-fiction story, a murder is brewing. As the detectives strive for answers, eating away their only clue, Dahl communicates to the reader that the contrast is unexpected. A housewife, Mary Maloney, is expecting her husband home after a long day at work; unaware to the news he carries with him. Dahl never reveals the news to the readers, but gives them clues by Mary’s reactions. As the author continues the story, the readers sense a mood between Mr. and Mrs. Maloney. This serves the purpose of foreshadowing by hinting at a future problem or disagreement. Dahl uses several writing techniques such as language style, characterization, point of view, plot structure and setting to make the story more exciting and enjoyable. Lamb to the Slaughter, is written in their person to take most of the character’s personal feelings out of the story. Writing in third person is a stronger, more forceful type of writing because the main points and events stand out them selves without feelings getting in the way. One of the reasons authors write in third person is to dis-include themselves from the story. By using words like they, she and he, Dahl has excluded both himself and the reader from the story, creating a stronger, more enjoyable story. The first character introduced in the novel is Mary Maloney. Because it is only a short story, Dahl has left most of the physical features of the character out and focused more in the idiosyncrasies and actions of each character. Along the way Mary’s features are described but not in dept. Another way characters are revealed is by the way others react to them and how much emotion each character puts in their speech. Dahl has made sure that the readers feel intrigued by Mrs. Maloney’s character and how she changes from such an innocent woman to an emotionless murderer.

Free Essays on Inequality

The myth of a "classless" American society coupled with social stratification impedes race relations in the U.S. far more than any racial differences. The never ending struggle of the "have-nots" to become one of the "haves" produces a frustration and feeling of oppression that acts as a catalyst for spawning racial tensions. Minorities see the majority of wealth in the hands of the white population and feel that the wealth is unevenly distributed. Whites hear of government programs for minorities and feel as if they are lazy or just looking for a handout. This occurs and stereotypes are formed. Combine all of this with the United States system of "dual welfare"and the perfect environment for racial strife is created. In our "classless"society of false hope the working class and poor are continually seeking opportunities to excel that just aren't there. They have been led to believe that intelligence and ambition are key contributors to one's success. This belief lays blame on the un successful themselves, even if they do possess ambition and intelligence. These people are in a never ending cycle of struggle, followed by minimal rewards, which eventually produces a frustration that sometimes leads to desperate measures. Cornell West expands on this with the following statement : ". . . homicidal assaults by young black men on one another are only the most obvious signs of this empty quest for pleasure, property, and power" (Race and Racism p.123). This statement shows the extremes one will go to in his "empty quest" for a better life. This is not only happening 2 to blacks by blacks. It is happening to all races by all races. People hear of events like these and categorize them as a racial crime or a racially motivated crime just because the victims may be of a different race. As West's statement demonstrates the killings occur as a means to an end, the end being a better life. In our ever diversifying melting pot of a country, same race... Free Essays on Inequality Free Essays on Inequality As we prosper through time, inequality is slowly less evident. A lot of people don't realize that although things are improving with time, inequality is still prominent in our society. The people that are failing to realize that there still is inequality are the fortunate ones. They rise well above the poverty line, and usually live relatively economically sound lives. They are the people who are supplied with our society's benefits. On the other hand, the people that are in pursuit of social change, and constantly bring attention to issues of equal rights and privileges, are often the people that do not have them. This paper will illustrate some of the sociological facets of class, race, and gender, and how they are interwoven with other dimensions of social stratification. Some people believe that stratification has beneficial consequences. Of course, these people are on the higher end of the stratification hierarchy, which makes it easier for them to agree with that statement. â€Å"There seems no place where hierarchical status orderings aren’t discoverable.†(Fussel, Class, p.9) They believe that the harder one works the more they will achieve, thus promoting production in society. However, individuals at the lower end of the stratification system disagree with that. Their social status prevents them from achieving their best because all of their benefits and advantages are given to those of higher status, â€Å"certain limits have been placed on their capacity to ascend socially†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Fussel, Class, p.7) The lower class is instantly denied society’s privileges, which tends to discourage them, often leaving them feeling helpless. Unfortunately, this helplessness tends to be viewed by many higher classed people as lazine ss. What is not realized is that stratification is a character of society, and not just a reflection on individual differences. Stratification is universal but variable. It involves beliefs and persists over gene... Free Essays on Inequality 1. I’m in going into the business management field. If the economy continues to grow for the rest of my life, I think my income would raise considerably. I feel that business is a very important field, because business respectfully has to do with anything and everything that has to do with a business and the economy. If that does continue to grow and grow the income possibilities are endless. I feel that the occupation that I am interested in is closer to affluence than comfortable. If the economy stays level, I feel that, my income would be relativity the same as I am starting the profession. Then when I have established myself at a company for a long period of time my income would rise at a steady pace. If the economy starts to decline, my income would be stay basically the same. Only because I feel that studies have shown profession in the affluent field continue to raise not decline through out a long period of time. I feel that if the economy continues to grow, that everyone will benefit from a growing economy. There will be less poverty, and some of the comfortable people will go to the affluent class, and there will be less inequality. If the economy levels out, I feel that it will be a struggle for the working class and even for the comfortable class. The cost of living will go up and everyone, besides the affluent class will find it difficult to make ends meet and get the goodies in life. When this happens I’m am sure that you will see greater inequality. If the economy declines then it would be a loss for the comfortable class and the poverty class. I’m sure that everyone would be affected by the decline in the economy but the ones that would be affected the most would be the comfortable class and the poverty class. You would see people from the comfortable class drop into the poverty class. Hence you would see more people in the poverty class. You will see the rich g et richer and the poor will... Free Essays on Inequality The myth of a "classless" American society coupled with social stratification impedes race relations in the U.S. far more than any racial differences. The never ending struggle of the "have-nots" to become one of the "haves" produces a frustration and feeling of oppression that acts as a catalyst for spawning racial tensions. Minorities see the majority of wealth in the hands of the white population and feel that the wealth is unevenly distributed. Whites hear of government programs for minorities and feel as if they are lazy or just looking for a handout. This occurs and stereotypes are formed. Combine all of this with the United States system of "dual welfare"and the perfect environment for racial strife is created. In our "classless"society of false hope the working class and poor are continually seeking opportunities to excel that just aren't there. They have been led to believe that intelligence and ambition are key contributors to one's success. This belief lays blame on the un successful themselves, even if they do possess ambition and intelligence. These people are in a never ending cycle of struggle, followed by minimal rewards, which eventually produces a frustration that sometimes leads to desperate measures. Cornell West expands on this with the following statement : ". . . homicidal assaults by young black men on one another are only the most obvious signs of this empty quest for pleasure, property, and power" (Race and Racism p.123). This statement shows the extremes one will go to in his "empty quest" for a better life. This is not only happening 2 to blacks by blacks. It is happening to all races by all races. People hear of events like these and categorize them as a racial crime or a racially motivated crime just because the victims may be of a different race. As West's statement demonstrates the killings occur as a means to an end, the end being a better life. In our ever diversifying melting pot of a country, same race...

Entrepreneurship. What Have I Learned During The Program And How Can I Essay

Entrepreneurship. What Have I Learned During The Program And How Can I Apply This In My Future Career A Critical Reflection - Essay Example Alongside the development of marketing theory, other parallel streams such as commodity, functional and institutional also experienced tremendous development. The rapid evolution, that took place just after the Second World War further escalated in the 1960s. This time the thrust was mainly on organizational behaviour, behavioural sciences and operational management which also strongly impacted the theories of marketing. The concept of entrepreneurship also evolved during this phase and some of the scholars even deem the evolution of entrepreneurial discipline to be analogous with the theories of marketing (Hultman and Shaw, 2003). It all started with the definition of entrepreneurship provided by Richard Cantillion in the 18th century, where he mentioned an entrepreneur to be an innovator. With the course of time, several other practitioners have portrayed their perception and outlooks about the notion of entrepreneurship. Schumpeter (1934) â€Å"entrepreneur as innovator†, S ay (1845) â€Å"entrepreneur as coordinator†, Kirzner (1973) â€Å"entrepreneur as arbitrator and opportunity-seeker† and Knight (1921) â€Å"entrepreneur as uncertainty reducer† are some of the excerpt of the thoughts presented by the eminent scholars. However, currently the concept of entrepreneurship is widely accepted and is judged as a vital part of the contemporary world and a well established erudite discipline. Moreover, government of a number of countries also judges entrepreneurship as a mantra of success and development of the economy. A number of examples can be traced which prominently showcases, the significant contribution made by entrepreneurs to the economy of a country. The importance increases exponentially when it comes to a developing country (Hills and Hultman, 2011). According to Rae (2007, p.3) an entrepreneur is defined as a person who acts in an enterprising way, and who identifies or creates and acts on an opportunity, for example by s tarting a new business venture. On the other hand, entrepreneurship is defined as a subject of enterprise and entrepreneurs, encompassing the practical and academic knowledge, skills and techniques used in being an entrepreneur. In regards to this context, Lumpkin and Dess (1996) put emphasis on the fact that an entrepreneur can be best judged by comparing the five dimensions namely (1) risk-taking; (2) opportunity oriented; (3) innovativeness; (4) pro-activeness; and (5) autonomy. An average or more than the standard score in these five dimensions greatly augments the possibility of an individual to become an entrepreneur in the near future (Mohanty, 2005; Hills, Hultman, Kraus and Schulte, 2010; Hultman, 1999; Carson, Cromie, McGowan and Hill, 1995). This study is basically intended to critically reflect upon the learning I received from the teachers and trainers. In the course module, we have mainly read about the theories and importance of entrepreneurship and critical evaluatio n of what I have learned during the programme and how can I apply this in my future career. In order to do this analysis, self reflection methodology will be adopted. In this study, I will portray about what I have learned during the entire course and will reflect upon how I can use those learning for my professional career. In this study, I will also develop a career action plan to showcase my future personal development. Self Reflection of Academic and Professional Learning I always have high interest on computers since my childhood days. However, at that time I was completely unaware of the architecture of a computer. In addition, I was also unaware of the strong research and development activities that took place prior to the development of computers;

Democratic Peace-International Relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Democratic Peace-International Relations - Essay Example Since World War II, realists have sought a balance of power between the US and the USSR as a means of maintaining the peace. Constructivists have sought to socially construct a new political reality based on liberal values, trade, and international organizations. In a world with weak international organizations, such as the United Nations, the world is left to anarchy. Veto power by selected member nations has left the UN as an impotent body to determine the lawful respect for sovereign states. The US War in Iraq is an example where a weakened UN was powerless to stop a unilateral action. According to Brown, "Anarchy alone does not create the insecure, competitive, and war torn world... Social structures and shared knowledge determine whether states are friends or enemies. The fact that social structures are socially constructed does not, however, mean that they can be changed easily" (xxxi). Institutionalists hold some hope for order, but "treat states as rational egoists operating in a world in which agreements cannot be hierarchally enforced, and that institutionalists only expect interstate cooperation to occur if states have significant common interests" (Brown 384). Common interests most often revolve around trade and commerce. Actors do not wish to disrupt trade agreements and lose economic benefits. In the post Cold War period of nuclear availability, realism presents some clear dangers. The break-up of the Soviet Union has left a Europe where nationalism could be problematic in a scenario where a nuclear balance of power exists. Realism, a pessimistic view of human nature, would lead to further tensions in Europe and while it may provide a temporary lull in hostilities, it is incapable of solving the complex social problems of immigration, religious zeal, global health issues, or world environmental problems. Humanitarian intervention has