An Alternate China Essays - Chinese Communists, Marxist Theorists

An Alternate China History 315 AN ALTERNATE CHINA The obituaries that marked Deng Xiaoping's death on February 19, 1999 were extremely outspoken in their praise of the economic reforms he had unleashed on China. However, while getting rich has been glorious for many Chinese, a much larger number, although enjoying some of the reform's benefits live a less capital existence. We must start back a few years for a proper analysis. On June 4, 1989, there was a massacre that took place in Tinanmen Square in Beijing. It was a military suppression of students and others of a democracy movement. This happened under the Deng regime. Many foreign observers were in agreement that dire economic consequences would most likely result from this political folly. It was seen as though the Communist Party's hard-liners had triumphed and consequently any market reforms would end. Measures already implemented to control inflation combined with the brutal killings were probably going to send China into a deep and prolonged recession. Something strange happened though. Market reforms, far from being abandoned, were instead deepened. From 1991 to 1994, China's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased even more rapidly than it had in the frantic 1980s when China led the world in annual average growth. This continuing economic boom brought familiar social consequences. While average living standards continued to rise gradually through the mid-1990s, the rewards of economic progress were distributed in an increasingly unequal fashion. The gap between rich and poor, growing since the decade prior, became more and more visible in the 1990s. There are no official figures on the number of newly rich. Some estimates have said that there may be as many as 10 million millionaires or so in China. This number is so substantial when you think about how the People's Republic is the world's most rapidly growing market for luxury goods. The significance of these numbers may be interpreted in various ways, but it is strikingly clear that China's socialist market economy has quickly produced a bourgeoisie class. This category of people happens to have a powerful stake in the existing Communist order. Also visible and way more numerous are the 50 to 150 million peasants from economically depressed rural areas who have migrated to the cities in search of work. Living in shantytowns or simply on the streets, the fortunate ones work as low-paid laborers on round-the-clock construction sites. As most of us have observed on TV, young peasant women labor in sweatshops under oppressive conditions. Some are employed as servants, nannies, and housecleaners in the homes of urban professionals. The migrant workers are somewhat of a functional underclass in that they do the work that permanent residents of the city avoid. Just like their counterparts in other capitalist countries, such as ours, they serve to make life comfortable for the well off. One can easily say that the rapid development of the cities is partly due to the unlimited supply of cheap labor provided by rural immigrants. The distance between urban China's rich and its poor laborers is as wide a social gap as is likely to be found in any other capitalist country. It really doesn't matter if they are compared to developed or developing nations. During Mao Zedong's years as the leader of China, life in China was plain, to say the least. Most of the population walked around wearing the same blue jacket that Mao did. This was their way of conforming. Now, at the close of the Deng era, there are terrible extremes of wealth and poverty visible. The rapid social change is as remarkable as the rapid transformation of the economy. It is true, of course, that there were dramatic improvements in the living standards of the Chinese people during the reign of Deng Xiaoping. No matter how unequally distributed the gains and whatever the social costs, virtually all sectors of society and all regions of the country enjoy significantly greater incomes and higher standards of living than they did at the onset of the reform period. However, also true, the great majority of the laboring population are victims of more intensive forms of economic exploitation than was the case in the pre-Deng era. The working people in both city and countryside

Great Expectations Essays

Great Expectations Essays Great Expectations Paper Great Expectations Paper Essay Topic: Great Expectations How does Dickens use language to introduce and develop characters and settings in chapter1?Charles Dickens was a famous English novelist generally considered the greatest of the Victorian period. He is much loved for his great contribution to classical English Literature. His epic stories, vivid characters and exhaustive depiction of contemporary life are unforgettable.He was born in Portsmouth on February 7, 1812. The good fortune of being sent to school at the age of nine was short-lived because his father was imprisoned for bad debt. Dickens was sent to work in Warrens Blacking Factory where he earned six shillings a week pasting labels on the jars of thick polish. Charles Dickens stated the conditions he endured at the factory, were appalling and he often felt loneliness and despair.After 3 years his father repaid his debt and Dickens was sent back to school. However the experience was never forgotten as he fictionalized aspects of the experience into Great Expectations.Great Exp ectations was Charles Dickens second to last completed novel. It consists of 59 chapters and was published as a weekly series in 1860. The story follows a young orphan Pip, who discovers Great Expectations.From chapter one, we learn the main themes in the novel are education, ambition, the class system, poverty and opportunity.Dickens uses his own personal from both working class and aristocracy to reflect on the character Pip and the novel; such as what constitutes a gentleman, how a boy form a working class environment and be made into a gentleman and how intelligent Pip is able to be without any form of education in early life and still be successful.I think Dickens novel is successful; as he is able to make his richer audience aware of the struggle to survive in a lower class environment.I am going to focus my essay on chapter one. I believe chapter one is an exceedingly influential chapter as it is the first time we meet the main character Pip; it is also the first meeting betw een Pip and the convict and from the setting and characters we learn the lifestyles of lower-class Victorians.Great Expectations is based on the character Pip, Properly known as Phillip Pirrip; after his late father. Pip is a young uneducated orphan who in the future is made into a gentleman.Throughout the story, Pip is the narrator. This allows the reader to identify the story through Pips eyes. The audience will find the child narration a problem because there is no correct punctuation or sentence structures: instead we access his thoughts and feelings. This challenges the reader as they are sympathetic towards Pip because of the way he expresses his emotions. They will also question whether they should take into consideration that Pip is only a child that hasnt been educated.When Pip is in the graveyard, Pip declares;I give Pirrip as my fathers family names, on the authority of his tomb stone and my sister Mrs Joe Gargery, who married the blacksmith. As I never saw my father or my mother, and never saw any likeness of either of them (for they were long before the days of photographs), my first fancies regarding what they were like, were unreasonably derived from their tombstones.From this the readers discover Pip has no parents and is in fact an orphan. Also the readers learn Pip has no acknowledgement of his mothers or fathers appearance. Dickens language to display emotion allows the reader to sympathize with Pips character; as most readers are not able to identify with Pips situation.The shape of the letters on my fathers, gave me an odd idea that he was a square, stout, dark man, with curly black hair. From the character and turn of the inscription, Also Georgiana Wife of the above I drew a childish conclusion that my mother was freckled and sickly.Pip uses his imaginative young mind to construct images of his late mother and father. Pip summarises that his father was a square, stout, dark man with curly hair. And his mother was freckled and sickly. T his shows the reader Pip has grown up quickly. As readers, we understand how Pip is mentally blocking himself out as a child and is thinking in a mature way.Pip also has 5 deceased Siblings:To five little lozenges, earn about a foot and a half long which were arranged in a neat row beside their grave, and were sacred to the memory of five little of mine who gave up trying to get a living exceedingly early in that universal struggle I am indebted for a belief I religiously entertained that they had all been born on their backs with their hands in their trousers-pockets, and had never taken them out in this state of existence.The rate of child mortality was extremely high, so it was not uncommon that Pips siblings had all died. The audience would imagine that Pip was feeling alone as most of his family has died.In the introductory paragraph, the name Pip is repeated a numerous of times.My fathers family name being Pirrip, [- -] my infant tongue could make of both names nothing longe r or more explicit than Pip. So, I called myself Pip, and come to be called Pip.This notifies the audience Pip is a significant character. Also, the repetition indicates to the audience that Pip is the narrator.Dickens has selected to call the main character Pip as it symbolizes Pip is a small seed that has the potential to develop into something remarkable; With the help of love and care. From this the audience assimilate Pip needs to be nurtured mentally and physically to help him achieve extraordinary accomplishments. I think Dickens style is effective as the readers are able to visualize Pips growing stages. The importance of the name also creates extra effects on the readers view of the character Pip.After describing the landscape Pip begins to cry as he is overwhelmed with the setting (of being in the churchyard) and realizing he has lost the majority of his family. By talking about his deceased family and where he is located; it becomes overpowering for Pip as he registers he is still only an infant in an immense alarming world.Pip reacts to the Convict in a petrified manor; when the Convict threatens to cut Pips throat.O! Dont cut my throat sir [- -]. Pray dont do it, sir.Pip is terrified as he witnesses the fearful man (whose image provokes the situation to become even worse). In an adults perspective they are in a position to sympathize with the Convict because of the technique Dickens uses to describe the Convicts appearance.A man who had been soaked in water, and smothered in mud, and lamed by stones, and cut by flints, and stung by nettles and torn by briars; who limped, and shivered .From this quote, an image is created for the adult reader of a man who is struggling and in need of help. Pips description of the convict helps the reader to create a sympathetic view towards him, as the passage can be perceived in two different ways; Pips perception as a child, also the adult audience are able to use their intelligence to interpret their own view of the Convict.Pip addresses the Convict in a polite manner, his tone is weak yet Pip is still able to speak correctly. An example of Pips style of vocabulary used towards the convict is;Tell me your name [- -] Give It MouthPip, Pip, Sir.This informs the readers Pip is well spoken yet timid; the connection between Pips use of speech and the class system successfully works, making the novel more interesting. Also Pips intellect bemuses the readers as in the Victorian era it was uncommon for uneducated children to possess Pips intelligence.At the end of the scene, Pip is afraid because of the threats carried out by the Convict.You bring me, to-morrow morning early, that file and them wittles [- -] Now, I aint alone, as you may think I am. Theres a young man hid with me, in comparison with which young man I am a Angel [- -] I am keeping a-keeping that young man from harming of you at the present moment, [- -] I find it very hard to hold that young man off of your inside. Now, what do you say? The Convict notifies Pip there is also a young man hiding alongside him; he also explains in comparison with the young man he (the Convict) is an Angel. The Convicts description of the young man frightens Pip. Pip informs us he is frightened by describing the landscape around him. This allows the readers to empathize with Pip because of his surroundings and his vulnerability; fearing what could occur.Our initial judgments of the Convict are his sinister appearance and his immoral personality which is derived from Pips perspective. Pip provides us with an awareness of the Convicts corrupt behaviour.The man, after looking at me for a moment, turned me upside down and emptied my pockets!This provokes the readers to believe Pips perception of the Convict. The technique of Dickens language encourages the readers to devise an image within their mind of the Convicts actions towards Pip. From this the audience are provided with a deeper experience of what is happening to Pip.`The Conv icts use of speech contrasts with Pips. The Convict is more informal compared to Pip, as Pips vocabulary is correct. The Convicts dialect predictably made an impact on Charles Dickens audience as the convicts language is lower class, informal and incorrect. Dickens audience probably found the convicts style of language difficult to acknowledge.The Convict uses techniques such as; bullying, threatening and instilling fear into Pip to threaten him (as you would a child).You bring em both to me [- -] or Ill have your heart and liver out.This informs the audience, the Convict fathoms the psychology of child minds (as children are extremely vulnerable to stories), who also exaggerate their feelings and thoughts.Our concluding impression of the Convict contradicts our initial one because Dickens use of creative language begins to soften the impression of the Convict by prompting the audience to formulate images of sympathy and empathy. Our final impression becomes neutral because the Conv ict threatened Pip and also displays unpleasant behaviour towards him.A man who had been soaked in water, and smothered in mud, and lamed by stones, and cut by flints, and stung by nettles, and torn by briars; who limped and shivered, and glared and growled; and whose teeth chattered in his head as he seized me by the chin.However, the audience derive a feeling of pity from the Convicts situation.Chapter one is set on the Kent marshes, in the graveyard; where Pips deceased family is buried. The setting builds tension for the audience as Dickens creative language creates terrifying vibes from the description performed by Pip on the landscape; as he describes it as threatening and dangerous. This is a landscape Dickens reader and the modern day readers have little knowledge of. This build tension as the readers are not able to relate to Pips surroundings.The dark flat wilderness beyond the churchyards intersected with dykes and mounds and gates, with scattered cattle feeding on it, wa s the marshes; and that the low leaden line beyond, was the rivers, and that the distant savage lair from which the wind was rushing, was the seaThis description would be interpreted as if the Kent marshes was empty, a lonely place where strange things might occur. Also, the Kent marshes were dark, dangerous, bleak and hostile. In my opinion, the landscape is not a familiar setting and the Kent marshes seem quite unpleasant.Charles Dickens uses adjectives to make the place seem unappealing, for example; he describes what Pip can see such as; black horizontal line and long angry red lines. The colours used by Dickens are negative, sinister and formulate strong unpleasant feelings. The adjective black has been repeated by Dickens as it is a colour of death and will allow readers to create an image of dullness. Also it allows the audience to feel anxious.The warning beacon and gobbets were described in the background of the graveyard. This informs the reader, the Victorian ere still us ed the death penalty and it was used a great amount. This symbolizes death and also danger, these both add extra tension for the readers as Pip is in this location. The audience realise that death has a strong impact on the story and are worried what might happen to Pip in the future.I conclude chapter one has been very effective preparing the audience for what is to come. I believe this because chapter one has already allowed us as readers to summarize the characters futures and also form friendships or enmities with the present characters Pip and the Convict. The encounter with the Convict is useful as further on in the novel (chapter 39) Pip and the Convict reunite unexpectedly. Also it influences the readers to read more as we are eager to discover the upcoming events.The modern readers reactions differ from the audience of 1860 on subjects such as; how Pip is able to speak proper without any form of education. In 1860 it was very rare that the lower class population were gifted enough to speak correctly without an education; which they couldnt afford.Pips deceased family also caused a problem for the modern reader. In the 21st century; life expectancy is at a high factor. However, in the Victorian period it was common for children to depart before they reached their first birthday. It was also an achievement to reach the age of 50!In chapter one, I enjoyed the experience of learning Pips lifestyle, and the comparison of his environment to ours. The style in which Dickens has written kept me interested throughout novel as it allowed me to devise images; which allowed me to encounter the same experiences, feelings and emotions suffered by Pip.I dislike the landscape and also the Convict as I find both of them intimidating. Also I find the landscape and Pips situation non relatable.However, Great Expectations is intelligently written. This prompts the audience to read the story through Pips point of view. Without chapter 1, I believe the novel would not have been as effective and enjoyable to read.

Trading blocs and their influence on the globalisation of the Essay

Trading blocs and their influence on the globalisation of the marketing strategies - Essay Example The global stage is dominated by the presence of a large number of trading blocs for a number of countries and regions. There are about 30 trading blocs globally across various continents, working either at national or regional levels. In Europe alone, there are three trading blocs, namely European Union, European Free Trade Association and Eurasian Economic Community. However, trade bloc of the European Union is the only one to have the United Kingdom as its member (Floyd, 2001). The world trade is being increasingly dominated by the concept of trade blocs in recent times. This can be clearly exemplified by taking the case of the European Union. Initially, this had only six countries as its members during inception in 1940s, but had 28 countries by end of the first decade of 21st century. NAFTA is another such trade bloc, which promotes trade relations between the USA and Canada (Oh and Suh, 2003). All major trade blocs that exist in the contemporary world, like, ASEAN, NAFTA and Eu ropean Union, have a common objective. The countries that are outside the trading blocs do not enjoy benefits of lower tariff and custom duties on imported goods . Trade blocs have a very important role to play in economic development of a country, primarily because economic progress of a country can be directly related to amount of trade conducted by that country. This is because trade brings new opportunities to a country by opening up its markets, bringing in improved technological innovation and raising the level of production.

Cliente Project Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Cliente Project - Assignment Example As the patient is having obesity, so the physician has decided to suggest physical training facilities. It has been expected that the physical exercise will be suitable for restoring the patient’s condition. As the patient is having high blood pressure and diabetes, the clinical exercise testing is preferably suitable for the patient’s health condition. The cardiorespiratory testing is considered to be one of the important diagnoses for those patients who are suggested for Clinical Exercise Testing. Cardiorespiratory testing is important for those patients affected by hypertension or high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and obesity. Thus, the client is suitable for the cardiorespiratory testing. 4. GXT test includes HR rates, BP level and physical description such as height and weight of the clients. The test diagnoses the vulnerability of the heart dieses. GXT termination is helpful to identify the VO2max of the client by the exercised prescription. The 1 RM (repetition maximum) is the test of gold standard test which is concerning with the group mussels. For the upper body, the 1 RM is 300 lb barbell weight. The 1 RM upper body is 80% of 1 RM x 300 lbs barbell = 240 lb barbell. Adult patients are facing several changes on their health. The changes majorly affect the psychology of the patients. Adults of age group within 60 face problems related to obesity, blood pressure, blood sugar or diabetics and hypertension. The heath condition of the client is estimated based on the strength and weakness of the client’s profile. The client is of 60 years of age and does not have any major injury or major health related issues. The height of the patients is ascertained to be 6’0†. Though the client is little obese, but he does not want to make so much effort to lose the weight. Additionally, the patient is having regular exercise, which may have a good impact on

Discuss the impact of the fall of oil prices on GDP growth rate and Essay

Discuss the impact of the fall of oil prices on GDP growth rate and fiscal policy in Qatar - Essay Example However, the impact of the falling prices of oil on the GDP growth rate and fiscal policy of Qatar has been minimal due to the conservative budgeting system used in Qatar. Â  The price of oil is one of the critical influencers of the GDP growth rate and Fiscal policy of in many of the oil rich Middle Eastern countries. In Qatar, oil currently accounts for up to 70% of the government revenues. The fall in oil prices in late 2014 was the most significant in the last thirty years. Out of the last major drops in the last three decades, the fall in 1984 was the most similar to the one in 2014. Before the oil drop in 1980’s the 1970’s were coupled with major technological developments which shifted ever reliance on oil as a source of fuel. The drop in price was 61% within six months (Erbil, 2011, p. 12). According to many experts, a fall in oil drop prices is caused by change in demand and supply of the commodity, changes in OPEC objectives, geopolitical concerns in oil producing areas and appreciation in the US dollar. On the other hand, the growth of non oil sector was experienced by 6.3% and is expected to grow to about 7% this year (Berument, 2014, p. 149). The fall in prices has caused contractionary fiscal policy measures. Fiscal break even prices go to a maximum of $184 and a minimum of $50 (Lopez-Murphy & Villafuerte, 2010, p. 20). This pressure has made Qatar to make changes in its fiscal policy. In the last three decades oil prices have not remained constant but the drops in those years have not been as significant as the one in 2014. However there have been other five major drops since 1984 which led to a thirty per cent fall in oil prices. The fall in 2013 coincided with global economic recession, change in OPEC policy and an increase in oil supply. Major oil prices occurred between 1985 and 1986, 1990 and 2001, 1997 and

International Policy Analysis: Methodology

International Policy Analysis: Methodology 1. Introduction The last decade has witnessed many international developments that have profoundly affected the destinies of nations and humanity. The emergence of American unipolarism, the horrific attacks of September 11, and the rise of militant Islam, as well as the birth of the Euro and the business unification of affluent Europe are all important developments that have had far reaching effects on international affairs. However, these developments have been overshadowed by the rise of the phenomenon of globalisation, a process through which the developing world, riding on the strength of its low costs and ever expanding skill and knowledge base, has started integrating rapidly into the global economy. Most organisations operating in areas of government, business and not for profit need to work with the global community and operate in accordance with structured or informal international policies, which in turn define both their initiatives in the international arena as well as their responses to global developments. International organisations and international policy networks, in which many national bodies play a part, have significant roles in global governance. Considering that movements in goods and services are the causal factor behind the globalisation effort, multinational corporations and other organisations involved in overseas activity essentially need to have formalised international policies. Efficient and methodical analysis of international policy is an intriguing and specialised area of social research that involves deep understanding of social theory and international affairs, as well as sound familiarity with research tools. It is the objective of this manual to elaborate and describe the methodology that needs to be followed to analyse the international policies of different organisations in diverse environmental settings. 2. International Policy Analysis An assignment for analysis of international policy can arise either from an organisation responsible for framing the policy or from an external body wishing to analyse the policy of another organisation for specific purposes. Analysts could be part of in-house teams working on framing or implementing policies, or of external consultancies or think tanks engaged in the preparation of dispassionate appraisals. Researchers and analysts should also realise that many users of policy analyses have been disappointed with its results, despite the plethora of analytical studies and the increasing competence in the area. The proliferation of policy analysis has not, however, been matched by an examination of whether the annual production of hundreds of thousands of memos, briefings, articles, reports, books, and sundry policy prognosticationsinformed and otherwiseare actually useful to policymakers. What we do know is not encouraging: In public policy making, many suppliers and users of social science research are dissatisfied, the former because they are not listened to, the latter because they do not hear much they want to listen to (Lindblom (Hird, 2005) It thus becomes critically important for the analyst to understand the nature of the organisation desiring the analysis and its reasons for doing so. A thorough understanding of these reasons becomes invaluable in planning the assignment and in its subsequent conduct. Areas in international policy that need analysis are generally diverse and could encompass economic, political, security, environment or trade concerns. The framing of international policy primarily involves the evaluation and choice between different courses of action, programs and policies that are intended to address and resolve issues regarding social, economic and political issues in the global arena. It is the objective of this manual to guide policy advisors on the adoption of a systematic approach in the conduct of international policy analysis. It draws on the writing and theory of Carl Patton and other social researchers, all of whom find place in the bibliography. A policy analysis assignment involves certain steps in its execution and calls for the observance of certain principles to ensure the validity of its result. This manual commences with a discussion of the concept of policy, especially in relation to power and governance. It, thereafter, briefly takes up the practical principles that need consideration while planning and conducting the research, and then elaborates the sequential steps required for its proper execution. Policy A policy, very briefly, is a formulated plan used for the guidance of decisions and action and is used by groups, associations and organisations in the governmental and private sectors. An interesting and comprehensive definition refers to policies as â€Å"political, management, financial and administrative mechanisms arranged to reach explicit goals.† (Policy, 2006) >From universities and schools to public agencies and large corporations, policy is increasingly being codified, publicized and referred to by workers and managers as the guidelines that legitimate and even motivate their behaviour. To adapt a metaphor from Arthur Koestler (1967), policy is the ghost in the machine—the force which breathes life and purpose into the machinery of government and animates the otherwise dead hand of bureaucracy. (Shore Wright, 1997, p. 5) In a world that is becomingly increasingly complex, situations or problems are dynamic and incapable of proper definition. The process for policy formulation commences with the identification of issues and the development of various alternatives to deal with them. A rigorous and far-reaching assessment of the various alternatives leads to the selection of the final policy, which then needs proper implementation and monitoring. Very obviously, policies affect environments, societies and the lives of people, and while they can result in the greatest of good, they can lead to disastrous mistakes and to the commitment of the greatest crimes. The holocaust was a result of policy and so is the WHO’s global polio eradication programme. Policies have become a major institution of western and international governance and are distinguished into formal policy, embodying policy principles and objectives, and operational policy, which comprise of mechanisms for implementation and delivery. In the international policy of a trading organisation, the formal policy may, for example, require trade with East Asia with the clear definition of environmental and child labour constraints, whereas the operational policy would detail whether the operation would be controlled by the corporate headquarters in Europe or the regional hub in Singapore. Practical Principles of International Policy Analysis International policy can appear to be contradictory and difficult to understand. The analyst must try to understand and focus on the central and essential core of the policy, which in turn could involve cost, environmental, humanitarian or nuclear proliferation concerns. Policies frequently have several and opposing objectives, some of which suffer from poor definition. Analysts must thus try to focus on the core issues for analysis and not spend time on peripheral matters. Carl Patton and David Sawicki (1993) in their book â€Å"Basic Methods of Policy Analysis and Planning† state that that the principles described below should help in planning and conducting an analytical assignment on international policy. Ideally, analysts should base their approach on using analytical tools appropriate to the issue at hand and refrain from thrusting their preferred method onto the assignment. The chosen method should be simple, transparent, logical, based upon common sense and tailored to the issue under scrutiny. In many cases, policies are uncertain about issues and there is a lack of clarity in approach. Researchers must thus be ready to take uncertainty in their stride and realise that despite their best efforts some areas will remain cloaked in uncertainty; this constraint should however not be allowed to retard the progress of the analysis or devour too much of the time allotted for the assignment. International policy involves factors that are frequently alien to domestic situations and requires an understanding of different cultures and political systems. An international aid organisation, for example, may have to provide succour to the citizens of a country known to have a notoriously corrupt government. In the absence of quantitative data, which is usually the norm in such cases, any analysis of international policy must necessarily depend upon subjective interpretation for projecting outcomes. While some factors of international policy are bound to be subjective and incapable of interpretation or analysis through numerical data, numbers do throw light on many issues and are useful for projecting outcomes. The use of quantitative techniques and numerical data thus becomes important, wherever appropriate. Simplicity in analysis and the use of figures are also often effective in driving home the distinguishing features of different alternatives, especially during client inter action. It is also very important for analysts to check their facts exhaustively, try to appreciate the viewpoints of people with radically different opinions and arrive at analyses, not opinionated decisions. Steps in Policy Analysis Effective analysis of international policy requires an understanding of world affairs, a firm grounding in the social sciences and familiarity with quantitative and qualitative research tools. Moreover as much of the data is subjective and needs informed interpretation, international policy analysis falls as much in the domain of art as that of science. Given the choice between too much of structure in charting of an analytical assignment and leaving everything to the judgement of the researcher, it is advisable to follow a few sequential steps in the conduct of the assignment. Policy analysts, as a rule follow a series of six easily distinguishable steps. While some experts advocate the breaking of these steps to make the process simpler, this manual stays with the practice of adopting six important steps. These steps start with the definition of the problem and are followed by establishment of criteria for evaluation and collection of evidence, identification of alternatives, evalu ation of alternatives, distinguishing among alternatives, and finally implementation and monitoring of policy. a. Definition of the Problem A policy analysis exercise must necessarily commence with the definition of the problem. This step is crucial and integral to the success of the project. It provides the reason for the exercise and gives direction for gathering of evidence. While a certain amount of experience helps in defining and detailing the issue, the process should be iterative and the â€Å"definition’ exercise repeated a few times. A meaningful effort at problem definition will enable the researcher to state the problem appropriately, determine its scale, eliminate extraneous matter, and question both the thinking and the definition of the issue. While defining the problem it is important to use quantitative data, study similar projects and locate relevant data. This will help in removing uncertainties, illuminating objectives, resolving divergences and focussing on the essence, i.e. the core issue. â€Å"Problem definition is a crucial step. However, because it is hard to get it right (the) same ste p (might be needed) again and again. Over the course of analytic work, empirical and conceptual understanding will evolve.† (Bardach, 2000, p. 7) b. Establish Evaluation Criteria The next step involves the establishment of criteria for evaluation and collection of evidence. This is essential to crystallize the modus of measurement of policy goals, bring about uniformity and establish similar criteria for assessing different alternatives and policy outcomes, desirable or otherwise. A number of factors, including costs, net gains, efficacy, fairness, organizational comfort, legal validity and suitability need consideration while establishing evaluation criteria. Most of the time spent on policy analysis happens because of the time required to gather data and time needed to think. While thinking is obviously by far the more important activity, data gathering is laborious and takes time. Data helps in three ways in the projection of realistic outcomes of policy and in the analysis of its implications. One purpose is to assess the nature and extent of the problem(s) you are trying to define. A second is to assess the particular features of the concrete policy situation you are engaged in studying. The third purpose is to assess policies that have been thought, by at least some people, to have worked effectively in situations apparently similar to your own, in other jurisdictions, perhaps, or at other times. (Bardach, 2000, p. 8) c. Identification of Alternatives Establishment of evaluation criteria leads to the next step, i.e. the identification of alternatives. The generation of alternatives requires imagination, knowledge and the ability to constructively brainstorm with other experts. The challenge of identifying alternatives, as good or possibly superior to the given policy, calls for combining ideas from different alternatives as well as from the one under study. It is important at this stage to assess the impact of any change in public policy that could have taken place in the interim or may well take place in the short and medium term. Public policy changes can occur due to a number of reasons, namely changes in the political establishment following elections, changes in budget, changes in the political structure of foreign countries or occurrences of disasters like the Tsunami or the Bird Flu epidemic. International policy, by its very nature is not prone to change at short notice and the assimilation of the possible effect of future changes into the generation of alternatives has proved to be very helpful in projecting policy outcomes. d. Assessment of Alternatives The identification of alternatives results in a need for their evaluation in terms of the benefits that each of them could provide vis-à  -vis established criteria. Data collection may again be required at this stage for the assessment of different alternatives and the projection of possible outcomes. This is a crucial phase of the process as new aspects of the problem could now surface, leading to reiteration of the various steps of the analysis. The evaluation of alternatives should actually focus on evaluating the outcomes of the different proposals as trade-offs between different alternatives cannot occur in the absence of projected outcomes. The criteria for evaluation should encompass different perspectives like costs, efficacy, fairness, equity and justice. Carl Patton (1993) states that evaluative criteria could also include issues like free markets, economic freedom, capitalism, freedom from government control, equality of opportunity, equality of result, free speech, relig ious freedom, privacy and safety. The analyst must bear in mind that the objective of the exercise is analysis for a specific user and not the handing down of a considered decision and should thus try to be as broad ranging as possible in the choice of evaluative criteria. e. Distinguish and Display Alternatives Evaluation of alternatives and outcomes makes it possible for the analyst to assess the extent of benefits met by individual alternatives, in the context of previously decided criteria, and in distinguishing between them. In case of conflict between alternatives that do not easily fit into the matrix of benefits, it is possibly advisable to go by the alternative that suits existing public policy. Issues of legality and political acceptability are also very important while distinguishing between alternatives and it would be patently unwise to consider alternatives, which while satisfying other criteria, skirt legal requirements or could end up as politically difficult to implement. While distinguishing and displaying alternatives, the analyst should focus on simplicity of presentation, use of tables and quantitative data and the highlighting of worst and best case scenarios for each alternative. The report must be clear, simple, tabulated properly and be easy to comprehend. f. Implement and Monitor Policy Once a policy alternative is accepted it is the role of the analyst to round off the exercise by planning for its implementation and creating a system to monitor policy outcomes. The monitoring and effective implementation of international policy is crucial as improper application and inadequate monitoring could result in undesirable outcomes and policy failure. International policies need to be very carefully monitored during implementation to ensure that unintentional changes do not occur and actual outcomes can be measured against those projected. 3. Conclusion The analysis of International Policy falls under the domain of applied social research and is a complex task that requires knowledge of social sciences, grounding in international affairs and familiarity with the tools of social research. A detailed and comprehensive understanding of the core issues involved in policy analysis assignment is a sine qua non and possibly the most crucial part of the analytical process. International policy analysis involves the use of quantitative and qualitative data, a variety of approaches to the subject and choice of appropriate methodology. Analysts must be ready to work â€Å"out of the box† at all times, especially in the identification of various alternatives. Policy analysis, while it uses scientific and statistical tools, is very interpretative in its approach and liable to bias. It is thus imperative that the exercise has a structured and phased approach and that all assumptions are identified clearly. Records should be kept accurately, information must be accessed from multiple sources and relevant professional and ethical considerations addressed appropriately to ensure the success of the exercise. Bibliography Bardach, E. 2000. A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem Solving. New York: Chatham House Publishers. Feller, I. 1986 Universities and State Governments: A Study in Policy Analysis. New York: Praeger Publishers. Fischer, F. Forester, J. (Eds.). 1993. The Argumentative Turn in Policy Analysis and Planning. London: UCL Press. Gross, F. 1954, Foreign Policy Analysis. New York: Philosophical Library. Hird, J. A. 2005, Policy Analysis for What? the Effectiveness of Nonpartisan Policy Research Organizations. Policy Studies Journal, 33(1), 83+. Hogwood, B. W., Gunn, L. A. 1984. Policy Analysis for the Real World. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Patton, C and Sawicki, D, 1993, Basic Methods of Policy Analysis and Planning, 2nd Ed., Prentice Hall, USA Policy, 2006, Wikipedia, Retrieved January1, 2006 from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Policy Roe, E. 1994. Narrative Policy Analysis: Theory and Practice. Durham, NC: Duke University Press. Rust, M. 2001, November 19. Who Bought off the Think Tanks? Corporations Eager to Do Business with China Have Cozied Up to Conservative Think Tanks, Raising Concerns about Their Influence Level on Foreign-Policy Analysis. Insight on the News, 17, 20+. Shore, C. Wright, S. (Eds.). 1997 Anthropology of Policy: Critical Perspectives on Governance and Power. London: Routledge. Thomas M. Meenaghan, Keith M. Kilty and John G. McNutt Social Policy Analysis and Practice. 2005. Journal of Sociology Social Welfare, 32(3), 208+. Wignaraja, G. (Ed.). 2002. Competitiveness Strategy in Developing Countries: A Manual for Policy Analysis. London: Routledge

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight :: Essays Papers

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Character Analysis Sir Gawain, the nephew of King Arthur, is described by the unknown author of Gawain and the Green Knight as "the good knight" and "most courteous" (Norton, 204 & 215). Although young, Gawain understands the true meaning of chivalry and honor, therefore bases his lifestyle on the knightly Code of chivalry. This is exemplified through various tests that he faced, both with the Green Knight, and with the Knight's wife. If all knights were like Gawain, then the Round Table would be a much better place. The first character test he is put to occurs when he faces the supernatural forces of the Green Knight during the New Year's celebration at Camelot. As the Round Table is faced with an extraordinary challenge, to swing at the stranger with an ax, Gawain bravely steps in for King Arthur when no one else is willing. He is fearful that Arthur will endure some great danger by partaking in the stranger's game, therefore he would rather subject himself to the danger and protect Arthur. He is able to save his lord from any possibility of jeopardy and his fellow knights of humiliation by jumping up from the dinner table and screaming: "Would you grant me the grace, To be gone from this bench and stand by you there, If I without discourtesy might quit this board,... When such a boon is begged before all these knights, though you be tempted thereto, to take it on yourself While so bold men about upon benches sit†¦ I am the weakest, well I know, and of wit feeblest; And the loss of my life would be least of any; That I have you for uncle is my only praise; My body, but for your blood, is barren of worth; And for that this folly befits not a king, And 'tis I that have asked it, it ought to be mine, And if my claim be not comely let all this court judge, in sight." (Norton, 209) This shows the respect that Gawain has for his king. He is a great knight, but he modestly says that "the loss of my life would be least of any." He knows that he is a great knight and is extremely important to the unity of the Round Table, but he would rather stay humble and retained than to call himself superior.