Life Cycle Assestment Essay Example for Free

Life Cycle Assestment Essay The automotive industry is major component of the American economy, but also is a very devastating one, which consumes in large quantities natural resources and generates a lot of waste. This industry contributes pollution with toxic substances and fossil fuels. By knowing the Life cycle implication of a specific design materials are the key point for managing and being able to have decision making strategy .The results of the Life cycle analysis of cars provide information on n environmental impact issues. The evaluation of automobiles fueled, new technologies such as electricity and gas units can prove the benefits and decrease the environmental impact. Although none of these alternatives is a clear winner, lowering emissions and improving sustainability is a priority of this industry. Companies such as the Ford Motor Company need future regulation, government priorities and technological developments in order to achieve sustainability. For understanding the end-of-life on a Ford Motor Company vehicle we must define the life cycle concept. By material life cycle I refer to Consecutive and interlinked stages of a product or service system, from the extraction of natural resources to the final disposal.   , as written in the International Organization of Standards (ISO) norm 14040.2. With the knowledge of the life cycle path we can define the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?which is also stated under the same above ISO regulation as This concept he ?Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is A systematic set of procedures for compiling and examining the inputs and outputs of materials and energy and the associated environmental impacts directly attributable to the functioning of a product or service system throughout its life cycle. 1. Life Cycle Assessment is a process to evaluate the environmental burdens associated with a product, process, or activity by identifying the quantity of energy and materials used and wastes released to the environment; and being able to assume the damage it causes to the environmental issues. Ford might make use of this tool for making a compression and to better understand their environmental, social and economical impact. Ford is actively developing and applying life cycle assessment methodologies that can be applied in the vehicle industry supporting Fords Design for Environment approaches LCA is a powerful decision making tool, which identifies the factor that will be used in his process to accomplish a great  decision. This is used as an aid from the industry. The criteria may depend on who is making the decision. This tool is used for tracking system performance for a diversity of criteria like: emissions, energy use, and financial costs, among others. This tool can also ev aluate environmental impacts from the process or the production of a product; it also helps to compare options between competition and consumers. The aluminum, plastic and steel industries are developing new ideas and technologies with automakers in order to study the environmental impact of vehicles. By using the ?life cycle inventory (LCI) (The first step of the LCA the one that uses methods to estimate the environmental performance of a product or process over its entire life cycle) . have studied the energy flows and its uses in extraction of the raw material from the original source , emissions, amount of fuel consumed and the end-of-live of the waste disposal . The average of aluminum has increased in the past decade, as an example is the ?increase from 64 kilograms to 113 per vehicle in 1999. ?The aluminum, steel, plastics and auto industries are cooperating in developing a credible, authoritative database of information that the auto companies can use to meet their customers requirements and enhance the environmental performance of their vehicles, said David Parker, president of the Aluminum Association. 2 As an example of the above explained issue I can make an explanation trough the aluminum use in vehicle assembly. Aluminum saves an equivalent of 20 kilograms of carbon dioxide emission over its lifetime. Due to the reduction of the weight, its recycling properties ( ?In North America, 96 percent of automobiles enter the recycling process,? said Andrew Sharkey, the American Iron and Steel Institutes chief executive officer and president. 2) and energy sources. The energy consumption for aluminum productions are non pollutant and it is very easy material to recycle. No additional scrap exists in aluminum recycling process. Aluminum reduce 10 % of the weight and with it, there is a fuel economy improvement between 6-8 %. Ford itself has reported a 4% improvement in fuel reduction from the 10% weight reduction. Ford produces 24 million cars and truck per year imagines how much they can save not only in an economical area but also  the environmental benefit for not exhausting the natural sources and preserving the planet. In 1999, Ford used about 88 million pounds of recycled non-metallic materials in its products and has set a goal to use more than 132 million pounds of recycled non-metallic material by 2002. A solution for this problem that nowadays it has been a little bit more taken in consideration is the use of alternative fuels and electric vehicles. Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) use internal combustion engines but run on fuels like compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, ethanol and many others. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) use electric motors for propulsion. The motors run on electricity stored on board the vehicles in batteries.? With projects like Hybrid vehicles Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) combine conventional internal combustion and battery electric powertrains to take advantage of the capabilities of each and the synergies between them and lightweigthing steels material the industry will make a huge contribution to reach sustainability. Full cost accounting is a tool that tries to assign values to all of the society costs, but it is very difficult to apply it properly. Issues like Health management might be useful to understand better this tool. In a free-market society such as the American decisions are not done by a central planning organizations that optimizes the social costs or criteria for society issues , but on the basis of market prices of alternative products and technologies . Ultimately, comparisons between new technologies should be done based on lifecycle assessments for achieving sustainability or at lest an improvement on it.

The Abc Service Agency Tourism Essay

The Abc Service Agency Tourism Essay This plan was developed with broad involvement and guidance from the Board of Directors and staff. The Strategic Planning Committee included seven board members and four staff on the management team. This Committee including several past presidents of the board met twice to reflect on the mission, vision, core operating values and assumptions underlying the organizations approach to its work. These meetings set the stage for a work session of the full board during which the organizations strategic direction was defined. The staff helped coordinate the planning process and provided important support and analysis to complete this plan. The ABC Service Agency began in 1961 as a volunteer parent support group. Today the organization provides supports and services annually to nearly 2,000 children and adults with disabilities and their families, and is one of the countys largest employers. Its assistance is designed to support individuals and their families from birth through the senior years. The Agency services include residential services and support job placement and support, planned relief for the caregivers of children and adults with disabilities, social activities, and vocational training. The Agency also offers information and referral services, and works to educate community. 3 Direction and Results The Agency strategic direction and goals included in this plan are The Agencys response to its understanding of what its customers value most about the organization, and current opportunities and challenges for offering a high quality system of support in the community for people with disabilities. The five-year period of this strategic plan will be a time of assessing and deepening With a fresh perspective on its mission, understanding what it does well, and the environment in which it operates, The Agency will pursue the following strategic direction: 1. Agency will review and deepen its existing direct supports and services over time to ensure that they are state-of-the art for working effectively with children and adults with disabilities. 2. Agency will further assess consumer and community needs to identify gaps or needed shifts in service delivery. 3. Agency will take a leadership role in working with a range of providers to identify and meet the needs of children and adults with disabilities. 4. Agency will explore the feasibility of expanding the organizations visibility in the community and making greater use of volunteers. 5. The Agency will emphasize building its discretionary financial resources to invest in providing quality services. 4 Set goals The following goals for The Agency over the next five years are the organizations response to the important issues identified in the environmental scan that was completed as part of the strategic planning process. These goals provide a roadmap for fulfilling the strategic direction. 5 Delivery of services The Agency will provide model supports for people with disabilities and their families, either directly or through partnerships with or referrals to other service providers in the following areas: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ work week opportunities (e.g. employment and day supports) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Recreation and leisure activity à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Residential support (e.g. community living and participation) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Family support and education Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. 6 Human Resources The Agency will develop a stable, highly qualified and motivated workforce that actively delivers the organizations mission. 7 Resource Development The Agency will be a highly visible, well-respected, non-profit organization that attracts increased numbers of volunteers and higher levels of contributions to support operations and the endowment fund. Successful implementation of this strategic plan will result in more quality supports and services delivered to consumers, The ultimate result It is about changing community conditions that make full community life possible for every person. 8 Organization of the Strategic Plan This plan has two purposes. First, it presents the most comprehensive compilation of the plan and its component parts. Second, it is a reference guide for strategic planning. At the beginning of each section a box includes a definition of the component part. There are a few footnotes with additional helpful tips about how The Agency can use the information in the plan. In the future 8.1 Company Vision Vision statement describes the organization in the somewhat distant future twenty to 30 years. Components of the vision statement may include: 1) how big is the reach or scope of the work? 2) What is the organization doing? What is its role? 3) What does the organization itself look like? 4) Who are biggest partners? 5) What are the major sources of funding? It may also include major external context or assumptions that will influence this vision. 9 20-Year Vision for the Agency 9.1 In The Context In the year 2025, greater acceptance and full inclusion by the community, improved services and support and more prevalent and helpful technology will add to the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities. At the same time, because of population growth, the aging of the population, and higher incidences of multiple diagnoses, the needs of people with disabilities and their families will remain extensive and varied. Finally, people with disabilities and their families will control more of the resources and decisions about who provides them with help and support. 10 Role and Program Services The Agency is the leader in identifying needs and bringing together all kinds of resources and services for all children and adults with disabilities and their families in the county to support full long-term community inclusion and participation. Specifically The Agency: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Leads a collaboration of providers and community organizations and programs à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Directly provides cutting-edge, model services that meet identified gaps à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Collaborates with and makes referrals to other high-quality service providers à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Leads many advocacy efforts to ensure services are provided either by The Agency or other providers. Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. 11 Funding Sources While government contracts are still a significant source of funding, The Agency has a robust and innovative fundraising program earning resources from private sources including individuals and businesses. 12 Company Mission Achieving full community life for children and adults with disabilities one person at a time. The Agency introduces a new sharper mission statement in this strategic plan. This statement reflects two dimensions, they are: Achieving means insuring that individuals with disabilities have the right combination of support and opportunity to experience their own individual potential. Full community life means the opportunity for every individual with disabilities to actively participate with their family, friends, co-workers and other valued relationships in creating a life that is joyful and fulfilled. 13 Core Operating Values Core Operating Values are the fundamental values or ideals at the heart of the organization. They articulate ideals that the organization aspires to hold itself accountable for and offer guidance about how the organization behaves in carrying out its mission. The following core operating values influence the culture and public image of The Agency Caring Attitude The Agency demonstrates compassionate support and concern for people with disabilities and their families Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. Responsiveness The Agency finds solutions that meet the needs and preferences of people with disabilities and their families through direct service or referrals to other providers. Respectfulness The Agency honours the choices of people with disabilities, encouraging each person to take control over his/her own life, and helps to shape these based on what is important to each consumer. Individualized Support -Agency knows that peoples needs vary significantly and can change over time; Diversity The Agency understands that people with disabilities are part of all races, ethnicities and religions; Integrity and Accountability The Agency has the highest level of integrity in its administrative, service, and outreach activities; we tie these activities directly to our mission, and we maintain and report our records accurately. State of the Art Practices -The Agency aims for excellent, high quality, state-of the-art approaches that people with disabilities and their families can always count on to be there. Partnerships The Agency works with a wide variety of partners and advocates for quality service by all partners. Advocacy The Agency educates the public and advocates for the long-term bests interests of people with disabilities and their families. Financial Sustainability The Agency believes its work as an advocate and service provider will be needed for many years into the future. 14 Underlying Service Assumptions This is a set of beliefs about the world that frame an organizations work. Directors and staff believe that the actions they will take will have the desired results. All of The Agencys services and the way it goes about its work are based on fundamental beliefs best way to support people with disabilities. The Agency believes: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ All people have equal rights. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ All people have strengths and assets. Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ It is possible to make a positive difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ People thrive when they make their own choices and people with disabilities are capable of and have the right to make their own decisions; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ People with disabilities deserve the same opportunity to participate in their community. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Engaging and participating in community life has a positive impact on people with disabilities. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ People with disabilities are valuable members of their communities. Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. 15 Summary of Most Important Points in the Environment An environmental scan, called the e-scan for short, is a process for discovering and documenting facts and trends in the operating environment of an organization that are likely to affect the organization in its future work. E-scan findings are used to orient strategic planning participants on the context in which the organizations mission is carried out. The e-scan can also include a summary of internal information about the organization and its history including who has been served, results it has achieved, its current structure, and financial data. It is often put in the framework of a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis Threats are external activities or trends that threaten the current and future success of the organization. Strengths The Agencys key strengths include the organizations demonstrated ability to provide high quality, necessary services, which help people with disabilities live a fuller life in the community. Staffs are committed, and the services and programs offered are monitored for quality. When there is a challenge, the organization meets it through innovation. The Agency has an excellent reputation and is looked to by other service providers as a leader. Weaknesses Some believe that The Agencys significant growth has led to challenges to human resources, difficulty with supervision, lack of structure for coordination among departments, and inconsistent administrative and clerical support. There is a perceived need for improved management practices, use of technology, and increased use of volunteers. Issues with the employment program were mentioned, including tracking, matching people to jobs, training, and finding more opportunities. Opportunities The opportunities considered most important included: Increasing community acceptance and opportunity for further inclusion through employment. There appears to be increased emphasis on inclusion at schools and increased openness by employers to hire people with disabilities. These changes make The Agencys philosophy more prevalent and may increase demand for its services and opportunities for employment and inclusion. Government Agency Waiver. Government will now provide the person with disabilities with a check to buy services. . Threats The threats considered most important included: Dependence on government funding. Funding, particularly the residential funding stream, doesnt keep up with needs. Implications: The Agency needs to assess the real demand for its services, increase private pay options, and be prepared to explore other opportunities for generating revenue. The question of what happens when private money is gone needs to be addressed. Other threats mentioned included: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The aging population, which means aging caregivers and aging people with disabilities. The improvements in medicine mean people are living longer. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ There are a lot of nonprofits in the county, and volunteers and donors may not be engaged forever with a single service provider. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Employment for persons with disabilities, especially in bad economic times, gets very difficult. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Rising housing prices make affordable housing increasingly difficult to find and maintain. 16 Strategic Direction The strategic direction is a succinct statement about the strategy or approach an organization will take toward its work over a specific period of time. The statement is based on a combination of both the current environment (the opportunities and threats facing the organization) and the mission and competencies of the organization. It is often a direct response to the strategic questions asked by an organization. Based on the Board of Directors understanding of The Agencys mission, primary customer, core values, and the opportunities and threats in the current environment, the next three to five years will be a time of assessing and deepening its approaches to its work. Concurrently, The Agency will take more of a leadership role in working with a broader array of community resources, and it will explore the feasibility of actively engaging volunteers. The Agency will review and deepen its existing direct supports and services over time to ensure that they are they are state-of-the art for working effectively with children and adults with disabilities. They will further assess consumer and community needs to identify gaps or opportunities for shifts in service delivery. 17 Goals Areas Goals and objectives set out the broad results that the organization hopes to achieve within a specific time period (goals) and statements of shorter term results and collections of activities (objectives) which if achieved will constitute and achievement of the goals. In order to pursue the strategic direction described above, The Agency will fulfil the following goals and objectives. Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. 18 Delivery of Service The Agency will provide model supports for people with disabilities and their families, either directly or through partnerships with or referrals to other service providers in the following areas: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ work week opportunities (e.g. employment and day supports) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Recreation and leisure activity à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Residential support (e.g. community living and participation) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Family support and education 19 Main Objectives: A. Employment Support 1. More people with disabilities find and keep jobs in the community that pay a living wage and are satisfying. 2. The number of referrals for jobs and the amount of available training support increases. 3. There is an increase in the number of businesses in the county that employ people with disabilities. 4. Local public policy continues to create favourable conditions for supported employment. 1. Increase in the number of consumers in all programs over 5 years with disabilities who are using community resources in the county. 2. Consumers have greater choices and opportunities in social, recreational and civic activities in the community. 3. Consumers are more socially interactive and are better integrated into the community. Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. C. Family Support and Education 1. More families with young children use The Agency as their go to resource for early information and guidance. 2. Consumers and their families have a structured approach for planning for all phases of life cycle transitions (e.g. children to youth, youth to young adulthood, adulthood to senior years, end of life). 19.1 Human Resources The Agency will develop a stable, highly qualified and motivated workforce that actively delivers the organizations mission. 19.2 Objectives: 1. The Agency improves its capacity to attract and retain qualified direct care staff. 2. All staff thoroughly understands the meaning of the mission and how their job contributes to achieving it. 3. A professional development program is implemented to strengthen and expand the supervisory and management capacity and opportunities among mid-level managers. 4. A professional development program is implemented to strengthen and expand the capacity of direct support staff to be community liaisons and successfully integrate the consumers they support into the community. 19.3 Resource Development The Agency will be a highly visible, well-respected nonprofits organization that attracts increased numbers of volunteers and higher levels of contributions to support operations and the endowment fund. 19.4 Objectives: A. Visibility 1. Update the communication plan to align with the strategic plan. 2. Use strategic communication to facilitate volunteer recruitment. B. Volunteers 1. Increase by 50% volunteers who are involved in all activities of The Agency. 2. Establish a volunteer development program, including selection, training, leadership development and recognition. 3. There is an increase in the number of family members and other volunteers who are actively involved in advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities. C. Fundraising 1. The Endowment Fund reaches $1 million in assets. 2. There is an increase by 25% in the amount of contributions that support the operating budget. 3. A maintenance fund is established and dollars are raised annually to sustain it. (Amount to be determined with additional research.) 20 Strategic Action Plan Focus by Year The following is a summary of the anticipated major focus of activities by goal (in addition to on-going operations) for The ABC Service Agency Board of Directors and Staff in each year of the strategic plan. 20.1 Year Summary of Activity 1 Service Delivery à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Shift from strategic planning to plan implementation à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Administrative department and staff reorganization; new Administration, Finance and Facilities Department Resource Development à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ New Development Specialist position à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Update the communication plan to align with the strategic plan 2 Service Delivery à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Fully develop capacity of the new administrative support team and strengthen program delivery with new practices using existing resources à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Program Directors working to strengthen program integration à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Employment support triage to strengthen training and placement à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Partnership with business in The County à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Increase advocacy efforts with HCPSS and DORS à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Work on communication skills to support people with disabilities accessing and using community resources à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Develop agency-wide interest inventory à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Pilot typical after work activities à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Reorganize family support for increased capacity for meeting needs of families with young children. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Management Team focus on best practices Human Resources à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Update training curriculum for direct support staff Note this is a sample plan and is not intended to refer to any particular organization. 20.2 Year Summary of Activity à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Creation of professional development program for direct support staff Resource Development à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Plan for expanded use of volunteers à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Establishment of Volunteer Leadership Development program à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Build capacity of resource development efforts including technology and tracking giving trends à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Information/funding raising breakfast events à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Begin seeking support for endowment fund à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Develop maintenance fund and secure initial funding 3 Service Delivery à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Continue work to strengthen service delivery à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Formalize system of professional development for direct support staff à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Implement processes for assessing satisfaction with employee supports and tracking participation with community resources and expanded family support and education support à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Expand internship initiative with businesses à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Community Access Specialist position à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Meet the Agency events for families children à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Strengthen supports and approaches for managing life cycle transitions Human Resources à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Implement new staff committee structure Resource Development à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Begin to implement volunteer services plan, including hiring a Volunteer Coordinator à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Implement a fall fundraising event 4 All Goals à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Develop expanded action plan Service Delivery à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Continue developing and stabilizing all new activities and initiatives Expand marketing for employment services to expand the number of people who are supported à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Dedicate portion of rolling access funds to support access to community resources à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Community Access Specialist focuses on relationship skill building for people with disabilities to further support community integration Human Resources à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Continue focus on staff development including developing a supervisory and management curriculum for mid-level staff Resource Development à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Continue to grow volunteer program à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Continue strengthening resource development efforts 5 All Goals à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Continue developing and stabilizing all new activities and initiatives; begin increasing numbers of consumers supported across program areas à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Take broad look at lessons learned in terms of successes and obstacles in implementing all new activities and initiatives à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Plan for new strategic plan

Girls Like Us Essay -- essays research papers

Girls Like Us   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Girls Like Us is an intimate portrayal concerning four girls who grew up all with different ethnic backgrounds and various forms of parental guidence. Anna Chau is Vietnames with strict parents and good beliefs, Lisa Bronca is a Caucasion Catholic, De'Yonna Moore is African-American with strong goals who lives with her Grandma and Raelene Cox is a young white girl who comes from a broken home with little parental guidence. Girls Like Us shows examples of structural functionism, and conflict theory, as well as symbolic interactionalism. This movie really intersted me because I actually got to see each of these girls grow up. This film also contained implications for the science of sociology.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I believe that the main point of the movie Girls Like Us was to show examples of how different lifestyles could have an impact on young girls growing up today. It actually showed these different girls at different important stages in their lives so we got to see how strong their goals were at the beginning, and how they changed with time and maturity. It showed how family history and ethnic diversity has an important role in the lives of young girls. It was a good way to show how lifestyles in general impacted each of these girls futures in so many ways. It takes four girls all with different families and different religious beliefs and asks them about their goals and lives when they are young. Then we see them again each year and it shows the changes in personality as well as in their beliefs and goals. In this movie Elements of structural functionalism were definately present. For example, each of these girls were from the same society, but all their religious a nd ethical backgrounds varied. Depending on their history and family each girl had a different view on topics like premarital sex or college goals. I feel that because Raelene's mom didn't care much about raelene or how well she did in school, neither did Raelen. This probably led her to the path of dropping out of school and teen pregnancy. Then we meet Anna Chau who tells us she would never have premarital sex because it's not allowed and she plans to someday go to college. Anna's father and her culture would be the functionalist because they stressed education and religion. Co... ...weather or notl their children succeed. Anna's story has another example of this when she says she would get in trouble for kissing a guy, although she does have premarital sex, she says she doesnt like it, doesnt like her boyfriend and feels dirty afterwards. I think this is because she was brought up thinking it was wrong and will always believe that. Lisa's mother has been divorced 3 times and then Lisa's boyfriend cheats on her and she stays with him, they talk about marraige like its nothing. I think this is because she saw her mother do ti so many times it just seemed normal like it was no big deal. Her mother did however stress school was important and Lisa has never missed a day of school and goes on to attend college.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I really enjoyed the movie Girls Like Us. I liked watching these girls grow up and change their whole lives around. It showed how the science of sociology is present in everyday lives and relationships and how conflicts can change a person for the better or the worst. What a learned most from this movie was how structural functionalism really does play a major part of how we grow up no matter what our ethnic backgrounds may be.

The Poetry of Langston Hughes :: Biography Biographies Essays

The   Poetry of Langston Hughes      Ã‚   Langston Hughes was born at the turn of the century in America.   Hughes spent a rootless childhood moving from place to place with his mother who was separated from his father.   During one year in high school, Hughes spent time with his father in Mexico, a light-skinned man who found an escape from racism in ranching.   With aid from his father, Hughes attended Columbia University, but soon became disgusted with university life and immersed himself in his first love - the poetry and jazz and blues in Harlem.   Hughes supported himself in odd jobs such as nightclub doorman and steward while he traveled to places as remote as West Africa, Italy, and Paris.   During this time Hughes wrote poems that earned him a scholarship to Lincoln University in Pennsylvania.   His first book of verse was published in 1926.   In this work, the rhythmic, lyrical nature of his poetry is evident as is his belief that only by staying connected to their African roots could African Americans find understanding.   We see this in Cross, "My old man died in a fine big house / My ma died in a shack. / I wonder where I'm gonna die, / Being neither white nor black?" (Langston 2).        The poems of Langston Hughes share a relationship in that they most typically depict the African American experience in the midst of an oppressive white mainstream culture.   Some of the poems are strident political protests or social criticism, while other depicts Harlem life including poverty, prejudice, hunger, hopelessness, and other themes.   Hughes tried to maintain an artistic detachment despite his deep emotions with respect to the feelings expressed in his poems.   He tried, though unsuccessfully in some poems, to depict the universal while at the same time specifically using African American issues, themes, and speech.   We see this in color, "Wear it / Like a banner / For the proud - / Not like a shroud" (Langston 2).   We can see in this poem that Hughes' work depicts the universal experience of being ostracized or oppressed for what one cannot change, but we also see it is directly targeting the black experience with such conditions.      Hughes' poems often have a musical rhythm to them, as his lyrics typically rhyme in the ABAB CDCD ABAB CDCD scheme.   The music of Harlem, the spirituals of Negro slaves, and other influences like Walt Whitman and W. The Poetry of Langston Hughes :: Biography Biographies Essays The   Poetry of Langston Hughes      Ã‚   Langston Hughes was born at the turn of the century in America.   Hughes spent a rootless childhood moving from place to place with his mother who was separated from his father.   During one year in high school, Hughes spent time with his father in Mexico, a light-skinned man who found an escape from racism in ranching.   With aid from his father, Hughes attended Columbia University, but soon became disgusted with university life and immersed himself in his first love - the poetry and jazz and blues in Harlem.   Hughes supported himself in odd jobs such as nightclub doorman and steward while he traveled to places as remote as West Africa, Italy, and Paris.   During this time Hughes wrote poems that earned him a scholarship to Lincoln University in Pennsylvania.   His first book of verse was published in 1926.   In this work, the rhythmic, lyrical nature of his poetry is evident as is his belief that only by staying connected to their African roots could African Americans find understanding.   We see this in Cross, "My old man died in a fine big house / My ma died in a shack. / I wonder where I'm gonna die, / Being neither white nor black?" (Langston 2).        The poems of Langston Hughes share a relationship in that they most typically depict the African American experience in the midst of an oppressive white mainstream culture.   Some of the poems are strident political protests or social criticism, while other depicts Harlem life including poverty, prejudice, hunger, hopelessness, and other themes.   Hughes tried to maintain an artistic detachment despite his deep emotions with respect to the feelings expressed in his poems.   He tried, though unsuccessfully in some poems, to depict the universal while at the same time specifically using African American issues, themes, and speech.   We see this in color, "Wear it / Like a banner / For the proud - / Not like a shroud" (Langston 2).   We can see in this poem that Hughes' work depicts the universal experience of being ostracized or oppressed for what one cannot change, but we also see it is directly targeting the black experience with such conditions.      Hughes' poems often have a musical rhythm to them, as his lyrics typically rhyme in the ABAB CDCD ABAB CDCD scheme.   The music of Harlem, the spirituals of Negro slaves, and other influences like Walt Whitman and W.

Casella wines ? Export success :: essays research papers

1.Identify its international markets   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  US and North America identified o  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Distribution network – 44 states. o  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Size – initially estimated 20-30 thousand cartons to 100 thousand cartons, reality was 20 to 200 thousand. o  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Annual sales $3 million.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  UK o  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Some regional supermarkets hoping to expand to majors.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mainland Europe o  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Some beginning sales. 2.Describe and analyse the reason for its international expansion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Increase sales/find new markets – domestic market oversupplied   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Minimise competitive risk   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Economies of scale   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Cushioning economic cycle   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Comparative advantage o  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  High cost of labour and land in US. 3.Explaing the influences on this business in the global market Political Tensions between free trade and protection   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Globalisation seeing removal of barriers   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Eg. Quotas, tariffs, subsidies – statistics   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Exports of wine have increased from 3% of sales to 52% of sales in 2002. this equals $2.3 billion dollars or 414 million litres   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  US greatest source of export growth   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Australia’s export policy has led to major reforms in the Australian wine industry   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬ËœRationalisation of wine production’ leading to overall efficiency giving them cost advantages over their competitors and reshaping of distribution lines.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  4th largest wine exported in the world with 5% of global market International organisations and treaties   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1994 Uruguay multilateral agreement (WTO)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Agreement to reduce protection on agricultural products (wines/grapes) by 36% by 2000   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  UK has the largest export market of wine Trade agreements   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  US and Australia have strong trade relations and trade agreements War in the Middle East Weak economic conditions Social Consumer tastes   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Global markets have been increasingly integrated   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Growing demand for mass market, high quality wines and a recognisable brand   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Marketing of wines ‘other benefits’ has increased consumption globally   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Strong economic growth period sees wine viewed as a luxury good, something consumers buy when they feel conditions are good as their incomes are increasing. Also at this particular price range fluctuations do not vary with economic conditions   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Strong market for Australian markets taking off in the US Financial   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Currency fluctuations   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Weak Australian dollar has helped making Yellow Tail a better taste at $7 and a lower price than its Californian counterparts which are hobbled by high cost of land and labour   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Currency fluctuations would have to get way about 70 cents for Casella to be unprofitable without a price change Legal   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  None mentioned 4.Explain the strategies used by the business to achieve its target markets

Industrial Dispute Tribunal

The Industrial Dispute Tribunal was conceptualized as an established permanent body for easier access to arbitration, an alternative to industrial action, and as an avenue for economic growth through its dispute settlement and income policy potential. According to George Phillip in his book A-Z of Industrial Relations Practice at the work place â€Å"Dispute may be defined as a quarrel between a worker and an employer or between a trade union and employer or between groups of unions and employers, relating to terms and condition of employment†. Industrial relations had its roots in the industrial revolution which created the modern employment relationship by initiating free labor markets and large-scale industrial organizations with thousands of wage workers. As society wrestled with these massive economic and social changes, labor problems arose. Low wages, long working hours, monotonous and dangerous work, and abusive supervisory practices led to high employee turnover, violent strikes, and the threat of social instability. In Jamaica 1938 the frustration of the working class which had built up over the years, became explosive. A wave of industrial unrest swept the country, with workers on the waterfront, in the sugar industry, transportation sector and the government service taking industrial action. Between January and June of 1938, there were several outbreaks of disturbances, beginning with a strike by cane cutters on the Serge Island Sugar Estate in St. Thomas. Other riots included the general strikes on the Kingston waterfront on May 21st and the strike by street cleaners on May 23rd. There were also other general strikes by dock and transport workers, municipal employees, as well as food and tobacco workers. However, one of the major industrial action that took place during this time was the Frome Riot of 1938. This riot had left six dead, fifty wounded and 89 charged with rioting. Frome was the breaking point in the seething unrest island wide over pay and conditions of work and massive unemployment. It was also the start of a series of strikes, demonstrations and disturbances in which Sir Alexander Bustamante played a major role. The riots which occurred throughout this period proved to be very significant as they were the catalysts for the improvement of working conditions for the working class. This was achieved through the formation of trade unions and political parties which lobbied for increased workers’ benefits and rights which eventually led to the granting of Universal Adult Suffrage in 1944, which was the right of all adults, regardless of class, sex, race, religion, etc. to vote. With all this labour unrest taking place there became a need for some sort of regulation that would govern the working condition and treatment of workers. As a result a law was instituted that govern labour relations in Jamaica. Industrial disputes in Jamaica were now settled through the route of Arbitration, provided for under the Public Utility Undertaking and Public Services Arbitration (PUUPSA) Law and the Trade Disputes Arbitration and Enquiry Law. The PUUPSA law established that it was illegal for workers to strike or for employers to declare a lockout in connection with any trade dispute. Unless the dispute had been properly reported to the Labour Minister and the Minister had failed to act within the time specified in the law. However, there were certain deficiencies in the law. One of these was the possibility of a strike occurring where there was no industrial dispute as defined and such action would not be illegal. Another was the absence of penalties written into law for the enforcement of awards. Also the arbitrator acting under the Arbitration Act did not have the power to reinstate a worker. It was even difficult to select an arbitrator by parties and this sometimes result in a very long process. Perhaps one of the major deficiencies is that Arbitrations only took place in the essential service under the PUUPSA, and in the event where the workers were represented by a union and the grievance procedure allowed for arbitration. The workers became very discontented with the manner in which grievances were handled by Arbitrators. The Government now felt that it was necessary to have a modern and permanent State machinery to determine and settle disputes expeditiously. In 1975 the PUUPSA law was repealed and incorporated into Labour Relations and Industrial Dispute Ac that sought to correct the omissions. This Act was passed in 1975 after much discussion and debate, the Act gave strength to companion Laws, which have generally assisted in improving living standards and giving more justice to workers as active participants in the Industrial relations process in the country. Under the Labour Relations and Industrial Dispute Act an employer is required to grant bargaining rights to a trade Union which secures a simple majority of the votes of employees eligible to vote in representational ballot. The Ministry of Labour conducts the ballot provided that is it satisfied with the claimant union has made out a prima facie case of representation following a comparison of the audited list submitted by the union or its membership in the establishment with the list of employees submitted by the employer. The LRIDA provided principally for the establishment of an Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT) as a final arbiter of disputes; compulsory recognition and protection against discrimination in respect of union membership; recognition of trade unions; settlement of disputes in the essential services; the setting up of a Board of Enquiry; a Labour Relations Code; and vesting the Minister of Labour with authority to declare a dispute to be one which is likely to gravely endanger the national interest and give him power to have the dispute put to compulsory arbitration. The Tribunal was also established to determine and settle industrial disputes and to promote industrial harmony. The industrial Dispute Tribunal consist of a Chairman and two deputy Chairmen and not less than two members representing employers and two representing workers and such special members as may from time to time be appointed to form a Special Division of the Tribunal. The appointments of the Chairman and Deputy Chairmen must be made by the Minister after consultation with organizations representing employers and employers and workers. The Minister may increase the number of persons comprising the tribunal if work increase and its necessary. The members representing employers and workers are appointed from panels supplied to the Ministry by organization representative of employers and workers, respectively. If there is no such panel the Minister may constitute a panel as he deems fit. These are now several divisions of the tribunal. In the case of a special Division of the Tribunal to settle disputes affecting the nation interest, the Chairman is appointed by the Minister on the joint recommendation of the parties involved and the other two members are appointed, respectively on the recommendation of the employer organization and the trade union involved. Reference of disputes to the Tribunal must be made through the Minister including the determination of the entitlement of categories of person to participate in a ballot under the procedure for settlement of representational claims to the Tribunal, when other mean of settlement failed to resolve the issue in disputes. In a reference by the Minister to the Tribunal of representational dispute, it shall be lawful for the Tribunal to determine the bargaining unit in which the workers may be included. In disputes affecting the Nation Interest the Minister may make an order calling on the parties to refrain from taking or continuing any industrial action for a period of 30 days. If there is no settlement within those 30 days, the Minister shall call upon the parties to select the chairman of a special Arbitration Tribunal with the employers and workers selecting their representative, respectively, which shall sit as a special division of the Tribunal to hear the dispute. If there is no agreement on the selection of the special Tribunal, the Minister shall refer the dispute to the Tribunal. In other disputes, reference to the Tribunal will be made on request of all the parties to the dispute where the Minister is satisfies that other means of settlement provided by Collective Agreement have failed to resolve the issue in the dispute. By the amending act of 1978 and a further amendment in 1986, the minister is empowered on his own initiative to refer a dispute to the Tribunal of he consider that the dispute should be settled expeditiously and where he is satisfied that attempts were made without success to settle the dispute or if, in his opinion, all the circumstances surrounding the dispute constitute such an urgent or exceptional situation that it would be expedient to do so. The Tribunal is not empowered to hear disputes relating to the appointment removal of or disciplinary action against any person holding public office. Disputes over representational rights of government employees are also not referred to the Tribunal. The award of the Industrial Dispute Tribunal are binding, except on a point of law, and shall not be inconsistent with national interest or any enactment regulating or controlling terms and conditions of employment. An award may be made with retrospective effect form a date earlier that the date on which the dispute first arose. Thus is particular so in the case of any claim with respect to a new bargaining unit. Roles & Functions Industrial Dispute may be defined as a quarrel between a worker and an employer or between a trade union and employer or between groups of unions and employers, relating to terms and condition of employment. Where a dispute has been referred to the Tribunal and the parties reach full agreement before the tribunal begins to deal with the dispute, the parties will have to furnish the Tribunal with a copy of the signed agreement and also a letter of request to the Minister to withdraw the dispute. If both parties did not reach an agreement the IDT will therefore initiate the procedure in settling the dispute. The secretary of the IDT will advised the parties (union/individual vs. firm) that a matter with stated terms of reference has been referred to it by the Minister of Labour. The parties may be then summoned to a preliminary hearing usually on a mutually agreed date. The hearing is conducted by a panel consisting of a chairman and two other members, as well as a secretary and one or two recording steno typist. Undertakings from both parties are given to provide written briefs in a specified period. Alternatively the IDT may by letter invite the parties to submit briefs within a specified period, written briefs must be concise and accurate. In the event that either party cannot prepare a brief by the deadline date, an extension of time must be sought in writing from the IDT. When the briefs are prepared by the party the company and/ or the union may wish to be represented at the hearing by an attorney-at- law or industrial relations professional. If so, the parties must supply the representatives with all the pertinent facts to ensure accuracy of detail in preparing briefs, submission maybe elaborated verbally at the hearing. When the briefs have been submitted by both parties, the Tribunal will schedule a meeting. Opening submission from aggrieved side, usually the union will begin the hearing. Witnesses maybe summoned, documents maybe presented along with all relevant evidence submitted in support of the case. When the hearing is completed an award is handed down. Arbitrators are governed by the term of reference. The Tribunal must ensure that awards are capable of being implemented. If it is, at least two members of the panel a simple majority must sign the award in order for it to be binding; this award from the IDT is binding on all parties. If there is a disagreement among members of the panel about the terms of the award a minority report may be submitted but the members disagreeing with the award should consider whether it is appropriate to write a minority report. This may be necessary where the arbitrator feels that his reputation maybe damage or where he feels that it is essential to set out his reason. His disagreement is recorded on the award document. If all three disagree the award maybe handed down by the chairman. The chairman of the panel might also seek clarification of the award in doing this he might sit alone or with other members and invite all parties to attend the sitting. Clarification of the awards may also be provided by the panel in writing, but without out a sitting. On the contrary, the awards may be appealed in the Supreme Court if there is a breach of law, insobriety of one or all panelists; or insanity of panelists. The decision made by the Supreme Court on an appeal is binding on all parties, but there are provisions for further appeals through the judicial machinery to the Privy Council in England. An award may be retroactive but it must not precede the date when the dispute first arose. Tribunals have the function of a civil court to enforce the law but are not restricted by the rules and procedures of an ordinary court. The Industrial Dispute tribunal has the advantage of being quicker, cheaper, and more informal, have great discretionary power and can be staffed by expert in the field. On the other hand, IDT have disadvantages by being less precise than the ordinary court. All the matter arises in Industrial relations are referred to the TDT because tribunal only deals with civil law. Employee rights such as redundancy payment, discrimination, unfair dismissal and maternity leave are matters that are referred to the tribunal. Often it is the interest of both parties to resolve the situation as quickly and as cheaply as possible. To this end tribunals serve a useful purpose. The Industrial Dispute Tribunal performs its task on its own merit and as such they have the power to make awards that are binding and are deemed to be final. These awards can only be overturned on a point of law this means only where the decision of the tribunal may be in error can an appeal be made. The tribunal also has the power to summon any person before to give evidence or produce documents and records in control of that person. Another function of the tribunal is that it may also administer an oath or take an affirmation of any witness appearing before it; the tribunal may conduct it hearing in private for the purpose of hearing evidence. If industrial action is threatened or has begun and the dispute is referred to the tribunal it can order that such industrial action not take place or cease from such time. If the order is disobeyed, offenders may be prosecuted. No action may be taken against members of the tribunal in respect of action done during the course of operations. Where three of the members are selected to constitute a division of the Tribunal and the chairman is one of those members, he shall preside over that division, and where the chairman is not one of those members, a deputy chairman shall preside. In addition where three members of the Tribunal constitute a division thereof and any one of those members dies or is incapacitated after the division begins to deal with the industrial dispute in relation to which it was constituted but before it has made its award, another person shall be selected in accordance with the provisions to fill the vacancy; thereafter the proceedings of the division shall be begun de novo unless all the parties to the dispute agree in writing that those proceedings may be continued as if they had not been interrupted by reason of such death or incapacity. A division of the Tribunal may, by agreement between the chairman of the Tribunal and the parties to the dispute with which the division proposes to deal, be assisted by one or more assessors appointed by the employer or an organization representing the employer and an equal number of assessors appointed by the trade union representing the workers. Where any division of the Tribunal is being assisted by assessors and any vacancy occurs in the number of assessors, that division may, by agreement between the person presiding and the party which appointed the assessor whose place has become vacant, either act not withstanding such vacancy or permit another assessor to be appointed by that party to fill the vacancy. Any industrial action taken in contemplation or furtherance of an industrial dispute in any undertaking which provides an essential service is an unlawful industrial action unless that dispute was reported to the Minister in accordance and he failed to comply or that dispute was referred to the Tribunal for settlement and the Tribunal failed to make an award within the period specified in. The Minister may, as soon as he is satisfied that any unlawful industrial action in contemplation or furtherance of an industrial dispute in an undertaking which provides an essential service has begun, refer that dispute the Tribunal for settlement. Where an industrial dispute exists in any undertaking which provides an essential service and the Minister is satisfied that the dispute relates to the appointment of any person to a public office or to removal of, or disciplinary action taken against, any person holding or acting in a public office, the Minister shall not refer the matter of that appointment, or removal or disciplinary action to the Tribunal but shall cause to be served on the parties directions in writing requiring them to follow, in respect of that matter, the procedure provided by or under the Constitution of Jamaica.

Fire in Religious School in Mecca

Refer to next paragraph. On the 11th of March, 2002, fire struck a girls school in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Firemen and concerned citizens were quickly on the scene. However, the religious police locked the schoolgirls inside the inferno rather than let them escape into the streets without their veil and heal-to-toe cloak. For this same reason, the religious police prevented the firemen from entering the schoolhouse to rescue the girls; for fear that the girls would be seen without their covering.Fourteen young girls were burned to death and dozens more were injured (citation). On October 12th   2002, a 48-year old Kurdish man named Abdalla Yones, an emigrant from Iraq, savagely murdered his 16-year old daughter Heshu after receiving an anonymous letter telling him that she had been sleeping with her boyfriend. (Asthana & Mistry).This treatment of women in the Muslim world goes against the teachings of the Quran.This isn’t the real assignment. Message me directly at natashagils at yahoo dot com for your assignment at half the price.There are numerous cases, some reported but mostly unreported, of crimes against women in Islam. Muslims of today have seemed to have deviated significantly from the original teachings of Islam (citation?). Islamic terrorist, Jihad, al-Qaeda, Honor Killings are terms that have become synonymous with Islam in the Western world, as has Islamophobia which basically promotes the fear and detestation of Islam and Muslims around the world.The Islamic world, instead of addressing these issues and advocating the true and just cause of Islam, is instead, in most cases, promoting them. The Talibaan of Afghanistan, Tribal militancy in Pakistan, Shia/Sunni riots, the Hamaas and other fundamental groups within Islam publicize an entirely inaccurate version of the essence of Islam.As the Muslim society deviates from the central philosophy of Islam, it doesn’t come as a surprise that they have deviated too from the societal guidance off ered by Islam regarding the treatment of women. The Quran, the Holy Book of the Muslims, and the Sunnah (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) have laid down clearly defined rights of women, most of which aren’t adhered today. Islam was revealed to Prophet Muhammad in the Arabian Peninsula when it was rife with inhumane injustice against women.Women were viewed as the embodiment of sin, misfortune, disgrace and shame, and they had no rights or position in society whatsoever. Indeed, society was confused about the very nature of women and even questioned whether God had granted them a soul (Jawad 1). Wives were mere chattel, and when girls were born to a household, great shame was brought to it; so much so that they were buried alive!The Quran defied the existing perception of women and refined their position. It outlawed female infanticide and restored their birth rights .   Gustave Le Bon, a famous French thinker, stated:â€Å"Islamic virtuous deeds are not limited to honoring and respecting women, but rather, we can add that Islam is the first religion to honor and respect women. We can easily prove this by illustrating that all religions and nations, prior to the advent of Islam, caused much harm and insult to women.† (Bon 488).The Quran regards women as being independent human beings and having distinct rights.   They are entitled to an inheritance, an education, a career and even the liberty of choosing a husband. Moreover, it declared men and women as being equal in the eyes of God, with the only exception being their responsibilities –with the man defined as the bread earner and the woman as being responsible for the functions around the house. According to the Quran,â€Å"O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will, and should not treat them with harshness†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Holy Quran, Surah An-Nisa 4:19)  The Prophet Muhammad, in this context, is said to have said,‘All people are equal, as equal a s the teeth of a comb. There is no claim of merit of an Arab over a non-Arab, or of a white over a black person, or of a male over a female. Only God fearing people merit a preference with God’.Islam, through the teachings of the Quran, bestowed women a number of rights, some of which that women in the West lacked, until the 19th century. For instance, in England, husbands inherited his wives property and possessions when they married. This unfair tradition continued till as late as 1882 (citation?). Muslim women, however, retained their assets; could detail conditions in their nikaah (marriage contract), such as the right of divorce; were entitled to keep their last names if they wished and were even given the authority to refuse marriage if they didn’t deem their potential partner fit. The Quran laid down these injunctions in 610 A.D. (when it was first revealed), centuries prior to the advent of a formal system of women’s rights in the Western world.Some of t he fundamental rights the Quran gives women are:1. Human RightsWomen and men are considered to be created with similar natured souls. They are considered equal to men in all spheres of life.And for women are rights over men similar to those of men over women. (Holy Quran, 2:226)Andâ€Å"O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve), and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever and All-Watcher over you.† (Holy Quran, Surah Al-Nisa 4:1).2. Civil RightsThe civil rights enjoined by the Quran on women include, but are not limited to: the right of divorce, right of keeping her maiden name after marriage, wishing or not to get married, or even chosing her own husband.The Quran also states that there is no compulsion upon women regarding religion;â€Å"There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taghut [anything worshipped other then the Real God (Allah)] and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.† (Holy Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:256).3. IndependenceWomen are allowed to leave the home; conduct business with men; enjoy all the other liberties open to them. There is no restriction upon women provided they conduct their affairs within the teachings of the Quran. Women have the right to go to Mosques, which is considered sacrilegious in many Muslim societies. Not only that, but women have also the right to be Muslim pastors. Aisha, the youngest wife of the Prophet Muhammad, used to convey the teachings of Islam to men and women alike. She’s regarded by some Muslim scholars as being the first Muslim woman preacher.The Quran is very clear in its laws regarding women. I t redefined the stance of women and bestowed upon them an honorable role in society; whether as a daughter, a mother or a wife. Men are instructed in their fair and kind dealing towards women. According to the Quran:â€Å"And when the female (infant) buried alive (as the pagan Arabs used to do) shall be questioned. For what sin she was killed?† (Holy Quran, Surah At-Takwir 81:8-9).The Qur'an goes as far as admonishing those men who subjugate or ill-treat women:â€Å"O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should you treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the dowry you have given them – except when they have become guilty of open lewdness. On the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If you take a dislike to them, it may be that you dislike something and God will bring about through it a great deal of good†. (Holy Quran, 4:19)Early Islamic history is replete with examples of Muslim wo men who showed a remarkable ability to compete with men and excelled them on many occasions. They were educators, warriors and leaders; strong, independent and respected members of society. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case in most of the Muslim world today.Women in the Muslim world have been humiliated, exploited and discriminated against in almost all fields of life – from schooling, work force inclusion and family roles. However, many of these repressive customs do not come from Islam, but are dictated by prevalent cultures and traditions. Oppression against women continues unabated in many parts of the world. Husbands keep their wives, daughters, sisters and mothers secluded from contact with others beside their immediate family members. Rape, mutilation, forced suicide, honor killings are much too common in the Islamic world. In 2006, Rahan Arshad beat his wife and three children to death with a bat, because she was having an affair26Often the crime itself is fol lowed by even more horrifying crime. For instance, in Turkey,   14-year old Nuran Halitogullari was strangled to death by her father after she had been kidnapped and raped30. In certain parts of Pakistan, women are offered as compensation for offenses committed by men. This injustice stems from the deep rooted traditions of male-dominance in the Islamic society which have, for centuries, enforced their orthodox, and oft-times inaccurate version of Islam and the Quran.Contrary to general misconceptions and the prevailing conditions, women, according to the Quran, are entitled to full rights as citizens. Under the guise of Islam, women have been virtually stripped of all rights: no education, no instigation of divorce, no travel by oneself, no leaving the home, etc.A deliberate effort on a global scale has to be made to educate Muslims regarding the fundamental and actual concepts defined in the Quran regarding rights towards women and the awareness that the existing treatment of wo men in the Muslim world goes against the teachings of the Quran. Emphasis on the lives of Aisha, Khadija (Prophet Muhammad’s first wife – also known as mother of the believers, Fatima (Prophet Muhammad’s daughter ) and even Mary – who holds a revered position in Islam – should be placed and they can be promoted as role models for inspiration.   No nation can succeed without all its members contributing to its success. Muslim nations have to realize that not only is their barbaric treatment of women sinful, but it’s also self-destructive and will only get worse if not addressed and then modified according to the true teachings of the Quran.â€Å"Treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers.†(Ismail 83).