Blake Chapman Essays (534 words) - Characters In Hamlet, Literature

Blake Chapman Period 1 12/16/16 A brusque but engaging, the movie features a streamlined script, plenty of action, and an excellent supporting cast. Mel Gibson plays the deranged prince with vigor and gives the well-known tragedy teen appeal. This version strips down the engaging story so kids will understand it easily. For example, Hamlet and Ophelia's relationship is made less ambiguous. Lavish sets and costumes lend the movie an old world feel that ideally suits the impassioned revenge story. Mel Gibson was clearly hired to play Hamlet for box office insurance. In 1990 he was one of the biggest movie stars in the world. Gibson was however, horribly miscast as Hamlet because he looked too old for the part. Hamlet is at best 24, while Gibson was 34 but looked 44. Gibson's age is noticeably bothersome whenever he does a scene with Glenn Close, who looks as young, or even younger, than Gibson, even though she is playing his mother. Helena Bonham Carter, who is ten years younger than Gibson, plays his girlfriend but when they share a scene, she looks more like his daughter than his lover. The King of Denmark is dead. Wasting no time, Queen Gertrude (Glenn Close) marries Claudius, the dead man's brother and the new king. Prince Hamlet (Mel Gibson), son of the dead king, is horribly morose; he curses his mother and suspects his uncle of murder. When the ghost of Hamlet's father appears to him and entreats him to avenge his murder, the heartbroken son sets out to prove Claudius' treachery, but is hindered by his increasingly troubled psychological state. This film version captures all of the high-drama of Shakespeare's timeless play as characters within the castle Elsinore's walls are tossed about by deceit, revenge, secrets, lies, loyalty, passion, heartbreak, murder, suicide, painful self-realization, and more. Although Mel Gibson seemed miscast he delivers a riveting performance wearing Hamlet's emotions on his face for all to see. Sure, as Patrick stated, you could call it over-acting but this is Shakespeare and the drama is all there is. You never have to guess what anyone is thinking, most of all Gibson. You see his anger, jealousy, rage, frustration and his mask of insanity. It is one juicy role and Mel Gibson throws himself full force into it. His age may betray him but his acting never does. Visually, Hamlet looks superb. The location, sets, and costumes perfectly capture the feel of Shakespeare's medieval Denmark: that is, while the story itself has a timelessness about it (unlike Shakespeare's more time-specific history plays), the film's attention to appropriate period detail provides an additional layer of depth. One of the most interesting things about Hamlet , in terms of its style, is how active it is. Director Franco Zeffirelli isn't shy about having his characters move from one location to another as they converse, and even the famous soliloquies are far from static. It makes sense, after all: there's no reason to assume that the scenes have to be totally static, just because of the limitations of live theater, or because Shakespeare didn't happen to include stage directions in his scripts.

Nationalistic Strategy of Emiratisation

Nationalistic Strategy of Emiratisation Introduction Emiratisation is a nationalistic strategy which has been adopted by the government of the United Arab Emirates to employ its citizens in a meaningful and efficient manner in the public and private sector with a chief aim of utilizing country’s human resources optimally in the economic process and to transfer skills and knowledge from foreigners to Emiratis (Wayne et al., 1999).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Nationalistic Strategy of Emiratisation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Under Emiratisation the local and federal governments solve the challenges emanating from the policy by inviting and even compelling the private and public sector businesses to apply a specific Emiratisation ratio by adopting a quota based system (Suliman, 2006). Interestingly, with a total population of close to 5 million in the United Arab Emirates, 80 percent of this population is foreigners leaving the rest 20 percent to Emiratis. In the labor market the disparity is even bigger with UAE nationals consisting of only 9.3 of the labor market. The percentage of foreign workers therefore varies across the seven emirates with Dubai having the highest proportion instance where 97.13 percent of total labor forces are foreigners followed by Abu Dhabi (Rees, Mamman Braik, 2007). This paper tries to evaluate the characteristics and approaches used by the United Arab Emirates to solve this disparity in a controversial strategy referred to as Emiratisation. The highly skewed nature of the workforce and employment in the private sector has attracted the concern of both the government and the citizens of the United Arab Emirates especially the low level of representation of the nationals in various professions (Godard, 2001). There has been therefore a policy since 2005 that encourage employers to recruit citizens for positions which fit their qualifications and this has been done by setting quotas for local hire (Forstenlechner, 2010).Advertising Looking for research paper on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This process however may interdict the realizations of a knowledge economy although it has been viewed as affirmative actions with a difference for the minorities who are the locals. In line with the aim to promote knowledge based economy the United Arab Emirates has made an investment of over US$10 billion for the development of what they call a knowledge city (Rees, Mamman Braik, 2007). The aim of total Emiratisation was prospected that it would interdict the goal of the creation of a knowledge economy unless careful calibration of the process is closely checked. As for now the process is being implemented step by step although there are fears that the creation and sustainability of the knowledge economy in the long run may not be compatible with such a nationalistic aspiration. Characterist ics of Emiratisation The aim of the strategy is to exploit human resource fully in the economic process especially be ensuring the skills and knowledge is transferred from expatriates to the Emiratis but this has become a challenging task for both public and private sector as they struggle to strike a balance in their acts with the new legislation (Rees, Mamman Braik, 2007). This is because in a bid to implement it Companies are faced with the challenge of integrating Emiratisation policies, set by the government, into their human resource strategy. Matching the demand for national employees with existing supply in the most efficient way is also faced with a complication because the United Arab Emirates nationals are comprised of young inexperienced work force.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Nationalistic Strategy of Emiratisation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This is also countered by a common belief and misconception that expatriates have better work attitudes which means they are willing to take a substantially lower wages and work for long hours (Al-Hamadi, Budhwar Shipton, 2007). This has prompted the Emiratis to prefer being employed in the private sector where they feel the conditions are lenient and better remunerations are assured. Moreover, in trying to integrate and attract UAE nationals and secure knowledge transfer from expatriates to UAE nationals the private sector usually engage themselves in Emiratisation activities such as recruitment fairs, training programmes and corporate university involvement (Wayne et al., 1999). Most of these engagements are costly and there are doubts whether they will ever pay off. In the attempt to retain Emirati staff in the workplace there are some common themes for both private and public organisations which also characterize Emiratisation strategy and some of the challenges are common. There are challenges such as insensitivity of the management to cultural differences (OReilly and Chatman, 1986). Since most of the managers and top ranking staff in both private and public sector are expatriates it became difficult for the management to tolerate the culture of Emirati nationals especially when it came to disciplining and issuing out duties. The culture change also included unpopular shift schedules and uniforms which the emirates are not used to and this brings a lot of complains in the work place and hence compromising human resource relation and performance in general.Advertising Looking for research paper on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Another characteristic is a situation where the Emirati nationals lack a coaching and mentoring culture and therefore it is very difficult to manage and sustain skills required by the employer (Forstenlechner, 2010). Emiratisation is also marked by the reluctance of the Emirati nationals to work for long hours and within some set schedules since they were assured of jobs and the government protects their employability. Another characteristic of Emiratisation is high expectations of job promotion by the emirates because the government has decreed that there should be a balance in the workplace ratio but most these nationals lack the required skills and training to fit in the higher posts (OReilly and Chatman, 1986). Other challenges that face Emiratisation include but not limited to lack of performance based culture, the manager’s negative behavior, lack of teamwork collaboration, lack of performance-based culture and family pressures (OReilly and Chatman, 1986). Immediately a fter its inception the strategy was rendered lame by a myriad challenges but there have been concern to seek ways of having it successfully implemented while trying to maintain the UAE investors as well as preparing the prerequisite skills among the nationals. Approaches to Emiratisation However there have been efforts by both the government and the employment sector to correct these challenges in order to achieve the goals of Emiratisation strategy in the United Arab Emirates and several approaches have been adopted. The first approach is that of motivation where is was realized that for the Emiratisation strategy to work Emiratis have to be motivated so as to be retained in the workplace and this can be done through some strategies like aligning the company goals with those of the employees (Wayne et al.,1999). This can be done also by designing the organization in a way that reflect key factors that will enable to boost organisations’ retention of high performing nationals and ensuring that the human resource team match their activities to delivering a highly motivated and performing work force. Another strategy is to assess the culture system and individual needs of the organization and ensuring that the expectations of the organization are set right from the beginning and this will enable the Emiratis to be aware of what is expected of them (OReilly and Chatman, 1986). Further communication among the personnel managers and the workers are encouraged in an honest way so as to change the attitude of both and this can be strengthened by creating clear goals, objectives and expectations whereby employees are encouraged to participate in such initiatives. Other strategies are aimed at; creating a recognition culture and rewarding high performers, offering coaching or mentoring for support and encouragement as well as implementing a strong learning strategy to expand knowledge through further education and development (Rees, Mamman Braik, 2007). Finally there is an established systematic working to improve employee motivation and this helps organisations to reach Emiratisation targets and improve retention rates. There are therefore three approaches that are used in Emiratisation strategy in order to ensure that the mentioned challenges are solved and Emiratisation strategies are successful. Employee Assessment Employee assessment is done before entering into a role within any organization whereby the employee goals are put in line with those of the organization. This is done in order to ensure that the person to be employed meets the requirements of the position both academically and skill wise (Rees, Mamman Braik, 2007). In this assessment the employer is also required to ensure that the employee has grasped the expectations of the organization because this will ensure that there will be less conflict in the work place. In Emiratisation this assessment criteria is an approach which when met in advance of recruitment organisatio ns are expected to obtain the best qualified candidates and fosters confidence that they have the right people in the right positions (Al-Hamadi, Budhwar Shipton, 2007). Career Guidance and Counseling Career guidance and counseling is a key success factor that is expressed by many organisations on retaining Emiratis in the work place because it gives career directed progress that provides a path for further development. The approach is tested and considered to be the best for joining and staying at any organization operating in the United Arab Emirates (Suliman, 2006). When organisations offer career guidance throughout the employee’s career, they foster commitment and maximize the company’s development and success (Wayne et al., 1999). This is done with an understanding that for there to be the required human resource organisations can change the Emiratis’ perception, through guidance on what is expected of them, but not the vise versa. Coaching and Mentoring Coaching and mentoring at work is another strategy that the United Arab Emirates come to find useful in its Emiratisation strategy. This approach is applied because it not only encourages active communication but also allows for mistakes to be shared among the human resource and confidence to be build and thus rewarding recognition (Al-Hamadi, Budhwar Shipton, 2007). This Emiratisation approach will encourage Emiratis to share their concerns and because it provides sufficient support and encouragement the employees will develop skills and this will be reflected in the prosperity of the organisations (Al-Hamadi, Budhwar Shipton, 2007). All these approaches are aimed at selecting and motivating Emirati nationals for successful Emiratisation. The key theme running through all of these is the need to select and motivate Emirati Nationals for successful Emiratisation strategy. References Al-Hamadi, A., Budhwar, P., and Shipton, H. (2007). Management of Human Resource in Oman. Internati onal Journal of HRM, 18(1), 100-113. Godard, J. (2001). Beyond the high-performance paradigm? An analysis of variation in Canadian managerial perceptions of reform programme effectiveness. British Journal of Industrial Relation, 39(1), 25-52. Forstenlechner, I. (2010). Workforce localization in emerging Gulf economies: the need to fine-tune HRM. Journal of Personnel Review, 39(1), 135-152. OReilly, C., Chatman, J. (1986). Organisational commitment and psychological attachment. Journal of Applied Psychology, 71(3), 492-499. Rees, C., Mamman, A., Braik, A. (2007). Emiratization as a strategic HRM change initiative: case study evidence from a UAE petroleum company. International Journal of HRM, 18(1), 33-5. Suliman, A.M. (2006). Link between justice, satisfaction and performance in the workforce, a survey in the UAE and Arabic context. Journal of Management Development, 26(4), 294-311. Wayne, J.S., Liden, C.R., Kraimer, L.M., Graf, K.I. (1999). The role of human capital motivation a nd supervisor sponsorship in predicting career success. Journal of Organisational Behavior, 20(5), 577-595.

Chinatown Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Chinatown - Article Example Apart from having a cultural identity, the China town area seems to have a religious touch too. The presence of five churches and a Synagogue towards the outer districts of the area point towards the fact that the area holds religious significance for the residents of the city, and witnessing weekly congregation must be a norm of the area. In this sense, the present anatomy of the area seems quite favorable, since the center of China town remains isolated from the influence of such gatherings. Interesting to note is the location of these places of worship, as they provide a means of uninterrupted access to those who have no interest in the nearby main China town, which lacks a prominent religious identity. Regarding the future, it can be said that any possible increase in the number of visitors of the religious shrines is less likely to interfere with the activities of Central China town and therefore the town will continue to possess its central position in the area. A large number of buildings of monetary institutions indicate that the area is quite important for business activities. The location of these buildings is such that they are close to central China town. Most of these buildings are located in the districts that are located close to the nodes, which are in fact intersections of the various paths. This is perhaps a strategic move of such institutions, since such locations provide enhanced exposure which ultimately translates into improved business and therefore improved monetary benefits. In addition to the central location of monetary institutions, the central China town is also well-laden with places that provide opportunities for public gatherings. These districts allow businesses like restaurants, bakeries, Cafà © etc. to flourish. In other words, these businesses compliment the monetary businesses that prevail in the area. The presence of multiple nodes in the area possibly ensures free movement of

Critical Assessment of Two Music Reviews about 1 CD Term Paper

Critical Assessment of Two Music Reviews about 1 CD - Term Paper Example In her review, Feller recognized ‘The Pursuit’ under an aesthetic criteria based on how Jamie Cullum was able to improvise with the chosen original compositions and her critique feels that Cullum made his own version direct a totally unique course so the music, as in Cole Porter’s ‘Just One of Those Things’ comes out familiar yet strangely phenomenal. The article reflects a cheerful acknowledgment of the ways pop, Broadway, R&B, hip hop, club jams, and classics become ingredients that dish up the album in the fashion Jamie would prefer to give shape to his own rendition of a few covers whose chief elements have not neglected to show their origins even as Cullum placed them on his special diversion (Feller). As such, Feller acclaims ‘I’m All Over It’ which to her sounds both heavy and energetic with piano and drums respectively, so much so that the sad content of the lyrics overpowers and brings a notice less significant than instrument work. According to her, this establishes a good introduction of the musician’s profile and personal selection while ‘Wheels’ was made for the audience to be insightful about the apocalypse in which the abrupt pacing with the piano play makes the lyrical turn highly volatile to affect a listener’s mood with progressive wildness. ‘You and Me are Gone’ in the same manner passed the reviewer’s scrutiny as she takes delight in sounds that pull off the swing in the typical 1940s setting and dance attitude at the time. There even is a point when a jazz waltz by tradition melts with songs that are rather expected to comprise the atmosphere in a chill out lounge. More uplifting remarks are given to ‘Mixtape’ which is a track that’s presumably competent of implying to the audience what ‘The Portrait’ is made of, as in the touch of an inner impression such album ought to be planned by the composer. Within pop tune, Sally’s assessment speaks of a collection that

The Significance Of Cross-Cultural Negotiation Skills For The Success Essay

The Significance Of Cross-Cultural Negotiation Skills For The Success Of International Mergers And Alliances - Essay Example If we analyzed then we come to know that by definition, the two or extra parties concerned in a negotiation have conflicting interests and may come into disagreement over key points, whether it be a fair cost in buyer-seller relations, a fair licensing agreement, or an evenhanded workplace understanding. Furthermore, the conflict and agreement that takes place throughout negotiations has an intrinsic emotional component, and touching or emotional reactions such as suffering or annoyance are frequently experienced throughout the negotiation procedure. Certainly, the procedure of attitudinal structuring (Walton & McKersie, 2005) has a significant emotional component. Anecdotal proof, case studies, and educational writings point to an attractive occurrence that can take place in cross-cultural negotiations the appearance of negative spirals that cause ever more negative emotional or touching reactions in negotiators which rise ill-will, hurt the negotiation procedure, and frequently bri ng it to an end.

UK Housing Shortage Strategies

UK Housing Shortage Strategies What Can the Government Do to Solve the Housing Shortage in the UK? Abstract The price of homes in the United Kingdom has doubled over the past ten years and house building is at the lowest level since 1924. It has been estimated that Britain is likely to be heading for a shortage of about a million homes by the year 2022. In a nation in which as many as 70 % of adult citizens have been accustomed to owning their own home, with amongst the highest rates of home ownership in Europe, the shortage of affordable homes is causing bitterness and frustration as wages and salary earners grapple with the dilemma of reconciling their earnings with their capacity for taking out a mortgage for a home. The record values that have been set in the property market have also had an influence on those who are renting or are otherwise disadvantaged. Although it has been predicted that the property market is likely to bust in a few years, the government has been blamed for having a cumbersome planning permission process, not releasing sufficient land for new housing and for doin g precious little to intervene in the market for affordable homes. Although attitudes have changed in Europe and the state is now considered to be the enabler rather then a provider, perhaps it is possible for the government, which must also protect the broader national interest, to do more to assist during such hard times. This dissertation presents a discussion about what the government in the United Kingdom can do to solve the housing shortage in the country. Contents (Jump to) Chapter 1 – Introduction Chapter 2 – Literature Review Chapter 3 – Methodology Chapter 4 – Results, Analysis and Discussion Chapter 5 – Conclusion and Recommendations Bibliography/References Chapter 1 – Introduction Although Britain has experienced housing shortages before, e.g. at the end of the Second Great War, the reasons for such shortages were rather obvious and easy to understand as compared to the reasons for the housing shortage today which is causing serious inconvenience to citizens (Bond, 1996, Pp. 49), (Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, 2003, Pp. 1) and (The Sunday Times, 2003, â€Å"Why arent our builders building?†). In a nation in which citizens are accustomed to owning their own homes, with home ownership rates of about 70 %, working people are baffled and frustrated with the hefty mortgages that make it impossible for them to even make a deposit for a modest flat (Stephens, 2006, Pp. 4) and (The Sunday Times, 2003, â€Å"Why arent our builders building?†). The government has been accused of slow planning and the prices of abodes have been soaring by as much as 68 % in one year alone. The housing shortage is not only making life very difficult for the disadvantaged in the community, but it is also becoming a problem for employers who cannot recruit key personnel because those who are found to be suitable find it difficult to relocate, as a result of the widening gaps between house prices and disposable incomes (Local Government Association, 2006, Pp. 1 – 5). Not only is the housing situation causing alarm today, but forecasts for the future indicate that the situation is unlikely to improve, with Britain heading for a shortage of a million homes by 2022 (Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 2006, â€Å"Shortage of homes over next 20 years threatens deepening housing crisis†). Even rural areas are facing a housing crisis (Best, 2006, Pp. 6 – 27). Figure 1, which is presented below illustrates the problem. Surveys indicate that citizens believe that affordability is the major problem and not the shortage of housing (Platt, 2004, Chapter 5). Although land has been considered to be a scarce and valuable resource which needs to be judiciously allocated for a variety of uses, it appears that the government has preferred to take a path that permits private investors, real estate agents and property developers to play with the market and create shortages, while making huge profits (The Sunday Times, 2003, â€Å"Why arent our builders building?†). It is possible that a zeal for the dismantling of the welfare state and let the market decide attitude may have permitted developers and investors to place themselves in a position to control the market. The role of the state in the housing markets of Europe has changed from one of being a provider to that of being an enabler and all governments in Western Europe now have a distinctly more â€Å"support the market† attitude with surren der of housing to the market (Doherty, 2005, Pp. 6). However, the real estate market of today is one in which information is readily and rapidly available to developers and real estate agents through the internet, making it possible for them to present a united front on home prices and buyers are being asked for huge amounts no matter where they look. Although it is not possible for a government to dictate to anyone what they should ask for a property that they own, it is possible that a desire to deregulate everything may have resulted in the government loosing control and disadvantaging the ordinary people, while those who are associated with the property and housing market enjoy record profits (Dixon, 1998, Pp. 1 – 10), (Dixon, 2005, Section 3) and (Bond, 1996, Chapter 2). The property market and the selling of real estate or homes is certainly not what it used to be and property websites now display property prices for the global market. Investment in the UK property orig inating from outside UK has certainly been greater then similar investment in any other European country as is evidenced from the statistics presented in figure 2 below and overseas investors do enjoy some preferential treatment over local investors (Callender, 2004, Pp. 75 – 83). However, it has been stated that investment from overseas is not the main threat facing the UK property market and problems lie within the domestic property market (Dixon, 2000, Pp. 119). The previous assertion obviously implies that the foreign investment that is made in the UK property market is also something which is needed for the benefit of the UK and its citizens. It is, therefore, likely to be easy for property developers as well as real estate agents to develop loose cartels to seek profits from the domestic buyer and to present a united front in regard to prices for homes. Keeping these prices high will certainly benefit property agents and developers, while playing havoc with the common m an. In view of the fact that the housing shortage is having a profound impact on the manner in which ordinary people live out their lives in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, it is worth investigating what, if anything, can the government do to alleviate the shortage of affordable housing in the United Kingdom. This dissertation presents a discussion about what the government in the United Kingdom can do to help resolve the housing crisis in the country. The next chapter presents a literature review for the topic of discussion. Chapter 2 – Literature Review Although it is possible for a government to encourage home buyers by trying to provide financial instruments that will provide special assistance with savings that are to be used for the purchase of a home, the rates at which home prices have increased will tend to indicate that it is important to release more land for housing and to do this in a manner that will make it impossible for property developers or estate agents not to exploit the situation for generating huge profits by market manipulation (Song, 2005, Pp. 2 – 18) and (Friends of the Earth, 2004, Pp. 4). A certain level of evidence exists about property developers and estate agents having tried to profit from housing markets in the United Kingdom as should be obvious from figure 2, which is presented below (Callender, 2004, Pp. 75 – 83). Although offering those who are saving to build a home special savings schemes that are tax free and which offer high interest rates or government contributions along with di fferent types of mortgage, home equity or rental insurance programs can assist, all these schemes are likely to be useless if market manipulation continues to increase home prices rapidly. However, the task of controlling real – estate markets in a country that accepts free markets and the right to trade in order to gain is not an easy one. Coupled with the release of more land for housing, it is important that better and cheaper designs based on rapid – build technologies or high rise construction should be developed and a coherent national housing policy be implemented (Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, 2003, Pp. 1 4). However, this will mean that the government has to be willing to intervene in the name of social welfare in an era when the Barker Report has been urging deregulation (Friends of the Earth, 2004, Pp. 1 10). Even if land is released to developers and the public at relatively low prices, it is entirely possible that the price of this newl y released land will increase dramatically as a result of market forces which are being manipulated by developers and investors, unless special care is taken to ensure that the land and the homes on the land are released to those who are in genuine need of an abode. In addition to asking the government to release more land, it has also been proposed that government be lobbied for additional funds for social housing, improved delivery through quick decision making and planning as well as for working closely with the construction sector (Tempany, 2004, Pp. 1 – 5). Quick decisions on planning permissions with government private partnership in developments, better licensing requirements for those associated with the real – estate markets and a more through scrutiny of those who are to be granted permission to develop land are measures that can have an impact (Mayor of London, 2006, Pp. 15 – 34). However, it has to be understood that the land which is released by the government for housing is a natural asset of the United Kingdom which may also be useful for feeding the nation, maintaining its environment and for many other useful purposes. Thus, it is also important that decisions about the release of more land for housing be ca refully considered. Researchers have suggested that the British Town and Country Planning System excludes every price signal or economic indicator in land – use planning and decision making (Cheshire, 2003, Pp. 1 – 5). It has been proposed that premium on land prices at zone borders should be taken into consideration when granting development permissions and if the land prices exceeded a certain threshold, then investors should be sure that planning permission will be granted. However, this approach alone will not prevent any market manipulation aimed at profiteering or increasing land prices and additional regulation is likely to be needed to encourage individuals or families to own homes for personal or family use only with an aim towards discouraging the use of residential property for speculation aimed at generating profits. Although the management pundits are calling for deregulation, it is likely to be appropriate for the government to take a more direct approach towards housing, as it did for employment, by having government owned real – estate dealers and property developers who compete with licensed private sector operators to try an maintain some standards and ethics in the property market. Encouraging high – rise developments and limiting the housing land area which can be owned by a single owner with details of land and owner statistics being maintained in a database will ensure that more judicious allocation of land and housing is possible (Kristensen, 2004, Pp. 5 – 10). Tax interventions can be designed to make the ownership of a large number of residential properties by a single legal entity unattractive and it is desirable to ensure that a market is created in which home ownership is recognised as a human need, but profiteering is discouraged. Although, the previously mentioned assertions go against the British character and appear to be more communist in nature, they serve to illustrate the difficulties associated with land marke ts and land – market regulation. It is desirable that the government encourage further research on the regulation of land and property markets in the United Kingdom (Cheshire, 2004, Pp. 2 – 22). Land for housing is a national resource which should be used for the benefit of a maximum number of citizens, with the government being responsible for its judicious distribution and utilisation. However, this will mean that a change in thinking may well be required. Analysts are already predicting that housing prices in the UK will fall in the next few years and the real – estate as well as the housing markets have exhibited a cyclical behaviour in response to economic activity (Money Week, 2007, â€Å"Are UK house prices about to fall?†) and (Baum, 1999, Pp. 1 – 11). Thus, it is possible for the government to adjust monitory policy in order to influence the housing market, but the problem with such adjustments is that the impact tends to be broader then that on housing. It has been said that a fall in the UK interest rates of 1.5 % has the capacity to turn the booming property market into a bust (Leach, 2000, Pp. 25). However, it has to be realised that the high prices that are being asked for property and housing in prime locations, such as those in the city of London will not be influenced much by what the government does, because it is not possible to construct more homes on real estate that is owned by the wealthy class es who reside in prime locations. The only way to expand in such prime locations is to go vertically upwards and this is what is being done in London and other cities (Baxter, 2005, Pp. 3 – 9). Everyone wants to live in a prime location, but those who are the new rich only end up making those who own property in prime locations to pay more for owning such property by increasing property values which are then taxed at higher rates. Thus, it is unlikely that the housing shortage in the UK will be solved by just releasing more land, because most people will still like to own an abode in a decent or preferably prime location. The decision to own a home at a place is not just influenced by the fact that a shelter is needed, but the amenities, facilities and the economic activity in the neighbourhood are also important considerations that influence the decision. Thus, it is important that government try to influence development in areas that have been neglected so that they become attractive and efforts should be made to provide for economic activity in such areas so that individuals will want to move into these areas. Hence, the development of new housing estates is something that cannot be considered in isolation and a complete development package is often required. Local authorities and government are willing to make more efforts to try and rejuvenate city areas that have been neglected and which offer some potential for housing development, but a lot of funds are often required. This means that innovative arrangements for financing such developments will have to be made (Tuffrey, 2004, Pp. 11 – 17). A discussion about market – oriented land – use planning has been presented in (Lind, 2002, Pp. 2 – 11). It has been found that the social dimensions associated with land – use planning is now increasingly being enforced by the global market. However, it is possible for the government to encourage increased financial innovation in the property markets and to empower the local governments. Britain has been lagging behind North America in financial innovation associated with property and the traditional model is still preferred (Lizieri, 2002, Pp. 1 – 10). It is possible that some relaxation in the rules which have been imposed by the United Kingdom Treasury can have an impact on the ability of the local governments to arrive at better arrangements with the developers. The nature of the planning permission process in the United Kingdom is encouraging the relatively large developers, with a better ability to manipulate the market, to remain in the mark et, while driving out the smaller operators (Coiacetto, 2006, Pp. 20). The larger developers are more able to control the supply of housing and thus home prices. Some problems also appear to present themselves with the methods that are being used for property valuation and brokers as well as borrowers do try to influence property valuation (Crosby, 2000, Pp. 5) and (McAllister, 2006, Pp. 5 – 6). Unfortunately, buyers, sellers and lenders as well as borrowers try to influence valuations, but the price of property is influenced by supply and demand along with the ability of a buyer to pay and the ability of a seller to hold on to the property. However, more thought needs to be given about how government can assist in the development of a truly efficient market and reduce the ability of cartels to squeeze supply and to manipulate the market. Thus better regulation and standards associated with the buying and selling of housing can be attempted to be developed along with more eff icient markets. It has been recognised that the current UK system of controlling development does give rise to some problems and the government has been deliberating and consulting in order to try and improve the processes (Allmendinger, 2006, Pp. 5 – 8). Table 1, which has been presented below provides a summary of the status quo about the current UK system. However, although the issue of rapidly improving the supply of land for new housing development is an important one, other approaches to improve the housing market and for the control of greed are also worthy of consideration when thinking about solutions to a complex situation. Thus, a multifaceted approach will have to be taken, with the forces in the market interacting in order to find a balance. A discussion about the evolution of land administration systems in Common Law countries has been presented in (Ting, 1999, Pp. 1 – 14). This paper suggests that the relationship between humankind and land has always been a dynamic one and the direction of such dynamism is dependant on the priorities that are established by a society. It has been asserted in the previously mentioned paper that the state has a duty to promote efficient land markets and the environmentally sustainable use of land through the development of legal framework that balances the need for construction with the needs for the environment, while minimizing risk and diversifying land use. It is also stated that state cannot abandon regulation and that regulation should be designed to fit the shifting demands of the economy as well as a nation’s institutional capacity. It is the parliament in the United Kingdom and the Sovereign who are more responsible then anyone else for â€Å"establishing the pri orities of a society†. While Britons are accustomed to living in relatively palatial homes, the Japanese or the Singaporeans have to make do with living in compact high rise flats because of a shortage of land. Plenty of land is available in the United Kingdom, but this does not mean that the government can continue to release land for housing without any regard for future generations, environment and the utility of land as well as the dangers of market manipulation once land has been released into the hands of self interested business people. Perhaps one of the reasons why the government is acting rather slowly is to give free markets a chance to work along with the property cycles so that optimal solutions do present themselves. After all, if excessively high prices are being asked for, then individuals will not be able to pay and market adjustments will be forced to occur. Alternatively, perhaps individuals can start to live in compact high rise buildings or other novel des igns. Decisions that are ultimately made by the parliament will determine the nature of land market in the UK, the type of housing that UK citizens will live in and type of property portfolio that can be afforded. However, when markets are in transition as a result of greed, it takes time for a balance to be achieved and it is necessary to consider a complex set of regulatory measures to maintain harmony. Thus, it is likely that the government will act in the most appropriate manner when those who are in a position to establish societal priorities have decided that the nation, as distinct from the profiteers, is likely to gain the most. The next chapter of this dissertation presents a discussion about the methodology of research for this dissertation. Chapter 3 – Methodology When researching a new topic or tackling a research problem, it is always necessary to benefit from the experiences of other scholars, researchers or investigators who may have pondered on similar issues, as their experience can certainly benefit the investigator in reaching appropriate conclusions and in gaining insights into the problem. The basic technique for the research that was undertaken for this dissertation involved finding suitable published literature through library database searches and internet searches to access journal articles, research papers, published books, research reports and project reports that were related to the subject of the dissertation. This literature was then reviewed in order to extract relevant themes which could possibly assist in the investigation that was being conducted for the dissertation. Research as a whole is a complex and sophisticated field which contributes to knowledge as a whole. The research process results in the generation of a theory, the testing of a hypothesis or theory or both. Currently, there are two traditions of research which have developed along with their terminology, methods and techniques and these traditions have been referred to by different researchers with different names such as qualitative or quantitative traditions in research, humanistic and scie ntific traditions or the positivist and phenomenological traditions of research. The differing names refer to the same distinctions in the processes of conducting research. On the one hand, the qualitative tradition consists of case study methods, ethnography and historical as well as action research and on the other hand we have the quantitative tradition that consists of methodologies such as survey research, experimental and quasi-experimental research as well as research after the occurrence of a factual event (Collins, 1999, Chapters 1 – 3) and (Marshall, 1999, Chapters 1 – 4). It is possible to express facts as objective reality which can be expressed as quantities. This forms the basis of the positivist tradition of research which is quantitative research and relies on numbers, measurements and experiments to derive numerical relationships under conditions of controlled behaviour that can be manipulated. The phenomenological tradition attempts to describe and understand reality which is set in perceptions with narratives and observations being used to focus on understanding and meaning to yield knowledge and understanding (Collins, 1999, Chapters 1 – 3) and (Marshall, 1999, Chapters 1 – 4). Generalization of situations and settings, understanding of events and why they occur as well as predictions are some of the results of the research process. There is a difference between explanation and understanding that develops as a result of seeing things happen, after reasons have been fitted into patterns and deductions can be made from other known truths. There is a requirement for elements being investigated to be related to other elements and the overall picture forms into a unified model with the unification forming the explanation. Thus, there is an explanation for something when it can be understood. Understanding requires the use of rich descriptions and formation of relationships between different parts. This fitting together of things is what is known as the pattern model and the understanding of patterns is the result of research of a qualitative tradition. This form of research is aided by review of literature. In the quantitative method of research, the more basic facts or laws are used to determine what is to be explained and a deductive model is constructed (Collins, 1999, Chapters 1 – 3) and (Marshall, 1999, Chapters 1 – 4). There is a distinction between prediction and generalization. It is possible to deduce an unknown part of a pattern from a known part and, therefore, the symmetry of prediction and deduction uses the deductive model. In some areas, generalizations tend to be complex with there being a great deal of conflict and scrutiny (Collins, 1999, Chapters 1 – 3) and (Marshall, 1999, Chapters 1 – 4). Qualitative research is, therefore, more appropriate for the development of complex interrelationships in the more natural or real life situations with a possibility of using this methodology of research to test theories which have already been developed. The qualitative and quantitative methods of research often work together and quantitative research can be used to further test theories which have been developed using qualitative research and qualitative research can be used to further explain the results of quantitative investigations. Qualitative methods are, therefore, useful for rich descriptions of issues being studied with hopes of achieving better understandings with predictions not being the main aim and generalisations taking the form of natural generalisation (Collins, 1999, Chapters 1 – 3) and (Marshall, 1999, Chapters 1 – 4). A case study may be described as an investigation of a singular nature emphasizing on the individual, group, event or culture. Case studies may involve both quantitative as well as qualitative elements but the studies result in a characteristic wholeness without any loose collection of facts and traits. Case studies build upon concepts, structures and promote understanding with the researchers looking for systematic connections, observable behaviours, causes and speculations. The case study deals with a full body of evidence and this methodology has been found to be of use when questions are being asked about situations or events over which the researchers do not have any control. Case studies are also guided by underlying theories, hypothesis and assumptions but construction of conceptual framework, theory building and conceptual structure are important aims of conducting case studies. Studies of specific issues in a number of settings are referred to as multi-site case studies and such studies can strengthen the ability to generalize while remaining on the more qualitative side and maintaining in-depth description and consideration (Collins, 1999, Chapters 1 – 3) and (Marshall, 1999, Chapters 1 – 4). In this dissertation, the challenges associated with the housing market in the United Kingdom in an era of free trade and globalisation are explored mostly through a process of literature review because this is the most appropriate approach for the subject matter that is being examined. Getting a feel for a market usually involves collecting data from the market, which can be very large, looking at statistics, government regulations, consumer opinion and also seeking the opinion of those who have already dealt with the market. However, because the market is so very large, it is difficult for a single researcher to try and attempt to gather raw data that can be processed to provide market information and thus, the task is likely to benefit from the i nformation gathering efforts of large institutions or corporate research offices that do publish reports about markets and market related information. It was felt that the qualitative research methodology is in fact the appropriate one for investigating the topic of dissertation because a reasonable amount of published research material is available on the topic of discussion. The qualitative research methodology consists of the literature review which has attempted to capture important themes from published literature related to the shortage of affordable housing in the United Kingdom. A quantitative approach involving collecting of new data about the housing situation in the UK is likely to be difficult because statistics related to housing, housing policy, land utilisation and allocation policy etc is likely to be difficult to collect for a single researcher. However, data and statistics that are available in published form can be of use in the research. Thus, the research methods that were used for this dissertation consisted of basically finding suitable literature related to the topic of research and then examining this liter ature through a process of literature review in order to present the salient points about the challenges involved with providing those who live in the UK with affordable housing. Suitable literature was selected through a process of library database search, internet search engine search and an examination of the articles as well as research papers which had been presented in journals related to housing, public policy and real estate management etc. Published material that was available from reputed universities and research institutes was also considered in an attempt to gather new ideas and insights related to the topic of discussion. A literature review for the topic of discussion has already been presented along with all the important themes that are to be found and the next two chapters of the dissertation present a discussion about what could be gathered about the topic of discussion and the conclusions that were able to be reached. Chapter 4 – Results, Analysis and Discussion From what has been previously presented, it is obvious that the supply of new homes in the United Kingdom is stagnant and prices are at an all time high. Although the supply of new land and the quick processing of planning permissions are likely to be important in alleviating the situation, the housing market is complex, with large developers and investors being able to take advantage of the situation to manipulate prices by presenting a united front on home prices. In some prime property locations it is no longer possible to provide more land for construction of new homes and in such places the only way to go when constructing is vertically upwards. Because of the fact that better facilities and employment or business opportunities are available at prime locations and owning property at such locations is considered to be prestigious, those who own property that is located in prime locations do not want to let go and the newly rich only make it more expensive for them to live there b y contributing to price increases, taxes and property values. Such price increases also encourage home price escalations at other locations. Thus, the government will not only be required to increase the supply of land for new homes, but also to have a bal

A Struggle for Power :: Research Papers

A Struggle for Power Women in Western society have been expected to do what men and their husbands ask of them with no questioning of authority; popular twentieth-century depictions of the â€Å"nuclear family† show the bread-winning husband governing what his submissive wife does and does not do. A conflict over marital authority is found in Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper,† where the narrator is battles the pressures of several authorities which eventually lead to her breakdown. If there is no balance in a marriage and one partner has total authority, then that marriage becomes nothing more than an institution within which the obedient partner is a prisoner. An analysis of â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† in the context of Phillip K. Zimbardo’s prison experiment shows the tremendous power that ideologies of obedience and authority have over people, specifically the authority that a man has over his wife, who becomes his prisoner. Many forces control the narrator in â€Å" The Yellow Wallpaper†Ã¢â‚¬â€the most obvious being her husband, John. In the beginning of the story, she goes along with everything her husband tells her—even if she does not agree with it. Because he is a physician, she does not go against his authority. While she may, in fact, feel perfectly fine after writing, she tells herself that she is weary because John has forced the idea into her head. She says, â€Å"I sometimes fancy that in my condition if I had less opposition and more society and stimulus—but John says the very worst thing I can do is to think about my condition, and I confess it always makes me feel bad† (Gilman 577). She respects his authority and complies with his demands. These actions are similar to those of the students in Zimbardo’s prison experiment who were given the roles of prisoners and guards in order that scientists could more fully examine obedience and authority in prisons. Zimbardo tells the reader, â€Å"Act not, want not, feel not and you will not get into trouble in prison-like situations† (371). The narrator’s compliance with her husband’s demands illustrates how she is similar to a prisoner. Zimbardo says, â€Å"The prisoners were forced to obtain permission from the guard for routine and simple activities such as writing letters, smoking a cigarette or even going to the toilet; this elicited from them a childlike dependency† (366). Like these prisoners, Gilman’s narrator feels controlled by her husband and is frustrated by her dependency. She says, â€Å"I get unreasonably angry with John sometimes. I’m sure I never used to be so sensitive†¦But John says if I feel so [angry], I shall neglect proper self-control; so I take pains to control myself—before him, at least† (Gilman