Sport and media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 6

Sport and media - Essay Example Therefore, twitter and the like of Facebook and Instagram have become a powerful tool more than any other news medium. For sports journalism, Twitter does not only provide a medium of relying messages, but also it is a source of information from influential people in leadership and corporate bodies. Moreover, Twitter allows people to respond to news bite and express tier feeling on any particular topic that is relayed to them. It thus becomes efficiently for journalist to follow-up on their stories and get back with an informed judgment (Sanderson & Hambrick, 2012). Moreover, because journalist has focused on framing as a practice to shape what people perceives of the news, it has become efficient for this to happen via Twitter because it target specific group of people. In conclusion, the use of social media has had a great influence in the sport as was evidenced by the reporting of Penn State University Story. It demonstrated that Twitter and other social sites offer interaction as well as delivering news. It thus has become convenient for both journalist and the consumers as it does not require too much spending and resources to convey messages. Sanderson, J., & Hambrick, M. E. (2012). Covering the Scandal in 140 Characters: A Case Study of Twitters Role in Coverage of the Penn Stage Saga. International Journal of Sport Communication,

Bachelor of Arts Essay Example for Free

Bachelor of Arts Essay 1.1 FedEx Corporation Overview FedEx Corporation provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenue of US$ 27 billion, the company offers integrated business application through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the worlds most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 250,000 employees and contractors to remain absolutely, positively focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. 1.2 Strategic Initiatives Currently, with its exposure to volatile fuel prices, high capital expenditures, and thin margins, FedEx can not stand up to the rigorous rule maker quantitative criteria, but its brand power is a perfect example of a sustainable competitive advantage. FedEx ships over 3 million packages a day. Along the route, those packages, the planes that carry them, the trucks that deliver them, and the people that handle them leave impressions on customers. FedEx recognizes that with every box it delivers and every person that delivers it, a brand impression is made. Brand equity is certainly significant to FedEx since its products and services are less differentiated in this fast changing dynamic competitive market. To remake the corporate image in order to extend and enhance its brand equity is one of the key strategic initiatives that has initiated by the management of FedEx Corporation recently. Other strategic initiatives are to focus on the growth of core package business and supply chain capabilities, and growth through e-commerce and technology, and new services and alliances. 2. DESIGN OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 2.1 HRMS of FedEx FedEx Human Resources develop policies, programs and procedures that not only attract, but also retain the most qualified, talented and diverse employees. To this end, Human Resources have implemented successful recruitment, development and Employee relation programs. The Corporate HR function consists of 45 employees who provide human resources support for the entire FedEx Organization. The overall headcount for this team has not changed in over four years even though the employee base has grown by greater than 30%. Most key programs are linked to the companys diversity strategy to build value and manage a diverse workforce that reflects the rich mix of persons available in the Communities. The HR team regularly attends diversity recruiting career fairs and supports both local and national organizations committed to the development of women and minorities. HR has sought to automate and introduce electronic processes, in order to streamline its various staff function. These include the introduction of an electronic company wide web based Internal Career Opportunities Program (ICOP), that provides employees anytime/anywhere access to available opportunities within the company. Employees can search, apply and be notified of open positions within the organization by logging on to the site. Managers, can also initiate the employment process and receive approval electronically via an on-line employment requisitioning process. The major obstacle that needed to be addressed in the alignment of these two major programs was accessibility, communication and education. Employees were encouraged to submit their personal profiles so that they could receive automatic notifications from the system when positions for which they qualified became available. FedEx has developed a proactive staffing model for its facilities. This program allows the Field organization to add management staffing before the need exists. Recruiting, sourcing and training are done 20 weeks before the individual is expected to begin their career as a service manager. By accessing the HR website, both employees and Managers can obtain a wide variety of information geared to keep their employment information current, provide easy access to employment information (employee handbook) as well as provide access to benefits information and employee centered programs. Online access to the HR Web is available from home and work to all employees. 2.2 VRIO Framework Analysis Value FedEx managers stress that they are a people-first organization. The corporate philosophy statement sums up their view of the source of competitive advantage: People-Service-Profit. FedEx discovered a long time ago that customer satisfaction really begins with employee satisfaction. In other words, the FedEx philosophy is that people are the primary link in the value chain, and thus, value is created by focusing on employees first. Rareness FedEx value and capitalize on the differences of their employees with diversity education programs such as Gender Speak, Delivering Diversity, Introducing Diversity, and Valuing Differences. One of its most successful programs RESPECT provides a process where employees can work together to resolve their differences. Therefore, it would exercise tremendous potential to exploit the rare characteristics of its employees for competitive advantage. Imitability FedEx worked closely with the University of Memphis, established the FedEx Institute of Technology, a unique public-private collaboration designed to advance world-class interdisciplinary research and introduce a new generation of highly skilled graduates to the workforce. The company has more than 219,000 employees globally and expects the alliance will help develop a highly skilled recruitment pool. Organization FedEx is committed to fostering an employee focused culture. It has a well-developed and thoroughly deployed management evaluation system, which involves a survey of employees, analysis of each work groups results by the work groups manager, and a discussion between the manager and the work group to develop written action plans for the manager to improve and become more effective. Data processed are aggregated at all levels of the organization for use in policymaking. Employees are free to share their opinions with management and in turn, work towards the resolution of internal issues within their department by participating on their action planning teams. 3. EMPLOYEE SKILL, MOTIVATION, JOB DESIGN WORK STRUCTURES FedEx has a clear goal to have people who are committed, motivated and well trained. Here are some of the tools and techniques that they have developed: 3.1 Selection FedEx Corp is proactive targeting of candidate sources leads to a richer pool of applicants and enables company to reach better candidates faster. They worked closely with the University of Memphis, established the FedEx Institute of Technology, a unique public-private collaboration designed to advance world-class interdisciplinary research and introduce a new generation of highly skilled graduates to the workforce. FedEx had created a multi-national, multi-lingual recruitment assessment system in identifying candidates most suited to the jobs on offer and capable of operating to the companys global standards and values. 3.2 FedEx Compensation Rewarding System FedExs bonus program is driven by goal sharing. This program encourages employees to achieve strategic goals by basing individual bonus levels on corporate and business unit goals, up to 10% of an employees total compensation. FedExs formula for calculating bonuses includes corporate variables such as contributed operating margin, corporate ROE, net sales, customer returns, shipped kilometers and total unit cost. Putting people first means that FedEx is dynamic in both reward and recognition. For hourly paid staff the pay is geared to individual performance. However, to encourage good team working, there is also a team based Best Practice Pays element. The pay for performance of salaried staff is based upon measures relating to the companys key philosophy. 3.3 Performance Reviews FedEx is a very performance-based company. Every person knows upfront what his performance objectives are and he also knows upfront what he can earn. So the crux of People Service People is a fairly laborious performance management and compensation system. If a person fails in his performance, then the person does not get disciplined, but he gets pulled into a constructive action plan. Employees are encouraged to identify their weaknesses through a personal development programme (PDP). These could be general things like communication skills or dealing with conflicts in the workplace. FedEx has an online training library with 600 courses on things like leadership, project management skills, even something as basic as presentation skills. Employees can log in and take any course, but need to pass. 3.4 Staff Survey The annual staff survey is considered to be one of FedExs biggest business improvement tools. A total of 32 questions are answered electronically in business time over a period of two weeks and participation has increased from 97% to 98%. 4. PRODUCTIVITY, CREATIVITY DISCRETIONARY EFFORT By competing collectively under the FedEx banner, FedEx in service companies benefit from one of the worlds most documented brands. FedEx is one of the most trusted and a respected brand in the world and its brand name is a powerful sales and marketing tool. Among the many reputation awards FedEx conventional during 2004, FedEx ranked seventh in corporate reputation on The Wall Street Journals Harris Interactive/Reputation Institute RQ Gold Survey, and for the third consecutive year, FedEx ranked in the top ten of FORTUNE magazines Americas Most Admired Companies and Worlds Most Admired Companies lists. FedEx is the only transportation company and one of the very few companies overall to rank this highly in all three reputation surveys. FedEx ranked highest in customer satisfaction in the University of Michigan Business School National Quality Research Centers American Customer Satisfaction Index in the parcel delivery category. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., the worlds largest retailer, also selected FedEx as the recipient of its Carrier of the Year award. BusinessWeek recognized FedEx Kinkos in the magazines Web Smart 50 report for the companys innovative use of Internet technology to transform business processes and reduce costs. FedEx is well recognized as a leader, not only in the transportation industry and technological innovation, but also in social and environmental responsibility and corporate governance. Along with a strong reputation among customers and the general public, FedEx is widely acknowledged as a great place to work. In 2004, FedEx was listed among FORTUNEs 100 Best Companies to Work for in America, a list that FedEx have made every year it has been published. It is FedEx people-FedEx greatest asset-that give FedEx it strong reputation. In addition to superior physical and information networks, FedEx has an exemplary human network, with more than 240,000 employees and contractors who are absolutely, positively focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. Through FedEx internal Purple Promise and Humanitarian Award programs, FedEx recognize and reward employees who enhance customer service and promote human welfare. 5. IMPROVED OPERATING PERFORMANCE As discussed previously, new strategic role for HRM is very significant for the organizations advancement. System thinking among the line and HR manger is the first step. The performance management and incentive compensation system must define desire employee behavior and reward those behaviors in meaningful way when goals are achieved. Almost 50% of all FedEx spending goes to employee pay and benefits. Many Special Awards to recognize employees performance: i) Bravo Zulu award for outstanding performance beyond normal job expectations. ii) Golden Falcon award for exceptional customer service. iii) Humanitarian Award recognition for human welfare above and beyond work or community standards. iv) Star/Superstar Award a lump sum merit based award for top performers. v) Five Star Awards the highest award for enhancing service, profitability and the spirit of teamwork. Deadly combination and powerful connection are terms to describe the effects of an organization policy of promotion from within on firm performance. But probably not be present in every firm or even most of firms. So the only way that the organization can hope to identify the HR system properly is to adopt system perspective, which means business priorities drive the development of the HRM system. 6. PROFITS AND GROWTH Base on the FedEx second quarters Fiscal 2005 financial report (six months ended November 2004), it shows that FedEx has adapted an effective and efficient HRM system, which has brought up the corporations profit and growth. This is evidential by the following financial analysis:- i) Revenue There is a 23% Revenue growth compare to the last 2nd quarter fiscal year 2004. The revenue has increased from US$11,607 billion to US$14,309 billions in this 2nd quarter fiscal year 2005. FedEx announced that they would expect to have Group Revenue of US$ 27 billions this fiscal year 2005, which is a 9.5% growth. ii) Salary Employee benefits Cost However, in term of Human Resources cost, we can see from the report that it is only an increase of 14%. Compare to 23% increase in revenue. The increase is justifiable. iii) Net Profit FedEx has shown a 212% increase in the Net Income this fiscal year compare with last 2nd quarter, from US$219 millions to US$684 millions, despite the roaring up of oil price, which is also one of the major operating cost, in this year. Their profit result is definitely considered outstanding. iv) Diluted Earning Per Share Obviously, with the high increase of the net income, the diluted earning per share is automatically increase by 210% compare to last 2nd quarter. It is definitely a kind of the positive effect of the HR- Stakeholders value relationship. v) Revenue generated per Employee Based on the US$27 billions Group Revenue generated by the total 250,000 number of employees in FedEx, we will be able to see that the revenue per employee generated is nearly US$108,000. Which is much higher than the world largest package delivery company UPS, who has an annual turnover of US$30 billions and 370,000 employees worldwide, and the revenue generated per employee is only US$81,081. The productivity is much better. This has shown the efficiency and effectiveness of the HRM system. 7. MARKET VALUE From the study of FedEx Corps HRM system, it is undoubtedly that its HRM has strategically adopted high performance work system that creates real shareholder value. Such system has strengthened FedEx HR to become a strategic core competency and have an economically significant effect on firm performance. This also generates the transformation from HRM to human capital management and hence becomes to be a competitive advantage. The consistent increased profits and growth as shown in the companys financial reports has also proved that FedEx HRM has created value and played an important role in the companys achievement and success. FedEx shareholder market value has increased continuously as shown clearly in its financial statements. However, companys HR market value has never been officially computed and shown in the financial statements. Based on the company productivity, FedExs each employee generates revenue of approximately US$108,000 quarterly, which is much higher than the world largest package delivery company UPS, whose per employee generates revenue of only about US$81,081 quarterly. 8. CONCLUSION For FedEx, timing is everything. Delivery on time is essential, and within FedEx, ensuring this performance every time, has meant the transition to systems that provide online, real-time connectivity, bringing improved business processes and increased productivity. With unrivalled logistics solutions, FedEx turned to its Human Resources function, to leverage its competitive advantage. In such a geographically diverse and disparate region, FedEx strives to manage its human capital by minimizing administrative burden and creating a culture of effective self-management. With employees spread across the Region, and in line with its organizations move to an Internet-centric company, FedEx was continuously looking for ways to empower its employees, and allow them to take control of some of their HR functions. Leveraging on PeopleSoft HRMS solution to effectively manage their human capital, it provided FedEx with the scalability and functionality they needed, to enable FedEx to move towards becoming a Real-Time Enterprise. FedEx employees were fully utilizing their self-service functions, and their HR staffs are now free to deliver a more strategic output to the business. They have increased the visibility of HR information to more effectively manage the enterprises most valuable resource human capital. APPENDIX A: BIBLIOGRAPHY Relevant Reference Sites: * www.fedex.com * www.fedex.com/us/investorrelations/2003annualreport/ * www.fedex.com/us/investorrelations/downloads/ * www.fool.com/portfolios/rulemaker/2001/rulemaker010502.htm * www.incomesdata.co.uk/studies/hrmansystems.htm * www.stevieawards.com/pubs/awards/70_1438_8395.cfm * www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb001/is_200309/ai_hibm1G1107999043 * healthproject.stanford.edu/koop/Federal%20Express/description.html * www.hoovers.com/fedex-corporation/ID__10552/free-co-factsheet.xhtml * online.wsj.com/ad/fedex/ * moneycentral.msn.com/investor/research/profile.asp?Symbol=fdx * www.humanresourcesmagazine.com.au/articles/19/0C029319.asp?Type=60Category=1162 * www.bizjournals.com/memphis/stories/2004/08/09/daily3.html * www.quality.nist.gov/FederalExpress_90.htm Evaluation of the Stakeholder Value Relationship Model Assignment BA361 Human Resource Management Page 2 of 12

Kertas kerja seminar menangani

Kertas kerja seminar menangani Pendahuluan Gejala sosial sudah menjadi semacam satu fenomena dalam dunia moden. Cendiakawan Barat sudah mula membezakan masalah sosial zaman kontemporari berbanding dengan zaman sebelumnya. Bahkan sudah ada kursus di universiti Barat yang bertajuk Contemporary Sosial Problems (Masalah Sosial Kontemporari). Ini menunjukkan bahawa terdapat semacam satu peralihan dan perubahan dalam masalah-masalah yang berkaitan dengan gejala sosial sama ada bentuknya, trend, punca dan implikasinya kepada sesebuah masyarakat dan negara. Gejala sosial pula menjadi semakin berkembang ruang lingkupnya. Gejala sosial menjadi semakin rencam dan pelbagai. Ia seperti duri dalam daging bagi masyarakat. Kita bersedih kerana ia banyak melibatkan generasi muda kita yang merupakan bakal pewaris kepimpinan negara. Rempuhan globalisasi negatif dan pengaruh modenisme memungkinkan masalah dan gejala sosial menjadi semakin kritikal ditambah dengan faktor sikap, pembudayaan budaya berhibur yang menggalakkan percampuran bebas yang keterlaluan, kurangnya penekanan kepada aspek keutuhan kecemerlangan sahsiah dan kerohanian, kekeliruan pemahaman dalam aspek nilai (aksiologi), kerendahan jatidiri, kurang semangat patriotisme, kurangnya langkah-langkah pencegahan, penguatkuasaan undang-undang dan peraturan yang masih longgar dan kurangnya kesedaran diri, pengabaian tanggungjawab keibubapaan serta pengaruh rakan adalah di antara faktor mengapa gejala sosial menjadi semakin mengancam. Definisi Gejala Sosial Gejala sosial ataupun masalah sosial (social problem) adalah satu aktiviti atau perlakuan (perbuatan) yang membabitkan perlakuan atau tindakan negatif yang menjejaskan kredibiliti dan maruah diri, keluarga, komuniti, masyarakat, agama dan masyarakat, bertentangan dengan norma dan nilai ketimuran masyarakat, bertentangan dengan ajaran agama dan undang-undang negara, merugikan masyarakat dan negara, serta menyimpang daripada keluhuran dan kedaulatan undang-undang, peraturan dan ajaran agama. Di Malaysia, gejala sosial atau masalah sosial bolehlah dianggap sebagai satu fenomena yang tidak berkesudahan seandainya tiada langkah-langkah tegas dan drastik yang diambil untuk mengatasinya. Ada perlakuan gejala sosial yang tidak disifatkan sebagai jenayah seperti melepak dan membuang masa. Contoh-contoh Gejala Sosial Yang Berkaitan Dengan Agama Islam Gejala atau masalah sosial yang berkaitan dengan tingkah laku sosial negatif dan menyimpang serta kesalahan keagamaan boleh dibahagikan kepada: berkaitan dengan tingkah laku negatif atau perlanggaran nilai Islam berkaitan dengan aqidah berkaitan dengan kemurnian agama atau institusi keagamaan berkaitan dengan ketatasusilaan Di antara gejala sosial ataupun jenayah (agama) yang berkaitan dengan aqidah ialah seperti melakukan perbuatan dengan apa cara sekalipun yang dikatakan berkaitan dengan ajaran Islam sedangkan ia bukanlah daripada ajaran Islam, pemujaan atau penyajian kepada selain daripada Allah s.w.t., mengaku sebagai bukan Islam, mengishtiharkan diri sebagai Nabi, Rasul, Wali ataupun Imam Mahdi, tidak percaya orang Islam sebagai orang Islam dan mengkafirkan orang Islam. Pengaruh gejala sosial ini boleh menjejaskan aqidah individu dan orang yang terpengaruh dengannya. Terdapat negeri yang membicarakan kes-kes di bawah Enakmen Jenayah Syariah[2] seperti berikut: baring diriba atau celah kangkang pasangan mencium atau berkucupan berpeluk atau berpelukan memasukkan tangan atau saling memasukkan ke dalam pakaian pasangan masing-masing Ini adalah satu langkah yang bijak bagi membendung budaya mendekati zina. Kesalahan-kesalahan yang berkaitan keluhuran agama Islam dan ajarannya, contohnya adalah seperti menghina agama Islam atau menyebabkan ia dihina, mempersendakan agama Islam, merosakkan masjid atau surau, menghina pihak berkuasa agama, menyebarkan pendapat yang bertentangan dengan fatwa, mengajar agama tanpa tauliah, menyebarkan dokumen yang bertentangan dengan syarak, berjudi, penggunaan yang berkaitan arak, tidak tunai solat Jumaat 3 kali berturut-turut tanpa sebab munasabah, enggan bayar zakat, sumbang mahram, aktiviti pelacuran, bertindak sebagai bapa ayam atau ibu ayam, persetubuhan luar nikah, persediaan persetubuhan luar nikah, persetubuhan sejenis, persetubuhan dengan binatang, khalwat, menyerupai lain jantina dalam pakaian. Perangkaan Jenayah dan Gejala Sosial di Malaysia Bagi tahun 1997 hingga 2003 di seluruh negara, telah tercatat statistik jenayah keganasan melibatkan rogol (sebanyak 9,878 kes), kecederaan kepada manusia (35,358 kes), samun bersenjata api (4124 kes), samun tanpa senjata api (73,031 kes), samun berkawan bersenjata api (7 kes), samun berkawan tanpa senjata api (10,948 kes), samun berkawan bersenjata api (453 kes), cubaan membunuh (407 kes) dan bunuh (3997 kes).[3] Jenayah harta benda bagi tahun 1997 hingga 2003 di seluruh negara pula mencatatkan curi motosikal (295,942 kes), curi kereta (46,979 kes), curi lori/van (25,990 kes), pecah rumah dan curi waktu malam (156,284 kes), pecah rumah dan curi waktu siang (55,902 kes) serta lain-lain jenis jenayah mencuri (307,974 kes). Kategori lain-lain jenayah mencuri daripada tahun 1997 hingga 1999 termasuk jenayah ragut.[4] Bermula tahun 2000 hingga tahun 2003 sahaja, jenayah ragut berjumlah 59,888 kes.[5] Pihak Polis Diraja Malaysia telah menyelesaikan sebanyak 360,360 kes yang melibatkan jenayah keganasan dan hartabenda (jenayah indeks) bermula daripada tahun 1997 hingga tahun 2003.[6] Pihak Polis patut diberikan pujian kerana berjaya menyelesaikan masalah jenayah ini. Walaupun demikian, perangkaan jenayah indeks cukup merisaukan kita. Apakah sebab-sebab berlakunya sedemikian banyak kejadian jenayah? Apakah masyarakat kita sudah lagi hilang nilai murni keagamaan yang mengawal diri dan perbuatan kita atau kurangnya kesedaran mengenai langkah-langkah pencegahan? Bagi jenayah bukan indeks, bermula tahun 1997 hingga bulan Ogos 2003 sebanyak 13, 588 kes pecah amanah jenayah telah berlaku, penipuan (27, 682 kes), pemalsuan (2,299 kes), wang palsu (661 kes), kad kredit (960 kes), jenayah siber (3,621 kes, bermula tahun 2000), hacking (penggodaman internet) (2 kes, bermula 2003), akta hakcipta (976 kes, bermula 2000), akta penapisan filem (4,968 kes, bermula tahun 2000), lain-lain agensi kerajaan (2,256 kes, bermula tahun 2000) dan lain-lain jenayah perdagangan (8959 kes).[7] Rampasan Narkotik Dadah (penyalahgunaan) adalah musuh nombor satu negara. Kes-kes narkotik yang melibatkan rampasan oleh pihak Polis Diraja Malaysia menunjukkan peningkatan keberjayaan dari segi statistik. Namun statistik yang akan dipaparkan menunjukkan peningkatan aktiviti pengedaran dadah dan narkotik. Ubat batuk mencatatkan rampasan kuantiti terbanyak manakala dadah berbentuk pil (berbiji) terbanyak ialah pil psikotropi. Bermula daripada tahun 1998 hingga bulan Mac 2004 sebanyak 184.54kg heroin base telah dirampas di bawah Akta Dadah Berbahaya 1952, heroin no. 3 (1321.18kg), heroin no. 4 (5kg), ganja (10,889.44kg), kokain (51.801kg), syabu (323.52kg), ectasy (734,805 biji), ectasy kg. (176.45 kg), ketamin (102.35kg), erimin 5 (1,165,043 biji), yaba (154,095 biji), black sesame (8500 biji), pil psikotropi (3,398,752 biji), ubat batuk (111,191.40 liter), morfin (0kg), candu mentah (233.97kg) dan candu masak (12,496kg).[8] Pil-pil mudah sorok seperti Erimin 5, Ectasy dan pil psikotropi cukup mudah diedarkan dan agak sukar dikesan oleh pihak berkuasa. Punca Gejala Sosial atau Masalah Sosial Dalam era globalisasi dan kepesatan teknologi maklumat, nilai-nilai Barat yang negatif dan bertentangan dengan Islam dengan senang dapat menular dan mempengaruhi umat Islam. Ditambah pula dengan lemahnya iman dan kekurangan kekuatan jatidiri, individu Islam dengan mudah akan terpikat dan terikut-ikut dengan godaan syaitan dan runtunan nafsu syahwat. Sikap yang memandang remeh kepada masalah besar seperti gejala sosial boleh mengundang padah. Budaya berhibur yang keterlaluan (entertainment culture) dan budaya hedonisme (berseronok) yang merupakan di antara faktor kejatuhan tamadun Greek boleh meruntuhkan tamadun Melayu Islam. Kita mesti berasa risau dengan gejala sosial, takut-takut Allah akan menghancur binasakan kesemua kita. Firman Allah s.w.t.: Yang bermaksud: Dan apabila sampai tempoh kami hendak membinasakan penduduk sesebuah negeri, kami perintahkan (lebih dahulu) orang-orang yang melampau dengan kemewahan antara mereka (supaya taat) lalu mereka menderhaka dan melakukan maksiat padanya, maka berhaklah negeri itu dibinasakan, lalu kami menghancurkannya sehancur-hancurnya.[9] Pelan bertindak dan strategi yang rapi serta tindakan yang berterusan perlu diambil dalam usaha untuk menangani fenomena gejala sosial di kalangan masyarakat. Kerajaan, pihak berwajib, pemimpin, masyarakat, guru dan pensyarah, ibu bapa dan setiap individu perlu memainkan peranan untuk menangani permasalahan ini. Ibu bapa yang tidak memantau dan mengambil berat perkembangan sosial anak-anak adalah di antara punca utama mengapa remaja kita mudah terjebak dalam gejala sosial.[10] Ibubapa yang terlalu mengikut kehendak anak-anak hingga dibiarkan bebas boleh menyebabkan anak berada di luar daripada kawalan dan bertindak di luar daripada batasan agama. Banyak gejala sosial yang berkait rapat dengan kurangnya pengawasan dan kawalan terhadap kehendak dan perbuatan anak-anak. Selepas ibubapa berusaha untuk kecemerlangan akademik dan sahsiah anak-anak, ibubapa perlulah berdoa dan bertawakkal serta berserah diri kepada Allah s.w.t.. Nabi Luth pernah berdoa untuk keluarganya. Firman Allah s.w.t.: Nabi Lut berdoa): Wahai Tuhanku, selamatkanlah daku dan keluarga serta pengikut-pengikutku dari apa yang dilakukan oleh golongan (yang jahat) itu. Maka kami selamatkan dia dan keluarganya serta pengikut-pengikutnya semua.[11] Persoalan sikap anak-anak kita banyak berpunca daripada didikan keagamaan dan kerohanian yang tidak seimbang di antara tuntutan duniawi dan ukhrawi. Salah faham terhadap konsep kebebasan di kalangan anak-anak dan ibu bapa banyak mempengaruhi faktor kepada meruncingnya gejala sosial. Konsep kebebasan Barat perlulah digantikan dengan konsep kebebasan Islam. Ibubapa yang sayang kepada anak-anaknya adalah mereka yang menjaga, mendidik, mengasuh dan memberi pendidikan yang sewajarnya kepada anak-anak. Firman Allah s.w.t.: (Limpah kurnia yang besar) itulah yang Allah gembirakan (dengannya): hamba-hambaNya yang beriman dan beramal soleh. Katakanlah (wahai Muhammad): Aku tidak meminta kepada kamu sebarang upah tentang ajaran Islam yang aku sampaikan itu, (yang aku minta) hanyalah kasih mesra (kamu terhadapku) disebabkan pertalian kerabat (yang menghubungkan daku dengan kamu supaya aku tidak disakiti). Dan sesiapa yang mengerjakan sesuatu perkara yang baik, Kami tambahi kebaikan baginya (dengan menggandakan pahala) kebaikannya itu. Sesungguhnya Allah Maha Pengampun, lagi sentiasa membalas dengan sebaik-baiknya (akan orang-orang yang bersyukur kepadaNya).[12] Ibu bapa dan anak-anak yang tidak memahami tanggungjawab masing-masing adalah juga faktor kepada kemunculan gejala sosial. Ibubapa dan anak-anak yang terlalu individualistik dan materialistik terlupa akan tanggungjawab dan amanah yang ditanggung oleh mereka. Ingatlah kepada firman Allah s.w.t.: Katakanlah (wahai Muhammad): Jika bapa-bapa kamu, dan anak-anak kamu, dan saudara-saudara kamu, dan isteri-isteri (atau suami-suami) kamu, dan kaum keluarga kamu, dan harta benda yang kamu usahakan, dan perniagaan yang kamu bimbang akan merosot, dan rumah-rumah tempat tinggal yang kamu sukai, (jika semuanya itu) menjadi perkara-perkara yang kamu cintai lebih daripada Allah dan RasulNya dan (daripada) berjihad untuk ugamaNya, maka tunggulah sehingga Allah mendatangkan keputusanNya (azab seksaNya); kerana Allah tidak akan memberi petunjuk kepada orang-orang yang fasik (derhaka).[13] Pendidikan keagamaan kepada anak-anak harus ditekankan pada peringkat awalan lagi dan dijalankan pemantauan ke atas tingkah laku dan akhlak anak-anak. Ibubapa mempunyai peranan besar dalam membendung gejala sosial di peringkat keluarga. Pendidikan aqidah adalah di antara perkara yang mesti diutamakan sepertimana nasihat Luqman Al-Hakim kepada anaknya. Firman Allah s.w.t.: Yang bermaksud: Ketikamana Luqman berkata kepada anaknya sambil berpesan, wahai anakku janganlah engkau mempersekutukan Allah (dengan sesuatu yang lain) kerana sesungguhnya perbuatan syirik itu merupakan kezaliman yang sangat besar. Dan Kami wajibkan manusia berbuat baik kepada ibubapanya; ibunya telah mengandungnya dengan kelemahan demi kelemahan (dari awal mengandung hingga akhir menyusukannya), dan tempoh menceraikan susunya ialah dalam masa dua tahun; (dengan yang demikian) bersyukurlah kepadaKu dan kepada kedua ibubapamu; dan (ingatlah), kepada Akulah jua tempat kembali (untuk menerima balasan).[14] Anak-anak mestilah diajar dan membiasakan diri bersembahyang kerana solat itu dapat mencegah daripada perbuatan keji dan mungkar. Sembahyang adalah tiang agama. Orang yang tidak bersembahyang meruntuhkan agama. Pokoknya sembahyang itu akan dapat mencegah seseorang daripada terlibat dengan gejala sosial. Jika telah bersembahyangpun masih lagi terlibat dengan gejala sosial, maka seseorang perlu bermuhasabah dan memperbaiki sembahyangnya. Firman Allah s.w.t.: yang bermaksud: Dan perintahkanlah keluargamu serta umatmu mengerjakan sembahyang, dan hendaklah engkau tekun bersabar menunaikannya. Kami tidak meminta rezeki kepadamu, (bahkan) Kamilah yang memberi rezeki kepadamu. Dan (ingatlah) kesudahan yang baik adalah bagi orang-orang yang bertaqwa.[15] Sabda Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.: Bermaksud: Serulah anak-anak kamu bersembahyang apabila mereka mencapai umur tujuh tahun dan pukullah mereka (dengan tujuan mendidik) apabila mereka mencecah umur sepuluh tahun.[16] Konflik, keretakan dan krisis rumahtangga boleh menyebabkan anak-anak menjadi mangsa. Keluarga yang tidak harmoni dan tidak berpegang teguh kepada agama boleh menjadi penyumbang kepada peningkatan kadar gejala sosial. Anak-anak yang tiada tempat mengadu dan bergantung akan bertindak sendiri dan mencari jalan keluar daripada sesuatu masalah dengan tidak menimbang-nimbang dengan sewajarnya. Perselisihan faham antara anak dengan ibu bapa ataupun sesama ibu dan bapa juga menyumbang kepada masalah gejala sosial kerana anak-anak akan lari daripada rumah dan mencari orang yang boleh diluahkan perasaan. Kadang-kadang anak-anak akan mencari jalan keluar yang mudah untuk menyelesaikan masalah dengan mengambil dadah, arak dan seumpamanya.[17] Perselisihan faham anak dengan ibubapa adalah antara sebab utama kenapa anak lari daripada rumah dan kemudiannya akan timbul masalah-masalah lain yang berkaitan. Keluarga yang selalu berlaku perselisihan faham akan mengundang masalah yang lebih kritikal. Ibu bapa yang selalu bergaduh di hadapan anak-anak akan memberikan contoh yang negatif kepada anak-anak.[18] Penolakan yang tidak berhikmah akan teman lelaki anak-anak adalah di antara faktor kenapa anak-anak perempuan lari daripada rumah dan seterusnya mengambil tindakan yang melulu. Adalah elok diperbincangkan di peringkat keluarga dari hati ke hati sekiranya anak-anak sudah mempunyai kemampuan, persediaan dan kehendak untuk berumahtangga. Proses globalisasi negatif telah merobah nilai dan budaya hidup umat Islam. Kebebasan yang keterlaluan yang diberikan kepada anak-anak muda kita telah disalahgunakan. Hiburan terlalu dipentingkan dan dibudayakan hingga hilangnya pengagungan terhadap budaya pembelajaran (learning culture) dan budaya ilmu (knowledge culture). Anak-anak muda sanggup mencari wang berpuluh ringgit untuk berhibur, akan tetapi berapa ramai yang sanggup menghabiskan wang untuk tujuan pengajian dan pembelajaran? Ada tanda-tanda kehendak masyarakat Islam kepada pendidikan Islam terutamanya peningkatan jumlah institusi pendidikan Islam. Ini adalah satu titik peralihan yang memberangsangkan. Alangkah baiknya seandainya ruh dan semangat daripada tarbiyyah dan tadib itu menyerap dalam diri remaja kita. Kekuatan jati diri dengan nilai-nilai murni keagamaan, keimanan dan ketaqwaan boleh menjadi benteng kepada para remaja dan masyarakat kita daripada terjebak daripada gejala-gejala yang tidak sihat. Konsep ihsan (Bahawa kamu menyembah Allah seolah-olah Allah melihat kamu, seandainya kamu tidak melihat Allah, akan tetapi Allah melihat kamu) adalah manifestasi daripada kekuatan jatidiri yang mampu menangkis ancaman gejala sosial. Kerapuhan dan keruntuhan institusi kekeluargaan banyak menyumbang kepada kejadian gejala sosial yang berlaku. Kurangnya pengetahuan tentang ilmu keibubapaan dan psikologi serta pengabaian tanggungjawab keibubapaan juga menyumbang kepada kemunculan gejala sosial. Hambatan dan tumpuan kepada materialistik hingga mengabaikan perhatian, kawalan, pemantauan dan pendidikan terhadap anak-anak kerap menyumbang kepada meningkatnya gejala sosial di kalangan remaja. Keretakan hubungan suami isteri dan kerenggangan ibu bapa dengan anak-anak juga turut menyumbang kepada peningkatan jumlah remaja yang terlibat dengan gejala-gejala negatif. Budaya Dekati Zina Allah s.w.t. telah mengetahui tentang perbuatan-perbuatan yang boleh menjurus ke arah berlakunya zina. Sebab itu Allah s.w.t. mengharamkan budaya dekati zina. Firman Allah s.w.t.: Dan janganlah kamu menghampiri zina, sesungguhnya zina itu adalah satu perbuatan yang keji dan satu jalan yang jahat (yang membawa kerosakan).[19] Hukuman terhadap zina walaupun kelihatan berat, sebenarnya ia banyak mengandungi unsur pencegahan dan pengajaran untuk yang terlibat dan kesemua anggota masyarakat. Firman Allah s.w.t.: Perempuan yang berzina dan lelaki yang berzina, hendaklah kamu sebat tiap-tiap seorang dari keduanya seratus kali sebat; dan janganlah kamu dipengaruhi oleh perasaan belas kasihan terhadap keduanya dalam menjalankan hukum ugama Allah, jika benar kamu beriman kepada Allah dan hari akhirat; dan hendaklah disaksikan hukuman seksa yang dikenakan kepada mereka itu oleh sekumpulan dari orang-orang yang beriman.[20] Mengatasi dan Menangani Gejala Sosial: Tanggungjawab Bersama Pembenterasan gejala sosial adalah tanggungjawab semua pihak dan bukan sahaja kerajaan. Komitmen semua pihak diperlukan bagi mengwujudkan satu tindakan bersepadu sesama agensi-agensi kerajaan dan masyarakat keseluruhannya. Janganlah ada sikap memandang ringan mengenai perkara ini. Gejala sosial ibarat penyakit, setiap penyakit ada penawarnya. Rasulullah s.a.w telah bersabda yang bermaksud: Bahawa Allah telah menurunkan penyakit dan ubat dan dijadikan kepada setiap penyakit ada ubatnya, berubatlah tetapi jangan berubat dengan benda-benda yang haram. (Riwayat Abu Daud) Pengenalpastian Masalah Dan Penubuhan Jawatankuasa Task Force Mengenalpasti masalah merupakan asas dalam penyelesaian masalah. Perlu diadakan satu kajian mendalam mengenai gejala sosial, punca-punca dan implikasi yang timbul daripadanya terhadap agama, bangsa dan negara. Satu jawatankuasa ad-hoc boleh ditubuhkan untuk memulakan dan menggerakkan usaha murni ini. Kajian ini boleh mengumpulkan maklumat yang sedia ada di Institusi Pengajian Tinggi Awam, Polis Diraja Malaysia, Jabatan Agama, kementerian ataupun agensi-agensi kerajaan. Kombinasi ini memungkinkan satu Pelan Tindakan yang komprehensif bagi menangani gejala dan masalah sosial. Dengan adanya data dan statistik, pengenalpastian masalah akan dapat menjejaki akar umbi masalah dan penyelesaian masalah dapat dilakukan segera. Dicadangkan agar ditubuhkan satu jawatankuasa task force daripada gabungan pelbagai agensi, kementerian, badan berkanun, NGO dan ahli akademik untuk tindakan pembenterasan yang lebih bersepadu dan komprehensif. Kadang-kadang tiada keseragaman dan pengelolaan yang jitu dalam menangani isu gejala sosial. Program Khidmat Negara dan Sukarelawan Al-Falah YADIM boleh dijadikan sebagai wadah untuk menampilkan juga pembentukan dan kemantapan sahsiah, emosi, mental dan fizikal agar seimbang dengan tuntutan rohani, agama dan jasmani di samping menanam sikap dan semangat patriotisme, nasionalisme dan jatidiri. Signifikan Pendidikan Strategi pendidikan secara dasarnya boleh menjadi asas untuk pembentukan akhlak generasi kita dan menyediakan suatu foundasi untuk pembentukan generasi beriman dan bertaqwa. Perlu dinilai semula kurikulum pendidikan Islam daripada peringkat rendah ke menengah dan tinggi dengan memasukkan elemen penyedaran mengenai masalah sosial yang menggugat agama, bangsa dan negara. Pembinaan kekuatan emosi, psikologi, keagamaan dan jati diri yang utuh mampu menjadi benteng daripada terjebak ke dalam kancah gejala sosial. Pengharmonian Persekitaran Sejauh mana dan selama mana seseorang Muslim dapat bertahan seandainya persekitaran itu sendiri semacam mengundang atau mempengaruhi seseorang individu itu untuk melakukan tindakan salah laku ataupun jenayah? Persekitaran yang kondusif dan bebas daripada ancaman gejala sosial dan maksiat perlu dibanteras selari dengan usaha pemantapan aqidah, iman dan taqwa. Jika tidak, usaha kita menangani gejala sosial ibarat orang yang menebas lalang, akan tetapi akar umbinya dibiarkan sahaja tumbuh dalam tanah. Akibatnya, lalang yang ditebas akan tumbuh semula seminggu kemudiannya. Maka perlulah diwujudkan persekitaran yang kondusif dan sifar-maksiat. Ibubapa Pembentuk Sahsiah dan Peribadi Anak-anak Ibubapa yang sebenarnya harus memainkan peranan awal dan memantau pendidikan anak-anak. Dalam Islam, anak-anak itu dilahirkan dalam keadaan suci bersih atas dasar fitrahnya. Penentuan dan hala tuju pegangan aqidah dan keberagamaan anak-anak itu ditentukan oleh hasil pendidikan yang diberikan oleh ibu bapa. Proses pendidikan pula bermula di rumah. Ibubapalah yang paling bertanggungjawab untuk membesarkan anak dengan tradisi keislaman di samping kecemerlangan akademik dan spirituil. Pengukuhan Agensi Penguatkuasaan dan Penggubalan Undang-undang Pelaksana dan penguatkuasaan undang-undang harus diteliti dan dipermantapkan semula. Agensi-agensi yang terlibat dengan aspek pelaksanaan, penguatkuasaan dan pemantauan harus memainkan peranan yang proaktif dan berterusan. Tindakan penguatkuasaan yang bermusim atau mengikut kemunculan isu tidak dapat memberi kesan yang positif yang berpanjangan. Apa yang perlu ialah tindakan pencegahan dan penguatkuasaan yang berterusan dan jangkaan masalah dan gejala sosial yang akan muncul bersama plan strategik jangka masa pendek dan jangka masa panjang. Untuk itu, penambahan anggota, latihan, kepakaran dan motivasi perlulah juga dititikberatkan. Unsur undang-undang yang bukan sahaja bersifat menghukum tetapi juga mencegah, mendidik dan memberi pengajaran kepada yang lain haruslah dipraktikkan. Penggubal undang-undang perlulah peka dengan kompleksiti dan isu gejala sosial yang berkembang dengan zaman. Undang-undang perlu diperketatkan dari masa ke semasa untuk mengelakkan sesuatu undang-undang itu dianggap tidak lagi mampu menangani atau mencegah masalah. Pengharaman pusat-pusat dan arked-arked permainan video adalah langkah menggalakkan dan proaktif oleh pihak kerajaan. Adalah diharapkan pusat atau kafe siber tidak lagi menempatkan computer yang boleh melibatkan permainan-permainan komputer (computer games) yang berunsur ganas, kejam dan lucah. Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan seperti Majlis Bandaran boleh memainkan peranan yang lebih proaktif dalam soal ini. Usaha yang lebih keras diperlukan demi untuk membasmi pelacuran. Kegiatan pelacuran yang bertopengkan peranan GRO (Guest Relationship Officer, Pegawai Perhubungan Pelanggan) di pusat-pusat hiburan (contohnya pusat karaoke) perlulah dibenteras segera. Rumah-rumah tumpangan dan hotel yang membenarkan pasangan yang bukan mahram mendudukinya perlulah dipantau dan diambil tindakan. Pusat-pusat hiburan yang membenarkan aktiviti dan budaya dekati zina, kebenaran remaja bawah umur memasukinya, penyediaan alkohol, dan dibuka melebihi waktu sebenar yang dibenarkan perlulah disita. Kerjasama pihak berkuasa air dan Tenaga Nasional serta polis dan Majlis Bandaran diperlukan untuk tujuan penyitaan. Potong sahaja bekalan air dan elektrik sekiranya mereka masih engkar perintah selepas diberikan amaran keras. Di pusat-pusat hiburan juga kebiasaannya kegiatan pengambilan pil narkotik berleluasa dan gejala gengsterismeserta kongsi gelap bermaharajalela. Penguatkuasaan undang-undang yang lebih tegas perlu diberikan kepada langkah-langkah pencegahan dan penyedaran. Penguatkuasaan dan pencegahan perlu diberikan dengan serius. Pihak penguatkuasaan Majlis Bandaran dan Jabatan Agama dan lain-lain agensi boleh diberi kuasa yang lebih. Usaha yang dijalankan dalam pembenterasan gejala sosial perlulah berterusan, kerap dan berkeseimbangan. Serbuan ke pusat hiburan, karaoke dan disko serta tempat tumbuh dan berkembangnya gejala sosial dan budaya dekati zina perlu lebih kerap dilakukan. Majlis Fatwa Kebangsaan telahpun mengisytiharkan aktiviti perjudian melalui SMS adalah haram disisi agama Islam kerana unsur penipuan. Maka segala aktiviti judi mengandungi unsur penipuan, maka ia tidak patut dibenarkan. Perlu ada tindakan tegas terhadap budaya pergaulan bebas, melepak dan membuang masa. Pergaulan bebas tanpa kawalan akan mudah terdorong kepada budaya dekati zina. Justeru, ibubapa boleh memainkan peranan memantau hubungan sosial anak-anak terutamanya pada peringkat remaja. Anak-anak kita juga perlukan perubahan sikap dan mentaliti. Janganlah terlalu terikut-ikut dengan cara pergaulan rakan-rakan yang menyimpang daripada kehendak agama. Majlis-majlis perbandaran dan agensi yang berkaitan boleh diberikan kuasa yang lebih untuk menangkap, menyaman dan memberikan khidmat penasihatan, bimbingan dan kaunseling kepada mereka yang terlibat dalam soal berpacaran atau berdua-duaan tanpa mahram. Terdapat Enakmen Jenayah Syariah Negeri yang memberi kuasa kepada pegawai penguatkuasa untuk memberikan surat amaran serta mengarahkan menghadiri kaunseling di pejabat-pejabat agama bagi pasangan-pasangan yang terlibat dalam salah laku-salah laku agama seperti duduk merangkul pasangan, duduk celah riba pasangan atau berjalan sambil merangkul pasangan yang bukan mahram. Terdapat juga Enakmen Jenayah Syariah Negeri (Selangor) yang memberi kuasa kepada pegawai penguatkuasa untuk manasihati dan mengarahkan pasangan yang bukan mahram beredar seperti kesalahan berjalan dengan tangan berada di bahu pasangan, saling suap menyuap, berpegangan tangan sambil duduk rapat-rapat, bergurau senda sehingga berlakunya sentuhan, duduk rapat-rapat dan berjalan berpegangan tangan. Peruntukan undang-undang sebegini adalah baik untuk mencegah budaya berpacaran dan budaya dekati zina dan sepatutnya diperluaskan di setiap negeri bersekali dengan penguatkuasaan yang berterusan dan intensif. Harus diingat penguatkuasaan ini bukan tertentu pada waktu malam sahaja bahkan waktu siang juga. Usaha pencegahan yang berunsur pendidikan perlu disebarkan melalui berbagai medium, media massa dan media eletronik. Strategi Pembangunan Manusia dan Fizikal Pemantapan aqidah dan akhlak perlu diberikan perhatian serius. Di samping itu kecemerlangan akademik anak-anak tidak diabaikan. Aktiviti rekreasi, masa senggang dan ko-kurikulum perlu diberikan perhatian oleh para remaja dan ibubapa. Kerajaan perlu mengwujudkan lebih banyak kemudahan sukan dan aktiviti waktu senggang untuk masyarakat untuk mengalihkan perhatian anggota muda masyarakat kepada aktiviti masa lapang yang bermanafaat dan berfaedah. Anak-anak perlu diajar dan selalu diperingatkan menunaikan titah perintah Allah s.w.t. dan meninggalkan laranganNya. Kita perlu melahirkan generasi yang takutkan Allah ketika bersendirian dan ketika berasa di khalayak ramai. Rasulullah s.a.w bersabda, maksudnya: Tiga perkara yang menyelamatkan , iaitu takut pada Allah ketika bersendirian dan di khalayak ramai, berlaku adil pada ketika suka dan marah, berjimat cermat ketika susah dan senang, dan tiga perkara yang membinasakan iaitu mengikut hawa nafsu, terlampau bakhil dan kagum seseorang dengan dirinya sendiri. Pihak berwajib perlu melihat keseimbangan kemajuan dan pembangunan insan dalam aspek-aspek pembangunan rohani, jasmani, emosi, fizikal, mental dan spirituil. Pemahaman Konsep Sebaik-baik Ummah Dan al-Amr bi al-Maruf wa al-Nahy an al-Munkar (Menyuruh Berbuat Kebaikan dan Mencegah Kemungkaran) Kesedaran dan praktik ini perlu ada pada setiap individu, anggota masyarakat dan juga pihak berkuasa. Masyarakat haruslah mempunyai sensitiviti dan kepekaan terhadap hal ehwal yang berlaku di sekeliling mereka. Sensitiviti dan kepekaan ini dijelmakan pula dalam diri sendiri, rumah tangga dan keluarga. Elakkan sikap mementingkan diri sendiri. Konsep ini merupakan payung kepada tindakan, perbuatan dan perlakuan individu. Firman Allah s.w.t.: Yang bermaksud: Kamu (wahai umat Muhammad) adalah sebaik-baik umat yang dilahirkan bagi (faedah) umat manusia, (kerana) kamu menyuruh berbuat segala perkara yang baik dan melarang daripada segala perkara yang salah (buruk dan keji), serta kamu pula beriman kepada Allah (dengan sebenar-benar iman).[21] Kesedaran dan Tanggungjawab Masyarakat Untuk melakukan usaha pencegahan dan pembenterasan gejala sosial, peranan yang dimainkan oleh ketua dan kelompok masyarakat adalah di antara perkara utama. Semangat bekerjasama dan tolong menolong (esprit de corp) antara sesama ahli komuniti patut diwujudkan dalam usaha menegakkan kebenaran dan ketaqwaan serta mencegah kemungkaran. Rasa, sikap, tindakan dan semangat bertanggung jawab bersama harus dipupuk untuk mengwujudkan suasana sifar-maksiat (sekiranya memungkinkan) sama ada di peringkat kampung, taman perumahan, daerah, wilayah dan sebagainya. Usaha ini boleh digerakkan dengan kerjasama agensi-agensi kerajaan dan penguatkuasaan, ibu bapa, guru, individu, masyarakat dan sebagainya. Sabda Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.: Yang bermaksud: Seseorang mukmin bagi mukmin yang lain ibarat sebuah binaan, saling sokong menyokong di antara satu sama lain dan Rasulallah s.a.w. mengisyaratkan dengan menyilangkan antara jari jemari baginda.[22] Tindakan menangani gejala sosial mestilah disegerakan dengan kapasiti dan kemampuan yang ada. Agensi-agensi kerajaan dan semua pihak boleh berpadu tenaga bekerjasama (cross-departmental cooperation) membenteras masalah ini. Kerajaan, agensi-agensi pelaksanaan dan penguatkuasaan undang-undang, pihak berwajib, guru dan pensyarah, pakar dalam bidang berkaitan dan penyelidik, ketua masyarakat dan masyarakat serta ibu bapa, masing-masing mempunyai peranan yang tersendiri. Pusat Pembangunan dan Kemajuan Sosial Masjid-masjid boleh dijadikan sebagai tempat untuk membendung gejala sosial. Khutbah Jumaat adalah wadah yang baik untuk menyampaikan mesej pencegahan gejala sosial. Kempen-kempen mengenai kesedaran gejala sosial boleh diketengahkan sama ada melalui masjid, jawatankuasa taman perumahan, Jawatan Kuasa Keselamatan dan Kemajuan Kampong dan seumpamanya. Imam, Bilal, Nazir, AJK masjid, AJK JKKK, ketua kampong dan lain-lain boleh memainkan peranan proaktif untuk mengatasi masalah gejala sosial. Perangkaan gejala sosial boleh dikumpulkan di peringkat bawah untuk mengetahui jumlah sebenar sebelum langkah-langkah seterusnya diambil. Maka dicadangkan agar diwujudkan pusat-pusat pembangunan dan kemajuan sosial di ma

Bone Diseases :: essays research papers fc

Bone diseases most directly influence the ability to walk or to move any part of the body--hands, limbs, neck, and spine. They are related to joint disorders--ARTHRITIS, COLLAGEN DISEASE, DISLOCATION of joints, and RHEUMATISM. The medical specialty pertaining to bone disorders is ORTHOPEDICS. Fractures are the most common bone disorders. They can occur as the result of an accident or be secondary to metabolic diseases. Fractures are life-threatening to aged people having the metabolic bone disease OSTEOPOROSIS, in which bones become porous and brittle. A person, mostly women, having osteoporosis may break a hip during a fall and possibly die from complications. Birth Defects Congenital bone diseases constitute a wide spectrum, ranging from the unimportant--for instance, mild bow legs--to severe lesions, such as spina bifida, in which the lower end of the spine fails to develop properly and the baby is born with paralysis and misshapen vertebrae. Congenital diseases may have hormonal bases: for example, fibrous DYSPLASIA, in which fibrous tissue replaces that of some bones, often results in bone deformity; in addition, some girls with this disease physically mature so early that they are capable of pregnancy and childbirth at the age of seven. Congenital defects also may have genetic bases, as in families who have extra fingers or toes or in the disease osteogenesis imperfecta, in which children have such brittle bones that many are fractured. Disorders of growth and development include several kinds of dwarfism and gigantism. Bones or limbs may develop deformity as the result of known causes, such as the infection poliomyelitis, or unknown or variable causes, such as curvature of the spine (SCOLIOSIS) or CLUBFOOT. Infections Infections of bone, called osteomyelitis, are usually caused by pus-producing bacteria, especially Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Before the development of antibiotics, children frequently contracted this disease. Today bone infections are introduced primarily through fractures and during surgical operations. People infected with syphilis, tuberculosis, leprosy, or yaws are susceptible to bone damage. Metabolic Disorders Metabolic abnormalities often involve defects in the storage of minerals, particularly calcium and phosphate ions, in the skeleton. Diseases of the kidney can cause a metabolic imbalance of phosphate and calcium so that weakening of the bone occurs. Other metabolic bone diseases are osteoporosis, gout, OSTEOARTHRITIS, and PAGET'S DISEASE. Nutritional Disorders Nutritional deficiencies that result in bone damage include RICKETS in children and osteomalacia in adults, caused by a lack of vitamin D. In children, calcium and phosphate are poorly distributed on bones during development, resulting especially in deformity of the legs and arms. In adults, bones of the spine, pelvis, and legs become demineralized and the bones weaken. SCURVY--caused by a lack of vitamin C--also affects bone tissues. A study in the late 1980s indicated that the mineral boron is nutritionally important, as well. Apparently, it reduces loss of the bone minerals

An Analysis of Gender and Performance Essay

The most important issue that was tackled in the Good Body of Eve Ensler was society’s definition of an ideal woman figure. The image of a perfect woman, as depicted by the prevalent norms, in the society should be explored because this issue largely affects how women are treated. To some extent, such subject also affects the overall importance of women based on the societal roles they assume. To be specific, the play touched on the concepts of fatness, sexiness, beauty, perfection, and femininity. As shown in the story, beauty was confined to the image of models and Hollywood stars shown in magazines and posters. An ideal woman is a woman possessing a sexy body – particularly a flat stomach. The world of the perfect feminine creature was inclusive to women who are sexy or slim. Anyone who did not possess such characteristic was dismissed as a bad, dirty, or foul creature. Moreover, fat girls suffered from discrimination, intolerance, and sometimes, even violence. Some people even regard them as less of a woman – as if the fat girls belonged to an entirely different gender on their own. Their physical appearance was the basis of their social roles, rights, privileges, and opportunities. In â€Å"the Good Body†, gender was shown as a societal concept which is defined on the basis of the prevalent ideas in the society. Being in a certain gender equates to the â€Å"responsibility† of possessing the gender qualities or rather – the â€Å"gender requirements†. In the case of being a woman, one should possess beauty and sexiness in order to be labeled as â€Å"feminine†. What’s worse about this concept of gender and femininity is the fact that women themselves are willing participants of prejudice in the society. While men prompt women to adhere to the society’s gender requirements, women also force themselves to fit the definitions of beauty and perfection. Women who are suffering from the unfair treatments posed by being fat sometimes thought that they really deserved the discrimination and violence. Most of these victims even hated themselves for being what they are instead of accepting their entirety and loving their body. As a result, their response to discriminations was not of defense – it is a passive acceptance of what was supposedly wrong. Instead of fighting for what they have, most women fought for what they wanted to have. Women who wanted to fit in a society that was molded by commercialism starved themselves through various slimming regimens. Through the various cosmetic surgeries available these days, many women subject themselves to mutilation. What’s surprising is that this concept of femininity, beauty, and perfection is observed now, at a time when people thought that many societies are practicing equality for all genders – even lesbians, gays, and transsexuals. In this contemporary setting when almost everyone thinks that women enjoy the same rights and privileges as men, many girls unknowingly submit themselves to inequality. As shown in the performance, women were defined and treated according to how they look and how well they fit into the society’s popular idea of an ideal woman. It seems that gender was now a tool for inequality and majority of the world’s population cannot recognize this discrimination propelled by commercialism.

Public Distribution System in India Essays

Public Distribution System in India Essays Public Distribution System in India Paper Public Distribution System in India Paper Public Distribution System is one of the important elements of Governments Foods Security System. Through PDS goverment facilitates the supply of food grains to the poor at subsidized rates. PDS involves management of supply of essential commodities at affordable prices to the identified beneficuaries. It also works as instrument for moderating the open market prices of food. Food security at each level of individual is the first requirement for a healthy and productive life.  The concept of PDS in India appeared during 1942 for the 1st time as a result of shortage of food grains during the 2nd world war. Consequently government started intervention in the release of food . rationing in India was started in 1939 in bombay by British government as a measure to ensure equitable distribution of food grains to the urban consumers in the face of rising prices. Due to rising inflationary pressure in the economy government had to reintroduced rationing in 1950. India retained public distribution system of food grains as a focused social policy in 1951. in the First Five Year Plan, the scope of PDS was broadened to cover all such areas which suffered from stable food shortages. However food production dropped in the year 1958 when the 2nd plan had just commenced. This factor forced the government to restart procuremetn of food grains and cereals and control on trading of food grains. Indias Food Security System with a network of 4. 8 lakhs fair price shops is the largest retail system of its type in the world. Since 1951 PDS is deliberate social policy with the objectives of : (i) Providing food grains and other essential items to vulnerable sections of the society at reasonable (subsidized) prices (ii) To put an indirect check on the open market prices of various items and (iii) To attempt socialization in the matter of distribution of essential commodities.   The history of PDS in India can be divided into four phases . The first phase was from its origin to 1960, a period when the system was extended to other cities. During this phase distribution of food was usually dependent on imports of food grain. The second phase from 1960 to 1978 introduced many organisational changes. Specially in response to the food crisis of the mid-1960, the goverment of India took a hoilstic approach to food security, procurement and storage. The third phase, from 1978 to 1991 was marked by large growth of PDS, supported by domestic procurement and storage. The fourth phase , from 1991 to present, is one in which policy of universal PDS has been replaced by a targeted policy in line with the objectives of liberlization. Thus, over the entire period, the PDS grew from a rationing scheme in selected cities to a national universal programme of food distribution and then to a policy targeted at the income-poor. The policy purpose is to produce available storage ability necessary for (i) buffer and ready stock of food grains to supply to the Public Distribution System and (ii) the public sector which are engaged in building large scale storage/ warehousing capacity, namely, Food Corporation of India (FCI), Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) and 17 State Warehousing Corporations (SWCs). While the ability accessible with FCI is used mainly for storage of food grains, but CWC and SWCs is used for storage of food grains and also other notified commodities. The Warehousing (Development and Regulation) Act 2007 was enacted and notified in September 2007. dependence on the capacity under Cover and Plinth (CAP). There are three agencies in General Warehousing. The Act ensures that the farmers are able to keep their goods in certified warehouses and se warehouses receipt as a negotiable instrument. With the full execution of this Act, farmers would find it easy to take loans from commercial banks against negotiable warehouse receipts and not resort to distress sales to take care of their urgent cash needs. The Act has since been given effect to in September, 2010. A regulatory Authority namely Warehousing Development Regulatory Authority (WDRA) has been set up on 26. 10. 2010 under the Act to register and regulate warehouses issuing negotiable warehouse receipts and to implement other Provision of the Act. Food Procurement Policy Public Distribution System in India The stockpile of food grains available with the government agencies as on 1 July 2002 was 63. 01 million tonnes (mt) - ( 21. 94 mt of rice and 41. 07 mt of wheat). This was well above the prescribed buffer stock norms. While the changing demand patterns is one reason for the buildup of surplus food grains, another factor is the propensity of consecutive governments to fix minimum support prices (MSP) for paddy and wheat in excess of the levels prescribed by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices Transportation and Storage: Transportation and storage from procurement centre to the regional depots is the responsibility of FCI. Transportation is generally arranged through private contractors. Lifting of grains from the regional depots to the issue centre is mainly the responsibility of the civil supplies corporation of the state government. From the issue centre to FPSs it is the responsibility of FPSs, except in state of Andhra Pradesh where the state government provides transportations . Proper storage of such large stocks is an important aspect of Public Distribution System (PDS). The main goal is to keep the cost down and to prevent deterioration in stocks. The various agencies are engaged in this process. But there is chances of corruption during the transportation as a case came into existence in Ambala district of Haryana state . A truck having 200 KT. heat as a part of AAY scheme under PDS was taking it in the open market to be sold was captured by the police. Hence there is possibility of corruption in PDS, if the transportation system is hired from private agencies. Goals of PDS The goal of PDS does not restrict itself with the distribution of rationed articles. Making available adequate quantities of essential articles at all times, in places accessible to all, at prices affordable to all and protection of th e weaker section of the population from the vicious spiral of rising prices is the broad spectrum of PDS. More specifically, the goals of PDS are: Make goods available to consumers, especially the disadvantaged / vulnerable sections of society at fair prices; Rectify the existing imbalances between the supply and demand for consumer goods; Check and prevent hoarding and black marketing in essential commodities; Ensure social justice in distribution of basic necessities of life; Even out fluctuations in prices and availability of mass consumption goods; and Support poverty-alleviation programmes, particularly, rural employment programmes, (SGRY/SGSY/IRDP/ Mid day meals, ICDS, DWCRA, SHGs and Food for Work and educational (feeding programmes). Problems: The problems of Public Distribution System have not been uniform in the country. In some states the administration is weak and corrupt. In these states deficiencies regarding huge shortage of stocks, fake supply entries in ration cards, diversion of commodities for sale to open market and bogus ration cards are noted. PDS suffers from irregular and poor quality of food grain made available through Fair Price Shops (FPS). The position in rural areas in this respect is much worse Public Distribution System in India than urban areas . The PDS in rural areas has not been given much attention. Most of the FPSs are economically non- viable which is The main reason for this low rate of commission. The storage facilities in India are not sufficient to cope with the problems. There is also a possibility of corruption at local level. The procurement system in India is not uniform. The distribution system of essential commodities is so meager that it can hardly suffice the need of a family. And even for this the consumers have to make repeated visits to the ration shops in their respective areas. Most of the times they come back empty handed with assurance that ration would be made available to them in the next week. The Challenges There are many systemic challenges that plague the PDS system today and the key ones are described below: 1. PDS Leakages The TPDS currently suffers from a number of issues that make it difficult for it to meet its objective of ensuring that the allotted quota of specified food articles reaches the intended underprivileged/needy segments of society: A large number of families living below the poverty line have not been enrolled and therefore do not have access to ration cards A number of bogus ration cards which do not correspond to real families, exist in the BPL AAY categories. Food drawn on the basis of these bogus cards is a significant leakage from the system, as it does not reach the intended beneficiaries. Additionally, these extra cards inflate the number of BPL and AAY cards in circulation and further reduce the amount of food available to every rightful beneficiary family. A number of instances where benefits are being availed in the names of rightfully entitled families without their knowledge. This shadow ownership is possible due to inefficiencies in ration card issuance and distribution Errors in categorization of families that lead to BPL families getting APL cards and vice versa. A significant portion of benefits provided to the APL category under the TPDS, are not availed by the intended beneficiaries and are instead diverted out of the system. In summary, targeting is not serving its real purpose, as the beneficiaries do not get food grains in accordance with their entitlements. Scale and Quality of Issue – The scale of issue and the quality of food grains delivered to the beneficiary is rarely in conformity with the policy. Many FPS are open only for a few days in a month and beneficiaries who do not visit the FPS on these days are denied their right. The FPS also use multiple excuses to both charge higher rates and deliver reduced quantity of food grains. There are also significant differences in the manner in which the Centre and States arrive at the number of BPL families. This mismatch usually means lower allotments for each family as states arrive at higher numbers of BPL families. As this problem may not go away even after reduction of duplicates, a standard way of doing this must be arrived at for each state to resolve this issue. System Transparency and Accountability –The most serious flaw plaguing the system at present is the lack of transparency and accountability in its functioning. The system lacks transparency and accountability at all levels making monitoring the system extremely difficult. Public Distribution System in India Grievance Redressal Mechanisms – There are numerous entities like Vigilance Committee, Anti-Hoarding Cells constituted to ensure smooth functioning of the PDS system. Their impact is virtually non-existent on the ground and as a result, malpractices abound to the great discomfiture of the common man. Apart from the challenges described, transportation of food grains and appointment of dealers of Fair Price Shops have also become difficult issues. Viability of the FPS is already a major concern and this would get amplified once PDS leakages are brought under control.

E-COMMERCE AND THE FUTURE OF MODERN BUSINESS essays

E-COMMERCE AND THE FUTURE OF MODERN BUSINESS essays The internet has been the revolutionary technology of the new millennium, empowering consumers and businesses alike with blessings of connectivity (Kotler With the rapid increase and development of technology, information systems are no longer a novelty. They have become an ordinary component of our everyday life, varying from private every day use (such as emailing friends, chatting on MSN, etc) to corporate use, by facilitating business processes and transactions. In the modern days, an office is practically inexistent without the use of some kind of information systems. The old office, where people used only pens, paper, calculators and envelopes is quickly ceasing to exist in that particular form. Today we are moving into an era of intangible business processes, where business communication and transactions can be conducted anywhere, anytime, and with a simple mouse click . E-Commerce is currently changing the way business is conducted with very few organizations debating whether or not to participate in it. This essay will focus on the rise and importance of e-commerce, in order to illustrate that electronic commerce is the behind any successful modern business. The phenomenal growth of the Internet has lead to the emergence of a great number of new technologies. One of the most important ones is the ability to conduct business over the Internet. E-Commerce is often described as the buying and selling of information, products and services with the assistance of computer technology and the Internet (Rahman Traditional e-commerce was centred around electronic data interchange (EDI), a sharing and transferri...

10 Cool Facts About Lithium

10 Cool Facts About Lithium Here are some facts about lithium, which is element atomic number 3 on the periodic table. Lithium is the third element in the periodic table, with 3 protons and the element symbol Li.  It has an atomic mass of 6.941.  Natural lithium is a mixture of two stable isotopes (Lithium-6 and Lithium-7).  Lithium-7 accounts for over 92% of the natural abundance of the element.Lithium is an alkali metal.  It is silver-white in pure form and so soft it can be cut with a butter knife.  It has one of the lowest melting points and a high boiling point for a metal.Lithium metal burns white, though it imparts a crimson color to a flame.  This is the characteristic that led to its discovery as an element.  In the 1790s, it was known that the mineral petalite  (LiAISi4O10)  burned crimson in a fire. By 1817, the Swedish chemist  Johan August Arfvedson had determined the mineral contained an unknown element responsible for the colored flame. Arfvedson named the element, although he was unable to purify it as a pure metal. It wasnt until 1855 that British chemist  Augus tus Matthiessen and German chemist Robert Bunsen finally managed to purify lithium from lithium chloride. Lithium does not occur free in nature, though it is found in nearly all igneous rocks and in mineral springs.  It was one of three elements produced by the Big Bang, along with hydrogen and helium. However, the pure element is so reactive its only found naturally bonded to other elements to form compounds.  The natural abundance of the element in the Earths crust is about 0.0007%. One of the mysteries surrounding lithium is that the amount of lithium believed to have been produced by the Big Bang is about three times higher than what scientists see in the oldest stars.  In the Solar System, lithium is much less common than 25 of the first 32 chemical elements, probably because the atomic nucleus of lithium is practically unstable, with two stable isotopes possessing extremely low binding energies per nucleon.Pure lithium metal is extremely corrosive and requires special handling.  Because it reacts with air and water, the metal is stored under oil or enclosed in an inert atmo sphere. When lithium catches fire, the reaction with oxygen makes it difficult to extinguish the flames. Lithium is the lightest metal  and the least dense solid element, with a density about half that of water. In other words, if lithium did not react with water (which it does, somewhat vigorously), it would float.Among other uses, lithium is used in medicine, as a heat transfer agent, for making alloys, and for batteries. Although lithium compounds are known to stabilize mood, scientists still dont know the exact mechanism for the effect on the nervous system. What is known is that reduces activity of the receptor for the neurotransmitter dopamine and that it can cross the placenta to affect an unborn child.The transmutation of lithium to tritium was the first man-made nuclear fusion reaction.The name for lithium comes from Greek lithos which means stone. Lithium occurs in most igneous rocks, although it does not occur free in nature.Lithium metal is made by electrolysis of fused lithium chloride.

Residential Property Managment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Residential Property Managment - Essay Example The studies for compilation may include the payments of mortgage, maintenance and costs of management. Advertising is another consideration wherein writing and inserting a classified ad in the newspaper that includes the mentioning of internet including the details which will be most effective enticing the rent as prospective. The property which was being rented may also handle the cancellation of the ads as well. RPM may provide the professional "For Rent" signing the place at the rental property. The handing out to the prospective tenants with free sheets of vacancy is for the purpose of availing the privilege of touring the vacant homes. The screening of tenant may thoroughly screen all the property replies and tenants' screening to pull the credit report and at the same time verify the employment that includes the income as well as interviewing with the last two landlords for verifying the prospective tenant which was considered a good tenant as well as leaving with the last property rental in its good standing. Much screening of the tenants considerably prospective is a very hard activity but the most important in RPM is the placing of good people into the property of investment. Such early Residential Property Management P 4 personal contact, the tenant may receive the establishment of RPM in terms of good relationship which is also considered as dependable. Maintenance is referring to the answer in terms of the complaints in terms of maintenance as well as arranging with the repair work. Most tenants are having access with the emergency number that is twenty-four (24) hours, whenever there may be problem that may occur in the... This paper approves that maintenance is referring to the answer in terms of the complaints in terms of maintenance as well as arranging with the repair work. Most tenants are having access with the emergency number that is twenty-four hours, whenever there may be problem that may occur in the middle of the night. This is adding security to all the tenants as well as the investor with the property to be watched within twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week. Regarding inspections the tenant may even check with the property in terms of conducting with a walk which is through the inspection on such property. This is the way of recording the property condition when the said tenant moves in. This essay makesa conclusion that there is right in receiving the rent for the property’s usage and the right may have the property returned with the not damaged at the rental agreement. This should be returned in the same condition which was received that is in exception of the normal wear and tear. In exchange for the rights, this is the responsibility providing that is habitable and making the repairs when needed. The residence is equipped with smoking detector and the provision which is the batteries’ set and at the same time battery operated. The rights may include the peaceful possession wherein the rent of property may be free from such interference. This means that the entrance is in frequent with odd hours that are without the legitimate reason or such without notice. Such typical right may protect for the property with such reasonable inspection making the repairs and showing the property to the possible buyers.

Observation of a biligual child Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Observation of a biligual child - Essay Example The class that I am observing is a key stage one classroom which is a year one class and the children are aged between five and six. The classroom environment is filled with exciting displays and a separate display for language of the month which is currently Urdi. According to Baker (2006) the school setting is vital in developing the first language of any bilingual pupil. The children are split into different grouping according to their abilities. Flowers is the theme of this classroom daffodils, tulips, lilies and poppies this is their abilities settings for numeracy reading and literacy there is a BTA ( Bilingual teaching assistant) in class as well she will work with the EAL children ( English as an additional language) regardless of their abilities. Research (Cummins 1981, Collier and Thomas 1989) show that, it takes as long as seven years for EAL pupils to acquire a level of English proficiency compared to their monolingual peers. Teachers cannot wait till EAL pupils to develop high levels of English language ability before embarking on the demands of the national curriculum but must enable pupils to participate in curriculum context learning while they are simultaneously learning English (Gravelle, 2000) children's use of language in school differs from the language used outside of school. In addition, different academic subjects' areas have specific genres or registers. An important aspect of an inclusive curriculum is that the mainstream class teacher and the EAL/EMAG specialist should work together; to ensure that academic context is linked to language objectives and that language objectives are compatible with academic context. The lesson that I was observing was a literacy lesson and the teacher firstly went over the class rules which took approximately ten minutes then we started our literacy lesson the Bilingual Teaching Assistant (BTA) sat with the four EAL focus children on one table when there is a BTA in a classroom she always sits with the EAL children regardless of their abilities. The children in the group where Somalia and Tamil speakers (Some of them came from war torn countries and have seen a lot of war and poverty). The literacy lesson was to understand the features of a non- chronological report, such as an introduction impersonal language and present tense. The teacher asked the children what the features where of a non chronological report a Somalian child put his hand up and said "not in order" although his answer was partly correct when the teacher asked him to explain what he meant he was not able to answer even with the BTA help the teacher did not take into account of his English know ledge may not be enough to explain his thoughts further. The BTA was able to explain clearly in his home language as well as use a white board to record their thoughts and draw a diagram as a visual aid the BTA praised all the children relevantly. Moreover as the focus children in group two were Somalia speakers the BTA was able to explain clearly in their home language as well as used a white board to record their thoughts and also used a sheet containing a diagram of visual aid. The BTA praised all the children relevantly however, being one of the largest multi ethnic school in the

The Emergence of Trust and Power within a Business Network Essay

The Emergence of Trust and Power within a Business Network - Essay Example It is a critical and strategic issue which needs to be dealt very carefully, this element of trust is vital in all kinds of relationships whether it is within the business or with the external stakeholders. It is very hard to make this trust however one mistake can hurt the reputation very badly and create serious consequences for the future of the business. Power is the acquisition of assets and its control which gives dominance to a party over the other. It is to have the control and ability to influence the decision of the other party. Power has its own benefits and draws backs within a business network. Too much or less of it has its own effects. However, it has been seen that where there is trust there is less likelihood of power causing any harm to the social or business network (Group H.R., 2000). When we talk about the long-term success of the business then this success is dependent on the development of positive networks in the industry. Business networks are an opportunity for the owners of the business and the team of employees to improve themselves continuously. They are a collection of companies linked through agreements for business purposes who work together to get over all benefits for the members in doing so they need to make business dealings and work together and invest and divest money Thinking Made Easy, p21, 2009). A company in the business network tends to learn from one another’s mistakes and successes and based on that they derive solutions to their own problems. Apart from the business perspective networking helps in social activities and events. It leads to strong bonds and close relationships with the business partner which is good for the business in the long term (Daft, p110, 2001). The relationship must be enduring and permanent in nature.  

Journalism and Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Journalism and Ethics - Essay Example The power that the media holds can at times be abused and tainted to the degree that its very core duty of protecting the people’s democracy is threatened. In fact, this factor has made some media outlets to turn into propaganda bullhorns for dangerous and corrupt politicians in power. In addition, other outlets have even been used as vehicles of inciting violence and xenophobic against vulnerable groups of individuals and minorities.Essentially, the media outlet Democracy Now! Was established in 1996, becoming the solitary broadcasting company that was devoted to cover and inform the public on the precedents of the presidential elections. The outlet basically began as an investigation on why most people, by then, did not seem to actively participate in or care about political activities and politics respectively. For that reason, the outlet gathered enthralling stories all of which pointed out that democratic activities were not getting any media coverage. The outlet thus foc used on this deserted region, broadcasting elections and other democratic functions. Today, Democracy Now! Broadcasts on averagely over 850 television and radio stations internationally as well as through the use of an online platform.Comparatively, ethical journalism is concerned in the way through which various parties such as editors, presenters, anchors, and reporters deliver commentary on issues which can shape the lives of people in the society. Ethical journalism is thus rooted in moral values and thus journalists, as well as governments, should ensure that they work towards improving journalism as well as improving the rights and standards of human beings. Â  Democracy Now! Reveals the importance of ethical journalism through its insistence on media independence and democracy. For true democracy to come into effect, there is a need for the citizens to gain access to both independent and diverse sources of information and news.

Wage Labor Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Wage Labor - Essay Example They are portrayed as unfortunate and suffer at the hands of industrialists. On the contrary, the capitalists live in an upper class area where sun shines every morning. They are considered the fortunate ones. Their machineries churn and release steam in work areas and where labor lives. Through Fredersen, the film shows how people accumulate capital via expropriation in the sense that Fredersen’s father does not care about the welfare of his workers. For instance, when Freder tells his Father about the death of one of their workers, he fires his assistant Josephat so that he does not pay them their wages. Freder then starts thinking about the status of his workers. At the end of the film, he gets trapped in his industry and risks his life to save his labors (Freder). Similarly, in Chaplin’s Modern Times, the filmmakers try to present the matters between labor and the industrialists. In Modern Times, Charlie, the protagonist, performs the role of a struggling labor. He works at a grinding wheels industry where his boss often increases the speed so he could consume twice output from his labors. The movie shows the struggles of labor that they are not even allowed to interact directly with each others. In these two films, Fritz Lang’s Metropolis and Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times, the filmmakers briefly show the differences and issues created between the labors and the capitalists. ... In Metropolis, filmmakers present the differences from capitalists’ perspectives and it is observed that makers try to favor the industrialists in the society. Despite of the fact that how badly Fredersens’ father behaves with his employees, his son the lead character of the film, acts kind with them. He was trapped in his factory and risked his life for the labors. He then starts being a good man and becomes the connecting factor between the two fractions of the capitalist society, the labors and the capitalists (Freder). Whereas in Charlie’s Modern Times, the makers strive to favor labors point of view by showing the story from their perspective. The film shows how a laborer struggles to adjust in the society after suffering hugely in the hands of different industrialists. Even after all the struggles and sufferings, Charlie still risks his life to save his boss from an accident (Chaplin). Analyzing the information it can conclude that the both films present th e issues between labors and capitalist in two different ways but the main highlight is to develop understanding the relationship between capitalist and labors. The similarity between these two films is the plot that demonstrates the interdependency of labors and capitalists. The plot of both films emphasize when labors are nothing without industrialists, these films portray that capitalists also cannot operate their industries without the labors. Both the movies talk about the dedication of labors and capitalist and try to remove the biases on capitalists of being unfair with their labors. The relationship between the government and business is evident in the films in the sense that the government seems to draft laws that controls the operation of the business in order to avoid public

Research for the Environment Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Research for the Environment - Coursework Example Availability of these organisms out of disturbed areas is sources for the ecosystem’s decolonization. Animal behavior and migration helps in managing the ecosystem since the traits of the animals are distinct. Many wildlife species are threatened with extinction, with species disappearing faster than before. The biggest threat is habitat destruction and human greed. Wildlife maintains ecological nature balance and cycles. It has economic value as wild plants provide timber and paper (Carson, 2012). Wild animals produce ivory. A country’s wildlife is its cultural asset and tourist attraction. Pesticides kill bacteria, fungi and insects that destroy crops, are disease vectors, destroy property and cause disturbances. The greatest risk comes from the chemical pesticides. Pesticides may enter the body through skin, eyes or mouth. Farming companies make these pesticides no matter how inept they hurt the environment and the people around (Brian, 2012). Thus, it is advisable to use healthful methods to control pests such as use of organic

Journalism and Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Journalism and Ethics - Essay Example The power that the media holds can at times be abused and tainted to the degree that its very core duty of protecting the people’s democracy is threatened. In fact, this factor has made some media outlets to turn into propaganda bullhorns for dangerous and corrupt politicians in power. In addition, other outlets have even been used as vehicles of inciting violence and xenophobic against vulnerable groups of individuals and minorities.Essentially, the media outlet Democracy Now! Was established in 1996, becoming the solitary broadcasting company that was devoted to cover and inform the public on the precedents of the presidential elections. The outlet basically began as an investigation on why most people, by then, did not seem to actively participate in or care about political activities and politics respectively. For that reason, the outlet gathered enthralling stories all of which pointed out that democratic activities were not getting any media coverage. The outlet thus foc used on this deserted region, broadcasting elections and other democratic functions. Today, Democracy Now! Broadcasts on averagely over 850 television and radio stations internationally as well as through the use of an online platform.Comparatively, ethical journalism is concerned in the way through which various parties such as editors, presenters, anchors, and reporters deliver commentary on issues which can shape the lives of people in the society. Ethical journalism is thus rooted in moral values and thus journalists, as well as governments, should ensure that they work towards improving journalism as well as improving the rights and standards of human beings. Â  Democracy Now! Reveals the importance of ethical journalism through its insistence on media independence and democracy. For true democracy to come into effect, there is a need for the citizens to gain access to both independent and diverse sources of information and news.

Research for the Environment Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Research for the Environment - Coursework Example Availability of these organisms out of disturbed areas is sources for the ecosystem’s decolonization. Animal behavior and migration helps in managing the ecosystem since the traits of the animals are distinct. Many wildlife species are threatened with extinction, with species disappearing faster than before. The biggest threat is habitat destruction and human greed. Wildlife maintains ecological nature balance and cycles. It has economic value as wild plants provide timber and paper (Carson, 2012). Wild animals produce ivory. A country’s wildlife is its cultural asset and tourist attraction. Pesticides kill bacteria, fungi and insects that destroy crops, are disease vectors, destroy property and cause disturbances. The greatest risk comes from the chemical pesticides. Pesticides may enter the body through skin, eyes or mouth. Farming companies make these pesticides no matter how inept they hurt the environment and the people around (Brian, 2012). Thus, it is advisable to use healthful methods to control pests such as use of organic

The Need for Cultural Sensitivity in Multicultural Special Education Essay Example for Free

The Need for Cultural Sensitivity in Multicultural Special Education Essay Teachers in this changing multicultural society need to be aware of challenges in teaching English Language Learners as well as African-American students. Labeling students immediately as having a learning disability is a disservice not only to the student it is affecting, but also the entire school system. Teachers must learn to incorporate multicultural activities into their teaching style, which would allow them to connect with as many of their diverse students as possible. â€Å"For many multicultural learners, the noble ideal of leaving no child behind has not yielded the desired dividends in general and special education. †(Obiakor 148). I believe that students of all ethnic backgrounds would benefit from their teacher being more sensitive to their diverse cultures and backgrounds. Festus E. Obiakor’s article regarding† Effective Intervention for Today’s Schools† portrays a 9 year-old student named Ricardo whose teacher does not understand his culture and diversity. Ricardo spoke English with an accent, and had a hard time relating to his classmates. The teacher actually had made a note that he was trouble and did not get along with his peers (148). Ricardo was ultimately labeled as having a behavior disorder and was put into a special education classroom. Unfortunately, this is an alarming trend that is occurring in our nations Ramirez 2 schools. â€Å"Students learning English were disproportionately identified as having a disability in the three largest urban districts. †(Turnbull 79). Obiakor notes in his article, that according to the U. S. Department of Education in 2001 that although Hispanic students made up 4% of the general public school enrollments, there was a national average of 14% of these students being placed in special education services(149). This is where teachers need to turn to the theory of cultural relativism. If educators were able to â€Å"know what it is like to be a member of the second culture and to view the world from that point of view,† (Gollnick and Chin 17), teachers would be able to better understand the needs of their students of various ethnic backgrounds. Rather than place them in special education services hastily, by understanding the other culture, teachers perhaps would stop judging the ethnic minority students behaviors as deviant, and put aside their cultural biases (Obiakor 149). If an educator gains an understanding of their students’ background, becoming in-tune with their cultural nuances, they will then begin to turn the tide of stereotyping these students as having special needs. Culturally biased standardized tests are also another factor that affects the student from another culture to be unfairly marked as needing special education. â€Å"Unjustifiable reliance on IQ and other evaluation tools, high-stakes testing, and power differentials between minority parents and schools may also be contributing variables. †(Gollnick and Chin 185). Educators need to recognize that students may fail these tests due to differences in the child’s cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Festus E. Obiakor’s article states that African American learners in special education are continuing to experience â€Å"inadequate general and special education services. †(p. 28) African American students are among the highest ethnic group placed in special education services, due to the process of over-referrals. â€Å"â€Å"With over-referrals, teachers tend to make Ramirez 3 excessive referrals of students of color for placement in special education classes for students with disabilities. †(Gollnick and Chin 183) The disproportionate placement of students of color is one of the most problematic issues facing education (Gollnick and Chin 180). Many students, according to Obiakor’s article who attend urban settings are often labeled â€Å"slow learners† or â€Å"learning disabled†, which in turn takes them out of the running for higher educational opportunities(29). As is the case with Hispanic students, African American culture is not understood by the majority of teachers, most of whom have typically been White. I believe if teachers and administrators take on a culturally responsive aspect to their lessons, they eventually would stop making such rash assessments on these culturally diverse students, eventually allowing these students to be assessed according to their real capabilities, not based on their ethnocentric attitudes and feelings. As a future educator, I realize the need to challenge myself and my peers to become culturally and emotionally sensitive to students of diverse backgrounds. Labeling a child as learning disabled when they are in fact not, is a tragedy that none of us should make. Multicultural students will not only have to deal with discrimination based on their race, but they will also have to deal with the negative connotation a special education label may bring to them. Teachers have such an important role in a child’s life that it is important to try our best not to negatively impact any child. By understanding how a culture learns, the teacher needs to develop a curriculum that is culturally and historically relevant to these children. Educators need to take into account the vast learning styles of these students to make sure that we are not making the mistake of mislabeling a child as having a learning disability, when in fact, one is not present. References Obiakor, Festus E. (2007) Multicultural Special Education: Effective Intervention For Today’s Schools. Intervention In School and Clinic. Volume 42(3), pages 148-155. Obiakor, Festus E. (2010) African American Learners In Special Education: A Close Look at Milwaukee. Intervention In School and Clinic. Volume 5(2), pages28-48. Turnbull, A. (2010) Exceptional Lives: Special Education in Today’s Schools. (R. Turnbull, Michael Wehmeyer, Eds. ) New Jersey: Merrill.

Assess the artistic limitations of the dogme 95 vow of chastity

Assess the artistic limitations of the dogme 95 vow of chastity Assess the artistic limitations of the Dogme 95 â€Å"Vow of Chastity† In the mid 1990s, a creative and low cost filmmaking was created Dogme95. The founders were two Danish directors, Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg. (Hudson, 2005). Unlike any other film, it follows different set of rules. Written in Vow of Chastity, a rulebook of Dogme95, it restricts the use of props, sets, lighting, sound, and music. The camera is handheld and simply captures what is taking place (Schlosser, 2000). Dogme 95 is certainly a departure from the conventions of the film-making process. The statement â€Å"Dogme 95 is a rescue action!† was stated in the manifesto if the Dogme 95 which perhaps is true for most filmmakers who wanted freedom of their ideas and faithful presentation of scenes. Mark Paul of Wayne State University agreed that Dogme 95 films have rescued the cinema from the conventional films of Hollywood which are ‘overly polished, ‘undemocratic in art, and ‘superficial.  Ã‚   Directors have enough freedom to showcase the ‘truth without addition, reduction, or any manipulation (Paul, 2002). In order to resist superficiality in Dogme films, von Trier and Vinterberg wrote â€Å"The Vow of Chastity† which consists of the specific rules that are mandatory in order to categorize a film as a Dogme. Von Trier asked Vinterberg if he â€Å"wanted to start a new wave with him?† In less than one hour, they already had the rules (Dogme 95: Frequently asked questions). As a guest in Thà ©atre de LEurope in Paris during the 100th anniversary of the birth of film, von Trier proudly announced Dogme. The rules are: (1) shooting must be on location without bringing any props, (2) sound and image are produced together, (3) the camera to be used is handheld, (4) use of natural light only, (5) no optical filters, (6) no superficial actions, (7) no geographic alienation, (8) no genre films, (9) the film format should be in Academy 35mm film format, and (10) the director must not be credited (Trischak, 1995). The last rule sounds unusual since the directors are always credited in the conventional films. At the end of the ten rules, the director should swear to refrain in creating based on personal taste. Only the real events should be presented based on the real settings. The reason behind the prohibition of the use of props is to challenge the filmmaker into creating authentic films and portray the ‘truth. More time is dedicated into developing a good acting because breaks for hair, make up, costume, and light change are eliminated. The use of handheld camera is intended to follow the actors instead of the actors following the camera. In this manner, the actors could really perform their characters while the camera captures the scene. Additionally, using handheld cameras provides more takes with longer time (Dogme 95: Frequently asked questions). The first Dogme creation by Vinterberg, The Celebration, was one of the best cinematic explorations which covered the issues on a dysfunctional family in the middle of a celebration. The film won many awards and was nominated in various prestigious awards associations. Among the awards it received were Jury Prize from the Cannes Film Festival, Best Director from Gijà ³n International Film Festival, and Independent Spirit Award (Hudson, 2005). The second film of Dogme was The Idiots, which was written and directed by von Trier. The film featured young characters who go around to spasse (Danish term which means to intentionally act like idiots). Watching the film might turn off its audience because of the hilarious acts and abhorrent ways of responding to the problems faced by young people (Schwartz, 1998). The third Dogme film was Mifune by Sà ¸ren Kragh-Jacobsen, which became one of the multi-awarded Dogme films. A.O. Scott of the New York Times reviewed it as â€Å"by any standard, a pretty good film† and was given the awards Silver Bear and Special Jury Prize for Kragh-Jacobsen from the Berlin Film Festival (Hudson, 2005). Mifune was able to present the real people in real situations and would surely attract the audiences attention. The scenes appear so realistic and painful at the same time (Ilic, 2005). The creation of Dogme 95 and the implementation of its rules have been the subject of questioning and curiosity from directors. The production cost of Dogme films is relatively cheaper because crews are eliminated; however it does not mean that this is a resort to producing low-budget films. There are no limits as long as it will compromise to the Vow of Chastity. In Denmark, a low-budget film could cover more than half a million. Nevertheless any Dogme film can be produced around a million or more than a hundred million dollars. Among the Dogme films, â€Å"The Idiot† was the most expensive. The introduction of Dogme 95 however did not receive much criticism especially from the Danish government wherein the state willingly increased the filming fund by 70% (Trischak, 1995). Another issue on the production of Dogme films is the use of the old fashioned Academy 35mm film format because is considerably expensive. The 35mm film is used so that Dogme films can be shown in all movie theatres. However, because of its cost some directors resort to shooting film with Digital Video first then transferring it to the 35mm. The recorded images through DV, on the other hand, are strictly prohibited from editing considering the Vow of Chastity (Dogme 95: Frequently asked questions). Classifying a film as a Dogme has become harder. The first four to six Dogme films were originally discussed by the first directors and founders of the Dogme 95 films including Vinterberg, von Trier, Kragh-Jacobson, and Levring. They reviewed each film according the rules in the Vow of Chastity; however, as the directors became busier in their own Dogme film productions, not enough time was allotted to discuss the other films. In Julian Donkey Boy, the story about a schizophrenic man, the rules created was pushed to its limitations. It all now depends on the judgment of the directors (Dogme 95: Frequently asked questions). However, Vinterberg argued that if the director feels that the film might not be in accordance with the rules then, he must do something about. Another question raised was about the synchronization of a foreign language, say English or German; can it be certified as a Dogme? If it will be based on the second rule: sound and image must be produced together; technically it cannot be classified as a Dogme. Watching a Dogme film in foreign language therefore is not very entertaining (Dogme 95: Frequently asked questions). The Vow of Chastity provided both freedom and restriction to the directors. With the limited resources such as props, music, sounds, and lights, the director is challenged to be resourceful and creative in filling these gaps. In the film The Celebration, Vinterberg was able to incorporate music by placing the story on a Danish gathering tradition wherein the people are accustomed to celebrate while singing. On the other hand, in â€Å"The Idiots†, a musician character played a toy-like instrument in the beginning of the story (Dogme 95: Frequently asked questions). In the conventional films we see these days, there are different genres such as science fiction, animated, action, adventure, comedy, romance, horror, war, musicals, historical, and many more. However, in Dogme films it becomes selective because you only present what is happening then and now and not what is in the past or what will be in the future (Dogme 95: Frequently asked questions). Therefore, war and historical films are impossible because flashbacks should not be used. Neither do sci-fi, animated, and musical films. These genres require musical equipments and props and the scenes are time manipulated. In the history of filmmaking, Dogme 95 is notably one of the best cinematic explorations of realism. The presentation of this realism is only possible through the elimination of the traditional cinematic process accompanied with various experimentations on the production and presentation (Vaughan, 2004). The Vow of Chastity made it possible to restrict and compress it down to what is real only. There is no addition, reduction, or, any manipulation to the story that a director wishes to tell. It is obviously anti-film tradition in nature however its simplicity and honesty offer a different kind of pleasure and emotion. Unlike the usual films, our minds are already set to decipher the ending. However, in Dogme films, the audience could only figure what is being shown at a time. The first three Dogme films have been very successful. After ten years since its beginnings, Dogme films are getting less and less popular. Von Trier and Vinterberg are now working on different kinds of films aside from Dogme. The brothers now are no longer managing and judging Dogme films. They have decided to allow the directors to judge their own creations but still following the rules. Producing one is a big challenge. Ironically, Vinterberg confessed that The Celebration was the easiest he made.9 Dogme is still alive and more and more films are released and reached the number to Dogme 254th film (Dogme 95: Frequently asked questions). Nowadays, the films that the brothers are releasing are combination of filmmaking from the conventional and from the Dogme. According to Jack Stevenson, film journalist in Denmark, Its All About Love and Dogville by Vinterberg and von Trier respectively can be classified as anti-Dogme films. Both directors have departed from Dogme and now making films beyond the Vow of Chastity. (Mitchell, 2005) In an interview with Kristian Levring, one of the founder of Dogme movement; Susanne Bier, the director of The One and Only and Open Heart; and Anders Thomas Jensen, a famous writer and director, the screenwriting processed was discussed. Thomas Jensen said that the scriptwriting is very different because there are limitations like superficial violence and action. Bier added that due to these limitations, â€Å"Dogme tends to lend itself to realistic storytelling.† Levring agreed that these liberated and improved Dogme including his film The King is Alive. (Kelly, 2008) Dogme offered an incredible twist in filmmaking, surprising the audience in ways that are not expected. In the presence of restrictions and limitations, it has entitled directors with freedom of creation with aesthetic value and provided a different kind of satisfaction.