Reality Television Does More Harm Than Good Essay

1. Economy Reality TV stimulates the economy The Reality TV industry produces a stimulus for the economy. â€Å"If I pay a reality star 1/50 of what I’d pay Johnny Depp, my return is going to come back much quicker,† said Mark Young, a professor at USC’s Marshall School of Business. Judge, this is obviously a huge good that come out of reality TV. CNN reports that reality TV decreases unemployment rates in the US. â€Å"Career Makeover, a new series that promises to tap into the frustrating low points of millions of today’s out-of-work and underemployed Americans. The show will give viewers something that’s perhaps more telling than the government’s eagerly-awaited monthly employment report.† According to Washington Post, winning big on a reality television cooking show has helped catapult the careers of even established chefs. As Geoffrey Zakarin, a food network iron chef, stated â€Å"TV is the gigantic tide that lifts all boats† Advertising is also a huge factor since Tens of Millions of people watch reality TV- TIME Advertising†¦.as most know occurs during the show in the middle of small breaks between the show. Heres the twist. Reality TV has advertising inside the show. New York Times—->It is typically easier to weave a product into an episode of a reality show like â€Å"American Idol† or â€Å"Survivor† than into a scripted series like â€Å"Grey’s Anatomy† or â€Å"Two and a Half Men.† Lets give an example. Lets say there is a family in a reality tv show using a vacuum cleaner. The actors in the reality tv show would compliment the cleanliness of the vacuum cleaner and this is a form of advertising. Oregon State University—-> 23 million tuned in â€Å"Multi-Millionaire† and 51 million watched the finale of â€Å"Survivor†. This was an advertisers dream. This is why we see advertisers paying $2.1 million for sponsorship on â€Å"The Mole† The initial â€Å"Survivor† sponsors paid $4 million but â€Å"Survivor 2† price tag jumped to $12 million (Friedman, Harsh ‘Reality,’ 2000:4 & Grover, Off the Island, 2000: 48). How do the networks benefit? CBS collected about $52 million in advertising for the initial â€Å"Survivor† (Grover, Off the Island, 2000: 48). ABC’s â€Å"Millionaire† brought up it’s operating income by 33% (Lacter, â€Å"Blair Witch TV, 2000:64). The impact is that reality TV not only creates jobs and boosts employment rates, but it also boosts the economy and businesses through advertising. 2. It helps society Reality TV is an easy way to make money and stimulate the economy. It costs very little to run and It is cheap. It gives oppurtunities for many of the unemployed. As we said in our 1st contention, Career Makeover is giving oppurtunities. We have to take advantage. These shows teach others how to do different things. For example, Yankee Workshop teaches about building and constructing. American Idol and America’s Got talent shows the love of music. The Impact is that If you lose, you got an opportunity and if you win, you win an oppurtunity. According to Martha Airth-Kindree, executive director of  the Mile Bluff Medical Center Foundation, â€Å"Scores of people have been inspired by â€Å"The Biggest Loser†. † The popular reality television show is the inspiration for a new weight-loss program in Juneau County According to an article written by Dr. Michelle Golland, a mental health professional, she believes that reality tv can be a good thing. As she states in her article, the shows â€Å"Intervention† and â€Å"Obsessed† bring us into the lives of people suffering with mental health problems, drug and alcohol addiction, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. â€Å"Intervention† helps treat people who seek help on the show and also pays for their treatment, which many of them may otherwise be unable to afford. It also allows us to witness the damage inflicted on every person in an addict’s life and the devastating impact on them. This show can help those who view it to realize they need help, or encourage a family member to stage their own intervention with the help of a professional, which they may never have had the courage to do until watching it on TV. â€Å"Obsessed† is a painful display of people who have severe anxieties and are seeking treatment for them. The impact is that Reality TV helps society by helping the economy, teaching different things, inspiration for better health, and showing the world the lives of those with health problems. i accept your definitions and weighing mechanism so i will start with my contentions Contention 1: The sheer number of reality programmes is now driving TV producers to create filthier, more corrupt reality shows. Reality TV is actually getting worse as the audience becomes more and more used to the genre. In a search for ratings and media coverage, shows are becoming ever more vulgar and offensive, trying to find new ways to shock. When the British Big Brother was struggling for viewers in 2003, its producers responded by attempting to shock the audience that little bit more. â€Å"Big Brother† programmes have also shown men and women having sex on live TV, all in a desperate grab for ratings to justify their continued existence. Others have involved fights and racist bullying. Do we let things continue until  someone has to die on TV to boost the ratings? Contention 2: Reality TV encourages people to pursue celebrity status, and discourages the value of hard work and an education. Reality shows send a bad message and help to create a cult of instant celebrity. They are typically built about shameless self-promotion, based on humiliating others and harming relationships for the entertainment of each other and the viewers at home. These programmes suggest that anyone can become famous just by getting on TV and â€Å"being themselves†, without working hard or having any particular talent. Kids who watch these shows will get the idea that they don’t need to study hard in school, or train hard for a regular job. As John Humphrys points out, ‘we tell kids what matters is being a celebrity and we wonder why some behave the way they do. As American lawyer Lisa Bloom fears, ‘addiction to celebrity culture is creating a generation of dumbed-down women. Reality shows encourage such addictions and promote the generally m isguided belief that they should aspire to be the reality stars they watch on their televisions. Contention 3: Reality shows make for bad, lazy and corrupting television, encouraging such behaviour in society. They mostly show ordinary people with no special talents doing very little. If they have to sing or dance, then they do it badly – which doesn’t make for good entertainment. They rely on humiliation and conflict to create excitement. Joe Millionaire, where a group of women competed for the affections of a construction worker who they were told was a millionaire, was simply cruel. The emotions of the contestants were considered expendable for the sake of making viewers laugh at their ignorance. Furthermore, the programmes are full of swearing, crying and argument, and often violence, drunkenness and sex. This sends a message to people that this is normal behaviour and helps to create a crude, selfish society. One American reality show, â€Å"Are You Hot?†, in which competitors submit to a panel of judges for ‘appearance-rating’, was blamed by eating disorder experts as encouraging the notion that ‘appearance is the most important. Contention 4: Reality TV is dishonest – it pretends to show â€Å"reality† but it  actually distorts the truth to suit the programme makers. The shows are not really â€Å"real† – they are carefully cast to get a mix of â€Å"characters† who are not at all typical. Mostly they show a bunch of young, good-looking self-publicists, who will do anything to get on TV. Usually the programme makers try to ensure excitement by picking people who are likely to clash with each other. They then place them in unnatural situations, such as the Big Brother house or the Survivor island, and give them strange challenges in order to provoke them into behaving oddly. In The Bachelor, where a group of women compete for the affections of an eligible male, the ‘intimate dates’ they go on are filmed in front of any number of camera; that is not reality (Poniewozik, 2003). Finally the makers film their victims for hundreds of hours from all angles, but only show the most dramatic parts. Selective editing may be used to create â€Å"storylines† and so further manipulate the truth of what happened.

Marketing Homework Paper

Although Amazon.com provides a wide range of services ranging from electronics to  apparels it continues to be recognized as an online bookstore. Amazon.com was a pioneer e-  commerce company established in late 1990’s; soon after its launch it became instantly  popular as a n online bookstore. Amazon’s popularity as a bookstore has put it in direct  competition with Barnes & Nobles, an old and a reputed name in book trade. Barnes & Nobles started out as small book shop in Wheaton Illinois way back in 1917.  During 1970’s Barnes & Nobles became the first American bookseller to advertise on TV and  by 1987 it had acquired the largest network of stores across the U.S.A. Barnesandnobles.com  the Barnes & Nobles e-commerce portal was established in late 1990’s at about same time as  Amazon.com (Barnesandnobles.com). Consumer profile and what influences each category of consumers  Based on customer preferences to shop from Amazon or Barnes & Nobles, several customer  profiles can be identified. Those who prefer Barnes & Noble are serious book readers who  are looking for an unconventional title, students of university prefer Barnes & Nobles  because of its reputation for maintaining an excellent inventory of college books and  moreover the bookstore is popular for its highly knowledgeable staff. Some people distrust e-  commerce so it is difficult for them to trust a company which exists only on internet, thusBarnes & Nobles is capable of winning consumer faith due to its physical presence in form of  stores at the same times it has a full-fledged internet website. Since Barnes & Nobles is an  old and established brand a greater percentage of older people over the age of 35 prefer to  buy from it. Amazon.com offers more products and services as compared to Barnes & Nobles which only  sells Books, magazines, music, DVD’s and computer games. Thus most people who shop on  Amazon are comfortable with e-commerce and use e-commerce for most of their shopping  needs. Amazon offers a range of incentives to lure customers such services include free and  free e-cards which customers can send out to their friends. Amazon pioneered the  implementation of the concept of purchaser’s community which allows consumers to interact  with other consumers who have purchased a similar product, thus facilitating exchange of  opinion among customers. Read also  Homework Solutions – Chapter 3 Amazon is an ideal destination for most young buyers who prefer  portal for the wide range of innovative products and services it offers ranging from exclusive  electronics to gift items and apparels. Amazon has superior search engine which integrates  with Google, thus a person looking for a certain book title will get the topmost listing to  Amazon straight to the page associated with the books title. This superior search feature has  made Amazon popular among avid internet users.  Consumer behavior and how it effects e-commerce  Ideally a consumer undergoes six stages of buying process which are (udel.edu)  Problem recognition (awareness of need) Information search Evaluation of alternatives Purchase decision Purchase Post purchase evaluation. The buying process begins with need recognition wherein the consumer recognizes the lack  of certain commodity. Once a need is established the consumer embarks on an information  search in order to learn about the object of desire and where and how to acquire it. The  information search provides the consumer with knowledge of alternative ways which he can  use to acquire the product. Consumer then evaluates each alternative in turn and decides upon  one alternative thus leading to a purchase decision. Consumer then purchases the commodity  and progresses to the consecutive stage of post purchase evaluation wherein the consumers  realizes whether or not he is satisfied with the purchase. Modern marketing approach is intends to create a need for a product. Most promotions and  marketing programmes are designed to create a need. When exposed to modern promotional  materials the consumer is sparked with a desire to posses the commodity. Websites of Barnes  & Nobles and Amazon are designed to inform customers of new offerings and thereby create  a need. Ecommerce sites provide consumers an environment for conducting an information  search and consumers get to thoroughly evaluate the alternatives prior to making a purchase  decision. Values and benefits offered by Barnes & Nobles and Amazon.com  Barnes & Nobles and Amazon manage to score same where pricing is concerned a search for Wilbur Smiths novel â€Å"River God† on both the sites yielded the low priced edition at $7.95.  Barnes & Nobles manages to provide larger collection owing to its own publications and  strategic links with dealers of rare, out of print and used books. Both sites provide free  delivery for orders of $25 and more to most U.S addresses under their Fast and Free delivery  scheme. Bothe companies offer a phone based customer service through their call centre. Amazon sells certain exclusive range of products under its own brand name such as the  Amazon kindle book reader and a Wi-Fi enabled SD card. Websites of both the companies  contain the book reviews by authors and other consumers which enriches the buying  experience. The sites contain special sections dedicated to popular books or movies such as  the Harry Potter. Thus the ecommerce sites are designed to create a long term relationship  with the customer. References Udel.edu   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   From http://www.udel.edu/alex/chapt6.html#stages Barnes & Nobles Amazon.com   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   From   www.amazon.com               

The Return: Midnight Chapter 25

â€Å"Sleeping in the storage room with every wal covered in Post-it Note amulets,†added Meredith grimly. â€Å"If we have enough. I got another packet, but it doesn't go very far when you're trying to cover a room.† â€Å"Okay,†Elena said. â€Å"Who's got Shinichi's key?† Matt raised his hand. â€Å"In my – â€Å" â€Å"Don't tel me!†exclaimed Elena. â€Å"I've got hers. We can't lose them. Stefan and I are one team; you guys are the other.† They half-led and half-supported Misao out of Stefan's room and down the stairs. Misao didn't try to run away from them, to struggle, or to speak to them. This only made Matt more suspicious of her. He saw Stefan and Elena glance toward each other and knew they were feeling the same way. But what else was there to do with her? There was no other way, humanely, or even inhumanely, to restrain her for days. They had her star bal , and according to books that was supposed to al ow them to control her, but she was right, it seemed to be an obsolete notion, because it didn't work. They'd tried with Stefan and Meredith holding her tightly, while Matt got the star bal from where he'd been keeping it in a shoebox on the upper shelf above the clothes in his closet. He and Elena had tried to get Misao to do things while holding the almost empty sphere: to make Misao tel where her brother's star bal was, and so on. But it simply didn't work. â€Å"Maybe when there's so little Power in it, it doesn't apply,†Elena said final y. But that was smal comfort at best. As they took Misao to the kitchen, Matt thought that it had been a stupid plan of the kitsune: imitating Stefan twice. Doing it the second time, when the humans were on guard, that was stupid. Misao didn't seem as stupid as that. Matt had a bad feeling. Elena had a very bad feeling about what they were doing. As she looked around at the faces of the others, she saw that they did too. But nobody had come up with a better plan. They couldn't kil Misao. They weren't murderers who could kil a sickly, passive girl in cold blood. She figured that Shinichi must have very keen hearing, and had already heard them walking on the creaking kitchen floorboards. And she had to assume that he knew – by mindbond, or just logic, or whatever – that Misao was right above him. There was nothing to lose by shouting, through the closed door, â€Å"Shinichi, we've got your sister here! If you want her back you'l stay quiet and not make us throw her down the stairs.† There was silence from the root cel ar. Elena chose to think of it as submissive silence. At least Shinichi wasn't yel ing threats. â€Å"Okay,†Elena whispered. She'd taken a position directly behind Misao. â€Å"When I count to three, we push as hard as we can.† â€Å"Wait!†Matt said in a miserable whisper-shout. â€Å"You said we wouldn't throw her down the stairs.† â€Å"Life isn't fair,†Elena said grimly. â€Å"You think he doesn't have some surprise for us?† â€Å"But – â€Å" â€Å"Leave it, Matt,†said Meredith quietly. She had the stave ready in her left hand and with her right was ready to push on the panel for opening the door. â€Å"Everybody ready?† Everyone nodded. Elena felt sorry for Matt and Stefan, who were the most honest and sensitive of al of them. â€Å"One,†she whispered softly, â€Å"two, three.† On three Meredith hit the concealed wal switch. And then things began to happen in very slow motion. By â€Å"two†Elena had already begun to shove Misao toward the door. On â€Å"three†the others joined her. But the door seemed to take forever to open. And before the ending of forever, everything went wrong. The greenery around Misao's head spread twigs in al directions. One strand shot out and snagged Elena around the wrist. She heard a yel of outrage from Matt and knew that another strand had gotten him. â€Å"Push!† Meredith shouted and then Elena saw the stave coming at her. Meredith whisked with the stave through the greenery connected to Misao. The vine that had been cutting into Elena's wrist fel to the floor. Any remaining misgivings about throwing Misao down the stairs vanished. Elena joined in the crowd trying to push her through the opening. But there was something wrong in the basement. For one thing, they were shoving Misao into pitch-darkness†¦and movement. The basement was ful of – something. Some things. Elena looked down at her ankle and was horrified to see a gigantic maggot that seemed to have crawled out of the root cel ar. Or at least a maggot was the first thing she could think of to compare it to – maybe it was a headless slug. It was translucent and black and about a foot long, but far too fat for her to have put a hand around it. It seemed to have two ways of moving, one by the familiar hunch-and-straighten method and the other by simply sticking to other maggots, which were exploding up over Elena's head like a hideous fountain. Elena looked up and wished she hadn't. There was a cobra waving over them, out of the root cel ar and into the kitchen. It was a cobra made of black translucent maggots stuck together, and every so often one would fal off and land among the group and there would be a cry. If Bonnie had been with them, she would have screamed until the wineglasses in the cupboards shattered, Elena thought wildly. Meredith was trying to attack the cobra with the stave and reach into her jeans pocket for Post-it Notes at the same time. â€Å"I'l get the notes,†Elena gasped, and wriggled her hand into Meredith's pocket. Her fingers closed on a smal sheaf of cards and she tugged it out triumphantly. Just then the first glistening fat maggot fel on her bare skin. She wanted to scream with pain as its little feet or teeth or suckers – whatever kept it attached to her – burned and stung. She pul ed a thin card from the sheaf, which was not a Post-it Note but the same amulet on a smal rather flimsy note card, and slapped it on the maggot-like thing. Nothing happened. Meredith was thrusting the stave into the middle of the cobra now. Elena saw another of the creatures fal almost onto her upturned face and managed to turn away so that it hit her col ar instead. She tried another card from the sheaf and when it just floated away – the maggots looked gooey but weren't – she gave a primal scream and ripped with both hands at the ugly things attached to her. They gave way, leaving her skin covered with red marks and her T-shirt torn at the shoulder. â€Å"The amulets aren't working,†she yel ed to Meredith. Meredith was actual y standing under the swaying, hooded head of the maggot-cobra, stabbing and stabbing as if to reach the center. Her voice was muffled. â€Å"Not enough amulets anyway! Too many of these grubs. You'd better run.† An instant later Stefan shouted, â€Å"Everybody get away from here! There's something solid in there!† â€Å"That's what I'm trying to get!†Meredith shouted back. Frantical y, Matt yel ed, â€Å"Where's Misao?† The last time Elena had seen her she had been diving into the writhing mass of segmented darkness. â€Å"Gone,†she shouted back. â€Å"Where's Mrs. Flowers?† â€Å"In the kitchen,†said a voice behind her. Elena glanced back and saw the old woman pul ing down herbs with both hands. â€Å"Okay,†Stefan shouted. â€Å"Everybody, take a few steps back. I'm going to hit it with Power. Do it – now!† His voice was like a whiplash. Everyone stepped back, even Meredith who had been probing the snake with her stave. Stefan curled his hand around nothingness, around air, and it turned to sparkling, swirling bright energy. He threw it point-blank into the cobra made of maggots. There was an explosion, and then suddenly it was raining maggots. Elena had her teeth locked so as to keep herself from screaming. The oval translucent bodies of the maggots broke open on the kitchen floor like overripe plums, or else bounced. When Elena dared look up again she saw a black stain on the ceiling. Beneath it, smiling, was Shinichi. Meredith, lightning quick, tried to put the stave through him. But Shinichi was faster, leaning out of her way, and out of the next thrust, and the next. â€Å"You humans,†he said. â€Å"Al the same. Al stupid. When Midnight final y comes you'l see how stupid you were.†He said â€Å"Midnight†as if he were saying â€Å"the Apocalypse.† â€Å"We were smart enough to discover that you weren't Stefan,†Matt said from behind Shinichi. Shinichi rol ed his eyes. â€Å"And to put me into a little room roofed with wood. You can't even remember that kitsune control al plants and trees? The wal s are al ful of malach grubs by now, you know. Thoroughly infested.†His eyes flickered – and he glanced backward, Elena saw, looking toward the open door of the root cel ar. Her terror soared, and at the same time Stefan shouted, â€Å"Get out of here! Out of the house! Go to somewhere safe!† Elena and Meredith stared at each other, paralyzed. They were on different teams, but they couldn't seem to let go of each other. Then Meredith snapped out of it and turned to the back of the kitchen to help Mrs. Flowers. Matt was already there, doing the same thing. And then Elena found herself swept off her feet and moving fast. Stefan had her and was running toward the front door. Distantly, she heard Shinichi shout, â€Å"Bring me back their bones!† One of the maggots that Elena batted out of the way burst its skin and Elena saw something crawling out. These real y were malach, she realized. Smal er editions of the one that had swal owed Matt's arm and left those long, deep scratches when he pul ed it out again. She noticed that one was stuck on Stefan's back. Reckless with fury, she grabbed it near one end and ripped it off, yanking relentlessly even though Stefan gasped in pain. When it came free she got a glimpse of what looked like dozens of smal children's teeth on the bottom side. She threw it against a wal as they reached the front door. There they almost col ided with Matt, Meredith, and Mrs. Flowers, coming through the den. Stefan wrenched the door open and when they al were through Meredith slammed it shut. A few malach – grubs and Still-wet flying ones – made it out with them. â€Å"Where's safe?†snapped Meredith. â€Å"I mean, real y safe, safe for a couple of days?†Neither she nor Matt had released their grip on Mrs. Flowers and from their speed Elena guessed that she must be almost as light as a straw figure. She kept saying, â€Å"My goodness! Oh, gracious!† â€Å"My house?†Matt suggested. â€Å"The block's bad, but it was okay the last time I saw it, and my mom's gone with Dr. Alpert.† â€Å"Okay, Matt's house – using the Master Keys. But let's do it from the storage room. I do not want to open this front door again, no matter what,†Elena said. When Stefan tried to pick her up she shook her head. â€Å"I'm fine. Run as fast as you can and smash any malach you see.† They made it to the storage room, but now a sound like vipvipvip – a sort of high-pitched buzzing that could only have been produced by the malach – was fol owing them. â€Å"What now?†Matt panted, helping Mrs. Flowers to sit on the bed. Stefan hesitated. â€Å"Is your house real y safe, do you think?† â€Å"Is anywhere safe? But it's empty, or it should be.† Meanwhile, Meredith drew Elena and Mrs. Flowers aside. To Elena's horror, Meredith was holding one of the smal er grubs, gripping it so that its underside was turned upward. â€Å"Oh, God – â€Å"Elena protested, but Meredith said, â€Å"They look a lot like a little kid's teeth, don't they?† Suddenly Mrs. Flowers became animated. â€Å"They do indeed! And you're saying that the femur we found in the thicket – â€Å" â€Å"Yes. It was certainly human but maybe not chewed by humans. Human children,†Meredith said. â€Å"And Shinichi yel ed to the malach to bring back our bones†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Elena said and swal owed. Then she looked at the grub again. â€Å"Meredith, get rid of that thing somehow! It's going to pop out as a flying malach.† Meredith looked around the storage room blankly. â€Å"Okay – just drop it and I'l step on it,†Elena said, holding her breath to hold in her nausea. Meredith dropped the fat, translucent, black thing, which exploded on impact. Elena stamped on it, but the malach inside didn't crush. Instead, when she lifted her foot, it tried to skitter under the bed. The stave cut it cleanly in two. â€Å"Guys,†Elena said sharply to Matt and Stefan, â€Å"we have to go now. Outside are a bunch of flying malach!† Matt turned toward her. â€Å"Like the one that – â€Å" â€Å"Smal er, but just like the one that attacked you, I think.† â€Å"Okay, here's what we figured out,†Stefan said in a way that immediately made Elena uneasy. â€Å"Somebody has to go to the Dark Dimension anyway to check on Bonnie. I guess I'm the only one to do that, since I'm a vampire. You couldn't get in – â€Å" â€Å"Yes, we could,†Meredith said. â€Å"With these keys, we could just say ‘Take us to Lady Ulma's house in the Dark Dimension.'Or ‘Take me to wherever Bonnie is.'Why shouldn't it work?† Elena said, â€Å"Okay. Meredith, Matt, and Mrs. Flowers can stay here and try to figure out what ‘Midnight'is. From the way Shinichi said it, it sounded bad. Meanwhile, Stefan and I go to the Dark Dimension and find Bonnie.† â€Å"No!†Stefan said. â€Å"I won't take you to that horrible place again.† Elena looked him straight in the eye. â€Å"You promised,†she said, indifferent to the other people in the room. â€Å"You promised. Never to go again on a quest without me. No matter how short the time, no matter what the cause. You promised.† Stefan looked at her desperately. Elena knew he wanted to keep her safe – but which world was truly safe now? Both were fil ed with horror and danger. â€Å"Anyway,†she said with a grim smile, â€Å"I have the key.†

The Culture of Zulu Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Culture of Zulu - Research Paper Example Zulus placed a lot of importance on their ancestors and their spirits. These ancestors were supposed by them to be living in Unkulunkulu which was considered as the world of the spirits. The ancestors were the link between the living and the spirits. For this reasons they needed to be remembered by the family members, praised regularly and also appeased by making offerings to them. In case a family failed to do so, the spirits are said to have visited them in the form of troubles. These troubles can be solved only if the mistake of the family is rectified and the spirits of the ancestors are pacified by some offerings and by showering of praises on them. The Sangoma was the spiritual healer and the priest of the Zulus. In the case of a mishap such as failure of crops, the death of livestock, drought or any other natural calamity the Sangoma was the one who declared the reasons for the calamity. The calamity could have been caused by the unhappy spirits or by witchcraft. If it was the former, the family was supposed to appease the ancestors but if it was the latter a witch-hunt and the elimination of the witch responsible was carried out. Another important religious person among the Zulus is the Inyanga. The Inyanga can be said to be the doctor of the Zulu tribe. He mostly used local plants and animals in order to find a cure of the common diseases like cuts, bruises. The cure was usually followed by religious rituals in which the spirits were praised and pacified and asked to restore the health of the person who is sick.

European Union business law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

European Union business law - Essay Example This forms the centrality of the European Union’s rules on the free movement of persons. However, looking at the nature of the creation of the European Union, the laws on the free movement of persons were thought of to be applicable to only persons who moved to other member states to do economic activities like working3. However, in the landmark case of Van Duyn V Home Office4 it was identified that Article 45 of the TFEU had a vertical direct effect and hence, it could be enforced by any citizen of the European Union. It also applies to all legal relationships by members of the European Union5. In the application of sub-section 2 of TFEU Article 45, a â€Å"worker† is a person who performs services of an economic value for and under the direction of another in return for remuneration6. Thus, there is a protection under this provision implies that a worker is protected from all kinds of discrimination that might exist in relation to his stay and continuous provision of services that he provides in another Member State. Unemployed citizens of a Member State can enter another Member State in search of a job under Article 45(3). And to this end, a person could be in another Member State for a reasonable period of time in The State V Royer7 was defined to be a period of up to six months. Family members of a worker in another Member State are also empowered by Article 2(2)(c) of Directive 2004/38 to live with their dependent children under the age of 21 and their dependent spouses who are not working. Article 10 of Regulation 492/2001 provides equal rights to these dependents connected to a person. Article 2 of Regulation 1612/68 which was replaced by Directive 2004/38 guarantees the rights of spouses, registered partners, descendants and ascendants of EU nationals working in another Member State that is not their primary home8. However, they must show that these individuals or persons are their dependents9. From the

Vaclav Havel and Image of Moral Leadership Essay

Vaclav Havel and Image of Moral Leadership - Essay Example Vaclav Havel an Image of Moral Leadership What one person or culture regards as immoral could be moral in a different setting. The subject of morality has received a lot of attention over a long period of time. Theologians and philosophers alike have been at work explain the determinants of morality in man. Vaclav Havel will be the main focus of this essay as we seek to establish the fundamentals of moral leadership. Description Vaclav Havel, may he rest in peace, was born in 1936 in Prague. He came from a prominent entrepreneurial family who owned an entertainment company and numerous housing complexes. Havel was a celebrated playwright in Czechoslovakia, way before the country became the Czech Republic. He became a prominent writer in the 1960s, with a majority of his works focusing on absurd political regime of the time. His articles focused on the rampant violations of human rights in Czechoslovakia. He openly criticized the authoritarian rule of the time which included such acts as censorship and human rights infringeme nt. In addition to being a playwright, Havel was also a nonconformist to the authoritarian rule, which he explicitly defied. He was a man of great courage amidst all the terror, violence and human rights abuses of the 20th century, in his country and beyond. His involvement in politics came in 1989 after the fall of the communist system, when he became the informal leader of government opposition. Havel’s concern for morality in the way Czechoslovakia was governed ultimately led his election as the president Czechoslovakia in 1990. Following the split of Czechoslovakia into Slovakia and the Czech Republic, Havel became the first president-elect of the Czech Republic. By the time Havel left office in 2003, he had made an everlasting mark on true democracy. Throughout his theatre and dissidence life and reign as president, Havel exhibited exemplary moral leadership qualities that earned him international recognition. Analysis Even before joining politics, Havel was a strong adv ocate for fair treatment of the people of Czechoslovakia. During his days as a playwright, he wrote articles and one time wrote a letter addressed to a top government official, to relent on the contravention of human rights. As a dissident he, in collaboration with others such as Jan Patocka founded Charter 77, a human rights movement. Seeing the way the powerful subjugated the ordinary citizens made Havel write one of his greatest works â€Å"the Power of the Powerless†. Here, he was telling the leaders of the time that the people had power to dislodge them from office, without resorting to violence. He claimed that Czechoslovakia had become a country governed by morally bankrupt people out to subjugate the citizens. He urged the citizens to do what is morally right; instead of turning violent against the regime, they should continue with their activities like nothing was wrong. Knowing very well that Czechoslovakians were â€Å"living within a lie†, he did not advise them to use violence against the oppressive regime. Havel saw violence as an unethical resolve that would only rationalize the tyrannical government’s actions. For example, any foreigner in Czechoslovakia was required by law to register with the police on where they were living. The enforcement of this law however, was not easy for the authorities. The law was finally repealed after Czechoslovakians refused to abide by the ridiculous law, and would not register their guests. This was the power of the powerless that Havel

The End of History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

The End of History - Essay Example What we may be witnessing in not just the end of the Cold War, or the passing of a particular period of post-war history, but the end of history as such: that is, the end point of mankind's ideological evolution and the universalization of Western liberal democracy as the final form of human government.In the controversial 1989 essay titled "The End of History", Francis Fukuyama attempted to give Western capitalism's victory over communism a Hegelian interpretation. He argued that the end of history has eliminated all but one intellectual option for the future evolution of the planet. Liberal Democracy and the 'American way of life' were hailed as the only rational coherent system of values and practices; everything else that happened in the past was only leading up to this new Enlightenment and triumph of reason, in a teleological sense of inevitability. In a way, neither is the advent of man the end of evolution, nor is the widespread prevalence of liberal democracy that we witness in our day the "end" of history. Yet they represent effective points of resolution. If we were to assert that man is the pinnacle of natural evolution, it would be factually very incorrect as man modern man evolved barely 100-120 thousand years ago, and evolution takes place in a geological time scale spanning millions of years. Though it may be difficult for us to conceive any life form beyond human beings, evolution is simply a naturally phenomenon that cannot be stopped and has not stopped with humans. Humans may only be representing a transitional life form, or dolphins may evolve to be more intelligent that humans ever were, in a million years or so. We also would like to think American-type liberal democracy as being the pinnacle of evolution of political organisation of society, but we could be wrong. In the course of evolution, there occurred a decisive encounter between Homo sapiens neanderthalensis and Homo sapiens sapiens for over ten thousand years, in which Homo sapiens sapiens finally emerged as the survivor to assert supremacy over the planet, about 28,000 years ago. Eerily echoing this epic evolutionary clash between the two rival human species, there raged a monumental battle in the twentieth century between communism and democracy during the years of the Cold War, in which the forces of democracy finally emerged victorious and asserted supremacy over the planet. However, there is nothing intrinsically final about both these phenomena. Man has of course no rival on the planet now, and liberal democracy too, even with all its defects and shortcomings, appears the sole viable alternative for the present and the future of human society. However, if we were to claim that man is the culmination and the end of natural evolution, we could be accused of brazen anthropocentrism. Similarly, if we were to claim that democracy is the culmination, and more than that, the end itself, of ideological evolution, we could perhaps be accused of "American-centrism". Yet the fact remains that, considered on a rational basis, emergence of man represents an evolution of consciousness that offers a satisfactory resolution to the six hundred million years of natural evolution, despite his war-like nature and other selfish, brutish tendencies. In this sense, enlightened liberal democracy too, notwithstanding its myriad inadequacies, offers a satisfactory resolution to the ten thousand years of evolution of human society. If Neanderthals took over the Cro-Magnon man (that is, us), of if Hitler won the Second World War, or if the Soviet Union somehow succeeded in annihilating the United States in the Cold War, would we have been at the end of history too Certainly, Neanderthals were very robust, they had already been flourishing for about two hundred thousand years when the Cro-Magnon man arrived on the ice age European scene and made his presence felt. There were also many times in the Second World War, where the German forces were on the ascendency, and in fact Hitler

Law discussion5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Law discussion5 - Essay Example When the front desk employee is notified of the spilled drink, he is immediately has a legal obligation to do something about it due to the law on duty of care. The duty was breached since the front office employee did not promptly act on the information provided. He should have the drink washed up. By failing to act immediately, the employee and the hotel by extension, breach their duty and fail to meet their institutional obligation. The standard of care is often defined as the level of caution and reason expected of any individual or institution that has a duty of care. The standard of care in this case is therefore neutralizing the danger posed by the spilled drink. They can either have it washed up immediately or at least bar the lobby until they can clean it up. The hotel did not obviously meet this standard of care. John’s injuries are as a result of an accident that can be solely attributed to negligence of the hotel. The breach of duty was therefore the proximate cause of his injuries and the hotel should face full liability. An injury is any harm done to a person or persons caused by an act or omission of another or others. Injury is mainly physical hurt but includes damage to dignity or reputation, loss of a constitutional right, or even breach of contract. In this case there is injury in that the boy breaks his hand. There is also injury through breach of duty of care as the boy is exposed to danger in a place he is promised to be

Importance of Financial Accounting of Government Affairs in World and Research Paper

Importance of Financial Accounting of Government Affairs in World and More Specifically in Africa - Research Paper Example Government accounting is the process that encompasses recording, analysis, classification, summary, communication, and interpretation of financial information about government conduct in financial domain in aggregate. It is detailed reflection of transactions and other economic events involving the receipt, payments, spending, transfer, usability and disposition of assets and liabilities (International Federation of Accountants, 2000). 1.2 Purpose of Government Accounting: Government disclosure in accounting provides citizen evidence and reasoning for the raising of funds from public and donors and domains where the said amount is made useful with its cost and benefits information also exportable from such statements. Government accounting is also an important source of information for national and international investors about how the economy is being run based on internal revenues, local or international debts. Information disclosed in government accounting statements are fulfillme nt of â€Å"their right to know† about the government strategy regarding the accounting and finance of the country (GASB 2006, p. 5). Government accounting, concisely, is required to serve the following three purposes based on their priority (Chan, 2003): BASIC PURPOSE: Basic purpose of government accounting is to prevent and detect public treasury from corruption and graft. Citing report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Development Association, Thomas (2001, p. 38) mentioned that countries with heavy debt and poor state of economic stability 'lack the practices and procedures necessary for budgeting, monitoring, and reporting on the use of public resources'. INTERMEDIATE PURPOSE: Intermediate purpose of government accounting is to ensure the robust and thorough financial management of public resources through budget planning and presenting actual activities. ADVANCE PURPOSE: The advance purpose of government accounting is to help government ensu re its accountability to public. To achieve this purpose it is required to have efficiency on three levels; accountability of the bureaucracy to the chief executive, of the executive to the legislature, and of the government to the people. Transparency in government accounts serves to ensure efficiency in economy and a weapon against government theft and frauds. Accounting information can be used to monitor and enforce the terms of economic, social and political contracts; when government conduct any market transaction its information from financial statements can be used for economic accounting of government. Similarly, when government levies any tax to finance its budgetary needs, details regarding its need and benefit can be assessed for political accounting of government (Chan, 2003).Hence, accounting for government is more for accountability as it involves public resources. Acknowledgment of the importance of government

Juno American Feature Film Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Juno American Feature Film - Essay Example Juno has a very basic story line as well as concept attached to the tale; it is about a young girl trying to explore the nooks and crannies of intimacy and relationships without understanding the implications that might arise along with the same. The film has been directed in a very concise manner making use of pencil stylized ‘rotoscoped’ images right from the credits in the beginning, making use of animation in order to help the audience understand the maturity level of the girl and the kind of colourful life that she always wanted to live for herself. This entire sequence took a period of seven to eight months to be mastered as each and every shot that follows Juno on her way to the medical pharmacy was taken in short screenings. The set design is incredible, assisting in providing the film with a touch of wonder. The various characters within the movie have been portrayed in a very interesting manner. The director has taken his time to choose the main protagonists an d provide them with a different twist. Juno is a young teenage girl who comes off a little strong on the first meeting with everyone. The lighting during the course of the film is a light and well maintained one without any qualms as such, helping to show the warmth emanating from the characters at different points throughout the course of the movie. Full of sarcasm, Juno helps to put an indie spin in the movie and gives a very intense performance with her dominating nature and need to control everything that might not even be in her reach. However, she understands where she went wrong by getting pregnant but decides to bring about a change in a couple’s life with the help of her baby who she is willing to give up in order to make someone else happy. There was a vast amount of dramatisation in the film played by the other characters, namely Juno’s parents which helped to calm the situation by making her understand what she had gone through, and helping her come out wit h a solution rather than screaming at her and making her feel the pain of the implications and consequences that she was already suffering. The two characters acted in an excellent manner, almost very real and lifelike, helping parents all around to understand how to cope with their children if they befall such a similar situation in their future. The entire design of the film is based on the four seasons of the year and the film has thus been divided into four aspects with different materials used to give the picture of the various seasons that passed by. For example, the use of fake flora and flowers were made in order to depict spring taking place. Fans were used in order to blow leaves and flowers around in order to show autumn and the shedding of leaves and trees. The use of fake cherry blossom trees were also made to make the set look more real. Different colours were also used wisely by the director as he tried to use each colour to signify the weather on the outside. For exa mple, the opening sequence of the movie shows Juno walking in a red hoodie jacket, walking through sombre coloured green and brown lush greenery around her (Sciretta). Juno’s bedroom as well was a very cleverly designed set as it helped to appeal to the minds of most young teenagers, showing how most young people keep their rooms; messy as

Business Strategy Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 3

Business Strategy - Assignment Example These analyses have assisted the report to evaluate the critical success factors of the organisation. It has also assisted to design various strategic recommendations for the organisation such as STP strategy, Horizontal and Vertical integration and Ansoff’s Matrix. These strategies have been illustrated to suggest the future activities of the organisation to acquire a strong position in the different market segments of Singapore. Value based pricing and cost plus pricing strategies have been recommended for the new as well as existing product line of the organisation. These strategies will assist the organisation to attract new consumers towards their products and services to improve their global market growth. The report is focused on analysing the strategic position of Quirky Inc. to recommend a competitive positioning for the organisation in the Singapore market. In the first stage the analysis of the current strategic position of the organisation will emphasise the internal as well as external environmental analysis of the organisation. This analysis will allow the assessment of key driving forces and critical success factors of the organisation. In the next stage the report will evaluate various strategic options for expanding the business in the Singapore market. It will also provide valuable recommendations to assist the proper execution of the strategies. Quirky Inc. was founded by Ben Kaufman in 2009 and it’s currently situated only in New York. It is a crowd sourcing company specialized in formulating the innovative ideas of the population. The organisation not only encourages inventors to submit their innovative ideas they also assist them to develop new product as per those ideas. The website of the organisation also allows people to sell their innovative range of products. The organisation has strong partnership with various digital retail outlets for instances, Best Buy

The connection between the Jedi Order in Star Wars and Christianity Essay Example for Free

The connection between the Jedi Order in Star Wars and Christianity Essay For thirty-one years, the Star Wars franchise has brought people infinite hours of entertainment with: movies, video games, comic books, toys, and non-fiction books. However, one recurrent theme that is constant throughout the movies and books is a belief in a higher power. In Star Wars, the Jedi and the Sith believed in the Force. The Jedi believe in using their faith in the Force for the greater good. Most of their belief structure is closely based on some aspects of early and modern Christianity. One Jedi aspect that is closely tied to early Christianity is the rule of two. In the fictionally adaptation of George Lucass Star Wars Episode 1: the Phantom Menace, the Jedi Grand Master Yoda states, Always two there are.a master and an apprentice (Brooks 320). Master Yoda is referring to the order of the Sith, but the same reference can also be made about the Jedi. A Jedi Knight handpicks a Padawan (apprentice) to pass on all their knowledge, to protect each other, and to grow in the ways of the Force. This aspect can also be found in the Bible, in the book of Mark 6:7, Jesus called the twelve to him, and sent them out in pairs (Qtd in Peterson 1834). Dick Staub suggests that Jesus did this so that the disciples could unlearn what they have learned to this point in their lives, so that they could fully rely on God for everything; much like the Jedi rely on the Force (Staub 118). Jesus sent six pairs of his disciples, He gave them the authority and power to deal with the evil opposition (Qtd in Peterson 1834). This is just like to Jedi Order. The Jedi came to serve the Galactic Republic as guardians of peace and justice (Lucas Online). The disciples had almost the same mission. The disciples went and preached peace to everyone, They sent demons packing, they brought wellness to the sick, anointing their bodies, healing their spirits (Qtd in Peterson 1835). The Jedi did not heal people, but they did bring messages of peace. Two Jedi played a instrumental role in the blockade of Naboo (plant) placed by the Trade Federation, Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi faced a Sith apprentice name Darth Maul. Darth Maul killed Qui-Gon during the battle, but Obi-Wan was successful in slicing Darth Maul in half; this could be compared to the disciples casting out demons. In the book of Luke 11:14, Jesus delivered a man from a demon that had kept him speechless. The demon gone, the man started talking a blue streak, talking the crowd by complete surprise (Qtd in Peterson 1891). However, the greatest relationship between the Jedi Order and Christianity is the belief in a higher power. Even Darth Vader, the image of evil and devastation, believes in a higher power. Darth Vader displays his beliefs during a meeting on the Death Star. Darth Vader raises his right hand as Commander Tagges eyes start to swell; Tagge raises his hands to his throat, while Darth Vader says, I find this lack of faith disturbing (Lucas 31). Proverbs 3:6 says Trust God from the bottom of your heart, dont try to figure out anything on your own (Qtd in Peterson 1091). This holds true with what Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn said to a young Anakin Skywalker, Remember, concentrate on the moment. Feel, dont think. Trust your instincts. May the Force be with you, Annie (Brooks 164). Now, to me, these two quotes sound completely different, but their meanings are the same. The Bible quote tells believers in God, to fully trust him and that God will provide everything that we need to survive. God will show us the right path to travel down after we spend time fasting and in prayer. While, Master Qui-Gons quote tells us that when you take a quick step back from the situation you are in, the Force will reveal the right course of action, and the accurate path to walk down to complete its will; much like God will reveal to us what the accurate path for us is to complete his will. Both the Jedi and Christians are showing an immeasurable amount of faith (trust) in their particular higher power. The Force (and a Lightsaber) is a Jedis most powerful ally; this can equally be said regarding Jesus with Christianity. The Force and Christ are one in the same, Dick Staub referrers to God as the Lord of the Force (Staub 5). Now, Christ doesnt grant us the power to move objects just by raising our hand like the Force does, but Christ does bestow clairvoyance to us. Psalms 119:35 sates, Guide me down the road of your commandments (Qtd in Peterson 1052). Psalms 119:105 states, By your words, I can see where Im going, they throw a beam of light on my path (Qtd in Peterson 1056). So, that we recognize the correct path to walk down. Works Cited Brooks, Terry. Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. Brooks, Terry. Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. New York: Del Rey, 1999. 320. Lucas, George. Star Wars: Databank. 5 January 2008. 5 June 2008 http://www.starwars.com/databank/organization/thejediorder/. Lucas, George. Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker. Lucas, George. Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker. New York: Del Rey Books, 1976. 31. Peterson, Eugene H. The Message Remix: The Bible In Contemporary Language. Peterson, Eugene H. The Message Remix: The Bible In Contemporary Language. Colorado Springs: Navpress, 2003. 1834. Staub, Dick. Christian Wisdom of the Jedi Masters.: Staub, Dick. Christian Wisdom of the Jedi Masters. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2005.

Value Management And Its Application In The Construction Industry Construction Essay

Value Management And Its Application In The Construction Industry Construction Essay The construction industry the world over is often perceived to be the life wire of its respective economy as it cuts across all aspects of human activities (Ayangade, 2009) and the Nigerian construction industry is not an exception to this. Its contribution ranges from enabling the procurement of goods and services to the provision of buildings and other infrastructure, thereby providing employment opportunities to its labour force while contributing immensely to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to Ayangade (2009), the contribution of the Nigerian construction industry is yet to measure up to those of the western world like the UK and Australia due to its developing nature among other reasons discussed below. As noted by the same researcher (Ayangade, 2009), whereas the construction industries of other developed countries are responsible for about 22% of their respective GDPs, the Nigerian case is different as it contributes slightly below 16% to its economy. However, this could be said to be complemented by the relatively higher employment (20%) it provides for its whooping 140 million citizens compared to the 12% as in the case of developed countries. Mbamali (2004) attributed this to relatively lower use of mechanization within construction in Nigeria and the high dependency of the Nigerian economy on the oil sector. Obiegbu (2005) noted that the construction industry, unlike other sectors, is a complex one and requires articulate professionals who are ready to live up to its clients expectations. Clients in the construction industry may either be private individuals including corporate bodies or public organisations which include the government. In Nigeria the federal government is often seen to be involved in the most complex projects with about 38.4% of the market (Ayangade, 2005). This is followed by the state government which is responsible for about 19.2% of the projects in the industry, though there is still some form of partnering between different classes of clients. The players in the industry are a disparate group of individuals often assembled into temporary teams and may comprise of quantity surveyors, architects, Engineers, Estate surveyors Valuers, project managers, contractors and sub-contractors, suppliers, labourers and artisans. Activities in the construction industry are carried out on a project basis and could be within an organisation or part of a programme (..reference). The Project Management Institute (PMI) (2004) defined a project as a temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, service or result. The product, in the context of the construction industry, may be a building, services installation or other infrastructural project. Hence the relevant mix of professionals is often assembled together with the aim of achieving this goal. This group of professionals is expected to possess the relevant skills, knowledge, tools and techniques to achieve the project goals. The application of these variables, skills, knowledge, tools and techniques, with the aim achieving the required objective is referred to as project management (PMI, 2004). According to Obiegbu (2005), the contractual procurement strategy, which he defined as a basis for clients action in defining the procedure to be followed fr om the inception of the project to handover, plays an important role in the performance of the industry. Some of the contractual arrangements which are often referred to as procurement routes may include, but are not limited to, the following: Traditional procurement route Design and build Management contracts 2.1.1 Nature and Performance of the Nigerian Construction Industry the economic resources often wasted in cost and time overruns, substandard work and shoddy workmanship, client-contractor-practitioners acrimonious relationships and non-performance of projects as envisaged by clients and end users Olatunje (2009) The above quote highlights the perception of the Nigerian construction industry presented by Olatunje (2009) highlights issues researched by other authors such as cost and time overruns (Aniekwu and Okpala, 1998, Oyedele Tham, 2007, Dlakwa Culpin, 1990), project abandonment (Sonuga et al, 2002, Adams, 1997) and both client and contractor dissatisfaction (Olatunje, 2009). The quote also echoes findings from Egans (1998) research into the UK construction industry. The Egan report has been formative in the UK construction industry but also for the Nigerian industry, which is fashioned after the UKs (Mbamali, et al., 2005, Oyedele Tham, 2007). The Nigerian construction industry has similar contractual arrangements as the industry in Britain which has been found to be more unsuitable for developing industries like Nigeria than it is for its own industry (Edmonds Miles, 1983, Sonuga et al, 2002). The most common procurement route used in the Nigerian construction industry is the traditional route (Ayangade, 2009). This implies that much risk is placed on the Architect to deliver the project as he is left to advise, organise and lead other project consultants to conceive and develop the project design. This procurement route has faced a lot of criticism including the separation of the design stage from actual construction. Wells (1986) found that the divorce of design from construction and the use of competitive tendering, which is based on lowest cost, are noted constraints that affect the performance of the Nigerian construction industry. Aniekwu and Okpala (1988) referred to these as systemic issues in the industry which result from the application of contractual arrangements unsuited to the Nigerian industry. Some of these issues may be accommodated by appropriate conditions of contract but these factors are considered to be withholding the development of the industry. Aniekwu and Okpala (1988) also identified some of the structural issues affecting the industry to include access to finance and lack of proper communication among consultants, contractors and the client at the early stages the project and during construction. Oyodele and Tham (2005) noted that lack of proper communication in the industry, boosted by its high level of fragmentation, has left it awash it with delay, cost and time overruns in addition to the disturbing rate of fluctuation in the prices of materials offered by the economy. The findings of the Building Research Establishment associated more than 50% of the construction defects with mistakes in project drawings and documentation due to inadequate interaction among the proj ect professionals. This is in line with the recommendation of the National Economic Development Office (1987) on the need for more accurate designs in the industry as this is responsible for nearly two-thirds of poor quality work in the industry. 2.1.2 Project Management in the Nigerian Construction Industry Odusemi et al, (2003) found that Project Management is still in its early stages of development in the Nigerian construction industry. The service is offered but only alongside other consultancy services. This is not assisted by the fact that PM is learned experientially and is not represented by established professional bodies, although many consultants are members of the Association of Project Management (APM) and the Project Management Institute (PMI). This has left the industry struggling with the challenges of satisfying the needs of its clients and the public as a whole. As noted by Oyodale and Tham (2005), the complexities presented by the industry can only be tackled by its professionals. Aibinu and Jagboro (2002) concluded that, considering the contribution of the construction industry to its nations economy, improved services in the form of greater efficiency and timeliness would certainly yield a positive impact. The research called on the need for innovative research that will improve management skills and ability, buildability, design quality, integration and communication and client focus so as to deliver value for money. 2.2 VALUE MANAGEMENT 2.2.1 Value Concept Historically, value is viewed from an economic perspective, hence its expression as a ratio of costs to benefits (Kelly et al, 2004). The concept of value is based on the relationship between satisfying needs and the expectations and the resources required to achieve them (British Standard, 2000). The above statement implies that for value to be correctly defined there ought to be some needs that are desired to be satisfied; which are then weighed against the required and available resources to achieve them. This however does not equate reduced cost to enhanced value. For instance, as illustrated in figure 2.1 below, a project manager may decide to commit more resources in the short run (which would obviously increase cost) with an intention of increasing his revenue (improved value) in the long run. Value can thus be increased when the clients satisfaction increases and the cost in terms of resources either diminishes, or increases to a lesser extent (Tassinari (1985, p37). Figure 2.1 showing the relationship between resources and customer satisfaction. (Adapted from British Standard, 2000) A need is that which is desired or necessary to perform a particular function and will differ depending on the nature of the client or the perspective from which it is defined (British Standard, 2000). This explains why value is often seen to be a subjective term (Thiry, 1997). According to Kelly et al (2004) producers and dealers may both view value as the price of a physical object while the consumers or users would see value from its performance perspective which changes with time. McGeorge and Palmer (2002) illustrate this using a modern home which has a little battery operated radio in addition to internet, phone, and television. Of course, the small radio would be perceived to have little or no value until a snow storm cuts the house off from the electric power supply which will render the radio as the only source of communication. The above example by McGeorge and Palmer (2002) shows the effect time and innovation can have on a clients interpretation of value and how it can change given a particular situation. The small battery operated radio was initially of very high value when it was the only available option but diminished with the invention and/or acquisition of internet, phone and television by the household. However its appreciation changed when the situation change. According to Zimmerman and Hart (1982Shona Flannery2010-07-24T16:24:00 p) as cited in Thiry (1997), if a design has not changed in 18 years, the product is either excellent or management has failed to improve it. However one knows that neither of these two conditions mentioned in the above statement is obtainable in the present construction industry due to its highly competitive nature. Most times clients interpretation of value is when it meets or exceeds their expectations. Kelly and Male (2007) described this using the Kanos model as shown in figure 2.3 below. Figure 2.2 Kanos Model, reproduced from Kelly and Male, 2007 As shown on Kanos model above, there are three levels of satisfaction factors; basic, performance and delighter, each having some effects on the quality characteristics including customers satisfaction. According to Kelly and Male (2007), Kanos model (figure 2.2) does not only portray the importance of achieving a clients immediate expectations from a project but also the need to go the extra mile to improve it beyond the clients expectations as this gives them a delighter satisfaction. The possible benefit from this is that projects would not become obsolete within a short period of its completion as its performance would still exceed the customers demand, thereby assuring the client of continued good value for his money. Kanos model also creates room for improved projects through innovative services and products as what was once a delighter over time goes down to basic and forms a baseline below which the client becomes d issatisfied. According to Harty (2009) one of the driving forces behind the value management concept is that it encourages innovation through research which is in line with the recommendations of Egan (1998) to improve the performance of the construction industry. 2.2.2 Defining the Client Value System Clients in the construction industry have been described as a heterogeneous group made up of private or public organisations operating in different environments with diverse reasons for their existence (Kelly et al 2007). Some of these are multinational organisations competing at the global level who already have reputations to protect while some are small upcoming organisations who are still very much profit driven. Viewed from another perspective, some of these clients are more experienced than others irrespective of their sizes or the sector in which they operate. It then follows that clients are unique in their own ways and have individual, respective requirements which determine their needs and hence what is of value to them. This is referred to as the client value system. Harmonizing and prioritizing these diverse views of stakeholders in a particular project at the project briefing stage sets the clients value system and ensures that value for money (VfM) is achieved, (OGC, 20 07). The client value system is thus seen as a basis for making decisions as to the allocation and use of resources available for a project, thereby addressing the usual mismatch between the clients actual intent and his capability (Thiry, 1996). According to Kelly et al (2004, p157) one of the most important considerations of value management is the recognition of the uniqueness of each clients value system. This creates demand for the construction industry as it is focused on the customers by making explicit what value means to the each individual client. Sequel to this, Kelly et al (2004) identified some measurable criteria which form a typical construction client value system to include time, capital costs, operating cost, environment, exchange, flexibility, esteem, comfort and politics. 2.2.2.1 Time Refers to the period from when the project was conceptualized to the period when it is completed and absorbed into the clients organisation. Often time is assessed on a continuum from when it is of essence to the point where it could be compromised (Kelly et al, 2004). For instance a project to build a sports bar for the 2010 world cup delivered just a day past the commencement of the tournament, may drastically affect its value. Hence it is necessary to determine what time means to the client. 2.2.2.2 Capital expenditure (CAPEX) Are those costs associated with the capital cost of a project, measured on a continuum between the budget being considered tight and not able to be exceeded to there being flexibility in budgeting (Kelly et al 2004). Simply put, CAPEX is what it cost to put a project on ground, from inception to handover. However, Elinwa and Joshua (2001) stated that it is sometimes difficult to separate the capital costs of some projects from its operating costs due the platform on which it was procured. For example a primary health centre to be procured through PFI, it may not be so easy to pin point the capital costs as it forms part of the total lease package. 2.2.2.3 Operating expenditure (OPEX) Spending on construction projects is not one off expenditure as the building requires to be operated, maintained and repaired throughout the life span of the building. According to Kelly et al (2004), OPEX can be defined as those costs associated with operation and maintenance of a completed project as it becomes a part of the clients organization; measured by the extent to which it is minimized to its point of being flexible. This depends on the use to which a building is being put to. For instance where the building is for residential purpose, the operating costs may include utilities, cleaning, repairs, maintenance, caretaker and security. This may be expanded to include photocopying and internet facilities and other office services for a commercial development. 2.2.2.4 Environment This defines how important achieving an environmentally friendly project is to the client. Kelly et al (2004) defined environment as the extent to which the project results in a sympathetic approach to its immediate and extended physical environments in terms of energy consumed in putting it up and in operating it. The yardstick here is the level to which the project complies with the Kyoto Agreement and Agenda 21 issues including other environmental regulations. This explains a clients interest in having a sustainable development which is resources conscious. 2.2.2.5 Exchange or resale This refers to the monetary value of the project were it to be sold, rented or valued as part of an organisations assets. Where the project cannot be traded on the open market value or there is no intention to resell ab initio, this will be indicated in the organisations value system (Kelly et al, 2004). The continuum here is between the returns from the project being of importance to the returns being of not of much or no importance to the client. 2.2.2.6 Flexibility As recommended by Egan (1998), there is a need for construction projects to be at a par with improvements in technology and changes in market demand. Hence flexibility as a value criterion is the extent to which a project parameter has to reflect this ever changing environment at its design stage (Kelly et al 2004). For instance, the nature of the healthcare industry involves constant improvements in technology and hence healthcare facilities must be compatible with the incorporation of these changes. However, flexibility depends on the nature of the project and is measured between being very easy to change its function to being impossible. 2.2.2.7 Esteem This refers to the amount of immediate resources that a client wants to forgo for attributes like prestige, aesthetic and appearance rather than performance (Thiry, 1996). Some projects may not be viable based on other value criteria but of high value to the client on esteem grounds. For instance, some projects undertaken by some countries could be just aimed at creating awareness and putting the countrys name on the map as in the case of the worlds tallest building in Dubai. 2.2.2.8 Comfort In the context of a building this refers to the physical and psychological comfort of the building as a place for working and living with its influence on human performance (Kelly et al 2004). Simply put, it refers to the ease with which the project supports the business carried out in it or other uses to which it is being put. 2.2.2.9 Politics This is external to projects and refers to the level of resources that the client wants to commit to the community, popularity and good neighbour issues which often determines how important they Shona Flannery2010-07-24T17:55:00 who?are to him (Kelly and Male, 2007). This is measured by the motive to be popular with the local community or not having any concern with them at all. In a study conducted to determine clients assessment of architects performance in Nigeria in terms of delivering value for money, Lukmon et al (2007), identified a set of 28 similar but correlated criteria which they grouped under quality of project, buildability, client focus and management skills. 2.2.3 Historical Background of Value Management A project is defined as an undertaking aimed at achieving a specific objective usually measured in terms of performance, budget and schedule, (Morris and Hough 1987). Hence project is an investment undertaken to add value to the core business of a client (Kelly et al, 2004). Value Management, as a management technique, offers the most logical approach to delivering VfM to clients (Shen and Liu 2003); Kelly and Male, 2007). Its strength may be attributed to its approach of identifying and/or verifying a clients value system among the relevant stakeholders at an early stage of the project, so that these may be reflected in the project design. According to Thiry (1996) the origins of VM can be traced back to the 1940s in what he described as more for less in the USA manufacturing industry. During World War II Lawrence Miles, an Engineer with General Electric, was faced with some strategic problems in producing some components which were easily produced in the past. As a way around this Miles, who before then has been dissatisfied with the cost of production in the industry, came to realise that most times circumstantial innovations result in better performance and reduced cost. This prompted Miles to ask what function does this component perform and how else can we perform that function (Dallas, 2006Shona Flannery2010-07-24T17:59:00 p). Miles questions gave rise to the concept of function analysis which was aimed at identifying and analysing the intended functions to determine if the materials for the proposed solution can be substituted with less expensive ones. Not long after, people started to adopt the technique of focusing on the intended function not the process which soon developed into what is today referred to as Value Analysis (VA). In many cases people perceived the technique as a cost reduction technique at the expense of improved functionality which is a total misconception of the technique (Kelly and Male, 1993). However, the technique was so successful that in less than 10 years it was adopted in the US Department of Defence to deliver VfM and from then on other industries in the USA have adapted it for application at different phases of their projects. Value Management (VM) as it came to be called, refers to a structured management of the total value equation throughout all stages of the project (Kelly et al; 2004). Figure 2.3 shows different stages and segments of the development of value management. Figure 2.3 The metamorphosis of Value Management, adapted from Dallas (2006) As illustrated in figure 2.3, Miles action in the 1940s was focused on getting alternative materials or components to perform the required function which was the beginning of value management. This was later perceived as a cost cutting technique before the adoption of a holistic structured approach to improving value (Kelly and Male, 1993). Following the development and positive impacts of value management in the US manufacturing sector, the technique was adopted into the US construction industry as a means of delivering VfM to its clients in the 1960s. Fong and Shen (2000) noted that VM was first introduced in the US construction industry in 1968 and its application in the Chinese construction industry is recorded to occur 10 years later (Shen and Liu, 2004). According to Kelly et al (2004), the value management technique was first used in the UK 30 years after it was introduced in the US manufacturing industry at the Xerox headquarters, an American company. From then on VM has grown to become widely accepted in different parts of the world as a logical means to achieve value for money (Fong, 2004; Kelly et al, 2004; Ellis et al, 2004) including in Africa (Bowen et al, 2008). 2.2.4 Benefits of Value management Value management is a proactive, problem solving service, which maximizes the functional value of a project through a structured team which makes explicit the clients value system and weights further decisions against the value system.(Kelly et al, 1998). VM aims to justify the place of a project in a clients organisation at an early stage and develops a strategic plan against which it is built on to deliver value for money. VM is often misconstrued to being a cost reduction exercise, hence seen to be synonymous with value engineeringShona Flannery2010-07-24T18:14:00 . According to Dallas (2006) cost reduction, which is an obvious output of a value management exercise, cannot after all be seen as its main motive. As illustrated in figure 2.4 below, VM incorporates value engineering and value analysis in its value definition exercise and so could be perceived to be a universal set for the three concepts. Figure 2.4 shows the relationship between Value Management, Value Engineering and Value Analysis, adapted from Connaughton and Green (1996) VM looks at a project from a holistic point of view (time, whole life cost and performance) in the context of its usage which properly fits in the definition of value for money (). Connaughton and Green (1996) identified the following benefits which a properly executed Value Management exercise can yield: The need for the project is made explicit and verified by available data. The project objectives are identified and discussed openly to reach a consensus. Rational, explicit and measurable decisions are guaranteed after alternatives have been considered. Project designs are developed from the agreed framework, which are evaluated on the basis of the agreed performance criteria. There is greater participation from stakeholders which guarantees their buy in. There is improved communication and teamwork spirit throughout the project. Improved innovation with better quality definition in the project. Unnecessary cost is eliminated which may lead to a reduction in cost. Properly executed, value management when employed at the early stages of a project can help eliminate unnecessary cost to the tune of 10% to 25% savings on the proposed capital cost of project (Ellis et al, 2004). This is considered to be reasonable compared to the actual cost of the VM exercise, which is estimated at about 0.5% to 1% of the projects cost (REF). 2.3 APPLICATION OF VALUE MANAGEMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Any construction project should be only commissioned following a careful analysis of needs since failure to think through project requirements will almost certainly cause problems for subsequent design and construction stages. For that reason, the Construction Industry Board recommends that value management be incorporated as an integral part of the construction process (Baldwin 1998). The value management approach may differ between countries depending on the nature of their construction industry or the chosen procurement route in a particular project. However, this does not dispute the fact that the VM technique can be gainfully applied at any stage of a construction project, as clients/contractors are often faced with the challenge of finding an optimum balance between cost, time, quality and performance criteria (Fong 2004). In the UK, the USA, Australia and other countries where the value management technique is well established, VM is applied through a process referred to as the value management study (British Standard, 2000) or value management process (Kelly et al; 1998) via a workshop approach facilitated by value manager or experienced team facilitator. A value management study, as defined in BS12947, involves the application of value management to a particular business case identified within a VM programme. Baldwin (1998, as cited in Kelly et al, 1998) noted that VM is not a question of brainstorming and problem solving, rather it requires a structured methodology in order to have the required outcome. Figure 2.5 overleaf depicts a simple VM study plan developed for the European Value Management standard (British Standard, 2000). Figure 2.5 shows a simple VM study plan, adapted from the British Standard (2000) The VM study plan represents a systematic approach to ensuring that appropriate techniques and skills are utilized in the value study. According to the British Standard (2000), as shown in the VM study plan above, a VM study should aim to achieve the following objectives; Identify the objectives and targets the intended study is set to achieve; as this may differ from the project objectives. Formulate the relevant approach needed to achieve the objectives, including team selection and training (where necessary). Identify the relevant functions which will lead to the achievement of the objectives. Identify some basis for measuring changes in performance and use of resources. Set targets for performance and use of resources for the above identified functions in a way peculiar to the organisations. Identify innovative ways of arriving at the targets through the application of the above methods. Evaluate the proposal for improvement. Implement the proposal which have been chosen by the decision makers Monitor and measure the outcomes in relation to the target. Feedback results for continuous improvement of VM programme. There are different approaches to value management studies in different countries with regards to team compositions and workshop procedure. For instance in the American construction industry, VM studies are typically carried out by an independent workshop team who will have to sell their ideas to the project team later on. This is different from the UK practice where the existing project team is fully involved in the study. In a benchmarking exercise carried by Kelly et al (1998), the use of an existing project team in conducting value management studies appeared to be the preferred approach due to the following advantages accruable to the project; Cost of the study is relatively minimized Time spent project briefing the study participants is reduced Waste of resources on previously considered but failed ideas are eliminated Offers better opportunity for developing project teams during the workshop More opportunity to explore all available options Implementation is more guaranteed as team members have already accepted ideas which they generated as a team, thereby reducing the development period. However, generic VM workshop strives to add value to a project by considering the project on its whole life basis. Kelly et al (1998) who were in support of this view identified the five key value opportunities at which VM technique can be employed to include pre-brief workshop, proper Shona Flannery2010-07-24T18:44:00 ?workshop, sketch design workshop, final working design and implementation workshop. 2.3.1 Pre-brief workshop The Value Manager or Facilitator meets with the project sponsor/client to clarify the place of the project in his organisation or programme. This will give the two parties a better understanding of the functional expectations of the project so as to help form a basis for the project briefing workshop and the clients value system. This may yield solution/s to the clients problem, for example, whether a new building is needed or renovation of existing one will achieve the same objectives. 2.3.2 Proper workshop Proceeds from the identified solution in the pre-brief phase and aims to identify the clients value system. This workshop offers an opportunity to facilitate the project team, understand their dynamics and guide them to achieve the desired goal. Though it is expected that the workshop has an agenda, this should not be too detailed, thereby making the timings tight, as this may divert the focus from achieving the objectives of the workshop to exhausting the items on the agenda. The tactical skills of the Facilitator are very much needed at this stage of the workshop if its participants are to be productive and should be as brief and focused as possible. 2.3.3 Sketch design workshop Sets a base for the detailed drawings and represents the design teams perception of the

Analysis of Classical Economist Theories

Analysis of Classical Economist Theories Yashwardhan Banthia â€Å"Do the classical economists constitute a coherent school of thought in the history of economics, or are they rather a loose grouping of writers whose differences are more salient than what they have in common?† Abstract This paper will discuss the analysis of capital accumulation, income distribution and technological progress expounded by major classical economists, David Ricardo, Adam Smith and Karl Marx. Detailed arguments on Smith’s views on division of labor, Ricardo’s investigation of using the labor theory to replace machines and Marx’s theories of capitalism and his version of Ricardo’s analysis will be explained. It will finally be concluded that classical economists constitute a coherent school of thought, whose philosophies are more similar than different. Introduction The classical school of thought has always placed a great amount of emphasis on the analysis of economic growth. The question asks the reader whether the theories and philosophies of the classical writers were logical and consistent with regard to the economic behavior, or if they were simply writers whose ideas were rather dissimilar to that of their compatriots. The paper would critically discuss the ideologies and theories implemented by classical economists, with particular focus on the effect of the various forms of technological change that have major insinuations on the income distribution amongst rent, wages and profits. The components of this paper are as follows: Section 2 highlights Adam Smith’s approach to this issue of technological change where the argument pivots around his views on division of labor and its components. Section 3 reviews David Ricardo’s definition of the labor theory of value and his response to technical change which would feature chapter XXXI, â€Å"On Machinery†, which is newly added as seen in the third edition of the Principles. Section 4 studies the views of Karl Marx, where his hypothesis on the â€Å"organic composition of capital† is examined closely in relation to the theory proposed by Ricardo. The sections are not just limited to these specific writers, other classical economists are discussed in the capacity of the aforesaid philosophies as and where applicable. Following this is a final section that concludes. Adam Smith – Division of labor At the very beginning of The Wealth of Nations, Smith, in his â€Å"Introduction and Plan of Work† maintains that a nation’s social product (taking into account the social product minus the workers’ consumption) is measured by â€Å"the skill, dexterity, and judgment with which the labor is generally applied†. A primitive feature of his study, Smith considers an investigation of the reasons due to which the productivity of workers would increase (Smith, WN I.3-4). Smith’s perception of the concept of division of labor was extremely wide; it covered many characteristics and varying forms of technological change. Principally although, Smith accredited the division of labor to the influence of three essential elements that led to an increase in productivity. Firstly, specialization helped workers hone their skills and become defter as a result. Secondly, a lot time is saved as there is no shift from one activity to another and there is better utilization of resources. Lastly, arduous and complex labor processes would be replaced by powerful machines through innovation, i.e., replacing labor with machines. A careful study of Smith’s analysis of division of labor further clarifies Smith’s ideas as can be seen in the first three chapters of the first book of The Wealth of Nations. In chapter one for instance, Smith distinctly conveys how effective a device, division of labor is in terms of increasing productivity. He then goes on to say in chapter two, that it is a natural human tendency â€Å"to truck, barter and exchange one thing for another†, which appear to be entrenched in â€Å"faculties of reason and speech†, which further provides justification to division of labor (Smith, WN I.ii.1-2). The argument is then completed in chapter three where Smith emphasizes the fact that the market limits the division of labor: a larger division of labor is generated by a larger market and thus, larger productivity is generated between firms as a result. While the markets are expanded by accumulation of capital, Smith’s study emphasizes on the determinants of th e latter. Consequently, there has been a lot of debate on whether Smith’s views on division of labor, income distribution and his analysis of accumulation were ‘consistent’. I believe that technological progress was not viewed by Smith as boon, which was indisputably valuable to all classes of society. However, sections three and four would discuss Ricardo and Marx, and their views and criticisms on elements of Smith’s theories. David Ricardo – Labor theory of value and technological changes Before we discuss Ricardo’s views on the implications of technological change and its effects on income distribution and capital accumulation, his â€Å"fundamental law of income distribution† must first be defined; an inverse correlation between wages and the general rate of profit. He said that the rate of profits would be smaller if a large proportion of what the labor produces is given to him and vice-versa (Ricardo, Works VIII: 194). He was certain of the fact that technological change was an integral component in terms of the developing the modern society and that different effects would be experienced as a result of different forms of change. He was the first economist to have officially defined labor theory of value and thus, his work was considered to be the turning point in the history of the classical school of thought. This is because he reflected upon numerous scenarios in order to arrive at a broad range of consequences that could be an aftermath of technological change. He argued on one particular case regarding a production unit that was completely automated and rightly pointed out that in a case where all the work is done by machinery, there will be no demand for labor. Furthermore, he discussed that nobody despite capitalists would be able to consume commodities or even buy or rent a machine. (Ricardo, Works VIII: 399-400). Surprisingly, the most important technological change commonly associated with Ricardo is however, the problem of â€Å"machinery†. He further went on to assert that the introduction of new machines into the system of production can finally lead a redundancy of workers. This was later defined as â€Å"technological unemployment† Following this, Ricardo withdraws his previous views on machinery in his third edition of the Principles, 1821, in which he states that â€Å"the application of machinery to any branch of production, as should have the effect of saving labor, was a general good, accompanied only with that portion of inconvenience which in most cases attends the removal of capital and labor from one employment to another† (Ricardo, Works I: 386). Ricardo was however convinced that Say’s law, could not in every case, avert the redundancy of workers (Ricardo, Works I: 290). He the rightly corrected himself by stating that he was convinced that using machinery in place of labor was â€Å"injurious† to the interests of the labors.(Ricardo, Works I: 388). On the contrary, I strongly support his idea that it is possible without reducing profits, that advanced and improved machines reduced the amount of labor required for production purposes. Labor productivity would increase however as the machines decrease â€Å"the sacrifice of labor† (Ricardo, Works IV: 397). However, on a final note on Ricardo, it must be mentioned that Ricardo, as a classical economist had a very deep understanding regarding of labor theory of value. Marx’s version of this idea would be discussed next. Karl Marx – Capitalism and labor theory of value Marx adopted Ricardo’s labor theory of value and inculcated some changes of his own. He extended Ricardo’s theory by defining value to be the product of â€Å"all socially expended labor† which was needed, thus suggesting that apart from direct labor, labor used by to create the product was likewise factored into value. Marx reserved special praise for Ricardo’s â€Å"scientific impartiality and love of truth† (Marx 1954: 412) and the â€Å"honesty which so essentially distinguishes him from vulgar economists† (Marx 1969: 555). On closer inspection, it can be observed in Marx’s volume III of Capital, part three specifically, where he appraises Ricardo’s views on effects of technological change and the labor theory. In such a way, this problem of technological change was Marx’s attention of focus of attention in his scrutiny of capitalism. However, Marx insisted that this problem must be examined regularly within the framework of a â€Å"circular flow of production† as he had established in his second volume of Capital. Furthermore, Marx view was that every stage and line of production required â€Å"constant capital†. The important underlying implication is that maximum level of profit in such a system would be finite. These levels of profit would be determined by what Marx coined as â€Å"the organic composition of capital† and would have an upper limit. His study led him to the conclusion that if this â€Å"organic composition of capital† falls (rises) during the time period where there is capital accumulation and changes in technology whilst assuming that wages remain constant, then, it must follow that that the actual rate of profit will fall. As a reader, I am almost compelled to think that Ricardo’s views and ideas have had a strong impact on Marx, as is exhibited by his statements. Likewise, Marx inspected Ricardo’s theories with utmost care, correcting the latter’s theories in some cases, but most evidently absorbing what he reflected to be thorough into his framework. For instance, Marx asserted that when the organic composition of capital rises, it is inevitably the case that the general rate of profits may fall given the fact that the surplus value would be constant, which is contrary to Ricardo’s principle. Another such example could be Marx’s â€Å"relative over-population† theory (Marx 1959: 249-251) or a â€Å"reserve army of the unemployed†. Marx proclaims that the redundant workers cannot be expected to be hired back by factories that utilize machines because of the labor saving trait of the machines. A downward pressure is thus exerted by this reserve army. To Marx and capitalism, what mattered is not â€Å"saving in living labor in general†, however â€Å"a saving in the paid portion of living labor† (Marx 1959:262). The evidence is unmistakable; I believe that it serves to show how intricately close the writings of Ricardo and Marx were: also the fact that Marx was coherent in exhibiting his theories, and comprehensive in portraying his thoughts which has served its purpose in the history of economic thought. Conclusion This essay shows how major classical economists consist of a coherent school of thought through their philosophies and theories that still continue to serve as a basis on which more modern models and theories have been established. This paper shows how major classical economists tackled the issue of technological change that contributed to the growth of a capitalist economy. The three economists, namely Smith, Ricardo and Marx place a lot of attention on the impact of accumulation of capital and technological change on profits. It is interesting to note that although they arrive at a conclusion that the general rate of profit would fall, their arguments which back up that claim differs in important characteristics. The essay is however limited to evaluating a hypothetical situation of one-good economies that are not well suited to examine the intricacies at hand. Nevertheless, it is distinctive that all these writers have, in their own capacities, contributed to explaining the dynamisms of a capitalist economy and the need to increase labor productivity. The argument can be concluded by supporting the claim that these writers constituted of a coherent school of thought whose theories and ideas were more similar to each other and it isn’t the case that their differences were more noticeable than what they had in common. Bibliography and references Bhaduri, A. and Harris, D.1987. The complex dynamics of the simple Ricardian system. Quarterly Journal of Economics102,893–902. Dmitriev, V.K. 1974. Economic Essays on Value, Competition and Utility, English translation of a collection of Dmitriev’s essays published in 1904 in Russion, edited by M.D. Nuti, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. (Originally published in 1898) Eltis, W. 1984. The Classical Theory of Economic Growth, London: Macmillan Garegnani, P. 1987. â€Å"Surplus Approach to Value and Distribution†, The New Palgrave. A Dictionary of Economics, edited by J. Eatwell, M. Milgate and P. Newman, vol. 4, London: Macmillan, pp. 560-74. Glyn, A.2006. Will Marx be proved right?Oxonomics1,13–6. Hicks, J. 1969. A Theory of Economic History, Oxford: Claerendon Marx, K. 1954. Capital, vol. I, Moscow: Progress Publishers. Marx, K. 1959. Capital, vol. II, Moscow: Progress Publishers Marx, K. 1969. Theories of Surplus Value, vol. 2, Moscow: Progress Publishers. Marx, K. 1971. Theories of Surplus Value, vol. 3, Moscow: Progress Publishers. Ricardo, D. 1951-73. The Works and Correspondence of David Ricardo, 11 volumes, edited by Piero Sraffa with the collaboration of Maurice H. Dobb, Cambridge: Cambridge University press. In the essay his volumes are referred as Works, volume number: page number. Schefold, B. 1976. â€Å"Different Forms of Technical Progress†, Economic Journal, 86: 806-19 Smith, A. 1976. An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, two vols. In The Glasgow Edition of the Works and Correspondence of Adam Smith, Ed. R. H. Campbell and A. S. Skinner, Oxford: Oxford University Press. Stigler, G.1958. Ricardo and the 93% labor theory of value.American Economic Review 48,357–67. Sweezy, P.1942.The Theory of Capitalist Development.New York:Monthly Review Press. 1