Cyber Forensics Essay

Cyber Forensics by Richard Boddington School of Information Technology Assignment 2 – Research Essay Assignment outline †¢ Assignment 2 – Research Essay is a submission of an essay based on the cyber forensic environment and is worth 30% of the overall unit mark †¢ Internal and external students undertake the same activities and are assessed the same. ICT248 undergraduate students are assessed differently from ICT548 post-graduate students in Assignment 2 †¢ The submission of a research essay based on the cyber forensic environment. The length of the essay should be: †¢ ICT248 Undergraduate students – 3,500 words †¢ ICT548 Postgraduate students – 4,500 words 2 Research not a ‘free-range essay’ †¢ You are required to complete and submit a RESEARCHBASED essay describing and discussing the processes AND challenges involved in identifying, recovering, securing, examining, analysing and preparing digital evidence from a crime scene †¢ This covers the theoretical part of the unit and should be based on the lecture/workshop material, this guide, the lecture notes and, most importantly your own research endeavours †¢ In my experience, employers are looking for graduates who possess analytical, research and communication (writing) skills above and beyond the components of the degree 3 The essay MUST contain: †¢ Introduction and table of contents – Defining your scope of coverage of the essay †¢ Content – To enhance your grades, you MUST include some description and discussion of the following in your essay: †¢ †¢ †¢ Describe digital evidence Explain the key principles of cyber forensics Discuss investigation processes used to: †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ preserve locate select analyse validate, and present evidence obtained from a computer for evidentiary purposes †¢ Discuss and the importance of crime reconstruction hypotheses and alternative hypotheses 4 The essay MUST contain: †¢ Conclusion – most students overlook and underestimate the conclusion – this is where you summarise the facts described in the body of your essay and add your own conclusions based on what you have read. No new material should be added here. †¢ Grammar and spelling – spell check your drafts – get a friend or relative to proof-read your drafts prior to submission †¢ References that are cited in the essay – use EndNote, if you wish. This is available from the Library, free of charge. Post your draft to Turnitin (see separate instructions) to ensure that you have not inadvertently plagiarised the work of others †¢ Bibliography of other reference material that was used but not cited 5 Essay structure †¢ Use appropriate headings and sub-headings that relate to the chosen topic †¢ The essay should include relevant quotations -properly referenced and examples used to support your discussion within the essay †¢ Please don’t overuse quotations (max 5% of the document and they are not included in the word count) †¢ You will also be assessed on the presentation of your essay, as well as the contents 6 Referencing †¢ The quality and breadth of references used will be taken into account and credit will be given for evidence of wide reading on the topic and use of material from a variety of sources (i. e. , Learning Guide, books, journals, websites, newspapers, etc) †¢ Marks will not be awarded where correct referencing is not used and will also not be awarded where the above instructions are not followed †¢ All assertions by other authors must be correctly referenced. †¢ Please restrict your own comments to observations about the work of authors you are quoting †¢ Your own world view and statements of unsubstantiated facts (that are not referenced) do not earn marks †¢ Please see the Online Resources page on the unit MyLMS homepage. This will provide you with some links to help you with your essay preparation and writing 7 Turnitin †¢ The Research Essay must be fully referenced where the assertions of other authors are being used and must first be submitted to Turnitin before it is submitted to LMS as a completed assignment †¢ The Turnitin account that will have been prepared for you by the Unit Coordinator and available through the Unit LMS site †¢ Late submissions due to delays in submitting assignments through TURNITIN are not grounds for seeking an extension for the assignment. 8 Suggested format of the essay †¢ Essay style may be in report form or an essay – that is your choice †¢ Use of heading and a table of contents makes it easier for you to structure the essay in a logical and cohesive form †¢ It also makes it easier for the reader to navigate your essay and helps prepare the reader for each new major concept that you are introducing. †¢ Refer to the hints and tips on essay writing and referencing that may have already been posted in the MyLMS discussion board. If you are not already making good use of the board by reading the contents, I exhort you to do so †¢ Include a descriptive title – many students do not do this 9 Essay structure †¢ Introduction – an overview of the key issues, concepts, etc. , that you want to share with your reader – some of you may wish to include an abstract †¢ Body of the essay – more details of what you have stated in your introduction – use sub headings – logical flow of information and key and sub-topics – dot points ok, but don’t over use them – quotes should be kept to a minimum and are not included in the word count – extra points awarded for you paraphrasing the work of the authors you quote †¢ Use linking paragraphs to introduce the next topic †¢ Some room for argument in your essay, but restrict this to your opinion of the work of credible authors you include in your essay 10 Reference materials †¢ Referencing – as above – ensure it meets the academic standards of the university. Suspected plagiarism will be reported to the Dean – so take care to avoid it †¢ For an essay of this calibre – I suggest at least 5 quality journal or book articles per topic. †¢ Bibliography to include those references you looked at but did not include as a reference will also enhance your essay’s credibility 11 Searching for materials †¢ Try the new iGoogle feature that incorporates SFX FindIT to enhance your search for quality articles and books on the essay topic: http://wwwlib. murdoch. edu. au/mylibrary/tools. html 12 13 Criteria Assignment Structure Max marks 3 Comments Mark awarded Introduction, objectives, scope, logical flow, headings and subheadings Grammar, spelling 4 Correct English usage Coverage of the Topic 15 Coverage, matches scope. Information not appropriately referenced at best gets no marks and at worse may suggest plagiarism. o o o o Analysis, Conclusion and discussion Describe digital evidence Explain the key principles of cyber forensics. Discuss examination processes used to: ? preserve ? locate ? select ? analyse ? validate, and ? present evidence obtained from a computer for evidentiary purposes. Discuss and the importance of crime reconstruction hypotheses and alternative hypotheses. 4 Draws together discussion, highlights implications, etc. Citations 4 Used correctly in-text, provide examples included in references References Quality, breadth, completeness, matches citations, Bibliography. TOTAL MARKS 30 14 15

Fasting, Feasting Style Essay

Point of View The novel is written in the third person limited point of view. This means that the author tells the story from an objective position, as if viewing the story’s events without benefit of any thoughts or feelings coming directly from the individual characters. The author presents the chain of events in the story and then interjects what the characters may be thinking or experiencing based on their reactions, facial expression, and tone of voice. This point of view is especially pertinent for the content of the novel, which revolves around the issue of repression, especially for the female characters. The women are not allowed authentic voices in their homes or their societies. So the author restricts what the reader can know to mimic the repression experienced by the characters. Genre A speedy, intense narrative switching point of view and tense as needed. There are many unheralded transitions from scene to scene and flashback (15-63) is used to excellent effect. Threads of the story are left unfinished only to be taken up again later in the novel and given a deeper significance (see Anamika’s or Aruna’s story). General Vision or Viewpoint Think well about this question from a couple of standpoints. It might be easy to dismiss Uma’s world as oppressive to women and to the servant underclass and to decide that life could not be a fulfilled experience in such circumstances. You might think that Uma’s life is a tragic injustice; that she is used and misused by a patriarchal family and society. You might see Arun as a narrow-minded, judgemental outsider unable to adjust to a culture different to his own and whose life is quite unfulfilled. But this might be to miss the humour and love that is invested in daily living. In India people have a warmth and a variety to their lives that is enviable. 1. Read these notes taken from different sources on the web. Do you agree with what they say? Does the point of view used by Desai make you sympathise with a certain character? Explain the use of point of view and provide quotations to support your ideas. Themes Family Life Although the novel has action in two separate countries and has many characters, there is the central theme of family life that unites them all. In India, the immediate family has great importance; but the extended family also has an impact on the characters’ lives. This is evidenced by the coming together of family members for securing bridegrooms and making wedding arrangements for Uma and Aruna. There is also huge family support and involvement related to times of sorrow, such as the coming together after the death of Anamika. The rituals for both these happy and sad occasions are marked with tradition and purpose. These elements seem to be sorely lacking in the Patton household in America. It is understood that the time period of Arun’s stay with the Pattons encompasses only three months and does not represent a comprehensive look at the Patton family. Themes and issues Suffering Human suffering is depicted frequently in both parts of the novel. Uma is made to suffer by her parents and men who take advantage of her. The unusual thing about her is her response to this suffering. She seems to maintain optimism throughout her ordeals. Anamika’s terrible life and the abuse she suffers may illuminate your discussion of suffering as would the plight of Melanie who suffers mental illness and bulimia and is a sad example of American youth. Loneliness The plight of Arun in America will yield many examples of loneliness as will Uma herself who despite her large extended family keeping her busy she seems quite isolated. Loyalty/Betrayal  You might advance the notion that Uma and Anamika are betrayed by their parents in that they treat them very badly when it comes to marriage and relationships. Both girls are seen as burdens to be disposed of and you could say they were betrayed. Similarly, Melanie’s plight is so ignored by her mother that the word betrayal might not be too strong. 2. Can you think of other themes in the novel? Themes are the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a literary work. Provide quotations to justify your choice. 3Example of an analysis of passages Do you agree with him? Can you find more examples of how Desai uses X to  create Y ? Now analyse the following passage. 4 Questions 5. Poetry Pied Beauty Gerard Manley Hopkins Follow this link: http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/gerard-manley-hopkins 1. Listen to the poem and read it at least twice. Hopkins was born in 1844, and died just 45 years later, in 1889, but in this relatively short life he wrote some of the most startling and original poetry of the whole 19th Century. He was a deeply intellectual and religious man, and became a Jesuit priest in 1877, the same year in which he wrote ‘Pied Beauty’. Throughout his life Hopkins was deeply fond of the countryside and its beauty, in which he could see the work and power of God. In ‘Pied Beauty’ he expresses his delight and astonishment at the sheer diversity of nature. What do the things Hopkins describes have in common? How does Hopkins celebrate diversity? How does the image of the chestnut link the physical with the spiritual world? How is the human world linked to the physical world in the poem? How are both the physical and the human world linked to God? Comment on the following compound nouns /verbs: ‘couple-colour’, ‘fresh-firecoal’, fathers-forth’. Comment on the use of sound in the poem and the effect it creates. Comment on the rhythm (metre) of the poem N.B. it is irregular). How does it contribute to its meaning? Annotate the rhyme scheme. What comments can you make on its effect? The poem begins and ends in a symmetrical way. Why? What is the effect of the short final line? In what way are the first and second parts of the poem the reverse of each other? What is the effect of delaying the verb ‘fathers-forth’ to the beginning of the penultimate line? Examination Question: How does this poem seek to convey the ‘glory’ and grandeur of God for Hopkins? After reading the poem, write in paragraphs a summary of what you think the poem is about and your analysis of it. You can work in groups (not more than four in each group) and hand in your work to Carolina, please. What does Curnow’s reading of his poem adds to your appreciation of it? 2. Read the following which will help you to analyse the poem. Entrapments at Home and Abroad in Anita Desai’s Fasting, Feasting T. Ravichandran Assistant Professor of English, Department of Humanities & Social Sciences, IIT Kanpur Anita Desai’s Fasting, Feasting, as it is implied in the title itself, is a novel of contrast between two cultures, the one, Indian, known for its pious and longstanding customs representing ‘fasting,’ and the other, American, a country of opulence and sumptuousness epitomising ‘feasting.’ The plot unveils through the perceptions of Uma, in India, and of Arun, in America. Both of them are entrapped, irrespective of the culture and enveloping milieu, by oppressive bonds exercised by their own parents, MamaPapa. They are just MamaPapa or PapaMama but remain nameless throughout the novel. Yet, this namelessness does not indicate their anonymity but signifies their universality. They are the prototypical parents found everywhere in the middle-class families of India, who discuss, plan, plot, control, govern the activities of their children, be it marriage or going abroad for studies. And in their over-domineering concern, they tend to ignore the inadverte nt possibility of entrapping their own offspring. Thus, they do not give contingency to the fact that perhaps their children too can have a life to call their own. May be even their own preoccupations, their own priorities, maybe an agenda for themselves that goes beyond what they actually want for their children. The novel beings with a snapshot of MamaPapa in a contemplative mood: â€Å"The parents sit, rhythmically swinging, back and forth. They could be asleep, dozing—their eyes are hooded—but sometimes they speak.† That is when a sudden deluge of ideas hit them and they order their eldest daughter, Uma, to carry out them without delay. Uma is asked first to inform the cook to prepare sweets for her father, with neglectful impatience she states that she has been already asked to pack a parcel to be sent to her brother, Arun, in America. While she comes literally running on her toes, she is entrusted with an additional job of writing a letter to their son. Somewhere in the middle of the novel, the reader understands that it is the usual scene that goes on in the household of MamaPapa. â€Å"All morning MamaPapa have found things for Uma to do. It is as if Papa’s retirement is to be spent in this manner—sitting on the red swing in the veranda with Mama, rocking, and finding ways to keep Uma occupied. As long as they can do that, they themselves feel busy and occupied† (133). In th is manner, living under the demanding rule of MamaPapa, Uma is repressed, suppressed and is imprisoned at home. The first part of the novel tells us in a flashback how she became a reluctant victim of entrapment at home. The second part of the novel shows how her brother Arun, who leaves his home for higher studies feels trapped by the very education that is meant to liberate him. Usually, at home, it would be an oppressive atmosphere even if one of the parents is overpowering. With regard to Uma, both of her parents appear to have merged into a single identity MamaPapa/PapaMama, as if they have a â€Å"Siamese twin existence†(6). Hence, whenever MamaPapa say something, and whoever says it, it comes with double the intensity and power that it cannot be defied at all. â€Å"Having fused into one, they had gained so much in substance, in stature, in authority, that they loomed large enough as it was; they did not need separate histories and backgrounds to make them even more immense†(6). Despite a slight variation in the roles they have chosen to play, Papa’s of â€Å"scowling† and â€Å"Mama’s scolding†(10), in terms of opinion, they never differed from each other. Therefore, if one refused there would not be any â€Å"point in appealing to the other parent for a different verdict: none was expected, or given†(14 ). Furthermore, the women are not allowed for outings usually, but when Papa feels that the women laze around the house too much, then they would be taken to the park for walk. On one such occasion, Uma gets easily distracted and fails to keep pace with her Papa. Though Papa is far away, and she is left in the company of Mama, she would not dare attempt  to buy some eatables on her wish though it is highly tempting: â€Å"Uma finds saliva gathering at the corners of her mouth at the smell of the spiced, roasted gram but decides to say nothing† (12-13). In the end, Uma is blamed for being â€Å"slow† when all the while Uma could not reconcile herself as why they are hurrying just to go back home. Likewise, the children are not allowed to have any sense of privacy even when they have grown-up. They are not allowed to shut any doors in the household. For this meant secrets, especially nasty secrets, which are impermissible: â€Å"It meant authority would come stalking in and make a search to seize upon the nastiness, the unclean blot†(15). MamaPapa also decide which of their children should have education and how much of it. As far as Uma is concerned, a pleasant escape from her claustrophobic conditions at home is her school-going. The convent school for her is â€Å"streaked with golden promise†(20). Hence, she always goes early to the school and later finds some excuse to linger there for longer time. Conversely, she feels deprived during dull weekends when she is left at home: â€Å"There were the wretched weekends when she was plucked back into the trivialities of her home, which seemed a denial, a negation of life as it ought to be, somber and splendid, and then the endless summer vacation when the heat reduced even that pointless existence to further vacuity†(21). Regardless of Uma’s verve for convent education, she is forced to stop going to school when Mama gives birth to the third baby, Arun. Even as Uma shows disagreement, she is coaxed, cajoled and finally threatened to accept her Mamaà ¢â‚¬â„¢s decision: ‘But ayah can do this—ayah can do that—’ Uma tried to protest when the orders began to come thick and fast. This made Mama look stern again. ‘You know we can’t leave the baby to the servant,’ she said severely. ‘He needs proper attention.’ When Uma pointed out that ayah had looked after her and Aruna as babies, Mama’s expression made it clear it was quite a different matter now, and she repeated threateningly: ‘Proper attention’ (31). Later, Uma looks forward towards her marriage to give her the much-needed relief, yet, unfortunately, she returns home frustrated after a deceitful marriage and subsequent divorce. Back at home, she gets a rare, job offer  through Dr. Dutt, but MamaPapa refuse to send her. When Dr. Dutt persists on taking Uma for the job, Mama lies of an illness for which she needs Uma to nurse her. In like manner, when Uma receives an invitation for a coffee party from Mrs. O’Henry, MamaPapa refuse to send her to the party because of the apprehension that Mrs. O’Henry might ensnare her and convert her into a Christian nun. Reduced thus to a baby-sitter at her earlier days and an unpaid servant for her self-centred parents for the rest of her life, Uma finds no escape from her entrapment. Uma experiences, however, a brief repose of happiness and freedom once when she is allowed to accompany her ailing aunt, Mira-Masi, on her pilgrimage. During her stay at night in an ashram, Uma finds a strange link of her life with the barks and howls of the dogs: At night she lay quietly on her mat, listening to the ashram dog bark. Then other dogs in distant villages, out along the river bed and over in the pampas grass, or in wayside shacks and hovels by the highway—barked back. They howled long messages to each other. Their messages traveled back and forth through the night darkness which was total, absolute. Gradually the barks sank into it and drowned. Then it was silent. That was what Uma felt her own life to have been—full of barks, howls, messages, and now—silence (61). At this juncture, one is reminded of Anita Desai’s characteristic way of making her internally turbulent protagonists find expression by association with external surroundings. Thus, for instance, in Cry, the Peacock, Maya’s feelings of isolation and longings are coupled with those of the crying of the peacocks. Still, one locates a kind of sublimity in the agonised inner cry of Maya when it is likened with peacocks. When Uma’s pain is related to the barks and howls of dogs, the poetry of Maya’s anguish is to be seen in sharp contrast to that of the excruciating poverty of Uma’s entrapment. Catering to the whims and fancies of MamaPapa, but keeping her remorse selfcontained, at one point of the novel, Uma feels utterly friendless and alone, even when she is at home and surrounded by her MamaPapa. In desperation, she thinks of writing a letter to a friend to share her grief but it only ends up with the realisation that she has none to confide with: She could write a letter to a friend—a private message of despair, dissatisfaction, yearning; she has a packet of notepaper, pale violet with a pink rose embossed in the corner—but who is the friend? Mrs. Joshi? But since she lives next door, she would be surprised. Aruna? But Aruna would pay no attention, she is too busy. Cousin Ramu? Where was he? Had his farm swallowed him up? And Anamika—had marriage devoured her? (134). However, it would be wrong to presuppose that Anita Desai shows Uma’s unattractiveness, clumsiness and dullness of mind as causes for her entrapment. Uma’s polar opposite, her graceful, beautiful and brilliant cousin, Anamika’s confinement is more poignant. While Uma’s failure in her school exams pressurises her to stay at home, Anamika does so excellently in her final school exams, that she wins a scholarship to Oxford. Yet, Anamika lives in a patriarchal society that considers higher education to be the prerogative of males, and marriage as the major preoccupation of females. The scholarship obtained is used only as a means to win her a husband who is considered an equal to the family’s prestige. Anamika’s parents are unperturbed by the fact that he is so much older than her, so grim-faced and conscious of his own superiority, and is â€Å"totally impervious to Anamika’s beauty and grace and distinction† (70). But it is Anamik a, who starts another life of entrapment the moment she enters her in-laws’ house. Anamika’s husband is a typical ‘Mama’s boy’ to the extent he could be a silent witness to his mother’s beating of his wife regularly. Anamika, who won a scholarship to Oxford, spends her entire time in the kitchen cooking for a very large family that eats in shifts—â€Å"first the men, then the children, finally the women† (70). After a miscarriage, which followed a brutal beating, and the belief that she could not bear more children, finally, the family ties her up in a nylon saree, pours the kerosene over her, and burns her to death. Here again Desai is not implying that the un-burnt brides and the well-settled ones may live a content life. In this regard, she portrays the story of Aruna, Uma’s smart and pretty younger sister who makes a discreet choice and marries â€Å"the wisest, †¦ the handsomest, the richest, the most exciting of the suitors who presented themselves†(101). Aruna’s marriage to Arvind who has a job in Bombay and a flat in a housing block in Juhu, facing the beach is just a like a  dream-come-true. Yet to live that dream-life fully she transforms hersel f and desperately seeks to introduce change in the lives of others. She cuts her hair, takes her make-up kit wherever she goes, and calls her sister and mother as ‘villagers’ once they refuse to accept her sophisticated and flashy style of life. For that reason, she avoids visiting her parents’ home and the rare occasions of her short visits are spent in blaming the untidiness of the surrounding and the inhabitants. Even she goes to the extent of scolding her husband when he splits tea in his saucer, or wears a shirt, which does not match, with his trousers. In this way, Aruna’s entrapment is different from the rest. She has liberated herself from the customs and dominating home rules that bind the rest of the characters like Uma and Anamika. Yet, in negating those codes, she ensnares herself in her mad pursuit towards a vision of perfection. And in order to reach that perfection she needs to constantly uncover and rectify the flaws of her own family as well as of Arvind’s. When none other than Uma sees through the entrapment of Aruna, she feels pity for her: Seeing Aruna vexed to the point of tears because the cook’s pudding had sunk and spread instead of remaining upright and solid, or because Arvind had come to dinner in his bedroom slippers, or Papa was wearing a t-shirt with a hole under one arm, Uma felt pity for her: was this the realm of ease and comfort for which Ar una had always pined and that some might say she had attained? Certainly it brought her no pleasure: there was always a crease of discontent between her eyebrows and an agitation that made her eyelids flutter, disturbing Uma who noticed it (109). While Uma, Anamika, Aruna present the female versions of entrapment in Fasting, Feasting, Arun pictures the male version of it. Unlike his sisters, right from his birth, Arun desists eating the food of his family which is symbolic of its values. Much to the dismay of his father, he shows his preference for vegetarian food. Simply because it revolutionised the life-style of his father, Arun can not be forced to eat non-vegetarian food. This, of course, is a cause of disappointment for Papa: Papa was always scornful of those of their relatives who came to visit and insisted on clinging to their cereal-and vegetable-eating ways, shying away from the meat dishes Papa insisted on having cooked for dinner. Now his own son, his  one son, displayed this completely baffling desire to return to the ways of his forefathers, meek and puny men who had got nowhere in life. Papa was deeply vexed (32- 33). Nonetheless, Arun cannot fully come out of the clutches of Papa, especially, in terms of his education. And ironic enough, it is education, which instead of offering the desired autonomy, paves way for Arun’s entrapment. Papa, in order to give â€Å"the best, the most, the highest† (119) education for his son, takes charge of Arun’s life from his childhood. Although Arun’s school examinations are over, Papa cannot allow him to go to his sister’s house in Bombay during holidays, since he has planned that time for taking up entrance examinations and preparation for sending applications to go abroad for ‘higher studies’. However, in the eyes of Aruna, her father’s manic determination to get a foreign scholarship for Arun, is actually on account of his unfulfilled dreams, which he tries to impose on his son. That is why, when the letter of acceptance from Massachusetts finally arrives, it stirs no emotions in Arun: Uma watched Arun too, when he read the fateful letter. She watched and searched for an expression, of relief, of joy, doubt, fear, anything at all. But there was none†¦. There was nothing else—not the hint of a smile, frown, laugh or anything: these had been ground down till they had disappeared. This blank face now stared at the letter and faced another phase of his existence arranged for him by Papa (121). As a reviewer rightly observes, â€Å"With a deft touch, Desai shows us that MamaPapa’s ambitions for Arun are as stifling as their lack of ambition for Uma, †¦.† From America, Arun’s letters come just to indicate his endurance and survival. His messages are diluted, and are devoid of any emotion and substance. â€Å"The most personal note he struck was a poignant, frequently repeated complaint: ‘The food is not very good’† (123). The ties, though invisible, are so overwhelming that even in a country that feasts on individuality, Arun fails to manifest his identity as an individual. Caught in the prison house of his own family’s food habits, he can neither nourish the alien food nor develop a sense of belonging with Patton’s family that  shelters him during his vacation. The smell of the raw meat being charred over the fire by Mr. Patton for steak or hamburger is loathsome for Arun. Conversely, Mr. Patton fails to understa nd why Arun really refuses to eat a good piece of meat. While Mrs. Patton symphathises with Arun, and gives him the vegetarian food items, particularly tomato slices and lettuce on bread, Arun finds them detestable too. Because he thinks that â€Å"in his time in America he has developed a hearty abhorrence for the raw foods everyone here thinks the natural diet of a vegetarian† (167). Hence when Mrs. Patton, quite satisfied with her job of a host, watches him eating with pride and complicity, Arun ate with an expression of woe and a sense of mistreatment. How was he to tell Mrs. Patton that these were not the foods that figured in his culture? That his digestive system did not know how to turn them into nourishment? (184-185). Where Mrs. Patton’s daughter, Melanie, bluntly says she finds the food revolting, and refuses to taste it, Arun has to helplessly eat it. Melanie, however, suffers from bulimia—a disorder in which overeating alternates with self-induced vomiting, fasting, etc. Her bulimia, along with her mother ’s frenzy for buying food items to fill the freezer, signifies the consumerist society that she hails from, where excess becomes the malady. This seen in contrast to Rod, the fitness fanatic, who spends all his time and energy in jogging, baffles Arun who wonders that â€Å"one can’t tell what is more dangerous in this country, the pursuit of health or of sickness†(204-205). He apprehends that like Melanie, who eats, vomits and lies on her vomit most of the time, the people of her country too, go through an inexplicable pain and a real hunger. Yet he cannot reconcile his mind to the unanswerable question: â€Å"But what hunger a person so sated can feel?†(224). Anita Desai, in portraying the stories of entrapment in Fasting, Feasting, presents one version after another; each contributing together to a master version, and each simultaneously subverting the other towards an open and contingent version. Accordingly, in the story of Uma, we find her unattractiveness leading to her eventual entrapment. Yet, if we pass a final verdict on this account, we would be proved erroneous since Desai presents the versions of Aruna and Anamika, Uma’s appealing sister and charming cousin, respectively. Beauty cannot offer them escape from entrapments; in truth, it is rather their good looks that victimise them. Further, if we think again that it is Uma†™s lack of  education that has led to her entrapped situation, Desai presents us the subversion of Anamika, where foreign scholarship fetches her an equal match but fails to provide her the required escape, it suffocates and kills her literally. In like manner, if as Uma thinks, â€Å"A CAREER. Leaving home. Living alone† (130) would bring in the necessary freedom from entrapment, Desai presents us the story of Arun, who leaves home, lives alone for a career but feels the pangs of entrapment despite it. Also, in providing a male version through the story of Arun’s entrapment, Desai negates any feministic verdict based on the other female versions of entrapment that is likely to put the blame on the patriarchal, male-centred society. Thus, Anita Desai, often described as one of the finest writers of this country, has moved from her earlier, typical way of sympathising with her characters, females especially, to a different level of sensibility now. Where it would be easy to presuppose her overt feministic concerns in a novel like Cry, the Peacock, it would be unwise to approach her Fasting, Feasting with any such preconceived notions. Desai herself speaks out in a recent interview that she has been deliberately shifting her focus from female characters to male characters. She rather feels she needs to address and voice out themes which concern males too. She says: â€Å"Specially in my earlier work I found myself addressing the same things over and over again: very much about the life of women, specially those women who are confined to home and family, also the solitude from which a person can suffer even if living within a big family or surrounded by crowds. But after several years and several books I began to feel suffocated myself by the confinement of these subjects. I felt I was limiting the territory to such an extent that it created a kind of suffocation even for me. So I deliberately opened the doors, to widen the canvas, and started writing more about male characters and their lives, because I felt they had a wider experience of the world, and I could address a greater variety of experiences.† Finally, if we consider the male version represented by Arun and the female versions constituted by Uma, Anamika and Aruna as Indian versions, Desai offers American versions to counter them. The story, thus dangling between two countries and cultures shows to prove through the characters of Uma and Arun, and their counterparts Melanie and Rod, that attempts of escape from entrapments can only be temporary, illusory and self-destructively futile since entrapments through familial knots are ubiquitous, all encompassing and universal. And perhaps the salvation comes when one accepts entrapment of one kind or another envisioned as an inescapable fact of life. References 1Anita Desai, Fasting, Feasting (London: Vintage, 1999) 3. All subsequent page references are to this edition. 2Sylvia Brownrigg, â€Å"Fasting, Feasting† by Anita Desai. http://archive.salon.com/books/review/2000/02/17/desai/print.html. [9/15/2002]. Magda Costa, â€Å"Interview with Anita Desai, Lateral (March 2001). http://www.umiacs.umd.edu/users/sawweb/sawnet/books/desai_interview.html. [9/15/2002]. http://www.sawnet.org/books/writing/desai_interview.html

Alzheimer disease Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Alzheimer disease - Research Paper Example Some symptoms include decline in memory and cognitive abilities of the affected individual. This paper will discuss the causes of Alzheimer, its prevalence, the risk factors, signs and symptoms of the disease. The paper will also look at the prevention and treatment options available to the affected people. Alzheimer’s disease Introduction Ballenger (2006) asserts that Alzheimer is the most common form of dementia that leads to memory loss and cognitive decline. Alzheimer is a neurological disorder associated with degeneration of brain cells among individuals aged 65 years and above. The gradual loss of brain cells results from tangles in nerve cells and beta-amyloid plaques that develop in the brain. Some risk factors that contribute to the disease include having a history of high blood pressure, trauma and stress. Ballenger (2006) asserts that â€Å"some symptoms of the disease as memory loss, impaired thinking, changes in personality and disorientation thus ultimately cont ributes to decline in cognitive functioning and damage of brain cells in the cerebral cortex, p 89. Medical scientists assert that Alzheimer is caused by a combination of lifestyle, genetic and environmental factors that impair the brain over time. However, less than 5 percent of the cases result from genetic changes. In the US, more than 5 million people aged 65 years and above are believed to be living with the disease. According to the 2013 statistical report of Alzheimer’s Association, one-tenth of the citizens aged 65 years and above suffer from the disease while one-third of the citizens aged 85 years and above are living with the disease. According to the Association, the disease accounts for over 60 percent of all cases of dementia (Morgan & Carrasquillo, 2013). Alzheimer disease statistics It is estimated than 5 million Americans of all ages are suffering from the disease with an approximately 200,000 under the age of 65 suffering from the disease. One-tenth of peopl e aged 65 years and above is suffering from the disease while one-third of the people aged more than 85 years old have Alzheimer’s disease (Morgan & Carrasquillo, 2013). The prevalence of the disease among women is high than in men since two-thirds of the individuals suffering from the disease are women (Morgan & Carrasquillo, 2013). The deaths attributed to the disease increased by 68 percent between 2000 and 2010 while those attributed to other heart-related diseases declined by 16 percent. The number of people living with Alzheimer is estimated to increase by 40 percent to 7.1 million by 2050 (Morgan & Carrasquillo, 2013). Currently, the disease is the sixth largest cause of death in the US. The causes of Alzheimer disease Alzheimer is a neurodegenerative disease that is caused by death of brain cells that happens over a long period of time. According to Dash and Villemarette-Pittman (2005), the postmortem or autopsies of victims of the disease often show tiny inclusions o f in the nerve tissue thus suggesting the disease leads to death of the brain cells. Genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that lead to death of brain cells thus leading to memory loss and decline in cognitive functioning of the individual (Welsh, 2006). Risk factors One of the risk factors that lead to Alzheimer is family history and genetics of an individual. Risk genes and deterministic genes influence the likelihood of developing the disease (Welsh, 2006). The risk genes is the apolipoprotein E-e4

Write a para and explain what makes an advertisement effective Essay

Write a para and explain what makes an advertisement effective - Essay Example The advert should not be complicated. The target audience usually relate to adverts that are memorable and very easy to recall. The advert should then provide information succinctly and quickly (Krugman, 2013). This ensure the attention of the audience is not distorted. Moreover, the advert should not contain information that creates suspense or requires inquiries on additional information (Krugman, 2013). This may confuse the viewer thus limited effectiveness. An advert should then be able to call the viewer to action. The advert should be able to convince the viewer that they need to access the goods or services being advertised. For print adverts, four elements are required. The images used should be provocative and attractive to the viewer. The headline accompanying the images should be strong and easy to comprehend. A maximum of two paragraphs that are well written and printed are required. Lastly, the advert should consist of a logo and contact information (Krugman, 2013). From the information presented, it is accurate to assert that the most significant factor in making an advertisement effective is its ability to attract and appeal to the

Information Technology in Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Information Technology in Business - Essay Example It can make employees more comfortable and happy, which in turn yields better results in productivity. It might also be able to conserve on time and resources by making work easier and faster. It is one of the most beneficial creations of the new century, which has taken human life into a new era of technological advancement, into a world where new possibilities are achievable and business experiences a new perspective, which is easier to handle, yet gives you better results, definitely a worthy option to be considered worth applying and thus executing a better corporate position and get endless business opportunities. Information management is one of the fastest growing areas of experimentation these days, with new areas being explored everyday and new evolutions and revolutions taking place in very short lapses of time. (C Kenneth Allard, 2004) The paper talks about the implications of information technology for businesses in order to achieve competitive advantage over other competent business rivals. Further more; it talks about different aspects of IT, the reasons why IT is not the only thing to be considered and finally, the different implications of IT and some examples of the systems that can be used to achieve competitive advantage. Competitive advantage is basically a hold of a particular firm over the industry. It is an advantage that a company has over others due to a particular service that only this particular firm provides or any system that is integrated only in this particular firm etc. In order to maintain its competitive advantage, a company should keep a close watch over its potential competitors in order to minimize the risk of losing its competitive advantage for not being aware enough. It is a position of a firm in the world of business, a space that it enjoys being better than its competitors in a particular area or a general environment. But, no matter how much the competitively advantaged the firm is, its never unbeatable; not even in the cases of a monopoly. The competitive advantage only lasts till the competitors don't have that particular advancement. The moment they do, the competitive advantage is gone. Thus, to conserve the competitive advantage, a firm must keep on updating its status and looking up for more opportunities of advantage. IT & Competitive Advantage: It is one of the biggest factors that help a firm in achieving competitive advantage. It has so many aspects attached to it that one aspect or the other is bound to provide competitive advantage. Nicholas G (2004) described that the only thing that is needed is the eye to look for it and the mind to implement it in a unique, personalized and customized way so that it is integrated in the firm and is hard for the competitors to achieve and thus ensures the possibility of long lived competitive advantage instead of a short lived one. IT assists Business Growth: The organizations and companies are under constant pressure of competition. First this competition was just with the local industries, organizations and companies, but as the world is coming closer and closer every day and is turning into a global village, the circle of competition has grown from local

Review Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Review - Assignment Example decisions in terms of using the environment in a way that it will be protected from degeneration and pollution which if they would occur would leave the ecosystem in a state that would not support future generations. It entails proper use of resources in order to ascertain that there is continued existence of natural resources, whereby people are required to use resources in a way that they ensure their actions have reduced or no negative impact on the environment. The three videos put emphasis on how people should make it their sole aim to protecting the environment to support humanity into the future. The videos explain that to be able to make the environment sustainable for human life into the future, it is the duty of everyone to ascertain that their actions are in line with the goal of environmental sustainability. I think that the videos are viable in that they explain why humans need to protect the environment through responsible practices so as to ensure that natural resources remain in existence and there is minimal pollution. Sustainability will ensure that humans have access to clean water, food and fresh air, which will be achieved if humans do not become a threat to their way of life by polluting the environment (Igloo

Innovation and Competitive Advantage Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Innovation and Competitive Advantage - Thesis Example The companies are facing a great development in the global markets resulted from globalization. Therefore, they are thinking of a new generation of managers, which we call global managers. They have a wide viewpoint of unexpected environmental changes that needs a fast and right decision to make. The old generations of managers don't have this competency. So, they can't adapt with the new environment. (Kanter, 1995,p.149). Amidst all this change, the high ethical standards of an individual, be it a workman on the shop floor or the global manager, matter more now than ever. The dual ethical standards often maintained by people front-often the exact opposites when it comes of the way they conduct business are counterproductive in the long run. The new authority is emerging and organizations are member led, officer driven, customer focused; a team environment where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts; a flat management structure where employees and managers are learning rathe r than blame; a clear since of direction and purpose. The six elements of an organization (Strategy, policies, structure, systems Climate, and culture) dynamically affect one another. Each element interacts with the environment as a business strives towards its goals. The problem definition/action planning process requires that a manager look at all six elements of the organizational model to determine which action levels will exist to implement positive change. If the environment changes, the organizational elements must adapt (Steven 124) Six elements that define organization; Strategy Policies and Procedures Structure Systems Climate Culture 1.1 Organizational strategy No organization exists in isolation. Every organization exists in an environment where it interacts with, and is influenced by, the general public, specific groups (whether they be customers, clients, suppliers, pressure groups, etc) and/or various government bodies. The organization is also affected by the economic, political, legal, social, technological and international variables of the times. All managers, whether they work in the public or private sector, operate in the same external environment. They face common pressures that the environment exerts on them. However, the nature of their work and the type of organization they work for will determine how these common environmental factors are perceived - whether they are seen as positive or negative, threats or opportunities. (Yvonne

'The budget is a tool of repression rather than innovation' cited by Essay

'The budget is a tool of repression rather than innovation' cited by Hope and Fraser - Essay Example Budgets also enable the measurement of actual financial operations against a forecast and establish the costs constraints of a project, operation and program (Daum 2001, p. 21). Budgets have been used as tools for aiding the planning of actual operations by ensuring managers consider changes in their environment. Additionally, budgets enable managers to outline steps and measures for ensuring the organization meets it objectives. Budgets crucially help managers to examine the relationships between the different departments and their own operations. Most importantly, budgets control resources, and help in communicating organizational plans within the different settings (Drury 2007, p. 31). It is equally crucial to mention that budgets motivate managers to work towards the achievement of the organization’s objectives, provide visibility of the organization’s performance, and help when evaluating the performance of managers. Recently, budgets and budgeting processes have f aced immense criticism consequently attract publicity. Critics to budgets and budgeting note that budgets provide barriers to successful management and utilization of organizational resources. According to these critics, budgets influence managers and employees in counterproductive ways. It is essential to note the movement of current economies and their rapid rates of maturity are negatively affected by budgets because they impede flexibility of organizations (Daum, 2004, p. 41). Since 1998, several propositions have been made for the development of a new management philosophy called Beyond Budgeting. These proposals emerge as responses to dissatisfactions with traditional management approaches. These approaches focus on management as a function of budgeting through control cultures and command influences. In recent years, organizations have faced immense pressure to change their management strategies and approaches. This has been motivated by the need to shift from traditional man agement strategies because of changing business and operational environments. It is crucial to note that company and organizational activities become complex when seeking income generation. In this case, company activities have grown in dynamics, complexity and competitiveness despite the uncertain and turbulent business conditions (Dugdale, and Lyne, 2006, p. 51). Currently, businesses are not limited to production and sales, but rather, they engage in different economic and non-economic activities. Currently, organizations need to operate with the intention of addressing quality aspects of the business spectrum to maintain their productivity and competitiveness as well as maintain contact with their customers. Therefore, companies have begun identifying internal processes that impede their functioning in order to respond to challenges within the current business environment. In the process, companies are getting rid of their inflexible processes or procedures that limit their flex ibility (Hope, and Fraser, 1999, p. 67). The Beyond Budgeting model provides an essential strategy for organizations to fill the gap left by abandoning budgeting. This strategy provides tools that enable managers to achieve their market objectives and develop plans. It also prevents managers from focusing their energies on their budget requirements. The Beyond Budgeting approach provides organizations with platforms for controlling and managing

Learn to think critically Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Learn to think critically - Essay Example How do you do that without carrying out this problem-options process again and again I would like to suggest a way to stop this regress by turning an option into a step towards a goal or objective that needs to come about because of my action. What am I trying to accomplish by doing this versus that Once I have that, all the rest falls into place. For example, in this exercise, how can I answer the question of which critical thinking skill can I or should I develop more I can say one option for this problem is to stay up all night to get this paper turned in on time. Another answer is a goal, a condition or state of what it would be like that I want to have. That desired state might be something like this: I will always be prepared for the requirements of school. From this ideal, action steps (options) come, and may include for me to prioritize everyday challenges at school such that I can turn my work in on time and perhaps get better grades. The option of staying up all night for a one-page paper then is not optimal. It does not help me get to my goal or objective very well. Think of what it would mean for me. I have. Staying up late or working all night will deprive me of my beauty rest, another important goal of mine.

Closed-book vs closed-notes quiz Essay Example for Free

Closed-book vs closed-notes quiz Essay 1. This is a closed-book, closed-notes quiz. No reference material (including assignments and labs) will be permitted for use during the quiz session. 2. The quiz contains the following types of questions: * Short essay type 3. Place your answers in the space immediately following each question. Quiz Questions 1. What does MAO define? Defines how long a business can be without system or applications before having adverse effects on the mission of the business. 2. Define CSFs for a BIA. The success of recovering critical systems or application necessary in an event that interrupts the services of the business. 3. List four of the seven steps for a contingency plan based on the NIST 800-34 standard. Develop a BIA, develop a recovery strategy, preventive controls identified, test the plan and train individuals. 4. What is the objective of a BIA? To identify the critical and non-critical resources of a business. 5. In the seven domains of an IT infrastructure, list three things that should be included as CBFs. The System/Application Domain, The LAN Domain, and the WAN domain. 6. List at least two differences between BCP and a DRP plan. A BCP covers all units of the business while the DRP covers functions of the IT department only. A BCP contains strategy and incidents to be included and the DRP contains recovery steps and procedures. 7. Describe and list four elements of a BCP. Identify critical equipment necessary for the business mission. Identifying critical personnel necessary for the business to return to normal operations of the business. Conduct a BIA, determine the impact on the business if systems were unavailable. Maintenance and updating of the BCP as changes are made to the network. 8. What does a BCP program manager do? What are his or her duties? Take the leadership role as they are responsible for writing the BCP and conducting the BIA. 9. Describe and list two of the commonly used teams for a BCP. BIA- which is the business impact analysis- The impact a disruption of service would have on a business. DRP- Disaster recovery plan- plans to recover from a disaster resulting in a loss of business systems necessary for the business to operate normally. 10. Describe at least one element that would be in a recovery phase of a BCP plan. An Alternative site to set up business operations in the event of a lost site due to a disaster.

Recruitment and Selection Process in Wipro

Recruitment and Selection Process in Wipro Wipro is Indias largest IT services provider with gross revenue of $6.03 billion in the past financial year. The company is into integrated business, technology and process solutions at a universal basis. The company employs more than 115000 people and is headquartered in Bangalore, India (Web 01). The company is also in other sectors like consumer care, lighting, engineering and healthcare. The company was established in 1945 by M.H Premji. But it was his son and current chairman, Azim Premji who transformed the company into one of the most reputed brands in India. Solely due to his efforts, the company now has more than 40 Centers of Excellence and operates in 4 continents. Like every successful company, Wipro also gives high importance to Human Resource Management. The company is Indias 6th top employer. But the company is not even in the top 20 best employers of the country while their competitors like TCS, Infosys etc. are always in the top ten (Web 02). Therefore it can be judged that the HR functions in the company need to be thoroughly reviewed. In simple terms recruitment can be referred to as the process of searching and attracting competent employees for a particular job (Aswathappa, 2005). Companies invest a lot on recruitment process in order to avoid inappropriate selection. The recruitment process of Wipro is also structured in a detailed manner and involves three rounds: Round 1- Written test 1. Verbal: This is the first section of the written test where 15 questions will be asked to the candidates to test their proficiency in English language and include questions related to synonyms, opposites, similes, prepositions etc. A comprehension passage also might be included for the candidates to read. 2. Aptitude: This section also have 15 questions that are concerned with aptitude topics like Time Work, Time Distance, Puzzles, Calendars, Ratio proportions, Ages, Pipes etc. 3. Technical: This is quite an important part of the written test and involves 20 questions which are meant to test the technical knowledge of the applicant in C, C++, Java, Linux, UNIX, DBMS, SQL, Programming fundamentals, Hardware, Software Engineering, Micro-Processors etc. The questions will be mainly based upon the technical aspects studied as a part of university syllabus. Round 2: Technical Interview The second round is the most important elimination stage in the recruitment process. In this stage the candidates must have through knowledge in the basic technical skills in order get them cleared from t here. Therefore the candidates are asked to get prepared on their academic subjects before sitting for this round. Round 3: HR interview This is found to be the hardest part of the recruitment process. This round is found to be a real test for even the most competent candidates. The most common questions that re asked in this round include speak about oneself, why should the company hire the candidate, why did he wish to join Wipro, etc. The emotional quotient of the candidate is tested in this round in order to check whether he is able to withstand the pressures of the job. The other aspects that are being tested here involve communication and vocabulary of the candidate. Round 4: Placement Once the candidate is selected, he will be provided with an employee code number by the HR manager and a joining form will also be handed over to him which he has to fill up. This turns him from a candidate to an employee. Almost 40% of the employees of Wipro are selected directly from campus recruitments. Another source of recruitment is through the NSR (National Skill Registry). Wipro training model The above figure illustrates the Wipro training model which involves seven stages. These stages happen in a consecutive process. The main stages are: Identify training requirements Define the learning goals and objectives Conceptualize the training program Develop training content Reviews by stakeholders Pilot training content Rollout training content This model helps in identifying the exact training needs of the candidates and provides them with the most appropriate training. The company is also not behind in development initiatives. The Leadership Quality Survey of the company started in 1992 has immensely contributed in nurturing Wipros best business leaders. Wipro now has 8 qualities for leadership which are formulated on the basis of Wipro vision, values and business strategy. As a part of this development initiative, the company has introduced a 360 degree survey process which would enable in improving the competencies and skills of their business leaders. This process begins with receiving feedbacks from related people and finishes when every member frames a Personal Development Plan (PDP) on the basis of the responses received. This Personal Development Plan develops on the basis of a seven-step program that would help the individual to understand his strengths and weaknesses as well as determining the action steps. This program named Wings of Change to symbolize that it would bring up change or transformation in the individual. The Leadership Development Framework of Wipro is also a critical component for improving the leadership qualities of its employees. This framework is given below: This framework would help in understanding the major areas that form in relation to a leader in Wipro. Leadership Lifecycle Programs: The Company has formulated a strategy for Life Cycle Stage Development Plan. This program has been developed in order to frame distinct job profiles and map the competencies needed for each job role. The required competencies determine the success of each job role. The different programs under this LSDP are: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Entry-level program (ELP) This program as the name suggests is for entry level employees and intends to improve their managerial qualities. The main target group for this program is campus recruits and also candidates who entered through lateral entries. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ New Leaders Program (NLP) This is the second level of the LSDP. This level is higher to Entry-level program and is oriented for potential candidates who are most likely to be the leaders of company in the future. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Wipro Leaders Program (WLP) This program is intended for medium level managers with the capability of being a leader in the near future. Through this program, the managers are expected to improve their way of handling employees, operations, business development and project management tasks. The managers who come up from this program become the forerunners of Wipro values and Wipros business operations. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Business Leaders Program (BLP) This is the program designed for the real leaders of the company i.e the senior level executives who hold highly responsible positions. At this level, these executives need not be trained for basic skills and hence it focuses on techniques for revenue generation. The other areas covered in this section involve sales orientation, CRM, team building and performance management. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Strategic Leaders Program (SLP) This is the top level program and is developed for the already existing leaders or top management employees of the company. The key areas included in the program will be Vision, Values, Strategy, Global Thinking, Customer Focus etc. Wipro has ties with many pioneer management institutions inside and outside India to conduct this leadership program for the leaders of the company. 1.3 Custom Content Development (CCD) This is a unique program offered by the company that provides new and economical learning content solutions. This service would help in meeting customer requirements as well as help them get a strategic advantage. Wipros CCD Service undergoes a thorough development cycle to make sure than the client gets quality solutions at precise time. Custom Content Development Service includes: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Application Training à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Process Training à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Compliance and Regulatory Training à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Product Training à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Rapid Training Solutions. 1.4 Human Resource Planning Wipro is the first company to implement many strategic HR and IT services globally. Some of them include People Capability Maturity Model (PCMM) Level 5, SEI Capability Maturity Model (CMM) Level 5 and version 1.1 of CMM. The people processes in the company are the best in the industry and involves most accepted practices in HR, knowledge management and OD so that the employees are equipped with the right skills to face the needs of dynamic business environment. 1.5 Capability Maturity Model (CMM) The expertise in Six-Sigma methodologies has been put to use to modify the prevailing processes in the organizations so that the decisions are made on the basis of metrics and measurements. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The fundamental concept behind Six Sigma is that if you can compute how many defects you have in a process, you can systematically figure out how to reduce them and get as close to zero defects as possible. It begins with the application of numerical methods for translating information from clientele into specifications for products or services that are being developed or manufactured. Hence this can be considered as a business strategy and a philosophy of one working smarter not harder. Wipro is Indias first company to adopt the Six Sigma methodology and at present it has the most mature programs in the country. This makes sure that 91% of the works are completed on schedule which is quite above the industry average of 55%. Since they have over 10 years experience in this field, the company has made considerable efforts in order to improve the process. Apart from that the company has also scaled Six Sigma ladder which helped over 1000 project to reach completion. The main feature of this program is that it spreads exactly through the verticals and hence is able to influence a number of areas including project management, market development, resource utilization etc. 1.6 Conclusion Thus it is evident that Wipro is giving high importance to recruitment of employees. But even then the HR functions have certain flow which is the main reason why the company is not able to get into the best 10 employers in India. Hence it is the duty of the HR department to bring about a change in the processes so that better employees are hired and maintained. TASK 2 2.1 Introduction Performance management is a key HR function of any company. Oxford English dictionary has defined performance as accomplishment, execution, carrying out, and working out of anything ordered or undertaken. Performance is also defined as A matter that not only people achieve, but also how they achieve it (Armstrong and Baron, 2005). Hence it can be considered as a multidimensional concept and cannot be measured on the basis of a single factor. A common and accepted concept about performance is that it is not merely concerned about final outcomes but also with the actions performed for attaining these targets. 2.2 Performance management in Wipro Performance management is also a hard to define concept. The main reason behind this is the ignorance over performance measure issues. But a clearer definition to this concept was given by Armstrong (2000). In his words, performance management is A strategic and integrated process that delivers sustained success to organizations by improving the performance of people who work in them, and by developing the capabilities of individuals and teams. Wipro has a completely integrated end-to-end Performance Management Solution on its own for carrying out this critical HR function properly. This solution is formulated based upon the universally accepted HR processes adopted in the best organizations and thus helps them to update as well as restructure their performance evaluation processes. The above figure depicts the performance management solution adopted in Wipro. This solution helps the companies in many ways. It not only assists them in adopting the most suitable technique of performance management to that particular company but also reduces the time taken for the completion of Performance Management cycle. The unique feature of Wipros solution is that it does all this without compromising on the operations of other HR sub-functions like Work Planning Conference, objective setting, interim reviews, feedbacks, overall evaluation and rating, recording and documentation etc. Once the HR department makes a review of the organization, the assistant of the HR manager will update and record the score obtained by each employee in the database of the company. 2.3 Importance of performance appraisal in Wipro Performance management or appraisal holds considerable significance in Wipro since its success depends on the performance of employees to a large extent. Before explaining in detail about its importance in Wipro, it is advisable to understand its purpose. The main function behind PA is to make an employee differentiate between his actual performance and the expected performance (Boice Kleiner, 1997). But this holds a one-sided view since only the rater is benefited out of this. A more balanced view of performance appraisal states that only if both the parties i.e appraiser and appraise gets benefited can the process be considered as positive (Fletcher, 2006). Performance management on the other hand can be considered as use of interconnected strategies and techniques with an aim to enhance the performance of individuals, teams and organizations. An appropriate performance management can be regarded as the prime factor in achieving the business goals from the point of view of organization. Therefore performance appraisal is seen as the chief component or tool of performance management in Wipro. Hence the company must make sure that the performance management system adopted must be capable of meeting the needs of organization and the stakeholders (Humphreys, 2008). Thus performance management becomes a core component in promoting corporate governance (Bach Sisson, 2000). Since corporate governance is an issue of great relevance in todays business scenario, performance management becomes quite critical in Wipro. It forms a vital component of the corporate governance framework which helps the management or boards to direct, observe and react to the way the company reacts to the goals, mission and results that is expected from it. Performance management can be helpful to the company in three areas namely: Enhancing the individual productivity Identifying the training needs Allocating the precise rewards An effective method of performance management must inculcate a framework involving both corporate and individual performance planning. Therefore the HR must ensure that the framework involves: Clarification of performance objectives to the employees. This must include communicating the specific tasks, outcomes, behaviors, and other value systems related to ones job. The HR must make sure that these performance objectives are in alignment with the business objectives. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Individual or teams undergo periodical appraisals in order to evaluate their performance against the objectives set for them. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The employee or appraise is provided with the feedback about his/her performance from this appraisal. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Proper recognition or reward is provided to the appraises for their performance as well as any improvement in their pay or salary based on the performance. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ There will be team and individual development so that the skills and abilities of the team as well as members are building. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ In case there is poor performance, the employee is given proper counseling in order to guide him to the right path. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ To establish a connection between the progress of capabilities with corporate and business planning. That means there will not only be coming down from the results of business planning but also owning a system which feeds back up. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Having the ability to evaluate the contribution made by individual, team and organization for attaining its objectives. Performance management system can also be used in variety of purposes like auditing, evaluation, training, succession planning etc (Randell, 1994). Thus an effective system can be helpful for the employees and teams to understand their objectives and the business goals as well as enables to recognize how effectively they are achieving the corporate goals. This approach thus helps these parties to identify and clearly define their performance expectations which are an essential part of their job. If the people, processes and performance are integrated with the business goals, it would lead to developing the abilities of the individual as well as organization thus leading to their better performance. It is the performance appraisal process which expresses the work standards expected out of a specific job and the norms, values and behaviors that are associated with that job and finally communicating this with the concerned people. Performance management thus results in better performanc e which is more closely directed to the objectives and needs of organization. Performance appraisal and its feedback help the employees to understand the level of their performance and find out ways to improve them. Thus studies reveal that some researchers focus on achievement of business goals as the most important reason behind implementing performance management system while some others view it as a scale for improving performance of one. In an organization like Wipro, it is suggested that a system which fulfills both organization as well as individual needs must be followed. 2.4 360 degree feedback This is a widely accepted technique of performance appraisal adopted by many companies. This method can be used in obtaining both qualitative and quantitative data about an individuals performance. Thus it involves a more holistic approach and here the person is rated based on the feedbacks obtained from people who work close to him i.e peers, superiors, subordinates etc. Apart from that the individual has to undergo a self-rating process also. This method of appraisal is quite suitable with the work environment and job nature in Wipro and can yield positive results. 2.5 Uses of Performance Appraisal System in Wipro: Wipro can have numerous benefits out of the performance management system if implemented properly. The major benefits derived out of it are: Performance management is more concerned about the outputs rather than mere activities or behaviors. Thus enacting that one person is busy would not help him get an appraisal or promotion. He has to achieve the predetermined results in order to get appraised. Performance Management helps in aligning the business processes and operations to the objectives of the organization. There is a chain process in PM which exists in order to make sure that they are in agreement with the organizational objectives. Nurture an organization-wide long-term view of the organization. An effective method of performance management should adopt a system-based approach which aims at the results or outputs of the business processes (Swanson, 1999). In other cases, the result is bound to have certain faults. Performance management would result in meaningful measurements which can be applied in numerous areas like benchmarking, framing standards for comparing the companys practices with the most industry accepted standards. They point out outcomes during development efforts, such as employee training, management development, quality programs, etc. Thus performance management makes sure that employees are equally treated and they receive rewards based on true performance. This way the employees will be able understand their strengths and weaknesses (Brets et.al. 1992). It would help them to be aware about the duties they have to bear and thus act according to his superiors expectations (Rees Porter, 2008). 2.6 Conclusion Thus performance management system in Wipro can help the employee to have a deep knowledge about the corporate objectives and effort required to attain them. This would help him to realize his present position in comparison to the expected level of performance so that he can try more to get to that level. This again leads to overall development of the employee.

Responsibilities in William Shakespeares Merchant of Venice Essay

Responsibilities in William Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice The small and seemingly insignificant details in a story often hold together an entire theme of the work. This phenomenon is recognizable in the plays of William Shakespeare, as a speech or incident with a minor character can point the audience to a much larger truth about the work as a whole. The Merchant of Venice contains such a minor character, Lancelot, whose story gives a clue to the reader about the roles of the other characters in the play. Lancelot abandons his servitude to Shylock, and thereby weakens his own value as a member of society fulfilling a role. Lancelot’s decision is noteworthy because it represents a conflict of responsibilities that can be found in some of the main characters. These other characters (with the exception of Portia) behave similarly to Lancelot, and Lancelot’s story helps to illuminate their shortcomings. Lancelot’s speech about running from Shylock captures the greater conflict between inconsistent responsibilities that is present throughout The Merchant of Venice. Every servant has a responsibility to his master before he is responsible to himself. Lancelot violates this basic principle of servitude, and thus brings shame upon himself. Not only is Lancelot under a contractual obligation to Shylock, he has both social and religious obligations to remain in Shylock’s service. It is no surprise that the one who counsels Lancelot to leave Shylock is â€Å"the fiend† himself. â€Å"To be ruled by my conscience I should stay with the Jew my master who, God bless the mark, is a kind of devil;† reasons Lancelot (2.2.17-19), thinking that it is probably a better idea to stay with Shylock. He also knows that â€Å"to run away fro... ... ones. Because The Merchant of Venice is a comedy, no real harm comes to Lancelot or Bassanio because of their poor choices, but they are all made out to be foolish in comparison to Portia. These characters are lucky—in comparison with some of Shakespeare’s other characters that are faced with inconsistent responsibilities (such as Hamlet or Juliet, who both die), the non-role-fulfillers of The Merchant of Venice have extraordinarily happy endings. It is interesting to note that most of Shakespeare’s plays that include conflicting roles or responsibilities are tragedies, while the happy resolution of The Merchant of Venice makes it a comedy. The mistakes in The Merchant of Venice are all fixable, so even though the characters neglect their roles on occasion, the quick thinking of Portia allows them to retire with their spouses safely as a new day is breaking.

Creation and Science Essay -- Religion Creationism Papers

Creation and Science We have all heard about the evolution vs. creation debate. Two sides opposing each other in fits of heated passion. One group believes that humans developed from monkeys, and the other group is a bunch of religious fanatics. Does this sound somewhat familiar? This is one of the most stereotypical views of the dispute, but is, unfortunately, how many people believe it to be. So what is it all about? What makes these groups (there are actually quite a few more than two) so determined to fight and try to win others over to their belief? In the answers to these questions lie the truth about why humans take this aspect of science so personally. There must be some fairly significant reasons that cause individuals to become so committed to arguing their point of view in the evolution/creation debate. Many creationists feel that without a supernatural creation by an intelligent being there is no purpose to the universe and no reason to live (Wager, 1997). Many Christian creationists hope that by convincing others of Godà ­s role in the origins of life, they can more effectively lead others to salvation. Still others believe that it is the duty of Christians to "defend against the godless dogma of evolutionary humanism" (Tyler, 1995). It is easy to see why this topic is so important to people. If one believes that evolution and Christianity are mutually exclusive, as many people do, then it is natural for Christians to want to disprove evolution and eliminate what they perceive as a threat (Wright, 1989). However, the debate is also meaningful to evolutionists. Many evolutionists feel that to try and discredit evolution is to ignore facts and scientific reasoning (Tyler, 1995). Some evolutionists who are dominant i... .../Biol410/Biol410SrSemPapers97/millerl.html Myers, Jesse. (1996). Biology Senior Seminar Student Papers: "A Look At Scientific Creationism." http://www.goshen.edu/bio/Biol410/Biol410SrSemPapers/myers.html Nelkin, Dorothy. (1982). The Creation Controversy. Boston, Massachusetts: Beacon Press. Scott, Eugenie C. (1996). "Dealing With Anti-evolutionism." (10/25/98) http://www.natcensied.org/deal174.htm Tyler, David J. (1995). Review of: "Creation Based Science By Phillip Johnson." (10/22/98) http://www.pages.org/bcs/Bcs057.html Wager, Michael. (1997) "Evolution: The Lie." (10/25/98) http://www.student.uwa.edu.au/~mlwager/evovscrt.htm Wright, Richard T. (1989). Biology: Through the Eyes of Faith. New York, New York. HarperSanFrancisco. Zook, Marc E. (1987). Biology Senior Seminar Student Papers: "Origins: A Collection Of Thoughts."

Biography of W.E.B. DuBois :: W.E.B. DuBois Writers Authors Essays

Biography of W.E.B. DuBois WEB Du Bois was born a free man in his small village of Great Barington, Massachusetts, three years after the Civil War. For generations, the Du Bois family had been an accepted part of the community since before his great-grandfather had fought in the American Revolution. Early on, Du Bois was given an awareness of his African-heritage, through the ancient songs his grandmother taught him. This awareness set him apart from his New England community, with an ancestry shrouded in mystery, in sharp contrast to the precisely accounted history of the Western world. This difference would be the foundation for his desire to change the way African-Americans co-existed in America. As a student, Du Bois was considered something of a prodigy who excelled beyond the capabilities of his white peers. He found work as a correspondent for New York newspapers, and slowly began to realize the inhibitions of social boundaries he was expected to observe every step of the way. When racism tried to take his pride and dignity, he became more determined to make sure society recognized his achievements. Clearly, Du Bois showed great promise, and some influential members of his community. Although Du Bois dreamt of attending Harvard, these influential individuals arranged for his education at Fisk University in Nashville. His experiences at Fisk changed his life, and he discovered his fate as a leader of the black struggle to free his people from oppression. At Fisk, Du Bois became acquainted with many sons and daughters of former slaves, who felt the pain of oppression and shared his sense of cultural and spiritual tradition. In the South, he saw his people being driven to a status of little difference from slavery, and saw them terrorized at the polls. He taught school during the summers in the eastern portion of Tennessee, and saw the suffering firsthand. He then resolved to dedicate his life to fighting the terrible racial oppression that held the black people down, both economically and politically. Du Bois’s determination was rewarded with a scholarship to Harvard, where he began the first scientific sociological studies in the United States. He felt that through science, he could dispel the irrational prejudices and ignorance that prevented racial equality. He went on to create great advancements in the study of race relations, but oppression continued with segregation laws, lynching, and terror tactics on the rise.

Antidote for the Iron Law of Oligarchy Essay

In every diseases there will always a doctors to help us to cure it. In every illness it has always a medicine to manage the pain. But if we connect it to our society today, maybe it doesn’t have medicine or doctors that cure this kind of illnesses. This kind of attitude maybe we cannot erase to our society. This attitude maybe we can connect to the iron law of oligarchy. What is the iron law of oligarchy? â€Å"The iron law of oligarchy is a political theory, first developed by the German syndicalist sociologist Robert Michels. It states that all forms of organization, regardless of how democratic or autocratic they may be at the start, will eventually and inevitably develop into oligarchies. The reasons for this are the technical indispensability of leadership, the tendency of the leaders to organize themselves and to consolidate their interests; the gratitude of the led towards the leaders, and the general immobility and passivity of the masses.† – From Wikipedia In connection to the definition of iron law of oligarchy, our government is considered as the democratic government. Where in it have presidents that are given a rule in every department and bureaus. Where in this rule are all obey by all the department and bureaus. Another characteristic of our government as a democratic country is that it let people to choose their own leaders. But these actions are not enough to tell that we have our own freedom, but these actions give other people reasons to abuse their powers. Instead of serving us, they use their positions to do the things that they want. What are the reasons why they do those things? What are the things that we need to do so that their actions are change? Here the things that we need to do. If the iron law of oligarchy is the rule of few people or the elite people, we can reverse it so that we can make it the rule of many people. Where in all the rules are all consult to us before they implement it. Another thing is, when it giving us the right information. Sometimes our government is not giving the exact information that we need to know about what happen to our government. And lastly, no oligarchy without material and power perks and bureaucracy. Part of the changes is a constant flow of reliable information among the people. Bureaucracy’s weakness is related to its inability to keep secrets and control the information flows. It is weakened as it loses the power to the flow of the information among us.

Discuss what air cargo carriers are doing to assist in the quest to find alternate fuel sources?

1) Discuss what air cargo carriers are doing to assist in the quest to find alternate fuel sources? The usual practice of air cargo carriers was to pass the high cost of aviation fuel to passengers via surcharges. Nevertheless, this industry is currently facing huge decline in profits due to the overnight doubling of fuel prices. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) profit forecast, airlines and air cargo carriers can incur a loss of as much as $5 billion at the prevailing fuel prices (Logistics Business Review, 2009).To overcome the challenges posed by the rising fuel cost, air cargo carriers are exploring the option of finding alternative fuel sources. Towards this end, they are liaising with organizations like the Air Transport Association(ATA) and Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuel Initiative (CAAFI) who, according to ATA, are currently â€Å"coordinating work on the research and development of alternative jet fuels, including technical specification s, environmental aspects, production and distribution†(ATA, 2009; para. ). By liaising with these organizations, air cargo carriers are actively participating in meeting the objective of ensuring constant supply of affordable aviation fuel.This is because these organizations are involved in educating â€Å"potential fuel suppliers on the aviation fuel supply process – including airline operations as well as distribution and logistics considerations – to further ensure the reliable delivery of alternative jet fuel(Air Transport Association, 2009; para. 0), as well as in working with â€Å"potential suppliers to identify commercial terms and strategies that individual suppliers and purchasers might adopt to accelerate deployment† (Air Transport Association, 2009; para 12). Another strategy adopted by air cargo carriers in their search for alternative fuel sources include is to add more fleets of fuel efficient planes in their stock of commercial jets (Logis tics Business Review, 2009).The point to note here is that it is expected that these strategies explained here will enable air cargo carriers to improve their deteriorating financial position, and to become more efficient, more competitive and more profitable. It is assumed that a healthy air cargo industry not only facilitates domestic and international trade but will equally provide the needed jobs to the populace. 2) Post a current air cargo article in the Bulletin Board Discussion forum and add your comments. Current Air Cargo ArticleIATA: Air cargo drop may have found its floor Source: Retrieved March 29, 2009 from http://www. btimes. com. my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/airo26f/Article/index_html GENEVA: International air cargo traffic fell 22. 1 per cent in February compared with the same month a year ago, but the decline in freight may have found its floor, the airline industry body IATA said yesterday. Freight demand is considered a key barometer for the health of global tr ade, which has weakened considerably in response to the world's economic downturn and credit crisis.The February decline was the third consecutive month with cross-border cargo volumes far below the previous year levels, following a 23. 2 per cent year-on-year drop in January and a 22. 6 per cent decline in December. â€Å"We may have found a bottom to the freight decline, but the magnitude of the drop means that it will take time to recover,† IATA director-general Giovanni Bisignani said in a statement. Freight demand in Asia, the region most affected by the decline in shipments, fell 24. 7 per cent year-on-year in February, the Geneva-based group said.Japanese exports have almost halved from February 2008, it said. Air passenger traffic also declined last month, but less sharply than cross-border cargo. Overall passenger volumes fell 10. 1 per cent below February 2008 levels, following a 5. 6 per cent year-on-year fall in January, IATA said. Asia-Pacific carriers saw a 12. 8 per cent drop, North American airlines carried 12 per cent fewer passengers and Europe's recorded traffic down 10. 1 per cent, matching the global average.Latin American passenger traffic was slightly stronger, with only a 3. per cent drop, and in the Middle East it was up 0. 4 per cent. IATA, which represents 230 airlines including British Airways, Cathay Pacific, United Airlines and Emirates, said earlier this week that airlines would lose US$4. 7 billion (US$1 = RM3. 63) this year as a result of the economic downturn that has kept people and cargo from flying. Its traffic data excludes domestic flights. – Reuters Comments This article discussed the current issues facing the air cargo service industry – the decline in business and revenue as a result of decrease in customer patronage.According to this article, IATA reported that, compared to the figures obtained for the month of February the previous year, the international cargo traffic fell by as much as 22. 1 pe r cent this current year (IATA, 2009). The article went ahead to identify four markets that were hard hit by this fall in cargo traffic and revenue. These markets included the Asian market, North American market, European market, and Latin American markets. In addressing the Asian market, the article noted that â€Å"Freight demand in Asia, the region most affected by the decline in shipments, fell 24. per cent year-on-year in February†¦ Air passenger traffic also declined last month, but less sharply than cross-border cargo. †(IATA, 2009; para. 5). For the other markets, the article reported that â€Å"Asia-Pacific carriers saw a 12. 8 per cent drop, North American airlines carried 12 per cent fewer passengers and Europe's recorded traffic down 10. 1 per cent, matching the global average.Latin American passenger traffic was slightly stronger, with only a 3. 8 per cent drop, and in the Middle East it was up 0. per cent† (IATA, 2009; para . 8). The article went ahe ad to explain that the current challenges facing the industry was precipitated by the global economic and credit crises which had tended to discourage people from patronizing both the air cargo service companies and passenger airlines. This article is thus an â€Å"eye opener because it exposed the financial troubles of the air cargo service industry – and industry that is considered by the less-informed to be immune to economic recession.

What Are the Problems That Wal-Mart Has Faced, and What Has the Company Done to Address Them

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. , is an icon of American business. From small-town business to multinational, from hugely controversial to a leader in renewable energy, Wal-Mart has long been a lightning rod for news and criticism. With 2008 sales of over $405. 6 billion and more than two million employees worldwide, the world’s largest public corporation must carefully manage many different stakeholder relationships. It is a challenge that has sparked significant debate.Although Wal-Mart reportedly can save the average family $3,200 annually, the company has historically received plenty of criticism regarding its treatment of employees, suppliers, and economic impacts on communities. Feminists, activists, and labor union leaders have all voiced their beliefs that Wal-Mart has engaged in misconduct in order to provide low prices. However, Wal-Mart has been turning over a new leaf. New emphases on diversity, charitable giving, and sustainability have contributed to Wal-Mart’s revi talized image.The story of Wal-Mart and its low prices includes both positive and negative impacts on society. Positively, Wal-Mart reportedly saves consumers over $287 billion annually, equating to about $950 per person. On the flip side, research shows that communities can be negatively impacted by Wal-Mart’s arrival in their areas. This analysis attempts to show both sides of the controversy. It begins by briefly examining the growth of Wal-Mart, and then discusses Wal-Mart’s various relationships with its stakeholders, including competitors, suppliers, and employees.Some of the ethical issues concerning these stakeholders include accusations of discrimination, illegal immigration issues, and leadership misconduct as demonstrated by Wal-Mart former vice chair Thomas Coughlin. Yet, in an effort to show Wal-Mart’s attempts to position itself as a socially responsible company, this case also examines Wal-Mart’s sustainability plans, its ethical initiative s, and former CEO Lee Scott’s impressive leadership qualities. The analysis concludes by highlighting Wal-Mart’s strategy during the most recent recession and recovery.

Ministry of Fear- Seamus Heaney Analysis Essay

Using Ministry of fear and another appropriately selected poem explore the sense of place Heaney conveys with reference to the troubles in N.I, with particular reference to the effects of any political and social context and Heaney’s own views. Ministry of Fear is from Heaney’s ‘North’ collection, written in 1975 while Heaney was staying in Wicklow, Casualty was written shortly after in ‘Field work’ in 1979. Through these two poems Heaney conveys a strong sense of place, namely Northern Ireland, through ‘Ministry of fear’ Heaney describes four events throughout his life in N.I that had a strong influence on him, ‘Casualty’ is similar but more focused on the Troubles in N.I and some of Heaney’s feelings towards those events. ‘Ministry of fear’ touches on four key moments in Heaney’s life, the first of which is his boarding at St Columbs, then a catholic boarding school in Derry. An experience he found to be very unfair and almost treacherous. â€Å"Sweeten my exile† Heaney describing it himself as exile, clearly he thought he was pressured into going perhaps when he didn’t want to. Secondly he describes his first flirtation with poetry and higher education at Queens University. This section is written in a very self deprecating tone and almost a hint of jealousy, He describes his Friend, Seamus Deane’s skill with the pen â€Å"vowels and ideas bandied free† and then mocks his own attempts, â€Å"hobnailed boots†¦ Fine lawns of elocution† These statements are slightly bathetic and quite ironic, Heaney writing what was to be a highly acclaimed poem about his own poetic inabilities. He goes on to describe his first sexual encounters when he â€Å"came to life† in â€Å"the kissing seat of an Austin 16† this whole phrase resonates innocence and although this particular experience is important in any young mans life I think it is a deliberate ploy to stress the innocence he felt he had before the fourth memory. Which is Heaney’s experience with a crass RUC patrol, which seems to represent a bovine threat â€Å"crowding round†¦like black cattle.† Each of these memories helps convey a real sense of place, making it easy for us to identify with Northern Ireland in each instance, through Heaney’s vivid recollections. ‘Casualty’ explores one main theme; the affinities between himself as a poet and a fisherman killed â€Å"accidentally† for defying a curfew imposed by the IRA in Derry after Bloody Sunday. Heaney through this poem tells the story of Louis O’Neill, a provincial man who drank at his father in laws bar. Much like Ministry of fear he is looking back on the events, with a different perspective, almost analytically. It begins with a celebration of the man, Heaney affords him much respect and clearly remembers him fondly in the opening stanza, he goes on to express the difficulties Poetry made for him, and how he felt it isolated him from ordinary people especially in Northern Ireland. Similarly to Ministry of fear, when Heaney talks of his own poetic prowess he is self deprecating, ironic and bathetic again. The man, whom he would not talk to poetry about, became a muse or inspiration for one of his own poems. He goes on to recall Louis O’Neill’s d eath and the political situation in Northern Ireland. â€Å"PARAS 13 BOGSIDE NIL† this phrase alone places us perfectly in the context of the troubles. Aside from the similar contexts of both poems Heaney conveys the sense of place in other ways, In Casualty Heaney takes influence from Writers of his own Country, The fisherman theme is carried throughout the poem, initially just as Louis O’Neills vocation but particularly later in the poem as a way of life, the poem and this particular theme has an affinity in form and content with Yeats’s ‘the fisherman’ Both are written in trimesters, employ iambic rhythms and rhyme on alternate lines. For each poet the fisherman is â€Å" the most unlike, a kind of anti self, who embodies independence, wisdom, integrity – a refusal to submit to the will of the crowd.† By hinting at Yeats- an Irish poet- Heaney further emphasises the sense of place conveyed in this poem, this time through a more social context as opposed to a political one. He also references a famous Christmas carol â€Å"while shepherds watched their flocks† which because of the very religious nature of the Irish Catholics and indeed the protestants is as much an indication of Northern Ireland then as it is now. In ‘Ministry of fear’ Heaney alludes to many other poems and poets, the most obvious of which was Patrick Kavanagh, An Irish Poet who’s work Heaney discovered in the early 1960’s and for which he developed an increasing  respect throughout the decade, Kavanagh seemed to Heaney to illustrate the split he himself was experiencing between â€Å"the illiterate self that was tied to the little hills and earthed in the stony grey soil, and the literate self that pined for the city of kings, where art, music and letters were the real things† He also alludes to Yeats as in â€Å"Casualty.† Yeats’s ‘ Ancestral Houses’ which speaks of a ‘rich mans flowering lawns’ and of his ‘planted hills’ much in the same way as Haney describes the â€Å"fine lawns of elocution. By referencing all these other poets, especially the two Irish ones Heaney makes sure we are concentrating on N.I.