The Portrait Of Mona Lisa. Portrait Of Mona Lisa, Also

The Portrait of Mona Lisa Portrait of Mona Lisa, also known as La Gioconda, the wife of Francesco Del Giocondo; this painting is painted with oil on wood. The painting Made by an Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo DA Vinci, which has been described as the best known, the most visited, the most written about, the most sung about, the most parodied work of art in the world. Leonardo DA Vinci commenced painting, Mona Lisa in 1503, and took him four years to make the painting after he set it aside. He then peregrinate to France to paint at Clos Luc à © upon King Francoise request. Where he resumed working on the Mona Lisa. It took Leonardo three more years to consummate the painting. The painting is verbalized to have been commissioned by†¦show more content†¦DA Vinci utilized an uncommon outline of a pyramid to place Mona Lisa placidly and essentially in the canvas space. On the front corner of the pyramid, he put the form of her folded hands. Lighting was all around utilized as her neck, bosom and face shine with comparative light as the one that models her hands. Da Vinci utilized the recipe utilized for the picture of seats Madonna that was mainstream around then to make the situated female figure. He utilized an adjustment of this formula by which he made a separation between the onlooker and the seated lady through visual impression. Mona Lisa and the watcher are separated utilizing the armrest of the seat. Mona Lisa demonstrates a held stance as she sits particularly upright, her arms folded across the chest. She respects a quiet correspondence to the onlooker through her look which is always settled to the watcher. The watcher is enormously pulled in to Mona Lisa s face by the brilliantly lit face that is confined basically by the darker components of the shroud, hair and the shadows. Da Vinci made Mona Lisa such that her creation will bring out a questionable impact to the onlooker. The painting demonstrates an awesome creature with a lot of riddle. The eyewitness is pulled in to her, however her godliness and secret makes aShow MoreRelatedThe Beauty Of Mona Lisa953 Words   |  4 PagesThe Mona Lisa was one of the famous painting in the world, personally I believe it still is. This artwork was created by Leonardo Da Vinci, who was an Italian artist. He not only dedicate art in his life but also science, musi c, mathematics, engineering, literature, and many other areas. However, today this essay will only focus on the portrait he painted, Mona Lisa. Mona Lisa have many secrets, the date of this artwork is one of them. The time Leonardo worked on it remain mystery, but the â€Å"portraitRead MoreThe Mona Lis A Portrait Of A Woman Painted By Leonardo Da Vinci1341 Words   |  6 Pages Analysis of the Mona Lisa Amy Bone Art History 101 Shanna Fliegel November 4, 2014 Bone 1 The Mona Lisa is a portrait of a woman painted by Leonardo Da Vinci between 1503 and 1506. Leonardo Da Vinci was born April 15, 1452 in Vinci, Italy and died May 2, 1519 in Amboise, France. He painted the Mona Lisa using oil on White Lombardy Poplar panel. (â€Å"Mona Lisaâ€Å") The finished size of the Mona Lisa is 30  ¼Ã¢â‚¬  x 21†. He painted the Mona Lisa in Florence, Italy and it is nowRead MoreThe Mona Lis The Identity Of The Individual Essay1098 Words   |  5 PagesThe Mona Lisa remains as probably the most famous and most valuable piece of artwork of all times. It is widely viewed as one of the finest illustration of portrait work done during the Italian Renaissance. The Mona Lisa was one of the first pieces of art that I remember looking at in my elementary art class. Leonardo Da Vinci, a famous Italian artist, created the piece. It is currently held at a museum in Paris, France. It is believed Leonardo worked on the oil painting during the early 1500’ s.Read MoreI Love This Portrait Of The Mona Lisa928 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"The Mona Lisa†, a lot comes to my mind, as well as to the minds of others when we all think of this painting. Some people would even say that this truly is a classic and timeless painting in the art world. Many people would agree. This is all true, and personally, I love this portrait for so many different reasons. This painting is really brilliant. It is a really well-known painting that has really captivated so many for centuries. This is a truly beautiful painting, especially to me. â€Å"’Mona Lisa’Read MoreThe Famous Mona Lisa Was Created During The Renaissance Essay1016 Words   |  5 PagesThe famous Mona Lisa was created during the Renaissance by Leonardo da Vinci. The Renaissance began in the 14th century and ended in the 17th century. A minority of Italian thinkers decided it was time to begin a new age. It was a European period that linked between the Middle Ages and modern history. It was a revival in interests of artistic achievements and literature of the Classical world. Renaissance also means, A revival or rebirth. The Renaissance invented and created many methods that changedRead MoreLeonardo Da Vinci s The Last Supper And Mona Lisa1030 Words   |  5 Pagesbiography.com, the article about the writer, mathematician, inventor, and artist Leonardo da Vinci states that, â€Å"Leonardo da Vinci was a leading artist ad intellectual of the Italian Renaissance who’s known for his enduring works â€Å"The Last Supper† and â €Å"Mona Lisa† †. Leonardo da Vinci was born in Vinci, Italy on April 15, 1452. He was born out of wedlock being raised by his father Ser Piero along with his stepmothers. Leonardo da Vinci was into the laws of science and nature, which played a major role withRead MoreComparing The Girl With A Pearl Earring And Mona Lisa1332 Words   |  6 PagesName Professor Course Date Comparison of the Girl with a Pearl Earring and Mona Lisa   The Girl with a Pearl Earring and Mona Lisa are the two most famous portraits ever painted  (Courtauld 36). The girl with a pearl earring follows the Mona Lisa painting, which is considered as the most famous painting. The girl with a pearl earring, by Johannes Vermeer, and the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci were created during the same historical time. Historians believe that Leonardo da Vinci created his artRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book The Mona Lisa Essay712 Words   |  3 PagesAssignment 3 Professor Williams. The Mona Lisa One of my most favorite paintings in the history of Western art must be the Mona Lisa. This sixteenth- century oil painting is one of the world’s most famous paintings. It was painted by the famous Italian painter, architect, sculpture, draftsman, and engineer Leonardo da Vinci. It is well known that the Mona Lisa painting is portrayed as the most visited, viewed, written, and sung about painting in the world. This portrait took Leonardo da Vinci about threeRead MoreArt History 3.6 : Examine Values Placed On Artworks Essay1712 Words   |  7 PagesHISTORY 3.6, EXAMINE VALUES PLACED ON ARTWORKS Introduction Leonardo da Vinci, Mona Lisa Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece the Mona Lisa established a new type of portraiture; da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa over the time period of 1503-1507, during the height of the Renaissance. The Mona Lisa is thought to be a portrait depicted of Lisa Gherardini, the wife of Francesco del Giocondo. The work itself is s a half-length portrait of a woman, which has been acclaimed to be the best known and the most visitedRead MoreA Study in Portraits – Da Vinci and Van Gogh1434 Words   |  6 PagesA Study in Portraits – da Vinci and Van Gogh Two of the greatest artists of all time would have to be Leonardo da Vinci (1452 – 1519) and Vincent Van Gogh (1853 – 1890). Da Vinci was an artistic genius, as well as an ingenious inventor and scientist, while Van Gogh was an artistic savant whose mental instability cut short a career of wonder and enlightenment. Both artists presented works that made people look both outside at the artwork itself as well as inside the individual viewer in order

Argumentative Essay Wasteful Thinking Essay - 1673 Words

Wasteful Thinking I grew up in a small, three person home in Chicago, Illinois. Besides occasionally recycling a glass bottle, as per our maintenance provider’s request, we did not recycle our waste. In fact it was not until I moved on campus at Bradley University, that I realized how important recycling was to some. Actually, one of my best friends here at Bradley is responsible for helping me realize the significance of recycling. This is still not to be confused with your average recycling advocate argument. I admittedly walk pass the blue bin and opt for the easy way out every chance I get. Which is why I plan on figuring out why some people choose not to recycle, like myself, while others choose to recycle. More importantly, I would like to figure out if and how waste affects our environment. Afterwards, I want to explore ways to move closer to a less wasteful society. Lastly, we must figure out how you, and the rest of our future educators at Bradley University, can help. The United States Census Bureau estimates that there are about 2.63 persons per household as of 2014. Furthermore, according to Duke University’s Center for Sustainability and Commerce each person will generate about 4.3 pounds of waste each day with less than half of that being recycled. So far this information resembles my own demographic and it may fit yours as well. But, it still does not explain why people choose not to recycle. Personally, I get intimidated by just glancing at the recyclingShow MoreRelatedManagement: Social Responsibility and Page Ref19403 Words   |  78 PagesUnderstanding and Reasoning Abilities Objective: 2.3 28) Any action that is illegal is unethical and any action that is legal is ethical. Answer: Explanation: There are many things that are legal but not ethical. For example, it is legal to be wasteful with fossil fuels, but given the problems we face today with global climate change, pollution, and high energy prices, this wastefulness is clearly not ethical. Diff: 2 Page Ref: 40 AACSB: Ethical Understanding and Reasoning Abilities Objective:Read MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 Pagesplaced on the exploration of attitudes and values. 5. Student motivation is increased, especially in adult learners. xviii PREFACE 6. Students receive immediate feedback from their instructor and peers. 7. Students are involved in higher order thinking (analysis, synthesis, evaluation). Our goals in writing this book were to bridge the academic realm of theory and research and the organizational realm of effective practice, and to help students consistently translate proven principles from both

The Crystal Shard 10. The Gathering Gloom Free Essays

string(45) " was this young man’s particular love\." Torga the orc faced Grock the goblin with open contempt. Their respective tribes had been warring for many years, as long as any living member of either group could remember. They shared a valley in the Spine of the World and competed for ground and food with the brutality indicative of their warlike races. We will write a custom essay sample on The Crystal Shard 10. The Gathering Gloom or any similar topic only for you Order Now And now they stood on common ground with no weapons drawn, compelled to this spot by a force even greater than their hatred for each other. In any other place, at any other time, the tribes could never have been this close without joining in fierce battle. But now, they had to be content with idle threats and dangerous glares, for they had been commanded to put aside their differences. Torga and Grock turned and walked, side by side, to the structure that held the man who would be their master. They entered Cryshal-Tirith and stood before Akar Kessell. * * * Two more tribes had joined his swelling ranks. All about the plateau that harbored his tower were the standards of various bands of goblins; the Goblins of Twisting Spears, Slasher Orcs, the Orcs of the Severed Tongue, and many others, all come to serve the master. Kessell had even pulled in a large clan of ogres, a handful of trolls, and two score rogue verbeeg, the least of the giants but giants nonetheless. But his crowning achievement was a group of frost giants that had simply wandered in, desiring only to please the wielder of Crenshinibon. Kessell had been quite content with his life in Cryshal-Tirith, with all of his whims obediantly served by the first tribe of goblins that he had encountered. The goblins had even been able to raid a trading caravan and supply the wizard with a few human women for his pleasures. Kessell’s life had been soft and easy, just the way that he liked it. But Crenshinibon was not contented. The relic’s hunger for power was insatiable. It would settle for small gains for a short time, and then demand that its wielder move on to greater conquests. It wouldn’t openly oppose Kessell, for in their constant war of wills Kessell ultimately held the power of decision. The small crystal shard bridled a reserve of incredible power, but without a wielder, it was akin to a sheathed sword with no hand to draw it. Thus Crenshinibon exerted its will through manipulation, insinuating illusions of conquest into the wizard’s dreams, allowing Kessell to view the possibilities of power. It dangled a carrot before the nose of the once-bumbling apprentice that he could not refuse – respect. Kessell, ever a spit bucket for the pretentious wizards in Luskan – and everyone else, it seemed – was easy prey for such ambitions. He, who had been down in the dirt beside the boots of the important people, ached for the chance to reverse the roles. And now he had the opportunity to turn his fantasies into reality, Crenshinibon often assured him. With the relic close to his heart, he could become the conqueror; he could make people, even the wizards in the Hosttower, tremble at the mere mention of his name. He had to remain patient. He had spent several years learning the subtleties of controlling one, and then a second, goblin tribe. Yet the task of bringing together dozens of tribes and bending their natural enmity into a common cause of servitude to him was far more challenging. He had to bring them in, one at a time at first, and ensure that he had enslaved them to his will wholeheartedly before he dared summon another group. But it was working, and now he had brought in two rival tribes simultaneously with positive results. Torga and Grock had entered Cryshal-Tirith, each searching for a way to kill the other without bringing on the wrath of the wizard. When they left, though, after a short discussion with Kessell, they were chatting like old friends about the glory of their coming battles in the army of Akar Kessell. Kessell lounged back on his pillows and considered his good fortune. His army was indeed taking shape. He had frost giants for his field commanders, ogres as his field guard, verbeeg as a deadly strike force, and trolls, wretched, fear-inspiring trolls, as his personal bodyguard. And by his count thus far, ten thousand fanatically loyal goblin troops to carry out his swath of destruction. â€Å"Akar Kessell!† he shouted to the harem girl that manicured his long fingernails as he sat in contemplation, though the girl’s mind had long ago been destroyed by Crenshinibon. â€Å"All glory to the Tyrant of Icewind Dale!† * * * Far to the south of the frozen steppes, in the civilized lands where men had more time for leisure activities and contemplation and every action wasn’t determined by sheer necessity, wizards and would-be wizards were less rare. The true mages, lifelong students of the arcane arts, practiced their trade with due respect for the magic, ever wary of the potential consequences of their spellcastings. Unless consumed by the lust for power, which was a very dangerous thing, the true mages tempered their experiments with caution and rarely caused disasters. The would-be mages, however, men who somehow had come into a degree of magical prowess, whether they had found a scroll or a master’s spellbook or some relic, were often the perpetrators of colossal calamities. Such was the case that night in a land a thousand miles from Akar Kessell and Crenshinibon. A wizard’s apprentice, a young man who had shown great promise to his master, came into possession of a diagram of a powerful magic circle, and then sought and found a spell of summoning. The apprentice, lured by the promise of power, managed to extract the true name of a demon from his master’s private notes. Sorcery, the art of summoning entities from other planes into servitude, was this young man’s particular love. You read "The Crystal Shard 10. The Gathering Gloom" in category "Essay examples" His master had allowed him to bring midges and manes through a magical portal – closely supervised – hoping to demonstrate the potential dangers of the practice and reinforce the lessons of caution. Actually, the demonstrations had only served to heighten the young man’s appetite for the art. He had begged his master to allow him to try for a true demon, but the wizard knew that he wasn’t nearly ready for such a test. The apprentice disagreed. He had completed inscribing the circle that same day. So confident was he in his work that he didn’t spend an extra day (some wizards would spend a week) checking the runes and symbols or bother to test the circle on a lesser entity, such as a mane. And now he sat within it, his eyes focused on the fire of the brazier that would serve as the gate to the Abyss. With a self-assured, overly proud smile, the would-be sorcerer called the demon. Errtu, a major demon of catastrophic proportions, faintly heard its named being uttered on the faraway plane. Normally, the great beast would have ignored such a weak call; certainly the summoner hadn’t demonstrated any ability of sufficient strength to compel the demon to comply. Yet Errtu was glad of the fateful call. A few years before, the demon had felt a surge of power on the material plane that it believed would culminate a quest it had undertaken a millenium ago. The demon had suffered through the last few years impatiently, eager for a wizard to open a path for it so that it could come to the material plane and investigate. The young apprentice felt himself being drawn into the hypnotic dance of the brazier’s fire. The blaze had unified into a single flame, like the burn of a candle only many times larger, and it swayed tantalizingly, back and forth, back and forth. The mesmerized apprentice wasn’t even aware of the growing intensity of the fire. The flame leaped higher and higher, its flickering sped up, and its color moved through the spectrum toward the ultimate heat of whiteness. Back and forth. Back and forth. Faster, now, wagging wildly and building its strength to support the mighty entity that waited on the other side. Back and forth. Back and forth. The apprentice was sweating. He knew that the power of the spell was growing beyond his bounds, that the magic had taken over and was living a life of its own. That he was powerless to stop it. Back and forth. Back and forth. Now he saw the dark shadow within the flame, the great clawed hands, and the leathery, batlike wings. And the size of the beast! A giant even by the standards of its kind. â€Å"Errtu!† the young man called, the words forced from him by the demands of the spell. The name hadn’t been completely identified in his master’s notes, but he saw clearly that it belonged to a mighty demon, a monster ranking just below the demon lords in the hierarchy of the Abyss. Back and forth. Back and forth. Now the grotesque, monkeylike head, with the maw and muzzle of a dog and the oversized incisors of a boar, was visible, the huge, blood-red eyes squinting from within the brazier’s flame. The acidic drool sizzled as it fell to the fire. Back and forth. Back and forth. The fire surged into a final climax of power, and Errtu stepped through. The demon didn’t pause at all to consider the terrified young human that had foolishly called its name. It began a slow stalk around the magic circle in search of clues to the extent of this wizard’s power. The apprentice finally managed to steady himself. He had summoned a major demon! That fact helped him to reestablish his confidence in his abilities as a sorcerer. â€Å"Stand before me!† he commanded, aware that a firm hand was necessary to control a creature from the chaotic lower planes. Errtu, undisturbed, continued its stalk. The apprentice grew angry. â€Å"You will obey me!†Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ he screamed. â€Å"I brought you here, and I hold the key to your torment! You shall obey my command, and then I shall release you, mercifully, back to your own filthy world! Now, stand before me!† The apprentice was defiant: The apprentice was proud. But Errtu had found an error in the tracing of a rune, a fatal imperfection in a magic circle that could not afford to be almost perfect. The apprentice was dead. * * * Errtu felt the familiar sensation of power more distinctly on the material plane and had little trouble discerning the direction of the emanations. It soared on its great wings over the cities of the humans, spreading a panic wherever it was noticed, but not delaying its journey to savor the erupting chaos below. Arrow-straight and with all speed Errtu soared, over lakes and mountains, across great expanses of empty land. Toward the northernmost range in the Realms, the Spine of the World, and the ancient relic that it had spent centuries searching for. * * * Kessell was aware of the approaching demon long before his assembled troops began scattering in terror from under the swooping shadow of darkness. Crenshinibon had imparted the information to the wizard, the living relic anticipating the movements of the powerful creature from the lower planes that had been persuing it for ages uncounted. Kessell wasn’t worried, though. Inside his tower of strength he was confident that he could handle even a nemesis as mighty as Errtu. And he had a distinct advantage over the demon. He was the rightful wielder of the relic. It was attuned to him, and like so many other magical artifacts from the dawn of the world, Crenshinibon could not be wrested from its possessor by sheer force. Errtu desired to wield the relic and, therefore, would not dare to oppose Kessell and invoke Crenshinibon’s wrath. Acid drool slipped freely from the demon’s mouth when it saw the tower image of the relic. â€Å"How many years?† it bellowed victoriously. Errtu saw the tower’s door clearly, for the demon was a creature not of the material plane, and approached at once. None of Kessell’s goblins, or even giants, stood to hinder the demon’s entrance. Flanked by his trolls, the wizard was waiting for Errtu in Cryshal-Tirith’s main chamber, the tower’s first level. The wizard understood that the trolls would be of little use against a fire-wielding demon, but he wanted them present to enhance the demon’s first impression of him. He knew that he held the power to send Errtu away easily enough, but another thought, again implanted through a suggestion of the crystal shard, had come to him. The demon could be very useful. Errtu pulled up short when it passed through the narrow entryway and came upon the wizard’s entourage. Because of the remote location of the tower, the demon had expected to find an orc, or perhaps a giant, holding the shard. It had hoped to intimidate and trick the slow-witted wielder into surrendering the relic, but the sight of a robed human, probably even a mage, threw a snag into its plans. â€Å"Greetings, mighty demon,† Kessell said politely, bowing low. â€Å"Welcome to my humble home.† Errtu growled in rage and started forward, forgetting the drawbacks of destroying the possessor in its all-consuming hatred and envy for the smug human. Crenshinibon reminded the demon. A sudden flare of light pulsed from the tower walls, engulfing Errtu in the painful brightness of a dozen desert suns. The demon halted and covered its sensitive eyes. The light dissipated soon enough, but Errtu held its ground and did not approach the wizard again. Kessell smirked. The relic had supported him. Brimming with confidence, he addressed the demon again, this time a stern edge in his voice. â€Å"You have come to take this,† he said, reaching within the folds of his robe to produce the shard. Errtu’s eyes narrowed and locked onto the object it had pursued for so long. â€Å"You can not have it,† Kessell said flatly, and he replaced it under his robe. â€Å"It is mine, rightfully found, and you have no claim over it that it would honor!† Kessell’s foolish pride, the fatal flaw in his personality that had always pushed him down a road of certain tragedy, wanted him to continue his taunting of the demon in its helpless situation. â€Å"Enough,† warned a sensation within him, the silent voice he had come to suspect was the sentient will of the shard. â€Å"This is none of your affair,† Kessell shot back aloud. Errtu looked around the room, wondering who the wizard was addressing. Certainly the trolls had paid him no heed. As a precaution, the demon invoked various detection spells, fearing an unseen assailant. â€Å"You taunt a dangerous foe,† the shard persisted. â€Å"I have protected you from the demon, yet you persist in alienating a creature that would prove a valuable ally!† As was usually the case when Crenshinibon communicated with the wizard, Kessell began to see the possibilities. He decided upon a course of compromise, an agreement mutually beneficial to both himself and the demon. Errtu considered its predicament. It couldn’t slay the impertinent human, though the demon would have truly savored such an act. Yet leaving without the relic, putting off the quest that had been its primary motivation for centuries, was not an acceptable option. â€Å"I have a proposal to offer, a bargain that might interest you,† Kessell said temptingly, avoiding the death-promising glare that the demon was throwing him. â€Å"Stay by my side and serve as commander of my forces! With you leading them and the power of Crenshinibon and Akar Kessell behind them, they shall sweep through the northland!† â€Å"Serve you?† Errtu laughed. â€Å"You have no hold over me, human.† â€Å"You view the situation incorrectly,† retorted Kessell. â€Å"Think of it not as servitude but as an opportunity to join in a campaign that promises destruction and conquest! You have my utmost respect, mighty demon. I would not presume to call myself your master.† Crenshinibon, with its subconscious intrusions, had coached Kessell well. Errtu’s less-threatening stance showed that it was intrigued by the wizard’s proposition. â€Å"And consider the gains that you shall someday make,† Kessell continued. â€Å"Humans do not live a very long tine by your ageless estimations. Who, then, shall take the crystal shard when Akar Kessell is no more?† Errtu smiled wickedly and bowed before the wizard. â€Å"How could I refuse such a generous offer?† the demon rasped in its horrible, unearthly voice. â€Å"Show me, wizard, what glorious conquests lie in our path.† Kessell nearly danced with joy. His army was, in effect, complete. He had his general. How to cite The Crystal Shard 10. The Gathering Gloom, Essay examples

Slave Trade free essay sample

The Slave Trade Inning Mamba, Willed Bosoms, and Aloud Equation all gave three different points of views of the slave trade. Each point of view represented the cycle of the trade from; African King Mamba who had his people taken by the Portuguese as slaves, Bosoms was a chief agent, who transported the slaves, and lastly Equation who actually was a slave. Each document was a primary source that gave its bias side of how and what was happening in the slave trade. Taking all sides of the slave trade through each point of view the accumulation was very informative.Inning Mamba, the leader Of Congo a state in Africa went by the Christian name of Fanons. Fanons who wrote a letter to the Portuguese leader, due to the way his nation had begun to become depleted. From all the dieses the white men had brought and lack of physicians and doctors the population was dying at a rapid pace. We will write a custom essay sample on Slave Trade or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Fanons sighted how important the nobleman, vassals, and relatives had been kidnapped to be sold as slaves. Fanons sights how this is immoral and goes against everything as Christians. Apart of the immoralities included the way he merchants stole people. The thief was successful mostly in part by the branding of people.The white men were using hot iron to make marks of ownership on people. The leader also stated how he has had brought in laws and regulations on slave trade but still felt that help was needed to control slave trade in his country. Next point of view on the slave trade was one who was benefiting from the trade, the merchant. William Bosoms, a Dutch chief agent of a company that exported and imported slaves. Bosoms explains how the explorations of the slaves on his ships were very well thought out. Claims o be able to fit six to seven hundred comfortably and feed them all daily.Ships were divided into sections which included men and women, Bosoms says on how other countries slave ships just had men and women stacked one on top of another. These conditions on the slave ships created a stench and inhumanly conditions, also most countries lost ships and slaves. Bosoms claims how once the slaves reached their destination that the slaves lives were better than in Africa. Despite being branded he claims that it was done with care and not hard. Says slaves also they were deeply examined by some f the best doctors and physicians. Also fed well to gain full health and maximize each slaves value.The document from the Dutchmen tries to show the audience that the exploration of the slave trade wasnt as bad in his company compared to others. Final point of view of the slave trade was from a slave. Aloud Equation, who was from Nigeria but became property of the British at 1 1 , he, suffered various hardships being a part of this slave trade. His personal struggles of being separated from his family at a young age, and experiencing acts of cruelty by men he didnt know or could identify. The Spanish and other merchants were looked at as aliens by the Africans.Spanish men had long hair and look and spoke so much differently than the Africans had ever seen to that point, leading them to see to believe Spanish knew magic. Africans who were confused of their fate revolted with thoughts of being eaten. This is what Equation witnessed during youth, his horrid experience continued as a slave. From being shipped to family to family after feeling apart and attached to people. He always got separated from those he felt for. Causing him to not want to live and rather die, despite later getting educated and able to buy his freedom with earning from sugar cane. At the end of his document though he questions the religious values and views of the slave owners. Sighting how people could they feel like god fairing people but the owned and treated people as properties and items. Each document presented how each of the position of the slave trade affected people. The mother land of the slaves were becoming depleted, the companies and merchants who was taking the slaves were becoming rich and learning different Ways of containment and travel in mass loads, and lastly the slave who were getting acclimated to a total life change.

Fetus in the Stomach free essay sample

The Fetus in the Stomach Last night, I had a strange dream. I dreamed that I was a tiny dot in the womb of my mother. Formed by love, and blessed by the Lord. I could not see, I could not hear, but I could feel that I was loved. Embrace by the warm tenderness of my mothers flesh. Here, I breathe on my mothers breath! Here I fed on my mothers food! Oh what a place to live! Oh what a place to grow! I was extremely happy in my little world. Believe me, it was happiness beyond compare. In Gods time, I was a tiny dot, no more. I grew, and grew, and grew. Caressed by parental affection. I wanted to say, thank you mother, thank father, for your love, thank you for my life. One day, I heard splashing sounds, and boyish laughter’s. We will write a custom essay sample on Fetus in the Stomach or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page I can hear! I can hear! My heart was filled with joy! I kicked and kicked in celebration. Then, I stopped. I heard a sweet voice saying, Mark, Joe, out of the bathroom now! You might catch cold! I thought, she must be my mother. Yes, indeed, she was my mother. The two boys, Mark and Joe answered, Yes mama! I echoed in the silence of my heart, Mama, I love you, Mark and Joe, I love you! Wait for me, my brothers, we will climb the guava tree in mamas garden together soon. On another day, my father cam home and told mama, I have the results! Its a girl! I am a girl! I am a girl! I am the only girl! Mark and Joe, you will have a loving sister! Mother, Father, I promise, I will be a good daughter! I will make you happy parents! But one evening, deep in the night, I heard my father and mother, talk about hard times, Rising prices of gasoline! And food! High cost of education! My father cried aloud, How can I support a family of three children?! I was shocked! Am I an unwanted child? Oh, yes that was what my father had meant! Oh no, father, please, mother, love me as you love Mark and Joe! I shouted, I shouted again and again, Love me, love me please! I kicked, I kicked again and again for my mother to get the message! I cried, I cried again and again so my father and mother would pity me! I prayed, I prayed again and again, Lord, I want to be born! My father came home, late one evening. He told my mother, Here are pills from the health center, take one for thirteen days. I was afraid! When the first pill was taken by my mother, the nectar in my mothers milk, turned bitter! Oh, God! Pills to murder innocent babies! Unborn but with life! Father, mother, why are you doing this to me?! Do you not love me? Do you not pity me? Love me as you love my brothers! Father, you said you cannot support a family of three children, are you killing me just so Mark and Joe will live? Father, mother, brothers, I do not want to die! I want to be part of you! I want to wash your clothes, I want to cook your food, please do not kill me! How cruel, how cruel! I cannot defend myself, I cannot run away to avoid the pills poison! I cannot spit it out for my lips are weak and tender! Somebody, Help me! Nobody cares. I want to live! But nobody cares. I want to be with Mark and Joe! Then, I felt unbearable pain. I became weaker, and weaker. I was dying little by little. I want to live! But I could breathe, no more. Father, mother, you have murdered me, but I love youMark, Joe, good luck my brothers, I am sorry, but I can no longer climb the guava tree in our mothers garden I.. I (deathly, but audible whisper.. ) Declamation piece: The Fetus in the Stomach Last night, I had a strange dream. I dreamed that I was a tiny dot in the womb of my mother. Formed by love, and blessed by the Lord. I could not see, I could not hear, but I could feel that I was loved. Embrace by the warm tenderness of my mothers flesh. Here, I breathe on my mothers breath! Here I fed on my mothers food! Oh what a place to live! Oh what a place to grow! I was extremely happy in my little world. Believe me, it was happiness beyond compare. In Gods time, I was a tiny dot, no more. I grew, and grew, and grew. Caressed by parental affection. I wanted to say, thank you mother, thank father, for your love, thank you for my life. One day, I heard splashing sounds, and boyish laughters. I can hear! I can hear! My heart was filled with joy! I kicked and kicked in celebration. Then, I stopped. I heard a sweet voice saying, Mark, Joe, out of the bathroom now! You might catch cold! I thought, she must be my mother. Yes, indeed, she was my mother. The two boys, Mark and Joe answered, Yes mama! I echoed in the silence of my heart, Mama, I love you, Mark and Joe, I love you! Wait for me, my brothers, we will climb the guava tree in mamas garden together soon. On another day, my father cam home and told mama, I have the results! Its a girl! I am a girl! I am a girl! I am the only girl! Mark and Joe, you will have a loving sister! Mother, Father, I promise, I will be a good daughter! I will make you happy parents! But one evening, deep in the night, I heard my father and mother, talk about hard times, Rising prices of gasoline! And food! High cost of education! My father cried aloud, How can I support a family of three children?! I was shocked! Am I an unwanted child? Oh, yes that was what my father had meant! Oh no, father, please, mother, love me as you love Mark and Joe! I shouted, I shouted again and again, Love me, love me please! I kicked, I kicked again and again for my mother to get the message! I cried, I cried again and again so my father and mother would pity me! I prayed, I prayed again and again, Lord, I want to be born! My father came home, late one evening. He told my mother, Here are pills from the health center, take one for thirteen days. I was afraid! When the first pill was taken by my mother, the nectar in my mothers milk, turned bitter! Oh, God! Pills to murder innocent babies! Unborn but with life! Father, mother, why are you doing this to me?! Do you not love me? Do you not pity me? Love me as you love my brothers! Father, you said you cannot support a family of three children, are you killing me just so Mark and Joe will live? Father, mother, brothers, I do not want to die! I want to be part of you! I want to wash your clothes, I want to cook your food, please do not kill me! How cruel, how cruel! I cannot defend myself, I cannot run away to avoid the pills poison! I cannot spit it out for my lips are weak and tender! Somebody, Help me! Nobody cares. I want to live! But nobody cares. I want to be with Mark and Joe! Then, I felt unbearable pain. I became weaker, and weaker. I was dying little by little. I want to live! But I could breathe, no more. Father, mother, you have murdered me, but I love youMark, Joe, good luck my brothers, I am sorry, but I can no longer climb the guava tree in our mothers garden.

Sometimes Death Comes Knocking, Sometimes it Tears Down the Walls Professor Ramos Blog

Sometimes Death Comes Knocking, Sometimes it Tears Down the Walls Lance Barnett English 102 8/9/18 Sometimes Death Comes Knocking, Sometimes it Tears Down the Walls The term â€Å"Zombie† is derived from nzambi, the Kongo word for the spirit of the dead. Zombies have become supremely popular in media and entertainment in recent years. A multitude of movies, books, comics, and video games are based around zombies and the zombie apocalypse. Shows such as The Walking Dead and I Zombie have become incredibly popular and even unrelated series have begun to incorporate zombies in one way or another. Almost every franchise imaginable has some kind of zombie or undead in it now. From Super Mario and Call of Duty to Star Wars and Marvel Comics, the undead craze is sweeping the nation. The idea of the dead returning to torment the living is no new invention however, so the question is why has it gained so much traction in media and pop culture recently? What caused this generation to become so infatuated with the living dead? For the most part, mythical monsters are based around exactly that, myths, but zombies are a little different. Monsters such as vampires, werewolves, or Frankenstein’s monster are creations that represent mankind’s fears, uncouth desires, or shortcomings in the eras in which their story is being told. Zombies fall into that category as well but, in addition to that, they have origins that are rooted in real events as well as myths that date all the way back to prehistory. One of the, if not the, largest contributors to the creation of zombie lore were the Haitians. In Haiti, which is primarily a voodoo nation, it was common for someone known as a Bokor to create and employ Zombie slaves. Now, of course, these zombies are not truly undead in the sense that they are not actually soulless, walking corpses, but for generations their appearance, demeanor, and the method of their creation led the majority to believe that they were indeed the dead risen. In Haiti, if you just so happened to know of a nearby bokor, you could hire them to zombify someone. Say your spouse is caught cheating, your child has grown into a dishonorable adult, or that conniving M’baku down the street stole another one of your chickens. If you wanted to, you could hire a bokor to turn said transgressor into a shuffling, mindless, entity. Bokors are alchemists who create various concoctions using ingredients such as bones, shells, herbs, and animal parts. The zombies that they create are actually living people who have been introduced to a potent zombie mixture called â €Å"coup padre† that dulls their minds and make them susceptible to the influence of their master. Though the full recipe for the concoction is unknown, it is common belief that tetrodoxin, an incredibly dangerous neurotoxin found in the fou fou, also known as the porcupine fish, is used very carefully in the mixture. Small doses of tetrodoxin often cause confusion, loss of balance, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms are why we commonly see zombies in our fiction aimlessly wandering with blank stares, shambling, and moaning/ huffing. Often times, if a bokor is coming for someone, they will find a way to get them to ingest a concoction that renders them in a near death state that is indistinguishable from death itself without modern medical equipment. The victim’s heartrate will drop dramatically, the skin becomes pale and clammy, and their pulse becomes unnoticeable. After their burial, the bokor will visit the grave, dig up their new slave and give them the coup padre. The victim then awakens as a dull and mindless drone. The people of Haiti were unaware of exactly how a bokor went about creating zombies. All they knew was that someone in their community was pronounced dead, was buried, and is now rumored to have been seen meandering around. Thus the idea of the mindless, shambling, zombie was born. Zombies became known in the United States when stories of the zombie slaves of Haiti made their way over and left the populace shocked and horrified by the dark rituals of these voodoo shamans. These tales led to the creation of the 1932 movie White Zombie, which is the first feature length zombie film ever made. In the movie, the female protagonist is stalked and transformed into a zombie by an evil voodoo priest played by the famous horror actor Bela Lugosi, best known for his influential role as Dracula in the 1931 film. The true rise of zombies into popularity, however, didn’t come until the 1968 film Night of the Living Dead, directed by George Romero. Two more zombie films were directed by Romero over the next 15 years and, shortly after the start of the 80s, the subject of zombies really started to pick up. The early examples of zombies in media often portrayed them as the result of supernatural practices such as witchcraft, voodoo, or demonic rituals. This came as a result of historic accounts and myths about undead. Regardless of the vast differences between them, stories about zombies throughout history have been rooted in the supernatural. The fear of the dead rising from their graves has been prevalent among mankind for as long as we can remember. Stone Age remains appear to have been originally buried intact, but eventually they began to bury their remains with their skulls smashed or removed and buried in a separate grave farther away. Some believe that this was done to ensure that the dead would not return to life. Zombies aren’t specifically mentioned in the Bible, but there are references of the dead coming back to life here as well. Ezekiel finds himself in a boneyard and prophesies to the bones. The bones shake and become covered in flesh, yet â€Å"there was no brea th in them.† Isaiah 26:19 states, â€Å"Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.† The Greeks believed that certain people were more likely to return from the dead than others. Those who committed suicide, were murdered, cursed, or died from other traumatic experiences such as the plague or drowning were thought to likely return as undead and prey on the living. Some believe that the Mayans suffered a kind of zombie apocalypse towards the end of their civilization. Human bones found within the ruins of many Mayan cities exhibit human tooth marks and appear to have been forcefully ripped apart and evidence is thought to have been found of children eating their parents as well. From the state that the cities were left in, it has been surmised that they slaughtered and ate themselves within a few days’ time. In addition to bei ng exclusively supernatural, many ancient incarnations of the undead display special abilities, powers, or quirks. In Norse mythology, Draugr are living corpses who wander their crypts. They are described as bloated with black skin and are known to possess some supernatural abilities such as shapeshifting, entering the dreams of the living, and driving people insane. Draugr slaughter and consume the living just like modern zombies but, unlike most modern zombies, draugr have also been known to utilize tools such a heavy stones or swords to kill. Jiang Shi, the Chinese version of the zombie, literally means â€Å"stiff corpse†. These zombies are very strange in that their mode of locomotion is hopping around. In Romania, the Strigoi is a zombie of someone who has died with regrets or troubles. Dying without being baptized or before marriage are other ways that someone could end up coming back as a strigoi. Some post mortem marriage ceremonies are performed for the newly deceas ed as a way to try to keep them from becoming a strigoi. Like the draugr, strigoi exhibit some supernatural abilities or traits that weren’t commonly found among modern zombies until recently including primarily only drinking blood and the ability to transform into animals. These traits almost make them seem more like vampires than zombies, however the fact that your corpse can become one without having been bit by one separates the two in a way. In video games especially, the need to keep things fresh, new, and interesting, has led to the creation of many new types of zombies with strange abilities similar to some of the zombies from history. There are zombies that spit acid, have frog-like tongues, explode, and some that can use certain kinds of weaponry. Media based on cultural mythology also use specific examples of ancient undead to spice things up. The Witcher novels, which follow the adventures of a monster slayer in a fantasy world of Polish mythology, feature the str iga, the Polish version of the strigoi and Draugr make an appearance in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Cohen’s Monster Culture mentions that one important characteristic that monsters have is the ability to shift and reflect the relevant fears and apprehensions of the era that tells their stories. Like vampires evolving from the hideous Nosferatu into the succubus/ incubus-like vampires of today, zombies have also changed. As stated before, historical accounts, myths, and early media representations of undead portray them as supernatural creations. As the fear of witches, demons, and other foul spirits became less prevalent, the reasoning behind zombies shifted from being mainly supernatural to being scientific. Science and medicine have progressed incredibly far in the last few decades and some scientific advances have come under scrutiny as to whether or not they are moral or safe. Scientifically created abominations and diseases have become popular â€Å"monsters† of sorts and zombie lore happened to have very little trouble adopting this idea. The majority of modern zombie fiction revolves around an outbreak of a virus or disease of some kind that transforms people into flesh eating zombies. More often than not, the antagonists of these stories are scientific enterprises who attempt to create bioweapons but then lose control of said bioweapons which causes the initial outbreak. The real life fear of â€Å"Big Science† plays into zombie fiction in a crucial way. As zombies strayed further away from their Haitian roots and as special effects became more and more impressive, depictions of zombies became more and more grotesque in an attempt to keep the shock factor of the audience intact. Another niche that zombies have had little trouble fitting into is the apocalypse genre. The apocalypse genre has been touched upon in history in tales such as Gilgamesh or Ragnarok, but as the new millennium drew near and prophesies from the Mayans and Nostradamus seemed to be coming to fruition, the fear of the end of the world became more and more prevalent. More often than not, zombie centric fiction deals with the spread of the undead bringing total societal collapse. Very rarely are outbreaks contained in small areas. Zombies in modern media have adapted and changed in order to fit into many separate genres from apocalypse to sci-fi to fantasy. This ability to morph and adapt and even bring back traits from history to stay interesting and relevant suggests that zombies still have quite the lifespan left even though they can be considered one of the oldest known monsters. As new genres and forms of media gain popularity, be sure to keep an eye on your dead. They never quite seem to stay where you put them. Zombie Annotated Bibliography Zombies, H. (2018). Zombies: Facts and Voodoo Origins | HISTORY.com. [online] HISTORY.com. Available at: https://www.history.com/topics/history-of-zombies [Accessed 1 Aug. 2018]. This article discusses the origins of Zombies and how the subject of the undead apocalypse has become extremely popular in pop culture. Great Discoveries in Archaeology. (2018). History of Zombies. [online] Available at: http://anthropology.msu.edu/anp264-ss13/2013/04/25/history-of-zombies/ [Accessed 1 Aug. 2018]. This student post goes into some more detail about the original Haitian zombie slaves that helped inspire the legends of the undead. Lin, K. (2018). History of Zombies from Ancient Times to Pop Culture. [online] Historic Mysteries. Available at: https://www.historicmysteries.com/history-of-zombies/ [Accessed 1 Aug. 2018]. This article discusses zombies in history that date back even further than the Haitian zombie slaves. Tales and rituals meant to keep the dead at rest from even the stone age and ancient Greece. Mariani, M. (2018). The Tragic, Forgotten History of Zombies. [online] The Atlantic. Available at: https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/10/how-america-erased-the-tragic-history-of-the-zombie/412264/ [Accessed 1 Aug. 2018]. This is another article that explains how the true tragedy of zombie slaves became lost to us as we began to incorporate the subject of zombies into entertainment. Swanser, B. (2018). The Mysterious Real Zombies of Haiti | Mysterious Universe. [online] Mysterious Universe. Available at: https://mysteriousuniverse.org/2014/08/the-mysterious-real-zombies-of-haiti/ [Accessed 1 Aug. 2018]. This article goes the furthest in depth about the process of Haitian zombification and a bit more into their culture.

Social analysis is valued because it is inspired by a will to make a Essay

Social analysis is valued because it is inspired by a will to make a better world (Steven Seidman 1998) Discuss this statement - Essay Example Seidman described his disappointment in the sorts of sociological practice that has become a narrow and specialized conversation about definitions in theory and disagreements about method. Then he wrote, more optimistically: â€Å"I return to sociology as I initially came to the discipline, with the hope of finding a home where social analysis is valued because it is inspired by a will to make a better world. †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Social analysis is then part or a technique in sociology, purpose of which, according to Sweden, is â€Å"to be a part of the ongoing conversation and conflict over the present and future shape of the social world.† Du Bois & Wright (2001), in their work ‘Applying sociology –  Making a better world’ define the term as follows:† Sociology is the study of human social life, groups, and societies, giving special emphasis to modern industrialized systems. It is a discipline involving the ability to think imaginatively and one in which personal views of the world are set aside so we may look more carefully at the influences that shape our lives and those of others. Social structure is an important concept in sociology.† From the above definition, what group view matter? Although the author said personal views are set aside, individual goals must be disregarded. It simply means that the works of sociology is to find melting points where people of different beliefs and biases could work together for the common good. Du Bois & Wright (2001) believe in permanent construction and reconstruction of social life, which is based upon the meanings people attach to their actions. The authors thus said: â€Å"In sociological research it is important to distinguish between the intended and unintended results of human action. Sociology studies the resulting balance between social reproduction and social transformation. Social

Technology Support System For Homeland Security Program Assignment

Technology Support System For Homeland Security Program - Assignment Example Former Senator Rudman views the department to be a needed â€Å"formulation† in spite of the existing of great Army, Marine Corps and Air Force (2003). However, in assessing the organization and mission of the DHS, this proposal sees the agency to be wanting in resources and capacity along the aspects of independent mobilization and focus of initiatives. Organizationally, the DHS has to correlate with federal agencies to be able to mobilize anti-terrorism initiatives; it also lacks the integrated mechanism so that the department can effectively interface with the anti-terrorism network of agencies within the bureaucracy. Thus, the creation of an Information Communication and Assistance Services or ICAS is hereby proposed. Specifically, the ICAS is a novel concept of a management information system which will link the DHS with correlated anti-terrorism federal, state and local agencies using information and communication technologies. It will also enable the DHS to directly ser ve the people at the grassroots level through a social Web site and a 9-12 quick assistance response system. If implemented with a budget request of 18 Million USD, the proposal will consequently resolve what U.S. President Barack Obama perceives to be a â€Å"systemic failure in the existing homeland security services (Newsweek, an. 11, 2010). TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR HOMELAND SECURITY Problem Identification The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States have greatly dismayed Americans on their vulnerability to terrorism at home. Beyond the great grief of the citizenry, the catastrophic event provoked an awareness of the country’s dire need for security. Describing terrorism as â€Å"a global, generation-defining struggle against an enemy of vast military and ideological power,† (Time, 2000), U.S. President George W. Bush ordered the setting up of a Department of Home Security or DHS in order to protect the nation from terrorism inflicted in any o f its 50 states. (50 States.com, 2012). This unprecedented move was intended not simply to enlarge the already existing security manpower of the United States, but to enlist the cooperation of partners involving all relevant security agencies, and the American citizenry as well. The potential threats are many, ranging from home-made bombs to ballistic missiles hurled from concealed sites thousands of miles away. The tools of terrorism also vary from simple devises hidden in an air traveler’s shoe to sophisticated nuclear weapons system, each having the capacity to inflict a high share of human suffering and death. The department has therefore been given a critical mandate to â€Å"mobilize and focus the resources of the federal government, state and local governments, the private sector and the American people to accomplish its mission to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reduce America’s vulnerability to terrorism, and minimize the damage and recove r from attacks that do occur† (Hutton & Mydlarz, 2003). TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR HOMELAND SECURITY Understandably, the challenge assumed by the department is immense. Already since the 2001 September attacks that toppled down the New York Twin Towers, it was reported that 45 Jhadist terror attacks were planned against the United States (Avlon, 2011). Fortunately, these were prevented by proficient intelligence work, functional policing, and avid public support.

Are corporations persons with religious freedom rights Case Study

Are corporations persons with religious freedom rights - Case Study Example ) The court observed that the reason of extending these rights to corporations was to protect the right of employees, shareholders and officers of the corporation. Allowing these corporations to enforce RFRA claims serve to protect the religious liberty of the corporation. c) The court also reasoned that corporations would be considered persons with religious freedom rights within the meaning of the RFRA. Non profit organizations are considered persons within the meaning of the RFRA and this should be extended to for profit organizations. Although the main objective of these organizations is to make money they also undertake humanitarian and altruistic endeavors similar to those of non profit organizations. d) The court also noted that the governments mandate on contraception greatly hinders the exercise of religion. In its judgment the court noted that the government already had an existing and functional mandate that was already implemented for non profit organizations and this could be extended to corporations with religious reservations. The government would therefore use the non restrictive mandate for Hobby Lobby (Churchill 2014). a) The most likely impact the outcome in Burwell v Hobby Lobby will have will be the perceived impact on employees and employers. However, the court was quick to point out that the decision concerned the contraception mandate only. Thus the outcome cannot be applied where the employer’s religious beliefs conflict with any other requirement. b) The court also clarified that the decision only applies to closely held corporations which are operated according to the sacred beliefs of its owners. What this means is that all other for profit organizations that are closely held are exempt from providing contraception coverage for its employees (Cohen, Lynch, & Curfman 2014). c) The outcome in this case will also affect the mandate of ACA. Under the ACA, exemptions apply only if the employer qualifies as a religious employer, or

Impact Of Product Bundling In Indian Retail Banking Marketing Essay

Impact Of Product Bundling In Indian Retail Banking Marketing Essay The retail banking is the growth trigger of the banks. Even though there is a phenomenal opportunities for growth in retail banking, the challenges are also daunting. Banks are struggling to retain its customers through retail banking. According to Reichheld research, a 5 per cent increase in customer retention can increase profitability by 35 per cent in banking business. The pervasive practice of bundling the products by banks, have built up so much momentum over the past few years in Europe, Asia and Pacific countries. The concept of product bundling is not widely used by Indian banks, since it is not legally accepted by RBI guidelines. Private sector banks are having this type of retailing products in non-core areas of banking. For example, ICICI bank is providing home loan insurance cover exclusively to its home loan customers with tie-up with ICICI Lombard insurance. Previous researches proved that bundling strategies not only retain the customers but also reduces the variable cost of the products. The primary purpose of the research is to find out the cause and effect of product bundling in financial quality system of banking. The retail marketing factors are measured with service marketing factors ie, product, price, promotion, place, process, physical evidence and person. The financial quality system is identified based on the CAMELS system ie., Capital, Asset quality, Management quality , Earning quality , Liquidity and Sensitivity to market risk. Primary data were collected from the 200 customers of ICICI Bank home loan borrowers. Cluster analysis is used to group them. The effect on financial quality is measured based on interview conducted among the 25 regional managers of the same bank. The results show that the retail marketing factors are having high impact on financial quality system. Hence product bundling concept balances the operational and financial risk to have financial sustainability in retail banking. Key words: Product bundling, CAMELS, Core banking. Introduction The banking sector has witnessed wide ranging changes under the influence of the financial Sector reforms initiated during 2009. The approach to such reforms in India has been one of gradual and non-disruptive progress through a consultative process. The emphasis has been on deregulation and opening up the banking sector to market forces. The Reserve Bank has been consistently working towards the establishment of an enabling regulatory framework with prompt and effective supervision as well as the development of technological and institutional infrastructure. Persistent efforts have been made towards adoption of international benchmarks as appropriate to Indian conditions. While certain changes in the legal infrastructure are yet to be effected, the developments so far have brought the Indian financial system closer to global standards. Banks are now moving towards Universal Banking, which is a combination of commercial banking, investment banking and various other activities includi ng insurance. Banks will need to create value in new ways, notably through differentiation on offers and services. Banks have to strengthen the added value they bring to clients by personalizing their customer approach and developing their advisory capacities.By international standards, however, there is still much scope for retail banking in India. After all, retail loans constitute less than seven per cent of GDP in India vis-à  -vis about 35 per cent for other Asian economies South Korea (55 per cent), Taiwan (52 per cent), Malaysia (33 per cent) and Thailand (18 per cent). is a likelihood that the growth numbers seem to get somewhat exaggerated. Hence there is a need of constant innovation in retail banking. This requires product development and differentiation, innovation and business process reengineering, micro-planning, marketing, prudent pricing, customisation, technological upgradation, home / electronic / mobile banking, cost reduction and cross-selling. Service bundling offers one me thod of cross-selling that places less of the burden on the bank employee who, despite training, often simply lacks the skills and/or motivation to be an effective salesperson, and more on the design and promotion of the product. Due to bundling of services and delivery channels, the areas of potential conflicts of interest tend to increase in universal banks and financial conglomerates. A product bundle as a bilateral contract must guarantee a possibility to obtain extra profit /or saving/ for each partner /bank versus customer/ at agreed price level /or discount/, but as well as both of them must accept some uncertainty or risk of lost. Bundling means offering two or more products together as a package.. Bundled accounts have built up so much momentum over the past few years that they have become a dominant focus of the retail operations at many banks. The practice is pervasive in the banking industry. Application of bundling strategies in retail banking reduces a banks variable cost for selling, secures both stable and higher income by periodical fees for covering high fix running costs as well. The biggest opportunity for current retail banking is building a strong relationship with customer by cross- selling extra bundled products, which leads to a higher retention and loyalty of customers. Empirical findings prove the paradox, that product bundles with discounted price for customer generate extra profit for bank, hand in hand with a still increasing customer satisfaction. Clever construction of bundles and bounded rationality decision making of customer offers a solution of profitable discounts not only for a banking sector, but at least for sector of services. According to a research by Reichheld and Sasser in the Harvard Business Review, 5 per cent increase in customer retention can increase profitability by 35 per cent in banking business, 50 per cent in insurance and brokerage, and 125 per cent in the consumer credit card market. Thus, banks need to emphasise retaining customers and increasing market share. Review The Dynamic Pricing and Product Bundling application standardizes a banks pricing and product bundling processes and allows the bank to reduce maintenance costs and increase its cross-sell opportunities(Morphy, 2006). The easiest way to retain the bank customers is to test the market by shuffling the existing product mix and creating new bundled offerings to optimize deposit growth (Barham, 2007). Clever construction of bundles and bounded rationality decision making of customer offers a solution of profitable discounts not only for a banking sector, but at least for sector of services.(Peter). The result is that customers generally get a superior annual percentage yield (APY), while the bank gets higher profit and volume. The secret by-product of bundling is the superior APY; it is what customers seek, it has the potential to drive balance with profitability, and it is a strategy largely overlooked by community banks. Concept of Product Bundling Product bundling is an intelligent strategy that is becoming increasingly popular in the banking sector. Banks offer multiple financial products and services to customers as a package. Bundling is generally recognized as a potentially appropriate means to tackle competition, to acquire new customers, to cross-sell new services to the existing customers and to retain the existing customers, who are getting increasingly savvy and sophisticated. Bundling helps to boost profits substantially by increasing the opportunity to cross-sell. It is also a great method for increasing the sales volume of products that are not in high demand. Bundling is not a new concept in retail banking. It has been existing for more than a decade-and-a-half, but there is a shift in focus now, as a result of which, it has gained popularity. Earlier, banks were mostly concerned with increasing the effectiveness of the use of its core banking products like current accounts and daily transaction-based activities. In the last few years, the priority has shifted to actively improving product penetration into the existing customer base, increasing sales by attracting new customers, innovating the product offerings, and lastly but most importantly, retaining and enhancing customer relationships and basing price reductions on the total volume and/or desired use of services. STANDARD CHARTERED Bank (SCB) is giving its Priority Banking customers up 12 per cent interest earnings through its latest wealth management offerings.In its new exclusive promotion, SCB Priority Banking customers will enjoy attractive interest rates on a Brunei Dollar fixed deposit when they invest in a unit trust at the same time. An intelligent pricing strategy that is becoming more and more popular in banking is bundling. One example is the NatWest package Advantage Gold. This bundle costs  £6 per month and combines a current account with lower interest rates for loans, rebates in certain insurance policies as well as various additional services such as lowest price guarantees for different articles, discounts for videos and DVDs, a customer magazine, commission-free traveller cheques, rebates for hotel stays, etc. In the Dutch market most cross selling in the consumer market is of a soft variety, that is, price inducements are offered to accept a bundle of services rather that exclusive tying arrangements. More often, bundle design decisions are based upon short term objectives such as attracting new customers, increasing fee income, or merely matching competitive offerings. There are two basic forms of bundling, pure and mixed. In pure bundling, the products or services cannot be purchased separately. They are available only in bundled form. In contrast, mixed bundling allows the consumer to purchase one or more of the services individually or to purchase the bundle Some examples of retail product bundles being offered by banks: If a customer maintains a defined amount of savings and has taken a defined amount of loan, then discounts are offered on interest rates, auto loans, free phone banking, counseling once-a-year, etc. Here again, there can be a tiered approach i.e. when balances/loan amounts increase, more discounts and additional free services are provided. Cluster analysis is used for classifying the consumer satisfaction variables into relatively homogeneous groups. The respondents were clustered on the basis of satisfaction level sought from the different attitudes under seven service marketing mix. The variables satisfaction levels are measured through five pointss summated rating scale i.e., strongly dissatisfied, dissatisfied, neutral, satisfied and strongly dissatisfied. The ratings are made as 1,2,3,4 and 5 respectively for each point. Product level satisfaction level is measured with the variables quality, scalability, multiplicity, reliability and security. Price level satisfaction is measured with the variables fair pricing, interest and transaction charges. Promotion level satisfaction is measured with the variables informative, awareness, receptive and attentive. Place level satisfaction is measured with the variables accessibility, convenience and diversified place. Process level satisfaction is measured with the variable s bundling, integration, processing time, and error-free process. Physical evidence (Documentation) level satisfaction is measured with the variables easy to go through, less documentation, unambiguous and legality. Person level satisfaction is measured with the variables involvement, technical support, friendliness and trust. The measure of similarity is measured by euclidean distance model. The reliability and validity of cluster analysis was done by making multiple runs using different order of cases. The clustering criterion was the Akaikes Information Criterion. The number of clusters was determined based on the minimum six-cluster solution. Based on the cluster group centroids of each service marketing mix, the level of satisfaction are labeled as impressive (>4), stirring (3.5 to 4.0), striking (3.0 to 3.5), modest (2.5 to 3.0,) un-impressive (2.0 to 2.5) and mediocre ( Two-group discriminant analysis is used to find out the disriminant factor among the existing customer and new customers using the product bundling . The independent variables are customer service level satisfaction variables i.e, product, price, promotion, place, process, physical evidence and person. The responses are rated based on the cluster centroid of each customer service level variables. The ratings for impressive, stirring, striking, modest, un-impressive and mediocre clusters are 6,5,4,3,2 and 1 respectively. The grouping variables are existing customer and new customers. Because there are two groups, only one discriminant function is estimated. The eigen value associated with this function is 1.64 and it accounts for 100 percent of the explained variance. The Wilks à « associated with this function is 0.312, which transforms to a chi-square of 32.45 with 7 degrees of freedom. This is significant beyond the o.o5 level. Hence null hypothesis is rejected. The structure matrix is displayed in Table-2. It appears that the existing and new customers are more widely separated in terms of price than that of other variables. The canonical correlation associated with this function is 0.783. The square of this correlation 0.61 indicates that 61% of the variance in the dependent variable is explained by this model. In 1995, RBI had set up a working group under the chairmanship of Shri S. Padmanabhan to review the banking supervision system. The Committee certain recommendations and based on such suggetions a rating system for domestic and foreign banks based on the international CAMELS model combining financial management and systems and control elements was introduced for the inspection cycle commencing from July 1998. It recommended that the banks should be rated on a five point scale (A to E) based on the lines of international CAMELS rating model. CAMELS evaluates banks on the following six parameters :- CAMEL approach will serve as an important. This will help lead to a low-cost high-quality result with secure profit levels. Capital Adequacy : Capital Adequacy is a measurement of a bank to determine if solvency can be maintained due to risks that have been incurred as a course of business. Capital allows a financial institution to grow, establish and maintain both public and regulatory confidence, and provide a cushion (reserves) to be able to absorb potential loan losses above and beyond identified problems. A bank must be able to generate capital internally, through earnings retention, as a test of capital strength. An increase in capital as a result of restatements due to accounting standard changes is not an actual increase in capital. Asset Quality : Asset Quality evaluates risk, controllability, adequacy of loan loss reserves, and acceptable earnings; and the affect of off-balance sheet earnings and loss. The quality of a banks assets hinges on their ability to be collected. Asset quality determines the portfolio quality, the portfolio classification system (aging schedule and the methodology to classifying a receivable) and the fixed assets (the productivity of the long-term assets, for instance the branch network). Management quality : Management quality envisages the strategic planning applied in each level of flow of funds. It is reflected by the ownership structure of the bank, branch network , loan portfolio management, credit administration, policy development, employee training, audit oversight, quality of governance and quality of information technology system Earnings : Earnings determine the ability of a bank to increase capital (through retained earnings), absorb loan losses, support the future growth of assets, and provide a return to investors. The largest source of income for a bank is net interest revenue (interest income from lending activity less interest paid on deposits and debt). The second most important source is from investing activity. A substantial source of income also comes from foreign exchange and precious metal trading, and commissions/transaction fees and trust operations. Liquidity : Liquidity measures the ability of a bank to meet the demand from demand deposits in a particular year. Liquidity is what a bank requires if funding is interrupted and the bank must still be able to meet certain obligations (banks ability to repay depositors and other creditors without incurring excessive costs). The liquidity is affected by the institutions liabilities, including their tenor, interest rate, payment terms, sensitivity to changes in the macroeconomic environment, types of guarantees required on credit facilities, sources of credit available to the institution and the extent of resource diversification. A banks least expensive means of funding loan growth is through deposit accounts. When this is not available, banks must rely on more expensive funding sources such as borrowing funds at wholesale rates or liquidating investment securities portfolios.

Belief in John Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath :: Free Essay Writer

Belief in John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath Holiness, sin, and life are repeatedly questioned throughout John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, particularly by the former preacher, Jim Casey. As a preacher, Casey only preaches what the bible states and he resigns from his occupation after he feels the urge to pursue life's true meaning and values of the individual - basically to make sense of the world he resides in. Casey closely resembles the character and motives of Jesus Christ, as he is enthused to uncover the answers to his wonders and doubts and begins to hold new beliefs of sacrificing the self to sustain the rights of society. All the while, questions concerning the ideas and beliefs of the world circulate through Jim Casey's mind and he makes the decision to separate himself from the teachings of society to determine logical resolutions to his convoluted uncertainties. After renouncing his job as a preacher, Casey first decides to ponder his questions by going "into the wilderness like Jesus" and seeing if he can attain the 'spirit,' while analyzing his thoughts (489-90). When others around him rarely observe ideas in depth, Casey transforms all of his thoughts into complex puzzles and seeks the answers little by little. Casey believes that by taking his ideas one piece at a time, he will one day be able to encounter the "real" truth. When he first hears of the conflict between the different social classes, Casey "[throws] back his head and [looks] at the sharp stars" in deep thought, his mind poring over the controversy (77). Casey's hours of analyzing bring his thoughts together and creates for him a la rger intellectual depth, which distinguishes his sole purpose from those around him. Light is used to exemplify Casey as Jesus Christ, holy and virtuous, and separate from other people. Even during insignificant situations, his character is expressed when "the light of the coming morning made his forehead seem to shine, and his hands, swinging beside him, flicked into the light and out again" (89). Casey's image as a holy figure automatically makes him a peacekeeper among the Joad family, and most of the time he succeeds in maintaining his title role. The members of the Joad family understand that Casey is not simply a 'former preacher,' but is someone with vigorous aura and strong beliefs on the rights of people. When Casey talks to Tom by a fire one night, "the firelight [goes] deep into his eyes and [ignites] red embers," signifying his powerful presence (72).

Public Procurement and Contract Administration in Nigeria

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION Overview of Procurement Procurement is the acquisition of goods, works and services at the best total cost of ownership, in the right quality and quantity and at the right time. It also involves the acquisition of goods and services at the right place and from the right source. Public Procurement is the acquisition of goods, works and services by Government Ministries Departments and Agencies. In an effort to provide development and fulfil campaign promises, governments all over the world are involved in large scale procurement of goods, works and services. Public Procurement account for substantial part of most countries GDP. The establishment of good public procurement system is increasingly being viewed as measure of accountability and transparency. The responsibility of government to ensure transparency is also increasingly becoming a serious campaign issue. Public Procurement helps ensure the judicious use of public resources. An efficient Public Procurement System will ensure at all times government acquisition of goods, works, and services are done with due regard to:  · Economy;  · Efficiency;  · Fairness;  · Reliability; Transparency; and  · Accountability and Ethical Standards. Economy: This will ensure that the procuring entity obtain the best value for the money expended. Value may include more than price. It includes quality, and timely delivery of the goods or services. However, the ultimate aim of a sound procurement is to obtain the maximum value for money. Efficiency: A good procurement must be seen to be posi tive. It should be devoid of bottlenecks and other forms of inefficiencies. A good procurement system is devoid of protracted delays. It must be simple and swift. Fairness: A good system will ensure fairness to all bidders and will be impartial, consistent, and reliable. It will ensure level playing field to all contractors, suppliers and consultants. Transparency: Good procurement system establishes and maintains rules and procedures that are accessible and unambiguous. It is not only fair, but it is seen to be fair. Accountability and Ethical Standards: A system must ensure its practitioners obey the rules. It enforces the rules through a process of sanctioning those who neglect, disobey or bend the rules to gain certain advantages. The rules and procedures must be clear and unambiguous The process of establishing formal public procurement system in Nigeria started with the election of Obasanjo in 1999. It started with the establishment of Due process office under the Presidency. The Due process office was headed then by Mrs. Oby Ekwesili, the current Vice President of World Bank in charge of African Region. The Due process Office succeeded in saving billions of Naira according to the press release by the Agency. Public Procurement bill was passed by the two houses of the National Assembly and signed into law by the President in 2007. The Act provide for the establishment of Public Procurement Council and Bureau for Public Procurement to beheaded by a Director General. Nigeria public procurement Act was enacted in 2007. Overview of Contract Administration Contract Administration on the other hand involves all those activities which are performed with aim of promoting the smooth execution of contracts. Contract Administration starts from the time a contract is signed to the time a contract is closed. There are various forms in which a contract can closes: A contract can close when an operational certificate has been issued and the contractor collects the final payment under the contract. A contract can close if it is terminated and what is due to the either of the party (client or contractor) has been paid. A contract could be terminated due non performance by the contractors, due to failure of the client to fulfil obligations under the contract or due to events or happening beyond the control of the parties to the contract (force majeure). A contract can be discharged when there is a dispute. This can happen either amicably or through mediation through arbitration and adjudication or through the court. The court is usually the last resort in this kind of settlement. Most modern contracts proscribe mediation mechanism. Contract closure should be seen as part of the procurement process that assures that the employer gets what it paid for and contractor, payment for goods or services delivered. The Role of Regulation in Public Procurement A good regulatory framework is pre-requisite for an efficient Public procurement system. The role of policy formulation should be separate from policy execution and a mechanism for handling protests must be established. Any agency involved in any form of execution of public procurement should not be involved in regulating procurement. The Nigeria Public Procurement Act is however, somehow deficient in the area of separation of policy formulation, execution and regulation and protest handling mechanism. The Bureau is involve in giving no objection for contracts yet is involve enforcing compliance with the provisions of the Act. This vested the power of execution and regulation in the Bureau. The Bureau also through the council (where the DG is the secretary) is involved in policy formulation and handling of protest. A good example of separation of regulation, execution and protest handling mechanism is the Kenyan public procurement system. It incorporated the necessary separation of execution, policy formulation and protest handling mechanism. However, this has not prevented politicians in Kenya from abusing the procurement system. In 2004 all the procurement officials in the various MDA in Kenya were suspended to allow politicians recover the money they spent in election campaign. The various agencies under the Kenyan Act are: Public Procurement Oversight Authority The functions of the Kenyan Public Procurement Oversight Authority are: To ensure that the procurement procedures established under the Act are complied with; To monitor the public procurement system and report on the overall functioning to the Minister and also do the following functions: support the training and professional development of persons involved in procurement Issue written directions to ublic entities with respect to procurement including the conduct of procurement proceedings and the dissemination of information on procurements; and ensure that procuring entities engage procurement professionals in their procurement units. To initiate public procurement policy and propose amendments to the Act. To perform such other functions and duties as provided for under the Act Public Procurement Oversight Advisory Board Composition The Public Procurement Oversight Advisory Board shall consist of nine members appointed by the Minister approved by Parliament from persons nominated by the prescribed organizations and the Director-General. Functions To advise the Authority generally on exercise of its powers and the performance of its functions To approve the estimates of the revenue and expenditures of the Authority; To recommend the appointment and termination of the Director-General of the Authority Perform such other functions and duties as provided for under the Act. Public Procurement Administrative Review Board The Public Procurement Administrative Review Board, review complaints and make appropriate recommendation to the government. The Public Procurement Oversight Authority shall provide administrative services to the Review Board. Procuring Entities (MDA) It is the responsibility of Procuring Entities to comply with provisions of the Act. Specifically the Kenyan Act provides; What is being procured must be within the approved budget of the procuring entity and included an annual procurement plan Procurement undertaken by a procuring entity must be as per threshold matrix as set out in the regulations There is adequate segregation of duties in respect of procurement initiation, processing and receipt of goods, works and services. A public entity shall establish a tender committee, procurement unit and such other bodies as required under the regulations for the purpose of making such ecisions on behalf of the public entity as specified in the Act . Procurement Planning The first thing to do in procurement is, planning the process. It involves definition of the project scope and expected completion time. Specifically, the procuring entities need to identify the required works, goods or services to be procured. The procuring entities also need to determine the various procurement sequences. The procuring entity will selec t equipment packages and choose the method of procurement to use depending on the scope and complexity of the assignment. The following methods are usually used in procurement of goods, works and services (non-intellectual services): International competitive bidding (ICB) Limited international bidding National competitive bidding Shopping Procurement Plan should separate consultancy services, works, goods and supply and installation of plants and equipments. Procurement plan should address the following; How the procurement process should be handled (ICB,NCB, Others, Co-financing) Define the timing of each step in the procurement process (Each step, Each Package). It should also identify the procurement & implementation team The plan should also take in account the approvals process and delays that may occur. It should take into account all technical, staffing, legal and training etc. Procurement Steps There should be identification of needs. The list of goods, equipment, materials plants etc. Types of Works (Large, Small, Very Small) and aassociated Services. The procuring entity should also indentify the means of transportation, distribution and training. The plan should also take into account after sales service and warranty period. The steps include the advertisement of tenders. The World Bank require advert in G. D. Market and United Nation Business on-line. National competitive bidding requires advert in at least two nationally read newspapers. The process includes; Issuance of Bidding Documents Bid or Quotations Submission & Opening Bid or Quotation Evaluation Contract and Purchase Order Award. This will be preceded by contract notification, signature and effectiveness. Pre-contract Meeting Officials of the procuring entity involve in the procurement process should meet in order to: Understand their responsibilities and restrictions under the contract The role of the project manager should also be defined The various tests and other forms of quality control should be defined. Specific deliverables and special contract provisions should be explained. Monitoring and performance measurement should be understood and invoicing and payment procedures should be explained. Pre- contract meeting/discussion between the employer and the contractors are usually organised. At such meeting, the objective of the contract and its requirements are clearly defined. The contract effectiveness conditions are explained. Others issues to be discussed are: The project manager (from the employer) and contractors representative Organization and structures of the contractor’s implementation team. Implementation schedule and Reporting method Progress meetings, works certification and invoicing After the pre-contract discussion all grey areas are ironed out, the contract is signed by contractor’s representative with the power of attorney and the authorised representative of the contractor. Contract Effectiveness This will take place after the contract has been signed and following conditions have been fulfilled: Contractor provide performance guaranty and advance payment guaranty (if required) If the contract requires payment of advance payment, it has been paid If Letter of Credit is required it must be established The Letter of Credit must be confirmed (if funded by Nigeria government) or made operative through issuance of special commitment if World Bank financed contract or letter of guaranty if AfDB financed contract The employer must write a letter conveying the effectiveness to the contractor Letter of Credit Letters of Credit are guided by universal custom practice established by International Chamber of commerce and Industry based in Paris, France. It provides condition to enable parties to contract of sale living in different countries to make and receive payment for goods supplied. It start with a bank in the buyers country (opening bank) opening direct communication with another bank in the seller country (advising bank), through a correspondence bank (usually the negotiating bank). The opening bank will open either an irrevocable Letter of credit or a revocable letter of credit depending on the circumstance of the transaction. It is irrevocable because once established neither of the party can cancel it unilaterally before the expiration of the validity. Letter of Credit is said to be confirmed if in addition to the confirmation of the opening bank, another bank (say the negotiating bank also add its confirmation). Under LC for contracts financed by World Bank, LC’s are irrevocable but are unconfirmed. They are made operational when a special commitment is issued on it by World Bank. Incoterms 2000 Incoterms means International Commercial Terms published by International Chambers of Commerce (ICC), Headquarter in Paris. Incoterms was created in 1936 by ICC to facilitate international trade by providing uniform interpretation of trade terms. Incoterms are regularly updated to keep pace with developments in international trade. The latest is incoterms 2000. The scope of incoterms is limited to rights & obligations of parties to contract of sales as it relates to delivery of tangible goods. For example under the C terms, the Seller fulfils his obligation upon the shipment of goods. Once the good are shipped by the seller, under the C terms the buyer is obliged to receive the goods. The following are the various incoterms Group E: Departure {text:list-item} Group E: Main Carriage unpaid {text:list-item} {text:list-item} Group C: Main Carriage Paid {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} Group D: Arrival {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} Terms of Payment There are terms of payment for various contracts. Terms of payment are usually specified in the bidding document or request for proposal (RFP). Under a project financed by credit from the World Bank, the following terms shall apply as follows; Schedule 1-Plant & Equipment from Abroad text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} Schedule 2-Plant & Equipment from Employers Country {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} Schedule 3-Local Transportation {text:list-item} {text:list-item} Schedule 4-Installation Service {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} All payment must be made 45 days from submission of invo ice and invoice not paid more than 60 days will attract interest. Role of Project Manager and Contractors Representative: Project Manager The contractor must be notified of the Project Manager in writing. The Project Manager shall act and represent the employer at times during the validity of the contract. He shall give all instructions, notices, orders, certificates etc. He shall give approval and receives notices, instructions, information on behalf of the employer. Contractors Representative: The employer must be notified in writing with his CV attached. Contractor representative must be approved by employer. The contractors representative act and represent the contractor at all time during the validity of the contract, He received all instructions, notices, orders, certificates, approvals and communications. The contractor representative issues all notices, instructions, information and other communications on behalf of the contractor Monitoring and Evaluation Monitoring and Evaluation is an essentially part of contract administration. It is usually performed by project manager. Project Manager approves all designs and drawings for supply & installations contract etc. The project manager inspects & issue acceptance certificate before shipment. Proper monitoring ensures potential disputes are averted Invoicing and Payments Contractors and employers are partners. The contractors have goods/services or works required by the employer while the contractor want money from the employer. Contract won under international competitive bidding process give world-wide, most competitive price to the employer. Issuance of invoices and demand for payment is an obligation of the contractor while the employer has responsibility to pay for goods delivered and or services and works performed by the contractor. The format of invoicing and works certification should be worked out early to avoid employment of penalty clause. Progress Meetings Progress meeting is necessary aspect of large and complex contracts which takes longer time to complete. Progress meetings are held at regular intervals. It is usually held to monitor the progress of the contract implementation. At such meeting contract implementation progress are discussed and compared with the contract implementation schedule. Implementation problems are also discussed with a view of solving them. The objective is to ensure that the contract will be completed with requisite quality, on time and within budget. Some identified Contract Administration Problems in Nigeria Institutional problems like contracts enforcement and prolonged court procedures are serious impediment to smooth contract administration. Other common contract administration problems are: Contracts entered into with parties having little understanding of the contract terms. Ccontracts’ seen as ways of dispensing favours. Therefore, little attention is paid to qualification. Contractors in some cases do not employ qualified personnel to manage and execute contracts. It usually takes unnecessarily long time to issue sufficient Bonds and Insurances for the execution of contracts, due to stringent conditions. Inadequate monitoring by employers also affects smooth contract implementation. A common contract administration problem that has become very visible especially in Nigeria Power Sector is losing out other partners in JV or Consortium agreement Delay in making payment to the contractors due to inadequate budgetary provisions Employment of unqualified or incompetent sub-contractors Delays in opening LC’s and extension of LC’s & Form M. Misapplication of proceeds of advance payment by contractors Di spute in the interpretation of contract terms Delay in issuing Duties and vat exemptions certificate conveyance Difficulties in clearing goods in the ports and the poor state of the nation infrastructure Inconsistency in government policies and corruption of government officials Avoiding Dispute in contract implementation The best dispute resolution method is not to have disputed at all. However, if there is a dispute direct negotiations between the parties at an early stage could be helpful. If no solution is found through direct negotiation, establish in a letter the facts of which constitute the breach of contract to focus the problem on the issue under dispute In United Kingdom an alternative dispute resolution technique called â€Å"partnering technique† is being employed. Partnering starts with a workshop usually during the kick off meeting where expectations of parties (contractor and employer) are discussed and harmonised. A partnering agreement or charter is signed by the parties. Employer and contractor are expected to encourage their staff to achieve the charter. In some cases the employer and the contractor share offices in the spirit of the partnering. Dispute Resolution Adjudication Once a dispute cannot be resolved mutually between the parties, it can be referred to adjudicator by either party in writing with a copy to the other party. The adjudicator shall give his decision in writing to both parties. The decision of the adjudicator is not final. The name of the adjudicator and his CV is usually included in the bidding document. If a bidder has problem with a suggested adjudicator, he must indicate so in writing and suggest another adjudicator which must be accepted by the employer. Arbitration If either of the party is dissatisfied with the decision of the adjudicator, the dissatisfied party can write to the arbitrator. Either party may give the other notice to commence arbitration. The ddecision of arbitration are final and binding on all parties Arbitration Courts The Court of Arbitration of International Chamber of Commerce (Paris) is the most popular arbitration institute in the World. Other are; London Court of Arbitration and Allied Professional Society The American Arbitration Association in United State of American Arbitration Institute of Stockholm Chamber of Commerce based in Sweden. United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) – UN International Centre for Settlement of Investment Dispute (ICSID)- WB Change Orders and Price Adjustments Contracts are base on plans, designs, specification and quantities which are best estimates. Field conditions, revisions to original plan could cause the scope of the contract to change. Revisions caused by changes in expectation and technology may require change order. A â€Å"change order† is request for a change in the scope of a contract. It may be requested by either party to a contract. A â€Å"change order† signed by all the parties have the same authority as the original contract. For contracts financed by World Bank, change order is applied to changes in contract that is more than 5% of the contract sum. Under the World Bank procurement system, contract which exceed 18 months period should have provision for price adjustment. Contract Close Out Contract close out begins when the contract has been physically complete, i. e. all services have been performed and products delivered. Close out is completed when all administrative actions have been completed, all disputes settled, and final payment have been made. Materials and equipment to be handed over properly receipted. Contract close out is as important as contract award and contract monitoring. A check list of all services, products, etc. to be delivered in the contract should be kept in the contract file. Governance: Fraud, Corruption & Conflict of Interest Conflict of interest refers to a situation in which procurement official evaluate tenders involving companies in which they have direct or indirect interest. Fraud on the other hand includes misrepresentation or omission of facts to influence a procurement process or the execution of contract. It also includes collusion among bidders. corruption include offering, giving, receiving or soliciting directly or indirectly of anything of value to influence the action of a public official in the procurement process or contract execution. Governance: Identification of Corruption Some â€Å"red flags† in procurement process that indicate possibility of corruption include the following: Poor record keeping Deviations from procedures without written justification Poorly defined roles/responsibilities Absence of good internal control system â€Å"Red flags† can be exhibited by individuals involve in procurement and contract administration as follows: Extravagant lifestyle Excessive interaction with supplier(s) and contractors Too much secrecy Reluctance to delegate duties Keeping contact with certain suppliers exclusively Some â€Å"red flags† in a particular procuring entity are: Always the same suppliers competing & wining Reluctance of established supplier and contractors to bid for contracts in an entity Some â€Å"red flags† in contract administration Excessive cost overruns Excessive numbers of change orders (increasing cost) Payment of frivolous claims Governance: Corruption Contributing Factors& Known Signals Lack of competitive environment Lack of trained & competent procurement staff Widespread lack of trust & job security Permissive environment (no sanctions after established cases of fraud and corruption) Lack of good mechanism for handling protest & delays Known signals {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} {text:list-item} Case Study Case 1 An employer invited bid for the supply of one X-ray machine for the main hospital for delivery one month ex-stock within 2 months of Letter of Credit. In the bidding document, bidders were asked to quote price on CIP capital city by air in US dollars. Bidders were provided 60 days to submit bids. Six bids were opened publicly. All except one bidder quoted the price as solicited. One bidder quoted the price in French Francs. In its evaluation the employer rejected the bid as it did not comply with the currency provision. The employer proposed to award the contract to the lowest bidder as all the other bid are responsive. The contract will be financed under a credit from World Bank and the rejected bidder protested to the World Bank on the ground that World Bank permitted bids from any member country and currency and his bid was in fact the lowest. What should the World Bank do and Why? Case 2 In an agricultural project, an employer presented papers relating to an advance procurement of two bulldozers for World Bank financing retroactively. The employer/borrower claimed to have followed the World Bank ICB procedures. On review, it was noted that the General Procurement Notice (GPN) and Specific Procurement Notice (SPN) were issued, adequate time provided for the bidding, there was good response and award had been made to the lowest bidder. The only short-coming was the bids were opened by a government committee without inviting the bidder representative. Is the process valid under this circumstance? Case 3 You are the chairman of public procurement administrative review commission. A project includes the procurement of 10 tracks Dozers and excavators to be procured under a single package. The specifications stated the tracks should be powered by an engine with a minimum of 175 horsepower (SAE) at a rated RPM. Firm A offered its dozers with a 165HP. In the evaluation the committee consider the deviation as minor and awarded the contract to Firm A. Firm B