Case Study: Performance Management at Intermountain Healthcare

Kuan-Chung (Bill) Wu HPM540: Professor Kamke HPM540: Case Study 3: Performance Management at Intermountain Healthcare 1. What is your assessment of the Performance Management system developed at Intermountain Healthcare? – The Performance Management (PM) system developed by Intermountain has become a model for many healthcare organizations. Intermountain’s PM system includes the following elements: 1) Identifying six most important performance criteria, 2) Developing goals for different groups within the organization, and 3) implementing the goals by creating an incentive compensation scheme.This PM system design has proven to be effective in many perspective, ranging from individual staff to administration and to the organization as a whole. First and most importantly, this PM system aligns Intermoutain’s mission and values/commitments to its employees and their performances. Their employees and administration do not just talk about their values, they live those values – committing to best practice with quality and accountability.Secondly, this PM system is effective in regards of beneficial and useful as development tool and administrative tool. The system not only allows administration to accountably designed, implemented, reached, and evaluated the goals for different groups in the organization, but also allows employees to engaged and contribute organizational goals by developing their career and earning incentives. As a result, different groups in the organization were able to remain focused on accomplishing all the goals as a whole team.Lastly, most employees in Intermountain had positive and fair views for the PM system. For example, employees in Intermountain expressed embarrassment, rather than complaints of not getting incentives, when they did not reach a certain objective, even it was missed by less than 1%. Lastly, this PM system allowed administration and management team at Intermountain to effectively and accurately m easure employee performance, such as using balanced scorecard and data shown in Exhibit 8 and 12, as well as the cost of providing services.The PM system created by Intermountain has served to be a model for healthcare organizations to face future challenges due to the Affordable Care Act as well as other changes in the nature of running a healthcare business. Lastly, they were able to realize the goal of recruiting and retaining the best employees. 2. In what ways could it enhance or detract from the organization's strategic objectives? – There were many ways this method could enhance the organization’s strategic objectives.First, the important performance dimensions were identified – these constituted the big picture of the organization strategy and allowed the big picture to flow all the way down to every individual staff. Everyone in the organization could all know about organization’s objectives and commit to achieving them. Moreover, as described in a the section of Clinical Goals, this system allowed the goals of five dimensions of performances to flow in a topdown fashion, the goals for the Clinical Goals were developed in a bottom-up fashion.This enabled the organization to have a continuous circle of performance management loop similar to Figure 10-1 in the textbook, which shows a linkage from organizational strategies to feedbacks collected from organizational results. The ways that this system would detract from organization’s strategic objective is the finance for implementing these strategies, as mentioned in last section of the article. The clinical performance improvement initiative had resulted in revenue losses.If Intermountain did not have enough cash on hand, this performance management system would not work so efficiently. The other way that could detract the strategic objective is that data could be manipulated to make the performances 1|Page Kuan-Chung (Bill) Wu HPM540: Professor Kamke looked well on th e graph/table/figures. This is because the incentives is generated by good data, and it is very easy for these data to be manipulated. 3. How are physician incentives at Intermountain unique? Why did they take a ifferent approach to physician performance as compared to other employees? – Physician incentives at Intermountain are unique because physicians are divided into two groups (employed and non-employed aligned) and incentive plans designed for each group have different programs. For employed physicians, three approaches were implemented for incentives: 1) Peer pressure, in which open discussion where held to examine physicians’ performance, 2) Public Recognition, in which best practice was recognized at the corporate level, and 3) monetary incentives for meeting clinical standards.For non-employed, aligned physicians, who accounts for 2/3 all physicians using Intermountain, the organization has adopted the strategy to engage these physicians through peer-to-peer competition and a reliance on academic literature and internal data in a given clinical area. Here we can see that there are a lot of physician communication and engagement for supporting physicians to receive incentives, which are different approaches than other employees such as managers and staffs who earns incentives through achieving individual and corporate level goals.In my opinion, physicians have their incentives different than just monetary incentives is because health care is a service business and physicians are the centers for providing different kinds of services to patients. In many cases, physicians are the decision makers who may influence the outcome of these services. Therefore, it is essential for physicians to know what each other is doing with transparent and evidence-based communications so the effective services can be learned and implemented by different physicians.Moreover, the increased communication would enhance the aspect of coordinated care which would help both the physician and organizations to reduce the cost of their services. The other reason that different approaches were implemented for physicians might be because they have already been earning high levels of compensation and need something different than monetary incentives, in contrast with those who are in healthcare administration. 4. How might this system also improve the performance appraisal process? –Performance appraisals are used to assess an employee’s performance and provide a platform for feedback about past, current, and future performance expectations. In Intermountain’s performance management system, there is a continuous goal development and implementation, as well as feedbacks to the senior management. The senior management team then provides recommendations for the group that develops the organization’s goal to make sure what the organization expects for everyone. In other words, the expectations, whether they are past, curren t, or future, are transparent to all employees.Another aspect that I believe this system helps to improve the performance appraisal process in its uses. The textbook states that organizations generally use performance appraisal process in two conflicting ways – administrative and developmental. However, Intermountain’s performance management system seemed to resolve this conflicting issue by its incentive compensation scheme. As described by Dan Zuhlke, the Vice President of Intermountain HR, the potential bonus or incentive is based on the fulfillment of the combination of individual level goals and corporate level goals.This helps to solve the conflict of uses because both administrative and developmental actions can be accomplished simultaneously under this system. Lastly, under the physician incentive system, open discussions and peer-to-peer competition allowed physicians to gain constructive feedback or improvement ideas from others. The physician incentive syste m essentially served as a virtual platform for care givers to learn what the expectations are. 2|Page

How Steinbeck Presents the Relationship in ‘of Mice and Men’

The book was set in California in the 1930's when America had a great depression which affected everyone because everyone was unemployed and had to travel to look for work so it is showing George and Lennie traveling together to achive their dream, like everyone else in America, which is very unrealistic which is why they travel together. In the book there is a theme of loneliness. George and Lennie plan to buy a farm for just them two to live on so they wont have to worry about being lonely. â€Å"Well, we'll have a big vegetable patch and a rabbit hutch and chickens.And when it rains in the winter, we'll just say the hell with goin' to work, and we'll build up a fire in the stove and set around it an' listen to the rain comin' down on the roof.. † There dream is giving them something to work for so they can forget about being lonely and have a great life. The writer presents George and Lennies relationship as close but George gets really protective of Lennie. ‘Hide in the brush till I come for you. dont let nobody see you. ‘ This shows that George does not want Lennie to get caught if he does something bad.But if he does get caught he wants him to be safe and so they can stay together. This is also giving the reader a little clue that he might get in trouble later on in the story. Without a doubt the writer succsessfully shows George and Lennies relationship as not very good at times. ‘When I think of the swell time I could have without you I go nuts. ‘ This is suggesting that George is getting very sick of Lennie always getting them both in trouble because whenever he does do something bad they both have to move and get a new job.He is also getting sick of Lennies childish behaviour and how he constantly has to remind Lennie what to do and tell him about their plans all of the time. When George says this Lennie tells him taht if he wants he will go off on is own and live by himself because he knows George cares about him but th inks he is too much for him to handle. This means that George doesen't want Lennie around all the time because he is too much bother and he is ruining Georges life. Also George wants them to stick together bacause it is during the great depression. The writer also shows George as a father figure for Lennie by how he tells Lennie what to do. Lennie, for god sakes, don’t drink so much’. This is because George cares for Lennie and doesn’t want him to get sick. It is like how a parent would tell their child not to drink too much and to not be greedy. When George syas for god sakes it shows how George is getting a bit annoyed at Lennie because he says it sort of snapping at him. ‘George raised the gun and steadied it and brought the muzzle of it close to the back of Lennies head’. George shoots Lennie because he is always getting them both into trouble and George is getting sick of it.The writer drags it out to build up the tension so the reader can imag ine how horrible it would be for George to do it after he promised Lennies aunt that he would look after him. George cares for Lennie so he doesn’t want him to get hurt, ‘Get him Lennie, don’t let him do it’. This is particularly effective because it shows how George wants Lennnie to be able to fight back and stick up for himself so he doesn’t have to fight for him all of the time, but doesn’t want Lennie to be pushed around all the time so it shows that their relationship is close. Where we going George? ’ ‘So you forgot already did you? I gotta tell you again? ’ Lennie forgets everything, so George always has to remind him of their plans and what they are doing which is why George gets very annoyed with him at times. When George says again this is showing that he has already explaind their plans to Lennie and that he is slowly getting sick of telling him. Also when he says already this is showing that George is expecting Lennie to forget what he told him but he didn't expect it to be quite so soon.Lennie looks up to George and copies everything he does. Lennie who had been watching imitated George exactly. This is because he follows George around all the time so he is like a father figure. Also because George does everything right, Lennie wants to be just like him. George tells Lennie to stay away from Curly and his wife because he knows that they are trouble and he doesn’t want Lennie getting them both in bother with Curly. This is showing George as being very protective of Lennie because he knows what Curly is like and he knows that he will end up getting hurt.In the beginning, Geeorge and Lennie are on their way to where they will start work because Lennie got them both in big trouble at their last job because he is clumsy and doesn’t think, which is why George has to tell hime what to do and keep him out of trouble like a parent and their child. George has to tell Lennie where to go if he gets in trouble because he knows he will get into trouble because he always gets into trouble but he wants to make sure that he is okay and that they can stay together and so George can look after Lennie like he promised his aunt.

An Intro To Psychology Architecture Essay

) . In modern yearss Hypnosis has been used for a figure of grounds. Some people try to halt smoke, loose weight, drug dependence and alcohol addiction Bi Polar upset, ADHD, and schizophrenic disorder, and stress management.A As you can see Hypnosis can and is being used in all sorts of signifiers. For several decennaries, or even centuries, hypnosis was more seen as a circus or charming act. Because of this it has taken for a while to convert the populace that it besides has its practical utilizations. As to the history of hypnosis, the usage of it can be dated back all the manner to the early ages of civilisation. In ancient times, worlds used it for mending intents, particularly in spiritual ceremonials. For illustration, an Indian priest-doctors entered into a procedure of strong visual image and suggestion during which he willed to mend the ill individual. The first modern type of hypnosis started with carnal hypnosis. In 1600-s husbandmans calmed poulets hypnotically by utilizing different methods. In 1800-s people hypnotized birds, coneies, toads and other animate beings. B. Danilewsky experimented with carnal hypnosis and studied its physiological workings in animate beings ( Hypnosis Black Secrets, n.d. ) . The first individual to look into this portion of psychological science was Franz Anton Mesmer ( 1734-1815 ) , an Austrian doctor, who is widely acknowledged as the ‘Father of Hypnosis ‘ . Franz believed that there was a quasi-magnetic fluid in the really air that we breathe and that the organic structure ‘s ‘ nervousnesss someway absorbed this fluid. He cured most of his patients by using magnets to different parts of the organic structure to alter the magnetic flows of the organic structure ( Mark, R. 2002 ) . He was the sire of all major scientists who studied Hypnosis after him, for illustration Marquis de Puysegur and Dr. John Elliotson. Now that we know a small spot about how Hypnosis started, allow ‘s happen out what hypnosis is? Harmonizing to the Encyclopedia Britannica: â€Å" Hypnosis is a particular psychological province with certain physiological properties, resembling slumber merely superficially and marked by a operation of the person at a degree of consciousness other than the ordinary witting province. This province is characterized by a grade of increased receptivity and reactivity in which interior experiential perceptual experiences are given as much significance as is by and large given merely to external world ( Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. ) . This brings us to the following inquiry, what is hypnosis used for? A better inquiry would really be what ca n’t Hypnosis be used for? A Hypnosis, today, is being used for multiple jobs. Some of the more common 1s would be people who try to halt smoke, others who would wish to lose weight and have tried everything else and it did n’t work. Some us hypnosis to cover with emphasis related jobs. These would be the more normally know countries hypnosis is used for. Other less known countries hypnosis can be used for would be in assisting epilepsy patients and patients with palsy, Multiple induration, AIDS and malignant neoplastic disease. Hypnosis can in some of these instances help to better the quality of life and in some instances assist in easing a remedy. The most of import portion of this side of Hypnosis is to retrieve that merely people with a grade in medical specialty should pattern hypnosis for these sorts of jobs. An exclusion might be that doctors will give you a referral to a hypnotizer, who is really good reversed it what you need him to make. Hypnosis has besides been known Os have been applied for child birth conditioning and of class the benefits are enhanced if they are used in combination with La Maze take a breathing techniques. There are besides experts who utilize hypnosis for drug dependence and alcohol addiction, these experts are familiar with the 12 stairss of AA and Al-anon and hold pattern in the 12 measure plans and cognize how to utilize hypnosis to assist their clients. Other experts employ hypnosis to assist adult females with the symptoms of PMS ( premenstrual emphasis ) and other hormone related wellness upsets. Hypnosis besides has been found to assist people with ADHD and schizophrenic disorder and bi-polar ( Watkins, 2008 ) . Another particular signifier of hypnosis-called wakened hypnosis — is most effectual for covering with anxiousness panic onslaught. Hypnosis – Hypnosis is sometimes used in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiousness. While you ‘re in a province of deep relaxation, the hypnotherapist uses different curative techniques to assist you confront your frights and expression at them in new ways ( Anxiety Attacks and Disorders, n.d. ) . Last but non least, and likely one of the most known utilizations for hypnosis, is to utilize it for diging into repressed kid goon memories. Clinical hypnosis can be used to get the better of many of the clients mental and wellness jobs by theoretically turn uping the beginning of the job in their childhood. This pattern of hypnosis has come under fire recently, some statements made by people that underwent hypnosis to bring out pent-up kid goon memories were really used for cases against parents, siblings and other household members. After long probes most of these instances nil more than person ‘s purportedly long-repressed memories that all of a sudden surfaced under therapy. After reexamining 60 old ages of research and happening no controlled research lab support for the construct of repression, a good known research worker D.S. Holmes suggested, merely half jestingly, that any usage of the construct be preceded by a warning: â€Å" Warning. The construct of repression h as non been validated with experimental research and its usage may be risky to the accurate reading of clinical behaviour † ( Holmes, 1990 ) Ricker, n.d. ) . Defense judicial proceeding in such instances of hypnosis has raised improperness and incompetence on the portion of the healer or practician utilizing hypnosis and/or implicative techniques to retrieve â€Å" repressed † memories which false lead the client to believe that their current symptoms are due to being sexual abused as a kid ( Hansen, 1996 ) . There have been besides studies of tooth doctor utilizing hypnosis during dental surgery to wipe out the hurting. Another usage of hypnosis is called Self-hypnosis, this happens when you hypnotize yourself. This is frequently more practical as a emphasis direction tool than normal hypnosis, as you do non necessitate to hold a hypnotist nowadays. Self hypnosis works reasonably much the same manner as speculation, it helps you loosen up and deflect your head from unpleasant ideas. Together with speculation and imagination, self hypnosis can be a powerful tool to battle day-to-day emphasis and go a portion of a day-to-day emphasis direction modus operandi ( Self Hypnosis, n.d. ) . In decision, as you can see hypnosis can successfully be used for every conceivable job that can problem worlds. In this essay I touched on merely a few utilizations of Hypnosis, the more common 1s like childhood repressed memories, halt smoke, weight loss and stress direction and some of the lesser known 1s like hurting control and child birth. There are likely many more utilizations for hypnosis to be discovered we have n’t thought of yet. Mentions Anxiety Attacks and Disorders: Signs, symptoms, and intervention. ( n.d. ) .Helpguide.org: Understand, prevent and decide life ‘s challenges. Retrieved April 7, 2010, from hypertext transfer protocol: //helpguide.org/mental/anxiety_types_symptoms_treatment.htm Hansen, J. , A ; R.H.A.. ( 1996 ) . Hypnosis – controversial once more.The Ross Institute Internet Archives for the Study of Destructive Cults, Controversial Groups and Motions. Retrieved April 7, 2010, from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.rickross.com /reference/ false_memories/fsm25.html History of Hypnosis: from antediluvian times to modern hypnosis. ( n.d. ) .Hypnosis and self hypnosis secrets -learn hypnosis online. Retrieved April 7, 2010, from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.hypnosisblacksecrets.com/learn-hypnosis/history-of-hypnosis-from-ancient-times-to-nowadays Ibadov, O. ( n.d. ) . History of Hypnosis: From priest-doctors to instant hypnosis.Self Improvement from SelfGrowth.com. Retrieved April 7, 2010, from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.selfgrowth.com /articles/ History_of_Hypnosis_From_Shamans_to_Instant_Hypnosis.html Mark, R. ( 2002 ) Hypnosis ( psychological science ) — Britannica Online Encyclopedia. ( n.d. ) .Encyclopedia – Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Retrieved April 7, 2010, from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/279820/hypnosis Ricker, J. , A ; Ph.D.. ( n.d. ) . Section 6-16: What are false memories? .Scottsdale Community College. Retrieved April 7, 2010, from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.scottsdalecc.edu/ricker/psy101/readings/Section_6/6-16.html Self-Hypnosis – Relaxation Techniques from Mind Tools. ( n.d. ) .Mind tools – direction preparation, leading preparation and calling raining – right here, right now.. Retrieved April 7, 2010, from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.mindtools.com/stress/RelaxationTechniques/SelfHypnosis.htm The history of hypnosis.Essortment Articles: Free online articles on wellness, scientific discipline, instruction A ; more... Retrieved April 7, 2010, from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.essortment.com/all/hypnosishistory_rcdg.htm Watkins, C. ( 2008 ) . Hypnotherapy.Northern County Psychiatric Associates Home Page. Retrieved April 7, 2010, from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.ncpamd.com/medical_hypnosis.htm What Is Hypnosis – Toronto Naturopathic Clinic. ( n.d. ) .Toronto Naturopathic Clinic – Toronto Naturopath Sushma Shah ND ( Yonge A ; Davisville ). Retrieved April 7, 2010, from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.naturesintentionsnaturopathy.com/hypnosis.htm

Business Research Methodologies Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Business Research Methodologies - Coursework Example Research Methodology Various tools will be used to collect the extensive sets of relevant data that are required to proceed with the study. The two forms of research are primary and secondary research, where primary is based on questionnaire; interviews and secondary research is based on reports which are already made available through books, articles and internet (Goddard & Melville, 2004, p. 3-4). Research design A research design encompasses procedures and methodologies that are employed to conduct research. The research design defines the type of study: such as descriptive, experimental, semi experimental, correlation and others. Research design is also considered as a systematic and scientific search for precise information on a particular topic. One of the primary reasons for research is to find out the truth which was not revealed in due course of time. Each research has its own objectives and purposes, but in general the key objective of conducting research is to gain new ins ight and is also referred to as exploratory research. In addition, other forms of research are descriptive research, diagnostic research and to test the casual relationship which are conducted in the process of hypothesis testing (Kothari, 2008, p.2).Research design with regards to the study of management style of the supervisors to evaluate the performance of employees at Curry’s PC world is as follows: Research Philosophy: The research philosophy adopted is realism. The realism theory of philosophy was adopted because of its independent nature and is quite similar to positivism and tends to assume a scientific approach. It is mainly used because it underpins the collection of data and thereby understanding the gathered information (Collins, 2010, p.38). Research Approach: The research approach chosen for the study is inductive research approach. Here initial few observations are made and then it moves to broader theories and generalizations. It is also sometimes called the â€Å"bottom up approach.† Conclusions are usually based on premises and also tend to involve certain degree of uncertainty. Reasons for using such approach is that the researcher will be able to draw many approaches on his own as per the convenience of the study and meet with the challenges of the world (Anderson, 2004, p.103). Research strategy: Research strategy is referred to as decision about the tactics of data collection for a given study (Walsh & Wigens, 2003, p.70). The research strategy chosen for the study is through survey approach and case study analysis. Data collection methods: Data will be collected mainly through primary and secondary sources. Primary research will take into consideration the qualitative and quantitative approach. In case of primary research, data will be collected through questionnaires and interviews. For secondary approach, case study analysis will be taken into consideration to analyze the impact of supervisors on the performance of the e mployees at Curry’s PC World. Sampling method is of two types: probability sampling and non probability sampling methods. The study will take into consideration the probability sampling method also known as random sampling (Kothari, 2009, p.60). The study will adopt the simple random sampling technique, in order to gather data for the questionnaire and thereby analyze the result. For the survey, the target group will be the employees of Curry’

AT&T Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

AT&T - Essay Example The core assumption behind this movement of net income is the increasing expected costs and expenses of the company of the forth-coming periods. A little variation is the assets of the company is forecasted and the levels of assets are not expected to increase or decrease significantly. The company plans to reduce the levels of its equity in the future periods with minor deductions. AT&T tries to improve the paid dividends by increasing the value slightly every year, these movements show that the organization is planning and persuading an organic growth for the future periods. The cash flow generation is likely to drop down every year due to increased expected expenses. Due to increased expenses, the profit margins of the company will be affected and expected to fall in the future periods. The retention ratio also signifies the affect of gradual declinations of retained profits over the years and is dropping down following the same trend of Earnings of the company. The asset turnover is expected to increase due to increasing sale and reducing assets, the ratio is expected to improve continuously every year. The financial gearings of the company are assumed to remain stable with little variation that will make the company more predictable to the investors by consistency in the in the operational and financial sustainability of the organization. (Helfert,

Disparities related to ethinic and cultural groups rsalted to low Assignment

Disparities related to ethinic and cultural groups rsalted to low birth weight - Assignment Example The involved health complications include cerebral palsy, hyperactive complications and chronic lung disorders (Goepfert, 2012). A discussion on the related disparities exhibit health complications for the minority communities of the world. In America, the affected minority communities include the Hispanic, Black American and the Hispanic white. The arising complication of low infant weight poses a great threat to the world health and survival of the infants. In America, the complication poses danger to the existing minority population due to the challenge health care structure. The resultant effects of prolonged disparities include prolonged complications for maternal health among the existing racial groups and the ethnic populace (Whitehead & Vincenzo, 2012). The realization of the impact of the current situation is evidenced by increased death rates. Material genetic contagion is a key contributor to the preterm birth among the minority communities in the United States of America. Other major causes of the preterm birth include maternal age gap, prolonged smoking addiction and general substance abuse. Hypertension is also a major concern for the increased preterm birth complications in the minority communities. There are family centered services that are community founded to help families with this issue and this sees to it that the family is abetted in this transition for better outcomes for their

Business D1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Business D1 - Essay Example Nevertheless, application of interpersonal skills is depends on communication, which is either formal or informal. Effectiveness of interpersonal skills is manifested through development of substantial communication capabilities. For instance, people are able to communicate freely, though without the knowledge of the messages that they are disseminating (Tracom Group, 2013). For instance, effective communication skills entail aspects such as maintenance of eye contact, control of physical twitches such as fidgeting and concentration, while listening during a conversation. In this case, an active listener is able to ask clarifying questions, which is an illustration of their effective interpersonal skills in terms of listening. Therefore, through this way they can ensure that the message is understood as it is being conveyed. Ineffective interpersonal skills can cause serious problems during a serious conversation, thereby leading to misunderstanding; in fact, this can also lead to conflicts (Tracom Group, 2013). For instance, in a situation where a business associate does not maintain eye contact during a conversation, this is an indication that they are not interested with the message conveyed; hence, this becomes

Lesson 14 discussions and assignment Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Lesson 14 discussions and assignment - Coursework Example Rock ‘n’ roll transformed teenagers into a marketing concept. On 13th October 1958, pop singer Jo Stafford commented that â€Å"Rock ‘n’ roll is an economic thing† (History-of-rock.com, n.d.). Teenagers were considered as the first generation to become a sufficient market for rock ‘n’ roll because they were given enough money by their parents to buy music in large quantities that can influence the music market. Rock ‘n’ roll music got the attention of youth since 1952. The economy had allowed them to owned radios and televisions. Because ‘n’ and roll was becoming popular, radios and televisions played it regularly (History-of-rock.com, n.d). The music was easy to dance to, appealing mainly to teenagers who saw fun in dancing. The music was therefore played for dance in the inner-city, especially black schools, and parties for white schools. The income channeled to music in 1950s also benefited the increasing range of advertisers targeting teenagers (Campbell and Brody, 1999). Teen-oriented radio stations and television programmes (e.g. American Bandstand) were also developed to meet the increasing teenage demand for rock ‘n’ roll music. Teenagers also purchased rock ‘n’ roll music records as a way of rebelling against adults in order to assert their generational identity. In the subsequent decades, the strategies for marketing rock music changed as technologies and recording studios became an avenue for marketing music in 1960s and 1970s (Campbell and Brody, 1999). New generation record producers such as Smokey Robinson and Brian Wilson had a commercial challenge to widen the concept of music beyond rock ‘n’ roll, and to target a wider sphere of teenage

2.1 External Environment Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

2.1 External Environment - Research Paper Example Through environmental scanning, the organization will identify strategic factors that affect its operation. This enables the organization to adjust to the current trends in external environment factors, as it will influence its strategic decision-making process. The sociocultural factors consist of various dimensions that affect the health care organization. These include population growth rate, the population level of education, population employment pattern, the age pattern of the population, lifestyle choices and culture. All these factors interact together to affect the operation of the organization. Today, the number of educated individuals has continued to increase. Many people have access to education due to the various legislations that have subsidized education in different parts of the world. Armed with knowledge regarding their health due to increasing access to the internet, the educated population has demanded quality health care services from the health care organizations. This put pressure on the organization to purchase technologically sophisticated equipment for diagnosis and treatment so as to achieve the needs of the population (Zeshan, 2012). The age population pattern has been changing over time. The population increased over time due to the scientific advances that have led to the development of life-saving medications. These older populations have unique health care demands due to their diversity in terms of, age, life experience, aging process, health habits, attitude and response to illness. This put pressure on a health care organization to come up with services that specifically caters for this population. The world population is made of people with diverse culture in terms of value and beliefs. The values and beliefs affect their health seeking habits. Therefore devising health care services that caters for the unique cultural needs of these populations

Concentration Camp Sourcework Essay Example for Free

Concentration Camp Sourcework Essay In Source 5 Reitlinger says that more than a hundred thousand people must have known. If this is correct then why did no-one take the blame for it at the end of the war? Or even do anything to help the Jews? How well supported this claim is depends on the other sources. Source two agrees with Reitlingers claim as it says All the same rumours did circulate about dreadful deeds in the East this concurs with had not heard the same story in Reitlingers source. Also in Source 2 it says Because of the Nazis much publicised resettlement plans this again agrees with Jews had disappeared in Reitlingers source. In conclusion Reitlinger is supported, by Source 2, about rumours being spread and that people had seen Jews disappear. Source three is a very neutral source to the credibility of Reitlingers as it says Workers at an extermination centre in Austria were told Keep quiet about this or face the death penalty' this almost contradicts what Reitlinger says about people knowing about the camps. If the workers in the camps were threatened with their lives then would the hardly gossip to neighbours? Also in source three is says that when the crematoria were turned on it caused a power- outage outside Dachau, the people would obviously notice if their power was turned off so this supports Reitlingers claims. Source 6 contains much information and it supports Reitlingers claims as it contains information concerning an SS man declaring on a train that 2000 Jews were being murdered every week at Auschwitz if this SS man was concerned about secrecy would he have said it on a busy train? Source 6 also goes into some detail about the BBC laughing a broadcast campaign on the extermination of the Jews which provided information for any Germans that held a radio and it also says that The leaflets dropped by Allied planes also relayed information on the annihilation policy I think that the German people would have had enough information to confirm the rumours they might have heard. Source 8 contradicts Reitlinger as it says All swore that during the past few years they had no idea what had been going on in the camp outside their town this is important to note as the people themselves are saying they hadnt heart anything. There is a possibility that they could have been lying or faking their knowledge of the situation as evidence shows the general knowledge of people living around the camps. Source 10 supports Reitlinger as the author says The Jews are disappearing in throngs this matches with Source 5s not know most of the Jews had disappeared I would have to conclude that Reitlinger was probably correct in his estimate of German knowledge of the concentration camps as a good portion of the evidence in the sources tells us that it is plausible to estimate figures as grand as a hundred thousand people. I think many of the Germans did in fact know about the camps either by the rumours or by radio or by information pamphlets and therefore it begs the question as to why they didnt do anything to help the suffering Jews. Were they afraid of the strict penalties? Some had put their lives on the line by telling people about the camps why didnt they do anything? The answer to this is that although the people may have known there was nothing that they could have done to stop it completely and therefore could not be really held responsible for not helping.

Organisational Structure: Profit and Non Profit Organisations

Organisational Structure: Profit and Non Profit Organisations Introduction Cancer Research UK is a non-profit organization formed in the United Kingdom on February 4, 2002 in cooperation with The Cancer Research Campaign and Imperial Cancer Research Fund (ICRF). Cancer Research UKs primary purpose is to put mortality down caused by cancer through extensive science research. Cancer Research also provides information on cancer and organizes projects and activities to provide awareness for the general public in fighting the combat against cancer. The charity grew in a period of time and in the next twenty years became one of the worlds number one cancer research charities. Until the merger, it made wide range of contributions to every area of cancer research. It has established their laboratories at Lincolns Inn Fields and after known as the Cancer Research UK. In line with their strong determination in reducing number of cancer patients as well as saving precious lives, the organization has committed to make their research strategy strong in the next five years through focusing thoroughly on research, provide and look for the proper environment where research is to be conducted and lastly, put in place the right people who will do the task in providing excellent research. Cancer Research UK Organizational Structure Chief Executive Executive Board Scientific Executive Board (CEO/Exec. Directors/Chief Scientists Clinicians) Trustees Members Cancer Research UK is the worlds leading charity dedicated to beating cancer through research. Its primary aim is to save millions of lives by discovering new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. For them to serve the purpose, they set 3 broad areas of work which are research, information and influencing public policy. However, research is the primary focus and best funded by the public and through the generosity and commitment of supporters with a strong determination to beat different kinds of cancer. The Executive Board which manages the organization sets out the short term and long term strategy which covers everything from scientific research and fundraising to resources. They do proposals in setting the annual budget to fund projects then submits it to the Council of Trustees for approval. Since research is the the main focus, the flow of work basically deals with the Scientific Executive Board (SEB) which develops and implements the organizations scientific strategy and policy. Although they are not considered as a funding committee, they closely interact with the Council Research Strategy Committee. They have the power to hold budget and have a strong influence in deciding whether a certain initiative will be funded or not. Usually, their decisions are still reviewed by their own funding committees. If it really concerns a big and strategic project benefitting not only cancer victims but the public as well, a good budget will be allocated and approved so that all impertinent work will get started and done. Majority of their Funding Committees are responsible to SEB in reviewing , evaluating and funding each project being undertaken by the charity. Among Cancer Research UKs Funding Committees are the following together with their corresponding roles: The Biological Sciences Committee (BSC) responsible for the research programmes and projects which concentrates mainly on the basic understanding of cancer. The Clinical Trials Awards and Advisory Committee (CTAAC) reviews and funds cancer clinical trials which includes feasibility studies for testing, clinical trials in terms of therapy and other sample collections. The Translational and Clinical Research Committee responsible for the research programmes and projects which concerns clinical and translational researches The Discovery Committee (DC) focused on developing research for the benefit of cancer patients. . The Population Research Committee (PRC) responsible for research programmes and projects grants in population science. The organization is also governed by the Council of Trustees which also consists of the Board of Directors.. This body supports and gives advise to the Chief Executive who is also part and leader of the Top Management Team in achieving the Charitys vision and purpose. Lastly, the organization is governed by its Members (appointed by CRU) and are similar to the shareholders of the company with the entitlement to attend all general meetings and fulfill their most significant duty of electing the Trustees. Each member possess high level skills, experience and professional backgrounds in their own personal fields (business, arts, politics, finance and healthcare) but work as supportive individuals with a common goal of achieving the Charitys aims and objectives and not just working only to satisfy and represent their particular fields. If necessary, they must evaluate and challenge the assumptions from which scientific advise was formulated and ask explanations of scientific terms and concepts that are not clear to them to benefit all the people concerned. Key Stakeholders Cancer research UK is charity organization and its non profitable organization and considered as the best charity in entire world in fighting cancer through research. Among the organizations stakeholders are the following: Chief Executive: They spend their time, money and their strategy on all level of research. They take all responsibility to arrange their short and long term strategy to manage everything like budget, strategy of research, implement on medicine. They take all information from the executive board and if they need money they send their request to trustees for budgets. Executive Board: They do their job to improve the organizations strategy and policy. They meet every month to grow their strategy and solve their problems. Scientific Executive: Their role is most important in this research because they give necessary advise to the executive board and they also explain which strategy is successful for their work and they also give the support to solve issues but problem is that they meet only one time in a year so because of this they have to be very careful because its a question of peoples life. If they do small mistake during their research, it is very dangerous for their organizations reputation. They are considered the most influential body in making strategic decisions specially concerning research studies. Trustees: They give financial support to the organization. They arrange the direction of organization. They maintain the stock of organization. They also play a big role when it comes to strategic financial decisions Members: Member is a main part of organization because they have good knowledge, skills and experience from all fields like health care, business as well as finance. They take personally interest to bring the organization in first number. Mission, Vision, Value, Objective Goal Mission: They save peoples lives .They ensure that to create medicine for tomorrow to treat the cancer. Cancer is expanding more in last many years and because of this they have been at centre of the process. They give cancer related all information to people. They want to put the cancer at the top level of health agenda because cancer is not common diseases, many people is getting victim of cancer since many years. Vision: We will fight together to cancer. They want to concentrate on research. They support good environment for research. To give the work to the right people for research. Values: Their work is help to change the way of cancer, which is found today. Many of charities are registed. They drive by the charity commission; along with they work with other charities and Government. The most important thing is in charity is Fund. People give fund in different way like on some occasion (birthday, anniversary and wedding).They have more than 500 charity shops in the UK so people can buy or donate the goods. They have proud of their achievement because they are doing implement on research, they want to help that people who are suffering from cancer. They work in partners with others to get the biggest influence in the world to fight with cancer. Many people work together to promise that they create the right way to use this fund whatever they receive and they want to bring to cancer research UK in top level of research in the world. Goals: Cancer research UK has established set of goals to get their success over next years to beat against cancer. Survival ratio for all common cancer will gain. Most of the people will get the information whatever they want for cancer. Cancer will be collapsed successfully. They will have all information to understand the impact of the cancer in the body. They will have more powerful research strategy and which level of research they should apply the strategy to control the cancer. Objectives: To destroy the cancer at the starting level its a very difficult but they already accepted and they will finish their duty. They want to inform the people, they find out their understanding of cancer and how to beat different type of cancer. They want to help people to understand the process of cancer, why and how it starts? And what they should do? And what they should not do? Analysis of Current Strategic Plans At present, Cancer Research UK is committed to develop and do a more comprehensive medical research activity still to support their ultimate mission and vision. They are putting the right people in doing these researches as well as giving them the proper and high technology training. Re-arranging and making further improvements in their strategic plans on all fronts like scientific, clinical are clearly stated in their plans at present and will be further carried out in the future. In doing this, they will join other countries scientists, researchers and doctors so they can get more indepth information in fighting cancer. While they are fully funded and supported by certain committees plus the generosity of other people, the utilization of high technology which is still in practice will further be improved by allocating additional funds/budget. This way, studies/research works will be fully supported and researches will be aided accordingly. Uniqueness of Non-Profit in Strategic Planning Cancer Research UK is a non-profit organization. They tend to focus more on matters of board development, fundraising and volunteer management as compare to profits. For profits tend to focus more on activities to maximize profit. Following ways of income for this non profit organization. Â · High Value Relationships Maintaining a healthy relationship with its coporate partners and well as the individuals they are working for. RESOURCES There are plenty shops and online shopping whose income goes to the cancer research. Local Fundraising Groups. There are many groups who work volunteer for fundraising. Events. Organizing and holding fund-raising activities. Awareness for the Public Concentrating on the needs of each individual and giving solutions to their needs and wants Recycling They have a scheme of recycling that is recycle your books, toys, jewellery, etc. to raise funds for children and young people with cancer. Online donation Links with different most popular websites for donation Everyday ways to help They have a range of Everyday Ways which enable people to help children with cancer every day, and at no extra cost to you. Reference: (www.cancerresearchuk.org) COCA-COLA COMPANY History Of Coca Cola Introduction The product all started in 1886 when John Pemberton (pharmacist) cooked up a syrup and with the aid of his assistant used a carbonated water tried and tested it themselves by adding iced water. What they planned of producing a medicinal drink turned out to be a tonic/fizzy beverage. Although they also experienced losses in the earlier part and didnt become an instant success, they didnt stopped developing it that when consumers finally accepted its taste, the product, Coca-Cola became the popular drink and consumed around the world. At present, it is the number one manufacturer and distributor of non-alcoholic drinks and markets the product very well. Not only do they produced bottled softdrinks but canned beverages as well. They are very successful in production using concentrates and syrups that nearly about 400 brands are now in position in the market not to mention other product lines such as sports drinks, tea and coffee. For more than 100 years, The Coca-Cola Company established its image in the global network operating in more than 200 countries providing satisfaction in every consumers mouth, which is the organizations main idea. It has two operating groups such as the Bottling Group and the Corporate Group and each are designed to carry out specific tasks/resonsibilities and operation goes down to the regional divisions. The main aim of the company is to increase sales and profits and give satisfaction and value to customers by providing high caliber service and production of the best possible brands. The Coca-Cola Company is committed to maintain a strong brand name and brand image globally and theres no stopping them from doing it while they still strive hard to climb even more high. Coca-Cola Organizational Structure Corporate Level Board of Directors CEO/CFO BusinessLevel Division Managers (Heads of each Regional Divisions) Africa Eurasia EU Pacific Latin America North America Functional Level The Coca-Cola Company is a big organization whos main focus is customer satisfaction specially with the changing demands of its customers. It covers wide regions and each region has different regulations, different consumer needs and different problems to deal with. They realized that majority of the companys problems are based geographically and this led them to push towards decentralization in the nineties. The organization has two operating groups called Bottling Investments and Corporate. There are also operating groups divided by different regions such as: Africa, Eurasia, European Union, Latin America, North America, and Pacific. Each of these divisions is again divided into geographic regions. With this divisions broken down, it allowed decisions to be made on a more local level so that they can respond fast to the ever changing behaviour of the market. and higher-level management can focus more on long-term planning. However, for the company to formulate and focus on one glob al message, its marketing and innovation functions remained centrally located and further tailored at the local level. Within the Coca-Cola Company most decisions are made at the top hierarchy and an example of this was when it decided to sponsor the World Cup in 2002. However, all the advertising decisions were left to the local divisions since they know very well how the market behaves specially customizing each campaign materials that would appeal to the local market. The companys divisions such as finance, human resources, innovation, marketing and strategy and planning are centrally located within the Corporate division of the company. Some of these functions take place at lower levels in each of the regions of the company. In 2004, when the company faced an extremely low growth rate, they began using a more complex integrating mechanism wherein top managers created a solution through face-to-face meetings held regularly at the local levels so employees could remain informed. Besides the use of teams and meetings, the intranet was overhauled to provide a source of real-time sharing of up-to-date information quickly with each function of the company. With this move, employees feel more engaged and turnover has been reduced, it led to increased growth rates for the organization as well as positive return on equity for stockholders at 20 percent. The Coca-Cola Companys structure is a hybrid of both mechanistic and organic models. Mechanistic in the sense that the company maintains a high standard organization and organic wherein surveys and interviews used by the company allowed information to flow from the bottom-up while the intranet allows for information to be exchanged laterally. It was a big help for the company in pursuing simplification and standardization. The Coca-Cola Company is driven by some rules of corporate governance. Elected by the share owners, The Boards role is to oversee the companys long-term interest and overall success of the business as well as its financial strength. They give ultimate decisions of the Company but they dont touch more on matters concerning shareholders scope. They review and make sure choose the best members of its top management who in turn are responsible for conducting the business of the Company. The CEO obtains information from other divisions through Presidents of each regional operating group as well as high executives like the Chief Marketing Officers, Commercial Officers and Chief Innovation and Technology Officer. The Coca-Cola Companys business-level strategy is considered as differentiation. This is so because they have been successful pursuing their focus on how the company and its products will be marketed strongly and remain competitive in the market. The Coca-Cola Company is known for innovative marketing that constantly promotes their brand names and at the same time protect their domains from competitors. It is tactical in structure because it supports and responds to the companys strategic plan on how the company will work well and stay on top of competition. The divisional managers (heads of each regional divisions), business managers decides on how the company and its products will grow and earn more profits through proper research and marketing. The marketing department is the most powerful sub-unit in the organization because it can attract customers who are the critical scarce resource. The heavy emphasis on marketing will help the company in finding ways to become more efficient in production or distribution. The lower levels for each division are responsible for the day-to-day activities of the organization and they closely coordinate with their respective seniors/team leaders in coordinating and reporting the effectiveness and feasibility of some operational decisions made. They are given the chance to suggest and voice out if there are more effective ways in implementing developed plans because they are the ones involved directly in carrying it out. This way they feel important and engaged in their work as well as the organization. Everyone is given a chance to be heard and it shows that even on this level, opinions and suggestions are being taken up to the higher level which makes the flow of work within the organization smooth and easy. Key Stakeholders The Coca Cola Company has many internal and external stakeholders. The following are its main internal stakeholders: Shareowners they are the main investors of the company whos main concern is to earn profit. They have the power to select members of the board. However, The Board of Directors has influence in making strategic decisions because they are responsible in overseeing the companys long-term interest and overall success of the business. Associates they work closely with the stakeholders as partners but not influential in making strategic decisions. Employees people working within the company with dedication and with a common goal of fulfilling its aims and objectives to help management in making the business grow and stay in competition. The Senior/Upper Management team handles a difficult task of operating the business in the right track making sure all the sales objectives will be met and work done well following a systematic way. They also have the power to make strategic decisions specially that the company operates regionally with different regional behaviours. Aside from its internal forces, the following are considered its external stakeholders: Bottling partners they are in close partnership with the organization for they provide the distribution, packaging and proper handling of products. Government they are concerned with environmental health and the taxes they will impose on the company Suppliers in close partnership with the organization who supplies the materials they need but are also concerned of making the most money out of their products Consumers/Customers they are the end users and the main reason why the company exists. They possess different market behaviours all over the globe which is the reason why Coca- Cola Company never stops in developing market research and customize advertising to satisfy their needs and wants. Mission, Vision, Value, Objective Goal Mission, Vision Values define that what they are, what they sought to achieve and how they want to get and they provide their clear management for their company and they all are working together for the same goal objective. Coca cola is a more profitable company in the world. Mission: Coca Cola is creating a strong impression in the market. It announces that their aim as a company to provide a standard brand. Coca Cola wants: To produce a product which the customer needs. To give something new to world for today and tomorrow. They want to encourage their future success by building a strong brand that has longevity. To create value for investors but also make a difference in the world Vision: They have established their goals, which they will work with their distribution channel for getting their mission. Profit: Maximizing return to shareholder while fulfilling all responsibilities. People: To create great place to work where people are encouraged to be the best they can be. Portfolio: Giving to the world a portfolio of biggest drink brand that satisfies peoples demands. Partners: Nurturing a winning network of partners and building mutual loyalty. Planet: To be a responsible in all over the world. Productivity: Very innovative and fast management in product line. Values: To be a leader, they want to be flexible for their supplier, buyers and staff. They are innovative in their product process. They put their total focus on their management because they want a quality of being morally good. They want to be first to the market in responding to the changing needs of their consumers. They want to collaborate with their consumers forever. Goals: They want to expand their global business by reaching their consumer and they want to know who will enjoy their product. They want to excel as a business in the areas of health consciousness. Environmental protection, community participation and workplace standards. To gain profitable share of the market in the entire world. They believe in building long term profits. Objectives: To be a first thought of customers satisfaction. Advertising is the main source of increasing customer demands. Celebrities such as actors, actresses and cricketers are playing a most important role in massive advertising campaigns. Analysis of Current Strategic Plans In line with the companys ultimate mission and vision, Coca-Cola is still fulfilling its promise of delivering customer satisfaction a proof that up to now they maintain a strong brand name globally and still promises to be on top of competition even with the strong presence of competitors. They still exert effort in developing market research and advertising to study each and every consumers behaviour as well as continuously innovating and differentiating their products to be unique and appealing to the general public. They maintain good business relationships with their stakeholders, flexible with their consumers allocating more funds for innovation, technology and fast distribution. Coca-Cola is a very profitable company even from the past and are still committed to earn more profit at present and in the future. Regional divisions are implementing their tasks in a more customized way still following the organizations main mission and objective in satisfying customers needs and wants. Uniqueness of Profit in Strategic Planning The Coca Cola of the planning activities is often different to non-profits. The Coca Cola tend to focus more on activities to maximize profit. The thing through which they determine budget, that is profit . They fulfill this priority by different strategic planning as mentioned below. STRATEGIES FOR PROFITS Some major ways are as follows. How to gain consumers interest? They increase the volume of sales by intensive advertising and launching different product flavors like Coke Zero, Diet Coke, Oasis, Lilt, Dr. Pepper, Fanta, etc. How to attract people in taking part with their activities/festival? They offer different attractive things in their festical and through this, Coca-Coal gained high profit and consumption increased during these occasions. Among their activities are the following: Coca-Cola Games Coca-Cola signed a sponsorship agreement with players. Coca-Cola realizing the fact that games are very short way to provide their brand to consumers like Indian cricket team who did contract with them. Having contract with teams also created an image that Coca Cola can be a refreshing drink and not just an ordinary daily beverage. Coca-Cola Concerts Many celebrities signed contract with them as exclusive product endorsers with the likes of Amir Khan and Aishwarya Rai. Coca-Cola Nokia Promotional type wherein people will have a chance to win Coca-Cola branded cellphones (Nokia 3310), which made their sales go high as well as their profit. Analysis of Strategic Business Planning Model (Coca-Cola vs. Cancer Research UK) At present, both organizations are very much engaged in developing their own Research works with a common goal of serving and satisfying each ones market. They might only differ in such a way that Coca-Colas research deals more of their products which are consumable while Cancer Research UK is more inclined in scientific and clinical studies to combat a deadly disease. Both are concerned on the environments health and safety which is very much important to end-users as well as cancer patients or even the general public. Both can be considered as implementing innovation and differentiation in their own fields in such a way that both are utilizing high technology to improve their products (Coca-Cola) to be unique to competitors and research innovations (CRU) to determine and dig more deeply in getting data and information on how to beat cancer.

Analysis of The Man He Killed, Reconciliation, and Dreamers Essay

Analysis of The Man He Killed, Reconciliation, and Dreamers In the chosen poems, Thomas Hardy, Walt Whitman, and Sigfried Sassoon each have a common viewpoint: war brings out the worst in man, a feeling buried deep inside the heart. Even with this clotting of the mind due to the twisting ways of war, a flicker of remorse, a dream of someplace, something else still exists within the rational thought. These poems express hope, the hope that war will not be necessary. They show that man only kills because he must, not because of some inbred passion for death. These three authors express this viewpoint in their own ways in their poems: "The Man He Killed", "Reconciliation", and "Dreamers". In The Man He Killed, Hardy speaks about the absurdity of war. He gives a narrative of how he kills a "foe", and that this "foe" could be a friend if they met "by some old ancient inn", instead of the battlefield. Hardy says "...quaint and curious war is...you shoot a fellow down you'd treat if met where any bar is..." In this Hardy speaks how war twists the mind, and also makes you kill people you have no personal vendetta against. In Reconciliation, Whitman shows the devastation of war. In a war, you kill someone and even if you win, you lose. Whitman describes a man mourning over the death of his foe. He rejoices over the ultimate death of war "Beautiful that war and all its deeds of carnage must...be utterly lost." He also feels great remorse over his so called e...

Chaucers Retraction in The Canterbury Tales Essay -- Canterbury Tales

Chaucer's Retraction in The Canterbury Tales Chaucer's ability to characterize people from all walks of life in explicit detail, as is so wonderfully displayed in The Canterbury Tales, is just one factor that allowed him to be known as one of history's finest literary artists. At the end of a career that would be considered by most artists as an extremely successful one, what could have caused Chaucer to apologize for any of the works which defined literary success? In "Chaucer's Retraction," which appears at the end of The Canterbury Tales (Norton 311), Chaucer not only apologizes for several of his secular works, he also goes so far as to revoke them, and ask for forgiveness for such works which "tended toward sin" (313), as he puts it. Such an extreme action seems to be somewhat irrational. Some believe that Chaucer, nearing the end of his earthly life, was preparing himself for God's judgment in the afterlife. If, by means of his writings, he was guilty of some grave sin, which would keep him from the eternal bliss of heave n, such a retraction might be considered justifiable. Furthermore, the concept of being tormented in the depths of hell for all eternity could easily persuade any person, especially on his deathbed, to renounce all past actions, good or bad. Maybe it is better to be safe than to be sorry, forever. While it is impossible to truly discern Chaucer's reasoning, assuming him to be the actual author of this passage, a closer examination of the "offending" text, as well as a look at some of the social and religious influences of the time period, might give us a clue as to why such a gifted poet would take this position. The dominant theme of the pilgrimage in The Canterbury Tales illustrates one obvious religious... ...xed with molten lead, brass and other kinds of metal; immense worms with poisonous teeth gnawed at some; others were fastened on by one on stakes with fiery thorns. The torturers tore them with their nails, flogged them with dreadful scourges, and lacerated them in dreadful agonies [The Monk of Evesham's Vision, 1197] (qtd. in Speed 4). When facing the end of one's life, the notion of spending all eternity in such a place would surely make even the most avid non-believer think twice. A true believer in Christianity might very well think that it is much better to be safe, than to be sorry forever. Works Cited "Chaucer's Retraction." The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Seventh Edition. Volume1. Ed. M.H. Abrams. New York: W.W.Norton and Company, Inc., 2000. Speed, Peter, ed. Those Who Prayed, An Anthology of Medieval Sources. New York: Italica Press, 1997.

Comparing the Creation Scene in James Whales 1931 Frankenstein and Ken

Comparing the Creation Scene in James Whale's 1931 Frankenstein and Kenneth Brannagh's 1994 Frankenstein James Whale’s 1931 portrayal of Frankenstein when compared to Kenneth Brannagh’s alternate account from 1994 reveals some similarities but also many differences in the way they try to evoke emotions such as horror, fear and expectation from the audience and keep the plot moving. To do this, the directors have used a series of techniques, including: camera shots, use of sound and music, use of lighting and shadows, and mise-en-scene. Many of the differences and similarities between the films are due to the type of audience that the directors were aiming the films at. For example, Whale uses a very traditional horror opening for his creation scene, while Brannagh uses a more contemporary opening with light play and symbolism through candles and shadows. Some of the other main differences between the two styles of films are how closely the film follows the original book, the style through which genres such as horror, romance and action are portrayed, and the strength of the horror and special effects used to keep the audience in a state of expectancy and tension, but also scared and unsure of the outcome. James Whale was trying to create a shocking and contemporary film, which would scare his 1931 audience and be revolutionary in the techniques he used while still retaining a traditional gothic horror genre, whereas Kenneth Brannagh was trying to create an action film, which follows the original book more closely, and portrays the monster in a way that evokes sympathy for the monster, rather than hatred and violence towards a predetermine... ... the audience never really knew how it was going to turn out and what was coming next. However, social preferences and tolerances have changed dramatically over time and so that is why I don’t find the 1931 version as effective at portraying the story or creating tension. Moreover, I find that the 1931 film was certainly more revolutionary than 1994 and tried to go past original limits in regard to style and techniques used more effectively and more continuously than the later film. Finally, I find that although the 1931 film was more revolutionary and may have been more effective if compared with audiences from the respective times, I still prefer the later version it uses more modern effects and follows the original book more closely which allows people who have read the book to relate more closely to the film.

Mystery of Genghis Khan

Why is the great warrior and Mongolian icon Genghis Khan perceived as a destructive and genocidal warlord? Why is there a negative perception about him in spite of his achievements and glories? Genghis Khan was a political and military leader of Mongolia. He is revered as the greatest Mongolian ever born. He is credited with uniting the nomadic Mongol tribes and creating the Mongol empire, the largest contiguous empire in World History. The chronicler Minhaj al-Siraj Juzjani left a description of Genghis Khan, written when Genghis Khan was in his later years: â€Å"[Genghis Khan was] a man of tall stature, of vigorous build, robust in body, the hair on his face scanty and turned white, with cat's eyes, possessed of dedicated energy, discernment, genius, and understanding, awe-striking, a butcher, just, resolute, an over thrower of enemies, intrepid, sanguinary, and cruel.† The Mongol Empire ended up ruling, or at least briefly conquering, large parts of modern day China, Mongolia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Moldova, South Korea, North Korea, and Kuwait under his military rule. He was not only a great warrior but also a great ruler. He created the Yassa code which was the military and civil code for Mongolian Empire. The Mongol Empire was one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse empires in history, as befitted its size. There were tax exemptions for religious figures and so to some extent teachers and doctors. The Mongol Empire practiced religious tolerance to a large degree because it was generally indifferent to religious beliefs. Genghis Khan had a lot of virtues worthy of a true leader and statesman. Simplicity, honesty and loyalty were the cornerstones of his life. Yet, accounts of Genghis Khan's life are marked by claims of a series of betrayals and conspiracies. These include rifts with his early allies such as Jamuqa (who also wanted to be a ruler of Mongol tribes) and Wang Khan (his and his father's ally), his son Jochi, and problems with the most important Shaman who was allegedly trying break him up with brother Qasar who was serving Genghis Khan loyally. Many modern scholars doubt that all of the conspiracies existed and suggest that Genghis Khan was inclined to paranoia. He was largely tolerant of religions. The exception was when religious groups challenged the state. For example Ismaili Muslims that resisted the Mongols were exterminated. In Iraq and Iran, he is looked on as a destructive and genocidal warlord who caused enormous damage and destruction. Similarly, in Afghanistan and Pakistan (along with other non-Turkic Muslim countries) he is not looked with favor though some are ambivalent. It is believed that the Hazara of Afghanistan is descendants of a large Mongol garrison stationed therein. Nevertheless, the invasions of Baghdad and Samarkand caused mass murders, for example, and much of southern Khuzestan was completely destroyed. His descendant Hulagu Khan destroyed much of Iran's northern part. Among the Iranian peoples he is regarded as one of the most despised conquerors of Iran, along with Alexander and Tamerlane. In much of Russia, Ukraine, Poland and Hungary, Genghis Khan, his descendants and the Mongols and/or Tartars are generally described as causing considerable damage and destruction. Presently Genghis Khan, his descendants, his generals and in general the Mongols are remembered for their ferocious military, toughness, ruthless and destructive conquests in much of the world in history books. In military strategy, Genghis Khan generally preferred to offer opponents the chance to submit to his rule without a fight and become vassals by sending tribute, accepting residents, contributing troops. He guaranteed them protection only if they abided by the rules under his administration and domain, but his and others' policy was mass destruction and murder if he encountered a resistance. For example David Nicole states in The Mongol Warlords, â€Å"terror and mass extermination of anyone opposing them was a well tested Mongol tactic.† In such cases he would not give an alternative but ordered massive collective slaughter of the population of resisting cities and destruction of their property, usually by burning it to the ground. Only the skilled engineers and artists were spared from death and maintained as slaves. Documents written during or just after Genghis Khan's reign say that after a conquest, the Mongol soldiers looted, pillaged, and raped; however, the Khan got the first pick of the beautiful women. Some troops who submitted were incorporated into the Mongol system in order to expand their manpower; this also allowed the Mongols to absorb new technology, manpower, knowledge and skill for use in military campaigns against other possible opponents. There also were instances of mass slaughter even where there was no resistance, especially in Northern China where the vast majority of the population had a long history of accepting nomadic rulers. Many ancient sources described Genghis Khan's conquests as wholesale destruction on an unprecedented scale, causing radical changes in the demographics of Asia. For example, over much of Central Asia speakers of Iranian languages were replaced by speakers of Turkic languages. According to the works of Iranian historian Rashid al-Din, the Mongols killed more than 70,000 people in Merv and more than a million in Nishapur. China suffered a drastic decline in population during 13th and 14th centuries. For instance, before the Mongol invasion, unified China had approximately 120 million inhabitants; after the conquest was completed in 1279, the 1300 census reported roughly 60 million people. How many of these deaths were attributable directly to Genghis Khan and his forces are unclear, as are the highly generalized numbers themselves. In addition, some modern scholars question the validity of such estimates, since the methodology of the 1300 census likely underestimated the population. [citation  needed] His campaigns in Northern China, Central Asia and the Middle East caused massive property destruction for those who resisted his invasion; however, there are no exact factual numbers available at this time. For example, the cities of Ray and Tus, the two largest and most populous cities in Iran at the time, both centers of literature, culture, trade and commerce, were completely destroyed by order of Genghis Khan. Nishapur, Merv, Baghdad and Samarkand suffered similar destruction. There is a noticeable lack of Chinese literature that has survived from the Jin Dynasty, due to the Mongol conquests. In Mongolia the topic of Genghis Khan was taboo and was heavily suppressed by the Soviet-backed Mongolian communist government. He was largely described as a bad person and a tyrant. However, after the fall of the communist government and the onset of democracy in Mongolia, the memory of Genghis Khan has been catapulted to legendary status. Mongols today celebrate him as the founding father of Mongolia. Negative views of Genghis Khan are very persistent with histories written by many different people from various different geographical regions often citing the cruelties and destructions brought upon by Mongol armies, but some historians are looking into positive aspects of Genghis Khan's conquests. Genghis Khan is sometimes credited with bringing the Silk Road under one cohesive political environment. Theoretically this allowed increased communication and trade between the West, Middle East and Asia by expanding the horizon of all three areas. In more recent times some historians point out that Genghis Khan instituted certain levels of meritocracy in his rule and was quite tolerant of many religions. For instance in much of modern-day Turkey, Genghis Khan is looked on as a great military leader and even many male children are named after him with pride.         

The Hunters: Phantom Chapter 30

Stefan drove like a maniac al the way back to the boardinghouse. â€Å"I can't believe I forgot to tel him that his name had been cal ed,† he said for what felt like the hundredth time. â€Å"I can't believe we left him alone.† â€Å"Slow down,† Meredith told him, trying to hold Matt's sleeping body steady in the backseat as Stefan whipped around a corner, tires squealing. â€Å"You're going way too fast.† â€Å"We're in a hurry,† Stefan growled, yanking on the wheel to make a hard right. Alaric turned around in the passenger seat and gave Meredith a panicky look as Stefan narrowly missed a garbage truck. She sighed. She knew he was trying to make up for his mistake, for not tel ing them immediately that Matt's name had appeared in the herb shop, but kil ing them al in a race to get home wasn't exactly the solution. Besides, although they probably would have done things differently if they'd known, it might not have changed the outcome for Matt. It wasn't as if their precautions had saved either Bonnie or Elena. â€Å"At least you've got vampire reflexes,† she said, more to reassure Alaric than out of any particular confidence in Stefan's driving abilities. She'd insisted on being the one sitting in the back with Matt, and now she turned her attention to him. She put a restraining hand on his chest so he wouldn't go tumbling to the floor as the car jerked and swerved. He was so stil . None of the twitching and eye movements that usual y went with sleep, just the steady shal ow rise and fal of his breathing. He wasn't even snoring. And she knew from camping trips as far back as sixth grade that Matt snored like a buzz saw. Always. Meredith never cried. Not even when the worst happened. And she wasn't going to start now, not when her friends needed her calm and focused to try to figure out how to save them. But if she had been the kind of girl who cried, instead of the kind of girl who strategized, she would have been sobbing. And even now, the breath caught in her throat a little painful y, until she schooled herself into impassive calm again. She was the only one left. Of the four old friends who'd gone through school and summers and adolescence and al the horrors the supernatural world could throw at them, she was the only one the phantom hadn't captured. Yet. Meredith clenched her teeth and held Matt steady. Stefan pul ed up and parked in front of the boardinghouse, having somehow avoided causing any damage to other cars or pedestrians along the way. Alaric and Meredith started to inch Matt careful y out of the car, looping his arms around their necks and slowly shifting him forward into a half-standing position. But Stefan simply grabbed Matt away from them and threw him over his shoulder. â€Å"Let's go,† he said, and stalked off toward the boardinghouse, easily balancing Matt's unconscious body with one hand, not looking back. â€Å"He's become kind of a strange guy,† Alaric commented, watching Stefan alertly. The sunshine caught the stubble on Alaric's unshaven chin and it glinted with a touch of gold. He turned toward Meredith and gave her a rueful, disarming grin. â€Å"Once more into the breach†¦Ã¢â‚¬  he said. Meredith took his hand, warm and solid in her own. â€Å"Come on,† she said. Once they were in the boardinghouse, Stefan clomped straight upstairs to deposit Matt with the other bodies – the other sleepers, Meredith reminded herself fiercely. Meredith and Alaric, hand in hand, turned toward the kitchen. As she pushed the door open, Meredith heard Mrs. Flowers's voice. â€Å"Very useful indeed, my dear,† she was saying, a warm note of approval in her voice. â€Å"You've done very wel . I'm so grateful.† Meredith gaped. At the kitchen table with Mrs. Flowers, cool and calm and pretty in a blue linen dress, sat Dr. Celia Conner, sipping tea. â€Å"Hel o, Alaric. Hel o, Meredith,† said Celia. Her dark eyes bored cool y into Meredith's. â€Å"You'l never believe what I've found.† â€Å"What?† said Alaric eagerly, letting go of Meredith's hand. Her heart sank. Celia reached into a tote bag sitting by her chair and pul ed out a thick book bound in ragged brown leather. She smiled triumphantly and announced, â€Å"It's a book on phantoms. Dr. Beltram ended up sending me to Dalcrest Col ege, which actual y has a very comprehensive col ection of texts on the paranormal.† â€Å"I suggest we adjourn to the den,† Mrs. Flowers said, â€Å"where we can be more comfortable, and examine its contents together.† They moved to the den, but Stefan, when he joined them, did not seem any more comfortable. â€Å"Different types of phantoms,† he said, taking the book from Celia and flipping rapidly through the pages. â€Å"The history of phantoms in our dimension. Where is the banishment ritual? Why doesn't this thing have an index?† Celia shrugged. â€Å"It's very old and rare,† she said. â€Å"It was difficult to find, and it's the only book on the subject we're likely to be able to get our hands on, maybe the only one that exists, so we'l have to excuse things like that. These older texts, the authors wanted you to read straight through and real y learn about their subject, to understand what they wanted to tel you, not just to find the page you needed right away. You might try looking near the end, though.† Alaric was watching Stefan whip through the pages with an expression of pain. â€Å"It's a rare book, Stefan,† he said. â€Å"Please be more careful with it. Would you like me to look? I'm used to finding what I need in these kinds of books.† Stefan snarled, literal y snarled at him, and Meredith felt the hairs along the back of her neck rise. â€Å"I'l do it myself, teacher. I'm in a hurry.† He squinted down at the text. â€Å"Why does it have to be in such ornate print?† he complained. â€Å"Don't tel me it's because it's old. I'm older than it is, and I can barely read it. Huh. ‘Phantoms who are feeding like vampires on one choice sensibility, whether it be guilt, or despair, or grudge; or lust for victuals, the demon rum, or fal en women. The stronger be the sensibility, the worse be the outcome of the phantom created.' I think we could have figured that out ourselves.† Mrs. Flowers was standing slightly removed from the rest of the group, eyes fixed on empty air, muttering seemingly to herself as she communed with her mother. â€Å"I know,† she said. â€Å"I'l tel them.† Her eyes focused on the others as they stood around Stefan, peering over his shoulders. â€Å"Mama says that time is getting short,† she warned. Stefan leaped to his feet and exploded. â€Å"I know it's getting short,† he roared, getting right up into Mrs. Flowers's surprised face. â€Å"Can't your mother tel us something useful for once?† Mrs. Flowers staggered away from him, reaching out to steady herself on the back of a chair. Her face was white, and suddenly she looked older and more frail than ever before. Stefan's eyes widened, their color darkening to a stormy sea green, and he held out his hands, his face horrified. â€Å"I'm sorry,† he said. â€Å"Mrs. Flowers, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you. I don't know what came over me†¦ I'm just so worried about Elena and the others.† â€Å"I know, Stefan,† Mrs. Flowers said gravely. She had regained her balance and she looked stronger, calm and wise again. â€Å"We will get them back, you know. You must have faith. Mama does.† Stefan sat down, turning back to the book, his lips pressed together into a straight line. Her skin prickling with apprehension, Meredith gripped her stave more tightly as she watched him. When she had revealed to the others that the members of her family were hereditary vampire hunters and that it was now her turn to take on the duty, she had told Elena and Stefan that she would never turn on Stefan, that she understood that he wasn't like other, evil vampires, that he was good: harmless and benign to humans. She had made no such promises about Damon, and Elena and Stefan hadn't asked her to. They al shared an unspoken understanding that Damon couldn't real y be characterized as harmless, not even when he begrudgingly worked with them, and that Meredith would need to keep her options open when it came to him. But Stefan†¦ she had never thought this would happen, but now Meredith was worried that someday she might not be able to keep her promises about Stefan. She had never seen him acting the way he had been lately: irrational, angry, violent, unpredictable. She knew his behavior was probably caused by the phantom, but was Stefan becoming too dangerous? Could she kil him if she had to? He was her friend. Meredith's heart was racing. She realized that her knuckles had whitened against her fighting stave, and her hand ached. Yes, she realized, she would fight Stefan and try to kil him, if she had to. It was true that he was her friend, but her duty had to come first. She took a deep breath and consciously relaxed her hands. Stay calm, she coached herself. Breathe. Stefan was keeping himself more or less under control. It wasn't a decision she had to make. Not yet, anyway. A few minutes later, Stefan stopped flipping pages. â€Å"Here,† he said. â€Å"I think this is it.† He handed the book to Mrs. Flowers. She scanned the page quickly and nodded. â€Å"That feels like the right ritual,† she said seriously. â€Å"I ought to have everything we need to perform it right here in the house.† Alaric reached for the book. He read the spel , too, frowning. â€Å"Does it have to be a blood spel ?† he asked Mrs. Flowers. â€Å"If it backfires, the phantom might be able to turn it against us.† â€Å"I'm afraid it's going to have to be a blood spel ,† Mrs. Flowers replied. â€Å"We'd need more time to experiment to change the spel , and time is the one thing we don't have. If the phantom is able to use its captives the way we think it can, it's only going to get more powerful.† Alaric began to speak again but was interrupted. â€Å"Wait,† said Celia, a slightly shril note in her usual y husky voice. â€Å"A blood spel ? What does that mean? I don't want to get involved in anything† – she searched for a word – â€Å"unsavory.† She reached for the book, but Stefan slammed his hand down on it. â€Å"Unsavory or not, this is what we're doing,† he said quietly, but with a voice as hard as steel. â€Å"And you're a part of it. It's too late for you to back out now. I won't let you.† Celia gave a convulsive shudder and cringed back in her chair. â€Å"Don't you dare threaten me,† she said, her voice quavering. â€Å"Everybody calm down,† Meredith said sharply. â€Å"Celia, no one is going to make you do anything unless you agree to it. I'l protect you myself if need be.† Her eyes flew quickly to Alaric, who was glancing back and forth between them, looking worried. â€Å"But we need your help. Please. You may have saved us al by finding the spel , and we're grateful, but Stefan's right – you're part of this, too. I don't know if it'l work without you.† She hesitated a beat. â€Å"Or, if it does, it might leave you as the phantom's only target,† she added cunningly. Celia shivered again and wrapped her arms around herself. â€Å"I'm not a coward,† she said miserably. â€Å"I'm a scientist, and this†¦ irrational mysticism worries me. But I'm in. I'l help any way I can.† Meredith, for the first time, felt a flash of sympathy for her. She understood how hard it must be for Celia to continue to think of herself as a logical person while the boundaries of what she'd always accepted as reality col apsed around her. â€Å"Thank you, Celia.† Meredith glanced around the room at the others. â€Å"We've got the ritual. We've got the ingredients. We just need to gather everything together and start casting the spel . Are we ready?† Everyone sat up straighter, their faces taking on expressions of stern resolve. As scary as this was, it was good to final y have a purpose and a plan. Stefan breathed deeply and visibly took hold of himself, his shoulders relaxing and his stance settling into something less predatory. â€Å"Okay, Meredith,† he said. His stormy green eyes met her cool gray ones, in perfect accord. â€Å"Let's do this.†

Comparison of the Death Penalty: China vs United States Essay

The United States of America is one of the few countries that still impose death sentences regularly. The People’s Republic of China is also one of these countries. Both are similar in that they are among the top executing countries in the world. Yet they differ in many ways such as, types of crimes that are death penalty eligible, the number of people that are executed, trial processes, and methods of execution. I consider these to be the biggest differences between The People’s Republic of China and the United States of America. One of the most shocking things I came across when researching was the wide range of crimes punishable by death in China. The most shocking of which, is those of non-violent nature. A type of non-violent crime that is routinely charged as a capital crime is economic or â€Å"white-collar† crimes. In China’s Criminal Law, there are specific instances where economic crimes can be charged as capital crimes. In the article, â€Å"On Limiting and Abolishing the Death Penalty for Economic Crimes in China†, the author Bingzhi Zhao wrote, â€Å"it is normally specified in China’s Criminal Law that the death penalty is only applicable when the crime is ‘of a particularly enormous amount’ or ‘of a particularly severe nature’†1. A â€Å"particularly enormous amount† or â€Å"of a particularly sever nature† refers to the amount of money stolen or number of people â€Å"hurt† by the crime. What I consider to be a great parallel would be Bernie Madoff, who stole billions from investors and was sentences to 150 years in jail, which is the maximum sentence he could receive2. This leads me to believe if Bernie Madoff lived in China, he would’ve been executed. Although his crimes were particularly extreme in the amount of money he stole, he was not violent in any way shape or form. In America this simply has not happened in the last century. It is my personal belief that crimes other than murder shouldn’t be capital crimes, but I think it is plain wrong for a â€Å"white-collar† crime to be charged as a capital crime. There are even accounts of drug dealers and people who fund-raise illegal3. I personally know somebody arrested for dealing drugs, if he received a death sentence for his crime, it would be completely and utterly shocking. It is my belief that a non-violent crime shouldn’t be punished in a violent way. The People’s Republic of China use of capital punishment is shrouded in secrecy. In an article in the Washington Post, the author(s) writes, â€Å"The Chinese government has a long-standing policy of not commenting on the death penalty and keeps the number of executions secret†3. This rings true because it is impossible to find a true figure for executions in China. All figures that can be found are estimates. The Dui Hua Foundation estimates that China carried out 5,000 to 6,000 executions in the year 20073, while Amnesty International estimates there were at least 1,718 known executions in 2008 and also states that there are likely many more4. Amnesty International also states that in 2008 the United States of America executed a total of 37 people4. Using Amnesty International’s figures this means that the People’s Republic of China executed more than forty-six times more people than America. With populations of 1. 3 billion and 310 million (estimates), respectively, China executed at least 1 out of every 750,000, and the United States of America executed about 1 out of every 8,375,000 people. This adds up to China executing about 11 times as many people per capita than the United States. One must also keep in mind that the figure of China executing 1,718 is also the â€Å"at least† number; the Dui Hua foundation estimated 5,000-6,000 executions in one year alone. If China indeed executed 5,000, this would raise their per capita execution rate three times higher, to 33 times more executions per capita than America. While there are countries who execute more than the United States of America besides China, they aren’t countries that America would like to be placed with. In descending order the ten countries with the highest executions are, China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Pakistan, Iraq, Vietnam, Afghanistan, North Korea, and Japan4. Interestingly enough, American soldiers have fought wars within the borders of six out of nine of these countries since World War II. The United States of America and China are the two most powerful countries in the world right now, yet they are in a list with the likes of under-developed countries like Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia. China kills enormous amounts of people as compared to every other country, and they also do so in a manner that the American Criminal Justice system would consider extremely unconstitutional. In the United States we use grand juries and/or preliminary hearings as a screening device to make sure there is enough evidence to go to trial, whereas in the People’s Republic of China, there is one person, called a Procurator, who screens cases5. This causes the decision to go to trial extremely unfair, because the standard of evidence in China is â€Å"sufficient† as opposed to American standard of â€Å"beyond a reasonable doubt†. Also in the case of a grand jury, there has to be more than one person agreeing the case can go to trial, whereas in China, just one person decides whether a case is trial worthy. The largest difference between the two countries processes however, is not the use or lack thereof grand juries, but the difference lies in how trials are conducted. China uses the Inquisitorial Model, where a judge dominates the questioning and debating, and a panel of judges, not regular citizens, decides facts and applies the laws5. This could either seem like a terrible idea, or a great idea. Keeping the same group of judges instead of a jury, there is a sense of consistency. There is no unfair jury selection like in the American system that can usually be based on picking people of certain races who are more likely to convict somebody of a certain race based on statistics. Yet at the same time, these men are judges and see all sorts of criminals, and are very likely to think that anybody arrested, is arrested for a just reason. These judges are also more likely to impose the law harshly, since they are government officials of a country whose government is known to violate numerous human rights. Another huge difference between the two nations lies within the appeals process. In China, not only can the accused appeal, but the Procurator can appeal as well if he or she feels that the sentencing wasn’t done correctly. The accused is only given 10 days to initially file an appeal. If the accused appeals and loses, his sentence can only be lessened, but if a Procurator appeals, the sentence can be made more severe. In the United States, only the accused may appeal, the prosecutor is unable5. This process of Procurators appealing could never happen in the United States, based on the Fifth Amendment. It would be considered â€Å"Double Jeopardy†, since even if a court (aside from the Supreme People’s Court) finds him innocent, the procurator may appeal for a new trial. All of these difference cause many more injustices in China than America. There are even more injustices in the Chinese system. Amnesty International states, â€Å"In China those facing capital charges do not receive fair trials. Failings include the lack of prompt access to lawyers, a lack of presumption of innocence, political interference in the judiciary and failure to exclude evidence extracted through torture†6. These â€Å"failings† pose a particular issue in China. One of the mentioned â€Å"failings† is lack of presumption of innocence. When a person in China is arrested, they are presumed guilty, and therefore a trial is almost only to prove his innocence, whereas in America we presume innocent until proven guilty and in trials, the prosecutor must prove guilt. Another â€Å"failing† is if the accused doesn’t get access to a lawyer quick enough, he could be put to death very rapidly because after a death sentence is approved; the execution is carried out within 7 days7. The United States of America has long stays on death row, which take a lot of effect out of the execution, but also gives the accused time to appeal, and file all sorts of motions and requests for clemency. Amnesty International also states that China uses information that is extracted through torture. While in the United States this does happen, it is never done so legally, and if a judge finds evidence was extracted through torture, that evidence in unusable. These factors; lack of access lawyers, unfair trial processes, and lack of presumption of innocence, all cause China’s capital punishment statutes to seem extremely unjust and I would think that quite often even Chinese citizens are unsure of the reliability of their own system, but then I remember that a lot of what the government does is shrouded in secrecy so citizens don’t really know. The general method of execution in The People’s Republic of China is single gunshot to the head. Although China officially uses Lethal Injection as an option, it is still not used as much as gunshot to the head. An article in USA Today about methods of execution states, â€Å"Prior to 1997, China’s main form of execution was shooting. According to a 1998 report from Amnesty International, the Chinese press reported 24 lethal-injection executions in that year, but the exact number is unknown†8. This quote to me shows, that they have started to use lethal injection, but one must remember that China regularly executes well over 1000 people, so 24 by lethal injection is a start, but not nearly a majority whereas in America lethal Injection is the main method. Under post-Furman statutes there have been 1,070 executions in the United States. 01 of these executions were by lethal injection, followed by 153 of them by electrocution9. Lethal Injection accounts for 84. 2% of American executions (American Statistics were as of April 12, 2007) whereas Lethal Injection in China only accounted for at most, 2. 5% in 1998. These figures may be from different years but 2. 5% versus 84. 2% is a huge difference. The reason China would use gunshot to the head, in my opinion, is it saves money. The Chinese trial and appeals process, which is very fast in nature, saves money compared to the long and drawn out American process. Add to that figure that executions are carried out within 7 days of sentencing10. The Chinese definitely spend nowhere near the figures that Americans spend on Death Row, since Chinese executions occur in less than 7 days post-sentencing. Although I am just speculating on cost savings since these figures cannot be found due to China’s secrecy on the subject of capital punishment. I think there is much to learn from the Chinese system when it comes to saving money and efficiency, although I strongly disagree with their lack of rights for defendants. While the differences outlined in this paper are not the only ones, they are the differences that I felt really separate the American and Chinese use of capital punishment. While the American government wastes tons of money on capital punishment, I think our higher standard of evidence and longer proceedings allow us to be surer that the right person is being executed, and although our system has many issues, I still would stand behind it over the system used in The People’s Republic of China.