by Herman Bailey | May 18, 2023 | Essays |
- Trait Theories
Traits are external behaviors that emerge from the things going on within our minds. It is these internal beliefs and processes that are important for effective leadership.
Trait theories argue that effective leaders share a number of common personality characteristics, or traits. Early trait theories said that leadership is an innate, instinctive quality that you do or do not have. However, this idea has been improved and what people can do to develop leadership qualities within themselves and others is used. Trait theories help in identification of traits and qualities, for instance, integrity, empathy, assertiveness, good decision-making skills, and likability that are helpful when leading others. However, none of these traits, or any specific combination of them, will guarantee success as a leader.
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- Behavioral Theories
Behavioral theories focus on how leaders behave. For instance, do leaders dictate what needs to be done and expect cooperation? Or do they involve their teams in decision-making to encourage acceptance and support? Based on the behavior of leaders, there are three types of leaders:
The Autocratic leaders who make decisions without consulting their teams, the democratic leaders who allow the team to provide input before making a decision and Laissez-faire leaders who do not interfere
- Contingency Theories
The realization that there is no one correct type of leader led to theories that the best leadership style depends on the situation. These theories try to predict which style is best in which circumstance.
For instance, when an individual need to make quick decisions, which style is best? When you need the full support of your team, is there a more effective way to lead? Should a leader be more people-oriented or task-oriented? These are all questions that contingency leadership theories try to address.
Attributes of a good leader
Proactive and Reactive
The exceptional leader is always thinking three steps ahead. Working to master his or her own environment with the goal of avoiding problems before they arise.
Flexible or Adaptable
An effective leader will adapt to new surroundings and situations, doing his or her best to adjust. A leader will take into account all points of view and will be willing to change a policy, program, cultural tradition that is out-dated, or no longer beneficial to the group as a whole.
A Good Communicator
a good leader listens a lot and is willing to work to understand the needs and desires of others. A good leader asks many questions, considers all options, and leads in the right direction.
Respectful
good leader treats others with respect will ultimately earn respect.
Quiet Confidence
a good leader is always sure of himself or herself with humble intentions.
Enthusiastic
Excitement is contagious. When a leader is motivated and excited about the cause people will be more inclined to follow.
Open-Minded
a good leader work to consider all options when making decisions. A strong leader will evaluate the input from all interested parties and work for the betterment of the whole.
Resourceful
Utilize the resources available to you. If you do not know the answer to something find out by asking questions. A leader must create access to information.
Rewarding
An exceptional leader will recognize the efforts of others and reinforce those actions.
Evaluative
Evaluation of events and programs is essential for an organization or group to improve and progress. An exceptional leader will constantly evaluate and change programs and policies that are not working.
Organized
A leader is prepared for meetings, presentations, events and confident that people around you are prepared and organized as well?
Consistent
Confidence and respect cannot be attained without your leadership being consistent. People must have confidence that their opinions and thoughts will be heard and taken into consideration.
Delegator
An exceptional leader realizes that he or she cannot accomplish everything on his own. A leader will know the talents and interests of people around him or her, thus delegating tasks accordingly.
Initiative
A leader should work to be the motivator, an initiator. He or she must be a key element in the planning and implementing of new ideas, programs, policies, events, etc.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Herman Bailey | May 18, 2023 | Essays |
Introduction
The law guarantees that patients whether competent or incompetent possess the legal right to decide whether they want to be treated and which treatment method should be used. Patients have also the right to decide whether to discontinue a certain means of treatment. In theory, persons who suffer certain mental disabilities receive the same rights as competent persons (Shaver, 1989). Many times the medical decisions for incompetent patients come from the family and a few times from the medical practitioners. Physicians face difficult situations of decision making for incompetent patients. It even becomes much harder if the incompetent patient is a child as young as Stephen Dawson is.
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The main facts of the case are that Stephen is a young boy who is born with and develops several medical disabilities. The mental disorders cause extensive damage to his brain. He also lacks the capability of controlling his limbs and performing different bodily functions. His parents are very worried about him, and at the same time spent very little time caring for him. The boy is moved from one caregiver to another. One time he is at the Institute for caring for disabled children and later taken to a foster home because the Institute management sees him as a burden and waste of resources. He spends a short time at the foster home and is returned to the institution. A discovery was made that Stephen needed to undergo a life-sustaining surgery to improve his chances of living. His parents, however, opposed this surgery stating that his son needed to left alone to die in peace. The superintendent of the institution seeks custody of Stephen to enable him to receives the surgery. The Lower court ruled in favor of the Dawson’s, the Institution appealed in the Supreme Court of Columbia and was awarded custody of Stephen.
From the above case, several questions of ethics arise, one is the right of parents and family to prevent their incompetent child or a minor from acquiring medical attention that would sustain his life, and what are the limits of their rights over the child? The Second question of ethics is the right of the state to intervene in health decisions concerning its citizens. Thirdly is the position of incompetent persons in acquiring the life-sustaining treatment that they’re next of kin is opposed to. The fourth ethical question is the right to life of incompetent persons. This paper shall analyze the case of Stephen Dawson and the different questions of ethics it portrays.
Reading the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Citizens Commission of Human Rights (CCHR), one will automatically notice that the mentally disabled are provided with rights. Under article one of the CCHR, particularly provides that all patients must be treated equally and with human dignity (Citizens Commission of Human Rights). However, the Act does not define dignity. Dignity means with pride, I do not think placing Stephen in a shunt constitutes dignity in any sense. The facts of the case state that Meningitis left the boy with difficulties in controlling his body limbs and functions. Should we then end the lives of persons that are handicapped because of the difficulties they have in performing body functions? In this case, Stephen’s health conditions are so much severe and life-threatening. The medical situation of Stephen does not constitute treating him with dignity. Stephen therefore does meet the relative condition of being positioned as suffering. Performing the Surgery does not guarantee that his condition will change; it means he will continue suffering as usual.
Reading further under article 2 of the (Citizens Commission of Human Rights) provides for the usage of hospital facilities without discrimination such as race, social class, age, religion, and language. In Stephen Dawson’s case, we discover ethical malpractices from the Institution of the disabled who discharged Stephen to a foster home that had no facilities to cater to his health needs. The institution management was discriminative in deciding that Stephen’s stay in the institution was a wastage of resources.
What are the limits of parents and breast cancer. Ann has been a staunch Christian since childhood just like the rest of her family in making decisions for medically incompetent persons? The law gives parents and families the upper hand in making medical decisions for their children especially minors. Most decisions made by such parents are expected to be in the best interest of the child’s health. On most occasions, however, the decisions made by parents are usually to take care of their needs and in doing so may risk the life of a child. For instance, the decision by Dawson’s to let their son die in peace was not competent at the time when there was a possibility of correcting and extending Stephen’s life. The Dawson’s were unethical in preventing their son to undergo the surgery. Even further the Dawson’s were not sincere because they had both isolated the boy from life by allowing him to be taken into foster care when they were the best people to take care of him (Nutovitis, 2015). Stephen’s parents have proven that they did not care about his life. For parents to make life-saving decisions for their incompetent minor, they need to have been around the child and have a better understanding of his life condition; in this case, Stephens’s parents lacked that right.
The third ethical question in the matter is the role the State and Federal Institutions and Courts of law play to ensure the protection of the life of incompetent patients. The state is allowed to limit parental control, especially where the life of a patient is at stake. The medical physicians make medical conditions such as Pregnancy emergencies, which put the life of a minor at risk if the parent is out of reach. When Stephen’s parents refused to grant permission for him to undergo the surgery the Superintendent of Family and Child Services of Columbia intervened to grant himself the custody of Stephen to save his life. Even after the lower court upheld the parent’s decisions, the Superintendent appealed the matter. On appeal the decision was quashed and custody given to him (Nutovitis, 2015).
The Fourth ethical question is when is it right to end the life of a terminally ill incompetent person. Incompetent persons lack the competence to make medically correct decisions. All decisions made on their behalf, therefore, are their will. Legally it is argued that the right of incompetent patients extends surrogate through their next of kin and family. The surrogate is supposed to place themselves in the shoes of the competent person before making the decision (Quinn 1988). However, most of the time the surrogate judgment cannot be ascertained whether it is the true decision of the patient or the surrogate judge. For example, when the parents decided for Stephen not to undergo the Surgery it was assumed that that was his will, he wanted to be relieved from pain. Incompetent patients are said to be incapable of appreciating the non-medical and medical factors in treatment preferences.
The question that remains is what is the limit of such decisions? Terminally ill patients like Stephen who are additionally incompetent have the right to life. Therefore, decisions to prevent them from accessing medical care that would sustain their lives are both unethical and inhumane. Due to the delicate nature of the matter, it would be ethically correct to let a terminally ill incompetent person continue receiving medical care until they die, not even physicians should have the right to end their lives. Section 2966 of the New York General Assembly statute, allows a physician to issue a medical treatment order for an incompetent patient without the surrogate if two physicians agree that it would be for the benefit of the patient. Without the surrogate, the physician together with the hospital ethics committee are allowed to protect the incompetent patient’s right to treatment. In the matter of Conroy, an elderly woman who was incompetent when ill had previously stated that she needed not to be subjected to treatment but left to die. The court ruled that the decision not to be treated must be upheld even if the woman was incompetent.
Conclusion.
With the many ethical dilemmas facing medical experts, the right to life of an incompetent person must be put first. Just because an incompetent person cannot appreciate, medical treatment and related factors, verbally do not guarantee their lives useless. The ethical principle must always be considered. Parents and families should respect the rights of the incompetent patient and not use the surrogate right to exercise their personal needs. Stephen’s life is as important as that of any human being. The court did well in granting the Superintendent custody of Stephen to give him a chance to live. Medical experts and physicians should use their position to influence the decision of family and parents, especially when protecting the rights of a patient. Policies need to be enacted to limit parental control especially when the parent does not understand the medical condition of the child. Stephen’s parents were selfish not to allow their son to undergo life-sustaining surgery.
We can never tell for sure if Stephen’s life would be better without the surgery. Science is full of experiments whose true nature can only be established if it is tried. From the medical physician’s point of view, the surgery had the possibility of extending Stephen’s life unlike if he went without it. It would be both ethically and morally wrong to deny a patient treatment when the treatment would have brought a positive change in his or her life. Lastly, the Institution for the disabled children was ethically wrong by discharging Stephen and sending him to a foster home where he was not cared for well because of limited facilities. I believe the reason such intuitions have to be created is to help patients like Stephen. Incompetent patient’s lives should be respected because they are human.
Works Cited
Citizens Commission of Human Rights. “Mental Health Declaration of Human Rights.” Citizens Commission on Human Rights.
Quinn, Kevin. “The Best Interest of Incompetent Patients: The Capacity of interpersonal Relationships as the Standard for Decision Making.” California Law Review. (1988): Vol 76.
Shaver, Elizabeth. “Do not resuscitate The Failure to Protect Incompetent patients’ Rights of Self-Determination.” Cornell Law Review. (1989):219-220.
Nativity, Jenevieve. “Discussion of case 6.4: Should Severely Mentally patients are treated?” Bioethics Blog. (2015).
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Herman Bailey | May 17, 2023 | Essays |
Croatia was among the most developed Central European transition countries in 1990 alongside countries like Slovenia and Czech Republic. However, the country suffered significant damage in its economic development due to the high cost of war, estimated at $37.1 billion. This burden caused by the war made it difficult for Croatia to make a transition into a market economy. The GDP of Croatia before the war in 1990 was recovered in 2004. The GDP per capita of Croatia accounted for 61% of the EU average in 2012. It is imperative to note that in 1994, kuna, was introduced as the Croatian national currency (Miošić-Lisjak 103).
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The economy of Croatia is one of the Southern Europe’s strongest economies. Its GDP surpasses the GDP of some of the countries that belong to the European Union. Croatia underwent transition into an open market economy after the collapse of the socialist system. The open market system was related to the industrial production (Tipuri, Hruka, and Krito 61).
The economy of Croatia during the Austro-Hungarian Empire depended heavily on Agriculture despite that period marking the beginning of industrial age. The economy of the Austrian and Hungarian capital dominated the period that was characterized by production by using agricultural products and natural resources like forests. The development of significant industrial centers like Zagreb, Rijeka, Sisak, Karlovac and Osijek was accelerated by the simultaneous transport development especially railway transport (Griffith, Kiessling, and Dabic 163). With Croatia, the most developed region, becoming part of Yugoslavia, alongside Slovenia, favorable conditions existed in the region necessary for the industrial development. This was due to the creation of a large market protected by custom duties.
Upon the end of the Second World War, rapid industrialization, and upgrading of economically backward countries (agricultural economies) in the region ensued under the socialist economy. It is imperative to note that the self-management socialist system of Yugoslavia was different, more dynamic and specific than the economies of the other Eastern European states that were centralized and planned. The Yugoslavian self-management socialist system changed the ownership of property from state-owned nationalism style to social ownership of property (Tipuri, Hruka, and Krito 61).
The worker’s council became significant in the management of enterprises. The workers made significant decisions through the worker’s council on distribution and production. It is important to point out that from 1953 to 1963, Yugoslav and Croatia experienced the highest growth in their economy (Griffith, Kiessling, and Dabic 164).
The economy of Croatia was one of the vibrant and dynamic economies in Europe. The economy however, started to dwindle in the 1970s, and began showing signs of crisis in the 1980s courtesy of high inflation. Despite the dwindling economy in the republic of Yugoslavia, Croatia and Slovenia remained economically strong in areas of industrial production, tourism, the oil industry, shipbuilding, agriculture and construction.
Croatia, after breaking from Yugoslavian socialist and semi-market economy, changed into an open market economy and a system based on private ownership. It is however, imperative to note that aggressive war that was leveled against Croatia hindered the smooth transition process (Tipuri, Hruka, and Krito 61). This situation resulted into Croatia spending many of its resources and adjusting its economic policies in order to defend its territory.
The high amount of war damage burdened the economic development of Croatia. The war damage estimated to $37.1 billion in 1999. This situation made it difficult for privatization and transformation process. The earlier transformation arrangement in Croatia that involved the property that was socially owned or publicly owned was transformed into state ownership, then further transformed into private ownership, through an agreement between the business elite and political elite (Magaš and Žanić 167).
This was carried out frequently without enhancing investment into the property, or lacking the actual enterprise purchase. This disruption in the transition process was therefore, characterized by many negative economic and social effects on the economy of Croatia. This was due to the rise in vices like increased economic crimes and corruption, the impoverishment of the population, as well as a devastated industry (Tipuri, Hruka, and Krito 61).
GDP trends since the introduction of the Croatian kuna
Croatian GDP per capita and other EU countries in 2011
GDP per capita in the SE Europe 2011
Towards the end of December 1991, Croatia introduced a temporary currency known as the Croatian dinar, however, in 1994; Croatia launched a new national currency known as Croatian kuna. Stand-by agreements were carried by Croatia from October 1993 with the IMF (International Monetary Fund). The Croatian national debt grew from 1994 when the country received reconstruction and development loan from the World Bank, however, it is significant to note that this loan helped in easing the economic situation of Croatia.
Croatia seeked to increase its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) after it was drastically affected by the war. The reconstruction and development initiatives resulted into 5.2% economic growth rate in 2002. The Croatian GDP attained its earlier level of $24.8 billion, that is, before the war in 1990 (Guinnessy 19). The GDP of Croatia continued to rise until it dropped in 2008 when the world experienced economic recession.
One of the most conspicuous features is the fact that, just like the financial predicaments of the 20th century, the (2008-2009) global recession was heralded by issues such as loopholes in the real estate industry, a plummeting of premium risks, increased increment in the occurrence and frequency of loaning activities, highly accessible liquidity as well as strong and strained leveraging (Tanner 86).
In its initial stages the recession was depicted by a deficiency of monetary resources by the world’s top ranking monetary institutions which eroded their solvency leading to bankruptcy and default by some and government bail outs by others. In addition to this, the processing of passing on the financial predicament to the actual economy happened in unprecedented speed making it very intricate to manage (Griffith, Kiessling, and Dabic 164). Nevertheless, unlike other recessions of the past that have shown a propensity to affect particular countries or continents, the (2008-2009) recession was in a league of its own due to its global nature.
It is imperative to point out that the 2009 global economic depression impacted heavily on Croatia in terms of employment. There has been a steady increase in the rate of unemployment in Croatia (Richardson 54). The economic crisis resulted into more than 100,000 jobs being lost. The unemployment in Croatia have shot up to 22.4% as at January 2014 from 9.6% towards the end of 2007 (Ashbrook 540).
It is imperative to point out that at the end of the 1990s, the Croatian service sector accounted for the largest proportion of the GDP with 59%. The industrial sector accounted for 32% of the GDP, while agricultural sector accounted for 9% of the Croatian GDP resembling the GDP of a number of developed countries. The tertiary sector in Croatia accounts for the 60% of GDP (Wak-Woya 88).
In terms of employment, in 2011, privately owned enterprises in Croatia accounted for 55.6% of the total number of people employed. The state owned companies accounted for 37.1% of the total number of people employed (Guinnessy 19). The mixed companies accounted for 7% of the total number of people employed while cooperatives accounted for the 0.3% of the total number of people employed (Richardson 27).
Agricultural sector, manufacturing industry, fishing, trade, tourism, healthcare, and forestry accounts for the highest number of workers employed in Croatia. Tourism remains the largest contributor to the Croatian economy especially during summer when the country receives the highest number of tourists (Tipuri, Hruka, and Krito 61). As of 2010, Croatia recorded a total 11 million tourists from foreign countries in a year. The country ranks the number 18 among world’s tourist destinations (Letcher 65).
It is important to note that Croatia joined the European Union on 1 July 2013 after a long period of application process as the 28th member state. The Croatian economy relies heavily in the Europe’s principle economies, such that any instability in any of the Europe’s principal economies translates into a negative effect on Croatia’s economy (Fowkes 204). Economic problems still be-devil the Croatian economy, especially the slow progress of economic reforms in Croatia. High level of public sector corruption, inefficiency in the public administration, as well as a judiciary system that is heavily backlogged (Barbieri 103).
The Croatian government continues to strive compete favorably in the EU’s large market, and explore the membership opportunities at its disposal as a member of the EU (Horton 2140). The country also seeks to utilize the EU structural funds to develop its transport network, owing to its geopolitical advantage along pan-European transport corridors, linking South East Europe, the EU (Miošić-Lisjak 103). The modernization of Croatia’s railway sector will present it with various opportunities like efficiency, enhanced investment and market competitiveness.
Works Cited
Ashbrook, John, and Spencer D. Bakich. “Storming to partition: Croatia, the United States, and Krajina in the Yugoslav War.” Small Wars & Insurgencies 21.4 (2010): 537-560. Print.
Barbieri, Alfio. The financial efficiency of the economy of Croatia between 1993-1996. Trieste, Italia: ISDEE, 1997. Print.
Fowkes, Reuben. “Croatia/Hungary.” Third Text 20.2 (2006): 201-210. Print.
Griffith, David A., Timothy S. Kiessling, and Marina Dabic. “”An exploratory examination into the challenges to technology transfer in the transitional economy of Croatia.” Thunderbird International Business Review 47.2 (2005): 163-181. Print.
Guinnessy, Paul. “”Helping to rebuild Croatia.” Physics Today 62.8 (2009): 19. Print.
Horton, Richard. “Croatia and Bosnia: the imprints of war—I. Consequences.” The Lancet 353.9170 (1999): 2139-2144. Print.
Letcher, Piers. Croatia. 5th ed. Chalfont St. Peter: Bradt Travel Guides, 2013. Print.
Magaš, Branka, and Ivo Žanić. The war in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, 1991-1995. London: Frank Cass Publishers, 2001. Print.
Miošić-Lisjak, Nives. “Croatia and the European Union:.” Policy Studies 27.2 (2006): 101-114. Print.
Richardson, Mervyn. “”Environmental Effects of the War in Croatia.” Environmental Management and Health 5.1 (1994): 26-30. Print.
Richardson, Mervyn. The effects of war on the environment Croatia. London: E & FN Spon, 1995. Print.
Tanner, Marcus. Croatia: a nation forged in war. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1997. Print.
Tipuri, Darko, Domagoj Hruka, and Jaka Krito. “”Privatization Process In Croatia – Case Study Of Croatia Insurance Company.” International Journal of Management Cases 10.2 (2008): 60-67. Print
Wak-Woya, Brian. “Property restitution in post-war Croatia: problems and perspectives. A discussion paper.” Refugee Survey Quarterly 19.3 (2000): 86-112. Print.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Herman Bailey | May 17, 2023 | Essays |
Introduction
Poetry is a compiled literary work whereby special focus gets given to the expression of ideas and feelings by application of rhythm and style that is distinct. Poetry gets written and put across to convey issues, concepts, ideas in an imaginative and a vivid way. The essay will discuss how this gets achieved from McGough’s poems. The issues, concepts, ideas in the essay include how the student’s grading at school is unfair, artificial and arbitrary, the satire on the patriotic people, and the satire on the delinquent juveniles and their antisocial behaviors. The essay will discuss three McGough’s poems; that is “Streemin” “Why People Are a Bit Nuts in the Head” and “Nooligan” The poems of McGough are humorous, satirical and light. His efficient and successful poetry style allows personal and friendly approach to serious social and political issues sometimes. Satire gets used to ridicule, expose and highlight human, political and social stupidities. However, in the cases of McGoughs poems, the satirist aims to entertain, educate and change the situation through the humor.
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The manner in which students graded at schools is unfair, artificial and arbitrary. This issue is portrayed in the “Streemin” poem as it explains how the similarity of people upon their death and the school students based on their ability in academics, and this degrades their self esteem sense and narrows their chances in life. The “Streaming” poem gives a comment on how the school grading of the students is inappropriate. According to McGough, upon death of people, there exist no differences. Moreover, he uses colloquial language and words that got spelt wrong to show that the narrator academic ability gets limited and is in the “bottom streme”. The speaker persuades effectively the readers because having “divishns” is ironical during a lifetime when at the end they are the same. McGough’s thoughts got expressed in the “poem of streaming” of getting schools to be divided to separate students according to diverse academic ability. By using the voice of the students that are not bright, McGough mocks the streaming system by indicating that, in the cemetery, people are all the same.
In the McGoughs poem, “Why People Are a Bit Nuts in the Head”, the narrator satirizes the patriotic people by making emphasis on the importance of lives to people. The poem got written using the colloquial language and in the first person. For instance, the colloquial statement such as “have your belly shot away” persuades successfully the readers to try and do re-evaluation of their attitudes towards war. This gets substantiated by the argument of the narrator “lives are good for you” and giving examples of life enjoyment, such as going out with girls. Moreover, the comment about going with girls which is humorous targets a particular age group as this is the age bracket of the people who has the highest probability of getting sent to war. Similarly, by using the graphic imagery like “your seeds over the field”, the narrator persuades the readers and the entire audience to have a belief that, after all, life is good. This makes the poem to be more friendly and engaging when communicating with the audience and the readers. “Seeds spreading over the field” is a very strong image that reinforces the earlier argument that in reality, “patriots are bit nuts in the head”
In the poem of Nooligan, McGrough makes a satire on the juveniles who are delinquent and their behaviors that are anti- social. From his argument, he comments on their destructive actions that are stupid and their lack of intelligence when they behave in such ways. He further implies that just as the way they behave, the hooligans are stupid. From the poem, some words got spelt wrong to give them similarity in conversational context pronunciation. For instance, the words such as a “nooligan” “a nard” and “ead” got used to mean “hooligan” “a hard” and “head”. Furthermore, the speaker gets constructed as an ignorant person from the choices of vocabulary words, which are mostly, simple. Additionally, the narrator uses the pronoun “me” in place of “my” which is grammatically incorrect. The use of the pronoun further reinforces and cements the idea of a hooligan as an individual who is uneducated comparatively, or a person who has rejected any form of education. McGough makes a repetition of the first line in every stanza to emphasize that the narrator is a proud hooligan indeed. Furthermore, it suggests a limited and a simplistic view of the world and self. Different aspects of hooliganism get told in every stanza that is undesirable and antisocial. From the ending of every stanza which is similar, it shows how things are when compared to how the hooligan would desire to believe, and pretends or imagines they are.
Conclusions
In conclusion, McGough’s poems that apply the effective and successful poetry style allow personal and friendly approach to serious social and political issues sometimes. “Streemin” poem highlights on how the schools grading of the students is inappropriate. “Why People Are a Bit Nuts in the Head” poem satirizes the patriotic people by making emphasis on the importance of lives to people. Finally, the “Nooligan” poem satirizes the juvenile’s antisocial behaviors and their delinquency. By using the first person speakers and the colloquial language, McGough through his poems of “streaming”, “Why People Are a Bit Nut in the Head” and “Nooligan”, delivers his point of views and messages efficiently. His engaging approach simplifies and makes it easy for the readers to digest the messages portrayed easily and understand his persuasions. He persuades people to focus more closely on social issues than the other poets who are radical.
With a student-centered approach, I create engaging and informative blog posts that tackle relevant topics for students. My content aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
by Elaina Ferrell | May 16, 2023 | Essays |
Introduction
Superannuation has been defined as moneys invested in the productive working life of an individual to return an income stream or a lump sum upon retirement. The superannuation scheme in Australia was initially availed to employees of selected companies since the federation of Australia and was further extended to all public servants. Historically, in the 1970s, the superannuation in Australia was sponsored by the employer and was only available for the executive employees excluding all women. The Australian superannuation system provides equity and economic benefits of the Australian citizens and the entire nation. The scheme has enabled the Australian financial system to perform well in bridging the financial needs of the Australian people.
The scheme has facilitated economic and productivity growth in the country. However, scholars have voiced concerns over the economic benefits and challenges the Australian economy may face in the future which may provide financial implications in the country such as fiscal pressures, financial crisis, changes in technology, productivity growth and international integration. Superannuation describes and analyses the context of assets, financial products and debts that provides real Australian financial position (Mitchell 1999, p. 19). This essay provides evidence-based analysis of the Australian superannuation system and seeks to further suggestions that have been incorporated provide effectiveness and efficiency of the scheme.
The Australian superannuation system has led to the production of the fourth largest fund pools in the global management.
The funds have raised assets worth $ 1.6 tn under management. Besides the industry has grown larger than the ASX capitalization and combined all Australian banks deposits. It is estimated that the total savings of the Australian superannuation exceeds the gross domestic product of the country (Australia 2010, p. 12). The size of the superannuation funds has augured adequately for the system retirement future of Australia. However, the large pool of funds has attracted interest from various opinionate regarding the effect on the community members and the nation’s economy.
The large pool of funds in the Australian superannuation system has enabled supper assets allocation that has potentially derived, developed and reshaped the economy through contributing to the corporate development bond market, supporting innovation, funding infrastructure, employment opportunities and creation of economic and equity growth among the members. The large pool of funds in the system and the diversification of investments mean that with the proportional increase in these funds, there will be increased global investment rather than local investment.
The key attributes of the Australian superannuation mentions fees charged to a member of the MySuper product. According to the Australian government, the fees charged are limited, and most of the members are restricted from recovering the service providing costs. The main fee that applies incorporates the investment fee, administration fee and other fees such as exit and investment switching fee. Furthermore, the system offers an investment option for using the current balanced fund offering. The level of disclosure to trustee funds and performance in investment in relation to fees are higher than the initial fee requirements. The funds can be used for lifecycle investment that in turn improves the lives of the members and the overall economy of Australia.
The investment management and asset allocation style provide by the superannuation policy can provide higher net returns. However, the increase benefits results from cost to the superannuation system of Australia that is below the overseas jurisdictions (Australia & Cooper 2010, p. 86). The research commissioned on the Australian superannuation system to examine the Financial System Inquiry (FSI) preliminary report in comparison between the super system in Australia and Chile. According to investigative research findings, the fees of My Super favorably compare with those of the private pension fund administrator system in Chile. The superannuation policy provides options of allowing the MySuper asset products to compete for default superannuation. This provides room for the superannuation funds, management investments and life insurers’ schemes to rationalize the legacy products. Scholars predict the asset feature of the superannuation system to grow in the future. According to the report, the asset-based fees will provide economic growth as the size increases (Mitchell 1999, p. 251). The pool of assets will require constant vigilance to maintain the appropriate total dollar fees, rather than just shifting focus on the percentages and not trending downwards.
The experience of the members of the Australian superannuation system may vary under the strategy of the lifestyle. Investments in the system provide balanced growth of funds in the accumulation phase. The incomes from the retirement are also a key are of the system an, however, some critiques objects that the retirement incomes are underdeveloped and may not manage the risks associated with retirees. This provides a complex discussion of taxation and payment transfer and retirement incomes. Furthermore, the superannuation system of Australia provides equity supper for the members that lead to investment diversification, moderate income, low cost and growth of capital. The system highlights are investing with significant managers of investment and multi-asset classes that in turn provide long-term financial returns that are in harmony with the retirement saving for the members. Furthermore, the Australian superannuation system provides total and permanent disablement insurance and death insurance benefits with reliable and recognizable insurers in Australia (Jefferson & Preston 2005, p. 127). Also, the system has MyEquity Super Dashboard that assist the members understand the performances, fees and risks associated.
Demographically, MySuper provides that the superannuation system of Australia builds in a product that acknowledges the direct superannuation making-making engagement for all members. The Australian superannuation system is not dependent on disengagement; bur rather works for who participate actively in the product. According to the recent investigation of the account balances, it shows that the superannuation funds are less than $ 25, 0003. According to the figures, the core demographic member of the superannuation system of Australia is able to cater efficiently. As the account balances grow, the superannuation system of Australia will ensure the money value, effective and simple for the members. Offering superannuation product to the members provides a strategic feature of choice in the Australian system (Australia, & Cooper 2010, 127). Therefore, this provides the members the power to tailor their strategies for superannuation for their financial safeguards and needs. Ideally, this will provide lower costs and make the funds benefit the Australian economy.
Suggestions to Australian Superannuation System
Investment Governance
The investment asset funds are one of the significant roles played by the superannuation funds. The function of governing investments is instrumental in ensuring that the procedures incorporated in the process of investments are risk managed and efficient at all levels. The panel recognizes that the modern superannuation investment is a complex activity that needs multiple technical skills and expertise. Therefore, the superannuation funds incorporate the asset consultants, fund managers and custodians to provide assistance. Therefore, pressure is mounted on the trustee to provide an appointment process and monitoring process of the agents, thus promoting the members’ interests. The areas identified by the panel that requires significant input for economic and equity achievement is the system of regulation (Jefferson & Preston 2005, p. 199). The members accumulate them retirement benefits and savings leading to better investment decisions.
Transparency Outcomes
According to Australia (2010, p. 17) comparability and transparency are another critical feature of the superannuation system that enables operation and efficiency of the savings based on markets. The panel believed that the superannuation of Australia would provide market transparency and comparability leading to accountability and reliability superannuation system of Australian that can be improved effectively through appropriate regulations. To make quick progress towards comparability accuracy, the system should develop a new power to make reporting of the system outcome standardized. The great benefit of the funds of system transparency should also be introduced in the Australian superannuation system. This should include academics, regulators, advisors and analysts. The quality of the information availed is little to experts requiring the use of the information for equity and benefit of members and the nation at large. Besides, there is a need to introduce cost effective and dramatic change in the Australian superannuation. Finally, the members needs to access minimum information when considering the investments options of superannuation
Insurance in Superannuation
Incorporating insurance in the superannuation system of Australia can be an excellent step to benefit the members and enlarge investment options. When the members cannot work a result of permanent disablement or death, insurance plays an integral function in ensuring they are adequately compensated. The Australian superannuation should integrate insurance that is a complex product for members of the system. The trustees should consider the strategy of insurance and provide elaborate regulations on its implementation (Australia, & Cooper 2010, 132). Therefore, insurance information must be availed, and the trustees provide clear guidelines for the members to compare the options of insurance, recognizing the associates’ financial concerns.
Such instances may meet the members’’ needs so that sufficient benefit is provided in event there is need to access the retirement benefits earlier than expected in Australian superannuation, the insurance should be automatically provided to the members so that they continue to benefit from the coverage without incorporating remuneration of advisors who get commissioned.
Conclusion
While many panel bodies have suggested reforms for the Australian superannuation, the main idea is to better understand and protect the net egg of the Australian workers. The biggest aim of establishing MySuper system was to maintain market competition and lower the overall costs. The super is considered a better money value by increasing comparability and transparency in the system. However, there exist some critiques and misconceptions over the system. The Australian superannuation system provides a higher level of engagement without compromising the human nature. It is obvious that the Australian superannuation system has been reviewed to benefit the members and reinforce economic growth. Besides, the funds require the trustees to make elaborate decisions that benefit the overall equity and economy of the members and the nation.
Notably, recent research on the features of the Australian superannuation provides more informed basis of refining the future of the system and discloses the risks associated with superannuation funds. Thus, it is comparative for the Australian government and all stakeholders including the wiser community, accounting standard researchers and industry regulators to be incorporated in the redefining the strategies and features of the Australian superannuation system.
References
Australia, & Cooper, J. (2010). Review into the Governance, Efficiency, Structure and Operation of Australia’s Superannuation System final report. Canberra, The Review.
Australia. (2010). Super system review final report. [Canberra, A.C.T.?], Commonwealth of Australia.
Cooper, J. (2010). Super for Members: A New Paradigm for Australia’s Retirement Income System. Rotman International Journal of Pension Management. 3, 8-15.
Jefferson, T., & Preston, A. (2005). Australia’s & ldquo; Other Close Curly Double Quote Gender Wage Gap: Baby Boomers and Compulsory Superannuation Accounts. Feminist Economics. 11, 79-101.
Mitchell, D. (1999). Australia’s superannuation system: model for US Social Security reform. Thesis (Ph. D.)–George Mason University, 199
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by Herman Bailey | May 16, 2023 | Essays |
In his article, Benjamin seems to perceive critical mass not just as a number or as many have put it, the tyranny of numbers but rather the sense of perception and value change in society. He insists that society when exposed to particular forms of art, tend to experience massive changes in value systems and the perception of individuals. This hypothesis can be supported with critical evidence in today’s world. For example, in the early ages of film, women were often found fully covered and clothed. However, exposure to film has drastically altered the perception of the world with regard to women and their dressing even going as far as to influence the value of women in today’s society. According to Benjamin, the production of a film is inseparable from the impact that the same will have on society in general over the next years.
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He further continues to indicate that film as a form of art has a unique ability of freeing the individual from inhibitions and norms which they would otherwise have to abide with. Continued exposure to these films and forms of art will therefore lead to rebellion, a sort of turn away from norms. The functions of the film industry are changing daily. Today, the audience watching a film are more like collective action groups. The individual reaction to the film, becomes multiplied by the general audience and continued exposure to accessories from the film including Memes and posters. Earlier forms of art such as paintings and sculptures, even when they had fascinating themes and were exhibited in galleries to allow for public viewing did not emit mass reactions. Film, on the other hand even before release has the ability to emit collective action.
Andre Barzin and Film
12 years a slave is a movie that has been highly acclaimed in the film industry. There have been many movies produced which have had the same storyline that is the discussion of slavery. However, these movies have tended to rely on embellishing the reality. They have often portrayed slave owners as humanistic men driven by the societal ambitions and norms. On the other hand, the same movies often portray slaves as individuals who were resigned to their fate. However, this movie has a more realistic hold. Despite the tradition of Hollywood to dramatize slavery, embellish and make it seem less than what it was; this director took a risk brining out the emotional background of slavery. He portrays slavery as what it was realistically that is, an inhuman trade. He shows slaves as individuals who were far from resigned from their fate but rather human beings ready to fight for their freedom. Barzin states that these directors whose faith is in reality enhance history rather than changing it. They attempt to help individuals understand, to fit in the past and in doing so understand the actions taking place in the present and future.
According to Barzin, reality and everything that supports reality should be included in the production of the film. This means that it is not just about the actions, the fluidity of speech but also about the sound and coloring, the flow of the scenes as introduced by the director. Directors who are more realistic therefore make use of sound and imagery to enhance the reality of the film. Considering the movie 12 years a slave, one can actually hear the crack of the whip as the slaves are punished by the masters. In addition, wounds are realistic while slaves wipe off blood. The clothes are tattered and old, giving a semblance of poverty. This is unlike other slavery movies, where slave garments seem similar to the master’s although of a much lower quality. A similar point can be raised, where traditional slavery films have relied on dramatic makeup and visual aids to make actors seem like the slaves of the past century. This movie however, the director opts for actors with true African skin such as Lupita Nyongo, make up therefore ise used to enhance features that already exist rather than bring them out. Film brings out the absurdity of the situations which the individual finds themselves in, collective action comes from the reaction to such absurdity. This forces a change in traditions, customs and normal way of life. The change is however not drastic but rather progressive, following continues exposure and reactions to films.
Moore’s true Reality
Although Michael Moore often insists that his movies are a true reality, there have been many who have doubted the reality of such. Perez’s statement that his documentaries are visual lies maybe more true than many think. For example, in his documentary Roger and me, Moore insisted that the documentary was about the budding friendship for many decades and the journey of Rogers to the top. However, representatives of Roger have often been quoted stating that he met with the General Motors boss for only two times. In Bowling for Columbia, the film has been heavily edited to depict a utopian safety in Canada. The film shows that every door tested in the documentary was found open, when in reality all doors that were locked have been edited out. Moore’s producer was quoted stating that at least 45% of the doors were locked and some showed high tech security measures. This evidence supports Perez’s claim that Moore’s documentary are visual lies.
In 2014, during a speech at the Toronto film festival, Moore was quoted as stating that documentaries are depressing, but his own documentaries are designed for entertainment. For a documentary to be entertaining, the truth needs to be embellished. According to (Glyne 2008) Moore’s popular themes in hid documentaries are the selfishness of capitalism and the greed that arises from capitalistic desires. However, in majority of the documentaries, e has been known to embellish the truth, shape the reality to suit what he wants. For example, in the film bowling for Columbine which won an Oscar award, it has been proven that in order to make the speech of his characters much more enthusiastic, he altered and spliced speeches from different times into one speech. This is a depiction of what he terms his own true reality. Perez maintains that his films are neither documentaries but actually comedies designed fro entertainment. For example, he insists in the movie white lies that convicted felons in Florida were not allowed to vote during former President Bush re-election. He indicates that these felons were great supporters of Gore. This he does without any particular evidence, making the documentary something close to a conspiracy tale of mad men.
References
Bazin, A. (1967). Umberto D: A Great Work, in What is Cinema?, trans. Hugh Gray,
Bazin, A. (1999). The Evolution of the Language of Cinema, in Leo Braudy and Marshall Cohen ed., Film Theory and Criticism.
Bernstein, M. (2010). Michael Moore: Filmmaker, newsmaker, cultural icon. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.
Gane, M. (2000). Jean Baudrillard. London: SAGE.
Glynne, A. (2008). Documentaries: And how to make them. Harpenden: Creative Essentials.
Lane, R. J. (2000). Jean Baudrillard. London: Routledge.
Larsen, E. (2010).The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction. Retrieved February 16, 2015, from
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