The World-Building of Blade Runner Movie Review

INTRODUCTION In the 1982 science-fiction film Blade Runner, director Ridley Scott takes great care to fashion a detailed, unique dystopian world for the characters to inhabit. The setting is Los Angeles in the (at the time of production) dystopian future of 2019, where corporations rule the world and synthetic humans called replicants have been outlawed. The film follows bounty hunter Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) as he is tasked to hunt down several replicants who have escaped to Earth. The care taken in the creation of the world of Blade Runner, in combination with the dreamlike, meandering story, creates a visual and cultural futurist’s painting of a realistic dystopia as yet unseen in science fiction. This is combined with deep themes of identity and man’s interaction with technology to create a meaningful and interesting masterpiece of speculative fiction. In this paper, we will analyze the production elements of the film, and how they work to tell this story of robots and human ity in the way that Ridley Scott envisioned. STORYTELLING Blade Runner is told in a very dreamlike way, with a slow, intentional pace, emotionally distant characters, and a simple, allegorical story. Layers of meaning and theme are injected into the forefront of the story through the setting, characters, and plot, creating a distance between the audience and the characters. In this way, the audience is meant to inhabit the world that was created for this film, in lieu of investing heavily in the story. ACTING The nuanced performances of the actors in Blade Runner provide an interesting contrast between the human and replicant characters, and express the characters’ feelings and opinions of the dusky, rainy world of the future. Ford’s Deckard, the protagonist, is as emotionless as you can get with a main character – he is consistently dour, stern, and serious. Throughout the film, Ford carries the weight of the world on his shoulders as Deckard, a divorced loner who is no longer a cop, but a bounty hunter who tracks down replicants. He has no family, no friends, and no connections to other people due to the overcongested and destitute world of the future. In the opening voiceover, Deckard relays that his ex-wife referred to him as â€Å"sushi†¦cold fish.† As being a ‘cold fish’ is analogous with being distant and unfeeling, the audience gets this indication of Deckard’s disconnect from the outside world (Reagle, 1995). The replicants, on the other hand, while also having their serious moments, possess more collective spark and life than the human characters. The leader of the replicants, Roy Batty (Rutger Hauer), displays incredible passion and emotion, as well as malice in his dealings with the other characters. Pris (Daryl Hannah), the most unpredictable and hedonistic character, is a replicant. In fact, the most emotionless replicant found in the film is Rachael (Sean Young), who believes she is human. This stylized difference in performances help to convey the lifeless, cynical world Scott and crew are attempting to create, and the loss of hope and optimism the human characters have. CINEMATOGRAPHY The mise-en-scene of Blade Runner is perhaps its most unique and oft-emulated element; the realization of the future Los Angeles is so complete and detailed that it has served as the basis for many a futurescape in the films following it. Production designer Lawrence G. Paull took influence from many cyberpunk novels, as well as the work of comics such as Heavy Metal, in order to create a homogenized, impoverished yet technologically advanced society that the characters inhabit. In this future, cultures and languages have coalesced, melting the pot of American culture further until half the advertisements and people are Chinese or some variant thereof. Chinese writing is seen throughout the literature and signage of the film, and many of the shopkeepers in the markets that Deckard frequents are Oriental. The city of Los Angeles is almost a character in and of itself; its mood and atmosphere permeate every frame of the film. Every square inch of the place is covered in smoke, dust, ra in and grime; it never seems to stop raining in the film, an intentional choice by the filmmakers to accentuate the bleakness of the world. Throughout this destitute slum of a city, bright neon signs and floating video screens dominate the landscape (some even taking up the sides of entire skyscrapers). Cinematographer Jordan Cronenweth uses low-key lighting in the majority of the shots, as the world is presented in a perpetual state of darkness. Film noir-style use of light and shadow helps to bring about the feeling of destitution and dystopia this future world presents – light often comes in through tight, focused beams through blinds, or as harsh overhead neon lights of the rampant advertisements in the city streets. Shots are often framed quite wide, seeing a great deal of the character’s body, as if to further cement our distance from the characters. However, during deep moments, such as the many moments of contemplation Deckard experiences, and Roy’s final monologue to him after their fight, extreme close-ups are used to bring the audience closer to the characters. The use of color in the cinematography also tells the audience about the sociopolitical landscape of the world of Blade Runner. With some notable exceptions (the polarized sunlight outside Terrell’s window), color is extremely desaturated, with blues, grays and greens dominating the environment. Neons are presented brightly, however, in direct contrast to the grimy city streets, as if to cement corporate and commercial influence over the beleaguered populace. On the other hand, the golden pyramid buildings of the Tyrell Corporation, which loom over the rest of the dark, shrouded city, are often bathed in golden sunlight, with bright lights shining from their tops. This color and lighting scheme informs the audience that they rule the roost in Los Angeles, if not the country or the world. The harsh, grimy and neon-striped metropolis surrounding it is poor and without hope. EDITING The editing of Blade Runner by Marsha Nakashima is slow and contemplative, leading to a slow pace and a relatively long length of shot. The opening shot of the movie fades slowly into an extremely lengthy establishing shot of the Los Angeles cityscape, lingering over it for nearly half a minute. This establishes the intentionally glacial pace of the rest of the film; each shot is given time to breathe, and scenes are often edited with as few cuts as possible, if any. Throughout the film, coverage is used sparingly, as each shot is artistically chosen, the editing reflecting the painterly style of the shots. There are few fades, and what few fades occur are important for establishing of the mood, such as the aforementioned opening shot. Cross-cutting is often used to compare characters and their respective journeys. During the final showdown between Deckard and Roy, one particular lull where they are separated shows how they heal themselves and prepare for their continuing fight Deckard resetting broken fingers, Roy injuring himself with a stigmatic nail through his palm in a ritualistic manner. The latter is often thought to represent a Christlike depiction of Roy, and perhaps Deckard (Reagle, 1995). Slow motion is used in varying but significant instances, most typically in the deaths of the replicants. When Zhora is killed while running from Deckard, she crashes through several panes of glass, surrounded by mannequins, all in slow motion as Deckard continues to shoot. The moment of death for Pris (the second shot Deckard fires at her) is also represented in slow motion, a harsh contrast to the frenetic, epileptic flailing the injured replicant does when she is first shot. At the end of the film’s climax, with a dying Roy Batty talking about ‘tears in rain,’ the film slows down as Roy lowers his head and remains motionless, implying his death. SOUND A vibrant soundscape was created for Blade Runner by sound editor Peter Pennell in order to create a meld of contemporary and futuristic sounds for the vehicles and weapons in the film. The buzz of the spinners as they fly through the landscape, as well as the boom of Deckard’s gun when it fires (particularly during the ‘retirement’ of Zhora) are at times both familiar and alien, a certain hollow tinnyness to them making them feel less than real, and yet strangely futuristic and grounded. At the same time, the deliberate removal of sound effects is used intentionally to emphasize certain scenes. The retirement of Zhora, for instance, features no sound during the slow-motion sequence of her running through the glass panes, all but the sound of Deckard’s gun. This accentuates the brutality of what Deckard is doing to Zhora, who merely wanted to survive. The musical score, by composer Vangelis, is completely synthesized, permeating the film throughout purely as a mood-setter. The music is always low-tempo and consists of long series of tones being played, with melodies that convey mystery, drifting, and discovery, all things that Deckard experiences throughout the course of the film. However, the synthesized nature of the notes always makes the music sound alien and futuristic, but in a nuanced, jazz-like way. The only music by actual instruments is heard in one scene in Deckard’s home, where Rachael plays a few notes on the piano. This is meant to display her desperation to hold on to some semblance of humanity, particularly as she had killed the replicant Leon to save Deckard’s life in the previous scene. STYLE/DIRECTING This is the third film by director Ridley Scott, who had directed the science fiction horror film Alien in 1979 prior to this. That movie, like this one, also presented a grim and down-to-earth view of science fiction, as the setting of the movie was a broken-down space hauler occupied by the equivalent of blue-collar astronauts. This refusal to adhere to shiny metal and clean, curved shapes, like the science fiction of the 1950s and 1960s, helped to pioneer, along with Star Wars, the aesthetic of a gritty, worn-out future. It is clear that Scott wanted to ground science fiction, taking it out of the realm of the fantastical and offer a more conceivable vision of a possible future for our real world. SOCIETAL IMPACT Blade Runner, like many science fiction films, presents a measure of escapism, as you are drawn into the detailed fictional world of futuristic Los Angeles. You are meant to be drawn completely into this other world, which is why so much care and attention to detail was taken in the production design. Oddly enough, it is the touch of realism in the production design and worldbuilding that allows an audience to invest more of their attention in the film – much of the city and technology feel like natural progressions from everyday modern technology. In the theatrical cut of Blade Runner, Deckard provides narration to several points in the film, though they are purely to convey exposition of the main concepts the audience is expected to understand (Deckard’s thoughts and feelings, the definition of replicants, etc.) In subsequent cuts, this narration was removed, as it was inserted at the time at the insistence of the studio, who wanted the nuances of the story explained to the audience. Therefore, the narration could be considered an unnecessary part of the film, since the same points Deckard raises are conveyed (though more subtly) by the direction and performances of the characters. The issues raised in the film are almost purely societal and metaphysical, including the nature of identity, and the search for purpose in life (as portrayed by Roy’s eventful, but short span, and his quest for more time), tying in with the assertion that â€Å"movies have something to say often beyond their literal meaning† (Goodykoontz, Section 9.1). However, there is also an element of criticism toward corporations and capitalist society present in the film, evidenced by the rampant, domineering corporate advertisements and billboards that dominate the sky and the street. It is implied that the corporate culture rules everything, and that is what has led to the dystopian future presented in the film, as well as the persecution of the replicants, who were only created to be slaves, despite being fully realized, sentient beings. GENRE Blade Runner is, first and foremost, a science fiction film. Though there are elements of an action-adventure film, its style most closely resembles film noir, as it features a world-weary detective character, a pervasive feeling of dread or despair, and use of low lighting with plenty of shadow. Science fiction tends to explore the human condition and social issues through fantastical elements that make the conversation more palatable to an audience. The science fiction elements are central to the story, as it uses the concept of artificial beings who look just like humans to explore the nature of what it means to be human in the first place. Deckard’s and Rachael’s questions and doubts of their humanity are reflected by the desire for survival presented by the replicants. CONCLUSION The use of the varying elements of film production in the movie Blade Runner all coalesce to create a unique, interesting and lyrical film that speaks to human issues of identity and the frailty of life. The mise-en-scene, the sound, music and editing all coalesce to form an organic, living world for the characters to inhabit, and for the audience to believe could potentially happen in the future. The movie itself becomes more about this world than the primary plot, as Deckard and the replicants attempt to find their own sense of self and identity in a world that has been overrun with pollution, corporate oversight, and black market dealings. Ridley Scott sought to tell a very presentational story that would be conveyed through mood and atmosphere, and in this instance he succeeded with aplomb. References Goodykoontz, B., and Jacobs, C. (2011) Film: From Watching to Seeing. Reagle, J. (n.d.). The Parting of the Mist: An Analysis of Blade Runner. Joseph Reagle: Introduction. Retrieved May 6, 2011, from http://reagle.org/joseph/1996/film/blade-runner.html Scott, R. (Director). (1982). Blade Runner: The Final Cut [Blu-ray] [Motion picture]. United States: Warner Home Video.

Career Plan For A Career Development - 1706 Words

There exists numerous peer reviewed studies, articles, and even books that serve as a tutorial in coaching and teaching people how to become and remain successful leaders. This is equate to putting the cart before the horse, as students need to first plan on having a successful career before planning on extending their vocation into a formal leadership role in their organization. Hansen and Tovar (2013) suggested that career development, and subsequently becoming a good leader, is a lifelong process that requires the motivation to continue to grow by taking a methodical approach into their daily study and work habits. Fortunately some modern academic institutions are projecting into the future in mandating their student’s curriculum to include career planning. For the vast majority of the population, their journey into academia is brief when compared to the length of their careers. This also applies to highly educated professionals such as doctors and lawyers. The CSU-Glo bal campus offers a resource referred to as the Career Center. CSU-Global Career Center CSU-Global offers an array of services within the Career Center in assisting undergraduate students preparing to enter the workforce, moving laterally into a more desirable organization, or even articles and tips on how to land a promotion. These resources will undoubtedly assist a large target audience of students in helping them to achieve their goals. There are five main modules which branch out into moreShow MoreRelatedCareer Plan For A Career Development Plan1228 Words   |  5 Pages Career Development Plan Vivian Morgan A career development plan will help you improve or maintain your current level of success and prepare for future opportunities. The career development plan will aid in enhancing my personal growth and heighten my career development. Goals or plans give you the push to move forward in life and to seek better skills that lead to top jobs and positions. 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This report will introduce five new positions to the teamRead MoreCareer Development Plan Summary2040 Words   |  9 PagesCareer Development Plan Summary HRM/531 October 9, 2010 Patricia Neu Introduction To improve the development of Kudler Fine Foods it is important to implement a business strategy to increase loyalty and profitability from our customers. Increase Kudler workforce is one way to achieve our objectives. The increase workforce will help Kudler focus on customer programs to expand Kudler store service, better target awareness, frequent shopper programs, increase efficient supply

International Pay Systems Free Essays

The Human Resource department must be able to work closely with the foreign country in order to understand the customs and preferences of the locals while complying and enforcing privacy, copyright, and Intellectual property laws. They must also take Into account the cultural differences of the workers and customers and work to bridge the gaps with management and other transplanted American workers. By taking account of the legal Issues that are Involved In international business venture and being able to Incorporate the customs and prefers of the country will help Ordain Manufacturing meet their goals in expanding their market and sales in a global economy (University of Phoenix, 2010). We will write a custom essay sample on International Pay Systems or any similar topic only for you Order Now The Case of Robert Lord Local taxation and living costs must be considered, along with the gross salary of the senior managers. Senior mangers typically earn a higher gross salary than that off lower ranked employee in many countries including Japan. Once the local taxation and cost of living are taken into account, it is estimated that the United States employee is compensated well than that of his Japanese counterpart. If Robert Lord was sent to Japan on the domestic terms, his buying power is reduced greatly although the gross salary would be higher. The expendable Incomes need to be adjusted to meet the differences In the cost of living. In doing this the expatriate Is assured of the same appending power in the host country as here in the United States. Several allowances and or incentives could also be added to the host country The united States is one of the few countries to impose tax on income portion. Earned on foreign soil, although many of the companies will bear this additional tax burden. This is called tax equalization agreement in which the employee is reimbursed by the employer for the extra amount incurred by the expatriate. Most often a company will withhold a set tax from each payroll payment to the employee, eased on a projected tax Incurred by that nations salary, and at the end of the tax year, after the exact amount of tax is calculated, the employee or employer must reimburse the other for over/under payment. US companies find themselves at a disadvantage with these tax-equalization pay systems, and many companies are trying to fill their senior management positions with local hires (ace International, 2010). One of the defining reasons for a government’s tendency to enact protective measures to counterbalance the effects of markets are the insufficient welfare yester and Japan’s existing social contract, which does not tolerate uncertainty and social suffering. At the very basic level a social contract is a covenant to the Japanese culture. It is not codified by which the society and the state are constituted. It addresses the areas such as how many services the government has to provide in return for its right in reducing citizen’s incomes. This could be done through high taxes and or high prices. The differences are reflected significantly in the basic societal assumptions and preferences as well as the political and economic struggles. Countries will differ in how they craft this social contract over the course of history. A social contract will evolve over time and become inclusive of that country’s leading interests as well as their norms and values, and it is extremely difficult to change either incrementally or radically (Olson, 1982). Changes in a covenant require that there be changes in the fundamental values within Japanese society. Since the recession has continued to loom large globally the Japanese people seem to be more concerned with the existing values which would include stability, security and retainer. Japan is certainly not the only country where existing social contract has created barriers to the changes that are needed to transition successful to a post- industrial society. As an example, many in United States are unhappy with a system that in spite of the countries significant wealthy, more than 40 million people are working without health insurance (Olson, 1982). The Role of the Social Contract on Compensation Systems Internationally Human Capital is the most valuable resource that a company has and companies must treat their employees with dignity, aspect, and not to allowable them on compensation Just to make a greater profit for themselves. The 20th century corporate models in the past and still exist today are based on the financial capital as being the dominate source of competitive advantage. Corporations were viewed as solely instruments for maximizing the wealth of its financial investments. Corporations today need to adopt new strategies within their employment practices which will build and sustain the trust and commitment of its human and financial investors and to be able to return fair value to both stakeholders. Those who participate in managing the company need to be held accountable for creating and investing for a future that is sustainable. This would imply that all groups should have a voice in regards to the accountability of the company’s board members and other governance bodies (Cocoon ; Sultan, 2007). The Equity in Compensation between Expatriate and Nationals within the Same Country Critical issues regarding compensation focus exclusively on the home country nation expatriates. These issues revolve around negotiations which if there are too many premiums and inventive you will create an international tamped and unrest in the domestic pay system. On the other hand too few incentives given and you will influence people not to risk foreign assignment (Engle, 2007). Issues brought to light by trial and error, or the components and adjustments to domestic pay which comprise the company’s balance sheets. This so called stumbling to a â€Å"balance sheet† approach has comprised much of the case-oriented options, suitable housing, education of the expatriates children, and other incentives needs to be facilitated by consulting firms, in which a pattern can be developed to have a standardized balance sheet approach (Brioche, 1995). In doing this the company is able to adjust to the intention environment, but by relying on their own domestic terms. The Effect of Trade Unions and Employee Involvement in Compensation Systems for Cross Border Organizations They forces that are affecting today’s trends in the international and domestic markets must be carefully analyzed so to be better equip for the needs of tomorrow. Understanding how employee compensations will be determined and what the consequences will have by using different approaches is important. The ways by which employees are compensated affect their financial and emotional well being. Directly impacting the company’s effectiveness and the talents of the nation’s human resources is compensation. Finally, the way in which employees are compensated gives credence to society’s sense of social Justice. A trend that is affecting tomorrow’s compensation is shifting away from responding to negotiated or benchmarking patterns to a completive positioning stand. One of the most important relations is that between management, employees and trade union representatives. The central role of the nation unions combined with single nation orientation will sometimes slow or even top the development of an international union bargain capability (Engel, 2007). Compare and Contrast Pay Systems across Countries No matter in which country you reside pay is a status symbol within the organizations and also society. Societies that are less complex in nature the status of an individual may be the product of many standards in which Judgment is past; for example, the individuals family, friend, education, occupation, religious or political affiliations. In a more mobile society such as the United States, many of these same standards are harder to measure and are not near as important. Income as a symbol of stature does not present this problem (Atchison, Belcher ; Thomson, 2004). Organizations create statues within the structuring of the Jobs and the compensation that is associated with that position. By placing coworkers in a status structure of the organization according to how much they are compensated is quite commonplace. Since pay is a universal measure of status, it is easy to understand that differentials in pay can be significant. Across cultural boundaries this is the one constant in relation to pay systems. This symbolic significance adds another dimension the importance of compensation to individuals (Atchison, Belcher, ; Thomson, 2004). These same values are seen not only within organizations but in society as well. Organization is influenced by what the norm is across industry standards regarding pay. Outside forces vary in their influence with the type of people who are hired, their loyalty or attachment to the company and the similarity of the organization Jobs to those found elsewhere. Outside influences can be minimized if the company is able to create unique Jobs, which only entry level positions are hired for beyond the company’s walls. Customary relationships that are Just as conservative soon arise inside the organization and groups within will begin to struggle for status and pay which will bring the same type of powerful forces as the same as outside forces (Atchison, Belcher, Thomson, 2004). The Effect of Trade Unions and Employee conducted exclusively at the company level and no mechanisms for the extension of agreement beyond the signatories, bargaining coverage exactly matches union density (rebound, 2005). How to cite International Pay Systems, Papers

Role and Possibility of Creativity in Strategy Work Free Sample

Questions: 1.Discuss the Role and Possibility of Creativity in Strategy Work. 2.Outline How Strategic Managers can Combine Exploitation with Exploration. 3.Highlight how, from your Own Experience, such a Mix between Efficiency Increases and Innovation can be Established, and How Legitimacy Can be gained from Key Stakeholders. Answers: 1.Role and possibility of creativity in strategy work Creativity can be recognized as rectifying the issues. Creation is said to be aim-based and is deeply concentrated about results and fixing of issues and lead to the growth and production. By applying his/her goals and actions, a creative person can use his creative concepts to eliminate obstacle, which can spoil their development(Ben Eastaugh. 2010). The impact of creative items as well as the services not only influences the fresh industries growth as well as new employments, leading in to make fresh concepts, which completely alters existing industrial regulations. 2.Strategic managers can combine exploitation with exploration In this section, variances of firms aspects are discussed that totally depends upon the managers capability of exploitation and exploration activities (Alvarez, H.L., 2006). Generally, the reviews totally differ regarding the any particular organizational aspect, which they recognized, describes the literature can significantly assist through a theoretical discussion regarding what kind of aspects to be comprised or eliminate in an evaluation regarding the influence of organizational aspects on Managers exploitation and exploration activities. 3.Establishment of efficiency increase and innovation and gaining in legitimacy of key stakeholders In carrying out the successful strategized operations of the organization, innovation not constantly engage advancing fresh items or services; rather it can also concentrate on growing the efficiency of the existing processes like gaining legitimacy for the stakeholders(Nowell, B. (2009) . After the recognition of external and internal means, a new organization can attain legitimacy for stakeholders and get assisted by proposing different types of legitimizing action. References: Alvarez, H.L., 2006. Distributed Collaborative Learning Communities Enabled by Information Communication Technology. Nowell, B. (2009). Profiling capacity for coordination and systems change: The relative contribution of stakeholder relationships in inter-organizational collaborative. American Journal of Community Psychology.

Learning styles which one works for you

Everybody perceives information differently and hence their learning methods vary from each other. Some may enjoy learning in a group setting while the others may learn better in isolation. Some may only process one activity at a time while another individual may prefer multitasking. Bottom line, there are many possibilities associated with the learning process. Learning style is simply the method that a person uses to retain information. Recall the talents of the people in your class- they are diverse in nature and use different methods to learn. Did you ever realise that the technique used by your friend didn’t work well for you? That’s simply because you and your friend are separate individuals. There are various learning styles used by the students around the globe. Some of the common learning styles are listed below: Visual Learning: This is the learning method that utilises maps, diagrams or colours to decipher the knowledge at hand. The students that use this le arning strategy are highly creative and have colourful imagination. However, these students face difficulty in extracting meanings out of mediums that lack glam. You can overcome this problem by replacing the text with images and by utilising visual techniques to the best of use. Verbal Learning: This learning method is utilised by individuals that comprehend information via words. These students are good at reading and writing skills; they also enjoy activities of such nature, for instance, the tongue twisters or the word puzzles. The people that benefiters from this strategy are known to be good conversationalists and since their writing game is strong they can pen projects like professional assignment writing services UK without any difficulty. Â   Intrapersonal Learning: The people that use this technique are basically comfortable learning alone or else they can’t concentrate properly towards the contents, they are trying to study. To achieve this objective they block out all distractions, which may include their friends too. The benefits of this technique are natural leaders and the management jobs are their forte. Collaborative Learning: Conversely to a solitary learner, the learners via this technique retain information by interacting with other people. These people study well in group settings. These people are social and they can perform best at jobs that require them to communicate with other people. Kinesthetic Learning: This technique is about learning contents alongside some other physical activity. The people that use this technique are always moving or doing something with their hands. These people have an eye on the present conditions and they are too occupied to worry about the past or future- call it a blessing. You may have seen a glimpse of yourself in one of these learning styles mentioned and you may have noticed the reflection of your friend in another. It is vital that you know your strengths to polish them further by using the relevant learning method. The learning method chosen by you speak a lot about you as a person, pay close attention to such detail and choose a profession that can cater to your fortitude.

7 TED Talks That Will Inspire You

7 TED Talks That Will Inspire You Even if you’re the wisest and most self-confident person around, sometimes it takes a little outside inspiration to dig deep and become the person you hope to be. Check out the 7 TED talks below if you’re in need of a little guidance from the pros on how to reach for the stars when it comes to your career.â€Å"Why you will fail to have a great career† by Larry SmithIf you’re the type who fails to go after your dreams with sufficient vigor or commitment, this talk is for you. It’s funny, bracing, and calls you out on all your crap. Stop making excuses for why you’re not pursuing your ideal career.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Why the best hire might not have the perfect resume† by Regina HartleyA HR exec tells us why and how and in which scenarios she prefers to go for the â€Å"scrapper† candidate and give someone a chance. Listen to how to maximize your chances when your resume is not yet maxed out to its (or your) full potential.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"How t o find work you love† by Scott DinsmoreThis guy wasted years at a job he hated, then a few more figuring out what he really loved. Save yourself the middle steps and listen to what questions you need to be asking yourself in order to do what you love and love what you do.â€Å"5 ways to kill your dreams† by Bel PesceHave a huge dream or a big idea but you’ve convinced yourself you can’t make it happen? Bel Pesce debunks the five myths that are probably holding you back. Get the confidence to make your dream projects happen.â€Å"A kinder, gentler philosophy of success† by Alain de BottonWe all want success, and if we get it, we all think we’ve earned it. It’s a cutthroat world. Mr. de Botton helps us reconfigure the way we look at the concept of success, in hopes we can be gentler on ourselves and others, and make more meaning (and find more pleasure) in the work we do.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"How to get back to work after a career break† by C arol CohenA career re-entry expert helps you strategize how to get back in the game after short and long absences. Find out how to rebrand yourself as return-to-work talent and develop a game plan to get you back on top.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Why we do what we do† by Tony RobbinsThis talk is good enough for Al Gore- who’s sitting in the front row. Listen to a great talk about the â€Å"invisible forces† that motivate us, and how we can use them to maximize, rather than minimize, our potential.Talks to help you find the right job

Case Netflix PR Box flop Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Netflix PR Box flop - Case Study Example Moreover, the video did well in the graphics, setting, lighting, and clarity, and recognizing the significance of the customers at Netflix, Inc (An explanation and some reflections 2011). From a customer perspective, the recently announced changes would upset a Netflix subscriber because the changes lead to an increase in prices with no guarantee to quality. Moreover, the separation of DVD and streaming did not involve customers’ views (Sandoval 2012, p. 1). Prior to the new changes, Netflix offered value to its customers in the entertainment rental industry. That value related to steady supply of internet services, timely and detailed communication, a simple-to-use Web site that delivered DVDs right to the customers’ doorstep at no late fees (Sandoval 2012, p. 1). In developing a communication, Netflix management should consider different stakeholders, which include shareholders and customers. Such a communication will affect the share price and share value in the stock market. On the other hand, the communication will influence the customers’ choice to subscribe to Netflix. It will also influence the customers’ purchasing power. Ideally, Netflix should handle the negative situation with the â€Å"@Qwikster† Twitter handle by apologizing to Netflix twitter followers, address the negativity by devising efficient measures, and responding to the negative tweets in an informed and respectable manner. It can also hire a PR consultant to advice on the best ways of addressing the online negativity. Furthermore, Netflix management might consider other business actions like seeking for professional advice on business operations, organizational change, and customer relations. The company can also engage in positive online and broadcast advertisement. Sandoval, G 2012, Netflixs lost year: The inside story of the price-hike train wreck, retrieved

How successful is neo-liberalism in explaining why states cooperate Essay

How successful is neo-liberalism in explaining why states cooperate - Essay Example The concept of neoliberalism has been used in order to interpret the behaviour of people or states under specific conditions. It is even expanded in the area of organizational behaviour and planning. Regarding this issue, it is noticed by Bourdieu (2008, online article) that ‘the neoliberal programme draws its social power from the political and economic power of those whose interests it expresses: stockholders, financial operators, industrialists, conservative or social-democratic politicians; high-level financial officials eager to impose policies and so on’. Current paper focuses on the role of neoliberalism when having to explain the reasons for which states cooperate. The various aspects of neo-liberalism as a social and political concept will be analyzed in order to identify their role in the formulation of specific political behaviour with a special reference to the cooperation among states within the international community. Neoliberalism is a significant concept related with a variety of social and political fields; in the economic sector also the above concept can be effectively applied. In this paper neoliberalism is used under its form of an important criterion for the development of strategic cooperations among states; in other words the political ‘dimension’ of neoliberalism is likely to be employed for the development of this study. However, it is necessary to refer primarily to the various aspects and forms of neoliberalism in order to justify its presence in the evaluation of specific political behaviour – cooperation – by states internationally. In this context, we could refer to the study of Kilmister (2004, online article) who noticed that ‘neo-liberal economics is based around three main elements; firstly, there is a re-conceptualisation of the role of government expenditure; state spending is explicitly seen as justified only by the need to make domestic ca pital more

Safe Schools and Emergency Actions Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Safe Schools and Emergency Actions - Assignment Example 6. Classrooms need to be kept tidy. Walking areas need to be clear and there needs to be an area for the students to keep his or her belongings. Shop and lab classroom settings require students and teacher to wear well-fitted clothing to avoid knocking things over or getting caught. 7. Students must use proper eyewear and have eyewear available when needed. 8. Flammable materials and alcohol burners need to be used with care and under close supervision. Candles and other hot items need to be used with extreme caution. 9. Teachers are required to have a fully equipped first aid kit and the kit is to be purchased by the teacher with the teachers own funds. 10. Examples of emergency situations need to be posted where everyone can see. Students and teachers need to be knowledgeable of what to do in an accident situation. 11. An ABC type fire extinguisher needs to be up to date and accessible in each classroom in case of an emergency. 12. Waste that cannot be thrown in a regular trash bag must be disposed of properly and abide by the school's code of conduct for disposing of the substance. 13. All cupboards, drawers, and cabinets in the classroom need to be labeled with proper labels to ensure the ease of use. 14. Never is it acceptable for students to taste any substance created or used unless the substance has first been approved. 15. Dangerous substances such as animals, plants, chemicals or items that can be sued as a weapon are allowed to be accessed by the students. These items should be prohibited. 16. Dead animals are not allowed in the classroom or allowed to be handled by the students unless instructed. 17. Animals and other live creatures need to be handled by students with extreme caution. Students must wash after handling any animals to prevent the spreading of diseases that some animals may carry. 18. Student need to be seated in an area where large items will not be over the students heads. This prevents injury from a heavy falling object. 19. Climbing is prohibited to avoid the chance of a student falling and obtaining an injury.

Gothic Fiction and the Separation of Barbaric Past

Gothic Fiction and the Separation of Barbaric Past Gothic fiction challenges the separation between an apparently barbaric past and the civilised world, showing that the two can overlap.Gothic fiction is one of the most outstanding genres of the nineteenth century, the era of a significant societal and technological changes. These changes at that time have greatly contributed to the unique features of the gothic genre. This essay will be showing the overlap between the barbaric past and civilised present by discussing the general overview of the nineteenth century as a developing age and how the savage past was still present in the dark corners of the civilised world, as well as, the popular idea of moral degeneration existed in the period. This essay will also investigate the novella The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson and the short story The Phantom Coach by Amelia Edwards.[G1][G2] First and foremost, gothic fiction portrays the Victorian society as an advanced period of time in both scientific field and human behaviour. It is the transferring phase between the ancient and the modern world. In this period, the scientific way of thinking replaced magic-based method of explaining. Scientific topics appeared in most gothic fictions from the story of the old scientist in the Phantom Coach to the taste of Dr. Jekyll[G3] being rather chemical than anatomical (Stevenson 1886, p. 32). All reflect the dominant and undeniable existence of science. Its role was so important that people reject as false all that cannot be brought to the test of laboratory or dissecting room (Edwards 1864, p. 4). This is a significant advancement of the Victorian society as their ideas were shaped by logical thinking and scientific developments instead of magical thinking. In the new era, they observed continuous series of new inventions in science and [G4][G5]technology which motivated them to test the nature to prove the reality. To them, an idea or a phenomenon could only be true if it could be tested in the laboratory, thus, they rejected superstitious or supernatural ideas. Moreover, there was an advancement in human behaviour and awareness in that society. In order to maintain their reputation, they had to act responsibly to their good name as can be seen here in Mr. Utterson[G6] who enjoyed the theatre, had not crossed the doors of one for twenty years (Stevenson 1886, p. 3). Based on their occupation and class, they had their own code of conduct which meant what kind of behaviours are accepted and suitable for their class. Characters like Dr. Jekyll, [G7]Mr. Utterson[G8] in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde[G9][G10] and the lawyer James Murray in the Phantom Coach belong to the higher class in the Victorian society. They live a decent life in a well-to-do neighbourhood and hang out with peers having the same social status. There were certain rules that they had to obey s o that they could be respectable and most importantly, they could not have any desire or enjoy certain pleasures such as [G11]drinking alcohol or visiting prostitutes like people in the lower class. However, the new society was definitely not perfect, it was not entirely civilised because of some remaining factors of the past. Despite the upward changes benefiting the society, some vicious pieces of the past still remain and hide   in the dark. The nineteenth century seemed to be civilised and developed but when taking a closer look, people might find out that the past still lingered in the dark side. Although most of the barbaric elements had already disappeared, they were not completely gone. The existence of Mr. Hyde is a typical example representing the past in London from his physical features to his behaviours. On describing his appearance, Stevenson reveals the following quotes Mr. Hyde was pale and dwarfish, he gave an impression of deformity (Stevenson 1886, p. 19) and he gave Mr. Utterson the feeling of unknown disgust, loathing, and fear ([G12]Stevenson 1886, p. 19). The description of Mr. Hyde evokes the readers a sense of villainy and his bad intention for others. His ugly features are typical to Gothic fictions villain. Corresponding to his outward look, his monstrous behaviours reflec t himself as sinister and barbaric by the act of trampling the girl (Stevenson 1886, p. 6) and the murdering Sir Danvers Carew (Stevenson 1886, p. 28). In an advanced society, people do not use violence to discuss an issue, they use reasons and logic to solve problems. However, Mr. Hyde is not a part of the modern world but having more resemblance to the people in the past who are not fully evolved and tend to be dominated by anger and violence. He usually appeared in the dark night of London, enjoyed degrading pleasures that no gentlemen would ever do without taking into consideration his reputation. In addition, the coming back of the past is most clearly demonstrated in the Phantom Coach. Edwards (Edwards 1864, p. 7) suggests that the existence of brutal past in the modern society through the ghosts with fiery unnatural lustre eyes, livid face and bloodless lips. They suggest the return of the past in the civilised world. In the period when people no longer believe in supernatura l stories, witnessing the corpses carriage is the most obvious evidence for James Murray about the frightening past remaining in the civilised world. They represent the terror and fright existing at dark night. The past does not mean that it has entirely extinct, it shows up when people least expect it. Behind the fanciness of the nineteenth century remaining the decaying past that is hiding in the night and waiting to come back unexpectedly.[G13] It is the idea of degeneration that fosters the existence of the savage past in the developing society. When the society is on its way to be more developed, human behaviour, on the other hand, tends to degrade. Societal and economic advancement brings lots of benefits to the world but at the same time, it restricts humans enjoyment. Stevenson describes Dr. Jekyll[G14] as a person who concealed my pleasures (Stevenson 1886, p. 73) or had learned to dwell with pleasure, as a beloved day-dream (Stevenson 1886, p. 75). He desires to freely enjoy his life without being restrained by the rules, nonetheless, he also wishes to keep his good name as an honourable doctor who is highly respected in the society. The stress from his responsibility and fame has put a strain on Dr. Jekyll to find a way out to [G15]have a desire for himself[G16] without negatively affecting his social status. Therefore, it leads him to create Mr. Hyde. Unfortunately, Mr. Hyde is the downgrade version of human in tha t period from his appearance to behaviour. Contrary to Dr. Jekyll who is described as a tall, fine build of a man ([G17]Stevenson 1886, p. 53), Mr. Hyde was more of a dwarf (Stevenson 1886, p. 53). Furthermore, his inhumane behaviours such as murdering the member of Parliament suggest that Mr. Hyde represents the idea of moral degeneration at the time. He not only arouses a sense of dissipation but his cruel personality also suggests that he is a brutal criminal belonging to the lower class. However, in fact, Mr. Hyde is actually a [G18]moneyed gentleman as what Mr. Enfield calls him (Stevenson 1886, p. 6). He belongs to the same class as Dr. Jekyll [G19]but he is a gentleman representing moral degeneration. Mr. Hyde[G20] is not the only symbol of degeneration; Dr. Jekyll[G21] is as well an example. Stevenson reveals that The powers of Hyde seemed to have grown with the sickliness of Jekyll (Stevenson 1886, p. 93). His separation from his friends, colleagues and his association with a cruel person like Mr. Hyde risks his good reputation[G22]. He also led a downward path of life both physically and morally as he isolated himself from the outside world and lived in the fear of his secret. Dr. Jekyll himself[G23] became degenerating from a respectable gentleman to a fearful person controlled by the savagery of his other personality. In conclusion, taking into consideration the novella The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson and the short story The Phantom Coach by Amelia Edwards, it can be seen that gothic fictions demonstrate that within the modern present, the sinister past still lingers in the society and that both of them overlap each other since not one of them is completely overshadow the other. Bibliography Edwards, A. B 1864, The Phantom Coach, Retrieved September 13, 2017 from  http://www.eastoftheweb.com/short-stories/UBooks/PhanCoac.shtml Stevenson, R.L 1886, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde[G24][G25], Retrieved 10 January 2016  from http://www.planetebook.com/ebooks/The-Strange-Case-of-Dr- Jekyll.pdf

Gillian by Laurel Oke Logan :: Gillian

Gillian by Laurel Oke Logan      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The book I read was Gillian, written by Laurel Oke Logan. This book is about a girl who has just graduated from high school and is in the process of looking for a job.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Gillian has just graduated from high school.   She is so thrilled to go to college and can not wait.   Well the day comes when she is to leave for college.   She and her friends are going to have so much fun.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As the years pass by she is doing very well in her classes, and before she knows it, it is time for her to graduate from college.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   After graduation Gillian went home to her parents house.   She was a little upset because she couldn't find a job and all of her friends had found jobs.   When Gillian told her father how she felt he told her that there was a woman who called him to see if she (Gillian) would be able and willing to work at this camp in Canada in the kitchen.   At first Gillian was very excited but when she began to think about it the whole idea scared her to death. Going off to a place outside of the United States where she had never been and leaving her family behind, she just didn't know if she could go through with it.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A few days after debating about going she called the lady and got more information about it and she decided she would give it a try.   Gillian was to leave in about five days so her mother and she went to go buy the right clothes to wear in Canada and some other things she would need.   The day finally came for Gillian to leave. As Gillian, her family and friends went to her gate at the airport Gillian began to feel really nervous.   She said good-bye to her family and friends and then she went off.   The flight to Canada was very pleasant.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When Gillian arrived at the camp she met some very interesting people. Jake was an older man and when Gillian started to get to know everybody and

The Good Life

The Good Life goes on but how would I know if goes so fast I miss it .It’s like the story of a good tale that always end with a man who can never tell his story is like a book which has been open for just one look, So like any other fairy tale A wish comes true The poor pathetic life of a blacksmith turns into a heroic life of a hero, A hero they gave me the title the name of the world’s finest idol The million aired they also stressed the could be me they would always idol I was just a poor pathetic blacksmith a handy man for the people No one special I was Just a low class man with a â€Å"DREAM â€Å"That came true That day the people gazed at the hammers as they bang This one time was different the bang sparked like the glazing of the sun Gold I could only think of the fiery shines of the Day Its Gold its Gold I thought I keep it to myself at first before I started a riot of despaired people More bangs More Gold I did And soon I was a Gold having poor man So the f ew days passed by the weeks passed by the months passed by And I turned in the Gold and became this new man A Richer man a man with thousands to spend the Million aired.But with the money I gave some portion to the poor and turned their into a better TRUTH And that’s when they called me the HERO The titles â€Å"YES† they came and came, HERO, MILLON AIRED, FARTHER, RICHES, KEEPERS MAN, The Gold Digger, And most important of all the WEALTHY I lived for this day I said to myself the days dream will never end I can walk upright high looking glamorous than any other in the whole city maybe even country. I stand I front of people just to say my story the tear up and ball all around me as I only say the Good Life is were I’m at now so no need for tears. The whole country knows me but do they even know my name. I demanded myself to take a seat and think is this whole Good Life Masquerade even worth it if the people on know me for my good deeds but yet not even know my name.The door opens and the voice comes in Mister Wealthy it’s time for your speech, I somewhat drag myself out in front of millions and say â€Å"The honor to stand before the people of America the people who work hard and realize that it doesn’t matter where you came from it only matters were your going and how you get there the success of a life time done in one year is outstanding the people thought but the thing is it worth it, the threats of murder for money is it worth it, Some you don’t even know my name the name of the man with millions of thousands. The name of your Hero you clam is â€Å"Patrick Luis’’ That’s my name not these titles you give me. I leave this Speech with One thing my Honor for I am just a man in a suit a man with a life just like you I am just a man not a GOD†

Challenges of Boko Haram Insurgence on Nigeria’s Educational Sector Essays

Challenges of Boko Haram Insurgence on Nigeria’s Educational Sector Essays Challenges of Boko Haram Insurgence on Nigeria’s Educational Sector Essay Challenges of Boko Haram Insurgence on Nigeria’s Educational Sector Essay The activities of the Islamic extremist religious order. Boko Haram has adversely affected Nigeria’s educational sector. This fact is non hidden as the name of the sect alone signifies a entire call against instruction ( western instruction ) and schooling. Boko means book or western acquisition in Hausa linguistic communication and Haram means out or iniquitous in Arabic linguistic communication. therefore the group’s name entirely is a run against western instruction and schooling. Nigeria’s instruction sector at all degree is enduring as a consequence of the current prevalent security state of affairs in the North. a part where school registration has been the lowest in Nigeria. The sect’s activities have affected Nigeria’s educational sector in the undermentioned ways ; The sect’s activity has led to devastation of school edifices and other academic installations It has led to decease of academic experts It has led to exodus of academic experts and deficit of qualified learning work force in northern Nigeria It has led to distraction and recreation of government’s attending from the educational sector It has led to finish break of academic calendar in the part. So far this twelvemonth. 15 schools have been burnt down in Maiduguri. the capital of Nigeria’s Borno State. forcing over 700 kids out of formal instruction and forcing down registration rates in an already sick – educated part. The Islamic Boko Haram group is widely blamed for the onslaughts but the world seems to be more complex. Both public and private schools in Maiduguri have been doused with gasolene at dark and set on fire. Crude homemade bombs and sodium carbonate bottles filled with gasolene have been hurled at the bare bones concrete schoolrooms Nigeria offers its kids. The simple xanthous frontages have been blackened and the field desks method to distorted pipes. go forthing 1000s of kids without a topographic point to larn. stranded at place and underfoot. while dying parents plead with Nigerians governments to come up with a eventuality program for their instruction. In a picture posted on You Tube in February 2012. Boko Haram called on its follows to destruct schools supplying western instruction in revenge for the alleged targeting of Korani schools by the armed forces. The spokes adult male of the religious order. Abul Quqa. said the onslaughts were in response to what he called a targeting of the city’s ( ie Maiduguri ) abundant unfastened – air Islamic schools by governments. Since February when this call was made. many schools including private schools have been destroyed. However functionaries of the province have denied any of such onslaughts or run as immature male childs can be seen having lesson untroubled allover Maiduguri ( the New York Times. 2012 ) . This new dimensional displacement of the religious orders onslaught has legion inauspicious effects on educational development of the part and the state at big. Harmonizing to Nigeria Education Data Survey 2010. school registration in Borno province is already low by 28 per cent than any other province in Nigeria. No uncertainty. the recent onslaught have made parents and guardians’ to retreat their kids from schools and has made it hard for instructors and assistance groups to carry parents to allow their kids remain on at schools. Eric Gultscluss ( a research worker in Nigeria for the Watching Human Right Organization ) noted that it is non merely the pupils at the targeted schools that end up being affected as targeting of schools can do kids in neighbouring schools to remain place or bead out wholly for fright of farther onslaughts. The targeting of kids indirectly and devastation of schools in Maiduguri has bewildered and demoralised pupils. parents and instructors in a manner that the day-to-day onslaughts have non. Furthermore. the onslaughts have led to decease of academic experts learning in all degrees of Nigeria’s educational system runing from primary to secondary and beyond. On Sun. 29 April. 2012. members of the religious order attacked Christian workshops in Bayero University Campus. Kano ensuing to decease of 20 pupils and 2 professor of the university. Harmonizing to an oculus informant. the aggressors arrived in a auto and two bikes and throw little homemade bombs to pull out believers before hiting at them as they attempt to fly. The onslaught led to the decease of Professor Jerome Ayodele. a professor of chemical science and Professor Andrew Leo Ogbonyomi. a professor of library scientific discipline with approximately 20 others dead and tonss of others injured. ( Ikhilae. 2012 ) . Undoubtedly. this is a reverse for educational development in the state. Besides the continuity of insecurity in the North which has led to lose of approximately 700 lives so far this twelvemonth ( 2012 ) . has led to exodus of academic experts and deficit of qualified learning adult male power in the part. It has besides led to refusal of NYSC members who constitute about 50 per cent of learning adult male power in the part to function in the part. Maijawa Dawayo. Chairman. Yobe State Teaching Service Board. in an interview with Nations News Paper on 9 Feb. . 2012 has this to state. the recent handbill by the National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC ) that corps members who constitute 50 per cent of the board’s adult male power should no longer be posted to senior secondary schools in the province would hold an inauspicious consequence on the educational sector of the State. Most of the corps members are non interested in coming here once more because of insecurity in the North. We are in a hard state of affairs and something demands to be done desperately to work out the job. The corps members constitute 50 per cent of the work force in our schools and the caput of the strategy had issued a round that corps members would no longer be posted to senior secondary schools ( The Nation. 9 Feb. 2012 ) . Dawoye’s fright and plaint was subsequently made populace and a world in July 2012 when NYSC members posted to Borno. Yobe. Kano. Kaduna. Niger. Plateau and Bauchi province refused to function in the provinces and protested against their deployment to the violent prone provinces. Corps members and their parents took to the street to protest their deployment to the Northern States when the 2012 NYSC Bach B list came out reasoning that it is mindless to post immature alumnus to these provinces. Most of the parents vowed non to let their kids to travel and be killed by Boko Haram ( National Mirror. 2 July. 2012 ) . Awosuru Lola. a alumnus of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology ( LAUTECH ) . Ogbomoso in Oyo province. who was posted to plateau province said his male parent hard ordered him non to describe at the cantonment for whatever ground. Besides Badiru Tajiudeen. a alumnus of measure surveying of Obafemi Awolowo University ( O. A. U ) . Ile – Ife. posted to Zamfara province vowed that nil could maintain him beyond the compulsory three hebdomads of orientation programme in the cantonment. He besides said that his parents are even loath in let go ofing him to take part in the three hebdomads orientation and warned him to abort the programme if he is non transferred back to the West ( National Mirror. 2 July. 2012 ) . This development will do a annihilating grade on the educational sector of the affected northern provinces. It will be recalled that 10 immature corps members lost their lives during the station – presidential election protest/violence in some northern provinces in April 2011. while others lost their lives in other violent clangs in the part. The instance of other Southerners who are instructors in the part is non different from that of NYSC members as most of them have found the issue door from the part. Dawayo confirmed this when he said that 80 per cent of Yobe State contract instructors who are from other provinces have left Yobe because of the same job of insecurity ( The Nation Feb 9. 2012 ) In add-on. insecurity in the part caused by Boko Haram has besides led to finish break of academic calendar in the part. Most of the onslaughts neer go without infliction of curfew by the authorities. The onslaughts have in some instances led to infliction of 24 hours curfew and when such curfew is imposed. both pupils and instructors are affected and this on the long tally adversely affects the academic calendar which stipulates when school starts and when it ends every bit good as what should be done in the school and when therefore pulling pupils in the part behind their opposite numbers in other peaceable provinces. It is of import that I province it clearly at this occasion that the North is a part where instruction registration and development is the least in the state and the current security state of affairs is bound to intensify the educational sufferings of the North and farther widen the spread between it and the South. While private higher establishment are quickly jumping up in the South to complement the over – stretched public establishments. merely a smattering has been established in the North and the few 1s have come under Boko Haram onslaughts. Harmonizing to National University committee ( NUC ) . 50 private universities have been licensed to run in the state. Out of this 50. fewer than 15 are established in the North. What this implies is a black hereafter for educational development of the part and a black hereafter for immature kids in the part and this by deduction is unsafe to Nigeria’s peace. integrity and development. No affair how one looks at it. the onslaughts by the religious order on schools have left many destructive Markss on the hereafter of affected kids in the part and the state at big. The affected kids are at place which means a black hereafter for them and the state at big because the hereafter of a state depends on the sort and quality of instruction it offers its kids. Finally. the rebellion of Boko Haram has led to distraction and recreation of both Federal and affected State government’s attending from the educational sector. This is apparent in the 2012 one-year budgetary allotment of the Federal Government in which the head – bugling ball of 921. 91 billion was allocated to security entirely. while instruction on which the hereafter of the state depends got the small ball of 400. 48 billion naira which is non up to half of what is given to security. There is no statement on the fact that both security and instruction are critical for the endurance of a state. but had it been there is peace in the state. the ball given to security would hold been considerately lower than what it has now. What the thin resources allocated to the educational sector means is a glooming and hard hereafter for the sector. This is because there will be no resources to present new educational developmental plan and the 1s already introduced will surely endure of hapless support.

Boston matrix analysis for BHP Billiton Group The WritePass Journal

Boston matrix analysis for BHP Billiton Group Abstract Boston matrix analysis for BHP Billiton Group . This aspect prompted the company to follow a question mark strategy because despite its low market share, the provision of various natural resources took place in a high growing market (Schemerhorn, 2013). However, at the end of 2012, the corporation gradually started expanding its share prices by representing an adequate price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio. This means that the group has focused on following a star strategy in its main segments. Yet, it is challenging to estimate the market price for each product due to the extensive diversity of the company’s products (Grant, 2013). Another challenge associated with the quantification of returns is the categorisation of returns in different currencies. As previously indicated, BHP Billiton Group placed importance on location when it comes to making investments. In the United States, the corporation has been extensively concerned to adhere to a star strategy on the Boston matrix by distributing crude petroleum (BHP Billiton Ltd., 2013). It is essential to note that the company relies on its current strength of occupying a leading position in global commodities prices that are related to the health of the international economy. This suggests the potential of the corporation to predominantly follow a star strategy, which would guarantee it a better position compared to other organisations operating in the same industry sector (Grant, 2013). Nonetheless, the company is unable to predict currency assessments, which may lead to the adoption of a cash cow or a question mark strategy according to the Boston matrix. It has been indicated that certain flaws in the global economy negatively affect the performance of the corporation in the sen se of decreasing its market share in certain segments. For instance, such flaws may lead to a reduced demand for commodities, which may directly reflect in lower prices and reduced profitability of the company. The diverse portfolio of assets provided by BHP Billiton Group has assumed a solid market position of the company in its major segments. It is important to note that the corporation occupies a leading position in the trade of uranium in Australia after Olympic Dam Mine as well as of other natural assets, such as silver and copper (BHP Billiton Ltd., 2013). This places the company at a quite favourable position regarding its trade activities and thus it is more likely to adopt a star strategy in its home country. The fact that the corporation is a leading producer of nickel globally is indicative of the high market share it has in different segments and in different locations across the world (Stern and Deimler, 2006). As a result of the application of the Boston matrix analysis to the performance of BHP Billiton Group, it can be suggested that the company has the potential to make a substantial impact on the global delivery of natural assets. Its position as a star in most of its seg ments and in most locations shows solid management and leadership practices present at the organisation. It is important to note that the major purpose of the Boston matrix analysis is to help BHP Billiton Group decide which of its business units should be kept as well as in which areas it can invest further (Grant, 2013). There are different strategies to be applied considering that the organisation is in the position of a cash cow on the Boston matrix. One of these strategies is to hold in order to maintain its sales or market share (Schermerhorn, 2013). Another strategy that can be utilised is to defend its position regardless of the challenges the company faces with regards to its market share and projected market growth (Kotler, 2006). BHP Billiton Group can also implement a strategy, which is identified as ‘milk’, implying that the company is expected to use the cash it generated in the fiscal year to return to its position as a star on the matrix from the period of 2011 to 2012 (BHP Billiton Ltd., 2013). The fact that the company is at the position of a cash cow means that its profitability ratios have significantly declined. For instance, the organisation’s net profit margin, operating profit margin, ROE and ROA deteriorated in the period from 2011 to 2012 and from 2012 to 2013. It can be suggested that the company should seriously rethink its position in the market so as to try its best to restore its star position from the past (Schermerhorn, 2013). The application of the Boston matrix analysis to BHP Billiton Group’s performance yields significant conclusions about the company’s challenges and opportunities that can be addressed. Conclusion This paper has provided an analysis of BHP Billiton Group’s financial performance based on the Boston matrix. It has been indicated that the organisation is currently at the position of a cash cow on the matrix considering its high market share and low growing market (Kotler, 2006). Certain strategies have been provided so that the organisation can implement them in order to improve its position and return to the status of a star, which represents an ideal combination of a high market share and fast growing market (Grant, 2013). References BHP Billiton Ltd. (2013). Stock Analysis on Net [online]. Available at: stock-analysis-on.net/NYSE/Company/BHP-Billiton-Ltd/Financial-Statement/Income-Statement [Accessed: 14 August 2014]. Grant, R. M. (2013). Contemporary Strategy Analysis. New York: Wiley. Kotler, P. (2006). Marketing Management. New York: Pearson Education. Schermerhorn, J. R. (2013). Exploring Management. New York: Wiley. Stern, C. W. and Deimler, M. S. (2006). The Boston Consulting Group on Strategy: Classic Concepts and New Perspectives. New York: Wiley.

Childhood friend Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Childhood friend - Essay Example I however develop closer ties with some of my friends, especially if I share in their social issues, and Saad is one of the people with whom I have been very close. We behaved like brothers and that is what some of our peer perceived us to be. Saad’s social condition is what attracted me to his life and made us so close. I do empathize with people and having noted a level of distress in his life drew me close to him until he told me his story, a sad story that induced my unrestricted psychological support to him. I have always loved my parents so much and can imagine what it feels like to lack one or both parents. Realizing that he was an orphan made him so special to me and I purposed to help him feel loved in order to be stable and build on his life. His parents had died when he was three years old and he was living with his uncle. Consequently, we became very close and spent a lot of time together. We shared so much about his life and I would encourage him to work hard and ensure that his children get the parental attention and love that fate had denied him. We lost touch with Saad during my second year in of high school. This occurred because his uncle got a transfer to a different city. He had no other relative to stay with, in the locality, and was therefore forced to move with the uncle. The distance barrier then played a significant role in our separation because we did not have time to meet as often as we used to. Travelling to his city or my city was also a challenge because of involved cost and time and our positions as students. There were other communication means but we did not utilize them to keep in touch. Even though Saad came back after two years, there is a lot of difference between us and the lost touch has persisted. He changed a lot and he is so much into drugs while I am not. I sometimes see him in the streets but the difference between our social lives is a significant barrier to the close relationship that we had. This is

Modernism of Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Modernism of Art - Essay Example The essay "Modernism of Art" analyzes the art in the context of modernism movement. The paper discovers also the work of Jack Ryan, as representative of modernism. Most of Jack Ryan’s works are engaged in the automobile in the form of humanity and employing the automotive designs landscapes with main aim of building human understanding. According to Jack Ryan, his ideals of automobiles are to exemplify an idealized and fantastical sense and desire that offers a timeline that display both human sincerity and absurdity. These works have embodied the best and worst of human desire and ingenuity with the aim of tethering humanity to practicality. Regarding to sculpture, drawings, and multimedia electronics and designs, the contribution of Ryan’s to modern art is triangulates between immense qualities of sound, personal history, and cultural conditions especially in the understanding and perception. However, for the visual world, he has demonstrated experience through sounds that have provided him with opportunities to explore physical awareness of space and environment deeply. Additionally, in most of his recent works and projects, he has related sound and visual interrelationship and the responsibility of the stimulation and visual as a single aesthetic form. In these works, Ryan has exhibited the new listeners through a bi-lateral stimulation and Eye Movement Decentralization and responsibility strategies. These strategies have created a therapeutic process to be used especially in on the trauma victims. particularly solders with an aim to create an environment that links brain hemispheres for addressing issues related with the trauma. Form these strategies and principles of the EMDR towards shaping the installations that can influence states especially neurological from using sound and light patterns. It should be note d that Ryan is an artist who is an independent curator and a co-finder of fugitive projects that is based out of the Nashville. Mor eover, he is a member of the Ditch Projects. Most of his exhibition, Ryan has conducted is historical work in places including Maison Laurentine (Paris France), Cascade Galley (Portland OR), and Archer Gallery (Vancouver WA). These multimedia works have been so creative especially attractive and appealing to the eye that they achieve their intended work. Most of his work have created impact in the united states include his shows in the America university Museum situated in the Washington DC powerhouse (Memphis) (Gablik 476). Many industrial drone and doom metal with some of his bands utilizing primary fabricated customs have published Ryan’s works that usually use speakers and machines or controllers. Ryan has exhibited and performed most of these machines in exhibitions and festivals especially in the United States and more extensively in countries outside the United States. He did release his albums that might be considered art or sculpture towards serving the humanity and the environment. The above work art clearly indicate that Ryan’s well articulation of his work that makes his work attractive thereby making being used in museums and part of historical art. The effective of such usage in Ryan’s work is that most of them are often formed or pegged on collective work of different artists including those that are pegged Whitney’

Security and Risk Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Security and Risk Management - Essay Example A good and well thought out research project should follow a definite plan taking into account the following steps: (Denscombe, 2010: 321)  Ã‚   1.  Define the research question or what the objective of the research is.2.  Look up relevant and current sources of information from print and online sources like books, magazines, blog and forum comments and social media.3.  Determine and specify what the research will and will not cover i.e. boundaries of the project. 4.  Reevaluate the research question based on the nature and extent of information you have gathered and the boundaries of the research project. 5.  Select the most appropriate investigative methods and research tools depending on the type of research. 6.  Plan how you will go about the entire research project.7.  Begin to get the relevant information from libraries, interviews, surveys etc using the variety of methods at your disposal. 8.  Refine the search strategy if needed. 9.  Keep writing and organ izing data and notes critical and useful to writing out the research report. This also helps to keep track of all sources.10.  Evaluate the sources using appropriate criteria.11.  Synthesize, analyze and integrate information sources and prior knowledge about the subject area before writing the research report. 12.  Revise the hypothesis if needed. 13.  Begin working on the report using the gathered information effectively so that it meets the specific objectives that the report was needed for. 14. Keep in mind the rights to ownership of information, cost to collect the information and avoid plagiarism. 15. We have a duty to cite properly all the sources we have used, so that intellectual copyright is maintained and due credit is given for the sources of ideas. A Critical Review and Analysis of the Report on Shoplifting Presented by the Security Manager Working at the Large Departmental Store We will now review the research report on the issue of shoplifting prepared by the Security Manager of the large departmental store. Statement of the Problem: As noted, the first part of the research report, namely the Introduction, should clearly state the purpose and scope of the research, the research objectives or what the researcher is trying to prove or disprove regarding a particular topic. Though the topic of the research is stated, i.e. shoplifting, the security manager seeks to limit the purpose of the report by stating that it is only concerned with why the problem of shoplifting is occurring in the department store where he has been hired. He is not concerned with the general reasons for shoplifting, or what previous studies or reviews have found about this problem. By restricting its purpose and scope, it is only likely to be useful to the present management of the store, if at all. Secondly, since it appears to him that customers are the likely

Secret Intelligence Service and National Security Essay Example for Free

Secret Intelligence Service and National Security Essay The revolution in military affairs has given rise to powerful strategic tools such as effects based operations (EBO), mirrored by the concept of intelligence-led policing in law enforcement. Some advocates of intelligence change argue that the role of intelligence be expanded to provide the analytical power-house for ‘whole of government’ decision-making in relation not just to traditional threats, but also to this new range of threats—a kind of EBO for the whole of government. This article argues for a more limited view of intelligence and its role—one that recognises the inherently human, and hence secretive, quality of intelligence as a means for dealing with human-generated competition. A nation’s intelligence apparatus is only one small part of the wider machinery for delivering policy and executive action. Traditionally, the role of intelligence within this wider structure was to counter threat from some kind of human collective opposition—whether a country, a crime group or a terrorist organisation. Intelligence was regarded as a highly specific undertaking to give advantage over that threat in the form of knowledge, insight and predictive capacity. According to this model, advantage was sought over a human threat capable of learning and adapting. Intelligence therefore needed to be secret to deliver an advantage. To protect the ‘intelligence advantage’, countries also developed counter-intelligence organizations such as the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and MI5 and encoding and decoding organizations such as the US National Security Agency and the Australian Defence Signals Directorate. Today there is broad consensus that the threats we confront have expanded beyond the typical military or counter-intelligence threats of the past, especially those of the Cold War. This expanded range of threat falls into a major category and two sub-categories. The major category can be termed ‘non-conventional’ threats, ones that do not fall into the state-on-state category. They include environmental threats, threats of pandemic disease, terrorism and transnational crime. Volume 3 Number 3 (August 2007) 55 Security Challenges This broad category of non-conventional threat can be further divided between those threats of a human agency (terrorism, crime, people smuggling and trafficking) and those of a non-human agency (climate change and other types of environmental threat, natural disasters, pandemic disease). These two sub-categories are, however, closely linked, as demonstrated by Thomas Homer-Dixon and others. 1 They are linked in two ways. First, they are linked in the sense that so-called non-human agency threats such as climate change can give rise to instability. Instability can in turn give rise to many of the human generated conventional and non-conventional threats mentioned above. Second, threats like climate change are also linked with human agency in that they are often caused by human intervention. Changes in human behaviour are therefore necessary to remedy such threats. Even though these two sub-categories of threat are linked, they give rise to very different implications for the role of intelligence. On the one hand, the role of intelligence in countering human-related, nonconventional threat is relatively clear-cut and traditional. It includes counterterrorism, police intelligence, customs intelligence, coast watch intelligence and so on. All of these intelligence activities are characterised by the fact that they involve secret information that would be compromised if it were to leak out, and through its compromise would give the opposition (or threat) an intelligence advantage, or sacrifice the advantage enjoyed by the state. On the other hand, the non-conventional threats such as climate change, natural disasters or pandemic disease, entail no such secret, tightly held intelligence response. On the contrary, to counter such threats, especially in a liberal democracy like Australia, governments need to engage in a public dialogue with experts on the threat, whether those experts are scientists, journalists, medical or other experts operating in the public domain. This dialogue has to be public because the public needs to be taken along with the broad strategic changes required to deal with this type of threat. It also needs to be public and transparent because the scientific method is evidence based and depends on the capacity for peer review. Moreover, it is often difficult to achieve major changes in attitude to such threats in liberal democracies unless there is some kind of ‘tipping point’, either in terms of the concrete effects of the threat (catastrophic drought, for example, in the case of climate change) or public consensus on the science, or both. The concept of threat needs to be actualised right through the 1 Thomas Homer-Dixon and Jessica Blitt (eds), Ecoviolence: Links Among Environment, Population and Security, Lanham, MD, Bowman and Littlefield, 1998, ‘Introduction: A Theoretical Overview’. 56 Volume 3 Number 3 (August 2007) Security Challenges community before radical behavioural change can occur. This is because the political system of liberal democracies is usually geared to the short-term advantage of governments according to the political cycle rather than the long-term advantage of the nation. In order to move beyond populist politics, the whole community needs to be aware of the circumstances and prepared to make sacrifices to deal with the threat. Indeed, it is well known by intelligence specialists that long-term assessments, while they may eventually prove accurate, are almost never acted upon by policy. For example, nearly twenty-five years ago a leading Australian intelligence assessment agency employed a scientist—the only person in the organization working on scientific issues at that time. The scientist predicted that overpopulation, scarcity of water and climate change would result in vast changes for the worse in the Middle East, South East Asia and South Asia, forcing major, economically induced out-migration. Such events, he assessed, would eventually challenge Australia’s security. Today such an assessment would be commonplace. But at the time, no action was taken. Although the mandate of the organization was to predict long-term change, the political system was not equipped to deal with uncertain judgements about what was then considered the ‘deep future’. Nor could a secret intelligence report enable governments to deal with such predictions through debate in the public domain. Further, since threats like climate change constitute threats to the ‘global commons’, by definition they can only be addressed by global cooperation rather than competition. A ‘beggar your neighbour’ approach will only lead the globe deeper into trouble. The implications for intelligence are significant. In terms of threats like climate change, pandemic disease and catastrophic economic change, intelligence ceases to concern itself with achieving an advantage over an enemy or competitor. So the question therefore arises: are secret intelligence agencies appropriate organizations to advise on such threats? Despite the intrinsic problems associated with the use of intelligence to analyse threats of this nature, increasingly, intelligence agencies are being coopted to advise on them. For example, we learn from the Sydney Morning Herald of 10 April 2007 that the Office of National Assessments (ONA) has been commissioned by the government to determine the security implications of climate change. We further learn from the ABC news on 23 May 2006, which describes the ONA Director General being quizzed by the Senate Estimates Committee, that ONA has received multiple taskings of this nature. But the public are prevented from accessing the outcome on the grounds that the ONA is an intelligence organization operating in the secret realm. Volume 3 Number 3 (August 2007) 57 Security Challenges True, the ONA is being asked to look at the security implications. But to do so, it would need to make a sound assessment of the nature and extent of climate change. No doubt the ONA now has a few scientifically trained people working on this and similar issues. But no doubt also, it will be locked in earnest consultation with the Commonwealth Science and Research Organisation (CSIRO), the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) and similar agencies and institutions. And it will also be carefully perusing the reports of the International Panel on Climate Change. In other words, ONA is not, in itself, able to report on this issue. Its role is, rather, to organize, validate and valorize all the noise out in the public domain concerning the issue. The same evidently applies in the US. According to Anne Harrington, Director of the Committee of International Security in the National Academy of Science in Washington, If you get the intelligence community to apply some of its analytical capabilities to this issue [climate change], it could be compelling to whoever 2 is sitting in the White House. But why should the Central Intelligence Agency suddenly have authority on this issue when the world’s leading scientific specialists, who have spent lifetimes working on the issue, have been studiously ignored—and some even silenced—by the White House for the past seven years? All this leads us to ask what, exactly, should be the role of intelligence in the so-called ‘new security environment’? And how should intelligence fit in with other government structures to provide an analytical capacity in these areas? Intelligence and Its Purposes The narrower view of intelligence agencies suggested above—that is, organizations that deal fundamentally with human competition and therefore by nature exist in the secret domain—has not so far been widely accepted. The advent of non-conventional threat has generated considerable discussion in the ranks of those advocating intelligence reform. Various commentators have called for a broadening of the informational base of the traditionally tightly held intelligence agencies and a more ‘whole-ofgovernment’ approach. However, very little of this discussion has drawn the distinction between human-induced and non-human induced threat in relation to the role of intelligence. Nor has it distinguished between longterm threat to society and the ‘global commons’ caused by environmental issues and short-term threat generated by problems such as transnational crime and terrorism. 2 Tom Allard, Mark Forbes and agencies, ‘US braces for global warring’, Sydney Morning Herald, 10 April 2007. 58 Volume 3 Number 3 (August 2007) Security Challenges That is not to say that reform is not necessary, but rather that we need to be very clear what role intelligence should play in dealing with such threats and also where it should fit in to the wider ‘machinery of government’. Nor is it to claim that intelligence has no role at all in these matters: one very important role is to assess the security implications of issues like climate change, in order to prepare the state to meet those potential threats. Such a position does not imply, moreover, that some broader reform of the machinery of government would not be advantageous. But in deciding on the nature of that reform, we need to ensure that the tail of intelligence reform does not wag the dog of machinery of government reform. Nor is it to say that a discussion of intelligence reform should be considered in isolation from a discussion of wider issues to do with the machinery of government. Intelligence obviously has to be fitted in with the machinery of government, and how it fits in is important. Rogers correctly argues that the â€Å"practice of strategic intelligence is at its best when it is in counterpoise with strategic thinking [on the part of decision-makers and policy makers]†. 3 It follows that correct structure in the machinery of government should facilitate the connectivity between intelligence and policy on the one hand, and the consequent practice of strategic thinking in policy development on the other. But the problem here is that those involved with structuring intelligence do not necessarily have a say in the structuring of the machinery of government. And in any case, in a liberal democratic, federal structure such as Australia’s, a considerable proportion of government process is dictated by relatively immutable conventions and constitutions. We should also note that this issue of where intelligence sits in organisational structures is relevant both within a particular organization that uses intelligence, and also within the wider structures of state as supported by intelligence. In one case intelligence is embedded within the agency, in the other, it is embedded within the machinery of government. These two types and uses of intelligence may require very different structural approaches. In the case of the latter (intelligence agencies embedded in the machinery of government) it is the role of intelligence agencies to draw intelligence up and enable it effectively to be used in national policy-making. The structures used to ‘draw intelligence up’ are entirely proper considerations of a paper such as this on intelligence. This issue of the drawing up of intelligence covers the question of how a peak agency such as the ONA can best garner the wide range of intelligence that is required in today’s expanded threat environment. This expanded 3 Kevin Rogers ‘Developments in Australian Strategic Criminal Intelligence’ in Ratcliffe (ed) Strategic Thinking in Criminal Intelligence (Sydney: The Federation Press, 2004), p23. Volume 3 Number 3 (August 2007) 59 Security Challenges environment requires that the entire range of agencies producing intelligence be included—agencies such as the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Customs, Immigration, Coastwatch, Quarantine and the Australian Crime Commission (ACC). Structures to support this expanded role were discussed in an earlier paper by this author. But (alluding to the issues raised above), the expanded role for intelligence does not—or rather should not—include agencies such as the CSIRO, ABARE, the Productivity Commission, Geosciences Australia, the Department of Health, and so on. Unfortunately, this distinction is not always recognised or agreed in discussions about intelligence reform. For example, some have begun to questio n whether concepts like effects based operations (EBO), which in turn have been spawned by the new intelligence environment and new technologies, cannot be applied in a ‘whole-of-government’ way. According to this view, the three-way relationship between intelligence, policy and operations could be seen to apply across the spectrum of government decision-making, thus incorporating all departments of state and agencies in an endeavour to achieve a strategic outcome. Although such a project would be ambitious, ‘whole-of-government’ possibly can and should be made to function in a strategic sense. But it should be recognised that intelligence is not central to the process in the same way as it is central to EBO in a military setting or to intelligence-led policing in law enforcement. Indeed, in the author’s view, intelligence is a highly specific function to do with human competition and human enemies. It is not only inappropriate for wider use, but such use could be positively harmful in terms of the needed outcomes in government decision making in a democratic setting. Certainly, good strategic intelligence should be suggestive of courses of action, but only suggestive in the sense that the knowledge brought forward is suggestive. Intelligence can also comment on implications of actions when specifically asked to do so, but should not go the extra step of recommending options. It is not the role of intelligence to present analytical options to decision-makers in the same way as that is the role of a department of state or ministerial staff. The temptation to use intelligence agencies to support a strategic, ‘whole-ofgovernment’ approach is quite strong, however. Traditionally, intelligence agencies have been very close to the seat of power. Indeed, they were born Sandy Gordon, ‘Re-Shaping Australian Intelligence’, Security Challenges, vol. 1, no. 1 (November 2005), pp. 27-58. Brice Pacey, ‘National Effects-Based Approach: A Policy Discussion Paper’, Working Paper, no. 381, Canberra, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University, 2003, passim. Pacey is not, however, arguing for a central role for intelligence in this enterprise. . 4 60 Volume 3 Number 3 (August 2007) Security Challenges of a one-to-one relationship, in which the intelligence chief sat at the leader’s right hand. This was both to provide immediacy and preserve secrecy. The idea of a separation between intelligence and policy is a relatively recent one. The only separation that was once required was that between master and servant. The temptation to use intelligence agencies as analytical determinants of policy is even stronger in situations where there is no real alternative to the analytical powerhouses that some intelligence agencies can bring to bear. Moreover, governments that use intelligence agencies to consider politically sensitive issues like climate change have the added advantage of keeping such consideration outside the public domain and the scrutiny of oppositions. This is because once a matter is within the purview of intelligence, governments can claim they can ‘neither confirm or deny’ questions in respect of them. But as argued above, this is essentially a misuse of intelligence. Intelligence in National Strategic Decision-Making At the moment in Australia, national intelligence exists within a relatively tight framework of the Australian Intelligence Community (AIC), oversighted by a small and powerful group of departments and ministers, particularly Prime Minister and Cabinet (PMC), Defence, Foreign Affairs and AttorneyGeneral’s Department. This tight structure is reinforced by the restricted membership of the National Security Committee of Cabinet (NSCC) and the Secretaries’ Committee on National Security (SCONS), which proffers advice to the NSCC. It is a structure that in its essence was bequeathed by the Cold War, with minor modifications as a result of the Flood Report and other developments. As such, it was designed to deal with state-on-state threat and the threat of spying and political violence rather than the broader range of threats we now confront. Such a tight structure has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are that the intelligence agencies of the AIC are well plugged in to the Canberra policy environment and have a nuanced appreciation of what the government wants to know. Equally, this tight structure allows for rapid, consensus decision-making when needed. Further, the agencies of the AIC, particularly the ONA, represent a collection of individuals capable of high-level strategic thinking. The disadvantages of such a tight system are well known. The 9/11 Commission and Butler report chronicled the distortion of the intelligence process to serve particular policy needs, or at least perceived needs. Given the tight inter-relationship between the government, key departments and intelligence agencies in Australia, such distortions are also possible here. Volume 3 Number 3 (August 2007) 61 Security Challenges The Butler committee report also emphasised the dangers of a filtration system such as the UK Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) standing between the judgements of experts and policy-making bodies. Some of the worst errors evident in the so-called ‘Dirty Dossier’ arose because the expertise in the Defence Intelligence Staff was filtered out or distorted, either as a result of a classic ‘broken telephone’ situation or through pre-judging the policy bias on the part of the JIC. In Australia, the system would be equally vulnerable should the findings of organizations like ABARE and the CSIRO be filtered through a small, nonexpert (in the disciplines involved) organization like the ONA. How suitable is the present Australian structure in light of the changes to the regional, global and technological environments? Before considering this important issue, let us consider the needs of a system designed effectively to operate in the new environment. x As discussed above, such a system would need to delineate a specific role for intelligence, one that relates to human-on-human competition, and that in turn necessitates a secret approach to intelligence. Such a system would also need to be capable of melding the intelligence product with product from other agencies working on issues that do not require secret intelligence and with other open sources. It would need to be flexible. That is, it would need the capacity to draw to a greater or lesser degree on a ‘whole-of-government’ approach for supporting information and judgment, depending on the urgency and nature of the threat and degree of secrecy needed. In other words, it would need to have the administrative means to ‘slide up and down the scale’ between a narrow, decision-making capacity at the top and a broad consensus model below, one that included information and analysis from a range of agencies, not only intelligence agencies but also economic and scientific agencies. In some instances, it would need to shape decisions for the longerterm. Yet it would also need to be capable of making adjustments in light of the evolving evidence. Such decisions would need to be maintained well outside the life span of a typical Australian Government. At times it would need to draw in two, or perhaps even three, levels of government, as already evident in the case of terrorism and pandemic threats such as SARS and ‘Bird Flu’. It would need to be well connected internationally in order to draw on available information and assessment. x x x x 62 Volume 3 Number 3 (August 2007) Security Challenges x Above all, it would need a powerful apex analytical and organisational capacity containing a range of expertise in order to bring together diverse lines of information, identify real problems, set priorities between them and devise viable strategies to deal with those priorities. This role should not be undertaken by existing intelligence agencies, because their role should be confined to the analysis and dissemination of intelligence. To use them in the dual role of policy advice and intelligence analysis and dissemination would be unduly to compromise the intelligence role. How well does the present system meet the needs outlined above? In some respects, quite well. It basically consists of a tight core capable of being expanded to meet a broadening of threat, with the NSCC providing a sort of ‘inner cabinet’, surrounded by a tight supportive framework consisting of key departments, SCONS and the AIC. It is a highly functional arrangement for an environment requiring a high degree of secrecy and relatively rapid decision-making. Where the nature of threat broadens, for example in the case of climate change, the current system is capable of rapid expansion. Members of Cabinet, such as the environment minister, can be brought into the NSCC where necessary. The AFP Commissioner, CEO of Customs and others can also be inducted into the SCONS when necessary. Within PMC, the National Security Division (established in 2003) provides a potential analytical unit that is not confined to intelligence, but that can range over the available government and non-government agencies, given its location on the ‘commanding heights’ of PMC. The present system falls down in a number of respects, however. It is deficient in that certain information deemed intelligence in the narrower sense outlined above is still not fully drawn into the AIC information network and database (AICNET). Nor are the organizations generating this intelligence (such as the AFP, Customs and the ACC) included in the tight deliberative network at the apex of government decision-making, at least not on a day-today basis. These exclusions cause a deficit in knowledge and a nalysis of non-conventional, but human-induced, threat. This deficit was discussed in greater detail in an earlier paper. 6 6 Gordon, op cit. At the time of final preparation of this paper, the government has announced a new system of combining the databases of Customs, Immigration and ASIO. One might well ask why this is only being done now, six years after the events of 9/11? Volume 3 Number 3 (August 2007) 63 Security Challenges x It is not capable of adopting strategic thinking across all levels of government in the federal structure—the so-called ‘EBO of governance’. Because of the requirements of the liberal democratic federal structure, however, this problem may not be amenable to an entirely satisfactory solution. Even given the restraints imposed by our political system, there is inadequate capacity at the top to analyse, identify and give priority order to threat. Although the National Security Division of PMC seems to be set up to undertake this role, according to Pacey, the division is still limited by coordination roles and the need to deal with immediate crises rather than provide long-term analysis. 7 In counter-terrorism, for example, the role of PMC is to provide a multi-government and multi-disciplinary platform. One suspects that this demanding role diminishes its capacity to deliver long-term policy advice. In the absence of an appropriate analytical unit outside the confines of intelligence, there currently seems to be a growing de facto move to recruit the ONA for this top-level analytical role, as discussed above. But, as also argued above, the ‘heavy lifting’ on matters like climate change should not be conducted by a secret intelligence organization at all, but through transparent, evidence-based techniques that are well tried and understood in scientific organizations. Moreover, to place an organization like the ONA at the apex of the policy advice structure is, at least in a de facto sense, to bring it directly into the policy-making apparatus—hitherto considered anathema for an intelligence organization. x x Therefore, if we accept the more limited role for intelligence advocated in this paper, we are left with a potential deficit in terms of an apex analytical unit— the intellectual powerhouse of ‘EBO of governance’. The main candidate for fulfilling such a role seems to be the National Security Division of PMC. And in fact, more and more of the capacity relating to security in areas requiring a multi-disciplinary approach is now located in PMC. This includes terrorism, energy security, pandemic disease, nuclear energy and intelligence. Conclusion and Issues for the Next Government In light of the profound changes in the security environment we have witnessed in recent years, those responsible for shaping the way governments will deal with long-term structural change confront a choice. 7 Pacey, op. cit. , p. 5. 64 Volume 3 Number 3 (August 2007) Security Challenges On the one hand, they can advocate an expansion of the role of intelligence to cover the broader nature of the threat we now confront. In a de facto sense, the current arrangement seems to be drifting toward this kind of arrangement. On the other, they can continue to regard intelligence as an essentially secret function designed to give advantage and deny advantage in terms of human competition, whether of the state-on-state variety or threats from criminal and terrorist groups. In this paper we have argued the latter position. We have done so because of concerns about the nature of intelligence and how it differs from policy analysis, the nature of scientific inquiry and the democratic need for debate and consensus. We have further argued that, while it may be possible to achieve something close to a strategic process on a ‘whole-of-government’ basis, such a process cannot be driven by intelligence; and nor is it correctly placed within a discussion of intelligence and its role. We are of the view that additional analytical capacity required to support ‘EBO of governance’ should exist in the form of an expanded staff specifically advising the NSCC. While the National Security Division of PMC would seem to be the logical candidate for such a role, several changes would be needed to provide the kind of analytical capacity described above. Ideally, a unit of this nature should be administratively removed from the day-to-day, short-term contingencies and coordination functions normally undertaken by a division of PMC. That is not to say that the unit should be entirely administratively removed from PMC. But it might be a statutory body linked in a similar way to the ONA. Or it might be more directly associated with the Cabinet Division. Further, the unit would require an expanded ability to provide advice on a ‘holistic’ basis, with a range of expertise covering scientific, health, intelligence, economic and defence issues. Already the germ of such a capability is contained within National Security Division. The existence of such a support unit would act as a buffer between the Cabinet and intelligence agencies and ensure that the latter continue to function as providers of intelligence rather than strategic advice. It would provide the capacity to meld factual and analytical work from both the intelligence agencies and those agencies outside the AIC, such as the various government scientific and economic agencies and non-government agencies. Its interface with such agencies would be far easier than between intelligence and outside agencies, given the role of intelligence in protecting information from human competition. Volume 3 Number 3 (August 2007) 65 Security Challenges In light of this position, the following issues emerge for the next government: x Australia’s national intelligence database should be expanded more fully to incorporate information and intelligence from agencies outside the AIC, such as the AFP, Customs, Coastwatch and the ACC. Details of how this might be accomplished are set out in an earlier paper by this author. 8 Leaving aside the security aspects of issues like climate change, pandemic disease and radical economic change, government should recognise that such issues in themselves are not conducive to analysis and advice from intelligence agencies. Rather, a ‘whole of government’ analytical and strategic capacity should be incorporated into the advice mechanisms serving the NSCC. This unit should incorporate the work of intelligence agencies, but also range far more broadly across government and non-government agencies. It should posses a ‘holistic’ capability— that is, it should include scientific, health and economic professionals as well as national security experts. It should not be constrained by the day-to-day needs of servicing a busy department like PMC. x Sandy Gordon joined the Australian Public Service in 1977, subsequently working in the Office of National Assessments, AusAID and as Executive Director of the Asian Studies Council and Australian Literacy Council. In 1990 he became a Fellow at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University, where he worked on South Asia and the Indian Ocean. In 1997 he was appointed head of intelligence in the AFP, a position he held until 2000. He then became Co-Chair of the Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific Transnational Crime Working Group and a member of the National Expert Advisory Committee on Illicit Drugs. Between 2003 and 2005, he lectured on terrorism and transnational crime at the Australian Defence Force Academy, University of New South Wales. He is currently Associate Professor, Centre for Transnational Crime Prevention, University of Wollongong. [emailprotected] com. au. 8 Gordon, op. cit. 66 Volume 3 Number 3 (August 2007)