3 Ways to Double Up When Converting Passive Constructions to Active Ones

3 Ways to Double Up When Converting Passive Constructions to Active Ones 3 Ways to Double Up When Converting Passive Constructions to Active Ones 3 Ways to Double Up When Converting Passive Constructions to Active Ones By Mark Nichol Revising sentences so that they’re more active isn’t mandatory, but strive to make most of your passively constructed sentences more dynamic- and while you’re at it, don’t overlook opportunities to give a sentence more than one burst of energy. 1. Now that you have the business activities and conflicting activities defined, the associated privileges can be assigned to those activities. This sentence is easily rendered more active by repurposing the adjective defined as a verb and fortifying the bland verb have with it: â€Å"Now that you have defined the business activities and conflicting activities, the associated privileges can be assigned to those activities.† Even better, make the sentence imperative and therefore more forceful by beginning the main clause with the verb rather than the noun phrase: â€Å"Now that you have defined the business activities and conflicting activities, assign the associated privileges to those activities.† 2. There will still need to be thought given to understanding how conflicts of interest are identified and managed. Avoid beginning a sentence with a vague expletive; start with a noun: â€Å"Thought will still need to be given to understanding how conflicts of interest are identified and managed.† Better yet, enable the more active basic form of the verb give by employing the key noun at the outset: â€Å"Management will still need to give thought to understanding how conflicts of interest are identified and managed,† and explicitly stating that management itself identifies and manages conflicts of interests, rather than implying some vague actor, will strengthen the sentence even more: â€Å"Management will still need to give thought to understanding how it identifies and manages conflicts of interest.† 3. These have been in place for about ten years, with compliance actively monitored through annual assessments undertaken by a qualified assessor. Using with is a weak way to start a sentence or a clause. Easily strengthen a statement by converting a dependent clause into an independent clause; simply change with to and and insert a form of the verb â€Å"to be†: â€Å"These have been in place for about ten years, and compliance is actively monitored through annual assessments undertaken by a qualified assessor.† Better yet, in addition to employing the first half of this easy fix, fortify the second clause by making the actor, rather than the action, the subject: â€Å"These have been in place for about ten years, and a qualified assessor actively monitors compliance through annual assessments.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Style category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Slang Terms for MoneySelect vs. Selected8 Great Podcasts for Writers and Book Authors

11 Easy Meal Ideas for College Students

11 Easy Meal Ideas for College Students Cooking in college presents a challenge to even the smartest student. These ideas and recipes can quickly- and cheaply- transform a lackluster meal or snack option into something much more exciting (and delicious!). Breakfast Ideas 1. Spruced-Up Bagels Grab some bagels and cream cheese, slice a tomato (save the rest for later) and pour yourself some fresh orange juice to create a quick and energizing meal. 2. Quick Pancakes Dont have a lot of time, supplies (like eggs, milk, and flour), or cooking tools? Grab a container of Bisquick Shake n Pour, add water, pour into a frying pan, and voila ... hot, steamy pancakes! Dont forget to bring the syrup. 3. Blueberry Pancakes in Disguise Krusteaz makes a pretty decent- and usually pretty low-priced- Wild Blueberry Muffin Mix. (Its in a box, usually on the same aisle as the flour.) However, thanks to a recipe on the back of the carton, you can quickly turn it into blueberry pancakes. 4. Egg Sandwich to Go Crack an egg into a coffee mug, sprinkle in some cheese and beat it with a fork. Microwave for 45 seconds, then scoop the cooked egg onto an English muffin (toasted, if you can). Youre out the door with a filling sandwich in hand in less than 5 minutes! Just make sure you rinse out the mug before the egg is permanently caked on. Lunch andDinner Ideas 5. Macaroni and Cheese With multiple, easy-to-make options available, theres no reason why you cant enjoy a dish of mac and cheese now and then. You can add ingredients yourself and cook it on the stove top, or you can buy the simple stuff that just requires you add water and microwave it. Add some veggies on top to up the nutritional value. 6. Simple Bread and Cheese Grab a small baguette, a chunk of your favorite cheese and something nice to drink. This makes a great snack or small meal and is easy to eat while studying. Add salami if youre extra hungry or a dollop of jam if you want to sweeten it. 7. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup If you have a stove or toaster oven, making grilled cheese is about as easy as it gets when it comes to comfort food. Melt some butter in a frying pan to crisp both sides of the bread, then add some cheese between the slices. Heat up tomato soup on the stove or in the microwave to complete this classic meal. 8. Microwave Quesadillas Grab some tortillas and shredded cheese, and pop em in the microwave. In under two minutes, youve got a delicious snack that leaves very little mess behind. 9. Roasted Veggies Anything If you have an oven, chop up some of your favorite vegetables, toss them in olive oil, add salt and pepper and roast them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 to 60 minutes. Broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, onions, and carrots make a good mix. You can use them in a different dish every day: roasted veggie burritos, roasted veggies over rice, roasted veggie pizza, roasted veggie pasta or roasted veggie panini. You can do a lot with them, and they keep in the fridge for about a week. Desserts 10. Fruit and Yogurt Parfait Its pretty self-explanatory: Add fresh (or thawed frozen) fruit to a cup of yogurt, top with your favorite granola and voila- a healthy-ish dessert. 11. Mug Cake You can find all sorts of recipes online, but heres the gist: Put together all the ingredients you need to make a cake in a microwave-safe coffee mug, microwave them for about 2 minutes, then let your creation cool for 30 seconds before adding toppings or diving in.

History Of The World Trade Center Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

History Of The World Trade Center - Term Paper Example Architect of the WTC 3. Design of the WTC 4. Construction of the WTC 5. Location of the WTC 6. Technology used in the WTC 7. Main purpose of the WTC 8. The last day in the history of the WTC 1. Situation of New York City in the 1960s. The first plans for the building of a complex for international trade and finance were hatched in the aftermath of World War 2. The New York State Legislature gave permission for a â€Å"vast trade, commercial, hotel and convention facility that would complement the international center of finance that Wall Street had become† (Fernandez, 2012, pp. 5-6). The United States had intervened in Europe and the Far East to contribute substantial economic and military aid to its allies, and this was the last indication in a long list of developments, that the colonial days were over, and America was a strong and stable state, ready to take a lead in world affairs. The United States of America was starting to experience some economic boom years and this he lped to provide the funding for civic developments that had been missing in the years between the wars. Industrialization in America had happened extremely quickly and advances in science and technology were giving American products the edge in world markets. Added to this, there were still streams of well qualified immigrants ready to give the economy an extra boost. There was a property boom in the 1960s which favored large building projects, especially those which undertook to renovate brown field sites and create jobs. New York itself was very crowded, but there was ample opportunity in the former docks areas to tear down old stock and make way for progress. The early 1960s was a period of optimism in the United States, and this helped to foster a climate of enterprise and adventure. In the arts, iconoclastic forms were all the rage, and in architecture the rigid forms of modernism were giving way to more playful postmodern ideas. It was a time of change, and this was exactly th e right moment for a monumental vision like the World Trade Center to finally come to fruition. 2. Architect of the World Trade Center. The man who was chosen to as the main designer of the World Trade Center was architect Minoru Yamasaki. He was born in 1912 to immigrant Japanese parents in the Seattle area where he went to school at Garfield High School. His parents were not wealthy, and he had to work hard to achieve his ambition, studying maths and science and doing well enough to be accepted to study architecture. It is reported that he suffered from some anti-Japanese prejudice, and he even worked in an Alaskan salmon cannery to help fun his studies at Washington University (Flowers, p. 178) Yamasaki’s later career continued with designs in the Seattle area that include the Pacific Science Center, the IBM Building and the Rainier Bank Tower. (Olson, 2012). He also produced internationally renowned designs in other countries too, including Saudi Arabia and Japan. With re spect to his design of the World Trade Center, Yamasaki was conscious of the international dimensions of the building, and the role that the United States plays in the modern world. He is quoted as saying â€Å"World Trade means world peace. The World Trade Center should, because of its importance, become a representation of man’s belief in humanity, his need for individual dignity, his beliefs in the cooperation of men, and through cooperation, his ability to

Culture Analysis for the movie Bend It like Beckham Assignment

Culture Analysis for the movie Bend It like Beckham - Assignment Example The three characters, Jules and Jess convey contradictory interests of ethnicity, gender and sexuality. Jess is stranded between the traditional customs of her Indian culture and a modern English culture. She abandons her customary clothing and wears like any other English teenager and a huge interest for the national sport, which is football. Gender issues also haunt jess as she plays a traditional male sport and football was not for women. Jess’ parents and Jess show generational difference as Jess’ parents try to recruit Jess into the traditional model of an Indian woman. In addition to forcing her to cook traditional food, she also wants her to get married to an Indian man in a traditional wedding. On the other hand, Jules faces gender issues when it comes to her behavior and dress codes. Her mother also accuses her of being homosexual. She also faces generational difference as her mother expects her to live according to the traditional methods of a female behavior. This also portrays the ethnic contradictions. The reason being, she plays soccer, which is a male sport. Both characters are a good example of the different cases surrounding cultural acceptance.Both Jules and Jess share similar interests in football. The different members of their families share different views in this issue. In both cases, the female parents are not supportive of this decision by their daughters. They are the promoters of traditional customs in the family. The male parents are in support of their daughters’ decision but do this secretly.

Two Page Paper on The tragic Massacre at VA Tech to be completed in Essay

Two Page Paper on The tragic Massacre at VA Tech to be completed in APA format - Essay Example He was even investigated by the police twice after apparently stalking fellow two students (Griffin, 2007). After expressing suicidal tendencies to his roommate who reported the incident, he was diagnosed as â€Å"an imminent danger to himself or others as a result of mental illness† and â€Å"incapable of volunteering or unwilling to volunteer for treatment† and was ordered by the Montgomery County to be an outpatient of Cook Counseling Center, which is located on-campus (CNN, 2007; Setrakian and Shaylor, 2007). The question now is, did he go for treatment? The answer is most probably â€Å"no† as people failed to follow up on this (Setrakian and Shaylor, 2007). Hence, they failed to recognize the signs and symptoms of a violent breakdown. With so many people knowing that there is something wrong with Cho , with the police having already investigated him—not once, but twice—and with a court-ordered psychiatric treatment, how did they miss his violent tendencies? Why was the proper intevention not applied to him? How was he able to legally purchase two guns? The answer to these questions lies in the fact that professors, administrators, law enforcement officers, the state court, and other government departments failed to communicate with each other. The bottom line is that â€Å"no one knew all the information and no one connected all the dots† (New Scientist, 2007). Each was holding an important piece of the puzzle; however, there was no communication between them and so, the pieces remained isolated from each other. For instance, the police failed to communicate to campus authorities about their investigation of Cho; likewise, the court neglected to let the university know of their diagnosis and decision. These related incidents were also not inputted into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System; this is why

Terms and Definitions in International Business

Terms and Definitions in International Business Question 1 Section A: Standard deviation is the positive square root of the variance. E.g. if 217.4 is gotten as the variance from a given distribution, it then implies that the standard deviation will be 14.7 by applying the square root on the variance score of 217.4. Mean-is the arithmetic average of a set of scores in a distribution. The average of the scores; 8, 9,10,11,12 is 10 which means summation of all the scores (x) divided by the total number of elements (n), which gives 10. Hypothesis this is an assumption of statement which may not be true concerning one or more population. E.g. a hypothesis to test the ability of trained employee is better or higher than that of an untrained employee in a company. Continuous variable are those variable that assume a continuum of values within the range of its observed lowest and highest values. This means that the values in the range are infinitely close to one another, and uncountable. E.g. heights of human beings temperature of a room, volume of water in tank, weights of people, etc. while categorical variable is a random variable that takes only a discontinuous set of values. It takes only specific values within a set of range of values that are countable. E.g. number of persons in a household, no of days on sick leave, scores recorded to the nearest hall mark. Bivariate research design A bivariate research is defined as the type of study which tries to look at the causal relationship between two variables under investigation Variable label and variable value variable label can be explained in words what variable represent while variable value is a set of values that relates to variable. Statistic descriptive- is agenda variable to run a frequency expressed numerically. Mode is defined as the score or element that repeats or occurs most frequently in a given distribution. Theory can be define as a system of ideas in explaining something. Paradigm- is defined as a theory, statement or fact that tends to be generally acceptable by all when explaining a particular phenomenon. Face validity seeking to know the measurement strategy, like how a measure and procedure appears. Reliability and validity reliability is a degree of assessment to produce a stable tool while validity is to test measure and what it claims to measure. Random assignment proceeding based on evaluation, for instance properties knowing how the levy tax is been paid. Covariation versus causality in a relation of x and y are related in a population, e.g. When there is no relationship meaning that is non-hypothesis while causality has to do with co-variation to random which by chance. Experimental design this is some-well defined act or process that leads to single well-defined outcome .e.g. tossing a coin to see whether heads or tails comes up, opening a book at random and noting the first word on the right hand page, etc. Measurement- finding a number that shows the size and amount of something. Spurious relationships is a calculation related to two events or variable that has no frequent interval of connections. Probabilistic statement this is a statistical statement made for the chance or likelihood of event occurance over the others. E.g. someone may say that girls can perform home chores than the boys. Descriptive statistic this is the aspect of statistic that studies a body of statistical data and no generalisation is made from the result obtained. E.g. collection of data classification of data, drawing of histogram. Polygons statistical graphs and charts. Deterministic statement: A deterministic statement is defined as that aspect of research which tries to look at the causal relationship between variables in which the occurrence or the degree of relationship between the variables occur with high sense of certainty. Question 2 Section B: (A) This is the guide line: In a typical research settings or statistical activities, Independent variable in a layman language could mean that which can change to give result to a particular thing and that is what is called Dependent Variable. There is a probability or likelihood that a relationship will exist between 2 variables; Example: A) Persons Education: X) voters turn out Here is a relationship between Independent Variable A) which is Persons Education and X) Dependent Variable which is Voters Turnout. This is because a persons education can influence people coming out to vote base on their perception about election because educated people know the power of vote. So the probability is that the election outcome would be more positive. If we look into this issue from another perspective it is possible that educated people might not take part in politics because they do not like politics and political activities. (B)Nations economic health (x) and a political revolution. There is an intimate relationship between economy and revolution. In this section economy is an independent variable while revolution is a dependent variable. The probability is that if the economy is weak X, it would affect the Y and the people would go for revolution in order to change the existing set up because of their dissatisfaction. On the other hand if we look into the issue from a deterministic lens it would come into our minds that if the economy is strong the people would have no reason for revolution because they would be satisfied. (C)Candidates height (X) and election outcome (Y). The probability in this case is that X would affect Y because people like tall people than short one. But if we look from another position it would not appear the same because if someone is short it would not mean that he would not get any vote because it is not only height which does matter. Second Part: (2): This question first of all tries to look at whether or not it is possible to conduct an experimental research by a researcher under the prevailing variables. A) An individual level of religiosity (x) his or her preference for different political candidates. In this situation, conducting an experimental research is quite unlikely especially as it involves this two variables, an individual’s level of religiosity and his/her preference for different political candidates based on the following reasons: Conducting an experiment involves the ability of the researcher to be able to manipulate and control his variables, in which it is very difficult to conduct experiment because one cannot effectively manage, control and manipulate an individual’s level of religiosity. Another reason why conducting an experimental research tends to be problematic is based on the idea that individual’s views and opinions are dynamic and not static, therefore one cannot count on that as a pretext to vote. One illuminating factor that affects experimental research is the presence of a spurious variable which individual’s adopt in the process of conducting elections for example similar ideology, individual’s personal interest could also count and not necessarily religion. (b). Military Service X and Attitudes towards foreign policy. In this situation, conducting an experimental research is quite likely. In doing this, the researcher will randomly defined and assign values on his variables as thus: Treatment group: This group involves the use of manipulation and control by the researcher in which he expose them to military service which would invariably affect their attiudes towards foreign policy Control group: This group will not be controlled and manipulated by the researcher. After assigning these values between the control and treatment group, it is quite likely that the researcher has conducted experiments on his variables and the group that has been exposed will react differently towards foreign policy than the group that has not been exposed. (c) Exposure to negative news X and Political Apathy Y Under this, having an experimental researcher is also possible when the researcher divides his population into both: Treatment Group: It comprises the group that the researcher will control by exposing them to negative political news. Control Group: It comprises the group that the researcher will not be under the purview or control of the researcher. After randomly assigning this values to this two groups, it will become evident that the group exposed to negative news will likely develop political apathy than the group that has not been exposed. D) A speakers personal characteristics (x) persuasiveness. In this situation, it is difficult for experiment to work largely due to the fact that: Human beings and their views are not static but are subject to change at any given point in time. The challenge of control and manipulation of the variable to the researcher is also problematic. Other confounding variable may lead to persuasion rather than a speaker’s personal characteristics. Question 3 Section C: Conceptualizing and Operationalizing Terms: In this first step, the researcher will define his variable conceptually and operationally. Conceptual definition means the literal or library definition whereas operational definition refers to the applicability of the term (s) in my research. Peace and justice are two interrelated ideas. It is clear to most of us that in order to achieve peace we are supposed to ensure justice and vice versa. A peace without justice would not be a sustainable one. Conceptually speaking peace means a condition where you are secured by every mean or in other words you are no longer disturbed. If we look into this operationally then it means peace is the state of society where you will not find violence in the streets and there will be no threat to your life. According to Oxford dictionary justice means’’ the state of being fair’’. If we look into this word operationally it carries different meaning to different people but the best definition is that if the social contract is monitored fairly by the authority then we can say that justice is there. In my work peace would be an independent variable X while justice would be a dependent variable Y. 2. Developing a Methodological discourse or Agenda: The second step is for the researcher to develop a methodology that will explain how the study will go about its research, whether qualitative or quantitative method. In order to prove the relationship between two variable I would collect empirical data from various sources. My work will give an understanding to the readers that whether Peace causes justice or not. 3. Generating a Hypothesis: By hypothesis it involves the use of hypothetical statements that will reject or approve the earlier established theory about the subject under investigation. The next aspect is for the researcher to develop a hypothesis that will test his variables, in order to approve or disprove the theories and it is divided as thus: H1- peace brings justice H2- peace does not bring justice Reviewing relevant related literature about the state of the art: Reviewing the works of other scholars about the subject the researcher is investigating is the next phase of the study. The next phase is to develop a literature review about the sublects under investigating such as: Literature Review on Peace- According to Tim Sisk who defines peace as a step-by- step reciprocal moves to build confidence, resolve gnarly issues such as disarmament, and carefully define the future through the design of new institution. According to New Testament, peace could mean the absence of conflict, as mentioned, but also either the health of body and mind or concord. Regarding the latter, peace seems an act of will of those in a conflictful situation. According to David Cortright- sees peace as a social equality. Socialists and feminists brought these issues to the fore and broadened the peace agenda to include problems of economic injustice and patriarchy. Literature Review on Justice- According to Chris a scientist, he said that justice is the act upholding the law. However, the controversy that remains and the debate that ensures has to do with what the law itself should be. According to Thrasymanchus, that justice is subjective form civilisation to another. Since the rulers can influence policy, law, and education, they can control the public perception of justice. 5. Data Analysis and Interpretations of Findings: This phase of research will try to clearly explain the findings of the research whether or not the research has been able to achieve its objective or not by testing the initial stated hypothesis. 6. Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations: This is the final phase in the research agenda, where the researcher will clearly summarize what the study is all about, draw the necessary conclusions and offer meaningful contributions or recommendations to the study. Four Hurdle Facing Researcher: The degree of causality of variable i.e Independent and Dependent variables (X Y). Every researcher is faced with the dilemma of understanding the degree of causality between his independent variable X and his dependent variable Y. Could the Dependent variable Y also cause an effect on the Independent Variable Y The second hurdle is for the researcher to be able to ascertain whether or not the dependent variable could invariably leads to a causal relationship with the independent variable Y. The degree of Covariation The third hurdle, is for the researcher to be able to determine the degree of correlation or covariation between his variables. The presence of extraneous or Z- variable. The last hurdle or dilemma faced by any researcher is the plausibility that other confounding or spurious variables tend to also serve as the possible causes in determining the degree of causality between X and Y variables which it is the responsibility of the researcher to keep that perspective in check. 1

Monopolies Must be Eliminated in America :: Argumentative Persuasive Argument Essays

Monopolies Must be Eliminated in America      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In this day and age, competition (to a certain extent) is considered healthy and, in many instances, encouraged.   Every day, adults and teenagers alike struggle to outdo other well-qualified applicants in the job market.   Even children as young as four years old can be found competing on the little league field.   As one can see, competition is an integral part of everyday life; however, what happens when competition ceases to exist?   It wouldn’t be very challenging or rewarding if an applicant received every job for which he applied.   And a child wouldn’t enjoy playing baseball against himself.   Even though it is hard to imagine a world without competition, there are a number of American media businesses that have no or relatively little competition in the market.   In the best interest of the public, monopolies, as these competition-less companies are called, need to be eliminated immediately.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   According to Ben H. Bagdikian, monopolies form for two main reasons: money and influence.   It is common sense that the company with a very large number of consumers is going to produce more revenue than the small, independently owned business with a lesser number of customers.   The advertising agency Backer Spielvogel Bates recently conducted a four-year study of 2,746 companies.   This study showed that the companies with 1.5 times the sales of their nearest challengers were 52 percent more cost-effective.   Also, it is important to recognize the fact that influence also plays a key role in the motives of monopolistic companies.   It is believed that if a certain company can have a marked influence over the public’s news, ideas and culture, then this corporation will have a much better chance of wielding a significant amount of influence over the public concerning government issues.   If this certain media company can manipulate all public ideas and information, it only makes sense that this business will also make a considerable difference when it comes to political news (Bagdikian 1997). I agree with Bagdikian when he states that monopolies form due to a want for money and a need for power by influencing the public.   It is an undeniable fact that money and power influence people in numerous ways.   In an attempt to be the best, I believe that many companies simply came to the conclusion that they would have to â€Å"crush† any attempts that were made by a competing company.

Levendary cafe case study Essay

1. Statement of Problem: What are the problems being faced and the most important 3-4 decisions the company needs to make regarding the situation of the company in China. The company transformation from private equity ownership with an immediate shift of CEO marked new challenges for the company. The company has been going through rigorous changes to keep up with the strong performance track record. However, the distinction of the profiles and management approach of the two CEOs was obviously noticed by the subordinates. The intelligent handling of management issues and concerns with subsequent impact on the employees and consumers mark the importance and sensitivity of the decisions of Mia Foster. The response and performance of China Market are the primary problematic area of the company. The management is piled with issues and skepticism on the ground of the equation generated out of new CEO, new Market, new strategies and new reporting procedures. The dire need of management is to visit location with ample supporting information and vigilant approach to take hold over the situation. The core areas to be addressed in this reference includes the dil emmas of swirled market reputation of the company, skepticism over the company’s potential to grow as a multinational brand, competitor’s rivalry and in house mismanagement issues. An immediate and focused response to the illustrated concerns is essential at this point of time to take hold of the situation before it gets any worst. The solutions devised in this reference are illustrated below; a.  Product Image in Market. b. Communication plan (Internal / External) c. Documentation of Policies and procedures d. Marketing strategy development 2. Alternatives: What are three different courses of action she can take to deal with Louis Chen and solve these various issues? Clearly explain. The importance of the concerns with the necessity to strategically move to address the issues is obvious. The different courses of action that can be adapted to respond the requisites are referred below: a. Department Heads are to be aligned over a platform with allocation of KPI in their respective fields in the light of the strategic objectives. b. The board of directors is to be supported by an in house team to monitor and coach the resolutions. c. A third person consultation service can be hired with an objective of desired goals. 3. Decision: Recommend one course of action. Convince us why this one is best and will help fix the problems. Address any criticism that this decision is likely to face Amongst the suggested options the first option of allocation targeted objectives as KPIs of the department head is the most suitable, as it will utilize in house resources and direct monitoring of the in charge. At the same time, the possibility of information leakage or blame game is further at the diminished end if this option is opted. 4. Action: List and describe 4-5 action steps to turn your plan into reality and implement the plan A comprehensive and concise action plan to support the strategy is suggested below for your perusal. a. Development and establishment of company processes and policies. b. The communication of policies amongst all branches. c. Development of communication model that is separate links for internal communication with a user friendly website for consumers. d. The hiring of a regional media manager and financial analyst to keep the track on the path. e. Regular observation of agendas over the Board meetings. f. Allocations of target oriented KPI’s under the observation of the strategic goals.

Artist George Catlin Proposed Creation of National Parks

Artist George Catlin Proposed Creation of National Parks The creation of the National Parks in the United States can be traced to an idea first proposed by the noted American artist George Catlin, who is best remembered for his paintings of American Indians. Catlin traveled extensively throughout North America in the early 1800s, sketching and painting Indians, and writing down his observations. And in 1841 he published a classic book, Letters and Notes on the Manners, Customs, and Condition of the North American Indians. While traveling the Great Plains in the 1830s, Catlin became acutely aware that the balance of nature was being destroyed because robes made of fur from the American bison (commonly called the buffalo) had become very fashionable in the cities of the East. Catlin perceptively noted that the craze for buffalo robes would make the animals extinct. Instead of killing the animals and using nearly every part of them for food, or to make clothing and even tools, Indians were being paid to kill buffalo for their fur alone. Catlin was disgusted to learn the Indians were being exploited by being paid in whiskey. And the buffalo carcasses, once skinned, were being left to rot on the prairie. In his book Catlin expressed a fanciful notion, essentially arguing that the buffalo, as well as the Indians who depended upon them, should be preserved by being set aside in a Nations Park. The following is the passage in which Catlin made his startling suggestion: This strip of country, which extends from the province of Mexico to Lake Winnipeg on the North, is almost one entire plain of grass, which is, and ever must be, useless to cultivating man. It is here, and here chiefly, that the buffaloes dwell; and with, and hovering about them, live and flourish the tribes of Indians, whom God made for the enjoyment of that fair land and its luxuries.It is a melancholy contemplation for one who has traveled as I have through these realms, and seen this noble animal in all its pride and glory, to contemplate it so rapidly wasting from the world, drawing the irresistible conclusion too, which one must do, that its species is soon to be extinguished, and with it the peace and happiness (if not the actual existence) of the tribes of Indians who are joint tenants with them, in the occupancy of these vast and idle plains.And what a splendid contemplation too, when one (who has traveled these realms, and can duly appreciate them) imagines them as they migh t in future be seen (by some great protecting policy of government)preserved in their pristine beauty and wildness, in a magnificent park, where the world could see for ages to come, the native Indian in his classic attire, galloping his wild horse, with sinewy bow, and shield and lance, amid the fleeting herds of elks and buffaloes. What a beautiful and thrilling specimen for America to preserve and hold up to the view of her refined citizens and the world, in future ages! A Nations Park, containing man and beast, in all the wild and freshness of their natures beauty!I would ask no other monument to my memory, nor any other enrollment of my name amongst the famous dead, than the reputation of having been the founder of such an institution. Catlins proposal was not seriously entertained at the time. People certainly didnt rush to create a huge park so future generations cold observe Indians and buffalo. However, his book was influential and went through many editions, and he can be seriously credited with first formulating the idea of National Parks whose purpose would be to preserve the American wilderness. The first National Park, Yellowstone, was created in 1872, after the Hayden Expedition reported on its majestic scenery, which had been vividly captured by the expeiditions official photographer, William Henry Jackson. And in the late 1800s the writer and adventurer John Muir would advocate for the preservation of Yosemite Valley in California, and other natural places. Muir would become known as the father of the National Parks, but the original idea does actually go back to the writings of a man best remembered as a painter.

Iron Curtain Speech by Winston Churchill

Iron Curtain Speech by Winston Churchill Nine months after Sir Winston Churchill failed to be reelected as Britains Prime Minister, Churchill traveled by train with President Harry Truman to make a speech. On March 5, 1946, at the request of Westminster College in the small Missouri town of Fulton (population of 7,000), Churchill gave his now famous Iron Curtain speech to a crowd of 40,000. In addition to accepting an honorary degree from the college, Churchill made one of his most famous post-war speeches. In this speech, Churchill gave the very descriptive phrase that surprised the United States and Britain, From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the Continent. Before this speech, the U.S. and Britain had been concerned with their own post-war economies and had remained extremely grateful for the Soviet Unions proactive role in ending World War II. It was Churchills speech, which he titled The Sinews of Peace, that changed the way the democratic West viewed the Communist East. Though many people believe that Churchill coined the phrase the iron curtain during this speech, the term had actually been used for decades (including in several earlier letters from Churchill to Truman). Churchills use of the phrase gave it wider circulation and made the phrase popularly recognized as the division of Europe into East and West. Many people consider Churchills iron curtain speech the beginning of the Cold War. Below is Churchills The Sinews of Peace speech, also commonly referred to as the Iron Curtain speech, in its entirety. The Sinews of Peace by Winston Churchill I am glad to come to Westminster College this afternoon, and am complimented that you should give me a degree. The name Westminster is somehow familiar to me. I seem to have heard of it before. Indeed, it was at Westminster that I received a very large part of my education in politics, dialectic, rhetoric, and one or two other things. In fact we have both been educated at the same, or similar, or, at any rate, kindred establishments. It is also an honour, perhaps almost unique, for a private visitor to be introduced to an academic audience by the President of the United States. Amid his heavy burdens, duties, and responsibilities- unsought but not recoiled from- the President has travelled a thousand miles to dignify and magnify our meeting here to-day and to give me an opportunity of addressing this kindred nation, as well as my own countrymen across the ocean, and perhaps some other countries too. The President has told you that it is his wish, as I am sure it is yours, that I should have full liberty to give my true and faithful counsel in these anxious and baffling times. I shall certainly avail myself of this freedom, and feel the more right to do so because any private ambitions I may have cherished in my younger days have been satisfied beyond my wildest dreams. Let me, however, make it clear that I have no official mission or status of any kind, and that I speak only for myself. There is nothing here but what you see. I can therefore allow my mind, with the experience of a lifetime, to play over the problems which beset us on the morrow of our absolute victory in arms, and to try to make sure with what strength I have that what has been gained with so much sacrifice and suffering shall be preserved for the future glory and safety of mankind. The United States stands at this time at the pinnacle of world power. It is a solemn moment for the American Democracy. For with primacy in power is also joined an awe-inspiring accountability to the future. If you look around you, you must feel not only the sense of duty done but also you must feel anxiety lest you fall below the level of achievement. Opportunity is here now, clear and shining for both our countries. To reject it or ignore it or fritter it away will bring upon us all the long reproaches of the after-time. It is necessary that constancy of mind, persistency of purpose, and the grand simplicity of decision shall guide and rule the conduct of the English-speaking peoples in peace as they did in war. We must, and I believe we shall, prove ourselves equal to this severe requirement. When American military men approach some serious situation they are wont to write at the head of their directive the words over-all strategic concept. There is wisdom in this, as it leads to clarity of thought. What then is the over-all strategic concept which we should inscribe today? It is nothing less than the safety and welfare, the freedom and progress, of all the homes and families of all the men and women in all the lands. And here I speak particularly of the myriad cottage or apartment homes where the wage-earner strives amid the accidents and difficulties of life to guard his wife and children from privation and bring the family up in the fear of the Lord, or upon ethical conceptions which often play their potent part. To give security to these countless homes, they must be shielded from the two giant marauders, war and tyranny. We all know the frightful disturbances in which the ordinary family is plunged when the curse of war swoops down upon the bread-winner and those for whom he works and contrives. The awful ruin of Europe, with all its vanished glories, and of large parts of Asia glares us in the eyes. When the designs of wicked men or the aggressive urge of mighty States dissolve over large areas the frame of civilised society, humble folk are confronted with difficulties with which they cannot cope. For them all is distorted, all is broken, even ground to pulp. When I stand here this quiet afternoon I shudder to visualise what is actually happening to millions now and what is going to happen in this period when famine stalks the earth. None can compute what has been called the unestimated sum of human pain. Our supreme task and duty is to guard the homes of the common people from the horrors and miseries of another war. We are all agreed on that. Our American military colleagues, after having proclaimed their over-all strategic concept and computed available resources, always proceed to the next step- namely, the method. Here again there is widespread agreement. A world organisation has already been erected for the prime purpose of preventing war, UNO, the successor of the League of Nations, with the decisive addition of the United States and all that that means, is already at work. We must make sure that its work is fruitful, that it is a reality and not a sham, that it is a force for action, and not merely a frothing of words, that it is a true temple of peace in which the shields of many nations can some day be hung up, and not merely a cockpit in a Tower of Babel. Before we cast away the solid assurances of national armaments for self-preservation we must be certain that our temple is built, not upon shifting sands or quagmires, but upon the rock. Anyone can see with his eyes open that our path will be difficult and also long, but if we persevere together as we did in the two world wars- though not, alas, in the interval between them- I cannot doubt that we shall achieve our common purpose in the end. I have, however, a definite and practical proposal to make for action. Courts and magistrates may be set up but they cannot function without sheriffs and constables. The United Nations Organisation must immediately begin to be equipped with an international armed force. In such a matter we can only go step by step, but we must begin now. I propose that each of the Powers and States should be invited to delegate a certain number of air squadrons to the service of the world organisation. These squadrons would be trained and prepared in their own countries, but would move around in rotation from one country to another. They would wear the uniform of their own countries but with different badges. They would not be required to act against their own nation, but in other respects they would be directed by the world organisation. This might be started on a modest scale and would grow as confidence grew. I wished to see this done after the first world war, and I devoutly trust it may be done forthwith. It would nevertheless be wrong and imprudent to entrust the secret knowledge or experience of the atomic bomb, which the United States, Great Britain, and Canada now share, to the world organisation, while it is still in its infancy. It would be criminal madness to cast it adrift in this still agitated and un-united world. No one in any country has slept less well in their beds because this knowledge and the method and the raw materials to apply it, are at present largely retained in American hands. I do not believe we should all have slept so soundly had the positions been reversed and if some Communist or neo-Fascist State monopolised for the time being these dread agencies. The fear of them alone might easily have been used to enforce totalitarian systems upon the free democratic world, with consequences appalling to human imagination. God has willed that this shall not be and we have at least a breathing space to set our house in order before this peril has to be encountered: and even then, if no effort is spared, we should still possess so formidable a superiority as to impose effective deterrents upon its employment, or threat of employment, by others. Ultimately, when the essential brotherhood of man is truly embodied and expressed in a world organisation with all the necessary practical safeguards to make it effective, these powers would naturally be confided to that world organisation. Now I come to the second danger of these two marauders which threatens the cottage, the home, and the ordinary people- namely, tyranny. We cannot be blind to the fact that the liberties enjoyed by individual citizens throughout the British Empire are not valid in a considerable number of countries, some of which are very powerful. In these States control is enforced upon the common people by various kinds of all-embracing police governments. The power of the State is exercised without restraint, either by dictators or by compact oligarchies operating through a privileged party and a political police. It is not our duty at this time when difficulties are so numerous to interfere forcibly in the internal affairs of countries which we have not conquered in war. But we must never cease to proclaim in fearless tones the great principles of freedom and the rights of man which are the joint inheritance of the English-speaking world and which through Magna Carta, the Bill of Rights, the Habe as Corpus, trial by jury, and the English common law find their most famous expression in the American Declaration of Independence. All this means that the people of any country have the right, and should have the power by constitutional action, by free unfettered elections, with secret ballot, to choose or change the character or form of government under which they dwell; that freedom of speech and thought should reign; that courts of justice, independent of the executive, unbiased by any party, should administer laws which have received the broad assent of large majorities or are consecrated by time and custom. Here are the title deeds of freedom which should lie in every cottage home. Here is the message of the British and American peoples to mankind. Let us preach what we practise- let us practise what we preach. I have now stated the two great dangers which menace the homes of the people: War and Tyranny. I have not yet spoken of poverty and privation which are in many cases the prevailing anxiety. But if the dangers of war and tyranny are removed, there is no doubt that science and co-operation can bring in the next few years to the world, certainly in the next few decades newly taught in the sharpening school of war, an expansion of material well-being beyond anything that has yet occurred in human experience. Now, at this sad and breathless moment, we are plunged in the hunger and distress which are the aftermath of our stupendous struggle; but this will pass and may pass quickly, and there is no reason except human folly of sub-human crime which should deny to all the nations the inauguration and enjoyment of an age of plenty. I have often used words which I learned fifty years ago from a great Irish-American orator, a friend of mine, Mr. Bourke Cockran. There is enough for all. The eart h is a generous mother; she will provide in plentiful abundance food for all her children if they will but cultivate her soil in justice and in peace. So far I feel that we are in full agreement. Now, while still pursuing the method of realising our overall strategic concept, I come to the crux of what I have travelled here to say. Neither the sure prevention of war, nor the continuous rise of world organisation will be gained without what I have called the fraternal association of the English-speaking peoples. This means a special relationship between the British Commonwealth and Empire and the United States. This is no time for generalities, and I will venture to be precise. Fraternal association requires not only the growing friendship and mutual understanding between our two vast but kindred systems of society, but the continuance of the intimate relationship between our military advisers, leading to common study of potential dangers, the similarity of weapons and manuals of instructions, and to the interchange of officers and cadets at technical colleges. It should carry with it the continuance of the present facilities for mutual security by the joint use of all Naval a nd Air Force bases in the possession of either country all over the world. This would perhaps double the mobility of the American Navy and Air Force. It would greatly expand that of the British Empire Forces and it might well lead, if and as the world calms down, to important financial savings. Already we use together a large number of islands; more may well be entrusted to our joint care in the near future. The United States has already a Permanent Defence Agreement with the Dominion of Canada, which is so devotedly attached to the British Commonwealth and Empire. This Agreement is more effective than many of those which have often been made under formal alliances. This principle should be extended to all British Commonwealths with full reciprocity. Thus, whatever happens, and thus only, shall we be secure ourselves and able to work together for the high and simple causes that are dear to us and bode no ill to any. Eventually there may come- I feel eventually there will come- the principle of common citizenship, but that we may be content to leave to destiny, whose outstretched arm many of us can already clearly see. There is however an important question we must ask ourselves. Would a special relationship between the United States and the British Commonwealth be inconsistent with our over-riding loyalties to the World Organisation? I reply that, on the contrary, it is probably the only means by which that organisation will achieve its full stature and strength. There are already the special United States relations with Canada which I have just mentioned, and there are the special relations between the United States and the South American Republics. We British have our twenty years Treaty of Collaboration and Mutual Assistance with Soviet Russia. I agree with Mr. Bevin, the Foreign Secretary of Great Britain, that it might well be a fifty years Treaty so far as we are concerned. We aim at nothing but mutual assistance and collaboration. The British have an alliance with Portugal unbroken since 1384, and which produced fruitful results at critical moments in the late war. None of these clash with the general interest of a world agreement, or a world organisation; on the contrary they help it. In my fathers house are many mansions. Special associations between members of the United Nations which have no aggressive point against any other country, which harbour no design incompatible with the Charter of the United Nations, far from being harmful, are beneficial and, as I believe, indispensable. I spoke earlier of the Temple of Peace. Workmen from all countries must build that temple. If two of the workmen know each other particularly well and are old friends, if their families are inter-mingled, and if they have faith in each others purpose, hope in each others future and charity towards each others shortcomings- to quote some good words I read here the other day- why cannot they work together at the common task as friends and partners? Why cannot they share their tools and thus increase each others working powers? Indeed they must do so or else the temple may not be built, or, being built, it may collapse, and we shall all be proved again unteachable and have to go and try to learn again for a third time in a school of war, incomparably more rigorous than that from which we have just been released. The dark ages may return, the Stone Age may return on the gleaming wings of science, and what might now shower immeasurable material blessings upon mankind, may even bring about its total destruction. Beware, I say; time may be short. Do not let us take the course of allowing events to drift along until it is too late. If there is to be a fraternal association of the kind I have described, with all the extra strength and security which both our countries can derive from it, let us make sure that that great fact is known to the world, and that it plays its part in steadying and stabilising the foundations of peace. There is the path of wisdom. Prevention is better than cure. A shadow has fallen upon the scenes so lately lighted by the Allied victory. Nobody knows what Soviet Russia and its Communist international organisation intends to do in the immediate future, or what are the limits, if any, to their expansive and proselytising tendencies. I have a strong admiration and regard for the valiant Russian people and for my wartime comrade, Marshal Stalin. There is deep sympathy and goodwill in Britain- and I doubt not here also- towards the peoples of all the Russias and a resolve to persevere through many differences and rebuffs in establishing lasting friendships. We understand the Russian need to be secure on her western frontiers by the removal of all possibility of German aggression. We welcome Russia to her rightful place among the leading nations of the world. We welcome her flag upon the seas. Above all, we welcome constant, frequent and growing contacts between the Russian people and our own people on both sides of the Atlantic. It is my duty how ever, for I am sure you would wish me to state the facts as I see them to you, to place before you certain facts about the present position in Europe. From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the Continent. Behind that line lie all the capitals of the ancient states of Central and Eastern Europe. Warsaw, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Bucharest and Sofia, all these famous cities and the populations around them lie in what I must call the Soviet sphere, and all are subject in one form or another, not only to Soviet influence but to a very high and, in many cases, increasing measure of control from Moscow. Athens alone- Greece with its immortal glories- is free to decide its future at an election under British, American and French observation. The Russian-dominated Polish Government has been encouraged to make enormous and wrongful inroads upon Germany, and mass expulsions of millions of Germans on a scale grievous and undreamed-of are now taking place. The Communist parties, which were very small in all these Eastern States of Europe, have been raised to pre-eminence an d power far beyond their numbers and are seeking everywhere to obtain totalitarian control. Police governments are prevailing in nearly every case, and so far, except in Czechoslovakia, there is no true democracy. Turkey and Persia are both profoundly alarmed and disturbed at the claims which are being made upon them and at the pressure being exerted by the Moscow Government. An attempt is being made by the Russians in Berlin to build up a quasi-Communist party in their zone of Occupied Germany by showing special favours to groups of left-wing German leaders. At the end of the fighting last June, the American and British Armies withdrew westwards, in accordance with an earlier agreement, to a depth at some points of 150 miles upon a front of nearly four hundred miles, in order to allow our Russian allies to occupy this vast expanse of territory which the Western Democracies had conquered. If now the Soviet Government tries, by separate action, to build up a pro-Communist Germany in their areas, this will cause new serious difficulties in the British and American zones, and will give the defeated Germans the power of putting themselves up to auction between the Soviets and the Western Democracies. Whatever conclusions may be drawn from these facts- and facts they are- this is certainly not the Liberated Europe we fought to build up. Nor is it one which contains the essentials of permanent peace. The safety of the world requires a new unity in Europe, from which no nation should be permanently outcast. It is from the quarrels of the strong parent races in Europe that the world wars we have witnessed, or which occurred in former times, have sprung. Twice in our own lifetime we have seen the United States, against their wishes and their traditions, against arguments, the force of which it is impossible not to comprehend, drawn by irresistible forces, into these wars in time to secure the victory of the good cause, but only after frightful slaughter and devastation had occurred. Twice the United States has had to send several millions of its young men across the Atlantic to find the war; but now war can find any nation, wherever it may dwell between dusk and dawn. Surely we should work with conscious purpose for a grand pacification of Europe, within the structure of the United Nations and in accordance with its Charter. That I feel is an open cause of policy of very great impor tance. In front of the iron curtain which lies across Europe are other causes for anxiety. In Italy the Communist Party is seriously hampered by having to support the Communist-trained Marshal Titos claims to former Italian territory at the head of the Adriatic. Nevertheless the future of Italy hangs in the balance. Again one cannot imagine a regenerated Europe without a strong France. All my public life I have worked for a strong France and I never lost faith in her destiny, even in the darkest hours. I will not lose faith now. However, in a great number of countries, far from the Russian frontiers and throughout the world, Communist fifth columns are established and work in complete unity and absolute obedience to the directions they receive from the Communist centre. Except in the British Commonwealth and in the United States where Communism is in its infancy, the Communist parties or fifth columns constitute a growing challenge and peril to Christian civilisation. These are sombre facts for anyone to have to recite on the morrow of a victory gained by so much splendid comradeship in arms and in the cause of freedom and democracy; but we should be most unwise not to face them squarely while time remains. The outlook is also anxious in the Far East and especially in Manchuria. The Agreement which was made at Yalta, to which I was a party, was extremely favourable to Soviet Russia, but it was made at a time when no one could say that the German war might not extend all through the summer and autumn of 1945 and when the Japanese war was expected to last for a further 18 months from the end of the German war. In this country you are all so well-informed about the Far East, and such devoted friends of China, that I do not need to expatiate on the situation there. I have felt bound to portray the shadow which, alike in the west and in the east, falls upon the world. I was a high minister at the time of the Versailles Treaty and a close friend of Mr. Lloyd-George, who was the head of the British delegation at Versailles. I did not myself agree with many things that were done, but I have a very strong impression in my mind of that situation, and I find it painful to contrast it with that which prevails now. In those days there were high hopes and unbounded confidence that the wars were over, and that the League of Nations would become all-powerful. I do not see or feel that same confidence or even the same hopes in the haggard world at the present time. On the other hand I repulse the idea that a new war is inevitable; still more that it is imminent. It is because I am sure that our fortunes are still in our own hands and that we hold the power to save the future, that I feel the duty to speak out now that I have the occasion and the opportunity to do so. I do not believe that Soviet Russia desires war. What they desire is the fruits of war and the indefinite expansion of their power and doctrines. But what we have to consider here to-day while time remains, is the permanent prevention of war and the establishment of conditions of freedom and democracy as rapidly as possible in all countries. Our difficulties and dangers will not be removed by closing our eyes to them. They will not be removed by mere waiting to see what happens; nor will they be removed by a policy of appeasement. What is needed is a settlement, and the longer this is delayed, the more difficult it will be and the greater our dangers will become. From what I have seen of our Russian friends and Allies during the war, I am convinced that there is nothing they admire so much as strength, and there is nothing for which they have less respect than for weakness, especially military weakness. For that reason the old doctrine of a balance of power is unsound. We cannot afford, if we can help it, to work on narrow margins, offering temptations to a trial of strength. If the Western Democracies stand together in strict adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter, their influence for furthering those principles will be immense and no one is likely to molest them. If however they become divided or falter in their duty and if these all-important years are allowed to slip away then indeed catastrophe may overwhelm us all. Last time I saw it all coming and cried aloud to my own fellow-countrymen and to the world, but no one paid any attention. Up till the year 1933 or even 1935, Germany might have been saved from the awful fate which has overtaken her and we might all have been spared the miseries Hitler let loose upon mankind. There never was a war in all history easier to prevent by timely action than the one which has just desolated such great areas of the globe. It could have been prevented in my belief without the firing of a single shot, and Germany might be powerful, prosperous and honoured to-day; but no one would listen and one by one we were all sucked into the awful whirlpool. We surely must not let that happen again. This can only be achieved by reaching now, in 1946, a good understanding on all points with Russia under the general authority of the United Nations Organisation and by the maintenance of that good understanding through many peaceful years, by the world instrument, supported by the whole strength of the English-speaking world and all its connections. There is the solution which I respectfully offer to you in this Address to which I have given the title The Sinews of Peace. Let no man underrate the abiding power of the British Empire and Commonwealth. Because you see the 46 millions in our island harassed about their food supply, of which they only grow one half, even in war-time, or because we have difficulty in restarting our industries and export trade after six years of passionate war effort, do not suppose that we shall not come through these dark years of privation as we have come through the glorious years of agony, or that half a century from now, you will not see 70 or 80 millions of Britons spread about the world and united in defence of our traditions, our way of life, and of the world causes which you and we espouse. If the population of the English-speaking Commonwealths be added to that of the United States with all that such co-operation implies in the air, on the sea, all over the globe and in science and in industry, and in moral force, there will be no quivering, precarious balance of power to offer its temptation to ambition or advent ure. On the contrary, there will be an overwhelming assurance of security. If we adhere faithfully to the Charter of the United Nations and walk forward in sedate and sober strength seeking no ones land or treasure, seeking to lay no arbitrary control upon the thoughts of men; if all British moral and material forces and convictions are joined with your own in fraternal association, the high-roads of the future will be clear, not only for us but for all, not only for our time, but for a century to come. * The text of Sir Winston Churchills The Sinews of Peace speech is quoted in its entirety from Robert Rhodes James (ed.), Winston S. Churchill: His Complete Speeches 1897-1963 Volume VII: 1943-1949 (New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1974) 7285-7293.

Strategic planning Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Strategic planning - Research Paper Example Why Do Strategic Planning? Failing to make plans means making plans for failure – as the old saying goes. Having a strategic plan means an improvement in performance in whichever undertaking a person involves himself or herself into; you cannot fail if you have a clearly defined roadmap to your desired destination. Another reason to make strategic plans is for the sake of avoiding short-term as well as inward thinking. It also enables a person, an organization or a company to be able to come up with solutions to various major issues at macro levels. Finally, having a strategic plan means the ability to have the ability to communicate to everyone concerned about an issue, the most important or vital elements or aspects about an issue. When planning strategically, there are questions a person needs to ask himself, or herself. Some of these questions include: Where is locus at this point in time? – assessment Which point do we desire to be? This is the future state or the state we will be at the end of it all How do we hope to close the gap between our present state and our end state? This is where the strategic plan comes into place How do we plan to monitor our progress? This involves the balanced scorecard While choosing or coming up with a strategic plan for the endeavors we engage in, it is prudent to keep in mind the fact that for a strategic plan to be considered good, it should†¦ Be able to address issues of critical performance Be able to create the right and desired balance in between the abilities of the organization, and the desires of the organization Be able to span a considerable period in time in order to close down the performance gap Be a visionary strategic plan. This means it should be able to convey an and state the way it is desired form the beginning Be flexible. This means that the strategic plan should accommodate and allow for change Guide the decision making in the operational, individual, and tactical lower levels of the organization or institution There are quite a number of strategic planning model. The model I choose for the purposes of this paper and assignment is the ABCDE strategic planning model. ABCDE is an acronym that stands for Assessment, baseline, Components, Down to specifics, Evaluate. Before getting started on the strategic planning tasks and activities, there are pre-requisites to the planning steps. These include: Find out if or whether the senior leadership is committed enough to go through with the strategic process. Find out who will be tasked to do what? Find out the activities and the responsibilities each group will be tasked to do Figure out which methods will be used to handle tasks Find out the best time to do tasks Features of the ABCDE Strategic Planning Model ASSESSMENT This involves engaging in a SWOT analysis to find out your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, as well as the threats to the task you would like to engage in. The SWOT analysis best handles assessm ent because of the ease in understanding associated with it. Additionally, SWOT can be applied at any level of the organization in charge of the strategic planning. When saying strengths, I mean the things that you, as an organization or as an individual can be able to perform well in; points of strength. On the other hand, weaknesses are the obstacles to the path that leads to the destination. These may be such things as bad leadership or lack of it at

Peak Points in World War I and II Research Paper

Peak Points in World War I and II - Research Paper Example But even if these causes are known, no one can still fully know the extent of the war. By way of approximation, World War I involved more than thirty nations, affecting at least a billion and a half people. Of the estimated sixty-five million soldiers in battle, more than eight million were said to have been killed (489). This is not to count the countless number of civilians who died from hunger and disease outside the warfront. A peace document was signed after World War I, the Treaty of Versailles, which deserves examination. We shall conduct this examination in order to answer important questions: What did the document intend to serve? Can it be blamed for subsequent revolutions, dictatorships and bitter clashes that led to World War II? Treaty of Versailles The peacemakers of World War I faced very numerous post-war problems, which called for urgent solutions. Among the demands were the remapping of the war frontiers, disarming Germany and making it pay for the great damages it caused through a world war. On the other hand, there was the urgent task of rebuilding nations, even if Europe was financially bankrupt and diplomats and politicians alike were unclear on the right goals for and ways of social reconstruction. A peace document was finally drafted for these aims, but there was a general feeling that only time could test its real worth. Historians give credit to President Woodrow Wilson for the post-war peace plan he boldly presented to the U.S. Congress in January 1918. The plan consisted of twelve points, which included among other provisions: open covenants for peace to end secret treaties, freedom of the seas, reduction of armaments, impartial adjustments of colonial claims, complete freedom for Russia, restoration of Belgium, righting the wrong done to France, freedom for people of Austria-Hungary, opening of the straits at all times, independence of Poland and a general association of nations to guarantee independence to great and small nations a like. (Nevins and Commager 399). In Autumn of 1918, Germany basically accepted these points, which became the substance of a final peace agreement known as the Treaty of Versailles. In the Treaty of Versailles, the main personalities were Woodrow Wilson of the U.S., David Lloyd George of the U.K. and George Clemenceau of France. Politically, these three were liberals, but outside Versailles they received heavy criticism from political propagandists. In the U.S., President Wilson was attacked by the Press for leaving the country at a critical time of war to be personally present in Versailles. Reacting to this strong criticism, the U.S. Senate did not ratify the signed treaty and its provision to set up a League of Nations. In France, the French people refused to elect Clemenceau for presidency in France. Following the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, Wilson stressed the need for openness among nations, but this was disregarded by way of secret treaties made among states. In mapping of Europe and Western Asia, the boundaries set by the treaty were on the whole acceptable, but there were many nationalities in Eastern Europe who disagreed with the set boundaries. To solve this difficulty, minority rights treaties were signed but these were not well enforced. On the payment of reparation, Germany was obliged to pay $31 billion, which was way beyond the nation’s capacity to pay. Consequently, when the 1930 global depression set in, Germany